I'm a Proud Mama!

Dexter's 4th Grade Science Fair Project
Boy or Girl? Feet are Feet!
Can you tell someone's sex by just looking at their feet?

Out of the whole 4th grade, Dexter won Best of Show! They gave out 2 ribbons per grade and Dexter won! There is a little more info on Dex's blog. John and I tell the boys, do good at the Science Fair, but not so good you have to go on to Regions...luckily they don't go on until 5th grade. Whew!!! (We are so bad!...I just don't want to do the extra work...one science fair a year is plenty!)

Thanks to all the relatives that were able to come out and see Dexter's project! Grandma Worthington, Grandma Beach, Aunt Erin, Aunt Haley & Cuz'ns Thomas, Ella & Aaron, that was so nice of you!

There's a WHAT??? in the chimney???

Most of you know Brillo, our dog (he's the one in the middle being loved on):
First you need to know that Brillo never goes downstairs without someone, especially not in the dark! He is always by our sides (underneath us) and follows us around. Brillo wants to be where the action is so he doesn't miss a thing...like going on a walk. He knows what's going on around our house and is a great watch dog.
Well, last Saturday he started growling and barking at the fireplace downstairs. We all thought, "Brillo, you're a dork, knock it off!" But he didn't. So later in the day I went down with Brillo and moved the fireplace grill so that he could get up into the fireplace area and fully check out the situation. He was growling again and sniffing up a storm and he seemed a little freaked out because his hind legs were shaking.

This is a gas fireplace so it is very clean, no ashes, you can see underneath it and all around. We never use it cause the gas makes this high pitched annoying sound. I asked John if he thinks there is a mouse or something back there..."Nooooo!" (in an annoyed you are so stupid, that-is-the-silliest-thing-I-have-ever-heard-kind-of-voice)
The day goes on. John and I are outside taking down allllll the Christmas lights (I really should blog that...Christmas, that is) John's on the roof (near the chimney) taking down the lights, I'm gathering all the extension cords, etc. etc.

Brillo is still irritated with something in the fireplace. We settle down that evening, John and I are watching TV. Around 8:30pm Brillo cannot take it anymore and goes downstairs and camps out in front of the fireplace barking. BARKING NON STOP FOR AN HOUR!!! Around 9:30pm Parker heads down there to put a stop to it. He takes a flashlight and decides to look up the flue of the chimney. John "KNOWS" there is nothing wrong, Brillo is just a freak.

Now imagine a Blood Curtling scream and a white-faced Parker screaming: "There's a RACCOON in the chimney. REALLY! I'm not kidding I saw it's face!!!

Of course John still does not believe it...Nooooo, there's not...
So we all head to the basement to check this out. Parker is staying waaaay back, I'm half way and John is completely sitting in the fireplace, opens the flue and shines the flashlight up there. "I don't see anything, I can see all the way up and outside." John gets up and hands me the flashlight. I gingerly sit on the edge of the fireplace and lean ever-so-slightly down to shine the light up and on the way up the light catches a lot of fur AND IT IS M O V I N G!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!! (by the way Heather is on the phone for the entire experience laughing her guts out, cause all she can hear is screaming)

The raccoon IS there and it is off to the side and I'm realizing how lucky John is to still have a face and how glad I am that it is not a snake. Brillo is now looking ever-so-proud-of-himself and wagging his tail, knowing that he was a good doggie and a treat is sure to follow and has that smug "I told you so" look on his face.

Parker and I really want to see the raccoon again so up to the roof we go! No, really we did. As we carefully shined the flashlight in I saw more fur and the a little hand with long black claws push itself back to where it could not be seen.

Now you know me: I "GOOGLE" Everything! I googled the words: "Raccoon in chimney" and read all about how to rid your chimney of "guests". I found a picture of my chimney on the website, well, one that looks exactly like it from the inside, minus one or two raccoons.
Okay, this post is getting long, sorry.

I found out online that raccoons love chimneys because they are warm and dry and out of the elements. Baby season is March-June. They don't like bright lights or loud sounds. They will only move their babies when they are old enough. Animal Control does not take care of the situation, it's pest control, costs $500 and they kill the animals. Being nocturnal animals they love to sleep during the day, so making their den as uncomfortable as possible is your best bet.

Using my googled raccoon evacuation knowledge we tried to make the den a very uncomfortable space, so before we left for church we set up a radio in the fireplace and blarred some Fergalicous and other loud pounding music up the chimney. When we got home John took a hammer and banged on the metal flue for quite a while. Parker brought in his stereo with speakers and added that to the mix.

