Busy weekend...

We had a busy weekend. We went to our good friend Becky's wedding. She is Jason's old college roommate's sis. We saw some old friends. The wedding was beautiful and a fun time was had by all.

Daddy put together Luke's new "Pomas" the train set and he loves it. Also, daddy got the new bike trailer put together and the two had fun riding around the neighborhood. GranDee stayed over the weekend and played trains with Luke. He loves his GranDee.

Well, enjoy the pic's....

Food....friends....fun!

We had a good dinner tonite with Miss Tammy.

We were serenaded by Luke's chopstix drum solo on the table. Yes, always an adventure traveling with a 2 yr. old. It was so great to see Blueeyes and get to catch up. See ya. Sat. girlie.

LukeJaya....Beseme Mucho..

Okay, NO MORE VOTES for Sanjaya. Our newest contestant is LukeJaya....

He's quite the singer and I promise he won't wear hot pants or sing like Michael Jackson.

To vote dial 1-888-VOTE-LUKE.

Thank you for doing your part to oust Sanjaya.

Tools glorious tools...

Lukey helped Daddy fix his "bi-kick-le" tonite. See...he was a whiz with the screwdriver. Must be all those episodes of Handy Manny he's watched.

Dental maintenance...

Old pic...too cute to not paste (no pun intended)

The boy loves to brush his "teef" as he calls them.

He now has a new and improved "Mater" toothbrush from the Cars movie. I guess that and the fact that he gets to stand on his stool and play in the water is what motivates him to keep brushing.

He has straight baby teeth so I'm hoping when his permanents come in they wil be straight too. That would save a lot on ortho bills....

P.S. I don't want to hear any comments from Auntie regarding dentists, dental cleanings, going to the dentist, frequency of visits. You know I HATE going. I'm aware of it's necessity though.

Got Endoscopy???

I did yesterday. The results, no more stomach holes, stent came out and I'm feeling much better other than a sore throat and jaw.

Thank you Jesus for your healing in my body. I pray that you will continue to making eating an easier process.

Also, thank you to my sweet husband who was there when they wheeled me in to surgery and was there when I got out. It was very reassuring to see your sweet face.

I believe I'm officially done with all my surgeries now. No more visits scheduled for Baylor Hospital. Praise The LORD!!!

Thank you to all of you who've been praying for me. I was very anxious about this procedure since it was the 5th time I've had it done. God is faithful and I just kept reciting that verse in Ephesians that says: "whatever is good, pure, etc..think on these things".

Love ya'll,
Heather

Busted....

Today was full of challenges for me with Luke. Daddy was in Boston on a business trip and Luke had his little "mommy is alone" radar on which he proceeded to use to his advantage.

He wouldn't listen to anything I said today unless I said it 5 times. This morning he squirted my expensive Arbonne skin lotion all over the bath tub. He proceeded to drool/spit water all over his new polo Easter shirt. He proudly then told me, "I spit", "I spit". To which I respond, "I spank", "I spank".

Then, this evening after his "baff" (bath) after I'd told him 3 times to stop jumping up and down and even gave him a spanking while he was in the tub he jumped up hit my bottom lip which went up into my front tooth, so now I have a busted lip and a blood mark where the blood has come to the surface. Lovely huh!

Needless to say, I put him to bed promptly at 8 p.m. We did not pass GO and we did not collect $200. I'm sure some of you mom's will understand my dilemma from today. Do you keep yelling and spanking your kid for the same thing over and over or is there a point where they finally get it and just do as their told.

Calgon...take me away. I'm tired and ready for Daddy to be home. His plane has landed and he's on his way, thank the Lord. Tomorrow is mom time at church where we'll be making an Easter craft and Luke can play with his church friends as he calls them. I need a kid break. How did Jason do this for 8 wks. by himself....I'm starting to wonder how he still has his sanity. No pic's to share today as I couldn't get monkey to slow down for even a minute to snap any.

Heather

Major milestone reached today....

Okay, I did debate on whether to post this information and thought what the heck go ahead. Today I visited my weight loss Dr. for a check up. I have reached a major milestone that I would like to share with you because it really is incredible. Are you ready?

For the first time in 13-14 years I am below 200 lbs. I will not say exactly how far below but as of today I have officially lost 70 lbs. post op. This is a huge accomplishment for me which has come at a great cost. I am happy nonetheless (is that a word).

