Knepps Nest

I am not MIA

2012-02-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Has it really been almost a month since my last post!!! Man, I am slacking. haha.

The past month we:

Celebrated Jarod's 31st Birthday!!!!

Jarod's oldest brother got married on new years eve!

Went to Cincy for a day (Jungle Jim's and the Zoo)

Had a super bowl party

Hung out with some friends

Worked (I bet you wouldn't have guessed that. haha)

Relaxed

Researched vacation spots (LOVE doing this!)

and a little bit of this and that!

And as I look back I didn't take many pictures and wish I would have....I seem to go through spurts where I take lots or pictures and then I don't. I do have some though.

The penguin parade at the zoo. I loved how funny they walked.

This was a picture my parents had ordered of my sister...it is a cross between a painting and picture. I wanted to post it b/c I loved how it turned out!!! Oh how I miss her!

For Jarod's b-day the neighbor girls made him cards and decorated their basement. It was so sweet and they were so excited to do it.

The signs they made.

I got Jarod these glove shoes for his b-day. He already guessed what I got him so it wasn't much of a surprise for him. I can never surprise him...geesh!

They really do feel good on!

Birthday cake time!

Jay (Jarod's brother) and Melissa got married in Jarods dad's cabin. It was a small wedding but turned out perfect!

The Knepp family.

All the brothers!

Me and my sister in laws.

We played cornhole and just hung out for the reception after the wedding. And me and my awesome hubby were the cornhole champs!!! First time for me! Yay. Sorry just had to post it. hehe

Christmas 2011

2012-01-11T14:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011 in Pictures!

Trying to get a good picture for our Christmas card. Little dog didn't want to cooperate though. haha. It did take us few tries to get one we liked....mostly one with Khloe half normal;)

In trouble for not listening. She just lays there like she is dead.

And trying to get away!

The one we used:)

Made snowman cookies one day. I seen the idea and just had to make them. Found a great icing recipe too (I only made half the recipe)! I loved the hint of lemon and added a little more than it called for.

4 egg whites

4 cups confectioners sugar

1 teaspoon lemon extract

At g-ma's house

Her gift we got her!

Playing games

My g-ma, uncle, aunt and dad.

Jarod's gift I got him:) Now he can stay warm to get us even more meat. hehe

My gift! 5 in 1 = Yes!

Had a lot of fun at an ugly sweater party!

Lookin HOT in our sweaters:)

My dad with his cooler and bendy flashlight.

My mom with her purse and scarf.

*Lindsey's ornament for this year*

Relaxing

Love

I couldn't get over his face. haha. He is soo cute!

The Knepp Christmas! I love how we got everyone looking on the FIRST try!

Love Dre

So there is our 2011 Christmas! I didn't upload all the pictures b/c that would have taken too long and would have been way to many to scroll though! Hope you enjoyed them:)

Negative

2011-12-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

A little over two weeks ago I had posted about my estradiol level being 159, which was good:) Well, a couple days later we went to Indy to do an IUI after that. If you remember they cancelled it and then we were lucky enough to get a chance this month!!! I thank our doctor and the man above for that:)

I was a little nervous going up there and also during the time we had to wait for 2 hours. It was busy that saturday for them! The procedure only lasted around a minute or two and was a little uncomfortable but not too bad, just awkward. After the nurse did it I laid there for about 20 minutes and then we were on our way. I wanted to get to the truck and not walk much so I could just lay back down. haha. I know they say it doesn't make a difference really what you do after an IUI but I felt better doing that. I had cramping the rest of they day which I was surprised but when I woke up in the morning I felt much better!

Two weeks later I took a pregnancy test and pretty much knew I wasn't pregnant...and I wasn't:( Negative again! I wasn't going to take it on Christmas and was going to wait till monday but we decided to just go for it. It would have been the best Christmas present EVER if it was positive! It still hurts but this was a chance I didn't think we were going to have this month. So I am Thankful for that!!! I worry about this baby stuff a lot...which I try not to but it is sooo hard!!! The doctor wants me to take a month off and let my ovaries rest since they stimulated them. Then we can try again!!! Then we can just Hope for the best:)

New Kind Of Elf

2011-12-16T14:37:00.000-08:00

WARNING: IN TRAINING

I just had to buy both (shirt and bogan) for our little Khloe! I thought they were so cute!!! Notice the ball in front of her....yeah she is obsessed with it. I had to put it there so I could get a good pic. haha

Good News

2011-12-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

Dr. J called me this morning and said my Estradiol was 159!!!!! Yay!

