Monday, April 19, 2010

Another Surgery

As I head into another surgery tomorrow (to try and repair the endometriosos damage on my right tube), I am having to trust God fully and prepare for whatever outcome the result may be. It is so very fitting that ever since we started attending Calvary Chapel in January...they are studying the book of James. I really feel that some days it is just speaking to me in a way that only I need during this time. I will still pray that they can open that tube and not have to remove it too and we won't have to look at the other options. But, I also pray that I can handle the other outcome if needed and have peace in knowing there are other options for Todd and I. SO....other verses I will go to sleep tonight with are...

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."Romans 8:18 (KJV)

"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble.He cares for those who trust in him,"Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world"John 16:33 (KJV)

Monday, April 12, 2010

Trip to the Zoo

Mitchell and Mason's silly picture

Man...I love these sweet boys!

me and Erin


Aunt Brittney, Mitchell, and Mason



Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Another week has passed

I have really not been doing well with blogging! I think about it often but do not take the time to do it! It has been 3 weeks since my surgery and I am healing well. I have an apt with a specialist this Friday to discuss options and future plans. There is a possibility that my right tube is slightly blocked and I will be setting up another surgery procedure to see if they can unblock it. I have been praying and praying that the tube will be fine. If something happens and I loose that tube too then we would have to look at In-vitro. I looked into my insurance this week and my insurance covers 0 for this! I became upset and called Todd crying because I do not understating how it would not cover if that was the only was I could conceive. Todd calmed me down and told me I was jumping the gun because I do not even know that we would have to go that route! Sometimes I can get ahead of myself! After the 9 am apt with the specialist, I have an 11:30 am apt to have more lab work done because HCG is still showing up in my blood and I need it to be at 0 before we can start trying for a baby again.
We had a great Easter weekend! Todd and I went on a quick Thur-Fri getaway to Boone NC. It felt really good to get away together! We then went to Scottsboro on Saturday and stayed at my mom's that night. We went to church on Sunday and then had lunch and Easter egg hunts at mom's house.
My nephews are coming to stay with is this Friday so my sister and hubby can have a weekend trip to celebrate their anniversary. I am planning on taking them to the Zoo on Saturday and really hope the weather stays pretty!
I have been back at work since last week and it is going well. I get so frustrated at times with how some of these teens seem to not care at all about their court orders!!! Vic started work with us last week and it is nice to have him as a neighbor again.
So, that is what is going on in my world. I am wishing I was tanned and skinny as summer is approaching....guess I need to get to working on that! :)

Saturday, March 20, 2010

This to shall pass

Not sure who really reads this blog and not really sure where to start...what a rough 2 weeks!!! I have been praying and praying for peace and understanding in my heart.
Long story short...had a miscarriage last Thursday. I had started spotting the week before (on March 5) and went in for blood work. Me levels came back with progesterone being low but my hcg level high. I went back on March 8 for more blood work and my progesterone and hcg levels had both went up but progesterone was still low so I started medication. Todd and I went on March 11 for an ultrasound and saw that there was no heart beat and the sac was almost gone as I had been spotting for days. I went out of town that day with mom and Aunt Nandy to get my mind of things and to celebrate Aunt Nandy's birthday. I had already been preparing myself for the miscarriage when I first found out my levels were low. But, I did get my hopes back up when I found out that had went up at the appt on the 8th. I could not help myself in question why but I found some peace in knowing that things just were not right for some reason.
Then...this week they realized my levels in my blood were still going up. My doctor called me Wednesday morning while I was at work and said I need to come in immediately. They did another ultrasound and I had very clearly had an ectopic pregnancy. Not sure if it was twins or if what I lost last week was just an extra embryo sac...there was no way to know for sure. So, I was told to be at the hospital the next morning for surgery. I had to have a D&C of my uterine tissue, they removed the pregnancy from the tube, and then removed almost all of my left fallopian tube. The tube was completely blocked and I was going to keep having these issues as long as we continue trying to have a baby. We knew I could not emotionally or physically go through this over and over. Many people have babies with just one tube but it has been emotional for me because it can make it more challenging. It has been an emotional roller coaster anyways because my levels are so high and my body still thinks I am a hormonal pregnant lady! I am extremely sore and have 3 incisions and then they went in "down there" (sorry of that is too much info) as well. My stomach looks horrible...swollen and bruised...and I am very tired.
Please pray for Todd and I. I do not want to form a hard heart with all of this or get into the mindset of things not being fair. God has a plan for us and I have to trust him fully. My aunt is here today and mom just left. I have had so many thoughtful phone calls, emails, cards, and even flowers! I am off work through the end of the month so I have some time to heal. It has been a rough 2 weeks but I am very thankful they realized things before my tube exploded. I know this to shall pass and we will be stronger because of it.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Random Thoughts

