A Family of Tri-Atheletes

As many of you already know due to my multiple posts on facebook, my family (minus Trevor, but he will do the next one) recently participated in a triathalon. Let me tell you, it was AWESOME! We went down to Sand Hollow for this Tri. It was lovely weather! Couldn't ask for a better day!



This is us before the race. Except Bridger, he had already completed his kids Tri.

Bridger was first up to race. Let me tell you, this kid is an animal! I don't know if it's due to the fact that he is 8 (almost 9), but he can go forever! The endurance amazes me. He did so well!


Bridger with Brock and Dad before his race.




Getting ready for the swim. He was shivering! Cute swim cap too huh?




Follows in my dads footsteps and kills it on the bike.




Finishing the race. There is a video of him moonwalking across the finish. I'll have to try and upload it. He is defintely a classic Barton.




Mom and Bridger.




Thumbs up to my most favorite youngest brother I have.

 So Bridger was the first to go, and looking at these pictures, you believe me when I say he killed it. Not only is he a better swimmer than me but he is also a lot cuter! Love him!

Brock was up next. This kid amazes me to no end. He dedicated so much time to train for this. He did an Olympic distance. Which is double what Mason and I did. Yeah, he swam a mile in like 30 minutes. It took me 26 minutes to backstroke half mile, so that tells you how fast he is. He was my main inspriation when I was doing my race. Brock came in 4th in his age catergory! Incredible right?? I know.

Ready to hit the swim.



Finisher!

 My dad was next up. As all of you know, and should know, he is and Ironman! So basically he rules the world. He is the one who talked us into doing this as a family. I'm so grateful he did because it will always be a great memory in my mind. I love you dad!



Dad coming into the finish!


Next up is Mason. All I can say about him is 'What the heck?!'. Ok so Mason decides to do this tri, and trains maybe twice for it. And guess what he does? Finishes 3rd in his age group!!! I swear he is some genetic freak. So basically he killed it. Imagine if he would have really trained.... yikes!

Right after he finshed.

Oh hey, he just decides to podium. Whatever, no big deal.

 Next up was me. Oh boy. So first off lets start by saying I did not train for this sucker nearly enough. I swam maybe twice in preperation. My dad had taken me to the Spanish Fork Res to practice then quickly decided I should probably start in a pool. So I went swimming once at Gold Gym, where I managed to do one lap with out stopping. Needless to say I was freaking out for the swim.


Getting ready to swim. Yes wetsuits are super flattering.

 So I watch all my brothers and my dad take off for the swim. Meanwhile in my head I'm having a debate on how much I value my life because I'm pretty sure I'm going to drown. But of course, if I quit, I would never hear the end of it. So finally it was my turn to swim. I jump in the water and come to find out my wetsuit was exceptionally bouyant. I started thinking that this wasn't going to be too bad after all. So I go to the back of the pack of swimmers to avoid being swam over. The gun sounds and were off. I start swimming like a normal swimmer, and I'm thinking "Oh yeah this is great!" then I got some water in my nose so I had to stop. This is where my genius idea of backstroking came into play. So guess what I did guys? Backstroked that entire half mile! Aside for swimming in a zig-zag pattern and nearly losing my timing chip, I made it! Except bad news, when I got out of the water, I was BEAT! I couldn't even get my legs to run me to the transition area. Oh and also, I got out of the water to see a teary eyed Bridger who was concerened I had drown due to how long it took me to swim. Yeah, I know.

So I took my sweet old time changing into my riding gear. I really didn't think the ride would be that bad. And it wasn't for the most part until..... Monster Hill. I was riding along all merrily until, it came into view around a curve in the road, the Monster Hill! I'm not kidding you guys, this thing was like Mt. Everest. (Ok I am kidding you). But it was big. I thought to myself "Oh shoot, of course they would put this is in the course." So I started to make my way up the Monster. I was going so slow up that sucker I was surprised I didn't tip over on my bike. I kept thinking in my head "Good job legs! I love you so much. Just keep pushing a little farther. You're doing so great!" Haha! My motivation to not get off and walk it was first, the photographer that was taking pictures of all the athletes, and secondly my brothers. If I got off and walked, I would never hear the end of it. So I'm going up this hill getting passed left and right and singing 'Victory, victory' in my head. I finally reached the top! It was glorious, I felt like I had accomplished so much in my life right at that moment. Sweet sweet victory. So after the hill it just loops you back and the hill isn't nearly as steep coming up the other side.



