tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43375212847425028972024-03-13T12:33:42.580-05:00Fearfully and Wonderfully MadeI'm a 40-something child of God, wife to Christopher, mom to 4 biological children and pseudo-mom to many others. I'm starting a weight loss journey...through bariatric surgery...and must remember that I am fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator. I trust Him to get me through this. This will be my place to document my thoughts, my fears, my challenges and my progress.Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.comBlogger269125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-29797807034208394772018-03-12T12:51:00.000-05:002018-03-12T12:51:23.771-05:00Addiction SucksThere. I said it. Addiction sucks.<br />
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Some addictions are more acceptable than others, but in the end an addiction is an addiction and it sucks.<br />
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Good friends of mine just lost a son to a relapse as he was battling his addiction. At the funeral yesterday, I was fortunate enough to sit with a friend I've known for years that just had WLS. As we discussed the circumstances around the death, she commented that she, too, was killing herself before and that she had hit rock bottom before coming to the decision for surgery. I know where she's coming from; I know that rock bottom feeling all too well.<br />
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Our addiction to food is rarely seen as a true addiction to a lot of people. Instead it can be summed up as lack of self control or laziness. But it's more than that. I don't care if it's food addiction, drug addiction, gambling addiction, smoking addiction, alcohol addiction, spending/shopping addiction, adrenaline addiction (yes, that's for the dare devils, cops, EMS, firefighters out there too!), sex addiction, work addiction, work-out addiction (yes even that!), addiction to attention, addiction to social media, addiction to electronics (the list could go on forever!)... <u>addiction sucks</u>. It's not healthy; it causes both physical and emotional problems and it's a demon the addict will fight continually.<br />
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I thought my addiction was gone, but it's not. I still battle it. I can see it on the scales, in my clothes, on my body physically and definitely in my emotions. Awareness helps, but doesn't solve it; doesn't overcome it. Addiction will <b><u>not</u></b> take my life. I will battle it as long as it takes to stay healthy and I pray for ALL who are struggling with their own addiction (any mentioned above or non mentioned above!). I pray for awareness, strength and courage to face that demon head-on!<br />
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God is for you. He will be there to walk you through the battle... press into Him and press on!<br />
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-59352086500860467922017-03-30T21:18:00.000-05:002017-03-30T21:18:54.158-05:00Nothing UnplannedAsk my family and they'll tell you, I'm not a planner. (but I don't do well with last minute changes/decisions either...I know...I'm complicated!)<br />
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My oldest son, PJE, is graduating from High School in less than 2 months. I don't have a plan yet as to what his graduation celebration will look like. My oldest daughter, on the other hand, has planned her daughter's 5th birthday party (for the same date as the un-planned graduation open house)... she did it in February. She asked me the other day what my plan was for Mother's Day. Isn't that still a couple months away? Her family's summer camping trips and Thanksgiving Disney adventure are already scheduled and details coming together. I'm doing well to think about what's on my calendar tomorrow and can't even fathom looking beyond asking CME to reserve a campsite in DC in July (which he's already done).<br />
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I'm not a planner.<br />
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One thing I would always tell people who were considering RNY is that you have to plan. You have to plan what to eat when you go out to a restaurant. For instance, did you know that many of the salads on restaurant menus are some of the highest caloric choices you can make? Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself. You have to have a plan when holidays/birthdays/celebrations roll around and you're surrounded by people and food. You have to plan how to respond to questions about your "sudden" weight loss, or why you chose RNY as well as many other questions you WILL be asked. You have to plan and track and be aware of <i>everything - </i>or old habits WILL creep back in regardless of how much you say they won't! (First-hand experience)<br />
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So I'm thinking - what if NOTHING unplanned went into my body? I'm approaching my 5-year surgiversary and I'm still struggling. Mom's been back in the hospital/rehab, work craziness continues to be crazy and I continue to struggle doing what I need to do. And doing what I need to do should consist of PLANNING what goes in my body. So that's my new "NSV" goal... nothing unplanned.<br />
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And my "support" system for this plan is found in God's word. It's what I need more than anything...<b>He </b>is what I need.<br />
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-64842121980852560582017-02-20T19:30:00.000-06:002017-02-20T19:30:11.215-06:00Do What You're Supposed To Do<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It seems like such an easy concept, right? <i>"Just do what you're supposed to do."</i> But it's not so easy. Not easy in so many aspects of life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Why is that?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Are we, humans, just that inept? Are we that stubborn? Are we that weak? Why can't we just do what we're supposed to do?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've said that statement to my Mom a LOT lately. She's gotten stronger and has been released from rehab (but not until she fell again and got a MASSIVE black eye) but she's not exactly following the plan. So I said that over and over and over....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then, this thought hit me...What's that verse?? Oh yeah...</span><span class="text Matt-7-3" id="en-NIV-23320" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i>“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?</i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="text Matt-7-4" id="en-NIV-23321" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="text Matt-7-5" id="en-NIV-23322" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i>You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">That fifteen pounds...those were the results of not doing what I am supposed to do. My lab results from last year were tell-tale and a result of not doing what I'm supposed to do. So I need to take my own advice and do what I'm supposed to do.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">My mom? Well, the liver specialist confirmed that she has advanced cirrhosis (based on the symptoms she's showing) but has ordered a more thorough CT to get a better picture of her liver. The doctors here are treating her in the same way the specialist would...so that's good news. Right now the only thing she can really do is try to manage it to keep the progression to a minimum. It's going to take a lot of the "doing what she's supposed to do" and I pray she does just that. Low sodium and healthy diet, doing her PT at home, drinking water, avoiding Diet Coke, etc. Yes, I pray she does what she's supposed to do!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">As for me...I need to be sure to get in all my water. I need to be more active again. I need to NOT put anything in my mouth that's not planned. You know...those LIFE changes I know how to make...but sometimes fail to do what I'm supposed to do. I pray for me too... to get my health back - including managing the never-ending stress that seems to be coming my way these days. To take my own advice, "Deedra - just do what you're supposed to do!"</span></span><br />
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-33942444035743683502017-02-04T10:32:00.000-06:002017-02-04T10:32:59.132-06:00When I've Tried to BlogI've picked up my laptop a couple of times recently thinking I was going to blog. I was frustrated about various things going on around me and with me and I felt the need to just get it out. But each time I did, I couldn't come up with the words to express it - and then, then, it hit me. I was just wanting to complain. I don't need to complain, I need to be thankful. There is absolutely enough negativity and ugliness in this world, that it doesn't need more!<br />
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So this morning as I was having my quiet time, I decided that I need to put into words some of the moments to be thankful about from this past couple of weeks.<br />
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I am thankful...<br />
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<ul>
<li>that my mom is gaining strength and will probably be released for the rehabilitation center at some point next week.</li>
<li>that I took the time to actually fix healthy meals for the family this week.</li>
<li>that I have children who others recognize (as do I) as genuinely loving and kind people</li>
<li>that when my "pouch hurts" I can surf the web and find others that have experienced the same thing. I know that may sound strange, but if you've not been through this you really don't understand - as helpful as you try and knowledgeable as you may be.</li>
<li>that the situation with my mom has made me more diligent again in caring for my own health.</li>
<li>that the five pounds I've lost are still off - even if the other 10 aren't.</li>
<li>that I could spend last night with the International Students!!</li>
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Focusing on the positive instead of the negative can make a world of difference in emotional health which effects my physical health. And if I don't focus on the good, then I'm in a place that is going to lead me down a dark path that had me trapped by food for decades! What a good breakthrough this morning! And for that I'm thankful!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Name or "Mom" in 11 Languages!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Kuwaiti "son" that started the whole thing!</td></tr>
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-87570117299195644602017-01-19T21:08:00.001-06:002017-01-19T21:08:40.361-06:00It's Back...<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That dull ache in my stomach... with bouts of intense pain. Yep. It's back. So I started myself back on Prilosec. UGH! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm 97.235% positive it's an ulcer trying to happen. It sucks, to be honest. But luckily the Prilosec helps. And this time, I'm 99.9924% positive it's stress related. (see previous post)</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the past 17 days since my last post...</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>My mom was told she's not a candidate for the liver transplant</b>. Of course, she didn't ask why. However she does have an appointment with a liver specialist in Indianapolis next month. My sister and I will be both be going so we can ask and hear and process all we're hearing</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This past Monday I spent the day off work in the ER with Mom</b>. Her stomach as distended and it was causing her shortness of breath. Her GI doctor advised her to go to the ER...where they did a paracentesis to drain the fluid from her abdomen (about 7 lbs worth again!) and then admitted her for chronic dehydration (ironic, huh?) and a UTI.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although she was a fall risk, they left her unattended after her shower yesterday...and <b>she fell</b> trying to get dressed. No injuries, thank God, but still...</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later yesterday she was released, went home and <b>she fell</b> as she bent over to pet her dog. Another bump on her head, sore back, but worse was that she had to lay on the floor until my nephew could get up there to pick her up - my dad wasn't able. (Yesterday the intense pain was BAD and I felt like I had heartburn on top of it all!)