Mother of an Incarcerated Son: High Spirits

One day away from vacation and in my mailbox is a letter from my son. When I felt the envelope I felt pictures so I thought he'd sent some new pictures of himself. I tore into that envelope looking for pictures of my handsome son to find 2 of the 3 pictures of myself that I had sent him, these 2:

Needless to say I was a bit "perplexed" as to why he'd sent my pictures back so I immediately began to read. He didn't waste ANY time getting into the reason he'd sent my pictures back and I quote: "Your pictures are BEAUTIFUL tho! You look GREAT but I don't put these types of pix of you in my book so I'll send these 2 back! I've been fighting since elementary school due to the fact that you're 'attractive' I guess, I don't need that rite now!" *smiling* That truly made my night! My son has not seen me since Christmas so he had not witnessed my weight loss transformation. He also went as far as to FINALLY admit he and I look JUST alike, especially since I have no hair. (laughs)

He is now going in to the Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts training offered at the prison. I am SO proud of him for making use of this time the Lord has given him on this earth behind those prison walls. He speaks with so much sense now, his attitude has really changed and I pray it continues for the better. There is not ONE person who can tell me MY GOD is not GREAT!

Love you son! 2 more years to go and we'll be done with this so keep your head up high, know that this is GOD'S blessing for you and your life and keep HIM first in all you do!

Mother of an incarcerated son: Mothers Day 2012

This pass Mothers Day was a REALLY tough one for me. Neither of my children are in arms reach nor was I able to see either of my grand children. When I didn't receive any cards in the mail from either of my children I began to reflect on all the things I have done and still do for 2 adults yet I received nothing.

I spent most of that day in the bed, crying, asking why was I not appreciated more by those that I felt I'd done so much and been there for to include the fact I didn't see nor receive a phone call from my grand-children. **THANK YOU MISTY FOR THE TEXT & PICTURE** It wasn't until I got up, put on my work out clothes and took a long walk that I was able to just breath and be easy about it.

Sunday comes and goes...I go to work Monday and come home to this

AND this

When I say I cried for all of 10-15 minutes I mean it with every ounce of my being! He has such a way with words (one of the Father's many gifts to OUR son). I could care less about a gift that money buys, it's gifts like THESE that count. The sentiment and time taken to prepare this poem is PRICELESS! As I read that poem over and over again I thought to myself if he NEVER gave me anything else THIS was enough.

So I come home from work Wednesday to find

Lord knows I love my incarcerated son and thank GOD every day for him! He was created to be something great and GOD speared him the ending he was most certainly headed for by putting him where he is. It's not the best place but it's the place he has to be in order to prepare himself for what GOD has for him!

THE REINVENTION OF MS CHANEL IN 2012: Body by VI 2nd 90 Day Challenge

It's been a minute but I'm BAAACCKKKKK!!!! May 1st I began my 2nd challenge. This challenge is for further toning and firming of my inner thighs, lower abdomen and tricep area as well as dropping 10 more pounds and 3-5 more inches so that I may get into my FIRST EVER 2 piece bikini for my 42nd birthday!!

When I began this 2nd challenge these were my measurements:

Weight: 169 1.2 lbs

Chest: 34 3/4 inches

Waist: 31 3/4 inches

Hips: 41 1/2 inches

Thighs: 24 inches

Here are my before the 1st challenge picture (on the left of course, taken Jan 12th) and my start of the 2nd challenge picture (on the right taken May 3rd)

There is a SIGNIFICANT difference in under FOUR months as you can see and this was all possible due to the Body By ViSalus meal replacement shake, walking and Leslie Sansone "WALK AT HOME" DVD's. I have yet to step foot in a gym and doubt if I will. This has to be the most EFFECTIVE weight loss and maintenance program ever produced.

The great thing is it's NOT just for weight loss, it's also used for bulking up so even the smallest of people can use it. It's children friendly and can assist in lowering High Blood pressure and cholesterol as well as regulating Diabetes. Once you begin to take care of your body IT WILL begin to take care of you!

Don't believe me? Well take the challenge for yourself and have a testimony as great if not greater than mine! I dare ya! Are you up for the CHALLENGE??

Here's where you go ~~~> CHANELVTILLMAN.BODYBYVI.COM <~~~ begin your journey to a healthier you! I am SO glad I did! There's NO better life than the VI LIFE!

Mother of an incarcerated son: Back in GP

My son is finally out of confinement and back in GP (general population), where he'd been since February after being shipped from Mayo Correctional Institution to Madison Correctional Institution. The travel time to the new location is about the same, thank GOD for that. I can't wait to see him.

I have been SO "in my feelings" here lately. I'm having MOMMY MOMENTS all the time that are out of this world! I am missing my son like crazy! Thank GOD I can talk to my daughter at any time or I'd really be messed up. I think these MOMMY MOMENTS are so frequent now because my son is now out of confinement and I haven't seen him since Christmas ... MAMA'S READY TO SEE HER SON!

As I was traveling to work one day the Lord showed me JUST how great and powerful HE is!! I was truly in a daze all that morning, listening to my Tye Tribbet radio on Pandora and just as I felt like breaking down and crying what song comes on? "More Than I Can Bear by Kirk Franklin and God's Property" which was immediately followed by "Look Up - Tye Tribbet and GA". I knew RIGHT then that day was going to be a GREAT day and every day following that!

