A Family Named Beavin

School Picture

2011-11-09T10:47:00.003-07:00

I used a cool piece of software to modify Emma's kindergarten picture to look like a painting.

6.4.2011

2011-11-07T17:51:00.002-07:00

We took the kids to Lagoon [after taking out a third mortgage] and Emma appeared to have a good time. We discovered Addi takes her rides seriously...doesn't crack much of a smile ever.

10.17.2011

2011-11-07T17:40:00.002-07:00

This was "crazy hair" day at Emma's school. I escaped the scrutiny of "Hair Judge Wife" for one morning.

9.6.2011

2011-11-07T17:37:00.002-07:00

This was Addi's first day of preschool. Her teacher lives next door...which rocks high on the efficiency scale.

10.30.2011

2011-11-07T17:29:00.002-07:00

I hung out with Emma for a while at her school. All kindergarten classes had a "Halloween Parade" that day.

10.30.2011

2011-11-07T17:22:00.002-07:00

These looks resemble the girls early in the morning. Actually, these are the looks "By Brittany" for school Halloween.

8.31.2011

2011-11-07T17:20:00.002-07:00

Emma & "Major" are buddies.

8.30.2011

2011-11-07T17:16:00.002-07:00

Addi gave me a "charity" grin while we were waiting for Emma's soccer practice to end.

8.29.2011

2011-11-07T17:12:00.003-07:00

This was Emma's first day of kindergarten.

Cash Machine

2011-09-14T12:50:00.000-06:00

Job Status: You gotta be kidding me.

Yet...another attempt...

2011-09-14T12:48:00.001-06:00

I will try to do a better job with this...sounds like a broken record. I just need to find my camera adapter.

Let's Try This Again

2011-06-30T11:16:00.002-06:00

I'm going to do my best to "habit" myself back into this blog again. My days are always better when I have multiple things to do.

It's Official!

2011-01-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am now a college graduate.

Is It Possible?

2011-01-06T10:32:00.002-07:00

Well...I have completed the last of my classwork at UVU. I am unofficially a college graduate. I'm not believing anything until the "piece of paper" arrives in the mail. I'm sure the time will come when I will appreciate it to a larger extent...maybe when I have a job and contributing to the family. I'm presently just a steady suction of debt.

12.19.2010

2010-12-19T19:41:00.002-07:00

The kids tend to forget the appropriate use of various items.

hello again...finally...

2010-11-16T07:34:00.002-07:00

I thought it might be nice to show myself. It's been a while. Student-teaching will be completed by December 1st. (Applause)

I will then be jobless. Good times!

Emma and Addi - My Little Princesses

2010-11-04T12:18:00.004-06:00

So Mark took like 20 photos and this was the best he got. Do you like Emma's broken crown? Yeah well I wasn't buying another one! Maybe next year I can do costumes in advance and they can be really cute? Don't count on it!

Addi AKA Snow White

2010-11-04T12:15:00.005-06:00

This is Addi's favorite costume ever. She wears it at least once every day (well not the makeup). This was prior to going trick-or-treating and she was actually in a good mood at this point and time. That didn't last long.

Addi's Birthday Cake

2010-11-04T12:09:00.004-06:00

So I didn't think I would be able to pull this cake off. I will never ask my child what kind of cake she wants again. I expected a princess cake but didn't expect "a princess cake that is Cinderella, in blue with a crown" ug.

Mark's Grades

2010-05-07T13:14:00.002-06:00

So once again I thought I would take a little time to brag about my better half. He just got his grades for what is essentially his last semester of class work (student teaches in the fall) and pulled out a 3.75 GPA. Not bad considering he spent a majority of the semester doing homework long after the rest of us had gone to bed and spent his days (while not in class) holding his 2 year old that has developed the inability to go anywhere without someone holding her. Not bad dear!

Emma

2010-04-28T09:22:00.003-06:00

Just in case anyone was wondering.... Emma is writing her name now - and writing it EVERYWHERE with EVERYTHING. It is on the driveway in chalk, on every paper she can find with whatever writing instrument she can use (including eyeliner and lipstick) and on my leather couch - (but only "scrached in" as she put it). I can't even make pancakes without making at least a "big E". So needless to say the EMMA on the blog... Emma did that on the computer.

