Timing

2 weeks ago ... our lives CRASHED

more details to come ... 
but Papa is no longer ministering on the island

we have no job, nor savings acct.

our hopes and dreams have disappeared

we are clinging to our faith and our family,
as that is all we seem to have right now

yesterday ... we decided to take our house off of the market,
with no idea where we would move if it did sell

last night ... a realtor called,
wanting to show the house today

i was gone for 10 hours on Tues.
(running errands, etc...)

i was gone for 10 hours yesterday
(picking up the newlyweds in Seattle)

today ...

... i woke up at 7:30

... i got up at 8:30

... i went back to bed at 9:30

... i got up again at 10:30

it is now almost 11:30

the realtor is coming in an hour

i hardly have the energy to put one foot in front of the other,
much less to clean the house and get it "realtor ready"

today ... i needed to spend the day getting ready for sunday

tomorrow ... i need to spend the day baking

sunday ... we will be hosting a wedding reception
for the newlyweds

we are expecting 100+ friends and family,
many from out-of-town

please continue to pray for mama ...

i need God's perfect peace,
and strength to make it through each day ...

A Pile of Coals

Crisis:  a time of intense difficulty, 
              trouble, or danger


"Go Through" Fire:  face any peril


Perils: the dangers or difficulties that arise 
            from a particular situation


Coals:  a red hot piece of coal 
              or other material in a fire


The Big D. Family is in crisis mode ... 
once again.


We have been walking through one hot fire after another ... 
since June 2007.


There is great peril to face in this current crisis ...
as there has been in every fire we've walked through ... 
for the past 3 1/2 years.


I feel like we are just a pile of coal ... 
at the bottom of all of the fires.  
Except ... 
our coals are not red hot any longer.  
There is not even a spark left in them.
We are burned up and burned out,
wondering if there is enough life left in us,
to get through the current fire.


Mama would certainly appreciate your prayers.

All I Wanted for Christmas is SLEEP ...

We arrived home from Texas on Thursday night, the 23rd.

We went to a Christmas Eve service with the family on the 24th.  (This was only the 4th time we had worshipped with Papa since the beginning of April.  Oh how we have missed Papa for the past 8 months!)

We spent Christmas Afternoon at a friend's house.  (They saw us at the Christmas Eve service and asked us what our plans were for the next day.  When we told them we had no plans ... no turkey ... no presents ... no Christmas tree ... they sweetly offered to share their Christmas meal with our family.)

Then ... Papa and I headed out to the island on the last ferry on Christmas night.  A sweet couple let us use their cabin for the weekend, so that Mama could attend church with Papa on Sunday the 26th.

After church, we spent the next 8 hours visiting with members of the congregation ... going from home to home of those who invited us.  It was good to be with them, as it has been 3 months since I was on the island with Papa.

We caught the last ferry off the island last night, arriving home at 10:30 pm.

Today ... all I have wanted to do is SLEEP.  Mama is EXHAUSTED.

This is only my 12th day at home since November 13th
(that was 45 days ago, if you're wondering).


While I was BLESSED to be able to take a trip to CA
to move Ashleigh up here ...

and our time in OR for Thanksgiving was AMAZING ...

and my trip to MN with Cassie was Oh So Good ...

and the wedding in TX, FANTABULOUS
(yes, I know it's not a real word, but my kids taught it to me) ...


Mama is ready to be home ...

ready to sleep in my own bed ...

ready to NOT get into the van for a few months ...


YES, it is GOOD to be home.

Woo Hoo! The Pounds Are Dropping!

An Update on the Takin' Care of Mama Challenge (see archives for more details):




After 2 weeks on the road, I was kind of nervous about getting on the scale.  In the past 2 weeks, we ate "Road Trippin' Food", Uncle D's Jambalaya, a Christmas Brunch, a Rehearsal Dinner, an amazing Wedding Buffet, and a delicious lunch at a Cajun Seafood Restaurant ... none of which offered the ideal diet foods.


I haven't exercised in 2 weeks (except for walking at the zoo).  I haven't written in my food diary the past 10 days.  I haven't looked up calories in my go-everwhere calorie book.  But, I have been very careful about what I eat.