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today (24 hours after her first fall) she lost her footing in the shower...and <b>she fell</b> again. This time, my dad tried to steady her, but HE wound up falling into the tub as well! I'm thankful for EMS personnel who respond to the <i>"Help! I've fallen and can't get up!"</i> calls. My husband has had to do that many times. I just hate that my parents had to make that call!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been in crunch mode at work to get some <b>not so pleasant tasks</b> completed. Management isn't always what it's cut out to be!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've watched as my baby boy has been heartbroken by normal teenage stuff. Yanno...it kinda sucks that the days of "Let Mommy kiss it and make it all better." are no longer. <b>I want to help and fix it...but I can't</b>.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I <b>kept two of my gbabies for a week</b>. That was fun. Tiring, but fun!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I've lost 5 of the 15 pounds</b> that have weighed me down (literally and figuratively) for a while.</span></li>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So yes, my theory of the pain in the gut being stress related is pretty much a truth. Good news is that through all the extra stress, I've not binged. I've not thrown caution to the wind and grazed all day. I've gotten part of the weight gain off. So that's a victory I'll claim.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I keep hearing and <b>I need to soak in this truth...</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May it be so, Lord. May I soak in Your truths!!!</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</span></i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-79276938439369882212017-01-02T19:13:00.004-06:002017-01-02T19:23:42.554-06:00Coming Clean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's been several months since I've been here and a lot has happened in those months. I don't make "resolutions" per se, but I do hope to do better about blogging this year. I even picked up a "300 Writing Prompts" journal in the hopes it would encourage me to get back here. I'm not sure it really did that, but I have been able to get some words out almost into cohesive thoughts.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No promises here, though!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Looks like the last time I was here was at my 4 year post-surgery timeframe...and that was 8 months ago! I never made it to my 4-year appointment. Many reasons and excuses why, but in the end, it just didn't happen. I plan on calling tomorrow to go ahead and schedule my 5 year appointment for May. We'll see if the <i>MD</i> yells at me or not. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I said at the start of this blog, transparency is key for me. So I need to come clean on a few things. First, I may have intentionally not made it to that 4-year appointment. About a month before the appointment, I was traveling for work and had something happen that kind of put me in an emotional tailspin. There's no gentle way to put it so I'll just say it. I was sexually harassed at the convention I was attending. I wasn't assaulted, but I did have to pull away from the (very drunk) guy multiple times as he kept grabbing my hand, trying to hug me and rub my back. His words were the most haunting part, though not threatening in content or tone what he said to me was so very VERY inappropriate. I was pretty shaken by the experience as I had never encountered anything like that. I can't imagine what others who have had much worse happen feel like because I felt...disgusting. I called <i>CME</i> and he was able to console me and make sure I was ok. The sponsors of the event were gracious and handled it very professionally and I'm super thankful my boss knew me well enough to have my back 100%! Later I was discussing it with a very dear friend (my way to try to deal with it, I suppose) and though VERY well-intentioned, the words that came out of their mouth loomed over me. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"You know, you could take this as a compliment...this probably wouldn't have happened if you were still fat." </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Food was my comfort back in the day. Regardless of how I felt physically, food was how I dealt with any kind of emotion. Stress, fear, anger, sadness, happiness... food was my go-to relief. So, guess what I did. Yep, I turned back to food. In a month I had packed on 15 pounds! Fifteen pounds that have stayed on me since May. Fifteen pounds that kept me from going to my 4-year post op because I didn't want to face the <i>MD</i> and his chastising. Fifteen pounds I am determined will be gone in the next couple of months. God has brought me too far in this journey to let an ugly situation and an ugly lie keep me in an ugly and unhealthy mental and physical state. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fifteen pounds doesn't seem like much in the big scheme of things. I can still wear my same size 10 pants (though they're snug) and medium tops, but I'm technically overweight again. THAT is a big deal to me. So I'm in a reset mode of sorts. I've even discussed it with each of our family members. ALL of us have put on some weight in 2016 and we're going to make it a family effort to get the weight off and get healthier.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Good things happened too this year...and I'll end with those, but I need to mention a couple more not so happy things that I know have affected me emotionally over the last 8 months...</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My Mom has been very sick - in the hospital a couple of different times and diagnosed with non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. Her health is NOT good and though I know she's tired of all the doctor visits and 'rules' given, she's not doing all that the doctors have told her to do. She says she's trying, but I worry it's not enough. Her gastroenterologist has sent a referral to IU-Indianapolis for her to be evaluated for a liver transplant. I'm worried that unless she does 110% of what she's been asked to do, that she won't be a candidate. I know she's scared...she's voiced it repeatedly...but I also know she will NOT get better unless she has it. I *think* she's aware of the severity of her condition, but I'm not convinced she has let it set in. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On October 26, my boss (teacher, mentor, encourager, friend) was let go from our company after 28 years of service. Long story short is that two somewhat similar (but not really) groups were combined into one and his position was eliminated. EVERYONE was shocked, with many VPs calling me asking me what in the world had just happened. I wish I knew! To say I was angry is an understatement. For the first time in my 20+ year career with my company I felt alone. Yet, I still have employees to encourage and keep motivated. It wasn't an easy task for me, but one thing I knew was that I wasn't going to let it affect my performance. I have a job to do and I WILL do it well. (Performance and emotional attitude are different, I found out...) My new boss is in Delaware and truly didn't have a good understanding of what I did or what my team does. So I spent the last two months trying to learn a personality while educating him on all that I've accomplished the last year and what my team does and will be doing going forward. Did I mention that my Year-End Evaluation was now going to be written by this person that doesn't know me? <span style="font-size: x-small;">:::insert two sarcastic thumbs up here:::</span> Yes - this change has affected me too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then, on November 13, I got a call as I was getting ready for church. One of our pastors, his mother and two of his daughters were in a <a href="http://www.courierpress.com/story/news/2016/11/13/crossroads-pastor-castle-student-killed-car-accident/93767496/" target="_blank">tragic car accident</a>. Only survivor was the oldest daughter. I just remember thinking, <i>"This isn't real. This can't be real. What did she just say? How am I going to tell Parker? No...this isn't what I'm hearing. What???"</i> But it was real. Painfully real. David and I have been friends since our own marching band days in high school. David brought life to our worship experience and it was his goal to introduce Jesus to everyone he came in contact with - through worship, music and the arts. He led many mission trips for both high schoolers and adults and challenged us all to see people like God saw them...as His lost sheep. David is creative and funny, but serious about worship. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">David had mentored Parker since elementary school as his "dorm dad" at church camp...had poured into Parker encouraging him to pursue what Parker felt God was calling him to... music ministry. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">David. David is one of a kind. </span><i style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How could God take him?!? </i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><i style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sophie...she's just 17. Sophie...she's so incredibly gifted. Sophie...Parker is going to be devastated. Parker and Sophie had just led worship for Middle School YTH the weekend before. Where's that video I took of them? I don't undertand! Why God!? Why would you let this happen? </i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes - this affected me. A LOT.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And while I don't have all the answers to my questions, I take joy in knowing that these dear sweet people heard, "Well done, good and faithful servants" on November 13, 2016 and some day, I'll get to see their smiling faces again. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I also take joy in the fact that though emotionally these events affected me greatly, I did not succumb to food to comfort me and therefore did not add more to the fifteen pounds that I already put on. Seems stupid, but I'll claim that victory! And I thank Jesus for helping through all those dark times.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So what good has happened?</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well, I got to travel - some for work and some for pleasure. I got to see friends that I don't get to see often. We got to see our Michigan family at Thanksgiving, which we don't get to do nearly enough. The granddaughters are growing like weeds and are a ton of fun! We get to do those fun grandparent things and send them home. 😊 The boys are doing well in school and are pretty awesome for teenagers. Parker got accepted into both schools he applied - Johnson University in Knoxville TN and Ozark Christian College in Joplin MO. Now he'll need to make the decision and we'll keep praying that he gets a LOT of scholarships to help!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There you have it folks... a quick (ha!) summary of my 2016. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blogging is my accountability, so I'm going to do my best to stay accountable here. I know that God has me on a journey for His glory and when I let life here on this earth get in the way I suffer - emotionally and physically. I'm thankful that He doesn't give up on me and that He's never left my side. I just need to cling to Him (my Vine!) and let Him continue to work in me and shape me into the person He wants me to be.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy 2017, friends. May it be a year filled with hope and victories for you and your families.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our friends... you're missed and loved!</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzONlL_TxeLYl7G408SOoOhxZFk42Y1UI9TUVXNPYUxFhDZ2bTuZiJX6fIaj64XIthNvTOWVM1MaPR359vYQg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i></div>
