The past couple of weeks in pictures:

4 months already!
Laura helping me make thumbprint cookies

Yum! She made the thumbprints and put the jam in all by herself...

Eden is doing awesome with potty training, but without the diaper padding all her pants fall off. Gotta get a few more belts for that girl.

The Mommy Store

For the girls' christmas shopping this year I've combined a few ideas from various sources. One is to have a 'mommy and daddy store'. Instead of taking them to the store and battling the crowds, having to tell them that everything they pick out for Daddy is too expensive, or having them melt down because they really want a toy for themselves, they come to our room set up like a mini store.

There are a few things set up for them to choose from. For example when Laura comes to my store to buy something for Eden I'll have three things set out and the two she doesn't pick will be from mommy and daddy. I try and make a big deal out coming the store, and the girls love picking something out using their hard earned money. Which lead me to...

The other half of the store is the money part. Obviously they don't have paying jobs, and I don't really want to just give them money, so they earn it. I took some of my scrapbook paper and circle punch and made paper pennies. When Laura does her chores, like making her bed, getting dressed quickly, or getting a diaper for Ryan, she gets a circle to put in her jar. When Eden goes to the potty, or likewise helps me, she gets one too. The girls had a great time decorating their jars:

We've been earning circles all month long and the girls are still engaged and interested. Especially because the mommy store is coming around on Monday for FHE. So far Laura's purchased a present for daddy and the two of them combined their money to buy this laughy dino for Ryan. (Maren, he's a new addition to the laughy hippo and bear family).

Even after Christmas I think we're going to continue the mommy store and earn rewards for themselves. Like a new coloring book or a piece of candy or maybe even visiting the zoo. Hey it beats just giving them an allowance!

The girls first time out in the snow this year... what occupied them most of the time: making snow angels and eating the snow. I love being able to let them go in the backyard while Ryan and I stay in the nice warm kitchen and watch out the window. I took this picture from the upstairs bedroom window:)

Three months, and a sweet sweet little guy. Ryan started reaching for toys this week too. I was doing some laundry in the other room and heard some rattling. I wondered if the toy gym had fallen over so I rushed into his room to find his little hands flailing. I grabbed my camera and...

It's beginning to look a lot like christmas...

The snow is finally here. I really like it when it doesn't snow until close to Christmas, the fun of the first real snow of the year combined with the spirit of the season is a great combination. I still am fininshing up my projects, and I hardly have anything wrapped, and that's nice too. So merry christmas season, and a happy snow to everyone!

We spent this last weekend in Idaho, we haven't been up there since Ell's wedding in August, so it was nice to have a change of scenery. Laura had the awesome chance to ride in a real cattle drive with Aunt Lesha. She went with Grandma Rosemary to watch while the cowboys/girls brought the cows across the freeway. Le offered to let Laura ride for a little bit and much to my surprise she got right up, rode for a few miles, and refused to get off! I wish I had been there, but Grandma promises me she'll get me copies of the ones she took. We heard about how Laura rode a horse for the rest of the weekend, and I'm excited for a certain christmas present I already got her: a standing horse, the kind for little kids to ride on:) L and I also got to go to Bailey's 7th birthday doggy party. 13 little girls, or puppies I should say. The only pictures I took this weekend was at the party, Maren didn't have her camera so I filled in. My favorite part was the doggy pinata that Maren had made herself:)

Grandma Martha had a special surprise for Eden when we got there: new Tinkerbell panties! Eden loves them, and has only had a few accidents. She's still working on filling up her potty-chart so she can earn her snap-n-style doll that's sitting up on the fridge. E also spent Friday morning layed out with a nasty stomache bug, but quicly recouped by the afternoon.

Ryan was a sweety the whole time and melted everyone's hearts, especially the Grandmas:)

Brent spent some time doing maintenance on his mom's car, and also got to play hero on Saturday night. The pipes at his mom's house, where Lanna and Scott and their three kids were also staying, froze while we were all in IF getting family pictures. They got home to no water. So Brent got under there with some heaters and a blow dryer. A little while later: running water and happy people!

