Steph, I know how you feel. I had gastric bypass surgery three years ago. I lost 100 pounds and while I should've been over the moon happy, all I could see was the saggy skin and baggy body that was left. I've been wallowing the past six months in feeling unattractive, middle-aged and frumpy. And I've gained weight, too. March has been sort of a reset month for me as well. As the weather here in the south has warmed (sort of) I've gotten back to walking and eating healthier, reminding myself that I didn't lose 100 pounds to gain them all back and that the most important thing is to FEEL GOOD and to BE HAPPY WITH WHO I AM RIGHT NOW - and if I'm saggy/baggy, those are the battle scars from successful pregnancies and successful weight loss battles and I should be proud of those rather than embarrassed by them. I'm sure I won't feel this way every single day, but I'm like you, I find Cathy's honesty freeing and it helps to keep me grounded to know that I'm not the only one having this ongoing conversation in my head about how I look, what I eat and the exercise I do or don't do on a given day. Thanks, both of you, for sharing.

Katie - I totally and completely agree. I posted on my FB page the other day (after a walk through TJ MAXX) that I felt like I had stepped back into the 80's and wasn't quite so happy to be there - those fashion mistakes should not be made again.

What a great idea! Now I'm going to have to go rename my boards... I hate not being able to find things because I can't remember what I named the board.

How sweet! You are lucky to have a man like him!

I did my roundup! It was late, but better late than never! http://thoughtsalonglifeshighway.com/2012/07/07/june-roundup/

Oh, my goodness. This would be awesome to win!! I would say the lesson I am learning right now is to be content with what I have... don't complain, don't wish things were different than they are... just get on with things and get over it.

Love your post, and your thoughts - I, too, need to remind myself that sometimes the storms and challenges of life are refining me and making me a better person rather than being bogged down in self-pity. I would be SO THRILLED to win a spot in the class... Fingers crossed!

I'm going to do hybrid, too, I think, for my Project Life/Family Album this year. I have been mulling it over since the beginning of December but I am like you - I really like the format of the PL album. I'm thinking I will add in my digital pages where appropriate as well. Going to get brave this year and try some of the hybrid printables you have on Designer Digitals, too! Here's my thoughts about my family scrapbooking plans for 2012: http://thoughtsalonglifeshighway.com/2012/01/04/scrapbooking-in-2012/

Hello, my friend! I did not know that there were books to go with the Bones series!! I just discovered that show this summer and I'm hooked! Now I will have to go find the books. Thanks!!! Love ya, Lois

Let me know how you like it! The girls had it for breakfast again today. It was just as good warmed a little in the microwave as it was fresh from the oven yesterday.

It's my favorite view! I love living close to the mountains... Thanks for stopping by!

Sarah, You can download your own copy of the quote from here: http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/2011/07/settled-assurance.html

It WAS fun. I love days like that - when we can just be a family and not worry about chores, jobs, or other things besides being together.

Our girls start school this week, too. And we are READY! Best of luck with your new year!

It was, Sandra! Thanks!! :-)