Fabulous CHRISTMAS Party....not a "HOLIDAY" party..

Allie (has lost 143 lbs.) & Me
Allie, Tree & Me

Jason and Me

Dr. Kuhn & Me

Hubby & I (I've lost 85)

Dr. Kuhn & Laura (She's lost 95 lbs.)

Saturday evening my weight loss surgeon, Dr. Joseph Kuhn, hosted a Christmas Party in honor of all of his bariatric surgery patients. It was held at the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas, TX.

There was food, wine, fun & friendship. I met many people who could totally relate to my surgical experience. It was a great time had by all. Everyone looked so festive. My girlfriend Allie and I were laughing on the way there about how it seems that at Christmas parties usually there's always ONE person who totally overdresses for the occasion. I said to her, "Guaranteed we'll see someone decked out in sequins". She said, "I'm betting on lots of velvet". Not 10 minutes into it we were BOTH right. Too funny huh!

The invitations clearly stated: "BUSINESS CASUAL holiday attire". I don't know how these people dress at work on business casual day. But... I can tell you when I was working in Corporate America, that meant starched khaki's and a button down. Anywho...I digress!

My suggestion to Dr. Kuhn is that we have a karaoke party next year. He said, "that's a fantastic idea--there WILL be a karaoke party". As the annual WLS Christmas Party tradition has begun with this year's 1st Annual Weight Loss Surgery Christmas party. It was fun. Here are the pic's.

Heather

P.S. I failed you guys on the sugar fast. I only made it 3 1/2 days. The Gingerbread cookie's kept calling me. THERE WERE MORE OF THEM THAN ME. I succumbed to peer pressure. What does this mean??? I am still TOTALLY committed to praying for all of my friends battling cancer. Please don't think that my failure at reaching my goal of "sugar free thru year end" diminishes my responsibility to pray for my friends. If anything, my success at 3 1/2 day sugar fast really reitterated to me how important my prayers are for my friends. As I battled non-sugar thoughts quite often and am praying quite often. We did raise $35 for Brenton with the Ebay sale of the pink leopard boots and my friend Michelle raised almost $2000 for Julian. Please keep your prayers coming, whether your fasts are successful or not. Thanks.

I LOVE my little Guitar Heroes...

Daddy on the electric guitar, Lukey on the 'Wiggles' guitar...

Christmas came early this year for Daddy, in the form of an X-Box 360 and Guitar Hero game. Just thought I'd let you see what developed in my living room tonight.

THEY ROCKED!!!

Heather

P.S. Day #3--Still not eaten any sugary treats!

The humor our son brings to our home...

Today, we made a trip to the ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat Dr.) Turns out he DOES need his second set of tubes put in AND his adenoids removed. Awaiting reply from the surgery scheduling nurse for more details. It will be before year end though. It was funny, when the Dr. looked in his ears he told him that he was, "Looking to see if Lightening McQueen was in there". Ear #1--Not there....Ear #2--Not there....so.........Luke's tell's the Dr. to look in his nose. I got a laugh outta that one.

Then we were out and about today running errands. I picked up some foamy Christmas stickers for Luke. In the pkg. was several different Christmas themed stickers: a tree, snowman, present, candy cane and gingerbread man. He said, "Mommy Gingerbread man doesn't have any whips (LIPS)." I said, "Oh no, he sure doesn't. What are we going to do?" to which Luke replied, "Mommy, we need to go to the whip (LIP) store and get him some, right now". Now that's creative. If you don't have something, go to that specific store to buy them, right??? In this case that would be the Lip Store.

I decided to lay down and take a nap with him this afternoon. NO AMBER, I DON'T NAP EVERY DAY (contrary to what you might think). Luke said, "Mommy, it's time to go to sweep (sleep)--close your eyes". I said, "Ok, and closed them". Then Luke said, "I've got mine closed too--SEE". I said, "How am I supposed to see YOUR eyes, when mine are closed, you silly"? He said, "Oh yeah"....

He decided to don daddy's socks to nap in. As you can guess they were knee-socks on him. Anklets on Daddy.

This boy is growing up too fast. He's shooting up like a weed. I've been having to get him 5T size pants, because the 4T are looking like high-waters on him. He's only 3 people.....

Finally, the picture here is of the special teddy bear cookie I made for Luke. He loved it. I caught him eating teddy's ears off when I wasn't looking. Little Winkerbean.

I love that boy, he brings such joy to our lives.

