Fabulous Fall Frolics

Just sharing a couple of pics we took at George Wyth last night before the bonfire. We had hoped to see some deer at dusk, but had no luck. The luck came in the form of some great shots with the fall colors, and a happy girl exploring!








Just sharing a couple of pics we took at George Wyth last night before the bonfire. We had hoped to see some deer at dusk, but had no luck. The luck came in the form of some great shots with the fall colors, and a happy girl exploring!

A long week.

I think the emotional drain of missing Maggie along with explaining everytime Becca asks if her Maggie is home now, that no, she is in heaven now, and trying to get ready for Cody's homecoming next week has taken its toll. Its been a long week. For me anyway. I think Tim is coping differently than I am. I don't doubt that he misses maggie, infact, I know he does terribly. But he started looking online for Beagles just 2 days after losing Maggie.

I'm not so sure I'm ready to go there. Tim is convinced that is what he has to do. I know I'm not going to win this battle. I can delay as long as I want, but ultimately, I think Tim is going to do this reguardless. And probably sooner rather than later.

Tonight Becca is spending the night at Aunt Wendy's after we have a bonfire. She'll be playing with them all day on Saturday, while Tim and I get some painting and organizing done. It will feel good to have that accomplished. Just wish some one else would do if for me!

Memories of Maggie that make me smile

Maggie's goofy wiggle butt she always did along with her little squeal when she was excited to see you and welcome you home.

The puppy kisses that she loved to give to Tim and Becca.

She was an excellent "helper dog". If we dropped the remote out of reach, or just plain to lazy...she would get it for us.

How we knew that she wouldn't ever be a guard dog, cause she would only lick the intruder to death, rather than scare him away.

How she found the deepest snow pile to go pee in during the middle of winter.

She was good at her tricks, waving was the best.

When the cat knocked 2 pieces of garlic bread off the counter...she first took one to Tim, then came back with the other for herself. Tim didn't have it in him to scold her for it. After all...she thought of him first.

She was so patient with Becca when she wanted to play beauty shop and brush her coat. Maggie just layed there, letting Becca have her way with her.

When we brought home a stray kitten from Mn, Maggie became mother, and allowed that kitten to try to nurse off her, even though she had nothing to give.

That leaving the house in the morning, you know your outfit wasn't complete without the pretty blond hairs of our Maggie Mae.

We love you Maggie, and miss you terribly. Give Jesus all those puppy kisses!

Sad day.

We lost Maggie last night. She had starting getting sick on Tuesday night...just not acting like herself, but with flu symptoms. We took her into the vet yesterday morning, and after some tests, they found that she had an infection in her blood, and her heart was very enlarged. They had her hooked up to an iv with fluids and antibiotics, until test results came back.

But the vet called at 9pm after going back in to check on her and found that she had passed away. He's sure her heart just gave out. Not sure what caused her heart to sweel and fail. But test results were to come back today. Not that it makes a difference now, but hopefully it will shed some light for us.

We're carefully trying to decide how to explain this to Becca. Her recent interest in where God is may have happened at the perfect time.

Happy October!

Here are a couple of pics to celebrate the 1st day of October!

Be very, very quiet...

I am beat. It is definitely different to share a house with teenager, than a two year old! They both wear me out.

We had a good weekend. Cody was in town for his 3rd home visit. We spent time with my family on Friday night. mom and Dad's birthdays were last week, so we celebrated with a bonfire and of course...smores! Yesterday, the boys built the steps to for the deck and it looks so nice! I love it. Steph joined us for the afternoon, then we watched movies after she went to work. This morning was rushed as usual before he gets back on the bus.

So now Tim has gone to game with is friends, Becca is in bed, and I'm enjoying some me time. *sigh*

Testimony of a 2 yr old!

I just had to share what has happened in our house since last night. It made me laugh, then shed a tear or two because of the innocense of my 2 1/2 year old, Rebecca.

Last night, Becca seemed concerned about where God was. She would run from window to window saying " God no out! ". (God's not out) We explained as we have before that God is everywhere...God is in the Clouds, trees, flowers, etc...but most importantly God is in her heart.

We struggled with how else to explain that you can't SEE God as a man...but you can feel him in your heart, especially to a two year old.

So at bedtime, when we were saying prayers, she started off.. "Dear God..where are you?" We giggled and again, we took our time to tell her God is in her heart. That God listens to us, watches us, and wants us to use friendly words, nice hands, etc and we finished her prayer.

