Well the shower was really great and my niece Makaylah Rachelle is due Feb 10. I asked Kristen if she could wait until the 23rd since it is my birthday but she told me no way lol. She got some really cute stuff too and it was fun oogling over the baby dresses. I had no cake! I had no punch! I had no snacks at all! I took my diet rite with me and nursed that and just chatted with alot of people. Most were curious about Logan since they haven't seen him yet and it was neat cause my grandma was there too. Dad only called me once to see if Logan needed his bottle to go to bed and should he put him on his back-the ladies all got a chuckle but everyone did great.

I tell ya sandi that crockpot is saving my butt in so many ways and I don't know what I would do without one now at least until the kids get a bit bigger and not so high maintenance all the time.

Candace I once worked the 4a to noon doing gourmet foods and I lost weight then too. I was in bed by 6p and up at 2a and sometimes took a nap too when I got home lol. Course then I got prego with Josh and morning sickness was awful and then the hours got cut and they wanted me to work till like 8a and I told them forget it. I figured if I had to be there at 4a they best give me 8 hours and make it worth my time. Good job with no snackies too! Fortunately there aren't really very many pictures of me. I have declined for years to be in photos-it was just too painful to see. When I get to my goal, I am going to be a photo hog! I am also going shopping and buying lots of cute clothes! NO more floral crap for me.
Melissa

Evening Ladies, I haven't been back to work yet, the right side of my face is still very swollen. Been eating lots of yogurt and sf pudding! Things are pretty quiet here right now, although I will see my neice and nephew tomorrow. Melissa it sounds like you had a great night out. You deserved it. How about sending some of those crock-pot ideas my way. I need all the ideas I can get. Candace, I have no doubt you will make your goal. You are gonna knock him off his feet!!!!
New clothes--I can't wait for the day that I look forward to shopping again. Is it just me or do some of the sizes look smaller than they used to?
DH is calling my name, got to go, hugs to all,

Suzette

:lol: Melissa, I am right with you on the NO MORE FLORAL CRAP, or maybe you didn't scream it quite that enthusiastically. Why is it they think big people like flowers? Suzette, some sizes do look so tiny to me now, but I think it's because I got used to looking at enormous sized 22, which I would have never imagined when I was smaller. You get used to one size, then looking at another seems so small, I think anyway. I am hopiong to be comfortably in an 18 by my birthday, and into a 16 by summer. That is small enough to buy a little summer dress and feel good in it :D The 20s I bought awhile back are real loose now, so it's possible. I pull them down without unbuttoning them now! WHy bother with a zipper if they can just slip on down?

Melissa, I am glad you had a good time and your dad survived. Told ya he would enjoy it! There is nothing you can do for Kate at this point, and I really think letting her struggle some and suffer her consequences is the best thing for her at this point. I cannot fathom how hard it is to be in your position.

Sandi, the party went well. In-laws were actually very pleasant and MIL even commented that she noticed I had lost weight. Well, she asked how much I've lost and I told her then, she said she had lost 14 lbs. by going on some 1000 calorie diet, said she basically eats one meal a day. I was cringing but said nothing. She's not going to keep it off, I just don't see that as something you can live on long term. Besides she's diabetic and I wanted ask what effect she thought that would have on her sugar levels :?: maybe I just don't understand diabetes, but I know many times in past she's HAD to eat something right away because of that. Anyway, it was a nice party regardless.

I have 3 crockpot meals on my menu for the next week, and would LOVE to have more if anyone wants to post some. I think enough of us want them that it should be okay to just post here, right? I will post mine later if so, but I have to get ready to take Tyler to his doctor appointment. 2 year check ups, stitches out, and recheck on the ear....ughh.

