My best friend...Erin

This dear person has stood beside me through so much crap and still loves me greater than any non-family person ever has!

I nearly pushed her away, well, I actually did when I was married. She didn't approve of what my marriage was doing to me, and I couldn't walk away from it, yet. I blocked my friendship with her. She NEVER encouraged me to leave my marriage, NEVER, but she was outspoken toward the effects it was having on me as a person and as a mother.

I went nearly a year without talking to her. She popped back in my life all of a sudden in the middle of Publix. No, not in person...on the phone. She called out of the blue and asked what was going on in my life. I told her that I filed for divorce and she screamed! Yes, loud enough for people at the other end of China to hear, and did. She wasn't happy about the divorce, but was happy about the new life ahead of me.

She has been my support and soundboard through all of this. She understands me and even when she doesn't she makes me laugh hard enough so that I forget the problem.

If we aren't laughing then I am crying and she is making me laugh so I don't cry.

Thank God she is my friend...I adore her and am blessed and better off just for knowing her. She is the bestest best friend a gal like me could ever have!

YES, I HAVE INSURANCE!

No one likes to be sick...don't know of anyone!
I started coughing last week and haven't stopped. Couldn't go to the doctor because I didn't have insurance. Yesterday at work, I had a coughing spell so bad that I nearly passed out. It honestly scared me! Well, my boss said that was enough and she was going to drive me to the hospital. I wouldn't let her. I told her that my insurance hadn't kicked in yet. She made a call, and it HAD indeed begun!
I got so excited!
I hate being sick and hate more going to the doctor but now I CAN infact, go to the doctor!
I went and got checked out and have bronchitis. I paid my co-pay with a HUGE smile and went to the pharmacy to get my antibiotic! I HAVE INSURANCE!
I don't have a way to clearly express my smile online, however, if i could...you could count all my teeth!
IT IS A TRUE MIRACLE!

recovery for four, please...

One month ago, I ventured into a land I did not desire to even stumble upon. I attended an emotional recovery group. I cried for days before hand. Yes, you are probably thinking that I am extremely emotional, and you would be right...and that would be a good reason to be at an 'emotional' recovery group!
I cried only because I am terrefied to stand before my life and relive pain. I decided I wasn't going to go, however a very inspirational friend told me that I had no choice. My children deserve for their mom to be whole~completely whole. So...
Four weeks ago I walked into a room of 6 other women and we began the struggle, together. To be honest, I can't stand it. I don't want to be there. I love those women, but I hate dealing with this pain. I am fighting with myself every time I go. I just look at my children and know that she was right, they DO deserve it!
For the next 18 weeks, I will be disecting my life and trodding toward this vision of healing. I have not tasted it yet, so it is only a vision. If I get there, you will know! I will scream from the roof-tops (well, maybe from the window) and share my joy. For now, I will sit and drink my coffee and realize I am not as screwed up as I was last week!

Blue Ridge

First hot tub dip
Pa, JP, Grammie and Harleigh
Momma and JP
Pa explainin' the do's and don'ts of camp fires!
My momma and I

Caleb and Joshua
Roasting marshmellows and hotdogs

Caleb and momma

our day out in Blue Ridge
Dude is concentrating on his chips!

Isn't it beautiful...I want to make a life here!

Our new neighbor

Our friendly turtle....
Caba and his great find!

a fun afternoon!

The FIRST day...

Tomorrow embarks a new journey for me. I am going to publicly lose weight.
I am in necessary need of losing pounds. I am not obese but health issues have plagued me for several years and I know that losing pounds would help ease that struggle.

Here is the deal. At work, 4 of my fellow dieters and I have engaged in a competition. Whoever loses the highest percentage of weight will win...we have yet to decide the prize. The idea stems from "The Biggest Loser" shows, however we will not have a personal trainer.

Motivation by humiliation...here is my personal motivation. Whatever my weight at the end of the game (February 16), I will post a picture of myself in a bathing suit on my page! I can either lose the weight and look my best, or I can not do it and be horrified by the results broadcast online!

STAY TUNED for updates!!!