There are several people we know who are sick right now, so I want to let you know that we're praying for you: Janessa, Brenton, Carolyn, Camden, Noah, Carol Ann, GranDee, Jenny, Julian, Melinda.

Heather

Where God Is NOT, Anything Is Permissible...

These were the words I saw on a bumper sticker today while out and about. SO TRUE!

I want to report a successful fast from sugar today. Thanks to God's help, I was able to refrain from the blueberry muffin's whistling at me from the pantry, the hand-decorated Christmas sugar cookies that Luke made yesterday, the watermelon-flavored candy cane (my fav) that eyed me from the top of the fridge.

I was even blessed by running into Brenton and Michele while out and about shopping. Michele told me she was fasting from Vanilla Coke's. Brenton was proud to show off the bracelets he's making for people to raise money for himself. I ordered 5 the other day. He's got quite the orders in already (95 to make he said). He's doing well and looked fabulous too. Please continue to pray for his healing from cancer.

Please pray for Julian, Carolyn & Carol Ann.

My mother in law, Carolyn met with her oncologist today and is going to be starting 5 days straight of chemo this upcoming Monday. My father in law leaves for an Int'l business trip on Sat. so please pray that she will be ok on her own after treatments. Of course, I've told her if there's anything WE can do, we're here for her.

I know that the Lord is going to protect her and keep her strong as she begins her treatments. She's a strong lady with a very upbeat attitude. She's taking it in strides and I know that she'll do great. She's not a complainer, even when faced with scary circumstances. It's great to see her testimony of how the Lord is giving her peace. She's already been through 2 surgeries and lots of tests. I pray for her daily and ask that you do too.

Hopefully, by now Blueeyes migraine headaches are gone. I hope so sweet friend. I'm sorry you've had to go through all of this crazy headache stuff. But...to be of encouragement I've heard that people who have migraines this close to Christmas usually get more presents delivered from Santa Claus. I hope that's the case for you.

Finally, my sweet neighbor Jenny has been under the weather too. Evidently, her beau brought it back to her from his cruise recently. Glad both of them are on the mend.

Christmas is getting closer and I've only got a few shopping days left. I only have a couple more items to get.

That's about it for now. Oh, one more thing. It was so funny today I was watching Luke play and he told his Lightening McQueen car this: "What on earth are you doing?" It was hilarious.

Wonder where he ever heard that before?

Heather

Worldwide Fast Day Wednesday

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time you'll know that I have a heart for the down-and-outter's. It's been my pleasure to help many people in need over the year's. I find the most pleasure in helping others.

I remember as a grade-schooler watching those "Feed The Children" specials on t.v. I would beg my mom to give me an "advance" on my allowance, so I could send it to those starving children.

Over the years I've had the pleasure of serving meals to the homeless under the I-45 bridge in Downtown Dallas, Participated in AngelTree at the local mall, Sorted toys at the Toys For Tots distribution center for Christmas, Volunteered with Clothe-A-Child to clothe needy schoolchildren with school clothes, Fed Christmas meals to the homeless at Union Gospel Mission in Dallas, Texas, coordinated help for a family whose house had burned down and were left with nothing, given to the needy, shopped at Salvation Army and Goodwill, donated clothes to Burma refugees, & helped a hurricane Katrina victim find her family. These are just some of the many opportunites God led me to be involved with.

Whenever I give to others I feel the Lord blessing my soul. It nourishes me and makes me whole. Giving is one of the best things you can do for YOURSELF. It takes the focus off of YOU and puts it on the circumstances around you. There will always be someone worse off that you are. So, many people are hurting out there. It is my conviction that God has made us be HIS arms, hands, legs, feet. We have an obligation to love one another. To pay it forward, so to speak. A lot of time we don't even slow down enough to notice the downtrodden of this world. We pass the man on the corner with his cardboard sign that says: "Will Work For Food" and think someone else will drop some money in his bucket. What we can all do is PRAY. Pray for those who you know are hurting, suffering who are all alone.

I've been challenged by my friend Michelle Kemper-Brownlow (My Semblance Of Sanity blog) to fast and pray for a sweet little 4 yr old boy named Julian. She ebay auctioned off her cheesy cross with all proceeds going to him. See her blog for those details as there's a little less than 24 hrs. to go. She's raised $1200+ already to create a special Christmas miracle for Julian. I have auctioned off my hand-painted pink leopard boots on Ebay. All proceeds from that auction are going to my friend Brenton Roberts who is 8 years old (attends my church) as is also battling cancer.

