Kat817

They told me that tumors on the thyroid are very common, and seldom cancerous. So if there are small ones, they are usually ignored, unless symptomatic. So if your hormone levels were normal, they basically ignore it. In my case, my hormone levels were NOT normal! I had been on synthroid for almost 20 years! The small growth was considered safe in their estimate. They did watch it closer supposedly following my cancer, but I never even knew there was anything wrong. So how close is debatable. I go every 6 months for a bone scan, and MRI--due to 2 other tumors I still have----and they GLOW with the bone scan, but until the thyroid tumor was interfering with my swallowing, and visible to the naked eye---no one give it a second thought it seemed. Then, with my history, they went into full red alert. They tried to biopsy it, but by that time, I could not lay on my back, without it cutting off my air supply, so the biopsy was not successful. We went straight to surgery with a pathologist on hand. While the tumor was even bigger than they estimated, it was growing at an alarming rate----it was benign, and my need for synthroid has dropped---well my dosage has, and I feel great. Was a simple surgery---overnight stay because I have a tendency for my blood pressure to bottom out since weight loss! Imagine I used to take meds for high blood pressure!!! Scar is hardly visible----and I have the old hollow in my throat back! G4E---be sure to ask about them checking the parathyroids as well-----they can actually cause much worse health issues than the thyroid itself. We have an indigent fund at our local hospital---have you checked into something of that nature to try to get your needed surgeries?

Well the truck is considerably higher than when he got here. I fixed dinner for them, there are only 3--one of the guys chose to stay home, get drunk, scare his wife with his ramblings, and is now sobering up in detox! He has been a serious alcoholic for a long time, and he goes on benders frequently. But when he does this trying to get to and from the reservation, while smashed, it makes me mad-------I have loved ones on the road, he needs to not be! Hope they lock him up for awhile this time. Dinner is meanwhile getting cold, because when they thought they were done and I set it out, they forgot some plate on the front of the truck......grrrrr thats ok, they get cold enchiladas, and Beans and rice and corn bread! LOL Well I am gonna eat mine while it is warm. BBL!!

I got on!!!!!! Yay!!! I agree we needed a new thread, but I also know some are bigger than ours and worked.....I sense a conspiracy!!! JK!!! House is clean, laundry is done, shopping is done----all set to go to a movie or something, and then Rick calls and he told one of "his boys" at work, if he wanted help putting a lift kit in his truck to come by. So now it sounds like there are going to be 4-5 guys from work here, mechanic-ing in the yard----perfect. NOT!!!! Speaking of, here he is, will talk to you all in awhile, when he is busy....and I am NOT! XOXOX

There is an old saying that the best defense is a good offense. Knowing that serious weight loss can bring out buried issues in a relationship, seems as tho it would make dealing with them in an up front manner easier. What the statistics are really I have no idea, and I would imagine you could find back up for any you choose to believe, that is how stats are. But I do see how someone in cravemyhearts position, can see both sides of things. Weight loss does bring on huge changes, in all sorts of ways. Not just physical, but mental as well. We have difficulty sometimes wrapping our minds around how we look. And it goes both ways. Some people lose massive amounts of weight and still "see" themselves as fat. Others lose the first 50 pounds and "see" themselves as sleek and sexy. And many times, how you "see" yourself is how others perceive you as well. Seems like everyone handles the changes differently. There are emotional changes along the way that cause upheaval in marriage/relationships. Fat cells hold estrogen, and when you lose rapidly as in the first months, that estrogen is dumped back in the system, and leads to symptoms like PMS--same hormonal surges. Some people cry at the drop of a hat, and others bitch and moan and scream---and the weight loss gets blamed. While it IS at the base of the weight loss, it will ease, and you will be normal again!!! But sometimes the lows like that trigger other issues, and it expands. Knowing all these things in advance, and having a relationship in which you can talk about it will make surviving the weight loss together possible. My husband told me, my weightloss was for him a bit like walking through a mine field. He said finding the fine line of support, without judging was hard. He was behind me getting the band, but was afraid to be TOO encouraging, because what if I couldn't---would I think he didn't love me how I was? And if he wasn't encouraging enough, maybe I would think he resented the $$$ being spent, or that he preferred I not do it. And as the weight come off, he was complimentary ALWAYS, but he said he was afraid to gush about it, because what if something happen, and I gained it back, he didn't want me questioning that. I had to admit, I had never looked at it from his side. They do---the spouse/partner----go through their own issues with our weight loss. When I first was with my DH I was downright skinny, then 20 years later I was fat--and I felt just as loved by him. But I was ashamed of me. When he introduced me to his co workers, I was embarassed for him. He never acted any different. Now, down the road 3 years, he gushes about it--he tells me he is relieved from a health stand point, and I am no longer embarrassed to meet his friends. Have even had a few hit on me....but he and I both know where my heart is. If the relationship is worth nurturing and working hard through it---do it! If you have questions in your heart---listen.

