[lateralus98]

Well, so I had the big test in Biology yesterday. The one I thought I was going to fail because I goofed around for 3 weeks and didn't study OR go to class. Well, I managed to figure out how to get back in, and what do you know? I get a 70% on the test without knowing hardly ANY of the material!!! I don't know how I did it! But yeah, it TOTALLY made my day. I am so glad I went!




Thank you so much everyone for your love and support!!!

[mrsSmiley]

Good Morning CEers!!!!

How is everyone this beautfiul Sunday morning? It sure is quite around here this weekend. Well, I went to LA yesterday and WI - had my loss as expected. I did ask about the Mrs Dash 10 min Marinade and they approved it. WooHoo!!! But then when I went to the grocery store - they didn't have any. The marinade comes in 4 different flavors and sounds wonderful!!! It is supposed to be located close to the other marinades, catsup, etc... So keep your eyes open for it. I'm losing slower than I want to be but am losing "perfect according to their plan" (2LBS week). I know that 2 lbs /week is good but when you have another person to lose it seems like it will take forever! But I did get my THREE miles in yesterday!!!

Well, just thought I would check in and see how everyone is. I gotta go and hit the shower and see a patient and hopefully then off to church we go.

Have a GREAT Sunday!!!

[wilma12]

Hi everyone! It's later in the day on Sunday and I'm trying not to lay down and have a nap. I've had a great weekend. My future DIL's mother was out so we got some more wedding plans taken care of. Today we scouted out a park where they plan to have their pictures taken. It's a lovely park with stone arched bridges all through it. I think the pics are going to be lovely. DIL got her gown and they picked out bridesmaids gowns too. Now I have to go find my dress.

As you can see by my signature I'm down 1 lb. It's coming off slowly but it's coming off. The best part is that my health has improved.

Mrs. Smiley: you're doing well with that weight loss. Do you realize that 2 lbs a week means 104 lbs in a year?? Not too shabby. Tell me more about this Mrs. Dash marinade. Is it salt free like the herbs you can buy? I'd love to try them too.

Lateralus: Way to go with your test. You can do it!! I'm proud of you.

Virginia: I get dizzy reading your posts. You are a very busy lady. It must be very difficult to take care of yourself when you are giving so much to others. Please take care of yourself and you'll have the energy to do what you do.

grandmawant2lose: Welcome here. This is a great bunch of supportive people

Sunny: When we were out walking in the park close to our place I thought what a nice place to go walking on a regular basis. Just a mile from my place and I never knew the paths were there. I thought of you and all the walking you do and was inspired to do the same. It won't happen every day but I plan on getting out there as much as I can.

mkay: You're right about the DASH diet being more for health reasons than for weight loss but they do tell you how to lose weight in the book. Healthy weight also brings down BP. I'm really glad I found out about it. I'm still a little surprised that it worked as fast as it did. I've lost 7 lbs in the last couple of months and although I know it's a little slower than I'd like I was glad to finally be losing again after a year of struggling with it.

Gary: How was the wedding? Any neat ideas I can steal??

Michele: How are you doing? Back on track?

Well, I better get going. Hello to all I missed.

[mrsSmiley]

Here's what I found on Mrs Dash marinade @ www.mrsdash.com

"New Mrs. Dash® 10-Minute Marinades are the first 10-minute marinades that are salt-free with no MSG. And like all seasonings from Mrs. Dash, our 10-Minute Marinades are made with an all natural blend of 14 herbs and spices and a touch of real fruit essence. Try every one of our 4 varieties... (Mesquite Grille, Lemon Herb Peppercorn, Zesty Garlic Herb, and Southwestern Chipotle) They add just the right flavor to chicken, beef, pork, fish or vegetables at any moment’s notice. Just pour it on and in 10-minutes bake, broil or grill to create a healthy meal that tastes tender and delicious. Mrs. Dash® 10-Minute Marinades are great for dips, sauces and side dishes, too!"



