The Beckstrands 2009

Chris and I celebrated 20 years of marriage!

Seth, amazingly, endured over 9000 miles of road trips with his family.
No easy task for a teenager!

All five continued on their quest for legal and sometimes almost illegal ways to taunt their mother...

while still almost always bringing a smile to at least their faces!

Geoff is a joy to all, just ask him.
He is all about football, girls, and making people laugh.

Does Dieter really need anymore blogtime?

This was our first year having one out of the nest.
While everyone did miss him, they weren't back from dropping him off more than 20 minutes before they started ransacking his room and staking their claims!

Chandler showed tremendous tenacity this year, by appointing himself "Cheer Manager" at Bingham High School.
He wrote up a proposal for the coach, explaining what a help he would be to her and the cheerleaders.
She bought it,and put him to work.
Just Chan and his 43 girls!

Christopher has finished of this year Army Proud and Army Strong...Hooah!
He is studying Farsi at The Defense Linguistics Institute in Monterey, Ca.
Loving life on the Coast and his studies of the Persian culture.
No one misses him more than Geoff, well, maybe Dieter.

Some would say this picture exemplifies the pecking order at our house, hmm?

Annie is an incredible delight! Thank Heavens for Girls! She brings so much joy and glamor to the table for this family! She is loving all things middle school, even her "stalker".
Finally we have a Beckstrand that can turn in homework!

This year has brought us miles between us, but closer than ever.
There is no greater joy than seeing your child grow up and do well at something.
This year I was able to fulfill a lot of lifelong dreams of mine.
Driving across the country with my kids,
having grits in Mississippi,
funnel cakes in Tennessee,
Cheerwine in Carolina,
breakfast with farmers in Nebraska,
lazy days around a lake with my really big dog,
traveling all by myself, to somewhere I have never been (Minnesota),
Finally coming out in the open about my relationship with Keith and being in the same room together,
a few ways I actually got to feel like I made a difference in someone's life,
and meeting one of my imaginary friends from blogland in person!

I am looking forward to 2010 and hope all of you are too!

Last minute gift ideas....

I am sure anyone on your list would be thrilled to have any and all of these!
Dieter would be happy to autograph as requested!

YES, we need a little Christmas!

So yesterday my teens mentioned they would like it if just once, I tried to buy their love for Christmas.
They claim they are perfectly secure in my SINCERE love for them and that they would really appreciate the opportunity to feel ignored and bribed.
Didn't I have anything I felt guilty enough about to SPEND my way in to their good graces?

It got me to thinking about how much I enjoy the commercialism I see in December.
Not the gadget and toy commercials,
and certainly no the part where I do feel bad that my kids never (EVER THEY ASSURE ME) are the ones people say,"Lucky!" too after Winter break.
But the part where everywhere you turn, neighbors and strangers are all focused on the same thing. Every Santa reminds me of what the human spirit really wants, unconditional love.
All the shoppers are simply trying to express there care for others in the best way they know how. Sure some of them could use some polish,
but I try to see it for what they are trying to achieve.
Isn't that what Santa sees in us?

My daughter asked me if I thought she was on the naughty or the nice list this year.
I asked her where she thought she ended up?
"Well, I would have been on the naughty list, but I repented."

I love that sentiment.
Christmas is about just that,
as hard as we try, and fail,
The Lord genuinely makes a place for each of us on the nice list.
His true Gift is freely given.
May each of us find that joy in the lights, trees,
parties, santas, and tacky sweaters all around us.

What I want for Christmas!

Could Family Home Evening get any funner than these?
I mean of course, only those over 40 would get the guns,
and the "residents" would have the chest packs!
Must Have!!!

These outrageous Laser Shock Guns will turn your backyard, basement, or bedroom into a futuristic battle zone! Here's how it works: strap on a chest plate, grab a gun and take aim. Indicator lights on the chest plate show when you've been hit and tell you when to reload. Sounds like laser tag, right? Here's the kicker: a direct hit on your opponent delivers a real electrical shock through the handle of their gun! (Have no fear, you can choose between wimp and tough-guy shock settings). Duck, dive, and dodge all around the house to avoid an electrifying jolt! Zap to it - are you up to the challenge? Includes: 2 guns and 2 chest plates. Requires 8 "AAA" batteries, included!

