So It Is True What They Say About Arizona?

Thank You All for your Prayers!

We are home now and Mike is recovering from his surgery. He is learning to cope with an imobilized shoulder. It makes it very difficult to do some basic things, like dressing. He is only allowed to use his arm from the elbow down.  For those of you who knew what was going on, thank you for your prayers. For those that didn't know what was going on, let me fill you in.

Back in May, Mike applied for life insurance. It was declined as the home EKG,done by the visiting nurse, discovered "something". After a trip to his primary Dr and another EKG, he was diagnosed with First Degree AV block and Bradycardia. After several heart tests and trip to the Prescott VA hospital, he was diagonosed with Second Degree AV block-Type B (Moblitz II) with Bradycardia. He was told he would need a pace maker. After a trip to the Phoenix VA for MORE tests, surgery was scheduled for Monday, Nov 28th. Basically what all this means is this--His natural pace maker was not sending the right signals to his heart (Second Degree AV block). He also had an extremly low pulse (Bradycardia). A normal pulse is over 60 (however in athletes it can be lower). His tests regularly recorded his pulse around 30-35 with some dipping down into the 20's. The cardio Dr was amazed that Mike could have a pulse down around 20 without being in serious medical trouble. If this was all left untreated, eventually, it would have progressed (Third Degree AV block) and he would have been at risk for cardiac arrest. He could have passed out driving or working and injuring himself or someone else. Mike really never had any symptoms that we could directly relate to his condition but hind sight is always 20-20.

So my hubby now has a bionic ticker. He is doing very well and recovering. He is unable to move his shoulder for 2 weeks and his left arm is a sling. He will not be able to raise his arm up for at least 4 weeks while the leads heal. No driving till our follow up appt in 2 weeks and they clear him. No lifing anything over 10 lbs for 4 weeks. This all will be hard for a man who is used to working. He will most likely be off work till January.

Again, I thank you all for your prayers and ask that you keep praying. Pray that he does not go stir crazy sitting at home :).

Good Job, Brandon!!

Brandon just "ranked up" in Lord's Army. He completed many tasks and learned many verses. He is now a PFC. Colonel McKinley (Daddy) presented him with his rank tonight.

Goal!!

 Tonight I reached my goal with Weight Watchers. I've lost a total of 80 1/2 lbs. I joined on November 30, 2010, the same night they launched thier new Points Plus Plan. I can't tell you how much I truly love this plan. I have joined WW before but never reached goal. This time I was determined. I've gone from a size 2X or 3X shirt, to a 8-10. Skirts 20-22, to a size 6. I can't tell you how much better I feel physically and mentally! I am now within 6 weeks of becoming a lifetime member. I've have been asked many times.. What is the hardest part of losing weight? For me, it was not the physical aspect of losing , it was the mental challenge. I have had to say "no" to myself and my hubby and others regarding food. .My hubby has been INCREDIBLY supportive. Thank you so much honey!! I've struggled and spent time in tears watching others eat. I've fought my food and had days where I struggled and days where I was successful.. I came to the conclusion that this is the way it has to be in order to reach my goal. I will struggle with food for the rest of my life. Once I reached that understanding and decided that it was "ok" and that this is real life, I was able to keep going. It was not always pretty and it was not always fun.. I have heard mostly positive things and I've had some unexpected negative or backwards compliments, too. That is ok.. This is something I did for me and it's ok to be a little selfish in this case. Now, I pray, I can keep it up..

Before. I am standing with my beautiful daughter, Julia



At goal.

Yes, I keep my ribbons on my fridge to keep me motivated.

Fashion??

My 9 year old wanted this hat. It never occured to me my son would go through a phase.. LOL Is his unique style is starting to shine through? Interesting. What is next? A lounging jacket? :)

Belated Birthday Gift

Julia gave me a belated birthday gift. Isn't it pretty?!! Now I have 3 purple bibles. I have a special one some close friends gave me, this one and a pocket sized one. . I love my purple bibles and I use them all gently to save them :)

Us

I had Julia set the timer on her camera and snap a picture of us as a family. We were pressed for time so we were not able to stage it like I had hoped. Still, it didn't turn out too bad ...





Our Visit So Far....

