Sarandipity

Yes, I know...

2012-02-10T14:42:00.000-06:00

I'm an OCD nerd. Why? Well, there are several reasons. But for now, I'm just going to post about one. I love to organize my current "life projects" into nice, neat, alphabetically categorized 3-ring binders.

When I got engaged, I made a wedding binder with tabs for address lists for showers/invitations, the ceremony, a "look book" (magazine cut outs and internet print outs), photography, the reception, etc.

When we remodeled our kitchen, I made a kitchen binder with tabs for the budget, contractor contact lists, a "look book" (internet print outs, magazine cut outs, and paint swatches), purchase orders/receipts, etc. I also made a binder for our bathroom remodels.

Obviously my current life project is getting ready for the babies. So naturally, I have a baby binder with tabs for address lists for baby showers, coupons/receipts, insurance/medical payments, medical/OB information, nursery, and registries. I got really fancy and made an insert on picnik for the clear display pockets on the front and back covers. [By the way, I'm SO incredibly sad that picnik is closing down.] I used 1 Samuel 1:27 on the front cover, and yes, I altered it to be plural [children rather than child].

Front Cover

Back Cover

Tabs

Coupon/Receipt Pocket

Fabric Swatches for Nursery

Here are the actual picnik jpegs of the front and back covers.

Did you notice it coordinates with the nursery fabrics? ;)

I can't help myself.

Week 20

2012-02-07T18:00:00.000-06:00

How Far Along: 20 Weeks

Size of Babies: The Babies are approximately the size of a cantaloupe and weigh approximately 10.5 ounces each

Total Weight Gain: +8 lbs total as of my January 19th appointment

Maternity Clothes: I wear mostly maternity clothes, but I can still wear a lot of my regular tops and dresses

Gender: It's a Boy and a Girl!!! :) :)

Movement: The flutters have turned into what feels like rolling waves. When I feel the rolling waves, the part of my tummy around my belly button will get really hard and I feel a lot of concentrated pressure.

Sleep: My sleep is still being interrupted nightly for multiple potty breaks and mild discomfort. I'm still using my boppy body pillow, although I keep finding it on the floor when I wake up in the mornings.

What I Miss: Sleeping on my tummy

Cravings: Pepsi and fruit smoothies

Symptoms: I've started feeling carpel tunnel symptoms due to typing and using a mouse at work all day everyday. Towards the end of the work week it worsens, but by the time the weekend is over, it almost completely subsides. I've been told and read that carpel tunnel can be a common thing for pregnant women. The cause is swelling and increased fluids, causing pressure on the nerve in the wrist.

Best Moment(s) So Far: Sharing the genders with family and friends!

Healer

2012-02-06T10:02:00.000-06:00

At nearly 12 weeks pregnant, I posted about a time around Christmas that I was singing on the worship team in church and got overcome with emotion and cried and couldn't make it through the song I was supposed to sing. Well, yesterday I helped serve on the worship team again and I am pleased to report that I did not cry this time. :) I honestly didn't know if I would be able to keep the tears back because I was asked to lead out on a song that is very near to my heart.

The worship song "Healer" ministered to my hurting heart during the darkest days of our infertility. Now it serves as a resounding reminder of what He's done and a promise of what He will do. As I sang "Healer," I kept my eyes closed for the majority of the song because every time I would open them, I would look out and see a church member in the congregation worshipping and weeping. I knew if I watched my fellow church members weep, I would lose it too. It's especially tough when I know certain members' particular situations and why this song is so dear to them too. God helped me get through the song without crying and the beautiful part about it was that our church was truly worshipping the Healer. It is such a cool gift to be able to stand in front of my church congregation and listen to everyone singing aloud to the Father in one voice. I will never get over how great that is.

Below is a youtube video of Kari Jobe singing "Healer"

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"Healer"

Verse:

You hold my every moment

You calm my raging seas

You walk with me through fire

And heal all my disease

I trust in You

Chorus:

I believe You're my Healer

I believe You are all I need

I believe You're my Portion

I believe You're more than enough for me

Jesus You're all I need

Bridge:

Nothing is impossible for You

Nothing is impossible

Nothing is impossible for You

You hold my world in Your hands

Week 18

2012-01-24T18:00:00.000-06:00

How Far Along: 18 Weeks

Size of Babies: The Babies are approximately the length of a bell pepper and weigh approximately 7 ounces each

Total Weight Gain: +8 lbs total as of my January 19th appointment

Maternity Clothes: I wear mostly maternity clothes, but I can still wear a lot of my regular tops and dresses.

Gender: Our official gender/anatomy ultrasound is on January 31st. But...our Dr. friend took a look for us last week. ;)

Movement: I've started to feel them move a little bit. It feels like little flutters and kind of takes my breath away when it happens. It's like butterflies in a good way, not in a nervous way.

Sleep: Interrupted nightly for multiple potty breaks and mild discomfort. I've started using my boppy body pillow more and it is helping with comfort and support.

What I Miss: Sleeping on my tummy

Cravings: Pepsi, fruit smoothies, and muffins

Symptoms: I've received some relief from my allergy symptoms, which I am thankful for.

Best Moment(s) So Far: Going fabric shopping with my mom for the bedding and starting to plan the nursery.

And They're Off!

2012-01-19T11:09:00.001-06:00

I'm a day late posting this, but...I GOT MY BRACES OFF!!! Whoo hoo! For nearly 2 years, I've had braces. I decided to get them primarily to correct my jaw alignment and deep overbite, but also to straighten my teeth. On my top teeth, I had sneaky ibraces (aka lingual braces). They were hidden from sight on the back of my teeth like the pictures below.

On my bottom teeth, I had regular clear ceramic braces like the following picture.

My braces were installed on March 10, 2010 and removed on January 18, 2012. My total treatment lasted about 22 months. To keep my teeth in place, I now have a permanent retainer bonded to the back of my bottom teeth and to the back of my top 2 front teeth. I also have a removable clear tray retainer for the rest of my top teeth. I have to be a good girl and wear the tray full-time for the next 6 months. After that, I will will wear it only at nighttime. I'm glad to be nearing the end of my adult orthodontia!

Week 16

2012-01-10T17:46:00.000-06:00

How Far Along: 16 Weeks

Size of Babies: The Babies are the size of an avocado and weigh approximately 3.5 ounces each

Total Weight Gain: +1 lb, as of my last appointment on December 22. On January 19, I'll have another appointment where I'll learn how much more I've gained.

Maternity Clothes: Yes, I'm now wearing them more and more. I finally broke down and got some maternity dress slacks for work. My pre-pregnancy slacks were cutting my belly in half. My new slacks will definitely be more comfortable when seated at my desk all day.

Gender: I thought we were finding out on January 19th, but it's now the 31st. Boo!

Movement: I've seen them move on ultrasounds, but I can't feel them yet

Sleep: Interrupted nightly for multiple potty breaks and mild discomfort

What I Miss: Doing intense circuit training workouts and feeling the good exhaustion afterwards

Cravings: Pepsi :)

Symptoms: Some days I am hungry all day long and I can't seem to get enough to eat. Then I'll have days where I'm not nearly as hungry. I think my hungry days are growth spurt days for the babies. Heightened pregnancy allergies kicked in last weekend in full force. They brought with them a sinus headache, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and coughing.

Best Moment(s) So Far: Celebrating the New Year knowing what is to come!

Crock-Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches

2012-01-09T11:30:00.001-06:00

I decided to quickly post another recipe today. I've been meaning to post my recipe for Crock-Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches for a while now. I want my most used and favorite recipes here on my blog because I have plans for them. My hope is that someday when I print my blog as a keepsake book, I will also make a Crawford Family Cookbook to keep and pass down.

[The recipe below is an image, click to enlarge]

Chicken Pot Pie

2012-01-09T08:34:00.001-06:00

Per request, I needed a way to quickly share my Chicken Pot Pie recipe. Please excuse the sparse content of this post. This is a fast, easy meal to throw together if you don't have much time. It's a fave at our house!

[The recipe below is an image, click to enlarge]

Two Peas in a Pod

2012-01-04T15:47:00.001-06:00

For Christmas my mother-in-law gave me a sweet James Avery charm called "Two Peas in a Pod." I teared up when I opened it and I couldn't wait to put it on a chain and wear it around my neck. It's just the sweetest thing and makes me think of my two little peas when I wear it. :)

This Year

2012-01-01T14:04:00.000-06:00

Today, on this first day of the year, I have been thinking on the things that will be in 2012. Although, I can't help but revisit this time 1 year ago as 2011 was beginning. Tom and I were sitting in a booth one evening on a date at Cheesecake Factory discussing our thoughts on the new year. On that date I presented my theme of HOPE for 2011. I wanted to focus on practicing the discipline of constantly realigning my HOPE in Christ alone, regardless of life's circumstances. I also presented that I still had the hope of having a child, but that specific hope was not my foundation.

I can assure you, although 2011 began with much HOPE, it was quickly met with repeated heartache, disappointment, and struggles that undoubtedly caused my HOPE to wax and wane. The 4 fertility treatments we started the year with did not work. We moved on to more aggressive treatments and I did not have a child in 2011. BUT, the burden of infertility was lifted and we learned that we will have 2 children in 2012! I still carry infertility with me in my heart, it doesn't just go away as soon as that test turns positive. I can still empathize 100% with those still in the throes of infertility's pain. I still carry the journey and the lessons that the Lord taught me as I was waiting. Let me just say with a sincere heart, God is faithful. I do not say He is faithful just because He answered my specific prayer. He would still be faithful even if He chose not to. I'd like to borrow some phraseology from one of my favorite hymns [Great is Thy Faithfulness] to convey why He is faithful:

He changes not

His compassions fail not

As He has been, He forever will be

He pardons our sin

His peace endures

He provides strength for today

And a bright HOPE for tomorrow

I am excitedly greeting 2012 with open arms. This year I will celebrate 6 years of marriage to my best friend and we will meet our first 2 children. I cannot wait to see what else is in store for us in the months ahead.

Happy New Year!

Week 14

2011-12-27T18:03:00.000-06:00

How Far Along: 14 Weeks

Size of Babies: The Babies are the size of a lemon and weigh approximately 1.5 ounces each

Total Weight Gain: +1 lb [as of my appointment last week]

Maternity Clothes: 2 weeks ago I ordered maternity jeans, along with some tops and dresses, from Gap.com because everything was 40% off with free shipping. The clothes arrived last week and I tried the jeans on and have been wearing them ever since. I've only been wearing the jeans so far because it's not quite time to break out the other pieces. The jeans are SO comfortable. I've also purchased a few items from Motherhood Maternity and Target's Liz Lange Maternity line.

