One Busy Summer

I don't know about all of you but this has been one busy Summer! Busy is just not the word.
I went to Kevin's and Tanna's for 10 days. As usual, Kevin sent me off exploring. Tanna was having a very bad time of it and I felt it best I did leave and go do something. It scared me to see her so sick and incapable. That is not like her at all. I keep praying that the Gleevic will indeed keep her well and with us.

So, off I went on their directions to catch the bus to Seattle. Now, let me tell you I can't think of an easier way to get around that busy area. I was soon at Pike's Place. Talk about loud, noisy and crowded. Egad! I looked around and found things very interesting. Nothing, however, called my name. It was interesting to see the Asian tourists wanting and getting their pictures taken in front of Starbucks.

So, off I went to the waterfront to buy the Seattle visitor's pass. It allowed me to visit The Aquarium, Zoo, Space Needle, Science Museum, Flight Museum, and go on a tour of the Sound from the Lake.

I had walked down a terrific flight of stairs to get to the water front and wasn't looking forward to the climb back up. I did find a less steep way to go and vowed that the next day when I started my official look at everything, that I would find an easier route. Icalled Tanna to let her know I was on my way and had had enough fun for one day. On my walk back to the Bus Stop I saw the Art Musuem That is on my agenda when next I visit.

The next day I took the little tour. How interesting that was. I didn't know that there were homes actually built on the lake itself. They were built on Cedar logs.

Oh, it turned out here was an elevator down to the waterfron from the parking lot right next door to Picke's Place. LOL. When the trip was over I went to lunch. I had been craving clam chowder. Oh oh oh what a mistake that one was. I got very sick. Too rich for my new tummy. O h, I did go to the Aquarium. It would be a great place to take my lil' ones someday.

I had been to the Space Needle several times before but it was interesting to see it through their eyes.

That weekend Kevin, Tanna and I did the rest of the tickets. We saw a fantastic 3d on the Sea at the Science Musuem. But I think my favorite part was the Flight Musuem. To see the actual aircraft up close and personal was wonderul. I saw a reproduction of the trenches my Grandfather was in. Oh how terrifying that was. We also went through the Airforce 1 that was for Esienhower- LBJ. and then the Concord. Both planes held much history and fascination.


After my time with Kevin and Tanna, it was time for the Paper Pals Retreat. That was a blast, as usual. I always enjoy myself and the people that attend. Eating proved to be no problem. I just had to be very careful.

The next big event was the NE Washington State Fair in Colville. My Grandsons had rabbits and Angie, their mother, was a Barn Superintendent. They spent Wednesday night-Sunday Morning at the Fair Grounds in a trailer. I never realized what work went into the Fair for the exhibitors. Wow!

Marquis not only had his rabbit but also his Llama, Poppy. Angie showed her 16 hand Mule and their miniture donkey. It was quite an event.
Here are just a few pictures.




I was so proud of Daniel. He was fun to watch. He is only 5 and did such a great job as his ribbon indicates. And he was thrilled.


Matthew, Kymberly, and I watched and stood around in the hot sun. Kymberly loved the animals so she had a great time. Matthew and I did, too. I stayed with him and Kymberly at their home and we played alot of Boggle and Scrabble and Kymberly played, and colored with Dad.

Now, for a me update. So far I have lost over 80lbs and am no longer on insulin unless my Blood Sugar indicates I need some. I am off all other meds. Though, I must admit this is not an easy road. I find I hate food and take no pleasure in eating. I have to force myself to eat my meals. Thank heavens they are small. The rewards though out shine the negatives. I will be ok.
I did finally break down and buy a couple outfits that fit.

May 6, 2009

September 12, 2009

And....the journey continues.

Doing well

One Month has passed since surgery. Many changes have occurred. Some expected; some not.
I knew I would be tired. But, I did not expect my tastes to change. This has proved to be quite a challenge. Hard to get my needed protein in because of this but I am working on it. Looking for other sources.

I am pleased that my diabetes appears to be improving. And, yes, I have lost weight. I feel it in my clothes but not necessarily in the mirror.

April 22, 2009


July 28, 2009



May 6, 2009


July 28, 2009

Last Saturday my Brother, Sister and I had our parent's 60th Wedding Anniversary Celebration. It was a very nice day. It was wonderful to have both my sons. I saw many cousins I haven't seen in years and people I didn't know or remember. Dad was really happy. Mama won't remember but she had a good time. Cammie, Mama, Dad, Me, and Bill

Dad brought his 1929 Ford. He stole Tanna, Kevin's wife, and took it her for a ride. It was wonderful. He hasn't seen her in almost 3 years. He has been very worried about her. Oh, Kevin is my youngest son.


We did enjoy ourselves but I am glad that the day is behind me.

Now, I will go to Matthew's this weekend to take care of the kids while Matthew works and Angie keeps books and scores for a roping. Then back home for Kit club and then to Kevin's for a visit. He and Tanna now live in Samamish. I just have to find it. My August is pretty well planned out. After the visit with them, is the Retreat, then the Colville Fair to watch the boys in their 4H Rabbit presentations. At the end of August after the fair, I will take Marquis for a birthday trip to see the Reptile Zoo again. Then, he has to start school so I don't get to have him long. September appears to be a bit slower and more normal.

So I am off to August.

