The Beeson Bunch

Help Available..

2012-01-01T16:16:00.001-07:00

Asher loves to be outside! We've always believed he is part dog because he has this NEED to be outside and active. As a baby I would have to put him in a little snowsuit and let him crawl around on the back patio during the frigid winter months because the boy needed his out of doors fix. He will follow Scott around all day as he is doing yard work. He loves to help and we look forward to the time he can contribute to the completion of yard work.

Top Toy of All Time...

2012-01-01T16:11:00.001-07:00

If I were to be given the choice of one toy for my boys, there is no question the Power Wheels Jeep has been the most loved and well-used of them all. It is the favorite of anyone who comes over to play. It has been responsible for many arguments about whose turn it is to drive. It has been drive so hard, it's amazing it hasn't fallen to pieces. It has survived the abuse of three boys and countless friends use over the past six years. Having the big driveway with a nice hill has certainly added to the fun. How do you raise boys with a hill for them to race down? I will never know. Yep, toy of the century as far as I'm concerned.

When it's time for greater adventures, the driveway
is abandon and the driving continues all over the yard.

Flying "Free"...

2012-01-01T16:06:00.002-07:00

The joys of flying stand-by...only those who have endured it can really appreciate it. Often the exclamation of, "You can fly FREE!?!? Wow!" is heard when others discover one of the benefits of being married to a pilot. But if one were to really understand what "flying free" really means, the excitement level would not be the same. Yes, we are able to fly for free when there is a seat available. With the way the airlines are currently functioning, most flights are completely full because they have drastically reduced the number of flights available. We need five seats for the whole family to make it. Often we will need to split up between two different flights. If we do get seats, sometimes they are five single seats spread throughout the airplane. What passenger is going to be thrilled with the idea of you sitting your three year old next to them and saying, "I'll see you when we get there!" So when we get on the plane, it's a matter of begging and pleading with others to switch seats with you so that there are at least one family member sitting next to each other. As the boys get older this will be less of an issue, but it has been a serious issue for a long time. There is the sleepless night (or nights) previous to the trip, with the thought, "Are we going to get on the flight?" racing through the mind. This is especially stressful when we're going a cruise. They aren't going to hold the ship for those who don't get to the dock in time. If the flights are looking especially full, we'll try and go a day early. Which means paying for an extra day in a hotel (not cheap) and eating out (not cheap). Checking the loads even a few days in advance isn't really that helpful. One plane ends up broken down or cancelled because of weather, then that plane load of people has to be worked onto other flights. One can never know for sure. A flight may show 75 seats available and you think it is looking good, then a flight is cancelled and those seats are taken by the passengers from an earlier flight. There is just knowing for sure until you're in your seat on the plane and taxing down the runway. Even being given a seat is not guarantee. I have been seated on the plane and then called over the loud speaker to come to the front of the plane, once on our anniversary and Scott was flying the plane! They tell me a revenue (paying) passenger showed up at the last minute, so my seat is being taken by them. I know the other passengers are wondering if I'm a terrorist or why it is I'm being taken off the flight. I just let their imaginations run wild.

But I'm happy to report, though, that things have most often worked out for us. We may end up taking a really round-about way of getting to a certain location- Los Angeles via Seattle, Atlanta via Tennessee, etc. We may end up waiting hours and hours in the airport, hoping the next flight has seats available. Eventually, we do reach our intended destination.

The following photos were taken as we tried to get a flight to Arizona in hopes of seeing the Easter Pageant at the Mesa Temple. We waited for flight after flight and never did make it. The boys (Oakley was in Idaho at Grandma's) did keep themselves occupied in some creative ways:

Hiding in airport play area toy box (oh, the germs
that must be covering every inch of that place!)...

Climb on areas not meant to be climbed on...

Search desperately on the internet on the phone,
hoping there is another flight with open seats...

Wrestle in the gate area on carpet that is surely so filthy and
disgusting it is barely safe to walk on, let alone roll around on....

Look for watermarks on dollar bills...

Finally giving up on getting on a flight and heading out
to the edge of the airport where you can watch planes
land and take off, the planes full of people who actually
got a seat on the flight and are getting to where they wanted to go.

Flying free does have a cost... my mental health!

2012 already....

2012-01-01T14:45:00.001-07:00

So many entries to get caught up with, but I feel like I need to put my thoughts about the coming year down first and then get back to those that have been missed. 2011 was a fabulous year for our family. There were many highlights- starting the year off in Disneyland with cousins, visiting Ellen in Washington D.C., the First Annual Family History Pageant in Manti, a trip to Mt. Rushmore, boating, Lake Powell, purchasing and using our motor home, Oakley and Eli starting school at American Heritage, a cruise to the Bahamas with Scott, and all of the other fun activities that filled our days during the year. But Eli helped to put all of these "activities" into perspective last night. We were sitting in front of the fire, each of us with a goblet of sparkling cider in hand. We asked the boys what some of their favorite things of 2011 were. With all of the fun and exciting places we'd been, Eli's response was, "Being at home with our family." Really?!?! It's not Disneyland? A cruise? The fancy boat and motor home? Nope. What makes him the most happy is being in our home with our family. That should have been all of our answer...

The speaker at church today spoke words that were especially meaningful to me as I contemplate a new year, a fresh start, and deciding what will be the priorities for me and our family. She talked about this "list" that we all have in our mind, the things we "should" be doing- even good things like providing service for others. This list gets longer and longer and soon turns into guilt about not having the time, energy, or resources to get to the things on that list. I am all too aware of my list and it will often make me feel so guilty that it turns to anger, which is then manifest in the way I treat those I'm around most often. I get resentful of their needs and the fact that their needs require my time and energy, time and energy that I feel like should be devoted to those things on that endless list in my mind. She shared an experience she had at a fireside with Sister Beck, the General Relief Society President. There was a question and answer session and she raised her hand and asked, "What role should guilt play in the life of a Latter-day Saint woman?" Sister Beck then shared this insight, if what you're feeling says you're not doing enough and aren't good enough, it's from Satan. If what you're feeling makes you feel, you could do better in this area and I WILL HELP YOU, then it's source is the Father. Sister Beck also talked about how she arranges her days. She puts three columns on a paper with the following title for each- essential, needs to be done, and would be nice to get to. The essentials include: prayer, personal study, anything that helps us to keep the covenants that we've made with our Heavenly Father. The essentials list should be very short, just a few items. The next list should include things like: feeding the children, exercise, and other items that really should get done. This list should not be very long either, but not absolutely critical. The final list should include those things that would be nice to get to, but not essential. I would like to make my daily three column list, also. One of the essentials I would like to improve on is personal study. With the calling to teach Relief Society, I need to be dedicating time each day in researching and gaining greater understanding of the principles of the lessons I will be teaching. It will be a tremendous blessing for me, and hopefully meaningful to the wonderful sisters in our ward.

As I was contemplating what should be my Word of the Year, I decided upon FUNDAMENTAL. As I was brainstorming different words and read the definition of FUNDAMENTAL, I decided it was perfect for the coming year. The definition is, "A leading or primary principle, rule, law or article, which serves as the ground work of a system." I need to include the FUNDAMENTAL activities first, then all others will find their place and time. If we are to have success in this "system" of family life, the principal duties must be accomplished first and daily. It will serve as a constant reminder when deciding how I will spend my time, "Is this essential or just something that I would like to do?"

Here's to another outstanding year for the Beeson Bunch!

In the Quiet....

2011-12-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

As I was trudging up the stairs last night, anxious to crawl into my bed, I heard the voice of a 7 year old quietly say, "Mom?" At this hour of the night, when he should have been asleep at least an hour ago, I am not overjoyed to hear my name called. His answer makes me feel guilty for my earlier annoyance. "Mom, when it's quiet like this and I'm laying in my bed, I can feel the Spirit. When I feel the Spirit, it always makes me think of my family. When I think about our family, I always think of you first."

What Did You Call Me?

2011-11-05T17:51:00.000-06:00

Asher is now 5 years old and we have called him "Ash," for as long as I can remember. The other day Asher was out helping Scott winterize the boat. Scott was up in the boat and Asher was down on the driveway and Scott asked him, "Ash, will you hand me that socket?" Asher answered, "Dad, why did you call me ass? That isn't very nice and it's a bad word."

Has the child thought we've been calling him ass all these years? Oh, the things my children will be discussing with their therapists in the future...

Lost and Found...

2011-10-30T18:48:00.002-06:00

Overheard in the car on the drive to church from a very disgruntled 9 year old who did not want to be going to church meetings, "I wish this Church hadn't been restored. I wish it was still lost."

Cave Dwellers...

2011-10-29T15:31:00.000-06:00

It is a short 10 minute drive up to the Timpanogos Cave trail, so I like to hike the trail for a good work out during the summer months. We had been promising the boys all summer we would hike to the cave and take the tour and it was all of a sudden the end of summer and we still hadn't taken them. On the LAST DAY they were open for the season, I decided I better come through on my promise. Scott and Oakley had to stay home and complete a due-the-next-day science project that had also been procrastinated. It was Mom, Asher, and Eli who were able to make the trip.

I was really proud of the boys. They made it to the top of the trail without complaining and barely stopped for any breaks. MANY a crying children have I passed on my morning hike up the trail, with very frustrated parents who had the look of, "I had no idea this hike would be this hard," in their eyes.

The Baby is Five....

2011-10-29T15:21:00.000-06:00

The highlights of Asher's Fifth Birthday

A birthday party with friends

Asher wanted a fishing themed party, so we played Pin the Worm on the Hook...

...had a fishing pond...

...played Shark-Shark-Fish (Duck-Duck-Goose)
which we could have played the entire two hours
and the kids would have been thrilled,
they LOVED game...

...had a pinata..

...which resulted in a tantrum and a throwing of the
stick by Asher when he didn't break the pinata open
on his turn...

...and blue Jello with gummy fish floating inside
and Goldfish crackers for a treat.

Grandma Lee Ann came down for the afternoon. When we told Asher he could pick anywhere he wanted to go for dinner, he chose Chuck E Cheese. Sigh... anything for the birthday boy, I guess.

And if that weren't enough, a family celebration at Sunday Dinner at Grandma's

Yet another pile of presents to be opened...

...the truck from Great Grandma Moore was definitely a hit...

...and a fish birthday cake to continue the fishing themed
birthday. Blowing out his candles wearing the Harley
Davidson black leather motorcycle jacket that Grandma
Fotheringham made for him. Asher LOVES going riding
with Grandpa Fotheringham on his Harley.

The World May Never Know...

2011-10-29T14:45:00.000-06:00

Whenever I have the chance to be in the car with just one of the boys, I try to leave the music off and just let them lead the conversation in any direction they want to go. It's amazing what they'll talk about when they don't have brothers there to interrupt and disagree with what they have to say.

Last week Asher and I were driving up to Salt Lake and he randomly asks, with his cute 5 year old lisp, "Did God create Hisself?" I told him that we don't know for sure who created God, but we could ask Him when we see Him. He asked when will get to see God and I responded, "In the Spirit World after we die or maybe after we're resurrected." He asked when we will be resurrected and I told him when Christ comes back to live on the Earth. He then asked when Christ is coming back and I told him that no one knows for sure the exact day He will be coming. There was a pause and then he made this observation, "Just like no one knows how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop."

Stifling a laugh because I didn't want him to feel embarrassed, I just said, "Yep, no one knows when Jesus will come back to live on Earth and no one knows how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop." Asher then replied, "I'll bet Jesus know how many licks it takes... and probably Albert Einstein."

Here is a link to the commercial Asher was referring to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ0epRjfGLw&feature=email

...But Look at That Treehouse!

