Let me tell you bout my best friend...

My husband is a crazy, wild, ridiculous, loving, caring, and passionate man. Don't get me wrong, he has his flaws, but who doesn't? He supports me in everything I do (except the dishes sometimes, he always insist they need to "soak") and he loves me with all of his heart. He sings my praise every chance he gets and never says a mean thing to me or about me, even when we are having a spat. He is optimistic and care free which is exactly what the anxious, serious, and stressed out me needs in my life. He picks on me in the cute way, he still flirts with me after being together for almost 7 years, and he lets me think I'm right way more than I really am. He can be childish sometimes but sometimes, that's what we need. To cut loose and be kids. He is a wonderful Uncle to all of our nieces and nephews and LOVES to be so involved in their lives. He is also my inspiration (he can be yours too if you'd like). Not only does he accomplish all those things mentioned above naturally in his every day life with out even thinking about it but he has also accomplished some major things this past year that I want the whole world to know about!

First he set off on the path to a HEALTHIER LIFE STYLE. More than just cutting out soda. What? Who does that? He did that, because I said I was concerned about his health. And he listened. (Win.) He completely transformed his whole life style. He not only "watched" what he ate but he did it precisely. He weighed his meat portions, using measuring cups for his grains and vegetables, and quit eating "junk" food- processed food and literally junk food. He ate steak and chicken, fresh vegetables, and whole grains. He also started going to the gym, A LOT. Shane was laid off at this time so he literally would go to the gym two or three times a day for hours. He loved it! He was working out in the cardio room, weight room, taking cycling classes, doing water aerobics, swimming, got a personal trainer, took karate classes, and yoga. The pounds just starting melting off. He would have his cheat day once a week and then go back to the "right" way of eating. If he did slip up and eat something he shouldn't have, he knew he had to work it off at the gym that night. I am so proud of him. He is so inspirational the way he went about this. No pills, no special diet drinks, literally just diet and exercise. It really works guys! (Sarcasm). He went from 378 pounds to 220 pounds. Here is a video I made using Windows Movie Maker about this...

I tagged along at the beginning of his journey and lost a few pounds but was no where NEAR as dedicated and determined as Shane was.

Then, he renewed his faith to God and encouraged me to do some soul searching in this area. He had an experience at our church camp we go to every summer that really moved him as well as myself. We came home changed people, found a church that we really love, and completely engulfed ourselves in it. We attend the regular Sunday sermon but also partake in the different classes our church offers. Our first was a marriage class which, to my surprise, was a lot of fun and very insightful. We began reading the bible together every night and having some really in depth conversations. We identify in each other our struggles (that we all hate to admit to) and promise to help each other through these struggles.Shane became a member of the church in November! He helps me when I struggle with something but gives me the space I need to feel things out on my own as well.

Lastly, he started a new career. At first, I thought it was just Shane talking.. but then he really did it. He joined the United States National Guard. As I write, he is at basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia and I miss him dearly. I never saw Shane going in this direction but I am so proud of him, words can't even describe the way I feel. Shane swore in on September 26th, 2013.

Shane is my husband, my best friend, my guidance when I need it, the break in the day that makes me laugh, and my inspiration to always improve myself. He drives me crazy sometimes, but I love him.