Gender: We don't know yet, but I'm guessing it's a boy and a girl!

Movement: I've seen them move on ultrasounds, but I can't feel them yet

Sleep: Interrupted nightly for multiple potty breaks and mild discomfort

What I Miss: Diet Dr. Pepper and wine :)

Cravings: Pepsi & chocolate chip cookies

Symptoms: Mainly nausea if I don't eat frequently enough and fatigue

Best Moment(s) So Far: Getting the cribs set up [it's early, I know], shopping for maternity clothes, and receiving Christmas gifts for the babies [Baby's 1st Christmas ornaments and a Fisher Price Little People nativity set].

Crying

2011-12-15T11:45:00.004-06:00

I mentioned in my 12 week update that I would post about a crying story...it goes as follows:

One of my friends who is a worship leader at my church, Julie, asked Tom and I to help her lead worship on Sunday, December 11. She is an extremely talented musician and I always love singing with her. Around 7am on the morning of the 11th, myself along with several other vocalists and the rest of the worship band began rehearsing. We rehearsed a combination of worship songs and traditional Christmas songs. One of the Christmas songs Julie chose was "Away in a Manger." She had asked that I begin the song by singing the first verse as a solo. "Sure thing," I told her.

We got to the point in rehearsal where it was time to practice "Away in a Manger." Julie said she would probably say a prayer before the song, then I would come in after the intro. The band proceeded to play the intro and I attempted to sing the first verse. But I couldn't get it out. I got all out of breath and started tearing up and my voice got really wobbly. I stopped and apologized to Julie. She looked at me and another friend/fellow singer, Suzy, looked at me and they both started to realize why I was getting emotional.

Julie asked me if I wanted to share my news with the whole worship team so they would be clued in on why I was emotional and I told her to go ahead and share since I was clearly unstable. So, Julie shared with the team and I turned around and made eye contact with Tom, who was playing bass behind me. He had this befuddled look on his face. He couldn't figure out what was wrong with me and why in the world I'd be crying. [Later, after rehearsal, he said, "What happened?? You didn't get this way when you rehearsed this song at home??"] After the post-announcement buzz died down, I looked at Julie and said, "Don't worry, I'll get it in the service." Then she said, "Well, if you don't, just look at me or Karlie (her daughter) and we'll pick up where you can't."

As the 10:45am service began, I honestly thought I'd be okay when it came time for my verse of the song. But once again, after the intro began to play, my heart started thumping rapidly and emotion began to take over. Julie started the song [because I think she knew I would lose it again] but then I came in too, so she dropped off and I continued to sing but I only got to the word "crib." Which as you know, is only the 6th word into the song. "Away in a manger, no crib..." I pulled the mic away from my mouth and Karlie and Julie took over. And for the rest of the 3 verses of the song, tears continued to stream down my face. I just couldn't pull myself together. So there I was, vulnerably standing on the stage of the sanctuary in front of everyone in the 10:45am worship service, weeping like a crazy lady.

I was weeping tender tears of joy out of praise and thanksgiving. I can't really even explain it in words. Most people who know I'm pregnant probably just chalked it up to me being hormonal. Those that don't know I'm pregnant probably thought something was wrong or that I was sad.

Never before have I approached Christmas as a pregnant mommy-to-be. Carrying two precious lives inside of me struck a new chord with me as I really let myself think about "Away in a Manger" as a sweet lullaby about [baby] Jesus. My perspective is already changing as I have begun seeing the world through the eyes of a mom. I've also been thinking more and more about sweet young Mary carrying the son of God, now that I can identify with carrying a child[ren]. I can't even comprehend how she must have felt.

I just want to close with the words to the that sweet lullaby:

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed

The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes

But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus look down from the sky

And stay by my side 'til morning is nigh

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever and love me I pray

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care

And take us to heaven to live with Thee there

Weeks 11 & 12

2011-12-13T18:58:00.000-06:00

Thursday, December 8, 2011, marked 11 weeks and 2 days, and our first appointment with Dr. Nightingale, our regular OB/GYN. I absolutely LOVE her! Dr. Nightingale performed a bedside ultrasound with a smaller, not-as-sophisticated-machine [compared to our fertility specialists' machines], so we didn't get any printed pictures. The babies looked great. One was being ornery and kicking the other one in the head. Uh oh!

Today, Tuesday, December 13, 2011 marks my 12th week. I am going to post periodic pregnancy highlights starting this week.

[Soon I will have a nicer camera and won't be using my iphone
camera for my tummy pics]

How Far Along: 12 Weeks

Size of Babies: The Babies are the size of a lime and weigh approximately half an ounce each

Total Weight Gain: No weight gain

Maternity Clothes: Not wearing maternity clothes yet, everything still fits except one pair of dress slacks that were snug on me prior to pregnancy

Gender: We don't know yet, but I'm guessing it's a boy and a girl!

Movement: I've seen them move on ultrasounds, but I can't feel them yet

Sleep: Interrupted nightly for multiple potty breaks and mild discomfort

What I Miss: Diet Dr. Pepper and wine :)

Cravings: Breads, pastas, pretty much carbs in general, Chinese food, Papa Johns [which is weird bc it's usually one of my least favorite pizza places], Pepsi

Symptoms: From the beginning I started having nausea, heartburn, acid reflux, major fatigue, and occasional headaches. [Please don't misconstrue this as complaining, I'm just documenting.] I'm starting to feel really good most of the time and my nausea has greatly decreased and now only shows up when I need to eat. I get little 'hungry headaches' when my body tells me I need to eat, but they quickly go away after eating. Learning to eat frequent smaller meals has helped me manage my nausea.

Oh! And my usually "together" self has taken a back seat to a forgetful, emotionally unstable person who repeats herself and cries at the drop of a hat [I have a crying story I will post about later.] For instance, I will start telling Tom a story about something I found funny or cute and he will say, "Yeah, I know babe...I was standing right there," or "You've told me this story at least twice already, sweetie." Ooops! He says he really likes seeing me like this. He thinks it puts us on more of an even playing field. :/

Best Moment(s) So Far: Going completely public with our exciting news and having our friends and family multiply our rejoicing. We are truly humbled by the outpouring of congratulatory wishes, love, excitement, encouragement, and prayers by each and everyone of you. To God be the Glory!

The Details: Weeks 4-10

2011-12-12T16:45:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday, October 19, we got the results of our IVF pregnancy blood test. We were pretty sure going into the pregnancy test appointment that we were going to get good news because I cheated with 3 home pregnancy tests (all 3 were positive) on the 3 days leading up to my official pregnancy test. We both left work early that Wednesday and waited for the nurse to call my cell phone. While waiting at home, I was heating up the iron to make a "Big Sister" shirt for Ruby in the middle bedroom and Tom suggested that we stay in that bedroom so we could get the official news in there, since that is the room that will be turned into the nursery. I thought it was a great idea. So together, Tom, Ruby, and I sat in the floor of the middle bedroom and waited for my phone to ring. It rang and I quickly picked it up on speaker and we got confirmation that our lives would soon be changed forever. My nurse told us it was a "very" positive pregnancy test [my hcg levels were at 209, which they usually want to see them in the 100's]!

On Friday, October 21, I went back in for more blood work to make sure my hcg levels had doubled over 48 hours. They more than doubled to 445, which was great news. Our first ultrasound was on Tuesday, November 8, which marked my 7th week of pregnancy. At the first ultrasound appointment, we found out that we are having TWINS!!! I kept saying, "Oh my goodness, oh my goodness" over and over. Tom and I were so speechless after the appointment that we had to regroup in the parking lot of our doctor's office before we got in our separate cars to head to work. Tom hugged and kissed me goodbye and then he looked at me and said, "I can't even remember how to get to work." After we both got to our workplaces, I got an email from him that said, "I'm hyperventilating, I can't breathe!" Ha! We are both over the moon excited, but it's taken some time to process going from nearly 3 years of infertility [an extreme roller coaster ride], to finding out we are pregnant, to finding out we are going to have not 1, but 2 babies!

On Tuesday, November 22, the beginning of my 9th week of pregnancy, we had our 2nd ultrasound. We saw both babies again and heard both of their heartbeats for the first time! It was such an amazing sound! One heartbeat was 158 and the other was 180, strong and healthy. They were still measuring a little on the small side as they did at the first ultrasound. Because of that, I was not released from my fertility specialists. My 9 week ultrasound would have been my last visit with them, but they wanted to see me one more time at 10 weeks to measure the babies again.

On Tuesday, November 29, I began my 10th week of pregnancy and had a third ultrasound with my specialist. It was my last appointment with them for this pregnancy. :( It's bittersweet to not have any more appointments with them because they are all so wonderful, but I have graduated on. :) I will begin seeing a regular OB/GYN in my 11th week. Here are some pics of my little ones. Baby A looks like a little gummie bear! ;) They were moving around SO much and kicking their little feet and waving their little hands. My doctor said they were feisty and healthy! One heartbeat was in the 170's and one was in the 180's. What miracles! It is just completely amazing that there are two lives growing inside of me. I cannot even fully comprehend it! God is faithful.

A Christmas Equation

2011-12-10T16:30:00.000-06:00

See if you can figure out this Christmas Equation...

Our 2011 Christmas Card

[front]

[back]

Merry Christmas from Tom, Sara, Ruby, and the Soon-to-be-Born Twin Babies!

Soup's On!

2011-11-29T20:13:00.001-06:00

I recently made two yummy comfort soups and I thought I'd share the recipes. They are perfect for this time of year when it's cold outside and all you want to do is snuggle up and stay warm.

I made the first soup the day before Thanksgiving so we would have something to eat while at my parent's house prepping food for the Thanksgiving meal.

