Season's Beating's

I saw that in someone's Facebook comments, and it is just so funny & true. I mean really the retailers start setting Christmas as soon as Back to School is over, in SEPTEMBER! It is crazy, earlier and earlier every year. This is why the decorations don't go up until december and come down as soon as possible after Christmas. I love what the season stands for the but retailers, radio stations, and commercials on TV drive me INSANE!!! Just the lights all over the place will be fine with me. Those are pretty to look at, but even so...the Jones' take it to a whole new level, and everone has too keep up with them!

We had a nice Christmas, now to enjoy this week before the craziness of the new year. We hae a 7th birthday party coming up soon. I cant believe that he will be 7...he is getting too big too soon.

On the plans this week. Christmas decor DOWN!!! Logans room & closet cleaned out, and rest...which one will really happen?

Merry Christmas to ALL!!!!

Well it is 7:00am Christmas Morning, presents are opened, coffee is almost gone, lunch is lunching, and we have had our first meltdown!!!! Gotta love this day...the presents, the meltdown, the smiles, the fits, the surprise, the pouting...get the picture.

We were up at 4:45am opened presents, and tried to get him to go back to nap, even in our bed...would not hear of it. It is neat to see how a 6 year old can still be on overload.

Santa was good this year. He got Guitar Hero and a microphone for it, a basketball, crayola stuff, and a NERF SWORD!!! Then me and dad got him a karaoke machine, so by 7 this morning we have karoaked and are not playing guitar hero...OH YEAH Ray's Christmas Miracle - the sickness had FINALLY taken over, and I lost my voice. So he is going to have a wonderful day.

Yes we awoke to a white Christmas this morning. Although it will be gone by lunch time I am sure, I am just glad Logan got this. We were going to try to go to the drive in tonight, but not with the cold weather and getting up so early. We are looking at Saturday night and seeing The Squeakeal, and the Frog & The Princess.

Everyone have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy your day. Lots of Love to All.

AUGH!!!!!

It is just so......

Okay not sure, but just a little bit of venting. I can't communicate with my husband, I can't get things figured out. If i breathe it is not good enough...I just wanna throw my hands in the air and say SCREW IT!

I have not lost weight in 3 months, but I am fine with that. But the crap I went through at the doctors office you would have thought I was the 3rd gunman on the grassy knoll! I have another appointment in Jan we will see how things go between now and then.

Christmas is 5 days away, and Logan is super excited. That is so much fun. I am not a big fan of what this has turned in to. I LOVE the season don't get me wrong. I love why we celebrate and WHO we celebrate. But what I hate is what it has turned into. I love getting the Christmas Cards from people I am not near. I love seeing the look on the kids faces, the wonder of all that it is.

To all of you who read my blog, Have a wonderful Christmas...I should be back by New Years!

Fun Stuff I Have Learned

So you know everyone gets those 'cute' emails about 'Being a Mom' and 'Things I Did Not Know Until I Became a Mother' but this is truly some of my thoughts and things that My Little Bitty Drill Bit has taught me.

Logan's Lessons to Me:

• There is NO weather too cold for shorts...and wearing shorts in these conditions will not cause pneumonia.
• Ketchup & Ranch are good together.
• There is nothing sweeter than your little boy saying 'I Love You' unprompted.
• Running in the house is not that big of a deal...nor is riding the razor scooter, skate board or roller skating.
• Little ones in the kitchen can make am food taste better.
• When you have a little cut that is no big deal...but to him it is.
• Hugs & Kisses are the best 'payment' for anything they want or need.
• There is a difference between the bsketti your cook & the stuff Angelo's makes.
• Bueno is much better than Bell
• Taco Banana (Cabana) is only good on occasions.
• Little boys don't like their hair getting long either.
• They do pick up on your favorite shows, and learn to like them
• They can pick up on your feelings better than you think
• Most of the time ther reasoning is WAY beyond their years
• Seeing Christmas through their eyes is an unreplacable feeling.

This is about it, for now...anyone who knows my kiddo knows there is always funny things going out of his mouth!

Software

I was so excited to get some new software, and i cant operate it!!!! It is PhotoStudio Expressions..I got it at Half-Priced Books, it does not have a manual. I NEED THAT.

I am going to look on line and see if i can find something it not back to the bookstore. I made an awesome slide show and want to share it.

I anyone else NOT ready for Christmas? I have bought one present!!! This is crazy, Logs is very easy to shop for this year. I guess I need to take advantage of this.

Where has it gone?

Nov 22, 2009. 4 days before Thanksgiving, then the countdown to Christmas, and Logan will be 7 in January. Where has this year gone???

Last weekend we went to Houston and hung out the George & Carol...Good Times!!! We went to the Kemah Boardwalk, I fed Sting Rays and Logan was in jail...ha ha

.

The morning of Nov 14th, we all took our Belt Test in TKD. Ray and I passed to Green Belt, and Logan is now a Blue Belt, he is SOO Proud of it. We are going to get some pictures done soon of us in our uniforms.

This week we don't have TKD Class, so a little break. Ray & I are both working on Friday. Then we will probably go to the drive in. We were going to go last night, but had to much fun being lazy!

Here are some more pictures from our trip:

Ray, Me & Logan.

George & Carol

NOVEMBER!!!!

Don't know about you guys, but I can not believe November is here already! It is crazy.

Make the Thanksgiving plans. Make the Christmas plans, shop, cook..

Then welcome in the New Year!!!!

Another calender down...where does time go?

7 months post op

I have been pretty busy but wanted to up load some pictures 7 months post op...and of my little Sonic the Hedgehog!!!










10/25/09 below!


Here is one from before above and one below from 10/25/09...

What a Blessing

At the end of last month I posted a blog about Jordan Brook Fox, you may remember she was a precious little 5 week old Angel who had done what she was sent her to Earth to do, and when home to be with her Father!

Well today was the Celebration of Life for Jordan. I have been looking forward to this. I think in a way Logan has too. He kept calling it a funeral. He has been to viewing before but this is the first thing like this. We took balloons, and there was a balloon release. We got to the church, and saw Kim, she was just glowing. As I have mentioned before, Kim is a very strong in her faith and knows that God is right there with her. When the presentation started I was doing good....Only shed a few tears. As it went on, Logan got a little emotional and I got a lot emotional. Kim stood up and read a letter she had written to Jordan, and it was wonderful. It was honest and from the heart. After a beautiful slide show we were asked to go outside for the balloon release.

Before we set the balloons go, Joel spoke, read a letter his brother had written, and then spoke from the heart. Then they played Rain Down by MercyMe, this song played the day Kim got out of the hospital and also the evening Jordan passed away. It was very emotional, beautiful, there are not words to explain this afternoon.

We left and once we got in the car, I thought 'OMG....I am so tired' I think it was just the emotion. Logan has stated he wants to see where Jordan is buried. So we may and visit her.

I want to thank the Fox's for allowing us in there family and sharing in such a wonderful day. We are all better knowing that Precious Angel is above us and watching over us all.

Unexpected Weekend

This has been the week from....Well you know. I have been sick, trying to get over that, stuff at work, all good, just stressful, and we had a belt test on Saturday. Ray & I tested, I am sure we both passed, but still just the anxiety of it.

Well we had tickets to the Rangers game on Friday night. It was so much needed. Logan is Michael Young's (#10) #1 fan, he like Ian Kinsler (#5) & is starting to like Pudge (#7). He is 6, i think he may have a bookie that I don't know about! Anyway on the way to the game I got a notice from Facebook I had a message, from George, he is in town with the weekend off!!!

