Christmas is over, Winter is definitely here...what else could that mean??????

Of course a new background!

Also thought I would quickly post a handful of pics from Christmas at our house and and my parent's house.
Here is Becca Boo looking cute with her Christmas outfit on.


Here are a couple of pics of our little family, as well as one of all the cousins.



Becca in her new Cinderella dress up clothes. She loved this, and surprisingly kept the crown on for quite a while. That makes 2 dress up outfits she got!


And myyyy gift that Santa left me. What a surprise...Santa wasn't supposed to bring Momma and Daddy gifts this year!

Thank you, Thank you. Thank you.

On Monday I was texted by a friend at work, and told that I had to come to the office (on my day off of all things!) because there was a surprise for me. Hmmmm.
So Becca and I made it in to visit, and OH MY GOODNESS! My friends at work ROCK!

They surprised me (or actually, the surprise was for my sister and the kids) with an enormous about of presents for Xavier and Shalaya, and a large giftcard for Wendy.

Seriously! I love my coworkers. To throw a little Grainger humor into it...they definitely "WOWed" me! I went straight to Wendy's house to deliver, and took pictures of their family opening the gifts. It was great. Oh my. So much excitement and happiness and joy fills that house everyday, but watching the kids open those unexpected gifts....makes me a little weepy. I took pictures with Wendy's camera. So as soon as she uploads them, I will share.

Tremendous thanks go out to my Grainger friends. You truly are the best friends ever! God continues to provide for everyone, in every way, every day. God blessed me with friends like you, and He will bless you as well.

One Christmas down....

Well, kinda sorta. Today was Christmas at my Grandpa Dale's house, however, the clan from the Des Moines area didn't make it up because of the weather. Can't blame them. I wouldn't want to travel with little ones in blizzard conditions either. The in-towners did make it up to eat and chit-chat. That was good. Patti and Gary brought presents for the little ones. Shalaya and Xavier received art supplies. Becca though...got the best present of all! She got her very first Gymnastics Leotard! Its sooo adorable. I'll post pictures later. She'll be starting "nastics" as she calls it, in January!

Well, tomorrow Becca will be going to spend the day with Grandma and Grandpa as usual, while I finish up shopping for stocking stuffers. I'm looking forward to the time by myself.

Tuesday I think it'll be a girls day for Becca and I. Haircuts, painted toes for the holiday (its a tradition we started last year) and maybe to see my friends at work, and Daddy at the office!

FINALLY! Its here!

I am officially now on Christmas vacation! I won't be going back until January 2nd! Gotta love all the vacation that Grainger gives!

Love this! Just sharing!

Whew.

So yesterday we did end up making it to the Youth Pavillion for the first time. We met Wendy and the kids there, and they enjoyed all there was to see and do. Good time! It was very loud, but fun. I've added pics of Shalaya driving the tractor, and Xavier and Becca doing a painting.



After we got home, we found Tim with full blown stomach flu. I quickly called mom and Dad, packed a bag for Becca and I and we had a last minute slumber party at their house. I didn't want to expose becca to the germs any longer than she had been already. Praying we don't get it! But if we do, I hope its now, rather than on Christmas.
Today, I had already had the day scheduled off, so Mom and Becca and I went shopping. We had hoped to see Santa a 2nd time, but he was busy at home building toys still. Becca was disappointed, but was distracted by the promise to go to Village Inn for lunch! But here is a pic from last week when we went to see Santa. She wasn't comfortable getting down from my arms, but she talked to him just fine.
We'll keep trying, without pushing!

It escapes me....

Ever have one of those busy weeks...that seems like you can't ever catch your breath...but it escapes you at just what exactly kept you so busy? Haha! I'm having one of those moments!
Maybe it was just the waiting early in the week to hear from my sister on what was going on with the possibility of Shalaya coming home to her. Then finding out that an emergency decision was made by the judge and caseworker on Wednesday during the day. Shalaya came home with Wendy that night. Next it was the excitement leading up to meeting Shalaya, at the same time trying to give Wendy, and the kids space to become familiar with one another.
Becca and I did get to meet and play with Shalaya yesterday afternoon before we all went to church. She is a beautiful little girl. Quiet still for the most part. But very sweet. She warmed up to me at church, and by the time we were driving them home, she was getting silly with Becca and Xavier in the back seat. It was great to hear everyone laughing. Made me get a little sappy.
Oh! And Shalaya lost a tooth while we were at church! After church on Saturdays, they provide free Pizza. So we hung out and ate with the kids. Well, Shalaya took one bite of her crust and out it came! I'm sure the toothfairy made a visit to her new house last night ! *wink*
Today Becca and I are going to join Wendy and the kids at the Youth Pavillion. They are having Dollar Day if you bring a can of food! We're soo there!

