AVM's: Brain and Lung

The results are in. I have three AVM's (arteriovenous malformation) in my brain and one in my lung. We were aware that I had malformations in my brain and were looking for a diagnosis. However, we did not expect there to be anything wrong with my lung. It was more of a preventative screening because my dad has had them in the past, and we share the bleeding disorder. Also preventative in that pulmonary AVM's must be removed before pregnancy. I talked to my dad. He has had his embolized before, and it sounds relatively simple. They will go in through the groin with a catheter and "tie it off", suffocating it. The brain AVM's though are not that simple. Due to the area of the brain they are in, they are inoperable. There is treatment now for them called cyber knife radiation. I have an appt. with the neurosurgeon in two weeks to discuss whether we should treat them or just monitor them.

Definition: In both cases these are malformations of arteries and veins. The worst that can happen is they could hemorrhage. Which could be life-altering. So it's a problem. But more of a problem is that with pregnancy there is an increase in blood flow and blood supply. Thus, more of a risk for hemorrhaging. And actually, the lung AVM is more of a risk during pregnancy than brain AVM's. Plus, the treatment for the lung is less complicated. So let's get rid of that thing!

They told me right after the angiogram that they were AVM's. Not a surprise there. I just want to know a plan. But when they called to tell me that there was also one in my lung you could have blown me over with a feather. I'm telling you. No one was expecting this. When we left Baltimore last Wednesday I was already thinking that we were almost done. We just needed to come up with a plan for my brain. And we should be back at the fertility dr. talking babies in just a few weeks. Scratch that. Let's go to the lung dr.! That was not on my list of things to even have to think about. Goodness! I am still trying to get an appt. with the lung dr. so we can set up the procedure. But ultimately we should be done and have a plan in a month.

About halfway through this post I took a break because I was starting to get overwhelmed again. I went upstairs to take a bath. It was there I had a revelation. Going back to the beginning of all of this two months ago I immediately questioned why all of this was happening here, the place I just moved, far away from my family and closest friends. I realized, in the bathtub, that the reason we moved here was to go to this new fertility dr. The reason I have brain AVM's and the reason I have not gotten pregnant is because I have this lung AVM. I believe if I had not had those brain AVM's I would not have been tested for the lungs. Anything you read, any dr. you talk to, they all agree that having a lung AVM while pregnant is dangerous. If the drs. would have known what we would have known now I can guarantee none of them would have advised me to get pregnant.

So let me just tell you the plan. Keep doing what I'm doing. Letting God take care of me. Even though I haven't been able to see it the whole time, that's what he's been doing all along. Two years ago when we couldn't get pregnant it was hard to understand why. A year and a half ago when we went to the fertility dr. it was hard not to get discouraged. A year ago when we started fertility treatment and went three rounds with no results it was hard not to question why. Two months ago when the new fertility dr. wanted further evaluation on pre-existing brain malformations before he would treat me it was hard to see the bigger picture. A week ago when I found out I had AVM's in my lung and my brain it was hard not to get overwhelmed. Today, as I write this it is hard not to be amazed at the power of God. He has known the master plan all along. He has known all along that he would give me a baby. He just wanted me to be healthy before he did so I could stick around to be a mom.

Another Day in Baltimore

<p>I write this as we sit in traffic trying to get to Baltimore. We live in Virginia about five miles away from Maryland. It took us a half hour just to get to the bridge. The hospital called to ask if we could come early. Um, no. We will be late unless you have a helicopter that can pick us up. Early? Really? I don't think we've been early for anything since we moved to this part of the country. <br>
I am having my brain angiogram today at 11. It's a test where they go in through my groin through a major artery all the way to my brain. Pretty cool. The only thing that has me on edge is that I'm allergic to the contrast. I am being pre-medicated with steroids and Benadryl. It's so lovely. I've had to do it before.you're so tired from the Benadryl, but you can't sleep because you're hyped up on steroids. And the steroids make your stomach hurt because the Dr told you not to eat but the medication bottle says take with food!!!
We do get to stay in Baltimore tonight. We got a hotel right by the harbor. Hopefully the sedation will wear off so I can enjoy it.
Then tomorrow morning is the CT scan of my chest. And of course it is with contrast too so more steroids.
The results of these tests will determine if the lesions in my brain are avms and at risk of hemorrhaging with pregnancy and if they want to treat them. The chest scan will look for lung avms. They want to test me because my dad has them.
The great part is after this we are done and we will just be waiting for results. Then we will have a plan for pregnancy.
Everyone has been so sweet. Thank you for all the prayers.
"at other times, what's on His mind is another plan, a better way, a greater yes." This has gone through my head no less than 50 times since I went to bed last night. It's what I woke up thinking multiple times in the night.

Health Update: A Day in Baltimore

Thank goodness for blogging. Its just way easier to explain the complicated-ness that is my life sometimes. We went to Johns Hopkins Thursday in Baltimore to get this whole process started. I saw the pulmonary HHT specialist. He ordered an echo on my chest just to make sure my lungs were clear of AVM's since my dad has them in his lungs. And since these are actually more dangerous than brain AVM's, especially through pregnancy and child birth. That wasn't a surprise to me though. The nurse made a call and they were able to get me in this afternoon. Thank goodness. Between all of the doctors appointments and tests there are like nine different appointments I will need. Cross this one off the list.

And let me just inject right here that Bryan thoroughly enjoyed himself during this visit. When the nurse first came in I was sitting at eye level with her because Bryan kept raising and raising the chair I was sitting in while I was trying to fill out paper work. She looked a little stunned! :)

After the pulmonary doctor was the ENT. Oh boy, was he fun. The nurse came in and sprayed numbing spray up my nose so the doctor could probe around my nose. I'm sure none of you have ever had the inside of your nose numbed. It's weird. I kept wiping it because it was running, but I couldn't feel it till it was on my upper lip. In the meantime Bryan found the light on the chair and was shining it in my eyes...right before he pushed some more buttons on the chair. This time I was laying back. That guy! I think he enjoyed himself so much because he never gets to go to the doctor like I do.  After this magic wand was inserted up my nose to explore the doctor left and my forehead started to itch. I looked down and I had a couple patches on my arms too. Wouldn't you know it. I was allergic to the numbing spray. Good grief. It's always something.

We had a couple hours until my echo so we headed that way and decided to grab something quick to eat on the way. We made it downtown to discover that the hospital was not in the best part of town. The best way to describe it is that there were inmates in orange jump suits with a guard picking up trash on the side of the road. And that guard with them didn't make me feel any safer. We made it to the Burger King, shoved our food down (not because we were hungry, but primarily for our safety) and headed down the road.

We went to the hospital then for the echo. The test took about an hour so Bryan found a pillow and tried to nap in the corner. I still have not heard the results. I am not expecting there to be any problems, but I should hear from them tomorrow.

After all of the poking and prodding we went down to Inner Harbor and had Cheesecake Factory on the river. So yummy. Browsed Barnes and Noble. Went up to the observatory deck 28 stories up and got to see Baltimore up close and personal. It was very cool. Then we walked around the mall and headed back to the Cheesecake Factory to get that cheesecake that our tummies had no room for earlier. One Oreo piece and one Snickers piece. Yum-O!!!

The day overall was great. Had the necessary tests and appointments. Nothing too emotional at this point. Got to spend the whole day with my husband. Got some sight seeing and good food in. Good day.

This is just the beginning of the whole process. Wednesday we will go back up to Baltimore to see the Nurse Practicioner about the upcoming angiogram, and we will be seeing the neurologist. We will then be out of town for the next week and a half. So when we get back I will go to an allergist because, of course, I am allergic to the dye they will use in the angiogram. Then we will have the angiogram. After that is when they will decide if I do have AVM's, if they want to treat them, and if they think it is safe for me to get pregnant.

