Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Moments with the Mullers: I've lost the complete Oxford Dictionary!!
Moments with the Mullers: I've lost the complete Oxford Dictionary!!: Pounds lost this Week: 1 Pound Pounds lost since Surgery: 108 Pounds Pounds lost Overall: 150 Pounds Pounds to GO until GOAL: 45 Pounds ...
I've lost the complete Oxford Dictionary!!
Pounds lost this Week: 1 Pound
Pounds lost since Surgery: 108 Pounds
Pounds lost Overall: 150 Pounds
Pounds to GO until GOAL: 45 Pounds
So, just one pound but it's one pound that I don't have to worry about. A pound is a pound gone and I'm proud of myself. And if you notice the title, I've lost the Complete Oxford Dictionary. That's 150 pounds. I Googled it and Google Imaged it. See below and imagine carrying all these bad boys around with you all day every day!
It was a great week. Pretty busy, but a great week. Nothing special happened on Wednesday and Thursday. Just work, gym and school.
On Friday, we spent the evening with Miss Ry and we watched Malificent. I loathe Angelina Jolie but I gotta give it to her. She did a pretty good job in this film. She almost made me like her. Rylee fell asleep about half way through but was seeming to enjoy it until the school exhausted set in.
Saturday was the annual MRHC employee celebration. I love where I work. I love the people that I work with and planning this celebration is the highlight of my year. Saturday morning, Johnathan and I got up and met some of the best people in the world that we work with, specifically Marge, Tiffany, Denise, Terry, Deborah, Ashley, Chris and Scott and set up the expo for the celebration. I am so thankful to have a team like these that works hard to make it special for everyone else. It was a great morning. We set up the tables and it turned out beautifully. We even had a photo booth (I'm sure you saw the pictures).
That night was the celebration. I had a blast. Johnathan recieved his five year award. I'm so proud of him. He's grown professionally and personally. He's a great employee. It's been awful nice to always have a lunch date these last five years. I was recognized too for my hard work on the event, but it wasn't just me. If I didn't have co-workers like Tiffany, Marge, Terry, Denise, Deborah, Ashley, Chris & Scott, it would not have been a success. Again, I can't tell you how grateful that I am for these people who have been there to help and support me. Anyways, we had good food too. Carey Out BBQ was the caterer and the smoked turkey was totally delicious and low-carb friendly!! I would defintely recommend them if you are in need of catering service. Brangus provided the open bar and did a great job! And the band is The Outside and they are from Broken Arrow. They are AWESOME! They play a range of music and I had a blast dancing to their beats (HA!). I may not have much rhythm but I sure love to dance. I may look like an idiot but I have a complete blast doing it!! I even did the Wobble. YouTube it. It's so much fun!!
One thing that caught my attention was everyone kept telling me out beautiful that I looked. Even senior leadership and board members. And for once, I didn't deny it. Because I FELT beautiful. It's not too often when I feel this. But it's getting more and more often when I feel that outwardly I am getting pretty. Say what you will about how I've always been pretty, but I've never felt pretty or been pretty. I feel like I'm starting to feel pretty. And on Saturday night in that navy dress and red heels, I was beautiful. I may not be the girl that gets hit on, but ya'll, I was so pretty. The CEO even commented on my beautiful transformation. I've never thought of it like that I have transformed and it's been a beautiful one to the road to being healthy. Below is a picture of last year vs. this year. Notice, last year's picture is just a head shot. This just shows that I'm getting more comfortable with my body and that I feel pretty. This time last year, I would've died if someone took a full body picture. It also shows Johnathan's transformation. He's worked hard too and again, I'm so very proud of him and his hard work. He's been my rock and the reason why I'm here writing this blog. I loved him then and I love him now!!
Sunday, we woke up and got right to work. It takes alot to set up for the event, but just as much work to tear down. We unloaded all the stuff and then we headed to get Miss Ry. Sunday's are RyRy/LuLu Sunday Fundays and she knows it. Anyways, since Old Man Winter has decided to make an appearance this week, we headed down to Lane to winterize the camper. It made me so sad. I just wanted to hook up and head to the lake. We also decided to go shopping. I put on my coat from last winter. It was a 4X. It was HUGE on me and knew it would protect me from the cold. One thing I have noticed is that since I've lost all this weight, I canNOT keep warm. I don't know what it is but it drives me nuts. I just want to be warm. So, we went to JC Penneys. And I found the perfect coat. It's a peacot tranch and super cute. Wanna guess what size I bought?! A LARGE! Most of the clothes that I'm trying on and buying are size Large. No X's in front of L. It's exciting. I can even fit some Mediums. I never thought I would be this small and really it's not small, but I'm really proud of myself and all the work that I've put into this transformation.
Today, I went to physical therapy to address the back pain issue. Let me also recommend the McAlester Outpatient Therapy Services for any of your needs. It was AMAZING. So, I do have some inflammation on my SI joint but also my pelvis is out of alignment in that one side is higher than the other. Also, my core is not as strong as it should be and could cause problems when I do become pregnant. Today was a really relaxing and easy day. I got lay on what was a giant heating pad while receiving electronode therapy. It was awesome. I also did some exercising to help work out those issues. I go back in the morning and am going to continue 3 days a week until mid December. I just don't want to medicate myself. I want to work out the issues without narcotics.
