Kat817

The pre-op diet is not fun. The surgery is not pain free. The post op diet is not fun. But everyone one of them is so worth it!!! Tuesday will be my 1 year bandiversary---and I have lost 90 pounds. 90 pounds!!! I have gained so much though! Confidence, and power over food! I am in CONTROL!!! I no longer have to shop in plus sizes...I don't have people looking at me in restaurants, like I have no business eating...I can run and I can hula hoop! My 2 youngest grandbabies will never remember me as fat!! I no longer take any meds for high blood pressure. I am overweight according to the BMI charts---I began as morbidly obese. I can ride amusement park rides, and fit in an airplane seat without issue. I can walk 5 miles! I could go on, listing big things--little things---the changes are so many! I am not even touching the surface! Yes, I was scared too. I had a new grandson, just over a month old, and a granddaughter who had just said Granny for the first time. I did not want to die and miss all that. But the risk is so minute, and the risk with obesity was so high. I knew I was going to be a limited part of their life, my weight was holding me back. I couldn't fit on amusement park rides with them. I couldn't chase bubbles in the yard, or run through a sprinkler. I can now. I understand you are not wanting to take a chance that something might happen during the surgery---did you ask if he had ever lost a patient during lap banding? Mine had not---I DID ask!!! I have never in all the people on this board, heard that any of them, knew of someone to die during banding. It is not a high risk. What it come down to with me was quality of life. I could refuse to take the risk, and live my life in my house, hiding from the world, as the obesity slowly killed me in many other ways. OR I could take that slight risk, and do something about the weight, and actually LIVE my life! Now I am out and going--a lot!!! We took a motorcycle ride to the Grand Canyon---and will be heading to Sturgis in August. I would NEVER have thought about it before, it would have killed my back, plus the looks I would get on the bike at my size (even if I only imagined them)--I would have stayed home...not any more. 90 pounds later, I go wherever I can, and every single day I am thankful that I took that chance, and regained control of my life. Anytime you undergo something like this is it scary. If you weren't nervous, it would be strange!! Imagine the life you can have with your child---it IS worth it!!! kcmcgee----when you think you can't handle the preop any longer, pop in here and look through the before and after page---grab a bit of incentive, and inspiration. We will all be here to help you through the tough days! Welcome to LBT you guys---it is an awesome site, they are doing some upgrades, but will soon be back to normal, you will be so thankful to have this site, and the support offered here!!! When you need us we will be here!!! Kat

