Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Turning Two


Our little guy turned two last week and I can't believe how quickly the past two years have gone! We were able to celebrate this event with my siblings and their families on Sunday, as everyone was in town for my sister's wedding (post on that to come soon).

At age two, Mathison continues to soak up knowledge like a sponge. He knows by sight all of his letters, shapes, colors, and numbers 1-10. He also counts things on his own. Mathison recognizes that letters form words and can read by sight a handful of words that he sees often like "stop", "truck" and "Mat". He also has a very impressive memory and often recalls something he's briefly seen or heard days or even weeks later.

Mathison really enjoys spending time with his grandparents and will greet older strangers at the store by saying "Hi Grandpa" or "Hi Grandma". He's a great climber and has figured out how to scale the highest jungle gym at the big kids' playground (gulp!).

Mathison's vocabulary is quite extensive and he puts together 4-5 word sentences on his own. He especially likes to use exclamations like "Awesome", "That's Cool", and "Whoa". Last week when Del and I were watching a Jazz game, Mathison walked up to the TV and pointed to it, saying,"Oh my gosh, it's basketball!" Too cute :)

Here are some of MAT'S STATS:

Height: 33.5 " 18%
Weight: 24.5lbs 10%
Head: 90% Still huge!
Teeth: 12
Favorite Song: "I Love to See the Temple"
Favorite TV Show: Yo Gabba Gabba
Favorite Food: Yogurt, bananas, apple juice, cheese sticks, "crunchies". These are about the only things he will eat (sigh)

Here is a collage showcasing how Mathison has grown and changed month-by-month during his second year. This little guy sure keeps us on our toes, but we are sooooo grateful to have him as part of our family!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Too Soon


Two things have happened in the past week to make me realize how short my time really is as a parent.

First, Del and I had the opportunity to attend SUU's distinguished scholar day with Bronson. This event's purpose is to recognize a few students in the region based on academic achievement while giving them a chance to "check out" the university. It was a fun event, culminating with an awards banquet at the end of the evening. Although we (especially Del) felt like we knew the ins and outs of SUU pretty well, it gave Bronson the chance to socialize with other kids who are great students. It also reinforced the unavoidable fact that I HAVE A CHILD WHO WILL GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL THIS YEAR. I can't believe we're approaching this point already; where did the time go?

The second event that drove this point home was my baby turning two yesterday. (We're planning to celebrate this weekend and Ill post about it then)

To me, age two signals the end of babyhood, and it is bittersweet to see this chapter closing forever in our lives. The prospect of a diaper-free environment sounds enticing, but there is something about the complete innocence and vulnerability of a baby that brings a special joy to the home. I'm going to miss that.

I remember getting warned when my two oldest children were quite little to "enjoy it now" because they'd grow up before I knew it. Well, folks - it's true. So to all of you young mothers reading this, I suggest you heed that timely advice because you'll be there before you know it.....just like I am.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

My Man


This is a tag from Denise (I won't say how long ago!), and I pass it along to any of you who would like to post about your special guy.

1. Where did you meet?
In the "Sound of Music" - he was 13, I was 9!

2. How long did you date before you got married?
One year and one week.

3. How long have you been married?
Almost 18 1/2 years (Wow)

4. What is your favorite feature?
I have two....his incredibly blue eyes and cute behind :)

5. What is your favorite quality he has?
Again, I have two: his passion for life and selfless giving of his time to help others.

6. Does he have a nickname for you?
Del sometimes calls me "Hon" or "Wimb"

7. What is his favorite color?
Blue

8. What is his favorite food?
Pretty much anything other than seafood; heaven help us if we ever move to the East Coast!

9. What is his favorite sport?
Del enjoys watching football and playing racquetball and tennis.

10. When and where was your first kiss?
It was at the end of our third date. We'd just finished watching "The Princess Bride" in the front room of my parents' house.

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
We enjoy going out to dinner or watching movies/theater together. Some of my favorite times I have spent with my husband is when just the two of us are taking a long trip together in the car and spend the entire time talking.

12. Do you have any children?
Yes, four. We started out wanting seven and thought for a long time we'd have to be content with three.

13. Does he have a hidden talent?
Yes! Del can gobble and shake his cheeks and neck just like a turkey :)

14. How old is he?
Four years older than I am, LOL.

15. Who said "I Love You" first?
Del did. Actually, he played a song that said it for him.

16. What is his favorite type of music?
Del enjoys most types, but especially enjoys Broadway and 70's icons like Barry Manilow and the Carpenters (sorry honey...had to tell the truth on this one!)

17. What do you admire most about him?
There are so many things to admire about him, but two things that come to mind are his eternal optimism and loyalty to family.

18. Will he read this?
I sure hope so....I love you, honey!!!!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Bragging Rights


What can I say - our little Miss Krissia continues to astound and amaze in the pool. Her swim team participated in a HUGE meet last weekend held at the Sand Hollow Aquatic Center in Santa Clara. There were 17 schools in attendance and over 600 swimmers. Most of the schools were 4A and even 5A (Brighton, Kearns, Bingham). Did these difficult odds deter Krissia? Not in the least - she is a very determined individual with a competitive nature that serves her very well in tough situations. She did incredibly well, earning individual medals in the 100 free (4th place) and 100 back (2nd place) as well as leading her relay teams to top 5 finishes.