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Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-83898573575691918122016-05-11T17:45:00.001-05:002016-05-11T17:45:36.889-05:00I'm still here...Life has been crazy busy and blogging has gone to the wayside, but I'm still here and just passed my 4 year anniversary of a second chance at life!<div><br></div><div>I'll try to blog more later... But until then...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-om0XybvsBUo/VzO2EJyVHoI/AAAAAAAAJfk/tr_qOIVlzZA/s640/blogger-image-1800713321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-om0XybvsBUo/VzO2EJyVHoI/AAAAAAAAJfk/tr_qOIVlzZA/s640/blogger-image-1800713321.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2009 vs 5/9/16. Crazy print tips and black pants are the only thing that hasn't changed!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-63305763439062247762016-01-20T19:30:00.001-06:002016-05-11T17:50:38.164-05:00Life on Fast Forward<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Found this in my drafts...oops!)</span><div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's late January. 2016. I am trying to figure out how that happened. Has Adam Sandler found that remote again and hit the Fast Forward button? I mean, seriously!</span><br>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That might explain how October...November...December...and even most of January have already passed and I've not updated anything here. It definitely feels that way at least.</span><br>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here's a quick recap of the last 3.5 months...</span><br>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">October was a special month with the addition of our newest granddaughter, Harper Lee! She's awesome!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Attended our annual family reunion (my Dad's side) and now know that it is the last one with any of my Dad's siblings as his sister passed away late December.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanksgiving was extra special with all my children here to celebrate. My youngest daughter, son-in-law, newborn and 2 dogs blessed our house for a few days which allowed for some special bonding with Harper since we don't get to see her often.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was blessed to be able to make a quick trip to Michigan to see my dear friends...AND catch up with other friends for a couple of hours at a Starbucks during the drive up!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CHRISTmas Eve was nice with my family - though CME had to work. There was a bit of a scare with my Dad. He had a moment that CME and others believe could have been a mini-stroke type issue, although he's quite stubborn and wouldn't go be assessed. Still waiting to see what his PCP has to say about the episode when he finally sees her next month.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">BEAUTIFUL CHRISTmas Eve midnight service to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! I am sooooooooooo thankful our church has added this late-night option. Truly my favorite way to celebrate.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CHRISTmas day was spent playing many of the board games we acquired and then spent the evening with our oldest and her family - complete with Chinese food for dinner (though I want to nix that going forward!)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Out of town daughter/family finally got to come back down to celebrate CHRISTmas/New Year all at once.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Work has gone in 100 different directions all at the same time at 100mph minimum! It's been insane.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through the insanity I did have the opportunity to travel with work. I hadn't realized how much I miss that. Was able to celebrate some NSVs...no seatbelt extender...crossing my legs on a VERY small plane... yeah... still some of my favorite NSVs!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have employees reporting to me again...it's only been 10+ years. Some things never change, but lots of things do.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All of this has distracted me some from fully being aware of healthy choices/options. There has been a ton of stress as well, but I am happy to report that I've handled it better than I would have in years past. My weight has been consistent (aka no weight gain!) and I've not turned to food to deal with the stress. I'm so thankful for that! My life is so much different - so much better - now. I still seem to have a bit of an ulcer issue and had to go back on Prilosec. I'll have to discuss that with the MD when I go back for my 4 year (wow!) post opp appointment this year. Other than that, all seems to be well. </span><br>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There you have it... life on FF. It's good. Life is good and God is good! And I am forever grateful for the life He's given me!</span><br>
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i></div>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-77238654386180563252015-09-02T19:21:00.001-05:002015-09-02T19:21:14.009-05:00Was That A Compliment?!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I believe it was a compliment. I think so, at least...in a weird sort of way. Yet, I have fixated on what was said to me
yesterday. I’m able to laugh about it, because again, I believe it was meant in
a good way…</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Security guard at work: <i>“Were you a fast runner in school?”</i><br />
Me: -chuckle- <i>“Not even!”</i><br />
SG: <i>“You walk like you were a fast
runner.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m sure he could tell by the look on my face that I was
perplexed by his statement so he went on to say… <i>“The fast runners always were slightly bow-legged and their feet
pointed in just a bit.”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Brain: “Did he just call me bow-legged and pigeon toed?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M0qPgpftsM0/VeeRlhfeCoI/AAAAAAAAJRY/VOqgoofCscE/s1600/pigeontoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M0qPgpftsM0/VeeRlhfeCoI/AAAAAAAAJRY/VOqgoofCscE/s320/pigeontoe.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why yes…yes he did. So that’s a new descriptor that could be put in the
bag of lies of who I am. Even though I
know that wasn’t his intent. It was just
odd.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I went on to tell him that I wasn’t a runner at all. I
wasn’t active and I wasn’t athletic. I proceeded to tell him that in past I was
about twice the size I am now. He
interrupted and said, <i>“You know, someone told me you had lost a lot of weight.”</i>
And he actually high-fived me. (More
oddity)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I said it… <i>“Yeah…about 3.5 years ago, God gave me the
courage and strength to have gastric bypass surgery.” </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">People don’t really know how to respond to that some
times. And by the look on his face, he’s
one of those people. I’m not sure if it
was a look of disapproval or a look of 'should I take my high five back?' or just
a look of ‘now what do I say?’ Luckily
for him someone else approached the desk for a legit business reason and I was
able to leave.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But my fixation is three-fold. <b>First </b>– was that a
compliment? LoL I mean did he really think I was a fast
runner? <b>Second </b>– WHO told him (and why?)
that I had lost a lot of weight? Really?!
I mean, if I tell people that’s cool… heck I blog about it… but how does
that get brought up anyway? <b>Third </b>–
Gastric Bypass Surgery is still a taboo in some eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />But here’s the good news. <b>First </b>– He meant well. I’m giving this guy the
benefit of the doubt. He has good
intentions; he’s friendly and he loves the Lord (other GOOD convos we’ve had in
passing). So there was nothing about it that offended me. <b>Second </b>– so someone is talking about my
weight loss. How can I use that to bring
glory to God? I can do exactly what I did… <i>“God gave me the courage…”</i> If others
see His work IN me…then win/win! <b>Third </b>–
Gastric Bypass Surgery maybe taboo in some eyes, but a life changer (and/or
saver) in others. Don’t worry about what people think about your choice. You
k</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">now where you are and why you’ve come to this decision. Be okay with others
not being okay with it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now off to stare in the mirror for a while and see if I see what he was talking about... (kidding!!!)</span></div>
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-24938440825036876942015-08-15T13:34:00.000-05:002015-08-15T13:34:48.193-05:00Emotional Pitfalls of Weight Loss Surgery<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ran across this article the other day. Though I may not agree 100% with all it says, there are some REALLY good points and perspectives that are spot-on for me - some of it explained better than I ever could. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PLUS, for those who haven't experienced weight issues or weight loss issues, please understand that when your friend/loved one expresses certain emotions or comments - that they're not looking for you to understand. They're looking for a safe place to talk through it without being judged or ridiculed. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those of you who are in this process - you are NOT alone! You're not abnormal in your thinking. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/emotional-pitfalls-weight-loss-surgery-130000633.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emotional Pitfalls of Weight Loss Surgery</span></a><br />
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-57927114778387826652015-08-15T13:25:00.000-05:002015-08-15T13:25:40.507-05:00Genetic Predisposition<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First - What <i><b>is </b></i>genetic predisposition?</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A genetic predisposition is a genetic characteristic which influences the possible phenotypic development of an individual organism within a species or population under the influence of environmental conditions. In medicine, genetic <b>susceptibility </b>to a disease refers to a genetic predisposition to a health problem, which <b><i><u>may</u> </i></b>eventually be <b><i>triggered </i></b>by particular environmental or lifestyle factors, such as tobacco smoking or diet. </span></blockquote>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Still a little 'wordy' for me. So let me see if I can break it down to a place where my simple brain can understand it better.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Predispose means to cause (someone) to be more likely to behave in a particular way or to be affected by a particular condition. Or to make one susceptible. So I'm saying I can make myself more susceptible to something because I may trigger it due to the lifestyle I choose.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So is it really being predisposed or the results of a conscious decision?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not saying that we can control all health factors. There are people like my father-in-law who has taken care of his body...ate (relatively) healthy, took vitamins, etc. and yet wound up with some benign tumors in his brain that caused major (and minor) seizures. Others who regularly exercise and eat healthy can still have high cholesterol and/or heart related issues. Let's not even go there with childhood (or other) cancer. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I <b><i>am </i></b>saying we do have control over <b>parts </b>of our lives that can have an effect (positive or negative) on our condition. Just this week, my family has gotten some poor diagnoses on their health: blood clot in a leg; irregular heart rhythms which could lead to the need for a pacemaker <span style="font-size: x-small;">(waiting for the results of the 24-hour heart monitor)</span>; hospitalization for cellulitis and MRSA. On top of this, a family history of: high blood pressure, diabetes, high sugar - but not yet diabetic, gestational diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, poor circulation/vein issues; knee/ankle/back pain. And the list goes on.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All this got me thinking. What of this CAN be controlled? What part of lifestyle and life choices contribute to each of these? From my perspective a HUGE part can be controlled. I looked back at the beginning of my blog when I did my <a href="http://deedrasweightloss.blogspot.com/2012/01/holy-diabetes-batman.html" target="_blank">Genogram </a>and realized I saw all of this then - yet coming from a healthy side of it now, I have different eyes looking at it. I look at it as the way God has allowed me to break free of some of what I would have called "predisposed"... almost like I said, "I'm part of this family so I'm just destined to be this way." As I said in my last post, family health issues are waiting in the wings just waiting to attack.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I call that lie what it is! <b>LIE</b>! I do have control over how I treat my body. I do have control over making healthy choices and KEEPING my body as healthy as I can. I have control of what I put in my body. I no longer will allow my family history haunt my health. I no longer will fall prey to the lie that it's part of being in my family. I pray that my children understand this too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The news my family received this week is exactly where I was headed. I was subject to this unhealthy life <u>because I allowed myself to be</u>. It's all I knew at the time. So thankful that God has given me the power to be an overcomer!</span><br />