Then this morning. We were putting our socks and shoes on and out of the blue, she said, " Momma...where'd God go? " Wow. This is really on her heart and she's very curious. So for a third time in less than 24 hours, I started to explain that God is everywhere...but before I could get to the part about God is in her heart, she interrupted me and pulled up her shirt to expose her little 2 year old tummy as she gasped, pointing to her Belly Button and screamed with so excitement..." Momma...I found God's heart! "

Oh! I just couldn't respond any other way than to giggle, kiss her belly button and then to hug her like crazy!

I thank God for giving me the tools I need to raise up Rebecca, with the curiosity and desire to know more about God.

Lets call it now....

Becca will probably have a broken bone before she is 3. That is five months from now.

She's just finally getting over her black eye from the fall she took here at home, and Daycare calls me at work today, to let me know that she had taken a spill while on the playground, and struck the side of her head on the metal fencepost for the chain link fence. I must admit my first instinct was to giggle and shake my head. "what next" is what came across my mind. Then I came back to reality to be sure she was alright. She was fine. A bruise and a bump on the temple, that was made all better with some ice.

The funniest part of the story (well, to me anyway...not so much to Daddy) is that this all happened as she and a little boy named Liam where HOLDING HANDS and running and tripped over each other. Tim's response to Becca was..." who's liam...and does he have a job?" Becca's reply was
" TWO! " I swear. Ha! The two of them keep me laughing all the time.

Now...to just keep any bruises off this poor childs face before school pictures on Thursday!

Need your ideas

So for everyone who knows me, Im always being creative. If not crafting, at least thinking about how to use my creativitiy in crafting. Candles, Scherenchnitte, jewlery, scrabooking, barrette making, photography.

So a friend suggested I post more about my crafting with pics on my blog. But really, this blog is all about our family. So I figured there really is nothing keeping me from creating a second blog just for me to show off my creations.

But, before I do, I need a blog name...which will then become my Blog address.
So this is where you come in...what names should I use. Something fun, something catchy. Leave a comment for me and let me know if you have any ideas.

Playing catch-up!

Quick run down of the last week:

Becca had 5 days and 5 nights in a row staying absolutely completely dry in big girl undies! Sooo proud of her. But then the weekend came, and Cody came home and our weekend was all over the place...and so was Becca's potty success! She had 4 accidents over the weekend....but since Monday, she's back on track again.

Yep, Cody was home for a visit this last week, his 2nd of 3. These visits are to help him get accustomed to home life again, the new family situation and living arrangement. But so far his visits have been more of a social gathering of friends coming and going rather than getting accustomed to the family. We realize the need to communicate with friends again, but we will be limiting the time on the next visit.

Becca and I went to a Gymnastics open house at Cedar Valley Gymnastics Academy on Saturday. She did get a chance to go with 3 other preschoolers on the floor, swing on a bar, walk on the beam, jump on the tramp, and do forward rolls, back bend, and a cartwheel. She had a blast. We're aiming for Becca to start in November!

Speaking of doing gymnastics...Last night Becca was climbing, fell and hit the top of her left cheekbone. We've definitely got a black eye today! Poor Punk. This happened while I was on my way home from work, and Tim had told me that it was going to be black and blue. Well, I asked Becca when I got home, what had happened... and her reply was " I fell, and now my eyes are brown!" Hahahahahaha. I laughed so hard. She is so funny.


And now for today. I got off work a early today. Very slow day at work. So I spent it making barrettes! I have several girls at work looking for ideas for birthdays, and even Christmas already! Of course I fell in love with the ones I made, so I'll have to get more supplies after I have these sold so that I can have some on hand for Becca too!



So thats the Nicholson Nonsense going on around here!

Mark it on the calendar!

Becca went to school in big girl undies today and stayed dry allll day long! Even into the night she stayed dry. We tried again this morning, and as of 5:06pm she's still dry! Oh the things that amuse us and make us happy! What a big girl!

I just read an update on my cousin's blog about their 2 month old who has rolled over! At'a boy Girl! You go Samantha! It soo cool to remember back to those days...it wasn't so long ago, but seems like AGES! well duh..yeah, it was 2 ages ago! But I love the convenience of these blogs to be able to share in the milestones and happenings of everyone's families.

15 things you don't know about me.

