The Swanson Six

not me! monday

2009-10-12T13:21:00.003-05:00

Heather just informed me that my post on Monday did not post!! So, better late than never!

How pathetic is it that I don't have McMama's new pic icon for not me! Nor do I know how to get it, nor do I want to call Erin.....

Just a few things I did not do, and are not happening:

In my last post, I stated that my husband and I did not play hide -n-seek. For Jessica, yes, we played it without our kids... and he wanted to hide again after the malfunction of the chair to conceal him. I did not turn chicken and say, "I don't want to look for you in the dark. This house is too big and I'm too scared that you will scare me!"

My son is not currently walking around the house with a dirty diaper, and yelling "Mama!...... Mama!..... Mama!"

Because of this post, my applesauce did not scorch and burn because I did not forget about it boiling away like crazy! Sorry to let "Becky homecky" fans down! lol

I did not look like a complete idiot when getting ready to run errands this week. First I couldn't find my keys so I ran to the van (across the street) and was hunting for them. No luck, so I went back in the house (all the kids were in the van at this time) found my keys, locked the door, got in the van. Forgot the garbage! I pulled the van to the other side of the street, ran up to the house. The door's locked! Go down the stairs, turn off the van, unlock the door, get the trash! In the van, ready to leave...... Forgot Chris' watch! Ran up to the house. The door's locked! Go down the stairs, turn off the van unlock the door, get the watch! Now we are ready to leave with my children laughing and squealing at my stupidity, and multiple verbal actions that I am, indeed, a BLONDE!!

My week in numbers

2009-10-05T13:27:00.003-05:00

Since my sister Erin did this, and then a few days later my sister Heather did this, I didn't want to be left out. Funny how they both blog consistently, and I don't tend to feel left out.... So here goes.

80-- ginger snaps I made last Sunday

29-- ginger snaps I gave away

51--ginger snaps left for my husband

0--ginger snaps currently in my home

2--days I've spent working at my husband's office

61--days since my last post

20--inches of paperwork needed to be filed
(see previous post for understanding of frustration)

31--articles of clothing I need to go iron

7--days my furnace has been running

0--days until flannel sheets go on my bed

2.5--hours spent watching the house across the street get knocked down

762--times Micah has waved to the "big trucks" across the street

28--tulip bulbs planted in the extremely cold wind

0--times I had to get up Friday during the night cuz the kids were at Gramma's

2--scoops of ice cream Chris & I had for breakfast on Saturday

4--children weaned(for clarification, Micah is done now: the girls have been for a long time)

11--minutes my husband spent looking for me during hide & seek
(behind the curtain next to the armoire was brilliant)

11--seconds I spent looking for my husband during hide & seek
(laying on the floor trying to get under the dining room chair was not that brilliant dear!)

597-- verses i've read this week

4628--tears i've cried this week

4629--times God has been there for me

1--husband I love forever

Official Member PPA (Paperwork Procrastinators Anon.)

2009-08-05T16:54:00.005-05:00

My MIL took the kids today..... Hmmmmm what can Becky do for fun?? No ideas..... Instead, I have been going through paperwork and rearranging the computer area. I even am bringing the file cabinet back into my life. I absolutely DESPISE filing cabinets. But I am enjoying the file cabinet more than the plethera (that's for Heath) of paperwork stacked up on my chest in the hallway. And if said filing cabinet doesn't work any better, it can conveniently return to the closet from whence it came!

This stack of paper is about 20 inches tall-- all to be burned. I am embarassed to say there is non-important paperwork in there from 2005. But I am proud to say that my filing is up to date and complete!!

An Amazing Flower!

2009-07-08T08:51:00.002-05:00

These California Poppies are usually orange or yellow. However, over the years in my mom's gardens they have cross-pollinated to make peach. Now I have my own flowers from her and this flower was quite amazing to me. A few weeks later, my dad noticed one just like it in my mom's flower bed!

Not Me!

2009-05-18T22:18:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I was not surprised on Saturday, Mother's Day Eve, with breakfast in bed from my husband and 4 children!

I did not get sick on Mother's Day, so after getting home from church, did not park on the sofa and basically was not there the rest of the week!

I did not take 2 naps a day while being sick, plus was not in bed by 9:00 each night.

I was not trying to decide which is the better natural hair moisturizer: grease or sweat

My husband was so sweet in picking up toys and dishes. He did not forget to put soap in the DW before running the cycle. He did not tell me about it the following day, after most of the clean/dirty dishes had been taken out to be used.

