Lincoln's Blessing/Matt's graduation

What a fun filled weekend we had!!! (I will post pictures as soon as Michele can tell me how to do it) Nate's family arrived (well actually his mother arrived earlier to help Michele) and we spent a very busy weekend with them, eating, talking, laughing and especially holding the newest member of the Devlin/Bond family. Lincoln was blessed on Sunday amid a circle filled with love. We had Friday night dinner at Portollo's, Saturday night at Lou Malnati's and Sunday night at our home. It was an eating weekend, but so much fun. Nate's sister even stayed with Michele and Nate and took the baby for one whole night, allowing Michele to sleep for the whole night for the first time since Lincoln has been born. Brenna is a real treasure for doing that. Lincoln seemed very unimpressed that whole weekend event was the result of his birth. He was held most of the time by his aunts, grandma's, grandpa's and new uncles. He is such a lucky little boy. I will let Michele update you on Lincoln's new activities, but he is a precious little doll.
This weekend also saw Matthew graduate from the fire academy. He worked very hard to get the job with Idaho Falls, but that was nothing compared to the work he had to do once he actually was in the academy. He worked his first shift on Sunday and was greeted by a bucket of water thrown from a second story window! Fireman can be such little boys at times!! Cortney reported that during the formal ceremony to pin Matt, Kyle stood on a chair a yelled, "That's my dad!" We, like Kyle are very proud of his accomplishment. Cortney also reported that Kyle was in the primary program this past Sunday. He was to say," Jesus loves the little children." He got out the Jesus part, but then decided to just blow into the microphone for the rest of his sentence. If only we had been there to see it, I know I would convinced everyone that his talk was a conference level talk!!!
All is well here. Rich and I continue to plug along. I am seeing a new doctor and for once am getting some relief with my back pain. I do not know who is happier - Rich or I - that I am not complaining about my aching back. I will post some pictures of Halloween. As a teacher, this is a third grade students highlight in their lives. As for teachers, its another story.!!

I've Been Tagged!

1. Where did I meet my husband?
I met Rich through Aunt Marcia's boyfriend when Rich hired him to work in his architechtural firm. Marcia and her boyfriend brought me to a Christmas party that Rich was at. According to him, I sat next to him all night long and talked nonstop...

2. What was the first thing you said to your husband?
Do you have a girlfriend??

3. Where was your first date?
I waited for one month after the party. When Rich didn't call, I called him
and invited him over for a lasagna dinner at my parent's home. I didn't know how to make lasagna but I knew someone who could do it for me...

4. Where was your first kiss?
That night after dinner, we were in the kitchen and I just stood there waiting. Finally, he got the hint that I wanted him to kiss me and he did.

5. Did you have a long or short courtship/engagement?
We were engaged on November 11, 1975 and we were married on May 15, 1976 so I guess you could say it was short. However, Rich was older and I could see no reason to wait. Besides, the club was available that day so we went for it.

6. Where did you get engaged?
In my parent's living room. At 11 minutes after 11 on November 11th. Rich has a thing about the number 11.

7. Where did you get married?
We were initially married in Franklin, Michigan at the Franklin Community Church. We were sealed six years later in the Los Angeles Temple with our three children.

8. How did the reception go?
It was wonderful. Everything I always wanted, a big country club reception with all the trimmings.

9. How was the Honeymoon?
Interesting... we took a train to Toronto, Canada. It sounded romantic but train travel is not as romantic as one would think. We did a lot of sight seeing and shopping and I brought two outfits for each day. I did a lot of changing of clothes and Rich did a lot of carrying bags. To this day, whenever we go anyplace he reminds me of all the luggage I took on our honeymoon!

OK, I tag...
my daughter-in-law Cortney

Now scroll down for my updated pictures...

New Pictures

This is a picture at Whitney's wedding this summer. It has been a very long time since all of my brothers and sisters and my mom have been together. I believe it warranted a picture. As you can see, I continue to be the most beautiful, intelligent, and gifted member of my family.

This is a picture of mine and Rich's little vacation this summer. We went away for a romantic weekend to Galena, Illinois. It was beautiful and so much fun to get away. We like to go away prior to my starting another school year.

This is me in my new "fancy", stylish, hip outfit. Michele helped me pick it out at Target (Nordstrom :) I think I look at least 20 years younger.