Ok, So I was tagged. Share 15 things about yourself that most others wouldn't know about you. Anyone who reads this blog, and has one of their own, must do the same.

1) I am terribly afraid of clowns. Please don't bring your kid to my house on Halloween dressed as one. I won't open the door and they won't get candy. Now there will be 2 unhappy people!

2) I had a crush on my 3rd grade teacher. Mr Washington. Then...4 years later, he was arrested for drug trafficing and possession of drugs on school property. No wonder we always used real bills when doing the Money chapter in Math!

3) My name was supposed to be Scott. Mom swore I was a boy, doing football moves before even born. Surprise...its a girl...lets name her after our first cat....Missy! (ok, really, it was Melissa..but still give me a break!)

4) I've always had a thing for bald men. Think Michael Chiklis in The Shield or Chris Daughtry. Mmmmmm

5) I always wanted a house full of boys. Pictured myself on the floor wrestling and making mud-pies more than playing house or Barbies. But guess what!? Girls like to get dirty and "freckle" (as Becca calls it) too!

6) I never had pet growing up. Mom didn't want animals in the house. Stinky, dirty, hairy, didn't want them on the furniture...couldn't have them. I hated that growing up. Weird how I completely understand her logic now. But I wouldn't have wanted to miss the precious times Becca and Maggie have already had, and the ones that are to come.

7) I sang in a wedding of a friend when I was 18. It was Alison Kruass : When You Say Nothing At All.

8) Tim and I have a spirit that has been following us since we moved in together. Ok, we invite it each time we move...who am I kiddin! We've decided its a girl, and named her Sara. Don't know why..just seemed right. She's nice. She does stuff to annoy us. But she's been quiet lately.

9) I love black olives stuffed with Squeeze Cheese. Yummmmmmmm!

10) I often have conversations in my head with my Grandma Smith in heaven as I drift off asleep. I never met my Grandma Smith. She passes away just months before I was born. But I've always felt a connection. And I have no doubt that she hears me and talks back. Its unexplainable.

11) I've just started reading my bible for the first time. Following a Daily Reading in a Year, plan.

12) I've never been East of Chicago. Sad I know.

13) My very first time in an airplane was to Hawaii. Yeah...crazy. But well worth it! Went with my girl Gretchen our Senior Year. Rocked!

14) I knew after 3 dates with Tim that he would be my husband. He didn't know that. In fact it took a 9 month break up for him to realize it! lol. But even at the time of the breakup, I was not worried, cause I new it was only temporary. Gosh..that sounds so stalker-ish! I promise I wasn't! Ha!

15) I cried a little bit today in the middle of the Walmart toy department, when Tim was giddy with excitement and said, " oh..I want to just go crazy and buy her all this stuff !" while he pointed out all the princess dress up clothes and accessories. It just struck a heart string and the tears flowed for a few moments.

Oh Ship!

It was just yesterday that Tim said...." Isn't is cool to hear her repeating more of what we say...and saying it so well?"
Uh-huh! While watching a Iowa spank FIU today...Tim blurted out " Oh Sh*T! "...and without a 2nd thought Becca stood up with her fists above her head and shouted, "oh ship...Daddy...where ship go?"

All I can do today is laugh hysterically, because it was him and not me! Tim just sat there with his foot in his mouth, smiling! oops!

Wanted : Painter

Labor Day. No kiddin! Or rather...labor day weekend!

I asked for it. I did it to myself, but I am beat! Decided that I wanted the living rooms and dinning room painted before Cody's next visit home. Well...Between Friday night and Sunday afternoon, I got the living rooms completed. But wow. Forgot how much work it is. I still haven't even prepped the dinning room. Could have gotten to work on it today, but I decided that I needed a day to rest. My ankles, which normally bother me anyway, felt like the were about to shatter with each step I took. The up and down on the ladder didn't help the bunion. So. The dinning room waits. Maybe a little bit each night this week. Ooooor, maybe next weekend. We have decided however that when Cody moves home, there will be a painting party, to do the molding.

Becca spent the night on Saturday with Wendy and Xavier. It was her first over night at their house. Wendy says she did really well. She must have had bunches of fun, cause when I showed up to get her on Sunday, she ran right past me and I didn't I had to wrestler her to get a hug and kiss hello! What a punk!

