What an adventure the last two months have been. As we look back and look at the two individuals that began this journey, they almost look and feel like strangers. We both began this journey at our highest weights ever. Melissa at 400 pounds even and Chris trailing behind at 356 pounds. We truly have so much to be thankful for. We both have become more active together and in our personal lives. Before begining this matchup we were looking at getting a divorce. When starting in this journey together I think we were both very skeptical of wether or not we picked the right partner to do this with. So many times we have tried together and failed. Really though in retrospect we NEVER really tried. Our hearts and our whole selves were not in it to WIN IT! Its so hard to be happy in a marriage with someone else when you are not happy with yourself. Being intimate really had became a long lost event between us. We truly have a long way to go, however we look at it with a positive of knowing where we have come from. This, doing it from home is a true REALITY show. We are just mearly two individuals that are doing this. There are so many people that have inspired us along this journey. Starting out in Chicago, IL we met Amy , Marty and Kae. All three of these individuals gave to us so much advice that we adapted into our own lives. In Miami, FL we met Wylie and Suzy. These two individuals really stepped away from the whole biggest loser realm and showed us their personal sides. Oh yeah and Wylie is one kick butt shopper. Lets do it again Wylie. And Suzy has shared very personal emails with me that I will not divulge here. However to say that woman to woman she really understands. And then lastly in Nashville, TN wet met David. What can I say about this man. OH MY... Good thing that the cop knew you were that "Biggest Loser Guy" . :) LOL I have never seen my husband so happy as he has been since meeting David of season 4 BL. He really has just taken hold of wanting to become more healthy. It is also nice to see him able to talk to another man about his fears, concerns and triumphs. The castings were also such an eye opener to us. Chicago was FREEZING, however so worth every second. Being a VIP we really could have saved ourselves from the frigid temps however what fun would that have been. We got to meet Jerry while at the Chicao casting call. And he plans to visit when he comes through Indy next month. Were looking forward to it Jerry. Our great friends Darda and Mo ,we met up while in Chi town. What can I say about these two girls. They are both wonderful women and have taken a great place in our hearts. We know that our friendship with them will last a life time. You will both reach your goals GOD willing. You just have to move your butts down to Indy so we can work out together. PS. living is much cheaper here :) The Chicago casting call did not bring us the result that we had hoped for. However we were so much more determined to get ourselves out there and be noticed. Nothing in life happens unless you WANT IT and MAKE IT happen. So we decided once again we would try another casting call. All that I will say is that it was a very positive experience. If this is where it ends for us, then plan to see us at the next casting for season 7. Of course the way things are going we may be skinny minnies by then. However, I will still go to the castings just to give back to the biggest inspiration in our lives. That being the whole corporation of Biggest Loser, Million Pound Matchup, MSN Health and Fitness, 3 Ball Productions and everyone in America.

As we near an end of this competition I want to say a few thank you's. Thank you GOD for giving me the strength to go forward. Thank you CANCER, DIABETES and HEART FAILURE for making me realize that life is way way too short. You were beaten and WILL be beaten again if you should rear your ugly heads. Mom and Dad Young you are both my inspiration and my guiding light.  I have watched you both battle your ailments over the last few months. You too have made it through. You have never stopped believing in me and US. Thank you to John Baker for continuing to have faith in me and Chris. You truly met meonline at my worse. Through you I realize how much hope their is for the future. DONT YOU EVER GIVE UP ON THIS DREAM! To all of the other MPM contestants. You each have played a role in our success. Your stories and own sucess have made us realize just how small a world we all live  in. Keep up the great work EVERYONE!

Lastly to my soul mate, my husband and my bestfriend. You have been by my side through all of this. You have really put yourself out there and opened up in ways that I never thought possible. It is amazing to see your transformation. I tend to think that weight loss is making you a softy. I cant wait to see that buddha tatoo you are getting when those abs get rock solid. :) I could not have asked for a better partner to do this with. We have definitely proven that we are a force to be reckoned with.  I know I am definitely that Aries personality. Brandon was right I am a real bitch  when I want to be. HE HE ;)  Wait till you get your butt kicked by someone like Bob or Jillian. Then you will be praying that Melissa is the one yelling at ya. Thank you Christopher my heart, my soul, my one and only.

RICHARD WILLIAM HOOVER

You taught me that goodness does triumph. On that day in that lobby you were there I know it. You Raised Us UP!