This week has been a busy one! Sorry for the lack of comments, I'm trying to catch up on reading now. Not that I have a slew of followers anyways :)
I've been sent and have read several things about waiting over the past few days. We all hate waiting, no matter what it's for. In one way I feel stressed because we've had no news yet and we're marching hard into month #6. In other ways, I look at this upcoming month and know that it is bringing us closer to the baby we are supposed to bring home.
But the one thing I've learned in all of this-Life is too short to live wondering, worrying, and letting these things consume your every being. I know infertility stinks and I know how hard it is to let go when your heart longs for something so bad. It doesn't make it any easier that it seems everyone around you has a growing family. I feel for the most part, I do pretty well. Don't get me wrong, I have my days but it's on those days that I try to lean more on God and seek His will in what He would have me to do during this. He can do ALL things, even if it's not the way we thought it would work out.
We've been through a lot as a couple. Not only infertility but also Tommy's heart scares, job lay offs etc. We've had our share. But when I look at all of the things we've been blessed with, I wouldn't have it any other way. It makes me grateful for what I have and I know that those waiting periods have only made us stronger, live fuller, and know that our loving God has an awesome plan in place for us.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Weekend Getaway
First, thank you all for your kind comments on the cupcakes. I was really pleased at how they turned out! The best news, the office that received them, LOVED them! It was a huge hit. So we'll see if this turns out to be a little side business for me. It's not out of the question because I love doing it. I'll post some more pictures of my other pieces next week.
This weekend, actually this evening, Tommy and I are headed to Myrtle Beach for a weekend getaway. His parents have a condo there and gave us a weekend and show tickets at Christmas. We haven't had a chance to use them until now. Bailey's pretty excited because she's coming with us--she loves to go! I think we may even go to a water park on the beach front. We're also going to do a little "back to school" shopping for me :)
I'm ready and we need this right now. Tommy needs a break from work and I've been stressing a little lately on the adoption situation or lack thereof I should say. I'm so thankful that I have such a supportive husband!
This weekend, actually this evening, Tommy and I are headed to Myrtle Beach for a weekend getaway. His parents have a condo there and gave us a weekend and show tickets at Christmas. We haven't had a chance to use them until now. Bailey's pretty excited because she's coming with us--she loves to go! I think we may even go to a water park on the beach front. We're also going to do a little "back to school" shopping for me :)
I'm ready and we need this right now. Tommy needs a break from work and I've been stressing a little lately on the adoption situation or lack thereof I should say. I'm so thankful that I have such a supportive husband!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
New creation
Last summer, my best friend and I took a Cake Decorating class at Mich.ael's. We had a lot of fun and learned how to do all sorts of things (watch out cake.bo.ss) :) I love to cook and bake but during the school year, there's not a lot of time for "playing" in the kitchen. I've made several cakes for birthdays and things like that but it's been a while since I've created anything recently.
My best friend had to go to some other offices today and she usually brings them "treats." I told her I would make something for her to take this week. I made chocolate cupcakes with buttercream icing. Then I decided I would try making chocolate candies. I had a mold with different shells so that's the one I used. Here's what the result looked like:
Hopefully she gets a good response from them today!
My best friend had to go to some other offices today and she usually brings them "treats." I told her I would make something for her to take this week. I made chocolate cupcakes with buttercream icing. Then I decided I would try making chocolate candies. I had a mold with different shells so that's the one I used. Here's what the result looked like:
Hopefully she gets a good response from them today!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Bad things come in 3's, I hope not!
Well it has just been one of those weeks. You know the ones where you'd rather just stay in bed or for me, would rather be on a tropical island in the Caribbean. It has been so hot here this summer and hot here means high humidity (I'm in NC for those of you wondering). This week it's been the kind of humidity that when you walk outside your face is sweating.
Anyways on Wednesday, I noticed that it seemed to be warmer upstairs than normal. It's usually always warmer up there but it seemed unusually warmer that day. When I went downstairs it felt cooler but not like normal. I checked the thermostat and it was 5 degrees higher than what we had it set at. Great. Tommy went outside and checked the unit and it was frozen. This has actually happened before so we were prepared this time. We turned both thermostats off and waited. It would also be at this same time, he gets called in to work and we are having an awful thunderstorm. I notice, while he's gone, that the fan outside on the unit never stopped. Tommy came home at 9, only to get dinner because he had to go back out, and I told him what was going on. He flipped the breaker so it would stop, the unit was still frozen. He ended up not getting home until 1am. Needless to say it was hot!
