tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53426287522527211012024-03-21T21:32:07.407-07:00Little Odom FamilySuper Mega Magnificent.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-87114732519284244452014-04-10T21:32:00.000-07:002014-04-10T21:32:25.713-07:00Changes // Part One<div style="text-align: left;">
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As mentioned earlier, so much has been going on. We've been running around like chickens without heads! But it's been an adventure :)</div>
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First, an update on our ongoing journey to becoming Mom and Dad.</div>
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I've been struggling to even talk about this since our false positive. That was the hardest thing I've had to deal with in a while, and it hasn't gotten much better since. But I finally think that it would be helpful to get things out. </div>
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Our next cycle we talked with our fertility specialists and decided to adjust our medications. They increased our Follistim injections from 4 injections every other day to 6 consecutive injections, hoping to produce more than one measly follicle. So we did the increased injections, coupled with the usual Femara and Metformin. Day 10 of my cycle we went to the office for an ultrasound to check my follicles and the change in medication DEFINITELY worked - instead of one follicle, I had SEVEN. </div>
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The nurses were shocked and consulted with the doctor, who advised against proceeding with this cycle. We had a 75% chance of twins, a 20% chance of triplets, and a 6% chance of 4 or more. Of course the decision to cancel the cycle or move forward was up to us, but <b>we had to decide within the next 24 hours.</b> </div>
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HOLY COW, this was the hardest decision we have ever made. We had to consider the pros and cons of moving forward. We were so excited about the idea of getting pregnant and the fact that we most likely would conceive with this cycle. But then there was the terror of having 4 or 5 or 7 babies all at once and the risks that that poses to my health, but more importantly, the health of our babies. We seriously went back and forth, speaking with nurses, parents, friends, gathering different facts, perspectives, opinions. It was SO OVERWHELMING. The time limit didn't help either. I've never felt more conflicted in my life. Finally by the end of the night DJ and I decided that we were going to go for it. We were just going to move forward and come what may.</div>
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We felt good after making our decision. Or so I thought. A few hours after we settled on proceeding, I could NOT fall asleep. I was uneasy, nauseous, and felt so conflicted. I knew that we were not supposed to proceed with this cycle. I could not, in good conscious, toy with the fates and the lives of any children that we may have conceived, and choose to move forward just because I am so desperate to be a mom. I don't think I could live with myself if I chose to go forward for my own selfish reasons and ended up with severely handicapped children as a result. So, I made the hardest call of my life, and chose to cancel our cycle.</div>
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SO no babies, no pregnancy, and eeeeeevil cramps. FINALLY the whole ordeal passed and it was time to start our next cycle.I was finally looking forward to a new, fresh start and I was more than ready to put a really really tough month behind me. At the beginning of every cycle they do an ultrasound to check for cysts (which is a common side effect of the Follistim injections). During my ultrasound they - of course - found a cyst. It was a big one too! Just my luck. After a cancelled cycle, we had to take ANOTHER month off of trying to conceive in order to treat the cyst. Two months lost. And lots of pregnancy announcements from friends and family in between. It was a crazy emotional roller coaster.</div>
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Finally the cyst was gone and we began our current cycle. They decreased the medication - that's what they thought caused so many follicles - and we moved forward. Well my Day 10 ultrasound came along and again, just one follicle. I can't even tell you how disappointed we were. Not only was there just one follicle but it appeared to have already burst (meaning that I had ovulated earlier than anticipated). So once again, no pregnancy this month.</div>
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We are meeting with the main doctor tomorrow (usually we just consult with his staff) to try and come up with a new game plan. What we are doing currently is just not working and things need to be adjusted. We should be pregnant by now, but we are not. Luckily we just learned that we have insurance coverage for fertility and we can move forward with all of the super expensive procedures that we have been putting off...ya know, because we are poorer than dirt. What a blessing that is! For the first time in months I am finally feeling hopeful and excited again. Looking forward to all that is ahead!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14352019438145018741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-85990708921627353272014-04-10T12:09:00.003-07:002014-04-10T12:10:06.075-07:00Good News.I might be the worst blogger in the world. I have been so bad at keeping up to date lately, we have been extremely busy! But more on that later.<br />
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Right now I have some super exciting news to share.<br />
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We just found out that my insurance has a Fertility Coverage Program and I qualify for it! This means that we can now move forward with all of the super expensive procedures that we have been putting off!! I am SO grateful and SO excited. I can't wait to see what the future holds!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14352019438145018741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-43466704122958518612014-02-15T21:51:00.001-07:002014-02-15T21:52:11.234-07:00Tom Made Me Cry.I've been the literal WORST at writing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEo9VxZ-IZPEJ4P5pMBOmPzIYp1AMojG9gQ-QCu4bLCJMVV_BDbEQAPAWVXC91MR9sJfdzqmAY2tin3ZtoMCgzQFGFJRrk4lum7VRqz0LA-nSqQRz1lcy6ouOS9DrJG-AuG82xI0BgOub/s1600/thomas+family-Thomas+family+edits-0081+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEo9VxZ-IZPEJ4P5pMBOmPzIYp1AMojG9gQ-QCu4bLCJMVV_BDbEQAPAWVXC91MR9sJfdzqmAY2tin3ZtoMCgzQFGFJRrk4lum7VRqz0LA-nSqQRz1lcy6ouOS9DrJG-AuG82xI0BgOub/s1600/thomas+family-Thomas+family+edits-0081+(2).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We're still alive.<br />
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This past week has been really difficult for me. All I want in the entire world is to be a mother and my dream seems to be becoming a reality for everyone BUT me.<br />
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I'm pretty good at dealing with the pain and heartache that this causes me. All week I've held it in and pushed through the challenge. Last night DJ and I watched the movie "Captain Phillips" with Tom Hanks. At the end of the movie when Captain Phillips is saved, I had to watch Tom Hanks shed tears.<br />
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And I couldn't take it so I cried too. And I cried and cried.<br />
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Thanks, Tom.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-37914701849687300242014-01-16T12:42:00.000-07:002014-01-16T12:42:53.899-07:00Recently.<div style="text-align: center;">
This is going to be quite the catch-all post, as lots has been going on and I haven't blogged in ages. </div>
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We had a wonderful, albeit small, Christmas this year. Money was super tight but thanks to our sweet peoples we were able to go out and purchase a few small things for one another. Not having much helped me to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, our Savior, and to enjoy the time spent with family. </div>
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On the 23rd we got to stay up super late and Skype with my sister in law who is currently on a mission in the Philippines! It was so good to see her cute face! We miss her so much but she is doing great things over on the other side of the world!</div>
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A few days after Christmas we took my family and their friends up to the cabin for the weekend. It was a blast! The family that came with my parents was actually one of DJ's professors this past fall semester. He and his wife are in my parent's ward! They have four small kids + Brandon and Ella = a super fun kid-filled weekend! The littles wanted to go to the snow (and there wasn't much) but we found a lake on top of the Rim that was frozen over with snow on the banks. Again, not much snow but the kiddos didn't care! They loved it! </div>
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Benny was super confused by the snow, especially when the kids would throw it on top of him. I think he had fun though :)</div>
