Sturgis Falls

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

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


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


Momma and Becca


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


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

Gone Fishing...and its our vacation too!

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

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

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

Splish Spalsh!

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

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


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

Flood Fashion

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

The difference a year makes

2007


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

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

Recap of non flood related news!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We Built this City.....

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

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











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

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

How about some Happy Posts?

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


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


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


My friends call her a porcelin doll in this picture


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

Flood Update

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

All John Deere plants on Westfield Ave have been evacuated.

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

Washburn residents are being evacuated.

North Cedar has been evacuated.

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

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


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

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

The floods follow

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

Short Week

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

The Aftermath

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

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

Tornado Warnings

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

Long Weekend At Last!

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

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

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

A super Saturday

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

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

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

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

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You made great fried chicken.
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Grandmas make lousy ninjas.

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

Make it 4 Days!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

3 days in a row!

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

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

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

Poop Party!

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

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

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

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

Join us in the celebration dance!