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

[Chicago Mo]

So what are you naming your new puppy? you know darn well your keeping it.

Enjoy the robotic baby..

Have a great weekend.

 

[ljcrochet]

Have you contacted a vet to see if they can scan the dog for a chip? I hope you find the owner, if not the dog will have a great home with you guys.

 

[cajunfan]

Wow! Finally caught up here!

Enjoying your report!

Love the bags...and looking forward to the one that you are making for a friend of mine...actually my boarder...not sure when he is on the schedule, but it will be interesting.

Congrats on your results in your journey for a healthier more fit you! I really wish I had the gumption to undertake that journey. (OK, where is my whistling smilie face???)

Looks like you guys may have a new furry family member! Ones that you have saved like that seem to be the most appreciative of a god life.

Take care!

lynn

 

[sewmess]

I'm gone for a while and the whole DIS changes. I can't find the posts I was following. Except for you & 1 other.

Okay, I'm going to ask you your advice. Cale and I are going to be starting a dietary regimen together & are planning on starting March 1st. What I'd like is any advice you have to encouraging him to eat clean(er) - and that's not just for D~, as I suspect some others of you have better luck with getting your spouses on board. - not that Josh doesn't eat well, but you have mentioned him grumbling about your 'diet'. I know I'm in for an uphill battle (he might surprise me, but he likes his crunchy foods like chips & crackers) but if we could just eat more fresh, I suspect we'd both feel better. So any suggestions would be welcome.

Now my plea is out there, on to commenting:
Congrats to Allison and good luck to her driving in difficult weather conditions. Like you said, at least it was just snow, not what we get down here - ice more than snow.
Do you think the dog is fully grown - I ask because there looks like it might have some pincher. Not a bad thing, just a bigger dog.

Pixie Dust to all!!

 

[DMGeurts]

So what are you naming your new puppy? you know darn well your keeping it.

Enjoy the robotic baby..

Have a great weekend.

Hahaha... No name yet. She is a great dog... but I think MM loves her too much? We are still hoping her owners claim her.

Thanks... LOL I hope you have a great weekend too.

Have you contacted a vet to see if they can scan the dog for a chip? I hope you find the owner, if not the dog will have a great home with you guys.

Yes, I took her in to our vet yesterday morning... She was treated for a couple of issues, and they scanned her for a chip (no chip)... They also added her to their list of missing dogs, and I posted her photo on their FB page. Hopefully her rightful owners show up. Sadly - the vet thinks she may have been abandoned, as she had to be treated for things that are easily treatable and inexpensive. :/ And if the owners do show up... They will have a nice vet bill to pay me when they claim her... Not trying to be nasty - but it's very frustrating to me to know that this nice animal was neglected - not just out in the cold, but needed Vet care. Sigh.

Wow! Finally caught up here!

Enjoying your report!

Love the bags...and looking forward to the one that you are making for a friend of mine...actually my boarder...not sure when he is on the schedule, but it will be interesting.

Congrats on your results in your journey for a healthier more fit you! I really wish I had the gumption to undertake that journey. (OK, where is my whistling smilie face???)

Looks like you guys may have a new furry family member! Ones that you have saved like that seem to be the most appreciative of a god life.

Take care!

lynn

Hello there Lynn! It's great to see you here! So happy we are FB friends - so I know that all is well in your world.

Yup - I received a message from your boarder last night, and I send him an update.

Thank you... I just started changing my habits one thing at a time, and over the course of 3 years now, they have just added up to something amazing. I am very proud of myself for all the little changes I have made. I find that my life is so fulfilling now, and it's zero effort to live this way. I encourage anyone and everyone to give it a try - you'll find that you had ailments that you didn't know were ailments and you'll feel better than you've ever felt in your life... Size loss was just an additional side effect of that.

Well, we will see how it goes... If the owner claims her, we will give her back. But I guarantee if we give her back - I think we will be becoming a 2 dog household... We've really seen great benefits for MM to have someone to play with - he is VERY happy.

I'm gone for a while and the whole DIS changes. I can't find the posts I was following. Except for you & 1 other.

Okay, I'm going to ask you your advice. Cale and I are going to be starting a dietary regimen together & are planning on starting March 1st. What I'd like is any advice you have to encouraging him to eat clean(er) - and that's not just for D~, as I suspect some others of you have better luck with getting your spouses on board. - not that Josh doesn't eat well, but you have mentioned him grumbling about your 'diet'. I know I'm in for an uphill battle (he might surprise me, but he likes his crunchy foods like chips & crackers) but if we could just eat more fresh, I suspect we'd both feel better. So any suggestions would be welcome.

Now my plea is out there, on to commenting:
Congrats to Allison and good luck to her driving in difficult weather conditions. Like you said, at least it was just snow, not what we get down here - ice more than snow.
Do you think the dog is fully grown - I ask because there looks like it might have some pincher. Not a bad thing, just a bigger dog.

Pixie Dust to all!!

