WHATS HAPPENING TUESDAY

Good Morning Auntie Jan and OH Peeps~

Ok-first, I want to ask for forgiveness-because I know that some people want to come to the COF group really bad-and usually the day after a good group meeting-there is talk of all the hugs, love, and talks we have given to one another-let me just say right now-I was in BAD NEED OF A PEEPS FIX!!!! I DO NOT think that you guys realize HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU ALL! YOUR SO GOOD FOR MY SOUL!

Jan & Joe, Lana, Glenna, Sheila (and DIL Rachael and Beautiful baby Baylyn), and Sugar & Rick-Man, do I ever LOVE to see you guys at the group-our oldies but goodies!!! You guys ROCK!!!! I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOOO VERY VERY VERY MUCH! And, As always-you guys look great, fantastic-wonderful, and yes-EVEN CUTE!

My Account of Monday-the 25th.....

So-I was running behind....(as usual-LOL) I was so excited about going to the group! IF all went well-Megan (oldest pregnant daughter), Jon and I would go to MSSU and pick up Megans books (classes for her start today-please say a prayer for her today) Ok-so we finally get to campus-we get her books-I THINK I know where Lana is-and so we go to the Admissions building-I climb a whole flight of stairs, just to find out that we were in the wrong building-BUT....Because I knew Lanas first and last name-they were generous enough to look her up and tell me exactly how to get to her office. We went over there and I missed her by 10 minutes!!!!! BUMMER! I wanted to surprise her. Ok-so we leave the campus....I am lost-so Megan is the one navigating-LOL...We stop at a gas station because she is talking to her husband on the phone and I need some gum-and I text Renee and she was texting me at the same time-LOL....to tell me where they were. Yah-dont ask me-some mexican restuarant that the 2nd name in the title is Linda-LOL....thats what I remember. Starts with C tho. We find it......and I walk in the front door and see her immediately- Renee, her daughter Tiffany and her friend, Shawna...I was SO EXCITED to meet Renee-we have been talking since Stephanie had her cutting issues-and she helped me through SO MUCH!!!! I have a bond with her that I cant explain. Anyway-I felt like it was Christmas.... I was so blessed yesterday!!! So-Renee is a beautiful, beautiful person and I am so thankful to have her as my angel"ette" LOL. She claims I do so much for her-HECK-she has gotten me through some of the toughest times of my life lately. LOVE YA!

So-Megan and Jon eat a little something and when I looked-it was a little after 6 pm already-Geez, is that possible? Gosh-time flies when your chatting up a storm, huh? Ok-so I give Renee her goodies I had for her. I wanted to give her some different protein samples, sf jello and such, and some calcuim chews for her to try before buying them herself. I also had just a few items in her size and wanted to give them to her-altho-she is much more stylish than I ever was! LOL....

Get to the group, which, thankfully was just a mile or so down the road-and bring my bags of clothes in-I only had one bag marked-the other bag wasnt marked and I ran out of time-and no time to mark the stuff either. LOL....Anyhow-I got a whole huge bag of clothes from Sheila-and a ton of stuff from Lana and Im excited!!!! I have a lot of things that fit (correctly) AND a lot that I can get buttoned or zipped-but hurt (LOL) so once the tummy tuck is done-I will be able to get into those-so up on the shelf they will go. I wore Mikes jeans to the group last night-size 33 waist....Is that possible?

Ok-so at group, I was so excited too-I got to FINALLY MEET ANDREW AND SUSAN!!!! And like a dummy, I just walked up to Andrew and said-I have been wanting to meet you forever-you look wonderful and I am so glad to FINALLY meet you. He said the same-and it wasnt until group was over that he said-I didnt know who you were earlier...LOL....I guess he wouldnt! They are such wonderful people-and everyone-PLEASE join me in lifting Susan in prayer for some health issues for her-that she gets everything she is waiting for (and deserves). Thank you.

Well, Sheilas DIL (who, by the way, is a living doll-Rachael) brought the baby girl-Peeps-this baby girl-she is the most precious thing you ever saw-chubby cheeks, beautiful eyes, little chub thighs-she is the epiphany (sp?) of the "perfect" baby girl-and they blessed me with being able to hold her and play with her!!! She had the cutest little jelly sandals with duckies on them...Man-sooo cute! OMG-I kept looking at Megan and imagining that soon-that is what we are going to have-full time.... I CANT WAIT, I CANT WAIT, I CANT WAIT!!!!!! I felt so blessed last night-not just by having some nice clothes now that fit-BUT-for the love I have, and others have for me-in that room.