The Lord has layed it on my heart to fast from sugar starting tomorrow and going through the end of this year. This is what the Lord has told me to do. But...fasting doesn't have to only be about giving up a food item. It can be giving up anything that requires sacrifice on your part. If it's not hard for you to give up, then in my opinion it's not really a sacrifice. Now, I must add this disclaimer that certain people need to be careful when fasting such as those on certain medications, etc...If the effects of the fast will harm your body/health don't fast that item. Choose something else like, tv watching, cell phone talking, internet surfing. My challenge to you is to "fast" something tomorrow for Worldwide Fasting Day for Julian.

I'm also fasting for 3 more very special people in my life. Brenton Roberts who I've previously mentioned, my sweet mother in law, Carolyn who finds out tomorrow from her oncologists when her colon cancer treatments start and for my dear friend Carol Ann who is suffering from lung cancer. During the times when I want to eat sugary treats I WON'T but will rather pray for these 4 people: Julian, Brenton, Carolyn & Carol Ann.

Will you join me in fasting tomorrow? You pick the item you'll fast? You pick how long you'll fast? I'd love to hear your stories. Please pray for these dear people. Thank you.

Blessings,
Heather Rice

The hustle and bustle of the HOLLY-DAZE have begun.

The famous Gingerbread House, complete with "gigantic" candy canes as Luke calls em'.

I caught sneaky Luke eating gum drops off the house a couple days later.

Poppa, Luke & Granna

Poppa, Jason & Jeff

Lukey being mischievious

Beau Bo

The whole Rice clan

Auntie & Nana

Well, with just 15 days and counting until Christmas I've gotten everything bought, wrapped and under the tree. Except for 3 more gifts to buy and 1 to get mailed. Not too bad, huh?

I've seen a couple interesting things while out and about. I thought I'd share them with you. First one, was seen this morning on the way to drop Lukey off at school. I was behind a Toyota Avalon that had huge dents on both the L and R side just above the bumper. The lady was applying mascara (while driving) and her personalized license plate said: " N A RUSH"....obviously!

Second, I saw this. It's 20F and "misting" outside here today and I saw this middle school girl walking into her school with a short-sleeved shirt on. No coat, hat, scarf or gloves. Does this girl have parents (that care)?

Have you ever noticed how no matter how cold it is outside (even sub-zero temps) and the Salvation Army guy is always ringing that darn bell to fill his red donation can. Do they REALLY make that much w/those cans? Just curious.

I've posted a couple pic's of our Annual Family Christmas dinner sponsored by Poppa. This year's festivities took place at yummy Salt Grass Steak House. Thanks Poppa, the pumpkin cheesecake ROCKED!

Also, I've included a couple pic's of Luke building his Gingerbread man house. This was the highlight of his day. He's been carrying around his "GIGANTIC" (his word for all) Candy Canes. He wants to sleep with them and everything.

These boots are made for walking...AWAY FROM CANCER!

I was inspired by my blogger friend Michelle (My Semblance Of Sanity) http://www.michellekemperbrownlowwrites4kids.blogspot.com/ who in auctioning off a piece of cheese shaped like a cross on Ebay. It "magically" appeared in her pan last weekend while she was making cheesy eggs for her kiddos. Jesus has His unique way of getting our attention sometimes. All proceeds from her Ebay auction go to her 4 yr old friend Julian who has been diagnosed with brain cancer. If you'd like to bid, check out her auction here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=120193732976&Category=1467&_trksid=p3907.m29

Her creative idea to auction off the "cheesy cross" got my creative "juices" flowing. You know me and my ideas. Once they get going, there's no limit to how wacky things can get. Remember the lady who auctioned off the grilled cheese sandwich in the shape of the Virgin Mary a couple years back...it yielded $28,000. Whould've thunk it?

So, I decided to Ebay auction off the custom, hand-painted boots I made to wear in 5 skits at our churches VBS this past summer. It was a hoot. The boots were a big hit. ALL PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO my friend Brenton Roberts at church. He is the brave little 8 yr. old son of my friend Michele Roberts. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy for Wilms Tumor from his right kidney that dispersed to the lungs and affected the lymph nodes in the abdomen & chest. He's doing quite well with his treatments. The Lord is good.

If you'd like to bid on the "soon-to-be-famous" pink leopard boots, check out my Ebay auction here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260190881880&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=016

Since everyone loved them at church, I thought maybe some Ebay shoppers would like to get in on the cowgirl-chic "action". FREE SHIPPING and they even come nicely gift-wrapped with a big bow ready to give to that special someone.

