I figured it out ...

I figured out why my weight loss wasn't what I had wanted it to be. After several days of not being able to log online, I finally managed to log my foods at Sparkpeople for the last several days. Holy cow! Two of those days I was on the verge of 2000 calories and one day I went over that! How in the world that happened ... I know. Let's just say I'm going to be a lot more aware of what I'm really eating. Sheesh! It felt good to have an answer to my question of why or how, though.

Today I did my first workout with the PBS series "Sit and Be Fit". It went rather well. I felt it was kind of basic, but maybe that's what I need right now. I figure any moving is moving so it's a good thing. I'm also going to get the VCR hooked up so I can get back to working out with Richard Simmons on my fitness ball. I also have the DVD player ready so I can "walk away the pounds" with Leslie Sansone again. If I can do one of the three each day I figure I should be good to go. Add to that a short walk of at least ten minutes a day working up to 30 and I should be well on my way to making this a lasting weight loss program.

Gosh but it feels good to be back in control again.

Another Week Down

I am still here and kicking. Have been working strange hours lately (sometimes day shift, sometimes evening, and other times overnight). Since I generally have to go to the library (which is crowded with teenagers online at myspace.com and youtube.com) or go to Panera Bread (which offers free wi-fi) my online time has been seriously diminished!

My second week has resulted in two more pounds gone so that makes a total of fifteen in two weeks. I was a little wigged out about it, but as Tim said, "It's a loss and that's a good thing." I have since decided that I'm okay with two pounds down. That's still well over the average of two pounds per week I'm ultimately shooting for.

LIfe continues to click on. Tim ordered new glasses Friday morning. Sheesh, but why do they have to be so darned expensive?! My sleep study is scheduled for the end of July. I go back to see my regular doctor before that. Still no word from the pulmonary doctor about my pulmonary function test or the CAT scan of my lung. I figure if it was going to be bad news, I would have heard from him by now. All appears to be well.

I'll try to check in again before the weekend, but no promises.

Drum roll please ...

Okay! I re-started eating the NutriSystem way one week ago tomorrow. I couldn't wait any longer to step on the scale. Wow! I am shocked and amazed at the loss of weight this past week. I knew it would be a better than average loss as I hadn't really be making an effort of late, but the number blows me away. It's the best weight loss I've ever had, EVER!

Are you ready for the number? I went down from 425 to 412 in a week. Yes, that's right. I lost 13 pounds this past week! I am so psyched and so excited and so darned motivated to keep the momentum going. I am proud of myself and thrilled that what I knew would get me going again has definitely done that and more!

Woo hoo for me! And it hasn't been difficult. I haven't felt punished. I haven't felt like I was missing out on anything. I ate what I was supposed to eat. I managed to still go out with Tim, make the right choices, and do what I needed to do.

Now I need to get off my big butt and move it more. I really have to start walking. I promised the doctor I would. It's been so hot and work hours have been weird and I just can't seem to make myself do that one little thing. The doctor isn't asking much. She's asking me to walk at least five minutes three times a day and build to 30 minutes at least five days a week. Why am I struggling so with getting it done? I honestly must just be a lazy person. I continue to tell myself I have to move more if I seriously want to keep the weight off in the long run, and I do. Oh yes, I do! So what is my issue? How do I get started? How do I make myself just do it? That is the issue I will try to deal with this week and I'll keep you updated on the progress.

Oh, and I found one NS meal so far that I absolutely could not eat. Orange Beef with Noodles ... it was so nasty last night that three bites was all I could manage to choke down, and I do mean choke! UGH Taste was horrible, texture was ick, and though I told myself I needed the calories and protein it contained I couldn't force myself to eat it. That resulted in my feeling hungry for the first time since starting NS again. Not a good thing, but I resisted all snacks at work last night and feel pretty darn good about that!

It's so easy

You know, I totally forgot how easy the NutriSystem program really is. I've been at it since Thursday and not strayed once from the program. I eat out with Tim, taking one of my entrees that just need water added (or eating my entree at home) and having a salad. I add fresh fruit or a veggie serving for dinner and it's been going GREAT! I'm down more pounds than I thought I would be in my first week back at it! I'm very happy about that.

