The Yount Happenings

No longer a teenager

2012-01-31T16:24:00.001-06:00

My sweet, baby sis just turned 20 a few days ago...
Umm hello, what? Where has the time gone. I just had her bassinet beside my bed pretending like she was my very own baby doll. This just cannot be real. How did she turn into an adult? I take partial responsibility for her. As in I helped raise her, name her, taught her numbers, letters and taught her wonderful morals, and so on ;). Kidding, Kind of! Because we are 7.5 years apart, I did in some ways become a second mom to her. I loved every minute of it as I'm sure she did not enjoy one moment of it. So as she is finishing her second year of college and thinking about a career and all of that fun adult stuff, I hope she will enjoy the next fun years of when life is simple and fun! I know this is a "mom-ish" post, but I really am so proud of her. She has the kindest heart and would do anything for me or anyone else. I have loved every second of her being in Fayetteville with me and never want her to leave! Ever.

My grandmother even got to make a trip to NWA for her b-day! This was only the 2nd time she has ever been to my house. It was so special. 3 generations!

Happy 20th Meg!

You can look back at her birthday post from last year here: http://www.theyounthappenings.blogspot.com/2011/01/happy-birthday-meg.html

Dreaming of 2

2012-01-27T10:32:00.000-06:00

Lately I just cannot quit thinking about having twins. Yep, I said it. I dream about it, talk about, and think about it often. In most cases people would think I'm crazy or to never wish that upon myself but I have this strong, deep desire in me that wants twins. In my days of pre-infertility I would have said no way. I could have never pictured myself with multiples or a large family. That would have always seemed overwhelming. A couple years into not knowing if we will ever have children that view has definitely changed.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm well aware that it would be challenging. I know the first couple of years would be serious survival mode and living off no sleep, but I know several people that can and do manage. Then there is also that hurdle of my back, with the 4 rods and all... so that's kind of my main concern. Since my back doesn't really give or bend that could really put some strain on my body and/or babies in there.
So that used to scare me very badly, but now I feel like I'm so mentally ready and prepared to have any baby in me that it wouldn't even matter. I would be so overjoyed, just like my friend that is having quads!
There hasn't been a week go by when I don't say something to Marc about having twins. First he thought I was crazy, but he has over time for sure warmed up to that idea!

So maybe the next FET cycle we will get 2 out of the deal! I'm definitely praying for that and would be absolutely thrilled! My mom likes to say 1 for her and 1 for me. Ha! So I guess we will just see, for now I will continue to dream.

Crystal Bridges

2012-01-23T15:23:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday we headed to to the new, local art museum in Northwest Arkansas with some of our friends. I seriously cannot believe this is so close to us. It is a beautiful art museum with gorgeous sculptures, prints, and architecture. I have only been to a few museums in my life, some in D.C. and one in Chicago, and this one really did impress me. I couldn't believe it! If you are ever in the Northwest Arkansas area, you should definitely make it a point to go visit this place. Plus it is free to get in thanks to Alice Walton and Walmart.

Fun Sculptures!

Josh and Marc acting like kids!

And we had lunch at the cafe called, Eleven.

Aubs, sheppy and marc!

Night view

Pic Found from google images.

The museum has been on the top 10 list for trip advisor, been talked about on forbes and the NY Times! So look at small town AR becoming a big deal! I'm so proud, and it even has nothing to do with the Razorbacks! I can't wait to go back in the spring because they have beautiful trails with dogwoods and tulip trees planted all around and it will be breathtaking!

Side Note:

I took all those photos above (minus the night view pic) with my iphone using the "PicFrame" App. It is my new favorite app. Once you arrange your pics you can then upload it to instagram and put filters on the collage. I think it cost $1 or $2, but I have used it a ton so far! Just in case you were looking for a new, fun App! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Pinterest Recipes!

2012-01-20T09:30:00.000-06:00

The other night I actually cooked for the first time in a LONG time. And when I say a LONG time, that is no exaggeration. Just ask my husband. I have decided to set a goal to cook at least 1 dinner a week. Marc just asked for one every other week, but I thought why not try to over achieve! I do not enjoy cooking whatsoever, but no that it is necessary. Lots of people ask what we usually eat and I honestly couldn't tell you. Lets just say I buy lots of rotisserie chickens and we can somehow make that go along ways. :)
I'm really trying to eat "Clean" foods for the most part. (Except for the days when I cheat and have pizza or chick-fil-a fries :) but that isn't too terribly often. I have really gotten into the clean food eating. Right now I'm loving whole wheat tortillas, hummus, and goat cheese! It's hard not eating processed stuff, but I'm really liking it so far. I think its making me feel a ton better. (maybe that is just mentally though! Ha!)

So I made 3 different recipes that I had found and pinned the other day and I wanted to share them with you!

I decided to make some healthy snacks for us for and these were absolutely delicious.

This pic and recipe came from HERE

No-Bake Energy Bite

(makes 18-20 bites)

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes (I omitted this b/c I hate coconut and it didn't effect the consistency)

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy! Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

For our side I made these Cauliflower Fritters!

Recipe and Pic from HERE via Pinterest

Cauliflower Fritters.
I halved this recipe since there are only 2 of us.

4 cups steamed cauliflower (roughly chopped in a processor)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup Pecorino Romano
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup hot water
salt and pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, flour, garlic, eggs, grated cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. Add water so that batter becomes slightly more dense than pancake batter.

On medium-low heat, add 1 tbsp of oil in a 10 inch skillet coating bottom of the pan. Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to form fritters. You can fit 4 fritters at a time. Cook until golden brown, turn and cook another few minutes. Add a little more oil to the pan, and repeat with the remaining batter. Makes 24 fritters.

For our meat I made this delicious Balsalmic glazed pork tenderloin.

Recipe and Pic found HERE via Pinterest

Balsalmic Encrusted Pork Tenderloin

4-5 garlic cloves, finely minced or crushed
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pork tenderloins (about 1¼ pounds each)
2 tablespoons canola oil (if preparing in oven)

Stir together garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a small bowl. Rub the paste all over pork. If you like or have the time, marinate overnight. If not, no worries, it will still be great!
Grill preparation:
Sear the tenderloins on all sides, then grill for about 20-30 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees. Try to let it rest before slicing.
Oven preparation: (what I used)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Heat canola oil in a large, heavy saute pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, add pork, and brown all over, about 4 minutes.
Transfer pan to oven. Roast pork, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees, about 20 minutes. Transfer pork to a cutting board, and try to let it rest 10 minutes before slicing.

They were all so delicious and it kind of has inspired me to cook more.

In case you would like to follow my pinterest boards here is the link: http://pinterest.com/mlyount12

Our Timeline

2012-01-17T12:58:00.001-06:00

For some reason I haven't ever done a timeline on here. This was a year to not forget, so I decided I better write it down for us to remember someday. Some of you may not know all the terms, but you can look them up.

Here is our timeline to becoming parents so far:

March 2010- get off BC
April-Dec 2010- TTC- Nothing but finding out all of our friends were pregnant.
Jan 2011- get diagnosed w/ PCOS
Feb 2011- start 50mg clomid
Marc 2011- HSG (a small procedure)-tubes were all clear
April 2011- clomid w/ HCG trigger shot
May 2011- clomid, HCG, and 1st failed IUI
June 2011- clomid, HCG, and 2nd failed IUI
July 2011- clomid, HCG, and 3rd failed IUI
Aug 2011- clomid, HCG, and 4th failed IUI
Sept 2011- Decide to move on to IVF. Started BC.
Oct 2011- injections of Lupron & follistem, estrogen patches, progesterone injections. Retreived 8 eggs. Made 5 embryos.
Nov 2011- Transferred 1 embryo, lost 1 other one. Froze the other 3. 2 weeks later found out that it had failed.
Dec 2011- Took a much needed break... Praise Jesus.
Jan 2011- Still enjoying the much needed break of not feeling crazy. my body is thanking me and I'm thanking it.

We are quickly approaching our 2 year mark which is crazy to me. Looking at all of that is so surreal. All I know is time flies when you are trying to make a baby. I also know that looking at this is exhausting in which I have felt every bit of that. I'm definitely thankful all of that is over with and I'm also looking forward to whatever the future holds. My new thing for this year is not to plan ahead. So far I haven't thought past the next transfer. I'm leaving it up to the big guy. No more planning or controlling. It is completely out of our hands at this point. We have learned so much through everything and have grown more than we ever thought we could in a year.

4

2012-01-15T12:15:00.000-06:00

4 is the number of babies my best friend is having. 4 is the number of children she always wanted. Thats right, my college roommate, my maid of honor, and one of my dearest BFF's is having quads! We had been on the infertility journey for the past couple of years together until she did her first iui right before thanksgiving. I was so happy to know that it had worked, but little did I know how well it had worked. She had called me thinking that it would probably not work the first time, but I was praying for a different outcome! I swear I didn't pray for 4 Mare ;). Joking aside, this is such a true miracle! There was a less than 1% chance of this ever happening and about a 15% chance of it working in general. The doctor was in complete shock and cried when he told them. Mare and her husband Reid have been handling this news like a champ! I love how God is using their story and their response is such a testimony to that. She knows that this is meant to be and she will make one heck of a mother. We actually used to call her "mother mare" in high school, so now that is more fitting than ever. Pray for them and their 4 sweet little miacles growing in her.
You can keep up with her journey at: http://mareandreid.blogspot.com/

A look back over the past few years of us!

my personal fave. :)

Congrats Mare! Can't wait to meet those precious babies!

Top 5 Gifts

2012-01-13T12:22:00.003-06:00

Here were my top 5 favorite gifts from this Christmas! If you know me, you know I love gifts. Its my love language, therefore I feel really loved during Christmas!

Ugg boots! I live with super cold feet constantly!

food processor/blender combo! Now I can make all kinds of healthy food!

Clarisonic face cleansing kit. its like having a facial everyday and can already tell a difference in my skin.

Duh. My happy Light!

And a big surprise gift was a new orange chevron rug from West Elm! I love this, oh and I love orange!

Christmas #3

2012-01-11T12:04:00.000-06:00

Next up was our 3rd stop. It took place in Little Rock (my hometown). On Christmas eve we got to go to the Christmas eve service at our church. This was the first time we have been able to go to one in several years. It was a candlelight service and just beautiful. It was a great reminder why we would be celebrating the very next day.

my fam. Love them!

(self-timer pic is the reason for the awkward angle and the reason the boys heads are cut off)

moms beautiful tree... and the ridiculousness underneath it.

Meg: the pride and joy of Christmas morn.

Mom opening her surprise gift from me and meg. We took a pic sitting on santas lap.

It was definitely her favorite gift...

See in this pic to the left. It was a framer.

this was dad opening one of his 20 shirts he received for Christmas. It got humorous after the 3rd one.

moms for real favorite gift. She must have been good this year.

my boys. Doesn't Lou look so cute?

and the aftermath...

my sis and my Nana.

We had a fabulous Christmas. I wasn't near as sad as I thought I would be and I will forever be thankful for that. I had no emotional breakdowns or freak outs. I consider that a huge win. I'm continually thankful for Gods grace that has protected me throughout all of the Holidays.

Hope you all had wonderful Christmases as well.

Christmas #2

2012-01-10T09:00:00.001-06:00

Christmas #2 was spent at Marc's dad and stepmoms house. We don't get to see them very much because they live 6(ish) hours away from us so we are always excited for when his whole side of the family can get together. We usually have to get together the day before Christmas Eve so we can all be together.

all the Yount men! Marcs 2 brothers, Matt, Luke and his dad. (plus little Jack)

Marc's new nephew, Maddox! He was dressed in his santa suit :)

Moody and Maddox, our 2 new nephews

Sarah, David and Moody

Nick and Deanne

me and Maddox

Marc's brothers family. Matt, Andrea, Avery, Karter, Jack and Maddox

Again it was such a great family time. Thankful to be able to have such a close, loving family to enjoy the holidays with!

christmas #1

2012-01-08T22:40:00.000-06:00

I know this is extremely late, but I do love to look back each year on what we did. This year did lots of traveling and had 3 separate Christmases.

