On Communities.

There are a lot of things I love about being Mormon. But one of the things I love the most is the way that Mormons join together. When people talk about ward families, it's not just the group of people you go to church with everyday, it really is an extension of your family. The picture above is of my ward family on the night of our seminary graduation; I can honestly say that they are family to me. We've grown up together, been awkward together, and stuck together through thick and thin because that's what we do as a ward family- we stick together.

I was recently thinking about this because I joined a group on facebook that's a little support network of girls who have missionaries (I know, I'm one of those girls now). I was so not going to ever do this because...Well, I'm not really "waiting" as is typical in mormon culture. I've been dating, enjoying life, and heck, even got really close to marriage with a boy! So I thought, "Can't join that community. I'm not one of them." But the thing is, I got over my pride, joined, and instantly found people in my same situation. It was amazing. With welcoming arms they let me into the group and I started enjoying feeling like I was part of a community again; we all have different "waiting" situations, but there is overlap in our experiences that make it possible for us to reach out to one another (plus, with the year mark rapidly approaching, I feel like a "wise one". ha!).

I think that it's great to have any sort of community. For me, I am lucky enough to find it in my church. For others, it may be through their blogs. And for still others, it may be in their actual community. Any way you find it, it boils down to this: we need each other. We can't just mosey through life alone. There's a reason we come to this world in families. There's a reason we find friends and stick to each other. There's a reason why we, as Mormons, are organized into ward units.

It's almost silly how common sense this all seems and yet it was like this huge realization for me this week. Communities rock. The end.

Love always,
Ems

Oh, Summer.

 

I'm in love with summer. And I'm in love with the northwest. We went on a family vacation (even though it was technically only 1/2 of our family...) where we started in Portland and traveled up the coast to Seattle. It was beyond wonderful. 

It's an odd thing to be on vacation with my parents again like I never left home. I kept having to remind myself that I am 20 and not a 17 year-old who is dependent on her parents 100%. But.... at the same time, it was nice to be 100% dependent on them. haha. It's just fun to get away from life for a week and be a mini family again. I just really adore my family and want to spend like every moment with them. I'm essentially my parent's third wheel- I'm sure they love it. But Seth and I, we're like two peas in a pod. We were the only children for a while with Caleb and Josh at school/on missions and we've always been buddies, so it was nice to be his companion again. Even if I drove him crazy as his canoe partner (let's just say I'm not the best at steering a canoe...). 

Moral of the story, I love traveling. I love my family. I think I need more adventure in my life (hence why my cousin and I are daydreaming about our future trip to Dubai....). 

Love always,

Ems

p.s. I've sort of hit a major blogging blockade. I just don't feel like I have much to say anymore... maybe that'll change sometime soon. As for now, sorry if I'm MIA for extended amounts of time. 

Happy Birthday, Dadio!

I would just like to publicly announce that I have the greatest father and wish him a very happy 48th birthday. I feel okay announcing his age to the internet considering that all day at the office he continually told people that 48 was his greatest year and that's he's never felt better. If he wasn't feeling so great about his age, I wouldn't parade his age around, but apparently, it's great to be 48!

I've really loved working with my dad this week and am excited to spend the entire summer working with him at least once a week. He's just a joy to be around- really, he is. First off, he rarely gets mad. I think I can remember two times when I saw his temperature rise. Secondly, he enjoyes laughing- but not just the normal laugh that most normal people do... the big, boisterous, everybody in the building will hear laugh (he sneezes the same way, but that's a different story).  The point of his laugh is to reinforce the idea that he just spreads happiness- kinda like a sneeze spreads germs (weird analogy? totally). Third, I have always known how much he loves me. I've never even begun to question his love for our family. He continually supports us in all of our adventures and aspirations and makes sure that we know we have his support and love. He also gets a bit over-enthusiastic about our exciting adventures, but that just makes you know that he really does love and care about whatever it is that he's trying to be a part of by living vicariously through you (if that makes sense). I also love that he leaves me notes and writes me poetry- I fully blame him for my romantic ideas and determinations in life, but I'm also really grateful he taught me to appreciate that because romance and chivalry are not dead in the world and I think I have a right to expect that from someone I love.  :)

Mostly, I just love that my dad has always stood by my side and been my hand to hold when times get tough. I love that he has shown me what a loving father should be like. I love that he pursues his dreams and helps me pursue mine. I love that he never stops loving my mom. I love knowing that he will forever be mine and that God blessed me by making me his daughter.