So, great week. I need more weeks like this with a little fun, a little hard work and a little relaxation. I also need more days where I feel beautiful. Every girl needs days like that.
Prayer requests for this week: Continue to pray that God will soon bless us with a baby. Pray for pain relief for my back.
Thank you all for being so supportive and for making me feel beautiful this weekend. I honestly, no joke, can't do this without all of your supportive comments whether it's online or face to face. You all mean so much to Johnathan and I.
And as promised:
Recipe of the Week:
Spicy Onion Rings
Ingredients:
8 oz Onion Rings cut into 1/2" rings
2 oz Pork Rinds, crushed very fine
3/4 tsp. Creol Seafood Spice Blend
4 Tblsp Light Mayo
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450
2. Slice Onion and separate until you have 8oz
3. Parboil for 1 minute in boiling water
4. Lift onions out onto paper towels and totally dry
5. Crush pork rinds very fine. remove any larger hard bits
6. Mix spice into rinds in a small bowl
7. Pour mayo into another bowl
8. Slowly dip an onion ring into the mayo, coating the outside and inside with finger if necessary
9. Drop the coated onion into the rinds and coat well on the outside and inside
10. Bake for 25 minutes; however, yo umay want to turnover at the 15 minute mark
Pounds lost since Surgery: 108 Pounds
Pounds lost Overall: 150 Pounds
Pounds to GO until GOAL: 45 Pounds
So, just one pound but it's one pound that I don't have to worry about. A pound is a pound gone and I'm proud of myself. And if you notice the title, I've lost the Complete Oxford Dictionary. That's 150 pounds. I Googled it and Google Imaged it. See below and imagine carrying all these bad boys around with you all day every day!
It was a great week. Pretty busy, but a great week. Nothing special happened on Wednesday and Thursday. Just work, gym and school.
On Friday, we spent the evening with Miss Ry and we watched Malificent. I loathe Angelina Jolie but I gotta give it to her. She did a pretty good job in this film. She almost made me like her. Rylee fell asleep about half way through but was seeming to enjoy it until the school exhausted set in.
Saturday was the annual MRHC employee celebration. I love where I work. I love the people that I work with and planning this celebration is the highlight of my year. Saturday morning, Johnathan and I got up and met some of the best people in the world that we work with, specifically Marge, Tiffany, Denise, Terry, Deborah, Ashley, Chris and Scott and set up the expo for the celebration. I am so thankful to have a team like these that works hard to make it special for everyone else. It was a great morning. We set up the tables and it turned out beautifully. We even had a photo booth (I'm sure you saw the pictures).
That night was the celebration. I had a blast. Johnathan recieved his five year award. I'm so proud of him. He's grown professionally and personally. He's a great employee. It's been awful nice to always have a lunch date these last five years. I was recognized too for my hard work on the event, but it wasn't just me. If I didn't have co-workers like Tiffany, Marge, Terry, Denise, Deborah, Ashley, Chris & Scott, it would not have been a success. Again, I can't tell you how grateful that I am for these people who have been there to help and support me. Anyways, we had good food too. Carey Out BBQ was the caterer and the smoked turkey was totally delicious and low-carb friendly!! I would defintely recommend them if you are in need of catering service. Brangus provided the open bar and did a great job! And the band is The Outside and they are from Broken Arrow. They are AWESOME! They play a range of music and I had a blast dancing to their beats (HA!). I may not have much rhythm but I sure love to dance. I may look like an idiot but I have a complete blast doing it!! I even did the Wobble. YouTube it. It's so much fun!!
Sunday, we woke up and got right to work. It takes alot to set up for the event, but just as much work to tear down. We unloaded all the stuff and then we headed to get Miss Ry. Sunday's are RyRy/LuLu Sunday Fundays and she knows it. Anyways, since Old Man Winter has decided to make an appearance this week, we headed down to Lane to winterize the camper. It made me so sad. I just wanted to hook up and head to the lake. We also decided to go shopping. I put on my coat from last winter. It was a 4X. It was HUGE on me and knew it would protect me from the cold. One thing I have noticed is that since I've lost all this weight, I canNOT keep warm. I don't know what it is but it drives me nuts. I just want to be warm. So, we went to JC Penneys. And I found the perfect coat. It's a peacot tranch and super cute. Wanna guess what size I bought?! A LARGE! Most of the clothes that I'm trying on and buying are size Large. No X's in front of L. It's exciting. I can even fit some Mediums. I never thought I would be this small and really it's not small, but I'm really proud of myself and all the work that I've put into this transformation.
Today, I went to physical therapy to address the back pain issue. Let me also recommend the McAlester Outpatient Therapy Services for any of your needs. It was AMAZING. So, I do have some inflammation on my SI joint but also my pelvis is out of alignment in that one side is higher than the other. Also, my core is not as strong as it should be and could cause problems when I do become pregnant. Today was a really relaxing and easy day. I got lay on what was a giant heating pad while receiving electronode therapy. It was awesome. I also did some exercising to help work out those issues. I go back in the morning and am going to continue 3 days a week until mid December. I just don't want to medicate myself. I want to work out the issues without narcotics.