The End Is Here

Well it had to happen, although I always wish it wouldn't!! After a wonderful fun filled summer, school starts this Friday. I really am excited in a wierd sort a way. The class is all ready - new locker tags in place, all the pencils are sharpened and the bullentin boards are done. Michele has been a big help in getting it all ready - what will I ever do without her. David moved this weekend to Arlington Heights which is about 7 minutes from our house. We get to see him on a much more frequent basis which I love. Also with his job, he might be gone for an extended period of time which means I will have to go over and take care of his "woggie" Bear. I love that dog, but love him so much more when all the fur stays at David's place. This Thursday is Michele's 25th Birthday. I love that my sister Susan has started the tradition of posting things we like about the person who is celebrating a birthday. I have been making a mental list of things to put on Michele's B.Day list. Here they go in no particular order:
THINGS OF LOVE ABOUT MY DAUGHTER MICHELE:
1. She is always kind to everyone and as far as I know never been mean to anyone (even her brothers who often made her life a living Hell!!)
2. The way she gets all teary eyed when she goes into Sam's Club and sees the old people giving out samples. She thinks they should not have to work - we tell her they probably enjoy it.
3. That she brought Nathan into our lives - he truly loves her and respects her and that makes us so happy.
4. What an amazing teacher she is. I sometimes listen to her listens in Young Womans and I wonder who this child is and how did she get to know so much.
5. How she loves to read. She always has and if she has a book, you will find her with her nose in it.
6. How organized she is. I though I could always make Martha Stewart look like a slacker, but Michele can organize circles around me.
7. How she loves watching stupid kid movies and television. I know she would not want everyone to know but she loves Nick at Nite and watches it when she thinks no one else is watching her.
8. What a righteous young woman she it. She makes going to the temple a priority in her life and always strives to do the right thing. She will have a Christ centered home.
9. HOw she loves sports - especially football. She knows more about the players than most men. She wanted to be part of the male part of our family and knew this was the way - so she reads everything she can so she is informed and knowledgeable about the sport.
10. How she loves politics like her father. She is also very well informed and she will have lively dicussions with her father about world and current events.
11, She has promised to come and visit me each June and help with the pageant.
Finally, she will make a wonderful mother. She has read a lot about mothering. However, she has so much love in her to give to Lincoln and other children that they are going to be very lucky children to come to the Devlin Family
THINGS I DO NOT LIKE ABOUT MICHELE
1. She turns off her cell phone. I have NEVER in my life done that, even at church it is on vibrate.
2. She is leaving to follow her husband to grad school. While I am happy for this decision they have made, it also makes me so sad to lose my best friend. I think I'll get a dog to replace her!!!

With tears in my eyes....

AS I write this blog, there are tears in my eyes. A piece of my heart left yesterday to return to Idaho. Matt, Cort and Kyle were here for 2 weeks and we had a great time with them. Matt is doing good, working at the Rexburg Fire Dept and has stated a little business :Matt's Mowing" while he is not working. Cort recently graduated from College and has choosen to be a stay at home mom - I am proud of her for taking on the hardest job know to man. Having them all leaving was not so much fun. Today I have cleaned my house, had a massage, helped Michele move, and done some shopping. None of these activities has helped my mood. I decided to share my thoughts with you all, so you could also feel my pain - !!! I have titled my blog entry THING I LOVE ABOUT KYLE. Here they are:
1. all dogs are "DODGES" after Marcia's dog Dodger
2. he could swim all day and I mean all day and not get tired of it.
3. he likes to dance when I sing the Poop Poop in the Potty Song.
4. the way he picks up certain rocks on our morning walks - and throws them back the next day
5. how he loves to swing on Grandma's swings, but wants me to swing next to him.
6. how he loves, loves, loves pudding, just like his grandma
7. how he smells after his bath and a massage from grandma
8. how he loves to fall asleep in the car - we drove him around several times to experience this first hand
9. how he goes to Nursery at church even when he is tired and stays the whole two hours and plays non stop
10. how he tells everyone where to sit and then is pleased when we all move according to his seating arrangements.
11. how he waters grandma's flowers. He loves anything to do with water and especially if it is coming out of a hose. A future firefighter perhaps!
12. how he has to feed himself and does a pretty good job of it.
13. how he loves to go to resturants, especially if they have balloons.
14. how he loves his blanket, even when no one else in the house can stand the smell.
15. how he learned, little pea, penny roo, rudy whistle, mary hosial, big ol gobble, gobble on his toes and especially liked it when Grandma did it.
THINGS I DO NOT LIKE ABOUT KYLE
1. He is not hear!!!!
All you grandmothers out there can relate. They take a piece of your heart when they leave. I am counting the days (3 months) until he will return for Michele and Nate's baby blessing.

