Yum... Diet Soda! That sounds really nice. It is off my protocol. Sigh, but this is really working on me so I'm hanging in there. Smile. Thanks for the idea of breaking it in slowly. I hadn't even considered that. I hopefully will adjust as you did. I did read the possible side effects and headache was listed. Sucralose is the sweetener and research shows it should be controlled. I'll have to balance and watch my intake. Smile. Thanks again for your answer and input and wisdom. Smile. Kathy

:wave: HI EVERYONE ~ we've been having some lovely :sunny: here for over a week now with warmer temps too; had one day of clouds but the :sunny: has returned -- what a glorious blessing here in the month of March!

BARGOO ~ we have been sending up lots of prayers for Japan and her people; also regarding keeping the nuclear reactors safely contained as well.


Have been resting my legs and they are really starting to feel better; it's been three days in a row with no pain. So we got lots done here today; some laundry, changed & washed the bed linens; cut DH's hair; did my hair along with shower, etc (I was able to lean on my Geri-chair to take weight off my knees and had no pain getting in and out of the shower today).

Have been eating really well too; made steak and veggie-mushroom medley for dinner tonight (have leftovers for tomorrow too). I subbed some pot barley for rice and it was nice. I am really seeing a difference by staying away from the salty snacks.

Have been doing a lot of reading in the evenings, but enjoying that too. Just finished some books written by Christians like LORI COPELAND (her books, FAITH, JUNE, HOPE series). All were enjoyable to read.

Hope you all have a wonderful week ... Rosebud :flow2:

So thankful Rosebud ...No pain! Yeah I see so many new faces love it! All the determination here Wonderful! You can really see God at work here!

Evening all!
It has been a rainy dreary day. But they are saying temps will be at 70 by Friday!! WooHoo! I'm so ready for spring. I was noticing today some Bartlett pear trees that were almost in full bloom. They are so pretty but I don't like the smell.
I've done good with my food choices today. I've started taking my lunch/snacks. My half n half w/my coffee of the mornign adds quite a few calories but I'm not ready to give that up! I don't like the lf/ff version either.
I got some decaf to have a cup when I get home of the evening, instead of reg.
Still small steps.

Weighted Down:hug: I understand what you are saying. I have some of those same fears. But you know, I just thought of something. When I give into those fears of looks, comments, etc., and stay overweight, unhealthy just to keep those situations from happening, then I'm going back to the reason I have these fears and I'm giving into the control it once had on me.
I know there can be good reasons for these fears. It is hard to over come.
One thing that helped me thru some issues was the bible study "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore. Wow! God showed me thru that study that I am His princess, He has clothed me in robes of righteousness. He has broken the bonds that once held me in this fear. JustWant2Bhealthy, I agree with all that you said about this. Amen!

Well, my time is up. Gotten get off and get some things done in the house, supper, then study for a test tomorrow.
Ya'll have a good evening.

I began this very study, Believing God, two weeks ago with two neighbors. We are going really slowly to be able to digest and embrace all Beth (actually God's Word) teaches us. I'd love your prayers for one of the girls is not a believer. She is seeking. This is pretty strong stuff for a seeker so, without knowing who Sue is... please pray for God to draw Sue to Himself and give her understanding and faith in Himself. Thanks so much. Kathy

PS... I just wasn't careful in my reading of your note. You said, "Breaking Free." I've benefited from that study 3x now. It is excellent. I was leading the group and was so blessed to see so many lives "let go" of old baggage that was so very debilitating. The study we just began is another Beth Moore study and has been offered online so we can view it right from my home TV. She made all the paperwork downloadable and printable. WOW! Techno world we live in does have some advantages. Ha! Ha!

Praying for you today. Smile. Kathy

Hi, All and a big :welcome2: to all the new chicks since I was last here!! So glad to have you here!

We've just had a busy couple weeks. DS2 home on spring break, DS3 started soccer practices, DH home with a bad back for a couple days then took some vacation, too, while DS2 home. We decided to take an afternoon and drive the hour to go to a Red Lobster as our substitute for the whole 'spring-break-at-the-beach-thing' and had a wonderful meal and time with the boys.

