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

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

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

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

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

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

Patting Tim on the back!

1 Month without a cigarette !

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunshine and Valentines!

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



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

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

Day Two

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

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

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

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

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

Sick and Snowed in

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

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

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

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

Catch Up

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

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

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

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

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

50 Days until Spring!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

36 HOURS!!!

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

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

Where did the weekend go?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy New Year!

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

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

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

We'll check back in soon! Toodles!

Wow! Christmas this year has been so much different with Becca. She is so much more involved and fun this year with the presents and the activities! Its been a blast!

Christmas Eve day, she and I started a new tradition...pedicures for our piggies! Really, this was an attempt to get her to let me cut her toenails, and it worked. So we both had painted red toenails for Christmas!

That day we spent at my Mom and Dad's with Wendy and Xavier also, and exchanged gifts between the kids, enjoyed chili, sandwiches and a birthday cake for Jesus. We also attended the Christmas Even service at church, where they had a live nativity, Camel, cow, goat and lamb! It was soo neat! Becca enjoyed the animals as well! Coming home, she fell asleep in the car, but decided to play a bit and set out graham crackers and grape juice for Santa, and an apple for the reindeer. Right before going to bed, Tim brought out a special book that he had picked up, The Night Before Christmas, (suprise #1)and started their own little tradition. Becca sat on his lap and intently looked at the pictures as he read her the story. I...well, I sat in the chair watching them and cried. I'm such a softy! Had I known he was going to do this, I would have taken a picture. shoot!

Christmas morning was a blast. Tim and I were up and ready when Becca woke up and we came down stairs to find a Pretty Princess tent set up in the living room, and Elmo bag on her chair and a shiney new red trike with a big red bow! That trike even suprised me! (Tim's pretty sneaky this year!) Becca had all the rest of her presents unwrapped by 630am! It was still dark out! She had a good time playing with all the new blocks, and animals, and beads and books! Cody joined us later in the morning, and Mom, Dad and Wendy came over to see us for a short time before we headed out to Gumpa Seee's (grandpa Steve). More fun and food was had out there, and this time, Becca came home with a new Radio Flyer Fire Truck! Wow... she loves this! And she'll make her siren noises as soon as she sits down on it!


An on another front....Becca has slept thru the night without a paci for the last 2 nights, and last night, she even fell asleep without it! Yay Becca!!!!! We're so happy and proud of her!

Well, we hope everyone else had a great holiday! Stay safe and we'll post again soon!

Merry Christmas
Tim, Missy, Cody and Becca

Ready or not...

I forgot to mention (I think) that we came to a point where Becca had become waaaay to dependent on her paci of late. Soooo, last weekend, we decided to use my sisters trick, of cutting the tip off the paci, so the "suck" isn't productive and after awhile, they just stop wanting it. Right off the bat, it worked! We sympathize with her and say, " I'm sorry, its broken!" We went all week without her asking for her broken paci...however, we kept a good one for bedtime only. Baby steps!
Tonight, we cut the tip off the night time paci....(yes we have back-ups just in case), but so far (58 minutes into bedtime) all is good.

Today we played and cleaned, wrapped the last of the presents and enjoyed some time together before the craziest hits tomorrow with all the running around with our Christmas plans! Becca got to play in the snow for about 8 minutes today. Thats all Momma and Daddy could stand, it was so windy! I know she was plenty warm in her layers of clothes and socks and in a snowsuit, but all the good snow was light enough it blew away and the icy snow underneath was all there was to play on. She even got to wear the snow suit Gma Kathy bought last Christmas for her. It was too big then, and perfect today. (and it was a size 12mo! Crazy, I know, the little pixie butt! She's 21 months!)

We just got home after deciding to go on a short drive to look at Christmas lights! Becca likes to point out all the lights and say "si-si" her same word for Christmas tree. Some days its "sis-sis" too. On the drive, Tim decided we needed to stop for a treat, each of us getting our own choice. He choose popcorn shrimp, I got a hot fudge sundae, and Becca....well she just whined for a paci, so I gave in once again and she got her "treat" of a paci also! Ok, ok, so when she got home she had a granola bar! I'm not that rotten!

Happy Holidays!

Its going to be a busy next couple of days...so just wanted to drop a line and wish everyone a safe, fun and merry Christmas!

I'm sure I'll be back with pictures and stories after the holidays! We can't wait to see how Becca is with all the present opening! This year will be alot different than last I'm sure of it!

With all my love ....Missy

ps...and here's to little Ralphie, his RedRyder gun and his dad's Leg Lamp!

Becca speaks Hebrew!!!

Or at least what sounds like hebrew! Last week she yelled at us from the middle of the living room...." Yada Sha-bye"! When we didn't understand her, and asked her to repeat it, she got frustrated and yelled it over and over and over again! Looking at Tim and I as we laughed at how funny it was that she obviuosly knew exactly what she was saying, and how dumb she thought we were for not understanding!
Well, Sunday night, Yada Sha-Bye...became I-Sha-Bye! But only when she was flip floping around on the furniture and trying to be a gymnastic star! Still not sure what she is trying to say! But its hillarious!

Becca's excema is flaring up really bad. She's had it every day of her little (almost) 2 year life! But Sunday night, it was waking her up cause it itched so bad. Some Ibruporfen and another slathering of aquaphilic got her thru the night, but not before scratching so much she was drawing blood. Poor thing. The Dermatologist will see her next Thursday and can't get her in before. So we're told to use alot of vaseline for the poor thing.

Well, we're gearing up for Christmas. I think Tim's inner grinch is starting to creep out with all the family time! He always has a blast when we're all together, but its the thought of having 4 or 5 christmas gatherings that is exhausting! We are staring a new tradition this year (tim, becca, cody and I) at our house. Rather than going to mom and dads on xmas morning like we normally do, we'll be spending christmas at our own house, and then mom and dad will come to us, to share in playing with Becca's toys before we head out to Steve's. This will work best. That way Becca doesn't have to leave her treasure trove of brand new toys....to go to gma and gaga's house right away! And we've only had a couple of attempts by Becca to open a gift that is
under the tree....and its not even hers! Just a couple more days, and I'm sure that she'll be ripping into everything!

Lay-Low!

