Happy and Hurting!

SO, I had my first workout in a while with Paul! And it feels.....PAINFUL! I was SO nervous when I walked back into the gym yesterday evening to train. I was literally shaking. I don't know why, just intimidated again. But once Paul and I got started, it was a happy, familiar feeling. I felt like I had accomplished something difficult. And Paul was very encouraging and made it doable. I was cussing his name this morning when I got out of bed though. I am SORE! Although it makes me feel like I worked hard.
I am so happy and appreciative to be back in the gym, even if it does hurt!

I will be taking new measurements on Tuesday, and also taking my blood pressure, to make sure that I am still running good numbers.

Marethouse Mama is BACK!

Finishing what I started...

It has been a while, in fact it has been months. I am sure that by now I have lost my blog audience completely! But initially I started the blog for myself and to keep me on track and it spiraled into something I did not expect. The blog helped me journal my thoughts and feelings during this journey....and I am not finished! This time last year I was 40 pounds heavier....and I intend to lose the last 40-50 and reach my goal. The last couple of months I have struggled, like so many of us in real life...something happens to set us back and then we never pick ourselves up and end up right back in the position (weight) we started at...if not weighing more. I have seen this cycle before. I have traveled this road and I have decided I have worked too hard and come too far to let this pattern reoccur. If I write about it, admit to it out loud, it helps me feel accountable to get back on the wagon, keep going, and finish what I started.
A few months ago, as I have talked about previously, my boss lost his fight with cancer. It affected me more than I could ever imagine. Being at his bedside the last weeks of his life and watching him literally die...was something I have never faced in my life. He was one of the most caring, kind-hearted, and brilliant people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. And I do feel blessed to be one of the lucky ones that got to know and be touched by him. But after his passing, I sort of shut down...I slowly stopped working out as much...and slowly started to slip back into a disease I have fought most of my life, depression. Returning to work came with many more obstacles that ultimately lead me out of the gym. After not exercising for a few weeks, I found myself climbing deeper into my familiar past. Thankfully my husband stood by me, he supported me, and told me I needed to find a new job. He told me that I deserved to be happy again...
SO- after a long two months, I have accepted another position within the Health Science Center! And it is wonderful so far. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, it is exactly what I needed. Now....next step: START EXERCISING AGAIN!
Ryan and I both decided to get back into our healthy routines, we both agreed that is when we were the happiest. I went to the gym last week for the first time in a while. And I was extremely nervous to get back on that dreaded scale. But to my surprise, I had not gained any weight. I had not lost any weight either. Thanks to the Fitness Challenge, I have not completely gone back to my old ways, and even though I have not been exercising regularly, I have been able to maintain healthy eating habits for the most part.
So, I am happy again, motivated to finish this journey...

More to come from Marethouse Mama!!!

My Progress and Michael Jackson

I have been doing better, getting back into the routine of exercising at least 4-5 times/week. I was slacking for a while, only making it to the gym twice a week. It is so hard to get motivated again and back into the swing of things once you are out of your routine. But my journey is not over...and will never be...
Things I have really enjoyed this summer (compared to last summer):
- shopping for new clothes, smaller sizes!
- taking Charlie to the pool (wearing a swimsuit in public!)
- wearing sleeveless shirts
- attending events and ENJOYING them...not worrying about what I looked like the whole time
- seeing people I haven't seen in a while...and their reactions

I still have about 30 more pounds I would like to lose, but from where I started...that is a small feat! I go back to see my doctor next week and I am looking forward to seeing how much I have lost since my last appointment with him.

OK- on to more important news: Last weekend we welcomed a new addition to our family!
Introducing.....

Michael Jackson Farrell (MJ)


MJ has been a great addition to our family. He is incredibly sweet and very tolerant of Charlie. He has not hissed once! And as soon as you touch him, he is purring. Very sweet kitty. Charlie wakes up each morning asking for him, and goes to bed each night talking about him. I know the new will wear off soon, but he is really enjoying his new kitty!
His name: Those of you who know me, know that I have been ...well...a little obsessed with all of the Michael Jackson hoopla. I have watched every 20/20, Primetime, Dateline, 48 Hours, YOU NAME IT....I could write a book on Michael Jackson! When I saw our little kitty for the first time...he was black AND white...and it came to me instantly....MJ!

