Weight Loss Goal Reached!

I did it! Please forgive my absence while I avidly focused on my shrinking hiney buns. After struggling with my weight for about 5 years (for the first time in my life) I turned to a local weight loss doctor for help and guidance. If you have never had a B-12 shot, it's a must try!

I began my journey at 183 lbs and in size 14 pants. I could tell you about the one pair of size 12's I still fit into but the rest of my wardrobe was 14, so let's be real! Through prayer, power walking and logging in my steps on an online site for motivation and accountability and with the help of Dr. Lara, I happily sit at 138 and a size 6. The "wow" comes in the form of the timeframe, however - 24 weeks!

Here is a layout I did of my weight loss journey.

I think the Lord let me go through this to understand others better who struggle with weight issues. I have a sensitivity that I didn't have before for those folks.

Over that 5 years I tried all kinds of pills, diets, and fads but every effort I made was under my own power and will (or lack thereof). This journey has shown me that through Christ, I can do all things!

Sketch #1 and Easter!

It's official and we are up and running at . Come check us out! Here is my lo for Sketch 1. I had a great time fingerpainting the paper and the life jackets made for a great set of primary colors.



I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter holiday. Mine was shaken up a little bit by a sad change in plans but the dinner and the company were both great. My wonderful hubby surprised me with some "Easter shoes". I had seen them at the mall and fell in love with them. I came home Friday to them underneath my bed. What a surprise!

ALMOST TIME!!!

It's almost time for the unveiling of the web's newest scrapbooking sketch site! Saturday morning you can join the excitement at www.unscriptedsketches.com. It's a brand new online community of scrapbookers, card makers, paper crafters and more come join us for a new sketch challenge each Saturday morning to keep your creativity flowing!

It's also almost time for beach weather here in Florida. In reality we have already been once but the water is way too cold for the thin blooded residents here. Some girls from Maine were frolicking in the waves in adorable swimsuits and the whitest skin I've seen in a while! First sign of an out-of-towner. LOL! More exciting stuff to come!

Blessings Abound

My Wednesday night Ladies Bible Study has been working through a book called Completely His, Loving Jesus Without Limits. You study these books and you read your Bible and you hope and pray that you reflect Christ to someone and your life will be changed. Last night we got that chance. Just as we started our session a homeless woman came in crying. She was afraid, broken and obviously in need of some time, love and understanding.

Now to set the stage. We missed our study last week due to spring break so we doubled up on our chapters and planned to discuss them both last night in the 65 minutes we have before they take our children to the police department as abandoned kids (lol, just kidding). I had studied and prayed about which points God would have me share with these women and for Him to guide me since He knows exactly what we need at all times. But He had other plans.

Once we got this woman, Linda, calmed down with some water and some hugs she sat amidst our group and I really wasn't sure how to proceed. Do we focus on our guest or as the leader of the group, do I lead us through our 2 chapters, fulfilling my commitment to this wonderful group of women? I asked God to show me what I was supposed to do for that moment and we all felt led to love His hurting child instead of sticking to our "agenda". It was a blessing for all of us to hear her story and her hopes and dreams of living a better life.

Some of us were reminded of all we have in life and gratitude filled our hearts. Others realized how far the Lord has brought them and still others were thankful they didn't have to endure the growth experiences God obviously was giving Linda.

After study, I took her to Publix where she got some food with a gift card someone had given her and we found her an inexpensive local hotel for the next 2 nights. She has a plane ticket back to Maryland waiting for a Friday morning flight. Back to people who care about her and a ministry I'm sure the Lord will develop.

I gave her my name and address and the name of the church that loved her last night in hopes she would follow up and share with us how the Lord was working in her life. There is no guarantee we will ever hear from her again, but I'm sure God allowed us to serve an angel and practice what we were learning...to Love Jesus completely and without limits.

We are humbled, emptied of ourselves and in His service.

Ohhh, I'm Scrappin My Life Away...

Haven't been blogging because I've been scrapping. I've also been asked to be a designer on a "COMING SOON" design team. I'll leave the name a mystery for now but we should be up and running soon! The talent on this site will definitely be worth a peek and the inspiration will flow.

Life has been grand and the weightloss is slow but effective. I'm down 10lbs and increased my speed by just over 2 minutes in the 5K. Next one is April 18th and so far I'm doing it on my own. Anyone interested??? My last 5K turned out to be a joy when I hooked up with my dear, dear friend from high school, Wanda, who soldiered up and came out. She can be called a runner about as much as I can. BUT WE FINISHED! That's what it's all about, that and 2-3 hours of catching up on the last 25 years.

Wanda's house was the place I wanted to be all the time. The family dynamics of the Rhamy's gave me wonderful examples of how to parent my own children and gave me a solid foundation of the kind of family I wanted mine to be when I grew up to have kids.

I owe my adventerousness (new word) to the Rhamys. My excitement for trying new things, being outdoors, and the general sense of loyalty I share with all the special people in my life. Needless to say the reminiscing was heart warming and often hysterical. Oh the things we used to do!

One of my favorite scrapping sites, Scrappin Mojo has been keeping me going on my challenges with exciting sketch ideas. This one of my mother (then and now) was chosen for the Layout of the Day March 30th. It was great to let the world know how wonderful my mother is and how she challenged my and shaped my life. Enjoy!

