Melissa, thanks for the link! Wow! You look great. I can REALLY tell the difference in the side and back view pictures. You carry your weight very well - even in the "before" pictures. Keep up the great work!

Hey Bonnie :) Trissie sounds like a very well loved family member and any family member in good standing deserves a grad celebration like that. Bring on the steak!!!! Please let us know how the party goes :D. Sounds like a ton of fun.

Hopefull I'll be going to see Leanne tonight to get a bit of girl time. I need a little recharge away from the kids. We shall see though as dh has not signed onto the plan yet...

Hugs gals and I'll check in later!!

Gosh girls, life is crazy here. But I had to check in and say "hi". Keep up the good work, look at all these lbs we're losin'!!!!!

The Biggest SOUTHERN Losers..
 

we're the biggest losers, so where's our 100K? that would come in handy being that eating healthy seems to cost more than not eatin' healthy. hahah yesyesss, keep up the good worrk everyone!!! :D

Hi
 

Good morning everyone, Hope today is a wonderful day for you! A lot of it is how we make it. So make it a good one.

Bonnie, I had to laugh at the dogs Birthday Party! I thought we were the only ones who did that! We have a little Shih Tsu and we have a party for him every year. We don't get That elaborate, but he always has his birthday cake with candles and we sing the birthday song to him. And he always gets a gift.

Sara, Hope you and Leanne had a nice girl chat. It is good for the soul! And helps bring things back into focus.

Melissa, You are doing so well. You are an inspiration.

Curley Locks, We all go through that phase where that darned scale needle just doesn't move. It's frustrating but it does start again. And yeah, your body is probally just adjusting.

Kerry, My prayers are with you Honey. Wish we could all be there with a big group hug! But we will all be here to celebrate with you when you become pregnant.

It's a cold day here in Michigan. That heat is finally gone and now I will start complaing about the cold!

Have a good day, Freda

Kerry, I'm thinking of you a lot lately, praying for your little miracle. I have a close friend going through the same struggles and you and I know what a heart break it can be.

What are you Favorite Jeans because I have one pair left that fit and they are starting to fall off my hips. HELP! I gotta go jean shopping!

Thanks Melissa & Freda :) It is so good to know that there are many little prayers going out for us. I'm on my third day of Clomid. Things are a little emotional around our house. DH is struggling with some family issues apart from our own infertility at home and stressed about school. I think we're still a bit shell shocked that we're on this long road. Hopefully it'll be short and we'll get pregnant right away!

Melissa - There are so many women I've come to learn of that are dealing with infertility issues in our generation. Many of us waited when we shouldn't have or didn't even think about those organs until we wanted to use them. :p I've probably had high estrogen my whole life. . . explains why I'm such a BIG *B* sometimes. ;)

I have lost a pound though. :) I think it was just TOM passing though.

I Love OLD NAVY Jeans!!!!

I'm a big fan of Old Navy too. ;)

oh and get them on ebay.. I get 2 pairs for $11 sometimes!!

Long time no see Ladies! I'm sorry, it seems I am only logging on about once a week or so. That's so annoying! I will try to do better!

I have read through alot of the pages I missed but not all of them yet. I hope that everyone is continuing to do well!

Kerry - I will definately be praying for a little miracle to come your way! Please do keep us posted.

Melissa - thanks for sharind your pictures! I think that I need to take some more too so I can see my progress! As far as the jeans, for some reason I really like the LEI brand jeans. Although now all my fave pairs and quite saggy in the bum! Definately a good thing. I am saving them for my sis and preparing to start looking for something new, that fits. Atleast ONE pair! LOL!

I haven't seen Sara all week :( I hate that. We did get to spend a good bit of time together both saturday and sunday and that was really nice! I hope that we will get a lil more time together this week, even if we have to wait till the weekend. Re-grouping with her really helped get my frame of mind back in tact last weekend.

Well, from me, Sara, and Sis, none of us have gained and we are all steadily losing so this is good. Even if progress is slow, its still progress!!

Today I had my first epidural for my back. ACK! Not the most pleasant thing but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I have a good bit of lower back pain right now but it should subside in a day or two they say.

Well, I am going back to read over what I missed in the last week or two so you ladies have a wonderful night and I will check back in soon! :D

hi
 

Hi Every one, I had to work yesterday so i'm just taking an "off" day today. I thought about just hanging out in my pj's all day but that might be a little too much down time. I did lay on the couch and read a couple of hours this morning, couldn't get going. I worked Fri., Sat., Sunday and then babysit monday and tuesday and worked Wed. So i'm beat! I know I should try to get some kind of exercise but I just don't have the energy.

Jeans, I love Levi's and Gap.