Family Gathering

This Sunday was a red letter day for the Bond's! I had all three of my darling children and spouses/significant others over for a family Sunday dinner. It was so much fun. As you can see by the attached pictures, Kyle, age 21 months, was the star of our show. Matt, Cort and Kyle are visiting from Idaho for a few weeks. I am having so much fun with him. My daily walks now consist of walking to the park to play on the playground equipment. He is such a boy and enjoys being outside when ever possible. Michele, as you can tell, is now in her seventh month and growing appropriately. She is a very cute pregnant lady, but does not feel very cute most of the time. David and Kelly also joined us and they are both busy with their jobs and careers. He started a new job this week with Gift of Hope and is now involved in the organ donation part of life. He has so far found the work to be very good and as usual he is learning a lot and growing as a professional. I love Summer - can I just say that!!!

4th of July

Happy Fourth of July! It has been a very eventful day for all of us here in Chicago. We started early with the parade. I managed to wave and embarasse our family name for the entire 2 mile parade route. I have posted a picture of my colorful, American celebration outfits including my toes!!! We then went to watch the queens throw out the first pitch at the all star game, a picnic with our ward and finally the fireworks tonight. Busy day and Michele looks a little tired, but we are hanging in there. After all - 4th of July in Vernon Hills is Americana at its best!!!

New Queens

Well the pageant is finally over. It was such a success. We got beautiful queens and the positive comments from everyone made the whole process seem a lot less painful. Michele did an unbelievable job of organizing this event. All I really had to do was show up and look cute. (that is my speciality!!!) Last night I judged the Miss Mundelein Pageant for our neighboring town. It was fun, but required that I be there from 1:30 pm until the conclusion at 10:00. I was very tired. While these events are over and I feel very satisfied with the results, they came at a cost. As usual, when things are in an upheavel in my life, my diet takes a hit. While I am still working hard on the program, my exercise has really taken a back seat. I thought I would get back to it today, but it is so hot, and this house really needed some attention. I know it is an excuse, but I feel like I can get back to at least walking tomorrow. This battle continues and while I made 55 pounds last Saturday, victory is not yet in my grasp. We booked Matt, Cort and Biggie's flights and they will be here on July 19th. I would love to be able to say I had lost 60 pounds by then, but I am just not putting any undue pressure on myself right now. I need to take it one day at a time.

Pageant Pictures

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!!

Happy Father's Day to all those Father's out there - Rich, Nate, Matt, Dick, Lynn, and the numerous others who work so hard at being good fathers. Michele helped me post these pictures taken at Whit's wedding. It was so much fun it is good to look back on them and remember. All I can say, is someone else in this family needs to get married so we can have another fun time!!! This is pageant week so I will probably not post for this week. However, I promise lots of pictures of our new Little, Junior and Miss Vernon Hills next Sunday after the pageant on Saturday night. Michele has done a fabulous job of getting this event organized and keeping me sane. Sunday will come and what will we do with our extra time.


Mom and Me after Whit's party
my two favorite girls all made up...
Kyle at his best
Matt, Cortney, and Kyle at the reception
the five Waalkes children with mom
Kyle eating mashed potatoes...yum!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

I can not believe another school year has ended. I just feel numb after the past 3 weeks. It started with outdoor ed, then Hello Dolly and then the end of school and our trip to California (more about that later). You would think I would be able to relax but no, the pageant is next week and we are in the process of gearing up for "Pageant Week" and all that entailes. I really love/hate this time of year. School ends, but summer school started the next day. I got to see my family when Michele and I went to California for Whit's wedding, but it was so short and so busy I did not get to sit and enjoy them. Matt and Cort and Kyle got to come to California, but did I even hold Kyle and tell him grandma stories or how much I loved him? He only had eyes, however, for "Dod" this time so I guess I should not be too upset taking second fiddle to a dog. Hello Dolly was so much work, but so much fun. (How can I ever look at a member of our temple presidency without remembering how I stroked his shirt and felt his muscles in front of so many people???)With all that has been going on recently I hardly remembered it is my birthday tomorrow. I am turning the big 40 this year (that is not a typo!!!) and feel darn good. I feel for those around me who can not say that. Rich left today for his annual golf outing with his U of M buddies from the wrestling team. He looks forward to this annual trip and it happended to fall on my birthday this year. I know he feels bad about being away, but he gave me a massage at the spa which always makes me happy. I am going tomorrow and then will treat myself to a little shopping - that always makes me happy. David and Kelly are taking me to lunch on Saturday. I weigh in on Saturday morning and did not want to go out to birthday dinner prior to a weigh in (I know the woman out there can understand) Anyway, we will have a birthday lunch on Saturday at the Cheesecake Factory. Love that place. Michele and Nate will come over on Sunday and Michele is cooking dinner and bringing angel food cake for my birthday cake. Love how people who love me make it easier for me to diet. About California. Michele and I had a wonderful time. My sister Susie outdid herself with Whit's wedding. I knew she had talent for those big events, but she really outdid herself. I have a picture taken at the wedding that I want to post, but need Michele's assistance. It is a picture of my mom and the 5 kids. It is really something to see. I love seeing my family, especially my brothers whom I do not communicate with all that much anymore (my fault) After all family is what it is all bout. I agree with Chelsea, the sealing was a wonderful event. I was able to share it with Matt, Cort, Michele and Lincoln. It made me very happy and made me realize how being together is what it is all about. I do love my family and wish to see more of them. Happy Birthday to Me! Deb

