The Incredible Shrinking Woman

In February 2008, I topped the scales at my highest weight ever. Even when 9 months pregnant, I had weighed less. I felt very unhealthy and my knee hurt almost nonstop. I was up to 12 advil a day with very little relief.

I half heartedly started working with a trainer at the YMCA and was able to lose 15 pounds. In April, I changed trainers and my plan of attack. Since then I have lost an additional 55 pounds for a grand total of 70 off in one year.

I have learned a lot during this process...

1. I actually enjoy working out once I get going.
2. I am stronger than I thought I was both physically and mentally.
3. My family will not fall apart if I put myself first in order to get a workout.
4. I will not fall apart if I push myself physically... well, if I do fall apart, I can pull it back together and be stronger for it.
5. It helps to have accountability and support.
6. Working out is a part of life, not an interruption.
7. When someone compliments you, you can just say "Thank you."
8. It is ok to be afraid of something, but it is not ok to let that fear control what you do: Be afraid, but do it anyway.
9. Humility is NOT overrated.
10. Everyone has some sort of "body issue", not just me.
11. Muscles are very sexy and good for a marriage.
12. Hearing your boy children say, "Mom, you look so strong" can make you smile.
13. When you are hungry, ground turkey breast is delicious!
14. Planning is important, vital, and necessary.
15. Sometimes you mess up. If you fall down 6 times, you just get up 7. No one is perfect.

I couldn't decide if I wanted to post pictures, but I think that I will.... so here goes. Here's me before at Jonathan's Valentine Party in 2008.




And here I am with Caleb at his Valentine's Party in 2009


When I saw this one on the screen after it was taken, I thought, "Where is the rest of me?"

Then, I remembered that I had left it at the gym.

There you go!