Sugarbusters Weekly Support Board 12/20 - 12/26

[Ellen]

img]http://members.aol.com/eldemila/sb_sign4.jpg[/img]

This is the
SUGAR BUSTERS WEEKLY SUPPORT BOARD where all of you who are following this WOE, or are thinking about doing so, are welcome to come join in and be a part of our wonderful group.

Other than finding support and friendship on this board, we also try to do something during the the week to add a little difference to our board.

MONDAY-MOTIVIATIONAL MONDAY
TUESDAY-TUESDAYS TIPS & FACTS & CHAT AT 9:15PM EST
WEDNESDAY-WEIGH-IN WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY-TASTY THURSDAY (RECIPE DAY)
FRIDAY-FRIDAY FUNNIES


Please take some time to check out our extensive recipe boards. Our RECIPE BOARDS can be located at the link below:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=89

Look for our QUARTERLY RECIPE BOARDS to post your favorite recipes and to see the most recently posted recipes. Recipes from the quarterly boards will be archived in proper categories at some point.


We have SEVEN INFORMATIVE BOARDS!!!! Please take a few minutes to visit them! New information is continually being posted, so please make sure you visit them often!!! The boards are listed below as well as the link that will take you to the boards:

THE RECOMMENDED READING BOARD
THE TOOLS & TIPS BOARD
THE FOOD INFORMATION BOARD
MOTIVATIONAL & INSPIRING THOUGHTS BOARD
MY FAVORITE SB LEGAL FOODS
SB 2002 BIO BOARD
SB 2001/2002 PHOTO ALBUM BOARD

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=87

We also have a SB WEEKLY EXERCISE BOARD that you can log your daily/weekly exercises on which is located on our weekly support board:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?p=735043#post735043

Then there's our latest addition to the SB BOARDS which is called OFF THE EATEN PATH This board is for everything NOT related to SB. You can use this board to post questions or comments on just about anything (okay, within reason). A book you recommend, a cleaning tip, a great website deal, etc. etc. Here's the link:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=90


NEWBIES! (aka new members) If you would like to REPLY to any of our threads, please hit POST REPLY not NEW THREAD, then type your message in and hit SUBMIT REPLY. If you need to edit your reply, just click on edit located in the body of your post and make changes as you need to, then hit SUBMIT NOW.


WELCOME! :D

http://members.aol.com/debelli/welcome_bear.gif

[Ellen]

Good Morning! We are coming down to the wire on the holidays! I wish everyone great self discipline and lack of temptation! :)

Its going to be a busy week here at Spa Monet... I still have shopping to do, and presents to wrap. I have not decided if I am going to fill stockings this year. Ruth and Erik will not be here to get them, we are going out there...so do I fill ours here, and just take theirs down, or what? Decisions, decisions!

I think I slept really well last night...the sleep aid seems to be helping a lot. (try it Sebray! )

I don't seem to be drinking enough water, so somebody keep me on track there...

OK, I need coffee or something. Be back later!

[Fillise]

Boy is it COLD here! 19 degrees when I woke up this morning--BRRRR--that's cold for south Alabama.

I've got a lot to do before Miss Belle and I head to NC on Wednesday. I've got client meetings all day today and tomorrow, a Christmas party tonight and somewhere I need to do laundry, pack and wrap. Oh well--it will get done somehow!

I can't wait to get home--I'm ready to spend some time with Mom and Dad and the girls. I just found out that Dad has to have another heart cath o Jan 3rd, so I'm going to stay until at least the 4th to make sure he is OK!

I helped a friend bake Christmas cookies on Saturday--she did 10 batches! I sure don't want to see any cookies anytime soon! Maybe it will help.

BOB--I looked at that makeup keeper. I sure need something cause right now I have all these little pots on my bathroom counter. . . You were very brave to get out there on Satruday--not me. . . I will do a little tonight or tomorrow. I have to hit Books-A-Million and Tige Rags to get a sweatshirt for my brother.

Monet--Glad to hear that you are sleeping better! That always makes a big difference! I just has two of my WW waffles for breakfast---YUM! Thanks for bringing them!

Jackie--You are doing great with all the exercise!

Gator--I love the Spongebob inflatable! I wouldn't put it in my yard either, but it sounds like your DS will love it!

Everyone else--I hope you have a happy happy Christmas!

Susan

[Solly]

Good Monday morning.

All is right with the world today. Funny whenthe scale is good things seem much better. I was pleasantly pleased with the scale even with a night at the Mexican rest. Those places are just poison. To make it worse, we are going there again for our lunch at work today. I'm hoping the motivation from the scale today will keep me away from the chips. I didn't have any legal ones to bring with me. All shopping is done with the exception of picking up some chew bones for the dog and some candy bars for my SIL's stocking. I have some things to take back tomorrow so I may try to pick up a sweater for my DH, but nothing that has to be done.

It's going to be a busy week since I have everyone at my house on Sat for dinner. I have my days lined out on what needs to be done each day. I work better organized.

Monet, glad the sleeping aid is working. You feel much better with a good night's sleep. My kids love the stockings. It is hard as they get older. Things cost more and I don't know what to get. Thanks for starting the board. Is Deb still having computer problems?

Bob, How about those cats? Kate must have been really cheering hard at the end.

Susan, It's funny how no matter how much we have to do, it gets done somehow. Have a great and safe trip. Prayers for your dad and his test.
Need to do some work. Hope to check back later.

[kengjw]

Good morning...

Berrrrrr is right! I believe we are around the same temp as Fillise so berrrrrr again..lol. I am getting used to this cold and loving it. I am getting ready to get out in the cold...need to get some stamps for the remaining Christmas cards and few groceries. I know I will have to get to the store again around Wed or Thursday to get the rest of the grocery for the holidays.

Sorry I haven't been around...dh has been installing some new Windows operation system for the last 2 days so I just let him use the computer. Today he is still off, so he will be online a lot too. I will try to check back in later.

Monet, I love Jamaican food and know the food you were talking about. I love beef patties...yummm, especially the spicy one. My fav has to be curry goat and ackee and salt fish. Have you try those? I know so much about them is because my dh is Jamaican and his cousin cooks the best curry goat...don't even taste like goat but sooo good. Glad you had a good time. I am also glad the sleeping aid is working great for you, nothing like a good night sleep. I need to get in more water as well as the weather is so dry and my skin is not doing very well. So, drink! drink!

FILLISE : It is cold here too. I know we are probaby around the same temp. Stay warm!!

JACK-k : You can do it!! I just know you can resist those evil chips :) Have a good week.

The rest of the gang, "hello", hope to catch up later!! Good day.

Julia

[techwife]

Okay all you southern belles...I just have to put my two cents in about cold sitting here a couple miles from CANADA! Try 20 below zero to wake up and send the kids off to school iN!! Holy Toledo! Walk outside and your nostril hairs freeze on the first breath! In fact, it's too cold to snow, but the fog on the warmer river is blowing in in frozen form, making a misty snow while the sun is shining. I'm expecting penguins to run down the road any second!! The worst part is then when you add in the wind chill factor, it takes it to feeling like 35 below zero!! Layered clothes and a hot cup of tea is about all you can do. That's if you can brave even taking off your bathrobe to get dressed!

Anyhow..I was bad this weekend and made cookies (to warm up the house) and ate about a half dozen. In my defense, I ate them over the course of the day and not at one sitting! The holidays will be over in a couple weeks and then it's down to serious business, cats and kittens!!

Okay...gotta switch wash around...guess I won't be hanging anything out on the line today!! Hey!! It just warmed up to minus 14!! Break out the shorts!! :lol:

Techwife...freezing in Northern New York!! Brrr.... :o

[Ellen]

Hey everyone! Back from my second trip to Curves since surgery! This time, I avoided the ab machines, but did two full circuits! My tummy is telling me I probably over did it, but it felt SO good to finish!

