More funny/ cute kid stories from the past. . .

October 30, 2011-


"So, at church today, during the service, "N" leans over and asks me if she can go use the bathroom. I whispered "Sure, just make sure to walk reverently and quietly, and fold your arms." She looked at me, rolled her eyes, and then said "I don't need to go THAT bad.", and she did NOT go. I just started laughing. I mean, REALLY?! ha ha. Oh, that girl!"





October 28, 2011 -


So, I think we have an official first word for Angela. ("Mama" and "Dada"). She has been saying "oh, WOW" all day yesterday and today. Too cute!





Septemeber 28, 2011 -


"Playing tag/ peek-a-boo on all fours with my baby girl! There are some precious joys in life. And Her giggles make it magical!"





9/23/11 -


"I hate when I don't forward a chain letter and then the next day I die."





Sept 20, 2011-


"So yesterday, My "T" man goes to kindergarten, and his teacher notices he got a haircut, and comments that she likes it. His response? "Yup! Business up front, PARTY in the BACK!" She wasn't sure she heard him right, and had him repeat it, which he did with even MORE gusto the 2nd time. For the record: No, we did NOT give him a mullett. ha ha. It cracked both myself and the teacher up. :-)"





September 16, 2011-


"My 10 yr (I) just said to me"Mom, if you're wondering why T (5 yr old) is mad, it's because he wasn't born in 2000. And that's the year of the dragon."Um,. . . well. . . .okay, then. (What does a mom even say to that? ha ha)"

August 21, 2011 -










So our family was talking tonight about if we were in a circus, what job
we would want to have and "T" (5 yr old) pipes in. I want to be the
killer, and kill clowns. . . . . but I would tell him jokes first." I
was laughing so hard, I was crying.. . . .Oh, that boy. . . . .though, I
think it is time to take him to a REAL circus, so he knows, that's not
really a job. ha ha


July 25, 2011


My 10 (I) and 12 yr old (A) boys were just arguing about something when my 7 yr
old (N) daughter jumps in "Ladies, ladies, you're BOTH pretty!" (yes, I've
heard that phrase before. But LOVED that it came from her to her
brothers) LOL

July 12, 2011 So, my Natty just came down the stairs crying and saying "Mom, I'm
just growing up TOO fast, and I'm not READY to grow up yet!" - - -
Aaahhh. . . bless her heart. . .I told her I'm not ready for her to do
that either. . . :-)But boy, it made me smile.

June 12, 2011 --My baby girl Angela (9 mos. old) started dancing to our opening hymn at church today. It cracked me up. That little girl had music in her SOUL!

"I dream of a better tomorrow . . .where chickens can cross the road and not have their motives questioned. "

May 9, 2011 - Conversation with my 4 yr old today: T: "Mom, when daddy gets home, can we get a pool of honey?" Me: "a pool of HONEY???" T: "Yeah, a pool of honey!" Me: "NO!" T: "But why? it would be awesome!" (Can I just say I love that I had to actually explain to him why a "pool of honey" is NOT a good idea?! Love that boy!)

--May 2011 -- In light of recent events, this is my quote of the day (borrowed from someone else) "The problem with quotes on the internet is that many are not genuine" - Abraham Lincoln (ha ha)


**And this is just a few extras I'm remembering from years past:


-Last year, 2010, Rachel and Corban came to visit. Adam came up to me one day, and asked if I would help him with a school project. He was supposed to tell me a story, and I was supposed to draw a picture of what he was telling me about. I said "Why don't you ask Rachel or Corban if they'll do it? They are MUCH better artists than me." . He got all exasperated and said "I Can't! It says Right here, it HAS to be a grown-up!". We all laughed at that one. ha ha





-At the age of 3, Timmy LOVED tomatoes (he still does actually). One day, I was slicing a tomato, as Timmy went running by, and I said "Here Timmy. You can have this tomato." He said "Oh, Mom. I don't like tomatoes." and I said "yes you do! You LOVE tomatoes." He responded with, "Oh, I do?" and plopped it in his mouth and ran off happy. Such a strange little boy. ha ha





--We were teasing the kids once about them not being smart (we were all smiling and laughing, it's not as mean as it sounds. ha ha). Breanna sat up tall, and said "We are TOO smart! There are only three kids in gifted ed. in our class, and Isaac and I? We are ONE of them!" She caught herself immediately after saying it, but we all (her included) just ROARED with laughter! And she may NEVER live those words down. ha ha

A month full of Thankfuls

So this month, I took on the challenge of posting everyday about something I am thankful for. I made my daily post on Facebook, and really enjoyed doing it. (Keep in mind, these are not done in order of imporance and MOST thankful. I just listed them randomly, and daily events helped inspire some).