Crock-Pot Chicken and Dumplings

[Source: Bubble Crumb via Thrifty Decor Chick]

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons butter

2 cans cream of chicken soup (I didn't have 2 so I used 1 cream of chicken and 1 cream of mushroom)

1 can chicken broth

1 onion diced (I used 1/4 to 1/2)

1 tablespoon dried parsley

4 grands flaky refrigerator biscuits

Put the chicken, butter, cream of chicken, chicken broth, parsley, and onions in the crock-pot and cook on high for 4-6 hours. As the chicken cooks and gets tender, break it up with spoon or fork. (I used already cooked and shredded chicken.) Get your biscuits and cut each of them into nine pieces. You can roll them into balls to ensure they stay together, but it's not necessary. Stir into chicken mixture and cook for another hour. If it is too thick, you can thin it down by adding more chicken broth.

I made the second soup for tonight's dinner. It is just so darn nice to come home from work and have your dinner simmering away ready for you to just make the finishing touches and eat it.

Crock-Pot Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice

[Source: Chef Mommy via Thrifty Decor Chick]

4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 package of Rice-a-Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice (with seasoning packet)
1/2 tsp salt (+/- to taste)
1/2 tsp pepper
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup butter
2 cups half and half

Mix the broth, water, chicken, carrots, celery, and rice with seasoning packet in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Once chicken gets tender (a couple of hours in), break it up into pieces while cooking. (I used already cooked and shredded chicken.) At the end of the cooking time, mix the salt, pepper, and flour together in a small bowl. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour mixture by tablespoons to form a roux. While the roux is still on the heat, whisk half and half, a little at a time, into the roux until mixed completely and smooth. Stir the roux mixture into the soup in the crock -pot then let it cook on low for 15 more minutes.

*Side note: The day before I cooked each soup, I cooked a whole chicken in the crock pot rubbed with salt and pepper and stuffed with carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and 2 Tbsp of butter. I used the meat from the whole chickens in each of the soups and I also saved the broth to use in the recipes. I did have to supplement with canned broth for the Chicken and Dumplings because it thickened up after adding the dumplings. Cooking whole chickens takes more prep time but it makes the soups so flavorful. By the way, I used a brand of whole chicken that I've never used before, a free range Rosie Organic Chicken containing no GMO's, hormones or antibiotics. I just happened to go buy one on Black Friday and it was on sale for $2.99! I didn't even know that grocery stores did Black Friday.

Little Birds

2011-11-16T14:54:00.001-06:00

I was recently asked to be an "artist in residence" who would make and donate 12 homemade Christmas ornaments to an event held at my church called "The Gift Goes On." The event was a shopping bazaar with the theme of "purchasing with a purpose". There was a silent auction, vendor booths, live music, and sweet treats. Proceeds from every item sold went to medical and clean water treatment for villages in Cambodia and Christmas presents for needy children in Oklahoma City, which will be distributed by The ROC (Reaching Our City). It turned out to be a great success and we raised around $7,500 for some wonderful causes!

I wanted to share the inspiration for the little bird ornaments that I made. I began searching for something I didn't think would be done by one of the other artists and I came across this tutorial for handmade clay birds ornaments over at jessicajanehandmade. If you want the scoop on how to made some birdies of your own, follow the previous link. I made some that were stamped with words and some that were just glittered. Warning! They were quite time consuming [for me at least].

Timeline Update 3

2011-10-14T17:19:00.000-05:00

Timeline Update 2 left off at the beginning of July...so let me continue here with the rest of July forward...

July 2011: On Tuesday, July 19, we had our IVF consultation with Dr. Hansen. He went over the details of the IVF process with us and we had a chance to have any of our preliminary questions answered. Dr. Hansen confirmed that we could begin IVF meds in September. At our consultation, we learned that the first step of the IVF process is to take birth control pills to suppress the ovaries. I found it rather ironic that birth control is the first step of the IVF treatment process.

August 2011: On August 10, I began taking Necon birth control pills. [Btw, Me + birth control = crazy train!]

September 2011: On September 11, I began Lupron injections. Lupron is a medication that prevents ovulation until the appropriate time. I stopped taking Necon birth control pills on September 17. [Hallelujah!] I took Necon for a total of 5 1/2 weeks. [Never again!] On September 23, I added Gonal F injections and Menopur injections to my daily Lupron injections. Here's a pic of all my IVF medications, supplies, and my calendar/paperwork in my Rubbermaid container to keep it all straight. Receiving all the medications and instructions was all quite overwhelming. I need to issue a big THANKS to my IVF nurse, Connie, who reminded me to take it one day at a time. And I would pass that same advice on to anyone else who is going through something similar. On September 29, I concluded the daily injections of Gonal F.

Scenes from a fertility med junkie...

October 2011: On October 2, I concluded the daily injections of Lupron and Menopur. I took my hCG injection as the clock struck midnight on the morning of October 3. The hCG injection HAD to be administered exactly 35 hours before the retrieval. My egg retrieval surgery was done on October 4, and it went really well - 17 eggs were retrieved! Of the 17 eggs that were retrieved, 12 were mature and usable. From the 12 that were mature, 10 were fertilized! We did a day 5 transfer (retrieval day is day 0). On October 9, 2 embryos were transferred into my womb. Of the 8 embryos that were left, 2 were candidates to be frozen for the future. Because we believe that life begins at conception, we are ethically and morally committed to using our 2 frozen embryos and feel very fortunate that we have this option.

I am not disclosing when we will find out the results of this IVF cycle. Unfortunately, we won't really be able to surprise our close friends and family because they have all been on this journey with us. I had always longed to be able to make a completely "surprise" announcement, but having this journey and being open about it has kind of robbed us of this luxury. But, it has afforded us the benefit of receiving immeasurable amounts of love, support, prayers, and encouragement - which I am beyond grateful for. With that being said, we have chosen to keep the exact date of our pregnancy test and the results private until we are ready to share.

Fall Printables

2011-09-29T09:50:00.020-05:00

I know some of you may think the printable subway/word art trend is overdone. But...I'm still riding that train and think it's an inexpensive simple way to add some 'umph' to your seasonal home decor.

I've created two fall printables that I am going to share with you all. To snag one for yourself, click on the image, then click again to enlarge it to its highest resolution, right click, and 'save image as' to your photo library. Now you are ready to upload it to your photo lab of choice. I use the photo center at Sam's Club because of pricing. If you decide to use Sam's Club, make sure to turn off the color correction feature before you finalize your order. The printables below are saved in an 8x10 format.

Do me a favor okay? If you use one of these printables, blog about how you displayed it in your home and send me the link to your post. I could even do my very first linky party. :)

New Décor

2011-09-28T14:30:00.010-05:00

For quite sometime Tom and I have wanted a little something else to hang on the wall that our TV sits against. And I guess this is the week I was ready to pull the trigger on the ideas that were floating around in my head.

Idea #1:

Every time I've shopped at Hobby Lobby in recent months, I've eyed the gold polystone letters for our living room. So, the same day I bought my 50% off glass cloche, I bought a 50% off "S, " "T," and "&" to hang to the left of our TV.

Idea #2:

I received this idea back when we were shopping for bathroom mirrors for our newly remodeled guest bathroom. I came across a quatrefoil shaped mirror at Lowe's and really wanted to use it for the vanity mirror, but the dimensions were wrong. I couldn't stop thinking of the mirror and its gorgeous shape. I brainstormed of ways to incorporate it into our home, and finally decided it would look great in our living room, hung to the right of our TV.

That's Pintresting

2011-09-26T20:02:00.017-05:00

I completed my first Pintrest inspired "project" - pumpkins stacked under a glass cloche.

The Pintrest Version from Chic on a Shoestring Decorating:

I already had the same Southern Living Home Barley Twist Pedestal shown above. But I did not have a glass cloche. I had been wanting one for sometime now, but wouldn't bite the bullet and buy one. I stalked the one shown below on the Hobby Lobby aisle for weeks, and today it went home with me for 50% off. It will be versatile and useful in all seasons, which is my justification. I already had the fall berry garland that I used around the bottom. You can't really tell, but I used some moss underneath the bottom pumpkin for added texture and height. I love it! It's a great fall centerpiece for my island.

I also decided to stick a little lone pumpkin on some moss underneath my small Arthur Court cheese dome/cloche.

Assorted Lovelies

2011-09-10T22:20:00.008-05:00

Yoga-ta Get this Blue! from the OPI India collection

Honey Goat Cheese spread atop crispy thin 34º Whole Grain Crackers

Talenti Gelato: Sea Salt Caramel Flavor

The appearance of Autumn at my local market

4-Day Weekend

2011-09-05T15:35:00.005-05:00

The past 2 weeks at work have been some of the most stressful work weeks of the whole year. I logged some long hours and sacrificed evenings at home and my whole weekend last week trying to meet a deadline. Fortunately though, I was off from Friday through today and I have thoroughly enjoyed having a 4-day weekend with no set agenda. We've been flexible and free enough to make last minutes plans with friends, see both sides of our family, and enjoy this beautiful weather. I slept in on Friday, got an hour long massage to alleviate some of the back spasms I'd been having (from stress and long hours at a desk), and then went to Tom's new office to check out his digs and take him to lunch.

Tom went to the first OU game of the season on Saturday night and I opted to stay home. I ended up going to my parent's house to hang out for a little bit. While I was there, my mom was making an apple bundt cake for my grandma. While it was baking, the smell of spices and apples filled their house. Welcome fall, my favorite season. The cake was yummy and turned out just as gorgeous as the picture on the front of this month's Southern Living, but I would expect nothing less from my mother. ;)

What a gift this beautiful weather has been, it just makes everything all better. We've had a blast this weekend just riding around in the car together with the sunroof open and windows down.

Gotta go to the grocery store and get ready for another dinner with friends! Happy Labor Day!

Feelin' Great...

2011-08-06T23:59:00.003-05:00

...at Twenty-_____! :)

Guest Bath: Before and After

2011-07-22T22:30:00.011-05:00

Guest Bath Before:

Guest Bath After:

The styles and finishes used in the guest bath are mostly the same as the ones used in the master bath. I did this for simplicity's sake and for continuity. It also streamlined the decision making process for me, which was nice because the possibilities are endless!

Happy Birthday...

2011-07-22T21:18:00.012-05:00

...to my favorite! I love you! :)

Memories

2011-07-14T21:08:00.010-05:00

Tom and I's 10 year high school reunion is this Saturday. We both graduated from Putnam City North in 2001. In honor of the reunion, here are a few pics of us from back in the day.

The right and left pics are my MotoPhoto 'headshots' for the playbill of the musical my senior year. The middle pic is actually one my photographer's business cards. I couldn't find a regular version of that pic.