Yah - it is quite a shock isn't it? But it's really not that bad, it just looks different.

I wish I had some great suggestions for you, but I don't. I've all but given up on Josh. He still thinks I am on a "fad diet" and has suggested that I am brainwashed by all of the authors of the books I read. Seriously. Yet - here I sit in the absolute best health I have ever been in, in the best shape... Makes no sense to me. As a side effect - he does end up eating some of the things that I eat... Most dinner meals are Meat + veggies + side of noodles/rice... I eat the meat & veggies and he eats that plus the noodles/rice side. That's how I make my meal planning the easiest. He as no desire to join me... He eats whatever he wants for breakfast/lunch/snacks - so the only meal he really gets that's anywhere close to one of mine is dinner. There are many things I have made that he flat out hates and grumbles for days afterwards that I am "poisoning him"... The chocolate chili from Well Fed was one thing - is has countless rave reviews... but the minute he heard that there was chocolate in it, since that is not considered "conventional" - he ate it, but his face was sour the entire time. Little does he know, I've been putting cholocate in my chili since we've been married (the Betty Crocker recipe calls for it...) - but I've never told him. Whatever... I eat the way I eat... I enjoy the absolute best health I can enjoy at my age, and he doesn't. There's not much else I can do... I can only lead by so much example. Ya know? Sorry to go into it so much - but it's such a sore spot for me, and I don't think I will ever consider myself truly successful until Josh adknowledges my success - both health wise and physically. Hopefully someone here will have better advice for you - LOL - because clearly, this is one aspect of my life that I have not been successful.

Thank you - she is doing SO WELL at driving - I am very proud of her!

Yes, the Vet thinks the dog is approx 1-2 years old... Still young, but not a puppy. To be honest, she acts like LESS of a puppy than MM... So, I would guess they are closer to the same age - but the Vet thinks not. There is just no way of knowing for sure. She is much smaller than MM though - but she holds her own just fine.

Thanks so much for stopping by Ruth!!! It's great to see you!

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

I didn't get much time in my sewing room yesterday... After bringing a stool sample in to the vet, the vet asked that I go back home and bring her in. The Vet weighed her (26 lbs), scanned her for a chip (none found), and gave her a nice look over... They also treated her for a couple of minor issues, and added her to their book of "missing/found dogs". I spent a good hour there with her and over all, the vet gave her a good bill of health. They suspect she is about 1-2 years old - but as I said above, she acts much more mature than MM does... MM is a perpetual puppy, I think. Her and MM get along fantastically, they are always either playing or sleeping... I think if her owners do claim her - MM will be one very sad and lonely puppy. So, regardless how this turns out - I am certain we will be becoming a 2 dog household in the very near future.

This dog has taken to MM's love of sleeping on my sewing room floor while I am working... Under my chair - to be specific...

She is a good dog though - and has been a good addition to our family, so far. I refuse to name her, though, until we know for sure that she is ours... My only requirement for a "dog name" is that it must be a human name - I don't like dog names all that much.

All canines in our house love Gus... LOL

According to the Vet, her owners have 5 business days to claim her, then she is officially "ours" if we want her. However, if the owners showed up at a later date and were able to prove that they had been looking for her, I would give her back... I know how I would feel if we lost MM, and had been searching for him for weeks... but I just really question the fact that she had to be treated at the Vet yesterday for some simple and inexpensive issues - so I think I would have a hard time giving her back due to that neglect. I don't know. It's really tough being in a situation like this, and knowing what is right or wrong by the animal. Praying that God leads us on this one.

In other news... Since I did not get much time in my sewing room yesterday - I will be spending a good portion of my day up there today. Which is fine... We didn't have any plans anyways. Josh went up to the lake last night to do a "mid-winter check" on the house and property - which coincided with one of Matt's hockey games in that area... He will be home this afternoon.

V's robotic baby is having issues staying charged... So, it may end up that she has to re-do her weekend. We'll see... I know she is very disappointed that she hasn't had the "full experience".

No other plans for the weekend... Just hanging out with the kids and the dogs. Being lazy and praying for an early spring.

Have a great weekend everyone! Prayers and good thoughts go out to all of you!

D~

 

[Wood Nymph]

I enjoy the absolute best health I can enjoy at my age, and he doesn't. There's not much else I can do... I can only lead by so much example. Ya know? Sorry to go into it so much - but it's such a sore spot for me, and I don't think I will ever consider myself truly successful until Josh adknowledges my success - both health wise and physically. Hopefully someone here will have better advice for you - LOL - because clearly, this is one aspect of my life that I have not been successful.

D~

Hi Dee,

I haven't completely gotten caught up yet, but I'm working on it.

Anyway - your advice is totally right on. You can lead by example but can't force someone to change. It just doesn't work, as you said. This applies to all those bad habits, including smoking, drinking, etc. I raised our kids with very healthy diets, not giving sweets to babies, limiting junk food to an absolute minimum, all kinds of healthy things. And they are very healthy adults as a result. But do you think they would have applied my health habits to their own children - no - not really. But at least they know that grandma doesn't have a lot of junk food at her house. It is the best I can do.