He finally found a reputable A/C guy to come yesterday at 5. I stayed gone most of the day yesterday because I couldn't deal with it anymore! Thankfully it was cloudy most of the day yesterday and that helped. While we were waiting, I helped Tommy replace some of the piping on his pump for the water sprinklers. We get that all finished and when we flipped the breaker to turn the pump back on, it doesn't work. Tommy thinks it's gone. What next?
On a good note, it was the blower control card from the unit in the attic that went out. Thankfully it was $150 instead of what we feared would be much higher. Hopefully nothing else breaks today! :)
This afternoon we are headed to stay for the weekend at the beach house! I'm so ready. Tomorrow we're hosting a shrimp boil with some friends from church. Tomorrow will also mark our 5th month of waiting. We've heard nothing on that front, but hey what's new!
Anyways on Wednesday, I noticed that it seemed to be warmer upstairs than normal. It's usually always warmer up there but it seemed unusually warmer that day. When I went downstairs it felt cooler but not like normal. I checked the thermostat and it was 5 degrees higher than what we had it set at. Great. Tommy went outside and checked the unit and it was frozen. This has actually happened before so we were prepared this time. We turned both thermostats off and waited. It would also be at this same time, he gets called in to work and we are having an awful thunderstorm. I notice, while he's gone, that the fan outside on the unit never stopped. Tommy came home at 9, only to get dinner because he had to go back out, and I told him what was going on. He flipped the breaker so it would stop, the unit was still frozen. He ended up not getting home until 1am. Needless to say it was hot!
He finally found a reputable A/C guy to come yesterday at 5. I stayed gone most of the day yesterday because I couldn't deal with it anymore! Thankfully it was cloudy most of the day yesterday and that helped. While we were waiting, I helped Tommy replace some of the piping on his pump for the water sprinklers. We get that all finished and when we flipped the breaker to turn the pump back on, it doesn't work. Tommy thinks it's gone. What next?
On a good note, it was the blower control card from the unit in the attic that went out. Thankfully it was $150 instead of what we feared would be much higher. Hopefully nothing else breaks today! :)
This afternoon we are headed to stay for the weekend at the beach house! I'm so ready. Tomorrow we're hosting a shrimp boil with some friends from church. Tomorrow will also mark our 5th month of waiting. We've heard nothing on that front, but hey what's new!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Weekend fun
We had a great weekend! There's just something "magical" about summertime and living at the beach! It has been so, so hot here with high humidity and no rain. It's almost scary because we usually have really bad thunderstorms. We're hoping that doesn't mean a hurricane is in our future.
This summer has gone by so fast. I'll be going back to work in another month or so, but that's something I don't like to think about! Anyways, Tommy has a co-worker that goes shrimping and he invited us to come along with him, his wife, and son. We met them Friday evening and set off for the shrimp! When I was a kid, my Dad had a shrimp boat and he, my mom, and my sister would all go. All I remember is knocking the crabs back in the water with paint sticks. Tommy had never gone before so this was his first time.
With shrimping, you put your net out and you also put out these two small wooden "doors", that's what they look like, and then you just drag the net very slowly. The first "drag" we pulled was about 30 minutes. Tommy's co-worker B told him how to pull the door in and then what to do with the net. Here he is in action!
Then you have to shake the shrimp and fish and everything else in there, into the bottom part of the net. There's a rope that holds it closed. Then they bring the net to the "culling" table. Culling is where you separate the shrimp away from everything else. B's son, he's 7, went with us. He was so funny. He told me, "we keep 3 things: shrimp, crab, and squid; everything else goes back in, unless we catch a 14 inch flounder."
So they dumped the net and then my job began! It's always amazing to see all of those things that end up in the net. We caught shrimp, baby flounder, crabs-a small one pinched my finger, robin fish, puffer fish, butter fish, baby sharks, baby stingrays, croakers, and squid. Here was our first "drag."