Tom and I were just friends in high school. But I have a vivid memory of him handing me the picture on the left one morning before class in senior hall. I never would have thought then that he would later become my husband!

It doesn't seem possible that it's been 10 years since we graduated from high school! Go Panthers!

What's My Motivation?

2011-07-12T11:10:00.012-05:00

What's my motivation [as it pertains to physical fitness/health]? I'm making a list for when I'm lacking motivation so I can go back and re-read this to remind myself why I'm doing what I'm doing.

1.) Results: The scale and the measuring tape do not lie.

2.) Energy: I have so much more energy when I'm in better shape [due to eating healthier and working out].

3.) Stress Relief: It feels good to literally work off the stress of the day.

4.) Clothes: My clothes fit better [and some are actually too big]. I need to shop for smaller ones soon. :)

5.) Confidence: I feel better in my own skin.

6.) Health: I am healthier and reducing my risks for future health problems.

Now that I've shared some of my motivations, I would love to hear from you lovelies. Leave me a comment telling me what your motivations are! :)

I read this quote on a fitness blog today, and I like it, so I'm using it!

Inching Closer

2011-07-08T15:44:00.009-05:00

In the midst of a tough/emotional week, I received some unexpected positive news yesterday that I wanted to document. In the beginning of our IUI study at OU, nurse Michelle was required to take down my waist and hip measurements. I didn't look at the tape measure while she measured me nor did I ask what the numbers were. I didn't want to know. As I posted yesterday, the study has been concluded for us. So at my final study appointment yesterday, Michelle had to measure my waist and hips again. I asked her to compare the two sets of measurements so I could see how many inches I've lost. She didn't have my old chart in front of her at the time, so she emailed them to me later that day. I was so pumped to see the comparison!

Waist: Down 4.3"

Hips: Down 3.5"

On a side note, I previously made a goal to lose 12 lbs by July 29, and I know right now that is not going to happen. But I'm not going to beat myself up over it. I also may have made too lofty of a goal. I don't like making excuses, but I have to say, fertility medication hampered my progress. I'm just proud of myself for a.) losing weight at all and b.) losing weight during 4 rounds of fertility drugs! :)

Timeline Update 2

2011-07-07T09:00:00.008-05:00

Written on June 25, July 5, and July 7, 2011

June 2011: On Wednesday, June 15, we had our first appointment to begin IUI Round 4. We did 7 days of Menopur shots. At our appointment on Wednesday, June 22, I was given the hCG trigger shot. [The hCG trigger shot contains the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, which causes final maturation of eggs followed by ovulation within 12 to 48 hours of administration.] Our 4th insemination was done on Thursday, June 23. On Thursday, June 30, I had my 1 week post IUI check-up appointment. It showed that I ovulated 2 or 3 eggs.

July 2011: The morning of July 4, my body began telling me that it was not pregnant. My official pregnancy test appointment was today, July 7, 2011. And just like the final appointments for the previous 3 rounds, I knew the outcome before the final Round 4 appointment.

Where do we go from here? Well, we have decided to undergo more aggressive fertility treatments, which will be totally unrelated to the IUI study. Since we have exhausted 4 Rounds of IUI's, the study has been concluded for us as participants. [The study is however still in progress for new and existing participants.] We have a consultation appointment with our doctor in a week and half to discuss our further treatment option. At this time, we do not have a date in which we will actually begin the next step.

It's hard to understand this journey, in fact, it really can't be understood. I have to keep reminding myself, His ways are higher than mine. And I will continue to claim the verse below.

Good Things Come in Small Packages

2011-06-27T19:21:00.003-05:00

Look at these little nuggets of deliciousness...

As someone who has been counting calories AND working out like a dog AND who happens to have a MASSIVE sweet tooth...these 90 calorie Snickers Mini Ice Cream Bars are the perfect treat. Here's the complete nutrition rundown on the little yummies.

Not too bad for a dessert. But it's really hard to only eat one at a time!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Milestone

2011-06-25T22:21:00.007-05:00

This morning we went to Tom's gym to workout. Before we left the house, I told Tom that today was the day that I would run 2 miles straight, without stopping. And guess what? I did just that! That's right, today I hit my 2 mile milestone! :)

After we got back from the gym and ate a bite of lunch, we went to my in-law's to swim and soak up some sun. At one point I was the only one outside on the deck by the pool and Ruby was behind me near the back door to the house. She started barking at something by the door and would not stop. There's usually a reason that she barks, and I got the feeling something was up. So I went to where she was, by the door to the house, and there were two snakes wrapped up together by a potted plant. Good girl, Ruby, for alerting me that there were snakes! I went inside to tell my in-laws and Tom. My mother-in-law freaked and made my father-in-law go get the snakes and kill them. Eeeew!!! I do NOT like snakes!

Testing...1, 2, 3

2011-06-21T19:12:00.005-05:00

I wanted to test out how my new BlogPress app works by blogging from my phone.

So...today I hit a new running milestone. I ran 1.71 miles without stopping!! I pushed myself and did a few laps faster than my comfortable pace. Woot! After I ran for 20 minutes/1.71 miles, I did 17 minutes of conditioning, followed by 15 minutes of elliptical. Whew!

I also wanted to test how this app publishes pics. So, I'm throwing in a post work out pic.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

New Goal

2011-06-17T10:43:00.007-05:00

Back on May 25, I said I'd post my new weight loss goal. So, here it is...my new goal is to lose 12 pounds by July 29, 2011. I have six weeks to knock out 12 more pounds. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can! :)

Lately

2011-06-14T21:45:00.005-05:00

It's time to update what's been going on lately...

1. Tom started a new job working for a company that is the 2nd largest producer of natural gas in the U.S. This company is also #32 on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. Monday, June, 6th, was Tom's first day as a Title Landman at Chesapeake Energy Corporation. I'm so proud of him and excited that he received this opportunity!

2. Ruby got a summer 'do because her thick coat caused her to get so overheated on walks and such. Poor thing looks a bit ridiculous but she'll feel better in the hot summer heat.

3. My total weight loss is now up to 14lbs. Amazingly, after eating lots of desserts, hush puppies, fries, fried shrimp, and lots of yummy seafood - I did NOT gain any weight while we were on vacation. I attribute this to all the swimming in the ocean, walking on the beach, and walking/shopping at the outlet mall. :) I have slowly been incorporating some running into my workout routine. I'm proud to say that 3 days ago I pushed myself to run 1 whole mile straight...and I did it! Then the next day I pushed myself more and ran 1.5 miles straight - no stopping!! The pic below is my happy self right after running 1.5 miles.

4. We took a vacation to Destin, FL from May 28, 2011 to June 3, 2011. It was so much fun to spend a week at the beach with friends. I will post more vacation pics later.

Master Bath: Before and After

2011-05-26T20:19:00.013-05:00

Halleluyer! The master bath remodel is done! Get ready for the 'Before and After Party.'

Before:

Meet the gross art deco-ish master bathroom,

courtesy of an amateur remodel circa the early 90's.

After:

Look at all my storage!! Before, there was only a pedestal sink (which provided no storage) and one niche with open shelving.

Call me crazy...because demo has already begun on the guest bathroom. Eeeek!

Workin' On My Fitness

2011-05-25T11:26:00.010-05:00

Back on Monday, April 4th, I decided I was done being 30+ lbs overweight and that I was ready to tackle the extra baggage I've accumulated. I have been idle with my health and trying to get back in shape for the past two years, part of the lovely infertility holding pattern I'm determined to get out of. I used to think, "Any day now, I'll be pregnant. So why don't I just wait to get into shape until after I have a baby?" Silly thought, but admittedly, it's true.

My first step in getting healthier and fit was downloading the app, My Net Diary. With the app, I created my plan and plugged in all my key information and began using it religiously. I input EVERYTHING I eat and it counts my calories. I also input any activity/exercise I do and the app assigns a caloric value to each activity. I am not only counting calories, I am trying to make healthy choices with the food I eat. At the end of the day it shows me an analysis of my total calorie deficit. Along with counting calories, I have been hitting the gym at least 5 times a week (sometimes more, schedule permitting).

My first weight loss goal was to lose 13 lbs by the time Tom and I leave for vacation. From April 4th to date, I have lost 12.8 lbs. And yes, I am counting that .8 lbs because that means I am only 2 oz from meeting my first goal! Even if I don't end up dropping those 2 oz by the time we leave, I have succeeded in my first goal by 98%. I think that's a pretty dern good margin of success!

I have noticed that my muscle tone is improving, my clothes are fitting looser, and my energy level has greatly increased. But there are days where I don't think I can keep it up and days that I get really discouraged if the scale doesn't move. This post is to serve as me going on record with what I've been doing in hopes that it will create some accountability for myself.

At a later date, I will post my new weight loss goal.

Timeline Update 1

2011-05-17T12:00:00.001-05:00

Written on May 4, May 10, & May 17, 2011

Sorry for the continued heavy blog content. But, it's update time - and this is real life...

April 2011: On Friday, April 22nd, I went to my first appointment for IUI Round 3. We did 7 days of shots and had the actual insemination on Saturday, April 30th. As I type this, I am 2 days shy of being 1 week into the LONG two week wait (TWW). The TWW is the time you must wait between the time of ovulation/IUI and testing for pregnancy.

May 2011: On Friday, May 6th, I had my 1 week post IUI check-up appointment just to take a look at my follicles, lining and such. I may have only had 2 eggs this round, which isn't much better than a normal cycle w/o meds.

On Saturday, May 14th, I had my appointment to determine pregnancy. I knew the answer was 'not pregnant' beforehand because my body doesn't even make it through the TWW before it tells me itself that I'm not pregnant. So, the pregnancy test appointment has just been a formality for me. I had prepared for a resting month after Round 3 and my Dr. determined it wasn't needed. That would normally be good news, but because I planned on having to take a resting month, we scheduled to go on vacation with friends. The vacation falls smack dab in the middle of when we would need to be seeing the Dr., so we could not proceed immediately with Round 4. We essentially took a resting month on our own terms. Good thing the study allows participants to take 1 resting cycle. Kinda ironic that the only round where we could have immediately progressed, we actually couldn't because of scheduling and not due to my body. I'm taking this in stride and trying to remember it is not about MY timing. We also need to go ahead and live our life and get out of the infertility holding pattern. I'm done giving infertility so much control and being defined by it. I firmly believe our getaway/vacation with friends is going to be a much needed rest for my soul.

