Sick.

That's me.
Sick.
Apparently, I have mono.
I don't have time for mono.
You see, I'm hosting this charity event in a couple weeks and at best, I can hope for not being totally exhausted. I surely can't expect to get rest!
Rest & fluids.
That's the remedy for freaking mono.
Rest and fluids.
The fluids I can deal with--I can't seem to get ahold of this thirst!
But the rest?
Seriously, the month of October is my busiest time of year and I don't know when I'll find time to rest.
And now I've found that this can get worse.
Much worse.
And I really don't have time for that!

The good news is that I am not contagious to most of the people who come into contact with me.
Unfortunately, that does not include the three most important people in my world who aren't supposed to kiss me nor share my drinks or food. Have you ever tried to tell a two-year-old not to kiss his mommy? How 'bout telling his little sister that she can't have a drink of your water? It's not as easy as it seems...

Know what else I'm sick about?
Telling my friends good-bye as their moving trucks pull out of town.
I'm so thankful that Holly K and her family will be back home next year but I had to come to terms with the fact that Kelly Wilkinson and I will likely never live in the same town again. I know that we'll always be friends...always be in contact with one another and I know this move is best for her health & for her husband's career, but I'm still very sad to see them go.

I'm sick of the state of the union.
I'm sick of political ads. Already. And frankly, I don't know what either party is saying, other than what they think "we" want to hear. I just wish I knew what was real.
I'm sick of Runza. E doesn't love chicken nuggets but mini corn dogs? He's all about mini corn dogs. And pizza. I'm sick of pizza too.
I'm sick of too-warm-for-long-sleeves weather. I'm ready to wear all the cute sweaters and long-sleeved rugbys and tights and all the other fun things Gymboree has for fall. (Feel free to remind me of this in the spring when I'm ready to put away all the coats and mittens and hats.)

Of course, there are so many things that don't make me sick:
*her pictures. I could get lost in them everyday.
*Kimberly Brimhall's class about blogging.
*having my crockpot at the ready. I've already made Coke Cow and "beebahlsh"--in E Speak--(meatballs) twice for football games. Looking forward to apple crisp and fresh jam and taco soup soon!

And of course, all the fun things Gymboree has for fall.

Scrap Happy. Nap Happy. Mom Happy.

That's me--scrap happy, after a day spent with grown-ups playing with pictures and paper and Mono-Adhesive. I went to Manchester Elementary this morning with Lisa and several other lovely ladies. I didn't get much done other than chatting, but really...isn't that was these days are all about? I did get some ATCs done for a swap I'm participating in at SIStv and that's a relief.

I got home a little earlier than I'd anticipated, so I was able to sneak in a few zzz's before the sitter had to leave. I would have preferred a long, leisurely nap but I'll take a couple minutes over none any day! Of course, I was still a little asleep when I went to the Aspen for my purse and slipped on the running board, slid down across Junior's carseat and bruised up my ribs on the right side of my body. Ouch. I don't recommend it.

And now.
The littles have eaten.
Miss H is in bed, peacefully sleeping, despite the nasty cold both she and E-Man have.
E is sitting next to me on the couch, watching Cars for the first time in his life.
And even though he has said "cars" and "Mommy, cars" about a million times ("yes, E...I've seen all the cars!") it makes me about the happiest I think I've ever imagined.

Know what else makes me happy?
*Crew's arrival.
Congratulations Jody and Chip and family.
*This layout by my friend Jen.
*Crop For A Cause is in less than one month. SIGN UP today.
*That the Big Day is coming up for Katie & Garrett GoodTeeth.
And it's on my Courtney's birthday too! : )
*This adorable line from Gymboree.
*Holly is one day closer to coming home. Miss you, K family!
*It's football season, apple season...nearly sweater-weather, when there's a chill in the air and dinner simmering in the crock-pot.

And that makes me happy.

Let's try this again...

Apparently, time moves in four-month jumps here in Blogland. I don't have an excuse...or else I have a very good excuse. I'm tired. I'm busy. I can't type with two little people on my lap.

Anyway...some randomness to catch you up on our lives:

*Autumn arrives next week and I.Am.Ready.
The littles have such cute fall clothes, thank you Gymboree, Gap and eBay sellers.
Oh, and cute shoes.
And BOOTS!
Such cute boots! : )
Mommy found some cute new shoes as well. I only currently have the charcoal ones (or "graphite" in BornSpeak) but I have big plans for another color or two.
Sadly, no new shoes for Daddy. : (
Daddy did get a new Husker flag for his birthday!

*The Huskers are having a winning season! : ) We're 2-0.

*Courtney is having a good time being a Husker as well. Academically speaking. I think she's spending most of her spare time studying, and writing, and reading textbooks.

*I've started reading again. May I suggest "Sundays at Tiffany's" by James Patterson?
I know, it's weird to read a romantic tale by Patterson who usually writes suspense but every once in while, he throws in a book for TheBecca. It's not as good as "Sam's Letters To Jennifer" but seriously...nothing is.

*Sam Truesdell is H's first boyfriend. She totally makes love eyes at him.