Went to the doctor yesterday. She seemed pleased that I'm doing NS again, but worries I will become dependent upon it. I assured her this is only for a few months until I get myself going again. The majority of weight I've lost already was lost post NS before so I know I'll be just fine. She said I definitely need to start walking, which I promised I will do ... starting Sunday! LOL

I went for the CAT scan of my lungs this morning. Should hear from the pulmonary doctor about the results in a few days. Need to call his office to get the number for the sleep study center as they still have not called to schedule that. You'd think they would have done it already, but maybe the order got lost along the way. Who knows?

I have my evening packed and ready to take to work with me. It should prove interesting, to eat something different than what is being served to the girls. It won't be an issue, but when someone has something else they almost always raise a fuss.

Off I go and check back after the weekend for my week one weight loss. It's gonna be a good one!

Peeking In

So I did a sneak peek on the scale this morning. In spite of having eaten just a couple hours before, I was showing a decent loss already this week. I won't make a formal announcement until Sunday or Monday as one of those will likely be my "official" weigh in day. Suffice it to say, I'm pleased with the progress already and delighted that I decided to return to NutriSystem if only for a few months.

Mandi and the baby went home today. I enjoyed them being here but I definitely don't miss a crying baby. Chloe is doing quite well. She still eats quite a bit more than most babies, at least to me, but she seems pretty average in size. Her momma is back down to pre-baby weight within five pounds. She still has the stretched skin but is accepting it pretty well.

To the doctor I go in the morning. Thursday I have that darn CAT scan. If I don't hear from them tomorrow, I have to call about the sleep study. I think it's unneccessary, but I'll go. Maybe they will be able to do something about my restless legs that happens from time to time. Not sure I want to take medication for it, but we'll see.

Cabbage on the grill

Janet asked in my comments from yesterday how I do cabbage on the grill so I figured I'd share that this morning. It's really easy to do. I cut the cabbage into wedges. Spread each side of the wedge with ICBINB spread (or use your favorite 'butter' spray or spread substitute). Wrap in aluminum foil and throw on the grill. I tend to cook mine until I can smell it cooking. Sometimes, it gets a little brown but that only adds to the flavor in my opinion. It is really yummy.

My newest grill food is the ole potato. I slice one potato thinly. I spray the aluminum foil with cooking spray. Place the potatoes on the center of the foil. Spray with cooking spray. (I use a butter flavored one.) Sprinkle with Mrs. Dash. Wrap and toss on the grill. Another yummy way to eat one serving of potatoes.

Recently a friend suggested grilled asparagus. I've not tried it yet, basically because I don't know how she prepared it. Maybe one day soon I'll ask and share that with you as well.

So far so good

My first day back on NutriSystem is going quite well. I had the strawberry toaster pastry for breakfast. It sure isn't a poptart, but it wasn't all that bad. With it I had grapes, 1/2 an English muffin with ICBINB spread (thinly) and a slice of 2% swiss cheese. To wash it down I had two glasses of water.

For my mid-morning snack I had more grapes and one string cheese. I really love cheese and am happy to be back eating it again. Funny how you don't eat things you really enjoy when you aren't really focused on what you're eating.

Lunch was at McDonalds but do not fret. I took my NS Italian Minestrone with Beef soup. Asked for a cup of hot water and made the soup there. It was very good! With it I had a salad and a flatout wrap. I totally enjoyed my lunch.

I'm looking forward to dinner. I think I'll have the NS meatloaf with mashed potatoes. It's new, at least to me, and looks good. With it I'll be having cabbage I cook on the grill, a fruit, and yet another flatout wrap (this one Italian herb flavored). Yum!

Mandi and Chloe will be here soon to visit. They'll be here a couple days and then they'll be gone again. I'm looking forward to seeing the changes in the baby. Of course it goes without saying that I'll be holding her and just enjoying having her in my arms again.

I've tracked my foods at Sparkpeople and am well withing my calorie range and even in ine with the percentages of protein, fats, and carbohydrates that they recommend. Ah but life is so good and it feels great to be back in the swing of things. I've even downed six glasses of water thus far and will get at least four more before bedtime.

Tomorrow is the day

Tomorrow is the day I will re-start NutriSystems. Already I feel motivated and excited to beging anew the journey I started over two years ago. I have put my ticker back on so that my friends can watch my progress and I WILL have progress. I refuse to accept anything else!

The foods are sorted and on the shelves. I'm off to the grocery store shortly to get my fruits, veggies, proteins, etc. I have my list and my determination and I will not be deterred. I will not give up on me and I will get to the end of this journey and continue living happy and healthy.

