"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!

Forever Valentine

This is a very special week. Feb 16th is my anniversary and of course my thoughts are drawn to the love of my life and eternal companion, Terry. He is an truly amazing guy. I find myself more in love with him after 23 years of marriage than ever before.

This week he had a simple boquet of spring flowers delivered to my door by a dear friend. So I got a hug and flowers! What a sweet surprise. He knows how much I miss springtime on my childhood Island. Daffodils and tulips were always peeking out of the ground by February there. When I think of all the lovely memories we've made through the years I have to smile. His love for me is only equal to his compassion.

I hear so many women complaining about their spouses--and I admit that at one time I was there too. But now that I've matured I realize just how good this man truly is.

Of course he has his faults and they drive me nuts once in a while! I'd be a terrible liar if I said otherwise. I do know though that I can be just as irritating and he never complains to anyone about me. He is continuously optimistic and sees the good in people. I wish I could be more like him. I've learned so much from him through the years. Especially about how to forgive and to trust.

One of the things that I cherish about him is that he has always loved our sons and has been a fine example of what a good man truly is. I see them in turn being good, fine men. They honor their priesthood just as their father does. They love their mom just as my husband loves his mom. I couldn't have asked for a better person to father my children and it shows in the choices my kids are making in life.

We made it through insurmountable odds the past few years--our family unit still intact. What held us together was the knowledge that we are in fact an eternal family--that Heavenly Father will never give us anything we can't handle. No amount of opposition or trials will separate us. We continue to pray together and we stay together sharing a truly wonderful love. I'm thankful for this wonderful man who continues to be my dearest friend and loved one. I can't count how many times he has cared for me while I've been sick or helped me mend a ragged heart.

These days he works two jobs so we can pay off my medical debts and to support our missionaries. He never complains, he smiles and whistles and sometimes sings when he walks through the door after 9pm in the evening. He's been gone since 5am. He doesn't complain if the house isn't perfect or his dinner is cold. In turn his efforts to make a better life for us make me want to be a better wife and mother.

He never criticizes how round I've become or how ill I am. He simply loves me just as I am imperfections and all. Terry's a blessing in all of our lives and I love him more dearly than ever before.

Terry, because of your example I'm a better person today than I was 23 years ago. For that and so much more I'm eternally grateful.

Happy 23rd Anniversary Sweetheart!

Love Val
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Scripture Quote: Ephesians 2:5 And ^awalk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an ^boffering and a ^csacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling ^dsavour.