This is how the plot SHOULD have gone.

Ummm... let's just say no introduction would be sufficient for this piece of brilliance.

Thanks for posting it, Vern. Gosh, I love that girl.

Twilight Years from Tom on Vimeo.

Career Day 2009

"I want to be a scientist when I grow up!" Kaden, age 6

Christmas Photo Session

The latest and greatest...

Sometimes Being a Flake is Not Really ALL My Fault

Remember way back when I told you all I had this awesome project in the works and it would be finished soon? Yeah, me neither. That post was how long ago?

But anyhow I did have a project I was really excited about. And I did work really hard on it for a really, really long time. And you know what? It got all jacked up because there are lame brain marketing people that put the words "stain-able" on wood putty labels and totally deceive amateurs like me. Yes, it's true. The putty is stain-able. However, they happened to leave out the minute detail that even though it is stain-able there is no way in Hades it's gonna match the rest of the wood.

So I actually "finished" the project back while Jeremy was in Florida, over a month ago. But now the finished project is sitting in the garage waiting for me to get motivation to re-strip it, re-sand it, and wait for it to get above 50 degrees so I can start staining all over again. Yeah, maybe I'll wait just a little bit longer...

In other news there's a new blog post over here!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

It's the 2nd of December. I can not believe it. While quite often time has seemed to creep by the last 8 months, it also has had an uncanny knack for flying by as well. Now, if I ever manage to multi-task like that you better watch out. But just between you and me I think we're safe in assuming that won't happen. I'm already feeling the full effect of the Christmas Spirit and it's going be one perfect month. We are so blessed.

*holiday decor (which I semi- scaled down from last year) is up

*Jeremy braved the roof and strung up the most perfectly straight line of lights ever

*oohed and ahhed over three precious newborn babies

*we've enjoyed lots of quality time with family

*explained, in depth, why the Who's were happy even after the Grinch stole their "things"

*purchased a beautiful tree (with a coupon even)

*decorated this fabulous tree with mismatched, sentimental, and perfect ornaments

*read the book "I Believe In Santa Claus"

*named and placed our "scout elf" who is keeping a watchful eye on our little ones

*cranked up the tunes on the Christmas Station

*finished almost all of the simplified shopping

*making exciting plans to spend Christmas with my family

*Christmas photo, for the grandkids, is scheduled for this afternoon

*our manger is being prepped for Baby Jesus' arrival with lots and lots of kind deeds

I think the only thing we're lacking is some Holiday baking... it's in the works.

Merry Christmas!

A Grateful Heart

topping my list in 2009

:: a loving Heavenly Father who is aware of me, pretty amazing when you really think about it

:: one amazing husband

:: practically perfect children

:: a huge family who loves me {some bound by blood, some by friendship}

:: a warm, cozy, love-filled house

:: the restored gospel

:: faith & hope

We Are Family...

November is National Adoption Month!

*Of the more than one million pregnant teens each year, 500,000 will choose to parent their babies, 450,000 will abort and fewer than 100,000 will place their babies for adoption. (U.S. Census Bureau)

* There are 510,000 children in the U.S. foster care system; 129,000 of these children are available for adoption.

*More children become available for adoption each year than are adopted. In 2006, 79,000 children had parental rights terminated by the courts, yet only 51,000 were adopted

*Each year, one in five children (26,517 in 2006) who are available for adoption turn 18 and leave the foster care system without a family.

*Nearly 40 percent of American adults, or 81.5 million people, have considered adopting a child, according to the National Adoption Attitudes Survey. If just one in 500 of these adults adopted, every waiting child in foster care would have a permanent family.

Statistical source: Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System; Department of Health & Human Services (January 2008) via Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, unless otherwise stipulated.

1/3 of my siblings have joined our family through adoption.

Would you have guessed?

.

It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons.

~Johann Schiller

The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together.

~Erma Bombeck

What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories.

~George Eliot

The Never Ending Tradition

Just found this little gem and couldn't let it go unshared.

Turkey Bowl 1999

This Somerville Family tradition has been going strong since the beginning of time (I'm pretty sure anyway) and will commence in less than two weeks. This isn't our "Somerville Year" for Thanksgiving, so we won't be participating. But two weeks, can you believe it?

Another One Bites the Dust

Yes, another one of my "former Young Women" is officially engaged. And the funniest part is that I had her as a Beehive. A Beehive, people.

I've said it before and I'm sayin' it again, I feel old.

A Slippery Slope

I've been looking at old family pictures. I sometimes tend to get a big head looking at all the photos because I am one cute little girl!