My MIL did not take all 4 children on Wed so I could have some quiet.... they were not gone from 9am until 7pm! THANKS KAY! I most certainly did not fritter away time watching TV, and if I did, I definately did not catch myself watching "Touched by an Angel" But I can't believe I actually wasted time watching the last half of part 2 of "Beverly hills 90210"

I did enjoy having baths while I was sick, until I'd have a cough attack. Not to be gross, but you usually have to spit after one of those. So there I was, soaking, needing to spit, not wanting to get out of the tub: I did not spit in the tub with me in it! It was only saliva though.... not anything green!

That has been some of my highlights this week! What have you not done?

"My Dinna Went Wight to My Butt!"

2009-05-15T08:39:00.005-05:00

That statement, along with these pictures, made us laugh and laugh at our little Twinkle!!

MckMama!!

2009-05-06T20:10:00.003-05:00

She visited my blog!!! 34 minutes ago! I feel so special!

Wordless Wednesday-- Fun in the Sun

2009-05-06T16:16:00.002-05:00

Tuesday Tip

2009-05-05T22:01:00.003-05:00

Due to your demands and pleadings, high call volume and fan mail, I will make a better effort to share my Tuesday Tip with you! I didn't know ya'll felt that way! haha!

TIP #1-- When using your oven's time bake, make sure the timer is set for 1 HOUR instead of 1 MINUTE, especially if you are having company over after church... should have been on my not me! post, but i think i had sufficient yesterday.....

TIP #2-- Do not use a chair to block your 14 month old from having access to going up the stairs! Well, it worked for a couple months anyway!

not me! monday

2009-05-04T19:26:00.011-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Since I have not "not me'd" for a while, all of these things did not not happen in the same week!

My husband did not pump only $5.00 of gas in Duluth because it was 4 cents cheaper a gallon in Two Harbors. He did not admit he wanted to buy less, but his mind started to wander and wasn't paying attention to the total! lol! Our refuel light did not ding again on the way home! We did not not fill up until a week later... I guess I truly do not get out much!

My son did not eat newspaper... and did not throw it up whole 24 hours later... no really, I could see "MENARDS" clearly printed!

I did not grill hamburgers in the rain... that was what was on the menu, and I didn't have a "Plan B."

I gave Ashleigh some gum... Natalie asked for gum, but I was out. Ashleigh then decided she didn't want the gum, so it ended up stuck on my thumb... Nat asked for gum again..... HMM.... I did not give Nat Ashleigh's ABC gum...

I did not wash all Micah's bedding 3 days in a row due to his being sick...

I have not been using my hot rollers quite frequently.... I have never put them in my hair while wearing my bath robe, and most certainly did not look like "miss hannigan" from "Annie"

I was not so excited at the grocery store after looking at my receipt. I did not save $49.oo between store sales and coupons... and spent $83.00. That is a 37% savings!!

I was not bummed at my bowling score on Saturday night... I did not bowl 71... After 283 on the Wii, I was not slightly disappointed!

After a city water main break a few months ago, our water pressure significantly decreased... Long story short, sediment did not get trapped in our whole house water filter, and when my husband took the filter out, we did not find total grossness of dirt, goo, and metal chunks.....

I have not enjoyed a shower with actual water pressure, and have not saved so much time doing laundry because my washer doesn't take 20 minutes to fill! Thanks babe!

My husband and I are not starting the Love Dare challange, along with the Love Dare Bible Study, from the movie "Fireproof."

I have not nursed Micah about 5 different times while typing this post! He is not making a vicious cycle... nurse, wiggle onto the floor, get into mischief, cry, cry while crawling, looking for me....

Three Weeks and Counting.....

2009-05-01T08:14:00.009-05:00

It has been three weeks since my last post... Hmmm... Erin told our mom she should start a blog. I was appalled by her response! It was, "Are you kidding? I'd be worse than Becky!" Not that I haven't had anything to blog about, I just have had other priorities, and I think about with "not me" on Tues, and "tuesday tip" on Wed. etc.... So I will give you a part of my life of the last 3 weeks!

First off, pictures as promised of the little gems from my sis's that they bought in KC!

This is not going on my shelf!

Ain't she cute? These gifts were from Heather.

Is it an egg? A bumblebee? A bobblehead? Do you think this poor little lamb suffered an identity crisis growing up?
Terrible pic of me, but check out the tacky gift bag! These 2 gifts were from Erin!

I had a wonderful time in GR, and actually got to go shopping with Erin without any kids! I enjoyed the warm weather--it's always breezy here because of the lake, and the kids enjoyed being outside helping Papa rake, and eating lunch and dinner on the porch.