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I finished up my job as a nanny to Samantha. I'm so heartbroken that I can't continue caring for her! However, I'm super excited to be going back to school this semester. I only have about a year of school remaining and I'm SO thrilled to be working towards that goal once again. </div>
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DJ just started his final semester of college EVER. He'll be done with his Master's in May!! We (mostly him haha) are super excited for this stage of his life to be over with. On to bigger and better things!!</div>
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We completed another round of fertility treatments. I had to have DJ give me an injection in the stomach every other day for a week and a half and it bruised pretty bad, which was nasty, coupled with all of the other wonderful medications. During our two week wait until we found out if we were pregnant I started to have a lot of symptoms of pregnancy (I've been pregnant three times, I have an idea what it feels like) and was SO sure that we were going to have a baby. I took a test and it was POSITIVE! YAY! We were so excited, told our parents and siblings and then found out later that it was a false positive due to a hormone left in my system from one of the injections. </div>
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We are super bummed. We're SOOOO ready to start a family. DJ, who has been super tough throughout all of this, told me the other day that he is aching to have a baby. This just broke my heart. It's super hard having gone through what we have. I try to stay positive, but sometimes I feel like a failure for having a body that responded in such a manner the last three times that we were expecting. I should be able to do this, this is what God made me to do! It's unbelievably discouraging to see others get pregnant and have children without a care in the world while we are here: stuck, on a million nasty medications that I'd much rather NOT have in my body, waiting, hoping and praying that we will be able to get pregnant and then once we are pregnant to worry constantly about whether or not we will keep the baby. It's been a extremely difficult and still is, knowing that we will probably never have a child without medical intervention. </div>
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On a lighter note, I am incredibly thankful that the medical knowledge to help us begin a family exists. Because we couldn't do it on our own. Making the decision to see a specialist was the best thing we've done in a long while. It has brought so much hope, peace, and happiness throughout all of the despair, confusion and fog that we have had to travel through.</div>
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Even though we have yet to be successful with our treatments there are happy, hopeful things happening all along the way. Like the fact that we were accepted into a program that allows us to get 75% off our unbelievably expensive medications. Or realizing just how awesome my dad is for working so hard to provide insurance for our family that covers so many of my expenses. Or the fact that we have a 50% chance of conceiving twins! :) There's light a midst the darkness and as we continue to progress we are learning more and more that God has a specific plan in mind for us and traversing this darkness is part of it. He wants us to work to see that light. He knows that we will learn important things from this trial. The Lord knows that finding joy in the journey is a vital lesson that DJ and I need to learn. </div>
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We're looking for that joy.</div>
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And we're slowly, but surely, finding it. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-24331241728231434172013-12-18T10:01:00.002-07:002013-12-18T10:02:30.086-07:00Some Personal Stuff. <div style="text-align: left;">
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Well, we were unsuccessful with our first round of fertility treatments.</div>
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Bummer, yes, but not unexpected. I wasn't surprised. Disappointed, but not surprised.</div>
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Treatment has been such a whirlwind. Here's a recap:</div>
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- Our very first appointment I was given a giant shot of progesterone in my backside. This caused me to begin a new cycle (I hadn't had one since we lost the babe).</div>
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- 14 days after the giant butt shot I went back in to the office and had a LOAD of blood drawn. Funny story: The blood draw had to be done between days 1 and 3 of my cycle due to the nature of the testing that they were doing. I was told to fast prior to my appointment and being raised in the Church, I know fasting to be abstaining from food and water. Well I get to my appointment and the nurse asks if I have been fasting. I said yes and then she asks if I have been drinking water. "Well....no. I've been fasting." Apparently fasting means no food, but lots of water. So they weren't even sure if they would be able to draw the blood that they needed but we decided to try anyways. Thankfully DJ was with me and was able to hold Samantha because things got kind of crazy. The super nice nurse sticks me with the needle and surprisingly blood is coming out but it's THICK AND SLOW. I do not like having blood drawn and today I needed NINE vials of it taken. Let me repeat: THICK AND SLOW. The tech is asking me every 15 seconds or so how I'm feeling and I'm doing just fine up until she takes the needle out. Suddenly I'm going to throw up. Now there's black spots in front of my eyes. I can't see anything. I can't hear anything. I'm going to throw up. I ask if I can sit down on the floor. I'm super hot, take my sweater off. The tile feels nice. My head is spinning. The nurse is shoving a can of Sprite in my face telling me to drink. I can't drink because I'm going to throw up. I ask to go to the bathroom and I manage the 5 steps to the door and then I'm out. The world is spinning so, I kid you not, I lay down on the bathroom floor. HA! SOOO disgusting but the cold tile helped me to snap out of it a bit. Once I realized just how nasty it was laying on the bathroom floor, I left and found my sweet nurse. I ended up having to lay down on one of their exam tables and have my blood pressure taken every 3 minutes. I survived! But holy cow it was quite the blood draw.</div>
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- Days 3-7 of my cycle I had to take a drug called Femara that is used to stimulate ovulation. It's equivalent to Clomid, but minus a lot of the nasty side effects that Clomid is famous for. The one side effect that decided to stick around was hot flashes. Those five days that I was on the Femara, I was like a menopausal 21 year old. SO HOT. All of the time.</div>
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- Day 10 I went back to the office for an ultrasound to check on my ovaries. One big, mature follicle on my right side and a small one on the left. Good news!</div>
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- A few days later DJ had to give me an injection called Ovidrel in the stomach to trigger ovulation. DJ was so excited to give me the shot. I had to take it at 7AM and at 6:45 DJ is geared up and ready to go. "DJ, you have to wash your hands." Runs, washes his hands, comes back. "You have to get the rubbing alcohol to clean the spot where you're going to give me the shot." Speed of light, gets the alcohol, cleans me up. I can't even tell you how creepy he was about the shot. He loved it hahaha.</div>
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- Timed intercourse, progesterone suppository, and then a blood draw two weeks later to see if we were successful.</div>
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As I already mentioned, we weren't. I took a home pregnancy test two days before my appointment and it was negative. I was super disappointed, as was DJ, but we move forward! That's what we do.</div>
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We were fortunate in that we were able to visit with the Dr. the same day that I had the blood test. Which means that we got the results from all of the blood testing!</div>
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Turns out I have a hormone imbalance and hypoglycemia, both of which are associated with recurrent miscarriage. Both of which have easy fixes. I was put on a drug called Metformin for the hypoglycemia and we added an injectable regiment with a drug called Follistim to help balance the hormones. Because we know that we are able to conceive, the Follistim gives us a 35-40% chance of conceiving multiples which is kind of scary/exciting. The plan is to repeat last month's procedures (Femara, Ovidrel, TIC, progesterone) plus the Metformin and Follistim shots and see what happens! Woo!</div>
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As I said, quite a whirlwind, but I trust that this is what is going to make us parents. So bring on the hot flashes, blood draws, terrifying shots from my husband, and crazy hormones. Make me a momma.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-84648295035079911702013-12-18T09:24:00.000-07:002014-04-30T20:46:44.692-07:00Update.<div style="text-align: left;">
