Our Adventures in Life and Parenting...

My Birthday in Photos,

2011-09-26T17:47:00.001-06:00

There were...

Day 11 of 30... Fellowship with the Saints

2011-09-15T16:15:00.001-06:00

Fall is here... We are busy... But not that crazy busy I can get where I can't remember to put on mascara because I am running around trying to get everyone dressed and out the door, just busy...

We started home church again which means that every Sunday evening we have people from our community over to our house for dinner and to discuss the morning sermon and just fellowship together... So, this Sunday, day 11, I celebrated by fellowshipping with good friends and neighbors and it was great. We met new people and caught up with old friends. It is always fun to reconvene after a busy summer to find out what everyone was up to.

Day 10 of 30... Home Videos

2011-09-12T18:51:00.000-06:00

Today I found our video camera, which I haven't used in quite a while...Since Caleb joined us in fact. My old Iphone took great and easy videos so I used that a lot instead. Alas, I am using a somewhat ghetto old original Iphone (never thought I would call an Iphone ghetto, but after having even a 3GS, this granny is indeed, ghetto), and it doesn't have a video camera...Iphone side note, I am waiting in earnest for the latest version to be released. Rumor has it, it will be soon, but not soon enough!

Back to my story... I pulled out the video camera and started watching old videos from back when Brooks was just a burrito and watched...and watched, and watched... hours of home videos. I am blown away at just how very similar yet very different the boys are. It was a great treat for day 10.... and to top it off, Bryant came home early from hunting, so we got to spend the evening together... and I always love that.

Day 9 of 30...Stay up past my bed time

2011-09-12T18:44:00.000-06:00

Bryant went out of town to go hunting (he didn't shoot anything, not even a cow) and I did, well, nothing too exciting if you happen to be a single 20 something, but for this 30 year old mom of two who has gone to bed at or around 9:00 for the past 2.5 years, I went to bed around 10, and stayed up watching movies on my laptop, then read about 100 blogs I hadn't read in ages and went to bed in the wee hours of the night wondering when a little blonde baby boy would wake me up for his nightly snack...but, he also celebrated day 9 and slept straight through the night until 7:30 Saturday morning (wow, I wonder if Mrs. McCarty would have given me an "F" for that informative, but run on sentence?).

Happy birthday to me! It hasn't happened since then and since he is around 25th percentile for his weight I don't want to force him to stop is mid-night feeding, so for now, it continues. And, I haven't slept through a solid night in recent memory (years) and I really doubt I will for the next 20+ years, so I am not sad/frustrated/in denial about it. Frankly I secretly enjoy the quiet mid-night cuddles I get while sitting in my closet (Caleb's current bedroom), especially since I usually have a crazy toddler wanting attention during the mid day feedings. Oh the joys!!!

Day 8 of 30...Try something new!

2011-09-09T21:05:00.001-06:00

Shoo. I have been 30 for a week already! Last night was our 4 year anniversary and I wish I could tell you it was incredibly romantic and we got a babysitter and got away, or even went to dinner... but, alas, we did no such thing...but, after such a crazy week/weekend we are still recovering and needed another night at home. And it is hunting season in Colorado, which means, I am a hunting widow again. I am praying hard that the hubster brings home some meat this weekend, and never, ever utters the words, "I could have shot a cow," in my presence ever again! :-) Doesn't he know that cow meat tastes better then bull meat? Killing a bull might provide a trophy in the form of horns and boost a man's ego, but since my husband is not a fan of hanging horns in his home, they should not be a factor in his decision of whether or not to shoot an animal in front of him or not. Please hang on for a second while I step off my soap box. I am so glad he is out stomping around the woods with his buddies. I really am. It makes me smile to think about their conversations around the camp fire. Last year Amy Jo and I snuck up to camp to drop off a warm apple pie when we knew they would all be out hunting and later found out that a fellow hunter and friend from Texas razzed Bryant and Trevor so bad and said, "The only thing worse then a woman in hunting camp is the man that brought her," as he shoved a piece of pie in his mouth. Dudes.

But, back to my 30 days of 30. Like I said, last night was our anniversary, and I wanted nothing more then to spoil my husband and say thanks for being such an incredible husband and father... and what better way to feed his soul then by feeding his stomach! I made him chicken fried steak and mashers with fried okra and gravy...There was a lot of oil and butter involved. My house still smells like hot oil. It was my first attempt at chicken fried steak and it actually turned out really good. So, my way of celebrating day 8 was by trying something new, a recipe that has always intimidated me, but wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be. And my husband's Southern taste buds loved every bite of the food and he not only had seconds last night (my quality tester), but he ate the left overs for lunch today. Success!

Until tomorrow!

Day 7 of 30... A Walk up the Road

2011-09-07T20:58:00.001-06:00

Today started with a group of ladies and their kiddos coming over for pray and play. It was great to have them here and the kids went nuts downstairs while we were able to hang out and enjoy each others company and pray for each other with little distraction. That sure doesn't happen very often!

Brooks took a nice long nap and Caleb went down for part of it too, so I got to work on my Joshua & Co. project with some peace and quiet.

To celebrate day 7 of 30 today, the boys and I loaded the Chariot and walked up our road to the top just to soak in the view. It was pretty amazing and we got to watch a storm come in over Snowmass Mountain. Bryant even caught up with us in his truck on his way home. It was a nice surprise. On our way home, our walk was topped off by a gorgeous double rainbow. An extra treat from God, like He was smiling down at us as we headed up the driveway...

On a side note, I want to share this so I don't forget it. After Bryant put Brooks in his pj's tonight, he grabbed his toy tool box, came into the kitchen with his lips puckered for a mama kiss and said, "Bye! Love you!" and I said, "where are you going?" He looks back as he is walking down the stairs toward the front door and as serious as a heart attack says, "work, mama." Whoever told him he could grow up so fast needs a big spankin!

Until tomorrow...

Becs & the boys

Pictures are on the way!

2011-09-07T13:15:00.002-06:00

On a side note, I have been pretty diligent about taking pictures every day of the fun things we have been up to, but just need an extra hour to go through, edit and post them... So, I will put them on their respective posts soon!

Day 6 of 30...Cherishing Our Time Together!

2011-09-07T13:14:00.000-06:00

Day 6 was a very relaxing day. We woke up to rain and fog, which is really rare for summer in Colorado, but the forecast is more of the same all week. I welcome it, though. After such a busy weekend I needed a low key day at home.

Kelly and I watched True Grit while the boys played in the play room, then Amy Jo came over and Kelly made delicious potato soup for a perfectly soupy day. We all hung out for a few hours as Kelly packed to go home, and last night I took the Bucherts to the airport.

So, although there wasn't anything all that exciting about day 6, my special way of celebrating was just relaxing and making the most of the last few hours with Kelly and Ben's company. It is especially hard to say good bye to both Kelly and Sarah. They are two of my bosom buddies and neither of them live very close to my family anymore, so it is much harder to get together. Kelly and Ben just moved to Pendleton, Oregon and Sarah and Josh moved to Kona last Spring.

Today has been event filled, but nothing noteworthy yet... Maybe I will venture out on hike after Bryant gets home, or maybe I will go sit at a coffee shop and read the paper this evening. I will let you know tomorrow!

Becs

Day 5 of 30...An Evening with Friends!

2011-09-07T13:07:00.000-06:00

Monday was an exciting day too! We went into town after the guys finished up a mountain bike ride and walked around for a while, had lunch at the Cantina and watched the semi final matches at the Mother Lode Volleyball Tournament.

That evening we joined the Everetts and Bucherts at Cache Cache, an incredible French restaurant in Aspen. We had such a fun evening and ate like kings! After dinner we walked to Paradise Bakery and got cookies all around and hit a few art studios on our walk back to the cars.

I love no kiddo evenings out with close friends! I love laughing and remembering old times and getting excited about the future too! It was a lot of fun.

Day 4 of 30...An Outdoor Concert!

2011-09-07T12:47:00.000-06:00

Sunday always starts with church, and this week was no exception. We heard a great sermon from Steve and headed home to get the kiddos ready for their babysitter.

Sunday evening, Trevor, Amy Jo, Ben, Kelly, Bryant and I headed down to the Snowmass Center to see Zac Brown Band. Want an incredible concert! I was blown away by their talent and ability to entertain! They sang "Devil Came Down to Georgia" better than Charlie Daniels Band... It was awesome!

We had a blast and even found a great spot on the lawn for our blankets! The weather was perfect and so was the company!

I love having such cool events right in our back yard! This weekend is 12 hours of Snowmass and Oktoberfest in the Village Mall. So much fun.

Day 3 of 30... A Surprise Party!!!

2011-09-07T12:42:00.000-06:00

Saturday we rolled out of bed and Bryant was insistent that we head into town on our bikes, so I geared up, loaded the boys into the chariot and we went on our merry ways. It was a nice ride, but there was a lot of extra traffic on the normally calm Owl Creek Road due to the weekend concert festival in Snowmass.

Once we got into town, he rushed me to my favorite hideaway in Aspen... Autumn in Aspen, Nature Spa!!! I have been going to see Autumn for over four years now. She is not only and incredible massage therapist, waxologist, etc etc... she has also become a dear friend, and is the one who encouraged me celebrate 30 days of being 30. He purchased a massage/facial for me, took the boys and left me in the very talented hands of Autumn. I was a very happy, and very relaxed mama! It was an amazing way to start the day.

We spent the rest of the afternoon walking around Aspen. I convinced the baristas at our local Starbucks to sell me a Pumpkin Spice Latte on the 3rd even though they weren't supposed to sell it until the 6th! I gave them my puppy eyes and told them it was my birthday and they were selling it on my birthday last year, and they had sympathy and swore me to secrecy! It was delicious and worth the pout! (I am only telling now because they are able to sell it today!)

We got home that afternoon and the plan was to go back to Trev and Amy's for PW lasagna for my actual birthday dinner. Once we got to the top of their hill, Bryant says "hey Ben (Kelly's husband), I want to show you those huge bucks I was telling you about in this field." So, we drove down this long dirt road and into a driveway, where I finally clued in and noticed a bunch of cars I recognized and saw my friends under a big party tent waiting for me! I was totally surprised! I had no idea who owned the house we were at, but it turns out it was a friend of Amy Jo's and they had been conspiring for quite a while to pull this all off. The evening was perfect! The tent felt like the party scene on Hope Floats with white lights and hay bails. Perfection!

My husband, Amy Jo, Trevor and Kelly did an awesome job pulling everything together and keeping it all a secret! I am so thankful for them. It was the perfect way to spend day 3.

Day 2 of 30...A Relaxing Birthday

2011-09-07T12:31:00.000-06:00

Friday, my actual birthday was perfectly relaxing. I woke up to a great breakfast prepared by my best guys, and Kelly and I walked up to the village to get a birthday latte and do a little shopping...

Kelly joined Amy Jo for a trip to Glenwood (to prepare for a surprise I didn't find out about until Saturday). So, while she was gone and Bryant finished up some "work" (also preparing for above mentioned event, but using work as a guise) I decided to give myself full permission to chill out on the couch while the boys slept and read. It was perfectly perfect.

That evening, we ordered bbq take out from Smoke and ate it on the Everetts deck, which is always a treat!

I felt very special on my birthday and loved that it was very relaxing, and I had no idea what was in store for the next day!!!

30 Days of 30...

2011-09-02T16:23:00.001-06:00

kelly and I at her wedding almost 7 years ago!

