Biggest Loser 11 Spring Team Challenge--for Losers and Maintainers

[BernardandMissBianca]

So I tried C25K week 5 day 1 today, just to see if I could do it, and I DID!!!!!

I was able to run the first 5 minute run segment at 4.5 miles/hour and the last 2 run segments at 4 miles/hour. I did have to stop once, felt a little light headed but was able the finish the entire time. I'm so pleased! My first pace was 14.20 minute/mile and the other 2 were even 15 minute/miles.

Now if I can just keep up that pace for the Everest race I'll be happy!!

My legs were heavy and tired towards the end though and I had to will my feet to lift up. Any suggestions on how to keep that from happening? I do know I wasn't pre-hydrated enough. Could that be what it was?
I also think I need to lower my seat. I seem to be running high up on the balls of my feet but when I'm more aware of my stride I try to lower my seat and sink down which seems to help for a while.


And on a mommy brag note. DS hit 2 Personal Records today at his meet! 13.05 in the 100 meter and 27.7 in the 200 meter. It's so great to see him really own his heat, he was so proud of himself.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Good morning everyone!!!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day today.
Mine will be busy, lots of running around to do.

Gotta leave, time to take the boys to school!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Hi all! You all are doing so great! Buffy keep up the great work you will be finishing that race with a smile on. and horray for DS thats great.

Liesel- Sorry about the snow. I hope it warms up soon for you.

I am taking a sick day today. I have a sorethroat, headache and just feel crappy. I didnt have much going on at work so I thought I better take advantage of a day that I can stay home and rest.

on a bright note: Ryan got a star certificate sent home yesterday for being helpful with a down syndrome child in his class. The child was struggling with doing a pattern and ryan helped him. I was so proud.

Tonight is suppose to be tball but they are calling for showers/thunderstorms on/off today so we will see what happens.

Have a great day everyone!

Thursday 4/28/11 QOTD

Is there an outfit or an article of clothing that you are still holding onto in the hopes to be able to wear it?

I have these pair of jeans that I loved and wore before my first pregnancy. I have gotten rid of everything else but I still hold onto these jeans. They are a size 10 (juniors) I think they were from american eagle. I doubt that I will ever fit them again since as you age you get curvage but I just cant part with them in the hopes to one day close the button and zipper.

 

[mikamah]

Wednesday 4/27/11 QOTD

Many of us have had setbacks lately in our journeys to loose or maintain weight. What are you or can you do to move in the right direction again?

I can make a plan to run/walk 3 morning a week before work. I went out today for 2 miles since that's all I'll have time for on my 9 am days, but it felt great when I was done, and I know it will start my day off right.

Thursday 4/28/11 QOTD

Is there an outfit or an article of clothing that you are still holding onto in the hopes to be able to wear it?

Funny, I just cleaned out my closet and bureau, and tried on this Liz claiborne dress I wore to several weddings, and loved. I could get it on, but couldn't wear it in public. I'd love for that to fit again, even though I don't have anywhere to wear it.

Hope you are feeling better soon, Lindsay. So sweet about Ryan. It's such a great feeling when our kids do the right thing and are recognized for it.

Nice job on the run, Buffy!! You are going to do great. The biggest thing I do that helps my legs recover from running, is to stretch after every single run. I really feel it when I don't, and am pretty good about it now. It does make a big difference, and I think it helps the recovery for the next run.

Short on time. Have a great day everyone!!

 

[lisah0711]

It's all good. I'm actually very happy. The new job is going well although it is boring right now. The diet is going fabulous and I have a shot at making goal if I stick with it. I've made lots of new friends too.

I'm so happy to read this, Deb! You are doing super!

Just a quick reply, I went on my DD's school zoo field trip today. This zoo is on the side of a mountain with lots of hills and stairs, but I was able to easily get around without feeling tired, which was so nice. I did this field trip with DS 3 years ago and am amazed at how much better shape I am in now.

My grandfather's surgery was today and he is recovering. Thanks for all the well wishes. There is some complicated family politics going on with his care and I just hope that everyone does whats best for him.

Aren't those NSVs where you find that you are stronger wonderful?

I have a long run this week-end for my half in May. I think I'll sign up for another local half in September and that will bring me to our race.

It's very nice here in Arizona -- and at least even though we have snow at home still the birds are chirping everywhere. I love that!

So I tried C25K week 5 day 1 today, just to see if I could do it, and I DID!!!!!.

