It is soooo quiet right now. Everyone is still in bed. aaaaaaah

Yesterday was chaotic ALL day! I had 8 kids and my son and another boy were just wild.
I spent about 2 hours on the computer doing church stuff.
I got a call from a friend who wanted m to take on her son for babysitting. I agreed. I know I said no more kids BUT he is in the same class as DD and the other 2 5 year olds and my biggest concern with back to school is that DS wont have anyone to play with here after school. This little guy and DS play well. I like his parents. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. 2 of my boys dont come all winter when there is no farming to do.
DH is home today. I will have to think up some chores. LOL. Um, like, finish the bathroom!!!!
We had a BBQ for the Gala days committee last night. It was enjoyable. There were pony rides for the kids. I ate a bunch of desserts. I love country folk and home baked goodies. Back on the saddle today.
I pick up a bushel of peaches today. I will do jam all day Sunday. Tomorrow ...friends are camping at the lake all weekend and the kids and I are going for the day as a last summer fling.
Today I will clean and tidy. sigh. it is so dusty upstairs. I will tackle that first.
One more week til back to school and a lighter load for me!!

I must remember to breathe.

HUGS dear chicks!!

Hi Everyone. All of us seem to be doing so well. It has been so good for me to be at my folks as far as diet goes. I have been eating great and moving a lot. I'll be home on Monday and can't wait to weigh in. Keep up the great work and have a great weekend.
Sue

Hi everyone,
I'm having great day so far. I made it to curves today. That makes 4x this week.
We rented a few movies and plan to stay in. Dh has to work this weekend. So quite time for me...YEAH!!
B- 3 egg white omlette with 1 slice of cheese, sliced tomatos.
L- Soft taco supreme
D- ww meal, salad (planned)
So good so far. I'm loving WW only wish I would have tried it sooner. They are in the process of setting a time for our meetings. Our boss paid for everything. It is totally free to us. She said she didn't want to go the meetings wth strangers. so she came up with this idea.

Sue: Glad you are enjoying your visit.
Congrats on being able to stay op.


Holly: Yes, please remember to breath. I'm not sure when you will have time...LOL :)

Jodi: You'll lose those few pounds before you know it. You were doing so great before. But you know life happens. I gain when my life gets in a turmoil. I think most of us do. Just take some ME time. You deserve it. (((HUGS)))

Annie: My good thoughts and my prayers to you and your dad. (((HUGS)))

Have a blessed day

Debbie~ HUGS!! How excitng for you. 4X !!!!! too. I am so happy you have found something that works.I am with your boss on the stranger thing.
Hi Suzy! Hi to everyone!!

Long, wet and nice.
That was the day yesterday. I did take the morning off, just had coffee relaxed, chatted with DH. At 11 the kids I went to the lake. It was overcast and we had a thunderstorm in the aft and then it cleared. DS and the boy I sit rode bike during the whole rain event through huge puddles for about 3 hours. They were so caked in mud yuo could only see their eyes. What fun!!
When it cleared we went swimming, sliding and splash padding. We went for dinner at a lakeside restaurant a friend owns, then back to the campground. At 9 both kids started whining.Into the van.They were asleep before I hit the highway. They both slept 12 hours and peed their beds LOL.I slept 10 glorious hours.
I have a list of things for today I need to priorize.My garden is calling me. SSSShhhhh!! I have “work” to do.
Is their anything better than getting your hands in the dirt?
Anyhow, I have eaten out for dinner for 3 days. My choices haven’t been spectacular BUT I have been so busy that there has been no snacking or late night comfort eating. I did a fair amount of walking and gardening this week so I am feeling more active. When school is back I will be able to work in the WATP dvd during the day.

Hello,
I'm hoping that my life is sort of settling down, because even if it isn't I need to get back on track. I was up to 249 at my weigh-in on Thurday. It really spoke volumes to me...I do NOT want to be over 245 much less be in the 250's again. I'm not going there...I will again, start to take care of me. I have to. Others are important but I have to first take care of me.

My gym is closed this week. I'm going to use the time that I would usually work out, to do my tapes and to get myself back on my plan. I first have to figure out what that plan is. That's what I'm going to do tomorrow night.

I've also made a decision that I've got to stop putting in so many hours at work. It's draining me, and I have no time for me.

Thanks for being here. It's always motivating for me to get back on the board.

Susie

Good morning,
I had a good day yesterday, Except for my radiator splitting on my van. Dang, everythings is plastic these days. DS has it off and he will get the new one in today.
I broke down and ate a 1/2 a herseys dark chocolate bar last night. I have my limits and when I gotta have it I gotta have it...LOL.
Today.
B- 2 Egg white, 1 whole egg, veggie omelette with 1 slice of cheese.
My knee is bothering me today so I going to let it rest. I'll do curves tomorrow if its doing better.

