Bloggin With Shell Washam
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Bloggin With Shell Washam
How Does My Garden Grow?
Five years ago when we first moved to Tennessee, I attempted to grow a garden. Now, I can remember my mom growing small gardens in our small, Buffalo, NY backyard. There wasn't much space but she always managed to plant some tomatos and even cucumbers if I remember correctly.
I figured with 3 acres of land I could grow one heck of a garden - so as soon as the local Wal-Mart began selling springtime products like seeds and stuff, I purchased one of everything (just about). I quickly learned that Tennessee dirt ...er...clay, can not be prepared for a 60 x 30 garden with a shovel no matter what the Internet says. I went out and rented a roto-tiller and Mike tilled the land. This was going to be great!!
Someone forgot to include WEEDING on the seed packets under INSTRUCTIONS. Have you ever tried to weed a 60 x 30 garden? Me neither. Finally, a deal was struck. After intense negotiations and $300 worth of top, name-brand tennis shoes later, the kids lived up to half the deal and weeded the corn and the tomatos. At that point, my $328 investment had yielded me a dozen tomatoes (not counting the compost pile) and a few ears of corn.
I actually got more tomatoes out of the compost pile the former owners left behind. Go figure.
My husband, (add financial wizard to LEO) figured it cost me about $10 a tomato by the time it was all said and done. That was 4 years ago.
This spring, Mike announced that HE was going to plant the garden and tend to it. Fine by me. He obviously didn't realize how much time is involved. He found a great deal on a used roto-tiller at the local pawn shop and set out to till his space. What a show-off.
I offered my assistance and even some expert advice on what to plant and where to plant it but I was quickly banned from even touching the seeds. The fact that I can kill even silk plants had nothing to do with this, he was just showing off.
Four weeks later, Mike came in with his first harvest. Cucumbers! Did you know that 6 cucmber plants yield enough vegetables to feed a small country? They keep on coming and with them, tomatoes, an acorn squash, 2 pumpkins, a watermelon and even some eggplant!! I TOLD him it would work! Ha!
How he finds the time to weed that monster is beyond me; but he does it. Every week he goes out and even in between days off when he has time and he tends to his precious garden.
The other day he came in and told me to come look at the sunflowers. As I looked out into the garden, I saw these huge, yellow bursts of sunshine staring back at me! They were GORGEOUS! He grew them just for me. Awwww. He's somethin' else I tell ya!
Here is a picture of one of my sunflowers... isn't it a beaut?
I figured with 3 acres of land I could grow one heck of a garden - so as soon as the local Wal-Mart began selling springtime products like seeds and stuff, I purchased one of everything (just about). I quickly learned that Tennessee dirt ...er...clay, can not be prepared for a 60 x 30 garden with a shovel no matter what the Internet says. I went out and rented a roto-tiller and Mike tilled the land. This was going to be great!!
Someone forgot to include WEEDING on the seed packets under INSTRUCTIONS. Have you ever tried to weed a 60 x 30 garden? Me neither. Finally, a deal was struck. After intense negotiations and $300 worth of top, name-brand tennis shoes later, the kids lived up to half the deal and weeded the corn and the tomatos. At that point, my $328 investment had yielded me a dozen tomatoes (not counting the compost pile) and a few ears of corn.
I actually got more tomatoes out of the compost pile the former owners left behind. Go figure.
My husband, (add financial wizard to LEO) figured it cost me about $10 a tomato by the time it was all said and done. That was 4 years ago.
This spring, Mike announced that HE was going to plant the garden and tend to it. Fine by me. He obviously didn't realize how much time is involved. He found a great deal on a used roto-tiller at the local pawn shop and set out to till his space. What a show-off.
I offered my assistance and even some expert advice on what to plant and where to plant it but I was quickly banned from even touching the seeds. The fact that I can kill even silk plants had nothing to do with this, he was just showing off.
Four weeks later, Mike came in with his first harvest. Cucumbers! Did you know that 6 cucmber plants yield enough vegetables to feed a small country? They keep on coming and with them, tomatoes, an acorn squash, 2 pumpkins, a watermelon and even some eggplant!! I TOLD him it would work! Ha!
How he finds the time to weed that monster is beyond me; but he does it. Every week he goes out and even in between days off when he has time and he tends to his precious garden.
The other day he came in and told me to come look at the sunflowers. As I looked out into the garden, I saw these huge, yellow bursts of sunshine staring back at me! They were GORGEOUS! He grew them just for me. Awwww. He's somethin' else I tell ya!
Here is a picture of one of my sunflowers... isn't it a beaut?
A Mother's Pride
It only takes reading the daily news in the morning to realize how out-of-control our society has gone.
It seems like in the past 5 years people have totally forgotten about morals and values and it saddens me to see how many women are sacrificing their children to their selfish desires. Just yesterday, I read in the Knoxville News about a 24-year old woman who left her infant daughter in a hot car while she went into a lounge. The baby died.
What on God's green earth could be more important that your child? Is it me, or have these woman been taken over by aliens?