In the meantime they have instructed us to stop trying for a baby. So we are on a baby break. Its so hard when the desire of my heart is to hold a little baby. My baby. But I do believe that God has protected me from getting pregnant these past two years because it is likely that I do have brain AVM's. So we are just waiting now. Waiting on the doctors, waiting on the tests, waiting on God. Not that it's easy but I have peace that this is the right thing to do right now. That helps. Today in church Pastor used an illustration about the Cape of Good Hope. It was originally named the Cape of Storms by the explorer who found it. He named it that due to the storms all around him on his journey. Then years later Vasco de Gama named it the Cape of Good Hope. He had a different perspective. He saw the hope in his journey. The end result. Making it to India. It really hit home with me. There is hope. The hope that one day God will give me baby. I know he will. But right now I have to wait. And not focus on the storms, but on the hope.

Thank you to all of you who are praying. So many of you have called or texted or emailed checking on me. I wanted to blog about this so I could answer all of your questions in as much detail as possible.

Safeway Couponing Trip

I keep posting pictures of my couponing trips, but if you don't know how I'm saving money then it doesn't help you. So for this post I am going to post a picture and tell you how I saved all the money. This particular post will be about Safeway. So pay attention DC area people. I hope to post other stores in the future.

-2 boxes of Hot Pockets-These were on sale for $1.88. I had a $2 off 2 Safeway coupon. I had an 95 cent off 2 coupon which doubled to stack on top of that. Final price-FREE.

-1 box of popsicles. They were on sale for $2.49. I had a $1 off Safeway coupon. And I had a $1 off coupon to stack on top of that. Final price-49 cents.

-12 boxes of Nabisco crackers. These usually retail for $3.99, but they were on sale for $1.88. I had coupons for $1 off 2. Final price-$1.38 each.

-2 boxes Triscuits. I happened upon these. They are new so there was a coupon for $1 off 1 attached to each box. They also were on sale for $1.88. Final price-88 cents each.

-4 bags of Lay's chips. They were on sale BOGO free. Original price was $4.29 a bag. Final price-$2.65 each.

-2 boxes of Keebler crackers. These were also on sale for $1.88. I had a Safeway coupon for $1 off 2. Final price-$.138 each.

This trip was about a month ago. The total was around $100, and I paid $33. I will take a 66% savings anyday! I once read a blog about a lady whose goal was to save 60% every time she shops. In my experience that is actually very realistic. the goal is not to get thousands of dollars of groceries free. Those shows you see on TV are not real. That's why it's so addicting. :) It may not seem feasible to you right now, but I'm telling you, saving 60% is very doable. This is by using coupons and the store ads. Because, of course there aren't coupons for every single item. Milk, produce, meat...There are times when I hardly use any coupons and still save 60%. BOGO sales. Bulk meat sales. They are out there. 

So for all of you who have a Safeway by you, you need to download the Safeway app! It's their Just4U program. If you don't have an android phone you can sign up online. Register your card and browse all the savings. Whatever deals you are interested in just load to your card. There is a tab for coupons and a tab for personalized deals. The coupons tab is self explanatory. But I love the personalized deals tab. Your card remembers items that you buy a lot of and gives you deals that are especially for you. Every shoppers card will have different deals. For instance, last week I got a deal for Laughing Cow cheese. They usually sell for $3.99, but my deal was for $1.88. That is almost 60% off. But the best part of using your Safeway card is that you can stack manufacturer's coupons on top of the Safeway coupons and deals. With your Safeway card you can get rock bottom prices. Do it today! Sign your card up with their rewards program. 

A Car and Some Coupons

This past Saturday Bryan and I bought a new car. A Honda CR-V. I love it. This is the first time in our 8 year marriage that we have had a nice car. Sometimes when I walk by the window I just look out at it! 

So after we bought the car we drove it across the street to Safeway. Coupons in hand I was ready to start saving money.  There were three items on my list. Chex, fruit snacks, and brownies. I got 2 boxes of brownies for 25 cents a box. Fruit snacks were 25 cents a box. And Chex were 50 cents a box. My total started at $66 and I walked away paying $6.66. 90% savings, baby!!! We loaded the groceries in the new car, and I called my mom, not to tell her about our new SUV, but to tell her how much I saved!!! True story.

Now, what do a car and a shopping trip have to do with each other? Nothing. I wanted to post about my savings, so I threw our new car in there. Had to. Love it!!!

Babies, Brains, and Bleeding Disorders

It's kind of a weird title for a blog post, but this one has to do with all those things. As most of you know we have been trying for two years to have a baby. What a lot of you don't know is that I have a bleeding disorder called HHT (hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia). My dad has it. His dad has it. His dad's mom has it. You get the picture. It's hereditary and it doesn't skip a generation. So at least one of my children will have it. Basically, I have a lot of extra blood vessels throughout my body. So I bleed really easily.

Eight years ago I was diagnosed with 3 AVMs in my brain. Basically they are clusters of blood vessels and arteries that are formed improperly. The problem is that at any time they could start bleeding. And the result of the bleeding could be life threatening. But there was no treatment for them so here they still sit today.

Three years ago before deciding we wanted to start a family I went to a neurologist, hematologist, and a high risk pregnancy doctor. All of them agreed that these formations in my brain were not AVMs. And me, being the positive person I am, took that diagnosis to mean I was fine. There were some precautions we needed to take while I was pregnant, but that was doable. Nine months later we decided it was time to start a family.
 
Two years have gone by and here we are. We went to a new fertility doctor here in Virginia. I was blown away when all this new doctor wanted to talk about was my HHT. Well that's not why we went. I wanted to talk about babies! But, he was genuinely concerned about my getting pregnant. He wanted to know that these legions in my brain weren't AVMs. So that's what we talked about for the majority of the visit (in between my crying spells). We talked about the risks of my getting pregnant, of having multiples, etc. He didn't want to proceed with any treatment until I went to a new high risk doctor. He also wanted all records related to my HHT. So I was sent home with a "to do list", a bunch of phone numbers, and heartbreak. Why was he making me do all of this? I thought it was taken care of.

I left there so disheartened and defeated. I was mad at that new doctor! I wanted my old doctor back. I had already done all of my "homework" before we started trying. I had already had treatment. I had surgery. Everything was ready to go. Give me a baby, now. Our friends came in town that day and were at our house for a few days so I didn't really have time to think about it after that day. I woke up one morning and thought maybe this new doctor was right. Maybe we should be more careful. Maybe I should get a third opinion.

I talked to my mom for a while that day and we talked about when I was diagnosed with AVMs 8 years ago. We had gone to an HHT center in St. Louis. I remember them being really concerned. But it was a month before I got married so honestly I don't remember much more than that. All this time I had thought the neurologist had diagnosed me. But it was the HHT specialist who did. That is the whole reason I went to a neurologist 3 years ago for a second opinion.. Someone who would tell me it was fine to have a baby. After realizing that I had been wrong this whole time, that maybe these were AVMs, I thought maybe this new fertility doctor was on to something. So we decided that we were going to put off the mission for baby until we got another opinion.

I looked online and found that there is an HHT center in Baltimore. I called them, and they told me they only see HHT patients once a month. And that their August 23 date was full. The next day I called the nurse again to make sure that she had gotten my new patient form, and she told me that she moved a patient and that I would be seen on August 23. What a blessing. Of course we are in a hurry to figure all of this out because of baby plans. Also, a couple months ago we learned that there is now radiation treatment for AVMs. My dad's cousin just had it done. Also, good news.

Let me just tell you about my God. The past two years have been such an emotional roller coaster. No doubt about that. And, honestly, there have been times when I have questioned Him. But I can say in this situation I am not questioning him. Think about it. I haven't gotten pregnant in the past two years. After all the treatment I have undergone, and the surgery I had it was hard to understand why I wasn't pregnant. Two months ago we found out there was treatment for brain AVMs. All of a sudden. In the midst of my doctor appointments. We moved to DC and went to a new fertility doctor. He wanted me to get another opinion. And there just happens to be an HHT center an hour away. God is doing something. He is working. All the little pieces of this puzzle are coming together. While we are in such a hurry to be parents I have complete peace that this is what we need to do right now. I may not have a baby in my arms, but I have a God who is taking care of me better than I know how to take care of myself.