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I realize it has been quite some time since actually writing a post with real, substantial content. Lots has been going on and life has been so crazy busy and wonderful. This is going to be quite a hodge-podge of information but here goes!</div>
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DJ just finished his first semester of graduate school! One more to go! Deciding to send DJ to grad school was such a great decision that has lead to some incredible blessings. It hasn't been easy, though. He had to quit his job to make time for his academic responsibilities and that put a lot of pressure on our finances. We've skimmed by, but it has been tight! I try to keep telling myself that we will never be poorer than we are right now! Ha! Something to look forward to :) Deej has excelled at his school work and has worked SO hard to pull off his great grades. I'm so proud of him!</div>
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We've made the decision to send me back to school next semester. Honestly, I am so excited. I think I really needed the break that I took the last four months. I was feeling pretty burnt out and taking a semester off has re-vamped my enthusiasm for getting an education. I'm also set on what I would like to major in (Family and Human Development) and I LOVE IT. Such a fun degree that I feel will really benefit our future family. Even though life will be crazy with both of us in school and working, I am anxious to begin learning again!</div>
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I'm currently finishing up my last week of work as Samantha's nanny. I've been with her for a year now, since she was 6 weeks old. It's a bittersweet feeling, moving on and going back to school next semester. I love my little Lovebug! The past year of my life I've spent raising her and loving her and I think I will really struggle not seeing her every day. </div>
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My little Etsy shop is taking off! We have made a decent amount of money this year and the supplemental income has been such a blessing. I am able to work on orders while Samantha naps which sure beats sitting and watching TV while she sleeps. I love creating new things and sharing them with others all over the country. We're hoping and praying that the increase of sales continues into the new year.</div>
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Well, we are continuing to be treated for our miscarriages. I'll post an update on that chain of events later today. </div>
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Life is good. We are looking forward to having some time off for the holidays. What a wonderful time of year it is! It has always been easy for me to recognize the blessings in my life at this time of year and as difficult as the past year has been, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Looking forward to the greatness that 2014 has in store for us! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-37330225099512927542013-12-16T15:46:00.004-07:002013-12-16T15:47:30.100-07:00Life In Pictures: Family Photos 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo credit to the amazing Jordan and Leslie Shill<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU4pTU2AKzD99bykxIgKixgTJBFM6tuGiFxJYBeLbfr_2XrCBJkOEp7QIUKrWZzMzCdB6wT9o3hRep0CIEXkUhORTAfjNLXCvlV3qZ0FIkrlcgqoK_8HAD9pKGkBvs-B4ezEYCk65p8Nc/s1600/thomas+family-Thomas+family+edits-0005+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU4pTU2AKzD99bykxIgKixgTJBFM6tuGiFxJYBeLbfr_2XrCBJkOEp7QIUKrWZzMzCdB6wT9o3hRep0CIEXkUhORTAfjNLXCvlV3qZ0FIkrlcgqoK_8HAD9pKGkBvs-B4ezEYCk65p8Nc/s640/thomas+family-Thomas+family+edits-0005+(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-29597450193781988252013-11-19T08:46:00.002-07:002013-11-19T08:49:12.184-07:00Hope.<div style="text-align: left;">
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After this past miscarriage, DJ and I began to recognize that getting pregnant and maintaining a healthy pregnancy is not something that we are likely to accomplish on our own. This realization along with a few other occurrences, including an amazing Priesthood blessing, led us to the decision to go meet with a fertility specialist.</div>
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We received many recommendations for wonderful specialists in the area and after much research and many prayers we selected a doctor who is nationally recognized and has been in the business for over 15 years.</div>
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We COULD NOT be happier with our decision.</div>
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Going in to the appointment, I was a bundle of nerves. I have unfortunately gotten used to disappointing news when it comes to our ability to start a family, so even though I knew that visiting the specialist is what we needed to do I was still preparing myself for harsh disappointment. I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting, but as we met with the doctor all of my fears and reservations were put at ease. </div>
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The doctor discussed our issues in detail with us. Every possible issue that could be causing our miscarriages was met with:</div>
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"I have a solution for that."</div>
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"Easy fix."</div>
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"We can take care of that." </div>
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Not a single potential cause lacked a solution. I was ready to shed tears of joy right there in the consult room. </div>
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I kept it together and they began our treatment plan with us right there that very first day. We are moving forward and I am confident that this is the path that the Lord intended us to take. Treatment is expensive and painful and wears my body out, but it is more than worth it. I am absolutely willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to begin our family successfully. Because where there was darkness a light is beginning to shine. We have hope again. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-75226588731820353022013-11-14T09:29:00.000-07:002013-11-14T09:30:19.363-07:00The Boss.<div style="text-align: left;">
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My wonderful husband has been working his butt off in graduate school and there is FINALLY a light at the end of the tunnel. All of his hard work is paying off!</div>
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ASU has a huge recruiting event called "Meet the Firms" where tons businesses in the state who are looking for new employees come and set up interviews with potential hires. Last year when DJ attended this event, he left without any interviews. </div>
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This year he came out of Meet the Firms with NINE INTERVIEWS!</div>
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NINE! </div>
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I couldn't even believe it!</div>
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The way that most companies set up interviews is that potential hires have a first interview at ASU, and then if the company is interested in them, they will schedule a second interview at their individual offices. After the second interview the company will decide whether or not to extend an offer.</div>
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So DJ got nine first interviews. Six of the companies decided to schedule a second interview with him, and ultimately he ended up with FOUR really awesome job offers! </div>
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We weighed the pros and the cons of each offer and decided that DJ would accept a job offer with an accounting firm called McGladrey! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59FR4TKpT2OrlvdwBd3kB-caHScQVm12xz6GXX-cHIgtTZo-dhiPg-VMZ1VsRuo578wkTZQYyk6wyleWhkq7iwNWRfH_jyWnHLvWPUjr2b1RbFtrqVkfElfPkKt7NIyvH8ZYVHQdbzUJ8/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59FR4TKpT2OrlvdwBd3kB-caHScQVm12xz6GXX-cHIgtTZo-dhiPg-VMZ1VsRuo578wkTZQYyk6wyleWhkq7iwNWRfH_jyWnHLvWPUjr2b1RbFtrqVkfElfPkKt7NIyvH8ZYVHQdbzUJ8/s320/download.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They are the 5th largest firm in the US and a GREAT fit for DJ and our family. We are so incredibly excited and feel great about our decision!</div>
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I am SO SO SO proud of my husband! He has worked so hard to achieve what he has and I am so grateful that I married such a determined, strong man! GO DJ!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-63530286888410421972013-10-30T08:42:00.000-07:002013-10-30T08:43:43.215-07:00Birthday #21.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Z8hYZK-MG6hJnrzsS7oxayxCHzOVqeEb6x-11lZjo-vJY9mzl34rL-NdK9IHJ7CLk_m5Io2WIZoX0eeW8a3qSE6VUJYVkpsChVQXpUyxLCmDwDpuzW1yimdsiL66V3GThD6rLdJaFc-t/s1600/photo+(72).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Z8hYZK-MG6hJnrzsS7oxayxCHzOVqeEb6x-11lZjo-vJY9mzl34rL-NdK9IHJ7CLk_m5Io2WIZoX0eeW8a3qSE6VUJYVkpsChVQXpUyxLCmDwDpuzW1yimdsiL66V3GThD6rLdJaFc-t/s640/photo+(72).jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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My 21st birthday was a few weeks ago.</div>
