~ Sew Sweet 16 ~I’m packing your angry eyes just in case~Aug 2014~ BFF' bag 8/20!!!!

[Iamthequeen]

I love the ChipnDale bag! It always amazes me how you manage to capture the facial expressions so well.

Glad to hear Alli's and V's dr visits went well. Have fun at the hockey game tonight!

I think Lillian does wonderfully with translating into English. I never have a problem understanding her writing. I am amazed that schools in the US do not start teaching a foreign language at an early age (when it is easier to learn). Most European countries require all students to learn a 2nd language.

Well, we're getting hit with another snow storm tomorrow, there is just no getting around it. On a brighter note, my daffodils are starting to emerge from the ground (where we can actually see the ground that is). Spring can't be that far behind, can it?

I'm going to watch the baseball game - that will put me in a better frame of mind!

 

[babynala]

The Chip and Dale bag is awesome. They look so cute and happy. Such fun characters in the parks so I know this bag owner will have many great memories when she catches up to these two chipmunks.

Happy to hear that Alli had no issues with her blood work. It is a good baseline for the future if you think that she is not as healthy as she should be. I hope V has positive results too. Casey had to get glasses right before Christmas and it has been an easy adjustment. She likes being able to see but the poor vision seemed to come out of no where.

The towel looks very nice. And Good luck to Matt and his hockey team.

It is great that you are keeping up with your healthy eating. Making this life change is having a such a great impact on your health. Since you are predisposed to Diabetes the changes you have made in the past year are only helping you plus you are a great role model for your daughters! I am sure the doctors will be happy with all the progress you have made and that some of your health problems have disappeared. They will using you as an example to all of their other patients.

Sorry for not stopping by lately. The thing is that I have to concentrate a lot when reading English since it's not my first language and I always want to reply when I read your posts. And I'm horrible on spelling so I always use google translate to check my spelling. And some times I find it hard to find the right words for what I want to say. Again because English is not my mother tongue.

Enjoy seeing you around D~'s trip report.

Hope everyone is staying warm!

 

[disneychic2]

Oh D~ I love the new bag! Chip and Dale are great subjects and as always you captured their personalities in their expressions perfectly! I, too, love the accents of red. Just perfect! I also love the towel you did for your foster Dad.

I'm glad to hear Victoria's dr visit went well. How does she feel about wearing glasses? Emily is the only one who needed glasses and she got them in third grade! Her eyes are terrible, poor thing! Hope V gets good result on her blood work.

Yay for Matt's team winning the hocky game and moving on. Should be a good game I would imagine. HaHa. Not saying the word boyfriend doesn't make him go away! Why not just call him by name on here. I think that would be easier than saying guy friend? Come on, Mom, better get used to it...this is just the beginning. There are enough of us who have already been through it to help get you through. And you will get through it!

I wanted to post my favorite Target photo, if you'll indulge me:


It's Caroline when she was 20 months old last June. It just cracks me up. Target is always my go to place for the grandkids since they have such nice things. And when Dan and I were there on Friday before going out to dinner, a nice young lady schooled us on the cartwheel thing and now I finally know what you talk about when you do your mega shopping deals. Nice!

Tess, I'm with you bring on the baseball!!! And OUT with the snow and the cold. It's coming down now. Oh bother!

Lillian, I also think you do an amazing job and didn't realize what all you had to go through to post. I envy people who can speak, write and read another language. Keep up the good work!

Oh, forgot to tell you, Dan has started reading my trip report and I think it will be no time at all before he's reading everyone else's. He already recognizes so many of you, it's kinda cute. He doesn't know where that mystery pic was taken either! HaHa, but he's trying to figure it out.

Have a great day and let us know how the hockey tournament went.

 

[DMGeurts]

That's great news that V's doctor appointment went great. Hope her blood work is great as well

Yes, it is such a relief.

The embroidery on the towel looks great.

Thanks! I am really happy with how it turned out.

How sweet of you to think about me when I'm not on here for a few days. I can't belive you notice since there are so many people following you on this PTR.

Of course I notice! You've been responding here for a very long time... I always miss anyone who leaves... I wonder what happened and why they go. I realize most people don't like to come here after their trips are over, it's very sad and hard to do - but I alwasy wonder how they are doing and how their families are doing. Even though I respond every day - I get to know all of you too, and all of you are important to me.

We haven't got much snow in February either. So now it feels like we're in the end of April beginning of May. And that's still almost 2 months away
We have ice on the roads so it's not very safe to walk around. It's no problem driving because the car is properly shoed (as we say in Norway. Meaning we have the right tires for the season).

LOL I love that phrase "the car is properly shoed" - that's so perfect.

The weather isn't warm here at all... I am soo beyond tired of it! The sun is starting to rise earlier and set later though, and it's position in the sky is changing - so I know that spring is coming. It just can't come soon enough.

I remember that! I think I still have those drawings somewhere! I dream of a kitchen remodel as well. I still have to figure out what we want to do with it though.

I have them all saved on my PC... I so hope to use them someday soon!