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i><br />
<i><br /></i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-75752894851135893742015-08-05T19:46:00.000-05:002015-08-05T21:03:30.345-05:00Not A Day Too Soon!My boys start school tomorrow. Though I know we all think this summer has flown by, for me it's not a day too soon! Yes, I know I'm a parent and we all have thought that at some point in time, but this is coming from a place of frustration about their eating habits.<br>
<br>
I have done my best in the past 3+ years to try to educate them and help them (all of us) make healthier choices. I don't want them to be in the situation I was in...or fall prey to our family trait of obesity. It's such a hard battle! And it's not about the number on the scale...<b>IT'S ABOUT BEING HEALTHY!</b> I want to shout that from the top of my lungs - though I know the fine line between words spoken and the interpretation of the hearer. It can get soooooooo twisted (I know...I've let it happen). Satan will try to attach shame and guilt and judgement to the words, but that's so not it. The health issues that plague our family are waiting in the wings, ready to attack. I'm a Mom...I'm suppose to protect them, right? Yes, I know I can't protect them forever, but how on earth do I get it across to them that the choices they make now WILL effect the rest of their lives?<br>
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Why am I so frustrated? Well, it's like this... we went to the store Monday evening. (That's just two nights ago). I don't 'normally' buy snacks...and this is part of the reason. But school is starting and I do like to have a couple extra options to add to their lunch boxes. But in TWO days, the amount of food that's been consumed is beyond...BEYOND...overeating. I'd list it all here, but since they have access to this blog..well, let's just say I'm not a happy momma!<br>
<br>
-sigh-<br>
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The good news is...starting tomorrow, they'll be in school all day and will be in our presence at night. I hate having to feel like I'm monitoring everything they're eating. I just don't know how to handle this beyond that.<br>
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Lord God, give me wisdom and open their ears!<br>
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-16629261118475440542015-07-25T15:58:00.002-05:002015-07-25T15:58:13.872-05:00In Other News...I've got a new granddaughter!!!<br />
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Three years ago, just 12 days after my surgery, our first granddaughter, Bella Dawn, was born. Three years has flown by...not just from the perspective of my surgery, but in how quickly Bella has grown. (Parents...don't blink!)<br />
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On Friday, July 17, our second granddaughter, Berklee Rae, blessed our lives. She's just as amazing as Bella is and the love I have for them both just overflows! So, since this is my blog and I post what I want (ha!)... take a look at this sweet little one and our family. God has blessed us, indeed!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>PS</b> - Granddaughter #3 (or G3 as I lovingly refer to her at this point) will be here in the next few weeks! Eeek!!!!</span></div>
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-88174273631313051362015-07-25T09:36:00.002-05:002015-07-25T09:49:12.450-05:00I Am Not...I read an article this morning and it prompted me to come up with my own "I am not" list...but then to take it one more step to "I am"... Here are my lists:<br />
<br />
<b>I am not...</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>... a former 'fat girl'</li>
<li>... a teenage mom</li>
<li>... a statistic</li>
<li>... a divorcee (who has wonderful husband second time around)</li>
<li>... a number on a scale</li>
<li>... a recovering food addict who still struggles </li>
<li>... a success story of gastric bypass</li>
<li>... my past </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>I am...</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>... a child of God (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=galatians+3%3A26&version=NIV" target="_blank">Galatians 3:26</a>)</li>
<li>... forgiven (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+john+1%3A9&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 John 1:9</a>)</li>
<li>... loved (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+3%3A16&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 3:16</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+5%3A8&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 5:8</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A9-10&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 John 4:9-10</a>)</li>
<li>... fearfully and wonderfully made (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+139%3A14&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 139:14</a>)</li>
</ul>
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Both lists could go on and on, but it's important for me to remember the "I am" list as it's way too easy to be caught up in the other list...even the success stories. Those stories do not define me. I am who God defines me as. The other things are merely part of my story of His work in my life.<br />
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-27530043763504437942015-07-03T19:05:00.001-05:002015-07-04T10:51:18.682-05:00Living Life<br><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Top of Deer Mountain - Elevation 10,026 feet</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our family just returned from a week-long family vacation in <a href="http://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm?utm_source=Persbestand&utm_campaign=051d219cbc-Persbericht_Rocky_Mountain_National_Park&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1829023557-051d219cbc-48538949" target="_blank">Rocky Mountain National Park</a> ("RMNP") I don't even know how to put into words all that I experienced, saw and felt - but I'm going to give it my best shot.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (warning: long post ahead) </span></span><br>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, let me say that <i>CME</i> took care of planning the entire trip. From the route we'd drive, where we would camp to, from and during, and where we'd spend our days. He included in the precious gift of spending time with friends in Boulder, CO on the way there and in Overton Park, KS on the way home. <b>He. Is. The. Man.</b> My main responsibility? Figuring out the menu for the week. Easy-peasey. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(for the most part)</span></span><br>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My first NSV of the trip came in the middle of Kansas. Traveling as a child, we would always see the signs on the barns that said, "See Rock City" but I didn't know there was one in KS! It's crazy to think of how giddy I was to actually get to stop and see </span><a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/rockcity.htm" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Rock City</a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">! There's not a whole lot to really </span><i style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">see</i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> there, but it was a place where I climbed the big rocks...celebrated making it to the top and overcame the fear of climbing back down. (Truly the hardest part for me because I couldn't really see where I should put my feet!) Though climbing was an NSV in itself, the NSV that made my day was when </span><i style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CME </i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">encouraged me to crawl through Doughnut Hole Rock. Trust me, I had not intention of doing so until he said, "Now THAT would be an NSV!" - knowing that I've passed on certain activities like caving with the boys because I knew I couldn't fit. So yes, I accepted his encouragement and crawled through a rock! WooHoo!</span><br>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We drove on to stay with our friends in Boulder for the night...still kind of silly excited about that experience. Monday morning we visited <a href="http://ncar.ucar.edu/" target="_blank">NCAR</a> - which was a real treat for us all, but probably mostly for our youngest son who thoroughly enjoys science. From there we headed on to our campsite at <a href="http://rockymountainnationalpark.com/stay/natl-park-campgrounds/moraine-park-campground" target="_blank">Morraine Park Campground</a> in RMNP. As we were setting up camp, we were visited by a female elk. Yes...right there in the campground. She was within 50 feet of us and didn't seem to care we were there. Crazy. We ate a quick lunch and decided to drive on up to the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/romo/alpine_visitor_center.htm" target="_blank">Alpine Visitor Center</a>. I am so thankful that <i>CME</i> drives so cautiously! The roads are crazy-curvy with massive drop-offs on the sides. He rocked it!</span><br>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At two miles above sea level (11,796 feet), the Alpine Visitor Center is the highest facility of its kind in the National Park Service. There's a place across from the building where you can climb a set of stairs to be even higher... 12,005 feet! Second NSV (though it seems small compared to some of the others) was that I climbed those stairs...pain free...and even with the altitude and oxygen levels being different I wasn't totally out of breath! Come to think of it, I'm not sure I was even a little out of breath! The views of the mountains and the tundra were breathtaking...but the activity level not as much! From there we drove on to the Continental Divide where we spent a few moments to enjoy the site...the water...the mountains...the trees...the snow! Yes, day one in RMNP was a good day!</span><br>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Though I'm positive that <i>CME</i> shared the information with me prior to our trip, I didn't fully realize what Day 2 would entail. Had I realized the details in advance, I may not have ever come to realize that I could do this! <i>CME</i> fully researched this trip and knew the best way to handle our next hike - <a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/bear-lake-fern-lake.htm" target="_blank">Bear Lake to Fern Lake Trailhead</a>. The sites were spectacular and the terrain was everything from rock, stone, dirt, water to sand and snow! The hike itself was 9.2 miles with a total elevation gain of 1230 feet and it took us 7 hours to complete. (Many NSVs during that time period.) It was the hardest and most exhausting 7 hours I've ever endured. But my goodness was it worth it! More than once, I would get teary-eyed. Not because I was tired or in pain (though the descent down did make my knees tender), but because I was in awe of God's transforming power in my life! This was hard. I hurt in places I didn't know existed. I crossed snow-covered paths that truly should have made my heart so nervous I couldn't move <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(one wrong step...)</span> but instead I was basking fully in God's creation and praising Him that He made it possible for me to be living this life...hiking and experiencing His greatness with my family. I spent a lot of time, thanking Him while on the trail as well as calling for His strength to finish safely. Through Him, all things are possible. I <b>never</b> imagined I would have or could have done this....but I did! Praise God!!