Preschool Funnies

My 3-year-old class had gym class today, which they get once per month. Today, they were using scooters across the carpeted gym floor (which is actually the sanctuary in the church, with the chairs cleared out). One of my little guys bit the dust & got a bit of rug burn on his elbow. With the biggest, saddest frown you've ever seen, he came up to me and cried, "I fell down, Mrs. S!" I asked, "Do you think you'll be ok?" To which he replied, "NO!!! I need a new arm!"

Since I'm not in the habit of carrying around spare arms, I was lucky that a hug and a kiss would suffice!

Wait: Lesson #3 (God will give you the strength you need)

I'm going to try to finish the series on "Wait!" up before Easter, but I make no promises, as this is an extremely busy time for us...teaching at Christian preschool means that things are busier than normal this time of year, plus we've been helping out on the set crew for the musical at DH's school, which is next weekend. Without further ado...here is lesson 3.

Lesson 3 - God will give you the strength that you need.
"If God brings you to it, God will bring you through it." This is probably another one of those quotes that people going through tough times are tired of hearing. I know I've probably rolled my eyes at it myself a time or two (or eight). But since it's often easier to hear those words straight from the maker, let's see what God says about all of this...

"If you think you are standing firm, you had better be careful that you do not fall. Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it." ~1 Corinthians 10:12-13

• The reassurance that I gain from these verses is that everyone endures trials and hardships. So, while I realize that everyone out there isn't infertile & therefore can't understand the depth and breadth of your pain, it can safely be said that you can't understand all of their hardships either. You know how the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? Well that sort of applies here...Everyone out there has their share of struggles (some people are just better at hiding them than others)...and while I can't always understand what someone else is going through, I like to think that my struggles can help me be more empathetic toward them.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ~Philippians 4:13

• I'll be the first to admit that I've struggled with this verse from time to time. I know that I interpret it way too literally and say 'of course I can't do all things! I certainly can't will myself to have a baby now, can I?' - but I realize that I'm being ridiculous & that this verse is meant for encouragement over the long haul...no, I can't will myself to have a baby, but I can continue to pray, hope and find strength in God while I'm waiting...and considering the depths I've come from over the past few years, wallowing in my own self pity about not being able to have a baby, I would say that God's strength has definitely helped me to accomplish a great deal of His plan for my life.

"Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked him to take it away. But his answer was: 'My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.' I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." ~2 Corinthians 12:8, 10

• It's really quite the oxymoron to envision being strong when we are weak...but when we remember that we are temples of God, then we can understand that when we are weakened physically, emptied of everything that we have, only then can God fully take over and carry us through by His strength.

Your challenge this week is to surrender your hurts to God and ask him to take over and carry your load where you know that you cannot.

American Idol: Top 10

Here's the idol run-down this week.

1. Matt - I thought he was the best this week, even though everyone was all over Adam. His song was just soooo sexy and he's so soulful & versatile.
2. Adam - Once again, I loved him & he totally redeemed himself after last week's odd (albeit talented) performance. He looked like a cross between Elvis and the Jonas Brothers (the suit!). I loved the falsetto! I was touched by Smokey's standing ovation and how Adam really wanted to get to the story behind the song (tracks of my tears). The "unplugged" version rocked! Wow!
3. Kris - I loved his sweet & simple rendition of How Sweet it Is. I consider myself to be pretty musically versed, so I was shocked to find out that the song was actually a Marvin Gaye tune...I had only ever known the James Taylor version. Kris is a cutie!
4. Allison - I thought her performance was great. It was the perfect song choice for her & I still can't get over the fact that she is only 16, but I do get a little annoyed that she seems a bit cocky (ok, rightfully so), especially how much in disbelief she was last week to be in the bottom 3. I mean, I was shocked, too, but as we know from Chris Daughtry, you're NEVER safe!
5. Danny - Ok, so his dancing was a little corny this time, but it was another solid Danny performance. I was kind of confused, though, how they spent so much time in the pre-song clip, talking about the suggestions that Smokey gave him and then he didn't make the changes anyway.
6. Anoop - another solid performance from Anoop. I loved how it was soft & sweet and we got to see some of his falsetto. Not too much to say, but good job!
7. Lil - I didn't really like her song & I agree completely with the judges when they say that this didn't give her the chance to really show what she could do & she really had her chance to shine this week, but it just didn't work. I felt like she kept falling behind the tempo (as I thought with her song last week).
8. Michael - I think his days are numbered. I said during the song that I felt like he was shouting a lot & they said that during the critique. I agree that he's sort of just playing the waiting game until he gets kicked off, but I love his attitude that he's still one of the top 10 on one of the greatest shows on tv.
9. Megan - That song just wasn't good...I was not impressed, but in general I think she's been overrated for a while...but she was better last week when she was sick, which is really sad.
10. Scott - I thought it was a really bad song choice & I wasn't impressed. I felt like he didn't carry the song well.