Hope Laura didn't choke the gal who stole her money and end up in jail......we'll have to "band" together and bail her out!!! Another week done. Today is my Moms birthday, we were going to cook out, then decided to go out, then she found out that Dads class reunion they thought was Sat & Sun, is actually Fri & Sat. So dinner is on hold until Sunday. Took her by her gift so she could wear some of it tonight if she chose to....and she did! Found a great sale at Dillards, on their fashion jewelry----bought her some earrings, and bracelet sets---one black, one red, one silvertone, and one blue irridescent set. Got all of it, earrings and bracelets in each, for under $50.00!!! I wanted some for me too....but it is not my birthday. At least I know where I can borrow any of it from here on out!! Getting ready to call my MIL. Been putting it off, but I really need to do it. So will check back in with y'all in awhile. I gotta figure out dinner too, since I am not going out....damn! XOXOXOXO

Pulled pork for dinner here....Rick made sandwiches, and I kind of channeled Jenn, and made myself nachos with it! In the end, Rick ate more of them than I did---I piled a plate, even tho it was a salad plate, way too full of nachos!! LOL, old habits die hard! Didn't walk today---was going to go after work, but I had Kinsey. Remember the girl/woman I told you my niece takes care of, she is mentally challenged, and prefers to be Marvin as opposed to Marilyn. Well she is in the hospital. Manda got a call today that she was admitted to ICU and was on full life support. My niece that is her caregiver, is gone to Oklahome to bury her grandmother. Ends up Marvin has pnuemonia, and she has serious asthma. She is physically handicapped as well, and her build does not allow her lungs to fully inflate, so she was seriously struggling. The Dr.'s opted to sedate her, put her into a comatose state, and put her on a ventilator so her lungs can heal, and her body can rest. Manda spent a good part of the afternoon there, letting the nursing staff in on how she is, what her life is like, why she is so lost with my niece being gone etc. Especially that she HATES being called Marilyn!!! LOL I kept Kinsey with me at work! She had a little play set of a Mama dog and 3 tiny puppies---and she had her papers and stapler, and hole punch, and she was wonderful. The only thing she insisted on, was asking every patient if they would like some water, so she could get them a cup of water from the dispenser! The Dr. thought it was hilarious----so I chose not to worry about it! Found out today, some friends of ours are splitting up----gonna be kinda wierd. Well I am off to the shop to see what is going on with the bike, it is days away from pavement!!! Paint job is really pretty, was not the color we expected, but is actually more along the line of my first choice!!! Deep marroon! Love it! Will check in later. Hugs

Relax, Go with the Flow, and Enjoy Lu!!! Good Luck Ebony, and Beth, will be thinking of you and hoping things are going your way today!!!

Ok Tracy....then my work here is done..........

