Happy Birthday Becca!

Golly tamale! I can't believe that Becca is turning 3 tomorrow! We celebrated today with Grandparents and Aunt Wendy and the kids! Becca's Crayon themed bday went off without a hitch! I'm very happy with the everyday decorations, bright colors and simple foods. And it helped with timing and nerves to find Hy-Vee had the PERFECT cupcakes! oh, an

Here are a handful of pictures to share! Oh and notice the crayon barrettes to finish off the outfit!

Check out my NEW blog!

I have created a new blog, for my photo challenges that I've begun to participate in!
Check it out by clicking here and adding it to your favorites/bookmarks
Every week day has a different theme, each by different blog hosts. I may not post a new photo everyday, but I check back often, as I want to be doing more photography. On each post, I will also have a link back to the host site, where you can view other shots on the same theme from around the world.

New Month, New Background

Cupcakes of course....in honor of Becca's Bday next week!

Sky Watch Friday

Here it is: Their Sky Watch Friday website says it is aplace to enjoy the views of the sky from around the globe. Its not for profit, not for awards, just a place to have some fun, and enjoy the beauty of the sky that others are able to capture. So I've decided to join in. I will attempt to post a Sky Watch post for each Friday! My first post is a shot from the backyard, after freezing rain in December 2008.


To see more Sky Watch Friday, check out their site!

A whole lot-a-nuffin

Not a lot going on since the last post. Cody's on the look out for a used bike. If anyone knows of one for cheap or free...please let us know.

Becca is funny with her little sayings lately. When playing and joking around with the boys (tim and Cody) she will often say,
" cody...your the best silly ever! "
If we ask her to repeat it, she will say "Nuffin (nothing), I'm just teasing!"

I think we are all itchin' with cabin fever. I'm soooo sick of winter. I hate to have the house closed up, hate when the blinds are closed, hate not being able to take Becca outside to spend some time. We're all bored with our surroundings and each other. I will say though, I love walking out of the house at 645 and it be light outside now. Becca even noticed this morning! Every time we pass a park or playground equipment, Becca will say, " I wanna go there when i'm bigger and its warm! " We've had to tell her that when the grass is green like a John Deere tractor, and its very warm outside, then we can. I just don't want her to think on the first 65 degree day we can go, when the parks are still muddy and dirty.

It'll all come soon enough. But it seems like its taking forever this year!

April 6th

...will be Cody's first day at the MWI. He got the call last night. They will be contacting Cody soon on Landlord assignment and living arrangements. So that is still up in the air for the time being. I'm sure we'll start moving him on the Saturday the 4th, to be sure he's down there and settled for his first day.

I SAW A ROBIN!!!!!!

Ok, as Cody made a point last night...."its a freakin' bird!" And I'm sure I'm a little overly exicted about Robins. But to my defense, I always have been, and I'm sure I always will be.



When I was little, probably 4 or 5 (mom could tell you for sure) I associated the first robin to my birthday being right around the corner. Ok really, my bday isn't until the end of May. But hey..thats how a little girl thinks!

So yes, Spring is on its was, yes...just like every other year. But the Robin makes it real to me!

Apple Tree Song

Words are: Way up in the Apple Tree Two little apples smiling at me I shake that tree as hard as I could Here comes the apples. CRUNCH Delicious!

Relief!

Today Becca met with a speech therapist from AEA267 to evaluate some troubles she's had recently. We asked her Community United (her daycare) to line something up, because we were concerned with the amount of "stuttering" were have been hearing from her lately. Her teacher agreed, that it would be good to get an early evaluation to catch whatever the problem early.

I spoke with her therapist, Karen, yesterday afternoon and felt a little relief after we got off the phone. Karen believes that Becca is not a stutterer, however, because she's trying to keep up with the rest of us, and mimic our fast speach patterns, she's getting hung up. Becca is not repeating a sound of a word...like b-b-b-b-book. Rather, she's slowly elongating and repeating the whole word, like Booooooook, booooooook, boooooooook, book. There are times she will repeat a word as many as a dozen times or more. Mostly its the first word of a sentence.

