"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!

Money Will Buy a Fine Dog....

As I read the posts here I realize that my sense of humor is not coming through. My spiritual side however does. So, in the future I'm going to be showing both sides of myself. I hope you enjoy this quirky part of me.

My kids are cringing from across the miles! I just know it! Ha!

I have found the humor in my own trials in life. I can laugh about nearly anything that comes my way. Having lived through so many health scares and seen the blessings of my healing on so many occasions--I know that our trials are often temporary. Those that aren't need to be triumphed over spiritually. I've been given the gift to see the lighter side of things. I think it helps get me through constant adversity.

I love harder, laugh often, find joy in the little things and have a life filled with joy! It's the coolest thing ever!

I wasn't always this way though. I went through my dark years. Many times I thought I was being punished. When I finally came to my senses it was when I nearly gave up the fight. One of my children saved me. While I was praying and pleading to be healed from beneath the comforter, a little face appeared over the end of my bed. I knew I was needed. I knew as I gazed into his green eyes, that I was so loved and worried over. I chose life in those moments.

Being happy is a choice for some of us. It doesn't come easily until you have practiced it for so long that it becomes a way of life! Choose to smile in the face of adversity! Choose to love those around you no matter how awful they can be. Choose to find the humor in the ridiculous and devastating things that come your way. Don't wallow in your sorrow. Hey! Yes! I'm talking to you and to myself. I slipped into that dark place off and on the last six months! It happens. I forgot to find joy. It nearly overcame me as I struggled, until I remembered my blessings and began to, yes, count them one by one. It's important to re-evaluate your life sometimes and repent and move forward.

When we give up the fight to find joy in our lives, and allow the darkness and worldly things overcome us--we lose so much more than we realize. "Man" was meant to have joy!

A funny aphorism was sent to my gmail today. "Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail." This jumped out at me, big time! I strive to be kind to all I meet. Why? Well, it's what Jesus would do. It's how those who were cruel to my family were not. It's a way to move past that treatment and rise above it. It has been the biggest blessing in my life! I get a little lift with each smile that is returned, each simple kind act that is preformed. Those are blessing people. Try being kind today. Start with a smile, it's free and it's amazing!

Teach , Guide, Calm and Comfort

Teach, Guide, Calm and Comfort.....This is what the Holy Ghost does for me. Sometimes I forget to listen and that is when I get off track in my life.

Frankly I'm a bit haunted by the fact that I've forgotten this recently in my dealings with one of our sons. I was reactionary instead of a good listener.

It's not fashionable in our day and age to submit patiently the purpose of our life and relationships to the Lord. But the sweet spirit of the Holy ghost prompts us well if we are patient and are unfettered by so much emotion and distraction in our daily lives.

I began to understand what it meant to be more patient this week as I paused to pray and seek answers and to be still.

I had to adjust my thinking and learned to wait on the Lord for the answers I was seeking. I needed to "be still and know" like Brigham Young once told us. Oh boy was that enlightening! It was amazing to hear exactly what I had been needing to hear on a woman's conference tape today.

Hopefully I can stay on track now. It's not easy being a mom or a wife some days. It is worth it though. Life is a blessing again. I'm ready to listen again.

The Night of Terry's accident PLUS update

Dear Readers,

I'm sitting here exhausted, but too keyed up to sleep after the horror of this day. I think I just needed to write the events of the day down to put my mind at ease. So please forgive me because I might be pretty loopy after all I've been through. I still have not allowed myself to cry, there will be time for that later after things have gotten better.

Terry, the love of my life was nearly taken from me today by an inattentive driver and mother of two. She turned her SUV right in front of my husband who had the right of way and nearly killed him on his motorcycle. His injuries at first seemed amazingly small but as the evening wore on he showed signs of internal wounds. Initially he had several cuts that needed suturing and a broken wrist a concussion too. But he was wearing a helmet. The doctor had CT'd his head and back and neck and said all was clear. Whew! But he kept saying it was hard to breathe and his side hurt. I got really mad at that point! I demanded they CT his chest and gut before I left the hospital with him. The doc agreed and when the tests came back I was horrified. He had a broken breast bone, a lacerated spleen and a broken kidney (part had torn off) So, we were medivacked (sp?) to a triage unit at a renowned hospital 45 min. away. He was kept in that room for observation and evaluation and later taken up to the ICU where they will wake him every 2 hours and check his blood levels for internal bleeding and his concussion too. A surgeon is standing by if needed. He happens to be the best in the state. Another blessing!

I am so grateful for the people who were there when this happened! One of my Laurels was the first on the scene. She took care of him, comforted him and she called 911! I love her so much. Her mom was the one I could focus on as my legs could barely carry me to the horrible scene. I love you Tawnya. Thank you! you were more comfort than I can say. When I arrived they were cutting my husbands clothing off all the way to his garments in the middle of the street! I knew he must be alive or they wouldn't have bothered. I didn't even care. Who would. His garments protected him as much as his helmet did. I can testify of this fact. The Police and the paramedics said it was a miracle he was alive--that he must have guardian angels.

I am filled with gratitude for a Father who does hear and listen and answer our prayers. So many have been there to help me today. So many family and friends have lifted us in prayer and I am so thankful.

Now I need to know what to do about my missionaries. I need the MP's number for Los Angeles. If any of you can hunt down that number for me and kindly write to me and give it to me I would be so grateful. I'm a wreck. I need to allow them to pray for their dad. He is the kindest gentlest man I have ever known. He was more concerned for the woman who hit him than his own life when he came to his senses. He is why I am the person I am today. Today, I realized just how much I would lose if I lost the love of my life. My heart would go with him.

Please pray for the woman who is suffering tonight. They had to hospitalize her, she felt so bad and was so traumatized by the accident that they sedated her heavily. I only know this because she was down the hall from us crying so loud that I couldn't help but hear her. My son went to comfort her and tell her that Terry was going to live and to know we were worried about her too. She was still there after we left. My heart breaks for her too.

Terry may be out of work for several days, perhaps weeks. I have no idea how we will make ends meet now. Please pray for us all.

UPDATE:
Terry has improved since Saturday evening a great deal. He no longer needs surgery on his knee. He can sit in his chair right next to his bed. He still can't eat which is not good because he won't be released until he can. He needs surgery on his hand soon but his kidney and spleen must be stabilized before he can do so. His spirits are so good as always. Gotta love that man! He is amazing and we adore him. He is our rock. On the other hand our son Hunter is having a difficult time and is so tender hearted. Ryan has been my strength and has given us all blessings with Brother Herdclotz's help. Their family is amazing and has held us up in so many ways starting with their sweet Jessica who was one of the first on the scene and helped my husband when not a single soul would. She is our hero and we love her and will be her friends forevermore. She will never know how grateful we truly are because I just can't tell her enough. She continues to check on us. I will write her story of heroism soon and you will join me in applauding this 16 year old good for her courage and strength. It is simply a blessing. Angels who are our brothers and sisters here on earth and in heaven have attended us from moment to moment and our gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father knows no bounds.

Amidst all the turmoil a beacon of hope lit the way for us to hang onto. Our son Ryan received his mission call to the Everett Washington Mission! His mission will encompass my childhood home Whidbey Island! Simply amazing!

We were able to call our two sons in the mission field. My heart is so full this morning. I pray you all hug you loved ones tight today. Never take for granted that kiss goodbye. Never be afraid to express your great love for your spouse. I knew in those moments of horror that I never had taken my sweet Terry for granted. Had always told him I love you and we had shared an amazing life full of love for each other ever single day the last nearly 24 years. It is a very good feeling amidst all this turmoil.

Thank you for your prayers.

Love Valora