Then the storm started to blow in and it was raining and then the snow started...then I started feeling sorry for the little bugger and told Dex to turn off the music. I didn't think it was very fair to force the poor guy out and expect him/her to find another home. John says, "It's a freakin' RODENT, don't feel sorry for it.

Around 7:30pm Sunday Night, Parker and I bravely opened the flue for a quick check. No raccoon. I think the hammer pounding did him in. I bought chimney caps from Home Depot today. Oh, we are suppose to tape newspaper over the chimney. If after 4 days the newspaper has not been torn, you are raccoon free. Here's hoping! Brillo doesn't check the fireplace every 5 minutes, but he still does check it and then is able to leave it. I really don't think it is there anymore.

Okay, if you have made it through this entire story and would love to read more. Here's a great one. It is from a real live preacher man! He is a great story teller and tells his 5-day ordeal! It's hilarious...especially when you've lived through it. Raccoon Stories Rush Limbaugh got rid of his raccoon!

Apparently, raccoons in chimneys happens all the time!

I thought we all (yes, even me, especially me!) could use this advice...when you've been married as long as I have (16 years in March!) I need some reminders & tips! And don't worry, they do have a list for being a better husband...but I wanted to start it! Enjoy and I hope you have a fun, sexy valentines day...cause I won't, John's at school tonight...but maybe tomorrow! *Wink*Wink*

10 Steps to Being a Better Wife
By Sharon O’Brien
Some guys might not realize this, but when most women get married they usually imagine cozy evenings by a fire, sharing their hopes and dreams with the men they love. Our Prince Charmings, however, sometimes turn into The Grinches Who Stole Romance, lying on the couch with a beer in one hand and a remote in the other. You may have noticed our displeasure about this on occasion. However, in the interest of your willingness to cater to our needs (see "10 Ways to Be a Better Husband"), here's a list for the women out there. Ladies, instead of trying to fix your flawed but lovable husband, why not start by looking in the mirror? These 10 steps will help you re-energize your marriage and renew your appreciation for the former Mr. Perfect.

1) Take care of yourself
Turns out that the best thing you can do for your husband is also good for you. Eat healthy foods, maintain good grooming, and exercise regularly. You'll look and feel better, and you'll continue to be the vibrant and attractive woman he fell in love with, no matter your age.
2) Say thank you, often
When researchers ask men what they want from their wives, appreciation always makes the list. Everyone likes to be appreciated, so remember to notice the things your husband does—for you, for the kids, for the house—and thank him. You'll put a smile on his face and a little joy in his heart.
3) Keep the romance alive
When was the last time you planned a romantic interlude with your husband? If you can't remember, you're way overdue. Be affectionate, write love notes, give him a backrub, plan a date, and initiate sexual play. Remind him that you still find him attractive.
4) Let him have "guy time"
Everyone needs time for themselves—to relax, enjoy a hobby, or socialize with friends. If your husband loves football and you don't, don’t bug him about it. Encourage him to cultivate friendships with other men. He'll enjoy the companionship. Studies show that people with friends tend to live longer, healthier lives.
5) Make your husband a priority
With the everyday stresses of work, home, and kids, it's easy to take your husband for granted. Make time for the two of you to reconnect on a regular basis. Take an interest in his work and hobbies. Let him know he's important to you.
6) Don't try to change him
Are you outgoing, but your husband is shy? Do you like a clean house, but he leaves towels on the floor? Behavioral experts say you can't change others, you can only change yourself and how you react—so look for ways other than nagging to handle these situations. Compromise on social activities by making them shorter, or go by yourself. Place a laundry basket in the bathroom. And when he attends a party or puts dirty towels in their proper place, thank him. Positive reinforcement beats nagging every time.
7) Don’t make him guess—tell him what you want
It's easy to assume that the person who lives with you every day also knows you well enough to know what you want. Not true. Most of us view the world through our own needs and desires, so don't be surprised if your husband thinks that what you want is what he would want. If you want something specific—advice, a hug, or a red sweater for your birthday—let him know.
8) Cultivate friends and interests outside your marriage
Once you’re married, it's easy to shrink your social network to revolve around your husband. But no one person can meet all your needs, and it’s too much to expect your husband to be your partner, your lover, AND your best girlfriend. Make time for friendships outside your marriage. You'll have more fun and bring new energy to your relationship.
9) Let free time be free
Just as you need time to relax and unwind, so does your husband. He may not define it the way you do, though; while your idea of relaxing after work may be talking over a glass of wine, he may enjoy being quiet for awhile, reading the newspaper, or watching TV. Find a compromise so both your needs are met. And give him time to recharge by not over-scheduling weekends with home projects and shopping.
10) Believe in your husband, and let him know it
Men can display a lot of bravado, but like us they sometimes struggle with low self-confidence and feelings of failure. And because men approach the world as competitors, they sometimes end up feeling like losers. When he comes home, your husband needs to know that the person he values most in the world believes in him—especially when he doesn't believe in himself.

