Changing Address

In an effort to streamline how I sign in online, we are changing our blog address to
www.beautifulbeutler.blogspot.com
(we just removed an "s" off of the beutlers part--so if you want to keep updated on our family, please update any of your own bookmarks and whatnot. Thanks!

Aneesa

Boy Quotes--Summer Installment

Gideon: I'll trade you my extra sucking power for your morphing power.

Samuel:Oh my heck! (correcting) I mean, Oh my hell!

Samuel: This is dangerous. But it's quite fun.

Joseph: Mom, I do NOT want a fuzz buzz.
Malachi: Buzz, buzz, great new hive.. . . . . .

Samuel: mom, do you want me to make you some food?
Mom: what can you make?
Samuel: well, I can make fruit casserole.

Joseph: Hey, you're naked! Go get some pants.
Malachi: I'm not naked, I'm Manchi (Malachi)!!

Joseph: And I don't usually get last place. (pause) If there are girls running.

Gideon: Joseph, this is so easy! It says, "How many quarters are there in seventy-five cents?"
Joseph: Two

Mom: Get out of the fridge and the freezer.
Samuel: I wasn't in them, I was on them.

Malachi: (patting my leg lovingly) You're so big, mommy.

Mom: Well, sometimes it's harder for guys to find a nice girl to marry after they get out of college. It's just not as easy to meet a lot of girls after you're done with college.
Gideon: Unless you go to the grocery store!

Joseph: (reading scriptures) Lay not up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust doth cooperate. . . . .

Aaron: The day will come when you will have to work and earn your own money.
And that day is starting tomorrow.

Samuel: Well, I don't really appreciate working.

Dad: Sam, here's some soap. Wash your legs, and arms and get all clean, and then you can go play.

Samuel: No.

Dad: No? Why not?

Samuel: Because then it'll get all bubbly.

Dad: Well that's okay. You like bubbles, don't you?

Samuel: No cause then I can't bubble.

Sister Beutler: Okay, so what can we do to be like Jesus and help people around us?

Nathan J: We could ride our bikes around and look for dead people. . . .

Joseph: MALACHI!!! You're not supposed to play with Daddy's saw. (pause) And you can't saw the kittens.

When Children Dress Themselves. . . .

Overheard at Breakfast

Dad: In the scriptures, it says if your son ask for fish, what should you give him?
Gideon: A ROCK.
Joseph: Yeah, dad. That's what YOU'D give us. Hmmph
Dad: Shall I give you a serpent?
Samuel: Well, why should I ask for fish? Cause I don't even LIKE fish.

WBBB—World’s Best Bread Baker

When people ask me who my dad is—I tell them his name. And then, I answer the usual follow up question that comes "Oh, is he the doctor?" To save time, I mostly say "yes." But every once in a while, I wish I could explain to them who my dad really is.

Yes, he is a doctor. A very good one, I might add. I can't count the number of times people tell me that my dad fixed their shoulder, son's knee, grandma's carpal tunnel, brother's broken arm etc. etc. I see the respect they have for them in their eyes. And I have not forgotten the chance I had to be my dad's assistant for a while (during which I called him 'Dr. Malouf' and not 'Dad' for reasons of professionalism). I'm sure my mother has not forgotten the years of school, followed by residency, and the moving and poverty (yes, poverty J) that came with it.

But if you ask my dad if he's a doctor, his response varies. And well it should. I don't know a whole lot about my dad's growing up years—I have retained a few glimpses here and there. Here is what I know.

I know that my dad can do anything. Really, anything. I've seen him play the accordion, fix broken cars, doors, floors, build puzzles, blocks, make a killer salad, prune trees, dig ditches, drive a backhoe. I've seen the blown glass vases he's made—heard he worked in a machine shop for a while. He makes his own surgical tools. Who does that? Then he comes home and plays hymns. Sometimes even on the cello. When we go camping he serenades us on the harmonica, but he also plays the guitar, especially "fox went out on a starry night" we always liked the part about the "bones-o bones-o" the best. Appropriate since he is a bone doctor, don't you think? My dad loves words. He studied a lot of latin, and he's always using new words and encouraging me to learn them. He picked up Spanish last year as well. For fun, he grows apples, makes large tire swings, and bakes bread.