If you don't want to bid on either mine or Michelle's Ebay auctions, but would rather donate to the cause here's that info.

"Brenton Moose Roberts Is Healed" Fund established at Bank Of America

Account# 488011285339.

Also visit Brenton's daily updated CaringBridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brentonroberts

If you would like to donate directly to Julian's fund, Michelle has set up a PayPal donate link on her blog where you can donate directly. http://www.michellekemperbrownlowwrites4kids.blogspot.com/

PLEASE STAND AND BELIEVE IN FAITH WITH US FOR COMPLETE HEALING IN BRENTON'S AND JULIAN'S BODY IN JESUS' NAME.

Psalm 107:19-22 NIV
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works with songs of joy.

If you cannot/do not want to bid OR donate please PRAY! The families covet YOUR prayers. Feel free to pass on all of these links to your friends and loved one's.

May God richly bless you and your's this holiday season.

In HIS adventure,

Heather Rice

Something I thought was funny...

I ran across this website today: lastminute.com

It's a travel deal site with last minute deals...go figure.

But...the funny part is this. When you go to this site and are browsing for "deals" there is a link in small print in the top right-hand corner of the home page that says, "boss is watching, look busy"...If you click on it, it immediately pops up this pie chart graph with all these "work related" type graphs, etc....so that IF the boss is walking by and you're perusing the Lastminute.com site he will ACTUALLY think you're working.

Does anyone else find the humor in this? I thought it was pretty freakin creative. Funny too!

Heather

P.S. Gingerbread house pic's tomorrow.

Needs....

Ok, here is a hilarious little activity you can do that will crack you up. All you need to do is go to Google and type your name and the word,"needs" after it and hit enter. (Ex: Heather needs)

What you will see is so hilarious. Try it....I couldn't stop with my name. I put in everybodies names that read my blog....Too funny! Now that's cheap entertainment. Sorry if I left you out.

Heather needs MEN…Now!
Dee needs a bigger trophy cabinet.
Amber needs the socialization and stimulation a group home would offer.
Gary needs a job.
Brooke needs to butt out.
Jason needs to shut up.
Jeff needs to fix my cocker.
Carolyn needs good food.
Dana needs some breathing room.
Trina needs to call the garbage collection company.
Tim needs to dump his lame girl.
Lindsay needs some food.
Sharon needs to be told to stop shooting and start talking.
Tammy needs constant care.
Luke needs glasses.
Abby needs help with her medications.
Michael needs Mum to be present all the time.
Emery needs to be very carefully crafted.
Beau needs to use a wheelchair for distances or when he is having a particularly hard time.
Holly needs help in her Olympic efforts.
Aimee needs a roommate ASAP.
Andie needs fashion advice.
Granna needs to be belted hard.
Stephanie needs some help.
Brian needs to workout.
Noah needs to stop by my place to pick me and the dogs up.
Camden needs a lot more to wriggle free of poverty and reclaim its past as a bustling shipyard and manufacturing center.
Chris needs your sex talk by Liza Sabater.
Carole needs to calculate what her expenses really look like when she buys her apartment so she can stop worrying that her entire life needs to change.
Jenny needs to find herself a baller.
Scott needs nude models.
Amy needs to either wake up or start getting some extra will-power.
Jami needs me for a sort of cultural remix experiment.
Garrett needs to go to the hospital immediately-right this minute.
Pearson definitely needs some serious psychiatric therapy.
Lonnie needs a ride to CP tonight.
Sally needs a suitor who is capable of tending to her dreams and is willing to be second priority so that the people can come first.
Allie needs help getting her pants off.
Jennifer needs a smack daddy.
Michelle needs your help.
Greta needs a very loving home with a family that can give her lots of love, hugs and kisses.
Hudson Needs the Mayor
Cody needs a home, he's ready to be adopted.
Shep needs a home now.
Jake Needs Money For a Hooker
Lynn needs to develop a larger repertoire of reading vocabulary.

Got Ornaments???

Luke is so proud of his Christmas tree he decorated.
Can you really ever have TOO many ornaments?

The BIG Christmas tree. 1st time we've put up in our new house. Remember, I was in the hospital this time last year.

Well...here in Rice-a-roni-ville we're slowly but surely getting in the holiday spirit. Daddy put up the tree for us on Sat. while we ran errands. This is our first time to have it up in our new house. This time last year I was in the hospital. So, the only tree Lukey got was at Nana and Poppa's house.

