Lapband and Life update...

This will be really brief...

things are going well. I am losing weight! I went in and had fluid removed from my band, it was just too tight. Immediately I felt better, I can eat good quality foods and not fear being sick. So I am uping the protiens and lowering the carbs!
I am so thankful to see the scale moving again!! It was making me so depressed to not be able to eat and still not seeing any results...

I am down about 42-45 lbs...it varies everyday, but my clothes sizes are the biggest change. I am down more than two full sizes. Yay!

Have a blessed day!
In Him
Lisa

Lapband update...

Alright here is a little update...I called the Dr. and made an appointment for Tuesday to speak with the nutritionist and get another adjustment. I am hoping that they can help me get over this hump. I did notice that the scale started finally moving down in the last few days and honestly Ithink I still have some unrealistic expectations...like losing lbs everyday. That that is just not possible.

I am excited about the next few months to come, I am already down 2 jean sizes and I can't wait to be....well Skinnier. !!

I will let you know what the Dr. and nutritionist say on Tuesday.

Lapband and Life Update week 11

Things have slowed down on the weight loss front, I am going to call the Dr. this coming week. It is so confusing. I am eating around 1200 calories or less and I am working out. Well, I am walking about 2 miles in the evening. I am moving. But I think that my body is freaking out and trying to hang onto whatever I eat just for survival....I am eating a little bit more protien now, I can eat juicy chicken, less than 2 oz. and some refried beans with onions. That seems to be pretty easy for me to get down. I HAVE to start eating more veggies!! I do eat spinach with my eggs in the morning, but it is not much. I need fruits too, but I just haven't ventured there much. I did eat some apple fries the other day and that went ok. I should try that more....
I have not gotten sick any more but I also stopped drinking water when I eat. That made all the difference.
Heres the deal. There is no way I could get in enough calories to function if I did not wash a little bit through the band. I eat two bites and I feel obstructed. I wash that through and try to eat two more little bites. Anybody else have an idea on how to get the calories without eating very much?Protien shakes just go right through the band and offer no sustaining "fullness". By the afternoon I have NO energy!! Like I said before I am calling the doctors this week...

Much love yall
Lisa

Lapband Update week 8!!

Well , since my last adjustment, where I was ratcheted down to teeny tiny. I can not eat much. I can eat refried beans with onions, I can eat guacamole and chips, a very small amount. I can eat vienna sausages because they are mushy. I can eat fat free chicken salad on a cracker.
I have to drink when I eat anything of substance just to get it down.

I went out after church with my besties to a local hangout and we ordered cheese fries. I tried to eat two tiny little bites and wash it down with water. I felt like I was drowning and had to excuse myself . It was the worst yet. I did not like that. So I will be sticking with the refried beans. I have found that Taco Cabana makes their beans in store, and it comes in a 8 oz cup and they will add onions and cheese.
I have got to start eating more calories because I feel my energy level going way down, especially in the afternoon.

Don't get me wrong I still think this is the best decision I have ever made in regards to my health and weight loss. I think it is still an adjustment. I do not miss food as much as I thought that I would. If I see something that I want, I look at it and I just know " I will NEVER be able to eat that...if I even try it will be painful!"..so I just walk away. It is the restriction that I need!! I could never before look at something and "think" first...it was, See it , Buy it, eat it, then feel guilty about it later...Now I do not have that option. Thank God for my Lapband!

I am down about 33 lbs and several sizes. Yesssss!
In Him
Lisa

Lapband and Life update...

Things are going pretty well, I will update the Lapband info first...

I went into the Dr. to have my second adjustment. I went to my surgeons office this time instead of the aftercare place that I went to last time...I was still a little freaked by having to sign that paper.
I told my doctor that I wanted a "good" fill, that I just did not feel that the last time I had gotten enough fluid. I had not lost one pound! I am still down around 30 lbs but most of that was from the pre-op diet! So he filled it up! He added another 2 1/2 ccs of saline to my existing 2.6-3 ccs. I had to sit in the lobby and sip water. I tried to swallow and could not! So he had to go back in and take out 1/2 cc.

