Merry Christmas

We wish you a
Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!

Love,
Mike, Becka & Darrell

...ing...

Struggling…with my sleeping habits. I sleep wayyy too much and I'm missing out on life.

Hoping…that my sister's wedding planning goes smoothly.

Praying…for the health of my family.

Laughing…at my dog peeking out from under a blanket.

Fighting…the urge to gossip.

Missing…days without responsibility.

Worrying…about traveling this winter.

Pushing…myself to be more fun to be around.

Reading…the last book of the Harry Potter series. Having a tough time getting started.

Remembering…how good Coke tastes from a Santa can.

Wishing…for a productive 2009.

Bags

For years I have been bothered by bags... Like the sacks you get from a store when you buy something. I get angry when I get home from shopping or the grocery store and have all these plastic bags. I do the best I can to reuse them as garbage bags, dog poop picker uppers, etc. but there always seems to be a surplus of plastic bags at my home. Last summer I bought reusable grocery bags. They are wonderful! Inexpensive too (four bags for $5). I want to pinch myself when I forget to bring them to the grocery store. Yes, I'm *that girl* at the grocery store trying to carry ten items out to her car without a sack.

This Christmas shopping season I found this bag:
Love at first sight! And how cute is it? Victoria's secret - $20 (I got it for $10). Worth every penny. I got the blue one. I bring it on all my trips to the mall. You're welcome Mother Nature.

Rant

Who: My husband (Mike) and myself
What: Thanksgiving
When: 2008
Where: Dubuque (Mike) and Sioux City (myself)
Why: Why not?

I heard a lot of snotty comments regarding our decision to go our separate ways for Thanksgiving. Here is what I wish I would have thought of quick enough to say in return...

• It's our decision. Not yours.
• We love spending time with each other's family. It's not about that.
  
• Our families live FIVE hours apart, therefore, not enough hours in a day to see both.
• Just because we go our separate ways for a holiday doesn't mean we're fighting, getting divorced, or don't like each other.
• You have no right to judge us when (gasp) you and your spouse's families live in the same area.
• We are best friends. We are happily married. We are in love. We don't have to go everywhere together to prove this to anyone.

This rant is not directed toward anyone (that I know of) who reads this blog. I just needed to vent. Thanks for listening!

D-U-N

A few months ago, after donating eight bags of clothes to the Goodwill, I promised my husband that I was DONE buying clothes. Our bedroom is overflowing with my clothes. Shopping is my drug of choice. It's an illness. Anyway, I didn't keep my promise and I continued to buy more and more clothes. Yesterday as I put away piles of clothes that I didn't need... I swore to myself that I was DONE buying clothes for a while. D-U-N. And I was done. Until, I saw this coat at TJ Maxx...........
It was practically glowing, it was so gorgeous! With orange being my favorite color, I knew it was meant to be. So I tried it on and guess what? It fits! Plus it was only $15! And now, I am officially D-U-N buying clothes.

Enjoy a couple cute pictures of Darrell:

Engaged

Last week my sister Brooke got engaged! A lovely stallion named Nate Pischke asked for her hand in marriage. You know what this means... I get to be the maid of honor! (It's always about me.) Here is a picture of the happy couple:I'm excited to have Nate as a permanent part of our family. The bachlorette party plans are already in progress. Does anyone know where I can get a three foot tall chocolate cake for a midget stripper to jump out of? (just kidding Brooke)

My fabulous family: (left to right) Leah, Billy, Yours Truly, Mike, Nate, Brooke, Mom, Dad

Yay or Nay?

A couple years ago I bought this tree on clearance for $5. I love it! It's a two feet tall, has wonderful silver tinsel, and to top it all off... it's fiber optic! Purely magical. (OK, I'm exaggerating but I do love it). The only problem is... Mike hates it. He thinks it looks *trashy.* What? He said, "There's a reason it was on clearance." Humph. Any opinions?

Thankful

Because Thanksgiving is this week, I decided to share with ya'll what I'm thankful for:

• My husband - he loves me unconditionally
• Family - so supportive
  
• Darrell - always makes me smile
• Employment - as much as I would love to be a stay-at-home-dog-mom... it feels good to bring home a paycheck
  
• HD - it makes my favorite past time (tv) much more enjoyable
• Change - moving into a new home, going from boyfriend/girlfriend to husband/wife, switching jobs or a new beginning for our country... change is refreshing!

