Holiday Time

Hello everyone....
Well Thanksgiving is over, but gosh it was fabulous! My family was awesome at helping me cook and prepare, even though I didn't have that many people over. Mainly my in-laws. But still, it was worth it!

I don't seem to be in the Holiday mood yet. I have pulled my tree out of the shed, but don't have the desire to put it up yet. Ugh! I guess with the starting of the new church and having so much on my plate, that I haven't given it much thought.

Well I'm going to take a picture of the new building and post it on here as soon as we get the sign up. Now remember, its just a building. Nothing fancy...YET! he he

We have had a few other churches donate a few items already! What a blessing. We are currently cleaning the building up and getting it ready. We should be moving around the first of January. I'm so excited. I'm ready to grow!

I will receive a fill (for my lap band) this Friday. I will post early next week how much weight I have lost. Soon I will post pictures. (posting pics of myself is hard for me to do...)

It snowed over the weekend. Not a lot, but a dusting. We are expecting more tonight. I absolutely love it. Until it turns all yucky!

I'll be back soon...

Thanksgiving...

Wow...This month has flown by. Does anyone feel the same way?

I absolutely love Thanksgiving! It is one of my most favorite holidays. I love the cooking and the fellowship. I hope everyone has a great one this year.

I was supposed to receive a fill (for my lap band) on November 13th, but after talking to Rene (the nurse here) we decided to wait until after Thanksgiving. I am still not eating a whole lot, and I feel like I'm in the green zone (which is where I should be), so we have decided to hold off. I don't know exactly how much weight I have lost. Hopefully I will be able to post it when I receive my fill the week the first week in December. That's when I will weigh and take measurements.

Please remember to keep my sister in your prayers. She has heart surgery today, so Kacy we lift you up in prayer and we love you!

I'll post again after thanksgiving....

Bye for now................

Whew....

Oh my goodness...It feels like forever since I've been able to tell everyone what is going on...

First of all, I received another fill a couple of weeks ago and it went horrible. I was sick the whole weekend. Hopefully that will be the only bad one. But as of now, I'm better, eating a little more, and will receive another fill in about 2 weeks.

Over the past month my husband Eddie, was in the hospital for about a week. He had to have surgery on his dialysis port. Apparently it was clotted, so they had to go in and de-clot the port. A couple of days later we were in the ER and he was admitted with pneumonia. After several IV antibiotic treatments his pneumonia wasn't getting any better and called in a pulmonologist. He found that my husband had an infection in his lung that wouldn't let the pneumonia heal. What the Dr.'s figure is that when he had surgery to have his port de-clotted, it got infected, and the infection traveled and settled in his lung. After about a week, they finally let him go home! Praise God!

Everyone else is doing good. My son continues to struggle in middle school, while my daughter is enjoying her college years.

My daughter was in a horrible car accident about 1 year ago. She had about 7 broken bones from that accident. She still has trouble with her pelvic area and her hips. She had an MRI done about 2 weeks ago. Needless to say, she will be wearing a back brace to hopefully stabilize her vertebrae, so that she can further heal, and hopefully not be in so much pain.

Other than that, I'm so excited about Thanksgiving! I love preparing and eating the dinner all weekend. LOL!

Oh..I almost forgot to tell everyone...

Our church is moving buildings! Hooray! For those that don't know, my husband is the Pastor of a small church here and we are wanting to grow! We only have 25-30 people. Anyway, the building we are currently in is very remote, and basically very hard to be seen. We have been in our current building about 1 year already.

So with continued prayer and seeking guidance with the Elders, we have found a building closer to our home in the SE area. The same area that my husband has felt called to all along! Praise God! Our building rent will increase, and it kind of hurts right here around the holidays, but I know God would not have opened this door if it wasn't meant to be. And its only like 5 minutes away from our house! Woo Hoo!