George is a guy we met when we lived in Pennsylvania in 1987-1988. He & my brother were theater geeks together...so I was lucky enough to gain yet another big brother! We moved back to TX as the end of that school year, and well in the 80's with out the power of Internet contact was usually lost. Through the power of the net we have reconnected with many people and several we were very close too in PA, I found Marcie then through Marcie found others, George being one. He was excited to find us too.. Well he has one of those cool jobs that he travels all over. This weekend he is in Tyler, TX about 2 hrs east of Arlington, and he was off work. Hell yeah we don't have anything going on.

Me, Ray & Logan met up with George Sat afternoon, we ate at El Fenix, walked around West End, Deally Plaza, Went to Reunion Tower, then headed up to Plano for the Plano Balloonfest. It was an AWESOME day. George & Ray hit it off they talked, picked on me and were very comfortable with each other. Logan just loved him. George is a great guy. We went to half-priced books and then called it a night. Today we are going to go to Tyler, visit the Zoo, and mom and dad are probably going to go with us. It does not seem like it has been 21 yrs since we had seen each other. I am really looking forward to today. Hopefully it wont be that long before we see each other again...

Marcie, you really missed a good time. :-(

Labor Day Weekend

We really had no plans and figured we would be just hanging out at the house. Well Friday afternoon I saw a friends FB posting and they were camping. So we called and invited ourselves for the day. We planned on Sunday. So Saturday Ray worked and Logan & I worked our butts off getting everything done around the house.

Logan had gotten some new Pampered Chef stuff so he had to cook dinner for daddy Saturday night, as well as bake a cake to take 'to the camping people'. We did that. He loves being in the kitchen. He gets it honestly for both of us. Beef tips and fried tators for dinner. He got to use his new pot, knives, potato peeler and tongs! He was so happy.

We got up Sunday morning ate breakfast, loaded the truck and off we went. Hit the grocery store, gas station, and picked up Holly at her place. We had never been to Lake Ray Roberts, it was so nice. Somewhere we would go to spend the day. The kids rode bikes for a while then we went to the beach, and swam and had lunch. I got in the water with the kids, the only adult...i was fun. We were at the beach for about 3 hrs. Lots of fun in the sun...got the redness to prove it. Then back to camp for some good CAKE!!! Everyone loved Logan's cake. It was all gone.

We left out about 5p, a great day. We are very thankful to have the great friends we have. You know more like extended family. It was so much fun...almost has me in the mind set to see what kind of deals are out there on campers.....

Photobucket & Pictures

This is the reason I get out of bed everyday!

So I have decided to use Photobucket for my pictures. It does have some cool functions. I will post some pictures here for those of you who did not follow me on myspace.

Logan & Daddy at GATS 2006

Hello - Where is my tooth???



NRH20 Summer of 2007

Getting a bulb from Santa - Thanks B4 & C4

The First Week of First Grade

We made it through the first week of 1st grade, it was great. Logan loves his teacher and he is really enjoying the learning. They go to music & PE this year so more activities, and that is great. He is looking forward to going back on Monday, and all is good with that.

We are all looking forward to the long 3 day weekend next weekend. That is going to be the challenge....is he going to be ready to go back on Tuesday.

He is learing lots of color songs, and how to follow classroom rules again. The joys of dealing with all kinds of personalities, and the joys of dealing with the issues of some kids we had issues with last year as well. But he is growing up and maturing and he/we will get this.

More to come later...we are planning a nice relaxing day so I will be playing on the puter with my cyber friends.

First Day of 1st Grade

"First Grade is hard, but I am going to keep on going"

He is such a trooper! His first day went great. He woke up ready to conquer the world. Ray had to be at work early, so he was not here, but his drop was at the HDDC so we were able to go see him before Logan went to school, and it day was really good. Logan got to see Tommy too, he is one of Ray's co-workers. So we left from there then headed to school. Logan told me he was little nervous since he had forgot his schedule, but that soon passed as we got there. Then it was...'Okay mom - drop me off with the cross guard!' Ummm NO!!! We had a few more supplies to be taken in so I walked him in, but on Tuesday...Cross guard here we come!

He got a little sick, I am pretty sure from him meds, and nerves. He got a sticker in his folder. He has several friend from Kinder in his class, as well as one from TKD.

Today was pretty uneventful, heck I did not even cry! I am sure by the end of the week there will be more to tell!

Jordan Brook 7-14-09 to 8-21-09

We all understand it is not our place to questions God's Decision, but for anyone who does not as 'WHY' at least one time when something tragic happens makes you wonder about them.

Jordan Brook - She came into this world on July 14th. She was a beautiful little girl. She was born at AMH about 6:00pm, and then by 10:00pm was rushed to Cooks in Fort Worth. Where she would spend the next 5 1/5 weeks of her wonderful little life. I met her parents over a year ago, I worked with her dad then met her wonderful mom a few months after that. Joel & Kim as awesome people. So strong in their faith in the Lord, their bond as husband & wife, and their parenting for their 2 beautiful daughters. Kim is one of those people who you met and is in your life for a reason. She is person who you are glad to be around. Then Joel, he is very much like Ray, a strong Christan man, great father & provider.

Jordan has a heart disorder that could not be detected prenatally, so this family had no idea what they were facing. She was hooked up to many machines, and tubes. Logan & I went to visit Jordan in the hospital on Saturday afternoon, I had never seen a little baby looking so Angelic. Logan did really good. He asked lots of questions, and was not scared of what he saw. I had prepared him by looking at the pictures posted on Joel's page.

She had been taken off a major support machine about 2 weeks ago, and things looked good. But Sadly she developed an infection that was very bad, this was on Thursday, from the posting in blogs and such she was on the highest form of support care, and there was nothing more to be done. Not wanting to push yourself on the family, I waited patiently hear something, that something came about 4:00, I checked on the Internet, and got read the sad news. Jordan had passed away. She had drawn her last breath in her daddy's arms...no where better to be. This has sadden so many people. It is just amazing how one little precious life can touch so many people.

This family needs all the prayers you can give, they need healing prayers, and pray for the 2 little ones at home who already have fallen in love with the little Angel and has to grow up so fast by saying good bye to her.

Jordan will be missed, but will always be an Angel watching over those who loved her!

My Big 1st Grader

It is here. The count down to the first day of school. We went to meet the teacher last night, it was great. Logan's First Grade teacher seems awesome, he thinks she is going to be nice. That is good.
We walked down the hall, his class is the last one on the right side, by the door. They had a huge banner hanging up that said "WELCOME First Graders!" That was it...I was all teary-eyed. He did not see, but dad did and he chuckled. We found his room, and there are about 4 boys from his kinder class in his homeroom. So that comfort zone is going to be there. He played in the class and looked around at all the stuff while dad and I talked with Mrs. S. We were alone in the class with her for a few minutes so we were about to discuss him. We stressed how involved we are and we want her to know we are there to back her. Logan read the class room rules and consequences, there was a line for his name, I made him sign it as he will be the one responsible for following them.
After that we took a trip down memory lane (kinder hall). Saw the teachers and helpers it was great. Then we ran into one of his counselors from summer camp...2 yrs ago. She is the daughter of one of the kinder teachers. We talked for a while, and she was able to give me the number of another one of the guys Jacob. Logan loved him. So we have contacted him and he is going to try to come watch Logs at TKD..Logan is excited about that.
So off to Boot Camp. This was Ray's first time, our 2nd. We had a blast, it is a little easier for us since we don't know all the kata's (forms) we get a little breather, but then the sparring started. It is so awesome in this class. We are sparring other adults, they help train us and just beat up on us. Ray and I have sparred 2 times this week in class with full pads. That is by far the best, we hit each other a little harder, and I think we are more comfortable with each other. The class is a butt-whippin...I won't lie, but it is so much fun. I would like to switch to it, but we may wait until this fall/winter when it is much cooler!
So off to the doctor and spending the day with my boys having fun before school starts! Love to all and for those sending the kiddos back to school - Good Luck!