That was eye opening. I am really hoping to start losing more weight now that I KNOW I am restricted!! So protein shakes and liquids for today and soft foods for 3 days.

Life is going very well, business is great. My weekend was incredible, I love traveling with my BFF. She is fun and rarely bitchy at all. LOL! Seriously, we mesh well. Soul mates...
I updated everything on Facebook so I feel it is redundant to update everything here.
Coco is still Coco, she is just about completely deaf. She just hangs out in the AC all day. What a life! She is loved!!

Thanks for reading.
Lisa

LapBand Adventures update..

Well It has been a few days longer than a month since I have been banded, and almost 2 weeks since I had my first adjustment...it has been an adjustment that is for sure...

I am down almost 30 lbs and I am really starting to notice it myself. My friends/clients and coworkers all have noticed right away, but it takes longer for someone to notice it in themselves.

I have learned to eat slower as to not get sick or have pain. That was a hard lesson to learn but I am a quick learner! I bought an order of the three little sausage biscuit dippers from Sonic. I had 2 little bites and I felt that pain, that stuck feeling. I was in PAIN! I eventually got sick and refused to eat for the rest of the day. I will not eat bread again. Ewww.

I have been eating lots of protein. Very little sugar and almost no carbs. Some fruit, fish, spinach, different veggies.

I have had several people message me about my daily diet plan. So here is an example of a meal plan for a day: ( this is just an example that works for me )

Wake up and drink a bottle or two of water. Take my liquid vitamins..I take Centrum Liquid.

Breakfast: Two soft scrambled eggs, one Dannon Light & Fit Diabetic Friendly ( I am not a diabetic but it keeps the sugars low) Vanilla Yogurt, 3g carb, NO ADDED SUGAR, 45 calories!!! Yummy.

Before Lunch I drink half a container( save half for the next day) of Odwalla Pure Pressed Carrot Juice. ( gotta get those veggies in some where!) and more water.

Lunch: I have a piece of barbeque baked chicken, I like the thigh pieces they seem to be not so dry, I eat slow and wait in between bites. If I am still a little hungry I eat a peach and a Weight Watchers slice of cheese.

water.water.water. In the afternoon all I do is drink water.

Dinner: I have a small piece of fish on spinach, with onions and avacado and tomato with a little vinegrette dressing. Everything is in small quantities but it makes a nice size salad. I have to chew everything really well and eat slowly. I always leave the dressing on the side so I can save the salad for the next day if I start to feel full.

Dessert in the evening...I have another yogurt with some Cool Whip on top or a fudge pop from the freezer.

I do not ever feel hungry and so far I don't feel deprived of anything...Praise His Name!!

More updates to come...Congratulations to all you new Banders out there. It is an amazing tool to help you get to where you want to be! If you have any questions (not that I have the answer, but I can tell you anything you want to know about me) feel free to message me on Facebook or leave a comment on here...much love.

Lisa

Lapband update almost 1 month...

Yesterday I went in for my first adjustment (fill). This is where they access the port and inject a tiny bit of saline into the band to tighten it around your stomach to make it feel fuller longer...
So I went in because I was eating just about anything that I wanted but trying to opt for the more healthy foods, I just felt I was eating too much of it.

I get there and this dude takes me back, he is totally enamored by my tats. I am chatting with him about my tattooist and just making small talk. He hands me a stapled piece of paper to sign, an ackowledgment of facts paper. It states among other things that I could POTENTIALLY be infected with a contaminated needle!
I was like whoa...hold up dude. What!
He said it happens or could happen if the person injecting me sticks themselves and THEN sticks me! I was like is that really an issue?? He said it could happen. I was shocked but I guess the same is true anywhere needles are involved. If I accidently stuck myself my first instinct, I think, would be to pull back, not push forward. I dunno. It freaked me out, so I watched my nurse or PA like a hawk. Come to think of it....I am not sure that I know what her qualifications are, she wore a white coat so my assumption was she has some medical background. However!!! I wore a white lab coat to take my test for my Cosmetology liscense...Oh God, I could have been injected by a hairdresser!
Oh well it is done now...
I am on liquids for two days and then graduate back to soft foods for two days, this time they gave me a list to choose from. Which is really nice.

