This and That

From the words of Mother Teresa

2011-09-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
— Mother Teresa

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it."
— Mother Teresa

"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love."

— Mother Teresa

"Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."

— Mother Teresa

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." ..."

— Mother Teresa

FOOTBALL AMERICANA!!

2011-08-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

OOOH THE TIME IS AMONGST US PEOPLE!! I WON'T LIE I'M PRETTY STOKED....BECAUSE OF THIS...

IT HAS MY NAME ON IT, OF COURSE I HAVE TO WEAR IT! SUUUURE YOU CAN MAKE FUN OF ME ALLLLLL YOU WANT BUT REALLY IT'S JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE JEALOUS.... I'VE BEEN TOLD A FEW TIMES "WELL I GUESS AT LEAST YOU AREN'T SUPPORTING THE PACKERS"....SO SEE I'M STILL KIND OF COOL.

DEAR TOM, I THINK YOU ARE PRETTY DARN FANTASTIC.

YES.... HE IS COOL ENOUGH TO BE WITH A GORGEOUS SUPERMODEL

SO TOM JUST AND FYI MY HUSBAND REALLY DISLIKES FOOTBALL FEEL FREE TO CALL HIM ANYTIME AND EXPLAIN TO HIM WHY HE SHOULD LIKE IT OKAY? GAMES WOULD BE EASIER TO WATCH IF HE WERE ON BOARD.

Childish Adventures

2011-07-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

Summer time....It's also known as adventure time....Some of the greatest childhood memories are formed in the great outdoors. Their smiles, and laughs make life worth it.

the fish I just felt sorry for their whole life has one point...Look at her all banged up, but she just kept going...

Widdle muchkin toes.....musshy mussshy...

Weekends...why is it that they don't last longer?

My Beautiful Moments...4th of July.

2011-07-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

You know that feeling....
that feeling of a perfect moment? The light shines just right, the smell is memorable, and the sound of that moment is perfect..
I love moments like that. I snap mental pictures and keep them stored away, I can recall them in perfection even years down the road. What song was playing, what that person was wearing, where we were, and what we were talking about..I know an odd talent I have, pretty useless really, other than self satisfaction.
I'm a bit of a daydreamer, I'm kind of wild, a little restless, loud...But I know when to stop, and just breath...and absorb a simply perfect and beautiful moment. They happen, and if you stop long enough you can see them. They may not be anything to anyone else, but to you they are something.
Smiles, laughter, good food, good loving people... That twinkle in the eye, with a crooked grin.. all the while that simple little moment is melting your heart. It's like electricity, buzzing through your body. Sometimes you even get lucky enough to capture that moment in true form, and those pictures you hold in your hand bring those memories flooding back so fluently.

I had a rough weekend over the 4th with the all of the busy go, go, go...looking back at pictures and really taking the time to remember the moments that made me smile, made me realize in spite of all the hectic moments in life..Most days I do take the time to stop and see the simplicity..Maybe some days I don't truly absorb that moment in it's true form until later, but I can reference back to a few monumental moments in my life and some not so important that made my heart flutter and my mouth smile. Maybe that is why music makes me soul happy. I get a tingle of satisfaction when you are in need of a good theme song for the mood of the day..and at that moment if you look out the window something will be there to match that perfect tune.

I think if you listen to the elements provided, God sends you messages, he knows the way you listen. He speaks to me through pretty things..Through my perfect moments when I feel the weight lift, the pressure from my heart dissipates and the lump in my throat dissolves..He tells me, it's okay to breath...Just breath, and everything will be alright...When I wake up the next day, the sun is shining and I feel lighter...

Scarlet O'Hara said it best once upon a time-- After all.... tomorrow is another day...

Today is Wednesday and it is sunny.

Old Friend with a new beginning

2011-07-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

Abbi had a bachelorette party--and we had a lot of laughs.
Lots of remember whens...And some good ol' people watching, bars seem to be the absolute best place to watch human beings interact....Truly hilarious moments..Like to two very old drunk people dancing, yes I shot a video of their hysterical dancing/mating ritual...Maybe that is a bit rude, but if you had the privilege of seeing such a thing--trust me you would have to.
I drove an Astro Van-- full of ladies around, that alone was it's on splash of hysterical fun.

here is us then

here is us now

Miss Abbi

Finger stashes they are always a good time....

and who could resist? I sure couldn't.

Abbi Goeckner is one of my great gal pals from high school. I have a lot of memorable moments with that girl. You know you have a friendship when you can go years without seeing or talking to one another and when you finally reconcile, it's like you never left each others sides. Now she is about to embark on the newest chapter of her life. She's getting married at the end of this month, to a guy that leaves her love notes in random place like hidden in bowls in the cupboard. Every morning before work, he writes her something.. I won't lie I think that is pretty darn cute.

Babbles, I love you and can't wait to see you in 2 weeks.

Music I've been listening to..

2011-06-15T23:06:00.000-07:00

I have a slight obsession with music.....This is just my flava jive of the week.

{From a hole in the ceiling to an attic bedroom}

2011-05-29T04:22:00.000-07:00

The Hubs likes projects, like really, really likes projects..Almost 2 yrs. ago we ripped out these cabinets in the entry way, knocked out a wall, punched a hole in the ceiling to access the attic space and...Since then this is what has been going on...

This nice little cubby up here will be the girls very own room, that means no more sharing with their brother. Ooooh I can't wait, no more construction mess!! I won't lie I'm not a patient person..Since these pictures the seams have been taped and mudded {is that whatcha call it?} next step is sanding..and then on to texture, paint cpt..etc, etc, etc...More as it unfolds!!

Is this a FASHION FAUX PAS?

2011-05-29T01:06:00.000-07:00

A faux pas ( /ˌfoʊˈpɑː/ plural: faux pas /ˌfoʊˈpɑːz/) is a violation of accepted social norms (for example, standard customs or etiquette rules).[1] Faux pas, or "littledom," vary widely from culture to culture, and what is considered good manners in one culture can be considered a faux pas in another. The term comes originally from French, and literally means "misstep" or "false step".[2]

This is kind of like Where's Waldo...See me in the back?

I'm pretty sure mixing plaids is bad, especially when they are different colors..

Wait hold on It gets better..............

I took the boots off...Went for a more subtle logger look and yes added the grandma sweater over the plaid..Is this a what was she thinking?

All I can really say for myself is...Darn I was comfortable...

Graduation 2011

2011-05-29T00:40:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Tesslynn graduated pre school

Me and my baby sister Kylee Class of 2011

We had two graduations this month....

Both were steps towards something new.

SO PROUD Tesslynn & Kylee

A little sun never hurt nobody

2011-05-02T23:10:00.000-07:00

Finally a day of sun on a day off.
Enough sun for light sunburns and farmer tans.
Picnic...Fire roasted hot dogs included.
A birthday cake for a 3yr old nephew.

Maggie the dog with the human perrsonality

Yes those are my 4 yr. olds sunglasses.

the stroller loaded with fishing poles and drinks..No it did not make the walk to the pond easier. But I made it look cool?

Sisterly fishing....

he's gunna be a pro bass fisher

See Aunt Brady I lost a tooth.

Emree telling Tristan all about being 3

All in all it wasn't to shabby of a day..It was warm, it was sunny...and it was fun..That day made us all wish for summer.

Easter 2011

2011-05-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

Easter was busy...
Lots of little people running around.
The kids enjoying their cousins..And lots of fun kid moments.

Gavin Eating jellybeans off the ground

Tristen being his usual quiet observant self.

Em's always being a ham

The girls forced them to sit still for one minute.

Two Easter egg hunts...lot's of smiles and laughs.. Family...Memories Made.

Growing up so big and fast

2011-05-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

Emree started Preschool.
She is a big girl now.
Not to mention the terrible 2's came a little late. They hit at 3. She is spunky, quick and witty...Not to mention she knows she is cute, and uses it to her advantage, especially when she is saying things she shouldn't. The dimples getcha every time.