KENG: Ya man! I know a lot about Jamaican foods, because of our dear friends. I have had ackee with salt fish, but honestly, I prefer it with ham! Karen, the wife, laughs at me! I have made fruitcake with her and her mom a number of years...her mother died back in August, so it was a bittersweet Christmas. Karen made the fruitcake alone, and it was good, but not as good as Miss Hilda's... Karen keeps promising to make me curry goat, but we have not done it yet. I make patties- and honestly, mine are better than the ones you can buy at the Carribbean food stores! I have even made them with whole wheat flour and they were not too bad! I may have posted the recipe on the board, if you are interested in trying to make them. They are not hard.... That is so cool that your hubby is Jamaican. I love Jamaicans. They laugh a lot, and are so much fun! I enjoy nothing more than going to our friends house when they have all their relatives and friends over. Its such a treat! There is a tropical market that just opened near me, and I am hoping I can find some of the Sorrell. ;) I bet your hubby knows Anancy stories. Our friend won a storytelling contest in Kingston a few years back for telling them. "I Jack Mandora, I don't chose none!" :)

JACK: This is the first year I don't have everyone coming here! We are going to Ruth and Erik's....but they expect me to bring some stuff. Guess I will be cooking anyway! Stocking stuffers are hard for the older crowd...they want gamecube memory cards, and stuff like that! I would still put candy in them, but two years ago, all the chocolate melted because we had the fire going in the fireplace! THAT was a hoot!

TECH: I hope you noticed that THIS southern belle was NOT complaining about the cold! I grew up in Chicago, so this is nothing to me! My only complaint is that it has gotten a bit too cold for my birkenstocks. I hate wearing socks and athletic shoes! I need to go buy some loafers. When the penguins start making it down the street, get pictures! :lol:

FILLISE: I am glad you are enjoying the waffles! I am laying off wheat for a week to see if I feel better, and I am afraid I do! I miss the waffles and having bread, but I am so tired of the problems I have been having too.... I have almost all the gifts I need to get, but I have not wrapped the first thing! ;) I really ought to, but I am sure Bendis and Bastet Urd will chew on the boxes. Yesterday, Tom found Bendis half way up the tree, relaxing across two branches, front legs crossed in her usual posture! He squirted her with the spray bottle and she has acted offended since! Isis has stayed away, but Snidely thinks he is a gift to us all and has taken to sleeping under the tree! I will be praying for your dad...call me and let me know how it goes. Does your phone work in NC?

Ok, everyone! I have to go make roll and cut cookies for small group tomorrow, and my kitchen looks worse than Gator's yard after the hurricane! :o Later!

[sebray]

just a quick note cause i have to go shopping for kevin in a min

tech: man do i know about penguins hon, i lived in vermont......and as soon as you open ur front door the boogers in your nose that u didnt know u had freeze up on ya....there were a couple days i had to walk to work cause my car wouldnt start....and the kids ALWAYS went to school cause as soon as the first flake falls the snow plows are out on the roads....:lol: not like here in TN....if it snows and sticks to the roads the schools are all closed a couple days...big sissies i say ;)

monet: i will definatly try that sleeping aid after xmas...im sooooo glad its working for you :dance: and if you like ill kick ya a few times to get you drinking water but u have to do the same for me cause i havent been drinking enough either :o

back later :wave:

[sebray]

oh hey...i remembered it was monday :D

[Solly]

Monet, I'm sure glad you mentioned that about the chocolate in the stockings as I was going to go on an dput some candy bars in my SIL's, but we have a fire every night.

Techwife, OK you win. You have the coldest temps. I don't see how you stand it. It was 11 here this morning. I'm ready for summer.

Sebray, People odn't know how to drive in snow here in Ky either. They close schools at the drop of one flake.

Ken, Have a nice day with your DH.

[Ellen]

SEBRAY: Part of the reason they close schools is that they don't have the equipment to clear the roads. Why spend millions of dollars for snowplows that only get used once a year, or two? ;) I know how to drive on snow and ice, but I have never seen so many fools trying to that did not know how as when I was in college! Me? I stay home if it snows and enjoy the holiday!

JACK: You just don't want that stuff dripping down from the toe of the stocking! Hey, when does my Godiva box get here?! :lol:

Ok, gotta go get Laura's car inspected.

[heartmom]

Man, my feet are freezing, even with 2 pairs of socks on! I haven't had time to get on the computer since the 13th. Just deleted almost 1000 emails. My eating has been horrendous! I couldn't tell you how many times we've eaten McDonald's this past week(and no salads!), plus the candy and chips and whatever else that was illegal I've eaten. I've been to a couple of gatherings which of course doesn't help since they are never SB friendly. Also, I only got in 4 workouts compared to my usual 7 last week. So I really expected the scale to be up today. Miracously, it's only at 161(my low is 159) which is what I've been averaging the past couple of weeks anyway. I weighed myself like 10 times using 2 different scales to make sure :lol: Go figure. Anyway, I've been really busy, we found out a couple of days ago that our closing date on the house is the 29th! I've been trying to get all my stuff together for the closing and I've been packing. I HATE packing. It's extremely time consuming and I didn't realize how much crap we had. I have a HUGE pile of stuff that is going to be yard-saled or given away. I'm not taking all that stuff to the new house. At least it gives you a reason to go thru all your stuff and sift thru it. I ran across stuff that I had long forgotten about. Well, I need to pay a couple of bills online. Then I have to do some cleaning. Got about 6 loads of laundry to do and the bathroom is really gross :^: I've been SB legal today. Here's my menu.

BF- LC shake
Lunch- really HUGE salad made with tuna, cheese, 1 egg, red onion, tomato, pepper rings, cukes, Ranch dressing.
Supper- Not for sure?? Think I might make a pot of chili with beans, topped with sour cream.

I doubt I get a workout in today, just not enough time. I really hate that. Plus, now I don't have hardly any room in my LR due to all the boxes. Tomorrow, eating will be SB legal. However, Boogie has a Christmas party at his speech Wednesday. I know I'll eat a few goodies, but the rest of the day will be SB legal. Thursday and Friday will be SB legal. But then we have Christmas dinner on Saturday which will be highly illegal. I'll try my best to get back on track Sunday. I'm hoping my weight doesn't go up from 161. Last year my butt put on 8 pounds! I think my metabolism is better than it used to be because my eating has been really bad but it's not showing. That's why I'm going to be on my best behavior when I don't have food gatherings so that hopefully it won't catch up with me. Oh yea, the girls at my exercise class got me a $50 gift certificate to the mall. That was really sweet. Oh, and Kids Wish Network called the other day and Boogie may get his wish to go to Disney World. They are suppossed to let us know if they approve him in about a week. He's so excited, he keeps saying he wants to go see Mickey Mouse. I definetly believe he deserves it. Well, that's it for me! BTW- Congrats to all who are being ever so faithful with this WOE right now. This time of the year is sooo hard.

[Fillise]

ok Techwife--you win--but I'm STILL COLD! We southerners are not happy unless we can whine about the cold all winter. Not like you northerners who really and truly have it cold. We are not hearty--not one bit and we collapse into whiny shivering little masses as soon as the temp dips below 50 (yes, I said 50)-- below 20 and we are USELESS! Let a snowflake be sighted and we will rush to the store to stock up on bread and milk because we are not coming out of our holes again until spring!!!!

Jackie--Me too! I want summer NOW!!!!

Julia--Keep warm!

Heart--You too!

