I'm glad you got your treatment, but it sounds like you need to learn to except help from people. Shame on you for not taking someone to drive you. Thanks for all your cudos. It has been a long road for me. One I've walked many times. I seem to always sabatage myself at this point and start putting the weight back on. I lost 50 pounds back late '99 and early '00, but since then I have gained and lost the same 15 pounds every year. Last year I never did lose it all. I really believe this yr will be different. I've found great support from all my friends here at 3FC. I honestly don't think I'd have lost it this yr if I hadn't started posting here again. Well, I truly hope you're feeling better tomorrow. Hugs to you and prayers for you.

A friend, Kristi

Good morning Charlotte, So happy to hear you are feeling better. I think it's just a shame you have to endures such treatments to get relief. I hope they come up with a better way. It sounds like your DS was having some fun with his little girl. The toothfairie I find very stressful. I'm always afraid I will fall asleep waiting for the child to fall asleep and then forget!!!! Moms have enough pressure without having to be fairies as well lol lol :) Well, we're off to the library and then to visit my mom today because it's so noisy here. Workmen came yesterday and started residing my house. I picked light maple and am leaning toward wine colored shutters and doors!?!?!? Do you have any suggestions for me? Gotta run.
Have a great day my friend!

Kristi

Hi Kristi...
You got my mind rolling!!!! :comp: Yes....Light Maple siding & Wine shutters! I don't know what kind of door you have, but a wine door (you can paint it.) would make the shutters stand out! Are you in the country or in town? ( forgot) Paint the mailbox to match. Porch furniture can match with very little effort. Either paint, or printed cushions,or extra chairs that are wine. Flower pots that are wine sitting on the porch, or figurines in the yard or on the porch that have Light Maple & wine in them. An arch, if you have a place for one, would be beautiful! It's easy for me to spend your money! :lol: Pictures.....I need PICTURES!! :D

Hope everything went well at your mom's today. We had some very bad stormy weather here this evening, so I had to hurry home from work, instead of going to see mother. She's very sick again. I think they put a plastic diaper on her again. She's broke out in a rash again. Now, we're not sure if it's shingles starting over, or from the plastic. Poor woman is suffering.

Anyway, the storms got pretty bad. We had tornado warnings all evening. The lightning struck our house once, & the cord to the tv was sizzling & it went off. We thought it shot the tv. But, it came back on. A jumpy moment! Friends at the tv station called later to check on us. The meteorologist there watches out for our little wide spot in the road. :)

Well...getting sleepy. Hope you have a good evening.
Charlotte

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Good morning AGAIN my dear friend, No, I have not been ignoring you. I have posted 2 morns in a row only to have them lost. Each, as this one will be, were long good posts. My children have been having problems playing their games as well. My post on an exercise thread went through and then blamo again. It's very frustrating. Anyway, thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. In theory I could do each and everyone, because I do live rural. I actually live just outside the town limits of a very tiny little "village". Pop. just over 200. Our little hamlet has one factory that makes different types of milk replacers for calves. They also have a test farm here where they raise some 200 calves year round. We have 2 convenience store/ gas stations, one of which is ours. We also sell farm supplys from custom mixed feed (DH's specialty) to penecillin! There are 2 taverns that serve food, a motel, a golf course w/club house, plus 4 other businesses. The reason we're so busy even though we're so small is, our little jewel sits smack at an intersection of 3 magor WI hwy. In all 3 directions there are other little towns just 4 miles away. In the town to the south the children go to school, our church is in the town to the north, and our favorite library and grocery store are located in the town to the west. So, I love where I live, because everything is within a min drive and yet I have NO neighbors...........DD came home from Bible camp yesterday. She was so excited about the house and the arrival of the baby chicks (54 of them) They're so cute and busy. Loads of fun to watch.............How did your sons "tooth fairy expedition" go? You sound as though you're feeling better after your treatment. I so wish you didn't have to undergo that so often, but I guess if it's what you need. I'm praying you will receive relief. Well, I'm gonna cut off and hope it posts. Maybe I can come back on later. Have a great weekend!!!

A friend, Kristi

Hi Kristi,
Sorry you had so much trouble posting. Sometimes that happens with me. When it disappears once, I don't take a chance. I post again, but save it in "notepad", just in case it disappears again. So I can keep trying by copying & pasting, until it goes through. I just figured you were busy with the kids....they come first! :D I know you'll get to me when you can.