A few Sundays ago, our small group came over for lunch, and spent the day here. There are 4 other couples, making 10 adults and 11 children. This adorable group was on my bed watching Chip & Dale, while the adults were attempting to watch Fireproof downstairs. We are starting a new Bible Study based on that movie. God has truly blessed us with wonderful friends!

I have also been "Spring Cleaning" I think I started April 7th according to Callie's documentation on my "To Do" List. I try to keep my house clean, but once you wash windows, and dust everything, not to mention washing the blades of my ceiling fan... there was actually sheetrock dust on the fan in my bedroom--only 18+ months since construction! No wonder my room is always dusty! It's amazing how much junk gets collected after awile, and always a good feeling to purge some of that! The flannel sheets officially came off my bed last week, now if my furnace would just stop running when set at 65! Since "spring cleaning" in the bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen is done, I'm really wanting to skimp on the rest.... but I see a few dead flies stuck in my lights in the hallway that's kinda eeewwww.....

Mr. Micah Magoo loves the tub! He has been sick since Sat. night. This was one of his many baths, due to soiling his clothes, socks, back, tummy, hair, etc... Erin and Heather were blessed with some pictures I sent! He would only drink breast milk, but I could tell he was hungry for food! He was feeling better last night, so I gave him a vanilla wafer and he stuck the whole thing in his mouth and screamed when I tried to take some of it out, and he actually ate some ice cream--more like--almost bit my hand off getting it into his mouth!

I know you all saw his haircut on Auntie Erin's blog, but I just LOVE him!! You'd never guess he was sick by this picture!

And he drew Mama a picture last night! Ever since Gramma let best buddy Ryan draw at her house, Micah has become more aware of what you can do with paper and pen!

And have I ever mentioned Micah loves our bed? A king bed is not big enough-- before I took this picture, I was sleeping on the right, next to Micah, and before Chris got up, he was next to me on the right side too!

Wednesday was Callie and Ashleigh's last AWANA night. they participated in the Gran Prix derby, and had fun making their cars with Dad. Although no trophies, their cars were fast and stylin'. They are excited about next year, and have new ideas, designs, and competitive strategies already developing---ok maybe Chris does!

I am so proud of Callie and Ashleigh. Callie came so close to finishing her book-- if there hadn't been a snow day, and a few special Awana events that didn't include verse time, she woulda made it! Ashleigh finished her book (only 1 other boy finished his book) and she got this certificate for passing the most sections!!! That's my girl!

I cannot end this post without a tidbit of my Twinkle! Natalie also has been under the weather for about a week and a half! Slight fever, tired, low energy and not much appetite. Her being 4 and only a mere 27 pounds, she needs to eat! Poor baby. But she still does have her sense of humor, loud piercing voice, and personality in tact!

I found this pic on my camera--one of the girls must have taken it!

This was this morning-- she did not want me to take a picture for my blog. She kept saying, "mom I'm trying to read here." This was the best of about 10.

She was saying, "No more pictures, I just don't want any more pictures!" Right now she is coloring with a permanent marker. Should I be worried that she said, "I think permanent markers smell good, kinda like perfume, and conditioner, and air fresheners!"

Tacky Gifts Just Stick with Me!

2009-04-10T08:01:00.015-05:00

I was thinking about doing this before Jessica's Favorite Things post. So I want you to know I'm not copying, I just need a little help in the "Anti-procrastination of Blogging" department.... Hey, Erin is my sister.

Over the years, I have been blessed with a few gems from my sisters. Over the years I have blessed them and my mother with some gems... I wanted to share my treasures with you. It's kind of a game we play (started with me & Erin, but Heather has joined in a while ago).... who can find the tackiest gift at the lowest price. Yes, they may look like junk, but to me, they always bring a smile and good memories.

I think I still hold the chamionship with a plate I bought for my mother about 6 years ago. I will get a picture of it. Most of our treasures are purchased at dollar stores, but also rummage sales, Kohl's, Walmart and JC Penney. Heather is visiting Erin in KC this week, and Erin is coming back to MN. So I am kinda excited to see what they bring back for me--they usually find some great things in all the shopping availability down there.

I think I have kept everything, except I have disposed of the peach pants (you'll understand why), and 2 pairs of shoes--one was a mustard yellow slip on, and the other a two-tone pointed sling-back flat. They reminded me of something our dear teacher in high school would have worn! All right, here's my collection:

This is from Erin, and I actually like it... this is one of the early gifts.

These are from Heather, they're kinda cute, but my wardrobe is lacking tourquiose!

From Erin, kinda cute.

My current garden shoes, also from Erin.

The next picture should explain its use (from Erin)

It's a footie for sling-back shoes with invisible strap! I shoulda kept the 2-tone flats!

These have been donated as white elephant gift! I recieved these from Erin at Christmas.