While this week I haven't eaten much, I was actually concerned that the lack of calories would put my body in "starvation mode" again ... especially since I had hit a plateau for the past 6 weeks or more.


But ... surprise of all surprises ... when I got on the scale this morning I discovered that I have lost 11 pounds in the past 14 days.  Yippee!  I got on the scale 3 times, to make sure it was accurate.


I weigh less than I have in over 12 years.  You can bet that I am motivated to not eat a big Christmas dinner.  Oh no!  I'll have a bite or two of my favorite foods, but I am not going to sabatoge all of the hard work that I've put in in the past 4 months.  


In 4 months, I have lost 31 pound.  Thank You Jesus, for giving me the power to overcome my weight issues.  I've still got a lot left to lose, but I KNOW that I can do it ... with the Lord's help, and with the support of my sweet Bloggy Friends.  If I have lost 31 pounds in 4 months, do you think I can lose another 70 in the next 8 months?  That's what I'm shootin' for.


How are all of you doing on your Takin' Care of Mama Challenges???  I'd love to hear of your joys and challenges.  Let me know how I can pray for YOU.

A Trip to the Houston Zoo

We had a fun afternoon at the zoo last Thursday.

Ashleigh's mom thought it would be a fun activity

for our family to get to know Ashleigh's family.

We were able to use our reciprocal zoo membership,

from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.

The Houston Zoo is in a beautiful setting,

right in the midst of a bustling downtown area.

The Gopher Exhibit,
where you can pop out of your own Gopher Hole.

Josiah took advantage of every Photo Op.

A very fun drinking fountain.

Watching the Monkeys.

I'm glad it was a quiet winter day at the zoo.

We kind of take over every exhibit that we visit.

(Yes.  This is all Our Family.)

A quick Group Shot before the young ladies headed off

for manicures and pedicures with the Bride-to-be.

Ashleigh's mom is on the right.

Ashleigh's nephew is hiding under his little blanket

(in front of his grandma).

This was the PERFECT activity for Hannah's First Road Trip.

(In know it's hard to keep all of our names straight,

but Hannah is Josh's Fiancee ... just in case you forgot.)

This was Hannah's very first visit to a zoo.  Yippee!  What fun!

Mother of the Groom

These pics are just-out-of-the camera, unedited pics taken by Ben.  We were posing for Cassie (thus not looking at Ben's camera).  But, Cassie will not be back to her computer in Minnesota, for editing, for another 10 days or so, as she is in Colorado with Dean's family for Christmas.  So, you will just have to wait for the Professional Wedding Photos.


Since so many of you commented on my outfit in the Proud Parents picture, I thought I'd show you the rest of the Mother of the Groom attire.  My skirt was just-above-the-ankle length, complimented by black pumps.

The up-do for the hair was done by Cassie.  (Yes, she is not only an amazing photographer, but a wonderful hairstylist, as well.)  I got my hair done a couple of weeks ago by my stylist at home ... had my stylist take pics with my camera ... showed Cassie the pics ... and she created this style in less than 30 minutes.  I LOVED it!  

(Pics taken before my quarterly cut & color.) 

When I was in high school, my friends would all get fancy hairstyles for all of the dances and proms, but I could never afford to go to a stylist.  So, at almost 49 years old, this was Mama's very first "up-do".  It was ... Oh. So. Fun. ... to feel just a little bit stylish for the day.  (Just ignore the pool slide growing out of my head.)

Thank you for all of the compliments!  You have no idea how they made my day.  It has been many years since Mama felt anything close to beautiful.  And, while I did not lose anywhere near the weight that I had hoped to lose before the wedding, I did feel beautiful on the day of the wedding.  I did not feel that my husband nor my children were embarrassed of their wife/mother on such a special family day.  (That was truly my fear, last summer, when I began my Takin' Care of Mama Challenge.)


I have to admit, though, that when I saw the pictures, I was crushed.  All I can still see is "fat mama" ... except for the beautiful outfit and the Cassie-created Up-Do.  (Sorry for the gut-truth honesty, but that's what the Takin' Care of Mama Challenge is all about.)  I have not lost hope, though.  I am continuing to focus on eating healthy.  I am excited to get back to my treadmill.  I actually think that I have lost more weight the past 2 weeks as we have traveled and been in TX.  And ... I have 6 months before I need to buy another Mother of the Groom dress.  I hope to buy it many sizes smaller than this one.

