tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632915600051593492024-03-13T06:35:07.491-07:00America Runs On DuncanEric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-50849207592744675172013-11-17T14:56:00.002-08:002013-11-17T14:56:42.301-08:00We Are Officially Certified to Adopt! Help Us Spread The Word!! :)We are so excited to be certified to Adopt!! We are trying to get the word out so that we can reach the person we are meant to reach! Please help us by following/sharing our FB page, our Adoption Blog, our Adoption Profile or attaching our Grab Button from the side of our blog to your page!<br />
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Thankkkk you! :)<br />
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Our FB Page:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ericandbrenley">https://www.facebook.com/ericandbrenley</a><br />
<br />
Our Adoption Blog:<br />
<a href="http://www.ericandbrenley.blogspot.com/">http://www.ericandbrenley.blogspot.com</a><br />
<br />
Our Adoption Profile:<br />
<a href="https://itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/30441723/ourMessage.jsf">https://itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/30441723/ourMessage.jsf</a>Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-88434418357706587212013-06-12T15:00:00.002-07:002013-06-12T15:00:44.005-07:00Whew! One Month Down...Fourteen to go!<br />
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My thoughts on Nursing School so far:<br />
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fun.<br />
nerve-wracking.<br />
studying.<br />
busy.<br />
easy.<br />
hard.<br />
studying.<br />
tiring.<br />
exhilarating.<br />
exhausting.<br />
studying.<br />
natural.<br />
Oh, I study a lot!<br />
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Things I've learned about Nursing School so far:<br />
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the grading system is whack!<br />
recording your lectures helps.<br />
colored pens make taking notes more fun.<br />
read and reread questions on the tests.<br />
people of all ages/backgrounds/ethnicities/walks of life are going to nursing school.<br />
buy lots of ink cartridges and paper.<br />
people drop out... we're down to 35 of the 40.<br />
ebooks <strike>suck!</strike> are not as user-friendly as they claim to be.<br />
volunteering for things (like performing a skill first) is scary and you will make mistakes, but you'll never make that same mistake again!<br />
cgcc block 1 instructors are wicked awesome.<br />
making time for other things (family, husband, relaxing... napping) is important.<br />
scrubs are comfy.<br />
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I'm really loving it so far! I feel like I've been anticipating it so long that I am just soaking everything in (well trying anyway!) and really enjoying it. Most of it actually feels pretty normal and, in an odd way, familiar.<br />
I study a lot, because there is just so much to learn. Not only for the the upcoming exam, but to actually KNOW and understand to be a great nurse... oh and to pass the NCLEX. Its not the type of studying where you cram the night before and memorize terms for a test, but commit it to memory in a way that you can just know it and utilize it moving forward.<br />
So about the grading system being whack... I got an 83% on my first exam annnnd that means I got a C. What's that about? For our exams, the only way to get an A is to miss one- yes only ONE- question! It's slightly disappointing, and somewhat defeating, to only miss a few questions and you are already at a C, but I've been putting in the work and trying hard so I can't be too hard on myself. I've only missed a few questions that I knew, read too fast, and should have gotten right, but I learned quickly to relax and make sure to read and reread the questions and I was able to pull out a B for exams numbers 2 and 3! Woop woop!<br />
I've gotten 100% on my practicum skills so far, and I've done half of them.<br />
We start clinicals in a few weeks and I'm excited and nervous. It will be fun to actually go out and be in the field but I just don't know what to expect until I go. Buuuut I can't wait!<br />
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...I need to remember to take some pictures in school so I can have them to remember (and so you all can see, of course!) I guess for now this is just a boring ol' post with no pictures!<br />
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Next time. :)<br />
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<br />Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-47728682123266573642013-05-18T11:13:00.000-07:002013-05-18T11:32:20.320-07:00CRUISIN' Right Along... :)So... Insanity. Yeah. That didn't last. I'm such a sucker, what can I say? It was hard and we did it for a little while, but not long. For some reason sticking to it was sooo hard! Sorry to disappoint everyone who was wanting to see results. Believe, I did too haha, just not bad enough I guess. Exercising in the morning is just so incredibly unappealing to me! Perhaps I'll try some other time during the day and see how that goes.<br />
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We've had a lot going on lately, so I'll do a little catch up post!<br />
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My little sister, Emily got baptized in April. We are so proud of her! We had a fun weekend with everyone coming over and aftwards, we went to the park and had a big family picnic and flew kites. The weather was perfect and the whole day was lovely! She is such a sweet (yet feisty!) spirit and we are so glad to have her in our family!<br />
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Sisters! :)</div>
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Dad and Em</div>
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Our family... :)</div>
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Emily and her nephews!</div>
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The weekend of the baptism, my adorable nephew, Blazye, started having seizures so his mom (my sister) and dad took him to the hospital in Thatcher and he was driven by ambulance to the Cardon's Children Hospital here in the valley. He was there for a week getting tests done and trying to get everything figured out. With the type of seizures he was having, the doctors were thinking there was a tumor on his hypothalamus in the brain. Luckily, no tumor was found on the MRI, so that was good news. They aren't out of the woods yet though, since these tumors can develop over time and are generally hard to spot early on. So they'll monitor him every six months or so and for now he is on medication to help control the seizures. My sister and her family didn't have insurance at the time this started and got denied for ACCHS insurance so they are left with a pretty hefty bill, so we are trying to do some fundraisers to help them out a little. (Like the Bucks for Blayze one my other sister created: <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/Bucks-for-Blayze">http://www.gofundme.com/Bucks-for-Blayze</a>) We are happy he is doing well and responding to the medication and we're so grateful for the prayers as well as the monetary and other services people have donated. Our family is very blessed!<br />
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Cruuuuuise! Yahoo! We went on our cruise to Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel, Mexico and we had such a blast!! It was so much fun going with our friends, the Webster's, and having a chance to get to know them better. We ate a lot (like, I gained SEVEN POUNDS, a lot!) of food all day everyday. We tried shark and alligator, which was exciting. The shark was too fishy for me and the alligator was actually pretty good. The weather was beautiful nearly the whole time.<br />
When we were in Jamaica, we just explored the area ourselves instead of booking any excursions. We rode a shuttle bus to a few different stops to check out the local shopping, a beautiful beach, Jamaican food, and sight seeing.<br />
In Cayman Islands, we got to swim with stingrays and hold them. They are so soft and slimy! It was awesome. We also got to dive for starfish and snorkel in coral reefs- which was so incredibly beautiful!<br />
In Cozumel, we did an amazing race which was awesome! I absolutely loved it because we had the chance to see so much more than just the normal "touristy"places and interact a little with the locals. Eric and Matt both served their missions in Mexico (which is how they met) so Eric was in heaven since it was his first time back in Mexico since he came home from his mission. We were given clues to follow which led us to different places in the heart of Cozumel and then it ended at a restaurant where we ate and they had an "awards" ceremony. We didn't get first place (the people who did, finished the race in like less than an hour and a half because they ran the entire time) and we were glad we didn't rush through it so we could enjoy being there. The water there was incredibly beautiful!<br />
