Biggest Loser Alumni Holiday Edition: past, present and future participants welcome!

[mikamah]

Some traditions have change over the years with losses of different loved ones, so the Most important thing is just being able to be together and creating new memories.

That is so true.

Great question Taryn, but I did pop on at work to read, and found myself getting a little misty so I had to stop. I blame you for that.

Some of my favorite traditions.
1. Making gingerbread men. Used to involve several bottles of wine and some friends, now it involves a little more mess but lots more fun with ds.
2. Hosting my family for Christmas eve. Started it in 1991, the first year I was in my condo, and have so many great memories. Again, a whole different night then, relaxing, eating, drinking, only one nephew who was a baby. Then we'd stay up for midnight mass, though mom and dad often napped on the couch waiting til midnight. It's a little crazier now with all the kids, but again, wouldn't change a thing.
3. Candy jar counting game on christmas eve.
4. Newer tradition we started last year of just michael and I relaxing on Christmas morning after he opens his presents, we go to church, come home and watch a christmas movie. As a family, we're trying to figure out the Christmas day tradition without mom, since we always went to her house. My sister had us all over for dessert last year, and she's going to do that again this year.
5. Decorating the tree after chopping it down. Michael can almost saw it down on his own now. I love looking at the ornaments, and have a lot of picture ones.
6. Baileys at the end of the night christmas eve. Both my parents loved that, and we always toast them.

I got out of work a little early today to bring michael to the doctor. He was complaining of an earache, but his ears are fine, so we'll go to scouts tonight. Have a great evening.

 

[donac]

Hi everyone. Just a few minutes before I need to get baking. Just had dinner after I ran around all afternoon.

We are getting bil and his family a gc to the movies, some salt water taffy and Cheese Doodles. They can't get the last two out in Kansas. we wanted to send them some Taylor Ham (a jersey specialty) but it would have cost almost twice as much to ship it as it would have cost us. I just couldn't do it.

QOTD

Christmas Eve is spent at my parents house with everyone. All my sisters and brother, spouses and grandkids. We will eat a buffet with everyone bringing something then crowd (and I do mean crowd) into the family room to exchange presents. Then we will take pictures of the gkids and then the gkids with the gparents. We will drive home and the boys get to sleep in their own beds. Dh and I will either stay up late and exchange presents or get up before the boys and do it.

Christmas Day
the boys will open their presents and the last couple of Christmas's we have had ds1's gf. We will go to church. After church we will either go out for breakfast if everything is in good shape or have bagels from the local bagel shop. After breakfast it is time to open the stockings (this comes from dh. His family always did it this way.) THen we start getting everything ready for our Christmas Day buffet. We used to have everyone come here but with my mil not being able to travel we bring it down to her house. This tradition has gotten smaller with dbil and his family in Kansas and dsil in NC. About 4 we will pack up and come home where we will unpack and dh and I will collapse and go to bed early.

Better get moving I need to bake some cookies for school tomorrow.

Have a great evening.

 

[cclovesdis]

My post this morning has drifted from my memory. It probably was some vent about how I woke up at 3:30 this morning and had multiple nightmares. Hoping for a much better night tonight.

Maureen: Loved to your list!

QOTD: The only tradition that I really need to keep is Christmas Eve. Taryn, my great-grandmother started this. She is my materal grandfather's mother. My mother's mother continued it for as long as possible, until it just became too much work for her. We worked together with her for 2 (3?) years and then it was decided that that's too much for her. I could probably survive without the stuffed squid, but the rest of it is special too. After dinner, it's a free-for-all to open our presents-still! Then, when things calm down, my grandfather hands out his gifts to us grandchildren. Grandpa loves to give us our gift each year and every year the moment becomes more and more special. Christmas Day is usually spent with my father's mother. How that works changes from year to year, but it does involve a meal-and that's the most important thing to my grandmother.

Well, I should probably hit the sack. Have a great day tomorrow everyone!

CC

 

[dvccruiser76]

My name is Sunny and I'm 44. I've been married to Thomas for 22 years, we have two children, Jen 25 and Drew 20. I live in NW Arkansas and work for an insurnace agency.

I've been trying to lose weight for 3 years and have been yo-yoing up and down using WW. I haven't decided what I'm going to do for a program as of yet. My holiday goal is to get all of my water in and limit my caffine. I was at WDW earlier this month and drank WAY TO MUCH caffine.

Hi Sunny welcome to the BL thread

WDW earlier this month Sorry just a little envy. I need a Disney fix.

Me too!! I looove interesting food and enjoy fine dining immensely. We just started getting into wine last year, and with the help of wine.woot.com we have quite a collection now. Of course, none of these things will help with my current weight loss goals, but it sure is FUN.

