Finally Fever Free

It has been a week that I'm glad to put behind us. Our little Snickerdoodle developed a pretty high fever last Sunday. She kept that fever until about Friday when it went down a bit. According to our mid-week doctor's appointment,  it was just a lingering virus. She was pitiful!  She took her fluids well but she'd hardly eat...which is not my daughter at all.

I'm happy to say that by Saturday she was very low grade and was feeling much better despite a very runny nose and nasty sounding cough. This was wonderful news because one of my dearest friends had come into town. She hasn't seen G since she was a week old. It was so nice to catch up.

I hope we've got the sickness behind us. We stayed home from church on Sunday to get some much needed rest. G is finally fever free and we're on the mend. God is good!

Sporting her big girl ponytail

Linking up with Leslyn

Infertility Hurdles: The Company You Keep

From a recent bible study session I had a pretty big epiphany. All that I've been through up to this point (and all that I will go through) is necessary. Necessary. That word causes a major sense of bitterness at the sound. Doctor appointments: necessary. Less dairy (and most of the foods I love): necessary. Blood work: necessary. Medication: necessary. Screaming into a pillow: necessary. There are a lot of unpleasant "necessary" moments in the Land of Infertility. Rarely do I ever consider these things good...that was until recently.

It's easy to settle into a place of constant bitterness and sadness.

You want more than anything to have what others have. The constant "why can she and not me?" question permanently embeds itself in your mind.

I suppose this idea of "necessary" has been an area of struggle for me for quite some time. I know God has a plan for my life but why? Why am I going through this? I'm young. I'm stable. I have so much love to give...why is this part of my journey so necessary?

I know now...well, actually I now accept, that I need to turn my thoughts of necessary around. Had I not previously gone through this journey I would not have any experience in order to relate to those women who are also battling infertility. I would not have found some of the friends I have found through various support groups if I had not been diagnosed with PCOS. This second time around has not been any easier to accept. However, had I not begun this journey again I would not have felt led to start an infertility related bible study. I would not have connected with some amazing women on the sweetest of faith based levels. My faith would not have been challenged in this way and I would not know God's goodness the way I know it now.

When surrounding yourself with support through the journey (and you should), be sure you are careful of the company you keep. Try to surround yourself with positive people. While the journey is hard, you don't want people that will feed into your bitterness. You need to seek out those who still have optimism, who still have hope and will still support you when circumstances turn. Infertility is difficult enough without constantly focusing on all that is not going right.

The women that I am currently going through this study with definitely fit the bill. We all laugh together. We cry. We hope. We dream. We cling to a God who knows our hearts and has brought us together to serve as tangible examples of His love for us. I've challenged all of us to change our view of "necessary". We all also accepted the challenge, regardless of what our heads tell us, to change our thoughts from "I doubt it happened this cycle" to "I claim this cycle and consider myself PUPO (Pregnant Until Proven Otherwise) during the TTW." Hope is what we have. Faith is what we cling to and His grace is how we survive.

Just a side note...when it comes to the company you keep, consider the relationship and comfort level that you have with your doctor.  Some women decide to go with a specialist.  Find one that meets your needs and suits your personality and goals. If you're like me and various reasons hinder the use of a specialist,  work with a doctor that works with your particular condition.  A lot of doctors are familiar with my PCOS but I had to change practices in order to find a doctor that knew how to treat it and could give me reasons why they were choosing the types of treatment that they were suggesting. You are your best advocate.

I hope that no matter what you're going through you'll accept that no matter how difficult the journey, each moment is necessary.

::via::





The Liebster Award!

A couple days ago I was honored (and very excited) to receive a nomination for the Liebster Award. I admit that at first I was not sure what this award was, but quickly discovered that typically bloggers with followers under a certain threshold (somewhere between 200-2000) are nominated. I want to send a huge shout out to the lovely lady and fellow blogger who nominated me for this award...drum roll please...Thank you Sarita! You can read more about her beautiful family and fantastic finds at It's a Girl's World.

 

 

 

The fantastic thing about this award is that it is meant to be shared. But before I get to that, first things first...

 

Here are the rules for receiving this award
1- Each person must post 11 things about themselves
2- Answer the questions from the person who nominated you and create 11 new questions for those you nominate
3- Nominate 5-11 of your favorite bloggers and link them in your post
4- Go to their page and tell them
5- Thank and link back to the person’s blog who nominated you"

 

About Me

1. I have never broken a bone.

2. I served as a camp counselor for three years. It was during that first summer that I met my best friend and in the same summer, met the man that would become my husband.