Ingredients in Mesquite Grill
Water, vegetable oil blend, (canola oil, olive oil), cider vinegar, tomato paste, applesauce, apple juice concentrate, spices (black pepper, oregano, sweet chili pepper, thyme, dill seed, cayenne pepper, paprika, allspice, rosemary, basil, bay, marjoram, savory, coriander, cumin, mustard), sugar, garlic,* onion,* caramel color, orange peel,* lecithin, natural mesquite smoke flavor, natural grill flavor (from vegetable oil), lemon juice solids, lemon peel,* modified food starch, yeast extract, tomato,* modified cellulose, potassium sorbate and potassium benzoate (to preserve freshness), *Dried

12 FL OZ (354mL)


Mesquite Grill
Serv. Size 1 Tbsp. (15g)
Number of Servings: About 24
Calories 25
Calories from Fat 15
Total Fat 1.5g 3%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Potassium 30mg 1%
Total Carb. 2g 1%
Sugars 1g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 2%

Hope this helps!

[EZMONEY]

HI GALS

The wedding went very well gals...I had to pick up the flowers with my brother and brother in law on Saturday morning and I was .....(now don't tell your husbands!) in awe of the beauty of them...they were in a freezer area on a long table...all the center pieces and corsages...GORGEOUS...I had to call Angie right away and tell her...WHY?...well, she carries around a serving plate..the pictures on the plate are of fruit and the colors she is picking for the new house in flooring, furniture, paint, etc....the same colors as the flower arrangements!

WILMA--I don't know how good my ideas are...but one thing Angie, myself and my ex have learned from the weddings we attend is that you need to give the guests food and drink while the pictures of the wedding party are being taken...for example, yesterday, it was over 2 hours after the ceremony was over before people had lunch...wedding started at 11:00 so people ate breakfast before...however, they didn't get lunch until 2:30~3:30..depending on where you were in the serving order...at least the bar was open and there was water and tea on the tables.

[B]PICTURES OF THE CAKE...3 NEICES ON LEFT,GROOM,AMANDA....MY FAMILY..

[EZMONEY]

Me, Sister And Brother....centerpieces......bridesmaid Flowers....my Family

Wilma--also Have Disposable Cameras On Every Table And Make Sure The Guests Take Pictures!

[EZMONEY]

OH...the cake had a huge sheet cake to go with this one...centerpiece flowers are on my dining table, we brought them home.an't see her too well...but in the family picture my ex wife is just to the right of me behind Amanda...Angie down at the end next to her daughter...we never get to carried away on who stands by who! Later, Gary

[momof10]

Thanks Wilma12 ! Actually, my life is pretty dizzy most of the time.
That is really the reason that we are trying to sell our house.
My DH doesn't want me to have to do daycare to make ends meet.
We are hoping to sell the house and pay off our debts so we can
breath again. (Tough lesson)
Anyway, I am much encouraged today. I did a lot better with my eating today I am looking forward to a good week. I am weighing on Friday so I have some incentive to do well so the scales will go down
I have read a few posts about an upcoming wedding. Who is getting married?
My oldest son is getting married on May 28th. This will be our first wedding in the family. We are expecting our 2nd son to follow close behind (probably in January of 2006) Pretty exciting!
Our kids range in ages from 22 to 2. We are experiencing pretty much every phase of child raising right now I think
I love being their Mom
It is pretty wild some times but the Lord is very faithful to give me wisdom and strength for the task.
Thanks again everyone. We show the house again tomorrow please pray it sells.
Good night.
Virginia

[Jackay]

I'm so glad that test went well lateralus98! Sorry I don't get to get on the computer on the weekend much. I'm sorry to learn of your fight. Congrats on your weight loss! Keep up that good work!

[mrsSmiley]

April 18

Ecclesiastes 7:8
Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the
patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

It doesn't take a genius to agree that the end of a diet is a lot
better than the beginning. Oh, how wonderful it will be to finally reach the
goal we set for ourselves, to finish this time of trial, temptation,
and struggle! The Lord rejoices when we triumph in the pursuits of our
everyday lives. He longs to see us happy and fulfilled. Pray to the Lord
that He might bring you to the finish of your weight-loss program. He
is faithful to stand beside us, granting the patience we need in all
situations so we might finish victorious. Praise the Lord!