Think of all the children and families we will be able to minister too! I can't wait! We should be in the new building in January. I will post pictures so everyone can follow along with the progress. Please remember, we are a small church just starting out, so making the building 100% how we will like it, will of course be a work in progress. We will work and fix it up as we go!

So now that I've given you many things to pray about! Start praying! Tee Hee.....

I'll do my best to get pictures up, and keep the blog updated sooner! ;)

Let Fall Begin!!

Well I haven't posted in a few days due to a migraine, that suddenly hit me last weekend. I ended up having to go to the doctor to get a shot for it. I just couldn't seem to get rid of it no matter what I did.

I am so excited about Fall/Autumn, except for the weather changes and cool fronts coming in. It sure messes with my head and sinuses. But bring on the COLD, I'm ready!

This weekend we are taking a break from church. We originally had plans to go to Lake Fryer (near Perryton). I have since heard that its going to be cooler and very windy. Doesn't make it much fun when the weather is like that, so I'm not sure if we will just take a break at home or not.

I don't feel that I've lost much more weight. I feel like I'm more at a stand still. But that is ok...
I knew this would be a slow process. It's not intended to be a fast weight loss.

Well I'm at work, so I better go, but I will keep you posted if we decide to go out of town!

Last official day of summer....

Well, It is Monday. Ugh! That's all I have to really say about that!

My first fill in Dallas went exceptionally well! Didn't have much trouble at all. The Dr. stated that I'm right on track. He would like me to lose 12-14 pounds per month. At his office I had lost 12 pounds, and if you add the Pre-Op weight loss, its 19 pounds total. Woo Hoo! I will have my next fill in about 4 weeks.

Well, If you read some of my earlier posts, you read that my family was cleaning out the pantry and freezer. Well it hasn't stopped there. We have been cleaning kitchen cabinets and linen closets. Ok, well I say we, but that isn't entirely true. My hubby has been doing all the cleaning out, and everything is looking great! It's like everyday when I get home from work, he has something else cleaned. What a great feeling.

So they say today is the last official day of summer. This makes me happy because I look forward to the fall and to the colder weather. I know most people like it warmer and love the summer months. But frankly, I can't stand to be HOT! YUCK! So we are suppose to have a cool front come in tonight. Yeah!

The Tri-State Fair is in town this week. Not sure if we are going, but I'll take some pics if we do. We haven't gone in the last few years because it is so expensive! Grrrrr

Ok, getting back to work, talk to you later.
Have a blessed week!

Robin

Traveling...

Hello all!

Today I'm traveling with my SIL to Dallas for my first fill with my Lap Band. My appointment is in the morning at 10:30. Yes, I'm nervous. Please pray for a safe trip today and tomorrow on the way home! And pray that I'm not too uncomfortable. I'm anxious to see how I'm doing, and of course how the Dr. thinks I'm doing.

This weekend was great. The weather was much cooler and cloudy. I love that kind of weather, although I find it hard to get motivated to do anything.

Church was awesome yesterday! Not many there but it was great! Our church is looking for another church building on the other side of town, so please be in prayer about that also.

I'll holler at you when I get back! Thanks for the prayers!

Robin

Spring cleaning??

Well hello all!

Let me first start with a big thank you for all the prayers! They are much needed, and I appreciate them so much! Things are starting to even off at school. I haven't received any calls from the school or principal. Woo Hoo! We did have "Meet & Greet" the teacher night at Joshua's school and all went well. I have also personally emailed all of Joshua's teachers to let them know that the communication lines are OPEN! So we'll see how it goes!

My husband returned this weekend from a Men's Retreat at another church. He said it was spiritually fulfilling! Amen! That is exactly what I wanted for him. My husband spends most of his time ministering to others, that it was time for him to be ministered to. And he said it was great!

I had all weekend to clean and get the house ready for him to come home. (My kids probably weren't to happy because we cleaned a lot!) But I had candles lit and waiting for him when he arrived!

