Recap of non flood related news!

Whew! I think the worst is over for Waterloo/Cedar Falls as far as the flooding is concerned. There is still a lot of clean up and exhausting work to come for everybody affected. In fact, the water is still above the previous record height set in 93'! But at least its starting to go down. Our thoughts and prayers for everyone in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Des Moines who are now fighting the floods. Its amazing to think of how the waters have divided cities and routes to get around. Waterloo only had 1 of the 6 bridges open. Cedar falls had all 3 major bridges downtown closed, as well as the stretch from Green hill to 1st street on hwy 218, and hwy 58 from Lonetree rd south to Greenhill rd. I heard yesterday that to get from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City, it would take a 4 hour round trip on back roads and backtracking. That drive is usually less than 20 minutes. Crazy.

Well, Besides the floods disrupting our schedules this week...

I ended up getting an emergency root canal on Monday AND Tuesday. Last weekend I fought toothache that just continued to get worse. Dentist was able to get me in right away on Monday morning to give me some relief, but didn't have enough time to give me the complete root canal, so I went back on Tuesday to finish! That was not the most pleasant experience I've had. And for some reason novacain just doesn't work on me like most others. I ended up with 4 shots of novacain, and some topical anesthetic up inside my canal as they worked. The Dentist was even amazed...and then understood my fear of the Dentist, because my previous dentist thought I was an over-reactive and dramatic girl...rather than believing my pain level. Tuesday was more of the same, 3 shots of novacain got me through.

Wednesday was just a very unfocused day, with all the continuous coverage of the flooding. 29 of my coworkers were in some way affected. The worst...2 of them had water up to the roof line. The rest either were evacuated because of location, or had standing water in their basements. But it is amazing to see how Grainger pulls together to help its employees. They have brought in cleanup supplies from rubber gloves, to garbage bags to disenfectant, mops, buckets, rubber boots, waders, shovels, rakes, first aid kits and temporary housing for those displaced! Its good to know that your employer stands behind you and will help you get back on your feet.

Thursday was nerve racking for me. The morning was fine, but then systems went down at work, and because of that, we all left for an hour. On the way back to the office, I stopped at the bank, and someone backed into me. Great. Another accident to report into my insurance. Last year at this time, I was rear-ended. Grrrrr...At least non of them have been my fault. But the whole inconvenience of the situation, having body work done (my front bumper has a 4 " crack across the top of it). And having to deal with the other ladies insurance. Just annoying. I am thankful however, that it wasn't a deal where anyone was hurt, not huge problems. Just annoying ones. ahhh!

We had plans to go see Cody this weekend for his birthday and celebrate fathers day with him, but because of the flooding in waterloo and the threat to Deeres, as well as our house (because they purposly flooded liberty park now 4 blocks from our house) we were affraid to leave. We called Cody and were able to explain to him what was going on, and he was very understanding. We will try to make it down in another couple of weeks.

Well, I pray this next week is closer to normal. Or as close as we can get to normal.

We Built this City.....

I've had that dang song stuck in my head all last night and this morning, from watching tv reports of sandbaggers saving our city! Soo many thanks go out to all those that were able to put forth effort to protect our downtowns!

I do have more pics! Imagine that! These were actually forwarded to me from a friend here at work. This is the John Deere SPO (Service Parts) building on Westfield ave. This is about 3 blocks from where Tim's office is. Water is now closer to his office, but these pics were taken yesterday morning, after the water came up there. Rumor has it that water is inside the foundry and the SPO buildings.











You would think that I would have more info, since Tim is the Assistant Security Project Manager...but being he didn't even make it home until 320 this morning, I haven't even talked to him about the affect its had on the plants. I'm getting all my info from other coworkers who's families work there. Its like a game of Telephone!

Also, check out these photos. This is from the courier.

How about some Happy Posts?

Figured I needed to post something happy and cute. What better..than pics of Becca!


Becca trying out her first fishing pole from Daddy...and her first time in the boat ( in the driveway of course)


Becca's first try at corn on the cobb. So cute! And she loved it!


My friends call her a porcelin doll in this picture


Becca posed herself for this one. And the flower just happened to get in the shot. I'm so glad it did.

Flood Update

Ok, wow...I'm sure if your not in the area, you may have seen Cedar Falls on the national news this morning. Here is what I know from the latest KWWL Breaking News update about 15 minutes ago :

The Boathouse in Cedar Falls is completely underwater. I have a picture of the Boathouse taken today at at 7am. This was forwarded to me from a friend. KWWL is reporting that it may have been washed away? Not completely sure on that one. Ron Steele even sounded unsure about that one. But geesh! ***Since last post. Confirmed by kwwl that the boathouse is still there, but nearly covered. Just the ridge of the roof line is visable.***



The Ice House museum has water over the top of the door. Most definitely there will be water inside too.

Downtown Cedar Falls businesses and residents are being evacuated and will tow any remaining vehicles starting at 3pm between 1st and 6th streets.

Cedar Falls officials are expecting the water to flow over the top of the levy by a couple of inches.

Downtown Waterloo businesses and residents are being evacuated. There is only one bridge out of the downtown area. The rest have been closed because water is touching the bottoms of the bridges.

Reports that the levy at the Cattle Congress grounds broke, and the river has flooded the cattle congress grounds and is making it way down Westfield Ave.

All John Deere plants on Westfield Ave have been evacuated.

Ridgeway Ave between HWY 63 and Cedar Heights dr is closed. Black Hawk creek is now flowing over the road (2nd time this happened this year).

Washburn residents are being evacuated.

North Cedar has been evacuated.

With all the evacuations, traffic is at a standstill on Hwy 20 and Hwy 218.

Here is a picture of the Hwy 218 and 58 interchange just before George Wyth.


***Since last post. Cedar Falls is now in the process of a mandatory evacuation from the river on the east to Franklin Street, and from the river (1st street) to 9th street. My Dad works at the Western Home in Maintenance, and they are moving all the elderly in the Martin Building to another facility, because the water is up to the building now. Lets hope that those employees don't have to leave on a boat if they take much longer to move those residents. Or move the residents on boats for that matter!***

Ok, so that is the most important news. Not to mention or to lessen the severity of all the individual homes that are experiencing water in their basements because sewers are backing up. Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone.

The floods follow

The Cedar Valley can't get a break! First Tornados, now floods. Many that were left without homes in the New Hartford and Dunkerton areas are now getting flooded as well. They can't catch a break. Record rainfall from Mason City / Charles City area has flooded us down stream, and we've had our own high rainfall in the last week as well. Our ground is so saturated, there is just now where for it to go. I've posted a couple of the shots that I took tonight after work in Downtown Cedar Falls.


Standing at the Main street bridge looking toward 1st street bridge that goes to hwy 218 / Waterloo. Parkade would be to my left.


This is a close up of the trusses on the bottom of the Main street bridge. Litterally 4-5 more foot and it would hit the bottom of the bridge.


Standing on top of the levy behind where the BroomFactory once stood, looking towards the franklin street bridge going to Island Park. The Ice House has sandbags about 6 high around the back side of it. The grassy are behind it is completely covered.


Looking at the 1st street bridge again going towards Waterloo. Water is touching the bottom of the bridge in places, and 3-5 ft at others.


Standing behind the Broom Factory property, looking at the Main Street Bridge. Notice the man standing on the bridge to the far right. Gives you a perspective of the 5' clearance before the water hits the bottom side of the bridge.


The Railroad Bridge behind the Broom Factory property again. You can see here that the water IS touching the bottom of the tracks. They placed several coal filled boxcars on the tracks from one end of the bridge to the other, to help give the bridge weight, in hopes to keep it in place. Stay tuned to see if their efforts work!