Julia arrived on Wednesday. We have kept pretty busy running around town and just enjoying each other. After church on Thursday night, several of us from church went to McDonald's for ice cream. Today, we went to Oatman to see the Burro's and the gun show. Mike and Julia are going on a daddy/daughter date, tonight. 

Thank You, Secret Sister

Thank you for my blessing tonight. I am praying for you, too

 I don't know who you are yet or if you'll even see this thank you. But THANK YOU!!

The Old Becomes New, Again!

We were given an old hutch early this year.The weather is cooler, now. We were able to work in the garage and spray paint this. New paint, new knobs and it's looking great. I just love it!

Closing In On My Goal

Currently I am at -71.4. I have 9 lbs left to goal. Visualizing a realistic end goal has been difficult. In the beginning the whole process seemed overwhelming. These awards along the way have been very motivating. I have learned that you MUST take it one step (or pound) at a time. One of the biggest weight loss visual memories I have is from Oprah. Years ago she lost 60 lbs (?). I remember her coming on stage pulling 60 lbs of lard, in a wagon, behind her. It showed how much she had been carrying around on her body. That visual always stuck with me. Well, I am not going to buy a bunch of lard. LOL.. But as a visual I can use my son. So far I've lost 71.4 lbs. My 9 year old son weighs 74 lbs. I can't imagine carrying him around all day, yet I was. Carrie Fisher on Jenny Craig has lost 50 lbs "half a super model" she says. LOL.. I certainly would not want to carry around a super model. LOL

Phillipians 4:13--- I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.



School Daze!! First Day Of Fourth Grade-Sept 6th, 2011

Today, we started fourth grade. Brandon was feeling goofy and insisted on wearing a helmet. Is this a reflection on my teaching? Most likely, yes. LOL. Daddy is still attempting to get caught up in math. But we are ready for all the other subjects. We have a new grammar book and some new History books.  I am blessed that several friends gave me the school  books. With my swagbucks I was able to buy a few things, too. So, actually, all the stuff we have was free. That is such a blessing!! Being this is the first week, we have lots of schedule adjusting till we get into a routine this year. Flexibilty is the key to all of this, I have learned.

Goofy! Just what does he think is going to happen in 4th?



A more serious picture

Our Subjects.

Happy Birthday, To Me...

Anna is learning to play. She practiced so she could play for me.

A Fun Week

It has been a busy, but fun week. My friend Peggy and her girls were up to visit. Her son, Simon and his bride-to-be, Autumn, were in town from Ohio. Simon interviewed with the local pd . Autumn and Peggy spent some time apt hunting. Peggy and I did our usual storm shopping around town. We are both learning, with the help our friend Cherie, how to coupon. We had fun! Simon and Autumn, left this morning headed home with a few stops along the way. Our church donated a bunch of stuff for Peggy to take back to the church in Mexico. My pic's only show a small amount of what was collected. There is possibly more coming tonight, too. Sadly, Peggy and the girls leave in the morning. But, I am already looking forward to their return visit in a few months.

Standby for tomorrow's extra special blog post!

Happy Birthday, Mommy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOMMY!

Glitterfy.com - Happy Birthday Glitter Graphics

Photo's

My daughter added some new photo's to her Flickr account. I think she is quite talented with her camera. If you've not seen them, click here ----> JULIA

A Nice Birthday

Brandon had a nice party. He was so excited all day long. He got some money and a new Wii game. Now, He and his friend Donald are playing the new Wii game. Donald is spending the night. Tomorrow, they will just play and have fun.

Happy Birthday, Brandon!

Glitterfy.com - Happy Birthday Glitter Graphics

Brandon turns 9 today! He is very excited about his party tonight. He was so excited we had to decorate the table, last night. Stay tuned for party pics tomorrow

Graduation

Today, my baby girl, Julia walks in cap and gown at graduation. She has graduated from PIMA medical in Renton as a Vet Tech Assistant. Good job, baby girl! We are so proud of you! We wish we could be there. Make sure SOMEONE takes pictures for us!

I am sure the school picked purple just for me.

Twilight Zone Time

My friend from my police days posted this picture on FB of my Daddy. Daddy was 2 months shy of his 47th birthday in this picture. I turn 47 next month.



Isn't he handsome!!

  

I need to find one of my mom at 47. Actually I look more like her.