We made three pulls total and ended up with about 55 pounds of shrimp. We would have stayed out there all night though :) However, here, on the weekends, you have to pull your nets in by 9pm on Friday night and you can't shrimp again until 5pm on Sunday.
Saturday we did some things around the house and went carpet shopping. We're trying to decide on a good carpet that Bailey won't pick with her nails. Saturday night we met my best friend for dinner and then went to see Despicable Me in 3d--yes because we are still kids at heart :) It was a cute movie though but I was disappointed in the 3d, it's not like it used to be.
Sunday we went to church and had a great time. We spent the afternoon at the beach house with some friends and did a little fishing. It was a nice, relaxing weekend. I think we both needed it!
This summer has gone by so fast. I'll be going back to work in another month or so, but that's something I don't like to think about! Anyways, Tommy has a co-worker that goes shrimping and he invited us to come along with him, his wife, and son. We met them Friday evening and set off for the shrimp! When I was a kid, my Dad had a shrimp boat and he, my mom, and my sister would all go. All I remember is knocking the crabs back in the water with paint sticks. Tommy had never gone before so this was his first time.
With shrimping, you put your net out and you also put out these two small wooden "doors", that's what they look like, and then you just drag the net very slowly. The first "drag" we pulled was about 30 minutes. Tommy's co-worker B told him how to pull the door in and then what to do with the net. Here he is in action!
Then you have to shake the shrimp and fish and everything else in there, into the bottom part of the net. There's a rope that holds it closed. Then they bring the net to the "culling" table. Culling is where you separate the shrimp away from everything else. B's son, he's 7, went with us. He was so funny. He told me, "we keep 3 things: shrimp, crab, and squid; everything else goes back in, unless we catch a 14 inch flounder."
So they dumped the net and then my job began! It's always amazing to see all of those things that end up in the net. We caught shrimp, baby flounder, crabs-a small one pinched my finger, robin fish, puffer fish, butter fish, baby sharks, baby stingrays, croakers, and squid. Here was our first "drag."
We made three pulls total and ended up with about 55 pounds of shrimp. We would have stayed out there all night though :) However, here, on the weekends, you have to pull your nets in by 9pm on Friday night and you can't shrimp again until 5pm on Sunday.Saturday we did some things around the house and went carpet shopping. We're trying to decide on a good carpet that Bailey won't pick with her nails. Saturday night we met my best friend for dinner and then went to see Despicable Me in 3d--yes because we are still kids at heart :) It was a cute movie though but I was disappointed in the 3d, it's not like it used to be.
Sunday we went to church and had a great time. We spent the afternoon at the beach house with some friends and did a little fishing. It was a nice, relaxing weekend. I think we both needed it!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Waiting
Have you ever waited for something? Of course, we all have. When we are young, we wait to get older so that we can have new freedoms. Then we wait to be a teenager; then to get a driver's license and drive. We then wait for school to be finished so we can graduate. The next milestone, turning 21.
Then there are those big "life memories" that we wait for: a first date; a first kiss; the prom; graduating; going to college; finding a spouse; getting married; buying a house or even a car; having children; and then waiting for retirement :)
It's just how we as humans do things. We go through the motions, all the while we wait. We're all waiting for something. For many of us, it is waiting for children, for others it could be waiting for a job or for a loved one to return home. But during this season of waiting, often times it's very easy to get distracted or even bogged down with the negatives. Will it ever happen? Why does God allow this to happen to me? Why can she be pregnant and I can't? Why does God allow this to happen to some of us but not all of us? Why do some seem to have the easy paved road and others seem to be walking through the rocks and mud? I have no clue why some of us are subject to these things and others are not. I don't know why people who seem very deserving of children can't have them but those that don't want them fall pregnant everyday. But I do know that God is more than able to handle all of this and He sees the big picture. When I saw a younger girl pregnant or heard about someone doing drugs and having babies I would always wonder "why" but Tommy used to always say, you never know what lesson God is trying to teach them.