Oliver is became a big helper. And is almost 2....We have a double case of the terrible 2's in our house. He finally ditched the bottle without screaming fits...Is potty training, and using words very well. Stop it is his new favorite sentence.

Tesslynn...Can write all of our names(even on walls). Remembers everything, even her "kindergarten homework" every night..She is a mother hen and quite possibly the best big sister in the world.

Another fantastic Sunday

2011-02-19T02:26:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday began with a big breakfast that I made for two friends and my family. Confession= It didn't turn out that great...But I had fun, and I suppose I learned from all my mistakes. It's the thought that counts right? After our big breakfast that quickly turned to brunch, we watched a movie and Chad and the kids did a bit of this..............................

Then we ventured to my favorite place the Salmon River.....And played in the sand....

And went on a rock hunt and found some great Dinasaur Eggs......(as Tesslynn calles them)

Snapped a few quick family photos

And then Serena and I built this........(because we are kids at heart?)

And she was real proud

Even Izzabell found something fun to bring home...

A Tea Party for someday Queens

2011-02-19T02:25:00.000-08:00

The Fair Royalty girls put on a Tea Party....My little princesses had a blast. This was the moment I realized just how much they have grown up, and in such a short time.

99 Balloons

2011-01-20T20:24:00.000-08:00

Although this is horribly sad...It is beautiful, and life changing. Puts your own world into perspective.

Anna Nalick - Breathe (2AM)

2011-01-19T19:58:00.000-08:00

A few good quotes go a long way.

2011-01-18T23:49:00.000-08:00

Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it. ~Jacques Prévert

If you want to be happy, be. ~Leo Tolstoy

Nobody really cares if you're miserable, so you might as well be happy. ~Cynthia Nelms

People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost. ~H. Jackson Browne

Put a grain of boldness into everything you do. ~Baltasar Gracian

Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. ~Robert Frost

Always kiss your children goodnight, even if they're already asleep. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

A kiss that speaks volumes is seldom a first edition. ~Clare Whiting

Words..I love words..Letters..those silly little things they all go together and make a fantastic word...words make sentences...and those very well constructed sentences make memorable quotations. Poetry...It has always been a thing for me....Music, books, movies..All forms of poetry. I' m strumming along, one callus, one string at a time....Because all of those little jotted diddies I do, will soon have a short ballad and song added to them, at the hands of me, and my handy dandy guitar. I can't wait for that moment, it's keeping my poor little fingers going, knowing that in the end, it will be worth it.

MY NAME IS EMREE

2011-01-18T23:31:00.000-08:00

My name is EMREE! Something we have been hearing around our house for a while now. Poor Emm....She tends to be the kid that gets the name mix up, being the middle kid and all. She is gaining her identity now..She isn't content being called Tesslynn, or my sisters Kylee and Della. She corrects me now, with a stern look...I stopped yesterday, she knew what I was about to say, and looked at me with those dimples flashing and that sparkle in her eye and said "you better not mom"..I died with laughter. She is funny, quick witted, and amazingly sensitive and sweet. She turned 3 today. It was her day all day. We picked out cookies for daycare this morning to share, because she didn't want cupcakes, she wanted pink cookies. Her big girl party is coming up, she hasn't decided on sledding or swimming. She's a big girl now. Tears at my heart, but also makes me curious, what is my dimpled princess going to be like when she is 12, 14, 17? The years with Emree, are sure to be exciting, full of laughs and moments of did she really just say that or do that?

I remember what I was doing at this time..3 years ago, I was completely absorbed in this new big headed miniature person I was up for a day straight, just staring at her. after 18 hours of labor I just couldn't help myself, I had this new found energy. Those first few days of exhaustion, amazement, and glee over the new little person in your family. Little feet, button nose...the smell...3 years ago it was miss Emree Marie Beeson, Now she says..."Em mamma, my name is Em"...3 years how quickly you flew by.

lucky numba 2011 { It's gotta be lucky 01-01-11 }

2011-01-01T16:54:00.000-08:00

2011
What will happen this year? I have a good feeling.....Some good things are to come. Silly really...That we consider just another day the beginning of great things....And resolutions.....
Of course I have made some...
1. Stay on track...With schedules/routines..My working out is included in this. 5 AM....I have a feeling you are going to come early.
2. Finish a project in one swift step, start to finish in the beginning.
3. Breath.......In the end all of its silly anyway, dishes will always be there, so will laundry..there are more important things.
4. Appreciate everyday. Smile, make others smile and be silly with the kids every chance I get..Laugh, laugh and laugh some more....And be thankful for the things that are important..
    *Little moments, like Watching Oliver laugh while      sleeping...really what is funny in a dream to a 1 1/2 yr old?
    *Watching the girls sing songs and do their cheerleader stunts. They have the greatest senses of humor!
    *Chad and the fact that he really can do just about anything he sets his mind to, funny to watch him when the wheels are turning, his brain really is a sponge.
5. Patience...
6. Keep promises I have made to myself...
7. ~~Cross~~ at least one thing off my list.

{ Christmas 2010 }

2011-01-01T16:47:00.000-08:00

I had a whole bunch of pictures, and a few great videos....But some little person at them? I'll give you a clue, he is the smallest one in the family....I'm not sure where my memory cards went, but they are MIA...so here are just a few of the pictures that I did have..

Emree and pure Christmas Morning bliss

Oliver Loving Uncle Zach's Music

Tesslynn and Emree

Mom and Oliver

Memories...Full of family, a little bit of craziness,and Great food.

One Cool Cat

2010-12-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Tom Brady......Why are you SO darn Cool?
Maybe it's becuase your last name is my first name?
Just a thought.

Pretty Words

2010-12-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

I saw this today and fell in love with it.

If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden. ~Attributed to Claudia Ghandi

Some people are so wordy....It's crazy how words....simple words can say so much.

And this one.....

All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was. I accepted their answers too, though they were often in contradiction and even self-contradictory. I was naive. I was looking for myself and asking everyone except myself questions which I, and only I, could answer. It took me a long time and much painful boomeranging of my expectations to achieve a realization everyone else appears to have been born with: that I am nobody but myself. ~Ralph Ellison, "Battle Royal"

And of course You gotta Quote Lennon....

Reality leaves a lot to the imagination. ~John Lennon

I could go on and on for hours...

First Big Boy Haircut

2010-12-09T23:53:00.000-08:00

It kept Growing....and growing...and even though it wasn't all that long on December 5th I cut his hair. I save all of his long red locks in an envelope, because I just couldn't bring myself to part with them. IT'S Special.....My last little baby...and His very FIRST big boy haircut.

Olly Before

Olly After

Does he ~~like~~ it? I dunno.....You tell me. Apparently it's rough getting your haircut. I bribed him with chocolate milk and fruit snacks...We were all good, till he had to have a bath, and I wouldn't give him more sugar. Poor lil' guy.

Meet Crash

2010-12-09T23:41:00.000-08:00

This is Oliver his nickname is CRASH....

He was blessed with my grace. If there is uneven ground he will trip. If there is something to fall off of he will fall...He is the child that should be wrapped in bubble wrap, and be required to wear a helmet. He is that fearless kid you can't turn your back on even for a second. This wishbone black eye was from walking and tripping without having his hands in front of him....My poor baby....It never stopped him though, without even hesitating a moment later his energy kicked into overdrive. He is wildly busy, but I can't imagine him any other way.

Dear Santa...

2010-12-01T10:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa......

This year I would like a rasta hat it's number one on my list actually. I'm feeling a little hippie/bohemian and feel it would really help bring out the inner me.. Like this one!! (I found it here...) More than likely I will beat you to it, but I thought I would still ask.

I would also (if your not to busy) like my cd player installed, the one I have can be at times a little annoying...okay a lot annoying.
and last but not least World Peace. Okay thanks.

Technology and the power of books.