Rough Patch

I don't even know where to begin! I know I have not posted in a month. My plan is to get back on track. The past month has been filled with all sorts of emotions. I lost my dear boss to his fight with cancer on July 1st. It has been harder than I ever imagined.
I have continued to work out as much as I could this past month, but I have not been consistent or on the pace that I need to be. Surprisingly, I have not gained weight...however I have not lost much either.
I have 12 sessions left with Paul and I need to make the most of it. I need to work as hard as I possibly can. Lately that has been difficult for me. I have had a hard time concentrating. There has been a lot going on, and its clear Paul has been disappointed in me. Our relationship has suffered due to my lack of effort lately. It has been weird because I have felt lots of anxiety everyday about working out. I guess all I can do is work hard and try my best. But with everything I went through this past month, the last thing I needed was to be given a hard time about my workout schedule, I was doing the best I possibly could. And to my defense, I think a lot of people might have just given up, gone back to old ways of NO exercise and bad eating habits...I think all things considered....I haven't done so bad. Don't get me wrong, Paul was very understanding through the hospitalization and death of my boss, I just don't think he realized how hard it has been for me to bounce back and get over it. I don't blame Paul for giving me a hard time, I know that he means well, and I guess I am just sensitive...especially lately. I don't handle criticism very well, I need positive motivation. Being given a hard time might motivate some people, but it makes me want to quit. And lately that is how I have felt.
With that being said I also need to say I know Paul has had a lot to deal with lately too...and my issues are the least of his worries! I just want to continue to make the Marethouse team proud and to continue on my journey to getting healthy.
I do owe all of my success to Paul, he has helped me achieve and reach goals I never thought possible. I would have NEVER made it to this point without him. And his friendship has meant the world to me. I don't want to let him down or disappoint him or myself. I thank God everyday for Marethouse Fitness. What a blessing!
Yesterday I sat down and decided I need to get out of this funk!!! I planned out my schedule for the week (meals, workouts, etc..). I went to the grocery store and loaded up on all my healthy food for the week. It actually feels like I am getting a grasp on things again. I am getting my life organized....and back on track!!!! I have a ways to go to reach my weight loss goals, and the key for me is to follow a routine. This past month I have been off my routine, and because of that I have felt every part of my life spinning out of control. It's not fair to Paul, David, my family...or ME. I want to continue to inspire others on their journey, I want to continue to make my family proud. And most of all I want to live up to my name...MARETHOUSE MAMA!!!
Thank you for all of your prayers and support through this difficult month.

A few HAPPY memories that I need to post:

Charlie's FIRST trip to the beach: he LOVED it!!!

July4th!!

Charlie and Daddy reading the newspaper together

Cousins trip to see New Kids on the Block for my birthday!

Ryan's 30th birthday!

Outside and Uncoordinated

Yesterday...outside Wednesday...100 degrees (ok, 99)....I SURVIVED!!!

Paul was actually nice and only made me do three sets of exercises instead of the usual four sets we normally do outside. I was still dying...but there was a nice (warm) breeze the whole time, don't get me wrong, it was still very hot, but bearable! I think he was hot too. :)
He still made the usual positive comments about how uncoordinated I am, and how he has never seen anything like it before. He told me that he has never had anyone who CAN NOT do an exercise in a straight line...EVER. It is just my thing, I don't try to veer off...I just do!
It's ok, if Paul was not giving me a hard time, it just wouldn't be the same!

Dave told me yesterday that he is going to make a page on the website completely dedicated to MARETHOUSE MAMA!!! He is going to post info and pictures on my progress. That is nerve wracking and exciting at the same time. It definitely gives me motivation to reach my goals, people are watching!!!

Thank you so much for the continued support, this journey is not over and will never be. The positive comments and huge support system I have really keeps me going.

Soakin up the sun in Sargent!!!!

Hawaii???.....nope Sargent Sunset!

This weekend was a blast! We have decided to make it an annual "cousins" event! My cousin, Amy, thinks that we should plan it somewhere a little less "outdoorsy"...with better accommodations next year, i.e. Vegas! Sargent's accommodations are a little rough!