Unfortunately, the weight loss is not going well for me. I agreed with a lot of what Rosebud said about the emotional and stress eating issues. I had a lot of family issues growing up and it just seems that food was my only 'friend' although I know it's not true, but I didn't have Jesus then. Now, it's habit and it's soooooo hard to break those bad habits. And, like Aunty, I'm from the Pennsylvania Dutch and my family heritage is fat, fat, fat, but I know it's up to me to get this accomplished.

I posted in Prayer Warriors about my friend, Diana. She's had a setback with a fractured hip and will be undergoing a hip replacement asap. She's been very weak from the chemo and being unable to eat properly, as well, so I know this is a bad situation. One of her sons is coming from New Mexico to be here for the surgery (the other one is local), so we know they're anticipating that things may not go the way they want. I'll get more details soon.

This has happened on the very day that we learned last year my dad was not doing as well as he had let on. The 21st will be one year since he passed away and I still miss him every day.

Also, praying for the Japanese. My cousin is a missionary over there, but she's in the southern part, so she's ok, but so very worried about the people. She says the part of Japan affected by this is the least churched (Christian missions) area of Japan. They are praying for many Christians to come to help with the clean-up and restoration.

Well, we do have sun today and, for the first time in about 150 days, we're to have temps in the low 50's!!!!:carrot: Might be able to get out for a walk if I can get around all the snowmelt puddles-lol! The MS has been awful the last couple weeks, but at least my walking isn't affected. Can't go too far from a bathroom for now:o, but I should be able to get around the block!

Hope you all have a great day!

Question for Ronnie and others
 

:^:Hi Ronnie... I homeschooled 3 of our 4 kids and of those 3 one is a fashion designer, one a landscaper with an award winning business, one an airline pilot and all girls! Our oldest and only son was a HS senior the year we began and way too smart for me to have helped! LOL! We know better but God had the best plan!

Our oldest girl's husband (13 years and 5 kids later) was just diagnosed with MS. Not all testing has been done yet but I'm wondering if there is a site you've found most helpful with info about MS. We all are trying to learn as much as we can as fast as we can. He has been with his parents in central PA for about 6 mos but is due to return to Portland, OR next week... just in time for all the "radiation" from Japan to hit (not to happen... I'm hoping I'm being facetious in implying a change in the atmosphere in Portland... our son the chemist says it shouldn't be a problem). Anyway, any help you could give me would be most appreciated. We would much rather be equipped with the truth and with sweet flavored words. Thanks so much. Kathy:p

Maycatcooper-National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com) have good info. Even WebMD has some info. It's really hard to find good info, as so many doctors have their own opinions about the disease, so I visit a lot of sites. When I first came down with symptoms, it was so long ago, we didn't even have a computer, so all my research was done in real books-LOL! After 16 years of symptoms, I was finally diagnosed 2 years ago. Hope this helps:) What symptoms is he having? And, what treatments are they talking about? I take no meds, as they're worried about worse side effects than most of the symptoms I have. My sister has just had to quit the Tysabri infusions as she's at high risk of developing the brain infection (PML).

And, glad to hear that the homeschooling works out! Some days I wonder if it's worth it:dizzy: (I'm sure you know what I mean!)

Have a good day!

Ronni62, thank you so very much. I find it exciting that you are not using meds. I was afraid that Matt had lost too much ground 'cause he hadn't been on meds. I will go tho these sites this week. Thanks again. ...and homeschooling dizzies... OH YEAH! I still say it is the most fun I've ever had and began with the youngest in 3rd grade with a 9th & 10th grader. All stayed through HS graduation. I miss it so much but am also happy those days are bygone with precious, precious memories! Smile.

Right now, I'm scratching like crazy! This crazy rash was clearing up, I thought, and now it's speading! EEK! I know it's not shingles. I had that this past summer. I have an appt in the morning with the family doc. I hate to throw in the towel to go but am anyway! Smile.

