Jana~love the picture of you and Neal-you guys make a lovely couple. Vince & I are going to have our picture took in a week or so and I will post one of us when we get them back. Thoguht we would do an anniversary picture this year instead of a christmas one. I think for our Christmas photo this year we will set up his camera in the house-that way we can all be in the photo. Can't get the kids to go with us anymore. I am glad I am getting the MRI tomorrow to hopefully put an end to this pain soon. I've endured it for far too long. She (the doc) said to me yesterday, "You've been putting up with the pain for 5 months!" Ummm, yeah, what I am supposed to do?? The shot didn't work and DH had some ibuprofin (sp?) and that didn't work so...It will be nice to see if anything can be done. I even tried the Vioxx (?) and that didn't do anything. Just don't want to live the rest of my life in pain or taking pills. So what station is the Wiggles on? I am going to have to catch an episode to see what they are all about.

Marti~Cocoa sounds like Ernie-he too barks at anything that moves. If he sees adults he usually barks once or twice and goes about his business. But when the kids are out, he will bark and bark and bark...which annoys me. So I can't wait to get the fence up so he can't see anyone. Other than that he is a good dog. Hope you got your homework done.

All this talk about not believing in Santa and the Easter Bunny got me to thinking about when the kids told me they quit believing. We were over my friends house and the kids were 12, 10 1/2 & 8 1/2 and my friend's son was 2 at the time. Don't know how the subject came up but she said in front of the kids that JD (John David,her son) doesn't believe in Santa and that they are teaching him that there is no such thing as Santa. WHAT!!! I shot her a look and she said "Ooops!" and then apologized because she didn't realize that the still kids believed or so I thought. I thought that was kind of sad, but everyone is different. When we left her house I was talking with the kids about the conversation and they said it was okay mom because they know there's no Santa, they just didn't want to spoil it for me. To this day they still get a bag under the tree from Santa.

Susan~I hope your sister will watch Gaby for ya Saturday-not a good idea taking her along on the first date. I think you guys need the time alone to really get to know each other before taking the kids with ya. I only say that because I took the kids along before-only because the guy said it would be okay. It made for an awkward date. CONGRAT'S on the job, increased hours & pay, plus benefits, you can't beat that. I am going to go apply for some jobs Friday. The Goodwill around the corner is hiring, having a job fair Friday, and I was in the scrapbook store yesterday and had a little talk with the manager there at the checkout. She said didn't you work here before? I said yes and I wish I wouldn't have quit. She told me I should apply again. Told her that would be a little weird and she said no it wouldn't. That she had quit in November and look who is standing here now. She said she would enjoy working with me again and to seriously consider it. I told her I would and am going to apply-not sure they will hire me again but I guess it is worth a shot, all they can do is say no. The pay is decent and I like the hours because it is just part-time. Plus it's the scrapbook store! Not sure if that is a good thing or not.

Rita~thank you. I will find out something within the next few days about my arm. I go for the MRI tomorrow and then they will send the results to the doc. Hope the weather in Ohio is nice today and you got a good nap in. It is still a little chilly here with the wind blowing but the sun is shining so I can't complain.

Went to Wal-Mart this morning, did my normal Wednesday grocery shopping. Not feeling too good this morning but I know why. Tossed and turned all night last night. I think it was from the shot yesterday and then the medicine for the fever blister. That stuff does a number on me-not sure it is worth the trouble. I have always used campho for a fever blister and it has worked fine and the side effects from this stuff make me sick to my stomach-ick. So, don't know how much I will get done today. Have a ton of laundry to get done and need to vacuum. Hey, does anyone have a carpet cleaner that they have bought? Just curious as we want to get one to stay on top of keeping the carpets clean and thought someone could recommend a good one. Okay just babbling away here.

Hi to everyone else. Hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday! See ya

Hiya Susan~guess you were posting as I was writing that novel! My cousin lives in Denver, CO which isn't too far. We actually don't see each other that often though, maybe every few years. But we keep in touch with each other. She is planning on moving back to Dallas, TX and on her way to and fro to check out the jobs in Dallas she stopped over for the night. She had her own advertising business in Denver which was doing good the first 4 years and then the bottom just fell out. Her and my Aunt don't really care for Denver, all the snow. They lived in Dallas for years and she is wanting to go back *home*. But she won't go unless she gets a job. Anyway, it was nice to see her and visit. Never had a crab sandwich-are they good? I better get off this thing. Need to run to the post office, never did get that card mailed to my cousin in Iraq-oopsie!