California Vacation

Pictures of Kyle playing in the pool at Aunt Marcia's!!

I MADE 50!!!!

This am at Weight Watcher's I made a big milestone. I not only reached the 50 pounds lost mark, but I also weigh the lowest I have in 15+ years!!! That is a big accomplishment and I am taking a lot of pride and excitment in this. The pre- weight loss Debbie would have treated herself to a Big Mac, but now that I have made eating right and exercising a way of life, I instead treated myself to a nice manicure. I also did something else this week that many would think crazy. I went through my closet and got rid of 4 garbage bags filled with clothes. They were not bad clothes, in fact many were very nice clothes. They were just too big now and I decided that because this is the last time I am going to do this, I was going to get rid of clothes instead of holding on the them for when I needed them again. It actually felt pretty good and also a little scary at the same time. As I look at my also completely empty closet, I wonder why I did it. Then I remember that I am not going back only forward and I remember why I did it. I am also not thrilled to fill the closet up right now as I still have 43 pounds to go. Like my darling son in law said today - "43 pounds - that's nothing - your more than half way there!" So I will focus on that..continuing to move forward .... All is well here. Michele and I managed to get through outdoor ed. Except for the bugs, heat, rain, dirt, food and no sleep it was a good two days. !!! It is just one more thing to check off the list however, so I am glad it is done. We are well into the pageant planning phase of our lives. The pageant is quickly approaching and when the phone rings now, we respond with "Pageant Central" We had our first meeting and had 29 darling girls competing for an opportunity to reign as this years queens. I also enjoy/dread this time. Love doing the pageant but hate all the work involved prior to the big event. Without Michele this would not be possible. We are at the point now where I make phone calls , provide my credit card, and look important the night of rehersals and the pageant. Michele does everything else. It is a system that is working for me. However Nate, would probably not agree. This Friday night is also the performance of Hello Dolly. Michele and I are looking forward to this event also being over. I think if our plates were not so full right now, we would have enjoyed this experience a lot more. Oh well, summer is a coming and so is relaxion hopefully.

Another Dress option...

Here is another dress I bought. It actually has a brown shade shirt under it but it could be switched to beige. Let me know what you think...

Down, Down, Down I go

Well after switching to a Saturday am meeting Weight Watchers meeting I am pleased to announce I have lost another 2 pounds. That gives me a total of 48.6 pounds. I am so close to 50 I can taste it - and it taste somewhat like pizza!! Michele and Nate are still gone, so until they get back tomorrow I will not be able to update my ticker or post the picture I took today of another dress possibility. We are really totally helpless without Michele. I have a very busy week ahead of me. Tuesday night we welcome the incoming 2nd grade parents to our school - give them a tour, explain the school, etc. Michele and I then leave on Thursday am for outdoor ed. This is a fourth grade experience, but they ask the really fun third grade teachers to come along!! I am teaching a class many students try to get into - Solar Ovens. It is probably not me that makes them want to go to my class, but rather the fact that they get to cook smores! Hello Dolly is next weekend and dress rehersal is on the 31st. We had another long rehersal on Saturday and I think I can now say that I am learning to not only say my lines, but be able to walk on stage at the same time. This is a major accomplishment and has taken a lot of work. I just hope I can remember every thing I am suppose to when the big night arrives. It is probably not a great thing that the day of the preformance I am taking my class to Chicago for an all day sight seeing tour and boat trip. Just happened it worked out to be the same day, but oh well it will keep my mind off the evening preformance. Once this is over I can start packing for California. Can't tell you how excited I am about this trip. Having Michele go with me is a real plus. Also being able to see Biggie and Matt and Cortney makes getting on that plane worth while.