Karen believes that Becca is not even aware that she has this "dysfluency" (not a stutter)...so we've been told NOT to stop her, slow her down, or tell her to start over. Because Becca's perseption is " why are they interupting me? " and could actually lead her to become aware of it, then it actually become a stutter from self conciousness.

Karen will be working with Becca once a week for several weeks and re-evaluate her after working this program. She gave us some pointers of how to influence her speech patterns and help her rephrase her sentences.

She was not overly concerned, and thought that it would be a fairly easy fix, but it would take a little time. She was amazed at Becca's vocabulary, infact, called it above average. We are encouraged by her visit with Becca and her first report.

Beauty Shop

Well, Becca had a rare accident in the bed last night. Like a lazy parent does, that doesn't want her child to wake up completely and not get back to bed right away, I stripped her down, washed her at the sink, threw new jammies on her and put a towel over the spot in the bed. Does this make me a bad parent? hmmmm...

So after Bath, Becca and I played beauty shop. We both dried and curled our hair, she pretended to put on make-up while I did, and the result was fabulous! We've never curled Becca's hair, but it looks cute. Didn't take very long, and she was very cooperative. But I don't believe its something we'll do except for occasionally beauty shop days!

Today was full of surprises......

....of the not wanted kind!

I woke up this morning with my sinus infection finding a new home in my right ear. I couldn't hear out of my right ear much at all and it was messing with my equalibrium. (spelling?) If I open my mouth too wide, yawn or cough, it pops and is very painful. So I called in sick, too Becca to daycare and sure enough, diagnosed with an inner ear infection. I hate that you have to go to the dr to have them tell you something you all ready know, but need their word for a prescription. Oh well.

So went to walmart to get the prescription and make a return, waited 30 minutes, and it still wasn't ready. I was enough off balance I didn't want to stick around anymore, so came home to rest. Figured after I picked becca up at 430, we could swing back by and pick it up.

Came home, rested, started feeling a bit better so got some de-cluttering done, and just started thinking about taking a nap, when Daycare called. Becca had a 102 temp and had to come home. So we both slept for a while, until my mom came over to stay with her so that I could go back out and get the prescription.

*sigh*

Tim and Cody are on their way home from Missouri. Expecting them late. I'm sure I'll have more to post in a couple of days about Cody's school plans!

Happy Super Bowl Day!

We don't normally do anything crazy cool for the Superbowl. We're not the biggest Football fans, but enjoy watching the big game anyways. We probably fall into the group that watches more for the commercials, than the game or entertainment!
We were invited to bring the kids and hang out and my parents house for the game, and to enjoy some eats. Sounds like a plan to me!


Yesterday was another round at the gym for Becca! She did really well, after a pep talk and reminder to listen to the teachers. I think its safe to say that her least favorite thing is making a train to walk from one activity to another. I got a rare picture of her actually allowing the others to touch her shoulders. But seconds after this shot, she's shruggin them off and tell them not to touch her!
Becca did work the bars all by herself! She had a spotter, but she did her her trick 3 times without any help! What a girl! She also got her first chance on the big trampoline! From the picture I think she liked that!


Tim and Becca took advantage of the 40 degree weather after a nap, and made snowman! Becca didn't fully enjoy the process this year, and was not so thrilled that she kept getting stuck, hip deep in the snow. It was kinda comical if you ask me. But her crying told a different story!

Mid week post

Can't say there is a lot to report on this Tuesday night, but I felt the need to write something. Just babble mostly. So feel free to ignore and move past this post.

tim's trying to figure out the settings on the cameras. trying to use the sports setting is working so hot for us (when trying to capture Becca's fast movements at the gym). The pictures came back too dark. And lightening them with our software makes the image grainy. Not sure what the answer is. But any other setting either catches the movement in a blur, or the shutter speed is not fast enough or too fast, which causes us to miss the shot. So basically...I would love to take a photography class to learn the things I need to know to take better pictures with my digital, and along with that, would love to win the lottery so that I could buy and have someone teach me the basics of Photoshop, so that I can edit my pics once. hmmm...some day.