The Beavin/Engar Competition Combination

2010-04-10T14:09:00.001-06:00

Sick at Home

2010-04-01T15:47:00.005-06:00

It's been an interesting week or so in our house. Addi started off by throwing up and then Emma and Britt followed closely behind. I've been saved from the hurling but I've been experiencing spastic cognitive behavior. It's been near impossible just to sit here and not be thinking/worrying about something. The same goes for trying to sleep. I dream constantly and by the time my alarm clock (Emma and Addi) wakes me, it feels like I haven't slept at all. I am a tad dizzy when walking and my stomach has a lasting "I don't need to vomit but maybe I should force myself."

Other than being sick, I have been feeling worn down the last couple months. Here are a few things I must do so I can be a better father and husband:

1. Get a physical: Britt has been saying this for a while and she's right. There is nothing the doctor will tell me that won't surprise me. I need to drop 20 pounds and decrease my intake of sugar.
2. I need to exercise: That's a no-brainer but it's amazing how powerful the mind is. Your mind can almost seed and plant you into a sedentary lifestyle but it can also kick your butt out of the house if trained. Is it easier not to exercise? The answer was once "yes" across the board. It's not that way anymore. I'm much too young to be tired all the time. This leads into Thing #3.
3. Better time management: I was once pretty good at time management. MY ADHD forced me into it. Now, I've fallen behind but I'll be able to reconcile the situation pretty quickly. Thinking back, life has always been much easier when I had a schedule. It doesn't work for all people but it works for me. Not to worry, I don't intend to inflict schedules on my children (besides bedtime, etc.). Children learn by trial and error.
4. Examine my dreams: Huh? I thought for the longest time that dreams meant nothing and people should just grow up and tough it out. I no longer feel that. My dreams are knocking at my door but I've chosen not to answer them. The dreams primarily consist of being on the sidelines during sports or activites. I'm begging to participate but I'm told to stay put. Some have been a little emotional and that's why I don't view them as crap anymore.

I have more but I need to start something else before my patience level evaporates.

Good day to all.

La La La La

2010-03-31T15:33:00.003-06:00

Emma asked about 1,479 times before I caved for sanity reasons.

Start 'em early

2010-03-31T12:41:00.002-06:00

Britt has decided that Addi can do a better job with the laundry.

The nose is fine but...

2010-03-31T12:35:00.002-06:00

...yeah.

Down for the Count

2010-03-29T09:52:00.001-06:00

It's been a while since I've posted a snoozing Emma.

2010-03-29T09:50:00.000-06:00

Which child is under the blanket?

Go Figure

2010-03-24T23:37:00.003-06:00

I taught two lessons at a charter school last week for a class assignment. Something struck me as a little funny a couple days later. I struggled for so long in classrooms that the thought of ever "teaching" was the equivalent of saying I scored a 30 on my ACT. But I felt very natural in the classroom. I walked around the classroom while explaining the different types of violence (that was the lesson). I didn't stutter a bit and the students were raising their hands at will. I asked a couple students to put their earphones away and they did without rolling the eyes or asking why.

Sports were always natural for me but being in that classroom was pretty darn close. I didn't worry about the time and I let the students share their stories and opinions.

I was taken back while the class was working on a vocabulary crossword puzzle. I was very open with inviting the class to ask for help and a student did. He was having difficulty with the defintions of a few words. I instantly warped back to middle school while walking over to help him. I was ALWAYS needing help in school but I was always afraid to ask. I pulled up a chair and started to explain the differences between the vocabulary words in question. He was really trying but just coming up a little short. He didn't know the definition of "stereotype" and he appeared to be a little embarrassed about it. I quickly mentioned a few examples of a stereotype. He instantly picked out the right meaning and filled in the boxes. He just needed a little explanation and he was on his way. That situation was awesome.

Students should never be embarrassed or ashamed to ask questions. Any teacher who inflicts guilt on a student should be out of the classroom. Go and take the power trip elsewhere.

Yes, I will never be the perfect teacher. I will have my good and bad days but I will never sacrifice a student's will to learn. I have yet to meet anybody who has learned anything without asking questions.

Basement Update

2010-03-24T23:20:00.005-06:00

The basement is almost ready for paint. I need to caulk a few more areas and finish framing the windows. I've installed most of the baseboards but my ability to install doors basically sucks. A friend is coming tomorrow to assist me with my freakin' doors.

I love caulk. I've even caulked the corners so I can have a smooth paint line between the wall and the ceiling. Britt thinks I'm crazy but the finished product will look good. That's all that matters.

3.8.2010

2010-03-10T15:44:00.001-07:00

...and we wonder why the kids rotate weeks being sick.