Overflowing Carts

I've never had so much fun Christmas shopping as I had yesterday!
Wendy and I had lunch and went Christmas shopping. We braved Target and spent at least 2 1/2 of the most wonderful hours ever!
We bought some clothes and toys for my new Foster Niece, as well as coordinating Christmas outfits for all three of our little kids! Figured Cody wouldn't be into matching the munchkins so much! It was a blast! An overflowing shopping cart and 14 target bags later, we decided to make one more trip to Barnes and Noble.

It really was great! I know we both did more than we would normally have done this year, but with a new member of the family, who will basically come with nothing...she needs EVERYTHING. Underware, socks, dress shoes, pajamas, loveys, toys, etc. Sounds like she's been with a couple of foster families, and will be brining very little of her own stuff. What a better time than Christmas!

Wendy and I then stopped to pick up Becca, who joined us for church and then pizza and "paper taping" (present wrapping)- as Becca calls it, at Wendy's house. It was a blast!

Thank you God for blessing our family, and blessing the life of this little girl, who needs a loving place to call home. There's no better place than Wendy's!

Its a Girl!

Sounds like I'm going to be a "FOSTER-Aunt" in a couple of weeks!

My sister will be fostering a little girl. Shalaya is 5, and will be a good fit with Xavier and Wendy. We are all very excited and are giddy with excitement!

I told you sooo!

Yep, Thanksgiving is over and onto the next seasonal background.
I've got the decorations up, though scaled back, and Becca's talking about Caca Claus. ( we are trying to get her to say Santa correctly, because after all, we're pretty sure Santa would put her on the naughty list if she continues to call him Caca (sh*t)Claus much longer!) lol. Ooohh, the things kids say!

Just a quick note is all I have time for tonight. Laundry is calling to be folded!
I'll catch everyone up with all this weeks happenings later!

Gobba Gobba...

....as Becca says! Happy Thanksgiving!

We'll be spending our afternoon and evening at Grandma Paula and Grandpa Steve's house today! Can't wait!
I have to work tomorrow (first time in my 11 years at Grainger), but Becca is going to spend her day with Grandma Deb and Gaga Bob, so that Daddy can hit some sales. I know, I was amazed myself at his newsworthy announcement. Mr-I-hate-crowds is going to brave it by himself. Scarey, I know!

At the expense of a Turkey

Wow, its been a week.

We expected this weekend to be another busy one. However, Paula now will not be working on Thanksgiving day, so we will be spending it with them after all! So that freed up today for us! Tomorrow though, we will be enjoying a meal and time with the Lee's at my Grandpa Dale's house. Always a full house, way too much food, kids running around, football on the tube and a lot of laughs and catching up.

Just a few minutes ago, Becca drew her first recognizable picture! Can you tell what it is? She told me what it was and I was sooo proud of her! She did this all on her own!

Its a Pumpkin! We just had to take a picture of it!

A.D.D.

Ok, I think I may have A.D.D. when it comes to my blog backgrounds. I love something one day, and the next I need to have something different. But I found this one and it is perfect until Thanksgiving. I'm sure the day after, I will be finding a Christmas theme! Its what I do when I don't have time or space to work on my scrapbooking!

Well, we had a revelation last night. Not only do we need to schedule family holidays with 4 sets of families between Tim and I, but now we are working with Cody's families as well. I dreaded this for the last 2 weeks, trying to schedule everything and everyone to make sure everyone gets their time. But believe it or not....we have NO PLANS on Thanksgiving Day! Tim laughed and said, " in all my 38 years, I've never not had plans on a holiday!" I think he then did a little jig on his way out of the room! ha! But we will still be having lots of family time. Just so worked that this year everyone scheduled around turkey day! That works for us.
Tim suggests we get a small turkey of our own, so that we can "PRACTICE". I ask for what..and he says.." cause babe, you'll have to make one some day for our family anyway!" *sigh* he's right. We'll see!

We'll we're off to go Christmas tree shopping. Our tree we've had the last 13 years is shot. Losing limbs and looked like something out of Charlie Brown Christmas special. So it made a trip to the dump this spring. Wish us luck!

I'm baaaaack...

...and happy to be home!

I will say that I was kept so busy, so focused, and our day's were so intense during the this workshop, that by the time we went back to the hotel and had a couple of drinks I realized that I hadn't thought about being homesick for Becca. I did however, really wish that since I was so close to history being made at Grant Park at Obama's celebration, I wish I could have gotten there. But I stayed up and watched it on tv like the rest of the world. Not comfortable or familiar enough with the area to venture out on my own!

But overall, it was a good 4 day trip. I did miss Becca, but I learned a lot at this workshop and have several ideas on how to put it into practice with processes that need to be updated and rewritten in my department. Blah...how boring!

