2 chatty chicks
 

Good morning Charlotte, I know you will find me here. I just didn't feel right posting at "Mom's at it again..." with my new found release. ( If you haven't allready please go back and read my last post.) Mom spent the entire day with us yesterday. She ate really good and had a good day. SO good that she wants to spend most of today in her own home alone. We will be going to make her lunch and visit for an hr or two other than that she will be home alone from 8am to around 5pm. It's making my brother nervous for her to be alone, but my other brother works for the little village mom lives in and I've instructed him to stop a couple times throughout the day when he's passing by. My sister still hasn't even called to ask her how she's doing, but when I update her on mom's condition she has nerve enough to cry like it upsets her. Please!!! My sister has only one child and I'm about to tell her that he will learn how to treat her when she's old by how she treats mom. My loving niece has to avoid my sister completely for fear she will tell her off and cause an unfixable rif. Everything is going well otherwise a well. DD and Ds both started ball this week and younger DD starts next week. Summer reading program is in full swing and 10 y/o DD takes her first sax lesson today. She's really excited. Mon DS and I have a day camp for Cub Scouts. It's going to be rough scheduling someone to get them all where they need to be with me gone all day, but it'll work and it'll do me good to get away. Hug your grandbabies, tell yourself you're beautiful, and have a great day!

Kristi

Dear Charlotte, I'm praying for your mother not be too discomforted by the shingles and the reaction to her meds. Also, I am very happy to hear your grandchildren are doing well. I'm jealous of your weather though. We had no rain Mon but every day after until today. The sun is beautiful today, but it's to rain again tomorrow. Thankfully hubby installed a new sump pump so it turns on and off automatically. Much simpler. Should be a fun day today. My great niece is having her 1st b-day party today and then she and her 3 y/o sister are coming home with us for the night. My niece is very good about taking our children so me and the hubby can have a night out as well. I gotta call mom. Have a great weekend.

Kristi

I'm so sorry to hear of all your rain troubles. I will pray that all goes well and the weather straightens out for you. Oh I feel so bad, everything was going along so well!! It will again though, I'm sure of it. I know the house probably feels very crowded, but that just means there are that many more people around to love and be loved by ( that's the thought you have to keep in your head lol ) I made some great memories with my 8 y/o this past Mon. we went to scout day camp. BB guns, archery, sling shots, mini golf, water guns, and the most fun....Jurassic Baseball they played with a cotton stuffed ball bigger than most exercise balls and the bat was an 8 ft long foam thing. The oldest boys were 10 so it was just hilarious watching them swing that bat. My DS got a home run, because the other team kept throwing the ball at him trying to get him out. The rules were that a runner had to stop if they gave the ball to the pitcher!!!!! He was so excited. High fiving all around. I'm telling you Charlotte you'd have thought he won the World Series. Good fun and great memories! Yesterday I spent time with a dear friend from church. We shared a simple meal, took a long walk, talked, laughed, cried, it was so good for my soul. I hope you don't mind, but I told her all about you. She thought our new formed friendship was really interesting. She is even less internet savy than me so words like thread and post were all new to her. Well, I'm at the library and my children are done with summer reading program. It's on to mom's. We had a little tif Sun night. She needed to hear some things and she didn't want to!! I feel for you and the situation with your sister. I think they must be crying out of loss or guilt something that we'll probably never understand. Hug your babies and have a progressive day!!

Kristi

Hi Sweet Lady, How's everything cleaning up? Have you made much progress? I'm keeping you in my prayers as always. Yesterday was a good day here in WI. Me and the children bought my DH a swimming pool. This weekend is everything for him. Our anniversary (10 lovely years) his b-d and of course father's day. We normally by a season pass from our local pool, but he never enjoys it much. When he's done work for the day it's just not that relaxing to drive to town and have allot of kids to deal with. Sadly, he didn't act real excited (I'm sure he was thinking of the cost) butI know once it's warmed up and ready to go he'll love having it. Both DS and DD won their ballgames. It's always nice to win the first game of the season. I had a blast with DS on another cub outing as well. We went to a place called "Wiley's Woods" They give you a wrist band when you go in and then your unleashed in a 4 story house of fun. There are foam balls of every color everywhere. The object is to fill bags with them and then go around to different games and feed these balls to it however the computer tells you to. If you do it right fast enough then you put your wrist band on the "magic" spot and it totals your score for you. It was allot of fun. Our favorite though they had different air powered guns you could load the balls into and shoot randomly at anyone. When you made it to the top level they had one of these guns you could load with bags and bags of balls and then rapid fire them. My DS and his buddies though this was awesome!!! To make it even better DS got a stuffed unicorn in his happy meal on the way home and decided to give it to his big sisterbecause he knew she felt bad that I'd had two cub outings this week. That was great. Well, DH is dragging them all home from the store and no one looks happy. (Grandma probably gave them candy) talk to ya latter!

