Surgery

I'm sure a lot of you know by now, but I had a rough little go at life for awhile. I was taken to the ER last Thursday and admitted to the Hospital. They performed an emergency surgery, and I had to stay for a few days after. I'm home and doing much better. Each day I get a little stronger and feel a little better. It wasn't anything major just some clean up. I was experiencing a lot of pain again and they had to go clean up some scar tissue and they found that my stomach was really inflamed. They found a few ulcers in my stomach and put me on some medication to help. My doctor says it's rare, but there are some gastric bypass patients who just have these things happen. Some people will have ulcers their whole life and some don't get any. I of course just happen to be the lucky patient that gets them. :) Nothing was wrong with my small bowel though which was great news! I'll take having ulcers over not being able to eat. So, not to worry I am doing just fine. Thank you for all the visitors, phone calls, text messages, and emails. Your love and ongoing support mean the world to me!

To My Sweet David

My life is a whirlwind and the absolute ride of my life. I don't know if he will ever even see this but I have to write a little letter to my sweet husband, and tell everyone how amazing he is and how dang lucky I am to have him.

My Sweet Bavid,
You are my angel, my saving grace, and my best friend. I can't imagine life without you in it. I'm so overwhelmed with love for you that I'm sitting here crying while I write this.
You never cease to amaze me. Every morning when you wake up at 6am to go to school I'm touched. I love getting breakfast for you and kissing you goodbye. I can't tell you how thankful I am for your hard work. I could not do what you do for us. I could not pull straight A's and deal with all you have to deal with on a daily basis. Thank you for being my provider and taking such good care of me. I never imagined I would have such an amazing life. I feel like I wake up in a dream everyday and the beauty is that it doesn't end. It's the greatest dream I could ever ask for.
Thank you for bringing the Gospel back to me. I had lost it for so many years, and had a huge void in my life, and you brought it back to me. You have saved me in so many ways I can't even count. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for letting me have you as my eternal companion. I can't describe how much that means to me. It's something I never thought I would have.
I love your smile, your laugh, the way you look at me, the way you make me feel beautiful, and the way you protect me. You are the most beautiful, gorgeous, stunning, good looking, man I have ever met in my life. I wake up and feel so lucky to be looking at you. You are gorgeous not only outside but in. You have the most beautiful soul of any person I have ever known on this earth.
I want you to know that I can't wait for you to be the father of our children. You are such an amazing husband and you are going to be the greatest father any child will ever have. Our children will be the luckiest kids on this planet to have you as their Dad.
Thank you for being my best friend, for loving me unconditionally, for always having my back, for making me happy, for taking such good care of me, for holding my hand while we drive, for ordering for me at restaurants, for always switching sides when we are walking so I won't be closest to the street, and for a million other things.
You will never know how much I love you. You will never be able to comprehend the amount of love I have in my heart for you, and always will. Thank you for being mine and loving me with all your heart. I couldn't ask for anything more, and would never want anyone but you. Thanks for being the man of my dreams.
Love always,
Jilli Pepper

Awesome Day!

So I don't get to brag that much about clothes that I buy because I normally don't get screamin deals, but I did today, so I am bragging about it! Shade Clothing (my favorite clothing store) has gone out of business. I wear their Cap Sleeve shirts everyday under EVERYTHING! They are normally $15 a piece, which is what I have paid for years. I have only been able to buy 1 or 2 at a time, and on top of that they never have small's because they run out so quick (Yes, they're that amazing!).

I woke up this morning at 6 to make Dave some breakfast before school. I got him out the door and got on the computer. I was checking my email when I saw that Shade was having their closeout warehouse sale, and it's about 5 miles from my house! Well, of course I had to go! It opened at 10am and I was determined to get there. I got all cleaned up and showed up right on time. Right in the front of the store they had a huge sign that said "Everything $3.00" I was instantly overjoyed.

As I started going through every table, I was getting discouraged because they had nothing in my size. I went to the last table and to my surprise it had been labeled wrong. Everything on this table was a size small, and THEY HAD MY WHITE CAPS!! I got 7 new white cap sleeve shirts, 7 new white cami's, a night gown, and a pair of white shorts. I got to the cash register to check out, super excited to hear the price (that's a first!) and she looked up and said "$38.50" What?! That was $10 cheaper then I was expecting. I got $263 worth of Shade Clothing clothes for $38.50!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Holy cow I haven't been that excited since I married Dave! In all my excitement I grabbed my bag and rushed home so excited to show all my treasures to my husband. All in all the morning was a FABULOUS morning! That wasn't the only great thing about this day though.

PART 2A girl came by my house about a month ago and put a flier on the door. She was advertising piano lessons. Well Lou and Paula just happen to have a GORGEOUS White Baby Grand piano just sitting in their home. They bought it because they thought it was pretty and no one in the family plays. So why not me, right?!

I was so giddy when I saw this flier because I have wanted to learn to play the piano since I was little. I had to wait for Nicole and Destrie to move out of the piano room, and the day they did I called Karlee. She was such a doll! She answered her phone and told me she was 17. She let me know that she had only taught someone up to the age of 25, so she would understand if I didn't want her to teach me. :) So cute! I laughed and told her that I didn't think there would be that much of a difference between the 25 year old and my little 26 year old self. So we set up out first lesson for today. She told me that it was $45 a month for one 45min. lesson a week. WOW! How could I not start lessons??!