Bittersweet

2011-05-08T19:56:00.009-05:00

Mother's Day evokes an array of emotions for many. For me, the emotions are bittersweet.

The sweet...

I count myself extremely blessed to have my mom on this earth walking through life with me. She is my go-to consultant for many things from cooking advice, stain removal, career moves, to how to navigate through life's toughest moments. And when the day comes that I enter into motherhood, I will turn to her for mommy advice. I hope to be even half of the wonderful woman and mother that she is.

The bitter...

This day is an abundantly emphasized day which unfortunately serves as a painful reminder of the deep longing that fills my heart. I thought for sure Mother's Day 2010 would be the last one I would spend as a "Mommy-in-Waiting." But what a sweet sweet day of rejoicing I will have when I get to celebrate my first Mother's Day as a mommy. Thank you Mom, for the shining example you've provided for me when that day comes.

Signs of HOPE

2011-04-15T10:32:00.011-05:00

Since the beginning of the year I have acquired several tangible reminders of my theme of HOPE. The first one I acquired was on the 70% off shelf after Christmas at Hobby Lobby. After I settled on the theme, I wanted something to set out in my room so that every time I looked at it, I would remember where my HOPE lies.

My sweet friend gave me this Urban Soul sign inspired by Hebrews 6:19 "We have this HOPE as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure..." It is displayed on a wall shelf in my living room.

I purchased this necklace for myself from the vintage pearl. It's kind of hard to read below, but it simply says [hope.] with one freshwater pearl hanging next to it.

While I was comparison shopping for HOPE necklaces online, I found a necklace by lisa leonard designs with an Emily Dickinson quote on it. This was my inspiration for the word art below (which I've blogged about before over here). I have it displayed in the bumped out window ledge in our office.

Timeline

2011-04-13T13:17:00.020-05:00

I'm still struggling with being really personal on here, but God has definitely used some of you lovelies to really encourage me since my last post. For that, I am more grateful than you will ever know. I want to map out a timeline of our journey. I know mapping out a timeline of something you are struggling with seems a little odd…why would you want to remember the details of something painful? My reasoning: I don't want to forget where I've been, what God has taught me through this, and where He's brought me. I'm a list maker, and a timeline is a list of sorts, right? Bottom line, if I don't make lists - I get sidetracked and forgetful. :/ I am out of my comfort zone sharing the details below, but I know that I've been ministered to by reading the blogs of others who have struggled with infertility. It would be an honor if by me stepping out of my comfort zone to share these personal things, I could help someone who is walking this journey too.

December 2008: Tom and I were preparing for a 2 week mission trip to Cambodia with a team from our church. We had decided a few months prior that we were ready to start a family but wanted to wait until after we got back from Cambodia. Since it was decided, I did not refill my birth control prescription at the end of December 2008.

January 2009 - December 2009: We got back from Cambodia and tried unsuccessfully for a year. [*Side Note, if you are under the age of of 30ish with no pre-existing medical conditions, most doctors don't want to see you for fertility until you've tried on your own for a year.]

January 2010: After a year with no results, we visited my OB/GYN for a fertility consult. She scheduled some blood tests and a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) test for me and an analysis for Tom.

February 2010: The HSG was completed and my results were perfectly normal. Tom's analysis was completed with normal results too. With the news that we were 'normal,' we continued trying on our own. [*Side Note, after being told by our health insurance company that fertility testing would be covered, we learned after-the-fact that they would not honor what they had previously told us. Neither Fertility Testing nor Treatments are covered by our health insurance company.]

June 2010: We had another appointment and more blood work with my OB/GYN to discuss our next steps. At that point my doctor decided I may have a luteal phase defect and she put me on 6 months of progesterone therapy.

October 2010: Tom and I decided that we would not exhaust all 6 months of the progesterone therapy because it wasn't proving to be successful. I then contacted the Department of Reproductive Medicine at OU Physicians to set up an appointment with a Fertility Specialist. This was a scary step for me because as I mentioned earlier, our health insurance would not cover anything fertility related. Reaching this point took a lot of soul searching, praying, and discussion.

November 2010: Tom and I had an appointment with our specialist, Dr. Karl Hansen, at OU on November 23^rd. During the appointment we discussed at length the results of all of our previous testing and our plan of action for future fertility treatments. Due to the course of action that my regular OB/GYN took with us, we would soon be able to begin a treatment plan with Dr. Hansen without having to be stalled for the preliminary fertility testing through OU. He informed us that because we fall into the 'unexplained fertility' category and we had been trying for over a year, we qualified to participate in a clinical trial by Yale University called AMIGOS. This trial consists of fertility treatments called IUIs in conjunction with 3 different fertility medications. Regardless of whether or not we participated in the study, Dr. Hansen told us that his plan for us would be 4 rounds of IUIs in conjunction with a fertility medication (it is standard procedure for couples in our situation to begin with IUI treatments).

The kicker to participating in the AMIGOS trial is, ALL COSTS ARE COVERED - THERE ARE NO COSTS FOR US AS PARTICIPANTS! Also, the trial allows for up to 4 rounds of IUIs. This is a HUGE blessing from God that we were not facing the financial burden of paying for 1 to possibly 4 rounds of IUIs!! We decided to participate in the trial and we rejoiced in this gift we had been given.

December 2010: We took some breathing time to process everything and try to live as normal as possible until the trial started. I also went into OU for some preliminary base-line blood work before the trial began.

January 2011: We went into OU the first week of January for our first trial appointment. A computer randomized me to the type of medication I would be taking leading up to the IUI procedure. I was randomized to an injectable FSH medication (which is the strongest medication in the trial). From this point on, the FSH is the only medication I will take in this trial. This was good news to me that we were working with the "good stuff." [*Each of the 3 medications used in the trial are currently being used and are safe medications for the treatment of infertility. None are of them are new and dangerous, and none are of them are placebos.]

We started our shots on January 7^th, and had the IUI procedure on January 14^th. Towards the end of January, we found out that Round 1 did not work. We also got the bad news that we could not immediately progress with Round 2 because of a minor setback with my body. Due to the setback, we were ordered to take a resting month (a month w/o treatment) before Round 2.

February 2011: At the end of February we started the shots for Round 2. [*Side Note, we celebrated our 5^th Wedding Anniversary on the 25^th of February!]

March 2011: On March 10^th we had our 2^nd IUI. In the third week of March we found out Round 2 did not work. My body had the same setback/reaction again which required another resting month.

April 2011: And here we are now, April 13^th, just resting from treatments and waiting to begin Round 3.

Whew, that was a lot of detail to recall! And to those who have read up to this point, Bravo for sticking with the run on sentences! But, I'm glad I have this all typed out and in once place now. I also want to note, we LOVE Dr. Hansen, Dr. Craig, our nurse Michelle, and the whole staff up at OU's Department of Reproductive Medicine. Having a good team of doctors and nurses to help you through this kind of thing is a tremendous blessing.

Struggles

2011-04-12T14:46:00.011-05:00

I've always secretly envied people who lay their lives out like an open book on their blog. I struggle deeply with whether or not to share personal issues on my blog or to just keep it light-hearted. I wouldn't say I'm a closed-off super private person, but I'm not one to share my life story with any 'ol person behind me in the grocery store line either. And to share personal things on a blog is way more public than the grocery store; it's the World Wide Web for Pete's sake! It's so easy to just keep my blog content 'surface-y' and show you what recipes I like to make or what craft I just tackled. But for a while now I've longed to share what's REALLY going on in my life and how it is affecting me. My desired purposes in getting real and raw on my blog are to hopefully a.) Have a journal of sorts to document my 'journey'; b.) To encourage someone who can relate to my situation; and c.) To receive encouragement from someone who has been in my situation. I'm sitting here at my keyboard at an impasse, how to do I jump into being real and raw after not being so?

Let me begin by saying the journey I previously referred to is my struggle with unexplained infertility. My husband and I have been on this infertility journey for a little over 2 years now. THIS. IS. HUGE. If you have never experienced infertility, it is hard for me to explain and thoroughly convey the complexities of it. For starters, it is a dark thing that brings with it a feeling of being trapped. One thing it has trapped me into is silence. It's not really great fodder for conversation and it has the potential to make things really awkward. People don't know how to react or what to say about it, so I've found sometimes it's just easier to not talk about it. Plus when you do open up and talk about it, you run the risk of hearing people say some really platitudinal things to you. For example: "Don't stress about it so much and it will happen;" or "Maybe if you start the adoption process you'll get pregnant;" or "You've got plenty of time, you are still so young."

First of all, telling someone who is going through the emotional pain of infertility along with the physical aspects of infertility [the initial fertility testing, injectable medications, frequent doctor visits, numerous invasive ultrasounds, massive amounts of blood work, etc., etc.] not to stress is a little trite. Ha, if only it were that easy. I want to sarcastically respond, "Thanks for the advice, I hadn't thought of that!"

Second, telling someone who is struggling with infertility to start the adoption process only in hopes of getting pregnant is THE ABSOLUTE WRONG reason to begin the adoption process. I will go no further on that topic.

Lastly, the "You're still young" comment is not comforting or helpful. Yes, I may be in my late 20's, but even with that on my side, I'm still experiencing infertility. And if I have to try for several more years to find an answer or a treatment that works for me, then I won't be so "young" anymore. What if it takes me 3 more years to have our 1^st child? There is no telling how long it may take to have children after that. I'm actually very glad that we chose to start trying for a family in our mid 20's, it would be an even bigger race against my biological clock if we had decided to wait until our 30's to start trying. Regardless of my age, my heart's desire is to be a mommy and nurture a child. When that desire fills your heart, but your arms and womb remain empty, it doesn't matter if you are a spring chicken or not – you can't put an age on that.

I didn't mean for this post to turn into a soapbox rant, but this has proven to be therapeutic, another added benefit to blogging about my journey. :) I have been extremely challenged in this journey. I am a Type A/Planner by nature and let's just say this was NOT in my plans. God has been stretching me and teaching me through all of this, I know that through adversity comes strength.