We first started with Marc's mom and step dad who we call "Bear." He cooked us delicious steaks and we had a great time! I also got my happy light in which I still love.

Then we headed to Piggott, the northeast part of Arkansas in case you were wondering where that was!

On Christmas eve morning we got to see Bears mom and Marc's brothers family along with their new baby boy, Maddox

We had such a wonderful time considering we don't get to see them very much.

Good Riddance, Farewell, So Long 2011

2012-01-03T11:27:00.003-06:00

Well this year was one for the books. I honestly didn't even want to write this post, but just felt like I should so I can hopefully look back a year from now and be able to see a big difference.

The Low Lights of 2011
-6 rounds of Clomid- failed
-4-iui's- failed
-3-HCG shots- failed
-1 round of ivf- failed
-2 embryos we lost
-countless injections
-countless dr.'s appt's
-countless medical bills
-gaining all kinds of weight
-feeling like I want to go crawl in a hole and never come out
-feeling like the only infertile in my area
-feeling disappointment after disappointment
-losing Marc's grandfather
-.........

The Highlights
-having a God that is bigger than any of our problems and loves us regardless
-growing closer and forming an unbreakable bond with my husband
-having 3 precious, frozen embryos
-understanding and feeling with others pain.
-Learned to be sensitive to others
-Learned that I can't control anything or everything
-My faith was tested and expanded
-Learned who my true friends are
-went on numerous trips- Big Cedar, Keystone Co, Austin, Vegas, Dallas, Tulsa, OKC, Florida, san antonio
-blessed by a family who cares for me and loves me dearly
-blessed with amazing insurance
-blessed with an amazing job that I love
-one of my best friends getting engaged
-another best friend finding out she is having quads
-welcomed 2 nephews into the family (on Marc's side)
-got to feel Joy again

So here is to hoping 2012 brings joy, peace, hope, a baby (or 2) and maybe a few more blog followers ;)!
Love you all. Thanks again for your continued support as we live our battle out.

Happy New Years everyone!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-26T01:39:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas from the Younts!

And the Bakers...

Thankful for our wonderful families and to be able to see them all during Christmas! Hope it's been Merry and Bright for you all!

Christmas Cards

2011-12-23T08:00:00.001-06:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed receiving Christmas cards this year. They are just always so fun, cute and creative. Each year they get better and better. I however did not feel the need to send any out this year. A lot of it has to do with our situation and being overly sensitive. I felt like sending out another picture of just the 2 of us gets a little old after 7 years of receiving them. Even though I love sending them, I had no desire to have one this year. Maybe its the fact I would prefer not to remember this extremely difficult year and reflect back on how yucky I looked and felt. My face is about 3 times the size it should be and who would want to see that? I sure don't. So I just chose not to send any.
After I made that decision I received an email from someone who had the same exact feelings and has been in my shoes before. She said that cards were her most favorite part of Christmas and that she knew how I was feeling. She also said that she didn't want people to feel sorry for them or get tired of it. She said her husband, her and dogs are the family that God had blessed them with and that she was thankful for that, but most of all that it does still count!
That email spoke volumes to me. Marc and I are a family, we do matter, even our dog matters. God blessed me with him and sometimes I do forget that.

I still didn't make a card this year, but next year I will regardless.
But here are some from the past...

2008

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

JOYN

2011-12-22T11:01:00.001-06:00

I think I have mentioned JOYN on here before, but this year we got some new stockings that I just absolutely love. If you live in Fayetteville and have been to the Mama Carmans coffee shop or to the Mustache store in the square you have seen some of these products! They truly are awesome. Marc used to work with the people that started this company in India. They have gotten to employ several people that may not have ever had jobs which I think is so cool and makes me want to buy lots and lots of their products!
Plus my new favorite pattern is chevron and lots of their items have that pattern on them... so whats not to love?

here are our new stockings!

Cute clutch to take with me to all the Razorback games!

You can check out their website or just buy something from them!
http://joynindia.com/ or find them on facebook.

Best Gift Ever

2011-12-21T11:57:00.000-06:00

We had to do Christmas a little early with Marc's mom since we travel quite a bit throughout the Holidays. We also have just about had something every single night for the past month.
They cooked us a delicious meal, including a big, fat, juicy steak paired with a sweet potato. Marc's step-dad may be the best cook I know and it is always a treat when he cooks for us.

So for Christmas, his mother (whom I'm a huge fan of and love her sense of humor) gave me this!

Yep you read that right. A Happy Light and a nice bottle of wine.

Who needs therapy after that combo :) I mean it has to be cheaper...right?

I loved it. The happy light is supposed to help with your vitamin D level along with seasonal depression. Don't think I haven't been using it... I love it. It is a very natural way to help promote endorphins verses drugs.
I don't really know if it works, but I did see it in the Brookstone store his past weekend, so I know other people must be buying it!

The other day I felt like I was about to have a panic attack. It was cold, dark and rainy outside and I was home alone and Marc was out of town and Louie was on vacation with his grandparents. I don't do so well by myself these days, so I went home and immediately turned the happy light on and turned he tv on to get my mind off things. When I turned the light on, I prayed God's light would fill me instead of satans darkness. Writing that out sounds way cheesy, but I didn't want the light to become my go to "fix." So maybe the Happy Light paired with prayer really works! I felt much better after that and was able to calm down.

Anyways, I thought it was too hilarious and interesting not to share. Hey you've got to do whatever it takes to stay sane, so whether it is all mental or not, I'm still a big fan!

Family getaway

2011-12-18T23:56:00.007-06:00

For the past several years, my fam and I have gone to Branson for as long as I can remember.
This time we stayed at big cedar which was absolutely wonderful and such a treat! Marc was gone off hunting with his dad and brother so we just went and had fun without him.
We went to a delicious restaurant called "Level 2" steakhouse. I had the best filet and greatest dessert ever.
We were actually all done shopping so we thankfully didn't have a ton of that to do! All in all we had a great, relaxing weekend. So thankful for them!

cuties!

ooh I think he found a letter from Santa!

this was an amazing gingerbrad house that took over 250hrs to bake and make!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I'm so grateful to be completely finished with shopping and wrapping gifts. Such a relief. I'm usually just starting.

Much Better

2011-12-15T12:05:00.000-06:00

So I wanted to give you all a quick update. I know my last few posts that were on infertility weren't too uplifting or exciting, but they were honest. I also did not want y'all to worry about me since they were so down. Emotions were crazier than I had ever felt in my whole life.
All in all I'm doing much better. Sometime in the past 2 weeks I just woke up one day and felt way better! It was crazy. It was like I woke up and the dark, grey cloud had finally left me. I felt my first glimpse of happiness that I had felt in months. It was so odd and really surprising and I really was unsure if it would stay. Now that I'm 2 weeks in, I still feel great. I think those silly, evil meds took awhile to get out of my system and I didn't even realize what was going on. I had no idea how much they were truly affecting my mind, attitude, and relational skills.
This still doesn't change my situation or change me still being sad about the failed ivf, I just feel like a normal, functioning human being again and that feels awesome! I thankfully don't feel mad at the world, mad at Christmas commercials. Now the elf on the shelf thing is wearing me out and most Christmas songs, but other than that the season hasn't bothered me near as much as I thought it would have.
I'm very thankful God has given some peace to get through Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I definitely still have my moments of jealousy, bitterness, and hopelessness, but thankfully they aren't as intense.

We still are unsure of when the FET {frozen embryo cycle} will be and it has been great not thinking about it or trying to plan it all out. That definitely has taken pressure off and is giving me a nice break.

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I have to remind myself that He is with me and hears me even though sometimes I doubt Him.
Thank you all again for your prayers and encouragement.

Oh how I love engagements

2011-12-13T07:08:00.006-06:00

So one of my longest, closest, dearest friends got engaged this past Friday night. I could not be more thrilled. She means so much to me and is/has always been there for me. She often knows what I need more than I do ;). We like to call ourselves "SM's" which means soulmates. We have somehow developed our own language over the years. And when I say over the years, I mean we went to pre-K together all the way through college... that my friends is a long time to know someone. We were close in high school, but in college we became super close.
Rachael is one of the most thoughtful and most caring person I have ever known. She would literally do anything for you. Because she is such a good friend to so many, she has been a bridesmaid about 15 times..no exaggeration on that number. So needless to say, it is most definitely her turn! I think I felt maybe just as giddy if not more as she did! I also had the privilege of going with her fiance to help pick out the ring. That was a first for me and it was so exciting. It was also very difficult to have to consistently lie to her about not knowing anything!

I can't wait to help start planning a wedding. I told her I've needed a project and to watch out...:) I may become a bridesmaidzilla. We had a fun engagement party for them on Sunday night. It was so last minute I was shocked how many people were able to come out for it. I know it meant a lot for them.

As soon as he bought the ring I ordered this awesome platter so that I could have it ready to go for an engagement present! It may have been the first time I've ever been prepared with something personalized!

the platter came from Amy Hannon over at Sincerely Yours. Her etsy shop is amazing and she does awesome note cards and wedding invites as well!

Happy Engagement weekend Ra!

My Special Tree

2011-12-11T17:57:00.000-06:00

I did a post on this last year, but I still love it so much and since it's my only tree this year, I decided to post about it again!

This special tree is one of my most prized possessions that I have in my house. It is definitely my favorite Christmas decoration that I have. My grandfather hand made this many, many years ago. It is made from my grandmothers jewelry. Lots of her jewelry came from overseas. He was in the navy for years and when he would return home he would bring my grandmother lots of jewelry back. Each piece is so unique and vintage made from bracelets, broaches, and necklaces. This is one of the only things I have left from them. My grandfather passed away when I was 3 and my grandmother passed away when I was in 3rd grade. I was very close to them as was my father. The awesome thing is he made 2, so my parents have one as well. I'm so thankful to have this special heirloom so we can think about them during the Holiday season.

Christmas Decor...Kind of.

2011-12-07T15:44:00.000-06:00

So I caved and decided to just put up a few decorations. Although, I still said NO to a tree. There were several reasons for that. The main one being that we were going to be gone so much before, during and after Christmas. Really not worth it for just me and Marc. The weird thing is that I really haven't missed it and I know I won't miss putting it away...Ha!

So here is what I put out. This doesn't even scratch the surface of my Christmas decor.

Yes you are seeing this correctly... Marc wraps all of our presents. I am by far the worst gift wrapper ever created. He prefers me not to, its really that bad.Sorry Ladies, he's taken.

I have basically finished all of our Christmas shopping and by tonight all of our wrapping will be done. This may be a first for us. We usually don't start until the week of Christmas. I now feel broke as a joke with all the people we had to buy for. Since everyone's family expanded this year that means more gifts and spending way more $$! It has been super fun shopping for everyone though. I obviously had lots of time on my hands and needed a "project." Plus my love language is gifts. I love giving and receiving! ;)

Since I didn't put a tree up this year I will leave with my tree from last year.

and this is what my mantle usually looks like

Tis the Season.

White Trash

2011-12-04T17:45:00.001-06:00

No not that kind... A recipe kind!
I'm sure that other people call this something else, but since I can remember my mom has called it 'white trash." She makes it every year for Christmas. I had to make a big batch of something for work and for a neighborhood party so I chose to make this. Mainly because its easy.

It may be one of the easiest things ever to make!

Here is the recipe:
1 box of rice chex cereal
1 box of corn chex cereal
1 box of plain cheerios
1 jar of honey roasted peanuts
1 bag of pretzel sticks
1 bag of Christmas m&m's
1 24oz pkg of white almond bark
parchment paper

Place 3 cups of each of the cereals, 1/3 jar of peanuts (or more if you like it more nutty), 1 pkg of m&m's 1/2 pkg of pretzels (broken in 1/2), 1 1/2lbs of almond bark (melted slowly with lots of stirring) in a huge mixing bowl or large pot and mix together. When almond bark is melted, pour over mixture and stir quickly. After its all mixed, spread out on parchment paper and let dry completely. After its dry you can break it up and place in tins or baggies!