My little Bible study group met today. We only made it through the preliminary T/F test. We had some AMAZING discussion opening doors to share our love for Jesus! With a seeker forming 1/3 of our group, this was such answered prayer. Smile. Pray for S... smile. :smug:

RONNIE ~ :hug: to you during this time; prayers for you and your friend DIANA and her family too. I know what you mean about family lineage: both sides of our family have an inclination for weight issues too, so several persons in our family are dealing with that and diabetes (and some are doing really well). Hang in there with the kids; it is a lot of work, but as Kathy shows, the results can be well worth it. :hug:

PATTY ~ will look into Beth's books/works; sounds interesting.

KATHY ~ prayers for your rash; and for your friend, SUE and your little study group; may the LORD richly bless you all ... :D

HI BOOTSIE ~ nice to see you pop by. :)

We did our weekly shopping today; got some walking in. Gotta watch that; will go rest after this and take it easy tomorrow too. Have had mild temps here, but some cooler ones with some sun are predicted for the weekend.

Have a great week, friends ... Rosebud :flow2:

I've been singing "I've Got Sunshine on a Stormy Day" for so long I'm not sure if I'll be able to sing at all tomorrow... for the laughter and joy of REAL SUNSHINE and temps breaking 60! WOW! ...maybe "I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW"... hmmm. I'll work on it! Smile.

Has anyone started their gardens? My husband leveled some dirt down for me and I made my garden up by our store . I did that so I would be close by in case David needed help at the store. I love the garden no bugs right now not one grasshopper in sight right now but tomorrow may be a different story! My husband said I did not know how to line up the post so I told him you do it then so he drove six post in and when he left to do his taxes I did 5 more and put up the panels and cut them to size also. I was one tired puppy but still had to make him supper and feed the animals.
Yesterday I planted 2 sweet peppers and a tomato bush the peppers are fixing to bloom!
Today I transplanted 5 squash hope they make it. Planted purple Hulls around the fence line and green beans contenders. Going to plant some red carrots tomorrow and beets. I think I will go ahead and plant some okra. Out front of the garden I am going to plant hot peppers and flowers. I started out some tomatoes for Fall yesterday, toothache plant, Joseph coat, first time for that suppose to be really pretty and you can eat it too., lots more 72 little plants.
I am going to work cleaning out our barn tomorrow, there was two men cleaning it out today and they were smoking in the Barn, can you believe that??? I went in there after they left and I said my gosh smells like something burning and it got worse and I walked through there and looked down at the ground there was smoke coming up through the manure and hay and I ran and got some water and it was headed for the boards on the barn slowly and I poured it over it and went to digging all of that up . I filled up my wagon and sit it out front of the house in our road made of gravel if it catches on fire again at least I can call the fire department and they can get to it. If I had not gone out there our barn would of burnt down by morning and all the animals. The two men were digging the crap out of my barn to make a compost pile. While I was working in my garden at the road. I guess they just did not understand you do not smoke around crap and hay, that is like paper burning but it burns slow and not that easy to put out if there is alot burning. They will know better next time though I can assure you.

Hi all!

Ronnie, thanks for showing us a potential positive aftereffect of the horrors in Japan. I know that Christians (because we are the most charitable people in the world) will be swarming to that part of Japan. May God in His mercy bring a positive outcome from this disaster. Historically, conversions to Christianity have doubled/tripled/etc. in areas where volunteers come to help those in turmoil from natural disasters.

Today I went to my doctor. As some of you know, I have been living for over 25 years with autoimmune disease (various doctors have called it lupus, RA, fibromyalgia, and a half-dozen other names that actually mean: we got no idea what is wrong with ya.)

It was a tough week WW-wise, with my first small weight gain despite following the program precisely. But when we saw my blood work (and they take a LOT of blood tests, because lupus can affect any organ or body part), the doctor thought that there must be an error. Not only is my bloodwork "like a newborn baby" -- even down to a cholesterol reading in the mid 100s compared to 389 three months ago, a heart rate like an athlete (despite previous lupus-related damage), and blood pressure so low that they couldn't read it, and they had to take me off my anti-hypertensive medications before I just fell over -- there are no markers for RA or lupus or any other autoimmune disease. This isn't the same as being in remission; this is *GONE* like it never happened.

We'll be repeating the tests in 90 days. And we're praising God for such a remarkable gift of renewal and healing, with such a small effort (following WW). Like my husband's "dying" tumor, this healing is beyond the medical profession's understanding.

My boss/pastor said that "this is because you were willing to be obedient" when we had the inspiration to change our lifestyle into more diligent healthy eating, despite things being weird at church/my job, DH's intestinal tumor, and the bankruptcy and unfriendly takeover of DH's company all at the same time. (We flunked the "are you ready to lose weight" quiz at weightwatchers.com!) I can tell you that it is an undeserved favor from a gracious God.

Aunt Loopy WooHOo! That is awesome news!! Praying it continues.

Bootsie I think I'd be having me a talk with those fellas! Thankful you caught it. Every year I think I would like to have a garden but then I'm not sure I'd even want to work in it if I had one. We had one when I was growing up. Dh plants a few tomatoes, peppers.

It has been a long day. I went for a stress test (echocardiogram?) this morning. Whew! I made it to the finish but I was whooped and could not breath when I got off. But thankfully my bp didn't go high, my heart rate was in good range. I didnt' see a dr there so I'm taking that as a good sign. I will see my reg dr in a week or so for the results.

This is one reason I really need to get healthier and get some of this weight off me. My dad passed with heart disease, my brother has blood clot issues, my mom has high bp, her dad passed of a stroke. I need to get myself into shape.

I've been sitting here looking over things on calorie counting,et c. I'm trying not to get overwhelmed.
I'm making my grocery list out, going to make a menu out.

Well, ya'll have a good evening.

Oh! and they weighed me today-210. Blah!!

HI GALS ~ :)

Well my week-end home is almost over then back up to Beverly Hills all week unless...UNLESS...my GRANDdaughter comes :carrot: Her due date is Tuesday :) My son and daughter in law came to church this morning and she is so ready to deliver!

Angie and I took the goldens for a walk to Starbucks yesterday, as we usually do on Saturdays when we can, this time we parked there then went out through an area we usually drive through. Very pretty and all the spring smells! The girls missed a walk after church today because it was just too cold, we have a new storm on the way. I guess I could have put on a jacket, I think I have one ;)... Bad :devil: parents :D

Watching basketball all week-end during time between chores...leading my son in our personal pool...a game behind my son in law in the ESPN pool we are in as a family/friend group.

The sermon Pastor did today was great on anxiety.....tsunami/earthquakes...radiation fallout....if it comes up on FB before I leave I will post it here.

Angie has been watching the Harry Potter marathon when she gets a chance, although we have all the dvds. I have never seen an entire show :^:

Continue to pray for AJ from our church, a young man with major heart issues right now...not looking good. His family has been dear church friends of ours for almost 30 years.

Well ladies, good to see all the posts when i come back into town. Soon I will be working closer...for a few weeks....and will be able to catch up and be a bit more personal...until then...

My prayers are with you all :hug: Gary

Gary is your grand daughter here yet? I'm expecting my first grandchild in October!!
Well, weighed this morning and I'm down 2.5 lbs!! Woot!! This is day 3 of counting calories. I think the weight loss had to do with the exercise of a stress test I had to have last Friday and then the major amount of walking I had to do at work on Saturday. But I'll take it.
The weather has been so nice this week. I'm hoping to get some walking in today.
Well, off to get some homework done.
Ya'll have a blessed day.

PATTY no GRANDdaughter yet...dang!

My dil started having contractions yesterday morning at 1am....my son kept in touch, I was working out of town, and said the doctor said to tell your dad to come home...the baby will probably come tonight (yesterda) so far she is still kicking in the tummy....

we all hope she comes very soon....