I was also blessed with 3 trash bags full of clothes that my good friend has outgrown now that she's lost 25 lbs. For those of you who know me know that I'm not a big clothes shopper. Partly because when I used to shop for clothes nothing would ever fit me and I'd get frustrated. That's probably why I like shoes and purses, they always fit. Needless to say when you go down 4 sizes it does present a problem. Jason has been bugging me to get some new clothes because nothing fits me in my closet. I've picked up a few new pieces here and there, but thanks to my friend I have a whole new wardrobe. Thanks LaNae.

I'm getting so excited to see my sis and my niece in May. I can hardly wait to hold my sweet Emery baby for the first time. If you'll remember the hospital wouldn't let me go in to the NICU when she was there. Only parents and grandparents were allowed, oh AND their pastor (I'm still a little bitter about that one since I think I should have been let in too--Oh well rules are rules and they're there to protect the babies so I understand).

In other news Luke informed me this morning that he wanted chips for breakfast. Where he got that I don't know it was so random. Also, yest. he had his shirt off and he was playing with his boobies. I said, "What are you doing playing with your boobies?" He said, "Doofies". So, his man breasts are officially called "Doofies". How masculine huh. Too funny.

Trina....get those shower pic's posted on your blog...I will cut you some slack since you're still on vacation.

Tammy--Let's make some plans for a get together next week some time. I miss you so much.

In other news...today I have confirmed my appt. to have my stomach stent removed on April 9. Please pray that the hole that was in my stomach is healed so that the removal is possible. I'm suffering severe acid reflux from this darn thing being in here.

That's about it. We're getting rain which is much needed. Thank you Jesus for the rain.

I also want to thank Jesus for all of the great friends he's blessed me with. I have an abundance of true prayer warrior friends. You know who you are and I love you immensely.

Tah Tah For Now,
Heather

Doodlebop watching with McQueen...

Ok, I don't need to be reminded of how much of a blogger disgrace I've been lately. I am going to try and be more regular ok Tammy, Trina, Brooke and Patty! Cut an invalid a little slack. I can't sit very long at my stool where my laptop is on the bar that's why I've been negligent. But I'll stop making excuses now.

Here is a picture of Luke from this mornings Doodlebop watching with his "choc milk" and Lightening McQueen toy from the movie Cars.

We're all doing well here. I'm recouping slowly but surely. Please continue to pray as the pain is tolerable, but still exists. I really want to see the day when I don't think about it at all. I know it's coming.

Patty--Brooke's looking fwd. to meeting you when she arrives in May.

Tammy--Sorry I've been a sucky friend by not posting or calling lately. I miss you too.

Trina--You looked so great on Sun. I've never wanted to go to a baby shower more than yours. I love you.

Well...gonna run and get some breakfast made and take all my pills.

Will post again soon...maybe tomorrow!

Heather

Yogurt mustache

The boy loves cox....I mean socks...

Ok, the boy loves socks. Anyone's socks his socks, mommies socks, daddies socks (which pretty much look like shin guards when he pulls them all the way up).

It's been a long week. We must have watched Toy Story 2 a least 30 times. That is always Luke's request from sun up to sun down, "Wanna watch Buzz!"

Since mommy is still on her long road to recouperation I oblige. Buzz takes baths with Luke. Woody sleeps with Luke and occassionally I'll catch Luke putting on a "Piper" (diaper) on Buzz. Too funny. It keeps him occupied while I'm working through my funk. This week Luke destroyed his book shelf in the game room by topping it over so it's in the trash and all the buckets of books now line the floor. I'm telling ya someone get him a bookshelf.

All in all, it's been a good week. Luke has only broken a few small toys which he's been made to toss in the trash when he breaks them. He says bye bye toy when he has to toss it. I don't think he gets the concept of it not coming back because afterwards he says, "It went night night." Ah yes, the eternal night night. Ya gotta love this boy. Well I was just up taking some pain med's now that it's settled into my stomach I'm back off to sleep.

Later taters.

Ode to my sweet Valentines

Hello friends, it's been quite a long time since I've updated (I had good excuses though!)

So much has happened in the last 8 wks. I won't bore you with the details. I want to say thank you to Jesus for saving my life. To all who prayed, watched Luke, made meals, sent cards, visited the hospital I will be eternally grateful for your kindness.