Kristi

Well, my pool didn't go as planned. It's so big we don't have a spot level that size!!! I wanted so bad to be able to put it up without DH's help, but of course I need him to scoop be some dirt so we can level it off. I felt so bad that his gift turned into work for him. He's 36 today and has to work from 7am until 10pm. Life just sucks sometimes, but we can at least be at work with him on and off through out the day. We're treating the congregation to cake and ice cream tomorrow for our anniversary so me and the children are making DH his favorite PB and chocolate chip cookies for his B-D today. Well, I sound like I'm rambling. I hope you can find time to write soon.
Have a great weekend

Kristi

Thank you, thank you, and thank you!! We did have a lovely weekend even though the store was our responsibilty during most of it. This morning DH worked only from 6-8am and then we were free. My cake I ordered was beautiful. Red and yellow frosting roses, doves, wedding bands, little plastic bells, delicious too! Everyone at church was surprised by the treat. The secretary was the only one I'd told in advance. We went and saw "Garfield" today. My opinion, it was an ok family movies, but I'd much rather had spent $3 to rent it than $30 to see it in the theater. It wasn't even an hr and a half long. After the movie we did Asian buffet and I thought I was doing ok, but about half way home I realized I had way over ate. Now I have a belly ache. Never fear, I'll most likely be eating popcorn or bagels by 8pm.!!!!!Beautiful days here if you like blue skies, 70*, and breezy!!! I want beach weather, but trying not to complain. Our pools looking good, but it's not quite full yet. The kids keep wanting to play in it so I pull the hose out and let them. They are crazy!! All 4 of them slept in the tent last night and even though it wasn't even 50* yet at 7am the 3 oldest ones were in the pool!!!! They're allot more tough than I am. Well, I gotta run. Hope your weekend was good!

Kristi

Oooohhh...to be so young & energetic & brave as to get in a pool that cool that early in the morning!http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/...imation02g.gifWeather here was in the middle 90's, until the rains...then it cooled off to the 70's. I think this week it's going back up. I wish we could get a pool. I think it would help my arthritis to exercise in the water. Of course, the house has to come first.
I'm glad you all had a good time at "Wiley's Woods"! You seem to be such a fun mother for your children! They're always going to have those memories to tell their children!

Well...had a very busy week. Daughter from South Alabama was here through assignment from her job. She stayed with us, & brought 4 yr old daughter. Our son had his 2 daughters, 5 & 2...& it rained all week. The dilemma? Roof still not fixed, because of raining every day. So, we just did the best we
could, & enjoyed each others company.
The sun finally came out Saturday morning...the day after all the company left. A large part of the roof got plywood on it, so maybe things will be a little better.

I've been offered a weekend trip during the 4th of July. Been thinking very seriously about going. My friend, Connie (TV Station manager) is close friends of the owners of GMT (Gospel Music Television).
The daughter, Mary Fay Jackson, invited Connie to Texas, to sing at a large singing....including "The Hoppers"...& others. Well, she invited me to go with her. Mary Fay was here at our station a couple of weeks ago....& was very nice & down-to-earth. I was all set to be snubbed....but, she wasn't that way at all!
I think it would do me some good to get away for a weekend. The only hold up is my health. Connie understands me, though. If I can't handle everything, I can always go to the motel. We didn't have any plans.....& DH doesn't mind. We'll see. I've been trying to find some meal plans I could put together & store in the freezer, so DH would only have to put in crock pot, for supper. Any ideas?

Well....need to go get ready for work. Have a great Monday.