I hope that someday Josh acknowledges your success. I have had two key people in my life, my mom and DH, have real problems when admitting that I was right about something. I've come not to expect it.

 

[Terkina]

It's a good idea to let Alli practice driving in the snow. I remember when I started to take driving lessons I started in March and I thought it was great because now I would get a lot of practice during snow and ice. The problem was that that year the snow was gone very early so I didn't get much practice at all.

How great that you took the dog in and took her to the vet. Poor dog, it sounds like she was really cold when you found her. It's great to hear that she and MM is going along so well.

Here the weather forecast has gone out with an extreme alert. A big storm is coming today over Northern Norway. It's going to be a hurricane 114 miles south of Tromsø. They say that we can loose power again even if the storm isn't going to be bad at all in Tromsø. So I'm prepared with candles and a fully charged mobile and tablet.
It's only a week since the power was gone at my area and house for 6 1\2 hours.

 

[Clio]

MM looks so happy with his new friend. Hopefully she can stay. One of my cats was a rescue. My mom's neighbor found him out in the cold one winter with ice and snow frozen on his fur. He's the nicest cat. I think he really appreciated getting a home.
I learned to drive in the winter. I think it teaches you to be more cautious.
I hope you get some sewing done today. I have to go into work.
Have a good day.
Liz

 

[Iamthequeen]

I had to laugh about Josh and the chocolate in the chili - its a very common ingredient found in most chili recipes - at least in this area. I'm still not 100% on board with the paleo/primal diet, however, I have been making changes. I pretty much have given up drinking soda - usually its water, coffee or tea. My next big move will be to give up sugar for Lent. That will be a toughie, but I'm determined to succeed.

We are headed out to go to the Home Show at the fairgrounds today - we are looking at hardwood flooring and new counter tops - not going to buy today, but at least we will know what is available and how much its going to cost. then we are going to the movies and out to dinner.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

 

[sewmess]

I wish I had some great suggestions for you, but I don't. I've all but given up on Josh. He still thinks I am on a "fad diet" and has suggested that I am brainwashed by all of the authors of the books I read. Seriously. Yet - here I sit in the absolute best health I have ever been in, in the best shape... Makes no sense to me. As a side effect - he does end up eating some of the things that I eat... Most dinner meals are Meat + veggies + side of noodles/rice... I eat the meat & veggies and he eats that plus the noodles/rice side. That's how I make my meal planning the easiest. He as no desire to join me... He eats whatever he wants for breakfast/lunch/snacks - so the only meal he really gets that's anywhere close to one of mine is dinner. There are many things I have made that he flat out hates and grumbles for days afterwards that I am "poisoning him"... The chocolate chili from Well Fed was one thing - is has countless rave reviews... but the minute he heard that there was chocolate in it, since that is not considered "conventional" - he ate it, but his face was sour the entire time. Little does he know, I've been putting cholocate in my chili since we've been married (the Betty Crocker recipe calls for it...) - but I've never told him. Whatever... I eat the way I eat... I enjoy the absolute best health I can enjoy at my age, and he doesn't. There's not much else I can do... I can only lead by so much example. Ya know? Sorry to go into it so much - but it's such a sore spot for me, and I don't think I will ever consider myself truly successful until Josh adknowledges my success - both health wise and physically. Hopefully someone here will have better advice for you - LOL - because clearly, this is one aspect of my life that I have not been successful.



D~

I'm trying to avoid the word "Diet". "Diet" has come to mean a temporary eating change, rather than the total of what we consume. Although we still use it in a scientific biological sense...but I digress. And I'm avoiding what could be trigger words like "paleo" or "primal" and even "clean" not because of any specific connotations, but I know my my husband. That would be "Joining Something" and he's just not a joiner. Anyway - I introduced the idea of starting out with less prepared foods and we had a discussion about the preparation needed...he wasn't unwilling and in fact we joked about what a shock to his system it will be. So, in a couple of weeks we will try preprepped, from scratch meals. I was doing some research and I'm kind of excited about breakfast possibilities. And lunch.

Still could be pincher, but she's darling. Reminds me a little of my first dog - Australian Shepherd and Beagle mix. Smart as a whip and adorable to boot. But I'm a sucker for those floppy hound ears.

 

[natsiswdw]

Confession number 1- I totally stock your trip reports........... 2- I never post so sorry I haven't before.....

Oh my goodness I have just caught up on all your posts!! Man you guys have had an eventful first of the year!! I love your trip reports and life updates! Look forward to your future trips.

I have been debating about doing Whole30 and you have SO motivated me to do it! I need to start eating healthier and I also need to do it to be a better example to my little girl Anyways just wanted you to know your an awesome example to me. I also love the relationship you have with your girls. I think its really sweet

 

[DMGeurts]

Hi Dee,

I haven't completely gotten caught up yet, but I'm working on it.

