"Hi, Bets!"

Today, when I went to babysit/play with Ellen, she was doing all kinds of new, exciting things!

When I walked up to the door, she saw me through the window & gave me a wave and a smile. Until now, her wave has been a GIANT sweeping art motion from left to right. Today, it was a small, wrist-twisting wave.

She was eating a snack when I came in, but when we got her out of her high chair she was excited to play. Molly said, "Ellen, give Aunt Betsy a hug!" She walked towards me and actually walked into my arms & snuggled. Just a week ago, when I asked for a hug, she looked at me like I was crazy.

We played the entire time Erik & Molly were running errands. We played with blocks, keys, and my purse, which seems to be her FAVORITE game! I put my purse down when I walked in, and she immediately started to get in it. Erik must not have known that this is a regular occurrence, because when he took her away from my purse, she cried the biggest crocodile tears. The tears stopped when I pulled my wallet out & handed it over to her. Today, after she pulled every.single.thing. out of my purse, she actually put them all back in when I asked. Progress!

On to the books! Normally when I pull out books to read, Ellen has been pretty squirmy and would rather be playing with toys. This afternoon, she got book after book after book out of her basket. She would bring them over to me & then jump in my lap to listen to the book. We read probably 15 books, some faster than others, thanks to Ellen's quick page turning!

The best part of today was when I actually heard Ellen say, "Hi, Bets"! Molly has been calling me "Aunt Bets" since Ells was born, but more often now that Ellen is really starting to talk. I've anxiously been waiting, waiting, waiting for the day when she says my name! Kristin & Emilie told me I would be so excited ... they have little nieces that have been saying their names for years!

When it was time to go, I got another great hug and a "Bye bye, Bets" with a wave at the door! I'm AMAZED at how much she changed in just a short week ... I think it's just going to get better and better each time I see her. :)

Love you, Ells!

New Year's Resolutions - Written by 4th graders

It's been a while, but I just sat down to grade the NYE Resolution worksheets I assigned to my kids the first day we came back from winter break. After sharing half of them with Jill during our grading party at Panera, I thought I'd share some of the best (unedited) resolutions with you. [Side note: I was surprised how many of my kids didn't know what a resolution was. Some had not even heard the word before.]

Directions: During New Year's celebrations, we often pledge to make the coming year better than the last. Many people make New Year's resolutions. Think of some resolutions you want to make and write them in the spaces below. List your resolution for becoming a better ...

Student:

• I will put my head down at lunch.
• To always put my best work into my papers.
• Listen & follow directions.
• Study 30 min or more a day on test.
• To stop playing alot of videogames.
• To get my work turned in on time. Because I'm a slow worker.
• I will pay attention in class.
• Don't talk as much.

Son or Daughter:

• I can be a better Daughter by babysitting For my mom.
• To not make a fuss about cleaning my room.
• Not complaining when my Mom or Dad asks me to do it.
• I'll think before I react to things.
• Not to say no when my mom or dad ask me to do something.
• Vacum the house when were cleaning the house.
• Help clean the citchin.
• I will do stuff on my own.
• When my parents say play the piano I will.

Sister or Brother:

• Dont tatltale as mutch.
• To not be so "mean".
• By not trying to be bossy.
• To help my sister with her homework.
• Lend a helping hand.
• Be nicer to my brother.
• I will try not to get upset when I am playing a game with my brother.
• I will not fight with my sister.

Friend:

• To not be so end pendent.
• I'll be generous to all my friends.
• If I want to play a different game than my friend I will play their game first.
• Inviting them to my partys.
• Don't just talk about me.
• Invite people more, so we can have a playdate.
• I will not push around with my friend.
• Listen to their ideas.

If you could make one New Year's resolution for our country or the world, what would it be:

• DO NOT POLUTE! (recicle)
• I would create world peace.
• Save electricity, and carpull, go green. So it will save our earth.
• To give more stuff to charity and poor people.
• Stop the ozoarn layer it from disentagrating.
• To end world hunger and every one have a home.
• To recycle more, stop globol warming, be green, stop littering, don't text while driving, let the troops see there family more.
• Stop puluting.
• Try to adopt animals so they aren't stuck in pet shop were they will get lonely and feel unwanted.