This reminded Erin of me because I do fabulous fish lips! I think this little gem deserves a side view!

How efficient! It's a bank!

And I recieved this from Heather for my birthday!

This is my most recent gift from Erin.... As of now, Heather and Erin are tied for tackiest gift-- the above figurine and the "SISTERS" trivet.....I'll let you know if I recieve any new gems next week! Do you have any out of the ordinary treasures? I'd love to see them!

I am a Fool for Shoveling

2009-04-10T07:49:00.004-05:00

The other day I was getting sick of the huge snowbanks still on our boulevard. They are melting, just from underneath, and water is running and everything is muddy. I decided to go out and shovel... into the street! It melted fast and didn't make muddy rivers everywhere. I think I'll go out and shovel the rest today!

April Fool's Day

2009-04-01T14:30:00.007-05:00

We got dumped on with heavy wet snow yesterday. I am wondering if Someone is playing a practical joke on us... (last year we got about 20 inches on April 1) Am I a fool if I go out and shovel.... since it will probably all melt tomorrow.... or are we just fools for living here?!?!?!?

This is the view out our front door. Since the plow went through, the height of the pile at the street is at least 3 feet!

My skinny little path out to the garage..... not that I can get my van out....

This is what the plow left for us in the alley

I'm glad I didn't have to go anywhere today!

not me! monday

2009-03-23T17:39:00.006-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I was not extremely pleased with myself just now as the not me! icon worked for me!

We did not attempt to give Micah a haircut this weekend.... which was a good thing cuz his gramma said he was starting to look like a girl...We was so interested in the clippers-(he loves electronics) that we did not have to entertain him with the clippers while I cut his hair with the scissors!!! But isn't he handsome???

While shopping on Sunday, Micah had an extremely runny nose, and because I'm a descendant of my mother, had a bulging pocket full of kleenex, actually no I didn't. Because I was in dire need of a kleenex, and because I'm a mother, you get creative! To my daughter's unbelief, I did not pull out my pink chenille glove, and take care of the gushing green goo! I did not have to do that about 7 more times, so my glove has polka dots!!

I did not have some fun with telemarketers this week! Usually I don't answer, but this week, something prompted me to be annoying.... On the first call "Can I speak to Rebecca Swanson please?" I decided to imitate the annoying teenager, and said very sarcastically, "No thanks," and then hung up. Saturday, the phone rang... Chris said "Who's unknown name, unknown number?" I said, "Telemarketer, I'll take it." I took the phone and whispered, Hello? Then I got louder, and someone started talking, but I don't know what they were saying because I kept saying Hello over and over and louder and louder in an old-lady-chain-smoker-slightly-senile voice! Chris was laughing at me, so I had to pause every now and then so as not to let them hear me laughing! I am please to announce they hung up on me!!!

I just had to edit this blog as Ashleigh, age 7, answered a telemarketer's call.... I did not realize it was a telemarketer, or I would have made her give me the phone to play the prank.... But in a high-pitched, sing-songy voice she said to someone from AT&T, "HI, my name is Penelope, and we sell pizzas!" She then hung up--I guess I need to teach her to try & stay on the phone without laughing until they hang up!!

I also did not convince my 4 year old that she needed to spend some of her birthday money. I must add, to buy a DVD that I wanted! (It's McHale's Navy Season Two, and actually our whole family loves it, but it was my idea) After Natalie realized she didn't want to spend that much money, I did not put a bug in her ear that maybe Callie would like to spend some of her birthday money too and they could buy it together! Natalie then decided that she wanted to buy McHale's Navy Season Two for me for my birthday NEXT YEAR!! So I did, once again, NOT convince her to give it to me as a belated present THIS YEAR!!!!!! OHHHHH YES, my kids DO love me!!!!!!!

One Year Ago

2009-03-14T19:26:00.014-05:00

On this day, one year ago, we brought our baby boy home from the hospital! When Micah was born, he had some breathing issues, so after being transferred to St. Mary's, and 6 days in the NICU there, we were able to bring our little 6# 4oz bundle home.

We were so excited to come home! Not to mention the girls! The signs they made say "Welcome home Daddy, Happy Birthday Mommy, and Love You Micah" I missed them so much, as we were staying overnight at the hospital once Micah was able to start nursing. I remember waking up at 3am, walking down the hall to feed him. I always wore my slippers and long sweater so I could wrap Micah up in it. He had lots of wires attached, so it was kinda difficult to snuggle without setting off alarms!