You haven't tasted bread until you've tasted his. It's the best. And he always makes enough to share. We used to deliver bread to neighbors every Sunday. Dad says that making bread, for him, does not count as work. I think the way he makes bread is the way he approaches life. He studies it—learns more, improves, keeps notes. The bread evolves and then morphs. Sometimes it gets thrown out and a new batch brought in. More often, he adds to it until the dough is just right. He keeps working at it until he is satisfied. Then he starts over J My dad is amazing.

Two weeks ago, we made pocket bread—a family tradition. Some people call it pita bread. Those people didn't grow up with my dad. He had a grandma he loved—named Aneesa (isn't that a beautiful name?) and he used to make bread with her. For Memorial Day, he told my boys all about it—I have never seen them sit still for so long when listening to someone talk about bread—but I think they sensed how special it was. How special it is to carry on traditions, the important ones.

When I went to college, I told people my dad was a farmer. It wasn't a lie. He is a farmer. He raises lots of crops—lots of apples and pears, a few cherries and plums. And he raises kids. I have to say, he's done pretty well. There are eight of us. And we can all bake a pretty good loaf of bread.

Elias 1 week to 2 Months in a blink

From 1 week old. . . . .
To Two months

Oh they grow up SOOO fast. He is turning into a chunky monkey!!

Our Breakfast Conversation (abridged)

Mom: For Father's Day, everyone needs to say one thing they like to do with Daddy.
Samuel: (hand raised) I like to play.
Mom: What do you like to play with Daddy?
Malachi: MEEEEEE!!!!(hand raised)
Samuel: It doesn't really matter. Just play.
Gideon: I like to burn weeds.
Joseph: I like to hunt snakes.
Malachi: MEEEEEE!!!!!! (hand raised)

CHOOOOOO CHOOOOOOO!!!

One Shiny Yellow Train. . . . . . . .
Plus 5 Little Boys (along with their parents, 3 aunts, an uncle, and 3 cousins)


Equals One AWESOME ride.

And we only lost one boy--for a few minutes. He got off on the wrong side of the tracks.

The Land of Cheap Food

We just watched Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs a couple of weeks ago. It reminded me of the food available within short distances to us. We were so excited to move back to Cache Valley--which we refer to as the Land of Cheap Food. Not only can we get almost free potatoes from Aaron's uncle, eggs from the chickens at Mama Carol's (which are technically our chickens but we haven't actually cared for them in two years), and free green beans from all the gardens that planted extra, but if we want to PAY for food, we can visit the following places and purchase SECONDS. We have been living off of seconds/not-up-to-quality-control products for a long time--when I was young, my mom would buy ice cream from Aggie Ice Cream in 3 gallon containers, and she would buy two or three at at time.

Oh the joy.

One year, she turned 3 gallons of creamy ice cream upside down, dumped it out of the container, pushed candles into the top, and we sang Happy Birthday to Michael.

So now, to honor my father and mother, here is a list of some places we frequent:

• Heart 2 Heart (142 West, 3200 North, North Logan) Here you can buy Creamies for 15cents a bar!

• Casper's Ice Cream Where we pick up a box of 50 Fat Boys for $10.00

• Pepperidge Farms and then we buy cookies in bulk--or a giant bag of goldfish for $3. Now that Aaron's sister works there for the summer, we can even get it with an employee discount!
  

• Gossner's Just off 10th West in Logan, you can get cheese for $1-3 a pound and shelf stable chocolate milk. It's happiness in a paper box.

• FritoLay dumpster (no further information is available)

• Crumb Brother's Day Old bread--somehow my Grandpa gets this sometimes. We love it.