2010-11-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

I have this camera

and I love it.
I spent close to a year, maybe even two...Thinking....Reading...Asking random people in Internet world about cameras. And I chose this one. So many buttons so many knobs, so many options! I'm pretty sure I don't need or will probably never understand them all...but the pictures it takes..turn out to be amazing. Well sometimes...But it's my fault not the good ol' Mr. Nikon.
I love seeing the image you thought of come out exactly that way..or even better. Or it turning out terrible, and then the satisfaction of discovering why. I've been doing a lot of reading lately..books..on just about everything. But I was told by a photographer once, that he read and crammed it all in right before bed...sooo these are on my bedside table. Stacked amongst all of the other books I am reading all at the same time.
But c'mon really who wants to read just one book when you can read a different one everyday?..because sometimes I am just not feeling like reading twilight, maybe I want a little Eat, Pray, Love...or The Purpose Driven Life....Or one of the 50 other books that are waiting for me to pick them up again. Yes I collect books too..the idea of the new book pad irritates me..I love the smell and feel of books. And they are so forgiving, and don't have to be charged.

I hear Edumaction is key

My LOVE Of Old Things

2010-11-24T23:24:00.000-08:00

I was in my bottom drawer. Looking through all of my treasures. I am entitled to one hidden mom junk spot, that is just mine. Things from my past that I stumble upon while sorting through old things. The pieces that I still can't let go of, end up there. I haven't went through it forever. A picture of all of us girls on graduation night full of smiles, holding each other tight decked out in our cap and gown. Pictures...lots of old pictures.
Rocks. One of my childhood loves that has carried on into adulthood, I still add to my collection in my little wooden box. When I find a rock that holds a memory....Or is just simply to perfect to put back on the ground I put it in my pocket and put it in the box. This little box...Was a gift from one of my favorite men. My Grandfather...He had what I call "poop" humor. Had he watched any flicks with Will Farrell in them, he would have laughed hysterically. He had a love for rocks too. But he found the humor in them, gluing eyes to them...displaying them on a shelf. One I clearly remember was what he liked to call a mini version of Big Foot's poop. No joke. I could laugh and laugh..and never got tired of all of his treasures. I knew all of the stories. I loved to hear them over and over. And although I don't glue eyes to them and sharpy on smiley faces to imitate someone I know, I love rocks. What crazy things they are. How many people have grabbed that same rock..If only they could talk........ Anyway back to this drawer filled with my treasures.

It holds many random things,b ut these are things that I consider to be important.

My statue of Mary. I still haven't found an appropriate home for her. Sadly in fear she will end up broken...She lays in the drawer, awaiting her place.
a roll of film from 2003, still undeveloped, no clue as to what is one it. Every old drivers license.
A dear old friends dog tags-given to me before his first tour in Iraq held for safe keeping.
My Uncle Jimmy's (whom I never met) St. Christopher medal, and right next to him St. Benedict.
The rosary given to me by my now deceased Aunt for my first communion, hand made with beads from Italy. A box of four knives engraved with a family name that does not belong to me. But I was trusted with them, by a family friend who had no one to pass them on to. He asked me to use them for a nice dinner someday when I had a family I've held on to them for close to 12 years now.
Every card my Grandmother has ever given me. They are always so special. I can't entertain the thought of throwing them away. Some pieces of my collection of post cards, sent from people that have traveled to places I have never seen. I have them from all over the world. I like to think someday I may travel to all of those places.
Birth announcements,
wedding invites that touched me.
Receipts of things I bought that I had saved for and been soooo excited about it.
Then there is a shoe box. With old journals, some clear back from high school, and a newer one. A leather bound journal given to me by Serena. Its empty. Except for three small sentences. Apparently when it comes to paper, I have writers block. Held in these pages are articles. Meant to be inserted in my You Inspire Me Because book. But they haven't made it there. For example "California girl grants wishes to the elderly people who are dying" Helen an amazing high school girl.... Then there is the quotation ripped from a magazine "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have you will never, have enough."- Oprah Winfrey.

My Spanish book. Scrawled with notes. Because I will speak it someday..More than what I do now, I speack chicken peck Spanish..I can peck around it and get the point but never really say what I was trying to say.
There is my guitar for beginners book. Someday I will have a guitar, some time, and a teacher to show me around the strings. How amazing would it be to serenade my babies to sleep? I already sing to them, but to jam a mellow diddy in with it. I would feel pretty darn cool. And then, there is my old...very weathered but loved Intro To Strings book. And in it, my translations of notes in my then second grade hand writing. I can still feel the pitter in my heart with the thought of picking up that instrument. Such a thrill that amazing little wooden thing can give you. Someday we will meet again.

I'm anxious to see in ten years....Just what I may have added to my drawer. Will I part with some items to fit others that have taken precedence in my life? Guess I'll just have to wait until the next time I open it, however long that may be.

Love my Gals.

2010-11-22T14:38:00.000-08:00

This weekend. Was a nice weekend.
Full of laughter. I wish I had taken pictures of all of the random, goofy girl moments.
To be honest. I was not excited about Saturday, but then..It ended up being great.
I had a pickup at the airport in Spokane. Anyone that knows me, knows I am getting over a fear of driving. I think I am cured btw.
I finally got the chance to hang out with one of my ladies and she journeyed with me. First we went shopping. Kidd less. (That has never happened).
We had hours of just talking time, singing..laughing. It felt good.
Seeing my cousins, added even more happiness.
After our long night of driving and arriving back in Lewiston at 11:30 pm.. We decided to go out. Me and two of my very best gal pals..Put on our heels, and hit the town. It was fun and tiring, but a nice conclusion to my Saturday. I ran into a lot of old friends and ended up being glad they forced me out. It was good to see my girls, I am one lucky lady. Surrounded by the love of good friends, that love me simply for me just being me. In all my crazyness, randomness and unavailability, they are there when I need them.

Exactly How I Want It

2010-11-22T13:17:00.000-08:00

So....I dyed my hair.
It was, I guess you could call it Maroon for one short week. And then my black hair ate it.
I've been looking for a flattering hairdo for my curly untamed mop..and stumbled upon this.

Besides being in my book completely amazing..Rihanna's hair ROCKS. It kind of has its own fabulous thing going on. And as weird as it will look on small town country bumpkin me. Maybe while I'm copying her hair, I'll steal her body, and her voice..I'm pretty sure that soon, ooh so very soon my hair will once again be koolaid cherry red..A flashback to high school. I really did it once with real koolaid. And I think its time to do it again.

A NEW Adventure

2010-11-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

Long over due.. I know.
The new owners of Bettie's Floors.
It just all fell into place. Opportunity just seems to knock when you least expect it. It was one of those things where....It was perfect timing. A business opportunity that went hand in hand with what Chad already does. I'm learning everyday. I get to be creative, and have a lot of new things in mind. And although it seems like a lot some days. It's an adventure, and I'm always down for something new.
Check us out onFacebook
or our webpage

The Year Ahead

2010-11-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

It's funny to think that in just 37 short days I will no longer be 25.

What will the funny number 26 bring my way?

I noticed a few more freckles this month. Skin that looks far from sunfabulous, an unwanted friend called a laugh line, and forehead frown lines, even a little bit of a squint wedge. What is a squint wedge you ask? Well I am unsure of the true technical term but it is the word I have created for the little dimple between your eyebrows that appears when you squint in the sun, or even in concentration. And it sticks..But really I'm learning that beyond the surface...That's what is important. My mother always said something like "a pretty person that is ugly inside, is much uglier and the average person."

A number, it just so happens can change things. When you hit a certain age, your are by social standards supposed to act a certain way. I want to be the "fun" mom. The one that my kids can look back and say "my mom rocked". I will still climb trees, play on the playground equipment, and laugh at stupid things. In time my kids will come to appreciate that right?
A year is marked by a number. In the date, in age....in memory by importance (this memory is a 5 on a scale of 1-10). Numbers are inevitable.
A small introduction to the importance of numbers in my world. We will start at 10 because that is when you start to try and figure out who you are.

