Sweet, sweet sleep...oh, how I miss you!

So poor Katie has had three ear infections in the last four months. She is currently infection free, but she still has fluid in both ears that won't drain.

So, after a visit with the ENT today, its tubes for my sweet baby.

I know it will be so much better, but I hate the idea of her having surgery.

Of course, I hate being sleep deprived too..so in addition to this being doctor recommended, and really the best thing for her...I also love the idea of her sleeping again...soon!

Insanity 101

I hate the third grade.

I mean, it was okay when I was in third grade, but I hate that Emma and Joe are in third grade.

Okay, I don't hate third grade. But I do hate book reports.

Okay really, I don't hate book reports either, but I do think some things that they ask the kids to do in school are just NUTS!

Emma and Joe have to read one book a month. In addition, they have to do a written book report, consisting of at least 7 paragraphs. They also have to do an oral report on the book AND they have to complete a project, e.g. a diorama, a time line, a poster, which has to have almost as much writing on it as the written book report itself. AND, there can be NO typing, NO photocopies, and every single thing they use has to be hand made except for the paper! (I mean REALLY, they had to make little animals out of clay for their dioramas! NOTHING ready made!)

AND they have to do ALL 3 parts each and every month for the ENTIRE school year.

And let me tell you, when they are done with a book report, I actually feel like the calm, cool whiteness of a rubber-padded room might provide some welcome relief!

So, as if that wasn't bad enough, last night at 8:00 p.m. when I told Emma and Joe to put their homework away so that they could get ready for bed, they said that they couldn't go to bed yet because their book reports were due tomorrow.

WHAT?!?

I thought the book reports were due on Friday (they are usually due on the last day of the month), but no, the kids said with wide eyes, "Didn't we tell you they are due tomorrow?"

"NO!"

So, while we were well on track with about two more hours of work for book reports due on Friday, we were totally unprepared at 8 o'clock at night for book reports due the next day!

So the big debate was, do we let them stay up and finish, or do we make them go to bed, turn their book reports in one day late and thus face a deduction of one full letter grade for their tardiness?

Well, after much wailing and crying (I did eventually calm down), okay really, it was Joe and Emma crying, we let them stay up and finish.

And can I just tell you that only bright spot about the whole thing was watching Troy try to help the kids with their homework and make a valient effort to not lose it. You could hear him muttering, "Remember, they're only 8!"

Really, it still brings a smile to my face.

So here were are today, with two very tired kids sent off to school, book reports in hand.

And one nutty mom sitting here thinking, I have to do this again next month!

Crap.

Kids are SO Wierd!

Let me just say it again...kids are SO wierd.

I mean, they do the craziest things, and it seems totally normal to them.

If you saw a box on your dad's chair, would you sit in it to watch TV? (Besides the fact that I would never fit, I still don't think I would.)

These are the same children that you can spend hundreds of dollars on, buying them the latest toys and gadgets, and what do they choose to play with? The box it came in, the wrapping paper, or the trash.

If you had a choice over toys vs. a pot lid, or a stick, or um, the toilet, what would you choose? My kids...the lid, the stick, or the toilet every time!

I totally blame Troy for this...I mean, this is the same man that watched TV when he was a little kid while standing on his head.

You just know THAT kind of behavior is going to be passed down to your own kids. Crazy, it seems, is so easily inherited.

Oh, no!

Havings twins is a funny thing. There are so many things that they do the same, and some things that they do differently, but it can be such a stark contrast having them do it at the same time.

Well, when you have boy/girl tiwns, there is even more of a contrast, and the inevitable has finally happened.

Emma is now significantly taller than Joe. Oh no!

This has caused Joe a little anxiety so Troy just keeps telling him that he will eventually catch up. (We hope.)

If we were in the funnies...

Really, our life is like one big comic strip...and since I added the little cartoon of myself to the blog, the kids all wanted to see what they would look like if we were cartoon characters...so here's us in the funnies.

Rite of Passage

So Joseph has officially entered the ranks of boyhood...as has his father. They, together, completed their very first pinewood derby car, and raced in a their first pinewood derby.

