a multiple part clothing NSV

Yes, I'm completely OP & gung ho ;-D It'll take me longer to get back there than last time, as I'm
on heavier medication which is notorious for causing weigh gain ;-( I might even have to reduce my
points in a few weeks - time will tell. But it feels great to be fully under control again. Elaine K
331.4/209.8/179

Miss Violette said:

Thanks, and I see from your sig you are losing again, that is just wonderful, Lee Elaine Kirkham
<[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Wow, what wonderful NSV's, Lee! You've made my day ;-D And why shouldn't

you

Quoted message said:

brag? You deserve it. Congratulations all around. Elaine K
331.4/209.8/179

Miss Violette said:

OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers party

that

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois managers. I

have

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

lost enough weight that I have no real dress clothes to wear and I

really

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what if you only wear it

this

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red dress
at Burlington but

is

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn for women, nice clothes, mid-
range clothes that hold up pretty well, we go in, DH

sees

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to let me try

it

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as the last

thing

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then saleswoman

walks

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just won't do, not at all... looks DH and
says, see how the arms are hanging, and see how it

is

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me, You

need to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I am on

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"woman's side" now where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a bad

thing,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a misses

14/16!!!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14 misses for

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

top and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want to buy a

one

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...

We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans with a Christmas motif and a
size 14 skirt, that while a bit too snug will be wearable for quite a while... Two more
NSVs...

Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with those

snowmen

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and sparkly things... NSV there as well

The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party said I looked about the best
she has ever seen me, I was very pleased with the clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes,
and the compliments I got... This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major
part of

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had all I

wanted,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,

Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays

You'd lose the bet.

Your party sounds like loads of fun. Very cool too that you made it through the event without even
realizing what you'd missed (i.e. cinnamon roll). Glad you got through the evening without losing
your lunch (or was it dinner?).

Prairie Roots

Miss Violette said:

I think the disconnect was in fact how could be there nothing for me small enough, weird kinda
expected to hear twilight music or something, and since you asked for it...

at the party, a Shakey's Pizza buffet, where they make pizza to order for the bar and have all
manner of everything good.. I had three huge plates full of food, BUT I still left the party with I
think 17 or so flex points and since it was the last day of my week I could have gone crazy, but
instead I had a load of zero and one point stuff and only one fried chicken leg and one piece of
vegetarian pizza, and the part I am proudest of... I was out of there and having hot tea with
friends at a bar and grill later before I realized I never even got my often saved for and
anticipated cinnamon roll, about seven points and a treat as I am allergic to cinnamon so rarely
feel I can tolerate this delicacy, and usually if we eat in there I want to cry when I feel I must
pass it up because of my tolerance levels that day, man is that ever cool,

and on a side note, I was the host for the door prize part of the party, I have done and get
through public speaking things but usually hurl before and after from nerves, my friend didn't tell
me before she wanted to do it so no pre hurling and again, only after I was in the grill on my
second cup of tea... I realized I was shaky but not hurky, just too cool, Lee, betting PR had
wished she had kept quiet

Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

First, you've earned some bragging rights. Second, I insist on hearing you brag. Third, how
absolutely lovely to have a bit of difficulty finding things small enough.

Prairie Roots

Miss Violette said:

OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers party

that

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois managers. I have lost enough weight that
I have no real dress clothes to wear and I really have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so
what if you only wear it

this

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red dress at
Burlington but

is

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn for women, nice clothes, mid-range
clothes that hold up pretty well, we go in, DH

sees

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to let me try

it

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as the last

thing

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then saleswoman

walks

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just won't do, not at all... looks DH and says,
see how the arms are hanging, and see how it is here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then
she says to me, You need

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I am on

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"woman's side" now where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a bad

thing,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a misses

14/16!!!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14 misses for

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

top and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want to buy a

one

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...

We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans with a Christmas motif and a size
14 skirt, that while a bit too snug will be wearable for quite a while... Two more NSVs...

Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with those

snowmen

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and sparkly things... NSV there as well

The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party said I looked about the best she
has ever seen me, I was very pleased with the clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes, and
the compliments I got... This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major part of
the party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had all I

wanted,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,

Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays

Prairie Roots
232/170.8/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Prairie Roots
232/170.8/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Thanks, Fred. Elaine K
331.4/209.8/179

Fred said:

Elaine slips in another good loss - congrats

Elaine Kirkham said:

Wow, what wonderful NSV's, Lee! You've made my day ;-D And why shouldn't you brag? You deserve
it. Congratulations all around. Elaine K
331.4/209.8/179

Miss Violette said:

OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers party that I help another
manager put on for the southern Illinois managers. I have lost enough weight that I have no
real dress clothes to wear and I really have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what if
you only wear it this year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at
target, one red dress at Burlington but is just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to
dressbarn for women, nice clothes, mid-range clothes that hold up pretty well, we go in, DH
sees a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to let me try it on, first nsv,
it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as the last thing I bought in this store was either
a 22 or 24... Just then saleswoman walks up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just
won't do, not at all... looks DH and says, see how the arms are hanging, and see how it is here
on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me, You need to go to the other side of
the store,, I stand there thinking but I am on the "woman's side" now where do I go, I look at
DH and say is this a bad thing, and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a
misses 14/16!!! I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14 misses for the top
and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want to buy a one wear outfit for over
eighty dollars... then...

We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans with a Christmas motif and a size
14 skirt, that while a bit too snug will be wearable for quite a while... Two more NSVs...

Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with those snowmen and sparkly
things... NSV there as well

The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party said I looked about the best
she has ever seen me, I was very pleased with the clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes,
and the compliments I got... This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major part
of the party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had all I wanted, but I will
not do that as it might appear I am bragging,

Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays

Before I had Nicholas I used to spoil the nieces and nephews rotten, now it's getting too expensive.
There are seven kids altogether now, back then there were 3! Now I get the opportunity to spoil my
own child if I want to! We do buy a gift for each other's kids though. We all get together at my
parents over the holidays to celebrate with all the kids together. This year we'll be doing it
either New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. My brothers and their families are at their in-laws, my
sister and her family are staying home and so are we. We always go to the in-laws Christmas, late
morning, but this year we've decided if they want to see us they can come to us. I don't feel like
dragging Nicholas away from his new toys Christmas morning.

"Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
berlin.de...

Quoted message said:

kids do validate the holiday season, I have nine nieces and nephews and DH has two grown nieces
and five great nephews, it is a blast Lee Brenda Hammond <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
berlin.de...