10- I moved to Idaho, (and had my first real crush) which for a few years was a huge tragedy in my life until....
12- I moved to Cottonwood, which for the first few months I thought my life was really over...Then I figured out it is where I always belonged.
15- I rocked it in high school, I was your typical bad girl...and then across the fire..I saw the boy with green eyes that I thought I would marry.
17-Homecoming Queen
18-Prom queen, graduated...and college.
20- The Green eyed boy and I broke up for good, thought I was going to die.
20- Monumental year...I was still alive, I learned a lot. and met a new boy. Fell in love....
21- Did things a little backwards...had a baby...Fell in love again.
23- Got married. Fell in love again with baby number 2, and even more in love with my hubby. (ps..I love you)
24- Met my son. Shared even more love.
25- Learned a lot. Met myself. Became proud of me, realized how strong I am. Officially considered myself a woman and not a girl. Realized how important true friends are. Bought a business. And decided that my life is wonderful.
26- What will you bring? Hopefully its amazing. For the first year in a long time, I'm actually looking forward to growing one year older. Dear Lord (& Number 26) if you are listening, I would love to win the lottery..If you are looking for a smaller gift to give, how about patience some days I could use that. And everyday, help me to see the long road ahead with grace, strength and pride in the person I will become. I am Brady Nicole Blankenship-Beeson. I once hated my name and was unsure of the person I am. Now I can proudly say, I'm quirky, I'm a little obsessive, I'm different, a little loud, and I talk to everyone and now finally..... I'm okay with all that.
As my homeboy Dave Mathews would put it "The future is no place to place your better days."

Projects a closing to the summer season.

2010-09-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

oooooh can you feel that? Or smell it? It's in the air. Fall is nearing.
While I feel sad I find it all a little bittersweet.
Fall decorating, smells, colors, sweaters, the crisp air, Halloween, thanksgiving. I could go on, and on....
I wish I had taken more pictures of all that has been done around here. My husband has been a project finishing machine.
I of course have lent a helping hand, as you can see from the picture I painted the door. I picked what I thought would be the easier of the projects..oooh how I was so mistaken. I think in both doors I have probably 12 hrs, but I'm in love. and now, the slate steps need to be fixed, the trim needs to be sanded and painted and the window boxes.. Even though the list is long, we are checking things off one at a time. And now, some creamie bars, a sofa some snuggiling, a movie and a nice warm fire burning, the day is done....finally.. :)

Wishing.

2010-08-23T20:24:00.001-07:00

Wishing I could rewind time.

TO fix things.
To a time of simplicity before all of the what if's set in.
To a time when I had more time, for everything. Smiles, and just starring at my children with complete adoration, time to just enjoy and soak it all in.
Time is something I lack, something we all lack.
And finding the time, is sometimes and overwhelming task all together.

Time for family, time for friends, time for life....Where does it all come from?
Now its the hustle and bustle of working full time running 2 1/2 businesse, phone calls, paperwork, those bills, these bills. Where did that go? Run, run, run....I bring the kids to daycare, I miss them all day, and fear that I am missing all those moments I will never get back.
JUGGILING it is hard. I'm not claiming I'm the only one who does it, it's a fact of life, but it's one that I'm still learning to deal with some days better than others.
It's hard to keep track of who you are, and what you want in the midst of all the running.
I'm trying I'm grasping hard trying to not let go of my adolescent hopes and dreams, but still move on into full blown adulthood.
The fear of the uncertain in absolutly ever aspect of my life, is scary.

But then I have to remember that, things could be worse, there could be larger fears in my life, than just the future of stress. My children could be sick, we could be out of work, or I could be sick.

I met a spectacular woman this weekend. I don't think she knows just how much she touched my life, but she did. But just being sunshine. A warm smile, and a cool personality, she was truly an awesome person. And she is sick, ovarian cancer and she talks about it so strongly, so bravely. If she hadn't told me she was sick, I would not have known. Becuase she refuses to let it stop her from being her. All I could think was wow, and I thought this had been a bad year for me, how horribly selfish I have been. She made me think of things. Helped me put things into perspective, made me think of the what if's in a different light. I can't rewind time, I can't change things that have already happened, I can only make the future better. By being the person I want to be, the person I know I am. Treating everyone kindly, and following God's path. I want to be remembered for the right reasons. I want to be the best wife, mother and friend that I can be. No exceptions. Because I may not have a tomorrow, so I better make today the absolute best.

Love

2010-07-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

A lovely blog.
I'm crying...
I don't know these people, but my heart hurts for them.
What a beautiful baby girl.
What an amazing family.
A reminder to hug your babies, kiss them and appreciate everything.

Dreaming Of All Things Pretty

2010-06-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Dreaming today.....dreaming.....of this ( pottery barn)

and this.....................................

and this bed I've been trying to talk my husband into helping me make.

and the wood door he wants to make a bench out of.....how about a headboard for me instead? (country living)

and some shelves in my odd unthought about 1950's closet......

Maybe sometime in the near future I will have some pictures to show you? HAHA a girl can dream right?

Organization equals inner peace.....ahhhhhh

2010-03-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

Okay so earlier I posted about my quirks, all of my weirdness about my obsession with cleanliness. I also admitted to my obsession, being limited to scrubbing things clean, not necessarily having much organization. By nature, I'm a clean freak, and a clutter bug. Odd I know, what a combination. Maybe that's why I feel crazy half the time, hahaaaaaaa. so I did this....

and I feel so much better. I feel in love with the beauty of it on one of my favorite blogs censational girl I knew that this was what I needed. It was simple, it was clean and in my teeny house I didn't have floor space to spare but I did have just the spare wall right by the counter that always has stacks and stacks of paper. Now when I get mail it goes in the appropriate folder. Genius I say, genius, I can't not thank you enough for the wonderful idea!

I FINALLY DID IT

2010-03-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

I received my bone marrow donor kit a while back. I hadn't even opened it. I haven't had time, and I didn't even know what to expect. So while my sick children were sleeping, and my husband was cooking dinner, I did it. It was simple really, a few swabs in the cheek, seal it and your done.
Now tomorrow it will be on its way in the mail. It is scary, I wont even lie, the thought of being chosen, because I have heard it is painful. But at the same time, I think it might be amazing and rewarding. To possibly be a part of helping someone recover, being the missing link in someones horrible ordeal. I believe in Karma, I believe God rewards you for good deeds. As I pray for happiness and health for my family and friends, there is always the looming what if, it were someone I care about and love? I would hope that there was someone out there who could offer a part of themselves to a complete stranger that may save my loved ones life.

If you are interested in becoming a donor visit them here.

Me and my quirks.

2010-03-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

So anyone that knows me can tell you I'm a little spastic. I've always kind of known that, and thought that some of the things I do naturally aren't all that weird. My husband and I were watching season one of friends the other night, and he just had to point out that Monica and I could be sisters. So since Saturday he has been calling me Monica. I guess I never noticed before that some of the things I do are a little obsessive, I just thought I like clean and orderly. I noticed this morning when I woke up and everything was done that I felt inner peace...and thought, oooooh wow I am a control freak. I like to control my environment which I have always known..But I can say that sometimes...when my husbands friends walk across my freshly mopped floor I think about slapping them..or Chad leaving his garbage on the counter instead of opening up the cupboard door and throwing it away...There is a scene that Monica's boyfriend makes the bed for her, and while he is in the shower she remakes it..I don't even ask Chad to make the bed, because I know he will do it wrong, and if he does, I redo it, because that's how I roll. Some of my weirdness includes:

1. Washing my walls more than once a month.
2. cleaning the edges of my floors with a toothbrush.
3. cleaning like mad, but still having stacks, and stacks of random paper. I'm getting a hold of it..and one of my friends actually has created a song about it for people like me..thanks for that btw.
4. vacuuming who even knows how many times a day.
5. mopping, mopping, mopping..
6. I iron everything, wrinkles make my eyes twitch
7. We won't even go into my personal hygiene regimen. My family makes my grandmother and I the butt of all holiday jokes because of our "obsessiveness".

I know there are soooo many more, and my friends and husband would probably be able to fill in about a hundred more things, but those are the ones I think are the most abnormal. I live in 800 sq ft. so, to have order, I have to be diligent. The hardest part for me, with so much ripped apart, I always feel like it never looks clean, or orderly. I guess all that matters is, in my head, it seems normal right? I know I'm not the only one out there with weird little things am I? Share please share...make me feel less weird.

