If anyone is still out there...

The reason I keep this blog is for our family history... but if there is anyone out there still reading, I am getting caught up (from April of last year :) ) and will be post-dating my entries.  So if you are interested, you can scroll back and find the entries.  I'm going to close my eyes to other things that should be getting done and get this blog caught up so I can get it published in a book.

Christmas Letter 2013...

Hello all you Fabulous People! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, the 2013 version. When I asked the family what they thought the highlights of 2013 were for them, they all involved trips that we had taken. The travel bug is alive and thriving within each member of this family.

Oakley (11) said his trip to Washington DC was his favorite. After having the greatest fifth-grade teacher on the planet, who instilled a deep love of our country and it’s history, Scott and I were able to take Oakley back to DC to see many of the sites. The most memorable moment for me was to see Oakley’s absolute reverence as we entered the National Archives. As he looked at the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence, it was clear he understood the importance of these documents and how essential they are to making our Nation so incredible. We’re so proud to be Americans!

Eli (9) loved seeing Japan. He thought is was funny hearing Dad speak Japanese and the neat Japanese house we were able to stay in, complete with a tatami mat room with futons to sleep on. The monkey park where hundreds of snow monkeys just roam around was also a highlight. Although a bit freaky at first to just have all of those monkeys just wandering around, it was a fun day hanging out with them. (We’re used to having roving monkeys around since we are raising three boys!)

Asher (7), our airplane-obsessed-boy, wanted to see the Boeing plant for his birthday. Scott and I were able to take him to Seattle to see the almost-100 acre building. It was a site to see rows of 747’s lined up being assembled. This boy will be in the flight deck of one of these planes as soon as is reasonably possible. He is already studying my Flight Manual from ground school and sharing with the family all that he is learning about flight.

Scott was nominated for Husband of the Year for his surprise for me for my f-o-r-t-i-e-t-h (we still don’t say the number out loud) birthday. I did not find out our destination until we were actually at the gate at the airport. A week in Italy with the love of my life was the greatest surprise ever. Gorgeous and stunning don’t even begin to describe the sites of Italy.

Terah is fortunate enough to have a most loving of husband who allowed her a month of traveling extravaganza to help ease the sting of a very significant birthday. After the surprise trip to Italy, I was also able to travel to Paris and London with my darling sister-in-law (The highlight being able to see the chapel my Grandpa built when called on a work mission in 1961), and to Virginia to stay with one of my best friends for a week of Girl Fun, including a trip to Cape May, New Jersey, which is an unbelievably gorgeous seaside town.

Now on to some of our favorite quotes, past and present, from these cherubic boys we are raising:

10. Eli was asking how many people live on the earth and when I responded 6 billion, I was immediately corrected by Asher who said, “Actually, 6 billion and one because my Primary leader just had a baby.”

9. When having some granite countertops installed, the crew showed up to do some measuring. This crew was made up of about six men who were covered in tattoos and plenty of piercings.  The boys were SILENT, wide-eyed, and still as statues the entire time they were here. As soon as they were out of the door, Asher whispered, like he was worried they would hear him, “I know where they’re from. They’re from California!”

8. One of the things that makes raising boys easier is they are usually nonchalant about what clothes they wear. I’d put some clothes out for Asher to wear for an outing and when he came down the stairs with a different shirt on, I asked him if he could and change. His response, “Fine! I’ll wear that shirt. But when I get arrested for wearing something SO UGLY, it will be all your fault!” I wasn’t aware the Fashion Police had arresting privileges.

7. Although the summer months are filled with a lot of freedom and leisure time, there are chores to be completed. After the announcement that we’d be working in the yard was made, Asher responded, “Don’t make us weed! That’s the worst part of being a child!” Let’s not tell him it’s not any more enjoyable as a teen or an adult.

6. Fostering independence in our children is of the highest priority. One experience that confirmed that the lessons are sinking in and maybe even being taken a bit far was when I received an email from Delta confirming seats on a flight to Pocatello for Oakley and Eli on November 23rd. It was their turn to go up to visit Grandma Lee Ann for Thanksgiving Break and Oakley decided to take it upon himself to work out the details of how and when they would be getting there.

5. Another “maybe they’re taking the independent thing a bit too far” occurred when a package arrived from Amazon. When I opened it and discovered a package of 48 golf balls, I figured Scott had ordered them. When he said it was not him, Asher piped up, “It was me. Summer is almost here and we have a whole lot of golfing to do!” Auto-login was immediately removed from our Amazon account.

And a few flashbacks…

4. While out driving, 4 year-old Asher asked, “Why do those people have all that stuff out on their grass?” When I told him they were having a yard sale, he followed up with, “But why are they selling their yard?”

3. When four-year-old Eli asked me, “Mom, where are the Santa cigarettes? I can smell them on your breath!” I asked him, “Do you mean the cinnamon Santas?” He responded in the affirmative, which was a relief because I hated to think of Santa as a smoker.

