Save a the Last Dance for Me

Mikayla went to her first dance tonight. OMGosh.

She turned 14 in October, but just missed the dance by a week. Then there was no dance in November, and they moved December's dance to New Year's Eve.

Where did the time go?

Why am I asking that question so much lately?

Mikayla got ready for the dance at someone else's house, but was nice enough to stop by so I could take a couple of photos. Of course we totally embarrassed her...not on purpose mind you...just by being her parents.

I may not survive the teenage years...but for now, I will try and enjoy all these new experiences we are having.

I think she looks beautiful. I hope she has a wonderful time!

Sweet Baby Boy

Jacob Troy Beatty

December 29, 2000

Where did the last ten years go?

It seems like just yesterday.

We miss him still.

Merrry, Merry

It was a great day.

Really.

Spending time with the kids. Talking with our families.

We even got to skype with grandma's and grandpa's and aunts and uncles today.

Being so far away from family seemed a little less far when we actually got to seem them today ... even if it was only by webcam.

It was such a good Christmas. I think, in part, because we were done so early and got to focus on something other than the presents.

Although the presents were pretty fun.

But, I really enjoyed watching everyone enjoy themselves. It really was magical. And I know I say this more and more, but I really enjoyed seeing Christmas through Katie's eyes. I know we won't have many more of these "young" Christmas experiences, so I really am trying to savor them.

I also wanted to say how grateful I am for all of our family and friends who really bless our lives. This is such a good time of year to reach out and let you know how much we love you and miss you.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.

Here's a little peek at ours:

 eek. It's Cookie Monster. Oh wait. Just Becky!

Josh got a skateboard. We are preparing ourselves for the inevitable ER visit. Cross your fingers.

Joe really wanted roller blades.

Emma got the coveted rip stick. I was so glad that the kids wanted outdoor things this year...of course, it's snowing right now, so it may be a while before they actually get to use them!

And of course, our teenager didn't want any gifts at all except for the all important iTouch. We had a lot of fun pretending that she wasn't actually getting this for Christmas.

And sweet Katie just wanted a doll. She got Sleeping Beauty and we found these matching dresses...so Katie and her doll could wear the same outfit.

**sigh**

Isn't it darling?

One of the cousins sent finger paint, so Troy was a good sport and painted with the girls.

What a sweet dad!

Merry Christmas!

No Fat Guys Allowed

Just waiting for Santa to come...but don't tell Katie.

She is FREAKED out. Santa came by the house today on a firetruck with sirens blasting.

She was not a fan.

She also no longer wants him to come back.

So, I'm not sure who is bringing the presents tonight, but it better not be a fat guy in a red suit.

Merry Christmas!

Lessons Learned

Last night's family home evening lesson was on service -- particularly on service in the home.

As a parent you are hyper aware that pretty much all you do all day long is serve others. And usually it is without the hope of a thank you or even any small amount of appreciation. But...it isn't for the kudos or the amazing perks that you sign up to be a parent. : )

I know, that for me, it's because I love my children so much and I want nothing more than for them to be happy.

But...not only do I need to love them, they need to love each other. And therein lies the more difficult task.

So, as we talked about service in the home, and being kind and loving to each other...you just wonder if it isn't all falling on deaf ears. Because really, aren't we all our worst selves at home, and our best selves other places?

In reality, I think the kids do a good job of getting along. Certainly a much better job than my brother and I did at that same age.

But, even without actual fighting, they can go through life without ever noticing each other, or really giving any thought to the love that they should share.

So, it was with great appreciation that I went into the girls room to find Becky helping Katie get dressed and being very patient as she tried to get her pants buttoned up. Or when Josh asked if he could put away some of his sister's clothing because we are doing a sibling secret santa this year. Or when the older children remind the younger children that we need to have a family prayer in the morning.

In the end, it turns out, they really do love each other -- they just don't show it very well.

There's another lesson in that, i'm sure.

Six Down...

