Mini Sunday Vacation!

I just have to say that I had a great day today! It started out with rushing to get everyone ready for Church,well, because I slept longer than I should have. But once I got there, it was great! My Sunbeams were cute, they always are, though I only had 2. We made it through ALL of sacrament meeting, which is rare for us. I try really hard to stay, but once we take the sacrament, if the kids are too loud or naughty, we usually just have to leave..... I can't really take one out and leave the others in by themselves. Derrick wanted to go for a ride when we got home, so we changed and jumped in the truck. We really didn't have a destination in mind. I felt like my Uncle Doug and Aunt Nita, who used to go for a Sunday drive and end up at our house 2 hours away or in Wyoming at another Aunts 7 hours away! We didn't quite go that far, but ended up at Yuba Lake. The weather was SO nice and the water was beautiful.... I was really wishing we had brought our boat. The kids played on the beach and the dock and Derrick and I went for a walk on the beach. Carlie kept asking where the boat was, I think she is going to be our little water girl. We decided to keep driving north to Levan and then around to the East dock. We hiked a little bit there and the kids played on the rocks and chased lizards. We went through Fayette and then Gunnison where we stopped and ate, next was Salina. Between Salina and Scipio we went up to the Maple Grove camp area. Neither Derrick or I had been up there in years, maybe even since before we were married. It was a bit chilly there, so we didn't stay long, but I think we want to go back and camp sometime this summer. From there we made our way home. It was such a nice day, the kids laughed and played, the weather was spectacular, and we didn't even hear much whining or fighting, the kids (OK, and me) colored in the car and were really pretty good. It was such a nice break from the regular routine we've fallen into. My only regret, I forgot my camera. I could have taken SO many cute pictures!

Flashback Friday!

Kyle, Monica, Shad and Lisa

If I had to guess I'd say I was about 9 or 10 in this picture. It's funny to see our house brown in the background, and the old log border around the flower bed. I wish I could find Carlie some of the old school Jelly shoes like I am wearing and you have to love mine and Lisa's bangs. I can't believe Shad doesn't have his cowboy boots on, he never went anywhere without them, and even wore them with shorts and Pj's. Fun times!

I was tagged by Suzanne and I thought I'd add this with my flashback Friday picture, since it kind of goes together. It's amazing to me how many things there are about my life I just don't remember. I think these list are always fun, but some of you don't. I'm going to tag anyone that wants to share! Just copy and paste.

1. Song that always makes you sad? I can' think of one?

2. Last thing you bought? Some scrapbook kits online

3. Last person you argued with? Carlie, she and I argue a A LOT

4. One of your stuffed animals' names as a kid? I don't really remember

5. Did you ever own at one time own a Michael Jackson Cd? yep, still have one or two.

6. Favorite day of the week? Monday, after a good weekend and we can get back to normal routines.

7. Did you take Piano lessons? More years than I can count, but do you think I can play anything?

8. Most frequent song played? Right now? I just usually turn on the XM and listen to the hits.

9. T.V. show you secretly enjoy? Miami Ink

10. Favorite scents? Fresh cut grass, Baking smells, coconut, baby lotion

11. Date someone older or younger? Derrick is older, I can't think of anyone younger?

12. One place you could travel right now? Europe or somewhere warm, or anywhere really.

13 Favorite time of the day? Bedtime

14. Do you know all the words to the national anthem? Sure, don't most people?

15. Something you're wearing right now? Rock on T-shirt and Jeans

16. Job you've had? Duanes Foodtown, Payroll at UVSC, Olan Mills, ATG and Mom

17. Did you go to your high school prom? Yep, and my escort passed out during the floor show.

18. Perfect time to wake up? 8:30

19. Perfect time to go to bed? 11:30

20. Favorite soda? Coke

21. Ever been in a car accident? A few, but thankfully no one has ever been hurt bad. I think the worst was when my sis drove under a truck! When the tow trucks came, they couldn't get the car and truck unstuck, they ended up towing them both off stuck together.

