Monday, March 22, 2010

Neglecting my blog!

I am so sorry I've been neglecting to update!  Things have been so crazy around here! 

In January we had a health scare with my youngest.  He's been having random stomach aches for the past 3 years, and had a diagnosis of IBS.  Well, when he had the same old stomach ache in January, I asked him to tell me what the pain felt like.  Low and behold, it was EXACTLY what I had with my gall bladder!  Who would have thought that a 12 year old could have gall bladder problems starting at age 9??  Well, certainly NOT his doctor, who kept telling me I was crazy (not in those words obviously).  So after many appointments and finally finding a pediatric gastroenterologist who actually believed me, he had his gall bladder removed in February.  Dr. Tvetenstrand (the same doc I had for the gastric bypass and gall bladder removal) said that he'd never seen a gall bladder so full of lesions on such a young person.  THANK GOD I went through all that back in December, or my baby would STILL be suffering with the extreme pain!

Now that we have Brandon's health crisis over, we're dealing with more issues with our oldest son, Devan.  He had a kidney transplant 8 years ago.  Unfortunately his kidney function is declining.  It isn't at critical levels yet, but we're watching him very closely.  He's scheduled for many tests over the next few weeks so we should know more when they are completed.  Please, if you pray, I'd really appreciate it!

Now for a stamping update!  As many of you know, the Syracuse regional was canceled due to adverse weather.  While making my swaps, the punch I was using started getting really stiff and hard to use. I decided to check out my other punches and see what I could come up with.  This is what I did....



Believe it or not, these are made using the Butterfly punch!  Here are the directions:
  • Use butterfly punch and cut two pieces using Whisper White or other light colored cardstock.
  • With Stampin' Write markers, color edges of butterfly wings.
  • Spritz both sides with water, and scrunch the butterflies wings together
  • Let dry slightly
  • Glue the punched pieces together to form flower.
  • Punch 5 petal flower using green cardstock (Certainly Celery and Old Olive are my favorites)
  • Repeat spritzing process to make the leaves
  • Glue to bottom of flower
  • When flower is completely dry, color centers using Summer Sun and More Mustard dots.
You can then add these wonderful flowers to cards, boxes, pin backs, or anything else you can think of!  They are very easy to make, and the possible color combos are endless!


Now on the weight loss front.  I am now 6 months out from surgery, and happy to say I've lost 128 pounds!  I'm just 2 pounds away from being under 200!  I'm so excited!  I'm wearing a 14 regular in pants, and a large shirt!  I recently sold my 3X Stampin' Up sweater I got at convention and bought it in a large!  I am SO STINKIN' EXCITED!

Here are the latest pics....



I am finally feeling full of energy, and just enjoying life again!  Saturday morning it was nice enough here in northeast PA to finally walk outside.  I took the same route I had been walking before the surgery.  When I got to my usual turn around spot, I went right on by!  I ended up walking over 5 miles!  If you would have said even last fall that I'd be doing that, I'd have said YOU WERE CRAZY!  I even jogged part of it!

I still have about 40 lbs to go to goal, but I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  Still having occasional issues with keeping certain things down, but it's getting better all the time.

Thanks to everyone for your continued support.  I couldn't do it without you!

19 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your weight loss!!
    And I did say a prayer for your son.

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  2. Wow these are really cool flowers! TFS
    Congrats on the weight loss too!
    Cheers
    Sonia

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  3. Wow!

    Tina these are fantastic...I love them!! This is the one punch I don't have...it'll be on my next order! Thanks so much for sharing!

    You look fantastic...congrats on your weight loss too!!

    Judy

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  4. Tina,

    I'm so proud of you. Stay with it and keep us posted. It is not easy but look how awesome you look.
    Barb

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  5. Tina,
    I love the pansy idea ---so clever. You look great! Keep up the good work :o)

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  6. Wow, Tina! Good job on the weight loss! One of my club members has had band surgery and is doing well with her weight loss also. More power to you!
    I'm so sorry to hear about the illnesses with your children. Good luck with your son Devan. (I have a grandson Devan.) My prayers are with him.
    Happy Stampin',
    Kay

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  7. I will most certainly keep your family in my prayers ox

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  8. Tina, You look fabulous my dear!!! But you may have lost weight but your sweet loving personality didn't leave. Prayers for your family health issues. It is so hard to see our children suffer. Keep looking up!!

    Gayle Schrock

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  9. Thank you for sharing the wonderful pansies....I really need to start using my imagination and put 2 and 2 together....I just love what you have done.
    Delphine

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  10. Awesome flowers Thanks. I will pray for you son

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  11. Know that you and your family are in my prayers. Congratulations on your weight loss and to your future weight loss goal.
    Luvglitztoo

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  12. Love your pansies. Congrats on the weight loss and I hope all is well with you and the family! Janet in NC

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  13. Congratulations on your weight loss. I know how hard it is to lose weight and all the effort it takes to keep it off (Weight Watcher lifer). Prayers are said for your family's health issues. Many blessings!

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  14. Congratulations on your weight loss, I know how hard it is, as I have been struggling to do so... and sorry to hear all the health issues with your sons, I have been like that since last sept! so I know what you are saying about these Dr's, and lastly love the pansies, I must give them a try! TFS, HUgs always!

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  15. You look fantastic and you are fantastic...

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  16. The flowers are beautiful and want to try making them. Congratulations on loosing weight. Keep it up. Wish I had your will to do it myself. Saying prayers for both of your sons. Edna

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  17. congratulations! on keeping the weight off. I know how hard it is. Thank you for sharing your story. We are keeping your family in our prayers. The pansies are great and am going to try them on my club tonight. Keep up the good work. I'll be in PA in July Kathryn T

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  18. These are so cute! I can't believe how easy they are to do..!!! Thank you for sharing your talent.

    Kylie :)

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  19. You are looking fanstic! Wow 128 in 6 months.. I'm jealous. *grins* I am little over 6 months and I'm down 101. Keep up the good work!

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