SEATTLE

When you are randomly given the opportunity to go to Seattle last minute, might I say that it's highly recommended. To keep the story simple...we were asked to drive a car up to Seattle for a friend of Heidi's daughter that is going to school up there. Lost yet? Road Trip to Seattle, fly home, paid for it....I'm all over that.

First we had to drop off the Katy Bug to my sister Britney's house. (Brit I can't thank you again for watching her she keeps telling me how much fun she had) We decided that a 15 hour road trip would not be a good way to break Katy in!

Then we were off! Remember me saying that it's hard to be married to a night owl sometimes? Well this is a case where I am completely glad he is one because Steve was a champ and drove until about 3:00 in the morning! Thank you for books on tape. We did stop in Oregon to fill up with gas. *Note to all of you who travel to Oregon one day* Do not fill up your own gas tank! As Steve was filling up in the blistering wind, a man came out and looked at us as if we were from another planet. Apparently it's a law that you cannot fill your own tank. So rain or shine someone will be out in a matter of seconds. Weird! Do you tip? I'll have to check that one out for next time. But the good thing is that there is no sales tax, as Steve was pleasantly surprised when his refill was actually 0.79!

We stopped in the tri-cities area and shacked up at the Quality Inn for the night. Best night of sleep I ever had! Maybe it was because we were so tired (what am I complaining about I was dosing most of the time), or because the mattress was so AWESOME! Two thumbs up.

So since Steve is the night owl then I guess that would make me an early riser, as I did this at 6:00 in the morning. Steve peeled himself out of bed, we ate and we were off...this time Steve got to do the dozing!

It's weird that you could almost imagine that you are driving up Big Cottonwood Canyon, except the aspens we have were replaced with pine trees....as far as the eye could see. Steve ventured to guess "This must be where Christmas trees come from." I think he is right!

Driving into the city reminded me of San Francisco in a way...

The smell of the ocean was unmistakable, as was the smell of fish...

We opted to go for the tourist traps and headed to Pikes Place Market. I don't know what I was expecting but it was basically a farmers market, with the occasional crazy person in the mix!

Lost of fresh fruit and products...

And fresh lizards!!! Give me back my cherry!!!

I am always willing to take a risk for a good picture and when I was asked if I wanted to kiss a fish I was in. I guess I was only imagining that I was going to pretend to kiss a fish and was totally taken by surprise when my friend so graciously made the fish kiss me...for realsey!!!

Steve was not satisfied with the first shot and my reaction so I got to do it again. I can still feel his slimy lips against mine...I think it was love at first sight! Strangely Steve did not want to kiss me for the rest of the day!

I was really excited about all the fun picture opportunities there would be!

And I loved all the fresh flowers....Tulips are my favorite!!!

We were there in the thick of things at the market!

And although I think my camera scares people...we actually got some pics together. Good thing too, remember how sad it is that I could not find a picture of Steve and I together for the year of 2009! I guess I cant complain that it's a bit blurry!

This one turned out a bit better....

So there were a lot of interesting places, this one included. It was a novelty store/meseum I guess. I think that is the feel that they are going for. This is...oh I forget his name, he even had a name! You could even buy a pen with him on it. Gettin' a bit creepy for me here....

A little more creepy....another mummy.

Okay now we are just getting plain WEIRD! Shrunken heads! I got to get out of here!!!!

This place saved my Bacon...just outside the store we strolled on the pier.

Speaking of bacon...there was a whole display of...bacon-themed toys and books?

What has the world come to? Now I've seen everything.

Next thing you know, men will whip out hula hoops and start twirling around while playing the guitar and the harmonica.

Oh my gosh....how weird!

There were plenty of performers to go around. These two were my favorite. I am pretty sure the one of the right did a high kick. Very impressive!!!

This place saved my bacon too...Doughnut Company. Heidi told us not to miss the doughnuts. Look at these little pieces of heaven!!!

I had to put aside the fact that this place was totally infested with RATS...as you can see....

And enjoy the fruits of someone elses labor! We only got a half dozen but I'm certain that we could have polished off a dozen and a half EASY!!!

Around here I guess they don't mind if you feed the birds, just not the pigeons! I cant say that I blame them. I think that pigeons are the rats of the birds!

Here is one of our feathery friends now...

