Dutchgrl59

Hey Gang.... just a short note Wanted to Hug Dianne. Being human is sometimes the pits. I love ya. I have tons of paperwork to do at work and what seems like thousands of sick kids in my office. Monday I sent at least 26 home!!! Also have a broken dishwasher.... 2 meals to prepare per day and 4 kids, need I say more. In my present physical state I can't stand at the sink for longer than 30 minutes and then my back is spasming. Need surgery -- soon. News..... not yet. Last friday would have been the day that the doc requests medical necessity. The medical group has 5 days to reply. Today is day 4 the mailbox didn't contain a letter. I know the suspense is killing you guys. Does anyone remember last years "Mystery box"? And how long did it take me to open it? Well, I gotta hand wash dishes. Bye.

Good Morning, Esmeralda did I read that correctly.... you had a baby while on the band? Thanks for the invitation to chat. I would love to get to know you better. So, you work in Fullerton, I was just in Yorba Linda to take my son to the pediatrician. That 57 freeway is awful, I don't know how you do it. My home is where the 22 and 405 freeways meet -- I bet you drive by my house everyday. Do you know where Sunset Ford is with the balloon shaped like a whale? Thats where I live! Well, I'm off to kinkos to print my Christmas letter, Bye!

Good Morning, Can't seem to sleep this morning Thanks again for all the positive vibes everyone is sending me. My private mailbox has never had such activity. I am actually giving myself positive self-talk and it seems to help. The boys are at the dads for visitation and while they are away I have tons of stuff to do. A week ago I actually felt the urge to write a Christmas newsletter. From the time I got married I started writing a newsletter, and as the years progressed I added a title, graphics and each family member got a paragraph..... and then the divorce. That took all the wind out of my sails and that happened in 2002. While rummaging around in a drawer I found an old one from 1995(Garretts birth) and I sat on the couch and let the tears flow. The twins were 3 and we had a new baby everything was going good for us. Anyhoo, I wiped my face and within a weeks time I have created a new newsletter complete with a new title. I didn't feel comfortable with "Headlines w/the Humphrey's" so today I will be printing "Patty's Playhouse" and it is adorable. After that project I am planning to watch all my DVD rentals and wrap ALL my gifts! I am sure after all that I'm gonna need a nap - whew! When I wake up I will be heading over to Sherry and Rene's house to fix their trees.... ya know I never told you guys how I decorated my tree -- kid power, all I did was unwrap and open the boxes. I really don't care where they hang the ornaments as long as they are in the tree!:guess OHHH, thanks for the Yankee Candle suggestion for the pine scent in the tree, my tree is live and in a pot and I have been using this tree for 5 years. It's called a star-pine but it has no christmas tree smell. The candle idea will solve my desire for the "walk in the door smell" that I want. Well, gang I gotta get my day going. Have a great weekend, all !

Dear Vikki, It's so funny that you wrote. I was just approved 2 days ago. I am still adjusting to the news but I would love to have a local friend that is taking this lapband journey also. Please share with me how you are feeling now that it has been over a week. Hugs, Patty

Thank you to all my dear friends on LBT. I never really knew that I could be so affected by people I have never met and that span the globe, yet you are the most loving indivduals and my heart doesn't have the words to express how greatful I am. I stepped out in faith and it has come back to me tenfold. I needed a good cry, so here I am. Thanks for making me blubber it's So undignified. I am once again late for work.... I haven't even eaten b-fast. The kids are on visitation so I will try to pop in and do personals. OH, if sherry could tell me her address I will fly on over and dress her tree...... man O man she needs help. Hugs,

All I want for Christmas is my approval letter.... and I Got It !!! Yes, my friends it took 1year and 20 days to be approved for a lapband. Here is where I stand. My surgeon needs to send a letter of medical necessity. I can not be turned down. With that approval letter we set a date for an office visit. Once that is completed we get a date for surgery, and we are hoping for January, the calendar as of today is wide open. Now, here is what I am feeling: nothing.... sorta. I am not happy nor sad. My attorney said that this is a happy day, the hard part is over, so jump up and down. I can't do that, my cautious nature says stay calm because we still have work to do. Anyway, I wanted to tell my friends first(I haven't even told my Mom yet) because you have supported me, given me advice, and loved me when I was unlovable. I snapped at the children today which tells me that I feel frightened and that I need to go back and apologize to the boys. I have no other adult to share these things with and I lost my head. My prayer is that this turn of events has time to melt my heart and the changes ahead for me will be good ones. Thanks Sisters for being so generous with your time. On todays busy schedule is Lewis' annual well-baby check, so we go to the peds dr today. we will weigh and measure the little monster and find out why he wets the bed. (cindy I can relate). So, gotta go. Will try to check back later. Hugs

