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11/1/11 11:05 P

New thread, everyone!

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11/1/11 7:53 A

Hi ALL: Yesterday Dan got the bathroom scrubbed and primed. He is painting today. I slept upstairs b/c I can't stand the smell. I expect to be here for at least a week unless it warms up enough to leave the window wide open all night. We had it opened yesterday during the day, but it gets pretty chilly at night.

While he was working away, I went on my first bike ride in a long time. The intention was a fairly short...like about 10 mile or so....ride. There were two fast riders and two of us who went a bit slower, but not much slower. I was doing pretty well and fairly pleased with myself, only being noticeably slower on the hills, but catching up on the downhills (the ONLY time extra weight is a blessing!) But then our fearless leader, MaryJo, caught up with us (she had a late start) and wanted to show me another route. She has been trying to ride with me since I began but we haven't been able to connect. I also knew that since she made the effort to get out yesterday (she leaves today for Cambodia on a short term missions trip) that she wanted to ride a little bit. But I thought she was going to show me this one area that wasn't too far away from where we met up and then we'd turn around and finish. Um...no. We went on a whole other ride!! It ended up being about 22 miles, which isn't that long on a bike trail but on roads/hills, it feels more like 30! I was pretty proud of myself but also pretty TIRED. Today my back hurts ( I NEED PILATES!!) and I'm a bit stiff but not as stiff as I expected, so that is good.

I have an opportunity to ride this morning too, but they are doing 30 miles and I think it is too much too soon. I'm disappointed that it is today b/c I'd really like to go.

I'm hoping for mild weather so I can keep riding for a bit. I can always go to a spinning class but being outside is so much more enjoyable for me.

I have been thinking about where I am in my weight loss journey. So many people have been so complimentary that I was wondering if I'm not seeing myself accurately (which is normal for me) and maybe I should not be thinking about losing more weight. Well, I found a blazer I used to wear when at my ideal weight and hahahahaha!! I still have a ways to go! While I may not get to that size, I am SO FAR from it, that I"m hardly in danger of losing too much weight! HA! It's always good to have a check on our perceptions, though. :-) Jo

Edited by: SKIDEE at: 11/1/2011 (07:55)

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10/30/11 10:12 P

Just stopping by to say hi to all.

It has been a very busy Sunday for us. I will be looking forward to another week of staying busy and getting things done.

Hope that each one of you have a great week.

Dore

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10/29/11 10:04 A

MARY: Glad you got some relief. Hope you can make the trip to Green Bay. Did I see that you have lost several pounds? Way to go. Although tooth pain is NOT the preferred method, I know you are glad to have the pounds disappear anyway they can!

DORE: Yes....God does seem to "stretch" us. Keep praying for me. I'd LOVE to be able to be a help to those parents. I really feel for them. I just got my first outline for lessons for this coming week. The hymn is "Now Thank We All Our God" and the story behind it is amazing. It was written during a time of war and plague of sorts when many were losing several family members in death, including the composer/author whose wife died. Are WE truly grateful? Something to ponder.

ALL: Today is a frosty fall day. Dan is leaving around noon to go to a night time football game at OSU with our dd. I was invited but really don't like spending several hours in freezing cold getting nervous for the teams. But I do sort of feel left out...my own fault. Trying to come up with productive AND fun ways to spend my time. sigh. Jo

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10/28/11 6:58 P

Dore, the dentist was on his way downstate for a conference but I got a hold of one of the gals who works in the office and the dentist called me. He is going to have to do a root canal next week but in the meantime called in a prescription for pain pills and antibiotics. I am hanging in there. Dave is coming home tonight and if I feel up to it, I will be going to Green Bay with him on Sunday to help him set up the apartment. Your book sounds interesting, I hope that you are able to share some insights with us. I hope you enjoy going to the craft fair and so glad you have some time with your son.

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10/28/11 6:02 P

Evening all,

Mary - I am praying that by now you have been called back and have gotten some relief. It certainly does sound as though your teeth are affecting your whole body. Take care and let us know as soon as possible how things are going.

While on the trip with Mike I ran across a little book titled "FOOD, FITNESS, AND FAITH FOR WOMEN". A 21 day journey to a new you. It was more of a like wondering how the author approached the topic than a need to delve into it. I am planning to start reading the daily devotions tomorrow. Having looked over the book it looks to have many thought provoking points. It chooses a Bible verse then has a small devotion based on that verse. It also has a page or quotes from people that go along with the lesson. If I feel they are worth sharing I will.

Hope that everyone is going to have a good weekend. Tomorrow I am treating myself to a trip to a craft fair at the local High School. I love to see all the creative juices of people that live in our area.

Take care
Dore

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10/28/11 9:24 A

Oh, ladies, and I wonder why I don't like going to the dentist. I awoke this morning with a huge pus pocket above one of the teeth that needs a crown. He had put on a temporary one because he was not sure if I needed a root canal or not. I had so much facial and jaw pain and even pain in my upper back, neck and shoulder. I was worried about a heart attack and even took aspirin. I am waiting for the dental office to call me back. I don't even know if the dentist is in today. This is going to be costly but needed. I have already maxed out my dental coverage for the year. Please pray for me that I will be able to get this taken care of today.

Dore, I have been having trouble motivating myself, too. It seems as though when I am teaching, I have to use my time wisely and I do. When I am home alone, I have to really push myself. I have a list for each day of things I would like to accomplish. It makes me feel good to cross things off the list. I am going to miss my son, Tim, and actually feel depressed that he won't be with me. He has a big heart but lots of growing up to do. I am thankful that he will be with Dave most of the time and not alone. I know there is a reason why our house hasn't sold, yet I dread spending the winter here alone with Christina. I depend on the guys for snow removal and other things. I guess I will just have to hire someone to plow and fix any problems that may come up. This house just seems so big.

Jo, I had an OBGYN but she moved away and haven't found one I like since. I did force myself to have a pap test with my family doctor one year ago but would really feel more comfortable with a woman to talk to for female issues. I will have to keep searching for someone that I feel comfortable with and who is on the same page that I am.

I guess I will have some prayer time and lay down until I hear from the dentist office. There is no answer or emergency number. I even and left a message with one of the secretaries on her home phone and also with one of the hygienists on her home phone. I really feel I need this checked out. I feel it is affecting my whole body and don't want to go through the weekend this way.

Mary

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10/27/11 6:44 P

Good evening all,

Jo - I hate getting used to a new Dr. I took the step back in June only to have her close her practice in Sept. So now I am back to finding a Dr. I like. I will have to go back to the old Dr. for now as my prescriptions need to be refilled. I have not been pleased with the Drs. in this area. I also don't want to have to drive over 50 miles to get a good Dr. So understand the frustration. Hope the new Dr. works out for you.

