Dutchgrl59

Girls, I had a situation come up last night and I'm torn..... As you can tell by my ticker I'm inching closer to Lewis' party. I'm so totally excited because it's his very first real party with selected friends from school, neighbor kids and his brothers. In my divorce papers my ex and I agreed to split the cost of parties when we decided to have one. With such a momentus occasion I asked Lewis what kind of special party,and he said "A Golden one" meaning he wants things wrapped in gold just like Disneylands celebration. My ex has been good about coming on board with this whole process and when I purchased popcorn balls for 21.00 or the plates for 16.00 he said OK. Then this weekend he spraypainted popscicle sticks gold and made napking rings. When the boys were brought to me last night after visitation he strangely prodded Lewis with "ask mom your question"..... Lewis just shrugged and then Dan said "he wants trish and her son to come". Wow, I was shocked! All the kids have told me that they don't care for the step-mom or her son, in fact they tell me of their strong dislike for the boy because he is a bossy,self-centered and possessive. After Dan left I asked Lewis about his step-mom. Do you love your step-mom and want her at your party? He shook his head "NO". What do I do now??? In all honesty I'm not ready to hostess a party in my sons honor and to serve the woman who took my place. Interviewing the boys tells me that this idea generated from my ex. I can't be sure. Lewis is only 5 but my twins(13) tell me a different story. Am I obligated to invite these people? Is it really important for me to be uncomfortable at my own function because "its the right thing to do"? I already told him that I am not prepared for additional guests, but what if he brings them just to spite me? What was a blessed experience has now turned to dread. I hate being divorced and I didn't sleep well last night.

OHHHH, Cindy..... I'm so sorry about your Grandma. These next few days are going to be hectic for you, I will put you on the top of my prayer list. Take it one day at a time and remember to get some rest, stress will sneak up on you and we all need you to be well. Lots of hugs from the Humphreys.... me and the boys all love ya!

Morning all! Woe is me.... we have no leftovers, we went to a resturant. Mom & I left the house in search of the only dept store open on Thanksgiving.... KMART. Total madhouse. Mom wanted to buy lounge pants for the boys and she let me pick out a blouse for next weeks b-day party. We stood in line over 40 minutes and when we got to the checkstand the terminal went down! Just our luck! They rebooted the thing and we waited. FINALLY, with treasures in hand we headed back to the car. Mom, didn't really want to eat at Knotts because of the crowds so I offered up a resturant directly across the street because I still wanted to walk the craft fair(gotta shop). We pulled up to a very DARK establishment... yep, it was closed! It was 1:45 and we were starving...then I noticed an IHOP on the corner and we made tracks for a hot meal. Roasted chicken, mashed potatos, salad and lots of laughs, we had a great time. After lunch we went to Knotts. As we entered the park, they were seating for a stunt show, so we went in. It was one of the better stunt shows that I have ever seen and we laughed until our sides ached. After the show we looked at all the crafts, Mom bought a scarf and trinkets for Lewis. We ate funnel cake during an indian dance show and waited until dark to see all the lights. It was a GOOD day and my heart was full. The boys were brought back to me at 10pm and today we have plans to cook up an English tea party. Yes, my boys like tea parties(it started with the movie "Princess Diaries)so, I'm off to the store for sandwich fix'ns and sugar cubes. I think I'll make tiny grilled cheese sandwiches and brownies/pasteries for the sweet. Ahhh, I wanted girls but have discovered that the boys are just as endearing. Hey, I've got them trained and one day their girlfriends will thank me! Be a great day! Hugs,

Hey, my dear Disney friend..... wishing you buckets of Love & Happiness! This is your year to SHINE! Have the best day ever. Hugs,

Dear LaReine, I'm encouraged by your progress. My weight is just like yours and I can only imagine what the numbers will look like when the scale moves. Congratulations on your wonderful success! Start shopping for those skinny pants! Hugs,

Hey Everyone! I'm getting ready to leave for work(10-12:30) and then race to the train station to pick up my Mom by 1pm. The Boys are in daycare until 6pm so I have a few hours alone with my Mom. We'll do lunch then come straight home, so that I won't tire her out so much. This is her first trip out to my house since her quintuple bypass last year. She has done so well with this health emergency and we are so glad that we still have her, this holiday is very special. OK I'll stop blubbering. I gotta go curl my hair. Beanie, I just realized that if you're in Tucson, you're just one state away from me.... com'on band buddy.... lets get together! Luv ya! Happy Turkey Day everyone!

