Happy birthday, little man!

My little man is 8 years old today. Where has the time gone!? We had his birthday party yesterday and we all had a great time. We played games and gave out little trophies as gifts with some candy. Cooked some hot dogs on the grill and ate some yummmmmmy cookie cake. The adults watched some football on the patio and chit chatted while the kids played football. It was fun during the kid games because once the kids had their turns the "big kids" had to have their turns against each other, too.

I asked Shane what he wanted on his cookie this year (he doesn't care for cake so it's always a cookie) and he just randomly said, "Pro football player - Sugar Shane." So, that's what he got! LOL Sugar Shane is the nickname the line coach on Shane's football team has given Shane because "he has some sweet moves." (pronounced shuga) And it's funny because Shane did not like being called Sugar Shane at first. So, I showed him all the famous "sugar"s and how successful they are and well known, etc. Then he began changing his mind . . . and correcting people when they said the "Sugar" part wrong! The pro football player part . . . well, football has really become his passion. An 8 year old can dream can't he?

My dad, bonus mom, little brother and grandmother stayed the night with us last night. My bonus mom was singing at my mom's church this morning. So, we all got up this morning and went to church together. Something really cool happened . . . Shane got a new wallet and some gift cards and some cash for his birthday. So, of course he had to "wear" his wallet and have his stuff inside. He had about $35 cash in his wallet. When it came time for the offering, the pastor was talking about how when you give to the Lord you will be blessed in return, etc. I noticed Shane out of the corner of my eye reach for his wallet. So, I thought he was going give a dollar or two from his birthday money and I thought to myself what a sweet and giving child I have. But, my little man reached in his wallet and without hesitation he chose his highest bill, which was a $10 bill. He set the bill in his lap and put his wallet back in his pocket. All the while, I'm watching him, he's looking at me smiling a very sweet smile. When the offering bag came around he dropped his $10 in the bag. All I could do was sit there and smile back as I felt the tears well up in my eyes. My mom was on the other side of him and she too saw the whole thing and was tearing up. After the offering, we had a 5 minute break and I grabbed Shane and with tears streaming down my face I told him how proud of him I was that he was so unselfish and giving unto the Lord. It's amazing what an 8 year old can do your heart!

So, it's been a great weekend! Shane had a great time with his friends at the party. We enjoyed the fellowship with the adults and watching the kids play . . . and the "big kids" too. We have played with all new things today and today I witnessed the love of the Lord through my son. I couldn't be more proud of him! That's what love is all about!

Love and blessings!

Hold your babies tight!

I put this on Austin's CaringBridge site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/awall today. I thought I would put it here as well for those that aren't linked to the CaringBridge site to see.

When cancer touches your life as closely as it has ours you can't help but always be in prayer for those around you. We hear stories of cancer survivors all the time and though no one person's story is ever less important than another, sometimes one person's story may touch you in a different way. Maybe we can relate to them because they share the same type of cancer or because they are in the same city or whatever the case may be. You just never know why God places that person close to your heart.

Over the last several years, we have followed 4 year old Alexa's story. And though Alexa is now an angel in heaven, I still stay in contact with her mom, Crys, via blogs and email. I fell in love with that little girl and her family and I just can't let go of that bond . . . . or that scrunchy smile!

Then just a few months ago, I somehow ran across Kate's caringbridge site. A 5 year old little girl who is fighting with a brain tumor. Her parents are new to this cancer stuff so they are struggling and learning along with Kate. They also have two other children that they have to share their time with, so it's been a tough journey thus far and it will be a long road ahead.

And this morning, I learned of Laurren (you may have seen her on channel 5 news). A spunky 13 year old who has only been given until about December to live. Her rare form of cancer has just taken over her lungs with tumors and they are actively growing fast. She didn't pray for God to heal her - she prayed that God would give her a positive attitude!

Last night as I was walking to bed, Shane stopped me and put his arms around me and said, "I love you, Momma." I just stood there in that moment. As he was getting in my bed to lay with me for a few minutes to have our nightly chat about the day, he said, "I just love you so much. I don't know what I would do without you and dad." And with tears in my eyes, somehow I managed to get out, "Buddy, I don't know what we would do without you either."