What NO food.......

Oh now wait a minute...now they are laughing at me!!!

Good think I had this sign there to keep me "clam" and not loose my cool....

We thought it was neat that the fire department has a boat too. I guess there is a lot of fires out on the water? Can someone explain that one to me?

On the way to drop the car off and head to the airport we saw the space needle too, from the car! Next time I want to drive through Portland as well and Astoria, where Goonies was filmed. I want to go to Cannon Beach for sure! I guess we will have to leave the rest of Seattle until our next road trip. This was a good way to warm up. And I must admit that I am a fan of the one way road trip!!!

Good Bye my LOVE....until we meet again!!!!

Belated Christmas/Holiday Festivities

I am fairly certain that we celebrated Christmas, although I am behind on my postings!!!! Certainly everyone has there traditions when it comes to the beloved holidays, as do we. We kick off the festivities with a Beardshall Christmas Eve white elephant party. This year we were bringing it back old school style and we had it at Ken and RaNae's house. The nice thing is because they live in West Valley Steve was able to grace us with his presence. Lucky for us it was a fairly slow night and he could spend most of his time with us.

It all started out quite innocent. Jordan found the giant elves

quite amusing and opted to pose with them....

Then the dancing began....

Then I tried to get a picture of all of them together...THIS is what I get!

I tell you what! Control your children Wendy and Chris!

Okay Chris we will let you off the hook tonight seeing that you are injured and all. **The imfamous sprained ankle picture!!! Chris sprained it delivering neighbor Christmas gifts. He is hard core all the way** So Chris is off the hook but, as you can see, Wendy is clearly capable!!! Come on now!!!

After the gift exchange (more about my gift in a later post) we held still enough for

Carter to take a group shot.

Then once he had a hold of my camera

THIS STARTED HAPPENING!!!.....

And THIS.....

And even THIS.....Wendy!!!! (In all seriousness I always find myself amused with the Olson family!!! Thanks for all the laughs!!!)

It's been a tradition in our house to open presents at 2:00 the morning of Christmas. Yes that is correct, 2:00AM. I blame this on being married to a night owl. I figured now that we have Katy we'll get up at a decent hour and let the wrapping paper fly. This was not the case again seeing that Steve was working on Christmas Eve and both Katy and Steve decided to sleep in on Christmas. (Sadly we opened presents the day after Christmas!!!) Don't be too worried about it though because I have vowed to take back the control next year and open presents in the morning like most regular folks do. I guess I just need to make sure that Steve is actually awake to enjoy in the memories, right? There is always next year I suppose!

After we stuffed our faces at Roger and Joanne's, we went to my moms and stuffed our faces!!! Steve worked on Christmas as well so this group shot is missing him, and of course Josh...the photographer.

New Years Eve I opted to join my buds at the Discovery Gateway Kids Museum. I'm quite certain that all my sicknesses that I have graced this January came directly from this place!!! I guess there is no avoiding it when you have a place packed full of kidos and moms and everything in between.

Katy seemed to be at an age that she actually really enjoyed herself. She thought the slide was pretty fantastic, but also she seemed to be attached to the swan too...

Nicole and Oakley came, along with Sheena and the boys and Holly and the girls. We opted for lunch afterwards at Jason's Deli. And although Nicole so graciously offered her house for a new years celebration (looks like I missed out), I drove up to Sheena's house to watch G Force and called it a night. Thanks for having us over Sheena, and being lazy! Us single gals (crazy schedule husbands) need to stick together!!!

Papa Remembrance Day

Here's to knowing a great man! What better to remember Papa then a trip to the neighborhood Chuck-A-Rama!

Here's to you Papa!!!

Sweet Lovin'

Goodness me, it's been 6 years since Steve has had the pleasure of having the ol' ball and chain tied to his ankle...yup SIX years!

We started out like most normal, regular, down to earth couples did; we met through a mutual friend, hung out and I gave him a raspberry! That is what I call totally healthy and normal. I guess Steve could not get enough of my sweet raspberry giving and had to take me on a date a few days later.

