Congratulations Technical Sergeant Meyers

Today we celebrated Thomas being promoted to the rank of E-6. I am so proud of him!!!\

Here he is with the girls.


This is Thomas and Kim. Kim is a wonderful friend of the family and she helped me pin him on. Q

Dreams

I remember hearing when I was younger, "dreams are visions of reality." Well after last night's dream I believe that to be true. I was driving to the airport and got out. I was dressed looking cute yet comfortable. As I was walking toward my gate, I spoted 3 guys I knew from high school. Back then they hung out together and here they were. One in particular was my first love. His eyes got big and he smiled and said hello. He had that look as if to say, "she still looks good." I went up to him and said "congratulations." He said "thank you" and went on his way.

I got to my gate and my flight was delayed. I decided to walk around the airport. I spotted some more people I went to school with. Then as I was walking back to my gate, someone called out my name. I turned to see another ex of mine. He had a big smile and we met each other with a big hug. He chatted briefly about what was going on in our lives and then I boarded my plane.

In reality, my first love is engaged to get married. When I found out, I was very happy. I was friends with the girl he is marrying and I want nothing but the best for them. She and I recently reconnected via facebook. The second ex of mine we were always great friends. So much so that we broke up because we realized we were better off as friends rather than trying to date. We kept in contact even after high school. He attended a well known school for football and played in the NFL for awhile. I heard he had gotten married and in the dream he was excited about the prospect of his wife giving birth to their first child.

I woke up this morning happy. Happy to know 2 people who have a special place in my life are happy. I am blessed beyond belief and I want the same for them. I know some people would scratch their heads as to why I would dream about two men from previous relationships. But to me it is testimony to how mature I am and how far God has brought me. I have no ill will or lingering feelings for either of them. I appreciate them and the role they played in my life back in high school. I am happy to see how they have matured into wonderful, successful, black men. So today because of my dream, I said prayer for them and their families. I prayed for their marriages, their children, their spouses, and for God to continue to bless them. I do look forward to seeing them again one day and greeting them with a smile just like I did in my dream. Q

Daily devotion day 2

Scripture Reading: Job 28:12-22
Key Verse: Job 28:12 "But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?

We all seek and search for wisdom. The true wisdom is that only God can give. In our search for truth and wisdom, let us seek the Lord all the more. He knows all and sees all. Be wise enough to in trust the Lord. Q

Reading On:
Proverbs 1:7
Proverbs 9:10
James 1:5,6
Proverbs 8:18-21

Knowledge is horizontal.
Wisdom is vertical
it comes down from above. Billy Graham

Daily devotional reading

I decided to dust off one of my books and use it to help me get all the more closer to the Lord. The name of the book is, "15 Minutes of Peace With God" by Emilie Barnes. I've read it several times in the past but decided to start again.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:35-38
Key Verse: Matthew 9:36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

Jesus loves and cares for us all. He has compassion for us and understands the trials and tribulations we face. He came so that we may live. He died so we may live. Let us also be mindful of others and have compassion for them. Instead of looking down on people, let us lift them up. Instead of tearing each other down, let us encourage one another. Speak words of love. Show acts of love. Love others with the love of Christ.

Father God I ask that you bless my heart and mind Lord. Create in me a new heart and renew a right spirit within me. Let me not judge, degrade, or belittle my brothers and sisters. Give me a kind word to speak to them. Give me a spirit of compassion to go out show love to a dying world. In your name I pray. Amen Q

"Should we feel at times disheartened and discouraged, a simple movement of heart toward God will renew our power. Whatever He demands of us, He will give us at the moment the strength and the courage that we need." - Francois de La Mothe-Fenelon

I love my life

Yesterday, I made the decision that today we would do something as a family. After seeing the cast on Oprah and watching the previews, I picked up some tickets for Horton Hears a Who. I decided to get them for the 7:15 showing. I loved seeing the smiles and hearing the cheers from my girls when I told them what we were doing. They were so giddy as we drove up to the theater. The giggled and squirmed in their seats while watching the previews for the other kiddie movies that will be coming out. Finally, when the movie started, they had the biggest grins. I sat and watched as their eyes got big, the giggled, twisted and clapped. Kaliyah was sitting next to me and she leaned over, gave me a kiss, and told me she loved me.

I found myself getting into the movie even sitting up a couple of times. It was nice to see so many other families there enjoying the show. The movie was a little over an hour long but I know next time to not sit next to Kaliyah. She gets antsy when she has to sit for an extended period.