This is me riding. Look at the beautiful lake!


Next, it was time for the run. Da da dum. See but running is my best event! I was so excited to run. I thought I was going to catch all these dang athletes if it's the last thing I do. So I pedal my bike up to the transition. Once I got off my bike I knew that was never going to happen. I couldn't feel my legs, they had turned to lead! I remember thinking "Legs where did you go?  Why are you doing this? We love running, remember?!" They did not remember. I started running that yes, looked a lot more like shuffling. My calfs were on the verge of cramping. Luckily the aid station had water and gatorade. I took one of both. Needless to say that was the longest 5K I had ever run. I finally shuffled up the last hill towards the finish line to see my whole family done with the race. I was just relieved I hadn't drown and survived. It was so great to finish!!


Every day I'm shufflin'




Love my family.




Did you get your tickets to the gun show?



Best Friends.

Also, I can't leave out my lovely mother. She was our best supporter! And might I add, lovely camera lady? Thanks to her we have all these photos.


Mom and I watching the kids race.

All in all this was one of the best experiences I've had. I'm so grateful I got to share it with my family. Hope we can all do it again next year.

XOXO,
Nichole

Ps, this is the song I've been loving lately. This version.

Puppy Love.

Guys, I love puppies. Actually I love every kind of baby animal. In fact, there are these CUUUTE baby burrows on 4th south on your way to Wal-Mart that I just die over every time I drive by. Then there are these cute cute cute baby horses when I drive to my job in Spanish Fork that are so adorable! I always want to get out of my car and pet them. But then I think that might be weird. Ok, well back to puppies, my friend Megan, has a dog named Lily and she had puppies awhile back! Yay! Anyway I get to go over and play with these adorable pups all the time I love them. 

This is Lily, she is a Silver Lab.

This is when the puppies were just little guys.

Look how big they're getting!

I just love them.

All the photo credit of these puppies go to Meg. Ok so moving on, one day Meg, Cays, and I decided to do tricks on the trampoline. Look how cool we are!

Cayson took this awesome picture of me doing a back flip!

Megan doing a twisty-loo. 

Cayson is great at tricks. 

These just make me laugh. 

We are goofs. 

Hahahaha. 

 Oh man, this was a fun time. I love my friends. And puppies. Well I hope these pictures made some of you laugh. Asta!

xoxo,
Nichole

New Perspective

How amazing is this picture? Very amazing! It definitely reminded me why we take the sacrament weekly. I love all the different things going on in this picture. From the man reaching for the tray and touching the Saviors pierced hands, surely in awe of the sacrifice Christ made for us. The little boy reaching out, it looks as if the boy remembers and knows who the Savior is. I just love this. I will more often think about this when I go to take the sacrament weekly. I am so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where I can always repent and improve. And know that I have an amazing 'older brother' watching out for me.

Love you all,
xoxo,
Nichole

Chevron Nails

Ok so basically I did my nails way cute and I wanted to share how I did it!

1. Get your supplies! Pick as many colors as you want. I chose three. Second, either have tape or these little stickers that I have here. (I got them at Wal-Mart). If you don't have the stickers, you can cut tape into a triangle shape and that will work just as well. (Just make sure to tape it to your hand, peel it off, then put on your nail).

2. Paint your nails a solid color of your choice.

3.Place sticker on nail at desired spot. You could even leave it like this and just paint over the sticker and nail with a different color and have a cute little chevron in the middle of your nail.

4. Paint the top part of your nail with the color of choice. Make sure your sticker is sealed tight so you get a nice clean line!

5. Next get your third color and a little baby brush. You can use a toothpick if you don't have one. Put a few drops of the nail polish on a piece of paper. That way you don't have to dip in the bottle.

6. Paint a thin stripe of polish on the edges of your nails. It's ok if your lines are wobbily. Mine are and I think it's cute!!
7. Clean up around the nails and add a clear speed dry top coat to make sure your design lasts long! (I haven't done that yet so don't judge ;))

8. Wa-la! You are done! Show those cute nails off. Ow ow!

All sorts of random.

Hello all of my lovies!  That means all of you that read this. Which I love when you guys read my blog. It makes me feel cool. Ok well let's get started. Let's do random facts. 

