HI GALS ~

Just sitting here watching the Eagles vs. Cardinals on my right and watching/talking to Angie while she waxes her car in the garage to my left. Yes! She washes and waxes her own car! She rocks!!

We went to church last night, then for Mexican food, so we were able to relax this morning. I actually stayed in bed until 5:45am which is WAY sleeping in for me! During the week a 3:30 wake up call is the norm....2:30 tomorrow since I have to drive over 150 miles to my job for the week.

We took the dogs for a 4 mile walk/jog through the duck pond. They got so dirty running through the creeks and mud but OH MY WHAT FUN we all had. It was absolutely gorgeous, in the high 60's to low 70's with the sun shining.

After that we searched the city for a new coffee cup for me...it has to be just "perfect" My clean-up crew seems to have swept mine up last Friday!

Well back to the game....you ladies have a great week! I am gone until Friday next week

Rosebud - with the wii, it is virtual. You hold the remote in your hand (like a bowling ball) and you have a "person" (mii) on the screen that moves when you do. Your movements with the remote determine what happens on the screen. We are blessed to have a data projector hooked up, so our wii miis are on a 6 foot screen - very run. While you CAN just move your arm to play the games, we enjoy simulating the movement. We bowl with a 5 step approach, we play tennis by flying all over the living room (diving toward the ball and swinging accordingly). Boxing is very realisitc, you have to dodge as well as punch. So is golf.

Glad your leg is getting better - hope the new cream does the trick! Prayers continuing!

Courtney - enjoy the inauguration - prayers for a safe trip and fun time (and enough gas )

Kathy - prayers continuing for your family - particularly as you deal with Donald! Good for you getting back on plan!!

Gary - hope you have a good week - and stay on plan! Sorry to hear about your coffee shop! Same thing is happening here too Sounds like you had a busy weekend at home - balanced and productive
Prayers continuing for you and yours!

Bev - prayers continuing for your brother as well. It is so hard for you, I know (similar brother issue over the years - he is now 48 and finally doing better)

More shoveling, church, and wii today. Gotta fly - roasted veggies for dinner and I have a lot of prep.

Hope you all had a blessed weekend! And start the week out GREAT!

Hi all! I just woke up from a very nice nap! I never nap but today I just couldn't stay awake. I hope I'm not coming down with something. I go back to work tomorrow and it won't do to be sick!!

DH is getting better each day. He's home for another 2 weeks. If his incision makes his dr. happy then he'll go back to work also. I'm trying to find little jobs for him to do that he can do with his somewhat limited mobility.
Thanks for your prayers for him. We've waited a long time to have this done and are glad it's finally over.

Not much else going on here. Going back to work will get me back on track although I really didn't do that badly will on vacation. I tried to keep myself busy which is always a good thing for me as I tend to snack if I'm not.

Laurie: I'm piecing a quilt for my sister. Its a very simple design called Garden Gate. I don't enjoy the piecing as much as the actual quilting. I'm almost to that point. Can hardly wait!

I'm glad to see so many people posting here. It's a busy place these days!

Have a great relaxing Sunday!

Gary, the present elders have approved me but it must be approved by the congregation. I am told that the congregation has always approved the person nominated. I have an appointment tomorrow to go to an elders meeting and an interview. The vote will be next Sunday after church.

Hello, Everyone! Well, we're back to a 'normal' schedule today DH is back to work today-not happy, but he'll get used to it, again. It was really time for him to go back to work So, now we'll have more time for the schooling, but I have to see the neurologist today to go over all the test results. It'll be interesting to find out if he can come up with a diagnosis or if he'll just shake his head like all the rest of them have done for the last 16 years

Had a potluck/youth group fundraiser after church yesterday. The youth group makes the main dish and everyone else brings salads and desserts. It was great! They made baked potatoes with toppings you could choose from, like chili, cheese, broccoli, etc and there were a couple of really nice layered lettuce salads that I had to go with my chili-cheese potato. Trying to make 'onederland' by Valentine's Day, you know!

Gary-I know you're gone to work again, but wanted to say thank you for the encouraging words. Have a great week and hope you and Angie can find the perfect coffee shop when you're home next!

Kathy-prayers for your son. Don't know if it helps, but know that you're not alone. We had similar problems with my step-son, as he was used to his mom just being his "friend" and allowing him and his friends to do whatever they wanted when he went there for visitations (and I do mean whatever they wanted-she even provided the weed at times), so he had no idea how to relate to us as we tried to parent him. Now, he understands somewhat as he has kids of his own, but at the time, well, we just thought we were total failures.

Courtney-enjoy your trip and prayers for safe travel!

Wilma-wish I had the patience for quilting-maybe after the boys are in college!

Rosebud-just don't know why no one likes the duck soup It is definitely an acquired taste and the only people I've ever heard of that eat it regularly are the Polish. The Germans have their blood sausage, though, and well, the Scots have that haggis stuff, so I guess there are unusual foods in every culture I'm all for finding some good Chinese, though. I like the egg rolls too, but sooo many calories!

