Good morning everyone,

Michelle, congrats. on losing 7 pounds, that is great.. . in the smiley box click on more and you'll have a whole page of them....

It's a lovely day today, the sun is shining. I slept in off and on till 8:30, but you have to hear this... I don't sleep very well most of the time because of my poor pooch. Well Last night he was breathing hard, and acting up as normal these days, then he finally settled down so hubby and I finally got to sleep. I told him when he got up this morning to take the dog down with him and I was going to try to sleep in.. I really need some sleep.. so now here is the punch line.. if it was a joke... at 5:20 am the phone rings... I wake up and expect to hear my sil on the other end that something has happened to mil.. but it's not... it's an old roommate of ds#4's wanting his phone number.. at 5:20 am.... on a Saturday morning.. If I could have reached thru the phone that boy would have been strangled. I swear it's a conspiracy around here to not let us get enough sleep.. and I think that is why I am so fat. All my married life I have not gotten enough sleep, be it kids, hubby, dogs, phone or something. It's a fact, they say lean people get more sleep. so ladies here is what we do.. we go on strike with everything, stop what we are doing every day at 1 and take a nap...oh say about 2 hours should do it.. then make sure we all get 8 hours at night and we'll be slim and trim in no time not to mention well rested... is this a dream or what? There must be something to this because I have a sister who sleeps every afternoon since she got married, and she is slim. One of my old friends who stayed skinny also sleeps alot, always taking naps. Wish I had the luxury of being able to take a nap..

Ok ok..I am going grocery shopping as soon as ds#4 brings me my car. Sure wish he'd hurry and buy one of his own.. Decided I am not making an Easter basket for the house/dh. I will get him healthy snacks instead of candy. There are no smileys for Easter...a cute bunny would be nice.

Well, hope everyone has a good day. Will check in periodically to see Ellen's pretty posts and see what everyone is up to.

Ginny

Howdy Ladies...

I was up early this morning...didn't want to be, but had too. Had a showing at 10:15. Thank goodness I cleaned yesterday so didn't have so much to do today. Now the house is all clean, I'm wide awake and have nothing to do! I was so angry yesterday. We had the showing at 3 and when I came home my sliding door and screen were open! There's some that usually don't bother closing the screen even though when they get here it is closed and locked. So not that big a deal. And I've had some not bother locking the sliding door but yesterday really topped it. The door was left open about an inch...the realtor didn't even bother checking things to make sure they were locked before leaving and believe me she heard about it. I told her that I thought it was a shame that I have to put a note on my door to tell people to make sure they close and lock the door before leaving. Still can't believe that, anyway...

SUSAN...I'm glad you liked it! I saw that in Wal-Mart, I think, and had to get it for you! I think it's sad that Mike can't step up to the plate and be responisble enough to pay his support for Miss Gaby. I keep thinking one day he will wake but the more you talk abou thim, I don't think it's ever going to happen. Hope you had a fun day shopping and have a fun Easter Egg hunt tomorrow!

ANGIE...that is creepy! Ya, who's looking that hard at someone's pictures in their home? I may glance at some but would never remember them or the people in them. And I too don't look at the colors of things. I look at the layout and if I like it and if everything is going to fit. Like you and I think everyone...it would all be changed to my liking anyway. Have fun in Sylvan tomorrow and enjoy your Easter dinner.

MARTI...YIKES! I think I would have died if Carrie dyed her hair blue at that age! Now as a teenager she wanted to put highlights in her hair which I thought would be fine but she never did. Her hair is so dark and pretty the way it is I think she would regret it and not like it if she did do something to it. And I told her she could never do anything off the wall to it while living under my roof. Of course Josh tried dying his red, I'm talking bright red, not like the red dye you buy at a salon. Thank goodness it didn't work! His hair is black and for some reason the dye didn't take. The Hotel looks fabulous! What a pretty place to stay while in SanFran. You guys are going to have the best time! I'm checking out Kansas City now. Found out they have some casino's there and with it being a lot bigger than Topeka we would have more places to go and see. We were going to head to Harrah's in Topeka but there's really nothing else to do around there. Still not definite but need to plan something soon for sure.