Today's thought: This day means I am one day closer to the end of my
diet!

[mrsSmiley]

Good Morning CEers!!!

Don't have much time this morning. I have to leave very early as I'm seeing patients out of town today. My visit load here has dropped so drastically that I volunteered to go to a city an hour away and see patients. Gotta to have money somehow. Anyway, say a pray for me. I didn't sleep weel at all, maybe 4 hours at the most. I kept thinking about today and what I would run into. You never know for sure. Even the worse of patients, sometimes looks good on paper. I've seen a couple of patients there before but at least 3 of them I know absolutely nothing about until I get to the office and then you never know for sure till you step inside....... Scary huh?

Oh Gary . . .

The pictures are absolutely gorgeous!!! You should be proud of everyone. . . . . but don't tell Angie, even the ex looks good. I love the centerpiece! Yeah, you're right about the eating thing. People do want to eat! Go figure!

Victoria, oh Victoria

Prayers to you that you can sell your house. Yeah, sometimes we over extend ourselves too much for the right reasons. Hang in there! Look forward to hearing more about your son's wedding coming up. . . . Weddings are so exciting! I noticed you were up late, are you getting enough sleep?

Wilma,

Well, Gary's family wedding went off without a hitch. . . . . I bet yours will too. Wasn't the centerpiece gorgeous?!? And I really like the idea of all the disposable cameras. You never know what could be captured on film that way.

Hello to EVERYONE else, Hope Monday is a GREAT day for you all!!! Gotta run!!!!

[mkay]

Smiley...The CD is about 5 steps to metal health. The program is on the internet under first place .org Jewelry...mostly bracelets, necklaces, earrings out of semi-precious, sterling, glass beads, pearls., etc. Been playing with it now for 4.5 years.

Sunny...DD's wedding will be on a Friday night and they just put $$ down on the club. She may come to live with us for 6 months. Gee wasn't that just like Rachel before she got married? LOL

MargieB...DASH sounds good.

Momof10...Yes, you are busy but stay with us...we all have our moments.

EZ...Nice pics. It looks like you had a great time.

Grandma...Welcome!

lateralus98...YOU PASSED THE TEST! YIPEE


Well, I NEVER did touch jewelry this weekend. I spring cleaned all day Sat and Sun didn’t go to church. DH’s foot just keeps swelling the minute he gets up to crutch around. He iced it until the anniversary party and I just hung out.

After the party, came home and prepped dinner and took Nikki for a walk then cooked, ate, cleaned up dishes, input more stuff into jewelry program, watched TV and I was pooped by 10:30.

I’ve done real well with this plan so far. Don't get me wrong, I am HUNGRY...but just am so sick of feeling fat. The key I figured out is all in the worship. Praising, praying, scripture reading, trying to memorize scripture. That’s what it’s all about. The rest come from God’s strength.

The ladies at life team who I joined this program with didn’t care for my gentle comment that night. Two of them were sitting there eating dessert and I nicely said…You just spent $73 on the program…why would you want to do that? I know I know…I have to have something sometime or I will binge. Give me a break.

Yesterday, at the anniversary party, one gal just looked over at me and said, I only had two bites. I told her that I was serious about it and I would be there for them and their accountability and I needed that as well. She was great about it. I told Judy that I’m just doing what pastor said we can do for those we love. Tell them these things in love. This weekend is our womens away conference over night with the same ladies. I am going to bring healthy snacks for me and eat modest if we go out anywhere. I will just have to shut my mouth…don’t need to say it again…only take care of me.

Well...gotta get to work...Hello to all those I didn't mention.

Hugs,

[SunnyD57]

Shouting *Gooooood Morning* to everyone!

I had this graphic made for me today --- and it's the truth! When I walk in the mornings for my health I keep all of you in my prayers that you too may be protected by our Lord and have Healthier Lives.