I had just asked someone over by the clothes if they knew IF Glenna was going to be there-they said I hope so... I went to go sit down-and I see her!! YAY, YAY, YAY!!!! I love Glenna so much-she is the first person I bonded with when starting the group in Jan of 2007! She ALWAYS is there for me, hugs, love and advice and she means the world to me-GLENNA-I LOVE YOU! YOU LOOK FANTASTIC AS ALWAYS! I MADE her to come sit by me.....(j/k-asked her IF she wanted to-since I had a spot by me)

As we were going around introducing ourselves-this TINY little thing, with black and white hair (ITS WAY WAY CUTE) says she is Rhianne-NO WAY! Now, I havent seen her since she was just post op-like maybe a month-IF that-and that girl has changed so much-I cant believe it-and looks just AWESOME!!! I had to get up and go give her a hug! WOW-I guess it really does go to show-you dont see someone in 6 months to a year post op-and yes, they are going to change so much your not going to recognize them....LOL....

Ok-so we went to the Village Inn afterwards-and I think it was Jane who asked if I was at goal yet-and I said Not until my BMI says Im normal-and its not there yet-and Sugar said the same thing....She has ONE POUND to go for her to be normal BMI-and I weigh 9# more than she does-well, 8# as of this morning-and it blew me away-because I was looking at Sugar when we were having the meeting-and thinking-I wish I looked as good as she looks-maybe one day I will be there-and guess what? within 10# and it shocked me. I really got overwhelmed there and thought, can I REALLY be her size? Can I? I freaking cant comprehend that!

So I got to sit by my Lovely Lana-who says she is my mother-PALEEEZE-woman, you are NOT even close to old enough to be my mother-Favorite Aunt, yes-mother NO WAY! Then-on the other side of me-Jonathan, who is playing with the silverware with his vivid imagination-like they were transformers or something...Im not sure how many times they landed on the floor-but I was just thankful that no one was behind us OR next to him...Megan moved so she would be across from him. LOL....I ask Jon what he wants to eat-he says French Fries and Pancakes....LOL-the whole time we were on our trip to Arizona and on the road back and forth-Mike would order just that for him-his 2 favorite things in the world.......Lana gave him her fries-he ate about 10 and his pancakes came. Let me just say-I was cutting up a little bit at a time-and about the 3rd time-he asked if he could pour the syrup....I said yes-MISTAKE....he just poured fast and furious-plate of syrup....giving new meaning to "IM ALL JACKED UP ON MOUNTAIN DEW" only syrup in exchange for Mountain Dew! WOW....We got in the car to come home and he was bouncing up and down-making the whole car shake...would tell him to stop-and 2 minutes later he would start again. We knew once he was quiet for more than 2 minutes that he had fallen fast asleep...Thank you, God!!!

Today Megan starts her classes at MSSU in Springfield. Please pray that she is okay. She gets so sick from that GBS and pregnancy-and I am just lifting her in prayer that she will be able to get to classes twice a week this year. I also pray for safe travels. She will be on break when the baby is born and I have already offered my babysitting services-free of charge, of course-when the baby is here and she goes back to college. Aaron has been talking about moving to Springfield-BUT.....Megan doesnt want a stranger babysitting MacKenzie.....and Im NOT moving to Springfield-so they may just stay in this area and I will watch baby girl for as long as they need me to. (breaks my heart, can you tell?)

I have to get this wrapped up and head to town. I have to stop at the post office and mail a few things and then going to the motel to do laundry for miss Megan. I may do some extras this next week or maybe two-so that I can get enough money to come to the reunion. I want to so badly-will see what happens. Anyway-I also have to get Mikes work clothes washed and all that-I went to do them yesterday morning, but Grandma brought her laundry up and she was waiting for the dryer-so I brought his work clothes back in. She is so sweet and will start my laundry when its left in there-but thats not a good thing when its dress clothes (mike HAS to wear that to work) so I dont leave anything in there anymore-and she has dried things I hang up-LOL LOL....

**Jan-THANK YOU for the plants. Are they the Iris's??? I forgot to ask you there....I dont want to say anything before you post it-so I will just say CONGRATS-and when you post, everyone WILL know what I am talking about. I CANT wait to see pictures!!! Yes-when I went outside to get some air and take my knee brace off for a bit-Joe came over and sat and talked to me and Megan. He told us of your high school reunion and how much fun you had-and how you found your bestest buddy again that you thought had passed away-how exciting!!!! Im so happy for you two!