Hello everyone, Just joined this site then discovered this forum. So happy that there is a christian forum! I live in rural New Brunswick not too far from the Maine border. Cross border shopping is wonderful! Been struggling to lose about 15 pounds. It really shows as I carry it on my upper legs. Ugh!
It is not good for walking here yet. Woke up this morning to see snow on the ground and flurries all morning. The temp is -1 to +1. Will be so happy for some really nice warm weather! It is really good to meet you all. Have a wonderful day.

:welcome2: Hannah! Glad to have you here!

Bootsie-I'd be kicking some cigarette-smoking butts (pun intended) if I were you! You were guided by God to check out your barn, for sure;) As far as gardening, we think the frost may have come out last week, but still waaaayy too cold to put anything in the ground-not even potatoes-and very, very wet. My crocuses are starting to bloom, though, but they're right up next to the south side of the house, so it stays warmer there. I'll try to upload a pic, but can't remember how to resize.

Aunty-God's healing power is simply amazing, along with all His other powers, too!

Gary-waiting to hear about that granddaughter:)

Hi to everyone else, too! Not much going on here-rain, rain, rain right now. Spent the last couple days on an emotional roller coaster. Yesterday was 1 year since my dad passed, so I'd be remembering good things one minute and crying the next. I started wondering when the disbelief goes away. I look at his photos and it still seems impossible that this man who was so much a part of my entire life is now gone-can't call him or write to him or hear his laughter or sarcasm;) Went through photos for a good one to be used for a memorial ceremony at Life Center where his eyes were donated. He would hate the thought, but wanted people to know he was really a good person. The photo I found was from my sister's wedding and he looked so good in his tux! We eloped so didn't have any of those kind of photos of our own. He donated the rest of his body to IU medical school, so we don't have his remains back yet to bury. They said it could take up to 2 years, so I wonder if that doesn't have something to do with the disbelief aspect. He didn't want any kind of funeral, memorial, or "family gatherings" (his words) when he died, so we honored his wishes....well ......mostly-my cousins and aunt (Dad's only sibling) had a dinner with my family and Dad's best friend. So, I don't know if the lack of 'ceremony' has anything to do with it or if this is just normal.

Anyway, I've rambled long enough. Hope you're all having a nice day!

I think we figured it out! Wanted you to see my dad in his tux too:)


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:hug:RONNI ~ that's a lovely picture of your Dad; so handsome in his tux (thanks for sharing that with us). What you are feeling is very common; the disbelief factor hangs on for quite some time. You find yourself thinking or saying, "I just can't believe he/she is gone". Just last night, I commented to DH that it's hard to believe that my mother has been gone for 18 years, becuz it seems like it was yesterday. Time has flown by so quickly.

She died suddenly, so it wasn't expected at all; we had to rush over 400 miles for her funeral/memorial down south. It felt like a whirlwind; and I kept asking DH "was it real?" Of course, he kept reassuring me that it was; and that was that. My siblings were so sad; and so quiet (all except for the youngest; as they were so close and alike too). I just kept hugging her as long as she needed (until she was all cried out). I think everyone was still in shock at that point; stunned really.

Our mother was a very vibrant, talented lady; kinda like the matriarch of the family and the loss had a huge impact on the family (she was like the glue that held everything together). I told my brother that now everyone would have to learn how to fly on their own; and they did, but not until after a lot of stumbles, falls, and even crashes.

The place was packed and didn't have enuff seatings and they had to open up all their extra rooms some distance away (and that wasn't even all the people that were her friends). Some didn't know until long after that she had even passed; it was hard to call everyone they knew over her lifetime (co-workers, friends, etc).

With time, you will feel better; but you will still cry now & then. You'll remember their laugh, their wit, their voice, their gifts & talents -- and yes, even their faults too; but as time goes on, you do cry less. DH was reminiscing about both his parents being gone; and I told him that now that my Dad & stepmother are older and getting sick so often, you kinda feel like you're walking on eggshells wondering how long you have with them. You hope & pray that they have more time.

