mousecrazy

I have read this book, and still have it. I read it five years ago. I don't think I was ready to understand it then, but I should probably read it again. Thanks for reminding me about it. It is a good recommendation, and when people are really ready to face that issue, it's a good place to start.

Good morning, everyone! The brownies were great, but next time, less marshmallows on the top! They all melted together and made it really hard to cut, but they tasted great. DD taped stripes of red, white, and blue all over a shoe box (we're a very patriotic family, too!), and it looked really great and cute! We had a good time over at my sister's...I got some nice compliments from friends of hers who haven't seen me in quite a while, which was nice, of course! Okay moms, let me throw this at you and ask for any advice. I brought this up as a theoretical not long ago, but now I guess it's not as theoretical. DD was complaining of itching in her "personal" place, so I was helping her clean herself, and noticed she has some pubic hair. I swear. She'll be 9 in October. So, like Pat said, I talked to her about her periods and what they were. She cried. I wasn't expecting that. But I hugged her and listened and prayed for the right words. I told her that God designed our bodies and we should receive that as a blessing because it allows us to be mothers some day. She wanted to know if it hurt, and I said sometimes there are cramps, but I never had any...some people do. So, you have a general idea of how I handled it...I'm sure there will be more questions from her, so do you have any ideas of other things I can tell her? Did your mothers do anything that really made an impression on you? Mine kinda avoided the whole thing, and I want to do that differently, so she sees it as part of a bigger picture of God's design and something that should be honored. It sure seems like this came really fast...8 years old! I've always thought she was an "old" soul...I'm gonna have to stay on my toes to keep up with her! Eileen, enjoy your crumb cake! Hugs to all!

I believe you can do it! I'll be looking for your progress each week, and cheering you on!

Sounds like the holiday weekend is in full swing around here! Patty, glad you survived the vacation! And, it sounded like a good time! Rest up a little, because now you've got summer to survive! Since DH and I are both teachers, we are home together with DD, and we enjoy it, but it seems to drive others absolutely crazy! Hope you are in the "enjoy it" category! Eileen, thank you for your kind words and cyber-hug...you know, it's so great to have learned to roll with some things and let them be what they are...ironic. Letting go of some control actually gives you more control? I think that may be a breakthrough, there... We have made our brownies, and boy they do look good and smell good. DD is in her room decorating a shoe box in patriotic colors, then we'll line it with wax paper, and put the brownies in it for the fish fry. I think her brownies will be a big hit, and she'll be all aglow with compliments, which is the point. Give that girl a project and a purpose, and she's in heaven. As for me, like Sherry, I did some cleaning, but mine was on the back porch. I even broke a sweat. It was so shocking, all the dogs were actually worried! LOL! All I did was clean off the porch swing cushions, brush off the dust and stuff and then reattach the cushions. They look so much better now! I'll check back later! Everyone have a great day!

I haven't found any food that I just cannot eat, ever. I don't have a big fill, though...but it is fickle. some days, chicken is just fine. Other days, it gives me a "golfball." Like others, I've found that dark meat is easier. I have eaten bread, rice, potatoes, eggs, shrimp, salad, cake, melted cheese, etc...just smaller amounts, and smaller bites. I honestly think, for me, that it is more of a matter of the size of the bite, and the speed of eating than anything else. For the newer members, this is good advice: just because you CAN eat something, doesn't mean you SHOULD. I ought to remember that more often! LOL!

Amen. I love that we are all being lifted in prayer and strengthened by God and our faith in Jesus Christ. We will learn to see ourselves as He sees us, and treat ourselves as He would treat us. We will learn to deal with food. May God bless all of us.

Hi, It's great that you are thinking about these issues! Keep thinking about them, and you'll find your answers. All I can tell you about these problems is that, for me, they come and go. Some days I do better than others. Some weeks are better than others. There are so many things like this that come up as we struggle with our eating issues, and the band is such a great tool. It is there as we work these things out. You are not alone...I bet you get a lot of feedback on your questions. I know you were probably wanting some magic answers, and I hope you are not too disappointed by mine. I'm trying to be honest with you, and encourage you to just keep going, one day at a time. You'll get there!

