I DO Believe in Miracles!

I do believe in miracles. Today I spoke to my doctors nurse on the phone about my echo cardiogram results. She told me how proud she was of me. She said that my echo shows that my heart is now NORMAL! It was enlarged with edema and showed that I had LVH from high blood pressure a year ago.  Now it's resolved with weight loss and my HCG updated diet plan!

 Losing the weight was the only thing that would save my life. How I fought! How I prayed and asked for angels to attend me. We all can when it's necessary. Remember this! I feel it was key in my own recovery. How loved we are. Father wants us all to succeed! We can do anything with His help.

 How grateful I am for all the help and heavenly intervention I've had along the way. My heart is so full of joy today. I am so happy! This grandma is going to live for many, many years to come. I will live to see all my grands and great grands born.

Thank you all for your love and support during this very difficult journey I've been on. How I love you! Now, back to helping other people do what I've done. LIfe is such a gift! Live it to it's fullest and love the ones you hold dear with all you have. Not one of us knows when we'll be called home. Lets do our best to ensure that we don't speed up the process. Lets all make better choices. Start today. Start small, but do it. I know you can do it. We can all do more than we think we can. That is key in overcoming so many trials. Have faith in your Father above.

Now, back to packing! I can do this! We are moving to a farm in less than 20 days! I'll write more about the past few months in the days to come. It's time I shared more with you! Life is wonderful! I plan on living it to it's fullest yet!

Freedom from Bondage via Scooter

Last week we arrived home from a whirlwind trip to Utah. It was a turning point in my life. You see when we left Minnesota, we had placed many things for sale on Craigslist.com . Things like the Suburban parts from our wrecked truck and some new tires. The thing I wanted gone the most of course was still staring at me.....my old blue scooter. I had that in place of a wheelchair several years ago when I suffered through a time with left side paralysis. That scooter represented bondage and freedom combined, during a period I often remember as a enormous stepping stone in my life.

I remember that time vividly. It's the only reason I pushed myself to become a writer. I remember laying there, feeling sorry for myself day after day and finally, I asked God what I was going to do with my life if the numbness didn't get better.

The answer came swift and clear, "Get out your scriptures and start reading, the answers will come." What do you say to an answer like that. Well, I did what I was told to do. As I turned the pages with my right good hand, I found scripture after scripture that had to do with Gifts and Talents! Surprisingly many of them told me what would happen to me if I didn't use my gifts and talents God had given me.....it gave me food for thought for sure. It made my mind turn to what I had wanted to be when I grew up when I was a girl.

I had wanted to be a marine biologist at first. Until I realized I had no talent or love for math. Although when I was a sophomore, I'd taken a research class and had written about farming the ocean---aquaculture. The teacher had been angry that I was taking a Senior class. The final grade she'd given me was a B+....and the writing on the page said, "Good for a Sophomore!" It was the highest grade she would allow me to have due to my age.

Surprisingly, I gave up marine biology, not the dream of becoming a writer! I had just neatly tucked it away for later dreaming--or in this case action. Now as I lay there in my sick bed I prayed for inspiration to grab hold, and it did! As the prayer ended, more answers to my prayers flowed into my damaged brain. I couldn't believe it! I still wanted to write! I knew I'd find a way to work on becoming a writer or author or whatever they called it nowadays-- and do my utmost to make it happen.

I was filled with hope as I went on the internet and started searching. I found a website for Christians who wanted to learn to write in a good Christian environment. It spoke to me like nothing else on the web. I was a little fearful. I know that many people don't consider Latter-day Saints to be Christians. I'd felt the sting of persecution many many times in my life since joining our church. Still, if the site lived up to it's promise, I'd be welcomed. I was for about 2.5 years as it turns out. Even though in the end I was run out on a rail so to speak, being curse as a demon, those who knew and loved me knew I wasn't. I was a Christian a Latter-day Saint and I was an honest writer who's skills grew with each piece she wrote. So I had to leave. I'd overstayed my welcome.

I have so many people all over the world, to thank for blessing me with their friendship during that time in my life. They prayed for me and corrected my grammar. I was given hope and friendship and felt so loved by my Savior Jesus Christ. Even though I left the site heartbroken and bruised, it was worth it. Every minute I learned and grew and stretched myself helped me in both mind, body and spirit to heal. In the end I was walking, thinking, moving, keyboarding, feeling and setting goals in my life and for publication.

The best part of all, I was walking again.

This week my old blue scooter went to a new home. I hope they feel the freedom I felt the first time I was helped into it. We went for a walk as a family. I passed them all up and let out a squeal as I felt the freedom of speed and the wind in my hair once again!