I worked out today. Like my first real workout since being banded. I walked/ ran, did lunges and a side step thing that my old personal trainer had taught me to strengthen the thigh muscles. I did arm stuff and some jumping jacks.All for about 45 minutes. Then just about passed out....whew. I will do it again tomorrow morning from 6-7...at the school track down from my house. It will be cooler earlier anyway....
I love my Ipod but I would love to know how to keep the headphones in my ear while running. I love to listen to music while I run, they always fall out. Anybody know?? Special running headphones?

Everything seems to be going fine with my adjustment so far. I will update soon. No more weightloss to report. I was attacked by chocolate this past week. Cycle time...after this is over I will weigh again. I just got to keep moving!!
Thanks for praying and supporting me...you are loved!!

Lisa

Lapband Week 3

I woke up yesterday and it was the amazing, I had NO pain. No pinching, no fireballs, no nothing. I was a little worried because I thought that not having any pain meant that the band had slipped or broken off. I found out later that it is for sure still there.
The pain in my chest from the hernia operation has completely gone away, Except for the slight scar on my abdomen, you would never even know I had surgery.

So I drank my water fast like I used to. I love water! No problems. I then cooked me a piece of fish and sat down to eat, I was really looking forward to eating with no pain. I started to eat without really thinking about it and I took my first bite, it was a big one. It was yummy so I took my second bite and then a third, oh yes I could EAT!! So happy! Then it hit me, PAIN, nausea, I pushed my plate away in disgust and ran to the sink. Oh NO it was stuck, I could FEEL it. I had eaten too fast, too much, something. I never threw up but I felt like it was seconds away. Finally when it passed the band I felt better but I ate no more the rest of the day.

Now, I know. I will never do that again.

I still have no pain, except when I eat too much/fast. I am thankful for the band and its reminder to slow down and chew and eat with purpose.

L.

P.s. In my last post I said that my doctor said that most people have hernias. He said that as we get older, the opening in the diaphram that allows the esophagus and stomach to go through, it gets bigger. It can happen when we sneeze, lifting heavy objects, the bigger we get ect... only in extreme cases do they cause issues, most cause indigestion, heartburn and general discomfort.
FYI...L.

Lapband Post op visit.

ok yall, I went to see Dr. Marsden (I love him) today for my post op visit. I had some questions and he answered them all.

First off, I am a little ahead of the average weight loss for less that two full weeks out of surgery. I have lost 7 lbs since I was banded and the average is 6 lbs.

I asked him about my pinching pain, the reason I can't sneeze or yawn without pain. It is a pinching in the middle of my chest. It is very painful. He said that is from my hernia repair. He said that my hernia was not a monster, nor was it life threatening. He explained that almost everybody has one but why not close it up while you are in there. He also said that the pain will go away in about a month or so. It has to heal up first and then I won't have that pain anymore.

I was very relieved to hear that. I mean, that right there alone will make everything better. Including my fireball bubbles. I think those hurt so badly because I can't catch my breath.

Now, about the fireball bubbles, he said those will also go away to some extent, but that will always be there in some form because that is the restriction factor of the band. I need that little reminder to keep me from eating the wrong things or too much in any one bite. When I get filled (water added to inflate the band and squeeze it tighter around my stomach, in order to make me feel fuller) the fireball bubble sensation will come back for a little while. I honestly think I can deal with those as long as I can breathe, stretch, yawn or sneeze without pain. I am excited for that day to get here.

7lbs since banding. Yay. 25.4 overall, bigger YAY!

Thank you all for your support and prayers, this is going to be a long road, but I am on it.
Lisa xoxoxo

Lapband Adventures Day # 10

Things are going well, I am eating Taco Bueno's pintos and cheese! Yay, just a few bites and I am full.
I wake up and start drinking water. I like to get my water intake in because I can't drink while I eat and for sometime after I eat. But today I am going to try to eat some scrabbled eggs for breakfast. I have lost 25.4 lbs so far. I see the doctor tomorrow, which is good because I have a few questions.
#1. Why does it hurt when I yawn/stretch, is that the hernia repair?
#2. Will I always have discomfort when I eat? Digest?(fireball)
and a couple others...