3. I am a sucker for romantic comedies.

4. I am a cupcake snob. I know, I know. A bad cupcake? Really?! Yes. I make a point to try out local cupcake shops/bakeries whenever we travel. While my opinion doesn't actually matter and I'm not a paid authority on the matter, I have had success in selling both my cupcakes and cakes in the past and I believe I know a good cupcake when I taste one.

5. I have dozens of half done home projects currently staring me in the face.

6. I have been called to work with kids and teens. Almost every aspect of my life includes one or the other. I teach first grade, co-teach the 2 and 3 year olds at my church and help lead my church's youth group.

7. I would love to say I am well traveled, but alas I am not. I am however a big dreamer.

8. I love to bake and cook. My passion for food and fellowship will play a vital role when we begin building our new home in the (hopefully near) future. The layout will include an open floor plan ideal for entertaining and of course, every baker's dream, a double oven.

9. I've always been an animal lover, which is why we now have 2 cats and four dogs.

10. Upon looking at my daughter's baby book, there was an entry written before her birth. It was a "wish list" of sorts. I wrote that I would love for her to have my red hair and blue eyes while sporting her daddy's eye lashes and dimples...God must have read those words because she is all that and more...talk about custom orders :)

11. Chocolate milk and Moose Tracks ice cream...enough said.

What Sarita Wants to Know...

1. What's your favorite book? A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. This book is based on the life of Esther. This story is captivating and while I've read the others in the series this book was my favorite and continues to leave its mark on my heart.
2. Your favorite thing about fall is...The annual fall festivals and orchard trips with friends.
3. What's your most used thing in your closet? My black shrug
4. What is your biggest pet peeve? People who "know it all"
5. Your makeup must have is? Mascara, thanks to fair eyelashes
6. What's the TV show you're most excited for in the fall?  Well, it's not a show...but it is good television...FOOTBALL!
7. What's your favorite vacation destination? Anywhere tucked in the mountains
8. If you had a most used tip (either household/cooking/beauty), what is it? Prep meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) the night before when possible. Having your lunches packed and dinner items prepared makes more time for family and less rushing and hassle.
9. If you had to choose someone to play you in a movie, who would it be? While we look nothing alike, I adore America Ferrera
10. What fashion trend are you NOT into this year? Neon...I just can't do it. As a pale redhead, neon has never been kind to me...
11. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is...Moose Tracks

What I Want to Know...

1. How long have you known your best friend?

2. What is your go-to meal for unexpected guests?

3. What is your favorite fall scent?

4. What is your favorite season?

5. What would you consider to be your greatest achievement at this point in your life?

6. What immediately annoys you when it occurs?

7. How comfortable are you driving in heavy traffic?

8. What is one thing on your bucket list?

9. What song, when you hear it, always makes you feel better?

10. Do you keep a journal?

11. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

 

 

And the Nominees Are...

 

Shay at Creating Our Family Tree

Lindsey at Vapor and Mist

Lindsay at A Little Bit Western

The Zimmermans at Life Unexpected: Our Journey to a Family

Britini at Smooth Stones

 

I've enjoyed taking the time to answer and ask questions. I hope you'll check out my nominees and also visit It's a Girl's World.







Thoughts for Thursday

::via::

I had something completely different prepared for today, but last night my heart was led in another direction. I was reading through the end of One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp and I suddenly had to pause as my eyes soaked in this verse...

"I will bless you...and you will be a blessing."

Genesis 12:2 (emphasis mine)

Today I'll be saying goodbye to my sweet summer and begin the tasks of a teacher once again. This summer has been filled with odds and ends, both family and work related, and while there were some long days, these last couple of months have gone by in the blink of an eye. Suddenly the fact that life is truly but a vapor made a solid connection with my heart. I got to thinking (which isn't that what Thoughts for Thursday is all about?) about the immeasurable blessings that I have received, not just over the last couple of months, but years, and then daily. Every day I am blessed to an incomprehensible degree.  

Just take a look...

A best friend who'll run after my dreams with me...

I get to be married to the man who truly is my best friend, the love of my life and a dream come true.

A little red haired, blue eyed itty bitty to call my own.

A beautiful family

Generations of strength and support

A God-art sky

A job I love!

Of course there is not enough screen space in the world to capture all that I'd love to share. I can't overlook my amazing church family or the other friends that we hold so closely to our hearts. These things don't even scratch the surface.