It's official - I've hit a plateau

Happy Mother's Day. It is Sunday here and we just finished dinner. I have had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. Rich gave me a day at the spa yesterday which was so wonderful. Lots of pampering which I love. Then we went out to dinner with Michele and Nate and I stayed within my points which is always a good thing. Speaking of points (which is what I usually do most of the time) I went to Weight Watchers this Saturday am. I am going to change my meeting because going at night is just such a bite. I always weight 2-3 pounds more and it is getting to me. So I went to the Saturday morning session and I really liked it. However, I only lost 1.6 pounds. It looks like I am in the dreaded "plateau" phase of my weight lost. I kept thinking it wouldn't happend, but as much as I stay within my points, and exercise, the scale does not seems to be moving in a downward tread as quickly as it did before. My sister Marcia and told me to drink more and exercise more which is what I will do, but at this point I do not know how much more I could drink and besides taking time off from work, my exercise routine will have to stay the same. It is a bit discouraging, but because I feel so good I am not letting it get me down. I have a very busy week. My teacher's union is in negotations for a new contract which is not going well. We need to show lots of support for our negotatators which means lots of meetings. IN addition, rehersals for Hello Dolly are really getting very numerous and intense. We rehersed last Thursday night until 11:00 which for me was way past my bed time. Add to that all the end of the school year stuff which is always there and I am in a bit of a fried state. I am really looking forward to going to California for Whit's wedding. It will be after Hello Dolly and after most of my school stuff will be complete. I will also get to visit with Biggie Boy and Matt and Cortney and Cooper and Kenzie and oh ya, Marcia and Dick too!!! The picture tonight is for my sisters. It is another dress possibility for the wedding. I personally think it looks a little frumpy, but you decide.

Sunday dinner

These pictures were taken at our weekly family dinner. David brought Kelly. I got them to agree to a picture so you could all see how cute she is. We love her and love spending time with her and David. The best part about Kelly is she loves to cook and David loves to eat. They seem to be a match made in heaven! Kelly also has a dog which gets along with David's dog Bear. Life is good. I put a picture up of myself. I am wearing a new dress. I was thinking I would wear it for the temple ceremony for Whit's wedding, but I will wait and get the final approval from my family. I still need to get something for the reception, but Michele and I are coming out a day early so we can shop. Get your shoes on Aunt Marcia, we are going to be ready for some power shopping!!!

Trying Not To Be Discouraged!!

Happy Thursday!! It has been a good couple of days. I went to Weight Watchers last night and only lost 1.6 pounds, but that put me at 45 pounds total so I should be happy. I am losing at a much slower pace than I would like but I realize that one pounds down is better than one pound up. I also realize that due to some health issues, I have not been able to exercise AT ALL this week. I really feel this is the reason why I am not losing more. Hopefully these issues will resolve themselves and I will be back sweating, puffing, and losing more very soon. Things here at school are very intense as the end of school quickly approaches. I struggle with understanding what happens to 9 year olds when the weather turns warmer. Their ability to sit and listen just flies out the window. All they can think about is recess, extra recess, gym and lunch. Forget any math, reading, or science I may be trying to teach!! Oh I guess I am not so old that I can not remember being 9 and feeling the sun and wanting to be in it. All is going well here. Michele and I got our flights booked for our trip to California for Whit's wedding. Michele is looking pregnant which makes me want to rub her belly (she is, for some reason opposed to this however). David is doing well and so far so good with Kelly. She seems just perfect for him - loves to cook for him - and my hope and prayer is that the relationship continues. Rich and I went to visit David last Sunday (well we visited with David, but really went to spend time with BEAR - love that dog and miss him. However, the amount of chocolate brown lab fur that we brought home with us, should make me miss him a little less at least for awhile). I talked with Matt last night - or a least I tried to talk with him. He was outside with Kyle and was trying to get Kyle inside and Kyle was having none of it!! I can not wait until Kyle (oh ya and Cort and Matt) comes to visit. Kyle can stay outside with his grandma all day and night if he wants. The best part of Grandma's will be playing outside and a Grandma (and Grandpa) totally devoted to his every whim.