Weightloss????

So the real point of this blog...my weight loss.

I have had 3 fills in my band, I am at 4.7cc in a 12cc band, not going up quickly, it is there way of:

1) Listening to everything their sales reps tell them
2) Rack op more co-pays from their patients
3) Take everyone as a text book case
4) Don't listen to the patients...they don't know their bodies.

Anyways, I am going back every 4 weeks now instead of 6 weeks. I have been averaging about a proud a week which is good. But this time i feel like it has been more inches than numbers, the pants I bought that are size 20, are starting to get loose on me. That is awesome.

I am getting burned out on meat..I need to get some fish and eat it for a while as a change. Then I will go back. I think part of my problem is I am not taking in enough calories, I counted one day and I was only on about 700 calories at bed time. Meat is not high in calories. Go Figure. I am thinking it is about time for some more pics, I want to find some some clothes that really fit right then take the pictures!

Oh yeah. I had to take me rings back to get them cleaned and shaped, and was able to size down my amethyst 1/2 a size from a 9 to an 8 1/2, and my wedding ring from a 9 to an 8. Yeah!!!

Summer Coming to an End!

Can you believe it??? Really..One more week of SUMMER!!!!! I am not going to lie, we have done nothing extremely fun. We have plans for some things later on, in the fall. I am sure Logan had a good summer, he was at camp all but 4 weeks, they swam, went to the movies, Six Flags, Putt-Putt, Dinosaur World in Glen Rose, Museums in Dallas, and Medieval Times. For the other weeks he stayed at his Nana's. He had all kinds of fun there. It is his time to defuse. He has been staying the night there, and only coming home for TKD.

Ray & I are taking off work on Friday, I have a fill and then we are going to go to the convention center for GATS (Great American Truck Show). We have been going for that 4 years. Logan loves it, he gets to climb in the big trucks & see all the pretty girls....you know those ones who are the 'models' well they show products off with their 'products' all exposed. He is funny because he is starting to get embarrassed about it. That makes it a little worth it. We are going to ride the TRE then just hang out around Dallas, I will show Logan were I will be working once the jobs moves, and we will try not to get lost on the mass transit in Dallas. Heck we may even ride back to Forth Worth and see what we can do there as well.

He is getting excited about going back to school. Going in to the first grade. We have gotten all but a few school supplies, and maybe just a few shorts & shirts, gotta love the uniforms! Then he will be ready to be thrown back to the wolves. With him being on his meds he does A LOT better academically and his behavior as well. We will meet the teacher next week. Hopefully some of his classmates he will know from last year.

He is still doing great in TKD, a Green Belt. He should get his High Green in September. We are so proud of him. Ray & I will be testing for Orange in September. I hope we can do it.

Gone But Never Forgotten!

On Sunday July 12th, we woke up to whining. With 5 dogs this is not uncommon, especially when one is about a year old & is still not making it through the night with out going potty. We realized it was our 10 year old Dallas Star.

She was whining like crazy, I took her outside just me and her, she continued to carry on. I knew I had to go get Ray. Let me tell you about Dallas. I found her for free on yahoo pets in March of 2000. The lady wanted to get rid of her because she was not interested in learning how to do Agility Trials. Dallas is a pet, she had it in her heart from the day she was born that is what she was going to be. Well this woman kept her in a kennel most of the 24 hr day. She has always been Alpha Female, and these people did not know how to deal with that. So they got rid of her. Their loss was our gain...NO DOUBT. We picked her up from Little Elm in mid-March. She took to Ray like she had known her forever! We took her home and she was happy! Ray is a truck driver so we shared custody, if he had to go over the road then she stayed with me...but most of the time she was with her Daddy! One of our fondest memories of her when she was an only child - Ray was coming home from Arkansas, and I was in Terrell at moms, watching Friends on TV. Next thing I know Dallas started pacing then she got all excited, and there was a knock on the door. It was Daddy. We headed to the big truck, it was a condo for those who know what I am talking about. the bottom bunk was made with daddy bedding. She jumped up in that truck like she had been doing it all her life. Then about 3 months later we rocked her world and added Shadoe to our family!!!
They became the best of friends, we took them to Southfork Ranch, the park on a regular basis, and even to Galveston! Once we moved from the apartment to a house, the road trips slowed because we had a yard, they still got to go. When Dallas was 3 1/2 we added Dakota....This tried her patience!

Kota is a full blooded black german shepherd, & really looked to Dallas as her mom.

Shortly after we got Kota, we found out we were pregnant...So another year later we did it to Dallas again and brought Logan home. She was great with him and he really respected her. Although here is Logan and his doggie.

All the four legged kids know their place, and knows Dallas is the Queen Bee!!! Shadoe is the alpha male, and is by far Dallas's best friend. In April of 2008, we went to Broken Bow Oklahoma with my parents, rented a cabin and took Dallas & Shadoe along for the weekend. We had a wonderful time and she needed to get away. She loved the ride up, but the cabin has a little hard on her it had hardwood floors throughout. We spend 2 nights and 3 days, although unsure, she was just like a puppy, and she loves being around my dad.

We all had a marvelous time. But, we know they don't live forever, as much as we want them too. Dallas had always been an old soul! On the morning of July 12, after I woke Ray up, we decided we had to make a decision, she was not healthy enough to under go any kind of surgery, I believe she had a 'twisted-gut'. For anyone who does not what this is, it is like a blockage in the colon. We decided we we going to make a phone call to the vets office Monday morning and set up an appt to have Dallas put to sleep. We had always agreed when it came to the dogs, it was quality, not quantity!!! So drank through out the day and seemed to be a little more comfy. We cried when we explained to Logan what we were going to. He did not seem to understand. Then came bed time. When we went to bed, Dallas always slept on my side of the bed. Not this night, she was in the closet on Rays side. We made it through the night, and when I got up at 5:15 the next morning, she was creeping around the house. Then she laid down in the entry way. I gave her some loving, and Logan got up, he too gave her kisses and hugs. I went and woke Ray and told him to come check on her. He sat with her. Talked to her and gave her some loving. He went to the shower, I was in the kitchen packing Logan's lunch when I looked over; she had changed positions. Once Ray got out of the shower, I told him to check her, I did not think she was still with us...and in fact, she had taken her last breath after we had all told her it was okay! Ray had to move her to the front room to get her away from the other dogs. I called the vets office when they opened, they gave me the number to a pet crematorium called Little Angles, he was wonderful. He can that afternoon and picked up our girl. We were told we would have her by Saturday. Logan knew she was going to be in heaven playing ball with Baby Tarzan. (See IMPORTANT NEWS 2/3/08).

I received a call on Thursday morning and she was ready. She was coming home that afternoon. Her ashes were delivered to me at work, and we brought her home. We all had a moment, cried a little, but we know she is not in any pain any more.