Mmmmm wine I haven't had much since starting the challenge, but we did have a bottle of reisling on Thanksgiving and will try my late harvest reisling on Christmas Eve with dessert. I only got into wine when I started dating my DH 6 years ago. I started with whites and have moved on to reds as well, but I still love a nice cold sweet white with a good meal. Thank goodness I'm on the 3rd floor and our wine is down on the first

We had our church Christmas pageant this morning. It was so much fun! DD2 stole the whole show as the Christmas Star!

You must have been so proud

I'm at beverly. That's great, your on team donald. We'll definitely get together for a walk some time. My brother does accounting on the side and I know how busy you will be come january. It worked out well for me this year, because sil and niece are coming with me for the princess to watch michael.

Do you ever walk at the mall? This white stuff will not be fun with a carriage in tow.

I think in the long run, that's the key thing there, for me anyway. I am NOT where I want to be yet. I have learned so much about myself in this journey, and part of that is that I am an all or nothing person. Meaning, if I'm good, I'm good and if I'm bad, I'm horrid. I have to have the mental focus to be good, and during the holidays/vacations I'm not mentally focused on weight loss. If I can maintain or come out with a small gain during these times, then I can get back to the "nothing" mentality and refocus when it's all said and done.

We're foodies, too, which makes this sooo much harder!

When we bought our DVC last year, it was that or home improvement. I have to keep reminding myself of that when I look at the carpet I hate, the couch I hate, the wallpaper I hate, etc. etc. etc.

Wanted to share the pics. Click on them if you want to see them bigger!
My little angels:

Today is my annual "Take mom shopping day!" I usually take a day off in December and we go, I have for years, but this year with the snow, I couldn't take a day w/ all I had to do at work, and the roads were too bad when we were off! I hate that it is this late, but I am hoping we have a good time. I have a few more things to get, but helping her make decisions will take all of my mental focus!!!!

Wow, there's a lot to comment on in there. I'm so with you on being very good or very bad. Sometimes I just have to be bad. I usually hop back on track petty easy, but I know where you're coming from.

Hello fellow foodie

And hello fellow DVCer

Your little angels are just precious

Funny I was just thinking about something similar like that the other day. In highschool, my boyfriend's father would take one day off during December and take my boyfriend Christmas shopping in Boston for the day. It was their little tradition and I still think it's so cute. Especially since guys aren't exactly known for being good shoppers. I think it would be nice to do that with my son some day.

QOTD Monday, December 20th: What are your family's most important holiday traditions? If everything else fell apart, what what matter most about the month of December to you?

Strange, but like a lot of replies, I'd have to say there are a lot of things that I'm trying to see if they'll stick. When I was little it was always Christmas Eve with my mother's side and Christmas day with my dad's. Luckily all families were in the same town. Now, things are different. My sister and her husband both work at the same hospital, so they alternate their holidays. One year they both work Christmas Eve and the next year they both work Christmas Day, so it's hard to set any type of tradition there. Plus they live in CT and drive here, so it's tougher for them. My DH's family lives in NH so we alternate Christmas Eve and Christmas days with each family depending on my sister's schedule. We're looking to move in the spring/summer and get a bigger place, so we may try to host instead of driving, but who knows how that will work. It wouldn't really work to invite both families on the same day, so who knows.

I guess time will tell

Sue, it will be busy for you soon with tax season -- even year end is busy. I've started several new corporations this week for clients. I always persuade them to switch as the end of the quarter if not at year end. We'll be glad to see you whenever you can pop in!

Thanks What kind of work do you do?

Sooo, on to the wedding stuff...Im finally getting my ring back today!!! Im so excited. Its been more than two weeks. While getting my ring, Im going to stop by my childhood church and get more info about having my wedding there.

Yay, good luck at your church.

Hi, I'm Nicole, age 29, married with one kid too! Mine is a 3yo daughter.

Hi Nicole

I got out of work a little early today to bring michael to the doctor. He was complaining of an earache, but his ears are fine, so we'll go to scouts tonight. Have a great evening.

Glad to hear that Michael's ears were okay. Maybe they were just cold. My ears hurt when I'm out in the cold long. I keep telling myself I ought to find a nice winter hat. Maybe tomorrow night I'll hit up Dick's Sporting Goods or Sports Authority. Come to think of it, where are my 180 ear thingys?? I know, I know I've lived in NE my whole life, but I still don't like the cold

 

[tigger813]

This has been the longest day! I'm exhausted and my throat is sore! So here's what I accomplished today:

Baked cupcakes for DD2s party tomorrow, wrapped all the presents that I have so far! I have a few more for DH to wrap when they arrive. Put together the teacher's cookie buckets, changed all the sheets, cleaned the kitchen, did 3 loads of laundry, cleaned the living room and dining room, pulled out the stockings, and set up the dining room table!

I'm wiped out. DH and I are watching Survivor from last night even though we know the outcome. I didn't "exercise" but I think I did enough to cover myself. I've been trying to drink water.

