a step closer to an eagle...

My 16 year old discovered scouting about two and a half years ago... he loves it. He has earned merit badges galore. He has been on almost every single hiking trip possible. He would sleep in a tent or a hammock every night if we would allow it. He has ridden over 300 miles on his bike since joining scouts. He just finished hiking 92 miles while carrying over 40 pounds on his back across New Mexico. He can pack a bag in a seconds notice. He is happy to start a fire or whittle a "sword" for his brother. He is the pure definition of an "outdoors man"...

 

Now it is time for the boy scout to become an Eagle Scout... this past Saturday, Alex completed his Eagle Project... he had over 35 guys and dads come out to help him work on our church/preschool playground.... they removed a couple dead trees, removed a slide that was not in a safe position and then re-installed it to a better location, and then they laid new mulch in low areas making the slides and swings a safer place to play.

 

It was a full day of work from 7:30am-4pm. Alex was tired... but not just because he had to work. Alex had to lead. He had to communicate his wishes and plan to the guys and instruct them on how to complete the project. He was equipped with a list of jobs, ideas to keep guys moving, and encouraging words to use.

 

He did a great job. Not only because the playground looks amazing, but also because he did it... Alex does not enjoy telling people what to do and trying to communicate with large groups of people... but he did it with a smile and a lot of success.

 

there is power in prayer!

 

Now, he must get 5 letters of recommendation, write a paper about his life goals, and then sit in front of an eagle board of review... just a few more steps, and he will achieve EAGLE SCOUT...

 

I am such a proud mama!

 

they put mulch and mats under the swings

they added mulch to the sandbox for "construction" play

 

mulch around steps making it easier to climb up for the kids (cub scouts helped too!)

 

had to dig out the slide from 3+ feet of concrete

 

 

had to use over 900 pounds of concrete to install the slide in a new location 

 

was dead asleep before 7pm!

 

Happy Anniversary to only ME

I have always considered anniversaries to be something that you share with someone... your first date, your wedding, a special happening with a close friend or family member, a death of a loved one... You celebrate or mourn WITH someone...

 

Today is

 

MY anniversary.

 

A year ago today, I changed my life forever. Many of you, my friends, remember that last year on July 18th I made the decision that I would not be fat for another year... it makes so many people uncomfortable for me to say that word... sorry... But that is how I felt. I was fat. I fluctuated between 220 and 230 pounds... I was tired a lot. My feet hurt. My knee hurt. I sat a lot. I did not play with my children. I was not a confident person.... But I decided to do something completely different than anything I had done in 16 years...

 

I put myself first.

 

As a wife, I attempt to put Scott first. I plan meals around his likes and dislikes. I decorate in colors or patterns that he would not think are too feminine. We go out to supper at places that I think he would enjoy. I try to handle the children's appointments without making him leave work. I work around his schedule 95% of the time. I try to handle the kids' homework hours so that he is not bombarded when he hits the door. When they go camping, I pack all of the medications ahead of time so he will not be bothered by it. I attempt to think ahead and plan to keep the stress at a minimum if possible... I love my man and try to be the best wife I can be.

 

As a mother, I attempt to keep my children at the top of my list of priorities. Their clothes and shoes are purchased before I even look at the budget to consider myself. If they have plans, I push mine aside and taxi them wherever necessary. I have not gone back to work full time so that I can continue to volunteer in their classrooms, schools, and such. I have driven them to school and picked them up from school almost every day of their lives. We have "done without" many times in order to keep me part-time working and more available to my three children. I go without sleep when they are sick. I will do whatever it takes to make their lives as simple as possible while still attempting to teach them responsibility and manners... I adore my children and try to be the best mother I can be.

 

But last summer Scott and I had a long talk... He empowered me to finally do something for just myself... no one needed or wanted me to do it... no one asked or begged me to do it... no one expected it of me or demanded it of me... quite the opposite... People thought I had lost my mind.

 

I was the funny, chubby lady. You could count of me to be loyal, funny, brassy, or silly. Most could not see the sad, depressed, and uncomfortable Amanda...

 

On August 9th, I had surgery... I was given a gastric sleeve. For those who have not followed my journey, your stomach is shaped like a kidney bean... when the surgeon cut mine, he started at the top right corner and cut diagonally, therefore making my stomach to look like a "sleeve" of a long sleeve shirt or small banana.

 

One year ago today I had something done that I thought was only to benefit ME... I was wrong. One year and 75 pounds later, I am a better mother.... I play with my children. I can ride a bike again. I jog. I run. I take long walks. I eat better. I am a better example for my kids to follow. I can cut grass for three hours, sweat a ton with my oldest, and then spend another two hours cutting down trees and hauling the limbs away... I have more energy. I can be an active participant in life. I have a confidence that I have never experienced in my lifetime.

 

I am not perfect. I am not where I want to be... but I am content for the first time in over 15 years. I have lost friends, but made many more new ones. I have removed bad habits, but started some much better ones.

 

One year ago today I changed my life....

 

Happy Anniversary to ME

 

May I always celebrate the lady that I am becoming... upward and onward... trying to surround myself with positive people and places... trying to be the woman I was created to be...

here I am three years ago...

 

 

 Here is the new Amanda... much happier!