Thankful for.....

I decided to title this blog Thankful for.... because right now I am not feeling all that great and I need to find things I am Thankful for right now.  Surgery was 6 days ago and it is tough!  I read many blogs prior to surgery and the post which made me the most nervous, were the blogs written a week or two after surgery.  It's a tough time, no kidding!  I want to eat, I don't think I am hungry, but I want to eat.  I am already tired of applesauce, oatmeal, jello, refried beans, scrambled eggs, pudding and popcicles.  The good news is I have already lost 17 pounds.  I do have really good days and I feel great, today just hasn't been one of those days.  I have such a good support team, David is great and tries to understand where I am coming from, and Ang is a real great support.  I just need for her to tell me over and over that things are going well and I am feeling what I should be feeling.

Looking forward to a great New Year!

Oh My......

My count down clock says 1 day and 18 hours till surgery.  Can't believe it is finally here!!!  Wish me luck...

Greatest Christmas Ever...

On Saturday, December 11, 2010 we had our Christmas (my children and their families, plus David and my parents).  This year we decided instead of giving "material gifts" we would write letters of gratitude to each other and let me tell you... it was amazing!  The letters meant more to me than any store bought gift - they are priceless to me and I will "treasure" my letters forever.  They are from the heart and tell the person why they appreciate them. 

I also got out the boxes of pictures and all the kids went through them with their spouse and picked out the pictures they wanted to keep.  It was so much fun to sit back and watch them go through the pictures, my heart was full.  Memories, we have so many cherish memories together and I am so grateful for each of them.

My children have brought so much joy, happiness and love into my life; I have been blessed beyond measure.  What an honor it has been for me to be their mother.

I like our new traditions.... reading the Christmas story found in Luke 2 and the gift from the "heart".  We need to start thinking now what we can do next year....maybe a service for someone else.... I know we'll come up with something great!!!

 

Christmastime

This is an idea I got from a very good friend and wanted to share it on my Post. 

 

I have a friend who has had a really tough time the last couple of years. She told me about one of the things she does that helps her to handle the terrible things that have been happening to her. A few years ago she started using a "God Jar." When she has something that is out of her control, that she simply can't manage herself or over which she has little influence, she writes it down on a scrap of a paper, lifts the lid on her God Jar, drops it in, replace the lid, and turns it over to God. She says the physical act of putting it in helps her to actually let go of it and put it in God's hands. She also puts in notes of thanks for tender mercies. It is kind of a physical prayer.

I was so excited about this idea that on my way to visit teach this week I stopped and bought 7 little Christmas tins (the ones that I thought could best pass the "put everything away in January that looks Christmassy" test. They can sit out year around, I hope). I had cut up lots of small pieces of paper, and I put some in each of the tins and gave one, with an explanation, to the sister I visit teach. Then I put together 5 more for my daughters, and one for myself.

When Rosalind got home I explained it to her. I was afraid she would think it was really cheesy, but she loved it, and started writing down both challenges and blessings right away. I have, too, but I've decided to make a modification. I realized I was quickly going to fill up the jar with "blessings" notes, so I decided I'm going to only write down the things I need to turn over to God in my jar.

I went out yesterday and bought several small notebooks. I'm going to use the notebook as a Gratitude Journal, a place where I can record and remember the tender mercies of the Lord. I was very impressed with President Monson's talk in October General Conference where he talked about the importance of gratitude. I especially liked this: "Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel
God’s love." When I take time to notice and acknowledge the tender mercies of the Lord in my life, I realized how aware He is of my needs and how involved He is in even the small things of my life--the lost keys or the forgotten timer on the stove. I feel wrapped in the arms of His love when I open my eyes and recognize the multitude of blessing I receive from His hands.

So I bought additional notebooks for my seminary class's Christmas present. I can't think of a better gift to give them than something that will help them be more aware of the Lord's love for them. I've always kind of wished I had the ability to knit them all a pair of socks for Christmas, but I think this will trump even warm socks.

Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope you feel wrapped in the arms of His love this season, and that you recognize His constant love and eagerness to bless us. I know we will find peace and joy if we will turn our hearts to Him.

Count Down....

My count down clock says 14 days and I am getting so nervous.  I am so scared I am going to eat something I am not suppose to have and die.  Not really die, but be very, very sorry!  Nick and Ang are doing so well, but they are going through adjustments, maybe I won't do as well as they.  Okay, Okay, I am fine, everything will be just fine (repeated over and over).

I wrote letters to my family today, very nice.  I love my family so much, they have brought so much happiness to my life, I have truly been blessed.