To my sweet husband Jason, I know there were times when you were stretched way beyond the breaking point balancing everything with work, home, Luke, childcare, etc. I just want you to know how proud I am of you. You exceeded my expectations in every way.

God taught me many things while I was "incarcerated" at Baylor. One of the most important things He taught me was how blessed I am to be married to such a Godly man. You will never know how deep my love for you flows. I am thankful for every second I can spend with you. I never tire of being with you and doing things for you. You truly complete me. Hopefully next Valentine's day will be much better than this latest one with me on one couch recouping and you with the flu on the other couch. Poor Luke, there's only so many times you can watch Toy Story 2 in one day.

Dearest Luke, my other sweet little valentine. You are an amazing little boy. I never could have imagined that I could love someone as much as I love you. You are really growing up. You talk in complete sentences can do small tasks like put on your socks, clean up your room, throw trash away, run the vcr, put dirty clothes in the hamper and fetch mommy diapers and wipees. God has blessed you with a smart little mind. I know that He has something very special planned for your life. I know it was hard being away from mommy for 8 weeks. Just know that I missed you dearly and would cry everytime you and Daddy would leave from visiting. You and Daddy are my soul, my everything.

I love you both from the deepest depths of my heart.

Heather aka...Mommy

P.S. This picture was taken Sun. of Jason and I before we went to our church Valentine's Banquet. For those who haven't seen me I've changed quite alot. I'm down 55 lbs. now. Yippee!

You can eat crackers in my bed any time...

Ok Jason brought his laptop up to Baylor today. I just had to post these pictures from Luke's stay yest. with Lauren. If these aren't the funniest pic's I don't know what are. We better be careful here in about 12 years. Oh, and in regards to my progress I'm still kicking. Hope to be soon. Please keep praying mainly for my partially collapsed lung to heal. I've had a chest tube draining fluid for a week now. KEEP PRAYING! Thanks. Heather

One step fwd...two steps back...

HiYa'll...
Here's the latest. Primary Dr. did blood work and chest xray. I have fluid in my lungs but not enough to be classfied as pneumonia. But enough for me to have labored breathing so I'm back on oxygen again. He referred me to a Pulmonologist also. He also questioned why my spleen was not removed when the Dr. went in to "clean out the infection". I'm thinking that this might be next step because I'm still in so much pain to be a month out on all of this. I've finised 4 bottles of Hydrocodone (don't worry I'm taking as directed as to not get addicted.) So, from here my Vascular Surgeon wants to check the filter he put in my groin the day my spleen surgery took place and I cannot find a Dr. who will even touch me about the existent spleen pain. Looks like I'm going to snuff it up and go back to the same medical group who messed this all up in the first place. I am going to request a partner take a look at me this time. I cannot stomach (no pun intended) seeing the previous Dr. who's almost killed me twice. Long story short, I am still in quite a bit of pain and am still needing help with most simple things. Thank you Jesus for my husband, family and friends. Luke is doing good he just doesn't understand when mommies boo boo is going away and he thinks popcicles are mommies medicine. More when I know more. I'm currently in a non talking mode because it takes so much energy and breath to say much if you could respect that for me right now, I'll try to keep this blog updated.

Thanks,
Heather

Feeling lots better...

I'm finally starting to come around. Sat. I actually got out to go look at Christmas lights albeit in my pj's, robe and slippers but at least I got out of the house for an hour.

Christmas Eve we spent with Jason's family (our tradition) and today we'll spend with my family. Wish we could all be together this year but maybe next year.

I'm up in the middle of the night to take my pain med's and to walk a little bit. If I stay on my med. schedule it's amazing how much less pain I have to deal with.

Luke is so excited to open up his present that Grandee put in the big "Santa Cwaus" sack. He got lots of neat stuff at Nana and Poppa's. It was so funny he didn't want to sit and open his presents he wanted to pass them out to everyone. It was too funny. That boy is just the most precious little angel. He's into repeating everything you say. He always goes to the pantry and gets out the mac n cheese box an says, "Mac n cheese yeah, wanna hold it, Lukey's box, it's mine". Just little things like that are so precious. We're savoring every minute. He also likes to look at mommy's boo boo belly. Then he wants to look at daddy's boo boo belly which he does not have. Then he wants to show you Lukey's boo boo belly. I don't think he totally get's it. He does know not to climb on mommy's lap because "Mommy's sick" "boo boo belly". I love that boy.