Karlee showed up at 3:45 and let me tell you what a cutie she is. Not only is she beautiful but so mature, well spoken, and graceful. She sat down next to me and started teaching me the basics. She taught in a way that I totally understood, and I felt like I really caught on. I now know what the 5 lines that notes sit on are, I know what a note is and what it is called, and I know what a treble clef(?) and a clef that looks like an f, is. :) LOL I also know how many beats each note is, and I know how to hold my hands, how to sit, and I can play 10 notes already! Man, I rock! ;) It was so awesome! She gave me 2 piano books, note cards that she had made, and a little practice chart. She even said that when I fill out the chart she will bring me a treat because that is what she does for all of her younger students. Well who doesn't want a treat?! Overall a great lesson!

So my incredible shopping trip, and first piano lesson made this day awesome! I felt so accomplished in so many ways when I climbed in bed tonight. I had to brag about myself a little bit. Anyway, thanks for reading my pretty pointless but amazing story! I love you all and thanks again for reading my blog! *hugs* Jilly

All of our Pictures

Check out our Photographers Blog to see all the pictures she took! Thank you so much Heather!

Thank You (Gay) Mormon Guy

I follow a blog that is written by a stalwart Mormon man who is gay. He lives a "morally clean" life as dictated by the Prophet. I can't imagine the struggles this man goes through, all I know is I don't think I could do it. Today made me thankful for my trails. I'm glad that I have mine trials. I'll take mine any day of the week and twice on Sunday. As I was feeling frustrated because a few of my health problems have returned lately, this post by this man really helped. Here it is....

"Someday, I'll look back on the frustration I live with right now and think, "Mormon Guy, wasn't that an amazing learning experience? Would you trade the things you learned in life for anything in the world?"

Looking back right now... on the things that I've learned from the trials of yesterday and years past... I wouldn't trade the lessons I've learned for anything in the world. Somehow, God knew me well enough to create a life uniquely for me. From the talents He gave me to the trials I face, everything is custom to me. He knew what experiences I needed to have the chance to grow and develop into the man He sees in me.

I guess, from that perspective then, today wasn't such an awful day after all. Yeah, a few minutes ago I felt terrible. But while sitting here I've felt the simple truth that God loves me. I'm going in the right direction. The Lord is involved in every intricate aspect of my life. He wants me to talk with Him - to learn from Him - and to keep moving forward. ...and that's enough. When days are rough and the future is uncertain, I can stick my head in a bag or press forward. It's my choice."

I don't know who you are Mormon guy, but thank you for posting that. I really needed it today.

Here is his blog if any of you are interested in reading it:
www.gaymormonguy.blogspot.com

Family Pictures

Dave and I got family pictures today. I know I don't have children, and it's just the 2 of us, but that is my family and the most important thing in this world to me, so I decided to capture that and get photos done of us.

I found White House Photography through a friend's Facebook page. I emailed Heather (the photographer) and asked her if she would be able to take pictures of Dave and me. We emailed back and forth and were finally able plan on today. After hours of putting together outfits, and picking out colors, and buying 3 different sweaters for Dave and 2 for me, I finally picked out the outfits. I have been so excited I can't even describe so when today came around I was so thrilled. We got ready and met Heather up at Gardner Village at 4:00 this afternoon.

As soon as Heather got out of her car I knew I was going to like her. I had read her blog a little bit and felt like I already knew her, so I was so happy to finally meet her in person. She got out of her car and I went to shake her hand, and she pulled me in for a hug. I instantly felt like I had a new friend. I introduced her to Dave and she gave him a squeeze too. She's just so darling.

The 3 of us started walking and talking and getting to know each other as we came to our first spot. She positioned us, and starting joking around, and soon enough had us both rolling laughing. I can't explain how much fun this photo shoot was. I have never felt more comfortable or had more fun any on a photo shoot. I could literally do this everyday. I realized really quick why Heather does what she does.

I don't have any of the pictures yet, but as soon as I do I will post them on here for all of you to see. I just had to write a little about how amazing Heather was and how glad I was that she was the photographer who took our pictures. She was so full of life, energy, and happiness. We really had such a great time! I can't wait to see the pictures!

If any of you need pictures taken I would highly recommend Heather to anyone. She truly was amazing!!

Nightmare on 13th

Dave and I went out with our brother-in law Bric, and Dave's sister Laurel last night. We had the most fabulous idea of going to Nightmare on 13th. Now for those of you don't know, it's a haunted house here in a Utah, and it's been rated #1 in the country and on the discovery channel twice. The people who created Haunted Mansion at Disneyland created this. I have to say I was impressed. The detail that went into the background was amazing, and it was so scary! I think I may just be a wimp, but it scared me to death.We had so much fun. The only thing I would tell unsuspecting victims is that there is a room that spins and you will most likely get super sick if you're a person that gets motion sickness. We all came out super nauseated, minus Laurzee who kept her eyes closed. (How crazy is that, that the pregnant girl didn't get nauseated??) Overall we had so much fun, and as always, had a great time with Laurz and Bric and baby!!