It was our first cruise and I am already ready to go on another! We loved the staff and enjoyed all of the shows and everything they offered. I was even on the "Ultimate Gameshow" and won a medal :) (Although I didn't win the awesome trophy, which I wanted so bad! haha) We participated in girls vs boys trivia and the boys had some weird genius guy on their team that knew random things, along with Eric knowing a ton about history/geography and the likes, so needless to say, we got demolished. But it was fun playing! One other thing Eric and I did that was so much fun, was participating in "Dancing With the Cast"- which is their version of "Dancing With the Stars". We didn't place or anything but it was so fun getting to learn 3 dances. We want to start taking actual dance classes together sometime... whenever we can get time. :)<br />
Overall, we love cruising! We highly recommend it! So go book a cruise... like now! :)<br />
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PS- Sorry the pictures are not really in any specific order!<br />
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When we first got on the boat!</div>
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friends! :)</div>
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relaxin in a hammock.</div>
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The starfish I dove for. :)</div>
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fooooood.</div>
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Jamaica. no problem.</div>
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On our way to the Stingray Sandbar!</div>
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so cute!</div>
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Eric showing off our view.</div>
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The view from our window :) We were at the very front of the boat!</div>
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The first formal night :)</div>
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Jamaica </div>
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Jamaica</div>
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Jamaica</div>
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Jamaica</div>
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Cayman Island- Our tour guide getting the squid ready to feed the sting rays. Yummy!</div>
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That was a huge sting ray! And Matt and Karly lookin fly and tan!</div>
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Excited for hunting for starfish!</div>
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So cute! She's a little excited!</div>
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Attractive :)</div>
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Right before jumping in to snorkel! </div>
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We're pretty cute.</div>
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Riding on the boat. :)</div>
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What a looker! :) </div>
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Waiting to get back on the ship.</div>
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Monkey!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KPh3wBDGzML5I0eAeUHy6O0_l_S7ljEPkboiYfwbRLSWP02D1u7QVdOT7HuRxS9RBa3Rfn7mTG7j3Pb1O0FNR3tkBC0SgIMNdlIt2K2xYOIsvdtrm56CDZu5xUfVYJyFfdIeE_MWz7Bw/s1600/IMG_9415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KPh3wBDGzML5I0eAeUHy6O0_l_S7ljEPkboiYfwbRLSWP02D1u7QVdOT7HuRxS9RBa3Rfn7mTG7j3Pb1O0FNR3tkBC0SgIMNdlIt2K2xYOIsvdtrm56CDZu5xUfVYJyFfdIeE_MWz7Bw/s320/IMG_9415.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is our room. It was pretty spacious because it was a handicap room :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MoK9N80sXq4d4MN1ZHhghvQfICkopNQBOS3FvqVyHYfzFdJPBneJi0-1wpVDdZyXzd74z2HI_3wqmOlQTrt9iyWtsRPDT_547meMQavVNyxG75ftwHvuqSQKtQVKXLz8qw-1XWJphaIC/s1600/IMG_9418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MoK9N80sXq4d4MN1ZHhghvQfICkopNQBOS3FvqVyHYfzFdJPBneJi0-1wpVDdZyXzd74z2HI_3wqmOlQTrt9iyWtsRPDT_547meMQavVNyxG75ftwHvuqSQKtQVKXLz8qw-1XWJphaIC/s320/IMG_9418.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The Amazing race!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8j4PREUYh_dd4r69Zj2XaTDp1SoNnA_SKfEnVDvqoEFwl7ElEqGbRFau6Vgt2-7r4MoiczJHkXMrb7Ngw_KOiiIZOJwg-VRNuwkKrkD42RkhguU0_jj8PuruDQCw1_fZDnFORI77ggIH/s1600/IMG_9420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8j4PREUYh_dd4r69Zj2XaTDp1SoNnA_SKfEnVDvqoEFwl7ElEqGbRFau6Vgt2-7r4MoiczJHkXMrb7Ngw_KOiiIZOJwg-VRNuwkKrkD42RkhguU0_jj8PuruDQCw1_fZDnFORI77ggIH/s320/IMG_9420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We both look a little tired and sunkissed.. haha</div>
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This is right after we finished the race. We were so sweaty!</div>
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Interesting seating arrangements :) </div>
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Shopping in Mexico</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-CVYXeiJZZFpFDMGZSW9G5-FPtEWbYz6SkDNXyZfEL5BLlY4NkWG5Zj5wQxxguqawaLeN7ILDvdu8Q63PjUCJTdxDd2xLdx9bX1HZDpgZp0n4bSqnX8q-ewRmnNNMMn4RxFKqbrcfTX2/s1600/IMG_9425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-CVYXeiJZZFpFDMGZSW9G5-FPtEWbYz6SkDNXyZfEL5BLlY4NkWG5Zj5wQxxguqawaLeN7ILDvdu8Q63PjUCJTdxDd2xLdx9bX1HZDpgZp0n4bSqnX8q-ewRmnNNMMn4RxFKqbrcfTX2/s320/IMG_9425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Funny hats</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XZpZXHL2oLS5lx5wznDGgri_goH7b8Icq9r-Pi-rqkgQNTZKywRHNLMDu6DDR803AOQgMPwxebglnmDAG030nV152ZVRdcVqGTjAEu6HZlj0VTCdd7q1NjYfI1c6JrNPWPqo5wSDbAlW/s1600/IMG_9428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XZpZXHL2oLS5lx5wznDGgri_goH7b8Icq9r-Pi-rqkgQNTZKywRHNLMDu6DDR803AOQgMPwxebglnmDAG030nV152ZVRdcVqGTjAEu6HZlj0VTCdd7q1NjYfI1c6JrNPWPqo5wSDbAlW/s320/IMG_9428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Carnival Magic.</div>
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So lovely!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQdnmvW1Jjh7qeBgc3fqbbfBH88iw8Y4HKW4lzGMpIAfHEEvvfAWZMTqj_lhCHibf6-NLnkyhyvWaq-Sc-Li5wdd-4BS-WH6yokqKfR9vLsXGS8R8mxlbncor-XTD4quaAi0XbEH1V9Im/s1600/IMG_9435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQdnmvW1Jjh7qeBgc3fqbbfBH88iw8Y4HKW4lzGMpIAfHEEvvfAWZMTqj_lhCHibf6-NLnkyhyvWaq-Sc-Li5wdd-4BS-WH6yokqKfR9vLsXGS8R8mxlbncor-XTD4quaAi0XbEH1V9Im/s320/IMG_9435.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I wish we were barefoot in this picture, but we were wearing tennishoes from the amazing race. </div>
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Lovin the hammock!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlueEm4z_8xezEdsUN_7FlfBz0EbnFVagYB8ArcKsO-16EtpSUXAcVrVVZ05HpzBguEp1sHnuTQxCVaebmfEeH8BCxUH-qZ7U26rso2BW7uJgKdsZPIFWm-icZef-wvu42EAwbc55V3PH/s1600/IMG_9439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlueEm4z_8xezEdsUN_7FlfBz0EbnFVagYB8ArcKsO-16EtpSUXAcVrVVZ05HpzBguEp1sHnuTQxCVaebmfEeH8BCxUH-qZ7U26rso2BW7uJgKdsZPIFWm-icZef-wvu42EAwbc55V3PH/s320/IMG_9439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lovin IN the hammock :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3L9Kcvotp_-40ULHswrzIzwHmc6SQ-faUFoO7J42sc53YAwl4u-e4Ebc1BmlaGlF4pVVqX4lZHt01hhQh-AP0mrt5aKwzNXi1h6jWgoiw8TlZ9Ka-Ext30k9sBlrsi57knug8eQ__hzKR/s1600/IMG_9440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3L9Kcvotp_-40ULHswrzIzwHmc6SQ-faUFoO7J42sc53YAwl4u-e4Ebc1BmlaGlF4pVVqX4lZHt01hhQh-AP0mrt5aKwzNXi1h6jWgoiw8TlZ9Ka-Ext30k9sBlrsi57knug8eQ__hzKR/s320/IMG_9440.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The water was gorgeous!</div>
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So happy to be in Mexico together again!</div>
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I made this monkey!! Our steward showed us how to fold towel monkeys! </div>
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Bebe elephant!</div>
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So when we got back from the cruise, I had to take my MicroBio final.. The day after we got back! I had missed 2 classes and 2 labs in order to go on the cruise, so I was worried about how I would do on the final. I studied and prayed hard and took the final as well as a lab quiz I had missed. I wasn't as confident on the final as I would have liked to have been buuuuuutttttt I ended up getting an A in the class!! Woohoo!! It truly was a miracle! The class was hard, and my teacher was awesome, but not easy, and I was able to pull out a barely-but-still-counts-as-an-A, A! :) </div>
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A few days after my final, my sisters-in-law, mother-in-law, and nieces... (in law?) -haha basically all the girls on Eric's side of the family- took a trip to California to go to the American Girl Doll store. It was such a blast! Although I was worn out from driving too and from Texas for our cruise, it wasn't something I was going to miss! The girls had a blast and we made fun memories! We will definitely be going back some time! The cafe was so much fun to eat at and the dolls were lovely! We also went to the beach, which was actually pretty cold, but so fun! </div>
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We had a lot of fun!</div>
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Alright... and now for the grand finale!</div>
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I got placed in nursing school! Not only that, I got into the accelerated program at chandler-gilbert that started early... So I started May 13! One week down already. I should be graduating in August 2014 since its the fast track. Its already a LOT of work and I'm trying to find the best way to be organized. (Obviously I could be using this time to be studying, which I should, BUT I just had to give an update since I know everyone was on the edge of their seats just WAITING for an update from me ;) haha right...) Anywho- I'm so thrilled and thankful! We have been so blessed and I continue to feel the Lord's hand in my life, comforting and guiding me to where I should be.</div>