Tomorrow I have to take DD2 to school so I can drop off the cupcakes for her party and then head to work. I have a 10am client and another one at 11:30 and then I'm supposed to get a massage at 1. I'll probably have a shake for breakfast and take a WW meal for lunch since I will have to eat between clients. I also need to run to the dump in the afternoon. Hopefully I won't have to go out tomorrow night. I did put that I would work if needed since there is no dancing tomorrow night.

I hope everyone has a good night! I'm hopefully heading to bed early. I think I'll take some Nyquil. My nose is running a bit too.

TTFN

 

[flipflopmom]

taryn--those little angels were so cute--necklace and all. QOTD--well, we go on vacation at Christmas a lot! We always make peanut butter cookies with a hershey kiss in the middle. We didn't have time this weekend, so we are going to do it when we get home. And Tom wants stuffing and mashed potatoes, again. We used to read the polar express every year on Christmas Eve but haven't done that for several years.!

I love that! I would love to go on vacation at Christmas....one day! I think it's cool that you have favorite cookies! If you don't get back on tonight - HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!! And oh yeah, I saw that necklace in Dick's today. $45.00!!!! You gotta be kidding me! I'll have to encourage her to take better care of it!

I use the cookies as gifts for the kids teachers since we care not supposed to give them gift cards, etc. We can give gifts to the class but not specifically to the teacher!

That's an interesting policy, and I have to say, one I'm personally glad isn't in effect here! How else would I have treats to squirrel away and eat at HHI?

Flipflopmom - I'll TRY and keep up, but I will continue to read if I get lost. I'm still not done shopping.Octoberbride03 - I would love to see the shopping rules. When my kids were little, we made rules for everything.

I said that because I always hate to see new people drop out because it's moving fast. Starting now, you'll have a heads up b/c you'll be on the inside track with all of us wordy alumni! And her shopping rules come from working at Target. WATCH OUT! They involve things like not pulling everything off the shelves, etc.!

Taryn, love the little angels. I'm thinking that AK's relationship may last longer than normal since they are apart over the holidays. That might explain a bit of DH's crankiness, too. Some of our important holiday traditions are the decorating of the Disney tree, driving around to see Christmas lights, and, of course, the dressing up of the cat and dog on Christmas morning.

He doesn't have a cell phone (she doesn't either, but uses a text free app on her itouch) or email, so they aren't even talking right now. Never occurs to them to pick up the telephone!!!! Love your traditions of a disney tree, and you have to post pictures of the animals on Christmas morning!

Some traditions have change over the years with losses of different loved ones, so the Most important thing is just being able to be together and creating new memories.
Our favorite holiday activities include: cooking together, (my 3 daughters and I) decorating and wrapping presents always with Christmas music and watching Christmas movies.

That's so very true, and we are, too, finding our way as a family since Daddy died. Spending time together and making those memories is very important!!!

I missed the entire weekend due to a nasty virus in my house. My kids woke up Friday night/Saturday early morn vomiting! It was the first time either DS5 or DD3.5 ever threw up. It repeated all night long. I spent Saturday nursing them back to health only to start it myself just about bedtime. Since we have a young family I'm working to make traditions for our OWN family (versus with my Mom or the In Laws). We have declared Christmas morning for our family only. Kids can open their presents, we can have breakfast together, DH & I both do sound at church so that always factors in.

I have a missing Jesus and a broken Joseph, so I am with you on the knickknacks!!! I actually asked this question because we are still, after 11 years with kids and 14 years of marriage, still struggling on incorporating all the families!

Sunday....not so well , but today is another day and I've already started off on the right foot! Unfortunately we'll see how yesterday faired on the scale today.Off to do my lunch run! For once I'm excited b/c Friday's run went great!

Great job getting right back on it Nicole!!!!!!

I am also planning a wedding full time. I hope you all dont mind if I post stuff about the wedding since that is the biggest thing on my mind.Sooo, on to the wedding stuff...Im finally getting my ring back today!!! Im so excited.

for getting your ring back. AND POST AWAY about the wedding! I love hearing about your plans!!!

What beautiful angels you have. I love the pics. I got a chuckle out of AK wearing the necklace. I hope you have a good day with your mama.This is probably going to get long since we have so many traditions to carry on. Taryn you honestly either 1. are not going to believe me or 2. think I am totally crazy but I am coaching on xmas eve and my question was going to be Name your favorite holiday family tradition.

I totally believe you, don't think you are crazy, we're clones, remember?? A lot of our traditions are even similar, did you notice? Glad you stopped in! It's going to be hectic for us all, but I love hearing from everyone when we get a chance!