In One Thousand Gifts she goes into detail as to how we are given all blessings in order to be blessings for others. We are to empty ourselves in order to fill others...and yet, in doing so with the love of Christ, we will never feel depleted. God continually restores us...even in the midst of wait and heartache. He willingly fills our lives so that we can then pour out His love to others. Every act of service is testament to God's goodness in our lives. The joy found in our service to others can be found in simple tasks...even the things we do without thinking such as wiping a snotty nose, washing dishes, opening a door for another, bringing a meal to a shut-in...the list is endless. There are numerous ways everyday that we can pour ourselves into others. While not everyone will appreciate our service, God takes note. It pleases Him to see His children "spread the love."

::via::

We're only given today and we have ample opportunities to make the most out of what may seem the mundane. I challenge you, along with myself, to selflessly pour yourself out. Bring your reservations to the feet of Jesus and take advantage of the opportunities presented to you to bring some goodness into the life of someone else. Make it a family affair. Teach your children the truth behind less is more and the joy that comes from giving. Change starts here. How will you be a blessing today?

::via::

Linking up with Annie and Natalie for this week's Thoughts on Thursday.



Thoughts for Thursday

Hello Thursday!  It's time to join Annie and others for this week's Thoughts for Thursday. 

Here are a few of my favorite things from the last couple of weeks that haven't made it to my blog...

[1]
G and I went with friends to the local spray ground. We had a blast!

I can't get enough of those baby legs!

[2]

Last week had a couple rain free days and we took full advantage of them. On one of those afternoons G and I packed a lunch and headed to a local lake. We laid out a blanket and got a good does of vitamin D.

[3]

I have a 30 by 30 list...and I'm making some headway. I'll be 30 in April and I really want to accomplish most, if not all, of the things on my list. One of those things was to learn to crochet. I took a class at a local arts and crafts store and now I know the basics. I'm currently working on my first scarf.

[4]

July is filled with wonderful celebrations...included are several birthdays of those we love!

My friend turned 30...

 And her son turned 2!

[5]

A few weeks ago we went to visit my mom. While there we went to one of my favorite little boutiques. I found an outfit by Mud-Pie for G that I had been eyeing but could not justify paying $50+. To my delight, they were having a huge sale. I got this for 75% off!!! I can't wait to put her in it this fall.

4th of July Festivities 2014

::via::

 

I hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July festivities and took time to give thanks for the freedoms we have while remembering the sacrifices made to keep them. We had a wonderful time celebrating with friends.

 

Last year G was too little to enjoy the fireworks, and since my hubby was working, she and I stayed home. It's amazing how much she has changed in a year's time.

 

 

 

For the last couple of days G has been on a weird eating kick, as in she's not really eating much of anything...which is NOT our child. From what I've read, this is pretty typical in toddlers, but for a mom of a notoriously good eater, it can be a little concerning (and frustrating). I began our morning with omelets, which she normally loves, but only ate a couple bites, and some fresh fruit, of which she ate about a half cup. (I'm certain most of you could care less about my child's current eating habits, but I also believe a lot of you can relate.)

 

After breakfast we had some family time until G went down for her nap. At that point my hubby and I did a couple things around the house. Since our previous plans of a cookout at a friend's house fell through, we decided to treat ourselves to the savory goodness of a local BBQ restaurant. The establishment is fairly new...and by the taste of their food, they should have no trouble sticking around for a long time. If you are ever in the area, you should definitely stop by Smokehouse Henry's*. You will not be disappointed!

 

(stock photo)

 

The Messy Pig (pulled pork-AMAZING!)

Brisket Sandwich

 

After our yummy lunch, we began getting things together for the evening's festivities. Mid-afternoon G went down for her nap and my hubby and I took advantage of her sleep time to get ready ourselves. Once she woke up, we grabbed the rest of our fireworks watching gear, loaded up the Jeep and headed out. We drove a little over an hour to join up with some of our friends. After enjoying some downtime at their house, we headed to Graves Mountain Lodge for fireworks. The show was decent (although we were told it has been much better in years past) and the time together was a blast (no pun intended).

 

 

 

G loved sitting in her chair and playing with the big kids.

 

About this chair...we got her good buddy one for his birthday last year. The other day during our play date, she discovered the chair and loved it! We decided to purchase one for her and it has been a huge hit!

 

 

 

How did you celebrate the 4th?

 

 

7.4.2014

 

 *I was not compensated in any way to share my opinions of any of the mentioned establishments or products.

 

 



Thoughts for Thursday

Holy cow! It's July! Where has the summer gone?! Tuesday, July 1st, was Second Half of the Year Day. I've already heard someone pass along the total of shopping days until Christmas. What?! Also, on ABC Family they are having a "Half-mas Merry-thon" where they are showing some of their Christmas themed movies. Good grief! I'll be sticking my fingers in my ears and humming "This is How We Roll". (Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas, but I'm just trying to survive the summer.)