NEW CHANGES IN MY KITCHEN

2010-01-31T17:29:00.000-08:00

It might be hard to see what my counter tops and back splash look like. So in case you cant really see it behind all of the clutter and craziness in my kitchen....They are 1970's green laminate. Actually that would be past tense, because now, they are granite....and I have a glass Mosaic back splash...YUP my kitchen is becoming a little more "updated".....I bought all of the supplies, close to a year ago..And they have now found their rightful place in the house, instead of in the garage!! We still have to do some scraping,grouting,caulking,and all the buttoning up..but I'm already stoked! Next mission.....The Cabinets (I cant wait to see my vision unfold!)...and the floor that's a whole new ball game!

And we were lucky enough to break the old faucet by accident, so I am the proud owner of a new faucet... And I thought I was unlucky....

A GARAGE UPDATE

2010-01-31T16:23:00.000-08:00

So my project loving husband, is still working hard in the evenings, and in whatever spare time he can muster, to start and as time allows finish projects..Its is all coming together. awwwwwww finished projects, the best feeling in the world. Here are a few pictures of the garage. and what has changed since the last time I posted pictures. Hard to really see what we are doing through pictures, but.....sooon very, soon, a new room, with new flooring, and fresh paint, I'm giddy with excitement!

(ALL PHOTOS ABOVE ARE BEFORE THE FLOOR WAS INSULATED, PIPED AND BUTTONED UP, BELOW ARE THE BEGINNING STAGES OF FRAMING)

ALMOST THERE!

2010-01-17T22:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks Denise!

I had a hard day today.

2010-01-16T22:49:00.000-08:00

I had one of those days....The weight on my shoulders started to squish me and the thoughts in my head exhausted me. And I broke down a few times.
I have been told I'm sensitive, to things around me. Loud noises, images. The news is depressing. I feel drawn to the idea of helping, and I always have been. I feel like I have "lost" that or it seems so out of reach. I feel like I have become another person, just becoming disconnect from the world. More annoyed with those around me. Instead of enjoying it all. Instead of appreciating it all. With memories, there are smells, noises, images. I want to remember it all in full color, with images of smiling sounds of laughter, and smells of my grandmother my children, and sweetness. I don't want to get caught in the blurry world of intolerance. I want to belong to a world of block parties, freedom and love. The all American dream. The way we see it in magazines. Unrealistic I know, but I'm starting out small. Each day I will pick one thing to be thankful about, and I will pray for those around me that need my prayers and to help me feel better about things I cannot fix that keep me awake. I will pray that I am given a road to help me find why it is that I take all of the worlds problems to bed with me at night.
I have made several new years resolutions this year and I keep adding more to the list. So far I am doing good. And I realize I cannot travel the world at this point to make a "difference", but I can act locally. I am going to register with the national bone marrow registry, that way maybe someday I will have the opportunity to give something that is hard to find, and change someones life. And while typing this blog, after years of saying I'm going to do it, I did it. My kit is coming in the mail. I already feel lighter.
http://marrow.org/

99 WHAT A LUCKY NUMBER!

2010-01-07T00:18:00.000-08:00

IT MAKES ME LAUGH. I'M ACTUALLY GIGGILING RIGHT NOW. 99 THATS HOW MANY VIEWS OF MY BLOG I HAVE HAD. I SAY NOTHING, I JUST RAMBLE ON ABOUT MY HAPPENINGS IN THIS WORLD. PEOPLE MAY NOT BE READING BUT THEY ARE STOPPPING BY AND SCROLLING THROUGH. (AND MOST ARE FAMILY BUT SOME I DO NOT KNOW.....) I AM NOW A PART OF SOME RANDOM STRANGERS 7 DEGREES OF SEPERATION. I MEAN WE DONT KNOW EACH OTHER BUT I COULD BE IN DENVER SOMEDAY AT SAY AN AIRPORT AND SOMEONE COULD LOOK AT ME AND SAY....HMMMM SHE LOOKS FAMILIAR, NOT BECAUSE I AM FAMOUS OR BECAUSE WE MET PERSONALLY.....BUT BECUASE I'M FLOATING IN CYBER SPACE AND PEOPLE STUMBLE UPON ME.

Kids Love Airplanes

2010-01-03T23:40:00.000-08:00

Today a good friend of ours took us out in his little 2 seater plane. I will be honest, I was not fond of the idea at all. I was terrified by the thought of well you know.... crashing, or the million other things that could go wrong...But one of my New Year resolution's is to stop the negativity,(see Robbie I do listen) and follow through with goals, so I can now check it off the list. For a split second the thought crossed my mind, and then I let it go, and I made myself enjoy it.

We went out and he flew above us, which my dog Izzabell hated, she wanted to get that thing. When he came down the runway towards us she bailed out of the pickup and started barking like she was going to attack it. She is a loyal dog, but not much of a thinker. The kids are always amazed by planes. I think every kid is they hear one and they shriek plane, and point and look in the sky. My girls are no different, but up close and personal with the plane they weren't so sure. The idea grew on them, once they realized it wasn't going to get them. We took turns with the kids and he flew us around in a small circle. Chad went up with Tesslynn and I went up with Emree. Tesslynn didn't say a word the whole time but once back on the ground she told dad, "I want to go fly again." Emree being a nervous talker like me chattered the whole time. But never stopped smiling and giggling.

As we were leaving in the pickup he was flying around the prairie by us and the girls just loved to watch him. That's all they talked about when we got home, flying again. I love the fact that I always liked to watch planes when i was younger but I never really had the chance to have that kind of experience. We got to share that with our kids today. It changed my way of thinking and now I am ready to go back out a little longer the next time, but I won't push progress...But I can say I am pretty proud of myself.

Why do they have to grow?

2010-01-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

I remember when I was younger. I love puppy breath, and the way their feet smell (yes I smell puppy feet weird I know) And kitten purrs and meows. I am always sad when they grow up, because really can you resist baby animals? I'm a sucker for cute baby animals, and little miniature people. I love everything about little people. Okay except for the word no, and I think I could do without the high pitched screaming that they all seem to do all at once. They smell amazing, and everything about them is growing and learning is awesome. They amaze me everyday. I love to see them grow and change, but it make me sad to think someday, they will be all grown up and all of their littleness will just be a memory.
Tess she is growing up so much just this year she went from a little girl to a very smart little pre-schooler. She sings, and counts,Identifies her name... and has a lot of her father's strong will, and my impatience. She is our snuggiler. And she is wonderful.

Miss Emree
She is our girly tomboy. She loves to be pretty, but she loves to get dirty. I don't even know where she finds the dirt half the time. She is a little unbalanced a lot like me. She tends to go, go, go and doesn't usually pay much attention to where she is walking. Its a good week when she goes without a bump, scrape or scratch. She is such a ham.

They are partners in crime. You can guarantee that they are helping each other do something they are not supposed to. If Tesslynn is caught red handed it never stops her from saying "Emree did it." They love to fight, but they hate being away from each other. They are my little girls. They love dressing up, playing house, and baby dolls. Its funny to watch them, they practice being big. keep in mind, I do not let my children drink Mt. Dew on a daily basis. I don't even drink it. We were down at the bike shop and they got into the Pepsi cooler, I came upon that when I noticed they were being quiet. That was the day Tesslynn learned how to unscrew caps. Even though its like having a set of twins. I am so glad they will have that closeness.

Then there is Oliver. He is already such an awesome little boy. He is learning to get where he wants, and is working on his bottom teeth. He giggles and loves to be tickled, and hates to have me out of his sight. He kind of loves me, I'm a big deal in his world. I love how his feet smell..and his hair, I wish I could bottle up his smell and keep it forever. His sisters love him to pieces and are constantly trying to turn him into a doll, they just don't understand it when I say "no, he isn't big enough to ride around in your stroller."

Maybe I'm biast but I think they are pretty darn cute.

