Good Job, Brandon!!

Brandon just "ranked up" in Lord's Army. He completed many tasks and learned many verses. He is now a PFC. Colonel McKinley (Daddy) presented him with his rank tonight.

Goal!!

 Tonight I reached my goal with Weight Watchers. I've lost a total of 80 1/2 lbs. I joined on November 30, 2010, the same night they launched thier new Points Plus Plan. I can't tell you how much I truly love this plan. I have joined WW before but never reached goal. This time I was determined. I've gone from a size 2X or 3X shirt, to a 8-10. Skirts 20-22, to a size 6. I can't tell you how much better I feel physically and mentally! I am now within 6 weeks of becoming a lifetime member. I've have been asked many times.. What is the hardest part of losing weight? For me, it was not the physical aspect of losing , it was the mental challenge. I have had to say "no" to myself and my hubby and others regarding food. .My hubby has been INCREDIBLY supportive. Thank you so much honey!! I've struggled and spent time in tears watching others eat. I've fought my food and had days where I struggled and days where I was successful.. I came to the conclusion that this is the way it has to be in order to reach my goal. I will struggle with food for the rest of my life. Once I reached that understanding and decided that it was "ok" and that this is real life, I was able to keep going. It was not always pretty and it was not always fun.. I have heard mostly positive things and I've had some unexpected negative or backwards compliments, too. That is ok.. This is something I did for me and it's ok to be a little selfish in this case. Now, I pray, I can keep it up..

Before. I am standing with my beautiful daughter, Julia



At goal.

Yes, I keep my ribbons on my fridge to keep me motivated.

Fashion??

My 9 year old wanted this hat. It never occured to me my son would go through a phase.. LOL Is his unique style is starting to shine through? Interesting. What is next? A lounging jacket? :)

Belated Birthday Gift

Julia gave me a belated birthday gift. Isn't it pretty?!! Now I have 3 purple bibles. I have a special one some close friends gave me, this one and a pocket sized one. . I love my purple bibles and I use them all gently to save them :)

Us

I had Julia set the timer on her camera and snap a picture of us as a family. We were pressed for time so we were not able to stage it like I had hoped. Still, it didn't turn out too bad ...





Our Visit So Far....

Julia arrived on Wednesday. We have kept pretty busy running around town and just enjoying each other. After church on Thursday night, several of us from church went to McDonald's for ice cream. Today, we went to Oatman to see the Burro's and the gun show. Mike and Julia are going on a daddy/daughter date, tonight. 

Thank You, Secret Sister

Thank you for my blessing tonight. I am praying for you, too

 I don't know who you are yet or if you'll even see this thank you. But THANK YOU!!