"Girls' Weekend" in Denver...

"A horse is a horse of course-of course..."

While in Denver, at the 16th Street Mall, Janet and I decided

to stop and pet Mr. Ed. His owner didn't like it much, but Mr.

Ed got a little TLC. Hey... if I were on my feet all day and someone

stopped by to give me a little TLC, I wouldn't refuse!

Here we are at the Botanic Gardens in Denver taking in the sun...

Bathing Beauties...The last hooray for Summer...

Fall...My favorite time of year.

Celebrating the big 29 with the fam at Jake and Telly's Greek Restaurant in Old Colorado City.

We had a blast carving pumpkins at my Mom's house. And Speaking of pumpkins, look at my little Emma and Hayden!

Look at these ferocious pumpkins...Pretty impressive huh?

Until Next Time...

Love,

Shannon

Wow... time flies when you're having fun! July came and went and August is almost over. I'm not complaining, though... I love the Fall and all that comes with it. The changing of the leaves, the smokey scent in the air, candy corn and not to mention... the cute and new clothes I get to wear! Just thinking about it makes me giddy! What makes me even happier is the idea that I am at 75% of my goal weight. As of today, I have lost 143 pounds!

So, to catch you up...

On July 26th, my friend, Nina Hollis, became Nina Brandt. She invited me to be her Maid of Honor and Autum Barcalow as a Brides Maid. It was a beautiful day at the Denver Temple.

As you can tell, her colors weren't "Blush and Bashful"... they were Black and White.

Later that evening, Nina and John had a beautiful reception that included white lights, a drop ceiling, dancing and yummy food! As you can see, I decided to wear a different dress that night. Janet and I were able to steal a moment away from the evening to get a picture together.

Autum, Janet, Tim, Emma, Heather and I were able to capture a group picture. Don't we look FABULOUS? Just think... someday, you'll be able to take group pictures at my wedding.

In the latter part of July and early part of August, Mike and Miss Julie visited, all the way from England. Mike and Trenton are notorious for making Sushi and so together... a feast was born!

Ah yes... another pose with Janet! I tried Sushi for the first time! I've had California Rolls before, but Mike made me try this shrimp/bacon Sushi that he made. MMM-MMM-Good!

Well, before I sign off, I wanted to leave you with one last photo. This picture is the most recent photo of my progress. I'm wearing a size 18 and still counting! I haven't been in an 18 since... I don't know when!

Until next time...

Liberty and Justice for All

The 4th of July was an amazing day! I can't remember when I've had so much fun. It started out bright and early when my oldest sister, Heather, suggested we take a bike ride and/or walk around Prospect Lake. We started out at about 8:00 a.m. and it was already hot enough to make you perspire instantly! Since I don't own a bike yet, I decided to walk with Emma, my friend, Deanna, and her beautiful Great Danes. Between the baby and the dogs, Deanna and I were getting a lot of attention!

Deanna and I have been friends since 1988!

Janet found that Brandy was the perfect height for some good ol' horse back riding!

Hayden, Hunter, Ashley, Hannah and Emma were truly enjoying themeselves at the lake.

The Matriachal Parr Dynasty

In the middle of the day, I hosted a little gathering back at my apartment where the air was cool and the outdoor pool inviting. We snacked on our favorite foods while watching "National Treasure 2."

Dad, Trenton and Janet are just sittin' back and relaxin'.

From left to right, these beautiful gals are me... of course, Angelica with Eilene, Nina and Amanda in the front holding her baby, Hannah.

From left to right, these shiny happy people are John (Nina's fiance), Eilene, James and Nina.

The evening ended with a beautiful, but speratic fireworks display. Just when we thought the display was over, another set of fireworks were launched... and then another... and another. I wish you all could've been there with me to share that moment. The fireworks were launched over the Cheyenne Mountain Resort, right on the golf course. So, you can imagine the sound of the fireworks echoing off of the mountains. The weather remained calm with only a slight breeze... BEAUTIFUL!!!

Look at Emma's antennas!

Countdown to 3 weeks before Nina's wedding. We're enjoying our single-hood while we can!

Silly Girls!

Tom and John were a little disturbed by Trenton's man-hugs, but John was even more disturbed that Trenton was mackin' on Nina! Janet didn't mind, though. She was mackin' on Nina too!

I hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day!

Until next time-

Shannon

Once Upon a Time...

On January 22, 2008, I embarked on a journey to become a better me by having Gastric Bypass surgery. I must admit, I was nervous about making the final decision because, as you know, it's difficult for me to make any decision...even about the simple things. I knew deep down, though, that this was the right choice for me to make at that point in my life. Through much support from my family and friends, I bit the bullet and went forward in my research and exploration of the surgery. It only took a few minutes to get over my nerves and become extremely excited. It has been the best decision I ever made. To date I have lost 123 pounds in less than six months!!! Emotionally I feel great and physically I feel even better. My back doesn't ache any longer and I haven't gotten as sick as often. I don't get tired as easily and when I am truly tired I sleep nicely (without snoring)! I don't know what the future may bring, but I am positive that I'll be able to take on whatever comes my way! So bring it!

Here are some pictures of me before...

And this is me so far...

Can you tell I'm proud of my newest niece, Emma?

Until next time,

Shannon