Afternoon ladies---

I was here earlier this morning but James needed the computer so I jumped off and figured I'd start over when I got the chance.

Jane--How fun to have the DGD w/you spending the night. Poor little Mackenzie...but brave little Madison. I remember when I stayed over at my grandparents....it was the best time ever. I even stayed w/them when I was married and had Jhanai!! Grandparents are always the best!

Angie--It's funny to hear Jhanai talk about sex ed. I'll ask her what she's learned and she tells me "gross stuff". I wanted to know what about it was gross, preparing myself....the gross stuff is having a baby. Hmmmm....that's not what I thought!

Cristi--Good luck w/the job prospect!! I hope you get a job that you truly enjoy doing. About AR....does traveling scare you? Maybe that's why you're getting cold feet? Some people don't enjoy the traveling...they get either car sick or air sick....wasn't sure if that may the case. I hope you do go and that you have the time of your life!

Susan--I'm just appalled W/the system! I just don't understand how a man who can get away w/so much can have so much pull towards his way! If the man loses his license, it should be noted that you are also on a budget and can't be expected to foot the bill for gas to take Gaby to see him. If he really want's to see her....HE will find a way to make it work.

Mindee--Glad you're not feeling sick anymore. Never had morning sickness w/either of my kids. Just weird cravings and even that wasn't too bizarre.

Pam--You're a good sister to help your sis w/everything to make her comfortable. I'm sure it's nice for her to have family around her.

Kathy--Glad to see you pop in!! Looking forward to hearing more from you and how your new house is coming along.

Well ladies....I was up until 6:00 this morning due to when I got home and was getting in bed.....I noticed my side of the bed was soaked. James was fast asleep (he is NOT a bed hog and hangs on his side)and managed not to roll over to my side and notice.....apparently the dogs were in our room and our girl decided to relieve herself on my side! James woke up to me mumbling and we did laundry then and there! Finally got to bed and then woke up at 10:30.....4hrs is not enough. I'm tired...and was a little cranky.

I hopped on the gazelle and managed to feel a little better...not so cranky but still tired. May take a cat nap before work.

Well....I check in the chat room and didn't notice anyone there.....I was a little late though. Someday we'll get together and yap!

Better get going....until next time.

Hi Everyone
I decided if I waited till I felt better I would never be back, got an awful sore scratchy throat all conjested feel wrotten, most of my kitties have a flu some are worse than others, all on antibiotics, its been a rough winter for all of us. I have absolutely nothing new to tell you girls, well except that my DD is moving in late May or June,another thing I'm not ready for, but I'm trying to stay as positive as a mother can be when her baby is leaving the nest.Considering how much she works now I will probably see her just as much as I do now , except she wont be in her room when I go to sleep, a comfort factor that will be gone. I really don't like this part of life,its hard to be prepared for ,but I know life doesn't stop for my broken heart. I guess,a lot of things will change now,with her embracing a new life. I am happy for her ,that she is beginning to have everything she dreams of,how can I be sad about that , right.
Anyway enough about my problems, when you have been all going through so many of your own. Forgive me I am not completely caught up on everything.

Hi Angie ~ I was so sorry to hear about your friends passing, its so sad,((((HUGS)))) It sounds like your life is as busy and interesting as ever, I hope you finally caught up on some sleep

Hi Pam
I would have missed you here , but I haven't been here either,I am so sorry about your sister, your have done so much to help her and continue to do so, I wonder if she realizes at all what a wonderful caring loving sister she has in you.(((HUGS)))

Hi Jane
I see you are busy as always with your beautiful granddaughters, and planning trips here and there and everywhere, you are going to have such a good time,exploring new things. Sounds like fun , You and Katie going on a trip together, I would like to do that with my daughter , maybe someday.