2011-10-29T14:20:00.000-06:00

I have a love/hate relationship with the Family Fun magazine. It is full of fun craft and activities, which Eli is sure we need to do each and every one. The projects always LOOK easy, but often end up consuming half of the the day to complete. Take for example the treehouse shown above. Although it does look like something that was created lickety-split, it took over 3 hours. I was really behind with the housework (okay, when am I not really behind with the cleaning?!?!) and was feeling desperate to get the bathrooms tackled. I told Eli I would make the treehouse with him, but then I needed him to play with Asher so I could get the bathrooms cleaned. He agreed and was really into the project- for the first half hour. Had I any idea it was going to take this long to finish, I never would have started.

So next time you're over for a visit, please ignore the lack of housecleaning that has been accomplished and instead oooh and ahhhh over our fabulous cardboard treehouse.

Words of Wisdom...

2011-09-07T14:42:00.000-06:00

While in the car, Asher was asking Eli, "Do you love Mom?", "Do you love Dad?", "Do you love Grandma?", and then, "Do you love Grace?" to which Eli replied, "You can't marry your cousins or your kids can't speak."

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

2011-09-07T14:06:00.000-06:00

As much fun as summer is, I'm always ready back-to-school. The boys have had about enough of the 24/7 interaction with one another and the fighting never seems to end. I'm always happy to turn the job of keeping these guys entertained , thus enter the teachers. You will keep them occupied for 6 1/2 hours a day? Yes, please! The boys were as ready as I was to head back to the classroom.

Oakley and Eli will both be attending American Heritage this year. Montessori Learning Center was the right choice for Oakley for the past three years, but the student body is heavily weighted to the younger crowd, so we knew it was time to look for a new school for him. Friends who have attended American Heritage were all thrilled with their experience. Scott and I thought it was a bit odd to mix religion and school (American Heritage also teaches the gospel along with reading, writing, and arithmetic). Scott was especially hesitant until after a tour of the school. We both knew it was the right choice for Oakley. We had planned on having Eli continue at Quail Run Charter School, but both felt it would be a great fit for Eli, too. We hoped they would both be accepted (was it obvious how crazy the Beesons are?!?!) and were after an academic assessment and interview with a school administrator. I guess we tricked them, didn't we?

Asher will be attending Leap and Learn Preschool with Miss Shaneen again. Oh how we love her and look forward to another outstanding year. Here's to the educational experience of 2011-2012!

On the first day of school, American Heritage has a flag raising ceremony -
complete with firing a cannon!

I stole the idea from a friend to make a
candy bar poster for each of the kids on their
first day of school. I'm proud of myself for not
having consumed all of the candy before they got home
from school to find only empty boxes taped to their
posters.

Eli was especially thrilled with the poster and
insisted on taping back the empty boxes onto
the poster after he ate the candy. He says he's
going to save his poster "forever." It feels good
to have a child appreciate a small gesture so much.

Asher had to wait an extra week and a half for
his poster since his school started later than his
brothers. He anxiously awaited the day and also
appreciated that Eli shared some of his candy with him
in the mean time.

The Last Hurrah...

2011-08-29T13:20:00.000-06:00

The week before school started, we decided to head up into the cool mountains and stay at Snowbird. It was more than a hit with the boys.

Scott and I are both looking forward to Asher being old enough
to ride on the slide alone. Those sleds were not make for two,
even if one of them is preschooler.

Asher loved "the flying thing." He was flapping his
arms, repeating over and over, "I'm flying!" It reminded me
of the movie What About Bob where Bill Murray was saying,
"I'm sailing! I'm saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiling!"

The Alpine Slide was more than a hit! Oakley went down over 50
times the two days we were there. Eli started out nervous about it,
but by day 2 was coming down at warp speeds.

Scott and I on the Zip Line. Our young photographer did his best
taking a picture.

At the top of the mountain, where there were still patches of snow
to be seen this late in the year. The view was spectacular.

The look of utter and complete joy- Oakley couldn't get enough of the Alpine Slide.
We were fortunate to be there during the week and when most schools were already in session.
We rarely stood in line and the boys were round and round on the slide and chairlift.

Scott displaying his manliness on the mechanical bull.
I was quite impressed with how long he stayed on top of that thing.

Check It Off the List...

2011-07-02T16:00:00.000-06:00

I've been wanting to go to Mt. Rushmore since Scott and I were first married and I discovered that SkyWest flew into Rapid City, South Dakota. In my mind, it seemed like it would be this immense, amazing spectacle- that you'd be standing right in front of Washington's nose and it would be taller than you. The actual experience was a bit difference. Scott and I both had the same reaction- it seemed much smaller than we were expecting. I think it's because you aren't able to get near as close as I thought we would be able to. The boys had a great time hiking up to it NOT on the designated trail.

I was not at all excited about going to the Reptile Gardens, but Scott assured me it had such rave reviews that we just had to go. All I could think about was how disgusting the reptile house at Hogle Zoo is- the smell is enough to trigger a gag reflex and I feel like I need a shower when we leave. Reptile Gardens was a much better experience and no gagging on my part.

After inserting a quarter, you can ask this chicken one of the yes or no questions listed and she will peck a response.
Oakley asked if he would win the lottery, which she said yes to.
Asher asked if he was mom's favorite, which she said yes to.
Eli asked if the chicken crossed the road, which she also answered in the affirmative.

There was a dinosaur park with a lot of different dinosaur statues for the kids to climb on.

The last stop on our way to the airport was an antique car and motorcycle museum. It was a husband and wife who have collected all of these and restored them. UNBELIEVABLE!!! Oakley was in heaven.

Leap and Learn Graduation, Round 1...

2011-07-01T11:48:00.000-06:00

Our Asher graduated from his first year of preschool! What a darling Miss Shaneen is and we are excited he'll get one more year of preschool with her before he marches off to kindergarten.

Easter 2011...

2011-07-01T11:46:00.000-06:00

Hunting for eggs - no snow this year!

Checking out what the Bunny left in the baskets.

Opening Easter surprises that came from Grandparents in Idaho.

The boys had matching Easter outfits. Why is there only a picture of Oakley in his new clothes? It's a mystery... must have been a crazy morning. The all were lookin' good, that's for sure.

Countdown...

2011-07-01T11:42:00.000-06:00

They boys have started countdown to summer jars. They placed a marble in their jar for each day of school they have left. Their joy increases as the number decreases, I can't say the same for myself. All three home all day for 3 months... what's a mother to do? Tana said she remembers her Mom telling her the day school got out, "Your vacation starts today, mine starts in 3 months." I'm siding with Paula on this one.

Entertainment...

2011-07-01T11:39:00.000-06:00

Eli has always been one that is great at entertaining himself, including in some very creative ways. And you thought there was only one way to wear undershirts and underwear....

Sun Protection...

2011-06-30T22:21:00.000-06:00

I asked Asher what he was doing when I saw him squirting spray butter on himself, his response was, "Putting on sunscreen." In his four-year-old brain, I guess anything that is greasy and comes from a spray bottle is considered sunscreen. I wonder if he'll smell like a nice batch of just popped popcorn when he gets out in the sun and warms up.

Scott Hamilton- is that you?

2011-04-09T20:47:00.000-06:00

Asher and Eli went ice skating at the Peaks Arena and LOVED it! Having the walker-type devices made all the difference. A man who was there ice skating asked me if Asher had skated before and when I told him that it was his first time, he said, "That boy is a natural!" I don't know that he's so much of a natural as completely fearless. On the way home Asher asked me if we could go skating every day...

Eli had his hair colored red for Crazy Hair Day at school.

Grocery Store Excitment...

2011-04-09T20:41:00.000-06:00

Who knew the grocery store could be so exciting?!?! I accompanied Asher's preschool class to the local store and gained a new whole appreciation.

I'm not sure what happened with the color on this one.... I'll blame it on the kids.

Ice cream all around.

The bakery lady was amazing making the cookies look like basketballs.

The highlight of the trip was being back in the cooler and spying on the shoppers from behind the yogurt.

Eli Sans Tonsils...

2011-04-09T20:35:00.000-06:00

Papa bear has left the house! Eli, our resident snorer, is now tonsil-free and sleeping so quietly I have to watch his chest to make sure he's actually breathing when I check on him at night. I knew that Eli was a snorer, but didn't realize just how bad it was until we had to share a hotel room with him while on our Disneyland trip. That boy was rattling the windows! When I took him to see Dr. Denys, the same doctor who removed Oakley's tonsils, he told me they rate the size of the tonsils from 1 to 4. He took a peek in Eli's throat and said, "Those are definitely 4's!"

The day before his surgery, the hospital has a program that allows the kids to come in and learn about what is going to happen when they are there for their procedure. It was wonderful! She showed Eli the different rooms he would be in and what would be happening each step of the way. Scott and I both learned a lot, too, and I think it helped Eli feel a lot better knowing what would be happening.

Some wonderful volunteers make each child who comes in for surgery a blanket and pillowcase that they get to take home. They also make them a "buddy" doll that is dressed in a hospital gown and gets to go with them into surgery. Bless you, you outstanding volunteers for all you do to help make a scary day and bit easier for these kids.

We're glad all went well with Eli's tonsillectomy and he had a reasonable recovery. As the nurses were wheeling him away into surgery and I was feeling so emotional, I had a great admiration for those parents of chronically ill children who must endure surgery after surgery. It was a time for me to offer thanks for the health our family possess and a gratitude that I was not the mother of child in need of continual medical treatment.

We won't miss you, tonsils. So long!

I Scream, You Scream...

2011-04-09T20:12:00.000-06:00

While enjoying an ice cream creation at Maggie Moos the other day, clear as if she were in the very room, I heard Grandma Gleason say, "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream." I remember her repeating that saying often,but not really eating ice cream on a regular basis. I'm not sure why she was saying it, but she was and it's a very vivid auditory memory for me.

I wonder what Grandma Gleason would think of Asher's choice of cotton candy ice cream with gummy bears mixed in? I'm sure she wouldn't think a human could consume such a concoction and live to tell about it...

The First Popsicle on the Porch Swing...

2011-04-09T20:07:00.000-06:00

A sure sign winter is heading out and spring is finally on it's way...

Harley Turns Two...

2011-03-14T17:05:00.000-06:00

Eli loves a celebration in any way, shape, or form. He has been insisting we have a birthday party for Harley and celebrate his second birthday. We know he was born in March, but didn't know the exact day. We decided the 6th sounded like a good day, so we got the party started! Now if it weren't for Eli, there would be no celebrating of a dogs birthday in this household. But Eli just knew the importance of Harley having a birthday party.

Oakley mixing up the ingredients for the dog cake.

The finished product, complete with dog-bone shaped sprinkles.

Each of the boys gave Harley a new toy- Harley does LOVE his toys.

Resident Chef...

2011-03-14T17:00:00.000-06:00

Eli has been taking a cooking class and is always excited to share his creations with his family. He was thrilled when I told him he was in charge of dinner and could make it all himself. Hopefully the love of cooking will continue because I would love the help!

Herbavore...

2011-03-14T16:57:00.000-06:00

Asher asked, while looking at my dinner, "Mom, why are you eating leaves?"

The Champion of Family...

2011-03-14T16:55:00.000-06:00

Eli is the champion of this family. He loves our family so much it is actually shocking to me. He is continually thanking Heavenly Father for his family during his prayers and saying how much he loves each of us. He is the one willing to give in on something that he wants in order to keep the peace. He wants everyone happy and gets the most upset when there is conflict. Eli lets us know how much he loves us in many ways, but I especially love all of the cute notes and pictures he puts up in random places. Although I would love to keep them all in a special box to look at all of my life, instead I am going to take a picture of some so that I can always remember just how thoughtful Eli was during this stage of his life.