QOTD: We all wear our Santa hats on Christmas morning. One person is in charge of handing out the gifts. On Christmas Eve we read Twas the Night Before Christmas to the kids. Santa leaves their stockings in their rooms so when they get up they can look inside. There has been a Webkinz peeking out of the top the last few years. Sometimes the girls get into bed together and wait for DH and myself to wake up. We then gather onour bed to open our stockings all together. I then come out and put the tree on. The girls have to wait until I have the camera ready to take their picture as they see the tree the first time with all of their gifts under it. We have quiche and some kind of muffins for breakfast. I just got my order from TS today so I will make the cinnamon muffin melts.

Love reading these traditions! I can just picture the family in Santa hats, too cute!!!

Traditions for Christmas have been shifting - as a young family, we're trying to establish our own traditions but as we have no family in MN, we always go back to NJ on Christmas. Baking/decorating cookies, listening to Christmas music, and reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" are standards. This year I started doing more things at home with our 3yo DD - advent calendars, putting up a tree, letting her pick out a new ornament or two.

It's so fun to start the new traditions with the little ones! We always get an ornament that holds a special memory of the year!

Great question Taryn, but I did pop on at work to read, and found myself getting a little misty so I had to stop. I blame you for that. 1. Making gingerbread men. Used to involve several bottles of wine and some friends, now it involves a little more mess but lots more fun with ds.

at that. I know what you mean about trying to find your way.... we're struggling a bit on what to do. My parents anniversary is/was Christmas Eve, so that's tough, too. For now, my brother and SIL have mom over for Christmas Eve along with some various other family members of my SIL, and mom and her mom are going to spend the night with them. I'd rather have her here, but she didn't want to intrude on my MIL's celebration at her house, and didn't want to come in as late as we do....... Hugs to you. and sorry I made you misty eyed!!!! Glad Michael is okay.

Christmas Eve is spent at my parents house with everyone. All my sisters and brother, spouses and grandkids. We will eat a buffet with everyone bringing something then crowd (and I do mean crowd) into the family room to exchange presents. the boys will open their presents and the last couple of Christmas's we have had ds1's gf. We will go to church. After church we will either go out for breakfast if everything is in good shape or have bagels from the local bagel shop. After breakfast it is time to open the stockings (this comes from dh. His family always did it this way.) THen we start getting everything ready for our Christmas Day buffet. We used to have everyone come here but with my mil not being able to travel we bring it down to her house.

I love to hear how everyone does presents/stockings/family gatherings. What a cool tradition to carry on, and sounds like an exhausting couple of days!

QOTD: The only tradition that I really need to keep is Christmas Eve. Taryn, my great-grandmother started this.

That's really cool! I love your Grandpa doling out the gifts. If you haven't already, video it this year. Someday, you'll be glad you did!!!

Funny I was just thinking about something similar like that the other day. In highschool, my boyfriend's father would take one day off during December and take my boyfriend Christmas shopping in Boston for the day. It was their little tradition and I still think it's so cute. Strange, but like a lot of replies, I'd have to say there are a lot of things that I'm trying to see if they'll stick.

My brother and Dad always went on Christmas Eve, started out together, and then separated so they could buy for each other. It's true that some things just have to find their way, and for us it's year to you, but others I hope my girls will continue with their own children....

BRB

 

[flipflopmom]

Since I said BRB, I had to post quickly. DH had to work late, just got home w/ the girls around 9:45. Gotta get them in the bed, so I'll catch up on my day tomorrow!

 

[SettinSail]

Life is good! we are so enjoying being home. I have my scale out and in position so I can weigh every morning while I'm at my Mom's house. I will have 4 days next week when we travel w/o a scale so I'll have to be very careful then. The scale here says about what mine at home does so I really did lose weight Sunday morning I was up 1 pound and today I was up 1/2 pound. My goal is to get back home Jan 7th without a gain. I will have to get an excuse from the scale the first week of the new challenge since we will be travelling back that Friday.

In addition to weighing every day, I've been drinking LOTS of water. I brought my Sigg water bottle with me and it is huge, maybe 32 ounces? It's amazing if you are looking for it, water fountains and bathrooms are EVERYWHERE! I ran 32 minutes Sunday morning and walked about 35 minutes this morning. We have eaten some of our favorites but tried to eat in moderation, for example ate a cheeseburger for lunch yesterday with lots of water but no fries and then had salad for dinner. I'm sticking with this approach until I get back home: Weigh every day....exercise every day....drink lots of water.....eat in moderation as much as possible....enjoy some favorite treats that we can only get here!

All of the gifts we brought from Germany survived the flight and we fnally opened all the packages we had ordered online and had sent to my Mom's house. I did accidently open my present and DH and DS are letting me have it for that OOPS! Love all my Pampered Chef stuff - thanks Tayrn! After all that fretting about finding a Kinect and finally locating one online and ordering it, DS saw one in Target yesterday. We were quite surprised! We had told him that they were all sold out and he would not be getting one. He put it in the cart but we made him put it back. We told him it was too expensive and we'd have to think about it. He was quite distressed, thinking it was the last one available in the US I guess We are so mean!