Theresa

Ok I am going to try this again. I had done a post just to tell me the server was busy argh!
http://crockpot.allrecipes.com/directory/5176.asp
http://www.recipeusa.org/crockpot.htm
http://joycesfinecooking.com/weightwatchers.htm
http://joycesfinecooking.com/weightwatchers.htm

These are some links that I got but I haven't gone all through them yet-there looks to be some interesting dishes though. Got dinner in the crockpot now and Kate showed up this morning and is now taking a shower. She slept in a car last night. She has an appointment with her lawyer this morning too. This is so stinking hard to watch. I can't remember what I had posted before so if it comes back I will let you know lol

Melissa

Sorry I haven't been around much! I really intended to be in here more after the first of the year! Not really doing much, just not getting on the pc too often. Hubby and I joined the gym yesterday, haven't been there yet, but we did join! I get a free membership(40.00) by volunteering in the daycare center once a week for 2 hours! Pretty cool! Can't wait to go workout! I'm still in Curves and started the 6 week nutrition program yesterday. I am starting at 229, so we'll see what happens in 6 weeks!
Good to see everyone getting back on the wagon! Christmas was just so hard! Then with my mom here for 2 weeks after, she just eats and eats! I am now back ON the wagon and I want to stay here!
Melissa-Glad you had a good time at the shower, it's about time you had some no-kid time! My prayers are with you and Kate. I hope she finds her way soon.
Theresa-I understand what you mean about sometimes waiting for hubby to go to work! Mine works 8 on/6 off, and on about day 4, I'm ready for him to go back to work! Our problem now is that there is no housing in this town and we have actually thought about moving back to Idaho, but him stay here to work. It's about 5 1/2 hours from here to there. We are really praying on what we should do.:?: I just don't want to be separated for 8 days at a time, then have him have to drive all the time. We have friends who drive it every shift change, but they don't have kids. ?????? I don't know what to do!!!!!!!
Cadwell-You can do it! Just picture yourself in that new sexy dress, and the look that will be on hubby's face!!!

Well, time for girls to get home from school and I get to go to Curves! WOOHOO! See ya' later!!

Kathy

Congrats on joining the gym! Your pickle is a hard one. It is different when there are kids involved and I will pray that you are able to get a house so you guys can all stay together as a family. You are with the rest of us about getting on the wagon again. It is just amazing how much better you will feel in no time flat. My weigh in is on Friday and I am really excited about doing it too. I still have a ways until I get back to where I was but it is going to remind me later how not worth it not eating on program is.
Melissa

I haven't been here for a few day. Oldest son was messing up his life and DIL asked for help so I've been an emotional wreck. But he has finally agreed that he has a real issue that needs help and he arranged couseling for himself and they will go to couples counseling together. DIL gave him an ultimatum and he seems to have believed her. Work this out or get out. They were both much better tonight. Now DH and I need to settle down. My son better not lose this girl because she is wonderful and she wants to have a good life with him and the little boys. Now I can go back to my daily worry over youngest son.
I didn't eat myself thru this crisis, which is a wonder and i worked out today so I feel like my life is back in track.
Has anyone done an aquatic workout? It sounds tempting.
I have never gotten any pleasure out of clothes because when I was thin, I was never thin enough, and I never had any money, so it wasn't any good and when I am fat it's just how can I cover up. It will be nice to buy what I like and not just big tops to cover as much as possible.
Laura

You were missed Laura and glad you are back. I am also glad that your son is going to seek some help and how awesome you didn't eat through it! That is a huge victory. I have always wanted to try aquatic workouts and I have heard they are quite the workout. You will be able to buy those outfits before you know it.
Melissa

Laura- you beat me to a post- i was wondering where you were and thought i had missed you on a trip. I know for me and i probably speak for everyone else that you are so wise and kind that we don't want to lose you! I am sorry you had a bad few days but I am glad oldest son is getting his life together and :carrot: that you didn't stress eat thru all of it.

Kathy:hug: about your dilema. is there maybe a town close by you guys culd relocate to so hubby wouldn't have to drive?? I will pray that all will work out.
:cb: on joing the gym and what a deal! I'd babysit 2 hours week to go to a gym for free!

:hug: to you too melissa- i hope this court date will get katey back on track- or scare her into getting help. thank you for the recipe sites. i ahve a couple to post tomorrow. how is the diet rite?? I have wanted to try it but i can only get it in a 12 pack and was afraid i'd hate it and waste $$ - i've been waiting for someone who could tell me if it's any good or not. i am so glad you had a good time.