Hey all, Just stopped by to say we are celebrating a birthday over here in Southern California. The wonderful, the magnificent and adorable Lewis Holden is now 7 years old, having had a birthday yesterday December 1st! Because the Momma gets up sooooo early in the morning we have moved most of our celebrating to the weekend. Last night we ordered our favorite pizza, got out the christmas music and ornaments and went to town. After a short break Lewis got to open my gift to him and the best part was watching his eyes light up. Today we will be heading to Disneyland, our mission is to: 1. View the Very Merry Christmas Parade 2. Decorate a christmas cookie 3. See the Billy Hill show for Mom 4. Watch "Believe in Holiday magic" fireworks show, followed by fake snow And if that wasn't enough celebrating: Go to Knotts Berry Farm tomorrow for free entrance with Toys for Tots when you bring an unwrapped toy. Well, I gotta get the kids up(B-day boy is already awake) and head to the Magic Kingdom, :clap2:

Hey, just to let you know that I didn't die...... Happy belated Thanksgiving and birthday wishes to Cindy, and happy vacation to Eileen! Work, school, the flu, the holiday and lapband stress all contribute to my MIA condition. Yes, I am still awaiting an appeal. My documents have been mailed and my attorney sent me a copy of the letter. I could not have written a letter quite as forthwright at the one that was mailed and my prayers everynight are that my surgery will be approved. OK, no more talk about surgery. Thanksgiving was wonderful! My Mom came to visit from Santa Barbara and spent some quality time with the boys and took us out for Thanksgiving dinner at CoCos. It was quiet and everyone got to pick what they wanted to eat(the kids & my Mom picked breakfast) and just being together was such a pleasure. We are indeed in a good place at last! After dinner we headed to Knotts Berry Farm to visit their Christmas Crafts Festival. We walked and laughed and stayed until it got really cold and then home to watch Greys Anatomy. So, thats whats happening with us, We are all back to work and school and are counting the days until Christmas vacation. Hugs to all!

Hey Everyone, I had the flu last week and it was aweful. I will try to read later and post to tell ya whats been going on here. Busy Busy week coming up..... no time to stop. Hugs

:bounce: Good Afternoon friends, I've been thinking alot about my surgery, sad that it has been over a year since I set the wheels in motion. I decided that I needed to get to a church this morning -- do or die! A few weeks ago I was watching TV church when I sat and listened to this one preacher. I liked his message and then noticed that the church is literally down the street and a left turn from my house. Cottonwood Christian is what they call a MegaChurch which really scares me cause I don't do well in huge churches.... anyway the website brags about an extension church at a nearby racetrack (really), it says that you can grab a coffee, sit on the patio and watch the live service via satillite...... only in America could you do that! I had to try it! :wave: At 9:30 I jumped in my minivan and laughing at myself, drove to the Los Alamitos racetrack.... looking for the clubhouse. Once I parked the car I walked to the little green building and I could hear singing. Greeted by a smiling fellow I took a booklet and walked into a totally packed room. There was a jumbo tron at the back of the room, a smaller screen where I was standing and a small screen outside on the veranda. When everyone sat down I found a seat up front and waited on the Lord. The pastor taught from the gospel of Matthew and my heart warmed to some of the points where I needed to work and where I am on track. I thanked God for his abundant blessings on my life and asked clarification on my lapband decision. Church at the racetrack was good -- uhhhhh that sounded weird. My heart has been at peace all day and when I read my emails today there was a message from my attorney letting me know that my appeal letter has been mailed and my case is moving forward. So, I got comfirmation and a bit of hope today and that makes me smile :yo: So, that was my day today. I'm gonna mix some cookie dough for the boys cause they will be coming home in a few hours (happiness) and when you put the dough in a pizza pan it makes a giant cookie -- totally fun. Hugs,

Hey you guys, Thanks for asking about me..... #1 the temperature has been 90 degrees! This makes me feel awful and my left ankle swollen. I went to Mondays meeting and I left feeling.... incomplete. We made some changes in how Garrett is to be taught but the teacher is gonna be a bitch about treating my specials needs kid, special. Hell, I don't have to like her and I called her on actions that might harm my child. It's all documented and if she steps out of line.... I will have her head on a platter. I need to rest in that. Mandy: I hope you have a very smooth IEP and I will send up prayers. Eileen & Beanie:Send new photos of this trip. Jealous as always Mary:I'm SO scared for you to lose your band. You have to get better. I'll be watching for an update after your scope. Darcy:Sweetie, do great on your exams. Do tell about those furry creatures that you care for. I gotta get to work..... last day of the week cause we have a 4 day weekend - yay.