A note we found taped to the garage door after Scott and I had been out on a date.

Another note we came home to taped on the garage door letting us know there was a surprise for us in our bedroom. Eli had made our bed and put all of the throw pillows on. When I was in our room admiring his work, he asked, "Did I do the pillows right?" He was beaming when I told him he had.

A note we found taped above our light switch in our bedroom.

A letter Eli had written at school.

A picture Eli had taped to the door.

Boy Pain...

2011-03-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

Asher, after being asked if he was okay after a fall, answered, "I like getting hurt 'cause then you get bruises."

Quality Rock...

2011-02-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

On the ride home from school with Steve Miller Band playing on the radio, Oakley comments, "They just don't make the quailty of rock and roll today like they used to."

Agreed...

The Happiest (and most Expensive) Place on Earth...

2011-02-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

It all started in August with an empty vase and some marbles. We told the boys that they could earn a trip to Disneyland if they filled the vase to the top by January. They could earn a marble each day by completing their "Top Five" (make bed, eat breakfast and up dishes in the sink, get dressed, complete daily job, and brush their teeth) In the beginning, they were highly motivated. But they were still motivated 5 months later! Whenever I reminded them they needed to get the marbles all the way to the top, there was never arguing about not wanting to do their job. A M A Z I N G ! ! !

I don't know how many other people, if any, bring their own food on their Disneyland vacation. But knowing that a sandwhich was $13 and a drink $5, I packed two boxes of cereal, nuts, dried fruit, and other items we could pack to eat in the Park. When we were riding the shuttle bus from the parking lot to the terminal, Scott's friend from work asked, "What are in those boxes?" When we told him we packed a lot of our own food, his expression said what most people probably thought. It's a good thing Scott and I married each other- it is pretty rare to go to such extremes to save money. But totally worth it to us. Our Disneyland experience wasn't any less that someone else's who paid the outrageous prices inside the Park.

Grace and Eli are ready to see Captain EO, starring Micheal Jackson. The 3-D movie hadn't been showing in over 10 years, but with the passing of Michael, it was showing again. It was very obviously filmed in the 1980's- the costumes and music made it clear. Oh, those were my glory years and they were really awful looking clothes.

Finding an area to break out the paper plates and assemble our sandwhiches. Asher fell asleep pretty much every afternoon in the stroller. It's a good thing we hung on to that thing- it really is on it's last leg. I knew Asher wouldn't be able to walk around the Park all day and he's too big to carry. This may be our last vacation needing a stroller! But then how do we carry our jackets, snacks, and drinks?!?!

EXHAUSTION!!! Asher would be too tired to even eat when we got back to the hotel at night.

On the ride Space Mountain a picture is taken and you can see it on a big screen at the end of the ride. I pretended to be sleeping on one of our rides. Asher, still all these weeks later, keeps reminding me that I can't sleep on Space Mountain and that I need to wait to get home in my bed to be sleeping.

Oakley and Eli both were selected to participate in "Jedi Training." Neither of them have even seen the movie Star Wars, but were really excited about the experience any way.

Oakley fighting the evil Darth Mol using his skills he learned in Jedi Training.

The happy cousins clan.

Asher just couldn't stay awake for the fireworks show. After 5 days at Disneyland from morning till night, he was one wiped out four-year-old.

I have a love-hate relationship with Disneyland. I hate that it's so expensive, I love how awesome all of the rides are. I hate that it is physically exhausting, I love the excitement the boys have while there. I hate that I feel like I need to see a chiropractor after a lot of the wild rides, I love that my boys will remember this trip all of their lives. As great as Disney is, next vacation is definitely a cruise.

Our Nation's Capital...

2011-02-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

My darling friend, Ellen James, and her family recently moved to Washington D.C. to work for Senator Mike Lee. Ellen and I both moved to Cedar Hills at the same time and met in our ward- we were instant friends. We served in a Relief Society Presidency together, carpooled to preschool together, been in Bunko together, and had many Girls's Night Out to get a break from the demands of home life. Although really sad that I wouldn't be able to see her as often, I thought it was AWESOME that they were going to be able to live in D.C.. I think D.C. would be one of my first choices as far as cities to live in. There is so much to do in such a small area- and they will have the bonus of being part of all that is going on in politics.

She and Rick had driven one moving van out and Ellen was going to stay at the house while Rick went back home to drive another van of their things out and bring the kids. With Ellen being home alone for a week and the Senate not being in session so she didn't have to go to work- I just had to go out for a visit!

Her new home is beautiful! It is also great for guests- two bedrooms and bathroom in the basement for guests! Yes, I plan on occupying the guest area frequently. We did some site seeing, got pedicures, and ate at some fabulous restaurants. We went to see the National Cathedral and happened to come in time to see a service for Martin Luther King day. We sat in the pews right next to the choir. The choir was UNBELIEVABLE. The Catholic service was interesting- the ministers in their flowing purple robes and the candles on the huge staffs, the passing of the Collection Plate. Just a very different feeling from what I'm used to seeing each week at our services. It was such a great visit and I really really really do love D.C. How convenient that one of my favorite people now lives there and has room for guests.

The National Cathedral

Anything for a great shot!

The Oldest Turns 9...

2011-02-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

Next year my first-born will be in double digits! We started this year to have the boys rotate between a friend party and a family party each year. This year it was Oakley's turn for a family party. Scott was going to have to leave for work about 6:00 p.m., so we let Oakley miss school that day (the greatest gift we could have given him.) We told him he was in charge of choosing the days activities. We started off at the bowling alley, Denney's for lunch (he was thrilled about the idea of getting a free meal on his birthday), and then he and Scott went to look at cars and trucks at the car lots while I got the house ready for the evening party. Yes, a day perfect in Oakley's eyes with his unique tastes and interests.

The family met at our house for dinner and cake. The menu included his favorite viddles- pizza, bread sticks, and soda. I also made a vegetable tray for those of us who actually recognize the necessity of such food being consumed to feel good. Oakley had an ice cream cake, which was really good and I loved not having to make it myself. As always, the family was very generous in their gift-giving and it was a fun night for all.

Happy Birthday my darling Oakley!

Grandma Lee Ann had come down the day before to see Oakley. The Indiana Jones game for the Wii was obviously a hit!

O Laundry Fairy...

2011-02-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

O Laundry Fairy, Laundry Fairy, wherefore art thou Laundry Fairy? It's endless. I will never, ever be caught up- unless I strip my entire family down to their skivvies and actually get everything washed, dried, folded and put away in one day. It usually takes 3-4 days for all four steps to be completed and it's so depressing to see how full the laundry hampers are when I'm just putting into drawers and closets the clothing just laundered. The one thing I do enjoy about the laundry is the opportunity to sit down during the day. I make sure folding time coincides with a good show being recorded that I'd like to watch. Sitting down and being able to watch a show I've been waiting to see- the one redeeming quality of laundry.

A Wild and Crazy New Years Eve...

2011-02-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Watching a movie, eating popcorn, toasting to a prosper new year with sparkling cider in sippy cups, in bed by 9:00 - yes, a wild and crazy New Years Eve at the Beesons. Glad the neighbors didn't have to make a phone call to the police for our outrageous partying ways.

Oh What Do You Do In the Wintertime...

2011-02-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

Oh what do you do in the winter time when it's too cold to go outside? When you're stuck inside for days on end? These are some of the things that we can be found doing...

Making Creepy Crawlers...

...that make great window displays or to hide on Dad's pillow to try and scare him.

Easy Bake Oven

I like to think the boys are quite well-rounded in their skills, making spiders and bugs one minute and then moving right on to creating bakery confections extraordinaire.

Chuck E Cheese

Asher and his amazing skee ball skills

Eli and his water gun shooting skills

Oakley who actually enjoys consuming the paper-like pizza that is served. It really is the WORST pizza ever created. No worries for Chuck E Cheese, though, us fools just keep purchasing it.

Winter seems especially long this year. The sickness just seems to keep making the rounds throughout the family. I don't remember having this much sickness EVER in our family. We're looking forward to sunnier days and being OUTSIDE and more physically active to fight off these bad germs.

The Time Has Come...

2011-01-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

Christmas Break- a nice break from the hustle of routine and having to hit the ground running in the early morning. But the boredom and fighting seem to settle in by noon and I wonder how I am going to survive until bedtime. And the house- oh, the messy messy house!!! As soon as one pile has been cleaned up, another twice it's size has appeared. There's no use, so I give up - but the disaster does grate on my nerves and make me grumpy.

Scott stated, while reflecting on home life with all three boys home all day long, "It's like living with all of my worst mission companions at once!" Maybe a bit extreme, but also true- unfortunately.

... "and Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again!"...

Christmas Advent in Full Swing...

2010-12-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

Let the count down to Christmas begin!

A daily treat from the appropriate drawer...

...adding an ornament to the tree each day...

...the Elf on the Shelf who watches the boys in the house each day and then reports to Santa each night on their behavior and moves to a new "look out spot" and has to be found each morning...

...and opening a Christmas book each night to read in front of the Christmas tree.

Priceless...

2010-12-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

Eli came home from school so excited to give me "a present he made." He'd wrapped it in a sheet of white paper...

...inside the paper was an eraser and "gold diamond."

Eli kept asking me, "Don't you just love the gold diamond? It's so pretty!" He was really excited about his gift and I am really excited to be the mother of such a thoughtful and tender-hearted son.

Sledding Hill - 1 Asher's Head - 0...

2010-12-01T21:28:00.013-07:00

The phrase often heard ringing throughout the house, "Asher got hurt! He hurt his head!" was once again repeated the other night. Eli reported that while sledding down the hill in front of our house, Asher fell off of his sled and hit his head on a rock and that, "it's bleeding real bad." I called Scott, who I knew was outside, and sent him to the rescue. Asher entered the house being carried in Scott's arms. His head was bleeding pretty bad, but Scott said Asher seemed to be doing fine. In fact, by the time Scott got there Asher had taken a few more runs down the hill and didn't seem to think the blood pouring down his head was an issue. After cleaning him up in the shower and seeing the size of the cut, we called the nurse. As usual, she told us to bring him in.

I didn't realize this was common practice, but the doctor actually STAPLED the wound closed!!! It seemed so barbaric to me- stapling the skull closed?!?! Are we in the 21st century?!?! I couldn't watch the process, it made me queasy -Our Tough Guy didn't even cry. He hopped down off the table with his newly acquired bouncy ball and toy car and headed to the car like he was leaving McDonald's.

Too bad it's not Halloween... the staples would make a great Frankenstein costume accessory

Yep, right there...

Is This the Year...

2010-12-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

Asher will be celebrating his fifth Christmas this year- yet he still awaits the completion of his official Beeson family stocking. Oakley and Eli's stockings... complete...

Mom and Dad's stocking... complete... Asher's hand-me-down-from-Dad-until-Mom-gets-the-real-one-completed stocking...

There are about 100 pieces to complete the project... I'm on piece 27... and it's taken me 5 years to get that much done...

Maybe Asher's completed stocking will be a wedding gift. I'm sure his wife will appreciate it. I wouldn't feel so guilty if Asher didn't ask me every 23 minutes if I've finished his stocking yet.

Hello Pilgrim!

2010-11-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite preschool days is the day before Thanksgiving break when the kids all make their pilgrim hats. I think they look ADORABLE! Happy Thanksgiving!

All He Wants for Christmas...

2010-11-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

... is his two front teeth!

A Watched Pot...

2010-11-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

Asher is hoping that by watching the sugar cookies bake, they will get done faster.