Strap this Shocking Liar Electronic Game on your buddy, ask a question and hope they answer truthfully! 'Cause if they don't, they'll get a surprising but safe electric shock! This device senses body temperature, moisture and other body levels. The more questions you ask, the more accurate its readings.


The Hunk may finally determine who left the milk out and stole the batteries from his remote!

I wonder if it comes in a family pack?

I love it/ I love it not?

Does anyone else have a problem with books?

I have a love affair with books. I love to read them, talk about them, browse through them, collect them, organize them, some would say hoard them,

but then sometimes, I find a book i don't like,

But, I can't stop myself from needing to read it anyway.

Why?

I am currently meandering through the title above.

You should know, I chose this book as a knee jerk reaction to the movie "Slumdog Millionaire"

It really upset me. I didn't finish it. I couldn't.

Too raw and too upsetting for me.

I needed to stick my head in the sand and hide somewhere where I knew I couldn't be emotionally assaulted.

Pemberly sounded perfect.

The problem is Darcy and Elizabeth are perfectly happy.

I have been a very happy newlywed.

I find myself scanning the pages hoping for some depth.

I don't believe these two didn't have anything interesting going on, or at least something interesting to talk about?

But I can't seem to give up on books, I keep trying thinking with every page they are going to redeem themselves.

Except Twilight,

I suffered through 6 chapters and knew there was NO hope for that one.

But this one, I am still plugging along.

Now I have a compulsive urge to read a tortuous classic.

Something with teeth.

I got "Heart of Darkness" today.

Not sure I"m going to be able to handle that one either.

I have heard "The Help" is really good.

Anyone read it?

Anyone else not able to break up with bad books?

MUST STOP, can't stop,

MUST STOP, can't stop,

MUST STOP EATING SO MANY OF THESE!

Although, on the other hand, I had some metabolic testing done.

It turns out I burn an entire bag of these doing nothing all day.

That I can do!!

Fiber?

Concerned about your family's colon health?
(and who isn't?)

The solution is simpler than you may realize.

CHORES!

Yes, that's right!
Nothing gets my family's bowels moving like being assigned a list of household tasks.
They all suddenly need to excuse themselves for some private time in the bathroom.
Sometimes, several times a day!

If your family is struggling with irregularity,
might I suggest...
laundry,
dishes,
or more effective than an enema.
walking the dog!

you can thank me later!

Surprises

Things I'm surprised I actually said,

"Stop throwing light bulbs at each other during family prayer!"
"No one in this family is allowed to speak to one another!"
"You deserve someone with their act together, I'm sorry."
"I forgot to wish Chris a Happy Birthday, I'm turning into a husband!"
"Who ate all the lemon bars?"

Things I'm not surprised I actually said,
"Do you have any idea what it does to a Mother of teenage boys when two of you(police cars) park in front of my house? Not very nice!"
"Everyone gets a turn to be disappointed, who wants to be first?"
"Does anyone know how Dieter locked himself in the bathroom?"
"Who knew Dieter liked lemon bars?"

Things that make me smile...

Who wouldn't want to be me?

Can you even stand it?

Dieter's Best Friend, Tahoe, who came for a sleep over!

This was Dieter's first choice, but it didn't really go with his personality

This is more like it!

He's not standing in this one, but can you see the boots?

Happy Halloween!

Speechless...

So as I drove home Friday from work, I noticed a plume of smoke rising from my backyard. I pulled around the back of my house, and clearly SURPRISED Seth, who had a fire going in our fire pit. Now, yes, I was relieved it was the fire pit, however, Seth was in his PJ's and it was the middle of the day. Not only should he NOT be having a bon fire, but he also should NOT be home.

As I pulled into the garage, my other son, Chris, called on my cell.
"Mom, where are you?"
"I'm in the garage, um, would you like to explain why your brother has a fire going in the backyard?"
"Huh? I'm at the lake walking Dieter, what the heck?"
(They know how to stick together)
"Seth, before we get to why you are home, why do you have a fire going?"
"Mom, you told me to clean my room! I'm just cleaning my room."

It should have been so obvious, right?

"Seth, what?"

"Mom, I'm cleaning my room and decided to just burn all the stuff I didn't want anymore. I thought you'd be glad I cleaned my room, geesh!"