Poor Chris, if it wasn't for "bad luck" he wouldn't have any luck at all.... just kidding  He is hanging in there so good, even when his car breaks down, he can't make the connection with the Fed Ex guy to get his phone and may be losing his job soon, he is such a trooper and keeps going on, moving forward.  I am so proud of him and his strength...  Sometimes life is hard, and you have to dig down deep to find the strength to make it to the end of the day, but then the next day, you get up and start all over.  It makes me sad to see my children struggle, but I know from personal experience, we have to have these trials in life.  They help to develop the person we are to become.  You have to keep the faith that things will get better and be grateful for the times when things go smoothly.  Hang in there Chirs... I love you and you are going to be just fine!

Well tomorrow I start the Protein diet.  I feel like I am getting a death sentence.... I have to give up my LOVE of food....  There is a light at the end of the tunnel (repeated over and over)....

Thankful for... My Angela Marie

Today is a day to celebrate...  30 years ago I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and my life has never been the same.  I can vividly remember the exact moment she stole my heart.  I was being wheeled from the recovery room and they placed this bundle into my arms.  She had been cleaned, she smelled so good and she has a pink bow taped on the side of her head, I took a look at this angel and fell in love.  The bond was instant.  Today we celebrate her 30th birthday and she is, and always has been my best friend.  I have been blessed beyond measure having her and Jacob and Christopher as my children.

Emergency Preparedness For Weight Loss Surgery Patients

I found this on another person's blog and wanted to share it.  I am all about Emergency Preparedness so I wanted to post this for others.  You can never be "too" prepared in times of emergency.

 

Emergency Preparedness For Weight Loss Surgery Patients:
Following weight loss surgery patients make a multitude of adjustments in their lives to accommodate the dietary and nutritional needs of an altered gastric digestive system. Even if weight loss has long been accomplished patients who have undergone gastric bypass, gastric banding or gastric sleeve surgical procedures must, for the rest of their life, maintain rigorous nutritional and dietary habits in order to be healthy. After time these adjustments feel like second nature to the patient and even those around them. But in preparing an emergency kit for use in the wake of a natural or national disaster it is essential that weight loss surgery patients treat themselves as "special needs" and ensure their nutritional and dietary needs are provided for in the event the emergency kit is put into service.

Flood, fire, national disaster, or the loss of power from high winds, snow, or ice frequently jeopardize the health and safety of thousands of Americans each year. This year weather events and natural disasters have been particularly harsh throughout the world and many thousands have found themselves without food, shelter or warmth. While we cannot prevent natural or national disasters we can assemble emergency supply kits to improve our survivability when disaster strikes.

A well-prepared basic emergency supply kit will contain items to provide for the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following items be included in a basic emergency supply kit:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for a least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Personal hygiene items
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilitites
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers

Emergency readiness kits should provide water, food, clean air and warmth for 72 hours. Keeping that in mind a "special needs" weight loss surgery patient should consider including the following items in their personal readiness kit:

Vitamins and supplements for three days. Additional dosages of vitamins B and C may be included to relieve stress and boost immunity.

Non-NSAID over-the-counter pain relief medicine. Most surgical weight loss patients are discouraged from using NSAID medication for pain relief. Make sure acceptable OTC pain relief is included in the First aid kit.

Vitamin fortified or protein fortified powder drink mixes in individual packages. These are useful in adding minerals and nutrients to the diet while stretching the water supply because when mixed with the water rations they provide hydration and vitamin and mineral nutrition.

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) and Ready-to-Eat (RTE) protein drinks and protein bars. A weight loss surgery patient must have a minimum of 60 grams protein per day for best health. Provide at least 60 grams of dietary protein per day for three days of emergency use.

Sugar free hard candy to supplement food intake and keep the mouth moist.
Additional bedding or clothing for warmth. Body temperature regulation is difficult for those having lost body weight or body mass. Provide extra items for warmth in the event of a disaster that subjects the weight loss surgery patient to extreme cold or elements.

Emergency response information for the treatment of a bariatric patient including contact numbers. Make this information readily available to first responders.Gather items for the emergency preparedness kit in one location. Stow the items in a portable duffel bag or plastic bin that is accessible and labeled for easy access in the event of an emergency. Ideally each household member will have a kit tailored for their needs. Periodically check the kit and replenish items that have expired. Make certain all contact information is current. It is not easy to think about facing a disaster, but should the day come when the emergency kit is needed a little preparation will go a long way in making a bad situation better.