Have a good one all.

Hello girls--

Well I got my test back today from Accounting...I got a high B. That's pretty good for me!! I was very impressed. Then I went and took a math test. I was finished and just sat there waiting for others to finish theirs too. I hate being the first one done. There were some questions that I just couldn't remember how to do such as turning a decimal back into a fraction. Totally went out of my head. But oh well...it was only worth 2 points.

So I got to come home early. I plopped my butt on the floor in front of the coffee table and did my thank you cards for the gifts at the reception. FINALLY!! Then I "made" two thank you cards for my sister and a good friend.

And that is how my day has been. Pretty boring. I'm caught up on all homework! Amazing. I have nothing I have to do at the moment!! I tried playing some of those Arcade games....I'm just not very good at it. My scores are so small compared to everyone on there. I tried almost all the games!! (that's how much time I have on my hands.)

Jana--Oh please come on over and put some flowers in front of my yard!! That would be just wonderful!! James and I were talking about what we want to put in our yard next Spring. I completely forgot about the Dahlia Bulbs my grandpa has.....I think it's too late to plant them now isn't it? But I would love to have some of those on one side...some tulips and more daffodils in the back...I'm not sure what I would want up front. But I do know that I want some hanging baskets this year for our front deck. Needs some color.

Cristi--How sweet of your kids to not want to spoil your fun in believing in the Santa!! Jhanai still plays with me even if she doesn't believe. This year for Christmas...I'm going to try and get us involved in volunteering. Let her know that there are kids who are less fortunate. I remember being young and getting the food boxes and such. I want to be able to turn around and give back. I have a plan of going through storage and having her go through all her "good" toys that she no longer plays with to give away. They have an Operation Santa...(at least they used to) here in town. It would be good to give them to kids who would play with them. Or just donate them to some daycare......I gotta do SOMETHING with all her stuff. (mine too I suppose)

Susan--I'm going to have to agree with Cristi here on the going out on a first date without Gaby. I'm sure he'd love to meet her, but he needs to meet you first. Get to know the woman who he has been corresponding with the last few weeks (or is it months?) It's your time together, not family time. So I hope your sister watches her. And congrats on the job offer!! Fantastic. How nice it must be to get a raise and some benefits!! Always nice to have. Someday I will find a job I like. Even though James doesn't want me to work...(so why am I going to school?) I do have to find one for the summer though. Until his paycheck starts coming in regularly. He was told yesterday that the yearly income is up to $70,000! My jaw dropped!! Never in my dreams would I think we'd be comfortable in our finances.

Angie, Kayecee, Shanna, Rita, Katie, Kathy....hello to you all. I hope we hear from you all soon. Just to keep us in touch with you.

Well...I'm done with my novel.....so I suppose I will do a little cleaning up around the house...make sure I do have all my homework done (don't want something hiding that I forgot about)

Take Care
Marti

Boy we have a lot of sticky's!! I didn't realize that until after I updated my bio!!

Anyway...I just thought I would mention that I updated my bio and wondered if anyone else has.......

timer beeping on my oven....need to turn the chicken over!!

Thought I would check in once more today. I have to turn in early tonight as they changed my appointment for the MRI to 8 am in the morning. Which means I have to get up at 6 and be out of here by 7:15. It was either that or 6:30 pm and when I am out and about running errands, once I get home I don't care to leave so I took the 8:00. Just want to get it over with already. Feeling better now-those stinking pills only make me sick to my stomach for about an hour or two and then I am okay. Of course I need to be taking another one soon. Don't think I will take anymore after this one. Not sure if it is the pills or what but it sure dried up fast since last night, which is good.