I had planned on working the holiday this week, but things didn't turn out that way. I have another old freezer (it's not self defrosting) in my kitchen that holds most of my meat and such. Well, late Sunday night before my hubby was to arrive, I noticed it was leaking. Yucky, sticky stuff was coming from the bottom of the door on the freezer. Well low and behold, somehow the door got jammed and wouldn't close, so it had been defrosting and leaking all over my kitchen and utility floor! Grrrrrrrr! So that is how I spent my holiday. Cleaning out that freezer. Most of the food was ruined. It was all thawed, and I don't know for how long. I'm talking ice cream also! So on Monday, when most people are relaxing and cooking out, I was cleaning out the freezer.

I'm not sure how it happened, but that lead to cleaning out the pantry, and then some drawers, and 4 different cabinets in my kitchen! My house is a total wreck now! It was like Spring cleaning in the Fall! I spent all that time trying to get the house clean, but you wouldn't be able to tell now. We have been doing a little in the evenings, but I'm ready for it to be done, and my house back in order! Man do I have more space now!

So that is how I spent my holiday and every evening this week. I keep thinking if I get more done tonight, that is less this weekend I will have to do. So if anyone is up for it, feel free to come over and help me clean out my kitchen cabinets and drawers. :)

Staying on track...

Well, first off let me say that our Family Church retreat was awesome! Three people were baptised in the lake. If you have never seen a lake service, it is something to behold. Saturday morning I woke up and had my quiet time with God! Nobody was up yet! It was just me and my coffee and God! Here is a picture I took from my phone.

I'm feeling better, but getting anxious for a fill. My eating has increased which is normal, but makes me concerned. My port is 3/4 open, therefore I feel like I'm eating quite a bit. But according to the Dr.'s office, they leave it that way so you have time to heal. I have read that after your first fill (where they inject saline and tighten up your band) you really will start dropping the weight and get more on routine.

Well school has started and so far I have received a phone call from a teacher, principal and my son has already had a detention. Now on Joshua's defense, it isn't as bad as it sounds, but still! We are only 2 weeks into school! grrrrrr

On top of that I'm having some trouble with a lady here at work which makes for uncomfortable working conditions. But trying not to worry too much about it.

Anyway, please pray for me and my family. We are struggling with so many obstacles, we can't seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

I'll post later....

Robin~

Better days are here...

I hope everyone is having a super Wednesday!

I am feeling so much better. My pulled stomach muscle is better, and I'm getting more energy day by day! I'm a little anxious about getting my first saline fill in Dallas on Sept. 15th. Never hurts to pray early right? LOL

I haven't had to go home from work or anything. Yes, I'm still pooped at the end of the day, but it's still good.

Church is tonight. Wishing I could take a power nap before, but that isn't going to happen.

This weekend our church is having a family retreat at the lake. Many will go down on Friday evening, but the big night is Saturday. The church will provide food, and then we will have a small devotion, with a little worship, then fireworks! It kind of feels different not having a Sunday service at the church, but hey praising God is great anywhere you do it!

I'll try to get some pictures to show you.

I'm at work now, so we'll chat later....

Slowly better...

Well I made it to Sunday today! And yes I feel so much better. I am trying to not overdo because I don't want to feel bad for work tomorrow. I am still sore, and still nursing the pulled muscle. But I'm sleeping so much better, so of course overall you feel better! :)

Church was awesome today! What a great service! I think I say that all the time, but it really was.

I'm doing some laundry and trying to get my son ready for school tomorrow! My daughter is in college so she does most everything on her own. Please pray for Joshua. He seems to have a little anxiety. He has over the weekend actually! But I know after the first week or two he will be fine!

This weekend is tax free weekend and NO, I did not go school shopping! Are you crazy??

Well I will check in later....

Two days later...

Well, I am fixing to go home from work for the day and of course I'm pooped! Whew...it just takes it out of me right now.