</span><br>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday, Day 3, was a special day as well. Our oldest son celebrated his 16th birthday on the summit of <a href="http://www.protrails.com/trail/96/rocky-mountain-national-park-deer-mountain" target="_blank">Deer Mountain</a> - a 6 mile round trip hike with a total elevation gain of 1236 feet. (NSV yet again.) Our youngest was determined to beat the rest of us to the summit. He succeeded by about 10-15 minutes. Again, breathtaking views of the mountains, plus a sneak peek at Estes Park where we'd later celebrate <i>PJE</i>'s birthday. Trail food lunch at the summit was nice...except for the chipmunks who definitely were NOT afraid of humans. They weren't mean, but they were rather aggressive in their attempts to snag some of our food. I thought they were cute even if they were pests!</span><br>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later that afternoon, we celebrated <i>PJE</i>'s birthday at <a href="http://www.grubsteakestespark.com/" target="_blank">Grubsteak Restaurant</a> where <i>CME </i>and <i>PJE </i>dined on Yak Burgers, <i>MAE </i>had an Elk Burger and I had a portabella mushroom burger. In hindsight, I probably should have eaten something I can't get locally, but I like portabella burgers... Anyway, the guys enjoyed the wild game and trying something different and I did try their Wild Boar Scotch Eggs. Pretty tasty actually. The rest of the evening was spent visiting the various shops, stopping at a park where Rocky Mountain Church was preparing for "Praise in the Park" (cool!) and ended with ice cream from <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/hayleys-estes-park" target="_blank">Hayley's Ice Cream Shop</a> (recommended by our waitress). Though I don't often indulge in ice cream and I find it expensive to buy one only to eat about half...that's what I did...ordered a single scoop of the salted caramel ice cream, ate about half and was way satisfied. </span><br>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 4 in the park was a "take it easy to let our bodies recover" day. We slept in a little, ate breakfast, then headed out to the west side of the park. More meadows and open fields than the east side, but also a place to see more wildlife. We stopped again at Alpine Visitors Center...yanno, bathroom break and coffee stop! Our first "official" visit was at the <a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/holzwarth-historic-site.htm" target="_blank">Holzwarth Historic Site</a>. A small walk back to the cabins to visit a little bit of history was fun and also allowed us some much needed walking (on flat terrain) time to keep the muscles from getting too stiff. Not to mention that I took a few moments to sit next to the Colorado River - because I could.</span><br>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We enjoyed a picnic lunch at <a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/coyote-valley-trail.htm" target="_blank">Coyote Valley Trail.</a> Again, this was a flat area where the mountains and open fields were quiet and peaceful, especially being the only ones there at the time. We walked the trail that wound along side the Colorado River and even took a moment to all put our hands in it. It was during this hike that I got to spend some time talking with <i>MAE</i> about how God was moving in my heart during the week. We saw MANY older adults (seniors for sure!) who were out on these trails - moving and grooving. Many of them even passing us at times. I told <i>MAE </i>that this trip had been one that God kept showing me that He is allowing me to truly LIVE life. To be active...to move...to be healthy. I admitted to <i>MAE </i>that I still have days I struggle with my addiction. There are still days I have to battle the urge to eat more than I should or things that I should. I told him I have a tendency to be lazy when it comes to exercise. I'm not doing what I should all the time, but I also told him that God was how I was able to get through the past two days. More than once I called on His name to help me take another step. I want this life to be a reflection of His goodness, so EVERY thing I do is for His glory - this trip included.</span><br>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We later stopped at the <a href="http://rockymountainnationalpark.com/get-around/visitor-centers/kawuneeche-visitor-center" target="_blank">Kawuneeche Visitor Center</a> on the west entrance to the park where the Park Ranger advised us to visit <a href="http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/adams-falls.htm" target="_blank">Adams Falls</a> since we were looking for a short hike. I am so glad we listened to her! The hike back was short...with some elevation gain, but the falls were beautiful. There's something about the sound of water that calms me. I wasn't even stressed as the boys got closer to the ledge than I would have instructed. We continued our hike past the falls to see some 'meadows' (though I think <i>CME </i>and I both would consider them swamps!). And there he was! Within 100 feet from us (and up a hill) was a bull moose grazing on the land! He was huge! I was more than a little pumped to see him...it was one animal I wanted to check off our list...and for <i>CME </i>and the boys to see up close too! Super cool!</span><br>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We concluded our night by driving back to Estes Park for dinner and by the time we got there (about an hour and a half later) anyone nearby could tell CME and I were tourists - just by how we were walking! Legs. Dying.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (Ever have to tell your legs to move?) </span>Quick pizza and then back to camp so we could rest up before heading home. </span><br>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both on the way out and the way back, we stayed at different KOA Campgrounds - one in Topeka and one in Salina. Both were very nice...yet different. Not all KOAs are the same, but I'd recommend either of these. <i>CME</i> knew we'd be tired on the way back so we didn't camp on the way home. Instead he rented the TeePee at the KOA in Salina KS. The camp is owned by a Native American Family and being able to stay in the teepee was a great ending to our week on the road. (Never been so happy and thankful for hot showers!!!)</span><br>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some things I failed to mention:</span><br>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No hot running water in the campground. Solar showers are great...IF the sun comes out to warm the water and IF you're not taking the shower in the evening when the sun is setting and the cool breeze whipping through the outdoor facility. Solar shower = not a fan. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The weather? We couldn't have planned it any better. The weather was amazing and each day it seemed to be exactly what we needed for the trail/hike. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did have 3 blisters, 1 mosquito bite and 1 bug bite gone bad...but other than that, it was great! </span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was a hummingbird one afternoon that kept flying around our head. That was cool. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Watching the rain fall at the mountain across the way was interesting.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are interesting people on Pearl Street in Boulder.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having friends to visit (both ways) was definitely a bonus to our trip.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God can create friendships through ways we can't imagine...Instagram? Yep.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The drive is looooooooooooong.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sure its because I'm a city girl, but being in the mountains allowed me many opportunities to reflect on life, on where I was physically and emotionally not long ago and where God has brought me through this journey. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He's allowing me to truly LIVE this Life! I am so grateful! </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm at awe of Him! </span><br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Crawling through Doughnut Hole Rock</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We're THAT family.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Victory</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Miss her!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Friends Reunited</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">NCAR</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Admiring our "backyard" for the week.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">My guys!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Had to touch the snow at the Alpine Visitor Center!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">First "hike" of the trip...up those steps!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12,005 above sea level!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hanging out in the rocks - looking over the tundra!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We just HAD to get in the snow!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Then a snowball came flying at us!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Part of our 9.2 mile hike</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Part of our 9.2 mile hike</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Love this man!!! So thankful for him!<br></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The "sketchy snow" slope part of our 9.2 mile hike.<br></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Part of our 9.2 mile hike - getting a bit tired!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Beautiful view...narrow path! Part of our 9.2 mile hike</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">So thankful for his encouragement and support!<br>Part of our 9.2 mile hike</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">On top of Deer Mountain with my honey!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">He napped while waiting for the rest of us!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">What a cool place to spend your 16th birthday!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fj57L7rPkYE/VZcOanlKAnI/AAAAAAAAJIE/rhqkgBEeq5I/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fj57L7rPkYE/VZcOanlKAnI/AAAAAAAAJIE/rhqkgBEeq5I/s320/IMG_0742.JPG" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Know where you're going...even when you're just 16!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Family time = fun time!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Goofball #1</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Goofball #2</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WbN7IhxvijA/VZcNrK2m3WI/AAAAAAAAJGc/ljvWYR08xRw/s1600/IMG_8561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WbN7IhxvijA/VZcNrK2m3WI/AAAAAAAAJGc/ljvWYR08xRw/s320/IMG_8561.JPG" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Quite place for a nice picnic.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Adams Falls</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2W1oLoiLLw/VZcLyKpdYzI/AAAAAAAAJEs/Be5W3SMn45I/s1600/IMG_0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2W1oLoiLLw/VZcLyKpdYzI/AAAAAAAAJEs/Be5W3SMn45I/s320/IMG_0679.JPG" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Adams Falls</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y91lKooVESA/VZcLw6Dit-I/AAAAAAAAJEk/eiFW5ww3qtY/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y91lKooVESA/VZcLw6Dit-I/AAAAAAAAJEk/eiFW5ww3qtY/s320/IMG_0675.JPG" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Selifes at the falls?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IV1rUdN_ZXs/VZcOJaXGaSI/AAAAAAAAJHs/WH_gwRYzRV8/s1600/IMG_8575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IV1rUdN_ZXs/VZcOJaXGaSI/AAAAAAAAJHs/WH_gwRYzRV8/s320/IMG_8575.JPG" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Adams Falls</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWFC1VF_b0A/VZcL-EpCM3I/AAAAAAAAJE4/FwbwxofywgY/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWFC1VF_b0A/VZcL-EpCM3I/AAAAAAAAJE4/FwbwxofywgY/s320/IMG_0688.JPG" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">There's a moose up there!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">TeePee for the win!</span></td></tr>