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Putting fertility treatments on the back burner for now was both a tough and easy choice at the same time. Easy because I was ready to feel like myself again and ready to have a break from the physical, mental, and financial exhaustion that comes with it. Easy because I was so ready for something new.</div>
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And obviously a tough choice because it meant waiting longer to be able to become a mother. I know its not <i>impossible</i> for us to get pregnant on our own, but the chances are really low (from a scientific perspective), so it was hard to choose to stop being active about getting pregnant and actually <i>doing</i> something (treatments) to help us get there, rather than just letting it be and if it happens, it happens. So we will just keep "not preventing" the good ol' fashion way and if we are blessed with a pregnancy, we'll take it, and if not, I'll finish school and we will decide after that what we're going to do about treatments, adoption, etc. </div>
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For now, I'm so excited for this to really be happening! I've waited so long and am so ready to start this new chapter! If I don't blog till next August.. you know why! ;) </div>
<br />Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-67698057840884470952013-04-22T12:33:00.001-07:002013-04-22T12:34:27.346-07:00Bucks For Blayze!<a href="http://www.gofundme.com/Bucks-for-Blayze">http://www.gofundme.com/Bucks-for-Blayze</a><br />
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<br />This is a donation site my sister set up for our nephew, Blayze. He has been in the hospital all week starting Monday because he started having seizers and for quite a few days he was having them every 20 minutes- which is so scary! They are called Gelastic seizures and are usually caused by a tumor on/near the hypothalamus in the brain. He had an MRI and they didn't see a tumor- thank goodness! But the neurologist was very very surprised not to see a tumor because these seizures are so rare without the tumor there. He has to get bloodwork and MRI's every six months to see if one shows or develops. My sister and her husband don't have insurance right now and don't qualify for ACCHS, so the medical bills are really adding up. We are trying to raise a little money through this site and through a 5k that's being put together. Anything helps- even just a couple bucks! It's very scary but we have been so blessed during this time. Thank you for your prayers and donations! </div>
Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-19812371761255207132013-02-28T08:00:00.000-08:002013-02-28T15:22:17.085-08:00Insane in the Membrane.Insanity.<br />
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Yep. That's happening.<br />
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Hubs and I started on Tuesday and I seriously wanted to die. Pretty sure if we got a grade for the fit test, I'd get an F... possibly a D+. But I guess that just means I have a lot to work toward, right? So here's how it's been going:<br />
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Day 1: Fit Test Day- kill me. <br />
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Day 2: Finished (if you can call it that) all but the last 8 min of the workout because Eric was going to be late for work. eff.my.life. It was so hard! I'm <span style="font-size: x-small;">seriously</span> out.of.shape! <br />
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What I ate:<br />
Meal 1. Protein shake. Yuck. <br />
Meal 2: Cottage cheese, 1 egg, and bagel <br />
Meal 3: (nothing - breakfast was kind of late)<br />
Meal 4: Salt and Vinegar Chips (super healthy, I know) <br />
Meal 5: Subway 6in Turkey sub with olives, pickles, light mayo, mustard, avocado, and no cheese (boo. :( I love cheese)<br />
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Day 3: Today wasn't so bad... besides the waking up insanely (haha punny!) sore part. Like I could barely walk sore and looked like someone who rode across the country on a horse. But working out made it feel soo much better... after the first excrutiating 10min of course:)<br />
Eric and I went grocery shopping last night to try and follow the meal plan. It went okay and hopefully we can stick to it. :) I packed Eric's 5-meal day (since he works till 8pm) and sent him off to work with a big smooch. Goodness, I love that man. He is such a good motivator when we're working out. I seriously don't think I'd be able to get through the whole workout without him. It may or may not be because I don't want him to see what a weak-sissy-la-la I am haha so I guess trying to impress him keeps me going.<br />
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What I ate:<br />
Meal 1: Protein Shake, Bagel Thin with Fat Free Cream Cheese<br />
Meal 2: Fat Free Cottage Cheese, Grapes (pictured below :))<br />
Meal 3: Whole wheat bread thin sandwich with ham, lettuce, tomato, lite mayo and mustard. (pictured... with my no-make-up face. don't judge me haha)<br />
Meal 4: Banana, fat free cottage cheese (I bought yogurt but I don't like it and I wasn't brave enough today haha mate tomorrow)<br />
Meal 5: <br />
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Hopefully I'll feel as positive tomorrow! :)<br />
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Have a happy day! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPu3WHpBgxWQA-uS4B3hti9JYZ0M1oifcrnHLL4FqFrFcEOCkvgK1d4j7QIasJblAzvmnkt62QSyI-EC-dVxoXe0sRXTIROfx27VA803FMk7AnuVAN3qLBH_juzQ6blGtIrdHpnXc_vNX/s640/blogger-image-459861267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPu3WHpBgxWQA-uS4B3hti9JYZ0M1oifcrnHLL4FqFrFcEOCkvgK1d4j7QIasJblAzvmnkt62QSyI-EC-dVxoXe0sRXTIROfx27VA803FMk7AnuVAN3qLBH_juzQ6blGtIrdHpnXc_vNX/s640/blogger-image-459861267.jpg" /></a></div>Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-8250409726289339622013-02-25T07:48:00.002-08:002013-02-25T07:49:15.851-08:00BlessedI am so blessed!<br />
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Today I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards my Heavenly Father. Eric and I have been so blessed throughout our marriage with work, finances, each other, callings in church, family, etc. and things have seemed to work out for us, despite our struggles and trials. Even in the midst of hard things, our Heavenly Father sends tender mercies to help buoy us up and to help lighten our burdens. </div>
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One recent tender mercy for me has been this precious, tiny, human. </div>
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This is 6-week-old, Mieka! Starting today, I get to hang out with this adorable, beautiful, baby all day during the week. How lucky am I? Although Eric and I haven't been able to have our own kids yet, I am blessed with the opportunity to help one of my friends out and play mom for a little while. I'm loving it and soaking up this newborn time! </div>
Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-25964327193513794552013-02-12T09:10:00.002-08:002013-02-12T09:10:52.691-08:00/ˈbôriNG/<div class="header" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 2px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><h2 class="me" style="color: black; display: inline; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
bore</h2>
<sup style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: medium; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span id="hotword"> </span></sup><span class="pronset" style="font-size: small;"><span audio="http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/audio/luna/B05/B0510500.mp3" default="http://dictionary.reference.com/audio.html/lunaWAV/B05/B0510500"><embed align="texttop" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" flashvars="soundUrl=http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/audio/luna/B05/B0510500.mp3" height="15" id="speaker" loop="false" menu="false" quality="high" salign="t" src="http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/d/g/speaker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="17" wmode="transparent"></embed></span> <span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><span class="prondelim">[</span><span class="pron" style="display: inline;">bawr, bohr</span><span class="prondelim">]</span><span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"> </span></span></span><span class="pg" style="display: inline; font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 3px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">verb,</span> </span></span><span class="secondary-bf" style="display: inline; font-size: small; font-weight: bold;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">bored,</span> </span><span class="secondary-bf" style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"><span style="font-size: large;">bor·ing</span>,</span> </span><span class="pg" style="display: inline; font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 3px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">noun</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="body" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; margin: 0em 0px 0em 0em; padding: 0px;">
