Maddysgram

Welcome back Nicole, we missed you and so sorry for all your family has gone through. Death of a parent is hard, no matter how we try to prepare ourselves we are really never prepared. So glad you have been doing well with your band and staying focused. Know we are always here for you. Cyber hugs!

Dee, sorry if you shared CJ's story before. I can barely remember my name sometimes (sad, but true). It's a running "joke" in my family that I can go see movies over without knowing I saw them, hear/tell stories over, etc. That is heartbreaking yet sweet how all of your boys came to be with you. You really have a heart of gold ~ PLATINUM actually. Keep us posted on your surgeon visit. Hope you can get your fill back. I know without mine, and being able to eat like it wasn't there most days, it's been a struggle. I do have some Fluid in it but not like I did when I felt I was in the "green zone".
Terri, I hope you are enjoying your day making me that quilt for my new place, etc. HAHA. Seriously, it's such a beautiful time of year and I hope you have been out enjoying it today.
Janet, Ange looks adorable. I am sure she is happy to help Mom out and so true that soon, the tables will be turned. When is her c-section scheduled again (sorry, memory thing again)? Sorry to hear this knee isn't quite as seamless as the first. I know you are a trooper though and will power through it. Remember, be nice to PT or your life will REALLY be miserable.
Carole, can't wait until you have your kitchen. Is that all you are waiting for so it is functional again? My trip went well and it is hard coming back to my "empty" house. I so enjoyed just being with Brad, even doing yard work and simple everyday things. It was so cute that I could really tell how much it meant to him that I surprised him. Sunday morning before I left, he had a box sitting by my Breakfast. It was a pair of earrings he got at a craft show a couple weeks earlier for me. He knows I love jewelry and esp unique items. He will tell me on the phone sometimes, that "he loves me more than the moon and the stars". The earrings he got me were hand painted ceramic ones of a moon and a star. I know, we're corny like that. I haven't been back to bikeriding but intend to do so this week. I have been working too late and it gets dark so early.
Michelle, I wish you all the best for your week of hitting the books and getting it done!! Your strength and determination is second to none! It's really inspiring from my "big sis". You are also a great example to your children of what is possible when you are determined and driven.
Di, great pics of you and Mama. It's so nice to see you making the most of the moments that you can with your mom and getting her out to enjoy things, as able.
Michelle, welcome back. Sorry to hear about your FIL and your inlaws. I am glad that hasn't kept you from taking care of you in the process.

Carole you are so positive all the time....its so refreshing...funny about the alarm clock....I only use my cell phones alarm....that vibrating on my night stand wakes me right up..
And yes like any good mom my boys are stars in my eyes and heart....
So sad watching the news today at the navy yard in DC...

Oh Janet...so good to hear from you...laughing you need to barrow some of Cjs diapers for bed time !!!
Your daughter looks beautifully pregnant...what a exciting time...and like Carol said...a few short weeks tables will be turned....so proud of you...
I went for my GI and the tech that took it said with out Fluid in my band he couldn't tell to good about how big or small the pouch was soposta be...he did think it looks a lil he wasn't sure how to word it...he said a slip usually is the bulk of the stomach comes above the band....he thought if anything.. mine looked like there wasn't much of a pouch....I see the surgeon tomarrow...so we will see....