1- Today, I am thankful for "Halloween candy tax" which allows me to eat some of my children's spoils from the previous evening.





2- Today I am thankful that I got my internet back (after having no connection for two days)-and for technology in general!





3- I am SOOOOO thankful for my little girl, who turned 8 yesterday. She adds so much "N-attitude" to our home, and has so much spunk. Happy Birthday Nat Nat!





4- Today I am thankful for my amazing children. ALL of them. They make me so happy and remind me how truly blessed I am. I especially like days like today, when there is no school, and they get to spend the day with me. . . . aaahhh .. . . .Life is good.






5- Today I am thankful for sports, like soccer, that teach my kids what it means to play as a team, and the bonus, is it's so much fun for them and for us to watch! I LOVE IT! What a great Saturday. . .





5 1/2 (:-) ) So thankful for the special evening we had tonight at my Natty's baptism. I'm so proud of her! And so thankful for the special friends that came out to support her, when our dear families could not be here.





6- Today I am soooooo thankful for my amazing Husband! This is the first year in quite a few that he has been around us this time of year, and I am SOOOO glad! He is my hero, my best friend, and my true love! I love Paul!





7- Today, I am thankful for my AMAZING Mama, and Papa! They LITERALLY are the reason I am the way I am (quirks and all. ha ha). They are always an incredible support, and I miss them terribly. I love my Mom and Dad!





8- Today I am thankful for my Little Sister, Rachel Lindsay! We share things like: the same goofy laugh, the same warped sense of humor, the same parental units, the same level of AWESOMENESS (:-) ), and are sooo very very different in so many other ways (But she really DOES try to help me look more stylish). I can't imagine my life without her!





9- Today I'm thankful for ALL the sisters I have gained through marriage (theirs, and mine :-) Krista, Alissa, Jamie, Carolyn, Julie, Kali, and Lindsay ). I always wanted to know what it was like to have lots of sisters, and now, I just wish I could see them A LOT more frequently than I do. They're all wonderful ladies, and I miss them. Love you, ladies!





10- Today I am thankful for all the amazing brothers I have! Every girl out there (and boy, for that matter), deserves to have a brother. They irritate me at times (but they do this on purpose. ha ha), but I truly adore them, and look up to each one. I Love all my brothers! (@Jared, Josh, Aaron, Shawn Beck, Jared, Jason, Tom, Corban, Christopher, @AndJacob)





11- TODAY I am thankful For ALL veterans, past, present, and the sacrifices they make and have made for all of us! I'm especially thankful for the veteran that I get to kiss goodnight tonight, and am very mindful of those friends of ours in harms way right now. We always pray for you. Happy Veterans Day.





12- Today, I am thankful for my mother and father-in-law, Bonnie and Dave Beck. They are incredible people, and did such a beautiful job raising their kids (I'm super partial to one, in particular ;-). They have always shown such love and support, and humor me, even when they don't quite get my humor. (ha ha). They're amazing and have taught me SOOO many things. I miss them and love them!





13- Today I am thankful for a most beautiful primary program, and the lovely children that participated in it. Such wonderful testimonies and songs were shared. What a Wonderful day!






14- Today I am thankful for dear friends, near and far. I have been so blessed to have so very many amazing friends in my life. They have helped pull me through so many bumps and curves along the way. It's always hard to part (when we move, or they move), BUT a sad goodbye is indirectly a blessing in disguise, because it means you care for someone THAT much! and THAT is a beautiful thing :-)






15- Today I am thankful for dirty dishes. . . (or trying to be, anyways). It means we have been blessed with many mouths to feed, and we eat well. . . or at least that's what I'm going to say it means. . . . now if I could muster up the strength to be thankful for dirty laundry and dirty floors. . . ha ha.





16- Today, I am thankful for the wonderful teachers out there that help enrich my children's lives, further their education, and challenge them to aim higher. It also helps when they adore my kids and tell me so, too. :-)





17- Today I am thankful for hot showers, cozy sweaters, soft warm blankets and comfortable beds. . .. all of which make cold days and cold nights a lot more enjoyable






18- Today I am thankful for Fridays, and all the wonderful things it means: Pizza night, Movie night, nearing end of homework for the week, more time with kids and hubby, etc. TGIF





19- Today I am thankful to get to experience living in an awesome place like Europe, where visiting fun places is ALWAYS an option!






20- Today I am thankful for the freedom of religion and being able to worship how, where and what I want. I am thankful for my Savior and his sacrifice for all of us.






21- Today I am thankful for music. I love being able to sit at my piano, and play. I love that all my piano teachers hair pulling moments with me did NOT go in vain. Singing, playing instruments, or just listening to it, music is a part of me, and I LOVE it!