3.2.2010

2010-03-03T12:12:00.001-07:00

Addi was layering the snow for faster melting time.

2010-03-03T12:06:00.002-07:00

Trying to describe this makes it worse.

Breathing Not Important

2010-02-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

Emma said she had a bloody nose.

Good To See

2010-02-27T09:18:00.003-07:00

Cardinal: Catholics and Latter-day Saints partners in defending religious freedom

February 23rd, 2010 @ 5:20pm
By Carole Mikita

PROVO -- Nearly 12,000 BYU students welcomed one of America's top Catholic leaders to campus Tuesday. Cardinal Francis George, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, delivered the university's weekly forum address.

Cardinal George told the students that the relationship between the two faiths was not always friendly, that Brigham Young and Lawrence Scanlan -- Utah's first Catholic bishop -- would be astonished by today's gathering, but he called Catholics and Latter-day Saints partners in defending religious freedom.

To begin, the audience sang a hymn familiar to both Catholics and Latter-day Saints then recited the Lord's prayer, led by a Catholic professor who teaches at BYU.

"In recent years, Catholics and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have stood more frequently side by side in the public square to defend human life and dignity," he said.

The Cardinal spoke of unity in the fight against poverty and pornography, and standing for the right to life. He talked of the two faiths defending of religious freedom, which he says is not just freedom of worship.

"At stake is whether the religious word will be heard in the public square," he said.

The two faiths are also united against same-sex marriage. What he most regrets, he said, is the overt opposition.

"This happened in Proposition 8 in California ... [to] respond by thuggery, by quasi-fascist tactics [rather] than the common good, our whole society stands in great jeopardy," Cardinal George said. "Mormons and Catholics take pride on our citizenship as Americans and our legacy of service to the nation."

The students gave Cardinal George a standing ovation.

"I thought today was historic, in that sense: everybody coming together," said student Brady Rice.

Student Victoria Fox said, "A lot of times there's this false animosity between Catholics and Mormons, and I just think the Lord's work is too big for just one people."

Cardinal George also mentioned both President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Thomas S. Monson, and mentioned President Monson's kind remarks about the partnership the two faiths share in humanitarian work.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=9788813

Drywall Update

2010-02-18T10:39:00.002-07:00

Well......I completed the soffits yesterday. Ideally, I would have used longer pieces but shorter pieces had to do since I was working alone. The extra mudding will be hidden with texturing.

Dress-up

2010-02-18T10:34:00.001-07:00

Emma can be playing baseball at one moment and then dressing up the next. Addi was struggling to walk in her shoes.

.........yep

2010-02-15T23:38:00.003-07:00

Britt did a great job with Emma's Dora cake.

2.13.2010

2010-02-15T23:33:00.003-07:00

Emma was now in her "birthday chair" and chomping artery clogging pizza.

2.13.2010

2010-02-15T23:24:00.003-07:00

Emma and Ella

2.13.2010

2010-02-15T23:15:00.005-07:00

Kangaroo Zoo had a room where you could pelt your enemy with balls shot with air through a tube. Emma had her safety goggles and her shirt absorbed most of her drink a few minutes before.

2.13.2010

2010-02-15T23:09:00.003-07:00

Emma had her birthday party at Kangaroo Zoo. If you were trying to AVOID kids, the row of minivans would be your first hint that this is not the place.

Happy Birthday to Emma

2010-02-12T13:21:00.004-07:00

Emma is 4 years old today. She is having a big 11:00 AM party tomorrow at some "jump around and fall on your head" place. It should be fun for her and probably some time for me to act a little immature.

The above picture really shows how little kids REALLY look around the house. The faces are covered with chocolate and their hair is tangled beyond repair. I can already hear my wife yelling at me for posting this picture. She thinks I don't dress or bath the kids enough as it is. Oh well, might as well enjoy the moment.

2.10.2010

2010-02-12T13:17:00.005-07:00

Emma opened an early birthday present from Grandpa and Grandma Engar. They also bought her a net so she can develop her ultra accurate aim.

The Basement Project

2010-02-11T23:31:00.003-07:00

In hopes of making our house less toy cluttered, we have embarked on a basement finishing mission. The home currently is filled with tripping, cursing and sweet remarks of how organized the house is.

