Quick update

Well as many of you know Drake, Logan and I went to Hawaii to visit my sister's family that is living on Kaneohe, Oahu. We spent a wonderful two weeks that started off a little shakey with Drake throwing up literally as we were walking out the door for the airport. Let's just say it was a long flight and thank heavens the guy sitting next to us was a very nice that didn't mind a little throw-up on his pants. Logan slept the entire way on Angie's lap, what a good boy. We finally made it to Hawaii and loved the landscape, the beach, and the company. It was wonderful!!

We got back late tuesday the 6th, by the way if you ever decide to travel with two kids under the age of two by yourself talk to me first. It was a rough but thanks to some wonderful fellow passengers and the flight attendants it worked. Dan FINALLY came home on Saturday the 10th. Since he got home we have been hanging out in Santa Clara at Angie's other house, Thanks!

Pictures will be posted of Hawaii and Dan's arrival once we make it back to real life:(

Poor Haley

Dear Haley,

I am so sorry for invaiding your house. I'm sorry you get stepped on. I'm sorry you get your hair pulled. I'm sorry you get chased with bats, rackets and arms. I'm sorry you get hit with golf, tennis, wiffle, soft, basket and foot balls. I'm sorry cars are driven all over and around you. I'm sorry you get sat on while you are sleeping. I'm sorry there are attempts to ride you when you are awake. I'm sorry you get feed things that make you throw up. But thank you for always returning these with kisses. You show the true meaning of 'turn the other cheek'.

Just thinking

I was just sitting here thinking, for the past 8 weeks I have been staying with my parents. It has really been quite nice. We try to keep our mess in the basement and they keep theirs upstairs. Drake loves his Grandpa Drake and follows him around like a puppy dog, unless Grandpa is leaving in the car without Mommy. Rain or shine Drake is outside playing and he now needs an audience to watch him play. Most days I don't mind sitting in a chair watching his mind, hands and feet work. Drake is definitely almost 2. He has some of the best tantrums and usually when we are going into Walmart or the grocery store. Everyone likes to stare as Drake is screaming at the top of his lungs and trying to climb out of the cart. This is why I try to only shop at stores that have carts because you can imagine going to a clothing store and having a screaming child that lays on the floor and crawls away. Which wouldn't be so difficult if I wasn't caring a car seat. Ah, the joys of motherhood. Drake has been wonderful with Logan and he is very protective of his 'baby'. I love to watch him run over and give Logan a hug when he cries, and get in his face and say 'hello' over and over trying to get him to smile.

Logan is growing so fast. He recently had his 2 month appointment and now weights in at 12 lbs and is 23 3/4 long. I can't believe how much his has changed in just 9 short weeks. Dan won't recognize him when he gets back. Logan has also reached one of my favorite milestones, smiling. He has a wonderful smile that as of yet I have not captured on camera. In fact, until a couple of weeks ago I didn't know he has a dimple in his right cheek. Everyday my goal is to make him smile just to see that adorable dimple. Watch out girls; tall, dark and handsome is coming.

Dan is still loving his Army adventure. Although, he says now he is starting to miss us. Only 4 1/2 more weeks!!!! I can't wait. It has definitely been a challenge to only be able to talk to him on the phone or skype, but at least we get that. The worst is when Drake or Logan is crying and Dan can't hear me so we just have to sit and wait for the kids to chill and usually by that time there is something that needs to be done and we have to say goodnight. It hasn't been easy but it could be worse, so every night I thank God for my many blessings; two beautiful children, a great husband who is willing to take care of his family and serve his country, wonderful parents, and a great supporting cast of friends and family. Thank you!

Valentines

Our Valentine weekend was full of fun and excitement.

We celebrated Valentines a day early. It started off with

the annual Lincoln Day Breakfast, which is the Washington

County republican party's thing. This year my Dad was

asked to speak. He was in almost regal company; Governor Herbert,

Speaker of the House David Clark(Utah, he's from Santa Clara),

Sen. Orrin Hatch, and Sen. Bob Bennett. My Dad was

assigned to give the 'State of the County' address. He did a

great job, and for those of you that know me know that

I'm not a real political person but I found this very interesting.

I was impressed very much with Governor Herbert.

He seems to be taking the state in the right direction.

He's got my vote. After the breakfast was the

party. Read below for more info on that.

Republican party pres, Orrin Hatch, David Clark, Governor Herbert, and my Dad speaking
Bob Bennett is the second from the right of my Dad

Dad's name tag at the head table

After the breakfast we got to work putting the

finishing touches on our Valentines day party. We

started off with a buffet style dinner. We had BBQ

buffalo wings, meatballs, and a chocolate fountain. The dipping

treats were as follows; pineapple, mandarin oranges, bananas,

strawberries, pretzels, rice crispy treats, peanut butter

cookies, and Cinnamon bears. It was delicious! After that

we headed downstairs for games. We started off with pin the

arrow on the heart. It was just for the kids. Next we had a

licorice eating contest. You put about an inch in your mouth, placed

your arms behind your back while standing. We did this in

groups of four starting with the four oldest down to the four

youngest. Sadly Drake, Sami, Mati, and Logan were a little too young.

