Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Here's Where to Find the Sermons...

Apparently I don't know how to insert a link after 4 years...so I'll just post the website so you can cut and paste:) The ones that have spoken to me most are "Divine Deliberate Delay" and "Thinking that Releases Miracles". Hope they speak to you as much as they did to me. I would "guesstimate" they are around 30 minutes long, or so.

http://riveroflifepocatello.com/Sundaymessages.aspx

Can Someone Please Make the Decision For Me??

I've been crazy-busy this past week, but haven't forgotten about my faithful followers:) Thanks for reading my rantings and ravings!! I was talking to some co-workers yesterday about the recent doctors visits and tests, and *M* said, "So what are you going to do?" Totally legit question that has me throwing my hands up in the air.

If we are going to pursue IUI (4-6 cycles, $2,500-$3,500 that we don't have), I need to get a prescription for clomid in the next 7-10 days, and also let the doctor's office know. I feel like if/when we do IUI, I want to do consecutive months, rather than sporadic, with hopes that my right fallopian tube will spit out an egg sometime in those given months. Conrad's entering his busiest time of year for farming, so I'm wondering if waiting until after harvest would be best. *M* is like, "I just can't stand the anticipation!" I know, I know, folks, but I'm trying not to let my emotions lead, too much, in my decisions.

Another reason I'm hesitant is that I'm not ruling out that God has a miracle up His sleeve. Part of me is like--well, the money isn't there, so we need to be smart and just wait it out--PRAY it out. Maybe lack of finances is God's way of closing the door to infertility assistance at this exact moment (not to say it's not in our future). Ultimately I HAVE TO BELIEVE that God has an AMAZING plan for our future family and I am trying to press into Him more. Pastor Rod has been hitting on some key points the past few weeks. I will attempt to post a link to the last two sermons, they were excellent.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Wasted trip to Poky...

Today was my follow-up appointment after my HSG. It was a waste of my time! I'm not too impressed with the current doc, but he's one of two that can do IUI in this area, plus now I sort of have a history with him (if you can call it that). He basically told me what could've been said over the phone...last week! I've been waiting in anticipation of some *new* news or something crazy wrong for over a week, and then he spends 5 minutes with me and same ol', same ol'. Here's the run-down, and feel free to act like it's new information, because it's pretty much a repeat:

Long story short, our situation presents male factor as well as female factor infertility...I am at liberty to freely talk about my own issues. I have a tubal occlusion in my left fallopian tube (knew this already). Therefore, even if I am ovulating, if it's my left ovary that's trying to push out an egg, the poor little egg isn't going to make it anywhere. He recommended IUI with Clomid for 4-6 cycles, and if no BFP ("big fat positive"), we will look to IVF. Again, there's no way we can pick which ovary does ovulate, so even with the Clomid, I will need to pray that my right ovary will step up to the plate. Oh yeah, and he did try and tell me that IUI was a couple hundred a month. I told him what I found out and he looked shocked and said I should re-check at the front when I checked out. I was right. $254 per time, 2x per cycle, plus $80 blood test, plus $9 for generic Clomid. Okay, Dr.C., in my book, that looks like almost $600/month. Pocket change, right?

I was very frustrated when I left, not only because it was a waste of my time, but because of our situation. How come 15-year-olds get pregnant their first time having sex, and don't even want a baby, and it takes a mature, Christian couple years and lots of money?? I guess it all comes back to trusting our faithful God, and knowing that ultimately He DOES have a good plan for our lives. I'm trying to pound this in my head because it's easy for my mind to wander. Our pastor gave an excellent sermon on Sunday entitled "Divine Deliberate Delay" and it was just what I needed as a reminder. I will go into this more later, it was quite convicting.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Bubblicious+Rodeo=Happy Birthday:)

My co-workers bought me a lovely chocolate cake...yes, the "Happy Birthday" plaque is edible white chocolate...they spoil me (this came after Sticky Finger Salad).
Let the bubble-blowing begin!!! You go, girls!!!


My beautiful sister and me at the rodeo. And a group shot below.


Red Robin anyone? All-you-can-eat fries and ranch. Nevermind the cheesy grin on my face while I have balloons wrapped around my ears. I just *love* being the center of attention.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Time for a happy blog entry:).

I was born on a beautiful Sunday afternoon just over 27 years ago. I was easy on my mom...she was a champ! I love that on my birthday every year, my parents tell me my "birth day story." It goes something like this: My mom was gearing up to give birth to her first child on April 23, 1983. The little baby inside her insisted on coming early, however. On April 9th, my mom started having contractions at home. As the day progressed, the contractions did not let up but got stronger and stronger. She wanted to stay at home as long as possible. She had a friend come sit with her because my dad didn't get off work until 11:00 p.m. and she wanted to wait to go to the hospital with him (even though he would have just been returning from working there...pharmacist+nurse=love story). At the time, my parents were not quite sure if they were going to be welcoming a son or a daughter into their lives. Way back when, the ultrasounds weren't as clear and the doctor "thought" the baby was a boy. When my parents went to the hospital that night after my dad got home, they waited excitedly as things progressed. My mom said she walked a lot up and down the hallways with my dad because it was better than laying in bed. I didn't decide to make an appearance until the next day at 3:45 p.m. My dad recalls it being an emotional experience. As he was watching me come into the world, he says he was so choked up that all he could say was, "I don't know if it's a boy or a girl, but it has lots of dark hair!" The labor went smoothly and my parents gladly welcomed a 6lb. 12oz. *girl* to the world. They chose the name Adriane because they both liked it, and my middle name, Elizabeth, after my paternal great-grandmother Lizzie. They, of course, can recall lots more details. I love that they remember so much and tell me the story every year. They love me:)