Church Callings

I currently have 2 church callings...one has always been my "Dream job"...and NO, it's not the Visiting Teaching Coordinator calling. I'm the LIBRARIAN!! I love it. I get to make copies and chat for 2 hours each Sunday, it's great! I do other things than just make copies so I don't go too crazy...at least I don't have to file. Well, I guess I have to file the pictures back in place. I started having a weekly Family Home Evening lesson that I print up and have copies for people to take. That keeps it fun and different each week.

We are currently getting ready for our Visiting Teaching Interviews with the sisters to see how things are going in their groups. Instead of the 2 companions going in to see 1 sister, we have Visiting Teaching Groups. This is a group of 2-6 sisters that all get together at once (as many as can attend) and have their lesson. Some go out to lunch, do activities or just meet at someone's house. My group is having a brunch on Saturday.

For Relief Society we have some pretty neat speakers coming in the next few months. For our RS Birthday Party on March 8 we are have Michael K. Winder, the author of Presidents and Prophets. In April, the other ward that meets in our church invited us to join their RS for Ardeth Kapp (Former YW General President), and in May the stake has planned for Liz Lemon Swindle to speak to us! Check out her beautiful paintings, I know you will recognize some of them. She is amazing! One of my favorites is The Holy Men. Our Stake Primary Presidency gave it to me for Christmas a couple of years ago. There are so many that I would love to have!

Any suggestions for the library or Visiting Teaching? What has worked for you? What has been your motivation to visit teach? What is/are your callings? I'd love to hear from you!

While on the subject of church, please watch this video of Glen Beck closing his portion of the CNN News. It is so touching, and I still cry everytime I watch it.

Thanks Haley!

Thanks to the Writer's Strike...and to Haley for getting me back "into" bloggin! There's not much TV, so what is a junkie to do? B L O G!!

Haley kept telling me that they added new features and that I really should "update" my blog. Well, I have and it has excited me to start it up again. I've added a poll and my favorite music and YouTube videos and my favorite line from a movie. Oh, there's just so much to do! I'm having fun and hope that you enjoy it too!

If you want to create your own playlist just click on the icon for it. It was really fun finding all the music and remembering songs from my past and looking to see if they had them...and they did! Check it out at Playlist.com. It is SUPER easy!!!

Parker has started his blog now too...Broncos RULE! He'd love to get some comments from you!....me too!

Lost is BAAAaaaacccck!

LOST Returns! Yahoo! SOMETHING to watch! I have Singing Bee on TiVo...just in case there isn't ANYTHING to watch and John says: "You sure are desperate, aren't you!"

Yea! It's back and new episodes! The "reacquaint you" episode was great with the pop-ups! I'm glad I have TiVo so I could rewind it because I would get so involved with what was going on screen, that I would forget to read the pop-ups at the bottom...some of them were hilarious!

Of course we didn't find out too much information about what the HELL is going on, but like the millions of other fans...we'll continue to watch, won't WE!

I was sincerely grateful for Medium to come back...I love that show!...So I finish watching the 2nd episode and the announcer says: "A New Episode of Medium in 4 weeks!" FOUR WEEKS!!! Geeesh!!

Well, I'm off to watch tonight's episode of Lost. Boy! Do I love my TiVo!

The reason I have Bubbly by Colbie Caillat on my blog is because the words remind me of one of my favorite series of books I have read...The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyers. http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight.html

Erin got me reading the first book and then I couldn't stop! I loved the it! I wasn't so much in love with Edward as I was in love with the way he made Bella feel. I would put the book down and just *sigh* aaaaah! young love!

We read the first book for our Book Club and apparently EVERYONE loved it because we had 18 people there! The most ever!...and most everyone didn't stop with just the 1st book...they had to keep going! One comment was "I have been the worst Mom because I ignore my kids so I can read!" If you've read the series you know exactly the same feeling!

