I finally heard back from Dr. Paz' office who called to say the surgery is scheduled for July 29th. I must say that I am very emotional about the whole thing. While I am so grateful that I have even found a surgeon who is willing to perform this surgery, I am terribly apprehensive. When I start to lose confidence in the process, I reassure myself that there is a plan for me and it's a plan perfectly designed with more wisdom than I will ever have. It's still scary and uncertain, though, and I find myself counting down the days. I so don't want to do that. But I know this is very valuable time with my family. I have so many things I want to do with the kids even if it's just reading their bedtime stories or watching them swim in the pool. I've been so lucky the last two days to watch Kylie learn to ride her bike without the training wheels. It really only took her one day and now she's a pro! Jane's almost there and Ryan won't even go near a bike without training wheels.
I am loving my new plant based diet. It's so much easier than I ever thought it would be and I feel great. I am learning that I really have to look at ingredient labels because some foods I would've never suspected have dairy or eggs in them. Steve was giving me the business for putting too much Splenda in my iced tea so I promised him I would use the Stevia that my mom brought over. But when I read the ingredient label, I found the only ingredient to be lactose, aka MILK!!! Who knew?! Also, I'm a little curious, and maybe Kelly can answer this but what does it mean for a vegan if the label says that the food was made on shared equipment with eggs, milk, etc.? Does that mean a vegan shouldn't eat it? Very confusing...
Anyway, I have some pictures from July 4th when I took the kids to San Clemente and hung out with the family but I've been lazy and they're still in the camera. Steve couldn't go but I took Lauren and Chloe. We walked to the beach and then watched fireworks later. It was so nice. Me-Mom, Lauren, and Chloe left on Monday and we are all missing them so much. Luckily, Me-Mom will be back in a few weeks to help out with the kids while I am having my surgery.
6 comments:
Hi Beth and family,
Three cheers for Kylie, two cheers for Janie, and one cheer for Ryan who will be doing wheelies before you know it.
Beth, you are such a brave woman. I agree with you that there is a "perfect plan" designed especially for you to see you through this process. If you read Romans 8:28, you will see that "All things work together for good to those who love the Lord, who are called according to His purpose." And Lord knows you have a purpose. Fear is just a feeling and reassurance is your strength.
So glad you love your new plant based diet. I must admit it has encouraged me to start juicing again, thanks. It really does make you feel better, so much lighter and energetic. It's amazing what is written on those labels, very interesting :( At least now we can see what's in the foods we eat.
Can't wait to see the July 4th pictures, so glad you all went to the beach for fireworks!! How fun! We love you and want to again thank you for keeping us up to date on everything. We love all of you so much and look forward to hearing from you soon. Love from your Arizona family XXOO
Hi Beth! I am so excited to hear that you are enjoying your new venture into the vegan world!! Here is a link to a PETA site of "I can't believe it's vegan!" items... mainstream consumer products that fit the bill. There are some great items on here.
http://www.peta.org/accidentallyVegan/
Also, with regard to items that are made on shared equipment, that is one of those vegan issues that is up for debate. In my opinion, eating a vegan item that may have been on shared equipment doesn't lessen one's vegan status, but I know there are some hard cores that would disagree with me. I say don't worry about it!! :)
An exciting discovery of late... our local Whole Foods just started carrying a vegan Crab Cake!!! I can't remember the name right now, but they are in the frozen section with the Boca and Quorn products, if that is something you're interested in trying. I was so excited because vegan surf items aren't something I have been able to find consistently. Wendy and I had great success in L.A., but Minneapolis just doesn't have the same selection. These crab cakes are actually quite delicious and I'm so excited about them!
Please let me know if you have any other questions. Everyone here says hi!
love, Kelly
Hi Sister, Let me say thank you for this whole exploration of veganism. It's inspired me to look for more meatless options. And, thank you to Kelly for making it all sound easy and doable. Maybe that's one of the blessings from all this. You are inspiring so many to make healthier choices, healing your little corner of the world.
I have one of those daily prayer magazines and just out of curiousity I looked at the prayer for July 29. I'll get you the whole text when I see you but found these few lines in the prayer to echo your post and the words you have been affirming to yourself. "In the One Presence, I am the right person in the right place doing the right thing. My thoughts and actions are guided by Divine Wisdom. My experience is perfect." Since this prayer is meant for the day of your surgery, I know it is the right action for your healing. Soon, this will all be a distant memory with a lasting life impression that will provide greater wisdom, health and zest for life. I love you! Juli
Hi Beth,
I wonder if they make a bicycle built for 3. Then Ryan could ride behind the girls and he'll think he's doing the peddling. Sounds good to me!!!!
I"m glad the plant diet is working well for you. I bought a Stevia plant at Lowe's and it's growing so much in only a month. I haven't figured out how to use it though. I sure don't like chewing the leaves, but they are so sweet.
I agree with your Aunt Barbara, all things do work together for those who love the Lord. And He does have a purpose for you Beth. In the short time I've read your posts I see how He is using you as an encouragement to all of us.
There is a difference in being a strong woman or a woman of strength. I have a poem about that and will send it to you later, but the last phrase goes something like this. A strong woman can take the journey but a woman of strength knows that it is the journey that makes one strong.
You are a woman of strength and the Lord will help you with this journey every step of the way and He wants you to lean on Him. We love you and are lifting you up in prayer constantly.
Love,
Aunt Kathy
Hi Beth,
I probably should start teaching my kids how to ride bikes without training wheels! That is awesome. Anyway, my dad wanted me to send his love to you and your family, he is constantly asking about you and I have been keeping him updated. I just want you to know we will continue to pray for you through this journey especially your surgery. I am so grateful that we can keep in touch this way. I read your blogs and have such admiration for you. First of all, you are such a great writer. I think someone had said this before but you definitely should write a book! Your strengh and bravery have inspired me to be a better mother, wife, sister and friend and to stop putting things off until "tomorrow" especially with "living" healthier. You are awesome I am so proud to be a part of your family. God Bless you and I know things will all work out for you. Take care.
Love, Michelle
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