As we left the theater, I watched the girls run to the van still giddy and excited while talking about the movie. When we got home, they thanked me, told me I was the best mom and got ready for the tub. Even now while they are still in the tub, they are laughing and talking about the movie and characters.

I may not have a lot of money, designer clothes, or a fancy job but I love my life. I love my husband who sat through the movie and stayed awake. I love my kids and seeing how happy they were. I love knowing I have 4 people in my life who love me no matter what. It is easy to forget how blessed I am with all the things we have going on. But today reminded me of how great my life is. I honestly can't complain. Q

Farewell to The Wire

Farewell to The Wire
Current mood: awake

Last night I watched the series finale of The Wire. It is one of the best shows I have ever seen. It touched me in ways no other show ever has or probably ever will. After Season 3, I wondered how they would be able to carry on. The main characters were dead or in jail and I figured it was all over. But they surprised me yet again in Season 4. The new breed of characters especially the young boys touched my heart and soul.

I have been very emotional this past week leading up to the finale. The show brought up so many memories and emotions. Things from my past came to the surface and I was forced to deal with some realities. First I realized how blessed I am to have made it out of the projects in NYC. The characters on the show are people I knew, people I grew up with except their names were different and the setting was Brooklyn instead of Baltimore.

Second, I feel an overwhelming since of sadness and guilt. Although I was able to make it out, there are others who didn't. They are still there, stuck in the mess, or they ended up dead or on drugs. So while most people can just go on with their lives, people are living The Wire everyday. What was it about me that allowed me to escape? Why was I able to climb out of the ashes and not be a lifelong victim? I mourn for all those who are stuck and have no hope. For those who don't know they too can have a better life.

Lastly, I am encouraged, hopeful and determined. I know that it is up to me to help make a difference. I know I can't save everyone but I will do my darndest to be a blessing to someone else. It is my mission to get out of my nice, comfy, safe world and step out on faith and do what God has called me to do. I vow to do all I can to help this generation be better, do better, live better. I won't stand my the side, shake my head and say "that's not my problem." Instead of talking about it, I plan on being about it.

Thank you to all the writers, producers, directors, actors, and everyone who worked on The Wire. Thank you for bringing such a wonderful show to HBO and touching my soul in a special way. RIP The Wire. Q

Tee and I

This is Tee grooving to "Hate On Me"


These pictures don't do her any justice. She is even more beautiful in person.


This is us tired but still looking fly after the concert. I am convinced the camera really does add 10 pounds. I am happy because Tee is like a size 8 and I can see how much smaller I am. Q

Jill Scott pics

Raheem Devaughn singing "YOU"



Jill and Band stepping off the stage to "And I heard"


Jill Greeting some of the fans.


Jill clapping and grooving.


I will give a recap later. Q

Some Tee day food pics

I was too busy laughing and eating and forgot to take pics but thankfully Tee remembered.



Here is what was left of the red velvet cake Tee and I made. She doesn't like pecans so I left them off. I have made this cake about a thousand times but I think this is the best it has ever tasted. Probably because Tee helped and I didn't have to stop and add the ingredients.


Right now, the kids are in the playroom with their grandma. Thomas, some friends, and grandpa is in the living room with the playstation. Tee and I are in my bed, under the covers, watching t.v. and acting like school girls. Today was WONDERFUL!!! Tomorrow, we go see Jill Scott and Raheem Devaughn!!! Q

It's TEE day!!!!

What is Tee day you ask? I was blessed to meet a beautiful, wonderful, sweet and kind woman by the name of Letitia via the internet. She and I had spoken over the phone and just clicked. A few weeks ago, I found out Jill Scott was coming to AZ and told her about it and she said she would come here and go with me. How cool is that?

She lives in TN and she is flying in today. Because of that, I dubbed today Tee day!!! I have some friends from church coming over, along with my in-laws who are visiting and I will be throwing down in the kitchen.

Here is what's on the menu:
BBQ ribs with my homemade BBQ sauce
Fried Chicken
Homemade mashed potatoes
Brown rice
Cabbage
Macaroni and cheese
Salad
Rolls
Red Velvet Cake
I will post pics later. Q

Happy Valentine's Day

Last night I stayed up while my family slept. I made out 4 cards with gifts inside of them. Then I placed an addition gift beside the cards. Three cards went into my kids' bedroom on their dresser with their names on them. The other was in Thomas' man room. I smiled because I really put a lot of thought into what I wrote in each card. I wanted them to know how I felt and how much I love each of them.

