Before I say my thank you’s, can I ask a favor? As of this post, four of my boys have the swine flu. My 2nd daughter isn’t feeling great. Please say a prayer for them and the rest of the family if you are a person of faith. Thanks, Diane
I love the blogging community!! All of you are so supportive and fun. Before I began blogging in late March I didn’t realize that awards were part of Blogland. How exciting and fun. Thank you for the following awards.

The Gorgeous Blogger Award from Lola Fierce and Katie J asks that you reveal 6 things about yourself that most people wouldn’t know. That’s easy for me because I have many secrets – just kidding!
1. One of my favorite past times is reading. I like all genres except romance and science fiction/fantasy. I’m currently reading Novel by James Michener.
2. Our large family wasn’t exactly planned, but rather our desire to have a lot of children unfolded as the years went on.
3. I secretly wish I lived at the beach. We are 100% land locked here and my fantasy is to have a house on the beach. Fantasy because never in a million years would we be able to afford a beach house!
4. I am afraid of flying. I fly when I must, but will drive pretty long distances to avoid getting on an airplane. I’m going to Dallas in a few weeks and am going to fly.
5. I still can’t have Oreo cookies in the house. I generally despise all commercially prepared cookies, but Oreos are a weakness of mine. So I may buy a package of Oreos once a year. They are the one cookie I just can’t seem to resist.
6. My Christian faith is very important to me. I don’t think I could have made it through all I’ve been through without my faith in God.
And now on to the next award!

Leah, Marcelleand Downsizing Doc bestowed the Over the Top award to me. The rules for this award involve answering the following question with just one word. This was hard as I tend to be a little bit wordy!
- Where is your cell phone? Unknown
- Your hair? Ponytail
- Your mother? Living
- Your father? Distant
- Your favorite food? Chocolate
- Your dream last night? None
- Your favorite drink? Green Tea
- Your dream/goal? Published
- What room are you in? Family
- Your hobby? Photography
- Your fear? Something happens to my family
- Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here
- Where were you last night? Home
- Something that you aren’t? Lazy
- Muffins? Not so much
- Wish list item? Beach house
- Where did you grow up? Everywhere
- Last thing you did? Coffee
- What are you wearing? Jeans
- Your TV? off
- Your pets? Sweet
- Friends? Good
- Your life? Blessed
- Your mood? Fabulous
- Missing someone? Evelyn
- Vehicle? 12 passenger van
- Something you’re not wearing? Shoes
- Your favorite store? TJ Maxx
- Your favorite color? Green
- When was the last time you laughed? A Minute Ago
- Last time you cried? Wednesday
- Your best friend? Evelyn
- One place that I go to over and over? Grocery
- One person who emails me regularly? John
- Favorite place to eat? Home
I know some of those had more than one word but I did my best! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. Take care and stay strong! Diane
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I’m so sorry to hear about your children. Your family is in my prayers and hope they have a speedy recovery!
suzanne´s last blog ..Busy, busy!!
Wow, you have too much on your “plate!”
I’m sure the kids will be fine, though any flu is a lousy experience.
Good for you for flying! Get a window seat and enjoy the view.
Take care, Diane!
Diane, with all going on with your kids, thank you so much for sharing all your thoughts & I loved reading it & feel like I know you even more now!!!!
I will be thinking good thoughts for you, the kids & the whole house. As my late Dad used to say: “I talk to HER every Wednesday”. Yes, our view of faith is a bit different than yours but it all comes down to people caring for one another, right? I will make sure I get to “talking” before Wednesday!
Hugs to you!
Now I know you a little better than yesterday!!!

