Hi everyone, I hope you are all having a great Monday. I started to go work on the tree in the front yard but since it isn't blocking the driveway anymore and the grass is really wet I decided to wait a few more days.
Craig found a new berry farm in South Carolina that we have never been too. We are going Thurs to pick blackberries. They say that they have 5 different varities and the bushes are loaded. It should be fun. We usually go to a farm close to Tenn several times each summer for different types of berries.
I am going to go do some more cleaning while Craig is taking a nap. He has to work tonight so it will just be the pups and me.

Hard to catch up around here. I went shopping (the Glebe) this afternoon and if was nice to walk around and go in and out of shops. I managed to find what I was looking for.

The bruch yesterday was very nice, and I passed on the non core stuff. I did bring som smoked salmon (lox) home and had a couple slices on my Ryvita snack bread with my yocheese. It was excellent.

Paula, your story is so sad. It must be so hard for you to deal with these situations. I don't envy your tree clean up.

Vickie, those muffins sound so good. I have to check to see if I have all of the ingredients. I use Quaker oat bran. You really were ambitious.

Niki, glad that dd is on the mend. My kids too loved their baths and so do both dgs. Wasn't the aquarium trip today?

Frouf, glad you made the best of the bad weather. I rented Nanny McPhee for Natan and I, but it was too much for him. I couldn't wait to see the end yesterday.:D

Kathy, glad you didn't fast. You know it's not a good solution. Sounds like you have it under control with all of your preparations.

Sandra, do you ever rest? You are one busy gal. So glad to hear about your activities.

Maggie, glad you had fun. I'm sure your rainy days were at least warm. We had down right cold days here. I have a long distance plan ($20 month) which allows me unlimited calls to US and Canada. I couldn't do without it.

I'm pooped today, so I guess it's time to sit and relax. Have a great afternoon.

Saundra the Aquarium trip was on friday, I had a really good time and my ds was so excited I was a chaperone. I had ds & 2 other boys in my group, one boy was misbehaving he kept hiding on me and getting me real nervous because he was my responsibility. We got to see the penquins, they are so cute & we saw a Sea lion show that was really cute. I give alot of credit to bus drivers my head was killing me on the bus drive home boy are those kindergartners loud :D

saundra, :lol: yesterday i never got out of my gown. some days are just like that.

I'm glad to hear that Sandra, we all need those days. Not sure why I feel so tired, I've been sleeping in these days. It's probably the weather changes.

Niki, so glad you had fun. They were suppose to build an aquarium here, but I haven't heard anything about it lately.

Home from work and about to melt! I'm warning you one last time, Saundra, STOP TALKING ABOUT CHILLY WEATHER! :lol: I'm about to go postal here!!

I stopped by the restaurant supply store and bought my eensy 2 oz. cups. Vickie, I got 250 for $4.50 and the lids were $1.85 per 100. I thought that was an okay price and I didn't have to make a trip to Sam's or Costco, or buy on ebay and pay outrageous shipping. I also bought a dozen 20 oz. plastic tumblers. We are so ghetto around here; our plastic glasses are Texas Rangers beer cups. After a game, I gather up all the cups around us and take them home. I'm going to retire them to the utility room where they will eventually become dogfood scoops.

I also went to Home Depot to buy two big pots. I have abandoned (for now) my front flowerbeds and the flowers that were going in there are now going into two large pots on either side of the front door. It'll get them planted more quickly than they would if I waited yet another week. I'm not sure how much longer I can nurse them along in their baby pots before putting them in the ground.

I'm making tacos for dinner tonight for the others; I just don't think I can manage to eat anything because I feel rotten -- so tired, hot, and a little nauseated. Hopefully I can rally soon because in addition to the flower planting, I have to empty/refill DW, clean up the kitchen, cook dinner, clean it up again, find something to wear to work tomorrow, and make a blackberry pie.

Whew.

Goodness Kathy, you are a busy gal!! Sorry you are melting away. It's pretty nice here, high 70's/low 80's. It's not gotten to that icky humid sticky feeling quite yet.

Sorry I haven't been posting much lately everyone. With all there is to do around the house I've been very distracted!!
I did want to tell you all that I managed to get myself together enough to call my dad today. There were a few guilt-trip comments but it went MUCH better than I expected. He didn't make as big a deal out of it as I thought he would. Shew!