22- Today, I am thankful for food, and the joy of cooking and baking. I LOVE to make yumminess for my family (as my waistline will confirm :-), and am so thankful for all the wonderful foods and flavors we have to enjoy.





23- Today am thankful that my husband has a job that provides for our needs, (A roof over our head, food on the table, a safe environment to live in, etc.), and even some of our wants. . . . . It's not perfect, but I am thankful nonetheless. . . and even more thankful for that man of mine who works his tail off to provide for us.





24- (Thanksgiving Day) TODAY: I am thankful for so very very much. I've been listing one every day, but feel the need to list my top fave thankfuls today: MY amazing hubby, my wonderful children, my entire family, the gospel, friends, music, and LAUGHTER! Oh, how I love to laugh and smile, and the aforementioned things all make me do JUST that! Happy Turkey Day EVERYONE!





25- Today I am thankful for the beautiful scenery around me. THe trees, the rooftops, the sky, the hills. . . . . .I love God's artwork. . . .. .





26- Today I am thankful for four day weekends that my whole family gets to spend together. I love family time :-)





27- Today I am thankful for the joy of the holidays and the wonderful traditions that come with it: Warm wassail always readily available, watching tons and tons of Christmas movies, visiting Christmas markets (or looking at Christmas lights), helping the kids make their Christmas gifts for each other, setting out my Nativities (and keeping a lookout for the next addition to my ever growing collection). I Love the Season, and the REASON for the Season!









28: Today I am thankful for education, and the opportunity I have to further my own education. I really do love to learn. And I'm extra grateful for being able to finish my degree online, so that I can still be an at-home wife and mom for my hubby and kids.









29: Today I am thankful for four seasons. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, . . . I love them all. . . . and now anxiously await Winter officially arriving. Bring on the SNOW!









30: Today I am most thankful for so many things to be thankful for! The last 29 days were just the start of my list, and I have so many more things that I didn't even get around to listing. I am so THANKFUL for my life. Life is good.

Hooray for the Becks!

Now, I understand that we are not supposed to be prideful. BUT, I think it's TOTALLY okay to be proud of your kids and the great things they are accomplishing.

*Today, was the awards assembly for the first quarter at school for the Twins. Four awards are given out in each class, for the highest GPA in four different subject areas. Breanna got language arts/reading and the science award, and Isaac got the math award. Breanna also got chosen for an award called "Dining at the Ritz" which means she gets to go to a special banquet today and eat with some dignitaries, because of having the highest GPA in her class.
AND, they both made the Principals Honor Roll, which means straight A's. Only 6 fifth graders received this award, and they took 2 of those spots! We are so proud of them!
Adam also got straight A's for this quarter, which took a LOT of work! (middle school teachers get quite demanding). I was even talking to one of the teachers at P/T conference last week, and as he was looking Adam up on the grade sheet, I noticed that most grades in this teachers class were C's, D's, and even a few F's. There were also some B's sprinkled in, but very very few A's. It makes it even more of an accomplishment that he worked his tail off to get that A.
Grades aren't everything. We know this. It's a matter of seeing the time and effort being put in, and a goal accomplished that really thrills us.
Natalee and Timmy both had perfect report cards and are following awesome examples from the older kids.
We are just so proud. Hooray for my Becklings!

I don't want to forget. . .

There are so many stories that come out of my kids. I tend to forget many of them though, SO, I'm going to try and be better about posting them here (which later will turn in to a blog book), so their words, actions, and little personalities don't get forgotten about. . . .

So, Timmy (my 5 yr old) walked out to me last night, and was all teary eyed, and said "Mom, I need something to remind me." and I said "something to remind you of what?" and he said "of Daddy." and I said "You miss Daddy?" He nodded his head with the saddest eyes, and I said "I have the best reminder EVER!" and walked him back to Daddy to get a real Daddy hug. I guess sometimes he forgets that Daddy's home now, and woke up thinking he was gone again. . . .Daddy got to snuggle and hold him for a long time then, and they just talked. Then, Daddy wrapped him up in my blanket (that has pictures of Paul all over it), and put him to bed. SO TENDER! I am SO thankful we have the real thing here with us this year! SO thankful!

**Another tidbit: Angela today got into my pantry and found the potatoes and garlic, and decided that eating garlic like an apple is a good idea. She was quite enjoying the raw garlic cloves and did NOT like me scooping it out of her mouth. ha ha. Having a child eat plain garlic is definitely a first for us. ha ha

Oh, Breanna Kay . . .

You know how in many families, the oldest daughter seems to just take over, as the responsible one? And she makes sure things keep running smoothly (or as smooth as possible)? Basically, she becomes Mom's assistant?