While my husband and I were on a date in the beginning of January 2011, I told him I wanted to choose the two-fold theme of HOPE for this year. I felt that focusing on a theme/discipline for the year sounded less intimidating than making a resolution. I debated whether or not to tell him what I'd chosen for fear that he would think it was intangible and silly. But he was so supportive and wanted to join with me. So, together as our little family of 2, we decided that we would practice the discipline of constantly realigning our HOPE in the Lord. My two-fold HOPE: I have HOPE that I will be a mommy someday, but regardless of life's circumstances and whether or not we get pregnant, we will HOPE in Him alone.

This has been a SUPER long post but I want to end it with two verses I'm currently claiming:

Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in HOPE, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer."

Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the HOPE we profess, for He who has promised is faithful."

Stay tuned for more 'real' posts about my/our journey. :)

Talents

2011-03-31T22:20:00.015-05:00

Last weekend I was a hostess for a baby shower for my good friend Julie. She's due to have her baby girl, Finley, in about a month. Finely is who I made the word art for shown here. It was fun to see the talents each hostess brought to the table.

For the shower I made a diaper cake centerpiece using Anthropologie's gift wrap as my inspiration.

My apologies because all of the following pictures are taken with my phone.

I used the word art and diaper cake centerpiece as decoration on the cake and punch table.

My friend Lauren, who was also a hostess, made an incredible and professional looking fondant cake. Can you believe it was only her 2nd time to make and decorate a fondant cake?! I'm so impressed with her cake decorating abilities!

Another friend and hostess, Julie [different Julie than the baby shower honoree], made a cute 'bouquet' of felt flower hair-clips. Aren't they adorable?! I need to have her teach me how to make these. They can either clip straight into hair or on a headband.

I can't wait to see baby Finley sporting those adorable felt flower clips! Julie also made this cute pink and cream houndstooth banner of Finley's name.

I sure have some creative and talented friends! ;)

Trying My Hand

2011-03-31T21:39:00.010-05:00

I recently decided to try my hand at "word art" [I guess that's what you call it]. I used picnik to create three pieces of word art to give as gifts. Now that I've given them to their recipients, I can show them on here without spoiling the surprise.

The first piece is a quote containing my word for the year, HOPE. I found out my good friend Vickey shares the same esteem as I do for the theme of HOPE. So along with making this for myself, I had to make one for Vickey as well.

The second piece is some girly subway art for baby Finley, the soon-to-be born daughter of my good friend Julie.

The third piece is Finley's name over her initial.

I wanted to use really cute white ornate frames for my word art, but I couldn't find any in an 8x10 size or any that were reasonably priced. I couldn't even find any true white frames for that matter. So I improvised.

I bought some basic reasonably priced silver frames and I spray painted them with glossy white spray paint.

I can't wait to create more word art on picnik!

Operation: [New Master Bath]

2011-03-23T20:37:00.007-05:00

We are currently remodeling again - this time it's our little master bathroom, followed by our guest bathroom. I know, we're crazy. I have a few phone pictures of the demolition aftermath. I am going to save the true before pics for the dramatic reveal of the before and after. :)

Per usual, this remodel hasn't exactly gone as planned. We encountered some plumbing and electrical hazards left behind from the previous remodel circa the late 80's/early 90's. Oh, and when I say "we" encountered, I mean our contractor. We opted out of the DIY type of remodeling because plumbing, etc. is beyond our expertise.

Here's where we're at right now, the concrete has been jackhammered out and we have a dirt shower floor. Eeek!

I've never blogged about our kitchen remodel because I started this blog about 7 months after it was complete. But I think I'll post on it soon, mainly for me to look back on after I turn my blog into a memory book.

Luck 'O the Irish

2011-02-20T17:09:00.010-06:00

Because I hail from partial Irish decent, I like to embrace the little holiday of St. Patrick's Day. I packed up the Valentine's decor and got out my green stuff.

I used green and clear vase pebbles that I already had and a little "Feelin' Irish" sign in my apothecary jars.

I hung my "Cheers!" sign with my spring wreath on the front door.

I printed and framed this cute St. Patty's 8 x 10 subway art. And for another little touch of green, I set out my little wooden croaking frog instrument from Cambodia.

You can find this printable subway art at Today's Fabulous Finds. The one I printed is called "Paint the Town Green." I ordered it on the Sam's Club photo center website and picked it up at my location after church today. If you use Sam's photo center, you'll want to turn off the "color correction" option before you finalize the order.

Bananas Foster

2011-02-15T21:55:00.008-06:00

I've made Bananas Foster a handful of times now. It's so easy and SO good! I usually only make it for special occasions (like last night to celebrate Valentine's Day) because it is obviously not healthy. I've consulted several recipes and pieced them together into this recipe.

Ingredients:

2 Tbs unsalted butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 tsp cinnamon

dash of nutmeg

1 banana cut into slices

3 Tbs rum

Melt butter in a skillet over low heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and stir until sugar dissolves. Add banana slices and cook for about a minute, spoon sauce over bananas as they cook. Bring to a simmer and add rum. Use a lighter to ignite the skillet in order to burn the rum off or leave skillet on the burner and the rum will cook off on its own. Lighting the skillet is optional, if you are accident prone - I don't suggest it. If sauce is too thin after lighting/cooking the rum, continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until sauce thickens. Serve it up in dishes and top with vanilla ice cream.

Here's a terribly unimpressive video of me lighting the rum on fire last night. It was the first time I've been brave enough to actually ignite the bananas foster. It wasn't too scary, but it also wasn't as hot as it is when they make it at restaurants and create a huge flame. I was being conservative so as NOT to burn my house down.

Broiled Asparagus

2011-02-15T20:39:00.008-06:00

My favorite way to prepare asparagus is to broil/roast it. It's really fast and super easy.

Ingredients:

1 bunch of asparagus spears

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

Salt

Pepper

Garlic Powder

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Rinse and dry asparagus. Trim or break off the thick stalky ends. Place in flat layer on a foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle EVOO over the asparagus, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Roll asparagus back and forth in the oil and seasonings to cover all sides. Bake under broiler for about 10 minutes.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

2011-02-14T22:24:00.008-06:00

I didn't grow up eating sweet potatoes because my mom never made them. The first time I ate one was about 4 years ago at a friend's parents' house. It was baked and then I added a little butter, salt, and pepper. Baking sweet potatoes takes a while because they are so dense, so I investigated quicker ways to prepare them and found you can mash them. I've been preparing them this way for awhile now.

Ingredients:

2 Medium sweet potatoes (or 1 for each person you are serving)

Butter or Margarine

Salt

Pepper

Fill large stock pot a little over half-way full with water and bring to a boil. Peel, slice, and quarter sweet potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking. Once water is boiling add sweet potatoes and cook for 10 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender after tested with a fork. Drain potatoes in colander. Return potatoes to pot and put back on burner for a few seconds to cook off excess water. Add butter or margarine and mash with a hand masher. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Meatloaf

2011-02-14T21:23:00.011-06:00

Meatloaf is a comfort food staple in my family. I know...you either love it or you hate it. I wouldn't really eat it growing up, but I do love it now. It's also one of those foods that tastes better than it looks. My mom makes it similar to the way my dad's mom makes it, with BBQ sauce instead of tomato paste/ketchup. My mom doesn't use a recipe because she knows it by heart. After I got married, I requested that she write the recipe out so I could learn to make it for Tom and I. This is what she gave me. Click the image of the recipe below, and then click it once more to enlarge it enough to read it clearly.

*Sara's Notes:

My mom wrote the recipe for two loaves, but I half it when cooking for just the two of us and there are still leftovers.

I also substitute fine Club cracker crumbs with Quaker Oats for a slightly healthier twist.

My favorite BBQ sauce to use is Head Country Original.

I've learned that with my oven I only need to bake my one loaf for 45 minutes.

Let it cool 5-10 minutes before slicing or it will just fall apart.

Happy Heart Day!

2011-02-14T09:11:00.013-06:00

Valentine's Day art courtesy of http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/.

I just had to borrow it because it's so stinkin' cute.

As tradition would have it, for the past 5 years, my FIL has sent a bouquet of flowers to my office for Valentine's Day. Thanks Steve, they're beautiful! :)

For the record, I told Tom NOT to get me a bouquet of flowers this year - and I really did mean it. We decided not to spend any money on each other and just have an evening at home since it fell on a Monday night. I made meatloaf, mashed sweet potatoes, broiled asparagus, and bananas foster. It was yum.my! I'll share the recipes in the posts to come.

I'll leave you with a pic of Ruby posing with a Valentine from my Aunt.

Ooops!

2011-02-11T09:20:00.010-06:00

I accidentally let a ~~momentous~~ minor occasion come and go without any acknowledgement...

My first post was February 5, 2010. I missed it by 6 days, but thought my bloggie birthday was worth mentioning anyhow. Whether or not you are an official 'follower' of my little 'ol blog, thanks for stopping by to see what I have to say. I've really enjoyed being a member of the blog world. :)

Cheers to another year!

Lotion and Lamps

2011-02-09T15:23:00.015-06:00

AHAVA is the Hebrew word for love and also happens to be a brand of Israeli skin-care products that makes a mineral hand-cream that I absolutely love! I've been using it for about 6 years now. When I was in college, the mother of the little girl for whom I was a part-time nanny first introduced it to me.

The price tag of this hand-cream is something I do NOT love. Enter, TJ Maxx and/or Steinmart. You can find it at either one of these discount gems for half the original price. I am so in love with this hand-cream that I have one tube in my night-stand drawer, one in my desk drawer at work, and one in my purse. I mentioned to my MIL that I was looking for it b/c Steinmart was out the last few times I was there. [I usually get it at Steinmart b/c it is closer to my house than TJ.] Well, my MIL called me yesterday to tell me TJ had it. So, after work and before the predicted snow storm hit last night, I went to go stock up.

Of course, I had to browse a bit before leaving b/c it's been a while since I've been to TJ. And what did I find?? This beauty, further proving my love affair with the color red. It's a problem, it really is.

I've been looking for lamps that have a turquoise base [or any other color that coordinates with our quilt] for our bedroom night-stands. The TJ sales associate told me they did have this style in turquoise too, but they only had one red lamp left. I was really wanting a pair. The sweet associate offered to call another TJ and find a 2nd lamp for me. [I was pleasantly surprised by her offer b/c sometimes they won't call another store for you, or they do it w/ a tude.] She tracked another one down and I went to snag it up. I love how they look in our room. The tan burlap shade compliments the base really well.

