Praising God

I want to just take a moment to praise my God. He is so wonderful and has given me such a special assignment. I am honor he chose me to carry out this assignment. I am so excited to be pregnant. I love helping people and I can't think of a better way to help someone than this. I can't think of a better couple to help than M&M. God put the pieces together for us. He made the way. He answered the prayers and we will trust Him through out this pregnancy. I stand on faith! He is my God and if you don't know him... he can be YOUR God too. He is so awesome.... beyond words to describe... He is unbelievable at times: well most of the time! It is through him that we have our strength and it is through him that those two lil' beans are growing. Thank you God for giving me this precious gift of life to hold.

Today was my pregnancy Test

Although the day was off to a rocky start, I am so thankful for all the prayers that went up for me. And if you don't 'pray'... I am still thankful for the wishful thoughts of me that you had. I finally received a call from the nurse coordinator. I am indeed pregnant! My numbers were very good. I will go back on Monday for another test. They want to see my number doubling. I think I may have 3 tests total... then an ultrasound and heart beat confirmation... Wow... to think about those tiny heart beats... beating so rapid as God supplies their strength. Praising Him!!! As soon as I found out... This song came to mind. Be sure to scroll down and turn off the automatic music before clicking on this video. {{Hugs to all}}

March 15... the Elaborated Version

What an emotional day! We all met at Denny's for breakfast. M&M gave me the coolest and most thoughtful present. A gorgeous pair of blue and gold earrings and the coziest pair of PJs! She remembered my favorite color was blue!!! I was so thrilled to receive this unexpected gift. I had brought their daughter a princess bag with stickers and cards to help her pass the time while in the waiting room. I also got them each an Egg of M&M's. (corny I know.. but I am sure they liked the irony of us transferring the eggs today and them receiving egg shaped containers full of M&M's-the name I have given them on my blog).

We scheduled a noon appointment. When we got there the waiting room was empty! Both M&M and I was given an identification bracelet to wear. I barely got seated and read one page of a book to their daughter and was called back. M and I went back. We were in a room the size of a walk in closet (lol). There was a recliner and a chair with a small counter and closet. I was given a gown and a sheet and asked to strip from the waist down. M was given scrubs. It was very warm and cozy in there!!! VERY WARM. So her and I talked for about 5 min. then the lab tech came in and explained to her the results of the test and told us what grades the embryos are that we were transferring that day. Then she left and about 2 min. later in came the nurse and the doctor. We were escorted to the transfer room. Another small room, yet somewhat bigger than the walk in closet . They sat me on a 1/2 bed. Instead of my feet in stir ups like I expected, my knees were placed in them. The ultrasound tech was very calming. He walked me through it all. There was a flat screen TV on the wall above me and I was instructed to watch that. The lab tech placed the embryos on there and showed us them. M grabbed my hand and held it the whole time. While I was focused on the TV, Dr Kaplan was cleaning the 'area' and inserting the cath. It was mildly uncomfortable, however very bearable! Once the embryos were in the syringe, the u/s guy directed me to watch the u/s monitor. He showed us where the cath was placed and then we watched as the 2 little boys were 'shot' into my uterus. Once they were sure both of the embryos were out of the tubing, I was asked to go to the restroom and relieve my bladder. (full bladder is required for the u/s procedure) Once I was done in the restroom, M and I went back to our walk in closet and she requested that we have 10 min to rest. She reclined me and we just prayed and rejoiced in the lord. After about 15 min, we got dressed ... well I got dressed and we left. The procedure took about 5-10 min. start to finish. I felt blessed to have here there with me to experience this at a team. Woohooo!!! Transfer went great!

Once I got home, I changed into my comfy pjs and relaxed. I can't wait until tomorrow. That is the 1st beta!

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Revival, Again!

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS!
I am so excited to tell you about my weekend. It was filled with so many wonderful blessings!!! First off let me start by saying that this revival was awesome! God is so great that I am speechless with the 'right' words to express it.

My dad, mother, sister, brother-in-law and 2 nephews came up from Knoxville, Tn to visit us. (Blessing) Also, the kid's dad came up to be with our daughter. (Blessing) In case you forgot, my son spent the last week with us so I was able to rejoice in having him home! (Blessing) The kids' dad (James Sisk), my dad (Robert Newby) and my brother-in-law (Rick Miller) were the ones that were in revival this weekend with us.

Everyone arrived on Friday at various times. James took Kris with him so they could have some father/daughter time and got a hotel room. My family stayed at my house with us. Due to an accident in Carmel, they were delayed in arriving and rushed once they got to my house. Chad had Shrimp Stir-Fry ready to eat (Blessing) if they had time and they rushed around trying to get ready for the 1st night's service. Once we were at church, all was well! After a few songs, Rick preached a wonderful service titled "A Touch from the Master". The spirit was falling as the tears were flowing in the house of God. (Blessing) It was an amazing feeling and I was thrilled to be a part of this service. My daughter asked if I would go the alter with her during alter call so I did, along with several of our friends. It was so uplifting to see her want to get closer to the Lord. (Blessing)