You look WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC, and HAPPY-You REALLY look refreshed-I could tell something was different with you- I know its your best bed buddy (the O2-sick'os!!!-wink wink)

I would also just like to add-that we werent mocking you at the meeting-I personally thought it was "right on" when you got fired up about STICKING TO YOUR FOOD STAGES POST OP!!!! It reminded me of someone I know-who had surgery and 2 days after she got out of the hospital-so, what-4 or 5 days post op then????? She bought a little bag of crunchy cheetos-she crushed one and ate it-and I tell you-the way she described what happened next-I laughed until I wet my pants-because you YOU CANT DO THAT! She said it lodged in her throat-she went to the bathroom at the motel she was staying at recovering-and sat on the toilet backwards and was pulling herself up with the towel rack as if she was doing chin ups-the whole time, feeling the worst pressure she ever had-sure she is having a heart attack-and starting to panic, because its getting worse and she cant get it to go down or come back up.....she gets up-and starts slamming herself against the wall-near hysterical and thinking she will have to call the ambulance-she got so desperate that she went and grabbed the motel phone-and used the receiver-and put it across her throat-pushing as hard as she could......Oh man-all I could say to her-is.....You know at that point, its the mental being telling you that your hungry. Head hunger. Head hunger can mess with your mind-BUT.. our bodies do NOT need actual "food" to survive at this stage-we dont go long enough without eating to kill us. You HAVE to be gentle with your raw tummy. It takes awhile to recover! Fighting the "head" hunger and the other mental issues, to me, has ALWAYS been the hardest things-way harder than the actual surgery, for sure. I have ALWAYS said that-and I ALWAYS WILL....All the planning in the world-cannot come close to going through it-until you go through it. I remember hearing things and going-heck, that WONT happen to me-and guess what? It does-we all go through "stuff" of one kind or another. Some have it easier than others-but we all have this place to come and go to-to give OUR accounts and hopefully LEARN from others, what to do-OR NOT to do...I learned quickly-because my friend-she shared the things she did-good or bad-and so I noted to myself-No cheetos-things like that!!! We have been there-and we DO WANT YOU NEWBIES TO SUCCEED!!!! Sometimes things on the puter come out differently than what or HOW we would say it-just be careful guys-WE love you all and want you to be okay!!!

Ok-I saw that you updated-CONGRATS ON THE TRIKE...YAY YAY YAY-I CANNOT wait to see pictures, the way you and Joe described it-its beautiful!!!! Maybe you will drive it to group next month? Are you guys gonna start wearing leather jackets and chaps?

**Vesta-Darlin, I read your post yesterday and didnt have time to respond right then-but it does NOT mean you are vain because you WANT a facelift. It means YOU CARE about what YOU want-and I say-IF you can afford the plastics AND you WANT them-go for it.....We spent a lot of our lives being self conscience about our appearances and ourselves-that if thats what you WANT to feel Sexy or Pretty-girl, GO FOR IT! Now-dont get me wrong-I think your already aces and beautiful in my book....but I also know, for myself-that there are things that I see-and bother me-that others cant see or dont want to-so you GO FOR IT! Dont let the devil sit there and play games with your mind and you-and rob you of something good that you want to do for yourself. Does NOT mean your selfish OR vain. Its kinda like my hair-only I know a face lift is a whole 'nother ball of wax-a much bigger scale, of course-but I have been putting it off for over a year-because of the amount of money it will take to do what I WANT-and so I have done the same thing-thought I am selfish AND vain-and its kept me from getting a blessing that I WANT and I do deserve. WHY shouldnt I be able to FEEL pretty?

Hope that doesnt make you mad at me-but I love you and want you to be happy-and whatever that takes-I think if there is a will for you-there is a way. Love ya and keeping you in my prayers!!!

**Bec-several times at the meeting and at the restuarant, your name came up. We love you and we miss you! I cant wait for the opportunity to see you and give you that hug in person. I have you on my prayer list and I am going to continue to pray for your hearts desires-I pray you have peace of mind and strength and I KNOW you will succeed!!! I am SO EXCITED! love ya Bec!!!

**Rhianne-Girl-you look FANTASTIC!!! I am so happy for you-although, you probably didnt recognize me either-LOL...I just had to give you a hug when I realized who you were-it sure looks like life is going good for you-and you are so awesome! I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU! Keep up the good work and witnessing to people-you have a true gift!!! Thanks for bringing that little bundle of joy to me-I appreciate it~~!!!!

**Sheila-THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! For all the most adorable clothes-you have such good taste. You get a MAJOR WOW-I had NEVER seen your BEFORE PICS-and I am telling you-I didnt believe that was you!! OMG GIRL! If you wouldnt have proven it by showing that tattoo-I would have never believed it was you....it in NO WAY-Looks like you!~!!! You look like you have ALWAYS been tiny-and you LOOK WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL and AWESOME!!!! MAN!!!!! Im still shaking my head today in dismay-just cant believe it!!! Im praying for travelers mercy and a good report at the doctor. Your tummy looked like it hurts still!!! Im very jelous of you and Lanas tans!