I had a fun birthday this year. I went to the big rodeo matinee with my mom, sister, and 4 friends. This was my second time at this particular rodeo and I had lots of fun. We had great seats close to the chute, and only three rows up. My favorite parts were the hot dog and nachos, watching Andrea's and Pooh's heads turn with the good-looking cowboys that strutted by, and fun time with some of my favorite people. After the rodeo, we split up for a few hours and Pooh and I went to a few stores, including Goodwill. I love that store!! I found two shirts for $2 each! We went back to my parents' house to wait for our guests to arrive. Same rodeo crowd, minus one, plus a new one (I guess two new ones if you count my dad). My mom made posole (YUMMY mexican soup-like dish), so we started out with dinner. After that, we played Imaginiff... Have you ever played that game?? It's so much fun! We laughed a lot, and that led to us having a bubble blowing contest with the bubble gum that Pooh and I had picked up earlier (because what 27-year old's birthday party doesn't have bubble gum?!). We entertained ourselves with blowing bubbles for the next half hour or so. Then it was time for ice cream cake (it's just like Asphalt Pie, for those of you that have had it at Winger's). SO GOOD!! After that, Apples to Apples came out and we proceeded to laugh more and more. I was blessed with thoughtful gifts and cards, and the company of people I love. The next day, after church, my family and Conrad and I went to Red Robin for lunch and hit a few stores at the mall and Target. Did I mention that because I used my free birthday burger at RR, they came and sang to me? Luckily it wasn't terribly full as they belted out "I don't know but I've been told...someone here is getting old..." I kept my cool though, and was happy for the free sundae. Sunday was a fun continuation of my birthday, and nice to spend ALL day with Conrad, since he's been putting in long farming hours every day but Sunday. Overall, I had a most enjoyable birthday weekend. I have some pictures, but it seems they don't want to upload at the moment.....later.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Hysterosalpingogram...

Say this 10 times fast!!! This was what I did today...don't be jealous. First of all, it was not comfortable. And not just the part where your legs are spread up in the air...but where the radiologist blows up a little ballon inside your uterus through the catheter he's stuck up through your cervix and pumps you full of contrast (dye). Thankfully I had done some reading online about the procedure, so I was highly dosed on ibuprofen beforehand. When the radiologist was injecting the dye---yowsers! It felt like the worst cramps imagineable. Unluckily, I get bad cramps every month so it wasn't anything too new, except for the fact I was laying flat on a table with three strangers staring at me. I got to see the screen while he was doing his part, and it was cool to see my inards.:)

The radiologist talked to me for a minute after the HSG and explained the x-ray pictures, but I have to talk to the ob/gyn tomorrow or Wednesday for his take on what's next. So, below is a diagram of the final picture that I saw. The good news...I have a uterus and one open fallopian tube. The dreaded news...I have one fallopian tube that is not open and would not take in any dye, despite the radiologist's trying to insist (ouch!). After I got off the table and walked to the changing/bathroom as modestly as I could, it was all I could do not to burst out in tears. Who know what's next (well, God does...)?? For now I will console myself with birthday candy and pepperoni de-light pizza from Papa Murphey's. Oh yeah, and I might've redeemed my free Coldstone birthday coupon for a cake batter ice cream/brownie cup of delight.

A picture is worth 1,000 words:
Figure 1 is what I was hoping for. Figure 2 is what I got.

Friday, April 09, 2010

Where was the Lawnmower???

You may think I'm going to dive into a nicely written blog entry about yardwork. Nope. I just got done shaving my legs for the first time in 2 months. I really could've used a lawnmower to get off that first thick layer. Maybe next time I'll remember before I dull a million razors getting rid of the 18 pounds of hair that have been keeping my legs warm. It actually would've been worse, but I had a false alarm in February that I may be hanging out in my friend's parents' hottub, so I decided that even my closest girlfriends needn't be subjected to the "jungle". I'm not totally against shaving. I'm all about upkeep when it doesn't involve my legs. Maybe that's cuz no one sees them and my husband doesn't care?? Who knows. All I can say is "where was that dang lawnmower!?!?!?!?!"

Thursday, April 08, 2010

Blah...

Do you ever just feel "blah"? WARNING: Don't read this if you don't wanna know "blah".

