Goodbye 2011...

2011 has been one of the most wonderful years of my life. The year started off with a Gatlinburg trip with my honey. I was very lucky and for many months I got to stay at home with my sweet babies. Jaeleigh turned 8 in June (how crazy is that!), Keaton turned 6 in November, and Luci turned 2 in July. Jaeleigh's behavior also improved so much this year and got off her behavior medications. She also joined Cheerzone in October - beginning her journey to be a professional Saints cheerleader! :-) LOL

In April I got a breast reduction/lift that I so desperately needed. In August, I got to go to California for the first time with Tony and Luci. In October I started teaching at Miller-Motte Technical College - overcoming one of my biggest fears and finding my passion. In November I finally got a tummy tuck - something that I wanted for so many years. In early December, after the swelling went down from my surgery, I reached my goal weight, and for the first time since I began my weight-loss journey in March 2010, I cried.

There were, however; some sad times. My good friend, and long-time boss, Brenda died from cancer only 4 weeks after finding out she was sick. It was a very hard time and the first time I lost someone so close in a long time. I'm still dealing with the loss, however; I know that loss is a part of life, and I'm trying to learn that. I miss her.

Now, as I move forward, I begin 2012 with a heavy heart. In two weeks, Tony and I will go on our yearly trip to Gatlinburg, and then two weeks later, he leaves for Afghanistan. I don't know how to live without him - and I don't want to. But, I will be fine. We are thinking of putting our house on the market and we already have a house picked out to buy - so I have many things to look forward to in 2012. I am currently looking forward to August 2012 when my honey comes home for good.

Great Week!

It's been a pretty great week! I got one drain tube taken out on Tuesday and the other one taken out today. I weighed myself today and I am down to 149. It was the first time I cried. Seriously - the last time I was in the 140s was in high school. My tummy is looking pretty awesome - much better than I expected. I wear this tight thing around my stomach all day and the doctor says it will make my figure more hourglass as I heal. It's amazing! I just ordered a bikini for the first time! I don't know if I'll keep it, but hey - I ordered it! Oh, and I checked my Secret Rewards card tonight on the Victoria Secret website, and surprise --- I won $500! Now I get to buy a ton more cute stuff from Victoria Secret...I'm beyond stoked!