Hi to everyone else, too! You're all in my prayers. Have a great day!

RONNI ~ glad DH is back to work and things at home are returning to a normal schedule again. You said that egg rolls are high in calories, but I have found two kinds so far that are only 100 calories each: one is a generic NO-NAME brand (chicken, beef, and veggie) and the other is WONG-WING's chicken ones and are also only 100 C's each. You just BAKE them in the oven or toaster oven, and they are delish. You can have them with a bit of soya or plum sauce or I like them even plain. I tried them in the microwave, but it makes the crust soft; and I like them crunchy as when they are baked. They are sooo filling too!

BARGOO ~ GOD BLESS you for your interview and meetings; and best wishes for the vote this Sunday. Let us know how it all goes ... we're rooting for ya!

HI WILMA ~ wow, it's so nice to love a hobby that much that you can't wait. I bet it takes years of practice though (to be a good quilter, I mean). I've tried hand sewing, but I have difficulty getting it to stay straight. Maybe you have to have a knack for that. I think you have to have a lot of patience too. When I was young, I did try my hand at cross-stitching; I didn't do too badly at it. I tend to like to see the results really fast; things that go fast like crocheting, but I really don't need much in that realm, so I donated all my wool. I'm on the lookout for a new hobby to keep my hands busy, that has a practical use to it too.

LAURIE ~ that WII sounds like a lot of fun; I can see why you are becoming addicted to it, like GARY says ...

HI GARY ~ Thanks for the prayers. Glad you had a good weekend home with Angie & the girls: they just love playing in the mud, don't they? You're a cool Dad! NIKO hates the cold; and asks to come in as soon as he has finished doing his duty ... Hope you find a new coffee shop soon. As far as I know, NUMPSTER is doing well; haven't heard too much from her lately, as she has a very busy schedule. Yes, our neighbour on one side is a lady I used to work with in our local nursing home; and our landlord lives on the other side and some nice folks live in an apt there too. We actually knew them before we moved here; and some other friends we met at the old place, only live a few blocks away and they were here on Sunday afternoon and we had fun playing some games (the ladies won, but I'm not bragging or anything like that.)

BEV ~ prayers still going up for your brother; that GOD will find the best program that could help him turn his life around once and for all ...

KATHY ~ prayers for your son, Donald, are ascending; some kids always feel that parents are intruding into their personal space. Is he close to the teens years yet? That often starts then or just prior ... give him time. Just let him know that you are there for him if he ever wants to talk about anything.

We had beautiful sunshine today which made the -20's C temps not seem so bad; spent the morning doing a few housechores and DH is filling cracks and holes with caulking today; to keep out cold winds, and it keeps him busy too!

HI TO ALL OUR MIA'S out there ... hope you all had a great weekend and a good week coming up too! Take good care, YFE ROSEBUD

^^PRAYERS^^ continue for you and yours ...

Wilma - sounds like it is going to be a wonderful quilt! I'm with you - I like quilting better than piecing too. Of course, I hand quilt, so I can sit on the couch while quilting

Prayers continuing for your DH (and you too - as you have him during this time)

Bargoo - our church is the same - the congregational vote always affirms the action the council/elders have taken. Prayers continuing as you move forward in this new chapter of your faith journey

Ronni - hope your Dr. appointment went well! Prayers ascending!

Rosebud - sounds like you had a fun weekend!

Another busy Monday here - the homemade bean soup was so tasty - something about cold weather that just makes soup hit the spot! I had to work late tonight (school meetings) so not much time to chat.

I hope you all had a blessed Monday - prayers continuing for all!

Blessings,
Laurie

Hi Everyone!

I didn't get to check in yesterday, but wanted to make sure I did today. These post help to keep me focused and on track.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers for our son Donald. I forgot to mention that he is 15. I realize he is trying to find his identity and then not being with his bio Mom makes that harder. He has been with for almost 18 months. We would appreciate your continues prayers.

It was a beautiful day in PA today. I was able to go outside in the beautiful sunshine and take a 2 mile walk. It felt good to get outside and get some fresh air. My legs are screaming at me since my walk, but "no pain, no gain"!

I took my Doberman to a groomer for the first time. He smelled nice and clean when he came home, but she cut his toe nails to short and they bled badly. It was good that I put a blanket on the backseat of my car because he had blood everyone. I had to keep him downstairs so he wouldn't get the blood all over my house. I felt sorry for him because he tends to be a nervous dog and does not like water, so he has been worn out and has slept all day. Hopefully the next time won't be so traumatic.

Bargoo - I wish you the best in your upcoming vote. We will keep you in our prayers.

Good luck to everyone and have a great night.

Kathy

Hello and good morning! Yesterday was quite the day. DS1 took DIL to the ER last night due to severe abdominal pain (you may have seen my thread). Well, the docs hinted that she probably just had the stomach flu, so they went home. Waiting to hear from them this am to see if she's feeling better, but I really am concerned, because the symptoms they were describing just did not sound like flu to me.