Always in the process of DECONSTRUCTION sometimes in the process of CONSTRUCTION

2010-01-03T21:24:00.000-08:00

My Husband (bless his heart) loves projects. I don't mean he loves them, I guess I should just reword that. He is in Love with projects. He is like a little kid, planning for months every little detail, of this major to do. All in his head of course, which is so funny to watch. U can almost see the wheels turning. i always tell him I wish for just one day I could be in his head, and see how he thinks. Well and to see if he really does have hearing issues or if it is just selective hearing (hahaha).
Anyways....When we started our family, we moved into our first little home, which needed a lot of love.....But Chad being who he is saw the potential. Since moving in three years ago many projects have been started, some finished, some still needing the finishing touches. A complete bathroom remodel new sub floor new wall. At one point you could open our bathroom door and see the ground below and if you looked straight ahead a whole wall was missing and you could see our driveway. It turned out awesome in the end..I'm still waiting on my tile base. But they say the contractors house is never finished. We stripped the floors of their beautiful egg shell blue old nasty carpet and refinished the wood floors. Built a slate hearth for our wood stove, textured and painted both bedrooms, living room, and are now working on the kitchen. New windows, interior and exterior doors. new trim. New siding. a new cedar fence (that will one day have the east side finished). A new deck, millions of misc. things, and lots, and lots of yard work. Did I mention he owns his own business (2 now) and still sleeps, how does he find the time? With all of these "upgrades" we have made, it still has not improved our issue of storage and space. We have expanded since moving in by 2 kids and 1 large lab. (making six of us!) in 800 sq ft. We are hanging tight, because we have dreams of building someday and dealing with what we have for now will be worth it in the end.

He says he hates demo, but really I think its his favorite part. He does finish work for a living, so I don't think its really the thing he wants to do at home. So we have lots of funny things like missing cabinets, and a portion of my kitchen floor. We do this as the budget allows. All out of pocket so sometimes projects get stopped in the middle. We have two current projects in full swing, adding a living space in our attic and turning our non-functional garage into a functional bonus room. With time and funds currently limited it has slowed progress but he made massive strides in a short while. In just a few days he took out the garage door, added a window in its place, Got it all ready for siding. and dug a ditch from our house to the garage (which I forgot about and fell into it) and slammed through concrete for sewer, water, and power. Demo'd a wall and got a new floor all built up, insulated and sheeted........wooo hooo!! Lots of work left but we are getting there! Pictures of before, Will post updates.

He is amazing. I love him and I think that sometimes I don't give him enough credit for being such a hard working, loving, amazing husband. I am one lucky girl.

TodaysMama Giveway survey.

2009-12-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

To any of you interested in entering this giveaway check this website out for official rules.

Here are my answers to the questions!

1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year? I would love a Nikon D90 (probably not going to happen but this is a wish list right?). Some new underware, funny I know but those are one thing, I always feel like I don't need so I never buy them for myself, no one really sees them right? Inventory for our sports shop. A stress free day for me. And a fun day for my kids, with now work related anything involved!

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received? My mom made me this afagan one year when I was four. She asked me what color I wanted it and I told her every color that you have. And she did just that it was ulgy as heck, but I loved it and I still have it. She still laughs everytime she sees it!

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle? A picture quilt for my husband. He is the type of man that appreciates anything that someone put a lot of time into.

4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child? My grandma made me and my favorite doll mathcing pj's I wore them, until they fell apart and were way to short! By far my most memorable gift ever.

5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year? they are 2 and 3. They really want doll strollers. ( I got rid of the one they had they were always fighting over it, and I couldnt find another one like it). And they love cameras! So I was thinking of getting them one of the toddler cameras.

6. What is your favorite holiday food? Pumpkin anything!

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays? stamped metal charms and ornameents.

8. What is your favorite holiday movie? Christmas vacation of course, and Prancer

9. Favorite holiday song? Santa Baby

10. Favorite holiday pastime? Spending time with my family listening to Christmas music, and playing games.

Random posting for AMINTA

2009-12-02T07:16:00.001-08:00

I have been horrible about blogging. I guess my excuse could be not enough brain power to dedicate to being "creative" with my words. HA HA here is some nonsense about me be prepared for my Random Questionare...

1. Where is your cell phone?
No clue, I never know should be in the cubby, but your guess is as good as mine.
2. Your hair:
Is unrluy
3. Your Father is:
who I resemble
4. Your favorite food:
spaghetti
5. Your dream from last night:
I don't remember
6. Your favorite drink:
Hot sweet coffee or russian tea.
7. Your dream/goal:
To be the best I can be in all aspects of my life. The best mother, wife, friend. I want to learn to take all the junk with stride, and be able to just smile. And to do something for just me, and be truly proud of myself without saying I think that person does a better job.
8. What room are you in:
my living room
9. What is your Hobby:
Wow how said I don't really have a hobby. A lot of likes that I never seem to pursue, my hobby could be procrastination.
10. What is your fear:
To look back 40 yrs. from now and realize that I never accomplished anything I wanted to. and to c that I failed at being everything to my children and husband.
11. Where do you want to be in six years:
settled
12. Where were you last night:
at mrs. aminta's doing a facial (yeah mary kay rocks 4 real try it!!)
13. Something you are not:
calm, organized and motivated. i like the idea of something but not so much when it comes to taking action.
14. Muffins:
LOVE them! How could u not they come in so many lovely flavors
15. Wish list items:
A finished house I coud make my home.
16. Where did you grow up:
A little here and there. Mainly right where I am.
17. Last thing you did:
drank my am cofee and snuggled with my Emree
18. What are you wearing:
My pj's
19. Your T.V.:
Is on listening to The Today Show
20.Your Pets:
Izzabell and Mr. and Mrs. bunny
21. Your friends:
They know who they r!
22. Your life:
Is always changing!! Constant motion
23. Your Mood:
It's going to be a good day, I can feel it
24. Missing someone:
My old friend Abbi I dont talk 2 her enough
25. Vehicle:
Depends...An old dirty smelly camery or a ridiculously jacked up chevy pickup truck
26. Something you are not wearing:
sox
27. Your favorite store:
Ikea, pottery barn. Old navy...MAURICES, AE, Abercrombie. Do I c them often? No but I still heart them all!
28. Your favorite color:
Black is my favorite, so versatile!! but I love earth tones.
29. When was the last time you laughed:
This morning Emree is such a character
30. When was the last time you cried:
I don't really cry that often. I just get frustrated!
31. Your Best Friend:
I have 4 wonderful friends. Who are all equally wonderful to me~!
32. One place you go over and over:
The bike shop
33. One Person that e-mails me regularly:
Netflix?
34. Favorite place to eat:
Red Lobster

A wonderfully LAZY Sunday

2009-10-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here on my bed loving the quiet. Scooby doo is playing in the living room where the girls are asleep on the couch with dad,

and I hear Oliver breathing softly but other that that, its quiet and in our house that's as close to quiet as you get. It has been a grand day! The weather is crisp and delightful, and although my house is a complete disaster, I'm hanging out relaxing, learning to just sit still.

My hubby woke up with the girls this morning, and I got to sleep in! That never happens! I was so impressed when i woke up at 10:30 am!

I went into the living room and there is Chad sitting on the sofa watching cartoons while they were next to him kicking and screaming at one another over a baby doll. He was oblivious to it all, oooooh to be a man! I couldn't even say anything he was beaming with pride from ear to ear and said "how did you sleep?" So proud of himself that he let me sleep in. I think they probably easily ate 3 pop tarts each, and there are crumbs everywhere! They drug out just about every toy and article of clothing that they own. I spent all of yesterday picking up, and now, all I can do is laugh and say, well at least I had the chance to sleep in!