Bring on the green bean casserole and dark meat!

Best week ever!

First Obama is elected as our next president...

Then the Hawkeyes upset undefeated Penn State with a last second field goal...
How exciting!?!? This has to be the best week of my Dad's life!

All I want for Christmas is..........

The 2009 Highlander Hybrid. In white. With a pink sparkly bow on the hood. In my driveway. On Christmas morning.

Halloween 08

I love Halloween. Actually, I should say I love Halloween season. The actual day itself is never as fun as I imagine it will be. I decorated our home in August. I started wearing my candy-corn scrub top in August also. Here are pictures of Mike and I in our costumes.

I was "Miss Congeniality." Or so said my sash. Isn't Miss Congeniality the ugly girl with a good personality? Humph... I am embarrassed that the clock in the background says 11:28pm. (We had just gotten home from the bar - lame!) I wore my prom dress from nine years ago. Still fits, little snug, but still fits.


Darrell was "Momma's boy" for Halloween... which does not require a costume.

Here is Cowboy Mike. He looked so adorable in his Wranglers. Unfortunately, I forgot to make 'Brokeback Mountain' jokes all night.


PS - Darrell got his learner's permit.
In case you're wondering, that tye-dye fabric on his back is actually a pillow case. He was laying inside it ... before he popped out and wanted to drive.

Raccoons and ladybugs, oh my!

I came home from work at 3am this morning to find two of these in my driveway:

They scurried underneath my husband's car. I was petrified! I started honking the horn and flashing my lights at them to try to scare them off. (My neighbors probably thought I was crazy). I sat in my car for a good ten minutes trying to decide the safest way to get in the house. Of course, I had forgotten my cell phone inside so I couldn't call Mike to rescue me. To make matters worse, I had just swung through the Burger King drive-through and had breakfast sandwich in my purse. All I could think about was getting mauled by two 'coons over a measly sausage biscuit. Needless to say, I made it safely inside. Then I made a dumb move by letting Darrell outside - he got in a huge fight with these monsters. You should hear the noise a raccoon makes when it's getting attacked by a Jack Russell (I'll have nightmares for weeks). Thankfully Darrell was not injured. He's my little guard dog for sure!

Since I'm on the topic of scary animals...
let me introduce you...
to my least favorite...
makes me gag...
too crunchy to smash so I have to flush...
animal you know as the...

LADYBUG!
How disgusting! I cannot stand these little creatures. I couldn't even put a picture of a real ladybug on my website because it made me squirm. YUCK! I have to end this blog now because I'm getting nauseated.

Bella

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!



Thanks to my cousin's wife Amanda for the link to this quiz! I'm so anxious for the movie!

Nephew

I'd like you all to meet my first nephew ever! His name is Bear. He is a chocolate lab and oh so cute. I haven't seen him in person yet - but I can't wait. My sister (Brooke) and her boyfriend (Nate) adopted him yesterday.


So I'm not playing favorites, I must post a picture of my niece Ellie. She was adopted a few years ago by my brother (Billy) and his wife (Leah). Ellie is the sweetest dog there is. Although she's close to 90 pounds, she's a total lap dog. Here is a picture of Ellie with Uncle Nate and Aunt Brooke:


And who could forget my little Darrell. Although he is the smallest of the Welch grand-dogs, he definitely runs the show. This picture of him cracks me up. He is such a picture snob. Whenever I get out the camera or my cell phone to take a picture, he either runs away or closes his eyes....

Check out his Christmas collar from last year. It was green with glitter. Only the best for Darrell!

I am so happy to add another dog to the family. I'm sure my parents are excited to add one more dog to their house for the holidays. :) I can't wait to meet little Bear!

Birthday girls

Happy 26th birthday to my sister Brooke! She is such a fun gal. I can truly be myself around her. I am her #1 fan and supporter. She will probably not be my #1 fan when she sees that I posted this picture of her... She made me go to a Harry Potter party at Barnes & Noble one night. I think Harry was a little too excited about a hottie like Brooke sitting on his lap.

And if it's Brooke's birthday then that means... IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TOO! Yippy! It's so fun being a twin. Here we are, celebrating our 22nd birthday at a Mexican restaurant in Iowa City. Instead of free dessert the waiter gave us tequila shots. Thanks senor...........