Interesting how a trip to TJ to get hand-cream turned into a new set of bedroom lamps. :/

You Know You're Getting Older When...

2011-02-08T08:26:00.015-06:00

For me, the following are telltale signs that I am getting older:

Today, my breakfast consisted of oatmeal, a hard boiled egg, and hot tea.

*Please note, before a few weeks ago, I would not have touched oatmeal with a 10-foot pole. And I have never cared for tea (much less hot tea), until about a year ago.

I asked my mom and dad for a Shark steam mop/vac for Christmas, and it throughly excites me. I love that thing!

*This may be due to me being an OCD clean freak rather than getting older.

I quite often listen to NPR on my commute to and from work.

*It's either that or my ipod, and occasionally I just enjoy total silence.

Sometimes I choose not to go to certain restaurants because they are too loud.

*Yeah, yeah - Just call me granny and tell me to turn my hearing aides down. No really, the louder the restaurant, the more I have to repeat myself when sitting across the table talking to Tom. He has the hearing of an 80 year old man.

I have actually caught myself saying the phrase, "Kids these days."

*Who am I, my father? (He actually says that.)

The songs that I listened to on Magic 104.1 (the adult contemporary radio station) as a child while riding around in the car with my parents are now on KOMA (the oldies radio station).

*For example, KOMA was playing Don Henley's "Boys of Summer" from 1984 the other day. How is an 80's song considered oldies?? I think they're jumping the gun a bit.

What do you catch yourself saying/doing that makes you feel like you're getting older??

A Lovely Day for [a] Picnik

2011-02-03T15:15:00.013-06:00

No, I didn't make a spelling error up there in my post title, I meant to type 'picnik'. As in www.picnik.com. It's an awesome FREE photo editing site. Just upload your picture, make the edits you want, and save the edited version back to your computer. You can purchase a subscription for as little as $2.08 a month, or you can just use the free parts (like me). If you don't pay for it, you are limited as to which features you can use. And if you register on the site, it will save your most recent projects for you to refer back to, which is nice. Here are the most recent things I edited/created using picnik.

My new Sarandipity Blog Banner

A picture of my HOPE word figurine with

Hebrews 10:23, the theme I am claiming for 2011

Our 2010 digital Christmas Card

Now it's your turn to create!

All You Need is Love

2011-01-30T16:39:00.013-06:00

Earlier this month I got the Valentine's decorations out of the attic and realized I wanted a few more finishing touches to make it complete. On Thursday I found the cutest wreath at Target for the front door, along with some Valentine blocks in the cheapy section at the front. I got 2 sets of the blocks because they were only $2.50 for a set of four. They are pink and red and either spell LOVE, HUGS, KISS, or XOXO depending on how you arrange them. Today I went to Michael's with my MIL and she bought me 2 apothecary jars (one with a 40% of coupon and the other with a 25% off coupon). I already had 1 apothecary jar and wanted to add 2 more to make a grouping of three. At Michael's I also found some 40% off heart ornaments to use as filler in the 3 jars.

Target wreath

Now that I've shown you my Valentine's Day decor, I wanted to add something I just thought of. A little over 5 years ago (before we bought our house) I remember telling my mom that decorating for all the smaller holidays was cheesy and hokey. I believe I even told her, "I will never do that when I get my own house." Well, now I'm all about it. So, I guess I've become cheesier/hokier since I said that. :/ Never say never I guess!

Welcoming 2011

2011-01-01T00:15:00.002-06:00

basketball game

crisp cold air

pretty lights

champagne

hope

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2011, I am excited and hopeful

for what you will bring.

Noel

2010-12-23T21:49:00.017-06:00

On this Christmas Eve Eve, I was off work and it was so nice. After a visit to Michael's, I completed two crafts I discovered via the blog world. The first craft was NOEL artwork and the second craft was an ornament tree. The NOEL artwork was inspired by a pricey Pottery Barn piece and was knocked off on the The Steen Style, Frugal with a Flourish, and Thrifty Decor Chick. The ornament tree was also on The Steen Style and Frugal with a Flourish.

Here's the Pottery Barn NOEL:

Here's my NOEL:

The letters are white primed mdf that I spray painted with an oil rubbed bronze spray paint, but it really just looks like I used black spray paint. Not exactly the color I was going for but it looks fine. The background is paintable textured wall covering from Home Depot. I used spray adhesive to attach the wall covering to a cardboard backing. I painted the wall covering background with paints that I already had on hand. The first layer was creme paint I had from my kitchen remodel and the second layer is a glaze made from acrylic burnt umber craft paint that was diluted by a little bit of water. The glaze was painted on and immediately wiped off with a t-shirt. I put the finished back ground in a half priced Michael's frame and then hot glued the letters into place.

I'm really pleased with the outcome of the NOEL artwork. Now the ornament tree is a different story. I have no idea how to glue the ornaments onto the styrofoam cone without numerous gaps with styrofoam showing through. And it took way longer than I would like to admit. Needless to say, I don't love it.

Here's Frugal with a Flourish's ornament tree:

Here's my ornament tree:

It is made using a styrofoam cone, mini ornament balls, and hot glue. I got my ornaments at Dollar General. One package of 15 was $0.50 (they were half off). You can see pictured below that I bought several sizes of cones thinking I would make several ornament trees to group together, but after finishing one, I bagged the rest up and will be returning them to Michael's tomorrow. I don't even want to tackle another one. :/

Since I won't be making any more ornament trees, I have A LOT of mini ornament balls leftover, but I've already found a new purpose for them. Glass vase/jar filler!

Joy to the World!

2010-12-22T15:47:00.008-06:00

I had high hopes for sending cute photo Christmas cards this year. But it just didn't happen. I had arranged for my friend and her fancy-shmancy Canon to snap a few shots of Tom, Ruby, and I in Norman on OU's campus a few Saturdays ago. But I'm not liking my new smile courtesy of the torturous springs connected to my braces. Let's just say my smile is kinda bumpy right now. Plus it was cold and windy all that weekend. So I canceled and gave up b/c I was kinda behind the game on it anyways. So now you get my lazy digital excuse of a Christmas card. But the message is still the same. ;)

Gone in 60 Seconds

2010-12-20T10:52:00.012-06:00

I thought I'd share a yummy recipe with you lovelies. If you like cheeseballs, (how could you not) then you will LOVE this one. I was first introduced to it at a friend's surprise birthday party. I won't tell you how many helpings of it I ate. :/ I made it for my small group's Christmas party last night. The recipe is from local caterers, the Prairie Gypsies, who also have their own line of homemade jams, jellies, fruit butters, mustards, and salad dressings. Confession, I didn't use their signature jam. I cheated and used a grocery store brand but it turned out just as yummy (plus it's cheaper).

Here's the recipe:

Gone in 60 Seconds Dip (Cheeseball)

1/2 cup Chopped Green Onions

1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1/2 cup Chopped Pecans

1 8 0z package Cream Cheese

1/4 cup - 1/2 cup Red Hot Pepper Jelly

(I used Reese Hot Pepper Jelly, although recipe calls for PG's Red Hot Lover Pepper Jam)

Crackers of your choice (I used Wheat Thins)

Preparation:

Combine shredded cheddar cheese, pecans, green onion, and cream cheese (it's easier to combine if you set the cream cheese out for 30-45 minutes prior to preparation). Form into flattened ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 30 minutes and place on serving plate and spoon jam/jelly over the top of the dip just before serving. Serve with crackers.

Because I like pictures to make sure I know what I'm looking for when I'm making a new recipe, here are pictures of the jam and jelly.

PG's Red Hot Lover Pepper Jam

Reese Hot Pepper Jelly

Enjoy!

3 Things

2010-12-07T13:55:00.024-06:00

This is my last post on our Christmas decor I promise. I recently ordered 3 things (okay technically 4 because one thing is a pair) online to complete our Christmas decorations and they've all arrived!

1. Monogrammed Tree Skirt:

We've never had a tree skirt, and its not for lack of shopping for one. Because I have, I've just never found one that I loved. And I've always wanted a monogrammed one. In years past I just bunched up gold mesh fabric around the base of the tree and called it good. But now our tree officially has a skirt. I found this tree skirt online at Pottery Barn Kids on sale. And because our tree is skinny, the smaller dimensions of the "kids" tree skirt are fine. I think it will be perfect when we eventually get a bigger tree too because I had to fold the material over at the seam because it's a little too big.

2. Needlepoint stocking for Ruby:

This is our first Christmas with our 8 month old puppy Ruby, so of course I had to get her a stocking of her very own. It is needlepoint, to keep with our tradition. Her name is monogrammed on it and the scene is of 2 dogs sledding. I know she's spoiled...

3. Wreath Stands as Stocking Holders:

The black wreath stands I blogged about here work just great as stocking holders since we don't have a mantle.

I think Ruby is going to get some new toys in her stocking. She's pretty rough on them. According to my mom, she has bionic

jaws. Note the former rope pictured below.

Too Much??

2010-12-02T13:36:00.010-06:00

Okay, so I've never loved my star Christmas tree topper. It's cute, but it wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it's what we came home with after shopping for our first Christmas adornments as a married couple. I'm of the mindset that a tree should be topped with a star, symbolizing the star that led the wisemen to Jesus. But this year I was wanting to add a little more 'ummph' to the top of our skinny little tree. So after our tree had been up a few days, I went to Hobby Lobby during one of my lunch hours and purchased a few sprigs of fanciness. And now I think I may have gone over the top. I'm embarrassed that I am even showing you (all five of you who read this). What do you think?? The star is still there, you just can't really see it anymore. Oooh ,that sounds so metaphorical.

When Tom came home and saw it for the first time he said, "it looks like our tree is on fire." A few days later he said, "I know what that reminds me of! Kevin, the bird on Disney Pixar's UP!"

Sheesh!

A Wild Hair...

2010-11-29T21:50:00.011-06:00

...a sudden decision that is not expected. I had a wild hair on Thanksgiving night. We spent the day eating and being with my side of the family, then went over to my in-law's house around 8:00pm. After eating desserts and socializing with family and friends, my MIL and I settled in to peruse the Black Friday ads while our guys watched some football. My MIL came across the Wal-Mart circular which advertised a Cricut Expression machine for about $150 less than you can usually find it. She showed me the ad and we both exclaimed what a deal that price was. (A Cricut is an electronic die cutting machine used for paper and fabric crafting.)