Leanne, I have to make an appointment to get another epidural too. My back is killing me again. I've had good experiences and bad ones with the procedure and really dread it. It's all in the skill of the anetheologist. Hope you feel better soon. When is your next one? some Dr.s like to wait awhile in between but my last Dr. gave them a week apart.

Take care all, Freda

Jeans?
 

Gosh Guys, I don't know from jeans. I haven't worn them for many years!

I think that you all are just going to have to put up with me even if it is a bit of a strange fit, because I don't think that there is a forum out there for old lady computer geeks who need to lose weight :lol:

Once that I got really hooked [after age 65] and I started learning linux and posting questions in forums, most of the answers seemed to come from teenaged boys :D Probably skinny teenaged boys :smug:

Kerry, I thought that each of my 3 babies was a miracle, and I hope that a miracle or two is heading your way! :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

zoey

Freda - my back is feeling much better today. Only a little sore now. I haven't done much walking or standing yet to tell if it has helped my leg pain at all...I should be able to get some walking in sometime tomorrow and tell. I was really dreading the entire thing and tho it was uncomfortable and I would rather not do ANYTHING with needles, it wasn't too bad. Some peoples stories scared the living poo outta me but it really wasn't that bad. It will be about a month before I have my next one from what I understand. I hope that your back feels better soon!!

Hi, Where is everyone? I miss hearing from everyone!

I hope you are feeling much better now after the epidural injections. They do usually help me, but I am one of the unfortunate ones who had bad injections. Not looking forward to geting them again, but if all else fails, I know I will.

I'm working hard trying to keep on my diet. Some days are good, some not so good. It's an uphill battle but I keep climbing.

Have a good day, Freda

Hey there everyone :)!

Morning Freda!!

Sorry I have not been around much this past week. Had a busy week and weekend but have stayed on plan for the most part. I am hoping to see a change on my scale when I weigh later this week. I got some good walking in yesterday and got a lot of cleaning done on Friday so I have been a bit more active the last few days :). Today I am going to get some yard stuff started so that we can mow the lawn this evening. I also have to pack 2 boxes and take them to the post office to get the rest of the candles out the door. I gotta figure out how to get them in with the 2 boys. I think I need 2 more arms than I have!!

I am still behind overall on my exercise goals for October. I have plantar fasciitis and my heels have been hurting very badly lately. I have looked up some stretches and exercises to help it this weekend and I'm gonna see if it helps. It always seems like once I take care of one ailment another takes the #1 spot :(. My feet have been hurting since April though so it's not a new problem. I guess I was just hoping it was nothing and that it would just go away.

I will shug on though and do the best I can. I am still working on a goal of 20 lbs down before my dh's christmas party. I've gotta get this booty moving!!

Hugs-n-love!!!!

help needed
 

I haven't been around too much lately. *sigh*

I've been going through a "not caring" time the last couple of weeks. I think that's one of my biggest obsticles to wait loss. When I'm on track, I do well. The problem is, I'll go through a couple of weeks where I just don't care. I have no desire to eat well, exersize, etc. If you mention eating well, I just shrug it off.

Do y'all have this problem? How do I deal with it? How do I prevent it?

Good morning everyone, It's a beautiful, if cool, day here in Michigan. I love this kind of weather. It's so easy to getoutside and exercise. And I know that winter is comming soon and I better make the best of it! Soon I will be inside walking on the treadmill and doing tapes. What is everyone elses plans for the winter?

Ruby, I think we all go through those times. Do you recally what brought it on? Some times you can pin point a reason. Was your weight loss at a stand still? Going through some difficult times? Try to figure out what happened. I try to just make plans and goals. And remember, 2 weeks does not a diet make or break! If you start feeling that way again, let us know! That's what we're here for.

Sarah, How is your heel problem? Is it something that you will have to see a Dr. for or something that will go away? You still have time to lose that weight before the party, so get going girl!

Have a good day, Freda

Well, I survived my son's birthday slumber party. We had 7 kids at Chuck E. Cheese for a few hours and then came home for cake and ice cream, presents, and a VERY long all nighter! It was fun though and the kids loved it all so that is all that matters. I didn't do much more than sleep from Saturday afternoon to the end of Sunday!.

Melissa, I tried on a pair of Seven jeans not long ago and really, really liked them. They are a little pricey so I didn't buy them. But once I reach my goal I am definately going to splurge on a pair because I loved the fit. I also like St. Johns Bay jeans from JC Penney. But, I like those because they are the only petite length jeans that I've ever found that are just right. You probably don't have that problem at your height!