Glad your house survived the pruning project Betty!!! My poor trees looked like they had been butchered when DH and DS pruned them last fall/winter. Now some are in full bloom (in my immediate back yard, I have 2 apple, 2 pear, a cherry, an apricot, a plum and 2 maple trees), others have bloomed and are leafing out. Spring is happening whether the weather wants to commit each day or not!!! We got the yard finished today---the last of the flower beds are now cleaned out, and he edged everything...now we go on to upkeep! I want to go all out with flowers this year. I have tons of family coming for Mom & Dad's 50th anniversary, and I want to do a big cookout (my DD wants to re do the luau), the night before, so all the family can be together. My back yard is the obvious place to do it---so I would love for it to look spectacular!!! So Rick tells me today he thinks he will build a 2 car garage in the corner of the yard----which means with his schedule, it would be under construction just when I want it to be pretty! I sense an impasse in the future!!! So Beannie---do you have another interview tomorrow, or have you already made your decision? Mandy---prayers going up for your friend. My Dad has coronary artery disease. He has the healthiest diet of anyone I know, he walks 5-6 miles a day. Not too bad for a 74 year old man. He has had one mild heart attack following bypass surgery---which he has had twice. They told him with the original bypass surgery it would last 5-10 years. He had to have the second surgery 23 years later! He has had countless angiograms, and angioplasties. He has 5 coronary stents, and 2 renal stents. His arteries, are just terrible, and he does everything he can to keep them healthy. Right now we are waiting to have his carotid arteries done---it is a fine line to find the right time to do them...so we wait. Sometimes it is genetic, that is what killed my Grandad. One of the BIG, GIANT, HUGE reasons I am banded. If I have to fight this the way they did, I did not need the weight to be an added issue. With my weight, my family history, and the fact that I was born with a heart murmur, I would have bet our bottom $$$ that I would be the one to land in the cardiologist office---not Rick!!! He has no family history, and was always a healthy weight, and in overall good health. But his mitral valve just went kaplooey---no warning! It doesn't always make sense. But they CAN and DO do amazing things---they can repair a heart in ways I never realized!!! They actually cut Ricks back down to normal size! I like to tell him now he loves me less than he used to---he used to say he loved me with all his heart. Well now he has less heart----you do the math!!! OK, OK, Ok we will let our resident math student Beannie do the math!!! Eileenie---hang in there, if we have to wait to see you on the weekends until you get settled, we will wait for ya---you're worth it! Darcy---how was the cabin? Make any plans???? Patty---I am so glad Mom is on board, and ready to help you along. It will make your recovery easier, both having her there, and knowing she supports the decision. I am beyond happy for you!!! Sherry---you poor thing you. When it rains it pours, and there is a typhoon going on at your place girl!!! Hoping this week is a HUGE improvement!!! Chris---how was the date? Did you do anything fun? I used to like off the wall dates. My first "date" with Rick many, many years ago, we went target shooting. I have occasionally wondered if he was very trusting (me with a gun) or very stupid!!! Dinner and a movie never really figured into our lives until after we married! Cindy---how'd you spend your weekend? At the ballpark? Mr Pat---how goes the healing process? Ms. Pat---where the heck are you???? Deb---kids all well, keeping you busy now? If I missed you it was not intentional. My brain is running out of steam!!! Hope everyone has a great week!!! Kat

I have known people to go through a lot just a few days after banding, and not dislodge the port. I would guess it is inflamation on the inside, like the muscle it is stitched into being outraged at the intrusion! BUT----as I state, that is just a guess. I would call and ask how much pain at the port site is considered normal, and what to do for it. You paid the Dr. to treat you, calling to ask him a question about your health and welfare following a major surgery is not too much to ask of him. Does taking something like liquid Tylenol help at all? I wouldn't take anything stronger until I talked to the Dr. you don't want to mask a pain he should know about. I had a friend and her husband fly to MX for banding surgery several months before I went. He got air sick coming home, and heaved for over 4 hours! Then as he exited the plane, he got dizzy, and slipped and fell down the last 4 steps! We live in a small area, we still at the local airport, exit out the stairs! He called his Dr. immediately, who told him to sip very slowly some gatorade, and water. He slept, and settled down, and recovered fine, although he had some impressive bruising! He did worry for awhile he had pulled his port loose, he said it hurt everytime he twisted or moved at the waist. His surgeon assured him it would be fine, and even in the worst case scenario, it would not hurt anything if it had, it could be revised as an outpatient, but it would not hurt the band itself. He is a big guy like 6'7" and he has lost in the neighborhood of 150 pounds now! He was very lucky at the heavier weight not to break anything when he fell! I would take it easy, try seeing if either hot (heating pad) or ice packs, would ease it any. Make as many observations as you can to share with your Dr. if you find it necessary to call. Keep us posted on how you feel! Good Luck! Kat

