Its official!

For those of you I haven't told already, or haven't read my status on Facebook, I am officially going to be staying home during the day with Becca and working 2nd shift permanently!

I am so beyond excited about this! I've always wanted to be at home with Becca, in fact, my biggest goal was to be a stay at home mom when I grew up. But in this economy, and in our situation, that its not realistic for us to live on one income. However, by working 2nd shift, I can at least be home most of the day with her! Its just that the opportunity just hadn't been there for me to move to 2nd shift until now. God's hand is in this, I know. And we are very thankful!

So Becca will no longer be attending daycare, and spending all her time with Tim and I. The biggest drawback is that Tim and I will only be seeing each other for about 10 minutes a day. However, I believe that we will completely appreciate our time on the weekends more! We both agreed that there were just so many more benefits than drawbacks, so we're going with it.

Part of my excitement is that I really want to be "schooling" Becca while we're home also. Her most recent conference 3 weeks ago, indicated that she's above average in every category they have for her. And we don't want to lose ground. So her teachers have provided me with her testing scores and pages, as well as some resources to use at home with her. Of course, its also very handy to have a sister that is a Kindergarten teacher...and knows what Becca needs before she goes off to school in 2 years! In fact, Wendy and I will be making a trip to University Book & Supply to look at teacher supplies on Saturday. I've already picked up some things, and in my head...I'm thinking how I can reorganize the diningroom to become our class room!

Anyway. Just sharing our exciting news! It will take a couple weeks I'm sure, to work out the kinks of homelife with only one parent at home in the evenings, but we will make this work!

CHEESE!

Becca had her 3 yr old pictures taken today! Just one more thing she rocks at! She did really well and we got some great shots.
I narrowed it down from 42 to 2. That was tough, but when on a budget, you have no choice!

Our scanner is broken, so I can't even share them online right now. But I will send them out to family and friends out of town, and the rest of you will get them when I see you! I always have leftovers...so no worries!

Music to my ears...and God's!

This morning, Becca found some stickers in her stash, and put one on her shirt. This is how our conversation went...
M : Becca, I like your sticker! Do you know what it says?
B : No...what does it say?
M : Its says " Child of God "
B : What does that mean, Momma?

This is where I hesitated, because I had not prepared a response..so Becca jumped right back in and said...

B : That means Becca Loves Jesus! Right Momma?

And me with the biggest smile said..
M : Absolutely. Thats exactly what it means!

Crossing our fingers!

Becca and I made her trip to Iowa City yesterday for her quarterly check up. At the request of the Dr, Becca stopped taking her thyroid meds about 8 weeks ago, to try to trial off and re-check her TSH levels again. So after just a short check up and a dramatic blood draw( it was the holding still part, not the needle part that upset her..thanks to numbing cream) we have to wait until next week for results. Dr Osterhaus says she is willing to see some higher than normal readings (between 5-7)from Becca's TSH, and let her ride those out for 3-4 months to see if her body can self regulate. If it doesn't then we'll go back on meds. If shes higher than a 7 right now after 8wks of no meds, they will probably put her right on meds starting next week. But she's confident that because Becca has been boarderline since birth, that she's outgrown it. So prayers are welcome!


After the Dr visit, we met Grandma Kathy at the Coral Ridge Mall.
Good to catch up with Kathy. Good for the Becca and Gma Kathy to have time together too. Its very obvious that the love each other very much and love to have a great time! That was fun to do lunch, shopping playing in the kids area and ice cream before heading home for a short bonfire at Wendy's. It was really too windy for the fire, but we only made it big enough to make one s'more and then called it a night. It was just nice to relax and enjoy the weather. Beautiful day yesterday!

Speaking of lunch, ice cream and s'mores...I probably sabotaged my efforts to loose weight. Ha! Once again, participating in a weight loss challenge at work. This time we have 18 people participating and $180 to the biggest loser at the end of 8 weeks! Last week alone, I lost 9 lbs. Wowy. I ate half of my burger for lunch at Bennigans, shared a couple of bites of LITE chocolate ice cream with Becca, and did have 1 s'more at the bonfire. Today...I'm back on track! I've got to keep up with my will power. I've decided that if I'm by myself or able to make a smarter choice for just me, I will not cheat myself. However, if I'm with my family I can still participate, by just watching my portion, or sharing Beccas! lol. I just can't deny myself something. Thats how I fail! Now that weather is nicer, we're outside more, doing more yard work and able to take better walks. I love it!