I've got nothing!

as for the photo?
I typed stupid boy into google images and this came up...
he's cute, so why not?

Mommy Dearest

If you were born to goodly parents, or find airing one's dirty laundry offensive...
you should stop now!

So today I awoke to my Mother.
She lives with me, and has for most of the last 12 years.
There are those who say,
"That must be great! I wish my Mom were that close."

Really?
Here are a few excerpts from our 45 minute "conversation" this am:
"Can I talk to you for a minute? You know, have you ever considered giving your kids some kind of prize for cleaning? I was watching the today show and they had a Dr on who said you should do that. Have you been upstairs, lately? I don't know why your kids don't pick up after themselves, I mean, when you have company what must they think about your housekeeping skills? Or the kids friends? I can only imagine what the kids friends must tell their parents. Also, I was noticing, the lawn, is Chris ever going to winterize? They say you need to do that. I can't do everything around here. How are Chandler's grades? Have you been talking to his teachers? What about Seth? I don't know how you can let his friends come over and eat all your food? That's expensive. You know, I am so tired all the time. I'm getting old and I can't afford the hearing aid I need. If Obama really cared, he'd do something about hte cost of hearing aids. And that Care Credit they put me on at the Dentist, I have called and called and told them I can't pay on the 1st because my soc sec check doesn't come in that early in the month,"
-I interrupt-
" Would you like me to call them? Maybe I could help you set up a plan to have the money put aside to make the payment?"
"I can't do it! I can't so it! I am a senior citizen Harlene! I'm still paying off Target and Penny's. I don't have a husband like you do to support me."

Harlene thought-"HUH?"

Mommy Dearest, " and why did your husband insist on such a big dog anyway? He sheds, he drools. I am so tired of picking up the kids from school everyday. I don't even have time to go grocery shopping and if I even try to take a nap, Annie or Geoffrey come upstairs to visit or chat."

" I could pick up the kids Mom, I'd be happy too."

"No, no I am still paying off the new tires I bought last year, and yesterday I had to take Christopher to Olive Garden, and I told the kids, I am not cleaning their rooms anymore. I mean, this place is a pigsty, I don't know what you and Chris do with your time. I can't live like this.
Are you ever going to paint the dresser in Annie's room? You've had that thing for 4 years? I don't know why you bothered to buy it if your never going to paint it. How long has it taken you to finally hang those curtains, anyway? Oh, and the kids left a bunch of books out upstairs. You really need a professional to come in her and clean these carpets. What is that on your face? You are gaining weight aren't you? Have you decided what your getting everyone for Christmas? I don't even have money for food, I don't know how I'm going to make it. And I need to go to World Market, they have those special lace cookies I like, and different kinds of coffees. I get lost, but you don't care. Can't you call someone to fix this sliding glass door. It's heavy. You know, another thing, when I try to walk Dieter, he gets so excited and wants to say hi to people when we walk by. I don't think you are training him very well. Another thing, if you are so tired and busy, why don't you quit going to church, it seems they always just want more and more from you. Don't they understand? Well, what time is ti? See, now I have to get to work."

This is not an exaggeration! Those who have seen this in action can attest to this.
This is the condensed version.
It is rapid fire, I don't even interrupt or defend myself anymore. I just either hide in the morning till she leaves, or I do, or I take my medicine like a good little girl.


For some of us,
Families are forever is a threat!

"At least...

...your blog is funny."

That's what a sweet friend said after I complimented her on her blog.
Her's is one of those blogs I thought I would have when I grew up.
Okay, I know, I didn't have any blog in mind for when I grew up,
but you know what I mean.

She has cute pics of her cute kids.
(not mug shots)
she has darling photos of her family's traditions,
(not stories of failed attempts and the worst part,
forgetting something was a tradition...)
Recipes to share,
even an uber cute signature for each of her posts and comments.

AND SHE IS FUNNY TOO!

