I'm here to help...

[Great2BThin 5]

Good evening. Well everyone just left from the small group gathering I had. It went okay. I was more nervous or unsure of myself tonight than last night. I wasn't sure how much to serve and how much to just let them go get. Everything was out on the counter and island in the kitchen as far as food, drinks, coffee, utensils, cups etc. But it seemed to go okay. I also didn't know half the people as well. But it's done.

Apples, so glad you had such a great day. I love playing board games on Christmas.

Arlene, where else is the cruise going? I am assuming it's a Western Carribean since it's going to Belize. We went there, Grand Caymen, Roaton and Cozumel a few times on ours.

TX, good thoughts for your dad's surgery.

Cheri, all that new technology would scare me too, but you'll figure it out I am sure.

Well I am sleeping in tomorrow! Time to relax a little!

[Apples2 19]

My dad is having a catheter put in his lower abdomen for Peritoneal dialysis. He is in stage 5 renal failure. His kidneys are only at 14 percent. He has had diabeties for 37 years and it is just taking it's toll. He lost sight in one of his eyes back in 94. It has been really hard on me seeing him in this condition. He has always been able to do anything and now there is not much he can do without help. We have to be there at 7am cst and surgery is at 9. I will post as soon as I know something.

Hugs

Chris

Chris..said an extra prayer for Poppy. Just keep in mind...ppl on dialysis are inconvenienced but can live a very (somewhat) normal life. They just have to shift a few things. DH's mother lived that life for quite a few years...many more than we ever could have wished for. Hang in there. So happy you posted today to remind us of what you are going through and the worries you have about your father. Please keep us informed as to how his surgery went and how you are doing. Lots of stress as you go through this. Just know we are here for you. Hugs

[Mrs. Bubba 0]

Karen, you sound so happy..... I'm so tickled that everything went so well for you. You made a wonderful memory for those children.... Making them feel so special.... You have a wonderful knack for that... Bless your Gramma heart....

Cheri, best of luck on your big decision making day tomorrow.. God will lead you to the right path... I'm not very techy either...

Arlene, congrats on the 2011 Christmas plans... Will you be traveling with anyone other than your DH???

Lori, congrats on making through another event in very good shape... You're a natural.... You'll be doing it more often now maybe...

Well I got my cards finished and ready to mail in the morning... also got all the last packages wrapped and under the tree, but still need a couple... Have to go to Bismarck to the dentist on Tuesday so will pick them up then.. Also need to get a 60th birthday gift... My friend who has been so sick is turning 60 and her daughters are having a surprise party on Thursday night... it's her actual birthday... So I have to think of something fun, but without the dreaded black or RIP things that sometimes come with parties like this... She is so lucky to be alive and that must be celebrated...

I am tired, so am headed off to bed I think.. I might even beat DH tonight.... The girls will be here from noon to 6:00 tomorrow so should be a fun day.... Take care all, oh and good luck TX with you father's surgery, too... Nightie Night.... Hugs from Julie

[phyllser 3]

Phyll,

Zooey seems incredibly smart. What kind of mix is she again? Have a great trip. Be safe.

Cheri

She is a Shih Tzu

Apples,

I agree. No guilt. Various people pick up on various people. It all comes out in the wash. I've never been able to remember or post on all the posts. Too bewildering. Too much activity on this thread. You post and find out 2 other people were posting at the same time. Great minds and all that.

Love, Cheri

Yeah! Very big challenge to try to keep up!

Hi gang! The "meet the parents" went very well, My DS's girlfriend's parents and sister drove all day from Arkansas. Her brother and his partner drove from Oklahoma City. This is the first time they all have been todgether in years. GF is active Air Force so she is usually off on assignment somewhere. Now she is assigned to the U of H directing the ROTC. My son was such host. He bought fajitas, guacamole, Beans, rice, cheese enchiladas and tortillas. Of course you know I brought the sweets. Yes, I ate cake! Janet, I am doing like you and Cheri.......I have designated carb days. I am staying Protein and carb free with the exception of berries in my Protein drinks. I won't indulge until Christmas Day.

