NO PAIN, NO GAIN!!

Me 1 year ago

This photo was taken one year ago. I would look in the mirror and think...well, I look pretty good today. As the months went by and the weight kept creeping on I began to become dissatisfied with myself. Clothes weren't fitting, low energy, low self esteem, unhappy, etc... I think you get the picture.

Then in April for my birthday a good friend and my very loving husband found me a personal trainer. They purchased me some sessions.

The initial visit was a SHOCK to say the least. To have every inch measured, fat calibrated and the REAL facts staring you in the face. I had let myself go!!

The hard work began. Cardio 5 x's a week, weight training 2 x's a week and a strict meal plan that got changed every two weeks.

I was ready and motivated. I was paying Bernie a lot of money to help me. No way was I going to cheat or short change myself. Thank you friends for being understanding during my long and painful metamorphosis.

I literally went into a cocoon. Nothing stood in the way of my new lifestyle. I followed every rule to the letter. Twice a week I would go and get beat up by Bernie. Whatever she would give me I would do it. Sometimes to the point of getting sick.

Slowly, but surely the weight, inches and fat started to come off. It was exciting, empowering and felt good. Sure, I endured many sore muscles and fatigue, but it was so worth it. I now have actual muscles.

Now at 7 months from my start I am where I want to be. The butterfly has been released. It feels great. I could not have done this without Bernie. She has been there for me through everything. Not only is she my trainer, but I have a new friend. She gave me the tools for a healthy life. Thank You Bernie!!

Thank you Scott and kids. You have endured many a night of grilled, baked or crock pot chicken. You are the best and I love all of you! Thank you for helping me achieve this goal.

Why do I share this? You can achieve anything you want. Motivation, hard work, determination and support will get you whatever you want to achieve. I am not sure what the next goal will be, but it feels so good to accomplish this.

The End Result

80's Night

80's Night with the Mia Maids

Mackenzie and I dressed up for 80's night

My Mia Maids wanted to have an 80's night for a Wednesday activity. Well, here is my daughter and myself all dressed up for the evening. The girls had so much fun and loved getting dressed up. It is sad to say but, this was when I was in High School. Yes, some of us did dress like this.

The girls think this was soooo long ago. It really wasn't. Okay who am I trying to kid? What were we thinking in High School. Really?? Did we honestly think this looked good?

Just a few of the things worn on that night....leg warmers, mini skirts, jeans folded over and rolled up, BIG earrings, blazers with pins, bright colors. Ya, you get the idea.

We had a great time in our lovely outfits. We then came to my house to play Sing Star 80's. These girls had never heard of half of the songs. We will just say that not all of us are singers, but we gave it a try!

Great activity and LOTS of FUN!!

Halloween

Cole as "Harry Potter", Alec as "Indiana Jones" and Sam as "Batman"

Boy Oh Boy are we glad the Eatons moved back to Gilbert!! Can you tell how excited Alec was on Halloween to go Trick or Treating with his friends?

Alec and Cole have been friends since Alec was 18 months old. Now Alec is 8. They are almost like brothers, only they are nicer to each other than brothers are.

Halloween was great at the Eatons. The boys went and got a lot of candy. We had yummy food and treats. It was nice to hang out and chat and pass out candy. What a perfect evening!

Thanks Eatons for a great time and fun memories!!

When it rains it pours!!

Have you ever heard that saying, "When it rains it pours!"

That is exactly how my life is right now. I have no reason to complain. We all are in good health, Scott is employed, the kids are doing well and so am I.

But, at the moment it seems that each day is bogged down with STUFF!! I refer to them as "burdens" and Scott says they are tasks. I'm not sure who is right.

Each day there is a list and it progressively gets longer and longer. I guess that is LIFE for the moment. Do you ever get to come up for air?

As I reflect on all of this stuff, I realize that at these moments other things in life seem to suffer as well. Relationships, time with my kids, scripture reading, family prayer, alone time with my husband, patience, etc...

I could go on and on, but why? That is why I feel like it is pouring. I am sure it is not only on me that it is pouring. How can I get on top of life and gain some control? Why does everything have to spiral out of control at once?

And then I ponder... What am I to learn during this time? What am I being tested for? How will I grow from this? Are there any answers?

I am sure when the time is right the rain will stop. Hopefully I will be able to come up for air and I will have gained a new perspective. Until that time...I hope the umbrella holds!

the love of music....

This kid LOVES music. He has had an IPOD since he was 5. He knows all the words to any song on the radio. That can be dangerous!

One year ago I decided to teach Alec the basics of piano. Needless to say he ate it up and wanted more and more.

This summer I officially enrolled him in piano lessons. This kids loves to play the piano. He will run to play the piano several times a day. I am not exaggerating.

He taught himself all the hymns and primary songs in the beginner books. How I love to hear him playing and singing along. There is nothing quite like it.

Who knew that an 8 year old boy would love the piano so much. This weekend he got a book full of Star Wars music. This is his new passion.

I worried that he would not be able to sit still long enough to learn a song. That was silly!! All he wants to do is learn new songs and have us guess the name of the song.

I certainly hope he keeps this up. Such a great talent and there is nothing like a boy who can sit down at the piano and play for everyone.