It is always about the Silver Lining for this Latter-day Saint woman, even in that moment so long ago...

The Most Amazing Trip and a Sweet Grandson's Birth! Part 1

We just returned from Utah. It was the most amazing trip!

 My husband and I have now officially become grandparents. We are absolutely thrilled! Logan Edward Otis was born over a week ago on a Monday at about 4:30 PM. His mom Julie did great! She is a wonderful Mommy and our son Jason is the most amazing dad! He takes such good care of Julie and Logan. We have been so pleased to see his kindness, compassion and generosity shine. It makes being a parent of sons such a blessing to witness.

I was captivated by the miracle that Logan truly is only minutes after his birth. His eyes were open wide and I'll never forget the love I felt for him so immediately. This is our first grandchild and I was pleased as the memory of his own fathers birth and subsequent childhood swept me away and rushed in to fill my heart once again. Such sweet memories of the baby lotion, baby chortles the nursing noises and the warmth of our grandson in my arms that felt so comforting and oh so familiar. How I had missed these sensations as a mother! What a joy it was to finally feel it all once again.

The most amazing part is that I was alive to enjoy it all. How many times I had wept in the past praying I'd be here for this moment in time. Now I can look beyond this birth to the next birth expected in February when our son Matthew's sweet wife gives birth to our second grandson! I can hardly wait! By then I hope to have the final pounds off once and for all. I'll be able to do so much more to help our girls while I'm out there when I do. Staying healthy is my goal with this weight loss. I can't wait to start lifting weights this month. Living a long life is the byproduct of my HCG protocol. I know my clients understand this concept as do many of you out there who are trying to get strong and healthy. My gratitude knows no bounds when I consider where I was a year ago and where I am now...

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Our trip was about Logan, but we were also excited to do quite a few more things while we were there due to the perfect timing of his birth.

We stopped in a town down below Vernal before getting to BYU-- to see some missionary mom friends. We missed them by an hour! How sad I was! But Patty found us in town and took us out to lunch. I was so glad to see this dear sister! She is so sweet! We enjoyed her and her girlfriend's company and a lovely lunch. When we parted ways I knew I'd see her again in the future. Plus we do have our MM group. It's wonderful to hug a friend who's shared so much of herself with me online. What a blessing to see her.

When we got into town, we went straight to the BYU campus and onto our son Matthew's mission reunion. We were able to meet his mission president and his wife and many of the Elders and sisters our son served with in Yekaterinburg Russia. It was a blessing to be able to participate in. The food was wonderful and meeting these great men and women was very refreshing. I had actually never considered that I would be able to attend one of these events. This was yet, another miracle.

After we left the reunion, our son took us to the lab where he works on campus. I was like going back to the 1940's or 50's. He seems right at home there. He informed us that he works in the only building on campus that isn't earthquake proof as well....He works in the basement. I try not to think about it. I placed him firmly in the Lords hands when he served in Russia. I think I can handle an old building now. ha ha!

Matt works for an Entomologist. His major is in conservation biology with an emfasis on entomology--I think I got that right. He has changed his major a few times as do most young people. He will be finishing up there at BYU in a couple of years and I think wants to get his PHD eventually. His wife Jelly is graduating in April with a degree in psychology. Then they will be coming home to the University of MN for graduate school. At least that's the plan for now. Things always seem to change though, so we are just waiting to see what the Lord provides.

When we finished up at the lab, they took us to their new little home in Mapleton. They live in a basement apartment of a family home. I was able to meet the sweet family they rent from. I'm so grateful our kids live with such a kind hearted family. With the worsening economy and the ushering in of the last days, it is truly a comfort to have our kids living with such good families. It makes it all the more bearable to picture this in my minds eye. It makes the ache a little better while they are away simply knowing they are safe. I'm sure some of my readers understand.

We said our goodbye's with the promise that they'd spend the weekend with us and go to conference with is the following weekend, and headed from Mapleton to South Jordan. Our son Jason and his his very pregnant wife Julie, were living in a basement apartment of her parents family home. It was so wonderful to be able to stay in her families home. Julie was absolutely radiant and beautiful!

end of part 1

"You're Skinny Mama!"

The day I finally weighed less than my husband was such a huge relief! I didn't realize how much it had bugged me to outweigh him. Now, he can even pick me up off my feet! Yikes! Not sure I like that much, but it was fun when he did! I think he enjoyed hearing me squeal! lol!

Some of the things that are easier to do these days are very simple. I can kneel and pray by my bed each morning and night without hurting. I can bend over to weed my garden. I can stand long enough to cook a meal--or two or three! I can tie my own shoes and give myself a pedicure. Yes, all those things used to be difficult. Now that I've lost over 100 lbs, life is fun again!