As I lie in bed I began to think about my first and true love and came up with this letter to him:

Dear Jesus,
Tomorrow everyone will be busy eating chocolate, smelling flowers and, reading cards. They will smile and feel happy that someone thought enough about them to give them something. Most will not even think about you even though it is your day. Valentine's day is a day of love and I know GOD is love.

So Lord, I just want you to know that I haven't forgotten about you. I love you more than anything in this world. I love you more than my husband, more than my kids, more than I love my life. Without You and your love that blesses me everyday whether I deserve it or not, I am nothing.

I thank you for being my first and true love. You love me more than anyone ever could. You loved me before my mother or father knew I even existed. I know there is nothing in this world I can give, or anything I can say to tell how much I love you. Instead I will do it with my actions. I will ALWAYS put you first. I will ALWAYS follow you. I will ALWAYS tell people about you. I will ALWAYS be yours. I love you and I look forward to spending eternity with you.

Thank you for my life, my family, my friends and all the many blessings I have because of you. I am everything I am and all I want to be because YOU love me!!! Q

Story #2

MONTH-OLD-BABY AND 12-YEAR-OLD MOTHER IN FOSTER CARE

Atlanta-Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announces the conviction of a 36-year-old defendant who admits to raping and impregnating a then 11-year-old girl. Trianthony Timothy Cannon pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one count of aggravated stalking of a child, one count of aggravated child molestation, two counts of child molestation, one count of aggravated assault and one count of obstruction of a law enforcement officer. In addition, Cannon pleaded guilty to two counts of child molestation related to the girl's 10-year-old brother. Assistant District Attorney Lee Young-Williams, who prosecuted the case, says there was evidence Cannon made the boy watch him rape and assault the child's sister and expose himself. There was also evidence, Young-Williams says, Cannon taught the boy to masturbate.

Cannon lived with Julia Johnson, the children's mother, who secured his release from jail after he was first arrested on charges of molesting her daughter. He moved back in with the family and began raping the little girl again. The DA's office asked for the maximum sentence of 181 years in prison. Judge Constance Russell imposed a life sentence plus 80 years.

Last month, the 12-year-old victim gave birth to a boy who is awaiting adoption. The little girl is also in the custody of the Department of Family and Children's Services. 39-year-old Julia Johnson has been indicted on charges of cruelty to children in the first degree, contributing to the deprivation of a minor and being party to a crime of rape. She is in custody awaiting a trial date.
District Attorney Howard says "this is the most egregious case of child sex abuse I've ever seen. Mr. Cannon deserves every minute of the sentence Judge Russell imposed."

This case was prosecuted under the DA's Crimes against Women and Children division headed by Deputy District Attorney Deborah Espy. Fulton County Investigator Calvin Thomas was the lead investigator on the case.


No words can describe how I feel about these 2 situations. Q

We must protect our children

Someone posted these two stories below and they brought me to tears. As a mother, I was mad as heck. As a human being, I was disgusted. People, WAKE UP. WE must protect our children at any cost. Not just your own but all children. Just because a woman gives birth, doesn't make her a good mother. A real mother would be careful of who she brings around her child. A real mother would cut a mofo who ever harms a hair on her child. A real mother protects her child at all costs. WARNING!!! These 2 stories will make you want to cuss. Q

The baby’s birth at University Hospital on Nov. 4 was routine.

What wasn’t routine was the fact the infant’s mother was just 10, impregnated by her mother’s boyfriend.

Now, social workers are trying to figure out how to unravel the mess involving one of the youngest children ever to give birth in Greater Cincinnati.



Prosecutors were in court Wednesday to discuss what to do with both children, the newborn and her now 11-year-old mom.

The court session in Hamilton County Dependency Court on Wednesday was primarily a status session on how both the baby and young mother are doing.
At the same time Wednesday, Lockland police were in Columbus talking to a convict whose DNA shows he’s the baby girl’s father.

Michael Chaffer, 40, is accused of impregnating his girlfriend’s 10-year-old daughter, according to Hamilton County prosecutors.

The baby’s birth set off an investigation by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services and stunned social workers because the baby’s mother is so young.

The baby has been taken from her mother and put in a foster home while the child-mother is now being taken care of by a relative. Her mother is not allowed to see the baby and can only see her daughter when supervised by social workers.
Lawyers jammed the courtroom Wednesday, representing the prosecutor’s office and all three generations of the family.