I'm right on it, guys! I have my notebook filled up with notes and reminders of stuff I need to buy and questions to ask when I attend my seminars. I've started a WLS box that I'm filling with comfort items, soup for the mushie stage, protein powder etc. I need info on liquid meds.... I know about gas-x and tylenol, what else? Hey Eileenie, where are you?? Cindy and I are both in states where it is still SO hot. I'm having Thanksgiving with my Mom, she is taking the Amtrak to my home and we're going to a resturant for dinner(her treat!). My old tradition that I started with my family was to go to a place called Knotts Berry Farm. They had a beautiful dinner set inside the theme park. After dinner they would let you walk around a sectioned-off part of the "ghost town" that was set up with various boutique sellers to buy ornaments and such. I took my Mom to Knotts several years ago and she didn't like it, so thats why we aren't doing dinner there but, she said she would walk the craft show with me! All my Christmas shopping is done and I saved stocking stuffer items for things like this! My boys are with their Dad this holiday and I'm OK with that. They'll be back with me later that evening to spend time with Oma(that's dutch for grandmother). OH, I gotta go..... orthodontist visit w/ 2 kids! Til later!

Hey gang, I got an email this afternoon from a Bariatric Center here where I live and they answered one of my most important insurance questions. My PCP told me that my surgeon has to be within my medical network(HMO), so this is what I told center #1. She wrote back and said YES they will gladly take my insurance! Well, that has freaked me out alittle bit because it's starting to feel real. Man, on surgery day I'm gonna be a mess! OK, should I still contact clinic #2 and ask them the same question? Whew.... real answers and I learned about this thing called LapBand just 2 weeks ago. Thanks friends,

I'm SOOOO proud of your accomplishment! But nothing compares to the feeling of that first paycheck in your hands! This will be a most Happy Happy Thanksgiving for you and your precious son! Kuddos,

Lisa Marie, I'm here for you. In 2002, I discovered that my husband cleaned out our 401K. What I didn't understand at the time was that when he went on business trips he would "entertain himself"... uhhhh clubs and since I controlled the checkbook he couldn't ask me for money. Unfortunately, taking retirement money has completely robbed me of my future.... regardless. That was just the beginning of my roller-coaster. My youngest son was just 2 years post op for his open-heart and I thought all my troubles were behind me. At the time I had 2 ten-year old twins, a 7 year old and the baby was 2. If this happened to you 4 weeks ago you shouldn't be suffering in silence. Please PM me. I truly believe that what happened to me wasn't some cosmic accident and I have survived..... you will too. So, here's my hand.... I want to help. Your Sister,

Are you kidding??!! What a difference! Making your own site is a great idea... I might just try that. I want the band....I want the band.... I want the band.

Hey Eileen.... you changed your scale again! Didn't I say that you might lose 25lbs by Thanksgiving -- you go girl! Cindy, I'm so sorry that news from Kansas isn't better. I will send up a prayer for you and your Grandma -- comfort for everybody. Oh, the boys and I put together a Birthday box for you and we want to ship it out. Could that cheer you up? PM me and we'll get it arranged asap. More house cleaning to do, because my MOM is coming.... AUGHHHHHH.... I can't wait!

My beloved Dad passed in 1987 from a heart attack(he was 56years) My Mom had Quintuple bypass Sept 2004 My maternal Uncle had Quintuple bypass Jan 2005 Single Mom to 4 of the most amazing boys To go on a hot date!