That makes 1 huge batch. I buy extra m&m's and almond bark to make extra batches. Everything else will make 3 batches total. To keep costs down, I bought the "off brand" of what I could.

If you have questions just let me know! Hope this gives you another option to take to some of your next holiday parties.

To Decorate or Not decorate...

2011-11-29T11:37:00.000-06:00

I've been struggling with this question. Should I or should I not decorate for Christmas. It is this constant battle right now I have going on in my head. My mind says no but my heart says yes. The reason my mind says no is mainly because I don't want to have Christmas. I rather pretend that its not really coming in a few short weeks. If I put a tree up, then that will be a constant reminder to me that I have to do Christmas yet once again without a baby and without being pregnant. I thought the first year was hard, but oh boy was I wrong. The second is killer.

I know that Christmas is not about décor, nor is it about me. What I would really love is that we could just go far away for Christmas. Obviously running away solves all your problems…right?! Kidding, kind of. I think its me trying to protect myself from a lot of pain and sadness. That doesn’t mean I can justify it by boycotting Christmas, I think what it means for me is that I need to focus only on what the real meaning of Christmas truly is...

Luke 1:30-33

30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

In all seriousness, I haven’t decided about what to do. I kind of think without a tree it would make Christmas simple. Simplicity is a great reminder for me and helps me to remember the real reason for the season. What about you? What are some things that help you remember the reason for the season?

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T21:04:00.002-06:00

Wordless style...

unThankful

2011-11-22T12:00:00.001-06:00

As I was sitting in church this past Sunday, the service was all about gratitude. I was thinking "seriously God, you have got to be kidding me." We had a time of sharing of what God was doing in others lives and how grateful everyone was. Then we sang "thankful" songs while I kept sitting there with a very un-Thankful heart. I did not want to be there. I felt like I was getting madder by the moment. Mad at God, mad at my situation, mad at the people sitting next to me, mad that the ivf didn't work, practically mad at the world. I was ashamed that I was feeling this way. I knew it was wrong and I knew my heart was not in a good place.
I sat there trying to think of 1 thing I was grateful for to try and snap myself out of it. I instead came up with 3. I was grateful for Marc, my family and my 3 frozen babies.
Then a girl whom i know began to sing this song. Talk about snap you out of it...

Blessings by Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peaceComfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our sufferingAll the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate pleaAnd long that we'd have faith to believe
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Courtesy of lyricshall.com

Talk about powerful. I think I may read those lyrics everyday I wake up. Knowing His mercies are in disguise changes my train of thought a ~~little~~ lot.

For that, I am no longer un-Thankful but very Thankful that he still loves and is still near to me for when I stray.

Processing...

2011-11-20T15:47:00.000-06:00

As you know I went away on a fun trip soon after finding out our unfortunate BFN news {BFN: means "big fat negative", for those that aren't up w/ the infertile terms}
I feel like in a lot of ways it saved me from a lot of pain and emotions that I wasn't quite ready to deal with. To be honest, I was actually really quite impressed with myself about how well I was handling everything.
So as I returned I still felt like I was doing good, I actually had not allowed myself to cry since finding out the news. Well that was until I had just one bad day. It brought everything I had been holding back full circle for me again. Lots of different things brought it on, such as finding out a few people I know are pregnant. Not even close friends, just people I know. Then I felt like all day whether it was through phone calls, emails, general conversations I had people telling me about other people they knew how it didn't work for them but now they have beautiful children and it will just for sure work that way for us, but if it didn't we could just adopt. I'm sorry, but right now that is just not helpful. I definitely prefer not to hear those things. Everyone's story is very different and rarely the same.
I do understand that people don't really know what to say and if you haven' been there, really there isn't a lot you can say that will help. Speaking for myself and probably others that have gone through this, letting that person know you care is one of the best things you can do. Avoiding and ignoring them isn't helpful. Just being there for them is great.
Something that I didn't realize would be so difficult for me was being around people again. Being around a large group of people gave/gives me quite a bit of anxiety. Lots of fear plays into that. I fear that they will only talk about babies and then I will lose it, I fear that I will be the only one around without a child, I also fear that someone will say the wrong thing to me and I will not be a nice person back even though they all mean well.
I'm sure you are thinking at this point, "wow she has really lost it." Believe me I have wondered the same thing, but honesty I'm still just processing. I know that many of these thoughts are ridiculous and I also know I can't continue living in stupid fear. I'm very aware of my crazy emotions and thoughts and I'm also aware of the only one that can help me through it, and that would be Jesus. I'm praying away the bitterness that is in my heart and praying for Hope and peace again.

Thanks for bearing with me as I process honestly. It is hard sorting out all these emotions and feelings.

A get-away

2011-11-15T16:58:00.001-06:00

Now for some happy... Obviously it was a rough week last week, but thankfully I had already planned a trip with my mom back in the summer to Austin, TX to see my good friend! It just so happened to be the best timing ever for me. I would still be way down in the dumps if I had not gone.
I went to visit my friend from middle school-high school. I would say I have kept up with her the most since we got out of high school and we unfortunately did not attend the same college.
Even though she lives in Austin, I have been able to see her at least a couple of times a year.
We had so much fun. Did lots of shopping, eating, and chatting! It was the perfect girls trip.

my favorite dessert place of all time.... gordoughs. Yep its darn good and darn unhealthy, but who is counting calories on vacay anyways ;)

my mom even liked it and she doesn't even like sweets.

the shopping damage... sorry dad and Marc. We got lots of Christmas shopping done though

and last but not least, her precious daughter Willow. She was our entertainment for the weekend!

We did so many more things that I did not take pictures of. All I know is I'm in love with Austin and could move there at any time! I even told Marc I found us a house ;). It reminds me of Fayetteville, AR on crack! Ha.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. Thanks for your sweet comments and emails. They meant a lot to me. I'm really doing much better.

Part Three

2011-11-11T13:30:00.000-06:00

I don't really know what to say. I'm at a loss for words, and I'm still a little in shock.
We found out from the blood test that it was a BIG FAT negative. We are absolutely heartbroken right now.

On Friday I just knew it didn't work. I literally just knew. I told Marc and he said, "you are just being negative." I had been so positive the whole time and just knew that it would/could work. But Friday I knew. I'm not sure if it was intuition or God easing me into the idea but something literally came over me to where I knew.. On Monday morning I took a test and it was negative, so then I really knew. Marc was still holding out hope that it was wrong and the blood test would show something different, but I just knew deep down what that really meant. I took the test before work which was so dumb, but I knew it was better to test in the morning. Unfortunately, I was in so much shock I couldn't even cry... that was until I got to work and in our meeting they started praying for us, and then I lost it. Like I could not shut down the waterworks. It was the ugly, horrible cry that no one wants anyone to see. I left and drove around, went to Starbucks parking lot to try and calm down, and still couldn't stop. It was AWFUL. I hate crying, and really don't do it very often. I ended up having to go home for a couple of hours to compose myself.

The next morning I had the blood test and then they made me wait ALL day long. I did not get my results till 5:45pm which was so ridiculous. The nurse then confirmed what I already knew was coming. Marc got home from work and then we both just sat there and cried some more. I just keep asking why, why, why. I don't and will never understand why not.

We are still grieving our loss and I'm sure will continue to do so for awhile. The only positive right now is that we do have 3 more frozen and can go back for them anytime. Since the Holidays are quickly approaching us, we are going to take a breather until afterwards and the try again. I just don't think I could handle that news again next month.

We are so thankful to each and every one of you have been on this journey with us and prayed for us along the way. We have truly felt so much support through our friends family and especially here on this blog. I seriously don't know how people do this without faith or a strong support system.
I really was wanting to have good, positive news for everyone but it just wasn't our time. We know it will happen in God's perfect timing for us, we just don't know when that will be or if it will ever be. If you would please continue to lift us up as the Holidays are upon us. They will be very hard for me to handle yet once again.

Thanks again for following our journey and caring about us.

Part Deux

2011-11-09T15:30:00.000-06:00

That next morning after the retrieval they called us with an update of how many babies we had made!
To our surprise, we got 5 out of our 8! We were very surprised and super thankful because half or less usually take when fertilized.
Also to our surprise, they did 2 different methods of ivf. They used 4 eggs with ICSI and 4 with conventional ivf. ICSI is where they directly inject the egg with the sperm and the conventional is where they place an egg in a dish and then put millions of sperm in there and let them do their thing. All 4 ICSI eggs were fertilized and only 1 egg was fertilized the conventional way. They didn't even tell us they were doing this but I'm oh so grateful they chose that way.
I know if you have never heard about ivf it can be very confusing and overwhelming so I'm trying to do my best to explain things thoroughly :). Ivf is very complex and difficult for some to comprehend. All I know is that God made someone very smart to invent this medical procedure.
So each day they would give us a report on how our embryos were doing. Each day they are looking for them to split and divide. Each morning felt like an eternity. They eventually get to a stage called the "Blast" stage. They must get to a blast stage before transferring. We had 1 that was dividing quickly and the others were being a tad bit slower. When it came time for transfer day we only had 1 that was transferable. They also informed us that the other 4 may not make it to the stage of where they could be frozen. This was SHOCKING to us. I don't know if it was lack of knowledge and research or what, but we thought we would for sure at least get to have 1-2 frozen. They informed us that 30% was average for each cycle, so for us that would be around 1-2. We were very sad about this news. So we began to beg God to save them. We sent out an email to our prayer support and they began to pray as well. To our surprise, the next day the nurse emailed me and was in complete SHOCK! She said you got 3 frozen!!! She also proceeded to tell me that this never happens for someone to get 4 out of their 5! It was a true miracle! We were in awe of Gods graciousness. This was my very first miracle to experience, or at least one I can remember.

This is huge for several reasons. This means that if the one they put in me doesn't take, we can go back in for a frozen cycle which costs way less and it is not near as long and painful as a "fresh" cycle. And no shots will be involved either. For that, we are so thankful to God.

We did our transfer on day 5 which was a Sunday. I took it easy for 48 hours and then that begins the 2 week dreadful wait.

Stay tuned for Part 3...

An Overdue Update

2011-11-07T18:26:00.001-06:00

First of all I would just like to apologize for my lack of posting about our current status. The past few weeks have been very busy for us and we have be traveling quite a bit.
Since this post would be forever long and make your retinas bleed, I will do 3 part post on our IVF experience.

So here is Part 1...
The month of October started off with all of those fun shots I posted about here. While I was very overwhelmed with them all, they actually ended up going by very quickly and weren't too painful. I would never say that it was a blast, but that just comes with the lovely ivf package.
I'm not great at remembering dates, so they will all just be general. After a couple of weeks of shots I started going in every other day for doctor appointments. I would get blood drawn and then scanned to check to see how many eggs I had and what size they were. When they got to a certain size they sent me home and I gave myself a shot that night, then left to head to Little Rock where my ivf doctor is. It will be 2 weeks tomorrow since our retrieval.
For the retrieval I went in and they gave me some good drugs, one being propofol (that is what Michael Jackson died from) and it was good stuff (Ha). I was pretty out of it for most of the day but not really in too much pain. They retrieved 8 eggs, which is a little better than we expected! We had to wait till the next day to find out how many fertilized. This was a loong wait. Everything with ivf is a LOOONG wait if you were wondering. We were absolutely thrilled with the outcome of how many fertilized!
Check back soon for the number we got! That will be in my part 2 post.

God was so faithful through out our whole process. He gave us peace, support, and comfort throughout all of it. We had an army of people praying for us and still do which we feel so blessed by. I can't wait to share part 2 because God did something really awesome for us. Part 3 will be the outcome in which we do not know yet, but still praying for the best.

For now I will leave you with a picture of us right before they wheeled me back for the retrieval surgery.