Mary - Matt, my son has moved home once again so I am not alone. He will be going with his father in a few weeks but for now I have him for company. The one thing I have to keep in mind when I am here by myself is to stay motivated. I find it is so easy to say I will do it tomorrow, to put off important things, and to waste time on game on the computer. I am only accountable to myself and I don't argue with myself well. It will be a good chance to built a good relationship with Christina. Even though Matt is now 25 there are still things about his life I don't know and it is good to spend time talking with him.

Jo - I understand you hesitation about ministry. God has often put me in the spot that stretches me. On this trip with Mike I found myself often trying to pull back from talking with other truck drivers. I would try to hide behind Mike as he started conversations with them. He finds it so easy. In all our married years I have never seen him afraid to talk to someone about Christ.

I guess one of the reasons I babysit so often as I see it as a means to help young women who have no other recourse. I often only allow them what they can pay, and I will also rearrange my schedule so that I can be there when they need me in a pinch.

If we listen to the leading of the Lord we will often find ourselves being called on to do ministry that will take us from our comfort zone. I have found that when He calls He also gives us His wisdom to know just how to carry out what He has called us to do. Jo, I know that God will guide you in these two endeavors and will give you wisdom on how to deal with the one young boy you mentioned.

I see that Jan is off on another trip. I will have to go read her newsletter to check up on what is going on.

Elaine - I feel so out of the loop where you are concerned. How are you doing? How is school is going? I keep praying for you and your situation.

Have a good day tomorrow.

Dore

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10/27/11 7:48 A

ALL: I am proud of myself that yesterday I finally called and made an appt. with a new gyn doc. Turns out she is in the same practice as my "old" doc. I really liked him, but thought he was getting too old for surgery. Guess what? The nurse said that the new doc doesn't do surgery and would refer me to HIM...ha! She also said that if SHE were needing a hysterectomy that he is the one she would want to operate. My friend, who recommended the new doc, told me that my thinking is based on 30 years ago and that 60 yr. old docs are not that "old" these days. hmmmmm. Well, first things first. I'll see if I have a good relationship with her. If I like her, maybe it will at least make it easier for me to get my pap smears done in a timely manner.

Lately I'm feeling a bit like MOSES. God keeps giving me "opportunities" for ministry in areas I do NOT feel particularly talented in. One is working in the nursery during the MOM'S Thurs. morning program. It isn't something I gravitate toward....but one of the things I have been praying about after watching the servant hearts of our church in NY, is for God to help me be more willing to "serve" when it isn't "fun" or "convenient". So....I said I would help when I'm in town. Well right on the heels of that, I am asked to teach 6-8 yr. olds and 9-12 yr. olds in Choir School. I'll be teaching them different aspects of the liturgical calendar and then the history of a different hymn each week...about 10 min. on each thing (20 min. per group.). I don't have to compose the material, which is a good thing. The younger group has a child in it that is very difficult to deal with and I really don't know how to handle him so I'm concerned, but I already decided while at family camp, that I really want to support his parents as they struggle with this burden so maybe this is one way. Anyway, PLEASE pray for me as I take this on. I want to be doing it for the right reasons...to please God first and foremost. LORD, help me!! Jo

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10/27/11 6:13 A

Good morning, ladies, went to be early last night and up very early this morning. These teeth are creating some real problems. I think it is going to be a long process, not only do my teeth need work but I need to see an orthodontist for my bite and TMJ. I lay awake and used time to pray and converse with God. I really hear him speaking to me about taking better care of my body.

Dore, I am so glad that you were able to comfort your daughter and give her some advice. Some times I think our kids need us more when they are grown or maybe it's just that they finally start appreciating our wisdom. I think we are going to have lots in common with our husbands being away from home. I used to enjoy my time alone but I find it less and less enjoyable lately. I guess I have to look at it this way, I will be with Christina and Dave will be with Tim so none of us will be alone.

Today, I will probably be catching up on my sleep when I can, too, thankfully, I have that option. I would also like to get to the chiropractor if they can get me in. I am making chili today and hoping to make a roast and bread for Dave when he comes home tomorrow night.

Hope you all have a great day!

Mary

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10/26/11 9:22 P

Good evening all,

It has been a productive day and for that I am thankful. I had a very broken up night. Mike ended up being able to stop by last night since home was the closest spot when his hours ran out. He needed to be out of the house by 4:30 am. Around midnight our oldest daughter called. She is having major female issues and she was having troubles last night. I managed to talk her into going to the Dr. today. He has put her on several medications and told her to take it easy until they kick in. She was just really scared and needed to talk. So sleep was grabbed last night in small batches.

Jo - the field for ministry is wide open at the truck stops. Because of the new regulations, there are times that truckers will stay at the same stop for over 34 hrs. Because they only have their big trucks they are kinda stuck. Truck stops out west have large trucker lounges with TV's game rooms, and even small convenience stores. My experience from back east is that the truck stops have fast food restaurants. When we spent the weekend in Anderson, SC we spent most of Sunday sitting in the Arby's restaurant. There is not much for them to do. Some larger truck stops have chapels and have a regular schedule of services. Mike takes every opportunity to speak with others about Christ.

Mary - so sorry you are having trouble with your teeth. I don't think a person can feel any more miserable that when having trouble with your teeth. I was glad to hear that you have found Dave an apartment. I am sure that this has taken some of the stress off your shoulders.

Hope that you all have a great day tomorrow. Mine will be full of writing thank you cards and finishing scoring Bible lessons. Have a wonderful day.

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10/26/11 8:57 A

Oh, Jo, another thing that we have in common! Fear of the dentist!

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10/26/11 8:23 A

DORE: So glad to have you back with us! I'm guessing you drove around Cinci on I-275 and I'm only about 3 miles from there :-( but I totally understand the constraints of being on a delivery schedule. Very different from a pleasure trip, but so glad you got to connect with most of the family.

I have heard that there is a huge mission field in truck stops. I'm guessing your dh does quite a bit of missionary work while he travels. That is awesome. Really each of us should be thinking that way, in whatever environment we find ourselves. We don't need to go to Africa or China to be God's ambassadors....we ARE that, wherever we are, if we avail ourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit and are obedient to Christ's commands.

ELAINE: I hate dentists and everything related!! I'm a super big baby and not very responsible about teeth care. I go about once every 2 years. BAD, BAD!! I hope that you can manage without the problem getting a lot worse by waiting. Jo

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10/26/11 7:59 A

Good morning, ladies,

Up early to get the kids off to their classes. They tell me I don't need to get up with them but I do anyway. I had some work done on my teeth yesterday, been having lots of problems. Trying to hold off on some of this work until after the new year so my medical spending and insurance will cover it. Two months is a long wait when you are having tooth pain.