Will Fear Be A Factor For YOU?

Parker's birthday is on May 23 and usually falls on Memorial Day Weekend. The next week was the last day of school so Parker asked if we could just wait until summer to have his 12th Birthday Party. That was fine with me cause I wasn't feeling to good around he birthday and couldn't imagine throwing a party for him.



So we went online looking for ideas for a "Teen" birthday party. We didn't want anything too kiddie for such a grown up boy! We found some ideas for a Fear Factor Party...and away we went!

We went to WalMart and got everyone a camo-bandana and I ironed on the Fear Factor Logo.

First up was the Kitty Litter Key Find. The kids had to find the correct key in the pile of kitty litter and kitty poop (rolled out tootsie rolls). One key at a time they had to run to the padlock to see if it worked.

Snakes anyone? We had a snake pit full of snakes. In a kiddie pool filled with water were the snakes and each of the kids had a time limit to grab the snakes with their mouths and get out as many as possible and drop them in a bucket! My best friend, Heather, came over to help out with the judging and timing of it all! (She is awesome! She brought her son, Jackson, who is Dexter's friend) Dex & Jackson tried each of the challenges after they big boys. Here is a picture of them!

Next up was the Blood Clot, Maggot and Fly Jell-o! Eat the Blood Clot Jell-o as fast as you can. Austen downed his in 14 seconds! Winner! It was really just Cherry jell-o, raisins and white rice.

Then the kids dealt with the Wiggly Worms. They had to eat 10 gummi worms and then transfer a bowl full of worms to another cup. These were gummi and rubber worms, rolled in honey and dunked in real dirt.

Shoot for Shots made a few people throw up, or at least get the heaves! They each took 5 shots with the basketball. For every shot they missed they had to eat 2 teaspoons of baby food. We gave them a choice of green beans or sweet potatoes & corn. The green beans were pretty solid and after the first kid had such a hard time, everyone else chose the runny potatoes. I was laughing so hard when Spencer tried to drink the baby food. He was really close to puking and kept covering his mouth like he was ready to blow! He tried to plug his nose so he wouldn't be able to taste it. Drew and Austen chugged theirs, no problem, I think they wanted more!

I didn't think Parker was going to make it. He just about tossed his cookies after every challenge...it was pretty funny!

Last, and the one they enjoyed the most was the Shrunken Head Dunk. I filled another kiddie pool with all different kinds of Jell-o, pudding, spaghetti noodles and we let the boys put in their own can of whipping cream. Then they had to dunk their heads under to find the shrunken heads (potatoes) to pull out with their teeth. I couldn't believe how they went to town on this one. They didn't care about getting dirty and covered in what looked like barf! We gave them goggles so they wouldn't get the stuff in their eyes, but as soon as they went under they couldn't see anything. Our only injury of the night was when we had 2 kids going at the same time. One grabbed a potato, threw it out of the pool and then dunked his head back in, only he couldn't see and smashed his face into the back of the head of the kid below him. They both kept going (they were really into this messy challenge) when the one kid got done and was jumping around because he got all 4 potatoes he had blood running out of his nose! Eek! Not to worry, they had done a lot grosser things tonight!

By the time they were done and everything was thoroughly mixed together it really did look like throw up...but it was cold! When I was cleaning it up it was still cold. I asked the boys and they said, Yeah! It was freezing! (I had to leave it all in the fridge until the last minute or it would have melted. I think the cold stuff made it even more fun! Warm would have made it sicker, though!

We had such a great time doing the party. The top 3 winners received a certificate and a gift card to blockbuster. We video taped the whole thing and hope to be able to put it on a DVD for everyone!

I'm BAaaack!

Hello All!

My friend Cyndee asked how my blogging was going so I thought I better update a little!

First off, for most of you, you know that I have been really sick and losing weight and feeling pretty miserable. I got down to a sickly 142 pounds! I looked dead (people actually told me that!).
* I saw my LapBand Doctor on Wednesday.
* He looked at my X-rays on Thursday and called to tell me that,
* My band had slipped

My doctor was awesome. When he told me about the slip he said, they could fix it, put in a new one or completely remove it. He said he knew I had been through a lot so he wanted me to talk it over with John and sleep on it and then call him in the morning with a decision. I still may have Gastroparesis and may throw up. I don't want to risk another slip so I opted for the removal.

