One Year Ago

It is crazy what a year can do!

One year ago tomorrow I had my Fundoplication and other fixes. I never really talked a great deal about it with anyone but giggled when I heard what others said I "had done". I actually had someone come up to me and ask if I had gastric bypass surgery. Probably because one year ago today I weighed 50 pounds more. This surgery has allowed me to eat healthy and all and all live better.

A Fundoplication is NOT an elective surgery and is not something I would ever want anyone to go through. It was painful, awful, scary and all around not a good time. Recovery was probably the worst. Well actually the tests leading up to it and the awful news I got from those stupid tests was probably the worst.

Anyway, enough of the icky part of it.

I can honestly say that I am alive and happy today because of Dr. Fabian, my surgeon. I am able to eat fruits, vegetables, salsa, and well food that stays down and does not come back up or cause other major digestive issues.
I am now lactose intolerant and I do sometimes have trouble swallowing but it is so very good to be able to eat what I want, exercise, and live in a more healthy way.
I never want to have to relive the surgery or the month that followed but am so blessed to have gone in when I did.
My quality of life is so much better and I am thankful for modern medicine.

Here is a picture a week after surgery

Here I am about year later! Hanging with my new buddy Henry:)

OH what a difference a year makes:)

Doggie Vacation

Gus and Sandy have been on vacation for the past week. Gus headed out to Sheldon last Friday and spent three days with his friends, Betsy, Joey and Scooter. He enjoyed his time catching up.
While Gus was out checking the cows with his friends, Sandy spent the weekend at the lake and then headed to Nome for some quality time with Dale and Becky. Gus then joined Sandy for some good running and playing time.

Sandy wiggled, ran, ate, rested and was overall just the good little girl that she is.
Gus rolled in poop, ate a loaf of bread and followed my mother everywhere. She did, however, say that he was not to bad this time.

They are back home and I must say I believe I missed Gus. (I think) I know I missed Sandy.

Gus is not speaking to me and seems to be irritated with me.

Here is what they are up to after a nice vacation:

Pose

Carter and Bill have a signature pose that we seem to always find. I wonder how much longer this pose will last?

Carter sure is getting to be a big boy. Especially now that he will not be the little brother much longer! Kindergarten is just around the corner as well:)

Father's Day Weekend

Grandma Becky had to show Carter how to open the peanuts because he was getting shells all over the place.

 Carter and Owly have a special relationship. They have been friends for years and love to hang out on the dock.

I find it interesting that there are so many pictures of Carter doing "things". He seems to always be doing something that encourages a picture opportunity. Here he is walking around in Bill's shoes.

Ashley and Dale did not have their matching glasses so they went for a pose instead.

Flowers

Bill and I put together a cute little wheel barrel for his mother for Mother's Day. We got it as a kit at the greatest store on Earth, Menards. We planted the flowers in it and I think it is pretty adorable.

We have not given it to her yet but plan to do that Friday when Gus spends a few days with them.

Toonponing season has begun

When Carter was little he used to call the Pontoon a Toonpon. Too funny. We finally got the pontoon in and headed out on the lake for a ride:)

I wonder if Becky is talking to Owly?

 After all of that hard work, Bill had to take a nap.

More Ducks

Last weekend I watched this lovely couple. They live on Lake Sallie, enjoy long walks on the beach and snuggling on the dock.

This little guys was an absolute hoot! He spent a great deal of Sunday morning attempting to break into the birdhouse for a snack.

Brendan's Baseball Game

Today Brendan got to play with the big kids! I am not sure who was more nervous but I know it was probably his mom, dad and aunt.

Brendan got on base a few times and helped make a play while he was the second basemen. Now you have to understand this is his first real baseball game he has ever played in so getting put on second was a pretty big deal!

When I first sat down at the game, I must say, I was a bit concerned. Those big kids pitch fast! All and all, it was really fun to watch. I got to see some of my future fifth graders and watch my, not so little anymore, nephew play with the big kids. Carter was a stellar fan, kind of;)

Here are a few shots of the game...