Susan

[kengjw]

Dh is finally out so I can use the computer. He has been making changes with my computer but as long as I can get online at the same speed I am happy...lol. Today has been quite a productive day. I clean the fridge inside out except the freezer part. Gosh...I won't tell you guys what gross stuff I found in there...lol. I have come to a conclusion that I do not need an ice-maker plus water feature on the fridge door anymore because I can't take them apart and clean them. I saw some mildew collected in the outside of the ice-maker so I can only imagine other places where I can see...yikes!!! Cleaning the fridge alone exhaust me...lol. I also did some laundry, make some fruit salad, did some preparation on my oxtail stew for tomorrow, trying to get Jess out of trouble etc etc. Somehow she is having some "hearing" problems today...lol.

TECHWIFE : No, not complaining about the cool weather, just enjoying it. For people who lives in warmer climate, their body do not get used to a cooler weather like those who lives in a colder climate area. I know my body is definitely getting used to the winter weather. Before, I live in a hot and humid country all year round. My dh is from NY and he knows what cold is too. He often teases the winter in GA but I know his body do not take cold as he used to be because he wears a sweater to sleep at night...LOL. Stay warm and definitely have your camera ready just incase penguins pay you a visit..lol.

MONET : Ya mann!!! LOL. Jamaican accents are so funny...they still give me chuckles sometimes. My dh do not have any Jamaican accents and so are all his brother and sisters (except his cousins and older relatives) since they migrated to US when they were very young. When I was newly married, I had such a hard time understand my MIL and my FIL when they spoke to me, I had to make them repeat to me or asked dh to translate some conversations to me...lol. Now, I am comfortable with the accents. I would love to have the recipe to make the patties, especially the whole wheat recipe. My dh loves patties but we haven't any good ones here, well, not that we are searching :) So far, I have only learn to make ackee and salt fish and rice and peas. I certainly want to learn to make curry goat. I do not like Jamaican bread (very dense) and fruitcake as well. I have to agree, Jamaican laughs a lot and they are usually very closed knit as well. I have to ask dh about Anancy stories since I have never heard of them.

JACK -k : Hope your day has been good today :)

HEARTMOM : Every small decision you make will add up, so every healthy meal you eat will make a big difference. You can do it! Congrats on the closing of your house, you must be so excited!! Start packing now...so you don't get overwhelmed when the moving date is drawing closer :)

FILLISE : I am keeping warm and you too!!

Got to make dinner shortly since dh is at home. I will be making baked salmon, stir-fry nappa cabbage with carrots, onions and bean thread, sauteed spinach and brown rice/pasta. Oh my, the list looks long so I better get started soon.

Julia

[THE BIG ORANGE BABE]

GOOD EVENING EVERY BUDDY!!!

I swear, if 2005 doesn't hurry and get here! I had to leave work again today!
HURLED MY BEAKFAST!!!! Kate has decided that I've either got ulcers, or they are developing now. Of course, I guess I could be lactose intollerant, which would absolutely devistate me....CHEESE is my FAVORITE FOOD!!! GOOD SHARP CHEDDER!!! DIAGNOSE THIS...Friday for lunch, I had a small sirloin and steamed veggies....lost that....couldn't eat supper...Saturday, I had grilled chicken and it stayed down...Sunday, baked fish and lost that...
I'm just confused as hell!

It's 54 degrees now, and supposed to get down to 35 degrees tonight...I know that's no where near 20 below TECH, but down here THAT'S COLD!!!!

My Sweet Brother called me this morning and told me that he's buying me a new car on Thursday! I was stunned to say the least! Now, I'm all excited and can't wait!

SUSAN...you should get one of these boxes...I love mine..there is room for EVERYTHING and then some.

MONET...I bet you that the wheat is the problem...I'll be anxious to hear.

JULIA...sonds like a productive day to me...come on down and I'll let you clean my fridge!

LAURIE...Oh I hope that Boogie gets his wish. I'll keep all my fingers and toes crossed that he does!

JACKIE...nothing messier that messy chocolate on your hearth!

Gotta go...

BOB

[techwife]

I know, when you're not exposed to cold very often, it's pretty hard to take when it's below normal in your area. My mom lives in Florida in the winter and she complains, "It's so cold I have to bring in my geraniums!!" And I'm like "It's so cold I can't open the doors on my van!! And then when I finally get them open they won't shut again!!" It's just truly painful. BUT, beautiful just the same...I took my dd to skating and along the river, where the fog was blowing in, the trees are pure white and one tree had white christmas lights under the inch think (or so) of white and it was sooooo pretty. The tree looked like it was spray painted...

Anyhow...another illegal night...brought home pizza on the way home from skating. It was just so warm and arromatic. I couln't help it!!

Well, my toes are thawing...my tea is getting cold and it's time for my hot bath. Good night everyone!! Stay warm!!

Techwife... :)

[heartmom]

Me, again. Trying to get my eyes tired. I didn't feel like cooking so we went to Wendy's..I stayed legal! They now have it where you can substitute the fries for other side items. I brought my own bun and switched the grilled chicken sandwich and had a chili on the side in place of the fries. I was going to eat the side salad but I was pretty hungry so the chili was more filling. It was a little starchy but legal. I managed to get a small workout in today(2 mile WATP), that's all I had time for, but I was glad I did it instead of nothing at all. Right now, everyone is asleep but me. Oh yea, the Kid's Wish called today. Sooner than I expected, and they approved his wish! It takes about 6-8 weeks for the caseworker to arrange it. I have to pick out a specific date. I hate that Ashley will miss about 3 days of school, but hey, she can make it up. I was going to pick Spring Break(middle of March) but I imagine it will be packed at DW. So now I think I will choose the first week of March. Hey you Floridians, what is the weather like in Orlando the very first of March? I'm going to be so nervous on the plane. I haven't flown since Boogie was 6 months old. The stay is for 5 days and 4 nights. I think it's all expenses paid, although not really sure. Well, I was just checking in...

BOB- I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis a few years ago, although it doesn't bother me anymore now. Fatty, spicy, and dairy foods used to trigger mine. But mine came out the other end! I lived off Pepto at the time.

[heartmom]

Julia- I'm just curious..are you Caucasion(sp is wrong)? I was under the impression you guys were Asian! Now I'm reading Jamaicaiin.

[Solly]

It's getting closer. Luckily I have gotten my treadmill in 2 nights this week. Should get it in tonight but not sure about the rest of the week. Have to get to the grocery tongith. It will be a mad house as they are predicting 1-3" of snow tomorrow. Yuk!

Ken- Some strange things grow in that fridge. My DH seems to like doing that for some reason. I let him.

Heart, try to make as wise choices as you can. it is so tough this time of year. I honestly beleive the exercise really helps. I am trying to get mine in all week. It's getting harder. how exciting for Boogie. I don't think 3 days of school will be bad at that age.

Bob, Wow, I wish I had a brother. What kind of car or is it a surprise? I hate that you are sick again. I think you need a good going over.

Susan, you pretty well summed it up for the weather. We are expecting 1-3" tomorrow. And our neighbor Indiana is expecting 6-12". If we are going to get it, I want so much that we don't have to go out to work. I hat that 2-3" and you have to drive in it. Have a great trip tomorrow

Tech, what a pretty picture you described. Have you tried making a ww pizza? Amy's has one at Whole Foods that is great.

Country, Hope you are haning in there. We miss you. :o

Got to get busy.

[Ellen]

Morning! I stayed up too late mixing up cookies to bake today! I slept like a log from 2 until 7 though! I feel like I could sleep another couple hours, but duty calls! I have several errands to run and lots of cookies to roll out, cut and bake! I made gingerbread, a plain sugar cookie, peppermint pinwheels, and a legal roll out cookie with brown rice flour, and my fruit sweetner. I will let you all know how they turn out. My fruit sweet recipe book says the brown rice flour can be exchanged for wheat in their recipes to make them wheat free. I am really beginning to think I am on to something trying to stay wheat free. I am not sure about losing weight this way, but I think I am feeling better, and maybe even sleeping better....

