Autumn has arrived

To say we have had an amazingly warm September, is an understatement. With temps in the 90's, doing things like heading to the lake in September have been awsome. Unfortunitally today's high was only 52. With the cold Autumn wind, I am pretty sure "summer" is over. Time to think colorful leaves, and pumkins. :)

The Kocher family has been busy the past couple of weeks getting all of our extra activities on some what of a schedule. With gymnastics, dance, and scouts, seems like we are always on the go.

Kurt was able to escape to Devils Lake last weekend with the kids to visit his mom and dad. Every September, Kurt has a Hockey meeting in Devils Lake, so he takes this weekend and makes it a fun dad/kids weekend away. The kids always have such a fun time making the annual fall trip. They went and watched horse barrel racing, went to the movie "Cloudy with a Chance of Meetballs," and did fun things like feed the ducks in the park.

I on the other hand like to spend this weekend at home relaxing. I went to Estevan to visit my good friend Chalsey. We had a girl's night out, which involves eating way to much, and staying up way to late. So Fun... We drove up to Carlille, SASK for a craft show, so that was fun. I spent the rest of the weekend getting the house clean. So nice to be able to clean the house with everybody gone. :)

This weekend hasn't been near as exciting as last. We had birthday parties Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Man talk about a birthday weekend. The only thing good about it was that Kurt and I were able to have a nice dinner without the kids on Friday because all of the kids were at a party. :)

Friday, my highschool best friend, Jessa came to town with her kids, so it was really nice to go to lunch and catch up with her. Amazing to think that it has been 11 years since we were in highschool. Time goes way to quick. :)

Today has been a cold lazy Sunday at home. I made a nice steak dinner, and a Tirimasu for dessert, so it has been quite nice.

Happy Fall Everbody!!!!!

Preschool Open House

Mrs. Kocher all ready for the big Night

Dad and Bethany working on the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Art

Last night was the big night. Who knew it would get to an astonishing 92 for a high yesterday. Yes I did say 92.

Now for those of you who don't know, there is NO air in the church..... You put 12+ adults in a small classroom and 12 very excitable students, and it is HOT!!!!!!

The evening was very successfull, but after getting home close to 11. I was beat. So awsome to get so much enthusiasm from the parents, and to see how happy the kids are, just makes it all worth my time. :)

This year I will have 12 young 3 year olds in the morning, and will have 12 4-5 year olds in the afternoon. Going to keep me on my toes, that is forsure. :)

Fun all starts tomorrow with the 1st day of school. Wish me luck......

Mrs. Kocher :)

The Count Down Is On

Hi everbody...
The count down is on. Preschool starts this comming Thursday.

After 3 full weeks of preparations, I can finally say, "I AM READY!!!!!!" Hurray!
Preschool open house is this Tuesday. I have 24 students. 12 in the morning, and in the afternoon, so it really is going to be an exciting year. Did I mention busy? lol

This year's Open House theme is "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom." It is going to be a lot of fun. The kids are going to be doing some fun activites, as well as, making chicka chicka treats. I can't wait. :)

Aside from getting ready for preschool, Bethany and I have been busy keeping the house clean. Now that Micaela has gone away to kindergarten, Bethany has been quite lost. The 1st two weeks of school, poor Bethany walked around hooked to my leg. She just kept saying, "I dont have anybody to play with me." She quickely became my little helper and honestly really enjoys helping me around the house. Too cute. I will say though, getting Dexter the cat has really helped. That cat lets her tote it around everywhere, and is now her best friend. :) Grant and Micaela also got their own kittens. Theirs however have to sleep and live in the barn. Grant named his Micaela Jackson and Micaela named hers Miley. Kids are just too cute.

Bethany and I went to our very 1st play group. Chrissy G, our new pastor's wife, started a play group for kids and parents in the community. It was nice to get out of the house and let Bethany play. Chrissy is a nice gal, and her husband is doing a very nice job in the church. Sure hope they stick around for a while.