He played the "come see a scary movie card" with me because I get really terrified and need someone there with me. This being terrified became totally apparent, though, when I took him to his first haunted house (after we were married...good old Frightmares!) and he almost lost it! Okay so he really is scared! But I bet you cant beat a $5.00 best first date ever. Mostly the $5.00 part. Truth be told after we went to the 0.50 cent movies and the Belgian Waffle Inn and shared a waffle we were pretty close, but I do believe that Steveo's OJ pushed us a bit over the $5 mark!

I'd also say that we've been through heck and high waters, but it's actually been a pretty smooth ride. Unless you call the "heck" part living in the married student housing at the U (quite the experience) and the "high water" part when my water broke in bed! TMI for sure! ***Remind me to tell you a funny story about our student housing experience, perhaps to be blogged about at a later time***

Here we are six years later and LIFE IS GOOD.

Thanks for making me your ball and chain Steve! I have loved every minute of it!

Ode to the last 6 years:

2003 - Sorry so small

2004

2005

2006

2007- again sorry so small, I couldnt find a bigger file!

2008

2009 - Sadly I couldn't find a picture of just the two of us!

Maybe next year!

Hubba Hubba, I am one lucky girl!

Aunt RaNae Birthday Celebration!

What better way to celebrate your National Holiday than with the Team Beardshall. What more can you ask for on your Birthday?

Well we thought it would be fun to see the lights at Thanksgiving Point, and let me tell you....there was nothing to be thankful for! Ha! Okay Katy actually really enjoyed them, but I think it was due to the fact that she was un-holstered from her car seat and sitting on RaNae's lap. Secondly it wasn't until afterwards that I realized that they did not give me the $2.00 off for my coupon. I was charged the full price, despite handing him my coupon! Do you think I cut coupons because it's fun? No I cut coupons for the sheer satisfaction of not paying full price! So that was a downer too, because I love my coupons. Arge!

Okay we did get to see santa's reindeer, but that made me sad too. They were in the smallest cage surrounded by "mutants"( as Steve likes to call other peoples kids. Remember he is a cop having to deal with the worst though, tainted I think so!) surrounding the cage screaming and trying to poke them. Poor things!

Oh and I felt bad making everyone wait in line to see Santa (even though they humored me and waited for a half hour). It was when they told us it would be another 45 minutes and our stomaches were growling that we decided to hit the road to eat.

Now because it was Nae Nae's birthday we all decided that it would only be fitting to let her choose of course. Boy am I glad she was in charge because we hit up the In and Out Burger on the way home. The line was great and we found a seat relatively fast. SO.....It was a great night after all. Actually any night when you can hang out with Nae Nae and King Kenny is always a good one!

Happy Birthday RaNae!

My Poor Reindeer!!!

Waiting for Santa. It wasn't meant to be!

White Elephant Extravaganza!

The White Elephant first hit the scene back in 2004, and although we are dwindling in numbers (we miss you Jane, Johnny, Luke and Marin and kidlets) we still know how to pull out all the stops!

The Duncans so generously donated their humble abode this year. And poor Emilee dragged all her rock band over, with two kids mind you...only to be disappointed when Steve forgot the Wii on the counter at home! And although we didn't get to rock out we still had a great time!

The ever present "poo face" Jon always provides me this time of year!

Beautiful as always Jon!

Another traditional shot is the Abby in the air!

Don't be alarmed, those are bangs you are seeing. I'm trying to relive the second grade, no doubt it's the last time I had them. On another note Team Beardshall was fortunate to be graced by the presence of "butt head" this year. She is a long time favorite of the White Elephant Extravaganza. You can really get a sense of her name by looking at the top of her head! We also are excited to enjoy our brand new lawn ornament, I think it will look fabulous out front, don't you?

Mark my words... "Butt Head" will be back next year! Moo Ha Ha

The Duncans received a beautiful doll, complete with burnt face (Talia was loving it!) and a back massager. Don't worry Bryson stole it from Michelle's little sister!

The Davis's are sporting a beautiful smoking jacket, I do believe? Actually that is from the Duncans and I think its a kimono? They always have world traveled gifts. Andrew is sporting my glow in the dark glasses. Yup, he actually stole those from me! How rude! (Oh my gosh, Full House flash back...not cool!)