It was a very interesting endeavor, as neither had ever built a pinewood derby car, and as a mother, it was just one more aspect of scouts that I don't get!

But, I think it was fun for Joe to build something himself, and I think for Troy too, who never did the pinewood derby as a boy. They built a stylish little car and made a presentable showing in their first derby.

Knowing what they know now, and seeing how competitive the other boys and fathers were, all I can say is, look out derby 2009, here come the Beatty boys!

Mid Winter Funk and a Little Gratitude

I have been in a bit of a funk recently.

I think it's the weather. I hate the cold. I hate the rain. I hate the freezing, cold rain. (Insert big sigh here.)

I have been looking for that magic *something* to snap me out of my funk...while I didn't find that, I have found the girl scout cookies, and am currently eating myself back to my old weight. (One more big sigh for good measure.)

Then today, I was reading my sister-in-law's blog, and she as she talked about winter and the hope of spring, and as I read this old post on a scrapbooking website that I like, I realized that there is so much to be be happy about, and that the *something* that I have been looking for is gratitude.

So in honor of my mid-winter funk, a list of things I am grateful for:

• My REALLY great husband. He puts up with a lot, and keeps coming back for more.
• My SUPER kids. They really are good kids...I need to remember that for every broken dish and loud fight, there are siblings whos like each other and lots of love.
• My friends. We have good friends. They make me laugh and smile, and can be counted on the be there when the chips are down. They rock.
• My house. It's nice not to have to stand in the rain.
• My health. It's fun to be thinner. But really, I gotta lay off the girl scout cookies!
• My blog. I know I am obsessed, but when it comes right down to it, I am keeping a record of my family...not the big things, but the little things...the things that when I am old I will have forgotten, and then won't I be so glad that I wrote it down once!
• My extended family. I have a really great family, my own and Troy's. I love that they blog and keep in touch.
• The gospel. I know this should be higher on the list, but it is what it is. And I am thankful that even when I am down, I know that I am not alone.
• And last, but not least: Bread. Bread?! Yes, I took a class last week on how to make bread, and I made my first batch last night. And I am dang proud of it! I am really glad that I have a desire to learn new things, and that I have lots of people to turn to when I have questions.

So that's it for now.

What are you grateful for?

Why Messes Don't Matter

How stinking cute is this?

I love how the kids love each other. I love how they play and interact. I love how Katie busted a gut laughing while in the jumper and Becky couldn't get enough of her!

I love how THIS, makes everything else (like sharpies and crayons) seem unimportant!

Caught Red-Handed

So, the phrase caught red-handed has new meaning for us today.

It's now 10 am (a mere 12 hours since the last incident). The kids are gone to school and I am ready to head out to playgroup.

Becky is still in her pajamas and I have called up her to get ready for the day. But wait...she looks like she wearing lipstick. Oh, that's not lipstick, it's a SHARPIE! Ahhhhhhh!!!

So, stupid questions #2: WHY did you color on your face and hands?

Response: I am supposed to color on paper.

Me: Your hand isn't paper!

Becky: Oh.

Me: Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!

Ask a stupid question...

Question: WHY (insert wide-eyed, slightly crazed look here) did you color on the wall?

Answer: Because I didn't have any paper (insert eye-rolling, DUH here).



Last night, at about 10, WELL after all the children were supposed to be in bed (ASLEEP), I hear a little "scratch, scratch, scratch." Then some more "scratch, scratch, scratch." I can't figure out what it is and go upstairs to investigate...well, you can see for yourself!

Can I just say that I am either learning a little more patience, as this type of thing would have sent me over the edge a few children ago, or I have already gone off the edge and just don't know it yet! (Yeah, yeah.)

Becky has this way of looking at you, with those big eyes that makes it almost (ALMOST) impossible to be mad at her. In fact, last night I got a major case of the giggles as I tried to discipline her. I couldn't do it so I had to call Troy up, who also got the giggles...so between me taking pictures and Troy trying to keep his composure...I don't think Becky really learned her lesson.

BUT, hopefully, some dedicated time with a sponge today will teach her not to take crayons to bed.

