Yesteray I took my kids to the State fair, something we do every year...skip a day of school and hit the rides for 10 hours straight! I haven't been able to fit in the rides for 2 years, because the safety bars are too loose on my skinny kids if they lock at my thigh level......but yesterday I was able to ride anything I wanted, and I walked MILES and didn't get winded at all. The only thing was I got a bit motion sick, but my weight wasn't a problem for once. Of course I woke up with a horrible cold, and started my period (explains my blues on Sunday) while at the fair, but that's life. My hormones feel so screwed up to me, my cycles are completely irratic, and my husband said he understands I can't help it, but he's sort of tired of my 'spells' of insecurity that my hormones give me. I'm ready for divorce, walking out, leaving the kids....it can get pretty bad. Then the next day I'm fine. Of course I am apologizing to anyone who will speak to me, but I completely melt down when my hormones spike. I need to go see my doctor and get this fixed I guess. Maybe get on some birth control pills to even it out until my weight stabilizes. Anyway, I'm just really happy we had such a good day at the fair, and my weight didn't slow us down at all. It was fun to see the kids' faces when I'd announce I'd go on some horrid ride with them.....they were so happy. I ate Dramamine a few times....haha but didn't get too sick. Later, Tracey -63 #

About 3 months ago we had a speaker in Sacrament meeting tell us that if we increase our Fast Offering then we would be financially blessed. I took that challenge and almost doubled my Fast Offering - I am just amazed at how quickly and how much that promise of a financial blessing as come through. This speaker told us that Tithing is a commandment but Fast Offering is a voluntary gift. He told us that if we increase our Fast Offering the Lord will bless us ten fold. It was kind of hard at first to increase my fast offering but I was determined to see if this blessing was real. I am here to tell everyone that the blessings are tremendous if you increase your Fast Offering. If you're having money problems - DO IT. This is the easiest and quickest way to take care of that situation. I certainly have a testimony of paying a generous Fast Offering. Melody

Hi Sherrie I didn't excercise at home but here at work had the chance to go for a long walk about 2 miles and did 4 sets of stairs...haha The complex I work at is huge and I walked the whole thing. It was wonderful to get out of the office and be out and moving. Have a good day and I'll talk to you again soon Alfie

1. 1 Nephi 3: 7 - ..."I will go and Do.. " I think that is important - Faith precedes the miracle. 2. I have a ton of Favorites - Many are from Primary songs -".. Kindeness begins with me..." 3. I have reached several. To weigh less than my skinny husband Hurray!!, Wear a size 12 pant, DONE! Buy and Wear Knee high boots - They are purchased and a little snug in the calf, but I can zip them, - Look out Winter snow! 4. Going to the Temple and sitting in the Celestial room.

Hi, I am going to Brazil because my insurance will not cover the surgery. There are NO surgeons anywhere near ST. LOuis who can preform the DS. The nearest on is in Tennessee somewhere and the cost would be over $30,000.00 cash not including travel and hotel expensis. I have researched WLS and Doctors for a long time now and have found one of the best ones available. The entire surgery cost including airfare and EVERYTHING will be less than $12,000.00 My PCP has agreed to do any routine testing needed after surgery. I will be able to contact Dr. Marchesini anytime 24 hours a day by cell phone, or email with any problems. He will contact my PCP with any information needed for my care. He is also sending home with me all my xrays and surgery details and lab info to give to my PCP. Brazil is a very modern city just like any big american city. The hospital there actually has a better nosencomial infection rate and than most american hospitals. It is a beautiful hospital with brand new facilities. The cost of my surgery also encludes an extra 2 week hospital stay if needed. I will be in brazil for over a week after surgery to be monitored very closely. There is a Temple in Curitiba Brazil and a mission home close to the hospital. I can have them come and help my DH give me a blessing before surgery. There is a yahoo group of his patients that I am a member of and there are dozens and dozens of very satisfied patients. Some are actually returning to bring other family members to him. They also go back to get plastic surgery. Even if surgery would pay, I would probably still go to him. Especially since I would still have to travel a great distance to any American surgeon and hospital to get the DS. There are several Dr.s who do the RNY in Missouri, but I have done my research and feel that DS is the best option for me. Thanks for the advise about the scriptures. I know you are right and I am going to try to focus my prayers on asking for help with my spirituality. I do know that I need Heavenly Father for strength in this. Thank you for the help. Robin G in st. louis DS surgery scheduled 10/26/04