• Schreiber's Cheese (must have a friend that works there and also be related to them)

Okay. I'm noticing a trend--firstly that there are a lot of dairy products among this list. Secondly, that there is a shocking lack of healthy foods on this list. (Although, we do sometimes by the LOW fat boy (only 2 points a bar). Perhaps this lends some light as to why I haven't yet lost my 20 pounds for my New Year's resolution. Would it be safe to say that FREQUENTING these places may not be the most healthy thing to do?

But it tastes so good. And it's so cheap.

Ahhhh, the perils of living in

The Land of Cheap Food

WOW!! Words of Wisdom

I have decided I am now a qualified authority. The fifth boy puts me in a completely new class. So, since I am sure my advice will now be in high demand, I've decided to offer some, unsolicited. Just in case any of you are planning on having five boys (or perhaps any boys), I have learned a few things that may be helpful to you.
1. Don't buy winter boots. It's not worth it. You can buy them at the D.I. if you want--or on clearance, but if you have to pay full price, just go and get some rubber boots.

They cost less, last longer, and are really waterproof. In my extensive experience (as a mother of five boys), the boys aren't really going to play in the snow. They're going to go out, dig around until they find some mud, and then fling it at each other.

2. Install a urinal. I installed one when I was the mother of only THREE boys. Imagine the joy of teaching aim when they actually aiming for the wall, (since they're bound to hit it anyway). Keep in mind, however, the urinal still needs to be cleaned. (I still remember overhearing Aaron say, "Our urinal just cleans itself!" um, yeah, just like dinner cooks itself, and the carpets magically pick things off of themselves as they put away the laundry. . . . . but I digress)

3. Teach your boys that boys are meant to clean and cook. This comes in handy when, after five kids, you still have solid boys. My nine year old vacuums all the carpet, my seven year old cleans all the bathrooms, and my six year old runs around putting things away where I tell him to. Maybe Aaron is right and the urinal does just clean itself. But I digress again. One day Joseph said, "Mom, now I know why you have such a big house. It's so that we will have stuff to clean and you can keep us busy." Yep, that's it.

4. Grow a very big garden. It cuts down on your grocery bill, especially if you can get them to eat it.

5. Don't bother getting a dog. They'll make do with each other.
6. Learn how to cut hair. A buzz is okay--but gets old after a while. A good pair of haircutting scissors and clippers will pay itself off in a matter of months. After that, you can pay yourself the money you're saving.
It may be your only source of income.

7. Living next to a small airport or a train route can be a good thing.This is Malachi with his "CHOO CHoo Train"

8. Find a good bulk source for the following items: Spray n' Wash, vacuum bags, oatmeal, dish soap, milk, socks, toilet paper, fruit, cheese, toothbrushes, steri strips, and fat boy ice cream bars (arguably one of the main reasons we moved back to Cache Valley)

9. Laugh at yourself. Everyone else does.

Why we like BOYS :-)

And this is how Joseph looks when someone else gets to hold the baby. . . . .

Birth FAQ

So--we've been getting some extra questions with this last birthing adventure. I'm sure not all of you are as curious as some of you--but just in case you are--here are a few of my lastest Q & A's

Q: Why was Aaron out of town when you were so close to your due date?
A: I was counting on this baby coming AFTER his due date--like his four brothers who arrived the following number of days late: 8, 4.11.and 7. See? I just figured there was some sort of precedent that would be followed.. . . . . . . .oops :-)

Q: Why would you have a baby at home? In the bathtub?
A: This birth was the most peaceful thing I have ever experienced. Yes, I was alone (aside from my sleeping sons) going through some pretty intense labor (and I use that word because it IS work) but I was calm, unafraid, and everything was just so tranquil. There's nothing like privacy during such a special time in life. Honestly, this was the best birth ever--even without the presence of my favorite husband. I am very glad that I had a midwife there to unwrap Elias's cord--that would have been a little tricky, but I didn't need her there until the end, so it was fine that she arrived when she did.

