Today's happenings

Today, Sam and Lil Sam are going to VA to help move our nephew Robert and his girlfriend Crystal and their daughter Courtney back down there. I will definitely miss them. But he can not find work here at all and he needs to go where the work is. They moved back here about 6 months ago because they were home sick. They lived here all their lives. But about 2 years ago, he was offered a job down there to work with his dad, who lives there, working with an electric co. Well so they went down there, and stayed for a while, but Robert was very home sick, didn't know too many people and just wanted to come home. SO they came home about 6 months ago. and ever since then have been struggling to make ends meet. They were staying with his grandmother and there was just no jobs out here at all for him. So the company in VA offered him his job back. In today's economic state the way it is, you have to go where the work is and you have to be lucky you even have a job. So he went back down there about a month ago. He knows he will be home sick again. But it is time for him to grow up and support his family. So now it is time to bring the rest of his family back down there. So that is where Sam and Lil Sam are now, helping them bring some of their stuff to VA.
Kimi is working, she works till 5:00. Cody and Tyler a watching a movie in my room and I am on here and doing Laundry again. Never Ends.

So that is today's happenings. Not much going on here!!!! How bout you all!!!

What's up with all my blog friends???

It is so nice and quiet here

I love it. Sometimes it is so quite in my house that I sometimes forget there are 4 kids here (well teenagers here). Right now, I am on the computer, lil Sam is watching a movie in his room, Cody is playing the xbox, and Tyler is watching tv in his room, and Kimi is out w/ Andy. I know too much technology right. Too much electronics. But they are done with their homework. We just finished dinner and they wanted some time on the game and tv before showers and bed, so I am giving them an hour to themselves before they have to do other things. But as they are all doing their things, it is so nice and quiet here. I am really liking it. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that Sam is working. That may have another thing to do with why it is so quiet in here too. He works nights.
So that is what is going on in my life right now and I am not complaining at all. I am actually really liking it. Wish it could happen more often but I know it doesn't. At least I am grateful that they are doing good and can entertain themselves for a little while. It is very nice when they grow up and can take care of themselves. IT means that I have done a good job as a parent and that they learned to be independent. That is so cool!!!!

SNOW DAY!!!!!

So for the first time this year, Delaware got Snow!! Well, kind of snow. We got like 1 - 1 1/2 inches of snow. Well if anyone knows Delaware, when it snows, the state panics and shuts down almost everything it can. So because we have about 1 inch of snow (mixed with ice) we are off of school today. But I will give them that is was dangerous out there this morning because everything was covered in ice. I didn't go out, I just saw it through the windows. As a matter of fact, I have not gone anywhere. I am still in my PJ's and it is 2:00 in the afternoon. Imagine that. Me of all people still not dressed today. I had no where to go, I had no one to impress, no one was coming over. So I never got dressed today. And I probably wont. I cooked breakfast for everyone. I did some more laundry. I played a games with Kimi and the boys. So it is just a hang out day at home. I am really liking it. I don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. It has been raining most of the day. And it is still FREEZING outside. So the rain is turning into ice so we may be off again tomorrow. We'll see.

So to all of my friends and family in Delaware, enjoy your snow day off of school today.

I have been tagged!!!!

My sister Tagged me. I am supposed to go to my 6th folder in my picture files and post the 6th picture in that file and see what I have come up with. Well here it is everyone.

That is too funny!!! I have not seen these pictures in like 7 years. This is my house the first year we moved in. And we have been in here 8 years now.

HERE I AM BABY!!!!!! 6 MONTHS LATER!!!!!