In addition to all of the fun, and NO KIDS...the weekend took on a much deeper meaning to me. It was the first time since I can remember that I actually enjoyed myself, and felt comfortable. I wasn't worried constantly about how tight my clothes were, or worried about everyone talking behind my back at how much weight I had put on. It was actually quite the opposite!!!
I wore my new bathing suit (which was a little too big!) most of the weekend, and didn't feel uncomfortable...or like I was wearing a tent. ALL weekend I got compliments on how great I looked, and how hard I have worked, and it was the best feeling in the world. A couple of my cousins were even asking me advice on keeping the motivation, exercise, and eating...unbelievable. Never in a million years did I think anyone would ask me for exercise advice! Paul might agree that it is still too early for that! Ha! But, it was a wonderful feeling, and it only made me more motivated to keep going!

I have lost 41 pounds since January, I still have 35-40 more I want to lose. I can do it!!!

Pray for me today: It is outside day, and I don't know if anyone has checked the weather channel, but it is supposed to be TRIPLE digits. I am going to die!!! Probably a good thing I enjoyed myself this weekend, it might have been my last!

Below are a few pics from the weekend:

My brother, Chad, and me

Ryan and I at the fancy restaurant!

Cap'n Chad

My cousin Kelly and me on the boat

Trucking along...

This week has been good so far! Paul and I had a great workout on Monday....no throwing up. So that was good news. I am working very hard on not throwing up ALL week, it will be a record. I am a little nervous though, because today is outside day...and its 96 degrees! I can do it. I hope I can do it.

I am very excited about this weekend. We are headed down to Sargent, TX for our 1st annual Cousins Weekend! If you know my family...it should be a good time! There will be around 15 of us going....with NO kids! The grandparents have all volunteered! I am looking forward to actually wearing a bathing suit this year, not a tent.
For those who are not familiar with Sargent---
It is a SMALL, Po-dunk town off Matagorda Bay with a population of about 500. Our family owns a bay house on Caney Creek, and we have made many great memories there growing up! Sargent is known for man-eating mosquitoes, gorgeous brown water, and most of the permanent residents don't own a bra. BUT...it is fun!!!
PICTURES TO FOLLOW!!!

Its been a while....

I have to apologize for the lack of blogging. Work has seriously been super ridiculously crazy. AND...I am having trouble thinking of something creative to write about!
But I am getting complaints again from my loyal readers so here ya go: A re-cap of this week!!!
Monday Paul killed me in the gym, I seriously felt like I had never worked out before. It was ridiculous! I struggled through the entire workout...
Paul asked what the deal was? I don't know, maybe I was just tired. I'm not sure!
Tuesday I met Britta at the park at 5:30am for some cardio. It was good. It actually feels SO good in the mornings before the sun comes up.
Yesterday I stayed home from work with Charlie. He was sick, poor baby. We snuggled and cuddled, but by the end of the day I was actually looking forward to getting to the gym for my workout! There is only so much Dora, Diego, Wonder Pets you can take before you feel like you might need someone to talk you off the ledge...
Wednesdays as you know are outside days, which I was a little nervous about considering that it has been SOOOO hot here the last week or two. I was already sweating just getting out of my car which is not a good sign! But something miraculous happened at 5 o clock yesterday, the clouds covered the sun and there was a nice breeze the whole hour we were outside!!! God was looking out for me. I also had a workout partner join me yesterday, which was fun. Karen, the operations manager at the gym, and a very good friend of Paul's decided to join us. Let me just start by saying her entire body is about the size of ONE of my thighs...so I was a little hestitant about running next to her! As everyone knows...I run like a duck. But having her out there was very encouraging and helped me push myself harder so that I didnt look dumb. And by the end of the workout, Karen was gasping for air as much as I was, so that made me feel better too!
AND...Paul told Karen she runs like a gazelle! Random, but funny! And it was nice for him to pick on someone else for a change!!!

Below are few cute pics from the last week of Charlie!!!

Fun in the sprinkler

The house got quiet...I went looking for Charlie and this is what I found. He said...he was stuck!

Driving his big red car

Playing at the park

Feeding the ducks...

Charlie and Poppa hanging out

Charlie on the tractor at Poppa's house

This sweet little guy lives in our backyard, we see him all the time, and daily Charlie screams out the back door "Where are you baby bunny?"