Christmas Brunch

In the midst of the CRAZINESS of our pre-wedding week, we were able to pull the kids together for a Christmas Brunch on Friday morning ... since most of them will not be home for Christmas this year.

When it was time to set the tables for brunch, we were actually shocked to see how our family has grown.  There were 20 of us for brunch, not including the aunt and uncle who's home we were staying at (who we did invite to join us).

Papa & Mama = 2

Young Ones = 6

Big Kids = 5 (missing Carissa in Argentina)

Fiancees = 2

Girlfriend = 1

Boyfriends = 0 (missing Dean, who arrived Saturday,
                         and missing Marcelo in Argentina)

Adopted Big Kids = 4  (So FUN to have them all in TX with us!)

Yes, we had a "sit-down" brunch for 22 of us.

We were BLESSED that our aunt and uncle

opened their beautiful home to us this past week.

Ashleigh & Jeremiah

Hannah & Josh

Gregg & Ashley

Hosanna Joy

When did our "Little Princess" grow up?

Cassie, Josiah, and Sarah

We had a WONDERFUL morning of

Family, Food, Fun, and Fellowship!

Introducing ... The New & Improved ... BIG D. Family

What could be better than adding a

Daughter-In-Love

to our big, crazy, Greek family?

Oh how Mama wishes that Carissa 

could have joined us from Argentina.

Nothing makes Mama happier than being

surrounded by the whole crazy clan.

(Pic taken by Adopted Big Kid Jared.)

The Best Man

Big Brother  /  Best Man

Mama LOVES this photo of Gregg,

making a toast at the reception.

(Pic taken by Big Sister Cassie.)

Papa & Mama ... Proud Parents

Picture by

Little Brother Ben

of

Benjamin's Photography

Everyone is Heading Home

Jeremiah & Ashleigh are off on their Honeymoon.

The Big Kids have Flown Home.

We have Loaded the Van.

We are Ready for 4 Days in the Car.

We have 2800 Miles To Go.

We are Loadin' Up & Headin' Out.

If you are driving on I-10

in Texas, New Mexico, or Arizona,

 on Monday or Tuesday ...

or I-5 in California, Oregon, or Washington,

on Wednesday or Thursday,

keep your eyes out for the Big Red Van.

(We've got the Family Stickers on the back windows.)

Honk & Wave if you see us.

Beautiful Wedding Pictures

Pictures by ... 

Big Sister Cassie

of

Kekasmai Images

Mr. & Mrs. Jeremiah D.

December 18, 2010

Wedding Bells will be Ringing

Crazy Week

Camera Fail

Lots of Fun

Off to a Wedding we go ......

Stay Tuned for pics and stories.

We CONQUERED the Highways Today!

Up at 5:30 a.m.

On the road by 6:30.

Breakfast at a gas station at 8:30.

Lunch on the road at 1:30.

More Christmas Music and Yahtzee and
a book on tape, "The Tale of Despereaux".

Arrived at Bridget's house at 7:30 pm.

We made it 750 miles down the highway,
in only 13 hours.  Woo Hoo!!!

We arrived at Bridget's house to
Big Hugs and Pizza.  What a welcome!

Our kids were soooo... glad to be out of the van;
and Bridget's kids were sooo... excited to have friends over.

After a couple hours of hard play time,
I think the kids will all sleep well tonight.

And so will Papa and Mama.

A GREAT Day!

Papa and Mama are "On the Road Again"  ...  which seems to be a MAJOR theme of 2010.

I am so BLESSED to have Papa with me on this trip.  He wasn't planning to drive with us.  I was planning to be the only driver for this 6,000 mile trip.  Papa had even bought his plane ticket to Houston.  But, a couple of weeks ago, several couples from the Little Church on the Island found out the plans, and they INSISTED that Papa be with his family for the Road Trip.  Papa didn't want to take the time off of work, but these sweet couples said, "We're big kids.  We can take care of ourselves."  THANK YOU ... to the wonderful congregation that has allowed Papa to be with his family this week.