No, that isn't what we've been doing....rather, what Rebecca calls Playdough! Lay-Low! Hey, we are surprised at how close it sounds to the real thing! She's found her new favorite thing. Loves using my cookie-cutters with the playdough. I thought about giving her a plastic fork and knife to cut and play and make designs with, but she's also, very fond of the TASTE of playdough, so I decided giving her eating utensils would only promote eating it.

We seemed to have lost her BIG crayons at Gma Kathy's house, so I busted out MY box of 96 colors.... Wow, you should have seen her eyes light up. I've never seen them so big!

Today we did a little bit more shopping for Christmas. Only one small gift left to get. Oh and I still have to shop for Tim. He is the hardest to buy for. And his birthday is in January, so as if it isn't hard enough to buy for him for Christmas, I really only have about 2 weeks until I have to buy for him again. Its not like theres enough time in between, or a couple months of "hey..you know what I would like..." to get more ideas with.
I suppose that only supports his Birthday Boy Privleges that he believes he should get for the whole month of December and full month of January, because he has a birthday so close to Christmas. (whatever) You should hear some of the things he come up with that falls into his Birthday Boy Privleges. Oh, like, it should be ok for him to throw his dirty stinky socks at me, or that I should refill his glass when he needs it, or I should let him tickle my feet...all because his bday is coming up. (oops...as Tim reads over my shoulder)

Ok, becca wants to add something....

yyg n gccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccclllll; dssdsaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaax2222245

Ok, time to watch Dora!

Hallmark Weekend

I swear...if someone is looking in, and flipped this last week over to see if there was a gold crown on the back...I guarantee you would find one there! We had Hallmark written all over us!

Last week, the Grandpa of one of my oldest and best friends passed away. Because Chris lives in VA, we don't get to see eachother often. I'm glad I did get to see him last week, but hate that it was under these circumstances. But he is back home safe and away from this horrible Iowa weather pattern we seem to be stuck.

Thursday night Tim, Becca and I went out to the OP with Cody. That was nice and fun to catch up. Becca thought it was fun when Tim and Cody joined her in coloring/scribbling after dinner. She wanted nothing to do with me!
Wendy had her bunion surgery on Thursday and stayed at Mom and Dad's until Sunday night. I'm sure she was itchin' to get back to her house. Xavier will be more than happy to help around the house I'm sure!

Friday night, Tim and I remembered quickly why we don't like Chuck-E-Cheese! Tim's nephew Kyle had is 4th Birthday party there. Its obvious that the kids have a blast, but you can see it on the faces of the parents as soon as they walk in! Instant headache and regret!.....Just kiddin. Becca didn't want anything to do with the toddler rides or games. Not one bit! But she ate pizza and grapes and a couple slices of an orange and was ready to go!

We spent the weekend in DeWitt...at Kathy and Joes for our early Christmas!!
Cody came along and it was great to have him there! It was adorable to hear the boys talkin' favorite bands, movies, games, etc. Tim sharing army stories and Cody sharing Reverb/playing in the band stories.
Tyler and Cody hit it off as soon as Tyler got off work. We didn't see them for the rest of the evening!
After a great lasagna meal, presents (i got a large family planner calander...after this last week...I deffinately need it! ) and cheesecake for dessert....we headed back home. We all had a blast, and we're looking forward to the next we can all get together. Tim was all smiles last night after we got home and settled back in. I think my smile hurts today too!

Star of the Week!!!

This week Becca has been chosen as her classroom's Snowflake of the Week! As little as it is, and she sooo doesn't understand it, we are making a big deal of it! Her teacher asked for pictures to post on their bulletin board in teh Daycare, and listed her favorites (toy, food, pet, etc). I showed it to her today when I dropped her off and she was sooo happy! I'm sure she's having fun showing it off to the other kids....showing them Nene (maggie) and Bubba (bunny) and pictures of Momma and Daddy.

I'm without a car, because we noticed a puddle in the garage that didn't look quite right. Tim saw it, because its still light out when he gets home. Its always dark when I leave and come home. So whatever yellow and oil mixture is...I suppose its not good. So I dropped off my car today and they will call me back with their findings. How inconvenient.

Tim and I had planned on going to the Hockey game last Saturday, but with the ice, snow, sleet and rain...we opted to stay home instead. Wise decision. But sounds like we have 1-5" on its way by Wednesday morning again. Not looking forward to that..without a car!

Friday night is Tim's nephew Kyle's birthday, so we will be celebrating at Chuck-E-Cheese with them. Tim and I laughed when we got the invitation....becasue we had agreed when we found out that we were pregnant, that we would tell our children that "chuck-e-cheese and Adventureland" don't exist. We're sooo over those too locations. We just figured we would tell our children that their friends just had active imaginations and that they were just making it up. Cause we don't want to go! Ha! How wrong are we? I mean com'on....do parents really like to go to those places....loud, hyper kids running crazy? No thank you!
So, long story short...we will be going, in hopes that Becca is too young to remember that she has been to Chuck-E-Cheese! *wink*

Busy. Busy. Busy.

Its been a long time since I've posted. We've definately have been busy.

Monday night after work, Wendy and I did some Christmas shopping and dinner. It was a lot of fun. She's having foot surgery the first week of December, so needs to get all her shopping done early.

I only worked Monday and Tuesday this week. What a way to go! I wish I had more weeks like that! I had Wednesday off work to take Becca to Iowa City for her Thyroid checkup.

Mom went with me because Tim couldn't take too much time off this week. We thought Becca would sleep on the way down, but she stayed awake, looking for Semi trucks (my-my, in her words). She would wave as we passed them, then ask, " where is he?". It was really cute. We stopped at Coralville Mall to check it out, eat lunch and spend some time playing in their kiddie area. She loved it all. She got a couple new outfits and watched Santa from a distance. We're trying to slowly desensitize her, rather than plopping her down on his lap and have her make a big scene!

The Drs. visit went well. I think the worst part for her, was the blood pressure cuff! LOL!
But she was able to be distracted by the bubbles the nurse was blowing. They are so good to try to make the situation comfortable for everyone, kids and adults alike. As much as I hate that we have to go to Iowa City for Becca, I love the attention we get when we are there.
Blood was drawn to do some level checks on her T4 and TSH, and we should know this coming week. I'm going to give them a little extra time to get back to me, just because of the holiday thrown in there.

