The Barton Clan
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Time to Say Goodbye
Eight years ago something very special happened to my family. We were able to experience a celestial member of the Barton clan. Ember Ilene Barton arrived to us stillborn on January 15, 2001. My mom was nearly full term so this was a shock to all of us. We didn’t really know how to react at first but were all deeply saddened. She wasn’t yet someone we could miss but she was someone whose absence we would always feel and someone who we would never had the joy of getting to know. It was months of anticipation lost in a moment. It was all that but so much more...and so much of it good.
The night my mom delivered her, we each had a chance to hold our dear Ember and share a special moment with her. The spirit was so strong in that hospital room. That was a feeling we were blessed to experience for a while to lift us through the difficult time. It was a bonding moment for our family and we know that she is very much a part of us.
Members of the church in our area kindly reached out and supported us at this time of tragedy. They donated money for the casket and were so generous in their giving that there was enough left over for a framed picture of Christ with a little girl.
They brought meals, and a hand of love to my mother. One neighbor, an interior decorator, designed a memorial table in Ember’s honor that displayed pictures, clothing, flowers and a locket. The spirit was always strong in our house at this time but most especially in the room with the table. People would comment on it the moment they walked in the house.
We held a small funeral in our home and then buried her in Alpine. We visit the gravesite often and remember the missing part of our family and the experiences we had with her. She taught us so very much and bonded us as a family.
I never understood before how much it would hurt to lose someone your never knew or to lose a baby. Even though I am not yet a mother, I can sympathize even a little bit now with parents who lose children, having felt the hurt and especially having watched my parents go through this.
My experience with Ember made the gospel so much more real to me. No longer was I just trying to be good to make it to the celestial kingdom. I now had a sister who was there and I had even greater reason to succeed to be with her. The experience made me examine my belief and testimony and, in all honesty, it shook me up quite a bit. I struggled for a long time to wrap my head around the questions this presented. There was a lot of doctrine about babies who die before the age of eight but very little is said about one who never took a breath. Yet I know she is a part of us and is real. I began to question the Plan of Salvation and our very existence and purpose in life. But after I wrestled through my own doubts and discovered answers, the Plan of Salvation became so very real to me- no longer just something drawn across the blackboard with circles and lines- and my testimony as a whole was strengthened.
I don’t have all the answers but I know there is a purpose for all things. I love Ember and am so grateful for her. Through we never knew her, she has had an incredible impact on our lives. Today would have been her eighth birthday. It is the day she does not need. In the church, eight means baptism but because of the Atonement of our Savior, she does not need this ordinance. She is already perfect through Him and I know that, though I am not yet at her stage and, unlike her, need to go through the experience of life, I, too, can be perfected through Him.
Happy Birthday, Ember!
The night my mom delivered her, we each had a chance to hold our dear Ember and share a special moment with her. The spirit was so strong in that hospital room. That was a feeling we were blessed to experience for a while to lift us through the difficult time. It was a bonding moment for our family and we know that she is very much a part of us.
Members of the church in our area kindly reached out and supported us at this time of tragedy. They donated money for the casket and were so generous in their giving that there was enough left over for a framed picture of Christ with a little girl.
They brought meals, and a hand of love to my mother. One neighbor, an interior decorator, designed a memorial table in Ember’s honor that displayed pictures, clothing, flowers and a locket. The spirit was always strong in our house at this time but most especially in the room with the table. People would comment on it the moment they walked in the house.
We held a small funeral in our home and then buried her in Alpine. We visit the gravesite often and remember the missing part of our family and the experiences we had with her. She taught us so very much and bonded us as a family.
I never understood before how much it would hurt to lose someone your never knew or to lose a baby. Even though I am not yet a mother, I can sympathize even a little bit now with parents who lose children, having felt the hurt and especially having watched my parents go through this.