ELLEN... you know, I was watching one of those shows on HGTV...can't remember if it was House Hunters, Designed to Sell or what. But it cracked me up because several times I heard people say they didn't like the furniture or they liked a certain piece of furniture and asked if it came with the house. What!? Umm, excuse me but the furniture is not for sale, you are there to look at the house not what's in it. So apparently a lot of people do look at your stuff. Anyway, when our realtor first came in he looked around and started telling us what we needed to do as far as taking down stuff. Basically wanted the kitchen counters bare, the magnets off the fridge, all the pictures taken off tables, walls etc. and went on and on. I just looked at him like he was nuts! But we did do some cleaning. A house has to look lived in. Anyway, no selling a house isn't pleasant. So no more talk about selling the house! Did you get your wheaties yesterday?

GINNY...such a sweet gramma you are. I bet the kids did love the baskets. My kids are BIG kids, or should I say older? But I still get them a little something as well as DH. Gave the kids their card and some candy and have yet to give DH his. Should have gotten something healthy but oh well, it's Easter. Glad you and DH had a nice dinner out. What the heck was up with DS's friend calling tha early in the morning!? I would never dream of calling someone that early. Of course if he is in a different state and the time is later he may have forgotten. Josh called me at 11:39 one night...of course I missed the call because I was in bed asleep! I told him several times to remember that he is 4 hours behind us but he keeps forgetting. He's in Hawaii until next week, when he goes to CA so then he will be two hours behind which won't be so bad. Anyway, here I go again babbling...hopefully you guys finally got some sleep.

MICHELLE...it can be somewhat overwhelming at times here, I know if I miss a day of posting it can be. Hard to catch up sometimes. And when Susan and Ellen get started...watch out! But then we have our quiet times too. I would much rather have lots going on though. It's fun to see how everyone is doing and just to see them having fun. So just jump in when you feel comfortable. Are you meaning the clip-art that Ellen posts? Or the weight loss trackers? (Can't remember now if you have one) I'm not sure where Ellen gets her clip art but it sure is cute! The weight loss trackers though 3fc has some and a couple of other places...tickerfactory.com has some and it is okay to use here. CONGRAT'S on your loss!

MINDEE...don't mention the "p" word girly! I don't even want to think about that yet, nor do I look forward to it. We have some boxes but don't want the house to look cluttered and messy while we are trying to sell it. So once an offer comes in and that gets going then I will think about the "p" word. Isnt this weather nice? Well, it has actually been a little too hot here, in the 90's the last two days which is unusual this time of year.

JANE...hope you have a nice first Easter in your new home!

I need to go find something to do today ladies or I will be bored out of my mind. No special plans for tomorrow. With the kids being older we really don't do anything on Easter. Once in a while I will cook a ham dinner but with Josh being gone it's not the same. Not really into it. So just another boring day for me. Anyway, HI to everyone else

Take care ladies and have a very HAPPY EASTER tomorrow!

Hi again ladies,

Christina, the boy who called, he's not really a boy.. he's like 27 or so.. should know better, is in the same time zone. Son said he was drunk, but that is still no excuse.. told son to inform this young man he better not do that again or vengance will be mine..yahahahahahah (Angie) I am rubbing my hands together...

Michelle, if you click on more at the bottom of the smiley box it should give you a whole page full of smileys...try it again.

Nothing really to say. I'm back from shopping. Wally world was so busy it took me 2 hrs.. course it usually does... I always seem to run into someone and have to visit a spell. But I timed it right, ds#4 just got dropped off at house when I pulled in, so he unloaded my groceries for me.. then we had lunch together. DH was still home for lunch too. But they are both gone again. It is just me and my doggie. I am now going to go bake a pineapple upside down cake and a lemon merange pie from scatch for tomorrow. Having baked ham, scalloped potatoes, creamed peas, glazed carrots, rolls and butter. Not real butter. Just be the 4 of us. Sorry Jane, more food porn...

Nobody has any comments on the sleep deprivation making us fat. It's true I have read it in several magazines. But wish I could do something about it without being sick.

Oh, I didn't do so good on getting healthy Easter treats for dh. I did get him a little bit of chocolate. I have a couple pretty candy dishes so I got stuff to put in them.