Susie: You really need your ME time. You'll drop back down before you know it. Remember to always forgive yourself, pick
yourself up, dust yourself off and move on. Or in our case down.. LOL
JUST REFOCUS. We will do this.

Holly: Your day at the lake sounds wonderful. I love overcast cool drizzly days.

Welcome to another week of success
 

Hi all! I seem to be on the right track w/this water aerobics thing. Went Wed and Fri last week, but didn't have any time over the weekend. I'll be going again tonight. Seem to be doing better on my eating - or at least I'm not eating as much. Jodi, I brought in a Smart Ones meal today, so we'll see how it goes.

A co-worker bought a bunch of high-cal snack food last week for everyone in our group to "enjoy". Yikes. And I do love chocolate... I asked her where all the healthy stuff was and she said "I brought some dry-roasted peanuts." She's supposed to be my partner in this thing!! Oh well.

Probably need to get back to work, but wanted to check in. Stay focused and success will be yours, ladies...

Good morning ladies,
I started the day off with some "me" time. I was ready for work at 7:15 p.m. and thought about going ahead and coming in, but instead I sat and read my book for about 20 min and then headed into work. I'm making a deal with myself that I'm not going to leave the house before 7:30 and I will be leaving the office by 5:30. I've got to have some me time (as Debbie said), so I can move on or down! (I really liked that Debbie)

Debbie: I hope your knee feels better soon. It's smart to take a break when things are flared up like that.

Hevron: I know that exercise keeps me motivated. Let us know what "Smart Meal" you had and how it went.

Back to work for me ladies.
Susie

Smart Ones was yummy!
 

Hi all! Doing pretty good today. Before lunch, I walked at work for about 15-20 mins and will do water aerobics tonight. I'm back on the wagon, kids! Had a Smart Ones for lunch and it was yummy! :eating2: It was Chicken Parmesan - 300 cals, 670mg sodium, 32g carbs, 10g sugars, 20g protein. I'm a big fan (no pun intended) of Lean Cuisines, but can't wait to expand my selection.

Jodi: Thanx for the tip on Smart Ones. I think I'll be trying more of them!

Susie: Go ahead a spoil yourself with some ME time. You deserve it! I'm finding that this forum helps me stay motivated, too.

Debbie: I've always heard that to deny yourself completely may put you in a binge mode later on, so it's OK to treat yourself once in awhile - just don't go overboard! I know how that is with chocolate, believe me...

Holly: So is school back in session yet? Time for WATP! I really like those workouts.

Sue: When is your next weigh-in? Be sure you give us the good report.

Everyone else, be encouraged! You can do this! Just join in and give us the scoop so we can support you. Take care all.

Hello Everyone!

Everyone sounds great! Lots of exercising, OP and fun! I am doing great, go to WW tonight, for my official WI. Hope to do well with it, I feel my clothes getting looser, but not sure if I have lost this week. We will see.

Chat at cha in full tomorrow!

Have a great evening all.

Annie

I am almost too good at what I do. Now I am pooping my pants.

SO, I pitched Avon catalogue sales to the local playschool for fundraising. They said great( used to do regal) .I will earn 10% to cover my expenses and they will earn 30%.The sales count towards my total which will put me into President club and I will earn bonuses and get free product etc. I have 20 families buying and selling for me now.
Breathe!! Exciting and scary.
I also have 3 more people potentially on the hook for leadership.I could earn a $200 bonus. Yowza.
Our grocery order came yesterday. the “boys” moved our 2nd freezer to the basement from the shed. Very nice. Canned goods go on shelves in the basement and dry good go on shelves in the laundry room. I still need to truck the cans downstairs. Good exercise.
Tonight is my TV night. Canadian Idol and Tommy Lee. My Avon order goes in at 10 pm. I did 25 calls yesterday and received 8 more orders.
School council meeting was great last night.
Tomorrow night I go to the bulk store and do Grandma’s perm. She has had an infection and is on antibiotics. They make her really sick. She says she is feeling better now.
8 kids today. My helper is coming.
The house is pretty tidy. Lots of laundry to get started today.
Okay, soy shake and face the day!!

Have a profitable day! LOL!

( I will try for personals later, consider yourself boosted up and well hugged)

Hi guys,

I just joined and am very excited to "meet" all these wonderful women who are working hard to get fit. Getting under 200 pounds is my mini-goal. I need to lose more than that, but don't really have an ultimate goal yet ... I just wanna see a 1 as the first number on the scale! ;)

Like many of you, I am a yo-yo dieter. Lost 30 pounds last year and regained almost (but not quite) all. I felt SO good just down 30 pounds, I can't imagine how it will feel to be down 50 or 75 or 100 .... but I am determined to get there.

