Still Thankful for....

I went to my follow-up appointment yesterday and offically I have lost 27 1/2 pounds and 5 inches.  After talking to the Doctor and Nurse, they both recommended I speak to the on-site Psychologist.  They all think I am having "mourning issues" with my food loss.  It is just something I need to work through. Obliviously I love food or I wouldn't have needed weight-loss surgery in the first place.  This will take time and I have a great support group.

My son Chris has moved back home for a while.  It is great to have him back home, but I do worry about him so much more when he is living under my roof.  He is looking for a job, so if anyone knows of any job openings, give me a call.

Back to Work....

Yup, I went back to work today... just 12 days past surgery.  I feel great!  I worked half day today and will work half day tomorrow and then on Thursday, back to full days.  I was planning on taking off until Jan 17th, but I hate wasting my vacation days the first two weeks of a new year. 

Last night I ate chicken, real chicken from KFC and it was GREAT!  I chewed really good and had a few mashed potatoes and gravy.  Today I ate some of the leftovers and it was so good.  Tonight I had egg drop soup and shrimp (chewed up very good).  I am still eating very small amounts, but it is nice to have different flavors.

Happy New Year....

I am feeling so much better.  They only bad day I have had was when I posted my last BLOG.  Wow, that was a bad day.  I feel great!  I am down 23 pounds!  I have energy.... I went for a walk this afternoon, and besides being so cold, it was great to walk!!! 

I have been cooking and baking, not sure what is going on since I can't eat it.... BUT I really like to cook.  I know I am driving my husband crazy, because I will make him tell me how good it is over and over.  Maybe I am just bored.

Looking forward to a wonderful new year!!!

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.