Note written by a dear friend of mine

"I've contemplated for awhile about writing this note. It's kind of my story. It's a story I don't share but I see some situations and my heart breaks for people, esp young people who seem to be in abusive relationships. I fear that some people may say well because he hasn't hit me it's not abuse. Verbal, emotional, mental abuse are real too.
I have been called names, told I'm not good enough, been threatened if I leave, been slapped ( only once), bitten, screamed at, cheated on, held down, had my weight criticized, my spirituality attacked, followed around town to keep tabs on me. I can only think of one guy who didn't tear me down in some ways. I'm now a 32 year old where relationships are still full of lies, infidelity, walking on eggshells,and in one a fear, every time I left my house for weeks after I looked over my shoulder. How did I get into this? I had the best family in the world, a great relationship with my dad. But that one relationship at 15-16 set the tone for how I would see myself 16 years later. I believed what these guys said. I had a vicious cycle of under eating and over-exercise, diet pills so I would worthy of love.
I forgot one thing, I was fearfully and wonderfully made. I am worthy regardless of past mistakes that I helped create. Everything has happened to me for a reason, that reason is to help those who may be in the same situation. Girls you are worthy. Please don't ever let someone tell you that you aren't pretty enough, smart enough, good enough. That is a lie from the pit of hell. To God you will always be enough. When you think of yourself, just remember that creation was complete when woman was formed. That's how much we matter. God formed us and whether we are tall, short, skinny, not as skinny as we want, curly hair, glasses, whatever, he looks at us with a love that we will never understand.
Sometimes it's so hard to be alone. That has been a reason why I had gotten myself into unhealthy relationships. I am hear to tell you though. Take the time to be alone. Take time to find out how much God loves us and doesn't want us to live defeated. That way you'll be grounded in the truth.
To the guys watch the words you say and the actions you display. You may do more damage than you think. Uplift her, encourage her, be faithful to her, love her regardless."


I felt the need to post this because I know several women in situations like this, and I wanted them to hear these words as well. - Jennifer

Gearing up for our trip

We are leaving for Ironton, OH in 2 days! Can't believe we're actually going to be able to go!! God is good! I'm really looking forward to our family weekend get-away. We haven't been able to go anywhere as a complete family in a long time.

Getting all of our laundry done today so we can pack tomorrow. We'll have to van ready to go tomorrow night, so that we can get up at 6:30am and just pile in and go. The kids are very excited! I've been blessed with kids that travel well. Stephanie tends to have trouble with motion sickness, but since we've had the van I haven't noticed it being a problem. Bringing Dramamine with us though, just in case!

Saturday, we'll be meeting the Young Family at a park in Ashland, KY to have a potluck and a catch-up/meeting time. My mom's family has only gotten together 2 times that I know of, and I was 2 yrs old and then 14 years old! It's been a while! I know my mom is very excited about seeing her relatives! My uncle Jim passed away 17 years ago, uncle Danny is working and won't be able to come, and we're hoping my aunt Kathy will be there!

Sunday, we'll be having the Malone Reunion at my Aunt Carol's house in Ironton. She has a large pavilion in her back yard and a pool. We'll be seeing my dad's brother and sisters and all of their kids and grandkids. Three of my uncles, Uncle Frank, Uncle Hayward and Uncle Kenny, have already passed away and are truly missed! Uncle Forest, Aunt Clara Mae and Aunt Carol are all planning on being there. I'm really looking forward to meeting/getting to know my cousins. My dad was the youngest of 7, and by the time he was born a few of them were already married.

Praying my van doesn't have any trouble and we have a good trip. It's about 8 1/2 hours drive for us.

Stephanie's progress

Stephanie is doing great! She has gone 5 days now with no pain meds. It's been a week since her surgery, and I am so amazed at the difference since the bones are where they should be. As you can see, she is all set up with the remote, Xbox, and basket of goodies to keep her occupied.

Update on my weight loss journey

I have lost 20.4 as of today! Looking forward to continuing this journey!! I can actually start to "see" a difference.

Stephanie's Surprise

Our friend from our homeschool group, Mandy, brought us a delicious dinner tonight. She also brought a huge surprise for Stephanie from several of her friends!

A basket OVERFLOWING with goodies! Candy, stickers, multiplication puzzles, peg game, coloring books, a wooden cross to paint, Littlest Pet Shop toys, various other things I can't think of right now and a smiley face balloon! She really needed this today....after the meltdown last night, she was just feeling low. I think is just tired of sitting around, but when she tries to get up and do something it wears her out. Thanks, everyone, for your thoughtfulness in helping her feel better!

Weight Loss Journey update

Yipppeeee! As of today, I'm down 18.4 lbs. I don't really notice a change yet, but mom mentioned immediately that she could tell in my face that I've lost weight! That's encouraging!!! Slow and steady wins the race.....I truly hope this saying is true!

Mom and Dad's visit before heading to OH

Mom and dad arrived on Wed night around 11pm, since mom had to work until 2. We had a fun day together yesterday. I think Stephanie might have over done it though, because in the evening she crashed and burned. After taking a pain pill, she calmed right down. We played several games of Go Fish, went to the Mellow Mushroom for dinner, and watched Furry Vengeance. They headed out around 6:30am and plan to go straight through to Vandalia, OH to visit the Cordas, some very good friends of ours from Romania.

We'll be heading out next Friday very early! We're very excited about having a little get-away for the weekend as well as visiting relatives I haven't seen in such a long time.