My husband, who is also losing, and I made a commitment to eat organic. We made major changes to our diet last year (which we have stuck to ... but too many treats and too much dining out has crept back in). I just planted a fall garden so we can grow some of our own veggies. We switched to whole grain bread --- I often make my own, and even use whole wheat pastry flour for ALL my baking. We rarely eat rice, pasta, or potatoes. We eat a lot of fish and lean cuts of meat (we even switched from ground beef to ground bison, which is MUCH lower in fat and cholesterol, and tastes great). I don't use artificial sweeteners, except in my soft drinks, to which I remain addicted. :^:

We're also working out regularly. It really helps to have a buddy. And this community is terrific, too! I really love reading about other people's ideas, struggles, and successes; and I love the tracking bar (so cute).

Anyway, hello, I'm here, and I look forward to getting to know you guys. :)

BBD

Good Morning, Good Morning!!

Happy Tuesday all....last night at WW my WI was down 1 lb. I was hoping for more, wanted to be a total of 20, I will take 19.2 and shoot for the 20 lb loss next week.

Holly - you rock with Avon, I think you found 'one' of your niches!

A big welcome to BBD. This is a great group of women and you will love it here.

Heather - glad to hear you are doing so well. You are on the right road to a better, healthier body!

Hello to all I missed, gotta make this speedy, work is overwhelming right now. One day at a time, one project at a time.

(((HUGS)))

Annie

Hi Everyone.
I finally made it home from my folks. We had a great week and were healthy. They are selling their house so I worked with them on doing home repairs and cleanup. Hard labor is definately good for the soul and the diet. I couldn't wait to weigh in when I got home and I lost 2 lbs while I was away! I should have waited until the morning but I was excited.
Everyone here sounds like they are doing great and really coming along with their goals. It is very motivating to visit and read all of the inspiring posts.
Have a great day, ladies.
Sue

Good evening everyone,
I've had a good day.
Knee Is feeling better so I made it to curves today.
I picked up my new glasses, then saw how much smaller the frame is. My old glasses hide my brows so they had gone native on me. I stopped and got them waxed. They sure look better.
B- yogurt and applesauce
S- 1 tbs peanut butter eaten off the spoon (I might get old but I refuse to grow up)
L- 1 c spaghetti w/ meatsauce
salad w/ ff dressing
D- grilled chicken sandwich, dry

Suzy and Annie: CONGRATS!!! :) Ya'll really are doing great. (((HUGS)))

Bluebonnet: Welcome, It is great to have a fellow Texan here. You will love this site. Everyone here is very supportive and always full of great ideas.
It's great you can get your hubby to join you. Mine tries for a few days then mostly just goes back to his old habits.
I'll talk to ya'll tomorrow I just had someone drop by. later

Hello…I am still here, been reading but not posting….just haven’t felt like I had that much to add to anything. Went to visit some relative and had a good time, then came back and started back to work for the school year…..school started here last week, today was the 4th day, and all I hear is the catastrophes and problems, everyone wants me there RIGHT NOW! And I am feeling torn to pieces and ineffective at my job……I want to just scream at them all….. “IT HAS ONLY BEEN 4 DAYS!!!!” These kids have been away from school and routines for nearly 3 months and you can’t expect them to just be ready to go right away! I work with middle and high school teachers who teach students with severe disabilities……it takes awhile for them all to get back into the swing of things! Anyway…..it will get better, it always does, but this year I was hoping for a smoother start!

As far as ME! Doing fine….TRYING to get to exercise…..either the Y or just a nice long walk outside, but if I don’t get it done right after work, it gets put aside…..I need to try for at least 3 times during the week and then the weekends. Eating has been great too….still the scale does not move….so I am not feeling as motivated as I have been, but not giving up either….just staying the course because right now that is easy and I don’t need anymore stress…..so it goes……

I will try to post from time to time!
Lilybutt

Good Morning Ladies.........

Had a great day yesterday, am planning on walking today. WW is the best and I still love it.

I am feeling really sad for the Katrina victims down south. The interviews with people actually make me cry for them. The area in New Orleans is so poor, then all that happens, they literally have nothing. The entire city is under water. Prayers are definately need for them.

Work has been crazy and a bit overwhelming, but doable. My days fly by. LilyB, hope things smooth out for you and get more under control.

Have a simply marvelous day!