I'm going to go back and catch up with you all now. DH is at band practice until around 8pm but I need to get some things done around here. Painting really put me behind on laundry, cooking, and unpacking. I need to plan meals for the week, I have definitely learned that planning is easier!

Paula, so sorry to hear that you had so much storm damage. That makes a lot of work!

Frouf, that's great that you are thinking of joining a fitness center. That's a great idea! Good luck to you.

Maggie, it sounds like you've been doing great. And I agree, I would love to see your menus! I have the tendency to eat the same things over and over.

Vickie, I need to find your muffin recipe and try it too. I'm always up for new sweet things. :)

Niki, I'm sorry that you've had a rough time lately. You sounded like you were in better spirits this afternoon though.

Well everyone I need to get busy doing some stuff around the house. I hope that you're all doing well tonight.

Hi Chicks! I know I'm behind but I won't be back until morning. I've been out all day and I'm tired. I've got some things to do around the house tonight because Great Niece is coming to stay overnight tomorrow. The joint will be hopping then!

I'm watching the White Sox play the Rangers in Texas. Kathy, they look like they are melting right along with you. No @&^% here today; just sunny blue skies and cool temperatures.

The White Sox are whuppin' up on us, too! Yikes!! I think it's cooler now though. It's down to 96. Today we were hot-hot-hot.

Vickie, it sounds like you had a good day. I know you are looking forward to your "sleepover" tomorrow!

Kathy, I hope that you don't melt.

Well chicks I'm headed to bed. I hope to chat with you all more tomorrow. I took paint tape off of the walls tonight--whoo hoo! :) I decided to count some of my painting and other short exericses in my ticker goal. I only counted one hour of painting even though I probably did several. It wasn't continuous and I really meant that exercise goal as aerobic activity. But I'm quite behind and it will do me good to think I've accomplished something. ;)
Good night!

Wow, I win the prize! :lol: Good morning. :sunny:

Good morning all! I was on yesterday but didn't post. I was enjoying just puttering around the house, cleaning up from all the weekend's craziness, when the phone rang. It was the doctor's office, and I had completely forgotten dds' appointments. Sigh. Oh well.

The choir went very well. We sounded nice, and there were about 2500 people there - the auditorium was pretty much full. I was within 10 feet of our prophet, which was super cool. However, since I was on the edge of the choir, I wasnt' really shown on TV. Darn, my chance at fame, extinguished by bad placement. :lol: I'm glad it's all over now though, so I can go back to regular life.

We finally made it to the library yesterday, where my oldest dd pretty much cleaned them out of books on earthquakes and volcanoes. She's so much more interested in nonfiction than fiction, which is kind of interesting. She also wanted books on rainforests, but we couldn't carry that many. :)

I'm doing grocery shopping today, and maybe to the pool later if I feel up to it.

Later,
Angela

Good Morning Chicks! I can't stay but I wanted to say good morning. Julianna is QUITE excited about her sleepover. She called last night to ask if she can have a swim in my big whirlpool tub in the morning! Of course I said yes, but now I have to go sanitize it. Wouldn't want her to catch anything!

We are picking her up at 2:00 so I have a million things to do before then. I'm trying to think of fun things for her to do. I researched dog bakeries in the area and I think we'll go to one after we pick her up. It's Cassie's fourth Scottie birthday today so she'll be getting a birthday cake and we'll have a little party for her. After we get the cake and bring it home, we'll go to my favortie Core place for dinner. Julianna eats the minestrone soup and PLAIN noodles (with butter and salt and pepper). She says their food is delicious. Cracks me up! After dinner we'll have the birthday party and then probably a movie. I'm not sure which one yet. We'll have the car seat so we'll be taking her home in the morning. Jim and I are not around kids very much so it's making me feel tired just to think of it. It'll be great fun but we'll be drained. I'm guessing there will be no me time until tomorrow afternoon AFTER we go to Walmart!

Hope you have a great couple of days. I'll be back........

Well Kathy - I won't go into great detail - but the sun is trying to come out and it is warming up a bit? Very nice and temperate weather tho - which is a great change from the cold and rain of a few days ago - it actually looks like we might have a decent weekend for a change!

You sound too busy Kathy - forget all the chores and take a load off in the evenings - is there anyone around to help you out? How are you feeling today?