Ring around the rosies........

Becca has learned a new song! She's learned the Mother Goose...Ring Around the Rosies song. Although...her version (pronunciation is not her deal) includes,
"Asses, Asses..DOWN!"

It really is quiet cute to hear her say the wrong words. Course, she doesn't sing the whole song...but only the "ashes, ashes" part..of which she says incorrectly. Figures. Then she will say, " Daddy...more asses ", so he will start singing again.
We got it on video last night. If we can figure out the new video camera and how to upload to the blog, I will post it as well.

Just another instance of the embarrasment of toddlers mispronouncing a word! We're getting quite a list lately!

Short Week

Sharing a couple of photos from the last couple of weeks.

Just a shot to show one of the many barrettes I've started to make for Becca. I have a huge selection already for her. Name a color..she's got it. One of the girls at work liked them so much, she bought a bunch from me for her own daughter...hmmmmm...one more hobby to add to my list.


Becca's very first Dairy Queen treat that was her very own! This was a beautiful day and she was so good all day long, like most days of course, but Tim was just in the mood to spoil her like crazy. She's got him so wrapped around her little finger! Its adorable.


Gaga Steve got out the John Deere tractor for Becca! She's not quite tall enough to use the peddles yet, but she still loved it!

Becca has been doing extremely well with the potty training still. In fact, last night, we went to watch the fireworks for the start of My Waterloo Days, and she held it for about an hour and a half, the whole time telling us that she had to potty. We told her quietly, that this time, it was ok for her to go in her cindarella pull ups, because there wasn't a potty for us to use. (we were at a park without a restroom). But she was concerned about that. So, after a bit of her dancing around and my fear of her regressing if she did it just once...we sat her in the grass behind daddy's chair, and let her pee in the grass. That was an experience for her...I'm sure! Ha!

Tim was able to see Cody yesterday. Every couple of months, Clarinda sends the students from Black Hawk County, up here to meet with their case managers and family...to save the 4 hour trip for us. This was the first time they have brought him up. Tim was able to share the 2 hours with him, along with Carrie, his Grandma Connie and his girlfriend Steph. Cody was in good spirits and happy to see everyone. Tim and I will be going down to see him on Father's Day, June 15th, and to celebrate Cody's 17th bday. We're looking forward to that time together again.

Tim and I are in the beginning stages of planning a homecoming/graduation party for Cody when he returns home late summer early fall. He will be coming home with his GED in hand, so he will not be returning to CF for his senior year! Quite a big deal to graduate early, even with all the school he missed this last year. We are proud of him for that, and don't want him to miss out on the clebrating of such an accomplishment! More dates, details and invites to come!

The Aftermath

Wow. The destruction these tornado's left is incredibly scarey. Check out these ">photos.
My Supervisor's parents house was leveled and have lost most of everything. Also, our Center Manager, here at work, also lost his home. My best friend Lori's dad and his wife live in Parkersburg also, and have heard that they are all safe and sound...no word yet on his house. My friend Gretchen has said that her brother's house got hit in Dunkerton as well. I'm sure everyone has some connection to this disaster. I know its easy to say, but most importantly is that their families are safe and unhurt. Please continue to keep all those affected in your thoughts and prayers!

Well, my Birthday weekend (besides the storms) was pretty uneventful at our house. Spent Saturday with my parents cooking out and eathing bday cake. Then we went to a graduation open house for Tim's cousin Zeb and his wife.
Sunday we spent the afternoon at Tim's dads. We spent a lot of time letting Becca run around their beautiful yard and playing on the swing set. She loved it! Until the storms hit of course. But we waited it out in the basement!
Yesterday was spent doing yard work, laundry and just plain relaxing!

Tornado Warnings

Hey. Just a quick note to everyone out there that may be checking in. Tornado's hit Parkersburg, Waterloo and Dunkerton this afternoon. We were in Denver this afternoon for supper with Tim's dad and Paula. We rode out the tornado warning in the basement, keeping an eye on the weather outside and the reports on tv. Denver had HUGE amounts of rain and HUGE hail..golfball size to gumball size. But thats all, wasn't even windy, but 3 miles down the road on HWY 63, the Tornado took the same path it did several years ago on Dunkerton rd. On the way home, we saw barns leveled, siding and shingles everywhere, HWY marker signs bent in half, street poles and street sings broken, trees split in half or twisted up. Pretty scarey that it was so close! Thank God for keeping us safe.
We got home to our house, and still have yet to see a drop of rain. Weird. It still thundering and lightening, but still no rain. I'm sure its on the rain though.
So...we're ok. Keep everyone in the storms paths in your thoughts and prayers. They are saying 2 confirmed deaths in Parkersburg and possibly one in New Hartford. I have friends in both small towns. Aerial shots from KWWL showing Parkersburg, shows 30-100 homes leveled.

Long Weekend At Last!

Just a quick note to wish everyone a happy memorial day! Have a great long weekend. Hoping the weather holds out for us!

We don't have big plans, other than a birthday cookout for me at mom and dads. And Tim is going to help dad set up and figure out his new laptop! This should be interesting. I have no doubt that dad will be ok, Mom on the other hand...ha! I love ya mom!

I think Becca and I might hit the library for story time tomorrow morning! Maybe even the farmers market if its dry out! I love little events like that. Big enough to seem like a fun day, but small enough that there isn't a huge crowd, no traveling, and free...incase you buy alot of course! I'm in the mood for Rhubarb. Don't know if this is the right time for it or not, but I have a reciepe from Aunt Linda that she gave me about 10 years ago that I still haven't used! I promise myself that I will do it this year!

A super Saturday

Wow! We had a great, fun filled, busy non-stop Saturday! The three of us woke up early and hit the road to pick up Wendy to go neighborhood garage sales! We didn't find anything tremendous...but some Dr Suess books, some fall cloths for Becca and a great red bookcase for Wendy. It was a fun morning and Wendy was Becca's best friend! Becca was an excellent shopper. We didn't have room for the stroller, in case we found something big (gee..like a bookcase...ha!)so she walked along with us through two neighborhoods! Actually no...she ran the entire time. We stopped for lunch on the way home and while Tim and Becca took naps, I just couldn't stand to be inside!

Because I had already planted the 4 plants we had to put in the ground still...I needed an excuse to be outside...So I went and bought more plants! Becca woke up as I came home so she helped and played while I dug the holes! She's pretty good about helping when asked!

Daddy came out to play when he woke up, and we played outside most of the rest of the afternoon. It was perfect weather. 72 and a beautiful breeze. After dinner, and 5 successful trips to the bathroom for Becca, we opted for Dairy Queen as a reward! We enjoyed eating it at the picnic table at home, rather than at the store.

We ended our day by getting the last bit of energy Becca had with a wrestling match between Daddy and Becca on the living room floor! That is always amusing! Somehow, Becca always wins! Before bedtime, she sat with me and we painted our toenails bright pink. Like blinding pink! She's so happy about that!

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

I don't know if I've mentioned before or not...the really funny ShoeBox Blog that I found. You know, the Shoebox that is a division of Hallmark! Well, they post funny renditions of top news stories, cartoons, as well as rejected cards. The rejected cards are my favorite. The girls in the office will attest to this, as I often giggle and share with them what I've just read. Well, today of course, they have rejected Mother's Day Cards. I've copied and pasted them below...enjoy!

Mom, if they celebrate Mother's Day a day later in Canada,
I want to take you across the border and do it again!

Also, we can get Grandma some cheap meds.
Start packin'!
------------------------------------------------------
I always knew you had it in you to be a mom.

By "it", I mean a uterus. Kind of critical for baby having.
------------------------------------------------------
Grandma, you can't be beat!