Such a busy morning already... wonderful to see I got my 3.25 miles in this morning Bringing my April total to (drum-roll please... ... .. .)
27 miles I am well past my 25 mile goal set for April

*~*~*

Hello Wilma, I thought of you & the park when I received this graphic from a friend this morning I think it's wonderful that you are planning on getting in a few walks at the park... our park is only a mile away from our home too This is the perfect time of year for walking --- no bugs yet

in your 7 lb. weight-loss

It's coming off me very slowly too, but who cares how fast it comes off as long as it's OFF for good! Keep up the Great Job!!!!

Sounds like your wedding plans for your DD is moving along quite smoothly Let's hope it continues on that path What is the color of the bridesmaids gowns? You are going to have such a great time looking for that new dress now that you have lost so much weight!!! But if you get it early... you just may have to have it altered smaller by the time her special day gets here You know something... Joe got 3 phone calls just yesterday for October weddings to sing for!! He's going to have a busy October, that's for sure!

Margie B, I am so glad to hear that you had such beautiful weather... a little HOT did you say??? I cannot wait to feel that here! It's still only in the 60's here. It may hit 70* today Nope... I don't schedule walking in on the weekends Joe & I have such busy days together when the weekends get here... although we did take a stroll in the park yesterday, the weather was too nice to waste. It wasn't an exercise pace, so I won't log it I schedule my walks for the 5 days of the week only. I hope to increase the mileage as the weeks pass... I have done pretty good so far. When I began I was at 1.5 miles a day; then I went to 2.25 miles a day and am now at 3 miles a day. I hope to increase by .5 by next Monday (getting in 3.5 miles a day). Once I get to 5 miles a day I think I will stay there for a bit So there ya have it... my goals

YOU my friend are doing Wonderfully!!! Keep up the great job... we'll be in shape for summer in no time at this rate! How much weight did you want to lose Margie? Or were you just wanting to get healthy? I haven't gone anywhere's near that scale lately... my goal is to do each day something new that is Healthy for me... I try. I do have some great news... when Joe & I went to a birthday party this past Saturday, someone I really don't know well came up to me and said, "I know we don't know one another very well, but I just had to come over and tell you how great you look! Have you lost weight?" I had to tell her I didn't know... because I haven't step on the scale in weeks... but what a nice thing to hear We had a lovely chat and enjoyed getting to know one another better. She too wants to begin walking now - so we plan to stay in touch God is just so COOL, isn't He!

How was your weekend?

Hey there big guy!! Great pictures of the wedding!!!!! I LOVE the cake!! Beautiful! It sure looks like you had a wonderful time! And the weather looked great too! I am so glad that all went so well for her... a Beautiful Bride... and a Handsome groom!

Who is that handsome couple standing with them

Hi Virginia / Momof10, Boy... it sure is a busy place in your corner of the world It's a wonder you even know your name! Have you thought about taking a moment out of a day just for you???!!! All you need is 20 - 30 min. of quiet time for you and I am sure that you will feel like you can keep a hold of your sanity Is your hubby supportive? Maybe he could lend a hand while you go for a 20 min. walk or something? I am so glad to hear that you are feeling better today and are back on track again... but you really need to have that time for yourself. *Be still and know that I am God*

So... your DS (dear son) will be getting married VERY SOON!! May 28 isn't that far off... Is he all set with his wedding plans? Your oldest... hummm... I predict allot of tears at that wedding

Hi Sherry, Sounds like you have a very busy day today!! Thank-you very much for the Devotions

Question for ya you mentioned that you are walking also, but you haven't mentioned the total miles you have completed for April... or have you mentioned it and I missed it I'll have to go back and take a look-see Keep up the great job in losing weight!! And in walking too!!

