Michaela's birthday was on Wednesday. As I young girl, sometimes I would sneak a peek at my mothers journal (sorry Mom) looking to see how I figured into her life.

Michaela has been the joy in my life for 11 years. I love her spunk. In one of my favorite books, a father describes his son by saying, "there was a brightness in him." That is how I feel about Michaela, she has a brightness in her.

If we were contemporaries, instead of mother and daughter, I would have wanted to be her friend. She is a riot and not afraid to try anything, except scary rides. But she constantly challenges herself, she has committed to going on the Matterhorn her next trip to Disneyland.

She is fierce often taking on the older kids in games. She fares best in video games and can beat the older boys.

Someone in our new ward once described Michaela as a "friend maker." She easily accepts others into her circle.

I am so blessed to have the opportunity to parent this amazing spirit. Michaela, you are my best thing.

Enough for now...love to all.

I have been clinging to the end of the on-the-rack section of the department store for too long and I have to start paying some attention to my weight. I blame it on stress but this month I moved from misses to the womens department....and started a diet.

Now I am not above the quick fix so I investigated the Alli Weight Loss Program.

Funny but before I begin with their program, they want to assess my readiness. They think we are friends and that we will have friendly interaction before we begin. They don't realize the adversarial position they undertake as they seek to get between me and comfort. In addition, they expect me to commit. I do not know these people but here they are asking me if I am ready for Alli and what my plan is.

The feature of the plan that I find most attractive in the short term is that if you overdo with the fat content in your meals, the pill rewards you with unpleasant side effects referred to as "treatment effects." It seems similar to what happens to a post gastric bypass patient if they pig out.

Seems strange but I almost need the threat to get started. For 3 days I have made better choices and eaten normal sized portions. Who knows how long fear will battle desire but for today I am in control.

Hopefully, in a few months, I will no longer feel the need to hide in the back during photos or use my children to strategically hide my bulges. Or not.

This photo was from Celeste Bowler's baby shower. I also got a beautiful shot of one of my favorite bloggers so I will post in her honor.

Tomorrow is Michaela's 11th Birthday. She has been a total joy for me this past 11 years. I will dedicate a post for her tomorrow but when she was around 4 years old she told us all that her birthday was on July Tweleventh (11th). She is also convinced that on her visit to 7/11 tomorrow for a free slurpee, they will offer her the larger size since she shares a birthday with the establishment.

Enough for now...love to all.