The Schmidts were lucky enough to walk away with these butes! Jon got our Jesus bandaids, Michelle got the golfers dream phone (another that was stole from me!) and Brooke got a lovely bear statue...although she was more pleased with the massager that Bryson stole! *** Also on a side note Michelley is preggers and due in June...congrats again***

The Cannons got our "I love boobies" breast cancer awareness bracelet and candy "grill". Lance pulls this off nicely, although we all decided that it rightfully belonged to Johnny since he was a thug a few Halloween's ago!

Bah Humbug!

And the Christmas cards were sent. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

(I have to admit I am kind of impressed that everyone is looking at the camera when we used the timer! Plus, Santa is smiling and Chuck is not eating his antlers! He was not impressed with the Santa hat so he opted to be rudolph!)

Lights, Camera and Action!

I don't know many Utahans that would disagree with me when I say that you know it's Christmas when you've seen the lights. Tradition, right? Maybe now, but we didn't make it down last year...perhaps it was the new babe that graced our presence. Wasn't quite sure she could handle all that Temple Square had to offer.

Good thing we waited too, because I think she handled it pretty well this year. Katy is a gawker and she made the most of her skills checking out the scene and all the people. She seemed to really enjoy herself.

I was surprised that I didn't:

1. See someone I know AND

2. See someone get purposed to!

We did enjoy the presence of Spencer (Steve's cousin) and Jenny. Spencer also dons the uniform so when they get together it's tales of jail and tickets and whatever else you can think of. Somehow I don't feel that I can "feel the spirit" of the nativity scene when they are discussing the problems with heroin and meth. Can you blame me?

We still had a great time!

My favorite RED tree, love it. It seems like I hear someone refer to the atonement in regards to this tree, and somehow it has always stuck.

That's what I think of when I see it

Flashback/Rewind.....2007!

Love the lights!

So Mary and Joseph in the water must have been a new thing since 2007.

I felt that it added a nice touch!

Dad and the Katster. Hopefully she will think this is a fun family tradition,

even in sub zero temperatures!

tree hunt

In my honest opinion Joanne says it best in describing our tree hunt..."We drive an exorbitant amount of miles to get a mediocre tree!" And I couldn't describe it better. But when you see the bute we got you will understand why we do it.

As most adventures begin we got in the car and headed out. Usually we stop for a beverage but we just trucked along shootin' the breeze. I tell you what, before we knew it we were in Wyoming and that drink was sounding better and better so we got our refill cups and headed into the "last stop". We figured it would be a good place to go since it was probably really the last stop. Once we got the permit we had to find a good spot to find our victims!

Humm this looks good to me, so Roger took Katy out to get a closer look....

Yup pretty good view from here!

Steve and Joanne decided to get a better look on the 4 wheeler. I thought Steve was crazy when he wanted to haul that thing up there, but Roger seemed sweet on the idea. And if I do say so myself, Joanne looks like she is having a pretty good time too!

Still trying to find the perfect tree, with the perfect view!

I guess it's dad's turn to find a tree. Any luck up there?

Ahhh the perfect tree, at least Gus seemed to think so!

And a Charlie Brown for the Beardshalls! We opted for a tree that would fit on the entertainment center so we weren't spending the whole season telling Katy "no" a word that Dr. Schmidt says she really has no concept of right now. All I know is that she loves to do things even more when you tell her no!

Katy posed to be more of a challenge than I gave her credit for. She wanted to take off any chance she got, here is one of those such chances! Go Katy Go!

Caught her just in time for a picture with the Grandparents!

So aside from loving running and being out in the wild. Gus and Chuck actually both really enjoyed the 4 wheeler, as you can see here. I don't think Gus liked it too much when he fell off when Roger was driving!

Katy experienced the joy of the 4 Wheeler too!

We had a great time. Thanks to Roger and Joanne for joining us on our annual christmas tree hunt tradition. Already looking forward to next years!

black hole

Why would you do that to yourself? You seriously like Black Friday shopping? Are you CRAZY? These are some of the things that I have been asked in regards to my love of Black Friday. I usually come back with response; What's not to like? Pretty witty I know!

But lets break that down, what's not to like?

Sleep depravation....Check!

Sub Zero temperatures....Check!

Drop Kicking through the crowds....Check!

Looking your very best!.....Check!