Marti~that is GREAT that James can make up to $70,000! Yes, why are you going to school! Just kidding. It's always a good thing to learn whether we use what we learn or not. I went to school for the same thing and after going knew that wasn't what I wanted to do. Oh well! We don't know if we don't try right? I did a couple of little changes on my bio a while back but will be doing some updates next month-since I will be another year older! These years are just flying by. I'll have to go see your update.WTG on your test score-a high B, yaaaay!

Jana~do post pictures once you get your flowers planted, maybe I will get some ideas. I am hoping to do something this weekend.

Well, got my laundry done and some cards ready to be mailed. Finally got caught up on my letter writing. Also, made a trip to the post office to mail my cousins card. Didn't think it would only be 37 cents. Just thought because of the address it would be more, not sure how they get the mail over to them. At least I know for next time. Need to get my niece's dh address to let him know we are thinking of him also-he too is in Iraq.

Okay, just wanted to check in and see what's up. Hi to everyone, see ya tomorrow.

Hiya ladies,

Susan - well, I guess I'm the only one who doesn't think it would hurt to take Gaby to meet Alex.... it would probably be best if you didn't have to, but okay if you did. You know what I mean? She would sure be an ice-breaker, lol. I hope you get the manager position eventually at your job.

Cristi - I would love to see a picture of you and Vince. Thursday is my normal shopping day, and I don't like to put it off til the weekend when everybody and their dog is out, lol. Good luck with the mri tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you. Not sure what channel the Wiggles are on - some kids channel like Noggin or Disney or PBS.

Marti - why doesn't James want you to work? How do you feel about that? I wish I had worked part time after Katie was born, instead of leaving the work force completely. I lost my identity and self-esteem, and I really think it would have even been better for the kids, because I would have been more fulfilled. Does that make sense? I have encouraged Mary to find a parttime job - she really needs to interact with other adults more. WTG on the B on the accounting test!! I have to agree we have a lot of stickys and was thinking the same thing the other day, but didn't see any I'd want to remove. I haven't tried the arcade games yet, but have gone to see what games are available. I wish they offered Minesweeper cause I can kick butt on that game!

Mary and I did some scrapbooking tonight. She did a page of the girls (what else!) and I did one of my other 4 living sisters and me. They look like old ladies, but NOT ME, LOL!! We are all standing with a Bob's Big Boy Statue a couple of years ago, and were having fun.

Well, I'm off to see if I need to update my bio, now that Marti mentioned it!
See you in the AM,
Jana

Evening-

Cristi- You are having an MRI done?? On your arm?? I know I am so loopy.I hope you have a good day tomorrow and start feeling better.



Marti- $70,000?? YA- why work?? lol School is ALWAYS a good investment- never go wrong on that. I think a little part time job is a good thing though even if James has the potential for that kind of earnings.Even if it is to put away for *gulp* lets see if I can spell her name right........Jhanai's education.....

Ok- won't take the Gabster to Olympia......lol. I have 1 call in to a friend. She has a 4 year old that Gaby likes to play with- if she can't do it I will ask my older sister.Worse comes to worse will have to ask my ex........though I didn't want to do that-- though if I offered him $$$$$ he might be ok about it. Just weird that my ex knows so much about my life....lol

I better get to work. Crab sandwishes from Subway is good , of course it is fake *krab*,,,,which I like-

I found some stretch brown pants that I might wear for Saturday.Maybe get a pick blouse to go with them?? They remind me of horse riding pants....lol...kind of slimming- would a black turtleneck go with brown pants???
I think he is wearing jeans now since I said I was ........course I am a women ,am allowed to change my mind..lol

Oh, Rebecca went for her physical , she is fine. She is 5'2 and 102 pounds......thought that was cute-

K- best get

TTFN

Hello again ladies--

All my thank you cards are sealed and ready to mail....and I got my taxes ready to mail out too. Tomorrow is the 15th and nothing like sending them out the last day!!

Jana--James doesn't want me to have to work if I don't want to. It's not that he would just like to keep me at home, he just wants me to be able to have the choice. Which is unreal to me....I'm used to having to work....since my ex didn't ever work the whole time we were together!! (that was 10yrs) Ok...I take that back...he had a few job here and there, but the longest it ever lasted was two months. So I don't qualify that as working! And what I think about not working is...it's kind of nice knowing that I don't have to work if I didn't want to. But I think I would try to do some volunteer work here at the hospital or community service. Just to keep me busy. That...or my yard is going to look fantastic in the next few years with all the time on my hands and I'm going to have many scrapbooks going on!!