So, great week. I need more weeks like this with a little fun, a little hard work and a little relaxation. I also need more days where I feel beautiful. Every girl needs days like that.
Prayer requests for this week: Continue to pray that God will soon bless us with a baby. Pray for pain relief for my back.
Thank you all for being so supportive and for making me feel beautiful this weekend. I honestly, no joke, can't do this without all of your supportive comments whether it's online or face to face. You all mean so much to Johnathan and I.
And as promised:
Recipe of the Week:
Spicy Onion Rings
Ingredients:
8 oz Onion Rings cut into 1/2" rings
2 oz Pork Rinds, crushed very fine
3/4 tsp. Creol Seafood Spice Blend
4 Tblsp Light Mayo
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450
2. Slice Onion and separate until you have 8oz
3. Parboil for 1 minute in boiling water
4. Lift onions out onto paper towels and totally dry
5. Crush pork rinds very fine. remove any larger hard bits
6. Mix spice into rinds in a small bowl
7. Pour mayo into another bowl
8. Slowly dip an onion ring into the mayo, coating the outside and inside with finger if necessary
9. Drop the coated onion into the rinds and coat well on the outside and inside
10. Bake for 25 minutes; however, yo umay want to turnover at the 15 minute mark
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Moments with the Mullers: Candy, Candy, Everywhere....Halloween is the gatew...
Moments with the Mullers: Candy, Candy, Everywhere....Halloween is the gatew...: We will start this off with the usual! Pounds Lost This Week: 1 Pound Pounds Lost Since Surgery: 107 Pounds Pounds Lost Overall: 149 Pou...
Candy, Candy, Everywhere....Halloween is the gateway to hardest season of the WLS journey!
We will start this off with the usual!
Pounds Lost This Week: 1 Pound
Pounds Lost Since Surgery: 107 Pounds
Pounds Lost Overall: 149 Pounds
Pounds to GO until GOAL: 46 Pounds
So, again it's only one pound, but it's one pound that is gone. Today, I had my 9 month appointment and I'll elaborate more on that; however, they did remind me that these last 50 pounds are the hardest to lose. But, I'm working on it and slowly, getting to where I need to be :)
So, it's been a crazy whirlwind week! Wednesday, we had Tricky Ricky come to our church for our Fall Festival. I've known Tricky Ricky since I was 11 years old at the first time we went to Indian Falls Creek. He's been over children's church at IFC for 37 years. He is an amazing man of God and does wonders on kids and youth to get the message of Christ across in a fun and unique way. What's different from now and when I was a kid in his service, is now I'm the adult trying to get things done. We got to church two hours early and cooked 124 hot dogs, 24 italian sausages, 2 gallons of chili and set up the chips, cheese, condiments and cake. Working in the children's ministry really puts into perspective all the men and women who worked at our churches while I sat back and got to enjoy. Thank you Harper's Valley, Kiowa First Baptist and Pine Grove Baptist Church for all the hard work and love you shown me throughout the years.
Thursday, was trick or treat in McAlester. We went with Michael Andrew and Megan to take Rylee out. Did you know that in the WLS universe, Halloween is the gateway to the weight gain season. I'm using all of my willpower to no fall into the sugar rabbit hole. But it's hard. Candy is everywhere. And if it's not candy it's brownies or cake or pumpkin flavored anything. Reese's pumpkins....you have NO idea how badly I want one. No idea. Anyways, we took her around town to get her some goodies. It was a great, family night.
Friday, we went to my old stomping grounds and did some trick or treating around Kiowa. I have some very fond memories of trick or treating in Kiowa and even remember the haunted out at the old American Legion building. I love being able to go with the family as a large group (Aunt Nae, Uncle Stephen, Maryah, Beth, Rylee, Johnathan, Michael Andrew, Megan) and share those memories.
After we got home, I baked two sugar free, grain free, coconut custard pies. I've decided not to share this recipe. I think this will be one of my secret ones because I may write a book one day. If I give every recipe away, I'll not sell any books :)
Saturday, I got up and made taco soup (recipe below) and got ready to head to Martha, OK. Each year, the Mullers put on a Fall Festival at the Muller Farms in Martha, OK. We love to go. Any time you get a bunch of Mullers together, it's always a great time. It's God filled and love filled and it makes me smile. That is a long drive ya'll and besides OKC and Lawton, there is NADA to look at. Rylee had the iPad to keep her distracted. But it's well worth the drive. We got to Martha at about 4:00. We got there just in time for the Farm Hand Olympics. I did not compete but Johnathan and Rylee did. Their team got 2nd place. Then there was an egg toss and then dinner. There was so much food. There were several types of chili and all the fixins plus some soups. Great food. And it was COLD!!! After dinner, we went on a hayride. I froze the entire time and I had on boot socks, jeans, 3 shirts and a hoodie. It was a blast and it wore us completely out. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Saturday night.
Sunday morning, we got up and joined the Mullers at Martha Road Baptist Church. We enjoyed that time visiting that church. We love worshipping with family. I am defintely a believer in "The family that Prays together, Stays together." It was a great service and the pastor spoke about family and how no matter where the world is, we should always remember "As for me and My house, we shall serve the Lord." This rang true to me especially during this election season. No matter where I think the world is heading, it's up to Johnathan and I to be leaders in our family and do what God would have us do and go where God would have us go. It was a great service.