Thanks, Jane! I don't like birthdays near as much as I used to!! I LOL'd at your 'tripling your business"...I got all excited there for a minute! Kat - I loved what you said to Jenn about Kev...you are so right. I love your perspective on so many subjects. You're a good woman. I just don't ever want to get on your BAD side!! LOL Speaking of which -- how's your SIL doing? Haydee, I love your skin, too. Not only is it a beautiful color, but it's creamy-smooth, too. You are radiant! Judy - I have a friend who had both hips replaced at the age of 50...not at the same time, but a year apart...and her recovery was pretty difficult for about 2 weeks and then got so much better quickly. It was very hard for her to go back for that second surgery!! She's awfully glad she did now, though. Best wishes for your friend...AND her husband! It's not easy to watch your wife go thru that. Heather - Hope you report in soon....your Violets are worried about you!! Laura - Carson must be getting better, you haven't complained about his discomfort lately. Oh, I hope so. How's things working out with him at work? Jenn - there's one thing about you...you sure don't sit on your butt long! It must be very therapeutic to knock down a wall! How'd you learn how to do all that stuff, anyway? Pamela - How the hell does a person HATE Mexican food? Susanne would never last a week here in Texas! That's all we eat!!! Richard and I have our favorite little hole-in-the-wall restaurant and we have to restrain ourselves from going more than once/week. The food is awesome there ...and cheap!!! But a person cannot live on cheese enchiladas alone. I've tried. Suzie - enjoy your pool and don't work too hard! I hope your sisters appreciate you! Tracy- Ready for school to start back up yet? LOL What's on the agenda for this weekend? Do ya'll have a neighborhood pool? It's soooo dang hot already, can you believe it? UGH! I'd like to have a pool in the back yard, but it'd be like bath Water anyway, so what's the point? some people are actually installing chillers for their pools these days. Michelle - Been meaning to ask you.... how'd you get your editing job? My girlfriend is interested in doing work like that. I'd be a terrible editor -- I'd tear everything to pieces! LOL When I'm typing up memos/reports/whatever for my bosses I really have to bite my tongue....men are such bad writers! Sometimes I can't resist, though. Ok, a LOT of times I can't resist. Judy - So what's your babysitting situation now? Ethan's in school just part time or what? And no Grady either? What WILL you do with all that spare time!? Well, I just realized I asked all these questions but won't be able to read the answers for a week! I'll be back in town a week from tomorrow. I am very much looking forward to it all. Long weekend with 30 friends on the Guadalupe River, then 4 days in a family program with Evan. I can't wait to see him. It's amazing coincidence that the place where Evan is, is about 7 miles from where we are vacationing! .....and the family week just happened to be scheduled on the heels of our weekend with friends. Amazing, huh? I hope to come home with some of this weight off of my shoulders. Signing off 'til next Friday. Oh, and if somebody thinks of it, text me and let me know Heather is OK. Love you all. T. There ya go Terry---I got it in my email notification!!!

I betcha smell purdy Tracy!!! I did my own 15 minutes today, walked during lunch--not something I like doing, we are in a raunchy part of town, but lots of nurses from the hospital walk the loop--so I just joined in. But talk about a cliquish bunch, they ignored me completely!!! Oh well....I got my 15 minutes!! And I like.....that I am compassionate, and if we go physical, I like Tracy, can appreciate, that my legs never got too fat!!! LOL!!! So glad you all played along! Hugs!!! Jenn----I too will be hoping all goes well with Kev. It isn't that I don't like Kev, that seems way too harsh. What I don't like is when he makes you unhappy. All at the same time, I DO understand where you are at with him. And it makes me admire and sympathize with you all in one breath! I know you fell in love with a different man, one who did not have brain damage. I have watched what that has done to my brother, and truly sympathize with anyone who loved him prior to his accident, and know there would be serious difficulties in loving him, in any similar manner post accident. Yet putting myself in your shoes---------if Rick (God forbid) were to be injured like Kev in a motorcycle accident, I would do everything in my power to remain by his side. He is riding with my blessing, and often with me as a passenger---and to turn him away because of something that occured as an ACCIDENT would be all but impossible. So I can see where you are at. The most I can do, is pray for all of you, and really TRY to keep an open mind when he upsets US by upsetting YOU! None of us had the opportunity to hear you rave about the man he was before his accident....so we have nothing to balance things with. What I do know is that your love must run deep, and I can appreciate the fact he too is trying. And I hope with all my heart, that the stent helps relieve pressure, and he improves again following the procedure. We just want you to be happy. Pamela--I would tell the Dr. during your next visit that it does not look like your schedules are going to mesh---and see if he would recommend another surgeon---which would let him know when you see him in the gym, why someone else did the operation----plus it might be a Dr. you would like. Has anyone heard from Heather? I am kind of getting worried, hope she and Ayla are ok.... Laura, go get her girl!! Keep us posted!!! And yes, I got the PM, and removed the post for her, also explained how she could edit. Tracy, glad the water weight is dropping off, we knew it would!!! Suzanne, I need some sun, tan for me too!!! Haydee, have a great time! Well, I better get dinner cleaned up----be back in awhile!

Long day!!!! After work we come home and did our yard as well as the neighbors, fixed dinner, watered, messed with the chopper, and now gettting ready to shower and go to bed. Good news is, as I was walking behind the mower, I kept having to stop and pull up my pants, they are getting too big!!!! I have a challenge for ALL of us!!! A double header even!!! CHALLENGE #1---- Move for at least 15 minutes tomorrow. Walk, swim, dance nekkid in the kitchen---whatever, lets just move. and CHALLENGE #2---- Tell us something you like about yourself! We can all name dozens of things we like about one another, but I sense all this "I'm a failure" attitude, so lets swap it out for positive----and find things about us we like. Will look forward to answers tomorrow when I get in from work!! XOXOXOX