I saw that her bloodwork came back okay and I'm sure that is a relief. I'd still try to get her to see a dietitian/nutritionist to discuss her eating if you can. Not sure if it is the same in the US, but here a dietitian would not only be able to give information on foods she should be eating but can provide information on the vegetarian lifestyle, health risks to watch out for, etc. I know many people who are healthy vegetarians, so it can be done.

That is next on my list... I am not sure how a dietitian/nutritionist would work with our insurance, but I am waiting for all of our bloodwork to come back, and then I will decide what we want to do. I do know there are lots of healthy vegetarians, so it can be done - I just want to make sure that Alli is one of them.

Thanks for the support D~! I believe in the 'slow and steady wins the race' philosophy. I spent my younger years watching my mom's weight yoyo as she tried every diet going. I refuse to diet but am going for healthier eating. I am happy to say that I have lost 7 lbs in the last 2 months just by increasing my activity level and changing up what I am eating. I still find I am struggling most days to eat the calories I should. I could easily do it if I was to eat junk food, but so far I have resisted. I am finding that I don't even want the junk food anymore. DH, however, is struggling. He increased his activity a bit but has fallen back into his sedentary ways. He has also resorted back to junk food snacking. Sigh. I can't force him on this, so I am just doing my best to resist falling into old habits. So far, so good!

So proud of you Loree! That is awesome! It's amazing how small changes really affect you more profoundly... I am so happy to hear this. Can you eat higher calorie items so you can get more in? When I get to the end of my day, and I have a lot of calories left to eat - I indulge in my favorite... A cup full of berries, topped with about 6 Tbsp of heavy whipping cream (not whipped), and a small hand full of home-made roasted almonds... It's like 400 calories of the most amazing flavors... To me, it's icecream with out all the added chemicals - and total bliss. I try very hard not to have it more than 2-3x per week though - because I feel like it's very indulgent... And it's high in fat, which is very good for your brain... Also, high fat keeps you from craving sugar.

Thank you. The last part of December, all of January and the first part of February were very hard from a personal perspective. Unfortunately, I attended 7 funerals for family or good friends in that time. And we had to say goodbye to our furbaby Cleo after almost 18 years. It was a rough time needless to say.

Oh Loree - this is so very sad. I am so sorry to hear of all the loss in your life. I wish I could do or say something to make it easier on you - please know you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Much love and hugs to all of you.

Loved the picture of A and you! How cute are the two of you! A's note made me.

Thanks! She has a few friends that she snap~chats with occasionally, and she always pulls me in on the action. Her friends tend to think I am a nutcase, but I love having fun with her! She makes me feel young again.

I'd love say that your pictures of the snowy roads made me shiver but I don't need to see those to feel cold. All I have to do is step outside. We are actually in a heat wave right now, it is only -5 C which feels like -9 C with the wind (that is 23 F and 15 F for my US friends). But another snow storm is about to hit and by Monday the temperature is going down to -24 C (-11 F) and the windchill is going to make it feel like -35 C (-31 F). We have had so much snow this year, there isn't any place to put it anymore. The city has had to truck some of it to their depots on the outer limits of the city. I'll have to try to snap some pictures from the roads on the outer limits. The snowbanks are higher than the Equinox!

Yikes - I feel your pain though - we are right there with you. It was very bad here last night. I cannot wait for spring to come. I know I say it every day, but this winter needs to be over - soon!

Loved the blanket V made! I love how colourful it is! And good for her for teaching herself. I have been knitting for years but still struggle when crocheting.

Thank you! I am so proud of her - I cannot wait for Thomas to get it. Unfortunately, it will be a while - currently Myrthe's parents are in California... Then they go to Brazil... Then they come back to the US... Then in May they finally go home... I would love to travel like that some day.

Boyfriends - oh my! I can feel for you. However, I am coming at it from the other side with DS. He is only 13 but there have been several phone calls and knocks on the door by girls for the past two years. He hasn't been really interested in girls for the most part during that time, thank goodness, and is only just starting to notice them. We've had discussions about girls, dating, respecting others and yourself, etc. so I think we have instilled good values in him. We are also one of the strictest parents of all his classmates and don't believe kids his age should be dating. Our best friends have a daughter in DS's class and she has been dating another boy in the class for over a year now. We just shake our head at that, especially when her dad goes on a rant about what all boys want. We still have some time before we have to deal with it, but I can tell you I am not looking forward to it at all.

I know - it's scary no matter what side you are on - I expect. Lucky for you DS hasn't been interested... It will come - I am sure of it. I have no doubt that you have instilled great values in him, and the parents of any girl he chooses will thank you a million times over for it.

I agree - there is a point where it's just too much stress on kids to have a steady relationship at such a young age. I feel like Alli is on the borderline of that age - and the only reason I allow it is because she is so mature for her age, she consistantly has good grades, she has so many interests and hobbies - she is just a well rounded girl... And, as long as having a boy in her life doesn't affect any other aspects - then it's OK with me.

Hoping that V and you have good checkups too!

Thank you... V's check-up was great... We just have to wait for her bloodwork results to come back.

