Prince Charming goes to Homecoming

Couldn't resist posting photos of Presten looking very sharp for his homecoming date! They played olympics for the day-date, and Presten and Breann nearly swept it all, from volleyball to foosball and even guitar hero. Later that evening they got dressed up and all the parents met for a big photo shoot. Don't they look cute? Breann was most excited about her new hot pink shoes. Presten wears pink well too don't you think?

Growin up to be like Grandpa

So it was spirit week at the intermediate school this week, and one of the dress up days was career day. The kids all dress up in an outfit that represents what they want to be when they grow up. Most of Austen's friends were going to wear their football jerseys. Austen didn't want to do that because he thought "how likely is it that they will be pro football players"? After a few ideas tossed around, someone said how about a rancher. This was it! Austen loves to go the ranch with Grandpa Beatty. He looks forward to round ups and just hanging around all those great cowboys! So we started putting together a costume. He had the boots (Grandpa had just given them to him), he had the levis, belt and felt cowboy hat. The look was complete! The next morning Austen came downstairs all decked out in his costume looking pretty proud of his choice of careers. I kept hearing this jingling sound. I finally noticed a big set of keys fastened to Austen beltloop. I asked him about it and he said... "Grandpa always has a big set of keys fastened to his belt and they clink when he walks." Austen had even gone to the trouble of putting them on a fastner like Grandpa so he could mimick the way he takes his keys off to open a gate or door.

Ain't nothing better than being like your Grandpa... a true american rancher!

Something is Missing!

Look closely at this table... what is missing? If you were a regular guest at this table you would instantly know that it is smaller. It was almost a reverent moment for me as we removed the leaf from our large family table because without the extra two seats filled it makes it a little tricky to practice the "please pass" rule. It was like missing a few links in our assembly line. Plus the silliness that happened here, the discussions about the gospel, or world events, or what they learned at school that day. I know it seems a silly thing to cry over, but I did shed a few tears only because my family is slowly leaving and it's two less people joining in on the discussion of the day.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want it any other way. I am delighted that my two oldest have spread their wings and are having the greatest adventure. BUT... our home just isn't the same without their laughter, smiles, and fun. I miss them.

Isn't it amazing how our lifes run in cycles? I am having a bit of a challenge dealing with the new cycle, but I'll adapt and about that time it will be time for a different cycle to come around.

Cherish your little families, especially around the table!

Watch Children Playing like Monkeys

I took the kids to the mountain a few weeks ago, just me and the younger 3. We saw this sign and got the giggles.

Larson is a monkey somtimes, but always such a trooper. We take him with us wherever we go, with whoever is doing something. Last week he hung out at the summer games, and had a great time. He played football with Ashli, took photos with Tia, cheered Presten on in every race, and ate all the treats he could find. He is such a happy and adventureous kid. He is our Monkey who is always playing!

Naomi the Homemaker

Naomi decided that we were not going to buy any store bread for the entire summer. She made 4 loaves of homemade bread thinking that it would last the entire week. She didn't remember the fact that 1. We LOVE homemade bread, 2. Presten's new favorite snack is two peanut butter and honey sandwiches before football and two sandwiches after football!!! There is no way that 4 loaves was going to make it through the week. She was pretty posessive of that bread, but also really happy that it was so well loved. And NO it didn't make through one week.

The next week she thought... okay I'm making bread, might as well make a bunch of it to last at least the week. She made 12 loaves of bread. It took all day! She was very happy with herself, and magically the homemade bread novelty has worn off and the kids aren't consuming it quite as quickly!

In keeping with her new found homemaking skills Naomi also attempted pickled beets. She did not have to fight off family members from this one. In fact Tia left the house in protest of the stinky smell (plus she hates pickled beets). Naomi is becoming quite the little baker, but still enjoys making a batch of "cow pies" that we all love! She now wants to try a few new recipes every week. Yeah! I can leave the kitchen!

Summer Games Medalist

Austen, Ashli and Presten all competed in the Summer Games!


Ashli competed in the javelin and did really great considering she hasn't thrown for over a year. She is getting geared up to throw for her school next year. She took the gold in her division. Way to go Ashli!



Presten competed in several running and field events ( the 100 meter, 200 meter, and the long jump). He also got invited by some other guys from up north to be in the 4X100 meter relay. He took the gold in each event! He is coming along really nicely with his racing as well as jumping and looks forward to helping the track team next spring! Keep it up Presten!

Austen's soccer team played and fought hard to earn the bronze medal this year. They are getting better and stronger every year. I'm sure the gold is on it's way for this group of hard fighting soccer players. Keep it up Austen!

Mom and Dad celebrate 54 years!

Mom and Dad Beatty celebrated 54 years of marriage. Paulette and Eva made plans to surprise them on this special day. They got 54 balloons and wrote the many memories of the past 54 years, including birthdays of grandkids, wedding days, camping, Kolob, hunting trips, Mabel, Bandit, boats, friends, and many more. The balloons were delivered while they were on the mountain so they came home to a surprise. So many people have been blessed because these two people fell in love. Happy Anniversary!