If you guys ever need a sitter for that little princess-please let me know-LOL...I WILL gladly help you guys by watching her. Thanks for sharing her and tell Rachael hi for me...she is such a doll-just love her to peices......Cant wait for us to get together and have our drinks with umbrellas-LOL!!! I cant do the waiter in a loin cloth and elephant ear leaf fanning us while we are sun tanning-but I can order one for you-right? I WILL-LOL....Anything for a friend (wink wink)....

I will keep my eyes open when I go to NBC store for the TINY sizes and see what kind of goodies I can come up with for you. I wish I could find that helmet for you-I have been trying to find one, I promise....Soon, I hope!~! Love ya and praying for you-please let us know how the appt with the doc goes.

**Sugar-You look soooo good!!! Love your hair too.....Good luck with those "nighties" (Wink Wink) Your bedroom set-OM Go****s breath-taking!!!! I cant wait to see it in person if the pictures are that beautiful!

Hope you have fun in Florida-are you going to be able to go still? Forgot to ask you last night where exactly your going and IF you still can since the Hurricane? Anyway-Love you and thanks for taking my leftover clothes to the donation place-I LOVE places that help for free-and I WONT give to Salvation Army or D.A.V anymore-they charge-I would rather someone who NEEDS them, and WILL USE THEM-get them for FREE and is blessed with them-so thanks!!!

**Lana-Im so sorry I missed ya yesterday at work!!! I thought youd be so surprised. Well, that back fired on me, didnt it? LOL....

The new hair-IT ROCKS! You DO look CUTE~!!!! YOU ARE CUTE AND......... YOU ARE SKINNY!!!! I dont care WHAT you think or say-YOU ARE!!!! Plus-you cant call yourself mom-you have to say favorite aunt-cuz your not close to being old enough to be my mom......a favorite aunt can be your own age-LOL....Look at Jon-he is going to only be 6 yrs older than his neice! LOL....

I WILL come to Springfield one day when Megan has classes and we can do lunch? Do you get a full hour for lunch? When are you and John going away? I will keep you in my prayers and THANK YOU for the cute clothes!! You and Sheila really set me up for the next yr or so-and I am grateful. Thanks for the love and hugs and I will email you on Thurs and let you know how the appt goes. K???? Love you much!!!!

**Glenna-although you may not see this-I LOVE YOU!!!! You left me again without me getting another hug-altho the one at the meeting made up for it!! Im glad the job is going good for you and I MISS You so much! I will email you soon-I PROMISE...besides-I had some ??s for you about Joey and his personality-because Mike is looking for a dog for me-1/2 short hair chihuahua and 1/2 daschund (sp?)-short hair too-I know it sounds ugly-but they are soooo cute! Anyway-Love you and good to see you again-your in my prayers.

**Renee-You were my WOW moment yesterday-not me being yours!! LOL.... Felt like I have known ya forever! You already know what you mean to me-but I will say it again-EVERYTHING and THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!~We WILL get together soon! Love ya, Love ya, Love ya!!!!

**Jeanine-I laughed when I read your post yesterday. I MAKE myself stay active. Before surgery, I felt dead inside and rarely left the couch or chair in the kitchen (on rollers to make dinner and do dishes etc) and I just can NEVER go back to that-NEVER!!! So-something like pain-there is NO WAY I am letting that get me down-269# gone-I FEEL great-just wish my bones and joints were as good to me as the weight loss is-however, IF I were still that big today-I wouldnt be typing this post-I WOULD BE DEAD!~

YOU WILL keep up with us soon-YOU WILL-Stay positive-and when your almost 2 yrs post op-I will remind you of you saying that-LOL cuz girl-I said the same things you did-preop, and look at us now! I wish you luck and I am So HAPPY to see you posting on here-Stay with us-and let us get to know you ok? Your in my thoughts and my prayers and WE ARE HERE FOR YA!!!!

**Andrew-Good to meet you and hug you finally!! Keep up the good work! We are so glad your here finally!!! Good to hear about the FIL-and I WILL keep you three-you, Susan and FIL on the prayer list. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help Susan with her paperwork or whatever-you have an expert next door-so prayer is probably the only thing I can do for you guys- Take care!!!

**newbies-and everyone else-take care-I pray you all have strength and peace of mind. As always, your in my thoughts and prayers!!! Love, Janet