She is in a beautiful cedar box with her name, date of birth and date of death on it. She sits in the living room close to the TV where she always loved to be so she could be the center of attention.

She was a joy in our lies for 9 years, and we are very grateful to have had her. But we know she is so happy and comfortable now.

Adding Blogs

If you subscribe to my blog and are getting lots of notices...it is because I am moving everything over form Myspace.

I will try to blog this weekend. I had an incredible experience today I feel that I need to share.

Love to all.

Happy July 4th!!!

Happy July 4th to everyone! We are preparing to go to the City of Arlington Parade today, 165 entries, the largest in the state...so they say...I have not been to any of the other ones so I have nothing to compare it too.

It has been crazy...when is school starting...it seemed to be less crazy when he was in school. Logan spend the WEEK at nana's....yeah he was only home one day, only because he had a dr appt. But we all needed it. My SIL got sick so I stayed with her & my MIL at the hospital all night Tuesday, then went to work Wednesday morning. I think I was up for 38 hrs...but she is worth it. The doctor thinks it is a problem with the gall bladder, and to conform that test need to be run through the reg dr, so that appt is in August....HEY DOC.....DONT RUSH!!!!

Belt test are coming up in a few weeks...nervous but looking forward to it...wonder who all is gong to be there to watch Logan...they are not allowed to watch Ray & I!

Went and saw Transformers last weekend at the Drive In. It was awesome. Yes I did have Logan with us, Yes I know it is rated PG-13..Yes it is violent, there are lots of dog humping scenes, some rough language, and make out scenes...he fell asleep about an hour in so he missed some and saw some...but I am learning it is better he be with us to see this stuff...especially with some of the stiff he is coming home from camp with....He got in trouble for calling a kid a "Sticky Farty A$$"......he was not the only one it was an older boy as well..Needless to say we have had some LONG coming to Jesus talks about picking on other kids and the language...Although Ray blames most of the language on ME....he is so unfair!

It is about time for me to get my day started. I need a vacation!!!!

Pictures!!!

LEFT - April 23, 2009. I think 280 (ish)

RIGHT - June 20, 2009 250lbs.

This is so awesome....can you see the difference???

New Pictures!!!!

These were taken today June 20, 2009. I was mowing the yard...Logan took these, he is my little photograper....he is good. So can you see the difference...New Swimsuit size 18...the shorts have not been worn in 3 summers ..... they were too big...now look at them!!!! There is about 4 inches between my hand and my belly.

So this is me with a swim suit on 60 pounds lighter than I was 6 months ago!!!!

I have also attached a picture of the reason I am so dedicated to this!!!!

My boy....I love him so much and he is getting TOO BIG!!!

June 20th

I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged, I did not realize it. Or realize you can be so busy! By the time I get home that last thing I want to do is sit on the computer.

I have some pics of Logan..Not the best, but I am still learning my scanner functions. This was his graduation picture. Aunt Tina & I has pics done of the boys last weekend we are picking them up today, I cant wait to get them...They looked so great. I got an awesome collage for Ray for Fathers day. But then again almost any picture of Logan is awesome. Am I a little bit of an overly proud momma?

We went to Six Flags for a while last weekend. It was so HOT...we got to ride the Tony Hawk. It was fun, and Logan may tall enough for the Texas Giant & Titan. So we will try those this summer, especially the Giant since they are closing it down this year for repairs...go figure filing Bankruptcy and then spending 10 billion dollars to rehab a roller coaster...don't get it..any way...Logan & Rode the Conquistador, and this girl passed out on the ride, so we had to stop the ride she was only 18, it was said she was that scared. But she went to first aid...and hopefully was ok.

We checked in to a modeling/talent search to enter Logan in, we got invited back for the informational seminar. They wanted $700 to get your kid entered in a convention in November to go in front of talent scouts...and it had to be paid that day....or installments...then for each person along with the kid...it was $89 to get in to convention. So this would be $900 out of pocket with no guarantees....call me negative if you want...but why not just throw that kind of money away in this economy? So maybe next year....

Lets see...I also had my 2nd fill on Tuesday. only 1cc i think...and I can REALLY tell a difference. It was Friday before I felt hungry, I go back July 28th maybe for another 2cc. That would be 6. SO the question of weight loss....from Jan 2009 (309lbs) to today when I got on the scale in my bathroom June 20 (250)....59 pounds...but can we just call it 60???

I purchased a new swimsuit last weekend. I had not purchased one in 2 years... the last one was a size 28 SWIMDRESS!!!! It was cute, and I liked it, but it was just that a dress!!! The one i purchased last weekend is a Speedo brand with the racer back...needed for support. A size 18...Am i putting to much out here. Well sorry...this is my plan. I have a ton of yard work to do today and will probably be in my suit...so my hubby is going to have to take a picture of me in my suit & shorts for my update picture I know it is not what I had been wearing...but that shirt is not as form fitting as it use to be!! TKD is going great...being able to break a sweat again is an awesome feeling...and feeling great while I am doing it.

Keep Lacy in your prayers. She is getting banded on Tuesday June 23rd... She is doing great. I cant wait to go see her and be on this journey with her!

Begining of Summer

Logan is out of school, he is 'actually a 1st grader with a Mohawk' these are his words. He was promised a Mohawk for the summer if he passed kindergarten, although Mee-Maw cut is more like a flattop, we are fine with that. He did inform me last night that since he has no hair in the back and on the sides, that he can not take a bath, or shower and may not swim because the water will make the hair grow, then Mee-Maw will have to cut it again. Little guys have some great minds. So Tuesday was the Kinder party, it rained here, but they were able to have the the 'beach party' and Logan had a blast!

Thursday was the last day of school, he got out at 1:45, so I took the afternoon off to go get him, he was devastated by the fact he learned his book buddie Jake would not be at Larson next year, that Jake would be in 7th grade. He cried so bad. This hurt me because I was not able to make the hurt go away. When your kids have to learn about these life lessons you know it will make them better in the long run, but while the lesson is being learned it just pulls at your heart. He found Jake's name in the directory and will try to call him. I will not stop him, he really looked up to the book buddies. It is an awesome program the 6th graders get to take part in. So of course, he will be a book buddie when he is in 6th grade. He spent the night at Nana's on Thursday, although Nana was really sick. Papa and Jared took care of him. About 4:00 Nana was taken to the ER, she had a VERY BAD case of strep. Logan stayed a way from her, as he was instructed since we did not know what was wrong. We came home for a quite evening with Dad and some relaxing.

We got Logan down for night, and about 9:45 we went to bed, between the Little Girl Dog bed hog at my feet, and me extremely exhausted husband snoring beside me, I had a hard time falling asleep. About 10:30 Rays' phone was ringing. I listened to him talk and could tell the conversation was not a wrong number, I looked at me phone and noticed, I had a missed call from my mom, at 10:30 at night that is not good. It dawned on me that Ray was talking to mom. I got the phone to receive some sad news. My sisters father-in-law & his wife were killed in a car accident. Some of you may ask why this affects me so bad, here is why, our families have known each other for over 30 yrs! Joe West is a great guy. He and my dad always had fun together. The first time he met Logan is talked to Logan and told him -"You momma was younger that you the first time I met her". So we left the house last night about 11:20 and headed out to Quinlan, we got there about 12:15am, mom, dad, & Tina were there. My BIL is not doing well at all, they have 3 boys, they are dealing with it the best they can. When you have not had to deal with this before, it is hard to know how. Once his younger brother showed up about 2:00am, we decided it was time for us to go so they could be together as a family. I have not spoken to anyone yet this morning. Hopefully they got some sleep. Please keep them in your prayers. We all need it. I do not want to go in to details out of respect for the family. Your prayers are very much appreciated! Love to all.