Britney and I got real crazy this year and actually ventured into Walmart. Let's refer to the above questions... Perhaps I am a bit CRAZY! Walmart was actually really organized this year. The crazy element came into the equation when we chose the 1300 S Walmart. English was defiantly the second language! But the english I did hear was laced with stories of "so and so cheating on so and so" and profane language! Feel the LOVE!

Some of the looking your best I was talking about...

The loot, don't worry we shared the cart!

Somehow I can never escape the double chin when I do a self portrait!

After we axed the Old Nave and Target in Jordan landing (due to the 3 hour wait in Target), we picked up Katy then the gang and headed to our traditional breakfast and Village Inn! I do believe that Britney is uttering the words "sit!", can't you read that on her lips, too funny!

Katy is a poker for sure!

We even concurred Costco. If you have not been to the West Valley location you are missing out, no lines...not even on Black Friday!

Lastly we headed to the Macy's at the mall. The kids had a blast gathering germs on the toys! Brynn was in love with the pink car...

TJ braved the bull ride....

Gage wanted to travel to space....

And Katy liked the pink panther car....

Here is some more of that BFFing that I am trying to cultivate!

Totally Tenacious Turkey Time

The stuffing has landed, I repeat the stuffing has landed! The wonder that is Thanksgiving is here. Yes, the eating too much turkey and falling victim to the nap that was inevitably caused the all the tryptophan that you inhaled! I LOVE THANKSGIVING!!!

What's not to like; food, family and fun! Here is how the day went:

After the run we stopped by the Beardshall's to pick up the Thanksgiving/Christmas Jammies, I do believe that Katy was pleased....

Hangin' with her BFF Brynn! and uncle Josh of course!

If only she had three arms she could have grabbed Gage too!

If Gage was not already cute enough, he decided to bring his own home-made plate to eat off of. Mom got excited about the T-Day art to hang up until Gage informed her that he was going to use it to eat on! So cute!!!

The Barkers! Yum, Yum!

The Beardshalls...Steve had to go straight to work. Lookin' good!

Team Katy/Katie!!! Zach stopped by but went to eat with his family. I was not able to snag a shot before he left so this was the next best thing!

I just love Thanksgiving, thanks for hosting the shindig this year! Can't wait for next Turkey Day!

My Running Buddy

I am really lucky to have a SIL that also doubles as my running buddy! Because we had a great time running the Draper Turkey Trot. I almost packed Katy up in the jogging stroller, but I opted not to. Am I glad I did because it was pretty much below freezing, or at least it felt like that. There was one guy who thought it would be funny to run in nothing but a loin cloth and an indian head dress! Can't imagine he could feel much of anything, even after the run! Let's do it again next year Wendy!

I also had the chance at the end of Oct to run in the Nike 10K human race. A bunch of people in my ward were running. Any excuse I thought and tagged along! What a great run!

I have had a great time getting back into running this year. It's one of my favorite things to do. It gives me a chance to clear my head. I do miss running in Holladay though! Nothing beats Holladay Boulevard! This year I had a chance to run:

Salt Lake City Half Marathon

Top of Utah Half Marathon

Ragnar Relay, Las Vegas

Nike 10K

Turkey Trot

I would love to run a marathon but I think next year I will focus on running my half's faster. 2011 will be my marathon year! For now Nicole and I are planning on running the Ogden Half next year...anyone want to join? Plus anyone want to start a Wasatch Back team? I don't even know if they are sold out already or not.

Here are the Hot Mamma's I was talking about. We took these pictures for the Dr. OZ show. They came out and filmed us for one of their segments. Yeah....we weren't on TV. I do believe they showed a snip-it of us in the background? At least that is what I heard. I guess we'll have to settle for our 15 seconds of fame instead of 15 minutes. I just want to get all warm and fuzzy and tell these girls how much fun I am having finding an excuse to hang out! Thanks for our great workouts every week!

Our next adventure??? The St. George Half Marathon and 5K in Jan. Let the countdown begin!

I don't know what it means to jump on "3", as you can see here! But man Sheena really got some height! Woo! I do also have to give props to Susie and her ninja kick! And lets give it up to Em for her "Toyota" jump...remember those commercials?

Oh yeah getting ripped!

We still got it!

FHE

Like I said I am really lucky to live where I do, because we (basically my whole neighborhood) know how to have a good time!

