A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him. "I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will." Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?" "All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say. The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry. Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?" God said: "When I made the woman she had to be special. I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort. I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children. I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining. I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all cir****tances, even when her child has hurt her very badly. I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart. I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly. And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed." "You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or in the way that she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

Hi Fran !! I'm so happy for your and your husband on the new arrival. God works miracles, don't he Everything will work out and keep is posted on how things are going. Love you Donna

Hi everyone. It felt so good to log on today and read your posts. I have missed this site so much. I have been so busy with going to school, but now classes are over! I just wanted to update you all on my progress after reading all of your progress I am so happy that everyone has adjusted so well. We are 1 and 1/2 years out! Okay, I am down to my goal weight and have been able to maintain without any problems. I am active and living a busy, hectic life. We are moving to Virginia at the end of the month and surprise--having baby #4. We did not plan or expect this child but feel blessed. GOD surely went out of his way for this child to be conceived. My tubes were tied in '98 and it didn't work (I got pregnant with a tubal pregnancy in 2000) and then last year after this wonderful surgery was done, we decided that the hormone pills just were not for me since I didn't absorb well--hubby had a vasectomy (obviously should have gotten that final 0 count)! So, here I am due to have a baby in January and building a house in Virginia. Basically we are changing our lives and having an adventure. I will put school on hold for a year. The 3 boys are excited to have a baby brother or do I dare to say it...a "sister". Whatever may be I hope this child is a healthy happy one! I wish you all the best at everything you do. Please keep me in your prayers as I am a little nervous about a baby post op and trying to get in the correct nutrition for the little bundle. (I am weighing in at 126 so I have already gained a few pounds.) Thanks for listening! Fran

OMG Karen! You look fab! I didn't recognize you! You hot thing you! Kelly

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you. Sounds like a great prize to win. I hope you'll post your success. Perhaps that's what I need, some incentive to work harder. Hmmm. I'll see what I can figure out. Best wishes. Good luck !!! Karen G