Rebecca Elledge [dot] com

As the title states, WANTED...helpers to clean out the garage this weekend. I'll provide beer, broom, power washer and a 16.8 month old little helper, that is as cute as can be.

If you couldn't guess, Ryan and I will be doing some "spring cleaning" around the Elledge casa this weekend. The garage is #1 on our priority list, followed by the laundry room (on my list) and possibly Ryan's office (on his list????). Our garage hasn't been cleaned in well, I don't know how long. At least a year and maybe longer. It is a huge disaster. One would think you could get 4 cars into a four car garage, but I'm amazed that we can get two cars in there currently.

Tonight its laundry and cleaning...not too exciting for a Friday night.

It's going to be a beautiful weekend here in OP. In the mid 80's and sunny. A great weekend to be at the lake, but we opted to stay back and clean...we are crazy! I'm going to take Brae to our neighborhood pool Saturday or Sunday for her to splash around a bit. It's been a short, but long week. Work is crazy, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Spencer is headed to his dad's tonight and then to Grandma Linda and Grandpa Bill's on Saturday night, after the Royals game. He is then leaving for Florida for a week's vacation beginning Thursday - wish I were going!  Ryan's parents set (I think I used that word correctly) out on a week long road trip, I think they left today. I think there stops include Denver, OKC, Memphis, Branson (yee-haw) and OP for a night. It'll be nice to see them, if only for a day or so.  They will be back this direction towards the end of the month, but next time they will be bringing Stephanie, Ashley and Stephen with them. Mike has to work (bummer, I know he needs a vacation too)! I hope the weather is nice and not too hot while they are here. Should have a lot of fun things to do for them....maybe we should hold off cleaning the garage until then...hmmmm.

School is now out (as of Wednesday, 5/27) - I think I am happier than Spencer is. Braelyn can sleep in about 30 minutes later in the morning, and I don't have to leave the house at 7:10 am and do my normal 30 minute drop-off routine. It's to Deb's and then to work. Crazy to think that next school year I'll have another little one to tote around.

Well, I am finishing up my day early. Need to get Spencer and take him to his dad's girlfriend's office tonight. I'm not sure how I got suckered into that. Anyway, need to find my way around the Sprint campus...not going to be fun at 5:00!

Enjoy the weekend! 

First of all...TGIF! It has been a long week, long month and long year - and it's only May! I am blessed that I have a job in this crazy economy, just wish it were a little more how I say enjoyable (at least somedays).

Ryan is headed to the lake with some guys for the weekend. I'm sure they will make a pit stop at Party Cove for several hours and enjoy the "natural environment". I hope that he has a good time, he needs the break from his stressful job. Which leaves Spencer, Braelyn and me. Spencer is going to a SOLD OUT Royals game tonight and then spending the weekend with Kevin. Now that leaves just Braelyn and me, we are going to veg tonight, while doing laundry and cleaning. Tomorrow we are going to plant flowers and enjoy being outside. Sunday - we have Jacob's b-day party to attend and that is it. It should be a nice weekend.

School is out in less than two weeks. I know I'm ready for it to be out, and I think Spencer is too. He is going on vacation in June for a week with Grandpa Bill and Grandma Linda. I think they will have a ton of fun. I can't think of a better way to spend a week but lounging by the pool and basking in the sun...so jealous!

We are going to attempt to drive to CO next weeknd for Nate's graduation. We are driving, but I say attempt because it is our first "road trip" with Princess. It may very well be our last road trip...!

We have several big events this summer/fall. #3 will be born at the end of June, that's right Spencer is going to be another Big Brother, and Brae will be a big sis. We are due around 9/20 and are very excited. I can't wait to get started on the little boy's room. My oldest baby, is turning 16 in August!!! Both of my grandma's (Brownsberber and Bradshaw) turn the big 9-0 this year. I have a cousin getting married on 9/19 (i hope to be there) and a good friend of mine is getting married at the end of August. Kind of a crazy summer for us.

