One New Beam

I went to the Dr. today for that early ultrasound they so love to do. My family was taking bets on the number in there. I am happy and relieved to tell you that there is only 1 new Beam in the works. I did call home and told Josh that it was triplets, he began packing immediately. The baby looks good so far and its tiny heart was beating away. I have been finding myself barraged lately with the inevitable question people ask if you have more than two children. "Are you done yet? Are you going to get Fixed?" Matt and I have discussed this, if you are close to us at all you know the answer already. If, however you don't already know, don't ask!!!! This is rude to say the least. We are not dogs, cats, or even gerbils. Our reproductive lives are in the hands of the Lord, not our local vet. Maybe I could turn the interest around in my favor though. Do you think the Animal Planet would pay big bucks to air the live spaying and neutering of the male and female human? I wonder who to call??? Maybe we could be on right after that show about the pregnant meerkats!!!

Pepto Moments

I am wondering something, why does early pregnancy start with debilitating nausea? I would like nothing better than to hug the great white porcelain throne all day long. I am sick morning noon and night. I suppose it is a good sign that the pregnancy is going alright, but really? I never really had this with the other 4 boys. I wonder why it is happening now. I would dearly love to drink a gallon of pepto, but apparently, that isn't allowed when you are pregnant. The boys are at the end of their patience with it all and I must say I am not far behind. I am glad that babies are so cute, maybe that will make it worth it in the end. Maybe I'll go look for a bucket to strap on so that I can get on with life.

My Go-To Guy

Have I mentioned my son David to you lately? Let me begin by telling you about the nickname he has had since he was a tiny boy. David got the name "smiley" from a friend of ours because he smiled constantly. If he was happy, sad, scared whatever, he smiled. That has pretty much been his personality since birth. He is the skinniest of boys, but surprisingly, he was our largest baby. Imagine, a chubby, curly-haired, dark-eyed little baby smiling at you no matter what. I was convinced that life could not get any better. Then David grew up. Now I know that it does. He has turned into the most helpful, thoughtful, and considerate guy. I am so proud of him. He would like for me to say that he is my favorite. He is without a doubt in my top 4. I am completely honest and tell the boys that I do have favorites. The favorite just changes hourly some days.

And Baby Makes 7!

The Beam family is expanding. We are expecting a baby in October. We have officially told all the boys and the responses were mixed and expected. Josh pointed out that he will be 30(gasp) when this baby is 15 and be the weird older brother who doesn't get their jokes. David said that he would like another brother as he would only like to have an older sister(sorry about that one bud!). Joey said Yeah! and said that he would have someone to beat at Halo. Seth will probably get the idea of what's going on when we don't send it home. This was unexpected to say the least, but not unwanted. We are already having some complications and would covet your prayers. I must say that Matt dealt with the news much better this time. He usually goes to bed and pulls the covers over his head. This time, not only did he stay upright, he also expressed delight. Thank you for that Matt, it means a lot. To all of you rooting for a girl... I am only asking for healthy. I know only that it will be a boy or a girl and a Beam. Can you believe that there will be 7 of us???

The Forgotten Firstborn

When I began this blog, my oldest son Josh asked me not to write anything embarrassing about him. I think that I have been overzealous in this pursuit. I realized today that not only do I not write about the embarrassing stuff, but I rarely mention him. Let me assure you that it is only an oversight. I am extremely proud of my firstborn son. He is a handsome, tall, strong, and brilliant young man. He is our comic relief, our artist-in-residence, and my right-hand man when Matt isn't around. I know that he will be mortified to read this, but maybe it is a good thing to hear how much your mom loves you.