Organization = :)

2010-11-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

I LOVE anything that increases organization and decreases clutter. Clutter grates on my nerves and makes me grumpy. We have recently added a couple of things to our house that have decreased my level of grumpiness.
The first item is a locker for each of the boys. Now their coats, backpack, winter gloves and hats, boots, swimming fins and goggles all have a spot- versus the middle of the floor! The boys are still in training to make use of their locker, but they are needing less reminders.

Is that a magazine holder like I see at the doctors office you ask? Why, yes it is! I was searching for the perfect system to keep every family members papers that were scattered to and fro throughout the house in one central location. School calendars, permission slips, book orders, and all random papers usually found cluttering up the kitchen counter. Not only will it decrease clutter, it will save time since there will be no more searching throughout the house looking for that particular paper- there will only be one spot to check!

Pumpkin guts...

2010-11-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

There are many things that I love about Halloween... there is one thing that I really hate- CARVING PUMPKINS!!! Our poor children have not had the actual experience more then a few times because I really can't stand the whole process. I tried to convince them this year that it would be just as fun to paint the pumpkin as to carve it, but no luck- they (especially Eli) were relentless. Eli reminded me MANY times throughout the year that we haven't carved pumpkins in a L O N G time (I take that as a personal victory on my part), but there was no getting out of the chore for Halloween 2010.

The boys did think it was exciting and wonderful. They were thrilled with the faces Scott was able to carve for them based on their own drawings. I had the fabulous job of covering every conceivable area of the counter with newspaper and gutting the pumpkins. Scott had the distinct pleasure of carving the faces.

Glad we have some pictures for the boys to remember this wonderful occasion because I will be avoiding this activity at all costs each and every Halloween. There are just some things as parents that, when the children are grown, you won't miss. This is one of them for me.

The Leaves are Falling Down... gently down...

2010-11-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall! It's amazing how much the boys anticipate and LOVE when the leaves fall from the weeping birches. They will rake them up again and again, throw hand fulls in the air, jump down on a huge pile, and bury themselves. Oakley found a new use this year, the perfect spot to enjoy a PB & J is while sitting on top of a pile of leaves.

Back in the Race - Literally...

2010-11-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

After an almost 10 year hiatus, I finally entered another race. Tiffany convinced me to sign up and I was so glad she did. It was just a 10k, but it was definitely something I had to prepare for. It was exciting to have the experience again after a very long break being pregnant and nursing and having small children. Checking in and getting my packet, pinning my number on, trying to stay warm at the starting line with all the other racers, having people on the sidelines cheering you on, and finally crossing the finish line- it was exciting! Scott, my parents, and the boys all wanted to be at the finish line. I finished quite a bit quicker than I was expecting, so they just missed my crossing the finish. They were bummed, but I was still glad they wanted to be there to support me. As time more time passes, I'm getting bits of my pre-children life back. I wouldn't trade my children for any life experience, but it is invigorating to be able to do a few more of these kinds of activities. Now that I've successfully completed this race, I'm on the lookout for my next one. I would really like to compete in a triathlon, just a sprint- but a triathlon nonetheless. I think it will need to wait until all 3 boys are in school full time. But Baby Steps- one baby step at a time...

Days of Magic...

2010-11-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

What a happy time when Tana and Maxx came for a visit! It feels so good to be able to spend time with a friend you adore and don't get to see near often enough because of distance. The few days they were able to be here we filled with a trip to the Zoo and Chuck E. Cheese. Maxx had never been to Chuck E. Cheese and it was a magical first experience for him. He also got to take his first trip to the city dump with Scott. Again, MAGIC-the city dump is an amazing experience when you are a 3 year old boy.

It's Your Looks...

2010-11-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I adore this boy! Oh, how this boy can drive me to the edge of Sanity and over the cliff! I often find myself thinking, "If you weren't so darn cute, I don't think I could put up with you! It's your looks that are keeping you around. With that smile, there isn't anything you can't get away with."

Man was Made to Work...

2010-11-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

After 5 months of "Free Time" waiting for the FAA to approve Scott's medical license, the official letter finally arrived! Scott was once again legal to fly airplanes. What an incredible opportunity to have 5 months free of work obligations, especially during the summer when the kids weren't in school and we had nowhere we had to be.

Scott accomplished a lot of projects in the yard- the never-ending, no end in sight yard projects. But the majority of free time was spent in his new boat. His water skiing and wake boarding skills have improved dramatically with all of the extra practice. He's also taken up the air chair- which looks like a major injury waiting to happen. It's very convenient that his pilot friends, Chad and Ben, are also passionate about boating. With Chad and Ben having as much time off as they do, the Three Amigos were out on Utah Lake or Deer Creek several times a week.

With the new school year starting and have 3 kids at 3 different schools with 3 different drop-off and pick-up times, I was so appreciative of Scott being here to help out. It has been a HUGE adjustment to not have him here to help with all of the morning craziness. I don't know how to get scriptures read, breakfast consumed, daily jobs completed, piano practice done, children dressed, beds made, teeth brushed, hair combed and family prayer all accomplished by 8:15 alone.

As fabulous as it has been for Scott to be home, I know that man was meant to work. The boating, camping, fishing, Scofield cabin trips, and other vacations were a lot of fun and this has been a summer like no other we'll ever have, Scott will find much satisfaction earning a living for his family again. He loves his family, but I don't think men were wired to be home with children all day every day. He is internally driven to be out earning an income that provides for his family. Heavenly Father really is smart- His children will find the greatest happiness in life by following the counsel in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World."

A lot of happy memories for Summer 2010. A lot of gratitude for the letter received 29 October 2010 that Scott was approved to go back to work.

Outer Darkness...

2010-11-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

Until Thanksgiving, each day the family is writing something on our "Attitude of Gratitude" chalk board. Yesterday Eli wanted to write that he was thankful for our family and that "we can live in this world and not with Satan." The reading we were doing last week in the Doctrine and Covenants about the three degrees of glory obviously made an impression- Eli does not want to be living in Outer Darkness with Satan.

Halloween Festivities 2010...

2010-11-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Grandma's Annual Halloween Kick-off party was a hit- as usual! One of the highlights being Jed and Sarah flying in from Seattle just for the party! This party is getting to have a life of it's own...

All the non-costumers...

Great Grandma Moore with all Great Grand-Goblins

Asher trying out the Edible Barf- most found it disguisting, little Lucas thought it was yummy

The Mummy Game

The dry ice was the hit of the night

Buzz Lightyear bobbing for apples

The Queen of Egypt has to clean up high chairs?!?! She should have summoned her servants!

Once There Was a Snowman...

2010-10-27T21:43:00.001-06:00

The first snowman of Winter 2010 was constructed by Eli Beeson on 27 October. Welcome, Winter!

Happy 4th!...

2010-10-07T14:53:00.000-06:00

Asher wearing his crown from preschool.

Grandma wrote a darling story all about Asher.
He loved being read a story that he was the star of!

Asher received a strobe light and disco ball-
so it was a DANCE PARTY in the toy room with the cousins!

Mom took Asher to the party store and let him look at all of the different kinds of decorations.
He decided FIRE TRUCKS was what he wanted.

Grandma Lee Ann came to visit the day before.
Asher was thrilled with his new Mustang.

Maxx sent Asher a flashlight and magnifying glass for his birthday.
They were obviously a hit- he had to sleep with them in his bed!

Happy 4th Birthday Asher Maurice Beeson! Your family loves you very much and are grateful for your happy and smiling personality.

There's No Place Like Home...

2010-10-07T14:41:00.000-06:00

Eli came home from school with a drawing that looked like a house and the beach. When I asked Eli to tell me about the picture, he said his teacher had them draw a picture of their two favorite places. Eli had chosen home and the beach. As a Mother, to know home is where our child loves to be, warms my heart.

A Glimpse into the Future...

2010-10-07T14:38:00.000-06:00

While staying in Idaho for the weekend, Scott and I took the boys to Rexburg to see how the little town had "grown up" since I was a student there. The boys and I strolled around the what seemed like double the size campus. It was impossible not to be nostalgic as I walked through buildings again that I had walked through hundreds of time before. I always refer to my years as a student at Ricks College as my "glory years." I did love the two years I spent living there- I had wonderful friends and fantastic professors. But it was also the first time I was truly my own, independent being. No one knew who I was before, who my family was, and how I was "supposed" to act. There were also the insecurities about the future- now what? As I walked around campus that night, I thought how much comfort and joy I would have felt if I would have been given a glimpse into the future 20 years- to have a peek at myself and my husband and sons strolling around the campus? I know I would have spontaneously combusted with excitement- what a happy and blessed life I have!

Good-bye Grandpa Ham...

2010-10-07T14:24:00.000-06:00

Each of the Grandkids and Great Grandkids were given a balloon...

...to release into "heaven" for Grandpa!

The casket was simple pine and had a sketch of his Uintah cabin on the fabric liner.

At the family dinner at the church, one of the ladies helping was VERY CONCERNED about Asher and Eli eating too much cake. When she discovered I was their Mom, she went on and on about how much cake they had eaten and it was too much sugar. I just smiled and said, "Oh, it's okay- I'm sending them to Grandma's house so she can deal with the sugar high." The woman didn't laugh at all.

One of the many pieces of cake Asher ate.

I Miss that Man...

2010-10-07T14:13:00.000-06:00

Once again I had the opportunity to don my plastic-covered name badge and tromp around B.Y.U. campus from morning till night listening to inspiring, hysterical, encouraging, invigorating, enlightening, amusing, and well-educated speakers on a variety of topics. Yes, Education Week, my long-last friend, and I were re-acquainted. Karen and Mom were also able to attend, which made the experience that much more fantastic. After a week of attendance, I feel like I can defeat the world- that I will be able to improve myself in so many ways I will hardly be recognizable, that my marriage will be an example to the world and the greatest love story ever written, and that each of my children will be in a near-translation state of being. Then the Week comes to an end and the reality of my life smashes into my consciousness. All of those idealistic goals come crashing down all too quickly. My desire is that each year I can improve on even one thing. If there is one thing that then becomes a part of my life that brings my closer to my Savior, then attendance has been worthwhile.

One of the classes we attended was a musical group that consists of three women who have been singing together for 25 years. They were asked by President Hinckley to write a Primary song about prophets. After the song was completed, they were invited to come and perform for President Hinckley. As they shared the details of this fantastic experience of singing about prophets to the very living prophet of our day, they also had photos to show. As the picture of President Hinckley were shown on the screen, I became incredibly emotional. I was over-come with the feeling of missing President Hinckley desperately- like he had been a close, personal friend whose absence has changed my every day life. This experience brought to mind the "personal" experiences I have had with Gordon B. Hinckley.

The first was when I was attending the sesquicentennial celebration of the Pioneer Saints entering the Salt Lake Valley. There was a program being held at B.Y.U. football stadium and we were able to secure tickets. There were thousands of people in attendance and we were making our way through the crowds to our assigned seats. I could see a golf cart not too far off, headed my way. I was surprised how fast it was able to move in such a compacted crowd of people. When it was close enough for me to recognize who the passenger was, I was speechless. In my speechless state, the cart ran right over my foot! But my first thought was, "President Hinckley, you can run over my foot in any mode of transportation any time you like!" Yes, President Hinckley was being whisked away to wherever it was that he would be sitting for the program. It wasn't a spiritual experience, but a personal one nonetheless.

The next time I remember being that close to the Prophet was during the Mount Timpanogos Temple Dedication. I had signed up to serve as an escort and received a phone call from someone in charge of organizing the escorts that started with the statement, "I don't know what you did in the Pre-existence to deserve this, but I'm calling to see if you would be willing to serve as an escort in the Celestial Room." He had no idea who I was, I had no idea who he was, but my name somehow was selected to be able to be in the Celestial Room of the Temple during the dedicatory service.