March 14, 2008

March 14, 2009

My baby went from being so small to learning "so big!" Micah has been such a blessing to our family. He still is up multiple times at night to eat, and screams when I leave his sight. He says "Dadda" more than he says "Mama" but when he is not happy or hungry, only mom will do! But when he is tired, he loves to nap with his daddy.

Micah is an adorable, funny, mischevious, precious little chub of a boy. I am just imagining the amout of food I will need to keep in the fridge when he is in high school!

I'm adding a few pictures from his birthday-- the rocking horse was his gift from Daddy and Mama.

He was such a ham today when he was in his high chair!

not me! monday

2009-03-09T17:28:00.003-05:00

1. First of all, I am not stressing that I can't remember how to get the not me! icon. So I decided just not to use it.

2. I did not turn 30 (yes 30) on Saturday.
3. My husband did not throw me a surprise party on friday night
4. I did not make three (yes 3) 3-D birthday cakes for my children for the family 4-birthday party on saturday (Natalie, Callie, Micah, and I)
5. I am not slightly annoyed by all the blog catch-up I need to do..... Erin wants pics of the cakes, I have to post about my baby boy turning one!!, and I just got done with one!
6. I was not tickled pick when Natalie said I'm 29 and that next year I would be 27!!
7. I was not so excited when my family and friends brought me presents! Real presents! Chris had told them to bring a white elephant type gift if they brought anything, but I got nice stuff!!
8. I was not extremely excited when at my party, I noticed 2 (yes 2!) 5-quart buckets of ice cream (one Cookies-n-Cream!) that my dad had bought, knowing that there would be a lot left over, and that it would be staying at my house! Not to mention the ice cream I had already bought for the family birthday party..... I love Ice Cream if you can't tell.....

Nicole's Too Much to Think About

2009-03-09T16:18:00.005-05:00

This blog article is kinda in response to Nicole a couple days ago. I started leaving her a comment, and it just got too long. But I know how you are feeling--OVERLOADING of the brain! This time of year always gets me easily annoyed, and I'm always with my kids, my husband started a company and bought another, so $$ has been tight! I'm stressed because I cannot do one thing to help bring an income. SAHM with 4 kids.... I think I am finally learning that God will provide. I love to shop, so that has been tough on me, only buying necessities, and thanking God that the laundry soap and diapers were on sale!

Sometimes it is hard to share your situation with people, especially in your own age group. They all have their families, jobs, etc. to worry about. I had a friend (Kim) from church call me last week (she's about my mom's age, and her boys are all in college) and she asked me if I was OK and wanted to "talk." She said I seemed blue at church when she saw me. So Kim came over the next day and we had a really nice time. She seemed genuinely caring and committed to praying for me. And just now, she called and took Ashleigh and Callie down by the lake to take a walk with her dog!

My point is it's good to have someone on unload to. Someone who is not a family member, someone who is older than you and can mentor you with Godly life-experience wisdom. Nicole, you said you were in a Bible Study.... I would encourage you to look for someone there. Someone you feel comfortable with-- look for the gray hair!! Perhaps you know a woman whose children are in college, or whose grandkids live far away.... I have a feeling she would love to spend time with your children to give you a break. You just may be a blessing and an answer to prayer of a woman who is struggling with an UNDERLOADING of the brain. :-)

Happy Birthday Callie!

2009-02-28T21:39:00.000-06:00

Today is my oldest daughter's Birthday. Callie Nicole is 9 years old. She is just a joy to my life. I was reflecting my life this morning, and what I was doing nine years ago. I was thinking "I was SLEEPING at this time, and didn't have 6 kids waking me up on Saturday morning at 7:15am!!!

(I only have 4 children, but Callie had two friends over for a sleepover)

Then I was thinking about my first labor experience..... Callie was due the 19th of Feb. Well, that day came and went. I remember my mom calling me that night, asking me if I felt anything. I don't think she was excited at all about becoming a gramma. My mother-in-law kept saying I should wait until the 28th, because that was her birthday. I just laughed and said,"There is no way I'm waiting that long!" But maybe because God has a sense of humor, or maybe because I suffer from lack of patience, Callie Nicole was born on the 28th. For which I am thankful that she didn't wait another day, as 2000 was a leap year!!!! My first little girl was so precious. She had dark copper-red color hair. I should have named her Penny...... but coincidently, Callie means "beautiful hair."

Callie is a very talented girl. She is a great reader, is fast in math, writes beautifully in cursive, likes to write in her journal, play computer and other games. She also likes to dress up, as you can see from the above picture! Callie also loves to cook and bake. Yesterday, we spent the day cooking and baking getting ready for the party. Callie & Ash did a great job making the ice cream cake, and the zucchini bread, and the cookies, and the finger jello, and the sloppy joes.