I guess I can say this has been the story of my life for a while. Don't get me wrong--I do have fun events, laughing fits, and enjoyable time with family and friends. However, one thing I've realized about myself three years ago (when deciding we would start TTC in February 2008) and today is that all (okay, most) motivation is gone. Three years ago, I was dedicated to working out and eating right...all in the name of gearing up for a healthy pregnancy. I was in the best shape of my life and I felt awesome from the inside out. Exercise was enjoyable, relaxing, and my body craved it. I easily made healthy choices, while still enjoying treats here and there, never feeling deprived. I was strong, healthy, and fit.

Now jump ahead to present-day. After months--and now years--of no success in the TTC department, I am unmotivated, out of shape, and make unhealthy choices when I eat. I know what I need to do to get in shape. I know what I need to eat/avoid to be healthy. I hate that I let myself react in such an unhealthy way to unhappy news. I put in a Pilates video tonight, thinking I could at least do a 20-minute segment. I did a few minutes of one segment, jumped to another, only to turn off the DVD altogether in another few minutes. Defeated. Tearful. Wondering why? I don't like feeling this way. It didn't help that my phone was on the fritz today when I was trying to be in contact with the financial counselor at PMC. I am really praying God's favor over getting some $$$ knocked off my procedure on Monday. Okay, this is like a diary entry, and since I don't keep a "diary" I just put it all out there on the world wide web. Here you go, folks!

Sorry, Michel, I tried to keep it upbeat for a few posts, but had to vent!! Thanks, God, that you're here even when I feel defeated.

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

His Faithful Love Endures Forever...

Psalm 136 (NLT)
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His faithful love endures forever.

4 Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.
His faithful love endures forever.
5 Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully.
His faithful love endures forever.
6 Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters.
His faithful love endures forever.
7 Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights—
His faithful love endures forever.
8 the sun to rule the day,
His faithful love endures forever.
9 and the moon and stars to rule the night.
His faithful love endures forever.

10 Give thanks to him who killed the firstborn of Egypt.
His faithful love endures forever.
11 He brought Israel out of Egypt.
His faithful love endures forever.
12 He acted with a strong hand and powerful arm.
His faithful love endures forever.
13 Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea.[a]
His faithful love endures forever.
14 He led Israel safely through,
His faithful love endures forever.
15 but he hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea.
His faithful love endures forever.
16 Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness.
His faithful love endures forever.

17 Give thanks to him who struck down mighty kings.
His faithful love endures forever.
18 He killed powerful kings—
His faithful love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites,
His faithful love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan.
His faithful love endures forever.
21 God gave the land of these kings as an inheritance—
His faithful love endures forever.
22 a special possession to his servant Israel.
His faithful love endures forever.

23 He remembered us in our weakness.
His faithful love endures forever.
24 He saved us from our enemies.
His faithful love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every living thing.
His faithful love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His faithful love endures forever.

I got a special card from an amazing friend last week. It made my day:) She wrote in it that while praying for me, God gave her Psalm 136. Today I was reading it during quiet time and I LOVE IT! And I love the way the New Living Translation says, "His faithful love endures forever." What more do we need if we have His faithful love enduring forever??

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

I Love My Job...

Today I had my annual review for my job...I can't believe it's been a year!! I remember the day my now-boss called to offer me the job only hours after my interview. When I started a few days later, it was definitely bittersweet. I had, after all, quit my social work job a few months earlier with hopes of being a stay at home wife, then a pregnant stay at home wife, and then a stay at home mommy. Because of financial strain following the sudden drop in the wheat market, causing us to make tens of thousands of dollars less than budgeted for that year, I got a part-time job to keep us from having to borrow money to live on (thanks, Dave Ramsey, for saving us from future debt...). It was NOT what I wanted to do. However, it has turned out to be a HUGE blessing in disguise. I have awesome co-workers (which I like to think of more as friends), I feel more connected to my small community, and, of course, less financial strain is always a great feeling. I had lunch at my favorite place and had an awesome waitress (shoutout to Sarah!). I prayed before I went that God would guide our conversation. I never have awkward moments with my manager, D, but it was the VP I was worried about:) It turned out being a very enjoyable lunch. My manager loves me--what's not to love?? We had plenty to talk about without any awkwardness in the hour and a half we were there. Overall, it was very positive and it was nice to get to know the VP better.

Speaking of jobs, I talked to one of my old co-workers today. I was thinking earlier how I miss the people I worked with in my old job, but I don't miss the actual job. I was sad to hear that someone I care about died on Easter night. It's crazy how emotionally connected you get to people, especially in that line of work when people are vulnerable with you. I am glad that I know about the death (I always check the obituaries for people I know so I don't find out months later) and I'm also glad that I am removed from having to grieve while comforting the other clients. I had to do this when Grandpa Manske died and it was NOT fun. It was great to talk with G, and nice to hear that she misses me (I miss her too!!) and another former co-worker told her just last week, "I miss Adriane." Isn't that sweet? I am thankful that I left in good standing from my other job. God, thank you for the doors you've opened and thank you for knowing what's best for me. I pray you'd bring comfort and strength where needed. YOU are peace.