Ten years ago, you RARELY heard of such horrible acts of neglect; but as time has gone on the rise in
It seems like in the past 5 years people have totally forgotten about morals and values and it saddens me to see how many women are sacrificing their children to their selfish desires. Just yesterday, I read in the Knoxville News about a 24-year old woman who left her infant daughter in a hot car while she went into a lounge. The baby died.
What on God's green earth could be more important that your child? Is it me, or have these woman been taken over by aliens?
Ten years ago, you RARELY heard of such horrible acts of neglect; but as time has gone on the rise in
juvenile violent crime, teen pregnancy, kids killing and a total abandonment of respect for any type of authority have become commonplace. I am amazed at the stories my husband comes home and tells me about teens and the trouble they get themselves into. The bottom line is - there is no one at home teaching these kids the precious values they need to respect anyone or anything thing, including themselves. How sad.
During summer break, when all 3 kids are home, I can totally understand why mother animals eat their young and I have expressed this to many people who have agreed. However, as crazy as it can get around the Washam household, as much as the kids fight, as lazy as they seem to get during these long summer days, I feel blessed to have the children I have. My oldest, Ashley, starts college in the fall, my youngest, Louie, is a computer genious and is headed toward a career as a weatherman even though he is only in 8th grade.
I am super proud of all 3 of my kids; but this summer, my socialite middle daughter, Cassie, surprised me and made me SUPER proud when she joined the Explorers Police Academy at the same department her dad works. I can't tell you how proud he was! Cassie has always had a fascination with law enforcement, forensics and anything to do with police work. Last summer she learned how to lift finger prints with pencil lead and scotch tape...what a mess! At just under 100 lbs. you would think this violent line of work would be the last thing she'd go for, not to mention the grueling 60 hour training the department puts even their explorers through. Surprising both me and her dad, she embraced it.
We took her out and bought her all the uniform items needed. My hubby has a frequent shopper card at the local police supply stores and with much pride, he brought her to buy her little boots, her tactical pants and all the other required uniform items needed. He then spent hours showing her how to achieve high shine on the boots, how to properly stand at attention, do a good push-up and the most important thing of all...teamwork.
No police department can survive without teamwork. The first rule they taught Cassie was that you ALWAYS be there for your partner. On her second day, she was already quietly helping her fellow squad members do the right thing at the right time to avoid the push-ups they'd be ordered to do for screwing up. The end result was being chosen squad leader! Go figure, my baby is a squad leader!
Raising kids is by far, not easy; but with much effort, guidance, values and tradition a regular part of their daily life, you simply can't go wrong. My Cassie is proof of that. From rebel to police explorer she has shown that a kid CAN and WILL do well when give the right support system at home.
Ladies... no man is worth your babies. I know this first-hand. Don't abandon these precious gifts sent from above to this ugly world for the sake of "love" that may or may not be true. It just isn't worth it.
Here are a couple of pics of Cassie shining her boots with her dad and getting ready for the academy. Just check out the shine onthose boots!
During summer break, when all 3 kids are home, I can totally understand why mother animals eat their young and I have expressed this to many people who have agreed. However, as crazy as it can get around the Washam household, as much as the kids fight, as lazy as they seem to get during these long summer days, I feel blessed to have the children I have. My oldest, Ashley, starts college in the fall, my youngest, Louie, is a computer genious and is headed toward a career as a weatherman even though he is only in 8th grade.
I am super proud of all 3 of my kids; but this summer, my socialite middle daughter, Cassie, surprised me and made me SUPER proud when she joined the Explorers Police Academy at the same department her dad works. I can't tell you how proud he was! Cassie has always had a fascination with law enforcement, forensics and anything to do with police work. Last summer she learned how to lift finger prints with pencil lead and scotch tape...what a mess! At just under 100 lbs. you would think this violent line of work would be the last thing she'd go for, not to mention the grueling 60 hour training the department puts even their explorers through. Surprising both me and her dad, she embraced it.
We took her out and bought her all the uniform items needed. My hubby has a frequent shopper card at the local police supply stores and with much pride, he brought her to buy her little boots, her tactical pants and all the other required uniform items needed. He then spent hours showing her how to achieve high shine on the boots, how to properly stand at attention, do a good push-up and the most important thing of all...teamwork.
No police department can survive without teamwork. The first rule they taught Cassie was that you ALWAYS be there for your partner. On her second day, she was already quietly helping her fellow squad members do the right thing at the right time to avoid the push-ups they'd be ordered to do for screwing up. The end result was being chosen squad leader! Go figure, my baby is a squad leader!
Raising kids is by far, not easy; but with much effort, guidance, values and tradition a regular part of their daily life, you simply can't go wrong. My Cassie is proof of that. From rebel to police explorer she has shown that a kid CAN and WILL do well when give the right support system at home.
Ladies... no man is worth your babies. I know this first-hand. Don't abandon these precious gifts sent from above to this ugly world for the sake of "love" that may or may not be true. It just isn't worth it.
Here are a couple of pics of Cassie shining her boots with her dad and getting ready for the academy. Just check out the shine onthose boots!
Free to Dream
Happy 4th of July! I always love the festivities of this weekend. This year was extra special for us even though Mike had to work the entire day and missed the fireworks, we got to spend it with my parents.