After church, we joined Matt and Kellie for lunch. It was a great day. We had such a great time visiting with their family. I am so thankful for the welcoming that I recieve from them and the rest of the Mullers. I have always felt welcome and a part of the family from the very beginning. That means a lot. Thank you Matt, Kellie, Taylor, Levi, Luke and Lincoln for a great afternoon on Sunday. After lunch, Matt took Rylee on some rides in the farm equipment. I'm sure he made her day. She even came back with a pocket full of cotton complete with cotton seeds so she could tell her friends and teachers at school what cotton looks like, feels like and that we eat cotton in our chips. It was the highlight of her weekend.
Yesterday, I had a doctor's appointment with my primary care physician. My PCP is Dr. Branam and I would recommend her to anyone. She listens to you and she knows her stuff. I've been complaining for some time about this back pain. It's really gotten bad and even makes me want to skip exercise which doesn't help the situation. She felt on my back and I mean pushed around and really dug her hands in there. Apparently, I have inflammation on my lower back/pelvis region. The thing is women have floating pelvises. The reason it's floating is because we have to have that extra movement because of babies and all that. Aren't our bodies amazing?! It's proof that there is a God. Only He could design something so beautiful. Anyways, my pelvis is inflammed. Why? Because for all these years, my body and my back have been used to carrying around this extra weight and now that I've dropped 149 pounds which is more than the average woman, my body is having to adjust the entire way it carries itself. So, I'm going to have physical therapy to help it because I don't want to stop exercising. I want to keep on this path of being healthy.
Today, was my 9 month appointment. Can you believe it's been 9 months since I had the surgery?! A lot has happened in this 9 months. It's been a great 9 months. I have lost 71% of my excess body weight. 71%!!! That is AMAZING!! I'm down 149 pounds. I've worked hard. My blood pressure was 112/75 compared to 145/90 the first visit with the doctor. My resting heart rate was 58! I'm healthy. I'm happy. I've worked hard for this. First, I met with exercise. I explained the back pain and he agreed with Dr. Branam. It's the readjusting that's causing the pain and it's normal. He said for me to listen to the physical therapists and physicians and not over do it. It also recommended that I try some low impact exercises that will help with the pain. Next, I met with diet. I really do good on this side. My main questions was how is my diet going to change and evolve with pregnancy. The answer was it really will not. I won't add starches back in and I won't just eat eat eat. I will snack a little more often and maybe add in a little fruit (which I don't eat now). Next, I met with the ARNP for Dr. Broussard. She asked me some questions and went over my labs. My B vitamins were a little low so we've added a B complex supplement to my list of daily vitamins. We also talked about my back. I then asked once again about pregnancy. There is no medical reason that I have to wait until a year to start trying. They just want me to be closer to my goal weight and think these things like my back will need a little more time to adjust to these major changes that have happened over the last year. Thinking about it, my body has been through alot.
However, I do have some news. I've been back and forth about whether or not to disclose this to all of you. It's a big decision. I have decided to not refill the birth control. The only thing I ask from all of you is that you NOT ask me constantly, if I'm pregnant. I also ask that you not give me sexual position tips, fertility tips, what foods to eat to get pregnant, etc...etc...etc... I have three physicians that I am working with in this process. I'm not interested in what worked for your or your friends that have been TTC. Each woman is different and I'm already worried enough about this not working that I don't need the added anxiety or to share my tears over it not happening. That's why I started this blog. What I am asking is that you pray for us. That you pray if it is God's will that i get pregnant and that it is a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. That's what I need and encouragment. If it happens, don't fret, you'll hear me celebrating.....after I hit the second trimester, so please pray for us but also be respectful and let us tell you.
This week was also picture week!! It's amazing! Isn't it! I finally have a little confidence and I feel pretty. I've never felt this way before. It's different and warming to my heart.
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So, again, I'm petitioning for your prayers. Prayers for strength and prayers that if it's God's will for me to get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy.
As promised! Recipe of the Week!
Taco Soup
2 Cans of Kidney Beans
1 Can of Black Beans (drained)
2 Cans of Rotel
1 Can of Pinto Beans (drained)
1 Can of Ranch Beans (drained)
2 Cans of Chicken (drained)
1 Packet of Taco Seasoning
1 Packet of Ranch Dressing
Mix all the ingredients above and place in a crockpot and heat until desired temperature. I like it boiling hot. I also sprinkle some 2% cheese on it! Good stuff!!
Pounds Lost This Week: 1 Pound
Pounds Lost Since Surgery: 107 Pounds
Pounds Lost Overall: 149 Pounds
Pounds to GO until GOAL: 46 Pounds
So, again it's only one pound, but it's one pound that is gone. Today, I had my 9 month appointment and I'll elaborate more on that; however, they did remind me that these last 50 pounds are the hardest to lose. But, I'm working on it and slowly, getting to where I need to be :)
So, it's been a crazy whirlwind week! Wednesday, we had Tricky Ricky come to our church for our Fall Festival. I've known Tricky Ricky since I was 11 years old at the first time we went to Indian Falls Creek. He's been over children's church at IFC for 37 years. He is an amazing man of God and does wonders on kids and youth to get the message of Christ across in a fun and unique way. What's different from now and when I was a kid in his service, is now I'm the adult trying to get things done. We got to church two hours early and cooked 124 hot dogs, 24 italian sausages, 2 gallons of chili and set up the chips, cheese, condiments and cake. Working in the children's ministry really puts into perspective all the men and women who worked at our churches while I sat back and got to enjoy. Thank you Harper's Valley, Kiowa First Baptist and Pine Grove Baptist Church for all the hard work and love you shown me throughout the years.