The day of the dedication each of the escorts I was with were giddy with excitement- it was like being a 7 year-old the night before Christmas, we couldn't even sleep! As I was standing at my assigned door way, the main doors on the west side of the room opened up and in walked President Hinckley, President Monson, and Elder Eyring. It seriously took my breath away to see these Men of God walk into the Celestial Room dressed in white. Tears immediately came and I was completely overwhelmed by the experience. Each time I attend the Timpanogos temple, I sit on the east side of the room and remember what it was like to see those men enter that sacred room. It's one of those experiences that continues to be a blessing throughout my life.

President Jensen invited Tana, her sister Tricia, and me up to have lunch with his at the Church Office Building. There is a cafeteria in the basement that we were able to dine with not only President Jensen, but President and Sister Hinckley, President Monson, Elder Eyring, and other of the brethren. Eating was the last thing I wanted to do! I was trying to stare at all of them while not looking like I was staring. I wanted to see what they were eating and I wanted to hear what they talked about over lunch.

There are a couple of stories that President Jensen shared with us about President Hinckley that I will always remember. The first was after a weekend of traveling in Europe, it was all President Jensen could do to keep his eyes open on the flight home. He felt like he could barely put one foot in front of the other when President Hinckley came and took him by the hand and said, "Marlin, go home and take a nap." 25 years his senior and he's telling him to take a nap! President Jensen said President Hinckley NEVER stops working. If they are on a flight, he is constantly writing and reading- no napping for him. The Lord truly strengthens his Anointed.

The other story he shared was about a conversation President and Sister Hinckley were having and it was obvious they had a difference of opinion. Sister Hinckley then said, "Well, whatever you want , Gordon." President Hinckley then turned to the Jensens and said, "This is how a good marriage is run!"

Although not President Hinckley, there was an experience I had while at the B.Y.U. Jerusalem Center when President Holland and President Faust came to visit. They and their wives stayed at the Center for about a week and it was fun to just "have them hanging around." I wasn't one of the students always wanting pictures and to be up in their face, but one day I was walking down the hall with three of my best friends, who happened to be three guys. President Faust came up to me and said, "What are you, the Pied Piper? Look at how these guys just follow you around!" We laughed, had some small talk, and it was awesome to see that Apostles live normal lives, too.

More Cookies...

2010-10-02T19:38:00.001-06:00

Every Sunday the family joins together at Grandma Fotheringham's house for dinner. The cousins are delighted at the opportunity to play together and are less than stellar in their actual eating of dinner. It is a constant battle we've been dealing with for years now. On the drive home from Grandma's there is a chorus of, "I'm hungry!" heard from the three boys in the back seat. Then there is a reply in unison from the 2 parents in the front seat, "We just had dinner! If you didn't eat, it's your fault. There is no food until breakfast." Depending on the week, some times there is much weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. When will they ever get it? Week after week...

Grandpa is such a fun grandpa- all the kids love him.

The other battle waged concerns dessert. The standing rule, if you don't eat your dinner, no dessert. Easy to implement at home, more difficult at Grandma's. Grandma states it is her house and her dinner, so if the grand kids want to have dessert, she should be able to give it to them. Last week her argument was, "They are oatmeal cookies. They do have oatmeal in them!" When I started to explain, AGAIN, why the kids need to eat their dinner and not be given dessert because we want to get them home and right to bed- not make another meal for them, Grandma put her foot down and said, "The kids can have a cookie at Grandma's house!" I said, "But I can't stand to get home at bedtime and having them crying and begging for food!" Grandpa had the best solution to it all, "Well, tell them to eat more cookies next time."

Kryptonite...

2010-09-15T14:49:00.000-06:00

I was reading, "How Much is That Doggy in the Window," to Eli and Asher before bed. At the end of the book it has the music and words to the song and Eli asked me if I would sing it. I am well aware of my significantly deficient singing abilities, but it is even apparent to a 3 year old child. After one verse, Asher looked up and me and said, "Mom, stop singing. You're making me feel weak." I said, "What?!?! My singing makes you 'weak'?" His reply, "Yes, it's making me kinda sick."

I didn't know Asher was Superman and my singing his kryptonite.

Taking on 2010-2011...

2010-09-01T12:48:00.000-06:00

It was a long good-bye to Harley dog.

Back to teachers, back to books...Beeson Boys are back to school again! Something new this year, each of the boys will be participating in some sort of school experience. Oakley will be taking on 3rd grade at Montessori, Eli will be attending a full day of school at Quail Run Charter School as a first grader, and Asher will be going to Leap and Learn Preschool three mornings a week. It's a glimpse of a new life for Mom- three mornings a week with a couple of hours all to myself. What to do? What to do?

Oakley's school started on 23 August. The usual complaints about not wanting to go back to school were heard days, even weeks before class was back in session. And, as usual, the moment he walked through the school doors, he dashed off to his class without even looking back. Oakley certainly has a love/hate relationship with school. Scott and I both feel like three years at Montessori is just what Oakley needed, but it's time for a new adventure. Where that will be is still to be decided- Quail Run? (We'll be able to make a better decision once we see how things go for Eli) The Districts Advanced Learning Lab? (We've heard a lot of pros and cons about the Program, so we're still undecided if it's the best fit for Oakley) Another private school? Another charter school? Hopefully the right option will become clear as this year progresses.

Eli had his first official full day of school today. We have loved watching the new Quail Run School building being constructed right across the street from our house. When Eli was selected from the lottery to attend, we became even more interested in how it was all coming together. As I was researching schooling options, there were a number of things about Quail Run that seemed a perfect for Eli. There are more art, music, and dance in the curriculum. The students have options for seat learning- stand up desks, exercise balls to sit on, etc. It isn't a school of "Sit in your desk, don't move, and listen to teacher all day." They want students to explore and discover their own learning style. There will be a garden that each student gets to help maintain and enjoy the produce grown. The overall feeling I had when reading through their information was they recognize and embrace each child learns differently and they will provide opportunities for every kind of learner. Not to say that I was 100% confident in our decision. But, as so often is the case in parenting, it felt right and I have to "go with my gut."

Eli has been anxiously awaiting 1 September arrival! We attended the Open House the night before. He was so excited about everything! He was pulling me by my hand, wanting to race around and see everything. The construction of the building was delayed a few weeks because of an extra-long wet and rainy spring. There is still finishing touches to be completed in the building and the landscaping outside. There are a lot of details that are still being worked out. The staff didn't have answers to every question. I am absolutely okay with all of it. I was quite annoyed with all of the complaining parents! This is the first year and there is a huge learning curve. Of course there will be growing pains, but it's the parents that are having a problem, not the students. When Eli is reminiscing about his first grade year, is he going to remember all of the outlets weren't finished and some of the halls weren't carpeted? He's going to remember how he felt. Based on his comments on the way home, I know he loved how he felt in his new school. He told me as were walking back home, "I wish it was 8:30 tomorrow morning so I could just stay there. I'm so excited, I won't sleep at all tonight." The major and important factors are in place- Eli is safe and happy in a beautiful new school building filled with optimistic and enthusiastic staff and a lot of new friends to be made.

I have been stating that I will be doing the "happy dance" the moment Oakley and Eli are both in school all day. After a summer of keeping them entertained, I was more than ready to turn over the reigns for a good part of the day to the schools. As soon as I hugged Eli good-bye, the tears wouldn't stop. Our Eli is such a sweet, tender-hearted boy- his loving influence will be missed around the house during school hours. Yesterday he told me he wished Oakley and Asher were going to Quail Run, too, so they could meet at recess to play together. Asher will be one lost and wandering soul without his favorite playmate.

I guess Quail Run isn't the only one experiencing growing pains- Mom is, too.

How a Real Man Does It...

2010-08-27T22:38:00.000-06:00

Asher wants to do everything that Eli does, because he's the cool big brother. On our last trip to the cabin, Asher and Eli were catching small fish in a trap they hung from the boat dock. Eli was trying to convince Asher to pick up one of the fish, but Asher was nervous. Eli kept telling him, "That's what real men do! They aren't scared or cry like a girl. Real men can pick up fish." I guess at the age of three it's already important to show you are a real man. Eli wasn't successful in convincing Asher to pick up one of those floppy, slimy fish. But when Asher came running down the plank of the boat dock, he came to me and said, "Do you want to see how a real man does it?" and proceeded to run off the end of the dock into the 65 degree water. His teeth were chattering, lips were purple, and he was happy to get wrapped up in a dry towel- but he was quite proud of himself because Eli refused to jump into the cold water. So who is the REAL MAN- the one who dares to pick up fish or the one willing to jump into freezing cold water? I'm assuming the next ten years and beyond will be a continual contest between brothers trying to show "how a real man does it!"

The SCAG...

2010-08-27T22:26:00.002-06:00

With the size of our yard, Scott needed more than an average riding lawnmower. He did his research and decided a used landscaping-type mower was what he needed. He purchased one he thought would work out, but ended up being a heap of junk from day one. It required 2 hours of tuning up before each time he needed to mow. I did not like that Scag mower and told him he just get something new so he didn't have to waste so much time on the hunk of junk. I don't know if I would have made that statement if I'd realized the cost of a new Walker Mower was near the price of a college education! Scott was able to find a fantastic deal and what a relief to have a functioning mower when there is an acre and half of grass to be mowed. Now it was time to say adios to the Scag. Neither Scott nor I had nice things to say about that mower, which obviously met the ears of Asher. The night after we sold the mower to some guy who was sure he could get it fixed and running great, Asher said in his prayers that night, "Thank you we could sell the crap mower." I try to envision Heavenly Father's response to such prayers...

So long Scag...

Palisade, Round Three...

2010-08-27T22:08:00.001-06:00

After two years of too-cool temperatures, the annual Palisade trip was moved from the week of Grandpa's birthday in June to Scott's birthday in July. It was a good decision, the temperatures were perfect for daytime swimming and cooling off for sleeping at night. This year Jeremy and Emily's family came along for the fun. When Grace was the only one in her preschool class who hadn't been camping and sat around a campfire, I think the pressure was on to finally take on the challenge of camping with kids. As Emily as often stated, she is "not an outdoor kind of girl," but discovered it's one of the things you do because "the kids love it so much."
Many of the activities remained the same...

Kayaking...

When just paddling around in the water got too boring, the guys decided to add some variety by trying to stand up in the kayak. Although not very successful, it was entertaining to watch.

Asher gave Grandpa a pull while Oakley was the motor (his face in the water, blowing bubbles, and making motor sounds) giving him a push in the kayak.

Four-wheeling...

"Anyone wanna take me for a ride?"

Golfing...

Playing in the Water...

A swim out to the floating dock

Grandpa held the grand kids at bay with his water squirter

Catching minnows

Craft Projects for the kids...

Making visors

Asher models his final project- worn rap-star style

Decorating cooking aprons

I just love the look on Asher's face in this picture. Not so flattering of me, but I love the look on his face, "Yep, that's my Mom and we're making an apron together."

Sitting around the Campfire...

Enjoying s'mores

And a few things that were added to the week at Palisade that were new...

Having the cousins there to wrestle with

Grandpa's new tent that fit on the back of his truck. Oakley and Dad got to sleep there this year.

Celebrating Scott's birthday with fruit pizza and SPARKLERS

A trip to the Manti Temple

...which had to include rolling down the gigantic hill.

Turning the hamburger joint in Ephraim into a DISCO as the kids demonstrated their best dance moves to the music they selected to play on the juke box.

Oakley wanting to push Juliet in her stroller and keep her entertained at all times. The smile says it all, he loves babies!

The big tent being completely blown over and destroyed in a sudden storm. Thankfully Juliet had been retrieved from her crib just minutes before.

