Sinterklaas was here!

It has been quite the busy month but we did manage to celebrate Sinterklaas Monday. This is one of our most favorite family traditions and the kids look forward to it every year. I'm sure we don't get it exactly right but we love it just the same. For years Joel told me Sinterklaas always brought a box of cereal until Aunt Lara informed me that it was actually Santa Claus that brought the box of cereal to the Beckstead household. Oh well, we can't change the tradition now! Morgan wasn't that enthusiastic about her nicely wrapped underwear and seemed to be running a fever. Well, five days later, we are still trying to recover from the flu. It has been a very long week but she finally seems to be coming around, thank goodness!

Adam is the Man!

Adam was the best looking boy at the 3rd grade concert last Wednesday!

Wearing a suit was his idea.

I can't believe he's 38!

That sure is a bunch of candles! We were surprised the smoke alarm didn't go off! We hope you get your wish-We love you!

Little Anah

Christmas with Grandma

Grandma was smart this year and found a way to avoid climbing her tall ladder. She invited all the grandkids over to help decorate the tree and then treated them to homemade sugar cookies. She was also brave not knowing if sprinkles would end up all over the kitchen floor. The mess wasn't bad and the kids had a blast. Thanks for your patience and making memories, Mom.

It's Turkey Time

Thanksgiving was full of fun! I started the day with a quick run knowing I would be having some yummy pumpkin pie and the boys played football in the annual Ocotillo Ward Turkey Bowl. No injuries this year thank goodness. Lara's family was nice enough to let us tag along for their dinner and the best part of the day was riding in the go-carts.

Yes, our boys love to speed!

Adam was left behind, poor baby.

I get to see this face everyday when he doesn't get his way.

The Beckstead Boys are always ready for a little competition!

An Early Christmas

Yes, you see correctly. Christmas went by way too fast for me last year and I've been itching to see Christmas lights. Joel was home Sunday night and I put him to work. We didn't put as many lights on the tree this year because we didn't have a lot of time but I think it looks perfect enough. This horse ornament was giving to my mother when I was born. I love it and whenever I see it I remember I used to be small once.

Morgan was the only one who lasted long enough to hang most of the ornaments. The boys lasted a couple of minutes and then went back to playing football in the living room.

Morgan sure loves this guy!

You're never too old to play dress-up! Seth is doing a poor job while he tries to hide from the camera. These nativity clothes are always a favorite at our house. He would die if any of his friends saw this picture.

I Love to See the Temple

We are so excited for the Gilbert Temple to be built! What a fun experience to be part of the groundbreaking. Morgan and Adam joined the masses and even turned some dirt. We are so grateful for the temple and all the many blessings we receive from going there. It will be so wonderful to have a temple close to us.

It was a busy, busy week for us. Here are some highlights:

• Flag Football
• All three kids are learning to play tennis
• Day off with Dad on Veteran's Day
• The Mortensen sealing
• Connie's wedding (Joel actually conducted the wedding ceremony. He did an awesome job!)
• The Speroni Wedding Reception
• Day off with Dad on Veteran's Day
• The Talbot's baptism (Chris and Jasmyn)
• Yummy Mexican food with the Sargeant Family
• Stake Conference and delicious pie with the Lamoreaux's and Jablonski's
• A sad farewell to the Ross Family

Anchor

I've been listening to Mendy Gledhill's new album all morning long. Her songs make me happy. Last night I attended her Anchor Concert in Mesa with my little sister. Although she looked kind of funny with her butterfly wings and danced goofy on stage I was secretly jealous of her many talents and tall, skinny figure. She was has an amazing voice and I love to listen to her songs as I clean the house and pick up all the little messes that my children leave for me. I know what you're thinking... I should make them clean it up. Sometimes I do, but most the time I'm too lazy and like to make more work for myself.

Thanks Michelle for a fun time.

Go Falcons!

Here are a few pics of Seth's first game. We are loving flag football this year, but we could do without the intense heat. I ran to walmart after our first game and bought their last shade umbrella. Please cool down soon! Seth won his first game, lost his second and won last Saturday. He has an awesome coach and is having a blast with all his friends. I love watching my boys play ball!

Go Colts!

Here are some pictures of my stud quarterback! Their first game was a difficult one but they played hard. Although they lost they were able to refine their plays. We thought we had the second game but lost it at the end. Adam played great and threw the ball well. Last Saturday they had their first win. Woohoo!!!! I was so proud of Adam and his incredible arm! It was so fun to watch.

Try to Pose

I wanted to make a dress for Morgan so about six months ago I cut out the fabric. Well, it just sat and sat on my sewing table. I finally begged my mom to start and finish the project before Morgan outgrew it. I have a wonderful mother that always comes to my rescue when life gets too busy for me. It is difficult to see in the picture but the front has the cutest little pleats and the sleeves look adorable. It was windy the Sunday Morgan wore the dress for the first time and we were late for church. I quickly grabbed the camera and asked her to pose. This is what she came up with. Thanks again mom for coming to my rescue and giving Morgan her first home-made dress!

Lucy found a new home

Unfortunately Lucy didn't work out. Her constant barking, peeing upstairs all day, and her aggression towards small children were too much. We found her another home with an older woman and two other dogs. She will be much happier. I know I am. I have nothing else to say except "I'm Sorry."

Have you heard of the flour game?

This flour game was always a popular one when I would have FHE with families in Uruguay as a missionary. Joel grew up playing this game with his family and about once a year we pull out the flour and cup and go at it. It's always a hit! The boys love to pack the flour in the cup, dump it on a cookie sheet, place a penny in the center and start slicing. Whoever makes the penny fall has to fish it out with his mouth. After Adam started spitting flour everywhere the game ended for us! Who wants to go after that? Good, clean entertainment!

Yummy Peaches

It's canning time again! I was just recently called as the Ward Canning Specialist. Lovely. I do love to can and talk about food storage so I actually feel qualified for this calling. I ordered some Utah peaches from a friend and my mother came over and we worked all day. Thanks Mom! We ended up canning 21 quarts and freezing the rest because the thought of canning one more jar was completely overwhelming. Joel loves to make fruit smoothies so I'm glad to contribute to his frozen fruit supply. Delicious!!

University of Arizona vs Citadel

As if playing flag football wasn't enough for my boys Saturday, we had to drive to Tucson to see a real college game. There's nothing like hanging out with cousins and watching football. All my boys are obsessed with the game right now. We headed up to Tucson to see the Wildcats blow out Citadel. Although it wasn't the most exciting game, they had a blast!

I love Lucy!

Here is the latest addition to our family. Her name is Lucy and she's an 8 month old schnoodle. She is so playful and fun and loves to bark at the kids. Oh my! Joel has some training to do this weekend. I'm not sure what I was thinking but I felt like the kids needed another sweet smelling animal to love. Let's pray she likes her new home!

Melissa and Tom

Great friends are hard to come by. When we were in California over Labor Day weekend we stopped by to visit Melissa and Tom. Oh how we miss them!