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Honestly it was an awful birthday! I was still in the process of having a miscarriage. So that was hard to manage, emotionally and physically.</div>
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However, the next weekend we went out to dinner at Red Robin with a whole bunch of wonderful people and that was a blast! </div>
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Another year older and wiser, too. </div>
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I think about where I was at this time last year. </div>
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I was still reeling from a miscarriage that had taken place about 2 months earlier (our first), constantly sick with grief, unemployed due to said sickness, NOT dealing with our loss well and in a really really dark place. I don't know if I would peg it as depression but it still wasn't a fun place to be. Not to toot my own horn, but I feel like I truly have grown so much in the past year. </div>
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I've learned that I am in control of my life. Nothing, not even despair, sorrow, or grief, can run my life unless</div>
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I allow it to. I've learned to be a better wife - my relationship with my DJ is better than it's ever been. I've learned to listen to others and sympathize with them in their times of need.</div>
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I've learned that the Atonement of Jesus Christ doesn't just apply to sins but also to sorrows. I've learned that my Savior felt all of the pain that I have ever felt or ever will feel and that by relying on Him, my burdens can be made light. </div>
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Although it has probably been the most difficult year of my entire life, I am thankful for the struggles that I have faced. I can see how they have molded me into a better, stronger woman than I was a year ago. </div>
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I can't wait to see what this next year has in store for me!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-75776803564204692862013-10-21T09:09:00.000-07:002013-10-21T09:10:42.517-07:00Three.<div style="text-align: left;">
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Well it's been two and a half weeks and I am finally feeling well enough to write about this past month's happenings. </div>
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Our third pregnancy has come to an end.</div>
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7 weeks 2 days.</div>
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We had been trying for a few months before we found out that we were once again pregnant. Our first positive test was SO faint that I almost didn't believe it. I probably took 10 tests over the next week and a half just to be sure that that little pink line was still there. It was, I was pregnant with what we expected to be our miracle baby.</div>
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Because of our history with miscarriages, our doctor had put me on a progesterone/hormone supplement with the intent to help the baby stay in the uterus. This medicine is eeeevil. I'm typically pretty stable (hormonally speaking) but the progesterone had me all over the place. It was a serious struggle to keep my head on straight, and I know that I probably drove Mr. DJ crazy. But he was as patient as ever and he recognized that the suffering that I was going through was SO worth it.</div>
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Again because of our failed pregnancies, the doctor had me come in for our first ultrasound at 6 weeks instead of the usual 10. The anxiety I felt over this appointment is hard to put into words. On one hand, I wanted to think positively and tell myself that everything was going to be fine and that the baby would be healthy, but at the same time I felt the need to mentally and emotionally prepare myself for the worst. I'm a big believer in the power of positive thinking, but it was so hard. SO hard. </div>
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I got to the doctor's office before DJ (he was coming straight from a job interview in Tempe) and ended up going in for the ultrasound on my own. I let the tech know how nervous I was for this ultrasound and she was so sensitive and understanding. She began, and I was on the lookout for a heartbeat. As soon as she zeroed in on the fetus, my heart dropped. There was an embryonic sac, but no heartbeat. </div>
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No heartbeat.</div>
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I was 6 weeks 5 days along, but my baby only measured 4 weeks 6 days. A whole 13 days smaller than what we anticipated.</div>
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The tech was incredibly sweet and calmly explained that there was a chance that the baby just wasn't as far along as we had calculated. She also warned me that if not a miscalculation, I would lose the baby.</div>
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The plan was to draw blood to test for my hcg levels and then draw again 2 days later (the levels are supposed to double every 48 hours or so). If the levels doubled, then the baby was likely healthy and developing just fine. If not, well, yeah. </div>
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So they drew blood and I had to go home and face the facts. I was terrified. I was heartbroken. I was devastated. I was hopeful. I was so, so worried. We got the results of the first draw the next day and to my surprise the hcg levels were about where they should be for a 5 week old baby. Hope increased a bit. All we needed now was the results of the second blood draw to be double the first. </div>
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My second draw was on a Friday, so we would have to wait until Monday to receive the results. This weekend was an extremely emotional and difficult time. Thankfully, it was General Conference weekend and even though DJ and I both had a hard time keeping our minds focused and away from worrying, we felt great comfort in listening to the Lord's teachings through His disciples.</div>
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The game plan was to wait for Monday's results and then schedule the necessary procedures should we get bad news. Well, my body had other plans and I began bleeding Sunday evening. </div>
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Having a miscarriage is horrible, but having to pass the baby naturally is one of the most heartbreaking, terrifying, awful things I have ever experienced. Excruciating pain coupled with grief and devastation had me in bed, bleeding, for an entire week. For a whole 5 days I ceased to function. My poor husband was in the middle of his finals week at ASU and struggled immensely to stay focused on his work (sidenote: his is a superhero and passed both of his exams with higher scores than the class average - woot woot!). It was a rough week for the both of us.</div>
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Thankfully there were no complications with the miscarriage and my body recovered quickly. Things have finally settled down a bit and we are healing. The pain and heartbreak we feel is unimaginable, but we know that we have to move forward. We have to. If we don't move forward, I know that I am weak and that I will allow the misery and grief to overwhelm me and drag me down. And while at times I want to wallow in that despair, I know that if I do, I may not make it out. </div>
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So onward and upward. Faith. Hope. Healing. Onward and upward. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-62129091946583728142013-09-04T16:44:00.000-07:002013-09-04T16:46:10.276-07:00Life in Pictures // A Weekend Cabin Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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xoxo</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-47312359577512461162013-08-29T13:10:00.000-07:002013-08-29T13:20:13.902-07:00One Year.<br />
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<b><b>Yesterday marked one year since the loss of our first pregnancy.</b></b></div>
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While the fierce, raw pain of a miscarriage isn't something I would wish on the worst person in the world, DJ and I have learned so much from our experiences. Last night we sat together and enjoyed a Jello cup and talked about how this experience has changed us, both as individuals and as a couple.</div>
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<b>I am softer, more able to empathize with others as they face their own heartbreaks and struggles.</b><br />
<b></b>I've always considered myself to be a good listener. However, our experience with loss has helped me to be a good <i>feeler. </i>I am<i> </i>able to <i>feel </i>with others as they are traversing their trials. I have had many beautiful people feel my pain with me and those individuals have taught me how important it is to feel with others in their times of need.</div>
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<b>DJ has learned how to truly be understanding.</b></div>