8 years ago

2011-11-01T15:31:00.000-05:00

8 years ago today my sorority had a function called "Great Outdoors." It was my first time that I had to ask someone to a function. It was so hard for me to be doing the inviting and I was SOO nervous.
I had seen Marc several times and only had met him a couple times through mutual friends. I thought he was the hottest/dreamiest guy at school (still think he would be!) I had several people re-affirm me that I should ask him and that he was a great guy. Someone also thought it would be fun to go ahead and let him know that I was going to ask him.... I think it took me a full 2 weeks to get the nerve up to finally ask him and when I did, he totally knew what I was doing and set it up for me :)
He told me he never gets invited to functions anymore, (that was a LIE!) I didn't care I was just so thrilled he said yes and was coming! I was on cloud nine and super nervous about it.

I had the best time with him. We went with several people to a cabin and cooked out and watched fun Halloween movies. We didn't do a whole lot, but I could tell after a few conversations we had a lot in common with each other and I was already thinking about another function I could ask him too. I had fallen for him. I was ridiculous, and not ashamed.

When we got home I was talking to my mother about how great he was and that I probably would never hear from him again, and really didn't think I had a chance.... well he actually beeped in that same conversation and wanted me to see a deer he had just killed!!! Of course I said YES and what does he do, he brings the deer in the back parking lot of the Pi phi house and I oohed and awed over that deer like it was the greatest thing I had ever seen!

That sealed the deal for him and the rest is history! Well it took him a little longer than it did me, but I knew it would work out if he would ever come around and he obviously did!

this is not a pic from that function, but I still wear that t-shirt from that weekend!

Ignore the ugliness of my face, just showing how much I still love the shirt!

And this is the deer that sealed the deal for him! Yep, its hanging in our house.

And that is why I love November 1st!

The End

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T16:41:00.000-05:00

We were in Little Rock this past weekend and Saturday night our friends, Rachael and Zach came over for dinner and carving pumpkins! We had such a blast.

Dad of course had to break out the scary mask and scare Ra! And not sure about what Marc is doing to my mother. I swear this was not posed.

Finished product!

I thought they turned out so good!

Marc and my mom carved the "chevron" pattern one. Marc is very detailed and it turned out perfect! I saw a pumpkin like this on pinterest and told Marc he should try it, so he did. Ra and Zach carved the other one which I thought was great as well. It was a great night to get in the fall Spirit.

House Tour

2011-10-26T13:14:00.000-05:00

My parents have been building a house for the past several months and it is finally done! They did an amazing job so I wanted to show it off. My dad is a builder and my mom is a great decorator and they make a wonderful team. They did this house different than any of their other ones and I love how it turned out!

So here you go!

kitchen area

love the backsplash

living room

funky powder room

master bathroom

this wine room was my dads little baby. It turned out awesome!

and this is the view off the back porch. You feel like you are in the tree tops! It is gorgeous!

Hope you enjoyed. She is still working on a few other rooms so when those are finished I will show more! If you need a builder in the little rock area or surrounding area, I know a really good one :)

An Update

2011-10-21T15:33:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to update on how everything was going. The shots have actually not been that bad, just a few bruises on my belly. I'm responding really well to all of the meds, so that is extremely good. The time really has been gone by quickly, We are still not sure of the exact time everything will be happening yet, but we would love any and all prayers in the next several weeks.

I have definitely have had some freak out moments. I also keep running all different kinds of scenarios through my head about all the different outcomes that could happen. I know this is the planner and worrier in me and I also know that I cannot whatsoever control this situation. We are putting complete faith in our mighty God that His will will be done through this whole process. We give the outcome to Him. Giving up control may be the hardest thing for me, but I knew choosing ivf would leave me no other option, because this is something completely out of our control.

I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the support we have received and the sweet prayers lifted up on our behalf. We are humbled and thankful for each of you that have been on this journey with us and that have cared enough to think of us. I had no idea a little blog would ever allow that, but it truly has and it has been wonderful. So thank you to all that read this blog of ours.

Yesterday someone referenced this verse and it really struck me. As we go through the procedure part of this process I will know God is holding my hand through it all and He will not leave me and He will be my strength to get me through!

Psalm 77: 21-23 and 26 {NIV}
²¹ When my heart was grieved
   and my spirit embittered,
²² I was senseless and ignorant;
   I was a brute beast before you.
²³ Yet I am always with you;
   you hold me by my right hand.

²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,
   but God is the strength of my heart    and my portion forever.

10 years

2011-10-18T18:52:00.001-05:00

This past weekend we had my husbands 10 year reunion. I have been looking forward to this literally since I met him. He grew up in a very small, farm town and may or may not have been pretty popular!
Some people {aka- me} have given him a hard time about his yearbook a lot over the years. He got "Mr. PHS", "best dressed", "Hall of Merit", etc, etc. mainly because it was a very small school and all the 9th grade girls were in love with him. Ha!
Nonetheless, I was actually pretty excited to meet the people he had grown up with. I was really expecting it to be pretty entertaining, but it was way more low key than I thought. It was actually refreshing getting to hang out with some new people and have a break from the usual, repetitive conversations.

an old friend of Marc'ss

I think he's a keeper for sure! I mean he was Mr. PHS!

a little yearbook fun!

old love...

I'm thankful we were able to go and to also get to spend some time with his family. Since they live 6 hours away we don't get to see them very much. Plus we got to meet Marc's new nephew.

Now I'm getting so excited for my 10 year next year and Marc will have to go since I went to his! I also graduated from a very small school so it will be a blast seeing everyone!

patio revised

2011-10-15T13:57:00.002-05:00

This summer we stained our deck and since then I had been looking for the perfect furniture to fit our small space. Well I found the perfect set for the perfect price from walmart.com. I love the color and how well it fits. Before I had a table that was way too big so we sold that. Now we can have several people over and enjoy being outdoors. What I love most is that it has become my favorite place to read after I get home from work. The past few weekends we have really enjoyed sitting out there at night just hanging out.

So what do you think from the before and afters?

The Beginning

2011-10-11T11:43:00.000-05:00

Friday I received all my "goods" as I like to call them. They came in a huge box and some even in a cooler with freezer packs on them. This made everything very real.

this is a horrible pic, but it is about half of the "goods"

I know in my last post about ivf I was a ~~little bit ~~ overwhelmed. After a day of feeling down and out I quickly regained a better perspective and I was reminded about a few things.

I really tried to thank God a ton for allowing me to be able to do this and bringing me to this point of utter desperation for Him. It is no longer in my control whatsoever {it really never was}, but fully up to Him about this outcome. I really do still have a peace about all of this and I feel like it is going by pretty quickly.

Marc has been great about reminding me to let go and give it up because sometimes I get brain farts along the way.

The shots so far haven't been too bad. The first day I chickened out and had my friend who happens to be a nurse and happens to be my neighbor come over and give me the first shot. I had my mom and Marc both watch so they would know for the future.

The funny shot story I have is that Saturday we were all going to the Razorback game and I remembered I have to have my shot between 6pm-8pm and the game started at 6 and would most likely not be over until around 10. So what do I do... I take a needle, the medicine and an alcohol swab in my clutch into the game. I kid you not, my mom and I packed in a tiny stall in the bathroom and she gave me a shot right before kick- off. I did freak out right before going in thinking there was No way they would let me in with a needle in purse, but I turned it over and kind of covered it and they never saw it ... which probably isn't a good thing! Oh well we all survived and all in all it was a success.

For some reason I haven't mustered up enough courage to give the shots to myself. I just can't do it quite yet. I guess I'm still getting used to the idea that this is "my normal."

I'm very excited that this is the Beginning for us and hopefully the beginning of something great!

Weekend Of Fun

2011-10-09T19:05:00.000-05:00

I had such an amazing weekend! My friday started off with no work {always great} and a lovely massage that Marc had gotten me a few weeks ago, it was wonderful and much needed.
My mom came into town friday night and we headed to dinner with Marc and my sis. We then headed to the AMP (Arkansas Music Pavilion) for a fun little outdoors concert. 2 of my very favorite artists were playing, NeedtoBreathe and Ben Rector. If you haven't heard of either you are really missing out on some good tunage! These 2 were absolutely awesome live and the weather made it that much more enjoyable. Then several people came over and we set out on our deck til wee hours of the morning just chatting. It was so relaxing.

Ben Rector doing his thing.

Fun fact about Ben, he went to the U of A and he married

one of my pi phi sisters! Umm major win ;)

Then the Razorbacks did some whooping up on some Auburn Tigers and I had a front row seat! It was a blast and an awesome {non stressful} game! Plus I got to go with these fun girls. One of our best "family" friends came up too and it was her first time to come visit, so that was especially fun.It was like Florida reunion since we all went together this past july.

We had a lovely brunch at one of the more "Fayettevillish" places called Common grounds. Awesome coffee, yummy food and live music... I'm seeing a trend, are you? Lots of music, eating and fun!

me and my cutie. oh and my yummy white mocha

We finished this weekend off with some of our dear friends daughters 1 year old birthday party. I unfortunately did not get any pictures, but I'm sure that Leah will be posting some adorable pics on her blog soon. She did a great job with all of the details.

Oh and I pre-ordered the new iphone 4s so these kind of pictures should start looking way better ;)
Oh and on Tuesday I will post an update about ivf stuff and a fun shot story {already} so get excited!

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend.

Back in Joplin

2011-10-06T14:16:00.000-05:00

Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to go back to Joplin. This time it was with the large staff from fellowship with whom I'm privileged to work with daily. Each year we do a staff retreat and this year we got to do a staff work day in Joplin. To be honest I wasn't sure if this sounded so "fun" or not. Well I was proven wrong fast. They split us up into 2 groups- a work crew and a canvassing (door-to-door) crew. I chose the work crew. So as they split us up I found myself in a group where I really didn't know anyone that well.

The house we worked on needed all new siding. So I learned how to put on siding! (I still don't think the husband believes me that I did this ;).
I had a blast doing this and learning something new. I also feel like I learned a little something about each of the people I got to work with! It was so fun getting to know people that I would have normally never had the opportunity to do. Each person has such a unique story and I just love that. I feel so extremely blessed to be able to work for an amazing church and to work with an amazing group of people.

Here are a few pics from our day!

i did this side!

You can read about my first trip to Joplin here :
http://theyounthappenings.blogspot.com/2011/05/joplin-on-my-mind.html

YouTube Tuesday

2011-10-04T15:19:00.000-05:00

I meant to post this several weeks ago, but just now remembered to do it. I'm sure some or most of you have already seen it, but it makes me smile.

This couple was trying to figure out how to take a picture on their computer but instead they videoed themselves. They are the cutest and obviously in love. Their granddaughter found it and then posted it to youtube.
I can totally see my mom and dad doing this :)

Happy Tuesday!

More Pinteresting things

2011-10-01T10:43:00.002-05:00

I saw this on pinterest a few weeks ago and thought it would be perfect for my bathroom since we don't have a ton of cabinet space or any linen cabinets.

Source: http://www.imbusyprocrastinating.com/2011/06/design-solution-wall-baskets-for-bath.html via Pinterest

I just used 2 since I didn't have a need for another smaller one. It fits perfect right beside the shower.

thanks to my hubby for hanging these suckers

Then I had seen a picture of these yummy ham and cheese roll ups. I needed something quick to make for dinner and I had all the ingredients I needed.

Ham, provolone cheese, and crescent rolls. They were so delicious.

Source {pic and recipe}: http://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/2011/08/ham-cheese-crescent-rolls_22.html

I seriously love being inspired by Pinterest. It's the little things, you know?

Sams Club Winner

2011-09-30T10:07:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all who entered this giveaway. To pick the winner I used www.random.org.

Here were the results!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-09-30 20:39:31 UTC

Congrats to Julie C.! Please email me at: mlyount12{at}yahoo{dot}com with your address and phone # and your prize pack will be on its way!

thanks again everyone.

Slightly Overwhelmed

2011-09-29T11:54:00.000-05:00

This will be happening soon....

and I'm really not that excited about it.

Now doesn't that look like a good time?

I had what you call an "IVF class" last week. This is where the Nurse Practitioner went over how to give myself injections. On the table she had literally had 3 different shots laid out for me to see. I then practiced on a fake piece of skin. Basically it was like a poke party.

As she was showing me all these different shots and making it very clear to me to me how I did not need to mess these things up I became slightly overwhelmed. I thought I was going to lose it right there in that office. Instead I waited till I got to the car. I started immediately feeling some anger creeping in.