I got the results of my bloodwork and my blood glucose levels were fine. No worries about diabetes for me and I'm happy about that. I have enough to deal with for Tim and that. My thyroid test was a totally different matter. Even after an increase two months ago, it is not working up to par. So yet another increase and we'll see where we are in two months.

I had another kick in the pants this week as well. I had to schedule a CAT scan to have my lungs checked. They found a nodule last fall and it's taken me this long to have it checked out. Anyway ... calling to set it all up and what do you know? The imaging centers the doctor told me to contact couldn't help me because of my weight. (Yet one more discrimination against morbidly obese people is equipment not able to handle our girth and weight.) I ended up in tears and couldn't go any further. My dear sweet hubby got on the phone and called the doctor. They referred me to the hospital and voila! I will go for that test next week at the hospital. Whew!

It was yet another kick in the arse to get me moving in the right direction, though, so it's all good.

I did it!

This morning I placed an order to resume Nutrisystem. I found that a lot of the foods I used to enjoy are either not there or have "new recipes". I sure hope that means the flavors are improved and not worse. Admittedly, some of it was pretty bad and there are things I'd never try again. I ordered a few new things that looked and sounded good. Guess time will tell.

My official re-start weight is going to be a whopping 425 pounds. I hate to admit it, but that's the stark reality. The good news is that I know that number won't be showing on the scale for long, nor do I intend to return to over 400 ever again! I know the NS program is going to work for me. I know this because it worked last time and also because it costs money. I don't throw money away so I know I will stick with this program to get the most for my money.

I'm actually feeling excited about getting started again. I know it's going to be some work, but it is familiar. I have my wonderful group of Howdy Girls at Sparkpeople and the few who still stop and post here. I don't know how many are stopping by anymore. I had a tracker here and when Sue did the new design for me, I forgot to add it back. Not sure I'd know how now. *laughing at myself* IF I get brave, maybe I'll try it when I am logged in on a much faster wi-fi connection. Right now I've hijacked someone's and it is sometimes very SLOW.

That's all the news from me today. Please feel free to leave comments when you drop by. It's a comfort to know others out there care. I really need to get back to supporting those who want or need my support as well. It's such an important part of the journey.

Gearing Up

Life has been very busy lately. Work has kicked me in the butt. The baby being here had interrupted my sleep pattern. And with no internet at home, getting online has been a real issue. As it is, I am right now sitting at Panera Bread for the fast internet connection.

Mandi and the baby moved out mid-week. She had enough of us, I guess. We did our best to do right by her and Chloe but for reasons of her own, she just didn't want to be here anymore. I miss that little bundle but am coping with the loss.

I'll be ordering Nutrisystem no later than Sunday evening so should be starting that in the next couple weeks. I'm excited to get back on track and have the numbers go down on the scale. I know that this is going to give me the push back that I need to renew my journey!

Darn public computers!

So, I typed this whole long post, here at the library and it got eaten somewhere between "publish post" and my blog! ARGH!!!

Basically I had said all are doing well. I'm going to restart Nutrisystem for a couple months to get me going again. Will keep you all posted. Would re-type the post, but my time is almost up at the library and I can't log in again for a few hours. Such is my life right now.

The Ugly Truth

Okay ... Deb commented that she was happy to read about the baby but what about the weigh loss journey. I suppose since that is how this whole blog started, and how I met so many wonderful people, it's time to get back to posting more about it.

The ugly truth is that in the last year I've crept up to 415 pounds once again. It isn't something I did without knowing it. I've been watching as the numbers slowly crept back up again. And I've been alarmed about it. I've made all kinds of excuses to myself and to others. The "I've had a rough year" and "So many life changes have happened" and "I've been under a lot of stress" and "I went back to work" and "I moved" and on and on it goes. Deep down I've known they are all excuses and though they are all valid reasons, none of them is really acceptable. They are what they are and what I've told myself to keep from beating myself up. It has to stop and the time for that to happen is now.

I am back to eating at home more. I even grilled out yesterday (chicken, a small potatoe sliced with chives and peppers) and it was very good. I'll be cooking on the new grill which I happened to assemble all by myself more in the coming days, weeks, months. I am making the healthier choices and will stop the mindless eating I've fallen into doing when feeling stressed and unhappy. It is time to start the process of losing the pounds once again. I can for sure tell the difference with these pounds regained. I am not going to undo all the hard work I've done so far.