The girl’s mother was warned not to let any adult men in her Lockland home while caseworkers tried to track down the infant’s father.

Paternity was not determined until Wednesday morning.

Prosecutors say the girl’s mother ignored that order to keep adult men away from her child, and when a caseworker made a surprise visit to her Lockland home Jan. 4, they found Chaffer.

Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor Lee Slocum said Chaffer faces criminal charges for impregnating and sexually molesting a girl under the age of 13.
Lockland Police Chief James Toles said two officers were interviewing Chaffer on Wednesday in a Columbus prison, where he is serving a one-year sentence on an unrelated charge.

Sex with a child under 13 is considered statutory rape, a crime punishable with a life prison term.

As JFS investigated the case, several relatives of the 11-year-old girl contacted the agency saying Chaffer sexually abused the girl for a “period of time.”

The 11-year-old girl’s mother is also under investigation, Slocum said, for allowing her daughter to be abused.

Job and Family Services workers can’t remember a case in which a girl so young gave birth.

“Unfortunately, sexual abuse is pretty common in the cases we see,” said JFS Director Moira Weir. “But it is highly unusual and extremely sad to see a case where a 10-year-old becomes pregnant.

“This is an example of why everyone in the community needs to be extremely vigilant about watching for the signs of abuse and notifying us through our 241-KIDS hotline,” she added. “The sooner we can intervene, the sooner we can make sure the child is in a safe situation.”

Hamilton County prosecutors want a court designation that the 11-year-old girl was abused. They allege the 11-year-old’s mother failed to care for her by allowing Chaffer near her.

Prosecutors also want to take the infant away from the mother because the sixth-grade student is too young to care for the baby.

As she waited for the hearing to start, the child, who was wearing faded jeans and a T-shirt hoody with her hair tied into a ponytail, sat next to her mother. She chatted about school, music and Disney video games.

During the hearing, as prosecutors and attorneys discussed the case and the possibility that the 11-year-old could lose her baby, she wiped away tears with the palms of her hands.

At Wednesday’s hearing, Magistrate Charles Milazzo determined the girl could visit her baby at least twice a week.

But he said the 11-year-old girl’s mother may see her only if social workers can supervise the visits, and that she may not see the baby.

Authorities became aware of the birth after the 11-year-old girl delivered the baby at University Hospital. Hospital officials notified JFS because the mother was so young.

The 11-year-old girl and the infant were allowed to remain in the mother’s home while JFS investigated the case. Two other men were eliminated as the baby’s father before Chaffer’s DNA was tested.

When the caseworker found Chaffer in the home Jan. 4 – a violation of JFS’ order that no men be in the home – they arrested him on a charge of obstruction of official business.

Court records show Chaffer slammed the door on the officer and refused to open it.
Chaffer pleaded guilty to that charge the next day, which violated his probation on an earlier drug charge. As a result he was sent to prison for one year.

JFS immediately took the 11-year-old girl and infant from the home.

Bria's hair

Bria is only 9 but she has hair like a grown woman. Actually she has enough hair for 2 grown women. I call it 3T because it is thick, it easily tangles, and she is tenderheaded. After posting on a forum I frequent, I used a combo of tricks, products, and tips and I finally was able to do her hair for once without any tears.

This first pic is of her hair washed and conditioned. You can see how thick it is.


First I pre-pooed with some castor oil and this aura glow oil mix I have. I ended up doing it over the weekend. I put her hair in 6 sections:


I washed her hair with Envia hydrating shampoo while in the sections.
Next I mixed 2/3 cup of coconut milk and 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar and applied it to her hair. Then on top of it, I put the Envia hydrating conditioner. Here is a pic:


Next, I put a plastic cap on her hair. I wet and warmed a turbo twist towel and put it on so it can deep condition her hair for about 15-20 minutes.



I did a final rinse of acv, water, and castor oil. Finally, I applied Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme to each section, detangled with my fingers first and then with a bone comb and put her hair in twists. Here is the final result.


One of the ladies was generous enough to give me a gift certificate for the Buttercreme. It is pricey, $58 + shipping for a 16oz jar but it was worth it. Thanks again girlie. Q

Love is...