I've since received 2 letters from my son, they made me sad to a degree but I know GOD does things for the reasons I am seeing through his letters. He has truly found who his "friends" are...those he felt like he "took care of" when he was out on the streets (whatever THAT means) are the ones he says fell off first. He's half way done with his bid and he knows, understands that tough part is what's REALLY coming up.

One thing he won't have to worry about is Chanel V Tillman leaving his side! Any mother/parent who leaves their child in the time of need is not a real parent and that's just my thoughts. I will not be an enabler but I will be his guidance alongside my Father, his Father, OUR FATHER! As my struggle and Dante's journey continues I ask for continued prayers...Lord knows they are desired and required.

Thank you for reading, commenting and simply listening to my innermost thoughts once again. It's almost over and all that I am going through now will cease to exist...the new me that my FATHER is molding now will shine like the North star the day Jesus was born! WATCH!!! Love you Dante'!

THE REINVENTION OF MS CHANEL IN 2012: Body by VI 90 Day Challenge: 2nd Challenge LETS GO

I am so excited to begin my 2nd 90 Day Challenge with Body By ViSalus! At almost 30 lbs down I now want to get things "tighter". The next challenge will fix that FAT ROLL! ~~~>

I am currently in Physical Therapy and seeing an Orthopedic specialist for some issues with my knee caused by a "tight muscle" along the right side of my leg which has caused the knee cap to 'shift right' and cause pain. Once those appointments are done I AM GOING IN!! Don't think I've stopped working out and doing what I can...that is NOT an option. I have to smooth all that 'extra' flesh out that you see in the above picture! Here is the picture from the first 90 Day Challenge completion ~~~>

<~~~~ Y'all ain't ready...HELL I AIN'T READY!!! LOL LETS GO! If you would like to have the same or BETTER results, JOIN ME WHY DONTCHA??? Who's with me? Check out the link and sign up ~~~> ChanelVTillman.myvi.net!!

THE REINVENTION OF MS CHANEL IN 2012: Body by VI 90 Day Challenge: COMPLETE 04/12/12

These last 90 days have been nothing short of tiresome! There were certainly days that I wanted to give up and not look back but that has NEVER been me! When something in me says "YOU CAN'T" the better part of me says "LIKE HELL I CAN'T!!" *smiles*

I didn't weigh myself when I first started my challenge as I did not own a scale so I used the last known weight of which I truly believe was WRONG! I weighed more than I said BUT we'll never really know, now will we?

So on January 12th I began my Body By ViSalus 90 DAY CHALLENGE with the initial weight of 198lbs. The following are stat recordings beginning in my 2ND and 3RD months (from my previous blog):

Date: 02/14/2012 Thighs: 27 1/4" Hips: 46 1/2" Waist: 36 3/4" Chest: 38"

Date: 02/28/2012 Thighs: 26" Hips: 45 1/2" Waist: 35" Chest: 37 1/2"

Date: 03/12/2012 Weight: 180.5 lbs Thighs: 25" Hips: 44" Waist: 34 1/4" Chest: 37 1/2"

Today, April 12th these are my FIRST challenge results:

Date: 04/12/2012 Weight: 176 lbs Thighs: 25" Hips: 43 3/4" Waist: 33 1/4" Chest: 35"

If you look at the February measurements and compare to the April measurements there is a NICE difference! I am not really concerned with the weight/pounds but more concerned with the melting away of the inches or body fat! I am TRULY proud that I set a goal in my REINVENTION OF MS CHANEL and stuck with it. I came, I saw, I conquered and it feels DAMN GOOD!

This is the grand finale ~~~~>

Am I 2 piece bathing suit ready? No, not yet but dammit after my SECOND CHALLENGE I will be! I will begin toning and putting "things" in their proper place so that when my 42nd birthday hits in June I WILL BE 2 piece bathing suit ready!! *in Michael Jackson's voice* WHO'S BAD???

If you are NOW convinced that Body By Vi is REAL and would like to know more please visit my Body By Vi link ~~~> http://chanelvtillman.myvi.net/challenge <~~~ and familiarize yourself with the product by watching the video and/or calling the Vi Info line at 507-726-4054. This may help with some of the questions you have but of course if you want to talk about it do NOT hesitate to contact me DIRECTLY!!

Get ready for my SECOND CHALLENGE...IT IS COMING!!!

Mother of an incarcerated son - Where's my sons mail?

I received a letter from my son and the tone has had me in tears since reading it Monday. He was really in his feelings at the fact that he had not heard from me in 2 weeks. I have received letter after letter from him AND I have responded but for whatever reason he has not receieved my letters.

He knows I catch the bus, he knows its me, myself and I and this is what has him worried the most. He asked did I lie about my circumstances...what am I hiding from him? Is my health ok? Is anyone trying to hurt me, bothering me, after me?

My son is in confinement and has been since February. The thought of him sitting in the 4x4 cell with only a cot, toilet & his sanity wondering if his mother (the ONLY constant contact he has)  is ok has really put a damper on my usually high spirit.

I called Madison CI this morning and spoke to Ms Tompkins, his Classification Officer, and advised her of the situation. Yes I was crying, couldn't help it, and I am praying she really gives him the message.

His birthday is April 9th, he will be 23 and to think he's spent most of his young adult life (since age 17) incarcerated hurts like hell. I am praying he gets the birthday card I bought.

Thanks for listening...I just needed to vent. Its been a minute since I've blogged.