Heya ladies! Survived the day....made a ride back up to Durango, to exchange a pair of flip flops. I was saying I liked them, they are Teva, and they have these knots in them in the criss cross straps---I thought they were pretty---and so Rick grabbed them and bought them for me. Well, he grabbed an 8----and my heel was right ON the end. So took them back and tried a 9 and they did not have the exact same one, which was a blue/khaki combo......so while I hum-hawed whether to go blue or brown, Rick paid and bought both!! Lucky me! Now if summer will come back I will wear them! I can wear them to work on Thurs. & Fri. When I go casual. Most of my dress slacks, I wear the other days are too long to wear flat flip flops with. Funeral went about as expected. Was sad that she died, but she lived a long and fruitful life, she was a christian, and was ready. I was kind of put off by all the nieces and nephews, and distant cousins who come out of the woodwork and boo hoo'd all over the place! I mean, my SIL has had birthday parties for her for all the 70, 75, 80, 85, 90th.....and I have never seen half of these people! Yet today they all acted like they were there all the time! She lived in a house right next to my SIL & BIL - her son, it was HER property. But she was there for all holidays, all cook outs, etc. If they come over here, they brought her. Occasionally her DD from TX would come or her son from RI would come, but these others, never seen or heard of them before, and I just wanted to ask them, if they didn't think coming to see her before she died would have been a better plan than coming now.....cynical I know, I am sure they were sad, but why wait til it is too late???? I fought high blood pressure for years, so diet pills were a BIG no no. I had never thought of even taking them since. I am afraid I would blow up my heart! LOL Good Luck Tracy----you KNEW better than to get on that scale girl!!! Jane, hope you are feeling much better quickly! Suzanne, I think I would let hubby mow while I cooked! Oh yeah! That is what we just did!!! I cooked supper, grilled some steak, had some baked potatoes and sauteed some onions and sliced mushrooms. Rick mowed the lawn----it needed it too! Now he is out totally annoying everyone in the neighborhood I am sure, he has his chopper running, and it is running rough, so he is wrenching on it, and revving it up over and over........he tries to be considerate, and will quit well before dark, but there is no other way to get it.....and there are other neighbors it does not affect, as they do the same thing!!! One with bikes as well, and another with a stock race car!!! I am going to go take my book out to the back yard swing, and enjoy the fresh mowed yard.....see y'all in awhile!!!

We fall somewhere in the middle. My DH likes to go places, but with us having our home here, and the place in TX, it seems like most of our travel revolves around keeping up with the property issues in TX, it is either time to shred the groves, or time to clean the pumps or time to sell cattle-----which bites big time!!! BUT some of the things, like the selling the cattle, will hopefully in the future allow us to travel more. We had a plan in place for him to retire in less than 10 years, then the market went to hell, and took a chunk of our retirement with it! So.....we will kind of play it by ear, and go from there, what else can ya do? We do not want to find ourselves in a predicament like my inlaws. My FIL was a self employeed consultant in the oilfield, who did relatively well for himself----and he saved for retirement. He just never ever expected inflation to hit like it did, nor did he think he would live this long-------so now he finds himself in a financial place he worries about money. So at 80+ years old, he is working again! Now some of it is financial, but he has a new lease on life being out among the oilfield people again. So even tho he has cleared the hurdle financially, he is unwilling to quit working again! So while we vacation it is not on the scale I forsee when work is no longer involved! My Dad watched several family men retire and die within months, never enjoying themselves -- and he took it to heart. He and my Mom do quite a bit. My Mom is not real active, she has severe fibromyalgia, and is stiff more often than not, but they go anyway! They just got back from a trip to Branson, and they stopped to see several groups of family for quick visits on the way back. They love Hawaii, and go pretty frequently. I told my Dad not to save his money for me to inherit, that if he doesn't get out there and blow that money, then when I get it I WILL!! LOL, he is more comfortable spending it, now knowing that we as adults have ourselves pretty well set as well. Parents, guess they never quit worrying about us! Susan, I see life simplifying for you a lot! Years ago, we moved into this house---which was in my family for the last 25 years or so, while we either looked for a new home, or decided on building. This house, I had bought from my parents when they were renting it out, then when we married, we rented it out. It is not a big house, just the standard 3 bedroom 1.5 bath. But when we moved back here from Denver, and sold there, it allowed us to pay this off. So living here was free and clear, so to say while we decided. The longer we were here, the more it become home. Now, we make some changes here, and we are discussing adding on another bedroom and bath-----with HUGE closets (my pet peeve with this home!)but only doing it and paying as we go. Having no mortgage is wonderful! I think with losing that stress of the house costs, and you had to have been under stress as you realized your band was an issue, and now that too has been put behind you--and your weight will take care of itself now.....I see your stresses lessening in a HUGE way! Which will allow you to take a look at what you really want in your marriage, and whether you have that or not, without all the outside stresses you had before clouding the picture. Have fun on your secret vacation Lu!!!