Thursday was spent having 2 Thanksgiving meals, as it often is for us. Started out at Aunt Lynda's, with Mom's side of the family, then we traveled out to Denver to see Gpa Steve (Gaga seeeeeeee, in Becca's words). She loved all the food. She filled up on a lot of sweet pickles (thats my girl), potatoes, green beans and pumpkin pie! mmmmmmmm!

Today we spent Christmas shopping as a family. That was a lot of fun. And even more fun to see Tim spoil the heck out of her! He spent way more than I would have had I gone myself, and came home with a car load for her! I reminded him that there are 4 sets of Grandparents that will be buying for her too, and he said, " thats fine, I want to be sure that she gets this though..so they can buy whatever they want!" )Grandparents, email me for a list of what she needs and already has! *wink*

Well, I've got to go wake Becca up from her nap soon. She and I will be heading off to church, before coming home to watch UNI in there start of the playoff games with Daddy!
GO PANTHERS!

week of organinzing

Finally Friday!

This week, has been full of organzing and decluttering. Becca has outgrown most of her toys (thankgoodness for xmas coming!) so we put away a lot of her baby toys. She so interested in activities, rather than play toys right now. She loves cars, blocks, coloring and books, so we kept all those out. Its so neat to see her interests change.

We bought a new computer. So we've also spent time going thru and organinzing our files before transfering them to the new system. Tim is in love with the 22 inch flat screen monitor. That thing is huge. Just what he needs...something else to keep him at the computer playing games even longer!

This weekend we have the Lee family Thanksgiving at my Grandpa Dale's. Thats always a lot of family in a small house. But good food and visits with everyone we don't see very often will be enjoyed. But sometime this weekend we've got to get the bathroom completed. Its definately time!

Fun and productive weekend

We've had a really good weekend! Becca's week ended by spending her day on Friday with Grandma Deb as usual, however Xavier had no school because of conferences, so he was able to hang out with the as well! Becca loved the company! After Becca went down for the night, I went to crop at Sarah's house. I got a lot accomplished...6 pages of Becca's scrapbook and am completely up to date!

Saturday we spent time getting the yard and garden ready for the winter. Instead of raking and bagging all the leaves in the yard, we opted to mow the yard and mulch the leaves at the same time! Saved time, energy and sore muscles!

Tim had won some tickets to the UNI football game, so Becca went to church and to play at Wendy's while we witnessed the Panthers kick some Indiana State tushy. We enjoyed the time doing something different and who wouldn't want to watch the number 1 rated team in the nation beat yet another team? Neither of us were filled up by the giant pretzel that we ate at the game, so we stopped and brought home chinese afterwards. I can eat chinese anytime!

Today was sooo lazy. Becca and I didn't get up until 7, then after breakfast, reading the sunday paper and looking thru the toy ads, Becca and I needed more sleep. We took a 2 hour nap and woke up to find a ham in the oven, dishes washed and the porch cleaned off! Wow! I need to take naps more often! Tim was very productive while we slept. After a large meal, we went to the park to play. Becca enjoyed the 65 degree weather and possibly the last chance to run and play on the playground equipment. I took lots of pictures, and will post a couple once I upload.
Wizard of Oz just started, so I don't have time to upload ... I'll wait till the witch and flying monkeys are on....I still get all nervous during that part! *wink*

Over the river and through the woods.....

....To Grandma Kathy's house we go!

Its been a long time since we've been able to see Grandma Kathy...all with her being retired and traveling and us with Tim working weekends! So Saturday we took off to DeWitt, Ia to spend the night. We had to stop just before getting to their house, because we wanted them to experience the "Trick or Treat" with Becca in her lion costume. So in the middle of the John Deere implement dealer's parking lot, we changed Becca into her costume. Of course we couldn't just hop in the car and drive another 4 minutes down the road....cause she saw the Tractors! Daddy walked to the tractors with her, and let her see how big they were. I have a couple of cute pics of her in her lion costume and the tractors that I may upload later.

Grandma Kathy had candy waiting for Becca when we got to the driveway! I succumbed to the fact that Becca was going to get sweets, and a lot of them this weekend. Oh well, we'll make up for the loss of fruits and veggies at a later date!

Tim's sister Lisa and the kids, Tyler and Sami joined us for a roast dinner and just hung out a bit. They hadn't seen Becca since last Christmas, so that was fun too. Becca loved Sami, though she was a little leary of Ty. But by the end of the night, she was giving hugs all the way around.
Cards were played after Becca went down for the night, and again on Sunday when Becca took a short nap. I'm happy to report that the ladies ROCK!!!! *me doing a little happy dance*

On the way home, we stopped at Palisades Kepler State Park outside of Cedar Rapids to stretch our legs and check out the leafs. What a pretty park! We stopped down by the river and let Becca run. Tim explained to her that fish live in the water...so of course she made her fishy face the rest of the time there. We got some cute pictures of her exploring. I'll post some of those pics too.

Well, I have met Tim's chin for the first time since we started dating! New policy at his work, required him to shave the beard. He can keep his mustache, so he has..so far! Becca didn't really notice until we sat her up on his lap. Then she touched his face and said, " Where is it?" It was adorable. I'll need to re-create that moment for scrapbooking purposes!
Pictures to come tonight!

Halloween

Becca and Xavier as Lions!
Trick or Treat @ Wendy's

ROARRRRRRRRR

Happy Lion!

Just posting a couple pics from Halloween...

Fun girls weekend!

Becca watching Daddy scoop out pumpkin goo


Our attempt to pose her with her pumpkins


I had a blast in Des Moines this weekend with my girlfriends from work. We spent the afternoon shopping in Des Moines on Saturday and found 2 great scrapbooking stores. I called my sister in awe after being in the first store for 10 minutes. There will definately be another trip to the stores, and my Wendy must be there! I've added the two store's websites to my favorite links on my blog...check them out! We spent the night and went to Jordan Creek Mall on Sunday, where I picked up 2 outfits for Christmas for Becca and a "My New Potty Book". For Becca of course! *wink* We're starting to think about potty training!