(((HUGS TO ALL)))

Annie

Good Moring Chicks. A more peaceful moring so far!! A bit of me time!!
Just had a nice hot in vigorating shower.
3 more days of 8 kids!!! A 3 day weekend coming up!!! A new lighter routine starts on Tuesday!!!!
The gal who worked for my business is getting married on Saturday evening.
We are going to have a few friends over for a potluck on Sunday.
I have been reading The DaVinci Code for our book club that meets next week.An enjoyable read. Very fast paced.I am liking all the historical imagery.
I got my Avon order in last night. Now I get a week long breather til the order comes in and then it will be about delivering product and doing a catalogue blitz.
My Dad has been emailing. Makes me happy.
Food has been pretty good. I am liking the soy shake. It is creamy. I crave creamy.I seem to feel full longer too.
I weigh in tonight. I am going to do Grandma’s perm tonight. It will be nice to be away from home without kids.
I am very weary. I had an 8 hour sleep and woke tired and achey.

I made an apple crisp last night with early apples. The kids thought they were too sour.
Hevron~congrats on being back on the wagon!!! I like aquafit hope it was a good work out.
Annie~ You are my hero!! Look at ya go!!! who is that slim chick??
BBD~ Nice to meet you. I try very hard to eat as naturally as possible. Sometimes the food has higher fat/calories but it is more "whole". Congrats on the lifestyle change.
Suzi~I LOVE hard work !! It IS good for the soul.
Deb~glad the knee is feeling better. Nice work out!! LOL about the native eyebrows. Pretty soon my legs will be too. Another plus of cooler weather!!
Lilybutt~work sounds chaotic. Breathe!!
Susie~ HI!!!!
Where are Girlie and Jody???? HUH?? and Spores??? Come and visit!!!!

HUGS!!

It's just those darn snacks
 

Today I'm struggling a bit w/snacks. Remember those yummy chocolates I told you my co-worker brought in for all of us to "enjoy"? They are simply CALLING MY NAME this morning! I always am craving chocolate anyway, so to have it so readily available is a dangerous thing.

We have a department picnic today - pitch-in. I plan to eat lots of fruits and vegetables so I can stay away from the dip, chips, brownies, etc. I did bring in a dip as well, but I used light sour cream and brought pretzels not chips. At least they are lower in fat, I guess.

Tonight is another water aerobics class. Had to do my "own" on Monday night; couldn't stay for the class. But once I learned some major moves, I was able to get a pretty good workout on my own! Glad to hear everyone is doing well. I also feel so sad for the hurricane victims in Louisiana and Mississippi - some of those areas are just flattened. Looks like it's going to be a very long road to recovery.

Just Wi At Work.
Down 3 Lbs.
Gotta Go

Hi Ladies. I can't apologize enough because I feel so guilty from being gone for so long.

Holly:
I thank you so much for still sending me a shout-out...it's like you have hope for me! *hug*

Ladies, I haven't been to the gym since shortly after vacation in June. Summer is a terrible time for me to try to get to the gym. I think I just get self conscious, the gym is humid and I get extra sweaty and whatever other reason I can think of. The fall and winter are good times and I tend to go pretty consistently. I planned to go back Monday night actually...but we got bad news...

My nephew went to the doctor Monday and was rushed to the St. Jude hospital here for tests. Turns out he's got leukemia, and they are leaving tomorrow for the Memphis St. Jude Center for 2-3 months of treatment. It's very sad. So we've been going to the hospital after I get home from work to see the little guy. He's 4. He has a 7 year old brother and a 1.5 year old brother who my husband and I will help take care of since the parents will be gone for a week. The dad will be back in a week to go back to work, and then head back down there every couple of weeks or so. It will be a tough next few months. Hope he's back by Thanksgiving...or at least for Christmas!

It sucks for my sister in law. She just turned 30 on Sunday...and her oldest turned 7 on Sunday as well. She's got so many burdens to bear - the 7 year old has a heart problem and has already had 2 open heart surgeries, one at 2 weeks old and one at 2 months old...and they are saying he will be lucky to live through his teens...and that he'll probably need a valve replacement surgery by the time he is 10.

The younger one had a heck of a time coming into the world - she didn't get to hold him for 2 days...and they thought he'd have a deformed head due to his skull plates not fusing...but he's okay now.

And she's just been diagnosed with a disease herself that makes her exhausted and nauseous...and her instructions from the doctor are to "take it easy" and "sleep".

So...it's crazy.

But a good affirmation for me trying to be healthy as can be and be strong while I have the strength to do it.

