hi my name is jayma...

I've been on a significant journey since January 29th. It started out as a weight loss journey, but it has turned into so much more than that.  I've realized my unhealthy relationship with food and what it has done to me on so many levels.  I'm an emotional eater. Anyone else? I can be having the worst day ever and the answer has been food or the best day ever and the answer is also food.

For the past several years I've used food to satisfy my spirit. Throughout this journey over the past 12 weeks I have done more than lose weight. I've found my satisfaction and comfort in God. I still struggle. Today was a huge battle for me, and I was victorious in the name of Christ. I'm not sure if the battle will ever go away. But, each day I am getting stronger and stronger in this fight.  I stand firm against over eating or eating the wrong foods each day. I have moments of weakness, but I have overcome so much.

Each morning after I finish my devotions, I read a devotional called Made to Crave.  This has been a great daily encouragement to me in fighting against emotional eating. Also, my prayer life has increased so much over the past few months since I read the Power of a Praying Wife. Read about it here.  I recognize the importance of complete surrender and obedience to God.

This journey I'm on is making me realize so many things about myself.  I realized that I am weak. I can't do any of this on my own. Jesus Christ gives me the strength each day. Also, I still have a lot of issues to work out. I'm growing in my faith during this journey which is way better than the weight I've lost. I'm excited to continue on this journey and see the growth that occurs spiritually and physically.

More to come on this topic...I think ;)

happy easter to you

Dave and I got to go to my family's for Easter this past weekend.  We were both really looking forward to going. Dave hadn't seen Ethan since his birth and I haven't seen him in about a month. One of the difficult things about living far away is missing out on one family's get together. This time we missed Dave's family Easter and that was tough.

Uncle Dave and Ethan (11 weeks)

Dave jumped right in with his uncle duties.  Ethan loved to look at Dave when he talked with him and would smile and coo back.

Saturday we went and took some family photos. We were in need of an updated picture with Ethan joining the clan. It was beautiful weather and we had a lot of fun taking the pictures. Ethan was great the whole time as well! Can't wait to see how they turned out!

Sunday we went to church then grilled out at home. Dad manned the grill and the steaks were perfect!

photo courtesy of Dave

Elizabeth and I had a "friendly" Easter egg hunt! You would have though my mom hid those in the back yard for Ethan, but no, they were for us :)

I won technically but Liz stole some eggs out of my basket :)

Overall, a great weekend home. Ethan is growing so much already! Here are a few more because I know you want to see his cute little face!

Ethan's Easter hat...it will come in handy on the pontoon this summer!