My experience with Ember made the gospel so much more real to me. No longer was I just trying to be good to make it to the celestial kingdom. I now had a sister who was there and I had even greater reason to succeed to be with her. The experience made me examine my belief and testimony and, in all honesty, it shook me up quite a bit. I struggled for a long time to wrap my head around the questions this presented. There was a lot of doctrine about babies who die before the age of eight but very little is said about one who never took a breath. Yet I know she is a part of us and is real. I began to question the Plan of Salvation and our very existence and purpose in life. But after I wrestled through my own doubts and discovered answers, the Plan of Salvation became so very real to me- no longer just something drawn across the blackboard with circles and lines- and my testimony as a whole was strengthened.
I don’t have all the answers but I know there is a purpose for all things. I love Ember and am so grateful for her. Through we never knew her, she has had an incredible impact on our lives. Today would have been her eighth birthday. It is the day she does not need. In the church, eight means baptism but because of the Atonement of our Savior, she does not need this ordinance. She is already perfect through Him and I know that, though I am not yet at her stage and, unlike her, need to go through the experience of life, I, too, can be perfected through Him.
Happy Birthday, Ember!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year!
January is synonymous for resolutions and years in review. My personal resolutions are just that- personal. But here are a few highlights or firsts from 2008 in the year of Katie Barton:
Trained for and completed the Wasatch Back and continued running races
Jumped out of a plane at 13,000 ft
Learned to play Ultimate Frisbee and this weekend played ultimate in the snow
Discovered NPR
Hiked to Havasupi- first real backpacking trip
Went sailing for the first time- tipped the sail boat
Went on a cruise to the Caribbean and danced the week away
Learned to “jump” on a wake board
Spent a week in Lake Powell with dear friends
Went to San Diego- Padres game, USS Midway
Spend a few lovely fall days in Seattle
Saw Wicked
Went rock climbing for the first time
Watched the Utes beat BYU in an undefeated season
Additionally, watched Utah beat Alabama and take the Sugar Bowl! Go UTES!!!
Witnessed a demolition derby for the first time
Won a costume contest as King Kong’s captive
Shot an assault rifle and hand gun
Soaked in some natural hot springs
Went four-wheeling lots and discovered snow four-wheeling
Started working at the Mt Timpanogas Temple
Skied a black diamond run and jumped off a ski lift
Snowshoeing for the first time
Went to Moab and Dead Horse Point
Made so many new friends and met some wonderful people
This list is far from comprehensive. It simply includes the things I could think of while taking a break at work. I'll add pictures later. Happy New Year!
Trained for and completed the Wasatch Back and continued running races
Jumped out of a plane at 13,000 ft
Learned to play Ultimate Frisbee and this weekend played ultimate in the snow
Discovered NPR
Hiked to Havasupi- first real backpacking trip
Went sailing for the first time- tipped the sail boat
Went on a cruise to the Caribbean and danced the week away
Learned to “jump” on a wake board
Spent a week in Lake Powell with dear friends
Went to San Diego- Padres game, USS Midway
Spend a few lovely fall days in Seattle
Saw Wicked
Went rock climbing for the first time
Watched the Utes beat BYU in an undefeated season
Additionally, watched Utah beat Alabama and take the Sugar Bowl! Go UTES!!!
Witnessed a demolition derby for the first time
Won a costume contest as King Kong’s captive
Shot an assault rifle and hand gun
Soaked in some natural hot springs
Went four-wheeling lots and discovered snow four-wheeling
Started working at the Mt Timpanogas Temple
Skied a black diamond run and jumped off a ski lift
Snowshoeing for the first time
Went to Moab and Dead Horse Point
Made so many new friends and met some wonderful people
This list is far from comprehensive. It simply includes the things I could think of while taking a break at work. I'll add pictures later. Happy New Year!
Gingerbread Houses Part II
We did a siblings date at our place last Monday night and made gingerbread houses. Mine and Brian's was the (self-proclaimed) winner. :) We had a great time and ended the night with Rock Band and Pounce and another game that will remain unmentioned. ( I demand a rematch! I CAN NOT be beat at foosball! :D)
Prep time
The Master Piece
Check out the stained glass window
The girls
Cute Barton siblings
Ta-Da!
