Back to School

During he past three years at Dixie College they've held an opening convocation on the Sunday after classes begin. This year, the speaker was the governor of Utah...and because of DEl's position at the college we were able to meet him personally:

He and his wife are quite short; the rest of us almost seem like giants in comparison :)

In the past two and a half weeks, the entire Beatty household has returned to school. It began with public school, with Dixie college starting classes one week ago, then finally Mathison's preschool began last Thursday. Krissia is enrolled in classes at Dixie in the mornings and returns to high school after lunch, which makes for three Beatty students roaming the college campus.

You read correctly - I said three. Bronson, Krissia...and myself.

That's right, I'm back in school.

I was in school full time prior to becoming pregnant with Mathison and always planned on returning someday. Two weeks ago, I decided quite suddenly that "someday" is now.

Things are a little crazy as I try to rearrange my schedule to fit in classes and homework in addition to my duties as a homemaker. I'm only taking 7 credits right now, which I feel is perfect considering I have a young child at home. Also, one of my classes is a statistics class and I know I'm going to need all the extra study time I can get!

I'm excited - and a little nervous as I return to school. I just hope I can somehow hold it together and keep my sanity this year!

Awesome Andra Family

I recently had the opportunity to photograph my sister Nicole's kids. They are really cute, and it was fun trying to capture each of their personalities. I spent a little more time with Camryn because she's a baby and the ONLY girl in the family :)

Here are a few of the finished pictures:

Ladies' Man

Last Friday night, our family was at an event at the college. Mathison has made friends with several of this year's student government leaders - especially the girls - and he was quick to seek them out.

At one point, Mathsion was surrounded by several female students. He glanced around, then proudly announced,"Hey guys, look - I'm on a DATE with one...two...three girls!"

The girls at Dixie State College had better watch out; there's a new guy on campus :)

Adorable Adeline

Last week I spent some time taking pictures of my niece Adeline who turns two in a couple of weeks. She is so expressive, and I just love her beautiful brown eyes!

Here are some of my favorites from the shoot:

Waiting for Tomorrow

School started just a few days ago; my how the summer has flown by!

Seriously, like "blink of an eye" fast.

It got me thinking about the many things we had on our fun "to do" list for the summer - things that never were done.

Like swimming at Veyo and attending the greenshow at the Utah Shakespearean Festival.

Why did these activities get skipped?

It wasn't because we didn't think they'd be fun. Rather, we just kept putting them off.

Until "tomorrow."

And now, the tomorrows of our summer have run out and the chances have gone.

You might be asking at this point, why the sentimentality?

This picture was taken at Pine Valley last Monday on our last "official" summer outing.

Yes, they are cute kids :)

But there are only THREE of them in the photo.

One of our children has flown the coop, and by this time next year, Krissia will be ready to do the same.

It's hit me that our "tomorrows" with her at home are becoming numbered very quickly.

So, I've resolved to ensure that we spend more time doing and less time planning.

After all, the best day is.....TODAY.

Beatty Reunion 2010

The Beatty Reunion was held in St. George this year, as DEl and I were in charge.

We met at a nearby park in the morning for some socializing and sports. There was basketball and tennis, as well as a sand volleyball court nearby. It had been three years since a group picture was taken, so Mom wanted to get one. While we were at it, we took a few other shots. These pics were taken very quickly, and with my point and shoot camera...but I think they turned out okay.

The 2010 Beatty Clan, missing a few members of Rick's family.

The Beatty Grandkids, with Grandma and Grandpa.

Mom and Dad Beatty with their children.

The Beatty girls.

The Beatty boys.

We went to our church building for lunch, relays, and a fabulous talent show:


Everyone pitched in to help clean up the church before heading over to the Dixie College Swimming Pool, where we concluded our activities. It was great to spend time with everyone, especially Troy and Denise's family as we don't get to see them very often.

All in all, it was a very fun day.....but I have to admit I'm glad our turn to host only rolls around every four or five years :)

Disappearing Act

It's been the strangest thing.

We've seen a lot less of this little guy in our home:


And a whole lot more of these guys:




Usually, they make their appearance when Mathison is asked to do something or gets into trouble. Here's an example:

Me: Mathison, it's time to clean up your toys now

Mat: I'm NOT Mathison! I'm Spiderman!

Me: Okay, Spiderman - it's time to clean up your toys now.

Spiderman (Mat): No! I need to finish taking care of these bad guys.

But, as soon as it's time for a treat or to go somewhere special, Mathsion magically appears again.

Amazing :)