Quoted message said:

OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers party

that

Quoted message said:

I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois managers. I

have

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

lost enough weight that I have no real dress clothes to wear and I

really

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what if you only wear

it

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

this

Quoted message said:

year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red dress
at Burlington

but

Quoted message said:

is

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn for

women,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

nice clothes, mid-range clothes that hold up pretty well, we go in, DH

sees

Quoted message said:

a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to let me

try

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

it

Quoted message said:

on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as the last

thing

Quoted message said:

I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then saleswoman

walks

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just won't do, not at all... looks DH and
says, see how the arms are hanging, and see how it

is

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me, You

need

Quoted message said:

to

Quoted message said:

go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I am on

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"woman's side" now where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a bad

thing,

Quoted message said:

and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a misses

14/16!!!

Quoted message said:

I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14 misses for

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

top and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want to buy

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

one

Quoted message said:

wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...

We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans with a Christmas motif and a
size 14 skirt, that while a bit too snug will be wearable for quite a while... Two more
NSVs...

Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with those

snowmen

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and sparkly things... NSV there as well

Clothing NSV's are great aren't they? Congratulations the smaller

sizes.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I'm sure you looked wonderful!

Quoted message said:

The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party said I looked about the best
she has ever seen me, I was very pleased with

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes, and the compliments I

got...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major part of

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had all I

wanted,

Quoted message said:

but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,

And so you should. You've come a long way lady, flaunt it!!

Quoted message said:

Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays

Glad you're looking forward to the holidays Lee. That's so nice. I had

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

time in my life when I didn't look forward to Christmas, but now that we have Nicholas it's all
different. This year should be fun, he's almost three and he's getting excited about the gift he
asked Ho Ho to bring

him.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I am very happy for you and losing slower is fine as you know the cause,
Lee, just so pleased
Elaine Kirkham <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Yes, I'm completely OP & gung ho ;-D It'll take me longer to get back

there

Quoted message said:

than last time, as I'm on heavier medication which is notorious for

causing

Quoted message said:

weigh gain ;-( I might even have to reduce my points in a few weeks -

time will

Quoted message said:

tell. But it feels great to be fully under control again. Elaine K
331.4/209.8/179

Miss Violette said:

Thanks, and I see from your sig you are losing again, that is just wonderful, Lee Elaine Kirkham
<[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Wow, what wonderful NSV's, Lee! You've made my day ;-D And why

shouldn't

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

you

Quoted message said:

brag? You deserve it. Congratulations all around. Elaine K
331.4/209.8/179

Miss Violette wrote:

> OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers

party

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

that

Quoted message said:

> I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois managers. I

have

Quoted message said:

> lost enough weight that I have no real dress clothes to wear and I

really

Quoted message said:

> have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what if you only wear

it

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

this

Quoted message said:

> year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red
> dress at Burlington

but

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

is

Quoted message said:

> just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn for

women,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> nice clothes, mid-range clothes that hold up pretty well, we go in,

DH

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

sees

Quoted message said:

> a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to let me

try

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

it

Quoted message said:

> on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as the

last

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

thing

Quoted message said:

> I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then saleswoman

walks

Quoted message said:

> up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just won't do, not

at

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> all... looks DH and says, see how the arms are hanging, and see how

it

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

is

Quoted message said:

> here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me, You

need to

Quoted message said:

> go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I am

on

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the

Quoted message said:

> "woman's side" now where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a bad

thing,

Quoted message said:

> and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a misses

14/16!!!

Quoted message said:

> I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14 misses

for

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the

Quoted message said:

> top and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want to

buy a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

one

Quoted message said:

> wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...
>
> We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans with a Christmas motif and a
> size 14 skirt, that while a bit too snug will

be

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> wearable for quite a while... Two more NSVs...
>
> Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with those

snowmen

Quoted message said:

> and sparkly things... NSV there as well
>
> The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party said

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> looked about the best she has ever seen me, I was very pleased with

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes, and the compliments I

got...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major part

of

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the

Quoted message said:

> party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had all I

wanted,

Quoted message said:

> but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,
>
> Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays

both I really saved and ate a tiny breakfast and a subway five pointer for
lunch, I was really pleased in the end, Lee
Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

You'd lose the bet.

Your party sounds like loads of fun. Very cool too that you made it through the event without even
realizing what you'd missed (i.e. cinnamon roll). Glad you got through the evening without losing
your lunch (or was it dinner?).

Prairie Roots

Miss Violette said:

I think the disconnect was in fact how could be there nothing for me

small

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

enough, weird kinda expected to hear twilight music or something, and

since

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

you asked for it...

at the party, a Shakey's Pizza buffet, where they make pizza to order for the bar and have all
manner of everything good.. I had three huge plates full of food, BUT I still left the party with
I think 17 or so flex

points

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and since it was the last day of my week I could have gone crazy, but instead I had a load of
zero and one point stuff and only one fried

chicken

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

leg and one piece of vegetarian pizza, and the part I am proudest of... I was out of there and
having hot tea with friends at a bar and grill later before I realized I never even got my often
saved for and anticipated cinnamon roll, about seven points and a treat as I am allergic to

cinnamon

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

so rarely feel I can tolerate this delicacy, and usually if we eat in

there

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I want to cry when I feel I must pass it up because of my tolerance

levels

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

that day, man is that ever cool,

and on a side note, I was the host for the door prize part of the party,

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

have done and get through public speaking things but usually hurl before

and

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

after from nerves, my friend didn't tell me before she wanted to do it so

no

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

pre hurling and again, only after I was in the grill on my second cup of tea... I realized I was
shaky but not hurky, just too cool, Lee, betting

PR

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

had wished she had kept quiet

Prairie Roots <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

First, you've earned some bragging rights. Second, I insist on hearing you brag. Third, how
absolutely lovely to have a bit of difficulty finding things small enough.

Prairie Roots

On Fri, 12 Dec 2003 17:58:30 -0600, "Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote:

>OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers party

that

Quoted message said:

>I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois managers. I

have

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>lost enough weight that I have no real dress clothes to wear and I

really

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what if you only wear

it

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

this

Quoted message said:

>year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red dress
>at Burlington

but

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

is

Quoted message said:

>just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn for

women,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>nice clothes, mid-range clothes that hold up pretty well, we go in, DH

sees

Quoted message said:

>a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to let me

try

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

it

Quoted message said:

>on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as the last

thing

Quoted message said:

>I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then saleswoman

walks

Quoted message said:

>up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just won't do, not at all... looks DH and
>says, see how the arms are hanging, and see how it

is

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me, You

need

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to

Quoted message said:

>go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I am on

the

Quoted message said:

>"woman's side" now where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a bad

thing,

Quoted message said:

>and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a misses

14/16!!!