So glad to hear from you. Your trip sounds wonderful. I hope it turns out for you. Gotta run to ball right now. WTTYL

Kristi

#1 son is all excited. He got a hit off the pitching machine today. In his game last week he actually struck out all 3 times at bat. He had never even had a practice with the machine before and just didn't get the hang of it in the game. I felt bad for him, because he's used to being one of the best batters. It was a good learning experience for him and today it paid off. Both son and daughter have a game tomorrow morning. I hope they do well and enjoy themselves. DD is a little nervous about her saxlesson this morning. She had her last lesson on Fri and we were very busy as a family all weekend so her practice time has been way down. I know she'll do fine. My DH took the two younger children to work with him this morning so I was able to hit the bike trail while the kids were at ball. I was very proud of myself. I did a total of 5 miles and the first 4 I did in 50 min. That's 10 min less than I ever achieve last summer. I know you're on 3FC, but you've never dicussed diet or exercise. Are either of these a part of your life or are you one of the lucky ones? Fill me in more about your trip and all andI'll pray that you receive a pool to help with your arthritis!!!
Happy day to you,
Kristi

Oh my goodness Charlotte, visiting my mother today was a practice in patience! The children and I took 2 frozen pizzas and some anniversary cake to her house for lunch. She complained the pepperoni was too spicey in that way that said it was somehow my fault.( never once thanking us) She had called my sister-in-law to come over and make her chili. Jackie lives 9 miles away. I said call her back I'll make the chili. Mind you this whole time her friend is in mom's bedroom PAINTING IT for her.(like that's necessary) I'm doing the dishes when all of a sudden another of mom's friends shows up to iron mom's new drapes and then my uncle and cousion show up to put her bed back in her room AND my brother stops in just to say hello. The whole time she's telling everyone how she had a bad night last night that her blood pressure went way up and how she hates that everyone HAS to do everything for her. PLEASE! She was basking in all her glory. On top of it we took her blood pressure for her while we were all there and it was very good. She then tells us how the night before she had taken it herself the cuff wrapped around her right arm and PUMPING the cuff up with her RIGHT hand. Geez, it measured high. I wonder why?!?!?!?. After 2 hrs of helping out I went to leave and then she yeld at me for leaving so soon. You need to know this is a woman who went to the casino on Sat. and out to a tavern for supper last night. None of this probably makes any sence to you, but I'm telling you her attitude is hard to deal with. She seems to appreciate nothing that EVERYONE is doing for her. The Dr has told us her brain has not been injured in a way that would leave her so demanding and unappreciative. She is choosing this. The Lord has blessed her with many patient people I hope she doesn't try all of ours much more. Thanks for listening to my indeciferable ramblings. I'm feeling very good now. lol

Kristi

Well.....yeah...I'm on 3fatchicks. LOL I joined last summer. I had almost 50 lbs to lose....& did it! Now, I'm trying to maintain. Besides, got "hooked" on all the friends. :D I can't exercise because of the OA & RA. It wasn't easy to lose, but, I did it. Sure don't want to gain it back. I'll try to find my pic I made of myself after the diet...& post it for you to see.
You're doing great with your exercising! I use to enjoy riding a bike.

Oh....you need sooooo much patience to help your mother. :^: I'll be praying for you that the Lord will give you strength to endure.
Last week when my daughter was here, she started cleaning one night. I told her there was no use....because of the construction. Of course, there were some things I wanted done, but, couldn't myself, & wouldn't ask anyone else.
She somehow knew this, & took care of everything. Afterwards she asked me to come to the bathroom. I went in there, & she had the bathroom spotless, with water filled in the Jaduzzi tub & an aroma candle lit. She told me to get in & relax! I did! It was soooo nice. ;) I certainly appreciated it!! I have sweet children & grandchildren. The best.....well, for your sake...I'll say the best in Alabama! :lol:

Sounds like son had a great time with the machine. They pitch different than humans, so will take time. Tell daughter, I LOVE the sax!

Take care of yourself....you're such a busy young lady. Always helping others in your life. You're going to be blessed for all you do!

Thanks so much for you encouraging words. My mom called today all love and sweetness. I'm sure she doesn't do it on purpose, but she does surely throw me for a loop on a regular basis lol

Great job on the weight loss. You must have willpower of steal. I'd never drop a pound if it weren't for the exercise!!

That was a wonderful treat your DD did for you. It's so wonderful when our children treat us special. Even at my children's tender ages they have done some wonderful things that have made me feel so loved.