Another Goal!!

-60. 2 oz. 26.2 to goal.. Yes, the ounces count!



Happy Anniversary, Babe.

13 years today! I love you.


Happy Anniversary Pictures Comments - Photobucket


Last week we had some business in Prescott. We combined our time away with a pre-anniversary celebration. It was so fun to just get away alone with my hubby. We had a fantastic dinner at Olive Garden.Our hotel was great too. The next day, on our way home, we stopped off at Watson Lake. It was really pretty. We also stopped off at the Sturm, Ruger Gun Factory. Unfortunatly, they don't have a showroom floor and it is not open to the public. They claim, they are working on a showroom.

Picnic & Special Friends

Oh my! We have been so busy since June that my head is spinning. I still have more vacation pictures to post, too. After we got home from vacation our special friends came up to visit. They came for our annual church picnic. Our friends are also my former pastor and his wife and two daughters.They started our church roughly 17 years ago (?). They are now missionaries in Mexico.  We keep in touch daily but it's never the same as actually spending time together. We enjoyed thier visit and especially hearing Pastor Harris preach, again. It was almost a packed house, last night, as old friends came to hear him preach.  I am looking forward to seeing them again next month. Here are a few pictures from our July 4th picnic.

Vacation-Part Four

One of the many highlights on our vacation was meeting, finally,  a long time blogger/FB friend, Marie. She and her daughter, Joy, invited us down to her home for horse back rides. We brought the grandkids and our DIL along. We all had a blast! She went above and beyond to see we all had a good time.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl

Monday July 4th is my daughters 20th birthday. Happy birthday, baby girl. We love you and miss you!

Happy Birthday Glitter Graphics


To everyone else.. Have a safe and wonderful holiday.

Glitterfy.com - 4th of July Glitter Graphics

Vacation..Part 3

After we left Leavenworth we headed off to see my hubby's Aunt Gloria, Cousin Carole and Roger. Along the way, we stopped to see some beautiful sights. The first is Deception Falls. Then, Deception Pass. Though they seem like the same place, or at least associated, they are not. They are hours apart. Deception Falls is on Hwy 2 in the Cascade Mountains. Deception Pass is near to Canada, by Puget Sound.

Father's Day-Part Two

After we left Eric, Jenn and the kids we headed up to Leavenworth. We spent two days visiting. We did all the normal tourist stuff (we always do). And kept to our tradition of stopping at the The Gingerbread Factory for cookies (no, I did not eat any). It was a relaxing time. The weather was just great.

Our Vacation. Part One-Father's Day

We arrived in WA on Thursday night. We spent Friday and Saturday visiting with my mom and stepdad and Julia. On Sunday we started off to see my dad and step mom. Being that it was Father's day I was really excited to actually be with my daddy. Mike's son and DIL and the grand kids were camping. It worked out well because it was right on our way to see my daddy. I was very pleased that Eric got to spend some time with his dad on FD too. Here are just a few pictures from that day.. I was doubly pleased that Julia came with us too.

Ladies Meeting

 We had a nice ladies meeting on Saturday. Mrs. Randall gave a good spiritual object lesson on how we can let life shape us. She used a hard boiled egg-to show how we can become hard and unchanging, not allowing God to work in our lives. . She used a cooked carrot to show how we can be come spiritually soft and weak . And finally, coffee grounds mixed in water to show how we can be blended and mixed well in our lives-allowing God to constantly change us.

Then later my "adopted son" and Brandon did an experiment. They taped Brandon to the table to see if he would hold if the table was tipped up. It worked. LOL.. Boys are so strange. LOL. These two are carbon copies of each other. It is fun and exhausting to watch them play.

My 'daughter' Mackenzie watches. I wonder what is going on in HER mind. LOL

Happy Birthday to my Daddy!!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!! I hope it's a great one. See you in a few weeks.

My Awards so far...

 -50 lbs.. 31 to goal!!

My awards so far..

5 -10 lb ribbons
-10% of my starting weight
16 week attendance
-25 lb
Bracelet for being active
-50
Plus a variety of bravo stickers and -5 lbs stickers (not pictured).

I started November 30th, the day WW launched their new program. I've been on their programs before. This one is by far the best.

Keep praying for me!