Thankful for..... Happy News

Yesterday I spend the day at St. Francis hospital under-going numerous test in preparation for my surgery.  When I got home I received a call from Nancy at the Weight Loss Center, she was calling to tell me my insurance now covers the "Sleeve" procedure.  Yay, now I am going to have the sleeve instead of the by-pass surgery.

Tomorrow my DSIL will have his surgery - Go Nick!  You will do great!!!

Thankful for....... Beautiful Temples

I am so Thankful I was able to go to the Louisville Temple today with my wonderful husband and friend Kristy.  We had a nice sunny day.  I love the feeling I have when I am inside the Temple.  It's a place I long to be.  It's beautiful and peaceful and a part of heaven on earth.  We learn Eternal truths and I love my family so much and want to spend the eternities with them.

I noticed on my countdown calendar I have 25 more days until my surgery.  Each time I eat at a favorite restaurant or eat a favorite item, I think... this may be the last time.  I belive I am going to have a few issues with my love of food.  I am sure it won't be anything I can't work through.

I am so proud of Ang.  She is doing so well after her surgery.  She is where I will go to for strength.  She is being the pace setter for Nick andI and she is doing a great job.

I am looking forward to having my family over on Sunday for our Thanksgiving dinner.  It's always so much fun to have everyone together.

Thankful for..... Modern Medicine and Priesthood Blessings

My daughter, Angela, had surgery yesterday and I am so thankful for a skilled doctor who performed her surgery.  I am also thankful for the Priesthood power that is here on the earth and how it can bless our lives according to our faith. 

Thankful for..... The Beautiful Fall Colors

I love the beautiful colors of the leaves on the trees right now.  On my drive home from work, I was in awe at the beauty of all the colors.  This is my favorite season of all.  It's like Heavenly Father has taken a paint brush and has painted each leaf so perfectly.  The colors are just amazing.  If I was an artist I would only paint fall leaves on trees (and also an old barn or two).  Please enjoy the beauty all around us.

Thankful for..... My Beautiful Christmas Tree

I have such an amazing son and daughter who came over today (along with Chris' amazing girlfriend, Ashley) and put up my Christmas tree and decorated it, along with the rest of the downstairs.  How cool is that?  It is so beautiful (a picture will be posted later).

Had a really nice evening with Angela last night along with some other important people in her life.  The pedicure was awesome and the dinner at Paradise Bakery was delicious (love that place).  Above all, it was so nice to spend the evening with Ang and talk about the upcoming "BIG" day.

Thankful for...... My Bed

I love my bed.  I am always comfortable and cozy and I love to sleep in my nice King Size bed.  Somedays I wish I could stay in it forever!  Happy Friday!!!

Thankful for....... Our Veterans

I am so thankful for all Military personnel.  Being a part of the military life for 10 years helped me to have a deep appreciation for our service members as well as the freedoms we enjoy.  When attending a movie on a post (Army) or base (Air Force) the national anthem was played at the beginning of the movie.  Everyone in the theatre would stand while the Anthem was being played.  I was never able to get through the whole song without tearing up and having a lump in my throat.  Matter-of-fact, I still cannot stand through the entire anthem without having a lump.  I was very proud to be a member of the military family. 

A HS friend posted the following on her website and I thought it was very appropriate for Veterans Day:

A Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life. That is beyond honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer remember that fact.

My father is a Veteran of World War II.  There aren't many survivors of World War II left.  I am very proud of him and his service to our country.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

Thankful for..... My Testimony

I am so thankful to know I have a Heavenly Father who loves me.  He loves me unconditionally and he has blessed my life in so many ways.  I have learned so much the past two years and my testimony has grown stronger as well as my faith and understanding of what it is Heavenly Father wants me to do right now. 

Whenever I start to feel inadequate or I let choices from the past block my vision, I stop and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the atonement of my Savior and ask for the spirit to direct my thoughts.  I know that the Lord qualifies those that he calls, he allows things to come to our minds which we need to do.  I have felt that inspiration many, many times and I am so thankful for this.

I love listening to our Prophet speak, President Thomas S. Monson.  He is the mouthpiece for our Heavenly Father.  He not only speaks to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he speaks to the world.  A lot of people in this world don’t even recognize his voice.  He lives just like the Prophets we read about in the bible.  Why would we think that the Lord wouldn't provide a Prophet for us to receive revelation and to know what we need to do to return to his presence?

I am so thankful to have the spirit of the Holy Ghost testify to me that Heavenly Father lives, Jesus is the Christ, we have a living Prophet on the earth today and Joseph Smith offered a humble prayer and was visited by our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and through him, Christ church has been restored back to the earth today.