Tim and Becca did just fine here at home. They played, went on walks, read books and worked on putting puzzles together. She's a pro at puzzles now! I was so excited to see her though. When I woke up at 7 in the hotel room, I was ready to come home to Becca. I missed her a lot. But when I got home, I could tell that she was definately a Daddy's girl.

Last night Daddy carved Becca's pumpkin! We stripped her down to her diaper, so that she could get down and dirty in the pumpkin goo too, but she refused. She let Daddy do all the messy work, while I tried to coax her into at least sitting down next to Daddy for some pictures.

But until all the newspaper and pumpkin goo was gone, she wouldn't even think of it. I guess she's got some girl in her after all!

So onto Halloween! I'll be posting more pictures from trick or treating as soon as we're done!

Pumpkin Town Fun!

Tim was out of town again today for another work conference in Iowa City, and wasn't expected home until after dinner time. But as Becca and I sat at a stoplight on the way home from work and daycare, we spotted Daddy, going the opposite way and pointing towards Pumpkin Town!!!!

Cedar Valley Community Church has an excellent Pumpkintown on their campus that is free to get in, and they have free activites, games, story times, treats, petting zoo, and lots of pumpkins to choose from that are very reasonably priced!

So we did. It was obviously different this year with Becca able to get up and walk away while we were trying to take the perfect pumpkin patch picture. She's not going to sit and pose for anyone. We need to work on that yet. And to get her to smile for the camera is next to impossible. But we got some good shots, and even though there is not alot of smiles shown, she was incredibly happy and excited to be there, and loved watching all the activity and other kids.

She picked out her two very own mini pumpkins...and Daddy picked out a big one for us to bring home! She was a little nervous about the petting zoo...but she did neigh for the miniture ponies and baaa for the goats.

We came home afterwards, and even played in some leaves. We were suprised how much fun she had with that! We weren't so sure how she would react, but it was a good time for all three of us. I've posted some pics below, along with last years pumpkin pics and this years....what a difference a year makes.

What a difference a year makes!

Last year, October 2006

Today, October 25, 2007

Looking forward to the weekend.

Just a quick little post! I'm counting down the hours for girls trip to Des Moines this weekend. A couple girlfriends and I are heading down to check out some Scrapbooking stores, as well as having our own little wine tasting party in the hotel room once we're done shopping for the afternoon. I'm sooo excited. It will be my first trip since getting pregnant! Yahoo.....

So...don't be affraid to call and check in on Tim and Boo....I have so much confidence in them being just fine. Its me that will be a mess I'm sure. I'm going to miss my little punk!

Uncle David giving golf cart rides. With all the hills and so much room to roam...it was like a rollercoaster for the kids. We could hear Xavier screaming from the other side of the property! What fun!


Becca caught in the sun with a fall breeze



oh...you caught me climbing the tree!

Parade wave!!!!!!!

A view from the driveway, but the property has more levels.

Great fall weekend

What a fun weekend we have had! On Saturday, my Uncle David and Aunt Diane had a Smith family get together at their beautiful Brooklyn, Ia home. As rainy and cold as its been all last week, we had PERFECT sunny and 70degree weather all day! It was just georgous! The drive down was pretty as well, as the cold weather this last week really made the color in the trees pop! Nothing like rolling hills, harvested fields and autumn trees to make this fall day seem just right!

All the Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and their children were there (minus a handful)...so there was a lot of catching up and playing to be done, not to mention all the food! Their house sits atop an awesome hill, surrounded by trees, and a lot of room to roam. Different layers and levels to the yards and gardens gave the kids oodles of playroom! There was so much to do. Becca prefered the wagon rides...but there was also bikes and tricycles to ride around the circle drive, Golf cart rides given by Uncle David, baseball, basketball, archery, metal detecting, a pinata for the little kids, scavanger hunt (jewels and money to split between the bigger kids), and of course pumpkin carving. I heard rumors that there was apple bobbing, but there was so much other stuff to keep everyone busy, that we never got around to it. Wow...what wonderful memories that day will hold for a long time. I know I will keep it close...and can't image what the little kids think...must of been a blast for them. Uncle David always has a toy to bring out, and never lets them down. Thank you Dave and Diane for being such great hosts, all the prep and cleanup, and for creating such special memories for all of us. We love you!

I've added some pictures from our extra special day. Needless to Becca slept the 1 1/2 drive home! She didn't stop all day...she was still tired today! I think all of us where!

What a sleepy, lazy weekend! Becca went from one sweatsuit to another all weekend, and I was the same. The dark rainy days didn't help the matter, but it was good for naps all the way around!

Well, Tim was asked to kiss an owie for the first time this week! It was so cute, and he is so happy about this! He loves that Becca thinks he can fix things or protect her. Ego boost I think! Becca had a hangnail, and pointed it out to me, and said "OWA". I sympathized with her and went to get the clippers to fix it, and Tim said to her, " You have an owie? Do you want Daddy to kiss it and make it better?" And she said, " YEAHHHHHH"! He of course was all over it and kissed it to make it better. With every owie now, she runs to Daddy for kisses. How sweet!

Friday, Becca took a fall while at Grandma Deb's house. She's got a bump and scrape on the forehead, but she's ok otherwise. The two of them also went to Walmart where Grandma treated her to a couple new outfits, and Elmo and Grover toys. Becca is all about Elmo right now. We have to turn off the computer when she's not looking, and when she wants to play her Elmo games for the 19th time, we tell her Elmo had to take a nap, or went night-night. That usually works! But we have to be tricky about it.

Well, Becca has found a new game that she's awesome at. Something we didn't expect either! A family friend, Ceri, had included some pictured flashcards with a baby gift she sent for Becca after she was born. When Becca was about 6 months old, I started showing her the cards and naming the objects that were on them, (hat, apple, cat, turtle, kite, pizza, etc). We would do that about once a week. Then after her 1st birthday, she started wanting to get them out a little more often. I would still name them off, and she would take them from me and spread them all out on the floor to see all the different objects. This week Tim got them out spread them out on the floor, and for the 1st time, asked her to find a certain object. He was thrilled that she was able to identify and point out 21 of 34! I got home from work on Friday night, and didn't believe him, so we tried it again...sure enough! She did it! We're so proud of her! Thanks Ceri for the excellent idea! Grandma Deb has the other set at her house, with different objects, that she will have to start playing with too!