It sounds like you live in a beautiful place! We're just a wide spot in the road, called "Belgreen". No post office, so it's a Russellville route. We have 3 churches, a gas/convenience store, a florist, & a school....that's well-known for basketball. It's a beautiful community. We do have neighbor's on each side. (Not too close) They are very nice, & none of us bother each other, but, get along very well. When I'm not too lazy, I'll take some pics, so you can get an idea. ;) Our house is the land-mark of the community. It's known as the Clyde Petree Place. Clyde Petree owned most of Belgreen when he was living. Very well liked & respected. It's a nice old home place with a barn & pond, & pasture. Also, a large garden spot that DH has been dying to get into the last two summers. Hopefully, next summer the house will be finished.

Well....son couldn't understand why his daughter was "down" about the 5 dollar bill she found under her pillow. I was gone when she woke up that morning. I had to explain to him. I just called her out to the porch where we were & ask her why she was sad. She said she was hoping to get more than one dollar! :^: I knew that was it....but, wanted son to hear it. He explained to her why there was a 5 on it. Then, I gave her 5 ones in it's place. She was jumping up & down.....soooo happy! My son said he supposed the "toothfairy" has a few things to learn. :lol: Lot of money...but, he said it was her first tooth. I have a feeling she'll expect that much next time. The "goodfairy" may have more to learn. ;)

Don't worry about me with the treatments. It would be nice if things were different, but, at least I do have something that works for me. I could be a whole lot worse off. I try to look at my cup as half full! :) Those prayers are appreciated though. They help more than the treatments.

Glad DD enjoyed Bible camp....& all those chicks!

Gotta go. Hope you have a great weekend, also.
Your friend,
Charlotte

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Hello, I guess $ 5 a tooth wouldn't be so bad with only a couple cjildren, but she will definitely expect that much the next time as well!! It's funny how money appears to children. How a nickel is better than a dime, because it's bigger lol My DH built a chicken coop yesterday. He and the children are out painting it now. All four kids have a different color! One's painting grass and sky, one's doing red, white, and blue, while the other 2 are just kind of swishing colors all around!! I asked DH why he wanted to have the coop look like that when we're just getting the house to look so nice lol Whatever, they've all had a hand in building it. As long as they're happy and proud, right?!?! I blew it with my mom this morn. I had not had time to see her all wk. On Fri night she called and laid the guilt on pretty thick. I offered for me and the kids to come visit Sat. (yesterday). Of course she didn't care for us to come then, because her sister would be there, couldn't we come on Sunday instead. This morn she went to church with my DB so I called after and invited her to brkfst. She'd allready eaten. My next question, would you like to come up anyway and just visit for awhile? Well, since she called on Fri things have shanged and her friend is now staying with her, because my mom's friend had surgery to remove a spur from the top of her foot. It's easier for her to get around my mom's home than her upstairs apartment. Long story short now she doesn't "need" us to come around, because she doesn't know what they're going to do. Maybe if she's bored later she'll call and come up then. Rather than talk nice I just said, fine, good, ok bye! and hung up. I wish I could benicer, but she made me feel just awful when she called on Fri and for what, because I put my children first? It's been this way my whole life. My mom only wants to spend time with me if there's absoluetly no one else to be with. I gotta help with the coop, sorry to leave you on a grumpy note! lol

Friends, Kristi

I can just see that chicken coop! :D It will be a memory-maker! Be sure to take a picture of it for your family album. Especially with all the kids beside it.

That's the plan I have for our walk-in closet. (if it ever gets done) All the grands are going to paint whatever they want to. It'll be the "grand room"! ;) Just enjoy the chickens, coop, & kids. Don't worry about the pain job. Visitors will love it.

I had a feeling things didn't go well with your mom. I'm so sorry. You did the right thing. You put your children first...as you should have. She should have been doing the same all these years. It's good she has a friend.
Don't worry about venting. I told you...this is the place! :coffee: I just hope she gets a little wiser before something happens, as it did to my mom. Too late, now.

