Questions....

Tonight Holden called me into his bedroom to ask me some questions.
Questions that a boy at school was asking him.

"If God is all powerful, why doesn't he just destroy Satan now?"

"Why aren't dinosaurs mentioned in the Bible?"

"Will Jews go to Heaven?"

"What about people who have never heard of God?"

"Why did God create the universe?"

I asked him why his friend was asking him these questions. He said he had asked another friend if he knew Jesus. He was sharing the Truth!!! I so need to follow his example!!!

This Sweet Man

Dear God,

As my summer vacation comes to an end, I am sitting here thinking about the wonderful life I am living. I look around at my house, my car, my clothes, my health, my family, my church family, my friends. You have truly blessed me! The grace and mercy you have given me blow me away!!!

Four years and two months ago, you introduced me to a sweet man. We met at Chili's for dinner. We are the perfect example of how first impressions are not always lasting impressions. I saw the big gap. He heard a lady who was too stern and set in her ways for his tastes. But, thank you Lord, for opening our hearts to giving it another try. I thank you for this man's strength to tell me a few months later that it wasn't working out. I thank you for working in my heart and teaching me that it was my job to rest in you and honor this man. Once I stepped back and allowed that to happen, the rest was history. You brought this man back to me and opened both of us up to love (after I watched all six of the Star Wars movies of course)!

Almost three and a half years ago, I married this sweet man. Lord, you created our marriage. Our marriage covenant has made us one. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But we long to be grounded in your Word. We both have the same hopes and dreams for our family. So when a disagreement arises and my stubborness and pride get in the way, I know that my sweet husband will go to you in prayer and ask you to soften my heart. What a struggle I have sometimes, but thank you, LORD, for teaching me submission.

Submission is often perceived as a negative thing in the world. But your Word and my dear friends that have mentored me have taught me that submission is a gift!!! It is my release. The way that I can follow your command of not worrying. It is my job to submit to this man, and his job to submit to you! I lift my submission up to you Lord. I want to be his helper! I want to build him up for the world to see what an amazing man you have designed just for me!

Thank you for giving this man so many amazing qualities. The first of which is an unconditional and unwavering love for his son. His respect for his mother and grandmother showed me that he would treat a lady like a lady.

You also created in him a work ethic that surpasses many. As long as we have been together, this man has been respected at in the workplace. When he is at work, he focuses on the task and works inside and outside the box to make things happen to please the customer and his collegues. His ability to process and problem solve has always amazed me.

His communication skills are exceptional! The first time we ever spoke on the phone, I loved his voice. It was so warm and friendly. When he would answer the phone at work, I must admit, he sounded sexy. Even today, I love to listen to the messages he leaves on my voicemail. So tender and loving. Even in the midst of a storm, he is able to keep his cool and talk in a voice that is calm (unless of course I push him over the edge - which I have been known to do). Thank you, God, for forgiveness.

Thank you for the temperment you created in him. You created a man that is grounded and calm for a woman with an excitable and energetic personality. But you created us to balance each other.

We have so much fun together. Thank you for creating a man that can make me laugh. We love to sit on the couch together and watch our favorite television shows. Some so simple, but yet that time is special to both of us.

Thank you for creating my perfect opposite in so many ways. The introvert and the extrovert. The public speaker and the sit-in-the-back-of-the-room and not be noticed. The one who never met a stranger and the one who is content staying at home. But the most important thing that will never be an opposite for us is our love of you! We both love you! We both believe you! We both want to follow you! We both want to be like you! So all the opposites, they don't matter to me. They make me love him more.



Thank you, Lord for my sweet man, Jason Ray Ivy. You have made my cup overflow!

Love,
Raechelle

39th Birthday

I look and feel better than I have in 38 previous years!!!
Had bloodwork done...my cholesterol is down to 162!!!!
Last year it was over 240!!!!
I am so much healthier!!!!

.

