"Give thanks to him and praise him."

The quote from my title is from Psalm 100- my mom read it today before my dad blessed the food at our family Thanksgiving meal.  It says:
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the Earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise him.  5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

I really took note today because I really feel like we, me,-- I have So, so so much to be thankful for and it's often times too easy to just know I'm grateful and not express my thanks to the Lord.

I hope that you enjoy this special edition.. a Thanksgiving edition!  
First of all, there are so many things in my life that I am genuinely thankful for it would be hard to name each individual one.  However, there are some things that rank the top of the list!

1. Family- without my family, let's just be straight.. I wouldn't be here today.  I have two of the absolute most considerate and selfless parents anyone could ever ask for.  Being an only child however didn't mean I was the absolute center of the world.  I knew the important things in life and was taught them very early on.  Family was one of these values! If there was a family event, you were there- Good or Bad! And we always had each others backs.  Growing up, my family always welcomed my friends with open arms as well.  My mom loves to do for others and she always did, and continues to cater to each of my friends likings and genuinely care about them.  I'm sure I've said before that we may not always get along... but my family is a huge part of my life.  We've had some really rough times that have made us all hurt in our own ways, but it seems to somehow make us closer and allow us to be the best we can for each other.

2. Friends- Genuine friends!  It's really rare that you run across many friends who can seriously be genuine friends.. those you can count on when you're crying over a stupid boy, need a good laugh, support you through achieving your goals and even going through your worst nightmare.  I have to say that I'm lucky because I have found, though few and far between some of the best friends that I probably couldn't have even imagined meeting.  You already know a lot about most of them, especially Heather, but they all hold a special place in my heart.  I tend to carry my feelings on my shoulders at times and I genuinely want people to know how much they mean to me and matter.  

3. My Family of Workout Friends/ Supporters and Motivators  For a few years now I've been teaching Zumba at the Laurens Y and I frequented the place in order to do my job, but I was never what I would consider an active member.  A year ago, a good friend and Zumba instructor, Leann Iaucone had started her own journey of getting fit with a new trainer and on Thanksgiving, she asked me to join her for the annual Turkey Trot sponsored by the Y in order to get in some cardio before the massive carb load for the day!  I met her, we walked and talked and went about our ways.  A few months later I committed to starting my own weight loss journey.  In the 26 years of my life this would have to be the best decision I have ever made.  Through this I found not only support, motivation, and friendship but quality people who care about me, will push me and never back down.  I will eternally be grateful for the love and support from all you: Marie, Lauren, Samantha, Brie, David, Tracy, John, Libba, Christie, Valerie, Heather, Michael, Stephanie.... I know I'm leaving someone out and I apologize in advance but I hope you all know how much you've meant to me along this journey and made it amazing!

4. Making the choice- I'm not always sure why I finally decided I wanted to get this weight off.  I struggled with it pretty much all my life. I won't say I was depressed, but I didn't know true happiness like I do now.  I look forward to meeting up to work out, and yes sometimes even 4:30 am excites me! A lot of you have heard me talk about GRIT and it was surely a scary experience but one I won't forget.  If you don't feel like you're dying... you're not doing it right!

My GRIT progress... day 1 to a few weeks ago!

This sweet girl Jenna has been bringing me apples for car duty, because she knows I enjoy healthy snacks... in turn, she has an apple as she walks to her car too!

This girl has been down many a road with me through weight loss... this is us, holding up our past and never to be seen again sized pants! I'll let you in on a secret... hers were 18s and mine were 24s.. yes once upon a time I wore that horendous number! 

I just want to wrap up by telling you this- I seriously never thought I would be able to find happiness as I do now.  I never imagined being able to look in the mirror and actually like the things I saw.  And I sure never thought I'd lose 70 lbs.  Never, ever say never! If you're reading this and struggling, you are not alone.  I realize this is a life long battle, one I can't just "get over" in a day or even a few months.  You have to start though, it won't happen for you and no one can make you want it, or do it for you.. YOU have to go after it yourself!  I promise you this.... it's so worth it! Today... Thanksgiving day 2013 I ran that same Turkey Trot route this afternoon.. a little more actually and according to my runkeeper lady, one of my miles was right under 10:00 mins... Granted it was downhill..... but a 10:00 min mile on Thanksgiving... I'll take it!

Get out there, get started and make the first move! Find me, leave me a comment on here, facebook me, whatever you need to do I promise I will help you however I can, or at least point you in the right direction!

For now, it's time for bed... I have an exciting day tomorrow involving my couch and movies! And I just can't freaking wait!

"Are ya'll twins or just sisters?"

No lie, the weekend of the Southern Christmas Show Heather and I got asked this a total of 3 times.  We started getting the sisters comment some in college and got the twins comment once before but never this much- we decided to blame it on the matching clothes!