I need to go make some coffee or tea and get going. I have to run by the cake decorating store to get parchement triangles to decorate with, and silver dragees. You can't do Christmas cookies with out silver dragees! I have everything else... I also need to go to the store and get a few things I need for dinner. I am going to make a pot of chicken soup, and maybe have some sandwich fixings.

I hope everyone has a great day!

HEART: That is wonderful about Boogie getting his wish granted! There is a book we got from the library on seeing the Magic Kingdom...it gave you a plan to follow. We did it, and saw everything major before noon, and then had the rest of the day to repeat, or do other things. You have to get there when the park opens, and hustle from one attraction to another, but it was SO worth it! We did not have any lines at the first three or four places we went. It was great. Check the travel area of your library and see if you can find any books with plans like that! We were there in June or July, so it really worked!

TECH: Ah, thanks for reminding me about extreme cold. I really don't miss it. ;) This wimpy cold snap we have had is enough to remind me why I love living in the south. Unfortunately, it killed off my tomato plants! I really thought I might have a few cherry tomatoes for Christmas!

BOB: So far, on the wheat, so good. Its awful hard to give it up though...I love English muffins, pasta, bread....but I have been leaving it off. Last night, I sauteed Tom salmon, and James and I scallops and shrimp...oh my! It was delish! We may be heading to Florida in early March, going down the coast to Fort Myers/Naples. We will probably stay a night or two in Sarasota....hopefully, you can meet up with us.

[Ellen]

JACK: Amy's makes a whole wheat pizza? I found another brand...but the toppings are weird. I will have to look again.... Good going on the treadmill. I went to Curves yesterday and today, I ache all over!

[Toni48]

Good morning. I'm slowly getting ready to go to my DH shop at noon. They're having a Christmas party for lunch. I'm to bring the green beans. I tried to make hot yeast rolls yeasterday but they turned out awful so no rolls. Think my bread machine is dying. I'm a bit on the shy side so am kind of dreading the party. I guess all my shopping is done. I need to stop at the grocery store this afternoon just in case I see something I might need because tonight its going to snow. And I'll be stuck in the rest of the week. Its supposed to get down to 3 on Thursday. Tomorrow will be a good day to clean and maybe bake some cookies. I'm so looking forward to Christmas even though it will just be DH and I. We've a nice day planned out. Hope everyone is having a happy week....

[Solly]

Monet, it was a cheese and pesto pizza. I couldn't believe how good it was. Even DD liked it. She has all different kinds of crust. I stuck some pepperonis on top.

Toni, Keep that snow your way will ya? Have a good time at the party. Merry Christmas to you.

[kengjw]

Nothing much going on here today except made my oxtail stew for lunch, did some laundry and keep myself from going insane from Jess's challenges. I don't know what gets into her, she is not listening too well since yesterday. It is like when every now and then she gets into these "rebel" moods...argh!

Eating has been legal the last few days so my body feels great. I am ready for Christmas to arrive and all the eating to begin...lol. The Christmas cards are all out and all that is left to do is get my groceries for Christmas day and the day after Christmas and keep my house clean and in order.

One question for everyone :

What's in your menu this Christmas?

Christmas breakfast (not completely legal) :

Option 1 : Baked egg and sausage casserole, banana muffin and fruit salad.

Option 2 : Banana ww pancakes, scrambled eggs (make with heavy cream so will be a treat) and sausages. Fruit salad.

Option 3 : Hash brown with veggies and cheese, scrambled eggs (with heavy cream) and sausages. Fruit salad.

I still can't make up my mind which options to make...lol.

Christmas dinner :

If my neighbor join us for dinner, she will probably bring a roast chicken stuffed with bread dressing. I will make sweet potatoes souffle with coconut and pecan toppings, baked acorn squash ( which my husband loves), sauteed green beans and onions, roast cherry tomatoes (saw the recipe on Food Network) and ham. Not sure what for dessert yet.

The day after Christmas (invited some friend over so it won't be legal) :

Friends will bring a green salad, a dessert, fried rice and wanton soup. I will make braised asian ribs, ham (from Christmas day), sauteed green beans and onions and maybe even roast cherry tomatoes if they are good. One of the guys don't eat seafood otherwise I will like to make shrimps. So far that's all I have in mind.

TECH : I have always love "white" Christmas and I really hope we get some snow this year so dd can see it.

HEART : Wow, a trip to DW, that is so awesome! I have never been to DW so I am waiting for Jess to grow older so we can both enjoy it together for the first time. I bet I will be as excited as she will be...lol. I dislike flying so I cannot advice you on that but that you will have a good time, I am sure :) I am chinese born in Malaysia and my dh is Jamaican-American.

JACK : WTG on using your treadmill. I have to get the groceries for the holidays as well, will probably do that on Wed or Thursday.

MONET : Glad you are sleeping better. I bake a peanut butter cookies the other day...didn't came out well...lol but Jess thinks they are yummy!! lol.

TONI : I am not fond of going to dh's business parties as well. What can you say to "business" people...lol. Hope you have a good time anyhow.

Julia

[Solly]

Julia, I am having option 1 w/o the bran muffins. I will make cinnamon rolls for the rest of the family. I make my casserole with ww bread so it is legal. Dinner will be roast, ham, and turkey, salad, green beans, deviled eggs, broccoli casserole. So it is pretty much legal. The lunch time snacks may not be totally legal. Other people bring them. I am making 2 sf choc pies with 22 crust. Sis is bringing a cheesecake. So my day should be pretty legal food wise. But I am making Bellinis and they are not and will probably have too much wine.

[kengjw]

One more question, does your family gather to eat the main meal on Christmas eve or on Christmas day? What time do you usually eat?

Thanks.

Julia

[Ellen]

KENG: We always have sausage balls for breakfast on Christmas. Our big get together is dinner on Christmas day. We go to church for the Christmas eve service...tho this year it will be just Tom and I...the kids won't go. Erik is making Country Ham, and I will take a pork roast for Christmas dinner...then we will have broccoli and green bean casserole...not sure what else. I hope we can eat at about 1, as Laura has to work at Blockbuster at 5!

JACK: Will look for the Amy's pizza...all I have found is another brand that escapes me now..its good, but I like options! ;)

TONI: Getting snowed in doesn't sound like fun to me right now! I hope you enjoyed the party!

I have more cookies to bake, so I better get off here. The ones left at the ones that are legal for SB...I hope they are good!

:wave:

[Ellen]

Here I am talking to myself again!

But boy am I excited! :dance: I went to bed at 11:30 last night, and did not wake up until 6:45 this morning! I had taken three of the Calm's Forte' and a Lortab, but who cares!? I am a bit out of it this morning, but I am sure I am going to feel wonderful after all the sleep!

Cookie decorating went ok...it was a small group. One of the guys wanted to EAT the cookies, and had never done any decorating. At first he said he did not want to, since he was a guy, but then he decided it looked like fun and started decorating. I still have a lot more to do. I think I will get Laura to do them! She loves that kind of stuff.

I will check in later, and hopefully, won't be talking to myself again....

[techwife]

Monet: What a wonderful gift a good night's sleep is, isn't it? With two kids that were sleep resistant for the first few years of their lives, I can relate...let me tell ya!!

And...I can't remember who asked this, but someone asked about Christmas traditional foods and what we do. Well, I for one, love to make a breakfast casserole the night before and heat it up in the oven while we open presents. You know, that one that has the bread, eggs, cheese and sausage and is made with canned milk (can't remember if it's evaporated or condensed). I just love it and have it with coffee spiked with Bailey's. Yum, yum, yum!!

