Similarities?

We have realized that our sweet Addison does have some similarities to our kids...when she was born we didn't think she looked like any of us...but over the weekend we found some pictures of Taylor as a baby and now we think otherwise.

This is Taylor...I'm not sure how old she was in this picture...

And these are Addy...see the similarities?

Conference Krispy Kreme Donuts

I've been reading alot of nice stories of Conference weekend traditions and realized that we don't have any...traditions that is! Until today...we are now officially going to make these donuts for every Conference weekend until the end of time...or at least until we get bored of them...They are really good and taste like the Krispy Kreme's but with a little different texture...I increased the second rise time to maybe change the texture so it's a bit lighter. I found this recipe in the Worldwide Ward Cookbook...I slightly changed it so if you have the book, it doesn't read the same...sorry, it's what I do...I change recipes until I like them...Have fun!



Conference Krispy Kreme Donuts...

Donuts:

2 Tbsp. yeast
1/4 cup hot water
1 1/2 cups warm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup shortening
4-5 cups flour
Vegetable oil for frying.

Dissolve yeast in water. Add milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening and 2 cups flour. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape sides, beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the rest of the flour until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/2 inch thick. Cut with a donut cutter or round cookie cutter. Place on a cookie sheet to rise for a second time, not so close that they will touch when they rise. Cover and let rise until at least doubled or a more, about 1-2 hours. Fry in hot oil and glaze while still warm.

Glaze:

1/3 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
water

Melt butter, add powdered sugar and vanilla. Start with 2 Tbsp. water to make a glaze. Add more water as needed.

While we were watching conference Jenner was fascinated with the rain. She loves it...and loves to go outside and run around in it...crazy girl!

Addison...

Cute little Addison is doing well...she figured out she likes to wake up alot in the night to eat...the first 4 weeks she was sleeping through the night...now I'm tired! She is a sweet little baby and has me wrapped around her finger...she loves it when I hold her and seems to think it's the only way to be...I'm tired! My awesome neighbor took some pictures of her and the family last night, so when I get them from her I will post a bunch...they are ADORABLE of course! I can't wait to see them after she edits them...she's genious!

M&M Cookies...

This is a recipe I got from a lady I used to work with 12 years ago...and they are one of my favorites! They aren't like a chocolate chip cookie but more a sugar cookie. They are fun to switch out the M&M's for each holiday...this year the Halloween ones were especially adorable and I was excited to whip up a batch...

M&M Cookies...

Cream together:

1 cup butter (real, not margarine)

2 cups sugar

Add:

2 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1/4 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. cream of tartar

5 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Use the medium pampered chef scoop and place on cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or just until one golden part. Cool and store in airtight container. Makes about 5 dozen.

Pinewood Derby Baby...

It's Pinewood Derby time around here and my 2 little boys (1 big boy) are so excited..Grandpa ordered a specialty tool kit designed for derby cars and they worked on them for 3 days last week...Tonight we got them all ready for the big race...now the key will be keeping the boys away from them until the 21st...

This is Chris painting Jenner's toenails...I just couldn't resist getting a picture.

It was so adorable!

Some fishin'

Whilst (isn't that a fun word) we were at my Mom and Dad's, Chris took Taylor fishin' for the day...and they had a great time. The fish were huge at Big Lake and they caught their limit in no time. Taylor is our child that loves to fish, camp, hunt and 4-wheel. And, notice how ADORABLE my little Taylor is getting...or maybe I should say how PRETTY and GORGEOUS she is getting...and OLD! How on earth do I have an almost 11 year old?

Holy Crap!!!

Holy Crap...I'm signed into MY OWN BLOG from MY OWN COMPUTER!!!!

Hopefully this keeps up!

Remember me?

I am borrowing a computer again so I can blog a little bit...can you say Picture Overload?!? At least I still have them on my camera to upload...

Life has been good around the Barton home...little Addison is doing well. She is 3 weeks old and weighs 6.14 lbs...so tiny. She still hasn't gotten back up to her birth weight, which is normal for us. She is sleeping really good at night and hasn't been too much of a bother...although, this week she has found her voice and has realized that she really likes to be held all of the time which has proven to be a bit difficult for me. Jenner absolutely loves her and wants to kiss her and hold her cheek all of the time...she hasn't had any jealousy issues with her at all. The older kids are not really into the whole new baby thing this time around and she is just another mouth to feed according to them. They love her though! Basically we are all just chillin and doing our thing and life is rolling right along...the kids are off track right now and so they have a little break from the whole school thing (me too.) I'm still trying to figure out when to take the baby to church...I'm seriously thinking March with our RSV history and with the Swine Flu crap going around...we'll see.

I put a ton of pictures up from the last few weeks...I hope you enjoy them! And, I hope all is well with all of you...remember, I am reading your blogs but I can't comment unless you accept anonymous comments. I don't know what to do with our computer...anyone know someone who can get my virus off completely? We put the Norton program on it but apparently the virus attacked google which houses my blog and won't let me sign on at all..if you know of anyone who likes cookies for an exchange...send em' my way!

Jenner just loves little Addy!