For the Love of Your Parents

This has been a tough time for me. My dad is in the first stages of Alzheimers and my mom was displaced from her home due to black mold. I feel helpless at times and wish I could do more. My dad's back is really bad and he was hospitalized only to find out there was nothing they could do short of surgery. What a blessing when I found out my chiropractor accepted Dad's medicaid!!! Dr. Nickse was so wonderful with my dad, talking to him and walking him through what he was going to do. Dad is a little confused these days and Dr. N was so patient and attentive to Dad. Dad loved him and will see him all this week. God bless my amazing mother who, despite divorcing my father in the mid 70's, is helping to get him to Dr. N everyday this week. Who does that for their ex-husband? She is truly a gift to our family and the best thing to have ever happened to my dad...even now.

Well, life is busy but I have another 5K this weekend with my friend, Sharon. She is such a trooper and the timing is perfect since we are both beginners so we either stink together or we push each other to excel. I love it!

Don't know what other plans are in store for Valentine's Day but any reason to celebrate life and love is good with me. Jesus, I lean on you for peace and quiet because my burden is heavy. Thank you for being my rock, Lord.

Surf's Up

My dh and dd went to the International Mall last week and found a store we all had to go to this afternoon. Adrenalina is a surf shop with a flow rider surf machine in the back. Amazing! Brett, Rachel and Noah hit waves this afternoon. Next time it's my turn!

I have a 5K next Sat and I need to get back to running or I'll be power walking most of it!

Salt and Light

Well, twice in as many days I have been called "light".

Matthew 5:13:
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?

Jesus is shining through. I'm excited about direction that God is taking me and I pray He'll use me to affect changes in others. To Him goes the glory!

OK, so remember my bike crash at a dead stop last Sat? Well, I was focused on my leg and didn't realize my butt has this lovely pedal shaped bruise on it. Very attractive!

I also survived my first 2 days back to work after 14 off. Worked my way through 188 emails and I'm ready for what tomorrow brings. I know it's bringing sushi at lunch. We have the coolest sushi bar right across from our business complex called Sushi Fune. It's award winning and it's very inexpensive. They prepare the sushi and float them on little bamboo boats in a little river past your seat and you take what you want. They charge per plate and at lunch it's like $2 a plate. Can't beat it.

Helped my mom paint a little after work today. Should have been at the gym with a 5K coming up on the 17th but hey...it's mom. She's been out of her house for a few months now with a black mold scare. The word "bulldoze" came up once and "homeowners insurance" is part of her permanent vernacular! It's been a tough time for her but she continues to shine through difficulty and wear her best smile. Love you, Mom!

Blessed Call

Well, I got a call I have been waiting for and praying about. I have been asked to lead the Wednesday night ladies bible study at my church. I've been asking God to grow me and expand my boundaries and up to this point it's been little things and it's been wonderful.

If you are a prayer warrior...please add me to your list so I am covered in protection and God does amazing things in the study He chooses. I'm excited about the women he'll bring in on a Wed and how our lives will be touched and our spirits grown. I'll share those learning moments here on the blog and maybe a lesson or two will inspire something in you! It's all good!

Hi Gang! We'll I'm on the right track so far! LOL! I just got back from 16.5 mile bike ride with a friend of mine. It was great. She loaned me her hybrid Cannondale and it was smmooooooth! I forgot I had my toes in the little toe traps and went to put my foot down when I stopped. No foot...I have a lovely little rash on my right leg and a little gouge on my knee. But that's OK my hubby thinks I'm "hot" and my modeling days are over (Revlon never called) so it's all good!

I'm on scrappingmojo.com and trying to keep up with the challenges and such but those ladies are scrapping machines! I've done 4 layouts this vacation (I'm back to work on Monday) and will be working on our Disney trip layout sometime today. Now if I can just get them uploaded to the site....

Hubby is out shopping with daughter, the gift cards were burning a hole in her pocket. Supposed to vacuum but I might sneak in a nap while the house is quiet.

Here's a thought for you to chew on until I can get back to the blog.

The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.

Love you all, blog ya later!

Happy New Year

Well here we are again at the beginning of a new year - 2009. Reflecting back on 2008 I can see how incredibly God provided for our family during some difficult times. I have high hopes for the new year and am excited to see what comes next!

I'm not big on new year resolutions only because I don't believe in waiting for a certain "date" to start what I know I need to do or should do. Every minute counts.

A little about me: I am 43 but am carrying my age pretty well. I'm sure the wrinkle fairy will show up soon, but in the meantime I'm keeping company with the gray fairy. She keeps bringing me more gray but I battle her with the bottle of golden blonde I found at Publix.

My husband, Brett, and I have been married just over 3 years. He is a wonderful man although very different from me. This made for a tough beginning but I'm amazed at how God blends us as time goes by. What is the deal with "opposites attract"? Tough gig. Brett and I were friends in high school though we never dated. After 19 years we ran into each other and started dating shortly after. After almost 2 years we were married barefoot on the beach and headed to Cancun for our honeymoon. I have 3 children and he has one daughter. Since my daughter is grown and out of the house it is nice to have a daughter again to do girl stuff with. She's great. My boys are strong, sturdy and bring me great joy...most of the time! My oldest son is almost a teenager and we do slight battle at times but we both know we love each other dearly.

My hobbies include scrapbooking, reading and jigsaw puzzles. I love Facebook, computer games (Pogo) and we'll see how this blog thing goes. Enough for now. We'll play with this site and see how cool we can get it to look! Hugs!