I spent my spare time, after taking care of sick kids and their general needs, sewing on my mom's serger. I got the girl's nightgowns finished and a few other ho-ho projects done. I also learned a fun little card game called golf, watched two cheesy holiday specials (a weakness of mine) with my honey, and enjoyed letting the girls run around with their cousins.

Did I mention there was a huge snowstorm while we were there?! It was a great eye opener, reminding us that we don't really want to ever move back to Rexburg. When we left town on Sunday it was 6 degrees, when we got home that night it was 28. 28-6=staying in utah. There was even a power outage on Saturday morning while we were trying to get ready for familiy pictures. But I still can't wait to go back after christmas. After all, in a lot of ways, it still feels like home.

Playing catch-up...

These posts are pretty out of order, it really bothers me that Blogger won't let you rearrange the order of your posts, but oh well...anyway, this is what we were doing two weeks ago:

We had a super busy weekend: Sarah came up for the day and we took the girls to the kid's museum. love that place:

Later that night one of my friends who teaches piano lessons and I put on a little recital for families. It didn't turn out quite like I had envisioned, I wanted to make it geared towards little kids but ours were the only little ones who came. Next time I'll try and do it during the summer. Anyway, the girls all loved it and couldn't resist dancing in the back. My sister Sarah took a video and if I can get it to work I'll post it on here.

The next day we were given some tickets to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional and Lanna and I made our way downtown to attend. The tickets ended up being on the floor, right side about ten rows back! It was absolutely amazing being that close to the first presidency and the choir and orchestra. I hope some day to play in it. It really got me thinking about the true meaning of christmas and I'm trying to change my focus from the gifts to the experiences we can have as a family.

Since Halloween, ok way before then, basically since I got pregnant with Ryan, so about a year now, I've been really bad about eating healthy. I love sweets. In fact I'm afraid I've grown rather addicted. I have no idea how many bags of Halloween candy I bought to give out only to have the bag 'disappear' within a few days. Kit Kats have especially been my down fall as of late. And, my little pooch around the tummy speaks volumes for my junk food addiction. So I decided to take action...

A whole week of no treats.

No candy, no cake, no cookies, no donuts, not even hot chocolate. Nothing! Except popcorn, because it's way down there on the bad for you list and I've gotta have something to snack on if I'm not going to cave! I started on Monday, and how have I been doing you ask? Actually, awesome. It has been really really hard. Almost as hard as I thought it was going to be. But luckily we haven't had any parties to tempt me, and Brent has only handed me a candy bar a few times. I haven't gone nuts about eating super healthy meals, although I'm trying to be conscious; I bought pitas for the first time this week:) So just a few more days and I'll hopefully have just a little more self-control this holiday season.

Want to try it with me? You've still got a few days left to jump in...

The long march to the potty...

This last monday I went to the store to buy more diapers, the first time that I've had to buy for both Ryan and Eden at the same time. The result: I bought pull-ups instead and immediately came home and started potty-training!

So far Eden's doing really well. We've had our share of accidents, but today, day five, she's been dry all morning! So hurray for Eden, we've started the long trek towards freedom from wipes and diapers.

Decorating the Christmas Tree for Family Home Evening

Well, he made it through another big mountain bike crash with no broken bones. Although he can hardly move his neck. Those guardian angels are still watchin' over him.

Last night we had Kayla, Dylan and Bradyn over Saturday for a movie night and happily Wall-E was at RedBox. We loved it. I was so impressed by how involved I got in a movie that had hardly any dialogue. It was a little over the kids' heads, but they were happy with all the popcorn and treats.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving day in Sandy with Aunt Lanna, Uncle Scott and their kids Makayla, Dylan and Bradyn. The day's activities were pretty classic: the kids disapeared and played all day, lots of good food, visiting and football. The kids and I made little turkeys, although I ended up having to use the hot glue gun and doing most of it myself. The big dinner was delicious, although it was undoubtedly the fastest Thanksgiving feast we've ever had:) The kids planned a huge 'party' and Lanna and I were invited. Brent introduced Ryan to football and Lanna and I scouted out the deals in the Black Friday ads.