Betty, thank you for your understanding and kindness. I sure hope you have a great weekend! Kat, your luau sounds like it went fantastic! Just get a plastic tub, and store all that stuff, at HER house! LOL! That's a grand idea! I'm going to teach my DD how to make real mac and cheese tonight, so that'll be our dinner, too...she just loves to learn to cook. Then we're gonna make some (caution! The following is dangerous to those avoiding sweets, especially chocolate!) "Fluffernutter Brownies." It's a Rachel Ray recipe, starts with a brownie mix and you add peanut butter chips, and marshmallows and nuts. We're going to take those to the fish fry tomorrow at my sister's. We don't have to take anything, but I know my DD will be very proud if she brings something that everyone oohs and aahs over. Have a good evening!

How cute! I love cross stitch, but just haven't had time to do it since I became a working mother with a long commute...but I've got high hopes for retirement! It's beautiful work!

Betty, I am so happy for you that you are getting away for a few days! I am hungry for your salads already! I bet you got a cortisone shot, which should help pretty quickly...did the doc tell you to try ice? With time, a soft tissue injury will heal, so be nice to yourself! So, it's July already? Wow! I'm battling some emotional eating issues, but I'm just going to ride them out until this week or so passes...here we are at the one year anniversary of mom's passing. That will be on July 6. I feel differently than I thought I would, but it's hard to describe it. I know, thankfully, that many of you understand this. On a lighter note, I am sitting on the couch, laptop in my lap, and beside me are Mickey (mini Schnauzer), Slately (big gray cat), Dharma (Bichon), and Snuggles (longhair tortoiseshell cat). At my feet, there is Annie the Airedale. Only one cat is missing, and I think she is outside, or she'd be right here, too! I'm like the animal magnet! I've got nothing going on...so interested in everyone else's plans!

Nothin' much going on...I'm just doing some small organizing tasks around here...going to my sister's for a fish fry on Sunday night. It is too dry to sneak any fireworks, way too dangerous for fire hazards, so I imagine we'll cook some hot dogs and call it fun! What's everybody else doin'?

Apparently this is a much bigger deal than I personally think it should be, because it's on every news station....sigh. One idea I heard is that Rosie required the departure of Star. I guess it makes sense that Rosie and Star would not sit around the same table.

I just got back from my Austin trip! We had a great time! Went to eat at our fave places (all Tex-Mex), walked around the UT campus, which looks kinda the same in places, 'and really different in others, bought some t-shirts, and then went to my retirement counseling thingie...swam at the pool, and just generally had a blast! We think we'd better do this each summer...so nice to just be girlfriends, no kids, for a couple of days! I've got to take DD to her voice lesson...BBL! Hugs, Cindy

I don't watch The View, and haven't for years now...I have kept up with Star a little, just due to the weight loss aspect, and I don't really like the way she looks all that much, but I don't have to live with it, so who cares what I think? Honestly, I just have pretty much lost patience with most celebrities, in a general way....if you have a contract that you have signed, stating you will not discuss something, you should stick to your contract. Someone who is knowledgeable about the law should understand that.

Okay, Betty, prayers surround you and your brother. I will be out of town until Thursday night, but you will be in my prayers the whole time. I will check in here first thing when I get back. Hugs and love, Cindy

THAT's what I forgot! Donna's anniversary!!!! That's a gorgeous necklace! Congratulations! Can't wait to see what the rest of the surprsie is! It's interesting that two of you have dated on Match....my niece met her husband on eharmony or something like that. My DH and I met the old-fashioned way---we were set up by my sister and her husband! LOL! Today we have swimming, then a few errands. Then I pack for my little trip to Austin to get the retirement stuff set up with teacher retirement down there. I also need to pack for DD, because she's gonna stay with my sister so they can babysit for my little baby great-niece (my sister's granddaughter). My DD is already planning what clothes she's gonna make her wear! Poor baby. I'm looking forward to the trip...my friend and I are going together, so she can have some time away from her two little kids, also...a girl trip! Yippeeeee! DH is staying here, listing and selling stuff on ebay, and going to the tax office to try to get our property taxes reduced...somebody's gotta do the heavy lifting! I'll check in later!

Awwwwww! What a cute little puppy, Sherry! I see why she was irresistable!