I am here, Happy, Healthy, AND Doing Wonderful!!!!!! I have lost 94 lbs so far. It has been 6 months to the day that I have had my surgery and I FEEL FANTASTIC and If I do say so myself

~~~~I Look Really Good Baby~~~~~

And here I am the day of surgery 6 months ago. WOW What a difference. Can you see it?????

Sunday NewsFlash!!!!!

It is Sunday. My weigh in DAY!!! Also this Sunday marks my 6 months anniversary. I will post pictures of me on here tomorrow. I have to go to the store and buy batteries for my camera, I don't have any. So when I take an updated picture of me, I will put them on here tomorrow.
Anyway, I did weigh myself today and I have now LOST 94 LBS!!!!! YEP 94 POUNDS. Can you believe it. I am doing fantastic!!! Feel wonderful!!!!

THANKS FOR EVERYONE'S SUPPORT & ENCOURAGEMENT!!!!!!

Big Day for me tomorrow

Tomorrow is not only Sunday, my weigh in day. It is also my 6 month anniversary of doing this surgery. I will not only post on my weight loss. I will put up new pictures of myself and my progress. SO come back and check out my blog tomorrow.

Until then, Everyone have a great night!! Stay warm!!!

100 Things I have Done (or Not done).
Things highlighted I have DONE!!!!
This is pretty cool.


1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band. (HS marching Band Count?)
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo.
11. Bungee jumped.
12. Visited Paris.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitch hiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you're not sick.(doesn't everyone?)
24. Built a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a marathon.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language.(I am fluent in sign language)
37. Had enough money to truly be satisfied.
38. Seen the leaning tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo's David.
41. Sung karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia.
60. Served in a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies.(for friends not for myself)
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma.
65. Gone sky diving.
66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp.
67. Bounced a check.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the changing of the guards in London.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Been to the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the paper.(several times)
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had Chicken pox.
89. Saved some one's life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.(Joe Biden, Kenny Rogers) (not at the same time)
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Had a baby.
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.

Now copy and paste it to your blog and let everyone else know what you have done in your life.

What a Week!!!!

Thank God this week is almost over. It has been a really really really busy week for me. I don't know which way is up at this point. I have a had a meeting or appointment every day, including tomorrow, of this week. I had to take two half days off of work because of two of them. I have been getting home just in time for me to say hi to the kids, check homework and then bed time. Basically that is all I have done all week. This is the first time I have been home before 5 all week. I did have an appointment to meet someone, but when I got to the place there was no one around, the building was all locked up and shut down, I didn't have their phone number right on me so I couldn't call them. So I just basically looked at it like cool I get a break tonight and I went home.
It has all been Union stuff. It comes with the territory of being the president of the local Para union in my district. It just so happens that things are coming on all at the same time. It is not nearly like this at all ever. So this is an exception. We do not have a grievance chairperson in our association that takes care of problems that people would have, so as the president, I have to take care of that along with everything else that I do. SO it has been a tough week. I think we are heading towards a resolution so that will be good.
Anyway, besides my million meeting this week. Work is not going good this week. The teacher I work with is at a conference in NC. Wish I was with her at this time. I didn't get picked to go this time. But anyway, there is someone at my work that is so dam negative about EVERY single solitary thing that goes on in that room. She is definitely not there for the children. And It is getting worse and it is getting on my last nerve. I want to say something so bad about it, but I want to remain professional about it at the same time. I don't want to "blow up" at her. I want to say it so that she doesn't think I am attacking her, but in reality, I am because she needs to stop. It is creating such tension in the room and I hate it. But I have to say something soon or I am going to explode. As much as I LOVE MY JOB. I can not stand someone coming to work with that kind of attitude, it is not right, it is not good for the kids to hear it, it is not good for everyone else around them. It just sucks.
So maybe one day soon I will have a little chat with her and make her stop.
Besides that, everything else is wonderful with me. I will post more stuff about me another day.

Have a great Friday everyone!!!!!!!!!

Sunday's Newsflash!!!!!

Good morning. It is Sunday again. Time for me to go to Church and to report on my weight loss journey. Well, I went to church earlier today. I got up and left the house by 8 am. I wanted to just get up and out because I was feeling wonderful about today, about myself, and about everything that I wanted to go out and get some air. So I went to the early mass. Then I came home. I did my weigh in this morning. I have now lost 88 lbs. I know I posted on here yesterday all about my wonderful doctor's visit and it was 86 lbs then. But that was a couple days ago and that is a different scale then what I have been using. SO my total weight loss right now is 88 lbs. I feel FANTASTIC!!!! I think my next goal is to reach 100 lbs. I think that is very obtainable. As long as I stay healthy, I will be fine.
Today, in a little while, Sam and I are going grocery shopping together. I know, he never goes with me. But we have a Brand new Warehouse type of Grocery store down the road that opened up right around Thanksgiving. I have been going there and I really like it. Well he says to me, the next time you go to "Redners" let me know I want to go with you and see what it is like inside because it is huge outside. I was like DANG!! Ok. So my husband is going shopping with me. I think he is changing a little bit. With the way I feel about myself it is making him happy with me too, because he WANTS to spend more time with me and Do stuff with me. He wants to help with the stuff around the house, laundry, dishes, vacuum, etc. He wants to have dinner with me and cook with me. He wants to chill and watch tv or movies with me. IT is so weird. I think a combination of my weight loss, my self esteem, and his almost loosing his job is making him appreciate the things he has. My neighbor told him, he better keep a hold of me, cus I am a good catch and if he don't treat me right, other men are gonna go after me. SO maybe that put a spark in his mind and eye that what he has isn't that bad after all. It could be worse. So my husband is liking the new me and he doesn't even have to tell me that he does. He is showing me. And you know what ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THEN WORDS SOMETIMES!!!!! We have been together 19 years so far and yes we have had our ups and downs, don't get me wrong, it has not always been peachy keen. But I think we are closer now then we have ever been. And I think it has a lot to do with the way I feel about myself. If I am happy that makes everyone around me Happy too.
So Sam and I are going to spend the day together doing stuff with just me and him. We are going to go to the mall (bath & body works is having a HUGE sale), he wants another game for the computer, we are going to go the casino and see if we can win some cash. Then we are going to go out to dinner (we haven't yet when we were going to a few weeks ago). We are not doing the movies cus there is nothing we want to see that bad. Then we are going to go grocery shopping. So that sounds like a great day together if you ask me.