The Spoils of War

I told you the other day about the guys going off to war to play airsoft. Well, David brought something back. He charged up a hill and took a direct hit in the face. Matt told him there was a fine line between bravery and stupidity and he had crossed over. I took one look and all I could see was a divet in my childs handsome face. I called this the "spoils of war" because that is how David views it. I see the potential scar and all he can say is cool! Ladies please, if we have a blemish do we not try and cover it? I am trying to slather the kid in neosporin and vitamin e so the scar will be minimal and all he wishes is that the pellet had lodged in there so he could squish it around. I am totally bewildered. The guys really did have a great time though, they played from 9 til 8. I think they have finally gotten over the sore muscles and fatigue. I wonder if they would go on a marathon shopping trip if I let them go armed and called it a battle? Mothers of sons unite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Life Is Not A Butt

Sometimes the choicest bits of wisdom come in the smallest packages. Just the other day, for instance, I was changing Seth's diaper and he laid this bit of truth on me. Let me begin at the beginning. I was changing him and he was singing "Row row row your boat". It was so cute, he sang the merrily part as "Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary" and then the song stopped. I thought that I would be helpful and finished the line for him. "Life is but a dream". He looked at me with his little brows furrowed and said "Mom, life is not a butt." Well, I have to admit, he had me there. I really didn't know how to pull out of that one with grace, so I swallowed the laughter and said yep, you're right. He really is, life is a gift, not a butt. We (me) moan over circumstances when in reality, it is what it is. A dress rehearsal for the real thing in Heaven. I think that Seth is witty and wise and really cute. I just hope he doesn't get too deep for me, I don't dig all that fast.

Off to War

Matt and the two oldest boys left a few hours ago to play a game called airsoft. It is basically a war simulation using automatic weapons that shoot small plastic pellets. They claim to have a ball doing it but I have seen the welts it leaves. As they were leaving, Josh and David kept telling the little ones that they were off to war. I think they just really wanted to rub it in that they were getting a priveledge the other two couldn't have. I myself am house-bound for the duration. The three of us here don't fit in Matt's truck. Some people may find this to be a drag. I myself am thinking that it is an opportunity to stay in my pj's all day tomorrow. I am also looking forward to alone time with my two "babies". It isn't that often that they are allowed to act their age. With the peer pressure of their older brothers, they tend to act a little older than they are. For two days I get to revel in the antics of six year-old and two year-old little boys. We get to be silly and go to bed early, and laugh at nonsense just because we can. War, what is it good for? Sometimes, in the right situations, it can be good for the soul. Thankyou God, for giving me this time with my sons.

Livin' In A Man's World

As a naive girl of 16, what I wouldn't have given to be surrounded by 5 handsome men vying for my attention. As a grown woman who takes care of all those guys, I need some estrogen! I love my guys, but there is only so much excitement I can show over the amount of blood spilled on a video game. I can only admire so many huge poops. I can only stand so much talk of boogers and brains. I think to counteract all this mess, I need a room. Something so girlie that the men in my life would be afraid to enter. I know, a bathroom. With a pink toilet that doesn't even let the seat lift up, a huge pink and lavender polka dotted tub full of pink bubbles. No, pink is not my favorite color, think of it as more of a pest repellant. Maybe the next time the boys start thinking about a war party I can push them into a scrapbooking session. I wonder if waxing our legs would be gross enough for them to pass as a mother-son bonding time? I will end with the soundtrack of my life playing loudly in the background... "Did I shave my legs for this?"

Daddy Longlegs

Have you ever heard that the daddy longlegs spider has deadly venom, but that his mouth is so small that he can't hurt people? I grew up hearing that tale. I don't know if it is really true or not, but for the sake of arguement let's assume it is. I think that Matt is like a daddy longlegs. No, he isn't poisonous. He looks harmless enough on the outside, but on the inside, when it really matters, he means business. He is the best husband and father that I could have ever hoped to be blessed with. He is quiet and humble on the surface, but is strong and protecting to everyone he loves. He is a hard and tireless worker, who strives not only to provide, but to please and pamper us as well. He is uproariously funny, when you take the time to listen. He is fun to be around, he plays as hard as any of his sons. He is so strong that he carries this family on faith alone. I dearly love this man. I am amazed that God gave him to me forever! I am so glad that we live by grace and not by merit, because I definitely did not merit him. Thank you, God for the man You allow me to call husband and my children to call "Daddy".