Saturday was a nice warm day (for Indiana in March). (Blessing) We enjoyed conversing with family and playing with the kids. I spent an hour telling my nephew about all the exercises you can do with a stability ball. Since I am on restriction, I had my sister do the moves. (Blessing) She enjoyed the exercise I showed her and then jumping on the treadmill. Then my nephews were ready to try them. They were so cute doing all the exercises and really burning some energy! LOL I also wrote down the exercises for the 6 min. Abs for her to do. It was great to see her really taking advantage of the exercise room we have... especially since I can't right now. LOL Later the kids went outside to enjoy the fresh air and warm 65-70 degree temps! (Blessing) My sister and mother pulled out her soundtracks and started singing. I was in tears... it has been about 15 years or so since I have sung with my mom. (Blessing) I have never sung with my sister. I praise God for that opportunity he gave me....*tears*! Later my mom baked a cake for my daughter for her birthday. James and the kids came over to socialize and enjoy the family birthday party for her (spare of the minute). (Blessing) Then they stayed for dinner. Chad prepared a Pork Loin and my sister and I made mashed potatoes, green beans and mac&cheese.(yummy Blessing) It felt good to have my family and the kid's w/ their dad there under one roof. Once dinner was over, it was time to clean up and get ready for another exciting meeting at church. This service my mom, sister and I sung 2 songs. I felt the spirit of the Lord and I was just over joyed with peace. (Blessing) James preached about Never being Alone. Funny thing is he started singing the song I posted on here last week, "Somebody's Praying" (Blessing) That was cool! Again several people knelt at the alter for a touch from God.

Sunday was a bitter sweet day. I was happy because I had my family here, yet sad knowing it was their last day. You see, my sister and her family had never been up here so this was their first time. My mom and dad was up here 2 years ago. So the reality of this being the end of the revival was sad. Sunday morning my dad spoke. He preached about The Talents. (Blessing) This revival was the first time I had heard my dad and Rick preach. I was honored and teary the entire time. (Blessing) God was blessing me left and right. Us girls were asked to to sing an alter call song and as the 1st verse to the song "Undo" was winding down, my son came to the alter. I was so happy to see him there. (Blessing) He has been struggling with so many things and I wanted to see him let go of the past. I couldn't sing... I went and knelt at the alter praying with him. Did I mention how great this revival was for me? lol. Rick and Dad decided to stay for the evening service... another (Blessing) I will claim as my own!!! Although I know the service was for many there... I know it was for me. He preached about Trusting God. (Blessing) I was having some issues and felt weak. He kept repeating... when you feel at your weakest; God is at his strongest! I could picture HIS big arms around me and holding me. (Blessing) I could feel God saying, don't worry I am in control of this. By the time the alter call was starting I felt great peace with in me. As the song was being sung, my friend asked me to go to the alter with her.... little did WE know it would cause a chain reaction. I looked over to my husband and asked if he wanted to go. (typically he says no) Last night he nodded his head. (Blessing) My heart filled up and I couldn't contain my tears. We went to the alter. All I could say was praise God... over and over! My husband joined the church last night and I am just praising God today for this. My son recommitted his life to God and plans to follow in his dad's footsteps as a minister. My daughter isn't afraid to bow at the alter and give over to the calling God has for her. I am over-joyed and so excited to see all the good that God has in store for us. He is a good God... none like him! Last night we had two new members added to our church. (Blessing) Praise God! I can't thank him enough for all he has done in my life!

ps.... Happy 13th Bday Kris!!!

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SOMEBODY'S PRAYING

Thank you to all of my friends. I have so many in different areas of my life, coming together on this matter and I want to say thank you. Please turn your speakers on and listen as you read the words.... This is how I am feeling today!

Luck of the Irish!!!

Transfer went great on Sunday!!! NO waiting... It took longer for us to get our food at Denny's than it did in the waiting room. I read 1 page out of a book to M&M's daughter and they called us back. The emotion that was there with us... was amazing! She was so supportive and just there to hold my hand and pray while the procedure was happening. The 2 boys that we transferred looked beautiful... just beautiful. I feel blessed to have them safe in me. God is in control and I am holding tight to HIS promise.... Yes God.. you know what promise I am talking about... and I praise HIM for it... All glory and honor goes to God!

Happy.....

Change of plans this weekend. We are picking up my son on Saturday now. I will end the TT contest on Saturday as well. So excited to see how the result come out! I hit a new low on the scales this morning and I am really happy about that. The spray tan I did last night... needs another treatment... which I will not be able to do. So I guess I will be white in the pics. LOL Not that I am not white.. I would just like a little color on my skin.

Side Note: Started reading Twilight this week. I am addicted and I am only on chapter 8!!! LOL

Egg News

I received a call from M&M yesterday. It is always so great to hear from her! She is getting so excited and so am I!!! They were able to retieve a good number of eggs and from that batch; NINE fertilized!!! Such a great number and amazing how God works. All the knowledge he gave the doctors to help people is just grand! I haven't heard anymore on how those 9 are doing; however I am not worried about it. God has a plan...