So anyway, I'll try to post more often. I'll probably ask questions about kids since we'll be taking care of the kids for a week. The 7 year old is pretty self sufficient, just whiny...but the 1.5 year old is a momma's boy and will cry for a week straight without his mom....

Girlie

Welcome back, Girlie!
 

Hey, just let me encourage you and tell you that I will be praying for healing in your family. God can provide a miracle and heal all of those little guys! I believe it and we'll call it done. Stay encouraged!

Ditto what Hevron said!! Healing prayers.

Girlie- My heart and my prayers go out to you and your family. What a difficult time for all of you. I pray that everything ends up all right. It is a great goal to try to make yourself healthy and strong for your family.

Heather- Congrats on bringing healthy snacks for the picnic and water arobics sounds like a blast. I just got the 1 mile watp tape to do in addition to the 2-3 10-15 minute walks with the dog per day. It is by no means a workout but it is something right now. I struggled with snacks today also. I made a healthy low cal, low carb turkey wrap for lunch but then the Goldfish got me. I ate a lot of the little suckers, lol. It have been much worse. Dinner is chicken cutlet and salad. You are doing great!

Debbie- Holy Toledo! Congrats on the 3 pounds. That makes 11 in 2 weeks!! Woohoo!! You are going gangbusters. Keep up the great work. You inspire me.

Holly- You are always on the go. You tire me out. I make shakes with fresh or frozen berries, fat free yogurt, skim milk, ice, and splenda (if needed). They fill me up and feel like a real treat. Sometimes I make them for dessert. Sounds like you are doing well. I hope weigh in goes well.

Annie- Keep up the great job. You inspire me too. Congrats on the 1 pound loss. Don't get discouraged, it will catch up eventually. I can't even watch the news. As soon as it comes on I have to turn it off. I was the same with the tsunami and as a NYer I will never get over 9/11. I absolutely hate to see anyone suffering.

Lily- I hope the job stuff settles down for you. Glad to hear that you can stay op with all of that stress! Shaking up your program a little may help the scale move. Stick around for the support; it does help.

BBD- Welcome. I really admire your commitment to the healthy lifestyle and what terrific changes you've made in your life. You will get to the ones in no time! I haven't gone as far as you have but I have switched to only whole grains (no white) and the difference in energy is amazing. Even w/o losing weight I feel much better staying away from the energy sucking white stuff. Glad you are here.

Susie- How are you doing? Did you get your new car? How is your commitment to more "me" time working for you?

Anyone I Missed- I hope all is going well.

I am hanging in there. Eating is good, exercise is moderate at best, water is great. I went to the doc today because my last urinalysis showed abnormally high levels of protein (there should be none). I have to see a nephrologist because it could be an indicator of kidney disease. I'm a little freaked out but I'll have to wait it out.

I guess I've gabbed enough here. I hope everyone has a great night.
Sue

Good evening everyone,
I really can't believe my loss. I know the scales are right because I weigh the same at curves. Only thing I can figure out is I am fairly competative.
I hate to be last at anything. I've really, really been trying. I'm sure the rate of loss will really slow down next week.
I got a late start this am and didn't make it to curves.
B- yogurt, applesauce
S- A few grapes
L- ww meal
s- 1/2 apple
d- ww meal, mustard greens, 1 slice ww bread.
s- a hot dog, plain no bun

Girlie: I send my prayer for your family. St Jude's work miracles everyday. Nephew is in excellent hands.
(((HUGS)))

Sue: I don't know why they can't make diet goldfish, I love them.
When my grandson was 2 I took him on a 900 mile trip to see my sister. I bought him some of the big flat goldfish for a snack and he refused to eat them but he made them swim everywhere. He played with them more than the toys I took him.

Heather: GOOD JOB !! avoiding the snacks. The water aerobics is something I would like to do. They have a class close but my plate is full right now.
maybe later.

Holly: Hi :). Do you do a fall garden?

Lily: Good to hear from you. Glad your doing well. :)

I agree I feel so sorry for the folks that Katrina ripped their lives apart.
I hope the recovery is not as long as they are predicting.

Hello Ladies........

Firstly, Girlie, my good thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Debbie - Wowser, way to go on the loss, you are on a roll, you rock!

Suzy - many things can make protein show in an urinalysis, here's to no kidney probs.

Hello to all.

I will be out of the office on Friday, taking dad for his pace maker surgery. Then out on the holiday Monday and on vacation Tuesday, therefore I will not be able to post till Wednesday next week. No puter at home. WI day is a holiday, so I will try to make it to WW another night next week. We will see how busy next week is.

Anyway, everyone have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, and Iwill chat at you on Wednesday.

Hugs to all. Stay focused and OP.