22. Closer to mom or dad...or neither? Probably mom, but my dad is great!

23. Who would you want on a deserted island with you? Derrick, he's handy!

24. Have you been bungee jumping? No

25. Favorite ice cream flavor? Anything with nuts or my fav. on the cruise was Coconut!

26. Do you have an article of clothing you have had since you were in high school? In my mom's basement I'm sure I do!

27. Did you play high school sports? I was on Drill Team, I'm just not a sporty girl!

28. Were you ever in a school talent show? Do dance reviews count?

29. What are you allergic to? Naughty Kids

30. Have you watched sex and the city? Not once

31. Fun place you lived? The girls in Santaquin made Santaquin FUN!

32. Do you shampoo first in the shower or soap? Shampoo

33. Wet the toothbrush or brush dry with the toothpaste? Wet

34. Blue or black ink? Either one, I'm more worried about how the pen writes, I only like certain kinds.

35. Have you ever gambled at a casino? Yea, but only slots and stuff

36. Have you thrown up on a plane? No

37. Have you thrown up in a car? Only like 30 times, when we went to Hawaii (I was pregnant and our driver, James, was awful. on purpose I think).

38. Favorite cartoon as a kid? Smurfs

39. favorite childhood tv show? Silver Spoons

40. Who was your first roommate? Patti, Holly, and some oriental girls who were a bit odd.

41. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk for the first time? I've never been drunk!

42. What was your first car? I drove my parents Escort, or the big blue Bonneville. I much preferred the Escort, but the Bonneville could spin those tires great!

43. What was the last movie you saw? Horton Hears a Who with the kids

44. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown? 18

45. Who was your first grade teacher? Mr. Johnson.....Kaleb could have him next year, how funny is that?

46. Where did you go on your first airplane ride? San Fransisco, after I was married and Derrick worked for Skywest.

47. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with? Umm, I don't really recall? Probably Derrick.

48. Who was your first Best Friend and are you still friends with them? Jill Williams, our mom's are friends, but I never really see her now.

49. Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day? Lis or Ann

50. Who's wedding were you in the first time you were a bridesmaid or a groomsman? Carri's

51. What is the first thing you do in the morning? put eye drops in

52. What were some concerts you have attended? George Strait, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Rage against the Machine, U2, I know there are more?

53. First tattoo or piercing? My ears when I was 8

54. First celebrity crush? New kids on the Block (that's for you Heidi) I'm sure there was someone before that though!

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure!

I am one of those people that always needs something to look forward to. Are any of you guys like that? Well, since I am, I just thought I'd share quick one of the next things on my list. My mom, 2 of her 3 sisters (the other lives in Washington, or I'm sure she would be here) and the nieces (in-laws included) are walking in the Race for the Cure on May 10th! Me, Lisa, my Mom, Aunt Suzi and Leslie did this last year and it was such a great experience, so we recruited the rest of the Ainge girls! I couldn't believe how many people were involved and all the different shirts and banners in memory of loved ones. I honestly spent most of the race trying not to cry (ok, you who know me, know trying didn't work), it was overwhelming to see how many lives this affects. We decided this year that our team would be Dot's Darlings in honor of our Grandma Dot (my Great-Grandma). What an amazing woman she was. She fought a valiant battle with breast cancer and survived following a mastectomy that saved her life. I am SUPER excited to be doing this with my mom, sisters, aunts and cousins! Our pink camo shirts came yesterday, which made me even more excited! YEA, for family, doing something for a great cause, and having a girls day!

The link below is a direct link to our Team Dot's Darlings fundraising page. Any support would be greatly appreciated. Much more can and needs to be done for others who are not as fortunate as our Grandma Dot was.

http://www.active.com/donate/komenslc2008/kslcSCarter

What a SHITTY afternoon!

**Quick disclaimer for those of you that are new, or those that are not new also, to my blog.....I do not use profanity on a regular basis, but well, there was just no better way to describe this!**

Miss Carlie didn't really want to take a nap today, but she was tired and whiny and I put her down anyway. I knew she never really went to sleep, but she wasn't crying, so I let her have "quiet time". Her cousin, Tylie came up to play, so I went to get her up. As I opened her door, an overpowering stench hit me! Who knew poo makes a great finger paint on a canvas of pale pink sheets? WHAT. THE. HECK?!?! I know kids do this, and maybe my brain is failing me here, but I don't think any of MY kids have! Yuck, yuck and double, triple YUCK! I think I have honestly washed her sheets seven times in the last five days, with her having the flu and now this.

She really doesn't look very happy, does she?