Cold here too. Just finished a bowl of oatmeal, hoping to warm myself from the inside out! So far it is just warming my pouch, and sitting.....not moving anywhere. So the rest is sitting in the bowl, not going to push it......morning is sooooo tight for me, I don't know why I even try! I used to not be that way,before the total unfill I mean. I could eat part of a yogurt with granola---now even the yogurt is a no go in the morning. Think this oatmeal might make a re appearance if I am not super careful.......I do not want to start the day with a PB! Rick and I are taking both Moms to the funeral. His Dad is working, and mine had previous commitments to help load the moving van for the preacher who is leaving. Rick's Mom normally would have thrown a wall eyed fit over his Dad missing this, but she is mad at the brother in law, so is ok with it. Personally I think the whole thing is bogus---but who am I but yet another out law??? She is put out because he spent more time with his Mom in the hospital than he did with his wife---she was on 4th floor his Mom on the 5th. Well his Mom died---his wife did not, that should tell them something! And he took his Mom flowers and not his wife! Well his wife had been in the hospital 4 times in a month, and they were telling him his Moms heart was wearing out. I guess they would have preferred he wait and lay them on her casket today. Irritates me when she gets this attitude, because let it be one of her boys making the same calls and it would all be reversed. She is madder than hell that he has to leave and take off for Oklahoma because that is where his Mom is being buried-----and yet she and my FIL will be taken back to Texas following services here!!! LOL no win....simple as that.....no win with her, unless you are her kid, you are wrong! ooooohhhhh please go down oatmeal!!!!! My Mom's birthday is Friday......and Fathers Day is Sunday, and I am at a loss!!! I have no idea what to buy for anyone! We know what we are doing for Rick's Dad, but not mine. It is much easier with his, because there are 4 kids, all willing to go together and buy something that costs more than each could do alone, and something he would not go buy himself. My brother won't do that, so it leaves me on my own to buy for my Dad......any ideas???? Thinking jewelry for my Mom, wish I had thought about it earlier, and hit Terry's site! Well I am off to dig up something for Rick and I to wear today. Weather is an issue, I am freezing, so I am looking for something warm!!! LOL See y'all later!!

My Mom is allergic to the sun as well. She starts out in just minutes, and looks like she has a sunburn, then it gets all lumpy like hives, and itchy and splotchy red as opposed to red all over. She uses sunscreen, and just attempts to stay out of direct sun as much as possible. Ride was good----not great, it got really windy, and it was cold to me. I kept my leather coat on all day long. Who would have ever thought you would need leather in June??? We ended up not going into the mountains, we rode to Durango, then back through some back roads and on out on to the Bisti, which is reservation, and through what they call NAPI---it is an agricultural area the government and the Navajo Tribe have. They grow all kinds of vegetables, as well as alfalfa and raising cattle. It is beautiful up there. Think I may have sunburned my face, or maybe it is windburn....or both! Then Rick and I ate ice cream for dinner! So much for the 1.5 pounds I am down towards our 5!!! Oh well-----was fun while it lasted, we were sitting on the couch freezing and eating ice cream! DUH! Hope Heather and Ayla are home and doing well. Feeling any better Tracy? Avoid the scale until all traces of TOM are gone---no sense in depressing yourself possibly! Think I will go hit the shower where it is nice and warm!!! Then find a movie to pop in in the bedroom and snuggle up with my hubby and stay warm. Judy how you do the cold this long, I just don't know!! It has been making it to the high 80's here, and today was low 70's. Which sitting still might be fine, in the sun anyway! But cruising along on a bike, it is still cold to me! Then the ice cream......and it is only 69 in my house! We have not even started the AC yet. That is really unusual. Partly I imagine because I am not home all day in the heat of the day----but also because when I lose weight like this I am SOOOO cold! Will check in tomorrow sometime. Funeral in the morning, work in the afternoon---fun, fun, fun.....NOT! love ya!