Graduation Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxMq9Wc6qgY

Logans Graduation from Kindergarten Class of 2021

Video Links

Here is the link to another You Tube Video where Logan is being an instructor at TKD. There are 9 all together. Enjoy them.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5FHToTyhGY

My Graduate!

So I am proud to share with you a picture of Logan's Kindergarten Graduation. I will have another picture of him in the getup in 2012.

He is so proud, and so glad he is now a 1st grader!!!

Check out You Tube, Larson Graduation 2009. I am going to have it uploaded before the end of the day (5/31/09).

Where Does Time Go??

It has been a while since I have blogged, and I am sorry. We have had a Talent Show, Belt Test, Graduation, TKD Pics & today is Instructor for a Day at TKD.

The Talent Show was great? The video is on YouTube, the link is in the previous blog. I am so proud of him. I am going to try to the Graduation put on this weekend. I cried like a little baby. I know it is just 'Kindergarten Graduation', but it is another step to my baby betting older and not needing me. I know that day will come as soon as it feels like it will, but I know I have to let him fly with those wings we have been molding for the past 6 years! He is very excited about being a 1st grader! I am too. The pride he has in his eyes when he knows he has passed Kindergarten and will be on his way to a big kid, a kid the others will look up like he does. The kinder kids have 6th grade Book Buddies, these kids get together once a week and work on reading. He looks up to Jake, his Book Buddie, several of the book buddies came to the Talent Show and were glad they did not miss his act, and once he was done. They all told him how great he did. That was so important to him.

He got his Orange Belt, although to go for Green in July, he will be taking classes 3 days a week to get the new Kata down, he is having a little problem with that... Heck Ray and I joined TKD, and to be honest we have to stop and think about the 5 moves we know. It is all good. It will come to us when necessary! And besides it is the most inexpensive form of marriage counseling EVER!!! I get to practice self defense on Ray...and in turn he does on me too. It is really fun!

He took his TKD pictures for the first time, he had to use a SWORD!!!! It was almost as big as him. He had a good stance, and it will be an awesome picture. I can't wait to get them and post them.

We do Instructor for a Day today, he has invited Grace, Stephanie & Barry's daughter. The kids really enjoy playing together, and we as adults like getting together too. That video will be posted this weekend too. Also he is bringing Caleb from his class, Caleb was also on the football team, so the boys are pretty close and really have a good time together. He gets to teach them the moves students would learn to get there White Belt, the kids will break a board, and earn their white belts. He will get a 'Future Instructor' patch. He has said he wants to be just like Mr Stevens and be an instructor.

OH YEAH one more note...Only because she likes being Blogged...Lacy's appt is set for June 16, it is a Tuesday...the crazy thing about this is that is the same day my fill is scheduled for. SO I will get to spend some time with her at the hospital. I have the case study that morning, should be done about 12, fill is scheduled for 3:30...cant eat 4 hrs before the fill, so I will have some time between those to go visit. I am so glad she got her date and around the time that is going to benefit her most. Love ya girl!!! I am so glad I have someone close who is going through the journey as well. We will have lean on each other...enjoy your food now....I know there are times, I say....DAMN THE LAP-BAND...but then I fit in to clothes I have not worn in 3 yrs and it is all worth it...

Video Link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JBEd-GAdoE

Here is a link to Logan's Talent Show. He did so good....no wait he was GREAT!!!!!

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Listen to the crowd support.

50!!!!

Things have been so crazy around here lately!!!

Logan passed his Orange Belt test, now we are getting ready for the Talent Show at school. In case any one is wondering he will be singing 'Sandy' (Stranded at the Drive In) as Danny! Yes we are dying his hair Black, he will have on his jeans rolled up, white T-shirt, and his T-Birds jacket.

Ray & I joined TKD with Logan, we are having a good time with it. Although, me doing jumping jacks with all the blessing I have been given is a sight to behold...Mr Stevens indicated I can upper body twists instead. So that is working out nicely since this is the best marriage therapy we could have ever thought about. We get to beat the crap out of each other!!! I love my husband.

The end of school is slowly approaching he is getting all geared up for summer camp. No big vacations planned this summer, we are going to try to do a ski trip this winter....I am not sure I am ready to break anything so we are going to put that off....lol

Oh yeah the Title of the email....I HAVE LOST 50 POUNDS!!!!
Pictures to come soon....PROMISE. It is just hard to take time to do it....maybe tomorrow, I may even surprise Logan and get on the trampoline with him.

Sorry I have been SO BUSY!!!!

Just some briefs or boxers what ever your preference!

My first fill is set for Thursday @ 2:45pm, hee hee, I am piggybacking on Lacy's appt. Hopefully I can get there before she goes in so we can meet!!! I am really excited to meet her. Her appt is at 2:00pm.

I am down 45 pounds now. So only 30 more to go before I get to my 1st goal of 75. I bought some more pants and they were 3 sizes smaller than what I had been wearing!!! That is great I am so proud of me. I even went down 4 inches in my bra number the cup is border line the same, and if you have seen me. Then you know that the 4 inches is a BIG deal!!!! I have seen some people at work lately that I have not seen in a while, and they can notice the difference!!

Logan test for his Orange Belt today, he is really excited, he has one semester stripe and one character stripe. He is doing really good in class.

He is going to be in the Talent Show at school on the 21st. He will be singing a song from Grease. If you are interested in seeing it let me know and I will give you more info.

So long for now. Gotta run and lite a fire under the butts of the men in my house to get them ready for the day!

Being True to Yourself....

What does this mean to you? I have been thinking about this alot lately.
What does it mean to be true to yourself?
Since I have had the Lap-Band done, I have been trying to keep myself in check to make sure I stay true to who I AM!!!! I have awesome friends around me who love me for me, and an awesome family that supports me alot. But am I portraying and giving off the vibe I want too? Are people seeing me the way I see myself? When is the point in your life where you really have to re-evaluate everything about your self. Your job, your friends, your clothing, your relationships, your beliefs, your food choices, etc....
Are you getting what you need to in life? Are you happy in your relationships? Are you sure where you are going in life....Are you happy with your life.
If the swine flu were to take you today have you completed what you thought you would by this time in your life, and are you happy???
I wake up every morning knowing that my family is the most important thing to me and with out them I could not be where I am at at this time.
There are some things I would change. But I believe that in the past 35 yrs I have been true to myself. There was one relationship that I thought was it...but as Garth Brooks said, " I thank God for unanswered prayers! "
My ex CSD, I thought was it, but you know...When Ray walked into my life, I knew that his arms is where I was going to spend the rest of my life. We have talked over the years, and Ray has met him, I talked to him the night I had Logan. I do consider him to be a dear friend, he will always have a place in my heart. But you know when I saw him I knew I had been true to myself and made the right decision. I am here now with an awesome husband, a WONDERFUL son, and some great experiences from my life that will make realize the path I have taken is the right one..
So ask yourself...Are you making your decisions to be true to YOU or to make others happy with YOU???