Prep time
The Master Piece
Check out the stained glass window
The girls
Cute Barton siblings
Ta-Da!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Christmas Time
I am just a "bit" behind on the blog. Sorry! So, seeing as Christmas just passed, I figured that would be a good place to begin my catch-up.
Christmas was glorious and memorable as always. I can thank Mother Nature for her cooperation this year in allowing me to finally make it to the Midway Creche exhibit. I was able to view and appreciate 600 nativity scenes from around the world. Speaking of nativity scenes, my parents brought me a new one from Hawaii to add to my collection- bringing the grand total to 16 creches in my home. I love them!
Other memorable moments this Christmas season:
Singing in church
Snowshoeing through Big Cottonwood Canyon
New friends
Family time- always the best!
Caroling with 3,000 other people at the Energy Solutions Arena
New snow tires that save my life over and over again
Completely decadent chocolate party
Braving it up to give blood for the first time
Burial of a Christmas Tree
Hilarious white elephant party
Mistletoe kiss so desired it caused a man to get out of his wheel chair
Successful enrichment, work and friend parties...done and done :)
Savior of the World and Temple Square
Sledding with the family
Being snowed in at Christmas so extra time was spent with the family
War Tubing behind the four-wheeler
Gingerbread houses
Singing around the piano and playing Christmas music
Learning and growing moments that will carry me into the new year
Overall it was a wonderful month. I'll add more pictures as I get them.
Thanksgiving with mom and sis
Our dead Christmas Tree
Our replacement "Charlie Brown" tree
The head/shaving lesson was a hot item at the White Elephant party
I was attacked, I swear!
Christmas Eve Sledding Extravaganza on Cemetery Hill
My new fondue pot. Yum!
The finished projects
Christmas was glorious and memorable as always. I can thank Mother Nature for her cooperation this year in allowing me to finally make it to the Midway Creche exhibit. I was able to view and appreciate 600 nativity scenes from around the world. Speaking of nativity scenes, my parents brought me a new one from Hawaii to add to my collection- bringing the grand total to 16 creches in my home. I love them!
Other memorable moments this Christmas season:
Singing in church
Snowshoeing through Big Cottonwood Canyon
New friends
Family time- always the best!
Caroling with 3,000 other people at the Energy Solutions Arena
New snow tires that save my life over and over again
Completely decadent chocolate party
Braving it up to give blood for the first time
Burial of a Christmas Tree
Hilarious white elephant party
Mistletoe kiss so desired it caused a man to get out of his wheel chair
Successful enrichment, work and friend parties...done and done :)
Savior of the World and Temple Square
Sledding with the family
Being snowed in at Christmas so extra time was spent with the family
War Tubing behind the four-wheeler
Gingerbread houses
Singing around the piano and playing Christmas music
Learning and growing moments that will carry me into the new year
Overall it was a wonderful month. I'll add more pictures as I get them.
Thanksgiving with mom and sis
Our dead Christmas Tree
Our replacement "Charlie Brown" tree
The head/shaving lesson was a hot item at the White Elephant party
I was attacked, I swear!
Christmas Eve Sledding Extravaganza on Cemetery Hill
My new fondue pot. Yum!
The finished projects
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
November 4
November 4 was a big day. It brought a chance to exercise my right to vote, a change of direction for our country, a snowstorm , and new $10 jeans :). But most exciting of all, it was an anniversary. I got a text from my dad that reminded me of a special Novermber 4th thirty years ago. Granted I was not alive at the time, but it was a day that made my life possible. Tuesday was the 30th anniversary of my parent's first date! The day that changed the course of history for the Barton family :) It was Homecoming at Snow College and my dad was three hours late picking up his date (my mom) because he couldn't get his pheasant (which he had shot himself) to cook. When he did finally pick her up, he had written her a song that included in the lyrics the famous date of November 4th. Now they would NEVER forget. :) I'm so grateful to my parents. They are incredible examples of love and strength in character and in their relationship with each other. And I'm grateful for their unselfishness and love for family that led them to raise seven kids. I have the most wonderful family. Man, I am blessed!!
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