Cheri, I know I shouldn't lol at some of the things you tell us, but you are funny. My DH is a quiet guy too. Most of our friends just love him because he is a calm quiet person. I just wish he like to go places more. I am trying to book a cruise on the new Carnival Magic next December. It leaves on Dec 18th for Belize. We will miss Christmas here, but we can do Thanksgiving and Christmas together. I will make it an off year for a Christmas gathering. Gathering once a year is plenty anyway.

Lori, see, you are a hostess with the mostess!!!! I think Apples has a good idea. You need to start having small gatherings with the women. You will gain your confidence. Congrats! on the dinner party.

Apples, I am glad you got to go to church today. We had baptisms again so I stood up front and passed out towels. Now I am washing them. I love my little jobs. Anyway, the sermon was on bitterness. Yikes! How the root of bitterness starts......what the bible says......and how we can heal. Of course my SIL came to mind. I really have to work on that even though I am at peace about not seeing her for awhile.

Sndy......sounds like you had an awesome time with DH. Are you on vacation?

Phyl.......stay safe in CA. I heard they were going to have some bad weather.

Melissa....take care!

Joyce.....want to hear about your Christmas dinner with family.

Janet......gotta get back to Dollar Tree....Ds had me wrap his gifts yesterday and took some of my bags and bows.

CHOO!!!!!! CHOO!!!!!!

Glad your "meet the parents" went well!

Yes, we had miserable weather all day... rain, rain, rain, and some wind. Tomorrow might not be too good either~! At our son's tonight. Near San Francisco. Leaving early in the morning. Probably will be staying somewhere in southern OR tomorrow night.

Again, I want to say thanks from the bottom of my heart for you support during my little meltdown over entertaining. Maybe next time I won't freak out quite so much. Oh and I just loved, loved, loved my new dishes. I've never wanted DH to get me stuff like that for Christmas before but was thrilled with them. Especially since he didn't think we 'needed' new dishes.

Cheri, were you saying I overdid it with the primerib? I really got it because a) it was on sale for $5.99/lb and it was something I was comfortable making and I knew I could do good. LOL MY other go to dish that I make well (at least get lots of compliments on) are my chicken enchiladas but was unsure about going Mexican cause not everyone is a fan. But I take them a lot to potlucks etc.

Janet, that hiphugger belt thing looks like something I need, my jeans always gap in the back. Did you get that at Walmart?

Apples, thinking of you today being 'fake Grandma'.

Speaking of Grandma, I have a question I'd like some feedback on. Seeing as how I am going to be Grandma soon I am wondering what I want to be called. I think I prefer just the traditional Grandma. But someone told me that since I will be the out of town grandma I should be called something different so the kids don't confuse me or get to know me as something besides 'the other grandma'. So should I and what? What do you 'grandmas' go by??

Knew you'd pull off the dinner party without a hitch! Excellent! Sounds like you really enjoyed it, too.

Grandkids all call us Grandma & Grandpa... but some use grandma and grandpa H, youngest ones, grandma phyl & grandpa earl.

Lori, I go by MEME. It is what my DD wanted the first grandchild to call me. How about LALA? my friend's name is Gail and she goes by GAGA!!!!! Your daughter may have the last say in your name.

Janet goes by LALA, and I have a friend who goes by GOO GOO!!!

My dad is having a catheter put in his lower abdomen for Peritoneal dialysis. He is in stage 5 renal failure. His kidneys are only at 14 percent. He has had diabeties for 37 years and it is just taking it's toll. He lost sight in one of his eyes back in 94. It has been really hard on me seeing him in this condition. He has always been able to do anything and now there is not much he can do without help. We have to be there at 7am cst and surgery is at 9. I will post as soon as I know something.

Hugs

Chris

Chris... keeping your dad in our thoughts and prayers. Will be waiting for your update.