Now, before you go getting overly concerned for my prideful self and decide to host an intervention- just wait! Because, as you will soon see, it doesn't take long for my vanity to get checked. While strolling along in the photo journey we hit a little place I like to call the "ugly years". And after realizing that I did, indeed, go out in public like that I have no more pride.

Honestly though, where exactly do you think the breaking point was for me?

I know what my answer is.

1980- Smiling because I'm so fashion forward with my "vintage" binky leash.

1981 - Posing it up with the siblings.

No this is not a backdrop.

It's a real canyon somewhere... probably in the motherland, Utah.

1982 - Sure my hair is a little crazy but my mom has 4 kids.

It doesn't change the fact that I'm still adorable.

1983 - Girls picture!

Me and my sisters are hot stuff in our matching Easter dresses.

1984 - So sweet. Look at those cheeks!

1985 - I've still got it! Except I don't have that rainbow headband.

My sister Adrienne broke it not long after this shot, and I never let her live it down.

1986 - I think the decline starts right about here with

my crimped hair and all.

1987 - The picture my sisters refer to as "the poker".

Let's be honest. It really does look like I'm getting poked with a hot stick.

1988- Even though these earrings were totally in style,

it still doesn't make it right.

1989 - Ok, Self. A note for the future:

hair pulled straight back is really not a flattering look.

1990 - Wow! Although the bandanna absolutely makes this outfit,

I think the the bangs should get an award for their supporting role.

1991 - What in the world was going on with my hair?

I think the left side of my body must have had it's own gravitational pull.

And really, did I not sleep the night before?

WAKE UP!

1995- I think 1992 ended my ugly streak (and the purchase of school pictures by my parents) but this photo goes in there just because if you, being of sound mind, decide to go to Glamour Shots and pose with your hand on a big sombrero you deserve to be mocked.

Murphy is way too Interested in my Life

Murphy's law.... not so much a fan. Shocker, I know.

Yesterday it was 67 degrees- 67, people! That's warm for this time of year. Needless to say I was thrilled because I in my mind I made plans to do some staining today. Yeah, I had grand plans until I woke up to frost. Right now the temperatures is currently 38. **FYI staining isn't really do-able in temps under 50.**

So now I'm stuck baking pumpkin for puree {which is the obvious crappier option of my "projects" for the day} instead of staining like I really want to be.

WaRnInG: Murphy you just might want to find someone else to stalk, cuz I'm really getting sick of you hanging out over my shoulder. I think you've forgotten that mastered the "rear naked choke" at enrichment last month. Don't make me use it.

Amen

You know sometimes when you are reading a blog and you notice an interesting header in the blog roll? I caught a glimpse of a funny little gem on an old college roommates' sidebar and it raised my curiosity. So I clicked over on the blog and I could NOT stop laughing. I mean who doesn't love some good quality stereotyping? And if you are in the minority and this actually doesn't apply to you, or your family, you're probably in denial and should just embrace your Mormon-ness. Enjoy.

Articles of Faith of the Mormon Culture

1. We believe in SUVs and minivans, as the form of transportation, and in knee length shorts, which are always nice, and in the multilevel marketing.

2. We believe that church ball players should be punished for their own fouls, and not for unsportsmanlike aggression.

3. We believe that through bread crumbs, cheese, creamy soups, and rice all casseroles can be saved through obedience to ward cookbooks and creativity in the mixing bowl.

4. We believe that the first layers and ingredients of the Dip are: first, beans; second, cheese; third, chopped tomatoes; fourth, the gift of sour cream; fifth, olives; sixth, salsa; seventh, guacamole, that is, if you have it.

5. We believe that a Mormon should have a distinguished or a cute name, that it is appropriate to name a child after a church leader or a historical figure including an ancestor, that alternative spellings and French prefixes only add to a name, and that when referring to the names of General Authorities, middle initials should be a part thereof.

6. We believe in the same wall decor that exists in many Mormon homes, namely, framed family proclamations, vinyl lettering, inspirational word signs, family photos, pictures of temples and Jesus, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of the re-gift, church books, crafts, family photos, baked goods, emergency supply kits, and so forth.

8. We believe in sparkling grape juice so long as it is nonalcoholic; we also believe in bringing root beer and sprite to ward parties.

9. We believe in all that we have scrap booked, all that we will now scrapbook, and we believe that we will yet scrapbook many great and important things pertaining to our family, friends, pets, and vacations.

10. We believe in the literal mixing of ketchup and mayo and in the generous application of ranch dressing; that CBAs (church-based acronyms) will be used to describe YM/YW, PEC, the Y, NCMO, and CTR; that Mitt Romney will get Mormons to vote for him any time he runs; and, that the Mormons will enjoy reading Twilight and The Work and the Glory.