1. I changed the name of my blog. It is now called "Victory for All". This is because the meaning of my name, means "Victory of the people". So yeah. There is the deep meaning of my blog. Boom
2. I am obsessed with Harry Potter. If you didn't know already. At first I was some what of closet lover Harry Potter fan. Then I thought to myself "That is now way to be a fan!" So now I'm just embracing it. At first I was semi embarrassed about my love for the series. But now, I'm just like HARRY POTTER RULES!  And this thing I found on Pinterest sums it up. 
3. I LOVE my new job as 'Office Manager'. Haha, sounds official right? I love it because I am no longer serving chips and salsa and because I get to work with my dad! That's probably the best part, working with my dad. 
4. I went kayaking at the Spanish Fork res with my friends it was so much fun! From, splashing each other with paddles, to double riding with Cayson, who infact, smashed my nose. But that was actually my own fault. I flipped the paddle weird and so she jerked her head back into my nose. Also, her lip started bleeding due to my rouge kayaking paddle. Sorry Cays! 

5. Want to know a song I've been obsessed with? Ok. 

6. I've learned how to do cool things with my blog. Hence the picture at the top. Also all the gadgets. So follow me on Twitter! (I have a gadget for that, cool huh?)

Ok, well that's all the random facts I have right now. Until next time.

xoxo- Nichole

Everyone,

I am blogging because I can't sleep on account of 1. It's sort of hot in my house so I can't get comfy. 2. I read a semi scary book (The Scorch Trials) and now I'm scared a deformed zombie is going to come and eat me. Don't worry though, my lamp is on. I don't think that it's going to be turned off for the rest of the night.

Ok so let's update everyone on my life. That sounds fun. First big thing that has happened to me, I got called as my singles ward RS president. I'm somewhat shocked by this. I was like "Are you sure you have the right Nichole Barton?" Evidently they did. I have some great councilers and and awesome secertary, so I should be good to go. 

Second, I've been working like crazy! Last week I worked 55 hours. But really, I have nothing else to do so it's just fine with me. Also guess what guys? I've been going on DATES! I didn't realize how fun dating is. Like, just for fun dating, not getting serious with someone. It's way fun. I suggest you all do it. Unless you're married. (Humor). So anyway. Those are the "big" things that are going on in my life.

So these past few months, I think I've gained so much perspective. I think I've realized what is really important to me. Especially in a relationship. Except I don't really want to talk about that.

So I'm way excited for this summer on account of, a lot of my missionary friends come home! James, Bill, Blake, and R-dizzle. I'm SO excited! Words can't even describe. It's going to be so great. Also one of my best friends comes home from Hawaii, the famous Megan Simpson shall return to Mapleton. I miss her. I guess it's true, you don't know a good thing till it's gone. Sure do miss that lady. We've helped each other through a bunch of stuff. She is so great.

Next thing, this song has always been a favorite of mine, but recently it's become a top favorite. It's Run, by George Strait. Listen to it a million times. It's that good. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajey2VDG7-o.

Ok, so I think the fear or zombies is subsiding and my house is getting cooler. (I turned on the ac). So, I'm off to sleep. Hopefully I won't have any scary dreams.

Night Lovies!

Nichole

3 years runnin'

So I think it's safe to say that I've learned quite a bit about myself  over the past three years.  Many trials I've been through, whether they've been self inflicted or not, have made me who I am today.  It's hard to encapsulate all of my learning's into one post.  But here are my top ten things I've learned, in no particular order.

1. Experience is the best teacher.
2. Life goes on.
3. Time heals all wounds.
4. Friends come and go, family is forever.
5. Realize what is most important to you.
6. Never change yourself to fit someone else's perfect.
7. Laugh at the small things that irritate you.
8. Be positive. All the time. (Easier said than done)
9. Be happy. You can CHOOSE to be happy.
10. Most importantly, be kind.

So some of these might be redundant, but that's ok.  I guess what I've learned is, make sure the things I am doing in my life make me a happy, kind, and compassionate person.  There are things that I CANNOT control. I can't control other's actions, thoughts, or feelings. But I CAN control my own.  I firmly believe that if you stay positive, you will get through many things in your life that are hard, frustrating, or depressing.  Now, I'm not saying you can't have your moments of sadness or you can't ever cry. We're all human here. But what I am saying is, make sure your over-all outlook is positive. Look at the big picture. Ask yourself, "Is there a lesson I'm suppose to be learning right now?", once you look at the bigger picture, it's easier to get through what ever you're going through. 