But when I think back to this Thanksgiving I'm going to remember how Laura cried the whole way home because she wanted to say and live forever at Makayla's house. Makayla is 7 years old and Laura's idol. She's such a sweetheart and loves to play with Laura. They both love princesses and anything magical. It really hurt my feelings when Laura told me that she loved me a little but she loved Kayla a lot and she wanted to live with her instead. I thought I had a few more years before my little girl didn't want me anymore!

p.s. this is a picture our family thankful turkey. The first week in November we made him for FHE and counted down the days until Turkeyday by writing down things we were thankful for. Some of my favorites: Eden is grateful for her bed, Laura is grateful for Teacher Brittney and the kids in her preschool class, Brent for his mountain bike, and I'm grateful that Ryan is sleeping about 8 hrs pretty consistently at night!

Retreat...

This year for our annual Sisters Retreat we headed to West Yellowstone. For the last three years we've stayed in my parent's condos and scrapbooked for an entire weekend without kids. Can you say a well-needed break? This year however we ditched our trunkful of scrapbook supplies and brought our laptops instead. We've all gone digital and spent more time hanging out. It was wonderful. On the way home Sarah and I always drive together and put together a few notes from the weekend. Here's this year's:

The same:
*Wonderful company, my sisters and mom
*Lots of good low prep food.
*Plenty of junkfood and chocolate
*pepsi, pepsi, pepsi for them, and raspberry soda for me
*A few technical difficulties. But Sarah and her computer overcame their differences.
*Good movies: Becoming Jane and Princess Bride
*One really dumb movie: 'Lars and the Real Girl'. Mom officially cannot pick out anymore movies
*Josh Groban and Michael Buble

Different:
*Location: West was fun, and the internet was better
*Paperless Digital Scrapping
*More time playing together and laughing
*Mom brought the home videos of us growing up
*Hot Tubbing every night
*Actually using the exercise room a few times
*Baby Ryan: our first male guest. Perhaps the last
*More music
*All of us were married women! Opens up a few more topics of conversation...
*We were all mostly healthy
*We spent an afternoon browsing through the few little shops open
*A great dinner at the train museum, complete with restored early 1900s train car

Highlights:
*Definitely the train museum dinner, it was so neat
*Having Ryan to cuddle and pass around, he's such a good baby it was nice to have him there
*Our Home Videos: Who doesn't love to watch all of their old ballet, piano and violin recitals. Plus I've realized that even though I'm not incredibly beauty, based on my awkward years it's a miracle I look this good!
*Checking out of the hotel but staying in the lounge with the fireplace. We had lunch and plalyed Phase 10 Twist for two extra hours. They can make us give back the keys, but they can't make us leave!
*Coming home to happy families after a great break.

p.s. I left my camera for Brent and I haven't gotten my sisters pics yet, so they'll probably appear on here in a day or two.

While Mommy's away, the ladies will play...

While Ryan and I were in West Yellowstone with my mom and sisters Brent and the girls had an awesome weekend. Thursday afternoon they played at the childrens museum, Friday they spent the day at the zoo, Saturday they played with their cousins at Wheeler Farms and Sunday Brent even took the girls to Stake Conference! Needless to say I did not feel too bad for my children:) What a great husband and Daddy, although he was, of course, ready for me to come home. I loved hearing him say, "I have no idea how you get the kids out the door in time for preschool! You're amazing!" and "Can I go to work on Monday?"

I didn't take many pictures this week, but these gems are from my growing up years. I've been working on a photo book using some scanned pictures from my mom's photo albums. Going through these old pictures sure brings a lot of memories and feelings to the surface. I mean, check out that hair! That is the dreaded mushroom haircut that I was teased about for years. Ah, the akward years. *sigh*

Anyway, a few highlights from our week:

I volunteered at Laura's preschool again on Monday. It was a great day to be there because a real fireman and policeman came and taught the kids about fire and gun safety. Laura was enthralled she came home and couldn't stop talking about it all day. She now knows about 911, crawling to the door when there's a fire, what a fireman looks like, and to never touch a gun or matches. She taught our FHE lesson that night on it, because it is Important:) We've also been working on learning her phone number to the tune of Do as I'm Doing. She's just about got it down although she likes to add in random numbers occassionally. It goes like this in case you want to add your own number in: "This is my number, 999-0999. This is my number, 999-0999" Very original, thank you very much. Putting my music degree to good use.