[IndioGirl55 32]

Good Morning Gang

Chris - Hugs & Prayers for your Dad's surgery !!!! OMG he can't be much older than me - since you are younger than my Son - So glad you had this surgery and are losing your weight so that you won't have these issues when you get older.. Prayers - Keep us posted

Great - As you know his parents lived w/me when he was born - I was with that boy all the time saying Grandma Grandma - he said Mamma - Da Da - Light and Blanca - but never called me anything (well why would you need to say GM when she knew what you needed before you did ;0) - well one day he said LA - His Mom and I got all excited cuz he finally called me something ;0) then the next day he said LA LA -) (there's a song that say LaLa means I love you ;0) and it's been history since then - Oma - Grandma - Nana - Grannie (don't like this one ;0) too old ;o) - We called my Mom's Mom Grandma (she lived here in the desert) we called my other GM Grandma too but when talking about her we called her Flying Grandma since she lived in NY and had fly to come and see us.. So Maybe you GB will make up his/her own name for you..

Apples - Glad you had a good time yesterday - I just love that little boy - he seems so cute.

Charlene - WTG on your cruise - I would like to do one that time of yr too - better than having to deal w/all the hussle and bussle of Xmas - Just go on a cruise and relax !!!!

I guess I never posted yesterday??? Thought I did - Well didn't get to the gym - it's not over till 11 and I had things to do - plus I will be going to Hot Hula on Wed - Got nails done - Marshall - Ross (got some limited black wide leg jeans for $8.99) Target & $$ trees - omg you guys have to go there - Big bags and nice ones for only $1 - I am doing bags too this yr - I usually do some - but mostly wrap - well since I don't have alot to wrap this yr - I am using bags :0).. dinner prime rib taters green Beans - yogurt/cream cheese for dessert.

Hugs and love to everyone - I gotta hit the shower - you know work ;0) but short week - will be off friday and will get off early on Thursday (around 2) - so it will be a busy week -

CBL

[Charlene K 1]

Charlene - WTG on your cruise - I would like to do one that time of yr too - better than having to deal w/all the hussle and bussle of Xmas - Just go on a cruise and relax !!!!

Yeah, we need a stress free Christmas and also the kids need to get used to the idea that DH will retire in about three years, and the $$ gifts will be scaled down.

Arlene, where else is the cruise going? I am assuming it's a Western Carribean since it's going to Belize. We went there, Grand Caymen, Roaton and Cozumel a few times on ours.

Yeah, I think that is where it goes. My sister who is a cruise queen said to get an interior near the elevators. I don't have a problem with being on the interior. You don't stay in the room that much anyway. I like that the port is less than an hour away. We can get our DD to drop us off.

I'm on the train today. 1-turkey sausage patty. I walked this morning. I plan on walking this afternoon too.

TX.......prayed for your dad. Because you have taken control of your eating the chances of you getting diabetes are reduced. Give us and update when you can.

[llkb4me 1]

Apples, you have been on my mind all weekend. So glad your Christmas went so well. That little boy sounds like a gem. His Momma will have to keep on her toes all the time.

Chris, prayers sent for your Father.

Trying to remember to keep it simple for Christmas but all the traditions keep popping into my head so I have been making all the usual goodies. Not bad since I haven't been one to eat these ones any way. Now if I had made the sour cream cut out Cookies that may have been a different story. No Cookies this year and they don't even care.

My DD will be here in 3 days, getting excited now. She has been posting on Facebook a count down so I'm not the only one. lol

LauraK

[1day at a time 2]

So I started 5 day but can't get past day one. I have a shake for Breakfast then I had a shake for lunch then crash my train. Okay so I am off today I am going to get the stuff to make a Soup in the 5 day plan then restart today. I think I need something else to have besides shakes.

My husband asked me what was wrong cause he saw my stomach and it was poofy and I think he noticed I gained weight. He did not say anything bad just he noticed so I felt ashamed of myself.

I am off work today so I am going to the dentist and then my Moms and then my sisters to see my nephew. My son is out of school for break so we will be together all day. I think he needs time with me so it will be nice.

I took him driving yesterday he has his learners so I am trying to let him drive but it scares me.

[Apples2 19]

Good Morning All...