Theresa- i am so glad that the MIL behaved herself. i think she was trying to justify her diet to you?? from what you've told us about her she has some serious issues- at least she was nice for the party.

Suzette- clothes are smaller because everything is LOW RISE - i am going to be shoppping goodwill for jeans- i can't imagine wearing low rise jeans at 43- maybe it's me some of the styles today are so - lets say not much fabric to them??
My smallest size ever was a 4 in jeans -but my oldest wears a size 4 now and i was much curvier than her. but it's because of where they wear them-

I have been busy studying for my notaries license - in florida you have to take classes and tests to get your notary. and we have a new computer program i am trying to learn AND I am trying to figure out if i can immport a word document into excel. the one program i am NOT good in is Excel- I have a book and will take an online tutorial to see if i can do what i want - if not it's lots of typing for me. :(

so i was thinking about our talking about clothes and was wondering what is everyone's "thing " that they want to have or be able to do as in clothes when you hit goal??
Mine is to wear a bathing suit in public and be able to go to target and buy one of those weird designed strange colored issak mishrah ( prolly spelled him wrong) dresses, wear it to work and my senior boss will say, "Sandi, that dress is ugly" and i will say BUT it's a size 12 or 10 or 8.

:love: just to be able to go into a discount outlet and find racks of clothes on clearance instead of 1 rack tucked in the corner - i used to love thrift stores- jeans for a buck and shoes- heels for a quarter- one day soon i will shop in them again. I am so tired of my basic black pants that i wear every day to work and big baggy tops.

the workout is still kicking my butt -i am sore but in a good way. it's good to be back OP with everyone else.
Have a good night all.
Sandi

I like the tangerine especially well and the cola isn't bad either. I wasn't too crazy about the rasberry one though. If you are totally off sugar, the better it tastes. I have one every night after all the kids are in bed. I want to be able to wear something fitted if that makes sense or maybe tailored is a better word. When you are heavy, everything is "flowing" to hide everything and I want things fitted that show off the curves (I know they are there somewhere). Oh and I never want to buy anything with big flowers on it too!
Melissa

As always, thanks for all the good thoughts. DIL just phoned and said she was so happy because she thinks they will be able to work thru all their issues. Losing the baby in Nov. was very hard on him. He thinks there has to be an answer for a loss at 36 weeks and he is having a hard time accepting that there may never be an answer.There are some tests on the baby that have not come back yet, but I doubt if there well be a reason. He is torturing himself and everyone around him and not giving DIL any space for her feelings.
I was in Target last week to get a pair of sweats for workout and I saw these itty bitty low rise jeans and now some of them feature a highter waist in the back so tushie cracks don't have to show when the tiny little size 2 sweet thing bends over. It must be annoying to worry about what shows.
I still want the same clothes that I have always wanted. Nice jeans, Lees will do, size 8, thin cashmere solid colored sweaters and gorgeous leather boots. I will never be smaller than an 8. When I weighed 123 years ago I was an 8. No matter how thin I am I never have a waist. Just straight down like my sisters and my mom. It's ok as long as there isn't a fat belly in the way.
This weekend we will go to visit my brother and his wife. She is gorgeous, thin and has fabulous clothes, careful shopping for only the best, marked down, and good jewelry. But it's ok because she is truly nice and it's fun to be with her.
Laura

that's a great deal you are getting on the gym membership kathy. congrats!
i am with y'all on the big flowers. i hated clothing for fat women so much that when i was really heavy, i bought men's clothing. men's clothing designers have no bias against fat men, so i could get stylish men's jeans in even a 42. i don't even know what that would be in women's. probably like a 22 or 24. i would have to disagree about low rise pants though. the moderately low rise ones (not the insane ones that are begging for crack-spackle) are flattering on pretty much any figure, because they cut your butt in half. my mom is 57 and she wears them (although she is size 6, so i think that has a lot to do with it). the only thing is that it does get tedious to pull my shirt down in the back whenever i sit down :devil: size two honeys don't have to worry about that i guess. maybe they think they are so hot that everyone wants to see how great a plumber they can be. from my own experience though, i beg to differ. pull down your shirt, hon! no one wants to see your thong! i don't care if it has little rhinestones on it!
speaking of clothes, i have a dress for v-day! my mom is stealing a dress from my sister that she only wore once and she is sending it to me. hopefully it will still fit by v-day, as my sister and i are currently the same size. to make up for the secondhand garb, however, i am going to get new shoes that i have already picked out and go with the dress. yay! i red-heart shoes.
your brother sounds like he lucked out laura. thin and beautiful women with hot clothes and bling-bling are rarely nice. but maybe i just have a bias ;)