I was mad the I have to do this and most people don't. I was mad about how unfair it was and how it seems everyone around me doesn't have a clue that it's this hard to get pregnant. I was just plain upset. So many emotions happen to you during this time. And they happen in waves. They come and go, and then come and go again. It's a vicious pattern really.

Marc asked me later that day, "What happened to your attitude of thankfulness about getting to do this?" I said that went out the door when I saw all those needles. Ha!

It took me a couple of days to get over it and then I was fine again. It was the first moment I had where I thought that I really can't do this. It is just too much to handle and everything has to work perfectly.

1Chronicles 16:34
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

{Thank goodness for His Mercy and forgiveness. I would be a mess without it.}

Colossians 2:6 (NIV)
⁶ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

{The main reason I need to have an attitude of Thankfulness}

I would not be able to go through this hard time without God's grace, love and faithfulness. I'm definitely thankful for that!

Fall Blog Hop Tour

2011-09-26T17:54:00.012-05:00

I love Fall! My house was made for fall because of all the orange in it and it makes me so happy.
I'm also thrilled because I had my mom do a little re-decorating when she came into town the other weekend! Another little happy is that I hit up the I.O. metro warehouse sale and I found a little treasure, which is just so exciting to have a new piece in my house!

So here is what I have so far...

these sconces are new and I'm still waiting to get some large candles. I know these look dinky.

new fall arrangement

this is my new piece! I've been looking for something tall to put my tv on and I finally found the perfect thing!

If you love Fall as much as I do, link up below to show a tour of your home decorated for fall or what your favorite thing about fall is! I thought it might be a fun way to get in a Fallish Spirit. I'm also absoutely loving the weather right now.

A Giveaway!

2011-09-23T08:00:00.007-05:00

How about a giveaway? I haven't done one of those in a long time! Who doesn't love Yoplait Yogurt and Sam's Club?{I'm really sorry if you don't have one in your area}

Yoplait now has Light Yogurt with granola at all Sam's clubs. This is what I eat for breakfast everyday, but I always would have to buy my granola separately, but this makes it way easier now. Plus I'm an on-the-go type of breakfast person, and this is quick, healthy and yummy.

So the giveaway includes a $40 gift card to Sam's Club!

All you have to do is leave me a comment letting me know what flavor of Yoplait yogurt you will want to buy! Oh and be a follower of my blog. I will announce the winner in 1 week, so you have til then to enter.

That's it, pretty simple to win $40 buckaroos to Sam's club.

*The Sam’s Club gift card has been provided by Sam’s Club and Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.

Fun times

2011-09-21T15:30:00.001-05:00

We had a great weekend this past weekend. Our schedule was packed full of of hanging out and spending time with friends and family.

Friday night we had a fun "Hog Party" over the Baileys. She had it catered with some yummy food and she even had the margarita man there! Pretty much our whole community group was there, so that was way fun.

plus my buddy Sawyer was there....i'm still very obsessed with him

i may or may not have give him some cake...this may or may not be the result...i'll never tell.

I have to keep my "Aunt Chelle" status as long as possible... just sayin

who knows what was going on here

Saturday my parents came up. It was dads day at the Pi Phi house. And my dad being the sweetest dad ever (even with a bummed knee) came and had lunch with Meg. We had some great food there and then later after the rain stopped, My mom, Marc and I headed to the Razorback game. It unfortunately ended up being a close game, so we stayed most of the time. It was fun, even in the nosebleed section.

On Sunday we went back over the Baileys house and had a luncheon for Katie (Sawyers mom). She is due in about a month with Brooklyn. I'm really hoping B will like me as much as S!

she is of course the cutest prego person ever...even with #2

repeat picture from friday

Starting

2011-09-20T14:44:00.000-05:00

Well this week marks the week of starting the ivf process. I officially started once again. I was still holding out a glimmer of hope, but that quickly dissolved when Af (Aunt Flow) showed up. I just kept thinking if we aren't supposed to move on, I will be pregnant, so it just confirms to me that I'm doing the right thing.

I've had a few thoughts as I'm about to enter this new phase or as I like to call it "chapter 3" of the journey:

* I'm absolutely terrified. I know we are supposed to do this, but it does not make it any less intimidating,
* I have to take it one day at a time
* I have to stay positive. I feel like I've read several blogs recently that have already gone through this and did not have positive outcomes. So I'm trying to prepare myself.
* I'm nervous.
* I don't want to get fatter and more moody...yuck.
* I'm excited to move on and have a plan
* I don't know how to not get my hopes up
* I don't know how I'll get through the Holidays if it is not successful
* God is teaching me how to be vulnerable through this. It's humbling. It's life-changing.
* I'm grateful for a supportive husband and family as we go through this.
* I'm grateful for a God that is bigger than me and way more powerful than any doctor.
* I'm going to attempt to have an attitude of thankfulness through this whole process because I am indeed thankful to even have the opportunity to do it and that is has been made available to us.

Thank you to all that are on this journey with us. Your prayers and sweet comments mean so much to us both.

1 Thess 5:16-18 (NIV)

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

From Introvert to Extrovert back to Introvert

2011-09-16T11:11:00.001-05:00

2. Psychology . a person characterized by concern primarily with his or her own thoughts and feelings ( opposed to extrovert).

ex·tro·vert:

1.an outgoing, gregarious person.

2.Psychology . a person characterized by extroversion; a person concerned primarily with the physical and social environment ( opposed to introvert).

taken from www.dictionary.com

When I was in college and when I first got married I took a personality test. It said 100% introvert which was complete opposite of Marc. After a few years of marriage I became extremely more extroverted. I loved hanging out with our friends, I could hardly stand sitting at home not doing anything. While I started becoming more social and finding my energy through people, Marc was going the other way. It was like role reversal and strange.

Fast forward to today and we have done another switcharoo. I definitely think life plays a huge part in how you feel and where you get your energy from.

While I was feeling great, settling into married life I felt on top of the world. We were making so many friends and had a ton of already established couple friends. I wanted to constantly hang out with them as Marc was wanting to just be at home a lot.

Now I can hardly go anywhere without Marc. It’s as if he is my security blanket. Since I don’t have a child I just cling to him if we go anywhere. Conversations are hard for me when they revolve only around other peoples kids and so when that happens I just turn to him and talk to him about something that is familiar and then I suddenly feel better.

I rarely want to go anywhere when there are a lot of kids around. Most of the time I love the kids a ton, but it just becomes a constant reminder.

I know I have to get over these insecurities. I sometimes feel trapped and confused. I hate missing out on things, but I also hate being alone (in 2 ways). Hopefully the anxiety will subside one of these days and maybe one day I can get back to being a fun, spontaneous extrovert.

For now I will just be introverted at home and extroverted here on the blog!

Why IVF

2011-09-13T15:29:00.000-05:00

Why we chose IVf...

There are several reasons we have decided to do this. A big reason is that we have been blessed with great insurance. We know that does not make it free, but we started saving for a child long before we started trying. Remember I'm a planner...(I'm still learning how to not be one) We started saving to cover hospital expenses and furniture for a nursery... we will just have enough to cover our total expenses.

We have such a Peace about it. This wasn't something we just couldn't wait to do. Honestly who wants to go through something like this that is really not so easy? It will by no means be a piece of cake or a walk in the park. Who wants to give themselves shots everyday. Talk about getting poked, probed, and looked at are never fun.
We have been praying about this for awhile. We have also had family and friends praying for us for quite sometime now. I have talked to several different people that have been through it already. Some are successful stories and some are not. I have to be okay with whatever the outcome is, positive or negative. That is not an easy place to get to. To put myself through this mentally and physically, failure does not seem appealing. I do know whatever the outcome will be, will be Gods choice and not mine. We do not put our faith in the doctors whatsoever. We know He has chosen to test our Faith greatly through this process and it is only strengthening both Marc and I.

If we were to not try this, I'm not sure I could properly grieve about NEVER having a child. I think it would be hard to move on past it, whether that would someday be towards adoption or being foster parents. I just think I would always wonder... "What If?" or I would continue to ask myself why was I being so stubborn in not giving it a chance when great insurance is present?

We are fully aware that it is risky and there are a lot of moral convictions that we have about it. We will definitely be taking the more conservative approach. We will most likely not have all of the eggs fertilized to keep the number of embryos down. Remember, I have major back issues, so we will also only be putting 1 in at a time. We will be praying for God to choose that number of embryos we get. We are sure He will not give us more than we can handle.

All of this to say we are excited to be moving on. I know I'm trying to just take 1 thing at a time because all the information is so daunting, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to do this and I'm thankful to be moving on to our next chapter.

I will most likely be blogging my way through this whole process with hopefully some fun in between. I do someday want to print the blog into a book form, so I want to keep an account of what happens. I also think it is good therapy for me to write about it all. :)

Thank you for joining us on this long, crazy, hard journey.

1 Peter 1:6-7

⁶ So be truly glad.There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. ⁷ These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Remembering

2011-09-11T20:54:00.000-05:00

On 9-1-01....

I was sitting in my first period math class my senior year. Someone came in and told our teacher what was happening and then we found a TV to watch. I was so confused as to what was going on. I remember thinking I had no clue what the world trade center was but it sounded important. I really kept thinking it was all an accident. I think I just kept asking questions all day that no one could answer. Then when I was on my way home from school that day, and it was chaos. People thought there was going to be no more gas available. The lines to get gas were crazy backed up and I was thinking, "this is way more serious than I'm aware of." I went home and watched the Tv the rest of the afternoon and night.

Today as I watch all the images I learn way more about what happened on that day. I watched dateline friday night and was sitting there in tears hearing families tragic stories. I get chills when I hear the names of the people that were rescued or went back in to pull someone out of the crashing building. I also think about the brave people on the plane who re-directed it to not hit the whitehouse. They had to have been so brave to take on those terroists.
I really can't imagine how horrific that day was to actually be living there in NYC and walking down the street or working in one of the buildings next to it. I'm sure it felt like a horror movie.

I love how America has United through this awful attack and come together. I went to visit ground zero in the summer of 2003, just 2 years later. It was still such a devastating site. The wall of peoples pictures and names were up, with flowers and momentos. I still had so many questions when I was there. It was a difficult site to see and to process. It made what happened very real to me.

I attended the razorback game yesterday with my mom and somehow they managed to get everyone in the stadium to wear red and white and had the student section wear blue. (they didn't think anyone else would wear blue to a razorback game.) It looked amazing!! They also had a beautiful red, white and blue razorback.

student t-shirt logo

Proud to be an American and a Razorback!

I love the new memorial they built. I heard someone say instead of saying "A day of remembering" we should say "A day to Unite." I can't wait to go visit these someday!

My heart goes out to all those families who lost loved ones that day. My prayers are with them.

Even Barbie...

2011-09-10T12:40:00.000-05:00

Even Barbie can get pregnant.... WOW.

I mean seriously. How messed up is this world?
Someone actually pinned this on Pinterest the other day and I just had to laugh about it. I couldn't believe EVEN Barbie can have a baby and I can't.

This really does make me laugh. You have to find the laughter in an unfortunate situations... right? !?

Sussy week

2011-09-05T15:30:00.001-05:00

If you aren't certain what a sussy is, it is another name for a surprise. Thanks to our friends, Lauren and Stuart, they got us saying that word several years ago and it has just stuck.
I absolutely love sussies!

It all started early in the week when I received this book in the mail from my sweet friend Chelsea. She said this book really ministered to her while going through a miscarriage and that it blessed her by reading it. I can't wait to read it. Thanks Chelsea for blessing me.

Then Marc bought me a gift card for a massage from NWA deal Piggy. Nwa deal piggy is like the Living Social website. You can get great deals in the area for less. My back has been bothering me quite a bit, so I can't wait to use this.

He also got me this super cute clutch from a local coffee shop called Mama Carmens. A girl that Marc used to work with started an awesome company in India called JOYN. You can check it out here: http://joynindia.com/about/. You can find some of the products in a couple of stores around NWA at Mama Carmens and Mustache.