I went to HH tonight with a friend and FINALLY someone commented on my weight loss. No one in my family said anything! I asked my Mom and she said oh yes, I could tell it right away when I hugged you that you are much smaller I wish she had told me that w/o me having to ask! I know exactly what my MIL will say: "Have you lost weight?" I think I'll just say NO! Why do you ask?

Today DH and I got our driver's licenses renewed (ours expire in Feb), went to the library and checked out lots of books (we ordered them online last week!), had Mexican for lunch and went to the Mall. Got DH 2 nice pairs of dress shoes for work and some jeans. I will have to go back when I can shop for myself, I saw some nice snow boots that I need. I don't know if we will have time to read all those books, I have 6!

Hi Shawn, that's great work in 15 weeks. Where are you in Germany? I went last year with my DH. It was a great trip!

We live in Stuttgart, in Southern Germany. It is the headquarters for Mercedes and Porsche. There are many automotive companies in this area. Where did you go on your vacation? Germany is a very interesting and beautiful country! We are close to Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France.
Just a few hours drive away. We can be in Strassbourg, France in about an hour from where we live.

QOTD Monday, December 20th: What are your family's most important holiday traditions? If everything else fell apart, what what matter most about the month of December to you?

Thanks for coaching today Tayrn! I have enjoyed reading everyone's traditions. Ours have changed through the years as DS has grown up and especially the last 2 years as we've lived abroad. The one thing that has remained constant every year is the Christmas Eve party at my Mom's house. Growing up, it was at my Grandmother's house and the whole extended family attended but now it's down to just our family. There are 9 of us and sometimes a few other family members, friends or neighbors stop by. We have a huge meal with appetizers, hot cider, full spread buffet with ham and side dishes and several desserts to choose from. After eating, we gather in the living room to exchange gifts but we only give the children gifts. We sit around and visit for awhile after that and then everyone goes home. The 3 of us exchange gifts on Christmas Eve and then Santa comes on Christmas morning and he always overdoes it
Loved the pictures of your girls, thanks for sharing!!! Hope you enjoyed the shoping with your Mom!

Rose: Have a wonderful trip to WDW tomorrow! Safe travels!

Kathy: Glad Michael is not sick. Your town sounds like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting!

Tracey: Hope everyone at your house stays well. You have gotten so much accomplished!

Jeanette: You will find yourself staring at that ring and daydreaming alot

Lndsay: Good luck getting everything done!

We are watching Monday Night NFL. Tomorrow morning I will do my 32 minute run. I want to measure the distance tomorrow, I think it's somewhere between 2 and 2.5 miles. We need to get our car inspected and get the tag updated and have the car detailed inside and out. I need to call some friends and figure out when we can get together. We'll do more shopping and looking at everything! And hopefully there will be some time to get started reading all those books. DS already read one of his books today!

Hope you are having a great evening and make it a great day tomorrow

Shawn

 

[my3princes]

QOTD Monday, December 20th: What are your family's most important holiday traditions? If everything else fell apart, what what matter most about the month of December to you?

Taryn

This is such an interesting question. Had you asked me this 2 years ago I could have given you an extensive list, one like many of you have. Last year my perspective changed. Hunter was diagnosed with a Brain tumor just before Thanksgiving and had surgery on December 11. We went through the motions of Christmas Prep and celebrating, but when you get right down to it the only tradition that matters is spending quality time with your family. It doesn't matter if you're decorating, eating or just sharing space, being together for just one more second, minute, day... That is what matters everything else is just a bonus.

 

[mikamah]

I have enjoyed reading everyone's holiday traditions.

deb-so happy that this year you were able to celebrate Hunter's one year anniversary and he is doing well.

Sue- I haven't walked at the mall lately, but I like to run/walk, so that's why. I am not happy with this snow, it was so slippery for such a small amount of snow today. I hope it melts soon. I may borrow my sisters treadmill this week, and i have a couple free day passes to the Y to us also. I love the idea of taking ds out of school for a day of shopping. I'm sure he will love that when he gets older.

Shawn- hug for mom not saying anything about your weight loss. I remember once I had lost 40 pounds, and my mom had never mentioned it until sil who knew it hurt me, brought it up in front of her. I guess we always want our mom's to be proud of us, but as we grow up, maybe they don't still realize it. (shrugs shoulders) Glad you're enjoying your trip, and I love the kinect story, Ds will be so thrilled on Christmas morning.

Taryn- thanks for the hug. Pixie dust to you too that this christmas the memories of your daddy will bring you all more smiles than last year.

Rose- Hope you're sleeping soundly and when you wake you'll be on your way to the most magical place on earth!! Have a fabulous trip and a very, merry christmas!!!

CC- Hope you sleep well with no nightmares tonight.

Hello to everyone else. Hope you're all taking some time to enjoy the company of your loved ones this week.

