Howdy everyone!!! Brrr...this Illinois weather is NOT for the birds...or any other living thing! Are we paying for electing the worst politicians in the country? Is the cold weather God's cold shoulder to our prayers to get rid of all of the carp that represents us? Hmmm....
Kelly, you're really marvelous...so insightful about being alone...hope that your BIL's actions don't ruin your holiday...he's a human with needs and flaws just like the rest of us...I guess I should practice what I preach, huh? I could use this philosophy regarding my eldest son and his decision to end his marriage, which has broken my heart...:(
Sandy, hope that your mom recovers quickly. Do they know what's causing the seizures? By the way, those cartoons are the bomb!

Hope everyone who is traveling today or tomorrow has a safe trip, esp. in the Midwest.

Sandy:hug: mom and yourself are deep in Debbies and my prayers, try to hang in there

We are. There's nothing anyone can do so we know to just let it run it's course. She'll be back to normal by tomorrow and her doctor will probably have her come in for a blood test. I honestly think she needs to come up here and live with us but I know she wont. Some day she'll get it and realize she's safer when people are around.

Sandy, does she have one of those medical alert thingys where you just push a button and help is called? If she doesn't maybe that would make it safer for her. At least she had the presence of mind to call you...thank goodness for that.

I remember when my dad lived alone but we all knew it wasn't safe for him. Nobody could tell him anything. We had to let him come to the conclusion that he needed help. Once he admitted it (and accepted it) things got easier for all involved.

that's right ... FIRST ALERT ... and they are awesome!!!

Sandy, I’m so sorry about your Mom. It must be hard having so far away. My Mom lived next door…for me since you have seen pictures I’ve taken of my yard she lived just “over the river and through the woods”…Hope things will get better and the docs can figure out what's going on. Your in our prayers...all the time!

I also agree with you about dating. I met the Olhipie online almost 8 years ago. He asks me all the time if I would remarry if he were to go first. I firmly say no…he can’t understand. I don’t want anyone else as you say no one could compare…his arms are the best.:hug:

Getting married again means getting acquainted with all the new family and trying to feel the shoes of an ex wife or a wife you has passed. Not again for me.