Every day that we get to spend with my dad, every special event, holiday, Sunday dinner is just precious.
This year the kids and I sent Mike off to work and then proceeded to visit our favorite fireworks stand. We've been going back to the same guy for 4-years now becuase the owner always remembers us and he always gives us a good deal. Afterall, if you're going to take money and light it on fire, you might as well get a good deal.
Most years, I put back about $150 for fireworks. We live at the top of a mountain and our display can be seen for miles around; but this year was different, we spent it at my parents house in White Pine (about 20 minutes away) and we were working on a tighter budget. Our fireworks "dealer" didn't disappoint...he gave us a great deal and as soon as we arrived at mom and dad's house I could see the excitement in dad's eyes as we unloaded our goodies.
Dad was like a little kid waiting for dark to come and when it did... He really had a BLAST!! No pun intended!
Our grand finale' always consists of a 16 shot display the likes of what you'd see at a city display; but this year, dad was to be a hero amongst his neighbors so when all the roman candles had been shot off and all of the other pop and crackle fireworks were blasted we lugged out the big one, "Glory Returns". It didn't disappoint!
Dad lit the wick with pride and then ran for cover as one of the most remarkable fireworks displays to hit his neighborhood began. It was SPECTACULAR! The neighborhood grew silent as starburst after starburst lit the sky! Everyone else stopped their fireworks to watch dad's. His neighbor was also putting on quite a display but even he paused long enough to watch dad's grand finale'.
When the show had ended dad was already planning for next year! My mom just shakes her head. She's been humoring dad's child like side for over 40-years and she's used to it but the kids and I really enjoyed lighting fireworks with dad this year, it is a precious memory that we can place in our memory box of him.
One thing I learned while lliving here in Tennesse, living the country life is that family time and the memories that come with them are really life's most precious gifts. Time hasn't really caught up with our town yet and the old-fashioned family values I cherish are still very much a part of life. Ever see the movie Steel Magnolias? That's about the closest description I can give you of what it is like here.
I have learned to worry less and enjoy what I do have more. I look out my window every day and Thank God that He has blessed me with such a magnificent life, surrounded by these beautiful mountains. It doesn't matter how bad life seems to weigh on us sometimes, we really do have the choice to make lemonade of lemons. Just be sure to add an extra cup of sugar. Life is what you make of it, you can focus on the bad or you can embrace the good. I choose the latter!
Happy Fourth of July ya'll!
Every day that we get to spend with my dad, every special event, holiday, Sunday dinner is just precious.
This year the kids and I sent Mike off to work and then proceeded to visit our favorite fireworks stand. We've been going back to the same guy for 4-years now becuase the owner always remembers us and he always gives us a good deal. Afterall, if you're going to take money and light it on fire, you might as well get a good deal.
Most years, I put back about $150 for fireworks. We live at the top of a mountain and our display can be seen for miles around; but this year was different, we spent it at my parents house in White Pine (about 20 minutes away) and we were working on a tighter budget. Our fireworks "dealer" didn't disappoint...he gave us a great deal and as soon as we arrived at mom and dad's house I could see the excitement in dad's eyes as we unloaded our goodies.
Dad was like a little kid waiting for dark to come and when it did... He really had a BLAST!! No pun intended!
Our grand finale' always consists of a 16 shot display the likes of what you'd see at a city display; but this year, dad was to be a hero amongst his neighbors so when all the roman candles had been shot off and all of the other pop and crackle fireworks were blasted we lugged out the big one, "Glory Returns". It didn't disappoint!
Dad lit the wick with pride and then ran for cover as one of the most remarkable fireworks displays to hit his neighborhood began. It was SPECTACULAR! The neighborhood grew silent as starburst after starburst lit the sky! Everyone else stopped their fireworks to watch dad's. His neighbor was also putting on quite a display but even he paused long enough to watch dad's grand finale'.
When the show had ended dad was already planning for next year! My mom just shakes her head. She's been humoring dad's child like side for over 40-years and she's used to it but the kids and I really enjoyed lighting fireworks with dad this year, it is a precious memory that we can place in our memory box of him.
One thing I learned while lliving here in Tennesse, living the country life is that family time and the memories that come with them are really life's most precious gifts. Time hasn't really caught up with our town yet and the old-fashioned family values I cherish are still very much a part of life. Ever see the movie Steel Magnolias? That's about the closest description I can give you of what it is like here.
I have learned to worry less and enjoy what I do have more. I look out my window every day and Thank God that He has blessed me with such a magnificent life, surrounded by these beautiful mountains. It doesn't matter how bad life seems to weigh on us sometimes, we really do have the choice to make lemonade of lemons. Just be sure to add an extra cup of sugar. Life is what you make of it, you can focus on the bad or you can embrace the good. I choose the latter!
Happy Fourth of July ya'll!
The Washam Family "Staycation"
Well, vacation is officially over and Oh!, what a vacation it has been! I wrote this post right before it our time of fun and family ended.
Have you ever needed a vacation from the vacation? Mike goes back to work on Sunday and he says he is looking forward to the rest he'll get LOL!! It isn't all that bad. We were originally going to go to Charleston, SC for a few days but about a month ago, one of Mike's fellow officers was shot while on duty. Thank GOD he survived but the man who shot him happened to be a defendant that Mike filed numerous warrants on just two weeks prior to the shooting.