Dore, so glad to have you back! I so agree with you that it is nice to experience something different but there's no place like home. Thankfully, we all have homes to return to. Looking forward to hearing your stories.

I hope you all have a great day!

Mary

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10/25/11 8:57 P

Hi all,

I know that I have been gone for some time. I have not checked the back posts but will get them read over the week. I am so glad to be able to be connected with you all again. I realize that I need your encouragement and prayers. They are a very important part of my life.

Jo - we drove through Cincinnati twice but never had the time to stop.. We were on a dead line and had to keep going. (Actually we drove around Cincinnati) I so loved the changing leaves in Ohio.

I am ready to get back to what I call regular life. Life from a truck is a nice adventure but it is not what I would like for everyday life. I missed my home.

Over the next few days I will share with you some of the amazing experiences that we had in the way of sharing Christ with those that we met.

Hope that you all have a great day tomorrow.

Dore

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10/25/11 2:10 P

ALL: If I can help anyone just a little bit by sharing my mistakes or anything that I am currently learning....I am so thrilled to be able to share. I never had a mentor for any length of time, although in spots, I did have interaction with some people over the years who imparted wisdom in small doses....but never a long term relationship with a mentor....which would have been so wonderful. I also want you all to know...each of you...that I am inspired and encouraged by you, too. When we are transparent with each other, I believe that we can be the most helpful to others as well as growing more ourselves. Of course, all of that needs to be bathed in prayer and God's Word.

MARY: Sounds like you found a great place....hope it works out for you.

ELAINE: I agree with Mary about the advice that you got from your family. On the surface, it is good advice....but they cannot know your situation exactly and since you are the one responsible for your choices, YOU need to make the best decision you can based on what you KNOW and what you can handle. Just b/c their advice doesn't seem to fit....don't feel bad about yourself or even think that they might disapprove. I really believe they are just concerned for you and want you get out of the circumstances you are in as fast as possible. Just keep praying and trying your best (with the Holy Spirit's help) to live as Christ would want you to, through all of this. That is the best any of us can do. Jo

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10/24/11 1:16 P

Good afternoon, everyone,

What a hectic weekend with looking at apartments and then going to pick up Dave at the airport, only to find that he had a terrible cough/cold. I don't know where the time went, he is now headed back to Wisconsin to work. He filled out an application for one of the apartments that I looked at. It was my favorite place but somewhat unique. Most, if not all, of the tenants are either senior citizens or adults with a slight mental handicap. The building is very secure and has underground parking so you don't even have to step outside, just go right into the building. Tim may be staying with Dave if he can find a job there. I think this would be a good place. Everyone is very friendly. They have a lounge with a puzzle and game table and for entertaining. The price is also within our range which is a huge plus.

Jo, I am grateful for your wisdom and sharing and thankful that you continue to expand your knowledge of God's word and share it with us. I look forward to hearing advice from someone who is real and who I respect and has gone through many storms in their own life. I guess one positive of weathering life's storms, is that it enables us to help others through the same or similar experience. It seems that I am finding myself more and more dependent on God and I know that he wants it that way. I really don't know how those who do not have a relationship with him get through their trials. When I really look at my relationship with God, I see that the more I seek him out, the more I desire to know him more and want to be in his presence. The more I am in his presence, the more he reveals to me and for that, I am thankful.

Elaine, I am so glad that you are not having the pain that you were before your surgery, something to be very thankful for. I hope that you are able to take advantage of free use of the gym but I know how difficult it is to find time for everything when you are trying to study, attend classes, keep house and raise children and contend with husband. I hope that you find time or make time to take care of yourself. Seems that everyone is always willing to give us advice on how we need to change our lives but you know very well that we need to consider the source of that advice. As I shared with Jo, I am so thankful for her advice because I consider her a good source. I am also thankful for all of the women on this site because I know they are all women trying to serve God and live in his ways. I am thankful to be sharing the journey with all of you.

Dore and Jan, I hope that we hear from both of you soon, hope all is well,

Mary

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10/23/11 12:52 P

ELAINE: it was good to hear from you and get caught up a bit. So glad to know that you are still pain free. Praying that God will give you the strength and stamina to get through all you need to do. Wish you could have heard the sermon today. It was about Joseph and how all of his trials....which we tend to minimize but really were beyond horrible and totally overwhelming for a very young man!!.....were part of God's larger plan, but did not leave out blessings for him....they just were GOD's ideas of blessing rather than what he (Joseph) would have chosen. Can't you imagine that Joseph prayed and prayed for God to send his father to rescue him? Or that he prayed for Potiphar to be grateful enough to free him? But God did not answer those prayers if they were prayed. Can you imagine how he felt after being super faithful, to be accused and essentially convicted of something he absolutely did not and would never do?
And Joseph's successes were not b/c he was a super-talented, wise young man (although he probably was) but b/c GOD caused him to be successful...it was in spite of his talents rather than b/c of them. God wanted Joseph to be dependent on Him. Even Potiphar knew that Joseph's success was a result of his faith in God (probably b/c Joseph TOLD him it was....so we need to continually do that as well...ascribe to the LORD ALL that is His. Jo

Edited by: SKIDEE at: 10/23/2011 (12:55)

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10/22/11 12:04 P

I am really learning a great deal from everyone's posts. I hope I can accomplish something with my weight while I am so busy, but a nice thing is while I am a student, I can work out at the gym on campus. I have a few times, but not really regular. I feel SO great with not having pain! God is SO good!

I really had a difficult time with my family up north's trying to give me advice of kicking my husband out, dropping my classes and getting a job, as though I have no real solid priorities. Otherwise, we had a nice time. I went to lunch with my brother, and shopped at Mackinaw 2 different days. I got some little cheap things for the girls.

A few days after we got home, I finally called my stepmom and she said she's worried about the girls and brought up that having a job SHOULD be my priority. I said, I appreciate it, BUT, I pointed out that when her divorce occurred, she had a full-time job and had been working all along. I haven't worked in 10 years outside of the home. I need to be marketable.

I've been working with the campus career services and I might have a work study position as early as next week. I've updated my resume, and I'm studying some tips on interviewing as soon as I'm done with studying today. In the meantime, I'm working on getting a van.

When I got home from the trip, there was a letter saying the tax check from the state would be going to one of Sean's creditors. It was going to be the larger of the 2 checks. The federal check came in though. I was able to find a van at an auction. I am $170 short even after talking them down $400. Sean says he's going to help, and also has $150 of my money towards it, but he won't give me the $170 and the $150. He says he won't spend it but I don't trust him. Pray he won't. He's messing with my mind. On the way to look at the cars, he told me he had $400 that could cover things for me. I was surprised. But once the deal was done, he wouldn't give it to me so I could drive away. I explained I needed to gather all the money ahead of time, but he said I was "too controlling" and would not give me any. I have to just leave everything in the Lord's hands.

