Chloe looks really pretty in her new coat!!! Here's the girls from high school. Lisa's daughter got a drum set to go with her Wii. Let's just say that I am NOT a drummer....just couldn't get the hang of it at all! And here's a cute one of Benjamin..... so many great memories from 2008.



It has been a remarkable year for me personally and one that I will never forget. I have been given such incredible opportunities, met some wonderful new friends, and learned a great deal about myself and how determined and how strong I am.......for a 50+ year old woman, that's a pretty cool thing to learn. Can't wait to see what's in store for me in 2009!!!

December....a busy month

Lots going on this month...good friend visited for a few days....Christmas with family kept things lively....got together with all of my high school buddies....a really great snowfall gave us an extra day of vacation......two weeks off was pretty much perfect.......next week back to the real world and work......bummer! I've posted a few of my favorite pictures above.

What a difference six months can make!!!

I just came across this picture that I had taken shortly after I started the FAST Diet. Sometimes when I get frustrated about the SLOW weight loss I need to look at how far I've come and appreciate it a little more.

I want you to know that for the first time in a VERY long time (probably most of my life) I did not "blown" it on Halloween (and I even went to the gym Halloween night so I wouldn't blow it!) Usually by the end of the school day on Halloween kids have brought so many treats to the office that I feel almost sick to my stomach and frustrated with myself because of my lack of self-control. This year the kids know that I am trying to get healthy and trying to lose weight so they honor my "Please Don't Feed The Principal" sign and stop by to see me without offering me anything.
They are remarkable! I was so proud of myself on Halloween. I had two
candy corn and while I would have loved more, I believe that I am finally
getting the idea that it's just not worth it. I have my eye on the final goal and know that I will get there someday soon. Here's an updated picture almost 110 pounds off so far and wearing a new pair of jeans a size smaller!!! Hooray!!!

Ben Visits Aunt Nan

I got to spend some time last nigt with Benjamin. He's 18 months old and is a sweetie. He ate dinner (Chloe REALLY wanted him to share!) We also went for a walk around the block several times. The first time he stayed with me and it was easy to "manage" him and Chloe. The second time he decided to ignore me, run away, chase geese while screaming "fly, fly, " and pick up anything he could get his hands on. Good news....I don't think he ate any bugs. Bad news.... I could not do this 24/7. How do parents manage???? Maybe that's why you are supposed to have them while you are young! Regardless, he is a special and very loved little man.

Monroe News Multimedia Presentation

Bryan Bosch, a gifted photographer (and now a friend) who works for the Monroe News, has followed my weight loss efforts over the past eight months. His work has resulted in a multimedia slideshow on the Monroe News web site. It is a remarkable piece of work. I can't begin to express in words what his work means to me and how much his efforts to capture my story have changed my life. The pictures, while sometimes hard to look at, tell a story about my challenges, frustrations, and successes. The audio captures what I am all about, the message I wanted to share, and the reality of what it's like to struggle with weight loss. What's amazing is that I can't even begin to imagine how hard and time consuming it must have been to look through 1000's of pictures and hours upon hours of audio, put together something so beautiful, and make it look so incredibly easy. I know it wasn't. I know that I have been blessed by having the opportunity to be a part of this and everything else I have taken part of in 2008. I have met some incredible people, been supported by so many people, worked with remarkable students...................... I am so grateful.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you Bryan! This will be a memory that I will never forget.

http://www.monroepublishing.com/multimedia/nancy/

The Wedding

My nephew Tim married Michele on August 23rd in East Lansing. It was a wonderful celebration and lovely event. Here's a picture of the two of us. There will be many more pictures to come but this is my favorite so far.

The wedding was so special and the reception was a great party and an opportunity to visit with family and friends.

Tim and Michele are a special young couple and I know they will have MANY years of happiness together.