:dancer: Go Angie:carrot: Go Angie :dancer: Wowzers, 20.5 lbs gone, that is SO FREAKIN' AWESOME!!! :cp: :high: :hug: Enjoy your party and remember, it's just food. :)

I've been getting into my mom's rum balls my self. That damn chocolatey, nutty, sugary, rummy goodness. They are evil I tell you, EVIL! :lol: I'm doing okay though, I've been walking a lot so I should be going in the right direction as far as weight goes :crossed:. I'm contemplating on whether to go and see those Motley Crue bikes or just finish up my Christmas shopping... we shall see.

Cal, I got your gift yesterday. Love the calendar, thank you! It's gonna replace last years one :) I love that AZ has such varied scenery. I would love to do a road trip one day. Maybe start from AZ then pick everyone up along the way. Cherie in OK, Kempy in LA, Julie in WI, Dips in NY and finally Angie in ME. That would be something.

Red, don't feel left out. Here's a :hug: and a :gift: ;). We're happy you can come here and chat with us. You bring a new and different perspective on things that makes you very interesting. If you PM me your mailing address I would gladly send you a card and maybe a little something from HI. Yes, the Crue were very popular in my middle and high school days. I believe both Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee have gotten inked in Japan. When I was younger I even wanted to get a Mighty Mouse tatt like Tommy :rolleyes:. Thank gawd I've grown out of that!

Kempy, did you see that new commercial on TV where a family is coming over to one house for Christmas and they each have a yellow lab puppy? Everytime they open the door someone says, "it's brother", or "sister's here". You think they're talking about the people arriving, but actually it's the dogs. So cute. When the people sit down for dinner, all the pups are lined up at their bowls eating too. That just totally made me think of Echo's pups.

Dips, where ya hiding at? Did ya get the gift I sent you? Just making sure that the post office didn't lose it in the middle of this holiday mayhem.

Cherie, are you and Hannah feeling much better? Hope you have a great weekend.

Julie, got any plans for the weekend? Enjoy it!

I gotta get moving and start my day. Chat later.

Brrrrrr!!!! It's 66 degrees this morning. I'm freezing my @ss. :shocksn:

Hello everyone,

I can't believe how busy I've been. We have one more week of school; our last day isn't until Dec 23. The kids have been just crazy. We do have different activities planned for the next week that should help them get rid of some of that energy.

I hope everyone likes the gifts. Unfortunately, with a teacher's salary, my choices to send are limited, but I will try to make up for it next summer.
My BIL has started going over with us what colors we should paint our house. Unfortunately, he can't do the Venetian plaster because he can't find the materials he needs here. What he has found is much more expensive than in Italy. At least we get the house painted. I'm glad for that.

We spent last week with the plumbers here because of a water leak that they couldn't find. It only took 8 holes cut in walls and the ceiling to find it. We were lucky because the builder is paying for everything. Turns out there was a nail in one of the water pipes behind the upstairs shower. They will replace the carpet in Ashley's room and, if they can't get the colors to match, they will repaint the outside of the house. They said that because they had to go through the outside wall and stucco to find the leak and when they repair the hole, the paint colors may be very noticeable; if it is they will repaint the house. Alberto was very insistant that everything be repaired and replaced to his satisfaction. I'm glad he's taking care of everything.

I made the mistake of going to the mall yesterday. :shocksn: I knew it would be crowded, but...that's one mistake I don't think I'll make again.

Sorry I can't answer individual posts. After this week I'll have more time. After, of course, we get back from CA.

Hope everyone is doing well, getting over illnesses, enjoying kids (while teachers enjoy their break :D ), doing last minute shopping, etc...etc...etc...

Cal

Hi girls, how's your Sunday going? I'm just cruising at home doing the laundry and such. I sent Rick out with Michael to finish up his Christmas shopping, he still has to get something for his sister, and then there's me of course ;) The motorcyle build-off was pretty neat. The sucky thing though about being on this tiny island is that if you go to enough shows, it's all the same bikes :rolleyes:. I did get to see Vince Neil's bike and Ozzy Osbourne's bike. Very cool. Vince's gas tank has a heart painted on it with a cross going through with the name "Skylar", his daughter that died a while back. And Ozzy's....his gas tank is shaped like a cross and the rear fender has a flying V Randy Rhoads guitar, complete with polka dots, toggle switches and volume controls. Just awesome. None of the Crue were at the show though, it's just as well because there probably would've been a riot :lol:

Cal, I can believe your plumber's story about cutting holes all over the place to find a sneaky leak. I'm glad they found it though. You'd be surprised at how contractors can screw up a plumbers work. I'm also glad that your builder is going to foot the bill for the repairs.