The one slight frustration of this new plan, was that we would be throwing away a $270 plane ticket.  But, the Lord came through with us on that one, too.  One of Jeremiah's friends had not yet purchased his ticket, and we were able to pay a change fee and have the ticket re-issued to the friend.  So, we were able to sell the ticket.  Thank You, Jesus!  He is Our Provider!

It was AMAZING how easy 550 miles was ... with 2 drivers.  We cruised down to Medford, OR in just under 10 hours, with only 3 quick potty stops.  We listened to Christmas music.  We played Yahtzee.  We visited.  We napped.  We ate Bagels & Cream Cheese for lunch.

We are staying at the home of sweet friends ... while they are out of town.  THANK YOU ... sweet friends; I hope you are enjoying your cruise.  We stopped at a grocery store to buy things for dinner and breakfast, and then came and made ourselves at home.

After putting the Young Ones to bed, Papa and I played a fun card game of Hand & Foot with Ben, Hosanna, Josh, and Hannah (Josh's fiancee).   It is sooo ... fun having Josh & Hannah with us.  We drove further today than Hannah has ever driven in a car.  She thought 550 miles was far ... just wait until she experiences the 750 miles of tomorrow.


Side note:  While we are supposed to play 6-man Hand & Foot with 6 decks of cards, the kids thought it would be fun to play with 8 decks.  Then, when we sorted the cards after the game, we discovered we were playing with 9 decks.  Then ... we discovered that we weren't really playing with 9 decks, we were playing with about 12 incomplete decks.  Oh my!  Too funny!  It looks like our cards got messed up after our big Hand & Foot Tournament on Thanksgiving.

We also lined up another friend's house to stay at on this trip.  So, while we had planned (and budgeted $750 before the unexpected van repairs) for 6 nights at hotels, it looks like we will only have 1 night at a hotel on our way to Houston, and 1 night on our way home.  Thank You, Jesus!  Do any of you live between El Paso and Fort Stockton, TX?  We'd love to invade your home.  All we need is a floor to throw our sleeping bags on.

Side note:  Elijah came downstairs awhile after he'd been sent to bed this evening, and said he couldn't sleep well because he wasn't "used to sleeping on the floor".  I told him he had better get used to it ... because he won't be seeing a bed for the next 2 weeks.  Obviously ... no one has 10 extra beds at their house.  Floors and couches work GREAT for the Big D. Family.

We will be getting up quite early tomorrow, so that we can get back on the road.  We are so excited to visit Bridget and Her FUN Family in Southern California.  Yippee!  Here we come!  I hope her family is ready for the CRAZY Big D. Family to invade their home.  We have wanted to visit for awhile, but we wouldn't all fit in the motor home that they lived in last year.  But, now that they have a house again, we are ready to PARTY with their SUPER FUN family.

I hope that you all have a BLESSED weekend!!!

Mama D. ... Melancholy?

No ... 


it's not very often that Mama gets melancholy.




But ... 


it just doesn't seem like Christmas this year.




We don't have a Christmas tree ...
and Mama LOVES her Christmas trees.




We only have a few decorations up.
Thanks, Lindsey, for setting up
Mama's Christmas Village while I was gone.




Mama hasn't been able to even buy Christmas
presents for the kids this year, besides the
pajamas they will open on Christmas Eve.




Papa won't be home for Christmas.




Gregg, Cassie, Jeremiah, and Carissa
won't be home for Christmas.




It will be a VERY quiet Christmas at
the Big D. house this year.




I hope that it SNOWS, so that the kids
will have something fun and exciting to do.




Don't get me wrong ...
Mama is NOT depressed ...
it just doesn't seem like Christmas this year.




Mama is EXCITED for the wedding in Texas.




Mama is looking forward to this upcoming
Road Trip, and is excited that Josh & Hannah
will be Road Tripping with us.




Mama is looking forward to the Wedding Reception
that we will be hosting ... even if it won't be all that
she had hoped and planned for, as far as decorations
and such.




God is GOOD.




God is FAITHFUL.




God will PROVIDE.




And ... 




We will still celebrate the Birth of Christ,
even if it doesn't "look" like is usually does.




