~~ A Celebration of Life-long friendship ~~ Sew Sweet 16 ~~ Now N' Thens 3/11

[sewdisney]

Howdy!

"Today... Well, I am bringing Allison in to school this morning so she doesn't have to ride the bus.

I am going to grab a few groceries while I am there."

The school sells groceries?!?


So since your going to be bored today I feel like there will be more Hi-jinks up your sleeve!!!

Let's do this

Gosh Mo! What kind of schools does Chicago have if they don't sell groceries? That is how ours supplement their budget. The kids learn math by counting out change. It is a bit confusing, because all the canned food is alphabetized. They then convert to a casino at night. All those music classes pay off, because the kids have to do the stage show.

More Hijacking today? I knew I should have called in sick from work.

You guys absolutely crack me up! Quit making me laugh - it hurts!


So glad to hear you were able to work out. I'm glad to know you are doing better. I do hope Allison doesn't over do it!

 

[DMGeurts]

Howdy!

"Today... Well, I am bringing Allison in to school this morning so she doesn't have to ride the bus.

I am going to grab a few groceries while I am there."

The school sells groceries?!?


So since your going to be bored today I feel like there will be more Hi-jinks up your sleeve!!!

Let's do this

Hahaha... Sadly - our schools don't sell groceries... We won't even get started on the new school lunch program they started this year...

Sorry to hear that Alli's sick. I hope she is really feeling better and you don't have to go back and get her later on today.
My daughter was home sick for 3 days with some sort of sinus thing. She did a phone interview for a new job. She'd really appreciate good thoughts that she gets a call for a face to face interview.
I had a short shift yesterday so I put away all the sonar lights and lawn furniture. I have to go out and put the pool's sonar cover in the garage before work. the neighbor boy that mows the lawn will never mow it while it's hanging there. I would just mow under it.
Your trip place sound like a lot of fun. It will probably take 2 or 3 days to get to Disney.
Liz

Allison seems to be doing better... A little coughy/sneezy yet, but better. If she truly had what I had - she did not get it as bad as I did.

Sending Pixie Dust to your dd that she gets a face to face interview.

Good morning D - just chiming in to send some get well vibes you and your family's way - hope you have a restful weekend and get to share some of your Disney trip magic - hope Allison takes care of herself and gets better quick - at the pace she has been going it seems these kiddos take longer to get well because they push themselves - lots of hot tea and vitamin C!

If you have time PM me back with an update - would love to hear about you and your Dad and your daughters.

I am following along on this crazy PTR of yours - so much fun - I hope it all works out - are you still planning on a Senior trip with Allison in 2016?

Hugs and prayers - Carol

THanks Carol... I replied to your PM this morning.

Yes, I am still hoping to take a senior trip with Allison in 2016... I will know more in the fall, once the school releases the 2016/2017 school calendar... I am hoping to take Alli in the spring of 2016, take the Dis trip in the fall of 2016 and then take V on her graduation trip the spring of 2017... If the stars align, I am hoping that I can make these trips work with the purchase of an AP.

Thanks for stopping by - it's always great to see you around these parts.

Gosh Mo! What kind of schools does Chicago have if they don't sell groceries? That is how ours supplement their budget. The kids learn math by counting out change. It is a bit confusing, because all the canned food is alphabetized. They then convert to a casino at night. All those music classes pay off, because the kids have to do the stage show.

More Hijacking today? I knew I should have called in sick from work.

OMG Shannon!!! YOu crack me up!!!!! Thanks for that one!

D~ Glad your feeling better!


The picture of you kissing V is great, that look on her face!

Absolutely love the Princes and the Frog bag, though anything set in New Orleans is good by me.

ROAD TRIP!!!!!

Hahaha... Exactly! You better go check the PTR Cindy... I've given you a job.

And I was wishing I had a a cup of coffee... then I read these and was glad. hot coffee through nasal cavities = not fun.

Everyone have a great weekend!

Hehehe...

OMG this is hysterical!!!!! So appropriate kids learning math and change!! So much better then the dang common core!!!

You guys absolutely crack me up! Quit making me laugh - it hurts!


So glad to hear you were able to work out. I'm glad to know you are doing better. I do hope Allison doesn't over do it!

I know - my Dis friends are always good for some deep belly laughter... It's good for you, I am told, keeps you young...

Thanks... We are getting there - slowly.

**********************************************************

I had a nice day yesterday...

I did workout in the morning... I still took it easy on myself - a little bit.

Then I got dressed and ready - took Alli into school - late.

I called Josh and asked him if I could meet him for lunch... He was a bit suspicious... but no alterior motive, I just don't go up to meet him for lunch very often - so it was nice to go out in the middle of our days.