Quoted message said:

>I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14 misses for

the

Quoted message said:

>top and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want to buy

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

one

Quoted message said:

>wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...
>
>We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans with a Christmas motif and a
>size 14 skirt, that while a bit too snug will be wearable for quite a while... Two more
>NSVs...
>
>Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with those

snowmen

Quoted message said:

>and sparkly things... NSV there as well
>
>The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party said I looked about the best
>she has ever seen me, I was very pleased with

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes, and the compliments I

got...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major part of

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had all I

wanted,

Quoted message said:

>but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,
>
>Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays
>
>

Prairie Roots
232/170.8/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

Prairie Roots
232/170.8/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003

I always wondered ho my mom did all of that really stressful stuff at
Christmas, there are four of us and lots of cousins. It was a
travel/gift/eating marathon, and then I always wondered why my mom was sick
through new years and beyond, the stress and exhaustion must be major when
you have kids, Lee, grateful to be childfree...
Brenda Hammond <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Before I had Nicholas I used to spoil the nieces and nephews rotten, now it's getting too
expensive. There are seven kids altogether now, back

then

Quoted message said:

there were 3! Now I get the opportunity to spoil my own child if I want

to!

Quoted message said:

We do buy a gift for each other's kids though. We all get together at my parents over the holidays
to celebrate with all the kids together. This year we'll be doing it either New Year's Eve or New
Year's Day. My

brothers

Quoted message said:

and their families are at their in-laws, my sister and her family are staying home and so are we.
We always go to the in-laws Christmas, late morning, but this year we've decided if they want to
see us they can come

to

Quoted message said:

us. I don't feel like dragging Nicholas away from his new toys Christmas morning.

"Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
berlin.de...

Quoted message said:

kids do validate the holiday season, I have nine nieces and nephews and

DH

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

has two grown nieces and five great nephews, it is a blast Lee Brenda Hammond
<[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
berlin.de...
> OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers

party

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

that
> I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois managers. I

have

Quoted message said:

> lost enough weight that I have no real dress clothes to wear and I

really

Quoted message said:

> have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what if you only wear

it

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

this
> year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red
> dress at Burlington

but

Quoted message said:

is

Quoted message said:

> just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn for

women,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> nice clothes, mid-range clothes that hold up pretty well, we go in,

DH

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

sees
> a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to let me

try

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

it
> on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as the

last

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

thing
> I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then saleswoman

walks

Quoted message said:

> up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just won't do, not

at

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> all... looks DH and says, see how the arms are hanging, and see how

it

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

is

Quoted message said:

> here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me, You

need

Quoted message said:

to
> go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I am

on

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the

Quoted message said:

> "woman's side" now where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a bad
thing,
> and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a misses
14/16!!!
> I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14 misses

for

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the

Quoted message said:

> top and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want to

buy

Quoted message said:

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

one
> wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...
>
> We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans with a Christmas motif and a
> size 14 skirt, that while a bit too snug will

be

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> wearable for quite a while... Two more NSVs...
>
> Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with those

snowmen

Quoted message said:

> and sparkly things... NSV there as well

Clothing NSV's are great aren't they? Congratulations the smaller

sizes.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I'm sure you looked wonderful!

>
> The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party said

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> looked about the best she has ever seen me, I was very pleased with

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes, and the compliments I

got...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major part

of

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the

Quoted message said:

> party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had all I
wanted,
> but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,

And so you should. You've come a long way lady, flaunt it!!

>
> Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays

Glad you're looking forward to the holidays Lee. That's so nice. I

had

Quoted message said:

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

time in my life when I didn't look forward to Christmas, but now that

we

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

have Nicholas it's all different. This year should be fun, he's

almost

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

three and he's getting excited about the gift he asked Ho Ho to bring

him.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>
>
>

That is exactly when dh and I started hosting the holidays at our house ... wasn't fair to the kids
to have to set their gifts aside and run out for the day. It only meant tears and fights, not worth
it on the holidays. Now we seem to run into a bit of a problem, due to the age difference in our
kids. Oldest is 29 and has a son of her own, she doesn't want to drag him out. We have two left at
home, 19 and 16 ... not impossible but the youngest is not ready yet to give up *her* traditions.
Sooooo ... we will spend Christmas Eve together at oldest girls home, then do our christmas day with
her, her hubby and son over the week-end. It also will keep the grandson from being too overwhelmed.
I've learned to be flexible in my old age. <g>

Joyce

Brenda Hammond said:

Before I had Nicholas I used to spoil the nieces and nephews rotten, now it's getting too
expensive. There are seven kids altogether now, back then there were 3! Now I get the opportunity
to spoil my own child if I want to! We do buy a gift for each other's kids though. We all get
together at my parents over the holidays to celebrate with all the kids together. This year we'll
be doing it either New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. My brothers and their families are at their
in-laws, my sister and her family are staying home and so are we. We always go to the in-laws
Christmas, late morning, but this year we've decided if they want to see us they can come to us. I
don't feel like dragging Nicholas away from his new toys Christmas morning.

"Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
berlin.de...

Quoted message said:

kids do validate the holiday season, I have nine nieces and nephews and DH has two grown nieces
and five great nephews, it is a blast Lee Brenda Hammond <[email hidden]> wrote
in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
berlin.de...
> OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers party
that
> I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois managers. I

have

Quoted message said:

> lost enough weight that I have no real dress clothes to wear and I

really

Quoted message said:

> have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what if you only wear

it

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

this
> year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red dress
> at Burlington

but

Quoted message said:

is

Quoted message said:

> just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn for

women,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> nice clothes, mid-range clothes that hold up pretty well, we go in, DH
sees
> a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to let me

try

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

it
> on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as the last
thing
> I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then saleswoman

walks

Quoted message said:

> up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just won't do, not at all... looks DH and
> says, see how the arms are hanging, and see how it

is

Quoted message said:

> here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me, You

need

Quoted message said:

to
> go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I am on

the

Quoted message said:

> "woman's side" now where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a bad
thing,
> and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a misses
14/16!!!
> I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14 misses for

the

Quoted message said:

> top and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want to buy

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

one
> wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...
>
> We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans with a Christmas motif and a
> size 14 skirt, that while a bit too snug will be wearable for quite a while... Two more
> NSVs...
>
> Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with those

snowmen

Quoted message said:

> and sparkly things... NSV there as well

Clothing NSV's are great aren't they? Congratulations the smaller

sizes.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I'm sure you looked wonderful!

>
> The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party said I looked about the best
> she has ever seen me, I was very pleased with

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes, and the compliments I

got...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major part of

the

Quoted message said:

> party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had all I
wanted,
> but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,

And so you should. You've come a long way lady, flaunt it!!

>
> Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays

Glad you're looking forward to the holidays Lee. That's so nice. I had

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

time in my life when I didn't look forward to Christmas, but now that we have Nicholas it's all
different. This year should be fun, he's almost three and he's getting excited about the gift
he asked Ho Ho to bring

him.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>
>
>

When I was a kid we always spent Christmas morning at home, then walked the
short distance (about 200 feet) to our grandparents house where we spent the
afternoon opening more gifts and having dinner, which was usually early in
the day (around 3:00 pm).

"Joyce" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

That is exactly when dh and I started hosting the holidays at our house

... wasn't

Quoted message said:

fair to the kids to have to set their gifts aside and run out for the day.