The plan is to have a "rec room" (picture above) along with my office. I can then work downstairs and still be close to the kids without cluttering the main floor. We plan to bring our 42" TV downstairs and have a nice spot to watch movies, etc. I will also be able to watch anything from my office computer on the TV as well. I have installed speaker cable in 5 different locations with the hope of having surround sound when extra money becomes available. The kids will have an area for internet access (supervised of course) and internet will be available through the TV. We are making a little play area under the stairs complete with a couple windows. We are leaning towards painting the play area with chalkboard paint and allow the kids to experience the facination of wall coloring without the guilt.

After these two areas are complete, we will then finish the storage room, bedroom and bathroom. I am looking forward to completing this project. It will be important for me to have an office once I am teaching and important for Britt to have the main floors clean at all times.

Check out the window cutting...pretty sweet, huh?

Life Stuff

2010-02-04T23:16:00.019-07:00

No, I have not fallen off the earth again. My camera is dead and the charger is missing.

I've been doing some thinking and it seems a little weird to be at this stage of college.

Why?

Because I grew up being told by teachers, counselors, neighbors and others that "Mark" just isn't school material. Could you imagine how comforting that was?

I've spent a long, long time finding pieces to a gigantic puzzle. It didn't make sense that I was stupid. I was born with a natural ear for music and I was able to play instruments quite well at an early age. I never met a "stupid" musician then and I never have today.

There was no greater fear for me than going to school each day. I dreaded being called on but I totally loved the feeling of "not getting it" in class. Just as I was able to to get a grip of a concept the teacher was already 25 minutes further along with the lesson. I would then scramble to TRY and figure out what else I was missing. It was just another lost cause. It was another episode of "Lost and Still Lost" in my daily classroom environment.

Let's see here. What can make the daily clueless school day even better? Let's tack on the nights of homework to that. By then I had already mentally placed myself deep inside my "Tired of the Frustration" world. This world shielded me from any further prompts to lessen my already empty self-esteem. Yes, I realized the family members helping were getting more and more frustrated but it was my defense mechanism. A pre-teen's psychological state could take only so much.

Eventually, I came to the conclusion that maybe I was stupid. I couldn't grasp concepts so it was a no-brainer, I'm stupid. The best tutors in school were helpless with me. Oh yeah, I must be stupid. I fell into the "dumb jock" routine early in my life. I was told by a few "Thank goodness you have talent for sports because"....you get the point.

Sports became a salvation for me.

Sports could have carried me quite far but I was missing a very important thing. I was always very immature emotionally growing up. Sports were so important for my well-being that I couldn't accept not being the best. I was better than most people without even trying that hard but I could never handle being truely tested. It reinforced that fear I learned in the classroom. Why couldn't sports always be pleasant? Hadn't I suffered enough in the classroom to deserve some "happy time" on the basketball court or baseball field?

Here is the flip side. Yes, a lot of things were a little screwed up when I was younger but it's up to us as responsible human beings to grow. I could have given up a long time ago, never married and possibly found myself in a cozy cell with a very large man............holy freakin' crap. I know today I am not stupid and I realize my attention span is that of a 3 year-old. Yes, I'm sure it drives my wife crazy when she says something to me and I'm off in another universe. I will probably always get frustrated when it takes me 12 minutes to complete a task that Emma can do in 4.

That's me. Stay tuned for more stuff...after I head to Best Buy and buy a new battery charger.

2009-12-22T15:29:00.001-07:00

Emma and Addi look nothing alike in this picture.

2009-12-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

Addi was singing her "ABC's" while playing Grandma's piano.

2009-12-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

Hmm...is it time to be held?

2009-12-22T15:21:00.001-07:00

Addi believes in drinking her ice cream.

12.18.09

2009-12-22T14:08:00.003-07:00

Emma is becoming quite a remarkable little girl. Her humor (I think) is advanced for her age. She already quotes movie lines and informs us that we "aren't the boss." She is becoming more protective of her sister.

Finally...Post #504

2009-12-22T13:58:00.007-07:00

Greetings,
I have not forgotten about the blog. A cool thing happened. Britt and I (after a couple months of sleeping separately) had to buy a new mattress. RC Willey gave us a $200 Sony gift card along with the purchase. We bought (it cost $30 after the card) a compact Sony camera which makes it a lot easier to take pictures of the kids.

9.6.09

2009-09-09T22:53:00.000-06:00

Emma being Emma.

9.6.09

2009-09-09T22:51:00.002-06:00

This is another of Emma's snapshots. It's amazing how my shirt brings out my eye color.