*Little Miss has to get glasses.

: (

Mommy cried.

Seriously.

Who knew that one-year-old babies could even be far-sighted?

I was so heartbroken by the news that I couldn't even pick out her frames. Her daddy and I will go tomorrow to get them ordered.

*Tomorrow is supposed to be another beautiful Indian Summer day--maybe we'll get to go to the park. There's a nice one not far from our house--close enough, in fact, we can walk. Close enough even, that E-Man can walk. His little legs need to rest quite a bit but he's very proud of himself when he can walk the whole way home. : )

*I was so concerned because E hadn't gained any weight even though he is a very good eater but GOOD NEWS! He's just getting taller! I figured that we wouldn't have to buy new jeans for him because he is soooooooooooooo skinny but I was wrong. His 18 month jeans are too short for him. And now...his 24 month jeans are too big, but just the right length.

*I took my mom shopping for their vacation to New England & Canada--she also got jeans. They left yesterday and will be gone for about two weeks.

*Ironically, Honey's parents are just returning from a two-week vacation tomorrow--they celebrated their 40th anniversary earlier this month! We've got such good examples in our parents, both being married for so long.

*Apparently, we've been married for a long time too.

I read in my newspaper [People Magazine] that LeAnn Rimes and her husband celebrated their anniversary with a "Seven Year Itch" party because no one thought it was last that long. That long??? Seriously? Wow.

*I didn't read it in the newspaper or hear it on my news [Entertainment Tonight] but I happen to know that the our third annual Crop For A Cause is scheduled for October 18th. Sign up today--all proceeds go to JDRF. I really should alert the media.

*I have been watching the media coverage of the hurricane damage in the south. My heart and prayers go out to all those affected.

*Praying also for Becky's mom & Bob Herdman and for Alieda's heartbroken family. And of course, for my two precious little people. Feel free to join me in my prayers.

Check in again--maybe even before Christmas! In the meantime, I think I'll bake an apple pie. With it being almost fall and all...

Best Birthday Party EVER.

At least that's what we've been told.

: )

E's birthday was all we could have ever hoped for--an afternoon (and evening) full of family & friends and neighbors. Fun-in-the-sun splashing and giggling and slip 'n sliding. And yes, even a white trash verion of the Wet Banana. Do you remember the Wet Banana?

We (and by 'we', I mean Honey) grilled 50 hamburgers & 30 hotdogs. We had my world-famous pasta salad & BeccaDip and GaGa Sutton made a fabulous watermelon boat with a variety of delicious fruits. And what BBQ would be complete without Bobby's Favorite Beans? I wish I'd taken pictures of the spread--because of our beach theme, I used sand pails to hold chips & the little toy wheel barrow for the buns. I also found seashell-shaped bowls at W for 50 cents and brightly colored plastic cups. It was CUTE!

And OH MY HECK! Sooooooooooooo many gifts for the little E-Man. Mostly cars & balls & things to ride on or push. Do they know the little dude or what?!?

Where In The World???

I know, I know...
I'm a very bad blogger.
(hanging my head in shame)
But really--
I have a very good reason!
No, seriously, I do!

A very good reason.
Well...
TWO very good reasons.

A boy reason
and a girl reason.

And they have changed my life and brightened my days and made me laugh & cry and turned me back into a raving shopping lunatic because seriously, Gymboree and the Gap and Carter's have the CUTEST kids clothes now. NOTHING like when I was a kid. No ruffles. No plastic panties. Cute, miniature versions of what I'd wear if I wore shorts and skirts.

Honey & I became Foster Parents to these two--we'll call him 'E' and the little miss we'll refer to as 'H'--on January 28th. We met them for the first time on December 2nd and fell immediately in love. E's dimple, his infectious laugh and Miss Sassy Pants were so easy to love. How on earth anyone could ever put their own wants and needs in front of these two is beyond me.

They love love love their grandparents.
And their aunties & uncles.
And their cousins. Oh my how they love their cousins!
E loves to say "Bobby".
E loves to call Bobby.
E loves to play with Bobby.
E absolutely LOVES Bobby.
And Abbi.
He says "Baby Abbi?" almost every day.

So that's where I've been these past several months.
Being a mommy.
Not blogging.
Not even really reading email.
In fact, I had so many unread emails that my Dell died.
D.E.A.D.
May it rest in peace...
I haven't been scrapbooking very much either--although I do still shop for that stuff too!

Goodbye naps.
Goodbye sleeping in.
Goodbye long, relaxing showers.
Goodbye dinners of nachos or cereal or Lean Cuisine.

Hello Pampers.
Carseats.
Baby Food.
Hello Gymboree employees who know me by name.
(And, I think, see $$ signs every time I walk in the door.)
Hello swingset.
And little pink Jeeps to drive around the backyard.
Hello Little People, Weebles, and Johnson & Johnson No More Tears.

Hello to parenthood.

Hello to the best days,
the toughest job,
the most rewarding experience
EVER.

and p.s. If you'd like to remember E & H in your prayers, that would be so greatly appreciated. Pray that they get exactly what they deserve: parents who will love them unconditionally, who want the very best for them, who put those precious children above all else. Amen.