Anyway. Glad to be home. Things seemed to go on just fine without me here. Not that I was worried about that. But you always kinda wonder what goes on when your not around. Now trying to focus on getting ready for the ever approaching holidays. Just a couple of weeks away! Time to get in touch with everyone and try to mesh our schedules.

Off to Chicago!

I wish I could say it was to help Obama celebrate his winning the election. Not that I don't think its going to happen...cause I believe it will! But unfortunately, its only to go to a conference. Bummer, I know.

But just a little note to let everyone know the reason for my lack of posting this week. I will be leaving Tuesday and coming back on Friday evening. I'm excited to get away, but already homesick for Becca. I've only ever left her for overnight and a day...so this 4 day stretch will be a test for me. I miss her already!

I'm trying so hard to not leave a list a mile long with instructions. I know Tim is fully capable. But it will be an experience for both of us for sure. But I will say that I am happy that my mom and Wendy are just a phone call away.

Well, hopefully I'll have more to share this weekend!

Happy Halloween!

Just a few pics to show off our beautiful little Flower Pixie, and Goofy Auggie as well!

Finally....50th Percentile!

Becca had her 6 month check up in Iowa City on Friday, and passed with Flying colors on the exam portion of her visit! Results are still pending on her Thyroid levels, but we're expecting those to be within normal ranges as well.
She's grown to 34 1/4" tall, and 28 lbs. Still just a pixie fart in our eyes!
However, she's climbed her way up to JUST under the 50th percentile. Meaning, 50% of girls her age are the same height and weight. Thats awesome. Thats where she should be. She's never been above 25%, and a year ago dipped down to the 7% last fall, to 25% this spring. So we are incredibly happy and proud. She was a star patient as well. She got 3 stickers and a new Barbie to proof it!

In fact, Dr Osterhaus is so impressed with Becca's gains in her height and weight, and her levels staying within normal and never needing to change her meds, that we will be trialing Becca off her meds in March and April. We'll go cold turkey, then take more tests after 6weeks of no meds, and hopefully (fingers crossed) be off meds for good! This poor punk has been on thyroid meds since 3 weeks old! I hate that. But one thing is for sure, she's a rockstar at taking meds now! Never has fussed even once!

Pumpkin Town

We had a beautiful day to do all kinds of fun things! Warning, this post is loaded with pictures!

Becca, Tim and I went to Pumpkin Town. Cedar Valley Community Church has a Pumpkin Town that is a free outreach to anyone. Of course you pay for your pumpkin, and any food treats you want while there, but they have story times, crafts, games, petting zoo, hay rides, jump house and of course the pumpkins! Its a good time! We managed to get a few good shots. Here is my favorite.


After Pumpkin Town, Becca and Momma stopped to get their haircuts, and back home to eat a late lunch and play with the puppy for a while. Daddy then decided it was a nice afternoon to go ahead and make the jack-o-lantern. We've asked Becca several times what kind of face she wanted on her pumpkin, and the answer is always SCAREY! She then will do an impression of what she hoped it would look like, but distorting her own face. Very funny to watch, of course she has sound affects also.

She wasn't much interested in the process of scooping out the pumpkin, but she wanted to help Tim cut. The final piece of work is pretty good!



Ok....so a couple of pics that I can't stand to not compare...Becca at the pumpkin town...from the beginning.

7 Months

1 1/2 years

2 1/2 Years

Auggie Ben Doggy

Meet Auggie! He came home with us tonight and is adjusting quickly! Wouldn't you know that the one that was hesitant to get a new dog (me) is the one the puppy is attached to already. Hmmmm...conspiracy I tell ya!

Midweek update!

Well goodness! This is a busy week for us. A lot of milestones and events happening at our house!

Monday : Becca had her 1st confrences at Daycare. Yes, they do optional confrences at her age. I love this! We want to be an involved parent, and help do at home, what is being enforced at school, and viseversa! So we found out that her teacher Holly loves Becca, is very happy that she is always polite, respectful and has very good manners. She is always first to offer help to the teachers and plays well with all the kids. She's testing a whole year ahead at 3 1/2 for all her skills (language, motor skills, etc). So we are incredibly proud of her! When we asked what we can do at home to keep her sucess up, Holly replied, " keep doing what your doing! She's wonderful!"

Tuesday : We did some straightening of the house and went puppy supply shopping. That was fun and family shopping trips are always a blast. I seriously love them.

Today : Cody had court at 1030 this morning. Tim called me and reported that it is official, Cody has been released from Clarinda by the judges decision and will be living with us full time. I'm sure there will be bumps in the road, and some adjustments to be made, but utlitmately, we are estatic that we can be a family!

Tomorrow : Thursday we will be bringing home another family member to live with us. Auggie will be coming home with us. Auggie is a 12 wk old beagle. Cute little bugger.

The rest of the weekend, I think we will be just getting used to everything that is new and enjoying it. Whew! I need to make a family calander!

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!