Utah Homecoming 2010

At Rice Eccles Stadium September 2010

Dave and I went to the University of Utah's homecoming game the other weekend. We had so much fun. I was only able to stay for the first half because I still get a worn out pretty quick, but it was a blast. We got all dressed up in our gear, painted our faces, and went and cheered on the Utes while they dominated San Jose. The best part was just being there with Dave.Going to a Utah football game is something I have wanted to do with Dave since we got married, but never had the chance because I was so ill. It just made me so grateful that I was even able to go for a little while. I love the time I spend with him. This past summer has been amazing and I feel like I have a little bit of my life back.

I know some of you have been wondering how I have been since the last month I had to go back to the doctor. I am doing okay. They did an endoscopy and found that my stomach had started to close off a little bit because of a pretty big ulcer that is at the opening of my stomach. Dr. Mckinlay went in and stretched it out, which has helped with eating. I was getting pretty thin for awhile because I was throwing up most of what I was eating, but it has been better the last 2 weeks. I still have quite a bit of pain from the ulcer, and the nausea has come back a little bit, but overall I am doing great. You just have to take 1 day at a time. I can't predict the future and I don't know what is going to happen tomorrow, but I am grateful for today. I'm grateful that I got to have a few more hours spent on this earth with my sweetheart.

I'm trying to make the most out of the life I have because I know how quickly life can be taken away from you. I live each day like it could be my last day on earth. I'm just truly grateful for all my experiences, my trials, and for all of you who have helped me so much. I have so many people to thank and such amazing examples of how many good people there are in this world. I will keep enjoying each day thanks to all of you. Even if I go through more health problems, I'm thankful that I got to have moments like the Utah game.

The "Jill" Moment

This week I have been working on a little craft project. I made a Halloween countdown calendar. It has been so much fun making it! The only part I have left is putting the ribbon on to hang it, and stuffing it full of treats and goodies for Dave.

While making this fun little calendar I was letting the glue dry and taking pictures and noticed a little umm mistake. LOL It was a total "Jill" moment, and I couldn't help but laugh. I had to post it all over Facebook and show what a spaz I am. If you know me, you know I'm about the least "perfection oriented" person alive. I kind of just go with the flow, and make it fun. (That is why Dave is so perfect for me. He's my exact opposite.) So, without anymore waiting here is the picture...Yes, that is my 3 for the third day of October. Notice anything weird?? Maybe that I made an E instead of a 3. Oh goodness, just one of the many things that make me "Jilly". I'll post more pictures of my project when I get it completely done and it's hanging. Love you all, and have an awesome weekend!

Snowbird Date

On the Tram at Snowbird

Dave and I have a "date night" every Friday or Saturday. I look forward to that day of the week more than any other! I love them, 1. I get undivided attention from my sweetheart and 2. I don't have to cook dinner that night! hehehe

Dave and I have been looking forward to Oktoberfest for months now. On Friday I went to school with Dave and read my book, "The Mockingjay" until he got done with class.
After he was done for the day we headed up to Snowbird. It's amazing how every time I have driven up there I have taken for granted how beautiful it is. This time I just starred in awe at the beautiful place I call my home. I feel so blessed and lucky to live in Utah.Dave and I talked, held hands, and really enjoyed the ride up. We got up there and started walking around and realized that Oktoberfest didn't start until Saturday. We were 1 day too early. I was so bummed. We had an amazing time though anyway.Instead of Oktoberfest we walked around the resort, looked at the beautiful creeks, took a ride on the tram, and just sat and talked. It was so much fun. We just sat and tried to absorb the beauty and magnificent surroundings of where we were.

We talked about the church, how amazing God is, how blessed we are, and how thankful we are that I am still alive. A year ago we would have never have hoped to be there. I felt so lucky that I had the opportunity to be in such a gorgeous place with my best friend, and not dying. I love my life!

After a little while the growling coming from our stomachs told us that it was time to go. We went and grabbed dinner and then headed home.

Snowbird is absolutely breath taking. I can't imagine living anywhere without mountains. I'm so thankful to my parents for allowing me to grow up in Utah. I know the culture here is a little different, but I love that about it. I wouldn't want it to be any other way. I can't imagine raising my children anywhere without the mountains and streams that I love. I truly am blessed to live here.

Oh, and the last bit of the night was the most delicious! We went to Farmer's Market and got peaches for jam, fresh tomatoes for my sandwiches, and found a new little ice cream spot in Lehi. It's called Emmett and Ethel's and they had my favorite; Pink Bubble Gum ice cream. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day!

The Utah Quilt

Utah Utes football season started this week, and the first game was awesome! They played Pittsburgh, and although they didn't "spank" them, they did win. It was so much fun to watch!

To celebrate the opening of the season my sweet Dave bought me a pair of Ute earrings from the bookstore. I have wanted these earrings for over 2 years, so I was thrilled to say the least! He is so good to me!

Since my husband is so wonderful, and does little things to make me happy and get me excited for football season, I had to do the same for him.

I had been planning on making Dave a University of Utah quilt for Christmas. He has wanted a quilt since we started dating, and so that is what I was going to give him for Christmas. I went and bought the fabric, and of course got the softest stuff possible. It's called Minkie, and I love it! I knew Dave would love how soft the material was too.