All in all, I'm on the up and up....regaining strength slowly but surely. I have a Dr's appt. with my regular primary Dr. on Tues. to do bloodwork to get my blood sugars under control again. The hospital never put me back on my med. to keep my sugars low and it's wreaked havoc on my body. Don't even get me started on the list of deficiencies I can cite for Baylor Hospital Dallas. Another day, another conversation.

Well...hope you and your's have a very Merry Christmas. Thank you Jesus I'm home from the hospital during this holiday. I pray for all of those who aren't and for those who are lonely, sad and have no one to spend this special day with. Please comfort them and ease their pain. I know that there are lots of people hurting out there that we just pass right by every day. Touch them in a special way.

Counting my Christmas blessings.

Heather

Greetings from getting better-ville..

Had an enormous breakthrough yest. The grape flavor that I was having added to my pain med. is chock full of sugar which is why I've been SO lethargic because my sugars were 208 when I awoke yest. So, I had a new prescription filled sans grape and it makes a HUGE difference in the way I feel. I am trying to be semi active today....definition: laps from front door to back door several times throughout the day to rebuilt stamina and lung capacity. I think I'm on the up and up. By no means am I up to par, but I keep quoting the verse, "I can do all things thru God who strengthens me".....Please pray my spleen would stop hurting that's what really pains me these days. More later, gotta go walk. P.S. Luke's tests came back negative for RSV, Praise God!

Another day..another bit better

Still in pain, but taking my med's. I'm slowly making progress. Night time is hard because I have to sit straight up to sleep. Not real comfortable, but I'm making it. The oxygen is helping a lot, I get short of breath when I get up and move around just because I've been so homebound. It's nice to have that stomach tube out. Thanks for all of you who are continuously praying. Please keep em' coming. My insides have been feeling better. The only thing that that consistently hurts is my spleen/diaphragm area. When I cough it just strains it more. Please pray for that pain to go away. Tired and must go sit down now. Thanks friends/family for your help and prayers.

Heather

It's been a crazy rollercoaster...

Here's the latest. I'm still very weak, try to use my oxygen whenever I can. It just makes my breathing easier. In minimal pain because I'm staying on my pain med. schedule. I got my stomach tube out today, praise God. I've lost 23 lbs. already since my surgery (per the Dr's scale today). Please pray for strength for me and for Luke's tests today to come back negative for RSV. Nana took him to the Dr. for me and they did chest xrays etc....I'm praying my boy is not sick, he hasn't been feeling well these past few days. Sorry if I still haven't returned your phone call, I just don't have the energy to talk these days. Never thought I'd say that. It takes ALOT out of me to carry on a conversation because of my oxygen issues. Yest. I had to go down the big Baylor and have a doppler on my arm because it was hurting. Sure enough, I have another clot. It is in such a small vein both my Dr's. have said it's nothing to worry about. But it hurts, so please pray for that. I'm starting back with my 81 mg. aspirin a day as per my gastric Dr.'s instruction. That should help with all this clotting business. I wish I had some better news, but this is what our worlds been like for 3 wks now. It can always be worse...I've been worse. I'm trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel and keep things simple and pray for God's healing. Please pray with me. Thanks.

It's been a blur....easier to type than talk.

Hello friends...it's been awhile I know. That's because I had some life-threatening complications post gastric surgery on Nov29. I ended up having a pulmonary embolism, abcessed spleen and raging subsequent infection in my body. I've never in my life been in so much pain as I've been for the last 8 days. I've been hospitalized since Dec 5, until 1am this morning when my oxygen tank finally arrived so I could go home. To say it's been a rollercoaster is an understatement. I know that not everyone knows what all transpired and it's going to stay that way because the whole ordeal has been so tramatic for me and my degree of pain was so intense that I cannot even revisit it in my mind. I am so blessed with a great support group. Family, friends, extended church family. If people had not been praying I firmly believe I wouldn't be here right now. I know that Jesus was hearing those interceeding for me even when I could not utter any prayers. Jason's been juggling childcare for Luke every day and doing quite nicely I must say. He's sure had more of the "in sickness and in health" part to deal with with me over the last 10 years of our union. God could not have found me a more perfect match. I love you so much baby. I missed Lukey and Jason so much while being in the hospital. Because of the decreased lung capacity from the pulmonary embolism and the immobility I've had I'm home on oxygen which really helps. I also have a stomach tube that is still draining the abcess stuff. Sorry to be too graphic. I may get to a point down the road where all of this will be easier to talk about, for right now please understand if you don't get a call back right away. For one, it's hard to breathe, therefore hard to talk, plus I hate having to retell the whole story to everyone. I know you love me. Please keep praying for a speedy recovery because I'm not back up on my feet again, although so thankful to be out of Baylor Hospital. In good news...my sweet niece Em is home and is doing awesome. She's just as cute as a button. I love you sweet Em.

