Remember, it branched. At one end, the toilet, at the other, the Great Outdoors.

Glad they ran out, I can tell you from personal experiance that blowing up the toilet is not pretty.

I keep having to supress a chuckle.

Sorry.

SS

Please understand, I'm not laughing at you. I know how hard it is - remember - we have eight.

It's just memories coming back.......... I think.

It's funny when we sit around at family dinners, and tell the stories 15 years later.

I promise, it will be for you too.

For now though, prayers continue, and I hope you don't get too worn out. I still worry about that.

For you, and for all the Mom's and Mum's out there who never get enough rest, or enough help. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

At least you get enough exercise. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

SS

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

There is no human cape of power big enough for this one. My visit with Flard was lovely, at least on the surface, but one of the reasons I came back so very sad was because I could see the emptiness and sterility of his life and his plans for the future, and it seemed as though he could not. He was surrounded by people who admired him for the things he could do, but who really didn't have any deep love for the man himself. They tell him how wonderful he is, and smart, and talented, and blahblahblahblah...and I was reminded of the Bible passage warning of those who say "Peace, peace, when there is no peace." I believe Jesus is coming soon, and there is a world to be prepared for His coming, and my son was out saving one kind of frog from another kind of frog.

I promise, Gell, I did not say anything provoking to him that entire weekend, and I nearly herniated myself in the process, too! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> We have a friend whose son has gone deeply astray. She has admonished him and scolded him and advised him and nagged him right out of her life. And now she's depressed because he doesn't want to see her or talk to her. When I visited Flard, I tried to take my own advice to her, and just love him and enjoy being with him without preaching or being disapproving. I thought I'd pulled it off--didn't even cry seriously until after he'd left me at the airport--and he really seemed to enjoy having someone pay attention only to him for several days. I mean, he was the 3rd kid. It was hard for him to get a lot of undivided attention back in the olden days!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> I visited with him yesterday on the way to work. Just idle chitchat. I'll visit with him again today--same thing. Tell him I love him. I've been doing this for a long time now, against my natural inclination to try and intervene...just trusting God to do the serious talking and the heavy lifting for me. This is still a surprise, though. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Kinda like the early church praying for Peter to be rescued from prison and execution in the morning, and then when the angel set him free, and he showed up at the door, nobody believe it was Peter, because everybody knew he was in prison!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

If you get online and see this, know that I'm taking your phone # to work, and will try and call you this evening. However, you may not want to visit around your mom and the new mother. I have always thought it would be great for you to maintain whatever contact with Flard you were able to handle for yourself, since every strand of affection that binds him to others from his former life, is one more tie to keep him from drifting away entirely. If you think you can deal with the emotional fallout of a visit, you know we'll certainly support you...but you'll also probably have a lot of opposition from your family that you're going to have to be tough enough to take, in addition to your own emotional upheaval of revisiting the man who has hurt you so badly. That's a heaping big plateful of potential trauma, Sweetie, and if you decided to do it, you will need to go into it with not only your own prayers (however badly you think you're doing right now, prayer-wise), but with the prayers of everybody else we can possibly think of to join us in interceding for you--before, during, and after your visit.

My status is no longer QUO!!!!!!!!!!! I can't deal with all of this. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> I don't know whether to hope it's busy at work tonight so I can put all this aside until my head can wrap around it a bit better, or quiet, so that I don't have to pretend to a patient that I'm compassionate and concerned and really care about her pain! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

t&l

my prayers will be with all of you!

Oh, in the commotion I almost forgot. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />:) Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

SS, I'm too afraid to ask about the toilet.

And mine will, also. What's really funny is - I spend a lot of time praying for people here whose names I don't even know. But, God knows.

You know, I've decided that life is a never-ending succession of challenges. You get over one, rest a bit, and another one comes along. If you aren't stressed out over something big, then something is coming around the bend and you need to enjoy the rest before you get to the next 'growth opportunity'.

"nonisexperience moderator "


Neak, I nearly didn't check this because I don't even OPEN porn messages in my e mail account!

sexperience..... ummmmmm

Why? Is the dinosaur eating M&Ms out of it again?

No MnMs. Only cake mix.

CC, I am laughing and hanging my head in shame, lol. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Neaksis is still chortling unbearably. "Oh, Neak, that is so...you!" AJ says we can alter it somehow. I hope so!