<div class="pbk" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span class="pg" style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 3px;"><span id="hotword"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">verb</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">(used</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">object)</span></span></span></span><div class="luna-Ent" style="background-image: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;">
<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 37px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">weary</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">dullness,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">tedious</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">repetition,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">unwelcome</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">attentions,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">etc.:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">The</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">long</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">speech</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">bored</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">me.</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="pbk" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span class="pg" style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 3px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">noun</span></span></span></span><div class="luna-Ent" style="background-image: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;">
<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 37px;">
<span id="hotword"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">dull,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">tiresome,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">uncongenial</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">person.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="background-image: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px;">
<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 37px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">cause</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">ennui</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">petty</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">annoyance:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-style: italic;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">repetitious</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">tasks</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">that</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">are</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">bore</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">do.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="tail" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; margin: 0em 0px 0em 0em; padding: 10px 0px 0px;">
<div class="ety" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Origin:</span> </i></b><br /><span class="rom-inline" style="display: inline;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">1760–70;</span> </span><span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">uncertain</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">origin</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="sectionLabel" style="display: inline; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">Synonyms</span> </span><br /><span class="secondary-bf" style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">1.</span> </span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">fatigue,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">tire,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">annoy.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span name="hotword"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #212121; display: inline; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="vk_ans vk_dgy" style="margin-bottom: 5px;"></span></span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This definitely describes my blog, as of late. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our poor blog has pretty uneventful now that we are not doing any fertility treatments. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But really... what does one blog about when they:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">have no children, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">aren't currently doing fertility treatments, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">not in the adoption process, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">doesn't really cook, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">isn't a fashion blogger, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">doesn't make crafts,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">are not a comedian or writer,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">aren't serious enough about fitness to blog about it,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and haven't been traveling as of late?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For real. I'm like a nobody in the blogger world right now and I'm lacking something to actually <i>blog about.</i> Perhaps I need one of those challenges. The kind where you post a picture of something specific everyday, or write something about you every day for the month. Anyone know of any of those going around? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then again... writing about myself every day for a month doesn't sound like something that would be much fun to read about either! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-86919416006373301912013-02-04T11:01:00.000-08:002013-02-04T11:01:33.256-08:00Fab Abs February!Okay so I saw someone post a "Fab Abs January" picture and I decided to do it for February! "Fab Abs February" sounds better than "Fab Abs January" anyway, right?! ;)<br />
<br />
So I made up this handy little chart. (Obviously its not Feb 1 so I had to modify it for starting today. Also, there are not 31 days in Feb so it goes into the first week of March.)<br />
<br />
Someone should do this with me! ...Please? :)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmrkeVpifru7m778fY8nsPWVAqcaGN81UKBlZOvN4ZT4Jg0PMXq9jq8B849GqOInnQ7iJ-IDAh-t0xM1p6FYeMHz3ui14ALO20PcWqd8JsPbZYKfXTzWalnQNf-HzkU11Src9kUeQF0-R/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmrkeVpifru7m778fY8nsPWVAqcaGN81UKBlZOvN4ZT4Jg0PMXq9jq8B849GqOInnQ7iJ-IDAh-t0xM1p6FYeMHz3ui14ALO20PcWqd8JsPbZYKfXTzWalnQNf-HzkU11Src9kUeQF0-R/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-58797807096205051402013-01-29T11:19:00.001-08:002013-01-29T11:27:51.014-08:00Happy To Be Back!I'm back. . . I'm <i>me</i> again!<br />
<br />
. . .Finally!<br />
<br />
They say it takes about 6 weeks for the fertility drugs to leave your system once you stop taking them. I'm at that 6 week mark and I am feeling much more normal! I'm so happy to be feeling more like myself and less like a medically-induced-crazy-hormonal-slightly-bipolar mess that I was.<br />
<br />
Things have been a little rough but I'm on the up and up now and looking forward to what is to come for Eric and I now.<br />
<br />
My life as of late:<br />
<br />
*<b>Microbiology </b>- yuck. I like biology but I'm not loving this. I need an A and I can tell already I'm going to have to fight to the death for it.<br />
*<b>Sinus infection-ness </b>- finally getting over a 2 week cold/sinus infection/ear infection. That wasn't fun. Probably another reason I feel so much better this week- ridding my body of crazy meds <i>and</i> sickness!<br />
*<b>The Bachelor</b>- Yep. That's happening.<br />
*<b>Weight Loss</b> - I'm down about 6ish lbs since Jan 7.. which is not too bad I guess. Its been rough this time around but I'm trying to stay motivated. My grandma and I have been walking about 1 1/4 mile a day lately so we're not just sitting around all the time. It only burns about 100cal but its better than nothing I guess. I want to start my "couch to 10k" program again but I'm so afraid of running! Maybe I'll do it this week.. Yes, yes I <i>will</i> do it this week.<br />
*<b>Dark Hair</b> - Not very me, but fun to try out long, dark hair for once in my life. It's actually darker, longer, and a little less reddish than it appears in that picture but what can ya do.<br />
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<b>Before:</b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qWvN489yiOBEPPO5zyZC_xsW4gLEf2iyTVfm0mh-934RZeI8NHUB4NwZmcLBrV-e7rMXi-VUlCw9LLPcEF7SnHK5ZyVPDEM9gqnzJh5NphVicbzOyUpsUfXqEX0QCWaNg_l8CtYxm88w/s640/blogger-image--1441064284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qWvN489yiOBEPPO5zyZC_xsW4gLEf2iyTVfm0mh-934RZeI8NHUB4NwZmcLBrV-e7rMXi-VUlCw9LLPcEF7SnHK5ZyVPDEM9gqnzJh5NphVicbzOyUpsUfXqEX0QCWaNg_l8CtYxm88w/s640/blogger-image--1441064284.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>After:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMDxF8a7sX3RuXSlH6U3F3Lx6sz_givAHfo7hhq03fQG7MnSe-5k6bdrkQlgi4B5qM0JlGX0rf62Dl6WmKWfpEvQ4d99YqAda1ag_2z_WBdurFTJCAaNHJ0YuH7BCnwJw9CvUDoLJ7Aw8/s640/blogger-image-738099590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMDxF8a7sX3RuXSlH6U3F3Lx6sz_givAHfo7hhq03fQG7MnSe-5k6bdrkQlgi4B5qM0JlGX0rf62Dl6WmKWfpEvQ4d99YqAda1ag_2z_WBdurFTJCAaNHJ0YuH7BCnwJw9CvUDoLJ7Aw8/s640/blogger-image-738099590.jpg" /></a></div>