I would say to start making a habit out of small bites, lots of chewing, and taking a break between bites. You will be surprised eating that way, that even pre band you get full faster---well maybe not faster---but on less food. Time is a big thing---if you eat slower, you will eat less, by the time your body decides it is full. Wean yourself of of any carbonation. Some people say they still drink it, but at least for awhile you will be off of it, now is a good time to get those habits gone. Try to do the same with sugar and high carb foods. Eventually you will add these back to your diet if you choose, but to eliminate them now, reduces the cravings for them you will have while on your liquid diet post op. Practice the no drinking with eating rule. It is easier when you slow down, but it still takes some getting used to! If you start introducing these changes now, it will be less of a sudden shock following surgery. Like Edie said, start moving. If it is nothing more than parking out in the end of the lot at the store, and walking in. Anything you do is better than doing nothing! Get all your post op diet things on hand. Test some Protein drinks, see what you do or don't like, and stock up accordingly. Prepare some meals for the family in advance and freeze them so that you don't have to "cook" every night during the time you can't eat. Make sure you have some Gas X, a heating pad, liquid Tylenol, and Tucks. Talk to your surgeon and see about getting your pain med Rx ahead of time, so it can be filled and waiting for you, instead of you possibly hurting and waiting for it! The last few days, get your laundry done, change out the sheets, do the things that will allow you to feel comfortable lazing about for a few days. And in my opinion(for what it's worth!!!) one of the most important things you can do is to take a set of before pictures, front, side, and back. Stand against a plain wall or a door, something that you can stand in front of again in the same way to take your progress shots. Also take measurements, detailed measurements! Around your neck, upper and lower arms, as well as all the usual bust, waist, hips, thighs....believe me you will be glad you did!!! Write them down in a notebook, or journal them on line, whatever, somewhere for just you to see and compare. There will be times you are not losing weight, and you will feel discouraged, and when you hit those times, and can go and measure and see that even though the scale is sitting tight, the inches are falling off---it helps your state of mind tremendously!!!! The last thing, is to stay in touch with all of us here, we will be waiting to welcome you into bandland!!! And by the way Rebecca---welcome to LBT!!! This is an awesome site!! They are in the middle of some upgrades right now, and things are a little different to navigate, but give them some time, it is going to be even better than before!!! Kat

I think Heather is right, that the Womens sizes are cut fuller through the seat area, and with tops the sleeves are usually longer (in a short sleeve top), and there is less of a curve cut into the shirt. My last jeans were a 14W, and were baggy, so I tried on a Misses 14 relaxed fit, and in about 5 pounds they will be ideal. I have a hard time with the clothing sizes too! Even in the same brand, they don't seem to run true. I enjoy buying smaller sizes, but it is such a PITA, to undress, try something on, have to redress, and try another size. The next time you try that size the whole ordeal reverses!!! And don't get me started on bra sizes-----aaarrrggghhh!!! Kat

I just read in another thread that Laura started about her pain, that she is headed to the ER. She fits the criteria for the pain being related to a blood clot in the lung. I'll say a prayer for her, thought some of you might want to do the same. We are thinking of you Laura, and hope you are home soon with good news! Kat

Wow Hotpink---I had no idea she fit the criteria for a blood clot! Thanks for sharing your experience, and being honest, even though it was not probably the answer she was hoping for!!! I would have never thought about that possibility! I am glad she is off to the ER! Good Call! Kat

Got my time in today mowing the lawn. Rick said he was going to do it when he got home from work, but he has worked late every night this week, and we were to go to friends for dinner, so I decided to surprise him. It worked, he was shocked, and thankful!!! Now I'll spend the next week watering it just so I have something to mow again-----go figure!!! From start to finish, with mowing, and disposing of the bagged clippings, it takes me close to 2 hours----it is a big lawn, full of trees, and plantings to mow around, an the back yard, has a fairly good slope to it. I was wiped out!!! But feel like I accomplished something! Monday I am going to take an aquasize class with a friend. Not too sure about it, but she wants to go, so I figured why not. Sounds like everyone is doing good! I too end up doing a liquid day here and there. I might think about taking it to 2 days in a row or something. It wouldn't be too bad, if I could pick the timing. I don't think it could hurt anything. If you don't already have an issue with being dilated, then it seems like it would be, if nothing else a good reminder. If you are already showing signs, I don't know that 2-3 days is going to be enough to overcome an existing problem---but again, it cannot hurt it! Maybe it would get me past the plateau I am on. In all honesty lots of things could likely get me off of the plateau, I just haven't done them!! So I am not complaining too badly!!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!! Kat