Good Afternoon All...
Well, I overslept because the alarm never went off. I guess I'm going to have to look online for an owner's manual so that Jack can get the directions again...amazing what simple things we can forget in such a short amount of time!
Dee, so happy you did not freeze at the game...you have little insulation left to ward off feeling cold now! Your boys read like they are great players...I hope they never have injuries. That part would scare me the most...
Diane, would love to see a picture of your new hair style...it looked like you had a good time with your mother over the weekend. I hope the medication is helping you cope with feeling overwhelmed.
Dawn, so happy to read that you enjoyed your trip, and that you returned home safely. It must be difficult to,leave there to return to IL. How are your college girls? Have you been riding your bike lately?
Terri, I hope you are feeling better after your stuck episode. I hated those...and almost done with your medications. Life is good! I believe I have Nicole's address. Let me know if you want me to send it to you.
Michelle, good luck with your studies...you are on the glide path now and will do fine!
Physical therapy is going well, but I may have to have an additional surgery to correct some issues with scar tissue and the tendon. If it is optional, I will pass. I am able to walk for miles without pain, just one of my toes seems disconnected from the rest.
I could not resist, and purchased some bronze mums to Celebrate Fall...they come in so many colors. It was difficult to choose. Next year I will be more focused on the outside of the house.
Only 2 more days until countertops! It is so true...the small and basic things do mean to most to me!
I treasure each of you along this journey...at different places, but we all understand.
Group hugs!

Janet,
Turnabout is fair play...you will have your wonderful opportunity to wait on Ange in just a few short weeks! Awwwww, she looks so cute and so pregnant! I'm so happy for you to have daughters you are so close to!
I hope you got your situation in bed all figured out...I laughed about your plight, and at least you have a great sense of humor about it all!
I am thrilled to read of your progress! WTG!

Janet...how are you feeling today? How many times a week are you having physical therapy? I know it is not a fun time, but you should be able to derive great satisfaction out of the progress you continue to experience as you regain your pain free mobility.
St. Armand's is near Sarasota? If I recall, we took out boat over there years ago...I have no clue as to the geography of that part of the Gulf Coast. Please let me know what you think.

Dawn, what a sweet sentiment from Brad...and how thoughtful for the gift of those earrings with so many meanings attached to them. He is definitely a keeper for certain! Glad you returned home safely.
No worries regarding memory issues. I have them also...and they provide great material for the rest of my family to make fun of me. Ok, so memory, along with technology and algebra are not my strong points...but they never held me back!

Dee, I think it is amazing that you have figured out how to use your phone as your alarm...can you teach me?
You should have seen Jack and me last evening, on the phone with our eldest son (IT manager) as he talked and walked us through how to burn a copy of my class reunion DVD for a classmate of mine. It was like Computers 101 for Dummies.
Well, we all have our strong points, and technology and algebra are not mine!

Good Afternoon All...
Diane, you are correct, Jack and I have pretty much forgotten about alarm clocks...but every so often you have to get up earlier for appointments...this morning it was 70 degrees in the house, and we did not want to get up. So I believe we finally got the day going about 9:30.
Thank you for your thoughtful words about Seth and my family. It is difficult knowing he goes "out to the remote areas in the field" by helicopter. I know he risks his life to do this, and this war is an effort which I do not feel we belong in. I continue to pray for his safe and unharmed return.
He is now preparing his application for a second residency for hematology/oncology pharmacy. His focus on his future and the career path he prefers is amazing, and we are encouraged that if approved he will be able to leave Germany ahead of schedule.
I still have to take only one day at a time...

feel guilty having Ange wait on me.

progress today, able to lift my leg up on bed with using a belt to assist, yay!!! The little things in life. I'm very tired, even with Percocet I only sleep 30 mins to 1 hr during the night. Only had a 30min nap yesterday after, so it isn't b/c I'm sleeping too much. The least amount of pain keeps me up.
Just got comfy in my bed, heating pad on my thigh and butt and now I have to pee and I have nothing to drink to take rx. I'm screwed!
Hope everyone is having a good day! I am enjoying reading your post, even if I do not reply. I'll have my wits about me soon, maybe...

feel guilty having Ange wait on me.

progress today, able to lift my leg up on bed with using a belt to assist, yay!!! The little things in life. I'm very tired, even with Percocet I only sleep 30 mins to 1 hr during the night. Only had a 30min nap yesterday after, so it isn't b/c I'm sleeping too much. The least amount of pain keeps me up.
Just got comfy in my bed, heating pad on my thigh and butt and now I have to pee and I have nothing to drink to take rx. I'm screwed!
Hope everyone is having a good day! I am enjoying reading your post, even if I do not reply. I'll have my wits about me soon, maybe...