This was my first week back to the gym. I have to say, it wasn't near as hard as I thought it was going to be. While I wasn't able to jump back on the elliptical for 20 min, like I have in the past, I started slow and am working my way up. I did 10 today, so that is a good sign.

Life is good, the kids are doing awsome in school, and well, we all couldn't be happier. :)

Happy Harvest Everyone. :)

3 months post op

3 months post op front

3 months post op left side


3 month post op right side.

Notice there is still a buldge from where the fluid was built up. It is now full of scar tissue that with regular massage should hopefully go away. If not, I will have to have a revision.

Back side

After enduring 3 very long months, I can honestly say I think I am at the tail end of my recovery. I am still experiencing muscle pain tight in my ab area as well as in my butt, but other than that my body is healing nicely. I hope to start back at the gym tomorrow, so wish me luck.

My emotions, on the other hand, are still touchy. While nothing has changed on the inside, people have this misconception that because I can now wear a pair of jeans, I must be a total selfish "bitch" or something. This has really hurt me, and has made me realize true friends and family. My daughter has since called me selfish, and my sister thinks that I am consumed in my vanity, and therefore neither will not speak to me. This really hurts......

Since when is it being selfish when you, for once in your life, take care of yourself instead of others?????

I am still the same kind hearted Anjelika. A person whom goes the extra mile to make you smile. Am I more confident? Yes.... Just because I no longer have to wear jogging pants 24/7 doesn't mean I have changed... My plastic surgon has said, "Your outer beauty has changed, not your inner beauty, therefore, keep your head raised high and confident, and let yourself shine." Nothing wrong with being beautiful inside and out.

I have not shared my pictures and story of weight loss and plastic surgery as a way to brag. I have instead done it as a way to encourage others, whom may have lived their lives trapped in an obese body, to break free and find their outer beauty. It took me 25 years of being miserable in my own skin to realize that I was better than that, so again if this is selfish, I am sorry.....

Thank you to all of the people that have stood by my side and have been there for me. So many times I have broken down, and it has been nice having those real friends and family that have told me to ignore the negative and move on... Thank you..

Relaxing Weekend

Our new cat Dexter
Grandpa Les bought the kids a new blow up turtle. The kids had a blast with it.

Grant

My beach stud.

Hi everbody,
It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of summer. Escaping to the lake house on the weekend is our absolulte favorite thing in the world, and with school now in full swing, it will be harder and harder to escape. We did however spend one of our last weekends at the lake this past Labor Day weekend. The temps were in the 90's so the kids enjoyed some good swimming at the beach, as well as, fun on the speed boat.

I am very excited to report that I was able to get into the water for the 1st time this summer. Being 3 months post op, and pretty much healed up, I decided to give it a whirl. Floating around on the water was amazing. I can't wait until next summer. :)

Over the summer, Grant has gotten better and better at fishing. I can now say that he is my future star fisherman. Saturday alone, he caught over 25 fish. If we werent "catch and release" people, we could have had one heck of a fish fry Saturday night. :)

Mom, and Les brought Jacob down Saturday evening for some fun at the water, and a Steak Fry. Nothing like a good juicy ribeye hot off the grill. YUMMOOOOO

Sunday, Barb and Wes drove over and enjoyed an afternoon on the pontoon. It was nice for the kids to get to spend some time with them.

We also just welcomed for the 1st time ever, a kitten to our family. 9 week old Dexter came home with us Saturday from the pet store in Williston. While, I am still not sure if having a kitten is a good idea because of my allergys, we are going to give it a whirl. I am not one for having animals in the house, so as long as he spends most of the time outside and in the garage we are ok.

All in all, we couldnt have asked for a better weekend. Marshmellows over a hot campfire, while over looking the calm lake and moon lit sky. Really what could be better?

Happy Labor Day!
The Kochers :)