OMG! That Chip & Dale bag has me . They are my second favourite Disney characters. I can't believe you haven't been asked to do them before either! You have captured their playful and mischievous nature perfectly. I love the pop of red on it too!

Thank you... You'll be happy to know that their permanent home is in Canada, so - maybe you'll bump into them some day. LOL OK - so maybe not, but they are coming to your country - so that has to account for something right?

Yes I completely understand. Maintaining/breaking through to more weight loss is so hard. I always get to the point to where I 'be lost 15-20 and then I sabotage myself. Why?!

I feel like I am constantly analyzing this, and trying to find the solution. The best I have come up with is this... Any other time I've lost weight, I have done it with the recommendations of Conventional Wisdom... So, I cut calories (sometimes drastically) and do excess cardio. I do this for as long as my body will sustain this way of life - usually it's about 4-5 months... And usually I can lose a good 50 lbs in that time. But once I hit that 4-5 month mark... I am STARVING - after months of not eating properly - and I am HUNGRY... So, I eat, eat, eat... and eat some more... Phew - no longer hungry - but I am eating too much... So I gain, gain, gain and feel sorry for myself - but I am hungry. Before I know it - it's all back on... And I feel so guilty for losing control and I get down on myself. Before I know it - I've gained even more. I don't want to work out, because I am still exhausted, but now I have all this excess weight on top of it all. It's a vicious cycle - it truly is.

So, then I went looking everywhere to find the answers... How can I lose weight by eating as much as possible? How can I excercise with the least amount of TIME effort? Because this time, I wanted my losses to be maintainable... EVERYONE says they are doing a "lifestyle change" - but the lifestyle they are trying to change to, is not maintainable for the duration of the rest of their lives. If a person has to have "cheat days" to get through their new "lifestyle" - then it's not really a lifestyle change...

Which brought me on this never-ending quest to find the answers for me - which would fit my life and how I live it... Essentially - I didn't want to change my lifestyle, I wanted my new "lifestyle" to fit who I truly was, and I wanted to achieve it with very little effort. And that's how I found the Primal way of eating...

I LOVE meat - I always have... In my previous lifestyle changes - I've always felt encouraged to eat as little lean meat as possible... It was awful! Now, I get to eat as much meat as I want to... LURVE meat! In previousl lifestyle changes, I've been encouraged to eat as many steamed veggies covered in chemical imitation butter products - YUCK! Now, I eat roasted vegetables fried in (all natural) bacon grease or butter - YUMMY! In previous lifestyle changes, I was encouraged to eat "boxed fiber bars" and the like - with God only knows what in them... Now, I make my own - and WOW are they yummy - I do not miss those bars in a box one little bit. I just love, love, love this food... I love making it, I love eating it, it tastes wonderful, and my body loves it. It's all natural - there are no chemicals in it, my food doesn't come from a box, can or jar and I don't feel guilty ever. I don't have cheat days, I don't need cheat days... Because who wants to cheat with eating chemically laden food out of a box, when I can eat the real thing? It tastes waaaay better.

So, is this truly a "lifestyle change" - yes, I think so. Can I truly eat this way for the rest of my life and enjoy it. Yes, I can. Do I want to? Yes, I do. I think, when you find the lifestyle that fits how you want to live your life and how you enjoy living your life, then it's really not a lifestyle change any more, it's living in harmony with yourself.

OK - sorry for the huge long reply - and I hope I didn't sound rude - I am just so passionate about truly finding what works for you... and when that is found, only then, can it be sustainable.

I love the ChipnDale bag! It always amazes me how you manage to capture the facial expressions so well.

Thanks Tess... I honestly don't know how I do it... Each time I do, I shock myself. LOL I just "go for it" and hope for the best.

Glad to hear Alli's and V's dr visits went well. Have fun at the hockey game tonight!

Thanks! We did have fun... I will be posting hockey results below.

I think Lillian does wonderfully with translating into English. I never have a problem understanding her writing. I am amazed that schools in the US do not start teaching a foreign language at an early age (when it is easier to learn). Most European countries require all students to learn a 2nd language.

I agree!

Well, we're getting hit with another snow storm tomorrow, there is just no getting around it. On a brighter note, my daffodils are starting to emerge from the ground (where we can actually see the ground that is). Spring can't be that far behind, can it?

Yikes! OK - when do you leave for FL? It's really soon isn't it? Hopefully all of the snow will be gone when you get back and all the flowers will be in bloom.

I'm going to watch the baseball game - that will put me in a better frame of mind!

Have fun!!!!

The Chip and Dale bag is awesome. They look so cute and happy. Such fun characters in the parks so I know this bag owner will have many great memories when she catches up to these two chipmunks.

Thanks Liz! Yes, I agree - I think she will have so much fun carrying this bag! And I am sure the Chipmunks will love it!

Happy to hear that Alli had no issues with her blood work. It is a good baseline for the future if you think that she is not as healthy as she should be. I hope V has positive results too. Casey had to get glasses right before Christmas and it has been an easy adjustment. She likes being able to see but the poor vision seemed to come out of no where.

Yes, exactly.