I'll say this though; if there is one person in the world I'd want to be twins with.. it'd be her! Some days we're pretty dang close!  

Craft show weekend was definitely not one that let me down.  Friday night I went to Columbia for a sleepover with my favs- the McMurrays.... and Thing 2 & 3 (Me and Heather) got on our way to pick up mom (AKA Thing 1).  After... we weren't a mile down the road before Thing 1 had somehow got herself completely tangled in the seat belt....

Heather and Lisa started this tradition 4 years ago and they let me join in on the fun 3 years ago.  It's seriously one of my favorite ways to get the holiday season started! Our first year together we started a notebook of things that can not be publicly discussed... but we reviewed the notebook from years prior and started our journey!  Wasn't long until we finally made it.. a zillion laughs later we had managed to squeeze out of the tight parking place.. load up and start our trek!

The craft show never lets us down... we have figured it out; mostly- except for Lisa's directionally challenged self and manage to enjoy the wine tasting, and looking at the interesting crafts and sometimes gawk at the same things year after year, claiming to buy one one day....

 We finally made it!

       

Just a few of the fun things to look at!

We had an awesome time of course.. after the craft show we checked into the hotel where there was an elaborate wedding taking place and a gamers convention... One guy even asked us if we were there for it... I'm guessing it was the matching "Thing" shirts...  After some classic and hilarious people watching we ventured off for the annual Pedicure after the day of walking and some dinner where our twin status continued to be questioned....

The struggle of kid juice!

After all that we hung out and relaxed, road tripping up to Concord for some more shopping on Sunday, Starbucks and the annual visit to Ikea, after our pimento cheese and frito picnic in the car.  We had a fabulous time and even though I was super late getting home I had an awesome time with two of my favorite ladies!

Don't be surprised when you get this Christmas card in the mail :)

This post is not only about the fun we had but the awesome amount of support and genuine friendship I have in Heather and her entire family.  I feel like they are my own.. I am D2 of course!

I know somewhere back in this journey I told you how Heather and I met and I'm sure more than once told you how much she supports and encourages me. I'm never surprised with how much she has my back.  She is one of the most genuine friends ever. I'm lucky to have someone like her.  Life throws us curve balls which we often aren't sure how to handle- and I know that no matter what she will always be straight with me.  She won't sugar coat for me and holds me to things that she knows I can accomplish.  She's been one of my biggest supporters.  If you've been following along you also know that she and Tony recently found out they're pregnant.  I'm so happy for her, she will be a magnificent mom.. in fact she already is.  And I can't wait for a new baby!

Tomorrow's Thanksgiving.... and I haven't had a major holiday like this since I started my weight loss journey... it will prove to be interesting I'm sure...... 

Stick around... more to come tomorrow!

Living the busy life......

If you've been keeping up.. or even remotely know me- you know just how crazy and hectic life has been for me! However, I am extremely pumped about getting the kinks worked out in my blog and being able to update you guys!

Hope you enjoyed reading a little yesterday about one of my best friends! 

I promised to tell you about the rest of November, and some of the new awesome things going on. 

My cousin Corey married his sweet wife Amber; who I love dearly November 2nd. I am so happy to say I got to be a part of this sweet ceremony and celebrate with them!  Here is a photo dump of this awesome party of love!

Awesome Groom's cake!

Rehearsal dinner w/ Karen & Sydney....

The Groom to be!

And before-- there was rain, wind and even HAIL!

And then- our special boy sent this!

First dance :)

Too much fun with these girls!

Kendal, Brittny & Me

Finally my turn with the beautiful bride!

So glad to finally have this girl in the family!

Totally couldn't do life without this lady!

Sydney! My partner in crime for the weekend!

Finally, all married! Love him!

Had so much fun with this sweet guy and his awesome wife!

And then.......

Their wedding was gorgeous and more than anything I could imagine. I had so much fun! A great way to kick of November! 

To wrap up the next few weeks I stayed busy working out, starting training with David, and went to Gatlinburg for a girls weekend with Samantha, Susan and Lisa! We had a blast, spent way too much money, bought a lot, walked all over and had many a laughs! 

On the way---

Look who we found!

The view from our beautiful condo!

THE DAMAGE!

Beauty in the Christmas store!

Showing off some of our new purchases! Pretty good looking girls I think!

So I know I haven't updated much on the weight loss, but what I've come to realize is this... my life can't strictly focus on that.... and I'll be honest with you-- I haven't lost much more; actually the scale has gone up some... But that's life.. it's a constant battle- up and downs and I work hard, and do what I have to do. In no way am I going back to the way my life used to be! I am a new person all the way around, literally-- and I couldn't be happier with that person!

Hope you've enjoyed the LARGE photo dump here-- Tomorrow I'll be working on updating you on the craft show weekend with my twin and mom! And finally--- some fitness updates!