Thursday, was trick or treat in McAlester. We went with Michael Andrew and Megan to take Rylee out. Did you know that in the WLS universe, Halloween is the gateway to the weight gain season. I'm using all of my willpower to no fall into the sugar rabbit hole. But it's hard. Candy is everywhere. And if it's not candy it's brownies or cake or pumpkin flavored anything. Reese's pumpkins....you have NO idea how badly I want one. No idea. Anyways, we took her around town to get her some goodies. It was a great, family night.
Friday, we went to my old stomping grounds and did some trick or treating around Kiowa. I have some very fond memories of trick or treating in Kiowa and even remember the haunted out at the old American Legion building. I love being able to go with the family as a large group (Aunt Nae, Uncle Stephen, Maryah, Beth, Rylee, Johnathan, Michael Andrew, Megan) and share those memories.
After we got home, I baked two sugar free, grain free, coconut custard pies. I've decided not to share this recipe. I think this will be one of my secret ones because I may write a book one day. If I give every recipe away, I'll not sell any books :)
Saturday, I got up and made taco soup (recipe below) and got ready to head to Martha, OK. Each year, the Mullers put on a Fall Festival at the Muller Farms in Martha, OK. We love to go. Any time you get a bunch of Mullers together, it's always a great time. It's God filled and love filled and it makes me smile. That is a long drive ya'll and besides OKC and Lawton, there is NADA to look at. Rylee had the iPad to keep her distracted. But it's well worth the drive. We got to Martha at about 4:00. We got there just in time for the Farm Hand Olympics. I did not compete but Johnathan and Rylee did. Their team got 2nd place. Then there was an egg toss and then dinner. There was so much food. There were several types of chili and all the fixins plus some soups. Great food. And it was COLD!!! After dinner, we went on a hayride. I froze the entire time and I had on boot socks, jeans, 3 shirts and a hoodie. It was a blast and it wore us completely out. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Saturday night.
Sunday morning, we got up and joined the Mullers at Martha Road Baptist Church. We enjoyed that time visiting that church. We love worshipping with family. I am defintely a believer in "The family that Prays together, Stays together." It was a great service and the pastor spoke about family and how no matter where the world is, we should always remember "As for me and My house, we shall serve the Lord." This rang true to me especially during this election season. No matter where I think the world is heading, it's up to Johnathan and I to be leaders in our family and do what God would have us do and go where God would have us go. It was a great service.
After church, we joined Matt and Kellie for lunch. It was a great day. We had such a great time visiting with their family. I am so thankful for the welcoming that I recieve from them and the rest of the Mullers. I have always felt welcome and a part of the family from the very beginning. That means a lot. Thank you Matt, Kellie, Taylor, Levi, Luke and Lincoln for a great afternoon on Sunday. After lunch, Matt took Rylee on some rides in the farm equipment. I'm sure he made her day. She even came back with a pocket full of cotton complete with cotton seeds so she could tell her friends and teachers at school what cotton looks like, feels like and that we eat cotton in our chips. It was the highlight of her weekend.
Yesterday, I had a doctor's appointment with my primary care physician. My PCP is Dr. Branam and I would recommend her to anyone. She listens to you and she knows her stuff. I've been complaining for some time about this back pain. It's really gotten bad and even makes me want to skip exercise which doesn't help the situation. She felt on my back and I mean pushed around and really dug her hands in there. Apparently, I have inflammation on my lower back/pelvis region. The thing is women have floating pelvises. The reason it's floating is because we have to have that extra movement because of babies and all that. Aren't our bodies amazing?! It's proof that there is a God. Only He could design something so beautiful. Anyways, my pelvis is inflammed. Why? Because for all these years, my body and my back have been used to carrying around this extra weight and now that I've dropped 149 pounds which is more than the average woman, my body is having to adjust the entire way it carries itself. So, I'm going to have physical therapy to help it because I don't want to stop exercising. I want to keep on this path of being healthy.
Today, was my 9 month appointment. Can you believe it's been 9 months since I had the surgery?! A lot has happened in this 9 months. It's been a great 9 months. I have lost 71% of my excess body weight. 71%!!! That is AMAZING!! I'm down 149 pounds. I've worked hard. My blood pressure was 112/75 compared to 145/90 the first visit with the doctor. My resting heart rate was 58! I'm healthy. I'm happy. I've worked hard for this. First, I met with exercise. I explained the back pain and he agreed with Dr. Branam. It's the readjusting that's causing the pain and it's normal. He said for me to listen to the physical therapists and physicians and not over do it. It also recommended that I try some low impact exercises that will help with the pain. Next, I met with diet. I really do good on this side. My main questions was how is my diet going to change and evolve with pregnancy. The answer was it really will not. I won't add starches back in and I won't just eat eat eat. I will snack a little more often and maybe add in a little fruit (which I don't eat now). Next, I met with the ARNP for Dr. Broussard. She asked me some questions and went over my labs. My B vitamins were a little low so we've added a B complex supplement to my list of daily vitamins. We also talked about my back. I then asked once again about pregnancy. There is no medical reason that I have to wait until a year to start trying. They just want me to be closer to my goal weight and think these things like my back will need a little more time to adjust to these major changes that have happened over the last year. Thinking about it, my body has been through alot.