DS didn't get a hit off that darn machine again today, but he did catch a fly ball and get a guy out!! So he still came home a happy camper. DD played very well today also. It's kind of surprising. SHe played t-ball when she was 5 and then never played again until this year. Of course there are girls on the team better than her, but she plays just as well as most and even better than some that have stayed with it for the past 5 yrs. Probably because she's very bright and a quick thinker so she knows where to go with the ball etc... Anyway it's been a good day now only to turn bad.....I have to go do the dishes blech!!!!
Take care dear,

Kristi

I'm so glad you've decided to take the trip. It so sounds like you deserve it. I'm sorry to hear about your son's upcoming divorce. No matter what the relationship has been like it's always sad to realize that it can't be saved. I'll pray for the children and your son that the custody goes smoothly. I was divorced once, but thankfully I had no children with my 1st husband. All we had to do was decide who wanted the motorcycle(no brainer) and other STUFF. Not too long agao my SIL and I were talking about my ex (she'd seen him somewhere) my #1 son had his ears on and asked me, "you've been married before mom?" I told him yes a long time ago etc... his response.....a secretive, " does dad know?" lol We were in the car at the time and I thought my SIL was going to go off the road she was laughing so hard. Without any children involved it just never seemed to be anything I felt I had to share. Well, let me know when you're leaving so I can be prepared :(

Have a great day!
Kristi

Hi Charlotte, Not a whole lot exciting in my life today. All the kids have byes today so no ball games. We actually have no place we have to be today. Yippee!! We ended up in our basement last night. The tornado whistle blew and away we went. Luckily it actually hit about 30 miles to the north of us. My 7 y/o was so scared though. Normally none of my children are frightened by storms, but she didn't like that situation. It was probably made worse by the fact that our basement is not part of our living quarters. It's not real nice down there and to top it off the cat was outside and we were unable to find it so she was terribly concerned. Our pool was finally warm enough yesterday to enjoy and now today it's raining again!!!! We just can't get a weather break here in WI this summer. Well, I'm going to go enjoy my day of no appointments.
Have a great day
Kristi

I hope you have a good time. As long as you don't feel used and enjoy Connie's company that's all that matters. I've had a few "self" people in my life as well. Sometimes those people need us for a season to make their life bearable so to speak and I think God also puts them in our lives so we don't forget how good life is. That we shouldn't walk around sad all the time, but be happy and thankful for all that we have. DD and DS are gone fishing with my FIL today. What a treat. He really didn't want to take them, because it's so windy and they probably won't catch anything. I gave him a look and quietly said, "I think you better go." I knew they were really looking forward to going. Smiling, he asked what I would give him. I whipped out a 20 dollar bill and told him to take them to my sisters for supper when they were done. (sister has a bowling alley / bar) he liked that idea and away they went. Then the 2 youngest ended up at my MIL watching a DVD. Alone at last!!!! It gave me a chance to clesn the pool and then my niece stopped by with her 2 little girls. It ended up being a great afternoon. Once again, hope you have a great time away. Maybe DH will have the roof closed up when you get home!
Friends,
Kristi

Hi Kristi,
Glad you had a good day. Doesn't sound like you got very much rest, though. As long as you were doing what you wanted to do, I guess is what counts. How's your mother doing, now?
I went today & bought a capri outfit for the singing in the park. I heard it would be very hot, so tried to get something cool. Got a comfortable pair of shoes, too. Hey, this gave me an excuse to shop! LOL I'm afraid I don't need an excuse, I love to shop.
It's finally sunshining today, although very cloudy. DH is working on the roof tryin to stop the openings for rain to come into the house. Should be tested soon...suppose to have several more days of rain. :(
I'm getting so sleepy, I can't stay awake. Think I'll lay down for awhile. If I have time, I'll come back later. If not...talk to you tomorrow. :)
Your friend,
Charlotte

It was a very pleasant surprise to see your post. I must have misunderstood. I thought you were going away with Connie THIS Fri. No, I didn't get much rest yesterday, but I did today. My most effort put out was baking pumkin bread and vaccuming. The cleaning part was easy since DD picked up the house first. Push the vaccum around is all I had to do!!! My children love pumkin bread. My recipe has loads of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in it. Today I decided to tweek the recipe on them and see how it flew. I cut the sugar by a 1/3, used 1/2 c apple sauce and 1/2 c oil, and almost 50/50 whole wheat and white flour. Making it actually fairly healthy. The children gobbled it right down and thought it was great. After they'd eaten 1/2 a loaf I told them what I'd done and they said to make it this way all the time!!! Awesome. My inlaws were gone again today so I did have to watch the store for a couple hrs while my DH went to the local fair. They held the animal sale today and we have cutomers who's children show animals fed with our feed so, we always go and bid on them. He didn't actually buy anything, but he did get the prices up for them. Well, my kids are getting kinda wild. Maybe it's bed time.
Have a great Sunday
Kristi

