Rosebud- I keep looking but haven't found him yet!!! Anyway keep your chin up it will come off, just keep on keeping on!!! I have a seasonal site so I camp every weekend off work and luv it. I am buying a newer camper Labor day weekend a 1997 27 foot, looks like new though. I currently own a 1982 winnabago so it is time.
E.Z.- prayers coming at ya! Congrats on your loss I am as bad as wilma- try to be better, but know you luv me anyway!! hee hee hee!
Karen- welcome
I have been working doubles and my mom has surgery tom. so haven't been exercising and actually am a little punchy tonight from lack of sleep so hope to get back into a normal routine of walking ect. tired so better go to bed, have agreat day!
E.Z. here is a pic of our peanut sand surfing!!! when we vacationed on the outer banks. She is getting so big!

HI EVERYONE ~ we're having really nice temps here; had light rain today, but that's good for my garden (waiting on those beans; rest of peas are ready finally). Everything was late this year cuz of the weather; but I'm glad for the milder temps, even in August.

to our thread KAREN ~ CONGRATS on your 5+ years anniversary. DH and I had our 5th quit smoking anniversary on March 20, 2007; we still count the days on the calendar; DH wants to keep track for at least 7 years.

GARY ~ CONGRATS to you on your 10th ANNIVERSARY and your 6LB LOSS (why we all missed that is beyond me); prayers will continue for JEFF (still in a coma, so that needs heavy-duty prayers).

SUE ~ now we understand why you go camping so much; if your camper is near a lake or a beach that would be even better. Your niece is on a pretty beach in the pic. Keep your eyes peeled; you never know when or where you will meet Mr. Right as they usually show up when you don't expect it. We lost LENA every since she met her new beau! Hope your mom's surgery goes well TM (will send up some prayers).

WELL, that's all the news for now; time to get off to bed again. Take good care ~ your fellow encourager ROSEBUD (^ PRAYERS FOR YOU AND YOURS ^)

Elizbennet: It's weigh in day!! I stayed the same this week. Not surprising since I didn't exercise the way I wanted to. How'd you do?

Wow! I can't believe how many of you are now non-smokers. Way to go in kicking the habit!! I took a puff when I was a teen and choked. That was the end of that. Instead I enjoyed my food!

Sue: Prayers for your mom that everything goes well.

Have a great day!

Good Morning and Thanks for the Welcome. I am looking forward to getting know everyone. Have a busy day planned and need to call my sister to see how she is doing this morning. She takes care of my Dad, 87, who had a quadruple bypass last September and is living with her. But hse has had some problems lately, uncontrolable shaking and her face was twitching last Saturday and they did take her to the ER. They did a CAT Scan, kidney tests and blood work and everything seem to check out fine. She has an appt. with a nuerologists this week. Hope she feels better real soon.

Have a good day!

HI EVERYONE ~ We had absolutely beautiful weather here today; sunny with a cool breeze, so I spend the day picking veggies from my garden. Picked the last of the peas in the morning and the green & yellow snap beans up til dinner time. Put up 18 baggies of beans and finally finished at 9:30 pm; that's enuff of that for now (will pod the peas in the morning as I'm all veggied-out).

We normally get more than that, but I'm just so glad to get any this year as the weather was so as crazy this year. The summer turnips are finally coming along; just waiting for those tomatoes to ripen (but they have lots of time cuz they're in a greenhouse); but the carrots and winter turnips look rather dismal. BUT we will leave them in til October/November if need be; that will give them lots of time to grow, if they really want to ..........

I think we will check out the local farmer's market this Saturday morning as they have lots of choice veggies at good prices; and somebody else did all the work. I told DH that I'm getting too old for this; next year, I think I'll switch to more raised beds/tubs and more hanging baskets as they did so fab this year; and they are much easier on this poor old back of mine!!!

RENNIE ~ if I didn't already say HELLO before; we've had many newbies come by lately. That is pretty unusual to meet your hubby online, but we are hearing of that more and more these days. Did you find it risky? I guess it's not really any different from other ways, esp if you are very careful.

KAREN ~ ^ PRAYERS ^ going up for your sister; let's hope the doctors find the source quickly and that it's not too serious.