9...yes I know...6.09

2009-09-09T22:46:00.003-06:00

This is Emma's look just before she announces her trip to the bathroom.

9.6.09

2009-09-09T22:44:00.001-06:00

Even fresh diapers resemble a freshly loaded diaper.

9.6.09

2009-09-09T22:42:00.001-06:00

Addi is becoming quite a funny kid.

9.6.09

2009-09-09T22:40:00.001-06:00

This is one of Emma's hand gestures AKA STAY AWAY

8.30.09

2009-09-09T22:30:00.001-06:00

Before anybody says ANYTHING, this was one of Emma's snapshots. I admired the angle and clarity of the picture.

yes...8.29.09

2009-09-09T22:26:00.002-06:00

Addi wasn't enjoying the bonding time with psycho Dad.

8.29.09...again

2009-09-09T22:23:00.001-06:00

Addi is doing her best to prove she was born lipless.

8.29.09

2009-09-09T22:21:00.000-06:00

This somewhat-of-a-profile picture makes Emma look a couple years older.

8.29.09

2009-09-09T22:19:00.001-06:00

Emma was trying to be a nice sister but Addi was expecting a left jab at any moment.

8.24.09

2009-09-09T22:14:00.001-06:00

Britt groomed every cat in Utah County...all at once.

Slacker Poster

2009-09-05T22:18:00.001-06:00

I realize it's been forever and two weeks since my last post. I will get back into it now. How many people who read this blog also have a facebook account?

Mark

2009-06-15T10:25:00.002-06:00

I am sure anyone who checks this blog is aware that it has not been updated in quite some time. This would be due to a hectic schedule that Mark is maintaining. However, it is paying off. I am going to brag a little about my husband. He just received a letter in the mail telling him that he is on the Dean's list. Pretty good accomplishment for someone that was dealing with 6 classes and trying to be a housewife and a single parent all in one!

Love you babe!

4.21.09

2009-05-01T21:58:00.001-06:00

Grandpa Beavin assisted Emma in making name plaques for the whole family. Of course, you cannot do any woodworking without blowing off the finished product.

The Hyperness of Easter 4.12.09

2009-05-01T21:51:00.001-06:00

Emma and Addi improved their chances of cavities.

2009-04-04T16:02:00.001-06:00

Addi has her teddy bears close and her Mom back in town.

The Job is Done

2009-03-30T16:09:00.001-06:00

Emma had just enough energy to destroy the living room before drifting off to sleep.

2009-03-28T11:00:00.002-06:00

Britt gives new meaning to tossing and turning while sleeping.

3.21.09

2009-03-28T10:45:00.000-06:00

Addi believes in being "one" with the toys.

3.19.09

2009-03-20T13:48:00.001-06:00

Why do we bother cleaning the windows? By the looks of their hair, it was bathtime that night.

3.14.09

2009-03-20T13:44:00.002-06:00

It was time for "dress-up." Addi was again studying Emma's every move. Both girls are starting to play a lot better now. It's fun to watch.

This is not mine.

2009-03-10T22:14:00.004-06:00

Dear: Mark

Congratulations on achieving a high GPA for fall 2008 semester. We want you to know that we recognize the time and effort you gave to achieve this GPA and we know this was not any easy achievement. Keep up the GREAT work!

This was an actual email sent from UVU. The sad part is I instantly assumed this email was sent to the wrong person. I'm not quite accustomed to good GPAs.

She Can Fix It

2009-03-10T22:08:00.001-06:00

Emma is REALLY into tools. If she encounters a hole of any type, she instantly tries to insert a screw.

2.25.09

2009-02-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

Addi likes Oreos...alot.

Emma's 3rd Birthday

2009-02-27T21:20:00.002-07:00

We celebrated Emma's birthday a day late but she was able to have almost all of her Utah cousins (mainly because they were in town for Ashley's wedding) attend. Thanks to Mandy for taking pictures during her party.

The Later Years Will Be Interesting

2009-02-26T19:23:00.002-07:00

Yes, I am behind with my posts. Anyway...

Tricia, Emma & Addi's babysitter, informed me today she had to put Emma in timeout. After being asked why she was in timeout, Emma responded with "That's because you put me here."

.............................

What happened???

2009-02-09T20:20:00.004-07:00

Can someone please tell me what happens to little girls when they turn 3? It seems like overnight Emma has transformed into the 3rd stage of werewolf. I didn't think that my oldest child would get so mouthy this early without an older sibling for a bad example. Boy was I wrong. Dead wrong.