I love you, Dad!

Love always,
Ems

On Going Home.

When it came down to the decision of going home for the summer, or staying in Provo, it really was a difficult choice for me to make. You see, there were lots of good things in Provo: a job that I love, ample amounts of time spent with Sophia on REU adventures, and the potential of lots of new friends. Going home consisted of..... well, not much. Most of my friends are married, engaged, on misions, or at school, so I'd be up a creek there. But then, my dad offered me a job offer I couldn't refuse that also came with a new opportunity to nanny again, and a realization that I'd be able to save a lot more money for Paris by living at home and mooching off my parents, so, the decision was made.

It was hard, and I was bummed for a while, but as the time has gotten closer, the warm 110 degrees of Arizona could not come faster. The main reason being those people up there- my family. I cannot wait to spend my entire summer with those crazies. As we've all grown older, we've become even better friends and it is going to be so wonderful to be with them all the time. Not to mention that I'm overjoyed that I'll be able to see Seth head off to his Jr. year prom! There are just so many good things that come with family.

I know that it'll be sad and a bit lonely to see all the pictures that Sophia posts of REU craziness and her missionary coming home, but I've promised her I'll come and visit and I intend to keep that promise! (A girl has got to meet her best friend's husband before they're engaged, right?). Mostly, I'm just excited to stop living off of Campbell's soup and bean burritos..... Ok, not mostly, but it will be a major perk.

Anyway, watch out, Arizona, this girl is coming home!
(in two weeks, at least)

Love always,
Ems

Connecting with the Cousins.

              I've  felt really cool recently because my younger cousins started following me on Instagram. Which to most people wouldn't be that cool, but since I don't see them all that often, I feel really cool and quickly follow them back and like all their pictures. (I may be overenthusiastic about this all and be an annoying older cousin who really wants to be their friend but that's a different story...)

Anyway, the point of this blog post is how much I love technology and how much fun it is for me to be a part of their lives through such a simple thing as Instagram. It's actually really crazy to me still because I feel like there's no way they're old enough to even be on Instagram and Facebook but, apparently, I'm older than I think I am because they are. 

I love that even though I haven't seen my Texan cousins for two years, I still feel like I am celebrating birthdays with them. I love seeing pictures of dance and remembering what a fun time of life that is; how exciting life is from their view. I love that I can like a picture and comment and show them that I love them, even if it's just in that small way. 

Also, they better watch out because goodness knows that I'll start calling them when they start thinking about boys. 

Have I ever said that I really love my family? Because I can't even express how much I adore them. 

Love always, 

Ems

From East to West is what the Bartons do Best.

Folks, in the last month I have driven from Florida, to Mesa, to Los Angelas, and then finally ended in Utah. Can you say cross nation traveling?

Welp, the family came to Florida for a visit. It turned into them taking me home early from Florida due to a family emergency, but we sure did have a great time together for the week we were there. Picture time!

Last week, we headed out to Torrance, California for a wonderful, relaxing, just-what-we-needed, getaway. The beach was the perfect amount of chilly breeze and warming sun, and I've decided that California is definitely on the top of my "I must Live Here" list. But in all reality, it was already on the top of that list. 

And now, I'm back in Utah spending the rest of the summer with Caleb and Bart at my grandma's house while she's in rehab for her shattered ankle. I've been down to Provo a few times for job interviews and while I was there on Wednesday, I went to the "Slytherin Common Rooms" in the Maeser building per Maeser's request. In case you're wondering, we found out about these bathrooms via the BYU Bathroom Blog, a personal favorite of mine. So yes, there is a bathroom mirror pic coming. Don't say I didn't warn you. 

These bathrooms are awesome and I highly recommend them to anyone who happens to be by the Maeser building at any point in their day. I guess you could also just take the long walk across campus but I think that's a bit much to use the bathroom... but whatever suits your fancy! 