Wanting to share a bed already...

Daddy and Addison

Cute little ruffle bum...

Jenner and Rhett having a water fight on the lawn...guess who won?

Yep...Jenner!

Daddy getting some much needed rest on the boppy

Jenner was so mad at Chris for leaving her home that she threw a fit by the garage door and then fell asleep...priceless!

Big yawn!

So precious!

Rhett has another birthday...9 years old!

This is how she roll...again!

Princess in training

She loves to hold a your cheek when she goes to sleep...

Watching Dancing with the Stars can really inspire a young boy...

Pinewood Derby time...

Grandpa cutting out the cars...

Dad and his boys!

Mexican Chop Salad...

I got this recipe from a lady years ago and had never made until 2 weeks ago...and I've made it twice since then...it is so good!!

Mexican Chop Salad:

Romaine lettuce, chopped (I usually use 2-3 heads)

Chicken, cooked and cubed

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can corn, drained

5-6 tomatoes, chopped

2-3 green onions, chopped

1 can olive, sliced

Mix together and put a bottle of Ranch dressing over it. Mix in some taco seasoning (maybe 1/2 package) and some shredded cheese. Put crushed tortilla chips on top.

A new chapter...

First of all...my computer is fixed except the virus that was attacking it damaged my ability to sign in to my blog from my computer...so thanks to Dave and Michelle for a borrow of their laptop for this post.

Second of all...Isn't she ADORABLE???

Joining the Barton family on...

August 31, 2009,

Weighing in at 7 lbs & 5 oz.

Reaching new heights at 20 inches!...

Addison

Just after birth

Such a proud daddy and HE PICKED THE NAME!!!

Come see what we got...

All five of my chickens...WOW!!!

Thanks to Ashley for hacking in and giving you the update...a little shout out to her...woohoo!!! I went into the hospital around 5:00 am having a preeclamsia headache and very high blood pressure...by the time my Dr. got around to me he said he couldn't very well send me home with a headache (I wasn't have any contractions) when he had told me before to go straight to the hospital if I develop a bad headache and so...he broke my water right there and there was no looking back! At this point Chris was still home with the kids (how to you call someone at 5:00 am?)...anyways so I called him to rally in someone to help with the kids and that we were REALLY doing it this time...he panicked a little. By the time he got there I had already had my IV, a little Pitocin and my epidural had just taken effect...ahhhh! He hates needles and blood and so he got there at the perfect time! And, I made Taylor come with him...I think she will thank me in the future but for now, all she says is that it was "weird & gross"...hahaha!!! I progressed after getting the epidural a little bit at a time and was a 5-6 at around 11:00am. We decided that my mom, Chris and Taylor needed to go and get something to eat at about 11:45am...then that's when I felt everything change and I could feel her little head moving down my body...Chris walked in from getting some lunch a little after noon and we all ready to push. The epidural wasn't the best one I've had and so I was hurting pretty good but super numb in all the wrong places so pushing wasn't as easy as in the past...I think I pushed about six times through two contractions and out came this big, unexpected, pink, super healthy baby! We were prepared for the NICU with her being almost 4 weeks early but man upstairs blessed us immensily this time and we escaped ALL complications!!! She is just so beautiful and cuddly and BIG and so much fun so far! Jenner has had a bit of a rough patch but I am optimistic that things will get better...Thanks for all of your well wishes and for all of the food and treats and prayers...We are so grateful to all of you!!!

Amy

ps...I don't know when I will be able to blog again

Lady In Waiting

So this is Amy's Sis-in-Law hacking into her blog..with her permission of course. She just asked me to update all of you eager beavers who are interested in her happenings. So she is in labor...dilated to a 5 (last I was updated) and her epidural is in. Don't we love those! So sometime today there will be a new Barton addition to the family. We hope all is well with this early baby and good luck Amy!

Another lame update...

So my computer is still crashed and I am going through withdrawls with it...ugh! We are all doing great around here though...I did, however, spend the night in the hospital on Thursday with contractions coming every 4 minutes...for 12 hours...and at only 35 weeks! They finally stopped at around 5 or 6 am and I only dialated to a 2 (from nothing earlier that day)...so they did do some damage but not too much. Also, my Dr. put me on strict bedrest for my high blood pressure that just came out of nowhere...I had been doing so good this entire pregnancy and I thought I was going to be okay and just like that...BOOM...Bedrest again...ugh! We are just taking things right now one day at a time and hoping for some more cooking of this baby!! Wish us luck!!! If I can make to September I'll be good with that!

No blogging for me...

My computer crashed the other day and I am without my blogging and facebooking...poor me! Good thing we headed over to the in laws tonight! I think we are getting it fixed some time next week...

Cherries and a Pedicure...

Here is my very first attempt at bottling anything...


I remember when I was little sitting at our counter begging for some bottled cherries, with extra juice. My parents bottled so many of these every year and we loved them...but I don't think they have bottled cherries for 15 or so years...and I was having a craving! Go figure! Below is the recipe exactly how I did it...I will admit that the color isn't how I remember but they still taste good...I hope you will be brave and try them! The juice is the best part...we used to mix it with 7-up or sprite...I think it would be good with some white grape juice and some diet lemon-lime soda...YUM!