Update on Hoover and Sophie. Hoover made it through his surgery with flying colors. If we can just get him to relax now (I think a tranqulizer might be needed). He can't relax, he wants to be where everyone else is, and around everyone. I can't blame him - I know that being stuck in a room is no fun. Only 6 more weeks pup. We had a scare with Sophie earlier in the week. She was not doing well at all. I took her to the vet, they gave her meds and know more blood in either her stools or vomit.

This is long enough, and I'm tired of typing. Enjoy all and we will see everyone soon!

I’m so glad that America voted Obama and his gang of dems to “save” the country (pause) NOT! I don’t see anywhere in “his” stimulus plan where this will help the unemployed NOW...like today and tomorrow now. Where is the help for the small to medium size companies that are feeling the pinch because the banks and auto makers can’t manage their money correctly?  Who is going to help the families that are barely making ends meet?  Will they run out and buy a new car in 2009 so they can write off the tax???
You can read about the winners and losers of the “stimulus” package. As guessed the LOSERS are the military, Veterans and FBI…let’s not help those who have fought for our freedom, continue to fight for our freedom and help keep us safe from idiots!
Only 1,436 days left until we have the right to vote for a new Prez…will we have a country left?

Come on!

Here we are, another cold day in Kansas City.  I think it is a whopping 7 degrees outside right now.  At least it is clear and sunny, that's the silver lining there.  Now that we have officially had 3 weeks of winter, I am ready for spring.  No more cold morning or windy afternoons. No more snow and ice, just warm sunshine please.  I guess I'd have to move somewhere other than the midwest for warm sunshine in January...maybe someday.  Till then I'll deal with the weather here.
Braelyn turned one last Friday.  I can't believe my precious little princess is 1, it seems like yesterday (I know that is overally used but, its true) that she came into this world and we were bringing her home from the hospital.  I'm enjoying every minute with her, because they grow up way too fast.  Spencer will be 16 this year, and I swear I don't know where the time has gone.
We have another busy weekend ahead of us.  Ryan is having a poker and UFC Fight party at the house on Saturday night.  I'm going out with the girls to celebrate Stephanie's birthday.  Sunday is Cayse's birthday party.  Today he turns 6 - Happy Birthday Cayse!
Will we ever have a weekend where we get do nothing and just enjoy being at home...I hope so!  I don't think we have any plans the next weekend!
Well enough rambling...I really didn't have much to say!

I am not a fan of the snow.  I have been running around to client meetings all day and have decided that I don't like snow.  I don't mind it when I don't have to get out in it, and I can just watch it come down.
Here we are two weeks away from Christmas and I don't have any of my shopping done.  I am planning on knocking it out this weekend.  So, get your lists to me now if you want anything...just kidding, but I do need ideas!

Brae will be a year old in a month.  I have already started looking at invitations and cake ideas.  Planning birthday parties for little Brae will be so much fun.  Spencer's parties were fun too, but boys are easy.  It's the girls that pay attention to detail, okay well maybe just the mom's. 

Well...need to run, just wanted to mention that I hate snow and that my Christmas shopping was not done.

It's snowing outside.  Our first snow of the year, althoug it's not sticking, not quite cold enough for that yet.  Ryan is at the Murphy's taking pics of the kids for a Christmas card.  Braelyn is crawling on Hoover trying to get to the table in the living room...oh wait, he moved.  Braelyn has reached the table and is now opening the drawers. I am watching the MU - KU game.  GO MIZZOU!  MU just scored, are down 10-7 with 11 minutes left in the 2nd quarter.  I want MU to stomp KU again.  I realize that I live in Kansas, and just 40 minutes from Lawrence, but I grew up in Missouri - I'm loyal.
'
Ryan and I are going to dinner and a movie with Gabe and Stephanie tonight.  We are going to meet them for a movie, "Four Christmases" and then to Capital Grille for dinner.  I am craving some cocunut cream pie, but I won't eat it.  Ryan don't let me! 