So, just as a warning, the next post I post my be sappy and sad due to the fact that Mr. Ladd leaves on his mission next week. Wish me luck to sending my missionary off! 

Love always, 

Ems

Father's Day 2012.

I wasn't going to post about Father's Day because every one's blog reads the same thing, but, I looked back in my history and realized I didn't do a Father's Day post last year and decided that I should probably make up for that this year. So, since that's the case....

That's my dad swinging on a vine in Hawaii. Which, moments after the picture, snapped and sent him skidding across the edge of the Road to Hana. He's a goof. Obviously. Probably one of the best things will be when we can compile all of his really weird/dorky photos and put them together in a slideshow for his 50th birthday... That'll be a good day.

I love my dad because he's not afraid of doing all those weird things. He's taught me to be myself and enjoy life because no one else can do those things for you. He's taught me that people will flock to you if you are kind and outgoing and fun. He's taught me that winning isn't everything and sometimes the losers make the better friends.  

My dad has never let me stop trying. He's the reason I'm out here in Orlando for the summer working for Disney, a dream he's know about since I first started dancing at Disneyland every year. He's the reason that I'm at BYU, and the reason why I'm not settling till I find my own perfect Mr. Darcy. He's the reason I have the strength to back away from situations that are not where I should be, and the standard to which I measure every guy.

My dad is my hero.
My dad is my protector.
My dad is my best friend,
and I could never express the depth of my love for him.

Happy Father's day, Dad!
I love you!

Love always,
Ems

He's Home!

My brother got home on Wednesday! Even though I haven't seen him, it's great to know that he's home and to be able to text and talk to him! I was so happy I got to facetime him as he walked up the from the terminal. Even if it was 2 am here in Florida... I love my brother.
I cannot wait to see my entire family soon! Come to Florida faster, family!

I promise that I will update soon! I just haven't been able to be bothered with hooking up my phone to my computer to download pictures. 

Life is good, it is so very good. 

Love always,

Ems

Mother, mother, mother.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, in case you missed the memo, it's Mother's Day. I have a wonderful mother and I love her so very much. Obviously, growing up and leaving home has taught me a lot about my mother and how much she did for me. Mainly, cleaning and cooking. Who knew those things consumed so much time? Not me, that's for sure. But the good news is, I have very clearly inherited her clean freak gene. Goodness gracious am I grateful for that.

I love my mom for everything she's taught me in life. I'm so grateful for the wonderful example of womanhood and motherhood that she has been to me and I'm eternally grateful that she's ever watchful and worried about me. Even if I'm not the best and listening to her concerns, I'm still grateful she's worried about me! I love my mom because she doesn't mind that we make fun of her (we make fun of everyone) and she always says the funniest things. Seriously, she's hilarious. Pretty much, I lover her tons and am so thankful for her.

And what better way to celebrate than a giant 4 way Skype session that includes the missionary? I think there is nothing better. The gang will be back together come June!

Woops. Sorry I took this when you were blinking, mom....

Life is wonderful, y'all.

Love,

Ems

The Latest on Life.

Goodness, I don't even remember the last time I posted about real life. So this may be difficult.


First off, my good friend Maeser got his mission call to Fortaleza, Brazil! We were very excited for him!

Maeser and I are movie going buds. Latest wonderful film we saw? Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. I highly recommend it.


Next, I went up to my Grandma's with Josh and Sarah the weekend after conference and my Grandma and I were able to find her family in the 1940's census! It was an amazing experience.

Then finals week came and I almost died. I've never spent so much time in the library. Luckily, I had this boy to help me through...

(This is my attempt at his smirk and Jacob laughing at me.. Needless to say, only Jacob can do the Jacob smirk.)

My Aunt Kelly has become quite the Instagramer and I was struck one day by the resemblance between my cousins and myself. I guess this is natural since we're related and Jacob didn't understand what was so amazing about it, I just am really in love with the fact that I have family resemblances in me. It's the good 'ole Barton blood! 

Also, the four of us girls went on an adventure to City Creek Mall in SLC and we loved it! We were especially smitten with the Disney store. Oh, Disney. 

Then, the final days of my Freshman year came to an end. We had graduation, saying goodbye to dear friends, and way too many emotions to express. 