This week has flown by. I can't believe that its 10pm (way past my bedtime) on a Thursday night and the weekend is just around the corner! I'm up so late because of course I had to watch Grey's and after that, I watched Private Practice, which I recorded last night. And really the only reason I'm posting, is because I'm waiting for pictures to upload to Walgreens, so that I can be sure they will be ready for me to pick up in the morning! I love 24 hr Walgreens and 1 hour photo! Tomorrow night is Scrapbooking night at my sisters, no kids, just a bunch of girls crazy about our kids and scraping their perfect little lives!

Last night was Daddy-Daughter night while my mom and I went shopping for fall/winter wardrobe for Becca. We hit Kohls ( I love Wednesday sales!) and got 2 outfits, a sweatshirt, jeans and a new purple coat. ( I know Sarah is cheering for the purple * wink *) She's still in need for some long sleeve shirts, kahki pants and I wouldn't mind some new shoes for the little booger! Its so difficult for me to figure out what sizes to buy. She's so small, I'm still buying 12 month pants for the girl, and they are still falling off her little pixie butt! Geesh...to have the problem. But we are putting her in 18 month tops and dresses.

Speaking of weight issues. I'm joining the weight loss challenge again at work. Last year I lost 29lbs in the challenge over 24 weeks. That was the last 29lbs of the 80 I lost after having Becca, but its time for me to get back on the bandwagon!

Well, this is silly. Walgreen site must be asleep...like I should be, because its taking forever.
I've got to get to sleep. Happy almost-weekend!

Fun Weekend

This has been a great weekend! Friday night, Tim suprised Becca and I by taking us out for dinner! That has been a rare occurance lately! So it was nice to go out and have someone else do the cooking! Becca was a good girl and ate off our plates, chatted with the manager and waitresses that walked by our table and earned herself a lollipop when we left! That manager said she was such a good girl, that he thought she needed one! She even said "thank you" when he let her pick it out! She easily makes us proud! We rented some movies on the way home, and watched Blades of Glory after Becca went down for the night. Silly movie, not my type, but it was worth a couple of laughs. I like Will Farrel, but so far, the only movie of his that I liked, has been ELF.

Saturday morning, Tim went into to work by 5am. Becca and I started off early too, and were at CostCutters when they unlocked the doors! Becca needed her 2nd haircut badly. She did a wonderful job. She sat absolutely still on my lap while they cut her hair. She looks so cute! Her hair is all the same length now, and styled in an adorable little Bob. I'll try to get a good picture and post it. We then went to Walmart for some necessities, and grabbed some Burger King for breakfast. She LOVES hashbrowns and sausage! She's my girl!!!!

After a nap and a quick playtime with Daddy, we dropped her off for a slumber party with Grandma Deb and Grandpa Bob! Tim and I went to a wedding for our friends Chris and Heather. What nice wedding! It was nice to meet and talk with their families, that we've heard so much about.

Tim and had all night to ourselfs, and it was only 6...so we decided to check out the new Isle of Capri Casino! I'm happy to say that we came home, $3.58 ahead! Hey....ahead by any amount is ahead! The casino is nice! They had a live band playing hit rock - old and new. I enjoyed the live music while playing slots, and Tim had fun playing 21. When we decided that $3.58 ahead was a good time for us to leave without loosing any, Tim decided that we needed to stop for icecream on the way home! So we did! We ended the night watching Bridge to Terabithia. That was good. I really liked that one.

Today has been kinda lazy. Between dodging down pours and baking banana bread, we're starting to make a list of Christmas wishes for Becca..Wow, can't believe that it will be here before we know it. But we've got to start buying a little at a time, or we'll never beable to afford Christmas!

Finally an update!

Its been a bit since I've posted. I did change the layout a bit the other day, cause I was bored.

We've been spending a lot of time catching up with Tim since he's been back from Vegas, and spending time outside, because its been absolutely gorgeous! Its supposed to warm back up into the 8O's for the weekend.

We've been enjoying almost nightly walks as a family. Becca loves to stop and "bark" at dogs! Its so cute! I don't think these walks would ever be considered excercise, becuase a 2 block walk usually takes us 30-40 minutes! We take a lot of time to stop and look at leaves, planes in the sky, listen to birds, feeling the bark on trees.

This week and last, Becca has really had a language explosion! Its so cool. She will attempt to repeat just about anything. Yesterday, new words were : sweatshirt, stick, bird and bug. Last week was: light, Choo choo and Big Bird. We have even started hearing a couple of 2-3 word phrases : I got it, I did it, I see it, all done (which she's been saying since about 11 months)...today, when I said, " we need to brush your hair silly baby"? she replied , " bro he see" . When I asked her to put something away , she said, " yeah, yeah, puh away".

She's growing so quickly, and we're so proud of the big girls she's becoming!

Tim's home

Becca was so happy to see Tim come in at the airport Wednesday night. Their flight actually arrived about 20 minutes early, and he was walking thru the gate just as we got to it! She dove out of my arms to to him with big smiles and lots of kisses for Tim. It was sweet. Although she was happy to see her Daddy, she didn't want to leave the airport...Something new and different to do I suppose.

Tim's trip went well. Of course in Vegas, there was a lot of walking, so he came home with sore and tired feet. They only had 1 day to really explore as they wished, so he tried to get a lot in, durring that short time. The rest of the trip was the security convention. He brought home an outfit and hat for Becca from the M&M Store...We haven't yet tried it on, but I'm sure it'll be adorable.

Thursday it was right back to the real world for Tim. Today (Saturday) he was right back to putting in a couple extra hours in the morning. We've taken a family trip to get groceries and ate lunch, and Becca fell asleep in the highchair. Poor punk!

I will try to upload some of Tim's Vegas pictures today, and see if there are any worth posting. I think we will just be laying low this weekend. Its been a long couple of weeks with Bathroom project and moving Wendy.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Bob & Grandma Deb!!!

Its the small things

I see for some reason, this is posting the incorrect date....today is really Tuesday, Sept 25th!