My Theory - Drop cake and they will come! Marching 10 x 10

2009-09-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

So my little Tesslynn turned 3! Crazy how fast the time flies by! I'll
post more on her birthday party after I get the pictures. Everyone else got her beautiful girly things that she adores! I knew my gifts would get the hmmm whats this look okay saw it moving on! But did that stop me from buying it of course not. That's the kind of parent I am, I buy things I enjoy. I knew she would have fun with it once we got it home and opened it. And I was right....An Ant farm every 3 year old girl wants one, and every mother wants her daughter to enjoy dirt and bugs right? Or maybe I'm just weird!??! But this wasn't just any ant farm this was a cool ant farm. Like one I had never seen before! It has green gel that supposedly was made by NASA for the astronauts or something and it has a light that makes it glow! Seriously how cool is that? I think this obsession I have with weird things like ant farms comes from the fact that I used milk jugs and juice containers for my ant and worm farms and secretly envied the kids that had an aquarium that their mom let them keep inside now I understand why my mom never bought me one, milk jugs work better, and they are cheaper, and serve two purposes, to provide nourishment and to entertain kids for endless hours....anyways...

the yogurt cup that housed our one lonely sugar ant that took us forever to catch!

The directions that came with the box said, do not mix ants. It told you all about the different types..They were even kind enough to tell you to stay away from fire ants. It even mentioned the fact you could catch your own or you could buy them and they would come in the mail for something like $14.00, who wants to pay that for ants?? They also mentioned that this miracle gel would even feed them, it may take them a while to get used to it but would eventually they would tunnel, Yes how exciting!

We discovered shortly after this that sugar ants are hard to pickup off of the sidewalk, and they seemed to be even harder to find. So I thought maybe some birthday cake would lure them out of their little hiding spots. Genius I know why didn't I think of that earlier? Probably because it didn't work...hmm who woulda thought? So here I am crouching on our sidewalk out in front of our house trying to track down those few ants that actually showed up to eat this wonderful treat I had brought for them. I kept squishing the poor little guys with my fingers trying to get them off the sidewalk so I came up with a great idea. Those little paint sample cards well they work miracles in the ant catching business, if you can coax them onto the darn thing without squishing them. It was starting to rain, OF COURSE. I was quickly losing my enthusiasm for this bug finding adventure.

So after what seemed like forever I caught some ants, by this point Tess was only interested in the magnifying glass, and I was on my own so I threw in the towel. Dumped them all in the little thingy cake and all.

to my dismay I learned that the breathing holes are big enough for ants to fit through. along with the "sealed" edges...hmmmm...I thought they were magical because I couldn't figure out how they kept getting out, Chad problem solved that one for me. I put Hallmark stickers over the holes, they were all I could find and I didn't have time, every ant I was sticking back in was escaping! They were smart they tunneled before 24 hours like the manual said, but come to think of it they didn't even stick around that long. They were all gone when I woke up in the morning, which means they are all in the house plotting their revenge I just know it!

So the next day after this whole thing, I told Chad I think I'll just buy ants, because the sugar ants just we rent cutting it. He said do whatever but why didn't I get them from the backyard? Well because I looked back there. On the tree he asked? Brady they are all over it...Duh I had just been complaining about them the other day. So I went out bent a leaf, and dropped in about 25 medium sized ants into my yogurt cup. Perfect, stuck them in the ant house. Took the Hallmark stickers off the breathing holes and walked off satisfied...Well apparently medium sized ants can fit through those holes...pooo. more hallmark stickers, catch the ants.....

And now, these ones are lazy they sleep really, I catch them doing it all the time. They have only burrowed straight down, barely at all..The sugar ants did all the work and they have been in there for a while now, well about 8 of them the rest have escaped...Stupid ants, next time I'll buy some and then put them in a milk jug, they work better anyway!

The People you meet along the way...

2009-09-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

So our little bike shop is now seeing the end of summer. I am now reflecting on the past few crazy months. I am sitting here in the shop right now, taking a break from the paperwork and taking a little me time. Things are starting to fall into place. The mornings are still hectic, but are becoming more managable. (and a special thanks to Aminta for the early morning help and coffee :) I'm still feeling a little overwhelmed, but its getting easier, and I have to remember that this will all get better in the end.
Honestly I was very upset when my husband said he was doing this. I thought a shop that specializes in repairs?!? Is he crazy? I didn't understand that people would spend money on their bikes. But then again, I was the kid that called flat repair good by airing it up for free 300 times a day because the darn thing kept going flat. A new tube for your flat tire whats that? I can happily say that business is good. Now I'm starting to appreciate his ideas and hard work, somedays I still wonder if hes crazy but I know I am lucky to have a man like him in my life. Because of him I know that I will get to experience things in life, that I would probably never been able to without him. He pushes me to pursue things I had only thought about. Someday I plan on starting my own venture once we get a little more settled with our other two businesses.
I have had the pleasure of meeting some great people this summer. To many to count and new faces every day. All of them have had such kind words and appreciation for our store, which is great and helps calm my nerves. I had the pleasure of meeting three ambitious folks a few weeks back. Ashley, Skip and Archie (Skip's dad). Skip is riding his bike across country to support awarness and raise funds for parkinson's disease. How amazing is that?!?! Honestly since I have met them I have been trying to find a cause, the one I have been looking for that will grab my heart, I know I will find it if I keep looking. Ashley and Archie drive ahead and then they all meet up to eat, sleep etc. I guess Skip gets up super early, early enough that he stopped in our store to buy a headlight which we thankfully had. I snapped a picture of them, to put in the paper so that others could read about what he was doing and they could donate to his cause. Ashley and I discovered we are two of a kind, I guess like me she is forgetful and clumsy, I'm not alone in this world! ha ha. She forgot her purse here and thankfully they came back to get it! Skip was making fun of her for it and he forgot his sunglasses shortly after that!! Check their blog out its pretty cool. They even mentioned us!!

http://www.coasttocoastforpd.blogspot.com/

Pain, Labor and Love

2009-08-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

Its the most insane thing in the world....I remember like it was yesterday the anticipation of the birth of my first child. I had no idea of what to expect. I was scared, nervous, unsure. I had this idea of labor, but that was it...an idea, I had no clue, of the actual work that went into it. I had this crazy belief that if I could run 4 miles that I would be able to have a baby no problem. My understanding of it would be like the 400 which for me was the most painful race ever. Yes it is only one lap around the track, but it is one lap that is a dead sprint around the track, and it hurts. I compared that last straight stretch before the finish line to labor, that pain, the burning, all for the final finish that rush of I am almost there..Yes labor is somewhat like those races I once lived for, but its a different kind of race, and the reward in the end is so much better.
With all of my kids I was blessed with amazing pregnancies, (minus the insane mood swings with the last) The difference between them all is that with the first I was delusional thinking that the pain was going to be similar to running (what was I thinking?) With the second it was going to be easier than the first (shorter they said. Nope harder and longer by an extra four hrs. of pushing.) and with the third I knew it was going to hurt, I was not looking forward to the pain, and I did not want it to be as long as the last time. I was in fear of the pain but almost welcoming the challenge. At the time of hard contractions I was wondering what was I thinking, why did I decide to have a home birth I want drugs!? But it was crazy I was on the verge of just giving up, of just throwing in the towel and being done with this whole ordeal. Take me to the hospital I want a c-section was the only thought in my head at the time. Then I just decided I don't give up this easily, not on anything, I wasn't going to give up now. After what seemed like hours (but was really less than 1/2 hr!!!) I convinced myself to get that baby out. I don't think anyone really expected it, they were in the kitchen and I was just hanging out in the pool. I just told them here it comes...They all came rushing back in, and out came our baby boy. I was in awe, I remembered then what I had seemed to forget before. That's why I did this at home. It was so calming and instantly I didn't hurt anymore, I was in the world of bliss and felt like a superhero, and to be honest I was soooo grateful that it was over! I just looked at my little baby he just came out looking around and was as calm as could be. We had no clue what the sex of the baby was, and I completely forgot to even look I was just staring at this little person in amazement, We made this, and I had the joy of bringing him into the world. Chad was anxiously waiting for me to check. We were convinced we were having a girl, but were pleasantly surprised to find out we had a little boy. And Chad who had once told everyone he wanted only girls was beaming with pride and grinning ear to ear. He had his little boy! I then said honey now you have someone to teach everything to and he said the cutest thing ever "no, now I have three."
It took us almost a week to name the lil' guy. We called him baby for a few days, and then thought about some names throughout those first few days. When Chad had mentioned that he had wanted to name him Oliver, a lot of people wrinkled their noses, and said oh please don't name him that! So we tried Liam for another few days and then Chad was looking at him one night and said he just isn't a Liam, I really like Oliver, so we stuck with it, and it suits him. Chad likes calling him Olly and I call him O. Besides its a strong name its associated with the Olive Tree which is a symbol of peace. Okay the true meaning means Elf Army, from what I have read but elf's aren't real so therefore there is no such thing as an elf army. Right?? In his defense and our own, there are a lot of famous people named Oliver. Oliver Twist (fictional I know but he was a strong minded little man) Oliver Cromwell, Oliver North, Oliver Stone. And never will we mention to him that dad decided he liked that name because of the pedigree commercial with the cute little terrier named Oliver who found a good home. We will stick with the story that we got it off of the movie A lot Like Love (Ashton Kutcher plays Oliver). A name is what you make it, and I think he is so perfect we could have named him anything.