Hi Marti
What did you decide with your hair did you get a haircut for the trip? You must be getting so excited to get away,the place looked beautiful , I hope you have a wonderful time, and a Happy Happy Anniversary

Hi Susan
You are so cute with your posting for me,I am sorry to hear that things don't seem to be getting better in your situation with Mike, I hope that Gaby will be ok, on the visits, it will be hard, being she is such a little girl. I really don't understand the system actually I don't understand a lot of things anymore Hows the chili bean fettish, you should feed Gaby a whole lot of beans before she goes to Mikes house, maybe he will send her home faster. I hope Gaby had fun weeding with your Mom,. You didn't marry anyone while I was away did you?????

Hi Cristi
I think it would take me days or weeks to catch up reading your posts, jeez girl you are chatty lately. I see you are planning a vacation to, I want to go somewhere can I go to CA with you,we can visit Pam. Did you get your border put up and your taupe paint painted??? I haven't seen any pictures yet I hope I didn't miss them. You aviator is so cute, wish I could get in the Easter mood , but I still haven't recovered from Christmas, I don't know what is wrong with me this year.So many goals and none of them reached.Everyone is gardening and its snowing here,I long for warmth of spring.

Hi Sue
I am so sorry to hear about all the problems you are going through with your family, I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, for better days ahead.

Hi Kathy
Its good to see you , I thought for sure you were snowed in ,glad your all settled in now .

Hi Mindee
Wow I leave you for a minute and see what happens, You obviously didn't listen to me now did you, CONGRATULATIONS on the upcoming little bundle of joy,you must be so excited,babies are so precious, and they really do smell good well most of the time I hope you are taking care of yourself, Brandon is growing so fast,wish the process could be slowed down , don't you.I hope that you are feeling good(((HUGS)))

Hi to Katy and Katie, Doreen , Diane, Jenn, julie,OMGsh I am drawing a blank, sorry if I missed anyone,sure feels like I have,but I hope you all are doing ok and having a wonderful day
I have to go lie down for a bit , feel so lousy, I hope that you are all feeling ok and I will be back , sure as my name is ??? been so long almost forgot my own name
Ellen thats it, Have a great day girls

Just so you know the PIG is lying God Bless Him

Just dropping in to say HI .... I am reading posts but have been on the fly - so no time for a proper reply.

* DH started track season, so his workday just got much longer.
* I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off, keeping up with the kids and their respective schools and extracurriculars. DD's school has a fundraising auction coming up and I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!. I have just been on a slow burn about this....I can recommend Nordstrom.com sale section and Target.com has an excellent Clearance area. Of course I am finding lots of stuff, but nothing appropriate for an evening out - that I feel works for me. Ugh.


Sorry I am not addressing individuals...as usual I am off to something else here pretty quick, but I am thinking of you all and I am reading posts.... I will try to find a stretch of time to write to individuals.....

omg!! People are posting! Sheesh.....yesterday was so lonely!!!

I can just see you running around the village with your head cut off Katy. lol -

Why Miss Ellen, I am happy to see you posting again - you were MISSED beyond an Ode Thrilled to have you back!

and Kathy and Pam.....and Mindee.

I really need to get to work. Just popping in.

Mike's muuuuther lives in Arkansas Jane - she has never seen Gaby.

The court did have me meeting him half way but he agreed to come in all the way because I have to work at 7 pm Fridays, so he gets her at 11 am those days.


Though this make up weekend is 11 Saturday........ I have already informed him that he needs his own car seat because he smokes and I detest smoking. Besides I just bought her a new one today and I want it kept nice.
I offered him my old one and he declined - so I guess he has everything under control on her safety!!! lol......nut.

I hope he pays and pays dearly.. lol... naw......we shall see.

I am going to buy Gaby some ticket to see Wiggles. It will be back row seats because they went fast but think we both need to have some fun. It will be the 23rd (April)and I think I have that weekend!!! Hope.

I bought her a Graco car seat REG. 60.00 on sale for 49.99 and with the added 15% off today bought it for 42.00!!! Love deals......