I felt bad for getting a bit (ok, super) mad at her in her bed and then the tub while I cleaned her up. I decided I better take some time and do her hair cute, seeing as how it's harder to be mad when she looks really cute! All I can say is this was one shitty afternoon, and I hope we don't have repeat anytime soon (ok, not ever again)! She is a pretty cute girl don't you think?

What a little Angel, right?

A GREAT WEEKEND!

What a great weekend we had! We are now back to a family of 5, not 8. I have to say the kids were pretty dang good, better together than they have been for quite awhile. We took the 4 boys to "Horton hears a Who" on Friday night, and my mom kept the little girls. Saturday, my mom and I split the kids and took turns with them, while I cleaned my much neglected house. It was nice to get back to Church on Sunday. I haven't been since Easter! I missed a week on my trip, then we had General and Stake Conference. I can always see a difference in myself when I miss Church. Plus, have you ever notice that the kids are always HORRIBLE when you go back? (we left Sacrament early this week). And of course, my Sunbeams were just as cute as ever!

The best part of my Sunday (OK, the best part of my whole week) was my BFF, Ann and her darling family stopped by on their way home from a trip to St. George. That is one of my only regrets in moving home, I don't get to see my friend....thank heavens for the phone and computers! They stayed for dinner (I hope it wasn't yucky, Ann wouldn't tell me even if it was), the kids played, we went to my mom's and sisters for a minute. They weren't here nearly long enough, but it was so great to see them.

A great visit with a great FRIEND!

Brock had a dentist appointment yesterday to get a filling. I went to school with our Dentist, so it's nice and weird all at the same time. I was amazed how good Brock was. Kaleb and I each get a filling next week and I am not looking forward to that (I'll probably be a worse patient than Brock).

Derrick decided we needed to go on a four-wheeler ride last night. I have to admit, I was a grump about it. I really do enjoy riding, but I hate it when it's even a bit cold, it makes me achy and my ears always hurt. See, grumpy! Anyway, it was cold, but not too bad. I love that this kids are all old enough to make riding easy. Derrick and I each put Carlie or Kaleb on with one of us, and Brock usually rides his little 90. He is getting to be a pretty good little rider and keeps up really well. Last night Derrick had him go up a hill that I wasn't sure he was really ready for, and he did it with no problem. I guess I'm just the mom that is scared for her kids to try new things!

We are still working on getting Carlie potty trained. I've been amazed at how well she is doing! I don't think we've really had more than one accident a day. Hopefully she keeps it up and we can be done with diapers forever! YIPPEE!

Flashback Friday!

(back) Monica, Eva, Lisa,(front) Kyle & Shad Beckstrand

This is one of my favorite pictures, and one of the only ones I have with my Great-Grandma Beckstrand. This was at the hospital after she moved there. We lived across the street from her, when I was 5 or 6. What a special lady she was, I have some good memories of her! She was the mother of 5 sons, one of whom was my Grandpa, I'm sure they kept her very busy!

Well, I haven't just written about the regular goings on at the Dearden house lately, so I'm going to add that in. It's crazy here right now and will be for the next few days. My sister and her friends from school, go for a girls weekend every year, and this is that weekend....so, it's kid central here. We went from 3 hooligans to 6 hooligans! Really it hasn't been bad, but we'll see if I still feel that way on Sunday! It's been nice that the kids have been able to get out to play. I'm looking forward to summer, and the kids are too. Both the boys will be going to half a day of summer school. T-ball will start for Kaleb soon, but Brock decided he didn't want to play this year. Derrick has a new part-time job keeping up the Meadow park this summer. I know that he'll do a super job. He is such a hard worker and keeps busy with his full-time teaching job, and now 2 part time jobs! I'm stressing about girls camp.....there is just so much to do, and I really don't know where to start! I know it will all work out in the end, but it's hard not to worry now! I think we might finally be over the yucky flu that has plagued us this past week. All in all, things have been good here. I hope everything is good for all of you!

This Week I'm Thankfull For......

It's been awhile since I did a Thankful list, so here goes......

• My sweet Grandpa Beckstrand. It just happens to be his 82nd birthday today. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful example in my life. I grew up just 4 blocks from my Grandma and Grandpa's house and, well, we are just 3 1/2 blocks away now! I'm grateful that my kids have had the chance to spend time with such special Great Grandparents!
  
• Dove Chocolate bars ~ MMMMM, yummy, creamy chocolate....need I say more?
  