I took the fabric over to Sherry, (my best friend, mentor, and adopted Mom) so she could see how fun it is. We were planning on having a quilting day to finish my quilt for Dave and my bed, when I decided I needed a little project change. We cut the Utah material and started sewing.

As we got the quilt top finished I was talking about Utah's first football game and how excited Dave and I were. Sherry had the best idea ever! She said, "You should give him this quilt on the day of the football game. He can sit down, cuddle up in it, and watch the game." Now just to put this in perspective, I had the entire quilt to do from start to finish in 4 days if I was going to get it done for the Utah/Pitt game. I knew it was a lot to take on, but I was up to the challenge. I know how much I love to see Dave smile so I started to work my butt off!

I sewed all morning Monday with Sherry by my side coaching me the whole way. I got home and laid out the quilt, stretched it tight and pinned it. Then I sewed the yarn and tied it the rest of the night.

Sherry and I were supposed to get back together on Wednesday, but I wasn't able to, so first thing Thursday morning I headed to Sher's. I got there at 9:30, and we started cutting and sewing the binding together. I finished sewing on the binding with the machine at 1pm. I still had to sew the binding on by hand before the game at 6pm!! I was so stressed. I rushed home and saw that Dave was home from school, and wondered how in the world I was going to do this. I was determined to make it happen though!

I walked in the house to see where Dave was, and luckily he had a load of homework to do. I asked him if he would stay in the bedroom because I had something I was working on that he couldn't see. I went out to my car grabbed that quilt, got comfortable on the couch, and pulled out my needle and thread.

I sewed, and sewed, and sewed! My fingers, and hands were aching, but by 6pm I was done!!

The game started and I called for Dave to come in and watch it with me. I had the quilt all wrapped up, and Nic (my sis-in-law) had the camera in hand.

As Dave was walking in I grabbed the quilt and I handed it to him. He was so surprised. This is how it went from there... After all the hugs and kisses, Dave did exactly what I wanted him to do. He grabbed his "Minkie" curled up on the bed, and we watched the Utes beat Pitt! It was a great night!

All the hours spent and the sore hands were worth it just to see him smile. He has slept with his minkie every night since and is wrapped up in it right now sitting next to me.

This was by far the best gift I have ever given. Not to pat myself on the back, but I think I did a really great job for never making a quilt. I was pretty proud of myself when I handed it to him.

Thanks to Sherry's patience, kindness, love, and eagerness to teach me, I made an awesome quilt that my husband will have forever! Thanks Sherry! I love you tons and owe you so much!

Favorite Quotes

So I know I haven't updated my blog for awhile, and this really isn't an update on my blog right now. I still have to do my end of summer update, but until I get those pictures ready I wanted to give all of you a list of my favorite quotes by some very intriguing men. I have loved these quotes for a long time and I hope you will too.
I never lie because I don't fear anyone. You only lie when you're afraid. -John Gotti-

It is always more difficult to fight against faith than against knowledge. -Adolf Hitler-

Success is the sole earthly judge of right and wrong. -Adolf Hitler-

Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company. -Pres. George Washington-

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. -Pres. George Washington-

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder. -Pres. George Washington-

Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples' liberty's teeth. -Pres. George Washington-

It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible. -Pres. George Washington-

And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. -Pres. JFK-

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. -Pres JFK-

Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. -Pres. JFK-

Adversity introduces a man to himself. -Unknown-

Sometimes you have to stand alone to prove you can stand at all. -Unknown-

These have given me strength, courage, and faith, when I felt like I had none. They have given me hope when I have felt so lost. They have given me the knowledge that I can do anything when I felt like I would die. I hope they can do the same for you.

Fun Summer Times

So Dave and I went a trip about a month ago to Vegas with my parents. We had so much fun! Being with Cay and Kirk is always an adventure in itself. :) We stayed at the Encore which was so fun because that is where we stayed for our Honeymoon. It was like reliving it all over again. We laid out at the pool and soaked up the sun, and just really enjoyed our time together.It's so incredible to be having our "1st year of marriage" all over again. I was so sick the 1st year that it's really like doing it all over. To feel well, and get to have time with my husband is amazing. I love being with him. I love going out and doing fun things with him. I feel like we're dating again and I just love him more and more each day!While we were down there we were able to go see the show Le Reve. It was fantastic! I got the feeling that it was about heaven and hell. It was beautiful, dramatic, powerful, and exciting. We loved it! The choreography was incredible. I just love shows like that. We also got to enjoy our most favorite restaurant, Maggiano's. It was magical. We got to sit at a little table by the window and just enjoy our Rigatoni D. This is one of Dave's and my favorite past time, and we had a ball.
Vegas is so much fun. We gambled a little, enjoyed the warm sun laying out at the beautiful pool, went to see the UFC fighters, and so much more. It was such a great vacation. This summer has truly been one of the best I have ever had. I have an amazing husband, and an amazing life. I'm so blessed to have all I have and am so grateful for the loving relationship that I do with Dave. If this is the start of our life, then I can't wait for the rest!

