from the heart

Today marks a year since my heart surgery. Last night I read through a lot of the blog and was thankful to have it all be behind me, to have had such great supportive husband, family and friends and a FAITHFUL God. I wish I could say that I'm not feeling any pain today. I knew going into this that the healing process would be long; but, I don't think I could have wrapped my mind around the concept of enduring chronic pain. Internally, I'm great - better of course because of the surgery. However, because they had to go through my back, my muscles are still weak and recovering. I'm constantly praying for strength and relief from the pain. For the past couple weeks I went to physical therapy, hoping to find relief. I decided to continue the therapy at home (and not pay to have someone watch me do my exercises.) My plan is to dedicate myself to consistently do the exercises that aim to build my muscles back, which will intern cause the spasms to stop. I'll be r

Where to begin when I've been gone so long. I've decided that I'll do a pictoral review of the last 6 months that the blogging world has missed out on. One week turned into two and then months go by... oh well, no apologies needed... will you care to read again? I guess I'll just wait and see. Also, I'll do a general post on the highlights of life and on my next post, I'll give you an update on my healing progress. So, to ease my way back in to blogging.... here's some pictures. I decided to not leave you to wonder what we did for the last six months... so there are lots of pictures! APRIL Easter Bunny Baking with Mama & Elena Easter Celebration My sister, Elena, my mom & me MAY A relaxing reunion with Peter's college friends on Lake Travis in Austin. Mother's Day & Elena's Dedication Cousin Gregory & Elena initiate holding hands - too cute! Attended my brother Mark's graduation from Taylor University... and lost the pict

Friday afternoon Peter and I set off on his birthday adventure.  We'd bought tickets to the Third Day concert in College Station, a couple hours from our home.  Peter got the tickets several weeks ago... before it was forecasted to be cold.  We dropped Elena off with Abuelo and Abuela.  She was excited to spend time with them and the "bacas" (cows).  As we were leaving, she told us to "have fun!".   Earlier in the week I made an executive decision spend the night Friday night in College Station and not drive back at an ungodly hour of the night/morning. I'd found this place called the 7F Lodge located just 10 minutes from where the concert. So, I made our reservations at 7F and luckily they had one cabin left ----- the Sugar Shack ! This place was awesome!!! It was such a needed retreat for both of us. If you get a chance read how this place started on their website. It is such a great story. Their motto is "LOVE SAVES LIVES". In addition t

Our church has our own building! After six and half years of meeting in a middle school, we have leased and remodeled a beautiful new space on 1049 Eldridge in Sugar Land. It is absolutely incredible and I'd like to invite everyone to our Grand Opening... April 5 th ! I've been going to Crossbridge for almost 6 years now. It's the first church I attended after moving to Houston in March 2003. Within a week of moving here, a guy my dad worked with, Scott, invited me to go out and meet some of his friends from his church. We went out on March 28, 2003 to a M exican restaurant, called Tortuga. It was there that Scott's friends', Peter (my husband) and Rob, were celebrating their birthdays along with a large group from church . I started attending Crossbridge soon after the birthday party and was again welcomed and invited to be a part of an single women's Bible study. It was here and on Sunday mornings that I found a place and group of people that challenged me

My aunt and her family were featured in a Taste of Home magazine on their recent kitchen/great room remodel.  I must admit, I get pretty excited when people I know become famous.   Congratulations Aunt Kerry, Uncle Rob and kids!  I know you all put a lot of work into making your home such an inviting place for others. Check this article out and the pictures featuring their beautiful remodel .  

Friday we had a great last minute surprise of going to the Rodeo with my sister/Elena's Aunt Ju Ju. The first stop of the evening was to get some grub. Sausage on a stick, funnel cake, corn dogs, fries and cokes was on the dinner menu. (Yeah, I know not quite the heart diet... my tummy let me know of that later.) Elena loved the animal exhibits... especially Elise the Borden Milk Cow. And of course the bunnies... I couldn't resist getting Elena a cowgirl hat. So, here's... Cowgirl and Cowdaddy :)

Back to the doctor. This time it was a trip to my cardiologist... to the doctor who made my initial diagnosis - finding the narrowing of my aorta and high cholesterol. Two weeks ago, I did some extensive blood work, called the Berkeley Blood test again and I was going to hear the results of the test. Since the first test in August, I have started the Berkeley Heart Diet and have started taking fish oil every day. I was curious what the results would be, as I didn't feel I had been as diligent with the diet as I could have been. But, was happy to find that all levels had improved! There are still two levels that need to improve further, but he thinks I'm too young to start medication and would rather see me continue with the diet, start exercising and increase my fish oil intake. I'm excited to know that all the changes and effort that I've made in my diet has made a difference. I was also pleased to announce to Peter, who also has had to eat most the things on my diet,

Somehow it's taken me a whole month+ to sit down and write again. Yesterday I had a Doppler test done and it revealed that I have had an increase in blood flow/pressure to my legs as a result of the surgery. It is not at a perfectly normal level, but my surgeon says that it may take a year or two before that happens. He has seen patients recover to normal levels in their legs. I was pleased to have that good news, especially because I really haven't been feeling that great pain-wise. The first week in January I felt 99% better--- had more energy than I have in years and was so excited for a fresh start, but since that week, I've been experience more soreness and pain. At my appointment yesterday, the Dr. informed me that it could be 1-2 years of intermittent pain, soreness and nerve sensitivity. AH! I'm fighting the idea of a longer recovery... I don't want to whine... but, I just want to be well again. I'm finding that it is hard to share with people what I&#