I'm off to bed now.

 

[Cupcaker]

Got my ring back. Finally. It feels weird to have it on. I guess I just have to get used to it. My mom was thinking it was tight, but I wouldnt know because I dont wear rings.

My family and I had christmas yesterday since they will be leaving the country this week. Normally they just go and we dont have christmas, so it was nice this time to have our psuedo christmas. I got new microfleece sheets for my bed. They are so warm and comfy.

As you can see, I dont really have christmas traditions since my family is not really around. But when they are, the only tradition we have is to open presents on christmas eve. We're just too exicited to have to wait till the next day.

Going to try to get some exercise in. See you all tomorrow.

Rose- Have a great trip! See you soon.

Taryn- Your girls are too cute! Perfect angels.

Princessbride6205- congratulations on running the half. Welcome back to BL!

Kathy- good news that Michael is ok.

Susan- I like cold sweet white wine too. Hmmm…maybe that should be my wine for the wedding. Any favorites?

Shawn- Glad you got home ok. That is too funny about the kinect. Wont DS be surprised when he gets one.

Deb- I agree, spending time with the ones you love is what it all comes down to. Im so happy you and your family have time to spend with Hunter.

 

[tigger813]

UGH! I should not be awake at 3:30 in the morning. I am all congested and have a post nasal drip sore throat. Decided I would try sitting up and see of that helps any and have a big glass of water. It's quite windy out right now too. We had our first light snow fall last night so it's really pretty outside.

When DH and I went to bed last night we checked on little one and she was sound asleep kneeling on her floor with her head on her bed. It was soooo cute. I took photos and if I have time to post I will. She used to do that all the time but it's been awhile. DH was able to get her back into her bed.

I should set the alarm on my phone and see if I can go back to sleep for awhile. I'd take some Nyquil but I'm afraid that I wouldn't wake up.

TTFN

 

[flipflopmom]

Life is good! My goal is to get back home Jan 7th without a gain. In addition to weighing every day, I've been drinking LOTS of water. Love all my Pampered Chef stuff - thanks Tayrn We are so mean!
Today DH and I got our driver's licenses renewed (ours expire in Feb), went to the library and checked out lots of books (we ordered them online last week!), had Mexican for lunch and went to the Mall. Ours have changed through the years as DS has grown up and especially the last 2 years as we've lived abroad. The one thing that has remained constant every year is the Christmas Eve party at my Mom's house. We need to get our car inspected and get the tag updated and have the car detailed inside and out.

Wow! You've been busy! I never thought about all the "details" that you have to take care of when you are home! Did you leave your car at your parents house? You have a great weight loss perspective going on! Sorry you had to ask your mother about it, she was probably just so glad to see you! Also glad you liked your pampered chef stuff! That Christmas Eve party sounds so exciting, especially since you so rarely get to see your family! And too funny about your DS and the Kinect thing. I love it!

This is such an interesting question. Had you asked me this 2 years ago I could have given you an extensive list, one like many of you have. Last year my perspective changed. It doesn't matter if you're decorating, eating or just sharing space, being together for just one more second, minute, day... That is what matters everything else is just a bonus.

So sorry that you all have had to deal with this. I know you have so much to celebrate and be thankful for. Do thoughts about what happen run through your mind every day? I just wonder if something like that puts a "glow" (of thankfulness, etc) around every moment or if time fades the thoughts because he is doing so well?

Taryn- thanks for the hug. Pixie dust to you too that this christmas the memories of your daddy will bring you all more smiles than last year.

Mom and I were talking about how neither of us really remember last Christmas. I can vaguely remember giving Sophie a vacuum cleaner and mop what she wanted and AK got an Ipod touch. That's all I have any memories of, so it was definitely going through the motions. Don't remember getting the tree, shopping, or decorating, didn't do cards, etc. So just the fact that I am participating in activities is a good thing!

Got my ring back. Finally. It feels weird to have it on. I guess I just have to get used to it. My mom was thinking it was tight, but I wouldnt know because I dont wear rings.

for ring back!!!!!!!!!!! You'll start making those traditions soon!

UGH! I should not be awake at 3:30 in the morning. I am all congested and have a post nasal drip sore throat.

Do you have a neti pot? DH has a lot of issues with congestion, and working around sawdust doesn't help. That really helps him sleep. It's odd, but he loves it. I can just see the mental image of your DD, precious!

So... our shopping trip yesterday was fairly successful. We got mom's list knocked out, she wasn't super thrilled with every purchase, but we had a good time together. I really enjoyed our conversation time! It was one of those, "I should have bought that instead", kinda trips. But it worked. I found the girls a couple of more gifts that I probably shouldn't have bought, but there was a Shawn Johnson gymnastics game for wii that I had never seen before, and I just had to get it for AK. Which meant I had to get something else for Sophie- found a really cheap little digital camera,$30, that I think she'll enjoy, if it works. Also got them CandyLand, it's time for Sophie to learn how to play board games and we don't have any that she can really handle. DH and I don't exchange gifts, our HHI is our gift, but we do fill each other's stockings. I got him mostly snacks for HHI, and an Alton Brown DVD. He loves that show. All my shopping is done!