Cristi--When I wrote to my brother while he was in Iraq...it didn't cost anymore than .37 cents. I'm not sure why though. I liked how when they write you back, they just have to write FREE where you put the stamp. They don't have to pay postage! Wouldn't that be great?! Then all of my thank you cards would be sent out tonight!! (I need stamps!!)

Susan--I don't know without seeing how brown pants and a black top would look......Black and brown can be good together, but it depends. I'm sure you'll look great no matter what you wear. You're daughter is 5'2"?? Wow...I feel short. And weighs 102? Wow...the last time I weighed 102 was when I was in high school. Actually I was 105...then I got pregnant and after having a baby I was 110. Boy...those were the days!! I don't think I would EVER want to be that thin again. I will be happy to be in the 130's.

Angie, Shanna, Kayecee, Rita, Katie, Kathy....where are you girls??? Come back!!

Alrighty then...I was only going to pop in for a few, but it turned out much longer.

You all have a good Thursday!!

Marti

Hi Marti

Yes, 5'2 and 102, sooooo cute. I think I was 102 in the 2nd grade-lol

Volunteer work would be great!! You can always put that on applications later on in life - or work at Jhanai's school volunteering?? Or be a Girl Scout leader.....lol
You will find something. James is a sweetie .

I am back to jeans.....my co worker friend thought jeans would look better.So I will go buy a black turtleneck tomorrow. She thought that was too closed up around the neck but I don't.
Also I need to buy a purse because I don't have one.......what a bother.
I am excited though!! He sounds so nice, I am sure it will be great to visit with him after 6 weeks of yakking back and forth-

Going to get the Gabster-

Night

Hello everyone.

Hope everyone had a great Easter.

Thankyou to Susan and Jana for the Easter cards.

Cristi, I hope your mri goes well and the doctor finds out what is wrong and can fix it up quick and easily for you. I can't wait to see your new picture of you and Vince. You two make such a nice looking couple.

Marti I am so glad that you have been blessed with James. I don't know alot about your ex, but you sure deserve a wonderful husband this time around. I love the picture of you and your grandma. (All your pictures are wonderful)

Jana your pictures are beautiful also. You and Neal make a great couple.

Hey Susan....I need pictures. Of the whole family. When is your date? You'll look great in anything that you decide on.

Hi to everyone else, hope everyone has a great Thurday.

Hi ladies,

Susan - jeans probably would be a better choice. Maybe you could get a Springy top to go with them... just a thought. You will look very pretty in whatever you wear. Did Rebecca have to get the physical for sports or what? No problems, I hope?

Marti - Neal is the same way about me working - if I want to, fine, and if not, that was fine with him, too. I worked a couple of temporary jobs filling in, and he asked "how come the money I earn is our money but the money you earn is your money?" LOL! Silly boy, didn't he know I had to get shoes and stuff!! LOL! I was able to volunteer in Katie's school a lot and it was fun. I used to always help with the Kindergarten round-up. Plus I've done some volunteering the the Hospice program - their "Bakers and Takers" which is to take a cake or brownies to the funeral home after one of the hospice patients dies. I quit that after I got back on WW, lol.

Kathy - glad to see you! How're the kids? I bet the little one especially liked Easter. You are the one around here who is my height - 5'9" - where do you find jeans long enough? I have had to resort to Walmart's Just My Size to get the Longs, but they don't come in the darker denim that I like.

Angie my dear - you have been too scarce around here! What's going on??

Thank you so much to all of you who said Neal and I are cute together! I often coordinate our outfits, lol, at least make it so we don't clash. He tells people that if I change my mind about what I'm wearing before we go out, he has to change his clothes, too. (It's true, lol )

Going shopping in a little while, then will putter in the yard some more. It is just too pretty to stay indoors. Hope you have a good day, and I'll bbl.