Cadwell, there's nothing wrong with a secondhand dress! It's till new to you, but if it fits now then well, it might not fit by the big day!!! Oh but get the shoes anyway, you deserve them.

On low rise jeans: I feel too old to wear them. When I was last thin, they were not even dreamed of yet, so I have never worn them. I know, shocking! I see heavy girls in them with their fat bottoms hanging out and bellies hanging over the front and I don't want to be one of them. Maybe I will feel different when I am smaller, but I fear i will always feel fat no matter how little I get. If that makes any sense.

I didn't know Diet Rite had all those flavors! I've had the zero stuff and it tastes like a regular diet drink...like flat Pepsi pretty much. I've been trying to stay away from them because I get addicted to the fizzy taste, don't want that again.

Sandi, good luck on your license! My mom is an insurance underwriter and she has to renew her license every year and take classes, etc. School never ends, does it?

Laura, nice to have you back. Glad the pressure is over and I hope they can work out the problems. Losing a baby is so rough, I hope they pull through somehow because no one understands what the feelings like they do together.

Kathy, quite the dilemma you have there. Living apart for bits of time can either enhance or destroy a relationship, it just depends on the people involved and the relationship between them. I always went with hubby on the road, up until I was prego enough with baby #1 that the doctor said "NO TRUCK!" It was a HUGE change when I started staying home (on bed rest, no less) and him being gone for 3-6 days at a time. We went through some issues but it worked out and now we both enjoy having our own space. When we are together too long we start to nip at one another, because much as we love one another we have grown used to our spaces and being in control. The house is mine, his truck is his. To a lot of people this is incredibly strange, but it works well for us. When we do have time together it is very meaningful and we take the most out of every second. I like that better than being together all the time and fighting or just living in the same space but not really "together" as some people do. I think the distance keeps our marriage alive, we get the chance to miss one another and never take anything for granted in our personal relationship. But, whether you would enjoy the same kind of space while he works depends on your personality, your needs in the marriage...and how much you trust one another. Trust me, when you are separated part of the time you have to trust they are where they should be and have no doubts on the faithfulness level. No trust leads to suspicions and feelings of being blamed and serious strife. I say this only because a few marriages of hubby's coworkers have split over this issue...they can do anything and us at home wouldn't know, some women can't deal with that.

Okay, okay, too long I know...

Theresa

I am booty challenged so if low rise makes your rear look smaller, I definately wouldn't wear them. I will buy men's jeans if I have to.

Candace awesome news on the dress! You two are going to have so much fun on the 14th! ROFL about the plumber. Isn't it funny how that used to be something to avoid at all costs and now both men and women have no problem and actually attempt to have some crack showing?? My son in law used to wear these ridiculously droopy pants until I started pulling them up no matter where we were or who was around. I just told him no one wanted to see his tighty whities especially his mother in law. I said what he did away from me was one thing but if he didn't want to be embarrassed then he best keep his pants up around me. I know I am bad but it just drives me nuts-must be an age thing. Need to get kids dressed and get to the grocery store while I still have some steam.
Melissa

Years ago when baggy rapper clothes were coming into style for suburban kids, I bought my oldest size 36 new jeans. They were too tight. Yougest son, who wore a 28, said, no problem. they are perfect for me. Next morning I watched him run down the driveway to catch the schoolbus, book bag in one hand and the other hand desperately trying to keep his pants from falling down and barely succeeding. He came home from school and gave me back the pants, which I now had to give away. Practicality gave in to style.
Laura