In the Dumps

Well, it is Tuesday night and while nothing earth shattering is happening in my life, my oldest son David, said he was disappointed that I had not updated my blog. I was a little surprised because I thought he thought this blogging business was silly, but after he reported about Mandy's baby being born and about his brother cuddling with his wife, I figured he really did enjoy this. So just for him, I will update. Like the title says, I am kinda in the dumps. I have so much going on at school right now, it is just crazy. Big things, forget the little things such as the end of the year quickly approaching and all the end of the year stuff I have to do for that. I am finishing my grad class tomorrow night (ya) and have completed my presentation for that which I will give tomorrow. I know I should be happy about that, but this class has taken so much time that I really regret taking it now when there is so much going on. It is a class about using drama to enhance literacy in your classroom and I think I would have been able to use this information provided if I wasn't in such a state. In case I have not told anyone, and to be honest, why would I when I know you will all make fun of me - but I am currently rehersing for Mormon's on Broadway. This several act show will showcase 2 wards and will bring to the stage scenes and music and dance from many familiar shows. I am playing Dolly Levi (Hello Dolly) and have more dialog to learn than really is possible for me. In addition, the pageant is quickly approaching and if it were not for Michele and her organizational skills I don't know where I would be. I think one of the reasons, I am in a funk is that I have not been able to exercise on a regular basis. School, class and everything else is just getting to me. I know Susan can understand and I keep telling myself that soon it will all be over and I will be able to relax but right now I feel like my stomach is in a constant state of knots. Oh well David, do you see why I have not blogged recently. I just did not want to go on and on about how stressed I am. I just need to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving. I have set some probably unrealist goals for weight lost prior to going to Whit's wedding, but I know my family will love me not matter what. I am tired and things always seem worst when you are tired. On a much happier note, all is well with David and Kelly (I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed on this one), Matt, Cort and Kyle and Michele and Nate. Rich is also fine so I should be greatful. I will write again on Thursday after I go to weight watchers, have open house and then rehersal. Yes it will be a busy day, but I will report my weight lost.

Red Letter Saturday

Well for those that are interested, the Fat Lady store in Vernon Hills has one less customer!!! I went in today to buy new bra's. THEY DID NOT HAVE MY SIZE. Now before you think I am too big for the fat lady story bra's let me tell you they did not have my size because their sizes were all TOO BIG for my little bo--s!! I was so excited I decided to look around at the clothes which were on sale. I found a really cute dress and decided to try it on in a 20 because I usually wear a 24 and I figured I would need a somewhat smaller size (I can't believe I am telling you my size, but oh well)The 20 was too big and so was the 18 !!!! I put on the 16 and it fit. Now granted it is a loose fitting dress, but still the tag says 16 and I am going with that. I checked myself out in the mirror at the store and it looked good so I bought it. (before you say anything sister dears, I know fat lady stores have skinny mirrors, but I choose to not think about that) I will try and get a picture of my new size 16 dress up tonight and Michele can post it tomorrow. I also bought a pedometer. Rich spent a very long time reading the directions and setting all the settings on the thing so I am now connected and recording all my steps. My goal for each day is 10,000 so hopefully I will make it. It will probably be easy on the weekdays because all I do at school is walk, but it might be more of challenge during the weekends. I did work out today at the gym and made an appointment to talk with a new trainer so I can keep that part of my program going. Well I am not making steps sitting here at the computer so off I go....

Wednesday's Results

Well it has been a good day. I lost 3 pounds at Weight Watchers today. That gives me a grand (and it is grand) total of 38.8 pounds. I am so close to 40 I can feel it. If only they had weighted me naked, I know I would have made the 40. Oh well next week. I am feeling really good and strong. Working out helps and it certainly helps with the mental challenge - after all dieting is more a mental game than anything else. I also feel really good because today I got the results of a biopsy I had taken on Friday. I do not have cancer which is always a good thing to say. I need to take some medication for 10 days which should clear up the problem. I can do that. I just did not have the time or engery for anything else right now. So thank Heavenly Father I am well. Matt on the other hand is still feeling the effects of his little accident with the ambulance door. I always thought my son was a hard headed kid but he did not have to try and prove it to the whole family and scare poor Cortney to death. For some good news - We met David's girlfriend and she is just a doll. For all my family, you will understand this comparison. Kelly looks a lot like Diane Waalkes. She has red hair, but not as red as Diane's but she is certainly very cute. We had a great lunch with Michele and Nate and David and Kelly. I tried very hard not to ask her too many questions, but between Michele and I we got most of our questions asked. David and she seem very happy and are spending a lot of time together. I guess the most important piece is that David's beloved dog Bear likes her. I think it is a relationship made in heaven. School continues to plug along. If you can believe it today April 11, we had 5 inches of snow. This is just too much. Even the kids were not excited about the prospect of going outside in the snow. They too are just plain tired of the whole winter thing. Friday promises to be 50 degrees, so hopefully the snow will melt and we will again be into spring. It can not come soon enough. My fear is someday I will call Michele and she will tell me she and Nate are half way back to California. They are both so tired of this cold and being inside. I keep telling them it will end so, but it does not seem to help them. Oh well, us Chicagoan are a hearty lot.