Today marks a big milestone in my life... I am three decades old... Shoo, where did the time go? I have two beautiful boys, and Bryant and I will celebrate our 4th year of marriage next week! A good friend challenged me to celebrate 30 days of being 30 by doing something small, but special every day in the month of September... So here I go. (although my birthday is today, I started yesterday, so I can celebrate every day in September!)

Day 1: Stay in my pajamas until late in the day, for no good reason at all and top if off by (getting into normal clothes) and going to a great dinner in the Village on a beautiful night!

Yesterday, my cousin Kelly (who is visiting from Oregon) and I stayed in our pjs most of the day, and enjoyed every second of it! No pictures of this day because well, we were in our pjs, but I promise to start cataloging the rest of my days as I continue on my adventures of 30 days of 30! A side note about my great cousin Kelly, she is 9 months younger then me and we have grown up together, gone to college together, were in each others weddings and are having kids at the same time together... I just wish we lived closer to one another! She has been there for several monumental birthdays, but one of my favorites so far, was 9 years ago when I turned 21 and she went sky diving with me! Love that girl and her adventurous spirit and I love doing life with her... truly one of my bosom buddies!

Today has been great too, but I won't write about it until tomorrow in case something even more great happens before midnight! :-)

An oldie, but goodie,

Becca

More Misc Pics From the Past Couple Months

2011-04-21T13:35:00.001-06:00


Snoozing on Mama's bed

Spring Swinging in Snowmass Village

10 Weeks

Spring Cleaning

Birthday Boy!!!

2011-04-21T08:58:00.000-06:00

Happy 2nd birthday to my biggest boy, who never ceases to make me laugh hysterically and keep me on my toes. I love you Liam Brooks Ragan!!!

Catching Up...

2011-04-19T16:56:00.002-06:00

The three musketeers...

Bryant's Baptism

2011-04-16T19:46:00.000-06:00

The Man

The Dunk

The Blessing

I am so proud of Bryant and his relationship with the Lord. Watching him grow and get excited about Jesus is incredible, and so is he. God is so good...

The Best Breakfast Bryant has EVER Had...

2011-04-16T19:37:00.000-06:00

This week I had to make breakfast for Bryant's elder meeting. I ran across a recipe that looked pretty tasty in Mary Jane's Farm Magazine and decided to give it try. Even though I didn't get to taste it, all of the men who did, said it was great, and my dear husband, who is somewhat of a breakfast connoisseur said it was the best breakfast dish he has ever had! So, I won't make you wait any longer. Your friends and family might even love you a little more for introducing this to their taste buds! :) It was really easy to make and you have to put it together the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it into the oven. I even made the sauce the night before and Bryant heated it in the microwave before serving it. Bon Appetite!

Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Blueberry Sauce

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cook Time: 1 Hour, 15 Minutes

 Serves: 12

12 Slices day-old bread (I used a french loaf)

16oz Cream cheese

1 cup fresh or thawed frozen blueberries

12 eggs

2 cups milk (I used whole because that is what we have on hand for Brooks)

1/3 cup maple syrup

1. Cut bread into 1" cubes.  Place half of the cubes in a buttered 12x9x2" glass baking dish

2. Cut cream cheese into 1" cubes and layer on top of the bread.  Top with blueberries and remaining bread. 

3. In a large bowl, mix together eggs, milk, and syrup.  Pour over the bread mixture.  Use a spatula to press ingredients down into the liquid and make sure all of the bread pieces are coated.

4.  Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.  Remove 30 minutes prior to baking.  Preheat oven to 350

5. Bake, covered, for 45 minutes.  Uncover and bake until the top is golden brown and mixture is set in the center, about 25-30 minutes. 

6.  Serve with Blueberry Sauce

Blueberry Sauce

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Makes: 1.5 cups

1/2 cup Sugar

1 TBS Cornstarch

1/2 c water

1/2 c fresh or thawed frozen blueberries

1 tsp Nutmeg

1.  In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch.  Add water and boil for 3 minutes.  

2. Add berries and simmer until they burst, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in nutmeg.

2.5 Weeks Old

2011-02-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Aunt Amy Jo of Lotta Love Photo

Caleb Alexander Ragan

2011-02-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

We welcomed our second son, Caleb Alexander Ragan into the world on Friday, February 4th at 2:09am. He has stolen our hearts. Just when we thought we couldn't love any one as much as we love our Brooks, one look at Caleb and our hearts doubled in size. We are blessed beyond measure and so grateful for two amazing, healthy boys. God is so good.

Photos by Amy Jo of Lotta Love Photo

Mid Week 39 and Still Flying High

2011-02-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well, Caleb is anyway. He is still floating happily in his mama's womb. I went to see our midwife today and I am a 2 and 50%, which is indeed more progressed then last week, but I was secretly hoping and praying I would be a 6 or 7 and asked to go directly to the hospital...do not pass go etc, etc...But, God has a different day for sweet Caleb's birthday and in all truth I am ok with that. I am not anxious or over it yet, just excited to meet the little bugger. I am still feeling great, but losing more and more physical energy by the day, and I am really anticipating the feeling of sucking my stomach in again. A little random, I know, but I am pregnant and hormonal, so I can be random.

We are quickly approaching the closing date on the sale of our house (two weeks from tomorrow), and still being pregnant is allowing me to do several things, 1) sleep 2) spend extra quality time with Brooks and Bryant and 3) think about and wish I was motivated to pack my house. Because we still have yet to secure a rental I am having a hard time getting excited about the move, but once I can picture where we are going, I will be much more excited to get a move on things.

Our midwife now says she will let me stay pregnant until the 17th (also our closing date and the day we hope to start moving), so I am going to start praying Caleb arrives well before that date so I can at least be present during the move to direct where things should go.

We are looking at a house today and praying for favor. It could just be the one! :)

My trusty doula, sister in law, and professional life cataloger, Amy Jo of Lotta Love Photo took the afternoon on Monday to do a belly shoot of Caleb and me...the day I turned 39 weeks...Youza. But, despite her subject (me) being grossly pregnant and HUGE, they are great. She is so talented and did an amazing job taking flattering shots. Once she gives me the go ahead, I will share a couple of them.

Until I can write something a little more exciting...

XOXO,

Becss & the boys

The Middle Name Discussion

2011-01-31T08:30:00.001-07:00

When I was pregnant with Brooks, Bryant and I had decided on his full name about midway through my pregnancy. We just kept it a secret until the end.

This time around, we were given Caleb's name really early, but can't agree for the life of us on a middle name. Yesterday we spent a lot of time and energy making a list, crossing names off, researching name meanings and...came up with another long list of possibilities.

We like the way a longer name sounds between Caleb and Ragan, such as Caleb Alexander Ragan vs. Caleb Gunnar Ragan (although I love Gunnar and it's Scandinavian origin!).

Picking a name is probably the most intimidating decision for me when it comes to having a baby. Seems silly, I know, but a person is stuck with their name forever, unless they become stupidly famous like Madonna or Shakira. But, I have a feeling Caleb and Brooks will be known for bigger things than dancing 3/4 naked on a stage... Things that require a full name, such as their talents on the baseball diamond or pulpit (he he he! A mom can dream!)

If you have any good suggestions, please feel free to let me know!

XOXO,

Becs & the boys

The Start of Week 39...

2011-01-31T08:21:00.001-07:00

Today marks the last official week before my due date. I am still venturing out in public and I actually feel really great (thank you, Lord!). Yesterday Bryant and I went to morning and evening church at Crossroads and I did feel the sympathetic stares and looks of "oh my goodness she must be ready to burst any day!" as I tried consciously not to waddle through the aisles. It is so funny to make a mental log of the things people say and ask. It is as if their internal mufflers shut down when they see an extremely pregnant woman. Anything that comes out of their mouth is fair game. Lucky me.

I also had several people ask if I am "ready" to have this baby. Let's be realistic about this question. Can you ever be "ready" for an event like labor not to mention bringing another baby home...the sleepless nights, diaper blow outs, burping, umbilical cord care...etc? Actually, though, I think I am. At least I am more ready than I was with Brooks when I had no idea what we truly had ahead of us.

A lot of people told me the first time around that labor is like a marathon, you know it will end, but it is hardest thing you can do. Ummmmmmmm, I have run a marathon and it lasted right around four hours, it was gorgeous and I had a team of over 50 people from Aspen cheering me on to the finish who I had trained with all summer, not to mention my future fiance ran the entire race by my side (yes, he is incredible!). My labor with Brooks was 12+ hours start to finish, much more painful than a marathon and I didn't know most of the people in the delivery room (nurses and staff) who were cheering me to the finish...although my team of Bryant, Amy Jo and my mom did a great job! But, humor set aside, labor and delivery with the right attitude is a pretty amazing adventure.

Physically I am doing the regular, "get yourself ready for labor," things recommended in most doula/midwife circles. I am going to get a massage and chiropractor adjustment this week (I might save this one for next week), we have another check up with the midwife on Wednesday and I am sitting on a fit ball several times a day. I have been drinking raspberry leaf tea for a couple weeks now and occasionally I have a glass of pineapple juice or order a juicy burger in hopes that something might just start something. But, the difference between this pregnancy and my last is there is zero desperation or expectation for what these "methods" might do. I am doing it all in an effort to prepare my body for labor, not put myself into it. There will be nothing drastic, like castor oil this time around. I am much more conscious of God's divine timing than my discomfort level.

Aside from the usual tasks recommended to physically and mentally prepare us for labor, we have made a conscious effort to prepare ourselves spiritually not only for L&D but Caleb's introduction into our family. Bryant and I have listened to "Supernatural Childbirth," an incredible book about living free from the curse and praying consciously for a God centered childbirth where no fear or pain can be present (yes, I said and mean no pain), praying specifically for the things you want to happen in the time frame they should happen (no three hours of pushing this time around please!). If you ask my close friends, they will tell you I am a big fan of praying for specific things with supernatural expectation, and I have them all laid out for Caleb's delivery. Bryant and I have big expectations, from the staff we want at the hospital, to the room we hope to get, to the pain level, to the timing. It has been incredible to kneel by his side in agreement and ask the Lord to bless this experience.

We have also been praying for Caleb as a new member of our family. For his health and development, his sleep patterns, his role as Brooks' little brother, specifically their relationship as brothers, and so many other things. God is so good and He desires nothing more than for us to surrender these desires/requests to Him...

Thanks for wading through this post. During this pregnancy I have really enjoyed going back and reading my thoughts on my pregnancy/delivery with Brooks, so I am trying to chronicle some of the little details this time around so we can share them with the boys when they get older...and so I can re read it all when I am (gulp) pregnant again!

Thank you, dear friends, for joining us in prayer and agreement that we will have a perfectly formed baby boy through supernatural childbirth in God's perfect timing...

Until I have something to report about my "progress"...

XOXO,

Becs & the boys

Happy Camper

2011-01-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

Today Brooks made up for his 30 minute nap yesterday and slept a whopping 3.5 hours! When he got out of bed he would not leave his doggy in the crib, so "Frank" came down for snack time. On a side note, while I was in the shower this morning, I heard Brooks give a wail of a yell in the hallway. I quickly ran out to find him sadly holding his head. I think he fell off of the chair and hit his head on our door trim... There is a big vertical red line from his forehead to the middle of his cheek on the right side of his face. Oh, boys. And I am going to have two of them.

Toddler Gym Week 2

2011-01-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

Today was our second adventure to the Aspen Gymnastics Toddler Gym. It was a blast! Brooks ran around like he owned the place and made some friends along the way. I am loving this program and shoo, does it ware the little guy out! We might have to start going on Tuesday mornings, too!