This will be another short week for work.  I leave on Thursday morning at 6 am for Naples, FL with Stephanie and four other friends for a girls weekend.  I can't wait.  Four days setting at the pool and hanging out at the beach.  Can't wait...I need the break.  My friend Holly is coming over on Thursday night to help Ryan with Braelyn and then Ryan will take Brae to mom and dad's on Friday afternoon and will pick her up sometime on Sunday.  Spencer will be at his dad's next weekend.  Ryan will have a nice quiet weekend at home with Hoover and Sophie.

MU just sacked KU's quarterback.  Too bad he got up, not that I want him hurt too bad, just out for the game.  Braelyn is tearing up what was my Pottery Barn catalog.  I guess that is one way to keep me from buying something. 

Spencer has spent the weekend with his dad. He's been over there since Wednesday, I miss him.  I know Brae misses him too, she crawls around babbling Bub, Bub, Bub.  Ryan misses his Guitar Hero partner too.

Miss Brae is tired, I think its time for a nap and she's eating paper...nice!

Enjoy the rest of the long weekend!
R.

Braelyn has mastered stairs...need I say more!

Braelyn Grace Elledge, Brae, Brae-Brae, BGE...our almost 10 month old who is now pulling herself up, crawling everywhere, loves to shut and open any kind of drawer, cabinet and door has made several huge milestones in the last month.  She will be taking her first step by the first of December, or so I think.  Where does the time go.  I remember last time this year we were preparing for her arrival.  Crazy how time flies.  One other thing that she has almost mastered is the word da-da.  Ryan has really been working with her (and I have too) trying to get her to say da-da and figure out who da-da really is.  After that it is one to ma-ma!

I think it is about time Hoover and da-da get another BGE moment documented!  What do ya think?!?!

I can't believe the time has flown by this fast...its amazing the changes that she has gone through over the last 9 months.  She is crawling, has two teeth and is the sweetest thing you will ever see.  Soon she will be walking...YIKES!

Ryan and I are down to less than two weeks left until we leave KC for sunny, warm, relaxing Maui.  I am very much looking forward to this trip.  We both need the break, Ryan more so than me.  We both need to unwind, relax and just chill for a week.  I started looking at another island to visit, Kauai and Kona look pretty cool.  Airfare is pretty cheap to either location, under $300 for both of us roundtrip.  So we'll see...if anyone has any suggestions, let me know.

So, back to the "It is so on!"...now that we have less than two weeks to go, I really need to buckle down and get the last 5 lbs off.  I'm down 10, but my goal was and is 15.  I kind of screwed up this weekend, I tend to do that.  I got up at 4:30 this morning and went to the gym, I ran a couple of miles at lunch and hope to do the same tomorrow...although I have a lunch meeting.  BUT, I will get up at 4:30 and head to the gym tomorrow morning...note to self, set the alarm.

Okay, speaking of alarms our two alarms (Hoover and Sophie) are ready to come in from outside.

"It's so on"...Rebecca

A lot of things have changed since my last blog report.  Spencer made the soccer team and is goalie for BVNW.  Their record is 2-1, they lost last night to a very tough Blue Valley North team.  Braelyn is officially crawling, is able to go from lying down to sitting up and has a tooth!  It's amazing what a weekend will do to a 8 1/2 month old.
Ryan is busy at work.  He has a board meeting on Wednesday, so he will be working late tonight on his presentation.  We are getting ready for two big events.  Our 3rd Annual Elledge Spook-tacular Halloween Bash and a trip to Maui.  I can't wait for either one of them, but I am truly ready for our vacation.  It will be nice to get away from work for a week.  I will miss the kids a lot, but I know they will enjoy spending time with the grandparents.  Braelyn is going to Grandma Vickie and Grandpa Steve's while Spencer is spending time with my mom and dad.  I know both kids will be, what do you call it...oh yeah, SPOILED.  But it will be worth it, the kids don't get to spend a lot of time with the grandparents.
I am trying very hard to get in shape before the trip.  I've lost 6 pounds, just need to lose 6 more.  I'm hitting the gym at least once, but sometimes twice a day.  I am going running with the girls here at work over lunch.  I need to cut down on eating too, didn't do so great this weekend.  Ryan and I drove through Backyard Burger on Saturday...I love Backyard Burger...they have waffle fries .
Well need to go...till later!