Somehow Monday night getting situated in bed, my stomach pulled to the left and pulled the muscle where my port is located! I was in so much pain. I have missed 2 days of work trying to baby this muscle! grrrrr
Honestly, you don't realize how much you use your stomach muscles. You use them to do everything! Cough, Sneeze, blow your nose, stand up...I mean everything! There was no way I was going to work and be taking my pain medicine. I was hurting so bad.

So two days later...I am back at work. Not feeling great yet, but here. I am just babying my stomach right now, and trying to let it heal. I'm eating much better now!

Keep praying that I regain my strength and stamina! I'm also trying to keep my protein level up. Ugh!

Well I hope everyone is having a super Sunday! I made it through church this morning, and I was able to do praise and worship and it was awesome! I really felt the presence of the Lord!

It was also good to get out of the house. I have been taking it easy and working from home, so haven't been outside much. I'm able to eat just about anything that I try as long as it is in moderation and I don't over eat. I'm going to go back to work tomorrow and try to make it a full day. So pray for me please. I seem to do well in the mornings, but as the day wears on...I start dragging a bit.

I haven't been able to weigh myself on a good scale, but going to try to very soon. I'm anxious to see what I've lost. I have noticed a difference. I am trying to remember that this is gradual weight loss, not an overnight process. But that's ok, I would rather have it this way. It would be awful, if I was not able to enjoy some of the foods that my heart desires. :)

Thank you for the continued prayers! I still need them so don't stop now! ;)

Getting better...

I am doing much better. I am still sore, but I'm able to tolerate more food. I know I'm not sticking to what their recommendations are, but I'm afraid if I did, I might wilt away. I am now able to keep down a little grilled cheese, and soup, and some toast and jelly. And man it tastes heavenly! :) And yes I feel full fast, but I'm hungry again in about an hour and a half to two hours.

I am trying to work a little. Half days are helping. I'm taking some work home with me, so that I can still get my hours in. I wish I had more vacation time available but thats ok...it gets me up and moving for the day.

Yesterday I caught myself drinking water in a water bottle that you have to suck out of. Well seeing as I'm not suppose to drink through a straw, this was horrible! I never realized until later in the evening when I had a horrible air pocket that just would not go away. I went to bed with it, and prayed and prayed. It was very painful, but now I'm more aware at least.

I am still running a low fever on and off, but its not high enough to call the doctor about, but I will continue to monitor.

I will update later!

It's finally done....

First off let me say that had I felt better I would have gotten on here sooner to let you know how I'm doing...

Today is Sunday and feeling a lot better. Was very sore after surgery and slept all of Thursday in the hotel room. I really wasn't much better by Friday morning and I was totally dreading the drive back to Amarillo. But with some prayer I managed.

So now I'm home, and doing better. My whole body is sore, but especially my stomach around to my back and all the way around. I am able to keep broth, ice pops, and water down. But my stomach is constantly growling. I feel like I'm not getting enough food. I really didn't expect to feel hungry, so I'm not sure what this is about, but will wait until Monday to call the Dr. I am belching a lot of air, which is expected after surgery like this. But I will take belching any day over vomiting.

I didn't go to church this morning. I know I am not walking like I should. I am not sure if I will try to work tomorrow or not. I'll just have to wait and see. I was able to shower by myself. And geeze does it hurt to cough! I have been doing my breathing exercises with that machine you blow air into to watch the ball rise. It's been hard, but I have been diligent about doing that.

Please continue to pray for me..and thanks for the prayers already given!

Going to rest, I'll update later..

The night before...

Woo Hoo! I have made it so far! I'm so proud of myself!

First off, the sleep number bed that I'm sleeping on is NOT what it's cracked up to be! I kept switching numbers all through the night trying to get comfortable. Finally got tired of messing with it and fell asleep.

I started my day with what else but my protein shake! My mother bought me some Atkins style protein shakes and I can honestly say I think she saved my life. Last week I received the powder protein and have tried every way imaginable to doctor them so that they won't taste so bad. I've looked up so many recipes on the internet. Chopped ice, cubed, frozen, chilled, with fruit, spices, milk, water, frozen fruit...you name it...I've tried it! I just couldn't hardly get them down. I think it might have been a texture thing. But thanks to my mother...we have found one I think is pretty good.