* John called our insurance, got approval to have the band removed
* I Called the doctor on Friday Morning and told him I have decided to have it removed. They said they could perform the removal on Monday morning. YIKES! so soon!

So everything came together super quick so I knew this is what needed to happen and on Monday, June 18 I lost my best friend that has been with me everyday for the last 3 years, 10 months and 7 days!

I haven't thrown up once or even had heartburn! Everything is back to normal and unfortunately so is my appetite! It's back and so are all the cravings. Only this time I don't have a device implanted in me to say, "Uh, hello? You are full!" It's nice not to feel depressed anymore feeling like I can't go on throwing up every meal! It was getting really bad!

So I have to be really good and watch what I eat and get some exercise. I need to gain some weight back to look healthy again and that has been put back on already! Now just to maintain!

It is wonderful feeling normal again. Life is good! Yahoo!

Oh! And I would put my LapBand back in tomorrow if I could! I love the band and don't blame it for my problems. I could have NEVER lost 130 pounds on my own!

If you are reading this and thinking about having the LapBand, do it! I certainly would. It was wonderful and I loved it!...and miss it dearly!

6 Months has been long enough!

Well, it's been forever, okay, 6 months! It time I updated some stuff on my blog...if you can call it that...a blog...I haven't blogged for soooo long!

What do you think of Robin Thicke? Sexy? Voice to high? He's workin' on me! I'm lovin' Lost Without U, so I thought I would add it to my little page here.

As far as my shows, I'm lovin' them all! Lost is really good and so is Heroes... only a few more shows left until the season finales!!!! Yikes! I'll miss them, but I think I'll be better prepared since it feels like we had such a hiatus lately!

I've been feeling better lately. I hate to say it cause I'm afraid it will end! I started going to a specialist...Thanks Haley! Dr. Fang couldn't see me until August, but Dr. O'Rourke could see me quick so I saw her last week. Dr. Wong came in for a little talk too. At the University of Utah I basically have access to all the doctors, they all help each other out. They "upped" my meds and it really seems to be helping! I've also found if I start eating in the morning and continue throughout the day my tummy seems to feel much better. I must be "jump-starting" it to work and just have to keep it moving. I even have slept without my wedge at night a few times! My back sure loves sleeping flat for once!!! Being on an incline every night is killer! UGH!

We are going to San Francisco this month and I am so excited! John and I went their on our honeymoon. Then John surprised me and took me back for our 10 year anniversary! I've always wanted to take the boys and share SF with them! There is so much to see and do! So for our 15 year anniversary we all get to go! John is going for a work conference and we are going to tag along too! Yahoo!

I had an Uppercase Living Party and got some really cool stuff. I'll add some of the pictures as soon as I can figure out this new computer!

Well, I better go get ready for work! It's cold and rainy today...I really love the rain!

More shows...fallen into the "Fall Season Premiere"

This is a quickie. Typed fast and late at night, and I'm sure full of errors. Quick questions, feel free to answer them and add your own! Join my little discussion....please! I think this Fall Season Premiere thing is growing on me. I like the idea that I'm not going to be glued to my VCR/TV to watch my shows this Holiday season.

Oh boy! Heroes was awesome! I almost started to cry when they were all together in Peter's dream and then Peter blows up! Claire broke my heart, I just love her, she's such a cutie! Can you believe her Dad had the Haitian erase Zack's and Leon's memories...of course you can! That was too cool of the Haitian not to erase hers. Does that mean she is going to understand that her Dad might be a little naughty and not trust him? Well, she shouldn't trust him!

I think one of my favorite scenes this episode was when Peter was being questioned by the police people and the 2 could hear each other's thoughts. I also loved that 2 Heroes (Claire and Peter) were able to "talk". I hope they get to do that again soon! I was nice seeing them connect with another Hero.

So do you think Peter is going to explode because he is around so many Heroes and his body can't take ALL the super powers? He really wasn't looking so good. Do you think he is getting a superhero virus...or maybe just the stomach flu?

Oh my gosh! And can you believe Eden??? I screamed and my hand flew over my mouth and my eyes were buldging! I wish she would have just shot Sylar, but she didn't know if he would be able to just live through the shot, or rejuvinate himself after a gunshot. She probably did the right thing by killing herself so that he wouldn't have her power! How did Claire's Dad meet her? What made him decide to keep her and the Haitian around?