Not sure about the journals---but I do know the re-vamp is not done, I ask about the top 5 new posts we used to have and was told they will be back, they just aren't done yet. Maybe the same will happen with the journals. It must be an enormous undertaking to re-do something like this, and keep it up and running while you do it. Guess my mastering walking and chewing gum at the same time just doesn't measure up!!! Kat

The positioning you describe Laura would be right about where your bnd itself is. It could be residual swelling. You could have irritated it with your position...any number of things. I would stay on a strict liquid diet, do not make the stomach "work" in any manner. And if it doesn't ease, up, or if the pain becomes more steady, if you begin running a fever, anything like that call your Dr. Right now, my best guess would have something to do with the fact that they pulled the lower part of your stomach up and stitched it in place over the band, attaching it to the upper pouch. Now scar tissue will form, and help hold the band in proper postition. The scar tissue...adhesions...if strained will cause pain. I actually had adhesions from my hysterectomy have to be removed! When you lie on your side that way, it changes the stress points inside your body. I would just take it easy, not try to make it hurt, just settle it down a bit. Try some Tylenol, but I wouldn't take anything stronger. On the off chance something does need to be checked out, you don't want to mask the pain entirely. Hang in there---hope it eases soon!!! (((hugs))) Kat

I keep playing peek-a-boo with Onederland. I wake up one day and I am there!!!! 199---the next day I am back at 201, the next 200, the next 202, then boom I drop back to 199.....I am all over the place but cannot consistantly stay below the 200 mark. I refuse to change my ticker until I can put a 1 in the numer, and it has to be here to stay!!! ONE of these days I will wander over to ONEderland and stay!! Good luck to all of my fellow losers! Kat

I no longer take any of my HBP meds since surgery---it has made a major change in my health. Now we gotta get you on this side of the street!!! Be very careful of what you eat. Not only quit adding salt to your food, watch the pre packaged food, lunchmeats etc. have very HIGH sodium contents, as do things like sports drinks. A friend who has normal readings at home, but gets white coat fever at the Dr. says he drinks grapefruit juice for it's diuretic qualities. I would seriously imagine with being on meds now one of them is a diuretic already. You might go easy on the fluids for the day or so before it is checked again. I know I took HCTZ, and I could tell when I wasn't drinking much, it would really pull other fluid from my body, my rings would loosen up...that kind of thing. Good Luck---plan an early morning BP check. Take a dose of Benadryl the night before, get a good nights sleep, go in nice and relaxed. There is a lot riding on the reading, so you will be nervous. Do you have a BP cuff at home? I would take several reading through the next few days at home, to be able to show the Dr. just in case you do get super stressed with so much riding on the one visit. Keep us posted---I'll be pulling for you!!!! Kat

Awwww I am so sorry, you are having to go through this. I know it is eventually in my own future, and I have no idea how I will cope. All I can suggest at this point, is , come here, and write it out. Let all the feelings and emotions, and cravings out by typing them. I'm sorry I have no magic answers. Are you going to be able to go and spend some time with your Mom? If ever you need to talk---look me up, I will PM you my #. ((((hugs)))) I really am sorry.... Kat

So Mandy---did you understand the answer thread to the "rep pwer" question? I couldn't find any of the things alexandria said were there. I need to go back and find that thread again, and see if I can make any sense out of it. Wondered how you fared. Kat

