Back Out In The Open

So I haven't really blogged in a LONG time. I have decided to try and blog again. I have also taken the restricted viewing off of my blog. I am not employed anywhere right now and since I really don't have much to identify me, I don't think potential employers could find the blog and use it against me, not that there is anything crazy out here, but people can twist things how they want, no matter what you do. I am on Facebook, but you can't really find me and so I think things are "safe" again.
I have missed journaling the stories of everyday happenings and fun anecdotes and just being able to dialogue with people. We are so out of touch with people in our lives because of distance and I feel like blogging opens up lines of communication to our family and friends. Not everyone is on the internet, and there are many not on Facebook, so blogging is just a different way to get things out.
I don't know if anyone checks anymore, but I hope to have both this blog and the food blog updating from this point on.
Good night for now!

3rd Anniversary

I cannot believe how fast time flies. Today marks three years since I underwent life-altering gastric bypass surgery! I have nearly made my weight loss goal, falling shy by just 10 pounds, and that is completely my own fault. I am too lazy to exercise, and thus, I still have the "spare tire" to take care of.
I am so thankful that I have had very few complications. I did end up having a 2nd surgery 16 months after the bypass to have my gall bladder removed, but it was a known complication that was a matter of WHEN and not IF. The only other complication has been a nagging pain in my left lower quadrant that still has not ceased, but several medical exams including MRI, CT and ultrasound can find nothing wrong with me. I do have times when the "dumping syndrome" occurs, but more or less, its my fault for eating something I shouldn't have eaten or eating too much of something that is supposed to be smaller portioned.
All in all, I am blessed!
Here's to hoping life is only more blessed in the future!

National Adoption Day

Today, November 21st, is National Adoption Day.

If you are in a situation where you are considering adoption, please, for the sake of the baby you carry, choose life.

Please consider adoption today. If you don't feel like your family is complete or if you are having trouble starting or adding to your family, this is such a wonderful gift, for both you and the child.

National Adoption Month

November is National Adoption Month.

Please consider adoption this month. If you don't feel like your family is complete or if you are having trouble starting or adding to your family, this is such a wonderful gift, for both you and the child.

Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity

Today, October 20th, is Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity.

Please, if you are pregnant unexpectedly, please consider life as an option for your child whether you keep him or her or give them up for adoption.

Choose life!

National Day of Remembrance for Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Today is a day of memorial.
It is National Day of Remembrance for Pregnancy and Infant Loss.
Did you know such a day existed? I didn't, not until last year.
I know several people ~ friends, family, strangers ~ who have lost their precious children. Some lost them early in pregnancy, never really knew them, yet it is still loss. Some lost them later in pregnancy or at birth, loss. And there are those who for no understandable reason, lost their precious baby after bringing them home, bonding, loving, and then loss.
National Day of Remembrance for Pregnancy and Infant Loss is meant to educate people and support people during their time of grief.Please take a moment today to say a prayer for the families who have had this loss. I am sure there is someone you know who fits into this category. If you do, give them a hug today, send them a note, let them know you are thinking of them.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
It is.
You probably know someone that has been affected by breast cancer, some living, some no longer with us.
Please remember to do your monthly self exams and get your mammograms as your doctor recommends. This is something that if caught early enough, can be fought and the battle won!
In memory of my Grama Sophie and my great Aunt Patricia, I dedicate this post. I love you and miss you!

National Foster-Care Month

May is National Foster-Care Month.

Please consider adoption this month. If you don't feel like your family is complete or if you are having trouble starting or adding to your family, this is such a wonderful gift, for both you and the child.
Older children and sibling groups in the system have a much harder time being placed, won't you consider one today?

Tuesday Funnies ~ Jess again

So Jess got a toddler bed and the crib went byebye. We weren't really sure how he was going to do without bars holding him in, so of course, the first night, mom was a little hesitant, but pleasantly surprised when he actually stayed there and slept most of the night. The second night went okay as well. So the other day, it was nap time and she put him in his bed and told him it was nighnight time. As she closes the door she hears Jess....."Mean....Mom....Mean....Mom....Mean....Mom".
She struggles not to laugh right then and there, but manages to walk away before letting the belly laugh take over.
Where do kids learn these things??

Have a good Tuesday!!

Tuesday Funnies ~ My Stepdad Mike

So, I couldn't resist posting about this because I just laughed so hard, I knew you all would think it was funny too.
My stepdad was down at his parents house helping out with a building project. That evening, he went to shower and clean up. My Grama has one of those Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower cleaning kits and my dad, not really awake at the time, decided it was soap and he'd use it. Then he heard the warning beeps.
BEEP, BEEP, BEEP.
He realized when it started spraying in a circle for fifteen seconds, that it was soap alright, but not the kind he was looking for!!
Oh to have seen his face when he came back down the hall to tell everyone!

Hope you enjoy the laugh!

Favorite Foto Friday ~ 2/27/09

I haven't had a Favorite Foto Friday in a LONG time, so I thought we were due.
This week, the photo is of a sign that is similar to the one I pass on the way down to my Mom's, and it makes me crack up every time I see it.

Hope you enjoy it. Happy Friday!

Because freedom of speech isn't free

I have had to put a lock on my blog.
Now, only if I invite you, can you read it.
I know it is an incovenience to log in, I can't help it.
Freedom of speech isn't free when it is used against you.
Hope you all understand.

Happy Birthday to...............

my cousin Melissa! This picture is of her with her son Jacx and my brother Mark.

Hope you enjoy your day!!

Happy Birthday to...............

The father of our country, George Washington!

Happy President's Day

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Birthday to...............

my stepmom Sandee! This picture is of her with my brother Mark and cousin Jacx.

Hope you enjoy your day!!

Happy Birthday to...............

Honest Abe!

Tuesday Funnies 2/10/09

Well, I haven't posted a Tuesday Funny in awhile, but I have a good one this week.

I was talking to Laurie on the phone the other day and she was telling me stories about Kersten and Jess. Laurie and Fred have decided that as long as Jess isn't potty trained, they'll keep trying for one more baby. Well, Kersten, more than anything in the world, really wants a baby sister. The other day Jess was in the bathroom while she was going potty and copying his sissy. He is an imitator by nature at this age and pottying is no different. Kersten was telling mommy she didn't want Jess to be potty trained because if he was, she wouldn't get her baby sister. Mommy told her that she was the one that showed him how to potty. Kersten, 3.5 years old, respond with, "Well, that won't happen again!".

Can you believe her? Love the kid!

Not Me Monday 02/09/09

Well, it is "Not Me" Monday once again. Last week I didn't think I had much to post and ended up with a decent post. This week, not so much. MckMama posted of course and there are over 400 links to others who have posted, so go check out their posts for your weekly dose of therapy.

I did not go to three movies at the theater in less than seven days.

I did not go out to eat at least once a day every day for the past week.

I did not lift more than ten pounds on more than one occasion, going against doctor's orders. I feel like my "normal" self!

See, told you it wasn't very exciting. Again, check out MckMama's blog for the best free therapy around. Have a good week!

Update on Aunt Lynn

Aunt Lynn is well! She had biopsies done to test for cancer and they came back negative.
Thank you Lord Jesus for healing power!