Took her to get her hair trimmed and she wiggled all over- still don't think it is eevn. She is sooooooo cute. Took her to my mom's yesterday in her tan jumper w/ tan shoes and with her new DO my mom goes " hmmmm, you got the Buster Brown look going on"..lol

I must say Mindee...........it EXHAUSTING being me!! I am totally soaped out! lol.......It is never boring, always something going on....some man to fall in love with or some man to argue with....lol....

anyway- best get! I did get navy beans last night Cristi......love your idea about feeding Gaby chili before she goes with her beloved father. I was also thinking about giving her all the soda pop she wants and candy,......lol

yikes....best go......oh........lets have a group HUG first!! lol.....

ahhhhh, having a happy day!

Good evening ladies,
sitting here in a semi clean room. Didn't paint,,,got to doing my tax stuff and well explains the semi clean state. Did get all the bathrooms done. Cleaned my closet out and so I have 3 openings,,,(empty hangers)Laundry,,,vaccuuming done. Grocery shopping done,,I have to say Im wiped out.
I need to wash the floor and dust the office but I plan to paint so why bother dusting...
Im half way through the tax stuff,,,the worst is too come...Monte's paper work...gulp

Heck Susan I would give her sugar cubes and put a couple in her pocket...lol Give her extra sweet RED kool aid...YIPEEE! aren't we having fun??!!

Hi Kathy, still waiting for you to call me...lol

Katy, I wish I could help you with your outfit problem. When Im not sure of my outfit and surroundings I wear all one color,,,brown or black and add colorful accessories, scarf or jewellery.

Hi Pam, glad to know your sister is in a safe place and you won't have to worry about her, but the mess? arghhh sorry to hear about that. Been there and done that. Monte's mom and grandma both have passed on and we were left to clean up their homes.

HEY Ellen! Im glad your back, missed you. I would of written a poem but I couldn't do justice to you. Just know we have missed you. I have been pretty busy and wishing for some time off. Monte is taking a week off and hes grumbling cause I can't take the time off due to work and the play. I could only wish right now. I should go and fake and bake and get that tanned good feeling,,,vitamin D....lol

Brandon informed me that he was late handing in his application for SAIT... of course I freaked but he said he has decided to do more english upgrading before moving onto his secondary. breathing in breathing out...he may live after all...grrrr
well Im reading an awesome book,,,,divine Evil by Nora Roberts....oooo its good.
better get the floor washed...ttfn

The Gabrielle Diet


1]RED kool aid
2]Sugar Cubes ( in pocket)
3]Several bowls of chili (sprinkled with prunes?? - yummy )
4]Candy
5]Six pack of Mountain Dew (mix it with the RED kool aid( pssst , why RED Ang?? )

Maybe show her a really cute doggie and get her all excited and say "when you get home from Beloved Daddy's you can play with it!

Or "when you get home we will have a Beethoven Marathon!!

Sheesh.......she loves that dog. She will be whining to get back to Mommy Dearest.........lol

omg- I went and bought Wiggles concert ticket! YAY....

anyway- sounds like you are doing a lot of cleaning Ang??

Oh- one of my parent friends said I should have a bake sale and raise money for the lawyer OR be a stripper......but in a really decent establishment......nothing smutty.......might hurt my chances for custody.....lol Heck.... why not selll cup cakes while I am stripping?? (pssst Mindee - never a dull moment huh?? )

ta ta

Brandon actually got up tonight, cried a couple times and has been quiet since then. I thought I heard him playing in there, but I think he might have gone back to sleep.

Jane~ I never did get sick with Brandon. I just got a little bit nauseous every now and then. With this one, for the past week or so I have been nauseous non-stop. Sounds like you guys had fun with the grandkids the other night!

Cristi~ Gas prices haven’t gone up that drastically yet. But there was a gas station here in MI, that was the same price as the one acrossed from it, he lowered his price to $1.88 just to get customers. An hour later he was back up to where he was, or maybe a little higher! I heard here in MI, that the prices could go as high as $2.30 to $2.50 a gallon!

Pam~ I wish you luck in dealing with your sister.