 

Oh my. Sweet Becky is six years old. And she sure was excited about it.

What can I say about this girl?

She is pure sunshine. Happiness and joy wherever she goes.

She's smart. She's funny. And such a good little girl.

I'm so glad she's mine.

Happy 6th Birthday baby girl.

Last Time Around

Holidays make me sentimental. And as Katie grows...pretty much everything she does feels the same...the last time I will have this experience as a mom.

Katie participated in the preschool Christmas Program. Now, odds are, she will do another one next year, but this year she was a bell...just like Becky was when she was in the program. And next year she will be something else...and just one more Christmas until she starts kindergarten.

Where is the time going?

Katie did great today. No crying and she even sang!

 Afterward we made gingerbread houses.

Before:

And, can I just say...I did not realize that I had a second OCD child on my hands...until Katie felt the need to line everything up, by shape and color...and then also made sure that all the "m"s on the m&m's were showing. eek.

She also made sure to lick each piece of candy before putting in onto her house. Smart girl.

Let It Snow. Let It Snow. Let It Snow.

We had our first snow today. It wasn't much -- just enough to mess everything up.

Gotta love Virginia.

But, the kids thought it was great nonetheless.

It takes just about as long to get them ready as they want to stay outside.

And of course..this one..as soon as I got her complete dressed and was ready to send her out the door...she says, "Mom. I gotta poop." Ack.

 And...sweet Becky got a new haircut. Isn't she adorable? 

8th Grade - Who Knew?

I had the chance to go on the 8th grade field trip.

I have to say it was the best field trip I have been on this year (and believe me...I have been on all of them -- some of them twice. lol!)

We went to Montpelier, the home of James Madison, then to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, and made a short visit to the University of Virginia.

It was lovely. I have to say I just love seeing history come alive and these were particularly inspiring sites.


It was impressive how much both Madison and Jefferson loved to read. There were extremely well educated and well versed in a number of topics. 

Thomas Jefferson's home was fascinating. He was quite inventive and interested in everything from farming to science to architecture. The additions to his home after returning from France were wonderful, including sky lights, hidden stairwells and alcove beds.






U VA was a lovely campus. We were only able to spend about a half hour there...everything else had run long...so I definitely want to go back and explore.

Sunday Musings

I really enjoyed church today.

My class was super good. I love these children so much and I feel so lucky to be their teacher.

We learned about Jonah and the Whale. It was so awesome to see the scriptures comes alive and feel so real.

LOVE that!

The best part of the lesson had to be when one of the girls asked, "How did Jonah get out of the whale?:

Haha. It's gross. That's what makes it so cool.

(And really, that wasn't actually the best part of the lesson, just the funniest.)

O, The Irony

After my gratitude filled post yesterday on how good it is to have trials and how much opposition helps us appreciate all the sweetness in life...my life almost did me in today.

Isn't it strange how the biggest trials make us rise to the occasion, but the smallest part of our everyday existence can make it all come crashing down?

Not that anything really bad happened today.

Not that there was anything more than the usual laundry, dishes, sibling bickering or three year old whininess.

Not that I had any good reason for being a grouch today.

I just was.

But even just writing it down helped.

And I don't think it hurt at all that the little ones are all in bed now.

Ah. Motherhood. Gotta love it. : )

The Opposition

I have been thinking about trials.

We all have them.

Some of them are big. And some of them are small.

And for each of us, a trial means something different.

Today, I am thinking about my trials. And compared to many, mine are actually pretty small.

But, no matter how big them seem, I know that I am not alone.

And I know that as long as I continue to have trials, I will continue to make progress in improving who I am.

And the more I improve, the more I become the person I always wanted to be.

So today...I am grateful for the opposition in all things.

I am grateful that I broke my ankle because it reminds me how lucky I am to walk.

I am grateful for illness because it reminds me how lucky we are to be healthy.

I am grateful for chipped dishes and possessions little hands have broken because they help me remember that the things that matter most are not things.