Once again, a perfect example of why the family motto is, "This is why we don't have nice things."

Welcome Hadriel Israel

Troy and I had an opportunity to go to a brit milah today. A brit is when a Jewish boy is circumcised and given his name. It is a very important event in a boy's life and signifies his entrance into covenant with God.

It was a very beautiful ceremony, and we feel so priviledged that our friends Moshe and Pamela allowed us to share in their great joy.

The brit is performed on the boy's eighth day and no one is told his name until the ceremony. Moshe and Pamela named their son Hadriel which means to glorify God.

Hadriel is beautiful! As are his brother Avi Shai and his sister Darya.



This has been one the best things about living on the East coast. We have had so many opportunities to meet many people, and we have enjoyed every chance we've had to learn about different cultures and faiths.

Heaven? Not Today

There are many reasons why I am not getting into heaven...the least of which is that I am going to do something I don't usually like to do...complain about my calling.

(Just a little side note to my non-LDS family and friends...I love the Church, I love serving in the Church...I've just had a few bad moments.)

I am currently the stake building scheduler, and let me tell you, it is the MOST thankless calling I have EVER had!

I have never had a calling before where it was okay for people to yell at you, be rude to you, get mad at you, and generally not appreciate your work.

I am mostly a pretty assertive person (no comments from the peanut gallery, please). BUT, when it comes to church things I often bite my tongue when I might otherwise tell you to kiss my butt. I sort of feel like it's my obligation in serving to try and be kind, even when it's hard.

And boy, is it hard sometimes! Honestly, can you imagine yelling at your primary teacher because you didn't like how she taught the class, or getting angry at the Sunday school teacher because you didn't like where you were sitting. Of course not! But then again, people have no problem doing it to me when they don't like how the calendar has been set up, or they cannot get the building when they want it, or they don't like how the rooms have been allocated for people's various activities.

But honestly, people call here and they don't always know who I am or what my circumstances are...but they have no problem being something other than kind...and I have to say that I have learned a lot about people's true character in doing this job...because it isn't how you treat the stake president or the bishop that says anything about who you are...it's how you treat the faceless peon on the phone that really tells me something about you.

I guess I am just feeling frustrated because doing this is service...and even if that service isn't appreciated, it certainly shouldn't be criticized! It is all the more frustrtating for me because I really try to do a good job (and, not to toot my own horn, I think I have!).

But days like today make me want to ask for a raise.

Oh wait, I don't get paid.

Shoot.

Little Miss Katie

I did my little black and white photo session with Katie this morning. I know I still have a long way to go as a photographer, but it is amazing what reading the manual that comes with your camera can do for you! (Yeah, I know, DUH!)

I love taking pictures and having TOO MANY choices rather than just settling for the one that doesn't look so bad.

So here's Little Miss Katie. Since she gets a lot of blog time, I am not going to do a big post about her. Suffice it to say, i'm in love!

Perfection Pending

We had the adult session of stake conference (a large meeting of local congregations) last night and one of the speakers spoke about the scripture in Matthew 5:48 that says "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

I don't know about you, but the thought of being perfect is a little overwhelming...and frankly I think impossible to feel good about. We aren't perfect. No one on Earth today is perfect, and in fact only one perfect person EVER lived on this earth. So why does HE tell us to be perfect?

I have been studying this topic recently and was really impressed with a talk given by the Apostle Russell M. Nelson on what this verse really means. And...the speaker actually referred to that talk in his talk last night!

Elder Nelson says, "In Matt. 5:48, the term perfect was translated from the Greek teleios, which means “complete.” Teleios is an adjective derived from the noun telos, which means “end.” The infinitive form of the verb is teleiono, which means “to reach a distant end, to be fully developed, to consummate, or to finish.” Please note that the word does not imply “freedom from error”; it implies “achieving a distant objective.” In fact, when writers of the Greek New Testament wished to describe perfection of behavior—precision or excellence of human effort—they did not employ a form of teleios; instead, they chose different words."

He goes on to say, "The perfection that the Savior envisions for us is much more than errorless performance. It is the eternal expectation as expressed by the Lord in his great intercessory prayer to his Father—that we might be made perfect and be able to dwell with them in the eternities ahead."