The Night the Lights Went Out

That was a fun night. It started as a typical Friday night. Dinner date followed by an activity. That night's activity was to go get our cube storage unit for our front door entrance. It was about 10 o'clock. I had just given the dogs chew bones and the storage unit was all laid out ready to be assembled. But their were two problems. There was no instruction manual and the dogs were fighting over the bones. And by fighting I mean Sam stole Riley's bone and Riley was pouting. You don't think dogs can pout? Well, they can. And he was. So about halfway through the bone I got it and gave it to Riley. Then Sam was pouting. So then I felt bad for both of them. Riley, that he got a half eaten bone and Sam, that I took it back from him. So I got out another bone. So now there were three floating around. That did not make the situation better.

Then Bryan said, "There is supposed to be a bad storm coming". 10 minutes later-BAM! No power! I had just installed a flashlight app on my phone which was helpful, but literally drained 1% power per minute. And since there was only 39% power to start with it was not looking good. We found four candles and the lighter. Our house now smelled like a combination of nuts, melon, pumpkin, and vanilla. Not good. Fortunately we have a basement that stays cool all the time. Bryan made a pallet on the floor while I got the couch ready. All the while, the dogs were still fighting over the bones.

We moved the pieces to the storage unit out of the middle of the floor, Bryan grabbed a Hershey bar, I grabbed some oreos, Sam and Riley grabbed their bones, and we headed downstairs. Bryan was out by midnight. I, on the other hand, listened as the dogs chewed, barked, did laps on the floor above me and scratched to go out. By 2 the bones were finally eaten and the dogs didn't have to go to the bathroom anymore. Good night.

At 8 the next morning we woke up to Riley barking at the neighbors. There was still no power and he wouldn't stop so it was time to get up. And if any of you know me at all you know I sleep well past 8 on Saturdays. Since there was no power we decided to put the storage unit together. But wait, there were no instructions. Remember? I called Target, and they said we had to bring the whole thing back to get a piece a few pieces of paper. Why couldn't they just open one, give us the manual and then return that one. It made no sense. Oh, I was grumpy by this time. We had to deal with this stupid heavy piece of furniture in the warm house on very little sleep. And the whole time all I could think about was all the food in the freezer I was going to lose. While we were packing up the unit guess what we found? Yep. The manual. Oh well, at least we didn't have to lug that thing back to Target. I sent Bryan up to the store to get some ice for the freezer. About a minute before he got home the power came back on! So there was Bryan with 10 pounds of ice! The $4 we lost to get the power back was so worth it though! So I made cinnamon rolls while Bryan finished putting the unit together. We gathered the puppies up and all went back to bed. Not the best 12 hours of my life!

But the next day at church we found out how many people still had no power. So, no, I can't complain.

Miscellaneous Monday

So many random thoughts running through my head today. Starting with the fact that I am addicted to boxed macaroni and cheese! Yep, that's pretty much what I eat for lunch everyday. Too bad I'm not addicted to vegetables. My waistline would probably love that more!

All I can watch right now is HGTV Love It or List It! I can't keep enough on my DVR to watch. I go through them so fast. But what is going to happen is that I will watch it so much that after awhile I will never watch it again. It happens a lot that way. With Boy Meet World, House Hunters, 30 Minute Meals, and the list goes on!

Our Indy best friends are coming in 23 days!!! Likins/Ellis family vacation here we come!!! We miss them so much, but the thing with them is that we are still just as close as when we moved! I love that! I just realized that there are lots of exclamation points in this paragraph!!! If there was a stronger punctuation mark I would use it!

My house is almost decorated. Its taken so long because I have been clearance shopping for things. Along with DIY projects. But I think this week will be the week of finishing touches. Its been fun finding new things for the house but saving some money at the same time. We just got one of those cube storage units for the front entryway. It is storage, but it is the nicer version of like something you would put in your closet. Now I just have to find the perfect cute little baskets. I love it. And apparently Riley loves it too. I came downstairs and there he was. All nestled in. Too cute.

I am so excited about the Olympics!!! My favorite is a tie between gymnastics and swimming. I just cannot wait. So that's pretty much what I will be doing 24/7 for two weeks. So don't expect to hear from me during that time! I can imagine I will be in my jammies the whole time contemplating whether taking a shower is worth it. Ok, maybe not since I have DVR! Growing up I always wanted to be a gymnast, well, every four years anyways.

I have been getting the Washington Post delivered to my house for 59 cents per Sunday paper. Then I was going to the drugstore to get my other 3 papers for coupons. Those papers were $2 apiece. So I called the Post, and they said that I could get up to 10 papers delivered for that 59 cent price. I was so excited I called my attorney husband at work to tell him. So I was paying $6.59 a week for coupons, and now I am paying $3.54 a week. Plus they are delivered right to my door! 

I made homemade cinnamon rolls this weekend for the first time. It is the Likins family recipe, and I think I did Bryan's mom and grandma proud! :) They were so yummy! I think every wife's goal in life is to make food as good as his mom did. And Bryan said they tasted like hers! Success!!!!

Am I using too many pictures? Oh, well. I love it! And I also love Instagram and my new Photo Grid app. That app I'm sure will increase my Instagram uploading in the near future. 

We went to Chili's last week, and you can now swipe your card at this little device on the table and print your receipt. I gotta say, it was pretty cool. So then Byan and I were talking that one day restaurants will be run with robots! :) 

Bryan ordered me salted chocolate covered caramels for my birthday. There were 16 in the box. My birthday was over 5 weeks ago and I still have 5 left. Let's just say he payed a pretty penny for them so I want to enjoy them. They are by far the best chocolates I have ever tasted. Also, leftover from my birthday. The balloon that Ashley sent me with my edible arrangement. It's hanging proudly from our staircase rail. First thing I see when I walk in the door. I'm hoping it will last till she gets here! 

I hate the metro. Friday I took the metro downtown to meet Bryan for dinner. I left my house at 4:55, parked and was on the metro at 5:10. 25 minutes later I was at Bryan's station to switch lines. So yellow line, to orange line, where we took the train with no air. To red line, where I practically got run over. By the time we walked a block to the restaurant it was 6:05!!!! When we would go downtown Indy to dinner we would drive our car and 25 minutes later we were seated. I want to drive everywhere again! I like being alone in my car, singing as loud as I can, not worrying if a stinky fat guy is going to sit next to me.

I am addicted to Diet Coke! Addicted as in if there isn't a cold one in the fridge I will stick one in the freezer and wait to eat till it is cold!

I am in the middle of my Friends marathon. I am now on Season 2, disc 3. Ya know how I said I watch one show so much that it gets old? Not with Friends! I could watch those guys all day!

I am slowly morphing into my parents. I bought a dish dryer for my counter and I can't stop washing dishes. My mom loves washing dishes. I keep buying whole pork loins and getting them cut by the butcher. That's the only way my mom buys them. I keep eating French and Thousand Island dressing my salad. That's all my mom ate when I was growing up. I cut our frozen pizza into squares last night. My dad likes his in squares too! I just bought the same cube storage that they have! I told the waiter the other day that he was a good cook! That's my dad's line. My husband called me Connie the other day because I couldn't leave for church until the dishes were done!!! This is definitely a crisis I'm going through! I'm too young! Love you, mom and dad! 

Before and After Desk and Chair

Last Wednesday night my husband and I were driving home when he shouts, "Did you see that"? What? What did I miss? He said there was a desk on the side of the road. A desk? Really? You mean that thing that I have been shopping for for months. The item I needed so badly for my living room? The item I was getting ready to purchase for at least $100? There is a free one on the side of the road? Go back! Go back! So that's just what we did. We circled the block. jumped out of the car, and stuffed that baby into our trunk! I'm not even joking when I say I could not sleep that night because of all the ideas running through my head. What color should we paint it? How soon can I go to the hardware store? I was ready to tackle my first refinishing project.