It

Quoted message said:

only meant tears and fights, not worth it on the holidays. Now we seem to

run

Quoted message said:

into a bit of a problem, due to the age difference in our kids. Oldest is

29 and

Quoted message said:

has a son of her own, she doesn't want to drag him out. We have two left

at home,

Quoted message said:

19 and 16 ... not impossible but the youngest is not ready yet to give up

*her*

Quoted message said:

traditions. Sooooo ... we will spend Christmas Eve together at oldest

girls home,

Quoted message said:

then do our christmas day with her, her hubby and son over the week-end.

It also

Quoted message said:

will keep the grandson from being too overwhelmed. I've learned to be

flexible in

Quoted message said:

my old age. <g>

Joyce

Brenda Hammond said:

Before I had Nicholas I used to spoil the nieces and nephews rotten, now it's getting too
expensive. There are seven kids altogether now, back

then

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

there were 3! Now I get the opportunity to spoil my own child if I want

to!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

We do buy a gift for each other's kids though. We all get together at my parents over the
holidays to celebrate with all the kids together. This year we'll be doing it either New Year's
Eve or New Year's Day. My

brothers

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and their families are at their in-laws, my sister and her family are staying home and so are we.
We always go to the in-laws Christmas, late morning, but this year we've decided if they want to
see us they can come

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

us. I don't feel like dragging Nicholas away from his new toys Christmas morning.

"Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
berlin.de...

Quoted message said:

kids do validate the holiday season, I have nine nieces and nephews and

DH

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

has two grown nieces and five great nephews, it is a blast Lee Brenda Hammond
<[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
>
> "Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
> berlin.de...
> > OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers

party

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> that
> > I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois managers.

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

have
> > lost enough weight that I have no real dress clothes to wear and I
really
> > have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what if you only

wear

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

it

Quoted message said:

> this
> > year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red
> > dress at Burlington

but

Quoted message said:

is
> > just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn for

women,

Quoted message said:

> > nice clothes, mid-range clothes that hold up pretty well, we go in,

DH

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> sees
> > a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to let

me

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

try

Quoted message said:

> it
> > on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as the

last

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> thing
> > I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then

saleswoman

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

walks
> > up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just won't do, not

at

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > all... looks DH and says, see how the arms are hanging, and see how

it

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

is
> > here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me,

You

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

need
> to
> > go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I am

on

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the
> > "woman's side" now where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a

bad

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> thing,
> > and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a misses
> 14/16!!!
> > I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14 misses

for

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the
> > top and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want to

buy

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a

Quoted message said:

> one
> > wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...
> >
> > We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans with

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > Christmas motif and a size 14 skirt, that while a bit too snug will

be

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > wearable for quite a while... Two more NSVs...
> >
> > Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with those
snowmen
> > and sparkly things... NSV there as well
>
> Clothing NSV's are great aren't they? Congratulations the smaller

sizes.

Quoted message said:

> I'm sure you looked wonderful!
>
> >
> > The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party

said I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > looked about the best she has ever seen me, I was very pleased with

the

Quoted message said:

> > clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes, and the compliments I

got...

Quoted message said:

> > This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major part

of

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the
> > party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had all I
> wanted,
> > but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,
>
> And so you should. You've come a long way lady, flaunt it!!
>
> >
> > Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays
>
> Glad you're looking forward to the holidays Lee. That's so nice. I

had

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a

Quoted message said:

> time in my life when I didn't look forward to Christmas, but now that

we

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> have Nicholas it's all different. This year should be fun, he's

almost

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> three and he's getting excited about the gift he asked Ho Ho to bring

him.

Quoted message said:

>
> >
> >
> >
>
>

Congratulations Lee!!! These are wonderful NSV's!!!

--
Janice
263/252/150 (maybe 130)

"Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
berlin.de...

Quoted message said:

OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers party

that

Quoted message said:

I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois managers. I have lost enough weight that I
have no real dress clothes to wear and I really have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what
if you only wear it

this

Quoted message said:

year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red dress at
Burlington but is just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn for women, nice
clothes, mid-range clothes that hold up pretty well, we go in, DH

sees

Quoted message said:

a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to let me try

it

Quoted message said:

on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as the last

thing

Quoted message said:

I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then saleswoman walks up and after the
initial pleasantries, says that just won't do, not at all... looks DH and says, see how the arms
are hanging, and see how it is here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me,
You need

to

Quoted message said:

go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I am on the "woman's side" now
where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a bad

thing,

Quoted message said:

and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a misses

264/16!!!

Quoted message said:

I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14 misses for the top and 16 miss for the
skirt but it was because I did not want to buy a

one

Quoted message said:

wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...

We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans with a Christmas motif and a size 14
skirt, that while a bit too snug will be wearable for quite a while... Two more NSVs...

Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with those snowmen and sparkly things...
NSV there as well

The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party said I looked about the best she
has ever seen me, I was very pleased with the clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes, and the
compliments I got... This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major part of the
party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had all I

wanted,

Quoted message said:

but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,

Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays

it was a wonderful experience all around, thanks, Lee
Janice Kennish <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:qktHb.59129$VB2.112023@attbi_s51...

Quoted message said:

Congratulations Lee!!! These are wonderful NSV's!!!

--
Janice
263/252/150 (maybe 130)

"Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
berlin.de...

Quoted message said:

OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers party

that

Quoted message said:

I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois managers. I

have

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

lost enough weight that I have no real dress clothes to wear and I

really

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what if you only wear it

this

Quoted message said:

year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red dress at
Burlington but

is

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn for women, nice clothes, mid-range
clothes that hold up pretty well, we go in, DH

sees

Quoted message said:

a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to let me try

it

Quoted message said:

on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as the last

thing

Quoted message said:

I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then saleswoman

walks

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just won't do, not at all... looks DH and says,
see how the arms are hanging, and see how it

is

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me, You

need

Quoted message said:

to

Quoted message said:

go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I am on

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"woman's side" now where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a bad

thing,

Quoted message said:

and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a misses

14/16!!!

Quoted message said:

I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14 misses for

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

top and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want to buy a

one

Quoted message said:

wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...

We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans with a Christmas motif and a size
14 skirt, that while a bit too snug will be wearable for quite a while... Two more NSVs...

Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with those

snowmen

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and sparkly things... NSV there as well

The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party said I looked about the best she
has ever seen me, I was very pleased with the clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes, and
the compliments I got... This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major part of

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had all I

wanted,

Quoted message said:

but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,

Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays

When I was growing up, I remember being dragged all over town to visit relatives. I don't remember
it bothering me too much, but was also something we just didn't have a choice in. I do know it
bothered my mom. Packing up 4 kids and removing them from their new gifts, was not a fun chore. <g>

When dh and I added our children to the family mix, we switched things around. It was really easier
for grandparents to come to our home (one home) than for us to travel entirely different directions
to two homes, plus adding a third home into the mix because of his earlier divorce. Now, oldest
daughter has to also add another home to the mix due to her hubby's parents divorce ... so they
would actually have to try to make it to 4 sets of grandparents as well as having their own family
christmas. And none of this takes extended family (aunts, uncles) into account. Trying to schedule
everything around mixed-up messed-up families can be very difficult! So I've just learned to be
flexible and more easy going about things. Heck, birthdays themselves are a nightmare around here.
This last year we ended up finally celebrating all summer birthdays and holidays (fathers day) in
October. LOL! We are a tough bunch to try and get schedules working together.

Joyce

Brenda Hammond said:

When I was a kid we always spent Christmas morning at home, then walked the short distance (about
200 feet) to our grandparents house where we spent the afternoon opening more gifts and having
dinner, which was usually early in the day (around 3:00 pm).

"Joyce" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

That is exactly when dh and I started hosting the holidays at our house

... wasn't

Quoted message said:

fair to the kids to have to set their gifts aside and run out for the day.

It

Quoted message said:

only meant tears and fights, not worth it on the holidays. Now we seem to

run

Quoted message said:

into a bit of a problem, due to the age difference in our kids. Oldest is

29 and

Quoted message said:

has a son of her own, she doesn't want to drag him out. We have two left

at home,

Quoted message said:

19 and 16 ... not impossible but the youngest is not ready yet to give up

*her*

Quoted message said:

traditions. Sooooo ... we will spend Christmas Eve together at oldest

girls home,

Quoted message said:

then do our christmas day with her, her hubby and son over the week-end.

It also

Quoted message said:

will keep the grandson from being too overwhelmed. I've learned to be

flexible in

Quoted message said:

my old age. <g>

Joyce

Brenda Hammond said:

Before I had Nicholas I used to spoil the nieces and nephews rotten, now it's getting too
expensive. There are seven kids altogether now, back

then

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

there were 3! Now I get the opportunity to spoil my own child if I want

to!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

We do buy a gift for each other's kids though. We all get together at my parents over the
holidays to celebrate with all the kids together. This year we'll be doing it either New Year's
Eve or New Year's Day. My

brothers

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and their families are at their in-laws, my sister and her family are staying home and so are
we. We always go to the in-laws Christmas, late morning, but this year we've decided if they
want to see us they can come

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

us. I don't feel like dragging Nicholas away from his new toys Christmas morning.

"Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
berlin.de...
>
> kids do validate the holiday season, I have nine nieces and nephews and

DH

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> has two grown nieces and five great nephews, it is a blast Lee Brenda Hammond
> <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
> >
> > "Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
> > berlin.de...
> > > OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers

party

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > that
> > > I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois managers.

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> have
> > > lost enough weight that I have no real dress clothes to wear and I
> really
> > > have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what if you only

wear

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

it
> > this
> > > year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red
> > > dress at Burlington
but
> is
> > > just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn for
women,
> > > nice clothes, mid-range clothes that hold up pretty well, we go in,

DH

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > sees
> > > a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to let

me

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

try
> > it
> > > on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as the

last

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > thing
> > > I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then

saleswoman

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> walks
> > > up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just won't do, not

at

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > all... looks DH and says, see how the arms are hanging, and see how

it

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> is
> > > here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me,

You

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> need
> > to
> > > go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I am

on

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> the
> > > "woman's side" now where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a

bad

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > thing,
> > > and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a misses
> > 14/16!!!
> > > I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14 misses

for

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> the
> > > top and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want to

buy

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a
> > one
> > > wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...
> > >
> > > We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans with

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > Christmas motif and a size 14 skirt, that while a bit too snug will

be

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > wearable for quite a while... Two more NSVs...
> > >
> > > Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with those
> snowmen
> > > and sparkly things... NSV there as well
> >
> > Clothing NSV's are great aren't they? Congratulations the smaller
sizes.
> > I'm sure you looked wonderful!
> >
> > >
> > > The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party

said I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > > looked about the best she has ever seen me, I was very pleased with
the
> > > clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes, and the compliments I
got...
> > > This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major part

of

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> the
> > > party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had all I
> > wanted,
> > > but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,
> >
> > And so you should. You've come a long way lady, flaunt it!!
> >
> > >
> > > Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays
> >
> > Glad you're looking forward to the holidays Lee. That's so nice. I

had

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a
> > time in my life when I didn't look forward to Christmas, but now that

we

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > have Nicholas it's all different. This year should be fun, he's

almost

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > three and he's getting excited about the gift he asked Ho Ho to bring
him.
> >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

"Joyce" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

When I was growing up, I remember being dragged all over town to visit

relatives.

Quoted message said:

I don't remember it bothering me too much, but was also something we just

didn't

Quoted message said:

have a choice in. I do know it bothered my mom. Packing up 4 kids and

removing

Quoted message said:

them from their new gifts, was not a fun chore. <g>

When dh and I added our children to the family mix, we switched things

around. It

Quoted message said:

was really easier for grandparents to come to our home (one home) than for

us to

Quoted message said:

travel entirely different directions to two homes, plus adding a third

home into

Quoted message said:

the mix because of his earlier divorce. Now, oldest daughter has to also

add

Quoted message said:

another home to the mix due to her hubby's parents divorce ... so they

would

Quoted message said:

actually have to try to make it to 4 sets of grandparents as well as

having their

Quoted message said:

own family christmas. And none of this takes extended family (aunts,

uncles) into

Quoted message said:

account. Trying to schedule everything around mixed-up messed-up families

can be

Quoted message said:

very difficult! So I've just learned to be flexible and more easy going

about

Quoted message said:

things. Heck, birthdays themselves are a nightmare around here. This

last year

Quoted message said:

we ended up finally celebrating all summer birthdays and holidays (fathers

day) in

Quoted message said:

October. LOL! We are a tough bunch to try and get schedules working

together.

Wow Joyce, I couldn't imagine dragging kids to all these places either. DH and I only have the one,
but with all he's been through this year, he didn't feel like going anywhere, so we just hung around
home and had fun with Nicholas and all his new toys. His family called at 9:30 to see when we were
coming over and DH informed them that we were staying home and asked them to come over, they said no
one there wanted to come to our place. As it turned out 4 hours later, his mother, gran, brothers
and sister showed up at our house. His father didn't come. They stayed for about 2 hours, then went
and left us to ourselves again. We had a great day!

Quoted message said:

Joyce

Brenda Hammond said:

When I was a kid we always spent Christmas morning at home, then walked

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

short distance (about 200 feet) to our grandparents house where we spent

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

afternoon opening more gifts and having dinner, which was usually early

in

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the day (around 3:00 pm).