Jana

Morning ladies--

Getting ready for school and I thought I would pop in quickly.......

Why is everyone here so much taller than me?!! I'm not even quite 5'1"!! Jana wonders where you get jeans that are tall enough....how about jeans for the little shorties!!

My jeans are considered "short" not "average" or "tall" and I still have to roll them up if I don't wear my clunky boots!!!

Yeah....poor me!!!

Ok...I will be back later to do individuals...must get out the door for school.


BBL
Marti

Oh and if anyones wondering,,,,James is only 5'8" Which makes for a perfect short couple!!!


(hey...when ever I try to insert a smilie.....it won't let me!! I did copy and paste from my other thread!)

Jana~Nothing wrong with coordinating your outfits, especially for a picture! I really do like the blue you both are wearing. I need to get some spring clothes-love all the pinks, purples & blues they have. I will try and get a photo of me and Vince posted today sometime. The most recent one was at Christmas time.

Marti~That's nice James gives you the option of not working if you don't want to. Vince is the same. But for years I had money coming in and now I feel a little odd not having my own money. Plus, I like just getting out of the house. I too volunteered for years and thoroughly enjoyed it, and would like to again some day. It is a nice feeling helping others.

Hi Kathy~did you receive my Easter card?? I should have sent yours and Angie's earlier than the others but sent them all at the same time. Of course I don't know how long it takes to receive mail from here. I hope it didn't get lost in the mail.

Susan~I think I would stick with the jeans also. Like Marti said, without seeing what kind of brown or seeing the brown and black together it would be hard to tell. I also like Jana's suggestion of a spring top with jeans. And I agree, whatever you wear you will be purdy! Now we know what Rebecca & Gaby look like, and they are cutie's-we need to see Miss. Rachel.

Well, I had the MRI done, and I hope I NEVER have to have another! One othe questions on the papers I had to fill out was "Are you claustrophobic?" I put kind of. I am afraid of small spaces, closed in, and small cars. I should have checked YES, because that was freaking me out. I was trying to calm myself before getting on the table but I didn't relax till it was probably half over. I just closed my eyes and tried to go to a happy place. Took 30 minutes! Wasn't working though with all the noise. Never would have thought they could be so noisy. It was like a jackhammer going off in your ear. Anywho, should know something in a few days. He said "We will have the results to you in 24 hours." Not sure if he actually meant me or the doc. Yes, Susan it was for my right arm/shoulder. Of course he asked me if I was having back pain and I said no because she threw in a lower lumbar. he checked the order and said yeah, it's right, a lower (cervical) lumbar. I am assuming she wanted to make sure everything was fine because when I had my pap she said my cervix was tilted-not sure why or what would cause that but we will see. That was my big plans for the day. Thought I might go take a short nap since I got up so early and ended up going to bed late. Didn't get to sleep till about 1 am. Probably won't though, maybe stick it out and go to bed early tonight. I've got to do my e-cards today for the rest of April. And get some cards ready to mail to the kids at MACS. I have just been a chatty kathy the last few days, not sure why. So I will end this now and try to get back later.

Hi Angie, Katie, Rita, Kayecee, & Shanna

Have a great day ladies!

I am at the library and the Gabster is being rowdy!!

I can't write much.

HI KATHY!!! So happy to see you posting!!!

I am glad the MRI is over with Cristi.

Rebecca did faint so I was worried bout that, plus she hadn't had a physical in a long time, Jana. She is ok though-

Found a shirt and Burlingam Coat Factory. Kind of an olive green color....pheasant??? style. The sleeves stop just below the elbow...along with the GAP jeans and Natural Soul black slip ons??? that is that.....lol....oh, pink toe nails-.The shirt was 7.98........so surprised but it was what I liked. Found a LIz Claiborne(??) black purse at Ross's for 12.99........all set!!
Need to take the car through the car wash tomorrow and vacuum out....lol

Getting Rachel for outdoor school- need to get the house picked up.

Better go........just popping in

Miss all the MIA's.........

Oh- ya........Alex is 5'8 Marti...just like James He says he is 175 and needs to lose 5 pounds?? He looks good in his picture- 175 dpesn't seem like much???

TTFN