Hydi I wondered where you had dissappeared to. It's good to see that you were on vacation and having some fun. Congratulations on surpassing your doctors goal and coming close to your personal goal. That's exciting. I'm probably within 5 pounds of my doctors goal for me but am still 25 pounds from my personal goal. I'm finally wearing a size 18 jean with a size large blouse. I dream of the day I can wear a size 10 jean or less. Good to have you back. Melody -95 260/165/160/130 (weight at start/current weight/doctor's goal/my goal)

Gala that is so special. It makes us all know that it takes alot of diffrent people with love to make this world work. Love Saralan

I wanted to share w/you something that happened last night that was very moving to me. The spirit was very stong at this gathering. Especially when the Native American Indians did their special. And also a "WLS" moment per say. First I will give you a bit of info on "why" we were where we were.... Living in Southwest WI - we have a large Amish Community. I have never had any contact or anything like that. I Know that when I go to LaCrosse to see my 10 yr old there is a 20 mile stretch where all you see are horse and buggies and women walking. About a month ago a very tragic accident happened about 20 miles from our home. Sunday evening - getting dusk out a gentelman in his 70's crested a hill and hit a Amish Family in their buggy head on. Instantly killing the oldest child (around 12-14) and the mother who was 8 mo. pregnant. Four of the remaining 6 children were Life flighted to Univeristy. Here a link w/info http://www.gazetteextra.com/buggyaccident110104.asp Last night the there was a benifet held for this family. My mom, daughter (5yr) and I attended. We didn't plan on staying late. There was an auction, raffle, music and bake sale and soup dinner. The outpouring of love and support for this family was wonderful. The last musian was a Native American Indian who one 2 Emmy awards last year and has been nomitated for 2 awards this year. He also has one other national titles. With him was another Native American Indian in full head dress. There were 3 songs sang that this gentelman danced to. My 5 yr old sat w/tears in her eyes. "Mommy, he is dancing and saying a prayer for the kids' mommy and brother?" We talked about it and told her that it was a very sacred thing he was doing from his culture. Then the last song was called "Welcome Home" in Memory of the Mother and Child that died. The guy came into the audiance and asked few of the kids/adults to join him and dance. Abi was one of them. She was very shy and wouldn't do it. So they danced for a few seconds and my mom and I decided to join in and Abi followed. That caused a chain link of numerous other people. As we danced w/this man holding hands in this gym going around threw the people I felt such udder appreciation for all cultures and how wonderful it was that the community could come together regardless of religion or culture. How cool it was for the "dancing line" to come "full circle". Later the man came and thanked my mom and I for getting the audience participation and joining him. Before my WLS I would have NEVER EVER got out in my new tight carpenter jeans and danced among total strangers!! NEVER!!!! I felt such joy in doing this. For teaching my daughter the principles of helping others. I also spent WAY to much money. I bought a loaf of Amish wheat bread. I am going to have 1 piece and give the rest to the missionaries in our church. I also won the auction for an American Girl Doll - I set a limit on $$..and it stopped right at that. Yikes...I spent a little to much ($50). I also bought 6 raffle tickets -- and one 3 things off of that...2 homemade blankets for my kids. Anyway, I just thought I would share this w/you this morning. Love, Gala

Where is everybody??? I miss ya'll Just wanted to send a wish for a wonderful weekend out to everyone. My saturday will be filled with getting things ready for Thanksgiving..last minute shopping, house cleaning, and that sort of thing. My step-sons wife is expecting their fourth child any day now and one of her friends is giving her a baby shower this saturday as well. So will be a very busy day for me. I decided to do a clothes basket full of newborn diapers, baby wipes, bibs, socks and a nice warm sweater outfit for Mom for their gift this time. She has in the past got tons of baby clothes so I decided to be a little practical..haha I did get the baby a stuffed toy too. Hope you have a great day!! Alfie

Melody, Few years ago I was on a liquid protein diet supervised by a dr in another town. I did loose about 40 lbs or so. Towards the end of me being on this diet he began a "dairy study". The results were very simliar to what you described.. Thanks for the reminder. Gala