Anyway - your advice is totally right on. You can lead by example but can't force someone to change. It just doesn't work, as you said. This applies to all those bad habits, including smoking, drinking, etc. I raised our kids with very healthy diets, not giving sweets to babies, limiting junk food to an absolute minimum, all kinds of healthy things. And they are very healthy adults as a result. But do you think they would have applied my health habits to their own children - no - not really. But at least they know that grandma doesn't have a lot of junk food at her house. It is the best I can do.

I hope that someday Josh acknowledges your success. I have had two key people in my life, my mom and DH, have real problems when admitting that I was right about something. I've come not to expect it.

Hi Sue! It's great to see you here - thanks for stopping by.

I know, I know... We've all talked about this so much... It just makes me so sad an frustrated. Here I am, married to the love of my life... Yet I am so fearful for his health - between his smoking and eating habits - I've nearly come to the conclusion that (if the statitistics are correct) I will end up living much longer than him. Scares me to death. I've talked to him about it a few times - yet it doesn't matter. I can't do it for him - and in the same breath, he can't do it for me - he has to do it for himself because he wants to... Until then - I have to stand back and watch... And pray.

As for the girls... I thought I was raising them in a healthy way... I really did. Only now to find out - the foods that everyone thinks are healthy are far from it - and some of them are not even safe. So, the girls have some really bad food habits... They are getting better though - by watching me. And I am not afriad of telling them (and Gus too) if what they are eating is crap. I am not beyond pulling a bottle out of their hands as they are drinking (I did it to Gus last night - LOL) and reading the ingredients to them... Then telling them to go Google it. LOL They do think it's funny - but there have been many times that they've thrown whatever it is away. Maybe some day, things will change, and grocery stores/food manufacturers will stop making and selling food that really isn't food. Until then - we just have to be super cautious. One thing that really came out of my Whole30 is an education about really what's in our food and how it's bad... I've been strict label reading for a few years - but not really knowing what's in there and what it does... Now, if I look at a label and there are a list of ingredients - more than a few... I don't even bother reading it - I just don't buy it. It makes me so ill to think, for all these years, I've fed this stuff to my family - thinking it's OK. And I know I've talked about this a lot before too - but I am really sad and ashamed that I didn't know any better. I am not expecting to change anyone or their views here - but gosh - if just one person reads this and says "hmmm... I'll read my lables the next time I shop..." And they go home and Google... That's a success to me... That's one family - forever changed. Our health and our bodies are the only ones we are ever going to have - we'll never live forever - but quality of life is more important than quantity - IMO. Rant over... I admire you Sue, for feeding your family the way you did - you are very lucky that you had the foresight and wisdom to do that.

LOL I definitely don't expect any adknowledgement from Josh, and I am pretty sure I will never get it. And that's OK... I dream of getting it one day - but I am certainly not holding my breath. My girls - on the other hand... WOW... They know and they are very proud of me. Allison was telling me yesterday that her and Gus were looking through some pictures from our August 2013 trip and they couldn't believe these pictures were me... So, I looked through them, and I was amazed... It doesn't even look like me. So, my girls are proud and silently - they are learning and watching. If I can change THEIR lives... then that is even more important to me. And, for reference... the picture they were referring to...

It's a good idea to let Alli practice driving in the snow. I remember when I started to take driving lessons I started in March and I thought it was great because now I would get a lot of practice during snow and ice. The problem was that that year the snow was gone very early so I didn't get much practice at all.

How great that you took the dog in and took her to the vet. Poor dog, it sounds like she was really cold when you found her. It's great to hear that she and MM is going along so well.

Here the weather forecast has gone out with an extreme alert. A big storm is coming today over Northern Norway. It's going to be a hurricane 114 miles south of Tromsø. They say that we can loose power again even if the storm isn't going to be bad at all in Tromsø. So I'm prepared with candles and a fully charged mobile and tablet.
It's only a week since the power was gone at my area and house for 6 1\2 hours.

Yes - I am trying to let her drive in the snow and bad weather as much as possible. It's super important that she gets enough practice this year.

Yes, sadly - I have a doggie update to do below.

OK - try to keep me updated. Stay safe!!! And stay warm!!!

MM looks so happy with his new friend. Hopefully she can stay. One of my cats was a rescue. My mom's neighbor found him out in the cold one winter with ice and snow frozen on his fur. He's the nicest cat. I think he really appreciated getting a home.
I learned to drive in the winter. I think it teaches you to be more cautious.
I hope you get some sewing done today. I have to go into work.
Have a good day.
Liz

Thanks Liz... Sadly - I have a doggie update to do below. It sounds like your rescue Kitty is very lucky to have you!

I am hoping so... She is doing so well driving, I am very proud of her! I hope we get a few more snow storms this season though, just so she can have more practice.

I did get a bit of sewing done - which is good.

I hope you have a nice weekend and a good day at work.