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I almost didn't read it myself, for the very same reason!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Until I called her and pointed it out, I don't think she'd noticed it yet...although her husband had and sent her an email saying, "I can help you with that HA HA HA." I just felt my heart sink... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

t&l

hi you guys

hey neak I opened that laughing thinking it sounded a sex ed course !! lol

But I refrained from asking for instructions!! hehehehe <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

mum loves to give free advice <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

If your mother is to be believed, you and Aussie are more likely to be giving instructions than you are to be receiving them. Surely you're not suggesting we can't believe your MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

t&l

oh my <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

mum talks WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY to much <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Its just on 2.00am and Aussie is still not home ... I'm exhausted and have to work tomorrow, but happy enough <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'd be a whole lot happier when he's home though <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

well I'm really praying for your boy tl and I wish he will start on the path 'home' to those who love him.

we don't discuss the 'GOD' issue these days here as Aussie doesn't want to bother with 'that crap' <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
I have learnt patience on this issue .. I'll wait and encourage as the opportunity arises <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />


hey he's home!! hot choc and cuddles time <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> well .... AFTER he showers ..... twice <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I don't necessarily think you should discuss "the God issue." The Holy Spirit is much better at it than you (or me or anybody else). He always says the right thing. He always picks the right time. He comes in the full force of Omnipotent Divinity, which makes Him much harder to ignore than a mere wife or mother...to name just a few of His advantages. I think our job is to love the occasionally-unlovable, without conditions, and without wavering, letting the testimony of a life faithfully lived speak louder than any mere words could ever do. I think you're doing that, and 1 Peter 3:1 promises a reward to those who do.

But it's hard to keep quiet sometimes (always?), isn't it?. I'm thinking of having my lips stitched shut! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> And those weird sounds you hear? My gaskets blowing...<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Look what I found (remember?):



I want one!!!!!!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

What a stunningly-delightful half hr. I've just spent with my husband. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> It happened like this. I've told you before that he refuses to help around the house. I do what I can, farm out what I can to someone who can, and ignore the rest...and believe me, there's a lot to ignore. I never invite anybody over. I'd be <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />. So tonight, since I've got a night off, I decided to mow the lawn, and walked outside to start up just as he drove down the driveway. He told me not to mow, because he was going to mow in the next day or so with his brand-new driving mower (Need I say I've been using a push mower all these years?! I thought not.) <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I said I at least wanted to mow the back and side so I could water tonight, at which point he decided he'd waited long enough for the John Deere people to come out and do their thing before he used it--he'd just figure it out himself. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Well, he's a mechanic and an automotive engineer so his self-confidence is not entirely unjustified.

He filled it with gas, sat down on it and fired it up while I went to cut rose bushes instead. For about 10-15 minutes the tractor didn't move while he gunned the engine, fiddling with this and that, but not going anywhere. I suggested the instruction manual, but it was inside and he didn't think he needed it. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Finally I went over to him and said, "Look, look. See HP. HP has a new tractor. See the shiny new tractor. Hear the engine go. Br-r-r-rn, b-r-r-rn. See the shiny new tractor sit in one spot. It is running, but it is not moving. Funny, funny shiny new tractor." I also suggested that if he could lower the blade and get it to spin, he could just push the tractor around to cut the grass, if he couldn't drive it. To his credit, he laughed, too, but it was at least another 5 minutes before he gave up and went inside to get the manual. Once he got it moving, he told me it wasn't in the manual anyway, and he'd figured it out for himself!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Oh, good grief.

So he's still out there driving through the lawn grass, and the tall weeds beyond...big cheesy grin on his face and having a blast. Bet he won't look like a pickled beet either by the time he's done! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Still, I only got moderately warm doing the roses, instead of the I'm-going-to-have-a-heat-stroke-any-moment broiling hot I would've gotten if I'd tried to mow it myself. Honestly, men and their tools.................... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

t&

It goes full circle .
Drama, and humor. What more could we ask for ?

What a stunningly-delightful half hr. I've just spent with my husband.

I read that, and was hoping he came to you and said "It's time we started working on our marriage, where do we start?"

Oh well, at least he did something. Sorta.


just felt my heart sink...

Shameless. Just shameless.
I laughed out loud.


CC, I'm about to go back to your thread. Any day now.

AW, get some sleep. Or rest - as the case may be. Whatever works best.


T&L,
Work tonight?

SS

Well, he quit being fun within 60 seconds of entering the house, but it was still a blast while it lasted! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

t&l

SS, I'm too afraid to ask about the toilet.

I was 17. Not sure if the statute of limitations has expired yet. My High School Chemistry teacher is still alive.


Was thinking today about the Devrish. I identify with him. He seems so normal to me. My mom could tell stories.

SS