Kathy~ I will send you my address again, in one second.

Marti~ I am feeling better now. With Brandon I craved jalapeno cheese from Hooters, and anything with garlic. With this pregnancy, nothing really strange seems to be interesting me. Although I am sure that it will pick up when I start eating more now that I have my appetite back.

Ellen~ It is good to hear from you! Thanks for the congratulations! We are very excited! I am feeling better now. I wish the process would slow down as well, but alas, it won’t stop, and he will keep growing up no matter what I do to try and stop it. LOL

Katy~ Good luck with all the running! I hope you find something soon to wear!

Susan~ It is exhausting reading about your trials and tribulations daily…..how do you honestly do it? You know, I may have missed something, but what is new with you and Rocky? LOL…..if you sell cupcakes while you are stripping, I would have to say that you are extremely talented!

Good morning, ladies,

Cristi - I don't think you're too chatty at all and love to hear what's going on in your life. So where did you apply for a job? Hope you get it. No clue here as to who R. Kelly is. My DDs and I may go to the Oprah show some other trip, but it's just not a priority now. Too many other fun things to do since we won't be in Chicago long and don't want to use up a day on that. Oh I hope you do take the trip to AZ! I can tell you'd love to see everyone, and it would be nice to do something different.

Pam - when you are serious about losing weight, dealing with stress will not make you deviate from your plan. There are other ways to deal with stress that are much more beneficial to your body, such as talking with friends, taking a bubble bath, working on a hobby, posting here, writing in a journal, etc. I went through a whole lot of extremely stressful things while losing, and know it can be done when the mindset is right. I truly believe that if a person waits for life to settle down before they try to change any bad habit, they will never make it, because life never truly "settles down". Having a few attainable written goals, that you look at daily, is a real good motivator. Everyday, say to yourself "If not not, when?" Also, keep all junk food out of the house!! If there is any way I can help you, please let me know, ok? Even though I am still not at my ideal weight, I couldn't have gotten to where I am w/o the support of the JLs!

Kathy - I have enjoyed your PMs and was so glad to see you checking here. Now that you're nearly settled in, maybe you will have a little more time. Tell us about the house.....

Marti - I went to chat and no one was there. Boo hoo. Guess we missed each other, lol. I want details about your trip! When do you leave and when will you be back? What sites do you plan to see? You mentioned Chinatown. What else? San Francisco is on my list of places to see someday.

Ellen - oh sweetie, I know you're going to miss your DD! But I'm glad you're happy for her since this is the beginning of a new life for them. Are there wedding bells in the near future? Hope you're feeling better.

Katy - I was just wondering when you were going to post in chit chat again, Missy! Oh isn't it fun to have all "too big" clothes? Have you checked out Penney's? And do you have a Goody's in Oregon? They usually have some things I can't live w/o, lol.

Susan - four things: 1) why is Mike allowed to smoke around our Gabster?? I didn't know anyone did that anymore!!!! 2) what kind of grandma hasn't ever seen her 3 year old DGD??? And here I thought she was so devoted! 3) wah! I want to go see the Wiggles, too! The Jaded Ladies had a discussion about them around a year ago, remember, lol. I like the one in the yellow shirt. Fruit salad, yummy yummy!! 4) NO stripping for you, young lady! Selling cupcakes (fully clothed) would be ok, however.

Mindee - have you been to see the doctor yet? When is your official due date?

To to quote Angie from about a year ago, I have to get the barnacles off my feet! My poor feet need some serious pampering and I'm going to do the whole nine yards. I'll be ready for sandals before the day is out. Never mind that the temp is in the 30's, lol.

Gotta go - bbl,

Susan, I was told red dyes should be avoided by hyper children. Brandon wasn't allowed anything red. Tanner was so laid back I gave him red candies all the time to keep him up.
Jane, enjoy the pampering. I need to go next week, get my nails filled and get the barnacles scraped off.

