Fifa World Cup announces new star player!

Congratulations Mike Baugh, your dreams are finally coming true. Due to the extreme accuracy of the shot, coupled with the never-before-seen velocity of the ball, not to mention the miniscule size of the target, and the fact that the aforementioned target was in contant motion the Fifa Soccor Federation has voted unanimously that you should not only play AND officiate BUT ALSO commentate the next Fifa World Cup soccer tournament. This is an unprecedented decision, but look at this photo and you will agree whole heartedly with their judgment.

The Target (Alyssa's big toe)

"blend-in" treatment

Alyssa did not think that it was super funny that she was the intended target. She's not super tough. So, while she was freaking out about her broken toe nail, Emma Grace got right up in her face and started singing "Big girls don't cry" over and over agin. She was trying to help her sister, but it didn't go over so well. Alyssa just looked at her and said, "I'm not a big girl today."

Birthday party and such...

Alyssa is the queen of marathon birthdays. She really felt slided that we were going to the Bahamas in June. June is Alyssa’s birthday month. Therefore nothing fun should happen in the month of June that does not involve Alyssa.
Alyssa chose to have a slumber party this year. We invited 12 friends and 12 friends said, yes. After pizza, T-shirt decorating, hide-and-seek, water games (mostly rained out), and a black light dance party it was time to sleep. Yeah, right! At 3:00 A.M. I was walking downstairs to invite a few of our friends to PLEASE call it a night. Saturday morning brought French toast-a-la-Daddy and the water balloon fight we weren’t able to have the night before. It was A LOT of work, but I think everyone had a great time. I asked Alyssa what her favorite part was, she said, “Hide-and-go-seek. They never found me.” Kind of a letdown for the Mommy. That was just a “time filler” in between activities. Oh, well as long as she had fun.

Alyssa's groupies

Make a wish

Daddy spray painting T-shirts in the rain

Black light dance party
Sunday Savannah organized a surprise root beer float party. She invited the Daltons and the Simpsons to join us. I think Alyssa was a little suspicious. She was very paranoid all afternoon. Non-the-less, she was surprised when she came outside to see her friends waiting for her.

Surprise!!!
Monday morning brought swim practice. After class her team sang Happy Birthday to her and then her coach threw her into the deep end. She acted surprised, but she had mentioned maybe 30-40 times in the car that she hoped they would do that. After practice we went to Bruster’s for ice cream. Only on a special day does this Mommy encourage the eating of ice cream at 11:00 in the morning.

Tossed into the deep end

7 cute and sticky girls

A quiet afternoon at home was torture for my little girl who had yet to open a present. Mike came home around 3:00 for the event. Alyssa received many gifts from her Grandma and Grandpa Baugh, some money from Granny and Grand Dad, and some books from her cousins. Mike and I gave her a dresser for her room, some clothes, and a wii game. The day ended with a 3 hour gymnastics practice and a trip to Chili’s with Mom and Savannah for dinner.
We are very blessed to have Alyssa in our family. She brings a caring nurturing element into our home that we very much need.

Happy Birthday sweetheart.

Little House on the Prairie

Because my husband loves me and knows I love to go to the theatre, he bought the girls and I a season pass to the Fox's Broadway Musical Season.

Our first show was Little House on the Prairie starring Melissa Gilbert as "Ma".

It was so much fun to have a girls day. We got all dressed up and headed down town. I pretty much hate driving down town. I never go there. We made it O.K. It was pretty lucky that nobody was traveling down the one-way street that I tried to turn on (going the wrong way!). The show was fabulous! It's amazing to see the creativity that goes into a show. We loved it.

Father of the Year!

I know this comes a bit late, but I just have to say that my children are the luckiest little ducks alive. Their Daddy thinks they are pretty great and they recipricate the compliment.

He's feels their every emotion. He's proud of them when they accomplish their goals. He's sad with them when their feelings are hurt. He's mad when he feels they've been jipped. He feels silly when they're ready to play. He feels serious when he know they're tired and need to go to bed. He's extremely protective when he feels they're in danger.

Logan thinks the best thing about Daddy is: playing ball and trucks.

Emma Grace said the best thing about Daddy is: chasing bunnies on the "4-liller".

Alyssa likes to snuggle with Daddy the best. He snuggles super tight.

Savannah likes it when Dad plays on the tramp with her.

Betsy loves to watch Mike play with the kids, letting them jump all over him and loving every second of it.

HAPPY BELATED FATHERS DAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSSA!

9 YEARS AGO TODAY!

I'm thinkin' about it

Captain Panties

My Emma Grace is going to be turning three in August. Everybody, who has kids, knows that this is a very important developmental stage in a childs life. They start to figure out that they are not quite as dependent as they once were. They want to dress themselves in the clothes they have chosen for themselves. Who cares that it's 95* outside. She can wear long pants and a sweater, because she can "do it" herself.