However, I do have some news. I've been back and forth about whether or not to disclose this to all of you. It's a big decision. I have decided to not refill the birth control. The only thing I ask from all of you is that you NOT ask me constantly, if I'm pregnant. I also ask that you not give me sexual position tips, fertility tips, what foods to eat to get pregnant, etc...etc...etc... I have three physicians that I am working with in this process. I'm not interested in what worked for your or your friends that have been TTC. Each woman is different and I'm already worried enough about this not working that I don't need the added anxiety or to share my tears over it not happening. That's why I started this blog. What I am asking is that you pray for us. That you pray if it is God's will that i get pregnant and that it is a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. That's what I need and encouragment. If it happens, don't fret, you'll hear me celebrating.....after I hit the second trimester, so please pray for us but also be respectful and let us tell you.
This week was also picture week!! It's amazing! Isn't it! I finally have a little confidence and I feel pretty. I've never felt this way before. It's different and warming to my heart.
So, again, I'm petitioning for your prayers. Prayers for strength and prayers that if it's God's will for me to get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy.
As promised! Recipe of the Week!
Taco Soup
2 Cans of Kidney Beans
1 Can of Black Beans (drained)
2 Cans of Rotel
1 Can of Pinto Beans (drained)
1 Can of Ranch Beans (drained)
2 Cans of Chicken (drained)
1 Packet of Taco Seasoning
1 Packet of Ranch Dressing
Mix all the ingredients above and place in a crockpot and heat until desired temperature. I like it boiling hot. I also sprinkle some 2% cheese on it! Good stuff!!
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Moments with the Mullers: Finally! A little movement!!
Moments with the Mullers: Finally! A little movement!!: Here we go! Pounds Lost this Week: 1 Pound Pounds Lost Since Surgery: 106 Pounds Pounds Lost Overall: 148 Pounds Pounds t...
Finally! A little movement!!
Here we go!
Pounds Lost this Week: 1 Pound
Pounds Lost Since Surgery: 106 Pounds
Pounds Lost Overall: 148 Pounds
Pounds to GO until GOAL: 47 Pounds
One pound may not be much to you but after a two week stall, it's a move in the right direction!! I'm pumped about a pound. It's one pound gone and not needed right?!
It was another nice week. Work, school, gym, repeat. Again, sometimes it's very comforting to have a little stability in this crazy time that we call life. Don't get me wrong, we love being spontaneous. We love being able to get up and go. But sometimes, it's nice to be able to bing on The Sopranos on HBOGo and not worry about a thing besides what's cooking in the oven.
This weekend was also a relaxing weekend. Saturday, we got up and went to the Kiamichi Quilt Show. Quilting is such a beautiful art. When life settles down a little, I really want to try and learn the craft. My obsession with quilting started after I was in the show "The Quilters." Quilting was a way of life in our history. It was used for everything. Women quilted when a baby was born. Women quilted when someone died. Women quilted over sweet tea. Women quilted just to quilt. I think it was a beautiful way of life and I would love to learn that craft and carry on traditions of the women before us. I am very proud to call those women that had quilts in the quilt show friends. Marge, Marty and Willie Dell are wonderful women and are such an example for me. I'm always so speechless when I see their work and the love they put into each stitch.
After we left the quilt show, we headed out to the McAlester Home and Ranch Show. That was an experience. There was so much to do and to see. I got a butterbell. Have you ever heard of a butter bell?! You put water in this contraption and a stick of butter and it makes it spreadable and creates a seal that keeps butter good for up to 7 days. Aunt Danna has one and I've wanted one since then. We got a red one, of course, it had to be red. They also had several hot tub displays. I want one of the hot tubs with a hard top cover. We didn't go home with one, but they are definetely on my radar You might get less blogs if we get one because I'll be in the hot tub ALL the time.
We also got a grill mat. The best investment I ever made was the gas grill for Johnathan's 30th birthday. We use that thing ALL the time because not only is the foot amazing hot off the grill, but it's super healthy. We grill steaks, pork chops, chicken breasts, sausages, vegetables, you name it and we've probably grilled it. The grill mats can withstand temps up to 500 degrees. It helps to keep your grill clean. It makes Johnathan's life easy and that's a great investment too.
Saturday night, I spent the night home alone. I watched Chocolat. Talk about torture. I watched a movie about chocolate. Also, they talk alot in the movie about hot chocolate. I don't know if you noticed, but fall is here ya'll. Cooler temperatures used to mean hot chocolate for me. I do kind of miss it. One of the reasons that I've been so successful, is that I haven't cheated. I've found alternatives to the things that I love: i.e. cookies, lasagne, taco salads, etc... I just need to research and see what I can find for a low carb, sugar free hot cocoa. I also watched Love and Basketball. It's a classic. Still love it today. It reminds me of New Years Eve at Tasha Couch's house. Great memories.