So Becca and I have faired pretty well for the last couple of days by ourselfs. Becca has definately noticed that Daddy is gone. Every morning we come downstairs for the first time, or when we come home after being out and about, she walks into the livingroom and looks to the couch, and comes back out to the kitchen with her hands in the air, as if shruggingher shoulders, and says, " Dadda ?" I remind her that Daddy went away in a plane, and she smiles and nods her head and says..." yeah-yeah ". She then points to the sky and says "Pane". Its so cute, to see her little mind figuring things out. I could just sit for hours and do nothing but watch her.

Yesterday, when Gpa Bob asked her where her red ball was...just as clear as could be, she said,
" Its outside! " The 3 of us were all suprised at how clear it was. Today, she was feeding herself applesauce with her own spoon and using a fork to stab her greenbeans and noodles with alfredo sauce. Like she's been doing it forever! I'm so proud of her and just the little things she masters every day! And she's so friendly! Saying " BYE " to everyone we passed at Walmart this evening. She has no idea how many people she makes smile every day!

Tim comes home tomorrow evening. So Becca and I will be meeting him at the gate! She'll be soooo excited to see him! Its times like this that I wish I had a 2nd digital camera, (because Tim has ours)...so that I could capture that moment. Just like I wanted to get pictures of the plane taking off and us on the gravel road watching him leave. How cool of a scrapbook page would that be?

Well, I'm going to sign off. I can actually get some things done tonight, since every other night this week I have my favorite shows to watch ! I love fall preview week! And I can't say enough how excited I am for Private Practice tomorrow night and Grey's Anatomy on Thursday. Poor Tim will be coming home to a wife thats glued to the TV! Ah....oh well, I've come home to a husband glued to the computer for nearly 10 years! *wink* Just teasin!

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

Well, I finally finished out my week of training for my new job. So far all is good. I enjoy it an will take anything over being on the phones taking orders again! I've been told by those in the department, that it is far less stress. I'm looking forward to this!

Yesterday morning, Becca and I saw Tim off to Vegas for 5 days! This is a business trip (whatever..its still Vegas!) for the largest security confrence that is held. I'm happy that he has 2 days to play out there, and relax a bit, away from the extra hours he's been putting in.
We stayed with him until he had to go through security at the Waterloo Airport, and with a couple dozen "Bye"s from Becca to Daddy (and the other 20 in line who kept smiling and waving at her too) she blew him one more kiss and we left him to get on the plane by himself. But I really wanted Becca to see the plane itself and put everything together. We had been telling her that Daddy was going "away on a plane" and she totally understands what a plane is when she sees and hears them in the sky...but I wanted it to all fit together for her.

Thats when I remembered that in highschool, my friend Gretchen and I, and my cousin katie, would park our car out on a gravel road that sits right at the end of a runway at the Waterloo Airport. We would hang out listening to our favorite music, laying on the hood of the car as a plane would land, flying directly over our heads! It was awesome. Yesterday, I wasn't sure which runway Tim's plane would use, but figured at least we would have a good view of the plane taking off for Becca to watch. Sure enough, Becca and I got out of the car, standing in the middle of the gravel road as the plane taxied and took off, coming right at us and over our heads! We stood directly under the plane! It was awesome! Becca hugged me as it flew over because of the noise...but quickly waved and said "bye Dadda!" and threw kisses to the plane!
It was great! I'm so happy that I remembered that spot and took her there too!

After that excitement, Becca went to play with Xavier and Grandma Deb while I helped my sister move! We had a lot of help starting at 8am and only made 2 trips with 4 trucks , 2 trailers, and5 cars filled with boxes and furniture. We were done "moving" at 11:30!
Becca and I came home for a late afternoon nap, and a trip to Target for some staples to put in the cupboard!

I'm sure we'll head over to Wendy's today to assist a little more with putting stuff away. Things are so cool overthere. When things are together and decorated, I'll take and post some pictures!

Little Miss Smarty Pants

Tonight was a fun night for us after school and work! Tim worked late once again, but pulled into the driveway at the same time! We quickly fed Becca her favorite, Green Beans along with a 1/2 a slice of bologna, and we headed out to go Halloween costume shopping!

Old Navy had all baby stuff, including costumes, 25% off! So Becca got a Lion costume and a Halloween t-shirt for just $21! What a deal! We chose a lion, or should we say lioness...because she loves to ROAAAR!!!! She even did it for the lady at the check out! They had a lot of really cute clothes for this season. I'm hit and miss with Old Navy for babies. Sometimes, the outfits are just to old looking for babies. But I really like what the have this season. We tried on a couple of winter/fall coats for her too. We tried on a 18/24 month, thinking she would need it to be sure there was enough room for sweaters and sweatshirts underneath...but she SWAM in it.
But even with the 25% discount, we decided we could still get it cheaper at target or walmart, for something that is ok for daycare. She doesn't need a dressy coat at this age!

We stopped at Taco Bell to grab supper for Tim and I and of course Becca had to have some also. She loves taco meat! Anything with spice, seasoning or sauce...she's all about it!

While Becca and I waited in the car for Tim to bring back the food, we practiced our counting! The last couple of days, we have noticed that when she carries around 2 toys, or 2 dolls, or 2 cups...she will say something to the effect of " dooooooooooooo". After trying to figure out what she is saying, I wondered if she might be saying "two" ? Who knows...but so tonight, in the car, I asked her if she wanted to count with me...she replied with , " yeah yeah!"

So I started off, using my pointer finger, "One"...( no participation from Becca)......now with two fingers up..." TWOooooo" (she pipes up with "Doooooooooooo"..hey that is what she was saying).......and of course will 3 fingers showing..."Threeeeeeee" ( and I get a "Eeeeeeeeeeee" from her!)

I was so proud, she even started clapping for herself! So we did it again, and again, and again! Each time she would repeat Dooooo and Eeeeeeeee for two and three. But of course as soon as Daddy comes back to the car and I tell him what she'd been doing...and tried again...she froze under pressure. Stage fright I guess. She wouldn't do it again! Darn it!

Lately, she's acted a little anxious about bath time, not quite sure why....but tonight I couldn't get her out of there! Must of been a stage. But we had to wash her hair...she decided that her taco meat needed to not only be in her tummy, and on her face, but also rubbed thoroughly in her hair.