While frustrating, this new sense of confidence brings another huge milestone in the childs and the parents lives. It is at this time that the child realizes that going potty in the "big girl potty" is something that they can "do myself".

I have been encouraging this step for quite some time. We bought Tinkerbell, Dora, and Princess panties just after Christmas. I was so excited, but when we got home she didn't want to wear them.
I asked, "are you going to go on the big girl potty?"

"I thinkin' about it Mommy."

A few months later when she rediscovered the panties I asked her again.

"I thinkin' about it Mommy."

When her cousin that was born the same day as her started using the big boy potty I asked her again.

"Not today. I thinkin' about it Mommy."

Well, all her thinkin' paid off. While shopping at Target last Thursday her sisters pointed out the super cute Minnie Mouse panties. That did it. She had thought it all out. Minnie Mouse it is.

She sucessfully pee-peed in the potty 15 times Friday. Who goes potty 15 times in one day? I'll tell you who, the "queen of the pot."

The Queen on her Throne

She was one determined little girl. I think we spent the better part of the day in the bathroom. She got the whole routine down pretty quickly. In fact, she started teaching me how it's done. One of my pet peaves is when people smack their lips when their speaking. They do it to punctuate their point and drive me crazy. It didn't bother me so much when my 2 year old was doing it.

"pull down you pants" SMACK
"don't forget you panties" SMACK
"can't pee-pee on Minnie" SMACK
"listen for the pee-pee" SMACK
"slush the toilet" SMACK
"pull up you pants" SMACK
"sing the "you did it" song" SMACK
"that's it Mom, you do it now"

Just after I got the babies out of the shower she had to go. I was telling her that she shouldn't try to "watch" it or it will miss its target. During the middle of my speech I felt a wet sensation on my foot. Had Emma Grace missed? Oh, No. Logan decided to join in the fun! I'm not even trying to pretend that he's ready to learn.

By the end of the day. Emma Grace was feeling pretty darn good about herself. I was hugging her and telling her how proud of her I am. She looked at me and told me, "I so proud of you, Momma. You did a good job sittin' with me. Lub you, Momma."

"Lub" you too, Gracie.

Bahama Mama!

Mike &Betsy 15th anniversary

We are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary this month. We decided that we should go all out. We don’t really have any time together. Our kids take every second of every day. We thought we could use some “US” time. Mike really was the driving force behind this. He did a great job. He arranged for his parents to fly out and watch our kids. He invited some of our friends to join us. He booked the resort, booked the butler, and booked the flights. Great Job, Mike.

It was so amazing. We left Friday AM for the Bahamas. We were snorkeling in the ocean by 2:00 that afternoon.

Because we booked the butler service, we had a private car meet us at the airport. (It was a Mercedes.) Our rooms were right by the beach. (I was a suite.) Our chairs were reserved for us wherever we desired. (They had our names on them.) Our bed was turned down for us every night. (With roses and towel sculptures.) My bubble bath was drawn. (With red roses sprinkled on top.) My family was wondering if my butler was super handsome. They were a tiny bit disappointed when I told them he was actually a she. That didn’t matter too much, by the end of the weekend I thought I was starting to fall in love with her. She was great. She called to check on me several times a day. She made our dinner reservations. She was available whenever I needed her.

The Daltons are so fun. We were glad that we went with good friends.

Chuck & Jen 10th anniversary

I’m glad Jen isn’t a super jealous type of girl. I did try to hold her husband’s hand while we were snorkeling. In my defense, I thought he was Mike, but still. And, the waiter on the pier thought Chuck was my husband. He even served us our “key lime pie” on the same plate. Granted, Mike and Jen’s deserts came together as well. Our poor little waiter was mortified. It was hilarious. But really, we had a blast.

Chuck has some serious sailing skills that came out of nowhere. Who knew he was so talented? Jen is fun to laugh with. We were sure we were going to get kicked out of the “quiet pool” for rough housing, but nobody tattled on us. Phew.

Showing off our "peacock chests"

float racing

Going to an all inclusive resort is definitely the way to go. The food was good, but having our pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris anytime we wanted was brilliant. At one point Mike actually swam up to the bar and ordered three Miami Vice drinks for himself. Oh, did I just say he SWAM up to the bar? Yes, I believe I did. There was a bar IN every pool. Amazing.



In the end the trip was a huge success. Our kids were happy, healthy, and excited to see us. Mike and I remembered that we enjoy each other, we love each other, and we’re cute enough to pass as newlyweds. (We got asked several times if we were on our honeymoon.)

We Rock!

The theme of this springs TaVaci concert was "We Rock"! And guess what? My kids ROCK!

It was awesome. I couldn't have asked for more, and I asked for ALOT.