We made an expensive trip to Wal-Mart yesterday. We had no idea we would leave with what we did. But decided on a new microwave, new pants for Tim, a winter coat for Becca, then all the essentials...food, diapers, toiletries, etc. Wow! None of it was extravagant. And granted, you don't buy a microwave every week...but still. Sticker shock!



Today, we decided that we needed to get out of the house as a family to do something fun. We decided on a quick fishing trip to the pond by Grandpa Bob's house. We called up Grandpa and he decided to take a break from working in his garage, to join us for short time. And short time is right. We lasted about 25 minutes again, before Becca was bored after not catching any fish. She did however, reel in her bobber several times for the fun of it. We also spotted a Crocodile in the pond! Well...ok, it was a silly little float...but it was enough to make Becca keep her eye on it.

ok, ok!

So I've been told that I haven't posted pics recently. Ummmmmm...confession...I haven't taken many lately. Not since the pool was put away anyway! But to make everyone happy, I will post an older pic. And oh my goodness...can you believe this was just under 2 years ago? Ohhhhh...she's so cute in this outfit. And I just loved the red flannel. I think Gaga Bob loved the flannel too!



Ok, so I am so excited that Fall is almost here. This wonderfully cooler weather has been so nice. I couldn't believe that I came home from work the other night, and Tim was laying on the couch...under a blanket no less...with with the windows wide open. It was great! Can't believe its August still and we really haven't seen more than a day or two of really hot weather! I'm excited for the fall activities. The pumpkin patch, Halloween costumes (Becca's got her's already) playing in the leaves, apple pies! mmmmmmm By the way, I just made an apple crisp last night. I can't wait to go home and have some! ok, so now I'm just babbling.

This weekend will be busy. I want to start painting the living room and dinning room, and Tim's mom is coming to town on saturday for a bit. We'll see how much I can get done! Tim's not the best painter...so I think I will be doing most of it..just to keep it nice! He'll be in charge of keeping Becca out of the mess!

This weekend was a blast! Cody came back for a home visit this weekend. He arrived in town late Friday morning, and then spent the rest of the day with his Mom and Grandma. He and Steph showed up at our house at about 10pm! Becca was soooooo happy to see him! Within minutes, she was on the floor playing with Steph and Cody and having a blast! That girl is soo in love with Cody...or should I say "Kitty". Becca can't quiet say Cody correctly. she can say Co-Dee, if you go slow, but as soon as she tries to say it like normal, it comes out Kitty. Hillarious. That name is going to stick!

We stayed up late on Friday night getting caught up. We had a good time and lots of laughs. Saturday, Cody's friend Aaron stopped by and ate lunch with us as well. We got to know him a little bit before he left and Grandpa Steve came to visit. He stayed for about an hour before having to get back to his stores, and then Steph came over again. We grilled out, watched movies, played jokes and had a lot of fun.

Sunday morning was rushed, but Cody, steph and I met his grandma Connie at Prairie Lakes Church for service. That was great. It was an outside service and what perfect, beautiful weather it was to sit out in lawnchairs and worship! We did have to leave the service early to get to lunch and to the bus station to see Cody off.

Overall, it was a great weekend. Lots of laughs, good times, good stories...and knowing more is on the way is good for the heart! But I must say, that I was happy to just lounge on the couch reading the paper in my scrubby clothes after Cody left and Becca and Tim took a nap. It was sooo quiet! *wink*

Becca's first real phone conversation!

So yeah, becca has been "talking" on the phone for some time. Mostly just answering yes or no questions. Well, yesterday, she had her first REAL conversation with me. The funny thing is..she completely drove the conversation. She was in control the whole time. Here's how it went:
Becca: Hi Momma, where arrrrrrrrre you?
Me : Hi Punk! I'm at work today!
Becca: Daddy at hoooooooooome?
Me : Nooo, Daddy's at work too!
Becca: By choo choo town? (this is her way of asking By the trains downtown?)
Me : Yep
Becca: Daddy come oooooooover?
Me : Yep, when you wake up from your nap, Daddy will come over to Grandpa's house
and get you!
Becca : O'tay Momma, yayoo too! (thats "Okay, Momma, I love you too!")

ok, so such a plain conversation. Nothing spectacular that we talked about. But it was typical conversation with Becca. A 5 sentence conversation...all in her control! I was the one answering questions!
I got off that phone call and was just amazed. I think I picked my jaw up off the floor! Its little things like this, that make me want to remember EVERYTHING she does. Cherish everything she's doing..on good days and bad. Cause when I'm 82...will I remember this conversation we had on the phone? I hope so....someone remind me!