So, we aren't SUPPOSED to be perfect in this life. We can't be.

BUT we are supposed to give our best effort and be the best people that we can be. I think that is pretty doable, in fact, it gives me a lot of hope.

My best is enough...and thank goodness for that.

That is the best part of having a Heavenly Father that loves us...He knows what we are capable of...and He never gives us more than we can bear...and I think often we really have MORE and are capable of more than we are even aware of!

Milestones

I cannot believe how quickly time passes. Katie is almost 8 months old, and soon she won't be my baby anymore, but my toddler...then...oh it's too much!

She has finally cut her first two teeth, and much to my surprise, her third and fourth as well. She is just about ready to crawl...whether I want her to or not!

She is just the happiest little thing. And considering she has spent half her life with an ear infection, it is a wonder! She laughs at just about everything...it's too funny! (Although someone did point out, there is a lot to laugh at here.)

I am really trying to enjoy her...it isn't too hard.

Happy V Day

I just gushed about Troy on his birthday, so it seems a little much to do it again, but it IS Valentine's Day.

So, to my sweetheart, I love you. More. Most. Best. Back. (And as for the pic, um, don't be too mad, but it's your bum and you're vacuuming...what's not to love?!)

To the other little Valentine's in my life...I am lucky to have you.

And to all of you, Happy Valentine's Day. I hope you get to spend it with someone you love.

Miss Mikayla

So today is Mikayla's turn.

She is 11 going on 20. It's a little scary as she grows up. I am never prepared when she reaches new milestones...we probably never are for our eldest kids. I mean this year she enters the Young Women's Program at Church and I KNOW I am NOT ready for that!

She is amazing. She is the most responsible young woman EVER. She is really helpful and good with the others kids.

A lot of people ask if she is the second mother at home, and I am quick to point out that Emma is actually the our second little mother. Mikayla, on the other hand, is the BOSS. Mikayla will make sure that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing, while Emma will make sure that you are okay while you're doing it.

Mikayla is somewhat of a perfectionist and she is really hard on herself when she makes mistakes. I feel badly about this because I know it comes from the mistakes that I have made as her mother. Why we are so hard on our eldest children, I will never know. And having been an eldest child, it makes me feel even worse!

But as I have become aware of my shortcomings as a mother, and especially as I have had more children, I have tried to let the little things go, and reassure Mikayla that it is pefectly okay to make mistakes...I do it ALL the time!

Mikayla is very talented and she loves art and music, and pretty much anything creative.

She is also really smart, but more than that, she is an incredibly hard worker. I think that her dedication will take her farther than her mind alone ever could.

She is right at that age where everything we do as parents embarasses her. I try to be somewhat sensitive to this, but Troy lives to embarass her...I guess every Dad feels like it's his personal responsiblity to bring a little embarassment to his children. Oh well.

I feel really lucky to have Mikayla as my daughter. She really has so much confidence, and a real sense of self that even now I wish I had. She is prefectly happy being who she is, and I think that's a gift.

A funny Mikayla story is from when she was about five or six. Troy was telling her about how his brothers used to tease him when he was a little boy. He told her about how one time they made him wear a striped blouse and a polka dotted skirt. He was trying to tell her how embarassed he was to be wearing women's clothing, when she stopped his story just horrified and asked, "You mean, they made you wear stripes and polka dots at the same time?" Her fashion sense has always been impeccable (which is much more than I can say for her dad).

She really is just such a good girl and I am proud to have her in our family.

Just Me, Take 2

So, you wouldn't think that taking a self-portrait would be such a big, stinking deal, but I took 300 pictures, from different angles, and with different lighting and there wasn't one, single photo that I really liked.

(I SO blame you for this Amy Huhtala...I was perfectly happy living my life BEHIND the camera, but you and your stupid challenges...and I'm going to get you for it too!)

Anyway, I can't help but think that this would be a whole lot easier if I looked like Heidi Klum, but photo after photo, no Heidi, just me.

So in honor of Troy's "let's do things outside our comfort zone," I will post one that I thought I could live with...and I will keep taking pictures and see what happens.