Angela - gee I sure thought they would have picked you out of the crowd and whisked you off to Hollywood (where you would be staying in a decadent villa - and would feel compelled to have all your chickie friends flown out to join you! :) ). ...and you just reminded me I should make annual checkup appt for little ds.

Melissa - glad the house is shaping up - hope to see some pics soon? What did you decide for the floor?

Sandra - I love those jammie days - hope you enjoyed it.

Well server was down last night so no computering for me! I am a bit alarmed as my gf in Toronto has been complaining about this rash she got - which she thought was from a cosmetic product/cream (she has very sensitive skin). Anyhow went to dr, got antihistamines, and creams and prednisone - but nothing seems to be helping and the rash is spreading? (they say it is 'contact' stuff). She went to an allergist yesterday who gave her another prescription to try and then freaked her out by saying if this doesn't work - there is only one thing 'this' might be - but he did not want to say what it was. Of course she goes home to 'research' and now thinks she might have lupus!!!!! I am also a bit freaked out by this - told her I think she needs to get some bloodwork done to confirm? And to try and get to her family dr today! I am not too aware of lupus but I know it's not good and can affect all your organs in a very bad way! I sure hope she's okay!

And drumroll please - I did go to the fitness place and signed up for a month - I can't even bear to tell you what their scale said - or my body fat percentage but suffice it to say - anything would be an improvement. I did eat much better yesterday - altho I was starving when I left work to exercise but found some of my light havarti cheese in the fridge so had some of that! The biggest probem was the water drinking which I guess I was not used to? Drank alot and ended up in the bathroom like every 10 minutes! Then had some tea after dinner (was still hungry) which didn't help at all!

Did not sleep well so I am very tired - turned off light at 11 pm, fell asleep but then I think I woke up cuz dh came home (11:30) and then I'm like wide awake and can't fall back asleep. I also seemed to have hurt my knee at the gym? A bit sore right above right knee joint - and constant - whether I am using is or not - this does not help me sleep either - I took 2 advil this morning and hope it is better by this afternoon.

DD and I and her dad had a therapist appt this pm but got a call that dr called in sick so we need to reschedule! I am hoping to get to the fitness center after work today if my knee doesn't feel too bad? (can't go tomorrow cuz I have a dr appt and then dd's art class showing at 6 pm, then a pot luck dinner! - which I should start worrying about pretty soon?).

Vickie - hope you are having fun preparing for the Great Slumber Party of 2006!

Frouf

P.S. Forgot I wanted to share a couple of websites: http://www.hussmanfitness.org/html/TMEmotional.html - good article on emotional eating and www.questioneverything.com - good weight loss information.

Vickie, your "me time" remark made me laugh! I'm hoping for some "me time" after August 22. :lol: It's been 28 years since I had any. Enjoy your time with Julianna. She sounds like SUCH a doll!

I can't stay but will be back later. Everybody have a great day!

Frouf: Yes, I do have a very big garden: gardening for me is more of a compulsion/addiction than a hobbie!! I favor flower gardening, and always end up with pink, blue, lilac tones (does it count to join the "frouf" club? I really need to get me a pink bra though, I think they're cute....) and in past years I used to start most flowers from seeds, but for lack of time and the fact that when I buy the seedlings I`m a 100% sure that they`ll survive, I prefer to order them this way- I'm planting mostly annuals for color: snapdragons, pansies, petunias, sweet william, and some lavender, delphiniums. digitalis, campanulas, pentas (great for attracting hummingbirds), etc

I recommend you to join the fitness center for the 3 months, that way you'll "force" yourself to commit for at least that amount of time, and they say after a couple of months you get used to it and actually miss it when you fail (?): I know, I can hardly picture myself missing my excercise. They just opened a Curves center in Acapulco and a lot of my friends joined and are happy with the whole deal: of course I bought the book a couple of years ago and even got the bands and everything and commited myself for about a week!! It seems I also have a problem with compulsive shopping!! (lol), I ususally get hooked up in the infomercials and end up craving that dvd or whatever that looks so easy to do in the tv.... Like now I'm in the Yoga Bootie Ballet rage, but I'm wondering if the Firm would be nice to have too: I guess it's a good thing I don't live in the States or I'll probably be broke!!!


I'll have to look for that special container to air pop in the microwave and see if I can find it here.... I really like popcorn and is a great core snack, don't you think?