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As we spoke last night DJ recounted how, with the first miscarriage, he literally had NO idea what I was going through, both physically and emotionally. We hit a few rough spots because I was suffering and he was unaware of the pain I truly was in. He is a different man today. I will send him a text telling him that I am having a rough time and he will reply saying, "I'm so sorry that you're not feeling well, is there anything I can do for you?" He is kinder, more empathetic, loving. </div>
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<b>I have a greater respect for life and how fragile it really is.</b></div>
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Each new day is a blessing. Prior to our trials, I feel that I took many of those blessed new days for granted. While I still slip up at times, I try to approach each day with an attitude of gratitude. I try to make the most of each new day and live up to my full potential. After all, who really knows how many days we have left?</div>
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<b>We have found that there is great happiness in putting each other before our own selves. </b></div>
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DJ and I have learned that within a marriage, it is all too easy to fall into a mindset of "I need..." or "I want..." However, our burdens are lightened when we instead ask one another, "What do you need? What can I do for you? What do you want?" By putting each other first, we are meeting one another's needs and having our own needs met simultaneously in a caring, respectful, loving manner. </div>
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<b>We have learned that happiness is a choice that each of us gets to make.</b></div>
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One of the most difficult trials that I have faced as a result of our losses is choosing to keep myself from drowning in a dark, depressing place. It's an ongoing battle, and I admit that there have been times when I have dipped a toe or two into that murky water. It's a lot easier to sink to that dark depth than it is to fight to stay afloat, but the fight has strengthened me. It has strengthened my husband. It has strengthened our relationship with one another. It has strengthened our relationship with God. By choosing to be happy despite the pain and heartbreak, we have both grown in ways that we could never have imagined. </div>
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<b>We have learned that God is aware of us, that He loves us, and that He has a plan.</b></div>
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We are taught to map out our lives. "After graduation I will go to college...I will get a degree in...After I have a college degree, I will...By the time I am thirty..." It's not bad to have a plan. In fact, it's encouraged. However, we have to remember that God is in charge and His plan trumps all. Regardless of our own plans for ourselves, He has control and will point us in the direction that we should go. I remember wondering why in the world I had to go through the pain and loss of a miscarriage, and what good could possibly come from such an awful experience. I was beginning to find my answers, and then we lost Baby #2. </div>
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"Why? Why me? What did I do to deserve this?" Questions that I have been tempted to ask a time or two, and maybe have. But the Lord always responds in His soft, gentle, peaceful way that He loves me and that He knows that I am hurting. It is difficult for Him to see me in pain, <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">bu</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">t He must let me suffer because He</span> knows that there are things I need to learn from my trials. He has a plan, and great blessings are in store for me and DJ. Hope, have faith, and press onward. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><b><i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">While the past year has been far from smooth-sailing, I am grateful for all that we have been through. We have truly felt the hand of the Lord shaping us, making us stronger, making us better. I know that we have many spirit children waiting to come to this earth through our love, and I look forward to the day when we finally, <i>finally</i> get to meet them. </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-71870499816928048562013-08-27T09:05:00.000-07:002013-08-27T09:06:02.321-07:001.5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx6AXQzw88Qex7KdVhmZwAqf2derqO1ZLP4CQwr2716HwVntfxqudFcnsPCunOaXgD9S7Hdtr2_OqRTfM_GgnvpTHlURdNkWLj7usnrIzFoO-0RNySL2YoGzbHMt6SlhkJ_-dtrjh1ZpA/s1600/photo+(68).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx6AXQzw88Qex7KdVhmZwAqf2derqO1ZLP4CQwr2716HwVntfxqudFcnsPCunOaXgD9S7Hdtr2_OqRTfM_GgnvpTHlURdNkWLj7usnrIzFoO-0RNySL2YoGzbHMt6SlhkJ_-dtrjh1ZpA/s640/photo+(68).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Saturday marked a year and a half of marriage.</div>
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I am so blessed to be married to DJ.</div>
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Our marriage was inspired, and words cannot express how much happiness it has brought each of us.</div>
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1.5 down, eternity to go.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-36395244439576037062013-08-21T13:45:00.001-07:002013-08-21T13:45:36.475-07:00The Journey is Important.<div style="text-align: left;">
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A great weakness of mine is struggling to enjoy the present.</div>
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It's not that I don't appreciate the things that I have and the life that I live. I am very blessed, and I recognize that those blessings come from the Lord.</div>
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But I often find myself yearning for the things that the future has in store for me. I know that there are great things ahead, and on difficult days, I tend to get lost aching for those things that I have yet to achieve. </div>
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It's almost like a coping mechanism for me.</div>
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I think thoughts such as,</div>
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<i>"This week has been really hard so far, if I can just make it to the weekend..."</i></div>
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or </div>
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<i>"One more year of school for DJ and then we won't struggle so much anymore..."</i></div>
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I get caught up in this way of thinking, and before I know it I have reached my destination, but have completely missed the journey there.</div>
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And I am learning that the journey is important.</div>
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Sweet, sweet DJ and I had a heart-to-heart about this weakness of mine the other evening. He kindly (but bluntly) pointed out that my life was passing me by and I was missing out on valuable opportunities to learn and grow. At first I was stubborn and argued that aiming for the future is a good thing. My loving husband pointed out that while it is a good thing, it can (and does) cause me to stress and be impatient and anxious. DJ taught me that every day is a gift, and should be treated as such. I realized that he is right, and I am grateful that he was prompted to intervene and to help me find peace and happiness.</div>
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I walked away feelings refreshed and renewed, with a strong resolve to work towards the future but enjoy each day for all that it is worth.</div>
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Since our little talk, and through speaking with the Lord and asking for assistance and patience, I have felt a wonderful sense of peace enter my life. While I still have my goals and aspirations, I feel like my life has slowed down and my eyes have been opened. I spend less time worrying about when x,y, or z will happen and by doing so, I have slowly been able to recognize those daily opportunities for growth and instruction.</div>
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I am more able to find happiness in the little things. </div>
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I am more able to express love to my family.</div>
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I am more patient.</div>
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I am more in tune with the Holy Spirit.</div>
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I am still learning, and I think that it will be a process to find a balance between aspiring for goals and enjoying the present. I am grateful that DJ took notice of my stress and impatience and that he lovingly has directed me down the path to overcoming this weakness of mine and living a more fulfilling life.</div>