Before

Little did I know how involved the process would be. In my mind, a can of spray paint. Well, my husband educated me a bit. We went to the hardware store and with a power sander, paint, brushes, wood for the top, and sand paper we were on our way. I had the vision, but my husband was very instrumental in making the dream a reality. 

Time to start

 My first time with a power tool

New top. Thank you, honey

And then came the moment of truth. The color. I chose a deep orange to match my curtains, but I was so nervous. I knew it was much, but was that too orange? Have you ever seen an orange desk? 

Orange

Here goes nothing

Ta-da!!! 

After many hours, it was done! And I love it! It is perfect in our living room. Perfect size. Perfect color. Perfect price! Love it!

So I had the desk, but I still needed a chair so yard saling I went! The sole purpose for my morning trip was to find a chair. Well, that and to hang out with my friend, Sarah! We went to yard sale after yard sale, but still no chair. We pulled up to the next to last sale and as I got closer I saw it! My chair! I started squealing and running towards it! And when I looked up I had a few fans excited for me that I finally found my chair. My beloved chair. 

Before

I'm sure it made some little girl very happy. But no more! I was about to "destroy" it. I think I can still hear the whimpering from that little girl's room. But she will be happy to know that it has moved on to bigger and better things! First thing, reupholster the cushion. With the pinstripe fabric that I love. 

Looking better already

Much better

Nice!

And now here comes my spray painting! But not before sanding the ENTIRE chair first. Whoever finished this chair before me decided it would be a good idea to spray it with a clear coat on top! I don't like that guy. He added way more work for me. 

Love!

 So as I sit here at my wonderful little desk and chair writing about it I am pretty pleased. I saved at least $150 by utilizing my side of the road and yard sale finds. Sure there was some work involved, but worth it because it is exactly what I want it and it matches my living room perfectly. 

It goes perfect with the rug

I am very pleased with my first refinishing project! But even more pleased that it is done!

Dear dad,

People adore you. They respect your work ethic. They admire your giving spirit. They adore your friendly personality. They look forward to shaking your hand, working for you, hearing you teach. They look at you and hope that someday they will be a dad like you. Those same people also look at me and wish you were their dad.
I love having that man for a dad. I love pointing you out and saying, "That's my dad". You have touched so many peoples lives. But not quite as much as you have touched mine. I love that you are my dad. I love our daddy/daughter dates. I love when we laugh together. I love talking to you and getting advice from you. I love listening to you sing and whistle-all the time! I love that because everyone loves you so much you can get away with saying just about anything. :) No one would ever get mad at you. You're so funny how you joke around with people or give people at church a hard time. They love it. I think you could go up to someone and tell them they are ugly and they literally could't get mad at you! Your positive attitude and outlook on life are contagious. I want to have that personality where everyone can't get enough of me.
You are so good to my family and I know that Bryan is very thankful to have you for a "dad" too. I love how close you have become and that my husband and dad are "buddies". You are there for us in every aspect. Across the miles you show you care and are just a phone call away. I always feel like you are with me. Distance doesn't matter.
I wish I was there today with you to wrap my arms around you and wish you a Happy Fathers Day. I am so happy that you are my dad and that we are still just as close as we have always been. I love you so very much.

Love,
Katie

Microwaves, Desks, and Braids

So for thankful Thursday I am going to highlight my most happy thoughts recently.

First, after six weeks my microwave finally works!!! That includes three visit from the repair man, calls to the repair center, calls to the property manager for our townhouse, frustration, waiting, more calls, emails. Basically, there were four parties involved in fixing my microwave. The landlord, the property manager, the repair company, and the warranty company. Which goes to show that having more people involved doesn't necessarily mean the job is going to get done any faster. I tried not to complain about it because it is a small thing, but after six weeks its just became a big thing. But what matters now is that it is fixed now and I am one happy girl. Sometimes I just look at it in amazement that it truly is fixed. Warming up macaroni has never felt so good!

Since we moved here I have tapped into my creative side. With the help of Pinterest, of course. That, and way more free time. Also, since we moved here I have been searching for a small desk for the living room. I wanted something small and basic but nothing that looked too modern. I have been so close to buying this one from Target for a couple weeks now even though wasn't thrilled about it. Well, no more my friends! We were about three blocks from our house Wednesday night after church when Bryan spotted it! He said, "Did you see that?" See what??? From his tone of voice it was something very exciting. He wanted to know if I saw that desk on the side of the road. No, I did not! So we circled the block and went back to find waiting for us the perfect desk. The one I had been looking for. Well, not completely. It needed a little love. But I was will to offer that. So in our trunk it went, and I am now sitting here typing this blog on my new little piece of furniture that is in serious need of paint and a new top. This will be our weekend project. So I basically just saved at least $100. I'm telling you, it's a miracle desk!!

I am overly obsessed with braids. And Bryan is not. Every time I see someone my age on tv wearing a braid I inform him that, see, it's in! I am in style, baby! The Bachelorette, Daphne Oz from The Chew, Melissa Joan Hart on Melissa and Joey. Last night I wore a little one going back into my side pony. I'm sure I was the talk of the town! I just imagine when I wear them that all the other girls are jealous of my newly acquired french braiding skills! Thank you, hair tutorial!

So, as you can see it doesn't take much to get me excited!

Confessions of My Bad Self

I must confess, blogging makes me feel like a real author. Which gave me the idea for this post. So there you have it. Confession #1.

I have a heating pad next to my bed. Oh, sure, you think it's for the occasional backache. Not so. I keep it there to put under the blanket with me when I'm cold. Which is a lot. The comforter and quilt are just sometimes not warm enough.

I get the words yesterday and tomorrow mixed up. I will say things like, "yeah, we are going there yesterday" or "we went there tomorrow". I know,  I have never heard of anyone who gets those two mixed up either.

I eat in middle of night. I have been doing this since I was a kid. My food of choice is either pop tarts (cherry) or cereal. The only reason I keep pop tarts in the house is for the middle of the night emergency. Bryan thinks I'm psycho and says he is never hungry in the night. I didn't say I was hungry. I just wake up wanting that pop tart so bad sometimes. There are even some nights that as I'm falling asleep I hope that I wake up in the middle of the night so I can eat Mr. pop tart. Hunger has nothing to do with it.

I have a fake toenail. And I'm proud of it. No one can tell its fake! Way better than that half of a toenail I have underneath. I am thankful that I live in a world of little Korean geniuses who can make my toenail dreams come true.

I don't really know how to blow my nose. Bryan has tried to teach me. I don't understand the whole concept. As hard as I blow nothing really comes out. So I will just live the rest of my life being all stuffed up. It just tickles too bad!

I don't refill the toilet paper holder or the water in the iron. A couple years ago Bryan and I were having a conversation where I was asking him if there was any area I could work on. He just couldn't think of anything. Nothing. Then, finally, after about 20 minutes he said, "well, it really bothers me when you don't refill the iron". "Oh, and the toilet paper holder". Really? That's my worst fault in his eyes? Well, guess what. I still don't do it. So much for me working on my problem areas.

I love Hannah Montana! Oh yeah, Bryan makes fun of me for that one too. But, I do, I love it! Man, I feel better now.

I am addicted to Storage Wars. There's just something exciting about guys fighting over a bunch of junk!

I can't say "rear wheel drive". I bet you can't either. Try it. Mine usually comes out "rear reel drive". It's hard!

My favorite super hero is Spider Man which is ironic because I hate spiders. There is a new Spider Man movie coming out, and I absolutely do not approve of the new Spidey. I want Toby Maguire. You will forever be Spider Man in my heart!