Ode to Josef Frank

Josef Frank July 15, 1885

So Josef Frank is by far my most favorite artist I have ever come across. He is from Austria, but pursued his artistic career in Sweden, so how could I not love him?!
Today is his 125th Birthday and I wanted to say thank you to him for inspiring me, inviting me to use fun, new, and often weird, patterns and colors. Thank you for bring such happiness to my heart every time I look at one of your pictures. 1 of my goals is to have a piece of furniture designed by him in my daughter's room, along with a painting of his in each of my child's rooms. He is absolutely amazing, uplifting, exciting, and fun.
So, Glad Glad Fodelsedag Josef! I hope all of you reading this will be able to see why I love him so much. His artistic mind, is exactly what mine would be if I was artistic at all. ;)

My Amazing Birthday Cake!!

My dear friend Mya who donated her proceeds from her cakes for my surgery made me a very special gift this weekend. She is absolutely amazing, thoughtful, caring, and so so so talented! She made me the most beautiful and fun and totally me, Birthday cake!! It was so fun! I just had to post this really quick, and I will be posting more pictures of it tomorrow. It was a great Birthday party with the fam the day after my Birthday, and just helped me celebrate my Birthday a little longer! ;) THANK YOU MYA! You're amazing and I can't tell you what it means to me! You all need to check out her awesome website and see her amazing cakes!http://www.cakesbymya.blogspot.com/It was fun to have my family there for my Birthday. Thanks Mom, Dad, Margaret, Laurzie, and Bric! I had so much fun with all of you! You made my Birthday so special! Oh, and thanks for the funniest gift ever Laurz! You know me all too well! ;)

My 26th Birthday

So I am not only thrilled I'm 26, I'm also extremely grateful to be 26! 3 months ago I really didn't think I would make it to my 26th Birthday. I didn't know if I would live to see another June 5th. This day means so much to me. I can't express my deep gratitude for my Heavenly Father and how he has helped me not only survive, but start to live again. I am not completely healed, but I am on the right track. I am finally getting my life back. I will never take another Birthday for granted again. I will never take another day for granted again. I wake up each day and thank Heavenly Father for allowing me to have another day on this earth. It's the best feeling to know that I have 1 more day to spend with my sweetheart Dave. I owe all of these great blessings to all of you. I am alive today because of the amazing people who helped me survive. I can't thank each of you enough for all that you have done and do for me. I truly would not be here without all of your generosity. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!Today has been great so far! I woke up to my house completely decorated from head to toe in HOT PINK!! Dave had woken up early and decorated everything! I LOVED IT! Next, I went outside and he had done my most favorite thing in the world, he had used side walk chalk and used up the whole entire drive way to wish me Happy Birthday! It took him 2 hours! That meant the world to me! I can't tell you how excited I was and what a huge smile I had on my face! The sweet relief society and decorated my house with balloons and a huge sign as well. It is so cute! Dave then put me in the car and took me to my favorite meal of the day....Breakfast! He took me to get biscuits and gravy! Nothing could be better on your Birthday :)After breakfast we came home and I climbed back in bed with my Nutella and Banana and had a little treat while reading Hunger Games. I had all my family members call and leave me messages, because of course my phone was off. ;) Then I got ready for the day, and Dave is just about to take me to go pick out a nightgown (because they are my most favorite thing!) at the mall and go to dinner! I still haven't decided where yet, but it will be good! My in-laws also came over and gave me the most beautiful necklace and cupcake that I can't wait to dig into!
My sweet friend Mya has made my Birthday cake and she is bringing it over tomorrow so we can have cake and ice cream. I'm so, so, so, so, excited for that! She is such a sweetheart and so incredibly talented! When I get the cake tomorrow I will make sure to post lots of pictures of it! I will also post pictures of my Birthday tomorrow.Oh, and yesterday (yes it's kind of been a whole Birthday week) Dave took me to the Zoo! We had so much stinkin fun! I absolutely love the Zoo. I was sad because the Polar Bears weren't there, but there was the most beautiful Wolf which made the entire trip worth it. :) Anyway, thank you again to all of you for helping me be able to wake up today and have another year on this earth. June 5th really is the greatest day of the year! Happy Birthday to me! I'm so thankful to be alive.

Recovering and Life

Well each day is a process I am learning. I had forgotten what it was like to go through gastric bypass and how sensitive my body is to food. I have to admit that it is so amazing to not have nausea 24/7. The fact that I am able to speak is amazing. I can only eat 3 T. of anything; liquid or solids, per hour. I have to drink 64oz. of water everyday, so fitting everything is, is a process! I can't just gulp water like I want to and I can't just constantly sip on soup. I can't drink and eat at the same time or I throw up. Just so many little things that I had forgotten about. But even though I am going through all of this I am still better now than I have been in a year.

I went out of the house yesterday. Dave took me to the grocery store. I was in my pajama's and looked like a scrounge, but I went. It was the longest grocery trip I have ever taken and I didn't get that much. I had to walk so slow and was so tired and exhausted afterward. I guess the best word to describe how I felt was drained. By the time I got home I was completely done! I did it though! It was a step. That's how I have to take each day now, step by step.

I know I shouldn't complain because I finally am eating soup, but I can't tell you how badly I just want to eat a salad and not think about it. I just want to have the food that I want. I'm grateful for the fact that I can eat at all, but I guess when you get an inch you want it all. :) No really if I could do anything right now all I want to do is go fishing. I just wish I felt well enough to go to Provo river and go fishing. Step by step though, right?

