I though it would be easier to give an update here, rather than the cbox. I am doing so much better overall. It has been slower than I thought, but maybe I am just a little tad bit impatient. (ha, not me) It is post op day 17, and while I still am sore, I can tolerate it. (no need for pain meds this AM) I went to the Dr Thursday. He said I was doing great. He also explained why this surgery is/was more painful than a csection. (You all know I am a nurse, but I dd not think of the surgical aspects of the cuts) A csection cut involves no muscle. The hernia surgery cuts across muscle, several times, I might add. When muscle is cut or sewed into, it dies, and therefore hurts. I have 11 incisions, therefore lots of muscle involvement. So no wonder I hurt, haha. That being said, he said I would be back to normal in about 2 more weeks. I went to church for the first time yesterday since surgery. I did pretty good, it just wears me out. I felt like I rode my exercise bike, and all I did was sit and listen. The weakness after surgery takes longer to get over than the pain, I guess.

I have lost 14 lbs since I had surgery. Actually the day I came home, I had gained 9 lbs from IV fluids. So I have lost that 9 and 14 more. So, I will be at a good start when I fully recover to restart that weight loss lifestyle. I actually can't wait to get back on my exercise bike. For those that are counting...........I have lost 38lbs since last October. I still have a ways to go, but I am excited to get to it.

Thank you all for all your support and prayers.

Be blessed,

Chasity

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Hello sweet friends, how are all of you doing? I am fine. As many of you know, I had surgery 1 week ago today. I am amazed at the progress of where I was last week till now. I am blessed with my family and friends here taking great care of me. However, I am incredibly blessed by my online support. You guys have been amazing at checking in on me and praying. I know without a shadow of doubt, that the prayers of you my sweet bloggy friends, helped me in my recovery. So, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Over all I have done well. Each day has ups and downs. It is amazing at how much we take for granted in things we can do for ourselves on a daily basis. Then have a surgery and realize you can't do anything without help. I am not one to sit around and do nothing, so I am struggling with the recovery a little. At first I was so dependant and in pain. However, now I am able to do somethings (like go to the bathroom all by myself............this was a big accomplishment) although I am still frustrated by the inactivity. I will not lie, I had me a crying feel sorry for myself party for one this AM. Complaining that I could not get up, can't lay on my side, sick of being in bed or on couch, sick of asking for help, can't cook, can't even fix my own drink...............okay you get the idea.....it was ugly. I know, I have to just get my big girl pants on, and get over it!!!!!  I know I have to take it easy and let others take care of me.............I am a nurse and I have gave the speech to many, many others before. I will be back to normal very soon, and then will probably complain that I have to do everything and have no help. It really makes you think, God is so good. His grace and patience are amazing.............and I don't deserve it at all. I am whiney, selfish, and grumpy at times.........and yet God still loves me. No matter how I act or what I do, God is still God and I AM VERY thankful for that. This down time has given me a lot of thinking and pondering time. I have learned that I love God even more. His Grace is sufficient. I am truly blessed with a wonderful God, incredible husband, the best kids, and wonderful friends IRL and online.

So with all of that, there are no reasons to have a crying fit.......................I am too blessed!!!! Thanks to all of you out there who have supported me, I love you guys!!!!

Well enough about me...........I made a slide show before the surgery and have yet to share it. I have 2 little soccer players this season. Our family has always enjoyed soccer. Hubby played for years and coached as well. So here are a few pics of the season so far....

Thanks for listening to all my rambling this AM.

Be blessed,

Chasity

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I have one more slide show to share from our month in Atlanta. The reason I have not already posted this one is, it was a present. My sister's birthday is in July. I found a cool ceramics place in Atlanta to make one of kind presents. My kiddos had a blast. We were able to visit my sis this past week. She now has her present, so I am able to post the making. The only thing is I forgot to get a finshed pic of them. They are much shiney-er (not sure that is a real word, lol) once they have been fired.

Be blessed,

Chasity

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For the month of July, my family was in Atlanta. We spent the month there on the campus of Emory University. Hubby had continuing ed classes to attend. While there we had a wonderful time. Hubby went to class each day, and the kids and I did school. After he came home each afternoon, we had lunch, then family time. It was a month of a simplier time. It was great. We lived on campus in a 3 bedroom dorm. We traveled in our small toyota corolla....yes 5 people and stuff for the month. (Clown car images may come to mind) We took only the necessities.....4 changes of clothes per person, 1 skillet, 1 pot, 1 cookie sheet, 1 spatula, 1 big spoon....you get the idea. I tell you life without clutter is joyful. The biggest suitcase we took had our school books in it.....a true homeschool family. We got so many things accomplished due there we NO distractions. It made me really think, between our month there and the amish books I am reading. I NEED a simplier life!!! I cherish the time I had there with my family. I plan on cutting back stuff in my life. I took the first step when I came home.....cut back on my phone plan, sat plan, and netflix. Not only will this add time, but it is saving us $700/year. Hubby and I also put together a list of what we need clothes wise for each family member. For example so many shirts, pants, dresses (girls only lol), etc. I plan to purge down to that number immediately. Once that is done, we can bless others with our abundance. Also my life will be much better in the laundry room, and my kids will get the value out of things. Honestly, we have lots of hand me downs, sale items, or thift store finds. We never spend a lot on clothes, but since we get such great deals......we have too much. Toys are a whole other topic as well. So I am revamping our home ASAP.

Enough serious talk, now for the pics:

Campus life:

They had a great courtyard for.............soccer, aka daddy time

 Also while there we visited an awesome church. (you know it is really the first time in years that I sat with my hubby in church. Since he is a pastor, I never sit with him....I am not complaining, just it is one of those things you miss, sometimes.) Also we went to some outing that were in my last post. Also we visited the first ever Dwarf House. It is now a Dwarf house/Chickfila. It was fun, like going back in time.

Now that I am home maybe I will post more, but only if it does not mess with my simple life, lol. I plan to always have time to blog. My simple life will be far from the Amish life I read of, but I AM/WILL cut out the clutter. (clutter can be physical, mental, and spiritual)

BTW, If you seen the name Fred in the pics....you may be wondering who is Fred???? That is not one of my kids name, teehe. He is our new family mascot. We decided to have a family mascot that will travel with us whever we go......so you know Fred has to have his own blog. So you will see some of the same pics, but I would love for you to visit. His blog: www.where-is-fred.blogspot.com

This is a tradition we hope to continue for years. A memory maker, for sure!!!!!

Be blessed,

Chasity

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I have been wanting to share, but time flies around here. I was able to upload 2 slideshows.....so here you go:

My oldest dd turned 9 last month. Although part of her present was just done a couple weeks ago. She wanted to go back to Atlanta to her favorite resturant and doll store:

Also while in Atlanta....we appreciated the bovines:

Be blessed,

Chasity

2 Seasons Shared ~ Share A Season! ~ Permanent Link