I do a killer impression of Jr. Asparagus. That's right folks. I could be the back up Jr. if the current one was unavoidably detained from recording. But I have only ever done it in person for my mom and Bryan. I get embarrassed. Some close friends have heard it on their voicemail though.

I don't sleep with a top sheet. There is a king sheet on our bed, but my half gets pushed over to the middle of the bed and annoys Bryan. What's the point? A blanket is for warmth. What does a sheet do? Growing up I didn't even sleep with a bottom sheet. But I can't get away with that here. Unless we imitate the 1950's and sleep in separate beds.

OK, back to my fear of spiders. I have a recurring dream that there is a spider coming down from the ceiling. The first two times it happened I stood up and ran off the side of the bed. Both times I woke up crying in Bryan's arms. But fortunately no one was hurt. That was not the case the third time it happened. It was about 1 in the morning and Bryan was still downstairs studying. Next thing I know the light is on, I'm holding my head and crying, and Bryan and the boys are hovering over me asking me what happened. How should I know? I just woke up. Well, it was that dang spider again. When we were reenacting it trying to figure out how I hit my forehead on the corner of the armoire the only thing we could come up with is that I dove head first out of bed into the piece of furniture five feet away. That was the only explanation. And we are fairly certain that I gave myself a mild concussion.

Sticking with my fear of things. Here's another one. Sharks. Terrified of them. So much so that I can't even watch Shark Week! And so much so that I don't like to swim alone in a pool just in case...

I watch hair tutorials online. I have had several people make fun of me. But let me ask you, "does your hair look this good"?

So there you go. I bet you're not feeling as embarrassed of your little quirks anymore.

High Five for Friday

On the top of my favorite things from last week is my trip to Louisville/Indy. And there are obviously multiple favorite moments within that favorite. Hugging my parents. A lot. Surprising my Indy best friend. Going to Shawnee. Going to Lighthouse. Steak n' Shake. Reupholstering my mom's chair with her. Rummikub. Monster cookies. Lunch with Hilda. Daddy/daughter dates. Doris Day with my mom. GFE girls. My niece and nephew. Chick-fil-a.  Oh, I could go on. It was such a nice, relaxing trip. And I got to hug a lot of my favorite people.:)

This actually could be a tie for first. I got to see my husband after 8 days of being away. I don't know which was better, visiting Louisville or coming back to my honey. I have never been away from him for that long. Oh, and my boys too :) I did come home to a very weird scent in my house. Come to find out, the new flea medicine I got for Sam is spice scent. Bryan put it on him before he picked me up from the airport. So now our whole house smells like cheap cinnamon air freshener. He is like a walking scented candle!!!

I got some new stuff for our bedroom. By new I mean stuff my mom had at her house that she wasn't using to decorate. Including a couple cute red cubes, a big basket and some decorative balls. And the other stuff I got was stuff she bought me. :) Yep, I like visiting that woman!! A new picture frame and a little jewelry-box-like thing with three drawers to set on the dresser. I know, great description, right?

Mets game with my honey. Bryan took a half day yesterday to go the Nats/Mets game. Although I complained most of the time about the heat, overall I just kept thinking how great it is that Bryan's company is so flexible with him. It was nice. We went to the game at 1, jumped on the metro after the game, and were home 45 minutes later. Gotta say, the metro is not my friend. But it is a new way of life for us. The point is, we were home by 4:45. It was just nice. But let's go back to the heat thing. Neither of us realized how hot it was going to be. I showed up in a shirt with sleeves, hair down, and scarf around my neck. I left with my sleeves rolled up, my hair up in a pen Bryan found in his backpack, and my scarf in my purse. I still think I'm sweating. And the Mets won!! I was really happy for Bryan getting to see his team in person for the first time.

I got my hair done. Cut and highlights. I went a little chunkier this time and I love it. But that's not the best part. My dad did some graphics for her front window so this girl got a free new do! :) You just can't beat that. It looks great and it was free. That's a lot better than the $180 I paid last month in this new part of the country I live in. Crazy, I tell ya!

Extreme Couponing for Normal People: Part 1

I want to start by saying that not everyone has time to learn in a week how to coupon. When I started I was working full time. A month before I made my first purchase I started researching and collecting coupons. (Buying 4 Sunday papers a week, and printing coupons on the internet.) After my first purchase I would say it took me a good 3 months to become more comfortable about walking into any store with coupons. So it is just up to you and your schedule on how much you want to do this. I am now a full time housewife so I obviously have more time to do this. But before we moved when I was working full time I still managed to do lots of couponing. It just wasn't quite as organized! :) So for all you busy busy people. It can be done!

Starting right away, you need to start buying 4 Sunday papers. I got them for $1 at the Dollar Tree in Indy.  If you are going to get less than that get at least two for the BOGO deals. You need to start your coupon stash as soon as possible. It will take you a good month to build it up.

Get a big zipper binder and either 9 slot baseball card holders or 3 sleeve page protectors. I have both. I have found that I like the 3 sleeve ones because you don’t have to fold your coupons to fit them in the slots. these slots are perfect for internet printed coupons.Also, I would recommend getting a couple of those zip pouches. I found them at Wal-Mart and Target. They have many purposes. They hold my coupons when I go to the store. They hold loose coupons that need to go back in a sleeve. Many uses. I would get at least four. They are key to my organization. And you need to get about 20 dividers for your categories. I would highly recommend getting the kind that have a pocket in the front. You can get them at Staples or Office Depot. I think they come in a pack of ten. The pockets are wonderful for sorting your coupons by category and storing them until you have time to organize.

Zipper Binder

Zipper Binder Open

 3 Pocket Pages

9 Pocket Pages

Zip Pouches

Front Pocket Dividers

When you print coupons online, from any website, it will only allow you to print two of the same coupon. So if you want more than two you will have to use another computer.The websites I use to print coupons are coupons.com, smartsouce.com, and redplum.com. Coupons.com is really the main one I use on a consistent basis. Also, below I have listed websites that have taught me how to coupon and websites that I visit on a weekly basis. Most of the websites are blogs by ladies who have been doing this for years. So basically, they do the work for me. :)

BOGO free Items. You can use one coupon for the item you purchase and one coupon for the free item. Also, if the store is running a BOGO free sale on a certain item and you have BOGO coupons for that same item you can use your coupon on top of the store promotion and get all items free. Example below.

8 FREE Deodorant + $5 Money Maker at Rite Aid.

Rite Aid had Lady's Speed Stick (which is my deodorant of choice) BOGO free. And if you spent $15 on this item you got $5 UP Rewards for your next purchase. Plus, I had 4 coupons for BOGO. So I got 4 free deodorant from Rite Aid and 4 free from my coupons. So I paid nothing and got $5 UP Rewards!! That was a very good day.

Items I never pay for: razors, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, Carefree brand panty liners, gum...

Items I pay very little for: marinara, pasta, taco seasoning, mouthwash, body wash, pickles, cereal, laundry detergent,…

Get a green tag at CVS and attach it to your reusable shopping bag. They are $1 to purchase. Scan it every time you go to CVS and every fourth time you will get a $1 ECB.

Get two CVS cards. Most of their ECB (Extra Care Bucks) items have a limit of 1 or 2 per card. If the deal is too good to pass up you might want to make an extra trip that week with your second card. There was a deal on Physician's Formula, but there was a limit of two. But with my 2 CVS cards I was able to make 2 trips and get 4 concealers.

29 cent Physician's Formula concealer at CVS.

CVS was running a special on any Physician's Formula product, automatically get $5 off each item. The concealer was originally $6.29. So with the automatic $5 off and my $1 coupons I got them for 29 cents!