Another thing that I struggle with is the "What if...." This again, is something I can't control. "Well, what if I would've done that that" "What if I could've changed it" "What if I would've said something" "What if he doesn't like me now" "What if she would have done that". All these what if's can drive a person crazy. Especially if you have an over-analytical brain like mine.  When my mind gets into overdrive with all of these ,"What if's", I literally have to take a deep breath and stop myself. I also have to remember and realize I can't control other peoples actions, therefore, all these what if's are just a time consuming, stress bomb, problem that I'm creating in my own head. 

So I'm not quite sure if this post even makes sense. But maybe some of you can relate. If you can, we should all talk about it. Haha

Until next time,
Nichole

Hope in Heartbreak

Some of you may know, I recently became unengaged to my fiance.  It was a shock to me and I think I am still in shock. It's crazy spending a year of your life with someone, planning your life with their's and the BAM it's over very suddenly, and kind of out of left field. The emotions you feel are widely ranged. From sadness, anger, heartbreak, and feeling totally crushed.  It makes your heart literally hurt. 

I know I'm not the first person to go through this, and I won't be the last. It's hard getting use to the idea of not seeing your dear friend every day.  Stopping your almost finished wedding plans and continuing on with life.  But you have to. You have no option. This is why I am forever and eternally grateful for my family and friends that have reached out to me in my time of need. When I came home that Sunday night sobbing, my parents came running down the hall to help me. My dad encircled me with his arms and helped me to my room since my legs were like jello from the shock.  My parents sat there with me while I just cried.  They offered loving words and kindness. 
I am so happy that I have brothers who try and cheer me up. I love everyone of them.
I am grateful for the inspiration of my Bishop. He texted me right when all of this was going on asking if I was ok.  I consider this a tender mercy from my Heavenly Father.
I had my good friends call me that night, (and it was well past midnight) to see if they could help or just listen to me cry.
The next day I recieved four bouqets of flowers and some icecream. If that doesn't cheer you up, I don't know what will.
Then all of  the kind messages I received on Facebook from people who care about me.  I'll insert a few to show you some examples.

“Women are like apples on trees. The best ones are at the top of the tree. Most men don’t want to reach for the good ones because they are afraid of falling and getting hurt. Instead, they just take the rotten apples from the ground that aren’t as good, but easy…….so, the apples at the top think something is wrong with them, when in reality, they’re AMAZING. They just have to wait for the right guy to come along, the one who’s brave enough to climb all the way to the top of the tree….”


"I love you like a little sister. I can say I felt a real similar pain and it is the worst, a broken heart is the worst pain I have ever felt. I didn't know why I had to go through that pain and you won't either, but just know you will grow from this and you will end up happier than ever believe me because I didn't think I could find a greater man until I met Brad. You will realize maybe why he wasn't the best for you. Heavenly Father knows us better than anyone. I love you to death and hate to see you hurt!"


"Just want to let you know i'm thinking of you, Hope your doing well. Love you cute girl : )"

These just a FEW examples of what has been said to me. I couldn't be more grateful. My heart is truly full of gratitude.

In the midst of all this, there is my Savior. Who is always there. I imagine him sitting by me while I'm crying, putting a comforting hand on my shoulder saying "I know how you feel, it will get better, put your trust in me."  I just need to have hope and faith that everything will work out.

"Hope is an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to you. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance... When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good. Hope helps conquer discouragement."

I hope I can exemplify this quote by staying positive and being patient.  I don't know why this trial is in my life right now, but I can't wait to see what comes from it. I just wish there was a fastforward button to get away from the pain. haha.

I feel no ill-will towards my ex-fiance and truly do wish him the best in his life.

Again, thank you so much to all of you that have reached out to me. I have had moments of complete peace and also moments of crushing hurt. I think the sting will be here for awhile, but I will overcome it. Please continue to help me through this, and help me stay positive.  I know I will have good and bad days. I just hope the good will out-weigh the bad. I'll have to get use to my left hand feeling a little  lighter, but I will always know, I am one lucky girl.

Love always,
Nichole

If you would like to watch an amazing video on hope, click this link, you won't be dissapointed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbsU3b2srQA