So as I attempted to start my day on the right foot,
I found Mr. Senior still in bed.
He couldn't go to school because he couldn't walk.
I told him to limp for a few days and it would feel better.
He reminded me of the last time I said that and
two weeks later he ended up with a cast from
toe to hip for 8 weeks.
Hilarious!
Then Mr. We can't wait till he's not 13 anymore called from school,
he's sure has has worms.
His brother's have been encouraging and frightening his diagnostic abilities.
Knee-slapper!
Glad we got a girl 12 yr old, is devastated because her surprise guest for career day surprised her by not showing up.
ROTFL!!!
Then, Can't live her can't live without her Mother calls to tell me that Hoot and a half 10 yr old said that his sister is in detention for eating a FROG.
The teacher wasn't going to put her in detention until she threw up!
When I finally got Hoot and a half on the phone, he fessed up that he was just playing a joke on Mimi and that his sister was already in the car...
LOL!
Did I mention we had 2 shifts go uncovered this morning at work?
STOP, STOP, I'M GOING TO WET MY PANTS I'M LAUGHING SO HARD!
Just when I thought my day couldn't get anymore pleasant,
Mr. Soldier of the Cycle brought home light sabers, the noisy kind, and a panic button key chain for everyone!!

Oh, Hysterical!

Did I mention I didn't have any interaction with "authorities" that I'm aware of...
that would just be the icing on the cake!

Oh wait, I forgot to mention the truancy notice for Mr. Senior.
"Why were you truant, Son?"
"Mr. Graber was just mad st me."
"Really, do tell?"
"I went to the bathroom and he wrote me up as truant."
"Is that what he would say happened?"
"That is what happened. After I wen to the bathroom, I didn't really see a point of going back to class so I didn't. I don't know why he'd care, I wasn't causing him trouble. They are the ones always complaining about class size. Jeesh!"

We should take this act on the road...hahahahahahahah!

Anyone else get their hopes up when they walked by this at Costco?

I thought my Guardian Angel had read my last post and was sending blessings my way...
bummer, it's only good for arthritis.

an A HA moment...

It has occurred to me that my life might be simpler if I started serving a few other herbs in my family's diet.
Imagine Family Home Evening with "brownies" every week...

How about road trips?

Have you ever seen Willie Nelson in a bad mood?

When's the last time you heard of Cheech and Chong arguing over who's turn it was to unload the dishwasher?

Just a thought....

Dreams really do come true...

even for celebrities!

After several rounds of negotiations,
and quite a lengthy "rider",
Keith's dream will come true.

Tomorrow night,
at
long
last,
WE will be in the same room together!

Precious Moments

I thought for sure the days of my kids falling asleep on my lap were over...
I guess not.

Good friends are hard to come by...

I spent my morning at the downtown farmer's market.
I am clearly no longer hip or cool.
I was annoyed by driving so far for vegetables.
I was bothered by trying to find a place to park.
It was hot.

I can be bribed though.
I was getting in a better mood when I found the baked goods.
Someone was smoking pot, and the smell stopped me from thinking about Diet Coke for a few minutes.

and I ran into some of my DEAR Sudanese friends.
Aluel and Soouad have a Sudanese restaurant and serve delicious couscous.
I haven't seen them in at least 4 years.
I used to see them all the time, when they were newborn infant Americans.
They are now full fledged grown up citizens.
I was thrilled to see them there.
I ran to give them a hug.
They wept with joy,
told me,
"I miss you my dear friend!"
"You are now fat and old, is good!"

With friends like that, who needs enemies?

One day at a time, but who's counting...

So, I gave up Diet Coke...again.
For 8 days so far.
I'm over the worst of it, but not experiencing the super human health and strength promised
by Dr Oz, Oprah, the judgmental neighbors and personal trainers at work.
I havn't even lost a ton of weight!

In fact the only difference is that I can say,
"Hey, I haven't even thought about Diet Coke yet today."

Wait, that counts as thinking of Diet Coke doesn't it?

So why did I do this again?
Because this time it bugged me that I wanted it all the time.
I don't like being told what to do,
especially by a gas station.

The problem is,
I also don't like being in charge.
Quite the conundrum.
I am now "in charge" at work.
And still "in charge" at home.
Mind you "in charge" does most certainly NOT mean
"in CONTROL".
Apparently it means
"It is yours to clean up!"
But where to find the energy or the will to "clean up" without my Diet Coke?

Did I mention I quit Diet Coke?
And that I'm over the worst of it?
I don't even think about it everyday anymore....