Same with Victoria - it seems to have come on out of nowhere too... It's so strange. I hope to get her in for an exam in the coming weeks... We wish she would have told us a few months ago, we could have put her on our vision insurance - and there is no way we can hold out until next year. Sigh.

The towel looks very nice. And Good luck to Matt and his hockey team.

Thanks! I will have a hockey update below.

It is great that you are keeping up with your healthy eating. Making this life change is having a such a great impact on your health. Since you are predisposed to Diabetes the changes you have made in the past year are only helping you plus you are a great role model for your daughters! I am sure the doctors will be happy with all the progress you have made and that some of your health problems have disappeared. They will using you as an example to all of their other patients.

I sure hope so, I am a bit nervous for it - as I DO NOT want to be diabetic, so I will do anything in my power to avoid it, and pray that my diet changes have done something in my favor.

Hope everyone is staying warm!

I hope you are too - you have an awesome cruise to look forward to in a few weeks! WHOOT!

Oh D~ I love the new bag! Chip and Dale are great subjects and as always you captured their personalities in their expressions perfectly! I, too, love the accents of red. Just perfect! I also love the towel you did for your foster Dad.

Thanks Lois... I was really struggling with putting the red accents on there - but in the end, I am glad I did, because it really brought the whole bag together.

I'm glad to hear Victoria's dr visit went well. How does she feel about wearing glasses? Emily is the only one who needed glasses and she got them in third grade! Her eyes are terrible, poor thing! Hope V gets good result on her blood work.

To be honest... V took my glasses months ago (unbeknownst to me - I never wear them...) and she has been using them in school. I only found this out on Friday... Of course, I had a talk with her about using glasses that aren't her right prescription (because odds are that they aren't), which can permanently wreck your eyes... So, I think she will be fine with them - she just wants to see.

Yay for Matt's team winning the hocky game and moving on. Should be a good game I would imagine. HaHa. Not saying the word boyfriend doesn't make him go away! Why not just call him by name on here. I think that would be easier than saying guy friend? Come on, Mom, better get used to it...this is just the beginning. There are enough of us who have already been through it to help get you through. And you will get through it!

Hahaha... Yes, I suppose I could call him by his name... Gosh, I really like him... I hope they stay together for a while - as he is so nice and has such great manners. And the best part - he doesn't seem to mind having to spend so much time with our family. He told me last night that he actually enjoys spending time at our house, and he is very comfortable here. This makes me happy - because it's important for me that the person my girls date enjoy spending time with us - I prefer them to date in a way that is more typical to the old "courting"... Especially now, when they are a bit younger. And if the people they date like us, then we will still see our girls occasionally - right?

I wanted to post my favorite Target photo, if you'll indulge me:


It's Caroline when she was 20 months old last June. It just cracks me up. Target is always my go to place for the grandkids since they have such nice things. And when Dan and I were there on Friday before going out to dinner, a nice young lady schooled us on the cartwheel thing and now I finally know what you talk about when you do your mega shopping deals. Nice!

Hahaha... Look at those adorable little feet and toes... I just love little baby feet!

Tess, I'm with you bring on the baseball!!! And OUT with the snow and the cold. It's coming down now. Oh bother!

Lillian, I also think you do an amazing job and didn't realize what all you had to go through to post. I envy people who can speak, write and read another language. Keep up the good work!

Oh, forgot to tell you, Dan has started reading my trip report and I think it will be no time at all before he's reading everyone else's. He already recognizes so many of you, it's kinda cute. He doesn't know where that mystery pic was taken either! HaHa, but he's trying to figure it out.

Have a great day and let us know how the hockey tournament went.

Hahaha! Hi Dan!!! Welcome to Disboards! Pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee... You might be here a while!

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

So, yesterday, the girls and I went to the mall (ahem) 45 minutes away to meet up with Gus (Yes, I will refer to him as his real name from now on)... Alli texted him when we left our house... No reply... She called him when we arrived at the mall... No reply... She called him a couple more times while we were shopping... No reply... She was starting to worry... My guess - Mr. Gus was sleeping... After all, he was at our house until 11:30 the night before, and by the time he got home and settled, I am sure it was well after 12:30am. Sure enough, as we were walking out of the mall and headed home... Gus woke up. He felt horrible... I just told Alli to have him meet us at home (if he wanted to) - otherwise, he could meet us at the game later (because the game was very near to his house)... Gus felt horrible - so he chose to drive all the way down here to sit with us for dinner, then follow us all the way back up an hour later.

We all went to the game together. We scored the first goal - and the only goal. Yes, our Oles lost their playoff game. We are so sad, but they had a great season and we are all looking forward to next year.

Today will be a lazy day around the house... I have no plans to do anything, other than revolt winter. I am currently wearing shorts, a tank top, and flip-flops (which is nothing new...) - and I plan to paint my toe nails later today. I am on strike and I am sick of wearing jeans/coats/socks/real shoes.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful and WARM day... Think spring with me - and go paint your nails - throw on some flip-flops - it will make you feel better, I promise. Sending prayers out to all who need them!