Callie is such a helper. She decided when we brought Natalie home (she was just 5) that she should be the chief caretaker. She used to pick Natalie up out of her carseat (when I wasn't in the room) and carry her to the sofa, lay Nat on her tummy, and pat her little tooshie until Natalie fell asleep. And she would just hold her.... for like a hour! So when we brought Micah home almost a year ago, I was excited about her helping out, and she does love her little brother!

Callie Nicole, I love you. You are such a blessing. You make me laugh everyday... especially when we go outside and it is sunny and you sneeze! I'm glad you love our family, and I'm especially glad you love Jesus!

Happy Birthday Twinkle!

2009-02-25T16:45:00.007-06:00

My baby girl, Natalie, is 4 years old today! She brings a lot of sunshine and laughter to our home. Natalie cannot pronounce "R." Sometimes I don't know if she's planning a party or needs to use the bathroom! She says funny things like.. "The pwesident is NOT a weal person," "Mom, I know about Jesus in the desert...." what happened? "He got hot." When going to bed, "Mom, I think I am going to gwow tonight because I ate bechtables for dinna."

When she was 1.5, she played this game with her gramma.... Natalie was insistent she was 2. Gramma would say "How's my 1 year-old?" "I two." "No, Natalie, you're one!" "No, I two!!!" Finally, gramma would give up because natalie would not give in!

Natalie should have been born on the 24th.... I was induced and that proceeded to be the longest, most painful day of my life! I was having back-labor contractions only all day, so I was finally taken off pitosin at 9:00pm. At 7:00am next day I started pitosin again, with much better labor. My doctor was at her clinic working, and about 11:00 I told the nurse, "Call my doctor" Again at 11:30, and frantically at 11:45... Finally they listened! Dr. Ann arrived at 12:05 and Shannon (med student) shortly after. Well, Natalie was born (like in my Doctor's hands) at 12:15!!!! We were surprised and blessed to have another healthy baby girl. And tiny! Six pounds 12 ounces! She still only weighs 27 pounds! But she makes up for it in screaming abilities.

I love you Natalie. You are just a sweetheart. I love when you come and give me a hug, and say,"Mama, you're so pretty!" or say "Mama, you're the bestest cook, I love the food you make." And I especially love when you come in our bed in the middle of the night just cuz you "wanted to snuggle with you Mama." You are truly a blessing and a gift from God.

not me! monday

2009-02-16T08:55:00.002-06:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

While taking my casserole out of the oven, my daughter did not say, "EWWWW, Mom that smells like puke!" And then 5 minutes later say, "Mom, this is so good. You're the bestest cook!"

My husband did not jump up and down and do a giddy dance and scream like a girl when receving the original "Sgt Bilko" season 1 from my sisters.

At JCPenney's getting Chris' watch sized, I did not get woozy when the clerk jammed the screwdriver into her hand and was walking around with it still in her hand...... ouch.....

Today, little boy was not up for the day at 7:00 and fill his diaper shortly after... also today, I did not have to intervene an argument between the 2 oldest girls and take away computer all day..... all this fun and love did not happen before 8:00 am......

Tuesday Tip

2009-02-10T12:59:00.005-06:00

Today I have a few household tips that I have learned over the years of taking care of my home.

1. Shampoo works great for getting grease & oil stains out of clothing. I have tested this only on food stains... salad dressing, cooking oil, etc. not garage type oil & grease. Also gets residue from chapstick out of clothing! I know this cuz once my chapstick went through the dryer and melted on my blouse... Apply shampoo to spot and rub in, let set a few minutes, and put through wash cycle.

2. If you're like me, laundry doesn't always get dried and/or folded once the cycle is complete. I have found opening your washer & dryer doors (even overnight) prevents the clothes from getting a stale smell. This also allows you ladies more care-free blogging time if you don't have to worry about clothes smelling because you didn't quite finish laundry that day!

3. Everyone seems to love Clorox wipes. I use them for a quick bathroom floor cleanup. It's much quicker than a bucket of water and a rag. I don't even take up my rugs! shhhhhh!

4. Wipe your mirrors and windows with newspaper instead of paper towels. This way, they will not streak, and will actually look clean.

5. Putting water in a microwave safe bowl in your microwave for 4-5 minutes helps loosen the stuck-on nastiness, eliminating a lot of scrubbing... For Jessica, please remember to start the microwave for maximum results. lol!

6. And my secret for a spot-free home 24/7 is........

HIRE A ROUND- THE- CLOCK MAID!! :-)

not me! monday

2009-02-09T12:44:00.002-06:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

We did not celebrate Chris' birthday 4 times, and he did not love each party and all the attention and gifts he recieved...