Angie, how was your party yesterday?

Have a good Sunday girls.

Hi! The Christmas party was fun. I have a 1 1/2 pound bloatation because of it but I am right back on track and am hopeful that will leave by tomorrow. I am really happy with myself because I think this is the first time I have ever eaten more than I should have and then got right back to eating right right afterwards....usually it takes another week of bad eating before I do it. :lol: Alicia's boyfriend came over and he is so sweet. He wanted to spend the night so we let him(he slept in Coreys room) . We all got gift cards to Walmart so after everyone left we went shopping. We gave Philip(Alicias boyfriend) some money to spend on himself since the kids had money and he bought her a necklace that says I Love You on it. Isnt that sweet? :lol: Why, Why, Why cant Brit like the good boys???? :lol:

We bought an old snowmobile for the kids for Christmas and we gave it to them yesterday. They loved it and have been riding it in the backyard ever since.

We got tons of itunes gift cards so we did those all day yesterday. I should have some good music for my ipod now. hehe

I made the broccoli dip from the light and tasty magazine for the party and it was so good. You should all try that recipe.Everyone loved it.

Well, not much going on here today. Just working out and work. I am so heartbroken this week because I should be in Florida right now. WAHH!!WAHH!!

Hi Girls

Angie glad you had a nice party....don't you worry about those little bit of a gain. It will be gone before you know it! I went to a party yesterday and saw my step-grandparents and aunts and uncles....oh boy was there the food. I gave in a little. But back on track today too. I had a grapefruit for breakfast.

Cal I love the gifts! Thank you! The calendar is so so beautiful. I hope to get out west sometime. I hope this week goes by fast for you and break is here before you know it. I hope you paint job turns out just the way you want it.

Noelle don't you worry about those rum balls. You and Angie are my inspiration to keep on going! You are keeping up with your walking and that is great!

Okay girls my the several days have been just plain crazy since we got the dog. She will be four months on Christmas. We are starting to second guess if we made the right choice. But my son loves the dog. She is just so active but my FIL wants to take her here and there to do some bird hunting. She is peeing in the house. The guy we bought her from said she was potty trained! We are using a crate and everytime she comes out we take her outside. I don't know? Does it get easier? I was kind of in tears about it. It was proabally the pms I had kicking in but now that TOM came hopefully I get my mind back,LOL. Plus I am just overwhelmed with the holidays. My Dad is kind of bossy and called me and basically told me what I was going to be doing on Christmas eve, seeing his brothers an hour away. I am sorry for the rant girls. I am really am, but I am stressed and I hate being this way around the Holidays. I hope I didn't bring anyone down, everyone is so upbeat. Chat later on. Bye for now.

Hello everyone! :-) Merry Christmas a wee bit early! This month has just been hectic! I'm at work right now, watching the snow fall... we are not getting very much, but it's really pretty as it's happening.

Julie (((((HUGS))))) I am sorry you are feeling so stressed. The holidays and a new puppy to boot. It will get easier. I know my puppy is having some accidents in the house, and that is when I am not watching her. A lab is very hyper... but they are great dogs. Just give her a little more time. You might have to do what I do.. when you or your hubby isn't personally watching the dog.. place her back into her crate. Put the crate where the dog can feel included in what is going on, but put her in the crate when you can't have her right next to you. Keep her on a schedule taking her out.. and make sure you really praise her for doing the right thing outside. It will get easier. Oh, and I got your candle.. and I've been burning something in it all weekend. It's great.. thank you so much!

Angie.. CONGRATS on the weight loss! You are so amazing and doing so well! And what a gift for the kids... I think snowmobiling would be so much fun! I'm sorry you are not in florida right now.. it's just raining there... :D You are not missing much. Go out and have fun in the snow!!

Cal.. My girls don't get out of school til the 23rd as well.. I hope you have a restful holiday. :-) Thank you for the calendar and pot holder.. that is so cool. I love seeing things from other parts of the US. :-)

Noelle.... it's 27 degrees here and snowing!!!! :-) now that is BRRRRRRRRRR But I am actually really enjoying it.. I don't mind the cold if I can see the snow!!! I am so glad you had a great birthday.. the concert sounded awesome...

Red... I'm so sorry you are feeling left out... ((((HUGS)))) I do hope you have a Merry Christmas! I am still planning on running in the half marathon, as for training.. nada. Once I get back from skiing next week, I'll be buckling down and working. This month has ust been too crazy for me to do that.

Kempy... how did your party go?? Hope you are doing OK!

Well... I am here at work.. 4 days this week, and so much to do. I may not have time to post again til after the ski trip.. so if I don't.. I haven't forgotten about you all.... and I hope you have a wonderful Holiday season these next two weeks.