The Tiny's sang a really cute song about stealing cookies from the cookie jar, one about how they'e monsters, a Mama Goose medley, and a Rock-n-Roll medley. They were cute.

The Harmonics did the Haka, a Billy Joel medley (my favorite), a country medley, and a Four Seasons medley. They were great too.

I think the best part of the concert was the specialty. My Tiny's sang a Grouch song. Their Daddies brought them on stage. They were tucked inside a silver trash can. when they popped up in their "Grouch" outfits I could hear the audience sigh. It was a real show stopper. The best part for me was when I could hear my Emma Grace singing from the back of the theater, "Mushy Muddy". I kind of got teary eyed at that point.

TaVaci is a funny thing. I work so long and hard to get these kids ready to go. It's hard for me not to get emotional when I watch them performing the music I taught them. Not just performing it, but really selling it and loving it. It's an amazing feeling too huge for me to contain. So, I cry. Every time, I cry.

Goodbye Harbins!

It is with mixed emotions that we faced the last week of school this year.

Excitement: The school year is finally over. We didn't drop the parental ball too many times. Both of our kids passed with flying colors. The last day "lunch on the lawn" brought all of the anticipated joy that we have come to expect and enjoy. Class parties served the same melting icecream sundays as last year (I guess it's a little bit of an over statement to say we were excited about that part), but the energy was in the air non-the-less.

Savannah and Allison gettin' their groove on the lawn

Alyssa and Emmie have worn the same outfit on the last day of school for the past 3 years!

Anxiety: Savannah has just completed her final year of elementary school. I'm not sure I'm mature enough to be the mother of a middle schooler. I'm not sure she knows what she's in for. Middle school is a whole new ball game. Not to mention a whole new COUNTY!

Table decor for Savannah's Graduation Party!

Listfullness: (is that even a real word?) Watching Savannah cross the stage at the 5th grade graduation, seeing her kindergarten picture in the slide show, reading that her hopes and dreams are that she'll be a teacher after winning a gold medal in the olympics for gymnastics, remembering that my dreams were the exact same as hers.

Savannah's 5th grade class

Pride: being at the school during the last week of school privides lots of oportunities for teachers, other adults at the school and friends to tell each other what they think about our kids. It is at times hard for me to keep my emotions in check when those that I respect express to me how much they love and appreciate my girls.

Savannah with her Focus teacher Mrs. Newton

Shock: I am continually shocked at how cruel little people can be to each other. It's also shocking to see how fast kids catch on to who the mean ones are but continue to endure the behavior instead of moving on to new kind friends. It would be even more shocking to find out it was my own child that is the mean one. I hope that will never be the case.

Allison, Makenna, & Savannah

Audrey and Alyssa have been best buddies for 3 years

Gratitude: My kids have always been placed with REALLY great teachers. Mrs. Inglett loves both of my girls. She has learned that Alyssa is an honest, trustworthy little girl. When she's going to be gone for the day, she tells the sub to ask Alyssa if she has any questions. She told me at the class party how she admires Alyssa for sticking to what she believes in. Alyssa is not a blend in girl. She does what she wants to do even if she has to go it alone. Mrs. Inglett recognizes this as a very valuable trait. As long as she's making good choices and sticking to those, I agree. Ms. Headley has been very good for Savannah this year. Savannah needed to be away from all the girl drama of the past 3 years. Ms. Headley's class was the perfect place. When Savannah got her Herbts Ms. Headley was so understanding and compassionate toward my baby. I knew that if Savannah needed ANYTHING she could give Ms. Headley a nod and they'd be having a pow-wow about what she needed to be more comfortable.

Savannah and Ms. Headley

Anticipation: I love having my whole family at home. Sure, it's stressfull. Sure, it's busy. Sure, it's the way it should be. All of us working together to get the job done, love each other, and have a lot of fun in the process.

It's Summer!

Uncle Ted

My Uncle Ted always made me feel special. He was very kind to everyone. He was very supportive of his family. He is and will always be my uncle Ted.