Annie

Hello all... I am 57!! single and a mom of two, a girl 33 and a son 26.. I been trying to get down under 200 for a long time, I am currently 230 and I belong to Tops... and work out in a gym.. so Linda, your not alone age wise, lots of us older gals to buddy with.... .India

Good Morning Ladies,
Annie- Good Luck with your Dad's surgery and have a great time off. Talk at you Wed.

Deb- Nothing wrong with a little competition among co-workers, lol. Whatever it is, keep it up. You are doing great. What a great menu.

I'm doing well. Had a light dinner to make up for all of the gold fish yesterday.
Sue

Good morning beautiful chicks!!!

This is my last day of 8 kids every day for 9 hours!!!!! Money well earned but yehaaaaaaa.

I did have a headache ALL day yesterday still. Hubby was particularily nice and rubbed my neck.We had lots of laughs. I laid on the floor on my back and watched TV awhile in the aft.
I went to decorate the baby room at church last night.
Kids came home at 7pm. Within 5 min DS was whining and complaining and stomping his feet. DH stepped right in and sat him out til my folks left and then we had a big family meeting. Both kids have had things taken away and we have laid out clear expectations. We have removed a bunch of privileges too.They will have to earn them back. DD is accepting it well. DS is hysterical. DH is off work so the timing is good. We will both be home for the next 4 days.
I had spaghetti for lunch and fruit for supper. That is how I used to eat when I was single. We had left overs so DH was on his own for supper. I took a looong bath.
No headache today. No plans. I am going to just the church to that wedding on Sat. DH is staying home with the kids. They consider it a party to have a sitter here. More tough love.
Hevron~how's it going today?
Girlie~ any updates. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie~ congrats on another big loss!!! I have perennial gardens, the older ones have something blooming every season. The new ones are getting there.
Right now I have blackeyed susans, fall lilies and rose of sharon bloomng. I have some mums next and then I have some shrubs that turn red in the fall.
Annie~Hope your Dad's surgery is "routine" and he heals quickly. Enjoy your time off work.
Welcome Indiacatz!
Suzy~ you are just rockin along!!!

I guess that is it for today.

Thoughts are with the folk in Louisiana.

Seems like it has been pretty quiet here lately. Probably just the long weekend. I am doing well with food, water, exercise could be better.

Holly- You sure do have your hands full all of the time. I don't know how you do it. Enjoy the lighter load with less kids to care for and have a great weekend. Sounds like you are doing well.

Hi India- Welcome aboard.

Have a great weekend everyone.
Sue

hi chicks i didn't totally disappear again. doing well so far just VERY busy. having a hard time getting the ME time i need. it will all come together though. long weekend for me and then the last little one in school on wednesday. then i can breathe and get used to the schedule. went to a family wedding last night very informal lots of fun. just puttering around most of the day today and then over to a friends for dinner this eve. found a new website this AM mypyramid.gov interesting. everyone sounds like they are doing well keep up the great work.

girlie- sending prayes for your family hope everythig works out

annie- prayers for your dad too let us know how he is. good job with WW keep it up girl!!

hevron- glad you like the smartones, keep resisting at work! you can do it!!!

holly- busy as usual! great job with avon! you sound like you are in a really great place right now!

debbie- you are rockin girl!! keep it going!

mychoice- i hope all goes well for you!!

lillibut- hi!

welcome to india and bluebonnet and everyone else. hope you all have a great day!!!

It's the WEEKEND!!!!!

Hello Jodster!! My youngest is in school on Wed too. HUGS!!
Hope everyone else is out enjoying the weekend!!

I slept til 8:30. I am feeling quite rested. I went to bed around 7pm to read. Almost done the DaVinvi Code for Book Club next Thurs. I must say I am enjoying it. Quite the epic tale.
No plans today til the wedding at 5 pm.
The tough love with the kids has been working out great. They are really thinking first before acting.DS had a couple of meltdowns but much more in control.
Yesterday was super happy. I had all 8 kids and then the new boy came with his Mom, DH was home and I had both teenage helpers here. It was beautiful weather. It was a great last day of summer vacation at the babysitters.
DH is a little miffed. Feeling rejected. I was just soooo tired and headachey last night, if you catch my drift. Sigh. I might have some sucking up to do today for the poor old goat.
I typed out my new 2 week baysitting rotation to see it on paper. It works out that every other Tues and Thurs I will have all the kids but most days it will be 4-6. Just right. I still may have my helper come after school some days.
Food a was a blur yesterday. Mybe now with a lighter load I can focus on me more.
I am feeling proud of myself for getting through the summer work load quite unscathed and and only minorly burned out.
I really want to putter in the garden today. It is sunny with a light breeze, 16C for now!!
I may move some shrubs.

