Good Morning

Pour a mug of your favorite morning brew and come and chat a bit before the day gets ahead of you.

I'm managing insomnia but will head back to bed shortly. I've already organized the freezer, since I pledged not to buy groceries or go out until the old stuff gets used up. I'm thinking that because I didn't get a call last night that I won't have to commute two hours to work today. If the call doesn't come we'll head to the pool then enjoy a relaxing day which might include a visit to our Habitat for Humanity ReStore. I gotta say that living near Aspen, it's probably one of the nicest ones in the country....beautiful cabinets with copper countertops, etc. It's where I bought my fancy dishwasher for 30 bucks.

What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Happy Birthday Auston! Hoping mom (Chelby) has a story to share with us today.

Good Morning, Debbie! I was actually just joking about the birth story, but since you asked...

The night before he was born, it was awful weather in Birmingham. I worked about 35 miles south of my house. Throughout my last trimester, any time I sat for too long, I had contractions. That night, it took me 3 hours to get home, and I had contractions about every 10 minutes. By the time I got home, I was hurting and MAD. But, after I walked around a bit, the contractions stopped.

We were having family dinner that night. My SIL told me, "If you have prunes and Dr. Pepper for breakfast, you will have the baby." So, I did! I ate prunes at home, had a Dr. Pepper when I got to the office at 8:00, and waddled out to my receptionist at 10:00 and told her I needed to see my doctor. She took me to the doctor. When he checked, I was 4 centimeters dialated! At 3:47 p.m., I had the most beautiful baby you have ever seen. Jeff told me, "It's a boy!"

Now, let me tell you a story about 'that boy'. Last night, he and his cousin were putting a race track together. Apparently, something wasn't going right and Auston said, "Oh, sh!t!" I said, "AUSTON, WHAT DID YOU SAY????" He said, "Puu-lease don't tell dad!"

I'm sure that would have been a great 'learning' moment if I hadn't been laughing so hard inside.

We are heading for Chattanooga this morning. Jeff's mom is feeling better, but her blood count is not increasing. I believe they will start a blood transfusion today. Poor Grandmother!

Good morning

Debbie - Wish I could join you by the pool. Enjoy your relaxing day ahead of the hectic holiday

Chel - Does Auston know he has a fan club? Glad your MIL is feeling better now I hope they can do something with that white count.

Another day, same plan as the rest of the week. hoping the feeding tube comes out today which could mean DW gets to come hope this afternoon or tomorrow. They want to make sure she can get enough food/nutrition without risk of pneumonia. Yesterday the SLP told me I should start a low carb, healthy goodies business because I showed up with mashed cauliflower, mock gingerbread, a chai shake and a mango peach smoothie It's just tricky figuring out what works and what doesn't so I wanted DW to have lots of appealing options.

Still haven't sent a card out or done much shopping. This was going to be my week to do that. Guess it will be next week instead. I'm thinking about a tiny tree, they have them at the Co-op near the hospital and they are so darned cute. Wonder how they hold up?

Happy weekend Chicks!

Good Morning Everyone!

I love Saturday mornings almost better than Sundays!

Debbie,so I am not the only one with insomnia, I woke up at 1:30 and at 2:30, was going to get up, but was afraid if I did my DH would get woke up (I was going to sew), so I stayed in bed finally fell back to sleep at 3:30 and woke up at 5 am. (that is over sleeping for me). One time I am just going to get up and see what happens. (my freezer needs cleaning too!)

Chelby, the story about the punes is so cute. I can remember all kinds of stories about what will get the baby moving. Yours is cute. Happy Birthday Auston.

I made Oatmeal Pancake this morning, smells so good and tastes great, I was comparing it to regular pancakes and I like them so much better,not just fluff, these have more body.

I went to the doctor for my check up yesterday, he walked in the room congratulating me, I said for what, well, he said your weight lose and your numbers are even better than before. Good for you. So I told him I have been using the SB Plan for the last two months and he told me that is a good plan, excellent food choices and tasty menu ideas. That made me feel good, a comment from someone who didn't know I was doing anything. (Thanks beachies for all your support on this forum.) If I push myself I could do even better, but I am comfortable with SB the way I am doing it.

Going to look at new glasses today, I guess that is our Christmas gift $$$, and I don't know what else we will do probably some shopping. It is trying to snow this morning and it is a cold 18 degrees. Brrr

Hope everyone has a great day.

Good morning chickies!

Lexiss - organizing the freezer at what time?! LOL! I wish I had your drive!

Chelby - I'm joining the fan club. We love hearing about his antics!

Cyndi - Oh, hope the tube comes out. Yay for you for bringing that little smorgasbord. I vote for the tiny tree!

