I’m not kidding… he’s been answering the phone, “Grand Master Champion…”

But before I get into the competition, let me give you a little back story.

I don’t know if you ever have seen some of the Body-for-Life transformations… but they are incredible, they actually look fake. You seriously sit there flipping through the photos saying, “That is NOT possible… come on…”

And truthfully, that’s what I thought about Body-for-Life. I hate to admit that, but I did… I never, ever thought your body could be altered THAT much in 12 weeks — on your own! We’re not talking being away at a ranch for 12 weeks, we’re talking being at home… and living day in and day out and trying to change your lifestyle as best as you possibly can… ON. YOUR. OWN.

Last February (2010) my husband told me he wanted to enter this challenge… the EAS Body-for-Life Challenge. He had lost about 65 pounds 2 years prior… and though he was happy with his weight loss, he wanted to amp it up… become a toned machine! (I was not complaining…) My fear with the Body-for-Life Challenge was that it was a BIG commitment. Our lives are CRAZY busy with the 4 boys and work, so I knew adding something like this to our lives may (and could) be difficult.

My husband was determined to not let anything get in the way.

And so he started on his journey… even pushing past the 3 weeks at the beginning when he was sidelined with walking pneumonia. He said, “Well, I’ll just do it in 9 weeks then…” I’m like, OK… (all while crossing my fingers)

And well, he did. He worked his butt off (literally and figuratively!). He went to the gym every single morning. He changed his eating habits. He was determined and dedicated and devoted to win this EAS Body-for-Life Challenge.

After 12 weeks, he turned in his “final photo” and wrote his essay to the Body-for-Life Challenge. He knew he wouldn’t hear anything until January… those were 7 LONG months for him. And then January hit. I think he checked on the Body-for-Life website every single day in January. Finally last Friday (January 28th) he got a call from one of the judges that he was a finalist… and Matt was interviewed. I’ve never seen my husband so excited, so proud, so happy for himself. Because… as everyone tells you who has tried to lose weight, it really comes down to ONE person, YOU.  It’s an emotional and physical journey.

Well. His life changed on Monday – January 31st.

He got the call that gave him goosebumps. He WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are no words as to how proud I am of my husband. He looks amazing. He feels amazing. And he’s setting an example for our family, our sons.

I watched my husband work day in and day out to look like this way… it’s for real! I was amazed and blown away by his commitment to this… he wanted, he wanted it real bad.

And (ahem) seriously… he’s making us call him “Master Champion…” and this is the only time in my life I will oblige! 😉