Graduation

This weekend Adam's younger brother, William, graduated from high school. Here's a few pictures recapping the extravaganza! 

Dinner at The Black Olive Downtown, Orlando

We celebrated Grandpa Bill's b-day; late mother's day for Grandma Fern;

William graduating; and Becca's 21st b-day!! 

Fancy soup!

Fancy way to heat up grape leaves

Later that night we went to see Jersey Boys! (no pics)

Best Sign "Turn yo swag on!" 

So excited! haha

Mike is a trustee so he was able to hand William his diploma! 

Family Pictures! 

Zach & Will and the siblings! 

IUI

So Adam and I went back to the doctor this morning and we found out that everything is progressing as it should and we are scheduled to have our first IUI on Tuesday. We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers as this is such an emotional process for the both of us. We have a peace about it all and we trust that our longing will be fulfilled. Different then we imagined but so perfect for us. As we sang today in church...

You are my supply

My breath of life

And still more awesome than I know

You are my reward 

worth living for

And still more awesome than I know

All of you is more then enough for all of me

For every thirst and every need

You satisfy me with Your love

And all I have in You is more than enough

You're my sacrifice

Of greatest price

And still more awesome than I know

You're my coming King

You are EVERYTHING

And still more awesome than I know

More than all I want, more than all I need,  You are more than enough for me

More than all I know, more than all I can say, You are more than enough for me

No matter what happens...He is Enough!! 

Appointment

On Friday, Adam and I met with our doctor (Dr. Loy) to discuss my surgery results and 'the plan.'  So what does that mean for us...well Dr. Loy drew out this elaborate detailed picture about the options available. As he was describing basic human anatomy/processes, I was just so intrigued about the complexity and wonder of how our Maker has designed each of us. (He has knit/woven us together so intricately). I'm so thankful how he continues to reveal himself to me in this process...

When he finished his explanation he said, "Call me on your next cycle day (CD) 1." I think my face said it all and then he said, "Well, wait... What CD are you on?" Calmly I said, "CD2" and then his response came to my surprise, "Ok, so I guess we can start this month!" I calmly sat in my chair but in my heart I was rejoicing and wanted to get up a do a happy dance. Finally we get to move forward. Does this necessarily mean will will have a baby right away? No, I'm no sucker...but my hope has been renewed in that slowly the waiting is becoming joyful expectation of HIS PERFECT TIMING!! 

So he sent his nurse in and she did an ovary check. All was looking "perfect" her words not mine. So now I'm taking Letrozole and next Sunday will go for a follow up ultrasound to check my progression and to have a blood test. If everything is looking as it should, then they will tell me when to take Ovidrel (a shot). Once we've done that Dr. Loy will let us know if we will then have our first IUI. 

Of course I'm truly working on living life day by day. I have no idea what the future holds for us because I never dreamed this is where we would be. But what I do know is that He is leading us. He is leading us to HIM. Many days I long to just sit before him like a weaned child sets with his/her mother...just to be present with HIM. Most of the time that's the only way I get through this. Being still and KNOWING He is God~ I am not. HE IS HUGE! I am not. 

I know many of you reading this might not have any idea about all this fertility stuff and it might seem crazy that I post all of this but I guess it's helping me see His faithfulness in our story but also so that HIS name can be made known. I am asking for a miracle-a baby- and I know he is faithful to his promises and will fulfill the desires of my heart. So when he does...I want to proclaim Him to the many who doubt or do not know that He is GOOD! He is SOVEREIGN! He is CRAZY about US?! 

Psalm 113

Who is like our Lord- OUR GOD- enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and earth? 

He raises the poor, lifts the needy, and settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children." 

Praise the LORD!! 

Disney World

What a fun weekend! My friend from college, Jamie, came to visit us! She brought her boyfriend Brooks and the four of us spent the day at Disney on Saturday. Normally I don't think I would have been as crazy about going to Disney but Jamie's great-aunt works there and so we were able to go for free!! Thanks Aunt Ruth!! We went to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. I think we were there a total of 11 hours. INSANE!! I have no idea how people do this for a week...we were exhausted! 

Jamie & Brooks

Just as we got on Thunder Mountain the ride was 

experiencing technical difficulties.

 SO this was my pretend action shot! 

So excited about the tea cups!!

Well, Jamie & I...Adam's just hoping he doesn't get sick. 

 

Action shot! 

Just Keep Swimming...

Yesterday I went with Ashley to watch Avery's swimming lesson. The lessons are about 15 minutes long and it was so fun! Yes I was the paparazzi but it was so adorable I had to capture the moment. 

kick kick kick 

reaching for the wall 

having fun! 

After swimming she gets a sweet treat that she loves!! 

I'm so proud of her!! She's growing up too fast. 

Mother's Day

I love the chance to take time to celebrate our mom(s). And for the first time in a while, I actually got to spend the day with my mom. We all went to church and had brunch at the Mikkelson's. It was pretty low key but we were all together! 

Mikkelson gang ~ minus Avery she was sleeping. 

Mom & Dad

The past couple of Mother's Day have been a pretty sad day for me. Though I have much to celebrate, it is also a reminder of my loss as well as an unmet desire. When I go now, I think about the women who have lost their moms, or women who have never been moms, or daughters who never had a good relationship with their mom, or those who have lost children, etc. I guess it has made me more aware of how to pray for others around me and to acknowledge that it's ok to be sad. It doesn't mean your not happy for others, it doesn't mean you're depressed or you've loss all hope~ it's just a way to acknowledge all types of journeys. I was very thankful that my church did honor women who have lost children. In our hearts we celebrate because they are with Jesus~ the place we all long to be~ but we miss them everyday! 

Porch Sale

I'm so sad that I didn't get better pictures at our first annual participation in the community wide porch sale. It was quite a scene~ music, balloons, people, and lots of great deals. Yes I did end up selling a lot of things for A DOLLAR! But I guess it's better then bringing it back in the house. We ended up making around $330. And all that we have left is a few bags of clothes and little odds and ends. Now for a trip to Salvation Army. I was so tired afterwards but really had a fun. I can't wait until next year!! I'm already thinking about ideas! 

I'm back...

The last 10 days Adam and I have been staying with a family while their parents where in China. It was a lot of fun but I'm so tired. I can see why it's best to start with babies and not teenagers. (Although these teenagers are SUPER!). It's more the scheduling and all the homework/projects/sports/x-box/lunches/dinners...etc. Way to go all you moms! Much much respect for ALL you do that daily goes unnoticed. Adam and I look forward to the day our home is filled with the chaos. We are just thankful we get to ease into it!!

More updates to follow...Porch Sale, Mother's Day, etc...

Spring Fever

I love this time of year and the weather today was beautiful. Adam and I had a much needed productive Saturday getting our porch ready for the porch sale (next weekend). I had a need to change the flowers on my front porch so we spent our morning at Home Depot and a local flower store. Afterwards, we came home and got to work and here's what we have now. Of course I don't have any before pictures for you to appreciate all our hard work but I am happy with the way it turned out. 

Welcome!! 

(Home Depot had the pre arranged planter for only $9.99)

We planted these blue/white flowers in our baskets. 

I say these because I'm not sure what

type of flowers they actually are. They look like a mix 

between a geranium and a hydrangea?? any thoughts...

I think they look a little puny but Adam assures me they will 

fill out and grow. (as if he really knows...I think he was just 

trying to get me to make a decision) 

One of my favorite places is to sit in our rocking chairs as the sun sets!

It is so peaceful. A little heaven on earth. 

Thanks for my shout out JILL ! 

So what do you think of the make over?! 

This new creativity has the potential of getting me addicted.