NEWS FLASH BULLETIN ~ Our big news for the month is that we dropped our first load of PIT RUN GRAVEL on our building lot this month; and now we are working on load #2. Soooo, we are finally on our way! In PROVERBS 31:16, it says a good wife looks for a piece of land and buys it (so, she did); then she prepares the outside work, to make the land fit; and then she starts building (PROV 24:27). TADA ... so, we have stepped out in faith!

DH says he learned so much from helping my DAD; we have learned how and also what we hope to achieve as well as what we don't want to do (that is, the changes that we want to make). We have formed a plan; now we are putting it into action; I really love having something to dream about; I know it will be a lot of work, but we are really excited to see it come into being after such a long time waiting.

ANYWAYS ~ we are off to town tomorrow for our weekly shopping, as they are calling for light showers; and that is a perfect day for shopping. Take good care everyone; your fellow encourager ROSEBUD ^ PRAYERS FOR YOU AND YOURS ^

Thanks for all the prayers for my mom they didn't find anything so now questioning whether allergy related. PTL at least no tumors. I am doing fine spending day with niece tom as she heads back to college fri. where did the summer go?
Rosebud- Camp is near a river, but has a nice inground pool so all we have to do is throw some clothes and food in the car and I am set for the weekend. camping next week, yeah! luv it! I don't sweat meeting Mr. Right I pray for a Godly man, but few and far between that aren't all ready taken up here in the hills.
Wilma- Thanks! You have done so well, you'll get it done I am sure!
Karen- Prayers for your sister, for Dr.'s to have wisdom!
Shymoment- Thanks! He needs dirrection I think! He is lost somewhere in the hills, ha ha!
Well gotta run! Just popped in for a moment!

HI GALS ~

I hope everyone is doing well. I have been busy at work and then the treadmill when I get home. Really cuts into my computer time

I have been doing well on my treadmill work. Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of my first 5K I am so blessed to be here and still be able to do them ~ PRAISE GOD!

Thank all of you for the prayers for Jeff. Ryan called me yesterday and said that the doctors were going to try and start getting him out of the coma starting today.

SUE ~WOW! She is going back to college already? You are right the summer went fast! Our neice is so cute! Love the picture! I know you hate it when the camping season is over. Gonna have a new ride for camping season next year are ya? Good news on your mom. Lara is heading back that way pretty quick for another year at Wagner.

ROSEBUD ~ Angie and I have pretty much come to the same conclusion on the veggies! We like to grow them, and we may still, but it is so easy at the store! You did have a strange summer for weather, hope your winter is smooth.

KAREN ~So good to see you here I think I will like "you" here better ...I hope that makes sense Continued prayers for your sister and father! And the house! Got the PM...son's friend said right now he is still "considering" moving back here next time work slows...so...it doesn't look like he is ready to buy....sorry. What happened with the 5th wheel?

HI WILMA ~ HEART4HIM ~ ELIZBENNET ~ All the MIA'S

Angie has dinner ready....gotta go.....Prayers for all

SHY MOMENT ~Did you delete a post? I was looking to respond and "thought" you had one.

I am adding you to my prayer list along with your boy. Busy tonight but I will "chat" later with you.

Because being a christian doesn't me we can't laugh and joke and have a little fun. Because this site is not only to talk about weight but to be there for each other.

Here is something to give you all a laugh

Martha's way #1: Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips. Maxines way: Just suck the ice cream out of the bottom of the cone, for pete's sake, you are probably laying on the couch with your feet up eating it anyway.

Martha's way #2: Use a meat baster to "squeeze" your pancake batter onto the hot griddle and you'll get perfectly shaped pancakes every time. Maxines way: Buy the precooked kind you nuke in the microwave for 30 seconds. The hard part is getting them out of the plastic bag.

Martha's way #3: To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes. Maxines way: Buy Hungry Jack mashed potato mix and keep it in the pantry for up to a year.

Martha's way #4: To prevent egg shells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water before hard boiling. Maxines way: Who cares if they crack, aren't you going to take the shells off anyway?

Martha's way #5: To get the most juice out of fresh lemons, bring them to room temperature and roll them under your palm against the kitchen counter before squeezing. Maxines way: Sleep with the lemons in between the mattress and box springs.