Happy birthday Leah!

Today Leah turns 26! I am so happy that I can finally call her my sister-in-law. Happy birthday girl - have a great day! Here she is, looking stunning on her wedding day...

Quiz

I saw this quiz on my friend's blog. I'm bored because my favorite Thursday night tv isn't on (because of the VP debate) so here I go... PS - One word answers only.

1. Where is your cell phone? unknown
2. Your significant other? busy
3. Your hair? untamed
4. Your mother? unselfish
5. Your favorite thing? cupcakes
6. Your dream last night? annoying
7. Your favorite drink? beer
8. Your dream/goal? RV
9. What Room you are in? Living
10. Your fear? flying
11. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Mommy
12. Where were you last night? couch
13. Something that you aren't? loud
14. Muffins? choc-chip
15. Wish list item? Highlander
17. Last thing you did? eat
18. What are you wearing? silk
19. Your TV? 50"
20. Your pets? sweetie
21. Friends? funny
22. Your life? tv-worthy
23. Your mood? excited
24. Missing someone? Brooke
25. Your car? paid
26. Something you're not wearing? socks
27. Your favorite store? Gordmans
28. Your favorite color? orange
29. When is the last time you laughed? 8:22
30. Last time you cried? unsure

Let me explain...

Before my family freaks out... NO I AM NOT PREGNANT. But it's fun to put a watermelon under your shirt at work and pretend like you are.

I am excited about being pregnant someday (in the near future maybe)? As I am about to turn 26 on Sunday, I realize that I am almost 30, which means I should start popping out kids. And yes, we ate the watermelon after I was done pretending.

Sister-Sista Weekend

I spent the past few days in Minneapolis with my sister Brooke. We had such a great time! We call them "sister-sista weekends." It's always fun to hang out with Brooke - especially since we don't live in the same town (or state for that matter) anymore. I'm trying to convince here to move to Des Moines... She made me home-cooked meals every night. We laid around in our pj's and snuggled with Darrell (yes, he got to come... no, Mike didn't). I even bought us matching pj pants but Brooke said they look like "clown pants" and she didn't wear them. We went shopping and gossiped. Brooke tried to convince me that it would be *fun* to drive over the bridge that collasped (it was just rebuilt) but I said NO! Sorry, sister... I forgot to pack my Ativan. I love my sister!

Hot dogs

Now that you all know my love for hot dogs, you probably guessed what this blog would be about. *WRONG!* I got the idea for this blog today when I was at a gas station. A man from animal control was standing next to me as I filled up my 42 ounce cup of Pepsi - anyways, on his radio I heard a call about a dog that was left in a van for over an hour with the windows rolled up. It was 80 degrees today. I almost followed him to help rescue the dog.

Now, contrary to popular belief, I'm not a saint. Actually, while I was in the gas station Darrell was in my car! Two of my car windows were rolled down far (but not too far - he likes to *escape - story on this later in the blog). I did buy Darrell a cup of ice to lick.

Here is an article I found online about the dangers of leaving your pets in the car... even with the windows cracked! Please educate yourself and don't be afraid to call your local animal control!!!

Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car for any period of time. On a warm day, the temperature in a car can reach 120° F in a matter of minutes-even with the windows partially open. Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high temperatures. This is what you should do if your pet is exposed to high temperatures:

• Be alert to signs of heat stress-heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
  
• If your pet has become overheated, you must lower his body temperature immediately.
  
• Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over her body to gradually lower her body temperature.
  
• Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pet's head, neck, and chest only.
  
• Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
  
• Take your pet to a veterinarian right away-it could save your pet's life.
  

If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call your local animal care and control agency or police department immediately!

You don't just expose your pet to the dangers of heat stress when you leave him in a car, you also expose him to pet theft. Thousands of pets are stolen each year from unattended cars.

I found this article on www.sevagrreat.org.

*Now on to the story about Darrell's escape. One day I stopped at a gas station. I had to run inside quick and get something (Laffy Taffy most likely). Darrell likes to be able to see me at all times so I parked right out front of the gas station doors. I rolled down the windows a little bit so he could breathe. As I was paying for my taffy I looked out to my car... and there was Darrell at the doors of the gas station. He could see me and he was jumping up and down at the door. He wanted his Momma!!! It made me laugh. It's always nice to feel wanted, even if it's by a Jack Russell Terrier.