Woo hoo, Buffy!

Thursday 4/28/11 QOTD

Is there an outfit or an article of clothing that you are still holding onto in the hopes to be able to wear it?

I have a couple of work suits that I've hung onto but what I would really like to fit into right now are the jeans that I have in the next size down. They can be worn and zipped but that sitting thing would still be a problem.

Hope you are feeling better soon, Lindsay.

Funny, I just cleaned out my closet and bureau, and tried on this Liz claiborne dress I wore to several weddings, and loved. I could get it on, but couldn't wear it in public. I'd love for that to fit again, even though I don't have anywhere to wear it.

You could wear it when you do your stage mom thing!

Having a nice visit with my Mom. She volunteers at the local botanical garden on Fridays. If I can get my work done, then I can go to the zoo tomorrow while she is there. I used to work at the Phoenix Zoo about 35 years ago -- it's that experience that got my foot in the door at Disneyland.

Have a great day all!

 

[pjlla]

Ok, today I have to be really strong. I could not run before work because dh needed to drop me off at 7am. I did "office laps" for 2 hours, but that wasn't with any speed. I still want to run 2M when I get home -- but I know I'll be tired, and ds will be bugging me to watch Glee, since we tivo'd it last night. It's going to be really hard to decide that putting myself first actually means running, rather than relaxing...I'm going to think of you guys, look at my chart which tells me to run 2M today, and just change into my workout clothes the minute I get home.

Maria

How was the run last night? It was warm and humid around here, so I'm sure it was a sweaty one! Did you finish the full 2M?

You need to take your own advise. I'm sure that your house won't fall apart while your at Disney. DH and son will eat. Try to relax a bit and most importantly enjoy your trip.

There is no denying that I am busy, heck the entire family is busy, but we know that come mid June things will slow down to a normal busy I learned a very long time ago to let things go. Right now I'd be embarassed to let anyone into our house, but then again, anyone that I'd invite in already knows how busy I am. I am totally the queen of multitasking so I'm getting the essentials done and I never get less than 6 hours sleep and always shoot for 8. My Dh and kids truly appreciate all the time and effort and they are really good about thanking me. I've had lots of parents thank us and I'm letting coaches and parents help with the fundraising. It's all good. I'm actually very happy. The new job is going well although it is boring right now. The diet is going fabulous and I have a shot at making goal if I stick with it. I've made lots of new friends too.

You sound very happy and positive! And it sounds like you are definitely taking care of yourself, so I guess I'll stop worrying about you!!

I keep trying to remind myself to concentrate on the "necessities" and to not sweat the rest of the stuff!! Who cares of the garage gets cleaned before I go to Disney??!!

Thanks everyone! It's so nice to have all of you.

I had a great day today too! I used some of my weeklies, but today is the last day of my WW week and I still have some remaining! I am going to try to use less this week. I think keeping my body guessing really helps.

I worked an extra hour today as things at work were pretty busy. I have a presentation I need to do and I finally put the finishing touches on it today. I started it probably 2 months ago. I've done 2 presentations in about an hour each and this one, well, you know...

I'm hoping to go to the gym tomorrow. One of my other goals for this week outside of using fewer weeklies is to get in more exercise. I'll probably eat about half of the activity points I earn. I also need to drink more water, especially if I am exercising more. I'd like to get in another 40 min/8 miles on the recumbent bike tomorrow and walk on the treadmill on Friday. I got invited to join some people for a walk on Sunday, so I'll be doing that. So excited!

Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow! Last day before weigh-in!

It sounds like you have had a super week!! I agree with what you said about keeping your body guessing. I try to really mix up my points as well as my number of exercise minutes and types of exercise. I believe it helps keep that "metabolism fire" burning strong....which is especially important for an old lady like myself!!

So I tried C25K week 5 day 1 today, just to see if I could do it, and I DID!!!!!

I was able to run the first 5 minute run segment at 4.5 miles/hour and the last 2 run segments at 4 miles/hour. I did have to stop once, felt a little light headed but was able the finish the entire time. I'm so pleased! My first pace was 14.20 minute/mile and the other 2 were even 15 minute/miles.

Now if I can just keep up that pace for the Everest race I'll be happy!!

My legs were heavy and tired towards the end though and I had to will my feet to lift up. Any suggestions on how to keep that from happening? I do know I wasn't pre-hydrated enough. Could that be what it was?
I also think I need to lower my seat. I seem to be running high up on the balls of my feet but when I'm more aware of my stride I try to lower my seat and sink down which seems to help for a while.


