The Different Faces of 1 in 8

Infertility does not stereotype or discriminate. There is no direct way to look at a person and say, “Yep, she’s infertile” or “she’s definitely not able to conceive.” It does not work like that. As this week winds down and National Infertility Awareness Week draws to a close, I am reminded of just how varied the faces are among this chosen group. I am also reminded that no matter how diverse we are, we all have the same aches in our heart.

 People who do not know our story would assume nothing other than normalcy. We got married, had kids, and are living happily ever after. Yes. Yes. And yes. However, conceiving was a major struggle for us and we found ourselves sitting in the statistic pool of infertility laden couples. We became 1 in 8. We became 1 in 8 couples who struggle with infertility.

 Our journey has led to many new friendships, the initiation of a new, local support group, and blessings beyond measure. Do I wish we had it a little easier? Some days, I honestly do. Like now, when we dream of adding one last babe to our family. I wish I did not have to regulate my hormones, make multiple doctor office visits, sit through blood work, plan “romantic evenings” around ovulation, and temp every morning. However, I know it is worth it. Having had to face all of the uncertainties twice now, I know what we may be up against. However, I also know that we could get miraculously pregnant the first month on fertility meds. It has not happened, but it could.

"Normal" couples do not think like this. The other 7 couples in the pack typically receive their miracles within 6 months to a year of trying. That is not our journey. While we have two children that we love and adore, we still find ourselves connecting best with those who have or are struggling with infertility. We know the heartache. We know the uncertainty. We can appreciate the journey. God chose us to walk this road and for that, I can say that I am grateful. The connections I have been able to make are ones that I would not have made otherwise.

I may be 1 in 8, but I am thankful.

Royally Waiting Link-up #8

Once a week I join some amazing bloggers for the RW Link-up. I hope you'll join in the fun this week!

Singing…

Oh Lord by Lauren Daigle has been on repeat all week. It has been a very difficult season at both work and home. Unexpected events, personal and social difficulties, and attitudes have made life a lot harder lately. The chorus of this song keeps me coming back to the Truth and I cling to it daily…

“Oh Lord, oh Lord, I know you hear my cry.

Your love has lifted me above all the lies.

No matter what I face, I know in time…

You’ll take all that is wrong and make it right.”

Celebrating…

My birthday was Sunday. My husband had to work that day so he surprised me with a small gathering at one of my favorite restaurants. Unfortunately, I did not get any photos of the event, but it was the sweetest surprise. I enjoyed delicious pasta, a special chocolate-peanut butter dessert made by my mother-in-law, and lots of laughter. My sweet hubs did well. I seriously had no idea!
This year's birthday thoughts can be found here.

Planning…

Over the next week we have a lot of things to get together. We have Easter plans: egg hunt at church on Saturday, Easter service and family luncheon on Sunday. Birthday: My beautiful first born will turn 4 on the 19^th. We’ll have her party on the 22^nd so I need to get her pictures taken, finishing gathering supplies, make and decorate her cake, and set up everything for her birthday party. Whew!

Waiting on…

We’re waiting to finalize our house plan. Once it is finalized, we can submit everything to our lender and get the show on the road. We can’t wait!

Purchasing…

One of my dearest friends is getting married the first weekend in May. I am loving the bridesmaid dress that I get to wear on her big day. She requested we wear silver shoes and I was a bit nervous. I struggle to find shoes that fit my wide, amazon woman feet…but the Lord smiled upon me. I found a  pair similar to this at Payless…on sale!!! They fit perfectly and will go well with my dress.

Spring Breaking…

Our Spring Break is this week. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I have been in need of this time off. The stress level has been so high, which we all know is not good for anxiety or blood pressure. I have no major plans this week and I am totally okay with that. It will give me time to organize my house, catch up on laundry, and spend long hours in the sunshine and cool breezes with my sweet family.

The Kids Behind the Blog: April 2017

What is your favorite thing about Spring?

-My birthday!

If April showers bring May flowers what do May flowers bring?

-The wind...?

What does a flower need to grow?

-Water

Do you like that it's starting to get warmer or do you like the cold and snow better?

-I like warm better...because I do.

What do you want to do over your Spring Break?

-Get balloons for my birthday (Her birthday is on the 19th so we may have to wait a few more days on that one.)

Bonus: What is your favorite thing about Easter?

-Eggs with candy in them and that Jesus was dead and then he was not there, He was ALIVE!

Join the Link-up!

Happy Birthday to Me!

::via::

Just kidding. I really do love birthdays, and while I do not feel it is particularly necessary to celebrate my own, I cherish how it brings together those I love.

32 years ago my mother braved the labor and delivery of her first born. A redheaded baby girl was born and her name was given. No one could guess what the last 32 years would hold for me, but the Lord knew. He knew the excitement, joy, heartbreak and tragedy I would face. He knew what people He would need to bring in and out of my life to get me through different parts of my journey.

There are times I think it would be nice to go back and change some things…maybe handle them differently, worry a lot less and laugh a lot more. There are moments I wish I could go back and tell my former self that it is all going to be alright…really. However, I also know that going back would probably alter the person I am today and the person I am today is who I need to be. I’m always aspiring to do better, but I appreciate the pains in my life. They helped to shape me.

I look forward to what the Lord has in store for me. I have big dreams and I hope to see them fulfilled. I look forward to many more years of laughing and loving on my children. I look forward to settling into the forever home that my husband and I are building. I lived expecting God to do great things in my life and in the lives of those I love and pray for.