Oh, by the way....Becca now knows how to turn off the tv! I found this out last week while I was trying to watch the last little bit of the weather report before leaving in the morning. She was in far more of a hurry to leave than I was, and was tired of waiting for me, or perhaps of me telling her to wait one more minute. So the last time I said that, she looked right at me and said, "NOooooooooo", walked over to the tv and turned it off! I completely about fell over! I laughed so hard....and she just looked at me like, " are you comin' or not, momma...cause I'm going to school!" Yesterday, I told her as we were getting ready for school, that I needed to find my own shoes, and turn off the tv. Little miss thing, walked over and turned it off for me! Again, surprised me and cracked me up! Tim didn't believe that this was happening, so I told him to ask her to turn it off...he did, said, " Becca, can you turn off the tv for Daddy? "...and sure enough, she put down the book she was looking at, walked up to the tv, turned it off, and sat back down with her book! So I'm looking at this now, as I guess we now have a helper? Now, to teach her to do the dishes!

Like a Weed!

Today, Daddy and Becca went to Dr Christiason's for her 18 month appointment! Both faired well with the shot! (I was more worried about Tim then Becca!) There were some tears, and as soon as they left the waiting room, Becca kept saying " Bye Bye...Go.....Bye Bye....Away " until the appointment was over. I know from experience, that when Tim said its hard to discuss anything with the Dr while she is doing this...he's not kiddin!

But finally, Becca has had a growth spurt. Whether its the extra calories we've been providing in the last 2 months, or she's just really grown like a weed since the appointment in Iowa City in July....She's now 22lbs 3oz, and 30 1/2"! Thats 2 lbs and 1 1/4" since July at her thyroid check! I knew I wasn't crazy when she would wake up in the morning and seemed taller! (just last week she was wearing a jumper and a couple of dresses that are 6-9 month!

Dr was pleased with her 20 or so words that WE understand, and says those count, even though someone else may not understand them. Was estatic that she can name all her obvious body parts (head, hair, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, arms, fingers, toes, feet, legs, belly). He asked if she was running yet, and we said yes, and infact she has started skipping, and he laughed, and was suprised with this, that this was advanced for this age. Also happy that she's showing awareness of going potty and needing to be changed (she will point to her bottom either when she has to go, or has gone and needs a change). Gotta get into the attic in the garage and get out that potty chair! Time to introduce it...but not push it.

I think we will opt for a flu shot this year, with all the upper respirtory issues she had last winter, with the nebulizer and infections, and asthma like symptoms, i don't want to risk it...even though I know she can still get it after the shot. I'd kick myself if she got sick and we didn't get the shot.

Happy Birthday Gma Kessel!

Happy House Day, Wendy!!!

Yesterday my sister Wendy closed on her first house! YEA! Its very exciting for her and Xavier! I am very happy for her, and the house is great!

So right away last night, my mom, dad, Jill and my sister started painting! Oh yes, and Xavier was allowed to paint his closet! I went over this afternoon while Tim and Becca took a nap, and helped put the first coat on 2 rooms, and will go back tomorrow to put on 2nd coats. I love painting, so I don't mind at all..but my feet hurt from standing on the ladder.


Tim and Becca took a walk after nap time, and after supper tonight, we went on another as a family. Becca loves these walks. She is intrigued by squirls. Oh, and the crickets. We wished we would have had the video camera with us, becuase she spent a minute or two, attempting to catch a cricket. Because its cool enough this evening, the cricket wasn't moving so fast, and eventually, Becca poked it too hard and crippled it. Uh-oh....As we walked away from the cricket, she said, " night night" to the the dead cricket! Pretty cute!

Links

Hey....check out the links I've added to this page on the bottom left.
Gretchen had an excellent idea of a blog site to post recipes! So I've added a couple of my favorites..and Gretchen has said that I could link to it, so all you can go to it and add or get some new ideas for some recipes! If you want to add a recipe, just click on the comments section under that heading, and type out your recipe, then hit publish your comment!
Easy Cheesy!

Also, I added a link to my mother inlaw's new business adventure.
You've heard of Taste of Home magazines ... (speaking of recipes )...well, they have an Taste of Home Entertaining home party division now, which sells, pots, pans, serving pieces, cookbooks, and decorating items. Check out her link, and the new fall catalog! Give her a call or shoot her an email if you would like to host a party! She lives in the Davenport area...but I know that she's always looking for excuses to come up and see Becca! (not that she needs an excuse...she is always welcome!)

Before and After

Before : yes, its cluttered, cords hanging from everywhere, white trash bathroom.

After : Please keep in mind, this is only what we got done last weekend...we have one more wall of beadboard to do, baseboard and top molding...oh yeah, and an outlet cover !

I promise to post more pics when we're completely done.

Well, today was another milestone for Rebecca! When dropping her off at daycare this morning, her teacher said to me, " Because Becca turned 18 months over the weekend...she is officially a toddler now, and we would like to put her on a cot for nap time instead of the crib, as long as that is ok with you and Daddy! " I think I stumbled over my words a bit, and hesitated...but agreed, in awe..that she was that much closer to becoming a big girl and crib free!

Daddy was so proud of her, and thought she deserves a special treat ! I thought that was very sweet and sure we'll be going to the store to get her a big girl gift!

I will say that after spending time in the bathroom getting ready this morning for the first time, It looks and feels great! I'm so happy with the color choices and fixture choices we've made. Tim and the Dads did a great job! If there ever is a "next time" I think Tim had enough instruction and coaching this weekend to take it on ourselfs.

An update on Becca. Its been a couple days since she's been part of the story line.
She is amazing us with her listening skills and following directions. She loves to do stuff for herself. Throwing wrappers or napkins "away", putting "away" her milk at bedtime, and even telling us she is ready to potty! She's showing a lot of signs of possibly trying out the potty training deal. She has told us twice, when she was needing to go, and will tell us after she dirtys her pants.

She's smart too! She has learned to make her own decisions (when given the opportunity) as well. If we ask her a yes or no question, she will either reply with yeah or no...and suprisingly stick with it.