Moments like that make me stop and realize how precious life really is. What a blessing it is to be able to hold my child and hug him whenever I want to, to be able to tell him "I love him" a thousand times a day and to hear him say it back. I can't imagine the pain of having to watch your baby be in so much pain from chemo and radiation and all the drugs and not being able to do anything about it except hold them and just hope. Just hope that those toxic drugs are going to keep them alive. Ironic, I know. But, nor can I imagine the heartache of losing my child.

Please take time today and everyday to hug your babies tight and tell them that you love them. You never know when life will change and you may not be given the opportunity to "rewind." Make each moment last . . . . you never know when it could be your last moment!

Love and blessings!

--Jessica

Pray for our kiddos and their families. They shouldn't have to go through and endure what they go through at such a young age!

Alexa's CaringBridge - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexaaigner

Kate's CaringBridge - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

Laurren's CaringBridge - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/laurrensmith

A side of respect and sincerity, please!

(((SCREAMING))) Oh my goodness! What happened to the days when people were nice to each other and did things sincerely for each other? And thought before they acted or spoke? I mean it's so easy these days to do something wrong and then turn right around and say "I'm sorry." Where has the value and sincerity gone these days? Do we not value the time of our friends and family anymore? Does it not matter that we make decisions, not caring who it inconveniences?

Can you tell I'm a little frustrated here? LOL I just don't understand people who are so willing to change things or make a decision when it will effect a large group of people or your friend or your co-worker or your family . . . . and not be concerned that it could inconvenience people. They are only looking through the peephole and not seeing the whole picture. For the most part, I try to stick with my plans. If I tell you I'm going to be somewhere, if I'm going to meet you, if I'm going to call you, etc. you can usually bet that I will. I'm not one to break my plans with you for better things to do, or because I really don't feel like it, or what ever the case may be. I know what its like to be on the other side and it hurts, it can be an inconvenience not only to you but to other people. People that are unreliable and inconsistent make me crazy! And after a while, you can bet that I will stop helping those type people . . . . or making plans with them.

Or what about the whole Kanye West and Taylor Swift thing? That was a huge moment for her - a dream moment that she will never get back. And even though Beyonce welcomed her back on stage to give her a second chance, you can't do a once in a lifetime - first time excitement moment again. He robbed her of that! How do you just say, "I'm sorry" for ruining that moment? Think about your actions before you ruin some one's moment! Maybe their moment may not be as big as Taylor's, but don't be a Kanye. And when you say you're sorry for something - mean it sincerely.

How about the people that love their jobs? You know the ones - the ones in customer service that treat you - the customer - with a lack of respect. The ones that don' realize we came to them for a service and we have the option not to use them again! Seriously, if ya don't like your job - either make the best of it and be glad you are one of the lucky ones that still has a job or move on and let someone who needs a job have yours. I mean really people is it that hard to smile and be polite and offer assistance!? Everyone in this world cannot be having a bad day, all day, everyday!


(((taking a deep breath))) Ok, I think I feel a little better now. Thank you. :-)


.

Geaner Beaner

Life can be so difficult at times, so unimaginable. My Uncle Gene passed away unexpectedly early last Friday morning from a 4-wheeler accident. He was only 37 years young and he was one of those people that if you met him one time you would never forget him. "Gener Beaner" as we affectionately call him, lived and loved life on the edge because that was the only way he knew how. He was the poster child for ADHD! lol That boy was crazy - he was an adrenaline junky! We all loved Gene and though at times we didn't always know where he was or what he was doing - we know exactly where he's at now. Gene loved his family and his friends with all that he had. His two kiddos were his world. And as mad as he would get at you, he would always come back and tell you that he loved you. Gene fought an addiction for as long as I can remember. He reached out to God many times and he knew when he needed God the most - he knew where to go and didn't want anyone with him. He would say that was his "God time." Just by himself. I even heard of him walking to the church in the rain by himself because he needed God at that very moment in time. And the church was where he felt the closest.