Breanna plays this role to a "T." She is my "go to." I cannot believe how responsible this little girl is. Sometimes, I forget that she is only 10! (almost 11, but still). When she was a baby, she was given a blessing. In that blessing, she was told that she would be a "great strength to (her) Mother." OH, how true that is. I can't tell you how many times, I have been running around trying to get things done, and she has just stepped in and started helping where things need done. Her baby sister ADORES her! (and sometimes, Angela prefers Breanna over Dad, and even MOM too).

She is compassionate. She is motivated beyond belief! I laugh about how much "type A" personality she has. If there's a competition to be won, she wants a piece of the pie. She gives her all to everything she does. She was the only student last year in her entire school (of 600+ kids), to get THREE "highest GPA" awards for a specific subject, in a semester. She thrives on that kind of achievement. She loves to play soccer, and is 100% immersed in those games. Wherever the Coach wants her, she jumps right in.

I've been told by her teachers and coaches, that they know if they need something done, they can ask Breanna, and she'll do it with a smile.

We've been fortunate enough to have not dealt with any "girl drama" amongst friends, because basically, most of her best friends are boys. She tells us that Isaac is her best friend. It's just easier to hang out with the boys anyways (they are the ones that want to play soccer and other active things.)

She is quite creative and artistic, and has been known to create elaborate creations out of paper and tape alone.

She LOVES dogs, especially German Shepherds, and is great with our huge mangy mutt, Teancum.

She has a beautiful voice, and is a great helper in the kitchen.

I call her "B.K." sometimes, just because.

She can be just a tad bit bossy sometimes. But it's only becuase she can see things that need done, and thinks everyone else should too, and tries to help them along. Although, not always in the best way. ha ha

She laughs more than ANYONE I know. Everything is hilarious to Breanna. She smiles so very much.

She is such a beautiful young lady, and I can only imagine what is still in store for her.

I am so glad to have my B.K. in my life, and can't imagine HOW I would get by without her next to me helping. What an amazing momma's helper she is. I love my Breanna Kay!

Natalee's Baptism Day

(I can't figure out how to turn the picture the right way . hmmmm. . . . . )

Last week, on November 5, 2011, we got to experience a super special day. It was the day that my husband took our 4th Child, our 2nd daughter, into the waters of baptism, and baptized her as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I felt a little homesick, as I prepared for the baptism and made programs and such. I realized, that we had to choose two witnesses. Our Dad's (the Grandpas) have been the witnesses for our three other children. The uncles and Grandpas have been the ones standing in the circle when they are given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Yes, I did get a lump in my throat, and shed a small tear. I would have loved to have our families there to share in the joyous occasion.

I love living in Europe. But there definitely is a price to be paid, and sometimes that price is painful.

As we got closer to the date, I had friends emailing and calling to see how they could contribute. The night of the baptism, I watched as the little chapel filled up with people who have become dear friends of ours in our two short years here in Germany. Some of these individuals were L.D.S., some were not. But as the prelude music played, I realized that I DID have family here.

Yes, I would have loved to have my OWN family. But that's the thing with the military. You become each others families when you are away from your own.
I love the people that came to Natalee's Baptism. They are my family in Europe. One of those dear friends, combined with us for the baptism, and baptized her son. It was wonderful to see both of these valiant children become our ward's newest members.



I don't think a Mother can help but smile and cry a little as she sees her gorgeous baby girl, step into a white dress once more (like the white dress she was blessed in as a baby). She is beautiful! There's a song my Mother introduced me to years ago, called "What Heaven Sees in You". It talks about the three important white dresses an LDS girl will wear in her life. Her blessing dress, her baptism dress, and her wedding dress. "Pure and holy, in a little white dress. . .and the Father looked down, and the angels surround that place. They know the truth. All that you can do. And you will too, if you have eyes to see, what heaven sees in you."

I see the potential for this strong willed little girl, and it brings me so much joy.

At the end of the service, Bishop Andrus made a few comments. He told Natalee, that a change would happen in her. People around her would notice a difference. They would see a new light, and wonder what it was. The presence of the Holy Ghost would shine bright in my little girls eyes. It has only been a week since her baptism, and I can say, that his words have been absolute truth.
She has been a happier girl this week, then I remember her being before. Moments that would have set off a tantrum before, are handled with a deeper maturity. There is a new light in my daughters eyes, and I am so thankful to have the knowledge I do. I know what caused this new light. I am so thankful for the covenant of baptism, and the new beginnings it brings.
I know this gospel is true. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, and my Redeemer. I know that he suffered for me, so that I can return to my Father's presence someday. I am grateful every day to have been brought up in the light of the gospel.
The day after her baptism marked the first day that all three of my older children stood up in Fast and Testimony meeting and bore their testimonies. The Spirit was strong, and I felt my testimony strengthened even more.
I am so proud of my little girl, and feel blessed to have experienced her very special baptism day.