Quick check in before we take off for Silverton. We are making a day on the bikes. Well it would have been a day, but our friends are notoriously late. We forgive them, because they have 3 daughters and a son at home!!! They just found out they are to be grandparents by the one who does not live at home anymore....they are not dealing real well with it. She is more in fear of the "being a Grandma" than excited, which is really sad. You are the same age, whether you have a grandchild or not. She told me her grandchildren will NOT call her Granny!!! Whatever! My grandkids have Grandma's coming out their ears, and they have one Granny--ME! The day my MIL told me I could not be called Granny, was the day I knew who and what I would be!! LMAO!!!!! Terry, the day I got married to my DD's dad, I had drank milkshakes for days on end to try to get to 125 pounds from 116, so my wedding dress would fit more formed......and I am 5'9" and was a DD even then. I look at Hannah and go 'what in the hell happened?????'!!!!!!! So glad you had a good time shopping and being together, those are some of my favorite memories of my girls. Silverton, the town we are going to today is a little tiny mountain community, surrounded in the day by silver mines. We have 3 mountain passes to go over----it is gorgeous! There is a narrow guage coal/steam powered train that runs through the mountains and goes back and forth between Durango and Silverton through the months it can. Mid fall it is snowed in to Durango, and cannot get to Silverton. The town is touristy, lots of little shops selling tourist stuff---but the rest of the town is like out of the early 1900's! The bar in town has the original wood bar from back then, it is like stepping back in time. The plan is to ride up, have lunch (which will now be a combo lunch/dinner since we have not left yet!) then ride home. It is about 100 miles each way. Tracy I meant to ask you----is that the DSS?? He is a cutie too! Taking tomorrow morning off to go to the funeral, then will go in for the afternoon. I agree Jennifer, be careful with all the sun---it is soooo bad for your skin, and will make you age like nothing else! I have had a couple places they were worried about, and with my history, I avoid the sun completely. I fake bake if I get an urge for color!! Well, guess I will go and do something while I wait, I hate waiting! Everyone have a good day, see ya later!!

I think there are shows people watch simply for the feel good that they give us----Extreme Makeover Home Edition for instance. People having a hard time, helped out. They leave you feeling better and more hopeful after watching. I never watched any of the reality shows on a regular basis. Not the American Idol type, or the Survivor type, nor the big family shows. I catch them on occasion, and watch. The Jon & Kate my granddaughter liked to watch, because all the kids are her age! But I will not watch Octomom---for multiple reasons. I refuse to waste my time watching so she can support children she should never have had! I usually choose not to sit through anyones family videos----which is what this is going to be if she is going to just run the camera when she wants and show what she wants. There are lots of big families out there, parents of multiples who do not have a regular series on TV, they have a yearly show for instance I think it is the Dilleys that Diane Sawyer has followed each year since they were born, and they are ready to drive almost I would think! And yes Patty, I am sure we all 'edit' things from our lives. The difference is that she has ask for and brought upon herself all the publicity. She has opened herself up to the kudos as well as the criticisms of others. Most of us, do not go out trying to gain the attention she has done. And 'editing' out simple gaffes we may make is a whole different thing than the danger she has placed 14 little lives in. She has never appeared on TV without being all done up, while routinely ignoring the cleanliness of her children. Who will be watching the kids while she gets dolled up and ready for the camera?? Because I will bet ya that she is not behind the camera----she will be in front of it a plenty!

My bad last night, was Cotton Candy!!! But....it was worth it---Kinsey and I grossed Rick out with it, but we had fun and laughed a lot! The bag come with pink, blue and yellow cotton candy, so we were dissolving the mixed colors on our tongues making new colors. She now totally gets that to make purple you mix red/pink and blue! And green is blue and yellow---she has seen it change before her very eyes, and she gets it! Scale was actually up half a pound today, but it will go down again I am sure of it....just probably not today! We are having a BBQ here with some friends. If I stick to the protein side of things I should be ok! Big IF!!! Tracy I am so jealous, I love zoos!!! When Kinsey wakes up, we will have some breakfast, and I think we will walk down to the parade....it is always too crowded to park, so we will just get some exercise in while we are at it, then I won't worry so much if I stray during the BBQ!! My Mom and Dad made it home from all their travels safely--Thank You God! I worry so much about them driving like that. My Dad is impatient (yes I get it from him) and he can doze off in the middle of a movie he is enjoying, so I worry!!! But they did fine, only had one scare, and that was a semi changing lanes, and they were already in the lane, but lucky for them, the next one was open and they were ok. Terry, this is not your fault, what Evan is struggling with. If he had been born with diabetes, it would not have been something you could have changed. The problems he deals with are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain----not caused by a divorce! He has no more control of that, than Rick does his dyslexia. Rick gets in these moods that he is pissed off at his ex for being bi polar, and the fact that Lenny our son is exhibiting signs of the same problem--like he wants to blame her. But just like you it is frustration---he knows she would never CHOOSE to have the issues. I kind of compare it to my weight issues. I KNEW I was fat, and I KNEW how to not be---eat less, exercise more. And I would have ideal intentions, but they never lasted. I ask him if he feels like that makes me a bad person. I feel like very possibly, his ex, Evan, and millions of others dealing with the issue, KNOW to take their meds, and KNOW the right things to do---but one little slip (like one little bite of cotton candy last night) leads to a slippery slope----and all our best intentions are shot. It took a band for me to gain control. If it takes therapy, and treatment to help Evan gain control---and understand how to recognize signs before they become severe then it is worth it. As for the kids without issues being from intact families.....I personally know 2 boys right now in jail both from well known intact fairly well off families. One for kidnapping a friend of his girlfriend---they planned to kill her! Another for cutting his girlfriends throat! It happens in good and bad families. Both of these really freaked me out tho!!! I went to school and grew up with both the Moms--just cannot imagine being in their places. Gotta go, Kinsey is up, so it is time to get ready! Hugs to all y'all!

