I could have joined you for a coffee around 4, since a pounding headache woke me, but I took some Advil and did manage to sleep for another hour. My Keurig coffee has sure become my best friend. There's nothing like a lovely cup of Newman's Extra Bold to get my day going. I haven't tried the raspberry truffle yet, but it sounds like it would make a good dessert substitute in the evenings.

Ruth, I wish I could be there to watch the Children's Pageant. I'm sure the children will be able to carry it off with whatever twists and turns they give it. Two hours is awfully long for some of the wee ones, though!

Cyndi, today had better be the day Julie gets to go home, as my fingers are starting to cramp from being crossed so long! I hope she continues to recover nicely and is back on her feet soon.

We had a delightful afternoon with Tyler yesterday, he's such a willing and enthusiastic helper. Big sister Amber went to a Flyers game, so he was basking in having all our attention. He and grandpop built and painted an airplane, then he helped me make a big pan of Christmas Crack and happily licked the spoon.

I'm not sure what's on the agenda for today. We may drive over to NJ to give Carley her birthday present. Her birthday is Friday, and we always try to make sure to keep her birthday separate from Christmas. It's so cozy sitting here snuggled under my quilt, though, that right now I don't feel like going anywhere.

Chickadee - I always bring a stew or casserole I can eat. That way if nothing else is on plan I can fill=up on my dish. Best thing about yesterday's off plan food is that it was yesterday and today is a new day

Chel - Seriously, what 8 year old still does that? When I taught preschool that was the annoying behavior 4 year-olds engaged in. How is this child not over that? Sounds like a really fun birthday otherwise. Auston is learning early that you can't pick your relatives

Morning, Chelby and Chickadeee! I must type slow for you two to be able to sneak in there!

Chelby, I bet Shepard doesn't have very many friends.

Chickadeee, the Taco Bake is always a popular dish to take to a potluck. You can use raw veggies as scoopers, or whole wheat pita crisps.

It's a frigid 27* here this morning, and the weatherman said it snowed overnight, although there aren't any traces of it right now.

OK ladies, I had to pop back in here.

I did my weekly weigh in and my weight stayed the same (I am holding) but I lost 2 inches overall in the last two weeks. I don't understand this scale number thing and the inch thing. I know we have talked about it, only thing I can think is I have heavy bones! But I feel good about this and needed to share it, since I don't have anyone that really knows I am doing the SB (except DH) and he sees me all the time) so no one to tell about it except you guys. Thanks for letting me share.

Hope the rest of my day goes as nice.

Good Morning

It's turned colder here, too, but not as cold as Ruth's. I'm not sure what is on the agenda today. DH is in a crabby mood and I'm going to do my best not to get involved. If he doesn't want to go to church, I may just give the call to pack up and head back over since I do have to work tomorrow.

Chickadeee, congrats on 2 inches gone. I don't understand, either. I still continue to lose more inches than pounds. The few women I "share" with don't believe I weigh just under 190. They "think" I look much smaller. I'll take the inches and feeling good any day.

Cyndi,

Ruth, ah, you have one of those chairs, too. Our Irish Setter literally destroyed my parents most treasured and expensive chair years ago. It will be interesting to hear how the 2 hour program goes. I think it's too long for lots of folks to sit.

Linda, too bad you can't just stay snuggled up all day but I understand trying to keep birthdays separate from Christmas.

Chelby, glad everyone (but Shepard) had a great time at the aquarium!

Off to get some things done just in case we decide to leave early today.

Happy Sunday everyone!

We just got the word that MIL is coming home from the hospital. Yay! I spent the morning with her. She was in good spirits, AND she had a shower, so she was feeling better. Yesterday, she received whole blood. Today, her white count was up from 400 to 900 -- which is still considerably under the normal 9000. Jeff is relieved she is coming home. He's even yelling for Tim Tebow.

Chelby, glad to hear your MIL made it home! We just got home, ourselves and I'd better check in on the game. I keep forgetting Colorado has a team worth watching right now.

Hey all,
A late check in for me, but I wanted to stop in and say hi. *HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTON*! Chelby, how old is he now? My son is 7, and it is such cute age.

We just got back from a visit upstate to see my parents, which we also combined with a visit with my BIL. It was our Christmas celebration with my parents as we spent Thanksgiving with them, and will spend Xmas day with my in laws. This was a difficult visit for me. I sense that my mom is becoming depressed again (a common side effect of Parkinson's) which unfortunately seems to lead to her taking to her bed and losing even more mobility. I asked my father to express my concerns to her neuro and he agreed to do so, which I was a little surprised at since he usually does now welcome my feedback.

Today was better however. We were to go to meet my BIL and his girlfriend (who I LOVE) for lunch and on the way we stopped at a Buddhist monastery because I wanted to get a little gift for my centering prayer teacher at the small shop they have there. (If anyone finds themselves in the Fishkill/Carmel NY area this monastery is really worth a visit "Chuang Yen Monastery". They have the largest Buddha in the Western Hempisphere). Then we met up with them and ate lunch at a really good Chinese restaurant and I had the best hot and sour soup I have ever had - literally.

I'm looking forward to starting to get myself back on track foodwise this week. I've been so out of control lately. See you all tomorrow~

Auston just turned 8. He is our only. I was 35 when he was born. He has been delightful -- except when he was 3 and I wanted to sell him.

I have two 'happy Buddha' statues. They make me smile.

Debbie, Tebow started out strong. Oh, well...