Maddysgram

Bummer, about the game. How disappointing for the kids.

Prayers for my dear cyber twins with their financial problems.
I remember so well the rough years, this too does usually get better.
I was just thinking how fortunate it is that we now have health insurance and I am able to have had my LB and Knee surgeries. Six years ago, it would not have been possible. Thank you Jesus!!!!

Hello everyone! Sis, I know financially what you mean. Until your kids are in the same situation they will never understand. I'm paying $40 a visits for chiropractor care for tyler x 3 a week so he can get himself aligned. It helps his Tourette's.
I'm also paying $100 a mon for Ryan's braces. Plus my monthly pay to get my fills/Chk in. Then there is the rest of my sleep study I, paying on. Almost done. Almost $800 a month on medical right now...omg!
Ryan's game was today. Spent two hours volunteering making snow cones in the blazing hot only to have the game forfeited because the other team withdrew for a lack of players! Ugh!
90 day challenge is going good. Monday I have a dr appt. prolly only getting a 1/2 or 1/4 cc fill.
Hope everyone else doing great and enjoying their weekend!

Di reports rough waters. Send prayers and hugs. She needs us all!

Feeling back to normal (kinda, whats normal?) Got all the laundry done, dish washer started and emptied (emptying right away very unusual) and almost have Maddy's "underwear" quilt done, just a little hand sewing.
I found being in my rolling sewing chair is great PT. I forget myself and use my left leg to move it around. It only hurts for a second.
Dawn, you are such a wise young lady, wish I could take credit for that. You never let anything keep you down for long. You do have a lot on your plate right now, empty nest, finances, upcoming move and mangled moles in your yard. Big cyber hugs my dear!!!
Carole, I have absolutely no plans for November, my days are my own, so any day you pick is doable. Can't wait.
Terri, glad the picnic was a success. Have a safe trip back home.
Mini, How'd this weeks game go? I bet you are getting a ripped bod with your 90 day challenge. We'll have to make you our poster child.
Dee, Dee, Dee, You sweet sweet lady! Thank you so much for your lovely card and plaque you sent. I will think of you every single day when I see it. God love you!
Di, Stop playing candy Crush and talk to us, lol. We miss you!
I'm very thankful to have you all in my life! Who has to wait until Thanksgiving to be thankful? I'm thankful for you all everyday.

Good Afternoon All...
A morning of doing everything out of order...so...
Janet, I sincerely hope that you are feeling better today! And about the dates...I was confused about which week Thanksgiving fell in.
Thanksgiving Day this year falls on Seth's 33rd birthday, November 28. I should have known that...but anyway, the dates I mentioned before are still accurate, with the exception that we will be in Florida a week longer than we previously thought. Which is a good thing, because we will be caring for the grandsons so that Jay and Jodi can go on a cruise to Celebrate their 9th anniversary. I have no dates for this, and will let you know when I do!
DAWN, so happy to read your current insights into how we interpret the events and times of our lives. While we do plan for the future, we also will be emotionally healthier if we focus on the here and now. And channel your energy into those things and priorities which you can influence the outcome. The rest will have to be left to play out...life lessons I have also learned along the way.
Terri, yes, we are enjoying the glorious weather...while I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be here for the changing seasons, it is kind of sad that we did not make this move sooner...but life does get in the way of what we would like to do sometimes.
Dee, let us know how your training goes with the 5K...will you be jogging, walking, or a combination? Happy to read that CJ's appointment went well. Is the nurse drama of a few months ago resolved now? OK, interrogation is now over!
Diane and Michelle...have a good weekend...
So thankful to have you all as friends...

Went out last night and had a great time watching an 80s rock cover band. Reliving my youth again. I may have had a couple beverages too, which is all I can handle anymore so I got dancing and having fun! Today, working on work and stuff around the house. Got rid of the crap food in my house too and getting back to eating how I should and taking better care of ME. At first I dreaded just cooking for one but now finding it is helping me as I can make the foods I should eat in the quantities I should eat and not worrying about cooking for others.
Di, I have been reflecting on a post you once put on FB (I believe) about living in the moment and not always waiting for that special time or day to come but to live in the now. I find myself often thinking it's one day closer to me moving, or I only have 2 more years until Ericka graduates, 4 more years and they will both be done with college, etc. I think that hinders me from getting the most out of TODAY and appreciating what TODAY has to offer. So ladies, today is a special day and when tomorrow comes it will be too. Enjoy today as you are all amazing women I am blessed to know.
Thanks for the encouragement, Ladies. Muah!!!
Have a great weekend.

