In Light of Recent Events...

I thought we might take a minute and count our blessings... SO Instead of the 5 question game... Name 5 Blessings in Your Life....... 1. My Hubby 2. My Family 3. Marcher's Board.. NEWPOUCH 4. Nice Home 5. My Sanity (more or less ) Sinseerlee, Kathy Offishal Marchers Cheerleader Captain Flatulence Monitor Angel to the Queen "It's time to throw down the pom poms and get into the game!"

1. The Gift of my faith in Jesus Christ, My Lord and Savior 2. My wonderful husband 3. My great children 4. My friends both the Marchers and all the other friendships I've been blessed with throughout my lifetime. 5. Good health for my husband, my children and myself. Betty, The Wisconsin Prayer Warrior

This is wonderful. Thank you so much, although the 5 questions are wonderful as well! Well, here goes.... 1. My daughter Aristea. The light of my life, I can only hope to be able to be the kind of mother that she deserves. 2. My husband, who despite some coaxing in the beginning finally realized that the big girls RULE. Seriously though, he is and has always been there for me, he is my rock. 3. My family. Wacky as they are I love them all. 4. Sister in law, Shannon. She has seen me through every step of this process and has been the best friend I have always wanted in my life. 5. My in laws. Despite a rough start, they have been there to support me in every step and battle I have taken with my weight. I couldn't ask for a better second family. Thank you!!!!

GOOD going, Angel Mine. 1) For at least the past few days, I finally feel healthy and well and energetic and pain-free for the first time in about 10 years...and all at once!!! WHAT A FEELING!!! 2) Queen Mum. She is such a blessing to ALL who know her, but she's ~MY~ Mom...God sure loves me to have made her mine! He knew I'd need someone like her, and I love and appreciate her more as each day passes. My Dad was the same way...he was such a special man, and I miss him every day (he passed away in 1988). 3) My friends and my Marchers. I've always said that if you have one true, good friend in life, you're about par for the course. I've been blessed with MANY friends in my life (and I hold "friend" to a high standard), and I've met so many more through this surgery, that I'm overwhelmed now! I truly don't deserve the friends I have... 4) That I'm a Christian and have a God who truly loves and cares for me, even if no one else did. What more could I ask for? 5) I have a 'good life' by comparison to the majority of people in this world. I may not have "everything" by others' standards, I may be lacking in many areas, I may have had more than my share of struggles in life to get where I am, but I am blessed in so many ways, and am flooded in the areas that 'count' -- love, care, a reason for being, etc. I'm a grateful person, and I appreciate all that I do have. Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to All Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles

Great Idea Kathy!! 1 - My daughter Paige 2 - My family 3 - My friends 4 - My dog ZoWee 5 - My health mgm - 11 hrs to go

Great idea. 1.My two girls. Erin my 9 year old keeps me on my toes and reminds me of myself so much. We have been though some tough times and she is the reason I have done so well in life. Lindsey my 8 month old is the light of my life. Her laugh fills my heart with joy. I want to hold her and never put her down. 2. My sister-in-law. She can be my biggest fan or my worst enemy. She is such a big help in my life. I dont know what I would do without her or my brother. She will never know how much she means to me. 3. All I have in life and the ability to work for what I want. I grew up doing without alot of the time and I thank God everyday for the things I have. I love my home and my job and everything I can give my family. 4. This site and this surgery. You are my 2nd family. I think thru this surgery I can be the person on the outside that I know I am on the inside. I have lived forever in this shell and I cant wait to break free. Without you guys this journey would be much harder. 5. The rest of my family. I love them all(even the ones that drive me nuts). Thanks Kathy, now Im all teary eyed- LaDonna -20lbs

1) My Church & My Faith in God -- I was brought up in the church I attend (my Grandfather was the minister there until I was grown when he retired) It is truly a home for me. 2) My children. All 3 are a real blessing. Natalie is 3 and is my constant companion. She is all girl and the sweetie that I was waiting for. Connor is 10 and he is my serious one. He is extremely smart and a wonderful artist. Cameron is 15. He is my clown. He is always doing something silly. He is a cutie -- looks like a surfer. His smile can brighten anyones day. He is a talented actor and artist. 3) My hubbie -- I know I complain a lot about him, but he really does have his redeeming qualities. He came along at a time in my life when I needed strength and unconditional love and he gave me both. He works extremely hard so that I can fulfill my desire to be a stay at home wife and mother. 4) My family and friends. For the most part, I get a lot of support from my family. My friends are fantastic (and that includes those here on this board). I don't know what I'd do if I could not turn to them when I'm in need. My angels Lori and Va are a God send. They are always there when I have my little panic attacks and get me through them each time. 5) My Doctors -- I seem to keep stumbling on some of the best doctors in the state. My GYN is highly reguarded and a very sensative man. My PCP is caring and takes time for me. My Endocrinologist is very good, he is aggressive in his treatment and is very thorough. My WLS surgeon has a great reputation and my sister loves him (he did her vein surgery last year). Whitney Angels Baby Lori and Momma va Angelettes Lori and Va (Prayers for both, Va is having complications) 8 days to go for me Offishal Marcher Sunday School Teacher

1) Popular choice: God. I have been more than blessed...more than I deserve. 2) My family. I am very blessed to have a husband and child who enrich my life in hundreds of ways. Special consideration for my hubby who accepts me fat, but urged me to spend our extra money on this surgery as he saw how disappointed I was with my life due to my weight. 3) My friends who all care for me, pray for me and cheer me on. Don't feel like I deserve any of them. 4) My job which affords me an interesting career, a good wage and an opportunity to work nights. I complain about it a lot, but it gives me a lifestyle that although isn't rich by US standards, is beyond enough to cover necessities and gives me a chance to have luxuries some people may never see. 5) This surgery. It has already been a blessing and I know it will only get better. Dina

Five blessing that I have today....hmmm 1. my family 2. wonderful teaching job 3. being approved for surgery by my insurance 4. being given a new chance to start living a normal life 5. getting a tax return from the government...that always makes me happy. Wendy Ann

Kathy, I thank you for this one...My only problem will be listing only five... 1) The gift of my Salvation, I love my Lord and Saviour!!! 2) My Husband, and children, although I am not always expressing it they are a huge blessing to me. 3) My family, the love I get from them is to good to put into words. 4) To live in a country where I can freely worship my Saviour, Jesus Christ. 5) The surgery, after two denials an a panel review I was truely blessed. Thxs, Jesus! Shannon The Irish Lassie 3/17/04