Bottom 3: Scott, Megan, Michael

Going home: Michael

Wait: Lesson #2 (God is in Control)

**Please read the whole way to the end for follow-up comments on lesson 1 & these lessons as a whole!

Lesson #2 - God Knows What He is Doing. He is in Control

• I often find it hard to admit to myself that God has even remembered who I am, let alone that he's actually orchestrating the plans of my life on a daily basis. I am reminded that God does not always give us our sufferings (Satan is always in the mix where pain and struggle are concerned), but He does hurt when we hurt and it does pain him to see us suffering. It makes it easy to wonder why He doesn't just take away this hurt and pain, which we know he does have the power to do....it makes it easy to question or challenge God and scream out in anguish against our burdens, just as Job did (see God's response to him below).
  

"Who are you to question my wisdom? Were you there when I made the world? Who closed the gates to hold back the sea when it burst from the womb of the earth? Have you ever in all your life commanded a day to dawn? Has anyone ever shown you the gates that guard the dark world of the dead?" ~Job 38:2, 4, 8, 12, 17

• When I get angry with God and begin to cry out in anger and frustration, I read passages like this and I struggle in some ways. On the one hand, I feel so small and insignificant...why would the God who commands each day to dawn care about me moaning and complaining that I can't have a baby? or that I am unhappy at work? or that life isn't really turning out the way I had hoped? But then I take some comfort in knowing that no matter how insignificant I feel, God does in fact care about my struggles...it's just that in my imperfect human perspective, I have trouble understanding (and accepting) that His plans are not my plans & I'm not in the driver's seat, as this world would like me to believe (see below).

"I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for." ~Jeremiah 29:11

• Sometimes my life does, in fact, feel like a disaster. I'm almost 30 years old, no baby, no good-paying job, no extraordinary gifts or talents, nothing to really be known for...and I struggle with that a lot. A LOT. I find myself being so intensely over-critical of myself that every flaw is magnified 100x & everyone else's good traits are inflated accordingly...in essence, I can see everyone else's "good life" and find myself begrudging my own...and it's a tough predicament to get out of, considering my life circumstances aren't really changing (and haven't for the past 4 years)....BUT I do put my hope in the Lord. I know that my timing is not His timing. My plans are not His plans. The path I would like to take isn't necessarily the one that He's leading me on. And I'm learning to trust. I'm hopeful that somewhere, somehow, someday along this journey, He will bring about the future that I hope for.
  

**After re-reading my last post, as well as some of the comments, I feel the need to note that these 5 lessons are in no way meant to make you feel guilty if you aren't living by them in your daily life. I certainly do not want any of my readers to think that I'm never bitter over my infertility struggles (check out some of my posts from 2006-2007 for proof of that) or that it's so easy for me to hand over control of my life's situations to God...because it's NOT! It's absolutely a daily struggle, and quite honestly...it sucks. I will never be able to look back and honestly say that this season in my life was a blessing in a horrific disguise or that I will know what God was trying to teach me through all of this, but I am learning to trust & that's a really hard thing for me to do. I hope you'll be back for more...

American Idol: Top 11

Here's a quick run-down this week so that I can get it in before the results show comes on...