I found I do best with unflavored or vanilla protein powder, then I use the DaVinci syrups to add a variety of flavor. I just toss things in the blender, and create!! I sometimes use skim milk as a base, other times a container of yogurt and a few ice cubes---add my powder, and a shot of syrup, or a spoon of SF pudding mix. Something to camoflage the protein taste. For those of you who like an occasional drink, you can use the syrups to create iced drinks really easy too. We had a cookout last week, and we made starwberry daquiris---mmmmmmm!!! When you get into the later stages of full liquids, one of my favorite shakes was to start with skim milk, scoop of protein powder, spoon of chocolate fudge pudding mix, and a spoon of peanut butter. It tasted so yummy!!!!! I still have this on the days I think I need to boost my intake. Tracy---we have garage full of bikes. I mean FULL!!! Everything from a little Suzuki 250 he uses to teach the kids to ride, to the bikes he had as he began buying his own!!! A couple of early 1980 Yamaha's, a 650 midnight maxim, and an 1100 Special,both fully restored. The 1100 Special is worth more than his HD!!! A Heritage Softtail Springer, and a Gold Wing. We bought the Wing when my back trashed out. I herniated L4 L5, S1 station. I can't take the rough ride for long distances anymore, so I got me one with dang near a lazy boy on the back, and I can cruise forever!!! I told him he can either ride alone, and I will stay home, or we can ride the wing to Sturgis this year, my back won't take the other. Some days I feel every one of my years!! Kat

I had 5 hour flight home from MX on the 3rd day following surgery. I had no pain from the flight itself, it was not a problem. I did however learn a few things!!! As was pointed out, wear comfy elastic waisted clothing. And wear slip on shoes. You have to remove your shoes at security check in, so slip on/off is much easier, than trying to retie shoes. Pack lightly!!! You will (unless you do the wheelchair thing) be responsible for lugging the suitcase around---make sure you can do it! If you need a seatbelt extender, or even think you might...casually ask the attendant for it as you board the plane. They are usually stowed in a cupboard right at her side. She can hand it to you, and you can have it if you need it. Those people already on board, are busy settling in, and those behind you are in line, and cannot see you, nor what you are doing. If you wait until everyone is seated, she will have to walk back down to the front of the plane, get it, and walk it back while everyone waits to take off---and if she forgets who ask---she will announce it! Happen to me!!! While in the air, rotate your ankles, try raising and lowering your legs a few inches, and try to straighten your legs as much as possible, every little bit. I think the man in the seat next to me, thought I had ants in my pants!!! But you want to keep your legs moving to cut the risk of blood clots. They don't have to be big exagerated movements, just movement, and don't cross your legs or your ankles. In the same light---no socks or knee highs with bands--they cause blood flow restriction. If you come from a family with a history of DVT---you might consider support hose. The best place to look right now, with surgical issues, is in the maternity shop! They have loose bellies, and snug legs. You might need help getting them on---but if it is something you have to worry about, it is better to be safe than sorry. You might get some Tylenol Go Tabs to have on hand---the only thing I had issue with was a killer headache, I think the stress of worrying about it all got me! In the end it was not a big deal. You will do great, have fun in NYC!!! Kat

I went to a seminar, given by a surgeon other than the one who did my surgery. It was given by the Dr. who does my adjustments. It was pretty much like Mandy said---patients there to answer questions, they told us about several different types of WLS, outlined what the determinating factors were in deciding which would be best for you. Lots of Q & A. Other than that, he talked a lot about the health advantages of losing the weight---in any way, and how it helped the body. Talked about the effect on diabetic patients, he was very excited by the strides they are making with finding a cure for diabetes. They had a slide show of how each of the surgeries were done, and how they differed. He gave us a sheet with his prices, and had forms for us to fill out if we wanted to have his staff check our insurance out. I didn't feel like he was pressuring me to use him, he in fact had the attitude of here I am, I am the best, if you want me to do it fine, if not fine!!! He kinda made us laugh! I like him, but he is very smug acting! I did learn a lot in the seminar. Of course that was before finding LBT too!!! I have learned more here than anywhere I think!!! Kat