He LOVES all things Christmas. Some of his fav's are: Christmas Trees, GIANT Candy Canes and Gingerbread men.

I can't wait to show him the Gingerbread house we're going to make tomorrow as a fun craft. Stay tuned for those pic's. Luke's so cute he calls Gingerbread men....Gingey The Bread Man.

He's such a sweetie pie! I just love that boy.

Heather

Ho, Ho, Ho Merry Christmas picture...

Luke and Santa Nov 2007
Luke with Santa Dec 2005

Luke with Easter Bunny (and Mommy)

April 2006

As you can see, we don't have the best track record when it comes to visiting Mall Santa's and Easter Bunnys........Until Now. Luke did perfect yest. even saying, "I want to go see Sanna Cwaus". So, after that admission we were off to the mall. We met cuzzin Beau and had a grand ole' time. Both boys were so excited to get to sit on Santa's lap. If you want to see the picture of both of them on the Big Guys lap click on my sister in laws blog link (Amber and Jeff). There you will see the "Duke Boys" (Luke and Beau) in all their holiday glory. Luke told Santa he wanted "toys" for Christmas. How very non-specific of him. Hope Santa can decipher which one's he's referring to. Beau told Santa he wanted, "books and puzzle". Now there's a boy who knows what he wants. Hope you enjoy these pic's as much as I did. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...........everywhere you go...blah blah blah! P.S. The Santa at Stonebriar Mall in Frisco, TX ROCKS! They ship him in every year from the North Pole.....er, I mean CO.

Heather

INFAMOUS Allie...

Remember my friend Allie who'd been hospitalized at Baylor for 3 wks. with complications from her bariatric surgery well........she's flown the coop my friends and she looks FABULOUS!

7 months out she's lost 130 lbs.

I'm SO proud of you Allie. YOU LOOK GREAT! Keep up the great work. It was great seeing you today, out of the confines of Baylor Medical Center.

Heather

What a difference 1 year can make...

Me one year ago Nov 27, 2006

Size 22/24
Me now, Nov 28, 2007 Size 14
with my hero, Dr. Joseph Kuhn

What a huge difference 1 year can make!
Today is my 1 year anniversary date of my weight loss surgery. Although, this year has been the hardest year of my life, due to all of the complications I've experienced as a result of my surgery I do not regret having it. I'm asked all the time, "Would you do it again?" To this I would have to answer a resounding YES. My whole reason for opting for the surgery in the first place was to get rid of diabetes. Mission Accomplished!

So... 1 year later, 1 lawsuit later, 9 surgeries later, 2.5 months in the hospital LOTS of pain pills later-- I'm alive. Thank you Jesus, I'm a walking miracle. It is a testimony to God's healing power. HE ALONE GETS ALL THE GLORY!

This journey has taken me through many ups and downs. Through it all, I'm stronger and God has taught me many things. As I reflected over the year a few lessons I've learned have come to the forefront of my mind.

1)There are people out there that are hurting WAY more than me.
2) Be sensitive and reach out with compassion to those who are hurting.
3) Encourage those who are without hope.
4) Be a light in this dark world!
5) Be thankful for every day you get to sleep in your own bed without the assistance of oxygen tanks, 11 i.v.s, catheters and round the clock narcotic pain pumps
6) Cherish every moment, as if it was your last with your child and your spouse.
7)Jesus heals!!!

Above are two pictures. One of them was done the day before my surgery last year. The other one was taken today at my 1 year followup appt. with the doctor who saved my life, Dr. Joseph Kuhn. He is a great doctor and he assembled the surgical team who helped me with my post op complications created by my cocaine-snorting previous weight loss surgeon (hence, the pending lawsuit)....I digress....

I've been asked by Dr. Kuhn to be involved in a research study, as well as allow them to use my before and after pictures for literature & websites. I gladly oblige. If I can give hope or help to someone who is in a similar situation that I was then that is what I want to do.


Heather

Great Thanksgiving in KY...

The Rice-Stone Family
Me and my sweet niece, Emery

Emery Baby

Lukey

Me, Brooke, Luke & Em

Sister and I

Rice Trio

Me and my sweet boy, Luke

I LOVE this picture of my fav boys

Brooke, Luke and I

I love this boy with all my heart

Turkey Day #2

Still in KY, it's freezing. We're about to go and have Turkey Day #2 with some more friends.....see ya'll later. I'll be reporting about the great Doorbuster sales I got on Black Friday at 4am...