Heather

Greetings from Hermitville...

I need some relief from being home. I feel like a complete hermit since Wed. I've been trying to slowly call people back in between pain medication rounds. Sometimes I'm just so out of it I can't even talk. Mom is staying one more day with us so hopefully tomorrow I'll make a really quick recovery. Luke seems to not be feeling good. He's been really cranky and coughing at night. I've been giving him Triaminic cough and cold every night. Nana, I think the Dr's. office spread something to him on Fri. Mom and Jason have been taking good care of me. I've eaten more popcicles and mugs of chicken broth than I want to remember. Next week I "graduate" to mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, sugar free pudding. Whooooohooo! I'm really not hungry at all but you have to keep up your protein and carbs for energy or its not a good thing.

Guess what, my sweet niece gets to finally come home tomorrow. She's 4 lbs. 8 oz. and drinks from her bottle like a big girl. I'm so happy for my sis and Mike that they get to bring home their sweet girl after 3 mos. in the NICU. Thank you for all your prayers for sweet Emery.

Rabbit...trail...today Luke started singing a church song out of the blue we were amazed. They must have sang it this morning in church. It was Ho, Ho, Hosanna, Hah, Hah, Hallelujah, He, He, He he saved Me, I've got the joy of the Lord.

Well, my energy is out....gotta go lay down. More tomorrow.

Heather

Turkey Day pic's from the ranch...

Well friends take a good look because this is the last "fat" picture you're going to see of me. It was taken Thanksgiving Day at our families place in Martin's Mill (near Canton).

We had a good time. I also got to eat the last of a big turkey and dressing meal.

Home again, home again, jiggity jog....

I'm home from the hospital. All went well. Will post more tomorrow. Thanks for all your prayers.

Heather

Off to the hospital...

Pray for me...This is far too early to be up.

Thanks,
Heather

Here's the skinny....The Last Supper...

My surgery time has been moved to 9am tomorrow instead of 7am. Thanks for all of you who've called, emailed, told me you are going to be praying for me. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I have no hesitation whatsoever that this is the best decision for me. Tomorrow the hard part will be over and life will be forever altered--in a good way though!

I just thought ya'll would like to know what I had for "The Last Supper". I had a hankering for Schlotzky's tonight so I had their deluxe (double meat) original sandwich on sourdough with no mustard and no onion. Followed by a Sonic orange creamsicle slush. Ummmmm, Umm. Oh, I forgot I also ate a couple Keebler gingerbreadman cookies.

Tomorrow will be a new day, a new beginning. I want to thank my good friend Brenda for calling me and telling me that she is "sacrificially" going to eat a steak for me tonight, along with a baked potato loaded and a house salad with ranch dressing. So glad to see that my friends are always SO ACCOMMODATING!

Well...it's off to bed for me. 4am will come mighty early...I have to pack my overnight bag, shower, shave and paint my toenails in the morning. It's wierd not having Luke here tonight. He's staying at Poppa and Nana's for a couple days.

Thanks for your prayers. I will have Jason update this blog tomorrow and will try to keep my cell phone on in my hospital rm. if you want to call for updates.

Love to all,
Heather

The countdown begins....bye bye diabetes

In less than 24 hours my life will be forever changed. It almost seems surreal that this whole experience is ACTUALLY finally here. Insurance has agreed to cover my laparascopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery. I report to Baylor Hospital Dallas at 5am tomorrow morning with surgery scheduled for 7am.