I had to laugh about Josh and the chocolate in the chili - its a very common ingredient found in most chili recipes - at least in this area. I'm still not 100% on board with the paleo/primal diet, however, I have been making changes. I pretty much have given up drinking soda - usually its water, coffee or tea. My next big move will be to give up sugar for Lent. That will be a toughie, but I'm determined to succeed.

We are headed out to go to the Home Show at the fairgrounds today - we are looking at hardwood flooring and new counter tops - not going to buy today, but at least we will know what is available and how much its going to cost. then we are going to the movies and out to dinner.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Good for you Tess! Giving up soda was my very first elminiation... and probably the hardest and the best one I did. I was just telling the girls last night... It's been nearly 2 years since I've given up soda - not even a sip since then... I gave it up for Lent in 2013. Yes - sugar was very hard for me to give up... HOnestly - I didn't give it up completely until I did the Whole30. Now, I consume very little of it and I definitely watch so it's not an added ingredient in any of my foods... The only sugar substance I use at the moment, is the tiniest drop of agave in my coffee - and even then, this morning was the first time I've done that since I've started my Whole30. Not even sure that it's made any difference in the taste? So, I'll go back to leaving it out tomorrow.

Have fun at the home show!!! I love going to those! I hope you were able to get some great ideas.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, as well!

I'm trying to avoid the word "Diet". "Diet" has come to mean a temporary eating change, rather than the total of what we consume. Although we still use it in a scientific biological sense...but I digress. And I'm avoiding what could be trigger words like "paleo" or "primal" and even "clean" not because of any specific connotations, but I know my my husband. That would be "Joining Something" and he's just not a joiner. Anyway - I introduced the idea of starting out with less prepared foods and we had a discussion about the preparation needed...he wasn't unwilling and in fact we joked about what a shock to his system it will be. So, in a couple of weeks we will try preprepped, from scratch meals. I was doing some research and I'm kind of excited about breakfast possibilities. And lunch.

Still could be pincher, but she's darling. Reminds me a little of my first dog - Australian Shepherd and Beagle mix. Smart as a whip and adorable to boot. But I'm a sucker for those floppy hound ears.

I agree - completely... I don't use the term "diet" ever... but sometimes it's easier, because others can relate to that word. You will do great... Just do small and barely noticable changes... Those are what will be the most impactful. They all add up - trust me. Watch Pinterest... Lots and lots of great recipes on there! It's the first place I go to look.

I do have a doggie update to do below.

I hope you're having a nice weekend Ruth!

Confession number 1- I totally stock your trip reports........... 2- I never post so sorry I haven't before.....

Oh my goodness I have just caught up on all your posts!! Man you guys have had an eventful first of the year!! I love your trip reports and life updates! Look forward to your future trips.

I have been debating about doing Whole30 and you have SO motivated me to do it! I need to start eating healthier and I also need to do it to be a better example to my little girl Anyways just wanted you to know your an awesome example to me. I also love the relationship you have with your girls. I think its really sweet

Hello!!! And welcome!!! Thanks for introducing yourself! I love to meet the people who read my reports.

Yes - it's been a little bit hectic around here... trying to stay caught up on a bazillion things... I really need to do a Disney update here too.

I hope you end up doing it - it's been a great learning experience for me. There are things I am keeping in my way of life and a few things I am not... but I do like the basic principle behind the WHole30, and I learned a lot from doing it. Lots of great resources our there for you... The most important being the book... It Starts With Food... IMO - it's impossible to do the Whole30 with out reading the book - it explains a lot of the whys... which is super important when you are struggling. Pinterest also has a lot of great recipes pinned... Just make sure they are acutally Whole30 compliant - many people pin them, and the recipes need to be modified to be compliant. And then the "whole30 first timers" facebook group - couldn't have done my whole30 with out them... A little harsh at times, but they know the program. I wish you the best of luck if you decide to do it, and please check in and let me know how it's going.

Again - thanks for stopping by!

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

OK all... So, I did get to work in my sewing room yesterday... Phew... Still not completely caught up - but not far behind either.

I received a message on FB yesterday, telling me that this person knew who the owner of the dog was... I knew of them, and at one time I was on City Council with the wife... But I wasn't going to go out of my way to bring the dog back to them, if they wanted her - they needed to come and get her. It was several hours later (and my hopes were up that they didn't want her) when they pulled up in our driveway to inquire. They story the DH told me was a little suspicious... and the whole time, there was some woman yelling from the truck - who wasn't his wife... It was super bizarre. He told me that the dog was a stray and they had just claimed her off the side of the road 2 weeks ago... He tried to explain the damaged collar by blaming it on his other dogs... It was just super strange. The whole time - this woman is still yelling from the truck. It was then that I told him that she had worms, and she should have been treated. IMO - if she was a stray, and they had other dogs - first thing they should have done (like I did) was take her to the vet to be sure she was OK to be with other animals... He told me that they noticed her scooting her butt across the floor and wondered if she had worms... Seriously? That was the first indicator I had too - I had her stool sample in to the vet within an hour... She should have had vet care immediately when they found her. Anyways... He went home to get cash to pay me back for deworming her (I have to deworm MM too just in case, but the vet said to wait a couple weeks for him - because they spent so little time together, it's likely he didn't get them)... While he was getting his $$, I switched collars on her and we all said goodbye... It was so sad. When he returned, I offered to keep her, but he refused. And that weirdo woman was still yelling from the truck... You know what they named that dog? Rat! RAT!!! Seriously... What kind of person names their dog Rat? It's just a horrible, horrible name no matter what way you put it. I am so praying I did the right thing here... We are all so sad about it... And I am still very uneasy and uncomfortable about the whole situation. These people live 3 blocks away... So mabye one day, the dog will find her way back to us - because I firmly believe she was happy here.