The Big 3-5

So today, my sweet Troy is the big 3-5.

Holy cow, that's old!

So in honor of Troy's birthday, 35 things you may or may not know:

1. He loves flat soda
2. He loves to swim
3. He is a morning person
4. He hates to throw anything away
5. He loves to play hearts (He was the champion on his mission in Poland)
6. If he could do anything he wanted...he would take a nap
7. He can still do a back flip
8. He has an unhealthy obsession with vacuums and squeegees
9. He loves greasy grilled cheese sandwiches and crumbs
10. He is notoriously happy, all the time, for no reason
11. He is an optimist (I hate that!)
12. He always looks for the good in people
13. He is very giving and generous...to a fault
14. He hates to eat out...which is so sad for his wife
15. He wishes his wife could get his socks as white as his mother could
16. He has questionable taste in television
17. He loves his kids and is a really hands on Dad
18. He loves puns...he thinks they are so funny
19. He is a REALLY hard worker...usually going above and beyond
20. He has a cute butt
21. He isn't really afraid of anything, nor does he worry...he doesn't see the point
22. He LOVES self-help books
23. He hates it when people say bad things about themselves
24. He cannot be guilted into anything...I hate this too!
25. He loves sayings, cliches, and well known phrases, but can never say them right
26. He wears a hat to bed when its cold
27. He wishes he were healthier in his choics and exercise habits
28. He loves to play the piano and sing
29. He pushes himself to do things outside his comfort zone because he thinks its good for him
30. He has the best laugh
31. He loves the outdoors
32. He rarely loses his temper
33. He owns about sixty blue shirts
34. He is a really good person
35. His wife really loves him, and hopes he has a happy birthday.

So leave my hubby a little love and feel free to tell us what you love about Troy.

All About Joe

So, in addition to scrapbooking, I have been working on my photography skills. I still have a long way to go, and someday when I grow up I hope to be as good a photographer as Hilary or Katie, but in the meantime, I will keep trying.

I set up a little spot at home to work on learning how to use my camera and I took (and scrapbooked) these photos of Joe.

ALL ABOUT JOE

Let me start by saying that this kid is a riot. He has always been really well liked, wherever he goes, and I think it is because, by nature, he is a really easy going person. He is happy to do what you want, and go where you say, and when I say that he is happy, I really mean it.

He REALLY is just a very happy person. (I assume he gets that from Troy, because as you all know, he certainly doesn't get it from me.)

When Joe was a little boy, he used to think that he was a cartoon character. He would run around the house and do little cartoon moves--his favorite was to pretend that some part of him was on fire (usually his bum) and he would run around until the "flames" were gone.

One time we were driving in the van and I closed the windows (you know, the little vent kind that open just a little in the back). Anyway, I shut the windows and after a while I noticed that Joe was actually a little too quiet and I asked him what was wrong. Well, it turns out that I had accidently shut his fingers in the window, but he didn't want to bother me, so he didn't mention it! That kid! Anyone else, and they would have been screaming bloody murder! When I opened the windows, all he could say was, "Thanks Mom."

Another time, Troy and I went away for a few days and we left Joe with some friends. He didn't feel well while we were gone and ended up staying home from school. He was a little sick to his stomach and came downstairs to see my friend. He had this wierd expression on his face and she was trying to figure out what was wrong. Finally, she said, "Joe, do you need to throw up?" He kind of shook his head at her. And she said, "Joe, did you already throw up?" He sort of shook his head yes and no, and she said, "Joe, do you have throw up in your mouth?" When he shook his head YES, she ran him over to the bathroom so he could spit it out. Turns out, he didn't want to get throw up on her carpet. Did I mention that he is a very nice kid?

Joe is just a good boy. You won't find anyone with a bigger heart. He loves to help and always wants everyone around him to be happy.

He LOVES video games. If we let him, he would play all day and all night, and NEVER sleep. He also can't resist playing with the little kids. When you send him to do something, he will do it, until Josh or Becky ask him to play, and then of course, he forgets everything else. It drives me crazy, but at the same time I know it's his sweet nature telling him that he should take the time to play (again, he gets this from Troy.)