Heather, as I said in my email, she is beautiful. You do look wonderful, and I am so glad that everyone is ok!! What does big brother think?? Is he afraid he is gonna break her?! Last night we went with our kids and grandkids to the carnival, and celebration in town. We all had a great time. Manda and I actually rode the Zipper!!! Something I had not done in 15 years or so! I was naturally worried about fitting! I fit, and had spare room between me and the lap bar!! We laughed so hard, it was a BLAST!!! So when the ride stopped, they were letting the others out of the other side, and I tell Manda, "ok now when you are pushing 50 you have to take Kinsey on something like this!" the ride attendant asks us "why who did that?" I told him I did, that I was pretty close to 50 and rode this with my DD so she has to do the same. He tells me "yeah right, you ain't no 50" Not yet I told him but 48. He said he didn't believe me!!! And all you girls KNOW how highly intelligent those carnies are, so I took that compliment to heart!!! LOL We really did have fun, rode all the kiddie rides with Kinsey and Connor. He was so excited he pulled me all over the place! We stopped and got them a corn dog at one of the vendors, and I swear 3 bites and it was gone!!! He was raring to go! There were a few things the kids could ride together alone without an adult, and to listen to them giggle and talk, made this Granny's heart happy! Tonight we went to a pet parade--kids in costume, animals in costume.....there were of course all kinds of dogs, a few cats, ferrets, rabbits, goats, some miniature horses, a snake, some guinea pigs....just odds and ends animals!! Then they crowned the mini prince and princess. They place cans around town collecting change for votes 1 penny=1 vote. Then the proceeds are all donated to Sarah's House a local shelter. We met up with Becky's son and his son, Kinsey's boyfriend Ray! They rode a few things, and we come on home. We had a loooooong walk to and from the car. It was so nice tho, to walk along, holding her hand and listening to her chatter again---you are right, I miss her terribly! Manda come in today for a contact fitting, so Kinsey sat at my desk, and punched holes, and stapled papers! She was really good, and she made a picture for the Dr. I was so ready for the weekend, not sure why, just a super busy week. Today was no exception, we have been booked solid, and so many labs running. I was offered a job at our local bank. Not anything I have ever done, but I am sure I could handle it. I like my job now, I just don't really want all the front end work. And if I am going to do it----pay me more! Rick bought me a new set of solar lights for the yard---but rather than stake them in the yard, he made brackets and ran them around the top of the patio, on the outside. So they cast this really cool glow, you can see in the yard now without it being really bright---and in the day you don't even notice them! I LOVE it!!! Well I am off to bed. I got all the cooking done for my SIL. Funeral is Monday. So will not go to work until after lunch or so. So glad you are going to go to Bama Jennifer! Enjoy yourself!!! Will check in tomorrow. Again Heather----congrats and much purple power to you and your family. You may not have been a Violet from the beginning, but stopping to post on the way to delivery....you are without a doubt a Violet!!! LOL Silly girl! Kiss the baby for me!

YAY Heather!!! Sounds like an amniotic leak to me!!! Don't be too surprised if you leak slowly then get the gusher!!! They usually require delivery in what 24 hours from loss of all amniotic fluid? Not sure about the slow leak!!! I am so excited for you!!! Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers today!!