~~~Everyone enjoy your Sunday~~~

Doctor LOVES me!!!

So yesterday, I went to my 6 month Check up from having this surgery (6 months will be on the 25th of January). It was the assistant to the doctor who did the surgery. I have seen her before. Well when she walked in, she was so excited to see me. She said I looked Wonderful and she can definitely tell that I have lost a ton of weight. She did my weight, BMI, measurements and Everything. And Let me tell you~~~I am in 100% PERFECT health~~~ I have lost 86 lbs, my BMI dropped 15 points which = 25% loss of body fat, I lost over 24 inches all around my entire body ~~10 inches in my waist and 9 inches in my hips ALONE, Everything single thing they measured in my blood work is in perfect ranges (proteins, cholesterol, sugar, thyroid, vitamins, minerals, etc. etc. etc.) EVERYTHING is in perfect range. Nothing is low, Nothing is High. So She said she loves me. She said I am a poster child for their practice. I am doing everything right the way I am supposed to be doing it. I feel Fantastic!!! I exercise more then I have ever done. I have more energy than ever before. And those who know me, know I am always on the go. I think I have ADHD but my mom never put me on Medicine LOL. No I am just super Excited, super Happy, and super Healthy and absolutely so glad that I had this surgery to help me stay healthy and see my children grow and enjoy life. And not be trapped in this body that was not meant to be mine.

I just want to say THANK YOU everyone for their support and encouragement throughout this whole process.

I AM DOING WONDERFUL!!!!!!

Day Off of work!!!

I took the day off of work today. It was only a half day anyway. But I have to go to the doctors in Wilmington today and I needed to get some stuff done around here with my union stuff before I went to the doctor. Don't worry it was a sick day not a school business day. Anyway. When I get back from the doctors I will post all about my progress. This is the doctor that did my surgery and they do all my measurements and checks the blood work and the BMI and all that stuff. So I should be good today. I am curious to see the difference in inches. I know I have lost a few more in inches. Last time I went it was 15% body fat, over 12 inches all around my body and I can't remember the weight loss. But today I will find out what is it now.
SO until then everyone have a good day and I will post later tonight or tomorrow all about my success.

IT'S "FLEEZING"

We went into the classroom this morning and one of the little boys comes in and Said Ms. Patti, "IT'S FLEEZING". LOL. I was like "Yes it is Freezing outside". I just thought that was one of the cutest things I have ever heard in my life. He was so cute and Innocent about it. But you know what It is totally FREEZING!! And man I do not like it. Ever since I have lost some weight, I am freezing all the time. And I DO NOT LIKE IT. It is so not me. I was always the one who was always hot and didn't think too much of the cold weather. I would just wear a light jacket in the winter. Man not now. I am wearing layers and layers plus gloves and hat and all. I can barely move. It is quite funny. But I guess that is the price I have to pay for when I loose weight. I think I can deal with that. Anyway, I just thought I would let everyone know that it is dam "FLEEZING" out here in Delaware.





DEAR LORD IT IS FREEZING OUTSIDE TODAY!!!!!

Babysitting!!!