DAD called, and since they have to stay closer to home for health reasons and becuz they are landlords; they will only be coming once this year in August. I told him that we would rather they rest and get their health back; and told him to take it easy (but he likes to keep busy). Oh well ...

You'll get through it RONNIE; we all will. Prayers going up for peace & strength for you during this time. Wow, you have flowers up already; we have too much snow in our south side yet, but soon the west may melt so they can come up. I asked DH not to put any more snow on that garden so they can.

Gotta go serve dinner; take care ... Rosebud :hug:

Hi GALS :)

Well still no GRANDdaughter....:mad:.....;)

She keeps poking around in there...doctor said she was sure to arrive yesterday after he had my dil come in since she has been in labor so long....doctor had her come back in today and said all is well, she just isn't quite ready....and seriously what are the chances she was really gonna come on her due date? :D

RONNI ~ Did your father not want you to have a "family gathering" or a funeral because he didn't want people fussing over him? Sounds like a pretty good guy since you loved him so much. How would it be if you had a "celebration" for him like we do for my mom with the Grammi Judi Chili Celebration. Something simple, just family and friends over for an easy meal...we make it potluck...I make the chili and Angie makes one too....if it feels right to say something about him fine, if not go about your gathering having a good time visiting. Do you really think he would mind that?

My wife and kids know that as far as I am concerned they can do whatever they want. I want my body to go to research at the college here, Angie too...I told them they can have a BBQ, have a memorial at church...whatever THEY want to do...'cause it won't be about me...I will be in :carrot: paradise! :carrot: The only thing I ask is that they try to make it a happy occasion...because they too KNOW that I will be having a great day with our LORD!

Well...back to baby watch....;)

Hi Everyone...I'm new here. Some background info, I was raised in a Christian family, pretty much from high school to about a month ago I was either questioning my faith or not ready to give my life to Jesus. I visited a nice church about a month ago and surrendered my life to Jesus.

Recently, I've been thinking alot about the "idols" I have in my life....all of the things I "worship" other than God. I've realized that my appearance and my weight are obsessions of mine. I do need to lose weight but I obsess over it and I obsess over my appearance.

I want to focus on losing weight and becoming healthy and feeling better about myself...but I want to do it with the glory of God. Any suggestions or encouragement? :cb:

tayde, Welcome and good luck !

:hug: Stick around....we will always be here to help.....ask anything of us you wish :)

Welcome Tayde!

I think that you're doing it for the very best reason. Personally, there's an element of vanity involved (buying vestments right off the rack!), but at its best, my WW experience is all about being obedient and faithful, taking care of my body so that it can continue to serve the One who saved me.

Which reminds me: here's a pic of me in my brand new black preaching robe, down 16 pounds and three dress sizes!

Because even a little bit of progress is still progress...

Hi Tayde Welcome! This is a great group ,you will grow to love them. They have helped me more than they will ever know.
Tonight God taught me a good lesson. I could not find my cat Rufuss and he always comes home at night, he hunts all day long. Could not find him been outside for two hours and I stopped and prayed and I have never had a pray answered so soon .I was in the store room today and he was in there! What a relief I would of been up and down the road all night looking for him!

Ronni, I know the sadness you are going thru bless your heart, I lost my Dad and my Mama, but my sister and I were so close when she went it really dug a hole in my heart. Thou she is gone sometimes I feel her so near can not explain it, I can hear her laughter, it always made me laugh and we would have to go in separate rooms to stop laughing it was so contagious, we would laugh till we had tears. I loved her and I still miss her, we had the same Birthday except she was 15 years old when I was born.
I love your flowers so pretty! I had some little white ones on the south side blooming in the cold weather!That is also a great picture of your Dad.

Gary how do you donate your body to colleges for research? I have heard of it being done but never heard how or where to get the papers.