I did not find incredible deals at JCPenney... saving $281.00 while only spending $50.00.

I did not let my daughter eat her leftover ice cream for breakfast on saturday... i definately did not eat mine too! (we were the only ones home along with micah)

My son does not crawl through the kitchen picking up dropped food and eating it... I have not refered to him as "the family dog."

fankful friday

2009-02-06T09:59:00.004-06:00

I am a day late with my thankful thursday, but I haven't posted anything but pics lately!

Today I am thankful for my man. You work so hard for our family. Up every morning at 5am to start work (how can a person think that early) and do not get home until 12-14 hours later!

Today you are in the cities for the MN Broadband Taskforce meeting. You were appointed to that committee by the Governor!! You are the small city rep, being that you are a city councilor and just happen to know a thing or two about internet, wireless, and fiber! (You know all this about you, but others don't) I'm so proud of your brains! Yes, I occasionally mostly sometimes am annoyed about the city meetings during the week that break up our family time, the frustrations you bring home because others do not want to see change, but I am thankful that you are willing to "do battle" to make this town better for our family, and make new jobs for other new families to move here so we can make new friends and have a great big BBQ in our back yard! I am also thankful for run-on sentences!

I am thankful that you are such a wonderful father Our children are so excited for you to come home. That is why they jump up and down and scream "DADDY" repeatedly at the top of their lungs when you walk through the door! I love to watch you give them airplane rides to bed, or play "snowstorm" on a Saturday morning, or fall asleep on the couch with them snuggled by you, or when you kiss them goodbye in the morning when it is still dark....

I am thankful that you are such a wonderful husband. (random order of importance)

Thank you for starting my van when it is cold.

Thank you for our beautiful home.

Thank you for my furniture.

Thank you for learning to not put your wet towel on my side of the bed anymore (yes i did notice)

Thank you for our children.

Thank you for asking me on our 1st date.

Thank you for putting up the Christmas Tree in the stand, even though you get annoyed with it, beacuse it took 15 minutes to get it straight, and threatened that it was the last year we'd have a real tree, thank you for not really meaning that....

Thank you for the kisses on my eyes at 5am when you think that I am still sleeping.

Thank you for loving me! xoxo

Wordless Wednesday--Callie takes things literally!

2009-02-04T09:25:00.001-06:00

Tuesday Tip

2009-02-03T10:49:00.004-06:00

Since this is cold & flu season, I thought I'd pass on a few tips:

1. Have a supply of chicken noodle soup in your pantry... warms you up when you have a cold, and is gentle on your stomach when recovering from the flu.
2. Hot peppermint or spearmint tea helps an upset stomach.
3. Any carbonated beverage helps with the flu or runs, but Sprite seems to be the most neutral flavor.
4. A mug of hot milk with a tablespoon of honey stirred in will sooth a sore throat, and also make coughing more effective... this one's from my Gramma, so it's true. It tastes really good too!

25 Random Things

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

I am appeasing Erin.... She's bashing me for not being on Facebook.... she should realize that she needs to set me up herself if she wants me on there... she signed me up for this blog.... I have issues about the "microscopic writing" (explanation in my 1st post)

Rebecca Mae Swanson

1. My favorite color is pink
2. I love Beth Moore Bible STudies
3. I love to use power tools as much as i love to use makeup.
4. I have been a Mary Kay consultant for 6 years
5. I recovered from Spinal Menengitis when I was 3 weeks old
6. I am a natural blonde
7. My daughter and I have the same birth mark on our left foot
8. I have been married 10 yrs. 6mo. and 22days
9. I love to camp
10. My favorite ice cream is Cookies-n-Cream
11. I have yet to be a victim to Heather's manicotti
http://heathers-random-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.html
12. i love old movies--funny ones, McHales Navy, White Christmas, Singing in the Rain, Musicals
13. I have 2 sisters--3 years on either side of me
14. when i was 5, i made Erin pull me in the sled (she was 2) refer to #22 on Erin's list
http://benanderinkern.blogspot.com
15. I once used a string of christmas lights as an extension cord for my vacuum
(Refer to #6)
16. I know how to replace a fuse in a string of Christmas lights
17. I took piano lessons for many years, but sadly, do not own a piano
18. I love to cook the works for Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners
19. I once picked up a tarantula in Costa Rica.
20. i hate filing bills and paperwork
21. I like keeping my house clean, except for the paperwork
22. I am named after my great aunt, Margie Mae
23. I asked Jesus into my heart when I was 4 years old.
24. I absolutely love to shop
25. My favorite beverage is chai latte

not me! monday

2009-02-02T09:07:00.004-06:00

I did not have to call Erin this morning and ask her how to get the above picture on this post!