Sandy, So sorry to hear about your mom. Prayers going out. :hug:

~~~~~

Taking a break from cleaning/baking. Hubby went to the grochery store since I'm having a real bad symptom day today. But taking it a little at a time, and so glad I went through here at Mach 10 the other day, lol.

With the family invading tomorrow, I don't know for sure when I'll be online again. Don't send a search party for me until Saturday, LOL. So just in case....

May the spirit of the season shine upon you this year.
May your heart and souls be full of cheer.
May there be found a moment of peacefulness in time
that you can rest your spirit and mind.

Merry Christmas and have a wonderful holiday everyone! :grouphug::grouphug:

On the topic..well I lost my sister just this past October..and no of course BIL isnt dating yet....

but I have to say one thing, MY thought though is, truely I would hope he would find companionship in dating...after a year....I understand mourning, I understand maybe not wanting to remarry...cause I dont think I would ever remarry....

but if he were to start dating another in a year, I wouldnt feel wrong about it....I would be happy that he has some companionship..and not losing out on finding another person in the world to love... it doesnt mean he would be missing my sister less...or that he isnt honoring her.

I would hope...although hubby says he would never remarry if I go first, but I sure hope, after a year he would certainly have some dating going on... friendships or more... just another way to look at it..

I wouldnt want him to be mourning me so much that he doesnt let go enough to go ahead and make some close friendships and more. That is my perspective...


anyhow, snow snow snow is the word of the day here!!! off and on yesterday and today... and my body is a hurting...numb, zappy, spasms, and all that crap...trying to be positive thru the ailments..to maybe make smoe more cookies. 3 year old is hoping to bake more hehe..

hugss all, sarah

That's just it Sarah. For me I don't want the dating scene. I am content with my children and friends to be there for me. Just the thought of another man trying to fill the shoes of someone I've been with now 24 years, married to in May 24 years seems unlikely. I know never say never but seriously I think I am pretty set on that for my life. I don't know, maybe I am weird. haha I don't plan on Jim kicking off anytime soon so I am not going to stress it. lol

My mom is still confused and can't get her words together but this is par for the course. Hopefully by tomorrow she'll get better. Tammy, this has been going on since last year when they found that tumor. She's stubborn so we'll see how things go. Thanks for all your support!

Hey Frank, I just got in from delivering my goodies to the neighbors. Can you say frozen to the toes? Wow!

I hear ya Sandy, I dont think I would jump at all for dating either... would be wierd I guess.

hugss and snowflakes to all, sarah

It is weird.....and while it was nice to get out of the house and have a little companionship....I have to admit it was uncomfortable for me at first and I don't think I ever really got over the feeling of "this is strange". I think after being with someone for so long.....it's like trying to wear your shoes on the wrong feet....just feels strange. Now, that's not everyone...just me. But, I'm happy with the way things are for me now. A little extra security would be nice....but things are OK now and I'm leaving well enough alone!

hey all ... I'm a single - NBM-type .... and dating "AT MY AGE" is scarey!! LOL I like my own time - mine mine mine ... I can create, do what I want, don't have to wear make-up (at home) ... eat anytime ... more power to ME!! LOL

My brother lost his wife of over 30 years at the end of February 2007. I wasn't sure he'd survive it. He couldn't even stay at their home for a long time, because he couldn't bear to see her things. For weeks and weeks he would sob when we talked on the the phone.

Then, about nine months later, I got an email from him about the weather, being busy, yadda yadda, by the way I'm getting married in May, had any snow yet?

Do WHAT???

He'd met someone through his job that had recently lost her husband. They chatted, found things in common, fell in love. Bing bang boom, as he put it so eloquently.

I was somewhat taken aback, but he certainly loved my sweet sister-in-law and grieved her loss deeply, and he and his new wife sure seem to be sickeningly in love. I can't imagine it, but we're all different.

ok what a wonderful way to start the first day of winter, beyond brrrrr, that wind is nasty although I have not been out in a few hours and do not plan on it for at least another ten hours maybe twelve. everyone stay warm safe and have a wonderful evening

Wait VONN....not single here..and I dont wear makeup at home..actually I dont wear it out either!! not often anyhow...hehehee

I know what all mean... interesting topic... see how things work B2Y...you just never know.

Well, thought I had energy to bake, but not..cancelled that idea hout. Maddie is on my lap about to fall asleep...wait here she wants to type..

kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkllllllllll lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllggggggggglllggggggg glllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll lllgggggggggggggllgl tgggg ,k,m,kmmmmmlllllllh h h h h,,kkkkllllhhh hhlllllllllllcllglllllllllllllllgggggggggggggggggg gggglllglgggkjjjjjjjggggg////lllgl clllllllll love, Maddie:):grouphug:

Well, I'm married and my DH and I let the other have 'their' time. If I don't want to cook, he picks up something. If I want to spend all day or week doing a craft...he doesn't care. When he was throwing in dart championships and was gone on tours...I either went to didn't depending. I did go to Vegas both times...stayed home when he went to Chigaco and Minnesota. He was also ranked fifth in the Nation. He worked everyday and would practice after 8pm.

Today he went fishing with my son and I stayed home for some quiet time...I go on mini vacations and we both have me time. He never tells me I can't go or do something I want.

We spend time together everyday but he goes to bed really early...he leaves very early in the morning and gets home really late sometimes...so just cause you have a spouse doesn't mean you have to give up the alone time.

SARAH ... you are a naturally, beautiful girl ... for me, I don't want to scare the locals when I leave home!! LOL

***Santa update***

he's on his way! said that it's about time that there's enough snow to REALLY land with a bit of a cushion of snow this year!! (like Bumbles ... they bounce!!)

he said that everyone's been a good boy and girl this year ... no one's on the naughty list in our world!!

Sandy big prayers for u and your mom! I picked up the dog today and she is the prettiest sweetest dog ever and tonight I went to get Olivia in bed and Lilah jumped up in the middle of my bed and laid down....LOL I said oh hell no you get on your bed! I bought her one of those huge pillowy ones, but she listened and is lying on it beside my bed right now snoring away, only problem...I think I am allergic to her!!!! I am soooo stuffy and my throat hurts like crazy. I guess time will tell, the girl we got her from though said if it didn't work out she would gladly take her back so thats good. I don't think she realizes she is 80 pounds and taller than me because she seems to think she is a lap dog!!!

That's how Jim and I used to be and it worked well for us. We believed in keeping our independence and "me" time. I think that's how we survived so many years. :D

Now that he requires 24/7 care "me" time takes a back seat. That's is fine by me. I prefer to spend my time with him. I get "me" time when I run out somewhere and crank up the car stereo and act like I am on stage. :p

Seriously, Jim and I had a real awakening when he got sick and almost died. That time reminded us that each moment with someone you love is precious and we try to spend all that time together now. I find I am a little lost if he's not with me to have fun and visa versa. We're so screwed if one of us passes first. ;) We'll be like lost puppies tossed on the freeway. :(

Ok, enough death talk. Wazzzz Uuuuuppppppp? :p

HUgsss Sandy...take care of you and him..hugsssss

Vonn thanks...hehee:rolleyes:

well heading to work, back is a flipping out on me. and as usual the stifffness all over body took me a while to get down the stairs...I guess I am wondering what helps that...once I get moving I loosen up enough usually not to hurt as much. But in mornings I am 99 years old getting out of bed...uggg

hugss all work today, tomorrow I just go in and help with the truck delivery, then off wed and thursday...hugsss,sarah

Brrrrrr, ya'll!! It's 20-something degrees here this morning and the high today is 38!! Sunny but cold! I love it!! http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/k...ilies/cold.gif It'll be 60 degrees again by Christmas. :rolleyes:

I have a doctor's appointment this morning - figure I better go have my blood checked one last time before I enter "no insurance land". I also need to get refills on a couple of prescriptions and see if he can switch me to a generic bp med....or maybe take me off of it altogether since my bp has been on the low side of normal for quite a while. Everything else I take (well...all one of them!) is on the $4 generic list thank goodness.

Renee, I sure do hope you aren't allergic to that sweet puppy. I think of that movie "Beethoven" (sp?) whenever I see a St. Bernard!

Sandy, you're right......sometimes it takes a life altering event to remind us that life is so fragile and can be taken away quickly. I'm glad you and Jim got a second chance.

I've got some errands to run while I'm out at my doctor's appointment this morning....bank, grocery store, dry cleaners (boys dress clothes). Can you believe I got a check in the mail for seven cents? They spent 42 cents to mail a seven cent check!! I've a good mind not to deposit it just to mess up their accounting!! :p I have a rebate check to deposit so I figured I'd just put the "seven center" in there, too. Hey, maybe I'll just take it out in cash and spend it on something for myself!!:rolleyes:

Everyone have a wonderful day....and stay warm! :grouphug:

20 degrees! It's a heat wave!!! Its 6 here! I feel better this morning I think it is just going to take time to get used to new hair! The real test is how they do while I am at work today!! Putting them both in the garage with their beds and a big fluffy comforter!

You have TWO St. Bernards! I thought it was just one! You better take out a loan for dog food!! :p

Morning, all! Brrr...can't wait for it to be 30 degrees again...:rolleyes:
Had a quiet night. My injection spots are lumpy and itching like crazy...I've been massaging the sites and putting benadryl cream on them.
I still have much to do before my 2nd son and wife come in tomorrow night...haven't seen them since Aug. I would like to have everything clean and all of the cooking/baking done as much as possible by then. But I decided this morning that I'm not going to sweat it if it's not done...not worth the stress, you know?
Sandy, you and Jim are an inspiration...you have the secret to living happily no matter what...that each moment we have is precious...hard to remember that sometimes, but it is the secret...thanks for reminding us all!:You-Rock:

Hope everyone has a wonderful day...for all those who will be out of touch, and for everyone...

have a wonderful holiday!!

6 degrees nae nae thats a heat way its minus 6 here

morning all stay warm, stay well, its crash and burn day for me

nae nae hook them up to the car and save on gas mush mush

did i miss wizbethcathys post how was her meeting of the clan for xmas holiday, hope all went well and hope the bitter cold didnt detour others from coming

Sarah did you get your tree yet?

Good morning everyone! Hope you are all staying warm and are doing well.

Not much going on here today. I am going to neuros to get my MRI results today. That will be the highlight of my day.:rolleyes: I had one of those 1/2 charley horses yesterday that didn't go away.:mad: It really worried DD17 and so today she is going with me to the neuros. I think it will really benefit her as she had a small meltdown while she was helping my mom and my sister (surprise visit) make cookies yesterday. Poor girl.:(

As you all know, she's having a rough time all around. All the drama with her friends has settled down. Phew! She really needs this break from school and all that drama.

DDs are both off from school so it should be fun to hang out with them today. We are going to visit one of my best friends after my dr appointment. I am so excited to go visit. She used to live close by but moved about 45 minutes away. We try to get together every couple of months. Plus her parents are visiting and I just love her parents.

Have a good day everyone. I'll get caught up here some time. LOL

hello everyone........:)

No way I could catch up...way to much to do ....had a 24 hour bug this
weekend along with a party for 16 at my house. Now ds5 has it:(...
never gonna get done what I need too.

I just want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday. My holiday wish is
for everyone to have a very healthy new year filled with love and warm
hearts!!!!:hug:

by the way got tons of snow and its really cold............brrrrrrrrrrr

(((Sox))) - Sorry you weren't feeling well. Don't worry about getting everything done. Prioritize everything and start with the most important 1st and then work your way down. It is not worth stressing over every detail.

Looking back on Christmas' past, I don't ever remember thinking, "Oh mom didn't get that done." With 10 kids, I can guarantee my mom didn't get everything done that she wanted to. Of course, we had to help out but still I am sure things were left undone and when it came right down to it, we never noticed and/or remember that.

Back before I was diagnosed I had another episode of pain (I now know as the MS hug) right before Christmas. I couldn't finish shopping that year AND I had invited my family and DBF's family to come over for Christmas Eve dinner. Things didn't get done but we all had a good time. DDs didn't really notice a difference, just that the gifts were odd. LOL I was going to get them new bedding and got as far as the decorative pillows. LOL

just got word that some of you haven't written out your Christmas letters yet ... so he's sending some extra Christmas elves to help you so that the holiday stress and good cheer won't over burden you!!

Vonn, really need those elves here. Make sure they bring cold medicine with them. Jinxed myself and family, LOL. Hubby has sniffles, could hear the cold my brother has when I called for todays ETA, and now I'm sniffling. Ah, the gift that keeps on giving. :D

Sandy, You and Jim are so lucky to have each other. :hug:

Sox, :hug::hug: I agree with the others about prioritizing. Hope you feel better soon.

Trish, :hug::hug:

Frank, it's been cold and windy here. -20 overnight with the windchill. brrr.

COK, hubby and I do alone times too. Knew I had a cave dweller when I married him, lol.

Everyone, :grouphug::grouphug:

~~~~~~~~~

Just taking a small break and couldn't resist checking in. You guys are awesome!! Have some last minute cleaning and one more cookie to bake. Hoping my cup of coffee has some get up and go for me.

Have definitely gotten to the point of whatever gets done will be enough. The perfectionist in me is screaming, but this battle isn't worth driving myself into the ground. Wish I had gotten to this point last week, but better late than never. :o

How about this one? My mom died on 9/1/06 and step father was engaged by Christmas and married by the end of January 2007. So how long was he "in mourning". No one even knows when he started to see this woman, but he told my brother and me via e-mail about their upcoming nuptials and that they didn't want to "delay their happiness" :eek: so they were getting married right away. I couldn't even imagine happiness 4 - 5 months after my mom died.

aw, *squick!* Holly! I'd be majorly peeved!

I try to restrain myself, but for some reason, inside, I tend to be sort of judgmental, and I have to say, I was kind of upset at my SIL for dating so soon... I try to be understanding, that we are all different, and have different ways of grieving, and different needs, but......

Sox, I hope you feel better REALLY soon !!

NaeNae, I hope you're NOT allergic to the new doggie.

San, you guys DESERVE that lift, and it's really cool that you're going to sell the unneeded old stuff, and donate the proceeds... you guys ROCK!

Vonn, everybody except Darth Cheney.,,, a little elf whispered that in my ear... :D

Weave, remember, sail through this with grace and dignity, and let HIM be (and do) whatever he's gonna, let it SLIDE right off you, like water off a duck's back, okay?

Finny, I got only the bathroom SINK cleaned before I started moaning that I had to SIT down... take it easy girl, everybody loves you for who you are, so dump that small internal perfectionist voice in the oubliette where it belongs.

Trish, ain't the MS hug a total joy? hope your doc visit goes well today.

Frank and Deb, keep WARM, and think warm thoughts! my heart is WITH you this Christmas, hope you thoroughly enjoy the holiday, and remember so SAVE me some baked goodies!

DebbieD, have a GREAT family visit, honey!

my update thingie-bopper:

it just started raining again, and I'm singing...

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like a new emotion
I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
I want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you?

well, what did I *expect* being in the rainforest, and all??

glad I got everybody FED before the rain started, YAY !!

yesterday was no fun, guess I did too much... my legs were spazzin' to beat the band, and I whizzed myself twice... :o

another pickup-truck LOAD of lettuce trimmings arrived... and I had to sort through it all, pulling out all the whole (decent-looking) leaves to put in the fridge, and parcel out slowly over the next few days...

I ended up with SEVEN large bags of nice savable stuff, and all the scraps went out onto the feeding ground, where my birdies had a HUGE breakfast party... this is a very nice tender leaf lettuce:

http://www.veggieharvest.com/images/...tuce_small.jpg

I took a photo of the last load, spread on a tarp, before I started sorting, but I can't seem to figure out how to upload from this new camera... geez, I miss my croaked Mac, and mah leetle Nikon digital camera, everything was so SIMPLE and easy!

:winky:;):winky:

i was thinking along these lines


Summer rain taps at my window
West wind soft as a sweet dream
My love warm as the sunshine
Sittin' here by me, she's here by me-ee-ee
She stepped out of the rainbow
Golden hair shinin' like moon glow
Warm lips soft as a soul
Sittin' here by me, she's here by me-ee-ee
All summer long we spent dancin' in the sand
And the jukebox kept on playin'
Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Thanks Kay. :hug::hug: :) I definitely know how to remember that now. That reminded me of the movie "Labyrinth", so now I have a visual to use to get me out of that perfectionist mode.

LOL, isn't it funny sometimes the things we come up with to help us? My hubby and I are big movie trivia junkies, so we use a lot of movie references and such. :)

oh, LOL !!

Labyrinth is *precisely* what I was thinking of after I wracked my brain for the PERFECT word for where perfectionism belongs when we have MS.

:hug:

Morning! Mom is doing fine and has an appointment tomorrow. The doc wants to see her which makes no sense but whatever. I thought she just needed a blood test but no, that's too easy. lol Anyway, she's up and complaining which means she's feeling better. haha

My package has yet to arrive and if I were in front of that Ebay chick I'd pounce her. She claimed she sent my package last Saturday but when she sent me the tracking number it said she sent it out this Saturday. Arghhh!!!! She says I'll get it by Christmas. Yeah, probably on xmas eve when everyone is due here. Oh well, guess they'll be passed out with no wrapping. lol No stress right?

Hugs to everyone who needs them and get well wishes to our sick members. :hug:

Plans today are last minute cleaning. I am concerned that my party wont take place. They are predicting up to six inches by Wednesday. I need to make a few calls to see what everyone thinks. Many are driving a good distance to be here and not sure they will want to do that.

over the river and through the woods to sandy's house we go ....
with smiles on our faces and fudge in hand .... wait ... they're calling for more snow ....
we will be there with bells on our shoes .... well my shoes have bells on at least .... wouldn't miss spending time with you and jim for the world ... never knew snow to stop frank and i when we have our minds and hearts set on doing something ....