I'm just so excited!! I'm done shopping with plenty of time to wrap things!! Well, I just have to go back to Walmart to get one last thing...my daughter wants a board game that I'll actually be excited to play with her. She keeps coming at me with Monopoly and I keep saying "I'd rather eat glass." I mean, if you have a room full of people that want to play monopoly, it's fun, but when its you and a ten year old that keeps getting up and watching TV or playing with barbies and looses interest after ten minutes, its just annoying...soo...I do have a favorite game...Scattergories!! And I'm off to buy it for her today and that will be IT!! My husband bought for my son because I couldn't with him in the store with me all the time. I can hardly wait for the big day now...and I did my shopping for my husband online. Rather, he likes to buy himself things all the time on ebay, so for the last month I've been pilfering the mail and wrapping everything he's bought and told him he can no longer have anything else that comes in the mail until Christmas and thanked him for shopping for himself for me. :lol: Last year I got him an entire Xbox system that way!! :D

Anyhow...the only tragedy gift-wise I had was a secret santa thing that my daughter had going at school. I have a ten year old girl and she pulled a ten year old boy's name. I have a four year old boy and have no idea what to get a boy my daughter's age that is under $15. Furthermore, they told my daughter that she needed to get three gifts that total $15...the first two to be opened on Monday and Tuesday and they should be small like a candy cane or candy bar and the last to be opened today would be a nicer present. So, I got two candy canes to be opened yesterday and Monday, but bought him a hat and mittens to add to it, thinking I was being clever. And then I got a $7 watch for today because my daughter told me that this boy doesn't like YuGiOh or Beyblade things and likes Hillary Duff and girly things, but I couldn't buy him girly things. You know...lets not make it easy or anything... :mad: So, it turns out he told someone that the gloves don't fit him and that he already has the hat we got him and that his gifts were really lame. :mad: So, I told my daughter that if he doesn't like the watch he can shove it where the sun don't shine. I spent the better part of a whole morning with a toddler in Walmart looking for those gifts! GRUMBLE! GRUMBLE!!

And, just have to say my favorite Christmas gift this year is from the Stetson people for that dee-lish commercial with Matthew McConaughey. Don't know if you guys know it, but I have his entire collection of movies on VHS and DVD...just LOVE him. For those who haven't see it:

http://www.stetsoncologne.com/ Go here and after the intro, click on Play Stetson TV Spot. :cloud9:

[Fillise]

Morning all!

Belle and I are packing up the car and heading out in just a few minutes. I wanted to stop in and wish everyone who celebrates a Merry Christmas!

My family does a Christmas Eve dinner. My SIL cooks it so I have no control over the menu, but I've always declared Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to be free days (um, not like the last year hasn't been a "free" year). We have venison and green bean casserole, some type of potatoe and bread. No dessert--really. For b-fast on Christmas morning we have an egg casserole--which actually fine. There are no real meals after that--just nibbles.

I'll try to check in when I can while I'm away. Right now it looks like I won't be back in Auburn until the 4th or 5th. MY DD is having a heart cath on the 4th and I'd like to stay through that. Depending on how early he has the procedure will determine whether I leave that day or the next.

Got to get on the road--

MERRY HO HO!

Susan :D

[CountryMom4Him]

I'd love to skip this part or pretend that this is not another year that I have on the "winter" weight...agh...LOL But the scales are still around 160. Very discouraging. But God is good, life is a gift and weight shouldn't be the center of my world. So I'm trying hard to keep it all in perspective.

Yeah on your good night's sleep Monet!

Jack-K...woo hoo on the exercise. I've been trying to do better in that department. The other night I got my 2 miles in on the treadmill in 30 minutes 10 seconds. I was so stocked. Walked the whole thing at 4.0 a first. I can do that outside but it usually eluded me on the treadmill. Thanks for the encouragment.

Julia...Our Christmas traditions are changing as the children get older. This is the first year that we gave our older children their gifts already. My hubby made a cross out of horseshoes for our older daughter. She had seen one in a catalog and just feel in love with it. He even made matching candle holders to go with it. The younger 3 can hardly wait. My mama and Papa Honey are coming over for dinner on Christmas. It used to always be at moma's house until about five years ago. Now us girls have Christmas day at our own homes.

Sorry I can't get to everyone. We are fixing to head out the door and there are some dishes calling my name. I thought about changing my name but the chores always have a way of tracking me down. :)

Merry Christmas and God bless!

Love and hugs,
Crystle

[Ellen]

Just got in from buying what may be my last present. I would like more for Tom, but to him, its a present for me not to spend too much! :lol:

Now I have to wrap all this stuff... and I am sure I will think of ten more things I really ought to buy before Christmas! I am SO bad!

Yesterday, we got what I consider the sign that Christmas is almost here...a box from my sister, sent from Maytag Dairy Farms in Newton Iowa....with their famous bleu cheese! Oh, its to die for! I have not opened it yet...but we love the stuff! She sent cheddar too, so those who can't stand bleu will have something to eat.

Also, my fruit sweetened, brown rice flour cookies actually were really good. Unfortunately, I burned them, but they still tasted ok! I am going to make some more of them later, and make them with larger cutters. They have ground hazelnuts in them, so they are very tasty and don't need any icing or anything...though a bit of chocolate would be not be bad...

Guess I will start wrapping...that always takes me forever! :wave:

[heartmom]

Crystle- I love what you said in your 1st paragraph of your post. Now that being said, my eating SUCKS,lol! Boogie had a Christmas party at Speech earlier and I ate way too many homemade chocolate chip cookies and chips and dip. THEN I had a dbl. cheeseburger and fries from McDonald's!! Oh, boy I just shot that 161 up to about 163! To top it off, I'm really feeling lazy so I'm only going to do my Ramp it Up workout instead of the Burn it UP which is more intense and longer(and burns alot more calories). Oh, well. Hey, at least supper will be legal, lol. Cooking chicken breasts in mushroom soup, green beans, butter peas(another starch!), and probably some rice for the rest of the family. I'll be glad when the 1st of the year gets here so that I won't keep excusing my way into indulging with bad foods and gaining weight in the process. I need to go!

[Solly]

Just wanted to get on her quickly and wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas. It is REALLY snowing here. We have about 3" and expecting 15 more tonight. So I may not be on here until next Wed or Jan 3. I haven't decided if I will take off all week or not.

Those of us eating off plan, enjoy but jump right back on and you will be fine. Anyone traveling, have a safe trip.

Love you guys.

[kengjw]

I have done my grocery shopping for the holidays this morning. It sure feels good to get things done without having to wrestler with the crowd. I was glad I manage to find the smallest spiral ham for us. We are not having too many people over so that is just perfect and the price wasn't too bad either. Since I don't bake well, I bought a illegal pecan pie for dessert on Christmas day, that will be my treat but then again, I usually can't eat much after the meal anyway.

Dh has been messing with my computer but at the end he gave me back my basic window operation system but he is not giving up. I am sure he will use his days off starting tomorrow to concur the problems...lol. He wants to instal Windows XP? Whatever...lol. Oh, while Jess and I were at the store, she asked if she can buy some gummy bears as present for dh and that daddy would be so surprised. I said ok and helped her picked a small handful of the gummy bears for dh. Our agreement was that she can't tell dh about it because it will be a surprise. As soon as we get home and she saw daddy, she whispered to her daddy, "Sssshhh, don't ask me about the candies"....LOL. Oh well....:)

REPLIES :

JACKIE : Muffins and breakfast casserole definitely sounds great. I have finally made my decision to go simple so I will make muffins, fatty scrambled eggs (smile) and fruit salad instead. What is bellinis?

MONET : How do you make your sausage balls? What else do you eat them with? Our church has no service on Christmas eve or Christmas so we will hang out at home. Our church had a special Christmas service last week and one after the Christmas. I noticed that you mentioned that you will have Christmas dinner at 1pm?? Why do you call it dinner? I have heard some people said the same thing but the time was not what I expected. Just curious :) Woo Hooo.....I am dancing with you!! Nothing like a good night sleep. Hope you continue to sleep well.