Bummer, Chris, on the downside of your date...the smoking. My DH smokes, but I used to, too. I quit 6 years ago, but he hasn't. I only bug him about it a little, because we both quit drinking, and that was a much bigger deal. Only you know how big a deal it is to you, except maybe Sherry! LOL! Yes, Pat... I know the "talk" is coming. I don't even mind having it. DD will be 9 in Oct., and is already developing physically, so I know the period is not far behind. We even took her to the doctor a year ago, because she was complaining of pain in the pelvic area...the sonogram showed some ovarian development even then. Thanks for the encouragement. DH and I take these things matter-of-factly and approach the sexual side of things from a spiritual approach and will do the best we can to pass that attitude on to her. Betty, sorry about the dead battery...still, it was good you got to get out and ride for a while. Hope everything's okay for you...hugs! Eileen, hope you have a good week...I know you are going to lead the way to onederland, and I am looking forward to cheering you on! I'm in the holding pattern for now, but I've learned to just accept this. It's so weird, isn't it? When my weight stays the same for a while, that's when people ask me if I'm losing weight...it's weird. I know there was something else I was going to say to someone, but it's late and I'm tired and going to bed...I'll think of it tomorrow! Goodnight and hugs, Cindy

Prayers go up for all who have asked, and He hears all prayers both said and unsaid. Our God is right on time, and will deliver his will on time in all situations. Let go and let God. It is so simple, and so difficult for us. I pray for his guidance and comfort for all who ask, and ask that you remember all our troops in your prayers. Thank you.

Just a couple of ideas, but my situation is not the same as yours, since i only have one kid! I make us a little schedule...structure is a good thing. I find worksheets that are kinda fun too online...Enchantedlearning.com is one place...but there are tons out there like discovery.com...While your older kid is working on something alone, you will have time for the 3 year old. Also, check out familyfun.com for some great ideas. One I have used is to have all the kids put some things they want to do on slips of paper, and once a week, or whatever schedule you like, you pull one out of a jar, and do that one. I think the saving grace is to have a schedule that you make...you need to put some order to things. They'll be happier, too. You can limit how many days there are friends over, and what kind of things you allow. You can check movies out at the library and have matinee afternoon, with popcorn you make...lots cheaper. Or, the older kids can make up the menu for lunch...and you can have cooking lessons that way. When I get stuck for ideas, I go online and find something and some good ideas, everytime! Good luck...remember, YOU'RE the boss (but it helps if they think they are getting choices!) LOL!

Urrrggggghhh! I just wrote a post, and it disappeared! Anyway, I was welcoming you, Chrispy! It's a great group here, yes, we need an after picture of Sherry, and good luck in your quest to be a bandster! I promise the first post was much more interesting! Hugs to all, Cindy

I never thought about it. I would imagine not...seems like it would get in the way...I always think of doctors as mechanics in that way...it has never bothered me. If you have problems with that kind of thing, it is probably something to discuss with your doctor or his staff.

Happy Saturday! Eileen, how was the Care Bear show? I bet ya'll had a blast! Hope the weather will straighten up for you up there in NJ...we had a few rain drops yesterday and happy to have them, but no floods like in Houston or up there. Patty, have fun with Johnny this weekend! We're ready to throw the virtual online party when you finally get your surgery go-ahead! I know it's coming... Betty, your family is still in my prayers. How's the news? I hope it's as good as it can be. Donna, how's the beach? What part of Florida are you in? Trish, glad to see you! I just am so sorry you are having all these problems. Hope that wound heals quickly! Darcy, so what is the treatment plan for your crazy goiter? I have a friend who has something like that, and she hasn't had any operations and won't let them use radiation, so she stays on beta-blockers. Otherwise, she has the heart racing you talked about...she's a little exteme against medical procedures, so I'm by no means suggesting you follow that...I was just wondering what reasonable people would do! LOL! I guess by the time we work through everyone's medical things around here, we'll be well informed, huh? Sherry, how did that problem at work get settled? I imagine it was just part of your regular routine. Beanie, are you rested up from your exciting trip? I bet you are hibernating this weekend! My DH finished his summer school job yesterday. Grease was fun... I forgot how many things were in it that might need "explaining" to an 8 year old! She fully understood that Rizzo was a tramp, but didn't understand the PG thing, or the "friend" that was/wasn't coming to visit. Also, she didn't ask, so we havn't had to go through that entire discussion, yet. She still feels sorry for actresses that have to kiss as part of their roles...how can you kiss someone you don't know?????? I hope it stays that way for a while! Have a good day, all! Cindy

Congratuations, Babs! I really appreciate you taking the time to update all of us on your journey...you've done so great, and your advice is so valuable! Good luck on your new goals! Cindy

Verrrry interesting! When I was losing more quickly than now, I had a difficult spell emotionally, but I am also recovering from the grief of losing my mom, so it's all kinda balled up together and hard to separate which feelings are caused by what. I had never considered the weight loss as a part of the equation, but I guess it could be. Thanks for the thought-provoking post.