The B List (01-08)

Okay--first of all...WOW. Finally 2007 is over (little celebratory dance from Becca!) and so far, 2008 is off to a GREAT start! : ) Huge HUGE congratulations to my wonderful, fabulous, hottie husband who, on January 3rd, was promoted to General Manager at Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Omaha. Seriously, if you're looking for a Chrysler product--contact Scott. Congratulations, Honey--you so deserve this...thank you for taking such good care of us! : )

There are so many reasons I love a new year--mostly just for the fresh start, the clean slate we're all given. There's time again to dream and plan and it makes sense to purge the no-longer-needed from your life. I am thrilled to have been invited to join a "Health Matters" support group for women only--thanks Danelle! This group is to encourage and support each other as women as we try to make take control of our health. What a great idea--and just what I needed.

I have some incredibly amazing friends who are also doing some incredibly amazing {creative} things in 2008. Check out their blogs for more information and then JOIN them as they teach and inspire and encourage. (Plus...there's just something about taking class in your pajamas--like being back in college again!) : )

Want to know how to solder? Learn how, and do some awesome projects with Kerry Lynn Yeary. KL is AMAZING and I love her and treasure her friendship.

Project FiveTwo. Courtney DeLaura and special guest instructors will teach a different project every week for the entire year. You can register for six months or for the entire year--obviously, it's a better value to register for the whole year. And get this--it's only $1 a week when you register for 52 weeks! : )

Artistic Edge. Learn how to edit photos like Adrienne Looman using Photoshop software. This is a three-week course that promises to inspire a colorful change in your photography!

Wilna Furstenburg is teaching a fabulous Valentine's Class--check out her blog for more information. Wilna is incredible, inspiring, amazingly talented & probably the sweetest girl I know. I LOVE her. Love love love. And I can't wait to take her class! : )

Sarah Bowen is doing a "Being the best ME in 2008" challenge on her blog, too. Because we're worth it!

There's also some pretty awesome challenge blogs up & running--be sure to check out
*The Little Big Things. My friend Ashley Wren will encourage you to remember those little things in life that you don't give much thought to--things like your coffee cup, your mousepad, etc.
*One Little Word. Okay, so this challenge blog isn't new but still, I love it. They suggest a word--just one little word--and you scrapbook it. Words like Hope, Live, Believe, Steps. This site was inspired by Ali and her "word of the year" suggestion. Know what my word was for 2007? NO. Yeah...it lasted about six days. Anyway...check out this blog for their prompts--and win prizes too, when you link up your creations!

Seriously...do I have talented friends or what?!? : )

So that's it.
The B list for January.
thank you for the inspiration, Oprah Winfrey
Some months I might list my favorite restaurants.
Or favorite vacation spots.
Or my favorite sights & scents & sounds for that particular time of year.

I hope you'll check out the sites I listed today--join them in making 2008 great. You'll never regret preserving a memory.

p.s. Please take a moment right now to vote for Emily's card--at Hallmark. I don't know her IRL but she's a scrapbooker & attending Creative Escape in September! You can cast a ballot once a day and she's tied for first place. Please vote! : )

Pink & Red & Silver.

This one reminds me of sweet Kathy.

Whenever I see it, I think of her. And I see it about 47 times each day because it's on the tree in the family room.

And when I think of her, I'm happy.
Because she wears BeccaGreen flowers on her jean jacket.
Because she has custom-made Nikes that I totally want even though I do not really wear tennis shoes. Ever.
Because she reminds me of Cyndi Lauper and I love Cyndi Lauper.
(Because the song "True Colors" makes me cry.)
Because she loves margaritas so much, she's started to sign her emails 'Kathy & Jose'. : )
Because she knows when I need to hear from her or to talk to her or when I simply need prayers & hugs & love...all the way from St. Louis.

She sent this ornament to me last year, when she was my Creative Escape Secret Santa. Of course, I had no idea that SHE was my Secret Santa because she kept me going all month long--she called herself Jane Jones & when I said I'd like pink & red ornaments for my latest tree & that they had what I loved at Pier One, she asked "What's this Pier One you speak of? I live out in the sticks & have never heard of that!" I felt so bad that I'd assumed everyone knew about Pier One! We had a good laugh when the time came to finally reveal because I never even once suspected that she might have been my Santa! : )

This tree is making me happy this year--happier even than it did in 2006. Maybe because it's in the most-used room of our home. I don't know--I just know it's happy.

And speaking of Secret Santas: Oh.My.Heck! I am the luckiest girl in the world when it comes to getting the best Secret Pals! : ) My Scrap In Style Secret Santa was AWESOME! Wendy spoiled me with packages weekly & ecards & this final package. Basic Grey & MM Noteworthy Paper, ornaments, hot cocoa mix & a green mug, a journaler's notebook, Christmas rub ons, transparent frames, ornaments, glimmer mist, buttons and a bag of Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses. I LOVE my Secret Santa...love love love her! : ) Thank you so much Wendy--you are the best!

{And do you see all the pink & red that she sent to me?!?}