I had a great Sun. even though it started raining at 1pm and didn't quit until after 7pm. Just DD #1 and I went to church. First we stopped for cappacinos. I know, definitely not diet food!!! Instead of attending church the usual way. Sitting in a pew. We listened on the intercom in the basement while redoing the bog bulletin board in the fellowship hall. DD drew a beautiful sun surrounded by 8 different kinds of birds (she's so talented you could actually identify each one) Right in the middle of the sun she printed....Let the SON shine, her message......Walk in the light, for He is in the light. John 1:7 During fellowship everyone so pleased, especially one elderly woman whp gave my DD a huge hug and told her thank you. We'd been meaning to change it since the first week in June, but we're sooooo busy. I felt the time we did it was ok. DD was serving her congregation, spending quality time with me, and still heard pastor's message. Worked for us anyway and I'm a firm believer that our relationship with God is definitely personal. Not what we do to please the masses......At almost 8 last night we finally got to build our campfire and yes, I made puggie pies with peach filling and ate way too much. Back to HEALTHY today. I hope you had a grand Sun as well. How's the roof coming?

Kristi

Hi Kristi,
Sounds like delicious pumpkin bread! My MIL makes all kinds of bread. My favorite is Zuchini bread. Hmmmm...could eat it every day! That was sneaky ;) but, glad it worked on your kids. Mine would have decided they didn't like it, after telling them the truth. :lol:

Glad you had a little rest. Although it sounds like it was very little. I guess I'm just getting older, & can't remember the days when I could hold out as you do now. I know I did, though. I worked at a sewing plant all day, then went home & took care of twins & cooked, etc. Hard to believe that now. LOL

Sorry I don't post as often as I'd like to. I have a lot going on. I DO look forward to your posts. Some days, they are what keep me going. I'm really looking forward to leaving Friday morning. I need a few days away. Not from family, just from every day life. Need a little change. I'll miss posting to you, though. Just be patient.....I WILL return! :D

Gotta go....getting late. Have a good Tuesday.
Charlotte

Ah, it is this Fri when you leave! See, I was confused. I know exactly what you mean by needing to get away. I love my children and all the things we do together, but I'd love to get away for a couple of days. Especially if I didn't have to take my hubby either lol I know that sounds so mean, but just a couple days to do as I please. Get up when I want, eat where and when I want, just sit or sight see. My own schedule. My family would argue that they live by my schedule allready, but it's so untrue. I may be the "keeper of the schedule", but what's on it is everyone else's activities lol My day is coming though. You know I'm a SAHM and this year my youngest will be heading off to pre-school. Giving me 4 or 5 hrs a day alone. My first plans are to paint my whole interior and redo my children's bedrooms. Right now they are really just rooms with beds and toys in them. No actual decor so to speak and I'd like to change that, but right now there are just not enough hrs in the day unless I'm going to not care for me at all and I refuse to live like that. I have plans in the making for a job, but I do plan to take most of if not all of this year off yet. I feel like I deserve it! DH did softball with the kids last night, but I was back at it with the 2 older ones today. I swear my DH is going to turn us into farmers yet. We have 50 chickens, 1 rooster, and 5 ducks ordered. They'll arrive in about a wk , but last night a calf moved in. He's really very cute mostly all black with a lopsided heart on his forehead and what look like little white bracelets around his 2 back ankles!!! The children have named him Sam. I'm not so sure I like the idea of my future meal having a name lol We'll have to see where we all stand on that decision in a couple of years, but for now he's definitely part of the family. Well, it's finally beautiful here today so I'm washing all the bedding and a load is about done now. Have a great day.

