I am thankful.....

I love this time of year. I love that there is a day devoted to giving thanks.There is so much for me to be thankful for. The list could go on forever.... but I won't do that to you so I will keep it short and sweet. I am thankful for my sweet husband. The most amazing man and best friend. My incredible children that make my life complete. I love everyday because I get to spend my time with them. I am thankful for my parents, sister :), brothers, my friends, healthy body, my talents, the Gospel, employment, our house, modern medicine, America, laughter, this beautiful world, and my wonderful life. I have been so blessed and I am thankful for that. ok..... moving on :)

Every year we have two Thanksgivings. Yep. One Basting family and one Beard family. Really it is the best of both worlds. I love it. No choosing who to spend time with, we get it all! We went to Bend to spend time with Rex's siblings. They are so fun! Rex's parents couldn't be there because they are in Canada on a mission.... super cool! But we had good food and a lot of laughs! Then two days later we did it all again with my family at my house. It was the BEST day. I got to do my two favorite things. Cook and spend time with my family. Brianne, me and Heather had a blast in the kitchen while the guys watched football, when shooting and played with kids. They food was perfect and I am so happy we had a great day!
I love my famliy!!! Our Christmas picture...what do ya think?
Aunt Christine is the coolest! She painted the girls nails and they are still talking about it. Thanks Christine for a great Thanksgiving!!
Me and Olivia hanging out in Bend.
Papa and Olivia watching football.... GO DUCKS!
Annie and Ryan eating dinner at the counter.
Oh and how could I not post a picture of us girls at Breaking Dawn. So good.... we had a blast. Brianne, Kari, Heather, Heidi and me all loved it! Thanks again Heather!!

Annie turns 5!

I can't believe that I have a 5 year old. I mean, seriously, Annie was just a baby. She is the most amazing girl ever and I love her soooo much!! I am so grateful for her and blessed that she is my sweet daughter. I love that she watches the food network with me, entertains Olivia so I can finish my workout DVDs, loves to snuggle, paint nails, do crafts, help with housework, play with Macey, hold my hand, hugs me when I pick her up from preschool, draw my pictures, and let me play with her hair and try new french braids. I am truly blessed to have all my girls. Here are some pictures from the celebrations!!
Starting off the day with our birthday traditions: favorite cereal for breakfast! I am not sure why she picks this one every year, but she must love it. And Rex. And Macey. It lasted about 2 days. Back to whole grain cereal :)
Here are the requested HELLO KITTY cupcakes that were pink and purple. It was a Hello Kitty party.... all the way.
Annie had her first all girls and no parents party at my good friend Amy's house. They had a blast. They got to each decorate their own personal mini cake and I made cute pedestals for them to each take home. There was also dancing, dress-up, games, and the fastest present opening in the history of birthdays! Thanks AMY!!!
We went out to dinner at Red Robin (YUM) which the girls call "The bird restaurant". Here is Macey concentrating on her coloring, cute!!
Annie sipping away!
Ahhh, the Hello Kitty cake at her small family party, she was so excited!
Us all singing to her.... ok mostly me and rex.
And a Barbie and horse....just what she wanted :)

Halloween 2011

WE had a blast on Halloween this year. It was our first year to take the kids trick or treating and it was a huge success! We had a fun day too!

Annie was in charge of bringing treats to preschool so we went all out and did Halloween treats. Then we decorated sugar cookies, had mummy dogs for dinner, and went out with our neighbors to load up on candy. The girls looked sooo cute in their costumes and all in all..... a great day!


Here are the girls all wearing their Halloween shirts....cute!

Another one...they were laughing at something while I was trying to get Olivia to not be upset about the photo shoot:)

They are so patient to put up with all my picture taking, cute!

Decorating cookies, kinda....They end up eating all the toppings and licking all the knifes. They are only allowed to frost their OWN cookies....Nice Macey,

All dressed and ready to go! I just love Halloween!