Melissa...it's not easy to get the mind set to start the 5 Day and to get through that first day. But, REALLY REALLY try to get through the first day because that will give you confidence and you will be so proud of yourself and that will lead to being proud of yourself to do Day 2, Day 3, etc. DON'T allow the devil on you shoulder to talk you into making excuses. Like Janet says sometimes....pull your boot straps up and just do it. Don't continue the pattern of feeling like a failure cuz you cannot get through that one day. I could tell such a difference in you in the last couple of weeks. Please, if you cannot do it for you, listen to us and let us guide you along. Those pats on the back at the end of a good day can make a person feel so good. We all fail at times but you gotta make the good days out-number the bad ones. Hugs......now, get back on that train and hang on tight.

In the midst of getting my house back in order from yesterday. I just piled the dishes in the sink and left everything and went to bed after the kids left last night. Not something I like to do cuz I don't like getting up to dirty dishes and pans. Just about done with it all and planning on another little Christmas celebration with friends tomorrow night. They are our neighbors but more like family. "Mom's" son and wife. We have spent Christmas Eve with them every year for about 15 years now and will do so again this year. Tomorrow night will just be a little way to treat them for once and have some adult time and time to talk.

TX...thinking of you and your family today.

Laura....thinking of you also as you prepare to have your family at your home. I know you will make it very special. I bet Nelson is giving you some ideas as to how to make it special also.

Janet....I love the Lala. And since it means love, an appropriate name for you.

Another winter storm warning for today and tomorrow. We already have blowing and drifting snow. Just hoping I can make a couple of appts. I have set up for tomorrow. 10 am doc and 1:30 dental. Dental is just a check to see how things are going after the final work. It's going great but had to cancel last week because of a storm. Want to just do this final one and be done walking in the door except for my 6 months cleanings....have had enough dental appts. Just heard on the local radio station that schools are now closing (again). These poor kids are not going to get much of their Christmas vacation with the days they have to make up.

Please say an extra one for DH when you lay your head on the pillow. His #'s had doubled (prostate and CRS so don't remember what the test is called) and they were a bit high to begin with. He sees a specialist on Wed. His dad has had prostate cancer for a number of years and did the chemo and just cannot bear the thought of things not being good for him. Of course, with not being as strong as I usually am right now, this has thrown me for a loop. I know it is most likely unfounded worrying but that's just me right now.

[1day at a time 2]

Melissa...it's not easy to get the mind set to start the 5 Day and to get through that first day. But, REALLY REALLY try to get through the first day because that will give you confidence and you will be so proud of yourself and that will lead to being proud of yourself to do Day 2, Day 3, etc. DON'T allow the devil on you shoulder to talk you into making excuses. Like Janet says sometimes....pull your boot straps up and just do it. Don't continue the pattern of feeling like a failure cuz you cannot get through that one day. I could tell such a difference in you in the last couple of weeks. Please, if you cannot do it for you, listen to us and let us guide you along. Those pats on the back at the end of a good day can make a person feel so good. We all fail at times but you gotta make the good days out-number the bad ones. Hugs......now, get back on that train and hang on tight.

I understand Apples - I will Put my big girl panties on and pull up my boot straps. Today is a new day choo choo

[Great2BThin 5]

Good morning, it's snowing AGAIN! It rained all day yesterday and now today snow. I think it's supposed to be nice in Denver though so that's good. They've not had any snow hardly and we keep getting it. Glad we aren't driving to Denver this time. Today I am doing laundry and tomorrow packing.

Thanks for the input on Grandma names. I don't like Granny either, that's not even in contention. Will probably just go with the flow and see what it turns out to be.

Arlene, we usually get inside cabins on cruises too as we aren't in the room much, but never by an elevator though it's convenient I don't like the noise. We got a balcony once and that was nice though I could get very spoiled and used to that and always say next time I am getting one again but when it comes down to the extra cost I never do as I'd rather have that extra money for excursions, etc. I am contemplating another Europe cruise this year, we did Western Mediterranean before so maybe Eastern this time.

Apples, prayers said for DH, when do you find anything out? I am cleaning my kitchen this morning too.

Phyl, glad you are safe in your travels. Are you posting from your phone? I haven't tried to figure how to do that on my Droid yet with this new update and all.

LauraK, when does DD arrive? Is this her first trip home since moving?