I'm not scared, just a little concerned about adjustment to the 3 mo. post op liquid diet. No wonder people lose so much weight the first couple months. But...the best of all bye bye diabetes which is the whole reason I'm doing this surgery. I'm so thankful for being blessed with this opportunity to start my "health life" over. Ever since having Luke I've been diabetic which is not fun. I'm so looking forward to getting off my diabetes medication--SOON!

I'm very excited at all the next year will hold for me. Thank you friends and family for your ongoing support. It means a lot to me to know that people trust that I'm making the right decision for my life and family. Thank you God for bringing me through all the rigorous insurance pre-certification requirements.

It is all in God's most able hands. If you could please pray for clear mind and steady hands for Dr. Todd McCarty tomorrow. Also, if you could pray for a quick healing and recovery because a 2 1/2 yr. old doesn't understand "Mommy's Sick".

I love you all.
Heather

My Hat's..The Heather's...

Just in time for your last minute Christmas gift buying. Faith Creations, LLC has been busy crystallizing lots of hats to bring you these beautiful SWAROVSKI rhinestone ladies ball caps. I have black, pink and white. All are custom made by me with 56 Swarovski crystal rhinestone's. They are very shiny and reflect the light much better than cheaper crystal's. The cap features a velcro closure in the back so it's easy to adjust for smaller or larger heads. Each one run's $22 (tax included). Please email me if you are interested in purchasing one (or more, wink!)


Next, I must post this picture of my best friend Heather. Until now, I didn't really have a good picture of the two of us together. We are commonly referred to as The Heather's or H1 and H2 so our husbands don't get confused. I'm so glad for my good friend Heather. I can count on her for anything. She's the bestest friend in the whole wide world. Love ya Heather...

Thank you Sheri for letting me model your jewelry.

End of Nov...and still 70+ degrees...

Amazing weather here in TX. It's the end of November and it's still 70+ degrees. I officially now have 3 full days before my surgery.

I'm not scared, just thinking about how big the changes will be in my life. I know God will see me through as always. If you could pray for my surgery to go well and that I'll heal quickly.

Thanks.
Heather

What I'm thankful for...(not a comprehensive list)

This Thanksgiving I'm reflecting on the many things God has blessed me with. This by no means is a comprehensive list. Just the top things that popped in my head this Turkey Day morning. These are NOT in order of importance, rather a random grouping.

1. My salvation (ok that one IS the most important)
2. My husband and son
3. My new niece Emery Kate who is currently 4 lbs. 8 oz.--She's a miracle!
4. My family both Mine and Jason's side
5. Friends who support me and love me unconditionally. I've got a great group of friends.
6. Our new house---no stairs and a smaller mortgage payment
7. Faith Creations, LLC and all that it's evolving into
8. My upcoming weight loss surgery--Yes, I know this'll be my last BIG turkey dinner But....just wait until you see how skinny and non-diabetic I am NEXT turkey day.
9. My church--I just love that God lead us to Four Corners Church
10. Canon Rebel camera's...although I don't have mine yet Santa...I'm anticipating taking lots of awesome pic's around Christmas Day (hint, hint)
11. My Pokeno group...love getting together with the girls once a month for our little game
12. That my dad is in heaven, no more Alzheimer's, no more dementia
13. That my cousin Ty is in heaven and doesn't have cancer any more
14. Ebay-I'm having so much fun selling stuff on there
15. My creative talents and gifts God has blessed me with
16. That I've discovered Arbonne's clay masque, etc. It's like a face lift in a bottle.
17. Health for myself and all that I love
18. A down comforter--I love how warm it keeps me
19. That my son will crawl in bed with me and say, "Hi Momma" and then lean in to kiss me.
20. Blogs so I can keep up with the goings-on in all my peeps life
21. That my sister and Michael are about to get to bring Em home in the next couple weeks
22. Garage door openers...can you imagine having to get out of the car and manually open it every time you want to enter
23. Baby Wipes...they can clean up anything
24. The Macy Thanksgiving day parade...it's a family watching tradition only Mom's on an airplane this morning flying to KY.
25. Lots, lots more.....too many to list.

Yes, there are more but it's time to go watch he parades.

SURGERY DATE HAS BEEN MOVED TO NOV 29

This just in:
The incredible shrinking stomach surgery has just been bumped UP to November 29. That's next Wed. for all of you that are calendar-challenged.

This means I have exactly 8 days to eat anything I want because after that the quantity of food intake will be reduced drastically. Post-op I will be able to eat two thumbs worth of food at every meal before feeling full. Thank goodness I have large thumbs (wink).