Anyway, Pre-op appt. at 1:00 went great. I got to meet my doctor and nurses. And guess what? I lost 7 pounds on my Pre-Op diet! And because I did, they said I could go out tonight and have anything I wanted to eat! As long as it was before midnight! Woo Hoo!!! No shakes for supper tonight! Now...what to eat???

I have to be at the shopping mall...ugh..I mean.. surgery center in the morning at 7:30am. (tee hee)
My surgery is at 8:30am. It is about a 20 minute procedure. Then recovery for a little while. After about an hour in recover I will have have to have a barium swallow and x-ray to make sure that the band is in place and everything is good. Then back to the hotel we go. I won't see the doctor for another 5 weeks.

I'm still so shocked that the time is finally here! Ok, I'm off to find something to eat! Yum Yum! I'm so excited about getting to eat tonight! :)

Finally here...

Ok, So we arrived in Dallas today around 3:45pm. My husband wanted to make sure we didn't arrive during 5 o'clock traffic, which we didn't so it was good to finally get here.

We have driven around town to get a feel of where we are located, and wanted to find the Dr.'s ofc. and such, so we will know where we are going tomorrow.

My Pre-Op appt. is at 1:00pm tomorrow. Not sure what to expect, but will post as soon as I know.

Ok, and I have to say this...We found the Surgery Center and it looks like its located in some sort of shopping mall! Seriously! OMG! I even saw a fudge shop around the corner! I'm not sure what I expected...maybe something more hospital like. LOL! But really, its like a shopping mall with all these shops around. I will admit it kind of freaked me out. I know, I know don't judge and now days there are lots of little surgery centers open that are wonderful, but yes.... it still freaked me out.

If I get a chance, I will have to take pictures. But for now, I'm in the hotel and resting.

I would like to say thanks to all who are sending prayers up for me! I feel so blessed to know you are thinking about me. And to my wonderful sister Kacy, thanks so much for this blog, (that I'm still figuring out)..and for your love and support! I know I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful sister. Thanks so much!

5 Days and Counting...

I am now 5 days away from surgery, and I'm wondering how it got here so fast. I still feel like I have a ton of things to do before surgery.

Pre-Op Diet....well all I can say is "yuck." I received my chocolate and vanilla high protein shakes in the mail and my husband has been experimenting with different ways to fix them. I am liking the chocolate over the vanilla, but then again I'm a chocolate lover! I have stuck to my diet and had 2 shakes a day, and low Atkins style meal in the evening. It hasn't been as bad as I thought and I only have 5 days left of shakes! (Whew)

I am definitely getting more excited. Possibly a little nervous too but definitely excited. I have told my family and closest friends who I know will be a major support system for me. Only 3 people at work know right now. I haven't decided when to tell them before or after.....

Church was great today. Our Pastor gave a very inspirational message.

Well, I'm off to do laundry and such...

What a day...

I have been so busy at work today, that I haven't had much time to worry about the surgery. I really wanted to check out some other blogs and sites, but just haven't had a chance.

I am still awaitng my shakes that were suppose to be over nighted on Monday evening. This pre-op diet is not great at all! But I'm determined!

Little of both...

Today was one flood of emotions. One minute I was very excited about having the lap-band surgery, and the next minute, I kept thinking "Gosh, this is moving so fast and the time is almost here!" It certainly isn't dread, but possibly apprehension or nervousness. I have definately researched above and beyond and I do know with lots of prayer, that this is the right thing for me to do. So now I'm doing my pre-op diet, but I'm determined to be sucessful!

A New Path

Each person is faced with new pathways to take each and every day of their life. Here I choose to share mine. Why? Because the pathway laid out before me in the coming months will be life-changing and HERE is where I choose to share!