Philippians 4:6-9 says:
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Then there are those big "life memories" that we wait for: a first date; a first kiss; the prom; graduating; going to college; finding a spouse; getting married; buying a house or even a car; having children; and then waiting for retirement :)
It's just how we as humans do things. We go through the motions, all the while we wait. We're all waiting for something. For many of us, it is waiting for children, for others it could be waiting for a job or for a loved one to return home. But during this season of waiting, often times it's very easy to get distracted or even bogged down with the negatives. Will it ever happen? Why does God allow this to happen to me? Why can she be pregnant and I can't? Why does God allow this to happen to some of us but not all of us? Why do some seem to have the easy paved road and others seem to be walking through the rocks and mud? I have no clue why some of us are subject to these things and others are not. I don't know why people who seem very deserving of children can't have them but those that don't want them fall pregnant everyday. But I do know that God is more than able to handle all of this and He sees the big picture. When I saw a younger girl pregnant or heard about someone doing drugs and having babies I would always wonder "why" but Tommy used to always say, you never know what lesson God is trying to teach them.
Philippians 4:6-9 says:
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, 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. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
So during this time of waiting, we all can grow. I truly believe God wants to give us the desires of our hearts; it just may be in a different way than we first thought possible.
I'm leaving you with one of my favorite songs for you to enjoy! What are you waiting for?
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
My latest hobby
This past winter, I felt like I needed a new hobby :) Tommy says I already have too many and most go for a bit and then sit around not finished. My goal this summer was to work on scrapbooks. Notice the word "was"; summer's not over yet so I guess I still have some time. I always have all of these great plans when I'm off during the summer but then there are so many distractions. Fun distractions, but distractions. I'm going to try to get going on those scrapbooks. Maybe this will keep me more accountable.
Anyways, this new hobby, he actually LOVES. Couponing. I never thought I could get into it or would have the time. But thankfully there are some dedicated sites out there now that keep me informed of the latest and greatest sales. There are a couple of rules to coupons: you can't be a "brand snob" and you have to just go with the flow when it comes with sales (meaning you may have to wait a week to buy something). I have stockpiled our cabinets and our freezer with all kinds of things, from meats to toilet paper. I love seeing how much I'm saving us by doing this and all I'm doing is cutting some coupons on Sunday evenings and then looking at different blogs to find the good sales. I don't think I've spent over $40 a week in groceries and household items since I started this in March. And then of course all of these savings can go into the baby fund!
Today I had to drop some things off at Goodwill and decided I'd head over to Tar.get. I ended up buying Armor All car wash; tire cleaner; 4 boxes of eggos; 4 boxes of cereal (special-k); 1 package of sandwich thins and my total was $5.90. Woohoo! I was excited (and still am) :) I know it's sad at the types of things that can make you excited now; I must be getting old :)
Anyways, this new hobby, he actually LOVES. Couponing. I never thought I could get into it or would have the time. But thankfully there are some dedicated sites out there now that keep me informed of the latest and greatest sales. There are a couple of rules to coupons: you can't be a "brand snob" and you have to just go with the flow when it comes with sales (meaning you may have to wait a week to buy something). I have stockpiled our cabinets and our freezer with all kinds of things, from meats to toilet paper. I love seeing how much I'm saving us by doing this and all I'm doing is cutting some coupons on Sunday evenings and then looking at different blogs to find the good sales. I don't think I've spent over $40 a week in groceries and household items since I started this in March. And then of course all of these savings can go into the baby fund!
Today I had to drop some things off at Goodwill and decided I'd head over to Tar.get. I ended up buying Armor All car wash; tire cleaner; 4 boxes of eggos; 4 boxes of cereal (special-k); 1 package of sandwich thins and my total was $5.90. Woohoo! I was excited (and still am) :) I know it's sad at the types of things that can make you excited now; I must be getting old :)
Sunday, July 4, 2010
We took the plunge!
Well after all these years of trying to have a baby and never knowing what may happen, we've taken the plunge and bought a crib! It really seems weird to have it in the house, in "the room" actually. It's still hard to say it's a "nursery." I will post some pictures once we get things set up. We have a dresser we need to paint and then we'll buy the changing table. Here's what we bought though if you want a sneak peek.
I think I already said that in the beginning of this adoption journey, we didn't think we'd want to set up a nursery. However, after much prayer and listening to what others had to say about it who had been there done that, we decided it would help prepare us mentally for this child that is to come. Buying it now will also help on all of the money that will have to come out of our pockets once our baby does come home.