I'm having my pre-op stuff done today. Thanks Nana for watching Luke at the last minute. I truly appreciate it.

Here's to a new life change that will hopefully rid my body of diabetes as a result of significant weight loss.

I'm so thankful this is all almost over with. The insurance process is a nightmarish long ordeal getting approved but I'm confident that now that it's been approved this will be the best decision of my life.

That's the latest in the ever changing saga that is Rice-a-roni-ville.

For all of you wondering what exact surgery I'm having it's called the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. It's not gastric bypass or lapband. Google it to find any specifics you might want to know answers to. It's a laparascopic procedure with one night in the hospital for observation post-op. Please pray that all will go well with the surgery and recovery. I appreciate it.

Look who I found in my windowsill...

What a cute little monkey I found sitting in my bedroom windowsill. He watched t.v. while I folded clothes. A few times he even "helped".

Also, in big news...I found out that my surgery is going to be Dec 7th. Thank you Jesus for answering my prayers. Thank you to all of you who prayed for me. This is the start of a new life for me. I can hardly believe it's been approved and it's really going to happen.

More details later.... Heather

4 lbs. 7 oz. What a beautiful little angel...

I just had to post this beautiful picture of Brooke and Emery. I think it's one of the most gorgeous taken so far.

I believe this picture conveys the incredible love a mother feels for her baby.

Emery is now 4 lbs. 7 oz. What a big girl. If you'll remember she was 1 lb. 9 oz. at birth 8 weeks ago. The Lord has truly blessed our family with a miracle.

Soon she'll be able to join her family at home. What a sweet little dumpling she is. I cannot believe how big she's gotten and how animated she is with her hands.

I always knew you'd be an excellent mom sis. I'm so thankful for you Mike and Emery. What great parents Em has been blessed with.

I love you, Heather

M.I.C.K.E.Y. M.O.U.S.E....clubhouse

Like his cousin Beau, Luke is addicted to Mickey Mouse. Every morning Luke wakes me up and says, "Dickey Mouse Peez".

It's so cute to watch him get excited about his cartoon shows. Some of his other favorites are : Little Einsteins which he calls: Eye Styes, The Doodlebops which he calls: Do Bops, Wiggles which he calls: Iggles, and Jay Jay The Jet Plane which he calls J J Ay Pane.

It's really funny how he puts his words together. Also, the other night Jason tucked him in while I was at my craft show and J said, "I love you Lukey" and Luke said, "Love You Dei". It was his first time to clearly say that and I missed it. I've been trying to get him to say, "Love You Momma" ever since to no avail. Oh well, it'll happen.

Speaking of happenings my sweet niece Emery might be coming home before Thanksgiving. We're praying for that so that Grandee gets to see her and love on her while she's there for Turkey Day.

Poppa made it back safely from Brazil Sat. so we're happy God protected him.

Last but certainly not least I had another one of my random thoughts today. Here it is. If my parents last name had been Teek, I would have wanted them to have named me Ann.

Love ya'll.

Heather

Nothing new is happening in our world...

We're boring. Nothing new has happened in our world since last post. Just thought I'd update so that the blog nazi's didn't get after me. I'm in a craft show this weekend, hopefully I'll recoup my costs for materials. Looking forward to Turkey Day as this will be my last one that I'll be able to eat all the fixin's with my weight loss surgery planned and all. Still no definitive date set yet, but I do know it'll be before year-end.

Later taters,
Heather

Boycott Bed Bananas...

Ok, my boy had a meltdown this afternoon because I would not let him take a banana into bed with him for his afternoon nap. He threw himself down on the floor and screamed "nuh nuh (banana) go night night".

Tired boy...that's what I get for being out this morning and him not being able to take his nap until 2:15pm.

Gotta love him though.

Heather

Lukeism's...

The other day I said, "Luke come here I have to check you I smell stinky". He came over, I checked his diaper and said, "Nope, you're ok you just tooted". He said, "Yeah, no poo poo". It was priceless.

He's also very addicted to Mickey Mouse clubhouse on the Disney channel. The minute it comes on the t.v. he claps and gets very excited, often shouting Dickey Mouse and Me (Minnie) Mouse and Dah Duck. It's so cute.