I hope Nikki can stay strong enough to overcome Jessica! I wonder when Mica will let his parents know that he has powers. I saw a bullet pass through Nikki's hubby...so why is his shoulder messed up? How come he's bleeding?

I-sock! Isaac can paint WITHOUT being high! Yahoo! That is awesome! And his latest painting????

Hiro, Hiro, Hiro! I just love Hiro! He is just so dang cute! Do did he lose his powers? or is he just afraid to try again? Yep, He better find that sword...and quick!

STUDIO 60- Okay, that is just too cute with Danny and....I don't remember her name...the character that Amanda Peete plays. Everyone is just falling in love and it's just so cute. This last episode left me with a smile on my face!

Fall Season Finale...What the CRAP???

Okay, I'm dealing with the "Fall Season Finale" of Lost. I have to admit that I rewound the tape 3 times to make sure that is really what it said...Lost was having a Season Finale. John and Heather had to tell me that it was just for Fall. Then during the finale they said that Lost would return in 16 weeks... that sounds like FOREVER!

It was a great finale. Kate and Sawyer doin' the deed (I thought she would hold out for Jack, but someone needed some action) We haven't seen any kind of that on the island and they have been there for over 70+ days! Well, Sun is pregnant, but did she get pregnant from her lover before the crash...DUM DUM DUM (dramatic sound, implying mystery).

It was just like Jack to do something on his own terms. I didn't think he would kill him, but knew he would do something...too bad he doesn't know they are on a different island. Oh the dilemma of Kate and Sawyer...what to do, what to do! I'm intrigued and can't wait for 15 1/2 weeks... but I will... just like the rest of us. They will be giving sneak previews of LOST during Daybreak, so stay tuned!

I'm actually coming to terms with this because I want to watch Day Break, which I'm sure will be on during the same time Lost was... and my beloved Medium is changing to Wednesdays... so that will be great! Whew! I think things will work out.

So during the next "lost without Lost"weeks, you can research the show by checking out all the Lost Connections!

This year's line up has been pretty good, I haven't had to set 2 VCR's at one time! That's a relief!

How's the saving of the cheerleader going? I think I'm going to change the message on my phone to that! You'll have to call me!

Save the Cheerleader...Save the World!

Save the cheerleader...Save the World. Have you heard this saying? Matt Lauer is sick of it...I think it is hilarious! I always wanted to be a cheerleader!

Here's an overview of my shows, my activities and my new wig...that I absolutely LOVE!

The wig is longer and thinner and really looks great! It's brown with some lighter highlights. It is really close to the color of my own hair. I get lots of compliments on it.

I'm really loving Lost but freaked out that this week is their FALL SEASON FINALE???! What I had to replay and rewind that last week...did I read that right? What the heck!??? I think after this week's episode I'll need a break. Can Juliette be trusted? (It was hard to see her being sweet and pregnant in Santa Clause 3 that we saw at the theatre last Saturday. Whoa! I just watched the sneak peek! Check it out! The others get Kate to ask Jack to do the surgery! And what about Echo? Dead? We didn't even get to find out why he was on the plane? What is teh deal with the evil looking dark cloud that he sees? Hmmmm? I heard that he was a beast on the set so they got rid of him.

I was getting bored with Desperate Housewives but Sunday's episode (Nov 5) was the best one ever...I even cried. If you missed it you can watch the entire episode free at the ABC website. This is definitely one you don't want to miss...I think awards will come from this episode!

Heroes, Heroes, Heroes. If you haven't watched this show or have missed an episode, try the NBC website. This is definitely a show you want to be addicted to. Everyweek I think...I can't wait another week to find out what happens!!!!! But I have to and then get involved in my other shows and life and then it is Monday night again...whew!

Can't wait for Medium to start again...looks like it will be on Wednesdays now. I was hoping it would stick with Mondays...after Heroes, but Studio 60 is on then and that is a pretty funny show. By the way, the Medium commercials scare Dexter! Well, the sound at the Medium website scares me! I have to turn it off now! Yikes!

My Lasik Eye Consultation is Wednesday, and the procedure is scheduled for November 29. I CANNOT wait to get rid of my glasses! John even admits now that my glasses look better on me without my hair, and since I really like my hair, I'm not liking my glasses!

Parker was a hippie and Dexter was a Dead Pirate for Halloween! It was a great Halloween. Parker had a party and it was so much fun! They played pin the wart on the witch, Murder in the Dark and other games. We also had homemade rootbeer floats! Yummy!