( I kinda bounced all over there didn't I )

Kristi

Hi Kristi,
Bounce all you want! I enjoyed reading all of it. Wow, I don't know if you have time to take on a "job". You're schedule is already full. :lol: I know what you mean about the taking time for myself. Others think because the RA has me fatigued a lot, & I have to stop often to rest....that's my time! :^: NOT! When I mention something I'd like to do, instead of working on this house, I hear "It's all about you!". I Don't know if they're teasing, (because it really makes me mad.) or if they mean it....but, like you said, the whole day is scheduled around other people's needs.
When it was just DH & myself, I DID have days that I was here alone....& enjoyed it. Now, though, our son is getting a divorce, & moved in (hopefully, temporarily), & the two girls are here every other week.....I never have time alone. If they're gone, I'm washing, etc. My computer thinks I've desserted it! :o Well, I've vented enough. ;) You take all the time you need, dear. You DO deserve it. Our families love us....just takes it for granted that we're here on this planet for their needs. :lol:

It finally sunshined today. Suppose to go back to raining tomorrow, so I did the unthinkable. I went & took the day to myself. I got my nails done. Got a pedicure for the first time. (loved it!) Went shopping for a few things for the trip. Then brought home supper! I liked that part...DH didn't say a word...kind of disappointed me....I was all prepared with my speech. :lol: Now, I'm coloring my hair. (about time!)

Well, gotta go rinse color out. Hope you have a great evening. Talk to you tomorrow.

P.S. No graphics today....it's down. :(

Darn it! My post went to cyber space. That hasn't happened in a long time. I always feel my second try I forget things I wrote before. Anyway, My SIL, her DH and his 2 children (same ages as 2 of mine) and one of my DH cousins and her 3 children were here for dinner last night. My SIL brought pizzas the cousin brought melons and I made kool aid and provided plates and such. They invited themselves so that's what they got!!! We had a good time though and BIL's 2 children anded up spending the night. DD is taking such good care of that calf. She treats it just like a pet. She put a bridle on it and is taking it for walks. The poor little thing is so attached to her if she even walks by him he pulls on his rope. I allready know there will be no eating him :) I'm so glad you had time to do a little something for yourself yesterday. I've never had my nails done and have only treated myself to a pedicure once. That was 2 yrs ago. I'd walked so many miles so many months in a row and felt my tootsies deserved it. The girl really relied on one of those bubbling foot messagers you can buy anywhere for the messgae part. She maybe actually rubbed each foot for a minute apiece and didn't do a very good job applying my polish either. Soooooo, I felt I could do better for myself at home and save the money. I now know though that she doesn't charge much compared to most other salons. The old, "you get what you pay for", maybe!? I truly hope your family is teasing when the compare your fatigue to time for yourself. Anyone would much rather be healthy and on the go than resting because there body won't go! I know around here it is too aometimes hard to tell if DH is teasing. Thankfully in my "old" age God has made me strong enough to take time for myself. I no longer do anything for anyone I truly don't want to do!! Sometimes I wish I didn't want to do so much for so many lol lol lol
Have a great day lovely lady!

Kristi

Oh Charlotte, Why would I ever trade you?!?! I so hope you have a terrific time in Dallas. I know you will I can just tell that all my prayers are being answered this week! More ball today and it's really hot finally so I know I'm headed for the pool myself in just a little bit. I do have a gross job I have to get done today though. I do the concession stand for our soccer league and left some things stored in the walk in cooler at our local park over the winter. Big mistake!!!Huge!!!! We went to get it all last night and for some reason the cooler was wet inside and all moldy. So, yes my big popcorn machine, the pizza warmer, crock pots, all full of mold and even rusted. Yuck!!! I just hope everything is still working properly. I feel just awful about it. We as a league do cary insurance on everything so if it is damaged we may just have to place a claim. Hassle!! Anyway, enough of my sob story. Go and act like a Queen Bee for a couple days. Adios!!

Kristi

You always do the coolest graphics. I need to take a class and learn something new. They say it wards off elzheimers you know lol

A question for you to ponder on your return.......have you ever noticed when you're at the "top of your game" those closest to you turn unsupportive and rude?

Thanks, Kristi

Hi Kristi...I'm back! Had a great time. Sorry I couldn't post to you. Connie never could find an access number that wasn't long distance for her lap top, at any of the motels. We stayed an extra day....we were so tired, just wanted to stop about half way home & rest up. It helped me quite a bit to get away a few days.

Your last post worries me, my friend. Tell me what has happened. Yes, it DOES seem like there can be a conspiracy going against our happiness, sometimes. Please let me know what has happened.