Good Morning everyone, It's a beautiful Southern Californian Day! Thanks for my checklist...it helps me alot since I'm so goal oriented. My PCP had told me that I can only go to with a certain surgeon that is in my medical group(HMO), so monday morning I will make 2 phone calls and ask those offices are they on the plan. Then I will definately sign up for the seminar. Eileen: The way you did it seem so quick and giving you your date immediately would totally freak me out. At this point none of it seem quite real..... freaking yet to come! Hey, what have you tried to nibble on, now that food is a "go"?? And my dear Rene: Wanna maybe you and I can be on the bandwagon together, wouldn't that be so cool? Lets Mantra that..... I say we focus on February, unless you have something better to do? Then I'll wait. Hugs And for my Disney Friends; I went to the park Friday night to view the Christmas parade - fun. It would felt alittle more like christmas if the temperature wasn't 89degrees, we were wearing shorts! The real live tree in town square was bejeweled with thousands of golden twinkling lights and ornaments, just beautiful. The pine smell, inviting. The only downside to our visit was that the nightly fireworks show was cancelled due to our high wind condition(we have several fires happening)so the disney people went to plan B and began the music to "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas" while the snow machines went full blast. It was very pretty and Lewis didn't have time to produce tears over his beloved fireworks show. Alls well. Have a magical day, everyone!

Hey everyone... I just got back from PCP and had a chat about surgery. I told him I was interested in Lapband and of course he said that RNY is the gold standard. Then I told him that my insurance would cover anything I wanted. Soooo, could I have a referral. After some hesitation...... he said that I might need to think about it. Doctor, I said, my father passed away from a sudden heart attack in 1987, my mom had quintuple bypass in 2004 and my uncle(my moms bro) had quintuple this year.... what's to think about?? Well, OK he says!? Lets get you in to see the dietician. Hoop #1 score! Now, what am I to expect from that visit? I was told that all the referrals are what's gonna hold up this process. Any hints as to how to keep the ball rolling? My personal desire was to have a date for february, but now it seems redtape make make this more difficult. Trying to keep a good attitude... nothing ventured nothing gained. Thanks for listening.

Dear Jini, I have been following your progress and I wanted to give Congratulations! All the worry behind. I'm proud of you. Hugs,

Hang in there, Rome wasn't built in a day. Keep that December appointment and start a journal. This is where your story begins. One day, after all this experience you will be able to give a hand to the newbie that writes about the "bump in the road" and you will have something wise and wonderful to share. Keep your chin up! Hugs,

Hey Cindy, Happy Birthday.... You are such a lucky girl. You have friends and family that Love you and are willing to show it. Great big blessings on this your Band Year!! Celebration eating is the best....just don't over-do it though, that mini goal butterfly is staring at me and it wants to go down another 3lbs. SOOOO, put another candle on your birthday cake! Does anyone still remember Sheriff John??-- it was a kids show in the early 60's LOL HUGS

Hey, Rene You are just way cool. Give your Prince Charming a kiss, he sounds simply adorable. Does he have a brother? Princess Patty

Thanks everybody.... I have done all those things you mentioned and then some. I'm just bitching because (I'm gonna use a Dr Phil line) I don't have "A soft place to fall". When my world fell apart I decided to fall with it. My separation took place just 18 months after Lewis's Open-heart. Suddenly I was alone. I have my Mom & my sister, but they live up in Santa Barbara about 4 hours away. My Dad passed on in 1987 from a heart attack. My house became more than cluttered... we are 5 people in a rented 2 bedroom mobile home(1200 sf). I'm dealing with an overwhelming situation. Just like those people you see on Home Makeover. No running water, mildew, devastation. We do what we gotta do. We cope - but differently. Because we pinch every penny I have learned scads of ways to make memories. My boys wake up to hot pancakes 1-2 times a week, homemade cinnamon rolls and when we go to Disneyland we picnic. Oh, I do want say that the Disney pass thing might sound really expensive( and it can be) but during my divorce I had my thinking cap on and made him pay for 3/4 of them! A trip to the magic kingdom costs me about $1.50 per person. My guys aren't deprived, and neither am I. Throw in the fact that I'm seriously on the BANDWagon and well... you guys know -- its scary. I will attend todays conference with grace and Friday we will see the first run of The Very Merry Christmas parade at Disneyland. I love you guys and I feel blessed you are here for me. Hugs,