Everyone knows not to beat grandmas.
That should be obvious.
------------------------------------------------------
Always knew you'd make a great mom, sis...

Or, evil stepmother. You could probably swing that one too.
------------------------------------------------------
Complimentary waxing:
not a good Mother's Day gift.

Learned that one the hard way.
Happy Mother's Day
------------------------------------------------------
Whenever I see a dedicated mother bird feeding a hungry baby bird,
I think of you, Mom

You made great fried chicken.
------------------------------------------------------
Grandmas make lousy ninjas.

But other than that, they can do pretty much anything!

Make it 4 Days!!!!!

Ok, I know, I don't want this whole blog to be about Becca's potty training. But I'm a proud Mommy! Becca wore the same pull-up today, keeping it dry from 915 until 630 tonight! She has 5 successful trips to the toilet today! I'm so amazed by her!

Ok, onto other happenings of our day. We visited the Waterloo Public Library this morning for Family Story time! There was only one other Mommy and her 3 yr old daughter. We made quick friends with them! It was also their first story time trip! After the story, the librarian got out some crafts for us to do with them. We had a lot of fun. But I'm embarrassed to say that we didn't even exchange names! But we did say that we hoped to see each other there in the coming Saturday morning story times! Good fun and free entertainment!

We came home for lunch and nap...which for the 2nd weekend, turned out to be a 3 hour long snooze. We obviously needed it. I was surprised to find Becca dry, even after that long nap! We got ready and off to Kmart to stroll and then to Church. Becca spent time in the Kids Zone tonight. It helped that Aunt Wendy was working in her room.

There was a moment in church tonight, that Pastor Dan asked all the mom's in the group to stand, so that he could pray for them. I was honored to have been prayed for by so many. But at the same time, my heart broke. The memories of being childless, and wanting so bad to be in a different spot...to have a baby of our own, for God to bless me by making me a mom..and we couldn't. I started to cry during that prayer, and started saying my own, asking God to please comfort all the childless couples who long to be parents. That tomorrow will be a hard hurdle for them to get past. But to reassure them, that in His time, those couples will be blessed on many levels.

Please remember those woman tomorrow, that may be trying, or have lost little ones. Love on them and comfort them. I know, I've been there...and they will be thankful for it.

3 days in a row!

Becca seems to be getting this potty training thing down. 3 days in a row she has been successful with at least 1 trip to the toilet! We're extremely proud! She has told us several times as well, when she needs to go, but we have been quite fast enough. Tomorrow, I think we will try to stick around home, and set the timer and go to the bathroom every hour. We'll see how that goes.

Work this week was interesting. Alot of moving around in the office. So they moved me to a new location. Its always hard to hit my stride again when they move me around. You get comfortable in one spot, and everything is just kinda off for the first few days after a move. Grainger also announced last Friday that they have a finalized purchase agreement for a new building! They are breaking ground this month and hope to have the building completed by next spring. March or April is what we are hearing! Very cool. And luckily its not far from the current building. Just up the road at the new Ansborough interchange off San Marnan and across the street from VGM.

Tim is on his fishing tournament trip this weekend. So its just Becca and I. Tonight, Wendy & Xavier joined my Mom, Dad, Becca and I for supper at A&W, then Becca and I had to hit Walmart for a couple staples to get us through the weekend (chocolate and pull-ups!)Becca loves that the pull-ups have Cinderella on them. She says,
Momma...My Lala! (Lala is what she calles Cinderella)

Poop Party!

Ok, I know this may be a bit too much information for some..but hey, sharing updates, trials and tribulations as family is the exact reason I started this blog!

Becca went in the toilet for the first time! And to top it off...it was a goop!(pooped)

Yahoo!!!!! We've been attempting the big toilet for months. Admitedly, not whole heartedly or consistantly though. However, tonight, I saw that she was going to go hide to poop...and quick swept her up and put her on the toilet! She did it! She pooped in the toilet!

Daddy and I did quite the song and dance in celebration! He came running upstairs with treats in hand as a reward! We definitely need to keep m&m's on hand now! (oh dear....this will be an issue for me).

Join us in the celebration dance!

This weekend was full for us! Seems we hit both ends of the spectrum...from the 3 of us all taking a 3 hour nap on Saturday afternoon, to spending hours doing yard work today!

Becca and I started our morning on Saturday by eating our breakfast from McDonald's in the car, as we sat in the John Deere parking lot, and watched them blow up one of the smoke stacks from the old John Deere power plant downtown. We watched it tip over and go " timmmmmmberrrrrrr " as Becca said. As soon as Tim was done working security for the blast, the 3 of us hit the big Garage Sale event they had in Cedar Falls. People could rent out booths in the old Hy-vee, and for just a $1 for adults, you could hit all the booths! It was alright. Very busy. We did manage to pick up a couple play outfits for Becca to wear in the yard or at Daycare through out the summer. Stuff I'm not worried about her ruining! We also found a Doll house with little people and furniture. She's loving that! Its so fun to watch her have imaginative play time with that! Very cute.

Today, we hit Walmart early for some necessities and ended up with a couple "extras"...in the form of garden plants! Every year we are adding plants to and around the pond. We still haven't found the perfect combination. So while Becca slept today, we cleaned out the boat, and started moving some plants around in the yard. I enjoy that, and really do wish we had a bigger space for me to garden. Right now, all we have are tiny litte beds, either surrounded by concrete ( i hate it) or against the house. I would love to have island beds that I could play with. I need an acreage! In my dreams.

But it was a beautiful day to spend outside. Becca joined us once she woke up from her nap, and enjoyed riding her scooter and playing on the slide. But we noticed as soon as we headed back inside, that the poor thing had broken out on her legs just from that short time being outside. Darn eczema. Just a little bit of whatever it is (either sunshine or grass...we haven't figured it out yet) and she's red, splotchy and itchy all over her legs.

Phew...thankful thats over!

Today we had a scheduled home visit from Cody's p.o! He was to check the place out and feel out the situation, in hopes that when Cody comes home from Clarinda in August, that he lives with us. We are anxious about this. Good anxious...because we are excited for the opportunity to get to know each other better and hopefully provide a nourishing environment for him to "grow up" in. But there is also a bit of nervous anxious involved to...mainly for the exact same reasons just mentioned! Really though, I look forward to this next step. It will be a challenge, or perhaps..." a change " is better terminology to use. A Change, going from raising a two year old, that we know how to handle most times and are familiar with....to living with and being parents to a 17 year old that we are not so familiar with! But if it is God's will and we can be blessed with this opportunity...we will take it!

The visit went well. Todd (the p.o.) told us to expect some family dynamics interview questions, some discussion on what is to be expected, as well as seeing the living conditions Cody would be in along with making sure we have running water and electricity! HA....Well, he came in, sat down in the recliner, had a nice visit with us, did the interview questions, said, " well, I can tell you have electricity, because the lights and tv are on....So I'll just assume you have running water as well! " He didn't tour the house, didn't look around. Didn't even as much as peek around the corner to see what was here besides the living room! Ha...He left!

After all the prepping, decluttering, cleaning and cookie baking I've done to make it as home-y as possible...He didn't even leave the recliner! I made my bed for the first time in probably 4 years, and he didn't even leave the recliner!
We laughed about that, and I still laugh about it! We definitely take it as a compliment that he was very comfortable in our house, and could trust us by seeing only one room in our house, and by the answers we gave in our discussion, that Cody will do ok here. At least we hope! Shoot...maybe he didn't like the way I decorated and made his decision not to see the rest of the house based off that! Haha! Lets hope not!

Tim is NOT smarter than a 5th grader *wink*...