Have a carefree, easy, breezy day!!

Hello Everyone,
I want to say Welcome to those who are new. This is a great board and we are glad to have you in the Race with us.

Girlie: I'm sorry to hear about the sickness in your family. I will pray for their health. My SIL was just diagonised with breast cancer (she has MS also), so I completely understand the fear and the hope against all hope feelings you are having. I'm sure the ladies here will help you with the questions about the children. Just remember to make time for yourself in all of this.

I just read through the posts. It seems like everyone is doing well for the most part and if there are some struggles you are taking a quick look at them, admitting them and planning ways to move on from them. That's the key I think.

I had a good week. I did find a lot of ME time. I just made a deal with myself that I would not leave for work until 7:30 a.m., and I would leave work by 5:30 p.m., no matter what. It really worked for me. I got a lot done and I had about 20 min in the mornings where I just would read a book, send an email, just something that I wanted to do. The same thing when I got home in the evenings. I had about 30 min and I used that time for just me, then I got on with the rest of the "have to's" for the rest of the evening.

I'm really enjoying the long holiday weekend. I cleaned my house a little each night (the Y was closed so instead of working out, I cleaned) and today I don't have to do any cleaning. I can just email, post, look through all my new magazines (I'm an addict when it comes to them; I think it's the glossy covers and so much promise of things inside).

I lost 3 lbs at TOPS this week. Back to where I started the year at...time to get get busy and get those scales in a downward fashion each week. I want to be at 229 by the end of the year. I'm at 246 now.

Hubby just said breakfast is ready, so I'll see you all later.

Love,
Susie

Hello,
The board is very quiet this weekend. I find that the weekends are the times that I can post regularly. That's the way it is, what works for some doesn't work for others and I think it's important to remember that as we work our own plans and race for that 199.

I woke up this morning and went on a 2 mile walk and did some ab work. It felt great to get up and move. I just woke up from my nap (I love to nap on Sunday afternoons!) and I thought about getting me a snack that would tie me over until we get out of church this evening and go for dinner, but I asked myself if I was eating because I was hungry and the answer was no, I was eating in speculation of hunger..so I didn't have a snack. I decided to come and check out the board and my email. I feel like I won the victory for the day!

Hope everyone is having a great day as well. See you later.
Susie

Hi Everyone. Sheesh, it sure is quiet. I hope that means that everyone is have a great long weekend. I went to the doctor for my kidney issues and have to go through a bunch of tests. He suspects a few different kidney diseases that would explain the protein in my urine but nothing difinitive until all of the tests are done including a kidney biopsy. I'm a bit freaked out about it but I am keeping a positive attitude. We are having a quiet weekend at home doing some much needed yardwork and home repair. Things fall apart quick when things get busy for us at work. My eating has been about 50/50. Yesterday was a real lazy day for me. One of the new medications that the doctor prescribed knocked me for a loop but I managed to eat just fine all day. Today has been much better. Water (seltzer) is always great and exercise is also 50/50. Today I worked hard. I fear a gain this week though. I have until Wed. to really buckle down. Stress and goldfish... not a great combo. The good thing for me is that I haven't been putting too much pressure on myself to be the perfect dieter and I haven't been beating myself up. There was a time when I was merciless to myself in that way. That is real progree for me.

Susie- It is great to hear from you. I was wondering where you were. CONGRATS ON THE 3 POUNDS!!! WOOHOO!!!
I was wondering if you got your new car and what you got. There is nothing like a new car.

I hope eveyone is having a great weekend.
Sue

Hi gals,
Saturdays news~A perfectly dreamy day.
I had coffee out on my porch swing, journalled and DH made breaky. I got right out into the yard. It was 22C(74F), a crisp blue sky with big fluffy clouds, no trucks, kids swinging happily, Hubby splitting wood in the shed. I dug a new 8 ft bed and moved 3 3 year old shrubs from the back to the front south side, watered and mulched them. A sparrow bathed in the sprinkler.
I took a break on my swing, chugged lots o water and closed eyes and felt the sun on my face. I had a rockin steamy hot shower and headed out to the wedding.I was sooo excited to see S(the bride).
She and her bro(M) had the worst childhood ever.They had lived on their own since he was 14, she was 16. At 18 and 20 I gave them jobs in my company and they just blossomed. She is now a nurse and her bro is a head chef. He catered the wedding. It is hard to believe they are 30 and 32 now.
It was just so warm and fuzzy to see them. I got home at 8:30 and hubby went to a party with the “old guys” back in the bush.
I cuddled with my babies and they went to bed without a hitch. They had cleaned up all the toys to surprise me!!!!
I loved that!!
I just went out and picked mint out of the garden for some tea and tingled from head to toe with sheer bliss. What an incredible blessed life I have.
I just had a lighthearted online chat with a friend from BC .
Oh happy sigh.
We are having a few families over for a BBQ tomorrow. Another happy sigh.