D~

 

[sweetpeaandevie]

I am going to a bridal shower today and it is supposed to be 70 degrees!!! I am so excited...I am wearing a dress that I bought way back in September but could not wear because it has been too cold!! I am definitely in "spring" mode this weekend....

I even did some "spring cleaning" in my closet!

 

[Iamthequeen]

We leave on Saturday need to go paint my toenails so I can wear my flipflops!!!

I need to go spend some time in my sewing room today - I'm making a back pack bag for my sister for her birthday later this month. And I'm going to listen to baseball - I need to feel like spring is coming.

Have fun relaxing today!

 

[Chicago Mo]

caught up!!!

I absolutely ADORE the chipmunk bag.. everything about it adorable!!!

Sorry about losing your playoff game.. that is heartbreaking..


So gus gus is is trying very hard... so sweet.. big step for you and calling him by name!!!

V is going to look ADORABLE in glasses!!!

 

[npierce25]

I have finally hd time to catch up. Love the chip and dale bag! It's my favorite so far. If you are still takingnsuggestionsmfor auction bags, a lion king one would be super cute. Good to hear the blood work for your daughter was ok. Make sure the prescription d is a D3 not a d2. My d level is 5....... Like super critical bad. And they say a d3 is better than a 2 when it comes to supplements. Things have been crazy here. Dd had an allergic reaction to something atherosclerosis father daughter dance, have to wait to the end of the month for allergy testing. I have had some medical issues and have surgery on the 11th. . I was so happy to read that you dad is doing well and your healthy eating plans are successful! I did find the foot pedal to my sewing machine so hopefully I can start some projects while I'm recovering next week! Happy I finally could catch up!

 

[babynala]

I wanted to post my favorite Target photo, if you'll indulge me:

HILARIOUS, how cute. It is funny to think about how little they are. I bet she just loved that ball.

Bummer that the boys lost their game but I'm sure they appreciate having such loyal fans in the stands.

It was nice of Gus to head all the way out to your house and back again. I guess it is getting serious now that you are typing his name in your PTR.

I meant to post this on Mo's PTR but I will now after seeing her ticker - excited to see Mo's ticker with your 2nd DisMeet. Will Chicago be thawed out by then, I sure hope so. Can't imagine what kind of trouble you three will get into this year.

 

[Terkina]

Sounds like a nice day yesterday. I hope spring isn't too far away from you since you're longing for it
I on the other hand like the cold weather much better than warm summer weather (even if it doesn't get that warm up here. Thankfully)

 

[spiritsim]

Ok I am all caught up again. I also take D3 and calcium (I had surgery last year on my para thyroid) So I will always have to take them. Also because I am lactose intollerent I need vit d3. boys....well Raina can tell you I have chased off a few in her teen years.....lol She was wild that girl but settled down once she found Greg......lol I am sick of snow and cold so took you up on your shorts/t-shirt/flip flop idea, well no flip flops I never wear shoes around the house....I hate shoes, even find flip flops constrictive sometimes...... Just lazying around the house today. Frank is having a starwars weekend...... working on laundry and my comp today......love chip and dale think I mentioned that on fbbut if you didn't see it they are adorable......

 

[disneychic2]

Oh, too bad about the game. But they did really great to get that far! Kudos to them!! And how nice that you're calling him Gus. Now, doesn't that feel better?

Shorts and flip flops. Sounds like a winner! Ooooh and painted toes. Yes please! I wish I could wear flip flops, but my feet won't allow. I love that you're staging a revolt against the weather. Hope it works!

I hope you enjoyed your Sunday relaxing with no agenda. Sounds like heaven.

 

[lovesdumbo]

If you ever want company - let me know! This sounds like a great trip and such a wonderful way to take a few days to unwind after such a stressful time at work for you. I sure hope it's settling down now.




Thanks for stopping by Bernadette... Please say hi to the family for us. Still bummed that we are going to miss you by a matter of hours in August - we had so much fun last year!

Sorry your hockey team lost. Lizzy's team lost Sat night as well after winning their first ever tournament game last week. Not bad considering the girls ice hockey team is only in its third season and they were up against much longer established teams.

I'm afraid things might get worse at work for a while. My boss was ready to make an offer for the new analyst position to a very strong internal candidate weeks ago but HR dragged their feet so long that now that person told me Friday that he has rethought about it and wants to just stay where he is. My boss travels to the board meeting next week then to China for the first of 4 trips this year for a special training program. So now they won't even start a new search til late March (the external candidates weren't very good). That means by the time they do get someone we will be in 2015 budget mode so the new analyst won't really be up to speed to take much pressure off me and with my boss gone so much with this training program I'll have even more on my plate. I'm glad I booked my May trip-I'm going to need it!

We still haven't finalized our summer plans. I'll be sure to let you know if our departure date changes. We would love to see you again!

I heard about the horrific accident on icy roads that took 3 Carleton students. Please stay safe!

 

[ladylyons]

THis is so hard to do - but I agree, very important. I hope you are able to take the time to enjoy them, it goes so fast!