11. We claim the privilege of trying to identify common acquaintances with any visitor at church, and allow all other people at church the same privilege, and let them name drop the names of Famous and general authorities how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to scoutmasters, pampered chef hostesses, and the writers of the U.S. News and World Report Rankings for professional schools, and in obeying, honoring, and sustaining Glenn Beck.

13. We believe in being above average, good at crafts, optimistic, and being fifteen minutes late everywhere we go. Indeed, we may say that we follow BYU football. We believe rumors about famous people joining the church, we hope to meet the three Nephites, we have endured many pyramid schemes, and hope to be able to endure all pyramid schemes. If there is anything cheap, free, sold in bulk, or given away when somebody is moving, we seek after these things.

Wedded Bliss

The Rundown:

Three-tiered, staggered, square, ivory cake.

Accented with handpainted gold beads and a cascade of fresh roses.

Our typical "finished product pose".

But there was no help on this delivery so....you take what you can get.

This cake was so fun to do because there were a lot of "firsts" involved, but the best part was the brides reaction. It was priceless. She loved the cake and wasn't afraid to let us know.

I. Love. That!

{wishing you a lifetime of wedded bliss, Holly}

Swirling around my Head

*I am creeping closer to finishing my "secret project". Maybe a few more weeks. Ha!

*Two big cakes within 8 days, that's a tall order.

*Monster Math Night.... really, no other parents volunteered? really?

*Primary Program madness. T minus 3 days... almost there.

*Single parenting for how long??? I think I can, I think I can.

*Ella is walking! and throwing fits. lots and lots of fits.

*Fall is in full swing. I wish our yard was showing signs of that. {Stupid purple tree that doesn't drop leaves.}

*Spiced cider sounds mighty tasty.

*Where did October run to?

A Theme Song of Sorts

I really need to get me a "hearty" chef hat and dye my hair pink. You can find last weeks cake adventure here. Up for this week: three tiered, square, ivory, gold accents, roses. Gorgeousness for sure. {Thanks to Sarah for the cake song}

I think I would be in heaven if this were my weekend destination. Someday... General Conference will be good, too.

Postin' happening over on the flip side.

Keepin the Heritage Alive

I came downstairs a few weeks ago to find this lovely performance in progrees. There was no way I could let it go undocumented.





I dare say there is a wee bit 'o the Irish in that there laddie.

Say It Ain't So

From here

to

here

in just 12

short

months.

Happy 1st, baby.

Is It Fall Yet?

Sometimes I have a one track mind.

A lot of times I have a one track mind.

Case in point: all I can think about this morning is this.

picture props and a yummy lookin recipe here

Anyone else feelin' it?

I am slow, and it's ok

I know I'm way behind the times so I am sure this is old hat for you all, but I'm in heaven reading this blog.

There is just something about the fall that makes me all excited to do "projects". I currently have a small project I've been working at and I hope to finish it up soon because I can't wait to show you! It not only has sentimental value but the aesthetic value is gonna jump up my family room just a notch. Its a win, win situation all around.

I'm sighing blissfully as we speak, or type. Whatever. I need to get this project finished pronto!

As a friend {not so} tactfully put it: "You Guys Need a New Hobby"

The air is becoming crisp and cool so fall is definitely peeking it's head around the corner. We all know what that means around these parts: it's party time.

Here's the current countdown:

6 days until Brynnlee's birthday
14 days until Ella's birthday
20 days until Kaden's birthday

Yes, there will be unimaginable amounts of cake baked, decorated, and consumed in the next three weeks. I'm quite giddy just thinking about it (and the decorating should be pretty fun too).

Utah 2009

The best and worst thing about Utah is that fact that we know way too many people there. Every town we drive by I think to myself "Oh we should totally stop and see ______ ." Maybe next time.

It's hard to get it all crammed into a 3-day weekend, but we did manage to have quite a bit of fun seeing my newest neice Tasia, checking out my parents soon-to-be-finished house, staying Alicia's new house, stuffing our faces with cookies and pop at my sister Adrienne's new-to-her house, some doing a little rafting, watching the miracle BYU game (who'da guessed that?), browsing each and every aisle of Toys R Us with 8 children, and eating at the Red Iguana which was featured on Diners, Drive-in's and Dives, celebrating two first birthday's and seeing cousins wear themselves ragged trying to stretch every last second of play time. Whew! I'm exhausted.

School Days

I'm still around.... Click Here

School Days

Kaden's first day of Kindergarten.

{The sun was in his eyes, but if I turned him around I got a shadow- you can't win}

The family shot.