My husband is not turning 32 today! I love you honey!

I did not let my husband use my Venus shaver. He did not say,"That's the most comfortable shave I have ever had!"

At lunch my daughter did not cover her applesauce with her sandwich crust, and ask for a donut my gram had just made. I did not ignore the covered up applesauce, and gave her the donut anyway for ingenuity!

While Daddy was "watching" Micah, he did not dump Dorito crumbs on the carpet, and then proceed to eat them.

While trying to avoid living room during the Superbowl, I did not unpack everything from our weekend in GR, and do 2 loads of laundry and put away. I did not purposely make a late dinner, so as to have something to occupy my time instead of being in the living room. I was not extremely happy to just get done with dinner at 7:30! i do not hate football!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-28T16:50:00.003-06:00

Tuesday Tip

2009-01-27T13:12:00.004-06:00

Today's tip is on the subject of food-- money saving and kid favorites!

HAVE A TIP?? Please share your tricks, shortcuts or wisdom with us all!!

1. Love the DQ?? Hate their prices?? My girls and I play "Dairy Queen" at home. They each get to pick their own "blizzard" flavors. After a few scoops of vanilla ice cream, and adding oreos, or strawberries, or reeses pieces, or frozen blackberries and banana (my fav), I add a little milk and use my hand mixer. You don't need any fancy schmancy appliance.

2. Always throwing away leftover mac-n-cheese??? When re-heating, simply add a little milk, and a slice of cheese--I prefer Velveeta cuz it melts so great. This is also a great add-in for cheaper generic mac-n-cheese..... tastes better than Kraft in my opinion!

3. My children love popsicles.... I sometimes make my own. Recently I have been making APPLESAUCE popsicles. It's a healthy snack and easy to eat.... well, till it melts. I also make yogurt popsicles. The kids love to eat these for breakfast in the hot summer. It's much more cost effective than buying the "Go-gurt" that you freeze!

4. Kids sick of sandwiches for lunch? Being that I homeschool, I have 4 for lunch everyday. Pb&j is only great 4 days out of 5...... My girls love to make "snack wraps" like Mickey-D's. Instead of making chicken tenders, chop up lunch meat or chicken, turkey, from last night. Add a little shredded cheese, lettuce, ranch dressing and roll up in a tortilla!

not me! monday

2009-01-26T13:50:00.003-06:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

this week i did not get sucked in by starting a blog.... my sister definately did not sign up for me, and she did not come up with my blog title.

My husband and I did not fall asleep watching a movie 2 nights in a row, wake up at 1am, and go to bed, only to discover we were wide awake, and spent the next 2 hours either talking or watching a different movie!

When attempting to cut my 3 daughters hair, I definately did not say "oops" more than once

on friday i did not start watching "I Love Lucy" and other movies at 9:30am with a friend instead of doing school with my daughters....

i wanted to change my son's diaper in the middle of the night. I did not roll over and fall back to sleep, thinking he might be ok till morning.... he did not pee up the back of his onesie and pj's. I did not have to wash my sheets and the protective pad under the sheet because they were soaked. i did not learn that i would have saved time by changing that diaper in the middle of the night.

After looking at my thermometer reading -25 this morning, I definately did not wish a snowstorm on mckmama's Carribean cruise!

As a sister in the Lord, I wish you wonderful weather!

Tuesday Tip

2009-01-20T16:55:00.003-06:00

Compromising with children can be very beneficial. For instance, today I told Ashleigh she needs a hair cut--about 3 inches. She has thick hair, and being 7, not really wanting to care for it.... She started crying "NO, I like my hair long, I promise I'll remember to use conditioner.... etc..." Then she said, "Can I just have a trim?" I asked her "How much of a trim?" And praise the Lord, she said "Oh, to about here." Just exactly how much I was planning to "TRIM" in the first place!

2009-01-19T17:50:00.003-06:00

The Swanson Six--
Hi, I'm Becky. My husband, Chris and I have been married 10 years. We live in Two Harbors, MN on Lake Superior. We have 4 children. Callie (9 next month), Ashleigh (7), Natalie (4 next month), and Micah (10.5 months) We have a happy, hoppin', home life!

I am new to this blogging thing... blog is really a dumb word I think... reminds me of the word blah. My sisters have been bugging me to start my own blog, and so finally Erin signed me up. I'm rather technology illiterate, sometimes choosing to be just to make my sisters laugh. I hate subscribing and setting up new things online.... I told Erin I was scared of the "microscopic reading" for the life of me I couldn't come up with the words, "fine print." Yes, I am a blonde.............