Since you don’t use a shoppers card at Walgreens, you can do several transactions if there is a limit on a sale item. However, if you get a coupon back for $2 for buying a certain item and you do another transaction for that same item you cannot use that original $2 coupon. It will not give you another one. For instance, a couple weeks ago Nutrigrain bars were on sale for 2 for $5. And when you bought 2 you got $2 register rewards back. Plus I had coupons for $1 off 2. So up front I paid $4. And I got $2 register rewards for a future purchase. Making the bars $1 apiece. Side note, that's the cheapest I have ever found them.

Target has coupons that you can print to be stacked with Manufacturer's Coupons. Example below.

FREE Revlon Products at Target

I printed coupons from coupons.target.com for $2 off Revlon beauty tools. I also had $1 off coupons to stack on top of that. These items were $2.99 so I got them FREE.

The websites I use the most are southernsavers.com, moneysavingmom.com, krazycouponlady.com. The first website that I used to get started is savingwellspendingless.com. As far as I can tell, these are just moms who have blogged about their couponing experiences. When you go to these websites I would recommend reading articles that they have posted about couponing. Helpful hints. That sort of thing. Also, I do know a couple of these ladies have youtube videos as well. Those were also extremely helpful to me when I first started.

My first shopping trip was to CVS. I remember it was the day before Mother's Day last year. What a feeling it was when I got my first free toothpaste and razors. I got a total of $15 worth FREE. Now a year later I just got $105 FREE!!! So it does take time to really master it.

May 2012-$105 worth FREE!

Good luck, gals!!! Buy those papers! Do your research! Visit those websites! And get to it! Message me or post on my wall if you have any questions. I will be doing a Part 2 hopefully soon with more tips. This is just to get your started. Happy couponing!!!

Happy Belated Birthday to Me: My 27th Year in Review

I thought it might be interesting to look back on my 27th year of life on my birthday. I was going to do this on my birthday, but it was a Sunday. So it was busy. Then this week with all of the birthday and anniversary festivities has been full of action. As I thought about the last year of my life I gotta say I was a little overwhelmed by it all. So I thought I would share. And let me warn you, it's a pretty long recap, which just shows what a year it has been...

Actually, I'm going to start a month before my 27th birthday. Less than a month before my birthday, Bryan and I were blessed with one of our dreams. We bought our first house. Oh, that house. I love that house. For 7 years we had lived in an apartment or duplex of some sort. And with dogs, having to walk them 10 times a day wasn't too fun. So I was especially happy to be getting my very own fenced in yard. And what a yard it was. About .4 acres of fenced in grassy-ness! The dogs loved it. They would have lived out there if I would have let them. So that, by far, was my favorite thing about the house. The lot was set in a quiet, established neighborhood that just screamed homey! :) Sometimes I would just look around me in awe that this was mine, finally. We were happy. Our life was coming together like we planned. But God had a different plan.

Two weeks after that we lived another dream. Bryan graduated from Law School!!!!! After 9 years of college, he was done. I felt like a proud mama! All that hard work, all that sleep he lost, all the stress, all the books...finally, it was over. And let me just add that out of about 200 fellow classmates he finished number 13 in his class. Top 5%. Yep, that's my man! What a wonderful day. And we got to celebrate with an open house at our new house. I will always remember that day. But something was missing. We had timed it perfectly to have a baby shortly after graduation. At that point, we had been trying to get pregnant for 10 months. My OB had called and told me her work was done and referred me to a fertility specialist. I remember sitting on the floor in the bathroom at work crying. Why wasn't this easy? Why wasn't God giving me a baby? Remember that plan of God's? Well, he was working.

Two days after graduation, Bryan was laid off from his job at the law firm he was working for. This was the firm he had been working for since that January, and the job that he would become an associate for upon passing the bar. Yet another huge change in our lives. We just bought a house, and Bryan has no job?? We realized that our plan to have a baby right during that time would have been very tough without Bryan working. So that was my answer, God knew what he was doing by making me wait for my baby. But as far as Bryan's job it was very hard to understand at the point just what would happen. Well, as so many times before things worked out for the best. Bryan took the next 2 and half months to prepare for the bar. So that was part of the blessing of not working. I can't imagine how he would have done it and worked at the same time. During those few months we pretty much just lived together but that's it. So much studying going on in our house. But once again, it was worth it.

About a month after that we had our first visit to the fertility doctor. We had been trying to have a baby for almost a year. My body just wasn't cooperating, and basically my reproductive organs weren't functioning normally without medicine. Well, you can't get pregnant if all your "plumbing" isn't working. We discussed our options and came up with a plan to begin in August.

In the meantime, the energy company that Bryan had been working for when he left for the job at the law firm rehired him as a contract attorney. He started the week after the bar was over! What a blessing. Little did I know then that this move would evolve into so much more...But again, God was supplying our need.

About a week after that, at the beginning of August, I started round one of fertility treatment craziness! Crazy really is the best word to describe what my body went though. If I had only known what would follow. Mood swings, hot flashed, night sweats, weight gain, and just plain meanness.Poor Bryan. But fortunately I married a man who takes very good care of me. I went for an ultrasound to make sure everything was good to go. Then started the oral medicine for 6 days. Then shots in my stomach along with it. Then another ultrasound to see if there were any dominant follicles. There were none, but some that were pretty close, so we did meds for a couple extra days hoping they would grow. Then proceeded with the last shot to release potential eggs forcing my body to ovulate. Then the two week wait began. Was I pregnant? Did it work? No.

In September Bryan found out that he did indeed pass the bar!!! There was never any doubt in my mind, but still it was such a relief! My husband was officially going to be a lawyer. Thank the Lord! Finally!

In October Bryan was sworn in, and I was officially the wife of an attorney!!! I love the way that sounds. Yes, my husband is a lawyer. And about a couple weeks later Bryan came home and said Brian (the partner from a DC law firm) was at work that day. He had met him a year before. My immediate response was, "I'm not moving to DC!" He told me to calm down, and that they were just talking to him. Fine, let them talk to him, that's fine with me. Well, the "talking" turned into their wanting to interview him in DC. Still I had hope that they would hire him and he could work remotely from Indy. That was my plan.

In November was round two of fertility treatment craziness! They upped my medicine hoping for better results. I went for the ultrasound to see if I had dominant eggs. I did! I had 3!!!! This was it. I knew I would get pregnant this time. But, in the few days after the ultrasound all it did was make me so sick. I literally couldn't breathe or move without everything inside me just hurting. I didn't know what was wrong. An ultrasound showed that basically my ovaries blew up to three times the size from the medicine. So I had giant ovaries, and again, no baby.

During those few days Bryan flew out to DC for his interview. He came home that Wednesday night and told me if he wanted it the job was his. I was so drugged up, I remember still thinking, ok, great, and we can stay here. He might have to travel but we can stay here and still be employed by the firm. I could work with that. By the next day I realized that was not the case. They wanted him (us) to move to DC!!! DC??? Really?? No way. And we had to know in two weeks. We had to make this decision by two weeks before Christmas. What a great Christmas present for our families. Hey, Merry Christmas, we are leaving.

And that's just what happened. We told them we were leaving right before Christmas. Not the best Christmas ever...It was hard to be happy and celebrate the holidays when in just a couple months we would be 9 hours away from them instead of 2. Bryan  had taken the job and was thrilled. And he had every right to be thrilled. He was going to be employed by a top 100 firm in the world. It was such an amazing opportunity. To be an attorney for two months and land a job like this? A dream come true. Making this decision was the hardest thing I had ever had to do. I could not honestly say I believed it was God's perfect will, but my husband could. And that's all that mattered. I trusted that he was making the right decision for his family. But, honestly, it's not a good feeling when you don't know in your heart that it's the right thing to do. But I married him. I trusted him. And I would follow him to the ends of the earth.

