Not the Biggest Losser, but my life is changed for the better!

In Feb. I started the biggest Loser contest with LC's Fitcamp. You can read my post on my first experience with Fitcamp from back in Jan. - http://brandelss.blogspot.com/2010/01/fat-chance-and-fit-camp.html - .
Anywho, today was the last weigh in and I just found out that I didn't win. I was kinda bummed at first, but then I remembered that I have lost -28 lbs. since I started fitcamp, went down a pant size, feel much better, and have met several of the goals I set when I started. I have lost -22.4 lbs, -27.5 inches, -9.81% weight loss since I started Biggest loser... I'm okay with that. I also get one free month of training...whoopee! I still have a long way to go, but I know now that it can be done. It just takes time. I like things fast and now, but I'm trying to remember that lasting weight lost takes time. I want to do this right, and healthy, so I press on - I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength!

Results -
http://lcfitcamp.blogspot.com/2010/06/and-winner-is.html

Thank you Shea for inspiring me and telling me about Fitcamp, and thank you LC for helping me meet those goals and encouraging me along the way! You girls rock!
Congrats Stephanie!

I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength!

Last month John and I were blessed to have our two Nieces - Caitlin and Autumn - come live with us. We both knew that this was best for the girls at the time, and we didn't really think past that. Now that we are one month into this situation, we have decided to go forward with guardianship (It's really the only option at this time). We all have loved having the girls be apart of our every day lives. They have brought a lot of joy into our home. Sure, there are struggles and even some tears at times, but I rest in the fact that "HE" knows. He allowed the girls to come here and He will make all things work out for good (Romans 8:28). I also stand often on the scripture that says "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phil. 4:13. I quote that a lot these days.
I don't know what we would do without our friends and family that have surrounded us with love and support and who are encouraging us w/ cards, baby furniture, letting us barrow their car for a month, painting (that blessed Johns socks off), baby clothes, diapers and best of all...Gods word. Thank you, you know who you are. I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future! That is what gives me peace during the tough times.
Please continue to pray for us and for the girls as we continue to adjust to this new life. Thank you!

Meagy Moo!

 

Photo shop fun!

 

This is my 1st attenpt to photo shop. Dez is so easy cause she is so beautiful. Every picture I took of her turned out great. Can't wait to share my other stuff. Fun! Fun! Fun!

Worship Fest 2

http://www.refugesanger.com/event0410a.html - Refuge youth skit

http://www.refugesanger.com/event0410.html - picture slide show of Worship Fest 2

Glorious Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP7Zpw7Aufs

Waiting on the Lord!

First it was rain, then Fit camp was canceled on March 10 (due to health issues our instructor was having). I kept thinking "keep it together" cause I could feel myself getting discouraged and slowly watching my eating habit going back to my old ways. So after two weeks I joined a gym. I have been going to classes and trying to work out on my own as much as possible. I also started to watch what I was eating closely, but it is so hard to get back on track. Fitcamp will be back in a week and I'm sad that I have not lost much weight since then, but as I sat last night and poured my heart out to my dear Hubby he kept reminding me to keep my eyes on Jesus and to continue to look to him for strength on this journey. He kept saying - wait on the Lord. I was like "what does that have to do with this?" but as I was praying this morning I realized - He was right! In my devotion this morning I read this: Have you stopped praying about something cause you've grown tired of waiting on God. I knew right then that I had stopped praying about this journey and just started trying to do it on my own. I mean sure, I can work hard and get results, but I don't ever want to do anything with out the Lord, without His strength. So today I hold on to the scripture that says: But they that renew their strength ; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and faint" Isaiah 40:31 I want to choose to do it His way and not my own. So I will press on, try my hardest and trust Him to answer my prayer - in His timing!
Lord, help me to trust you with my weight. Help me to make better choices, and please help me to always take everything in my life to you in prayer. Amen!

Vacation Pictures!

Our Madi girl - Pretty in purple!

I love this man!!! Not sure if he is deep in thought or frowning at the fact that I was taking so many pictures of him.

Jacob - collector of many things

They love the beach!

Did I mention how much I love this man!?

Trenton feel asleep with Jake's hat on...too cute!

Vacation in Carp.

Pictures of Sarlet (or Charlotte as we know her. LOL!)

Uncle John - loven him some Char Char time!
There are no words to describe how much I loved being with my nieces. The kids had a blast at the park...and then it rained :(

Trenton and Aya are two peas in a pod.

They had so much fun together.
It was so windy that it was hard to get a good picture
Saying goodbye is never fun. We made it short and sweet. Can't wait till we get to be together again. The sooner the better!

The kids did so good for being cramped in the backseat for so long. Good times!

Goal 2...accomplished!

For the last week my pants have been filling pretty loose, but I wasn't convinced yet that I was down a size. Then I begin to get a little more confident after my last work out. I had to change my work out pants 2x's because both pairs were too lose. They were literally falling off me when I was working out (Oh my!). So today I decided to try on a pair of pants that were a size smaller ....They fit!!! and I didn't have to wrestle with them to get them on....LOVE IT!!!! Goal 2 - ACCOMPLISHED!

This week I had to work out on my own (do to the rain). I realized I am not nearly as motivated on my own, but I made myself get up and grove (yay for Turbo Jam!). That is why I was surprised that my pants were so loose. I am really looking forward to getting back to FC! I just know next week will be even better. Turbo Jam is cool, but FC Rocks!!

Next goal....???... not sure yet. When I decide I will post it. Please continue to pray for me. There are many days when I just want to give up, but I know that isn't Gods best for me, so I press on!