Sunday, we started the day at God's house. It's a great way to end the weekend/start my week. Another reason that I love Sundays is that I get to spend some time with my family. I love that we worship as a family. It just shows the bond that we have with one another. After church, we took Miss Ry and Mr. Ax home with us. First, we met Michael Andrew & Megan at Chilis for a little family lunch. Chilis really does have some great options for low carb. I had the mango chile tilapia. It was pretty good. My only gripe is for appetizers, there are NO low carb options. We usually get the 2 for 20 that includes an app. When we order the 2 for $20, we get the fried cheese. You have no idea how crazy people look at you when you peel off the breading and just eat the cheese. People honestly think I'm crazy. This happens to us alot. I am starting to get used it, but restaurants, get some decent tasting low carb appetizers out there and everyone wins!!
One lesson that I learned is that eating out with a one year old is not as fun as it seems. Don't get me wrong, Ax is such a good baby. He doesn't fuss. He doesn't scream. He ate really good, but he was pretty messy and he tried to grab everything. I got tickled at him though. He ate almost a whole chicken crisper, breading from my cheese sticks, a couple bites of pineapple and I tried to introduce broccoli. He looked at it and thought it was interesting and stuck it in his mouth. He immediately spit it back out and Michael immediately panicked thinking he was going to vomit it back up (HAHA!). He turned to me and stuck his finger in the air and started yelling at me. He was so mad at me for giving him broccoli. Sooooo, lesson learned, babies can be messy and don't introduce new foods at restaurants.
It was a great weekend, it just went by way too quickly. I enjoyed it though because starting tomorrow it starts a couple of days of 90 to nothing, balls to the wall, work, play and fun. So, back to normal for the Mullers :)
Prayer requests. Some of you know, but I'm not ready to share yet, but I do have an unspoken prayer request for our little family. Just pray that God will hear our prayers and answer. Pray that the weight continues to drop because I'm so close to that goal. Also, pray for relief. I'm still having pain in my low back. I see my primary doctor on Monday about it AND my 9 month appointment is next Tuesday.
As always, thank you in advance for your prayers and encouraging comments. It's because of these encouraging words and your prayers that I've made it this far. Thank you for being there for me even when I'm down and frustrated. I have the best God, husband, family and friends a girl could ever ask for.
Recipe for the Week:
Sour Cream Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Crust Ingredients:
3/4 c. Almond Flour
1/4 C. Ground Flax Seed
1 C. Ground Almonds (we bought slivered almonds and pulsed them a couple of times)
1/4 C. Splenda
2 tsp. Skinny Girl Sweetner
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 C. Butter
Filling Ingredients:
8 oz Fat Free Cream Cheese
3 eggs
15 oz can of pumpkin
1/2 C. Splenda
1/4 C. Brown Sugar Splenda Blend
1 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 1/2 Low Fat Sour Cream
1/4 tsp Salt
Crust Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and ground flax seeds, ground almonds and Splenda.
3. In a small bowl, combine butter, liquid sweetner and vanilla
4. Press into a 9X13 pan.
5. Bake 12 to 15 mintues or until the crust browns on the edges.
Filing Instructions.
1. Mix cream cheese and eggs with a mixer.
2. Add sour cream and mix well.
3. Add pumpkin, Splenda, Splenda blends, vanilla and cinnamon and mix well
4. Pour over baked crust.
5. Garnish with cinnamon
6. Bake 30 to 40 minutes
Feel free to top with Light Whip Cream!
Pounds Lost this Week: 1 Pound
Pounds Lost Since Surgery: 106 Pounds
Pounds Lost Overall: 148 Pounds
Pounds to GO until GOAL: 47 Pounds
One pound may not be much to you but after a two week stall, it's a move in the right direction!! I'm pumped about a pound. It's one pound gone and not needed right?!
It was another nice week. Work, school, gym, repeat. Again, sometimes it's very comforting to have a little stability in this crazy time that we call life. Don't get me wrong, we love being spontaneous. We love being able to get up and go. But sometimes, it's nice to be able to bing on The Sopranos on HBOGo and not worry about a thing besides what's cooking in the oven.
This weekend was also a relaxing weekend. Saturday, we got up and went to the Kiamichi Quilt Show. Quilting is such a beautiful art. When life settles down a little, I really want to try and learn the craft. My obsession with quilting started after I was in the show "The Quilters." Quilting was a way of life in our history. It was used for everything. Women quilted when a baby was born. Women quilted when someone died. Women quilted over sweet tea. Women quilted just to quilt. I think it was a beautiful way of life and I would love to learn that craft and carry on traditions of the women before us. I am very proud to call those women that had quilts in the quilt show friends. Marge, Marty and Willie Dell are wonderful women and are such an example for me. I'm always so speechless when I see their work and the love they put into each stitch.