...We found this out on Saturday when we traveled to Clarinda to see Cody for the afternoon! We had a good time, lots of laughs, played some games (hence the reference to Tim not being smarter than a 5th grader) shared some fun stories and talked about future when he's done!

Cody looked great! We believe that he has matured since going 3 months ago. He's playing baseball and throwing disc on the track team. He was in good spirits, and jumped at the chance to gang up on Tim with me, when Tim wasn't up to his usual smart self answering his trivia questions!

We are waiting to hear from Clarinda on the status of Cody's home passes. Tim would really love for Cody to be able to go on the week long fishing trip that they started planning last fall. Thats coming up at the end of June, so we're hoping they will allow this alone time with his Dad, for an extended pass. I think it would do everyone some good, and hope his case manager agrees!

Anyway...we had a good time. It was hard to leave him there, but he is doing so well!
In fact, we received grades! He's getting all A's and B's, and is on track to leave in August with his GED! That means not going back to public schools once he comes home. He has plans to attend Hawkeye's welding program and holding down a job!
We're excited for him and can't wait for him to come home!

"She's Growing like Gangbusters!"

Thats what Dr Julie said today in Iowa City! Becca surprised us with the amount she has grown since last visit in November! She gained 4lbs 6oz and 2" !
She is now 25.6 lbs and 33 1/2"! Thats even 1.6 lbs and 1/2" since March 10th appointment with her Pediatrician! We are sooo happy about this. Dr Osterhaus was very pleased and reassured with her recent growth, as are we!

Rebecca did very well, with her own Dr kit in tow! What an excellent birthday gift idea, Aunt Wendy! It came in handy, and transitioned her well from one "check up" to the other. Dr Julie even stocked it up with Tongue depressors and band-aids! She's so neat! We love her!

The blood draw for the tests was the only real meltdown, but it only lasted a few minutes. Daddy made it all better and we were done and out of the hospital within an hour today! She's a good little patient. We told her over and over how proud of her we are for her perfect behavior and for growing up to be a big girl!

We stopped at Walmart once we got back into town. We needed to stock up on goodies and games for Cody's visit tomorrow. While we were there, Daddy didn't forget the promised "treat" that was coming for being such a big and brave girl at the Dr today. That treat, that I figured would be in the form of a snack food.....turned out to be a SCOOTER! Its a My First Scooter for toddlers. Wider base and wheels on each side, so that it isn't as easy to tip. We haven't gotten it out yet, but I'm sure this weekend it will be broken in fast!

We love you Becca Boo! We are so incredibly proud of you!

Introduction to Earthday...in the backyard!

With beautiful weather the last 2 days, we have finally been able to spend some much needed time outside! Tim cleaned out the pond and raked the yard. We cut down all the dead stuff so we can now see the new growth in the flower beds! Becca discovered some ants and some potato bugs! She loved to watch them work their way around. I accidentally found a nest of baby bunnies in our yard while cleaning out a flower bed, so she met them as well! Last night I came home from work, to find her and Tim watching the 12 goldfish they just bought and dropped into the pond! She thought that was so cool! I asked her to count them and she said, "ok...6-9-4, all done!"
It was cute.

This weekend will be a busy one for us!
Friday, we head to Iowa City for her quarterly thyroid check up! We're praying for another growth spurt, in hopes that she doesn't have to go through the Level 2 Growth Hormone testing they "threatened" us with. Ok, so it wasn't a threat, it was more of a warning that they may need to do it if she is still showing not enough change in her growth charts. Long story. But it would be filling her with insuline (she's not diabetic) and then doing blood draws every 15 minutes for 2 hours. THat is so they can measure how her body is recoverying with the growth hormone. But, shootin her up with insuline, being so small, and not being diabetic, means possible seizures, migranes, induced diabetic commas, fever. Just overall misery for her. And to not be able to understand it all, being so little....I just can't even fathom how hard it will be to comfort her. Please, keep her and us in your prayers. We're hoping she doesn't have to do this. We know that she gained 2lbs and 1" since last fall, we're hoping thats enough to satisfy them.

Saturday, Becca will be spending the day with Wendy and Xavier, while Tim and I go to Clarinda to visit Cody! We're looking forward to the time with him.

Well, I'm on my lunch while I type this, so I better eat quick before my time is up!
I'm sure we'll have updates after the weekend!

Thanks for everyones prayers!

Go Avalanche

Its been a long time since I've posted!

Time has been flying by. Helping mom and dad with the move nearly every day for the last week, they have officially moved in to the new place. They spent their first night there, after sharing a lasagna dinner with us.

The weather continues to be crappy lately. We're itching to get out and spend some time outside. I have green stuff peeking thru all the dead stuff in my gardens, and haven't yet had a chance to get stuff ready!

Becca will be having a blast once the weather is nice! With a new fire truck, Tricycle and my childhood wagon...she'll have plenty of outside toys to choose from!
We've made one walk. But we would love to get out more. I'm just hoping we don't go from cold and damp to hot and humid. We want SPRING!

Have to share a picture. Becca received "THE BEST GIFT SHE WILL EVER GET...EVER" from Dave, Lori and the boys! And in perfect timing to wear to cheer on the Av's durring playoffs!


Ok, so I will promise to post more later.

Well, as expected, we did make dinner out on Friday night, minus the trip to Lowes! I'm sure it will come yet though! I was in CF Friday afternoon for a Dr's appointment, so Tim and Becca just met me at Texas Roadhouse. As usual, it was excellent! If I could afford it, I would eat there every night!

Saturday was a beautiful day! We enjoyed a skillet breakfast and then opened up the house for a short time while Tim and Becca napped and I cleaned. Becca and I then went to check in on Grandma Deb.

Shes is doing just fine! She was up and packing boxes for the big move. They have little less than 2 weeks until moving day. I can't believe it. The house is looking pretty bare without its decorations, but filling up with boxes of every shape, size and weight! We had a good time as we pulled out Wendy and my Barbies, accessories and clothes. That was a hoot. Oh, we were creative way back then! Velveeta boxes for Barbie bathtubs, wooden strawberry crates with napkins folded up to provide Skippers' kid sister a bed...you name it! We made it! Hilarious. Along with that is the treasure trove I found of all my old New Kids on the Block stuff. *gasp* Wow. And all in time for NKOTB reuniting! I'm sooo at that concert!

We stopped by home to grab Tim and made off to the park! Becca was sooooo happy to be there. She skipped from slide to bridge, to ladder, to slide and all over again! She would clap when she was all done and say, " More this! " On the other hand, she wasn't so happy when it got crowded and we decided to leave. Broke her little heart.


I've been feeling pretty lousy with a cold I'm sure I picked up from my sister. And I'm afraid that Becca now has it. She's definitely not been herself today. Very cuddly, quick to melt, no appetite, and a little toasty. We're keeping an ear and eye open on her breathing, but discovered I need to make an appointment for her with Dr Christiason, so we can get refills for her nebulizer. Our meds expired 14 days ago. Dang! Wouldn't ya know!

Finally April and Happy Anniversary!

I can't believe the first week of April has already come and gone! Right there with that, I can't believe Tim and I are celebrating our 10th Anniversary! Yesterday was our anniversary, though I'm sure we'll celebrate this weekend. More than likely dinner out and a trip to lowes will be about it! Thats usually how it goes. This year, we'll be purchasing a new waterheater! Woo Wee! Every year at this time there is another project that needs to be completed! Oh well! I woudln't know what to get tim anyway. I joked that the traditional gift for 10yrs is Tin or Aluminum and the modern gift choice is Diamonds. This is true ~ according to Hallmark! So, I guess I could gift wrap a box of Reynolds Wrap for Tim. lol

Well, we didn't celebrate yesterday, because Mom was admitted to Allen Hospital after midnight /Early Thursday morning for Kidney Stones. They wouldn't pass, so they were doing surgery last night to remove them. She's going home today, and will need to make an appointment to get another blasted out that is the size of a nickle!
This all came as a surprise to her! She's never experienced them before!