Ruby, I get like that too. I was incredibly diligent up until recently. The closer I get to my goal weight the more often I find myself relaxing my plan. I'm very careful not to let it get out of hand though. I don't think of it as a bad thing, though. Instead, I consider it practice for maintaining once I do reach my goal. Typically, though, I am still eating healthily but with more than usual treats plus I tend to slack off on exercising. I'm not as frantic over the number on the scale anymore so I don't necessarily need to see it go down EVERY week. I think I'm at a stage where my brain is trying to catch up with my body. I'm not 100% happy with my body but I'm not unhappy with it either. So, while I still have a ways to go I'm okay with taking my time from here on out. Well, this week anyway. It seems that about once a month or so I catch myself saying, "okay - buckle down and get this over with!"

Boredom eating is a big issue of mine but I think I've found a solution. I went and bought a couple of 500 piece jigsaw puzzles. It is perfect for keeping my mind and hands occupied when the munchies hit. But, it is an easy enough project to walk away from at the drop of a hat. I don't have to worry about getting to a good stopping point if the kids need me or if we have a schedule to keep. Between 2:00 and 4:00 and then again late night are real trigger times for me and having something else to focus on has been a lifesaver. I wish I'd thought of this 9 months ago!

We are off to the park before the weather gets too warm. I hope everyone has a successful day!

Everyone came back! Good deal. I have been working on resisting dh's birthday cake and getting out to walk every day, and I guess that I am losing, but it is very slow.

No I'm Sweet Tea and Freda, I hope that your backs are ok. I had the steroid injections 5 or 6 years ago, but they didn't help. Turned out that it was spinal stenosis, so I had to have surgery in order to give the nerves some more room. That did help.

zoey

hey girls

guess what i found at the thrift store? a pair of old navy bib jeans for 2$ woo hoo! tho they look kinda small.. but i'll get in em.... maybe not this week but.................... soon!

curlylocks, don't you just love finding a great deal? I'm pretty new to the thrift shop scene. I always just expected it to be a lot of junk. But my sister is an interior designer and every time I comment on something awesome in her house she'd say, "$5.00 at the Salvation Army Store." Finally, I caught on and went with her. I couldn't believe all of the stuff I found. Don't even get me started on garage sales!

I'm feeling in control of my eating and I've gone to the gym every day this week. This is a tough time of year for me because of all the birthdays, school functions, etc. that are going on. Not to mention that this when people start coming home with coughs and fevers. I get out of my usual routine and have to make a real effort to stay on track. I tend to stop paying attention if I'm not careful.

I hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Tricia

oooooooo and guess what ?? they fit .. well they are skin tight, but i can button em.. i would guess @ 10 more lbs and i will be wearin them.. wow when i looked at them i didnt think i could even get a leg in them!!!

Good morning everyone, Glad to see you back! I have been eating good for a few day but worked again yesterday, ate good all day, got home stressed and ate everything I could get my hands on! But, i'm back up and running today. I walked to the library with my bag full of books and then back again. About 2 1/2 miles.

Curley locks, WAY TO GO! Isn't it nice to find something you really want at such a good price? And since you only have a few pounds to go before they fit nicely, a good incentive to continue to lose weight!

Jawsmom, I love going to thrift stores, including the Salvation Army. You can really get some great buys. I found out that my local T.J. maxx dontes clothes there! So do a lot of other stores. And my son and DIL donate clothes all the time. all name brand and in great condition! So you can pick up some nice things cheap. Especially when you're in transition sizes and don't want to spend a lot untill you reacy your goal. And Garage sales, love em!!! I babysit 2 days a week and have to keep toys for the kids here. I pick up most of them at garage sales. Especially kids books. I bought the whole Dr. Sues set for 5.oo. And you know how much books cost!

Zoey, Thanks for the concern. My back isn't any better. I made an apointment with the Dr. today. I hate going to the Dr. don't you? He probally hates to see me come in to. I usually just say "this is what I want". I know that would drive me crazy. I have to get through my Grandson's birthday next week too! And it's at my house. I am just going to send everything home with the kids. We're haveing 11 little boys! It will probally take me a week to clean up after them, if they don't wreck the house.
They gave him a choice between Jeepers or a house party with the guy comming in that brings animals. Had to have an aligator at home!!!!!! I can't wait!

Hey everyone!

Zoey - thanks for your concern! I am feeling amazingly great since that epidural. I really wasn't expecting it to help I guess but it really has. I am able to walk practically pain free. My sister and Sara were both amazed! I know its only temporary but I am hoping with the continued weightloss that it will be enough to get me through this problem!

Freda - I'm sorry to hear that your back is giving you so much trouble. I hope that you are able to get some help from your doctor. Please keep us posted on what is going on and good luck getting through your grandsons birthday!