After we left the quilt show, we headed out to the McAlester Home and Ranch Show. That was an experience. There was so much to do and to see. I got a butterbell. Have you ever heard of a butter bell?! You put water in this contraption and a stick of butter and it makes it spreadable and creates a seal that keeps butter good for up to 7 days. Aunt Danna has one and I've wanted one since then. We got a red one, of course, it had to be red. They also had several hot tub displays. I want one of the hot tubs with a hard top cover. We didn't go home with one, but they are definetely on my radar You might get less blogs if we get one because I'll be in the hot tub ALL the time.
We also got a grill mat. The best investment I ever made was the gas grill for Johnathan's 30th birthday. We use that thing ALL the time because not only is the foot amazing hot off the grill, but it's super healthy. We grill steaks, pork chops, chicken breasts, sausages, vegetables, you name it and we've probably grilled it. The grill mats can withstand temps up to 500 degrees. It helps to keep your grill clean. It makes Johnathan's life easy and that's a great investment too.
Saturday night, I spent the night home alone. I watched Chocolat. Talk about torture. I watched a movie about chocolate. Also, they talk alot in the movie about hot chocolate. I don't know if you noticed, but fall is here ya'll. Cooler temperatures used to mean hot chocolate for me. I do kind of miss it. One of the reasons that I've been so successful, is that I haven't cheated. I've found alternatives to the things that I love: i.e. cookies, lasagne, taco salads, etc... I just need to research and see what I can find for a low carb, sugar free hot cocoa. I also watched Love and Basketball. It's a classic. Still love it today. It reminds me of New Years Eve at Tasha Couch's house. Great memories.
Sunday, we started the day at God's house. It's a great way to end the weekend/start my week. Another reason that I love Sundays is that I get to spend some time with my family. I love that we worship as a family. It just shows the bond that we have with one another. After church, we took Miss Ry and Mr. Ax home with us. First, we met Michael Andrew & Megan at Chilis for a little family lunch. Chilis really does have some great options for low carb. I had the mango chile tilapia. It was pretty good. My only gripe is for appetizers, there are NO low carb options. We usually get the 2 for 20 that includes an app. When we order the 2 for $20, we get the fried cheese. You have no idea how crazy people look at you when you peel off the breading and just eat the cheese. People honestly think I'm crazy. This happens to us alot. I am starting to get used it, but restaurants, get some decent tasting low carb appetizers out there and everyone wins!!
One lesson that I learned is that eating out with a one year old is not as fun as it seems. Don't get me wrong, Ax is such a good baby. He doesn't fuss. He doesn't scream. He ate really good, but he was pretty messy and he tried to grab everything. I got tickled at him though. He ate almost a whole chicken crisper, breading from my cheese sticks, a couple bites of pineapple and I tried to introduce broccoli. He looked at it and thought it was interesting and stuck it in his mouth. He immediately spit it back out and Michael immediately panicked thinking he was going to vomit it back up (HAHA!). He turned to me and stuck his finger in the air and started yelling at me. He was so mad at me for giving him broccoli. Sooooo, lesson learned, babies can be messy and don't introduce new foods at restaurants.
It was a great weekend, it just went by way too quickly. I enjoyed it though because starting tomorrow it starts a couple of days of 90 to nothing, balls to the wall, work, play and fun. So, back to normal for the Mullers :)
Prayer requests. Some of you know, but I'm not ready to share yet, but I do have an unspoken prayer request for our little family. Just pray that God will hear our prayers and answer. Pray that the weight continues to drop because I'm so close to that goal. Also, pray for relief. I'm still having pain in my low back. I see my primary doctor on Monday about it AND my 9 month appointment is next Tuesday.
As always, thank you in advance for your prayers and encouraging comments. It's because of these encouraging words and your prayers that I've made it this far. Thank you for being there for me even when I'm down and frustrated. I have the best God, husband, family and friends a girl could ever ask for.
Recipe for the Week:
Sour Cream Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Crust Ingredients:
3/4 c. Almond Flour
1/4 C. Ground Flax Seed
1 C. Ground Almonds (we bought slivered almonds and pulsed them a couple of times)
1/4 C. Splenda
2 tsp. Skinny Girl Sweetner
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 C. Butter
Filling Ingredients:
8 oz Fat Free Cream Cheese
3 eggs
15 oz can of pumpkin
1/2 C. Splenda
1/4 C. Brown Sugar Splenda Blend
1 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 1/2 Low Fat Sour Cream
1/4 tsp Salt
Crust Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and ground flax seeds, ground almonds and Splenda.
3. In a small bowl, combine butter, liquid sweetner and vanilla
4. Press into a 9X13 pan.
5. Bake 12 to 15 mintues or until the crust browns on the edges.
Filing Instructions.
1. Mix cream cheese and eggs with a mixer.
2. Add sour cream and mix well.
3. Add pumpkin, Splenda, Splenda blends, vanilla and cinnamon and mix well
4. Pour over baked crust.
5. Garnish with cinnamon
6. Bake 30 to 40 minutes
Feel free to top with Light Whip Cream!
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Moments with the Mullers: Frustrated.......another flipping stall....
Moments with the Mullers: Frustrated.......another flipping stall....: I think my scale may be broken, but we will get to that in a minute.... Pounds Lost This Week: 0 Pounds Pounds Lost Since Surgery: 105 Po...
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