My 1 year anniversary!

I was very happy and enjoying life. I was very healthy, no problems at all. I have an amazing husband, and great children, and the most awesome grandbabies. I had friends, I did fun things, and went to fun places. I ate anything I wanted and didn't feel guilty. Life was good. But 5 years ago I was reading the obituaries and noticed a "greatest papa in the world" obituary. Then it hit me clear as anything that Mike and I would pass in our 50's. But I have seen many people who watch their weight and are miserable. It dictates their entire lives, moods, and enjoyment. I didn't want any part of that misery. I enjoyed my food, loved to cook, and enjoyed finding new and exciting foods. So I felt like, if I had to be as miserable as the other people it wasn't worth loosing the weight, it just seemed like a sad, yucky life style. Then last year my knees started hurting, and I got high blood pressure. I knew it was time to do something.  So I looked into surgical help.  Mike went along for the ride. Months, appointments, evaluations, and ton's of paperwork later I had my surgery. It has been one of the best things I have ever done.  I do have to say that I feel like Heavenly Father really lead me to do this, because I would never ever consider it in the past! Here I was 1 month before the surgery.

 This was the day of my surgery. It's funny because I have had so many feeling and emotions the week leading up to my surgery anniversary.  It was quite a wild ride for me. I had a very difficult time at first, but now I see it was a big blessing in my life.

This was 2 or 3 weeks after our surgery.

                                            This was about 2 months after out surgery.

                                                               this was 6 months later.

                                                            This is 9 months later.

                                                         This is me a year later.

I have learned a lot, been through a lot, and I am even more happy than I was before. I was prepared to have to take care of and baby Mike. But Mike did amazing, he had no problems what so ever. But he kicked in and took such good care of me. He was loving and protective of me. Also I do live in a house full of guys. My boys stepped up and took excellent care of me. They would sit with me and watch over me, bring me anything I needed or wanted, and would give me lot's of affection. They would tell me how great I looked and be supportive. I've always been very close to my kids, they are all compassionate, and loving kids. Kids that their Mother and Father can be proud of. Erin was always willing to drop everything and run down to help me, or bring the babies over to cheer me up. It was a good thing for me and my family. Despite all of my sickness and hospital stays I came out of it a better person. I only struggled for 2 months, 2 long months! But when I got better I had a whole new outlook at life. I had experienced people being kind and loving. Total strangers concerned and kind to me. Ward members who were so supportive and encouraging. I felt like Scrooge on Christmas morning when my problems cleared up. I loved life and everybody in it.

I have been able to exercise, I started riding my bike in June and I have ridden 1,100 this year. That was awesome for me. I have had to learn to accept a compliment. That was surprisingly hard for me. I have had people pay attention to me now. Where before if I was out shopping or something. I was just kind of invisible. I had never noticed people staring at me, like some obese people experience. I have learned how to change some behaviors, and I still cook I just give a lot of stuff away. I can still eat yummy foods but not so often or so much. I exercise to be able to do that:-) And just before my midlife crises might have happened, I find myself married to a new man! I have never known Mike to be as thin as he is now. He had a little Dr. Pepper belly on him when we met:-)

Life is so good, and very happy, and I learned how loved I am this past year!

Happy Anniversary to me!