I have not posted in 2 weeks...where does the time go????
We have been working on the Toddco (my husband has a side business) tax preparation every night this week so that has occupied a good bit of time. I have found myself in the bed by 9 this week! I have been a bit "blah" lately and just really tired!
Last weekend, Todd and I were gone ALL day on Saturday...visiting with friends in Jasper, seeing our new niece Ellie, going to Mitchell and Mason's wrestling meet, and then meeting Todd's parents for dinner. We came on back Saturday night so we could make it to church on Sunday. I am still really liking Calvary Chapel and we are going to a luncheon in 3 weeks after the church service so we can learn more about the church and meet all the staff. The service on Sunday was about trials in our life and how we too often get down and out instead of turning the lemons into lemonade. I know I sometimes need to work on seeing the positive things in life instead of focusing on the negative.
I was so glad to make it to one of my nephew's wrestling meets this year. It is their first year of wrestling so there were only a few meets that they participated in. I hated seeing so many of the kids crying after they lost. It just reminded me how hard it can be to be a kid and how it hurts so bad to loose at something you really want to do well in.
Other news....I went to Publix and spent 42.11 and got 108.15 worth of groceries! I even bought organic milk and other organic produce which is typically much more expensive. I was pleased with that trip!
We do not have big plan this weekend and I am looking forward to just being at home and having good weather! It amazes me how sunny days can feed the soul!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

looking forward to the weekend!

I am so looking forward to a nice laid back weekend!!! My mom is coming to visit in the morning. I LOVE having every Friday off work! I do not think I could go back to regular work days. 4-10's is the way to go! Mom and I are going to spend the day together and get a massage at 3. Todd will meet us for dinner after the massage and then we will likely just hang out at the house. She will leave on Saturday and then Todd and I will head out that afternoon to take his mom out to eat for her birthday. We will go to church on Sunday and then I plan on watching Lifetime on the couch! :)
We had a great time at Ski Beech last weekend. It snowed the whole time we were there so Todd loved the "real" snow when he was boarding. The girls went to the spa on Saturday and I got an organic facial....it was awesome! The trip offered little relaxing time but it was fun. 4 couples is a bit much for planning, etc. but I thought it went well. Todd got me a professional flat iron and some beautiful flowers! We had a great Valentine's weekend! It was so nice to be off on Monday too!
I realized some people may wonder why I am couponing these days. Yes, we both have good jobs, drive nice vehicles, travel, etc. BUT we knew we needed to be saving more for the future. Todd is putting in the max in his 401k and an IRA so that is some stability for retirement. I also wanted to prove to Todd that I can save with money so that maybe I can stay at home for awhile when we start a family. I knew groceries were the way for me to really save and since I have free time at work....I began the couponing process. It has turned into a bit of a game for me to see how much I can save and I am amazed at times!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Off to Ski Beech