I too watch HGTV and see when they have those shows on sellling houses. Some of the things that lady does to make it more sellable, I don't know. It sure wouldn't make me want the house. I would tend to be more attracted to something that looks cozy and comfortable, not a half empty room. She has them buy new furniture etc. just to sell the house..she never says if this stuff is going with the house or not. I wouldn't want to buy a furnished house, I would want my own things. One time she had them paint all their woodwork and the mantle in the livingroom black...and the walls were turquoise, I thought it looked like crap.. the rest of the house had natural woodwork I think.. the living room stuck out like a sore thumb... I didn't like it...

ok, I guess that is all I can gab about for now. Where is Ellen? I don't see her handy clipart yet today. And what happened to Jules?

Ok, will check back in later when the baking is done...

Ginny

Back again for a few minutes...

GINNY...I figured the guy was older than a boy, but now I'm thinking really...what was he thinking. 5 something in the morning and drunk!? Kids today...anyway...yummy to my tummy...someone else mentioned pineapple upside down cake not to long ago, thinking it was Susan...sure sounds good though. By the way, what time is Easter dinner? Should I dress up? I think I can make it in time if I drive really, really fast! Your dinner sounds so goooood! I know what ya mean about some of those rooms. Just don't see how painting an ugly color and taking out most of the furniture makes a house more sell-able (don't think that is a word, lol, that's okay, I make up words all the time!) Some of those shows though I'm not really sure where they got their experience/training. I think i could do a better job. I too was wondering where MS Ellen was, and Susan.

ANGIE...I was thinking about what you said about the ribbon around the ankle. Funny, because I found a flower chain if you will, not sure what you would call it. It goes around the ankle and is a vine with small roses and buds on it. On the side it has a cross and a heart hanging from it making it look like an anklet. And I kept looking at it and thinking how much I like it and DD said I should do that and make it like a charm bracelet/anklet and add a charm to it every year, or for a special occasion, starting with a yellow ribbon. I thought that was a GREAT idea.

Anyway, was looking up other stuff online and thought of the ribbon Angie mentioned as I was dozing. Getting up early just doesn't agree with me. And Ginny, I'm with ya on the nap!

Hi again,
Michelle, stick with us kid, we account to no one but ourselves.. we take your word for it. Some places get a little ridiculous. That is why I hate to join anything, they want to know to much information. Even when I went to Curves, which I enjoyed, it's a nice place even if it didnt' do my weight loss any good except for the first 6 weeks.. but you have to weigh in and be measured and blah blah blah.... I don't like to do that.. it's no one's business what size my thighs are... it is one thing to weigh in at the doctor's office, but just anyone can work at these other places, and your file is not really private... well I just threw in my 2 cents worth..

I am doing so good today.. I got the cake and pie done, laundry done, groceries bought and put away, place straightened out.. and supper almost done.. well it should have been done NOW but when my timer went off I realized I had never turned the oven on. .so the chops are still cold and raw....good thing dh is running late. Now I'll tell him he has time for a shower, I planned it this way.. I thought I left the oven on after the baking, but I must have turned it off. I seem to do that on occasion.. forget to turn it on that is.. my oven takes two switches to turn on.. I usually set the temp but forget to turn it on... oh well, it will just taste that much better.

My ds#2 in Calif. called and I had a nice talk with him, dil and 5 yr. dgs. Dgs who is not quite 2 just giggled into the phone and waved bye bye to it.. and of course the newborn was heard crying in the distance. Makes me want to go pick him up.. I wish I could see him now. Aug. is to far away.

All in all it's a good day. Hope you are all having a good day also, since you aren't posting, you must be busy.

Ok. well just waiting for dh to get home. Will check in before bedtime.

Ginny

Michelle, 2 more pounds, way to go girl....