I thought about you a lot.
Your friend,
Charlotte

Thanks so much for thinking about me while you were gone. I'm so happy for you that you had a good time and were able to get away from the worries of your home repairs. What's happened here is my DH is going through a little something something. I think he doesn't know how to respond to my happiness. I've really adopted a healthy eating and exercising way of life. Plus I have vowed to continue communicating with my friends here at 3FC. Since sticking to these 3 changes so much of my depression and lethargy has just lifted and rarely rear their ugly heads. It seems whenever I'm doing well he doesn't understand me. (his mother suffers from undiagnosed depression) I think he gets worried I will expect more from him or something. All I know is he's trying to be very controlling suddenly and it's driving me crazy. He says silly things like, you better take the laundry off the line. I've been doing my own laundry for 23 yrs I think I know when to take the laundry off the line. Yesterday my older children went "next door" to my IL and were watching Lord of the Rings there was 18 min left of this 3 hr movie and he made them shut it off and come home just because he was home. If he had plans to do something with them I could understand this, but he just came home and watched the news, showered, etc... but only after arguing and making everyone miserable.. I know it'll pass. We're so busy with ball etc.. that he's feeling unneeded and neglected. Both untrue but...here he comes

Dear Charlotte, It's all of the above. The children's activities have taken up so much time the past month. I know much of the time he feels left out. I know he gets jealous of them as well. Everything you read says that it's normal for men to sometimes feel jealous of their children. I don't understand it, but.......I know as well he feels very little control over anything right now, because it's me that keeps the schedule, knows the schedule, and makes the schedule run. He stands in the wings waiting for news of what's happening today. Not because he's an uninvolved father, but rather because he is our bread winner. I know he'd love to do more of the things that I get to with the children. Last night he was back to normal and being almost overly kind to everyone
( he gets that from his father---blow up one minute, bend over backwards for you the next) It's because neither one of them talk about anything. They just manage on their own. So unhealthy. I know DH is jealous of my "cyber" friends as well. He's always thought he is all I should need to talk to. Please....he works so hard that very little conversation happens between us all week and when we do have time to talk it's usually about the children. Anyway, for now life is back to normal. He needed to throw a snit which always helps him see how silly he's being. Not that I think his feelings are silly, but the thought that I can fix all that ails him is silly.....The two oldest had ball games this morning. The boys won one and tied one while the girls got their behinds handed to them. DD didn't take it well. She's definitely going through a "no matter what goes wrong it's someone else's fault" stage....It was good for the whole team though. They'd been winning every game and now they know you ALWAYS have to do your best and try harder. Thanks so much for listening to me vent. I hated that I'd left you hanging like that yesterday. You've been such a good friend.

Kristi

Hope your day is starting out bright! I woke up a little early....pain meds wore off. :^: I'm glad DH settled down a bit. Mine was on my case all day...he must have felt bad, or stressed. DD came by & witnessed a little of the griping. Something she wasn't used to. She told me that men just couldn't handle stress as women can....& Lord knows, we're both stressed after 2 yrs of this rebuilding, & now, son's divorce. He wasn't mean. Just woke up finding fault in just about everything. I just let him gripe. Then, when we went to bed he acted as though nothing had been said. :lol: He was like, "I don't know what you're talking about". Men just don't vent to each other, as women do. Like you said, it's unhealthy.

Sorry DD's team lost. I know it's good for them to lose somtimes....it helps them to realize that it CAN happen. It's still not any fun, though.

How is things with your mother, now? I hope it's, at least, peaceful. I visited mine yesterday. She was in the wheelchair in the lobby with her head hung over the side, asleep. I'd never seen her that way before. I would wake her, just for her to go back to sleep. The main woman over the nursing home came to me & introduced herself. She told me that mother has regressed to a lower level. To not expect her to do as before her sickness this past month. Before, she was walking herself around in her wheelchair trying to "help" everyone. Smiling, etc. We have her in a private room now. It's much better on her & us also. My step-dad goes everyday & stays most of the evening with her. They watch TV together. His name was the only one she recognized yesterday. She usually knows me, after I remind her that she watches me each day on TV. It's a sad disease. My DD called last night & said she went by to visit her, after she left our house. Said she didn't know her, but, thought she was a little child & kept playing with her. Mother used to keep the twins for me to work, when they were very young. I imagine she's thinking of them as that age. At least, she was feeling better.