The trailer getting a flat tire on the drive home. Thankfully Grandpa and Dad had us on the road again in no time.

The old, the new- it was all fun at Palisade!

Memorable Asher quotes from the week:
We had been talking for weeks about our trip to Palisade and had the boys all excited about it. The first night there, Asher turns to me and asks, "Is this Palisade?" In my most enthusiastic voice, I say, "Yes! This is it! We're at Palisade!" Asher's response, "I thought Palisade was a ship." The poor child thought we were going on a cruise and Palisade was the name of our ship. Thankfully he's only three- his mind went from a week of cruising to a week of camping without a hitch. Had I thought I was going on a cruise and found out it was actually camping, I would have needed to be sedated I would have been so hysterical.

The beach was right across a small road from our campsite. When we were setting up our chairs and things for a day of swimming and playing in the water, I noticed Asher didn't have his life jacket on. I told him to go back and get his life jacket off of the bench. After he'd been gone for too long, Grandma went over to see what he was doing. She found him in the trailer and when he saw her he raised his hands in a questioning gesture and asked, "What's a bench?"

Pee-free hair...

2010-08-02T22:34:00.001-06:00

We have been giving Asher a "trial-run" of sleeping in undies instead of a Pull-Up. When he had an accident the other night, Scott was giving him a bath and told Asher after his body was washed he needed to wash his hair. Asher looked at him and stated, "But I didn't pee in my hair!"

An Afternoon at the Gardens...

2010-07-16T15:46:00.000-06:00

It's a sure sign summer is really on it's way when we make the annual trip to the Thanksgiving Point Bulb Festival. Bulb flowers are my personal favorite and the children getting rid of that pent up energy from the previous months of cold temperatures and being trapped indoors is another bonus. These cousins sure are happy to spend the day together anywhere, but the Secret Garden was especially fun.

Oakley loves to be able to help with the babies. He took charge of pushing Juliet around in her stroller and entertaining her.

I'm not sure if fish can overdose on popcorn, but they may have come close the day we were there to visit. The feeding of the fish is the highlight of the day and the fish consumed over 4 bags of popcorn and a loaf of bread during our visit.

After the hills had been rolled down numerous times, the fish fed, the water played in at The Secret Garden, and lunch consumed by the waterfall, it was time to head the worn out kids towards the parking lot. Summer is on it's way!

Another School Year Down...

2010-07-16T15:25:00.000-06:00

The end of the school year involved the usual activities. Eli participated in the walk-a-thon. I'm not sure where the information became misconstrued, but he informed me whoever "won" the walk-a-thon would have a swimming pool built at their house as a prize. This was obviously a big incentive to him and he ran his heart out. He wanted Asher and I to run with him the entire time. The first few laps he held Asher's hand- it was darling to watch him encourage Asher to keep up with him.

Eli's kindergarten class also did "The Chicken Dance" in the school dance festival, just like the kindergartners do every year. He had the moves down and was the best chicken dancer out there! It was fun to watch his teacher, Mrs. Story, participate. She has a lot of energy and is so darling with the students. I'm glad Eli was able to be in her class.

I have very mixed emotions about the school year coming to an end. I am looking forward to not having to hit the ground running every morning trying to get everyone where they need to be and having a schedule that is more open and flexible. I look forward to being able to do a lot of fun things together as a family- boating, golfing, staying at the Scofield Cabin, camping, swimming, going to the children's summer movies, and anything else that tickles our fancy. With Scott not having work until the end of August, this will be a summer like no other- no one in the family has anywhere they have to be! I am not looking forward to children being home all day every day- which will include fighting, boredom, the house being a bigger mess, and having to be the organizer of many more activities during the day. When it's time for the school year to begin, I hope we all feel like it's been a summer of fun for everyone.

The Great Alaskan Escape...

2010-07-15T22:15:00.000-06:00

Thanks to finding a great price, the willingness of Grandmas' to care for three little boys, and a friend willing to keep watch over Harley, Scott and I were able to take a wonderful Alaskan cruise. Scott and I both love Alaska- the landscape is like no other and the beauty is amazing. More than anything, I was looking forward to nine uninterrupted days with Scott where we could just what we wanted to do and not having to ask ourselves, "But what about the boys?" Not that I would trade the boys for anything, but a break from the daily duties of motherhood was fabulous and renewing to my soul. My concern that Asher would be homesick was for naught. He had a great time at Grandma Lee Ann's and was happy the entire time.

Our flight into Anchorage arrived around midnight and the shuttle to Seward left at 5:30 a.m. We found some chairs and tried to get some sleep. Doesn't Scott look comfortable?

I was looking forward to a very relaxing vacation. I wanted to read, sleep, and eat a lot of great food. All of my hopes came to fruition. One of my favorite spots was out on the deck in a deck chair with a wool blanket over me reading a great book and enjoying the scenery.

One of the days we spent cruising Glacier National Park. As we were out on the deck, the staff would bring around hot chocolate and then a while later warm soup. As we got closer to the glacier, we were able to see it calving, where great pieces of ice would crash into the water. Of course the pictures do not do justice to just how immense this glacier is- it was twenty two miles long! We saw some great wildlife- wales, seals, moose, big horn sheep, and a lot of eagles. No bear, unfortunately.

Although we were very much enjoying our time together, we were glad when we were able to talk to the boys and see how everyone was holding up. All good reports, which brought a sigh of relief.

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting Jenny and Bob.

We were out by the shore and Scott was trying to get the camera set up to take a picture of both of us. Jenny came over and offered to take a picture for us and asked us if we were on our honeymoon. I laughed and said we had 3 children at home. She said, "Are you serious? You look like you're only about 22." I told her she was my new best friend and that was the greatest compliment I'd ever received. It's amazing what a few days of vacation can do- take 15 years off of my age!

Jenny and Bob were on a cross-country trip in their trailer. They were from Ohio and had left in April and were traveling until August. I wondered if they ever ran out of things to talk about or got really tired of each other. That trailer is not that big! They offered to let us borrow their bikes for the day. I guess us Mormons from Salt Lake looked pretty trustworthy. Bob had just retired from being a police officer- so I think he was pretty good about reading people.

So what do you do when you are sick or hurt and out on a ship in the middle of the ocean? Call the Coast Guard! One of the crew was sick and needed to be taken to a hospital. The Coast Guard came and sent down a stretcher and took the guy up into the helicopter and off to the hospital. It really was cool to see how they work. I wouldn't want to be the one in the harness hanging over the water from a helicopter- that's for sure!

Scott and I aren't much for the group excursions when we get into port. We like to ask a few locals what's the best thing to do in the area and just figure out our own adventures. In Juneau we found a great hike to go on. We weren't sure how long it was going to take us, so we were going as fast as we could. I did not want to miss the ship! There is a tram that most people take to the top of the mountain, but we decided to do the hike. It is 1800 feet up in elevation and the view is spectacular. The hike is through lush green forested area. There were signs warning about bears, so we made sure to make a lot of noise the whole way up.

The view from the top was amazing! We were able to take the tram down and we made it back on board just in time!

On our way to the trail head, Scott noticed this plaque that was just randomly placed back in these trees. I was surprised he even noticed it. Once we read it, we realized it was a plaque marking what is called, "Mormon Hill." It is where the first missionaries for the Church dedicated Alaska for the preaching of the Gospel.

I loved the quaint Alaskan towns. I don't think I would want to live there myself, but I do appreciate their beauty. The wildflowers were in bloom everywhere and in such abundance. Most of the homes are built on hills and the stairs up to the front doors were quite a site to see. I wonder how exhausting it must be to haul all of the groceries up. I think a big trip to Costco would wear a person out getting everything into the house.

We were both really happy with the food, entertainment, and service on the ship. Our servers, Rudy and Budi, were the greatest. It's always a shock to come home after a cruise and realize I don't have my waiter to serve and clean up my meals. I need Rudy and Budi to live at our house!

Scott and I loved having so much time together. It did start to feel like we were on our honeymoon! I can't wait for our next trip together- it was awesome!

The Farmers Are Back...

2010-07-15T20:59:00.000-06:00

Thirty years ago the house that we now occupy was filled with farmers who farmed all of the surrounding land. Recently, some farmers made a brief appearance once again. I happen to think they are much cuter- but I am biased!

Oh, Happy Day...

2010-07-15T20:51:00.000-06:00

The joy and happiness that big equipment can bring to little boys! Scott has been doing some work out "on the land," (the half acre or so of field north of the driveway). The days the backhoe and dump truck are here provide full-time entertainment for the Beeson boys.

Fishing With Dad...

2010-06-26T16:27:00.000-06:00

The fishing season started early for Eli and Scott, the resident Beeson Family Fisherman, this year. They were able to take a trip with Uncle Ryan and Aunt Tenille down to Lake Powell in April. More than the fishing, I was hoping Eli would love the one-on-one time with Dad.

Atrial Fibrillation - Round Two...

2010-05-27T14:45:00.000-06:00

Scott is the picture of health, he's always been fit and trim and rarely gets sick, so the fact that he has atrial fibrillation doesn't seem to fit. (Atrial fibrillation is a particular type of heartbeat (arrhythmia) characterized by an extremely fast irregular rhythm.) Three years ago he had an ablation (Catheter ablation is a procedure used to selectively destroy areas of the heart that are causing a heart rhythm problem. During this procedure, thin, flexible wires are inserted into a blood vessel and threaded up through the blood vessel and into the heart under X-ray guidance. Then, your doctor will find the tiny areas that are causing the rhythm problem. The wires are used to send energy to those areas in the heart. This energy is in the form of heat or freezing cold. The heat or cold destroys, or ablates, the heart tissue. Destroying this tissue can cure your heart rhythm problem.) and we'd hoped his heart would be fixed forever. In January the irregular heart beat was back and he knew he needed to have the doctor check it out.

The tender mercies of the Lord, which are abundant in our life, has made this process easier. Jeremy is the director over the CARMA (Comprehensive Arrhythmia Research and Management Center) at the University of Utah Hospital. This issue is especially touchy because of Scott's job. The first time he received treatment, the FAA pulled his medical endorsement and required documentation for the doctor that his heart was functioning properly. Scott didn't want to raise any red flags this time until he knew for sure he needed another ablation. Jeremy was able to have Scott be enrolled in the research at the CARMA center as a "John Doe" and have the evaluations he needed to have done completed without having to notify the FAA. Once it was determined that Scott did need a second ablation, which is actually very common for those with atrial fibrillation, then he notified Skywest and the FAA.

Few are the men that can be happy being at home all day with small children. After his last procedure, he was able to work in the office at the airport. There have been changes in short-term disability and he cannot earn any additional income this time around. I told him the timing is perfect- it's the beginning of summer and we can have the greatest three months boating, staying at Scofield, going to Lake Powell, camping, and finishing up all the yard landscaping and projects. I cannot imagine if this were like November and we were stuck inside for months... that would not be good for anyone. Again, another tender mercy - the timing couldn't be better.

Scott's procedure was scheduled for Monday, May 17th. A few days before I noticed a Google search on the computer "chances of death from heart ablation." I felt sad that Scott was worrying about actually dying from the procedure. The chances of death are exceedingly rare, but I guess that very small percentage seems monumental when you are the one having it done.

Mom watched the boys so that I could be with Scott. Grandma always comes up with fun activities for the boys. This time it was a treasure hunt. She gave them each a bag and a list of things they could find outside.

As is usually the case, Scott had to wait four hours before he was finally taken back. Annoying as it was to wait that long, the chance to have a minimally interrupted conversation for that long was incredibly nice. The time spent waiting for Scott's procedure to be finished was the time my thoughts were spent reflecting on what really matters. Those are the moments when the picture is really clear- when all of the little distractions of life that seem to consume so much of our thoughts and time fall away. Life without Scott would be unbearable. I hope that nothing ever happens to him and that we grow old together and find joy in watching our children grow and mature. To quote the all-wise Winne-the-Pooh, "“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.”