• I'm glad I am able to stay home with my kids and be a Mom. I was amazed when I quit working, how hard it was to be home all the time, but I honestly can't imagine going back to work right now. I know it's not for everyone, but I also know it's the right thing for our family right now!
  
• My 2 laundry rooms! I've had sick pukey kids all week and Carlie is potty training, need I say more?!? If only I could get to my regular laundry sometime soon?
  
• The Gospel ~ Sometimes I think I get stuck in a rut and forget how truly lucky I am to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It's such a giant part of my life, and I have much to improve on, but I am truly grateful!

My sweet Grandpa and Grandma Beckstrand with Carlie on her blessing day!

Flashback Friday

I've loved looking at my friend Ann's flashback Friday pictures, so I'm going to copy her. I know it isn't Friday, but isn't Saturday close enough? Plus, I know just what picture to start with, and next week I'll do it on Friday!

Who doesn't love a good 4th of July parade? I know this isn't the best picture, I mean, you can't even see faces, right, but there is a reason I like this one. I am the dark haired girl with ponytails and red ribbons towards the back and in the middle. Anyway, Derrick's mom was looking at my scrapbook one day and noticed that they are in the back watching the parade. I don't know if you can see the boy in the background, that is crouching down with his hands on his knees, next to a girl in a yellow shirt......that's Derrick. How odd! Anyway Derrick's mom went on to pick out some of the Aunts, Uncles, and cousins in the picture too. I guess Derrick was checkin' me out LONG before I ever noticed him, he he he!

I just LOVE a good book.....

I really just love a good book, or even an OK one for that matter. I just love books. I realized tonight as I started yet another new book, that I've read quite a few books in the last week....5 to be exact, and I just started my 6th? WOW! That is amazing even to me. I always have a stack of books from both the Bookmobile or library, and if I'm down to my last one, I kinda start to freak out. I read a little bit of everything, but mostly fiction. I have a hard time with the biographies and inspirational books, every once in awhile I'll read them, but it's not my norm. So, here's what I've read in the last week, in case anyone is interested.

• Delicious Conversations, by Jennifer Stewart Griffith ~ This was a cute LDS easy read that I really liked, it had a little different twist, or style than the same old romances. Plus, it has lots of chocolate recipes in it that sound yummy!


• I Heard That Song Before, by Mary Higgins Clark ~ Really, who doesn't like a good Mary Higgins Clark mystery. They always keep me entertained and are just easy reading.


• Staying in Tune, by Carmen Rassmussen ~ Like, I said a biography every once in awhile. This book is definitely on a more young adult level. I liked it, but didn't love it.


• The Bishop's Bride, by Elizabeth W. Watkins ~ Cute book, fun story, easy read.


• Quicksand, by Iris Johansen ~ This is the one I just started, but I always really like her books....hopefully I won't be disappointed.

There was one more book that I did read this last week that I left off my list. I liked it, but, well, I just wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I really typically don't read this many books in a week, 2 maybe 3. Remember, I was on vacation, and had time to read on the boat and the plane. Plus, Derrick is gone to a Math conference and so, I've not been sleeping so great (I read 2 1/2 of those books in the last 24 hours). If any of you have read any great new books, let me know......I love to give new authors a shot. Now if I could just figure out how to get my boys to enjoy reading as much as I do?

A cruise is the best place to catch up on your reading!

Can anyone tell me how to.....

just be happy with who I am, mostly my weight and just my body image in general? I've been thinking a lot about this lately, and I just really don't know how to do it. I really want Carlie to be happy with herself, no matter what, and I'm afraid I'm not going to be the best role model for her in this area.
In my younger years, I was always the girl who could eat whatever, and stayed super thin. Well, 3 pregnancies later, I'm just not that girl. I have to say I'm a bit jealous of those girls who are still that girl (my sister is one of them, and I love her, but, yea...I'm definitely jealous). I finally threw in the towel and did Weight Watchers last year and did pretty good with it, I have to say! I met my goal weight and became a lifetime member. Well, slowly over the last few months I added one pound, and then another...now I've gained back ten or so of those pounds I worked so hard to loose. I guess I'm just feeling discouraged right now! I really hated most of the picture of myself from my vacation (I know hardly anyone ever likes pictures of themselves). I know what I need to do to get back on track (count points, exercise and drink water), but for some reason I just can't motivate myself to do it. I was playing racquetball with some friends in the mornings, but that sorta fizzled out when kids started getting sick and life got in the way. I know all I'd have to do is call them and we could start again, but do I do it? No. We also have a full circuit weight machine in the basement, and just bought an elliptical machine. Have I used it even once since we bought it? No, again! All I have to do is walk to the basement, turn on the music and work out...so, why don't I? I'm just not quite sure? I know I feel much better when I do.
Anyone have any advice for me? (Besides telling me to cut out soda, I just can't do that one! I really look forward to my 10:00 coke run with Lisa every morning and usually I only have one a day. I have compromised and started drinking diet again.) I'm totally not looking for sympathy, or compliments etc... I'm truly wondering how to motivate myself, and at the same time have a positive attitude, no matter how I look. Does that even make any sense? I'm not sure if I'll even end up posting this whiny little montage, but it has felt good to write it all out and think. But if I do post it, please give me any advice you have!