Have a great day....

Maggie

Yeah, Kath, I know. But I knew I didn't have the Mother gene. It's no accident that I don't have any children.

And most days I would say "very, VERY wise choice!" :lol: They're fun when they're 4, and I'm sure even more fun when you can return them after a day or two. Did I tell you that I talked to my brother yesterday and the first words out of his mouth were "I'm exhausted".

I hope you don't think I was being snotty though; I didn't mean it like that. It's exhausting no matter if they're there full-time or just for a day. You sell yourself short though ... I'll bet you would have been an awesome mother judging by how you spoil the greats.

I still want my "me time" though. (insert pouty face here)

Oh and a SUPER happy birthday to Cassie! :hb:

maggie, it's good to see you back. congratulations on keeping good control of your eating. it's so easy to just give in and eat and eat. i love mexican food and have it often. i would love to see some of your menus. your flower garden sounds beautiful. i've planted flowers to attract hummingbirds, too. what time of year do you have hummers? we have them now till early fall. i say "them" but we only have one right now. we had a pair but one flew into a window. so sad. do you know what time of year they have their little ones? we're hoping for baby hummers but don't know if there will be any.

nikki, how's your day going?

frouf, are we alike or what? i need to watch my mouth, too, both with eating and talking. last night i think i offended my stepdaughter. she manages the restaurant where our archery club meets. like an idiot i said something to her about getting dinner at kfc before we came to the meeting. now was that dumb or what?

also, i joined a woman's club yesterday. i love it!! i'm in the honeymoon stage with it and want to exercise all the time. too bad i have to go to the dentist the morning.

paula, i love blackberries. we don't have them here--but oregon? wow!

saundra, i hope you get over your tired spell. i get those, too. some days i like to just curl up on the couch and watch movies. that helps me.

kathy, does wb1bb mean something special? i hope you're feeling better today. is shaun going into the navy aug 22? i can't remember for sure.

melissa, you are a busy girl. don't worry about posting a lot.

vickie, those sox are smokin' aren't they? i know you're enjoying the sleepover.

angela, sounds like you're busy, too. lots of busy folks here, aren't there?

vickie, i don't have the mother gene any more. i must have lost it with weightloss awhile back.

Sandra we are very lucky in that we have a great climate all year around, and I guess it helps in getting the hummingbirds here, since they're around all year. I really don't know when they have the babies, but I would guess spring. Most of my neighbors also have very large gardens, I guess about an acre at least, so that we have a lot of visitors (should I say residents?): i've noticed that if you have water (like in a pond, fountain, bird bath) more birds stay in the area: it's so cute to watch them forming kind of a "line" to wait their turn to take a bath...

Well those seedlings are waiting for me: I'll try to check in later.

Maggie

Okay, now how's that for an avatar?? The license plate was too confusing, I guess.

I have a hummingbird feeder and you all have reminded me that I should put it out. Now that we have our patio covered across the back of the house, it's nice and shady and would be a good place.

Me time! What the heck is that, I would love me some ME Time! LOL :D
As I am writing this my dd comes in to tell me she did poopoo in her diaper and you know what, she isn't wearing one, she is starting to refuse to wear one which is well & good if she wants to wear panties but she still refuses to do poopoo in the potty, any suggestions would be wonderful, I did not go through this with my ds he was potty trained in a week. :dizzy:

Vickie enjoy Juliana they are truly alot of fun. How old is she? I love the comment about her wanting to go in your big bathtub, too cute!

Kathy I am sure your brother is exhausted, I tell my brother & sil who just got married and they have no children wait till it is your turn, they sit back & laugh when I am exhausted keeping up with my kids.

Froufy good for you joining a gym, that is such a great motivation.

Maggie you can put 1/4 cup of popcorn in a brown paper bag folded three time to make microwave popcorn, it is a great core snack

Angie my ds is also into earthquakes, tornadoes,hurricanes....When we go to library the librarian always laughs because he clean out their shelfs also, I even got him hurricane dvd's and he loves watching them. This is his favorite time of the year, hurricane season. says he wants to be a meteorologist.

Sandra we must of been posting at the same time. My day is going good, thanks for asking dd is not coughing as much seems like her cold is on its way out, sometimes I think my kids have allergies. How is your day? Enjoy the exercise, that is my down fall I really need to make time for me to exercise.

