Trainer Update

I haven't posted a training update in awhile.... But here's the scoop. For the last 7 weeks I've been doing the "bikini bootcamp" type thing with my trainer. And I've been doing weight training and walking on my own.

The numbers are cool, but way cooler if you look at my progress since January when I first started working out with Charlotte.

So far, I've lost about 8 lbs. since January. AND I've lost a total of 9.75 inches -- 5.75 of that in the last seven weeks. What's really cool -- 3 inches of that is off my gut!!! And 1.5 off my waist. And two off my hips!!!

Basically, I've gone from a 10-12 to a 6-8. And I'm not done!!!

We start another class on Monday -- if you're in Fairfield or even in the Cypress area (you don't have to live in Fairfield) you need to join us! It's MWF 7:15-8:15 a.m.!!!

FIFTY!!!

Team Tiara Has FIFTY people signed up to walk in the 3-Day! How cool is that?

This is one party you DO NOT want to miss!

Find out more: http://08.the3day.org/goto/teamtiara

I'm willing to bet you'll know someone else on our team!

My Miracle Friends

Ya'll may remember about a year ago -- before I figured out how to be a blogger -- that I sent a bunch of emails asking for prayers for my friend Kelly. Kelly and her family were a major wreck last year. Her daughter Rebeckah (a month younger than Abbie) had severe head injuries. Kelly's arm was mangled -- she almost lost it. BUT God was watching over my precious friends, and a year later things are going very well in their household. Kelly's arm still requires treatment, surgeries, etc. -- she is such an inspiration to talk to because it's kind of like that's not "Big Picture" enough for her to stress about. She's got the most positive outlook ever.

Anyway, they just did a story on Rebeckah in the San Angelo paper. Kelly shared it with me, and I want to share it with you!!

Survivor: Girl, 7, has only scars after near-fatal wreck http://gosanangelo.com/news/2008/may/27/survivor/

Prayers Needed

I had a post written about this, but then it went away -- don't ask. Anyway, my Uncle Keith was diagnosed with a brain tumor last week. I don't know if he even knows yet -- they've been waiting for a neurologist to be the one to tell him. I do know it's the fast-growing kind, that he's been having spells for a few months, and that they have him on steroids which seems to be helping the swelling stay down.

They were supposed to see the neurologist today.

My Uncle Keith has played a big role in my life. Growing up, I don't remember him as much as I do his son Clay. Clay and I were about the same age. I remember a trip to Luling one Thanksgiving to spend time with them -- and how Sid was wearing shorts in November, and Mom thought that was nuts.

But the "big role" stuff didn't start until later. When I was in the 8th grade -- headed into my Freshman year -- I called Uncle Keith and told him I wanted to show steers. That was the start of something big -- and it had a huge impact on me and the adult I eventually became. Keith was always there to support us. A quiet, strong presence.

My Mom always thought a lot of Uncle Keith -- it meant a lot to her that he still considered her family even after she and Dad split up.

And then, last year, when she went to be with Jesus, most of the Lloyds were gathered in Ruidoso for a family reunion. Keith was the one I asked for when I called to let them know. Mom would have wanted that.

So please pray for my Uncle Keith, for a treatment plan that will rid him of the tumor. For peace for his family. And for wisdom for the doctors.

Thanks,
d.

Happy Birthday!!!

Hey, Kate Porter!!!

Isn't today your birthday???

Happy Birthday!!!

Pampered Chef Fundraiser Through May 30!!!

*** NOTE: If sales on this fundraiser reach $500, the 3-Day will get 25% of the sales! We're at $350 now! My goal is $1000! Think we can do it??


Hello All!!!
THE Suzanne Dickson, a really cool chick who works up at Abbie's school, is helping me host an online Pampered Chef Fundraiser for the 3-Day.

If you're a Pampered Chef fiend like I am, I'm guessing there are a couple of things you NEED!