Martha's way #6: To easily remove burnt-on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stovetop. Maxines way: Eat at Chili's every night and avoid cooking.

Martha's way #7: Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains. Maxines way: Feed your garbage disposal and there won't be any leftovers.

Martha's way #8: To determine whether an egg is fresh, immerse it in a pan of cool, salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh, but if it rises to the surface, throw it away. Maxines way: Eat, cook, or use the egg anyway. If you feel bad later, you will know it wasn't fresh.

Martha's way #9: Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away. Maxines way: Martha, dear, the only reason this works is because you can't rub a lime on your forehead without getting lime juice in your eye, and then the problem isn't the headache anymore, it is because you are now blind.

Martha's way #10 : Don't throw out all that leftover wine. Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces. Maxines way: Leftover wine?

Martha's way #11 : When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white mess on the outside of the cake. Maxines way: Go to the bakery. They'll even decorate it for you.

Martha's way #12 : If you accidentally over salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop in a peeled potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an instant "fix me up" Maxines way: If you over salt a dish while you are cooking, that's too darn bad. My motto: I made it and you will eat it and I don't care how bad it tastes.

Martha's way #13 : Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks. Maxines way: Celery? Never heard of the stuff.

Martha's way #14: Brush some beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful glossy finish. Maxines way: The Mrs. Smith frozen pie directions do not include brushing egg whites over the crust and so I just won't do it.

Martha's way #15: Place a slice of apple in hardened brown sugar to soften it. Maxines Way: Brown sugar is supposed to be "soft"?

Martha's way #16: When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness. Maxines Way: The only kind of corn I buy comes in a can.

Martha's way #17: If you have a problem opening jars: Try using latex dishwashing gloves. They give a non slip grip that makes opening jars easy. Maxines way: Go ask the very cute neighbor to do it.

Martha's way #18: Potatoes will take food stains off your fingers. Just slice and rub raw potato on the stains and rinse with water. Maxines way: Mashed potatoes will now be replacing the anti-bacterial soap in the handy dispenser next to my sink.

Martha's way #19: Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer. Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka-Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka-Seltzer tablets. Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes. Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka-Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary). Maxines way: Put your jewelry, vases, and thermos in the toilet. Add some Alka-Seltzer and you have solved a whole bunch of problems at once.

Martha's way #20. Anyone can mow their own lawn with just a bit of prep work and a good lawn mower. Maxines Way The key to a nice-looking lawn is a good mower. I recommend one who is muscular and shirtless."

Have a nice day.

HI EVERYONE ~ today was little cooler; rain in morning, but sunshine on and off til the evening; I'm not kidding the clouds were moving like bandits and I saw seven (7) rainbows, one after the other. That was the weirdest thing we have ever seen yet; 2 or 3 were full, while the others would first appear on the left (north side) then so many minutes later, appear on the other end (the south side).

Odd thing just happened; as I was just typing, our box fan in the livingroom turned itself on; I could hear and feel it in this room, cuz it kinda roars! Then I saw a fly swatter fall on the floor; OK ~ who's foolin' around??? Eeeeks, I don't like spooky things like that; I am praying for Jesus' protection right now, folks; please join me ~ LOL!

ANYWAYS, I turned it off; DH was in the bedroom watching a movie about the life of Christ (called Jesus of Nazareth), so I know it wasn't him. I'm sure there is a perfectly logical explanation, but I don't know what it is just yet!

RENNIE ~ I think one of your posts did disappear; in the beginning, mistakes can happen. I am a little familiar with Aspberger's syndrome (which is mild form of Autism); I have been doing some research on it becuz we know people who have this condition; it is very taxing on the family to deal with this situation (esp the close ones; parents, siblings, and spouses).

Immaturity is a chronic symptom (and sorry, that lasts thruout life); as is a lack of tact, prudence, and discretion. Academics (memory and learning problems) are affected as well as social development (there is difficulty in social situations); but when explained, some people will be compassionate (and some won't ever be). As for a career, there are limitations as some lack the ability to concentrate and focus; anger management is a problem; plus stubborness gets in the way of instruction. I have compassion for you as a mother; what to do?