Heather

Happy Turkey Day....

Gobble, gobble from FREEZING (said with teeth chattering) Kentucky. We had a great turkey day today with family and friends. Tomorrow we're off to see what kind of deals we can dig up for Black Friday. The plan will commence at 4am....at Walmart in Stanford, KY followed by a trip to K-Mart, Gabriel Bros. and Goody's. Hoping to be a door-buster this year.

Hope everyone had a great day and didn't eat too much!

Heather

Got Purses??? Let's Make A Deal....

Price: $80

Brand: Coach

Size: Medium

Fabric:Coach Brown Signature fabric w/"C"'s on it and camel leather trim

Condition: Great, small scuffs on bottom from gentle use. Very minimal wear.

Color: Brown with camel leather accents and nickel hardware

Retails New: $175

NOTE: There is NO stain to the right of zippered pocket. Just the camera angle distorting the fabric.

Price: $80

Brand: Coach

Color: Black w/leather accents and nickel hardware

Size: Medium

Fabric: Coach signature fabric w/"C"'s on it

Condition: Excellent, gently used. Minimal wear

Retails New: $175

Price:$65

Brand: Kate Spade

Size: Medium

Fabric: Wool, w/black leather trim

Condition: Excellent, like new but gently used

Color: Greyish Khaki w/black leather trim

Retails New: $175

Price: $200

Brand: Louis Vuitton Petit Bucket

Size: Medium

Condition: Used, water stain on bottom (see right corner) and a few other minor stains on bottom. Straps darker from hand oils rubbing off while carrying. Normal wear. Still a lot of life left.

Retails new: $500+

Color: Brown/Camel trim

Price: $85

Brand: Dooney & Burke (DISREGARD COACH DUSTBAG IN PICTURE)

Size: Large

Condition: Excellent, like new, carried handful of times

Color: Light Pink

Fabric: DB signature fabric

Retails new: $180

Price:$70

Brand: Dooney & Burke

Condition: Excellent, like new, carried handful of times-if that

Color: Light Orange

Fabric: DB Signature fabric

Retails new:$125

Price$98

Brand: Coach Wallet

Condition: Brand New, never used (still has part of tag ring)

Fabric: Coach signature fabric w/"C" on it

Color: White w/camel leather trim and nickel hardware

Retails New: $198

Price: $220

Brand: Coach Handbag & Wallet Set (does match pic angle just makes the purse look a different shade than the wallet but they are a set.

Condition: Excellent, very gently used includes dustbag

Fabric: Coach signature fabric w/"C" on it and suede accents/trim

Color:Deep Plum/Purplish

Retails New: Purse $250

Retails New: Wallet $198

Price:$220
Brand:Coach
Condition:Great, gently used, some wear on suede trimming
Size:Large
Color: Coral/Melon
Fabric:Coach Signature fabric w/suede accents and "C" on it
Retails New: Purse $400
Retails New: Wallet $198
Price: $150
Brand:Coach
Condition: Excellent, barely used (includes dustbag)
Size: Large
Color:Brown with Green suede accents and "C"'s on it
Retails New: $400
Price:$65
Brand:Coach
Condition:Very gently used
Size: Small
Color:Black
Fabric:Coach signature fabric w/"C"'s on it
Retails New: $148
Price:$ 85
Brand:Coach
Condition:Excellent, barely used
Size:Small-Medium
Color:Black/White with black leather accents, nickel hardware
Fabric:Coach signature fabric w/"C"'s on it
Retails New: $175
Price:$75
Brand:Brighton Travel Bag (nice compartment space inside
Size: Medium-Large
Condition:Excellent, like new, barely used
Color:Black/Brown
Fabric:Black Brighton "swirly"fabric with brown faux croc leather accents and silver hardware
Retails New:$ 210
Price:$75
Brand: Coach
Color:Camel
Size:Medium
Condition:Good, gently used
Fabric:Leather
Retails New:$175
Price:$75
Brand: Coach
Color:Black
Condition:Good, gently used
Fabric:Leather
Retails New:$175

So..... a group of girlfriend's and I were sitting around discussing Christmas and just how close it is .Then we all decided to figure out a way to make some extra bucks to spend on Christmas presents this year.

I suggested we all clean out our closets of designer purses and wallets that we didn't use anymore. The idea was a hit and I designated myself as the "point person" tell sell all of the items for everyone.