I am grateful for loss and grief because it reminds me to hold those who are still here a little closer.

I am grateful for my Savior, because in dying, He brings me life.

I am especially grateful for my family and my friends because you make the ride worth taking.

Lest you think there is anything wrong -- there isn't. Just feeling grateful for all I have today, and all the lessons and I learned in getting to this point.

Swoon

Santa came early.

And I could just kiss him.

If you have had dinner at the Beatty house hold, odds are you ate on white dishes.

I know. I'm obsessed.

But really...white dishes are easy to match. You never have to worry about buying sets of dishes...cause they just all go together.

I can buy platters, pitches, cake stands, etc. And when they are white...no worries.


Of course, with all the white dishes...I have had to stash them in the basement, under the island, and in the garage. They have longed for a home...and I have longed for them to have that home!

But ... I just could not bring myself to pay the outrageous amount of money a china cabinet would cost.

So I have looked, and wished, and looked some more, and really just resigned myself to the fact that it wasn't going to happen.

And then I paid a little visit to this lovely shop ...and I found it. It was a tiny fraction of anything I have ever seen and it was just perfect. Not too big. Not too small. Room enough for my dishes and room enough to grow.

 And I am so excited. And don't my dishes look happy too ?

Thanks Santa.

Fear Itself

Are you afraid of anything?

My list of fears is long and varied.

I have tried hard to overcome many of my fears...but there are many left to conqure.

So now I have a new fear to add -- the stick shift.

Troy got a new car -- which we are all very happy about.

But, unfortunately for me, it's, yes you guessed it, a stick shift.

Getting into that car was beyond nerve wracking.

Driving around town was an exercise in paranoia.

Would I stall out? Oh my word, of course I did.

Would I ruin the engine? Gosh, I hope not.

Would smoke come from under the car as I mangled whatever was under the hood? Um...a little, I think.

So, after running just one of my errands...I drove myself home and decided not the drive the car anymore.

That is until I had to drive to Barnes & Noble night with Josh and Becky.

Oy.

I think heaven was on my side as I drove there and back -- not too many red light, not too many hills, even a good parking space without anyone around.

Of course, all the cars passing me by on the road, and the need to go nice and slow might have made everyone else crazy -- but it got me home.

And as I parked the car -- a few times over -- I vowed never to do that again.

Troy says I need to face my fears. But, I think that this is one fear that can stay on the list.

Maybe tomorrow I can work on spiders.

Trimming the Tree

We've had the tree up for a while...but we finally were all home at the same time to get the ornaments on the tree.

  

We've got the presents wrapped, and under the tree. Of course it's driving the kids crazy...the presents are numbered and the kids don't get to find out what their number is until Christmas morning.

 

And I've got my cards addressed and ready to go...just need stamps. A lot of stamps.

I am so excited to be done with this part of Christmas.

I hope that we will be able to focus on enjoying the season, serving others and remembering the Savior.

Are you doing anything special to enjoy the season? How do you get your kids to focus on something other than the presents under the tree?

Sunday Musings

Today was a good day.

Troy was very sick and could not attend church with us, but everything else about this day was good.

It was so wonderful to go to church and be uplifted and edified by those around me.

I heard things I needed to hear and feel very blessed.

One of the comments made at church today was the awareness of where our blessings come from and how that in and of itself is a blessing. (Thanks Stephany!)

This is so true for me lately.

I have felt the hand of God in my life and I know that He is with me. Even in my trials. In all my hard days, and in all my good ones too.

It's amazing how much easier everything is to deal with when you know that you are not alone.

I am not alone.

You are not alone.

How much more would we appreciate what we have when we are acutely aware of where the blessings are coming from?

How much more would we appreciate even our trials when we are aware that our Father in Heaven knows us and has crafted each experience for our good?

I am especially glad that I am feeling this way during this crazy busy season.

It's so easy to get caught up in the commercialism of this Christmas season, but right now...I am feeling very aware that this season exists to celebrate the birth of my Savior.