Well, it took me a while but I found you guys! Happy November. Booger and fart stories...... bathroom jokes worse than the kids!!! I laughed too! I FINALLY got my bank account fixed -- yeah. Still alittle emotional leftover from this fiasco. Today is my special meeting(IEP) for Garrett and I am very nervous about it. I need to keep a cool head to clearly tell the staff what I want for my sons education. I won't be allowed to get emotional, cause I will then lose focus. I talked to my ex and he plans to be there, and I don't have a problem with that, in fact it may make the staff back down and give us what we want. So, prayers please. I will try to stop by later and give update. Patty

Hey everyone, I survived today, whoo-hoo! I drove ALL over Orange County and barely can keep my eyes open right now..... dang this stupid time change, anyhoo. Me and my little guys went to the peds doctor and all is well. Garrett is 11 and the Doc was totally interested with all the school drama, and he sides with me. Feeling somewhat uplifted the boys and I then went to a Disney outlet. Now, I know I have no cash but I needed a release and my Amex was just begging to be of some assistance. I was a good girl and only bought a towel(a 50th anniversary), and I had really wanted it when I originally saw in at the resort, it was my lucky day! We ended the afternoon picking up the twins from school and the Mama was very tired. Tomorrow Lewis & I get our flu shots and I didn't have the heart to tell Lewie where we are REALLY going, though he knows at some point we will see Disneyland. Of all the things this little guy has gone through, he doesn't remember his surgery(thank God). But, his yearly shot.... that he remembers. I'm working on making this easier for him and hoping this will be the start for that. My preparations include, his security blanket, stuffed animals, a nestle crunch bar and a visit to the Magic Kingdom. Oh, yeah, a lesson on deep breathing if he's willing to focus. OK, I gotta sleep. :brushteeth: Nighty Night.

Happy Sunday everyone. I got up today to set the clocks back, still can't do the VCR.... anyway I started watching TV pastors since I can't go to church this morning(need to save gas) and they both quoted the same scripture. That gave me peace. Then one of the said "hedge of protection" and thats exactly what Dianne said! Then I read Sherry's post and her sunny dispostion has come out west and I too feel sunny and chipper. I have been in the kitchen making shredded Hawaiian pork and steamed rice and after I watch my movie I will be making my homemade Funnel Cake, yummmm warm with powdered sugar. The boys will love coming home to that. My school district has the next 2 days off and I have scheduled Garretts annual peds check up for Mon. and Lewis & I will be getting flu shots on Tues and a visit to Disneyland. I figured if I have to drive to Santa Ana to get a shot, might as well drive home thru Anaheim to see Mickey Mouse. Kat:You mentioned a police report, didn't know I needed one. I just might swing by my bank branch for an avidavit or documentation to show that I'm not a fault. Well, my rice has just finished cooking and I have a few more hours of peace and quiet before the boys rush in. Have a happy day.

Hey gang, My bank account is really messed up. I will get my money back but it may take weeks! Rent is Nov 1st and what about gas and groceries? Currently I my account is -$558 and next week I get a direct deposit +1200. That leaves me $600 to pay my $1100 rent! So now I have to ask my landlord if I can deferr a payment. Never mind everything else thats due on the 1st. Then I had a run in with the ex last night and my head is in a really bad place. Sorry to be such a bummer, I really don't want all the troubles that found its way into my home. I have my TIVO & blockbuster movies to keep me busy, and later today church is having its monthly food drive and maybe I can get some powdered milk & bread. Just need to breathe and I have you guys to lean on. Hugs