"Family is not an important thing; it's everything!"

I can't believe it's November 25th- It's exactly 30 days until Christmas-- and believe it or not, I've got a lot of my shopping done. I've even written down the things I bought to keep myself a little bit more organized.. now where that list is right now... WELL I don't quite know!

Today is one of my very best friend's birthday!  And I'm lucky enough to even say this girl is my family.  Curry and I have grown up completely together.  She was always the closest thing I ever had to a sister, even when we weren't close.  Our birthdays are 10 months apart she being older, and how the school system started with birthdays we were in the same grade all our lives.

I remember doing lots of things together as kids.... She was my role model even when she didn't know it.  We both started swimming lessons; she quit, I quit.  We both took some dance; she quit, I quit! Ha- clearly we made a great team!

None the less we managed to make it pretty far together.  We had seperate friends most of our lives, but no matter what we're still family.  We went together on family vacations every single summer.  Us kids- Me, Curry and Cody were the only grandchildren and to say we were spoiled would be an understatement.  We traveled together to the beach, and I fondly remember our trip to Tennesee together.

We both graduated from high school, went on to college and weren't as close as we had been. Like I said, our social circles were quite different.  After college I moved home; this allowed us to be a little closer since we were both here more often than when in college. 

Mother's Day with the Fam 2013

 

Easter 2013

Christmas 2012

This picutre is my motivation that stays in the bathroom mirror. It was around this time that I realized how unhappy I was.  Granted I was "happy" here, but the change has been more than I could ever imagine!

 

Downtown Greenville Summer 2013 with Curry & Heather two of the best people!

Typical Family pic- Corey & Amber's party

She is the best party planner!

Our most recent picture- September 2013

 

I won't even go as far as to say that everything's always rainbows and sunshine around here. This is real life... and it won't be that way.  Curry and I have been through a lot together, some extremely shitty times and some pretty amazing ones too! Of course there are things we'd like to change I'm sure, but the past is in the past for a reason.  I'm grateful for the friendship that we have 26 years down the road.  Not many people get to experience something like that.  I can say without a doubt that Curry is one of my best friends.  We've grown much closer over the past few years and share the pains and joys of teaching too!  I wouldn't trade my pedicure pal for anything! I look forward to this time of year; things start to slow down a little and we get to spend some time together! 

 

Happy Birthday my dear! I hope your day was as wonderful as you! You deserve it!

Finally---- crisis averted!

I have to apologize because it's been almost exactly two months since I wrote here.... I blame technology.  I tried to blog here numerous times because I was really missing it, but the website had been giving me tons of grief, so I decided to just put it on pause until I had more time on my hands--- somehow I have found some extra time- actually it's my body it won't let me sleep past 8 am- I guess I can blame my 4:30 am weekday alarm for the gym, but hey it's worth it!

A lot has happened in those two months to pass-- There's no way I could catch you up on ALL of it and really tell you all about it like I should- so here's a photo dump from the last two months of my life! Slight explanations to follow!

If you're just getting started reading with me- This left picture was Christmas 2011, right October 2013

This girl has gone the distance right along side me! We take a picture at this particular spot at school every few months to check our progress! Below is our newest split pic.

This picture was taken after we had both started losing weight.....We've still made some lbs fall off! haha

Watching my favorite kiddo play soccer was so fun!

Amber's bachelorette weeekend--- this was only the beginning :)

Fam pic!

The group

Just one of our many 5 am workouts! I can NOT explain how much this girl's motivation empowers me and pushes me beyond my max!

This sweet girl seeing me at school every day is awesomeness!

Squealing on the Square... check out below!

Same car last year- and me this year!

Maternity shopping and football with my long lost team mate!

Had some fun baking time with mom!

Yep- we made a 6 miler!

Halloween Bunco! 

OH- and this girl! This was our celebration of finding out I was gonna be Aunt Jenny AGAIN! I can't wait for Baby Mac! 

This is only a small snipet---- actually this just just a dump from October! These last few months, especially the last month has been so extremely busy... I can barely keep up! I have had something to do EVERY SINGLE weekend! It's been crazy, but I kind of enjoy that busy life! I love doing this for other people and seeing the joy in their faces.

In the last two months I've made a lot of changes in many aspects of my life.. including the weight loss and fitness area.  My weight has fluctuated and I haven't lost any more... but I've been holding steady and right now... that's ok!  

I've learned a lot about myself even more over the last few months and weeks too! It's not an easy road, NOTHING in life is easy--- but I know it will be worth it!

As could be expected I have a busy day-- Monograms & Mimosas shower for the next Bride-- Leigh! I can't wait actually! 

Stay tuned this week--- I have more time... I'll be filling you in on wedding weekend, Girls Weekend, learning some martial arts and kick boxing and what's new!