Had a blowout lunch around 2, I regretted eating so much, but that was my only meal of the day, so hopefully it balanced out. Also splurged on an eggnog latte at Starbucks, but since I am obsessed with coffee and have to drive an hour to get to a Starbucks, I figure 2 or 3 a year are okay. I need to be really focused the next couple of days, though, or I'm going to end up with a big fat gain that I don't want to have to work off!

The girls had a blast at their gingerbread man making party with their Nana. I love that she did that with them. They came home with 2 plates of them, soo cute! DH ended up having a TERRIBLE day at work with 3 of his workers out, and worked 14 hours. Add to the money tree! He left early this am to try to catch up. Sophie had a meltdown right after I posted last night, she wants the gift we are taking to her party. Hopefully after a good night's sleep, she won't meltdown at preschool today when someone else gets it.

Thank you so much for taking time to share and answer yesterday's QOTD
A friend said "We don't leave our house Christmas Day. If you want to see us on Christmas, come see us." Sometimes I wish I could be that way, but she's an only child, and her DH's family is 5 hours away. It's harder when your immediate family (brothers, wives, kids) has 16 people and your DH's family is also nearby. We also visit his Grandmother, 99, Christmas Day, and do Christmas Eve w/ MIL and FIL. Dh always opened gifts Christmas Eve as a child. They wanted Santa to come there on Christmas Eve, but NO WAY JOSE! I did put my foot down on that one!

Have a great day! Preschool party, and then taking the girls to mom's so I can wrap gifts. Might be a new tradition to add to the list, no gifts under the tree until Christmas Eve just before we leave for MIL and FIL. I always opened and re-taped all mine growing up, and AK is just like me!
Taryn

 

[tigger813]

Taryn- I have a Neti pot but now that I'm sitting up it's getting better!

We're going to go see Tangled on Christmas Eve morning. The only free time we have. I didn't see movie times posted earlier this week and just checked and now they are there! So excited! I'll take the girls to church for the 4pm service and DH will cook our ham for supper! Going to love relaxing that day with my family!!!!

DD1 woke up on her own. Her cold is bothering her too! We're both having a cup of tea. I need to get up and make her lunch now.

Have a great day!!!!

 

[SunnyB1066]

I said that because I always hate to see new people drop out because it's moving fast. Starting now, you'll have a heads up b/c you'll be on the inside track with all of us wordy alumni! And her shopping rules come from working at Target. WATCH OUT! They involve things like not pulling everything off the shelves, etc.!

Good Morning! I'm using this thread as practice. I'll have "met" the alumni and gotten into the swing of things before I have to get really serious about counting points or calories or whatever I decide to do.

I think I can handle the rules, can't wait to see them. Maybe, when I find time, I'll go back and look for them. Our family had rules like:

The Parking Lot Rule: Small children can't set foot of the sidewalk into a parking lot with holding an adults hand. (My son thought it wasn't physically possible and wouldn't even try).

The Shorts Rule: Shorts can't be worn between Oct 15 and March 15. Before and after these dates, my daughter had to check the weather channel and see if the temp was 40 degrees or higher and not predicted to be lower than that during the day. (Kept her from asking me everyday).

DVCcuier- Thanks for the welcome. We loved the December trip! It was for my daughters birthday. Now I just have to make up another reason to plan a trip.

Yesterday's QOTD: Holiday Traditions
1.) Driving around Christmas Eve listening to Christmas music to see holiday lights.
2.) After lunch on Christmas Day, we head out to the movies.
3.) If my kids find out what one of there presents are, I take them back. (This worked when they were little, maybe they find out now and just know better than to let me know.)

When Thomas and I got first got married, we had Thanksgiving 4 times in one day. We went from my Dad's to his Dad's to his Mom's and then to my Mom's. After that, I made a rule that we had Thanksgiving and Christmas at our house and they were all invited. We had the only grandchild, so most of them just came to us. We did Christmas with my dad and stepmom the weekend before. Worked well for us when we were closer to family. Now we just stay home, just the 4 of us.

Hope everyone has a great!

 

[lisah0711]

On the fifth day of the holiday challenge my true love gave to me . . . five happy WISH'ers, four motivating words, three sets of ten, two exercise gloves and a big glass of water for me.

QOTD 12/21: Describe your favorite holiday decoration and why it is special to you.

The final results are up on the BL 10 thread so check them out and congratulations to our biggest loser, KristiMc!

Hope that you and your family are feeling better soon, Mrs. D!

Sounds like you had a great, OP (on plan) week-end, Nicole!