Week 38 Baby "Not" News

2011-01-27T07:55:00.001-07:00

It is me again, updating you, my dear family and friends who are anxious to hear about the arrival of Caleb, to tell you that he is safe and clearly comfortable in the womb and doesn't want to be exposed too early to the freezing Aspen air.

We had another great yet uneventful appointment with our midwife...so uneventful she gave us the green light to go to Denver Friday night (a four hour drive over two 10,000ft+ passes) for a pending business meeting Bryant is trying to schedule. She did feel around my blossoming belly to see if she could guess on his weight and at 38+ weeks she thinks he is about 6lbs and if he is born on/around his due date, he won't be the 8lb 6oz his beasty brother was at birth. (thank you, Lord!)

I am still ok with the non news, although, sometimes when my hips feel like they are 95 years old and my back aches as I lay in bed with insomnia, I get a little twinge of hope that something will happen and he will at least figure out which way is "out" so he can start heading (pun heavily intended) in that direction. (to be clear, he is head down, but he needs to move down).

Today is toddler gym class for Brookser and I, and I will be bouncing on the trampolines with him... Maybe gravity will be my friend! :)

Until then though, we are soaking up every cuddle and tickle bug fight we can with our Brooks because we know that although they will still be regular occurances, his life is going to change pretty drastically, pretty soon.

Thanks for your prayers and support... I really am doing my best to keep my head and smile up and it hasn't been too hard to do so thus far! At the most, I will only be pregnant 23 more days and that is if I go until February 19th...12 days past my due date... no, thank you. :) This time, I am bound and determined not to do any of the drastic at home induction methods, but let things happen on their own, in God's timing...which is always perfect.

XOXO,

Becs & the boys

Showered...

2011-01-26T09:16:00.002-07:00

My sister in law, Amy Jo hosted a beautiful and perfect shower for baby Caleb and me last night. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such incredible women who love the Lord and are a great support system.

As a surprise she had asked several women from my Bible study and church to come early and share a verse of encouragement and pray over the end of my pregnancy, my delivery and baby Caleb. It was incredible. They are incredible. Amy Jo is incredible. I am blessed beyond measure.

Here are some of the verses they shared:

Exodus 1: 18-20 "Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive."  (although I really do want my midwife in the room. :)) 

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard you hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 127:3-5 "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."

Isaiah 43:1 "I have called thee by they name; thou art mine."

Psalm 139:5 "You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head as I go."

Job 10:11-12 "You gave me skin and flesh and knit together bones and sinews.  You gave me life and were so kind and loving to me, and I was preserved by your care."

Isaiah 44:3-5 "I will pour out my spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants; and they will spring up among the grass like poplars by streams of water.  This one will say, "I am the Lord's" and that one will call on the name of Jacob and another will write on his hand, belonging to the Lord." 

Numbers 14:24 "...Because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went into, and his descendants will inherit it."

Numbers 32:12 "Not one except Caleb and Joshua because they followed the Lord wholeheartedly."

Deuteronomy 1:36 "...except Caleb...He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land he set his feet on, because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly."

Thank you wonderful women...there were more, but they are in cards in the other room. I can't wait to read these over the boys as they grow. God is so good. Our cup overflows.

Be Blessed,

Becs & the boys...

Busy...at 38 Weeks

2011-01-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Shoo. Life is busy these days. We have been looking at houses, getting ready for Caleb's arrival, trying to squeeze in extra time with friends and at church and just doing life this week. It has been great to stay busy because it keeps my mind of off the two weeks (which can some days feel like an eternity and others feel like not enough time) before Caleb's arrival...as I mentioned before, our midwife will let us stay pregnant until February 19th, but I really don't think we will make it THAT long... (right, God? :-))

I am just now getting to the point of feeling excited to not be pregnant some day soon, but I am not "over it" quite yet. I guess being a little unsettled in life is playing a major factor in that. Since we are in transition to a new home I am not nearly as put together as I was for Brooks, but I just keep hanging on to the promises that God will never give me more than I can handle and He will supply ALL of our needs according to His riches in glory, and I am told not to worry about tomorrow, and last and probably most important to remember, to be anxious for NOTHING, but let my requests be made known to God... So, all that in mind, I am content with where He has our little family and excited for where He is taking us today and next month and we have huge expectations for 2011.

I am so thankful for those promises and don't know how I would hold back the frequent urge to cry (thank you pregnancy hormones) because of all that is changing for us, if I wasn't totally certain they were true. He is good, and He has great things for us...Thank you, Lord.

We have been so blessed by the local Everetts and their support through all of this and incredibly grateful that we have such close friends and family near by. We have been praying daily that somehow we can all live closer together...(hint hint moms and dads, brothers and sisters!)

My mom arrives on February 4th for three weeks to help us welcome Caleb and transition into life with two boys, and I can't wait for the extra support and to spend quality time with her. I am so thankful for a mom who can and will drop everything to support her kiddos through life's big adventures. What a blessing. My dad will be joining us for her last week here and I can't wait to introduce him to his next little hunting/ski buddy. (#8 grandchild for my folks!)... and then in April we plan on a trip to North Carolina to spend quality time with Bryant's amazing family and I will FINALLY get to play on his old stomping grounds and meet the notorious Thomasville buddies I have only heard in the legendary stories!!!

We feel blessed beyond measure by all of our family. God is so good!

Be Blessed,

Becs & the boys

Toddler Gym!

2011-01-20T14:17:00.002-07:00

I have had such a bad memory lately, I think Caleb is sucking all of the nutrients that should be going to my brain. That being said, I keep forgetting my camera, and on gorgeous, fun days like today, that is a big bummer!

Brooks and I were invited to try out a class at our local gymnastics club for parents and toddlers. I can't believe we didn't go sooner! It was such a blast! They have a dozen different trampolines, a bunch of soft bouncy blocks and fun things to climb on and jump off of, and a big parachute to play on and under. Brooks had an absolute ball. So did I! Not only was it so fun to watch him play with the other munchkins, but I knew so many of the parents I was able to do a little socializing too, which is so nice since we have been pretty house bound lately.

I have a feeling we will be frequenting this class, even after Caleb arrives. It will be a good way for LB to get out and play with the big kids.

I will do my best to remember my camera next time because it was so darn cute to watch him have such a blast!

Now, it is extreme nap time for both him and me. Shoo, it is hard work growing a human! :) And because I was asked at least 20 times today, I will answer it one more time... I am due in just over two weeks and we are having another boy. The last few weeks always bring out the stares and random questions from people who would not normally stop to inquire...People crack me up. :)

XOXO,

Becs and the boys

37.5 Weeks...(I hope I don't bore you too bad...)

2011-01-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

...and nothing new to report other than we had rain in Woody Creek a couple days ago (so very odd for this time of year) and now it is finally back to snowing. But, aside from the weather, there really is nothing new to report with the pregnancy. I had an appointment with my midwife today and my trusty, amazing doula (and sister in law), Amy Jo came with me. It was fun to chat about our birthplan with Nancy and it did get me a little more excited about the delivery. I have been warned by both of them it is high time I start packing my things for the hospital because second deliveries are typically pretty fast. (I love that they keep speaking that over me!) So, I will pull out the bag and at least lay it on the floor to start tossing things into as I think of it. So much different than my first pregnancy... I am pretty sure I was packed by a week ago and ready, just in case...such a rookie move! :)

A couple from our marriage group and church had their baby boy this weekend and it made me excited that we are going to be joining them in the second time parent club in a couple of weeks, too! They found out they were pregnant after us, but she was more pregnant than me at the time!

I have been drinking raspberry leaf tea because there are rumors it makes labor shorter and easier. I am all for that!

We have a busy week next week, so #38 should hopefully fly by...although nothing could possibly creep by slower than my first pregnancy!

Oh and our Brooks is still getting more delicious by the day! He is saying so much and understands an amazing amount. He is great about saying please (with hands desperately clasped below his chin) and thank you and when he calls the dog, Mali it sounds like Wayi, which really sounds like Hawaii, so we dream of the beach quite a bit... especially because my best friend from childhood and her family are moving to Kona in a couple of weeks!

Until I have something more exciting to report about my pregnancy...

Becs & The Boys

An oldy, but so cute I had to share it again.

Just in Case You Aren't on Facebook...

2011-01-16T15:29:00.002-07:00

Here are the pictures My SIL, Amy Jo of Lotta Love Photo posted of our big guy...

Babymoon

2011-01-16T15:15:00.004-07:00

We had the wonderful opportunity to take advantage of a silent auction item we won last summer just before Caleb arrives. Trevor and Amy Jo watched Brooks for the night (my first night in 21 months without him!) while Bryant and I went to a tiny (really, really tiny) town in southwestern Colorado called Gateway. In the mid 1990s an adventurous millionaire visited this one horse town and had the vision of creating a world class adventure destination. What has become of it is a 50ish room hotel/resort on a huge piece of property that caters to pretty much any desert adventure you can dream of from flying bi planes through red rock canyons to 4x4 jeep rides in and around canyons and cliffs, it is an incredible facility.

We happened to be there in the offest of off seasons, which was perfect for us. We prayed on the long drive down for favor at check in and a random upgrade, and God is so good, we got both. I think we were one of two rooms in the entire resort. We ate at the only restaurant open for all meals and the rest of the time enjoyed being still and not chasing a toddler around or wondering what he was getting into. It was amazing. We watched movies, read and prayed together. And despite warnings that I might not, I slept like a baby. There was no pressure to get out and do anything because there was absolutely nothing going on.

It was the perfect retreat before we welcome another infant into our lives.

I am 37 weeks tomorrow and still feeling great, although getting more easily exhausted by the day. Somehow, after just curling my hair for church today I had to take a little rest. Shoo. Where did the energy go?

Brooks is doing awesome and getting bigger by the day. Amy Jo took some new pictures of him while he was at her house this weekend and he just looks so grown up and delicious. I love that boy. It is hard to imagine having equal love for another little man, but I know it will happen as soon as we meet him. Brooks is saying so much and talks (jabbers) all of the time with such confidence. If only I knew what he was saying, I bet we could solve the world's problems together.

XOXO,

Becs & the Boys

Another Weekly Update

2011-01-13T13:32:00.003-07:00

So, we have hit the infamous Aspen milestone of 36 weeks. Which really only means that if I were to deliver early, I wouldn't be sent on a one way jet ride to Denver to deliver Caleb because his lungs should be matured enough to handle living at 8,000+ft. That is relieving! But, I am still comfortable, and apparently, so is he.

We saw our midwife yesterday and she did an ultrasound check and I am still the same...1cm and barely effaced. This pregnancy has been much easier from the start to stay within the "ideal" weight gain which has made this home stretch much more doable. I will still be on the higher side, but not nearly where I was when I delivered Brooks thanks to the water retention from preclampsia... But, when I struggled to put my socks on today I did start to look forward to not being pregnant for the first time.

Although coffee, chocolate (sweets in general) and cheese were staples in my diet up until two weeks ago, our church is doing the Daniel Fast (eating only what comes from the seed...fruit, veggies and whole grains) for 21 days. Because I felt lead to and in an effort to support Bryant I am participating too, but adding in protein (fish, chicken & yogurt). The good news is in the last two weeks I have actually lost 1/2 lb by cutting out those "c's," and I feel really healthy too. I do have to fight off the "I am cheating myself and not taking advantage of being pregnant" thoughts when I am seriously craving a chocolate chip macadamia nut, coconut cookie from Roxy's, but other than that, it has been pretty easy to do. Oh and I can't not mention my daily craving for a cup of coffee...or better yet a latte from Starbucks, especially when grocery shopping, but it is all for a great cause.