And on a mommy brag note. DS hit 2 Personal Records today at his meet! 13.05 in the 100 meter and 27.7 in the 200 meter. It's so great to see him really own his heat, he was so proud of himself.

Kudos to you and DS!! Between that great run and the excitement of the actual race, I'm feeling SURE that you won't get swept at EE!! I'm glad you are staying aware of your running stride/form. I think many newbies forget how important that is. I was lucky that I naturally ran with a good stride/form (or so I was told by the trainer I worked with last year ).

I love to hear "mom brags" here, since I love to brag about my kids! I don't know squat about running times, but those sound amazing.... especially compared to swim times!!

I am taking a sick day today. I have a sorethroat, headache and just feel crappy. I didnt have much going on at work so I thought I better take advantage of a day that I can stay home and rest.

Rest, tea with honey (natural antibiotic properties in the honey can helpthe throat), and vitamin C. Hope you are feeling better soon!

on a bright note: Ryan got a star certificate sent home yesterday for being helpful with a down syndrome child in his class. The child was struggling with doing a pattern and ryan helped him. I was so proud.

That is truly SUPER!! It is SO HARD for kids sometimes to dealwith others who are "different".....when they can reach out and be helpful.... WOW!! I've always told my kids that ABOVE ALL (grades, sports,etc) I truly want them to be GOOD PEOPLE..... sounds like you DS falls into that category!

Thursday 4/28/11 QOTD

Is there an outfit or an article of clothing that you are still holding onto in the hopes to be able to wear it?

Not really. I am lighter than I have ever been in my entire adult life.....but with two pregnancies and all of the body changes that came with those, plus the extra skin from 90 pounds of weight loss, my body will NEVER be the same shape as it was in the past. My waistline will never be as small as it could be (unless I were to undergo a tummy tuck). And I was about a 36 B when I got married.....got up to a 38 C with weight gain before pregnancies and then got as big as a non-nursing/post-pregnancy 42 D at my highest weight!! I'm down to a 34 but still a D cup.....those poor "girls"will never be the same again!!

That said, I'd LOVE to try on my wedding gown..... but I don't want to unwrap it from its preservation box...... but next year is our 20th anniversary....it might be a hoot to put it on that day!

I can make a plan to run/walk 3 morning a week before work. I went out today for 2 miles since that's all I'll have time for on my 9 am days, but it felt great when I was done, and I know it will start my day off right.

Isn't it amazing how good our days can seem when they start off right!!??

Funny, I just cleaned out my closet and bureau, and tried on this Liz claiborne dress I wore to several weddings, and loved. I could get it on, but couldn't wear it in public. I'd love for that to fit again, even though I don't have anywhere to wear it.

And by the time it really fits you will want something NEW anyhow!! But it is good to keep it handy as a "ruler"of sorts!

Nice job on the run, Buffy!! You are going to do great. The biggest thing I do that helps my legs recover from running, is to stretch after every single run. I really feel it when I don't, and am pretty good about it now. It does make a big difference, and I think it helps the recovery for the next run.

Short on time. Have a great day everyone!!

The stretching is what is really lacking for me lately. In fact, reading here I realize I NEVER stretched last night!! Boo on me! No wonder I'm a bit stiff this morning!


***Happy THURSDAY everyone!! Warm and windy here this morning! I will definitely be heading OUTSIDE for a walk/run today!

Had another good long workout at the Y last night.....and it would have been a bit longer, but during my second round at the treadclimber this foot pain started up! And I had noticed a bit of foot pain at home around 3pm....after walking around barefoot all day. Not sure what is up with that. I wore my exercise/running shoes to the Y last night..... but the night before when I did a LONGER workout with NO pain, I had worn my new(er) Disney sneakers to finish breaking them in. So the good news seems to be that my Disney shoes don't cause any problems.

I iced my foot (both the ball and heel) last night for about an hour off and on and it feels fine this morning. Curious to see what happens today. I absolutely CANNOT afford any foot pain at Disney...... we have too much to do!

I got a good full day of cleaning in yesterday, so I am definitely feeling less stressed now. DD's room is cleaned eek, all three beds were stripped and sheets washed and remade. Entire house vacuumed (well, except for the kids rooms and the playroom). Back deck swept, laundry washed and dried (still have a mountain to fold), kitchen kept clean. My bedroom picked up just a bit.