Ted Black Davis (1955 - 2010)
Dr. Ted Black DavisTed Black Davis, 54, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 23, 2010. He was born in Salt Lake City on Aug. 23, 1955, to Byron Rigby Davis and Peggy Rae Black Davis. He was the youngest of four children including Robert (Bob) Byron, Donald Harold and Jane Elizabeth. His childhood was spent in several different locations, including Salt Lake City; Logan; Challas, Idaho; Sparks, Nev.; and finally, American Fork. He graduated from American Fork High School, where he served as senior class president. After high school he served a Spanish-speaking mission to Philadelphia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He then attended Utah State University, where he met his eternal sweetheart, Andrea Ruth Larsen, while singing with the LDS Institute's Sounds of Zion performing group. They were married Sept. 14, 1979, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. After graduating from USU, he studied medicine for two years in Guadalajara, Mexico, and then received his M.D. from the Ross University School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Mich. He started his medical practice in Logan in 1992, specializing in family medicine. He lived in Hyde Park for seven years before moving to North Logan in 1998. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, during the summer of 2003. He retired from his medical practice in the fall of 2004 right after receiving the Physician of the Year award from the Cache Valley Medical Association.Ted was a respected and well-loved physician in the Cache Valley medical community. He cared deeply for his patients and their families, and his love was reciprocated by them. He delivered more than 1,200 babies during his 12 years of practice.He cherished the summers spent working together with his family at the Pickleville Playhouse live theater on the banks of beautiful Bear Lake in Garden City, Utah. He appeared as an actor in numerous productions and assisted in the construction of several of its buildings. He loved to watch his children on the stage and took special care of Pickleville's nightly Western Cookout. Ted found great joy in the simple things of life. He had a deep love and appreciation for nature and its Creator. Some of his favorite memories happened while camping, hiking, off-road motorcycling, hunting, skiing, cycling and riding his Harley. He was a faithful member of the LDS Church, serving in many different church callings. He lived seven years after being diagnosed with ALS. Through the course of the disease, he never once complained nor did he spend a single day in self-pity. With unearthly patience and dignity, he found ways to serve and inspire those around him while honorably loving and caring for his family. The effects of his faithful example cannot be measured.As Ted always said, "ICBW" (it could be worse), "CYMB" (count your many blessings), "123" (I love you), "Daylight's a-wastin'," and "Forget yourself and go to work."He is survived by his wife, Andrea; sons T.J. (wife Erin Cartwright) and Derek; daughters Chelsea (husband J.R. Haynie), Sharli (husband Andy King), Whitney, Tyrali and Makenzie; and mother-in-law Betty June Larsen. He was "Papa Wee" to grandchildren Carter, Tanner, Elliot, Hayden, Brooklyn and Mckenna. He was preceded in death by his parents Byron and Peggy, father-in-law LaGrande C. Larsen, and grandchildren Lydia and Landon Haynie. He will be missed by many other family members, close friends and colleagues too numerous to name. His family wishes to express their appreciation for the overwhelming amount of support and love they have received during Ted's disease and since his passing.

When life hands you strawberries........Make Jam!!!

Teacher appreciation week brings the annual question: Do I give separate gifts for teacher appreciation day and the last day of school? Or is one nice gift enough?
I decided one nice gift is great. I ordered 3 gallons of strawberries from the Washington Farms I made jam and biscuits and sent a basket with the girls for their teachers. Both of them loved it. Yahoo! Score one for the Baugh girls.
I did not make the strawberry jam all by myself. I had the cutest little helper. Emma Grace was everywhere present. She measured, stirred and poured. She is a sweetheart, not to mention the cutest cook in the kitchen.

Old enough to sing the blues

Mrs. Miller (the music teacher) & Savannah Mae

Savannah has really dedicated herself to the school chorus program. Mrs. Miller asked her to please sing a solo that involved a speaking part. Savannah was happy to oblige. She needed to dress like the famous blues singer Billy Holiday. We looked up her picture on the internet. Savannah thought it would be so great if we painted her face black! I had to catch my breath. She meant it sincerely. It was a great teaching moment. I still don’t think she understood why that would be offensive to some people.
Her solo was so cute. She sang the blues. She really got into it. I’m so proud of her. It’s hard to sing like that in front of your peers. SHE WAS AWESOME!!!
She said that for days afterward teachers would stop her in the hall to tell her what a talented girl she is. When I went to do the Friday folders I had more than one teacher ask me if Savannah was my daughter. When I confirmed the accusation I was showered with praise for my baby. Gotta be honest, it’s hard not to let emotions show when people compliment the very things that mean the most to you.
Hopefully Savannah will never have the desire to sing the blues, but if she ever does, she knows how! Billy Holidays’ got nothin’ on Savannah Baugh.

Just Us Girls!

Ivy Jeanne and her favorite Aunt Betsy

Betsy, Becca, Mom, Karen and Ivy

Betsy and Ivy

So, for my moms’ birthday Karen used her time share to book us a room in Phoenix for a weekend. We met on Friday and played, shopped, and sat by the pool until Sunday. It was a blast. I’m one of those lucky girls that really likes her mom and sisters. I felt so free! Becca is super pregnant (super cute pregnant, no fair!), and Karen had her baby with her (4 month old Ivy Jeanne). I had…….ME! It was fun. We laughed hard, we cried hard, and we just had fun. Ivy may well be the sweetest baby in the history of the world. She shopped for 3 days straight. I only heard her cry once and that was after a super long day. She really is an angel baby. It was a great trip and it was fun to catch up with my sisters. We live so far apart and none of us are very good at long distance relationships. But, it's surprising how fast we can remember that a sister is always your best friend.