Wow maggie - sounds like you are a real gardener - and yes you are definitely a honorary member of the frouf club - if you plant pinks and lavenders in your garden (which is what you will find in my garden - I tend to stay away from yellows - prefer blues/pinks/whites).

Sandra - sounds like we are both now members of a women's fitness place - glad you like it. Mine is a very 'friendly' place - seems a lot of women know each other - chatting and such. And they even arrange 'outings' sometimes - I noticed on the wall they have been golfing and to a comedy club and theatre and caving! I just am so depressed about all those measurements and numbers! UGH!

...and at least you didn't show up at the restaurant carrying a bucket of KFC - that would not be good! ha ha ha

Niki - sounds like your dd is partway there? Do you use a potty or seat on the real toiletl? Sometimes that makes a difference? Any reward system going on? I know how frustrating it can be and how much you probably want to ditch the diapers for good!

Vickie - time to stock up on the bubble bath and fancy soap crayons I think for the big bathtub extravaganza? I'm sure you'll have a blast and you will definitely be tired (join the club!) - but at least you get to send her home the next day :)

Hope Cassie has a lovely birthday experience!

Kathy - ya I didn't get the license plate thing either - your new avatar is definitely more 'obvious'! Bet you're counting the days to your 'me time'! :D

Saundra - what are you up to today? Hope you are enjoying the nice weather we are finally getting here! YIPPEE

Frouf

Froufy she refuses to sit on the big toilet with a potty seat she is afraid of it, she goes on the portable potty. She does peepee but not poopoo. She gets stickers & I tell her if she does poopoo she will get chocolate, she loves chocolate,but the bribe has yet to work. I know some children are afraid to poop without a diaper, if she was naked instead of wearing panties she would of told me to put a diaper on her, I guess it will take some time, hopefully before she starts kindergarten :o Oh yeah I forgot, when she does peepee on the potty she like to take the cup out and dispose of it herself down the toilet, needless to say she doesn't have good aim :dizzy:

Niki, I recently went through that whole "poopoo" dilemma with my youngest. She'll be 3 in July. Anyway, it was not pretty. Instead of refusing to go in the potty chair, she refused to go at all. She would go days in between a movement, and when she DID finally go, it was so hard, it'd make her bleed. (I know, TMI!) It was a really scary and frustrating thing. The doctor told us to give her a lot of fiber-rich foods, like Kashi cereals, raisins, fruit juices, etc to loosen her stools, and it actually really helped. I don't know what do do about it if they will go in a diaper and not the toilet, but my advice is to not make a big deal of it. Withholding stool is infinitely worse! I think if you keep up the encouragement, maybe let her see other people use the toilet successfully (I know, it sounds silly, but it helps :lol: ) and just be patient, it'll work itself out.

Just my $.02. :)

Angela

It's been a busy morning around here. The fact that I got up at 9:00 has something to do with it.

Frouf, you wouldn't like my flowers, they are mostly yellow. The large pot has pinks and lavenders, so I'm part way there. I actually did some weeding today, so everything looks quite nice. I'm still waiting for the sun to come out. You're making me feel quite guilty, and I'm now thinking that it's time to go back to Curves. Now, will I do it or think of another excuse?:D

Maggie, your garden sounds beautiful. Because you have constant warm weather, how long do your annuals bloom? I always wondered about that one. I do love watching the hummingbirds at my sister's cottage. It's so serene. Do you not have 94% ff microwave popcorn there? It's pretty good. I bought a Stir Crzazy electric popper and use 1 tsp oil for 1/4 cup kernels. That's enough for two of us.

Niki, when you talk about your dd, it sounds like my Natan. He turned 3 in January and I think he finally is ready for pooh on the toilet. Before last week, he went to a "private" spot and did his thing. Kids are so funny about these things. Well last week, he said he would go on the toilet and was quite pleased with himself when he did his thing. There were lots of high fives and a space book as a reward. He absolutely loves anything to do with space and can watch the Tom Hanks series From Here to the Moon over and over again.

Vickie, you can tell by my words that being with the little ones is a joy for me too. I agree, have them over, love them, and return them to mom and dad. Who could ask for anything more? Have a wonderful visit, and enjoy the party.:)

Sandra, glad to hear that you joined the club. I hope that you and Frouf say enough good things to motivate me. I'm thinking that maybe a gym with a personal trainer might help, but I'm not sure about the cost. When I pass the KFC, I love the smell, but then I remember that the taste isn't as good.;)

Kathy, aren't you guys going on a summer vacation? In my opinion, everyone needs a break, and lord knows, you could use one for sure.