In the meantime, the girls are at an apple orchard to do hayrides, go through a maze and eat hotdogs. I have tons of time to study. I'd better get on it. Pray with me. If I do really well I might get a B or B- in this class, even though I really did awful on the mid-term (poorly prepared). I got an A in the 7 week class I just completed in Information Technology. I love computers. I hope I can continue to do that well. The professor is going to give me a reference to help me get the work study.

I'd better go. I had to get the girls ready and haven't had a shower yet, but I'm going to study first. I really want to get that in and I can always take a shower after I finish.

Mary: Congratulations on your new son-in-law. Now, we just have to pray them both into the Kingdom...maybe he will be saved first! What a wonderful blessing to have a son-in-law. :-) I'm looking forward to it. I'm praying all the time for them. Don't quit sowing the seeds of love and acceptance. They will search for Him as He draws them to Himself. He is using you because it is your heart.

Jo: I have to join you in this quest. Here I am angry at my family for their drinking while I was up there. I don't have a problem with having a drink. It's being drunk all the time and expecting me to accept their bad behavior and language that I have a problem with. I though, need not to argue with Sean in front of my kids. I need to be careful how I say things. I have been doing better, but I need to learn to take a stand without getting frustrated with responses I should be used to. I am so ready to eat better too...now that I told Sean that if he doesn't give me $100 for food weekly, he should move out so I can get food stamps so my kids will be fed. I told him I was tired of fighting for every last morsel. He gave me $100 for food. He is home more, but last night was gone until really late.

I'm going to work harder on my exercise and eating. I am really trying to be super disciplined.

I'm also getting my first flu shot in a long time. I'll need it if I get in for the work study, and I need to do it as soon as possible so that if I get sick it won't be when I need to start.

There is so much to do. I also need to rework my mortgage from a 15 year to a 30 year. I'm hoping to reduce my payment lower than rent while I'm in school. Pray for me to get this all organized.

Elaine

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10/20/11 3:53 P

Amen!

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10/20/11 12:37 P

MARY: I think somewhere way back in the gene pool, we must be related. If not, then we are certainly soul-sisters (or mom/daughter!) LOL! Jo

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10/20/11 9:32 A

Good morning, ladies,

Everyone must be extremely busy!

Jo, we are having a rain day as well and we also need to catch up on moisture. I am not ready to let go of summer but seems I have no choice. My focus must turn to things I can accomplish indoors and that may be a good thing. It felt really good to get back to WW last night, to weigh in and have a plan to follow. Thank you for sharing your story about the smoking. That is the very same thing I dealt with the other day with my son. I was lecturing him about tobacco use and as the words were coming out of my mouth I had this heavy conviction about my own body. I actually felt ashamed, thinking, how can I possibly lecture anyone about anything when I have all this extra weight affecting my own body. I hope this is a turning point for me as well. I am oh, so, ready to make a change!

Tomorrow I go to Green Bay to look at apartments for Dave. It will be an all day ordeal and then I pick up Dave at the airport. It is supposed to be nice out so that is a plus.

Elaine, Dore, and Jan, hope all is well and hope we hear from you soon!

Mary

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10/20/11 8:48 A

MARY: I had the same epiphany a few years ago after reading an article about how being obese was just as or more unhealthy than smoking. WOW! I knew from being an OR nurse what smoking can do to your lungs.....I hadn't just read about it...I'd SEEN it first hand. While the damage obesity does is less obvious to the eye, that article had a profound effect on my thinking and may have been the turning point. You see, I had been bugging my son and daughter-in-law about tobacco use. Ds was chewing (yuk!) and dil was smoking...i think she still is). After reading the article I told both of them they would not hear anything about their filthy, unhealthy habit until I got my unhealthy habit under control. I wonder if they are worried......cause I'm almost there. But I have to say, I have more empathy now than I did before. Also, this past weekend, part of our seminar was on "addictions" and how the world likes to call sin by other names. They were not denying the physical dependency we can develop to some habits, but they were pointing to the root causes (something medicine/psychology likes to avoid) , which all originate in the "heart". It was affirmation and clarification of what I had already figured out and was finally accepting as truth.

I hope you can get into a routine where you find the support and encouragement at a weight watchers group that you will ENJOY going to and being a part of. Think of it in terms of how you can help the other ladies/men there as well. It can be a ministry as well as an encouragement to yourself. I think all ministries, if done with the right motives, become that.

ALL: We had rain all day yesterday and looks like rain all day today. WE need the rain here...did not get much all summer and the temps were ghastly high so I'm not complaining but it does make for dreary, dark days. All I have on my calendar today is choir practice tonight. Maybe I'll try to start digging out my bedroom which still has piles of things from NY laying around on the floor and the usual collection/pile of stuff on my nightstand that keeps collecting until I clean it all off AGAIN. Jo

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10/19/11 8:14 A

Good morning, ladies,

I have really been doing some soul searching lately. Here I am lecturing others in my family about making healthy choices and taking care of themselves and here I am with all this extra weight, making my own unhealthy choices. On the Christian station this morning, I heard Joyce Meyers warn about wanting to pluck the toothpick out of your brother's eye when you have a telephone pole in your own. I was convicted almost to the point of tears. How can my kids take me seriously when I am obviously not taking care of myself? We did so much walking in D.C. over the weekend and lots of stairs, too. I could really feel it in my body. My knees and my feet hurt and I felt out of breath at times. This is the most I have noticed this extra weight affecting me and I need to do something about it.

My attempt at Nutrisystem failed. Much of the food was horrid and I ended up being able to return a huge part of it. The only thing that has really ever worked for me before has been Weight Watchers. Last night, Christina asked me if I would join Weight Watchers with her. We are going to attend our first meeting tonight. Part of me does not want to go back and face the scale as I have done so many times before, having put weight back on. I ask myself why I am back in this same situation and will I finally succeed and succeed for good. I don't want to live this way and I know God does not want me to live this way. Why do I have doubts? Is it because I don't want to make the necessary changes or maybe I don't think I have what it takes? Am I afraid of failure? I see too many people suffering from extra weight and not being able to do the activities they enjoy and I do not want to be in that category. I am not happy with the way I am and need to make some changes. Please pray that I will be able to do this, along with my daughter. I was so surprised that she asked me to go. I hope that we are able to do this together.

