Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy! We love you!

Weekly Weigh-In

I have to be honest... gained 2.4 this week. And actually, I didn't go to my meeting last week because of the autism walk, so it's been over two weeks. I'm back on track...

We Are High and Dry Here!

Thank you to everyone for your calls, messages and concern regarding our welfare during the flooding that is occurring here in Iowa. Luckily, we are dry and fine in Ankeny. However, Des Moines is flooding heavily in certain parts of town. And Cedar Rapids (where we have some extended family and friends) is under water.
I will be posting some pics soon that we took last night around town. It really is unbelievable.

We Need An Ark Around Here!

We are under attack here in Iowa- by water. It is like nothing I have ever seen. Interstate 80 is literally surrounded by water (that isn't normally there) and I fear it will soon be over the road if more rain falls (which it is supposed to). The Des Moines River is over it's banks and it is only expected to rise as more rain comes this week. Much of downtown Des Moines is closed now- many roads and bridges are covered by water. The picture above is from the "Des Moines Register"- this is Court Avenue (a popular street with many restaurants and bars) just a few blocks from the office where I used to work.
We are lucky that we are miles from the river, and I doubt we will have any issues at our house. In 1993, Des Moines was flooded similar to this and the entire city and most suburbs were without water for days. I only hope it doesn't get that bad this year. I have filled a few extra gallons of water for the kids just in case...
Keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers... I know the entire state (and much of the Midwest) is enduring this flooding. My brother and sister-in-law have been without water for a few days, and I know many of our friends have inches (if not feet) of water in their basements. Let's pray for a few dry days!

New (To Us Anyway) Chair

So excited!
Found this wingback chair yesterday on Ebay- luckily the seller was only about a 20-minute drive from us, so I was able to pick it up and avoid any shipping costs. I have been looking for another wingback for the living room to go with the one I got garage-saling last year. They don't match, so I'm trying to decide if I should leave them non-matching or buy a matching slipcover for the new one (I'm not in love with the slipcover on the old one, but with kids, slipcovers seem necessary). I LOVE the tufting and the color- the blue/green matches the accents I've been adding in the upstairs. It seemed meant to be!
And the color isn't as bright as it appears in the picture. I've got it outside on the deck so I can vacuum it out and clean some spots it had. I'll take another pic once it's in the house.

The Wait Is Finally Over...

I've literally been waiting 9 1/2 months for the return of "Army Wives"... and tonight was the night. It was better than I ever could have imagined! I recommend this show to anyone and everyone. Even the geek tolerates it and that's saying a lot considering it's on Lifetime.

If you can catch the first season on reruns, definitely do. It comes out on DVD on Tuesday and I'm considering buying it (and I never buy DVDs). Now, I just have to wait another couple days for the return of "My Boys"- another of our favorites from last season!

Edited To Add: And yes, I know it's not accurate as far as Army life is concerned. It's not reality TV (though that's hardly "reality" either)- I consider it as accurate as "ER" or "Grey's Anatomy" or any other drama. It's definitely just entertainment for me.

Slathered in Sunscreen for Autism Research

Well, we all survived the autism walk... though most of us got sunburned and all of us got sweaty and disgusting. The thermometer in the van read 91 degrees... with what felt like 300% humidity. It was an experience to say the least!
However, our team raised over $2,000 for autism research... and for that, it was all worth it.
Pictures and final tally will be posted soon! Thanks for all the support!

Autism Walk- Location Change

I think most of the walkers on our team check the blog...

Due to flooding at Gray's Lake, the location for the walk has changed. It will now be held at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines. Most of you were planning to meet us at our house anyway, so it won't affect you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me! The walk website should be updated tomorrow with the location change.

Too bad- the lake is so beautiful... the scenery won't be as nice as last year. :(

Weekly Weigh-In

Forgot to post my miniscule weight loss last week. Lost .2.

There... I was honest about it and posted it!

A Friendly Reminder...

Just wanted to remind all my faithful readers (all 1 or 2 of you!) that the annual Walk Now for Autism walk is this weekend. Our team is still working toward our $2,000 goal- we have roughly $800 left to raise. There is a link on my sidebar if you're interested in donating.

Autism Speaks is a wonderful organization that is working tirelessly to find a cause and cure for autism. And just as importantly, they are working to raise awareness. Many times when I take the kids out to the store (or anywhere really) I am met with gawking and stares when they rock and moan or flap their hands. I wish people had more compassion and understanding... I would rather they ask questions than stare. I have heard many television and radio commercials recently talking about autism statistics- the word is getting out there. Autism Speaks is largely to thank for this.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone that donates!

Mommy's Angel...

Just like when he was a baby... rocking with Mommy in the chair.

Silly Girl...

DD decided to climb into her doll's highchair to wait for dinner... it won't be long before she doesn't fit in it!

Mesmerized...

Both my men... mesmerized by something on the TV!