Anyway. Becca now has her kitchen cabinet that my Grandpa Don bought her in her room. We've had it in the livingroom since we brought it home, but I'm feeling the need to spring clean and organize and get rid of clutter. ie: toys.
So up to her room it went. We'll see how this goes. So far(knock on wood) it hasn't kept her up playing at night! We'll revisit that one in a week or two!

Busy Saturday, Lazy Sunday.

We started Saturday with only plans to do gymnastics, groceries and come home. However, before we left the house, our schedule had changed to include bowling with Wendy and the kids after gymnastics!

Becca was a little less focused than she had been the last two weeks. She participated better in her warm-ups this time. We were happy to see that. We've been practicing with her at home on her warm ups and stretches, because she has seemed just unsure of it until yesterday.
But then came the stations. I don't think she did bad, however, she was easily distracted by the others her her class. We did notice they worked with her on her headstand more this week. And even worked at going only half-way up with legs extended in a V-shape. I was impressed. Takes a lot of control. She wasn't able to do it on her own, but I wouldn't have expected that. She didn't seem to want to do her cartwheels this week. She did do some, but I think she had her own idea on how to do it. One of the coaches worked with her for a long time. But I think I only saw 4 cartwheels out of her. She continued to do well on the bar and backbends.
So once in the car, we gave a little pep talk, and reminded her that she has to listen to her teachers, just like she does at school and follow their rules. She said, " ok, I listen better when I go again when I'm bigger!" Ha..that kinda cracked us up.

After-wards, we joined Wendy, Xavier and Shalaya at the bowling alley. We were also surprised to find my Dad there also! Mom had a lunch date with friends, so Dad decided to come along for the entertainment. Well...so we thought...by the middle of our first game, Tim and Dad both decided they wanted in on the second games! It was a good time. Something different to do, get out of the house, and get the kids moving a little bit. Becca had her share of excitement and was about 2 hours past nap time when we decided we needed to head home. She was asleep in the car before we were even a mile down the road.

We had also hoped to go the hockey game last night. But poor planning on our part, we didn't call for tickets until yesterday afternoon and there was standing room only left. So we opted against it. I wasn't going to stand for 2 1/2hrs with Becca.


Today though is a different story. We're all being lazy. Tim, Cody and Becca are all napping as I update here. Kinda enjoying the quiet! Well, I had better use this time wisely. I think I'll do some Becca Birthday party planning!

Updated with pics below!

Wouldn't it be cool.....?

This weekend was such a blast! Why can't they make a Tivo for life. Replay the funny parts, your favorite parts, the parts that define us?

Friday night was just another night at the house. Nothing big or special, knowing our next two days would be full.
But Saturday, we headed to gymnastics with Becca. We've (Tim and I) decided that Becca's specialty will be the uneven bars. Well, ok, she's only on one bar right now. And its only about 36" off the floor. I thought at first that we were just super impressed and proud of what we saw her doing on the bar, you know...perhpas overly proud parents...BUT THEN...we were stopped on the way out the door by the two coaches that worked with the preschoolers! Sarah said, " has she done this before? " and our answer was , " only last week!" and then Sarah and the other coach talked about how well she did on the bar, and that they showed her some moves that they hadn't shown the other preschoolers that day! Becca was using her own muscle control and was able to do what was asked without much coaching or support at all! We were told that she listened really well and that after being shown once what to do, she was good to be left alone, because she picked it up right away and did her stations correctly! YAY BECCA! We're Sooooooo proud of you!

After nap on Saturday, Wendy took Becca to church with them so that Tim and I could go to my Holiday Party for my department. We had it at The Screaming Eagle here in downtown Waterloo. I had never been there before, but I thought it was pretty cool! I'll definitely go again! I was super glad that Tim got to know some of the other husbands there. Two of them are also fisherman. It made me and my girlfriends giggle when we saw the 3 guys flip open their cell phones and exchange phone numbers! I'm glad though. I think Tim needs to get out more and have more friends. A lot of his closest friends have moved out of town/state. Besides, I'm always wishing we had more "couple" friends as well!