Love is
Waking up and knowing God blessed you to see another day.
Hearing the water running and knowing it is the love of my life getting ready for work.
Walking across the hall and waking up 3 beautiful little faces.
Kisses those faces goodbye and hearing "I Love You" as they go to school.
Hearing the phone ring at 5 am on a Sunday morning and talking to your friend on the other end who is going through some stuff.
Crying on the phone with that friend and talking on the phone for an hour.
Knowing how blessed you truly are.
Talking to my brother and sister in law in England.
Sharing a good laugh.
Knowing you have people in your life that will always have your back.
Being grateful for the life you have and never taking for granted how much GOD loves you.
GOD is love. Q

Crabs in a barrel

I remember when I was pregnant with Bria. Everything I thought about changed. I no longer cared about having a military career. All I wanted to do was to be the best wife and mother I could be. I began to set a plan in motion to get out. I didn't want to leave too soon and give up some of the benefits I had worked so hard for so I had to be wise. Shortly after she was born I started working towards getting off of active duty.

After enduring some roadblocks, I was approved for Palace Chase. This allowed me to separate from active duty and finish my time in the Reserves. I remember being so happy that I was going to be a stay at home mom. That was until I realized I was in a barrel full of crabs. I remember hearing someone tell me about the crabs in a barrel scenario. They stated that as soon as a crab is near the top of the barrel and about to escape, the others will pull it back down because they are still stuck in the barrel so they don't want another to be able to get out.

People tried to discourage me. "What about your career?" "How are you guys going to live off of one salary?" "Why don't you just finish out your 4 years?" "Are you sure you want to do that?" Those were the questions posed to me. You see most of them were secretly envious. They had fallen into the active duty trap. Most people go in thinking they will do 4 years, make some money, go to school and then leave. But they don't save, they don't prepare and, before they know it, they have done 4 years with nothing to show for it. They have no choice but to reenlist.

I was smarter than most. As soon as I got to my base I went back to school, I was very good with my money and Thomas and I were already living off of one salary. Crabs in a barrel.

Unfortunately for the nay saying I wasn't a crab. I was a dove who accidentally stumbled upon their barrel. So while they may have been waiting for me to get to the top just to pull me out, they couldn't because I realized I had wings and soared into my destiny.

I said all of this to say:
1) Be careful of who you share your dreams and plans with. Some people are miserable and don't want to see others happy. They will kill your dreams faster than you can say boo. They are crabs that will pull you down as soon as they know you are trying to get up and out. Only share things with people who will love and support you.

2) If you realize you are in a barrel of crabs, you must either realize you are dove and fly or evolve into one and get the heck out. You must know who you are and whose you are. Your environment doesn't define you. Even if you are a crab, you don't have to remain one. Step out on faith and be the person God has called you to be. Or else you will end up on a plate on top of table next to a salad, some garlic cheese biscuits, and melted butter waiting to be cracked and eaten with the rest of the crabs. Q

Establishing your daily eating plan

1600 calories- 3 servings of veggies, 2 fruits, 6 carbs, 3 dairy or substitute, 2 protein, and 9 fat.
1800 caloires- 4 veggies, 3 fruits, 7 carbs, 3 dairy, 2 protein, 10 fat
2000 calories- 5 veggies, 4 fruits, 8 carbs, 3 dairy, 3 protein, 11 fat

Vegetables (about 25 calories per serving) One serving equals:1 cup raw or 1/2 cup frozen, canned, steamed or cooked in the microwave, expect where noted. Artichoke hearts, asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, cauliflower, celery, eggplant, green beans, lettuce (romaine, green or read leaf), mushrooms, red ionions, salsa, spinach, tomatoes, tomato juice, 1/4 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup winter squash, zucchini

Fruits(about 60 calories per serving) One serving equals: 1 cup or 1 med piece the size of a tennis ball, except where noted. Apples, 1/2 cup applesauce, berries, grapes, grapefruit, kiwifruit, nectarines, oranges, 1/2 cup orange juice, papayas, 1/2 cup canned pineapple, tangerines

Carbs(about 60 cals per serving) One serving = 1/2 cup, except where noted. Beans, corn, half of a whole-grain or whole-wheat English muffin or pita bread, 1 slice multigrain bread, red potatoes, sweet potatoes, 1 corn tortilla, half of a flavored flour tortilla (such as sun-dried tomato, spinach or garden veggie), 1 whole-grain waffle, dry whole-grain cereal, 3 whole-grain crackers, cooked cream of wheat, cooked oatmeal, cooked whole-wheat pasta, 1 1/2 cups popped light microwave popcorn, pretzels, wild rice