Yes it does. I look at my cousin who is now 28 and wonder where the time has gone because she is getting married in June!! Makes me cry because she was the first one I ever babysat. I plan on trying to do something special at least 3 - 4 times a week with the kids whether it's just going to a park, riding bikes outside, having friends over, etc. I want them to enjoy being kids because they'll have to be grown up way before they or I are ready.

Me too! I just cannot wait until I can start walking outside again... Even though I hate these hills, I just want to feel the sun and a warm breeze on my face!

And how very nice of your neighbor to help you out

I'll keep thinking good thoughts for good weather for all of us!! I know yours is worse than mine but I can't help but complain about the rain. But I just hate it.

I do have some great neighbors who are more than willing to help me out when needed. But then again I do help them when they need it too so it works both ways.

Nope, it wasn't... But I wasn't here to answer it. So, I need to call them back this morning.

I did see you got the results back and am glad they were fine but I'd still be concerned. Hopefully the vitamin D helps and you can get Allie to eat better.

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!! I just knew you could do it Sandra!!! So proud of you... and 20lbs!!!!!!!!! That is sooooo awesome!!!!

Thank you!!! I couldn't be happier with it. I do go on Tuesday to the Dr. and will get the official results but the numbers I saw were all under where they could be and not just by a little which is encouraging. I do plan on going back to the gym next week just got to get my gym partner back into it too. But I will go without her if need be.

Awww.... I agree, this is so important. I wish I would have slowed down when the girls were little, but no one ever told me how fast it would go.

Makes me sad to see how fast the time does go by. I look at Jeremy some days and go where did my baby go?


I do love the new bag!!! Great job!!

Yeah on all the weight loss and lost inches!! Always great to see that all the hard work is paying off.

Sorry been away but busy with the kids and we celebrated Jeff's 40th birthday this weekend!! Still can't believe we've been together 10 years and are celebrating our next milestone's together.

Ladylyons - Just had to comment on how cute your little one is! I so want to cuddle a little one now.

Thank you!! If your ever in the San Francisco Bay Area let me know and I'll let you cuddle all you want!!! He is a cuddle bug as my DH calls him.

 

[DMGeurts]

I am going to a bridal shower today and it is supposed to be 70 degrees!!! I am so excited...I am wearing a dress that I bought way back in September but could not wear because it has been too cold!! I am definitely in "spring" mode this weekend....

I even did some "spring cleaning" in my closet!

So jealous!!! I would love some 70 deg temps!!!

We leave on Saturday need to go paint my toenails so I can wear my flipflops!!!

I need to go spend some time in my sewing room today - I'm making a back pack bag for my sister for her birthday later this month. And I'm going to listen to baseball - I need to feel like spring is coming.

Have fun relaxing today!

YAY!!!! Saturday cannot come soon enough for you - I know this has been an incredibly hard winter in your area.

I hope you had a great sewing room day, that you were able to paint your nails - and hopefullly you were able to get some packing done too.

caught up!!!

I absolutely ADORE the chipmunk bag.. everything about it adorable!!!

Sorry about losing your playoff game.. that is heartbreaking..


So gus gus is is trying very hard... so sweet.. big step for you and calling him by name!!!

V is going to look ADORABLE in glasses!!!

Thanks! LOL - Hey now... It's not easy being a mom of a teen girl - you will see...

I have finally hd time to catch up. Love the chip and dale bag! It's my favorite so far. If you are still takingnsuggestionsmfor auction bags, a lion king one would be super cute. Good to hear the blood work for your daughter was ok. Make sure the prescription d is a D3 not a d2. My d level is 5....... Like super critical bad. And they say a d3 is better than a 2 when it comes to supplements. Things have been crazy here. Dd had an allergic reaction to something atherosclerosis father daughter dance, have to wait to the end of the month for allergy testing. I have had some medical issues and have surgery on the 11th.. I was so happy to read that you dad is doing well and your healthy eating plans are successful! I did find the foot pedal to my sewing machine so hopefully I can start some projects while I'm recovering next week! Happy I finally could catch up!

Hi! Thanks for taking the time to catch up! I love the Lion King bag idea... I might just have to do that one...

I will double check her prescription - I can't remember off the top of my head what it is.

Oh no... I sure hope she is OK. And I pray your surgery goes well, and you are able to recover quickly. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Yay for finding your foot pedal - you will be off and sewing in no time!

HILARIOUS, how cute. It is funny to think about how little they are. I bet she just loved that ball.

Bummer that the boys lost their game but I'm sure they appreciate having such loyal fans in the stands.

It was nice of Gus to head all the way out to your house and back again. I guess it is getting serious now that you are typing his name in your PTR.

I meant to post this on Mo's PTR but I will now after seeing her ticker - excited to see Mo's ticker with your 2nd DisMeet. Will Chicago be thawed out by then, I sure hope so. Can't imagine what kind of trouble you three will get into this year.

Yah - it's a bummer that they lost their game - but it was a fun season.

Yes - it was nice of him... He's a nice guy - and it's been fun having him around. LOL I am not sure how serious it is yet? I am trying very hard not to interfere.

Very excited for Chicago! It's going to be a BLAST! We never get into any trouble... Hahaha...