So Deb, thanks for the push to come clean here. I'm going to attempt to get back here more frequently to post. It helped to keep me motivated in the past. I've lost touch with many I had come to care a lot about. It saddens me but I can't let it drag me completely down.

I'm going to utilize Sparkpeople more, tracking the calories, drinking my water, and moving the body. I know it all goes hand in hand and I am back to it all. That's the truth and I hope by next week I'll be reporting I'm on my way down once again. I believe with my work schedule my weigh in days will be either Tuesday or Wednesday, so keep your eyes peeled and you may just get to see the pounds melt off once again!

Birth Announcement

Hello, hello!

No, I did not fall off the face of the earth. The move went pretty well. Everything is put away and except for the fact that we are having a heck of a time getting cable tv hooked up (long story for another day perhaps) we are settled nicely.

I did take a few days this last week to spend time at the hospital as my youngest daughter Mandi gave birth to my new granddaughter. She had to be induced and it was a rough labor and delivery. Mandi had pre-eclampsia. She was induced on Friday morning but was still only about two centimeters at the end of the day. Her blood pressure was dangerously high and the doctor recommended an epidural. He said it would help her to relax, bringing her blood pressure down, get rid of the back pain (all back labor), and allow her body to continue with the dilation process. Her only other option was a C-section which she didn't want.

Saturday morning (April 28) she was in stage two labor (pushing phase) about 8:00. Many times she wanted to give up but she was coaxed by myself and her hubby (who managed to get a short furlough for the birth) and managed to keep going. Baby was born at 9:55 AM. Her name is Chloe Jayne and she weighed 7 lbs 15 oz. She was 20 1/2 inches long. She has a good head of dark hair. Her eyes are currently a dark grey-blue and they are just beautiful. Of course, I may be a bit prejudiced!

Chloe and momma came home on Sunday afternoon and there have been some adjustments. Mom had never changed a diaper in her life! She's been a really quick learner. She does really well with Chloe and that baby is a good baby. Already, she has slept through the last two nights.

Gotta run as I have training at work. Didn't get the new position. It's okay. Would have made life easier, but ah well.

Interview, Doctor Appointment, Moving

So I have the interview for the new job in the morning. The latest scuttle is that of the four people who applied, I am the only one qualified for the position. Interestingly enough, the Program Manager of the home I'm in has already hired someone to work a split shift (meaning two overnight shifts and two evening shifts) which is my shift. That is not a position that was open, so one can only assume that I will be offered the new position. I guess I'll know more tomorrow.

In the late afternoon, I have a doctor appointment. Time to get new scripts for my thyroid meds and blood pressure meds. I also need to discuss restless leg syndrome (which I believe I have), carpal tunnel (which I think is affecting my right wrist), and a couple other issues. After the appointment, I have to head on in to work as I am supposed to be "in charge" on Thursdays since there is no supervisor in the home now that the Evening Supervisor (who replaced me) is on maternity leave.

We are moving on Friday and Saturday. I'll do my best to check in when it's all said and done, but if I disappear for a few, you'll now know why. I have to call the cable tomorrow and see how quickly they can change my cable and internet to the new apartment. It's in the same complex, but one building over. We're going to a two-bedroom so that Mandi will have her own room when the baby comes. Don't know how long she'll be here after she has the baby, but it's better to be prepared.

Nothing new on the weight loss front to report. I'm holding steady and that's an accomplishment. I sure am praying things slow down and I can get back on track. I may even return to Nutrisystem to get me going as I did when I started this all two years ago.

Happy Easter

Just wanted to pop in while I have a moment to wish everyone a Happy Easter. My youngest daughter asked me yesterday who even celebrates Easter. I was flabbergasted to find out she really had no clue that Easter is a religious holiday. We never attended church regularly when she was young but I know that the story of the resurrection has been told to her before. The things we find out about our kids!

Am down in Danville this morning. Drove down yesterday so Mandi can hook up with her hubby. He got 96 hours of approved leave due to the holiday. Getting him from Fort Knox to here was difficult, but it finally happened. They get to spend a little time together and then it's back to base for him. He still has at least ten weeks more of training there. After that, the baby should be here (due April 26) and I guess Mandi is planning to join him where ever he ends up, unless he's deployed to Iraq. Keep saying that's not going to happen, but we won't know until he gets his next duty station orders. I'm starting to really not appreciate all that Marine families are put through. This not knowing if he could come home until the last minute for Easter got me pretty much fed up. How the heck are the families supposed to make plans, when orders change at the last second. And his travel radius is only 300 miles. I feel badly for those who got the 96 hour leave and can't really leave because home is just too far away. Makes me sad.