Today will be SUITCASE DAY!! I have NEVER, EVER packed so late for a trip!! And DD needs shorts..... she tried on all of her shorts yesterday and has one black pair and one denim pair that fit.... everything else was too big!! (which is both good and bad, of course!)

Well.... yesterday when I put down the keyboard to get my second cup of coffee, I lost my post....so I'll say good-bye for now!! I need breakfast! TTYL..................P

 

[Princess Nancy]

I have not posted lately. I have been thinking about all of you and trying to read as much as I can to keep up!

Please say a quick prayer for me...I go tomorrow for my shoulder manipulation.

I just know it will get better, but am starting to get a bit nervous.

Then I will stop wallowing in self pity and get back on track!!!

Thanks everyone for sharing and for all the positive words and thoughts!

I think this challenge is awesome!

Nancy

 

[pjlla]

I have not posted lately. I have been thinking about all of you and trying to read as much as I can to keep up!

Please say a quick prayer for me...I go tomorrow for my shoulder manipulation.

I just know it will get better, but am starting to get a bit nervous.

Then I will stop wallowing in self pity and get back on track!!!

Thanks everyone for sharing and for all the positive words and thoughts!

I think this challenge is awesome!

Nancy

Thanks for the reminder. I will definitely be praying for you over the next few days. Let us know how you are doing!..................P

 

[tigger813]

Morning all,

At work until between 1 and 2. Brian is home sleeping as he was up all night working. Got the kitchen cleaned up a bit and I will finish it this afternoon. I need to make more chocolate chip coffee cake and fry up thick bacon for our burgers tonight which we may end up doing on the George Foreman as we may have showers this evening.

Gotta go to the transfer station this afternoon so I'm hoping I can leave here early before the storms start.

Looking forward to relaxing tonight and falling asleep on the couch until my wake up call at 3:45 for the wedding! I have the quiches done and just need to puree the strawberries for the bellinis! DSIL is coming at 8 tonight and I hope to get to bed early!

TTFN

 

[RemembertheMagic98]

Hi all! Still trying to catch up from my illness yesterday. My TOM came as planned but decided to knock me over with tummy pain all day I am feeling human again today

Thursday 4/28/11 QOTD

Is there an outfit or an article of clothing that you are still holding onto in the hopes to be able to wear it?

I have a shirt with tags still on it. I love Vineyard Vines clothes and they do not make plus size. I bought a size 14 skirt that is so absolutely cute at Marshalls for $20 (normally retailed for $80). I am determined to get into it by Labor Day. It's a wrap skirt so I kinda fit into it but not in public. It is hanging on my closet door for inspiration but I think I may hang it in the kitchen....

I have not posted lately. I have been thinking about all of you and trying to read as much as I can to keep up!

Please say a quick prayer for me...I go tomorrow for my shoulder manipulation.

I just know it will get better, but am starting to get a bit nervous.

Then I will stop wallowing in self pity and get back on track!!!

Thanks everyone for sharing and for all the positive words and thoughts!

I think this challenge is awesome!

Nancy

Hugs and prayers Nancy!!!

Morning all,

At work until between 1 and 2. Brian is home sleeping as he was up all night working. Got the kitchen cleaned up a bit and I will finish it this afternoon. I need to make more chocolate chip coffee cake and fry up thick bacon for our burgers tonight which we may end up doing on the George Foreman as we may have showers this evening.

Gotta go to the transfer station this afternoon so I'm hoping I can leave here early before the storms start.

Looking forward to relaxing tonight and falling asleep on the couch until my wake up call at 3:45 for the wedding! I have the quiches done and just need to puree the strawberries for the bellinis! DSIL is coming at 8 tonight and I hope to get to bed early!

TTFN

I'm coming to your house!!! Lol


***
Busy day today with students and meetings and as long as the weather holds out, I am running this evening. Due to my yucky stomach yesterday I didn't get a run in so I am itching to hit the road. I just found out the 5K on Saturday is full of hills...a big issue for my ankle.

Gotta run...tornado warning for New Jersey and really close to me....keeping fingers crossed that it doesn't hit here and we have damage.....

 

[Connie96]

Hi y'all. I totally flaked on getting the WIN results posted on "Tuesday or Wednesday" like I said I would. Seriously... I lost a whole day somewhere. I will try to compile results and post during my lunch hour today.

BTW... It shouldn't take me long because I only received *SIX* PMs this time.