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-29191639035289226852015-06-14T16:16:00.000-05:002015-06-14T16:16:05.884-05:00Three Year Post Op<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Better late than never, right??? </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My 3-Year Surgiversary was on May 9, but the lab where my blood work was drawn messed up the B-12 part of it and I had to have it redone. That pushed my follow-up to this past Thursday (a month late). In hindsight, it was probably an okay thing...but seriously I've realized I still have some 'baggage' that I'm dealing with in this process.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been 3 years and I'm still afraid of the scale! I'm still afraid that the scale at <i>bariatric center</i> will show that I've failed. How afraid, you ask? Well, if you asked CME, he'd tell you I was a NERVOUS wreck last week - even to the point that I was nearly in tears on Wednesday night before the appointment. I can't explain why. And if you've not struggled with this issue... that's great! But for me it was not only annoying, but frustrating! One positive thing is that I did turn to Scripture to calm me last Wednesday. Spent some time in prayer with God - admitting that I've let the scale define me...even now. Asking for His forgiveness for believing that lie instead of the truth He tells me. It was after that moment that I finally felt calmness in my spirit. Man! Now to work on ignoring the lies before they get past my ears, I'll be in business!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The appointment with <i>MD</i> went well, actually. Though my weight was up .8# over last year, <i>MD </i>was very pleased that I am still at a good spot. My BP was 106/64; my lab work was all normal; my total cholesterol was 109 with the "bad" cholesterol being 33 (lowest <i>MD</i> said he's seen!); I lost 3" in my waist, but added 1" in my hips this past year. We discussed the pain I was experiencing in April. He's not convinced it was self-induced as food can't "give you an ulcer" - though things can weaken the lining of the stomach making it possible for <a href="http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/h-pylori-helicobacter-pylori" target="_blank">h. pylori</a> to do it's thing. Regardless, he's treating it as a suspected ulcer by keeping me on Prilosec 2x a day for a total of 6 weeks, then 1x a day for the next 6 months. I'll take it. The pain is gone...and one I don't care to experience again. <i>MD</i> did say that if I experience the pain again, he'll want to do and upper GI to find out what's going on. I'm praying that wont' be necessary. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like I mentioned to him, I am so aware of my body now that when something is amiss, it's a quick red flag for me to get it checked out. So that's positive. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In other happenings... I successfully (at least in her opinion) made my gbaby's third birthday cake without eating the icing. Come to think of it, I didn't have a true piece of the cake either... I did, however, gather up a few crumbs to just get a taste. It was enough. The cake was like the leaning tower of Pisa, but at 3 my Boo couldn't care less about that! All she knew was that Gigi made her a Princess Castle Cake. She was happy...and so was I!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, CME the boys and I spent about 4 hours last weekend working on the trails at a local State Park. And by working, I mean shoveling, raking and clearing paths. Though at about the 3 hour broken blister mark, I was tired. I did totally appreciate the fact that 4 years ago this wouldn't have happened. Sure, they guys may have been out there, but I wouldn't have been. Not only would the heat have been a HUGE issue for me...walking the trails...shoveling the trails...just wouldn't have happened for me. So YAY for another NSV happening 3 years post op!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the end, it's been three years of a healthy life. It's been three years of seeing how God will continue to use this part of my journey to bring Him glory. It's been three years but only a dent of what's to come! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mother's Day with my Sons</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ADjBWQLieFI/VX3s-msQ5-I/AAAAAAAAI4Q/nKO36apdEys/s1600/girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ADjBWQLieFI/VX3s-msQ5-I/AAAAAAAAI4Q/nKO36apdEys/s400/girls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Memorial Day with my Daughters</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMcWYWYowSk/VX3tBZNhm2I/AAAAAAAAI4Y/sENPFUZ_Mx4/s1600/boo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMcWYWYowSk/VX3tBZNhm2I/AAAAAAAAI4Y/sENPFUZ_Mx4/s400/boo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Boo's Birthday</span></td></tr>
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-44896450179148599002015-05-13T18:32:00.001-05:002015-05-13T18:41:25.171-05:00Aha MomentIt's no secret that I have relied heavily on God throughout this process. It truly is how I've done it. Yet, I've been plagued again with bits of the past creeping in...thoughts and actions. It's frustrated me, but I keep pressing on. <div><br></div><div>Recently I started a new devotional on Hearing God Speak. It's good. I've enjoyed it. I've learned. Then today...I had an Aha! moment. As I was journaling my prayer, I realized that the words God is teaching me on how to hear Him are words that I've associated with eating in past: <b>Crave</b> (the Word), <b>Desire</b> (Him), <b>Feed</b> (my spirit), <b>Long For </b>(time alone with Him), <b>Hunger</b> (for spiritual milk), <b>Consume</b> (truth and knowledge), <b>Drink</b> (Living water), <b>Nourish</b> (my soul). </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And so I'm asking for Him to help me only associate those words with Him and His Word!! May those words have new meaning to me going forward!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">----</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And on another note...my three year surgiversary came and went and I almost forgot about it! It wasn't until I was tucked in bed on 5/9 that I went...oh goodness! Today was three years! I think it's okay to not have a big recognition about it...makes it feel more normal. Regardless, I did take a picture and make a quick video for Instagram this week (though can't figure out how to upload the video via my phone/blog app!) It is a good reminder of the transformation of my life!! Thank you God!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pTArPP2R8-0/VVPfCVojXxI/AAAAAAAAIz8/nJT-jLd7-Ss/s640/blogger-image-1246276954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pTArPP2R8-0/VVPfCVojXxI/AAAAAAAAIz8/nJT-jLd7-Ss/s640/blogger-image-1246276954.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div> </div>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-87999510050892509882015-05-03T21:47:00.001-05:002015-05-03T21:47:14.660-05:00Don't Look Back...... You're not going that way. <div><br></div><div>I need that reminder. I'm not sure why I'm feeling a little out of sorts. Maybe it's because I am approaching my 3 year surgiversary. Maybe it's because I've seen some old habits creep back in. Maybe it's because I am not liking the pictures I've seen of me lately. Maybe it's because one of the international friends of mine said my weight was better (too skinny last time) aka I've gained weight since I saw her last. Whatever the cause, I'm feeling a bit...over anxious about it. </div><div><br></div><div><i>CME</i> actually got a bit snippy with me because of it. He reminded me a number was never the goal. Healthy is the goal. I feel healthy...physically, but the mental part of this process can still be difficult! I know those of you who haven't gone through this don't really understand. Some days *I* don't even understand. Regardless this is hard work. Really hard. So hard in fact I've said that I don't recommend this surgery for anyone not willing to put in the effort. To be fully committed to a LIFE change. </div><div><br></div><div>So why do I keep looking back with trepidation? Why must this be a constant battle? I thought I had fully turned this situation over to God, but I apparently keep grabbing on to it. That frustrates me even more! Anyway, I'm not going back, so I must look that way! Needed this reminder this evening. Thankful that God is faithful even when I stumble!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uP1jfrVSj6w/VUbdsXex48I/AAAAAAAAIzU/hAnX4w8--pE/s640/blogger-image--1049723065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uP1jfrVSj6w/VUbdsXex48I/AAAAAAAAIzU/hAnX4w8--pE/s640/blogger-image--1049723065.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-64009133066096451832015-04-21T19:10:00.000-05:002015-04-21T19:11:09.462-05:00What a Pain!<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Literally. Three and a half weeks ago, I started experiencing a pretty intense pain directly under my <a href="http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/xiphoid+process" target="_blank">xiphoid process</a>. For those of us who have gone through this, we KNOW when something is abnormal. This certainly felt abnormal. It was <i>almost </i>as painful as when I had gall bladder attacks. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I did what any normal person does now and consulted Dr. Google. (Don't do this people...really!!!) </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't really come to any definite conclusion. I narrowed it down to two possibilities...one was an internal hernia and the other... well, let me back up a bit.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About two months ago (maybe longer) I got on a kick of eating <a href="http://www.ro-tel.com/" target="_blank">Rotel </a>tomatoes for lunch. That's it. Like it was tomato soup or something...just spicy. Multiple times per week. I like tomatoes. They're healthy, right? Plus, I had gotten into a really bad habit of drinking waaaaaaaaaaaaay to much coffee. (yes, I admit it) CME tried to warn me - but of course I know better, right? After all, I've had no complications from this surgery. <i>MD</i> took me off Prilosec. I'm fine. I'm nearly 3 years post-op. Pshaw! I'll eat my Rotel and drink my coffee.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But the pain didn't go away, though it did subside if I ate. Two things here...I was eating more frequently to try to avoid the pain (aka consuming more than I should) and I was trying to mask the problem. I'm a smart person...yet wow can I ignore tell-tale signs! So, as I was tired of being in pain I decided to take my hubby's advice and I wound up buying some Prilosec OTC. I know it takes a while to work, but after 3 days...pain free! So can you guess what I may have been suffering from? I'm still guessing, but if there is a clearer indication of an <b>ulcer </b>forming I don't know what it is.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've stopped the Rotel and have cut back on coffee - about 1/2 what I was consuming. I've been pain free for almost a week now. I called <i>bariatric center</i> today and <i>MD</i> has called in a new Rx for Prilosec. He wants me to take 2/day until I see him next month for my 3 year post-op. Standard questions were asked: Consuming alcohol? Nope. Smoking/tobacco? Definitely NO! Advil/Motrin/NSAIDs? Nope. He did mention it's not common to have an ulcer this far out - but I really do believe I did it myself. Not because of the pouch. Heck, a normal stomach might have a problem trying to handle what I was doing!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I live and learn. Now to shed the 6 lbs I gained in those weeks I was eating more than I should have to try to avoid the pain. Consequences of my bad judgement, but still not defined by it!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thankful that I am aware of what's going on in my body and even though I can be stubborn at times, I do learn. Thankful for CME who speaks medically sound advice to me so I don't freak out by Dr. Google's diagnosis! Thankful for the minor issue that makes me even more aware of the blessing I've been given through this surgery. I cannot take it for granted!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh...and hi. It's been a while! ;-)</span><br />