When Austin was diagnosed in January 2003, Uncle Gene was in jail. He was in solitary confinement and he wrote Austin a letter. (Austin received the letter in February 2003.) He had only met and talked with Austin a total of about 2 or 3 times since Austin and I had been together, but obviously Austin made an impact on Gene for some reason or another. Shane, at the time Austin got the letter from Gene, was 17 months old, yet Gene refers to Shane as "the baby" and if it' a boy . . . . and if it's a girl. . . . .Gene had been lost in his own world - in Gene's world - that he didn't realize "the baby" was already born, was a boy, and was 17 months old.

I had forgotten about this letter and pulled it out of the drawer Saturday morning. I sat in the floor while the boys were still sleeping and read the letter and I sat there just sobbing. I had forgotten what that letter said. How unselfish that letter was and how I wish I knew more of that person and that side of Gene. I took it to my Grandma's house and shared the letter with the family and Grandma asked Austin if it was okay if the letter was read at Gene's service. Austin was honored to have it read. I asked Austin if he remembered what the letter had said and he said he did a little, but I knew he really didn't. So, when the letter was being read at the service, it was as if Austin was hearing it for the first time. It was really hard for him and he sobbed hard - harder than I have seen him cry in a long while. I think that letter was good for us. It allowed us to see a side of Gener Beaner that we didn't get to see very often. We saw a side of Gene that loves his family and kids and the Lord! Here is Gene's letter to Austin . . . . it's long but well worth the reading . . . .

Austin,

Hey Bro, I wanted to say congratulations to you and my favorite niece. I am so happy for the two of you. Those babies of mine bring Jess and I such great happiness and joy. Not to mention a few grey hairs. (His wife at the time, now x-wife, is named Jessica) I know yalls will have the same effects. They are a hoot. Not to change the feeling or anything, but our people bring me concerning news about you and your health. I am deeply concerned for not only you, but for Jessica and the baby's well being. I know Jess must be stressing. It's important that she remain calm and have faith. I have extraordinary and positive faith in the Lord above. He has pulled me through situations concerning death more than once. He has also spared my life through faith and faith alone and this is the honest to God truth. Our God is a loving and merciful God. I have prayed in the name of Jesus Christ that some years be subtracted from my life and granted to yours, and I know it's already done, it says it in the word that two or more gathered in his name it shall be done. All through the Bible Jesus healed people. In Luke 18:35-43 read it, the Blind Beggar receives his sight. Jesus said to him, " Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you." I tell you people are healed on faith and faith alone. Do not doubt this, Austin, I have personally experienced the power of faith and prayer. The years that will be subtracted from me and granted to you are very important and precious. They say that a child learns the most in the first 3 years. I want you to have this time to plant the precious seed in your child. You are like the farmer that plants the seed. If his seed fall on good soil, they will grow up and produce a crop 30, 60, or even 100 times more than the farmer planted. It is important for you to plant that seed in the baby. This seed is God's message. The message is planted, the baby hears the message, and finally the baby receives it with joy in time. I tell you it is important from birth till you can't drill it in them anymore. Once that seed is planted, when satan comes to tempt, he can't take the message that was planted in good soil. The roots are to deep. I know it is very important to reproduce, that is our mission here, to reproduce. It is our responsibility to lead our children to the kingdom of heaven. Everything in God's world happen for a reason, nothing happens by mistake. We are all exactly where we are supposed to be at this point in time. God is handling all of our affairs today and he don't need any help. That's why we have faith. Faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain. I have and still do have a habbit of taking things for granted in this ole life I live. So, I haven't really got to spend the quality time with you and the boys together that I would have loved to. But the few times that I have had the priveledge of conversating with you, I thouroughly enjoyed. It is very unusual for someones conversation to keep me interested because most people just bore the hell out of me, with their useless talk. If I'm going to spend my valuable time listening to someone, I had better gain some sort of knowledge. I'm always just waiting for someone to just tell me something I don't know, instead of running over the same old grounds. I remember my conversations with you just like they were yesterday. You kept my attention. One time was at Dention Regional, ICU waiting room after Grandpa D.E.'s quadruple bipass. You, Tim and I were talking about telephone wire in highrise buildings. Also about you installing some at my mothers house. Another time, you and Jess came to see Grandma Wanda. You and I stood in front of the house talking about my truck and motors. Before you left we were talking about you selling your SUV, if I'm not mistaken it was the explorer. It's a shame how people take things for granted. People don't know what they got till it's gone. I unfortunately just happen to be one of those people on a part time basis. Usually at the wrong times. Time definately ain't on my side. I have been sorry for quiet a few things, after it was to late to make them right. Thats why it is so important to do your best and be on your best behaviors at all times. Everything you do and say reflect onto the children and people of the world. It is important that we reflect a positive. I am in a place that permits no freedom or mercy. I don't expect it from man, but I know God is all merciful and will grant my freedom in due time. Right now, I am in solitary confinement, so I can't receive visits. I will have Grandma Wanda contact you when they put me back into population. I have no doubt that the Lord is going to grant you more time than the doctors diagnosed, and that he will permit me to make up lost time with you and Jess. I'm looking forward to seeing you in the near future. No matter what happens, I want to reassure you that baby will never do without or miss out on lifes great adventures and experiences. Remeber this and it will make you smile. Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. If it's a boy no matter how long or short your days on this earth are, he will always be the son of the greatest and very special man that a boy could ever have. If he has at least half of your wisdom and qualities, I'm sure he will be a perfect gentleman. Now if it just by some unheard of odds happens to be a girl, (ha ha), and your wondering what kind of qualities she will have! Every morning when the sun rises, and your eyes open to another glorious day. Look to the side of you at the most charming and beautiful wife that a man could ever ask for, and hey, NUFF SAID. I love and miss yall very, very much. And once again I am so happy and proud of you both. Congratulations on adding another limb to the family tree. My words can express how happy I am for yall. May God bless the three of you.