Great day at the beach again today. Picnic was great fun. The weather was perfect.
Dawn... what you are feeling is normal empty nest stuff... it will get better I promise.
Doreen... how was CJs doctor visit? I hope all is well! Still loving the new computer?
Janet... I hope your reaction to the flu shot is just that. I get one every year and have never had a bad experience... knocking on wood!
Michele... still on the 90 day challenge? How is it going for you? I hope it will help you lose all the weight you want. Rock on!
Carole I hope you are enjoying the glorious weather we are having. You should have a great fall!
Diane... don't be a stranger! We are missing you!
Love to all!

Dawn, I hope you had a good evening out, and will have a good weekend. I'm sorry you are feeling a little down...don't forget you are still in the process of adjusting to your empty nest.
Terri, enjoy the rest of the weekend...you should have great weather. We had 0% chance of rain today...magnificent!
Michelle, games this weekend with your son? Good times for certain...
Dee, nice to see you more often...and I also hope you have a good weekend.
Diane, enjoy your weekend, and make time for you!
I had a different experience with raising our 3 sons...which I was totally unprepared to do. They are all relatively close to their parents as adults, but the high school, college, and professional school years were trying for us.
We made it a priority to never compare them, and they are each so much individuals it is difficult to believe they came from the same family of origin. They are close to each other too. But we ran into difficulties when they eclipsed their parents with their education achievements. I attribute most of that to the mentality they were taught in professional school. They tended to want us the parents to remember that we were speaking to the doctor. They were trained to not second guess themselves, and are decisive and perform well under pressure. We have since come to a better understanding that the parents still have more life experience, and that we are to be respected as their parents, even if we have to agree to disagree at times.
All I can say about parenting at this point is that it has been an amazing experience which I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to participate in...
Feel better Janet...good night all...

Good Evening all...
We made the rounds in both Banner Elk and Boone this afternoon...and hit the grocery store before coming back up to the house. Tired...but it was great to see great people from high school!
Janet, I just cannot like your post...how are you feeling now? That is precisely why I have never had a flu shot, and likely will never have one. Please take good care of you!
We finally have some dates for being in Madeira Beach. We will be at Brent's November 6 & 7, and 12 & 13, then back there for November 19 through 25. I realize that is Thanksgiving week, so just let me know your availability. We will definitely be able to figure something out.
Feel better fast...in my prayers always...