TECHWIFE : I love breakfast casserole and I make it on regular days too, once in a while so I will give Christmas a break...lol. Jess will ask me to play this or that toys with her and after 100 times of doing so, I really drag it when she asks me to play with her again. I try but I know it can be very hard. Isn't it wonderful to be done early and able to rest? I love that feelings and take my time to enjoy other things. I have one gift left to wrap, although not techically a gift that dh and I bought for my daughter but we decided to expose it to her on Christmas day to make her day even more exciting. It is one of those kids "4 wheel drive" that runs on a special car batteries. Dh got it from his friend who desprately wanted to get rid of it because it was taking up space in his garage...lol. It was given to us free :) I spent yesterday night cleaning it and dh have yet to get new batteries for it but will probably do so tomorrow. Then, I will "try" to wrap it up for Christmas. I know she is going to go nuts over it. I don't like buying gift for other people especially when I do not know what they like or don't like. Most kids have so many things that whatever you buy will mean nothing unless it is something so expensive. Too bad the boy didn't appreciate what you bought him but you have done well. I hope he gives it to someone else who will need those warm gloves for the winter and a watch to brighten up his day.

FILLISE : Have a safe trip and have a Merry Christmas!! We will sure miss you :)

COUNTRY : I agree, the holidays are more to just weight and food. Just focus on having a good time with your loved ones and appreciating all the wonderful blessings :) You will do just fine. Sounds like you have a wonderful family and traditions too :)

MONET : I have tried the Maytag bleu cheese before. I first heard it on Food Network and wanted to try it and then one day, I found it at Publix. It was good but a bit pricery :) Dh loves Bleu cheese. I am sure my dh thinks the same as Tom. That's why I didn't request for any gifts this year since we already spent quite a bit from the trip to FL, the gifts to his family etc, oh, not to mention the groceries for holidays etc, which can be quite costly. I couldn't resist spending his hard earned money to get him a coffee maker though....lol which I hope he will like since his old one is really old.

HEART : As what Jack said, get back on the wagon and you will be fine. I am saving my illegals for Christmas day and after...lol.

JACK : Merry Christmas to you too and chat with you next year :) Will miss you in the meantime :)

Julia

[GatorGal]

Keng--Here's our Christmas food tradition:

On Christmas we have probably our most special dinner of the year. This year's menu:
Prime filet of beef, roasted med. rare and sliced thick, served with Sauce Robert with green peppercorns.
Russian Potatoes (yes, definitely not SB legal!!) these are mashed potatoes with sour cream and butter in them, with slow cooked caramelized sweet onions as a middle layer, and then the whole thing "iced" with sour cream. Think calories! :)
Romaine lettuce salad with sliced scallions, mandarin orange segments, avocado and fresh grated parmesan cheese.
We always have a birthday cake of some sort, often a cranberry pudding, loaf style cake with caramel sauce. This year we are having small individual chocolate cakes with molten centers, served in a pool of chocolate sauce with a tiny scoop of ice cream, vanilla. I will have a candle on top of each one and we will sing "Happy Birthday to Jesus." Last year we all wore big gold paper crowns with imitation jewels to go with our devotional after dinner. This year we will wear birthday party hats and have blowers. We will have a devotional, probably about being ready for Christmas, but are we ready for Jesus.

Christmas day, also traditional foods, many of which are not SB legal:
Breakfast: sliced and toasted sour cream cake, with butter (which is redundant, but good!), fresh cut up citrus fruits and berries, fresh coffee and real cream, eggs and sausage if desired.

Christmas dinner: This year we are having more than turkey. I have a home baked, NOT spiral sliced, ham prepared with a mustard glaze, marachino cherries and pineapple. Also a 12# turkey stuffed with wild rice stuffing--has dried fruits and a bit of sausage added. Stuffed zucchini squash, spinach casserole, fresh fruit, cranberry sauce, and apple pie for dessert.

We take most of the morning opening gifts as we do them one at a time, where we all watch while someone opens their gift. Sometime we take a "break" and get more coffee or toasted cake. We have always had stockings which we open at the table at breakfast, and we have had fun doing those. However, I have always been the one stuffing the stockings, and had to buy my own stocking stuffers. So, this year I decided that I'm sick of that, and that if anyone wants to continue that tradition, they will have to do it.

I have finished my shopping, except for one gift, which is for my DS's live in g.F. If she doesn't show, like she didn't show for Thanksgiving or for his birthday last week, then I will return the gift to the store. I'm getting sick of "Playing the game." My, I'm in a testy mood, aren't I??!!

We had some cold weather the last 2 days, but today it has warmed up nicely and I have my back door open and have been going out with not even a sweater. It's so great to live in FLa. I definitely have thin blood. Just like BOB.

Nothing more to report. As you can see from the above menus, I don't stress over the extra calories over this week. Next week I will hop back on the wagon. We are having a NY party, so that will be another day for "relaxing."

Hope everyone has a blessed week.

I wanted to attach a really cute file to the end of this message. Definitely a keeper. But, it was 150 mb and this board only allows 50. So, sorry. I wish we had a bit more leeway.

[Ellen]

We went out to dinner...and made some bad decisions. We went to a Chinese place that used to be good...but it was not tonight. The service stunk and the food was not good. It was ok, nothing we could really complain about...just not authentic and skimpy on the ingredients. I won't be going back there...even if the owner did give me a box of green tea as a Happy Holiday present!

KENG: My in laws call the noon meal dinner and the evening meal supper. They are a farming family...and the noon meal was the biggest meal of the day. Growing up, my family called the meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner...rarely used the term supper. Sausage balls are fairly easy. Its a pound of sausage, 1/2 cup bisquick (I sub a ww mix for this) and 2 cups grated cheese. You mix that all together, then roll it into small balls about 1 1/2 inch in diameter. Bake them at like 375 until as brown as you like them. (we like them almost burned! :) ) I use low fat sausage, and low fat cheese...they are pretty good!

GATOR: Email that cute file to me... I would love to see it! Your menu sounds divine! We are having country ham, which I am not crazy about...and Erik is fixing some kind of mashed potato dish. He gets these recipes from the club he is a chef at....good stuff, but often expensive! He uses a liberal amount of truffles and truffle oil. Oh, my! $$!! I am determined to have my family's tradition...roast pork.

I am so tired now! Its been a long day! I hope the hot tea I had with dinner doesn't effect my sleeping tonight!

:wave:

[heartmom]

Quick check in- eating has been terrible but it's not the end of the world. I'm all excited about Boogie's trip. I've been checking everything out online and it's seems so wonderful. Apparently, they meet you at the airport with a rental car and you stay at Give Kids The World Village which is awesome within itself. You get a village your own with 2 bedrooms, a big bath, and kitchenette with a fridge stocked with snacks. They have a free ice cream parlor, arcade, pool, golf, etc,,,just at the Village which is located 20 mintues from DW. They supply breakfast and supper at the GKTW village inside a Gingerbread House restaurant and they give you plenty of spending money for lunch at the theme parks and souvenirs. WOW! This is the info I've received from others who have had their wishes granted. I don't know who is more excited, me or Boogie,lol. Man, I'm soooo cold! I have 2 pairs of slipper socks on, the heaters on high, the electric blanket on the kids and I'm still freezing! Well, the kids are hollering it's lunch time, gotta run.

FILLESSE- THose potatoes sound awesome!