Speaking of jeans girls - I bought TWO new pairs last weekend! And guess what?? Turns out that I went DOWN TWO SIZES!!! I was amazed! It feels great! I hope that I can keep it up. I would like to lose another 5 lbs before going to Texas in November but that may be a lil too much to ask for in only 3 weeks! I can work towards it tho, right! :D

This weekend I am going to my dads. Sara is going to her moms so I will get to spend some time with her and her family since we are from the same hometown :) I am looking forward to a few days away from everything at my dads. Should be a nice weekend :)

Good morning everyone! :)

Freda......Wow! Eleven little boys :dizzy: . Good luck! Yeah, I have a tendency to go in and tell the doctor what I want and the scary thing is, he usually gives it to me. I would much prefer to just not go in at all. :lol:

No, I'm Sweet Tea.... Glad to hear that the injections are helping. :) Down two sizes! That is wonderful! :)

Curly...... Those new jeans will fit well before you know it. :D

zoey

Where is everyone? I miss seeing posts from all of you! Please don't let our little group die from lack of interest!
Freda

Do you all have Hudson's in your areas? It is a salvage store that gets shipments from all different kinds of stores (out of business, overstocked stores, etc.). It is one of those places that you have to hit at just the right time but, if you do, you can get some great buys. Well, my husband has been telling me that they had a shipment of women's clothing that I needed to check out but I've been putting it off. Well, I went last night and am I glad I did! They had tons of stuff from J.Crew, American Eagle, Ralph Lauren, etc. most at 70% off. I got a $150 leather skirt for less than $60. Not that I have anywhere to wear a leather skirt, but hey, you never know what might come up! I ended up with 3 sweaters, a couple of tank tops, two skirts, two jackets, and a pair of pants for about $175.00. I'm really excited. It has been a long time since I bought new clothes that I felt good about. For the longest time I've pretty much had to shop for what would fit me - style was secondary. Plus, it is hard not to still think of myself as fat so new clothes help me recognize and accept the size I am now.

I'm eating fine these days but have got to start getting in more exercise. It has gotten pretty cold and that makes it hard, hard, hard to get out from under the covers in the mornings. I keep thinking that I'll get to an aerobics class later in the day and then don't. Hmmm, I'm starting to remember why I began going to the gym at the crack of dawn in the first place!

How is everyone else doing
Ruby, have you gotten yourself back on track? I know you were struggling a bit a week or so ago.

Freda, have you had the party yet? Hope those little boys didn't leave too much of a mess! Oh, and how is your back? You'd mentioned it wasn't much better last week. Any improvement?

Melissa, did you have any luck finding a pair of jeans you liked?

Bonnie, where are you?

I'm off to finish the bottomless pit of laundry I started this morning. Ugh. It just never ends. I miss summer when pretty much all I had to keep clean were our bathing suits!

Have a great day!

Hi Jaws mom, Isn't it wounderful to go buy new clothes that actually look good? I think we've all been there when all we had was "What would fit". We don't have a Hudsons here in Michigan. Actually, we did, but it turned into Neman Marcus, a high end clothing store. No bargains or discounts there! I rely on T.J.Maxx for my discount shopping. And Marshals.

It is getting cold and harder to get in the exercise. Do you have a treadmill or exercise equipment? I hate getting outside and it's hard to find the time. But, ever evening at 3 oclock me and Dr. Phill have a date. I hop on the treadmill and watch the show. Keeps me from being bored out of my mind just walking the treadmill and works up a good sweat. I do my weight lifting while watching a TV show too, sometime during the day when I can dig up another 1/2 hour. Sounds like I watch a lot of tv doesn't it? I do, today I watched Dora, Daisey, and Calou. I have my grandaughter here and it's cartoons or nothing.

Good for you for having your eating down pat. That is the hardest for me. I still do good one day, bad the next. what diet do you use?

Take care, Freda

Hey Girlies!! :) :carrot: Sorry about being MIA for a little while. I've only had time to check in and read a bit but not post much lately. Logan was teething (got first 2 teeth) and Beren was a very clingy and needy fellow all last week. Now Beren is sick and Logan is ok but clingy :). Such is life as a mom though so I can't complain. Love my boys and Julia to absolute pieces.

I have been basically pretty good on my eating lately. I did have a bad weekend this last weekend but I was at my moms house and she just has too much tempting good stuff. I did do much better than I would have done in the past though and I did not come home with a gain. This week my TOM showed up after being gone 16 months so I am hoping that this means that my hormones are leveling out after having the baby and breastfeeding. I've got my fingers crossed that I will see a loss after AF leaves this week. That would be a treat :).


Ugh -- forgot what time it was... gotta go pick up Julia at school!! i will come back later to finish my post. Hugs-n-Love to ya all!!!!

this is just a test cuz i couldn't get my little weight thingy thing to work.