We have had a serious bout of colds/flu this winter so far, which is so much different than my pregnancy with Brooks. I wasn't sick once with him with the exception of being really stuffy the first six weeks of his pregnancy, but I think that was allergies. I got a cold the day BR left for South Africa in October, had another really bad cold over Christmas, got the flu (or ate something really bad) a few days later and am just getting over another head cold now. So in an effort to destroy this seemingly ongoing trend, we are doing the only thing I did different in my last pregnancy, we finally bought Greens First, a veggie/fruit supplement that I took every day last time. So, hopefully with prayer and greens we will all be healthy and ready to meet Caleb in a couple of weeks.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support with regard to the sale of our house. Things seem to keep going smoothly with the process. We are set to close in mid February, about ten days after my due date, and thank you, Lord, I have total peace with everything happening at once. In fact, I am pretty excited about all of it. It will be a good way to keep my mind off the end of the pregnancy and I will be able to spend my days in March/April getting settled where ever we land...oh yeah, and we don't know where we are going yet either. But, like I said, I am at total peace that it is all going to work out and someday, Caleb will have a perfectly decorated room to himself, but for now, his bassinet will have to do.

We have weekly appointments scheduled with our midwife until we deliver, so I will keep updating on any...if any...progress.

Until then, we are going to get away for a quick babymoon and enjoy some alone time (my first night without Brooks...pray for me!)

XOXO,

Becs and the boys

Life and Caleb Update

2011-01-05T13:39:00.003-07:00

We had a super easy Christmas and enjoyed a lazy morning of Brooks opening presents (and playing with each one in between which took a couple hours), then a great afternoon and dinner with the Everetts. Having a toddler who sort of "gets" presents made me so excited for morning, I was the one who had a hard time sleeping!

New Years was also easy and we were all excited to be in bed before 10:00. Shoo, we must be getting old!

I am 35 weeks pregnant now and had my first of several weekly check ups... funny enough, I am almost exactly as "progressed" as I was with Brooks at this stage. A small 1, and 20%...both of which mean nothing at this point, but it is good to know.

I have a feeling this little one is going to come a few days past his due date because he has consistently measured a 1-3 days small. So, my head is in it for the long haul. February 14th would be a fun day to have him because it is my late Grandpa Jack's birthday, he and Grandma Sonja's anniversary and my best friend's son, Ryan's birthday too... not to mention the day of love, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate then to welcome a new little man into our family...

I am still really comfortable, my rings still fit and I am still in jeans I had long outgrown with my last pregnancy, so all in all things are great! I have finally washed all of the newborn clothes and the car seat in anticipation of Caleb's arrival and to wrap my mind around the fact that we are bringing home a new baby in less than 49 days (at the absolute most)...

We are still in the process of selling our house and aren't totally sure where we will be when he arrives, so nesting isn't really possible. If this were my first baby I would probably have had several melt downs by now, but since I am well aware and ok with the fact that Caleb will be sleeping in a bassinet for at least a couple months and doesn't need a perfect nursery, I don't need any of the frills this time around. It is a much more relaxed experience, for everyone!

XOXO,

Becs and the boys

Cheese-Ball

2010-12-21T22:43:00.001-07:00

Brooks loves saying "cheese" for the camera.

As soon as he knows you have taken his picture, he rushes over to look at it.

I think Amy Jo and I have ruined him with excessive photo takage.

Play Dough

2010-12-21T22:38:00.001-07:00

If you are on Facebook, you probably saw the not so psyched picture of Brooks when he was clearly done playing with his play dough.

Here are a few of him actually enjoying it...which lasted less than five minutes...to his defense, he was ready for nap time (a duh moment for me, and he was coming down with a high fever, which I discovered after his four hour nap)...oops.

Lesson learned.

Sunset Over Aspen

2010-12-21T22:10:00.001-07:00

This was the view of the sunset over Aspen Mountain from our back porch last week. It was truly magnificent. In six years, I have never seen anything like it. God is so good.

Blue Eyes

2010-12-21T22:07:00.001-07:00

He gets away with a lot when he flashes those baby blues...

Discovering...Ornaments

2010-12-21T22:03:00.002-07:00

Brooks was so helpful putting up the tree. He made a lot of new discoveries. It was pretty cute.

Let's just say the glass and "special" ornaments are at the top of the tree this year.

What's in a Name?

2010-12-08T12:17:00.003-07:00

One of the tougher decisions parents need to make is naming their babies. There is a lot of pressure when picking a name. We always picture our child as an adult either playing sports or running a major company (hey a parent can dream), and say their name in association with a profession to see if we find it too trendy or something that will go out of style and sound unprofessional some day.

With Brooks, we actually picked his name while driving down the road and listening to Sirius radio. A Garth Brooks song came on the radio, Bryant looked down and said, "Brooks! That's a cool name!" And I instantly loved it too... so it stuck. We came up with Liam as Bryant wanted our first son to have an Irish name, and Liam is the last half of William (Bryant's first name). So, we went with Liam Brooks Ragan, and we call him Brooks, and it suits him so well.

When it came to choosing a name for boy number 2, I decided to pray about it and see what God wanted us to name him. Within days we were sitting at a Sunday night service at our church and Brent preached about courage and mentioned the stories of Joshua (also the name of his son born in August), and Caleb from the Old Testament. I quietly stored that in the back of my head as a possible name, but wasn't totally sold...yet.

That night we were laying in bed, and Bryant randomly said, "what about Caleb?" I excitedly replied back, "I knew you were going to say that!" So, we decided to try it out for a while, and decided we really liked the name.

Then Bryant went on his trip to South Africa. While there, the group spent a lot of time at Northpoint Church in Johannesburg. During a Wednesday night prayer meeting, the members of the church prayed over the guys from Aspen. A random stranger came to pray over Bryant and part of what she said was, "...And I just felt God say that you are like Caleb..." When Bryant told me this story, we knew that was the name God had for our second son.

Now to pick a middle name. As I mentioned in a previous post, this will probably be a game time decision.

It has been a while...again

2010-12-03T13:56:00.006-07:00

We have had a great fall and beginning to winter. We have record amounts of snow (123% above average on the slopes) which would be so awesome...if I were skiing this year.

Bryant went to South Africa for two weeks and while he was away, my mama came to help me out...and it was such a blessing to have her here! She took great care of us and Brooks warmed right up to his Mema!

Bryant's trip was life changing. The things they learned and experienced were incredible!

Brooks is already 19+ months, and time couldn't seem to be going any faster. It feels like he should be six months old...but then I wouldn't be 30+ weeks pregnant with Caleb _____ Ragan, due in February! (we are still going back and forth on middle names... it might be a game time decision based on the direction of or "discussions"). Brooks is saying so many words (most of which we only understand because we know what he is trying to say). My favorites are of course, please and thank you, and he is saying "good girl" to Mali, and pretty much any other animal is a hoooooooooooorse! Oh and any food he wants is a "cook-ie." He forgot to learn how to walk and went straight to running. That is pretty much all he does to get around now. I am having a harder time keeping up as my belly gets bigger by the day!

He is quite a risky guy...one of his favorite activities is climbing up on our headboard and doing superman dives into our pillows. Oh and the laughter! He has the best, most contagious laugh I have ever heard. It is awesome.

We are so thankful for every smile and laugh (and there are a lot) we get from him. He is truly a blessing.

We had a great ultra sound appointment today and got wonderful pictures of Caleb. I have been preparing myself to meet a totally opposite boy from Brooks, just in case Caleb is born with dark features, small brown eyes and hair, (still adorable but different than our big blue eyed blondy) but based on the pictures, he looks just like Brooks did, at least the features, we obviously won't be able to see the colors until his arrival.

So, in addition to being in my third trimester, our house is under contract and due to close either in the beginning of January, OR February, days after my due date. We are praying for extreme favor and the earlier closing so we can move into another house before we go into the hospital...we should know in a matter of hours or days when it should happen. You just never know with the banks these days.

I am excited to move into a new house (new to us) and have a little more space for when our families and friends visit. Plus there is something refreshing about purging and moving. The house we love is a lot closer to the Everetts and the grocery store, both places we visit on a regular basis... in fact, I could load the boys in the Chariott and walk to the grocery store on a sunny day. Now that is enticing!

Below are pictures of our boys, within two weeks gestational age...Brooks at 32 weeks and Caleb at 30.5 weeks.

Liam Brooks

Caleb (Schmaleb)

Houston and Iron Horse Ranch

2010-10-07T20:21:00.003-06:00

Bryant and I had such an amazing week in Houston that we decided to extend our trip. He accepted an invitation to stay and hunt opening day of deer season with a good friend on his ranch. The Everetts were able to come down for a few days too.

Over the course of two weeks, we met incredible people and visited old friends.

We had amazing adventures.

Enjoy the slideshow of our adventures by clicking on the picture above...

XOXO,

Becs and the boys

This Time Three Years Ago...

2010-09-14T20:28:00.004-06:00

We were in Europe on our honeymoon...

It was amazing.

Bryant surprised me with tickets. I had no idea where we were going.

He booked the first three nights in Venice, and the rest was a big three week adventure.
We ended up taking a jet boat to Croatia for five days, flying to Naples and staying in Positano for a few nights, and then meeting up with friends from Aspen in Tuscany, and travelling with them to a small Italian village called Talamone, and spent our last night in Rome before flying home to our life together.

It was a dream.

I love my husband for his sense of adventure.

He is amazing.

I am a blessed wife.

Waiting for the water taxi to dinner is Positano. Sigh...

Visiting Monteriggioni in Tuscany where I found some fabulous shoes!

Snorkeling in Capri...Yeah, my husband works out.

Sunset in Rovinj, Croatia. It was breathtaking, every night.

After dinner drinks at a restaurant in Rovinj, Croatia that was literally on a cliff over the water. Here I am soaking my feet in the sea.

Oh how I love you, September

2010-09-09T13:26:00.004-06:00

I love the the fall...

I love the crisp air, the rain, the leaves changing color, apple harvest... all of it.

I love the anticipation of nearly ten family birthdays, including my own, (December must be a

cold month!) our anniversary and football season.

September is a whirlwind!

This year for my birthday present, my sister in law took me to a new photo location to do some test shots.

Brooks was a pain in the buns. If I even touched him, he screamed. Despite the toddler toils, she got some fun shots... I admire her patience.

Here are some fruits of her labor...

He was clearly done at this point...and frankly, so was I. :)

Fire Truck Adventures

2010-08-29T16:39:00.004-06:00

My nephew Tait got a new electric firetruck this week.

I rarely hear Brooks laugh as loud and hard as he did the first time Tait took him for a spin in their driveway. It was priceless...

And the Flavor is...

2010-08-28T21:34:00.002-06:00

A BOY!

I had to have an ultrasound at 14 weeks so my midwife felt comfortable with me spending a week on a remote island.

When she was looking around I asked if she could see any plumbing, and low and behold, she could indeed...

Sometime in February we will be bringing home baby boy #2. I am so excited and nervous...but I am sure the nerves of having a second boy and becoming quickly outnumbered in my house (we have a female dog which evens out the count, for a few more months at least) will subside the second I see his chubby little cheeks.

I am a day away from 17 weeks already, and can't believe how fast the second pregnancy is going. I guess chasing around a busy and quick toddler makes it hard to sit down and focus on being pregnant, like I was able to do the first time around.