I thought I would mention to everyone that I am babysitting because I have not had a teeny tiny baby in my house in a LONG time. My youngest is almost 11. Anyway my BFF Donna had class tonight (nursing in college), and her husband had to work. So I have her kids here. Christina is 9, Andrew is 6, and her newborn baby Elizabeth who is not quite 2 months old. Anyway, she is so darn cute. She is asleep right now so that is why I can get on here. We did homework, started some laundry, and had dinner already and she is still sleeping. It has been about 1 1/2 hours since they have been here. She is bound to wake up soon (I hope). I want to play with her already. But I never ever wake a sleeping baby. How can you get anything done if you wake a baby up. So I will wait, patiently.

Anyway, other then that I am getting ready to watch my most favorite show in all Time.

It starts tonight encase anyone didn't know that and wanted to know that. Don't worry, I will keep you all up to date as to who is on and who is off and who is doing good. I love that show.

Sunday's Newsflash!!!!

Ok so it is Sunday again. Time for another update on my weight loss. Well I did weigh myself this morning and I stayed the same. I knew I would eventually because I actually lost over 6 lbs during the Christmas Break alone, it was bound to catch up to me. SO I stayed the same. Lost 83 lbs so far. NO more to report. Except that at least I didn't gain any. So I am feeling wonderful. Doing Fantastic. Happy and VERY Healthy. I go to the Doctor again this coming Friday up in Wilmington, so they will do all my measurements and tell me again about all my blood work and all that. I know I am doing wonderful so he will just confirm it on Friday. The last time I went he said all my blood work looks fantastic and what ever I was doing just keep it up. And that is exactly what I have been doing so I don't expect any different this time around except for my measurements to be smaller then what they were the last time.
I did go to Church this morning so that is good it has been a few weeks since I have been. It was really nice. Very relaxing. Then I went to Walmart for a few things. Then I came home and did more laundry in my new washer. It is working great. And now I am into reading another book. It is called The Secrets of Rosa Lee. It is very interesting. It is about an old house (Rosa Lee's house) She died in it (at age 92) and the house is full of mystery and secrets that town is finding. It is very interesting and keeping me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next. It is not scary or I would not be reading it.
Other then that I am cooking chicken in the crock pot and home made mac and cheese for dinner. So I better get off here before I burn my dinner. I will talk to you all later.

New Washer!!!

So like I said yesterday, my washer broke. Well today (Saturday). I went to a place that fixes appliances. He has been doing it for over 30 years. Anyway, I told him all about my washer and what was wrong with it. HE called GE while we were there and the man at the GE place said that the part would be $130.00. Then for him to fix the washer it would be $30.00 per hour. I was like we might as well buy a new one if we are going to spend that much. So he said he does "trade ins". So we went home and got our washer and decided to trade it in for a new one. Kind of like you trade in your car for a new one. So he gave us $50.00 for our washer and we got one for $150.00. Not bad at all. It was listed for $200.00. And it is a Kenmore and he gives us a 6 month warranty on it. So we brought it home and I am now laundry in it. It is a good washer but the spin is louder than what I am used to but I will get used to this one. But at least I got a new washer and I don't have to go to the laundry mat. I had to dip into my savings account for it, but at least it wasn't a very expensive thing.



















Besides washers and laundry, I am doing fine today. Sam and I are going to try and go out on our date that we were supposed to go out on last weekend. He is feeling a lot better this week. So I am on here trying to see what is playing in the movies.

Have a great Saturday everyone!!!!

My Washer is Broke

Man with 6 people in this house, I can not live without my washer. It is a nightmare. But my washer is not working. I have a Push button Start on my washer and the button inside the panel is broken and now I can not start my washer. Do you know how much clothes we all have in this house not to have a washer to wash them in. It really sucks. Hopefully I can get someone over here and look at it tomorrow and see if it can be fixed. Tyler said we can wash clothes like the "Western People" did back in the olden days. I was like "YEAH" lets do that "NOT". Do you know how long that would take to wash clothes by hand. He said we have to go outside and wash them against the rocks. I just had to laugh. Kids are so naive sometimes. But in the meantime, I do not have a washer, clothes are piling up, and I have no money to get a new washer. I hate laundry mats. So I am not sure what I am going to do. I may have to go bug my sister or my neighbor for a little while till I can get it fixed. So other then that, we are fine.

It is Friday and that means another weekend. Yeah!!!!!

Have a Wonderful Weekend Everyone!!!!!

MY GRAM!!!