I Forgot......

Ok, I know I said I knew I was forgetting somethings, but I can't believe I forgot these. I have to give a big thanks to my BFF, Ann for taking us to, and picking us up from the airport (both were late flights) and letting me leave our car in her driveway for the week. Also, thanks to all my great friends and family that helped Derrick out with the kids. I feel really blessed and lucky to have such a great support system!

What a Great Week!

Can I just tell you how nice it was to get away! Lisa and I had such a good time on our cruise to Bermuda. I definitely want to do another cruise soon, but this time with Derrick! I couldn't believe how cold it was when we got off the plane in New York. We definitely were NOT prepared for that. After we got on the boat and had the mandatory life boat drill with the lovely life vests, we were off. Can I just tell you, out boat was HUGE! I was excited that we got to see the Statue of Liberty as we left. I did get a bit sick on the trip over and back, but not too bad. The water was rougher than I expected.
The first day we were in Bermuda just happened to be the coldest day they had had the entire year,great, just great! The next day was nice and we took the ferry into Hamilton and just shopped and walked around.
The next day we went out on a Hartley's Helmet Dive. We were supposed to go the day before, but the water had been rough and stirred everything up so it got re-scheduled. I have to honestly say, I was excited when they called to say it was canceled the first day! For those of you who know me, you know I have, well, some water issues. I HATE water on my face and I get really freaked out to be under the water. So why, you ask would I sign up to do this, voluntarily? Well, Lisa loves the water and really wanted to go, so I promised her I would give it a shot.(it was the least I could do, since she took me on her free cruise). I was super glad I did it. The reef was so pretty and the fish were great. The helmet was perfect for me, I was under the water, but my face didn't get wet. I did have a few panicky moments, but I did it! I think that was my favorite part of the whole trip. After we did our dive we laid out on the top of the boat and of course, I got fried! Bermuda is deceptive....it was just overcast enough that I really didn't think I was getting burned. I should have known, I always get burned! One of the guys on the boat, James, was super nice. He told us the funniest stories about Bermuda and, well, he wasn't all that terrible to look at either!
I could really get used to living on a cruise ship. The food was great, ice cream bar anytime you want it, great service and someone to help with everything, yea, I could for sure get used to that. Our cabin steward left the cutest towel animals on our bed every night. The entertainment was good, but the best was Stampin' Up! karaoke superstar! I can't believe how good they all were. Our favorite was by far this kid named Nick....Hilarious! He had the best outfits, complete with spandex and everything. I haven't laughed that hard in a LONG time.
We spent one afternoon in some caves, that had stalactites and stalagmites. They had water in the bottom that came from the ocean. The Bermudian people that we met were so nice, and super laid back. We stopped in the post office to buy stamps and ended up visiting with the lady there for a good 10 min. When we left she gave us a strip of stamps that had been laminated and made into a bookmark. I think that is my favorite souvenir that I brought back, mostly because she was so thoughtful. The water there was the most beautiful shade of turquoise blue. All the houses are painted bright colors....like, pink, turquoise, coral, yellow. The buses on the island are pink, and there are scooters everywhere! I know there is so much I'm forgetting. It was a great trip and I'm so glad my great sister invited me to go with her! We had such a good time together. Oh, and can I just say.....I have the best husband ever! He kept everything running smooth for 8 days, and the house was clean when I got home! Amazing!
I guess now I need to get back to real life! Carlie is ready to potty train, and I have girls camp to plan!