A shout out to my big Daddy who turns 70 today!!!

He’s also one of my inspirations for getting in shape as is my mom. They are living proof of the saying “a body in motion stays in motion”. They have lived on a farm the majority of their 49 years together and still get up before dawn to “work out”. They don’t run, pump iron, or do Pilates, but they are moving constantly throughout the day whether it’s working on farm equipment or in the garden; and they are just as busy off the farm delivering Meals on Wheels, playing golf, volunteering at the hospital and library, working at their church. Dad is still way stronger than I am and Mom can work circles around me! I think they have a great quality of life because they keep on movin’ and I want that for me when I’m 70!

Our youngest daughter and our oldest son are also inspirations for me. I didn’t realize until years later how chubby they really were as kids and while I think a lot of kids go through that stage, I blame myself for their chubby years. Kids can only eat what is available to them; it’s not like a 10 year old has the money or the ability to jump in a car and go grab a burger and fries, so they eat what we make available. When they entered high school, they both took it into their own hands to eat right and get in shape. I’m humbled at how disciplined our daughter is with her eating and running. She just graduated from high school and if she can do it amidst pizza parties and insane schedules, I certainly should be able to manage it!

Lastly, my hubby. When we met I weighed 147 pounds; during a pregnancy I tipped the scales at 210; and since then I’ve fluctuated from 152 to 188 and through it all he has never, ever said anything about my weight. He has always made me feel like a queen and loved me for who I am. While I know it’s important to take care of myself for me, I'd really like to become the queen he thinks I am! ;-)