My New Car

As I write this blog, my spring break is coming to an end. I have spent a wonderful, quiet, restful week, mostly by myself. Rich was in a training session all week long and although he slept here, he was up and gone very early and did not return until late at night. Michele and Nate went to Florida so I was by myself. I worked out 5 times and did a lot of shopping, so while my waist line is smaller, so is my wallet. It probably would have been cheaper for me to go someplace, but I got so much done that it was great to have a week to accomplish what I needed to do. The very best part of my week was getting my new car. Here are the pictures. Isn't it a dream!!! I love the color and think I look hot, although Rich is hesitant to go that far. Deb and Mom

Results are In!!

It's Wednesday evening so it must have been weight in and American Idol day! First the good. I MADE 35.2 #'s today!!! Ya for Me!!! I was so excited to go to my meeting and get recognized for the lost. However it was a short lived celebration. The next person to get her reward was a woman who in 13 months had lost 100 pounds. Everyone went crazy. As if that was not enough to burst my bubble, the next person to get the award was a woman who had lost 90 pounds. So while my 35 pounds' was not as significant as 90 -100 pounds, it was still good for me. I lost my trainer Herschel (do you think I was just too much of a challenge for him??) but he left me with a really good program that should not have to be updated for about 8 weeks. By then I should have found another trainer to work with. I am enjoying going to the gym and especially like it this week because I am off work and am able to go during the day. Speaking of my vacation - I am having a wonderful time. I have been to get a hair cut, done a million little errands and managed to spend some quality time at Target and Walmart. I even got to the mall today and felt walking around was a good exercise - I stopped infrequently to buy which kept my heart rate up. I miss Michele but she is having a wonderful time in Florida so I am happy when she is happy. They return on Friday and hopefully I will have my new car by then. I did not want to tell everyone about my new "baby" until I can post a picture of it on line, but just let me say, if this is a mid-life crisis, I am enjoying it. My new vehicle is bright (and I mean fire engine) red with beige leather interior. I have never had a leather interior car and I figured I deserve it. Finally no Wednesday blog would be complete without a mention of American Idol. Has the show lost all validity???? People are going and yet Sanjani continues on.......there must be people out there who are voting for him as a joke. Too bad. I voted for my girl Lakisa and she remained which makes me happy. I will continue to watch and vote and hope that America gets tired to making a joke of Sanjani. Well off to bed. Michele said she would update my weight tracker - what would I do without her.

A Bad Place

Its Saturday morning and I am in a bad place. I went to bed last night grumpy - hungry and still not feeling great. The only thing that got me to fall asleep was the thought that in the morning I would be having my favorite Weight Watchers breakfast - a waffle and banana with sugar free syrup. It is my favorite breakfast but because it is 4 points I only have it twice a week - Saturday and Thursday morning. Yes I am a bit anal but then again that is who I am. Anyway I woke up early this am and immediately thought of my breakfast. I went downstairs to make it and found that someone (!!!) had eaten my last remaining banana. Now if any of you know this household, you know there are only two people living here so the culpit was very evident. I went up stairs and in a very sweet voice asked Rich if he had seen my banana. He immediately said how sorry he was, he had a snack last night of cereal and my banana. He said he would go get me some more right away. Now nice Debbie would have said, no problem. I'll get them later. But right now I am DIET DEBBIE and so I said "Fine. Go Now. I am Hungry!" To which he preceeded to fall back asleep, snoring loudly. So here I sit typing on my blog because I am beginning to think I am losing it. Rich mentioned last night that we would go pick out my new car today and I am thinking Mercedes - something small and racey. Afterall
4 tons of machine will in my mind equal one banana. Deb

Good and Bad Day

Well it is Thursday and it has been a really good and bad day. First the good. I lost 3.8 pounds at Weight Watchers this week. This is always good, but it leads me to the bad. Probably the reason I have done so well is that I have had the stomach flu. It has been really bad - so bad in fact I went the the urgent care facility at 5:00 this am because I knew I was getting into trouble. They gave me two bags of IV solution to combate the dehydration and several medications which has taken care of the nausea, but makes me feel very loopy (as if I needed medication to do that) Anyway my goal and hope is to make it to school tomorrow because it is the last day before spring break and there is a talent show that many of my kids are in. But a part of me wants to take to my bed and not come out for 3 more days. American Idol is getting me mad. Simon Cowell is quoted in People magazine as saying if Sanvari wins he (Simon) will quit. I agree. My girl Lakisa did great, but I just don't know if America will agree. Michele came over today to comfort me and climbed on my bed and went right to sleep. She is feeling better, but is still very tired. It was good of her to come and visit me. They are leaving Monday for a week in Florida and I will miss them a lot but they need to get to a warmer climate for awhile. I just love hearing from you all.