Light at the End of the Tunnel

This week was C-R-A-Z-Y!!! Just an off week... I had my 1 month post op appt...and got angry. I have lost 21 pounds since surgery so that is good...I SHOULD be having a fill 6-8 weeks after surgery, so 2-4 weeks from now. That would be the week of May 11 or so. WELL my doctors 1st opening is JUNE 4th, at 3:00pm AUGH!!! So almost 2 months after surgery is when my 1st fill is scheduled. I am fist on the list if there is a cancellation (YEAH RIGHT) or if the doctor will agree to be overbooked...Apparently he does not have a PA to assist with some of his stuff, and the ones that he has is not trained in in FILLS!!!

So for the next several weeks I am pretty much on my own. I am pretty sure I can do it. I do have some restriction..but it is just irritating...This is how my week has been every little thing just wears on my nerves.

Hopefully things will get better soon!!!! Maybe it is the change of the seasons or the end of the school year, or just all the other BS and self induced drama I have...

Almost off Restrictions!!!

April 19, 2009 just 4 days from restrictions being lifted. I have been on mushies for 2 weeks now, maybe eating more than I should have, so the weight loss has not been as much as the 1st 2 weeks...of course not I am not eating food! But anyways at least 5 more pounds, there is another 'reason' for some retention!!!

I go back on Thursday to be released, and I think I will make the appt for my 1st fill somewhere around the first week in May. I am looking forward to it. I do have restriction now, and there is nothing in my bad, so I am sure that the fill will really make a difference.

We have lots going on with Logan in the next few weeks. If his behavior improves at school he is going to try out for the talent show, and sing 'Oh Sandy' from Grease...I hope he straightens up...he will be so good.

Hopefully this week will slow down some and I maybe able to post more.

You Tell Me!!!

I have not looked at them side by side yet....I will when I hit POST. But Yesterday was my 2 week check up. I am down 15 pounds from my surgery date, and 35 overall!!! I am on my way to the 75 pound goal, hopefully before the end of summer!!!

Here are my pics, the first one from Feb 23 - 309, the second from April 7 - 274!!!

Can believe I did this!

Here are some Pics of me on Feb 23, 1 month post op!
Will try to post some more from today.
weight 309!!!

3 More days of Liquids

I have been really busy this week so this many be a long blog!

Last weekend, I just layed around and rested as much a I could. I was still pretty tired from the surgery. So my weekend consisted of going from the bed, to the recliner, to the couch, and repeat as necessary!!! I was cold on Saturday so great weather to just be lazy! Sunday was just as uneventful.

I have been doing pretty good on the liquids! Although as previously stated, my pallet is not very happy with me right now. I have been eating (lol) tomato soup it has more flavor, and the liquified instant potatoes. It took me an hour to eat a serving of pudding....that is just wrong. But it tells me the band is working. I have cheated, just for a little thicker consistency, I have eaten Taco Bell's Pintos & cheese....Now before anyone yells and tells me how BAD they are...cal 160, fat 5g, carb 23g, protein 6g...when you are consuming less that 600 calories a day...that is not bad. I am ready to be able to do some physical activity...although I think I pulled a muscle in my side Thursday night. I was just sitting in the truck and turned to the left to pick something up...then it took my breath away...damn it hurts!

At work got a new boss, he seems really nice, but it has only been a week, and we are in the middle of quarter end so we will have to see how things go. He has made some positive changes and that is a plus. Everyone does agree he has a calming sense to him.

Tuesday my dad had a procedure to locate a blockage in his leg, well come to find out, it was a 5 inch in his pelvic area, and 70%-80% blockage to the kidneys. The next procedure is scheduled for Friday the 10th I think, there is lots of drama behind all of this, so I am not sure I will get a phone call about it...Sad I know, but the cause of it is just a family secret that cause more drama....I have been reading on lapbandtalk.com, it seems once a person makes a decision to have this procedure, something major happens to someone else in their family. I will just keep praying that all is well with Daddy, and pray for the other issues in my family...I mean they have been there as long as I can remember, and probably always will be...If you remember from my previous blog...of the other 3 siblings only 1 has even talked to me since I did the Lapband. WOW that is caring isn't it???

Logan had TKD and is doing really good, I just wish he would focus a little better at school, and get stickers instead of write ups. Grade wise he is doing great, but following one of the other kids in his class that he should not needs to STOP!!! And he knows it. They are having a Karate Olympics on The 24th and I have him signed up for that. The kids will get to compete in for different events with a chance to win up to 4 medals. And you know with the little kids it is about them having something to show for their accomplishments!

The rest of the week was pretty uneventful. Oh yeah...for any of you future banders out there...(you know who I am talking too) when you are on the liquid phase and if you like tortilla soup from the Mexican food establishments. your best bet is El Finex, they bring the broth to the table and let you pour it in the bowl, just order without the tortilla strips, they put the cheese & avocado in the bowl and if the avocado gets mushy enough from the broth then mush it up for a little treat...Last night we ate at On The Border...Their soup has RICE in it...so if you order from there order with out RICE....there was lots of broth I could not get to because of the rice. Only a few more days...and then the mushies...I will be so ready.

Lets see what else...Oh yeah met a net Internet friend..I am not one to get personal with people I talk to on line, but this person is walking the same path I am. She messaged me through the lapband forum I am on. She asked me about Dr Scott. I just can not say enough nice things about the Dr & Ray feels the same ways. He said that Dr Scott communicated really good with him after the surgery and he has always been very attentive in the office. I had to call the office on Tuesday because my tapes on my belly button were coming off. Susan the nurse said as long as they were not attached to the incision then could come off. Well all 3 of them came off and it looks great. From what I can see he did a horseshoe cut around the inside of my bellybutton. The tapes at my breastbone are still there. So they will come off on Tuesday when I go for my 1st Post-Op appt. I just hope that I am able to relay my experiences and my happiness with Dr Scott to her and she is as happy as I am. She should be getting her appointments set up soon. So I will be praying for her! Oh yeah and to make the pressure on me even more - She reads my blogs....So therefore I have another person I must keep up my sharp sense of humor far as well as my quick-wittedness (sarcasm to some) that you all know and love!!!

This journey that I am on could not be as positive for me if it were not for all of the positive people around me! Supporting me in the decision. The blog has helped finding ways to just talk and very with or with comments. Lots of love to all of you!!! Muah

People Noticing the Weightloss

I was banded on March 23, 5 days ago. From about the 20th of Feb until March 19, I had lost 20 pounds! And in the last week, another 8.

I went back to work and people are already noticing in my face and upper body that I am loosing. I am feeling it some, but since I still have lots of swelling in my tummy, my clothes are a little tighter that I would like. I have been cooking for my hubby & son, and doing ok...but last night the hunger pangs started. Since I was making sketti, I took some of the meat chewed it up until I got all of the flavoring out, then spit it out. The sauce was so so good, it was garlic & onion I think!!! It was good, but just for the flavoring!!! That is what I miss is the different flavors. Although adding extracts to the protein drinks help, my pallet is not very forgiving of me keeping all those good flavors from it!

My 1st goal is 75 pounds by Christmas...I want to stay on that track. As soon as I am released to swim, we will be going to the Y Friday-Sunday so I can start that way, then back to walking and hopefully bike riding in the near future!