Last weekend we did dinner out with Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Joe. They came up to spend a little bit of time with Becca, since they were traveling on Becca's bday. It was nice to catch up and visit a bit before they returned to the new Casino and met some long time friends.

Well, I've done it again. Joined another weight loss challenge. This one is 12 weeks. Longer than I have done it before. But maybe at 12 weeks I won't pittle out and fall back into old habits like I do EVERY time. I'm hoping the 12 weeks will get me more into a lifesyle change. I am trying something different this time though. Trying Weight Watchers. I haven't actually attended a meeting, but the girls in my office are doing it also on the points system, and I'm thinking that with their support and knowledge, and point tools, I can do this.

We received a letter from Cody this week! It was very upbeat and long! 6 pages! He's got some goals in mind, some possible hobbies he would like to try a hand at, and seems to be getting along pretty well in Clarinda. We're happy to hear from him that his faith is still strong and he's working at making better choices. This was a huge relief and made us smile, especially his playful attitude in the letter!

Becca has a new favorite song! She loves to sing Row, Row, Row Your Boat! She'll help with the row-row-row...and before you get to the merily-merily-merily-merily.....she gives her version with Weeeeeeeeeeeeee! When you get done with the song, she'll make the rowing motion and say row-row-row really fast! Its hilarious. She looks so funny doing it! its not so much a rowing motion, as it looks like when you do a bunny imitation, with your paws in front of you? You just have to see it!

Becca is also counting very well. Every other number that is. If I say one, she'll say two, and so on up to ten! We get so tickled with this game! She's also doing better on her colors. Most times now, she will pick the right color when we ask her to show us.

My friends Jennifer and Jessie welcomed Caleb William into this world on Wednesday night! I'm so looking forward to meeting this little man! I knew it was going to be boy! I'm sure Becca will love him up as well. We decided not to make the trip to the hospital to visit. We'll let them get settled at home for the next week...then make a point to go and visit!

Yesterday, my cousin Josh and his wife Meg were in town for a baby shower! They are due in June with a girl! It was great to see them. We're sorry we couldn't stay longer, but it was fun to catch up with all the fam!

it only took 2 weeks....

For Becca to ATTEMPT to climb over the gate in her bedroom. We placed the gate on her bedroom door, considering now she is in her big girl bed.

So this morning, she decided to dump out the basket in her room ~ turn it over and use it as a step. So I took it away. She then found an unopened package of diapers. Yep, tried again. So I took those away. She then attempted to use the papermache' boxes that Grandma Deb made for her. Yep...those have been put away to now.
*shaking my head*

So her room should look clean and uncluttered at all times now. Bed, Dresser and Night stand is all she's got!

She's such a monkey!

Happy Easter!

The cutest and coolest Easter Bunny came to our house! Check her out!

We've continued to be busy this last week! I felt like I wasn't ever home!
Had a "mandatory" party for work Monday night. That sucked. Didn't get to see Becca before her bedtime. Tuesday was Xavier's birthday, so we ate dinner and cake at their house after work. That was fun! Becca and Xavier don't get to spend as much time together as they used to, now that Xavier's in Kindergarten. I can't believe he is 6!

Wednesday was a fun day! Wendy, Jill and I took a day trip to Des Moines to his some antique and scrapbook stores! That was a blast! We laughed a lot and spent a lot! But it was all so worth it and we all soooo deserve it! We'll definitely be doing this again! Thursday I only worked 1/2 a day and spent the afternoon cleaning Becca's closet out and packing away clothes and toys that are too small.

Becca has come into her own language this week! Its hilarious. She's really trying sentences now. There is a lot of babble and noise, and about 3 words tops that you can recognize. But we can mostly get the jist. We laugh a lot...and Tim and I give confused looks to each other a lot too! But we always reassure her by saying, "Good talking, Becca!"

Yesterday, Becca painted her yearly Easter Egg. Last year I started buying the wooden eggs you can get at the craft stores. I let her use craft paints, and paint one egg each year. I'm marking the date and her age on each egg, so that when she is 18, we will have a huge collection of her craftsmanship through the years! Not a lot of change from last year...besides the thickness of the paint! We joked that it will take about 10 days to dry, because there are just GOBS of paint on this egg!


The Easter Bunny left some new playdoh, sunglasses, cookie cutters (for the playdoh) and a bubbles wand for her today. Oh, and we can't forget the eggs with Spiderman treats in them!
ok, just have to share one more picture....she's so funny

So much in such little time!

This week has been crazy busy for us! We had Dr's appointments, errands to run, church group and extra hours to work and recooperating from last weeks birthday party, we also had the unexpected...

...like Tim falling through the back door cement steps on Friday evening. Luckily, he didn't get hurt. Not even a scratch, but we did have to wash off a couple of brats he was carrying to the grill! Ha! So, yesterday we took some time to go to the Home Depot to figure out our next "STEP"...ok, bad joke. I think we will be building some nice wooden steps, and when things dry out a bit this spring, we'll replace a few warped boards on the deck and stain it. Anything to help this deck look better than what it does right now!

Becca made it through the night every night this week in her big girl bed! She's an ol' pro at it now! She's done so well. We did have to give in and give her back the paci to help her feel safe. We'll attempt that hurdle again in a week or two. Here is a picture of her the 1st night in the bed! I love the perspective of this one. Shows just how little she is in this (not so big anyway) twin bed.


This morning, we took down the crib! No going back on that one! She didn't hesitate at all! She even attempted to help. That is when she wasn't trying to climb the crib as we were taking it apart. Tim says, " as if it isn't frustrating enough to take these things apart, but its a whole 'nother story when a 2 year old is crawling over your face and jumping off your back!"


I think the best news we had this week, and I'm surprised I didn't mention it sooner...is that Becca is growing! I mean physically! Its been a long time since we've been able to say that! At her 2 yr well-baby check on Monday, we discovered that she's gained 2 lbs and 1" since November! We love this! So she's now 24.8 lbs and 32 1/2". Still small. But her pediatrician is happy with the long awaited growth! We go to Iowa City at the end of April, so hopefully they will be just as pleased, and we'll not have to do the level 2 testing for growth hormone! Please continue to pray that she continues to grow!

Night #2

Becca made it through night number 2 in the big girl bed! It took a little bit of tender time with Daddy to fall asleep but she did great! Daddy said it only took about 5 minutes! Yay!
And its so sweet that she hasn't yet realized that she can get out of bed when she wakes up in the morning. So she waits until I come in to get her to get dressed! She's so used to us coming and getting her out of bed! Not saying that she won't figure that out...but I'm not going to encourage it!

Mom and Dad get their first " unassisted " time in their new condo today! The previous owner is out sooner than expected...so now they are going to take measurements and look things over before the crew shows up to clean carpets and start putting fresh paint on the walls! Mom is beyond excited. That woman probably won't sleep from now until a month after they move in! She'll be up drawing furniture arrangements every night!

Oh! I don't remember if I mentioned it or not...but Xavier now knows how to tie his own shoes! Tim teased him and said now that he knows how to tie his shoes, maybe Xavier should ask his mom if he can borrow the car! Uncle Tim loves to tease him!

" Momma...I buh-buh-buh!"