Chickadee - congratulations!! That's so great to hear! Mmmm...I love oatmeal pancakes!

I normally get to sit here in the quiet, but DD decided to get up (she set her alarm)...I wish she was that easy to get up on a weekday!! I get to work today (woot, woot...note sarcasm), then we're ringing the bell for Salvation Army!! Then off to a Christmas party at church. It will be a busy and fun day! (at least when I'm out of work)

Have a great one!

Happy Saturday to us all!

Debbie, I sort of hope you don't get called to work today and can spend it as you plan. They don't give you much notice, do they?

Chelby, good birth story. I never heard about prunes and Dr. Pepper. Yes, Auston is one of my favourites too. I hope I get to meet him someday, before he outgrows his quirkiness.

Cyndi, your menu for J. sounds just great, almost enough to turn me to a vegetarian. I hope she is able to get home this weekend. Don't fret over the cards and shopping - the day will still come and be fine.

Chickadee, so nice to hear accolades from your doctor. You are doing really well. SB is a Lifestyle so go with the flow.

We had a fairly major snowstorm last night and it was Book Club night. we have most of our meetings here in the Village but it was Norma's turn and she lives 5 miles away down a road even I will not drive. Luckily Moel did his big strong man act and drove us in his van. A really strange wee house - like a Hobbit House although she doesn't have furry feet. The ceilings were quite low - I could touch the beams - and the tall guys kept bumping their heads. N. went all out with refreshments but I resisted except for a blue cheese stuffed mushrooms, not a hit although the dog relished my nibbled piece. I didn't get home until after midnight and have two extra cars in my lane this morning. Ernie and Toni will be back to get them this morning after a shovel session.

Donna is supposed to show this morning and I have to work "Build a Food Mountain" this afternoon so I think I'll be able to 'put in the day' without boredom.

Happy Saturday, Chickies!

ETA: Good morning, TwinnB. Too bad you have to work but ringing the bell for the Sally Ann's should be fun. I hope people are generous because money is certainly needed this difficult Christmas.

I'm a fan of Auston's, too, and I loved his birth story! Thanks, Chelby, and a Happy Birthday to Auston!

I hope you get to enjoy a day off, Debbie, as a 2 hour commute to work doesn't sound very appealing at all! Have fun shopping at Habitat. I really must check ours out, I keep meaning to but forget all about it.

I hope Julie is doing well enough to come home today, Cyndi! With all the healthy goodies you make, she'll surely get better nutrition at home than the hospital is providing!

Chickadeee, congratulations on the good report from your Dr!

Ruth, your book club sounded like a lot of fun, especially with the snowstorm. I'm glad Moel was brave enough to drive all of you. Some day I'm going to come up there and spend a Delta Country Christmas with you!

Twynne, hope your work day goes fast so you can enjoy ringing the SA bell and have fun at your Christmas party!

We got all the presents wrapped and under the tree yesterday. (Notice I said "WE". ) I even managed to drag Jake down to the mall again to help me find one more little present and to get some tiny bags. They are hard to find, even the Hallmark shop!
Today is going to be a day of visiting Mom & Dad and puttering around the house, which is just fine with me. A book and a nap may even be on the agenda for this afternoon!

Hello chickies. I (and the cats) allowed myself to sleep in this morning. I had meetings near DC all week, very early mornings and getting home at bedtime, and DH was out of town all week, so the kids had to get themselves up and out and come home to an empty house and cold dinner. They manage just fine, but they don't like it a bit. Anyway, we are all worn out. Today I'll take DD to her riding lesson and get some groceries, then pick DH up from the airport. My office Christmas party is tonight in Crystal City, but I'm already thinking I'd rather not go. I had gotten tickets to a Christmas Carol matinee at Ford's Theater, but DH messed that up with his flight times and I had to give them away. Lunches were catered all week, and I had no time to cook in the evening, so food not great this week. Really a quiet weekend at home, some healthy cooking, and lots of water is what's appealing to me.

Debbie, I hope you got your quiet day.
Chels, Happy Birthday to Auston! I gave up on the swearing. After DH is at sea for months, he comes home with a pretty foul mouth. My kids have heard it all from a very young age. I used to nag about it, but gave up eventually. Fortunately, they picked up pretty quickly on who was allowed to say what and where. There was a little experimentation along the way.
Oh dear, Cyndi, I didn't realize Julie was back in the hospital. I hope she is home again soon. A tiny tree sounds nice - that's what DH wanted here this year.
chikadee, that oatmeal pancake is one of my favorite SB recipes. Congratulations on your progress!
Have a fun, Christmassy day, Twynn!
Ruth, I'm a bit jealous of your snow, I've been wishing for a white Christmas.
cottage, I want your day today!