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Also note the beautiful necklace in the "after" picture. I love it! It was a gift from my grandma Noni this week. The quote describing the necklace named after Eliza R. Snow says, "Childless but eulogized as 'Mother of all Mothers in Israel.'" It was such a sweet gesture and I absolutely adore it. The words touched my heart and I am so thankful for this tender mercy from my Heavenly Father. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZxE3DEdnTiMqBTWThCh4hgx1KybiBy5tZHpzv3HgXsPCFvUNJjlm-go_dCdrVwjxVBiCFKJ_6li6um8Q5Knwp6xFF_K-eitLFUTrywbeoYbagLi6IJYHEPUNibkcOHR9u4uwczZL9xBx/s640/blogger-image--360978132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZxE3DEdnTiMqBTWThCh4hgx1KybiBy5tZHpzv3HgXsPCFvUNJjlm-go_dCdrVwjxVBiCFKJ_6li6um8Q5Knwp6xFF_K-eitLFUTrywbeoYbagLi6IJYHEPUNibkcOHR9u4uwczZL9xBx/s640/blogger-image--360978132.jpg" /></a></div>
Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-17222658744754920932013-01-07T09:52:00.000-08:002013-01-07T09:52:33.881-08:00Stuck.I realized I had't posted for a little while, but honestly- I haven't had much to write about. When doing fertility treatments, it kind of takes up your whole life. I always had dr's appointments and things to keep me busy and gave me something to write about. Now we're back to real life- our life without a baby and without treatments.<br />
<br />
Here's my dilemma. Yes, I'm sad about not getting pregnant and another failed treatment to add to the tally, yet again, but I'm also at peace with our decision to take a break from all things infertility for a while and move on to something new. (Yeah right, like that's something you can avoid! What I should have said is take a break from <i>treatments</i> for a while.) I feel excited about what lies ahead for us this year. And I'm ready for it- I'm <i>so</i> ready for a change... and yet I feel stuck. Stuck in the same place I was before. Still no pregnancy. Still no baby. Still no job (besides subbing). Still living in a house with a million people. Still hanging out with grandma. Still on the wait list for nursing. Just still here, where I was last year before we started any of our IVF's. I hate having to wait for those new things like nursing school, moving, working- but what's worse is not having control over how long that wait is, having no control over when things happen. I wish I could start nursing school <i>this</i> semester and get the freaking show on the road! Also, not that I don't completely love and appreciate my family, I can't wait to just live with Eric again. To have our own space and be alone, just us, again.<br />
<br />
I guess my problem is, I'm so ready for change, but the change is not happening yet. My whole life seems to revolve about waiting. Have I not learned my lesson about patience?? I'm trying listen to the apostles and to find the joy in the journey, and to live in the present, enjoying now, not always looking to what's next, but I feel like this "present" has overstayed it's welcome and been here a little too long!<br />
<br />
One thing I do have that I can work on is <i>me</i>. So I've joined a biggest loser competition for the next 8 weeks and I'm going to try to get my high school body back, only better. This should be exciting and will keep me occupied until I find out if I'll be placed for nursing school for this fall. For the sake of my sanity, lets all pray that I do! Also I'm working on my relationship with my Heavenly Father and finding a greater love for the scriptures by studying them every day.<br />
<br />
Perhaps I'll start blogging about my weight loss journey taking place over the next 2 months... I think it'll help having other people know what's happening so that I'm held more accountable. I lost 30lbs prior to our last IVF cycle and having better eggs and thinking about my future littles is what motivated me then. I gained back nearly 10 of those lbs during IVF (treatment makes you gain weight) so now I'm ready to lose it again, plus some. Truly, I want to lose 20lbs more, but I'm having a hard time feeling super motivated. I'm hoping the BL competition and wanting a hott bod for our cruise in April will keep me motivated! We'll see!Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-32371887351921697332012-12-26T09:30:00.001-08:002012-12-26T19:09:49.313-08:00What Now? Now that the house has emptied of family and things are quieting down, there are not so many things to distract me from the truth of this failed cycle. I'm still doing alright, no major breakdowns but it still is sad. I want to be a mom so badly but it is obvious I have to wait on the Lord's timing. I know I did all I could have for it to work and it still didn't so I don't have any questions or regrets. So what now?<br />
<br />
A new year is just around the corner. 2013 won't be baby year for us like we thought it would be, but we have so many other good things happening in our lives and so much to be thankful for! Although not in the way we thought or necessarily hoped and prayed for, we have been so blessed. <br />
Here are some things I'm looking forward to (or hoping for) in 2013:<br />
<br />
--Going on a 7-day cruise with friends to Contzumel Mexico, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands in the end of April<br />
--Our "State Trip" to Virginia<br />
--Joining the gym with my mom<br />
--Losing 15lb more before the cruise<br />
--Running a 10k<br />
--Starting nursing school (this will happen only if I get a spot for the Fall- hopefully I do! This one isn't in my control, I've already been on the wait list for 5 semesters- which is 2.5years!)<br />
--Auditioning for Hairspray the Musical<br />
--Auditioning for the Easter Pageant<br />
--Taking a dance class<br />
--Volunteer at a hospital<br />
<br />
I'm ready to move on and focus on something else for a while. I've been pumped with drugs and hormones and meds for over a year now and I'm ready to have myself back. I feel as if my life has been on some sort if hold, waiting for baby and trying so hard to get pregnant. I'm ready to achieve something and actually DO something with my life and when the time comes for us to have the opportunity to try again down the road or end up pregnant on our own miraculously, I'll welcome it with open arms.. But for now, I'm closing this chapter and moving on to the next.<br />
<br />
Bring on 2013.Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-63735671238462348422012-12-26T09:02:00.001-08:002012-12-26T09:02:09.115-08:00Thomas Christmas Extravaganza!Well Christmas this year was with my family and my mom planned almost a whole week full of festivities. So Friday night is when my sisters and their families came, and we didn't have anything planned for that night because we had a wedding to take down. (our family has a wedding business if you didn't already know: www.practicallyperfectaz.com)<br />
<br />
Saturday morning was the BETA so Eric and I drove to Scottsdale for the blood draw and then met the family at the Mesa Temple to do some family names together. We ate breakfast together at the cafeteria there and then went and did sealings. Now waiting for BETA results is not fun and can mess with your head, so waiting at the temple was the perfect way to spend the few hours waiting. When we were done, I had a voicemail waiting for me and I had a tiny sliver of hope which quickly diminished when the voicemail confirmed what I already knew- it didn't work and we weren't pregnant.. Again. I didn't really want to tell my family so I just let them listen to the voicemail. They were sad and saying how sorry they were but I was just ready for it all to be over with and for everyone to not talk about it. I sen out a text to all the family and then posted on the blog.<br />
<br />
We all met for lunch and then the plan for the day was shopping. So we all went our separate ways to finish our last minute shopping. I got a call from Dr. A that afternoon, the awesome person he is, to say how sorry he was as well. He went on to explain some next steps and where we should go from here but it was hard to focus on what he was saying. We will go in sometime soon for our "WTF" appointment to talk more about all of it.. But I think we're done, for now.<br />
<br />
That night the family went to the temple lights and Eric and I had to get some groceries for breakfast the next day and ended up just going home to hang out together. <br />
<br />
Sunday: we woke up and I made breakfast for everyone (by the way 'everyone' includes my mom and dad, my oldest sister, her husband and their two boys, my second oldest sister, her hubs and their little boy and girl, my younger sister and her new hubs, my 7 year old sis, and Eric and I). After that we all went to church. Eric and I were asked to substitute in primary for the 3 year old class so we hung out with 10 littles for a couple hours.. It was both fun and a little painful. After church we took naps, hung out, wrapped gifts, and watched movies for a while until we started the nativity. Eric and I were asked to be Joseph and pregnant Mary- very funny, right? It turned out cute and I tried to just keep on my happy face. It was fun having a cute little fake pregnant belly, but it was just that-<br />
Fake. <br />