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The destination is wonderful, but <b><i>the journey is important.</i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-61938704110412735782013-08-20T08:00:00.000-07:002013-08-20T08:00:04.529-07:00It Begins.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDym1WpQ6amXCUHiDUtRJoMfcKxg3yRnF3RjmafUYd9HYvhUAbufn_Yt3SmZFKvM2O-RQUHxl_-8nhtcovGz4RqCUT4qMefA9a18-8pOxYHAswPIFTc2tU-f6aSelLeUEsmJrRa5X8TttG/s1600/photo+2+(69).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDym1WpQ6amXCUHiDUtRJoMfcKxg3yRnF3RjmafUYd9HYvhUAbufn_Yt3SmZFKvM2O-RQUHxl_-8nhtcovGz4RqCUT4qMefA9a18-8pOxYHAswPIFTc2tU-f6aSelLeUEsmJrRa5X8TttG/s320/photo+2+(69).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It's that time of year again.</div>
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The end of summer.</div>
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August.</div>
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School.</div>
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As I mentioned in a previous post, I am taking the year off.</div>
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DJ, however, dives into his first quarter of graduate school on Thursday.</div>
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Bless his heart!</div>
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On Saturday, after our eventful evening at the hospital the night before, we decided to go out to dinner to <strike>mourn</strike> celebrate the beginning of a brand new school year.</div>
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We talked about DJ's goals for the year and how we can work together to achieve them.</div>
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College is hard.</div>
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Graduate school is harder.</div>
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DJ will do great, and I am so proud of him for making the choice to further his education for the benefit of our family.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-3938191344563242542013-08-19T15:06:00.003-07:002013-08-19T15:17:12.722-07:00Again.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlG22gVps9zfCGP81OCGHgG2FJRCD11jCV1-BcZGgGN-Q7HAV6gXDWIhoP3Sxq743kRqQC0NQGfaB-D0I-csc3owcyY_bmEnevZc4fWAEfj3xO2h6_k1Tnm5rD7LDtiEL487-7G4Az_2B/s1600/photo+1+(68).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlG22gVps9zfCGP81OCGHgG2FJRCD11jCV1-BcZGgGN-Q7HAV6gXDWIhoP3Sxq743kRqQC0NQGfaB-D0I-csc3owcyY_bmEnevZc4fWAEfj3xO2h6_k1Tnm5rD7LDtiEL487-7G4Az_2B/s320/photo+1+(68).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, it is rather unfortunate, but I ended up in the hospital again on Friday night. </div>
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For the third time this year.</div>
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I posted this picture with a caption that said, </div>
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<i>"home again, home again, jiggidy jig" </i></div>
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on Instagram because it seriously is beginning to feel like DJ and I should just move in to the emergency room.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I was having severe pain with my cycle (TMI?) and after talking to a nurse's hotline and DJ's sister who is a nurse, we felt like we should probably go in, just in case. </div>
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Both nurses were concerned that I may have a cyst or even possibly an ectopic pregnancy.</div>
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Better to be safe than sorry!</div>
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We went in to the ER at 9:30PM and they didn't even get us into a room until 11:00.</div>
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I was then poked and prodded and given all sorts of invasive girly tests that were not very fun.</div>
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After 6 hours of waiting, we were told that the doctors couldn't find anything wrong.</div>
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A relief and a disappointment at the same time.</div>
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A relief that my body is not in immediate danger, regardless of the pain suggesting otherwise.</div>
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A disappointment because we still don't know what is causing the pain.</div>
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Things have resolved themselves a bit over the last few days, and I pray they will keep getting better.</div>
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Sort of a scary incident, but we truly are grateful that nothing is seriously wrong. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-63776339900894457982013-08-09T15:47:00.000-07:002013-08-09T15:47:28.428-07:00Fugitive.<div>
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<div>
So DJ and I were driving home from Backyard Taco last night in our separate cars. DJ is driving my car and I'm next to him in his car at a stoplight. There's a cop behind me, but I don't take much notice. The light turns green and the cop car jumps over a lane behind DJ and flips on his lights. DJ is getting pulled over.</div>
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Honestly, we had been expecting to get pulled over sooner or later. The tags on my car are from March 2012. Seriously. We did re-register the car last year but they never sent us the tags in the mail, and we have just been putting off registering the vehicle for this current year. Super bad of us, we know.</div>
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I follow the cop car into the parking lot where DJ stopped. DJ lets the officer know that I'm the wife and the cop has me pull in and park next to DJ. DJ gives the officer his information and the police man goes back to his car to run the information. So I'm talking with DJ out the window, and the cop suddenly decides that he wants to talk to ME. </div>
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Officer: "Ma'am, do you know that there is a warrant out for your arrest in Texas?"</div>
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Me: (*blank stare*) "Excuse me?"</div>
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Officer: "There is a warrant out for Haley Odom's arrest attached to this license plate number."</div>
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I couldn't even believe it. I've never even been to Texas! I'm starting to panic and the officer sees that I am absolutely bewildered and asks me if I'd like to see the warrant for myself. I say yes and follow him to his car where his computer is, and sure enough, attached to my license plate information is a warrant for my arrest. For theft. In Texas. WHAT! </div>
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Luckily, even though the warrant was for me (first, middle and last name + accurate date of birth) there was a description attached that mentioned blonde hair and a tatooed foot. And I have neither. The cop scared the poo out of me for nothing. I hope the blonde Haley Odom who steals things from Texas is happy.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-32656873163891896252013-08-02T09:25:00.001-07:002013-08-02T09:26:19.637-07:00As I Began to Love Myself.<div style="text-align: center;">
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Just a little thought that I know I need to remember. Made a difference in my attitude today.</div>
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<i>"As I began to love myself, I freed myself of anything that is no good for my health - food, people, things, situations, and everything that drew me down and away from myself. At first I called this attitude egoism. <b>Today, I know it is love of oneself.</b>"</i></div>
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<i>~Charlie Chaplin~</i></div>
<i><b><br /></b></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-53190860656833831152013-07-26T13:58:00.001-07:002013-07-26T13:59:41.692-07:00Summer Reads.<br />
Now that summer school is over, I have a little bit more time to do one of my favorite things in the entire world: READ!<br />
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I grew up with my nose in a book, and since starting college, I have had little time to read anything other than textbooks - gross. Now that I finally have time to read for pleasure, I have a huge list of books that I am super excited about! Warning: I am a lover of teen and young adult literature and I don't care who knows it.<br />