Fish Biscuits & Strawberries

Mmm...Mmm.... Good! What a combo! That was a pretty sexy-long-awaited kiss!

I was rather pleased with this episode. I don't care if we didn't find out too much more about the others but Jin & Sun's story... did you get goosebumps like me when Jin unloaded and reloaded the gun like an expert? Whew! That was cool!

Do you think that Jai? (Sun's lover) really jumped? Okay, maybe he did. But I first thought that maybe Sun's Dad didn't think that Jin would follow through and had some back up. I thought Sun was going to come close at the end of the episode and tell Jin the truth. I'm glad Sun got off the boat.

Patience...patience... that's all it takes...says Ben Linus....FREAK! Why has he been on the island all his life? What's up with Juliette...does she really have a good heart or not?

These few people that come up secretly to Kate and Sawyer and ask questions who are they? Do you think they are plants? Or Other Others? Could there be a whole other group that has escaped from the original others and they are roaming the island?

When will we hear something from that Antarctic group... the ones in the wintery station waiting for something to happen that answer to Desmond's girlfriend? Hmmmm? Did you remember about them?

I record the show but watched the first 30 minutes and then hung out with the kids and then watched The Nine and then watched the end of Lost. It was very nice to fast forward through the commercials (last week was ridiculous with all the dang commercials!) My sis watches it on TiVo so she doesn't have to deal with the advertisements...LUCKY!

The best part was the previews for next week! Hurley, Locke, Desmond and Echo! Yahoo! I can't wait! Can't wait to hear from you!

Heroes~LOVIN' IT! I yelled after the show ended on Monday..."I can't wait a whole week!"
The Nine~Likin' it... I can't believe what the Doctor did at the end...He's LOST it!
Studio 60~I think I'm giving up on it. I recorded it but didn't watch it.
30 Rock~was pretty funny! I think I'll give it a chance. I don't think there was anything else on that I wanted to watch so that might work, but I noticed that DAYBREAK will be starting on Wednesdays soon. I watched the preview for that at abc.com and thought it looked pretty interesting.

It's getting late and I'm hopefully flying off to Palm Springs tomorrow... so Nighty Nite!

Lucy Pearl

Here's Lucy Lou! Really her name is Lucia Pearl. She was born November 5, 2005.

From her blessing

These pics are from when I babysat her ALL DAY from 8am until 11pm at night when Heather went to California and got to see the Ellen Show! LUCKY!

Luci is a big girl! She's like in the 110% range... okay I think it's 95%. She's soon to be a 1 year old and it's freaking Heather OUT!

Still as LOST as Ever!

Okay, I was a little breathless like the commercials claimed LOST would be in the first 10 minutes... but just at the beginning when I couldn't believe "the others" life style! What the heck? Were you like me when the show began, checking to make sure you were on the right channel? Once they all went outside and I recognized Ben and Ethan and realized they were ON the island my jaw dropped (that's why I was breathless)

My bro-in-law said, How can you watch an entire one hour show and not learn ONE thing! They didn't reveal much. But really? Did we expect them to? Two whole seasons to learn as much as we have? I didn't have too high of expectations but a little more would have been nice. When you start to think of it there really is a lot to learn.

What about Desmond? Did he make it after he pulled that lever in the crawl space?
What about those guys in Antarctica (some frozen land)
Is Desmond's lover lady friend going to find the island now?
Will Hurley make it back to the rest of the survivors? What will he say? Will they all stay put and do as Hurley was directed?
What about Sun and Sayid and the sailboat?

P.S. I think Ben is Data's (from Star Trek Next Gen) long lost son...okay maybe his brother... he seems rather robotic don'tcha think?

I really should have re-watched the last few episodes over the last few weeks to remind myself of all the things going on.

Please write and tell me your questions, or update me of information you remember or have acquired!

By the way has anyone been watching Heroes? Whoa! I'm loving that show! Do you know what Ali's power is? I can't figure it out! (she's the Mom working as a stripper to make ends meet) I just about cried when the one guy's brother flew up and saved him and and what about the cheerleaders evil father! Oh MY GOSH!

And one last thing, I'm sure I'll get into The Nine since it comes on right after LOST. It looks pretty intriguing.

August 11, 2006 was my 3 year "Bandiversary" of having the LapBand. I've lost 103 pounds to date... that's just 412 sticks of butter! And, I have lost 76 inches! That's 6.3 feet! It has never really hit me how much weight I have lost because my brain still tells me I'm fat, thanks brain! So when I see myself in before and after pictures it's unreal to me! I don't really remember being that heavy. I think I always tricked myself into thinking I was "just fine" with my weight and never really realized just how big I had become!