I think they did a pretty good job ... what do you think!?

blik for betsy

Maybe you'll remember a post I wrote about the blik decal that Molly, Mom & I put on the Ellen's nursery wall. That was before we even knew Ell's name ... and she was still Lulu to us! :)

Since then (October of 2008), I've wanted to get a blik decal for my condo. It didn't matter where one would go ... because I've got PLENTY of empty walls. That's what happens when you are a single teacher, who can't afford nice decor for your home :)

Over winter break, I started looking at the site, www.whatisblik.com and I found lots of patterns that I liked. Then, I came across the Me, MyShelf & I wall decal. It was exactly what I needed for my loft! If you are looking for any kind of wall art, I HIGHLY suggest checking out the site. These lights, plants & headboards are some of my favorite decals they sell!

Here is a slideshow of the process to put the decal on my loft wall. With the three of us, I'd say it took us about two hours from start to finish.


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What do you think? You likey?

I love you, Conan!

Conan O'Brien's statement

Conan O'Brien released a statement regarding NBC's plan to shift "The Jay Leno Show" to the time slot currently held by "The Tonight Show."

Conan O'Brien released the following statement regarding NBC's plan to shift "The Jay Leno Show" to the time slot currently held by "The Tonight Show."

People of Earth:

In the last few days, I've been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, I've been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I've been absurdly lucky. That said, I've been suddenly put in a very public predicament and my bosses are demanding an immediate decision.

Six years ago, I signed a contract with NBC to take over The Tonight Show in June of 2009. Like a lot of us, I grew up watching Johnny Carson every night and the chance to one day sit in that chair has meant everything to me. I worked long and hard to get that opportunity, passed up far more lucrative offers, and since 2004 I have spent literally hundreds of hours thinking of ways to extend the franchise long into the future. It was my mistaken belief that, like my predecessor, I would have the benefit of some time and, just as important, some degree of ratings support from the prime-time schedule. Building a lasting audience at 11:30 is impossible without both.

But sadly, we were never given that chance. After only seven months, with my Tonight Show in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time by making a change in their long-established late night schedule.

Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the Tonight Show to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35. For 60 years the Tonight Show has aired immediately following the late local news. I sincerely believe that delaying the Tonight Show into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn't the Tonight Show. Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy.

So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of The Tonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn't matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more.

There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.

Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair; it's always been that way.

Yours,

Conan

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010775198_conanstatement12.html

DIY project to stop the cold from coming in

Have you heard? It's cold in Kansas. REALLY cold. So cold, that some of the high temperatures this week are in the single digits.

I have an entire wall full of windows in my dining room. In the summer, the late afternoon sun beats in and my condo gets quite hot. In the winter, I've noticed there is a draft that comes through the windows and cools down this first floor of my condo.

Just last week, I folded up some fleece I had left over from Minnie's Fleecy Toys to cover the drafty spots. I should have done that earlier because I think it has made a difference. Then, I got an itch to make something ... as I often do. I wanted to make my own cute, draft blockers.

Molly had the great idea to use fun, patterned tights ... and that would make this project a no-sew project, which is always a good idea!

So, with $10 worth of tights (2 pair from Marshall's for $5 each), $12 worth of rice (4, 5-pound bags of rice from Deal$) and about 30 minutes, I have 4 new window draft blockers. I did buy another pair of tights to make 2 door draft blockers, but I ran out of rice. Who knew that it would take so much?

Here are the pictures that show the process:

Here is a link to the directions & details that I uploaded on a DIY instructional site, WIDWI - What I Did With It: http://www.widwi.com/widwi.php?item=203

Thanks for the new toy, Grandma McKnight

This is the new toy that mom got Minnie for Christmas! Doesn't it look like fun? It's colorful (yes, I know she's colorblind) and bouncy and made of tough rubber.