November 1st!

Thats the date we are aiming to have Cody home by! He had his 6 month review hearing on Tuesday. Everyone was happy to learn he's completed his GED, his EAGLE status, and his substance abuse program. The judge would like to see him maintain his status now and have a couple of test runs home for weekend visits. He'll be home with us the weekend of August 22nd. It'll be a short visit. We're still finding out the specifics and will let everyone know once its final. He looked good, his family and girlfriend Steph were all happy to see him. It was only a quick 40 minutes we got to see him before he was back on the road for the 4 hr roadtrip back to Clarinda.

Last night I went to dinner with his Girlfriend Steph (Feff as Becca now calls her)at Carlos o'kellys. We had good food (not mentioning how we just knew steph's food would come wrong...and it did) and good conversation getting to know eachother, and sharing what we hope the future will hold for everyone.

Today Tim is in Des Moines on business. Not sure what time he'll be home tonight, so Becca and I might just hang out with Wendy and Xavier before coming home for the evening.

This weekend will be full of getting things in order for Cody's home visit. Not much to do really...but I'm going to be picky...and I'm sure it will drive Tim mad! lol

" Help me Momma "...

...is the common phrase I hear from Becca when she and Tim are swimming! Most evenings, we can barely finish the last bite on our dinner plates before she is begging to go play in the water. Its taken all summer for her to be brave enough to really have fun and rough-house with Daddy in the water. Its so much fun to watch, so thought I would share my very first video post!

New month...new look!

If you haven't caught on yet...I change the looks of this blog every month.
Well, I found the most adorable backgrounds! Friends with blogs...go check them out...http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/

Tip: if you are having troubles getting the new background to look right and currently have a pyzam background...you'll need to remove the current background from pyzam, then add a Blogger background to kinda trick the settings. Then it will take the new background from the cutest blog on the block.

Love it! best thing..is it doesn't erase any of your current extras or widgets! yay! so it'll keep your counter Gretchen! *wink*

We didn't have a very eventful weekend. Regardless, it was nice and low key.

Friday night I enjoyed scrapbooking with my girls. Its been a couple of months since our last crop. It was long overdo. If for nothing else, for the talks and mood boosters we give each other. I did however get 6 pages done. And I've realized that I need pictures of Becca and Tim swimming and of the potty training that is going on.

Tim and Becca spent a lot of time in the pool Saturday and Sunday. Becca has become quite brave and is actually " swimming " now. With the floaty ring around her, she will jump forward and kick her legs. She looks like a little frog! We're so proud of her. I definitely see lessons in her future! Tim was a great swimmer ( so he says...so maybe she'll get that from him).

Tonight I went to Dinner with my sister for her Birthday. Ok, really...mom and dad had a gift certificate for Olive Garden, and don't care for it...so they gave it to us to use! It was great! Free dinner! Thanks mom and dad! It was nice to get away from the house with an adult. Even if it was just for a little over an hour.

Tim had a conference call meeting with Cody, his PO and the Clarinda staff on Friday. It sounds like Cody has lost his focus a bit, but is working his tail off in one of the welding or metal shops down there. They commended him for his attention at work, but may recommend to the Judge a little longer stay, to help him catch up from some negative weeks he's had. I hate this. I wish he could come home. We want him to be able to start classes at Hawkeye like he had wanted at the end of August. But we've been told it could be a couple more months. We're disapointed as we know Cody is, but we're trying to help him realize that the goals Clarinda had set for him to come home, were not met because of his focus. We're doing all we can to help him refocus and finish strong. In the end...its all just reccomendation that his PO and case worker give to the Judge..and the Judge makes up his own mind. Regardless of when he comes home, there will sure to be a party! invites to come as soon as we know more about a date. Court date is NEXT tuesday the 12th, we'll have more to share at that time. Please keep Cody and his focus in your prayers.

Thoughts of a two year old!

So last week I bought Becca some Elmo underware. When we are home, we're putting her in real undies, and when we go out or go to bed she is still wearing the pull ups. This is a big step for us!