"Joyce" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

That is exactly when dh and I started hosting the holidays at our house

... wasn't

Quoted message said:

fair to the kids to have to set their gifts aside and run out for the

day.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

It

Quoted message said:

only meant tears and fights, not worth it on the holidays. Now we seem

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

run

Quoted message said:

into a bit of a problem, due to the age difference in our kids. Oldest

is

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

29 and

Quoted message said:

has a son of her own, she doesn't want to drag him out. We have two

left

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

at home,

Quoted message said:

19 and 16 ... not impossible but the youngest is not ready yet to give

up

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

*her*

Quoted message said:

traditions. Sooooo ... we will spend Christmas Eve together at oldest

girls home,

Quoted message said:

then do our christmas day with her, her hubby and son over the

week-end.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

It also

Quoted message said:

will keep the grandson from being too overwhelmed. I've learned to be

flexible in

Quoted message said:

my old age. <g>

Joyce

On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 07:10:01 -0800, "Brenda Hammond" <[email hidden]> wrote:

>Before I had Nicholas I used to spoil the nieces and nephews rotten,

now

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>it's getting too expensive. There are seven kids altogether now, back

then

Quoted message said:

>there were 3! Now I get the opportunity to spoil my own child if I

want

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to!

Quoted message said:

>We do buy a gift for each other's kids though. We all get together at

my

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>parents over the holidays to celebrate with all the kids together.

This

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>year we'll be doing it either New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. My

brothers

Quoted message said:

>and their families are at their in-laws, my sister and her family are staying home and so are
>we. We always go to the in-laws Christmas,

late

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>morning, but this year we've decided if they want to see us they can

come

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to

Quoted message said:

>us. I don't feel like dragging Nicholas away from his new toys

Christmas

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>morning.
>
>"Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
>berlin.de...
>>
>> kids do validate the holiday season, I have nine nieces and nephews

and

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

DH

Quoted message said:

>> has two grown nieces and five great nephews, it is a blast Lee Brenda Hammond
>> <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
>> >
>> > "Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
>> > berlin.de...
>> > > OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers

party

Quoted message said:

>> > that
>> > > I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois

managers.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I

Quoted message said:

>> have
>> > > lost enough weight that I have no real dress clothes to wear and

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> really
>> > > have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what if you only

wear

Quoted message said:

>it
>> > this
>> > > year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red
>> > > dress at

Burlington

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>but
>> is
>> > > just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn

for

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>women,
>> > > nice clothes, mid-range clothes that hold up pretty well, we go

in,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

DH

Quoted message said:

>> > sees
>> > > a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to

let

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

me

Quoted message said:

>try
>> > it
>> > > on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

last

Quoted message said:

>> > thing
>> > > I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then

saleswoman

Quoted message said:

>> walks
>> > > up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just won't do,

not

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

at

Quoted message said:

>> > > all... looks DH and says, see how the arms are hanging, and see

how

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

it

Quoted message said:

>> is
>> > > here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me,

You

Quoted message said:

>> need
>> > to
>> > > go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I

am

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

on

Quoted message said:

>> the
>> > > "woman's side" now where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a

bad

Quoted message said:

>> > thing,
>> > > and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a

misses

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> > 14/16!!!
>> > > I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14

misses

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

for

Quoted message said:

>> the
>> > > top and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

buy

Quoted message said:

>a
>> > one
>> > > wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...
>> > >
>> > > We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans

with

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a

Quoted message said:

>> > > Christmas motif and a size 14 skirt, that while a bit too snug

will

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

be

Quoted message said:

>> > > wearable for quite a while... Two more NSVs...
>> > >
>> > > Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with

those

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> snowmen
>> > > and sparkly things... NSV there as well
>> >
>> > Clothing NSV's are great aren't they? Congratulations the smaller
>sizes.
>> > I'm sure you looked wonderful!
>> >
>> > >
>> > > The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party

said I

Quoted message said:

>> > > looked about the best she has ever seen me, I was very pleased

with

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>the
>> > > clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes, and the compliments

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>got...
>> > > This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major

part

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

of

Quoted message said:

>> the
>> > > party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had

all I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> > wanted,
>> > > but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,
>> >
>> > And so you should. You've come a long way lady, flaunt it!!
>> >
>> > >
>> > > Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays
>> >
>> > Glad you're looking forward to the holidays Lee. That's so nice.

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

had

Quoted message said:

> a
>> > time in my life when I didn't look forward to Christmas, but now

that

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

we

Quoted message said:

>> > have Nicholas it's all different. This year should be fun, he's

almost

Quoted message said:

>> > three and he's getting excited about the gift he asked Ho Ho to

bring

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>him.
>> >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>

it looked like a lot of stress and I still have my original parents, this
year we opened gifts at my sister's and moms, they live a quarter mile
apart, Lee
Joyce <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

When I was growing up, I remember being dragged all over town to visit

relatives.

Quoted message said:

I don't remember it bothering me too much, but was also something we just

didn't

Quoted message said:

have a choice in. I do know it bothered my mom. Packing up 4 kids and

removing

Quoted message said:

them from their new gifts, was not a fun chore. <g>

When dh and I added our children to the family mix, we switched things

around. It

Quoted message said:

was really easier for grandparents to come to our home (one home) than for

us to

Quoted message said:

travel entirely different directions to two homes, plus adding a third

home into

Quoted message said:

the mix because of his earlier divorce. Now, oldest daughter has to also

add

Quoted message said:

another home to the mix due to her hubby's parents divorce ... so they

would

Quoted message said:

actually have to try to make it to 4 sets of grandparents as well as

having their

Quoted message said:

own family christmas. And none of this takes extended family (aunts,

uncles) into

Quoted message said:

account. Trying to schedule everything around mixed-up messed-up families

can be

Quoted message said:

very difficult! So I've just learned to be flexible and more easy going

about

Quoted message said:

things. Heck, birthdays themselves are a nightmare around here. This

last year

Quoted message said:

we ended up finally celebrating all summer birthdays and holidays (fathers

day) in

Quoted message said:

October. LOL! We are a tough bunch to try and get schedules working

together.

Quoted message said:

Joyce

Brenda Hammond said:

When I was a kid we always spent Christmas morning at home, then walked

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

short distance (about 200 feet) to our grandparents house where we spent

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

afternoon opening more gifts and having dinner, which was usually early

in

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the day (around 3:00 pm).