So far, all is perfect, and Bryant and I are praying for more of the same. We have our big ultrasound appointment in late September, and once we get some cute images of the little bugger, I will give you a look see.

Until then...

XOXO,

Becs, and the boys

Guemes Island

2010-08-28T21:23:00.004-06:00

The view of Mt. Baker at sunrise from Guemes Island Resort

There is a small island in the San Juans that my dad's family has been visiting since 1962. My Grandpa Everett started taking his eight kids to the Guemes Island Resort on vacation, and someone from the Everett family has been back every summer since.

This summer we had the opportunity to go back for a week and meet my entire immediate family along with some extended family and dear family friends. There were close to twenty people in our group. We had such a great week, crabbing, skipping rocks, playing horse shoes and cribbage, laughing and reminiscing.

Amy Jo took a large group photo and the amazing shot of the sunrise our first morning. I will post more pictures when I upload mine, too.

Family Photo Session

2010-08-28T20:58:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago my sister in law, Amy Jo did a family photo session for us at a local ranch. As usual, we had a great time, and are so excited about the photos. I also grew to appreciate her patience and love for capturing toddlers, as our little brute was not easy to corral this time around.

Here are a few of our favorites...As you can tell, I am a sucker for the vintage action

There were several more we loved, but those will make their debut on our Christmas cards...

You can view a sampling of the rest of her work at www.lottalovephoto.com

Love,

Becs and the boys

News!

2010-07-20T10:24:00.003-06:00

My computer at home is not reliable, and when Bryant happens to leave his laptop or Ipad at home I usually have to catch up on work, so I have been very absent from posting...and there is a lot to share.

We have had a great summer in Aspen so far. The weather has been amazing, allowing for many bike rides, hikes and outdoor adventures. Brooks loves to be outside.

I recently spent a long weekend in Seattle visiting my best friend and her family and attending my 10 year class reunion. It was so great to see old friends and catch up...although, reunions are far less informative now that Facebook keeps me posted on most every one's whereabouts. While I was in Washington with Brooks, Bryant was in Haiti on a mission trip. He had an incredible experience...life changing. It was his first time in a 3rd world country, and they didn't spoil themselves. From sleeping on concrete with a sheet as covering, to visiting some of the most vial post earthquake areas of the country, he said it was pretty tough, but he would do it again. I am so proud of him.

The greatest part of summer has definitely been getting a positive pregnancy test in early June! We are due to have Ragan baby #2 in mid February! I am now 11 weeks, and feeling fine. I have been able to stay active this time around since I am not behind a desk and I am chasing a crazy toddler all day long. It has definitely been more exhausting, but I think my jeans will be a little less snug in the end (fingers crossed), than the last go around. We had a really fun ultrasound at 8 weeks and everything is checking out great.

So, that is us in a nutshell... We head to Washington again in August to spend a week in the San Juans with my family... I can already taste the fresh crab and clams!

Until next time,

Becs

Stacation

2010-05-14T13:15:00.003-06:00

Last weekend we decided to flee from our weekly dose of spring snow and head south to warmer weather...if you consider Durango south.

It was an amazing drive though Ouray, and over Red Mountain Pass (I thought I was going to barf...or jump into Bryant's lap on several hair pin corners, but restrained myself for the safety of all passengers in the car). There are no guardrails, and a MAJOR drop off. There is a memorial for snowplow drivers who have died trying to maintain the road. It is gorgeous, but I don't think I will be making that drive again any time soon especially with my little man riding in the back seat.

I booked an adorable studio on VRBO (which has become one of my favorite booking sites for vacations, and my expectations have always been exceeded when booking a property on the site). We walked around town, and by walk, I mean we followed our little walker as he did circles, tried to pick up garbage off the sidewalk, and touch every new object he could find, and we road our road bikes while pulling the little dude in the charriott. We had great sushi (always a wonderful surprise in the middle of the Rockies), and we spent the enormous amount of windshield time chatting about life and big adventures ahead.

On our way home we explored Telluride, which was a ghost town, tumbleweed included, but gorgeous non the less. It felt a little like the movie deliverance when we drove past the local town folk. They just stared and watched us as we drove up and long after we drove away. Little creepy. How people live their year round is beyond me, but a weeks vacation would be nice. It felt like a small village in Europe minus the goats and bell wearing cows running through the streets.

This week, my best friend Sarah came down from my hometown Bonney Lake, Washington to visit for a few days. The best thing about her visiting is the time we spend in our jammies on the couch chatting until about noon everyday. There is never awkward conversation or weird lolls. We just chat, and giggle and belly laugh...like the good ol' days of eating nerds and drinking WAY too much diet pepsi. She left yesterday. I miss her like breath.

I would LOVE to share some cute pictures from our adventures last weekend, but this computer is sickly with a horrible virus that is basically only allowing me to use the Internet, and nothing else. She will be going to the IT dr. soon.

Until then,

Becs & the boys

Where have we been?

2010-04-30T09:01:00.005-06:00

Brooks' one year photo taken by Amy Jo of Lotta Love Photo

All over.

Brooks is now one as of April 21st, which blows my mind.

I have been working from home since mid December, which has been such an incredible blessing.

I spent ten days in Washington visiting family, enjoying my parents, and welcoming a new cousin into the world (big congrats to Kelly and Ben, and welcome to the world little Cade)

...and I just got back from an incredible Ransomed Heart Captivating retreat where I spent quality time with the Lord, met some incredible women, and actually made it through (although barely) four days without Brooks and Bryant.

I thought I would have all the time in the world to blog and eat bon bons while "working" at home (see post natal blog about stay at home moms for reference), but as any other SAHM knows, that just isn't the case. My time is consumed with playing with my boy, trying to stay on top of the house work and be a good Titus 2 wifey-poo, my new found love of sewing/creating, and getting outside to enjoy this amazing place we live (when it isn't dumping snow).

In other news, in December we got a call from my parents letting us know my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, a call no child ever, ever wants to receive, but to sum it up in an inappropriately short paragraph: praise the Lord, the doctors found it at stage 0, were able to remove the lump without a full mastectomy, she made it through six weeks of radiation while spending the week days three hours from home in Wenatchee, and is now on the road to a full recovery.

Praise the Lord from who all blessings flow!

As you can probably imagine, I have a ton of pictures to post, but I may just put them on a picasa album so they don't take up so much space. I have had a lot of fun with my new camera.

Thanks for checking in, even though I am embarrassed to say, it has been over four months since I have done the same.

All my best, and tremendous blessings to you, friends,

XOXO,

Becs and the boys

Splish Splash!

2010-01-29T11:03:00.001-07:00

Brooks is fascinated with the bath/shower. If we are filling the tub for him, he gets so excited for his bath...

And if either of us are in the shower, he will stand at the bath the entire time, water spraying his face and hair and try to get in with us.

It is pretty cute.

He is pretty cute. He must take after his daddy.

XOXO,

Proud Mama

College Habits Die Hard...or Not at All

2010-01-25T15:50:00.003-07:00

I distinctly remember sitting in the dungeon/basement of the house I lived in Sophomore year at WSU playing on Naptster (remember Napster?!) on a Sunday night thinking, I really should start that 10 page essay due tomorrow...and inevitable by 9 or 10 I would start it and finish around 2 or 3 in the morning, or at least in time to shower and head to my 9:15 English class to turn it in to a professor who could read me like a book (after all, they were an English professor).

Procrastination...

Well, I am taking a virtual class right now, and I have a zillion excuses why I haven't finished the homework...and have only finished the first of three L.O.N.G questions, including writing this blog about not doing it...the funny thing, it is a fun and very enjoyable class that I willingly signed up for in early December, but...

Old habits do die hard...

Should I make my husband cookies, or finish my homework?

Start the chicken pot pie or do my homework?

I think I have a problem...and I have a feeling EVERY Sunday night/Monday during this class is going to be the same thing...

As my old boss used to tell me over and over..."there is no hour like the 11th hour." And thank goodness for that!

XOXO,

Becs

A Great North Idaho Photographer

2010-01-22T15:14:00.004-07:00

photo courtesy of the Vintage Barn Show

Last September I went to the Vintage Barn Show in Rathdrum, Idaho.

Where is Rathdrum, you ask? It is near Coeur D'Alene, Idaho.

Where is Coeur D'Alene, you ask (if you have been living under a rock)? It is about 30 minutes east of Spokane, Washington on the 90.

My family is all nestled in the Okanogan Valley in Eastern Washington, so many of them met us there...

It was a blast! We stayed in an awesome house on the Spokane River and when we weren't shopping at the Vintage Barn Show, (which was AWESOME!), we played, played, played!

A highlight of our trip was meeting Christina G who is a tremendous photographer...I mention her because she just updated her website, which you can view by clicking here... Christina G Photography, and to be totally transparent, if I mention her here, I am entered in a little giveaway she is doing...and I LOVE fun giveaways...So, take a peak, and if you live in the great northwest, give her a call.

All my Best,

Becs

Updated: Mercy and Sharing Co founder, Susie Made Another Appearance on CNN

2010-01-21T13:55:00.010-07:00

Update on Mercy and Sharing: Susie Krabacher, co founder of Mercy and Sharing was on the Campbell Brown show on CNN again last night (Thursday) with another update on their progress in Haiti...I will post a link as soon as it is available on their site.

For regular updates on Susie and her team, become a fan of Mercy and Sharing on Facebook and Twitter

photo courtesy of Mercy and Sharing

Temporary medical beds set up in the streets

We don't have cable at home.

But I am in front of a computer all day covering at the office.

So, I swallowed my resistance and started reading and looking at photos of Haiti.

Wow.

Joe and Susie Krabacher are Aspen locals who go to our church, Crossroads. They have been working with the people of Haiti for over a decade through their organziation, Mercy and Sharing. They have orphanages, clinics and feeding programs set up throughout the country to help those in need...and now the need is greater than ever.

100% of every dime donated to their organization, Mercy and Sharing goes to assist the people of Haiti as the overhead for their foundation is paid by the Krabacher's and their board members.

100%

Even if you do not have the means to help them financially, please keep them in your prayers. Susie is on the ground in Haiti and promises not to leave until she finds the children who have been missing since the earthquake.

She was on CNN yesterday (January 20, 2010). You can view the interview using this link:

Susie Krabacher on CNN

You can follower her updates on Twitter and Facebook as well.

Best,

Becs

I.have.a.new.best.friend...

2010-01-20T12:00:00.006-07:00

Shows you how close we are! I put Prairie Woman instead of Pioneer. Silly me! For some reason, I had prairies on my mind.

She just doesn't know it yet...or know me, for that matter.

She is creative, and spunky, and she is living a life sort of opposite of me.

She is a city girl who married a cowboy.

She can cook, oh can she cook!

Her name is, Ree...and she is the Pioneer Woman.

Do you want to get to know her too?

All you have to do is visit The Pioneer Woman

Dear Mr. Sleep,

2010-01-20T09:04:00.002-07:00

I miss you. For some reason, your visits are short and often forced.

Please come back, and visit Brooks too...for at least 8 hours a night. I am sure he misses you, even though he doesn't really know who you are.

Miss You,

One Tired Mama Who Hasn't Slept an Eight Hour Increment in at Least a Year (Including Pregnancy)

Fun.With.My.Canon

2010-01-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

w.r.i.t.e.r.s b.l.o.c.k

2010-01-14T08:55:00.004-07:00

I am absent from the blog...

But more present in mommyhood than ever.

When we got home from Charleston I started "working" from home.

I thought this would mean more work than it has been, but it turns out, I have been able to spend most of my time playing mama and maid (I am being silly about the maid part).