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Here are a few of my most recent reads:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhporNwnOD-tr41gRV5L_dW-NgOv24xHPpYlvmZsWJMKnN0Nkx_LDngK9UewKwlUij2ykD95crHpq6Ie4OCaoyUE85Fv_maQtdAy1ohYubobxlGrMrvdB6XyjQRtN8uvN4yPluuOewPd39H/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhporNwnOD-tr41gRV5L_dW-NgOv24xHPpYlvmZsWJMKnN0Nkx_LDngK9UewKwlUij2ykD95crHpq6Ie4OCaoyUE85Fv_maQtdAy1ohYubobxlGrMrvdB6XyjQRtN8uvN4yPluuOewPd39H/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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Not a teen/young adult book, but it was quite a thriller! I love Dan Brown's works, and this one didn't disappoint. He did a great job of incorporating the history into the book without making the reader feel confused. I have never read Dante's <i>Inferno,</i><b> </b>but I did not feel like I was missing pieces of the story. Well written, with lots of twists and turns to keep you entertained!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmVzna4M7isJUkJA0A23iqhJY-B1fC84aXPAyEjrJjAGpBEkKbw5PpLva0uxNO_C93CL-VWTYEZ63itClQrIz5wKZnjqV7n54PZ7hiBspxfnYy6dJoWxKlVZgm-Fekp_x6nRPItLc7Yyb/s1600/220px-I_Am_Number_Four_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmVzna4M7isJUkJA0A23iqhJY-B1fC84aXPAyEjrJjAGpBEkKbw5PpLva0uxNO_C93CL-VWTYEZ63itClQrIz5wKZnjqV7n54PZ7hiBspxfnYy6dJoWxKlVZgm-Fekp_x6nRPItLc7Yyb/s320/220px-I_Am_Number_Four_Cover.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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This book has been made into a movie, which I haven't seen, but I hope it's better than the book was. The concept that the book is based on is fascinating and exciting, but I did not think the book was well written. I tend to be super picky about the wording and formatting of a book, so I am aware that I am extra critical, but for me, my enjoyment of the awesome story line was hindered by the lack of maturity in the writing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2I6738xQms0eTzm9WGDxOyvQnuomIfHuzixdPO0UfOl5pB-qzPHNM5RLyy33EpYRySkznYQkV6Fzac5twEgd8uMPDK-6olTu28bSwejEtCW_Q7n9T_AIVJd2Dp8HvmYap1ZDlQ0j6cXx/s1600/200px-The_Maze_Runner_cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2I6738xQms0eTzm9WGDxOyvQnuomIfHuzixdPO0UfOl5pB-qzPHNM5RLyy33EpYRySkznYQkV6Fzac5twEgd8uMPDK-6olTu28bSwejEtCW_Q7n9T_AIVJd2Dp8HvmYap1ZDlQ0j6cXx/s1600/200px-The_Maze_Runner_cover.png" /></a></div>
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This next book was amazing. It reminded me quite a bit of the Hunger Games, but with a lot of unexplained aspects that require the reader to dig to uncover as the story progresses. Very well written and absolutely intriguing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUfk3cgwV5liRHGVTbmJS9KcrwUX1yRbZKtMiB04bZH7fh1RuQlMLGbIATtliwy5FN97cMi2-MC_D7zCWbdHeAyoEagCqN9AllHjGsn9JHFvs76IMmqFDmsvwwmkr5OGl5HliXp5eoaSo/s1600/250px-The_Scorch_Trials_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUfk3cgwV5liRHGVTbmJS9KcrwUX1yRbZKtMiB04bZH7fh1RuQlMLGbIATtliwy5FN97cMi2-MC_D7zCWbdHeAyoEagCqN9AllHjGsn9JHFvs76IMmqFDmsvwwmkr5OGl5HliXp5eoaSo/s320/250px-The_Scorch_Trials_cover.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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This is the sequel to <i>The Maze Runner </i>but I was not as impressed as I was with the first book in the series. It is well written, but the story line was redundant and never really answered any questions that I had. I suppose the author did this on purpose to keep readers interested and motivated to read the final book in the series, but I found the lack of information irritating. I have yet to read the final book in the series, and if I don't get my answers I might flip my lid.</div>
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I re-read this book because the movie is coming out in a few months. Even having read this previously, I couldn't put the thing down. Suzanne Collins is a literary genius. Geez.</div>
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Go read this book. Seriously, who cares what I have to say about it. It's incredible and fascinating and thrilling and all things a book should be. Couldn't put it down.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtz-fJfAPw0P2b3w56IiXJdRuQBMiZV0pytDky5fSUGrbK4qvMSeCrd1lNpgS1N3ty_pKC3BpZpvsic3VGgJEQjd1Q9k7UhmfezfOTo5Guki_IHyL8dWK4Wj0us0WGbDAsMnz04Ul1-s5q/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtz-fJfAPw0P2b3w56IiXJdRuQBMiZV0pytDky5fSUGrbK4qvMSeCrd1lNpgS1N3ty_pKC3BpZpvsic3VGgJEQjd1Q9k7UhmfezfOTo5Guki_IHyL8dWK4Wj0us0WGbDAsMnz04Ul1-s5q/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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The sequel to <i>Divergent</i> and just as good. I don't have a bad thing to say about either of these! The third book in the series comes out in October and my heart skips a beat every time I think about reading the final chapter in the trilogy. Amazing story line, it makes you think and question things. Definitely on my Favorite Reads list. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2OhCdml7Lfmxn0vakA05pV_3GORtzmHc5Om89rarNZLChyyFeQYcnYwG96eWthpdOm-jGlfzQFYJS1PIhRtb-IhVXvayXXv1m7DltsCb2_dOHMvEvB4mJTAQD9tnwxhIqcvZ1qbzvvNJ/s1600/taking-charge-of-your-fertility.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2OhCdml7Lfmxn0vakA05pV_3GORtzmHc5Om89rarNZLChyyFeQYcnYwG96eWthpdOm-jGlfzQFYJS1PIhRtb-IhVXvayXXv1m7DltsCb2_dOHMvEvB4mJTAQD9tnwxhIqcvZ1qbzvvNJ/s320/taking-charge-of-your-fertility.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
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Hahaha yep I read this. In like a day. And it was surprisingly informative. I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in their gynecologic health, it has helped me to sort through some bodily issues I've been having. Again, hahahaha.</div>
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I love that books teach and entertain at the same time. I've always been a reader, and I always will be. My current goal is to build up my book library. Digital books are super convenient, but nothing beats the feel and smell of brand new, never-before-turned pages. </div>
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What's your favorite book?</div>
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Happy Reading!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-45645310239683282032013-07-26T13:29:00.002-07:002014-04-30T20:47:10.844-07:00Decisions.<div style="text-align: left;">
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I'm facing a few big decisions in regard to school and work, and I always find it helpful to record my thoughts when trying to decide what to do.</div>
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First, I have decided not to go to school this upcoming year.</div>
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DJ is beginning graduate school next month which is pretty much a full time commitment. I am going to be responsible for providing for our little family during that time, which is hugely stressful for me to even think about. While I make decent money, we still rely on DJ's income to supplement mine. It is going to be a difficult year for us, and I just don't think I can handle trying to succeed in school on top of things. Therefore, the decision to take a year off.</div>
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I know, I know, "If you stop now you'll never go back!" </div>
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I feel confident that my determination to get a college degree will pull me through the difficulties that taking time off and re-starting school may present. It has always been a goal of mine to graduate, and not doing so is not an option in my mind. Sure it will be challenging, but like most challenges, the end result will be well worth it.</div>
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What to do?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-52254526954574642452013-07-26T13:13:00.001-07:002013-07-26T13:13:59.960-07:00I'm Not Broken.<div>
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Here's another TMI update.<br />
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On Tuesday, after two and a half months of confusion and mystery, I<i> finally </i>got a positive OPK. Such a tiny little step but what a blessing it is to know that my body is, indeed, functioning normally. </div>
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Can't wait to see what happens next!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-84364928936742424852013-07-22T09:46:00.000-07:002013-07-22T09:46:24.778-07:00Goals.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I believe in bettering oneself.</div>
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When I am going through difficult times, or when I am not satisfied with how I feel about my life, I often find myself pondering on the things that I am doing, and what I could do better. I then like to formulate a plan to improve those things that I am dissatisfied with.</div>
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I am a goal setter.</div>
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Recently, after finding ourselves in a bit of a funk, DJ and I decided that we needed to make some changes in our life. </div>
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First, we set a goal to eat healthier, fresher foods. </div>
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This goal was particularly difficult for me. </div>
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As the wife who does the majority of the cooking, setting a goal to eat out less and cook at home more meant meal planning, grocery shopping, and turning on the stove.</div>
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Like I said, <i>difficult.</i></div>
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I set about creating weekly meal and shopping plans, and after about a month of committing myself to my routine, I am proud to say that I am getting used to things. We are eating out only about once a week, usually on the weekends, saving SO much money and reducing waste by shopping every week and only for things that we need, and we are both feeling healthier and happier as we introduce whole, healthy foods into our bodies. </div>