"Joyce" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

That is exactly when dh and I started hosting the holidays at our house

... wasn't

Quoted message said:

fair to the kids to have to set their gifts aside and run out for the

day.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

It

Quoted message said:

only meant tears and fights, not worth it on the holidays. Now we seem

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

run

Quoted message said:

into a bit of a problem, due to the age difference in our kids. Oldest

is

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

29 and

Quoted message said:

has a son of her own, she doesn't want to drag him out. We have two

left

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

at home,

Quoted message said:

19 and 16 ... not impossible but the youngest is not ready yet to give

up

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

*her*

Quoted message said:

traditions. Sooooo ... we will spend Christmas Eve together at oldest

girls home,

Quoted message said:

then do our christmas day with her, her hubby and son over the

week-end.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

It also

Quoted message said:

will keep the grandson from being too overwhelmed. I've learned to be

flexible in

Quoted message said:

my old age. <g>

Joyce

On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 07:10:01 -0800, "Brenda Hammond" <[email hidden]> wrote:

>Before I had Nicholas I used to spoil the nieces and nephews rotten,

now

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>it's getting too expensive. There are seven kids altogether now, back

then

Quoted message said:

>there were 3! Now I get the opportunity to spoil my own child if I

want

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to!

Quoted message said:

>We do buy a gift for each other's kids though. We all get together at

my

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>parents over the holidays to celebrate with all the kids together.

This

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>year we'll be doing it either New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. My

brothers

Quoted message said:

>and their families are at their in-laws, my sister and her family are staying home and so are
>we. We always go to the in-laws Christmas,

late

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>morning, but this year we've decided if they want to see us they can

come

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to

Quoted message said:

>us. I don't feel like dragging Nicholas away from his new toys

Christmas

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>morning.
>
>"Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
>berlin.de...
>>
>> kids do validate the holiday season, I have nine nieces and nephews

and

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

DH

Quoted message said:

>> has two grown nieces and five great nephews, it is a blast Lee Brenda Hammond
>> <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
>> >
>> > "Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
>> > berlin.de...
>> > > OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers

party

Quoted message said:

>> > that
>> > > I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois

managers.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I

Quoted message said:

>> have
>> > > lost enough weight that I have no real dress clothes to wear and

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> really
>> > > have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what if you only

wear

Quoted message said:

>it
>> > this
>> > > year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red
>> > > dress at

Burlington

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>but
>> is
>> > > just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn

for

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>women,
>> > > nice clothes, mid-range clothes that hold up pretty well, we go

in,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

DH

Quoted message said:

>> > sees
>> > > a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to

let

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

me

Quoted message said:

>try
>> > it
>> > > on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

last

Quoted message said:

>> > thing
>> > > I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then

saleswoman

Quoted message said:

>> walks
>> > > up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just won't do,

not

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

at

Quoted message said:

>> > > all... looks DH and says, see how the arms are hanging, and see

how

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

it

Quoted message said:

>> is
>> > > here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me,

You

Quoted message said:

>> need
>> > to
>> > > go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I

am

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

on

Quoted message said:

>> the
>> > > "woman's side" now where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a

bad

Quoted message said:

>> > thing,
>> > > and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a

misses

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> > 14/16!!!
>> > > I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14

misses

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

for

Quoted message said:

>> the
>> > > top and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

buy

Quoted message said:

>a
>> > one
>> > > wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...
>> > >
>> > > We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans

with

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a

Quoted message said:

>> > > Christmas motif and a size 14 skirt, that while a bit too snug

will

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

be

Quoted message said:

>> > > wearable for quite a while... Two more NSVs...
>> > >
>> > > Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with

those

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> snowmen
>> > > and sparkly things... NSV there as well
>> >
>> > Clothing NSV's are great aren't they? Congratulations the smaller
>sizes.
>> > I'm sure you looked wonderful!
>> >
>> > >
>> > > The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party

said I

Quoted message said:

>> > > looked about the best she has ever seen me, I was very pleased

with

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>the
>> > > clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes, and the compliments

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>got...
>> > > This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major

part

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

of

Quoted message said:

>> the
>> > > party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had

all I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> > wanted,
>> > > but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,
>> >
>> > And so you should. You've come a long way lady, flaunt it!!
>> >
>> > >
>> > > Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays
>> >
>> > Glad you're looking forward to the holidays Lee. That's so nice.

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

had

Quoted message said:

> a
>> > time in my life when I didn't look forward to Christmas, but now

that

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

we

Quoted message said:

>> > have Nicholas it's all different. This year should be fun, he's

almost

Quoted message said:

>> > three and he's getting excited about the gift he asked Ho Ho to

bring

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>him.
>> >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>

Brenda Hammond said:

"Joyce" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

When I was growing up, I remember being dragged all over town to visit

relatives.

Quoted message said:

I don't remember it bothering me too much, but was also something we just

didn't

Quoted message said:

have a choice in. I do know it bothered my mom. Packing up 4 kids and

removing

Quoted message said:

them from their new gifts, was not a fun chore. <g>

When dh and I added our children to the family mix, we switched things

around. It

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was really easier for grandparents to come to our home (one home) than for

us to

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travel entirely different directions to two homes, plus adding a third

home into

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the mix because of his earlier divorce. Now, oldest daughter has to also

add

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another home to the mix due to her hubby's parents divorce ... so they

would

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actually have to try to make it to 4 sets of grandparents as well as

having their

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own family christmas. And none of this takes extended family (aunts,

uncles) into

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account. Trying to schedule everything around mixed-up messed-up families

can be

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very difficult! So I've just learned to be flexible and more easy going

about

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things. Heck, birthdays themselves are a nightmare around here. This

last year

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we ended up finally celebrating all summer birthdays and holidays (fathers

day) in

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October. LOL! We are a tough bunch to try and get schedules working

together.

Wow Joyce, I couldn't imagine dragging kids to all these places either. DH and I only have the one,
but with all he's been through this year, he didn't feel like going anywhere, so we just hung
around home and had fun with Nicholas and all his new toys. His family called at 9:30 to see when
we were coming over and DH informed them that we were staying home and asked them to come over,
they said no one there wanted to come to our place. As it turned out 4 hours later, his mother,
gran, brothers and sister showed up at our house. His father didn't come. They stayed for about 2
hours, then went and left us to ourselves again. We had a great day!

That's really why I did become flexible. First, we really had no choice when the oldest was little -
holidays were always a battle due to the divorce. When ex-wife finally remarried, her hub and I
insisted mom and dad sit down and learn to get along in the same room ... was really the only way
their daughter would survive. The *kids* are becoming smarter now, throw one party and invite all
family members - divorced or not. Whoever comes comes, whoever doesn't doesn't ... is their loss not
hers. I had the same attitude when I hosted the holidays. Not gonna sweat over trying to appease
each individual person. If they want to join into the family gathering, great. If not - I refuse to
lose any sleep over it. Sounds to me like your holiday was much the same. It isn't any further for
your family members to drive to your home, than it is for you to drive to theirs. If they want to
see you and their grandson/nephew/whatever - then sometimes they have to make the effort too. Glad
most were able to come and visit for a bit.

That said ... grandson and parents arrived this afternoon, shared presents, had dinner, sat and
yakked for a few hours (after watching our opthamologist on television). A wonderful time was had
by all. <g>

Joyce

We no longer allow it to stress us out, and by being flexible it allows my daughter to be relatively
stress free also. Family gatherings are supposed to be fun, not a chore ... so when they happen,
they happen. Today was fun, was like having Christmas all over again!