Love,

Uncle

Gener Beaner

P.S. Austin, Read

Luke 7:1-10

Luke 5:17-26

There are many more, but these are a few that I found for you. Love ya Bro.

Please excuse my penmanship.

I love you too Jess, if you are feeling a little left out. It goes without saying for you, but it's always great to hear.

It's home to me

Isn't our picture cute! LOL That's our "Christmas in July" picture from church last weekend. All this month, we've had a series called At the Movies. And last weekend's movie was Elf. It's really neat because they give out free popcorn to munch on during the movie and then you can purchase drinks and candy too. What really grabbed my attention about last weekend's message was the meaning Pastor Young was bringing to the table along with the movie. We only get to actually watch about 45 minutes or so of the movie, but at moments in the movie Pastor Young breaks in and talks about the movie and what meaning it has. This one was about finding yourself and being true to yourself. It really hit home for me since that was kinda what my last post was about. It was a lot of fun and I can't wait to see what this weekend - the "finale" weekend - holds in store for us! They said it would be EPIC! Hhmmm, I wonder what movie it will be . . . .

It feels good to be back in church. Austin and I are members at Fellowship Grapevine. And we hadn't been in a long while . . . a very, very long while. I love that place. It's home to me. I love getting up and worshipping and singing . . . the feeling that your at a concert . . . it makes me want to sing and praise louder! I understand the messages that are taught because they are taught in a real life way - not preached straight from the bible in an old fashion way. And Shane has no problem walking into his room by himself (not knowing any other kids right now). He tells us all about what they did and how they do stuff in their group. He's really looking forward to going to church camp for the first time next year! It's a comfortable place, a place where you can be yourself. I feel a good, positive spirit when I walk in there. It's peaceful - it's home . . . and it's good to be home.


Until my mind wanders again . . . . .

Love and blessings!

Changes

Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride.

I think that little saying will be my next tattoo. :-) When I think about that phrase, I think about so much, so many things. I think about all the things that have taken place in my life – some have been great and some not so great, some things I will never forget and some things I wish I could. But, I guess it kinda goes along the lines of one of my favorite sayings, “It may not be the journey you had planned, but it was that journey that made you who you are today.”