Sounds like a nice day yesterday. I hope spring isn't too far away from you since you're longing for it
I on the other hand like the cold weather much better than warm summer weather (even if it doesn't get that warm up here. Thankfully)

I sure hope it warms up soon...

Well, I am glad you like the cold better than the warm... I don't mind the snow so much - but it's the cold I can't stand. I guess you could say that I don't like it super warm either... But I love spring and fall - my favorite clothes to wear are sweatshirts with shorts/capris.

Ok I am all caught up again. I also take D3 and calcium (I had surgery last year on my para thyroid) So I will always have to take them. Also because I am lactose intollerent I need vit d3. boys....well Raina can tell you I have chased off a few in her teen years.....lol She was wild that girl but settled down once she found Greg......lol I am sick of snow and cold so took you up on your shorts/t-shirt/flip flop idea, well no flip flops I never wear shoes around the house....I hate shoes, even find flip flops constrictive sometimes...... Just lazying around the house today. Frank is having a starwars weekend...... working on laundry and my comp today......love chip and dale think I mentioned that on fbbut if you didn't see it they are adorable......

This is good to know Trish... I have a feeling we will all be on VitaminD by the end of the week.

Hahaha... Raina - I never would have imagined. I am glad she found Greg then. LOL

Yay!!! Glad to hear you threw on some shorts/tee shirt... It just makes me feel better. LOL - Granted, I had to throw a sweatshirt on top of my tank top... But my heart was in the right place.

I hope you enjoyed your relaxing day yesterday.

Oh, too bad about the game. But they did really great to get that far! Kudos to them!! And how nice that you're calling him Gus. Now, doesn't that feel better?

Shorts and flip flops. Sounds like a winner! Ooooh and painted toes. Yes please! I wish I could wear flip flops, but my feet won't allow. I love that you're staging a revolt against the weather. Hope it works!

I hope you enjoyed your Sunday relaxing with no agenda. Sounds like heaven.

Hahaha... Yes, it's a bummer about the game, but at least Gus is now being called by his name. He is a nice boy and it's fun having him around... He is definately reminding me of my teen years and working on cars with all the guys I hung out with... Gus is really into cars. I like seeing a young person with a hobby they are passionate about...

Yes, my revolt seemed to work - well, a little bit anyways. It made me feel better. I put on my shorts/tank top... painted my toe nails... Put on my flip-flops... That lasted about 10 minutes... Then I put on a sweatshirt and covered up with a blankie... but I think I got an A for effort - right?

It was a nice Sunday... I spent the day in my recliner with my tablet... No nap - just relaxed, but it was nice.

Sorry your hockey team lost. Lizzy's team lost Sat night as well after winning their first ever tournament game last week. Not bad considering the girls ice hockey team is only in its third season and they were up against much longer established teams.

Bummer for Lizzy... I love that she plays hockey though - and KUDOS to her and her team for getting so far!!! Please congratulate her for us!

I'm afraid things might get worse at work for a while. My boss was ready to make an offer for the new analyst position to a very strong internal candidate weeks ago but HR dragged their feet so long that now that person told me Friday that he has rethought about it and wants to just stay where he is. My boss travels to the board meeting next week then to China for the first of 4 trips this year for a special training program. So now they won't even start a new search til late March (the external candidates weren't very good). That means by the time they do get someone we will be in 2015 budget mode so the new analyst won't really be up to speed to take much pressure off me and with my boss gone so much with this training program I'll have even more on my plate. I'm glad I booked my May trip-I'm going to need it!

Oh no... This just sounds awful... I am so glad you have a trip booked to look forward to.

We still haven't finalized our summer plans. I'll be sure to let you know if our departure date changes. We would love to see you again!

Yes - please do - I am still a little sad that we will miss eachother by a few hours. The girls ask about you all often and how you are doing, I know they would love to meet up for a while if we can manage it.

I heard about the horrific accident on icy roads that took 3 Carleton students. Please stay safe!

Yes, it was horrible! We actually drove past it on our way to the hockey game on Friday night... The way we came upon it was very shocking - it was very horrific. We did not hear about the injuries/deaths until yesterday morning though - and we were all just sick to death. It was icy that night, and it's just so sad, the boys who died were very well looked upon among their peers/professors, so it's just very sad. Many of our prayers go out to their families and friends during this time.

Yes it does. I look at my cousin who is now 28 and wonder where the time has gone because she is getting married in June!! Makes me cry because she was the first one I ever babysat. I plan on trying to do something special at least 3 - 4 times a week with the kids whether it's just going to a park, riding bikes outside, having friends over, etc. I want them to enjoy being kids because they'll have to be grown up way before they or I are ready.

I agree completely - I have tried very hard to focus on this with my girls too... I had to grow up well before my time with my mom being sick - and it's very important to me that they are able to enjoy their childhood and just being a kid.

I'll keep thinking good thoughts for good weather for all of us!! I know yours is worse than mine but I can't help but complain about the rain. But I just hate it.

Thanks Sandra... I can't wait for warmer weather.

I do have some great neighbors who are more than willing to help me out when needed. But then again I do help them when they need it too so it works both ways.