R.

Today, August 18th, 2008 we are approximately 60 days away from our Maui trip.  I am so excited and can hardly wait.  I woke up this morning at 4:30 am and headed to the gym.  I got my workout in and was home a little after 6.  The nice part about getting up that early and into the gym, my work out is done for the day.  The bad news is, is that I need to re-train my body to start getting up that early again.  A couple of years ago, I had no problem getting up at 4:30 and heading to the gym for my work out.  I was younger, I needed less sleep, and I didn't have a 7 month old.  Now my body needs more sleep, I am older (no comment needed honey), and am blessed to have a 7 month old whom I wouldn't trade for anything.  My goal is to lose 10 lbs before our trip and to continue to get up early and workout.  I'm going to try to hit the gym a couple of times during the week at lunch.  I feel like if I blog about it, then I have to continue to do it, as it is on the internet forever.

Spencer began his high school career on Friday.  He had Freshman orientation.  Today was his first full day with the upper classman.  I'm sure he had a good day, but being in a school three times the size of his middle school is, well overwhelming.  I believe the class of 2012 is the largest class so far to go through BVNW with a size of 440+.  Huge compared to my class of 92.  It's amazing, where we live there are 6 high schools in our district, the population of each school exceeds 1,200 kids.  1,200 kids, that is larger than the size of some small towns.  He begins soccer try-outs this afternoon.  I hope he does well, BVNW was boys' state soccer champs last year, they take it pretty seriously.  

Little B' is home sick today.  She is upstair asleep, I'm working from home, honestly I am.  I took her to the doctor this mornin, she has a cold, both ears are irritated and she has not one, but two teeth coming in.  She has a reason to be cranky and irritable.  I enjoy when I work from home, I have the best of both worlds.  She will be crawling soon, she wants to really bad.  It's amazing how fast they grow up.  I remember when Spencer was this age, I always wished he would reach his next milestone.  With Braelyn, I hope that she stays little longer.
 
Ryan is headed to San Diego and Phoenix this weekend with Gabe for a Dave Matthews Concert tour.  They will also travel to George, Washington (sounds funny, huh?) for a long Labor Day weekend of camping & a DMB concert.  Ryan claims that it is the prettiest venue around for a concert.  I'm sure the guys will have a blast.

Well need to go check on Brae, and get back to work.  Till next time!

R. 

It's been a very quiet and relaxing Sunday.  I've made no plans today, and I can still say that it's 4:00 in the afternoon and I still have no plans for the afternoon and evening.  Yesterday, we celebrated my mom's 60th Birthday.  Her actual birthday is Juy 31.  We had a surprise party for her yesterday, and I can say we pulled it off successfuly; she had no clue.  We had approximately 35 people at our house yesterday afternoon.  Everyone showed up before Noon, just as planned.  Mom, Dad, Chris, Sandy and the boys showed up a few minutes after 12:30.  Mom and Dad were the last to walk in...everyone yelled "SURPIRSE", mom was shocked, you could tell on the look on her face.
Ryan, my wonderful hubby cooked hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill in the 95+ heat, he is such an amazing man, I'm lucky.  Ryan also put together this very cool DVD of pictures of mom and our family.  We all watched it yesterday after lunch.  I caught several people with tears in their eyes, including my mom and my dad...tears in his eyes.  He was truly touched with all that we did for mom.  All in all the day for mom was wonderful.  I think she loved every minute of it and enjoyed seeing her family, some that she hasn't seen since my grandpa's funeral.
Last night, I went to my friend Patty's bachelorette party.  It was a fun and crazy time.  Lots of dancing, lots of shots, and one of the girls had a lot to drink...the bride to be.  The sidewalk outside of IHOP will never look the same, if you know what I mean.
Well, I need to probably get up and help Ryan get ready to go to Chicago. He's gone tonight through Wednesday at a Hosting Conference.  He gets home Wed night and the we leave Thursday afternoon for Casper.  We are celebrating his Grandpa Emmett's 80th and Grandma Hotshot's 90th Birthday's.  Lots of great milestones this summer...let's keep them coming.