Q:Elias? Really?
A: Yes. And I don't name your babies, so let me name mine. This name was set from 2 months on. That's his name, I'm sure of it.

AND THE ULTIMATE QUESTION:
Q: So are you gonna' keep trying for a girl?
A: Nah, we like boys. I hope the next one is a boy. Really.

More Pictures (for Laura)

My super photographer cousin Rebecca took some pictures over the weekend. I don't have photography skills worth discussing--so I was so excited she was interested in snapping away. So Laura, these are for you (and a few other people). We'll probably have more after we bless Elias next weekend.

He's HERE!!!!

Announcing the arrival of Elias Malouf Beutler--our favorite Fifth Son. Just to mix things up a bit, he arrived EARLY--three days before his due date--and after only four hours of labor. That was enough time to get him here safely, but not the midwife, father, or midwife trainee. My midwife friend from down the street came--she got here a whopping twenty minutes before Elias. While the boys slept peacefully in their bedrooms, their brother arrived at 6:00 a.m. He was born in the water, and Aaron participated via speaker phone. Aaron said he prefers to be there in person, but he was still six hours away so there wasn't much chance of making it. We are thrilled to have Elias here--and maybe we'll share more of the story later!!!

Eight pounds 3 1/2 ounces ** 21 1/4 inches long*** Feet--Aaron**Malouf nose (I think)

Hands--Grandpa Jim***Eyes: Blue*** Hair: Black (and the most of all our boys)

Mother's appetite (big) and sleeping quantity (not quite so big, unfortunately)
Who does he look like? Himself of course! We are so happy to have him here.

Blanket Love

Blankets are the best. I have worked diligently to teach all of my boys to become severely attached to one. By severely, I mean, bring it to breakfast, every trip in the car, movies on the couch, can't-sleep-without-it attached. So far, I have succeeded.

It's really quite simple. First, choose a blanket you like. You will be looking at it for a very, very long time. Second, take it everywhere. Use it every time you nurse, rock your baby to sleep, comfort him when he cries, etc.etc etc.

That's it. Your baby is now attached.

Now the fun part begins. For the next six to ten years, you get to participate in a blanket hunt EVERY night. It's never folded up neatly on their bed. That is the place for non-attached blankets to live. Your child's blanket is either under the kitchen table, inside the toy cupboard, in the car next to their carseat, on the front porch where they left it after playing with the kittens, under your desk (recently used as a fort) or sequestered in your locker--in time out after being used as a whip. It may also be in the bathroom, on the couch, in the play room, or in Daddy's shop. If you can't find it any of these places, pray. So far in my decade of experience, the prayer of a child for his blankie never goes unanswered.

You ask why? Why I intentionally attach my children to an object?? A THING that is non-living and has no nerve endings? Well, really do you have to ask? Bedtime is much easier when they go to sleep snuggling with a piece of fabric after I give them their hug and kiss. Babysitters appreciate having something to comfort them with--since they can never smell quite like mom. Daddy can wrap them up with their blanket and walk out on the deck at night to look at the stars. And their blanket always wants to be hugged--never gets tired of being dragged around, stuffed in corners, and loved practically to death.

And there is the downfall. Blankies can die. Malachi has worked hard loving his blanket for the last two years--and it almost died. This week, we had to admit it to the critical care unit. I realized that the frayed corners and holes were no longer a matter to be ignored during the last primary meeting at my house. Mac came charging into the room, the backing of his blanket over his head like a hood, the rest streaming behind, "Supah man!! Supah Man!!" His entire head was encased inside the blanket, which was so threadbare it threatened to rip entirely apart. Something had to be done.

So I spent two days fixing his blanket--I ripped off the sides, ties, and back. I cut down all the edges along the top, eliminating most of the carpet burn. I ironed new triangles to go around the outside--he loves to chew on them. It is done--it looks wonderful. It is soft, mended, and new.

And at night, I find him tucked into bed, his "new" blanket over him to keep him warm. And there, held in his arms, tucked up against his face is a scrap from his "old" blanket. Threadbare, holey, and yet--still loved. Can't win 'em all!

Boy Quotes--Next Installment

Just in case you haven't had enough to laugh at lately--here is our latest installment of the things said around here worth repeating.

Aunt Mary: So Samuel, have you got a Valentine for your girlfriend?
Samuel: I don't have a girlfriend.
Aunt Mary: Oh, I see.
Samuel: I dumped her!
Aunt Mary: How do you know what dumping is? Did she cry when you dumped her?
Samuel: No. She doesn't even know dat I dumped her.
Aunt Mary: Well, you'd better wait to tell her until after Valentine's Day. She'll be expecting some flowers.
Samuel: I never told her she was my girlfriend!


Joseph: What is this?

Mom (brightly): It's called Dutch Oven Veggies!
Joseph: How come you put cabbage in it?

Mom: Well, I wanted to use it up.

Joseph:(after a pause) Mom, I'm just wondering. How come you keep buying cabbage and then you keep putting it in stuff so you can use it up? You could just stop buying the cabbage, you know.

Mom: Wow, just look at this floor! How do you think it got so messy?
Sam: Well, that's because you keep feeding us crummy food. And then we get crumbs all over.


Gideon:Don't worry. I've done this before. (removing a hot pan from the oven and carrying it to the table)

Joseph: Sam, will you STOP MAKING ALL THAT NOISE.
Mom: I couldn't hear anything.
Joseph: Well, I've been cleaning my ears out really well lately so I can hear all the noise that he is making.

Joseph: We come in peace. We brought you dinner.
Gideon: Oh! Dinner!

Gideon: I just passed gas again! (joyfully)
I LOVE gas!!!
It's so STINKY!!!!! (even more joyfully)


Mom: Gideon, what do the scriptures say will happen to the wicked?
Gideon: They will have eternal determination.

Mom: Wow, you boys are sure looking handsome!

Joseph: That's because we're boys.

Samuel: Mom, I've been thinking about collecting gum that's not already been chewed.

Joseph:Mom, are these corn dogs free ranged?

The LAST HOORAH!!!

Oh Beautiful COLOMBIA!!! Near the end of January, Aaron and I went to visit my favorite parents before they decided to come home from their mission. It was WONDERFUL. Colombia is 70 degrees (F) year-round and everything was in bloom and beautiful. It was so fun to see my parents (who I have missed dearly) and what they were up to on their mission. We enjoyed meeting many people, visiting medical clinics, and spending time with the BEST company--missionaries! It was a wonderful vacation, and we figure it was our last getaway for a while.

After we visited my parent's apartment in Bogota for a couple days (giving my feet time to come down in size), we did a little traveling to some smaller towns/cities around. This one was dubbed "OnionVille" by my dad (and yes, I can't remember the real name). They grew onions. And more onions. And in the town square was a giant statue of-----onions! They also had a fun nativity up on display as part of the miniature town display.
We stayed at the most incredible hotel--a converted hacienda in the country. Not only was it beautiful, scenic, peaceful, and quaint, Aaron watched a cow give birth during our breakfast at the in house restaurant. We felt right at home. It also housed the biggest eucalyptus tree we have ever seen (or probably will ever see).
Aaron was intrigued by the lobby decorations. In fact, he was SO intrigued he took about 15 photos. I must say, Don Quixote is very charming in weld.