I'm so incredibly grateful for my husband and all that he does for me. He supports me in everything. Thank you Dave for being my rock and doing everything for me. Without you I wouldn't be able to make it! I love you!

I talked to lawyer today and things are moving along. They are coming over to my house next week to talk to Dave and me. They have to come to me because I'm unable to go to them. They think I have a pretty good case and if anything they just want me to be able to cover my over $200,000+ in medical bills and my $1,000 of prescriptions each month. I don't want anyone to think I'm sue happy because that is not it. It's just that I need my bills paid for since I don't get insurance and not 1 thing I have gone through in the last year has been covered. I am unable to work, and I don't have any way of paying for my medical bills right now. I'm trying to get on disability to help, but until then I have to pursue the lawsuit against the doctor who did my faulty gastric bypass.

By the way, thank you to all of you who have continued to donate to "Help Jilly Strasburg Live" after the surgery. I can't tell you how much it helps. Every little bit helps whether it pays for a medicine that week or a doctor's appointment, or any other medical issue. I can't thank you all enough for everything each of you have done!! THANK YOU for helping me live....literally.

Anyway I just wanted to update all of you and let you know how things are coming along. I'm getting better slowly but surely. Each day is another day closer to the day I will get to go fishing again! :) Thank you so much for all your love and support. I can't thank each of you enough for all you have done for Dave and me. Have a great weekend and I'll talk to you all soon!

Oh and if any of you winner's of the auctions have any questions please feel free to email me: jillrstrasburg@gmail.com

Hospital Craziness and Going Home!

Well I'm sorry I am just getting to update my blog. I know a lot of you have been wondering how I have been. The surgery went great! The doctor got the results back on my bowels today and it was a good thing they came out. They were full of scar tissue and 90% blocked. They were covered in adhesion's, and my sweet doctor said, "I knew you weren't exaggerating what you have gone through when I saw them." It made everything a little better. I swear I have been through so many doctor's who have not believed me, and to finally have a doctor see what was going on and justify why I was feeling how I have felt was wonderful! My intestines had completely attached to my liver and were pushing on it and making it really painful. All my intestines were pushing on my organs and the doctor said that everything was just stuffed in there and it was no wonder that I have been in so much pain. It's crazy because when I went through my first gastric bypass I was so sick and in so much pain, and this time it is amazing because I finally feel well! I am sore and hurt, but I feel like I can swallow, and breath, and I'M NOT NAUSEATED! This is absolutely amazing! I can't explain how happy I am right now. They had to make my stomach 2 oz. and said that I would most likely lose about 20 lbs. but that I am going to be just fine.

I feel so bad for all the gastric bypass patients who are going through this for the first time because I remember wanting to eat so bad and having those horrible cravings. I on the other hand have had to be forced to eat because I've gone through so much trauma that I am terrified of eating. I have gotten so scared of throwing up and being in pain that I just hate to eat, so finally doctor McKinlay had to come in and tell me to eat. I did, and I can gladly say that I am still feeling good. :) I'm just getting ready to go home and I will tell you all about my crazy Hospital experiences later. Let's just say that I really miss LDS hospital and my amazing staff that I got so used to there. I will never take great nurses, great staff, and great care, for granted again. Praise all you LDS hospital staff. I have never been treated better then I was when I stayed there. Hopefully this will be my last hospital stay for a LONG LONG time! Well, everyone have a great day, and I'm going home to my sweetheart who I miss like crazy!

Oh, and I'll have to tell you all about the earthquake that happened why I was here too! Insane! I love you all and thank you again for all your love and support! I couldn't have done this without you!!

WINNERS!

I have posted the "Winners" in the comment section under the item up for auction. Send me your information and what item you won to:
jillrstrasburg@gmail.com
And I will get it up so you can get your stuff, and give you the info of the person you need to get in touch with. I have doctor's appointments for the rest of the day so I will get all of this done tonight or tomorrow. Congratulations and THANK YOU all so much for donating!
-Jilly Strasburg-

Item #19-Two,1 month memberships to Lifetime Fitness

So the most incredible sports club in the world, or in Utah anyway; has given me 2-1 month memberships to Lifetime Fitness in South Jordan, Utah. This gym is so awesome! They have a salon, cafe, swimming pool, and so much more at this awesome facility! I am so jealous because I have wanted a membership to this gym forever!! These memberships are valued at $250.00!! Here is the website so you can check out all their information:

http://clubs.lifetimefitness.com/Life-Time-Fitness-Clubs/

I want to thank Amanda for getting these memberships for us to auction. She works at the salon there and is my hairstylist who is donating her services as well. I really am so jealous to whomever gets this!

Lifetime Fitness
10996 South River Front Parkway
South Jordan, UT 84095
801-302-0909

Again this bid will last until 11am on Monday so hurry and get your bid in! Have a great weekend and good luck!!

Auction #17-Springville Hair Color

One of my dear friends Annika is a hairstylist in Springville and although I have never gone to her, I have friends that live down there that do and they swear by her! She is donating:

Action a Hair Cut and Color.
Jayda Boutique and Salon
1190 north Main #20

Springville Utah
Annika- 801-318-6443

Thank you so much Annika for your generous donation. You are a sweetheart and I can't thank you enough! You will have until Monday at 11am to donate on this item! Good luck and thank you again!