Last night he was looking at a book with Daddy and Jason pointed to the cat and said what is that? Luke said, "MEOOOOOW". It was cute.

Also, last night when Jason got home from work Luke ran up and jumped into his arms and said, "Dei's Home". It was precious.

That's about all that's going on right now. Sorry to be so boring.

HUGE ANSWER TO PRAYER...

MY SURGERY HAS BEEN APPROVED BY EL CRAPPY INSURANCE COMPANY!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!! Still don't know when it'll exactly happen, awaiting hard copy approval in the mail. I'm hoping before year end.

A few new things...

First, I want to say my sweet niece Emery is up to 3 lbs. 8 oz. and is doing awesome. She'll be coming home in 2-3 wks. Yippee. Just in time for Turkey Day. Talk about Thanksgiving...man that's a huge thing to be thankful for right sis.

Second, I talked to my insurance company today and my surgery for those of you who've been keeping track has been DENIED. However, it was only denied for one reason which was an oversight in reading my Dr's. notes so once my Dr. calls them tomorrow to comply with their "need for info." request and he clarifies a couple items for them then the denial will be reversed and I will be accepted for my surgery.

Third, Luke got a new stuffed Dickey and Minnie Mouse from the Disney Store today. Aunt Brenda came in town and treated him to that little luxury as well as a Dickey Mouse washcloth. She's so good to me. Glad mommy still keeps in touch with her Nestle' boss, she also brought us some chocolate. Not the stuff for baking Christmas fudge, that'll be here soon too.

Fourth, I'm getting sleepy so that'll be it for tonights blog. So, all you people who keep saying update this blog, hope you're happy. Oh, I almost forgot. My friend Blue Eyes is starting her new job tomorrow so pray for her. It'll be a great change for her.

Nightie, night!

Trick or treat...smell my feet...give me something good to eat!

Ok folks...here they are the long awaited Halloween photos. Notice how much slobber my son can make from one sucker. I want to thank Uncle James for sending Luke the captain's hat and aviator glasses. Uncle James is a captain in the US Airforce. I'm proud to wear his hat and glasses. They completed my uniform. I have to tell you a quick funny story. Luke didn't quite get the whole ring the doorbell and say trick or treat thing. The first house we went to in Poppa's neighborhood Luke and Beau rang the doorbell. When the lady came to the door with her big bowl of candy she handed Luke his first. He promptly took it out of her hand said: "Thank You" and walked right into her house. It was so hilarious! It was so cute to watch Luke and Beau trick or treat together. Beau had such manners he'd say thank you to every person who gave him candy. Hope you like the pic's. Auntie Amber has the most awesome camera. If you'll notice in the one picture where Luke is standing up he is dropping his sucker on the floor. The camera clicks so fast it caught a pic of the sucker right before it hit's the floor. Santa....I hope you're reading this! Oh, just in case you were wondering. I went as a housewife for Halloween see my pj's and bathrobe. I also had a nametag that said, "Hello my name is...Housewife" Pretty original huh. Jason was like, "You're not going out like that are you?" I said, "Yep, this way I don't have to wear a coat". Kill two birds with one stone.

My little pumpkin...

Ok, I just couldn't help but share this little professional picture I got taken of Luke. Isn't he just the cutest little pumpkin.

Don't worry friends and family you'll be getting copies of the different poses for Christmas. Yes, I just ruined partial Christmas presents but at least you haven't seen the other pic's so it's still a semi-surprise in less of course you are the 2 people I've already given full copies to. You know who you are. The rest of you have to wait. Is that mean? Oh well, too bad.
Luke has been having some great days. His tantrums are more manageable once I realized that my yelling at him when he misbehaved was at least 50% of the problem. Coupled with prayer and self control God is teaching me that he responds much better to a calmer tone. Even though it's hard when he doesn't listen (which is most of the time these days) I am not so frazzled or anxiety ridden over his behavior because he responded to my calm and gentle demeanor much better than the crazy mommy last week. Rabbit trail....sweet Emery is growing like a weed. She's now 3 lbs. and her Staph test came back negative. Thank you Jesus. Now all we have to do is get this girl home with her mommy and daddy. It'll be here before you know it. Hang in there sis. I'll post more Halloween pic's when my sis in law gets them uploaded to me. After all she has the cool camera now, like Janna. (sticking at my tongue at her)