[Ellen]

What a day! I would rather not even talk about it...but I need to vent. I drove 45 minutes up to pick up Ruth to take her to a walk in doc in the box. While we were waiting, I made a comment to the receptionist that she had been in an auto accident, and the woman told us that in that case, she had to pay cash, they could not bill her insurance company! She claimed it was the law! I want to know who wrote a stupid law like that, as it helps NO ONE but the insurance companies! Ruth could not afford to pay the $300 fee up front, so she could not see the doctor! Why couldn't she be seen and wrangle it out later with the stupid insurance company? If any one here works for an insurance company, I apolgize for my attitude, but honestly, I think they have really screwed up the medical establishment with their laws and greed. She was hurting and in pain, but she could not be seen without a tremendous amount of money she did not have...all for a law to protect insurance companies from fraud. Makes sense to me, NOT. She can't get the information on her accident report until it is processed on Monday. What a coil.

SO, I cancelled volunteer work at the church and lunch with a young friend, all for nothing.

In addition, my life has been so busy, I am feeling decidedly peaked. My swelly belly is really bad, and hurts like the devil. I am tired, and as you can probably tell, cranky. I still have to shop for grocery items for Christmas too. I may go over to the store now. Traffic probably won't be bad, as everyone left early today! Tom is working out, then shopping. He is looking for a present for me, and no one has it in stock. Poor guy. If he had only started thinking about it a week or two ago, he could have it wrapped and under the tree! ;)

Ok, enough of my whining. I am going to go find something to nibble on. I feel decidedly munchy. Perhaps I will eat some bleu cheese and triscuits...

Hope everyone is doing well!

HEART: That trip sounds like a dream come true for a kid! I hope you all have a fabulous time!

[Toni48]

Merry Christmas everyone. This year my DH and I are staying home. Today I'm making my cheesecake for tomorrow. And we thought we'd change things around and have mexican food for Christmas. I made a pork roast into burrito meat so all I have to do tomorrow is put it in the crockpot on low. I'll also be making beans and rice too. Tonight we have snacks for dinner. Buffalo wings, shrimp, crab dip etc. We usually drive to the kids in South Carolina. Even though I'll miss seeing the Grandkids on Christmas morning I'm loving our day at home. I just might make those sausage balls... yum... Hope everyone has a good Christmas eve and a very Merry Christmas.......

[Ellen]

Checking in... I just made hummus and pita chips to have on hand for healthy snacking. It sure beats the cookies all over the dining room table! I am about to embark on another baking spree...and make chocolate pecan pie, and a chocolate cheesecake. Then tomorrow night, I will come home and make a flourless chocolate cake for Tom's birthday Sunday. He requested beef Wellington, so I got the stuff to make that and asparagus with hollandaise sauce. Come Monday, I am going to crash! :( Oh, and I made a triple batch of sausage balls and froze them, so we are at least ready for Christmas morning!

Hope everyone is doing well! It sure has been slow on here....I can't wait to get past the New Year and hear how everyone is doing!

:wave:

[THE BIG ORANGE BABE]

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE EVERY BUDDY!!!

Just got home from my Nephews....what a haul!!!
6quart crock pot (RIVAL) complete with a "[i]Little Dipper")
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE fOSSIL WATCH
Zip Up sweater
Pair of mules
Complete DVD collection of NORTH and the SOUTH (one of my favorites)
Travel coffee mug
Lots of pictures of JAY (my great nephew)
Polo Shirt
$200 from my Brother
AND YESTERDAY...MY BROTHER BOUGHT ME A NEW CAR!!!! 2005 SONATA!!!!!

Hope everyone has a great Christmas with their family!!!!!

I'll talk to y'all later!

BOB

[Melf]

Merry Christmas Everyone !!

Wanted to drop in & wish all of you a wonderful day tomorrow with as little temptation as possible. LOL My family is all gathering at my house for Christmas dinner, so I've been cooking & making preparations all day. Finally finished wrapping gifts a little while ago & hoping to get to bed soon, but didn't want the day to go by without posting a hello.

[Ellen]

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I hardly slept a wink last night...guess I was listening for Santa! ;) We are packing stuff up and heading out to Ruth's as soon as we can get off. Tom is so slow though...sigh.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

[Rosalie]

:merry:

Just wanted to check in to wish every one a wonderful day. I'm the cook to-day - all my family will be arriving very soon. It's been a few years since I cooked the turkey so hoping it turns out o.k. I just had some French toast for brunch made with whole wheat bread of course with a little agave and freshly made cranberry sauce. Had nothing else to eat yet to-day - waiting for the gang to arrive then I can snack on some shrimp and dip and some terra chips.

Good luck to you all with your eating to-day. Have fun but don't overdo it but remember the wagon will be waiting for us all next week. :)

Marie.

[Toni48]

Merry Christmas all. We've had a wonderful day here. My DH surprised me with a new Dell computer. I love it. It will take me a bit to get everything on here and used to it. I've also been into the tons of candy people sent. Its really going to take some doing to get me back to a sugarless person. What a difference it makes. I'll be glad to get back to eating basic's. My DH also got me a pedometer... LOL Do you think he's trying to tell me something? Hope everyone had a great day......

[THE BIG ORANGE BABE]

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERY BUDDY!!!!!

We went down to Venice for lunch, and believe me BOB was BAD...BAD...BAD!!!!
I had eveything I shouldn't have even sniffed!
HONEY BAKED HAM X 2 HELPINGS
MAC N CHEESE X 2 HELPINGS
CREAMED POTATOES (not mashed)
BROCCOLI CASSEROLE (not with rice, but with Ritz Crackers)
DEVILED EGGS X 4
STUFFED CELERY WITH LOTS OF CREAM CHEESE
CRANBERRY SAUCE
2 ROLLS
AND THIS GREEN STUFF MADE WITH PUDDING AND ALL THE EXTRS

BUT ON THE BRIGHT SIDE, I DIDN'T HAVE AN DESERT!!!!


Tomorrow, we're fixing a pork loin with baked sweet potatoes and something green......I WOULD KILL FOR SOME KALE, BUT CAN'T FIND ANY!!!!! ONLY COLLARDS ANDi DON'T LIKE THEM!

We came home after lunch because the rest of Tracy's family came and they hadn't had Christmas with them yet, and we didn't want to intrude. Jimmy had to be at the Tampa airport at the very least two hours before his flight, and we figured that it would be crowded. He 's going to Cathy's now to have Christmas with them....Jay will get is battery operated HUMMER tomorrow after Greg add Jimmy put it together tonight. Can't wait to see those pictures!

It's raining here like it's Spring...and I mean DOWN POURS!!! When I got Kate out of the car, we were both soaked, so we got ready for bed...it's cold ad I've got the heat on to knock off the chll!

We got home about 3 p.m. and I'm tuned in to the DVD collection of THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH and I got for Christmas....I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!

We just had a hot dog for supper, and Kate has settled down to watch football, and I hear her coachine back here! Tippy is asleep in her little bed, and ALL IS WELL WITH THE PAGES!!!!

hOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS WITH THEIR FAMILY!

Talk to y'all later...

BOB

[Ellen]

Greetings everyone! We got in just a little while ago. We had a good time, but ate way too much! Erik made chocolate filled brioches for breakfast, along with my sausage balls...then dinner was about four times the amount of food we needed. Erik cooked a country ham, and I brought a pork roast. I was so full from breakfast, I hardly ate much...just a spoonful of everything, but that amounted to a plate full! We had broccoli in cheese sauce, green bean casserole, country ham, pork roast, browned potatoes and onion, parsley mashed potatoes, butter rolls, porcini mushroom risotta, chocolate pecan pie and cheesecake. The pie and cheesecake were both legal, made with whole grains and agave or fructose. The rest of the stuff....oh well. I felt horribly bloated, so Tom and I went for a walk. We watched some DVD James got for a while, then came home. Tom really pulled one over on me. He wrapped up the satellite radio he won, and gave it to me as a joke. I had told him if he did that, he would be sleeping on the couch. After I opened it, and tried very hard not to say something too biting in front of the kids, Laura got up and left the room and came back with something to exchange with me for the radio. It was the scanner I wanted that will scan 35mm negatives! Hooray! Now all I need to have a great set up is a decent printer...and my birthday is in March! ;)

I got a bunch of kitchen gadgets...the suitcase I wanted...so I am happy! I am very very tired, but feeling good! I sure hope I can sleep tonight! :)

Hope everyone is doing well!