I have learned a lot from having Joe in our family and I am really grateful for what good boy he is.

We spent some time reading about love languages and how everyone gives and recieves love in different ways. I wanted to find out what each of the kid's love languages is, so that I could express love to them in the way that they most appreciate. Joe's language is touch. He would rather have a hug or kiss more than a present...I love that about him. I am not an especailly touchy person, so I try to hug him a little more and really let him know that I love him. I think it's good for me.

If you have a funny Joe story, I would love hear it.

Fat and Warm

So the phrase "opposites attract" has a lot of meaning for Troy and I.

We have different likes, and interests, and hobbies, but we have also managed to find common ground.

If nothing else, it makes for an interesting marriage.

If fact, have you ever taken those surveys that tell you what your perfect companion would be like? We have. And according to those surveys, mine isn't Troy. Actually, we have even taken a couple of those surveys that say couples like us shouldn't even bother trying...

Well, you know how well I take advice.

So when things are good, they are REALLY good, and when things are bad...we'll just apologize now for those of you who have been caught in the middle of a Troy and Denise squabble, and to those of you who haven't yet had the privilege, well...I apologize in advance.

Anyway. I bring this up because Troy and I have spent our entire marriage with one us feeling cold (Troy) and the other one feeling hot (me). This was fine when we had a car with dual air control, or even when we go to bed because Troy will wear his long johns and socks (and even a little hat) to bed when it's cold. Me? No covers, no sheets, nothing. I'm just too hot.

But with my recent weight loss something strange has happened here at home...I now get cold at night (gasp)! And it has made for some evening tug-of-wars as Troy and I compete for covers.

So as we were disucssing how to rememdy this situation, I told him, "Well, I can either be fat and warm, or thin and cold."

...And it must have been a long night for him because he said he'd take fat and warm.

WHAT?!?

Now, don't get mad, because I'm pretty sure he was kidding...but it made for a funny little disucssion and of course...for a funny little blog post.

Here's to Little Boys

As the mother of four girls and two boys, I can tell you that boys are different than girls. Boy are they different!

And as much as I love my kids, I struggle a little more (right now) with my boys than my girls...simply because I don't get them. I don't get boys. I don't get men either, so I really shouldn't be surprised.

But boys just do things that seem INSANE to me.

Why did you jump off that?

Why did you throw that?

Why did you destroy that?

Why did you color your sister blue?

But I found this little quote that just SEEMED so right...so here's to little boys.

Boys are found everywhere-on top of, underneath of, inside of, climbing on, swinging from, running around, or jumping to.

Mothers love them, little girls hate them, older brothers and sisters tolerate them, adults ignore them,and Heaven protects them.

A boy is Truth with dirt on its face, Beauty with a cut on its finger, Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair, and the Hope of the future, with a frog in its pocket.

by Alan Marshall Beck

So, while I may not always understand my little boys, I do love them. And there is nothing better than a little boy who loves his mom.

Emma-ism and a Beatty Kids-ism

Emma had a playdate today, so on the way over we talked about good behavior.

The conversation:

So Emma, you need to be nice and have good manners, okay?

Yes Mom. I'll be good.

Okay. Remember, say please and thank you. Don't be rude. Share.

Yes Mom. I know.

Oh, (just to tease her) and remember, no giggling!

No giggling? But MOM (in that oh so dramatic, pre-teen fashion), we CAN'T have FUN if we DON'T giggle!

Good to know.

And for the Beatty kids-ism:

We were telling the children how we have a new prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

They were trying to recall which one he was, and asked, "Oh, is he the one that looks like Uncle Rick?"

Uncle Rick? Really?

I guess I had never seen the resemblence, but when we looked President Monson up on the computer, they assured me that he did indeed look like their Uncle Rick. (And I think it made them feel instantly closer to the new prophet.)

So, you be the judge.

Life In the Rearview Mirror

Okay, so this another one of those personal posts, where writing about myself or my feelings is a heck of a lot harder than writing about my family or some crazy spot I got myself into.

But here goes.