Bottled Cherries:

First I sterilized my jars (pints) in the dishwasher. Then, I cleaned and stemmed my cherries...I left the pits in for the sake of being easy. I made a simple syrup which consisted of 2 parts water to 1 part sugar and brought that to a boil. I packed the jars with the raw cherries almost to the rim and then filled the jars with the hot syrup, leaving a half inch space at the top. I put on the lids and rings and them processed them for 25 minutes in a steam/dry processor. Voila!!! You have bottled cherries...super easy right? We just tasted them on Saturday and they are really good...I can't wait to make the yummy drink with the juice!


Now for the pedicure...This morning I woke up to the sweetest note from Taylor saying that she wanted to give me a pedicure and anything else I wanted. How exciting for me!! When I picked them up from school, she had the boys right on their homework and was changing the laundry over for me and everything...she set up this little salon in her room and we were ready to roll! She is such a thoughtful little girlie...

Everything happens for a reason...

RIGHT?!?

So, as many of you know, I have been in the Primary Presidency, serving as secretary, for about 8 months now...and I just got released today!!! Have you ever had a calling that you absolutely loved and looked forward to fulfilling? For me, this was MY calling and I truly, truly loved it! Me being released was seriously quite a shock...and a difficult pill to swallow! I know I am having this baby soon and I know things are about to be turned upside down but I never imagined that I would be released from my calling in order to take care of my family. Don't get me wrong, family is and always will be MY first priority, but this Primary calling was really important to me as well. I have such a better appreciation for our Primary organization and such a love for all of the kids as well...I will miss being in Primary every single Sunday for a long, long time. I do however, believe that things always happen for a reason...the reason for this particular life event is yet to be determined and I am sure I will appreciate my lesson learned even more...but for right now, I am just plain sad! For all of my ward friends...I will miss your kids and their happy faces! And, I am so sorry you had to see me cry for the entire day today...it was a really sad day for me and I am really, really hormonal!

Chewy Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies...

Okay...so I haven't posted in awhile because I have been "Nesting"...I know...I know...way too early for that but I just can't help it...I talked to my sister in law, Ashley yesterday and she is TOTALLY nesting but she's only about 7 months so for her...it's okay...for me...not so much. (It was so weird, the instinct just hit me yesterday afternoon and I can't stop) Everywhere I read it says "nesting" is a sign of impending labor...CRAP!!! I still have 3-4 weeks until I am considered full term and I DO NOT WANT A NICU BABY...CRAP!!!

My "nesting" has included me cleaning all of the blinds...cleaning out the vacuum, filter and all...vacuuming every single crevis in this entire house...dusting the really tall stuff...buying freezer food the Chris and the kids...stocking up on cereal...and so on!

Anyways, these cookies are probably our favorite! I will make a batch of these and they are pretty much gone in a couple of days around here...they are super easy too! I have tried different variations like chocolate chips or butterscotch and chocolate chips but we all agree...the original is the best!


Chewy Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies...

Cream together:

1 cup butter flavored shortening (no substitutions)

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/4 cup brown sugar

Add:

2 eggs

2 Tbsp. milk

2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. baking soda

2 cups flour

3 cups oats

1 pkg. butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. I use the medium pampered chef scoop and bake them for 9-10 minutes. Cookies will be soft and chewy. Store them in an airtight container...if they last that long!

Some Updates...

So here goes...I have been to the Dr. today for my 32 week checkup (he says I'm 32 weeks...I still think I'm 33 weeks) anyways, with Jenner I had PIH and mild Gestational Diabetes and an irritable uterus...I was put on bedrest at 32 weeks and my water broke at 37 weeks. Taylor was my only baby born at 40 weeks, the others were all at 37 weeks...and I go into labor by myself, no inductions. So my blood pressure has been a little high and I have mild gestational diabetes...I have also been having some good contractions and some major pelvic pressure...I thought I was destined to some bed rest and I had tried to prepare myself for it...BUT, everything came back in the CLEAR and I am doing just great!!! I seriously couldn't be more excited about this...and...I don't go in again until the 19th cuz my doc will be out of town all next week...by the time I see him again, I will be one day short of 35 weeks and with my past track record, I'll probably have this baby at 37 weeks as well. Basically what I am trying to say is...I think I am extremely lucky to be at this point and doing so well, we all thought that I would have higher blood pressure numbers by now, with protein output and I would be put on bedrest...WAHOOOO that I am not! A little shout out to me!!!

I also took Jenner in for a weight check up and check this out...she isn't even on the charts anymore...she weighs only 21.7 lbs at almost 2 years old! She is so little and so petite but don't let her size fool ya...she is a red head through and through!!!

Now for some pics...

This was the scene the other afternoon at my house...Jenner in her TuTu, holding the snakes round her ankles!

How funny is that?

She loved it and got mad at the boys when they put the snakes away!

How about this TuTu...Thank you to Ashley for handing it down to us...

A new ballet move while playing War with the boys!