Saw the neuro doc yesterday. MRI results showed several lesions now in my brain as well as new ones in my spinal cord, so he's very suspicious that it is MS, but wants to do a lumbar puncture to rule out other potential causes. That is the one test I have refused all these years because of the problems I've had when spinal injections were attempted in the past, so I really don't know what to do. My sis (who has confirmed MS) recommended finding a doc who specializes in the disease as her neurologist never does the LP. According to him, the lesions in the brain are the confirmation for MS and feels no need to do LPs unless there are really unusual symptoms. Please pray for me to find guidance in this decision. After learning all this, I had a really bad day regarding my food choices and now feel very icky. But, I'll get back on plan today. Sometimes, I think I just need reminded of how bad I feel when I eat poorly-never realized that I felt so bad all the time until I changed my eating and started feeling good-anyone else notice that?

Laurie-thanks for the prayers! I really needed them.

Rosebud-I'm going to look for those egg rolls. The one's I've been getting are very high in calories, so I've just been feeding them to DH And, I know the ones at our favorite Chinese restaurant are deep-fried, so I never eat them anymore. Hope your temps are warming up a little too-we're supposed to get to 15F today and maybe 25 tomorrow!

Kathy-jealous of your warmth and sunshine! We haven't been able to walk outdoors since October-too much snow and ice on the sidewalks-not everyone here will clean theirs even though they're supposed to. Your poor doggie-our vet gave us some kind of blood coagulant for using if the nails bleed. It was on a stick and we would just rub the stuff over the bleeding nail and it would seal it up and the bleeding would quit immediately. DH just tries to be very careful to not let that happen as it's very painful for the dog. Hope he's feeling better today.

Well, thanks for letting me vent a little about our issues. I know God will help me make this decision and He's also protecting my DIL even though she isn't a believer (yet). Have a great day!

Ronni, You can be assured that I will be praying for you. I think your sis is giving you good advice.

Thank you, Bargoo. My sis has been dealing with this a long time too and she's pretty smart (you know, it runs in the family). I'm praying for your new position with your church too, because I'm sure you're going to be approved and be a blessing to them.

Wow! I am so excited to find this website, I have moved to five different cities in two different sates in the last five years, and it's hard to stay in touch with friends you don't know for very long. So I am happy to find this place.

Kathy - good for you! That walk sounds lovely! Hope it wasn't too slippery out there. We had cold weather, but beautiful SUNSHINE today (yes Gary SOME of us think it is a big deal to actually SEE the sun!).
Prayers continuing for Donald.

Ronni stay strong - God can and DOES do amazing things! You continue to be in my prayers. I think your sis has good advice as well. The LP is a serious procedure that should only be done if necessary.

Kelli We love new folk around here! Come back often so we get to know you!

Well, a good day here - good balance. The sunshine was GLORIOUS - bouncing off the snow and ice covered trees.

I hope everyone had a good day. Prayers continuing for all!

Laurie

Hello Everybody! I haven't been on for a couple of days, I've kinda fell off the wagon so to speak. I'm ashamed to admit it but here it goes. I had a really low day and let it get the best of me. I ate and ate and ate. I didn't walk or do anything other than what was necessary to care for DH and 3BOYS. I even left supper dishes in the sink last night. Which of course started today off badly. The couch was my best friend today. I finally broke down and had me a good cry. Tomorrow I can start fresh and new. I just get so ashamed of myself when I get weak and eat like that. Sad to say but it wasn't even anything that good that I binged on!! Sorry so long but I really needed to vent it out. DH's answer to everything is PMS, I knew you guys would understand how food can control a person and their lives at times. Thank You for this site and all of your support. I found out our Church is going to start holding a weight loss support group for women once a week. I think that will be a big help too.
Please pray I can stay strong and become healthy.

WELCOME Kelli!! You'll be glad you came here. No matter where you move these wonderful people will be there! LOL!!

Nita Ann- Where ya been? Hope everythings ok.

Ronni- Prayers for you and your sister. For your DIL too. Hope she's better.

O2B- Keep trying. Eventually Donald will adjust.

Bargoo- I just know they'll make the right decision.

BEV- Prayers for your Brother to be strong to over come. Hope MOM is still handling things well?! How's school?

WILMA- Glad to here your DH is doing so good.

Everyone else I hope you're having a good week so far. Happy thoughts and prayers.

Crissy Get back OP today, and let the past go. The group at church sounds GREAT. I led a Weigh-Down group 10 years ago and it really helped me stay on track (until I stopped and I slowly gained back all that I had lost)

Realizing that food has control is a huge step. God knows your strengths and weaknesses. It is OK to ask for help and admit that food has more importance in our lives than it should. I found a book Faithfully Fit was really helpful this time around. It deals with emotional eating as well as other eating behaviors from a Christian perspective.

Prayers ascending for STRENGTH for you!