BOB: That is so cool of your brother to buy you a new car! Do you love it??? What color is it?

TONI: Get rid of that candy!! (I need to practice what I preach! I got a stack in my stocking, and I need to throw it out or something!

Off to read up on my scanner! Talk to you all later!

[THE BIG ORANGE BABE]

GREETINGS EVERY BUDDY!!!
. P""!

It's 2:00 and I'm still up! SILL watcing N * S...I'm on the second DVD and I've got 1 more tp go

feel like SUSAN....Tippy is in my lap and it's'really hard to type in the correct mode!

Monet. I so excited to have this car. I was totally speechless if you can
believe that! He said that he wanted to buy this so Kate could get in and out easier and if we need to take her wheelchair we could.
It's'a sand beige and has leather interior..even has butt warmers! Now, there is no excuse for me to no come to SPA MONET!!!! It rides like a dream, and after 12ys of bumping my ***
on the ground in my Trecel, this is like riding on a cloud. No road noise....NADA I think that I'm STILL om disbelief!!!! I need to be pinched!

I'm going to sign off now and get back to my movie....I"lll talk to y'all later!


BOB

[Ellen]

Morning! James, our tech support :lol: got my scanner installed and I played with it some last night. I need to figure out how to get the quality better...it has up to 2400dpi, which is pretty good...but it keeps wanting to scan at 200dpi! I was just too tired to figure it all out last night. This morning, I am not much better! I slept well...like 6 hours...but I am still tired.

Today is Tom's birthday, so I am making his request for dinner...beef wellington. I brought him coffee this morning in bed, and I need to get going on breakfast. We need to go to church this morning, since they are combining the morning and evening services. I don't know when I am going to get his cake done. :(

I am going to sign off here and get some stuff done! Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday weekend...

BOB: Just let me know when you are coming to Spa Monet....I will clean off the bed in the office for you. :) I hope you don't mind kitties, cause this crew thinks anyone who walks in the door is their new best friend.

[THE BIG ORANGE BABE]

BOB IS A ZOMBIE TODAY....DIDN'T SLEEP LAST NIGHT AT ALL!!! COULDN'T SLEEP, SO I COULDN'T SEE TOSSING AND TURNING. I JUST GOT UP AND PLAYED ON THE COMPUTER AND WATCHED THE NORTH AND SOUTH TO KILL TIME!

SO DON'T HOLD IT AGAINST ME FOR NOT REPLYING TODAY....I'VE GOT THE TOOTHPICKS IN MY EYES ALREADY TO HOLD THEM OPEN.....I'M AFRAID TO TAKE A NAP FOR FEAR THAT I WON'T BE ABLE TO SLEEP TONIGHT!

I will check in later...


BOB

[Toni48]

Good afternoon everyone. Think I'm going to wrap up a bunch of my stuff I got for Christmas that has sugar in it and send it to my kids. I can't bare to throw it out but know I can't eat it either. This week I'll have to get ready to go back on SB. I've got to get my head on straight. Boy this new computer is wonderful and my DH is such a sweetheart for getting it for me. :D I need to get something to cook in my new rotissare (sp. wrong) that my brother got me. Something like a turkey breast. I'll pick something up when I grocery shop next week. My house is a wreck but I can clean it tomorrow when I'm all alone. Hope my DH gets all the boxes out of here. Wow Bob a new car. How great...... Monet sorry you didn't get a full nights sleep and you have so much to do. Hope everyone has a great Sunday.

[Pancho]

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE:

I haven't even been on the computer for six days. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas; ours was great. Britt was up at 1:30 a.m. on Christmas/Eve excited about Santa. I told her she had to go back to sleep, and she did, until 2 a.m. I then laid down with her and she fell back to sleep around 2:30, and slept until 4:30 (when she got up to go potty). She then paced her room until the clock hit 5 a.m. (which is the time I told her it had to be before she could get up). Was I ever tired. I had her and Lane take a nap yesterday and I took a 40 minute one myself. I went to bed last night at 9:45 and slept, without waking up, until 7 a.m. this morning; I really needed it since I only got about 3 hours the night before. I now know how you feel, Monet!

I took the full week off from working out, and ate what I wanted. I maintained 119-120#'s all week, but was up to 121.5# today...it's catching up to me. BUT, I am back to working out tomorrow.

I ran to the store today and bought some Christmas stuff for 50% off. I got one of those huge inflatable snowmen for next year, and some lighted candy canes to light the walkway.

I don't have time for posts, but hope to check in during the week sometime, and plan to post a little more regularly after the 1st.

God Bless you all!!
Nat

[fruitloupe]

Hey Everyone!

I just wanted to pop in and say hello and Merry Christmas!!! Hope you all had a wonderful day yesterday!

I'll be back after the new year when I start back on plan - I'm sure with 8 million other people!! HA!

Missy

[sebray]

wow talk about weird...i havent gotten an email that said anyone posted on the thread for about 4 days...thats y ive been quiet :( my xmas went pretty good .. the boys racked up lol....xmas eve we were out the door by 8am and didnt get back till 11pm...then still had to wrap some presents and get the kids to bed and put everything under the tree...lol so i got to bed LATE....xmas day was nice and quiet we were supposed to go to kevin's aunts for dinner but when the boys got out of the bathtub i noticed a rash on my youngests body....he had woke up with some rosy cheeks but i thought he had just got that from the way he was sleeping...then in just 3 hours time it spread down his arms and to his ears...he's not allergic to anything so i took him to the ER just in case this was to be a severe allergy to something (or something contagious) the doc thought he might have scarlet fever but a quick test ruled that out so she agreed with me that it was an allergy....by the time the doc looked at him from the time we left the house (about an hour) the rash had spread to his entire body...almost hive-like....my poor baby...she gave him some zyrtec and an oral steriod in case it got severe and sent us home...so tomorrow i have to take him to his pediatrician.....two doses of the zyrtec and his rash is gone from his body...it still on his cheeks and ears though, but not as bad....merry xmas to me lol

i got the greatest scale in the world, and i hate it :lol: it is digital and can save and track your weight for up to 4 different users and tracks your BMI ..... i got it all set up and steped on it and it said 157lbs :D i was soooooooo happy (although in my heart i knew there was NO way i weighed that little in just a week :rofl: ) so kevin fixed it and it displayed to correct weight: 180.5 ... so now i hate it for being honest :P but i weighed myself this morning and it said 180 so im down 1/2 pound :)

eating hasnt been bad but it hasnt been healthy either :(

well i need to clean up my house..looks like a tornado hit it :lol:

Tech: looks like ur gonna beat me after all :)

[sebray]

i guess this means i have to fix my ticker now :cry: ok here goes........

[Ellen]

The Beef Wellingtons turned out good...we had them with Bernaise sauce, and asparagus with hollandaise sauce, basiled carrots, and then leftover pie and cheesecake for dessert. I am stuffed! I also feel kind of sick. Not sure why.... And I am so tired, I can barely keep my eyes open, but its only ten till 8, and if I go to bed now, I am sure there is NO way I will sleep until morning. I may have to try though. I am THAT tired! Its weird! I kept falling asleep during church this morning...which was embarrassing!

Guess I will start the boards in the morning...so I will check in then! Good night everyone!