So, what did YOU think??

OK, My sister thought the name of my blog was hilarious! My name is Laurel, and I grew up in the mountains of Kentucky. I have always felt an affinity to mountain laurel, (the flower). I collect mountain laurel pictures and plates, and I have used it in different combinations for my e-mails...for years. BUT when I named my blog about lapbanding that, is the immediate thought in your head, HUGE HULKING MOUNTAIN of a Laurel, or a southern belle flower of a Laurel?? When I first named my blog, "huge mountain" honestly never occurred to me! I am considering changing the title, let me know what YOU thought when you first saw it... (I could name it the incredible shrinking mountain...! LOL! )

Weird NSV :)

As you all know, I have two gorgeous grandsons. (See post below) Brannon was running towards me, ran into me... and hit my hipbone! He and I both said "OW!" It was funny seeing him rubbing his forehead, while I am rubbing my hip, and both of us are shocked! I HAVE HIPBONES! Who knew? LOL

Wonderful Christmas!

We have had a wonderful Christmas in Kentucky! There were 11 people who spent Christmas Eve at our house, and Christmas morning. My two children, their spouses, my two grandsons, my parents, and my sister all came to spend the night. We played board games and had some chicken pot pie with fruit for Christmas Eve, then opened presents Christmas morning followed by a wonderful Christmas Brunch. We had a sausage casserole, fruit, juice, coffee and coffee cake.
I had the worst problems I have ever had with my band also. I have never PB'd, but I came really close. I guess we had too much good food around, plus I forgot to chew carefully and eat slowly! I got stuck on a pretzel snack mix last night, then again on a sausage ball this morning (you know the sausage/cheese/bisquick ones? Stay away from them!). Well, I just need to take all my Christmas candy to my sister-in-law's Christmas dinner on Sunday, put it out for everyone, and get back to band-friendly eating! I wanted to post a few pictures to show you my Christmas memories. I made Christmas cookies with my grandsons, opened presents with them, and read a Christmas book to them. I love them so!!! (For some reason my pictures posted in reverse order?? I am still trying to figure this out!) Notice that my wedding ring is on my middle finger, too large for my ring finger! :) AND I am wearing a new Large t-shirt, NOT 2X. YAY!!

I LOVE Christmas

I LOVE Christmas, the whole Christmas season!! Now please don't ask why, no one quite knows the reason!! (Adapted from How the Grinch... . Can you tell I'm a librarian?) Another quiz.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I usually wrap, my daughter really likes wrapped better than bags, and I like to make her happy.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Fake. We had a real tree all the years the kids were home, and they still give us a hard time about it. They want everything to stay the same. I have a pine scented candle for ambience!
3. When do you put up the tree? As quickly after Thanksgiving as I can get my husband to put it up for me. :) I decorate it all by myself, tho.
4. When do you take the tree down? I like to leave it up at least until New Year's Day. My husband usually throws everything in a box when he can't stand it anymore! I would probably keep it up all the time. Have I mentioned that I LOVE Christmas?
5. Do you like eggnog? I adore Boiled Custard. (Not fond of the nutmeg in eggnog)
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I don't remember. I just remember lovely, warm, "Little House on the Prairie" Christmases with my wonderful family.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My husband. He is very particular, and much more of a clothes horse than I am.
8. Easiest person to buy for? My son, Brandon. He always types a Christmas list on my computer with links to the exact item he wants! I just have to decide how many things I can afford.
9. How do you decorate your tree--matchy-matchy or hodgepodge? My tree is all country, a mixture of red, wooden, quilted ornaments I made myself, or purchased from folk artists in the Smoky Mountains.
10. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We do one on Christmas eve, which is either a Christmas movie or a game for the family to play on Christmas Eve, and the rest on Christmas morning after Santa comes.
11. Favorite Christmas song? I love Christmas music, I begin listening to only Christmas music right after Halloween, and go straight through New Years. My favorite CD is the Partridge Family Christmas Album!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? How the Grinch Stole Christmas, original animated version, NOT Jim Carrey's
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I start collecting lists from everyone around Halloween, and it is pretty steady shopping after that.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, but rarely.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My moms Pork Roast with apricot glaze
16. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I travel to see friends and family about an hour and a half away.
17. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Oh, yes. I've been an elementary librarian for 20 years.
18. What do you want to do for Christmas this year? Be with my children and grandchildren.


Have a great Christmas!!

I'm in love!

I have a new love to share. It is Laurel's Short Caffe Mocha. :) Pour one pack of Hot Chocolate Mix into a coffee mug, add one or two packs of Splenda, pour your favorite coffee over and stir. 25 calories, as much calcium as a glass of milk, and STUPENDOUS. WAY cheaper than Starbucks, and really luscious! Hot and steamy caffeine fix in the mornings, and really satisfies me. Several times it has been my breakfast and keeps me satisfied until lunch.

Finally, FIFTY!!

After 6 weeks !!?!?! stuck at 48 pounds down, I finally hit 50 pound down! I am so happy! Now, if I can just keep this through the holidays... Happy Sunday to everyone. :)

Another Quiz!

1. How long have you been banded? 4 months

2.What was your highest pre-band weight?/ Current weight now? / Total loss to date? 230/182/48

3. What is your best go-to food to get in your protein? Cottage Cheese

4. What is your favorite protein brand/ shake? I haven't found any I like. I make shakes from frozen strawberries, skim milk and cottage cheese.

5. What do you miss the most now, post-band? So far, I can and do eat anything.

6. What is your favorite "mushy" food? Cream of Wheat

7. What was your worst PB experience? I haven't had a PB yet!

8. What has been the hardest part of this journey so far for you? Typing this quiz!! JK! I still have a lot of trouble with "grazing", especially on sweets.

9. What is your best NSV to date? I am no longer on high blood pressure medication!

10. What is your top non-weight goal for your band? I just want to be healthier...

11. What is your goal weight or size? I think 160 would be great! I may reevaluate when I reach that goal. :)

12.What band "rule" do you live by? (i.e. don't cheat on)? No liquid with meals and for one hour after. (and no carbonation)

13. What band "rule" do you not follow as much or aren't good at? No snacking between meals.

14. What is your goal "reward"? Being able to play with and enjoy my grandchildren for years to come.

15. In the spirit of Thanksgiving being right around the corner (US), what are you most thankful for, post-band? I am so thankful to be feeling better, healthier and happier after lapband!