Man, O Man...... you guys aren't gonna believe this! Yesterday I went to buy Lewis a pair of blue jeans when my ATM card was denied. Hmmmmm, did I use up all my money? Not account for a bill? Sorta freaked me out. Bought the pants and raced to the bank. Tried the ATM -- the screen message read "Sorry we can't help you, thanks for stopping by".... OK now I'm REALLY freakin out! Picked up all the kids and jammed home, fired up the computer to check accounts. What I found was 3 ATM transactions from a foreign country that totalled $1500. WHOA When I called the bank they had spotted the fraudulent activity earlier in the day and closed my account. The ATM withdrawals were from Canada from someone who not only found my account # but my PIN#. How does that happen?? It took me all night to calm down and then my TOM started -- Could we just stop the world and let me off for a little while? Today I am required to go to the bank and sign papers. My money will be restored into my acct mid next week, and new card being mailed later also. In the meantime, my life has been turned upside down and I don't feel safe anymore. This is the second time stuff like this has happened to me, the other thing involved my stolen checks 4 years ago. I am just tapped out. Going to work now, and then to the bank. Pray.

Mandy:You are just the sweetest gal. I've always felt that way about you from the moment I joined LBT. Proud to call you a sister - Hugs. I neglected to say my condolences for your kitty. The warm sunshine was a fitting goodbye. About the phone call..... hmmmmm. I would love it, in fact this weekend Iam free from children -- maybe then? PM me when you get a chance. Kat:Clean your plate! That was SO absolutely appropriate. Teheeeee, still giggling. Thank you for your unending support. Greatful doesn't describe my feelings. Hugs. Eileen:I agree with Kat, maybe you shouldn't wait for that MRI. Please give us an update. Rene:The salt mines are not a nice place to be. Sending you thoughts of the tropics. Well, gotta go make dinner and watch "Lost"- yeah! TTYL

Happy Be-lated Bandiversary Eileen Your 1 year was yesterday and I forgot to send blessings your way. I'm glad you posted and hoping those pills you gulped down helped in some manner, and feeling very helpless that we can't do anything to help. I will send up prayer for you and throughout the day. Hugs Anne: It was Soooooo good to see your post. I really missed you. Thank you all for the encouragement. I don't get down in the dumps very often but when it hits..... it's a doozie. I finally sat down with my best friend, spilled my guts and she could tell me what I was feeling.(since I myself didn't know) In a nutshell, Taylor, Channing & Garrett have learning disabilities and all of them take medication to help them focus(typical ADD). In addition to this they have something called Aspergers Syndrome -- kinda like autism - but not. Aspergers people have peculiar behaviors that most of society doesn't have NOR understand. Round peg/square hole thing. I love my boys and I don't care that they are different but schools don't like it one bit. To be special is a burden. The 3 boys have accomodations put into motion by me called an IEP for stuff like longer test time, open deadlines for papers, shorter vocab/spelling words. It's all to make learning easier. From the beginning of this school year both the high school and elementary school have just stopped following the programs that under federal law need to be strictly followed. When this happens, if I figure out that this has indeed happened I have to take action. At this point in time I'm pretty tapped out with lapband troubles, ex-husband drama, working and raising kids. My best friend was right, I was trying to juggle too many things where the school should have stepped up. Garrett is 11 and on a day that he didn't take his meds his behaviors spiked. I told the teacher what he does when he's unmedicated and on this day her coping mechanism was to punish him for giggling and talking. Then he was to write an apology letter to me that he would learn from his mistake and have better behavior in the future. This is what made me see red. Garretts problem is neurological/chemical -- he can't change it or therapy it away. It's like telling a deaf person -- hey listen to me, you idiot! It's just not possible and then punishing that person for not following orders. My sons need to be educated in just an ever so slightly different manner(punishment/timeout/detention don't work). If I am NOT on top of what my schools are doing, Taylor, Channing & Garrett will not get the education that they deserve and their chance to find a job and make lives for themselves will be lost. They will then be dependent on others for everything, and I don't want that. I have called an emergency revision meeting and will bring an attorney if I need to, to get the school to comply. My friend said that I am only trying to protect my children and when I feel threatened my claws come out. This emotional stuff makes me exhausted and isn't over yet. I sent my request letter yesterday the meeting hasn't been set yet and the fireworks..... they are on the horizon. Gotta go pack my lunch, off to work I go! Bye.

Betty:What a story about your brother. I hope his recovery is quick.... was it the hand that he writes with? I have some stuff to share with you all but not enough time to tell ya. It all started last Friday and the meltdown continues. I was angry with the elementary school, the principal, the teacher and the special ed group. The meltdown occurred because I was overwhelmed and have no real support system where parenting my kids are concerned. I can't call my exhusband to assist with school issues..... cause he has the same problems. I've cooled down somewhat, have a game plan for today and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hey thanks for listening and I will fill you in on details when I'm not heading out the door for work. Bye.