I love it! It was perfect for the Razorback game!

We ended up getting tickets right before the game and it was such a blast. There is just something about going to that first game of the season! It's kind of like Christmas morning. We loved it.

WOO PIG SOOIE!

Well it was a great week of sussies! If you know me, you know I really love gifts! Thank you to my sweet husband for going above and beyond to make me feel special this week.

Happy Labor Day!

Football and Fall Y'all

2011-09-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Happy first of September. Can I just tell you that I'm super excited about the time of year that is coming up!

First of all I'm excited about this starting in just 1 day...

I love SEC football.

I heart the Razorbacks big time. I unfortunately do not heart the ticket prices enough to pay big $$ to go attend these wonderful games. Sometimes we ge free tickets from lovely people, which always is nice, but this year will be a shot in the dark to get any since we are supposed to be so awesome... I guess we will just have to wait and see about that.

Secondly, FALL is right around the corner. I can't wait for cooler temps and pumpkin inspired food and drinks all around me! Probably my most favorite time of the year ever.

This year I'm going to attend my first ever corn maze! Obviously it is awesome since it is shaped like a razorback. If you live in NWA you should check it out. http://site.ozarkcornmaze.com/

Only a few more days till I can get one of these!

Happy {almost} Fall Y'all!

Pinterest Love

2011-08-30T22:58:00.000-05:00

I've been on pinterest for a few months now and I'm in Love. I also have been meaning to do a post about it forever, but just now getting around to it.
If you haven't heard about, this website allows you to store, organize, and post all things that you love that you find on the internet. It's perfect if you are wanting to find new recipes, get decorating ideas, or fashion ideas.
It didn't take long for it to get my creative juices going. I want to re-do my whole house now (pretend you didn't read that Marc), although it also has re-inspired me to cook again, so that is definitely a plus for Marc!

Here are a few things I've been inspired to try so far...

2 ingredient lemon bars... so easy. You just need a can of lemon pie filling and and box of angel food cake. mix. And bake. They aren't ooey gooey, but still worth making.

http://livingpractically.blogspot.com/2011/04/two-ingredient-lemon-bars.html#comment-form

I made these spinach lasagna rolls tonight. They are actually pretty healthy. They have spinach and chicken in them and weren't tooo hard to make suprsingly! Yum.

you can find the recipe here or on my pinterest "recipe" board.

http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2011/04/spinach-lasagna-rolls.html

I was also inspired by this little creative idea. I have no linen cabinet in my bathroom so this was a perfect solution for me! I mean such a simple idea, but also cute!

Thanks Pinterest. You are a inspiring, creative, and the best time waster I have ever met.
You should try it out if you haven't. You will thank me later.

Updates and Such

2011-08-25T00:17:00.000-05:00

I haven't done a good ole update post in awhile and I wanted to bring everyone up to speed on where we are on our infertility journey.
The month of July we decided to take a break. We took a break from meds, procedures, shots, appointments, etc. It was good, but I resorted back to my PCOS ways which reminded me that I DO still have a problem. Although I do respond very well to the lowest dose of clomid, it still immediately went back to the old ways which means a really long cycle.
So this past month, about 2 weeks ago we did our 4th and final IUI. We felt we needed to give that one last shot. The Dr.'s say to do it 4-6 times, and we decided 4 would be our limit. We also sent out emails and texts to a lot of our family and friends to get them on our prayer train (which we really had not done before). We felt a tremendous amount of love and support from everyone. This time it didn't feel like it was just us battling, but that we had a team backing us. It felt really wonderful and I wanted more than anything to be able to share some good news with all of our prayer team. Unfortunately the inevitable happened. The evil aunt flow reared her ugly head again.
So with that concludes Chapter 2 of our journey. Chapter 1 was trying naturally.
On to chapter 3....
We have decided to move on to IVF. We have spent a lot of time praying through this decision. It definitely has not been an easy one to make, nor did I ever, ever think that I would have to. I do strongly feel that God has made this available for us and we have been blessed with great insurance, so we are doing it.
We don't know when we will actually do it, we just know we most likely will go through with it.

Since we have had so much going on lately, I haven't had much time to process what is actually happening or has happened. The past 3 days have been a whirlwind. Yesterday we went to a funeral in Piggott, drove 3 hours and visited my dad in the hospital (he had a knee replacement surgery), then we drove another 3 hours and got home around 12:30am. Needless to say we are tired, brokenhearted and a tad overwhelmed.

Thanks for sticking with us and praying with us! We really appreciate it especially entering in this next chapter.
To Be Continued...

Pa

2011-08-22T14:51:00.001-05:00

Yesterday the world lost a wonderful man, Marc's grandfather. Glynn Dale Yount. We were saddened to hear of this news, but we are rejoicing that he is now in heaven with his King and his wife that he hasn't
seen in 22 years! I mean I can't imagine how wonderful it was to see her.

I first met him on his 70th birthday 7 years ago. He was such a sweet man and always carried candy and would make jokes. At Christmas he would read the Christmas story to us all out of Luke each year. He was a man a few words, but definitely a man of the word.

I'm thankful I was able to meet such a wonderful person. Marc had an amazing grandfather and we will miss him dearly.

Anniversary

2011-08-20T15:30:00.000-05:00

I know this is a week late, but I did want to document what we did for our 6 yr anniversary.
We ended up going to my parents lakehouse for the weekend. We were going to go have a nice dinner before, but I had a horrible head cold so we decided to go the next week.

We had a yummy dinner at our favorite restaurant in Fayetteville which is Theos!

It is the best, fancy food ever. If you know me, you know I love me some yummy, fancy food!

Our time at the lake was great, although I was still very congested and did not feel that great, we did still have a great time.

Aww look how romantic. Marc leaned back on the back of the boat to kiss me while I was surfing. We also attempted to surf together, which resulted in a fail. ha.
It was probably our last lake trip of the summer and we wanted to make sure and get one more trip in! I'm so glad we did, I just love it there.

We mainly considered our NYC trip our big anniversary present to each other, which it was wonderful and I'm so grateful we were able to go.

All in all it was a great anniversary!

Summer Book List

2011-08-16T12:50:00.001-05:00

This is what I have been reading this summer...

I know most of you have heard about "Heaven is for Real" but OH MY, it is wonderful. I loved, loved it. When I was at the beach, it seemed that everyone was reading it and talking about it. It is written really well and very easy to follow. I know some are skeptical, but I'm definitely a believer.

"Jesus Calling" is a daily devotional that I read daily. It has simple reminders that God wants us to find peace in his presence and a reminder to walk daily with Him. LOVE it! Get it, it will not disappoint. I go no where without it, and there is even an APP for it.

This book was written by one of my very best friends dad. He is very knowledgeable and a great writer. I'm only halfway done with this book and really enjoy it so far. It's encouraging and challenging all at the same time. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

This book was just given to me by a friend, I'm trying to finish the other one before I start it, but I'm really excited to start reading it. I've heard awesome things about it and can't wait to get into it. I would love to know if you read it and what you thought about it!

Anyways, just thought it would be fun to do another book list! There are just so many good ones out there! The funny thing is, I'm really not even a reader. Ha! Although, I feel like my brain will turn to mush if I don't do something that is semi-effective and productive. So I'm reading more. Maybe I like it now because I'm not being forced to or having to take a test over what I read. Anyone else feel like that?

Happy Tuesday!

Six

2011-08-12T09:05:00.000-05:00

Years is how long I have been married to the most amazing man ever!

I can NOT believe it. I know everyone says this and it is all cliched, but seriously where has the time gone? Just this anniversary I have started to ask myself, "what were we thinking getting married so young?" I mean seriously, that was crazy. We were only 21 & 22 and thought we knew everything. Although it does sound crazy getting married that young, I don't regret a single minute of it. I've never ever wished we would have waited longer to get married. We've had some incredible times together and have basically "grown" up with each other.

As I think back over this past year and how it has not been the most pleasant of years, I do think about how much more I have fallen in love with Marc. I did not think that this was possible, but I cannot tell you what it does to you going through something difficult and having someone that loves you regardless by your side. We understand each other more than we ever have. We are a team. We will continue to fight through our battle by each others sides. He encourages me, respects me, leads me and supports me always.
I'm grateful and I'm blessed. I don't know where I would be without him.
I love you!

1 Corinthians 13:4–8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (NIV)

Cracker box

2011-08-10T13:31:00.001-05:00

This cracker box was purchased 1 year ago.
This cracker box was bought for just in case I had some morning sickness and needed to eat something plain.
This cracker box has been saved in my drawer at work un-touched and un-opened.
This cracker box is just another reminder...

A reminder of... that I have no control over my situation, that I cannot plan how things turn out, and that I have God that is bigger than that cracker box. Much bigger.

"You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." Prov. 19:21

Besties

2011-08-09T12:16:00.003-05:00

I got to spend a short 24 hours with 2 of my favorite people this past weekend! It was just what I needed.
My friend Rachael and I woke up sat morning and headed to Tulsa to meet our friend Liz. We did some shopping, eating, and mainly just catching up!
Ra, Liz and I all became really close friends in college. They definitely made my college experience better than I could have imagined. I loved annoying them late at night in the sorority house, although I'm certain they did not. We did everything together! Like ate every single meal together.
We talked about how we wish we could just go back for one night. We reflected on how amazing life was in college and how simple It was. Since we cannot go back, we just reminisced instead.

I'm so thankful to have faithful, loyal friends like them. They just get me and are always there for me when I need them. I can't imagine not knowing them or not having them in my life!

Love you girls!!

Truth

2011-08-03T10:45:00.000-05:00

The Truth is I have been struggling with Truth.

Satan likes to jump in and start telling me lies, like "you won't ever have a child, you don't deserve one, only everyone else does, you have no purpose, you stand out everywhere you go because you have no kids, etc, etc." The unfortunate part is that I begin believing them sometimes. I begin questioning everything. I begin resenting and become bitter to those that find out they are pregnant with their 1st, 2nd or 3rd child and so on. I also become self-conscious and want to go no where kids will be present since it is a constant reminder that we don't have any. Then I start thinking about all the time that has passed and ask more questions, "Why us, why?" It seems everyone else can get pregnant but us. Then I begin feeling like a horrible person because I don't want to be that way, I don't want to act that way but yet sometimes I do.

The truth is I want to move away and start all over. I feel trapped in a world of pregnant people and babies. It's as if I'm suffocating and walls are closing in on me. I know moving away will not solve our problems, but we could pretend we are a newly married couple and hang out with only newly married couples where babies aren't even on their radar. I know it really sounds absurd, but I think about moving a LOT. I thinik Europe would be fun for a few years ;)

The truth is I hate milestones. You name it; anniversary, b-day, mothers/fathers day, Easter, Christmas, 1 yr old b-day parties, etc, etc. I dread them. I don't want them to ever happen, when normally I would love every one of them. I think infertility is the devil himself :)

The truth is that all sounds horrible and I know that. But the truth is those are the lies that go through my head daily. The good news is, God is full of grace and will forgive me for believing horrible lies like that and can redeem me with His love. He can also give me an overwhelming peace, which I'm seeking.

For now I'm clinging to this verse:
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." {NLT}

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things" {NIV}

To get a better understanding of how I feel and more about an infertility journey please go to this blog.
http://embracingplanc.wordpress.com/

Carrie is a tremendous writer and seems to always post exactly what I feel or the journey I'm just beginning. This post is my favorite. So if you have 5 minutes, read it. You will not be disappointed!
http://embracingplanc.wordpress.com/2011/07/03/my-cabbage-patch-kid/

Home

2011-07-31T19:29:00.000-05:00

It felt so great to actually stay home for a weekend. Now don't get me wrong, I love traveling, but considering we haven't really had a weekend home in a month, we were long overdue. It did us good to be homebecause we were extremely productive.
Friday, we had some people over to grill out for our friend Matt's b-day. We usually go to the lake to celebrate me, Marc, and Matt's b-day, but this time we just had to pass due to our many previous trips. We still had a great time.
Saturday, I went and had a pedi with some friends while Marc played golf, then we went to Greenehouse Grill to have some yummy lunch. When I got home {to nap} Marc was in major cleaning mode. He cleaned the kitchen, moved all the furniture out of the living room to start cleaning the carperts. We borrowed a shampooer because the carpets were looking way rough. So they turned out really good. Then we re-arranged our living room furniture which we have wanted to do for 2 years now. Yay!
We then headed to a going away party and then went to babysit Sawyer so Katie and Andrew could have an anniversary date night.
Sunday, we went to church then got home and stained our deck, which we have also wanted to do for 2 years. Oh and a date night (Marc is not aware of this, but I decided we need one, Ha!)
All that to say, we were very PRODUCTIVE! We are rarely that productive on a weekend, so good thing we did not decide to travel anywhere!