Over the last couple of months, I have kinda taken a step back from my life. I began watching my life from the outside looking in. I have taken some time out for myself and have taken some much needed “me time.” While the boys have gone to football practice, I have stayed home and soaked up the alone time. I have really just taken some deep breaths and wanted some time to find myself again. I wanted to figure out what and where I want to be in life.

I found myself getting really aggravated at those around me – to the point that I was ready to just “go off” on anyone. And for a while I couldn’t figure it out. I thought maybe they were getting worse in their actions so I was just really seeing it more. I thought everyone around me was going mad, like craziness on a night with a full moon. But, as I began watching from the outside, I realized something . . . it wasn’t them that had changed. It was me – I’m the one that is changing.

I’m finding a new me - not only a new me on the outside but on the inside as well. I have learned a lot about myself over the last couple months. I’ve realized that I’m “growing up.” That doesn’t mean that I don’t want to or can’t go out and have fun. It just means that I’m 30 years old now and my views on life are changing. I find myself pushing away from the negative things in my life. Some of it absolutely breaks my heart, but I just can’t handle it anymore. I’m trying to take more responsibility for my actions and I’m trying to be less controlling. (I know, that one will be a tough one! ha ha) I want to get out more and experience life. I want to take Shane places and do things that he will never forget. He will be 8 in September and now is the time when he starts remembering things for the rest of his life. I want his childhood memories to be filled with love and laughter! I want to go on “first dates” with Austin more often.

Ya know, we only get one life. One chance to live each day - that's it! There is no rewind or do-overs. God blessed me with life for another day and I'm gonna make good use of his blessing. I’m learning how to be a new me and I can see the direction I want to go in. So, I want to be the best me I can be.


Now for the outside me – I’m really gonna have to step it up come Monday. Bubba Tyler has been here with us this week, so the diet has been blown! But, that’s alright I got my cravings out of my mind and now I’m ready to keep rockin’! Everyone says the biggest area they can see the difference is in my face and in my stomach. Woooohhhhooooo!


Until my mind wanders again . . . . .


Love and blessings!



For those of you asking how – you can leave a comment on here by clicking on “comment” below. Select what sign on you would like to use and follow the instructions from there.

1 Month Weight Loss Results

(1st and 3rd are 05/31/09 ----- 2nd and 4th are 06/30/09)

Ok, here I am in all my glory! Just makes me want to lose weight even more when I look at these! YUCK!!! LOL But, ya gotta do what ya gotta do for motivation, right!? I'm relaxed in those pics - no sucking in, no pushing out - nothing. It's kinda weird to see the difference in the pics. And the difference is in some random places. (other than the obvious face, neck and stomach - how about shoulders (front view) and calves and thighs from the side view) Walking does put a little muscle on them calves! :-) Anyways, so, when I weighed in at the doctor on May 29th, I weighed 272. I wished I would haved weighed on Sunday, May 31st, but I didn't. So, my starting weight is 272. Soooooo, total weight lost is . . . . . 7.8 lbs for the month of June! It's a small start, but more importantly it is a start!

As I mentioned in one of the other posts, I had a hard time with the diet in the beginning. And this week is starting to feel like the first week. I'm thinking it had a lot to do too, with the fact of "fixing to start." That's when I'm typically really lethargic, have headaches and my iron drops really low. So, with everything rolled into one - being hypoglaucemic, fixing to start, starting a diet, etc. it was a lot for my body to handle. I'm taking some good vitamins that seem to be helping and I think I've got the blood sugar stuff figured out so hopefully, July will be a great weight loss month!

When I started this I was wearing a size 24w pant/shorts. WOW!! We went shopping last week for a wedding last Friday. Austin was really determined to have me in a dress. So, I looked around and the lady at Lane Bryant had me try on an 18. Pfffttt, yea right! Let's just say I put it on and Austin almost cried. I did cry and had to run back to the dressing room! I was in an 18 dress . . . . and it fit and it looked good . . . . . and the people in the store were telling me it looked AWESOME on me! So, I bought it. However, I wore it around the house Thursday (the wedding was on Friday) to make sure I was going to be comfortable in it. Well, I ended up not wearing the dress. Austin was devestated! I just wasn't comfortable in it. All I saw was huge arms and big boobs. Which brings me to this - everyone kept telling me that my boobs would shrink first - and I call bull crap! they are ALL still there! Though I will say that I have to wear my bra at the next smaller hookings! wwoooohhhoooooo. And that sports bra I'm wearing in the pic up there . . . was so tight that I couldn't even put it on by myself. Austin had to do the hooks in the back for me. And now, I have no problem doing it! Another wooohhhooo!