Surgery Day

Monday went good. We got to the hospital about 4:45 am, and waited. Got up to the day surgery waiting area, with signing in and my number. Lisa came up before she went to work, and mom and day were close behind. I went back to my curtain about 5:40 am, got changed in to the ICU gown, you know the one where people behind you can go "I C U"!!!Lisa, & mom cam back and visited then about 6:30 I wanted Ray back there since we were getting down to business. He came back and the parade started, the IV, Heparin Shot in the tummy, belly getting drawn on, twilight shot, and the OR Nurse taking me to the bathroom to potty so I would not have to have a cath! I was all for that!!!About 7 am we went to the OR....only after they let me get one last kiss from Ray! It was about an hour to get ready before they started on the procedure. He got called very often from the OR to let then know the progress. When it was done, Dr Scott came out and talked to Ray to tell it is all went well. As I have talked about before my doctor has been doing SIL - Single Incision Laporscopy for about a year now. He one incision went in thru my belly button, the port is attached right above my belly button. Hopefully the fills will be easy. I got out of recovery, and in to my room, about 11:00am. By that time, my parents & Ray's parents were there, when they wheeled me toward my room, I say the best image I could..Ray was sitting in my room.Every one came in I was doing well. we visited for a little bit, and once the moms saw I was good, they started to leave, Ray and I tried to nap. He had to leave about 1:45 to go get Logan. My sister came up about 2:00, we spent some time together, she was the only one of the other 3 kids, who came or even called. I decided to get out of bed about 3:20 to walk and potty, I did really good, I did not get back in bed until about 9:00pm. Lisa came about up about 4, and Pete left about that time since I was not alone, and so she cold miss some of the traffic going home. Ray & Logan got up there about 5:30ish, and ate dinner. It was so nice seeing Logan although I could not cuddle him as I would like to. Lisa headed home about 6:00, and Ray's Tina came in...I was being tag teamed on visitors and it was nice. I begged for a tray...the ice chips were not cutting it, so I was able to have broth, juice, tea, and some frozen Italian ice. They all hung out for about an hour & half, and 3 more laps around the floor. They started heading out about 7:45, and passed Holly in the parking lot...we had some time together, I was feeling tired, but just did not to be alone.About 9:00, Carlos came and tucked me in. He was my tech for the night. I can not tell you how nice my night guys were. David & Carlos, the guy I had earlier in the day Chris was good as well. I sang there praises to there boss. They kept me taken care of and comfy. I slept from about 2-4:30am, Lis came back up before she went to work.that was nice. I got up after she left since I did not have the leg things any more I had some more freedom, and was allowed to go down stairs. I was able to meet Ray at the door when he came that day. I felt so good. Now I just had to wait on the barium drink & x-ray. It was done about 11:30, I got to see it that was cool I saw the band and the port. So about 4 hrs later I got discharged I was pacing like a caged cat!!!We left the hospital at 4, got Logan from school, and then home for dinner, left to TKD, then to target to get my drugs. We got home about 8:30 and wound down about 9, I was able to sleep in the bed last night, and have slept alot today and showered so I feel a little more human! Now I am going to get ready to go to a Parent/Teacher conference in the stinking RAIN!!!!Would I do it again....Yes and once it all starts working in the way it should and the weight is going away it will really be worth it. Thanks for all the positive thoughts and prayers. Just keep them coming. The Journey is just beginning!!!!

Surgery Day - 2 Day Post Op

Monday went good. We got to the hospital about 4:45 am, and waited. Got up to the day surgery waiting area, with signing in and my number. Lisa came up before she went to work, and mom and day were close behind. I went back to my curtain about 5:40 am, got changed in to the ICU gown, you know the one where people behind you can go "I C U"!!!

Lisa, & mom cam back and visited then about 6:30 I wanted Ray back there since we were getting down to business. He came back and the parade started, the IV, Heparin Shot in the tummy, belly getting drawn on, twilight shot, and the OR Nurse taking me to the bathroom to potty so I would not have to have a cath! I was all for that!!!

About 7 am we went to the OR....only after they let me get one last kiss from Ray! It was about an hour to get ready before they started on the procedure. He got called very often from the OR to let then know the progress. When it was done, Dr Scott came out and talked to Ray to tell it is all went well. As I have talked about before my doctor has been doing SIL - Single Incision Laporscopy for about a year now. He one incision went in thru my belly button, the port is attached right above my belly button. Hopefully the fills will be easy. I got out of recovery, and in to my room, about 11:00am. By that time, my parents & Ray's parents were there, when they wheeled me toward my room, I say the best image I could..Ray was sitting in my room.

Every one came in I was doing well. we visited for a little bit, and once the moms saw I was good, they started to leave, Ray and I tried to nap. He had to leave about 1:45 to go get Logan. My sister came up about 2:00, we spent some time together, she was the only one of the other 3 kids, who came or even called. I decided to get out of bed about 3:20 to walk and potty, I did really good, I did not get back in bed until about 9:00pm. Lisa came about up about 4, and Pete left about that time since I was not alone, and so she cold miss some of the traffic going home. Ray & Logan got up there about 5:30ish, and ate dinner. It was so nice seeing Logan although I could not cuddle him as I would like to. Lisa headed home about 6:00, and Ray's Tina came in...I was being tag teamed on visitors and it was nice. I begged for a tray...the ice chips were not cutting it, so I was able to have broth, juice, tea, and some frozen Italian ice. They all hung out for about an hour & half, and 3 more laps around the floor. They started heading out about 7:45, and passed Holly in the parking lot...we had some time together, I was feeling tired, but just did not to be alone.

About 9:00, Carlos came and tucked me in. He was my tech for the night. I can not tell you how nice my night guys were. David & Carlos, the guy I had earlier in the day Chris was good as well. I sang there praises to there boss. They kept me taken care of and comfy. I slept from about 2-4:30am, Lis came back up before she went to work.that was nice. I got up after she left since I did not have the leg things any more I had some more freedom, and was allowed to go down stairs. I was able to meet Ray at the door when he came that day. I felt so good. Now I just had to wait on the barium drink & x-ray. It was done about 11:30, I got to see it that was cool I saw the band and the port. So about 4 hrs later I got discharged I was pacing like a caged cat!!!

We left the hospital at 4, got Logan from school, and then home for dinner, left to TKD, then to target to get my drugs. We got home about 8:30 and wound down about 9, I was able to sleep in the bed last night, and have slept alot today and showered so I feel a little more human! Now I am going to get ready to go to a Parent/Teacher conference in the stinking RAIN!!!!

Would I do it again....Yes and once it all starts working in the way it should and the weight is going away it will really be worth it. Thanks for all the positive thoughts and prayers. Just keep them coming. The Journey is just beginning!!!!

Last One for a Few Days

This is will be my last blog until Tuesday when I get out off the hospital.

I have had protein shakes and some broth today...AUGH!!! I know this is going to be worth it...

Counting the Hours

In 36 hrs I will be on the way to the hospital for a life changed surgery....you will now be able to call me Mitchell...WAIT WRONG BLOG!!!!!

I am 36 hrs away from starting life over! Starting a journey, to a new me. Is there really a skinny person inside who wants to be seen? I have wondered this for a while. I have lost 22 pounds already. My personal goal....75 by Christmas...53 to go.

I know that this changes a lot of people, not for the better, maybe physically, but just the person. I HOPE that does not happen to me. I have enough people around me to keep me grounded and on track to make sure I do not become some monster.

I am so grateful to have the supportive husband and son that I have. Ray is looking forward to the new meals and things I will be trying, Logan is looking forward to me being able to jump on the trampoline with him. And I am too. Looking forward to being able to run around crazy with him, and be a more involved mom. In May I am hoping to be able to start taking martial arts with him!