We're having beautiful weather now. I love it! Got a long day at work, though, so can't stay. I hope you enjoy your Monday.
Your friend,
Charlotte

Hi Charlotte, Thanks for always listening. Sometimes I feel so silly for letting her get to me. Sometimes it rolls off and then other times it sends me into a dithering blabbering spin. Today's been a good day, all though very busy. DD had volley ball practice starting at 8am. I ran back home got DS and dropped him off at baseball at 9am. Then took 2 youngest to the library once there I got them on the internet and then left for a 3 mile walk on the trail. By then it was just about time to get DS from ball, but DD was off to softball!! Took DS to library so he could use the computer took 2 youngest to the park. At 11am we picked up DD from soft ball and took her to the library as well. This is when me and DD #2 and DS #2 went to visit my mom. Stayed an hr (not so bad) went back to the library and picked up DD#1 and DS #1. Came home had lunch and now I'm talking to you PHEW!!! It's beautiful here today as well, but they say some bad weather is heading our way. High winds and hail. Maybe we'll got lucky though. We have so far. We've had record inches of rain this yr, but only the one storm scare. I can live with that. I have a load of housework to do after being gone all morn and we're to have another ballgame at 5:30 tonight. Maybe a few high winds wouldn't be so bad about that time lol. My workmen are putting in the new porch spindles and railings right now. We had those old wrought iron things. They were all bent and icky. This'll be so much nicer. Well, I've talked enough about me to last you the day I'm sure. Hope yours has been good as well.

Friends, Kristi

Hi Kristi,
Well, it's 4 am, & haven't been to sleep yet. I hate nights like this. I either had a flare up from RA, or an allergic reaction to Methotrexate & Remicade. Sometimes, they both react the same. I layed down for about 30 minutes, & that's all I could stand. I was broke out in a rash & itching, & my eyes were burning really bad. I got up & washed my eyes with a cold washcloth, & that helped. The itching is getting better. I could take a Benadryl, or Zertec, but they would make me sleep, & it's too close to time to get up...6:30 am...& I wouldn't be able to wake up to get DH & son off to work. So...you get the pleasure of my company.

Goodness, girl. How do you know if you're going or coming??? I would forget, at least, which child went where! If you don't lose weight, no one will!

I bet your new porch spindles are beautiful! I know you're excited. I would be. We've almost ran out of money, so the house may come to a standstill, until we get some kind of settlement. Of course, we still have some material left, but, not a lot.

I suppose you notice....my post isn't loaded with graphics. I'm having problems with my pc. I'm running a virus scan on it , now. These things can be so aggravating.

Well, I'm going to go see how it's doing. I may try to lay down for a little while. Hope you have a good Tuesday. Hey....how about slowing down a little??

Your friend,
Charlotte

Dearest Charlotte, That's awful that you are broke out in the itchies. I vote that you should set DH and DS's alarms on really LOUD and let them get up on their own. You should have taken the meds that would've helped YOU, but then when you get down to it I'm not much of a care giver lol This morning's rat race was pretty much like yesterday's. Tomorrow DD still has to be at VB by 8am, while DS and other DD need to be in another town at the same time for a ball tournament. DH's going to have to be on duty somewhere. Thankfully, he can take a short time here and there most days to run for them. Thurs brings a tournament for DS and his other team and Fri DD has a softball tourney. Thankfully, that's the end of their seasons except for a fun day in Aug. I am hoping some day soon I'll have some time for me or even me and hubby. I know exercise is important, but for 2 months that's pretty much the only time I've been able to carve out for myself. I picked up the movie "Calendar Girls" from the library. I'm thinking that and a nice glass of wine around 9pm!!
Hope you're feeling much better, Kristi

Hi Kristi,
Well, I got up at 2 am this morning. At least, I slept a couple of hrs last night. I'm a little better...but, really been dragging. DH said he knew I was up all night....but, thought I just couldn't sleep...that happens a lot. He wouldn't LET me get up & cook. (Isn't that sweet? ;) ) He cooked his own breakfast, & son bought his on the way to work. Sometimes, these men of mine surprise me! :)

I'm so glad you have the energy for all that running around. Hope it stays with you. I also hope your little ones remember all this you're doing for them, when they're grown. I'm sure they will. Sounds to me like you need to be elected "Mom of the Year"! I agree you need some alone time with DH. ( Are things better with him, now? I hope so.) Every couple needs that. I'm anxious for the week of August 9th to get here. We're going to DD's (about a 5 hr drive) for DH to lay her kitchen tile. Then, we're off to Gulf Shores to the beach for a few days. DD & SIL offered their motor home to us, there. They keep it there all summer. I'm planning to hide DH's pager, & cell phone. :D I'll take my cell phone, & check the messages each night. ;) We haven't been on a vacation, or anywhere together, since the housefire. Needing it badly. DD just about insisted on it. She's been trying to get us to go for 2 or 3 yrs now. I asked her if she's remodeling her kitchen, just to have an excuse to get us down there. :lol:

Well....now, you're making me want to see that movie! :lol: I hadn't watched much tv at all, until son moved in with us. He loves to watch movies...especially with mom & dad. Only thing, he & DH are hard of hearing....tv's too loud!!