CONGRATS KAT!

Congratulations to my little sister, Katy!!!!
She made Senior Lieutenant Officer, for her dance team next year! This is a big honor and we are all very proud of her.

Positive Thoughts...

I am feeling MUCH better today. I had a great workout with Paul yesterday afternoon and although, I did throw up outside, I felt like we had a productive workout. It was very hot and I think that might have had something to do with it.
I was able to get in another GREAT workout this morning (5:30am) at a park right by my house. I walked a mile, did sets of lunges, squats, high knee skips, and other fun exercises! It was a nice morning and it was a beautiful sunrise.

Positive thoughts:
- I have a great husband and happy, healthy little boy
- I have lost 38 pounds since Jan. 1
- I wore a skirt to my nieces dance recital on Saturday that I haven't fit into since my honeymoon
- I have an AWESOME trainer who will never know how grateful I am
- I have a wonderful support system (MOM!, Family, friends, etc..)

Looking forward to another great workout tomorrow morning and afternoon. I have started back on a great exercise routine this week. I have lost weight, and I feel more organized. I know I can reach my goals by the end of summer!!!

The Climb

I am really, really not trying to be negative...I enjoy writing about positive things and staying upbeat....but I am not feeling super upbeat at the moment.
Yesterday Paul and I worked out, and I felt like we had a great workout, although I threw up at the end.....again. For some reason I am STILL throwing up usually about once a week after a hard gym workout. And I think it is not only frustrating me, its frustrating Paul too. He doesn't understand why I am STILL throwing up after 15 weeks of training. He thinks it's psychological, which is possible, I guess....but made me mad. I don't want to throw up, I don't enjoy it, in fact it I hate it. I just feel like I am letting him down. I need to be getting stronger, lasting longer, doing MORE....not throwing up. Ugh.
I'm just having an overall bad few days. Work has been crazy busy (hince the not blogging!) And I am feeling a bit down. I need to snap out of it. Ryan seems to have a lot going on, golfing, fishing, etc...and maybe I am just feeling over worked and jealous!
I know people are probably reading this and saying...waaawaaa, get over it! Sorry for being so negative and whiny. I promise I will be happier tomorrow :)

I heard this song on my way to work this morning and it made me cry...don't know why I am being so dumb today! But I think it is an awesome song, even if it is by Hannah Montana! (Confession: I did see the movie and loved it!)

"The Climb" (by Miley Cyrus)

I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming but
There's a voice inside my head sayin,
You'll never reach it,
Every step I'm taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing,
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down but
No I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on, cause

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith baby
It's all about
It's all about
The climb
Keep the faith
Keep your faith

Jealous Competitor!

After having training from MaretHouse Fitness, going to Aggieland Fitness Dome is the only place I want to work out. I actually have a membership at Gold's Gym too, I have just never used it...thats what fat people do, they get memberships with good intentions, but don't use them! Ryan goes to Gold's Gym, only because he gets a super cheap rate through his job. So anyway, Ryan walks into Gold's one evening last week wearing a MaretHouse t-shirt(one of mine...yes I used to wear an XL 4 months ago!) and a trainer came up to him and said "That is like wearing a Longhorn t-shirt". Ryan looked down and smiled and said "He trains my wife, and I pay my dues like everyone else here, so I can wear what I want". The trainer rolled his eyes and walked away!

Nice, huh????

Happy Friday!

I'm back in business!
The workouts have been tough this week. Here is a quick re-cap:
Tuesday - HORRIBLE!!! I finished by running (like a duck) to the locker room and throwing up more than I have ever thrown up before. It was bad.
Wednesday - Better...outside day, I worked hard and got in a great workout. We finished up by going inside and doing abs. Paul was in rare form...making lots of motivational comments.
Thursday - I was VERY sore from tues,wed workouts. I was able to get in cardio.
Friday - cardio in the morning and I look forward to a nice, hard workout this afternoon with Paul.

I have tried to get myself organized and back in the "serious" working out mode. I would really like to reach my weight loss goals by the end of the summer. Which I think is doable if I work hard.

I am looking forward to a nice three-day weekend!!!