Other than that, life is okay. Applied for a different position at work. It's for complete overnights full time. Sunday through Thursday from 11 PM to 7 AM. It is called Overnight Coordinator. It is a paperwork position for the most part. From time to time, I will be required to respond to calls for help when kids go "intensive" and need to be restrained. It is considered a supervisory position and would likely mean an increase back to at least where I was before. I know four other people from my campus have applied. Not sure if anyone else internally in the company applied or not. I have an interview with the admin on Thursday. We'll see how it goes. I'm afraid I dug myself a hole when I asked to be stepped down. I hope not as at least my schedule would be set and I'd not be doing any more evening shifts working hands on with those girls. Wishing myself luck and skill during the interview.

In case I don't get a chance to pop in again before Sunday ... Happy Easter to those who celebrate it. For those who don't, enjoy the day!

It's Been a While

Yep, it's been a while since I've posted here. I've been pretty down and not doing well on the whole diet front. I've regained back up to 410 once again. I know that it's happening because I'm stuffing my feelings down with food. The first step in fixing it is to admit it. The next step is to find another way to deal with the rampant emotions so I don't continue with the behavior. I'm working on it.

We're in the midst of figuring out whether or not we want to move to a two-bedroom apartment. It's going to cost more but Mandi needs her own space. The baby is about four weeks away based on her due date. By the time the baby gets here, we need somewhere to put her and right now we're cramped enough!

Tim's been an ass of late. Took him to the doctor and his attitude is a little better. Amazing what a small increase in his depression meds will do! He's back to taking his insulin shots and that's progress.

Other than that, nothing much to report. I'll try not to disappear for so long. I didn't mean to worry anyone. Just figured if I had nothing good to share, I'd keep my trap shut. That's not the way to deal with things but it's what I chose this time.

And So It Goes

I went to a job interview last week. I got the call today that I did not get the job. I'm pretty bummed about it, but used to it. The reason I was given for not getting the job was they gave it to a person who has more experience working with mentally ill adults. Crappage!

Mandi's Tim is now in Kentucky. Lots of drama surrounding those kids right now. Mandi and her pregnant hormones are most of it. I feel badly for her Tim having to deal with it via the phone. Poor kid! If I were him, I'd probably stop calling her.

More changes to come at work, or so it sounds. Time will tell.

On the weight loss front, holding steady from last week which is okay. I did go to a lap band seminar. Lots of interesting information. It's something I've been considering for a short time now. Will talk more with my primary care physician. No where near making a decision to do it. Lots of things to consider, not the least of which is a new baby coming soon, a move to a bigger apartment, and life in general.

Another Drop

This morning shows yet another loss on the scale. I'm now down to 386 pounds. I don't know how this is happening. I really don't. My eating hasn't been all that great. The only thing I can pinpoint is that I'm eating more often and drinking more water again. I keep telling myself to just think how great I'd be doing if I stopped eating some of the carbs I eat and stopped eating the 'treats' I feel entitled to. It just doesn't seem to get through my thick head, though! I don't know what my problem is but it's getting on my nerves!

On the work front, the crazy girl who tried to commit suicide while in the psych hospital (and is still on suicide watch I might add) is coming home for a visit today. If it goes well, she'll be discharged back to us. How in the hell can they do that when she is still under watch? I don't get it. It's like setting us up for a MAJOR disaster! She only can have her bed, a comforter, and two sets of clothes, no bras. No shoes with strings. UGH! I can't believe they're going to send her back to us like that.

All else is okay here for now. In the midst of planning Mandi's baby shower. She registered at Walmart so people would at least know what kinds of things she wants. She's getting excited but says she's just ready for the baby to be born so she can see what she looks like and not have to waddle anymore! All in due time, I say. Then the real challenge is going to begin.

Uh huh

The ticker tells the story. I am now down to 389 as of this morning. That means in the last two weeks I've somehow managed to lose 16 pounds. I had gone back up to as high as 405 pounds two weeks ago. I've been watching what I eat and moving when I can instead of sitting on my arse. I know I'm not doing what I could but evidentally, I'm doing enough to keep moving along.