**If anyone still has numbers to send in, I'll be happy to include them. It is not too late to get 'em in.

 

[liesel]

QOTD: When my current size of jeans get loose, I buy a pair in the next size down (waiting until they are on sale) and try them on every once in a while until they fit. Its a good short term goal for me. As for long term, I still have one pair from college that I would like to be able to at least get into someday. Once I do, they will be promptly donated. I reached my wedding day weight last week so I guess my wedding dress would fit me now, but I haven't tried it on.

 

[my3princes]

I kept my wedding dress. I can put it on, but my proportions are different. I also have a ton of size 8's that 8 plan to wear this summer

 

[Connie96]

Here we are, as a combined group, to celebrate our inch-whittling success!

We started the challenge with 46 WINners and 6 are reporting this week.

Collectively, since the beginning of this challenge, we have:

• Lost a total of 224 2/3 inches
• Lost an average of 6 1/4 inches
• Lost an average of 3.64%
  

Our TOP THREE WINners for this period are:
3) Missoutandabout . . . -1.33%
2) ScubaD . . . . . . . . . . . -1.53%
And (drumroll) our Number One WINner is:
1) aamomma. . . . . . . . . -2.55%

Congratulations to aamomma, Dave, Missoutandabout and ALL of our WINners!

Our next "measure-in" will be May 20 so let's keep on WINning!

If anyone still wants to report their measurements for this period, please do. I'm happy to help you track your progress whether or not you are able to get your numbers in before the results are posted.

 

[SettinSail]

Hello from Holland again. We are leaving tomorrow, going to the cheese market in Alkmaar in the am and trying to talk DH into stopping by a windmill park that has 19 windmills (the old historic kind) for some quick photos. We also want to make stops in Antwerp and Brussels on the way home. And, I would love to stop somewhere in Luxembourg just so I can add another country to my list! DH is feeling a little overwhelmed with all that is planned for the drive home but for goodness sakes, its not like we will be this way probably EVER again!

Today we were pretty lazy and did not leave the cottage until close to 1:00 to visit the Afsluitdijk, 19 mile dike that separates the sea from a fresh water lake. Then came back to Zandvoort for a walk on the beach and dinner on the beach. We could not read the menu so just asked for their best broodje (sandwich) and it was a "spicy chicken" sandwich and it was good!

Pam, we did go to the Anne Frank house on Monday night in Amsterdam. We waited until 7:30 pm to go and still had to wait about 30 minutes in line. It is a little underwhelming as Otto Frank (the surviving dad) asked that it never be furnished. So, it is only filled with artifacts on the wall and pictures of the family. We were actually told that it was not worth a visit. I DID think it was worthwhile though. I still found it very chilling to think it was THE actual house they hid in and you did get to see her diaries (there were several).

Lindsay and Karen, hope you are feeling better!

Pam, DONT walk around barefoot ! With my PF, I never take a step w/o good supportive shoes. It makes such a difference.

Nancy, good luck with your shoulder manipulation.

Tracey, enjoy the royal wedding! I will not get to watch my recording until probably Saturday!

Lisa H, glad you are enjoying your visit with Mom and nice weather there

Kathy, good job on the 2 miles

Rose, I will defintely take a week at coach this Summer

Liesel, glad to hear your grandfather is doing well.

CC, glad you are feeling better

Maria, HELLO! Your Summer plans sound great.

Dumbo Buddy, glad your DR appt went OK and you like the new DR.

Hello LTS and everyone else!



Hello to everyone else!

Well, I got to thinking since we are moving back, maybe a cruise on the Dream is in order! I looked at prices for Thanksgiving No Way!!!
Waaay too expensive! Looked at Spring Break and it was about $3000 for a 4day cruise with a balcony. Still seems high, will have to think about it. That's what we paid for 10 day Med cruise! But inside cabin.

Did anyone see Bob Greene on Oprah? Very good show promoting his 20 Years Younger book. He advocates 200 mins of exercise a week and 1700 healthy calories a day. Thinking about getting his book or signing up for the program on his website.

I've read some of my book, Made to Crave on vacation. A statement in there has really resonated with me, "all foods are permissible but not all are beneficial". I've been trying to keep this thought in mind while making my food choices this week, I don't have any foods that I deny myself but I try to make good choices and have small portions. I know Julie was also reading this book, anyone else?

Well, hope to survive the drive back home tomorrow and hope it does not take 8 hours and hope DH and I don't kill each other! Then, weigh in first thing Saturday am and back on track!!!

Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend !

Shawn

 

[SettinSail]

Forgot, QOTD: I have a drawer full of clothes that I still hope to fit into one day, most are size 10 and 12. And, I'm pretty sure they are out of style but I STILL hang onto them!

And Buffy, I thought your DS times were swimming at first too. I'm glad Pam said something - my jaw was hanging open! Sounds like you will do fine at the EE - good luck I'm so jealous of all the kids with their success at athletics. My DS is soooo lazy but he does have his other good characteristics

And also forgot to mention that our top choice for house back home was just dropped in price ***$25,000*** today! Can you believe that? Hoping it is still available when I'm home in a couple weeks and I like it in person!

Shawn

 

[SettinSail]

Congrats to all the biggest losers and WINners

Shawn

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Hi all! You all are doing so great! Buffy keep up the great work you will be finishing that race with a smile on. and horray for DS thats great.

Liesel- Sorry about the snow. I hope it warms up soon for you.

I am taking a sick day today. I have a sorethroat, headache and just feel crappy. I didnt have much going on at work so I thought I better take advantage of a day that I can stay home and rest.

on a bright note: Ryan got a star certificate sent home yesterday for being helpful with a down syndrome child in his class. The child was struggling with doing a pattern and ryan helped him. I was so proud.

Tonight is suppose to be tball but they are calling for showers/thunderstorms on/off today so we will see what happens.

Have a great day everyone!

Thursday 4/28/11 QOTD

Is there an outfit or an article of clothing that you are still holding onto in the hopes to be able to wear it?

I have these pair of jeans that I loved and wore before my first pregnancy. I have gotten rid of everything else but I still hold onto these jeans. They are a size 10 (juniors) I think they were from american eagle. I doubt that I will ever fit them again since as you age you get curvage but I just cant part with them in the hopes to one day close the button and zipper.

That's for the support!! I hope I do ok at the Race. I'm soooo nervous!!

Sorry you are not feeling well! We have finally shaken all of the colds, allergies, etc.

Congrats to Ryan!!

QOTD: I have an old green turtleneck that I want to wear, but I almost tossed it last weekend. And I have a pair of shorts from when we lived in Hawai'i that I lived in!!!

Kudos to you and DS!! Between that great run and the excitement of the actual race, I'm feeling SURE that you won't get swept at EE!! I'm glad you are staying aware of your running stride/form. I think many newbies forget how important that is. I was lucky that I naturally ran with a good stride/form (or so I was told by the trainer I worked with last year ).

I love to hear "mom brags" here, since I love to brag about my kids! I don't know squat about running times, but those sound amazing.... especially compared to swim times!!

I don't know much about running times either. All I know is one lap around the track/football field is 1/4 mile. the 100 is just the straight away and the 200 is one curve and one straight away. DS runs in the 4th of 6 heats (we have a huge track team and XC team). He was running the 5th race so he's been bumped up a category. Typically the fastest runners run first.

I have not posted lately. I have been thinking about all of you and trying to read as much as I can to keep up!

Please say a quick prayer for me...I go tomorrow for my shoulder manipulation.

I just know it will get better, but am starting to get a bit nervous.

Then I will stop wallowing in self pity and get back on track!!!

Thanks everyone for sharing and for all the positive words and thoughts!

I think this challenge is awesome!

Nancy

I hope you get better quickly Nancy!!!

Looking forward to relaxing tonight and falling asleep on the couch until my wake up call at 3:45 for the wedding! I have the quiches done and just need to puree the strawberries for the bellinis! DSIL is coming at 8 tonight and I hope to get to bed early!

TTFN

Thanks for the reminder!!! I need to set up the TV to record everything.

F
And Buffy, I thought your DS times were swimming at first too. I'm glad Pam said something - my jaw was hanging open! Sounds like you will do fine at the EE - good luck I'm so jealous of all the kids with their success at athletics. My DS is soooo lazy but he does have his other good characteristics

And also forgot to mention that our top choice for house back home was just dropped in price ***$25,000*** today! Can you believe that? Hoping it is still available when I'm home in a couple weeks and I like it in person!

Shawn

Keeping happy thoughts on the house!!! I hope you love it and get it!

Sorry, I sometimes forget who knows my kids run and who doesn't know. Yeah, that can't swim for squat. LOL Neither can I. Well DS14 can kind of swim but not really.