Also we've been battling colds all week, Eden especially. As soon as Daddy gets home from work she only wants him. She has him rock her to sleep before bed and just curls up in his arms. love it. Ryan is cooing and babbling and generally just being adorable. He's getting into a smoother schedule and actually slept 8 hrs again last night. Woohoo!

When we were running errands this week at Kmart (I got a new rug for my front room, hurray) the girls begged me to ride on the little carousel in front. It looked exactly like the one in Rexburg that's been there ever since I was a little kid. In fact it was still only a quarter so it's probably 20 years old. They were great in the store, per our agreement, so they picked out their special pony and took a turn around it. The looks of happiness on their face were well worth the risk of germies, I definitely think we'll be going back soon. How many times did I want to ride on that carousel? I almost wish I could have fit on there with them.

I've been crafting and sewing in all my spare minutes, but I'll refrain from going into details because they are presents for several readers of this blog:) HOHOHO But suffice it to say I want a serger. and a piano. If anyone knows of someone selling a Clavinova that is less than five years old, let me know!

The illustrious primary program was today: yes it's that time of the year. Laura did great for the first half, she introduced herself and said that she liked to play 'race' with her sister, and she is 'trying to be like Jesus by being kind to everyone'. We've been practicing that line for the last two weeks. She'd been telling us all the add-ons she was going to include, but luckily stuck to the script for the actual program. About half way through she started looking glum and came back to our bench to make sure that the dollies Eden was playing with would be around when she got done. That pertinent question answered she raced back on stage. Although she pouted and disapeared under her chair a few times because she found out they weren't going to play in the gym and have snacks afterward like they did at the saturday practice. What a bummer. Nothing is more amazing than a sunbeam.

Yes it's that time again, I can't believe it's already been six months, time flies! Anyway, as most of you know I'm a secret MK agent, except with a twist. I don't really consult, I just put in an order every six months for my friends and family. The twist, you get 40% off when you order over $30. So if you'd like a great deal go to Mary Kay.com and check out their great stuff. Then leave me a comment or email me at abbyb8e@yahoo.com. I'm hoping to place the order by the end of the month. Also if I need to ship it to you throw in a couple extra bucks. Thanks, have an awesome day. And remember, frowning makes wrinkles!

Tagged...

The 4th picture in my 4th folder... so glad those days are over for a little while. Notice the pillow I'm carrying, this is at Ellen's reception, Ryan was born exactly one week later. Good thing he's so cute!

November 9, 2008

Ryan looked so adorable all ready for church today(thanks Grandma Rosey for this adorable outfit) that I couldn't help snapping some pictures! He looks so GQ! Who said dressing up a little boy was no fun?

'Yes, I know I'm handsome'

Update on Ryan: He had his two month check up and weighs in at a healthy 13 pounds! His chubby little rolls are a mother's delight:) He's starting to sleep really well at night too, most nights he sleeps for 5 to 6 hours straight. I feel only minorly sleep deprived. His sisters continue to adore him, and I am constantly hearing, "Mommy, he's looking at me! He likes me! Oh look, he's smiling!" He really has three little mommies around here. And he smiles and coos at all of us.

We've had a busy week, between playing with friends, going to preschool, violin lessons, symphony rehearsals and a concert on Saturday evening. Life just keeps flying by! Brent was wonderful putting the kids to bed, three nights this week whilst I played my heart out at rehearsals:)

Ryan Paul Beattie

November 2, 2008 we blessed our son, Ryan. We were so glad so many members of our families were able to come and support us. Brent gave him a beautiful blessing, and after the meeting we had a delicious dinner at our home. A special thank you to Rosemary for making Ryan's blanket.