Love ya all!
R.

Can I just say that I have a pretty amazing husband?!?!  Ryan and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary on Tuesday.  He surprised me with 4 dozen long stem red roses at work, dinner at the Melting Pot, and hooked us up with a pretty posh ride.  After dinner we walked around the plaza, down by Brush Creek and hit Reverse for a drink and some live music.

All in all, we had a very nice night!

Love you Ryan, thanks for making the last two years wonderful!

It's May...where has the time gone?  As I sit (correct use of the word) here at work, looking out my window the rain looks as though it is starting to move in.  It's 5:00 and time to go home here in a bit.  Hopefully Ryan's plane will not be delayed too long tonight.  He is coming home from an overnight trip, a board meeting in NY.  We had a video shoot at the house this morning.  A production crew was there filming an eCommercial for one of lendors.  It was fun being involved in that.
School will be out in about 3 weeks or so.  Spencer had his very last "early release" day of his life, or so he says.  Blue Valley has early release the 1st Tuesday of every month.  He begins high school next year and that will be the end of the early release days.  Spencer has his 8th Grade graduation on May 27th.  I don't ever remember there being an 8th grade graduation when I was in P. Hill.  Although 8th grade was part of the high school.  Anywho, I am planning on watching my "baby" graduate from 8th grade and move onto some of the best years of his life...high school.
Miss Braelyn is growing up so fast.  She of course is rolling over, and thinks it is somewhat of a game when I put her down in her crib and she immediately rolls over and laughs.  Speaking of laughing, she was cooing and laughing all morning long.  It was fun having her at home with me this morning.
Work is okay.  I am not as busy as I was before I left for maternity leave, my manager (and friend) is leaving on Friday to pursue a new venture.  I'm not 100% happy where I am right now.  Part of me would love to find something else to do, part of me would love to hang out with Braelyn during the day.  Oh well, I know life here at the "Vu" will turn around soon.
I went out with Shelly on Friday night.  We went to see Colbie Calliet (I think I spelled it correctly).  We met at the PNL (Power & Light District), the new trendy hang out in KC.  Tons of bars and restaraunts close to the Sprint Center.  Then we headed to the Uptown Theatre for the concert.  Afterwards, we decided to stop at Denny's at 12th and Broadway (we were definitely the minority there) for some late night food.  We didn't eat earlier in the evening...didn't want the food to make us bloated or our jeans too tight (WOMEN!!!).  So after some BNG, Bacon and Eggs I got into my car and headed home.  I had Rachael Anderson come over and watch Braelyn.  Rachael is a teacher at All Around Child.  I really liked her, and I think Braelyn did too.  I'm definitely going to have Rachael come back to babysit.
We have a couple of trips planned this year...another thing that I am day dreaming about.  Ryan and I are going to Chicago and St.Louis next month with Gabe and Stephanie to see DMB.  Then in October we are supposed to go back to Maui with Gabe and Stephanie.  I am so ready for that vacation.  Justine and her new hubby just returned from Kaui yesterday.  She said it was a blast and loved every minute of it...I'm jealous can't wait!
Well I need to finish some things up here...till later!
One last thought...I wonder who will win NC and Indiana, Obama or "The HC"?  I don't know if I really care...whoever it'll be will get their butt kicked by JM in November!

R.