I just got back from a school conference! UHHHHHH, I am just exhausted! My son is smart or is he dumb..... he needs improvement on this or we need to spend more time on WHAT!!!! I'm just never enough parent. Overall he seems to be doing well, but it seems that the teacher has more to say but won't. HELP! I am a single parent..... I have 4 children and quite frankly I'm outnumbered! Sorry, I don't have time to rifle through all their backpacks every evening for notes and reminders! Here's how I decide..... I can read with each kid for 20 minutes(80 minutes) to fulfill the required reading..... or... make dinner. Guess which one I do?! System overload and have a good cry. I've never been a drinking person, but I sure could be persuaded. I think I'm gonna take a tylenol and lay down. See ya.

Thats the most hysterically funny thing that I've ever seen! Taking the web address to school!

Uhhhh, Eileen Now everyone is gonna think that I beat my children! I would but they run too fast and I'm too slow - ha! (but remember, this a pre-band Mom speaking) Lewis just bleeds when you look at him. We currently have these awful wind storms and yesterday and today have not been fun. I try not to worry but this is my heart-kid, and try as I might I am a bit protective of this one. So, we roll with the punches and we made it to school on time. Work was good today, I learned mental math and we read a story about Corduroy the Bear. Todays Focus question was: How can being kind help you make friends? Well, its off to do groceries! PS Eileen; When talk to Tinkerbell, I'll have her send you a card also

Morning, I just got the kids to school.... one bloody nose and lots of complaining! Eileen, can you get into a warm bath or shower? Might help with the pain. Epson salts are good too. I have a Sub job today, for those of you who don't know, I work in Special Ed for my school district. Today I report from 10-12:30pm and then I'm off. It's such a fun job. Last week I spent an hour helping a 2nd grader make a woven placemat for Thanksgiving. Construction paper, glue and giggles.... and they pay me for that!! I am truly thankful that I was able to find a job that has me working the same hours that the kids are in school and when they are on vacation, so am I. Blessings. OK, time to brag. Any little girls out there that like Tinkerbell? I know her! If you have the movie Peter Pan, fast forward to the end where there is an interview with Margaret Kerry the body model for Tinkerbell, shes a friend of mine! I usually visit with her around Christmas time and she is always willing to give autographs. Let me know and I will try to send one out.

Hello, everybody, My name is Patty and I live in California just 15 minutes from Disneylands Magic Kingdom. If you were to walk into my home you wouldn't know that I love all things Disney because I'm not a collector. I admire Walt Disney and what he was all about. It was Walt who took his kids out on Sunday and had to wait on a park bench for his girls to ride the carousel. That was the day he created Disneyland... a place where children and their parents could be entertained together. The park was completed 1 year after they broke ground and July 17th 1955 was called "Black Sunday" because of all the mistakes that happened that monumental day. The reason I'm telling you all this is because it was a dream come true and it only took 1 year, but if was far from being perfect. A few days ago I decided to get approved for a lapband, and this coming Saturday I will set those wheels in motion. My dream is to get the weight off, re-claim my life and to successfully raise my 4 boys as mature and moral people, and yes I am far from being perfect. Ask Eileen, my roller-coaster existence has to come to a stop, but I can't do it alone... thats where you all come into play. That NJChick urged me to say hello and I decided to just jump in with both feet. So, here I am warts and all. Oh, Here is my favorite quotation: Do Not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with Ketchup!