Thankfully, all went well. Scott is on the mend and the care he has received is far superior to his previous experience. At this point he is well enough that I noticed he'd done a Google search, "help wanted, Provo." If I ever want to know what's really on Scott's mind, I can just look at the "history" on his Google searches- it reveals all.

Primary Gives Me a Complex...

2010-05-27T14:03:00.000-06:00

I have been teaching the ten-year-olds in Primary since January and a few weeks ago one of the kids in my class asked, "Is your name Sister Smith?" Seriously?!?! It's been months and he doesn't know my name? It did make me feel better when I noticed the other kids did call me by my name.

While I was singing in Sharing Time, the nine-year-old in front of me whipped around and looked at me, then leaned over and told the girl sitting next to her, "She is waaaaaaaay off!" Even the young ones know I have zero singing ability- even in a room of 80 children singing!

Boys Are Laundry Free...

2010-05-27T13:56:00.001-06:00

Today as I was folding what seemed like my 100th load of laundry, Eli walked by and commented, "I'm glad I'm not a girl- I don't want to do laundry."

I guess I'll be going on Eli's mission with him and to college so he can have some clean clothes to wear.

Compliment?...

2010-05-27T13:54:00.000-06:00

As part of my Exercise and Nutrition class, I had a fitness evaluation done. When the darling evaluator, who is probably in her early twenties, asked for my birth date, she said, "WOW!!! I would never have guessed! You look fabulous!" Did she mean, "You're so freakin' old I can't believe you can even walk without a cane or walker or something!!!" I think she meant to be complimentary, but she was so over-zealous in her response, it made me feel like I was 37 was really close to 107.

To add insult to injury, a few days later we had a contractor here who was looking at our wedding picture on wall and asked, "Is that you?" Is that me?!?! Who does he think it is- our neighbor's wedding picture? That I'm old enough to have a married child? Okay, so I was still in my working-around-the-house clothes with no make up or anything. But I was completely unrecognizable?!?!

Priorities...

2010-05-27T13:42:00.000-06:00

In kindergarten class, Eli had an assignment to write a grocery shopping list. The first item he listed? Diet Coke. I guess my addiction is obvious to even the wee-ones.

They Like It...

2010-05-11T14:28:00.001-06:00

The boys actually ate their spinach- as long as they were allowed to eat it with their fingers....

Treasures...

2010-05-11T14:19:00.000-06:00

For my birthday gift this year, Mom went through and collected a lot of my baby and childhood memorabilia and put it in a Treasure Box for me to now have in my own home. It was unbelievable to look at some of the baby items and consider that I had once been that small. Each item is associated with a flood of memories. It's especially fun to share the contents with Scott and the boys.

I have had such a blessed life. My Treasure Box runneth over!

Storytime...

2010-05-11T14:13:00.000-06:00

Asher has been THRILLED to have the chance to go to Story Time at the library with Grandma Fotheringham. Grandma said he was a bit reluctant to sit with the kids down on the rug the first few weeks. But he slowly built up his courage and by the last session he would march right in, put his name tag on, and find a seat by the rocking chair of the librarian reading stories. After a few stories there would be a group activity and then time to make an art project of some kind. On the way home, Grandma would always stop for an ice cream cone.

Thanks, Grandma! Asher loved Story Time and Mom loved the couple of hours of peace and quiet at home alone.

The Weird Old Lady in Class...

2010-05-10T21:44:00.000-06:00

I remember when I was a college student and there would be an "older" person enrolled in one of my classes, I would think, "Oh, how nice. That lady is going back to school even though she's so old." As of 27 April 2010, I'm the weird old lady in class. I enrolled in a Exercise and Nutrition class at B.Y.U. just for the sake of educating myself. I had a friend that teaches Health and while having lunch with her a few months ago, she was talking about this great conference she had just been to. She mentioned the man who was teaching was a professor from B.Y.U. and I decided to email him and ask about a recommended reading list. He said if I was really interested, I should enroll in his class.

I'm embarrassed to admit how much I LOVE this class! I am the nerd who wants to sit on the front row, take a ton of notes, and hangs on every word from the professors mouth. The human body is completely fascinating and it's been so fabulous to learn just for the sake of learning, not because I'm being forced to take a class so I can earn a degree. I was nervous that that area of my brain had been out of use for too long. Although definitely needing some awakening, the class isn't too academically demanding- so I'm easing back in. I desperately miss challenging my intellect!

I am looking forward to the day when I do achieve my goal of earning a PhD. I will do it, oh yes, when I'm at the right season of my life. As for right now, Mom being gone to a class 2 days a week for a couple of hours seems like scheduling a space shuttle launch. Without the help of Scott and Grandma, this great experience couldn't have happened. Grandma has stepped right in and shuttled kids to swimming lessons and Scouts and got them home and made them dinner- she is such a huge help! Today Scott made me laugh when I reminded him he needed to take Oakley to piano lessons. His response, "Take Oakley to piano AND make dinner?!?!?" As if this was just too much for one human to be able to handle. But he does it and doesn't complain- at least too much.

Calling for Help...

2010-05-10T21:07:00.000-06:00

While on a drive back home, Scott had his fill of the boys disobedient behavior. He made the infamous parent threat, "If you guys don't stop it, I'm going to drop you off on the side of the road and you can walk home."

Eli's response, "I don't care. I'll just call Eagle Gate College at 1-866-284-8680 and they'll come and get me."

When Scott got home (with the boys still in the car), he checked the number and it was right! Does Eli watch too much TV or have a photographic memory? I'll bring comfort to my Mother Mind and choose the latter.

Happy Easter 2010...

2010-05-08T21:07:00.000-06:00

The egg spinner was a hit! The eggs were really pretty after a ride...

Easter morning came cold and snow-covered. The Easter Bunny had hidden the decorated eggs outside the night before. By morning, they were buried in the snow. The boys didn't seem to mind at all- although all of the eggs never were found. (I'm sure they were later found, and consumed, by Harley- the lover of hard-boiled eggs.)

The Easter Bunny was appreciative of the snack left for him.

After an egg hunt in the snow and a rifling through the baskets of candy, the boys were excited to blow up in the inflatable pool the Bunny left and load it up with all of the plastic balls. Oh the joy! Of course within a few hours they had put a whole in the top level of the pool. Boys are so darn rough on things! We'll have to see what magic we can work with a patch. I'm sure Easter Bunny was hoping the pool would survive long enough to actually be used out of doors filled with water on a hot summer day.

The Bunny also left each of the boys a skateboard.

Mom and Dad will be glad when they are wheeling around outside, not in the house.

That afternoon an Eater Tea Party was held at Grandma and Grandpa Fotheringham's. We each donned our Easter Bonnets and had finger sandwiches and lots of other great finger food.

We weren't sure if Harley would be alive when we returned from the Tea Party. While down in the toy room inflating the pool, the dog had helped himself to at least three pounds of chocolate candy. When I first noticed how much candy was gone from the baskets that were on the living room floor, I gasped. I couldn't believe the boys had eaten that much candy! Then I realized there were no wrappers anywhere- not on the floor, where they usually just drop them, or in the garbage can. All it took was one look at Harley and the guilty hanging of his head that I realized he was the culprit. He was still alive and kicking when we returned. I was sure he had to have puked, but the floor was throw-up free. I swear that dog has nine lives- hit on Canyon Road by a car going 50 m.p.h., eating three pounds of chocolate (which I keep hearing is supposed to be deadly to dogs), and we'll see what is next.

His Own Path...

2010-05-08T20:45:00.003-06:00

The road to getting Oakley Scott Beeson as an official member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not been smooth. Preparing him specifically to be baptized started last fall when Scott and I tried to teach him, from the best of our memories, the basic principles of the missionary discussions during Family Home Evening. Oakley seems to grasp, at least at an age-appropriate level, the basics of the gospel and was accepting and believing. Then we started to focus FHE on baptism- what it is, why we do it, what we are promising, etc. This is where to waters (no pun intended) became turbulent.

Oakley DOES NOT want to attend church meetings. He DESPISES (am wanting for a stronger word here) Primary. The child has had the very best teachers since the beginning of his Primary experience. I honestly couldn't have hand-picked better teachers for him. Divine intervention was my thinking. Now I don't know what I think. The battles about going to church start on Saturday and get intense. By the time we actually get ourselves to Sacrament meeting, I am in a foul mood having spent hours arguing, threatening, and pleading with Oakley about going to church. For a while he was attending Sunday School and Priesthood with Scott. He actually listened to the lessons and could tell you what they were about. His teachers and the Primary President put out a huge effort to get him to attend Primary, which he started to do. What a relief! Then, for a few weeks in a row when we thought he was at Primary, he'd actually walked home, helped himself to some snacks and parked himself in front of the TV until the rest of us made it home over 2 hours later. (The funniest incident, in retrospect- not the day of, was when Oakley had talked Eli into walking home with him after Sacrament Meeting. Those two hauled this big bag of entertainment and snacks that I bring in each week, hoping beyond hope there is enough entertainment contained therein to catch a few bit of the talks given by the speakers that day, all the way home. When asked how they managed to carry it the whole way, there reply was simply, "We took turns carrying it." Oh the picture that conjures up in my mind! It does make me smile- the teamwork involved in their devious act!) Arrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggghhhhh!!! Back to square one....

I am a FIRM believer one does not get baptized just because one turns eight. Especially in Oakley's case, there has to be an age-appropriate agreement to the promises one is making. The promises one is making with Heavenly Father with the knowledge of the blessings He gives in return. I wasn't expecting Oakley to have this General Authority level of understanding and commitment to the Gospel. But he is old enough and mature enough to understand that when he is getting baptized, he is making a promise to Father in Heaven that he will attend Church as one of the basic requirements of Church membership. I could sense some resistance by some to my theory. I was grateful for the agreement by others, namely Bishop Hulbert.

Of course Oakley would say he wanted to be baptized. That kid was all about having a whole special day focused on him and him being the center of a celebration. That part was absolutely clear in his mind and he was very much committed to that. But attending Church meetings, not so much. It finally came down to him meeting and talking with the Bishop. The Bishop said they did discuss the commitments of baptism and he said he felt Oakley was ready. So 10 April 2010 Oakley Scott Beeson had his name added to The Church of Jesus Christ's membership record.

I did tell Oakley he could pick out a new suit for his big day. He told me he wanted a jacket "with metal buttons and a red bow tie." Are you aware of any other eight year olds who would make that same selection? Oakley is his own man for sure. I was able to find a navy blazer with brass buttons and a red bow tie. When dressed up in his duds, he looked so much like a professor to me. It tickles me how particular Oakley is about his clothes- he has definite tastes and is not easily swayed. I think he looked great for his big day.

Oakley was absolutely beaming when he entered the font. Scott and Oakley had gone to the Stake Center earlier to get dressed in their whites and Scott told me later that when Oakley had put on his white jumpsuit he said, "I hope this doesn't make me look fat." Again, his super-consciousness about clothes made an appearance. Scott assured him he looked great.

When Scott confirmed him, I was very impressed with the words of the blessing. There is no doubt these are the words that were inspired by Heavenly Father that Oakley and his parents needed to hear. The highlights we can remember are:

Father in Heaven is proud of the decision Oakley made to be baptized and that Oakley did not take lightly. He is also pleased with the commitment Oakley has shown to following the example of Christ. Oakley has been blessed with a strong will and admonished to use his will as a force for good in the world. He was also directed to always rely on Father in Heaven through faith and prayer. He was told he was a bright star in our family and he will lead the way by example for his brothers who look up to him. Oakley was instructed to please be kind and show an example to all those with whom he comes into contact.