So this morning Becca wakes up and asks me (excuse the Becca spelling/talking)....
"Momma...who Daddy doh?" I proceeded to tell her that Daddy went to work. So then she says, " Yeah..Daddy wort wit Emmo undies on? "

Ha...she thought Tim was going to work with elmo undies on! Cracked me up! Just the mental image of Tim with Elmo undies was enough to bring tears to my eyes. After seeing me with tears in my eyes and laughing so hard..she says..." Silly Daddy!"

Oh. This child makes my world spin!

No title today

Last week I started talking with Cody's girlfriend. I'm loving that! Its only been through text and email so far, but I'm anxious to get together with her. She'll be helping plan the party that we are having for Cody when he comes home. I know that she means the world to Cody, and that he is crazy for this girl. We have a feeling that she will be around for a long time. We all want whats best for Cody, and knowing whats important to him is part of that. He's told us over and over that Steph is good for him. We believe that may be true, and can't wait to get to know her more!

Becca spent the day with my Mom and Dad on Saturday so that Tim and I could complete the deck! It looks great. We're still needing to build the steps, but I think that can be completed another weekend! I'm quite proud of the job we did, and that we completed it in just 2 weekends. Yay us! But how pathetic is it to be sooo soar? I'm so out of shape!

Today, Becca was without nap, so we spent the afternoon running errands while Tim spent some time with his friends. I'm on the hunt for some large clearanced out...or inexpensive pots for the deck/patio. But I think my timing is off. Either they aren't clearanced out at the super stores (lowes, homedepot) or they've been put away already to make room for school supplies (Target and Walmart).

Tim and I are doing pretty well on our "better choices" eating. Neither of us feel deprived yet. Thats my goal, is to make better choices MOST of the times, so that when I have the craving for something not so good...I don't feel as bad about it. I can never deprive myself of the sweets. But I can limit them and balance it all out with healthier eating the rest of the time. And with this, we've found some new recipes! So far everything is a keeper!

Hereeeeee fishy fishy!

Daddy got out the Dora fishing pole he bought Becca this spring, and took her our on her very first fishing experience! She had a blast...and caught 2 little bluegill all by herself! Yay Becca! We are so proud of you!
It was a short trip. All of about 30 minutes fishing! But we quit before she got bored, so that she'll be anxious to go again!

Becca can count!

Tim and I did a happy dance tonight! We are sooo proud of our Becca!

For the longest time, her counting consisted of 2.4.9.13.
Then last week it progressed and she would say 1.2.3.8.9.10.
Today finally, for the first time, without help...it was 1-10 perfectly! And she did it 3 times tonight! So it wasn't just a fluke!

Yay Becca! You are becoming such a big girl! Where has the time gone?

yahoo!

Yay! I lost 5!

New habits. New deck.

I can't believe its been a week since I posted last! This week has not been too incredibly busy until this weekend anyway! The last week I think was mostly being lazy and trying to get into the groove of changing our eating habits.
Tim made his way to 6 months being SMOKE-FREE last weekend! We are soo proud of him. He will even tell you that it seems like such a distant memory, that he can't even imagine lighting up anymore! Can you believe it? I never though I would see the day. I hoped and prayed for it, but never thought I would see it!
So, making it over the hurdle...he's decided to join me (again....) in the effort to better our eating habits. I need to stop being lazy and falling off the wagon. Maybe with him working with me on this, we'll be able to do it together. But he's a stickler!

We started tearing apart and resurfacing the deck this weekend. UGH! Hot and humid...it was horrible! But we've got it 1/2 done. *Thank you Wendy for keeping Becca for us so we could accomplish this task without constant questions and breaks to find out where she was and what she was getting into!* Next weekend (hopefully) we will complete the 2nd half and move on to building the steps to the back door. Praying for less humid weather.

Saturday night we went to a department BBQ for my work. It was nice to get away and do something different. Too bad the weather switched up on us. I think everyone was scared away by the approaching storms and headed home. In fact...we got caught in it on the way home.