The Power of Prayer

2011-12-08T17:30:00.000-08:00

First of all I wanted to THANK EVERYONE for their encouragement, prayers and reminders!!!! I have so many great people in my life I am beyond blessed! I wouldn't know what to do without all the people in my life! Plus, the people I haven't even met in person that are there for me:)

Doctor J tried calling me tuesday morning but I was at work and missed his call. And I finally did talk to one of the nurses tuesday. It was really weird that they didn't return my calls monday b/c that never happens! I don't know if there was a reason that happened or what. I know God answers prayers and things happen for a reason and this week is a reminder. Monday night I felt more of a calm through everything and have been doing better since!

The reason I brought up everything happens for a reason is because:
*I missed Dr. J's call tuesday.
*I scheduled a "phone appt" for today.
*Then I called the office to see if I could see him in the office b/c I know I would feel much better talking to him in person and I felt I needed to go up there but they were completely booked till January.
*The office called back yesterday to tell me there was a cancellation, I was working an 8 hour day and that never happens or else I would have missed the call!
*Today I drove back to Indy and Dr. J told me that I had 12 follicles BUT my estradiol level was only 15. A normal person would have an estradiol of atleast 400 with that many follicles. And with even 1 follicle someone should have an estradiol level around 100. He had no clue why this was. He did another u/s and I still had a lot of little follicles but one good one. He repeated another estradiol level today and thinks we still may be able to do an IUI! I couldn't believe it!!!! I will find out tomorrow what my estradiol level is! I am hoping for GOOD numbers:) If not I don't know what his plan will be b/c he said he has never seen this before. What I love about Dr. J is that is always willing to try something and listens to everything I say. I know Indy is pretty far away but he is one of the best doctors I know!

So I truly think God was trying to show me who is in control! I already know that but this just brought tears to my eyes! Hoping for GOOD news tomorrow:)

Aches

2011-12-05T17:20:00.000-08:00

Today my doctor never did call and the nurse never did return my call. My heart just aches! I REALLY wanted to talked to them. I feel so left to the curb. I am an emotional wreck today and don't know if I made the right decision. I was really wanting to do another u/s today. After taking my meds, injections and driving back and forth to Indy for ultrasounds and then being told we can't do an IUI....it is just making my heart ache. I just ask for some prayers that I can have peace with this all.

Trying to stay positive

2011-12-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

So after missing for a while......I am back! I wanted to update on some news I received this week. After hearing the news in August that we couldn't go through with an IUI and after having "weird" periods in September and October I was starting to wonder what was going to happen. I did know that if I was going to have another one day period or not I was going to see Dr. J. We decided last month that I was not going to take any medications and we were going to see what happened this month on my own. Especially since the last two months my body didn't adjust to the medications very well. Which were birth control and Provera.

Well, I had my period last week and had an ultrasound this week to see what my ovaries looked like. I was so scared when they did the ultrasound b/c in my head I wanted to see but then I didn't because I was scared I was going to get bad news. I actually had it in my head that I was going to have another large cyst. I can't help it and I am a little scared of getting excited b/c fear of getting let down. The nurse was even going medications before we did the ultrasound and all I was thinking in my head is, lets just see if I can even start taking these. To my surprise there were NO large cysts (just a couple small one's because of my PCOS)!! I couldn't believe it! Once I got in my car I just had tears because I couldn't believe it. This is the closest we have come to actually doing an IUI! I still get teary eyed/cry thinking about it.

Okay....I am going to pause for a minute. I saved this post this week when I wasn't quit finished and figured I would just update after this saturday (yesterday). Little did I know I would get some unexpecting news saturday.

Jarod and I had to wake up early on saturday (6:00 am) to have a follow up u/s to see how my ovaries/follicles were doing after taking meds and injections to prep me for our very first IUI! We were both tired but excited to see what was going on....ready to just do this!!!! However, when the nurse did my u/s I knew she wasn't happy to see what was on the screen the minute she seen ALL my follicles. I had 5/6 on the right and 4/5 on the left. I did have a couple larger follicles which is good b/c they are the one's that mature and what turn into an eggy's. But she didn't like how I had soo many! She said, usually this what we see when we are getting women ready for IVF. What?? We don't know how many of those follicles will form into eggs and that can be dangerous. I could be like ocotomom.....umm don't want that! I know with an IUI your egg(s) release and and they inject the sperm and wait on mother nature. However, you don't want too many eggs. I think you get my point.haha

I just wanted to start crying when she was going over all this with me. She was trying to reassure me and that just wasn't helping. I know she was being nice and was like you are still young you have plenty of time. BUT when you are ready you are ready no matter if I am 26 or 36! It is hard no matter what! I wish I could have talked to the doctor but was unable to b/c it was a saturday and he wasn't in. I had to get a call after she spoke with Dr. J to let me know they were cancelling our IUI procedure for this week! All I could think about is what if it takes us another couple months to get this point. We got so close and BAM it was all taken away!