Here are a few pictures of her and MM yesterday - Just as these people pulled in to claim her... Of course - MM is being a turd, as usual...

And then a photo of MM being all sad and cuddly yesterday after she left... He misses her... So do we.

Last night... After all of this... I found out from another neighbor that the woman I worked with on City Council left her husband last year, and they are divorced. I assume, the woman yelling from the truck is his new girlfriend? Not a clue really... but I wish I never would have tried to do the right thing, in this situation.

So, last night, I invited the girls and I to BFF's house for dinner... She made a wonderful ham and potato soup with out any weird stuff in it - it was so good!

Then we went to Target and bummed around...

Alli, Olivia and I at Target...

Gus picked Alli up from BFF's house and they went out for dinner and shopping...

We all met up back here and played on the WII for a while.

Then we all went to bed.

So... Don't be surprised now when we get a new dog in the near future... MM is so sad that she is gone and so are we.

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

D~

 

[dalayney]

Had to catch up here... not even sure if I have introduced myself other than our private messages.
Hi! I'm dalayney! Live next door to you in Wisconsin/ Salem/Paddock Lake area, originally from and will always be a Nebraska girl! ... (GO HUSKERS!)

Your transformation pictures are truly inspiring. I need to lose 100 pounds and my enemy is sugar. They have studies showing it's just as addictive as cocain. Isn't that terrifying?????
You have come such a long way girl! I don't think you realize just how inspiring you are to your readers. Makes my heart all warm that you share your strategies, tips and tricks with us. Anyone can go buy a book.... but to see someone document it along with your life in general??? Too see that slow gradual change.... wow! Amazing.

Sorry you had to give up such a sweet furbaby. I would be checking on that doggie all the time living that close. Stalking the dawg! Ha!

Glad there is a 2016 disney trip in your future, as you had said something about it might be a bit before you get back there. What would we do without your Disney trip reports???? Our next trip will be the Monday after thanksgiving 2016 for 9 days! 20th Anniversary trip, NO KIDS! Hubby and I are so excited. He's a Disney lover also.

Happy to be caught up with your thread~

 

[DMGeurts]

Had to catch up here... not even sure if I have introduced myself other than our private messages.
Hi! I'm dalayney! Live next door to you in Wisconsin/ Salem/Paddock Lake area, originally from and will always be a Nebraska girl! ... (GO HUSKERS!)

Your transformation pictures are truly inspiring. I need to lose 100 pounds and my enemy is sugar. They have studies showing it's just as addictive as cocain. Isn't that terrifying?????
You have come such a long way girl! I don't think you realize just how inspiring you are to your readers. Makes my heart all warm that you share your strategies, tips and tricks with us. Anyone can go buy a book.... but to see someone document it along with your life in general??? Too see that slow gradual change.... wow! Amazing.

Sorry you had to give up such a sweet furbaby. I would be checking on that doggie all the time living that close. Stalking the dawg! Ha!

Glad there is a 2016 disney trip in your future, as you had said something about it might be a bit before you get back there. What would we do without your Disney trip reports???? Our next trip will be the Monday after thanksgiving 2016 for 9 days! 20th Anniversary trip, NO KIDS! Hubby and I are so excited. He's a Disney lover also.

Happy to be caught up with your thread~

Hi there neighbor! Super happy to have you here and following along! Thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself too.

Thank you... Yes - there are lots of scary studies out there about sugar, and along with that, the chemical compounds they put in sugar (and other foods) that are proven to make humans crave more of it... Which is why someone can sit down and eat a whole bag of Doritos or Oreos (for example) - and be like "Whoa! I just ate the whole bag! And I am still hungry!"... First off, it's full of chemicals - so you just cannot stop - it's not a person's will power, it's literally made that way - science has researched and specifically made foods so that they trigger the pleasure sensors in our brain - and even though the "food" tastes awful - we still get pleasure from it . Then on top of that - there is no nutrition in them - even though they are packed with "vitamins" - but because it's not actual vitamins, just the chemical concoctions of them, our bodies cannot absorb... So, not only are we over eating, but we are nutritionally starved. It's a sad situation... We can see it in photos of our society as a whole... Starting when foods were really mass produced and less home made... 70's through now... Obesity has just skyrocketed. This is true with many of our foods - snacks, cereals, crackers, candy... It's quite scary. I am often asked if I miss these foods in my life, and I truly do not... Once I've stopped eating them, the cravings are gone - because I am getting a full load of nutrition from other foods - and these other foods (which used to taste horrible, because I was used to all of the processed foods) are amazingly satisfying and super tasty... Much better tasting than anything I've ever eaten in my life. It's all very scary, especially now that I know what I know.