So someone (Amy) asked me, why isn't there a picture of me on my blog?

So of course, my sweet husband also wonders, if I am going to continue to post embarassing pictures of him, aren't I going to post embarassing pictures of myself?

Uh, no.

Because the truth of the matter is, I don't like to have my picture taken.

I find that I don't like how I look in photos, and I like even less how I feel when I look at pictures of myself. I don't know if it makes sense to anyone else, but when I look at pictures of myself, it isn't a reflection of what I see when I look in the mirror.

Now don't send me a bunch of e-mails about how I shouldn't be down about my looks, blah, blah, blah. That isn't what I am trying to say.

I don't think i'm hideous or anything. In reality, I am finally a point in my life where I like who I am, and I am becoming more comfortable in my own skin.

I just don't like having my picture taken.

In fact, if proof of our existence came only from photographic evidence, then for all intents and purposes, I wouldn't actually exist.

So, in the hopes of proving to future generations that I did exist, here is my first attempt at a self-portrait.

I choose this mirror to take my photo in, because this is in fact the one I look in the most. (I just held the camera up and pushed the button.)

I will keep trying and let you know how it goes.

And just for laughs, this is what I see besides myself when I look in my rearview mirror.

How Did I Get So Lucky?

Have you ever had someone in your life that you look up to?

Someone that sets the standard? Raises the bar? Is the person you want to be when you grow up?

Well, in our house, that person is Paul Snow. At least as far as husbands go.

I know you are now asking yourselves, "Who the heck is Paul Snow?"

Well, let me tell you.

Paul is a friend from church whom we really like (and hopefully who still really likes me, after he reads this post).

I know he will be embarassed that I am writing this, but really, I often joke around with Troy, and ask "Why can't you be more like Paul Snow?"

I know you are wondering why I say this, so I will refer you to THIS post in their blog and tell you that it is only the tip of the ice berg! Paul Snow is a great little husband!

Now, I love my husband. More than anything. And I wouldn't trade him for anyone in the world, not EVEN Paul Snow (no offense Paul).

And before you get all riled up at me and think that I am complaining about Troy, I'm not. Troy might not be "Mr. Romance", but when the chips were down, he really came through!

Before I tell you the rest I have to first explain that we have all been sick...and it has been rotten! The kids were sick, I was sick, and even poor Troy was sick. While Troy's health improved, mine did not, so he stayed home from work today to take care of me, and not only did he take care of me (yes, honey, I AM feeling the love), he took care of the kids AND the house too!

He vacuumed.
He mopped.







And for those of you who know Troy really well, you know that he has a system for EVERYTHING! So he just HAD TO vacuum the inside of the lamp. (He also vacuumed every surface in the living room, including the front of the TV, the top of the stereo, and even the remote controls.) The man is nothing, if not thorough.

He also did diaper duty.

And he even cooked...a lot.

HOLY COW!

So now, instead of asking Troy, "Why can't you be more like Paul Snow?" I will now be asking him, "How did I get so lucky?"

P.S. But I still think you're great too Paul! And you have a wonderful wife, who was SO nice and brought us dinner. I AM really lucky!

Why Can't You Smile On Demand?

Have you ever tried to get a good picture of your baby? You know, when they are smiling at you, and it is too cute for words, and you run and get your camera, and when you get back you find that they will make every face at you possible, except for the cute smiling one?

Yeah.

These are those photos.

Well, It Is MY Blog

I am going to brag a little, so if you aren't interested, please read NO further.

The kids brought report cards home, and I happy to say that ALL were straight A students.

We are very proud of all their hard work and success. (As a side note, we would have been just as proud if it weren't straight A's...but we're happy to be proud of this too.)

Just a little peak into the Beatty family:

In case you didn't know, we are a highly competitve family. Troy and I hate to see the other one win at any game we play, and our children have inherited this competitve streak. All were proud to boast straight A's, but because the accomplishment was shared, they felt the need to compare citizenship and "specials" (PE, Art, French) grades, which are given as S, S-, and S+.

One child did get more S+'s than the other, but for the sake of family unity, we will keep the name confidential.