Okay, time to load the washing machine,

Angie my dd will be 3 in July also, I have heard of kids doing that, holding there pooh in and not going, so I would rather have her pooh in her undies than hold it in. What I am trying to do is flush the pooh down the toilet so she can see where it is suppose to go. Eventually like Saundras Natan I am sure she will decide it is ok to pooh in the potty, until then I have my carpet steam cleaner very near LOL

Saundra, we are planning on going to Colorado Springs in early August and then maybe somewhere else for a shorter trip. I'm so tired, and tired of being tired, and I agree -- I need a break. Just not a bone, please. ;)

Gee Kathy, I actually got that one! I go for a treatment today and I'm thinking that next week will be the last. I think my foot is as "normal" as it will ever be. I might try orthotics after sandal season.
I'm glad that you've got something to look forward to.:D

Good afternoon everyone. Wow it is busy this morning. I was 3 pages behind reading posts! I slept late this morning and have been sewing for a while. I found some denim in the closet so I decided to make a new denim dress since my other one is too big! Not often I find clothes in the closet that are too big.
Froufie, I have been thinking of curves for a while. We had a membership to the gym at the hospital for a while but I can't get Craig to go with me and we have to go to that one at night. He has such terrible knee pain that a gym is really out of the question for him. There are quite a few curves near me so maybe I will check it out and see if I get inspired to go.
Niki, I remember my daughter, Melissa, not being completely potty trained until she started pre-K. The first day when all of the other kids used the big potty, she used it and never wore diapers after that. I guess all kids are different and do it when they are ready.
Guess I better go fix some lunch. Have a good day everyone.

:lol: Good thing you clarified there, Kathy! :)

I had a wild idea this morning that I'd love to pack up my girls and take them out to Yellowstone. I have dear memories of vacationing there as a child (both my parents are from Wyoming), but I probably shouldn't entertain the idea too long. There's no way I could afford the gas and hotel costs, but it sure would be fun. I know they'd enjoy it, and since my dh really hates camping and wildlife in general, he won't go for anything like that. I know I could probably talk my mom or sister into going along pretty easily, but mom has a college class this summer and my sister works, so Blah! Oh well, it's fun to dream.

We ARE going to a nearby water park next week, which should be a lot of fun, actually. Dh has two days off, so we're going out there the first day he has off, and then recuperating the next. :)

Oh, and btw, the banana brown rice pudding IS weird Sandra. I made it exactly like the recipe said, and it never really set up. It was like brown rice floating in banana flavored milk. The almond extract had kind of a metallic flavor to it too, which was unpleasant. I think I'd rather opt for plain rice pudding, or maybe use ff evaporated milk instead of skim.

I got some blueberries today at the grocery store ($.99 for a box!) and I'm going to try making these famous muffins :lol: . I even have some oat bran, so I'll let you all know how they work with that.

My kids wandered over to Grandma's house a while ago...I suppose I should go check on them, but I'm enjoying the quiet time on the computer here. Hmm, maybe just a bit longer. :)

We're having tilapia for dinner - my first time trying it. I hear good things about it, so we shall see.

Okay, now little dd is yelling from her bed, guess she's up from nap.

Later,
Angela

Angela, I made the banana rice pudding last night and it was really good. I did use instant brown rice though, maybe that makes a difference even after being cooked. I also added a little splenda and used part ff evaporated milk and left out the almond extract. Craig even liked it.

maggie, i love reading about your flower gardens--and the birds!! amazing!

kathy, did the license plate have special meaning? i like your new avatar.

{{{{{nikki}}}}} i remember those poo poo days. (my son will be 40 this november so our poo poo days are ancient history. i'm not going to the women's club today. i am tired after going to the dentist then to walmart. i will do some exercise biking here at home in front of the tv. that's sort of relaxing.

frouf, i haven't been weighed or measured yet. i meet with my trainer monday evening. my place is super friendly, too. i guess if you and i get lonely or depressed now it will be our fault, don't you? one lady's already talking about meeting to shop, margarita, etc.... i love it!!

saundra, you're lucky that you don't care for kfc. it calls my name. curtis and i don't eat brown gravy except at kfc. weird, eh?

kathy, could you maybe take a weekender to go to the horseraces or something? i didn't catch that one till i read saundra's post. you are a hoot, girl.

paula, i used to go to curves. i liked it, too.

angela, thanks for telling me about your pudding experience. i guess some recipes work and some don't.

paula, sounds like you found a "cure" for the pud.