The Graybills decided that we needed to have a family home evening together. What a good time. I can't remember the name of the game we played but I learned a lot about my neighbors! Unfortunately Steve could not come, he had scheduled a defensive driving class that he had to go to for work. Yup, been in a few accidents...Ooops! We missed you Steve!

**Sorry the pic is blurry. That is what you get sometimes with the point and shoot!

New Moon Madness!

I know that you will be shocked to hear this, especially because of the post, but I have not read the Twilight books. In all honesty I HATED the first movie (that I watched by myself when Steve was at work, he does not do fantasy movies, so a chick flick fantasy was out of the question!) But I had a BLAST going to see new moon, and if I was getting even more honest I actually liked it. Did it spark my interest in reading the books...perhaps? Only time will tell.

I live by some pretty crazy ladies and I love it! The funny thing is that Sheena (my best friend and next door neighbor growing up) has been coming to my neighborhood and going to play groups way before I moved out here. Her next door neighbors are the parents of Emily down my street. We have been doing a lot together lately with our work out group Emily started.

We decided that two times a week was not enough to see each other and Jena had a CRAZY new moon party. We ate yummy food and even played some trivia games before we left. As you can imagine I was no help in that department! But I did tie for second place in the T-Shirt contest...they said that I would feel left out if I didn't have a shirt so we made those the week before! Jena did a great job with getting us all in the mood. Mandy's husband Ryan call it "nerdfest" Cant blame him!

I am pretty sure that we are all planning on going to the next one...I don't even know what the next one is called but I cant wait to go!

I tied for second place, and I don't even know what I am talking about! Ha pretty good!

I went with a wolf theme because that is what I felt most comfortable with!

Our party was SO big that even Edward stopped by. He graciously posed with Randi

Yup here we all are...CRAZY and lovin' it. Thanks again Jena!

Pin Pals

Sister Katie and I decided on Katy's birthday that it was time to get together for a bowling party. It had been far too long since we hung out. Remember the salt flats incident? Yeah, I'm surprised that she wanted to hang out again too! See here. I did manage to get her home before 10:00 this time though.

Now the last time I went bowling was for a work retreat right before I had Katy. I was 8 months pregnant and I kicked everyone's trash! I think I bowled a 179? Now I know that I like to blow things out of proportion to make my stories better, but I think that was my actual honest to goodness score. I was actually starting to think that being preggers was helping me, until I remembered taking my bowling course with my neighbor Derek down at SUU. I do believe that is where I honed my bowling skills.

I was about to find out if it was being pregnant or my skills. I am happy to say that I still bowled a pretty good game, 139 I believe, and I beat Steve! And everyone else for that matter, HA! The second game I was not so lucky because mom rocked it out and won!

Great times had by all, let's be pin pals again soon!

The girls!!!

The gang, Zach was there too even though we don't have proof. He opted not to be in the pic. But we had fun with you too Zach!

Cake Smash 2009

Cake Smash 2009 was a big success. My sister Britney was nice enough to let us come up and use her PINK backdrop, very fitting I felt. I was so nice to have Brit there to help distract her while I took pictures, at least for the first part. As you can see...the cake did the distracting the rest of the time! Her first real cake was a HUGE success as you can see. She didn't know what to do until I picked a piece off and put it in her mouth. It was all over from there!

Happy Birthday Katy!

Another National Holiday

Katy is scared of balloons. The same balloons that I insist on putting up every year for Steve's birthday, even though he doesn't enjoy them quite the same way I do. Yes the bouncy colorful wonderful heap of helium that is a balloon! How do you even celebrate a birthday party without balloons? I am certain that it's a phase, because I am bound and determined to break Katy of this by her next birthday! By golly there will be balloons, twice as much next year because I opted not to make Katy cry this year on her national holiday. Sadly there were no balloons...

We did, however, opt to throw a crazy national holiday birthday party extravaganza for Katy! We decided to host Katy's party at Roger and Joanne's this year. There was much more room to move around and it was more centrally located for everyone. Roger always jokes that he needs to pack a lunch to come out to our house! It's in Riverton mind you!

And if you think not having balloons at the party is a tragedy then you probably agree that having the first good snowstorm of the season on the same day isn't good. Unfortunately it prevented my sister Britney and her family from coming down and my Grandma Ida and Arch from coming down. Completely understandable, but not quite the same without them!