feel guilty having Ange wait on me.

progress today, able to lift my leg up on bed with using a belt to assist, yay!!! The little things in life. I'm very tired, even with Percocet I only sleep 30 mins to 1 hr during the night. Only had a 30min nap yesterday after, so it isn't b/c I'm sleeping too much. The least amount of pain keeps me up.
Just got comfy in my bed, heating pad on my thigh and butt and now I have to pee and I have nothing to drink to take rx. I'm screwed!
Hope everyone is having a good day! I am enjoying reading your post, even if I do not reply. I'll have my wits about me soon, maybe...

Janet hope your enjoying your meds....and that your resting that new knee...
Dawn. and Michele..hope your enjoying a stress free weekend....
Diane I missed seeing your new hair cut !
Im working tonight 10:30 till 6 am....rush home get the kids off to school then the GI....see you all on the flip !

Terri..believe it or not by game time it was beautiful here....I was actually warm !!!
Our boys lost again but they played so hard....OMGoodness my Jakie was on fire...he got a sack...lots of tackles and both boys got to run the ball...I was so happy Charlie was able to get to this game...
Glad your arm is better...don't frget to take your meds !!!

Thank you Carol..
I know I have to get a grip on my eating when im not as tight....Im sure I can...just sorta starved myself the last 2 weeks being so tight...

This is LBT! Arm is better but on meds til Wed. I have been on liquids today after my stuck with the cake last night.
Doreen hope you don't freeze at football!
Janet keep healing.
Diane, love the haircut.
Carole, real mountain woman... Deck over car!
Nicole if you are still out there would you resend your address? I can't find it.
Dawn, home yet?
See ya on FB.

Good Afternoon All...
I'd this FB or LBT? I have enjoyed our spontaneous chats on FB...
Dee, you just have to take responsibility to manage your hunger, and learn to tell yourself NO. I can usually go a full 3.5 to 4 hours between meals. If I do need a snack, then it is either 1/4 cup low fat cottage cheese or a teaspoon of Peanut Butter.
I allow myself 2 Snacks a day, but I usually only have one. It is not the best scenario, but it is what can work for me with a continuing commitment to exercise.
Terri, did your Fitbit show up yet? How is your arm today? I hope that it is better...and you are off the meds soon?
Janet, how are you today? Has the swelling subsided any yet? Keep us posted on your progress...you are an amazing woman to already be back with some of your favorite things...aka US!
Dawn, how is the remote working schedule working for you? When will you know if you will be permitted to do this full time?
Diane, I hope you have had a peaceful and restful day!
Michelle, I hope you have enjoyed your busy but fun filled weekend...
Nicole, if you read this, I hope you are continuing to do well...
Taking a break after finishing up staining the deck...I decided I did not care if I had a clean car this week...
I hope everyone enjoyed their Sunday...have a happy Monday!

Good Morning girls...
OOO its so cold here....well for me it is any way....The boys have football games today one at 2:30 and the other right after that.....Gosh Im gonna be sporting my hat and gloves for sure !
Carol I don't know how you do it with no fill....all I wanna do is eat right now...Im gonna cry when I get on the scale at drs office on Tuesday..tomorrow I go for the upper GI...im pretty sure everything is going to look good...because I can eat anything I want ( snd believe me I have since the unfill ) with no pain...
~hugs~ hope you all have a great Sunday !

OMG I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO SAY!

Good night ladies!

Postscript to my previous post...too many interruptions from Jack!
Dee,
I am sorry you had to get your band unfilled...but it does help to calm the stomach down. I've continued to have varying degrees of restriction with no Fluid. And I am too concerned about my long term welfare to ever get Fluid in my band again. You should be able to maintain your portions and not gain weight. So, NO worries!
I hope you feel better fast!
Big cyber hugs...