You can log onto the party at: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/sdickson, go to the Our Products section, select the link below the products they would like to purchase, and enter "Breast Cancer 3-Day" where it says first name / organization.

Be sure to check out the cute pink stuff they have for their Breast Cancer awareness month!

AND if you want to book a party or fundraiser off this party, PC will donate $3 to the 3-Day!! How cool is that???

OH! And if you don't live near here -- PLEASE have your order shipped to your home!!!

If you need a few ideas, I love my...

Batter bowls
Stoneware -- especially the pizza stone and mini loaf pan (makes 4 mini loaves)
Food Chopper
Spatula
Mix n Scraper
Bread Knife
Paring knives
Measure-all
Adjustable Measuring Spoons....

Okay. It's late. Those should get you started!
- d.

Houston, We have a Problem....

Man. We have a problem. After staying on top of the 3-Day leader board for months, Team Tiara has lost our #1 spot! The Boxing Babes, Round 2 has a beat by about $2000 right now!!! YIKES!

The competitive side of me says, " Please donate!"

Kait's Preschool Graduation

Kait's Preschool Graduation (or Grad-yee-ay-tion as she says it) was last night. It was so hard for me. Not because Biggs was stuck in West Virginia with a plane that had brake issues. And not because this my baby and this is the end of preschool for me.

I just kept thinking, "Mom would have loved this."
"Mom would be eating this up."
"Mom would be here."
"Mom should be here."

Man.

Kait was so incredibly cute. They did a program first, then had the graduation part -- cap and gown, the whole works. Even had that gold ribbon around her neck -- surely they know she's destined for National Honor Society or Beta Club or whatever. But she really was a hoot to watch!

This is the program part -- that's her friend Lily on her right.

I love this picture! She looks so studious checking out her new Bible.

I kind of think this looks more like the Flying Nun than a graduation picture, but it's cute either way!

I have no idea why this one came out grainy -- but here Kait is with her teacher, Mrs. Ritchie.

And here she is with Big Sister Abbie. Abbie, of course, wanted to know why she never had a graduation like that. I, on the other hand, think it's great Kait got to do something Abbie has never done. How rare! I wish you could see all of Abs' dress in this picture. It looks so pretty on her!

Prayers Needed

Hi all,
Uncle Don is having his prostate removed tomorrow (Tuesday), so please keep him in your prayers! I told him it was better him than me -- since I don't have one. If they ever schedule me for prostate surgery, we're in trouble!!!

Please pray especially for Aunt Nelva as she weathers this storm. I talked to her today, and she's very nervous -- she won't tell you she is, but she is. As ornery as he is, she needs him!

And please continue praying for Amy Martin as she goes through chemo. You can find updates on Amy's progress at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amymartin

Thanks for your prayers!
- d.

GREAT Headline!

Okay. Just the headline of this article makes it blog-worthy!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080520/ap_on_sc/florida_artifacts

Creek Pix

Okay... I'm am so far behind on just about everything around here! The GOOD news is Kait only has four more days of school -- then I can stop driving back and forth to The Met. And maybe I can get caught up.

Here are some cute Creek Pix from our trip with the Pattons. (Okay. Some aren't so cute!)

Here's Abs doing what she loves more than just about anything else!!! Kneeboarding!

Here's Meg -- I didn't get any pix of Emily -- we weren't in the boat at the same time, and when I wasn't in the boat, I was painting. I guess they'll have to come back!

Kait....
Yes, we're the crazy people who put 5-year-olds on kneeboards. Kait LOVES it -- about as much as Abbie does. And she rode that thing FOREVER. Biggs kept trying to throw her off. She even made it through a no-wake zone. We finally had to stop the boat and pull her off so someone else could ride.

Yep. There's the man I fell in love with -- 12 years ago!!!

And here I am. Thinking about doing a 360.

Into the 360.
Oh yeah. I did a 360 and then some -- under water!! Not quite as graceful as I had hoped! Oh well -- I needed a summer project! I do have to say, all the working out I've been doing sure makes it easier!