I've been wanting a Cricut machine for the better part of a year, ever since I used my friend Allison's machine to make letters and shapes for the baby blocks shown here. I'm not a Black Friday shopper so I totally dismissed this deal, thinking that I would never capitalize on it. UNTIL, my MIL suggested that I try to get one. Ha, yeah right, you see I'd completely dogged the practice of Black Friday shopping all day long when the topic came up in random conversations. But, the more I thought about it, the more I realized I would probably never find one for that price again. But I didn't want to get up at 5:00am to go to Wal-Mart. (Who wants to get up at 5:00am on their day off, much less go to Wal-Mart at that hour?) My MIL pointed out that some of the Wal-Mart sales began at 12:01am on Friday morning and the Cricut was included in that category. It was already around 10:00pm when I decided I was going to go for it. So, Tom and I watched TV and cat napped in my in-law's living room until about 11:45pm after which we got up and went to Wal-Mart so I could start my hunt.

Tom dropped me off at the front door, I went in and nabbed the merchandise, placed it in my shopping cart, and headed to the front of the store. As I approached the line I immediately thought, "you've gotta be kidding me!" The line was forever long and definitely made me 2nd guess my decision. But I was there and the thrill of finding my deal overtook me. I called Tom, who was waiting in the car and told him to go home and come back later to pick me up. At 2:00am, after I had stood in line for nearly 2 hours, I left with my loot. I am now the proud owner of a pretty aqua colored Cricut Expression and a $2.97 2-quart stainless steel Rival crock-pot. I saw the small crock-pot while standing in line, which is what they want to happen. Yeah, I know, I'm a sucker. It was such a good price and I've been wanting a small crock-pot for when I make party food like BBQ little smokies, etc. And it was under $3.00. That's less than a drink at Starbucks!

Hooray for Black Friday success!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

2010-11-27T19:03:00.016-06:00

It's officially Christmastime in our household. Which means we put up our tree and decorations to the tune of the Carpenter's Christmas Portrait, which by the way happens to be my favorite Christmas album. As a child, I remember my dad playing it every year while my family put up the tree. Listening to that album brings back memories of all my past Christmases. I didn't put quite as many decorations out as I normally do. I decided against putting greenery and berry garland on all my ledge shelves. Here are a few quick phone pictures of what we did today.

Our skinny little tree

Nativity set on the piano

Ornaments in a hurricane

Holly berry plates on kitchen wall

Ornaments in an apothecary jar on kitchen shelf

Ornaments in an Arthur Court bowl on the kitchen island

Berry and snowflake wreath on the front door

Star berry wreath on the back of the front door

Ruby's first experience with Christmas

My "helpers," don't they look thrilled?

Ruby is even ready for Christmas with her new collar

She laid like this literally the whole time we decorated

Preparations

2010-11-21T15:43:00.013-06:00

Well, here we are the weekend before Thanksgiving. And how in the world did that happen? 2010 has literally flown by and it is now ALMOST time to start decorating for the Christmas season. We always put Christmas up the day after Thanksgiving.

We had a busy Saturday yesterday which started for me with an 8:30am choir practice at church, followed by breakfast, lawn mowing, winterizing the flower beds, taking down the fall decor and packing it up, cleaning the house, washing the sheets and towels, getting the cars washed, and getting my front blinker and headlight replaced. Phew! It was nice to get cleaned up after all that and eat some Falcone's pizza while watching the Sooners beat Baylor.

In preparing for my Christmas decorating, I've been thinking about how I am going to hang our stockings this year. We've been in our house for a little over 5 years, and we've never had a fireplace mantle to hang our stockings on. In years past I've hung them on the old glass block divider wall that we once had prior to our kitchen remodel. After the wall came down we hung them on a decorative wall shelf.

But I don't want to do that again this year. I've been thinking an iron stand would be perfect. So, I googled stocking stands, and I didn't love what I saw. They all had something cheesy about them, like a santa or Christmas tree figure at the top.

I decided to go with a telescoping wreath stand with a nice tasteful finial on the top. I ordered two, I'm thinking I can hang two stockings on each stand. And I can use them in all seasons with all types of wreaths and/or hanging decorations. So they're versatile. My favorite trait in a decoration.

We have four needlepoint stockings. Two are monogrammed already with our names. And hopefully, sooner rather than later, we will be able to monogram the other two with our children's names. The stockings my brother and I had growing up were needlepoint, made by my maternal grandmother. I wanted to keep with the needlepoint stocking tradition with our family. I ordered ours from Lands End back in 2006. This Christmas will be our first one with our puppy, Ruby, so I need to find her a stocking as well. So fun! :)

...fighting to stay open

2010-10-12T17:26:00.018-05:00

Today on my way home from work, Like a Lake by Sarah Groves came on my iPod. Without going into details, let's just say it spoke directly to my heart and where I am right now. Thank you Lord for using music to minister to me.

I tried to find a YouTube video but couldn't. Try going here, to Sara Grove's myspace page. You will have to scroll down the page until you find track no. 9, and you can stream it directly from there.

Like a Lake:

so much hurt and preservation

like a tendril round my soul
so much painful information
no clear way on how to hold it

when everything in me is tightening
curling in around this ache
I will lay my heart wide open
like the surface of a lake
wide open like a lake

standing at this waters edge
looking in at God's own heart
I've no idea where to begin
to swallow up the way things are

everything in me is drawing in
closing in around this pain
I will lay my heart wide open
like the surface of a lake
wide open like a lake

bring the wind and bring the thunder
bring the rain till I am tried
when it's over bring me stillness
let my face reflect the sky
and all the grace and all the wonder
of a peace that I can't fake
wide open like a lake

everything in me is tightening
curling in around this ache
I am fighting to stay open
I am fighting to stay open
open open oh wide open
open like a lake

Chicago Vacation: Part 4

2010-08-30T22:40:00.010-05:00

Saturday, July 24, 2010:

Our last stop before leaving Chicago on our fourth morning there was brunch at Rick Bayless' famous Frontera Grill. I started my brunch with an enticing Grapefruit juice Mimosa (which was one of their specials that day). It was lovely I must say, if you can't tell from my face in the pic below.

For an appetizer we got the crispy corn masa boats with savory shredded beef, roasted tomatoes, avocado and homemade fresh cheese.

Tom's main course was a trio of Xalapa-style gorditas (corn masa cakes) in chipotle-black bean sauce each with its own topping: scrambled eggs, grilled chicken, chorizo and plantains; homemade crema and queso fresco.

For my main course I got the Iroquois white corn pancakes with whipped goat cheese, piloncillo-agave syrup, grilled chorizo and two eggs sunny-side up. The grilled chorizo bacon was so good, I can't even describe it. It was like eating candy.

I realize I blogged a lot about food over these past few Chicago Vacation posts, but one of the best parts about going on vacation is the food you get to try while you're visiting a new place!

Plus I'm a chubby kid who likes to eat!

Chicago Vacation: Part 3

2010-08-30T22:19:00.009-05:00

Friday, July 23, 2010:

On our third day in the windy city we made our way to Wrigleyville to catch a Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.

Here we are watching batting practice from the lower level seating.

Tom had to get a Chicago dog and an Old Style beer per Wrigley Field tradition.

The buildings across the street had stadium seating to view the game from.

Notice you can see Lake Michigan if you look really closely.

The Cubs won. After the win the stadium broke into their victory song: "Go, Cubs, Go! Go, Cubs, Go! Hey, Chicago, what do you say. The Cubs are gonna win today!" It was such a fun atmosphere.

After the game we traveled to Greek town and ate some authentic Greek food at Athena Greek Restaurant.

Chicago Vacation: Part 2

2010-08-30T21:31:00.015-05:00

Thursday, July 22, 2010:
We began our second day in Chicago with a boat tour on the Chicago River. The tour was given by an extremely knowledgable volunteer docent (tour guide) with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. It was so interesting and a great way to see parts of the city that we otherwise wouldn't have experienced. We really enjoyed learning about the architecture and the stories of those who designed the city.

After our boat tour we decided to go eat deep dish Chicago-style pizza at Giordano's Famous Stuffed Pizza. It. was. amazing!

Our next stop was the Art Institute of Chicago. Admission was free on Thursday evenings after 5pm, so we decided to take advantage of that deal. We were able to see many famous original works of art including several Monet pieces.

In front of the Art Insitute

This pic is blurry because we couldn't use the flash, but it is one of

my favorite works of Monet.

When we were done at the Art Institute we walked over to Millennium Park to check out the Bean.

Tom playing in the water area with the kids.

Outdoor theater where a Brazilian quartet was performing a free concert

while the onlookers relaxed on the lawn.

The Bean!

We capped the night off with some gelato at a cute little Italian place called Caffe Baci. Mmm!

Chicago Vacation: Part 1

2010-07-31T16:58:00.013-05:00

We recently took a vacation to Chicago for a few days and had a great time. We left Wednesday morning, July 21, 2010, and arrived at our hotel around noon after a chaotic commute on the El.

We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott in Downtown River North.

I'm a dork and I always take pictures of the rooms we stay in when we go away. Tom thinks it's silly but I still continue to do it. Here's our room and the view from the window.

After dropping off our luggage we left to explore the area and found ourselves on Chicago's Magnificent Mile (aka Michigan Ave). Hello shopping! :)

Here we are at the intersection of Chicago and Michigan Avenues.

To get a really good view of the city, you can go up to the observation levels of either the John Hancock Tower or the Willis Tower (fka Sears Tower). While we were shopping on Michigan Ave we realized we were right by John Hancock tower, so we decided to seize the opportunity to get a good view of the city.

You can see Navy Pier in this photo. It's the skinny part completely surrounded by water with the white buildings.

You can see Willis/Sears Tower here, it's the tallest building in the Chicago sky line. The one with the two large antennas on it.

The shore line of Lake Michigan.

Wednesday evening we went to Navy Pier to eat dinner and see the attractions.

We ate dinner at the famous Billy Goat Tavern, from the old SNL skit. They serve "cheezborgers" and chips. I wasn't impressed, it was mediocre at best. But, we were tourists and now we can say that we've been.

We rode the ferris wheel after dark, which gave us an awesome view of the city lights.

These pictures are blurry, but nevertheless, I think they look cool.

The night was capped of with a fireworks display at Navy Pier courtesy of Pepsi. My camera isn't so great, so none of my pictures of the fireworks turned out.