My day has become scheduled...8:30ish the boy is up, we eat breakfast together after daddy leaves for work...he plays until about 10:00ish and then naps for an hour or two while I clean a closet or tidy the house...he wakes. We typically have an afternoon adventure such as hiking Smuggler mountain with Aunt Amy Jo and Tait, and then he takes another nap around 3:30...daddy is home around 6:00, we play as a family, eat dinner, play some more, and then Brooks heads to bed...

I couldn't be more happy and am so thankful the Lord has opened the opportunity for me to be at home with my boy. What a joy.

Everyday when he is napping I check into my favorite blogs (see blog role to the right). I am so inspired by so many godly women who give a peak into their world as mommies and wives...and then I start a blog entry of my own...and get stuck.

So, I am praying for inspiration. I have a zillion fun pictures to show you that I took with my new camera! I have some really fun adventures to share with you... but they will come in time.

As a family we are dealing with some health issues, and focusing our time on praying and supporting our loved one who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer (but asked to remain anonymous, and I love and respect that).

I love you all...my cup runneth over.

Until I can put my thoughts into better words,

Becs

Uh Oh!

2010-01-06T15:43:00.002-07:00

Mama got a new camera!

There is so much to learn.

Hopefully I don't get too distracted and forget about my new job...director of domestic affairs, Ragan division.

XOXO,

Merry Christmas from the Ragans

2009-12-29T11:42:00.003-07:00

Home Sweet Sweet Sweet Home

2009-12-29T10:26:00.002-07:00

We had a wonderful time in Charleston.

What a romantic city.

The history, the sights, the stories...the SHOPPING! It was all amazing!

It was great to see and spend quality time with family...

We even met relatives from Canada Bryant hasn't seen since he was a baby.

We played on the beach, collected shells, and let Brooks put his toes in the surf.

And, we ate...boy did we eat. I have a love hate relationship with southern food. It truly is incredible. I could easily become a glutton if I lived down south. It would take a lot of discipline not to. We had the best bbq, collards, grits, oh the grits, and seafood I have ever had...and I am from Seattle! We only had one meal I would describe as "average," and the rest were very memorable.

It was all fantastic...until I got on my scale this morning. Dun dun dun... I have a little work to do, but it was worth it. Every rib that grazed my lips, every spoonful of stone ground grits, every helping of collards...worth every single one!

Brooks was an amazing traveller! He slept on every flight to and from Charleston, he smiled at everyone he met, and was an all around good boy, despite breaking a second tooth and a horrible bout with diaper rash, he was all smiles and laughter.

I love him. I love my husband. I have the best travel team.

My favorite morning by far started around 6:30 with Brooks up and ready to play. He was flopping between Bryant and I giving us the "peoples elbow" and pulling our hair to get us out of bed. It worked. We got up in time to grab some blankets and coffee and head up to the rooftop deck and watch the sunrise over the Atlantic ocean, huddled together as a family, and we followed that with family devotions and reading up on the Christmas story in Luke and Isaiah, and completed it all with a walk on the beach.

I have so many more stories...and a lot of pictures. Once I get caught up on the laundry (three cheers for my new washer and dryer!!!) and get my house back into some order, I will spend more time posting.

Until then...Happy New Year, Friends. May your cup overflow with blessings in 2010.

XOXO,

B and the boys

Merry Christmas

2009-12-16T15:31:00.002-07:00

I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off (an expression my grandmother, who often butchered chickens used to say all of the time, and l think is pretty funny).

After today, I am officially done with my desk job. No more 8:30-5:30 m-f for me. My replacement is trained and ready to go, and I am packed and ready to fly out to Charleston, South Carolina to spend Christmas with Bryant's family.

I may be able to share some updates, but if not, have a very Merry Christmas, and remember, Jesus is truly the reason for the season...

I will be updating Twitter and Facebook... Follow me @rebeccajragan

All my best to you and yours.

XOXO,

Becs and the boys

Today Something Happened That has NEVER Happened Before!

2009-12-04T16:55:00.006-07:00

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

I WON!

Have you ever seen an ad in the paper that said text "THIS" to XXXXXXX for your chance to win "THIS?"

Maybe not because it is pretty new marketing.

But, I saw it in an ad for the Aspen Club and Spa, where Bryant and I both used to be members before we were married with children and could use our money in irresponsible ways.

It is a nice place.

In fact, my OB office is in the Aspen Club, so I still got to go in and see my friends who work there or are fortunate enough to have a membership.

But, once my preggo visits were over, so were my visits to the Club.

Until today.

I got a text message announcing ME as the WINNER of a 1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP!!!

WHOO HOOO!!! I am clicking my heals over this one! I have signed up for probably 150+ contests in my lifetime, and have never won one...until today...that I can remember.

I WIN! I WIN! I WIN!

Yessssssssssssssssssssssss! (with a major first grade fist pump!)

XOXO,

PS, if there is a Lance Armstrong and/or Alex Rodriguez sighting, I will definitely tell you.

I love this little boy...

2009-12-04T12:39:00.002-07:00

The Great Blogosphere

2009-12-04T11:34:00.003-07:00

You know what I love about blogging?

I love reading blogs of old friends because I feel like we picked up where we left off so many years ago. Some are still in Washington, but some like me have relocated to another part of the country, but I still get to catch up with them on a regular basis.

But one of my favorite things about participating in the great blogosphere are the women I get to "visit" with every day. Mind you, I have never met them in person, but I have gotten to know them, or at least what they want to share about themselves through their online journals.

I get to peak into their fun adventures of motherhood, life and home businesses. These women are courageous...talented...creative...successful...wonderful women.

My favorite part of reading blogs is how the Lord has used so many women to speak to others, including me. There are some amazing Christian women out there offering insight into their walks and relationship with the Lord.

I love stumbling onto a new blog and reading through a few posts to find out the author loves the Lord....it makes me smile, and I am usually humbled by their posts, because without a doubt, there is a snippet of something in there I can tuck away and chew on for a bit.

Oh and not to mention the incredible talent these women have...Wow, the ideas!

PS, Jeanne at Bushel and a Peck has an Etsy shop that I have ordered from a couple of times! Love her work, and when you receive one of her handmade creations, it comes wrapped like an amazing present, which would make anyone smile.

Here are a few of my favs...(there are many more, some are also posted to the right, but I don't want to overwhelm you)...

Take a peak, and prepare yourself to be encouraged!

Coffee+Cops

2009-12-03T14:27:00.008-07:00

I hail from a small rural town outside of Seattle.

Coffee is in my veins.

I love coffee.

It reminds me of my old home, the area I grew up...

I started working in coffee shops the summer before I turned 15.

My boyfriend's mom owned the coffee shop. It was so adorable and so is she.

Manitou Perk. She got the name from the coffee shop on 'Friends.' Her name is Nan. What a great woman.

Eventually I had to stop working there because of sports, school and a fizzled relationship. But, I will never forget that job, or the Tacoma police officers that sat at our counter every day for lunch. They were great, great men and women. In fact, when I got in my first car accident, several of them were the first to respond and it was nice to see a familiar face.

I started this post because I had a cup of coffee in my hand and it reminded me why I loved working in coffee shops through high school and college, but as I wrote the last paragraph, I reflected on those men and women who came in every day to eat and do their paperwork. We all felt a little safer with them at the counter...

And then I thought about the workers and patrons at Forza in Lakewood (just south of Tacoma) last Sunday. They probably felt a little safer with the police officers sitting at their favorite coffee shop.

My dad was a police officer for the city of Kent for nearly 30 years. He retired almost 9 years ago. My biggest brother Tait is a deputy sheriff for the largest county in the State of Washington. My dad's best friend is the chief of police in a small town in Eastern Washington. My sister in law's brother, Todd is an officer for Tacoma.

My dad went to work everyday... or night if he was working grave, and sometimes he was called to work on holidays or in the middle of the night, and most of the time (early on) he left in uniform. I didn't consider or maybe I didn't understand the risk he took as he walked out the front door everyday. It never crossed my mind that he might be enjoying a cup at Starbucks or Dunkin Doughnuts and be the target of someones hatred.

I am so thankful for my dad and his sacrifice and for my big brother, Tait and his call to serve, and I am so thankful that the Lord has protected them from serious injury and loss.

My heart is breaking and aching for the families who lost their parent's last Sunday, a day that probably started like any other day when their mom or dad left in uniform. A hug and a kiss, and an "I'll see you tonight." It hit so close to home.

So, here is a small but hopefully heard "thank you" to the men and women in uniform, and their families who truly risk their lives for our safety.

Bedroom Update

2009-12-03T13:42:00.004-07:00

The walls in our bedroom are still bare, but the color is oh so beautiful. It turned out a little more green then blue, but I am ok with that, and it probably wouldn't matter if I wasn't because I don't think I could convince Bryant to help me repaint.

The frames arrived last night, but I am still waiting on the art. I really hope things come together as good in the room as it looks in my head. I ordered a large white silhouette of a chandelier for above the bed from an Etsy shop. It looks gorgeous online...I have high hopes.

Stay tuned for the results...

Christmas Conviction

2009-12-03T09:47:00.008-07:00

It all started for us last year.

Bryant and I were convicted about the number of gifts and "things" we were buying for each other and those in our families. It isn't easy in our society to stay out of the heavy wake of Christmas gift giving...

...to your family, to your friends, to your neighbors, to your colleagues, to your kid's friends, their teachers...

We were challenged to do something different.

I am going to be frank with you, my love language is gift giving. I love watching a friend open a present that I know will make them smile, or better yet tear up. The better the reaction, the more my heart swells (I am a sucker for buying custom handmade gifts on Etsy). But, is that what it is all about? It certainly isn't what Christmas is all about.

Last year Bryant and I decided to approach gift giving within our immediate family differently. We bought everyone a little something to touch and feel, use, enjoy or wear...and we spent the rest of their gift money on gifts for others in need.

My dad, brother, nephew Tait and Bryant's immediate family all contributed toward buying bikes for doctors in Zambia so they can get to their patients.

My mom and Amy Jo provided training for five midwives in Peru.

My nieces all bought dolls for girls in Afghanistan.

My oldest brother's family donated to March of Dimes.

We had so much fun hand selecting these gifts to/from each person.

We tried to pick things they could directly identify with.

In the past several months Bryant was challenged by some men in our church to read the book "The Hole in Our Gospel," authored by Richard Stearns, CEO of Worldvision (my copy is in my nightstand...I really need to read it) It moved him in ways he could not ignore. We knew we had to do more, and we are praying about what that will ultimately look like.

Fast forward to today.

I follow a few blogs of women I have never met, but who inspire me through their stories and walks with the Lord. I read Meg's blog today, and was so moved by the passion in her post. She lead me to a movement started by six women who met in the blogosphere, and are now working together to change lives...

...To provide WATER...

Project 320 is an amazing cause.

So, not to spoil any surprises...but if you are on our list this year, you might be getting and giving the gift of water...

A well to a village in Africa where mother's would otherwise walk MILES to provide a small amount of clean water for their families...

Lord, please bless those women today.

4500 children die in the world each day due to contaminated water.

I challenge you to think about the gifts you are buying this Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I will be buying Bryant that certain "thing" he has been asking about for months, and I have things picked out for most of the people on our list, but in addition to the material gifts, they will also be giving the gifts to those in need.

If you are interested in reading about Project 320, and their cause. Click on the link, or the icon on the right.

Merry Christmas, Friends.

What have I been doing?