BEFORE I put them on Ebay, I wanted to give my blog reader's first dib's. So, here are all the pic's and description's and price's. I will accept cash (if local), check or Paypal for your purchases ($1 surcharge to cover Paypal fees, if you chose that payment method). Price's are firm. All purses/wallets are in great condition. Any minor scuffing or stains are noted. All of these hangbags belong to friends of mine and have been well taken care of or I wouldn't list them. Feel confident that you are getting authentic merchandise and they all come from a smoke free home. Some of the items come with the dust bag and one even still has the box incl.

If you are local, then you don't have to pay shipping. If your item's have to be mailed, I will ship via USPS Priority Mail. I'll let you know your total before you send payment. All items are avail. for shipping the Tues. after Thanksgiving. If you want it gift wrapped I'll even do that for no extra charge. Christmas shopping has never been easier. So, let's make a deal!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at casaderice@sbcglobal.net

Thanks.

Heather

Warring in prayer...

Two HUGE hit's this week both in our family and our church family.

My mother-in-law was diagnosed with colon cancer 2 weeks ago. She had surgery last Wed. where they removed a portion of the cancerous colon. Pathology reports came back today and we rec'd the news that she has cancer in her lymph nodes. She is in great spirits. She always has a positive attitude. We don't know yet what her therapy will be, but there is talk of radiation as the first option. We'll know more once she meets with an oncologist. Please pray for complete healing for Carolyn's body and for a quick recovery from her surgery. She should be released from the hospital tomorrow.

In our church family, my good friend Michele's son Brenton, age 8 was diagnosed with cancer as well this week. He'd been having some tummy issues and a CT Scan revealed a mass in his stomach, etc...Surgery revealed the cancer is in his liver and lung. They removed a golf ball sized mass in his lung on Friday. His pathology reports will be in tomorrow. A page has been set up to keep everyone abreast of the latest info: http://www.caringbridge.com/visit/brentonroberts

PLEASE PRAY FOR BOTH OF THESE DEAR PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES! MAY GOD GRANT COMPLETE HEALING IN THEIR BODIES!!!

Thank you,

Heather

I promise I'm NOT lying...

Ok peeps, this is what I heard at Tar-gey (Target) tonight.

I'm standing in the Express 10 Items or Less line waiting for the young lady (20ish) in front of me to pay. The cashier was a 40-ish disabled man in a wheelchair, checking customers out.

Cashier: That was a cute look you just made.
Customer: (embarrassed grin) Thanks...
Cashier: Happy Holidays. You have a great day. Come back and see us.

Then I step up....
Me: Hi Nicolas (read nametag)
Nic: Hi, how are you?
Me: I'm fabulous.
Nic: (snickering) Well, I know THAT, but how are you???
Me: (forced laugh)...
Nic: Scan's a couple of my items. He notices that a couple of them are farther down the conveyor belt than he can reach and he asks me if I can move them down towards him.
Me: (Jovially) Oh sure, looks like you need an extra arm or maybe two more.
Nic: I need an extra two inches SOMEWHERE ELSE!
Me: I say nothing, but stand there kind of in awe of what has just transpired.
Me: Here's my check, I'll give you my driver's license.
Nic: Oh, great picture on your driver's license.
Me: Oh really, well it's 10 years old. Awaiting my renewal date next year to get new photo taken.

Ok, people is it ME or did he just sexually harass me?

Happy Jolly-day I guess. Can't wait to come back and see him, NOT!

Heather

How do they stay in business?

Today, I was driving in my old "hood" in G-town and literally saw this.

West side of Centerville Rd. there was a Dollar General store. RIGHT next door an Everything's .99 store and RIGHT aross the street (east Centerville Rd.) .99 Only store.

How can these stores all stay in business? Just wondering...

Heather

Need translation.....Response needed!

Since, I'm on a roll this morning. Prolly, cuz it's not even 8am and I've already posted 3 blogs...and I popped a couple "corns" too (see below Oh no you didn't....blog for THAT explanation).

I need YOUR help.

What does one wear to a huge Christmas party hosted by one's Weight Loss Surgery Surgeons when the invitation says:

Dress: Business Casual/Holiday Attire

What would you wear, if you were me? I'm being serious too. I don't want to be the one in khaki's when everyone else is in sequins...Ya dig!

All wardrobe comments welcome!

P.S. Am I the only one who finds it humorous that they'll be serving wine, cheese and hors D’oeuvres ONLY. Maybe that's because everyone's stomach is only small enough for a couple cubes of cheese. Go figure!