Momma, it's you!
Glad your pre-op went well and hope the reaction you had from the shot passes quickly. Glad you are doing well otherwise. I finally found the rocks I needed for the vinyl letters I had Paula do, so I am going to work on that project this weekend. I had the hardest time trying to find garden rocks that were 5-6" big. I went to an actual nursery yesterday and found them. Yay!
I have been pretty stressed lately and having Audrey in tears on the phone last night didn't help. I think she is stressing w/ school. For me, financially it is so stressful as it is costing every penny I have but is well worth it. I don't remind her of that as I don't want her stressing but it is weighing on me heavily. Once I get out to Omaha, it will help as I won't have a lot of the bills I have now (utilities, etc.). Also, I need to learn to accept that I made the decision she could go there and move on. "It is what it is". I have just never spent this kind of money before so it just sickens me. I've been going through my stuff little by little and Brad has already brought a couple van loads back with him. I can feel it getting closer. I am glad though that I have this "time" here while Audrey gets adjusted so I can feel good that she is "ok" before I am 7+ hours away.
As for my weekend, tonight my bff wants me to go watch a band with her. I have been in a bit of a funk lately, think being alone, my weight, $, Audrey, etc is putting me there. I really didn't want to go tonight but know I need to get out of the house and lighten up. I am sure it will be fun though and I will be glad I did. I had tickets for Great America too so I think she and I are going on Sunday. Hopefully, the crowds won't be so bad.
Michelle, that's really neat about your sons (and your daughter). I have heard that from others and it must be true w/ sons. My bff has 2 boys and I saw what you were talking about with the period of years where they have attitude and then "come back". Her oldest (now 20) had major attitude w/ her for that period of time, was mouthy, she even kicked him out at one point. He just flipped a switch about a year ago and is a whole different kid. He lives at home is respectful, got a tattoo on his arm about Moms and how important they are. I am just amazed how different he is. Her youngest, now 17, is coming back around too. I am close with my girls but they don't confide in me like her boys do even though I do feel they are close with me. It's awesome that your family is close like that. But they have an awesome mom!
Terri, have a great picnic. That sounds like a lot of fun! I hope your fill gets you where you feel more comfortable again.
Carole, you continue to inspire me pushing forward with being active and not letting injuries stop you. Sorry, I did have your boys confused. I meant Seth but am glad to hear all of them are doing well (even if mom silently worries about them).
Dee, how was CJ's appt? Will you continue to try to feed him? How's school going for everyone? I hope Charlie continues to gain his strength. Great profile pic on FB!!!! You look amazing!
Di, I am thinking of you and hope you are well. Big hug!

Good Morning...
Off to a slow start again...but it is date night, and we have a long list of errands to run before meeting friends from Ft. Launderdale in Boone for dinner. I am still amazed by the number and variety of folks from different parts of Florida that I have not seen in years that we get to visit with here in NC...who knew?
Janet, so very good to read that something as simple as a tennis ball can bring relief to your pain! I am happy that you are moving forward with your second surgery. Soon all the worst parts of it will be over for you! I am sorry the Voltarin gel did not provide relief. I am still amazed at the results from Pennsaid. My knee is still a little swollen, but I use ice after exercising and the Pennsaid and I am able to walk and exercise without pain. I even got in 3 days of 1-1.5 hours of cardio this past week. I am both thankful and amazed!
Dee, how are the classes going? Have you taken any practice tests yet? I hope that you do some practice testing if they allow, as then when the real exam time comes you will be thoroughly prepared for success! BTW, love your new FB profile picture!
Terri, are you returning from the coast today? It has been warm here for this area and a friend from Winston-Salem has told me that they still have true summer there. We will definitely need to do some traveling around the state so we know it better!
Dawn, Diane, and Michelle...thinking of you all, and hope that all is well in your respective world's...
I hope all are enjoying a great TGIF...love and appreciate each of you!

Carole, returning from the coast on Monday... We try never to drive on weekends to avoid the crazy traffic. We are going to take the little boat out to topsail inlet for a picnic today. The weather is gorgeous here. Highs in the mid 80's.
Janet glad to here about the tennis ball helping. I used one for a while and it really helped me two... and you are back at the sewing machine! Hugs and prayers on line for next week. I have an appointment for a fill that day. I find I can eat way to much food, way too fast! Not a good plan leading into the holiday season.
Diane... Hope all is well with you! TGIF! Catch up with you when I can!
Dawn, Michele keep up the good work!
Doreen, definitely keep us posted on the 5K!
Love to all! Happy Weekend!

So happy Dee has a new computer and is with us more, yay!!!!
I too am so proud of you signing up for a 5K and want you to keep us in the loop.
Carole, My ortho surgeon gave me Voltaren Gel for my sciatic and knee's but it never worked for me.
So happy you are feeling younger and happier being able to walk again. I remember after my accident, I too thought I would never be the same again. Every day is a blessing!
After my bedrest, heating pad, ice packs and tennis ball yesterday, I feel soooooo much better today. Didn't even use my cane all day. I was thinking about canceling my next surgery b/c of my sciatic, but now ready to go. Pre op tomorrow morning.
I wish I had tried the tennis ball much earlier.At least if it happens on my right side, after surgery, I will know what to do.
Dawn, Terri, Minimi and Di, Hope you all are doing well.
PS. I even sat at my sewing machine for about 1hr. woohoo!