Also, that December we had another visit with our fertility doctor. We wanted to discuss what the next step was. Surprisingly, he walked in the room and told me he wanted to do surgery. To "stimulate" my ovaries and make my body do what it was made to do. Right, surgery. Sure, let me just fit that in before we move. I was blind sided and just couldn't wrap my head around having surgery. So we decided to go ahead and do round three of fertility treatment craziness. If that didn't work I would have surgery. Well, since the medicine made me so sick the last month and didn't do enough to produce eggs the first month he set my dose right in the middle of the two. Also, this time we were going to do and IUI (intrauterine insemination). I was excited. We went on a Wednesday to have the ultrasound that would confirm that I had eggs and we could do the IUI Friday. The ultrasound showed nothing. Literally, nothing. No eggs that were even kind of close. It did not work. There would be no IUI, and I would be having surgery. I cried. I cried and cried. I couldn't control myself so I took the day off work. And I went home. And I cried. No IUI. No baby. Surgery.

On February I had a laperoscopy and hysteroscopy. He was just supposed to "poke holes" in my ovaries to get them going. But on top of that he removed endometriosis from my bladder and uterus and a polyp on my fallopian tube. Having surgery was a blessing in disguise. Going into it I wasn't 100% sure this was the right choice. But God, once again , was taking care of me. He knew I had endometriosis even thought the doctor didn't. My great physician was working in my life again.

Three weeks after that we moved to Washington, DC. Our house was officially on the market. My house. My perfect house that I love. Someone else was going to buy my dream home that I had only lived in for 10 short months. I was leaving my church family and friends in Indy. I was moving 7 hours further away from my parents. The moment I pulled out of my driveway for the last time was one of the most difficult moments of my life. My chest tightened up, my heart started pounding, I couldn't breathe, and I couldn't stop crying. Someone told me later I was having a panic attack. I had never experienced anything like that before, and it happened several more times in the next few days. My life was turned upside down. Everything was different. We were far away from our friends and family.

Now, three months later I am finally starting to be okay again. Before we moved I just kept saying it's not going to be wonderful or perfect at first, but like so many other times in my life I knew I would be okay. It has taken longer that I expected, but I think I'm going to be fine :) The crying has stopped, I haven't gotten lost in awhile, I have figured out some sort of schedule, and I am fighting through this. I will be okay! Our house is still on the market. We are still not pregnant. The surgery was successful in that I my body is cooperating now. I will be making another appointment next week with a fertility doctor here. Bryan loves his job, and I am so happy about that. He is living his dream. Hopefully, one day soon, our lives will contain less drama. But in the meantime, I know I will be okay because I have a God who lives in Virginia too. He is taking care of me no matter where I live.

"So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise. They don't worry me. For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God." God has a lot in store for my life. I have realized that so many of these pieces from the past year are just parts of his bigger plan for my (our) life. I will say, I am ready for the puzzle to be put together, but in the meantime, I will trust that God knows what he is doing, even thought sometimes I don't understand.

Whew! I am worn out! Now you know why my blog name is "Life Ever Changing". :)

Dear Bryan,

I just really can't believe is has been 8 years since our wedding day. I still remember it so vividly. I remember how excited I was to be marrying my high school sweetheart. The day you told me you "liked" me, I knew I would marry that 14 year old boy. The day you told me you loved me when you were 15, I knew I would love you forever. The day you put that ring on my finger, I knew I would always be happy.

When I describe you to people I try to put into words just how amazing you are. But I know those words fall short. But I do know that when I talk about you they understand that you are very wonderful. You have changed my life forever. I feel so honored that you chose me to be your wife. And I feel extremely blessed that the Lord had you picked out for me. You have been in my life for so long that I truly cannot even begin to imagine what my life would be like without you. I have learned so much from you. I have learned to be myself. I have learned to be content with what I have. I have learned patience. I have learned how to like peanut butter and jelly toast. :) I have learned how to be less judgmental. I have learned that little things are not worth getting upset about. To be married to someone who takes such good care of me, works so hard, provides for our family, leads us where God wants us, protects me, and knows what's best for me is something that I am so thankful for.

Life has taken us down so many unexpected roads. But that's okay because we are on the same road. I know I could not have handled so many things without your support and encouragement. Life is not always perfect, but with you by my side I know I will be okay.

The best day of my life was when I married you. And I am looking forward to so many more "best days" with you. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. It takes a strong man to do that. :) You just really have no idea how deeply I love you. Happy Anniversary, honey!

High Five for Friday

Ok. Top five things about this past week.

1. We got to see the seniors from our high school we graduated from. They were in DC for their senior trip. Along with our old principal and school secretary. It's crazy to think that I was doing the exact same things 10 years ago! I told you I'm old. We saw them  for church Wednesday night and met them at Union Station for lunch Thursday. I gotta, I felt like I was back in high school when Mr. D was standing there telling our group what time we had to be back. Such good memories.

2. I started getting birthday cards this week. LOVE THAT!!! It's so wonderful to know that people from all over are thinking about me.

3. We went to Annapolis last Saturday. It is so pretty there. We will definitely be visiting again soon. The one thing I love about this place is that there is so much to do, It was literally perfect weather for it. And while we were there I found my beloved Jimmy John's!!! I haven't gotten to eat it since we moved. I do think there is one somewhere close but I just haven't found it yet. Definitely a highlight of the day. Along with the yummy s'mores crepe. Yes, highlights of my days usually include food!

4. This is just going to be sad sounding when I tell you it was one of my favorite things about this week. I got all of my coupons in my binder and organized. Yeah, I know it sounds lame. But it hasn't been done since we got here. Sense of accomplishment right there.

5. I just bought a cast iron skillet! I never thought I'd say that. I bought it to attempt pan fried steak "like the restaurants do". I got me a Pinterest recipe. I'm very excited about it because it is such a hassle to me that whenever I want steak Bryan has to grill it or I attempt it in my grill pan with little to no success. Succulent, juicy steak that tastes like you were cooked in a restaurant, here I come!

Getting Older

As I approach the ripe old age of 28 in just a few days I am feeling really old. This has pretty much been happening for the past year though. Even as I sit here my back is aching.

So let me just tell you about my back. I no longer can sit on my couch comfortably. Kills my back! And it's my middle back, which is something that has never hurt before. So it just confirms my aging. So, no problem, I will just sit in the recliner. Wrong!! I can't sit there either because it hurts my neck. So I guess, I will live out my remaining days standing up watching TV.

The week after my 27th birthday I went to the eye doctor. Do you know what he told me? I had an add power! That means basically that I can now where bifocals! Bifocals???? Are you kidding me? Those are for old people. Instead of getting bifocals I just got a pair of reader. That's right, old people glasses.

A couple months ago Bryan and I were walking around downtown Indy. We had been walking for a couple hours and were heading back to the car. Bryan asked me what was wrong. I told him nothing. He kept asking. Finally, I said "My hips hurt!!!!!" I was ashamed. My hips hurt just from walking around. How old am I?

About a month ago I realized yet another thing. You know when you sleep on your side all curled up? Well, that's how I always sleep. Except now, I can't have my knees directly on top of each other because it hurts!!! What the heck? My knee bones hurt? I didn't even know that could happen!

I have forehead wrinkles. Oh, and yes the crows feet. I will never be able to raise my eyebrows or smile really big again without the monster wrinkles showing up!

That is just some of the physical stuff. But I gotta say, I think I'm losing it mentally too!

I have noticed recently that when I'm in parking lots I drive really slow. And when I am backing out of a parking space it takes me like an hour. I'm just so afraid that I will hit someone or something! I used to be the speed demon in parking lots and complain about other drivers. Not anymore, friends.

I check the weather like all the time. Its hard for me anymore to plan too many things in advance because what if it rains? Our friends are coming to visit in July and I am already a wreck about the weather! It could rain. Our visit could be ruined.

I just get on google and look at the map of my area. I'm sure this has to do with just moving but I did this before we moved too. Just a few minutes ago I was trying to find some new doctors in our area. I wasn't looking at the reviews for the doctors. I was just making sure I could find the office. The doctor may be shady, but, hey, I didn't get lost!