No call and I went back to sleep for 4 more=8! 9 last night so I'm doing great!

Chelby, thanks for sharing your story. We all really did want to hear!

Chickadeee, yep, I try to sneak out so I can accomplish something but DH almost always gets up now wanting that first cup of coffee. Congrats on such a wonderful response from your DR. I, too, could kick it up a bit but I'm losing about 10#/year right now and I'm ok with that. Feeling great.

Ruth, glad you got a ride to book club! It sounds like you have enough on your list to keep you busy today. I'm trying to remember what the eggs are called that you make from time to time? Kinda like deviled eggs only different. BTW-I'm really wanting the extra days at work right now and DH and I have decided to accomodate requests. There is a gal who (I think) is about to quit which doesn't give her much incentive to be thoughtful of the others. I could just as easily tell them I'm out of town....at $10 a word.

Linda, hoping you continue your restful and restorative weekend!

Cyndi,hope you get a small tree and that DW gets to come home!

Diane(Schmoodle), after a hectic week I hope you get your desired weekend!

Tammy(Twynn) sorry about work! Funny DD set her alarm on a Saturday!

We decided on 10 for the pool so I have an hour to catch up on paperwork for the dog rescue group. 21 degrees here Brrrrrrr

Grrrr! I really didn't want to get up this early but my brain had a different idea. I may be able to work in a wee nap this afternoon although I sure will have enough to keep me busy. Right now I plan to turn on the tree and sit and sip with two cuddly dogs.

Good morning Ruth Just gave up myself and turned the coffee on. Can I pour you another cup?

Today looks a lot like yesterday. Still hoping DW gets out today. It is much colder than yesterday

Well my coffee is ready to drink, so first things first

Just turned the heat back on in the Keurig and have another mug on the way, Cyndi. I sure hope Julie gets sprung today and you can both get back to "real life'.

I have a couple of things to wrap and plan to get that out of the way before Church. I also plan to wash the glass shades from the diningroom light fixture but won't put them back up until a tall person shows up. Have you got time this morning?

The children's Christmas pageant is tonight and I'm a tad worried. The play itself is a decent length (40 mins) but now it's been embellished with a choir which turns it into about two hours. Good luck with that, Madame Director! The children range from 3 to 12 and that's just way too long for the wee ones. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it isn't a complete disaster. I'm serving hot chocolate and cookies (store-bought) after the event and sure hope I survive until then. "Don't speculate on failure" as my Harry used to say.

On with the day, sipping raspberry truffle coffee made by my new BFF, the Keurig.

Good Morning Ladies,

I actually got to sleep straight through until 5 am this morning, yeah, felt good. But I will take a cup of coffee.

Ruth, sitting and watching the tree with the lights on and your fur babies, sounds so relaxing, can I come over! I will bring my two along.

Cyndi, it is 21 degrees here, no snow yet but when I let the dogs out the grass has a nice layer of frozen crystals on it and the light reflects off them, pretty.

I felt bad yesterday, for a while at least, because I had a piece of fudge and some carmel corn later in the day. But after I posted in my menu I felt better for some reason, like, hey it isn't going to kill me. I am good now for awhile.

Finishing up a few holiday things to day, and I have to make at least one batch of cut out cookies for DH and I may look for a dessert recipe with agave for me. We have a pot luck at work tomorrow and I am bringing nuts, couldn't think of anything else.

Hope everyone has a great day and in this busy time of year a few moments that give you a smile.

You two are up way too early today!

Cyndi, I hope Julie gets to go home today, too.

Ruth, Early in 2011 when the office staff was talking about what we wanted in a new Executive Director, one of my requirements was "6' tall or greater". It's a disadvantage being short!

We had the best time for Auston's birthday yesterday. The aquarium was great, and the boys loved the train ride through the mountains. We took Auston's cousin, Shepard, with us. Shepard is a twit! He is 6 months older than Auston and, when he doesn't get his way he says, "Well, I'm not going to be your friend any more!" And Auston falls for it and gets all upset! I wish Auston would tell him, "My parents made me invite you." or "My real friends act better than you." Poor Auston. It's awful that his parents make him act right.

ETA: Good Morning, Chickadeee! I stop functioning when it gets in the 30s! brrrr!

I am smiling and wishing we could all sit here and look at the tree. Jazz is lying on his back on the sofa with his legs in the air and Disney is curled up on the old wrecked white brocade chair - another Christmas when I've not got it reupholstered.

Just made a manageable list of "stuff" for today and will tackle some of it before I get ready for Church.

It's -14C here which is 6.8F. I guess it's finally winter although we are going up well above freezing tomorrow.

ETA: Chelby: Nothing worse than a young twit. They get worse as they get older. Maybe Auston needs to learn about "unfriend".