My aunt, who has cancer is in a bad shape, now. She will probably pass away any day. Also, had a lady to die a couple of weeks ago, that I've known several years. A very sweet person. Then, yesterday, another lady died that I've known since I was a teenager. She was VERY handicapped. Never had a chance to marry. Always had a cheerful attitude. She loved my singing. I've been asked to sing at her funeral tomorrow. Pray for me, that I'll not only feel better, but, will sing ok.

Going to get off of here, my friend. Rest when you can!!! :dizzy:

Hi Charlotte, I haven't read your post. I'm actually at the library in between ball games. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and will post more tomorrow.
Take care my friend

Kristi

Hi Kristi...
It's ok. I know you are very busy. Just post when you can. There are times, when I can't post as soon as I'd like to. I hope all is going well with you.

My Aunt passed away. Her funeral is today. My sister & I got very upset that we couldn't go to the funeral. We kept trying to make arrangements to go, but, just couldn't work it out. She wasn't feeling well...& I've been sick all week. I've kept going, but, by forcing myself...to the point of exhaustion from trying. I knew I wasn't able to drive over 6 hrs to the funeral & back. Plus, the viewing, & funeral. It doesn't take the guilt & grief away, though.

I'm a little better this morning. I DID finally get a good night's sleep. That helped a lot. Not going to push myself, so maybe I'll recover.

I hope you have a great weekend.
Your friend,
Charlotte

Hi Lady, Where to begin? First my condolences on the loss of your friend. My prayers are with you and your aunt as well.......It sounds like your DD is helping you have a wonderful vacation. In some ways I can't waite for my children to be old enough to do nice things for me, but then I like them young as well.....I hope this finds you feeling better as well......taking the day off may be just what you need.........thank you for being understanding of my neglect. End of the season has been rough on all of us. Tomorrow the camp councellors who will be leading our VBS arrive, so it's another week of ahhhhhhh here we go. DD #1 also needs to be in a town 30 miles away each day for 4 hrs. I still don't know how we are going to work it. She is taking 2 classes on a college campus. It's called "College for Kids" and is only offered to the 5th - 8th grade students who excell. She didn't take classes liek I felt she should take, but who am I right?!? She took fun things where of course I wanted her to take computer or math related classes. Oh well. I'm feeling good about VBS this yr though so that's a relief. I started co-ordinating it for 3 churches back in 98. None of the pastors in the past have been involved at all and you know how difficult it is to get volunteers. I go to such a snooty church, but I don't leave, because I firmly believe God put me there for the children. 3 yrs ago I didn't think I'd be able to spen my days there as I had in the past and put the word out to the ladies of my church that I really needed to have good help there, because I would not be there. Well, my wonderful DH reworked his wk at the last minute so I could be there. Two of the women from my church actually accused me of either lying about not being able to be there to get them to volunteer or otherwise I'm so controlling that I didn't trust them to do it without me. Duh!!! Have they never heard "many hands make light work"? Anyway, the Methodist church this yr has a new pastor who really wants to be involved. Helping with openings and everything. Plus, they also have a Sun School co-ordinator (which they haven't had in the past) who plans to spend her days there as well. What a relief!!! Other people who actually want to help and are not being coerced or guilted into it. I guess I am different. I actually want to be where my children are helping and being involved. ANyway, enough of that. I'm happy and that's what matters, right lol

Hope your weekend goes better than your wk

Kristi

Sorry about the loss of your aubt as well. I know you wanted to go to her services, but I'm sure that she and her family know how much you care.
Thoughtfully, Kristi

Good morning, Kristi...This is Sunday & I'm feeling some better. I think a lot of my problem was stress. With the death of friend & Aunt. Frustration of wanting to go to Georgia for the funeral, etc. After an RA flare up, I have to rest....getting stressed only makes it worse, & hard to recover. It's a pretty day, & church will make me feel better.

Yes, I can see you doing the work at church. You know, most of the time...one or two are willing to do the work, & others are willing to LET them. :( They usually have something to say, if they don't like the way things are done, though. Sad. You're a go-getter. Those kids were lucky to have you to get the VBS started, & going.

Another busy week? Is there someone that lives close to the college that your daughter might spend the week with? Or maybe, if someone else you know is going, the two of you could take turns. Just a couple of thoughts.

How's your house going? I imagine it's looking good. DH has been working a lot the last couple of weeks, so ours is just sitting right now.