So happy Dee has a new computer and is with us more, yay!!!!
I too am so proud of you signing up for a 5K and want you to keep us in the loop.
Carole, My ortho surgeon gave me Voltaren Gel for my sciatic and knee's but it never worked for me.
So happy you are feeling younger and happier being able to walk again. I remember after my accident, I too thought I would never be the same again. Every day is a blessing!
After my bedrest, heating pad, ice packs and tennis ball yesterday, I feel soooooo much better today. Didn't even use my cane all day. I was thinking about canceling my next surgery b/c of my sciatic, but now ready to go. Pre op tomorrow morning.
I wish I had tried the tennis ball much earlier.At least if it happens on my right side, after surgery, I will know what to do.
Dawn, Terri, Minimi and Di, Hope you all are doing well.
PS. I even sat at my sewing machine for about 1hr. woohoo!

So happy Dee has a new computer and is with us more, yay!!!!
I too am so proud of you signing up for a 5K and want you to keep us in the loop.
Carole, My ortho surgeon gave me Voltaren Gel for my sciatic and knee's but it never worked for me.
So happy you are feeling younger and happier being able to walk again. I remember after my accident, I too thought I would never be the same again. Every day is a blessing!
After my bedrest, heating pad, ice packs and tennis ball yesterday, I feel soooooo much better today. Didn't even use my cane all day. I was thinking about canceling my next surgery b/c of my sciatic, but now ready to go. Pre op tomorrow morning.
I wish I had tried the tennis ball much earlier.At least if it happens on my right side, after surgery, I will know what to do.
Dawn, Terri, Minimi and Di, Hope you all are doing well.
PS. I even sat at my sewing machine for about 1hr. woohoo!

Dee, I so understand what you mean about things many take for granted...and we don't realize this until we experience a life altering event.
I told Jack this week that when I walk, it makes me feel so much younger and happy to be moving again. Two years ago I had serious doubts about ever being able to walk for miles again.
My lengthy recovery taught me that we should never take anyone or anything for granted...and I am thanking God for every time I am out enjoying walking again!
Small things mean so much...stay well, and keep us posted on your 5K!

Carole just read your post and I must say my heart goes out to you and Janet...having such pain must be so hard...and Gawd yours all from a drunk driver !!!! Thank you for your comment on the 5k.....walking and now running/jogging a 5K will feel so good.....little things we take for granted...God Love you.....Terri Im picturing you laying out in a lounge chair soaking up all that vit D......enjoy hun you sure deserve it....

Good Morning...
Dee, WTG with signing up for your 5K! I am so proud and happy for you! Please let us know when it is, how you do, and of course, we want to see some pictures!
Janet, in my thoughts and prayers as your second surgery approaches! How is you leg feeling today?
Just a quick hi-bye this morning...off to a very late start of the day. I did not have a good night last night, and am still trying to figure out what I did that was different. I pray that there are no additional medical band associated conditions to manage...
On a better note, I have been using my topical anti-inflammatory medication on my knee, and it is a wonder drug. My bariatric surgeon has approved it as safe for me to use. It makes all the difference between not even being able to bend my knee to get into the shower and being able to go back to my full hour of cardio yesterday pain free. I am so thankful for this...as the only way the scale is going to move in the right direction now is with continued exercise.
Terri, I heard from a friend in Winston-Salem who told me it is still very much like summer there. I guess the coast must also be warm but not hot. We also have air conditioning on our boat, and it makes all the difference between comfort and sweltering.
More clothing to go through upstairs to weed out the items that are too large. It's a good feeling... .
I hope everyone has a great Thursday!

Good Morning Girlies....Its a beautiful warm breezy Thursday morning here...Jakie had a football game last night and he did good but they lost....and poor Isaiah had a game the night before got his finger crushed between 2 helmets...and stood on the field crying....yelling to me...did you see how big that boy is mom...Awwwww my baby had to be bribed with candy to get back on the field after...lol ..... Chalie did do great his first day back at work....Hope your all doing wonderful.....

