Missing that feeling...

I like to feel STRONG. After I've had each of my babies I certainly miss fitting into my jeans, but more than that I miss feeling strong. I hunker down, I lose the weight, and I work hard to build up my muscle and stamina. When I got sick the first thing I noticed was the fatigue and weakness. I hate that. I'm just now getting back to feeling like myself. I am eating well again and feeling more energy. There's even been some times that I;ve felt certain that getting sick was a fluke and it won't happen again... but then my hands hurt so much that I can hardly open my son's bottle. Or I wake up feeling like I have sand bags on my muscles and moving is miserable. These are reminders that something is not right. BUT, I am stubborn. I'm determined to feel strong again. To run with my children, lift them in the air and to live.
I am so very glad that I felt God calling me to change my life years ago. I felt like He was telling me to get in shape and be a good example of health for my children. I'm so glad that I obeyed and that I was in good shape when this autoimmune stuff hit. One of the doctors in the hospital said, "It's good that you are in good shape! This could have been worse." Which was great to hear because at the time I felt frustrated that I had been obedient and worked so hard and now here I was in the hospital, feeling horrible. I'm confident that I will be a testament to God's grace and mercy. I know that He has plans for good for me.
Here are some pictures along my journey of losing weight and living better.

I had lost about 20lbs here. The kids loved helping me in my workouts! 

 I love my husband. He has cheered me on along the way and been my best support.

Met my goal, lost 44lbs!