Have a great day,

Mary

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10/18/11 2:55 P

MARY: One of the things we learned this weekend, is that when dealing with our kids, we tend to "disciple" them BEFORE they are believers. We really need to keep in mind that our kids are lost sinners and without the Holy Spirit living in them, they really can't live as we expect them to. I think I did not think about that enough when trying to raise my kids to "behave" as we expected them to live. When we remember where they are, it makes it easier to give "grace"....the same grace that Christ extended (and still does) to us. I'm not saying that we set different standards, but just that our expectations of their ability to really MEET those standards would be a bit more realistic. It is a really tough line to walk and we need God-given discernment and that grace I keep talking about.

Good for you both for not "going all crazy" on her. That would have done nothing but help her justify her not telling you and doing what she wanted to. Believe me, I know a mother's heart break when her kids make choices she knows are not in their very best, eternal interest, but we must put our faith in God and HIS sovereignty, trusting that He will get her (and now his) attention sooner or later.

Glad that you had a good time other than that. Jo

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10/18/11 1:11 P

Good afternoon, everyone,

I am completely exhausted from all the travel and site seeing and now trying to catch up on things around here. We had a fabulous time and gorgeous weather and it was so nice to have some special time with Lindsay.

Jo, I am glad that you were filled with some good content from the seminar. Challenging can be a really great thing. How wonderful that you could be there watching your grandson for his first touch down! I had some challenges of my own this weekend only in a different way. Lindsay shared with us that she had gotten married when her best friend and husband visited them earlier this month. She married the man that she has been living with for the past two years. We have met him on two different occasions. His name is Dan and he is a very nice young man who enjoys the great outdoors, loves animals and nature and very much loves and cares for our daughter. However, neither Dan, nor Lindsay have a relationship with the Lord and that is extremely difficult for us to accept. God gave us the grace to talk with Lindsay, to ask her questions and share with her. She thanked us for not getting all crazy. I believe the best we can do is to pray, set a good example and leave Lindsay and Dan in the Lord's hands. I know that God will work in her life the way he has worked and continues to work in our lives. I will be visiting them both in Portland next month.

Hope everyone else is doing well, need to catch up on things around here and need to set up appointments to look at apartments on Friday before I pick Dave up at the airport.

Have a great day!

Mary

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10/17/11 6:40 A

Hi ALL: I was very busy over the weekend with the 2nd of 3 weekend seminars. This one was very good as well. The speakers were not as dynamic, but the content was still really good and challenging. But it is exhausting. Then yesterday, we watched our grandson's last football game. He scored his first touchdown (with some help). It is a "Bantam" Program and they have modified rules which allow the kids to learn all the positions. At the end of the game they have several downs near the goal and that is when he got to carry the ball over the goal line. He was excited and ended the season on a real high note for him. Anyway...all of that explains why I wasn't online much this weekend.

MARY: Hope your weekend in D.C. was good. We had gorgeous weather...hope you did as well.

JANS: I have not read your newsletter yet, but hope to today. Have you left for KENYA yet? Seems like you just got home. It still amazes me how God provides for your ministry...WHY would it amaze me? Oh how I pray He will increase my faith!!

Did you get to meet with Elaine? I was hoping to share in that visit vicariously with one of you sharing.

DORE: Praying (right now) for continued safety for you and Mike, and for great visits. I forgot to send you my phone numbers, didn't I? I'll do it right now in case it isn't too late.

ELAINE: Hope you got to meet with Janice. Tell us about it if you have the time. Jo

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10/14/11 12:10 A

I'm just letting you all know that I will be on my way to meet Dave and Lindsay in D.C. Looking forward to it but always have a hard time leaving my kids. I am packing and leaving them last minute instructions that they remind me I have told them 100 times.

Jo, if we could all only have the attitude that your friend does throughout her trials. I wonder if that wisdom comes with age.

I hope you all have a great weekend and look forward to catching up when I get back. Thank you all for your prayers, you are in mine as well.

God Bless!

Mary

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10/12/11 6:56 A

DORE: So glad that you and MIke are having this time together. ENJOY!! And watch out for the crazies out there. We ran into a few yesterday. If you get near CIncinnati, call me. I'll sparkmail you my phone numbers! Maybe we could meet for coffee or lunch or something! I'm only about a mile off of I-75 and not that far from I-275.

Good for you with the eating while on the road. It is HARD. i thought I did well yesterday and was up today. NOT good.

MARY: I am praying for Dave to turn his concerns over to God, just as you are learning to do. I believe that much of our depression comes from focus on us and OUR agenda rather than having a heart fully submitted to Him. (I speak from experience!) I know there are other contributors, but when we got our focus on the right place, it takes away much of their power.

An older friend of mine was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at 84 last fall! Then this summer she was told she had congestive heart failure and now they have discovered that oooops....it wasn't congestive heart failure that was preventing her from getting enough oxygen, it is a really bad, incurable, rare lung condition called Bronchiolits Obliterans. SHE has stuff to be depressed about. She is a widow. And the treatment for this lung condition, to make it as tolerable as possible, is prednisone. But that sends her late onset diabetes into requiring insulin, which means that she probably can no longer live independently. (she has macular degeneration and cannot see well enough to do the insulin) SHE has stuff to be depressed about. But what she told me the other day when I talked to her on the phone was that she decided to put photos of things she is grateful for right by her bed each night and to DWELL on what she is grateful to the LORD for every night. She only prays prayers of gratitude at night. In the morning, she gives her "pleas" to the LORD, but at night time, she goes to sleep with a grateful heart. I think I'm gonna try that as well.

JANS: Hope your weather in upper MI continues to be a glorious fall. The summer was so brutal here in OH, that the trees just sort of turned brown and many of the leaves are already down. Not a pretty fall like we are used to. It is quite mild here; had the window open all night and only light covers on.

ALL: Well, now the rat-race in OH begins. Have a great day praising God for all of his abundant blessings, Ladies!! Jo

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10/11/11 10:15 P

Good evening, ladies,

What a hectic day! In addition to cleaning for the showing, Dave missed his flight to D.C. He got mixed up with the time change between MI and WI and has been at airports all day waiting for a flight. I pray that he gets there safely and is able to get some sleep before his training tomorrow. He has been so stressed, even more so than me. He has also been depressed and I am rather worried about him. I am encouraging him to see the doctor so that things don't get the way they did last year. I can tell you one thing. I have been praying a lot more lately, instead of turning to food and that is exactly what I need to do.

Jo, I need to leave this housing situation in God's hands. I don't know how many times I have said that. Spent lots of time in prayer today, asking for peace.

Dore, I am so glad that you are enjoying your time with Mike, finding time to exercise and also eat right. I am thinking of bringing my knitting needles with me to D.C. so my daughter can teach me to knit while I wait at the airport and also during my flight, either that or a crossword. I have to remember to pack something to do.