Surgery

Well, the time has finally arrived. Monday I will have the gastric by pass. I am anxious and scared. The unknown is always scary.
I will be at the Northwest Specialty Hospital in Post Falls. I should be back home on Tuesday. That is hard to believe but they don't keep patients as they used to do.
I was supposed to lose 40 lbs. I have lost 42. So, guess I am set in that regard.
I have to be at the hospital at 5:00am with surgery at 7:30 am.
It will be a while be fore I can let you all know how things are going but I will just as soon as I am able.
Prayers are always nice. Thanks for your thoughts.
Christy

Hi Ho Cheerios

Surprise, Surprise I am alive.

I figured it was about time to catch up on myself and with you.

March ended with a visit to my family in Chewelah for family pictures. I will be going to get them this weekend and I will share them with you. It was quit a day with so many of us there. Let's see---There was Matthew, Angie, Marquis, Daniel, Kymberly, myself, Angie's folks--Glenna and Ernie, and then her Grandfather, Glen. Everyone looked so nice.
Ang commented on how nice my hair looked, thanks to DJ, and I told her that it had lots of hair spray in it. A couple days after the pictures I showered. She laughed when she saw just how flat my hair was. Wow, what a difference.

April 10th is my brother's, Billy, Birthday and two of his grandchildren, Wyatt and Madison. So, on the Saturday before Easter, we had a Birthday party at Beachview. Billy turned 49 which means that on my Birthday I will be 59. Wyatt turned 7 and Madison 1. It was a fun day.
Family gatherings are always hard for Billy's wife, Deb as his first wife Deb is always present as she is the kids' mother. I understand how she feels.
Here are a few pictures from that day.
Little Madison with her Mama. Happy First Birthday.
Happy Birthday Billy. Here he is with his Granddaughter Meghan.
Dad wishes Billy happy 49th.Billy with our double cousin, Steven. He is as close as any brother could ever be. So strange to look at these two grown men and remember the two little boys that played happily together for hours.

Wyatt had a great 7th Birthday. Two of his friends also came.

I looked forward to Easter and spending another day with these wonderful people but that was not to be. I ended up staying home with kidney stones. On Wednesday of that week, I had it taken care of.

Then in, also, in April I made a big decision. I decided to have gastric bypass. So now I am in the process of preparing myself mentally and physically for this procedure. It is scheduled for June 29. I am scared but at the same time excited. I will keep you up to date. I have to lose 40 lbs by June 29. So far I have lost 12.

Now, we are in May. I wonder what happened to Spring? Today I go up to Post Falls for an exercise day in prep for my surgery.

I do it again on Friday but instead of coming home I am going to Matthew's for Angie's birthday the 7th. Her mom has it all planned out for her. We all went together to get Angie a special gift for her Lama, a harness for the cart.

The 8th of May is Mason's 1st Birthday. That is Billy's grandson.

Here he is with Deb. And again with his Mama, Molly.

There, you are caught up with me and so am I. Have a great soggy day. I am off to Post Falls.

Kymberly

This Blog focuses on my Granddaughter Kymberly. She turned two Feb. 24. I can hardly believe she is two already. Now Matthew and Angela have a 2, 4, and 8 year old. Good heavens.

I went to Palouse Divide Lodge for the Paper Pal Retreat. It was as usual a very good time. I enjoy the good company and the opportunity to concentrate on scrapping. I got an awful lot done--32 pages.

Then on Monday I went to Matthew's. I forgot I was headed North. To me I was just going to my son's. As soon as I passed Deer Park, I knew I had forgotten something--Warmer clothes and boots. And as I crested the hill overlooking Chewelah, I knew I was going to stay indoors. Here is Matthew's front yard. And it snowed off and on while I was there.

My Grandsons, Marquis and Daniel, had received a Nintendo for Christmas with some games I remembered my own sons and myself playing. It was fun watching them. I tried but it would take me much more time than I had to relearn how to move. My 4 year old Daniel could play it and well. It was amazing to watch him. He liked playing with Grandma cause I couldn't do it and he got lots of turns. Marquis just sails through the games and of course then his turns last a long time. He tried to help me but I couldn't get it. I just had to practice with Daniel. He said, "You need a hug Grandma." and hugged me cause I was having such a hard time making the game work.

On Thursday, I decided to give Kymberly my Birthday present. Saturday she was going to get a big tah dah and I wanted her to enjoy this one before she was overwhelmed. So at 8:00am before Matthew went off to School I gave her her gift.
She loved her tea set and her little orange car. Little girls need cars also. Particularly, when they have big brothers.

She and I had a lovely tea party. Marquis joined us but Daniel said, "No thank you." The tea party lasted all day and the next.



Her Mommy made her cute little jacket and skirt. Angela is a very good seamstress. She learned from her Grandmother.




We went to Sabbath School on Saturday and Kymberly and the boys dressed up in thier new outfits that Mommy made. I don't have a picture of Marquis in his shirt.

Her Daddy loves his little girl.
Angie not only made the cute dress but the coat she is wearing with her Daddy as well.

Later that day we went to her Granma and Grandpa Lundquist's for her Birthday. One of Angie's friends--Gina and her two daughters, 11 year old Cianne and 4 year old Ozzie, came down from Spangle to clebrate and go swimming the next day on a special field trip to Canada.
Now you must know that Matthew, Angie and her Mother are Vegans, even so, there was a lovely birthday cake and Glenna made icecream from Rice Milk. All was very good.



Kymberly got a kitchen from Grandma and Grandpa and all the groceries and pots and pans
from Mommy and Daddy.




All the children loved the kitchen and all its goodies. They played and played.

Even Grandpa enjoyed watching the little ones play.


I had a wonderful visit. Kymberly has changed from a baby to a toddler over night. I am going back up there Sunday as Sunday they are having family portraits and want the Grandparents as well.

There now you got to come to the party also. Hope you had a good time.