Julie, glad your pain seems to be better. Careful with the little ones today.

[IndioGirl55 32]

Good Morning again gang - Quick ck in before I get started on my day here at work ...

Melissa - Ok if you can't do all day shakes - then do shake for bf - Soups for lunch & dinner (it's liquids) - Yep big girl panties & jank on those boot straps !!!! food isn't the answer - it really isn't... I know we all have the desire to turn to it - when we are happy, sad, angry etc - but all it does is makes us feel worse about ourselves. Once you accomplish your goal - you will be so proud of yourself - you will show yourself that it's doable - As your names says - One Day At A Time...

Apples - Hugs & Prayers for DH - my bro in law just got diganosed w/it - I haven't talk to them yet don't know what stage - but w/my sis on oxgeny I doubt that too much hanky panky going on anyway- hell just get it taken out ihmo - My boss just had his removed last month and threw the grapevine (freinds w/his gf) the doc said that he's still going to be able to have a hanky panky (TMI ;0)

Charlene - Here you about scaling back - with the crash a few yrs back - not being able to sell any ranches - the $$$ isn't what it use to be.. It's so much easier to travel when you don't have to fly - I like cruising the Mexican Rivera (Pacific side) as all I have to do is drive to San Diego or Long Beach - no flying - But I love the Caribean Sea the most... So on a plane I go.

I've done interior twice - it's not bad at all especailly if you want to take a nap during the middle of the day when at sea - cuz the room is pitch black ;0) - but again that was back when you could smoke in your room on cruise - now I have to get a balcony so that I can smoke ;0) and gotta say I do like them..

Well need to get in gear - cbl

[Apples2 19]

Great...have known for about three weeks and Wed was the firs appt with this specialist that he could get in to see him. He is my kidney stone doc and was "Mom's" specialist for her ureter cancer. He was the one that removed her kidney and we feel comfortable with him so worth a little wait.

Happy to hear you are flying to Denver this time. Hope you don't get bumped....or are you booking tickets this time? Might be worth it with the holiday flying rush. We have had sooooooooooooooo much snow and bad weather already this winter. Used to it now and can't even whine about it anymore. Just or life on the prairie.

My kids came up with the name of Granma Coke(was never without a bottle of Coke in her hand) for my birth mother and Granma Betty for DH's mom. My grandmother was still living when my boys were young. We called her Great Grandma Larkin. Well, they couldn't quite get it and called her "Grape Grama Walkin' "

[Apples2 19]

Janet....no diagnosis yet. We are going Wed to get answers on that. And as far as the "hanky panky" goes. Never even thought about that part of it. There's all kinds of lovin'. I have a great imagination...(tmi). We are ready to start a new year. The limbs are about to break on the tree and need a new start. Positive thinking.

Hope you don't have 5 days of work piled into 3 but I know how that goes. Have a good one.

[Charlene K 1]

Checking in. I just finished chicken salad from Chick Fil A. 8pts. I did buy a small fruit for my Protein shake this eve. I really don't want to go out to eat, but today is our 41st Anniversary. Maybe chicken fajitas tonight. I didn't even buy him a card. I went into Walgreens thinking I needed to buy a card for someone, but couldn't remember who......Duh! "Oh, yeah, it's our Anniversary". Which reminds me I need to text him. He left before I got up this morning.

Lori, I didn't think about the noise around the elevators. Oh, my mother is called Grandy. She is the sweetest person I know. She picked that name. My friend loves my mother so much she had her grand kids call her Grandy.

Janet, kids are so entitled now. Our society tell them we owe them!!!! And they have too much Stuff! My grandmother only gave me two bucks for Christmas every year. I still think she was one of the most giving and loving people I ever knew. It's not what you give ........it's how you make them feel. That is what will be remembered.

Apples.....so sorry for your DH's test. My DH's dad had prostate cancer. He had 39 treatments, but had a heart attack during the chemo. He came through it. It was his heart that was so bad. They have come a long way in treating prostate cancer. Hopefully, his numbers are high for a different reason. Prayers and HUGS for him!!!

Melissa, YOU can do it!!!