When you're obese (hate that word) your life slows down. You don't have the energy to keep up with the world that seems to be passing you by. If you do manage to keep up, it's exhausting. I don't know how many time I made excuses, sometimes very legitimate excuses not to go to social functions. I was easily tired, sore, short of breathe and self conscience about my weight. It was hard. I was lonesome and sad a lot. I felt like a bad mom and a bad wife for letting everyone down. Thank goodness I was a nice person or they may have just given up on me altogether. But they stuck by me and loved me despite my medical issues that brought me to this point.

Why am I sharing this? Because I understand this kind of pain. My calling in life now, is to alleviate this particular type of suffering. Through the HCG drops that I sell and the updated protocol Doctor Stockwell has developed, I can help. It's amazing! First I helped myself though. My own weight loss is ongoing. I have 40 or so lbs to go!

My son, the missionary, was shocked to see my most recent photo's. His comment was, "You're Skinny Mama!" Well, I don't know about skinny, but I am healthy now. I feel great, I am happier than I have been in 20 years. My dad says I look like I did in High School. Not sure about that either, but it sure was a boost for me to hear his opinion.

I can walk for miles without being tired. I can wear pretty clothes---real sizes off the rack! Wow! I actually enjoy shopping now. I dig in my garden-- relishing each moment I can work the soil and soak up the sunshine!

In September I get to welcome our first grandson into our family! I'll get to watch him grow and learn and play now. It is such a blessing!

Blessings come in all shapes and forms during a lifetime. Right now my blessing is in helping others do the same thing I've done since October. Life is amazing! Do like I did and start living it again! You will be amazed at what you've been missing!

Ain't Life Grand?

I've been so busy! New clients, a new calling as the Relief Society Secretary and it's spring! What can I say, I love it when the deep snow gives way to green grass and freshly mowed lawns. I can hardly wait for the flowers to bud out and release their amazing fragrance! Then I 'll know it truly has arrived!

I often feel like a butterfly emerging from it's chrysalis . I'm shedding the weight that has weighed me down in body and in spirit. This new me takes some getting used to. I'm glad to be doing this with my sweet husband Terry. He has shed quite a few pounds too. Glad I'm secure in my relationship and in his love for me. He's been getting some double takes lately. If I were a jealous woman, this might be an issue. ha! But no, I'm not and I'm just so happy for him and for myself.

There is something wonderful about being able to hug your husband closer without the fat between you. It's not just a physical thing, which is nice by the way. It's more of a spiritual thing. As human beings, we need that closeness.

As we dance around the kitchen to the song my husband loves to sing to me--it takes me back to the first years of our marriage. Gone are the years of pain and suffering, they've melted away into the past where they belong.

I'm loving this return to the real me! I'm 95 lbs lighter and loving my life again because of HCG Docs Stimulus drops! I am also glad I'm a practitioner for this wonderful product. Helping others reach their weight loss goals is a blessing. I'm able to speak to women all over the world, just like myself, who have struggled with obesity and are now triumphing over their own personal adversity. It's amazing to be able to make a difference!

As you can imagine, my heart is healing on so many levels. Emotionally, I don't feel anxious about my weight or looking good, as I enter a crowded room. Instead I feel like myself again. I'm confident, freed from a bondage only someone who is overweight can understand. Gone is the fatigue, the restless nights of insomnia and the food cravings that used to control me with the ensuing depression left in it's wake. My spirit feels free again and it's the most amazing time of my life.

I'm learning to play again. I wonder what new adventures lay in store for us in the future....Oh yeah! A wedding in June and a Grandbaby in September! Ain't life grand? I'll be around for years to come. I'll be holding those sweet babes and chasing toddlers and watch my family grow. I'll travel and garden and do whatever else I wish to do in life. Perhaps I'll even get to go back to school and continue with my writing career.....Time will tell what Valora will do. I'm excited to know the future is now possible for living my life to it's fullest potential. What an amazing blessing!

If you want to try our wonderful HCG product that has an UPDATED diet plan with more balance and more calories and more protein than traditional HCG diets. Docs Stimulus Drops and our plan is for you. Write to me at valora.otis@gmail.com and I'll give you a call and explain our program in detail.

I feel like running! Running?

Here I am again! Those pants I had to lie down and zip up are now falling off of me! Yes, I'm heading into a size 14 now. That may not seem like a huge deal to a lot of you, but hey, I haven't seen the other side of a 14 since I was 30! ha ha! So, it's time to celebrate! I'm doing the happy dance for sure!