Say it Backwards

Forgive me if this offends anyone...but this was so funny...I have to post it so I never forget!!!

Today I was standing at the computer doing the "potty dance". I said, "Oh Sh*#, I gotta poop."

Jason laughed and looked at Holden and said, "She could have said that backwards and it would mean the same thing!"

We were all cracking up....again I know it was probably totally wrong...but we laughed....

As Of May 31, 2010

Last night I went to Target and bought shorts in a size 12!!!
You have no idea how that feels!!!
I am sure it has been more than 15 years since I have been a size 12!!

I currently weigh 168 pounds....down from 246 pounds....total loss of 78 pounds!!!

Waist 33 inches
Hips 44 inches
Upper thigh 23 inches
Chest 39 inches

New Weight & Measurements

Ok...here are the newest Numbers....

172 pounds.....down 74 pounds

Waist 34 inches....down 10 inches
Hips 45 inches.....down 11 inches
Chest 40 inches....down 8 inches
Upper thigh 25 inches...down 6 inches

I am so proud!!!!
Wearing a large shirt
and 14/16 pants!!!

Update!!! April 20, 2010

Last week I reached my 70 pound loss goal!

I now weigh 176 pounds! I do not have my measurements right now. I will add this later. But I am comfortably wearing a size 16. I even bought size 14 last week. I can button them and zip them, but they are a little tight, so I will wait a couple more week to actually wear them.

I feel fabulous! I love my new body!!! I love that Jason loves my body too!!!

I am so glad I made the decision to have the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass! Especially now that I can eat easier than 3 months ago. I can pretty much take a bite of anything without being sick.

The pictures here are from Greg and Alicia's wedding. Greg is Jason's brother. We had such a great time at their wedding! Jason and Holden got all dressed up in handsome suits! I got to wear my Marilyn Monroe dress. I felt like a princess! Jason bragged about me all night! And we make such a nice looking family! I am the luckiest person on earth!!! God is so good!!!

January 16, 2010--Update

Current weight....198 pounds!!! That is a loss of 46 pounds...down from 244!!!

Waist currently 38 inches...(down 6 inches)
Hips currently 49 inches...(down 7 inches)
Upper Thigh 26 inches...(down 5 inches)
Unbelieveable!!!

Christmas 2009

These are my favorites from this year!

Jason and me at the nursing home on Christmas Day

Holden, Trevor and Travis with Granny

Greg, Jason, and Angie with Granny

My parents bought Holden ornaments for our tree.

My parents bought Holden this roller coaster kit. Him and Jason put it together in 2 days! It is so awesome!

Update--December 15, 2009

Today I am 209 pounds...total loss of 33 pounds!!!

Waist 40 inches (total loss of 4 inches)

Hips 51 inches (total loss of 5 inches)

Chest 43 inches (total loss of 5 inches)

Upper Thigh 27 inches (total loss of 4 inches)

I can't believe it!!!

I am now easily eating chicken, eggs, crackers and cheese.

I even ate one jelly bean yesterday. haha

New Car...New Body!

Ok I am changing daily.

I am now at 220 pounds....total of 22 pounds lost.

My current measurements

Waist 40.5 inches (3.5 inches lost)

Hips 53 inches (3 inches lost)

Upper Thigh 28 inches (3 inches lost in EACH leg)

The last couple of weeks have been interesting.

I went back to work 2 weeks and 3 days after my surgery. And my students and teachers I work with were fabulous! By the end of each day, I was pretty sore, but I never didn't think I would make it through. That was pretty amazing to me that just 17 days after having my entire digestive system totally rerouted, I was back and work and feeling fairly normal! Modern medicine is unbelievable! Dr. Graham was so fabulous! Thank you, sir!

My weight loss has stalled out for the last almost 2 weeks. I have gained and lost the same 3-4 pounds every other day. This is normal. My body is catching up. My goal is to lost at least 10 more pounds before New Year's. Then by Valentine's Day I want to be under 200!!! I can do it!!!