Grandma Deb and Becca went school clothes shopping this weekend, to give me a break and help out with the bathroom for a short time. We're finding that 18month tops and dresses work good for her, and we're still in 12 month bottoms. She's short with no tushy...so even some of her 12month pants still fall down. We've also bought new size 3 shoes! Still small feet....We'll have to look for more shoes, as she's only got 2 pairs. She has an 18th month check up next Monday, so we'll see if she has grown much, if any! (her track record hasn't been so hot in the last 9 months!) I'm looking forward to new fall outfits. She's been in the same things for about 6 months, and they are all very well worn. Some days, there is just no getting around looking like a ragdoll!

*Drying times are approximate and may vary...

Boy, did we find this out to be true this weekend!

Friday Night Plan:
Take out vanity, remove remaining tiles behind the sink, wash down floor. This was actually accomplished! Yea us!

Saturday Plan:
9am ~ Remove toilet before Tim's Dad shows up to help with the installation of the floor, bead board walls, and toilet. Removing the toilet proved harder than expected. The tank came off fine. The floor bolts for the bowl, however, wouldn't turn. Steve arrives, and they boys decide to use the sawzall to cut the bolts off and remove the bowl. Removed the remaining tiles behind the toilet. Got the new flange ready. Ok...good..So far, not so bad.

Now, onto the floor. After careful measuring....you know, measure twice cut once....they proceeded to trowel on the glue onto the floor. Instructions say, Drying time is approximately 45 minutes, or until the glue turns from blue to clear, and is tacky to the touch. ***DRYING TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE AND MAY VARY .

....3 hours layer, the glue was finally ready for the first tiles to be laid. In that time though, they were able to make all the special cuts they needed for the tiles, as well as some special cuts for the bead board to accept the toilet and sink fittings. My Dad arrived at about 5pm and saved the day by installing the toilet, and Steve finished out the floor as Tim assisted and helped both.


Finally, at 10pm Saturday night.....12 very FULL hours with out the "facilities", we had a new toilet ready to use, and bead board behind the toilet!

Sunday Plan:
Steve arrives at 830am, and the boys decide to first tackle the remaining bead board, mirrored cabinet and the vanity. I think there were at least 3 trips to Home Depot today...and some very exhausted guys. Its now 8:05pm, and I hear them running water in my new sink! Yea!

I don't have pictures yet, I will take them when there is some daylight. Not everything is complete. We will work on the bead board for the last wall, and baseboard/molding this week and next weekend.

Whew! I'm exhausted just thinking about them doing all this work, and thinking about it. I know they must be beat! I definitely owe our Dads a dinner out.....AFTER we pay for the bathroom! *wink*

Nah-Nah-Nah-Nah-Nah-Nah-Nah-Nah...BATMAN!!!!

Whew! Well, Tim and I had an adventure at 230AM this morning! We had a bat in the house! This is the first time we've ever experienced this!

I felt Tim get out of bed at 230ish, open the bedroom door, then shut it again, and just stand there. After a moment, he touched my foot and told me I needed to get up, and not to freak out. (yeah...likely!) He then told me that a Bat met him in the hallway as he was going downstairs. So slowly, we turned on each light, first the bedroom, then the hallway....(close the bedroom door behind us), then the bathroom, close that door, Becca's room, close her door (so she doesn't hear us running and shrieking...no just kidding...that never happened).

So all in all, we made our way down stairs, tip toeing cautiously room by room to locate this intruder of the night. Finally we spot him in the corner of the living room, where we won't be able to easily reach him. So Tim leaves me to keep an eye on him as he goes outside for some armour. Lovely.

Yep, the Bat moves alright, by flying figure 8's through the living room and dinning room, dodging the moving ceiling fans and the low archways between each room. So now, I'm squatting on Becca's Rocking Puppy. Yep....pretty funny looking I'm sure.

Tim comes back inside with an ice chisel...you know, long garden handle variety ice chisel! What the heck? His mission is to kill it, not to catch it. Yikes....please don't break a window or create gashes in my walls!!!!

So the Bat locates a ledge on the molding above one of the living room windows and just chills for a bit. We take a couple minute break, eyes on the Bat, to plan our next move. I tell Tim there has got to be a way for us to throw something over him and catch him....like a blanket, towel, bowl....anything. So Tim once again retreats to the garage....coming back with a fishing net in hand! There ya go!

And wouldn't you know it...one try and we got him! He got tangled a bit in the net, but Tim took him out to the middle of the yard to release him........50 minutes after this adventure began!

Needless to say, we were wide awake...all the lights in the house on....Tim in his skivvies...chasing a bat...in front of the living room windows! Funny stuff....now!

Reminds me of a family trip to Lake Vermillion with Mom's side of the family...and there was a bat in our cabin...and my cousin Katie often laughs about seeing silhouetted Uncle Bob swatting at the bat with a broom, through the thin paper shades late at night.

Gee...like father like son-in-law!

Rebecca needed some distraction yesterday and posted her very own quick message! Did you see it? Translation is up to you! I think its something about, "Dad is on the phone with Gpa Steve, and I'm wanting my 413th cracker, instead of yogurt, applesauce, raisens or cheese and so I'm whining a lot...and Momma is trying to keep me entertained and quiet so Daddy can finish his phone call."

No but really, Rebecca was great yesterday. She slept late until 9:15am because we were up late having a bonfire at Gma Deb and Gpa Bob's. While we were there, she showed off a new skill...she can skip! Its so adorable. If we can get it on tape and figure out how to post it, we definately will!

This evening we went on a family walk around the block. Rebecca was pushing her Ernie doll in her baby stroller. She was very observant as we walked. Noticing the squirl running up the tree, birds taking sand baths, sticks in the yards, dogs barking, rocks out of place on the sidewalk and putting them "away" back in gravel driveways. And while she was pushing her stroller, she would start skipping...so happy! Made us smile and laugh. She's so sweet and fun to watch.

She was also a good little shopper yesterday and today! The 3 of us went to every home improvement store in the city....twice, picking up everything we need to renovate the bathroom! Finally! Its been in the planning and decision making stages since early spring. Now...everything is bought and ready to go. Or at least we think so. I'm sure there will be some runs to the store in the middle of everything like it seems always happens! Tonight I put on the first coat of paint on the walls, and tomorrow we are cutting and putting the first coat of paint on the beadboard. So far I love the color on the top of the walls. I'm excited to see it all come together. I will post before and after pics when we're completely done.

Well. Its getting late and I'm beat. Thank God we have tomorrow off for the holiday!

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