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Our next goal involved keeping a clean home where the Spirit would be welcomed and easily felt. </div>
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Our cleaning routine historically has gone something like this:</div>
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<b>Spend 10 hours every Saturday cleaning and scrubbing and doing the laundry and then trash the place throughout the week and do it all over again next Saturday.</b></div>
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It was exhausting and super disappointing to come home to a house that got messier and messier as the week went on. Not to mention the fact that I could rarely go out on Saturdays due to the giant mess that I had to clean. </div>
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DJ and I decided that we would dedicate 10-15 minutes a day to pick up the house. In addition to picking up each day, I have also been trying to do one bigger chore (such as vacuum, dust, scrub the toilet, etc.) and a load of laundry each day to minimize the amount of work that I will have to do on the weekends.</div>
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I am still working on getting the bigger chores into a cyclical system, but I seriously cannot BELIEVE how much of a difference a clean home has made. It is SO refreshing to open the front door and see a spotless living room, and then continue on to see that the dishes are done, the bed is made, the laundry is off of the floor. The irritation that was caused by messiness is gone, and because we are dividing the workload and doing a little bit each day, DJ and I have more time to spend with one another and less time to stress over a messy home. We are pretty proud of ourselves for doing such a good job the past two weeks, and I think that because there has been such a drastic change in the atmosphere of our home that we are both very motivated to continue keeping our home peaceful and clean. </div>
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Our next goal has been to exercise weekly. </div>
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DJ has been doing an AWESOME job at this one, going to the gym 3-4 times a week and going on bike rides in the mornings on the days that he doesn't go. </div>
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I, however, have been once in the past month.</div>
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I really hate working out and sweating, but I do know that it is supremely important that I exercise on a daily basis. Therefore, I have set a goal that beginning today, I will try my hardest to go to the gym 3 days this week. This morning, I woke up a little bit earlier than usual and packed a bag of gym clothes and DJ and I made a plan to meet at the gym after work. I am trying to be committed and preparing ahead of time always helps keep me from bailing at the last minute. So, we will see how today goes, and I really hope that I can get my lazy bum working out 3 times this week! </div>
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Wish me luck.</div>
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Finally (for now - there will be more goal setting in the future, I'm sure of it!) DJ and I have been trying to be more committed to studying our scriptures and praying together every single day. We have always struggled to be consistent with this, and we have felt the blessings of doing so missing from our lives. We decided that we needed to make a greater effort to follow the Lord's counsel, and have started reading and praying each day. Some days we do a really awesome job and read a chapter and then write about our thoughts and feelings, and other days a half hour after going to sleep I have to wake DJ up because we forgot to pray and we hold hands and say the prayer in bed. We are definitely not perfect, but we are feeling a difference. The Spirit is more present than it was and we are able to easily recognize the Lord's hand in our day to day lives. It is such a blessing to be able to read and pray together, and I regret that we haven't been more diligent in the past. I look forward to continuing to grow closer together and to the Lord and seeing the blessings that will manifest in our lives through our dedication.</div>
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Goal setting is super important to me. It's a part of my personality, a part of who I am. Some people can better themselves naturally and effortlessly, but I have to look ahead and make a plan to get where I want to be. If I'm not setting goals for myself, I am not progressing. But I am thankful that that is the way I am, because through goal setting I can look back at where I was and see where I am now and easily see the changes I have made. I have big plans for myself, and one step at a time, I will get there. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-55852954088488932512013-07-22T09:10:00.000-07:002013-07-22T09:10:21.047-07:00Monday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Monday.</div>
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Today I woke up feeling pretty good, which doesn't usually happen on Mondays.</div>
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I even did my hair and makeup for the occasion. </div>
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I'm grateful that I'm feeling good today, and I am excited for a fulfilling and productive Monday!</div>
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Here's a short update on Haley's Happenings:</div>
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Last Thursday, we went and watched Brandon and Ella compete in the City of Mesa swim meet. They both did a great job, and I'm so glad to be their big sister!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJm2GjVmIRwzytJYX1YObx_DQXYlK0_cGNAih4ZCoZQDdnvpHy4lsNwEA21i_vr8RHg19yYBak3fEo4En3gFBl3Ba2kSkYrXaLVvS1qfCGgyv_qYgrEPsjTZEhfcxSy1YisvSa_OlFhBJO/s1600/photo+(67).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJm2GjVmIRwzytJYX1YObx_DQXYlK0_cGNAih4ZCoZQDdnvpHy4lsNwEA21i_vr8RHg19yYBak3fEo4En3gFBl3Ba2kSkYrXaLVvS1qfCGgyv_qYgrEPsjTZEhfcxSy1YisvSa_OlFhBJO/s320/photo+(67).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I love these goonies.</div>
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On Saturday, DJ and I went and helped one of the family's good friends, Dee, and her three daughters into their new house. We were supposed to meet at 10:00 to begin helping, and when DJ woke me up at 9:45 I considered staying in bed for another hour or so and then joining up with the rest of the crew. But then I thought about all of the crap that my family would give me if I did that, and rolled my lazy butt out of bed. </div>
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Nothing quite like the fear of endless grief to motivate a girl.</div>
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And now today I am back at work, doing my thing. </div>
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It's a Monday, and it's a good day.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5342628752252721101.post-68615973411777323972013-07-17T15:17:00.002-07:002013-07-17T15:19:51.194-07:00Sisters.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMbLfgmVJ_2UhwBJOlJkCkZERhaJZwNBn_0WtqH-c0pVZlo0KqMTDPwZjBL94R_EMQK8CnKFqeX3P5VHfW-hZHkKFKlVtR4Cgx_nfTpNnxQgz7JCrqxTWblkutql-bsCqDewI2HprtSYX/s1600/579812_458762300804487_1860296083_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMbLfgmVJ_2UhwBJOlJkCkZERhaJZwNBn_0WtqH-c0pVZlo0KqMTDPwZjBL94R_EMQK8CnKFqeX3P5VHfW-hZHkKFKlVtR4Cgx_nfTpNnxQgz7JCrqxTWblkutql-bsCqDewI2HprtSYX/s320/579812_458762300804487_1860296083_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Well, as I mentioned, this past week was a wild one. And I'm afraid that it wasn't the "good" sort of wild.<br />
<br />
Last Sunday we almost lost my sister.<br />
<br />
I didn't find out until Monday morning when my mom called me to tell me that my sister was in the hospital.<br />
I left work as soon as I could, but unfortunately by the time I got back to Mesa, my sister had been moved to a facility that doesn't allow visitors for the first day or so that a patient is there. All I could really do was comfort my family and try to make myself useful. We were able to visit with her the next day, at which time she was stable and doing much better. She stayed in the hospital for 5 days and was released last Friday.<br />
<br />
Thankfully my sister is here and well, although the doctors informed us that it was a close call, and that we are lucky. This experience got me thinking about how much I truly need my sister in my life. Sure, we grew up picking on one another (like most siblings do) but ultimately, when it comes down to it, there would be a huge hole in my life if she wasn't here. As I heard the news and then had time to ponder while waiting to hear from the hospital, I realized just how much I regret every mean thing I have ever said or done to hurt her. The guilt was overwhelming. I love my sister, and while our relationship is now SO much better than it was when we were teenagers, living in the same house, in the same bedroom, I look forward to and am so grateful for the many years I have ahead with my sister. I need her to know what a beautiful part of my life she is, and just how much I need her.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14276296287149186246noreply@blogger.com0