Good Morning ladies, Happy Friday! I've got the coffee on, the toast is toasting and the twins are up..... go start. Eileen: Whew, I'm glad we know where you are, sad that your pain is worse. Try the bath this weekend, that is if you can safely get in and out. Darcy:You always make me giggle! Cindy:I'm very excited for your home makeover. Don't forget to keep the special spray in the cupboard to keep your floor sparkling for years to come. Sherry:You skinny thing, clothes shopping again.....sounds like the biggest expense with this lapband is new clothes! Love ya! I'm not sure what the weekend holds for me and the critters but it's all good. I called my Mama yesterday because she just came home from Holland. She was gone 3 weeks to attend a funeral for my uncle and informed me about news a world away. Glad she's home and hope my surgery gets approved soon. No news from the attorney yet, maybe next week. Well, gotta get the boys fed and watered. Check with ya later :speechles

Morning all..... just checking in. It's summer over here in Southern California..... 85degrees -- ugh, way too hot for menopausal women. I sent Lewis to school in shorts just now. It's gotta be that global warming thing. Every year it seems to get warmer and warmer. One year we did trick or treat with sleeveless tank shirts! Not much else is going on, looking forward to a weekend with the kids. I was not feeling well the last 2 weekends so I want to go out and play! Where is everyone??? Eileenie: I'm getting concerned. Please tell your big sister whats up.

Good Morning, A Great Big Thank You to Pat..... taking asprin TOTALLY saved me. My hip is no longer in pain, I'm sleeping and I feel normal again. I've been working, taxi the kids, went to the store several times. You never appreciate doing all these things until you can't do them. Thanks girl! Kat: It's great to hear that all is well on the home front. I agree with you, that going back to work for Rick seems abit soon. What does he think? Beanie: New clothes and new numbers on the scale..... I just can't imagine what that must feel like. I'm so proud of your accomplishment. Are ya glad you got your band? Eileen:Are you on vacation yet? I hope you are feeling better. Give update. Cindy: Hey honey, I didn't know you were still having headaches. I'll send up a quick prayer. I can't function when my head is pounding. Hugs, Well, gotta scoot, I have work today...... I get to learn how to print my special stickers -- yay. And in the afternoon an exciting visit to the orthodontist. OK..... hold down the applause! Love, ya

Karen, I was approved for the surgical consult. When my doctor told insurance that I was a candidate for surgery and that he was ready to do the surgery, thats when they came back and said that I needed to do the telephone program! At that point I thought, OK what if I lost 3lbs on the telephone thing.... then they say "she doesn't need surgery" or if I don't lose anything then they will come up with some other hoop for me to jump thru. What a game! Yes, I have the HMO but insurance will do everything in their power to deny patients. My doctors office has been wonderful and have placed appeals for me during this last year. I trust them. What I understand is that Pacificare purchased an "off the shelf" insurance plan which includes weight loss surgery as an option, but because they don't really want to give away that product they manipulate patients in order to NOT give this type of surgery. This saves them money. I get that. What I have also discovered is that this is not a hard and fast answer and there are indeed patients that have been covered by Pacificare and have gotten lapband or GBP where clients are persistant. And that is where I find myself. Yes, you are indeed lucky to have gotten thru the maze pretty much pain free, unfortunately that is not what appears to happen for everyone. My story isn't abnormal, it's typical. I was not surprized. Now, I need to let my attorney support me.

Happy Sunday! Well, it's overcast here but no rain. Cindy:Your girlie party sounds wonderful! I once was the makeup artist for a girls party where the mom hired me to "doll" up the birthday girl and her friends. It was fun. Yes, I stayed home yesterday because I seem to have popped out my left hip. The pain radiates down to my knee and nothing that I have tried seems to make it feel better. Betty just said something about asprin and heating pad..... I haven't tried that. Thanks. The movies that I saw yesterday were "the grass is greener" with my favorite Cary Grant. Why don't they make them like that anymore? Just dreamy! Well, I gotta get better, the kids come home tonight and being sacked out on the couch isn't option and I need to work tomorrow. Bye.

I have Pacificare also and as my list describes I have jumped thru plenty of their hoops and they just keep adding on more. The straw that broke the camels back was their 6 months telephone bariatric program. I still don't see the reason for that. Anyway..... I hired an attorney and just hope that my journey turns around. Still hoping,