After the nativity we went caroling. There was some game on so most of the guys stayed home and my mom, the sisters, and the grand kids went. It was so much fun. Our neighborhood is brand new so it was fun to meet some of our neighbors. My mom and sisters and I harmonized and it was awesome to sing with them again, it's been a while! I absolutely love singing with our family:) Once we got back from caroling, we put the kids to bed and had a murder mystery dinner. We all dressed up in 30's costumes and it was such a blast! If you haven't done one before, you totally should! <br />
<br />
Monday, Christmas Eve, we all had a few other things to get. So we split up again, and went out. All of us sisters and our husbands met at olive garden for lunch then went home to do some major wrapping. Our family talent show (or variety show, rather) was at 7 and it was hilarious! We had 18 talents presented and some where serious, and most weren't but we had a ton of fun! Our traditional "Bug" game was next. Its our version of white elephant and it makes it last longer. It's basically like the game Cooties but once you draw a bug you pin a present or steal someone else's. If you want the full game rules let me know- it's super awesome! The kids went to bed and we got all of the presents and stockings set up and went to bed ourselves. <br />
<br />
Tuesday, Christmas Day, we opened presents and played Just Dance and ate and watched Pitch Perfect (LOVE!) I got my very first bike! Haha that was cool. It's a beach cruiser and totally adorable! Eric used my dads bike and we went for a long ride with Presley. Eric got a book series he's been wanting and he also got a white house Lego set- which he was super excited about! Haha my niece (the one I've posted about before- shes my favorite!) got a legit cinderella dress and she was soo adorable! It was a fun day and it was so nice to be surrounded by family. My sister, that lives in Cali, and her family had to leave that afternoon, which was sad, but it was so nice to have them here all weekend. Also today (Warning! This is a TMI section) I started my post IVF period in the late afternoon. Compete suckfest! It is soo awful and painful and is like mother nature YELLING at me that I'm not pregnant. I normally have very regular, light, 4 day, no cramping, periods but after a treatment, it's just horrible. It makes me want to cry for so many reasons! Okay TMI section over. <br />
<br />
Today, besides my sisters fam in Cali and the 2 husband's that have to work (that includes Eric), we are all planning on going to the zoo. I don't think I'll be going actually, but that's what's on today's agenda. <br />
<br />
It's been a very fun-filled, delicious, exciting, and hilarious holiday weekend/week. I love having all of my family in one house together and it's neat to see the family grow from just us girls to husbands and kids. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiGwU1sXIRUw42n_PsgNEK2sWzT9VRZVzu75AU9M2NtEwG1BoWoEznXmx4Cv8cXWi3hlE89h5MXFVS3cOZB9c8E-iaxDjQIUiFnlO0D4i_c91akMbkpL5hgM0otL8ErQx3dOChzkM4V3C/s640/blogger-image--1220739149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiGwU1sXIRUw42n_PsgNEK2sWzT9VRZVzu75AU9M2NtEwG1BoWoEznXmx4Cv8cXWi3hlE89h5MXFVS3cOZB9c8E-iaxDjQIUiFnlO0D4i_c91akMbkpL5hgM0otL8ErQx3dOChzkM4V3C/s640/blogger-image--1220739149.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4eKv60qf7hWfQJDR1T0Kz69Yr-BPvWyaJKRdOHjY1WZZMyP0hrOmqrQUCCEdnMjzc-8-8Uw7Bvq0mikM-0i3jwyOoei5SfuEA8JjjXZIx68vNlyzsD2mfaH9YzH5oRn-tOFckKYChMa1/s640/blogger-image-1146130064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4eKv60qf7hWfQJDR1T0Kz69Yr-BPvWyaJKRdOHjY1WZZMyP0hrOmqrQUCCEdnMjzc-8-8Uw7Bvq0mikM-0i3jwyOoei5SfuEA8JjjXZIx68vNlyzsD2mfaH9YzH5oRn-tOFckKYChMa1/s640/blogger-image-1146130064.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoz8df27eGTiOZFLIGk-bimkBb4TUzLlDbN1d_dzt5EzVE1MP9SyjWl4z-aWDcJ3S7SX7-LOcBC3pQCietye-ebynkq8azN7ZBAr1QAe1W61H5WCfsUmgIPAuOj6o7f6dpG-5MIW_RKLo/s640/blogger-image-1044238758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoz8df27eGTiOZFLIGk-bimkBb4TUzLlDbN1d_dzt5EzVE1MP9SyjWl4z-aWDcJ3S7SX7-LOcBC3pQCietye-ebynkq8azN7ZBAr1QAe1W61H5WCfsUmgIPAuOj6o7f6dpG-5MIW_RKLo/s640/blogger-image-1044238758.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrR6ed2-M5liFUwUkIfSTJYUf4YWi4TA1EXMq0Dla5GeWtxPIibNFp7509MRIdQsTB_hkCMkBFUd2tVGlJDJMewe4_Jsf-bOqiyaqFChnSu94ww2bUd-ArBYyem4XTdd4le78lcCCm1gD/s640/blogger-image--691051037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrR6ed2-M5liFUwUkIfSTJYUf4YWi4TA1EXMq0Dla5GeWtxPIibNFp7509MRIdQsTB_hkCMkBFUd2tVGlJDJMewe4_Jsf-bOqiyaqFChnSu94ww2bUd-ArBYyem4XTdd4le78lcCCm1gD/s640/blogger-image--691051037.jpg" /></a></div>Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-57978125321783679022012-12-22T11:20:00.001-08:002012-12-22T11:20:30.963-08:00Negative Ghost RiderBeta today = Negatory<br />
<br />
Got the call today and once again we got a negative. We're sad, but doing fine. I already knew since I cheated and just felt not pregnant so I have had a few days to come to grips with it. <br />
<br />
I'll do a longer post later, I just wanted to update everyone. <br />
<br />
Again, thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts. It has meant so much to us to have the support we do. Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-2645666057321943942012-12-20T06:45:00.001-08:002012-12-21T08:23:04.350-08:00Cheated.I POAS'd at 9.5dp3dt, 10dp3dt, and 11dp3dt with FMU and got BFN on all of them. <br />
<br />
Not good. Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-25125814046896368122012-12-13T12:55:00.001-08:002013-01-29T12:04:19.390-08:00Dear Embryos,Oh my sweet little embabies, the nurse called today and said none of the other embryos survived to be frozen. This wasn't surprising, since we've never had any to freeze, but it made me a little worried about you three. I need you to keep growing!<br />
Today you should be blastocysts and start coming out of your shell. Don't be shy now! Dr. A did assisted hatching just for you, to help it be a little easier to get out. I know you can do it. <br />
I need you to stay with me and snuggle in for the long haul. Your daddy and I have been waiting a very long time for you to get here and many people love you and are praying for you! You are so wanted and so loved already. Please, please, please stay with me. <br />
<br />
Love, <br />
Your mommy. Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-92022402731008528802012-12-13T09:34:00.001-08:002012-12-13T09:34:00.398-08:00My Husband is Awesome :)Anyone who knows Eric in real life knows how super awesome and amazing he is.. But I bet you didn't know he was THIS awesome- last night after my nightly PIO shot in the butt, I said something like "How would you like this needle in your butt? Then you could get a little glimpse at what I go through with these shots." (yeah I was being a little bit of a brat, but it really does suck getting stuck in the butt! My butt is soooo freakin sore already, and it's only been 5 days!) <br />
Anywho! Eric said "Okay, do it." ..as in stick a needle in his butt! Say what?! Does anyone else have a husband that would let you stick this sucker (refer to picture) in his gluteus maximus? I seriously doubt it. I asked if he was serious and he said yes.. So I got a new needle out, got an alcohol swab out and wiped down the designated area. Again I asked if he was really going to let me and he just laid (lay, lie?) there waiting. Honestly I thought maybe he'd punch me or something out of reflex.. So I stretched the skin out and... BAM! Stabbed him right in the butt like a ninja!<br />
<br />
<br />
...okay that last sentence was a lie.<br />
<br />
It was more like, BAM- Brenley's a little ninny! I just couldn't do it! I know how it feels and I just didn't want to inflict any pain on him I guess haha you'd think after all the shots he's stabbed me with, I could do it. But, alas, I could not. <br />
<br />
But common, seriously people, the fact that he was going to let me do it- how awesome is he? He didn't have to say it out loud, but just doing that shows me how supportive he is and he wants me to know he's there and that he cares and appreciates what I'm going through. <br />
<br />
Ahh I just love that guy. :) <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s39PBoTBEAaOosaZL6S5H0cFtWJCqnzFgRPGIsyFDbrzOWQq-G0bduKmZBoD0TW7ZVJt2P-L2qoBfwu0qxeBoqhGXpXG2EFm9uYeGwI0HgNe_HgTifOe5GAbd0KMCXSddEyfdxpnd93d/s640/blogger-image--1111121801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s39PBoTBEAaOosaZL6S5H0cFtWJCqnzFgRPGIsyFDbrzOWQq-G0bduKmZBoD0TW7ZVJt2P-L2qoBfwu0qxeBoqhGXpXG2EFm9uYeGwI0HgNe_HgTifOe5GAbd0KMCXSddEyfdxpnd93d/s640/blogger-image--1111121801.jpg" /></a></div>Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-47871980563061770582012-12-13T09:06:00.001-08:002012-12-13T09:42:49.807-08:00Things I've Done DifferentlyI decided to compile the things we've done differently this cycle into one post here, so if it works (when it works (; positive thinking right?) and people asked what I did differently than the last 2 cycles, I'll have my list! <br />
<br />
1. Lost 30lb<br />
2. Took Metformin for 5 months prior<br />
3. Antagonist Protocol<br />
4. Darcy was there (a new nurse haha)<br />
5. Acupuncture (2 days before ER and directly before and after ET)<br />
6. Actual Bedrest for day of, and 2.5 days following ET. <br />
7. Assisted Hatching <br />
8. Wore socks all the time except for when I went to sleep for the night. <br />