I just felt the need to post about my Gram today. My Gram's (my mom's mom) Birthday was Yesterday, January 5th. She turned 81 years old. My Gram is the most special est person in my life. My Gram has had such a wonderful life. She has lived through and seen so much in her lifetime. She and my grandfather (who is passed away) has 8 children, 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. We are a big family. My Gram has such a presence about her that is so radiant. She is such a happy person. She loves life to the fullest. She is such a positive person. Always, always willing to help anyone and everyone. Always happy, loving, caring, and excited. When she walks into a room, the room lights up. She is just that type of person. WELL if anyone knows my gram, they know what I am talking about. EVERYONE has always said I am just like GRAM. I hear it all the time when we are together. Well if that is the way people see me then I am very proud to say that I am just like my GRAM. I take after her in every way. Her mannerism, personality, love, happiness. There is such a bond between us that goes beyond words. We are like two peas from the same pod.

I wish I can see my Gram more often than I do now. She lives in North Carolina and we just don't get that chance to see each other as often as we liked. But she knows I am always thinking about her. I called her yesterday on my way home from work, it was like 3:30 and she started crying. I was like why are you crying it is your birthday you should be happy. She said it is because I was the very first person to call her and wish her a happy birthday and it meant a lot to her. She is getting older and she is very lonely. I was so glad I made her day!!!! She told me how proud she was of me and what I do and how I work with "handicapped children" she called me an angel. I Thanked her for having my mom so that I can be born into this life to be able to do the job that I LOVE TO DO!!!!

I don't know what God has in store for my Gram, I don't know how long she has left on this earth. But I do know that My Gram has been a remarkable inspiration to me in my life and I will be forever grateful that I was her Granddaughter!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY GRAM!!!!!!

Change of plans

Ok So things don't always go as planned and I knew it was too good to be true. We (Sam & I) did not get to go out tonight. Sam woke up this afternoon, yes he sleeps in late because of his work schedule. Anyway, when he woke up he was sick. Stomach. NOT good. So there was no way we were going to out to a nice dinner and movie with him sick like that and waste our gift. So we decided to try again next weekend and see how he feels. We could go out tomorrow, but with it being Sunday and we all have to go back to work on Monday I just want to stay home and get laundry and stuff done before we get back into work mode again. So hopefully, we can have our date night next weekend. I will keep you posted.
Today, I took Tyler to spend the night over to one of his friends house. Then I took Cody to get his haircut, he desperately needed it. Then I went Grocery shopping (UUGGHH!!!) The dreaded grocery store. Then after putting the groceries away, I took a little nap. Not a bad Saturday if I do say so myself. Sam is still not feeling well so good thing we didn't go out. Looks like Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast for dinner Yum! LOL!!

Happy New Year!!!!!

So how many times have you heard someone say happy new year so far?? About 6 dozen times I bet. So here is another time. And this will be the last from me. HAPPY NEW YEAR Everyone.
Anyway, we took the Christmas tree down and put our living room back together today. I never did get any pictures of it. I was just too busy and forgot about it. But I have to say that I am glad it is over. I love Christmas but it is nice to have your house back to normal again and the room back to the way it is supposed to be.
I made Tatter Tot Casserole today and it was so yummy. I got the recipe from my sister Peggy while we were there and Sam has been wanting me to make it ever since. So I made it today and I thought I should let Peggy know that it turned out as good as hers. Thanks Peg.
Hey so guess what me and Sam are doing tomorrow night. I can't wait. We are going out on a date. We have not been out on a date in like 6 months or so. One of our kids parents in our class gave all of us adults a gift certificate to Applebees and to the movie theater. They spent $50 on each one of us and there are 7 of us adults in the room. What a nice gift that was. So we are going to Applebees for dinner and then going to see a movie. I am not sure which movie we are going to see yet I have to check and see what they are playing.
We go back to school and work on Monday I can't wait. I love being home but I LOVE going to work even more. I miss my kids so much. It was a nice break but I love to go to work. I had one of my kids from my class here the other day. I missed him so much that I called his grandmother (she is raising him) and asked if he can come over for a little while. I missed him and it gave her a few hours to herself to get things done. She brought him over on Wednesday at 10 and picked him up at 4. It was so nice to have him here. All my boys and Sam really liked him he is such a cute little man. They were all playing with him and we had grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch. I told his grandmother that if they ever needed a babysitter for him or wanted a couple hours away to call me. It is hard to find someone who can watch him because of his disabilities. But I just love this little boy. I love all my kids at work but there is just a special bond between us. I won't tell you his name to protect his identity. But just realize that he is a very special boy in more ways than one. I get to see him again on Monday.
Well everyone enjoy their first weekend of 2009!!!!! My weekend is going to be spent with my husband and my kids.