If I don't post tomorrow, I will post something as soon as I get home on Tuesday!

AUGH

I am really nervous...and this day is extremely LONG!!!!

Hoping to be over soon! It is 3:40pm. I am fixing to start counting down the HOURS!!!!

Thanks again for all the well wishes and prayers

Pre-Op & Final Countdown

Had my pre-op appt on Thursday, it was a long day. Logs went with us, he did really good. Several of the staff commented on how well behaved he was. :-)

So the nerves had set in. That happened when the doctor left the room. I asked all my questions and he answered them very thoroughly. Met with the nutritionist, and the nurse again. So off to the hospital. EKG, more blood work, and lots of instructions. The admit lady gave me a orange 'ticket' to check in to the surgery area on Monday....I told her it should be a golden ticket.

Be at the hospital at 5:30am, go to day surgery, this is where everyone starts. So Ray will get to go back with me, then he will have to wait. It can take up to 2 hrs, then the dr will talk to Ray and from recovery I will go to my room. They will have me up in a chair by the afternoon and walking in the halls that evening. Tuesday I will go to x-ray and get some pics taken, see the dr and be released about noon.

This weekend is going to he hectic, I am hoping to get everything done I want to before Sunday night.

I will try to post again Sunday!

FASTING -Day 3

Sunday I had another salad....See with my Pre-op diet to 'shrink' my liver, it does not shrink it, it just dries it out, so it is not so slimy....

Friday - Muscle Milk (Banana Flavored) - baby carrots - side salad - Muscle Milk (Chocolate) - Chicken Taco Salad with no cheese & no shell...

Saturday - Muscle Milk (Chocolate) - Chicken Fajita meat & veggies - RTD 51 - BIG SALAD

Sunday - Muscle Milk (Chocolate) - Salad with Salmon & tailapia

So the theme is Protein Shakes and Salads...It will be worth it...

I have done good loosing weight, but I am still doing this!!!!

Long Week

It started out Monday with some testing, Glucose test & MRI. It was not that bad, the MRI was really tight, but as I loose weight I know it will be better. That is what my really cool doctor is telling me too!

Then Tuesday as TKD, it was good, he is preparing for his test this weekend! Wednesday we had to pick up the Tux, he is going to be a ring-bearer Ray's cousins weeding. The tux is brown and Logan wears it great. Although it was an absolute issue getting the legs right and I WILL NOT ever recommend Mens Warehouse!!! The people in there SUCKED!!! And they just could not get it right, so as we go into the wedding the legs may still be off! It was after 9:00 until we got home, so not much sleep for him. Thursday was TKD & Open House. I had my nutritionist appt so I was able to pick Logan up earlier than usual so that helped. We got to watch the pre-test at TKD, he did good, some small things to work on..and HOPEFULLY it will not keep him from passing the test. Then we went to Open House, it was nice to see his work, and some of the other parents. Once again a late night. He made it through Friday so now he is on Spring Break and very happy about that. We went to the Wedding Rehearsal. He did so good. If I am able to have more time soon I will try to get some pictures posted.

I started my fasting on Friday, day one...better that I thought! I had 2 Muscle Milks and also 2 salads. We were given a menu, with what we can eat, and there are lots of veggies that I can eat all of any of it I want. So I am going to check at the store and get some of the fresh stuff and make me a snack medley to have when I have the munchies. I also learned that it is about Texture after the band. For the first 2 weeks of 'liquids' is anything that does not need chewed! so that is great! It really opens up some doors.

Oh yeah....since my 1st appt in Jan...lost 16 pounds!

Something I Have Been Pondering

Have you ever thought about this? If not...put your mind to work and post a comment if you want.

If you were to write a book, what would the book be about and most most importantly....Who would you dedicate the book too...and WHY?

Where Has This Week Gone?

I am back. It has been a hectic week. The layoffs and job cuts are hitting closer to home, at work. Not me, but some other higher up the ladder employees, and officers. So it is a little scary.

We Thursday I went to the hospital for the 1st of many appointments, this was for the research study, once I got there, I was thinking I was going to have to set in the stupid lab office for 3 hours. Nope I was wrong. I was put in a room, with a bed and TV. they said have a seat...get comfy! So this was nice. AND they were doing another study so I signed up for it too. So after i drank that LOVELY sugar drink, she started taking the blood, it was nice, we talked and I got to kick back and relax!!! After the test was done, they brought some hospital food, NOT THAT great. But I ate and went back to work!

Then it hit me, ANXIETY!!!! Just a little over 2 weeks. I go on the 12th to meet with the nutritionist and start my pre-op fasting. I am ready to get it over with!!

Monday I go in for another glucose test and this time they inject 50% dextrose directly into my IV set up, and my first MRI!! Never had one before and it is going to be about 2 hrs. They are going to measure the fat content in my body, and how is changes over the the course of 12 months.

I will try to get better and post more, but with EVERYTHING going on...I do not even get on the net everyday!!!!

This Lap Band Thing

Here is the deal. I have joined a forum called. lapbandtalk.com it is neat and really informative. I have found a few people on there who's blogs I am following and I know one is following mine, and I hope she continues her journey since she is so close to the end of it!!!

As I have stated in previous blogs, my surgery is being done at UT Southwestern Medical Center here in Dallas, TX. I am pretty confident on them, especially since I have know several people who have gone there, and had great results, and nothing but POSITIVE things to say about the doctors and the after care. One lady told me a downside for her was since it is a teaching hospital she had lots of interns/students seeing her. But you know they have to learn somewhere too. But back to my point...Knowing what my insurance requires and how strict my doctor is about the Do's & Don't's I am really flabbergasted reading some of the posting. It seems like everyone knows they have the best doctor....but here is my question - How good is the followup care your doctor is providing you? Are you just a number to him? Does your success mean anything to him?

This is done so often as out-patience. If you are having a foreign object placed in your body around a major organ why would you want to hurry up and get out???? I am looking forward to spending the night at the hospital so I have the nurses at my disposal when I have a question or concern, and for what we are paying, I am going to make sure all my questions are answered. I have started a list of who I need to ask what questions too..I am just hoping I remember to take it with me and ask all the right people.

My doctor makes sure I understand the band is a TOOL, and I have to use the tool right...How many people are doing this. Maybe I am being too critical. The pre-op diet, you know you are going to have to do it...so why are you in shock at it? I don't start mine until March 13th, but I have already started to replace breakfast with a shake. I will be in less shock and have an easier time cutting out 2 meals since I have already gotten rid of one. It is working out good. I mix it up the protein shake thick so it last until about lunch time, and I am trying to not splurge. In my work on doing this...I am down 13 pounds since the first time I was at my doctor's office. So I am below 300, not a lot below, but I am below it. I have also found out that in the last 6 months, my cholesterol has drooped about 15 points. I know I am on the right track. I miss some foods already, but I know that in moderation or a bite, I may be able to taste them again.

Logan is probably 85% of the reason I am doing this. He is such an inspiration to me. He is already talking about all the things he wants to do this summer when I loose my 'fat weight' it does make him a little sad that i do not eat breakfast with him, but I think in some little 6 year old world he understands more that I think he does. Knowing that I am increasing my chances of being here for Logan longer makes this all worth it. I have been lucky because I don't have any of the co-morbidity's associated with obesity, but that does not mean I am immune.