1. Matt - He was really awesome & I think it's so funny how the judges are saying he's like Michael Buble & Justin Timberlake, since I've said both of those before. I also told DH he reminds me of a young Billy Joel. Awesome job this week! I want to see him rock something out soon!
2. Anoop - Wow! He went from second worst to second best for me all in a week! He did an awesome job on that song...it was nice to have the slow pace, but still feel his energy and emotion in the song...I'm not a big Willie fan, so I can say that I definitely took a liking to Anoop's version more than the original.
3. Danny - I loved the SOUL that he brought to his performance tonight. I found it interesting that two GUYS chose to perform Carrie Underwood songs, but they totally did them justice. Way to go, Danny!
4. Allison - the tone of her voice is just amazing and I love how she blew Randy Travis away. I think she chose the perfect song to have a little fun but still show off what she can do!
5. Kris - His song was so soft and sweet. There was nothing huge, but that was what made it memorable - it was tender and all about his vocals. I really enjoyed it!
6. Megan - did a really great job, especially for being sick. I loved her hair, but hated the top part of her dress. I am in love with the tone of her voice, but her inflection was almost too much (the jazzy, scatty kind of sound). The judges didn't comment on that though, so maybe it's just me
7. Alexis - I thought Alexis struggled in her upper register & therefore wasn't as powerful as I would have though she would be. I didn't like her hair and I thought it made her look old. The song could have been a good one, but it just didn't do it for me this week.
8. Adam - As much as I love him, I felt like I was at a 60's orgy...that was just so weird, or as DH put on his notes to me (he watched the show last night), "WTF???" It wasn't that it was BAD, per se, just STRANGE! I liked how Kara put it, "I'm confused, but sort of happy"
9. Michael - I definitely think that Garth was a good pick for Michael, since he definitely has the same husky tone to his voice as Garth, but I think one of Garth's ballads or slower songs would have been better...like the Thunder Rolls or even Rodeo...I did like when he said "Country Music's 'bout havin' some fun!" You go, Michael!
10. Scott - I do agree with Paula (shock of shocks!) that I would like to maybe see Scott out on a stool singing right to the audience. It isn't that he isn't amazing with the piano, but I would like to get that other connection with him...KWIM? Anyone? I thought he sounded good once the tempo of the song picked up.
11. Lil - I do not think this was a good song choice for Lil. Martina is very hard to match & I felt like Lil was often falling behind the tempo of the song. I wasn't really feeling her energy and sort of thought that it fell flat in parts. I wonder if this could be the end of the road.

Bottom 3: Michael, Scott & Lil
Going home: Lil

PS - I love the comments coming in on my Wait! posts! It's definitely giving a lot of perspective...and in many ways shows me how far I've come from my days of being down in the depths...

Wait: Lesson #1 (bitter or better?)

Over the next 5 (IF-related) blog posts, I hope to help provide you with 5 Lessons for Dealing with Difficult Situations, which are all based upon my friend Kelli's speech/sermon, which she presented at our church back in January. The numbered lessons (1-5) are hers, but I hope to go into a bit of depth and add my own insight, so I guess you could say it's a joint effort! And don't worry, I got her enthusiastic approval before beginning this venture!

Lesson#1 - You can become bitter or better.

• First of all - WOW! I can remember times when just reading that line would have sent me into a tailspin (bitter??? Don't I have a RIGHT to be bitter??), but honestly...I can look back and say it's the honest-to-goodness truth. Everyday we have a choice. We can choose to be bitter and sulk & have an eternal pity party, or we can do our best to suck it up and accept where we are today. The here-and-now (and how we deal with it) makes us the person that we are; the person that others see. Do you want them to know you as "that bitter infertile woman," or "the woman who counts her blessings each day, hopeful that better days are just around the bend?" (see the quote below)
  

"A person's character is determined not by how they act when life is going their way, but by how they act when life is NOT going their way." ~Author Unknown

• This quote made me think of that old saying about how people are like tea bags...you never realize their true strength and purpose until they're in a bit of hot water...how true is that? If God never put us under a little pressure, our lives would be perfect & then we'd have no need for Him...and yes, I know, sometimes it seems as though we've been burned by that scalding hot water, but you know what? We're still alive to tell about it & that says something about who we are and the people that God continues to transform us into.