Today, was Girly-Day! Wendy, Shalaya, Grandma, Becca and I spent some time at the mall, bought the girls some jewelry and hair accessories at Claire's and had an ice-cream treat.

After wards, we went back to Wendy's house to paint toenails and fingernails and let the girls play off some of the sugar they had from ice-cream.

What a fun day! On the way home, Becca and I stopped at McDonalds to use her gift card that she received at Christmas from Sherri, Ron and the kids. Perfect ending to a perfect day!

So yes. I want to keep this day and replay it whenever I need a smile!
ps..I tried uploading pics, but for some reason, blogger isn't taking them. I'll try again tomorrow.

"nastics" newbie!

Becca enjoyed her first Gymnastics session on Saturday! It was so much fun to watch. She was definitely the smallest in the preschool group. We've always thought that with her small size, maybe gymnastics was the place for her to be! In this pic, you can see just how small she is compared to the others.

She caught on pretty quickly to most of the things they were asking her to do. Really...the hardest things for her to grasp were the stretches and warm-ups they did. I'm sure in another session or two, she'll have it down.

Becca rocked on the bar. She didn't hesitate at all. She seemed to know exactly what to do! It just made us smile!
She wore the blue leotard that my Aunt Patti and Uncle Gary gave her at Christmas. Patti is a coach at Cedar Valley Gymnastics Academy where Becca is attending. She can be seen in this picture helping Becca to stick her landing.

I'm sure we stuck out as the "new parents", me with my little camera and Tim with the video camera rolling. I'm so glad we got it though...someday, maybe if Becca is in the olympics, somebody is going to want that footage! Shawn Johnson...here we come!

WHOA

So imagine yourself in our home tonight....
Myself and Cody watching Two 1/2 Men, Tim on the computer, and Becca coloring on the floor. She comes to me and shows me 3 yellow crayons, wanting me to see that she sorted them. I told her how cool that was, and she headed into see Tim and show him, but she stopped at her pile of crayons on the floor, grabbing 2 more yellow crayons! So then she goes out to Tim and says...

" Daddy look...(she places them on the desk and continues to point them out) UNO, DOS, TRES, QUATRO, CINCO! "

Cody and I stop with jaws dropping to the floor, and Tim says " WHOA! Did you hear that? "

We all started laughing in amazement..we had never heard her count in spanish before, especially without being prompted to repeat one of us!

Wow...what a little sponge. Guess we'll start working on german next? ha!

Party Town!!!! ( Yeah Yeah)

We decided at the last minute to make a family trip to the BlackHawks game tonight! They had seats available and we all needed some time out of the house doing something fun together!
Cody wasn't so sure he wanted to go, but gave in and joined us. We are sooo glad that he did. Tim filled him in on some of the finer points of hockey. Cody got into it a little more than I think he expected to! But it was great. He had fun and we loved that the both the kids were with us.

This was Becca's first hockey game! I was a little nervous about the noise level scaring her, but she was just fine! She had a good time. The first period she was a little quiet and just observed. However, by the time the second period started, and we gave her some snacks (popcorn, fruit treats, and daddy even tried some cotton candy) she was ready to let loose a bit! She denied the cotton candy (thanks goodness)...but loved the popcorn and juice! Daddy was spoiling to make sure she had a good experience and had fun.

With such a last minute decision to go, we left without grabing my camera! DANG IT! I am so bummed we didn't get some pictures.

The first thing she did when we got back home..is that she told Auggie " Hiiii Auggie! I went to a Hockey Game! I go there again all the time!"

Go Hawks!

Oh yeah...and Happy New Year!
We're off to my sister's house to let the kids play while we watch the game. Good excuse for food is what Wendy says! lol....like we haven't had enough this holiday season!

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.