For that I am ever grateful.

Keep The Old

We were able to have old friends over for dinner last night. Well, they are not old (except for Roger), we just have known them a really long time.

Charlene and I were roommates at BYU and so at the same stage of life. We went to school together, and even dated and married within days of each other.

And now all these years later, they have moved to Virginia and we were able to see each other again...and the years just melted away.

What a blessing.

It was so fun to laugh and laugh and just enjoy each others company...and to know that some things just endure.

How grateful I am for good friends!

Blessed

Josh was baptized today.

It was a beautiful day.

A wonderful baptism.

I want to remember every moment.

Josh was so excited to be baptized. I was excited for him.

But, more than excitment, I think, was reverence for the good choice he was making today.

Josh is always a good kid, but sometimes his enthusiasm gets in the way of good behavior.

In fact, as Josh was getting dressed today in his white clothing, his dad told him that he needed to put on the jumpsuit.

Well. That was that. Josh spent the next five minutes jumping up and down, cause, what else do you do in a jumpsuit?

But even with all the anticipation of his baptism Josh was aware of what was happening, and I think feeling the spirit. As soon as he and Troy returned from changing, something came over Josh.

He sat so reverently for each of the wonderful talks that were given.

He sang with enthusiasm.

He was especially thirlled to recieve the gift of the holy ghost.

And the spirit was so strong.

I felt such overwhelming love for Josh and for my father in heaven who gave us this sweet spirit to raise.

I felt such love for all the people who were able to come and spend this day with us. We have such good friends.

And everyone who participated today meant something special to Josh.

How blessed we are.

It's Great To Be Eight

Wow.

Eight.

I can't believe Josh is eight.

I am so excited for Josh, not only because it's his birthday, but because he is getting baptized today.

He is the first of our children to get baptized on his actual birthday.

It's pretty cool.

So...you know it's coming.

8 things I love about Josh.

1. He is so full of life. Always excited. If we all lived life like this...well, it would be exhausting.
2. He is very loving. He loves to give hugs and kisses and is always affectionate.
3. He is very smart. He makes connections quickly and is always taking things to the next level.
4. He is very silly. How can I not mention this one? He is a goof. It's true.
5. He is very sensitive. He always tries his best to be good and whenever he gets in trouble it's like your heart might break when he starts to cry. Sweet boy.
6. He is always lucky. When we were at DisneyWorld he got selected several times to go up and help with a show or performance.
7. He is so excited to get baptized. He is very earnest about the Gospel and wants very much to make the right choices. I love that about him.
8.He is a good person.

I am just so glad Josh is in our family!

Even When It Hurts

I did something I have never had to do before yesterday.

I sent Troy to do the shopping.

He had to go buy 2 new pair of shoes for the kids.
Do a costco run.
And do the grocery shopping.

I was a little worried.

Occasionally, he does milk and cereal runs, and he will come home with all kinds of crazy stuff -- especially if he's hungry.

So...with the major shopping to do, I just wasn't sure.

I think it was mostly a success.

You know.

Except for the three phone calls while he was out, the fact that of the two pairs of shoes he came home with -- only one was for the kids, and he pooped out after costco.

Oh yeah, since he was hungry, there were a few extras purchases,

I think he should have eaten before he left the house.

Lesson learned.

 ps. lest he think me totally ungrateful, he has done a great job of being mr. mom. I do appreciate it!

Down But Not Out

So I broke my ankle.

Doing what you ask?

Walking.

I know. It isn't very exciting.

Troy says I am uncoordinated.

I can't disagree.

But I think of this as more of an unfortunate accident than any actual impairment on my part.

I was thinking I could get a lot done during this forced down time, but I can't sit at my computer and Mikayla's laptop does not have any of my photos or software on it, so I have been reading.

Which...is not a bad way to spend my time, but I am feeling slightly less than productive.