2009-11-24T14:02:00.003-07:00

We have had a crazy couple of weeks. Nothing too out of the ordinary, just plumb busy.

We hired my replacement at work, so I am working on a training schedule and I am creating a "how to" file for her. It is kind of weird, but relieving at the same time. I will really miss working in the office with my girls, but the opportunity to be with Brooks full time far outweighs any hesitation I have about leaving.

This weekend I conned Bryant in to painting our master bedroom "robin egg!" He was hesitant for a couple reasons, one being that he typically doesn't like anything in the blue family and two, convincing a contractor to work on his own house on a weekend is nearly impossible. But, due to a fluke trip to Grand Junction for what turned out to be absolutely nothing, he owed me a little quality time! Yes, I win!!! I love the way the color turned out, and I can't wait to see it all put together. I have ordered some frames and a piece of art for the walls. I am hoping our bedroom will finally feel complete...

Stay tuned! Once it is all put together and I get things on the walls (give me about a week), I will post pictures.

In the mean time, I am gearing up for a couple days off this week. Trev and Amy took the kids to Washington to spend Thanksgiving with her family, so we are on our own. We might have dinner out, which would be a first for me, but it will be nice to not have a single cranberry stained dish in my sink...:)

Happy Thanksgiving, friends.

All the best,

The B's

Life Changes...The News!

2009-11-03T15:22:00.004-07:00

Crazy. Stressful. Busy. Moving.

That is how it has been since we had Brooks in April. Actually, since I went back to work full time six weeks after bringing him home.

Adjusting to motherhood, the shuffle of baby stuff, transitioning into childcare three days a week (THANK YOU, AMY JO!), and trying (often failing) to keep our personal life semi organized and tidy (Ugh), keeping Gary (my boss) happy and really organized, and let's not forget about my amazing, supportive, tremendous (HOT) husband... it has all piled high.

We have been praying. We have had people praying for us, and we really felt like we needed to make a change so we didn't wake up one day with our kids in college and wonder where the last 18 years went.

So, we stepped out in faith and I made a proposal to the VP of our company, and she was supportive, despite the state of the economy. So after a lot of thought and stress and sleepless nights, I had a conversation with Gary...

The News!

I will be transitioning into a position that is 100% from home. I will be implementing the company's strategic marketing plan. By the first of the year, I will be able to be at home with Brooks full time. I get to hear him laugh and see him smile all day long. I get to put him in his own crib for naps and do dishes and vacuum the dog hair without sacrificing my precious momma time with him.

I can't wait! I feel like the weight of Grand Coulee Dam has been lifted off my shoulders.

I praise you, Lord for hearing my cries.

You know the desires of my heart.

Love,

The Heart of a Doula

2009-11-03T11:35:00.006-07:00

When either Amy Jo or I mention the word "doula" to an expecting parent, more often than not, we are met with a sideways stare and the question, "what on earth is a doula?" There are so many ways to describe her role, and they are almost all correct.

I like the two word summary, "birth coach," but in reality my role as a doula is so much more.

Having a doula isn't always about a non-medicated birth, but more about educating women on the options they have for their baby's delivery, providing hands-on support of their birth plan, and having a non hospital staffer present throughout their birth experience to assist and encourage.

I have taken some time away from doula work for a few reasons, but the main one being that I have a good paying, full time, non-flexible office job, and I can't get away for mid week deliveries...

But, I love being in the delivery room with laboring parents. Every time I step through the door I feel humbled and honored to be invited to assist in one of the most intimate life experiences each couple may ever have. I loved the birth experience, even before I had experienced it for myself.

And then I delivered Brooks...without a drop of drugs. I could not and would not have done it without my incredible team. Bryant and our doula, Amy Jo were irreplaceable. As with nearly all deliveries, there came a point when I looked up at them with exhaustion in my eyes and begged for pain medicine, but they believed in me. They knew our birth plan, and most of all, they knew I could do it...and they were right.

Amy Jo, who has been a doula for nearly 13 years has been encouraging me to get back into the delivery room, and my midwife has asked me several times when I will start practicing again, but in truth I needed some time to heal. I was not physically or emotionally wounded from my birth experience, but I needed time to process it, to understand it better.

Last night I had the opportunity to assist in a close friend's delivery. I was a little nervous before going in because I was afraid I would have forgotten all of my techniques, and this was the first time I had been back in a delivery room since Brooks' delivery over six months ago.

However, as I stepped through the door, and watched an incredible woman through her first contraction, it came pouring back, but with a greater enthusiasm and knowledge. I had been in her position. I knew what the "wave" of a contraction felt like, I knew how to relax and let the contraction work with your body. I knew what it meant to take a cleansing breath and let each contraction go. I was able to coach her through it all, and I loved every second of it.

As soon as I got into my car to leave the hospital I called Amy Jo to debrief. She almost immediately asked me if I am ready to get back into it and work with her...and without hesitation, I knew that I was.

Six Months Old!

2009-11-03T10:44:00.005-07:00

6 month photos by Aunty Amy Jo of Lotta Love Photo

I have read it on so many "mommy" blogs.

...Time flies...

I didn't necessarily believe it until I woke up on October 21st...

and realized that Brooks is six months old.

Half a year.

Soon he will be a year.

And then, he will be heading off to play baseball in college (Go Cougs!).

Ok, I got a little ahead of myself there, but that is what it feels like.

The other day, I snuck over to Paradise bakery for a yummy treat,

and I saw two moms walking with their late teenage boys. One of the boys reached over and gave his momma a playful noogy. I laughed to myself.

It made me fast forward to Amy Jo and I walking around with Tait and Brooks.

Stand still, time! I demand it!

Ok, enough of that.

Brooks is 6 months old...

At his appointment yesterday, we learned that his head is 90th percentile (that explains 12 hours of labor...and 3 HOURS of pushing), he is 80th percentile for length, and 60th percentile for weight... right on schedule in his development

...and quite a little stud, if you ask his totally unbiased momma...

I don't exaggerate when I tell you, he is one of the happiest babies I have ever been around.

He cracks up when we play peak a boo, he smiles constantly, and he loves loves loves nuggin' with his momma and daddio.

What a joy. Pure joy.

My cup runneth over.

~The B's~

An Update

2009-10-16T10:11:00.005-06:00

After reading through my last two blogs, I realize they might come off a little negative...

So, just a brief clarification...

Yes, my house is a little messy, and there are still baskets of clean laundry to be folded and some dirty laundry that needs to be cleaned.

Yes, our sleep has been sporadic for the last 8ish months (including the tail end of pregnancy).

Yes, working full time in a high paced office can be slightly stressful.

But, bottom line, I wouldn't have it any other way. I love being a wife, I love being a momma, I love the support we have from our local family and our families in both Washington and North Carolina. We are truly blessed beyond measure.

Thank you, Lord.

I Hate...Hate...Nights

2009-10-15T09:57:00.004-06:00

So, last night was a doozey...A major test of my mommy skills and patience. In fact, I hate nights. I fear nights. I need sleep. Lots of uninterrupted sleep.

On a good note, Brooks is on the verge of sleeping through the night.
No more feedings...but, probably close to 15 trips to his crib to put his bink back in his mouth.

I know, all you mommy experts out there are judging my skills right now because after all, according to every book he should have been sleeping through the night months ago.

You're right. But, when you have to bring your infant to the office 50+ hours a week, it is essential he sleep as long and hard during the day as possible, therefore, his night sleep schedule has totally suffered. At least he is not sleeping in our bed any more... baby steps here, people. Literally.

Back to last night. Bryant has a horrible chest cold, so he went to bed around 8:30.
In order to be proactive and try to get in some quality sleep, I went to bed at 9:30.

The baby started his binky war around 11:30.
By 12:30, he finally fell asleep for good.

As I shuffled back to bed, I heard the dog meandering around downstairs, but figured she was up because I was up.

Wrong. I woke around 12:45 to the awful smell of dog diet gone wrong.

My stairs were the blast zone for the bombs.

I was up until about 1:30 scrubbing the carpet.

As I went back to bed, I realized I was too wound up to sleep, so I watched Private Practice on my Iphone...and started into Grey's...and finally...finally...dozed to sleep sometime between 2:30-3:00.

At 5:45 the babes woke up crying, ready for his breakfast.

I went to show a house at 8:30, and stopped back by our house on my way to the office to feed Brooks again. As I sat on the couch, I noticed another pile of goods left from the dog.

The first tear fell.

My conclusion: I need a solid, full, long, day at the spa...or a two week vacation to somewhere warm...and sunny, with a nanny and a full staff of people to take care of me.

Probably not going to happen. But, a girl can dream.

Catch 22...

2009-10-12T11:24:00.004-06:00

(I had to use this picture again, even though it has no relevance to my blog...cause I think he is super delicious)

So, my house is a mess...

.a.mess.

I have (clean & dirty) laundry piles about knee high in random places upstairs, and stacks of papers/invoices in the "to file pile" 6 months old.

We can't find clean socks for the baby...

Bryant can't find his truck keys.

Disorganized chaos.

In my former non-parent life, this never would have happened.

But, I have found that when I have a chance to spend time with my guys, whether it be an evening or weekend...

.I.don't.want.to.clean.

Does anyone else have this problem?

It is starting to effect all aspects of our mornings...and evenings.

I guess I just need to bite the bullet and get it done...but after a long day in the office without my guys, I would rather play peek a boo, and tickle bug fights...

Martha Stewart, you suck.

And that's all I have to say about that...

2009-10-12T09:51:00.001-06:00

I just found this tool in Picassa that allows me to share our pictures from this weekend...

...Kind of fun...

Family Weekend

2009-10-12T09:37:00.001-06:00

This weekend we spent a lot of time together as a family. Saturday we took Brooks swimming at the Snowmass Rec center. After about an hour of bobbing around the pool, we grabbed our hiking gear and met the Everett's at the Capital Peak trail head and attempted to hike, but got weathered out...according to Khloe, the wind was "Rahring" like crazy and almost blew us off the mountain. (this is what she told a group of hikers as they finished up their hike).

We drove to the end of the road and found an incredible view of the mountains we see every day, but from much further away. To view pictures use the link in the list on the right.

Sunday was church, a quick trip to Glenwood to look at cars (minus the salesmen), and then dinner with friends we haven't seen in months.

Tonight we have our family photo session...at an undisclosed but super cool location. I am praying the weather holds out, and that we are photogenic...

Happy Canning

2009-09-28T09:38:00.007-06:00

I got a call from a friend at church.

He told me I could order boxes of organic apples from Paonia (a small farming town in a nearby valley) for $15/box.

Being an apple fan from Washington, I jumped at the opportunity...and took it upon myself to order a box for Amy Jo, too.

One of my favorite past times with my Grandma McClure is canning fresh produce in her kitchen. Amy Jo and I thought this would be a great chance for us to make fun memories with her girls.

Karsyn and Kyla were awesome helpers, and Khloe and Tait joined in occasionally to help with an apple or two.

In total we canned 22 quarts of apple pie filling, 2 trays of baby food, made 2 fresh pies for the return of our happy hunters, and ate several apples with the kids along the way.

Being new to canning, it took us until 1:30am on Saturday and a few hours on Sunday to finish our task. We are hoping it will be a faster process next year, now that we are experts.

Needless to say, we were a little rummy by the time we went to bed Saturday, and we didn't even drink any rum...although, maybe we should have.

The pies were a huge hit with the hunters, who unfortunately did not return home with (elk) antlers in the back of their truck...but we took them in and fed them anyway.