First question: Since your surgery, what have you discovered about your relationship with food? At first it seemed impossible, but over time, food has taken on much less importance in my life. I find it much easier now to make healthy choices, because hunger is no longer part of the equation. The saying Eat to Live istead of Living to Eat, now fits me, before banding it was the opposite! Second question: Did you experience any complications with your procedure, during or after? If so, briefly explain. No complications during surgery, none during recovery. Only issue now is with some reflux. But that is a problem that plagued me several years ago as well. Third question: What are your feelings towards morbidly obese people now, and if you could sit down and talk with them, what one thing would you share with them? I feel a kinship with them, I wish it would not be offensive to share with them, without being ask! That is my big issue with hiding the surgery. It leads other MO people to believe that we are capable of doing something they are not. I tell everyone, hoping my experience will give someone else hope. I would try to clear up some misconceptions of what banding is, it is just now getting commercial coverage, and up until now it has only been associated with bypass. I would say----what have you got to lose except extra pounds! Kat M.

WASaBubble butt's Dr. didn't spend all that time with her just because he liked her-----(!!!!!)-----he did the same with me, and my husband was in the room!!!! I too used Dr. Aceves, and he was very attentive, as was the hospital staff, and his practice staff. His coordinator, Yolanda, all but moved in with us---before I could even think about asking to see someone to ask a question, they were there. It was a great experience. WABB---did you get an email concerning plastic surgery? I requested some info and they sent me a listing. I can forward it on if you want. As for not hearing from my Dr. yes I would contact him directly and inform him of my disappointment. And let him know on this board you have heard of other Dr.s who are much more involved in patient outcome. Maybe it will trigger his sense of comptetition!!! Doubt it, American surgeons are a pompous bunch as a general rule (my Uncle included in that!). My fill Dr. is nowhere near as caring or compassionate as my surgeon was. Hmmmmmm another Dr. Brown in Colorado----you think THAT is the issue???!!!! Kat

Sorry Mom is being difficult..... Tell us about your bike! I used to ride, I laid mine down about 18 months ago---and no longer wish to ride myself, I let DH cheuffer me around now. Some people refer to my position as the bi#*h seat, I call it the QUEEN seat!!! Kat

Shocking your body with a calorie increase, or exercise increase might help bump the weight loss again. You have now lost all the water, and fluid weight, and your body is probably taking an inventory here---and not liking what it is finding---you are starving it!!! I know you are still on liquids, so you might hit a lull, until you can move on to the next stage. Until then, work on increasing movement maybe---it will help keep your metabolism up. It is such a guessing game!!! I know they say you have to burn more calories than you take in..... period.......but I have also found, that too many days of just that and my body sets out to show me who is boss, and weight loss stops! Now during those times, I am still dropping inches---so check that---it helps mentally!!! I have lost a lot of inches, during times that my weight is stabalized. I have weighed near this weight for some time however when I first hit this point, I was wearing a tight size 16---now my 14's are loose---so my body continues to morph, whether the scale moves or not! Don't know if any of you use them, but the DaVinci syrups changed their shipping costs---they went down. They have tons of sugar free flavors---they can make the protein shake stage so much tastier!!! I actually use the syrup in several different ways--I use it in my oatmeal even! As far as blending the lasagna---it might be ok. The problem I have with pasta---to this day---and I am almost a year out. Th pasta "grows" once I eat it. Have you ever put a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup in the fridge, and when you get it out the next day, the noodles have soaked up the entire pot of liquid? I feel like it tries to do that in my stomach! The pasta keeps increasing in size, and then has problems passing! I chew it into small pieces, but in my stomach they swell, and then pass through the stoma very slowly. I can eat an average of 2/3 to 1 cup of food per meal, but with pasta, I can only do about 1/4 of a cup. Blended, it may be ok, but I would use very little of the pasta, and use mostly the filling. I have the same issue with potatoes---and it is the same with potato soup, I cannot eat as much of it as I can say vegetable soup---go figure! Have a good one!!! (those of you celebrating bathroom successes, can take this as you wish!!!) Kat