I don't think about my life with Diet Coke,
I just spend time thinking about my life withOUT Diet Coke.

update....

Loving my new job, for the most part anyway.
The people I work with are the best!

Annie is off to her first week of girls' camp,
SHE'S 12 in 2 DAYS!

Geoff and Seth are loving the lake and jumping off the docks.
Especially driving the scooters off the docks.
Don't worry, they are thinkers,
they didn't want the scooter to sink to the bottom,
so they've duct taped swimming noodles all around them.
Genius, my boys, shear genius.

Chandler can't decide which view or company he likes better,
the 44 cheerleaders he "manages" as Bingham's official "Cheer Manager"
or, the hotties at the pool, where he works in the bistro, hmm, tough gig.

Christopher is an officially trained army something r other!
He is doing fabulous, and loving all that hiking around in body armor south of Tucson.

Chris is busy with his new insurance business,
things are going well.
Funny though, he doesn't seem to miss being at home with the kids all summer?

Dieter is a mastermind. He can now open the fridge and found my new hiding spot for all things carbs, the UPPER cupboards in the kitchen. The ones ABOVE the counters.
I am a complete enabler, as I have a long list of excuses and fully accept that most of this is completely my fault.
Besides, he doesn't mean it...
The 4 steaks really upset the boys,
but it was him polishing off my pineapple upside down sheet cake that got under my skin.

But, how cute is that dog?

He barks and howls goodnight to each of the kids when they yell goodnight to him.

I had a fabulous birthday, with Annie pulling off a surprise party for me all on her own,
and tomorrow Chris and I celebrate our 20th anniversary.

I am blessed!

sigh...

So I am a working mom.

Wow that hurts! I can't tell you how much. I have always dreamed of being a stay at home mom. It really is all I ever wanted. I remember growing up in the 70's trying to figure out why I HAD to have a CAREER. All little girls in the 70's had to have a career plan. I wanted to be Ethel Kennedy. I am a Mormon now, but I wasn't then. So my attraction to the Osmonds wasn't conditioned. I wanted a house full of boys, a few girls and lots of chaos.

For the most part, that's what I got. And still have. It's just now I'm getting a "career" thrown in too.

Don't get me wrong, I really like my job. I'm getting a promotion. I love the people I work with. My schedule is such a great fit for my family right now. It's just...

I miss deciding to make a big breakfast before taking my kids on hike, on a Wednesday.
Just because.

I miss having a pajama day, a park day, a lake day.

I miss those conversations you have when running errands aimlessly with your kids.
Just to kill time!

It's not all bad, I'm grateful for my income. I'm thankful I can take my kids to work with me.

I am very blessed! The people I work with are some GREAT friends!

I am especially grateful to the dear friend who IS a stay at home mom, and got to have a random heart to heart with my daughter.

I'm so grateful to know what it's like to have to juggle so much, and to really not have a choice.
Because I didn't used to believe a Mom ever didn't have a choice to stay home. I'm grateful I have never left my little people. That this season hadn't come along until my kids are each older.

I guess I just miss my kids, and could use a nap.

How was YOUR 4th of July?

Our's was a BANG!

J-Ron Miczo - five guys, explosive fights, firework fire-arms. welts on my back resulting from firework fire-arms, car chases resulting in throwdowns, improvised explosive devises, scorched clothes, small dead animals, lots of red bull and heavy music from six p.m. to three a.m. = a serious crash monday morning

Ashley Phillips likes this.

Shauna Packard Knowlden at 11:56pm July 6

are there any pictures from this event?

J-Ron Miczo at 11:59pm July 6

haha on my phone. videos too. it was with the beckstrands, maybe ill upload it all when im not so lazy

Shauna Packard Knowlden at 12:00am July 7

should we reserve tickets for next year?

AnnaLisa Arntsen at 12:45pm July 7

i hate you right now.....

Harlene Beckstrand at 2:32pm July 7

I'd like to see those videos....

Kaylee Andersen at 4:30pm July 7

hopefully no one blew up their hand. haha my little sister came home a couple weeks ago and told us that jeffrey told her that chandler blew up his hand with an atomic bomb. i think she was a little bit confused.

I found this little nugget of information this afternoon on FACEBOOK.

I know,
You are all envious!