I'm really not wanting to complain,
but wanting to share my heart,
with all of you sweet Bloggy Friends.


It's been a TOUGH year,
and Mama is ready for a "new season" ... 


...  a season of joy and love


...  a season of smiles and laughter


...  a season of less heartache and pain


...  a season of less financial stress




We are praying that the New Year brings
a new season for the Big D Family.

My Amazing Man

Just time for a quick note to share what Papa did yesterday ...

First of all, Papa got up at 4:20 am to drive Jeremiah 100+ miles to the airport, so that he could fly to TX for some wedding prep.

When  I got in the car to drive to Bible Study at 8:30, I saw that my "empty gas tank" light was on.  I didn't  have time to go to the gas station, so I called Papa to see "when exactly?" the light went on (as he had been driving my car).  Papa said that it hadn't been on long last night, so I figured I could make it the 12 miles to Bible Study, and fill up afterwards.  No problem.  I wasn't worried.

When I came out of Bible Study at 11:15, I saw a note tucked in my car door.  Papa said, "Call me before you leave."  He should have been home in bed, after not much sleep last night.

When I called, Papa said, "I am parked down the street, so that I can follow you to the gas station, to make sure you don't run out of gas."  Oh my!  Too sweet!

Papa had wanted to take my car to fill it up, but he didn't have my car key.  So, he sat in a drugstore parking lot for over an hour, waiting for me to get out of Bible Study.

Is that SWEET, or what ?!?!?!

Thank You, Jesus ... for giving me such an AMAZING man to walk through life with!!!

God is Faithful!

Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement today.

Last night, we were offered another place to stay on our trip.  One less night in a hotel is a HUGE blessing!

First thing this morning, I got a note from one of you saying that your child had awoken at 4:00 am, and that you had felt strongly that you needed to pray for someone.  When you opened your computer, the Lord directed you to read my blog, and you lifted me up in prayer.  Oh my!  I was so BLESSED by this note, and the knowledge that the Lord is specifically leading others to pray for us.  Thank you!

While at Bible Study this morning, one of our questions was about the verse that says, "Be thankful in everything.  With thanksgiving, in prayer and supplication, bring your requests to the Lord."  (Mama's version ... no time to find my Bible to look it up.)

After Bible Study, I came home to discover that "someone" had dropped off 2 bags FULL of snacks for our Road Trip.  Hosanna said it happened so quickly that she didn't think to ask the woman's name.  I am suspecting that it was one of YOU ... my sweet Bloggy Readers.  So, THANK YOU for the unexpected and much appreciated gift!!!

We are praising the Lord that our van is fixed ... and ready to take us on another 6,000 mile Road Trip.  It did cost us $1650, but we are thankful that we had money in the bank to pay for it.  And, we are soooo... very thankful that it didn't break down halfway to Houston.  It was truly God's provision that He led me to phone our mechanic and ask, "Is there anything we need done on the van before taking another trip?"    Now, we will wait expectantly for the Lord to provide for the rest of the trip expenses and the Wedding Reception in a few weeks.

Truly ... we are thanking and praising the Lord for ALL that He has done for us; and we are looking ahead with great expectation of the miracles to come.  Sometimes, we need to be totally at the end of our own resources, before He steps in to work His miracles.  We lived for many years without a savings account, and we watched God provide.  Now, our savings is almost gone, and we are excited to be in the midst of the FAITH walk that He has us on.

Thank you for your continued prayers!!!

In Need of a Miracle or Two

Oh my!  


What a week!

I came home from Minnesota on Saturday evening, with 5 days to get ready for our Road Trip to Texas.  (At this time, I had only been home 5 days since November 13th.)   And ... things have gone AMAZINGLY well, other than ... a few ... unexpected ... hiccups in our plans.

First, in the midst of the crazy busyness, the Lord has given me peace and strength to focus on "the next thing" ... and my to-do lists are getting shorter.

I have also been able to focus on other priorities,
in addition to the to-do list.

#1  I have watched my eating ...
      and lost 3 pounds since Sunday morning.

#2  I walked on the treadmill both Monday and Tuesday ...
      but couldn't this morning due to a power outage.

