We've Come A Long Way, Baby! :)

I suppose I probably bore some of you with my "health-related" posts.  Well, no one is MAKING you come back and read more!  :)

I was thinking the other day, that it has been just about a year since I really started actively making changes in my lifestyle to become healthier. 

Technically, it was a couple of years ago when the changes FIRST began.  You know the saying... "The first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem."  Well, the realization hit me in '09.  Baby steps.  I've told a little bit of that story before.  What started it all...

But last year, in August '10, I made the switch from baby steps, to a FOR REAL, TRUE BLUE endeavor to get healthy.

Yes, I wanted to lose some weight.  BUT... more importantly, I wanted to really change the course for my family.  I wanted to be a healthy mom for my boys.  I wanted to set a better example of how important it is to take care of yourself!  Excersize more!  Eat what's good for you!  Sounds easy enough, right?  Yeah, not really.  It meant undoing a LOT of unhealthy habits.  It meant getting educated, working hard, and paying close attention to things I'd never thought about before.

I've learned SO much.  As I said, I'm sure there are those who get tired of hearing it, I'm sure.  It has become a bit of a passion for me, honestly.

How much has changed in the last year???

Well, here we are...

Then and now. 

KS2 took both pics.  We tried to recreate it as closely as we could... from the location to the colors of clothing.  The first was for my "twi-mom" post a year ago (BTW, who's excited about Breaking Dawn, Part 1 coming out this November???  I AM!!!)  :)  Anyway... now this snapshot makes a pretty good "before" pic, although I've decided there's no such thing as a final "after."  The more you learn about this kind of thing, the more you want to strive toward healthier goals.  There is SO much more to it, than just losing weight...

But in case you're wondering, that's a difference of 35 pounds.  :)

Fortunately for me, I never had to feel like I was alone in my efforts.  I've also written a bit of my husband's journey in the past.  He is quite an inspiration, and a HUGE encouragement.  It took a long time for him to finally convince me that it was all well worth the effort.  I can be a little stubborn sometimes.  Good thing I married someone who is patient and supportive. 

So, there you have it.... a little more about me.  :)  Here's to healthy living!  :)