Just spoke to ds in Kitchener. He wanted the name of our lawyer for his purchase of the house here. They close in seven weeks. It's hard to believe. I don't envy what they have ahead of them, with the packing etc.
I know they have a lot of friends there, so hope that they'll have some helping hands.

We're off to dinner now, so have a nice evening.:)

Saundra that was cute about Natans favorite "private" spot, my dd tells me to go away from her when she is "busy" going in her diaper, she will be 3 end of July so maybe 3 is the magic number to go pooh in the potty(keeping fingers crossed) :D

I just found this recipe on the weight watchers message board from their website. Looks interesting & yummy. Thanks to the chef who created this :D

Almost APPLE CAKE! (CORE)

6 cups uncooked old fashioned oats

4 tsp baking powder

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 cups skim milk

4 large eggs

1 1/2 cups splenda

1 medium very ripe banana

1 package of sugar free instant vanilla pudding dry mix

1 tablespoon cinnamon

4 medium apples, cored, peeled and in slices
.

Mix applesauce, eggs and splenda, add the remaining ingredients except the apple slices. Let set for about 15-20 minutes

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Prepare two loaf pans with spray Pam.

In each fill 1/2 with the batter, layer apple slices, then cover with
batter to fill the pan 1/2 inch from the top. On the top put remaining layer of apples (Took one apple per layer so two apples per loaf)

Make a topping of 1/2-cup oatmeal, 1 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle on top.
Spray with BUTTER Pam or ICNBIN Butter spray until moistened.

Bake 45 minutes or until firm.

Wow that sounds really good - let us know if you try it and how it turns out! (I am thinking it would also make good single serving apple muffin thingies!).

I love rice pudding- maybe on the weekend I will make some brown rice pudding for dessert/snacks! I am even go all out and add some raisins! :D

Good news is I DID GO TO THE FITNESS PLACE and did my grueling 30 min workout :) . The co-owner Sue remember me - I guess I made an impression? even remembered that I was doing my MBA, while working full time and caring for a baby! It was nice to report that I graduated and my 'baby' was turning 8 next month! We had a nice chat as I left - about dd - as she asked about my other kids - turns out she was a rotten rebellious teenager once herself (you would hardly think this if you saw her!) and how she gave her mother a hard time and lots of gray hair (sure sounds famliar). But the good news is she and her mom are very close now - so I guess there's still hope for me?

The bad news is I pigged out on Kraft Dinner of all things (after eating dinner to boot!). - trying to analyze why - I sure wasn't hungry - almost 'just cuz it was there?" Need to exercise more control over my mouth (right Sandra?).

Dh off doing a gig with his jazz band downtown (and I am obviously not attending). Little ds getting ready for bed and dd just go home (big ds working). Decided to do a load of laundry and tidying up a bit before cleaning lady comes tomorrow (I know I know).

Have a dr appt tomorrow pm - for my bp check - I have been monitoring on those pharmacy machines but I did notice it says that it is for the average adult arm (like 9-13 inches) and I know now my upper arm is greater than 13 inches - in which case it says the readings may be off? Should I tell my dr this? I have been bringing her my 'readings' every few months for her review - they are generally okay (like 128/80) - when I'm in the office they are higher tho (140/90) - wondering if cuff size has something to do with this?

No time for gym tomorrow - have to go to dd's last art class 'showing' at 6:30 - then head off to a pot luck dinner at 7:30 - and because I am coming a bit late I have offered to bring the soft drinks (and I know they won't go bad sitting around in my car for an hour or so!).

Time to go chase little ds off computer and get him to bed!

Frouf

Hey you all, I hope that you're all doing great. Sorry I'm so absent! We've been so busy. Tonight I actually got to talk to our neighbor for quite awhile. It's so nice, I'm making friends! :lol: We're still doing some things around the house but I just wanted to come say hi and apologize for being a bad friend!

Vickie, I know you're having a wild time! Hope it's all fun and games!