Here are my stats:

DATE WEIGHT POUNDS LOST
8/11/03 274
9/11/03 247 -27
10/12/03 239 -35
11/15/03 233 -41
12/11/03 225 -49
1/12/04 220.4 -53.6
2/11/04 216 -58
3/11/04 211 -63
4/15/04 212 -62
6/11/04 210.6 -63.4
7/13/04 206 -68
8/11/04 204.6 -69.4
9/13/04 202.8 -71.2
11/2/04 197.6 -76.4
11/19/05 189 -85
6/11/06 183 -91
8/11/06 171.2 -102.8
9/11/06 167 -107 pounds!

FROM MY: I've Lost ____ inches
Neck 3.5
Bust 9.5
Under Bust 7.75
Waist 11
Dbl. Chin 2
Gut/Hip 14
Thighs 12.5
Rt. Thigh 7.5
Rt. Arm 4
Wrist .75
Calf 3.5

I just needed to get some of these figures and photos on my blog so I can copy them over to me Weight Loss Profile at Obesity Help.com. You can check it out by clicking on the link to the right, under "Links" or by clicking... HERE

Thanks for reading this!

10 Years Younger?

Who knew that actually having hair could make me look so young? People just can't figure out why I look so different? Did you get your hair colored? Extensions? Are you having an affair? You are getting so thin! Are you still losing weight? I love just nodding yes! hee hee!
Well here I am with my new hair! I've always wanted more but didn't think I'd ever do it or be able to afford it. I tried Rogaine and joined the Hair Paulus Group, both losing hair again, after I stop using the product and it was expensive! The Bosley Company mainly does hair transplants. I had a consultation, and was quite impressed with how nice they were, but was told that I basically don't have a enough hair for a transplant. If they did one they would only be able to do a patch across the front where my bang are... I'd still be mainly bald everywhere else.

Waldean & Elaine approached me a couple of months ago and mentioned that they would like to help me out in my lack of hair situation.

I so appreciate them for bringing up the subject! I'm falling in love with my new hair! It's weird to be able to put on my make up again and throw on my hair and run out the door. It has been something to get use to but everyone I talk to says it looks so natural. I've gotten tons of comments... all good. Now I need to get use to just saying thank you and not feeling like I have to tell them it's a wig!

Me & My Babies

Is this THE SWEETEST picture EVER of Dexter and I...on Mother's Day, or what? I love this picture!
Here's one with both my boys, Parker couldn't wait to change out of his monkey clothes and into some comfy slick shorts!

The Goods of Summer

Some pretty flowers from our front yard this summer!
I figure if my front yard looks pretty, no one will need to come in and see how messy the inside is...Let's just enjoy the nature and beauty from outside!

Cure For The Bad Mood Blues

Husband: Wait a minute. There were five chocolate bars in the pantry yesterday. Why is there only one today?
Wife: I must not have seen that one. (Check out the shadow on that Pouty Lip!)

John's Boss told us about a cure for bad moods... take a picture! So whenever Parker or Dexter start to act onery and cranky we pull out the camera and say cheese. Parker usually runs off laughing = CURED! But Dexter tries to hold out a little longer and then eventually his frown turns into a grin, just in time for the flash!

Race For The Cure

Parker and Tasha ran the 5K in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

On May 13, 2006 Parker and I ran the 5K. Erin, Annika, Thomas, Ella and Grandma Worthington walked the Mile Fun Run. This was our 2nd year participating. It gets very emotional for me when I run under the pink balloon arch and the music is blaring and there are thousands and thousands of people! It is sad and hard to believe that this many people have been touched by cancer in their lives. My Grandmother Opal Worthington and Grandmother Ginette Martino both lost their battle with breast cancer. My Aunt Kathy Wilson is currently battling the demon and coming out with flying colors! Her last CT Scan said NO lesions! This is truly a miracle!

I ran and walked and jogged, Parker ran most of the way! I didn't see him for over half the race and started to get worried about him. There are so many people I thought I would never find him again! Luckily, towards the end of the race he slowed down and was looking for me and we found each other. We also caught up with Erin and her kids.

Dex and John came down to support Parker and I and walked with us to the finish line.

This was really fun and is sure to be an annual event for us!