Nicole- I know, it is totally nuts. The big kids are being really good, it is the babies and toddlers who are awful today. Their routine has been thrown all off because of these big kids here.

Hi, just checking in before the weekend. I've done okay this week with my food and even better with my exercise...I walked three times this week for about 40 minutes each. We're going camping for the weekend so I'll have to be extra careful and try to walk some.

Nicole - Wow...don't you just hate drama...I love how you're thinking ahead for your DD. At this age their emotions completely control them, changing day to day. I do have a question...do you not have to have the "father's" consent for the guardianship? I would just guess that if he's going to be on the birth certificate, he would have to agree to it. And would the guardianship relieve him of any financial responsibility, since that's sort of what you're relieving the DD of? I don't know...just thoughts that popped into my head. I feel for you and hope it all works out well.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!

Paula........the paralegal I saw yesterday said that we do not have to have father's consent. The laws are written to protect women who choose abortion or adoption. If the child is signed over in the first year of life, and the woman is not married, it is her choice. Seems kind of unfair, but a man can also go register with the county even before the baby is born in order to get a paternity test asap. This is the only way it can be contested. We are truly hoping this is just a temporary thing. If the father sticks around and wants to do his part, we will welcome that with open arms. That is what would be best for the baby. I keep trying to explain to my DD that he will have every opportunity to be a daddy....but that she has to take baby steps, and let him show his responsibility. We can only hope. I am not sure if this will relieve him of financial responsibility or not. We will find out more when we meet with the attorney next week. I have a feeling things are going to be just fine. The biggest concern I have right now is BF's mother. She is making their office into a nursery and is talking about how she wants DD and baby to come stay overnight there......and we live right around the corner. I can see if they lived out of town or something, but that is just weird. His parents know how we feel about DD spending the night there, and her response to DD was, "well, won't you be 18 soon?" What a jerk, huh? I would never try to undermine another parent like that. And I'm thinking, are you nuts....do you want another grandchild right away????And DBF's response to DD telling him the baby would be sleeping here at night, was, "why does the baby get to stay at YOUR moms and not mine?" And I was like, are you fricking kidding me. They can see the baby daily for all we care, but let the poor child have her own bed at night. And what really weirded me out was he wasn't concerned about his feelings, or DD's, it was all about his mommy. I find that creepy. Gosh, everytime I type that word, I miss you, dear Cassi. Anyway.......like I said, I am sure it will all pan out in the end.....it just sucks, cuz I am quite certain they are going to break DD's heart a few more times before things settle in.

Oh, and Paula......WTG on the exercising :) You have been doing really well. I am just loving your attitide!!! Keep it up :)

just wanted to check in and say hi for the day!

Jillian.........you are fading away to nothing :)

So, I just had to share these cute photos of my boys :)
http://thumb5.webshots.net/t/69/469/...5PlvpUS_th.jpghttp://thumb5.webshots.net/t/58/658/...5SSxXzF_th.jpg

Hi gang!

Been out doing a career day at a school.. I'm bushed.. Talking can take it out of you...

Had a nice grilled chicken salad for lunch today in anticipation of dinner out tonight at the annual YMCA dinner, which will probably consist of something "chicken-ish"... Wish me luck...

Liz is staying home with the kids and her mom, unfortunately, but at least being my own driver will keep me away from the bar.

Doing a fun run in the morning before DS's soccer game... Hope I don't pull a muscle!

Talk to you all soon!

Oh, and at the risk of running afowl of Liz, I agree with Nicole.. Jillian - You are looking SO great!!! You're hubby should be just as proud of you as you are of him for the job he's doing!

Jillian, You are looking so slim! And is that ticker down again. WOW. You go girl. Talking with your DH seems to agree with you greatly.

Nicole, I'm sure that you are right. Everything will settle out soon enough, and hopefully without too many tears from your DD. Your boys are so cute!

Dan, Sounds like a busy day for you.

We finally have some great weather today! After lots of rainy and gray days, everyone here is just walking around smiling because it is sunny and 70 degrees out today. Tomorrow is supposed to be 75. We have been in the process of buying a condo for an investment that our daughter will live in, since we were going to be paying for her rent near campus anyway, we decided to make it tax deductible. So its been a little stressful to find time away from work to go and look at places and then bid on them and get a loan. Today we had to go and have it inspected. Plus just worrying about if it is a stupid way to invest your money or not and if we will be able to handle the payments and lots and lots of what if, what if, what ifs running around my mind. I think it will be a good thing to do, and my DD is just besides herself with joy to live in the place we bought. It is just a little studio condo, but it is in a safe neighborhood only 2 blocks from the school. They were apartments, but they got refurbished and are selling as condos. They redid them very nice, with all new appliances and bathrooms. Plus is has somewhat of a view... although we were not willing to pay an extra 35000 for a really great view... Anyway, so the next couple of weeks we will be shelling out the money and feeling broke for awhile, and then of course she needs help moving in.

Jillian! Looking good Lady! Your hard work certainly is paying off! I am sooo proud of you! You are my idol! I'm not worthy! Ha! Remember Wayne's world!? Ha! But seriously you look great! Sooo happy for you!

Oh Barbara you guys are such great parents that will help her out sooo much! I am sure she will be forever grateful!

awww! you guys are so wonderful! making me blush all the way through the computer! :) thank you! everyone on here is such a wonderful support!

cecilia--your wayne's world comment cracked me up! i loved that movie!

i send DH pics of me on a regular basis and he's blown away by how great i look, how close i am to my goal and the fact that i've made this a permanent change in my life. he's been a wonderful support as well...and that totally makes a difference.

ok..the kids will be over soon and Julia is sleeping over tonight and we're having a mommy/daughter day tomorrow (coffee date, going shopping at target, etc) she's super excited! :)

HI everyone!
I am also a new girl in town but have been lurking around for a while now. I just decided what the heck maybe I should say hi. I have been on the plan since Sept of last year and am doing great but am on my own since our centers closed (what a bum deal that was). Anyway I would like to offer a little advice to the ladies with the the TOM problem of cramps and such the best thing I have ever found is just plain coke syrup. You can get it at most drugstores in the stomach aisle as that is what it is generally used for. 1 TBS and your cramps are gone within minutes. I had the same issues and that was all that ever worked for me. I have told many women about it and as of yet have anyone tell me it hasn't worked for them. Ask at the pharmacy counter if you can't find it. Worth a shot and only costs about 2 bucks around here. Good Luck and you all have a wonderful evening .

Welcome Lois! Thanks for the TOM TIP! HA! Really appreciate it!

Happy Friday to all. Still hanging in there and doing pretty good on the weight loss tips/tricks that everyone shares on this site. gonna start the cleanse tomorrow or Sunday according to how much running around that finish tomorrow morning. c u all later