Here is the newly arranged living room. Sorry I don't have a before pic. I really like it. I just needed a change

Here is the deck BEFORE

And AFTER!

I think it looks tons better and will hopefully preserve the wood on it.

Happy Birthday Hubby

2011-07-27T23:25:00.001-05:00

I made it back from the beach just in time to celebrate Marc's 28th birthday! Tonight we had a fun get together with our amazing community group. Marc and I have had the privilege of leading this group for the past 4 years. Most are like family to us now.

Katie made Marc the yummiest b-day cake ever! The Paula Dean strawberry cake did not disappoint.

Strawberry cake with cream cheese icing is his fave! And this cake was delish.
I tease him every year about his cake looking like a princess cake since it's always pink, ha! We also called his party a princess party!

The guys surprised him and gave him a gun! What else do you give a guy like Marc?! He was so shocked and couldn't believe it.

So thankful for such a wonderful man to walk beside me as we do this thing called life. I have been more blessed by him over this past year than I could have ever imagined. He is such a rock for me and I continue to keep falling for him each day. {sorry for the cheese}

Happy Birthday Marc! Love you.

Birthday Blues

2011-07-23T00:13:00.000-05:00

Sorry I've been MIA lately. I've been busier than ever and on the go like you wouldn't believe (or maybe you would) either way I have not been very good about doing regular updates. I apologize for that.

So to catch you up on everything, Marc and I took the month off from "trying" this month. I was super excited and thinking that is was going to be great not to have doctors appointments or to have to take those evil meds. Well to be honest, I did not enjoy it whatsoever. I was probably more emotional than I have been in a really long time, I felt more anxious, and I have felt way more bitterness creeping in than in the previous months. All of that to say it has been a really hard month. There have been other things too, but what I'm currently most sad about is that it's my birthday. I think knowing that the birthday has been vastly approaching, my attitude has gotten significantly worse. I usually am the type of person that loves celebrating and making a huge deal about it, but this time is different. I rather we not even acknowledge the day because I don't want to get older. See the thing is that I really wanted to be a young mom, and at the rate I'm going that is just not going to happen. So it makes me sad. I hate milestones, which I know I have said before, but seriously they are constant reminders that I do not have a child. At this point I have no end in sight and that is hard to swallow. I know I have no control over it anymore and I continue to surrender it to Him. I know Marc and I will get through this, I'm just sad right now. I just don't like that I'm another year older. Please don't get my wrong, I do know I'm still young in most people's eyes, but that doesn't change the fact that I want a baby any less.

But to lighten up the mood, my sweet, sweet mother knew I needed to get away, and so she has whisked me away to the BEACH! She planned a spontaneous trip for us like a week ago and now I'm currently in Florida! It's beautiful and BLUE! But a much happier blue than what I've been feeling. I'm so grateful for this time away with my mom and sis.

My happy place!

Vacations have to be cheaper than therapy... right?!? That's what my momma has always taught me, so I will just keep trying to escape my problems for the time being by going on as many trips as possible ;)

The good thing is, nothing is holding me back! Ha.

The Big Apple

2011-07-18T18:46:00.001-05:00

Marc and I just got back from a wonderful weekend away in NYC. We did a ton in 2 1/2 days! I can't tell you how much we needed to get away just the two of us. It was refreshing and good for my soul.
I can't really believe how much we packed in while we were there. Unfortunately, I left my nice camera in the car. (probably because it was 5:45 in the a.m)

So here was our trip in iPhone pics.

A walk in central park zoo

Top of the rock

Brunch with my childhood bestie that has lived there since we graduated. So fun catching up!

Max brenner restaurant. Known as the chocolate place. Ahhmazing!

We ate a lot, walked a ton, saw a show and shopped a lot. Marc was a trooper! I'm so thankful for him and our wonderful time away.

My "killer" dog

2011-07-13T16:43:00.002-05:00

My husband goes out of town and this is what happens to me... Everytime he leaves it seems like something always random happens. I once broke my toe, had critters in the attic running around, and lots of other random things. Well this time was no different. He wasn't even gone 24hrs and this happens:

I mean seriously, what am I supposed to do when Louie shows up at the door with this baby bunny in his mouth? I first started yelling at him to drop it and at this point I didn't know if it was alive or not. Everytime I tried to open the door he would try to run in the house with it. Well I got outside and finally got him to drop it and thankfully the bunny got away. I made sure it was clear of the yard for several hours before letting him out again.
The next night at 12:45 am, guess what he found and ran in the house with?!? Ding, ding, ding. He had caught another one and this one did not fare so well. This little guy wasn't hoppin after he was freed :(.

Well at least Marc finally has his hunting dog! Ha!

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T23:05:00.001-05:00

Wordless style from the lake...

New Hair

2011-07-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

On a lighter note from my previous post, I got a little pampering done towards the end of the week last week. I got new hair, a pedi, shopped and went to bordinos. That all made me feel way better! Ha.

My sweet friend Aubrey has done my hair for years. As in like coming up on almost 10 years. She also is the reason for me being a Pi Phi. We grew up in Little Rock going to the same church/ youth group for years but went to different schools. It wasn't until a few years ago when her and her husband joined our community group that we became super close. The past few years have been so fun. Now she has a beautiful 3 month old baby boy, Shepherd. I even had the priviledge of being in the room when he was born, so now we really have a special bond :).

All of that to say, she is also an amazing hair dresser. I got a Brazillian blowout this past friday. And let me just say, if you do not know what this is and you have to straighten your hair everyday, this thing is INCREDIBLE! This stuff is a crazy phenomenon. It took 2 hours and then looked like this!!!

Before

After

A couple days later I washed my hair and did not even have to straighten it. Umm hello, I haven't done that since before chi's ever existed. I ALWAYS have to straighten my hair or else it looks like a joke. It literally took me less than 30 minutes to shower and get ready for church on Sunday. That before picture would have been way better if I had blow dried my hair the night before. It would have looked twice as big and nasty.

So if you have to straighten your hair eveyday and need or want a time saver or healthier hair this would be ideal for you. Invest in one. You will not be sad. Call Aubrey at freshair in fayetteville, she's the best ( Although, I may be just a tad partial).

Interrupted Expectations

2011-06-28T14:41:00.000-05:00

Well I don't really even know where to begin to start the latest update, but all I can say I'm very thankful its a new week. Last week was a doozy, and a big one at that. I really think it may have been the lowest one yet since beginning this whole journey. Me being weepy would most likely be an understatement.

It all started on Fathers Day Sunday. I woke up extremely sad. I had my first symptom of pms and knew what that meant, plus it was a Holiday and a perfect reminder that we aren't yet parents. I'm not a fan of Holidays, birthdays or milestones these days. Its just plain hard, no way around that.
To give you some background info, we just finished our 3rd iui with my 6th round of clomid. This time I had 2 BIG egg follicles, which was terrific and the first time ever that has ever happened. I was feeling so positive and hopeful for this round to work. We had tons of people lifting us up in prayer and I felt so incredibly supported. Unfortunately, the inevitable happened, I started and was devastated. Probably more so than ever. I felt defeated, alone, sad, angry and just plain exhausted from it all. I just kept thinking, why God, why. I don't understand, although I do know he has a perfectly good reason.
So on top of all that, I also found out the next day that several people I know are expecting. That is just never easy. I always feel mad and then seem to grieve about it each time. I hate that, I really do want to just be happy for everyone as I should be, it's just way easier said than done.
After one "mental health" day off from work and one major meltdown, and a lot of time talking to the Big guy, I started to feel better. I also had some sweet gifts and words of encouragement from my family and friends, which meant so much to me.

So for this month we have decided to take a break from everything. No drugs, no Dr's appointments, no procedures, nada. I feel really good about this, we want and need a break because it is so exhausting. Then I'm not sure about what the next step and months will look like. Praying about those next steps...whatever they may be.

1 Peter 1:6-7

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁶ So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. ⁷ These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Baby Beck's Shower

2011-06-27T09:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to host a wonderful shower for my friend Louise. She is due with a boy at the end of July. This was the first shower i have actually ever hosted at my own home and I really enjoyed it. I have really started loving to plan parties. I loved doing my moms and I loved doing this one as well. There were 8 total hostesses so I had a ton of help which made it way less stressful.

Louise is my "hippy" friend, so I knew immediately that I wanted it to have an "earthy" theme to it. The colors were mainly green and cream with some blue thrown in. Instead of doing a lot of flowers we did plants that she could take home with her (which she loved). For food we did, cream cheese/cucumber/dill crackers, cupcakes, trail mix, hummus w/ pita chips, and fruit kabobs. It was the perfect summer baby shower menu. All pretty light and refreshing and it was all almost eaten!

We had a blessings tree for her. People wrote sweet words of encouragement or prayers to her on little leaves. I sent her home with the tree and extra leaves so that when people come to visit her they can continue writing prayers/blessings to her, Ben and the baby.

I made this banner on the cricut machine. I love that thing, it makes it so easy.

The fun party favors. Everyone went home with almost a whole garden because we had so many left over! One of the other hostesses did this and did such a wonderful job putting it all together.

I loved how they turned out.

Our hostess gift to the mom-to-be. A swing! I think she liked it.

Love her and can't wait to get my hands on that baby boy.

All the wonderful Hostesses that did a fantastic job helping me with everything,

I'm so thankful for the opportunity to have had a shower for Louise. It was a great time and a we had a pretty decent turn out. Hopefully she enjoyed it as much as we all did planning for it!

NYC bound

2011-06-24T12:38:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited, last week Marc booked me a flight to NYC! He will already be working there during the week and I will fly out on the weekend so we can spend it together. Thankfully we had some free miles to use so it was a free trip for us to get there!
I never thought in a million years I would go to New York with Marc because he hates crowded places with lots of people, and does not enjoy large, busy cities. So it should be interesting. Ha!
I have been 2 other times, one with my fam and one time for a wedding and loved it both times.

If you have ever been, where is a good place to stay and what are some must-do's that are not-so-costly? {Medical bills and car bills are taking over our budget at a brisk pace right now}so we have to do this trip cheap! Our birthdays will be the very next week, so I'm pretending like it's our b-day trip!

I'm super excited to have a little get away, because this week has just about done me in. It has definitely been one of the more difficult ones. I will try to explain another day. For now, I'm just thankful to have something to look forward too.

Please leave me a comment telling me some things we should do!

Cake Recipe

2011-06-22T12:37:00.000-05:00

Ok I promised the cake recipe we made for my dad for Fathers Day, so here it is.

1 box of white cake mix (prepare as usual)

Now for the good part:
Whipped Cream Cheese Icing

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 cup white sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

Directions

In a small bowl beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form; set aside.
In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla. Beat until smooth, then fold in whipped cream.

We eat this cake at the lake every 4th of July and it is for sure a crowd pleaser. If there are several of us we have 2, because 1 just doesn't cut it. I promise you will not be disappointed. You could also do other toppings if you didn't want the fruit of top of it. It is also good without a topping because the icing is so yummy.

Happy Fathers Day

2011-06-20T10:27:00.002-05:00

We had a great fathers day yesterday. I'm so thankful I got to spend part of the day with my dad at the lake. I know everyone says this, but seriously he is the sweetest, thoughtful man ever. I'm so blessed to have him in my life.

My Sis and I made a yummy cake for him. I will post the recipe later because it was that good!

