Dutchgrl59

Thanks SO much for the update, I've had a few sleepless nights but now can rest easier knowing our Penni is on the road to recovery. We Love ya Sweetie, glad you're home!

Hi everyone, I'm back from work. Did I sound like I was gonna leap from a bridge?? Sorry to have you all worried.... sometimes when I talk its "tongue in cheek" because .... well, because life is so irrationally crazy. Like the notion that I'm supposed to be Super-Mom. Nope, it's not gonna happen. Not getting the job yesterday was fine by me because the school district wants the impossible: a super duper human being to leap tall buildings for 50 cents an hour! Let me explain. There are 2 students that have extra-ordinary needs at one school. I think they are both boys. One child needs to be fed with a tube + needs medication. The other child has a catheter. Not to mention learning disabilities. They wanted me to come in at 7:30am to assess all the children when they get off the bus, then help get them settled into class by getting out walkers or positioning them. The job is for 29 1/2 hrs, so that they convieniently won't have to pay for insurance and they have been trying to fill this job since JULY! All I told them was that I couldn't be there at 7:30... because as a single Mom I needed to take my own children to school first. They made it sound like it was super important for me to do all these duties when in reality every handicapped child has an aide to assist with busing and this made up job was created because NO ONE wants to change a diaper or wear rubber gloves to feed another human being! I figured that if they were gonna diss me for a time conflict they will never get anyone to take the job. Wasn't this all about the kids or is this politics once again. OK, I'll get off my high horse. I'm still a substitute and whoever gets this job will sooner or later burn-out..... and guess who ends up subbing -- yep, it's me. So, I'm really happy with this outcome because I can now volunteer to sub once a week and come & go as I please. As for the job at Disneyland..... thats gotta wait. I actually have talked to someone at the Magic Kingdom about being a Costumer(I have degrees in stage lighting & costumes/makeup) and they have positions waiting for me but newbies always start at the bottom, meaning graveyard shift. And I can't do that. Hey all... I love ya, love ya ..... love ya. Need to pick up my little monkey -- bye!

Hey Gang, I've been having a weird couple of days.... tired from Lews party and then discovering that Penni was having band trouble. It hit me harder than I thought. Penni & I connected a few days ago and she lives just 50minutes from me and we were talking about getting together and such when I found out she was having immediate surgery. Then all day yesterday there was no news, it was only this morning that I read that she's doing well. (Sigh) Oh, yeah, then there was trouble with Aunt Flo and I was totally out of sorts. Did I mention the crummy job interview yesterday -- I didn't think so.... lets just say I was not wanted :think Today, I will go to work, where the kids there love me and I will focus on Saturdays Seminar at Chapman Medical Center, where I will meet some local bandsters and Dr. Oliak. And I will pray that Rene's appeal go's thru. Mantra to continue. Always, enter Smiling.

Amen, to that!

Oh, Penni This was not what we wanted to hear, my heart just aches for you. Our prayers were not answered... but maybe they were. Counting our blessing right now might seem difficult, but lets try. #1 You have a fabulous Dr. #2 You got the results immediately. #3 They found an available OR tonight. #4 We are right here every step of the way. And #5 You have a fabulous Dr.... (I know I already said that one!) We Love you Lots and want you to get well soon. Thats My Christmas Wish

Congratulations Young Miss! Everything you said is the very reason I am scared to death. It's not the surgery..... it's being a MOM. Who's on duty 24/7..... MOM. Who makes the Sun shine.... MOM. Where do they seek comfort..... MOM. Cheri, your band will just make you a better MOM and for that, they will LOVE you more. I'm so proud of you! Please keep me updated on your coping skills for when I get my turn. Your two sound like my four.... nervous, you bet. I am woman hear me ROAR! Sleep lots. HUGS,

Hey Everybody, I'm Soooooooo tapped out I can't even think straight. I wanted to say "Hi" to Lisa and thanks for the support. Glad to see Beanie's posts and am jealous that you are located close enough to other LBT family. I think that I just did too much. Yesterdays Peds visit took the last ounce of me left. I have work this morning and it has gotten colder here -- OK OK it's not snowing in California but to me it's cold! Eileen, the next time I pop pills I will think of you! Don't work too hard. Gotta go, I will try to visit later.