Hope you all have a restful evening.

Mary

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10/11/11 4:15 P

Hi ladies,

I have a few minutes so I am stopping by my teams to let you all know I am alive and doing well. I am finding it rather easy to eat like I should, and also to get in the exercise. Mike parks at the back on the parking lot at the truck stops and I have a rather long walk to the potty most times. Sometimes as much as .3 of a mile to the store. Then I have been working on my leg muscles as I climb in and out of the truck. Finally when I am able I have helped with the untarpping and unloading. There is lots of sitting but I have looked for ways to make sure I am staying active.

I am really enjoying this time with Mike. I think we are finally all caught up on everything that has been going on in our lives. We have been able to have long periods of time of quiet as he drove and I crochet on something. We have been enjoying the changing colors of the leaves. I had forgotten how beautiful they are. We don't have lots of color in Idaho so this has been a wonderful blessing for us.

I hope to be able to check back in later this week as we should finally be at my brother's house by then.

Praying for you all

Dore.

I will go back and read all the posts later to catch up with things.

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10/10/11 10:07 P

ELAINE: so glad you had some good time with your brothers. Keep up the hard work with school.

MARY: Good for you on moderating your OCD about the house! Keep praying about it!

JANS: I saw the photos of your wanderings....did you see my slideshow on FB? Similar sights.

ALL: The slideshow I mentioned can be found at the link on the bottom of the entry. We had a gorgeous weekend and we took full advantage of it. Had a great last weekend with friends and now it is time to leave. Traveling all day tomorrow...driving separately. Please pray for us. THANKS! Jo youtu.be/XTZ5GAGYIVE

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10/10/11 1:01 P

Good morning, ladies,

Busy, busy day as we have a house showing tomorrow and I need to bring Dave the Green Bay tomorrow to catch his flight and get him packed up. Whew!

Jan, I really needed that pep talk. I always tend to go overboard! I, too, need to practice being a Mary in a Martha World!!!! I would love to hear any helpful advice on the subject.

Elaine, keep up the good work with the studying! It's probably a good diversion for you!

Have a great day, ladies,

Mary

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10/10/11 12:02 P

Hello everyone it has been beautiful I love Fall. Saturday my friend and I took a road trip. She wanted time to just talk about some issues in her life. And we have not seen much of each other since I got back from Russia. So we decided to just set aside life and spend a day together. We headed into the Pigeon River forest and wandered about stopping at senic spots and hidden lakes. It was beautiful and so relaxing. Getting in God's world is great stress relief.

Mary the outdoors is the place to be. It is so hard to believe 80 degrees in October. I would love it if this weather held on for another month.
I think the trip is a great idea. Time away with your family is needful. Do not worry about the house and things at home. You recently did a clean sweep. And have been working on the daily maintenance. These people have seen the fruits of that labor. They know already you are not a slob. So pick up things, run a vacuum and call it good. They will not be giving a white glove test. Besides you put the sale in God's hands and if this is the couple to buy it it will happen even if the house were falling apart. God is still in control.

I am learning relationships take priority in life. By God's grace I no longer worry about if my house is perfect when people come by. I want to be the Mary that spends time with my guests instead of running around trying to impress them. I have learned there is a time to plan a simple but good meal. But there is time also to go to the max.
This evening we are having our board meeting for the ministry. I just put a pot roast and veggies in the slow cooker. I am making a quick walk through of the house to pick up things, vacuum, and will prepare the table. It will not all be perfect but it will be ready. Then I need to prepare the adgenda and run minutes and reports. All will be done before they arrive. It will not all be perfect but that is ok. My house is not a museum it is a home. I do not have a full time maid and I do not have time to be a full time maid.
I have a friend that has been helping me this week with some projects that have been on my list for a while. I have taken boxes of ministry stuff and we are getting it organized. This has been on my plate for a while and kept getting pushed back. Now they will be done. There are still a couple more projects after this one. I have turned a basement room into my office/project room and it is so nice.

Elaine and I talked by phone today. I had to cancel meeting but we hope to be able to get together on Wednesday. That is really a better day for my schedule. I am looking forward to seeing you.

Have a great day all and like Mary and Jo said enjoy the sunshine.
I need to go help Dale with a project so I am out of here.

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10/9/11 12:06 P

Mary: Take it from me, a change in scenery is super helpful! I'm keeping up with school too. I am glad you get a chance to get away from the wait. I know it can be hard. My brother's birthday party went really well, and I'm enjoying getting together with my other brother from Florida. I think getting cable internet will help tremendously.

Jan: I'm looking forward to lunch with you on Monday. :-)

All: Pray with me that I will prepare well enough for my quizzes this week. It's hard, but it seems easier here than at home. At least here there's internet.

Well, I'd better go study. I am looking forward to a better score this week.

I'm also going to look harder at my food choices. I ate cake this morning, and YUCK! It was too sweet. Hoping that is a deterant.

Elaine

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10/8/11 10:26 P

So, after complaining about putting my life on hold while we try to sell this house, a few things have occurred today. One, the couple that has viewed our home twice would like to visit it for a third time. I am hoping the drop in price may entice them. Also, Dave will be leaving for D.C. on Tuesday and will be gone for two weeks. He talked with Lindsay today and offered to pay for her flight to visit him over the weekend and I decided to go too. So, I will be leaving on Friday and coming home on Monday. I think this distraction will be a good thing right now. I do not want to get my hopes way up about this house nor do I want to go overboard with the cleaning, but that will be difficult for me.

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10/7/11 10:58 A

Good morning, ladies, another beautiful day. I was actually able to talk Dave into coming home from the cabin and working in the yard this afternoon. I know we can finish up what we need to do today if we all work together.

Jo, I would love to attend the conference and maybe it will be a possibility for me. I hate to plan to far ahead right now but I realize if we do not sell the house by November, chances are that we will be in it through the winter. So............... I am going to check out the links and see what happens in this crazy life of mine. I will be going to Portland to see Lindsay in less than 6 weeks. It was even hard for me to book that ticket but my daughter told me not to put my life on hold and just do it, still hard, but I did it. I have got to put more into God's hands. I know he does not want me to worry so.

I found some apartments on line to look at Monday or Tuesday for Dave as he will need something when he comes back from D.C. Was hoping we would not have to end up renting something but it is what it is and God surely has a better plan than I do. I just need to keep telling myself that.

I hope you can all get outside and enjoy the beautiful day!