I know it may seem so daunting to have a lot of size to lose (I don't measure by weight anymore, after all - you can be a size 3 and 100 lbs or a size 3 and 130 lbs, depending on your muscle mass), but I honestly suggest breaking it down. If sugar is your downfall and you know that... break it down further and start eliminating one thing at a time... For instance... Start with soda (and please, no diet soda either... It's all so bad for you)... Give it a few weeks and move on to anything sugary in a bag... then a box.... It will take several months - but what else will you do with your time? At least, that's how I started to look at it, and it really helped. I tried not to look at how much time it will take me, but the fact that time will pass anyways, so I might as well make every day better than the last. One foot in front of the other... Then, to solidify the reasons for why you are doing what you are doing... Research, research, research... Really learn the whys... Again - my favorite books on the subject... First and foremost - if you never read another book about it... Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson - even if you never have any intention of eating in a Primal way - he explains things so well. Wheat Belly is also a good book (forgot the author's name). It Starts with Food by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig. And countless Paleo/Primal websites and blogs out there.

Yes, it was quite sad to give up the dog - especially when the people who took her didn't see to be very well balanced. But there's nothing I can really do about it. Sadly. I wish the best for her, and if she wants to come back, she'll find a way.

Yes, there is a 2016 trip in our future, as long as I can get my act together and start working on some auctions... I have so many trips I need to pay for, and sadly, this time - WDW is towards the bottom of the list. Your trip sounds amaizng! I hope that one day, I can do Disney with just Josh and I - and that he loves it.

Thanks for taking the time to catch up!

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

Good morning everyone! Happy Monday!

Bahahaha... Kidding. Sort of.

I had a nice and lazy day yesterday... I like those.

Josh ended up staying at the lake for an extra day... We are lucky that he went up mid-winter, as the septic system froze... So, he needs to call a plumber/septic person today to see if we can get it thawed before the whole system cracks. It's a new system (as of 2005 - which is quite new for a septic), so we shouldn't be having these problems.

He is home now though.

Today... I have to run the girls into school this morning... V has to bring the robotic baby back. She was not able to charge it all weekend - so it's battery died on Friday night at about 7pm, and it has not worked since. She will have to redo her weekend over sometime soon. Kind of bummed for her - because she was looking so forward to it.

I will also be in my sewing room all day today, working on the accessories from last week's order.

I have to work out this morning, as well.

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

D~

 

[Avery&Todd]

Morning!!! I'm back for a quick check-in!! I have to sorta brag - our Sunday temps here were bright, and sunny and almost in the 70s....DH and I are hoping and crossing fingers that in a few weeks we can say "winter is over and we GOT NO SNOW!!"....bring on the sunshine!

On more good news, I'm down 30lbs!! I check back in with my diabetes Dr on the 20th and she should be happy b/c I'll be down 15 lbs in 3 months since the last time I was in the office..and since my diagnosis..maybe I can even squeak out another 1-2lb loss between now and then...I'm controlling the carbs and keeping my sugar levels where they should be and DH and I are walking every night that we can!

Doggie #2 was SO super stinking cute!! Its shame that she had to go back to "those people" but maybe its a sign that MM needs a friend - we have 2 dogs and we'll always have 2 dogs - they just need a furry friend!! Ours are 2 lab mixes and about 70-74lbs each, so slightly larger than MM but they just love each other and snuggle and play bitey face and can't be without each other!

on a sad note - I had to cancel our June 2015 Disney trip.....

I was all excited to have DH file our taxes this weekend so I could have that CHUNK of change I knew we were getting back so I could pay off the trip - until we ended up OWING a chunk....

now, no Disney trip for me...

BUT, DH still wants a cheaper & closer to home vacation that week, so I'm booking a beach trip for that same time - and since we'd already booked a beach week in late July this means I get 2 BEACH TRIPS THIS SUMMER...

and I have longer to save for my Disney trip in June 2016!!

you are looking GREAT and I'm glad the month went smoothly for you..and it has to be hard that Josh isn't 100% supportive in your plan for eating healthier - it's tough but you're doing a GREAT JOB!!

 

[Chicago Mo]

So, did you drive past the house numerous times to ensure 'RAT' is doing ok?!? I know i would.
So. Now you don't have a RAT in your house are you getting the house together for a new furry family member?

I know your looking into rescue.

 

[ljcrochet]

Hi Sue! It's great to see you here - thanks for stopping by.

