100 lbs Challenge.

Oh Man, my lifestyle has been out of control the last 6 months. I have felt sick most of the time, stressed out, eating to much and not exercising enough. The other day I stepped on a scale and decided that I needed to change my life. Heidi says she still finds me attractive but my weight affects my quality of life not just how I look. When I graduated from high school I was in good shape at 225 now I am almost 270 and out of shape BIG time. Two years ago when I was living with Jenn I got down to 200. A few days I even saw a 198 or a 195. I think I am at the point that I could lose 100 lbs. I think many of us in my family could do the same. Heidi has challenged us to lose 40lbs by the family reunion. I am going to get on board with Heidi and lose those 40 pounds. That would put be back at an ok weight. I am also going to issue the 'hundred pound challenge. From right now I am going to try and lose 100 lbs by Christmas 2011. We are planning a vacation then and I would like to be looking and feeling good.

Rexburg Rehabilitation Center

Let me paint you a picture of an experience I had this weekend.

As you enter the silent room you notice a name placard off to the right: Dale Duffin it reads. The tall, broad shouldered, heavyset man must be Dale. His physical state and the memoirs surrounding him tell a colorful and elaborate story. His withered and wrinkled face and white hair doesn’t surprise you. Neither do the magazines, bulletin board pictures, food wrappers, and scattered paperwork. As you round the bed however you notice a VFW hat that says Vietnam across the front. You are also surprised by the tattoo just above his left bicep. Dale coughs loudly, rattling his overweight yet weary body.

The attendant asks him if he would like to partake of the sacrament and he acknowledges with a nod. Since you hold the tray with small plastic cups of water, and that comes second, he reaches slowly and deliberately towards the rectangular metal tray your companion holds. As his large weathered hands over shadow the small stale piece of wheat bread you see long yellow fingernails. Following the now pinched broken bread to his mouth you see a dull glow of peace in his eyes. “This man is a follower of Jesus,” you think, “His partaking of the sacrament today is simply a brief moment in many years filled with faithfully living.” As he slowly chews you ponder the lightness and possible disrespect with which you often partake the sacrament. You can comfortably and easily reach out your hand and quickly chew this sacred emblem. You can even do it at a proper sacrament service surrounded by many other saints, not here in this small private room, prone on your back, accompanied only by pictures of the ones you love. Dale continues to chew.

Moments later he reaches out again, this time towards you. His hand shakes as his fingers surround the clear plastic. His hand begins to slowly return to his parched lips – moving ever so slowly so he wouldn’t spill. His lips pucker out reaching, almost longingly as it seems, for the “living water” just outside of reach. The difficulty with which the cup finally reaches his lips is agonizing and yet inspiring. You wonder if you put forth as much spiritual effort as he does physical. As you respectfully excuse yourself from the room you wish Dale a “Good Sabbath.” Although his body is riddle with pain and weariness, the emblems of Christ’s sacrifice consume Dale’s spirit bringing him peace for another day.

July Update

This month has been an exciting one for us. As all of you know already Andrew Hyrum Potter, lovingly called Hyrum, was born on the morning of Sunday the 4^th. He was our little fireworks show. We will tell a little more about his birth later on. As a sum up he was 6lbs 12oz and 20in long. We stayed in the hospital for 2 days and came home on Tuesday with Mom Luke. She was so helpful to have around for the first week. We were also so fortunate and grateful that Robert, Julie, and Heidi have helped us out so much. We are borrowing so many things from them right now. At his two week check-up Hyrum was doing great.

This semester has been a stressful one, which is not too unusual. Heidi was taking 12 credits, working part-time, and we moved and had a baby. I was also going to school full-time working for Bob when I could. Now that school is over we are going to be able to work on his basement more often. We have also helped in planting and weeding a garden at Bob’s house. Although we are both so grateful to be at this University learning and growing we are also grateful for the break that we will have till September.

Besides all the hustle, bustle, and change we have also had our share of fun. On the 2^nd we went on a double date with Bob and Julie to go see the A-Team. The next morning we got back together to see the Rexburg Parade. In the afternoon we went target shooting just outside of town before Heidi and I decided it was time to go to the Hospital. Heidi shot very well considering the contractions. As part of my finals I participated in a dance competition. I danced Waltz, Cha-Cha, Tango, Night-Club Two Step, and Triple Swing. In each dance I was competing against 15-18 couples. The way they do it is that you compete against everyone in the same class level as you. So I dances against everyone in Dance 280 and 281, which are, intermediate I and II. Besides having a fantastic time. I placed in the top three 4 out of my 5 dances! My teacher has recommended that I come back to be her TA next semester for dance 280. I am excited about the promotion because so far I have been TA in several beginning classes. Now you can understand my excitement and desire to share dance with the family.

Heidi and I are planning on taking the next few weeks to really get settled in and to have some fun. We are going to go see a few places locally as well as taking a road trip for our anniversary. We feel extremely blessed. Loves from,

A.H.H Potter