If you're a good girl at the dr's you can pick one prize from the treasure box..... (make sure it's the diamond necklace). My best prayer belongs to you! Hugs,

Good Morning Friends! I am alive....barely! My ex paid the deposit for our clubhouse on Sat.... but not without drama(that would be too easy) and the boys & I were off to Knotts berry Farm. We each had a toy to give for our entrance and I pick the cutest Marine that I can find to hand over my gift :rolleyes then I turned and there's a network television camera filming my stroller w/ toys and my exchange with the handsome marine --- my wish was to be thin lol! We then met up with my sister and enjoyed the park. On Sunday I was on a mission to get the party started and have no incidents. I never really talked to mr. ex about bringing the new family so I just stayed quiet. We work real well as a team and we always have. Tables were set, food ordered, boxes unloaded and cheerful banter. Everything looked beautiful. The children began to arrive and I had them immediately sit down to eat. With the meal done they were allowed to pick a craft area to go to. I wanted the children to rotate thru the crafts so that they weren't all bunched up and that kept things moving. They could decorate a sugar cookie or make a magnet or glue together a picture frame(I took poloroids of kids w/lewis). When that was all done we opened gifts, had cake and gave out treat bags. Whew, my back was killing me! It was 2pm, we were done and Mr ex never brought the family. It was a good day and Lewis was in 7th heaven! Mission Accomplished. Thanks gang for getting me thru it all. Miss Cindy: You got the magic box! You are most welcome, it's good to see a smile where tears were. Much Love, my dear! Eileen: I have been meaning to ask. Have you been off all these weeks from work because of surgery? I never knew that! Fill me in on what you do. Well, in the rush of doing and being I forgot that I have a well-baby check for Lewis TODAY at 10am -- I'm SO not prepared and my house is a wreck. God just grant me..... peace. So, catch ya later,

I don't think that I have the time adjusted correctly for Ca. What does GMT stand for? Thanks!

Hi Folks, Pat, your home is just beautiful. Bring on Christmas! Well, this morning I need to place the deposit on our Clubhouse for tomorrows party. I tried calling my ex all day yesterday when we found him at home sleeping. He had just had Lasix eye surgery and didn't know if he could drive here after he visits the dr for follow-up. What got me angry was just plain irresponsiblity. Elective surgery when your son is having a party? AG%*@ stupitidity, shame on you.....glad not married any longer! Do they really think kiddie partys just appear out of nowhere? I'm SOOOO done! After I take care of my deposit we are off to Knotts Berry Farm for our annual Toys for Tots drive. The theme park gives us park entrance when we bring an unwrapped toy. Since this is Lew's weekend, he gets to pick the rides! My sister will be driving down from Santa Barbara and plans to join us. She has 2 grown daughters and one "Oops" daughter age 2. It'll be fun with the crafts festival, train rides and shows. We'll stay until it gets cold and then come home for hot cocoa. The boys are still sleeping and I haven't checked Lewis' temp yet. I'm hoping his fever broke during the night because he's slept thru without complaint. I gotta get a move-on, we'll chat later.

I just finished reading "Gut Feelings" by Carnie Wilson and she raved about sleeping in her recliner when she got home. I am seriously considering renting one for about a month. Good Luck.

You did all that in 6 months! Kudos! I like the idea of giving yourself mini goals to keep motivation going. Here's what I want to do... in a local mall here they have a Williams-Burke spa. I think a massage every 25lbs isn't excessive.... for a 100lb weight loss that would mean 4 visits . So, you have some catch-up to do with 3 and 1 to go! Tell hubby! You do us all proud and your true story a blessing. Thank You.

OH MY GOSH! It worked :D I now I feel part of the group! Penni my kids are here covering their ears I shouted SO loud. For the past 2 weeks I've been trying to do this..... I'm so pleased! You guys are just awesome!

Just a recap on the party situation..... I spoke to the ex first about expenses due to party supplies. Everything OK with that, he dropped off a check. He hasen't mentioned his dear wife. On Saturday we need to put a deposit on the clubhouse that we are reserving for the party. After the money has been turned in I will make my move. Now, he can still say that he's bringing her but then I just cancel the whole thing (he's already paid for party supplies). Then he will feel guilty and recant and I get my way! Conflict -- he hates it and I have 14 years of documention to prove it. Don't mess with me, pal.... and you'll be fine. It's so unfortunate that my husband(when I had one) never ever stuck up for me..... ever! What makes you think he would stick up for his new bride?? Ahhh, a creature of habit and this one hasn't learned his lesson yet. Only time will tell. Ya, know what makes me laugh, back in the day when he had me as his nagging wife he hated listening to me bitch.... now he has 2 nagging wives and he isn't any happier -- totally funny I just want to add that Lewis will have his party and everything will be fine. I would never hurt my children or pit them against their father, but the reality is that I still have a relationship with this man and I KNOW he thinks that all is forgiven and that he moved on with his life. Ahhhh, the misinformed male, don'tcha just love them! Until next time on "Desparate Housewives"......