Well, she did it! Becca spent her first night in the big girl bed last night! We had thought about waiting until the weekend, and attempt nap time first. But when we took her up to tuck her in, she jumped in and layed down and kept saying, " please? please? please? It was too adorable to not let her at least TRY it.
We could tell she was nervous, and got out a couple of times to give us hugs around our legs. So I sat down next to her to sing You are My Sunshine. She took to that and fell asleep. UNTIL I left the room and came down stairs. But she really only fussed for about 10 minutes after that, and they were kinda fakey cries. She fell asleep all on her own( which she is used to anyway ) and slept all night long!

This morning, after I got ready and posted the first 2 blogs of the day (hahaha) I could hear her talking to her animals and singing herself. So I peaked in and she was laying upside down, with her legs on the headboard! I wish I had taken a picture! She saw me after I said Good morning, and she flipped over, got up on her knees, pointed at the bed and said, " Momma...I buh-buh-buh!" She was so excited. I'm pretty sure she was telling me, "I'm in the big girl bed!" She was very happy this morning!

Ok, first night down...lets do another!

A whole lot-a growin' up goin' on!

Ok, because the blog reads newest to oldest, you are reading this before the "party" entry...but I thought that this milestone was deserving of its very own entry!
Becca's birthday present from Momma and Daddy was a new Big Girl Bed! Ok, the bed itself is an antique that Grandma Deb found at a garage sale when becca was about 3 months old...Ha! But the Bedding is new!

We set this up before the party so everyone could see! We took about 30 pictures of her with the bed, but she wouldn't sit still long enough to get a really good one. She's a little jumpin bean...and along with the theme of the birthday party, and plenty of ants in her pants!



We can't believe that she's already for a big girl bed. Well..ok, we'll see how ready she is when we try it out! Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday Becca (on the 9th)

Wow! Becca Boo has turned 2! We spent all last week slowly and piece by piece getting ready for her party at the house on Sunday! Tim and I cleaned all day Sunday, baked and decorated her cake and caterpillar cupcakes! I had a lot of fun with that. I'm inlove with the theme we did! We thought the Bugs and Butterflies theme fit her perfectly!



She received many wonderful gifts. From toys to clothes, to puzzels, to yard decorations, to hats and mittens and books! We got it covered!

And right on que, when asked how old she is, she will say " twoooooooo " and hold up both index fingers to show you how many. She hasn't yet figured out how to hold up two fingers on one hand!

We had a great year, and look foward to the next! We love you Becca Boo!

In like a lion?

I can't believe its March already! And even more so, I can't believe that in one week...Becca will be 2 years old! Wow!

With getting closer to 2, we're hearing more words, clearer attempts at words she's been saying, and some small 3-4 word phrases! All in the last 2 weeks, she's really exploded. Its fun! She surprises me every day with something new she will say...or attempt to say!

She has also become quite the jumper! Jumping is all the girl does! She'll say to you in question form, " I jump !" with eyebrows raised and nodding her head matter of fact. She cracks us up! And she will jump from anything, be it 3 inches or 3 ft off the ground, she doesn't care! Ok, She hasn't hit 3 ft yet, but she has attempted to jump off her little folding table that sits about 2ft off the floor! I think she surprises herself when she did do it, and sent Tim and I panicking! We can't turn our backs on her for long, because she will move quickly to jumping stance and do it before we turn around again! She now says, "TA-DA" after jumping, and she puts her arms in the air. This after watching a gymnastics meet on tv a couple of weekends ago! Becca has a fantastic floor routine that starts with a skip from one room to the other singing, "teetee, teetee, teetee". She gets in the middle of the living room, and does a belly flop without hesitation! This, to her fearless mind, is a double twist-back flip-round off-spin and splits. I'm sure of it. We give her a 10.0 every time!
Time to call my aunt Patti and see if she's interested in doing lessons again?

This week was a long one for us it seemed. We welcomed the weekend with open arms! I attended a baby shower for a good friend from small group and church. That was a blast. I've never had so much fun at a shower that wasn't my own! It was a funny group of girls, 4 pregnant, including the guest of honor. So no shortage of stories and experiences flowing in that room! It was great! OH! I have to share. I made a Baby Bouquet! I shared my idea with several at work, and they insisted on pictures to help them either understand, or see what it looked like completed. So I did. I also made the baby card to coordinate ( cause I'm a freak like that ).I just bought a greenery and daisy bush, plucked off some of the flower heads and leaves. I rolled up washclothes, burpclothes and onsies, and then slide them down over the stems. I would have used rubberbands to secure them, but instead used some clear twist-ties. Then I wrapped it in tissue paper like you would find at a flower store! Fun and easy. It did take time to assemble...but for a unique gift, I'd do it again!


Tim spent the afternoon today with the guys. He's taken up gaming again. I'm ok with that. Gives him some time to do what he likes, and gets him out of the house. Becca and I had lunch with Grandma Deb and Gaga Bob, and Wendy. Then we hit Kohls for the BOGO sales, and then Target for some birthday party supplies.

Enjoying the sun....before it goes away!

We sent out the Birthday invitations this week to immediate family and a couple close friends. Because we are trying to save money, we opted to have a small party here at the house. Since we are limited for space and seating, we are will work some magic and be creative the day of the party. We may have to take turns sitting on each other's laps! Just kidding!

Becca enjoyed " Pajama Day " at daycare on Thursday. She wore her favorite Dora flannel pj's! Now, just as I predicted...she wants to wear her pjs every time we go out. Luckily she's pretty easy to convince otherwise.

Friday she had fun at Grandma Debs, and Xavier joined them because he didn't have school. I think they both enjoyed that. They don't get to see eachother as often anymore, with Xavier in all day kindergarten this year!
Tim went ice fishing to Brushy Creek with friend. He had a good time, and thinks he'll do more of it. And its good to know he's finding fishing spots closer to home. I think we'll have to do more 2-3 day trips in Iowa rather than a 7 day vacation in Minnesota for the next couple of years.

We decided to take a family trip to get haircuts on Saturday morning. I went prepared with Cheerios, a sucker, a book, her puppy, paper and a pen to use as distractions for her if needed. The last two times have not been very successful. But this time she didn't require any of it! She did very well! Perfect I would say!

Becca and I went Bowling with Wendy and Xavier! Ok, we used bumpers and becca watched mostly, but she did try to help a couple times. It was all in good fun and it was cheap entertainment. Mayma and Gaga (my mom and dad)came to watch the last little bit of our game, before we went to LongJohn's for lunch. What a fun date!







I did manage to get some cleaning and decorating done around the house. Yep...I put out my spring decorations! Positive thinking....before we have more freezing rain and snow tomorrow. (grrrrrr) With the sun shining so bright I had to take advantage of the energy I had!

Happy belated, lovey dovey day to everyone! Becca enjoyed a party at daycare, and shared some valentines with her friends and came home with just as many! I'm not ashamed to say that I enjoyed the gummy treats she came home with. That night, after coming home from work, Tim took us to Carlos O'Kelly's for dinner. That was nice. We were there by 445 and gone by 530. My sister often teases us that we eat early like elderly people often do. We plead the 5th. But its nice to dodge the crowds, especially on a night like Valentines Day.

Friday I spent the day in Davenport with my manager at the Grainger branch there. It was nice to finally meet the people that I have talked to for the last 10 years. It was also nice to experience the different culture there is in the branch world. We got done a little early, so decided to stop off at Coral Ridge Mall in Iowa city to do some quick shopping. That was nice. We found a little scrap booking store near the mall! I've added it to my links. Another store to add to my, daytrip file!

Yesterday Becca went with me to do my last weigh in for this weightloss challenge. I'm dissapointed with the fact that I gained 2 lbs back. Not suprised though. I honestly have not tried to eat well at all this week, no walking or anything!
After playing at home and waiting for Becca's 3 hour nap (yeah...we could hardly believe it!)...we headed to Lowes to check out water heaters. Ours is way past its prime and we're starting to feel the affects shortly after getting into the shower. We're hoping the tax return comes quickly!

