Happy 4th of July to all!
I have never posted before and after--and I know I'm still 8.6 pounds from goal, but today has been quite the emotional rollercoaster for me. So I thought I'd share how far I've come since January. I apologize for the big pictures. Photobucket was not cooperating today, so i had trouble resizing.

Thank you all for all your kind words and for sharing all your stories. It really means the world to me.
Wow, Rose! You look great! I have to say that I wouldn't think that you are the parents of a college aged kid just by looking at your pics. You look so happy and fit. Great time on your race. Remember you are the one who did all the hard work -- we were just here to help you along the way!
Looked for a fireworks smilie, but couldn't find one. Lisa- Enjoy your fireworks tonight, but be careful. I'll have an extra pina colade for you.
I was thinking that we need a fireworks and an American flag smilie, too. Thanks for saving me a pina colada!
I forgot to check in yesterday, but am thrilled to report that I am
down 8.0 for the week!!
Wow! 8 pounds is great! Good job!
Looks like I am the only one at home today! Had a major "snack" binge, chips and salsa, string cheese, and a bite of angel food cake. THAT IS IT! I told DH no dinner for me, if I want something later I'll grab some fruit and veggies if necessary. I am full, so no need to eat!
Well, bummer about the snacking but hope that you had a great time at the fireworks!

And enjoyed your peaceful afternoon. You'll do fine at the barbeque today, just take enough to be polite and save your calories for the really good stuff!
Hi fellow losers!!

I was away for 6 days camping with my family in WV. We just got back late last night. I have NO intention of weighing myself until NEXT Friday.

It wasn't bad food-wise but I didn't have a ton of choices. I really hope I can get myself on track I have so many things I want to lose weight for in the next few months!!!
Welcome back, Shelby! Glad that you had a good time!
Enjoy the 4th everyone who celebrates it! Enjoy a great weekend everyone else! I think I need a big glass of water to offset the alcohol that I've had this afternoon! But I earned it!
Enjoy your 4th of July and stay cool!
I had a 2 lb gain this week... I am soooo swollen... does anyone have a suggestion for getting rid of fluid, I drink a lot of water, but apparently not as much as I have been drinking the week before. Hopeing for a loss this week

Sorry about the gain. Try some water with a slice of lemon in it -- it will help you feel refreshed!
Hi Everyone, I hope you had a great, OP day. Today was a mixed day. I ate more than I should have, but I did get in some exercise. I am hoping for a better day tomorrow.
Hope that you have a great, OP day, too, CC!
Hello everyone. I have not been here to read or post in about a week. I hope everyone is doing well!
The past 2 weeks have NOT been good weight-wise. I gained 1.4 lbs this past week, and I gained last week as well. Guess that cancels out my 3+ weight lost from 3 weeks ago!
So yesterday was a new start for my husband & I (as he had gained weight as well). I'm sure the past 2 days he's sweated off weight while putting up the pool.
And today, I think, I have been re-motivated! I went clothes shopping!!!!
I have not purchased a single clothing item since January, and it turns out I did lose a size! My shirts are a 1X now, and my waist is 20 (1X).
I just was not planning on purchasing as much as I did... I really truly only went for at least 1 pair of shorts and capris. Came home with 2 shorts, 1 capri, 1 pant/capri, and 3 shirts. Not sure I'm going to keep them all...
There was this REALLY nice dressy shirt I wanted but I need to lose more weight for it to look as good as it should/will. Hopefully by then it will be on sale/clearance as well.
Great job on the new size, DaniB!

I think that it takes some time to get out of our old mindsets. I know when I was trying on clothes a couple of weeks ago, I kept wanting to go back to my old sizes. Things definately redistributes, even when the scale is not moving.
We raised about $150 selling light up yoyo squishy things and glow in the dark tattoos. I'm glad to have that behind me. The fireworks were fantastic. We had forgotten to bring our chairs for the festival so we took the bench seat out of the van and the 5 of us snuggled during the fireworks. The boys were very talkative. I don't think we'll have many more perfect nights like this. The oldest is 14 so I'm sure he won't want to hang with the parents much longer.
QOTD for Sunday: What is your favorite summer activity to do with your family?
So were you sporting a glow in the dark tattoo too, Deb?
Our favorite family activity for summer is our annual trek to the family cottage at Lake Okoboji in Iowa -- a week of hanging out by the lake. It's been in DH's family for 117 years so it is nice to carry on the tradition with our little family.
Going to a neighbors to have dinner and watch fireworks tonight. The kids will play together and do our own fireworks before the big ones on the lake. It's nice to watch but be able to stay home.
This is a big celebratory week at our house. The 4th of July and two birthdays, company coming, if I can just hold the line I will be happy.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July everyone!