I bet your husband didn't mind taking you to Hooters for your cravings eh Mindee?
I was boring, just craved bananas with Brandon and carrots with Tanner. Won't eat either of them now....yuck

Well better get to work...
ttfn

Good morning Ladies. It's a new day and am giving diet a new start.

Jane, going to try putting your words in action. Although I haven't been trying to diet I haven't fallen off the wagon entirely. I haven't returned to all the old eating habits and have replaced chips with grapes.

Ellen,Wish you were feeling better and glad you could post anyway. Kitties still pasing around their "cold"? I've had that happen here. Sister's fat little black cat is fitting in quit well. It's cute to see her so playfull and happy. She loves looking out the windows and the screen door. After being traped in the tiny packed trailer she must feel free.

Susan, Wish Mike would find something beside you and Gabby to fixate on.He is a piece of work. So is his Mom. As they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Got to get going Ladies. Much to do and not enough time to do it in.

Good morning!

See - I made it back...amazingly enough - left my head somewhere around Thinker Toys, lol ( Village humor - Susan will get it) I was out and about yesterday and nowhere near my computer for chat time - sorry, ladies.

The weather is so beautiful - we have been outside as much as possible - I need to get sunscreen for the kids. I can't believe I am saying that in March!

OK - think I have somewhat solved the wardrobe dilemma. I ordered up a bunch of stuff online - much of which has been returned as I just didn't like it BUT I did find a simple black matte jersey wrap dress on JCPenney.com sale section - only 30 bucks. So it should arrive soon. Got some smokin' black -make-hubby-wake-up-and-take-notice-heels to wear with it from Zappo's. If it fits the way I hope it will, then I think all I need to do is get some colorful earrings and necklace to liven it up a bit and I won't look like I am going to a funeral. Of course I have invested in some "magic panties" and a great new bra - so I guess I am just going to have to post some pictures of my fabulous self when I can get it together

Jane - Never heard of Goody's but in the course of my online shopping I have discovered some great sale sections - JCP's is a really good one - so is Kohls. So far I have found that if I follow the size charts to the letter - the stuff fits - I just have go with what styles I know look good on me....that's where I get messed up sometimes.

Marti - Counting down to vacation-time! I am so excited for you.

Pam - We are here for you , girl! I know it is so hard to keep yourself healthy when everyone around you is going down the tubes, but you won 't regeret taking the time for yourself. You are worth it.

Mindee - I didn't have morning sickness w/ DS, but had constant nausea w/ DD - thought I was gonna die! I found that ginger really helped. I ate lots of candied ginger and it did help - now I can't stand to look at the stuff!

Angie - thanks for the wardrobe tip - I am going that route. I have used black so many times as a fallback color, so I am a little hesitant to do it again. Wish it came in a deep burgundy or something like that. I am trying to liven up my wardrobe and feel better about my appearance, but this dress just seemed to fit the bill - I am going to try to find some colorful accessories.

Ellen - glad to see you posting again - hope everyone is feeling better at your house.

Susan - What are you going to do if Mike doesn't have/use a car seat? I think you mentioned you were going to have someone with you at when he picks her up - make sure they notice this stuff, then tell your lawyer. That way if you refuse to let her go with him you have some reason not to be held in contempt. I think you are handling this all very graciously - know it's gotta be hard.

Good morning and have a great day to everyone I am forgetting to mention.

I hope you ladies don't mind my jumping right in here as I am new to this thread (not new to 3FC)...but this sounds like a great supportive thread. And any help or push I can get....well...
I will post more later, but I just wanted to say hello. If you want to know more about me, I did post my bio in the appropriate spot!

Just a quick pop in to say hello and welcome to synn. I'll check out your bio in a little while.

Angie - I did my own pedicure and manicure while watching TV this morning, lol. My feet do get neglected in the winter if I'm not careful.

Pam - glad to know you have replaced chips with grapes, lol. When you must munch mindlessly, eat green beans, if you like them. They are what saved me many, many times. When I want chips I buy the little bags at Walmart for 25¢ by the checkouts and have been tempted to lick the empty bag at times, lol.