Loving 2nd Shift!

So I think I had mentioned that this week and next I am working 2pm-10pm until they have a permanent seating ready at the new office building. Well, we're almost through the first week and honestly, I'm loving it!

Becca and I have had a blast in the mornings, running errands, getting groceries, going to appointments, eating lunch together!
Today, we went to Messy Mornings at the Hearst Center! For $5, Becca did about 5 art projects, did music time, read a book outside and went on a nature walk through the gardens. All in an hour and a half! It was great! Cheap entertainment, and we could leave the mess behind!

It was so beautiful today, that when we got home, we enjoyed a picnic in the front yard! And of all things, I ate a small plate of spaghetti, and Becca had macncheese, hotdogs and green beans! Not normal picnic fare...but now they are! It was perfect!

She's spending the night at my parents tonight. Becca had suggested a " night over " last week, but it worked better for everyone to do it this week.

I came home from work at 10, and pulled into the drive way to find a brand new table and chairs set on the deck! My husband super surprised me! He's amazing!

Well, as I've said, I've really enjoyed being home during the morning hours with Becca. Not to mention the savings in Daycare. However, I do miss seeing Tim more than just 10 minutes a day. (He's fast asleep by the time I get home). But gosh, the thought of no daycare cost and being able to feel like I'm kinda sorta a " stay at home mom"....I would seriously consider any offer to stay 2nd shift permanently.

This last week was a busy one for us! And the next two weeks will be different for everyone for sure!
I took a day off this week to get the house in order. I love to do that every couple of months or so. My house is mostly clean at all times, its just cluttered. I love to take the day off with no one around so that I can get it all done without interruptions and with my music up loud!

Tuesday evening I had a group of girls over for a Celebrating Home Party. My friend Neoshon from work, is a designer, and I offered to have a party for her. Turned out pretty well! Plus I got a lot of product for not so much money! Yay me!

Wednesday night I went out for dinner and drinks with my sister and our friend Jennifer. It was a much needed 2 hours out that we all needed to talk, laugh and cry. Yes, I know for my sister and I we did all 3!

Tim put the seesaw together for the swingset! Becca loves it! I think she enjoys that more than the swing itself! She was all smiles, and so happy to use it! Then, out of the blue, she looked up towards the sky and said, " Maaaaagie, look at me! Look what I'm doing, Maggie! "
*GASP* It brought tears to my eyes and a smile to Tim's face as we knew she still has our golden, Maggie in her heart, and that she wanted Maggie to see how much fun she was having! Precious.

My office is finally moving to the newly built Grainger office. Can't wait. My boss has seen the new building, that we don't get to see until we show up to work on Monday. She described it like, leaving the Super 8 and moving into the Hilton! Can't wait to see it!
My dept asked for voluntary shift changes for the next 2 weeks because some of us will still be in temporary seating until all the new desks are delivered. So, I will be working 2pm-10pm and Tim will be going in an hour early and getting off at 1-ish.
I'm actually looking forward to it. Time with Becca in the morning hours, to do our errand running, park hopping and lunch. It will take some getting used to, and Tim and I won't see each other much, but I think for 2 weeks we'll make it work and save $200 this month in Daycare!

Hippity Hoppity!

We had a fantastic Easter! I really enjoyed being able to "teach" Becca a little more this year. She's so full of questions and is very curious about anything we try to talk to her about. So it was perfect for me to be able to talk more about Jesus and how much he loves us, and that we are very thankful that he went to Heaven, so that we can too some day.

Saturday night the Easter Bunny snuck in while we were doing laundry! Silly bunny left a dozen or so eggs. Some with Little Debbie fruit snacks, some gold fish crakers with m&m's, and some money! $3.51 worth all in change! Those were her favorite!
That easter bunny knew we were leaving early in the morning, so we had better get the huntin' over with! However, he did come back to leave an easter basket for her to find when she woke up Sunday morning!

Becca was thrilled to find an Etch-a-Sketch, Octopus Mug, Cindarella ice pack, chocolate bunny, a ring toss game, Sticker charts and her very first pair of scissors!

We enjoyed our sermon at church as usual. There was some very powerful worship that was very moving for me. I often get emotional durring worship. Its my favorite part. We had breakfast of muffins and fresh fruit at my mom and dads, then brought Becca home to have a nap, while Tim and I started to put her new swingset together! The frame is complete, now just adding the swingns, see saw, and slide! We spent the evening at Tim's dad's house, and enjoyed a wonderful Ham dinner, and french silk pie for dessert. Grandpa Steve, Grandma Paula and Becca enjoyed playing egg hunt over and over and over in the house all afternoon! It was a fun time!

Thank you God for all the blessings and gifts that you provide today, everyday and those still to come!

Daddy / Daughter Day!

Thursday, came and went without an art project. I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to do a project every night this week, like I had hoped. But, tere were things that I needed to do (specifically, go shopping for Becca's Easter outfit!). But this week, was a great one! We had a blast doing our projects! I do however, hope I can find more time in my schedule to do more projects like these.

So, I did find a new outfit for Becca. She will be a beautiful, with a touch punk. In our eyes, that describes her perfectly! I'll take pictures and share them for sure.

Friday, I had to work, however, Tim and Becca had the day to spend together.
Daddy / Daughter Day is always a treat for both of them! Tim had it all planned out.
They started their morning just being lazy in their pajammies, then decided mid morning to head to the Mall.

They found the Easter Bunny, but Becca decided to just wave from a distance. I don't blame her! They shared an Icee (her new favorite treat), watched the carousel (again, opted to watch rather than participate) and played at the playground there in the mall.

After the mall, they decided to head to Daddy's work. She loves to see our workplaces! Tim took her to visist some of his friends that were working, and even made her, her very own Security Badge! Pictures, Name and title! She's one lucky girl. She wore it on her coat all day long Tim said. Too funny.

From work, they decided to go to the Pet Store to look at all the animals. Fish, puppies, bunnies, lizards, birds and rats. Ew on the last one. Becca was sure to tell me there were no kitty cats. But she loved to see them all!

They ended their adventure with lunch at McDonalds, and a long nap together.
I came home and found them snuggled up snoozing the afternoon away. Adorable.
I love that Tim is such a good daddy. He absolutely adores Becca and is completely in love with her. Of course I would expect nothing less, but to see it in action is priceless.

Recipe for faith..oh yeah, and 5 minute Chocolate Cake

I have to admit, this weeks nightly projects are kinda exhausting. Well, not the actual making of...but rather, the last minute planning of them. Thats all on me. My fault. I know next year, to do it differently!

Last week, a friend of mine, forwarded me a email, with recipe for The Worlds Most Dangerous Cake, that you can make in 5 minutes. Well, I decide at the last minute (because i didn't have anything else planned and ready) to use this idea, and change it up a bit. This is now our 5 Minute Faith Cake..

Here's the ingredients & measurements

4 TBLS Flour
4 TBLS Sugar
2 TBLS Cocoa Powder
1 Egg
3 TBLS Milk
3 TBLS oil (we used applesauce for less fat & calories)
3 TBLS Choc Chips (or any broken candy bar)
Splash of Vanilla Extract

*Mix all your dry ingredients, including the choc chips, in a large coffee mug.
*Add in Egg, Milk, and oil/applesauce, and vanilla. Mix
*Microwave for 3 min in a 1000watt unit.

*We used a soup mug, but a regular mug will do fine...it might rise out of the mug while cooking, but will deflate a bit as it cools.

*Serve!

So as we were mixing the ingredients one by one, I borrowed a point made in a sermon several months ago at church. In fact, at the end of the sermon, they provided Choc Chip cookies with little cards on them, that would could use to give strangers, friends, anyone that needed a lift or some extra attention.

