There's One More 4 Year Old In The World

It's strange to say this, but it feels like Zoe was three for a long time. That's because, by about 18 months old she could carry on a conversation as well as any three year old and has been trying to constantly keep up with her older sister ever since. But, as much as she has been promising me that she would stay three forever, it has come to an end and my baby girl is now the ripe old age of four. I made the mistake of informing her that she was born at night and "wasn't really 4 yet!" jokingly. She took it in all seriousness and informed everyone, all day long, "It's my birthday, but I'm still three!" That makes for very confused friends and teachers.

I love my little 4 year old so much. She is the sweetest, funniest, smartest little cookie around. The highlight of my day is her goodnight hugs. They are so tight it almost hurts and then she kisses, kisses, kisses until I have to make her stop so she can sleep. I love you this much, Zoe, to the moon and back! Birthday morning, not four quite yet!

Taking candles out of the cake. Trust me, our saliva covered candles are never recycled on other cakes....that I know of.

Cutting into another wonderful culinary creation of mine. She doesn't care, it's pink and that's all that matters.

Happy Birthday Andy

You are about to see images of the most amazing birthday party in history. I have to say, I really out did myself with this one, but what can I say? My man deserves the best...
Birthdays are usually a huge deal at our house, but Andy was working on his big day. So we swung up to see him at the station, squeezing him in between school and piano lessons. The kids love going to his work, so it really was a party for them. I made him the most astoudingly beautiful cake you have ever seen, as you can see (he really is a lucky man to have such a talented wife.)
I know the day itself wasn't amazing, but the guy we were celebrating definitely is. Andy is an incredible dad and friend and husband. He is the smartest, funniest, kindest (and sexiest!) person I have ever met. We love him so much and are so glad that, despite how this one played out, he'll still be with us for a hundred more birthdays.

No wonder the cake turned out the way it did, look at the cook!

That's one lucky birthday boy!

Andy's second family....but which one is the wife? That's for you to decide.

Pete's reaction to our "Happy Birthday" rendition.

The girls love the "party guys" that their dad works with! This is Zoe with Jeff.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY!!!!!

Ultimate Jenga....You Can't Handle This

This is how we spent SuperBowl Sunday at the Beardall house. Games are always involved, but this year it got serious. What you can't see, is that there is a bomb attached to the base of Jenga, making it a titch more intense for whoever makes it fall....

Andy always loves an adoring crowd when his life is on the line.


My nephew, Cole. Was that the bomb, or did Sarah fart as she walked by?

Laura is very excited that she isn't the one to blow up.

Fred is harnassing his inner 007 bomb defusing skills.

Thanks for the pictures Laura and Fred. You guys are "the bomb!"

My Powder Babies

My kids are so lucky. They have a very a patient, loving dad who took each of them on separate daddy/daughter ski dates this week. And they are both so great at it. I've said it a million times to anyone who will listen, but they really are naturals. Even Zoe has such a wonderful time. The first time I went skiing I was 20 years old and can still get scared sometimes. I'm not horrible, but hey, in Utah, especially working in Park City, I might as well be a leper. So I am all about starting them young, before they get "the fear". And it works. I love that they love it. And I love Andy for taking them! Aren't they so cute?


Andy informed me, with a little chuckle, that Ella is now as good as I am. I should be offended. But I'm just proud.

Zoe with no edgie-wedgie! Yea!

Ella screamed at the bottom of a run, "This is the best day of my life!"

One For You, One For Me

Greatest Snowman, Ever!

She just needs "The 'Hey!' Song" playing in the background!

I have had a job since I was 10. Delivered newspapers for years, cleaned the Post Office, different dairy queens etc. all through high school. I had a full time job from the moment I graduated high school up until the moment I had Ella. This made college very hard, but I did it because I loved working. I don't know how else to word that sentence. But I liked being great at a job. I loved the friendships you make with co-workers. The inside jokes that no one else in the world would find funny. Office parties, lingo, jargon, whathaveyou. So when the subject of kids came up, I first told Andy that I would still work...

After I finished my degree, I have worked one, two at the most, days a week. Sometimes not that much. I consider myself a stay at home mom, and never regretted it. But sometimes I think how much I miss having a part of my life that is just mine. Well, since December I have been working full time, just until next week. And I'm so glad I have been. Not for the reasons I listed above. Yes, it has been fun, working hard at something and being good at it. And actually getting to know my coworkers and making friends, instead of being "that one girl" whom no one can get to know because I'm never there.

But then I come home, and I see my kids sleeping... and I know that I missed an entire day of their lives. I missed hearing what Ella had for lunch and what Zoe made at preschool. I missed bathing Max and reading him a story. And it hurts my heart. I have been so lucky to be able to
stay home with them all this time, and see their ever growing moments that go so fast.

So I am glad I got to work so much this past while, because now I never have to miss it again. What I miss is here.

Why am I posting this? Sorry, but it's not for those who are reading it now. I don't have a journal (terrible, I know) so I am posting this for my kids. My beautiful children. So they can know I have no regrets or wild oats or anything in my life. I have only complete gratitude that I get to be their mom. I love you.