If any of you are getting a little tired of hearing about Krissia's swimming success....too bad! I think her hard work and 5 a.m. daily practices are really paying off, earning her a chance for recognition and giving her mother some serious bragging rights :)

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Giving Thanks For All Things


As you have entered November and prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, perhaps you've found your mind turned more often to the things you are thankful for. Here is a sample of what Mathison has been praying for this week:

(WARNING - the following story contains references to a bodily function!)

Mathison loves to say the blessing on the food, and does so for at least one meal a day. He has learned a simple prayer, which he says a phrase at a time with one of us repeating what he says. This is what we've been hearing this week:

"Heavenly (Mom repeats) Father (Mom repeats), bless (Mom repeats) the POOP (Mom says "food"), Thank you (Mom repeats) for it (Mom repeats)"

And then he closes the prayer in the typical way. The first time Mathison "blessed the poop", my eyes popped open and found DEl looking at me and trying not too laugh -but it proved nearly too much when Mathison said "Thank you for it" :) I know we are supposed to give thanks in all circumstances and for ALL things; but in this case, I believe my toddler is unintentionally carrying it a bit too far!!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Absolutely AMAZING!

Krissia had her first high school swim meet of the season last Thursday. There were five schools in attendance, including St. George's "big 3" - Pine View, Dixie, and Snow Canyon. Krissia was a little nervous about having to swim against the 4A schools (Desert Hills is 3A) but was determined to do her best. She was absolutely amazing!! She won all four of the events she participated in, taking 2 seconds off of her 100 meter freestyle and 3 seconds off of her 100 meter backstroke.

We as parents weren't the only ones impressed with her performance; here is what the local paper had to say about her in Friday's issue:

"If you were at the Washington pool for the aquatic match up of Desert Hills, Dixie, Hurricane, Pine View and Snow Canyon and you blinked a couple of times, chances are you missed some exciting action. Despite computer glitches and the failure of the electronic timing system, the teenage swimmers put on a scintillating show and some new stars were born.

One of those stars was double-winner Krissia Beatty of Desert Hills, who captured the girls 100 meter freestyle in a blistering 57.75 seconds and then won the 100 backstroke upsetting Pine View's two-time Region 9 champ Deanna Dillard in the 100back in a nifty 1:03.62. (FYI - Krissia was later disqualified for a head bob at the start of this event...Kim) Krissia also was a major contributor on two winning Desert Hills relays." (The Spectrum)

What is so exciting is that these times would have placed her in the top 3 at 3A State Swimming last year, and this is only the first of the season! It should be interesting to see just how far she can go :)

Sorry I don't have any pictures to post; I had my camera with me, but each of Krissia's races were so exciting that I forgot to take pictures. Grandma Beatty and Naomi were able to cheer Krissia on - thanks for coming! For those of you who live close by and would like to see Krissia swim, Desert Hills is hosting a meet on Tuesday, Nov. 18th at the Washington Aquatic Center. The meet begins at 4:15 p.m.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Tricky Treat!

I don't have any pictures of last night, but I have plenty to post from several pre-Halloween celebrations we participated in!

The Beatty family kicked off our Halloween season with an outdoor carnival held at the Tonaquint Nature Reserve nearly two weeks ago. The kids enjoyed playing games and, of course, getting candy.

I'm not sure if Jefferson is more excited for the candy or the cute girl who is handing it out :)

DEl and Krissia helping Mathison with a game

Mathison and Jefferson waiting in line

A week ago today, our neighborhood hosted a Halloween party. I guess this tradition was started a few years ago; we weren't sure what to expect as this was our first year. However, I don't think we were quite prepared for this:

There were probably close to three hundred people there! Everyone brought soup, chili, or breadsticks to share and there were games for the kids. Here are pictures of Jefferson and Mathison in their costumes:


The party ended with sidewalk trick-or-treating and a costume parade. There were plenty of goodies for everyone; we think Mathison really enjoyed this cupcake!


A few days later, we celebrated the Halloween season yet again with a special FHE with my sisters Shawnee and Nicole, and Nicole's family. We met at the park and shared some pizza while the kids had a fun time on the playground.

Mathison and Cole
Krissia and Aunt Shawnee

The kids also had fun on the splash pad; I love that the weather is still warm enough to enjoy this activity :)


However, we think the water felt just a bit chilly as we were preparing to leave and the sun was going down - take a look at Cooper's expression:


After the park, we headed up to our house to carve some pumpkins and decorate cookies. Actually, I think that the fathers ended up doing most of the pumpkin carving :)

Here is a picture of Bronson and Shawnee frosting some cookies. I love how Cole's head is peeking out in the background!

Our Halloween fun ended last night with the actual trick-or-treating. I went out early with Mathison; although he's quite young, he knew what was going on because there had been trick-or-treating at the neighborhood party. However, Mathison didn't quite grasp the concept of waiting on the doorstep - he kept trying to run inside each house to get at the candy! But, he was really good at saying "Tricky Treat" each time someone opened the door :)