Emma particularly likes to pick on Addi and tonight she was in rare form. I put her in time out and 2 minutes later asked her if she would be nice to Addi and tell her she was sorry. She said "NO!!!". So she stayed in time out. This exchange went on like this every two minutes for about 10 minutes.

A few Sundays ago we were at my parents house and it was time to clean up so we could go home. Emma of course didn't want to have anything to do with the clean up process. I gave her the choice to help clean up or she was going to time out. She just got up and walked over to the chair she sits in for time out and said "I'll go to time out". Apparently time out is no longer a threat.

I was trying to put some food on her plate and she didn't want it. So instead of saying no thanks she simply hit my arm out of the way. I told her not to hit my hand and her reply was "I didn't of that is your arm" (everything has an "of" in it these days). Of course I had to turn my head so she couldn't see me laughing which isn't good to do when you are trying to show your daughter that she is being naughty. I guess I should be greatful that she is honest. When I ask her if she did something such as shove Addi to the ground she will say "YEP!".

I don't think we are going to make it through this one! This is all my mom's fault. She kept saying she hoped I would have one just like me. Well guess what, it is worse she is like Mark!!!!! I think I am going to stunt Addi's development so she can stay 16 months and hilarious forever.

2009-02-04T19:32:00.001-07:00

Emma just informed us she farted and she did it "all by herself."

Proud Parent

1.28.09

2009-01-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

Emma celebrated Britt's birthday by chugging a gallon of milk.

1.6.09

2009-01-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

Tantrums can be awesome pictures.

1.5.09

2009-01-17T19:56:00.001-07:00

One would think Emma makes the biggest mess around the house. Give Addi 5 minutes alone and watch what happens.

1.5.09

2009-01-17T19:52:00.002-07:00

Emma is a professional at the puzzle game. Grandpa Beavin scored well with this Christmas present.

1.2.09

2009-01-17T19:50:00.002-07:00

I'm lobbying for deeper cabinets in our next house.

12.31.08

2009-01-17T19:45:00.002-07:00

Addi and Emma had differing opinions of how to bring in the new year. Emma was hyper and Addi was calm and cool.

12.29.08

2009-01-17T19:42:00.003-07:00

We took the kids with some friends to see the lights on Temple Square. Emma eagerly tossed a penny into the fountain and wanted to climb in to get it.

Homeowners are obviously idiots.

2009-01-02T13:49:00.006-07:00

Foreman: Guys, I have a great idea!
Crew: Please, please teach us the concrete mystery.
Foreman: Since we took too long for lunch let's "water bomb" the surface to make it more pliable. The owners of the house will never know the difference.
Crew: What a great idea! It's those great ideas that made you foreman of this crew.
Foreman: Yeah, whatever. I'm already late for happy hour.

Guess what happened after the first major freeze? My driveway is popping up. The exact thing happened when I bought my house in Lexington. What was the result? It was poured again. I'm also thinking the concrete crew didn't allow the bleed water to evaporate before finishing the surface. That could be another reason for the popping.

It's great to brag you built a house in 9 weeks until the quality turns to crap. Good times.

12.29.08

2009-01-02T13:42:00.002-07:00

The kids are not the biggest fans of car washes. Emma covers her head just before entering each time. She took a little peek only to discover the evil thing washing our van was still present.

12.27.08

2009-01-02T13:34:00.003-07:00

We took a drive to Travis & Christy's house and discovered a mountain of snow. Everybody living on the court had the snow piled up for some pretty cool sledding. Emma was so there.

12.25.08

2009-01-02T13:23:00.002-07:00

Christmas morning found more toys for the girls and Charlie with brillant holiday cheer.

12.24.08

2009-01-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Charlie took his second of six naps.

12.24.08

2009-01-02T13:08:00.002-07:00

Christmas Eve dinner was a tad sloppy and Addi applauded it.

2009-01-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

It was time for Britt to make an appearance and prove she's still part of the family.

The gift that keeps on scaring.

2009-01-02T13:01:00.001-07:00

Mike should appreciate this. The latest victim was a plumber who saw the wolf (above Emma) and jumped thinking it was real.

12.21.08

2009-01-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

This was the thought of paying back student loans on a teacher's salary.

2008-12-19T11:12:00.001-07:00

This is the morning ritual of getting toys out for the kids.

2008-12-17T17:46:00.004-07:00

Run.

12.15.08

2008-12-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize the background is blending in but get over it.