Life is complicated and confusing. Work sucks and it isn't going to get better. I have an idea on that front but not going to share it here right now. I'll fill everyone in sometime soon, I'm sure. Suffice it to say, I am actively looking for a new job so I can "get the hell out of Dodge"!

This past week I managed to be caught in a corner where we had to restrain a girl. She's tiny, but she packs quite the kick and I have two bruises (both on my post surgery leg) to prove it. The next day she totally lost it again and is not in the psych hospital. Hopefully, she'll now get the help she needs.

Mandi continues to grow bigger. I swear I don't know how that girl doesn't just split wide open and she still has almost two months to go. She's getting regular phone calls from her Tim now (on Sundays) on his one day a week that he has off. His rack-mate has a cell phone and lets him call Mandi on it. They have talked for at least an hour each time he's called. Thank goodness for free weekend minutes for his buddy, I guess.

Only another ten days or so where he is and then on to Fort Knox for ten weeks. That will put him past Mandi's due date. Hopefully, he'll still get to come home for a few days when the baby is born. That's what they were told so we'll see.

Other than that, life is good. Tim is okay. I'm okay just tired and a bit wore down. It's going to get better though. Thanks to those of you who are still checking in and leaving me comments. I appreciate that!

Mandi is now a married woman!

Yep, Mandi and her Tim got married yesterday. It was quick but that didn't make it any less real. I pray that she and her Tim end up with the kind of relationship that my Tim and I have after 22 years together.

We left at 10 PM on Friday evening, after I finally got another person to cover my overnight shift at work that night. We drove through one heck of a snowstorm (counted eight cars in the ditch over a 25 mile stretch of highway and three of those were upside down) to get there. Arrived at about 2:15 AM on the wedding day. We didn't have much difficulty getting there but I was glad when we finally did.

As of this evening, he still had not done the public proposal. Mandi had asked for one and he promised her he would do it. Mandi seems okay with it now that the rings are on their fingers, so no big deal to me. I just wanted her to have her special wedding day. She did indeed have that!

The wedding was beautiful; very small with only the parents, Crys & Ceci there with the minister and his wife. The wife played some music before the wedding and played the traditional wedding song as she and Dad came up the aisle. Didn't get a good photo of that so hope that his dad did.

Ceci did her best to steal the show, walking about the stage and calling each of us to look at her. She was so darn proud of herself! Mandi and Tim took it in stride and the minister just talked louder.

Tim and I purchased Mandi's wedding set (engagement ring with wedding band to match) up here on Friday afternoon. I called Mandi and described them to her. She gave his dad a basic description and he got Tim's ring. Imagine all of our shock when we put the set with his ring and found that they were the completed set! What a wonderful and pleasant surprise. Mandi was thrilled with her set and totally happy to have his match her's after all!

We went back to his dad's after the wedding for a family gathering. He had made ribs on the grill and then in the crock pot with bbq sauce. They were YUMMY! There was also potato salad, baked beans, bread and butter, veggies with dip, cheese dip with scoop tortilla chips, and deviled eggs. I didn't eat much but what I had was good. We hung out for a while and then headed back into town. They live way out in the country and I was afraid if I waited too long, we'd be snowed in. As it was, the blowing snow had almost closed the roads we had to travel. We almost got stuck once and I barely could see the road, but we did make it.

Went out for breakfast with my brother and his wife, Tim & Mandi, and Tim and I this morning. Afterwards, we went to visit my step-dad and his wife. I'm not that fond of either of them but they do ask my brother about us all the time so I felt we should go. Mandi and Tim went with and we visited a while. Then it was time for Tim and I to head on home.

Mandi and Tim are staying at a hotel tonight. His dad's wedding gift to them. They come back up here tomorrow and he has to leave out about 6 am on Tuesday. He goes back to Camp Pendleton in CA for three weeks and then on to Fort Knox KY for ten. After that, he thinks he's going back to Camp Pendleton and may be there for up to nine months. We have to wait for his orders to find out for sure. If that's the case, Mandi and Chloe will join him out there. I'm betting Mom will have to drive her out there but that's okay.

So that's the news. It was a very nice weekend but now bittersweet as the kids have to say goodbye again. Mandi is dreading it but I keep telling her at least she won't have time for him to get on her nerves and it is only for a while.