I don't have to tell you how police officers take having one of their own shot. The first court appearance for this man was during our vacation time so it was necessary for us to stay close to home so Mike could testify. The one thing I dread most as a police wife, is getting a call that my husband is injured or worse and God willing, I will never get that call. Needless to say, I feel for Officer R's wife and sacrificing some vacation time so her husbands assailant could be brought to justice is just a small sacrifice I will gladly make...besides, we had lots of fun doing local things and working on the house too.
During the first few days of our vacation, Mike and our son, Louie worked on the garden and did "outside" things. I decided to remodel the kitchen. It went from off-white with apple and green check border to a very happy shade of "Lazy Sun" with white border, new Ginghan curtains and a brand new white ceiling fan. I also re-pop corned my kitchen and living room celilings to make everything fresh! The whole project cost me under $125 and it looks like a totally different house! I so love making my house a home.
On the fun side of things, we went to Dollywood and although Ashley is in Florida with her grandparents and aunt and uncle (Graduation gift) the four of us had a pretty good time even if we were paying the price for all the work we did the day before.
On Sunday, we went out on the boat and had a blast! The weather was a perfect 82 degrees with a gorgeous breeze and Douglas Lake was perfect for boating. We're going to get a new tube for the kids. They are old enough to do it safely and also, I won't have a heart attack watching...well, maybe a little one but they are pretty safety concious so I can worry less while they have a good time.
Here are some pictures:
Have you ever needed a vacation from the vacation? Mike goes back to work on Sunday and he says he is looking forward to the rest he'll get LOL!! It isn't all that bad. We were originally going to go to Charleston, SC for a few days but about a month ago, one of Mike's fellow officers was shot while on duty. Thank GOD he survived but the man who shot him happened to be a defendant that Mike filed numerous warrants on just two weeks prior to the shooting.
I don't have to tell you how police officers take having one of their own shot. The first court appearance for this man was during our vacation time so it was necessary for us to stay close to home so Mike could testify. The one thing I dread most as a police wife, is getting a call that my husband is injured or worse and God willing, I will never get that call. Needless to say, I feel for Officer R's wife and sacrificing some vacation time so her husbands assailant could be brought to justice is just a small sacrifice I will gladly make...besides, we had lots of fun doing local things and working on the house too.
During the first few days of our vacation, Mike and our son, Louie worked on the garden and did "outside" things. I decided to remodel the kitchen. It went from off-white with apple and green check border to a very happy shade of "Lazy Sun" with white border, new Ginghan curtains and a brand new white ceiling fan. I also re-pop corned my kitchen and living room celilings to make everything fresh! The whole project cost me under $125 and it looks like a totally different house! I so love making my house a home.
On the fun side of things, we went to Dollywood and although Ashley is in Florida with her grandparents and aunt and uncle (Graduation gift) the four of us had a pretty good time even if we were paying the price for all the work we did the day before.
On Sunday, we went out on the boat and had a blast! The weather was a perfect 82 degrees with a gorgeous breeze and Douglas Lake was perfect for boating. We're going to get a new tube for the kids. They are old enough to do it safely and also, I won't have a heart attack watching...well, maybe a little one but they are pretty safety concious so I can worry less while they have a good time.
Here are some pictures:
Fathers Day 2008
Here's the video the kids made for Mike for Fathers Day....
Praising God for All Good Things!
So many people wander through life riding waves of hope and dispair and they wonder why the things they wish for never come to be. I had an enlightning week last week. I realized that I can't ask God for something and then doubt He will come through for me. I need to ask and believe and then ACT like I have already received the things I have faith in Him to give me...
In searching God's word, I read of many examples of God's love, mercy and generosity towards His children. he wants us to have good things and enjoy life and glorify Him through doing so. So I had to ask myself;
"Why am I doubting He will come through?"
The response to that thought was pretty profound. I have allowed myself to get into the messes of my life, God didn't put me there! Had I been walking the path He had laid out for me, I never would have strayed or ended up in the wilderness...no, I chose to step off the path.
Today I am praising God for the wonderful things He has done in my life! I praise and thank him for every good thing I have. I am not focusing on what i don't have or the lack in any area, I am focusing on my abundance!
I am a magnet for God's wisdom, guidance, love and blessings. I am attracting all of His goodness to myself and those I love. I am blessed and prosperpus in all areas of my life!
To the preachers out there who belive they have to preach a message of gloom and doom and required suffering...can it. I'm tired of being held in bondage to your false teachings. I am tired of the guilt you use to prevent me from loving and glorifying MY GOD the way HE deserves to be loved and glorified. Stop misleading His people to thinking that they are bound to a life of suffering and pain... he promises us so much more than that when we are greatful for what HE has blessed us with, starting with the sacrifice HE made by sending His only son to die for us!
Today I lift my hands in praise and worship! I life my heart to The Living God for ALL good things He has given me! Not just the material things; but the spiritual things as well, like faith, wisdom and unconditional love for ALL He has created here on earth for me to enjoy!