I stopped in town on my way home and grabbed a couple of pizzas for dinner... I didn't feel like cooking. Even though I don't eat pizza, and I end up cooking a meal for myself - it's nice to have everyone else taken care of.

Gus picked Allison up from school yesterday... They came home and hung out until after we went to bed. I am totally OK with this.

Josh and I went to bed early - we were both so tired.

Today... Nothing exciting.

Allison works... So I am bringing her into town. Gus might be picking her up after her shift...

I'll probably come home after I drop her off and work for a little while. I've been a slacker this last week with being sick - I am not behind, but...

Otherwise... A pretty boring day ahead... You all know how I feel about those.

I hope you all have a nice weekend. Prayers and Pixie Dust to all of you!

D~

 

[Terkina]

Sounds like yesterday was a nice day. I hope today doesn't get as boring as you think.

 

[disneychic2]

Glad everyone is on the mend! Tis the season (already) for germs!

I finally tried JimmyJohns! I enjoyed it a lot. As you know, I don't eat bread very often, but I made it part of my 20% and felt ok doing it. I hear you about the pizza. It's so easy to have for everyone. I usually have a nice big salad when it's pizza night.

I still have to get caught up on your report, so that's what I'll do now. My sister and her hubby are here from Texas and they aren't up yet, so this is my chance to be online guilt free. Have a wonderful weekend!

 

[disneychic2]

I went back about half way and it took me an hour to read everything just that far! Sister still not up!!! Anyway, reading about how very sick your were, I am REALLY glad you are better!! I was sick briefly and got what my family calls my "man voice" and yes, it is cruel to make fun of sick people. You become Minnie and I become a baritone male! What a pair we'd make!

Love the photos of HS! Sounds like a great day so far!!

I have missed you - but due to my own absence not yours Sorry you are having trouble with the Disney blues and that you are feeling so restless.

I believe that you will be called to what you are supposed to be adding to your life, but I'm going to throw out a couple of suggestions of things I think might be up your alley.

I have a friend in Oregon who is involved in making baby quilts for every baby that has to stay in the NICU. I know full on quilts aren't really what you do but thought I'd throw it out there.

Also, along those same lines, but maybe closer to your heart because of your dad, how about finding a reitrement home or assisted living place nearby and quilting for the residents who may not have family close by?

Not sure how or where this exists in your area, but you would be an amazing teen mentor - maybe start with the girls school and see what direction they point you. Or even working with teenagers on diet and exercise, not from the persepective of an expert but just someone who has made some effective changes in her own life.

You could also start an Etsy store (or add to yours) with the fabulous Magic Band cuffs you made. No one else is doing it and I think those are far less time consuming for you but may still be lucrative.

I would suggest, at this point, don't overload yourself. Your girls are still home and even though they are usually busy with their own thing, you want to be available to them every chance you get for the next few years. Not a lot of teenage girls would ask their mom to come hang out with them between school and work - they'd rather hang out with girlfriends or even be by themselves over hanging with their mom - you are doing this right so don't stress yourself out.

Also, if you feel like you need to add a project right now - see what your girls think would be good for you. They know you well and see things in you that you probably don't recognize yourself. There are so many things you are good at, you'll figure out what you are supposed to be doing.

I just had to quote this even though it's from a while back. Jennifer, you are so wise. You always seem to say the right thing and have such great ideas. I cannot wait to meet you. You WILL be joining us in 2016, right??


Okay, back to reading. I'm enjoying it a lot!

 

[OregonMomToWDW]

Glad that everyone is on the mend. Enjoy the boring days when you get them. I was really wishing for a boring weekend, but it is another running around with kid events.

I am glad to have brought some humor yesterday. I will have to remember that people drink coffee though. I do not want to be responsible for inside nose burns.

 

[sewdisney]

That is so sweet that you and Josh had lunch together. I think it is important for couples to do things together every so often – it keeps the love alive!

I certainly think it was okay for you to be a “slacker” this week – you had a good excuse!

 

[ladylyons]

So sometimes I hate that life gets in the way of me keeping up here but that's the way it goes!! Kids are doing great in school, loving both Cub and Girl Scouts!!! Glad it sounds like you are on the mend!! Can't wait to go read your PTR!!

 

[DMGeurts]

Sounds like yesterday was a nice day. I hope today doesn't get as boring as you think.

Thanks Lillian - it was a nice day, it wasn't that boring - so that's good.

Glad everyone is on the mend! Tis the season (already) for germs!