So far it has been really good, I will keep you updated.
Lisa

Kaos the Zedonk

Hey all Kaos is 1 year old now. I just thought I would give you all an update.

Lapband adventures Day #7

So, today I am supposed to able to begin introducing thicker foods to my diet. For the first week all I could have is stuff that would go through a straw. Because the stomach is still a little swollen from the procedure, thick or solid foods will or can get stuck. That could cause the new little stomach to stretch and have some really bad side effects, one being throwing up/band slippage (not good) and another could be not losing as much weight because the new pouch holds too much.
I called the doctors office about this pain that I was having about 5-20 minutes after I drank something. It feels like an air bubble that is potentially on fire that rises from my gut but never completely surfaces...it just comes up part of the way and then dissipates, until the next time.

I spoke with my surgeons nurse and she said that is the liquid passing through the band. Which made sense. Apparently that is the feeling I will have when my band is inflated and the opening about the size of a dime. Especially if I don't chew well or try to eat something that is too fiberous and it has a hard time going through. Good to know information.

I am going to have a yogurt today in addition to my V8 juice and my muscle milk. All have lots of vitamins and low fat and low calorie. I may try some pureed chicken tomorrow. The best part is that I am not really hungry. Sure my tummy rumbles and I can feel that it is empty, but the sharp hunger pangs, I don't have those.

I have virtually no pain at all now, except when I stand for a long time or bend over to pick something up. So extreme movements either way are the hardest, but not terrible.

Day 5 , went to work for a few hours and that was tough but Day 6 I worked a little longer and it seemed fine. I also wore some stretchy pants on day 6...it made a big difference.

My big triumph of the day: I took 2 bras and 2 shirts that I never wore back to Lane Bryant and they credited my account $151.00, she was basically begging me to buy something and I just looked at her and said " Honey, I have no idea what size I am going to be next week" ( Huge grin)

I am down 24 lbs and up $151.00

Love Yall L.

Lapband Day #6

Most of the pain is gone or seems to be until I am standing. Then I can still feel the pulling on my left side. I am still on a liquid diet, which is high in protein and low in sugar. I am not really hungry, but my stomach rumbles and seems quite angry with me. So I drink my protein drink and it stays quiet for a while.

Last night was great because I am a stomach sleeper and I was able to roll to my right side partailly. Yay! It was a good night.

So far I have lost 23.2 lbs. since the beginning of this journey. Pre-op diet took care of most of that.

I will keep giving updates as this is the single most exciting thing happening to me, right now.

Thanks for keeping me in your prayers. Muahh...L.

Lapband, hernias, and more....

Ok, so on Friday July 10th Andrea picked me up way before the sun came up. We trekked across town to a surgical center in Richardson. I made up my mind to have the Lapband procedure done. Thats right, I spent the majority of life being a "big girl", and except for the "meth years" that is all I have ever really known. Time for a new normal. Time to be healthy.

Well, I had had enough. I went in and Andrea was with me. The day was a blur, all I remember is being extremely tired and Andrea playing with my Iphone, and complaining because apparently I did not have enough music for her to listen to. I went to stay at her house for the first 24 hours. So thankful that I did. I must say, she is the best nurse ever! She woke me up so sweetly each hour and a half to take my meds, to walk around and to blow on my breathing gauge machine. She was ON IT! (secretly, I loved being so taken care of, but, every now and then I could have beat her over the head with that stupid breathing machine, She was so bossy! She would say..."Time to use the blow machine!" "How many is that?" "Stay in here so I can watch you..."..dang woman!)To her credit and insistance, I did not get pneumonia. It never had a chance... I am just saying.

Today is day # 3 it is not that bad, I am now off all pain meds but still on a little ibuprophen and my antibiotics. I think my surgeon is a genius, I don't think I will have scars at all. He also went in and closed a hernia that I had. His name is Dr. John M. Marsden. I pretty much think he is awesome. He is very meticulous and that is what I wanted. He also cares, which was also of utmost importance to me.