Joyce

Miss Violette said:

it looked like a lot of stress and I still have my original parents, this year we opened gifts at
my sister's and moms, they live a quarter mile apart, Lee Joyce <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

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When I was growing up, I remember being dragged all over town to visit

relatives.

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I don't remember it bothering me too much, but was also something we just

didn't

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have a choice in. I do know it bothered my mom. Packing up 4 kids and

removing

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them from their new gifts, was not a fun chore. <g>

When dh and I added our children to the family mix, we switched things

around. It

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was really easier for grandparents to come to our home (one home) than for

us to

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travel entirely different directions to two homes, plus adding a third

home into

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the mix because of his earlier divorce. Now, oldest daughter has to also

add

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another home to the mix due to her hubby's parents divorce ... so they

would

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actually have to try to make it to 4 sets of grandparents as well as

having their

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own family christmas. And none of this takes extended family (aunts,

uncles) into

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account. Trying to schedule everything around mixed-up messed-up families

can be

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very difficult! So I've just learned to be flexible and more easy going

about

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things. Heck, birthdays themselves are a nightmare around here. This

last year

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we ended up finally celebrating all summer birthdays and holidays (fathers

day) in

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October. LOL! We are a tough bunch to try and get schedules working

together.

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Joyce

Brenda Hammond said:

When I was a kid we always spent Christmas morning at home, then walked

the

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short distance (about 200 feet) to our grandparents house where we spent

the

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afternoon opening more gifts and having dinner, which was usually early

in

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the day (around 3:00 pm).

"Joyce" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
> That is exactly when dh and I started hosting the holidays at our house
... wasn't
> fair to the kids to have to set their gifts aside and run out for the

day.

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It
> only meant tears and fights, not worth it on the holidays. Now we seem

to

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run
> into a bit of a problem, due to the age difference in our kids. Oldest

is

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29 and
> has a son of her own, she doesn't want to drag him out. We have two

left

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at home,
> 19 and 16 ... not impossible but the youngest is not ready yet to give

up

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*her*
> traditions. Sooooo ... we will spend Christmas Eve together at oldest
girls home,
> then do our christmas day with her, her hubby and son over the

week-end.

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It also
> will keep the grandson from being too overwhelmed. I've learned to be
flexible in
> my old age. <g>
>
> Joyce
>
> On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 07:10:01 -0800, "Brenda Hammond" <[email hidden]> wrote:
>
> >Before I had Nicholas I used to spoil the nieces and nephews rotten,

now

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> >it's getting too expensive. There are seven kids altogether now, back
then
> >there were 3! Now I get the opportunity to spoil my own child if I

want

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to!
> >We do buy a gift for each other's kids though. We all get together at

my

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> >parents over the holidays to celebrate with all the kids together.

This

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> >year we'll be doing it either New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. My
brothers
> >and their families are at their in-laws, my sister and her family are staying home and so are
> >we. We always go to the in-laws Christmas,

late

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> >morning, but this year we've decided if they want to see us they can

come

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to
> >us. I don't feel like dragging Nicholas away from his new toys

Christmas

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> >morning.
> >
> >"Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
> >berlin.de...
> >>
> >> kids do validate the holiday season, I have nine nieces and nephews

and

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DH
> >> has two grown nieces and five great nephews, it is a blast Lee Brenda Hammond
> >> <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
> >> >
> >> > "Miss Violette" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
> >> > berlin.de...
> >> > > OK, so its time to get Christmas clothes for our annual managers
party
> >> > that
> >> > > I help another manager put on for the southern Illinois

managers.

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I
> >> have
> >> > > lost enough weight that I have no real dress clothes to wear and

I

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> >> really
> >> > > have nothing in a Christmas motif. DH says so what if you only
wear
> >it
> >> > this
> >> > > year, you should get something... so... Nothing close to what I want at target, one red
> >> > > dress at

Burlington

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> >but
> >> is
> >> > > just a red dress nothing special, OK then onward to dressbarn

for

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> >women,
> >> > > nice clothes, mid-range clothes that hold up pretty well, we go

in,

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DH
> >> > sees
> >> > > a red outfit he thinks will do and pulls jacket off hanger to

let

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me
> >try
> >> > it
> >> > > on, first nsv, it is a 14/16 I am feeling great about that as

the

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last
> >> > thing
> >> > > I bought in this store was either a 22 or 24... Just then
saleswoman
> >> walks
> >> > > up and after the initial pleasantries, says that just won't do,

not

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at
> >> > > all... looks DH and says, see how the arms are hanging, and see

how

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it
> >> is
> >> > > here on her back, DH says I see your point, Then she says to me,
You
> >> need
> >> > to
> >> > > go to the other side of the store,, I stand there thinking but I

am

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on
> >> the
> >> > > "woman's side" now where do I go, I look at DH and say is this a
bad
> >> > thing,
> >> > > and bless his heart he says, only if you don't want to buy a

misses

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> >> > 14/16!!!
> >> > > I didn't buy the very nice outfit we looked at in a size 14

misses

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for
> >> the
> >> > > top and 16 miss for the skirt but it was because I did not want

to

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buy
> >a
> >> > one
> >> > > wear outfit for over eighty dollars... then...
> >> > >
> >> > > We end up buying me a size medium button up shirt at Gordmans

with

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a
> >> > > Christmas motif and a size 14 skirt, that while a bit too snug

will

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be
> >> > > wearable for quite a while... Two more NSVs...
> >> > >
> >> > > Then to Wally world to finish off with a size 8/10 vest with

those

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> >> snowmen
> >> > > and sparkly things... NSV there as well
> >> >
> >> > Clothing NSV's are great aren't they? Congratulations the smaller
> >sizes.
> >> > I'm sure you looked wonderful!
> >> >
> >> > >
> >> > > The party was great and my friend I helped to arrange the party
said I
> >> > > looked about the best she has ever seen me, I was very pleased

with

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> >the
> >> > > clothes, DH's taste and support, the sizes, and the compliments

I

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> >got...
> >> > > This is already too long or I would tell you I hosted a major

part

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of
> >> the
> >> > > party and ate the buffet and was well under my points and had

all I

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> >> > wanted,
> >> > > but I will not do that as it might appear I am bragging,
> >> >
> >> > And so you should. You've come a long way lady, flaunt it!!
> >> >
> >> > >
> >> > > Lee actually starting to look forward to the holidays
> >> >
> >> > Glad you're looking forward to the holidays Lee. That's so nice.

I

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had
> > a
> >> > time in my life when I didn't look forward to Christmas, but now

that

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we
> >> > have Nicholas it's all different. This year should be fun, he's
almost
> >> > three and he's getting excited about the gift he asked Ho Ho to

bring

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> >him.
> >> >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >
>