Maybe a menial labor job with a sympathetic employer ie janitor, lawn care, or courier service; some do best when working with a family mentor who understands their problem. Do you have group homes in your state? We have them here for people with disabilities of all types; they train them and help them get their own apartments, if possible.

He sounds like he's in perpetual teens (and that's really what they are); they seem to get stuck at a certain stage in life; forever four or fourteen! He might do well in construction as a general labourer. You may just have to give him time to realize that his dream to be in the army is not possible; there is a set health criteria for everyone (it isn't discrimination).

Are there any special programs in your city or state for him? I know things are much different here in Canada. We have friends with two sons that have had a battle thru the school system too; but the older boy seems to be calming down now a bit (he had a stubborn argumentative streak that would send everyone away screaming).

The counselling is good so that he can learn by rote what is expected of him in this society (they seem to need to hear things at least a hundred times before it sinks in, just like a toddler does). I just think it is a matter of keeping up the search until you find the right thing for him. What else does he like to do for fun or a hobby; there may be a hint there? He may only be able to do something part-time.

Will defiinitely ask for prayers for guidance and wisdom and strength; GOD knows that there are a lot of people who need help in this area. WELL, it's getting late, so gotta get to bed; take good care everyone ~ your fellow encourager ~ ROSEBUD ^ PRAYERS GOIN' UP FOR ALL ^

Hello All, I just received this in an email and I thought I would share it. I'm having storms all around here tonight with lots of lightening so I will try to get back tomorrow for more chat. Everyone have a Great Night.

Pretty powerful words.





DARK LETTER
PAY ATTENTION TO THE P.S. at the end!!

Letter from the Devil
This can really make you think. It actually made
me really
mad
while I was reading it, but it made me realize
some
things.
Plus,
I had to send it because of the P.S.
This is deep... and I wasn't
going to forward or share it, but that
last line... you'll see.
A LETTER TO YOU FROM SATAN
I saw you yesterday as you began your daily
chores.

You awoke without kneeling to pray. As a matter
of fact, you
didn't
even bless your meals, or
pray before going to bed last
night.
You are so unthankful, I like that about you.

I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have
not changed
your
way
of living, Fool, you are mine.
Remember, you and I have been going steady for
years, and
I
still
don't love you yet.
As a matter of fact, I hate you, because I hate
God.


He kicked
me out of heaven, and I'm
going to use you as long as
possible to pay
him back.

You see, Fool, GOD LOVES YOU and HE has great
plans in
store
for
you.

But you have yielded your life to me, and I'm
going to
make
your
life a living ****.
That way, we'll be together twice. This will
really hurt
God.

Thanks to you, I'm really showing Him who's boss
in your
life
with
all of the good times we've had.

We have been...

watching dirty movies,
cursing people out,
stealing,

lying,
being hypocritical,

fornicating,
overeating,
telling dirty jokes,
gossiping,

being judgmental,
back stabbing people,
disrespecting adults,
and those in leadership positions,


no respect for the Church,
bad
attitudes.

SURELY you don't want to give all this up.

Come on, Fool, let's burn together forever. I've
got some
hot
plans

for us. This is just a letter of appreciation
from me to you.
I'd like to say "THANKS" for letting me use you
for most
of
your
foolish life.


You are so gullible, I laugh at you. When you
are tempted
to
sin,
you give in.

HA HA HA, you make me sick.

Sin is beginning to take its toll on your life.
You look 20
years
older, and now, I need new blood.
So go ahead and teach some children how to sin.

All you have to do is smoke, get drunk or drink
while
under-aged,

cheat, gamble, gossip, fornicate, and live
being as selfish as
possible.

Do all of this in the presence of children and
they will
do
it
too. Kids are like that.
Well, Fool, I have to let you go for now. I'll
be back in
a
couple
of seconds to tempt you again. If you were
smart, you
would
run
somewhere, confess your sins, and live for God
with
what little
bit

of life that you have
left.

It's not my nature to warn anyone, but to be
your age and
still
sinning, it's becoming a bit ridiculous. Don't
get me
wrong,
I
still hate you.

IT'S JUST THAT YOU'D MAKE A BETTER FOOL FOR
CHRIST.