Heather

Rant...

Ok, it's official....from this point forward thru Dec 31, I will be declining any/all invitations sent my way. How does this affect ME, you may ask??? Well... if YOU are hosting a:

Southern Living At Home Party
Pampered Chef Party
Beauticontrol Party
Mary Kay Party
Arbonne Party
Melaleuca Party
MonaAvi Party
Home Interiors Party
Birthday Party
CAbi Clothes Party
The Body Shop At Home Party
Tupperware Party
In Home Craft Fair
Tastefully Simple Party
Partylite Candle Party
Chicks & Chocolate Party
Passion Party
Holiday Cookie Exchange
Pre-Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner get-together
Post-Thankgiving Turkey Dinner get-together (you know the one's where everyone gets together to combine leftovers to "create" a "deliciously-edible" smorgasboard of delicacies that have already been consumed for 4 days in a row. Even if you think you can put an exciting "new" twist on grandma's giblet stuffing.....)
Baby Shower
Silpada Designs Jewelry Party
Christmas Party

PLEASE DON'T INVITE ME! I WILL DECLINE, PLAIN & SIMPLE. Don't test me either! My calender is currently booked thru year end. Thankyou for adherence. A zero tolerance policy is currently in effect until further notice.

Heather

Oh no you didn't? Oh yes...I DID

In an unprecedented early morning tantrum of the toddler variety, I succumbed to my son's multiple requests...er, DEMANDS.

YES, I let him eat candy corns for breakfast. Since it IS "corn" shouldn't this count as a vegetable?

Does this make me a bad mom? I contend....it makes me a "normal" (which is relative) mom hell bent on getting an extra 5 minutes of shut-eye.

Heather

God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

Hello dear friends:
Thank you for your continued prayers for my mother-in-law, Carolyn. Surgery to remove the cancerous portion of her colon was a success today. We just returned from the hospital and she is resting well. Her stay will be approx. 4-5 days. Please continue to pray for her recovery.

In other news, my good friend Michele's 8 yr. old son Brenton was just diagnosed with cancer yesterday. The cancer is in his kidney, lung, stomach and lymph nodes. He will immediately begin chemotherapy. The Dr's. feel like he will respond well to the treatments, however they are concerned about how aggressively this cancer is spreading. If you would please keep Brenton and her family in your prayers, as she has other small children too. A website has been established to keep everyone updated with the latest info. We are praying for complete healing for Brenton's body. If you would like to leave a word of encouragement or a healing scripture please click on his site: www.caringbridge.com/visit/brentonroberts

Praise report for my other friend Michelle in Houston. She's been officially placed on the translant list to receive her new kidneys and pancreas. This will be her 3rd organ transplant. Her previous organs failed. She has been told she will most likely receive her organs within the next 6 months. Praise the Lord for his sustainance for Michelle and her family. She's been through more than any human being I know.

Please continue to pray for my other friend Allie who is still hospitalized at Baylor recovering from bariatric surgery complications.

That's about it for one day. Oh, almost forgot. Please pray for me to get Luke into his ENT tomorrow. He's being crying that his ear is hurting. I have a feeling we'll be getting tubes again, as his first set have already fallen out.

Oh, and praise that daddy made it safely to Arizona on business and that GranDee made it safely to Kentucky to visit Brooke, Emery and Michael.

Heather

Pondering thoughts....

Endo Office and Physic Therapy...strange combo, huh?

Well that's what I thought too today when I saw both of these signs as I drove along the streets of McKinney.

You see...the rest of the signs letter's were burned out so instead of Endodontist Office it was Endo Office and instead of Physical Therapy we had Physic Therapy...

Which brings me to my next ponderance....What type of service does the Endo Office provide? A couple things come to my mind: mary jane, reefer, weed, pot, marijuana, gonja. Just to name a few.

Furthermore, maybe the Physic Therapy office could co-exist in the same office complex as the Endo Office. The Therapist's could direct you to the Endo Office first where they'd "treat" you prior to sending you back for your therapy. Which would of course be administered by a trained Physicist...

Ok, I know you're lost by now Amber. Sorry!

On a serious note, please keep my mother in law in prayer tomorrow as she undergoes surgery again to remove the cancer on her colon. Surgery is scheduled between 1-2pm. Thanks so much

If you could also pray for my friend Allie who is still hospitalized at Baylor with complications from her bariatric surgery in April.

Heather