I've never been so scared! I honest to God...believed that we were about to be sucked up in a tornado and flipped in the car. We had to pull over on
HWY 63 across from the Dogtrack, because we couldn't see 2 ft infront of us because the rain was so hard. We pulled over, and sat on the side of the road for about 5 minutes. Those 5 mintues will forever be etched in my mind. The rain was absolutely, no question about it...going horizontal. The wind was so crazy, that the trees in the ditch on my right were bent over. We couldn't see anything infront of us because the rain and wind was so hard. The car shook and moved and felt like it was being lifted on the drivers side. I had the hold of my door bar and Tim's wrist. Becca was frozen in her car seat. All I could think of was " when the car flips and lands upside down in this ditch beside me...how am I going to be able to get to the back and unbuckle Becca when she is upside-down? ". I was terrified. Then hail started, and it was coming in horizontal also. I think Tim was afraid that it would break the windows on the drivers side and attempted to put the car in reverse to get under the HWY 20 overpass...but we just couldn't see behind us to know if there was another car pulled over behind our car. At that point, Tim just floored it and made it back onto the roadway and down the road. By the time we made it to the Ridgeway/63 intersection, the rain had subsided just a bit, but enough for us to see infront of the car.
I didn't let go of the door handle, until we got into the garage!
It was then, under the coaching of Tim, that Becca said.... " No-No Thunder " and shook her finger at the sky!

All I have to say to that is, Amen!

Fun and Family all weekend long!

This was a full weekend for us!
Friday night after an evening of swimming for Tim and Becca, I went to a going away party for my friend Chubby. He worked with me at Grainger, and we became pretty good friends. He and his little family are moving back "home" to Kentucky. He will be greatly missed. Because I decided against having a drink, and it was incredibly warm inside the bar, i decided to make it an early night and was home at 9.

Saturday, we spent time at home playing and tim made a great London Broil and grilled veggies on the new grill! It was awesome! I went to church and the we all met at Wendy's for a bonfire and s'mores! mmmmmmm. Xavier spent the weekend with Wendy this week, since he's with his Dad this July. It was great to see him, and Becca loved playing with him again. Those too are comical when they get together.

Sunday, we slept in a bit and went to a family dinner at my Aunt Lynda and Uncle Duane's house. My mom's cousin Scott and his wife Melissa were in town from Los Angeles. It was good to see them again. The last time I saw them, I was in Junior High. Always good times when the family gets together, but Scott had some great stories! It was a fun time to hear my mom and her siblings reminense about when they were kids, and the funny stories that went along with it. A lot of laughs were had.

I will never get sick of spending time with family!

Back to Reality

Well, after a wonderful week off with Becca, and Tim enjoying a fishing vacation last week, we're back to reality! *sigh*
Becca was sad to go back to school Tuesday morning. She cried(this is not the first time) when she asked if we were going to Gaga's house. She loves going to play there on Mondays and Fridays!

Well, I told you I would share her photos when we had them scanned in. Sorry its taken longer than expected. Our scanner is on the outs at home, but Tim managed to scan them at work! Here is our favorite! This is the one that the studio wants to use in house for advertising! Go Becca!



Tim is supposed to send me the close up shot this afternoon too. I'll edit the post and add it once I recieve it too!

Thursday already?

This week off has just flown by! We've been just busy enough without being too busy to enjoy our time at home this week!

Monday and Tuesday, Becca spent her days at Grandma's house and at Daycare, so that I could get closets cleaned out and errands run. I was glad I took that time! I think she needed the time away from me to play with the kids, and I needed time to get my work done so I didn't feel guilty having fun the rest of the week with her having a messy house to return to!

Wednesday we took a trip to the Coral Ridge Mall in Iowa City and met Grandma Kathy there for lunch, shopping and of course, ice cream before we came home! It was a great day! Grandma Kathy spoiled Becca with some new outfits and lots and lots of attention. in fact...I'm not sure who gave who more attention. They were both pretty smitten with each other. Becca and I stopped at a Scrapbooking store in Coralville (Memories on 5th) before we headed home. She was absolutely done with shopping by that point, but was patient enough to let me grab a couple of things I probably didn't need, but felt I couldn't leave without!

Today we got Becca's 2 yr old pictures taken! They are adorable. As soon as I get my scanner working, I'll try to post them. Otherwise, some of you will be receiving your own anyway! I'm very proud of her today. She never has taken the best professional pictures....but I've chalked that up to her age and the lack of enthusiasm in the past photographers that we went to. We went to Portrait Innovations today. They are new in waterloo...but I'm liking them already! Very inexpensive, but very good!

One of the pics is in her red/white/blue dress on a white background. They handed her a little flag, and she stood up on her own, and held it way above her head, then looked up at it. PERFECTION! When he showed it to me, I knew right away we had to have it! Harvey (the little dude that shot the pics) called over the other photographers later, then they asked me if they could use it for advertising, or to put it up in the store! They even had some of the customer's coming over and looking at it on the big screen because they heard the fuss the photographers were making over it! Can't wait to share them!