Happy. Happy. Happy!!!!!

happy....happy

Sunday's news~ Pretty darn dreamy too.
Had coffee out on my porch swing. Did a power clean through the house. We had 6 families for the potluck 11 kids racing about.It was a real mixed up gang from hither and yon so the conversation was great. Dinner was yummy. We had a campfire.
I just settled in and ate some pie, oops!
Very tired today. Looking forward to a light load tomorrow. Just DS's laundry to do for back to school.

Big happy YAWN!! No more PIE!!

A Day of rest....REALLY!!
Everyone was gone by 10pm. Our kids were wiped down and tossed into bed. DH was asleep in seconds. I read mags til midnight in my CLEAN house.
I slept in til 9:30 am!!!!!!!!!!!!! Decadence.
I just made back bacon and eggs for breaky. I had small portions. I was hankerin for pie for breaky but didn’t do it. Jumble berry pie! MMMMM! DH better eat it quick.
The tough love has been great with the kids. Yesterday was geat with DS only one conflict and he was equally matched.He handled the discipline with grace. Yeah DS!!
He is calm today and excited about school tomorrow.
My new boy starts tomorrow too. He is a high energy kids who gets labeled but is really a sweety. A lot like my son. He was at the same sitter since he was 6 months and the sitter didn’t like him or the parents. Can you imagine all that negative energy. The poor kid. He was getting sick to his tummy when he had to go there. He is a perfect playmate for my son and then DS wont bug the other kids here as much. A win win situation.
They were here yesterday and the Dad got all choked up telling me how happy he was for his son to be here.
I have to do 3 loads of wash today and get the kitchen organized for packing lunches again.
I WILL eat clean all day.

My focus this week is to get organized for canning. I am 3 weeks behind but I will still be able to get some peaches, tomatoes and cucs.I skipped blueberries.
My Avon order comes in tomorrow moring as well. I will have 18 orders to pack and deliver.It is like Christmas every 3 weeks here.
110 Days

14 Hours

18 Minutes ... til Christmas.

It is 10:42 and I haven’t cleaned a darn thing!!!!! No one has whined at me either. Gosh, I am easy to please.
it is a perfect 17C, 64F!!! Sun is shining and a light breeze!

Oh,I need to make 1 more SS schedule. Piece of cake. Or Jumble berry pie.

Have a glorious holiday Monday you north american chicks. Happy day to everyone !!!!

Hello Everyone,
It's been a lazy day here. Slept late...laid in bed and read for about an hour after I got up.

Paid some bills this morning. Starting to plan the packing list for the trip. We are leaving on Wed morning for a few days in Nashville.

I'm meeting my workout partner for a walk in about an hour.

That's how the day is going. Doing well with the food and since the exercise is planned.

Sue: You asked about my car. I got a new one a week ago. It's a 2006 Hyundia Sonneta...I love it! It's white with a moon/sun roof, beige interior...very classy looking.

Well..I must go get some clothes out of the dryer.

Susie

Hello all,

Well the long weekend is over and for some reason I am kind of depressed about it…..I guess it is back to work tomorrow and no real break no until Thanksgiving. I get this way every year…I will go to work tomorrow and get busy and be ready to go again!

Didn’t do tooooooo bad this weekend, didn’t count calories like I do every other day, but I was pretty good, just watched it and didn’t stress…..so on to a new goal!!!!

Better get ready for work!
Lilybutt

Good morning everyone,
Sorry I was MIA all weekend. It was DH 4 day w-end. He is all consuming...LOL. He's off every other w-end, and every 10 weeks he's off for a 4 day w-end. We eat out a lot then. I have very little self control then. I've really been trying hard. What I'm getting to is I had a bad food w-end. I WI tonite at curves so we will see how much damage I've done.
I did buy some new jeans the next size smaller. I'm now in a 24 and they aren't tight.

Holly: Your w-end sound dreamy. You live your life to the fullest. :).

Lily: HI :)


Susie: CONGRTS!! :) FANTASTIC LOSS.
3lbs gone forever.

Jodi: I'm glad you stopped in. We really enjoy hearing from you. Sound like all is going well. (((HUGS)))

I better go they are wanting me to start b-fast. I love my men. Both DS's can cook and fend for themselves but DH is totally clueless in the kitchen.

Everyone have a bless day.