In searching God's word, I read of many examples of God's love, mercy and generosity towards His children. he wants us to have good things and enjoy life and glorify Him through doing so. So I had to ask myself;
"Why am I doubting He will come through?"
The response to that thought was pretty profound. I have allowed myself to get into the messes of my life, God didn't put me there! Had I been walking the path He had laid out for me, I never would have strayed or ended up in the wilderness...no, I chose to step off the path.
Today I am praising God for the wonderful things He has done in my life! I praise and thank him for every good thing I have. I am not focusing on what i don't have or the lack in any area, I am focusing on my abundance!
I am a magnet for God's wisdom, guidance, love and blessings. I am attracting all of His goodness to myself and those I love. I am blessed and prosperpus in all areas of my life!
To the preachers out there who belive they have to preach a message of gloom and doom and required suffering...can it. I'm tired of being held in bondage to your false teachings. I am tired of the guilt you use to prevent me from loving and glorifying MY GOD the way HE deserves to be loved and glorified. Stop misleading His people to thinking that they are bound to a life of suffering and pain... he promises us so much more than that when we are greatful for what HE has blessed us with, starting with the sacrifice HE made by sending His only son to die for us!
Today I lift my hands in praise and worship! I life my heart to The Living God for ALL good things He has given me! Not just the material things; but the spiritual things as well, like faith, wisdom and unconditional love for ALL He has created here on earth for me to enjoy!
The Quest For 22 Lbs.
Well, I went to my second nutrition class this past Tuesday and I lost two whole pounds (better than gaining!!). This was pretty good news as far as I was concerned; but then, I got even BETTER news!
I literally bumped into the insurance coordinator who showed me how to weigh myself on this fancy-schmancy scale. This scale even automatically reduces for the weight of your clothing. GOTTA LOVE IT! Anyway, in the process of weighing, Bonnie, the insurance lady and I began talking about both not being from east Tennessee and also about how she had undergone WLS and lost over 100lbs. I told her that the only frustrating part of this whole process is the wait! (No pun intended)
Bonnie asked me who my insurance carrier was and when I showed her my card she informed me that I did NOT have to do this 6-month diet but only had to lose 10% of my weight! GO FIGURE! I already lost 3 lbs so that left me with 22 lbs to go in order to reach the point where my paperwork could be submitted for Insurance approval!! HA! I;ve already met the other criteria!
I came home with a whole new mission in life and I am PROUD to say that in 2-days, I am down to 248 (doing snoopy dance) Wooo Hooo! I am losing the rest before my next appoitment if I have to go on a liquid diet!!!!! LOL!!
I've gotten tons of support from the www.obesityhelp.com forums and have been eating great and exercizing and it's working! I'm telling you...if I could have this surgery tomorrow, I WOULD! I had to reschedule my cardio appointment but it is the same day as my psycho exam...(pray I pass that test HAHAHA!!)
So that's my latest update on the WLS journey! I'll post more next week. Pray for me to lose these last pounds please!
Thanks! Love you all!
Shell
I literally bumped into the insurance coordinator who showed me how to weigh myself on this fancy-schmancy scale. This scale even automatically reduces for the weight of your clothing. GOTTA LOVE IT! Anyway, in the process of weighing, Bonnie, the insurance lady and I began talking about both not being from east Tennessee and also about how she had undergone WLS and lost over 100lbs. I told her that the only frustrating part of this whole process is the wait! (No pun intended)
Bonnie asked me who my insurance carrier was and when I showed her my card she informed me that I did NOT have to do this 6-month diet but only had to lose 10% of my weight! GO FIGURE! I already lost 3 lbs so that left me with 22 lbs to go in order to reach the point where my paperwork could be submitted for Insurance approval!! HA! I;ve already met the other criteria!
I came home with a whole new mission in life and I am PROUD to say that in 2-days, I am down to 248 (doing snoopy dance) Wooo Hooo! I am losing the rest before my next appoitment if I have to go on a liquid diet!!!!! LOL!!
I've gotten tons of support from the www.obesityhelp.com forums and have been eating great and exercizing and it's working! I'm telling you...if I could have this surgery tomorrow, I WOULD! I had to reschedule my cardio appointment but it is the same day as my psycho exam...(pray I pass that test HAHAHA!!)
So that's my latest update on the WLS journey! I'll post more next week. Pray for me to lose these last pounds please!
Thanks! Love you all!
Shell
Life is Good...
Helloooooooo everyone!
Well, today is the second day of "Spring break" Ugh... The guy that makes up the break schedule OBVIOUSLY doesn't have kids. All they do is eat and fight...when they aren't eating they're fighting and when they aren't fighting theyr eating and in between they fight about what they are going to eat. It's no wonder my grocery bill is double what it normally is!
This past weekend we did a family day and loaded into the ole' mini-van and headed out to explore the Great Smoky Mountains. We headed towards Hot Springs, North Carolina which took us a whole 3 and a half minutes to get through and the springs aren't free... it would have cost us over $40 to sit in a hot tub that is just FED by the springs...hmmmm. So, we kept going on through Ashville, NC and into Cherokee. We stopped at this WONDERFUl little shop in Maggie Valley called Cabbage Rose. They had the nicest gifts and home accents. I love those girley kind of shops.