I am thankful for the people God has brought into my life. I’ve learned that I do not always have to be the “strong one”. It is okay to be transparent and vulnerable, although it is far from easy for me. I’ve learned that you cannot change people, but I can change my attitude. I can love. I can love big. I can love others with the love of Christ.

I sincerely hope that this next year is the best year yet. I pray good things…health, prosperity, and friendship to name a few. I pray for grace, protection and peace. These past 32 years have flown by. I remember as a teenager how 30 seemed so old, and now, it’s sometimes hard to remember that I’m not 25 anymore. Life is funny that way.

::via::

My mind struggles to accept what my body knows…but that won’t keep me from moving forward. I will earn every laugh line and gray hair. I will cherish every late night cuddle and early morning sing-a-long. Our lives were not meant to be lived in a sedentary state.

So, here is to many more birthdays. Here is to a year better than the last. Here is a huge “thank you” to the Giver of Life for thinking I meant enough to be a part of the bigger picture.

Royally Waiting Link-Up #7

It’s time for this week’s link-up!

Cooking…

As this gal tries to get back to a low carb way of eating, I’m starting to venture out a little more with some recipes. I’m getting pretty burned out on having the same things over and over again. I’ve added broccoli to my regular meal planning. To this, I am still shocked. I’ve never liked it and yet, here I am trying to find new ways to use it in my meals. Broccoli aside, I’ve been trying some recipes that I’ve had sitting on my Pinterest board for a while. This Jalapeño Popper Smothered PorkChop recipe is AMAZING! I’ve shared this recipe with several people at work and they are equally in love. I opted to prepare it with the stove top to oven method and it did not disappoint.

Reading…

 

I’ve begun reading “ThingsI Wish I’d Known Before We Became Parents” by Gary Chapman. I’m close to half way in and I truly do wish I had read it before having our daughter. However, there are SO many suggestions that are still completely applicable. I hope my hubby is ready because I have acquired some great (at least in my opinion) ideas.

Swooning…

I’m swooning over our friends’ new baby. I love him. His brothers have both graciously shared their magical baby dust in the past so I’m hoping this little guy is up to the task.

Designing…

 

I’ve never created a piece of jewelry until now. My sweet hubs is getting me a necklace from Rachelle-isms and I could not be more thrilled. She does beautiful work and I cannot wait to receive my special piece. I look forward to sharing the story behind it. Thanks Rachell!

Breaking…

::via::

 Spring Break is right around the corner and if ever I’ve needed a break, the time is now. 1 week and counting!

Book Reviews March 2017

I've been trying to expand my horizons as I move through each book. I have found dozens of book lists, but not one that has me jumping to complete it. So...I just kind of wander through the library until something strikes me as interesting. Once again, if you have any book recommendations, send them my way!

I thought I’d share what I’ve been reading. These reviews are my personal opinions and I have not been compensated in any way for sharing my thoughts.

Drybar Guide to Good Hair by Ali Webb

This book has a lot of great information and is an easy read. The tutorials are very informational and the pictures are great to reference. Unfortunately, I'd need an entire kid-free afternoon to figure out how to make my hair look that good, even with this handy guide. If you have the drive or time, it is a great how-to read.

Wildflower by Drew Barrymore
I've always been a huge fan of Drew but after reading her book, I'll probably be a fan for life. There is so much about her that I never knew and I connected to her in a lot of ways. She is simply beautiful inside and out. She truly shows how your past does not define your present or future, but it does help shape you, no matter how ugly the past may be. I would definitely recommend this book.

How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana White

I enjoyed her writing style. She made a lot of practical points and gave great, usable advice. This book made me laugh, but also examine the way I manage the cleaning/upkeep up my own home.

Bridget Jones's Baby: The Diaries by Helen Fielding
I admit...I have not read the other Bridget Jones books but I have caught parts of the movies. This book, however, kept me turning the pages. Over the course of a night of no sleep with a sick child, I read this entertaining story in about 3 hours. It flowed seamlessly and I found myself completely empathizing with the main character.

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

I was not sure about this book in the beginning. It was a little slow but once I got past the first couple of chapters, I was hooked! I eagerly awaited each evening when I could get a little "me time" and read. I loved all of the characters through the good and the bad. The story flowed well and was very thought provoking...after all, what would you do if you woke up having lost 10 years of your life?

Linking up for WWRW

Royally Waiting Link-Up #6

Happy almost April! I mean seriously! How is it that we are almost through the month of March? As always, I'm looking forward to sharing in this week's link-up.

Waiting on...

Not to rush time any further, but I cannot wait until this weekend! We get to meet the newest addition to our dear friends' family.

Reading...

I am almost through Wildflower by Drew Barrymore. I've loved her story. I learned so much about her that I never knew and it has made me admire her all the more.

Gathering...

I'm slowly gathering supplies and solidifying my ideas for my daughter's 4th birthday party. I still cannot believe she is almost 4! She's grown up so much and I am so proud of the little girl that she is becoming. She is such a "give it her all" kind of girl and the Lord undoubtedly has great plans for her.

Reflecting on...

As my babies get bigger, it causes me to think about their futures. This has led me to write a letter to my daughter. I wanted her to get an idea about our journey to her and I do not want her to be blindsided by a diagnosis that could genetically find its way into her life. I claim health and wholeness over her future, including her fertility. I hope to write a letter to my son in the future as well. You can read my letter to my daughter here.

Eating...

I made a super yummy Enchilada Pie this past week. You should give it a try! It has been kid and toddler approved.