Mary

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10/7/11 7:23 A

MARY: You and I are both "fixers" and it takes a lot of re-tooling by God to move us out of that mindset. We CANNOT "fix" anyone!....not even ourselves. We can only partner in allowing God to fix ourself. I strongly urge you to take the Discipleship Course we are taking. It helps put so much into perspective, not only about our own life, but explains why our attempts to "help"others don't work. There is a training center in Wisconsin Rapids www.bcmin.org and one in Arlington Hts., IL
www.biblicalcounselingcenter.org Both of these organizations use the material that we are using. I am going to be at the Layfayette, IN location in Feb. to do the next level. Wish you could join me there! That would be AWESOME!! We'd be in different sections but could meet for dinner or lunch sometime. www.faithlafayette.org/conferences/all/bib
lical_counseling_training_conference/ Jo

Edited by: SKIDEE at: 10/7/2011 (07:25)

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10/6/11 10:19 P

Good evening, ladies, had a rough day. I feel so stressed and overwhelmed and much of it is the worry that I have over my husband and my kids. It is so hard for me to leave things in God's hands. Dave is feeling extremely stressed out again and I worry that he will end up like he did last year. I have been trying to make things easier on him but he is the one that wants the control and things done his way, even if it means more stress and more work on his part. When I try talking to him, he makes a point in telling me how stressed he is. I got upset with him this evening and told him that he is not the only one stressed. I told him I can't fix him when he won't make any changes. I just feel helpless because I can't seem to fix anything for anyone.

Jan, I am following the NS plan and tracking the food I have been eating on the spark tracker. One, because I want to get in the habit, and two, because I want to see how much nutrition, calories etc. I am using. I think part of my stress right now is the fact that I am not using food for comfort as I have all summer.

Jo, the weather has been beautiful here as well. I have been trying to get outside and away from the refrigerator. Today, I raked up pine needles, picked up twigs and cut back some flowers and I burned them, too. It was nice to be outside, even though my life feels chaotic, it seems to get me through.

Have a restful night!

Mary

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10/6/11 9:29 A

GOOD MORNING, ALL: It is an absolutely gorgeous FALL morning here...with temps below freezing. This is the first frost we have had! That is unheard of in my many years here. But the sun is out now and I plan on going for a walk later.

JANS: I hear what you are saying and know that my attitude needs "adjustment" from time to time :-) But in my mind/heart....it isn't about that moment....it is about the bigger picture of his continuing refusal to communicate with me about things that affect both of us. He doesn't want a "discussion" so he just manipulates the situation to get his own way. This is a pattern. I need to get to the place where I can get PAST his "patterns" and take each situation on its own. Only the LORD can give me that grace....I have tried for too long on my own and can't get there. On both sides of this, there is an element of selfishness. I just need to see MY selfishness and deal with it....or rather, let God deal with it.

No big plans for today....just my walk at some point....and maybe working on papers but that will be hard with it being so beautiful out. I might burn some more yard waste if the wind doesn't kick up like yesterday. Jo

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10/4/11 4:44 P

Hi everyone this is just a quick check in so I start getting the updates from Oct post.
I did read all the posts and see you are all busy.
Jo I have learned you have to pick your battles and figure out what is worth the energy of being angry. I have learned that sometimes my husband just needs to be right even if I do not want that. One day God showed me in the midst of my anger that it was more important for him to be right than it was for me to be right. I had to ponder that but it sunk in. It has made for much shorter upsets and less too. I just allow him to be right. That does not mean I am stepped on it just means I surrender to his choice. And you know as a result we have a lot less disagreements. And I get my way more often. I am not sure how it works but it does.

Actually when I heard you two discussing husbands and plants I had to laugh. The owner of the house suggested I look for a few new plants for the new planter boxes outside. Yesterday we were at Lowes to get supplies for a job Dale is working on. His mind was focused. I noticed the 50% off sign for plants and shrubs. I zeroed in and Dale went with me. However his mind was in the other area of the store. He kept trying to rush me along saying he did not like any of the plants and we should wait until spring to do this...bla bla bla. Then he did a turn and headed off for what he wanted. He said you can drop me at the job site and come back if you think you need those today. I started to get upset. I said you really do not want to deal with this now do you? NOPE came the answer. I have come to know his tone and it was not the time. He had work on his mind and a deadline for that project. He had a mental list of things to get and did not need me to change his focus. I silently fumed for a few rows and let it go. That voice in my head wanted me to hear my need was not being met. But my spirit told me otherwise. The plants could wait. We are at Lowes every couple days and later this week when his job (it was income job) is done we can discuss plants again. He was not opposed to me having the plants he was just opposed to me having them at that moment.

Merry do not get discouraged about the Nutrisystem this early in the game. Look at it as a new adventure with favorable expectations. But know what expectation you have in all this too.

Dore sorry to hear about your granddaughter. That is so hard. I do remember her being sick before and the stress it caused for you. I hope you can break away with your dh at least for a while. You need to refuel before you pour out too much.

Well I need to get back to my newsletter. I want to get it done today and out tomorrow.
I hope to connect with Elaine while she is up here. I found her phone number if it has not changed.

Blessings all and enjoy the nice day.

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10/4/11 9:19 A

Good morning, ladies, another gorgeous day today and after I make some headway on the paperwork and cleaning inside, I am going to head outdoors.

Jo, I had to laugh when I read about your plants. I have a friend who swears she can't grow anything. This spring I gave her some die-hard plants that I know will come back again next spring and hopefully give her some hope and encouragement that she CAN do this. . As for our husbands, just when I think I am making headway and take two steps forward, he takes three steps back this morning and frustrates me to no end!!!!! I think I need to listen to one of the motivational recordings that you shared, again, on dealing with other people. Dave is on vacation this week but spending much of it up at the family cabin, which I can't say I mind. It's just that I would like him to get a few things done around in the yard since we just lowered the price on the house. Next week he goes to D.C. and will be gone for two weeks and sadly, I am glad about that, too. Sometimes I think we all need a break. I don't know how you do it when you are retired, being together all the time must be a real challenge!

Anyway, I will enjoy the fact that I have most of the day to myself. Kind of crabby because I start my food plan today. I am crabby because I know I will have withdrawls from all the junk I have been eating, but hopeful that I will soon feel better.

Have a great day, ladies!

Edited by: MERRYWON at: 10/4/2011 (09:20)

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10/4/11 7:08 A

DORE: I just read up on HSP again...I'm pretty sure I did before but could not remember what it was. Did she have kidney involvement the first time? Hopefully this bout will not be a bad one and it will decrease in intensity for her. I hope that you and Mike will be able to make that trip together. You have to spend so much time apart, it would be nice to have that time together.

MARY: yes, I am still annoyed and needing to work on my attitude. It is great to fault him for HIS attitude but I'm not responsible for HIS attitude. sigh.