Well, DH has just reminded me that I need to get dressed. Guess I can't go to church in my pj's. :lol:

Have a great day/week. Post when you have the time.
Charlotte

Hi Charlotte, Yes, it will be another busy week, but DH has come through once again and plans to tote children back and forth. If he has time he'll run DD to college while I take the others to VBS or vice versa. However his schedule will allow. I had a truly wonderful morn. The councellors did a skit and got the entire congregation involved singing a wonderful upbeat song. I met with them at the Methodist church down the street from us ( our VBS is ecumenical ) along with the new pastor at that church. I almost cried during the meeting. The pastor and the new Sun school co-ordinator there are so on board with helping. I'm so much more relaxed than in yrs past. Besides lady, I can do anything for 4 days !!!! lol Aug will inevitably bring boredom, so I may as well enjoy it while I can. Bored children are hard to live with lol I'm planning on visits to different libraries that inccorporate lunch out etc and some driving time to fill up Aug. Hopefully maybe a couple days away as well. Glad to hear you're feeling somewhat better my friend.

Kristi

Hi Kristi,
Just a quick post to say hi. Hope your week is going well. I'm going to take care of some business today, so going to pick up a granddaughter to make it a "day out" with her. :)

I'm glad you've got good help with the VBS now. I pray all goes well.

Have a good week...& you & DH drive carefully with all that traveling you're both having to do.

Talk to you later, friend.
Charlotte

Oh, did you 2 get your nails done again? If so I'm very jealous! I know that's not the Christian way, but I soooooo want to be pampered. Even if it's by a total stranger lol It's not as funny as I like to make it . I'm one who has a really hard time showing vulnerability or needing anything. I'm getting alot better though. I hope you had a great day with her no matter what you ended up doing. VBS is going great. The children are really enjoying it. I wish I would've set shorter hrs though. We're running from 9am - 3pm and even quiting at 2 would've been better. We start to lose the younger children about that time. They want to wander etc....but the councellors are doing a terrific job of keeping them interested. Maybe it's me that wants to wander at 2 lol. Thanks for the driving concern. I pray every time we take off. Have a great week my friend.

Kristi

Hi Kristi,
Happy VBS is going well for you. I suppose the little ones are pretty tired by 3 pm...but, probably sleep well at night. That makes for happy parents. LOL

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Well, our day was dampened a little, with her having cheerleader practice most of the day. I live within walking distance of her school, though, so she would come here between practice times. Then, she spent the night, & my son's two little daughters are here this week, so they all had a nice (loud) time. LOL

I get my nails done every other week, now. I love it. I got spoiled the first time. Especially with the massage chair I sit in for the pedicure. :D

Well, granddaughter is awake now. She has to go for practice at 10 am, :o so I'm going to spend a little time with her.

Hope you have a great day.
Your friend,
Charlotte

Hi Friend, It sounds like you're having a wonderful time with your GDs. I know children are loud, but I try to remember that loud and boisterous means healthy. At VBS I'm working with a woman who has 2 biological children plus 4 adopted children. All 4 have some kind of special need. Many problems that poeple wouldn't know unless you lived with the child. Some of the things their family has gone through to love these children?!?! Our world is truly blessed by people like her. I fret and stress my way through raising my own healthy well adjusted children lol I don't know how these angels from heaven do it. Well, it's been a fine morn I got out early and did 2 miles worth of prayers on the bike trail and I believe I'm ready to face my day. Hope yours goes beautifully. Rah Rah Rah ! (I'd've loved to have been a cheerleader)

Kristi

Good morning, friend.
TGIF!! It's been a long week. Looking forward to the weekend. I hope you made it through ok.

Well, my time with cheerleader granddaughter was kind of hectic. Everytime we planned something, they planned a practice. :^: We had to grab opportunities between practices. Oh well, we did get to be with each other. Today is my son's birthday...he's 25. He's the one getting a divorce, & temporarily living with us. I had a little gathering for him last night, since his little girls have to be back at their mother's by 6 pm tonight. It was nice.

You're doing great with your bike riding! Hey, girl...you ARE a cheerleader! Don't you know that?? I know you would have loved to be one at school, too. I'm amazed that you weren't.

Well, managers is gone for a few days to visit their children in Missouri, so I've got the office & several of the programs to take care of until Tuesday. Going to be pretty busy, so if I come up missing, I'm either at the TV Station, or resting. :dizzy: They need to get away sometimes, & I'm glad to do it for them....just, a handful for me. They are there 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day, so they deserve some time away. Their mobile home is in the yard of the station...so if something goes wrong with the transmitter, etc, they're there.