I am going to meet my hubby late this morning at his work to head to Ski Beech for the weekend! We are renting an awesome cabin with 3 other couples. The guys will ski/snow board tomorrow and the ladies are having a spa day! I think Todd and I will be there earlier than anyone else so we may try to get some night snow boarding in tonight. I can not wait till we actually have our own vacation home up there!!! The land we bought just stares at us every time we go, as if it also wonders when we will build!
I am so blessed to have a sweet hubby that plans trips like this so we can relax away from the demands of work and keeping house! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

more coupon deals

Just have to share today's Bi-Lo trip! I got 32.81 worth of groceries for 8.42!!! I was adding to our stock pile today and knew they had some good deals to match with my coupons.
This is what I bought:
4 cans Dole Pineapple (.15 a can)
Betty Crocker Frosting (.50)
Wesson Cooking Oil ($1)
2 packs spaghetti noodles (.39 each)
2 cans Progresso clam chowder (.72 a piece)
Kikkoman soy sauce (1.50 )
Kikkoman teriyaki(sp?) sauce (free)
Instant vanilla pudding (free)
4 bags whiskin likings cat treats (.03 a piece!)
large bag cat's pride cat litter (1.19)
New york garlic Toast ($1)

I know that I am a dork but I am so pleased with myself!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

heavy heart

Lots of bad news today and I have a heavy heart. I feel so bad for Haley and Cameron as they struggle with making the best decisions for Dax. They stayed here this past weekend on their way to the Shriner's in Greenville. Dax is such a great baby and motherhood appears to really suite Haley. They are leaning towards amputation of his foot and I think with weighing the options that it is likely the best choice. I hope they will have some peace about the decision though.
Also, Leah was in a wreck last night. She is ok but very bruised up and the vehicle is totalled. Brooke and I were just down there to visit on her birthday. She really has had a rough time withe her health and she appeared to be doing so much better! I really hope this will not be a set back for her and she can recover quickly!
So, lots of prayers have went up! I know we all have so much to be grateful for....when hard times come along and make you realize it even more!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

coupons

Quick update on this week's grocery shopping. I love that Bi-Lo doubles coupons! It has turned into a challange for me to see how much I can save!This was a "filler" week and I only needed some everyday items (milk, bread, etc) along with snagging some great deals!
I spent 19.87 on Monday and got 51.60 worth of groceries....a whole buggy full....including an 8 pack of Scott paper towels which are usually almost $9!
I spent .55 yesterday and got a 2 liter ginger ale, box of Lipton family size tea bags, and French's mustard....crazy!!!!
So, total is 20.42 for 55.65 worth of groceries. It makes me happy to save so much :)

Sunday, January 24, 2010

everyday stuff

So, I have not done very well with the blogging!
Today is almost 3 weeks since I posted on here. Maybe I can still do this though!
Todd and I went to Calvary Chapel today and I saw a lot of potential for it to possibly be our church home. It is very hard for me to get Todd's take on things though because I know it is so different then what he grew up with. It is a huge church so that was a little overwhelming for me. We plan to visit more and see how things go....
Aunt Nandy had surgery yesterday on her back. I have been so very worried about her health lately and I know she is so tired of being sick. I really hope things will turn around for her 2010!
We celebrated Monica's birthday last weekend and the boys came and stayed on Friday night with is. They were very good and did not argue! They cracked me up the whole time and it was a special treat to have them here. We went to Shogun's the next night and celebrated with Monica's friends and the rest of the family.
I went and stayed with Haley the next night in Tuscaloosa (yes....I had a 5 day weekend due to my regular Friday off, Monday holiday, and Tuesday furlough) and spent time with her family and Dax. He is such a good baby!!! She seems to be loving every minute of motherhood and I envy her easy going attitude!
So, that catches up with the last few weeks. This weekend was pretty laid back and I did some organizing and house projects. I have couponed today and finally got a plastic organizer for the coupons instead of my ragged envelopes. I have been doing pretty well with it and Bi-Lo seems to be the best palce sicne they double coupns less than .60.
I am dreading a busy week at work as it is the end of the month but I am sure it will pass quickly!

Monday, January 4, 2010

2010

So....it is my goal to really try this blog thing. I am sure many people will not care of the ins and outs of our life but I think it would be a great way to document memories. I also think it will be a good way to keep in touch with others too.
It is so hard to believe that it is year 2010! I have many goals for this year and truly hope to work on myself and being a more positive person. I am such a planner/organizer that I feel I sometimes get way too wrapped up in things and do not even enjoy the moment. I also want to be more creative and "artsy.' Todd and I also need to find a church home that we are both comfortable and happy attending.
Well, this will be my first post. Hope to really make a go of this! :)