I fell in love with a Vera Bradley handbag but figured I could find is cheaper elsewhere. So on we went into Cherokee, got stuck in traffic for an hour and finally made it at about 4:00 PM. After that we headed towards Gatlinburg and half way there I told Mike to pull over and let me drive so he could enjoy the scenery. He never gets to just ride and look, so, I took over the driving duties for the second leg of the trip.
While we were traveling through the mountains something caught my eye and low and behold... it was a little black bear!!! HE was SOOOOOO cute. I had no way of stopping or turning around so, we kept going and two miles up the road THERE WAS ANOTHER ONE!!! HA!! I got some good video of the little guy. You can check it out here: http://www.just4ladies.com/bearvideo/bear.htm
I've been in Tennessee for almost five-years and this is the first time I have seen one of those little rascals in the wild. Hewas a cutie and totally oblivious to the 50+ people standing there taking his picture.
We stopped for dinner in Pigeon Forge and then headed home and all in all it was a really nice day. I so love those kinds of days where we just pack some snacks, load the kids and just drive. I do believe it is days like that, that keep us close and give my kids something to look forward too. I hope they do the same with their kids. I hope all of you with kids take the time to just have a family day. It is really the glue that keeps a family together wheteher you are single parent or not.
Other than that, life is just darn good. I am one week into my WLS journey and taking the pre-op diet VERY serious. As of yesterday I lost a whole pound HEHE! I am looking forward to this surgery, possible complications and all more than you will ever know. Just nowing I can get BACK down to my normal weight and start a WHOLE new life is beyond exciting! If anyone out there is in this boat, PLEASE, email me and lets talk!
Anyway, that's all for right now. I love you all! Oh! Be sure to tune into Heartbeats tonight! We have special guest, Thelma Wells on! She is just INCREDIBLE! Go to: www.blogtalkradio.com/just4ladies to listen in.
Love you all!
Shell
Well, today is the second day of "Spring break" Ugh... The guy that makes up the break schedule OBVIOUSLY doesn't have kids. All they do is eat and fight...when they aren't eating they're fighting and when they aren't fighting theyr eating and in between they fight about what they are going to eat. It's no wonder my grocery bill is double what it normally is!
This past weekend we did a family day and loaded into the ole' mini-van and headed out to explore the Great Smoky Mountains. We headed towards Hot Springs, North Carolina which took us a whole 3 and a half minutes to get through and the springs aren't free... it would have cost us over $40 to sit in a hot tub that is just FED by the springs...hmmmm. So, we kept going on through Ashville, NC and into Cherokee. We stopped at this WONDERFUl little shop in Maggie Valley called Cabbage Rose. They had the nicest gifts and home accents. I love those girley kind of shops.
I fell in love with a Vera Bradley handbag but figured I could find is cheaper elsewhere. So on we went into Cherokee, got stuck in traffic for an hour and finally made it at about 4:00 PM. After that we headed towards Gatlinburg and half way there I told Mike to pull over and let me drive so he could enjoy the scenery. He never gets to just ride and look, so, I took over the driving duties for the second leg of the trip.
While we were traveling through the mountains something caught my eye and low and behold... it was a little black bear!!! HE was SOOOOOO cute. I had no way of stopping or turning around so, we kept going and two miles up the road THERE WAS ANOTHER ONE!!! HA!! I got some good video of the little guy. You can check it out here: http://www.just4ladies.com/bearvideo/bear.htm
I've been in Tennessee for almost five-years and this is the first time I have seen one of those little rascals in the wild. Hewas a cutie and totally oblivious to the 50+ people standing there taking his picture.
We stopped for dinner in Pigeon Forge and then headed home and all in all it was a really nice day. I so love those kinds of days where we just pack some snacks, load the kids and just drive. I do believe it is days like that, that keep us close and give my kids something to look forward too. I hope they do the same with their kids. I hope all of you with kids take the time to just have a family day. It is really the glue that keeps a family together wheteher you are single parent or not.
Other than that, life is just darn good. I am one week into my WLS journey and taking the pre-op diet VERY serious. As of yesterday I lost a whole pound HEHE! I am looking forward to this surgery, possible complications and all more than you will ever know. Just nowing I can get BACK down to my normal weight and start a WHOLE new life is beyond exciting! If anyone out there is in this boat, PLEASE, email me and lets talk!
Anyway, that's all for right now. I love you all! Oh! Be sure to tune into Heartbeats tonight! We have special guest, Thelma Wells on! She is just INCREDIBLE! Go to: www.blogtalkradio.com/just4ladies to listen in.
Love you all!
Shell
A New Journey Begins - I'm Gonna Be a Loser!
Most, if not all of you weren't aware that I was struggling with my weight. Well, I decided to make a journal of it.
Yesterday, April 15, 2008, after two years of research, investigation and serious prayer, I took the first step towards being a loser. A loser of weight that is.
I've read a gazillion and one stories about people who have traveled this road and most of them, if not all have struggled with being overweight their entire lives. That's not the case with me. I've only struggled with it about half my life.