"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up." ~Psalm 71:20

• The good news is: God promises there is always light at the end of the tunnel...we are not the first people to see hard times and struggle, nor will we be the last. The bible details many stories of hardship, loss and struggle, but no matter how low your lowest depth may reach, God promises that He will bring you back up.

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." ~Romans 5:3-4

• Rejoice in our sufferings? There's a new one! How can I possibly rejoice in suffering? I mean, I could see being numb or indifferent...and I'll even give you pseudo-pleasant...but rejoice? I'm not so sure I can do that, God. But I will tell you, that after all this time, I can honestly say that I can see how God has used me and grown me over these past four years. I know that I will be a better parent and I will not take as much for granted (of course, you can ask me that hopefully in a few months when I have morning sickness & it might be a different story, but I digress!). I have seen, first hand, the good parents and the bad & I admit that I now have a clearer picture of the life that I want my child to have & the boundaries that I (we) plan to set. So in a way, I can see how this suffering can lead to rejoicing (even if I can't always rejoice in the midst).

"Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God." ~Psalm 42:11

• Although the change is not an immediate one, this verse gives us an assurance that if we are believers and put our hope in God, our strength will be renewed and we will once again praise Him. It's good to know that we can take a little time for our pity party, but it should not last.

So we have two choices in this fight...we can surrender to the devil and become bitter, or we can rejoice (???) in our sufferings and become a better, stronger & more faithful follower because of them. Which choice will you make today?

Waiting...when no one understands

It's amazing how many sayings there are in our language about waiting and patience...
You know, "Good things come to those who wait!," & "Patience is a virtue," or (according to Tom Petty), "the waiting is the hardest part." And I don't know about you, but anyone who says something like this to someone in pain or struggle has obviously never had major unrealized dreams in their own lives...because these adages are JUST.SO.PATRONIZING! They honestly serve no other purpose than to give the person something to say when they just don't know what to say...and I get that, I really do. It's human nature to want to offer something more than just that longing, sympathetic look to someone who is hurting...and honestly, over the years, I've learned to brush off those comments, but I know it isn't that easy for other women.

So the question is, what can we do about it? I guess in the heat of the moment, there's probably not much we can do except smile and grit our teeth...but that only leaves them feeling better about themselves and us feeling worse. And while I hate to play the victim here, aren't we already the ones that are hurting?

I think that the key to preventing future moments like this is through education. That's why I circulate my copies of the "Stepping Stones" newsletter to all of my family who knows we're having trouble TTC. Can you send your family a link to your favorite IF discussion boards or blogs? Can you give them books that deal with the emotional, physical, spiritual and psychological effects of infertility? Can you create your own infertility blog that you can send out to your family & friends? If nothing else, all of these avenues open up the board for a discussion & help your loved ones to realize the hurt and pain that are hidden behind your somewhat-pleasant facade (because we all know we put on that happy face most of the time)...I think in many cases, most people don't understand the depth of an infertile couple's pain, which reaches far beyond the mere fact that you are unable to have a child (the good old-fashioned way, like 83% of all couples), but rather completely changes you spiritually, relationally & mentally. I know for myself, the toughest pill to swallow has been nearing my 29th birthday & having people harp on me that I'm "still so young" but consciously realizing that my life is not shaping up the way that I had thought/hoped that it would (in the dream where I was 30 with two kids or at least the 2nd on the way).

So make it your goal today to educate one of your loved ones about your inner hurt and pain. You don't have to lay your whole heart out on the table...just send along your infertility articles & newsletters, or even a link to this post to let them know how you feel. And maybe, just maybe, over time, we can replace those nagging old sayings with uplifting ones like these...

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." ~Isaiah 40:31

"May the love hidden deep inside your heart find the love waiting in your dreams. May the laughter that you find in your tomorrow wipe away the pain you find in your yesterdays.

Now that we've focused on helping those around us help us to deal with patience in times of struggle, it's on to the REAL meat of this series...how we can help ourselves to deal in these trying times. Over the next 5 posts, I'll expound on my friend Kelli's 5 points for waiting through the struggle. I hope you'll come back to join us!