Hello Jackay, I am rarely on the computer over the weekends too... I have moments where I have time to check and read, but not always the time to post It's okay. I think that as the summer fast approaches (I am being hopeful for summer here ) it may get quiet, but don't leave, okay. We always come back Last summer, I think thee were only 3 or 4 of us keeping the thread going... then everyone came back

Hello Lateralus, I am so very happy for you on passing that test!! I am so glad to hear that you pushed through all those bad feelings and still reached success. Sounds like you are feeling so much better now. Were you able to iron things out with your friend

Hi MKay, Ohhh... I see... I know of allot of families doing that today. Helping their kids after they marry... After Joe & I married we stayed with my folks for about two weeks before we left to go overseas. Then when Joe got out of the Navy, we needed a place to stay till we could find a home and so we stayed with Joe's folks for 2 months. We were so thankful to have them help us out when we needed it! We didn't want to take advantage of them, so we gave ourselves 3 months to find jobs and a home and did it in two Your kids are Blessed to have your help

I too have been Spring Cleaning... yuk!!! But it has to be done. And don't you find that once you do it, it's so rewarding to see everything clean! I want to do window's this weekend I hate looking through all the winter dust on them... nevermind it's not good for our health. Speaking of health... ... I am so very sorry to hear that you hubby's foot is still not doing well. WoW, it's been a long time for him. Did his Dr's say how much longer it would be???

WooHoo for you sticking with your plan even though you had places to be!!! What you said is so very TRUE!!! That's why I love my walks... I put in a Christian CD and pray and worship and then I feel so focused the rest of my day. Good for you MKay, keep it up

*~*~*

Well, I really must be going... I have tons of things to be done today
Hello's out there to all the MIA's
*Have a Beautiful Day today everyone*
SunnyD
<><

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

[SunnyD57]

Me again, Gary... I was just looking over all your pictures again and had to come back and post what a *Beautiful* looking family you all are! I love that picture (with the coastline behind you all) of you together: Ryan, Ron, Amanda, Angie, You & Lara... such a nice picture!!

Also... your niece chose some really nice colors for her bridesmaids gowns... it looks a bit like sage green. I enjoy all shades of green - really nice! And you are so right about the flowers --- gorgeous!! I love that *soft-side* of you Gary... don't change that I am sure that is one of the many good traits you have that Angie fell in love with

What is your sister & brother's name? You look very much like your sister

Thanks again for sharing all the wedding day pics with us,
I for one enjoyed them all

SunnyD
<><

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

[grandmawants2lose]

It is so nice to a place to come to and talk about the weight loss struggles and other daily things.

Let me tell you a few things about me.
I am married to a wonderful man. The Lord put in my life when things seemed to be at their lowest. We have been married for 22 years. We tease that it has been 22 really long years, but the best ones. We have 8 children( a wonderful blended family). They range in age from almost 34 to almost 11. 4 boys, 4 girls. My stepon PJ is married and he and his wife blessed us with our first grandson on Sept 2 2003 and then my son Dominic and his wife blessed us last May 18th with our second grandson. His birth was bitter sweet for me. I had just lost my mother after major heart surgery on April 30th. She was so looking forward to be a great grandma.
We still have 3 at home. Our son Chris who is 16, Sarah who is 13 and is preparing to be baptized in May, and the baby of the bunch Amy who will be 11 in Aug.
The past 3 years have not helped my weight loss at all. It started in 2001 when my son met his wife Vicki at our church. When the announced they were getting married in June I was terrified at how I would look in a formal dress and my hair all done. As it turned out I didn't look to bad for a middle aged 203 lb lady. Then my lovely daughter Angela announced that she was getting married the following Oct. And PJ was getting married in March. Oh my what is a mother to do. I needed a fat farm Dr Phil and Oprah all rolled into one.
I have bounced back and forth between 200 and 187 for the past year and a half.
I have finally realized that I can't go it alone. I need the Lord's help. I hope to be down to 135 by the first of the new year. And thank goodness it is not for another wedding(but wait there still is one other son who is serious about a certain young lady AAHHH!!!)
I'm sorry that I have talked your ears off. I wanted you all to know that I too give into the stress of everyday life and also to those other odd times when food seems to help more than anything else.
I am open to any tips or suggestions you might have. Oh I seemed to forgot to say that I turned 50 in march, so not it's not middle aged anymore it over the hill as my family loved reminding me.
Thanks for letting me ramble.
Have a beautiful day and God Bless
Your welcome to call me Lynn instead of grandma!!