OK.. I better get busy here.... I'll talk to you all very soon!!!


Merry Christmas everyone! :clause:

Oh, and Julie... you might do this while you have the dog out. Put her on a leash, and attach the leash to your waist. Make her stay with you throughout the day. It's a bit of a pain for you, however, you will always be aware of where she is and what she is doing. Feed her twice a day... keep her on schedule.. and do as I said before, put her in her crate everytime you can't watch her. She WILL get better. You will need to make sure she gets out everyday for a walk/run and playing for about an hour a day.. this will give her the exercise she needs so hopefully she won't be so hyper inside.

Good luck with her!

Cherie

Hi. Julie, yep, it will get better. Do you have a spot remover carpet machine? If not I recommend you get one so the peeing wont bother you so much. I usually take paper towels and blot it until the carpet is all dry feeling then wash it. This way you get almost all the pee out before you saturate it with water. It will take some time to get her on the schedule you want but she will get it. She is probably a little nervous herself being in a new house with a new family and all too. Dont let it stress you out because she will get it.

Cherie, Where are you going skiing? Have fun.

Noelle, MMMM Rumballs!!! My mom used to make them and I remember eating so many of them. I know I am in such a snacky mood because it is so close to Christmas and for the last 33 years all I have done is overeat so it is now habit. :lol:

Angie.. I am going on the 26th through th 30th to Wolf Creek near Pagosa Springs, CO. This will be my third winter skiing.. and I can't wait. However, this time, instead of going with a group of friends, it's just Alan and I .. AND he is bringing the boys. I hope it goes well. In the three and a half years that we have been dating, I have only seen the boys TWICE... sorta.

Two years ago Thanksgiving, I got to spend a couple of hours in the same room with them watching a movie... and then a few months ago, I got to spend a few hours with Preston, the youngest when I took the girls to the track to see Alan. This will be a HUGE step for Alan..... he says he is protecting me from teenage boys.. hahaha... the hopes they act right. We will see. Anyway.. I can't wait. This Friday, I am driving the girls down to Texas, where we will spend the weekend with Steven's dad and stepmom and family. I am a little nervous about that since I haven't been to their house in about 4 years, AND I don't have Steven around to be the buffer. The girls are really excited though, and I am happy that they still consider me family. It will be nice. Sunday, I drive the girls to Natalie's house and then I drive home.. only to get up early Monday and take off for Colorado!

We come home on Friday the 30th... Saturday the 31st Alan is having a NYE party and Sunday the 1st I go and pick the girls back up.... so I will be really busy for the next two weeks!

And rumballs... YUM.. can I have some of those NOW?????

Thanks Cherie and Angie....she is a great dog and I know she will get it. Great tip about the leash Cherie! I will tell my husband about it. I guess it isn't the pup getting to me, maybe just Holiday stress. Thanks for listening to me girls. You guys are great friends! It is nice to know I can lean on you all for support. I will try not to be such a downer and just relax and remember what the Christmas season is all about!:)
Off to the store!

Oh don't want to forget to say Bye and Merry Christmas Cherie if you are not able to check back this week. Have a great time with Alan. Have fun!

Cherie, That sounds like a fun trip. I hope you all have a great time. I live in Maine and I have NEVER been skiing. :lol: The kids used to go once a week when they were in the fifth grade.

And If I dont hear from you before you leave I hope you have a safe trip and Merry Christmas.

Good Morning!! Wow, Where the heck is everyone this week? It is so quiet in here. Well, Today I weighed myself and all the bloat from the Christmas party is gone so that made me happy. :lol:

It is FREEZING here today. BRRR!

I am so happy because we worked it to get Friday,Saturday and Sunday off (for the most part) this week so that will be nice. I am excited to have Jay open his gifts from me so I can see if he likes them.

Today is donut making day for the neighbors. I make extra donuts in the bakery and the kids run them around to all of our neighbors.

Good Morning! Its still snowing here.. but luckliy it's so light that it's melting by the time it hits the roads. By the end of this week, we will be back up to the 50's and 60's. So is Oklahoma weather!

Angie.. I can't believe you have never been skiing!!!! It's so much fun. This is my third year going.. so if I can learn when I am 36, you can learn too! You really should go and take a lesson.... its great! Oh.. and you give out doughnuts for Christmas? I bet all of your neighbors love you! YUM.. that sounds wonderful!

Julie.. how is the new puppy doing?

I am so unmotivated to work this week! Thursday is my last official workday for this year.... I'm ready to play for a while!

Well.... I guess I should try to get something done. I'll talk to you all soon!

Cherie