A break from "Wait!" for some Idol

Last year I posted updates & ranked my favorites each week on American Idol and I thought I would do the same this year. The Rocks in My Dryer blog (Shannon) used to have a Mr. Linky up, but I haven't seen it yet this year, so I'll start my own here...maybe if we have any other idol viewers, we could start our own Mr. Linky to link up to YOUR idol chat!

Here is my rank of the evening (I had to watch it this afternoon, actually, because we have bible study on Tuesday nights)
1. Adam - I realize he's an acquired taste for many viewers, but I just love him! I love that he's different and comfortable with who he is! His song was great and his vocals are amazing (and so unique). He's like Pete Wentz (looks) meets Axl Rose (voice)...KWIM? He just came out of nowhere for me, too, because I wasn't nuts about him early-on.
2. Danny - Totally awesome & I loved his moves...I liked when the girls said that his moves were just part of the music, not cheesy dance moves (like, say...Taylor Hicks?). And I love that he loves his church music
3. Matt - I loved him in Hollywood & then he kind of faded for me during the top 36. I thought he got a bit boring & forgettable, but he was HOT this week! What a great voice and I love that little falsetto (Justin Timberlake) thing he's got going on...sexy :)
4. Allison - She's really cool & at 16, I am totally impressed. The tone of her voice is so developed, you would think she'd been singing (professionally for 20 years)...and I love that she was joking with Simon
5. Michael - I really liked his song choice & I love the emotion that he puts into his songs. I was getting a bit teary by the end of it actually. And he's gotta make the top 5 when he tells Paula & Kara "Yes Ma'am" anytime they ask him a question! :)
6. Alexis - this definitely wasn't her strongest performance but I still really liked it and it was neat to see her rocking it out. She did oversing a bit, as the judges said, but that isn't ALWAYS a bad thing, IMO.
7. Kris - I thought he was "ok." I thought it was interesting because I was taking notes as I was watching it & I wrote "acoustic guitar seems odd in this song" and sure enough, Simon said the same thing. It seems that, if nothing else, his guitar keeps him in his comfort zone, which is fine, but, again, not right for that song.
8. Lil - again, just OK. I liked her song & agreed with Simon that I did not like her outfit...I thought she started the show off great...it's just that I saw lots of other good ones after her!
9. Megan - WOW! What an interesting song choice...I guess that's part of her personality though...quirky & always keeps you guessing. I still love her voice & definitely don't think she's a bad singer, but her song choice tonight was just WAY OFF. And it surprises me that she's being touted on Vote for the Worst this week...I swear, that site promotes the middle-of-the-road singers so that they can feel better about themselves, rather than actually promoting the worst singer...which really WAS NOT Megan.
10. Jasmine - I love the control of her voice, but I agree that she tends to go a bit robotic. She's great for being so young, but unfortunately, the only thing I remember about her is how cute she looked & not what she sang...
11. Scott - I love him & I thought he sounded good. I loved that he played the piano on a song that he just learned this week. Unfortunately for Scott, however, he misses out on the opportunity to connect with his audience by physically getting into the music which, as we know, is such a huge part of the Idol performance experience...I just hope he can stick around for at least another week!
12. Anoop - I did not expect that song from him at all & I am really disappointed because I was rooting for him...He said about wanting to pick a more energetic song, but I think he assumed that an up-tempo song would automatically create more energy on the stage...I just wasn't feelin' it Anoop Dogg :(
13. Jorge - I know the language thing is an issue for him & I was really excited for him to make it into the top 12/13, but that just wasn't the right song...as Simon would say, "I felt like I was on a cruise ship."

Going home predictions: Anoop & Jorge

Wait: a poem

This poem is by an unknown author (if you know it, please let me know and I will be sure to cite him/her). My friend Kelli used this as the opening to her sermon on patience through struggles & I thought it was perfect to begin my series, as well!

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried.
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,
And the Master so gently said, "Child, you must wait!"

"Wait?, you say, wait!" my indignant reply.
Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By FAITH I have asked, and am claiming your Word

My future and all to which I can relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to WAIT?
I'm needing a 'yes,' a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

And Lord, you promised that if we believe
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
"I'm weary of asking! I need a reply!"