HI EVERYONE.... When I started this post I was so tired, I was almost finished and went to answer the phone, I just came back and the kitty had stepped on the keyboard and erased my post. I am to tired to start again so forgive me, for not doing individuals tonight. I had a lot to get finished before the love seats came today, I didn't quite achieve my goals but I did the best I could do. My hands weren't cooperating at all yesterday, its hard cleaning each crystal piece by piece, when your fingers stiffen up. Some day the arthritis isn't to bad, some days it is and yesterday was of those days. The furniture came and I am so happy, they are very pretty, more so than I remembered. I only went to the store one time and that was in January and ordered them. I was hyperventilating about the fabric dye lot ,what if it was different than the store model, then I was worried about the paint, which I picked out 6 months before I even went looking for a sofa, then what if they didn't fit, because according to the measurements they were going to be a bit bigger than my old sofa's and I really don't have any room to play with, my living room is long but narrow. But everything turned out wonderful , the dye lot was perfect , the paint was perfect and they fit perfect, so now I can breathe Well all the kitties have claimed their positions on the new furniture , looks like I may sleep alone tonight It sounds like you girls are all so busy getting ready for Easter. Congratulations Michelle on your weight loss, keep up the good work I have been sticking to my diet , and I am quite happy about that, I will know how its going when I do my weigh in on Monday. Susan how are you doing, I saw the word ham and two little piggy's I'm sure , are you being a good girl. Did you manage to spend all your money or did you save some. All I keep reading is cakes ,pies, pineapple upside down cake, and chocolate, its all so tempting. Fortunately I don't have one bad thing in the house , because right now I am craving something sweet. This is the first day since the infamous cheesecake, that I have had any cravings for sweets. I just have to stay focused , its to easy to give up. I am kind of rattling away about nothing, but I wanted to pop in to say Hi before I go to bed. I am taking a half of gravol tonight to make sure I sleep. Even though I am very tired, I have been having a lot of trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. That usually works for me when , my system is out of whack , so tonight I am going to try it and see if it helps me sleep. I hope everyone is having a great night. I can almost smell all the wonderful aroma's coming from your kitchen tonight, good thing I live far away Ok girls I am off to bed wish me luck

HAPPY EASTER!!!
Sorry to be MIA...between work and seasonal allergies, I have no energy. I go to the gym and then to bed most nights.
DH & I went out on the motorcycle yesterday and it was so much fun.
Both kids are coming over today. DS's girlfriend is going to her Mom's and DS doesn't like her step-Dad so he's coming here. The step-Dad is very sarcastic and demeaning to women and my son doesn't want to be around him because he says if the step-Dad says anything negative to Alicia again he might just have to punch him in the nose. He has already told him off verbally and the step-Dad and I also had a go round when DS and Alicia were dating in high school. DS gets along with the Mom & younger step-brother if the step-Dad is not around. Alicia's Dad and grandmother love DS and he loves them. She ended up moving in with her grandmother her senior year due to the step-Dad being such an @$$!!!!
DD is doing better, she still has her up days and down days. She seems to be having more up days since starting counseling. She doesn't think that I understand her pain. I told her that I was going to find an old journal filled with my "misery" after my first love and I broke up. I read it a few years after my DH and I were together and it totally cracked me up, but at the time I was feeling exactly like she is--like I would never love or be loved again.

Just missed you Ellen!!!! Your posts always make me smile--the Betty Boop drive by was classic!!

HAPPY EASTER LADIES ....I just lost another whole post, this is getting a little frustrating. In spite of that it is a beautiful day today, the sun is shining , birds are singing , bunnies running like heck all over the yard trying to save the Easter Eggs. Its a little cool today but still a pretty day. I 'm sure you are all very busy today with family gatherings, as it should be.
HI JULES.... It is so good to have you back , Sorry you were having such a rough time. I am also glad that you Daughter is having more good days than bad , I know its hard , and haven't we all felt like we would never be loved again heck I feel like that now really I do I really hope she is happy again soon.I'm glad you liked the Betty Boop drive by, you know me always a nut


HI MICHELLE....HOLD ON TODAY , IT MIGHT BE A TOUGH ONE DIET WISE, GOOD LUCK

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL MY WONDERFUL FRIENDS AND FAMILIES, I WISH YOU A BLESSED EASTER. THE DAY IS MORE THAN EASTER EGGS AND BUNNIES I KNOW, I HOPE THAT YOUR DAY IS FILLED WITH HAPPIENESS AND FAMILY,CELEBRATING THIS DAY WITH YOUR OWN SPECIAL TRADITIONS .
I WILL POP IN FROM TIME TO TIME, BUT I'M SURE YOU ARE ALL VERY BUSY.