When my second son, Frankie, was born and shortly after died, I began my struggle with my weight. I was on steiroids during the pregnancy and went from 118 pounds to a whopping 267 pounds in just 5 short months. Although I lost some of the weight, I was never again able to lose all of it and return to my normal size. Soooo, for the next 14 years, I struggled with thin thinking but big body syndrome. That's when your mind still sees yourself as thin until you go into a store to try on clothes and leave crying becuase you look awful. If I had a dime for every time I did that to myself, I'd be rich.
After several years, I stopped shopping for clothes and just bought whatever would cover my size. I went from a size 5 to a size 18/20. The good thing about it is that I NEVER EVER EVER got used to it! I hated it from day one.
I've tried every diet and diet pill known to man, have been on not one but TWO medically supervised diets which failed miserably, just like the rest and then I finally decided that I had enough. I have a couple of reasons for wanting to do this. First, I am a ticking time-bomb health wise. I have a small frame and wasn't meant to carry an extra 134 pounds on these little bones, second, I have a history of heart disease and other bad things in my family and third, appearence. One would never believe that in my early twenties I used to model! yea! Go figure!
I married a man that is drop-dead gorgeous (at least I think so) and even though I shouldn't care about this and he doesn't ever say anything... I am NOT what you would expect my husband would be married to on the outside. He always tells me he loves me for all of me (WOW that's a LOT to love right now! LOL!!) But honestly, I want him to be proud of me. I am 15-years younger than Mike and he has done a FANTASTIC job of taking care of himself. Most people think he is 10-years younger than he is. I want to look good for him and for me.
So those are my reasons and yesterday I took the first step into my new future! After exhaustive research, I made an appointment with the highly reccomended Dr. Williams of Park West Surgical Weight Loss Centers in Knoxville. Mike, although he worked all night waited for me to get to Knoxville and then accompanied me to the appointment. My intentions were to have the new Lap-band proceedure done but after speaking to Dr. Williams, we realized that in my case, with 134 EXTRA pounds and a BMI of (brace yourself) 44.9 (YIKES!!) Lap-Band would be like shooting a bee-bee at a freight train.
Sooooo... I am having full gastric bypass surgery!! Dr. Williams was EXCELLENT at explaining the risks and the benefits and after Mike did his "investigation" (he's a cop, forgive him) we decided to go with the gastric bypass.
I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!! I am OFFICIALLY in the PRE-OP phase of the journey and began my THIRD medically supervised diet yesterday. If my other two diets count, I will be able to have the surgery by mid-summer. If they do not count, I will be able to have the surgery in October 2008. Either way... I am on my way to THIN!
I have read a couple dozen WLS journals online and know the first month is going to be rough. But EVERY SINGLE person said it was worth it! I know it will be too.
I hope you'll keep up with this journal, I am going to put all the details right here for all of you to read. PLEASE feel free to comment. I'd love to hear from you and I will be posting a pre-op picture (not a Glamor shot either) in a few days.
So, today I am 253 lbs and offically on the Pre-Op MS Diet. I'm on my way to be a loser.
Wish me luck!
Shell
Yesterday, April 15, 2008, after two years of research, investigation and serious prayer, I took the first step towards being a loser. A loser of weight that is.
I've read a gazillion and one stories about people who have traveled this road and most of them, if not all have struggled with being overweight their entire lives. That's not the case with me. I've only struggled with it about half my life.
When my second son, Frankie, was born and shortly after died, I began my struggle with my weight. I was on steiroids during the pregnancy and went from 118 pounds to a whopping 267 pounds in just 5 short months. Although I lost some of the weight, I was never again able to lose all of it and return to my normal size. Soooo, for the next 14 years, I struggled with thin thinking but big body syndrome. That's when your mind still sees yourself as thin until you go into a store to try on clothes and leave crying becuase you look awful. If I had a dime for every time I did that to myself, I'd be rich.
After several years, I stopped shopping for clothes and just bought whatever would cover my size. I went from a size 5 to a size 18/20. The good thing about it is that I NEVER EVER EVER got used to it! I hated it from day one.
I've tried every diet and diet pill known to man, have been on not one but TWO medically supervised diets which failed miserably, just like the rest and then I finally decided that I had enough. I have a couple of reasons for wanting to do this. First, I am a ticking time-bomb health wise. I have a small frame and wasn't meant to carry an extra 134 pounds on these little bones, second, I have a history of heart disease and other bad things in my family and third, appearence. One would never believe that in my early twenties I used to model! yea! Go figure!
I married a man that is drop-dead gorgeous (at least I think so) and even though I shouldn't care about this and he doesn't ever say anything... I am NOT what you would expect my husband would be married to on the outside. He always tells me he loves me for all of me (WOW that's a LOT to love right now! LOL!!) But honestly, I want him to be proud of me. I am 15-years younger than Mike and he has done a FANTASTIC job of taking care of himself. Most people think he is 10-years younger than he is. I want to look good for him and for me.
So those are my reasons and yesterday I took the first step into my new future! After exhaustive research, I made an appointment with the highly reccomended Dr. Williams of Park West Surgical Weight Loss Centers in Knoxville. Mike, although he worked all night waited for me to get to Knoxville and then accompanied me to the appointment. My intentions were to have the new Lap-band proceedure done but after speaking to Dr. Williams, we realized that in my case, with 134 EXTRA pounds and a BMI of (brace yourself) 44.9 (YIKES!!) Lap-Band would be like shooting a bee-bee at a freight train.