2. After 5-year-old Eli had met individually with his kindergarten teacher before the school year started, I could tell he wasn’t overly thrilled. When I complimented him on how well he had done reciting the alphabet, his phone number and address, and his colors, he announced, “But I just wanted to show her my moves!” I don’t foresee booty shaking becoming a part of the kindergarten assessment in the near future.

1. When five-year-old Asher and I were blowing dandelion seeds, I asked him what he wished for. He responded, “That we will ALWAYS be the GREATEST family… and a monster truck!”

And that is our wish for you this Christmas season- that YOU will have the greatest family and loved ones surrounding you (and maybe even a monster truck, too.)

Dream Fulfilled...

This plane-obsessed boy of ours had a dream fulfilled when he was able to go flying in Grandpa B's plane. I was glad to be at home in Utah so I didn't have to fret and worry while they were up in the small plane. Obviously, Asher had no concerns whatsoever! If he does continue with his dream of being a pilot, I will have to find some coping mechanisms to deal with the anxiety of him flying in the small planes to earn his hours. It's his dream...I will learn to cope...

Beeson Boys Go International...

Scott and I decided the boys were old enough that we were willing to take them to an international destination. We decided on Japan since it's such a different culture from ours and we wanted the boys to see where Scott had served his mission. We couldn't have had a better start to the trip- we were able to sit in First Class on the plane. One of the major benefits, besides significantly more room and yummy food offered the entire 12 hour flight, is that the seats can be made to lay flat so that you can sleep.

Three Beeson Boys in a Row

Eli catching some Zzzzz's

We love the seats that make into a bed!

The boys were so enthralled with having their own TV to watch movies and play games on and the toiletry kit they were given with things like a toothbrush and toothpaste, sleeping mask, slippers, ear plugs, etc., we didn't know if they'd even want to get off of the plane. Which the threat of not being able to get off of the plane became all too real when we couldn't find my passport. We all but torn the carpet up and disassembled the seats trying to find it. To say I was sick to my stomach was putting it mildly. There was so much hustle and bustle when we first got on the plane with helping the boys get settled in their seats and stressing as much as we could how essential it was that they be on their very best behavior, that the other passengers had paid thousands and thousands of dollars to be in First Class and we couldn't disturb them, that bags were put in overhead bins and we wanted to be in our seats as quickly and quietly as possible. Long story short, after the Captain calling Seattle to see if I had left it at the check-in counter, the flight attendant spending almost an hour with a flashlight looking in every nook and cranny of the five seats we were occupying, and taking down and opening every carry-on bag and back pack we had brought on. Now we're trying to do all this as QUIETLY  as possible without disturbing the other passengers, but it was obvious to anyone that we were in a crisis. Most of the passengers were Japanese and when Scott explained to them that a passport was lost, they were very concerned. Scott said that is very typical of their culture, if someone is in distress, they want to do what they can to help out. Finally, the passport was found in a backpack. When we showed the passengers we had found out, they all started clapping and cheering. It was touching to see these older Japanese grandma's truly happy and relieved for us. One of many endearing experiences for me as I spent time with the Japanese people.

Once we reached the airport in Koyoto, our first stop was an ATM to acquire some yen and then to figure out how to get where we needed to go on a train. Scott's Japanese was obviously rusty, but was coming back to him the more he was able to speak. How grateful I was to have him there to help us figure everything out! The boys found it quite entertaining to hear him speak Japanese. They'd heard him speak some, but now he had others to actually converse with and they thought it was funny to hear him speak the language. One funny thing that happened at the airport was when we were interviewed for a Japanese TV show. They mostly spoke with Scott once they realized he could speak Japanese. They asked the boys what they wanted to see and do in Japan. They asked me about how Scott and I met and about what jobs we had. Unfortunately, we didn't see the broadcast and I have no idea how they edited it. We could have ended up sounding like some really crazy Americans!

This yen looks like funny money

Scott figures out the trains we need to take to get to our house

How's that for a very large pay phone?

Scott was able to find a house for us to rent while we were there. I was so excited that we were going to be staying right in a neighborhood with the locals versus a hotel room with tourists. The house was even better than I expected! Scott said it reminded him of the houses they stayed in as missionaries. Usually they would put three to four sets of missionaries in one house to help with costs. He said he loved being able to come home at the end of the day and have other elders to talk to , especially if he had an annoying companion. When we first got to the house, Scott said it was amazing how strong his memory was for the SMELLS. He said the smell in the house brought back so many memories of living in Japan.

Out in front of our cute Japanese house

Scott's a bit taller than the average Japanese person

We LOVED having a kitchen! We did try some local fare, but we liked being able to cook food we knew the boys would eat.

Eli must have eggs every morning of his life, including while on vacation in Japan

The boys were thrilled that we were able to Face Time with Grandpa and Grandma, who were dog sitting for us, so that they could see their beloved Harley

The Japanese soaker tubs were wonderful!

The boys slept in the tatami room, which has tatami mats on the floor and a futon mattress to sleep on. Mom and Dad got the "western bed" as they called it.

One of our first activities was just exploring around the area where our house was and also getting to the grocery store.

This little creek ran down the street right by our house. Step carefully or you're in the water.