Auction Item #16-Who Wants Their Hair Done?!

I have the most amazing hairstylist. She is darling and has made for many wonderful compliments from people in my life!! Amanda is an expert at color and specifically blonds. I swear by the girl. She is so cute too! She has a little girl and is pregnant with a little boy. She heard about what is going on with me and said, "Can I please donate?!" She is such a doll and I just love her to death! This is my hairstylist and I absolutely swear by her!!

She is auctioning 5 full treatments valued at $110.00 each!! So that means that you can bid on 5 different ones. SO what we will do for this bidding is the top 5 highest bids will win. If you want to buy more than 1 you can type, "I am bidding $100 for 2" Again this will go until Monday April 12, 2010 at 11:00am.

Amanda Okerlund
Lifespa Salon
801-302-3724

I can't tell you how amazing she is and how much I absolutely swear by her. I will not see anyone else. You look at any of my pictures on my blog and she has done my hair in every pictutre!! Thank you Mandy for doing this to help me. You are a sweetheart! If you live in SL County this is so convenient and an amazing deal!!

Thoughts for the Day

Dave and Jilly a couple summers ago

So today has been a really great day. I was so nervous about today when I woke up, and I think it turned out really well. I woke up at 4am because I was nervous about what I would say when the news crew came. I got up and was so exhausted and so drained that I couldn't do anything and just laid on the couch. My mom was such a sweetheart and came over at 9:30am to clean my house before ABC got there. Dave had a HUGE test today that he has been studying for all week, along with a HUGE test on Wednesday, so he wasn't able to help me clean last night. I'm so proud of him though because he did great on both tests. He amazes me because even though I have been so sick and he has the stress of me dying everyday he still made the Dean's List last semester. I am just so proud of him. I'm just excited for the day when he is a doctor and will be able to cure his wife. All those study hours and long days at school are going to pay off next time I'm sick ;) jk. Anyway, back to the subject. My mom got here and was cleaning and I got dressed and waited for the crew to come.

At 11:15 Jordan (the camera man) showed up and picked out a spot where he wanted me to be. He was so amazing. He told me how he had read my blog and just felt so bad for what I was going through and how much I struggle on a day to day basis. He had such a huge heart and was so caring. I was so grateful that he was the camera man. I was so comfortable in front of him and was not nervous one bit. It was awesome! He was sooo great! I also want to thank him for not making me look fat on camera. LOL ;) Just playing with you Jordan.

My reporter was Barbara Smith. She got stuck in the wonderful traffic on SR92 and finally made it to my house around 11:30. I felt so bad for her. I'm from Highland so I know all the little roads to go around that horrible Highway. I was stunned when she walked in. She was absolutely beautiful and so warm and welcoming. She wasn't the least bit intimidated and made me feel like she was genuinely concerned and wanted to hear my story. We sat and got to know each other for a few minutes. She told me about her family and I talked about how I met my husband and we got married last March and I had been sent in for ER surgery a little less than 2 months later and have been sick ever since.

The interview went so well because I didn't feel like I was being interviewed. Barb sat across from me and we just talked. I got teared up at times from questions she asked about why I wanted to live and what I kept on fighting for. Everyone in the room was crying when I described what I was living for. I am living for my Husband. I am living to spend 1 more day with him. I am fighting this fight and raising this money and doing this blog and doing my facebook so I get to spend a full lifetime with him. I love Dave more than anything in this world and he makes me so happy. The only reason I want to keep living from day to day is because I get to wake up to his face in the morning. I didn't realize how much I love and cherish my husband until she asked me that. It was a very touching moment.

After the interview was over she stayed and talked for a little bit. Jordan recorded B roll while we talked and then Barb kept talking to my mom while I got up and went to get to know Jordan better. His love for his job and his genuine concern for me were very noticeable. He was so kind and sweet and I was just so grateful that he and Barb were the ones chosen to come to my home.

As they left Jordan reached into his pocket and pulled out some cash and said, "This is for you. You are in my prayers." I just started to cry. I couldn't believe that I was having someone who had never met me and didn't know a thing about me other than reading my blog, giving me money to save my life. I just grabbed him and hugged him and thanked him with all I had. I can't tell you what a truly humbling experience that was for me. What an amazing man, husband, and father he must be. I feel truly blessed to have met him.

Barb and Jordan leave. I shut my door and lock it and 5 minutes later a knock comes to my door. Barb walks back in with her check book and she said, "I need you to spell your last name for me." I just cried. I was just so blown away that these 2 individuals who didn't know anything about me until that day freely gave to help me survive. They cried with me, and genuinely care if I live or die this week. I was so touched. I can't express what that meant to me. It was a very moving day, and I thank God for putting those 2 people in my life. The world is good. People are good, and I thank God for sending those people to me this day.

After they left I was extremely drained, so nauseated, and exhausted. I had so many people blowing up my facebook with messages, my email was on overload, my blog was filling with comments, and I was so tired that I couldn't respond to any. My phone would not stop ringing and buzzing with new text messages. I told my mom that I needed her to return some phone calls because I had to go lay down and I was unable to speak because the nausea had become so intense. I was just grateful that I was able to get through my interview.