The doctor said I would notice inches lost before pounds lost and I really notice that a lot. My clothes are much baggier and everyone says they really notice it in my face.

Until my mind wanders again . . . . .

Love and blessings!

.

Angel Day - Alexa Aigner

It’s been 1 year today since 4-year old, Alexa Aigner earned her angel wings. In December of 2005, Alexa was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma. I came to know this little girl through her CaringBridge site in 2007. She was an amazing little girl who never gave up hope, who continued to have a smile on her face and loved her family and friends with all her heart.

Alexa’s mom, Crys, wrote in Alexa’s CaringBridge site almost daily. She was very vivid and detailed in telling us Alexa’s story. And though most who read the entries posted by Crys had never met Alexa or her family, we all felt as though we had known them her whole life. I can remember telling Crys at one time that I felt ‘like I was reading a book that I couldn’t put down, but I had to remember that this was real – this was about a real child with cancer.’ I remember thinking as the time drew nearer for Alexa to go to heaven that I was almost afraid of reading the next entry in the CaringBridge site – the next chapter - for fear that it might one day say “our sweet princess had earned her wings.” And that day did come – June 25th, 2008.

I was one of the lucky ones, Shane and I both were. We got the chance to meet Princess Alexa about two weeks before she passed away. She was in the hospital and wasn’t really feeling well, so we didn’t stay long. She stayed in her bed watching Shane as he played with her toys and drew on her wall in the hospital. She wouldn’t take her eyes off of him. He had his mohawk at that time and she was fascinated by it. Her room was covered in pink things and princess stuff. Shane asked questions about Alexa when we left and as best I could I answered them. Having been through and knowing what he does with his Dad, he understands what goes on and takes the time to process the information.

When the time came, I told Shane that Alexa had passed away. I gave him the option to attend the funeral. His first response was, “I don’t have any dress clothes!” He didn’t even think about it – he was going! At the request of Alexa’s parents, Zack and Crys, all were to wear pink in honor of Princess Alexa. So, we bought Shane a suit with a pink shirt, I wore a pink shirt and Austin wore a pink shirt. Shane even wore a pink ribbon with lace in honor of Alexa on his suit jacket. And his mohawk was spiked just as Alexa would have loved to see! (pic of Shane before Alexa's funeral below)

I have been to many funerals, but that one was different. That was the hardest funeral I have ever attended. Watching as all her little friends walk to the casket to say their “see you laters” to her was just devastating. I keep the little handout from Alexa’s funeral hanging up at my desk. It has my favorite picture on the front (the one above) – her “scrunchy smile”! Shane keeps one hanging in his room, too. Crys did an amazing job at giving her own eulogy or as I had rather say, telling Alexa’s story. She is an amazing woman, Crys is. She has since started the Princess Alexa Foundation, providing seriously ill children with dress up clothes.



The story of this little girl has forever changed me. It has opened my eyes to many things. As a caregiver, Crys has given me so much inspiration and hope. She has shown me that it’s okay to be weak at times even when everyone is expecting you to be strong.

I encourage you to read Alexa’s story by reading the journal entries on her CaringBridge site. You can do that by clicking here . . . http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexaaigner

Visit the Princess Alexa Foundation http://www.princessalexafoundation.org/
Today, on the 1 year anniversary of Alexa's Angel Day - the Princess Alexa Foundation will celebrate the opening of two dress-up closets at Children's Medical Center of Dallas!



Or keep in touch with Crys and her two Zacks http://www.meandmyzacks.blogspot.com/











Love and blessings!

.

The last month . . .