We had a great time eating pizza and cupcakes, opening presents and watching the Utes game!

Grandma Roger and Joanne's gift

Grandma Kerry's cute outfits!

She was pretty into opening all the gifts and having all eyes on her!

Pretty excited about the monkey backpack she got from mom and dad

Wondering why everyone was singing, but more excited to eat her cupcake!

Happy Birthday/National Holiday Katy!

The aftermath!!!

Katy's 12 months of pictures! One year, wow!

Katy Remix

I remember growing up it always seemed that time just dragged! You would be counting the seconds until your next birthday, and all the "old"people would love to tell you how time just FLEW by! Well folks, welcome me "old" folks town because I have arrived! This last year, dare I say, flew by! Yup, I am the proud owner of a one year old. My squeaky clean, shiny new baby is now a one year old. We have traded new baby smell for rotten diapers! Real human diapers as I like to call them. Steve did have to remind me that Katy is in fact a human, but I ventured to say that she didn't really have real human poo until just a month or so ago!

In my first year of being a mom I have learned a few things:
1) I have learned that even though I was scared out of my mind to physically give birth to a baby (lets break it down for you folks I don't even have my ears pierced because I AM that big of a wuss), the epidural kicked in and I got my "old lady strength" as Steve describes it.
2) I can change a dirty diaper like nobody's business! Those so called poop emergencies are handled, usually in two wipes!
3) That whether by my own doing or by divine design I have the greatest, mellowest, most wonderful kid ever!!! She makes my heart both melt and sing at the same time. I couldn't love her any more!
4) That Katy is the best thing that Steve and I have done together! And although we were both totally ready to have Katy when we did, we were sure missing out the 5 years before she came!

Here's to you Katy!

one month

two months

three months

four months

five months

six months

seven months

eight months

nine months

ten months

eleven months

one year!!!

Flying Monkeys?

Something about Halloween makes my heart sing, which is not how you would expect someone to explain their feelings about this holiday...but it's true. Plus deep down I LOVE to dress up. Never too cool for that in my book. I guess I have more of an excuse for that now that Katy is around. "It's for the kids!"

Funny thing about dressing up is the fact that I like to go spooky style. You know, scary killers or dead people. It just seems more in the Halloween spirit. This year would have been no exception, except for the fact that Katy probably would have not been diggin it too much! I opted for a much more kid friendly costume this year!

The famous flying monkey Katy, sock monkey that is. The classic Katy/Steve shot...flying through the air!!!

Chuck decided that he was too cool for pics, because he did accompany us there. Actually I think he was too distracted by the chicken roaming the property.

Katy didn't seem to mind the hood of her costume much.

Look, she even picked out the perfect pumpkin!

Team Beardshall. Steve is lame and didn't dress up!!! I don't think much explanation is needed for Katy and I's costume selection.

Lance, Emilee, Daxton and Talmage. Can you guess what they are? Jim and Pam...LOVE it and pirates, the cute variety.

Jon, Michelle, Abbey and Anna. You guessed it...Umpa Lumpas and ladybugs!

Bryson, Angela and Kyson. We have operation, an angel and a bat. Talia was not in my picture but she was the cutest giraffe ever!

And the lovely Davis's Rachel and Andrew. I do believe they both came from work so I will let them off the hook this time!

Heidi and Kyle had us all over for a great Halloween, complete with old school games. Anyone remember this one. I do believe I was in 2nd grade when I last competed! Chris did a great job!!!

We were even brave enough to make the trek to Gardner Village

with the rest of the crazies!

Britney came down with her kids, and Sheena and Nicole met us there.

I love the look on Katy's face here...doesn't she look like she is humoring me?

Katy and Oakley loved the witches...after Katy warmed up to the idea!

Some of the warming up I was talking about!

We even got to visit the petting zoo. What a hoot! This guy was my favorite!

Randomness

Katy and Chuck make me so happy. I have the BEST kid and BEST best friend anyone could ask for! I am so lucky to be able to wake up to them. My family is the Bomb!

Katy usually watches Micky Mouse Clubhouse while I straighten up the house

She likes to get into the blinds too, despite my best efforts!

And Chuck patiently waits while she steals his toys from him!