Dairy or Dairy substitutes(about 100 cals per serv) One serving = 1/4 cup except where noted. Crumbled or shredded feta, Gorgonzola, Monterey Jack or Parmesan cheese, 1 slice American, 1 oz Gouda, mozzarella, provolone or Swiss cheese, 1 cup skim or 1% milk, 1/2 cup nonfat or low-fat yogurt, 1/2 cup nonfat or low-fat cottage or ricotta cheese

Protein(about 120 cals per serv) One serv = 3 oz cooked or prepared (about the size of a deck of cards). 98% lean ground beef, canadian bacon, chicken breast, clams, egg substitute, salmon, shrimp, soy-based veggie products (burgers, hot dogs, patties, etc.), turkey breast, water packed tuna

Fat(about 45 cals per serv) One serv = 1 T except where noted. Light or reduced-fat cream cheese, 1 tsp trans-fat-free margarine, light or reduced-fat mayo, 2 tsps chopped or sliced nuts or seeds, 2 tps peanut butter, 10 olives, 1 tsp pesto, light salad dressing, 1 tsp veggie oil

Splurge(about 225 calories per serving) One serv = 3 homemade sugar cookies (each 3 inches in diameter), 1 brownie (4 inches by 4 inches), 1.5 oz M&M's, 1.5 oz peanut brittle, 2 pieces pound cake (each 1/12 of cake), half of a piece of homemade apple pie (half of slice equalling 1/8 of a 9-inche pie)
Note- if you have a splurge, for each plan subtract 2 carbs and 2 fat servings

More to come. Q

Formula to lose weight

For those of you who do like to weigh yourself and need to see the scale go down in order to be motivated, here is a formula I found in an article I clipped:

1.Subtract 10 pounds from your current weight, then multiply this figure by 4.4.
Ex: If you weigh 145 now, subtract 10 pounds to get 135. Multiply by 4.4, you get 594.

2.Calculate your height in inches, then multiply this figure by 4.6.
Ex: If you're 5'4", you're 64 inches tall. Multiply that by 4.6 to get 294.4.

3.Multiply your age in years by 4.7.
Ex: If you're 30, you get 141

4.Add up the answers to numbers one through three and then add 655.
Ex: 597+294.4+141+655= 1,684.4.
Round up or down to the nearest whole number: 1,684

5.Multiply this number by an activity factor-- this is the figure that helps determine the number of extra calories you need to support your daily physical activity level:
*1.2 if you sit at a desk all day, are unable to work out due to an injury or are too tired or too busy to exercise on a daily basis.
*1.3 if you walk your dog twice or more daily, take the stairs whenever you can or exercise moderately for up to 2 days a week.
*1.5 if you exercise for 1 hour at least 3 and up to 5 times a week.
*1.7 if you are a hard-core runner, train 2-plus hours a day or have a physically demanding job.

Your final number equals your daily calorie limit to lose 10 pounds in six weeks

HTH Q

Measuring your body fat

It amazes me how two people can weigh the same and yet look so different. One of the reasons I don't weigh myself is because I have always been a muscular person. Because of that I always weighed more than most people would expect. I know that having nice toned muscles allows me to look great versus being slim but flabby. Here are some sites you can use in order to figure out your body fat:
http://www.bmi-calculator.net/body-fat-calculator/
http://www.linear-software.com/online.html
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/diet.html
http://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/bfb

Let's focused on being fit and toned and I guarantee you will feel great, be the size you want to be and, look great. Q

Looking great in 08

So I haven't given up on the fitness thing at all. For me it is not about getting to a certain size, it is about a healthy lifestyle. I want to look and feel good from the inside out. I want to be around to enjoy life and watch my kids grow. I want to recognize the person I see in the mirror. I had already began my own personal journey but my friend Jessica Rabbit wanted to team up with another blogger for accountability and I agreed to join her.

I am going to put some info out for myself and others and I will be tracking my progress via my blog. I plan on taking pics every Sunday for the next 12 weeks and tracking my measurements. I don't go by weight, I go by inches so that is what I am going to use. Here is some info on taking measurements I got from www.ttapp.com :

Waist- at navel
Abdomen- 3 inches below navel
Hips- stand with feet 12 inches apart, tighten buns and measure fullest part
Upper Thigh- just below cheek
Lower Thigh- 2 inches above kneecap
Calves- fullest part
Upper arm- 3 inches from armpit

I hope this helps you out. Q