I also got the news that my aunt in Georgia has about 4 more weeks to live. There were 10 children in my dad's family. She was the youngest & the last one living. She had called my sister & I a few months ago, & told us of her cancer, but determined to beat it. She wanted to see my TV program...so they've been taping it at the station for me to mail to her. We had planned a family reunion for early fall, to see each other. She called my sister when I was in Texas, and told her that she is now bedfast, & DH has to do everything for her. We're hoping to go see her soon. Money is tight for my sister & myself...but, feel the need to make, at least, a quick trip. I just hope she doesn't suffer too much. Most of my dad's family died of cancer or heart attacks. My dad suffered really bad for 2 yrs with cancer before he died.

Didn't mean to sound doom & gloom....just telling news. Help me pray for them, if you will. I'm praying for you, my friend. I've got to go. DH's up, wanting breakfast. (maybe he's in a better mood today. :D )

Have a great day!

Dear Charlotte, Sorry to hear your mother has gone down hill. I imagine it will be a long spiral down before she's released. I wish you could be spared this pain. Also, praying for your family. Losing the last member of a generation would be very difficult. An end of an era so to speak. My mother is actually coming along really well. The her therapists work her very hard, but it's helped. She is now using only a cane most of the time. Her left arm still has very limited mobility and not much for strength. She is living alone again and making it though. Thanks for asking. We visited yesterday and I had to keep doing breathing exercises to stay in my seat. She was just so negative towards me once again. (what's new) I bought a couple new outfits this past weekend and whenever I tell her what size I bought she always says, "oh, they must've ran big" sp this time I was smart and didn't share with her what size I bought. I have to realize not to set myslf up for her attacks. No fuel to feed the fire coming from here lol....hope your hubby gives you a happy one!

Kristi

Hi there girl, I'm off to my hubbies cousin's wedding. Should be a good time. Tomorow I have to take DD to Bilble camp. We pick her up on Fri afternoon. She always really enjoys it and having one child leave always seems to add peace to the house, but by Fri everybody always wants her to be back home. It's nice to give them a chance to miss one another. Have a great weekend.

Kristi

Good morning Kristi,
It's a beautiful day here. Lots of sunshine. I'm so glad we got a break from the rain.
Sounds like you had a busy week end. Hope your DD enjoys bible camp as much as our children always did. That was the highlight of their summers.

I get a Remicade treatment today, so I'll be "out of it" for a couple of days. I usually get up between naps, & do a little posting, though. So, shouldn't be missing much. Hope you enjoyed the wedding.

Sorry your mother hasn't changed. I don't know why we keep expecting & hoping for a change. It would be nice, though, wouldn't it?!
You must have bought smaller sizes than usual....good for you!! http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/...ncingmouse.gif Hey....tell ME...I'd loveto hear about it!! I ate too much on my trip....scared to get weighed today. :o I'll probably join the ranks of the dieting, instead of the maintaining! ;) We were taken to a pie factory. Mary Fay (the singer we visited) bought us a large box of pies! We were in pie heaven! :lol:

Well, I've got to get dressed for my Dr's appointment. Have a good day. I'll post again first chance I get.
Your friend,
http://img61.photobucket.com/albums/...Lover/char.gif

Mmmmmmm pie, gotta love it. Yes, I was able to buy size small in pull on shorts and tank tops and yesterday I picked up a pair of cheap jeans at Wal-Mart size 8 reg. I haven't worn sizes like this in 13 yrs. I'm very excited, because I actually feel stable and healthy enough mind wise to stay this size rather than let the world get to me and eat my way back to a 16. Which at 5' 2" is not a pretty sight. Carmen always loves Bible camp. When I dropped her off her group looked like a really nice group and one of the girls we spent a mother daughter weekend with last fall. So she allready sort of knew someone. This yr she will be staying in a tent with a wooden floor and they are responsible for cooking their own meals. Very different from the past 2 yrs. I think she'll really like it. The wedding Sat was beautiful. It's so obvious that they really love each other. I've sadly been to weddings when you knew it was a mistake, but not this time. It was truly a pleasure. Christian couple's weddings are always so much nicer anyway, because it was obvious that the pastor new them both personally and was pleased to be joining them. Well, it's off to ball so I will try to post again later and talk about you!!!

Friends, Kristi