Waiting at the bus stop.

Hopping on the bus.

Kaden, Daphne, and Gabe following Ms. Whitney, the vice principal, to the kindergarten playground.

Waiting in line.

Greeting Sra. Hanan.

Hopping off the bus.

He LOVED his first day. Even though he couldn't remember anything he did other than play on the playground and eat snacks he said he had a great time. He named off all the kids he recognized from church and t-ball, and can't wait to go back again.

Watch out world!

We Had a Great Time

{The Fray - August 7, 2009}


I'm still dwelling on these memories. Because, well, it's a little more pleasant than the last few days have been with their not-so-great news. But don't worry I won't throw myself a pity party... maybe a pity cocktail hour, but definitly not a party.

{The Becks - Aug 7. 2009}

This is me throwing my hands up in the air

because this morning the run was so painful. I stopped running and walked. And even walking hurt.

At least I have The Fray to look forward to. Yay Friday.

A Jump on the Day

Before 8 am hit this morning I had two major accomplishments under my belt. I ran 8 pain-free miles {not an easy feat when not even ONE person shows up to join the misery, I mean run}. I think everyone returns from vacations this week and if not, I guess enjoying the river at 6am in solitude isn't THAT bad.

The second is even more exciting, if you can believe that. There was an official changing of the guard in the unmentionables drawer at precisely 7:45am. Out with the nursing and in with the non-nursing. Slowly but surely this body will get back to normal. Well, whatever normal I can derive after 3 kids.

6 days and counting...

Think "Cable Car" and Spokane

Even Ladies Love Pickles

9

* 9 days and counting.

* i'm excited, thrilled & giddy.

* can't wait.

*Updated and Edited*

For clarification purposes I have not yet run 10 miles. For some weird reason in the last post I chose to abbreviate minutes and I guess it may have been confusing. I was trying to say that I ran under a ten minute mile... ten miles? Still working on that.

Jeremy got the callback. Hip Hip Hooray. Now its just a waiting game for the background check, drug test and psychological profile. And if those don't go well then I'd say unemployment may be the least of our worries at this point. Fingers crossed.

A Breakthrough Kinda Week

:: a (short) list of things occuring round these parts ::

aka breakthroughs

~Ella's 1st tooth! And on the 4th of July no less! At 9 1/2 months I was beginning to worry that we might have to order dentures for the little gal, but low and behold one emerged.

~Jeremy had a second interview and I have a good feeling about it (I hope I'm not getting ahead of myself here).

~Running is going well [minus the shin splints that currently plague me] and I finally managed to break the 10 min. mile mark. FINALLY, I feel like I'm actually getting somewhere with this running bit.

~I decided I need to lay off the sugar a tad. I'm a self-proclaimed addict who is currently on her third day sans sugar. This is by no means a sugar fast because I fully intend to consume some sugar this weekend at a certain b-day party, but I figure just trying to have a few days here and there where I'm not totally overloading will do me some serious good.

Any breaking news on your end?

The Next Food Network Star

While we were eating dinner last night this conversation ensued.

Kaden: Mom can you help me make my own cookbook?

Me: What do you need me to help you do?

Kaden: Can you give me all your recipes to put in it?

Me: I sure can. Do you want the Chicken Divan one? {he hates when I make this}

Kaden: Yeah, because if my kids like it I can make it for them.

I thought it was cute that he was thinking of things that future others might enjoy. I wonder if he'll eat it after all the hard work he puts into making it? Maybe he'll just eat a bowl of ice cream for dinner...

Two Little Holes that Cause A Lot of Commotion

It started out like this

and progressed to this

and then went to this

and quickly nose-dived to this

but luckily ended up like this.

*Note to readers: If you ever want to feel like a crappy parent go ahead and say yes when you take your 3 year-old daughter to the mall and she tells you she wants to get her ears pierced. Trust me, lots of people staring while your little girl screams at the top of her lungs will instantly humble you and make you rethink your decision making skills. Good times at FHE!

If you check facebook

You know what's been going on in my house. If you aren't a "bookie" then let me fill you in.

{insert the hallelujah chorus here, cause it's just so darn pretty!}

Come closer.




And closer.
I'm loving the detail on this cake.
Simple and sophisticated, at least I think so.




Kate givine the thumbs up on a successful delivery!



At the wedding site.

And in case you are wondering what getting up at 5 am to run, watching 6 kids, and staying up till 11pm-ish for a week and half hand forming sugar flowers makes a girl look like check out the chick on the right. Yeah, I was a little tired and sans make up but smiling like an insane person because it was finally finished!

Does this make anyone else want to get married again??