Thankful for..... My computer

I really am glad we have computers.  I have a computer at work, which is nice, but I really like my computer at home.  It connects me to my friends on facebook, I can read emails from every company in the world that has me on their email list and I can find anything I need to know just by using Google.  I love it!!! 

I can also post messages on my BLOG! 

Thankful for.... Grandchildren

I am combinding yesterday's post with today... I am so thankful for my grandchildren and David's grandchildren (whom I consider to be my grandchildren as well).  Yesterday we celebrated Makayla Marie's 4th birthday and she loves her Ma Bev.  She is always so excited to see me and she loves to spend the night at my house and sleep with me (and Speck).  I had to sit next to her at her birthday party and her parents set it up so I would be the one who got her favorite present for her birthday, making me the hero (thanks Jenny and Jake).

This morning at 7:00 am, I got a call from Makayla asking me to be the guest at her pre-school Thanksgiving luncheon where each child can invite one "special" guest.  She wants ME to be her "special" guest.  I believe we have another chance with our grandchildren  that we missed with our own children.   They are our "second" chance, I do hope I get it all right this time around, if not, I guess I have my great-grandchildren to look forward to.

Thankful for.... My Friends

I have been blessed with wonderful friendships through the years.  They say some friends come into our life for a season and I have been blessed with many of those friends, but I also have friendship, which have lasted through the ages.  My earliest childhood friend I remember is Cindy Durham, we had classed together in elementary school and we lived in the same neighborhood.  After moving from Kokomo, we remained friends and spent a week or two during the summer at each other homes.  As we got older we drifted a part, but she asked me to be her bridesmaid in her wedding during our early 20's.  We lost touch with each other until about a year ago, when we found each other again on "Facebook".  We have spent time reconnecting and I am so thankful for her and her friendship.  She is a "forever" friend.

The next oldest friend I can remember is Lodema.  She was my first friend after moving to Indianapolis and we became instant friends and have remained friends through all seasons of our lives.  We have gone through school, marriages, children, divorces, re-marriages, divorces, and re-marriages again.  Lodema and I have lived together with our children and have eaten nothing but macaroni and cheese because we had no money to buy anything else.  We have worked together and played together and through it all, we can still sit back and laugh until we cry with the memories of "those" times.  She is a "forever" friend.

Lodema and Me

I have many other friends who have shaped my life and who have been such a strong support for me through many stages of my life.  Some friends have drifted away, but some are still around and only a phone call a way.  I have had school friends, church friends, neighborhood friends, college friends, work friends, friends I have met while traveling with a military husband, and I have been so blessed.  They have been there when I was lonely, sad, happy, tired, ready to give up, homesick, or just needed a hug and a positive word of praise.

I hope everyone is as richly blessed....

Thankful for.... Family

Today I have been thinking about my family and how grateful I am for them.  I have a wonderful husband who really cares if I am happy or not, and shows me in BIG and small ways how much he loves me.  I feel at peace when I am around him and my heart still beats faster when he walks into the room.  I honestly believe he is the answer to my prayers and I love him so much.

I have the greatest children (my own and also my husbands) and in-law spouses.  They are all kind, loving and beautiful people and I love being around them.  They teach me how to be a better person and mom.  They are willing to give everything they have for each other, I have truly been blessed!

Thankful for...... My Parents

I have always been so Thankful for my Parents!  My parents are getting older and I am so thankful they are still around and I can talk to them EVERY day.  My parents have been a life-saver to me many times, especially as a young single mother raising two babies.  I honestly don't know what single mothers do without a strong support system.  My parents were there to care for my children and because they were able to do this, they have a strong and loving bond with their grandchildren, many times mom has told me my children seem like her own.  Yes, I feel so lucky and very blessed to have such wonderful parents..... I love you Mom and Dad!

Thankful For....

I am going to join a few of my friends and post each day what I am most Thankful for (please join in on the fun).

Today I am Thankful for my job... I know a lot of people are un-employed or under-employed.  It's not fun worrying about money and feeding your family.  I love the counsel our Prophets through the ages have given to us... that is, to get out of debt (which I am truly working on) and to store food.  It has always made sense to me, to store something back for a rainy day.  If you only buy a few extra items each week, it really doesn't affect your budget that much.

I will continue to pray for my friends and family looking for a job or a better job to meet their financial needs.

Have a great day!

(Oh by the way.... Angela's surgery is just two weeks away)

Approved for Weight Loss Surgery

Just received notice... I have my final approval for weight loss surgery.  Surgery date December 22, 2010