Today was a pretty awesome day because I got a new car!!! I took Jason's Accord in to get routine work done and managed to work a deal to trade in my Civic for a 2010 CR-V!!! I have wanted a CR-V for years, and now I have one!! She is so pretty. She is a Tango Red, and I have decided to name her Candy. She is just so sweet looking!!!

I took her to return a video at Blockbuster. When I got home, I told Jason and Holden that a hot guy told me that I had a hot car and that I looked hot driving it. Neither of them believed me!!! What is that all about???

Post Surgery Update #1

WOW what a whirlwind!!!! My surgery was 11 days ago. I can't even begin to explain all the emotions we have all been through. Excitement, fear, anxiety, exhaustion, laughter, frustration, gratefulness, confusion, and excitement again.

The morning of the surgery, I was very excited but so worried about my family. I didn't realize how scary it was for them. I felt very confident in my surgeon's skill and the outcome, but knowing they were so concerned made me want it to be over quickly.

The surgery did take 4 hours, and the doctor said I lost a lot of blood during the procedure. I had to be given blood which I did not expect. When I was taken into my hospital room, my first memory was being moved into the bed. OH MY GOODNESS!!! That was sooo painful!!! I remember saying, "Put it all back! I changed my mind!" But of course it was too late. My digestive system will never be the same again.

I spent 7 days and 6 nights in the hospital. This was a lot longer than anyone had expected also. I had problems with my blood counts and other levels. I just kept my morphine button close and tried to sleep as much as possible.

Jason spent the first couple of nights with me in the hospital. They are very serious about patients walking every 2-4 hours. Getting up was so painful! I thought my stomach was going to rip apart every time I tried to move. Once standing, it was just getting one foot in front of the other. The nurses cheered me on every time. After the first few days, Jason's back just couldn't handle sleeping on the fold out bed anymore, and Holden needed him at home.

The care I received in the hospital was great! But I must give extra thanks to Renee! Renee is the bariatric coordinator that is provided by the hospital. I met her in June when I started this process. She told me she would be there for me throughout the entire process. But that was an understatement! She stopped by the hospital every day I was there. She went above and beyond the second day I was in the hospital by coming back at 8:30 PM to give me a shower!!! This was just her servant heart showing!!! She should have been at home with her family at that late hour, but she put me first and spend time with me! I can't even begin to express my gratefulness to her! When she left, I felt almost normal again, even though I was still in major pain! Thank you Rene!

Seven days after my surgery, I finally got to come home!!! By that time, I was getting in and out of bed by myself. I have never had any problems drinking my fluids. Being home has been challenging, but has made me feel more independent.

Unfortunately the most comfortable place for me to sleep is in the guest room. I can prop up a whole bunch of pillows and sleep almost sitting up. The first night I was up every 90 minutes to go to the bathroom. I forgot to mention the most ironic part of the whole hospital experience. I gained 18 pounds while in the hospital!!! I weighed 232 the morning of the surgery and 250 when I got home!!! It was all the fluids and swelling. I lost 10 pounds in the first 24 hours. And yesterday, I reached my pre-surgery weight!

Today I know I have more fluids to lose, but I decided to do my measurements anyway.

Compared to where I was 4 weeks ago, I have lost a total of almost 9 inches!!!

Chest 46 inches -2

Waist 43 inches -1

Hips 54 inches -2

Upper Thigh 29 inches -2 (x2)

My weight is currently 230, but I don't want to use that as an official weight because I know there are still fluids and swelling to lose. But it still makes me so happy to know that all this pain is going to pay off!!!!

Tomorrow is the big day!!!!!

Tomorrow is my surgery!
I have spend two weeks just drinking, and I am very proud of my results!
I am proud of my ability to stay with it. The first few days were very hard!
Now I really enjoy my shakes, and have gotten kinda creative.
I love it with one scoop of chocolate and one scoop of banana. YUM

I am supposed to be at the hospital at 11:15 tomorrow. The surgery is scheduled for 12:45.
I have lost 10 pounds in the last two weeks, so my liver shoul dbe nice and small for Dr. Graham.