All right, so here is the official first posting. Basically some rambling about what’s been going on with us for the last month, may be a long one. Austin and I started a “diet” on Monday, June 1st. I put it in “ ” because it’s not just a diet for us, it’s a new way of life! It’s a new lifestyle. AND IT’S GREAT! I went to a weight loss doctor in Dallas and am following his plan (diet, exercise and medication). Austin is doing the same, except he’s not on the medication. I had a rough first two weeks trying to balance out my blood sugar levels and having low blood pressure, severe headaches, nausea, fatigue, etc. But, I have that all under control now and am doing great!

The biggest thing the doctor told me is that I have to be patient. I have a long way to go before I reach my goal of fitting back into a size 12. (I started at 22w-24w) And he told me not to weigh myself everyday because I will notice inches lost before I notice weight lost. And let me tell you that is the truth! Love it! Anyways, we feel good, we have good energy, we are conscious about the food we eat and how much we eat too. We hardly ever eat out anymore – maybe once a week – compared to the 5+ times we used to (and that didn’t include lunches). We eat 5 times a day – small portions . . . I feel like I’m constantly eating! We eat anywhere from 1,000 – 1,200 calories per day, walk 5 days a week, but more importantly we support each other. And we have a great support group. My cousin, R.J. and his wife, Shelly, referred me to the weight loss doctor. Since starting in January, R.J. has lost about 60 lbs and Shelly has lost about 35 lbs. I saw the results and I knew that if they could do it so could I! I was determined and I set my mind to it! They encouraged me to see their doctor and I made an appointment that same week – my appointment was on Friday, May 30th – I weighed 272.4 lbs. No need to read it again . . . you read it correctly the first time . . . 272.4 lbs! LOL Austin’s starting weight was 250 lbs. We took before pictures the Sunday before we started and we will take monthly pictures. We weigh ourselves every Sunday morning. So, next Tuesday evening I will post the before pictures and the after pictures . . . our one month progress. And let you know our total weight lost for each of us.

So, thank you, R.J. and Shelly, you both have been great examples and inspirations to us! Your support, encouragement and your friendship has really made a difference and helped us keep going! Thank you a million times – we love ya’ll!

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Shane started football camp June 8th and is loving every minute of it! He is in tackle football this year on the sophomore team. He is hoping to be quarterback again, but may end up as a receiver. The coach is a little worried about him not being able to see over the line to throw the ball. The boys on the line are big! We will just have to wait and see. GO PANTHERS!! SHANE #13!!

He starts 2nd grade in August and is excited about it. He’s getting more into school and wanting to learn more about the extra-curricular activities at school. So, we will be looking more into what and when he can start with that at his school.

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We spent Father’s Day/Bubba’s birthday weekend at my dad’s house – Lake Tawakoni – our “vacation” spot. We had a great time with the family. We spent most of the day Saturday and Sunday at the lake just having fun and enjoying family time. Bubba turned 17 last Monday, the 22nd. Makes me so sad! Where have the years gone!!?? He’s going into his senior year in high school and then he’s off to college. He hasn’t decided which college he wants to attend yet, but he has a lot of possibilities. He made it into Dave Campbell’s Texas High School Football Magazine again – 3rd time! But, this time he is first round pick for 1A class pre-season. A very cool honor! Go Bubba Tyler #73!

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That’s about all I have for now. Until my mind wanders again . . .

Love and blessings!

.

Just Me!

Hello!

Check this out! Isn't it cool? I have my own blog . . . don't really know what I'm doing yet, but I'm learning. Ya know there are so many "sites" out there now - myspace, facebook, etc. that we can keep up with each other on. But, I wanted more. I wanted something I could write on . . . like a journal. I love to write. I love to write about life - just everyday happenings, what I'm feeling or whatever is on my mind. I lay in bed at night and I tell stories to myself and this is my way of sharing them with you. :-) So, here you will get - ME - my feelings, my opinions, my thoughts. I will share with you whatever I am feeling at that moment in time. It is said that writing is a great way to relieve stress and I always feel so good after writing. If you have ever seen me write about Austin and Shane then you know I refer to them as "the boys". . . thus, the blog name . . . . . justme-n-theboys.

So, welcome to my blog - I hope you enjoy reading it!


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