Good thing rifle season starts next week. :)

Helping Hands

Making the pies at 1:30am...a little rummy

The product of being barefoot (and not pregnant) in the kitchen for 12 hours
ahhhhhhh...we are finished!

Our New Favorite Thing...

2009-09-24T09:48:00.004-06:00

Toe sucking!

Last night I was getting Brooks ready for his bath.

I turned around to throw his clothes in the hamper.

When I turned back to him, he not only had his toe in his mouth,

but you could hear him sucking.

I think he was starting to get hungry.

Maybe he can join the Peking Acrobats road show... or not.

I would miss him too much.

I love this outfit

2009-09-23T11:19:00.004-06:00

It is officially fall in Aspen, and the cooler weather means we get to wear more fun outfits!

I love this one given to us by Aunt Amy Jo...

Which means we have every accessory...socks, blanket, onesie, pants, sweater and jumper...

Gotta love her Gymboree fetish!

There's Snow in Them There Hills!

2009-09-16T09:16:00.005-06:00

The snow covered peaks above Snowmass that welcomed us this morning

...and I can't decide if I am excited or sad.

Maybe it is a good mix of both.

With a new baby at home, there is always anticipation of the next season, as it will surely bring changes and new adventures, but in the same breath, it is sad to close the chapter on another season gone by...

Summer, even though we didn't get to fully enjoy your sunshine and outdoor adventures this year, we will miss you...

Fall, you know I have always loved you, and I always will...

Winter, I am glad we don't get to meet you for a few more months (hopefully!). But we will enjoy your company while you are here...

To seasons of change in the weather and in our lives...

Becs & The Boys

We're Back!

2009-09-15T15:27:00.005-06:00

The view from our lake house...incredible

Bryant wakeskating

Lake girls!

Lake Guys

My Guys

After an amazing time in Coeur D'Alene, we are back home and back to the office.

We had an incredible trip and visited with at least 40 family members and old and new friends.

The Lord blessed us with sunshine and warmth, and he even broke my phone for the weekend, so I wouldn't have to worry about work. What a blessing!

The house we rented was perfect. Beautiful. Large. And the owners are great people too. If you ever want to take a large group to the lake, I highly recommend this location. Easy to play, easy to town, easy for entertaining. http://www.vrbo.com/206984

All in all, our trip was a success. Bryant was able to ride his (borrowed) bike everyday, and I was able to spend much needed time with my favorites. The Vintage Barn Show was incredible! We all found amazing little treasures...now to convince my uncle Gary to bring them when he drives down next week...

For a peek at our photos, use the link to the right labeled 'Coeur D'Alene Vacation.'

XOXO,

Becs & the Boys

Idaho or Bust!

2009-09-09T15:43:00.004-06:00

We are off to spend a long weekend with family and friends in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho! I am so excited to see everyone, spend time on lake, and attend the Vintage Barn Show on Saturday!

Until our safe return...

Becs & The Boys

In a land far, far away, there was a prince...

2009-09-08T15:37:00.004-06:00

...And two years ago today, he married his princess...

...And they lived happily ever after...

The End.

My Guys

2009-09-06T21:19:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, Bryant, Brooks and I headed to the Snowmass Rec to get in a workout before we went up to Ruedi to meet the Garaffa's.

Brooks is SO strong!

Glamping

2009-09-06T20:55:00.010-06:00

Our bed for the night...complete with our pillows, blankets, and a down comfy...ahhhhhh

The Kids

Emily and Rocco

The Spread: Pork chops, fresh trout, grilled asparagus, and peppers. I'm telling you, we don't mess around!

Just before Brooks fell asleep...

We took a short overnight trip to visit the Garaffa's who were camping for the weekend up at Ruedi Reservoir.

We had many greats...great friends, great weather, great food, and a great bed. That's right. When the baby is in tow, we don't camp, we glamp.

We have an aerobed, sheets, and even our down comforter.

Gone are the days of the mummy sack and sleeping on a jacket as a pillow...at least for now.

XOXO

Becs & The Boys

Merry Cougsmas Eve!

2009-09-04T16:56:00.004-06:00

My dear friend and fellow Cougar, Sam deemed today Cougsmas Eve as it is the day before the first Cougar football game of the season! We will be there in spirit, but my parents and so many friends will be making the trip to my old stomping grounds of Pullman, Washington to cheer on the Cougs as they take the field in Martin Stadium tomorrow.

Brooks is sporting one of his many Cougar outfits today in celebration...

So, from our house to yours...Go Cougs, and Merry Cougsmas Eve!

"And That's Another Cougar First Down!!!"

Becca

Christmas Card Spoiler...Just Kidding!

2009-09-04T16:55:00.000-06:00

For some reason, I am lost for words...

I Forgot This One...

2009-09-04T15:08:00.004-06:00

Yep, that is Bryant Sr. carrying Bryant Jr.

Personally, I am glad they have upgraded baby backpacks over the years,

as that doesn't look very comfy for the carrier or the carried

On a side note, I think that baby is super delicious.

Sorta like someone else I know really, really well.

Who's that baby???

2009-09-03T10:41:00.001-06:00

Bryant and his sister Kellie Playing at the beach

Baby Bryant and his momma

Bryant's mom brought us some slides of him as a baby during her last visit.
I finally got them printed.
Who is that adorable little boy?
Reminds me of someone else I know!

The Joys of Parenting

2009-09-02T15:56:00.002-06:00

Last night Bryant and I went to an event for Challenge Aspen at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.

We had a rough time finding a sitter, but finally nailed down a great gal, whom we both know very well. I am not going to share her name, because we want to use her again and again. But, this story, I have to tell. Maybe you can relate???

She has watched the Everett's in the past and we know her parent's really really well.

We were very confident in her skills...

Until she started walking away with Brooks.

As she wheeled him off, she was pushing our Graco stroller backward down the walking mall. (It is one of the frames that the car seat snaps right into...so she was using the carseat bar as the handle).

I thought to myself, 'she must be trying to get the stoller out of the way before she turns it around,' as it was a little crowded where we were sitting.

But I was wrong. She continued walking.

I laughed. Hard. Tears were rolling down my face.

Bryant asked if we should go and tell her, but I said, 'no, she'll figure it out.'

And sure enough, when we picked Brooks up, she was using the correct handle.

Oh the joys of parenthood.

Caught up...For now!

2009-08-31T10:36:00.002-06:00

I have been absent from blog world lately...well, I have been reading all of my favorite blogs, but I haven't been posting my own. Today, I finally set aside some time to catch up as best I can for now. Scroll down to catch up on our latest adventures...

XOXO

Becs

Rice Cereal is for Big Boys!

2009-08-31T10:27:00.008-06:00

Big boy in his new highchair
Although you can't see it, he is COVERED in cereal The aftermath...a smiling baby with a full tank

I almost forgot to mention that when we were at our 4 month well check, our ped gave us the green light to start Brooks on rice cereal! He LOVES it, and despite wearing 1/2 of it on his onesie after the feedings, he is really good with the spoon (even though he loathes anything plastic we try to give him, including a bottle and binky), and daddy is a natural at feeding him, too.

Catching up on Yummy Pics of Brooks

2009-08-31T10:27:00.007-06:00

He fell asleep watching us get ready for work

Taking advantage of momma-cuddles...and yes, that is spit up down the back of my jacket

These are momma's favorite pj's right now...for good reason!

He got the good morning bug, and always wakes up with a huge smile...it is contagious!

I have been a horrible blogger lately, so here are a few pics of our little guy over the last couple weeks! I can't believe he isn't sitting next to me at work right now...but I will save that story for another blog. He is such a big boy now, and still as smiley and joyful as ever. We have jumped into the wild world of teething, which brings a random bout of fuzziness on occasion, but he is weathering the storm extremely well for now!

Sunday on Aspen Mountain

2009-08-31T10:09:00.004-06:00

The Spread!

Like Father...Like Son (he's going to kill me for posting this)

A few weeks ago, Scott and Julie Shirley, friends from Sumner, Washington came down for a long stay at Trev and Amy's. Scott is on staff at the Everett's old church, Calvary Community in Sumner, and they decided to make the trip for his last days of sabbatical. It was so great to see them!

One Sunday after church we drove up the backside of Aspen Mountain to the top to enjoy the bluegrass music at the Sundeck. It always gives me chicken skin when I hit the summit of the mountain in the summer as that is where Bryant and I had our wedding ceremony two years ago next week! We had a nice afternoon relaxing and picnicking, and even got my brother, Trevor to hula hoop. What can I say, he's a natural.

XOXO,

Becs

Hiking Grizzly Lake

2009-08-31T09:32:00.007-06:00

Trying to get Mali to behave for the picture
My favorites, Bryant, Brooks and Mali at Grizzly Lake

Several weeks ago, Bryant and I took Brooks on his first "BIG" hike, and Bryant's colleague, Art joined us as well. The six mile long road into the trail head was incredibly bUmPy, but worth the ride. The weather was absolutely perfect...sunny with a slight breeze, and not a cloud in the sky. Bryant carried Brooks in the Bjorn, and they both did awesome!

One of the parenting challenges we have had this summer is with sunscreen. All of the books, fellow mommies and our pediatrician warn against using sunscreen of any kind until after the baby is six months old, but we live in an incredibly sun intense area. Despite the advice, we crumbled and put a small amount of Aveeno on his arms and nose before we went on this hike as we knew the exposure would be pretty l o n g. We ended up also covering him with the hooter hider for most of the hike as well.

Brooks was such a trooper and as is typical for him, he only gave a little f u s s when he was hungry.

The hike was gorgeous! The lake was full of trout rIsInG.

Everyone who walked passed Bryant was so shocked and excited to see the baby on such a hike. We even passed a pediatrician who was giving us high fives for getting him out so young! She was very excited!

Needless to say, the hike was a huge success, and we will be taking our little guy out again soon, especially since the colors have started changing, and our gorgeous fall is right around the corner.

XOXO,

Becca

PS, For those of you who hike or play in bug infested areas, we heard that lavender scented dryer sheets are a "natural" repellent...and it WoRkS!!! (that is why I look like minney mouse in the top picture! :))

Brooks had another big day!

2009-08-20T10:27:00.004-06:00

Tait giving Brooks a "Taiter." This is the first time we witnessed them truly interacting. So Cute!

Yesterday Brooks had his four month check up, and again, he blew the statistics out of the water. For his height and weight, he is in the 75th percentile, and for his head...88th percentile. Whoa! For those of you who know my side of the family well, you know we have notoriously large noggins. He may look like his daddy, but that is proof there is some Everett in him too!

Our assignment is to start him on solids this week...Rice cereal and thicker diapers here we come!

pRAISE the LorD for a HAPPY & HeAlThY baby BoYsKi!

XoXo

Becs

Bad Blogger...

2009-08-19T11:14:00.003-06:00

Photo by Joe Venus

dEAR fRIENDS,

My sincere apologies for leaving your hIGH and dRY as of late.

pERSONALLY, I am working (SpIrItUaLlY, physically, & eMoTiOnAlLy) tHrOuGh a LOT of things, AND...

wILL Fill you in on this WiLd rIdE wHEn these 8 SeCoNdS are oVeR...

...a.n.d...in case your cURIOSITy is PEAKED...i.t.i.s.a.l.l.g.o.o.d.

XOXO,
Becs

If this doesn't make you grin...

2009-08-07T16:46:00.004-06:00

Please excuse the poor quality of this picture, it was taken with my phone while Bryant and I enjoyed the view of Mt. Sopris from the Everett's deck. Brooks was cracking us up, laughing and talking all night. These guys melt my heart...