2011
God's wisdom.
God's blessings.
God's presence.
God's protection.
In the past we have asked you to pray for us on many of these fronts. Thank you for your prayers. He has been more than faithful to us over the past two years. I could give you many many examples of how He has redeemed us, rescued us, healed us, provided for us, and kept us safe. But then you might get bored thinking "where's the news?" It's coming, it's coming...but I cannot in fairness start this blog out without giving honor where honor is due.
Here we go...
After many years of friendship and romance, Bob and Anna finally tied the knot this year. As had been Anna's dream - they were married on a cruise ship in Galveston harbor. We were grateful that many of our family and friends gave of themselves and their time to come see the beginning of their lives together.
After many years of friendship and romance, Bob and Anna finally tied the knot this year. As had been Anna's dream - they were married on a cruise ship in Galveston harbor. We were grateful that many of our family and friends gave of themselves and their time to come see the beginning of their lives together.
Here are some pictures first from the "Friends and Family Dinner" and then from the ceremony itself.
If you left click on any one picture (hint - the very first one is a good start - hint) a new blogspot feature will allow you to see all the pictures in a filmstrip format. Yes, there are a lot of pictures. Just click on the picture you're viewing to see the next one.
If you left click on any one picture (hint - the very first one is a good start - hint) a new blogspot feature will allow you to see all the pictures in a filmstrip format. Yes, there are a lot of pictures. Just click on the picture you're viewing to see the next one.
Since Bob had already bought his first home in the fall of 2010, the newlyweds were all set -- well, except for the transformation and redecoration from bachelor pad to a place fit for...ahem...married people to reside. Anna teaches the 3-5 year old preschool class at our Church (like Carol, just at a different time) and Bob is playing the drums in the Church worship band. With Anna's cat Bella and a newly adopted bird named Noah, they have quite the love nest.
Carol is still teaching the 3-5 year old preschool class at our Church, going on 7 or 8 years now. I could not possibly be luckier having someone so great taking care of me...going on 30 years now (this year). How she's managed to put up with me is a question with many possible answers, but as Carol puts it we've stayed together because "no one leaves, and no one dies." :=D
As funny as that sounds, it's really the truth. Our love and commitment to each other, and our resolve to see the other have only the very best in their lives has persevered. It's something you don't see much of in this instant gratification, socially networked, fast food world in which we live. I'm grateful that God knew who and what I would need many years into the future when he brought Carol into my life.
I almost forgot. One of the MANY things Carol does for me is humor me by traveling across the world with me (grin). If you haven't seen it yet, we've kept a travel blog here and there since 2007. Here's a LINK if you'd like to see it.
As for me, well I have now lost in excess of 175 pounds from my all time high of 426. While I'm grateful for the change, life with a lap band is no panacea. It absolutely works in helping you reach a health goal but what a difference in personal lifestyle it makes. In the "old days" I could achieve some measure of satisfaction by eating a full meal. You know what I mean, a lean back, let 'er rip, and fill-that-plate-up again type of meal -- and then dessert. But that's no longer possible. And like one of my favorite movies once said "food is a tough give-up." It doesn't mean you can't enjoy the meal experience (trying something new, eating and fellowship with friends and family, the sights and smells, etc.), but once you head down this road you will never be able to have that full feeling satisfaction again.
But I will never be sorry that possibility is gone. Because other, more important things are gone like high cholesterol, almost all of my former type II diabetes symptoms, and the high probability that I would have already had an adverse cardiac episode by now.
By the way, as I type this annual family blog Carol and I are enjoying a 30th anniversary trip together in Maui. Carol is undergoing tanning procedures while I hide in the shade with a pool-side wireless network. Here are some pictures...
Did I mention that we have been blessed? Thanks for keeping up with us. Until next year...
Don & Carol
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