How did all the ball games, & such go? I know you all must be tired.
Well, got to go get ready for a long day of work. Have a great Friday, my friend.

Wow, your managers sound as though they live the job like we do. We too are right next door and you would not believe how often a farmer comes in the night wanting something. Goodness our hrs are from 6am-10pm / 7 days a wk you'd think they could get what they need somewhere in those hrs, but not a chance. It's really nice of you to take on so much more so they can get away. Our VBS went great finishing up with a WONDERFUL PROGRAM LAST NIGHT. wE DID A DRIVE FOR THE LOCAL FOOD PANTRY AS WELL and that ended up a huge success. None of my children's teams won their tourneys, but being such a little school compared to the others we never expect to win. It's always nice to to go a little ways and that we did. Only one bad point to the whole week. I ended up so fed up with my pastor that at last nights program he wanted me to do something for him that I'd ALLREADY done and left on his desk as asked. I told him I was about to enjoy the program to take care of it himself. A little background, He's been here six yrs. the last board tried 3 yrs ago to rid of him. When interviewing he blatantly lied about some huge issues to our call committee and has done nothing himself to try to endear himself to our congregation. (he's close to 60 and has been a pastor for only 10 yrs) Long story short, I'm one of the few people that continue to give him the benefit of the doubt and to work with him trying to make things better between him and others in the church. Long story shorter, I've come to realize that he's really just using me and needs to learn to give of himself if wants us to give to him. It's been a very difficult 6 yrs. He's the type if I had a problem I'd never be able to go to him, because we'd end up talking about one of his conceived problems. Sorry for dumping on you, but my behavior and what happened is weighing very heavy on me even though I know some bounderies need to be laid down. Anyway, it was a great week for the children of our community, we have some of the children's friends coming for lunch today, tomorrow we go to a water park with the scouts and their families and then most of our obligations for the summer will have been met. I so needed to pound that out A BIG THANK YOU AGAIN.

HAve a great all but busy weekend!

Kristi

Hi Charlotte, I have to get offmy hiney and take a computer course. I would love to know how to post you cute things like you so often do for me. I really needed to hear someone say, "it's ok." We have had a number of members leave and our last board went to the bishop about him, but they went about it the wrong way. Our message from the higher ups kind of became we're stuck with him until he'd like to leave. I've worked so closely with him over the years that I know he knows his theology REALLY well and has a wonderful understanding of the Bible even the Hewbrew language, but just because he's a good scholar doesn't make him a good pastor. Anyway, thanks!....Finally my childrens avtivities are down to 3 things this month. How awesome is that. The stress finally got to me and I ended up eating my way right through the weekend and pretty much just lying around ALL DAY yesterday. I feel really good today though. I've set my exercise goals smaller than in the past, because I feel it's been getting in the way of Bible study. I know God wants me to care for my "temple", but with all the book reading, exercising, and food measuring I almost feel as though my temple had become an idol. I know, kind of deep, but I need to get back on track. Thanks for being a good friend!

Kristi

Putting in graphics isn't hard. I learned by trial & error. Just find the graphic you want to use on the internet...right click...go to "properties"....left click...highlight the address: http:www.soandso
...copy....come back to your post & paste it in. Put [IMG] in the front of it, & [/IMG]at the end of it. You can have two windows open at one time, to minimize the one you need out of the way, to go back & forth. You can also click on the little yellow square above your post (looks like a mountain & sun pic), that will bring up a box to paste your address into...& click "ok". I'll help you work on it, if you like.
Now, I got lazy. I purchased a program called "Emotipad Plus" that I put my graphics into. I can put them into catagories & just "click & drag" into the post. It only cost a one time fee of $12.00. Sooo much simpler. When I get tired of those graphics, I take them out, & put in new ones. :D

So sorry about your pastor. Believe me, I DO understand. I've been in your same situation. He had the "higher ups" really fooled. Of course, they weren't around all the time like the congregation was. We never did really get rid of him ourselves. After DH & I started to another church, he had a few strokes...that put him in a bad condition. He had no choice then. None of us were praying for anything bad to happen to him. I'm just not going to say any more, or give my opinion....but, I DO have one. I also want the man to be saved before he dies. What happened with the church?? They have a good pastor, & it's thriving. We enjoy visiting.