Tomorrow we take a drive to Kentucky to pick up my son. Next week is his Spring Break and I am looking forward to having him around. I miss him so much, as I have said numerous times. Saturday I have a job to do that will take a few hours then I will get ready for my photo shoot. Chad will be taking my Finale Photos. I am really excited to see the difference in my b4 and after photos. Not sure that I will post them on here.... maybe.... I will have to wait and see. Then Sunday is the day... the transfer day. Please send up prayers for us as we have the procedure done. M&M will be there with us and I am just so excited. I can't wait to be in the room, looking at the embyos on the monitor and holding M's hand. I am tearing up just thinking of this moment. 'nuf said.

Food talk.

I just had the yummiest salad ever! It was a salad from my own kitchen... and I made it. Here is the ingredients. Shredded lettuce, tomato, chicken breast, apple with Asian Sesame Dressing. I just wanted to share good news since I did such a crappy job last night on supper. Chad has been doing a lot of cooking for us, which means I am a bit rusty now. Well last night I cooked dinner while he hung a side new door in our garage. So I season the chicken breast and cover w/ foil and place in the oven for baking. I wash the broccoli and spray the pan for cooking it. I add some 'special' ingredients. Ok that was probably my 1st mistake, since I didn't measure and it had been a while since I cooked. While the broccoli was cooking I started the water for the pasta. Bottom line is, when we sat down to eat... the chicken was dry a little, the pasta was stickier than normal and the broccoli was almost trash-able in my opinion. Chad tasted and decided that it was edible. So we all had some over powering broccoli (will not put vinegar in that again!). It was ok if you chewed really quick 4 times and then shoved a piece of pasta in your mouth to cover the taste. LOL I do thank God for the food and the nourishment it was to our body. I also thank God for a husband that says.. it isn't that bad, we can eat it. I told him at the end of dinner that he was the designated cook from now on because I was out of practice. LOL

I love broccoli, so I was very upset I ruined it!

To Kelli... my dear friend!

Anything Is Possible lyrics by Anointed

Transfer Week?

Well tonight is the last night of my Lupron shot. I do start some other meds. today and tomorrow. SUNDAY is the transfer day(change in plans). I am so excited to hear how many itty-bitty eggies the doctor was able to retrieve. M&M said she would call me and let me know. Then we send up Growing Prayers. God has a special one already picked out for M&M... I am so excited to be a part of his Miracle!

I got an email from the nurse. It has a list of restrictions on it. Most of you know that I am in the Turbulence Training Transformation Challenge #4. My end date is/WAS March 19th. However in lieu of this recent email, my NEW end date is March 14th. This week I am really focusing on working out and getting ready for the photos on Saturday. Then it will be 48hr of couch potato rest... that evolves into 10 days of little activity and NO exercise. Yep you heard that right, NO EXERCISE. The nurse did say I could walk at a slow pace after the 48 hours. So I plan on taking advantage of this time by reading a book. Something mystical and romantic! I may spend some time blogging and chatting with my friends too. lol

On another note: my son is visiting us for his Spring Break next week! I can't wait until he is here. Although he will spend a lot of his time 'gaming' with Chad, I just like that he is here. I will have both of my kids here that week. I will feel like home is complete again... I miss him!

Killer Exercise

This is one of those exercises you feel for days after you do it. That is when you know it was a good one!!! I do this as a warm up to my TT 2K5 Workout. OUCHIE!!!

Random Thoughts and Updates

I have given myself 20 shots of Lupron and I think it is time I blogged about it. Sure I shared with you my first shot AND the shot from hell; however I haven't just blogged about them. I think it is pretty good that I have successfully given myself 20 shots (that equals about 30 sticks).lol Same routine each night... wash my hands, get out the needle, swab, lupron. I expose my tummy and figure out the best place to 'shoot up' for the night. I swab it clean and then get my needle ready (while my tummy dries). I pull back to get some air equal to the amount of liquid I need, then I insert the needle into the bottle. (Once I was too close to the metal when I inserted the needle and BENT the needle. lol Needless to say I had to get a new needle.) After pushing the air in the bottle, I tip it over and pull back a little past where I need to be... then I make sure the syringe is vertical and push the overage back in the bottle. At this point, I grab some belly fat (where I swabbed) and get ready for the jab. I do a couple practice movements and then just go for it. Kristian thinks it is funny that I 'practice'. So I am here to share, more shots go uneventful. I jab it in, push the medicine in, pause for a second, then remove.

Yesterday I had an ultrasound and blood work done. The roads were clear and I got in and out in record time. Later the nurse called me from our IVF clinic. She said everything was perfect and I just needed to continue on the schedule until she gets more information on when the eggs will be retrieved. (should be later this week) I praise God that my body is responding to the meds the way they want. He is in control!

Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

On my way to work this morning, I was praying. The word angels came to mind and I was thanking God for loving me and placing an angel to watch over me. Then an overwhelming sense of gratitude hit me... soon I will have two angels hanging around. One for me, the other for this new little life I will be carrying for M&M! I began to cry and just praise my God for his miracle and promise; for his love and mercy; for loving us enough to send his Son and for Jesus caring about us enough to come and die for our sins. Tears of joy filled my heart and my tissue. I want to be forever mindful of what He has and is going to do for me!