I'm proud of you...that you were able to not just react, but to talk reasonably with him. I have done that in the past and it has not worked so it has gotten harder and harder to do it without all the emotional baggage. I guess I should keep trying, but with a different heart....I DO need the LORD's help for that! I think what added to my anger was that he claimed he had told me this from the get-go. NO...he most certainly did NOT. He often thinks he tells me stuff that he never voices and it is so frustrating. It is a very passive way of avoiding accountability for not communicating. Enough complaining....need to work on ME.

ALL: Got some things planted yesterday. Don't know if they will survive or not. A friend dug up some things from her garden and surprised me with them. But when she brought them over it was raining and I did not have the areas prepared b/c I had no idea she was going to do this. We have a rocky area by the shore that would look very cool with plantings. I started to do that right before Dan got sick but that all went by the wayside. The last few years we have been having a young teen do our lawn and he really couldn't handle the weed-whacker. I did not want Dan doing it. By the time he felt up to doing that again, that area was all overgrown and we just let it go. The grass is very tall and thick. I tried to dig through it but it was just too hard bending over and too wet to sit. I pulled out some small areas and Dan dug through the rest of the grass for room enough to plant but I had no extra dirt. If the plants survive, I will have to get out there first thing next spring and hand pull the grass from around the plants or they will be suffocated by the grass, I think. I'm really not much of a gardner so this may be beyond my "skills". Jo

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10/3/11 9:47 P

Good evening, ladies,

Jo, I almost had to laugh when I read your post because I have been having similar issues with my husband. He always seems to want to have things his way and that is so difficult for me because I have a control issue myself. I, like you, feel that certain issues should be discussed together and decisions made together. I feel it is very wrong not to make decisions together when you are a married couple. Last night I was really struggling with some of the decisions Dave has been making on his own which affect our entire family. I prayed for God to let me see Dave through his eyes and to give me the composure and the wisdom to sit and talk with Dave in a way that he would listen to me. I had to ask him to sit down four times during the course of the conversation. He tends to feel that I am yelling at him when I am doing no such thing. When I talk to him about things he doesn't want to hear, he thinks that's yelling. I told him how much he hurts me when he does not include me in making decisions and reminded him that in the past when he has done this, things have not turned out so well. He always says he is stressed and this is supposed to excuse his behavior but the truth is, his own choices stress him out, not me. We were able to have a conversation and actually made some compromises. I remember what you told me about praying that I learn faster! I hope that you are able to relate to Dan how you feel and that he takes it to heart.

Talked Dave into lowering the price of the house by $20,000. Lake Michigan is right across the street from us. We are on a corner and one of the streets is Lake Shore Drive, only it is more like Marsh grasses with the lake further out.

Dore, I do remember the last time Aurora was ill and how difficult it was for all of you. It is so hard sometimes to know what to do when families are so far apart. It isn't always so easy to drop everything and run to the rescue of our loved ones. I am so glad that you have continued to lose weight through all of this stress. This is a huge accomplishment and I am so happy for you in that respect. I will pray for all of you and especially little Aurora and your daughter and for you to have the wisdom and knowledge of what to do in this situation.

My nutrisystem food came in today and tomorrow will be day one. I am looking forward and hopeful that this decision will help me to get back on track.

I hope you all have a restful evening!

Mary

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10/3/11 8:35 P

Good evening all,

Jo - not sure the trip is going to happen now. We just learned today that Aurora our granddaughter has HSP again. She was so sick with it three years ago. The Dr. says that there is no research available to study for similar cases like hers. The longest recorded space of time between breakouts is only 13 months. The Dr. is going to call the specialist at Denver Children's Hospital and see how to proceed. After the blood work comes back I will see if I am needed to help nurse the little one. So for now the trip is on hold.

Will get back with everyone when I have more information.

On the up side I continue to loss weight. I guess all those steps up and down at my daughter's house paid off last week.

Jo - have safe travel.

Have a great week everyone.

Dore

SparkPoints: (23,644)
Fitness Minutes: (8,790)
Posts: 2,744
10/3/11 7:42 A

MARY: Loved looking at your home and yard. Didn't you say you were close to Lake Michigan? Can you see it from your house? If you are, you might include that in your slide show.

I can SEE all the work in your gardens! They are awesome but must take quite a bit of time. And a zip line? What a play ground that would be for your kid, but in the not-too-distant-future, your GRAND kids! Ha! So whether you sell or not, God is providing for a wonderful life!

DORE: Have a great trip. Wish I were in OH....I'd figure out a way to meet you. Looks like we are returning a week from tomorrow, so if you want to try to meet and are still in the area, we could TRY.... You could send me an itinerary via spark mail.

JANS: I think AOL is an internet provider (as opposed to AWOL) LOL!
Glad to have you back though.

ALL: Our time here is really dwindling and now dh has decided (quite on his own) tha we need t return on Tues. next week (I had been planning on Thurs. all summer).
It isn't the day so much as that he just decided without any discussion or sharing his thoughts and surprises me by telling someone ELSE in my hearing. That really annoys me!! If I could close the house down by myself, I would stay an extra week just to make a point. I feel like he is being a bully about this. I know it is a small complaint compared to what some have to face and I need to ask God to get my thinking more in line with His. Just being real about where I am right now. :-( Jo

current weight: 161.6

238 216 194 172

150

Posts: 5,468
10/2/11 5:31 P

Here is a link to our home and property:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=677999247408%3A954921040

Posts: 5,468
10/2/11 10:24 A

Good morning, ladies, welcome to a new month!

I am hoping to take advantage of some new opportunities awaiting me. First of all, my nutrisystem food is set for arrival tomorrow and my begin date will be on Tuesday. I am hoping that following this program will help me with my portions and that I will be able to turn to healthier choices when dealing with stress. One thing I can do is go to the YMCA and exercise. I also bought some yarn and knitting needles and a pattern to make cotton dish cloths. My girlfriend has been making them for me and now she is going to show me how to knit.

We had to put our dog, Buddy to sleep on Friday. Christina does not yet know but will find out tonight. She knew this day was coming and chose not to be present at the time we chose. We have a distraction from this situation right now as we are temporarily housing a dog for one of Tim's friends whose father passed away and they had no where to keep the dog. She has her faults as she is a puppy but very loveable, hoping to find her a new home and no I don't want to keep a new puppy right now.

The weather has been gorgeous and I have been finding lots to keep me busy outside until the snow flies. I do not have much hope in selling the house now that the weather is getting colder and just have to accept the fact that we will probably be spending the winter here. At least Christina will be able to finish her senior year.

We still need to rent something for Dave in Green Bay. Tim finishes his classes in October and may move with Dave and try to find a job. Trying to look at the bright side in all of this even though it would be easier if we were all together.

Hope you have all had a great start to a new month.

Mary