#3  While my to-do list included getting a haircut ...
      I had 3 wonderful and peaceful hours visiting
      with my dear friend the hairstylist.
      (We also got to experiment with 
        Mother-of-the-Groom Hairstyles.)

#4  Our sweet "Adopted Grandparents" phoned yesterday,
      wondering if we were free for dinner.  I could have easily
      explained our busyness; but, since dear friends are a
      priority we made the time, and had a WONDERFUL
      evening.  We NEVER could have planned this a month
      ago; but at the last minute, Jeremiah, Lindsey, and Josh
      were all able to join us.


So, while our THINGS TO DO lists are CRAZY, the Lord
has given us time for friends, exercise, good nutrition choices,
etc... in the midst of the daily chaos.


However ... now for the HICCUPS  ...
and NEED FOR PRAYER ...


I was planning to get an oil change on our van before the trip.
Budget:  $35

Yesterday ... our mechanic informed us that we were also
past due for a tune-up, and we might need our transmission
fluid replaced.
Added Expense:  $500 - $850

Today ... we were informed that our brakes were nearly
"metal on metal", and that we needed new rotors and
ball joints.
Added Expense:  $1,000


Here's where the need for a miracle comes in ...

We are in great need of financial provision.

Our bank account does not have sufficient funds for all
of the car repairs, plus the trip to Texas, plus the
Wedding Reception that we are hosting just after Christmas.

We do not use credit cards.
So ... we are TRUSTING the LORD to show us what to do.

When I got the call from the mechanic today, I was just about
to order pretty table cloths and napkins for the Wedding
Reception.  But ... I guess we'll stick with the white linens
provided by the reception hall.

While we were planning to eat 1 meal per day at a fast food
restaurant on this Road Trip ... I guess we'll just be eating
bagels and cream cheese 2 meals per day, instead.

We cannot stay at Motel 6 on this road trip, because they won't
allow 5 per room (we have 5 boys and 5 girls on this road trip)
... we are praying that the Lord will show us where to stay.
We do not usually stay at hotels, but we just can't tent camp
in the winter.

Please pray ...

1.  That our van will be fixed by tomorrow.
    We are supposed to leave for TX early Friday morning.

2.  That the expenses would somehow not be as expensive
     as estimated.

3.  That the Lord would provide inexpensive housing for our trip
     to the wedding.  (This is NOT an "optional" trip, we REALLY
     do NEED to be at our Son's Wedding.)

4.  That the Lord would show us how to keep food costs
     as low as possible, while traveling.

5.  That the Lord would provide for us financially, as things have
     been very "tight" with the salary from our small church.
     (Jim's painting business was very slow this past summer.)

6.  That the Lord would provide financially for ...

     ...  the unexpected van expenses.

    ...  the Road Trip to TX for the wedding.
  
    ...  the Wedding Reception here in WA.

7.  That the stress from the added financial burden wouldn't
     paralyze me, as I need to continue on with my to-do lists.


Thanks for your prayers!!!

We KNOW that Our God is a God of Miracles!!!


Just in case you wonder ... our mechanics are WONDERFUL, Christian, trustworthy businessmen ... who have taken care of all of our cars for 10+ years.  We FULLY trust them, and are so thankful that we had all of this work done BEFORE the trip.  Can you imagine if we had a major breakdown 1/2 way to Texas?!?!  Oh my!  That would have been HORRIBLE!

The Snowball Fight

After our hike at Silver Falls State Park last week, 

the kids had a snowball fight.

Within mere minutes,

the family went from "sweet & innocent",

to "fierce & competitive".

(Do any of your families transform like that?)

The "Sweet & Innocent" Big D. Family

The Snowball Fight

Hannah, Rachel, & Josiah

Joshua ... Fighting Back After an Ambush

Gathering Ammunition

Run, Josh, Run!

Dean ... the Initiator of the Ambush on Josh

Ben Loves a Good Fight 

(snowball fight, that is)

The Gang

After the Fight ...

Sweet & Innocent Again ...

Cassie & Hosanna

Rachel

(looks like she might be a bit grumpy after the fight)

Hannah & Josh ...

Oh So Cute!!!

We were BLESSED by our time at the

Christian Renewal Center for Thanksgiving.