Gary, My friend does not want no funeral she wants to be took straight to the grave side and buried ,no grave site funeral either. She said If you want to visit me come by while I am alive and give me flowers now so I can enjoy them don't wait till I am dead. She said I don't want people goking at me when I am laying in my casket and she wants a wooden box nothing fancy either. I said Ok...not even a dinner or celebration No she said. If you want to do that you can do that to while I am alive so I gave her a 80th birthday party and invited everyone!

Thank you all for sharing your grief stories with me-it helps a LOT to know I'm not alone.

Bootsie-Body donation is fairly simple. I found the info on-line for Dad when he started thinking about it. It should be easy if there's a medical school in your state. Indiana University takes bodies free of charge to the family as long as they are in Indiana (otherwise there is a transport fee). There are some rules-the body must be viable for research/study, so certain diseases would prohibit a body donation. No organs could be donated, except eyes, to anywhere else, which makes sense, as the med students need to know where everything is. Best thing is to look on-line for body donation and see what comes up in your state. Dad wanted to do this so that none of us would have to pay for any part of his burial. After the med school is done, the body is cremated and they will either bury the remains in their cemetery or return them to the family. We are having Dad's remains returned to me, so we can bury him with his parents-we also found out that the cemetery they're in does not charge anything to put the container of ashes on a family plot, which would make Dad very happy.

Rosebud-thank you. It seems that most of my family is passing away in a sudden manner. Don't know what you think, but DH and I decided it's just a bit harder to deal with when the death is unexpected. His dad lingered with the cancer and, hate to say it but, it was a relief to see him go and know he was no longer suffering. My dad's death was so unexpected that we were all just floored. I remember my aunt saying over and over that this wasn't the way it was supposed to turn out. Their parents (my grandparents) were killed when a semi ran over their car 18 years ago and, like you, it still seems unreal. They were also the glue that helped hold our family together. Now, my dear aunt is taking up the reins, so to speak. She just wants to keep us all close, so she still has some part of her parents and brother, and, of course, we just love her and want to have her around as long as we can!

Gary-maybe I answered somewhere in all the rest of that, but Dad's main objective was to keep any of us from having to spend any money on him, as he had very little insurance and pretty much died penniless. My cousin joked that Dad did things the way he wanted and made sure the last check he wrote bounced! ( it wasn't really that bad, but you know what I mean) Dad had also been very badly affected by his parents' funeral and the expense of it. The funeral director seemed to think that they'd be reimbursed by the trucking company, so charged rates much higher than anyone thought they should be, when, in fact, there's some law in IN that keeps companies from having to pay for "work-related" deaths. So, long story short, Dad did not want any of us to ever pay another funeral home for anything ever again. He also hated how people would stand around talking about the deceased and cry and be emotional, but we did that anyway, so we'll probably have a family 'gathering' when we bury his ashes and hope he can forgive us;)

AuntLoopy-you look great in your photo!!

Well, sorry I went on and on and on and ..... Hope you all have a wonderful day and that things are starting to 'spring' up! God bless!

Yeah Aunt Loopy 16 pounds and you look great!

Going to check it out Ronni for I think that is a great idea! Helping someone in the future after I am gone, just love it!

Hi everyone! I've been reading through this and smiling. This is exactly the type of support I need :)

I have about 15lbs to lose - coming from a background of eating disorders and alcoholism - I'm so ready to let go, to let God.

Welcome , Atleastmytoesarethin! Hope I see lots and lots of you around here.
I checked it out on donating my body to science and there are so many now it is getting like which one do I choose! I am going to really have to do some checking out all of them. My grandson is going to become a chripractor,oh this computer don't know nomore than I do how to spell it a Back doctor in other words, may ask him what he thinks.

:welcome: HANNAH ~ it's nice to have a fellow CANADIAN join us on our thread here. The weather is cold here too; and we still have lots of snow, as we had a big storm recently. The temps are colder this week, but we have been blessed with lovely :sunny: too!