Sooooo... I am having full gastric bypass surgery!! Dr. Williams was EXCELLENT at explaining the risks and the benefits and after Mike did his "investigation" (he's a cop, forgive him) we decided to go with the gastric bypass.
I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!! I am OFFICIALLY in the PRE-OP phase of the journey and began my THIRD medically supervised diet yesterday. If my other two diets count, I will be able to have the surgery by mid-summer. If they do not count, I will be able to have the surgery in October 2008. Either way... I am on my way to THIN!
I have read a couple dozen WLS journals online and know the first month is going to be rough. But EVERY SINGLE person said it was worth it! I know it will be too.
I hope you'll keep up with this journal, I am going to put all the details right here for all of you to read. PLEASE feel free to comment. I'd love to hear from you and I will be posting a pre-op picture (not a Glamor shot either) in a few days.
So, today I am 253 lbs and offically on the Pre-Op MS Diet. I'm on my way to be a loser.
Wish me luck!
Shell
All Things New!
Hey guys,
I am going to try this bloggin' stuff one more time. For the past week and a half I've been wrestling with the new blog program and have re-written my opening entry at least three times. I'm praying this one will post and not disappear into thin air.
First let me start off by introducing the NEW Just4Ladies web site! We've been rebuilding, redesigning, replanning for several months now and what you see is the result. I hope you like it. We've got lots of new features and things to help you on your heartbreak journey.
Last year and the beginning of this year we were blessed with an incredible amount of publicity, which included a wonderful article by Sandy Feit from Dr. Charles Stanley's In Touch magazine and then followed by several television and radio appearences including a special one-hour guest spot on Family Net Television on Valentine's Day 2008. The Lord opened some mighty big doors for us through those interviews and in the process, led literally thousands of new people to our ministry.
We also added some great new workshops, support groups and even special guests to our itineray. You can now particpate in J4L events in our new high-tech virtual classrooms which are designed to allow you to interact with the speaker or presenter. Our webcasting platform is opening some incredible doors for us and we will be welcoming some of women's ministries greatest ladies like Thelma Wellz (Women of Faith), Liberty Savard (Best selling author of the Keys to the Kingdom trilogy), The Daily Disciples and SO MANY more! Please keep an eye on our events calendar or just keep reading your Dose of Devotion Newsletter for updates and announcements.
Just4Ladies has expanded our workshops and courses to allow more people to participate. We're teaming up with HeartbreakUniversity to bring you the BEST heartbreak, marriage restoration support on the planet. We've also developed a J4L Premium Membership which will allow you to participate in all of our courses and workshops for one, low annual fee.
There's LOTS more but I'll let you cruise around the site and check it out for yourself. Feel free to email me with any questions or comments and by all means, TELL ME YOUR IDEAS!! My email is shell@just4ladies.com
Also, before I forget... please, add the new blog feed to your list of RSS feeds. It helps us rank higher so people can find us. Thanks guys! I love you all and I;ll see you inside!
Shell
I am going to try this bloggin' stuff one more time. For the past week and a half I've been wrestling with the new blog program and have re-written my opening entry at least three times. I'm praying this one will post and not disappear into thin air.
First let me start off by introducing the NEW Just4Ladies web site! We've been rebuilding, redesigning, replanning for several months now and what you see is the result. I hope you like it. We've got lots of new features and things to help you on your heartbreak journey.
Last year and the beginning of this year we were blessed with an incredible amount of publicity, which included a wonderful article by Sandy Feit from Dr. Charles Stanley's In Touch magazine and then followed by several television and radio appearences including a special one-hour guest spot on Family Net Television on Valentine's Day 2008. The Lord opened some mighty big doors for us through those interviews and in the process, led literally thousands of new people to our ministry.
We also added some great new workshops, support groups and even special guests to our itineray. You can now particpate in J4L events in our new high-tech virtual classrooms which are designed to allow you to interact with the speaker or presenter. Our webcasting platform is opening some incredible doors for us and we will be welcoming some of women's ministries greatest ladies like Thelma Wellz (Women of Faith), Liberty Savard (Best selling author of the Keys to the Kingdom trilogy), The Daily Disciples and SO MANY more! Please keep an eye on our events calendar or just keep reading your Dose of Devotion Newsletter for updates and announcements.
Just4Ladies has expanded our workshops and courses to allow more people to participate. We're teaming up with HeartbreakUniversity to bring you the BEST heartbreak, marriage restoration support on the planet. We've also developed a J4L Premium Membership which will allow you to participate in all of our courses and workshops for one, low annual fee.
There's LOTS more but I'll let you cruise around the site and check it out for yourself. Feel free to email me with any questions or comments and by all means, TELL ME YOUR IDEAS!! My email is shell@just4ladies.com
Also, before I forget... please, add the new blog feed to your list of RSS feeds. It helps us rank higher so people can find us. Thanks guys! I love you all and I;ll see you inside!
Shell