I finally tried JimmyJohns! I enjoyed it a lot. As you know, I don't eat bread very often, but I made it part of my 20% and felt ok doing it. I hear you about the pizza. It's so easy to have for everyone. I usually have a nice big salad when it's pizza night.

I still have to get caught up on your report, so that's what I'll do now. My sister and her hubby are here from Texas and they aren't up yet, so this is my chance to be online guilt free. Have a wonderful weekend!

So, did you like Jimmy Johns Lois? I have such a hard time eating there now, because all I get are the lettuce wraps... but because they put soooo much salt in their meat - the whole thing with the lettuce is just too salty for me. The bread cuts the salt down... Maybe one day, I'll splurge on their bread - but I am still at a point where I don't feel safe doing that.

When we have pizza, that's usually when I have my sweet potato and eggs - it's one of my go-to meals. Sometimes I will steal a bit of of someone's pizza - but again... EVERYTHING is so salty to me now, it's very difficult to enjoy it, when it doesn't taste as good as I remember.

I hope you enjoy your time with your sister and her DH.

I went back about half way and it took me an hour to read everything just that far! Sister still not up!!! Anyway, reading about how very sick your were, I am REALLY glad you are better!! I was sick briefly and got what my family calls my "man voice" and yes, it is cruel to make fun of sick people. You become Minnie and I become a baritone male! What a pair we'd make!

Love the photos of HS! Sounds like a great day so far!!

I just had to quote this even though it's from a while back. Jennifer, you are so wise. You always seem to say the right thing and have such great ideas. I cannot wait to meet you. You WILL be joining us in 2016, right??

Okay, back to reading. I'm enjoying it a lot!

Thanks Lois - yes, I was very sick. The rest of them... Well, Josh and Allison (I am still convinced V was faking) - they just had a nice crappy cold... It's almost as if I had that same cold on top of something else - because neither of them ran a fever at all... And I definitely ran a fever for a couple of days. Now I am just down to a cough - an annoying cough that sounds awful... I've heard this cough hangs on forever - not looking forward to that part.

I agree - I think Jennifer should join us... She does always have such wise words.

Glad that everyone is on the mend. Enjoy the boring days when you get them. I was really wishing for a boring weekend, but it is another running around with kid events.

I am glad to have brought some humor yesterday. I will have to remember that people drink coffee though. I do not want to be responsible for inside nose burns.

We are getting there... I know I need to enjoy these boring weekends, but it's sure hard. LOL

Hehehe... Very true.

That is so sweet that you and Josh had lunch together. I think it is important for couples to do things together every so often – it keeps the love alive!

I certainly think it was okay for you to be a “slacker” this week – you had a good excuse!

Yes, it was fun going out for lunch with Josh... We don't get to do it often enough. I hope that one day we can take a trip alone together - I just keep telling myself, I have all the time in the world for that once the girls are off on their own.

Thanks for the permission to be a slacker this last week... It was kind of nicet to be able to take the time off that I needed to get better... And not feel guilty about it.

So sometimes I hate that life gets in the way of me keeping up here but that's the way it goes!! Kids are doing great in school, loving both Cub and Girl Scouts!!! Glad it sounds like you are on the mend!! Can't wait to go read your PTR!!

No worries Sandra - It's great to see you here whenever you can get here. Glad all of the kids are doing well!

**********************************************************

I had a nice day yesterday...

I took Alli to work and then I did a little bit of shopping around town...

I finally found myself a pair of boots... They are gray... They are not my favorites - but I've come to the conclusion that I am too picky, and I am never going to find the "perfect" pair. So, these were a good consolation - and in the price range I wanted to spend. They also make them in brown and black... I would really like to get a brown pair too... I was able to get my Orthaheel inserts into them when I got home and still room to wear a pair of socks... So even though they aren't exactly what I wanted - I think they will work just fine for me. http://www.maurices.com/product/index.jsp?expcsl=1082419||&productId=33758426

Then I ran to the grocery store to get some frozen ravioli... That's what Alli requested for dinner last night. I, obviously, don't eat ravioli, so I was just planning to have my sauce over a sweet potato... I saw it on pinterest and it looked kind of good.

So, I came home and napped... It was nice.

Gus picked Alli up from work... They came home and talked me into taking them out to dinner to talk to me... Part of it was a bribe, because I wanted to drive Gus' car... He has a new Chevy Cruize and it's a manual transmission - it's been so long since I've driven one... and they are so much fun to drive! So, they offered to let me drive the car to dinner... In exchange for using the gas - I could pay for dinner. Clever kids.

I did a great job driving - considering I have not touched a manual transmission in well over a decade... I was pretty proud - I didn't stall out or jerk them around at all. Guess it's like riding a bike - but a little bit more complicated than that. Almost makes me want to get one for myself.