Sturgis Falls

I decided on two posts...just so that it didn't seem so long winded! Sturgis Falls was great as always. Short of us getting leaving early Saturday afternoon, and missing the Marine Band because of rain, the rest of the weekend was beautiful.

Mom was in the parade on her Class of 68 float for their reunion. So Grandpa Bob, Wendy, Xavier, Becca and I watched from the curb! Sunday was filled with a lot of fair food and music. Here are a couple of pictures from our weekend. (note the watermelon barrettes I made to match her new outfit!)


Aunt Wendy and Becca clapping for the Armed Forces in the parade


Momma and Becca


Everyone thinks that Becca is such a sweetheart. Which she is...but she's rough too! She is always wanting to wrestle...today it was Xavier's turn. Becca knows how to lay the smack down!


I don't know what kind of move she's making, but by this action shot, and the expression caught on Xavier's face...WWF might be knocking on my door soon, asking for Rowdy Rebecca!

Gone Fishing...and its our vacation too!

Tim left for his yearly week long fishing trip with Aaron on Saturday morning. Tim has been itchin' to get up north to go fishing. He had been spoiled up until family priorities got the best of us and decided that one trip is enough each year.

That also means, however, that I haven't been on a vacation since we were pregnant with Becca. I do miss getting away, but the thought of leaving Becca for a whole week just overwhelms me and makes me feel sick instantly. I would be miserable without her for 7 days! And at 2, she's just too young to go along for that long...at least to such a remote resort that is not so (young) family friendly. This is a man's man resort for sure. Tim went with homework instructions...to go looking for another resort on the first rainy day they have and aren't fishing! We'll see what kind of ideas he comes back with.

But, as I have done the last couple of years, decided to take this week off also and make this my vacation. Each year there is another project to do while he is away. This year, it is cleaning closets and getting ready to store things for Cody and move in what he needs this fall. I have plenty to keep me busy, at least for the next two days. Becca will still go to Grandma Deb's on Monday and daycare on Tuesday, so that I can get the work done. The rest of the week however, is fun time for the two of us! We're looking forward to a shopping date with Grandma Kathy in Coralville on Wednesday. Perhaps we'll find a new outfit, because Becca will be getting her pictures taken on Thursday! And of course with Friday being July 4th...I'm sure there will be a picnic and fireworks to attend! More later I'm sure!!

Splish Spalsh!

Ok, So maybe she's too nervous yet to let loose and have too much fun, but Becca got a new pool this weekend. Daddy thought it necessary to have a pool big enough for Becca to really be able to get used to the depth and do more than just sit in it. He wants to teach her to swim, or at least to not be afraid of a bigger body of water. (I'm sure he's thinking further in the future to fishing...) We bought a 10ft x 30" deep pool.

Yesterday, she was all game at first to get right in with Tim. She wanted to be put down right away and "walk", like he was. He did it slowly and she was fine with it. She could stand and the water was about chest height. That was fun for about 4 minutes when she slipped and went completely under. That scared her and it took an hour and much coaching to get her back in with Daddy. She held tight, and as long as he didn't let go, she was ok. Between being scared, and when she finally got back in, she found a stash of winter weather gear in the garage, and decided she wanted to wear her old stocking hat....it made a great picture!


So this morning, Tim had a (daddy needs to spoil Becca) idea, to help her forget the drama of yesterday's pool experience...and bought her a new Dora life jacket, Dora beach towel, pool balls and a Nemo kick board. This has been an unexpectedly expensive weekend.

Flood Fashion

Thought we all needed a little comic relief from the stress and worry of the floods! Here's a shout out to Michelle for providing the picture! I don't care what everyone else says about you! I love ya!

The difference a year makes

2007


2008
Just had to share two pics tonight. I think we've started a tradition. At least at this house...Last year and this year, we have taken a picture of Becca and I together infront of my Blue Indigo Baptista bush. This bush is from a transplant that my mom had at their house, and that she got from a transplant from her mom. Because I never knew my Grandma Smith, this bush means a lot to me.

Well, I wanted to share both pictures. I'm sure I've shared last years with many of you before, but I've added the picture we took about 2 weeks ago as well! Its amazing to see how much Becca has changed in just a year. And obviously, still can't get Becca to smile pretty and look at the camera!

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!