Wait a minute! What is that on the floor near Minnie? Is that candy? Nope ... it's part of the toy. After seeing that, I watched Minnie carefully bit EACH AND EVERY ONE of those balls off that toy.

What I thought was interesting, was that after she bit each piece off, she spit them out in a little pile. Minnie was so sad that I took the toy away from her & threw it away. I'm so sad that this was yet ANOTHER toy that seemed to last just a matter of minutes! Why can't my dog play with toys like most dogs do, NOT eat them?

Here's a video of her biting the pieces off & spitting them out in a pile.

Thanks for the toy, Mom/Grandma!

So proud of all your hard work!

My friend Megan has been working her hiney off the last few years to get not one but two new businesses up & running. With the help of her friend & business partner, Danielle, they have started two successful companies: Soiree Event Designs and Bella Bridesmaid.

Soiree does event and wedding planning and Bella is a retail store that sells (mainly) bridesmaid dresses. After renovating their Brookside store with the help of friends & family they have been open for a few months. Bella's retail is in the front of the store and Megan & Danielle run Soiree from the office in back. The entire store is beautiful, classy and a place that I'd love to hang out.

Today, Megan's husband shared a link to an article in the Kansas City Star Economy section that is written about Megan & her businesses. How cool is that? I'm SO proud of you, Megan!

Here is the article:

How I Got the Job: Megan Allen, 28

Megan AllenThe job: Owner
The businesses: One of my businesses, Soiree Event Designs, which focuses on wedding planning, is based in an office out of my new Brookside retail store, Bella Bridesmaid. Bella Bridesmaid was founded in San Francisco in 2000 and franchised in 2006. Our independently owned and operated shop opened here in Kansas City in October.

My role: The job is multifaceted. My co-owner and I keep busy with bridesmaid appointments, but also are busy with buying, bookkeeping and the wedding planning that operates out of the back of the store. We both wear many hats.

How long have you been in this position?
We’ve began operating Soiree Event Designs out of our homes since 2006.

Why did you decide to establish your own business?
First and foremost, I never saw myself not working, but I also want to have a family. I felt that if I started my own business at a young age, I could create the groundwork to make my life a lot more flexible when kids do come into the picture.
Although there is a ton of responsibility, long hours and dedication that goes into owning your own business — sometimes even more so than working for someone else — it is that much easier because you are doing something that you created. Plus, the successes of the company are so much more enjoyable when you can directly attribute them to the hard work you yourself put in.

How did you find your business partner?
Danielle Suarez, and I met in college and started our wedding planning company together based on both of our loves of entertaining. Also, we have very similar work ethics and goals.

Were there any organizations particularly helpful to you in starting this business?
Yes, the Small Business Administration Web site —www.sba.gov — was very helpful in terms of writing our business plan and the business development center at the University of Missouri-Kansas City offered us in-person guidance, which was nice.

What did you have to consider before starting this venture?
Too many things to count. Was it a good idea; was Kansas City a good fit for this concept; how would I come up with the capital needed to start; where would I put the shop; is this something I can see myself doing for many, many years to come; can I make money doing this; do I know enough about business to run my own company? The business plan helped answer a lot of those questions.

Are there any low points as a small business owner?
There are many days I get extremely frustrated and discouraged because there is a lot of “figuring it out.” Before, when I worked for someone else, if something didn’t go right or I didn’t know how to do something, there was always someone to go to and ask for guidance or help. Now it’s up to me and Danielle.
However, you overcome those low points by taking a step back, thinking through it logically and taking the time to do it right. Plus, there are always other small business owners out there that I can consult. They may not do the exact same thing I do, but I’m sure they’ve been in a relatable situation.

What is your advice for others wanting to start their own businesses?
Go for it! Honestly, that sounds corny, but I think you can sometimes be your own worst enemy by talking yourself out of something. However, don’t rush into it. You’ve got to do the groundwork to give your business a successful foundation. Do your research, write a business plan and have multiple people read it and make many revisions to it, and work really, really hard.