Oakley's unbelievably wonderful Primary Teachers

Carrie Wilson and Mary Roskelley

There were two other children from our ward who were also baptized that day. I tell you, they are the PERFECT families I always make a conscious effort to NOT sit by in Sacrament Meeting because all of their children are so much better behaved than mine. I end up feeling like the worst mother ever if we sit by them and I see how quiet and perfect all those kids are during the entire meeting. So, Murphy's Law always abiding, they end up being the two families we are with for Oakley's baptism. I think we ended up being okay. No major problems- whew!

After we finished up at the Stake Center, we came back to the house for a yummy lunch, visiting, and sighing a huge sigh of relief. I'm going to have faith that my son will continue on his journey headed in the right direction, although it might not be in the exact way I choose, I will be happy if it is in the right direction. While I was talking to my friend Tana about Oakley and asking for advice, hers, as usual, was insightful. She said, "Everyone has their own path back to the Savior." Yes, Oakley is on his own path. I need to love and be supportive, but it is his own journey.

The "It's Great to Be Eight" cookie bouquets were a hit.

I'm sure it will become a Beeson Baptism tradition.

Dogs are like Kids...

2010-04-04T10:08:00.001-06:00

I've come to the conclusion, after having a few people ask me about whether they should get a dog for their family, that dogs are a lot like kids. Sometimes I can't imagine our home without Harley. Asher and Eli seriously play with him all day. He takes their abuse (usually unintentional) in stride. The boys hang onto and hug that dog constantly. It's nice to walk in the house and have someone so extremely happy to see you. It's a boost to the self-esteem to have a dog almost injure himself as he jumps around so much because he's so excited to see you. The boys use Harley as a pillow on a regular basis- there is just enough room for both Eli and Asher's head to fit on his body. I sleep much better on the nights Scott is away knowing that Harley will bark if anyone is in the yard or house. But then Harley does something he shouldn't, i.e., eat a dozen just-boiled eggs off the counter; eat 2 pounds of grilled chicken; puke up something he shouldn't have eaten; have a potty accident on the carpet; put nose prints all over the just-washed windows; mess up the rug (which I gave up trying to straighten after I realized it was happening over 100 times a day) with all of his running around; pooping in any place outside other than his assigned "potty spot"; jump around like crazy when people come over to the house; when he gets outside without his collar that keeps him on our yard and goes running in the neighborhood and horse pen (and rolls in horse poop); etc. Or when it's time to go on vacation and we have to pay for boarding- EXPENSIVE!!!

Just like kids, at moments you can't imagine loving them anymore, and then within seconds you want to strangle them. It's a bi-polar experience, but I think the good outweighs the bad. I don't know about other people and their families getting dogs, but as for my family and Harley himself- we're a perfect match.

Harley's favorite sleeping spot, in front of the bay window...

...sleeping with his stuffed animal. Like the other boys, Harley loves snuggling with his animals.

When Asher is tired, he finds Harley to lay down and sleep by.

Harley didn't move for almost 2 hours while Asher slept by him. Oh, the love a boy has for his dog!

Always a Cause for Celebration...

2010-04-04T09:34:00.001-06:00

All three of my boys love their stuffed animals! I don't remember me or my brothers playing with stuffed animals growing up, but to my boys they are cherished members of the family. They sleep with them at night and tote them around the house all day to include them in their activities. Eli announced that it was going to be Eli and Harley's (his stuffed dogs he'd made at Build A Bear Workshop) birthday the next day and we all needed to make a present for them. Out came the plastic beads that are made into shapes and then I iron them so they melt together enough to stay together. Eli required all of us to make something for his furry friends' birthday, which we all complied with. We all sang Happy Birthday the next morning and Eli helped them open their gifts, which he'd wrapped in tin foil by himself. I'm sure the stuffed dogs were thrilled by it all...

Camping...

2010-04-04T09:26:00.000-06:00

Eli's imagination is never-ending. He comes up with a lot of imaginative game to play that keep he and Asher entertained for hours. What is Asher going to do all day when Eli is in school full-time next year?!?! When I went outside to see what adventures they were on, Eli explained to me that they were camping. The sled was their campfire and they were roasting hot dogs for dinner.

Why the Thrill...

2010-04-04T09:23:00.000-06:00

When Oakley gets to go on a trip to stay with Grandma Lee Ann, I let Eli and Asher pick a special activity they want to do. Usually, much to my disgust, they choose Chuck E Cheese. Why is this place so wonderful? Why does this place seem so magical to them? I do not understand, but I do know they are all but trembling with excitement on the drive over. I don't understand the draw, but I love the level of joy they possess at the chance to visit the Chuck E Wonderland...

Preschool Repeat...

2010-04-04T09:16:00.000-06:00

Asher has been the most reluctant to cut the apron strings. He is the only one that cried when he was taken to Nursery Class at Church. Just when we finally got him to go into class happily on his own, it was time to transition to Primary. Being left in Sharing Time with his Sunbeam class is another tearful experience. This little boy wants to be with a member of the family at all times. It is really hard as his mother to leave him in tears and help him adjust to these new "big boy" life experiences.

I know that preschool is going to be another one of those experiences where I have to walk away and hear Asher crying for me to stay. I'm not looking forward to it, but am grateful to have found such a darling preschool teacher. In an effort to prepare him for this next milestone, every time we drive past his preschool, I announce in my most-excited voice, "Asher! There's your preschool! It's going to be so fun!" The look on his face explains how completely un-thrilled he is about the idea. The other day I was talking to him about preschool and said, "Remember when Eli went to preschool? You get to go to preschool just like Eli did!" Asher turned to Eli and asked, "Eli, do you want to go again?"

What Asher wouldn't give to have Eli repeat preschool and be in class with him...

Is That You...

2010-03-19T10:13:00.000-06:00

I thought I'd been keeping up reasonably well with brushing Harley's fur. When I took him into the groomers, he was a total mop-top. When I told the groomer I would like him trimmed to about 2-3 inches long, she said he was pretty matted, but she'd do what she could. When I went back to pick him up, I was seriously speechless. I was looking around at the other kennels to see if the dog that was jumping around like crazy in front of me was really Harley. When I stood there with my mouth open in complete shock, she said, "He really had to be shaved. If you keep brushing him as it grows out, his hair can be longer."

I kept looking at Harley the whole way home, like I was taking home the wrong dog. The funniest reaction was Eli's. When he got home from school and saw this skinny shaved dog bounding toward him, he said, "Harley, is that you?" He really wasn't sure.

We're getting used to the short-hair version of Harley, but the family all agrees he looks better with that long wavy hair. Fortunately, it does grow out...

From this...

...to this

These Are the Moments...

2010-03-19T09:58:00.000-06:00

Most of the days it seems like it's just survival of the fittest. Life with young children just seems to be cleaning up a mess, then breaking up a fight between siblings, then intervening just in time to save a child from a major injury, then time to feed them another meal, etc.

Once in a while, there are the delightful moments that I hope are the ones that pervade my memories once the children are older...

Funny Find...

2010-03-19T09:51:00.000-06:00

While looking through a drawer in my room, I found a notebook we used to write down funny things the kids said. Reading through brought about many a laugh. I think my favorite was something Eli said when he was 3-years-old. He had slipped while climbing into the Suburban and had taken quite a fall. When I asked him if he was okay, he said, "I'm not dead, but I need a doctor."

We've been repeating and laughing about that one for days...

There's More Than One Way to Wear Pajamas...

2010-03-15T20:52:00.000-06:00

And you thought there was only one way to wear pajamas...

A Toothless Milestone...

2010-03-15T20:49:00.000-06:00

Eli is very happy to have reached the all-important milestone of being toothless. His first and second teeth on the bottom came out pretty close together. He is quite delighted with the money and bubblegum the Tooth Fairy has left in exchange for his teeth.

The Mother of a Sunbeam and CTR...

2010-03-15T20:43:00.000-06:00

Asher has graduated from Nursery and is Big Boy Primary in the Sunbeam class. He is nervous, he just barely got comfortable going to Nursery class.

Eli is now CTR age and likes the kids in his class.

Scouts...They're All Quirky

2010-03-15T20:30:00.004-06:00

With the eighth birthday not only does baptism become an option, but so does participation in Boy Scouts. Although I did grow up with three younger brothers, the whole world of Scouting is a mystery to me. Terms like "den" "troop" "Bear" Cub" "Wolf" were all familiar to me, but I had no idea their meaning and order.

Oakley's first big event was the Pine Wood Derby- which I know is the Super Bowl of Scouting. Scott did not disappoint with his performance. Scott spent a tremendous amount of time researching on the internet and making sure he got just the right accessories. He tried to get Oakley involved, but he wasn't near as interested as Scott was hoping.

Oakley's car was a star performer. He won every heat it was run in, but wasn't the overall winner. After each heat he would go in the storage closet and call Grandma to give her a report of how he was doing. Because he had won each time, Oakley was not happy when he didn't win. The concept is a tough one for an 8 year-old to get- and Oakley doesn't like to lose.

The most enlightening part of the experience for me was discovering all boys are quirky. All boys make obnoxious noises and are loud. All boys have annoying behavior. Sometimes I think my boys are so weird there is no way they are human- they have to be aliens. After attending my first Pine Wood Derby I now know the truth- all little boys are loud, obnoxious, annoying, and quirky. The Beeson Boys are par for the course.

It's Really Over...

2010-02-20T21:27:00.001-07:00

Asher announced tonight that he doesn't want me to rock him in the rocking chair anymore before he goes to sleep, he just wants to get in his bed. Oh- a shot to the heart! Really?!?! It's the beginning of the end... no more babies.

To Catch a Leprechaun...

2010-02-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

Eli was once told by one of Oakley's friend that he caught a leprechaun. He has since been obsessed with catching his own. So never mind that the laundry hasn't been done in 4 weeks- we made a leprechaun trap.

Eli is anxiously awaiting the leprechaun to climb the ladder trying to reach the gold coins on the top, and then fall through the paper and be trapped. He checks the trap really regularly and has tried moving it to different locations. No luck. I am even more hopeful than Eli, I think, because I would love for a leprechaun to show me the way to a pot of gold. But if our trap doesn't work and we don't end up with a leprechaun, it provided happy memories working on Project Trap a Leprechaun together.

Love Fest 2010...

2010-02-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Valentine’s Day included the usual follow-the-string for the boys to find their Valentines from Mom and Dad. Eli and Oakley were actually staying with Grandma Lee Ann on Valentine’s Day, so I was hoping I would get out of the need to string yarn all over the entire house for the kids to follow to the end for their Valentine. No such luck- the boys were hoping the string would be set up and ready when they returned home on the 15th. I cut hearts out of colored paper and wrote something that I love about Scott on each one and attached it to a kiss. Scott was coming home from a trip the morning of Valentines, so I had the hearts set out on the bed. He left a letter for me on the dresser, which was so heartfelt and sweet- the best Valentines gift ever. I'm teary just remembering what he wrote. It was such a nice surprise. I decided to tackle the guest room closet last week since it's become the "catch all" for anything that doesn't have a place somewhere else. During the clean out, I found a shoebox full of letters, cards, and notes Scott and I have written to each other over the years. (Boy, does that statement make me sound old!) The quantity has significantly dwindled over the years and it was a sad realization. So the Valentines letter was perfect timing- it was nice to have such heartfelt thoughts recorded forever.

The day also contained the making of heart-shaped dinner rolls and Jell-O, all to be forgotten - but the Valentine’s Day letter will be forever...