I've been combing thrift shops for good name brand clothing that I can shrink down into. I've found amazing things! I think I have jeans in every size I need to get down into a size 9 again. I figure I can take in a lot of my tops and skirts until then. I just don't want to pay good money for something I'll shrink out of so quickly. Yeah, I tend to be a frugal one:)

I'm so proud of all my clients! They are doing so great! I have one amazing lady who runs half marathons and has lost so much and is sticking to her protocol. Her husband is not going to recognize her when he gets of the ship! Can you even imagine how much easier it will be for her to run a marathon without the extra pounds? She is my hero for having done it at all before her HCG weight loss. Perhaps she'll find herself in the winners circle or what ever they call the top runners group these days....I'll be cheering her on for sure!

For those ladies who want to lose the weight so they can conceive. This is possible now with HCG. I know so many women who are told to lose a few pounds and perhaps it will help them. Then only to be disappointed when they can't lose the weight due to thyroid issues. I'm here to tell you that I am seeing that success now in two of my clients. They are winning this battle with their thyroid. Despite thyroidism, they are losing weight successfully! You are amazing women and I'm so proud of you! I pray a baby will bless your lives soon!

For the people out there who were like myself. There is always hope. Never give up! I'm living proof that you can regain your health through weight loss. Gone are the excuses for my ill health as I've shed the pounds. It was truly all about what I put in my mouth over the years. I admit it. Now that's a milestone eh? As a religious woman, I accept my part in my own illness. Circumstances caused injury, but in the end it was about food and not fully understanding about nutrition.

I am stronger and healthier and happier than I have been in years. I had no idea how good this would feel! To be able to sing, to walk...fast, to sleep 8 hours without hurting and to have the energy to walk the dog is wonderful. The list goes on including dancing with my sweetheart. I dearly love to dance.

I'm thankful for simple things, but oh, so important things in my life. For instance, the seat belt in the car doesn't hurt me anymore. My husband can wrap his arms around me fully and with room to spare! ha! The energy I feel bubbles over sometimes and I actually feel like running! Running? Did I actually say that? Perhaps I should try that soon? Just one second, I wonder if I can? What a concept? Wow! Take note of that one for the future, readers!

I DID IT!

Hi Everyone! I'm here to tell you today how much I love my job and how filled with gratitude I am that my health has returned!

Yesterday I decided to try my oldest Goodwill find on....When I purchased these jeans, I'd noticed they had no give, no stretch fabric in them. Just good old fashioned denim. I remember thinking, "when you get into these pants, it will be the real size, it will take a while to get there Val."

Well, yesterday I got them over my hips! I thought, "NO WAY!" When I was a size 24+ I never thought I could lose this much weight. Now at nearly 70 lbs lost, I lay on my bed, buttoned those jeans and swiftly zipped them up! WOW! I did it! In about a week they will fit just perfect! Holy Cow! Is this even possible?

The best part of losing the weight is that I'm not in pain anymore. My joints aren't screaming for relief! I can take stairs two at a time. The most significant thing is, my edema is all but gone and my liver doesn't pain me in the middle of the night when I roll over any more. Just the memory of that pain keeps me moving forward. I pray each time I eat that I can continue to lose and get to my goal and be healthy. I ask for Fathers help in this, because I know I can't do this without his help.

I also pray that I can continue to help others do the same thing I"m doing. I'm sincere in my efforts to help them and I can't tell you what a blessing it is to be there for them.

Life is such a blessing these days. I used to do my best to help others. Now, I can physically help myself and my family. No more being an invalid. I've gotten a second chance at life and I"m embracing it with all my heart and spirit.

How am I doing this? Well, I'm a practitioner for Doc Stimulus Drops--homeopathic HCG drops! I help others do what I am doing. I help men and women lose weight every day with the aid of the drops and a low calorie diet. I know how it's done first hand. I feel what you're feeling each day. I love cheering others onto their personal goals. Send me a note if this is something you're ready for and I'll help you too! Invest in your health and in your future. The main thing is to be kind to yourself and continue to have hope and belief in that silver lining! I'll be there every stop of the way helping whenever I"m needed.

Look for my new website. It's being built and I'll post here when the grand unveiling will be. I'm so excited! Have a fantastic day everyone!

PS....Earn a free bottle of HCG by coming up with a new website name for me! here are some insight: It will be a place of healing, natural medicine and supplements, recipe's , inspirational creative writing , nutrition information, tips for staying on and being successful on a HCG diet, Tools for success and wellness, organic gardening and more.

Hope you all have a wonderful day. Never give up on your dreams and your goals--there is always a way. You can do hard things too. We all can!