So the interesting story from yesterday.......We drove up to my brother in law's. He works for a car dealership and had the guys put new tires on our SUV. Anyways, while I was waiting for he and Tommy to get finished (it took forever), I overheard a conversation between a car salesman and customer. I didn't catch the beginning of it but as they walked by the customer (a woman, a younger woman I might add) tells him, "yes now when you adopt, you know what's going to happen." The salesman chimes in, "yes we'll get pregnant." The customer: "it really all has to do with relaxing and that's usually why it happens like that." REALLY? I had to do everything within me to not open up to them that that's not always how things work. We decided to adopt a year ago and have been completely peaceful and "relaxed" about it so why aren't we pregnant? Wonder how they would have answered that one? It's so funny that some people think things are that easy. Maybe that's been our problem for 4 years now, we just aren't "relaxed" :)
I think Tommy was excited about the crib. He put it together as soon as we got home. For now we will just continue to pray for our baby and the expectant parents as we wait.
Happy 4th of July everyone! We are headed to Tommy's Grandma's to cookout with all of the family. We are all meeting up at her house since she's not able to get out. I hope you all have a great evening!
I think I already said that in the beginning of this adoption journey, we didn't think we'd want to set up a nursery. However, after much prayer and listening to what others had to say about it who had been there done that, we decided it would help prepare us mentally for this child that is to come. Buying it now will also help on all of the money that will have to come out of our pockets once our baby does come home.
So the interesting story from yesterday.......We drove up to my brother in law's. He works for a car dealership and had the guys put new tires on our SUV. Anyways, while I was waiting for he and Tommy to get finished (it took forever), I overheard a conversation between a car salesman and customer. I didn't catch the beginning of it but as they walked by the customer (a woman, a younger woman I might add) tells him, "yes now when you adopt, you know what's going to happen." The salesman chimes in, "yes we'll get pregnant." The customer: "it really all has to do with relaxing and that's usually why it happens like that." REALLY? I had to do everything within me to not open up to them that that's not always how things work. We decided to adopt a year ago and have been completely peaceful and "relaxed" about it so why aren't we pregnant? Wonder how they would have answered that one? It's so funny that some people think things are that easy. Maybe that's been our problem for 4 years now, we just aren't "relaxed" :)
I think Tommy was excited about the crib. He put it together as soon as we got home. For now we will just continue to pray for our baby and the expectant parents as we wait.
Happy 4th of July everyone! We are headed to Tommy's Grandma's to cookout with all of the family. We are all meeting up at her house since she's not able to get out. I hope you all have a great evening!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Girls Night
Last night my best friend from high school and I went to see Eclipse. Yes, we are reliving our middle school days and I have to confess that we're hooked! It's funny when you look around and there are more middle-aged women there instead of teenagers! The movie was really good and we had a great time catching up.
On adoption news, our social worker emailed yesterday and things have picked up a bit in the offices (there are 3 in our state). We don't know if anything has gone on with our profile but I'm ok with that right now. Hopefully we'll receive a quarterly update from them soon. She did tell us that her longest waiting family (right at 2 years), received their baby 3 weeks ago. So that's great news to hear.
The waiting has been a bit difficult this week but I know it's because I've been at home and not really doing anything. I continue to remind myself that this is all in God's hands and He will provide when the situation is right for us. This was in my devotional this morning: "There are times I think it might be better to have my future predictable, but looking back, I'm always grateful God didn't tell me ahead of time."
On adoption news, our social worker emailed yesterday and things have picked up a bit in the offices (there are 3 in our state). We don't know if anything has gone on with our profile but I'm ok with that right now. Hopefully we'll receive a quarterly update from them soon. She did tell us that her longest waiting family (right at 2 years), received their baby 3 weeks ago. So that's great news to hear.
The waiting has been a bit difficult this week but I know it's because I've been at home and not really doing anything. I continue to remind myself that this is all in God's hands and He will provide when the situation is right for us. This was in my devotional this morning: "There are times I think it might be better to have my future predictable, but looking back, I'm always grateful God didn't tell me ahead of time."
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