Today Jason and I took Holden and Travis to see Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. It was very good! But thought it ironic that I saw a movie about food the day before my gastric bypass! The bacon is what got me! hehe

I wondered whether I would be nervous, but so far not yet. I am more concerned about my healing and recovery. AND THE PAIN! haha But everything will go smoothly.

Seven Pounds Lighter

Today is my 7th day on full liquids, and I have lost 7 pounds! At this rate, I should be about 15 pounds lighter on my surgery day. That will help my surgeon immensely!

It hasn't been easy, even for Jason and Holden who are having to get used to not talking about food around me. They won't have to do that forever, but right now the cravings are still there!

Last night we were in the ER with Jason due to his blood pressure dropping way to low. He collapsed in the nail salon after all three of us had pedicures. Once we got to the hospital, the temptation to just grab fast food was insane. Holden had to eat, and so did I. Luckily I am overly blessed to have my mother-in-law and sister-in-law so close. They stopped at our house and made me a shake, and picked a burger up for Holden. So I didn't have to "cheat".

I can not cheat if I want this surgery to be a success and without complications. For my sake, my family's sake, and my student's sake, I will do everything exactly as the doctor orders!!!

SO...to wrap this up and go see my husband at the hospital....

10/18/2009 Weight 235 pounds!!!!!!

Surgery in 10 days

I have now been on full liquid diet for 4 days. The first day was so hard! And I won't lie, I want to EAT! But I am not hungry. I just want to chew on something crunchy! I had a couple of croutons the first night, and the last night I had one bite of mac and cheese...but I want to be good...

But the good news is....I have lost 5 pounds in the first 3 days!!! Unbelievable huh? With results like this...I can do it!

Endoscopy and 2 days down

Yesterday was my first day of liquid only. It was so hard! Harder than I could have ever imagined!

While Jason and Holden ate dinner, I went for a walk. I just couldn't watch them eat.

There were several times yesterday that I was almost in tears.

Today I bought samples of the banana and vanilla flavored shakes.

The banana is my new favorite...but the vanilla is gross!

I cheated a little and ate ONE Cheetos and 4 croutons!

I also had my endoscopy this morning. It was great! I don't remember anything!

My doctor did tell me I can drink apple juice and Jello and other clear liquids these two weeks.

I loved all the nurses at the hospital today. They were so thoughtful and attentive!

12 more days....till the big day!

Two more weeks.....

Tomorrow I begin two weeks of 5 protein shakes a day.

Total of 800 calories a day and 135 grams of Protein.

I have to tell you...I am so afraid of my ability to drink them 5 times a day for 2 weeks!

In the next two weeks, I will probably lose a few pounds. The purpose of the liquid diet is to shrink the liver, so the surgeon will have more room in the abdominal cavity.

October 26 is the big day! I am having a Roux en Y Gastric Bypass.

This weekend, Jason has lovingly allowed me to eat at my favorite restaurants.

Thursday night, Holden and I went to the State Fair, and we had Fried Butter, Fried Oreos, and a yummy corn dog. Last night I brought home Olive Garden. Fettucini Alfredo.

But that all ends today.

I will use my blog to journal my successes and struggles.

I will publicly list my weight and measurements.

I hope you will celebrate and cheer me on.

Today...

Weight 242 Pounds

Chest 48 inches

Waist 44 inches

Hips 56 inches (Jason lovingly pointed out that that is almost as tall as Holden)

Upper Thigh 31 inches

WARNING....the following pictures may contain disturbing images! :)

California Introduction

Last week, I had the privilege of taking my husband and son to my hometown.  We spent a week living in the Disneyland Hotel.  It was beyond words!!!  Watching Jason and Holden at Disneyland was so exciting!  Holden go to go through the Jedi Training and fight Darth Maul!!!  It was sooo great.