Scott trying to figure out if what we're buying is really milk.

No wonder these people are so skinny- all of their "snacks" are dried fish and vegetables. Where are the M&M's people?

This is an entrance to a park near our house.

A Popsicle is definitely needed on our warm walks around town.

Our fastest mode of transportation! Just like the locals, pile as many family members as you can on the bike and head to the store. You get to buy as much as fits in the front basket.

I regret that we don't know more about the Buddhist religion and lack in understanding the meaning of their temples and the all the out buildings surrounding them, but we do appreciate their beauty and know they are meaningful to those of that religion. One of our first sites to visit was Nanzenji Temple. It is one of the most important Zen temples and dates back to the mid 13th century.

The massive entrance gate

Placing incense sticks in the pot

There is a massive brick aqueduct that runs through the temple grounds.

This is the top of the aqueduct, where you can see the water passing through

Not sure what this statue is for, but I loved it because it looked like a happy family

After seeing all of the sites at Nanzenji Temple, we followed The Philosopher's Path to Ginkakuji, another Zen temple. The Philosopher's Path is a stone path that follows a canal and is surrounded by trees. It is called The Philosopher's Path because one of Japan's most famous philosophers, Nishida Kitaro, used to practice meditating while walking this path on his daily commute to Kyoto University.

The boys loved this completely ghetto playground we passed by.

Not sure of the religious significance, but some type of shrine we passed on our walk

 We met his darling man who was selling rocks he had painted. We bought one from him that had a painting of the Ginkakuji temple on it. I was so impressed with how happy he was! He obviously has very little as far as material possessions and probably sells enough rocks to just make enough to buy food for the day, but he radiated happiness. He wanted each of us to have a piece of hard candy he had in his bike basket. His painted rock will serve as a reminder that we can always be happy and make others joyful just by being in our presence, no matter how little we have.

Ginkakuji was absolutely gorgeous! The gardens were so meticulously maintained, not a leaf or twig out of place. There were workers who were sweeping off the acres and acres of moss covered ground so that weren't an leaves or dirt on the moss. There was also a lot of dry sand gardens, which we hadn't seen anywhere else.

We made the hike up Mount Arashiyama to the Monkey Park, where a couple of hundred snow monkeys roam around. It was a bit freaky at first to have all these monkeys running around loose (but since we live with three wild monkey boys, it wasn't quite as intimidating). There was a hut you could go inside and purchase food to feed the monkeys through the wire fencing.

Asher checks out the amazing view from the top of Mount Arashiyama

This area was filled with monkey who were grooming each other

This baby monkey kept climbing up this branch and every time he did, the mom would come and pull him down. Over and over and over... some things cross species lines. I could completely relate with this mama monkey- trying to keep her wild child safe.

Another completely ghetto playground. They must not sue each other in Japan because most of the playgrounds were not safe at all and I'm sure there must be serious injuries regularly.

There are dozens of vending machines on every block you walk by! The boys were quite obsessed, as we rarely use vending machines at home. Our favorite drink is called Calpis, it's a milky white color and has a sweet taste.

 Asher was thrilled any time we could get in the front car of the train and he could see where we were headed. I wish we had kept track of how many trains we rode on- the number would be shocking! But it is a pretty efficient system and I WOULD NOT have wanted to try and figure our way around in car.

Unfortunately, we didn't make it in time to see the Temple within this wall. But the guard structures on each corner were impressive in themselves.

Glad we aren't "drunkards" so that we can see the sites.

We didn't try a lot of authentic Japanese food- because no one was really interested, even Scott. We were glad for the kitchen in our house! We did take the boys to shabu-shabu one night because we thought it was food the boys would actually eat. Shabu-shabu is thinly sliced meat and vegetables that you boil in a cooking pot at your table and then dip in different sauces.

We sat on the floor on cushions with our legs hanging over the edge of a hole cut out under the table.

The time change was tough. The boys wanted to sleep around 5:00 each night.

Eli and Asher ended up sleeping through a lot of the meal.

Shoes were taken off outside of our dining area. Each time our waitress came in and out of our room, which was very frequently, she had to take her shoes on and off.

The boys were excited about the chance to ride on one of the fastest trains in the world- the Bullet Train. We said good-bye to our darling house in Koyoto and boarded a train that goes up to 200 m.p.h to head to Tokyo.

Isn't he the epitome of what a train conductor should look like?

I loved that the station restrooms had a lit up sign so you knew which toilets were available.

In Tokyo, we spent most of the day at Amlux, Japan's largest automobile showroom. Four floors of all-things Toyota. There were different simulators, over 70 vehicles on display, and even a floor of games and activities for the kids. We shouldn't have been surprised the boys were happy to stay there for over seven hours.

 

 After the all-day Toyota showroom, it was time to head to the airport. Our flight didn't leave until midnight, so we spend some time in down-town Tokyo. So many people, so many buildings, so many lights...

The Captain on our flight home invited the boys up front to check out the flight deck. Asher looks really comfortable with his hands on the yoke!

Asher exerted his independence and chose the seat farthest away from the rest of us. He managed just fine.