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<i>"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14</i>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-26901566649104402212015-02-18T20:05:00.001-06:002015-02-19T06:07:25.055-06:00Mixed Emotions"<i>You're one of the few success stories I'<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">ve seen</span></i>." That was a comment from my PCP at my annual physical earlier this month. And while it made me happy...I was also sad. Not for me, necessarily, but for the others who my PCP was referencing. She went on to tell me that most people she has seen at her office either 1) do not get to a healthy weight to begin with or 2) have significant weight gain within three years. <div><br></div><div>And that three year mark is just around the corner for me. So I had to take captive a lie satan whispered to me: "<i>You're going to hit three years and then you'll gain all that weight back again.</i>" When I say "take captive" I mean that I recognize it, call it the lie that it is and refuse to let it bounce around in my head very long. The sooner I can get rid of it the less fear it will bring me. Fear is a captor and thankfully I've been set free!!</div><div><br></div><div>And yet...I'm still saddened for the others. I truly wish people could experience the freedom of being healthy! The freedom of not letting negative thoughts about their appearance keep them from enjoying life. The freedom of actually feeling good!!!</div><div><br></div><div>This surgery has been the best thing I've done for my physical health (which in turn has significantly helped my emotional health!) and I can't imagine NOT being successful. I had enough self-doubt and condemnation that if I "failed" at this, I can only imagine the dark place I'd be in right now. I thank God that He has given me the strength and perseverance for "success" here! It truly is by His power that I have overcome the chains of obesity and self-condemnation. As I continue to seek to know Him better, I can confidently say that He will free me from other lies and baggage I've carried for years. He is faithful!!</div>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-3964243039115773362015-01-17T10:11:00.001-06:002015-01-18T08:46:56.439-06:00Time Doesn't Stop<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font>Yikes!</font><br><br><font>It’s past mid-January and I’ve not even been out to my own blog! “Milford”, as I call one of my WLS buddies, sometimes reminds me that I’ve not been keeping the world up to date on my progress. Although I have plenty of things to say - just ask CME or my children! - I just haven’t made the time to put it my thoughts down on paper. So this is one of those long get it all out posts...</font><br><br><font><b>CHRISTmas</b></font> <br><font>I can start by reporting that my focus for CHRISTmas was Christ. Yes, I enjoy the traditions of decorating (well, the decorations at least) and the Christmas music, gift giving, etc. But it’s gotten so out of control in a lot of cases and I feel like The GIFT of CHRISTmas is an afterthought for many. There are things I’d redo this year if I could, but in general I stayed in the word and in the reason we even celebrate. My church had an <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">11pm</a> candlelight service for the first time – and it was packed! We’ve always had afternoon/early evening services, but the <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">11pm</a> was new. Can I just say that it was probably the highlight of my Christmas Eve? I truly felt as if I was preparing my heart for the coming of the King! Oh…and food? Yeah, it was good. I didn’t over indulge and I didn’t ‘focus’ on it. I did make cookies with my sons and my precious g-baby! I had forgotten what it was like to make decorated sugar cookies with a two year old! We did great until I ‘firmly’ said, “That’s enough cookies! You’re going to get sick…” A small meltdown and a big hug session later and we were all good again.</font> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CXt8XBEySrk/VLqRx5FvqLI/AAAAAAAAIks/VwmZyfLwWRE/s640/blogger-image-963081636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CXt8XBEySrk/VLqRx5FvqLI/AAAAAAAAIks/VwmZyfLwWRE/s640/blogger-image-963081636.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KMZh3RVZ3ao/VLqRvsOPLqI/AAAAAAAAIkk/AY49BjKoj_w/s640/blogger-image--1610166336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KMZh3RVZ3ao/VLqRvsOPLqI/AAAAAAAAIkk/AY49BjKoj_w/s640/blogger-image--1610166336.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nk9e5x-Iiy8/VLqSEypfEdI/AAAAAAAAIk8/hePCuLW5CCk/s640/blogger-image--615579101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nk9e5x-Iiy8/VLqSEypfEdI/AAAAAAAAIk8/hePCuLW5CCk/s640/blogger-image--615579101.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rAxL0ccBJHM/VLqSC18I8CI/AAAAAAAAIk0/FI7o-W54ku8/s640/blogger-image--448802960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rAxL0ccBJHM/VLqSC18I8CI/AAAAAAAAIk0/FI7o-W54ku8/s640/blogger-image--448802960.jpg"></a></div><br><font><b>DIY</b></font> <br><font>An interesting thing happened on CHRISTmas Day. And I use the word interesting lightly...<i>very </i>lightly! Long story short is that we had a major plumbing issue that required us to completely replace the pipe from the outside of our home to the septic tank. It's winter. It's cold. Ground is frozen. Pipes are filled with tree roots (and the obvious other 'matter'). Did I mention it's cold and the ground is frozen? Regardless... after MANY days of lots of family hard work. We did it. There were two days that I had to make frequent trips to one of two different gas stations because the bathroom pipes led to the ditch we were digging. But two days is nothing, right? On the upside, even though NONE of us wanted to be doing such a nasty job, it did occur to me more than once that I physically was able to be out there helping - digging, swinging a pick axe, chopping thick tree roots with a hatchet. Yes, I was sore, but I was doing it. Not sure I would have (or could have) done those same tasks just a few short years ago. So I say, Thank you God for making it possible for me to do this crappy job! </font></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UzdEHCWFocQ/VLqTUEJGNaI/AAAAAAAAIlI/3ZiZDykRHLo/s640/blogger-image--1497119376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UzdEHCWFocQ/VLqTUEJGNaI/AAAAAAAAIlI/3ZiZDykRHLo/s640/blogger-image--1497119376.jpg"></a></div> <br><br><font><b>Fixing What's Broken</b></font> <br><font>Before I ever started this journey, I made a promise to my friend L. She told me that she would only support my WLS decision if I promised to take care of the emotional and spiritual side of me as well. And though I've done that through the classes and support groups that <i>bariatric center</i> provided, I'd not really dug <b>deep</b> into matters of the heart, mind and spirit. Not until recently. A precious, God-filled, Spirit-led friend of mine is helping me look back at my life and identify key events that shaped my thoughts, my life, my weight. Sometimes it's easy to key-in on a specific detail while other times I feel like I'm totally clueless as to where God is taking me. Subconsciously even, I think I resist going to places I don't want to address. I've made strides in forgiveness during this process. Forgiving people from my past, forgiving people in my life now, and forgiving myself. I've had to be totally repentant of believing the lies I've been told...rather than believing what God has to say about me. This process has been both humbling and freeing. I'm so thankful for my friend C and her desire to help others find restoration for their lives! God bless her calling!!!</font> <br><br><b>First Impressions</b><br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font>Without going into too much detail because this blog is open to the world, I had a moment recently when I was reminded that people <i style="font-weight: bold;">are</i> judged by first impressions - by the way we look. It's so unfair and those impressions can be overcome (as this one was) but to see it play out makes me sad. I found myself wondering what this same person thought about me in past. And then I found myself wondering...almost projecting my own past emotions on others I see. <i>"Are they sad? Have they endured the ridicule I did? Have they ever considered WLS?" </i> Equally not fair of me to have those "first thoughts" but it is reality. I pray God continues to grow me to the point where I'm not judging strangers - even though I've thought mine was coming from empathy. Lord give me your eyes!!</font></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font><br></font></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font><b>Enough</b></font> <br>In my time with C, part of the process is allowing God to speak into my life. Recently He gave me the word "enough" which is interesting to me. </span>I've struggled for years thinking I wasn't "enough"...not smart enough, not pretty enough, not thin enough, not (adjective) enough... Truth of the matter is, I AM enough because of who I am in Christ! I am made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) therefore I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). He loves me unconditionally to the point that while I am far from perfect and still a sinner Christ died for me (Romans 5:8). And I am enough because He chose me! (John 15:16) Trying to absorb this truth as I continue my life as His child! Trying to listen to Him and hold tight to knowing that Christ is enough for me!! When my focus stays on Him, I can face each day from a place of victory...no matter what life tries to put in my way!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0TfdTanAaaM/VLqTWVun96I/AAAAAAAAIlQ/7W5kwTWxiEw/s640/blogger-image-1175631367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0TfdTanAaaM/VLqTWVun96I/AAAAAAAAIlQ/7W5kwTWxiEw/s640/blogger-image-1175631367.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><b>My Journey</b></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As my friend recently said,"my journey...is my journey." And he is so right. The farther out from surgery, the easier it is to let old habits creep back in. It's not like I'm not aware of them; for me it's that I'm just not as disciplined as immediately post-surgery. I even told CME last week that I noticed I had let my portion sizes get out of control. Not that I was binging or way overeating, but I knew I was consuming more than I needed to. Stating that out loud to him, freed me from what felt like a "secret". That may sound silly, but satan uses those "secrets" to try to lure me back to a dark place. Exposing them is part of my accountability. Weight wise I still could shed 10-15 pounds and be at a good spot. I'm not "working" to do that but I am definitely needing to weigh daily and not put any weight back on! I may ask for new scales for my birthday! Ha!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So there's a snapshot of what's happened and what's going on. God continues to groom me in all areas of my life and this journey has brought me so much closer to Him! May I continue to let Him work in and through me...even when it takes me to uncomfortable places!!!<br><br><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><br><br></b></font></span></div></div>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-62744252177274078322014-11-29T19:22:00.001-06:002014-11-29T19:22:07.465-06:00FocusSome days I focus on the wrong things. Today, I saw a video of me dancing with my gbaby on Thanksgiving and immediately focused on the way I looked. I saw things I didn't like at all. Bending over causes the extra skin and still some remaining excess weight to bulge over my jeans waistband. I am not happy about that at all. <div><br></div><div>What's worse? I lost the focus of the moment. At that moment, my gbaby, my sister and I were being super silly all excited about the little bit of snow that was falling. We were laughing and just enjoying the moment. It was good. </div><div><br></div><div>And yet, I let the visual I saw change my focus! Ugh!! Now to do my best and not totally dwell on the visual, but instead focus on the memory of the giggles and our happy little snow dance. </div>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-14013973672226090832014-11-28T10:26:00.001-06:002014-11-28T10:26:49.310-06:00So Thankful<div><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I</font><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> try to have a thankful heart all the time, but I’d be lying if there weren’t days when I’m so consumed with all that’s happening in life and in the world that I forget to just stop and say thanks to those who have been such an important part of my life. Though yesterday was Thanksgiving, I want this blog entry to be a thank you and a reflection of what I’m most thankful for on any given day.