It was not as easy as you would think either. Our last

game was a balloon popping charades game. In each balloon

we placed something that had too be acted out. It was pretty

fun watching everyone try to pop their balloon and then have

to act it out. My cousin Alex too to the next level and spelled

his charade with his butt. Now that was funny.

Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of this game because

Logan was starving so we were in the other room. So our

Valentines party was a success and lots of fun.

We did get a package sent off to Dan. It was a camo mailbox

full of candy. There also was a bear from Logan, a

valentine card that Drake colored, and a mushy card

from me. Dan has sent us a Valentine/my birthday package the

week before. Although I'm still not sure who's birthday it was

for cuz there was a pair of army sweats, a lanyard for my

keys, and a stuffed Valentine dog for me. Logan got an onsie

and a hat. Drake got two packages of cars, a barrel of

monkeys, the helicopter from cars and more but I can't

think of it right now. It was a great package, Drake really

enjoyed it. Dan also ordered flowers for me for Valentines.

They were beautiful red roses.

My Mom with the a couple and the kids and the heart

The first group, Grandpa, Grandma Beatty, Mom and Dad

The next group, Sarah, Shannan, Mark and Diane

Third group, Lauren, Alex, Jake, and Me

The final group, Mason(not pictured), Luke, Kade and Anna

This was for the best in show title. Mark is the winner

I'm having the time of my life

Smiling before Night Infiltration Course

Should have done this training during summer. BRRRRRR!

NCO quizzing me. Notice he has pringles. no sharing allowed.

Leadership Development Course. Fat chaplains and balance obstacles DO NOT work well together

FUN! FUN! FUN! Exhausting but fun.

The hardest part for me is not the physicality of the exersize, it is keeping my mouth shut when a sarcstic NCO taunts me.

"Chaplains do not carry weapons so we have chaplain assistants who go through training to protect the president (chaplain). Essentially they shoot for two and act as our shield during fire. They are the true warriors.

Me crying and gagging after being released from the CS Gas chamber. Tear gas is not fun to inhale, choke on, or gag with. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!

The confidence course is a lot of rappelling, cargo net climbing, and rope bridge negotiating. The soldiering aspect of the military is energizing and fun. Most enjoyable if I do say so myself.

The donning of the beret is an incredibly spiritual experience. Trying to verbalize the emotions of completing the soldiering phase of chaplain basic training is challenging. The American flag and U.S. Constitution have become so much more than they used too. I am proud to be an American. This picture is supposed to represent that I am now Army strong. No tuff guy stare from me though, remember, I am a chaplain.

God Speed

Logan is One Month old!

Where does the time go?! I can't believe it has already been

a month since this handsome little boy joined our family. He is so

chill. He sleeps wonderfully at night. He is bright eyed during the

day. He big brother just loves him, and his Mommy loves to

snuggle with him. His Daddy wishes he could hold him and see

more of him than just by skype.

Here are Logans 'new born' pictures. My mom and I set up our

own little studio in her basement and if I do say so myself the

pictures turned out great.

I love my little family!

He is starting to kinda smile
It doesn't leave much to the imagination...

Handsome boy

My strong little army guy

Precious piggies

Drake and Logan's piggies

Big yawn!! (I am under the black velvet holding him on my lap)

High Five!

Happy Family!

Best Buds

What a cute face

Our little family

My boys

My camo guys

Proud Daddy

good lookin kid

They will be good friends

Just before Dan left to head out to South Carolina we headed

up to the Red Hill to get some family pictures taken by my Mom for Dan to

have with him so he wouldn't forget what we looked like. Please

pardon the still pregnant look about me, I mean come

on it was only 10 days after Logan was born.

And for a quick update on Dan. He is having a great time at

Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course (CH-BOLC). He loves everything he is getting to do. So far he has: Been exposed to tear gas (the gas chamber was one of his favorite activities, which is odd since he suffered quite a bit), ropes course, rappelling, first aid/combat life saver, orienteering/map reading, night infiltration, and his newest favorite ( he has a lot of faves) the low crawl in sand under barbwire with live ammunition and grenade simulators going off. He was proud that out of 105 Chaplains in the course that he finished within the top 10. What a nut job my husband is. he seems normal, but you never can be too sure.

We have been lucky enough to be able to

talk to Dan every night by phone or skype with him. He has his

own one bedroom apartment there on base. Yes, that is unusual but

he is an officer so his basic is slightly different than basic

for enlisted men. Unfortunately, all the really exciting stuff

is over and he now gets to spend many long days in a classroom

being taught how to help the soldiers he will be counseling.

As for me and the boys we are loving the St George sun!

Drake gets to go outside and play, I get to sit in a chair and

watch, and Logan gets to chill in his swing. We are looking forward

to getting to go visit Angie and Nate for a couple of weeks, the

end of March and into April. in Hawaii. It is going to be so

much fun!! Drake gets to have his second birthday on the

beach!! And then a few days after we get back Dan comes

home. Yahoo!!

So I would say right now life is pretty good.