We were thinking we could have the boys save all of the junk metal they find for a few years and then make our own welded knight . . . . . .
In case you were wondering what I miss MOST about my mother----it's her COOKING!!! Here we have whole grain waffles with plantain, cactus, and another fruit I cannot remember on top--complete with green syrup. It was delicious. I have never seen so many different slimy fruits in my life. They were delectable!
We hiked "mount Everest" (named by the mission president's wife) the first weekend. She was so impressed that I was hiking it six months pregnant. I did have to stop every 10 minutes to catch my breath--but I'm blaming it on altitude sickness. :-) The pace was so slow for Aaron that his hands were freezing!!! It was a beautiful hike, though. We could see all over the valley when we got to the top. Notice how slim my papa is getting--it would appear that we have been exchanging pounds in his absence.
Well--there you have it folks!!! Thought I'd better share the photos before they were completely outdated. That, and it makes me feel so much SMALLER to share photos from two months ago. Don't I look fabulous at eight months pregnant? Maybe I'll post a recent photo later. But maybe not.

The Family Anomaly

It is I. I am the family anomaly. So far, of the reproducing children of my parents, I break the mold. Two girls and a boy, two girls and two boys, two girls and a boy, two girls, and then there is me. FIVE BOYS. Yep, it's true, another male Beutler will be joining us soon. I'm not sure if this is destiny, or just a very, very odd coincidence. Apparently, we are very good at boys--that is, conceiving them. I'm not sure about the raising them part. Maybe that is why we keep getting them!! But we are rare, I'll have you know. According to my online research, the chances of a couple who has five children to have five boys is 6%. I think that must make us special. If that doesn't, just think of all the noise at our house--that makes us special!!! I love my boys, all of them and we are very excited to welcome another one--although Gideon and Joseph did express severe disappointment over not having a girl to dress up as the princess for when they play knights. I'm kind of thinking if we want a girl--we should adopt one. And WHO in their right mind would allow it???

Updated Resume

So, today I was just thinking about my resume--my very impressive resume that I edited forever in college. I pride myself on my resume editing skills, you know. And I decided that my resume is seriously out of date. I thought of a few extra skills I should be adding--anyone else relate?? For instance:

• Proficient in book mending--many types from board books to pop-up varieties
• Expert bum and nose wiper (not in that order--that would be unsanitary of course)
• Fluent in English, baby cries, and speech hindered by impediments or half-chewed food
  
• Extensive training in nursing (breastfeeding) such that I can do any of the following activities at the same time: eat, read, play piano, wash dishes, talk on the phone, answer the door, and use the bathroom (this one not by choice).
  
• Ability to juggle phone calls, unloading dishwasher, homework, and piano practicing
• Puppet skills perfected beyond measure--including primary sharing time and multiplication tables, complete with puppet choreography
• Professional Steri-strip applier, including disinfectant and tear-free removal
• Laundry Speed: 5 Loads a day
• Diaper Changing Speed: 1 minute 10 seconds (time does not include hand washing which DOES occur)
• Capacity to Love: immeasurable
  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Yeah, I never get to blogging over the holidays. I have plenty of time to check all of your blogs (you special super organized people) but mine just sits until well after the New Year begins. But Happy New Year to you!!! We did set some goals, wanna hear? I thought so!!! These are the things we are most excited about this year:

10. We're going to get a concrete driveway this year. We are. We are (this one I'm still skeptically hoping for)

9. Aaron is going to organize his "shop" so that he doesn't take over the entire basement with his "hud."

8. Joseph is turning 10, Gideon 8, Malachi 3, and Samuel 7--ALL this year!

7. Aaron and I are going to go on a week-long trip without our children (thanks Carol--this one's ON the CALENDAR)

6. I'm going to get through my pile of mending completely at least once.

5. That half finished log cabin in the yard will actually be distinguishable as something by the end of the year. Perhaps even a barn.

4. My parents will come home before our fifth child is born.

3. My little sister will graduate from college (I know this one's out of my control, but hey, Mags, we're rootin' for ya'!)

2. I will lose at least 20--hopefully 40 pounds this year!!

1. We're going to have a baby in April. NOT July!! This should help a little with the weight loss :-)

Happy New Year to all of You. Don't you LOVE our super ambitious goals??? Thought so. We had a great Christmas--saw some of you, heard from others--thought of the other others!!! Someday I'll send a Christmas card. Not this year, though. It didn't make the list.