Long story short. This next year is going to be a big one. My plan is to blog about my progress, my ups and downs, post before and after pictures and much more. This was not an easy descision to make for me but I feel it was the best one. It may be something that you would never even consider, or it could be all that you think about. I hope that blogging my journey will be helpful and informative as well as entertaining. Speaking of entertaining, I had Andrea take some "before" pictures that I refuse to post until I have some kind of "after" picture. They are way too humiliating.

My current diet consists of Chicken broth, Myralax, Naked friut juice, V8 low sodium juice, and no hormone yogurt smoothie, 1/2 cup at a time. mmmm. But that is fine since I am not really hungry at all.

One thing is sure, things are going to be changing.

Love you all
Lisa

So no bloggie...STAY TUNED

I have some amazing things about to happen. God willing. So please stay tuned it is going to be a very interesting year! VERY INERESTING!!

Zeus

Zeus died today at 2:00 pm. It is the hardest thing that I have ever had to do...he was the sweetest dog. I swear he smiled at me all the time...He came into my life in the middle of a thunderstorm with lightening flashes that lit up the night sky, and it was raining sheets of icy water , he left me in the polar opposite...hot, sunny and on the most peaceful of days... Our last few minutes together I knew that he knew he was loved. He went very softly and quickly, it was like he just went to sleep. I miss that dog so much already and with that loss I feel so much more alone in this world. Thank you all for loving and praying for him right along with me. If you never got a chance to meet him, I can only say, if you had, he would have stolen your heart too. He is with Stetson and Jesus...and now I must grieve....L.

a whole lotta nadda

I have been doing nothing spectacular. For memorial day David Rice, Ericka O, annd myself went to Lonestar park to watch the horse races. We had fun and it was great to get out and do something different. It has been raining and storming for the past few weeks so I have been held somewhat hostage in the house with Zeus. Speaking of Zeus, he is doing very well but his joint is still swollen with cancer. I keep him on his cancer meds and he eats very well. He is happy.

Coco is going downhill faster though. She can't jump up on the bed anymore so I have to help her up. It seems that her little skeleton is gonna give out first. I am in geriatric doggie hell. lol. I love them though.

I have homegroup tomorrow night and a busy schedule the rest of the week. I miss my bloggie, but I must confess...Facebook is easier and faster for me. This is great to post videos and capture memories, especially if you have children...I am not giving up on the bloggie!! Lisa

I have been attacked!

Ok my blog has been attacked by a virus...they have left 20 something comments (all in Chinese). The name on it is from ED. I can't find all of the comments to delete them, they go way way back. I am trying to find all of them. DO NOT CLICK ON IT!!
I did not click on it because I already know it is bad news. Just be warned, they are out there, and they are trying to give you a virus! Now I am off to delete more of the comments before they do damage to some unsuspecting reader.

I just can't figure out the fun of hurting other people and costing them tons of money to try to fix the mess they caused...evilness.

L.

Bad weather+busy week = anxiety!!

I am booked up this week at the salon and the weather guys on every channel have been squawking about thunderstorms all week...that makes me so anxious, because my poor Zeusie is so scared of storms. Usually I would just move my sweet clients around as best as I could but this week I have no where to put anybody. Girrrr.

I am still in love with my new appliance. It is so nice.

It is my birthday week and I am excited to get to hear from people and possibly hang out and/or go to dinner with friends this week.

I am going to the prayer service on Wed. night if I get out of work on time. It was supposed to be my first time to my new home group but I guess we are going to meet at the church for the service. I can;t wait to be reconnected.

I just heard that school is going to resume in some places on Thursday. I need to reschedule some of my teachers that I have booked for the middle of the day...have a blessed day! L.

Suprise!!

Ha Ha, I suprised Andrea today by just showing up at her house! I came with groceries and a diet sprite! Yay! I stayed for hours and I cooked the recipe below. That way she can have some amazing left-overs to just heat up on the run!! I just love hanging out with her and we always have so much fun. I had to leave suddenly but usually we drag the goodbyes out for hours. I have to get out there more as Hannah Beans has grown so much and Luke is flat out talking!! He said "what are you doing" and "Good nitey" in the sweetest little voice!! I love that boy!

I got to hold little Miss Hannah Beans. She took two naps on me and I loved every second of it. She smiles so big and she has the sweetest little nature! I want to eat her...scrumptous.