I never thought DS would pick a sport because I'm not athletic and DH isn't around enough to be athletic anymore. He used to race mountain bikes when we first got together.
But the kids all love running. It's a team sport but it's all about personal performance, which is what I like.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

those poor "girls"will never be the same again!!

I got a good full day of cleaning in yesterday, so I am definitely feeling less stressed now. DD's room is cleaned eek, all three beds were stripped and sheets washed and remade. Entire house vacuumed (well, except for the kids rooms and the playroom). Back deck swept, laundry washed and dried (still have a mountain to fold), kitchen kept clean. My bedroom picked up just a bit.

having babies and nursing and gaining and losing weight sure does a number on the girls, doesn't it? there's a reason why i wear my bra 24/7 now! lol!

nice work on the cleaning of the house! it really is a great stress reliever when things are clean. not that i'd know what that's like lately as my house is a disaster!!!

oh and btw you asked about getting a bunch of ultrasounds. normally you only get one or two but i've had three already and i'm still in the first trimester! i was high risk with my last pregnancy so they like to take a look early to see how things are going. luckily, i'm not high risk with this one but i guess that means i won't be getting any more extra ultrasounds!

Please say a quick prayer for me...I go tomorrow for my shoulder manipulation.

good luck nancy! we'll all be thinking about you!

Hello from Holland again. We are leaving tomorrow, going to the cheese market in Alkmaar in the am and trying to talk DH into stopping by a windmill park that has 19 windmills (the old historic kind) for some quick photos. We also want to make stops in Antwerp and Brussels on the way home. And, I would love to stop somewhere in Luxembourg just so I can add another country to my list! DH is feeling a little overwhelmed with all that is planned for the drive home but for goodness sakes, its not like we will be this way probably EVER again!

Today we were pretty lazy and did not leave the cottage until close to 1:00 to visit the Afsluitdijk, 19 mile dike that separates the sea from a fresh water lake. Then came back to Zandvoort for a walk on the beach and dinner on the beach. We could not read the menu so just asked for their best broodje (sandwich) and it was a "spicy chicken" sandwich and it was good!

Pam, we did go to the Anne Frank house on Monday night in Amsterdam. We waited until 7:30 pm to go and still had to wait about 30 minutes in line. It is a little underwhelming as Otto Frank (the surviving dad) asked that it never be furnished. So, it is only filled with artifacts on the wall and pictures of the family. We were actually told that it was not worth a visit. I DID think it was worthwhile though. I still found it very chilling to think it was THE actual house they hid in and you did get to see her diaries (there were several).

sounds like a lovely trip! i would like to visit holland one day. and i'm glad you found the anne frank house to be worthwhile. i'd really like to see that. i can only imagine the chills you must have gotten!

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hi everyone! i'm nowhere near caught up on this thread so i guess my blanket "HOWDY!!" will have to do for now until i can go back and do more reading!

this weather is crazy! looks like it's crazy everywhere!

we are leaving tomorrow for DC for the weekend. my friend lauren is staying with thomas so this will be john and my first weekend away together since before he was born! i'm actually incredibly nervous about leaving the little guy. my friend lauren is great with kids and i trust her. but, you know, i'll just be nervous. we're going to my friend's wedding. should be fun! but of course i'll have to spill the beans about being pregnant since i won't be drinking. it's going to be GREAT to see a bunch of my college friends! my one friend works at the white house and managed to arrange for us to have a special tour of the white house. fun!

next weekend we leave for hawaii! i went to target and got a million little things to try to keep thomas entertained on the plane. stickers, crayons, a little toy train, etc etc. i made the mistake of doing a search on the dis board about benadryl and plane flights. shoo! i'm glad i didn't ask if anyone has done that before on the Families board!

 

[Princess Nancy]

Nancy,

We flew to Hawaii from Michigan when my youngest was 3. She slept most of the way the first leg. My older 2 were awake. The youngest was then awake from CA while the older 2 slept! I was exhausted. Then we were waiting for the restaurant to open in the morning to eat becuase we were up so early due to the time change!

Anyway, one thing I did was wrap every little thing I bought. That way it took them a little more time to go through things. I know when I buy little stuff they look at it in the airport and maybe never again! THis way they cant look at it til they are on the plane!

Also, if your child has taken benedryl before and you know how he reacts (sleeps). I for one would be sure I had it in my bag!! You know just in case!!! flame away!

Have wonderful trips!!!!!
the other Nancy