So, I guess we are having ravioli tonight...

Gus stayed after I went to bed and watched a movie with Allison... Victoria came home from the neighbor's sometime during the night, I woke up with her in my bed this morning.

Today... Well, Alli has to work... So I am taking her into town this morning.

Then I am picking her up - she has some shopping she needs to do, so we are going to the mall.

Gus is meeting us here later to hang out with Allison...

I think that's all we are doing today?

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday! Prayers and good thoughts to all of you!

D~

 

[sweetpeaandevie]

I am glad you are feeling better and slowly getting back to your normal routine!

A little late but I love that ToT photo of you. Well, in front of ToT anyways.....lol......so cute!!!

Well, I can pretty much guarantee that i will not be able to keep up with everything but I am officially in for the ptr! I think it's a great idea! And the perfect thing for you to keep from getting too stir crazy!

 

[DMGeurts]

For those of you who are not my friends on FB, or don't read my blog... I thought I would post this morning's progress photo here...

Photo credit goes to Mo for the Bubba Gump picture... And photo credit goes to Alli for this morning's picture...

I feel like I have made some slight progress in the last few weeks - I know it's not quite the end of the month, but I had to get dressed up today, and I was wearing a similar outfit to the one I was wearing for the "before" pic...

I see the biggest changes in my arms/neck/face... But I also see a huge difference in my complexion - there is just something about it.

Anyways... I hope all of you are having a wonderful Sunday!

D~

 

[KatMark]

D, you have every right to be very proud...you have done an awesome job and you look terrific.

 

[disneychic2]

I posted on FB, but I have to say again: WOW!!! You go girl! Nice photo, Alli!

 

[disneychic2]

Yes, I did like Jimmy Johns. It won't be a frequent stop because I won't eat the bread and if it tastes salty without, I'd just as soon skip it. I did buy some gluten free rolls to have over the weekend. I smoked 3 slabs of ribs while my sister was here and we had a nice feast. Dan usually does the grilling, but when it has to cook all day, I step in. They turned out delish, if I do say so myself. I made bacon and pancakes this morning for everyone, but I of course didn't eat pancakes, just the bacon.

I think driving a stick really is something that comes back to you right away. I'm glad you had fun driving it. Did the kids have that "talk" with you that they wanted to have?

How is your Dad doing? I really need to take time to send him another card. It's been quite a while and he will forget who I am….that is, if he ever really knew who I was. haha That's not important. I just want him to know someone is thinking of him often. I pray for him every morning still.

BTW, I really like those boots. I don't like to wear boots, but I love seeing them on other people and thinking how cute they look. And for that price, I would definitely get the brown ones too!

Okay, going to bed now for real. Have a great day today!!

 

[MissMaryQC]

Subscribing! Got a lot of catching up to do!!

 

[solana131]

Yep, still love that before and after! You look so much younger.....takes 10 years off easily. It's more than just the pounds....it is your smile

Oh to drive a standard again!!! Love it.....it's been a couple years for me, not a decade...but I still miss it. That was one thing I loved about working at a dealership....I got to drive lots of different vehicles

 

[DMGeurts]

I am glad you are feeling better and slowly getting back to your normal routine!

A little late but I love that ToT photo of you. Well, in front of ToT anyways.....lol......so cute!!!

Well, I can pretty much guarantee that i will not be able to keep up with everything but I am officially in for the ptr! I think it's a great idea! And the perfect thing for you to keep from getting too stir crazy!

Thank you... I am getting there. I can't wait to have this cough gone, it's so annoying.

Thanks! It's a fun one - I have gotten a ton of compliments on it. Sometimes I think it's a little weird- but I think it shows my personality?

I am so excited that so many people are in on it... I am shocked that we are filling Van #2 already! Or maybe it's your van? LOL Whichever...

D, you have every right to be very proud...you have done an awesome job and you look terrific.

Thank you Kathy... It's been such a long road, but in all honesty - it doesn't really seem like work anymore, it's just how I live.

I posted on FB, but I have to say again: WOW!!! You go girl! Nice photo, Alli!

Thank you Lois!

Yes, I did like Jimmy Johns. It won't be a frequent stop because I won't eat the bread and if it tastes salty without, I'd just as soon skip it. I did buy some gluten free rolls to have over the weekend. I smoked 3 slabs of ribs while my sister was here and we had a nice feast. Dan usually does the grilling, but when it has to cook all day, I step in. They turned out delish, if I do say so myself. I made bacon and pancakes this morning for everyone, but I of course didn't eat pancakes, just the bacon.