It was so FUN to have Dean, Ashleigh, & Hannah with us.

I LOVE this stage of Young Love for my Big Kids!!!

No More Huffin' and Puffin'

I think it's time for an update on the Takin' Care of Mama Challenge ...


When we were at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon last week, we hiked down to the South Falls.  (See THIS POST for amazing pictures of the icicles.)


For the past "way too many" years, this hike down to the falls and back has been a challenge for Mama.  I have had to take several breaks on the hike back up the hill; and I have been huffing and puffing the whole way.


Last summer, I actually looked down the hill and told Papa, "I think I'll stay at the top this time.  You and the kids can do the hike."  Oh how it broke my heart to realize how out of shape I was ... it was definitely a wake-up call.


This time, I looked down the hill, thought about copping out, and then thought, "No.  I can do this.  I need to see if I am in better shape than last summer."  Down the hill I headed ...


When I neared the bottom, Papa told me that he wasn't going to let the Young Ones go any further, because of the ice.  It was too dangerous for them.  I automatically thought, "Okay.  I'll stay with the kids."  But, as the Big Kids went on ahead, and I watched them having fun with Papa, I thought, "I want to be there.  I want to go down on the ice covered walkways."  Thankfully, Lindsey came back up to watch the kids and asked if I wanted to go down.  Off I headed.


Now, not only was I usually so out of shape that it made the hike hard, but I was also not as steady on my feet when carrying the extra pounds around.  In the past, I wouldn't have been confident enough to hold onto the icy railing and allow my feet to slide down the icy path.  This time, however, I allowed myself to take the risk.  You cannot imagine the joy it brought me ... to be with Papa and the big kids ... to go down the icy path, knowing that I was strong enough to pull myself back up ... to feel confident with my balance on the ice.  It was a HUGE step for Mama.


Now, I really didn't expect to hike back up the hill without stopping.  Actually, that didn't even cross my mind.  I was just glad to be hiking with the family.  I was wearing heavy layers and a bulky coat ... I was wearing heavy winter snow boots (not hiking boots) ... so, I was just glad to have made it down the hill and across the ice.


Then, I started hiking back up.  At the midway point, I thought about stopping (just because that's what I've done for so many years), but realized that I wasn't huffing or puffing, so I kept on going.  Not only did I make it to the top without stopping, but when I got to the top I just took a couple of deep breaths and was able to converse normally and walk back to the parking lot.  Oh my!  Unless you have ever been severely overweight, you have no idea what absolute JOY that brought to my heart.  I was PRAISING JESUS!!!


Along with being in better shape, I don't believe I've gained weight in the past couple of weeks, despite the 3 Road Trips and holiday meals.  I was pleasantly surprised when I stepped on a scale at Josh' house last Monday (after not weighing myself for a week).  And, I actually had FUN shopping for my Mother of the Groom Dress.  I felt GOOD when I put it on.  This was HUGE for me, since clothes shopping has been quite a traumatic event for far too many years.


Now, I still have a LOT to lose.  But, I can't WAIT to go shopping next summer for a new dress to wear as Mother of the Groom for Josh & Hannah's wedding in July ... and, another wedding or two that I expect to be taking place this coming year, as well.  Right before I got pregnant with Josh, I got cancer of the thyroid ... and gained 40 pounds in 4 months.  That was the beginning of 20 years of struggling with my weight.  It would be absolutely AMAZING if I could attend his wedding, weighing less than I did when I got pregnant with him.  That is my new goal .....


How are all of you doing on your Takin' Care of Mama Goals ?  I'd love to hear ...




Update:  I just got on my scale for the first time in 2 weeks, and I only gained 2.0 pounds.  I ate holiday food and "camp food" for 6 days.  (We attend a Christian Family  Camp in Oregon for Thanksgiving every year.)  Then, I ate hotel and restaurant food for 6 days, on my trip to Minnesota.  I haven't had "Mama's Food" for 12 days, so I am very pleased to have only gained 2 pounds.  Now, I have 2 weeks until the wedding, and would LOVE to lose another 4-6 pounds.   I am excited to be able to eat right and exercise again, after 2 weeks on the road.