-117 and counting

Went to Nola's on Sunday night for Ethan's (#11) and Tanya's (#31) birthday celebration(s). First, how in the heck did my neices and nephews grow up so darned fast? I have fun memories of each of them. Then, how did Sarah have a 12 year old and an 11 year old? It was fun once again to go and be with the family, especially all of the boys. They are all so cute and have such fun personalities. Larry finished his dinner and went to the living room and I being the last to leave, sat on the couch and visited with he and Nola for awhile. He has lost 117 pounds and still losing more. He is the OLD Larry and it is absolutely amazing to watch the transformation, almost like a butterfly coming out of the cocoon. His sweatshirt jacket went from a 6XL to a 2XL and he is so PROUD - he beams! I noticed he had on some new jeans and mentioned it and he was quick to tell me that he has gone down 10 waist sizes and the new pants now have a fist size gap in them, too! I am so proud of Larry and his accomplishments.

Maggie (no babies) and I spent the weekend in the valley with Jenna and Weston and the kids. Had a good time, but Maggie was ready to come home on Sunday. I was too, it was cold at home and I hated for Troy to have to take care of Sadie while I was out of town and have to drag the kids out into the weather. I did, however, enjoy Gunnar and Bailey Boo. He is my buddy and I enjoy sharing a room with him. He tried to get me back to bed on Sunday morning so I couldn't leave and he told "Mangie" I love you when we left. Bailey Boo took a liking to Maggie so we baby sat on Saturday night so that Jenna and Weston could go to dinner with friends.

On Tuesday, Debbie and I made 100 jars of raspberry plum jam. It took all day long but the work was worth it. Today I spent the day at mom and dads and we put up 18 more jars of chili sauce, 10 jars of spaghetti sauce and 8 jars of salsa. Next...pickled beets.

I love this time of year, but boy is it hard work. My dad grows the best gardens...his corn this year was to die for. We enjoyed the bounty of his hard work.

Tomorrow I take Zip to the vet. If it isn't one thing it's another. And most importantly of all, it is my mom's birthday. I love my mom beyond words. She has always been there for me and I have learned so much from her and her mother and her mother...yes, I was blessed to KNOW my grandmother and great grandmother on the Stover side; my great grandmother on the Gilliam side; my grandmother on the Roger's side. We have a five generation picture of Jenna, me, mom, Grandma Gilliam and Nary (my great grandmother). What a treasure! My grand daughters have four generations of girls...them, moms, me and my mom! I LOVE YOU, MOM! I need to get some better photos of my mom and dad...just realized that :o(

Tonight I am too pooped to pop, but it is a good tired. I can hardly wait to crawl into bed under my down comforter.