Music

I now have music on my blog! Look on the right-hand side of this page for the music player. I downloaded four of my favorite songs for you to enjoy!

Favorite foods

Here are a few of my favorite foods:

Hot dogs. Love 'em. Preferred toppings are dill relish or plain. My favorite method of cooking hot dogs is boiling. I also love corn dogs and pigs in a blanket.

Cherry ICEE. You can't beat it. It is getting harder to find these days. K-Mart has them but their machine is broken half the time. My favorite flavor is cherry - and red cherry, not white.

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. I've been eating it since I was a youngster. Still not sick of it. My brother used to ask my mom to make it "extra runny." Haha. I like to add hot dogs or tuna to my Mac & Cheese.

Apricot wheat beer. I discovered this beer last summer and it's become my favorite (sorry Coors Light). How tasty!

Cotton candy. It you saw my post about the fair then you know that I love cotton candy. So fluffy and delicious! My favorite color cotton candy is pink. The best place to get it is Van-Dee's in Johnson, IA

Donuts. My weakness. My favorite kind are maple frosted with sprinkles. I also love cream filled long johns. And you can't go wrong with traditional glazed.

Camping

At the end of August was the "First Annual Welch Siblings and their better-half's Camping Trip."

We had a blast out on the canoes. Ellie loves to swim! She kept jumping in the lake to swim after the canoe...


Darrell loves to be right by his mother - so it was no surprise that he wanted to come in the canoe with Leah and me. We were out on the water for an hour and Darrell did great. He was our captain...



At night we played games and sat around a campfire. Here is an action-shot of Nate (Brooke's boyfriend)...



Darrell gets cold really easily so he liked to be wrapped up in a beach towel...



The Welch's : Leah, Billy and Ellie


The someday (?) Pischke's: Nate and Brooke


The McGinn's: Becka, Mike and Darrell

We had a fun time with lots of laughs! We only stayed one night because I wasn't sure if I could "rough it" for two... maybe next year.

Tunes

Does anyone know how to put music on a blog?

Iowa State Fair

The Iowa State Fair was a few weeks ago. The state fair is pretty new to me. Growing up in Sioux City, we never went to the fair. But if you live in Des Moines, you HAVE to go. I don't know why... it's the same thing every year. The food is ok - I'd rather eat at McDonalds.

Mike eating meatballs on a stick:





Me drinking a jug of root beer.













Here is a picture of me and my 4-H cow.









My favorite part of the fair - the animals! What a cute pig!

Cutest dog ever!

Please vote for Darrell as Des Moines Cutest Dog EVER! Click on the link below and be sure to vote him a perfect 10! If (when) he wins, he'll be on the cover of a local magazine here in Des Moines!!!

http://apps.desmoinesregister.com/contests/ratephoto.php?c=juice_pets&photoID=75cababd-48ba-40c3-b8b0-21c9474c0099

It's out!

Mom... this blog's for you.

It's out! I took out my belly button ring tonight. I've been thinking about taking it out for a few months now... and I just did it. It was time. My days of tan skin and bikinis are just about over. I got my belly button pierced 10 years ago - on my Mom's birthday of all days. She was so mad! My sister Brooke did it too so I wasn't the only one in trouble. It hurt so much. I would never do it again. I still like my nose piercing. I will leave that in for now. By the way, this is not a picture of my stomach.

Minneapolis weekend

Last weekend my family all met up in Minneapolis where my sister lives. Friday night we went on a riverboat dinner cruise. It was fantastic! We had dinner and drinks and a chance to relax and chat. I felt a little sea sick at the beginning but it faded fast. The weather was rainy at first but it quit soon.Saturday we went mini-golfing. My parents tied for first place. Billy got a hole in one. I was awful but had a blast anyway. Saturday night my brother and Dad went to the Ultimate Fighting thing and the girls went to the Mall of America. What great shopping! It was great to be together as a family. We always have a fun time together with lots of laughs. The only bad part of the weekend was that Mike and my brother's wife couldn't be there. Mike was in Chicago at a Cubs game and Leah had to work. Darrell got to come. He was a good boy except for getting into the garbage one time... his Mom forgot to put the garbage can up. Whoops!