I never came on here before b/c I thought it was for ppl at goal.
Think I have enough post.lol

Oh how nice to hear from almost everyone.
Dee, so happy about your new computer, enjoy my friend.
I can just picture cj laughing so hard. Paula gets into trouble almost every night b/c she makes Maddy laugh until she barf's. lol
Its smilers like CJ & Maddy to remind me why I have nothing to complain about.
Carole, Seth is still covered.
Glad the knee is improving.
How's the kitchen coming along?
Terri, Enjoying the 3 B's, belching, boating and the beach.
I just keep thinking of you going overboard last year, at least if you decide to again the Water is warmer.
Dawn, glad you are enjoying the peace and quiet, now I don't have to worry about that. Are your fogs happy Symba (?) is out of the house? Hows things going with Audrey?
Minimi, you go girl! Soon as my knee's heal I hope you set me up with a challenge. You were always setting challenges on the open forum.
I had an early PT today, off tomorrow and pt after pre op at hospital on Friday. Decided today on complete bed rest, heating pad on my sciatic plus a tennis ball pushing the nerve in my arse.
After initial ball pushing, it actually does feel really good.
Note to self, next time you're going to stay in bed, do not drink 36 oz of Fluid before hand.
I must say, I can't wait for total healing and being able to do the Charleston at Dawn's wedding.
Love you all!

I ask this with all sincerity: why bother with diet pills (that never work long term) or other weight loss gimmicks when you have a Lap Band? It completely defeats the whole purpose.
You said you've only lost a pound. When was your surgery?

Oh how nice to hear from almost everyone.
Dee, so happy about your new computer, enjoy my friend.
I can just picture cj laughing so hard. Paula gets into trouble almost every night b/c she makes Maddy laugh until she barf's. lol
Its smilers like CJ & Maddy to remind me why I have nothing to complain about.
Carole, Seth is still covered.
Glad the knee is improving.
How's the kitchen coming along?
Terri, Enjoying the 3 B's, belching, boating and the beach.
I just keep thinking of you going overboard last year, at least if you decide to again the Water is warmer.
Dawn, glad you are enjoying the peace and quiet, now I don't have to worry about that. Are your fogs happy Symba (?) is out of the house? Hows things going with Audrey?
Minimi, you go girl! Soon as my knee's heal I hope you set me up with a challenge. You were always setting challenges on the open forum.
I had an early PT today, off tomorrow and pt after pre op at hospital on Friday. Decided today on complete bed rest, heating pad on my sciatic plus a tennis ball pushing the nerve in my arse.
After initial ball pushing, it actually does feel really good.
Note to self, next time you're going to stay in bed, do not drink 36 oz of Fluid before hand.
I must say, I can't wait for total healing and being able to do the Charleston at Dawn's wedding.
Love you all!

Good Afternoon all...
Life is good with the group...and I am happy! The Fall is unfolding all around us. And I am so happy to be here to see it! More leaf pictures on FB. I may go a bit overboard on leaves, but I can't help it...seasons mean to much to me!
Dee, so happy you have a new computer to use, and keep in touch with us all! Too funny your note to Kaleb. He will understand larger print in a few years!
Michelle, good to read that you are enjoying life with your sons. It is true that their priorities shift when the get married, but some sons do keep their parents close in heart as our Jay does. And some sone, not so much, as evidenced by Seth. But we love them all the same.
Janet...good to read that you are taking care of you today...and it is essential that you have a good leg to help you through the next surgery. You are covered in prayer as well...
Terri, glad that the coastal life is going well...I hope your weather is as glorious as ours. More leaf pictures found their way to FB. I am where I have yearned to be all of my life.
Dawn, your novels are wonderful to read...and so funny that you had to edit some emoticons out of your post. Any date for your move? We all will be happy for you when you leave the 'hood...
Diane...I hope you are carving some "me" time out of your schedule...are you adding on to your house, or did you decide to move? Either way, I hope you are coping better than I am. Week 2 without a functioning kitchen, and I am getting restless and my patience grows thin!
Break time over...back to making some semblance of order in my office.
I love and am thankful for each of you...