I just pray that this will only help us for out next IUI procedure and hope that my body doesn't get too excited with these meds and go crazy making a ton of follicles. I keep telling myself this will help us the next time! I only pray it does! I just feel awful!!!! I know I don't want the risk of having triplets or more though!! I just hate dropping everything like this! Dr. J will call me monday and I am curious to what all he has to say. I am almost tempted to ask him if we can do another u/s to see how many of my follies are maturing even more. I know I don't give up easy! I am trying to hang in there and am doing a little better after yesterday. I was trying not to cry yesterday and held it in pretty good until last night and could't stop crying. I know when I cry it makes Jarod feel bad and I don't want him to get even more down b/c of me. He has always helped me stay stronger during this all and ALWAYS makes me feel better. But sometimes I just need to cry in his arms and let him comfort me. If you know what I mean. I don't know what I would do without him!!!!! The song by Blake Shelton, 'God Gave Me You' is how I feel about Jarod. LOVE that song!!! One day will be our day:) One day all these ups and downs will be worth it.

Catch Up With Pictures

2011-10-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated on what we have been doing in a while. Pretty much the past couple of posts have been about infertility....so I thought maybe I should post about something else. I am sure everyone doesn't want to read about all that infertility stuff in every post anyway!

One day we drove to French Lick when we were both off during the week. That doesn't happen often! Of course we had to make our first stop at Bo Mac's.....if you have never tried their flavored soda's do try them if you go through Shoals. I always get the Marshmallow but have had the banana and they are sooo good!!! In French Lick we walked around the French Lick hotel, walked around the stables where I got horse snot all over my shirt (I guess the horse didn't like me).lol. Looked at the train's and tasted some wine. Oh, and sneaked around the golf course. hehe

One last picture of us in case we got caught and went to jail. lol

Giving me the OK!

It was so pretty up there! And we didn't get caught....we are so good:)

On October 1st one of my best friends from high school was getting married in Terre Haute. We don't get to see each other as often as we would like but we got to spend all day Friday and Saturday together. They were long days but we had a ton of fun. I forgot how much work weddings can be but I love being in them!

All the bridesmaids.

Charlie Angel style. haha. We look confused!

Me, Sis and baby!

LOVED her shoes!!!

How cool is the kitchen where she had her wedding/reception. I just had to take a picture of it b/c it is something you would see on HGTV!

LOVE

Us girls from High School.

Right before I was getting ready to leave. Tiff looking amazing!

A couple week-ends ago we went to Lark Ranch with Jarod's dad, step-mom and two brothers.

I could actually Laso!

Group photo.

Silly

Boys will be boys!

Me and my hun!

Cutest little pigs around!

No Show

2011-10-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

Well, leaving off from my last post. I just don't have much luck:( Or maybe the timing just isn't right.....I dunno. BUT I will gladly be ready for the right timing any day though!!!!! I continued to take the metformin PLUS the birth control last month to try and decrease the size of that cyst hiding in me. Well, when it was time for my period it was a no show....or was it. I didn't think it was at first but I now think I did have it but it was so light and lasted only one day I was second guessing myself. I know birth control can affect your periods but I didn't like how it only lasted one day. I called my doctor's office and they said, they wouldn't call that my period and wanted to do a blood test to make sure I wasn't pregnant. Um, NO but I had to do it! I felt so silly! I really didn't want to do another test to just go and show I am NOT pregnant.

So after taking the birth control in hopes it would help, I really don't know what to think. I am currently taking Provera to induce my next period. I feel like I am experimenting with any kind of Fertility med out there:( So another month to see what happens. Surely one of these will help?! So this month still taking the Metformin and Provera. Not too many side effects really which I have been thankful for with all the meds. I have tried. I have heard too many stories about how bad the side effects can be. The only side effects I have had was the first week of taking birth control I was so emotional. And the Metformin upsets my stomach but has lessened somewhat. So I feel very thankful in this!!!! I am still ready to get to the point where we can just try an IUI procedure. I sometimes wonder if we will get to that point but I keep my hopes high! I keep waiting for the right time but at times I wonder if God really wants me to be pregnant. Only time will tell. Until then I will wait another month and maybe have good news then.

Thanks so much to all of you for your support you don't know how much it means to Jarod and I!!!!! I know I don't say Thank You as much as I should! But I think it everyday.