LOL---that's the question I come to ask too Mandy!!! Guess we weren't oo lazy to notice that!!! WooHoo we are doing good now!!!! Kat

I had my surgery done in Mexicali, by Dr. Aceves. I was then, and continue to be extremely happy with it. I have recommended him to several since mine was done a year ago. I will say, regardless of who you choose, if it is not being done locally---make plans in advance should a problem arise. If using a Dr. in Denver is still a flight away, you need to keep that in mind. I live in a rural area, and while Aceves' office helped me find more local aftercare here in the states, it is still 5-6 hours away! So I also met with my former oncologist, concerning an emergency unfill if it were ever necessary. He spoke to the surgeon, and agreed to be an emergency contact in my area. My experience of going to MX for my surgery was wonderful, the surgeon, his staff, the hospital, and the staff there, were great! They treated me, and my DH like guests! Every effort was made to keep us comfortable, and informed. Language was not an issue except for my DH in the cafeteria of the hospital---even then they have a picture menu---so he could just point! Researching your surgeon is VERY important---but unless you can get back to use the surgeons office for your fills/adjustments, it is also important to arrange that and research it PRIOR to surgery. The band is not going to work for you if you get it, and then find you can't get fills! There are way too many people I read about who get the band and then begin looking for someone to treat them here in the states---do it in advance---be proactive with your health---that's what this band is all about! I wouldn't change how I did my surgery---I am very happy with my experience. Good Luck to you!!! Kat

IF I ever get my camera back, with my card in it....I will download pics for you I promise! My best friends son was in a wedding, and he borrowed the camera from me, and I have yet to see it back. I will, I am sure of that---it will likely not be until Saturday, we are having a cook out at his folks---so we will all be at the same place at the same time! Her name is Kismet. It has been fun working with her. This is the first colt I have actually got to have a say in imprinting. My cousin is very patient, he let me do things tho, so it was fun. Speaking of babies....I have a new great niece!! She was born this evening sometime around 7:30---she was taken c-section, and I don't know exactly when, they live in Denver. Her name is Kayce Alexandria, she was 8 lbs. 2 oz., and 20 .5" long. My nephew (the Daddy) was thought to be unable to father a child, he has type 1 diabetes, has since he was 5 I think it was. He has had a lot of problems, and was thought to be sterile! He married this gal who is so good to him, she makes sure his diet is followed, she rules the roost!!! To look at her you would never imagine her being a Mom---especially to a little girl---she has not got a feminine bone in her body! She got married, in jeans, a tshirt, and a ball cap! But their love for one another is obvious---and then 8 years after they married, surprise!!!!! They were thrilled, and at this point it looks like it is all ok. I made some stuffed jalapenos to go with dinner, and I rubbed my eyelid while I was fixing them, and it is still burning! I knew better---at least it wasn't the eye itself! Beannie---sorry about the job---I wish I had a magic answer for you! Chrispy---glad you are able to move on past tattoo boy, and not get caught up in his games. Dianne---you taking it easy???? Let your body relax a bit, and I bet you feel better soon. Eileenie---we miss you, hope the new job is going ok. Patty---keep us posted on how things progress, I am so excited for you! Betty---beautiful flowers!!!! Oh yeah for you Texans----we are leaving to drive down on the 6th of May and will be driving home on the 15th. Can we work something out during those dates??? DH said he would get me there, and then go shopping for some ATV's---combine our trip and our day away from working the place! I know I need to welcome someone----but my brain has already left for the evening!!! So welcome to the newcomers---and all the rest of you ---- please forgive my laziness----(see Mandy ---I am lazy everywhere!!!). Hugs to you all! Kat

As pretty as the teal type was, this is easier to read---the other was prettier tho!!! I liked it---but the old eyes prefer this! Thanks for the update on the top 5----it will be much appreciated. You are doing a great job! Kat