This is a photo of me with the children of my closest friends!!  From Left to right...Noah, Matt, Baby Sarah, Hannah, and Andrew.  And of course my dear Holden.

At this point we have been home for 2 days and I can barely move from the couch.  It was so much fun!  Here are a few photos just to show off a few of my favorites!!

These are my cousins, Christina and Lauren,  my niece, Briana, and Holden and me.

On our first morning at Disneyland, we had breakfast with Goofy!!!

Spring Break with my Son!!!

Isn't he handsome???

This year as Spring Break approached, I knew it would be different.  For the past two years, whenever Holden and I have time off together, I get a little nervous.  I don't want him to be bored.  I don't want my patience to run out.  I want him to feel loved!  

This year, I think I succeeded in some serious bonding.  Holden is such an amazing young man.  He is so eager to please and be loved.  He is also growing into an independent young adolescent.  It won't be long before "hanging out with mom" will be totally uncool.   

The first few days of Spring Break, we did absolutely NOTHING!  We did watch The Price is Right together daily!  Due to Holden's broken arms, we were limited to non-physical activities.

Then on Wednesday, we packed up the car and took off for Austin.  Elena came down with Matthew and Alex and we hit the road.  It was a short two day trip, but we had so much fun!  

Our first stop was at the Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown, TX.  Ya see, Holden is in the 5th grade, so he will be taking the TAKS Science test.  On the mock test he recently took at school, he missed the one on how stalactites and stalagmites are formed.  So, of course, I had to take him to experience it first hand.  It was so much fun!  We saw tiny bats and amazing displays of God's artwork.  

I looked up references of caves in the Bible and almost all references refer to caves as places to hide-sometimes from the enemy and other times from God.  That doesn't surprise me, but what did surprise me was that in Isaiah 2:19 it states that men will hide in the caves from the LORD and the "splendor of his majesty" (NIV).  The Message says "his dazzling presence".  Obviously there is no hiding from God, but while we were in the cave all I noticed was that the cave is FULL of his dazzling presence!  The artwork that he creates in the darkness...wow...as I typed that I got goosebumps.  God's beauty is totally evident in the darkness of the world!!!  

Later that evening, we went back to the hotel and the exhaustion in all three boys was very evident.  Holden was annoyed by everything.  Elena pointed out to me that she always knows when her boys need a little more attention.  So on Thursday I made it a priority to give Holden the extra attention he needed.  As we toured the capitol building, I enjoyed just being near him listening to the guide and looking at the building.  

After the capitol tour, we went to Alicia's to have lunch with her and Greg.  They took us to an AMAZING burger joint called Phil's Ice House.  They had a playground and an ice cream shop.  We spent a couple of hours there just eating and playing.  

"I'll Just Ask Ro"

Tonight Elena called me to tell me something sweet Matthew said about me.

I had no idea what to expect, but what she told me brought tears to my eyes.

She said she was talking to him about marriage.

She told him that it was important for them to talk about what makes a good marriage.  Since Elena is a single mom,  he doesn't get to see marriage on a daily basis.  

Matthew said, "If I have any questions, I'll just ask Ro."

I AM RO!!!!!

WOW!!!  You have to understand why this means so much to me!  When I found out Elena was pregnant was Matthew, I was one messed up puppy!  My divorce from Sean had only been final for a few months.  And I was a wreck!  I surrounded myself with godly women at church and built a new life for myself that I have to admit was pretty good.  I was making STUPID decisions in some areas of my life, but I grew to be a fairly independent woman.  

Matthew and Elena moved in with me while Matthew was 3 years old!  We all lived together for a year!  It was so fun!  Then two and a half years ago I met Jason.  Matthew and Elena sat in the front row and watched Jason and I get married.  

I think it is so sweet that he thought of me when he thought of a good marriage!

Thanks Mattie!  I love you!