I know, I know... We've all talked about this so much... It just makes me so sad an frustrated. Here I am, married to the love of my life... Yet I am so fearful for his health - between his smoking and eating habits - I've nearly come to the conclusion that (if the statitistics are correct) I will end up living much longer than him. Scares me to death. I've talked to him about it a few times - yet it doesn't matter. I can't do it for him - and in the same breath, he can't do it for me - he has to do it for himself because he wants to... Until then - I have to stand back and watch... And pray.

As for the girls... I thought I was raising them in a healthy way... I really did. Only now to find out - the foods that everyone thinks are healthy are far from it - and some of them are not even safe. So, the girls have some really bad food habits... They are getting better though - by watching me. And I am not afriad of telling them (and Gus too) if what they are eating is crap. I am not beyond pulling a bottle out of their hands as they are drinking (I did it to Gus last night - LOL) and reading the ingredients to them... Then telling them to go Google it. LOL They do think it's funny - but there have been many times that they've thrown whatever it is away. Maybe some day, things will change, and grocery stores/food manufacturers will stop making and selling food that really isn't food. Until then - we just have to be super cautious. One thing that really came out of my Whole30 is an education about really what's in our food and how it's bad... I've been strict label reading for a few years - but not really knowing what's in there and what it does... Now, if I look at a label and there are a list of ingredients - more than a few... I don't even bother reading it - I just don't buy it. It makes me so ill to think, for all these years, I've fed this stuff to my family - thinking it's OK. And I know I've talked about this a lot before too - but I am really sad and ashamed that I didn't know any better. I am not expecting to change anyone or their views here - but gosh - if just one person reads this and says "hmmm... I'll read my lables the next time I shop..." And they go home and Google... That's a success to me... That's one family - forever changed. Our health and our bodies are the only ones we are ever going to have - we'll never live forever - but quality of life is more important than quantity - IMO. Rant over... I admire you Sue, for feeding your family the way you did - you are very lucky that you had the foresight and wisdom to do that.

I'm luck that my DH is totally on board with clean healthy eating ( just have to help he on portion sizes and stopping when full- but he has to do not me). We try and limit the junk the girls have. Friday night they had 2 friends sleep over. One mom said can i bring dunkin donuts munchkins. Of course my DD read the text and was all excited. I told her she didn't need to bring anything. DH said I should have told her no.
Of course she showed up the munchkins. We put them away for the morning. The one DD who read the text, I showed her the ingredient list. She saw how long it was and didn't want it. We sent them home with their friend.

 

[Sweetly]

Sorry that you had to give the dog back. I would be looking out for her closely. I get so upset when I see people not taking care of their animals. I know you will be getting MM a friend soon. We have 2 dogs, and one is a rescue. Best decision that we made.
Snowing, Again here. It's supposed to snow until Tuesday. It started Sunday. We might see the grass come July!
Stopped at my brother's house over the weekend. So much work was done and they are in the final stages. Just some primer, paint and trim. So excited for them to get out of that hotel they are living in.
Have a wonderful day!

 

[cajunfan]

As for the puppy (I REFUSE to call her Rat) If she lives 3 blocks away, I would definitely be on the lookout for her. I really despise people that treat animals like that. I would not get a new puppy for MM until you are sure the "owners" of the puppy take better care of her.

Well I thought of you when I was grocery shopping this weekend. Matt & I are going to work on some better eating habits. I can't say that we will do the Whole30/Primal/Paleo thing, but definitely trying to eat less processed foods. I like shopping on the edge of the supermarket. And I am going to try to make my own Ghee. If it doesn't work out, I have ordered it from Amazon before, and they carry the same brand I have used at Publix.

I need to get to planning some of my trip...we are down to 87 days!

 

[sewmess]

Well, I don't have an instant dislike for "Rat" but that might be because they are my initials R.A.T. I do, however, have a distinctly unpleasant taste in my mouth about her treatment at the other people's house. If they have multiple dogs and one destroyed her collar, they may have unsociable dogs. Praying that she finds her way back and you just keep her. But I'm being a bit...independently minded today, so that may be coloring my ideas.

I know the power of little changes. I went on a cooking tear once and we had made from scratch dinner for three days in a row! I felt GREAT.
I have almost cut soda (or cokes as we call them down here) out of my diet. Drinks of choice are water, seltzer & plain black coffee. Every once in a while I take a sip of coke (generic soda for all you yankee types) and that's where the 'almost' comes in.

Our weekend was not fabulous. Our annual fundraising event was Saturday, so I was working and Sunday Cale just wasn't feeling well. We also noticed that T was limping, and we were really worried until I remembered that he had - in over-exuberance to see Cale when he got home Friday - skidded out on the deck stairs - or there is always the possibility that the cat (Her Buttiness) scared him and he skidded out in the hall. He was better on his morning walk today.

Hope everyone has a fabulous week! And V gets to FINALLY do her weekend with baby.