Blog UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Sorry, I tried to get fancy and download a new design background for my blog....didn't turn out so well. So I tried to go back to my original template...and it erased all of my side pics and font colors and font sizes, etc... :(
I could cry, but I know...its only a blog...and it will be okay! It might take me a few days to get up and running again! NO MORE FANCY BLOG DESIGNS FOR ME!!!!!!!

Fun Weekend....getting back on track!!!

This weekend I decided to throw caution to the wind and eat like a cow and drink like a fish....both, not brilliant on my part. My body is not happy with me at the moment.
I have 40 more pounds to lose...and in Paul's words, I have been mickeymousing around for 2 weeks and I have to get serious again! I have been training hard and eating right, don't get me wrong, I have just slacked off a little since the real "competition" ended. I have only been working out 4-5 times a week...compared to 8-10 times! And as for my diet...I BLEW it this weekend. Although in my defense, it's Paul's fault! Haha! It was his graduation that sent me to alcohol and fried food!!! I know, I know...not his fault...but he did have something to do with it!
What I have to do now is not to dwell on my mistakes...and focus on today. I am determined to be back in gear and in the frame of mind to keep going on this journey.
I am ready.
I work out with Paul today at 5:30...it is going to be tough...but mandatory. The good thing about Paul is he will give it to me straight. He doesn't sugar coat anything or let me off the hook when I start slacking. I just thank God that I won the fitness challenge and still have him around to train me for three more months because I need it! I need the tough love! He and Ryan are good for me.

My goals for this week:
- workout a minimum of 6 times...M,W,F (5:30pm with Paul) and T,W,TH,F (5:00am cardio) and possibly a kickboxing class on Sunday.
- DRINK MORE WATER (I have been slacking big time in this area!)
- Start keeping my food journal again (it really helps and keeps me accountable)

I feel that in the last 2 weeks I have eased out of my strict routine as far as knowing EXACTLY when and what time I am eating/working out/etc..
I think if I get back on my schedule, and feel a bit more organized, it will help. I did step on the scale this morning and I miraculously have not gained any weight. However I did not lose any weight this week either. I am still doing well, my expectations and standards for myself are on a different level than they were 4 months ago! Its a good thing!!! If you don't have high expectations for yourself or set high standards, you will never reach your goals!

More Motivational Moments...

"That is the sorriest excuse for squat jumps I have ever seen"

"You have to grab the weights first, to do the exercise Ashley"

Mother's Day FUN!

Mother's Day was nice and relaxing. I slept in until 9 o clock (when you have a two year old...that feels like NOON!) Charlie woke me up by jumping on me and shouting HAPPY MUDAS DAY!!! Good thing he is so cute, or I might of had to knock him out! After I got up, Ryan took Charlie to deliver a Mothers Day card to his grandmother and I was able to enjoy a shower by myself...without trying to get Charlie out of the bathroom cabinets, or keeping him away from my straightener, or out of my drawers, etc...I was HEAVEN!
My mom, dad, and sister came over. We left the boys watching the game....and us girls enjoyed Pei Wei and pedicures, it was great!

Pedis with my Favs....Katy and Mom!

Katy and I got matching pedis! My feet are the tan ones!

Relay for Life

My workout on Friday ended with me throwing up in the locker room at 6:30pm and I had to be at Relay for Life at 7:00pm!
I signed up to be a part of Relay for Life a few months ago. An email circulated around and I skimmed through it and assumed I was signing up for fun run/walk on a Saturday in May. Well, that was not the case. After our first team meeting a month ago I learned that Relay for Life is an ALL night event, that's right people....ALL NIGHT. 7pm-7am!!!!
I was exhausted coming straight from my workout with Paul on a Friday afternoon after a long work week, but it was an awesome event and I am so glad that I was able to a part of it.
Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. It offers everyone in a community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at a local high school stadium and take turns walking or running around the track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. 7am-7pm! Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people to:

• Celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer. The strength of survivors inspires others to continue to fight.
• Remember loved ones lost to the disease. At Relay, people who have walked alongside people battling cancer can grieve and find healing.
• Fight Back. We Relay because we have been touched by cancer and desperately want to put an end to the disease.

Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a life-changing experience. At Relay, every person in the community has a chance to celebrate, remember, and fight back. And every person who participates joins others around the globe as part of this worldwide movement to end cancer.

I was fortunate enough to be joined by my boss, Dr. Donnelly, who has been battling esophageal cancer for over a year and a half. When he was diagnosed, he was given a 2% chance to live a year. Now, a year and a half later, he continues to fight. I was also joined by my another close friend and co-worker who lost her father last month to cancer. It was an emotional evening, filled with tears and laughter.

I did not last all night, but I walked for hours! It was an incredible event and I plan to participate annually. Below are a few pictures:

Dr. D sporting his Relay for Life Survivor shirt.

The bag we donated in Dr. D's name, honoring him in the Luminaria Ceremony. Hundreds of bags were lit to the sound of bag pipes playing, Amazing Grace.

We had bracelets made for our department and other faculty to wear that read, "Team Donnelly" That is Dr. Donnelly's hand on top.

Friday

Friday workout with Paul was ROUGH. Unfortunately it ended with me sprinting to the locker room....Thanks Bo for cursing me!

Week 13!

Paul and I had a great workout on Monday....just like nothings changed! Except now I think he is even harder on me! Which is a good thing. I have a ways to go to meet my goals and I am so incredibly excited and grateful I have Paul with me for three more months.
I know I have said this a million times but the outpouring of support has just been overwhelming. In 12 weeks I have become a completely different person. I can not describe the feeling of being healthy, the feeling of self worth and accomplishment, the excitement for the future. I had reached a point in my life that I no longer cared about myself. My life felt it really had no purpose other than Charlie. It wasn't fair to my husband, Charlie, other friends and family, and mostly myself. I had reached the point that I did not even want to be seen in public, for fear I might run into someone from my past who would gawk at the fatty I had become. There are no words that can describe the happiness that has entered my life again, the feeling that I can reach any goal I put my mind to. I never thought I would EVER be physically active and I WON THE MARETHOUSE FITNESS CHALLENGE!!!!
I am still floating on Cloud 9....

OK---I am done, sorry for the tangent! My journey is not over, it has only just begun. (OK, now I sound like a self help book, I apologize again!) But its true, this is something I will need to do for the rest of my life to stay healthy and happy. I have embraced that.

If it is OK with everyone, I don't want to stop blogging. It has been so therapeutic and helpful for me! I have come te rely on my loyal blog readers for advice and positive reinforcement!

Motivational Moments from Paul on Monday.....
- "You didn't win this thing by sitting on your butt...."

- "Ashley, how does that weight feel...(Ashley)Good....Good, because the weight doesn't get much lower"

May 2, 2009

I am THRILLED to announce that I won the MaretHouse Fitness Challenge!!!!!

Poor Paul is stuck with me for another 3 months. And I received a free YEAR membership at Aggieland Fitness Dome! I am beyond excited! My dearest competitor and workout partner, Sterling Allen, was awarded 1st place for total weight loss and body comp improvement. Congratulations are in order for him too! Words can not even express how appreciative and grateful I am to Paul and David. They have saved my life.
The support I received absolutely blew me away. Here are a few pictures of graduation and some of the awesome gifts I was given...

Sweet card from my Mom...

WillowTree Angels from my Mom and Charlie

Lean Cuisine Dish Holder from my Mom!!! Is that not the cutest thing?!

Beautiful flowers from Britta along with a massage gift certificate!

Adorable flower plant with ducky (Paul always says/calls me "runs like a duck")
from Paul's Mom, Glenda!

Card from Ken and Nan along with spa gift card!

I also received support from many other people including my aunts, cousins, friends, and other family. It was amazing. I definitetly had the best support group. And I could not have won this challenge without all of the support.

Here are a few pictures from Graduation:

My awesome family (Granny...Father n Law, Ken...sis n law, Stacey...husband, Ryan...brother n law, Paul...stepmom n law, Nan!)


My adorable niece and nephew, Nathan and Natalie

Getting my diploma (Charlie wouldn't leave my side, when family tried to take him he would scream, so he sat in my lap and went up on stage with me!)


Sterling and David


Paul giving his awesome speech!


Paul, me, and Ryan


Group Shot!


Sterling and I showing off our guns (Friday before graduation!)