Been busy cleaning house all morning, and getting laundry done. Today I go to work at noon. I want to get all my things done so I can do things with the grandkids during the towns celebration this weekend---take them to the parades and such. My SIL was released from the hospital yesterday, and then this morning very early, her MIL passed away. So bring back on the stress. Her DH can be an extremely difficult man, and his family expects her to do everything. She cared for his Mom for years, and now she is just barely out of the hospital herself. Hope she knows her limits, and sets them. I am doing some cooking for the family who will be here. They of course cancelled the anniversary celebration. His mom was well into her 90's so it isn't like she was cut short like Tracy's friends sister, but it is hard when your Mom or Grandma dies no matter the age. She had had health issues off an on, but had not been really sick---her heart just give up, they put in a pace maker the other day, but I think it was just worn out, and could not keep up even with help. Yesterday we were slammed at work, and I am ready to tell them, find someone to run the front, or find 2 people! I had another offer, so am considering my options. All in all, I really like my job, and don't want to change already, but resent doing 2 jobs for 1 paycheck! Got all the fireplace things taken to the shed, and some things changed out in the house, to make it be SUMMER!!! Looks so clean and fresh! I love the season changes!!! About the time this is getting old feeling, it will be time to change back to fall/winter, and I will welcome the cozy comfort things back! LOL. I would have trouble living somewhere where it was one season year round.... I bought a pair of Cruel Girl jeans in a size 11! They are not wearable yet....but by the time the rodeo is in full swing, they will be perfect---and the buy was too good to pass up. They go on, and button and zip, but the muffin top is horrendous!!! So that is the 5 pounds I am voting off the body this month!! I wish I could say where it would go from!!! Would LOVE to hop a plane to Alabama.....but not seeing it happen. With me working, we are slowly padding the security account tho. That way if he does get laid off......we might possibly survive!!! Well I better get it in gear, or the rest of my work will not get done before going to work.....it never ends does it????? Hugs everyone!!!

G4E---I too am a cancer survivor, and have been through the thyroid issue in the last few years---since my banding---that recently I mean. In fact if you go to my FB page, and look at my pics, there is one of my DH and I on a motorcycle trip, and my thyroid tumor is VISIBLE in the pic----it got bigger than any adams apple I have ever seen. By the time we tested, and got to surgery, it was huge, I could no longer eat fibrous food, mushy only---and I could not lay on my back, it would cut off my air supply. I had to be awake during the intubation for surgery to remove it! With my background, we had a pathologist in on the surgery---the plan was to remove the entire right lobe, as well as the isthmus (the center), and parts of the left lobe. The hope was to leave some of it so it could make its own hormone. The thyroid is shaped kind of like a bow tie. It ended up just as they are saying with yours, it was benign---very few thyroid tumors are cancerous, but they are VERY common. The surgery was simple, healed quickly, with minimal scarring. I was afraid I would have like a railroad track across my throat, as I scar badly---and it is hardly visible. I had an ENT do the surgery---my insurance would not approve a plastic surgeon to assist. In the end it was not necessary. I will hope yours comes back just as well. Is there any way to use a workmans comp claim, since you did lift at the cafeteria? I have a herniated disc, but none ruptured---I can only imagine that is seriously painful. Keep us posted, and if you need someone to talk to about the thyroid issue, just let me know I will PM you a #. Hang in there-----we are all pulling for you!!!

Yep, and when she does something wrong, she can edit it out, and no one will be with wiser. I won't watch either Heather. And would in fact write to any company who advertises during the show, stating my opinion. But is anyone really surprised? We all said this was one of her goals.

Tooo cute Macy graduated!! Love the pics! Glad that Haydee and Michelle made it home, since you eventually had to go there, glad y'all made it safely. Bet it seems quiet now huh Pamela!!! Just kidding!! Today we had to call the cops to remove the psycho woman from yesterday! She sat outside and was "warning" people about our shoddy business practices today!!! I wanted to take out all my aggressions on her, but they wouldn't let me! Rick is in the shop with our son and a friend of the sons----I want him to come in and get dinner ready with me. But.....since that isn't happening, I am going to find something to kill my hunger, and he too can snack for dinner!!! I am not getting it started the whole do it without his help thing.....so we are each on our own. I say that like it is a threat to him, he could care less, he will eat a bowl of cereal and be a happy camper------I am the picky one!!! Will try to check in before bed....no promises, I think I might have caught Janes cold----I read her post to closely.....lol Hugs!

Prayers and good thoughts to you and your friends Lu. Please let us know what the prognosis is. My neighbor is battling throat/lung cancer. They put in his feeding tube, and have begun the chemo----his wife is disabled, so my DH is attempting to keep their house and yard up, and I do the groceries, etc. I know the Dx is scary----but it CAN be beat, I am proof----hope your friend joins me in the Survivors Club. (((hugs)))