I am hoping to go on this retreat in August, in Oregon but it is going to be awesome!! I have to get my ducks lined up to plan this one...I really want to go!! Oh to hang out with other ladies that love Jesus and are photographers in an amazing mountain setting...ahh bliss. I am going to be working towards this goal. I am going on a budget for this!! Ok I am updated now..I will be back in a day or so, I am trying to blog more. TRYING!

L.

Recipe...

I have been frustrated with blogging because I don't feel anything is blogworthy.

I did make up with my neighbor that I wrote about a few posts back...I went over and apologized and said that I felt like we got off on the wrong foot. She was also sorry for her behavior. I want to have a nice relationship with my neighbors..."Love thy neighbor" and all that.

My refridgerator keeps running and running, I pray that it is not going out. I amgoing to flip the breaker on it and see of that helps...hummm?? Yep...that did not work...I will be going to price some today.

ok this is the heart healthy recipe that I told Penny about...I will be making it this weekend. My coworker made it and just raved about it... enjoy.

1 lb ground turkey
1 tsp oregano, ground
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
15 oz fat-free ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
8 oz fat-free mozzarella cheese*
12 uncooked lasagna noodles
26 oz jar chunky garden vegetable spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup water
shredded parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Brown turkey in skillet. Drain fat. Add oregano, red pepper flakes and salt Set aside.
2. Mix ricotta and mozzarella together. Add spinach to cheeses.
3. In a 5 1/2-quart slow cooker, layer 1/2 noodles, 1/2 turkey, 1/2 spaghetti sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 cheese mix. Repeat.
4. Cook 4 1/2 hours on low. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese over top, if desired. I usually allow it to melt on top.
Makes 8 very large servings.

Number of Servings: 10

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user KATHEROS.
Number of Servings: 10

NOTE** I used Healthy Harvest Wheat Blend noodles. I used an Italian cheese blend instead of mozzarella. I did not mix the spinach in with the cheese, I just layered it. And I saved about 1/2 cup of the Italian cheese to sprinkle on top. I hope it is good. It had all good reviews. I added a little onion, garlic, an sweet basil to the meat too.

To blog or not to blog...

It seems lately that I only blog when prompted to do so by Penny...

I know that I need to but it seems to take so much effort. I am trying so hard to use the time that I have to learn more about photography. It is ever changing and quite expansive in the amount of things that I need to know to improve.

I did a shoot today of Alexis. It was a bridal shoot and it went very nicely. I did her hair and make-up first and then Andrea and I went out and shot her bridals. I will post more on this later.

I am kind of slow this week at the shop, so I hope to have them edited and up for you to see!!

My Zeus is doing alright but my Coco girl is really going downhill. She has some weird allergy skin funk and constant ear infections. She is not long for this world. All she does is sleep all the time. But when she is awake she acts like she is fine...IDK I will gage her over the next few weeks...For crying out loud she is 15 years old. I just don't want Zeus to be lonely if he is the last one left. Anyway, I have much to do and I will try to blog more...

I just don't think people are as into the blog deal as they once were...

Prove me wrong and if you read this leave me a comment, even if it is anonymous or even if you just say hi! Please leave a comment!! Love yall. L.

I need to blog...

I need to blog, if for no other reason that to move my last post down. I miss my baby terribly but I am doing alright. Last night was kinda hard because I was looking at his "seat" by the window. I can still see his butt impression...I just thought that he will never again fill my window with his big ol head. I am ok...just ok.

I have nothing to blog about really. Everything is just kinda going. Work is a little slow right now. But that is to be expected, I have been very busy for weeks, it is just time to slow down...

I am looking for a workshop to attend for photography, so that I can share knowledge at our gathering coming up.

I got a new camera body and I am just having fun with that. It is alot larger than my XTI but I think I am getting used to it. I like it a lot.

Luker is walking and Hannah is precious. Go check out Andreas page if you haven't already...Lukes video will make you cry... Mascara alert.

Ttyl...L.

Stetson 11/4/97- 3/14/09

Rest in peace mamas baby boy. I will post pictures later. I found some really cute ones from when he was a puppy and some when he was a teenager pup. He was so cute and loveable. I really want to post those...I need to scan them.