My last night with Mr. Jarvis before the mish. 

(Yes, I tied my own bow-tie)

 My brother Josh is a college graduate! 

Still in shock over Australia. 

So happy I ran into my favorite SLC boy, 

Mr. David Robinson! 

Then we took the long drive home. Luckily I had my best friend Morgan to keep me company, oh, and my amazing book, Death Comes to Pemberley. I highly recommend it to those who love murder and the Darcys. 

I seriously love Arizona. Driving into Mesa and smelling the jasmine was heavenly. And the 102 degree weather makes me want to sit outside all day. That's why Seth and I took a bike ride then drove to the Gilbert Temple. I'm so excited for the dedication! It's going to be beautiful! 

Ah man, life is good. 

Love always, 

Ems

The Famdam.

Today, I am missing Mesa. More specifically, I am missing these people...

 My Family. 

 My Brother in Scotland.

And... my second family, the Davis family. 

I'm not usually one to get home sick, but every now and then I do; tonight is one of those nights. Here's the thing, there is no one on Earth that I love more than those 15 people. My family, first off, is a chaos waiting to happen, but they're my chaos. I miss being kids and going to California. I miss having everyone home and hearing the pounding drums from Caleb, the rocking guitar from Seth, and the amateur piano from Josh-- all at the same time. I miss sleeping out on the tramp with my little brother and being licked by our dogs as we laid there talking. I miss coming home at 12:30 a.m. and walking into the kitchen to see my dad eating ice cream waiting to talk to me. I miss hearing my mom walk out the door every day at 5 am to go to the gym, and then having her come home and share the latest and greatest news with me. And the smell after school when my mom has been cleaning all day... heavenly.

I miss Caleb a lot. Although I don't write him like I should, I see his picture every day and I just look at it and miss him. Having a brother out on a mission is hard, but I'm so thankful he's there. I can't wait to see him, and really am sad that I'll miss the whole airport scene in Mesa because I'll be in Orlando. But he's coming to visit me, and I cannot wait to spend some time with him in Disney world. He is an amazing brother, and really my best friend. I can't wait for next fall when we're both at BYU together, and I hope we'll be able to have some amazing memories, I know we will. 

Then I have the Davis family, who is seriously my second family. How many times have I gone on road trips with them and Shan and Morgan have hopped in our motorhome for a trip to Cali? How many nights have I spent at their house on an air mattress in the front room? It's way too may to count. But every single memory with them is the one of my favorite. 

Here's the thing, family is the most important thing to me. I love them so much, that sometimes, I just don't even know what to do about it. I'm so glad that I have some family here so that I don't get too homesick, but still, I miss being able to hear my dad walk in the door as my mom and I are cooking dinner and watching Oprah. Just little things like that. Little things that when I reflect on them, I'm not so sure I want to be grown up and out of the house. In fact, I'm pretty sure I don't. College is fun, but home is better. 

Love always, 

Ems

p.s. you should all read this post. It's amazing.

Home.

There is no greater word to me right now than that simple word. I've been home since Thursday and it has been wonderful. First off, I have my family and I am so happy to be with them again. Secondly, I have my bed. Thirdly, I have weather that I can love without a down jacket on. God created a beautiful world when he created the state of Arizona.

While here, I've been able to catch up with friends, sleep in, and bake bake bake! All Saturday my mom and I made about 500 gingerbread men for our neighbors.

They were so delicious. Most of them looked like normal gingerbread men... Except for the obese ones and the ones that looked like they were running away from something like this one.....

I found him rather hilarious. They all looked gorgeous and ready to be frosted but then my mom decided to hand the frosting over to my dad..... bed idea. Frosting is an art, and my dad is no artist. It's no wonder we ended up with gingerbread men in whitey-tighties and skeleton costumes.... Oh, and as cyclopses. Ya know, the norm....

 

Other than that, I've been in my iMovie studio finishing my senior year video and summer video, starting my first semester video,  reading The Wednesday Wars, and shopping with my mom. It's been enjoyable. 

We have a reunion with my ELP teacher in Wednesday and it will be wonderful.

Love always,

Ems

Dad.

I'm sure I'll ever be able to express how much I love my dad.