Katy - Your dress sounds just right for you! I know we'd all love to see an updated photo. I wore dark colors all winter and even though the pastels add pounds, I'm SO ready for them and have added several to my closet. I like Kohl's too - especially their housewares dept. They usually have the coolest placemats there.

Cristi - so glad you changed your mind again about seeing your family! When is it you're going? Didn't you just get the comforter in your bedroom a few months ago?

Well this wasn't as quick as I thought it would be, lol. Have a good one, ladies!!

Good Afternoon ladies!!

I'm so giddy that I could dance! Only two days of work....then 4 days of weekend and we leave!!
Our plans are to stay at the hotel I mentioned, browse through China town and then just wing it while we're there! Isn't that crazy? We just decided that we would just go and check it out and see what kind of places we wanted to see. Thought about going to Six Flaggs but don't know.

Ellen--I never did decide what to do w/my hair. I'm just going to leave it. I did take a razor to the bangs though and trimmed those up a bit. Looks better. I'm sorry that it's going to be hard for you when your DD moves. But just think of all that she has accomplished and what she's striving for and the man in her life...soon they'll be married and have babies and you'll have grandchildren to play with! I'm sure you're just so proud of her!

Katy--I wish I had more variety in my wardrobe. I would so love to have more than just jeans in my dresser! And jeans that all look the same so it looks like I never change them! Someday I will have a better wardrobe.....slowly but surely I will!

Susan--Pixie sticks! That's what I suggest. And lots of them! Heck...I wouldn't mind having a pixie stick right now myself! Makes no sense as to why the man wouldn't take your old car seat and use that....save himself some money. I hope he plans on buying one!

Mindee--Let's see...I craved peanut butter on onion bagels. A little weird, but not to drastic. But the non crazy things I craved were, corndogs w/my son...I could not get enough of them, had them for lunch and dinner ever day for the last 3months. And black olives w/Jhanai. Could not stand the smell, site or taste of red meat in any form when pregnant w/Jhanai. Strange isn't it?

Angie--Never heard that about Red....hmmm.....maybe that was my problem when I was a kid. I was always running around and on the go! Hyper I suppose you could say. I liked your tips for Katy....I may have to do something like that myself. Although I have been adding more color to my clothes.....want to brighten myself up and be more perky!

Pam--Yes...I'm in agreement...we are here for you! Anytime you feel you need to take your mind off of stressful things, know you can come here and talk and let it out.

Synn--Welcome! I will check out our bio here after I'm done. Glad to have you on board and hope to hear more from you!


Well ladies....I've got some chores to do this morning....

Hope you're all enjoying your day and I will check back in later if I have more time!

Take Care!

YAY...........it is me again!!

Welcome Synn

I just wanted to say hello and update you on my life - lol omg- Mindee..... I almost forgot about Rocky. He is my sweetie still........his grandmother passed away so his mother & sisters flew in to Hawaii for the next few days to attend the funeral. He sent me a pic of them all last night and they all look very nice.

I am UP to 151 !! ~~~ egads,,,,,, I really need to drink more water. I just noticed my clothes getting more smug,,,,,I mean snug.lol

What will I do if he has no car seat?? Think, think,,,,,,I will give him my old one. Gaby comes first - if he refuses she will not go with him. I don't care if he threatens to get me in trouble with the court. I am also going to ask him if he has car insurance and just record what he says.

I know he doesn't.......and YES - he does smoke - - jerk....and she comes home smelling like cigs poor little baby. I just strip her off in the lobby and throw her clothes in the wash and take her buck naked up stairs and give her a bath. If you are a non smoker you notice this stuff. I think he smokes outside when at home but I am sure he smokes in his car....and that is why he wasn't getting my car seat.


Gotta go....feel bloated. Also found out our evaluator is a man - so yay......not much luck with these women......maybe a man will be more firm?? Maybe someone who can inform Mike what a man is really like?? lol.....oh - he did take the parenting class.

best get~~~ :merry: