It has been a year and two months since I made the decision to move here to Iowa. It has been an up and down year but God is still faithful and just. Alex is doing well in school still and had even tried out for the OPUS choir. She didn't make it but the choir teacher enjoys her voice and ambition. It is hard to believe she is in the 5th grade already. Work is going well for me here as well. I love my co-workers dearly.

Now that it is getting colder I haven't been walking very much but I do workout twice a week for half an hour at a time. I am getting frustrated cause now that I am at a smaller size the weight isn't coming off as fast as I would like. I am trying to be ok with it but it is hard because I have not mastered the mental issue. I should be happy that I have lost 85 pounds in less than a year which some people can't even do that. I am happy most days but then I see myself as my 300 pound person and get discouraged but I am working at it.

I have several bets on the line that I am stubborn to prove people wrong. The bet is that I would not go back home to IN til Christmas. I have a whole outfit and several pops on the line. I have gotten through 44 days and have 69 to go. I don't know if I can make it but I am gonna for sure try. It helps that I have volunteered to work some Saturdays since work needed someone. It helps me stay in town.

It was nice on Alex's and my night to see another Colts fan. I stopped him and his family to ask You don't see many Colts fans here are you originally from IN? He said yes, but my wife is from IA I moved here 12 years ago. We love it. I agree with him, it is great here but there is also the love of friends and family you leave behind to do what is best for your life. But you just keep in touch and live each day to its fullest.

Today is sweetest day and I couldn't help but to remember my sweeties in life. The memories and the love we share(d). So I am ending this post with saying Happy Sweetest day to all of you I love and are such sweet friends.

Good Evening, Just got Alex packed for her first day of Fifth grade tomorrow. She has been waiting all summer for this day. Each day she said I wish school was starting. Where does the time go? She also thinks Iowa as her home. It has not even been a year yet and she gets homesick, or asks can we stay here until atleast I graduate.

I have reached the mid-20's now, losing 68 pounds since Jan 24th. I have about 50 more to lose to be where the doctor wants and about 80 to be where I want. We will see. I have pushed through tough pain with foot but well worth it. I try to walk 5-7 miles a day with some being none due to the pain. I am very thankful to Sarah for helping motivate me and sometimes having me tag along with her. I appreciate her walking my speed so I have company. She is doing great as well.

I am traveling the next few weekends then hope to finally be home and go to my church and just relax. I enjoy driving but there is also a time to just be home and not have craziness around you.

Be praying for my friend Gregg and his family as they still struggle with his heart condition and also financially. Another friend has a sinus infection that seems to be staying too. The pastor I worked under back home his son is in hospital due to serious infection to colon so keep him in your prayers. Continue to pray for my cousin's family as they are grieving the loss of Barb.

What a summer it has been. God has provided for Alex and I and we are doing well. Even though hours got cut at work, the front of store has helped us out and also picking up at other stores too. I have still been able to get my 40 hours a week unless I take off extra time to travel with Alex for her visits back home. She has been to 2 church camps and now off visiting grandma and grandpa in Indiana. I have walked 30 miles in the last 5 days and as long as I keep on my medication for foot my injury seems to keep up with the workout. In December I weighed nearly 300 pounds and now I am almost to the 20's. Some keep saying I am not eating but I am. I just am not hungry like I used to be. I eat very little. I am happy again and living life. In two weeks I will be taking motorcycle lessons. Just something I have always wanted to do and finally getting the guts to do it. Still debating if I will buy one to ride or not but until then I will be content in learning and riding on ones with friends. I have also come to the conclusion that I don't want another child, but want companionship. I miss just sitting with someone just talking, playing games, watching a movie or even going for a walk. Iowa is our home now and feels like home to both of us. I have great friends out here which I am thankful for. One is family but seems more of a close friend than a relative. I love God so much! Just wish I wouldn't turn to my own desires first alot of times. School starts in 3 weeks (Aug 18th) I can't believe she is in 5th grade. Before I know it she will be off to live her own life. Then what will I do? Hope you are doing well.