I asked Becca as she dumped and mixed the ingredients if she thought the flour tasted good by itself...she said no.
I asked her the same about the vanilla, the cocoa powder, the sugar, etc.
So I said..but you know what? We like chocolate cake! That means we have to TRUST that we will like the finished product. That when everything is all mixed together and baked, that we will love what it is when its finished. That means we have FAITH in something that we don't know what it will be!
Her answer was " yep! " ...now , whether she understood what I said, is another story.
So there you have it, our 5 Minute Faith Cake!

Life lessons with paint, glitter and contact paper

Tonight's Easter lesson was the Cross. Knowing I had to have an answer, when she asked me what a cross was, my explanation was ... Here's how it went...

M: Becca Boo, lets do an art project with a cross!
B: Hey momma, its an octagon!
M: No, its a cross
B: Why a cross?
M: The cross is where Jesus was when he went to Heaven.
and just like I thought she would ask....
B: Why, Momma?
M: Because God wanted us to know he loves us so much, that he wanted his son, Jesus, to be on the cross when he went to Heaven. Now we can be happy, knowing we can go to Heaven to see Jesus some day also!"

End of conversation...That did it. It answered her curiosity. It was enough for her. It was enough for my curious 3year old. Mission accomplished! Whew...two life lessons down!

This was how I presented all the options to decorate with!


Artist in action

Becca's Cross sun-catcher consists of clear contact paper & scrapbooking leftovers. Ribbons, sequins, glitter, buttons, paint, foil flowers and butterflies. I drew with black crayon, the outline of a Cross. Peeled the paper backing off, and taped the contact sheet sticky side up to the table. She decorated as she wished. When finished I peeled backing off a 2nd sheet of contact paper, and layed it on top of the decorated piece, sticky side down. So now they are sandwiched together. Now I cut out the Cross shape, punched a hole, tied a ribbon to it, and hung it in our window! Beautimus!

The start of our Easter Activities...

So each night this week, I want to have an activity for Becca to do. I should have started to plan this before this cold Monday night, but I didn't. So any ideas or suggestions, I would gladly take!

Tonight, we enjoyed our annual painting of the egg! After Becca turned 1, I gave her a wooden egg and some craft paint and let her be creative. Well, as creative as a one year old could be anyway. Now each year, she paints another. Tonight, we did her 3 year old egg. I can't wait until one day when she is out of the house, that I can look back at a huge jar of beautifully painted eggs, made by my beautiful Becca, each marked with the year and her age. Here is tonight's masterpiece.


Before the creativity


Little hands at work


Finished product

So I wasn't at work but minutes this morning and asked my dear friend (i think we may have been twins in a previous life) Donna some advise on explaining Easter to a 3 year old. I admire and look up to Donna sooo much, as a Christian sister, as a mentor, and a best friend. We decided that at 3, Becca's too young to understand the details of Easter, but that its best to teach her that God wants us to celebrate Christ's life because he did soo much and loved us all so much. Trying to keep it simple for a couple more years. But I want Easter to be so much more than just an easter basket of meaningless gifts and a man in a costume at the mall. (which by the way, I think we are going to pass on...the thought of big costumes like that kinda freak me out!)

Thunder...snow....and its April 5th!

Seriously. I think snow is so overrated, especially when its April!
Its noon, and I think we've already received an inch or more. My aunt and uncle in Finchford/Janesville area have close to 3 inches just this morning. Not so cool.

We were planning on going out to Steve's for his birthday, with a French Silk pie in hand. But I'm just not so sure. It was sleeting before the snow came, so hard telling whats underneath it all.

Cody called a little while ago from Missouri. He and his mom were driving around town, getting acquainted with where everything is. We've determined that he will need to transfer his prescriptions to Walmart, since there isn't a Walgreens within 30 miles. Nothing to big. He's checking into admissions this afternoon and will get final living arangments. I can't believe they wait until the very last day before class starts to tell them where they will be living!

I'm in the mood to do some more spring cleaning and organizing. But this new snowfall is not very motivating. I also want to make some fun spring crafts with Becca. I found an awesome site throuh a friends blog... its called The Crafty Crow! There are great ideas for all ages and skill levels! Can't wait to try some of them out!

I hope to get back into my photoblog this week. The last two weeks I haven't really participated in any of the challenges that I like. But that is my goal this week! In fact, I need to post today, for Monochromatic Monday....Better get the camera charged!