I'm sorry you got stressed. I was afraid it was going to happen. Girl....you've really been going at it! It was about time you got some well-deserved rest. Don't worry about the eating. It'll probably give your diet a "kick start". I've heard of that happening. Anyway, what does it matter? You needed a break. I've been eating too much, also. Especially sweets. I don't know what got into me. I'm going to the beach next week, & I went crazy! :^:

Hey, if you feel you were too serious & it got in your way of Bible study, then you did the right thing. I don't think it's too deep. God let's us know when we need to change course. You were listening to Him. Nothing wrong with that.

Well, it's getting late. Everyone's asleep, but me. Take care, my friend....hope this month will give you some rest.

Wow! Thanks for sharing a pic of yourself. It's wonderful putting a face to all your lovely messages. Life has calmed down so much. Yesterday we stayed home all day until about 3pm. Then we went to visit my mother, who is so proud that she's back to driving, and then onto the library. It was so nice. All summer I've dropped my children at the library and then walked the trail myself. I didn't realize just how much I missed relaxing within those walls. As a child the library was my refuge away from a turbulent home life. In summer the library was cool and dark at a time when no one had air conditioning and the librarian was a wonderful old lady who would've never raised her voice to child who loved to read as much as I did. Cutting back on exercise is going to be good for me. As for my church. We will survive of course. Yesterday was a great day in that dept. as well. I lined up the last S.S. teacher I needed. That's a full month before S.S. is scheduled to start!!!! Yippee!....... I'm going to try the rules you gave me for posting pics, but no time to try today. I really appreciate your help. I hope you have a great day. I'm planning to.

Kristi

Hi Charlotte, I had a great day yesterday! Nothing spevtacular, but maybe that's what was so great about it. I've got 3 days of Bible study under my belt and I'm allready feeling so much more grounded. My exercise has even went better than it has in a long time. Maybe I can have it all if I just keep my priorities straight. I even got to spend some quality time with my hubby and enjoyed a nice Chinese buffet last night. The first time we've gone out in a long time. We had the youngest with us and that still didn't dampen anything. He's so well behaved it was still wonderful. I know it was only 2 mths, but we need to put our relationship more to the forfront of our concerns rather than always on the back burner. My 7 y/o daughter spent the night with my mom last night and they're coming to have meatloaf and baked tatties at lunch. I would love to have my mom checked for adult ADD or something. She is at an all time bad about listening. No one, not even my beloved niece can get a word in edge wise. If it's not about mom, it's not important. I'm eally starting to think it's a medical problem rather than just a lack of respect for others. I just don't know. You can tell while you're talking she's just thinking of we what she can say next what the other person is talking about means nothing. She's been this way to a degree always, but it's much worse. Like I said, I'd like to have her checked. I just don't believe she is just THAT rude. Anyway, I went from happy to concerned pretty fast there. Today's going good as well. DH and DS are going to a semi pro baseball game today. It's the end of the season fun day for DS ball team. I hope they have a blast!!! I too hope your day is awesome. I plan to check out your web site today. Can you believe I've never found time before. Kids!! lol May God touch you today in many ways!

Kristi

Hi again, Guys had a blast at the game last night. I've got my chores done this morn so it's time to eat. Hope this finds you well and happy!

Kristi

Flowers for a beautiful wife & mom!! I'm glad this month is a little slower for you. You sound more rested. I love chinese buffet. I went & got me a "take home" meal today...came home & watched tv until time to go do our 1 hr program. Just plain lazy, I was. :D I got my hair cut shorter today, too. It'll be easier to take care of next week. I'm going to miss posting to you. I'm really looking forward to the trip, though. Hope to relax & get DH to relax.

I'm sure there's a chance your mom could have a medical problem. Usually, though, people's personality just "exagerates" more as they get older. Especially people with problem personalities. That's what happened with my mom, until she got Alziemer's....then she did that complete turn about of being so sweet...as most Alziemer's patients do. (the turn about) My mother is really going down fast, now. The shingles, etc, really took a toll on her. She just lays or sits & stares most of the time. My step-dad is having to start giving himself insulin shots, now. So, I guess he's going to go down, next. He was going to stay with mother everyday for most of the evening. The last couple of weeks, he hasn't been there, much. He has 2 sisters, but they hardly ever come to see him, & only live about 30 miles away. So, I guess it'll be left up to me & my sister to take care of him. Don't mind so much if he'd cooperate. Hard to explain, he's a big baby, for one thing. :^:

Thanks for checking out my website, & signing. It's pretty large, with 12 pages, but, I've been working on it for about 3 yrs now. It helps me, spiritually, when I'm a little down, to just go into it & work on it. I have signatuares from all over the world. Now, one of my favorites is YOURS! ;)