What is your educational and work experience?
I have my bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Kansas (May 2003). My work experience is in private and corporate event planning. My first career job was working for Kansas City’s The Catering Co., now called Inspired Occasions. Then I worked as catering manager for Restaurant Associates in Chicago. I also have been an account manager for Barkley advertising in Kansas City.

How does this retail store fit into your long-term career plans?
I plan to always be in this industry, however, my businesses give me the desire to always seek new business opportunities.
| Sue Dye Babson, special to The Star

Submitted by Donna Vestal on January 3, 2010 - 5:00am.
How I Got the Job | add new comment

Winter Break Review

I was feeling bad that I hadn't posted in a while, but I didn't really know how to sum up what had been going on since the beginning of my Winter Break. So ... here it is in pictures. I have a few more days of break, so any additional pictures, you'll just have to check out my photo blog. I've decided to continue with it for year two. I really enjoyed doing that blog since it was simple & quick. I also felt that it was a great way to work on my photography skills. My goal for this year is to save up enough money (ha!) to treat myself to a fancy digital SLR camera.

Here we go!

Part of my Christmas decor. I love the way my condo looks with all my decorations up. Last year I took it all down by January 7th. I'm hoping to put it all away by the time I go back to work next week.

This pic pretty much sums up Christmas morning. Ellen wanting to get her hands on all the presents & Minnie looking flustered and running around.

The cute moss terrarium that Molly & I made for Mom and Ann. They were doing so well the first week and now they seem to have some yucky mold growing in them. I will read into some quick fixes ... but the best fix may just be starting over from scratch. They are so darn cute, I hate to see them do poorly.

I came home on Christmas night to find this lovely leak in my living room. After FREAKING out & using my fancy ear-to-wall detective skills, I realized that it was snow/roof related ... not pipes/bathroom related. It continued to drip pretty steadily for 4 days. Now it has stopped, but the plaster on the ceiling fell off & the ceiling is stained much more than what this picture shows. The HOA workmen say they'll be out in a few weeks to fix. Hopefully this will, in fact, be covered by my HOA dues!

It snowed ... and snowed .. and snowed ... AND SNOWED! I'm not sure when I've ever seen this much snow in Kansas City! I don't think Minnie has even been alive when there has been this much snow. It's NOT fun walking her in the bitter cold, but at least she'll go out!
The crew at the Wagner's annual Cookie Decorating Party. It was the 20th (or was it the 21st?) year of the party ... so it was 1989-themed. A fun time was had by all ... unfortunately we were missing some due to snow, family & plumbing disasters!

My cookie this year! I normally just do one cookie. I earned the 2nd Runner Up prize with this snow globe. It took me close to an hour ... well worth it!

Look! It's a Snuggie! You can even knit when you are wearing it. Mitz & I were so cold, we both wrapped up in the Snuggie that Adam & Jill got at their family gift exchange.

We spent a lot of our break playing Wii. Big Brain Academy is always good for a laugh! I call this girl on the right, "angry, unicorn, gap-teeth" when I'm trying to remember what the characters look like! :)

Becca & Charlotte playing at the girls' gift exchange. Charlotte is so funny when you put a camera on her. She blinks & smiles right when she sees the flash!

It was so nice to get together for our gift exchange. Thanks to Megan & Emilie for cooking up a wonderful dinner. Love you girls!

The other way that we spent our Christmas break. A rare picture of me that Jilly took. Mitzi realized that she hadn't played Guitar Hero since she moved last March. We missed it ... but I could do without playing Van Halen GH.

Jilly & Adam rocking out to 80's Guitar Hero.

On the 31st, I actually went up to school to work for a few hours. I gave up after 3 hours when I couldn't feel my fingers to type. The temperature was anywhere from 60-64 degrees while we were up there! Brrrr!

Went later that day to play with Ellen. This was the first time I'd seen her have a bath in the big tub & not the kitchen sink. She LOVES to play with her toys & move around constantly (probably to stay warm)! Look at those lashes!

And ... here we are. A new year!