Faith is important to me as well…
Thanks for sharing…
I too love blog awards..been blogging for 4 years and got my first one about 2 months ago.
Marcelle´s last blog ..Boot are made for walking….
I don’t think anyone is afraid to fly. It’s how they land that is the scary part. I have several items that can’t enter the house: Ice cream bars, Christmas cookies – I’d eat them all in one setting if you let me.
Barry Hughes´s last blog ..284 Pound Photo Update
I will be sending lots of good thoughts out to your family so that everyone gets better ASAP! And congrats on the well-deserved awards.
NewMe´s last blog ..Grammar and Spelling for the Weight-loss Crowd
I hope everyone feels better soon! Congrats on the awards, I can’t think of anyone who deserves them more.
As you know, your family members who are sick are in my thoughts and prayers for speedy recoveries and for those who are healthy to remain so …
Hi Diane. Really hope everyone is feeling much better very soon.
Best wishes,
Bearfriend xx
Bearfriend´s last blog ..Responses
Hope your family feels better soon and that no one else comes down with the swine flu!
Lori (Finding Radiance)´s last blog ..Blog award #2
I also forgot to mention, Diane, that I awarded you an Honest Scrap award. I know you have already received it, but just wanted to let you know that it has been bestowed upon you again!

Lori (Finding Radiance)´s last blog ..Blog award #2
Prayers being said for your family and you, my friend!
GeorgiaMist´s last blog ..HOPPIN’ JOHN
Thinking of you and your children.
And I am so glad you got those awards- you earned it; I really sincerely adore your blog.
Sagan´s last blog ..Product Review: POMx Tea
Good luck with all the sick kiddos! Sounds like a difficult weekend. Keep sane!
MackAttack´s last blog ..The farmers market
It was nice to learn a bit more about you!
I’m so sorry your children are sick. I hope they’ll get better soon. They are in my prayers.
Hi Diane,
So sorry to hear about the kids being sick. We’ve managed to escape it so far here. Gosh I miss seeing you guys and have really enjoyed reading and sharing your blog with several of my friends. Are the kids still playing?
Blessings,
do you actually KNOW that is what they have (like were they tested)? And if that is what they have – I think it will benefit them in the long run to have their own immunities.
How high of temps are you getting? How hard is it to keep them hydrated? Better to have everyone get it at the same time than one a week from now until the holidays!!!
vickie´s last blog ..Last 20 lbs series – I have to be able to translate in my mind – is that maintenance action or weight loss action – ?
Yes Vickie they were tested. My first child came down with a high (103.8) fever Wednesday night into Thursday. So I took him to the dr. They did the flu swab and it was positive. The dr. said 99.3% of the positive flu swabs are Swine right now. He said since it’s a new strain it will be likely that we will all get it.
Next child got sick Friday, and then 3 more this morning.
Hydration hasn’t been too hard except for the one who also stomach problems with it at first. For him we worked diligently to keep him hydrated. He’s feeling better.
I understand what you are saying about the benefits of building up natural immunity. I’m inclined to agree. It is better now than at Christmas!
Ironics of ironics – by late this afternoon I had one running a temp. And I am not sure what to think – it was over 100 (arm pit which reads lower than it actually is) but then it went right down to slightly sub normal (that reading was in mouth) with tylenol. Still sub normal tonight. Slight sore throat and slight aches and headache. I have not had a sick kid in several years (literally not even a cold at our house). So I can’t figure out if she is just rebounding quickly, or doesn’t actually have it, or if tomorrow it will hit with a vengence. Husband and middle child are in a race tomorrow – so hopefully they will both wake up OKAY.
Does the toddler have it yet? They are always so miserable (and crabby)
hopefully you are able to get some sleep yourself. Keep us all posted on how you are doing! I will be thinking of you.
vickie´s last blog ..Last 20 lbs series – I have to be able to translate in my mind – is that maintenance action or weight loss action – ?
Still just the one sick and she is still at a normal temp today (Sunday morning). She has a BAD sore throat and general aches. I am pushing water BIG time in case she bottoms out later. Middle and husband are still okay and running their race. Hope you had a peaceful night – but suspect that might be too idealistic a hope with a whole house sick.
vickie´s last blog ..Dr Oz
Always lovely to read your thoughts. Hope your boys are on the mend soon!
shauna/dg´s last blog ..Fitness Fantasies
Diane, you and your family are in my prayers.
I used to not think much of the blog awards, but I am enjoying these which help me learn more about the bloggers I visit daily.
South Beach Steve´s last blog ..Friday Blog Spotlight
Oh Diane, I will surely pray for your family! The swine flu is making it’s way in our area and we are so worried about the daughters getting it! I hope your family is well soon:(
Oh I hope your boys are feeling a bit better….your family is in my thoughts and prayers! Make sure to get lots of rest too