Morning Everyone, Sorry I'm a bit late. The Birthday kid has a TEMPERATURE! Yeah, isn't that par for the course. I have Taylor here to help keep Lewis occupied while I finish up.... well everything. Oh, lets just throw in an 11am job interview just to make things interesting! Thanks for all the positive feedback, you all make me feel more loved than my church family... but thats another story. Eileen, thanks for the PM, your input always puts my mind at ease about living the lapband life, no matter how you look at this, its a BIG step(surgery) and scary and overwhelming to say the least. Cindy: Have you got the box I sent? That chowmein noodle thing...... yummmmm, memories! Rene: That close-up of you and the Santa Hat - Wow, a classic beauty is what you are! Dianne, Welcome to the chat.... look forward getting to know you. Catch you guys later,

Good Morning all! Well, 6 years ago today..... I was in labor! That little monster didn't make an appearance until 10pm that night! This morning I made a batch of "golden" pancakes and then sent them all to school -whew! I have a few gifts that I need to wrap in gold paper and put them in a gold tote bag..... notice the theme? This child wants everything in gold. The reason is because of Disneys 50th. For the celebration Disneyland made golden vehicles for several of the rides: A Dumbo elephant, Casey jr train, a teacup, a Peter pan ship, Mr toad car, an autopia car, a jungle cruise boat and a popcorn stand. What most people wouldn't know is that LEGO is also celebrating 50 years! Lewis is one lucky boy, because Lego came out with a golden brick and on monday of this week I discovered that the lego store in downtown disney is giving away these golden bricks to any guest! So, I will be springing the boys out of school early, about 1pm and driving them to the legostore. After we visit the store, we'll hop the monorail and I want to surprise Lew with golden mickey ears(they embroider names free). My last gift will be a glass jar filled with gold M & M's(who'd a thunk) yes candy in all colors! Thanks for listening to my banter.... I have to get to work - see ya!

Eileen, Thank you!! Thank you, Thank you !! I got a letter today that states that my Insurance approved a dietary consult. Did I just jump through another hoop? This is moving alot faster than I anticipated, I just need to stay grounded and focused. Can ya all help me with that? The picture that Eileen posted was taken last summer at Disneyland. Lewis decided to hide so, you don't get to see my little monkey. Tomorrow, is Lew's 6th birthday, I'm just about finished with party preparations and last minute details. I promise not to forget my digital on Sunday and you all will get to meet Mr. Lew. I gotta run... it's been a long day:)

And to think you could have just waited by the phone... nah, you went in and got the results immediately,and cleared your mind, man am I proud of you! :devious Congrats on being a walking miracle! Three cheers!

GoodMorning everyone, It's a new day and I'm gonna be positive. Eileen I just sent you an email. Us girls will try to stick together and victory is in sight! Cindy-loo... I'm so glad you're home! I have been so worried about you and the challenges this last week presented you and your family. I have decided to tell my ex to leave his new family home.... My boys don't like their stepbrother nor the step Mom and I'm not in the mood to cater to people that I did not invite, if my focus is my son I want to give him all my attention. It's a 2hr party, she can wait for him to come home - and no "goodie" bag! Rene.... where are you? Oh, I've got to share something cute. Yesterday I was in class with one of my students who is in second grade. He's a wiggleworm and my job is to keep him on task. We were working on the story about the Gingerbread man... you know "run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the Gingerbread man!" When we FINALLY finished our assignment I told him that he had done a great job and then I reached into my totebag and pulled out a small gingerbread cookie made by "Mothers" (my favorite) I told him he was to eat it at lunchtime(just happened to have these). And I got up to leave. Before I get to the door he tackles me with the biggest bear hug! I love my job and these kids just find a place in your heart. I wouldn't have traded that moment with anyone! Smiles,

I hate This!

If I did this right, this should be me and 3 of my boys at Disneyland...where else!

Hey guys.... I'm computer stupid. I have a picture of me and the kids that I want to share with you but I don't know how to put it in here. I was just mess'n with it now but only the link showed up. I'm off to work now, I'll return early afternoon 1pm my time. I hate that I don't have an avatar to post... don't know how to do that either. See Ya!

OK, the train on the headboard..... is it for DH or daughter? My kids all love trains! You're bedroom project should be oh Home MakeOver. Simply beautiful.

Thanks Eileen for the support.