I am scheduled to see the orthopedist on Monday, so hopefully things will be better after that.

If you can think of a better story for me to tell people as to how I broke my ankle, I would love your input.

One Last Time

My Josh is a scout.

Oy.

With his baptism fast approaching, Josh was invited to join the cub scouts at church this week.

He had a blast.

I am excited that he is excited. But not excited to do scouts again.

Luckily...for the last time.

Yep....this is me doing my happy dance.

Long Absence

Where have I been?

Why has it been so long since I posted?

I know that you have these and many more burning questions.

And the answer?

We went to the happiest place on earth! Disney World.

And it was wonderful.

Photos soon to come.

Holy Smokes

I did not realize how long it's been since I posted.

Things have been crazy.

In the last month:

1. Troy has taken 4 trips. Chicago, Brussles, London and Paris.

2. Emma and Mikayla have had several track meets. Emma actually did well enough to qualify to run the mile at Regionals!

3. The middle schoolers auditioned for the school play. The play is Beauty and Beast and the kids are super excited! Emma was cast as a shephard. Joe was cast as Chip. And Mikayla was selected to be Head Tech/Stage Manager.

4. Mikayla turned 14. Wow. I feel really badly that she did not get her own post...so look for something on that soon. She is growing up way too fast for my taste.

5. I have sewn five halloween costumes, several pillow case dresses and hope to do a few more in the next few days.

6. I have had sevearl photo shoots. I really love that I can combine my passion and my work into something wonderful.

7. I have been sick for more than two weeks, and now finally feel like I am on the mend.

There is more. Much more. But I know you're asleep already.

So I will vow to do better and see if I can find a way to add a few more hours to my day.

xo

Feeling Grateful

We are on Troy's 4th trip in a month and I just have to say...no matter how well I manage at holding things together while he's gone...it isn't quite as easy the 4th time as it is the 1st time.

But...things are good and I am feeling blessed today.

We had the opportunity to attend a memorial service for a sweet family that lost their unborn baby. They were so brave and amazing and had such a testimony of the plan of salvation and eternal families.

It made me feel very grateful for my own sweet family...and my own angel baby.

Troy spoke at the service and it really lovely. I think it was the first time he had spoken publicly about how he dealt with the loss and how it made him feel.

Troy deals with his emotions so differently than me...sometimes he has a hard time articulting how he feels, wheras, I can't feel better unless I get it out.

I am really proud of him. He managed to get through his talk and even find a little peace in dealing with his feelings.

I was especially impressed with the talk given by the grieving father. His words were so edifying and uplifting. If only we all had such faith in the face of trial.

Joy

I didn't post last week -- life always seems to get a little crazy when Troy is out of town.

But...we finally had the chance to be together tonight, to have dinner as a family, and even a little family home evening/family council.

I know I am not the most sentimental person. Goodness knows I love to talk about all the funny/silly/wierd things that my family does.

But tonight...sitting with my family...praying for my family...I got totally choked up at the thought of how very much I love them and how grateful I am that we are an eternal family.

These are the moments that help me remember what a great blessing it is to be a mother and I cannot begin to express the joy of it.

Self Portrait - Becky Style

Seriously...so cute.

Should I be concerned that she see's herself as a blonde?

Fall Fling

We went to King's Dominion on Saturday and the kids had a blast!

Is this the face of happiness or what?

Becky enjoyed a lift from Dad.



Katie did not.



The little kids wanted to ride this roller coaster so the big kids came along for the ride. Mikayla was hoping to ride with Katie or Becky, however, ending up sitting with her dad, was questioned for being too tall and just thoroughly embarrassed to be seen with us. haha.



Joe had some serious hat head.



Josh felt he was too big to be riding on the kiddie rides and did not want to go...although I think he secretly enjoyed himself.



Emma took some time to practice smiling with her braces. She's not quite ready for picture day.



And this was my favorite part of the whole day. YUM.



Oh wait. Maybe THIS was my favorite part.