All my life, I've been Daddy's little girl-
it came with being the only girl-
and being away from him,
I miss him so much.

I called him yesterday after a rather terrible day
and he reassured me in all the right ways that life would be ok,
that sometimes, life isn't as great,
but it always gets better,
and it is always worth it.

I know that no matter what,
he will love me-
and there are few things in this world
that bring me greater peace.

I'll always be able to call him
and ask him for help with friends,
or planning parties,
or boys,
or essays,
or my own self worth,
and he'll always have the right words for me.
He'll always reassure me,
and comfort me,
and love me.

I'm one of the luckiest girls in the world,
because he is my father.

Love always,
Ems

These Two...

I love them.
Mr. and Mrs. Barton.
I love spending time with them
and helping them move in
and eating at Cafe Rio with them
and laughing at their weirdness
and talking with them about chemical weapons
(we're normal people)
and being energetically hugged by them
and rearranging couches with them
and finding bugs
and rolling my eyes at their pda
and seeing how in love they are.

So happy for them and to have them in my life-
in my life together.
Sarah makes Josh so happy,
and I like that a lot.

Ah, love is so happy.
Not always perfect,
but happy.

Love always,
Ems

Becoming a Jet-setter.

So, this has been a month of madness.

Exaggeration.

A week of madness.

But it will soon become a month of madness.

You see, 

I left Provo on Wednesday for Ogden so that my grandma and I could fly to DC.

Upon arrival in Ogden, I realized I left all forms of ID in Provo...

So, we drove all the way to Provo and back to Salt Lake Thursday morning so I could get on the plane.

It was a bit chaotic. 

BUT

I made it to DC! 

This weekend, I am heading home to Mesa,

which I am so very excited about.

Then back to Provo for the two days of classes 

and a wonderful thanksgiving with my Kendrick side. 

I will soon be an expert at the SLC airport.

Onto to the good stuff!

Last week....

What a fun week. 

I spent lots of time with my favorite ward boys. 

They like to cuddle with each other...

Odd?

I agree. 

But I still love 'em.

Here is Scotty's new favorite pastime-

taking pictures on my iPhone. 

Not just a few....

50-100.

Exhibit A. 

Scotty by Scotty.

Exhibit B.

Emma Cries for her Phone

(An excuse to hold a hand)

by Scotty.

Exhibit C.

An Experiment in Blurriness. 

(Emma and Jacob thumb waring)

By Scotty.

And what's even better, 

my little brother loves doing the same thing. 

Exhibit A. 

The many faces of Seth. 

Face number 586 

By Seth.

Don't worry, he really is a cute boy...

look!

In other news, we Mesa kids experienced a new thing....

SNOW.

You can't see it in this picture but I promise, it's there.

During the weekend, we celebrated this new white fluffy stuff with my beloved Mesa boys in Heritage.

I love those guys.

Now, a look at DC via Instagram. 

It was a blessing to be in DC on Veteran's day.

The men and women who those monuments are dedicated to mean so much to me.

Seeing the Veterans at the memorials was something I will never forget. 

Their faces full of sorrow, pride, and remembrance were truly humbling.

Everyday I thank God that I live in such a blessed country and that there are so many people who are willing to go and fight and die for my freedoms. 

I know that I will never be able to thank them enough. 

The whole reason for being in DC was for my oldest brother, Josh's wedding.

I love my brother.

He has always been the most caring and kind brother I could ask for.

I remember being about eleven when he would come in "late at night" and sit on the edge of my bed and just talk to me. 

He always took time out of his life to take care of me and make me feel extra special.  

I'm so thankful that he has finally found someone who is equally as wonderful.

Sarah is joy and happiness wrapped up in a person, and the way she looks at my brother shows me that she will always stand by his side, loving him and supporting him.

They will be a loving, kind, and exuberant couple together and I am so happy for them. 

I may have teared up during their first dance.

And while dancing with my dad...

And while dancing with my brother....

It was a beautiful night, 

brimming with love and happiness.

I'm so grateful to know that life and love will go on forever.

God's plan is wonderful, and so good. 

Through all the misery around us

and all the hard times people face,

if we but look around,

we will all see how wonderful life is.

This much, I am sure of. 

Love always,

Ems