A Tribute To Grandmommy

My sweet Grandmommy is leaving us. She's been an incredible example to all of the women in my family for years. She's taken care of us all - raising five kids and nurturing 12 grandchildren & 11 great-grandchildren (so far). She has always thought of others first.

For the past 5 or so years she has been suffering greatly with Lewy Body Dementia. It has ravaged her muscles and taken over her body. It is a cousin to Parkinson's Disease. It has been so sad to watch her slowly deteriorate. She has survived way longer than anyone expected her to.

The chair-ridden Grandmommy that my children know is not the Grandmommy that I know! My Grandmommy was very active - walking laps at the lake with me, riding her bicycle all over, and cooking huge meals for her large family. I loved sitting on her front porch snapping beans with her. I looked forward to going to church with her and hearing her play the piano! I enjoyed many summer days with her at the lake!

I am sad that she is leaving us, but it seems like she's been gone for so long already. I am glad that she will get a new body soon and feel well! I am glad that she will be with the love of her life - my Granddaddy. I pray for my mom and her family as they deal with this loss. I pray they will make sure that they will be in heaven with Grandmommy when their day comes...

I love you, Grandmommy.

I've met my goal - at just six months!

I'm so excited to tell you that I have met my personal weight loss goal - in just 6 months! I went to the doctor today for my 6 month check-up. They are very pleased with me - my BMI is in the healthy range! They are increasing my diet. They don't want me to lose more than 10-20 more pounds! Isn't that amazing!? It has far exceeded my expectations, for sure! The lab tech said that she hasn't heard of anyone meeting their goal at 6 months since she's worked there. It made me feel so good. May God have all the glory!!

Here are a few before pictures next to my 6 month shots:

Snow and Surgery

For the first time in CandyMan and Missy Prissy's life, it has snowed in East Tennessee - enough for them to go sledding! I'm so excited for them. Unfortunately, I had to drive on slick roads yesterday to pick them up from school yesterday (for the first time). Thankfully, despite other cars sliding off the road everywhere, we made it home safely. Of course, this was my first day driving the kids (I've been banned from driving for 2 weeks due to surgery). It was a little nerve racking. I am glad they are out of school today - I needed the extra rest!

So, about the surgery...many of you have been asking on Facebook. Sorry that I haven't answered. I just can't sit at the computer for very long yet. I had a hysterectomy with several repairs. It has wiped me out good. Even 2 1/2 weeks later, I'm still in pain and so very tired. Other women warned me that it'd be this way, but you know me - I'm super woman. Wrong! I am fine though. I had to have the surgery not so much because of any "female problems" that I was having, but because everything was falling out. Nothing was in the place it was suppose to be. Maybe it was from birthing 2 big boys and damage caused during their births. Maybe from age (I refuse to say "old" age). Maybe from my weight loss (was that extra fat holding everything up?). Who knows, but it had to be fixed.

Here are a few beautiful pictures taken yesterday in Tennessee!