Oliver Robert Beeson
born 7-19-09 @ 3:00 Am
6 lbs. 12 oz 20 in long

A Forward that made me cry (silly me I know)

2009-06-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Price of Children

This is just too good not to pass on to all. Here is something absolutely positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice.

The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140.00 for a middle income family. Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.

But $160,140.00 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:
* $8,896.66 a year,
* $741.38 a month,
* $171.08 a week.
* A mere $24.24 a day!
* Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is; don't have children if you want to be 'rich.' Actually, it is just the opposite.

What do you get for your $160,140.00?
* Naming rights . First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.
* A hand to hold usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
* A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the Boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140.00, you never have to grow up.. You get to:
* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs,
* never stop believing in Santa Claus.

You have an excuse to:
* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watch Saturday morning cartoons,
* go to Disney movies, and
* wish on stars.

You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

For a mere $24.24 a day, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:
* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and
* coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.

You get a front row seat in history to witness the:
* First step,
* First word,
* First bra,
* First date,
* First time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!

Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren!!!!!!!
It's the best investment you'll ever make!!!!!!!!!

************************************************************
How lucky am I to wake up every day and see their beautiful faces? I think that sometimes I forget that I wanted to be that mom, that got dirty with my kids making mud pies. Or that I wanted to show them how to build the best blanket forts, and have a picnic on the frontroom floor while its pouring outside. Or Build boats out of newspaper and popsickle sticks and race them down the gutters of the street..I wanted to be fun, and I think sometimes, I worry to much about my house being clean, the kids being clean, and everyone behaving all of them time. Life is to short, I think after nap time, we'll have an adventure of some sort.

Coming Soon!!

2009-06-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

I've been a little tired...a little stressed, a little overwhelmed, and a lot HORMONAL! Maybe all of the stress has been due to my current state of pregnancy, or maybe I just don't handle things as well as I used to...But I have spent a lot of time crying over nothing, and then its like okay now I feel better.. I feel like a crazy person! ha ha....All of this is just due to the fact that we have so many unfinished projects started. I'd like to blame it all on my husband but the truth is, I'm just as bad.. Yikes I hate admitting that. We have our third baby on the way, a two bedroom house that we had plans months ago to turn into a third, and time has snuck up on us..And now there is a new project, with sooooo much work to be done. AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF!!
Coming soon very soon..... (sometimes the pessimist in me thinks tooooooooo soon, but Chad being the optimist thinks it is perfect timing, flying by the seat of your pants, which I know in the end he will probably be right..)
FOUR SEASON SPORTS

Well I know your thinking ummm....the window says The Phone Store and More, but soon enough It will have our logo in it...Exciting but oooooh so scary..I'm just one of those never try just so I don't fail type of people. Chad is completely opposite he is constantly coming up with ideas, and literally just throws everything he has into this project. His motto is "if you never try how will you know?" And my least favorite "Brady how would you feel if someone else does it and you lost your chance?" Where would I be without him?

After taking this picture Aminta and her kids helped me build a temporary sign (until we can get the vinyl letters off and our own logo up, classy I know :) on yellow poster paper, and it took us way......to long, but I think everyone had a little bit of fun...Thanks for letting me stink up your house with permanent markers Peter and Aminta.

We are starting out small and working our way into more inventory. We will be doing Bike, ski, snowboard repairs etc. As well as having rentals ranging from snow shoes, to cross country, boats, rafts, etc. and your average things for camping such as tents and camping chairs, bikes, sunglasses, clothing, and accessories . It will be busy but I just have to remember in the end I know I will be thankful to have such an opportunity. So wish me luck and pray that I can just breath and not freak out!

A little bit about ME

2009-05-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

I like routine, and list making. I have a list for just about everything in my life. Chores, things I need, the usual. Then I have lists of goals, hopes dreams, inspirations, and Christmas lists I make a year early. I have been accused of being OCD a time or two (but I love run on sentences ). I tend to clip articles that move me and add them to my "you inspire me because" book, Some are magazine articles some are obituaries etc. I go back and look ever so often. To keep me motivated toward my goal in life. Before kids and marriage, I had all of these things I wanted to do, like anyone else in the world. I don't want to put them on hold for to long, and would love to incorporate my children in all that I do. Of course my children come first and foremost but I guess this comes from having a single mom, who put to much on hold for us, and now I know she regrets it, even though she would never say that. I want to get over my goofy fear of driving in "big" places, so I might be able to go somewhere alone. I'm getting better. I want to learn to breath and not worry so much about silly things. I want to live in the moment, and learn to appreciate every second I will never get back. I want to do a week long hike somewhere awe inspiring and beautiful. I want to rock climb, mountain bike, get over my fear of water and go kayaking and snorkeling. and I want to do a marathon, running, and finish. I want to join an effort, any one that grabs my heart and never lets go. I want to go to school for what I want and graduate, and then put my knowledge to good use. I want to travel, to Africa and China and see it all. I want to get my hands dirty and build something from start to finish. I want to be a strong role model for my children, and the best mother I can be. I want to teach my children to be givers and not takers. I want to instill in them how to be lovers and to look out for those who are not able to do it for themselves. My mother once told me "I did get picked on but it only bothered me sometimes I got over it quickly when I realized if they were picking on me, they weren't picking on that other girl/guy that couldn't defend themselves" that stuck with me.... I want to make a difference, somewhere or to someone. I want the story of my life to be something worth reading, something my children feel is worth passing along. I want to be cautious but know how to take risks. I want to find a talent and expand it into something more. (like my photography) I want to be proud of myself, and never feel like I never did it all, because we only have one life on this earth. And throughout that life I want to be more of a glass half full type of gal instead of my sometimes glass half empty type of gal. That's me.

Baby Bump

2009-05-29T16:23:00.000-07:00

So.....I'm almost there..I'm getting to the miserable part of pregnancy everything hurts, the pinched nerves that just about drop me if I step wrong, the heart burn...But then There is this closeness, this bond, this love you feel for this little baby you haven't even seen, you haven't touched, but its the greatest feeling ever! I love knowing that I am the vessel for this human being that is parts of us. And it makes me sad to think that soon I won't be pregnant anymore. Weird I know..Its a love hate relationship....I hate the aches and pains, but I love the little rolls and kicks, and the occasional elbow its almost a way of letting me know that he/she is strong and healthy and it makes me smile. What will he or she look like, what personality type will the baby be? What will we name him or her?
Tess is convinced it is a baby brother and will have no part in conversation of a baby sister she says "no mom" everytime I say what if its a baby sister? She has brings things to my belly for the baby and asks me for the "baby belly mom?" Then she will lift my shirt up and hold it to my belly as if the baby can see it. She cracks me up.....So the ticker says 37 days lets see....

2009-05-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

I got on here a year ago and attempted to become a "blogger" and was unsuccessful at my attempt, until now...who would have thought a little reading was going to help get this thing up and running. I'm not computer savvy to say the least but I'm going to try it out! So wish me luck and once I get around to it, I will do a "real" blog posting. Yeah for me!