This is his happy place all summer long! (and mine too)

Thanks dad for being so wonderful! I love you bunches.

Planning for Battle

2011-06-15T12:01:00.000-05:00

I got home from the doctor this past Friday and opened up my Jesus Calling book. The first few lines on this devotion day was this:

"Rest in me, Give your mind a break from planning asking My Spirit to take charge of details of this day. Remember that you are on a journey with Me. When you try to peer into the future and plan for every possibility, you ignore your constant companion who sustains you moment by moment."

All I could do after I read this was think, "wow God, you really have a sense of humor." The reason that I think this is so funny is because I'm a HUGE planner. About 3 years ago Marc and I decided to open up a separate savings account and have it for a "baby" fund. We thought if we have a couple of years to save, we could at least pay our hospital bills and maybe buy a crib. I mean I'm pretty certain that a lot of people don't do this. I had also planned since the day we got married that we would be waiting 4-5 years before having kids. I was finishing up my senior year of college and then I had to have a major back surgery and needed another complete year to heal. Fast forward to the next 2 years, and we just weren't really in a financial place to have kids, nor were we ready. This now brings me to the past 2 years. I planned getting off birth control plenty of months in advance so then we could start TTC (trying to conceive) during the months that would allow me to have a spring baby. I did not want to have a a baby during the Holidays or hunting season. This past year we even put more money into our pre-paid medical card, just knowing we were going to need enough to cover a c-section
I also remember taking a walk with Marc and saying to him, I feel like something bad is going to happen and I just want to be ready for it, how can I prepare myself (again, who does this?) I honestly just felt like we had been having too easy of a time, so I knew a battle was coming, I could just feel it.

Now what I did not plan was for the journey we are currently on. I never ever in my life expected for us to have to deal with infertility. This was something that neither side of our families had dealt with, so it is all very new and shocking for us. I also never planned on several of our friends getting pregnant before us, I had only planned for a few. When that did not go according to MY plan, lots of bitterness set in. Bitterness is such an ugly thing. Thankfully, the Lord has freed me from that and has allowed me to find some purpose in what we are going through. The number one thing through all of this is that I have learned I CANNOT plan everything. I do not get to do that, it just doesn't work that way. I don't even think I realized how much of a ridiculous planner I actually was until all of this.

So all that to say when I read that, "take a break from planning, rest in Me." I was like, ok I get it and I'm tired of planning!!! Surrendering to Him feels so much better. It's definitely not the easiest thing to do, but He knew what He was doing to get me to understand that concept.

Jeremiah 29:11

" For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

DON"T!

Baby Willow

2011-06-08T23:44:00.000-05:00

A few weekends ago we had a sip and see for one of my really great friends, Jennie and her brand new baby Willow. For those that don't know what a "sip and see" is, it is a shower for someone that has already had the baby. So we sip punch and see the baby. Pretty sure its a southern thing. Who knows, either way we had one and we all got to meet baby Willow who unfortunately lives way too far away in Austin, TX.

shower decor

the lady of the hour

sweet friends from high school!

such a cutie, look at those yummy rolls

besties since 9th grade

Willow and Meg

It was so much fun getting to catch up with old friends and getting to meet babyWillow. I wish I lived close to her so I could just squeeze her everyday!

Sharing

2011-06-06T23:34:00.000-05:00

I was inspired the other night while reading my devotional, "Rain On Me" by Holley Gerth. The title was Share Rather than Compare. My favorite quote from the devo was " When we share rather than compare, we lighten the weight of grief both for those around us and for ourselves because we truly begin to carry each other's burdens."
As I began thinking about this, I kept thinking to myself that is exactly right. If we never share our stories of pain, grief or hurt, how can we as believers ever help one another out? A lot of times we all think we can handle whatever we might be going through, but why wouldn't we want prayer warriors surrounding us?
The devo also talked about pain. The worst pain we will ever feel is our own. I know I compare my pain a ton, and always in the back of my mind I think it could always be worse. Another quote that I loved was, "That kind of comparison trivializes our hurt and keeps us from allowing ourselves to grieve." It made me realize it really is okay to embrace our hurt and it is okay to grieve about my particular situation.

I feel very passionate about sharing my story of infertility. Many people deal with this pain for years and never tell a soul (or maybe just their families), but for me getting it out there made me feel so much better. I feel supported from complete strangers, I have met new friends, and I know we are being prayed for, which is the most comforting of all. When I meet someone that is struggling with this ugly, miserable thing it creates an immediate bond that no one else can truly understand and I just can't imagine doing this alone.
So I encourage you all, if you have a story, share it. I promise you will be surprised how it may help someone else or encourage them that they are at least not alone in what they are going through.

Galatians 6:2
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ"

If you have a prayer request and feel led to share it, please leave me a comment or email me at
mlyount12{at}yahoo.com. I would love to pray for you...

Joplin on my mind

2011-05-31T15:58:00.002-05:00

I know I already did a post on Joplin, but I just can't stop thinking about this town that is now in shambles. Marc and I went yesterday to help out. I had the opportunity to put together packages of supplies and then deliver them to people.
I felt sick to my stomach most of the day. I mean I can't imagine having 3 kids and NOTHING left. That was the first place we went yesterday. When I say they lost everything, I mean you can't even tell there was a house or better yet a neighborhood. Here are some pics I took yesterday while driving around.

This goes on for 14 miles and a mile wide.

Please go help them if you can. They are amazing people and have such a good perspective. Most just feel blessed to be alive. There will be things to do for several years there.
Here is some video I tool while riding in the car yesterday.

YouTube Video

Empty Numbers

2011-05-27T10:35:00.000-05:00

-365 days
-250 folic acid vitamins
-20 doctors appointments
-4 rounds of clomid
-2 failed iui's
=1 empty womb

Although there is still no baby. I do still have HOPE...

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Heavy Heart

2011-05-24T14:51:00.002-05:00

My heart is so heavy for Joplin today. I've been looking at the pictures and watching different videos of news reporters and to think they are all only an hour away from where I live.
I literally get sick to my stomach and teary eyed every time I look at these images. The damage is just devastating. Marc went with a big group of guys today to help start some of the cleanup and take supplies. I can't believe just a few weeks ago this also happened in Alabama. Can you imagine in a blink of an eye that everything can be taken away or destroyed in an instant. There are still over 1500 unaccounted for, which are hopefully still alive. I always think this can NEVER happen to me or in my area, but it can. We are actually supposed to get severe weather tonight. I keep seeing tweets of northwest Arkansas being extremely "high risk" and I saw a weather guy tweet earlier, "if you have never taken a tornado warning serious, today you really should."
I mean to be honest, I'm pretty fearful of what tonight could end up looking like. I'm praying hard against this.

The high School

this was a neighborhood

The Hospital


And a Church...I think God wanted everyone to know He is still with us and will not be shaken

The good news is that God is still in control. Although we will always have the "why" questions, He is with us and will never forsake us.
As my heart breaks for so many, there are several people around our area that have family there. My co-workers kids & grand kids attended this church (shown above). Their lives were spared as well as their home. They are in shock. Her son works at Lowes and they setup triage in the lumber department sunday night.
I really can't fathom the amount of devastation. I know I've never been this close to something of this magnitude. So please join me in praying for these people. They are hurting.

Here are some other ways to help if you are local in NWA...

1. Financial Aid :: Fellowship has an account set up for those wanting to make financial contributions to the Joplin Relief Effort. You may do this through your my.fellowship account under "Joplin Relief," or you may write a check to Fellowship Bible Church (please notate "Joplin Relief" in the memo).

2. Relief Items :: Fellowship is joining JB Hunt and Mercy Health Systems in coordinating the collection of relief supplies for Joplin. Beginning Tuesday, May 24th, there will be trucks available on the parking lot at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, 2710 Rife Medical Lane off the Promenade exit from I540, to receive your donations.

Suggested items are:

- -Canned and NON PERISHABLE food items (they are running out of freezers, refrigerators, etc)

- -Underwear, all shapes and sizes from children to extra-extra large adult

- -Personal hygiene items that don’t require water (especially baby wipes & deodorant)

- -Duct tape

- -Paper products for eating

- -Generators

- -Chain saws

3. Volunteer Assistance :: We are planning to send teams from our area in the coming days. Contact me at miyount@fellowshipnwaorg to be part of one of these teams. You may also find updated information on my church's website: fellowshipnwa.org

4. Donate Blood at any local red cross!

Thanks!

Oh Louie

2011-05-17T15:34:00.002-05:00

So if you have ever been to our house you have met our ~~lovely~~ and lively dog, Louie. I begged and begged for this dog. After about a year of begging and moving into a house, Marc finally caved. I saved my $$ for awhile and then I went and got him in little rock. Well as I chose him, he came barreling out of the cage, running over his sweet brother and then proceeded to run circles around the living room. Pretty sure he had completed 5 by the time his brother came out. My mom did ask several times if I was sure I wanted this one...
Anyways, Louie keeps us on our toes daily. He is loud, doesn't get along with other dogs, neurotic and then occasionally very snuggly. Marc continually asks me when we can get rid of him. I say until we have a child because it would be way too boring and quiet without him.

Being his crazy self, he tried to attack this little vacuum the other day while I was using it. So I got it out again to see if he would do the same thing, and he did. We thought it was hilarious, so I had Marc video it!

Warning: turn your volume down on your phone or computer. He is small, but very LOUD!

YouTube Video

The odd thing is, is that when I ~~regularly~~ use the Dyson he NEVER does that. He is definitely one little peculiar guy.
Any takers? Kidding...kind of!

Reasons to Laugh

2011-05-15T23:12:00.000-05:00

In the midst of dealing with infertility, I found this blog called 999 reasons to laugh at infertility. Its a little cynical, but it does make me laugh and it unfortunately has a lot of truth behind each of the posts. Here is one that I recently have enjoyed and have read several times.

#684 It’s GREAT to be an Infertile Because…

So what if your uterus’ isn’t behaving! Who cares if your husband’s sperm has more tails than a dog! It doesn’t matter if you’re tubes have no idea how to fallop! Don’t feel sorry for us! There are lots of positive aspects to being an infertile such as….

(1) No awkward sex talk to your future children! Explaining the birds and the bees to our children will be fun! “Little Tommy, when a mommy and a daddy love each other they drive to a fertility clinic and 4 years later, you are conceived with a lot of love and a little test tube.”

(2) By the time you are pregnant, your friends are already finished having kids. You can borrow all their baby stuff (even if they are stained with poop and vomit).

(3) During IVF or IUI, your partner doesn’t even have to be present during conception! Just send him a quick text once it’s done. “Honey, we did it! How was it for you?”

(4) When you go to sleep at night, you still get to sleep through the night.

(5) You get to cry about infertility in random places. Why go to a boring old grocery store if you’re just going to shop. Yawn. Boring. Having a emotional breakdown in the tampon aisle, now that’s interesting!

(6) Your friends all offer to let you have their bratty kids. Great! So don’t be surprised and call the police when you take them. You had a verbal agreement.

(7) When you’re quintuplets arrive, you might get your own television show called IVF Mama Plus Five!

(8) You get to have surgery to help improve your fertility…. The positive side? The hospital offers these delicious pudding cups for lunch! Lip-smacking!

(9) Your friends have stretch marks, sagging breasts and wrinkles. You only have weight gain and acne due to fertility medication.

(10) Whoever said infertility was awful obviously never met your hot fertility doctor! He can inseminate you anytime!

___________________________________________________

This post was taken from here: http://www.999reasonstolaugh.com/

They really do all make me laugh, which is way better than crying in my mind.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

The Yount Happenings

No longer a teenager

Dreaming of 2

Crystal Bridges

Pinterest Recipes!

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4

Top 5 Gifts

Christmas #3

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christmas #1

Good Riddance, Farewell, So Long 2011

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JOYN

Best Gift Ever

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To Decorate or Not decorate...

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8 years ago

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House Tour

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10 years

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in·tro·vert:

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New Hair

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1 Peter 1:6-7

New Living Translation (NLT)

Baby Beck's Shower

NYC bound

Cake Recipe