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
As my Master replied once again, "You must wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut
And I grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting...for what?"

He seemed then to kneel and His eyes wept with mine
And he tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.
All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be.
You would have what you want - but you wouldn't know ME!"

"You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint;
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint;
You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there;
You'd not know the joy of resting in me
When darkness and silence were all you could see."

"You'd never experience that fullness of love
As the peace of my Spirit descends like a dove;
You'd know that I give and I save...(for a start),
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of my heart."

"The glow of my comfort late into the night.
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked
Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST."

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that 'My grace is sufficient for thee.'
Yes, your dreams for your loved ones overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss! if I lost what I'm doing in you!"

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
THAT THE GREATEST OF GIFTS IS TO GET TO KNOW ME!
And though of may my answers seem terribly late,
My wisest of answers is still but to WAIT."

Coming soon...WAIT!

I know I've been scarce this past week, but honestly, I haven't felt that I've had anything of worth to share with you...until now! I recently attended a seminar by one of my real-life friends, Kelli. She's struggled with infertility for 5+ years and is currently pregnant with twins!! She wrote and delivered a speech on patience through tough times. The sermon is entitled "Wait." Over the next few posts, I plan to deliver that message to all of my lovely readers, along with a few devotionals on patience that I wrote myself...if you know anyone that could use a message on patience through struggles, please pass my blog onto them! I would love to get some more readers listed on my followers (and I know that would motivate me to post more often). And if you ARE a follower, please don't lurk! I love to hear your comments!

In other exciting news, G & I met with my middle school friend, B over the weekend. She's the one who heard through the grapevine (where the internet/facebook/blogosphere & real life collide) that we're looking for an egg donor so that we can be a part of our IVF study. Up until Saturday, we had only been sending messages via facebook, but I wanted she and G to meet and I knew that I needed to catch myself up to speed on her life & catch her up to speed on the whole IVF/donor process. We met at a cute little (and delicious) restaurant for lunch and chatted about anything and everything...but mostly about her amazing generosity. There were times when I almost succumbed to the tears of joy that wanted to come out, but I kept my cool. It was just amazing to see how head-over-heels excited she is about this opportunity to give to someone in need. She said that she almost feels selfish and greedy doing this because it is something that she wants to do so badly. Her enthusiasm and optimism were so infectious that G & I left the restaurant aglow and hand-in-hand.

But, being cautious (okay, pessimistic) as we are, we aren't ready to get our hopes up just yet...see there's this person called a doctor...and he kind of has to approve our donor candidate first. And since she struggled with infertility herself (even though it wasn't related to eggs), we aren't ready to plunge into the sea of emotions just yet. B was diagnosed with endo at age 16...endo so severe that her doctors told her that she would never be able to have children. Way to turn someone into an adult, PDQ, huh? So after several molar pregnancies and miscarriages, they miraculously gave birth to their miracle little girl who is now almost 9 years old...after her birth, B had to have a partial hysterectomy due to the endo...so they removed her uterus, but her ovaries are still present and I'm told fully functioning! So in all reality, there should be no issue since her uterus is what prevented her pregnancies, not her eggs...

Wow, this all just seems so surreal. If someone had told me a year ago (whilst in the midst of our IVF cycle) that in a year, we would be a) trying for our 4th attempt at IVF, b) as part of a study, c) using a middle-school friend's eggs, whom I haven't spoken to in 15 years, I would have told you that you were insane...I mean, only real life (or lifetime movies) could write story lines like this...of course, with a little help from you-know-who...

Menu Plan Monday!

Here we are again with another edition of MPM! Last week's went off without a hitch. This week is a pretty busy week, however, so you will notice that I'm only in charge of 2 meals, which is super nice (even though I do love cooking).
Monday - Cheddar Garlic Chicken. I have made this before and it is very yummy!
Tuesday - Family night w/ IL's
Wednesday - DH has a class from 6-9 after school, so we will be on our own
Thursday - Beef Stroganoff - I pretty much use this recipe except that I use ground beef instead of the steak...and I have no idea what cornichons** are...anyone?
Friday - Fish dinners with my parents!

**so I looked up cornichons - why didn't she just say pickles???**