Menden @ Skinny Menny´s last blog ..Kettlebell Basics
Your kids will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I never cared for Oreos, aren’t I lucky? But Chips Ahoy, that’s one reason I’m fat. lol
A beach house sounds lovely, especially if you have a retreat with all your blogging friends.
Dreams are good, I dream of living in the country with no visible neighbors.
Jo´s last blog ..Not Enough Food?
Fun to read! Thanks for the info. Have a great Sunday!
Leah´s last blog ..Weigh-In … Comfortable?
Prayers for you and your family. I hope everyone feels better soon.
Kat´s last blog ..Fall in Half Moon Bay means Pumpkins!
Oreos were almost my downfall on my last trip to visit my son/wife in Chicago! I feel your pain! And I’m leaving for Chicago Tuesday…
I appreciate you so much, Diane.
Love & prayers for your family to be well soon and no complications from the flu.
Cindy/Dayhiker at Spark
Diane,
Know that I am praying for you and your family, and that everyone is better quickly.
And so good to learn more about you here today!
Congratulations on the awards – I’m so happy for you!!!
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
I’m still praying for you guys!
Congratulations on your awards…very thoughtful and well deserved. I’d give you an award, too…If I knew how!

Joanna Sutter´s last blog ..Sunday School
Your children are definitely in my prayers. As parents, we always feel so helpless when our kids get sick!
I love you blog.
Blessings,
Mary
Mary´s last blog ..Friday, October 16, 2009
Your family are in my thougths and prayers Diane. I am debating getting the vac for my son who has a weaker immune system, but I think tomorrow I am calling our ped. dr. and getting him in. (my daughter refuses so I keep on her about washing the hands).

Congrats on the awards! Your blog deserves them all
Hope your family is feeling better soon!
brenda´s last blog ..Fingerprint Friday and weigh-in day
I’ll be praying for your family for a speedy recovery. Congrats on the blog awards. You deserve them!!
I just got over the swine flu and it had me down for awhile. I hope they feel better!
Sending up a prayer for your family! Hope it doesn’t last long… it’s soooo hard when all your kids are sick at once!
Hope you’re able to get some rest! ((Hugs))
~Carla~´s last blog ..Michael Pollan’s Favourite 20 “Rules” of Eating…
Hi Diane, Good luck with the kidlets… mine are grown so the wife doles out TLC via the phone to her daughter in college.
John W. Zimmer´s last blog ..Halloween Fitness! Some Ideas
Prayers said for your children. Here’s wishing them a speedy and uneventful recovery.
Larkspur´s last blog ..What to Eat: Part 1, Snacks
Hi Diane,
I guess my comment the other day did post after all. I hope everyone is recuperating!
Hugs,
Mary
Mary´s last blog ..Sunday, October 18, 2009
diane sooooo sorry about the swine flu – oh my goodness that stinks!! sorry I added to your work load beside, see this is why you have these awards – you really do rock! Way to go momma – hang in there!
MyKashiDiet´s last blog ..A time to reap and a time to sew…in other words IT’S PLAY TIME!!!!
Hope the kids are recovering!
Hanlie´s last blog ..Breaking free
Feel better soon, Fit to the Finish family! I’m thinking about you guys.
Hilary´s last blog ..Down More Than 10 Lbs
I’m not a religious person, but I can certainly wish your boys a healthy recovery. I ate an oreo yesterday, they’re just a bit too sweet for my tastes.
julie´s last blog ..My body screams for…kickboxing?
I hope the boys are doing better and that your daughter hasn’t caught it. I’m sorry I’m late getting here to send my prayers your way. *hugs*
Dawn´s last blog ..meetings and more meetings
So sorry the family has been ill
I hope since you wrote this there has been some progress and everyone is feeling better.
Lara (Thinspired)´s last blog ..Pretty Sunday, Steamy Monday