I'm done with the DIET.

No, I'm not going to run out and get Big Mac's or chocolate bars. What I am done with is the "oh, how much have you lost" and the "what are you doing to lose weight?" inquiries.

I'm going to eat healthy. Be more active. Take care of myself. If the pounds come off that's great. If not, then I guess this is the size I was meant to be. I don't like it - but I'll live with it.

When I started "dieting" in March my stress level went up. I'm taking motrin for headaches almost daily, and Maxalt for migraines almost weekly. That's more expensive than the food I was eating! I am going to continue with a healthier lifestyle and that's all that matters. No more weekly scale checks. No more calorie counting. No more explaining myself to friends and family about what goes into my mouth. I'm not a shallow person and do not judge people by what they look like on the outside. I would hope that people don't judge me that way either.

I'm a good person; a great mother; a wonderful wife. No, I don't look like a model. But is that what really matters?

Please know I still plan on teaching my kids what it takes to be healthy and showing them how it's done - yes, I 'd like to look better - but by following a diet I was not better. I'm not going to stock my cabinets with chips and cookies for the kids (Darren yes - kids no) but with pretzels and nuts. My fridge won't be crammed with fattening things like pre-made smoothies or ice creams but with fruit, veggies, yogurt and cheese. (and this is nothing new - ask my mom..I really limit the junk my kids are allowed to eat!) We will eat the healthy fats and work at being a happier family. So don't take this as a plan to eat anything I see - that's not what it is....just don't ask me what size I wear or what the scale shows - because I won't tell you! I do know what I weigh now and plan on checking it - just not often.

on to new things that are happier! lol

1 - there's still time to get your chipboard layouts done for the UYS challenge.

2 - there's even more time to get your stuff in for the 2 contests over at the playground

3 - you have until Tuesday to get some challenges done for the YMBD crop!

and here are some more pictures of the kids - taken when Darren's dad was here!

and our newest venture that is SLOW going and so far UNSUCCESSFUL!!!! lol