</font><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br><font>First, I am so incredibly thankful for <b>CME</b>. He has been my biggest supporter – not just through this weight loss surgery, but in every day life. He works so incredibly hard to provide for our family – taking on two jobs, working long hours (sometimes up 24+ hours with no sleep) and holidays when the rest of us are enjoying time off with family and friends. I probably don’t tell him often enough, “Thank you.” I probably don’t tell him often enough, “I am so proud of you.” I probably don’t tell him often enough, “You are a great husband and father.” I probably don’t tell him often enough how thankful I am to be his wife. I truly am incredibly thankful to be Mrs. CME!</font> <br><br><font>I am thankful for my daughters and sons. When I had my firstborn back in 1984, I had no idea how to be a parent. I was just a kid myself. I made many mistakes in how I raised my daughters, yet they have turned out to be amazing and successful young women. They bless me with affirmation that even though I could have done things differently, I raised them to be respectful and loving adults. I am thankful for their love and the relationships we have as mom/daughters. I'm thankful for sons-in-law that truly care about and love my daughters. I'm thankful for my g-baby and all the joy and laughter she brings to our family! For my boys? I’m still making mistakes, but hopefully not the same ones. I’m thankful that I have the kind of relationship with each of them that I can have very frank conversations and know that they love me, even if they’re not too happy with me. But as with my girls, they are kind and generous and loving. As I guide them through this last stretch of their teen years, I pray that I can be a parent that gives them the shepherding they need while at the same time let them flourish and become their own person. For all my children, I pray they continue to seek God’s best for their lives and that they fully <i>understand</i> and accept the love that Jesus has for each of them.</font> <br><br><font>I am thankful for my parents and my sister and her family along with my extended family (in-laws). Too often I can take it too lightly that I have another day with both my parents. As we all age, I look and see that each and every day with them is a blessing to not take lightly. Yesterday as I was praying for our meal and time together, God spoke very clearly to me about His blessing of family. My brother-in-law survived a massive heart attack. My mom’s thyroid nodules were benign. My father-in-law’s seizures weren’t caused by a cancerous brain tumor! No major issues with my Dad or sister; though general health could be better for both. I have a GREAT relationship with my mother-in-law, which is truly a gift from God! CME’s Grampa and Gramma are still relatively healthy and it’s great to see pictures of them even if we can’t get up to visit often. We don’t see much of our Michigan family, but I am thankful for ALL of them (aunts/uncles/sisters/nieces/cousins included.) We also spent the afternoon with a family friend who just buried her husband on Tuesday. Her Thanksgiving was hard. Her grief, though hidden most of the time, was real. I was reminded that Jesus understands grief. He wept when He saw the pain and sadness of Lazarus’ family and friends – even though He knew that He was going to bring Lazarus back from the dead. He understood what the family was feeling. He understood that the family unit is to be a blessing and a reason to give thanks. I am thankful for family.</font><br><br><font>I am thankful for the friends (sisters and brothers in Christ) who have poured into my life and spiritual growth over the years…too many of them to name, but you know who you are! THANK YOU! I praise God every time I think of you! (<b>MB</b> – this includes you!!!)</font> <br><br><font>I am thankful for the International Students I get the honor and privilege of being around on a semi-regular basis! They bring a new understanding to me about people and culture and family. I feel like God has blessed me with the opportunity to see the world through their eyes! I love them all and am thankful that I get to be a small part of their lives. </font><br><br><font>I am thankful for the staff at <i>bariatric center </i>who guided me through the process - to help me not only lose weight, but to learn about taking care of my body and health. Yesterday my oldest daughter, oldest son and I spent our morning at the Turkey Day 5K. I like this new tradition that started last year because it is a way to keep me thankful that I <b>can </b>participate in these. Three years ago, I’m not sure if I could have even finished. But because of God giving me the courage and strength and help from <i>bariatric center,</i> I can…and I do. And I am thankful for this blessing…no matter how sore my legs are the next day!</font><br><br><font>Most of all, I am thankful for what Jesus did on the cross for me. I am not worthy of His sacrifice. I could never do enough to earn the grace He so freely gives me. May I NEVER forget to be thankful for that!</font> <br><br><font>So yes, I have a lot to be thankful for. A lot to reflect on. I will continue to have a thankful heart and I hope everyone who is a part of my life knows that you are important to me. YOU are the blessings I am most thankful for on this earth!</font> </span><br><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PipX_Ku7fiQ/VHiiK_GzicI/AAAAAAAAIY4/CjxtR8Vw8AI/s640/blogger-image-1589233073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PipX_Ku7fiQ/VHiiK_GzicI/AAAAAAAAIY4/CjxtR8Vw8AI/s640/blogger-image-1589233073.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KTFU2Zgorac/VHiiRrsx_eI/AAAAAAAAIZY/oV2JPdKlT5c/s640/blogger-image-1694923865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KTFU2Zgorac/VHiiRrsx_eI/AAAAAAAAIZY/oV2JPdKlT5c/s640/blogger-image-1694923865.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JRPpepTsJGw/VHiiFtxSzyI/AAAAAAAAIYg/ocR981nSeb8/s640/blogger-image-2031321218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JRPpepTsJGw/VHiiFtxSzyI/AAAAAAAAIYg/ocR981nSeb8/s640/blogger-image-2031321218.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dLt13GVfYJA/VHiiOQsisBI/AAAAAAAAIZI/7EW8FyIkLME/s640/blogger-image--542357091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dLt13GVfYJA/VHiiOQsisBI/AAAAAAAAIZI/7EW8FyIkLME/s640/blogger-image--542357091.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AZwT7uHapZ8/VHiiMZOvS7I/AAAAAAAAIZA/JBADAT9OUto/s640/blogger-image--1093434430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AZwT7uHapZ8/VHiiMZOvS7I/AAAAAAAAIZA/JBADAT9OUto/s640/blogger-image--1093434430.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5lnDOiFfKV4/VHiiJMetdOI/AAAAAAAAIYw/V18XdJzLnSE/s640/blogger-image-1152156978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5lnDOiFfKV4/VHiiJMetdOI/AAAAAAAAIYw/V18XdJzLnSE/s640/blogger-image-1152156978.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fElGfqqZSLo/VHiiQOW9jxI/AAAAAAAAIZQ/AJzcq3SIQEE/s640/blogger-image--1372705806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fElGfqqZSLo/VHiiQOW9jxI/AAAAAAAAIZQ/AJzcq3SIQEE/s640/blogger-image--1372705806.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Zoe5t8oIwr8/VHiiHvDJu7I/AAAAAAAAIYo/2DlYdQ3CVFI/s640/blogger-image-1663764004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Zoe5t8oIwr8/VHiiHvDJu7I/AAAAAAAAIYo/2DlYdQ3CVFI/s640/blogger-image-1663764004.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></span></div>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-84991721023822960362014-11-06T12:51:00.001-06:002014-11-06T12:51:04.638-06:00What's Your Sign?No, I don't mean zodiac...I mean, what is a telltale sign that your body is full? I have an "indicator" and a full out "yep! I'm done!"<div><br></div><div>My indicator is that the more food I eat the more my nose runs. Gross? Yes. True though. And my telltale sign? A hiccup. Even if I have eaten too fast and don't feel full yet, my body will hiccup when it's had enough. Sometimes I don't feel full, but realize that proportionally I should be done...so I wait. I wait for the inevitable hiccup. It comes! It always does!</div><div><br></div><div>It's funny how God wires us, isn't it? And then when we re-wire our bodies through RNY, He still uses His design to speak to us. I still struggle with listening some days, but I am thankful I've been able to figure out this signal. </div><div><br></div><div>So, w<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">hat's <b><i>your</i></b> sign?</span></div>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337521284742502897.post-83556429993575757372014-10-30T12:36:00.001-05:002014-10-30T12:36:12.307-05:00Can I Claim it as a Sabbatical?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Yes, I know. It has been a long time since I've been here. I've actually had a couple of people even mentioned to me that I need to blog again…(Hi Milford!)</span></div><div><br></div><div>As with everyone, life has been extremely busy and I haven't <b>made</b> the time to declutter my brain. But here's a snippet of these past three months:</div><div><br></div><div>- School started for our sophomore and eighth grade sons</div><div>- Went to GenCon with CME and the boys </div><div>- Unexpected trip to Grand Rapids for a family emergency - father-in-law had major seizures due to a benign (Praise God!) brain tumor</div><div>- Side trip to Traverse City with CME</div><div>- Girls weekend in Bloomington IN/Brown County with my daughters and g-baby</div><div>- Had out of town visitors over (people we met via Instagram!)</div><div>- Got to spend time with some of my international children </div><div>- Helped friends prepare for a moving sale</div><div>- Taught a new section of a class at church </div><div>- Traveled to Denver for a conference</div><div>- Attended a wedding my g-baby was in</div><div>- Had family photos taken</div><div>- Moved my friends 8 hours away. (So glad CME can drive a box truck!)</div><div><br></div><div>Add in every day work/life events with active kids and my self-named sabbatical doesn't seem like one at all! Just from blogging, I suppose. </div><div><br></div><div>Other than all that, life is good. I need to buy a good scale to keep my weight in perspective and under control. I am responsible for maintaining the healthy life I've been given! Gauging my weight by how I think I look in clothes or if they seem loose/tight won't cut it. I need to see a number. End of story. </div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, here's a re-start...and I'll try to do better going forward. </div><div><br></div><div>Til next time...May God bless you and guide you in your journey! He <b>will</b> if you let Him!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zjvKUmS0vOI/VFJ3ClfJi8I/AAAAAAAAIX4/5CUq2tt_Vyw/s640/blogger-image-1980334155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zjvKUmS0vOI/VFJ3ClfJi8I/AAAAAAAAIX4/5CUq2tt_Vyw/s640/blogger-image-1980334155.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-74NZne8NW00/VFJ2xkXeAlI/AAAAAAAAIXY/_VYQjTgxevY/s640/blogger-image-443576473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-74NZne8NW00/VFJ2xkXeAlI/AAAAAAAAIXY/_VYQjTgxevY/s640/blogger-image-443576473.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-17dtwREzBIs/VFJ2vvoDN_I/AAAAAAAAIXQ/ucIjJlfnC2g/s640/blogger-image-2062314404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-17dtwREzBIs/VFJ2vvoDN_I/AAAAAAAAIXQ/ucIjJlfnC2g/s640/blogger-image-2062314404.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JtgmWvHVToA/VFJ2zfJC94I/AAAAAAAAIXg/Hra5J32LyqE/s640/blogger-image--1814367093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JtgmWvHVToA/VFJ2zfJC94I/AAAAAAAAIXg/Hra5J32LyqE/s640/blogger-image--1814367093.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hszPElRgoSE/VFJ21gLcpTI/AAAAAAAAIXo/6GxgBcd316I/s640/blogger-image-951338439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hszPElRgoSE/VFJ21gLcpTI/AAAAAAAAIXo/6GxgBcd316I/s640/blogger-image-951338439.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-94gMDZHg3jM/VFJ3AlAnx-I/AAAAAAAAIXw/_Q39xMuUP34/s640/blogger-image-118074892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-94gMDZHg3jM/VFJ3AlAnx-I/AAAAAAAAIXw/_Q39xMuUP34/s640/blogger-image-118074892.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div>Deedrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02337766339795274827noreply@blogger.com0