I think driving a stick really is something that comes back to you right away. I'm glad you had fun driving it. Did the kids have that "talk" with you that they wanted to have?

How is your Dad doing? I really need to take time to send him another card. It's been quite a while and he will forget who I am….that is, if he ever really knew who I was. haha That's not important. I just want him to know someone is thinking of him often. I pray for him every morning still.

BTW, I really like those boots. I don't like to wear boots, but I love seeing them on other people and thinking how cute they look. And for that price, I would definitely get the brown ones too!

Okay, going to bed now for real. Have a great day today!!

Yah - I am so bummed about JJs... I used to eat there all the time... It's really hard that I don't like it anymore. To be honest - Chipotle is a lot easier for me to eat... Now that I know I can't have the guac, I can eat there pain free - and for the most part, it's primal. I am sure they use oils and such that I shouldn't have - but I also try hard to be realistic, and there is only so much I can control.

Yes, I was able to talk to the kids... Most of it was talking about some stuff we had talked about previously - but I really like that they are so open with me, it makes life easier.

My dad is doing well... He called the night I was sick - and I think I hung up on him... I remember him calling and I remember telling him I was very sick - but I don't remember the rest of the convo at all. So, I called him back the next day and talked to him for quite a while. He is doing good and he sounds really good. Thank you for continuing to keep him in your prayers - it means a lot to both of us.

Yes - I wore my new boots yesterday, I really like them! I don't think I could wear them to work at Target, but they were comfortable all day - which is unusal for new shoes for me. Granted, I had my Orthaheel inserts in them, so that makes them much more familliar. I'll wait a few weeks - but I think I will get them in brown... Much to the girls' dislike, as they hate them. LOL

Subscribing! Got a lot of catching up to do!!

Welcome!!! Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you enjoy my TR!

Yep, still love that before and after! You look so much younger.....takes 10 years off easily. It's more than just the pounds....it is your smile

Oh to drive a standard again!!! Love it.....it's been a couple years for me, not a decade...but I still miss it. That was one thing I loved about working at a dealership....I got to drive lots of different vehicles

Thanks Suzi... I never imagined I would look younger... It's been really strange, but I will definitely take it. LOL

Yah - it was so fun! But now you have an awesome new van to toodle around town in! I cannot wait to ride in it when we come out!

**********************************************************

We had a nice day yesterday...

I was lazy most of the day...

As you saw above - I talked Alli into taking a progress photo of me, I really hadn't taken a full-length picture of myself since Disney, and I knew I had changed a little bit since then. I posted it on FB, and it's so fun to read people's comments - it's really a great motivator for me.

V and I picked Alli up from work yesterday, and went to the mall. We did our shopping and found what we needed.

Then we had to go out to dinner for Alli's "Cultural Experience" project... She had a list of Mexican restaurants in the metro which were "authentic"... It was fun to go out to dinner with them, the food was good - not the best fajitas I've ever had, but OK... Allison loved it because they had a few vegetarian selections on their menu.

We came home and Gus was here shortly after... Gus asked what our plans are for Thanksgiving... His family invited Allison to their festivities. She has not spent much time with them - most of their time together is spent here... So we will see if this is something she'd like to do? And if we can make it work with our festivites... This is supposed to be a big gathering year for us.

We all hung out... I went to bed and he left.

Today is a Target day... Not really looking forward to it... This cough is still quite nasty - so even though I have no desire to go - I have no reason not to go... So I am going. It's getting harder and harder to work there.

So, that's all... Pretty boring day for us.

I hope you all had a nice weekend! Prayers and good thoughts go out to all of you!

D~

 

[Chicago Mo]

Sounds like a nice relaxing weekend!
The picture i took sucks BTW.... Alli is a better people photographer then i am... I don't like people! LOL..

Have a good day at target!

And I was wishing I had a a cup of coffee... then I read these and was glad. hot coffee through nasal cavities = not fun.

Everyone have a great weekend!

Oh your no fun. That's a great nasal clean out!

You guys absolutely crack me up! Quit making me laugh - it hurts!

Wasn't me. <--- stolen from D

 

[kittylady1972]

Wow what GREAT progress you have made! That's awesome! Send some motivation my way please??

 

[Clio]

I totally understand not wanting to go to work. Ever since I got home from Disney it's gotten harder and harder to get to work because of stuff that's going on.
My daughter didn't get the interview so she's applying at so other places. She's a department manager where I work and really wants a change.
Yesterday was a quiet day. We went out to look at the new Vera bags a a local store but didn't buy anything.
I can see a huge difference in the before and after pictures. You really look good now. Healthy eating will do that.
I hope you have a good day a work.
Liz