The scale has been "stuck" now for a few weeks in a row, and I was starting to feel discouraged. I did notice that some of my shorts were maybe a little looser, so I dug out the fat caliper, and HOORAY!! I've definately lost some fat. That helped me regain my momentum to keep moving forward. I've been following the workout plan, and have really enjoyed mixing up the cardio. I often take the bike out, park it and then alternate running and brisk walking. I also take my girls out for hikes a couple times a week- it's so great to be out. No bears or anything exciting yet!! I'm just so thankful for the sunshine after weeks of rain. I'm looking forward to a less smoky summer- we should have far fewer fires here.

I love exercising, that hasn't been a hard area to keep my motivation. The bigger victory lately has been scaling back on sweets and other simple carbs. I think the biggest reason I'm making better choices is that I've thought hard about what kind of a person I want to be, and that is a person not enslaved to anything, including sweets and other simple carbs. So when I pray every morning, I include praying that I will exercise self control in every area, including eating. Even if I don't ever fit into a size 4 or 6 again, I'm modeling much better character for my girls, and I can find freedom for myself. Practically speaking, I've also been carrying around a big glass of ice water with a slice of lemon, and its amazing how satisfying that can be throughout the day.

Good grief, this is way too long. I'll sign off. Keep pressing on, friends!