P.S. If you love me, you won't share
this


Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Hi Everyone!

It's been over a year and a lot of you are new and won't remember me. Of course Gary, Sue and a lot of others will! I have been really wanting to lose this weight again and am even considering WLS. My DH and my dad really really want me to try one more time before I take the big step. My mom wants me to have the surgery NOW! Anyway, I wanted to reply to Rennie about your son.
We adopted 4 children and 2 of them are out of the foster care system. They are both really damaged from fetal alcohol syndrome, ADHD, PTSD, among other issues. The older boy has been in and out of a psychiatric hospital since April of this year. He has hallucinations and is delusional to the point of telling teachers things that simply are not true. The teachers in turn call DCFS and it has been a horrific nightmare for our entire family. One of our daughters from India is brain damaged also, but does not make up tales to the school.

Anyway, having said all that, I truly feel for your issues and please private message me if you want to talk. To educate the schools and people who don't understand is a huge job. I contacted NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) and they were really helpful. They even have attorneys who will help with legal issues. We had to get them involved to get DCFS to understand that WE are not abusive that our child has mental issues. Everyone wants these kids to fit the norm - well, they don't. If it weren't for us being Christians and relying on our Lord and Savior we would have completely cracked and ruined this family - it's not to be. The truth prevails and our Heavenly Father is Faithful.

In Jesus' Name,
Lori

E.Z.-
Continued prayers for Jeff that he is soon awake, healthy, and restored. Lara coming back to N.Y. pray that the winter is not too harsh for her sake.
Shymoment- Prayers for you and your son. I have a nephew that also dreams of a military career and has for years, everything from Navy Seal to Coast Guard. Prayers your son is able to accept and move forward and attain new dreams. I loved the Martha/Maxine quips- cute!
Rosebud- Strange household where fans come on by themselves, but I agree there probably is a simple explanation- bad switch or something but scary in its own right, that is when it is really nice to know the Savior and that your safe.
Karen- wow! powerful is right, makes ya think!
Lori- Welcome back, missed ya! I had gastric bypass surgery on May 30th and am doing awesome but it is not something to take lightly, you need to investigate and trully know the ramifications of making that step. I do not regret it, but have seen some people who have many issues with even being able to eat. It is most important to understand the process, the possibilities of problems and what they are, and finding a well experienced and good surgeon if that is what you choose. I started the process after making my decision to have it last year in July and had to see many different Dr's before completing the process. It is a big decision!
I am doing great, working alot. off today, Jim's benefit to help offset cost of rehab, and family travel ect. being held tyoday, prayers that there is a great turnout and that alot of money is raised for them. They are having a chicken barbaque, and a band charging $10/plate pray there is a large turnout. Well gotta run! catch ya later.
I am half way to goal yeah!!!!

HI GALS ~

LORI! So good to see you! I was just wondering the other day how you and your family were doing. We sure have been busy around here the last year with my kids getting married and all. Not sure if you ever "lurked" in and saw that. I am sorry to hear of even more struggles with the boys. I know our Lord has placed them with you, and what an honor, but oh my what a struggle for you also. You and your DH and Mike are saints for sure! My prayers are with you.

Well I had to work yesterday. Angie and I went to church this morning then came home and walked Reba and Rylee for a mile and a half. It was hot so we took it easy. I did 3.5 miles on the treadmill this afternoon. I lost another pound so that is 7 pounds gone since 7/23!

Still the same on Jeff's condition...which makes it worse from what i understand. He can only have the breathing tube in him for another few days. Please continue the prayers. Nicole said her mom and sister see life in him...but we all know that "may" not be true...prayers that it is.

ROSEBUD ~OK dear, step away ~ slowly ~ from that fan Cool that you saw 7 rainbows!

AUNT SUE ~ Please PM me and I will make a donation for Jim. I have lost your address, with a computer melt-down, awhile back. I am glad your success is increasing...you know how I worried!

KAREN ~Awesome letter...had me squirming for sure! How is the stormy weather treating you today. Any luck with the couple from San Diego on the house?

SHY MOMENT ~Love the list, I am going to try a few of the things! Contined prayers for your family.

HEART4HIM ~ ELIZBENNET ~ WILMA ~ MIA's HI and prayers!