Ok, so the cartoon from last Wednesday still stands. With at least 3 more inches of snow today, blizzard warnings with 50mph winds...all on top of 1/2" of freezing rain...yeah, I'm so over it! Needless to say, we stayed home ALL day. After supper, it was evident that Becca was stir crazy and I was ready for her to go to bed. Tim on the other had, was and still is engrossed in a movie that I haven't quite gotten into.

Well, here's to another week closer to spring! 32 Days until its official!

........Ok! We get it already!.....

Patting Tim on the back!

1 Month without a cigarette !

Way to go Tim! Wow! What an achievement! Keep it up!

Well, today Becca had a rough start to the morning. She was happily humming and talking to her bunny and valentine puppy from Aunt Wendy while still in bed and I got ready for work. All was fine and dandy until it was time for us to "get pretty" and brush her hair and wash her face. She had an unexpected meltdown and it only went down hill from there.

I thought we had it covered until she decided she wanted some Cheerios before walking out the door. Yep...cheerios spilled on teh kitchen floor and then she cried cause Maggie ate them.
We got that under control, coats and shoes on (much fussing and refusing to cooperate along the way) and out the door we went. Oh wait, back up.....She really wanted to take the bunny to school with us. I refused, because taking the bunny in the car, would then lead to her wanting to take the bunny into school. That couldn't happen, so I offered the puppy. Ok, she was ok with that.
So now we are out the door, with puppy in hand.
So we're in the car, and not even out of the driveway, and the meltdown continues, she realllly wants this bunny, and keeps saying".."Buh-buh".."Buh-buh".."Buh-buh". The puppy wasn't doing the trick. *sigh* So at this point, she now thinks I can't hear here and that Daddy will make it better....(keep in mind daddy is not in the car, not even at home, and he's already at work!) So then she calls for daddy until we get 1/2 block from school. I tell her that we'll call Daddy when we get to school so she can talk to him. That worked...
...For about 15 seconds! Then she decided " Nooooooo....GaGa! Gaga " So now she wants to talk to Grandpa Bob. ButI know already, that Dad is out pushing the additional 3 inches of snow we got last night (ok...I get it already, I'm sick of the snow!)

So after getting to school, calling Daddy (who she really didn't want to talk to after all....) and giving loves and kisses....she's crying again as I walked out the door.

Poor punk. I was sure I was going to get a call from Daycare today, telling me to come get her..she wouldn't stop crying...but so far so good. No calls as of yet! (knock on wood..someone please....I'm sitting at a make shift craft table as my make shift desk..I'm sure its made out of recycled plastic)

I'm waiting for someone to put their arm around me and say, " Smile..your on candid camera!"

Sunshine and Valentines!

Check out the new shades Becca got! Meet lil'Diva Becca! I can't even begin to tell you the "drama" she has every day! Must be the whole...turning 2 thing!



Last night I was able to get away to my friends to do our bi-weekly scrapbooking. It was a smaller than usual group, but it was still nice to get out and have Mommy time!
I actually worked on Becca's birthday invites! They are adorable. Each one different from the last with special decorations! I'm going to hate sending them out. I think the cutest will be kept for her scrapbook birthday page!

This morning we got out of the house early and made a family trip to Walmart. But it seems everyone else had the same idea. I guess we weren't early enough. We came home to have lunch and make some sugar cookies while Becca took an extra long nap! I had enough time to frost most of them, but left aside 5 cookies for Becca to do all herself! I had been looking forward to this all morning!
Here are a couple of adorable pics. She even had a little apron on! She was so cute! Check out the last pic. I failed to notice the size of the holes in the sprikles! Whoa! That was good for a definate sugar high!

Day Two

The snow only brought us about 4.5", of course which is plenty if you ask me! I know the more south and east you go, the more they got. They can have it. I'm so over this winter stuff! It was pretty up until and including Christmas...but I'm done now. Time for spring.

I keep thinking in the back of my mind that its only 4 weeks until Becca's birthday. The day after her birt and the day we brought her home, it was 70 and absolutely beautiful. It was that same way last year around her birthday. In fact, while driving home with Becca from the hospital, only 2 days old...we saw the first Robin! So I keep thinking that another 4 weeks and maybe we'll get our first peek at spring. Not that it won't still get chilly and possibly even snow again before spring stays...but a little taste always helps!

Becca and I are staying home again today. She's breathing better, and after a small fever again last night, which the Dr told me to expect, its back down to where it should be...but we're still doing breathing treatments every 4 hours to stay on top of it. I just hated the thought of taking her to Daycare where she might not get the attention needed, if she went downhill again.

Both of us were a little stir crazy already this morning, so we ventured out to stock up on Allergy meds and fever reducer. She did well, but just that little trip made her sleepy. She's laying down now for a much needed nap. Yesterday she took a 3 hr nap and still went to bed for the night between 430 and 5....I had to wake her up this morning at 630! Another sign she's not 100% yet. Another reason for spring to get here...to kill off all these colds!

I did take these two days at home to come up with some little ideas for Becca's Birthday Wish List. And last weekend I picked up some simple bday invites that I will be prettying up and sending out shortly. Still not sure where the party will be. Last year we had it at my mom and dads, just for the space...as we all know, my house is entirely too small for more than 5 people to be here at once! But Mom and Dad will be in the process of packing for their big move about a month later. I haven't discussed it with them yet. We'll see and we'll send out the invites in the next 2 weeks more than likely. Keep an eye out for them!

Sick and Snowed in

I guess if there was a day that I would want to be home sick..or rather because Becca is sick, it is today. This snow storm is a doozy! It hasn't stopped since Noon yesterday and its still piling high! Other than being exhausted from being out all night and all day...I'm sure my Dad is loving it! More snow = More money!

As mentioned, I stayed home with Becca today. Her cold has come back full force, this time causing coughing and breathing problems again. She's had breathing treatments every 4 hours since yesterday afternoon. Her fever broke about 2am this morning, but she's still having trouble breathing. Poor punk. I wish I could just make it all better. I tried by playing Playdoh, Little People, Coloring, having an animal parade and blocks...not to mention the 3 hours of Dora, Thomas the Train, Franklin and Sesame Street we've watched already. The last breathing treatment caused a meltdown. She actually asked me to go night night! lol...made me laugh, but of course I took her right up on that! So after putting her down, picking up the toys, washing down the table from playdoh mess, and hiding the remote (wink) I needed some connection to the outside world. Here I am. Its only 10:50am!

I do have a roast in already. Its killing me, it smells so good! I should use this down time to vacuum, dust and put away last nights dishes. But I too am just exhausted. only sleeping 4 hours on Monday night, and walking up at 9 and 2 and 6 this morning to check on my punk....All you parents understand I'm sure. And even those without kids...I'm sure you can imagine.

Yay to Tim...last night was 3 weeks! He's done fantastic.

Catch Up

I've had a hard time keeping up lately. Not that there is a tremendous amount going on around here...but mostly because I keep loosing track of time! Its getting harder to do anything around here when Becca is awake! So we play like crazy while she's awake, and as soon as she is down, I go walk at Young Arena, clean or honestly, sit my butt on the couch and don't move until bedtime!

Kathy asked me the other day if I had any new or recent pictures since Christmas to share of Becca...because we all know how much I love to show her off! Truth is...I haven't taken a decent picture for about a month! Becca understands now that she can see the picture on the digital camera. So she would rather take pictures and see them, than be on them. No matter how much convincing and explaining we do to tell her to be in the picture, and then see herself...it just doesn't work. The few pics we do have are of this awfully cheesy grin she makes when you ask her to smile. You know the one....eyes squinting, nose wrinkled up, all teeth! Tim loves it, cracks him up....I'm just fearing having her 2 yr old photos taken, and that they will all turn out like this!

