Freeze Time: FIVE

Beckham turned five in January.  FIVE.  How did that happen?  Really.  

Wasn't it just last week that we brought him home to meet his still-a-baby sister and big brother?  

He wanted to go bowling for his birthday.  Last year was roller-skating.  He has big ideas.  His first plan was Chuck E Cheese.  I will always do whatever I can to come up with an alternative to that one- but actually bowling was all his idea, and I was ok with that.  

We invited the Haywards and the Camonas... such awesome friends.

Beckham and Ruby

This Miss spent adequate time in front of the hand-blower.  Movie star-like.  Heaven help us.

Dad's still got it.  Like four strikes in a row- got it.  

And then we hit the bumper cars... and I think they were a bigger hit than bowling.

Stella, Seneca, Henry, Chloe, Ruby, Bex, Coop, Kole and Oscar

Such a fun crew!

Home for cake and crazy children running wild in the backyard.  He had a good day.

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Dearest Bexie,

At age five, you are much too old for me.  You want to be big so badly and I can see it happening all too quickly.  

You are slated to be off to kindergarten next year and while I know you are ready, I am going to be so sad to see you go.  You are my little pal during the day.  I know you are ready for both the academic challenge and the social opportunities, but I am not ready for you to be there- to be old enough to handle all of that.

You will take the skill of making friends with you, and for that I am grateful.  You make friends easily wherever we go.  An hour at the park and you have all the kids on the playground roped into whatever game you and Seneca have created.  You always climb into the car and tell me all about your new friends.  You look forward to any opportunity to be with other people and I understand that desire all too well.  You are chatty and can recount a story with remarkable accuracy.  Your attention to detail has me watching my every step. 

You love to help in the kitchen, more than either of your older siblings.  You want to crack the eggs, measure, stir and cook.  You also want to taste everything along the way.  I'm never very far into creating a meal when you run in with the stool asking how you can help.  You deem yourself a chef and I fully agree.  You also believe that every meal should be accompanied by a treat.  I do not.  You are a treat boy and they are super motivation when on the rare occasion you are presented something you don't want to eat.  

You have done well in Discovery Club this year, excited to tell me all the things you are learning when you get in the car. You have taken off with reading and attempt to sound out anything put in front of you.  You are also very proud of your addition skills.

Bex, you have mastered the whine of the third sibling and are a pro at getting out of assigned jobs.  The flop on the floor, the head thrown back in agony, the "I just can't do it by myself!"  it's enough to have me rolling my eyes and has proven quite pointless, but props for your persistence!  Most of the time, however, you are joy in a body.  You have a smile that lights up your whole face and you are hilarious.  I really can't think of anyone who is more easy-going and pleasant to be with all day long.  You'll get your own lunch, you'll entertain yourself and seem to manage with both quiet time while the kids are at school and celebrating their return every day.  You'll hold the shopping list and tell me what we need next.  You'll entertain your sister, read to and play with her.  You think everything she does is so cute and makes her the smartest baby ever.

I could go on, but the point is that I love you like crazy and can't imagine this family without you.  You were a surprise miracle straight from Heaven and He knew just what he was doing.  You have found best friends in your siblings and joy in your musical and athletic endeavors.  I am beyond grateful for your little spirit. It should also be noted that one thing I love very most is that you have not outgrown the desire for mama's kisses, which is a darn good thing because you get about 70 every day.  Your face is soft and your cheeks just need to be kissed every time I see you.  They are usually accompanied with tickles because hearing you laugh is a sound I will never tire of.  

I love you, Beckham.  You may now stop growing.

-Mom

seneca's birthday party!

we didn't have any fun at all.

click on the pic and choose slideshow.

it really is a bummer more people don't love this little girl!

happy birthday, little brother

dear boogs.

I know you won't read this, but I'm writing it just the same. I am so incredibly proud of you and couldn't be happier about the experiences you're having. I was nervous, as was everyone, for you to have this adventure, crossing my fingers it would not turn out like the last. That first nightmare is proving to be an incredible blessing as it taught you things that do not hold a price. There is not a finer example of doing what you're asked without question, of a solid work ethic and an obedient missionary. There is nothing more I would ask for in an uncle for my children. The success you are finding is directly correlated with your faith and efforts and I'm so grateful I get to have a peek into those precious moments. My hope for you before you left was the you came home with no regrets. I can see clearly that you are doing everything you can for that to happen. I love you like crazy. happy birthday, ben.

love,
AB

2

Two years ago:







When Beckham was born, my heart was still full of love for a completely different baby. I wondered how it would make room for another so quickly. Somehow, it worked and it wasn't hard. I fell head over hills for this one immediately and the feeling has lasted. He's got his whiny moments, but his pure joy, uninhibited smile, big curious eyes and hugs that don't hold back make this little one perfect for us. I can't believe it's been TWO years!