My mom made sure everything was done at my house and made sure I had everything I needed before Dave got home. She tucked me in bed, hugged, and kissed me, and left. She wanted to get home to be able to record the news cast at 5pm.

Dave got home and woke me up and we watched the airing of the interview on Channel 4 news at 5pm. He was so proud of me and how well I did. I was so glad that he approved because that was all I cared about. I just had hoped that he would get to see how he is my reason for living, and fighting, and trying to raise money. He gave me a hug and kiss and said, "You really love me huh?" :) I said, "I sure do sweetheart. You're my everything." I think that pretty much sums up my day and why I do what I do. That explains why I am doing all of this. It explains why I work on this blog every day, why I had auctions to bid on, why I made the group on facebook, and why I am going to have this surgery. I am doing it all for Dave. My life would be nothing without him.

Thank you to all of you for letting me get that chance because our life could not go on without your help. Thank you for helping me survive so I can be with my sweetheart. I wish I could hug each one of you and help you to see what you are doing for my life. You are giving me a chance to live. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I can never repay you, but just know that I would if I ever got the chance. I promise you I will help others as you have helped me when I am well again. Have a wonderful night and I'll talk with you all tomorrow!

Daily Start Total

Start of day Total $2,906.49

Thank you for all your donations!

Let's have a goal to at least get up to $3,500 today! We can totally do it! Spread the word and let's hit our goal!! It's Friday! We can totally get everyone to see this website and get our total up there! We will definitely have the $5,000 by Monday at 12pm!!!

Thanks to everyone for all your hard work and donations! Keep bidding and donating and have so much fun!! Some great items are going to go to the highest bidder on Monday at 11am MST!!!

MONDAY EVENTS: I go to the Doctor's at 10am. The auctions end at 11am. The winners will be announced on the comments site by me. You pay the money using 1 of our 3 ways to Donate. At 12pm I pay the money for my surgery, and then we start setting up times for everyone to get their items!! This weekend is going to go by fast!! This is going to be an awesome weekend!!

3 Days to hit $5,000!!! We have the News coming this morning at 11am, and then we start going crazy!! :) I will be posting 3 times a day what our total is. On Sunday and Monday I am going to try to post every hour until I go to my pre-operative meeting at 10am!!!

Good luck everyone and thanks for the amazing help to save my life!!

Auction Item#15-Massage

An awesome Massage Therapist and dear friend of mine has donated a 1 hour massage valued at $65 to be auctioned off. She is a traveling therapist in Utah so she can come to your home or you can go to her school. You would just call her to make arrangements:

Shellie Snow
snowtreemassage@gmail.com
801-691-4346
801-818-8916

Shellie specializes in Thai, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hydro, Aromatherapy, Trigger Point, and Acupressure. She is absolutely amazing and I promise you will not be the least bit disappointed!! She has been teaching massage for 6 years now. I wish so badly that I could be the one getting this massage because I would be bidding in a second! I would love to have someone come to my home and give me a massage!! I know whomever wins this is going to love it!

Bid in the comments section and the winner will be chosen on Monday April 12, 2010 at 11:00am MST. Thanks so much Shellie!! We love you!!

Auction Item #14-Designer Purse

We have got another great item to auction! Thank you to an amazing woman who has started her own Boutique in Springville and has donated this designer purse to help toward my surgery fund!

Chelsie Durden-Owner
Jayda Boutique and Salon
1190 N. Main Street #20
Springville, UT 84663
801-367-0394
http://jaydaboutique.webs.com/

Thank you to Chelsie and her amazing contribution! We so much appreciate your love and support! Make sure to check out her Boutique for the latest, and fun fashions!! Her purses and tops are my favorite! You have until 4-12-10 at 11am MST to bid on this item! Good Luck!

Auction Item #13-Name Blocks

This is such a cool item!! My sweet family member gave me this gift for my Bridal Shower a year ago and I have had them on my mantel since then. I get so many compliments every time a new person comes to my house and see's them. I am obsessed with having my name on stuff and so this was such a great gift. Plus, who doesn't love their last name?! I definitely love mine so I love having Blocks on my mantel with my name on it.These blocks are handmade. Kerianne will customize these totally for you... Colors, letters, painted/stained blocks. She will do whatever you like and she will ship them anywhere! This is so exciting! You can do your last name, your child's name for their bedroom, any name you like!

Kerianne Whicker
kewhicker@gmail.com
801-510-9355

After you win the auction you can email her with all of your information and what you would like the blocks to look like. You will have until April 12, 2010 at 11am to bid on these blocks. Again just post your bid in the comments and I will take the last bid at 11am!!

Thank you so much Kerianne for your awesome donation and incredible talent! Thank you for taking the time to make these blocks and offer them to me. I love them so much I can't even tell you and I so much appreciate this!

Auction Item #11-Carseat Cover

This item was donated by a dear friend of mine Whitney Hennen. She makes these darling Carseat Covers for babies. They are so much fun. Thank you Whitney for your donation! You can contact Whitney at:

Missy Moo's Boutique
henndogg23@gmail.com
phone 801-404-2166
913 S 870 E Springville.These "Peek-a-Boo" Blankets are such a cute item to add to your car seat and so helpful! They make it so nice so you don't have to put a huge heavy blanket over your baby! The bidding will go until Monday the 12th at 11am. Have fun! Thanks Whit!!