It takes me way longer to make purchases. Which I'm sure is not a bad thing compared to impulse shopping. But now it takes me an hour to spend $20. Our budget is definitely appreciating this new little characteristic of mine.

I can now say, I am pushing 30, which, by the way, I'm not okay with!!!

Miscellaneous Monday

Hello from the rainy day that is here in Alexandria. My little dogs are glued to the windows just watching the rain fall. I gotta say, it's hard to be motivated on days like today.

My friend and I have started this thing every Monday called MRT (Monday Random Thoughts). Basically where we talk about mostly nothing important. So in keeping with the theme, Happy Miscellaneous Monday!

I have recently taught myself how to french braid. And I have to tell you, I'm addicted. There seems to be some sort of braid in my hair almost everyday. And I'm not very good at it yet so I'm sure it doesn't look the best right now. So much so that Saturday when my husband saw my little braid he started making fun of me. I said, well, does it make me look awful and do you think people will stare at me? He said no. So why make fun of me? Don't mess with the braid!!!!

I have several unfinished projects including, my couponing blog, my recipe book, my fabric decorative balls, my pillow cover...Maybe I should work on one of those soon.

I'm sitting in the basement at my new wonderful desk with Swing music going in the background. Gotta say, I'm pretty relaxed. Maybe this in my new happy place! :) Underground! I can hide some of my crazy down here! Ha!

I love Skype. No, really. I'm not a huge phone person. I would rather talk to you in person so this is perfect. The other day I had my parents on Skype and we were all watching the KY Derby together. Way cool. Plus, I get to see my Andrew! :)

The microwave repair guy came today only to tell me he has to order a part. So in two to five days I will have a working microwave! Yay!

Oh, I could bore you will all the other randomness in my brain, but I will save that for another day.

Dear Mom,

Oh, dear mother, where do I even begin? I think you're just amazing. And I want the whole world (or at least all of my Facebook friends) to know. :) Anyone who knows you even a little bit adores you. Like a moth to a flame, that's how I describe the effect you have on people. They can't get enough of you. They are drawn to you. You are such a compassionate person, so people line up to share with you their problems because they know you care deeply. And it's crazy, but I will be talking about you to people who hardly know you or who have met you once and in the middle of my story they will say "Oh, I love your mom". I have heard that phrase so many times being associated with you.

And let me just say, I agree with them. I adore you. I love your personality. Your fun loving spirit. Your encouragement. Your patience. I love how close we still are. Through the years and through the miles. That has never changed anything. And I am so thankful for that. I'm thankful that distance has not come between us one bit. I'm thankful that even from afar you still figure out ways to take care of Bryan and I and your grandpuppies. Ways to let us know you love us and care for us so. You really have no idea how much a cherish and appreciate you. I hate that I am not with you today. I wish I was there to hug you. I'm sorry I'm not. But know that I love you so so much. And I miss you everyday.

Happy Mother's Day,
Katie

Thankful Thursday

I have been waiting since Sunday when I got the idea to do "Thankful Thursdays" to write this. As I sit outside in this perfect breezy weather, it is easy to be thankful. But that isn't always the case. Especially lately for me. I am working on that, stupid DC! :) Ok, that's enough. So today this is what I'm thankful for.

Low stress-I don't work so I literally have the most flexible schedule in the world. And freedom. Other than the normal chores of everyday life, I am free to do whatever it is I feel like doing that die. Gotta admit. It's nice.

My new little kitchen gadgets-In the past few weeks I have added several additions to my kitchen. I just love all these less than five dollar objects that makes cooking more fun and easier. Right now I am loving my new salt pinch jar. It's super cute, and it's my favorite color, green. 

My laptop-I got it for Christmas, and I use the fire out of it. It's such a good tool. Right now I am using it to put together a recipe book of all of my favorites that I have used over the year. Also, love it for printing coupons. And blogging, of course.

My new green concealer-I have always been the girl with the red cheeks. Always. Until a few weeks ago when my friend, Ashley, shared this amazing magic concealer to me. It covers up red and actually stays on my face longer than five minutes!!! 

My little dogs-Well, one is little. We call them "the big one" and "the little one". Love those guys. I get to see them way more than ever, and I love the fact that they aren't home all day everyday by themselves. I'm the girl who won't stay out to late because I have to go home and make sure the dogs are ok. :) Oh, yes, they have been driving me crazy lately. By "they" I mean "the big one". He pretty much barks all the time. But today he has been the best. Love my Riley. And my Sam.

 Coupons-I don't know if I would say I'm thankful for them. But I'm super excited about them. So I guess that makes me thankful for them. Just this week I have gotten over $150 in free stuff. That's not including the savings on top of that for other items. I am thankful now that I have time to do it more and save my family some money.

My new Bible app(s)-On my phone now I have a verse of the day, daily Bible reading and several devotions to chose from. Also, I can listen to the Bible. It's very cool. Very glad I updated my Bible app that I already had. 

What are you thankful for? See you next Thursday. 

Riley's Shirt

Riley has a shirt. It's blue. He hates it. 

I discovered when he was about 3 months old that he can't stand wearing clothes. The first time I put a shirt on him he literally couldn't even sit up. He just kept falling over. And now, six years later, the only thing that is different is that he can sit up. But that's about it. He freezes up as soon as he sees it. NO!!!! Not the shirt, mommy!!! 

Since we moved here every Wednesday morning is shirt time for Riley. For you see, the garbage comes on Wednesday mornings. The magic shirt he wears keeps him from barking and waking us up because he is half paralyzed. Initially I felt bad about doing this to him. But week after week when I wake up to discover that the garbage is gone and my sleep was not interrupted I don't feel so bad anymore. 

Mother's Day: Fertility Update

As this Mother's Day approaches I thought I would update you on our fertility progress. It's been two years this August since we started trying to have a baby. By that November my doctor started running tests to figure out why I wasn't ovulating. I was diagnosed with PCOS and low progesterone. 

So January 2011 started a slew of tests and treatments and medication. Three months on Clomid and then in June it was off to the fertility specialist. In the past whenever someone went to the fertility doctor, IVF popped in my head. To these doctors that is actually a last resort. There are actually so many other things to try first. In August I started my first round of oral medicine and injections. Basically all of this medication made my body do the things it was natuarally supposed to do. Produce mature eggs, release those eggs, and ultimately ovulate. 

My hormones were already in a bad mood from the Clomid. Well, my body was in no way ready for these larger doses of medicine. Lets just say I was not easy to deal with at times. And Bryan, wonderful Bryan, got nicer the meaner I got. I was bloated, gaining weight, experience hot flashes and night sweats, along with the mood swings. It was not the best year of my life. 

After three rounds my doctor decided I need surgery to "stimulate" my ovaries, basically to do what they should be doing on their own. It was a hard decision to make since we were leaving for DC in less than two months but we decided it was what was best. So three weeks before leaving Indy my doctor performed outpatient surgery. What was supposed to be a simple procedure turned into removing endemetriosis and a polyp on my uterus. I was so thankful then that I had the surgery because of the other unknown problems I had. To me, it was just one step closer to having that baby. 

I am happy to report that since the surgery three months ago I am cycling regularly (something that hasn't happened naturally in a year and a half) and I have begun ovulating. And I don't have to be on "crazy pills" which is a huge blessing itself! We know that one day God will bless us with a child. We do know and have realized time after time that his way is best. Is it hard every single time I see a mother with her newborn or find out someone else (even the fake characters on TV) is pregnant? Of course. But God has given me his grace through this. And one day I will be able to use my story to help that woman whose arms are empty and tell her that I know firsthand that God will fill them someday.

So to all of my many friends who are mothers, Happy Mother's Day. You know I love you, and I thank so many of you for your prayers and encouragement for me. Someone gave me a picture once that said, "Friends are God's way of taking care of  you". I love that. 

And to all of my friends also longing for that baby, I pray for you as well. We will all be mothers together soon. :) God knows.