There is another post coming shortly wondering how the mother in the house will deal with two two-year-olds for a few months that aren't the same age... because behavior lately has indicated that both of these little ones are fully two years old!

I love this little guy like crazy. Heavenly Father knew exactly what he was doing.

coop's big day.

turning five is exhausting! ( for mom!)

cupcakes at school . a class celebration . a well-check up at the pediatrician's office . 3 shots . one healthy boy . helium balloons . packages from grandparents . chocolate chip pancakes . playing at the park . lots of friends . new games . books . clothes . talking to everyone he loves on the phone . blowing out candles . more cupcakes . slicing his toe open . soccer practice . fun new toys . a busy day . one great kid.

2 years.

a new kitchen.

swimming with best friends.

gifts from grandma and grandpa.

cake.

popcicles.

what more could a two-year-old ask for?!

(click to enlarge)

two years ago today this combination of sweet, fiesty, beautiful and stubborn was born to a mama who loved her as much as is humanly possible for two weeks. that mama then turned her over to this one who can't imagine her life without this little face. love you to pieces, senny!

this man

is having a birthday today.

I love him.

this pic is old... no current access to new pics on preferred computer, but really... it's been 4.5 years since this was taken and I'd venture to say that fatherhood has not aged him one bit.

now, if only the cardinals would quit being whimps and play like they know how, it might make this day even better.

although there is chocolate sheet cake involved and it often doesn't get better than than.

love you babe.

cake?

yep, I'm pretty sure he liked it.

Photo Update

Pleasant Seneca




We have been taking full advantage of the built-in babysitting grandma provides and enjoyed an evening out with friends to celebrate Dent's birthday. Little did I know that would involve him on a saddle and our server yelling at the top of his lungs!



Another evening out... the picture includes Cooper... the date did not!



Baby Beckham, doing what he does best! This week I am grateful for a fabulous pediatrician. She answers all my questions and at the same time somehow makes me feel like I'm doing an amazing job at being a mother. This little guy has finally hit six pounds... nice work little man!

Happy Birthday Dent!

I didn't get to this post yesterday and I'd like to say it was because I didn't have time, but really I just didn't make time. I have been puzzled as to how to approach it. Yesterday was Denten's birthday and a big long testament as to how wonderful he is just goes without saying, and besides, Shellie wouldn't read it anyway (she's not a fan of my ramblings...).

So I think I'll just mention a few interesting tidbits about this guy I'm attached to for eternity. Depending on how well you know Denten, you just may learn a few things.

- He needs a nightly dose of ice cream before going to bed. He usually prefers to have vanilla with his own mix-ins.

- D is an avid hunter and prefers to use an bow and arrow as opposed to anything with a bullet. I fully support that part of this activity. When we lived in the city and hunting was a less frequent activity, he was a part of the Columbia Archery team.




- The part of this hobby I struggle with is that when he spears something he's especially proud of, it becomes part of our family. I currently share my office space with Bruce and Pete. The deer and the elk.



- He used to work as a security guard at the local middle school in Cedar City, Utah.

- While in NY, D learned to knit- has a few winter hats to prove it. It was an interesting time as we both spent our evenings on the couch knitting...

- he prefers dark chocolate.

- Dent is a member of the Navajo Nation and is extremely proud of his heritage.

four generations of bitsilly's

- His favorite place in the world is Horse Valley. He would choose to be buried here if it were legal.

- His first jobs as a married man included working at a youth center and with juvinile sex offenders.

- Adreneline rush: catching the BIG one...



- If we had no children, Denten would frequent the club scene much more often. He really likes to dance and the summer we spent apart he was a clubbin' fool.

- My baby is a two-time state basketball champion, and a former high school basketball coach. A love for the game runs deep in his veins.

- A hobby he wishes he had more time for: photography.



- He can make an authentic Italian pasta sauce like nobody's business.

- Dent has as part of his achievements a Juris Doctorate degree from Columbia Law School.



- He used to own his own carpet cleaning business.

- When asked what was most memorable about his 30th year, he mentioned two things: first, we added two children to our family, and they weren't twins.. and second, he didn't get his elk. sore subject.

I really shouldn't post this without mentioning that I really am grateful that I found someone so incredibly patient- one who I never have to doubt whether he will provide, be a fantastic father or my best friend. As our lives continue to change and as we see a few more challenges ahead, I am blessed beyond belief to be approaching them with Dent. Happy Birthday Baby!



p.s. we also need to send a shout-out to Grandpa Dale who shares a birthday with Denten. A man with as much character and integrity as any I know. And, he's awfully pleasant for me to be with. We love you!