9. Told everyone (in real life and online) about this cycle, blogged about it, and asked everyone for prayers and positive thoughts.<br />
10. Cried<br />
11. Ate a chunk of pineapple core for 4 days starting day after ET.<br />
<br />
That's all I can think of right now, but if I remember or realize something else, I'll add it to the list. :)<br />
<br />
Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-34921687786981016972012-12-10T14:22:00.001-08:002012-12-10T14:41:02.865-08:00One Little, Two Little, Three Little Indians!My embryos got their report card and we had 1 A, 1 B, and 10 C's. Not great, but not too bad!<br />
<br />
Dr. A decided to put back A, B, and 1 C... so I have 3 little embabies tucked away in my ute! He also decided to do something called assisted hatching since we've had 2 failed cycles, so we'll see if that makes a difference this time! I also did the acupuncture today before and after the transfer and am interested to see if that helped as well. <br />
<br />
Now the waiting begins! Our first ultrasound should be the first week of Jan, I believe, so unfortunately nothing too exciting will be happening on our blog before that. <br />
<br />
I am going on a self prescribed bed rest for three days so I'll just be hanging out in my room if anyone needs me! Last 2 times I only rested the day of the transfer and was back to my busy schedule the next day so this time I'm going to take it easy and make sure AB&C stay put! <br />
<br />
Keep the prayers coming! These babies need to grow strong! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-J3AKmV-0QLrUCyxe8Ece0LVWZBMrzOjvfCBESvYRK60b-pvTa2zvfgRX4kpnRMXTEkMKUwGVTEi1fpsRpwu_ZWKVgY7Mbk3PbO7avsg5bf1kfu1qBr2vwC68SIsZZ2zgCHYpzxW-TH0/s640/blogger-image-163301103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-J3AKmV-0QLrUCyxe8Ece0LVWZBMrzOjvfCBESvYRK60b-pvTa2zvfgRX4kpnRMXTEkMKUwGVTEi1fpsRpwu_ZWKVgY7Mbk3PbO7avsg5bf1kfu1qBr2vwC68SIsZZ2zgCHYpzxW-TH0/s640/blogger-image-163301103.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DLyIyp6Ckd7fotJWxGghmQHXHd9CjvyIH1w_fxj2iklhQMWmh72TwZ4V-41_uQkvCHpLwZoAWzb4VnsxpLt2aZCuV1Oj128C0lpJb8obqBFVQNP3SRbxBm9yBnbtK4Vy26FFu-_OQ47h/s640/blogger-image--2108562780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DLyIyp6Ckd7fotJWxGghmQHXHd9CjvyIH1w_fxj2iklhQMWmh72TwZ4V-41_uQkvCHpLwZoAWzb4VnsxpLt2aZCuV1Oj128C0lpJb8obqBFVQNP3SRbxBm9yBnbtK4Vy26FFu-_OQ47h/s640/blogger-image--2108562780.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Z-WSeHwFBFjV_AycsXxCoVPB_swomkt_DHtW_ZnH981EGv0QjF3xZXFdM5g0vkuyy3NfcqUc_wmeZpu4B9zhA05lrqmSyOjW0PxYc3Y_mN42Z6Zd7HO9ZXjqe3aDVjOr_DIZNDhjjBIE/s640/blogger-image--1870928106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Z-WSeHwFBFjV_AycsXxCoVPB_swomkt_DHtW_ZnH981EGv0QjF3xZXFdM5g0vkuyy3NfcqUc_wmeZpu4B9zhA05lrqmSyOjW0PxYc3Y_mN42Z6Zd7HO9ZXjqe3aDVjOr_DIZNDhjjBIE/s640/blogger-image--1870928106.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxO_aeV5wZxn9lOIZC5I5iX_aYYCa5jrr5187mUrSKdxQGZp17xGsaHpKxZ5GNLBZLuE4OK7cvRzndqFeXO9LX916Vp804C5ZMoZJ02kPlXo5jDQ_NWWi0k-aYsbF1vN83IdRKj19OvgGl/s640/blogger-image--1987902580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxO_aeV5wZxn9lOIZC5I5iX_aYYCa5jrr5187mUrSKdxQGZp17xGsaHpKxZ5GNLBZLuE4OK7cvRzndqFeXO9LX916Vp804C5ZMoZJ02kPlXo5jDQ_NWWi0k-aYsbF1vN83IdRKj19OvgGl/s640/blogger-image--1987902580.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7WExpJEpuXwK7aNKfE9TfR4HCr1zTYNHB9Rx77sX0F2SKeyK9FBPdVR6byFMesaezourZRqL9CrPBkcyb3KRkXrjBYX-8mynIfwTF9DEvwmXjp4FuepWZENKlFwdZ3gC3wmzwRhWJgS0/s640/blogger-image--2058029437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7WExpJEpuXwK7aNKfE9TfR4HCr1zTYNHB9Rx77sX0F2SKeyK9FBPdVR6byFMesaezourZRqL9CrPBkcyb3KRkXrjBYX-8mynIfwTF9DEvwmXjp4FuepWZENKlFwdZ3gC3wmzwRhWJgS0/s640/blogger-image--2058029437.jpg" /></a></div>Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-60518977904545528422012-12-08T10:59:00.001-08:002012-12-08T10:59:16.803-08:00A Dozen21 eggs<br />
19 mature<br />
12 fertilized <br />
<br />
We have a dozen embryos growing in their studio apartments (aka pea-tree dishes.)<br />
<br />
I wrote a post earlier about the retrieval and it disappeared like that other one.. So annoying! Everything went well and very smooth. I'm pretty sore today but nothing too bad. <br />
<br />
Our tentative transfer date is Monday at 10:30am. Pray for my little ones to continue to grow strong and receive great grades! <br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTRLHSUUihk7fgUoswFVTj31sKeAOsMvvTvFPuz_s5II0AfENJ5iOAomfwcX-woF4oWqGrz64YzJgHYmSlYB9rLYfkG_i0O7vRfQmUIej9OmOjd8MRjgcmT33MgqvUW5trnmozMzfO-y7/s640/blogger-image-705573050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTRLHSUUihk7fgUoswFVTj31sKeAOsMvvTvFPuz_s5II0AfENJ5iOAomfwcX-woF4oWqGrz64YzJgHYmSlYB9rLYfkG_i0O7vRfQmUIej9OmOjd8MRjgcmT33MgqvUW5trnmozMzfO-y7/s640/blogger-image-705573050.jpg" /></a></div>Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-45501923561493034122012-12-06T07:08:00.001-08:002012-12-06T07:40:12.041-08:00Pull the Trigger!I'm a little behind so let me catch you up: <br />
<br />
Tuesday: US/BD appt- things progressing, not quite ready for trigger, E2 levels were about 2,900 I believe, right around what it was supposed to be. <br />
<br />
Yesterday's US/BD appt the eggies were looking good and finally the right size for trigger as long as my E2 levels were good. They came back normal.. I think it was like 3,500? I can't remember. So trigger time last night was 11:00pm! Woohoo!<br />
I actually fell asleep but had set an alarm to wake up for it. Eric was great- I didn't feel a thing! I was slightly worried, since it is an intramuscular shot in the butt and usually I feel it, but I think everything is fine. It's sore this morning! Haha <br />
<br />
So today I don't have an appt- yay!- since I did my pre-op appt yesterday instead. Dr. A is having his baby boys today! Well they're actually here I'm sure because the c-section was scheduled for 7am. So exciting! <br />
<br />
I go in tomorrow at 10:15am with egg retrieval scheduled for 11:00am- we're almost there! I can't wait to see if the Metformin and weight loss helped my egg quality. I'll update tomorrow after I get home as far as how many eggs they got and everything! So stay tuned! :)<br />
<br />
I went to the acupuncturist yesterday and he was very nice. As soon as Chelsea and I (she's my sister, but my husband for this week since Eric can't make it due to work) walked in to the office, we were greeted by this dog. She was so friendly and calm and soft, the receptionist said her name was Willow. Haha it was bizarre that she was just walking around the clinic, but it was cool. She was super well behaved and it almost seemed like she was trained to be soothing. I went into the room and sat/laid on a table with an S shape. I totally want one for my house- It was super comfy! The dr came in and we talked for a little bit about the IVF, my health, and a few different things, then he did his thing with the needles. He put them on my head, belly, legs, arms, and feet, and I really didn't feel anything. Then he put headphones on me and told me to meditate with this lady's voice. I was kind like "uh.. okay?" not sure what to expect but I actually really liked it. The lady was a dr specializing in fertility and it was a meditation session specifically for pre-egg retrieval. It just had me focus on my breathing and to really get in-tune with my body. I had to visualize my actual ovaries and the eggs growing with the medicine and my uterus thickening. I'm a believer in positive thinking and I think the mind has a lot of power, so it was nice to be able to focus on everything working in a reaxed environment like that for a half hour or so. <br />
<br />
That was basically my experience with acupuncture for the first time.. Not too creepy haha! He's also going to come in the day of the transfer (probably Monday) and do a session right before and directly following the transfer, so that'll be great and I've heard it ups your chances of success so we'll see! <br />
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Sorry the picture is so awful. I didn't have time to get all the way ready for the day before my dr's appt at 7:45 haha and I'm suppper bloated from having so many eggs- my ovaries are now the size of softballs- but I wanted to show you the cool chair. :) <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8UWhmI0kF7SabprWjEVyyDJGw5MjvI9nZNCobpTpiLGXsf_yBfjJiiuViluEQBR-VfjKqE9NtB0fAlZYJFWml7-obGuV_vwkvqg7ddVWdKIKob_b9uBj0vhAcwj_EzzF5XwMoJNKMgb_/s640/blogger-image--1747819883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8UWhmI0kF7SabprWjEVyyDJGw5MjvI9nZNCobpTpiLGXsf_yBfjJiiuViluEQBR-VfjKqE9NtB0fAlZYJFWml7-obGuV_vwkvqg7ddVWdKIKob_b9uBj0vhAcwj_EzzF5XwMoJNKMgb_/s640/blogger-image--1747819883.jpg" /></a></div>Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-30681122415169323132012-12-03T18:04:00.001-08:002012-12-03T18:04:55.909-08:00Chugging Along..I wrote an entire blog post yesterday about my appointment and the medical center's name and even attached a picture and it just disappeared! So I didn't rewrite it because I was over it.. And now I can't remember everything I wrote- my bad!<br />
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One thing I did write about was the name of the medical center where my clinic's main office is located. It's called the Princess Medical Center. So fun right?! It always puts a smile on my face when I pull up. I usually only go there if its the weekend or for the actual treatments. I generally go to a closer office to me for monitoring appointments. <br />