I made the decision today to put him down. He couldn't walk very far and last night was he was having trouble breathing. The vet confirmed my decision and it all went fairly smoothly.

He loved going for a ride in the car, so we drove around for a while before the appt. He had cheese burgers and he got to feel the breeze in his face, one last time. People in passing cars oohed and ahhed, pointed, smiled and waved at him as they always had, he loved the attention. I was glad in wasn't raining so he could have a little glory one more time.

The vets office was so sweet and compassionate. I pulled up and they had black wreaths on the doors, indicating that they would be in mourning too.

When it came time to put him down, I was able to communicate with him and like out of some movie somewhere he licked my face, one last time. As if to say " I know mama it is alright"... I told him to go sit by Jesus and save me a spot...and just like that he was gone.

I am thankful to have had such a faithful friend all these years and even more thankful to have been there to make sure his last moments were peaceful.

He died at 3:00 pm and he had his mama and his baby ( his favorite stuffed animal) at his side. I will forever love that dog, and he will forever be missed!

L.

Love thy neighbor...

Recently, I have been hearing alot about "love"...of all kinds really but specifically biblical LOVE. "Love your Lord God with all your heart..."
"Love is the greatest of these...", "Love thy neighbor", which brings me to my issue.

I believe that God knows my heart. He also sees that I live in the hood. He sees that my neighbors are all basically horrible people. I love them but can not stand them. I mean, I want to TRY to love them but they make that impossible.

Example #1.

My neighbor today, blasts their radio and revs the engine on several of the seven, broke down, pieces of crap parked everywhere on the lawn.This goes on ALL DAY LONG!!! When I looked outside to see what the racket was ( and give them the hint that someone was home and disturbed), I get a visit from the neighbor girl. She tapped on my door. I opened it and there she stood with her baby,firmly attached to her 5'6"
all of 90 lbs, meth addicted frame. She said "uhmmm, We were just wondering...did we do something?? Cause you were all starin at us?"

I said " well, since you didn't take the hint from the looks I was giving you, and you have decided to be tacky and come over here...why yes, the revving of the engines and the loud radios are very annoying."

She said " well next time you could just come over and say something, instead of mean muggin us"

I said " I shouldn't have to say anything, you should be more considerate neighbors and keep it down"

She turned around and faced her house and threw her hand in the air, middle finger proudly displayed....

I screamed " oh yeah now that is class!!(and maybe something about not pissing where you sleep, that part is a little hazy)" ....AHHH LOVE!!!

Example #2

My neighbors in front of me are drug dealers...pot to be exact. AHHH LOVE

Example #3

My other neighbor seems to think it is ok to build anything at any time of day or night, as long as it is made from mismatched plywood, as he has built several buildings and other structures at 2 or 3 in the morning. He uses a miners helmet with a flashlight attachment to navigate in the darkness....ahhh LOVE.

So my prayer is that I will start to love my neighbors, not just love to see the eviction notices on their doors, but actually have a heart for them. I have tried. I have gone over and made nicey nice, and asked if they needed anything. I have taken my neighbors food, not sued them when their dog attacked my dog, not sued them when their dog attacked me.

My heart wants decent neighbors. I think THAT is problem. I wish I could love them for who they are, where they are. That is my prayer. That is the way God loves me...for who I am, where I am. God help my heart!
Thanks for listening...L.

Update on the babies...

I haven't heard anything from Amanda and Jeff so I am taking it as "No news is good news"!! I will post as soon as I hear anything...Just keep praying for no long term complications and speedy cooking!! Love Yall L.

Brady and Charlie Stephens

This is Brady and Charlie... born on Valentines Day to Amanda and Jeff Stephens, they were bit premature...they were only 27 weeks and not "done cooking"...mom had some complications and so did they, they are monoamniotic twins. Meaning they are identical and no membrane between them. Their little cords got all tangled up and caused them to have alot of stress. I did not help out in this birth but I did get to take these shots for momma and daddy!Pray for these little guys they are only 1 and 2 lbs and so so fragile. Pray for no long term complications!! Thank you.. Lisa