I can report that Tim is now at 2 weeks and 5 days of not smoking! AWESOME!!!!! He's doing so well. Along the same "improving health" front....I've lost another 1.2 lbs. soooo that puts me at about 11 lbs in a month. I'm ok with that, as long as it keeps coming off.

Well, Becca had a slumber party with Gma Deb and Gpa Bob last night. We were over there for the SuperBowl, and decided rather than bring her home and right back over there for the day today, she was just going to spend the night. I haven't yet heard how the night went...I'll be sure to call in a bit to see how everyone is.

I'm in Birthday Party planning mode. I picked up invites this weekend. So now onto the date and goodies. Again, it will be family only, she's too young for "friends" and its just Xavier and her, so its more for the adults than anything...however, I am up for a pinata just for the pictures of the adults taking a swing at it! lol.....

50 Days until Spring!

So the temp was beautiful this weekend! Sunday we saw it get to about 40 degrees! A lot of people where out and about to enjoy it! Monday it was 53, then Tuesday we saw -27 with the windchill, and 30mph wind! Not enjoyable at all!

Mom and Dads openhouse on Sunday went well! The realtor stopped counting at 35 people! Holy cow! Thats a fabulous open house! hey have another this weekend!

Monday I came home from work to find Tim and Becca making a snowman! I haven't yet taken a picture, but will be sure to do so and post it. It was so cute to see her out there, all bundled up in her snow suit and helping tim! I got home just in time to help find rocks for the snowman's face!

CONGRATS to Tim....last night marked 2 weeks smoke free! We're proud of him!

Well, thats all I have to post about right now! I'll post more later this week!

****** Baby its cold outside *******

With -30 degree temps outside...I'm officially starting the countdown to Spring!
55 Days and counting!

Well, this is me...4.8 lbs lighter than last week! A little over 6 lbs lighter than 2weeks ago! Yay me! Finally the walking and eating right is helping. Now to just stick with it. After sampling (ok, it was a plate of samples) of wedding cake and mints from my cousin's wedding...I walked another 2 miles last night. 5 nights a week. I'm proud of that. Its a start.

Becca is still fighting a nasty sinus cold. I think I'm getting it. Not so fun.
Tim's doing AWESOME on the quiting smoking. Tomorrow night at 630 it will be 1 week smoke free! We're so proud of him. He's had a rough, stressful and exhausting week...what a test with him quiting. But he's handled it all well and he's doing great. He says he's not craving the nicotine at all. Its the triggers (getting in the car, after supper, being in stressfull situations)that are getting him.

Well, thats the update on us. There will be more to come this week I'm sure of it!

36 HOURS!!!

Yay Tim! Its officially been 36 hours since his last smoke. Thank God for Chantix! Its really helped with turning off those receptors so he's not wanting it as much and with the attitude! We are soooo proud of him!

BUT...I have strict orders..DO NOT ASK HIM ABOUT IT, OR TALK ABOUT IT TO HIM!
That goes for everyone else also. He prefers not to talk about it, cause it only makes him think about, then he wants one. So please don't ask or talk about him not smoking! *wink* Tim's orders!

Where did the weekend go?

Geesh! For being the first full week of work after the holidays (and even then, I had Thursday off)it was the longest week at work, and then seemed like the fastest weekend.

Friday night, I was happy to get together with the girls to scrapbook! And actually, I got there late and no one had started scrapping yet, and for the next 30 minutes, it was all catch up time! 2 of the girls used to work with us, but took new jobs now, and another has been on maternity leave. So as well all know us girls love to gab!
I didn't do any scrap booking, but I did organize all our photos from the last 12 years! That was quite a job! But I got it narrowed down from 3 overstuffed, overflowing shoe boxes, to 2 very organized and labeled photo boxes! I'm quite proud of myself. Some day, I'll do a wedding book, a pet book, and maybe even a fishing book!

Saturday morning, I was awakened by Becca wanting to wrestle in bed. For some reason, I think she had some coaxing from daddy!
I had my first weigh in on Saturday morning for this weight loss challenge. I was disappointed with my 2.5 lbs lost...but I was not surprised. I'm pretty sure the village in breakfast I had this week didn't help, or the 2 slices of pizza while scrap booking.
I checked today, to see what mine and my partners combined percentage lost was, and I'm pretty sure that it was all me. Not that she didn't lose, but I'm not sure that she weighed in yesterday. Hopefully I'll hear from her and we can support each other.

But I'm back on track now. I walked again for 45 minutes! I figured I walked 18-20 laps. (my speed varies and i lose track counting) But I know how long it takes me to make a lap. 7 laps is a mile, so I figured I walked 2.5 miles. I'll take that! Yay me! I must make it 3 more times this week. Thats my plan and I've got to stick to it!

I received an email today, asking if things had slowed down since the holidays, and I realized that they had, but Becca is keeping us busy enough that after she's down at night, we're either busy picking up and cleaning...or exhausted and sit on our tushy watching tv!

Well, Mom and Dad are busy cleaning out and organizing for their move to the Villa's! They have a move in date of April 15th! They are beyond excited. I've been helping go thru stuff, packing and making trips to Goodwill for them! Their realtor came by yesterday to start their paperwork on putting the house on the market. Looks ilke the first open house will be January 27th!

Becca is doing so well with not having a pacifier lately! She's only getting it at night time when she's in her crib. She's only asked for it a couple of times in the last couple of weeks. We're so proud of her!

We bought a Potty Chair with some of the christmas money she got. She's sat on it a couple of times, but has yet to "use" it. She asks to sit on the Big potty more often than not. One thing at a time, we're not rushing her. I know they start working with them in the 2 year old room, when she transistions in there in the next 2 months! I can't believe she will be turning 2 in just 2 short months! *sniff, sniff*

Tim's celebrated his 38th birthday on Tuesday night. We picked up Cody and went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. That was a test of the heathly eating plan! I did ok. Small steak, salad and veggies. Only a couple onion blossoms. I did have one roll, but skipped the butter. Oh yeah, came home and had birthday Angelfood cake with whip cream and strawberries! Back on track today!

Bought new walking shoes last night too. Time to start walking! I walked this week at Young Arena. I liked that. I have a friend who is going to make it a date with me to make it there 2-3 times a week! I need to stay on track!

Happy New Year!

I can't believe that the year is over! It must be true that time goes much faster after you have children! We know for sure that it does fly when your having fun! This last year has been so amazing for us! We've had more firsts this year with Becca, from the first Birthday party, to playing in the sandbox, to taking her dollies on walks down the block, talking, games, haircuts and playing in the pool! She definitely enjoyed the holiday's more this year and we had a blast seeing it all through her eyes! What a blessing she is!

Well, of course the new year always brings new opportunities and challenges. Together, we are going to work through them and work at bettering our lifestyles and health. I need to lose weight and tim is hoping to stop smoking. YAY!!!!! Neither of us want to tie it to a New Years resolution, for fear we won't even make it thru January without tripping up. So we are starting slowly and doing it when we are ready. Hoepfully that will be a better success story for the both of us. I have just joined a 6 week Weight Loss Challenge and hope that will jump start me and keep me on track with the weekly meetings!

Well, we have an early supper in the oven that I need to check on and Becca will be waking up from her nap soon. Tim's out chipping the ice. What nice "warmer" weather we've had this weekend. No sun of course, but its nice not being bitterly cold! Too bad the January Thaw doesn't last just a bit longer!

We'll check back in soon! Toodles!