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.