Weigh In day

Well it is Wednesday night and two things always happen on Wednesday - American Idol is on and I go to weight watchers. Tonight was a bummer for both of these events. I wanted Sanjani to go and he did not. In addition, I only lost 1 pound which makes me 1 pound short of losing 30 pounds - my goal - for the completion of 10 weeks which is tonight. I am trying to not be too depressed - there is always next week for Sanjani to go and I know that losing one pound is better than gaining a pound. However, when I think about all the denial and hard work, I am putting myself through right now, it seems like I should be getting more rewards. I know I can not think like this, but tonight is a low point in my dieting life. On a happier note, it looks like Matt, Cortney and Biggie Boy are going to be coming back here for a visit. After some discussion, we have decided that rather than Rich and I go to Idaho for 3 days we would bring the kids back here to enjoy the 10 days break Cort has after classes. I will miss watching them walk across the stage and getting their diploma's but the trade off is that I get Kyle to myself for 10 whole days. They will come in April and the weather here will be perfect - hear that Lord - I said PERFECT and we will be able to be outside and play, play play. I am going to look for a tricycle for Kyle to ride on and when he is gone I will put it in his room and just cry because he is gone. Well I better get my beauty sleep. I am being interviewed tomorrow by our local television station about the upcoming pageant. I love the p.r. part of the job, but hate all the behind the scenes details. Thank goodness for Michele who is more than happy to handle all those details and allow me to have the limelight. Such a good daughter. Bye for now. Debbie and Mom

Bond Family Pictures

These pictures were taken on Sunday after our weekly family dinner.

Monday, March 12, 2007

It is Monday and I really hate Monday's. Reading logs to correct, spelling tests to give and if that wasn't enough, the time change makes the kids sleepy and grumpy - oh wait that is me who is sleepy and grumpy. The weather today for all you California bloggers, is a warm 60 degrees. I keep telling my son in law Nathan that spring has sprung, but with the promise of 30 degrees and snow later this week I don't think he will believe me. We had a nice weekend, although when I am tired it is so hard for me to keep up the diet. I did o.k., but this is such a mental game that I am really down - so far to go and such small results. I know Chelsea can relate. It seems like the weight went on so much faster than it is going off. I keep focusing on the end, but who keeps moving the end!! My new boyfriend Herschel (o.k. he is my trainer, but that is what Rich calls him) keeps telling me to think positively but that can be so hard. I had Michele, Nate, and David all over for dinner last night. David put some new songs on my MP3 player so going to the gym tonight should be fun singing away to Carrie Underwood. Yes I do sing out and the people at the gym just know not to work out next to the crazy lady who thinks she should be on American Idol. Speaking of my favorite past time - WHEN IS Singia GOING TO GO. I loved Sundance, but my all time favorite is Lakisa. She gives us fuller figured gals a good name. And what a voice. I hope she goes all the way. Got to run - Take care all. Glad Marcia and Susan are o.k. with the fire - I remember those winds and they are nothing to take lightly.

My Adorable Grandson!

Michele found this picture of Kyle and Nate at Christmas (my two favorite boys!)so I wanted to show off my adorable grandson (and son-in-law)...

First time blogging!!

This is a new experience for a computer illiterate such as I but I have never been one to let my little sister do something I would not try, so here it goes... It is my hope that through this blog friends and family will be able to keep up with the comings and goings of the family Bond. As I type this I am losing weight. Through my blog, I will keep you posted as to how I am doing. On the other hand, my honey girl Michele is putting on weight and not really liking it! She is 10 weeks pregnant and still feeling the nausea and fatigue that goes along with a new pregnancy. We are in a contest to see if our weights will ever cross as I go down and she goes up!!
I am counting down the days until Rich and I go to Idaho for Matt and Cortney's graduation from BYU-Idaho. It has been a long time coming and is highly anticipated. The best part about the graduation is that both Matt and Cortney will be busy and Kyle (Grandma's biggie boy) will need to be held! I am more than willing to do the job...
David continues to fly with Loyola Medical Center causing me many sleepless nights, especially during the treacherous Chicago winter! Speaking of winter (and Uncle Dick will LOVE this) today we reached a record 52 degrees. Considering that we have not seen 50 degrees for 4 months, it was cause for celebration.
Gotta go rush the kids out the door to the bus...