:welcome2: TAYDE ~ Congrats on your new decision for Christ! One thing that I love is that we are encouraged in the scriptures; and reminded that we don't have to worry or be anxious about what we eat or wear (see Luke 12; also in Matthew too). GOD wants us to be healthy & well, but he doesn't want us to worry about it. We have been blessed with lots of healthy food in our society so we can eat well and get healthier too. There are some threads in this forum that you may find helpful too.:D

:welcome3: ATLEASTMYTOESRSKINNY ~ glad that you found us over here; come back often. Did you see our PRAYER WARRIORS THREAD in this forum? We'd love you to join us there; we can always use more prayer partners! Am sending up some prayers for you too! :hug:

GARY ~ that's so true; not many babies arrive right on their due dates, esp the first ones ... ;)

AUNTY ~ your new robe looks fine ... not too flashy; just right!

RONNIE ~ you're welcome; I think sharing our experiences can have a healing effect. Also, I do agree with you & your DH -- and for the exact same reasons too. :hug:

BOOTSIE ~ glad that you found your kitty; I always call on the Lord and His angels (mine too) to help us find things that are lost, esp our fine furry friends. The Lord knows how much we care about them; He does too!

:wave: BARGOO ~

Have a Fabulous Friday everyone ... Rosebud :flow2:

Evening all! Sorry I haven't taken time to read the post, hope you all are well. I'm tired. Had one class this morning then on to work, didnt' get off til almost 7. I work in a tuxedo shop and it's starting to get busy with proms.
I did get to the chiro today. My lower back is giving me problems. Hurts.
I have done pretty good with my eating choices. Did some extra walking today. I need to get a pedometer.

Hello everyone,and thank you for the welcome! I rather bombed out this week. Not good at all for calorie intake. Came down with a sinus infection. Just wanted to eat all the time. Something going down my throat seemed to ease the itchyness. Wrong choices of course! It is still very windy and cold here so I can't go walking until I am over this sinus problem. Gained 2 pounds. I am hoping that is fluid and not fat! I have been drinking tons of water to soothe my throat so perhaps it is the fluid! I have to get my act together soon though...summer is coming even to cold New Brunswick! I wonder, do floor exercises really help. Some say yes and others say no! I thought I would give them a try while I am house bound.
**** I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me****

HI GALS ~

She's here and GRAND!

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/gene...ml#post3774977

Awesome...congratulations!!

Congratulations Grandpa Gary!! Or, as we said in southern Indiana, Pappaw!! You're probably spoiling her already;) And, she has a beautiful name! Hope mommy, daddy, and baby are doing well!

I have added the pictures from yesterday to the link I gave

Good Morning All,
Prayers to those in need; congrats to new babies; and a BIG thank you for a wonderful site to feed the heart and soul.

Ronni: I'm am so sorry for your loss. I lost my Father who passed at age 49; my Mother at 57; my oldest Brother at 50; and I just lost my last Brother at Christmas time four days before his 59th Birthday. We had just talked how he would be the first to make age 60 in our immediate family. Grandparents were in their 60's and 70's. My brother didn't show for the early Christmas dinner while my son was in from Hawaii. I knew something was wrong-he always came early-he was the fun "Dad" to my son and daughter and their friends. I thank God everyday that he saw them both and the grandkids days before the dinner. I was the outgoing one and he was the shy one, but we were always best friends--could talk about life or anything. He is so missed. His(and my husband) job of 37years closed 5 years ago and it was very hard. They both missed full retirement (55 and out) by months. My brother is not married and did parttime jobs to make ends meat, but had no insurance. We paid for his cremation and my kids are coming back in this summer to go with me to do what he wanted with his ashes at our favorite camping area in WV--my parents home state. Much family still there and my brother was their favoite uncle also. My sister and I are the last and she is 57 and I will be 55 tomorrow. She is sure she is next, but I tell her to thank Jesus and God for each day. She has been a christain for a long time whereas I have always believed in God, but am just really learning about him and his word for the first time for the last few years.
Thank you for a place to come and be able to say how I feel. Reading all of your posts gives so much support and you can feel the Lord in all of you.
Shirl