You are so fortunate to have that! We love our neighbors, and wouldn't be able to survive out here with out them... We are all constantly texting eachother to find out if someone has a missing ingredient for dinner... LOL And you always know when dinner is being made, because children are running all over town to get supplies from the neighbors - mine included. LOL

I did see you got the results back and am glad they were fine but I'd still be concerned. Hopefully the vitamin D helps and you can get Allie to eat better.

I am still a bit concerned, but not as bad as I was. Hopefully the vitamin D helps - I agree.

Thank you!!! I couldn't be happier with it. I do go on Tuesday to the Dr. and will get the official results but the numbers I saw were all under where they could be and not just by a little which is encouraging. I do plan on going back to the gym next week just got to get my gym partner back into it too. But I will go without her if need be.

So proud of you! This is just fantastic!

Makes me sad to see how fast the time does go by. I look at Jeremy some days and go where did my baby go?

I know - I feel the same about my girls. It goes so fast!

I do love the new bag!!! Great job!!

Thanks! It was a fun one!

Yeah on all the weight loss and lost inches!! Always great to see that all the hard work is paying off.

Yes, it is nice to see it pay off.

Sorry been away but busy with the kids and we celebrated Jeff's 40th birthday this weekend!! Still can't believe we've been together 10 years and are celebrating our next milestone's together.

Happy birthday to Jeff! And congratulations on your 10 year anniversary!

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

Yup... I succeeded in painting my nails and wearing flip-flops yesterday... It made me feel better...

If only I didn't have pasty white legs... Ahhh - I am just dying for some sun!

Then, I cuddled with MM all day, and did nothing... It was so nice. And I know it's hard to see from the angle of the picture, but he was actually NEXT to me in the recliner... That sure made me feel smaller. LOL

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

Disney stuff:

So, yesterday morning Denovagirl posted some painted Disney shoes in her PTR... Let me just say - that now I have the "itch" to make myself a pair. So, I spent a lot of time yesterday on Google and Pinterest... It looks like so much fun! I might take some time this morning to sketch out what I want to do... Then I will have to save my pennies to buy a pair of shoes to wreck... And you know me - because of my stupid feet - I can't have cheap shoes... But I am very excited for my idea!

Then, in a little while - I will be posting my calendar page! Aren't you all excited???? I know I am - I cannot wait to show you all!

Have a great day everyone!!! Sending out prayers, warm thoughts and Pixie Dust to all who need it!

D~

 

[lovedonaldduck]

Can't wait to see your calendar page. I wore flip flops, capris, and a T-shirt yesterday - although it wasn't in your honor since I just read that this morning. We had 70s yesterday, the high today is supposed to be 81, and tomorrow the high is supposed to be 57. I would like some consistency in the weather - I'm afraid I'll forgot to check a weather report one morning and my girls will either freeze or roast!

I am super busy at work for the next couple of days. I'm giving myself some pixie dust to get through it all!

Have a great Monday!

 

[Clio]

Looks like you had a relaxing Sunday. Yay for painted toenails and flipflops! Too bad it's so cold outside. MM looks so relaxed. I spent the day reading and playing hidden object games.
My daughter and niece when out looking for dresses for the wedding. They finally found dresses they liked. I spent a lot of money without leaving the house. We've also bought the flowers for the bouquets. Thank goodness for Joannn's and Michael's coupons. My niece is doing the flowers.
Our photo lab will never completely run itself. We do a lot of crafty things that need a person to do like canvases and mounted photos.
I have to finish getting ready of work. I hope everyone has a good day.
Liz

 

[Iamthequeen]

Well, we dodged the bullet this time! The worst of the snow went further south. The cold front from Canada pushed it further than expected. YAAY! Except our high today is 18....and tomorrow its supposed to be even lower. Oh well, I can deal with the cold temps - almost getting used to them.

My bags are nearly packed, my toenails are painted orange in honor of my beloved Orioles, and I managed to work on both my quilt and my sister's bag yesterday.

We may or may not have a stowaway on our trip.....

 

[Texan]

Good Monday morning to you D - all caught up now - I don't spend much time on the Internet on weekends; I just want to sleep and get caught up on laundry and housework and errands after work all week; my work is so stressful; so relieved to hear of Alli's bloodwork - she will come around in time (hopefully) on being more responsible about her own meals; did you get that book ordered from Amazon?

Love the Chip and Dale bag; I had to be reminded which one had the red nose when we went a few weeks ago; I always forget; they are such cute classic characters; reminding you what amazing talent you have! You capture expressions so beautifully.

D - you are on an awesome track for good health and good weight - I am so proud of you - do not get discouraged at all - just keep doing what you are doing and remind yourself how you are giving yourself lifetime goals and being an example for your family and all of us.

Cannot wait to see your calendar - I will be living another trip through you! I cannot believe this is March already.

Have an awesome week; stay safe out there; as always, daily prayers for you and your family and your Dad.

 

[lovedonaldduck]

The trick on keeping Chip and Dale straight is that Chip has the small, brown nose - like a chocolate CHIP