With all that out of the way, I'll be joining Annie and others to officially start my Thoughts for Thursday :)

[1]

As many of you, we will be celebrating 4th of July with friends and a cookout. Last year G was too little to enjoy fireworks. I'm interested to see how she responds this year. She did enjoy the flames at our last hibachi meal...can you say firefighter's daughter? Along with all of the celebrating it is important to remember the cost at which we maintain our freedom. Praise God for those who devote their lives to our freedom and safety.

::via::



[2]

These next two weekends hold a lot of fun and excitement. This weekend we'll be celebrating a very special little boy's 2nd birthday, as well as a milestone birthday for his mom. We can't wait! We'll continue the celebrating the following weekend with the 3rd birthday of another precious little one. I still can't believe that she'll be 3 years old! I remember sitting with her mom just a week after she was born. Time goes by far too quickly.

::via::

[3]

I've begun a new devotional...and I love it! It was given to me by a parent at the end of school. It is filled with truth and comic relief...just what I need. If you are looking for a short daily devotional...this could be the one. Check it out!

Out of the Spin Cycle by Jen Hatmaker



[4]
I found this recipe for Chicken Club Lettuce Wraps earlier this week. I paired them with sweet potato tots and it all made for a delicious meal. When you check out the recipe you'll find that she made a honey mustard dressing to top them off. We opted for ranch. (This is a stock photo from her website. In all the chaos leading up to dinner I didn't get to take a picture of my finished product.)

I have some other 'happenings' coming up that I hope to share with you later. Have a blessed 4th of July!

*I was in no way compensated for my recommendations or opinions.



Thoughts for Thursday

For the remainder of the summer I'll be joining Natalie and others for Thoughts for Thursday. This particular Thursday (ok this whole week) has held a lot of ups and downs. It's nice to sit and reflect on some of the "ups".

[one]

This week held a lot of fun. One of my most favorite moments was the day that included these two sweet little babes. G and I drove over the mountain to visit my dear friend and her precious little boy. I love the girl time we get to spend together. Our time has only been sweetened by these two redheads. As they get older their interactions become that much more entertaining. Today they enjoyed some water table time. 



Puppy kisses

 

 

 

 Could these two be any cuter?!

[two]

On Tuesday I sent my hubby down the river...okay, he went on a river trip with some buddies for work. Being the perfect wife that I am (you may laugh now), I could not send him off without some goodies. That's just not my style...and lets face it, his work buddies have grown quite accustomed to sweets being sent their way. I pulled out my homemade Choc It To Me Brownie recipe. I have not made this in forever! Truth be told, these rich, fabulously delish confections probably add 10lbs with each batch, but they are so worth it. I made another batch this week to take to a friend and her adorable family. You will only be doing yourself a disservice by not making these ASAP.

 Click on the link for the recipe. Enjoy!

Choc It To Me Brownies

[three]

On Sunday I had a major mommy fail. After church I took G out for a Mommy and Me lunch. She was great. We then headed to Walmart to grab a few things.  Upon leaving and putting her in the car, she asked for Bella, her best buddy, the moose. Bella was no where to be found. I searched the parking lot, the vehicle,  every bag, etc. No Bella. I called the restaurant. No Bella. I cried, she cried.

We came home where she continued to look and call for Bella. This mommy's heart was broken. I posted my fail on Facebook and a while later my friend called. She had seen Bella at Walmart!  Bella was on a display case near the sporting goods. I was elated! My friend called the store and had one of the workers go see if she was still there. Bella was safely retrieved and placed in customer service.  We had to forgo normal bedtime and made the 30 minute drive to town to pick up my baby's best friend. Thanks be to God for His goodness. Mommy and baby went to bed happy. ("Back Up Bella" arrived in the mail yesterday...just in case.)

[four] 

Speaking of our little gem, she took her first steps...completely independent of any assistance...this week! She took 3 steps earlier this week and then took 5 more today! It may not be much but it's progress!

 

 

 

 

Ta-da!

[five]

In an attempt to clear some clutter, I went through some things and have decided to put forth a little footwork to participate in a large local consignment sale this August. I've been to this sale several times, both in the fall and spring, and I always make out really well. I'll not only be shopping this year, but I'll also be cosigning. If you are local or close, I hope you'll also take advantage of this great sale that benefits many in our community through financial giving and item donations. Take a moment to find out all about KidzKraze!