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My eggs are slowly but surely chugging along. Today they were 13's and 14's mostly. Dr. A is thinking trigger will be Wednesday. I'm a little disappointed because that puts transfer probably Monday, meaning Eric can't be there. :( <br />
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I decided I'm going to see an acupuncturist that works with our clinic and specializes in fertility. I'm super nervous about it! I'll go in on Wed morning to see him and get one treatment and then he'll come to the clinic the day of the embryo transfer and do it before the transfer and then again right after. We haven't tried it yet and I'm trying to make sure we do all we can this cycle, that way if it doesn't work- we know we really did all we could. I'm excited and nervous! But I've heard good things so I'm up for it. <br />
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I counted today I've had 41 shots since last Saturday- holy cow! My shots tonight will put me at 43. No wonder my belly is sooo sore and bruised! All I can say is my kids better freakin love me! ;) <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxjWlcnsib2kci0GR1XTGCjvEMNbua2IGXTBR8uGk-4MfH18TTwxRu-g5WRiqu8NRoFj2rhYfQ1tS160_MZMwOPxDvjwSn1aHyHHN-_xMWO0mnOMLM-KqXhpjoGq92A9d7zrCQcAeY2uY/s640/blogger-image--297868927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxjWlcnsib2kci0GR1XTGCjvEMNbua2IGXTBR8uGk-4MfH18TTwxRu-g5WRiqu8NRoFj2rhYfQ1tS160_MZMwOPxDvjwSn1aHyHHN-_xMWO0mnOMLM-KqXhpjoGq92A9d7zrCQcAeY2uY/s640/blogger-image--297868927.jpg" /></a></div>Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-76943217954132346492012-11-30T14:12:00.001-08:002012-11-30T14:22:33.283-08:00The Girl With Hidden Ovaries and Ohhh My Grandma.Good news! I don't have to go in tomorrow! :) I start the Ganirelix shot tomorrow morning and my E2 levels were 940 (they said that's good) so they upped my dosage of Follisim from 75 to 125. I'll go back on Sunday morning for another BD/US (for those of you noninfertiles, are you catching all the lingo yet? (; ) appt which has to be in the Scottsdale office since it's the weekend. <br />
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Not much to report with these visits, is there? Haha trying to keep everyone updated, I realize there's not much to say besides a couple of stats! So I guess I'll fill you in with a story I forgot to mention from my appointment on Monday. <br />
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Dr. A has a student dr who has been coming in and shadowing him for a little while. She was at my appt on Monday and I asked if she was going to do my ultrasound. Finding out she was, I gave her an empathetic smile and pre-apologized, she looked at Dr A and he told her I had some of the most difficult ovaries of all the patients. When I'm not on stims, they're near impossible to find. It's a little interesting laying spread eagle on the bed with stirrups with strangers having front row seats, but I've come to realize that comes with the territory, and I'm a pretty open person (no pun intended) that knows for drs, a body is a body. Anywhoo, with wand in hand, she searched and searched.. And searched but alas, she did not find my ovaries. Imagine having an ultrasoud wand take up a search warrent in your va-jay-jay... Yeah, not the most comfortable or enjoyable thing! Dr. A makes jokes about me taking them (my ovaries) out before my ultrasound to trick them. What can I say? I have incredible disappearing ovaries!<br />
Dr. A took over (so by then I've been laying there being explored for a good ten minutes) and being the rock star he is, he found those suckers and counted up all my jewels. I apologized again to the lady dr student and said better luck next time. <br />
She was there for my ultrasound yeaterday again and guess what! She found them! Granted, my ovaries are probably the size of lemons now so they take up more room, but I was happy they gave her a second chance! <br />
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Thats pretty much my story about my hidden ovaries. Like I said, nothing too exciting. <br />
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On a funnier note, my grandma has been coming to the appointments with me and today as we were waiting in silence for Dr. A to come in, my grandma busted up laughing out of nowhere and when I asked her what was so funny, she pointed and said "that dildo wand thing just standing like that right there!" Yes- my grandma called the ultrasound wand a dildo.. Hahaha oh grandma..<br />
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(photo credit goes to someone else I know going through fertility treatments- I haven't thought to snap a pic at my dr's office haha but they look pretty much the same.. Only we have pink jelly (; ) <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2RlIo2TRL-pZeFZZaJLcteT_Es8c505krSJTjcEGyAg6Oypjj9ErM7WGDGCwBb-z_NBm1oAkmZQ22P-KITrNtuWkbPNjaudSPA3JV3zZ5kI4MHSXmtwXRVjr-G2bl9zthx7IcLkxk3dC/s640/blogger-image-82499609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2RlIo2TRL-pZeFZZaJLcteT_Es8c505krSJTjcEGyAg6Oypjj9ErM7WGDGCwBb-z_NBm1oAkmZQ22P-KITrNtuWkbPNjaudSPA3JV3zZ5kI4MHSXmtwXRVjr-G2bl9zthx7IcLkxk3dC/s640/blogger-image-82499609.jpg" /></a></div>Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-71785289923327326242012-11-30T13:32:00.001-08:002012-11-30T13:36:23.053-08:00I Am Thankful: Days 29 & 30Well this month is winding down! It has been great reflecting on my many blessings! <br />
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Day 29: I Am Thankful For... My Trials. I know it seems an odd thing to be thankful for, but I know that they shape us into the person we are supposed to be. I'm also thankful for MY trials specifically because I would rather have mine than take on someone else's. Batting infertility sucks, but losing a spouse or child or other family member, or dealing with an addiction, or other trials many face would be so hard to do. At times our trials may seem unbearable but we were placed at the bottom of these mountains with tools from a loving Heavenly Father to help us be able to climb up and conquer that mountain. Knowing He would not give us something we cannot handle, gives me peace and hope because it shows He has faith in me and knows my strength. That means I must actually be strong enough to overcome the trials I'm given, even if I don't always believe it myself. <br />
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And today, Day 30: I Am Thankful For... All of You! Our family, friends, and bloggers- for your support and prayers in this process. I can't say how much it means to me to have so many people sending up prayers on our behalf. I know prayers are answered and I'm hoping with so many coming, He will feel it's time to say "Yes!" instead of "not yet." Thank you for you're continued love and support in our life! We are truly grateful and so very blessed to have you!Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-69963766476718384892012-11-29T13:01:00.001-08:002012-11-30T13:32:19.006-08:00Slow and SteadyNot much to report from todays appointment. My eggs are growing slowly, like the first time. My E2 level came back around 300, which is normal, so that's good. My dr said I'll probably have to up my meds (greeeeat!) for a couple days but things look slow as steady. Back again tomorrow and I'm hoping this weekend goes by quickly so Eric will be back and we can get this show on the road! <br />
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I'm so ready for my baby(ies)! Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-763291560005159349.post-62953811431446959462012-11-28T17:23:00.001-08:002012-11-28T17:32:43.575-08:00Save The Drama For Your MamaSo I went for my US/BD (ultrasound/blood draw) appt today and just as I suspected, I have to go in tomorrow and every day after that until we trigger. I guess I'm just one of those that's needs extra close monitoring! Today it looked as if I have around 10 or so eggs in the right ovary and 7 or so in the left. All of them are around 10mm which is slightly behind where he wants me I think, but only by a day.<br />
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Now the counting is a little tough to do accurately so they just use educational guesstimating (thats a word, right?) as far as they can see. The first time they thought I had about 10 in each and I ended up with 31 eggs retrieved so that number may just change. Hopefully we have 20ish or more, but we'll see! <br />
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On a mental health front, I feel crazy. I feel like crying all the time and just overly emotional about everything. I don't like feeling like this and I hope I snap out of it soon. Eric is going out of town for the weekend so I'll have to try and survive with him gone. I have a feeling I'll be a wreck the entire weekend.. <br />
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I guess today is just one of those bad days. Tomorrow will be better- I just gotta shake off this dark cloud hovering around me and get back to myself! I really want to try to be stress free for this round to give us the best possible chance. I feel like I can't pray hard enough for this to work. <br />
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I'll fill you in on the eggies tomorrow. Eric and Brenleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13832322855114925442noreply@blogger.com3