Jeanette, I knew that you were going to school but didn't realize that you are studying for your PhD. Soon we will be calling you "Dr. Cupcaker!" You'll get used to your ring soon. I'm sure it is beautiful.

Lindsay, great run! I'm so impressed with that 12 min/mile pace!

Tracey, sorry that you and DD are feeling sick -- best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Hi princessbride6205! Nice to see you! Are you running in the Disney marathon next month? Sorry that we won't see you at the Princess.

Kathy, hope that Michael is feeling better today!

We are getting bil and his family a gc to the movies, some salt water taffy and Cheese Doodles. They can't get the last two out in Kansas. we wanted to send them some Taylor Ham (a jersey specialty) but it would have cost almost twice as much to ship it as it would have cost us. I just couldn't do it.

It kind of takes the fun out of giving when the shipping costs more than the gift!

CC, I'm glad that you enjoy those special times with your grandparents!

Thanks What kind of work do you do?

Attorney, mostly real estate but some business and corporate, too.

I love that! I would love to go on vacation at Christmas....one day! I think it's cool that you have favorite cookies! If you don't get back on tonight - HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!! And oh yeah, I saw that necklace in Dick's today. $45.00!!!! You gotta be kidding me! I'll have to encourage her to take better care of it!

Holy Cow! And you get to go on a little vacation for New Year's -- that is almost as good -- plus you don't have to deal with the logistics of hauling your presents around.

Shawn, you were so lucky to make it home when you did with the horrible weather in Europe. You've been busy, busy since you got home but sounds like your plan is in place and working like a charm! Won't your DS be surprised when he gets the Kinect?

This is such an interesting question. Had you asked me this 2 years ago I could have given you an extensive list, one like many of you have. Last year my perspective changed. Hunter was diagnosed with a Brain tumor just before Thanksgiving and had surgery on December 11. We went through the motions of Christmas Prep and celebrating, but when you get right down to it the only tradition that matters is spending quality time with your family. It doesn't matter if you're decorating, eating or just sharing space, being together for just one more second, minute, day... That is what matters everything else is just a bonus.

So true, Deb!

Good Morning! I'm using this thread as practice. I'll have "met" the alumni and gotten into the swing of things before I have to get really serious about counting points or calories or whatever I decide to do.

Yep, you'll be a pro and all ready for the spring challenge!

I still have some coaching spots open if anyone is interested.

Have a great day all!

 

[KristiMc]

Good morning ladies

I am going to join in on the alumni thread and try to be better about chatting

QOTD: My favorite holiday decoration? - I have so many. I love my big Mickey ball that we got on our first trip to WDW with the boys. I always make sure to put that one on every year. I also love all the ones that my boys have made at school.

Have a great day everyone. Busy day here - WW meeting/weigh-in this morning and school party this afternoon.

Kristi

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning ladies

I am going to join in on the alumni thread and try to be better about chatting

QOTD: My favorite holiday decoration? - I have so many. I love my big Mickey ball that we got on our first trip to WDW with the boys. I always make sure to put that one on every year. I also love all the ones that my boys have made at school.

Have a great day everyone. Busy day here - WW meeting/weigh-in this morning and school party this afternoon.

Kristi

Congratulations on being the biggest loser for the fall challenge!

 

[pudge the fish]

Good morning!

I am also going to join in so I can get used to chatting, posting more etc..

QOTD: My favorite holiday decoration? Hmmm Anything the kids made. I also have a beautiful Disney ornament my DH got me for Christmas when we were first engaged. It is special to me as it was our first visit to Disney together.

Have a great day everyone and I am really looking forward to getting it together and meeting challenges!

 

[tigger813]

At work waiting for my client. Still snowing though very lightly. Roads aren't too bad.

QOTD: I have a Tigger ornament DH gave me several years ago. We also have a Mickey crystal ornament that DMIL gave us the year before she died. We also have a set of 12 ornaments that we got as a wedding shower gift. I think I had to find the last two of that set. My mom gives the girls a Hallmark ornament each year. DD1 gets the Madame Alexander collection and DD2 gets the Fairies collection.

Just finished my protein shake for breakfast. I have a lc for lunch, chicken fettucini, and a fiber plus bar if I'm hungry or a Special K bar. I've had a cup of green tea this morning. I'll have to eat my lunch quickly between my two clients this morning and then I'm hoping that that I receive a nice massage this afternoon. I'm so overdue for one. I'm also so tired I may fall asleep.

I had to sweep the front steps and steps to our deck this morning as we're expecting several packages over the next several days. Not sure where UPS will put them. I have to try and run to the transfer station before the girl gets home. I should also try and pick up some ice melt. I also want to get some nice rolls so we can have meatball subs tonight or tomorrow. I plan on going to return cans and bottles in the morning and go to TJs and also get the teacher's gift cards. Hoping to get more donations in today.

TTFN