Well, time for my 2 men to come home hungry, so I'll go make sure all is ready. Hope you have a good evening. Rest all you can. You deserve it!
Your friend,
Charlotte

I'm sorry to hear that your mother's condition is worsening. It must be very difficult to see her empty. Is that the word I'm looking for? I know even with all the things me and my mom have been through, it's still very difficult to see her be "not her". My mother's always been a very fast paced person and now you can tell almost every movement is thought of before hand. I think it's wonderful that you and your sister are willing to care for your SF. Was he a father figure to you when you were young or has he only been married to your mother since later in their lives? My DB and SIL cared for my SIL SF after her mother passed. He'd married her mother late in life, but as my SIL's father had passed when she was 8 y/o her SF was the only father she really knew. They did a wonderful job caring for him and I'm sure you and your sister will as well............When exactly do you leave on vacation? Maybe you're gone allready lol. I hope you both have a terrific time and get a lot of rest plus have some fun as well.....I have no big plans in the near future and that suites me just fine!! DH has started hauling oats so he will be working longer hrs. At least we don't do the combining any more, that made for really long hrs for a good month straight between the oats, soy beans, and corn!!! Well, enjoy your day!

Kristi

I'm 40 today and think life is rockin'
Hope your vacation is rockin' as well
A friend, Kristi

I have checked and will post later. Children want me at the moment. I haven't posted at all during the past week and have put on 6# so I went directly to the walking away the pounds thread. If you want to read a lovely account of my BD before I get back to you feel free to snoop around there. I'm glad you had an awesome vacation. Type you later!!!

Friends, Kristi

Hi Kristie,
Just a quick post to let you know I've been missing you. If you're too busy, that's ok. Take care of yourself. When you get a chance, let me know how you & your family are.

Love ya,
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Dear Charlotte, I'm so sorry to have ignored you for 2 whole weeks. I have been really busy. School starts in 2 days as well as soccer. 3 of our children are playing and all just far enough apart in age that they are on 3 different teams. So I imagine it will be 6 wks of ahhhhhh. I do the concessions for the league plus, this yr I made numerous calls and couldn't get any of the parents to coach my oldest's team (all volunteers of course) so I'm coaching as well. I coached for 2 yrs in the past, but haven't coached for 2 yrs again. It'll be ok, but I'm honestly not looking forward to it and am still hoping to find someone else. Anyway, my first Sunday school teachers meeting went well yesterday. The Lord was definitely with me. I held just a tiny devotion first and then we set our entire calendar for the year. Ther were a few that didn't want to do that, but I stuck firm. Too often we go almost month by month and then things get put off, because so and so has something else going on. I told them we were all going to be supportive of eachothers lives outside this ministry as well as within and things will work out better if we all know in advance what's going on at church. God works all honest deeds to the good.........My family's well and so and so am I. I'm doing no structured exercise at the time being, but I have continued my daily Bible study ( I get so "uncentered" when I let it fall by the wayside) and feel terrific. Our calf is growing and our chickens are FAT. The broiler chix are going to bucher on the 7th. There's one me and the children are probably going to hide so she's spared. Write me soon and let me know how things are going with you my friend.

Love from WI as well,
Kristi

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Hello, dear friend. Bless your heart....your hands are full again! I'm sure you can handle it...just try to take a little time (somewhere) for yourself.

I understand you won't have much time for posting. Just let me know how you're doing, once in awhile, & I'll be patient. I do miss our talks. Hope things with your mother are better.

I had a nice vacation, but have been very sick since we got back. Just now "coming to life". The Dr said I had a viral infection that set off a flare up...I was so weak....
Anyway, I'm doing much better now.
House is going slow. It looks like we probably lost our court case. They claim I signed a disclaimer warranty on the stove when we bought it. I never would have signed anything like that, if I had been aware of it. Don't know how it could have happened. The only chance we have now, is a Dr testifying for my health condition worsening because of the stress. Drs don't like to testify, so it's probably over. Our roof still isn't on, & we're out of money. I'm not going to whine, though....it wouldn't do any good. We'll just do the best we can.

My step-dad is going into the nursing home with my mom. His blood sugar got all out of control. He just couldn't get it straightened out. I think, maybe, he was wanting to go, anyway.

Well, take care of your self, & that beautiful family. Post when you can. I'll be checking back to see if you have the time. I'll answer, when you do.
I'll always be your friend...praying for you,
Charlotte