One Step Forward and One Step Back

2011-08-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated in a while about our infertility journey. Mostly because from May to August our doctor wanted me to take Metformin for those 3 months and then come back to see if it was helping with my PCOS. I was sooo ready to go back in August because that medicine messes with your stomach. Yuck! I thought the medicine was helping but was still a little nervous the day we had to go back to see Dr. Jarrett. Well.......we did get good news. FINALLY!!!!! He too thought the medicine was helping and said we are ready to do an IUI procedure whenever we are ready! The moment I heard that my heart was lifted up. Jarod and I looked at one another like, really?! I was so happy that day and we haden't even started anything. It was just the idea that we could finally move forward and no more testing or trying a different medication. I was like are we getting more normal?? Because all of this can make you feel a little less normal if you know what I mean.

We had our appt. August and thought we would try the IUI procedure in September. But, I got to talking to Jarod and said I would like to try this month. He was okay with that and so I called the office to let them know! We have waited this long and I just wanted to do it!! haha.

So when the time came to do my baseline ultrasound last week before we would start taking the medication to stimulate my ovaries that is when we took one step back. The nurse said I have a large cyst on my left ovary and she doesn't want me to go through with the procedure this month! The weird thig is I was like, okay. I didn't get emotional and start crying but I felt peace with the whole situation. After I left the office I was thinking maybe that was a sign God wanted us to wait till next month. Don't get me wrong I still would have LOVED to have "tried" this month but I guess I am so use to the doctors telling us we will have to wait once again.

So now they still have me taking Metformin and started me on birth control. Then I should go back sometime next month for another ultrasound! In my head I am like, God please let this help!!!! I know I am not the only person out there that is going through this but it is something Jarod and I want so badly it hurts. My heart aches for all the other couples going through this same thing. But I know the time will come!!

We visited Mickey Mouse's Place

2011-08-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

So I know we travel a lot and here we are again visiting another place. This time it was Disney World!!!! We left last monday and stayed for four nights. It was only a 2 hour flight so that was exciting! lol. A lot better than 4-5 hour flights! I uploaded a lot of photos so be prepared!

Trying to take a pic. of the entrance in our bus.

Our hotel!

Our room.....and Jarod is already taking advantage of the bed after only 15 minutes. haha

The view from our window! Such a beautiful hotel.

The cute boat we rode on to Grand Floridain to eat supper that night.

Love my kissess:)

Cool car we found!

Yummy! No way Jose at Beachclub hotel....I was craving it! So yummy but huge!

Walking around the boardwalk.

This guy was a lot of fun to watch in downtown disney! He would do different poses with people.

Dinner at Rainforest Cafe. Always a fun place. We were excited to sit next to the fish tank. haha

We only went to one of the parks and of course chose Magic Kingdom:)

Waiting on the nighttime parade. I loved watching all the vendors walk around!

Goofy is driving....watch out. haha

At Ohana's (one of our favorite restaruants). Jarod went up with the little kiddos to get a lei. I was too chicken to go up!

Me and my sweetie! Love him!!

The fireworks over the castle! Couldn't get a good pic b/c my camera never takes good pic of fireworks for some reason:(

At our hotel pool. Doesn't he look so happy to be in the pic. lol

We went to the Wilderness Campgrounds to walk around and found some pretty horse's! I loved the braided hair.

Rained for a little bit so we had to take cover. Florida weather in known for that and rained most days but only for like 1/2 hour.

Our last night we ate at Jiko for my birthday. Even though it wasn't my b-day....but we celebrated on that day!

They signed a card and gave me a b-day pin. Made for a special day:)

My dessert!

Our last day:(

Hope you enjoyed the pics....esp you Disney fans out there!!!

Wish Lantern

2011-08-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

Last thursday (July 27th) Jarod and I headed over to my parents to let off Wish Lanterns in memory of Lindsey. It was such a nice way to end the day and we all loved watching each one take off until we couldn't see them in sight!

Jarod let his lantern off first.

There it goes!

I was next. I was barely holding onto it because it was about to take off.

Up and Away

Finally my parent's get to make their wish!

I loved watching the two take off together!

And you can barely see that little spec.

If you have never had these they are such a neat thing to do atleast once:)

In Memory of Lindsey Rochelle Nelson

2011-07-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Today at exactly noon it was 7 years since my little sister went up to heaven. I will NEVER forget that day or the night before when it was the last time I would be able to talk to her. Somtimes I am scared I will forget exactly what she looked like that day but then when I think about it I don't think I can ever forget her face! My sister and I were 5 years apart and were just starting to grow closer. She had just turned 14 and I was 19. I will never forget the day of the accident and for a long time I would not even talk about it much. It was the scarriest thing I could have dreamed of. I feel so bad when people say, I didn't know you had a sister. I WANT people to know I have sister! I know some people didn't know me then and I understand that and I just explain to them. She had a BIG heart, was an animal lover (her favorites were rabbits, dogs, cats and horses), was shy, hard workder (she detaseld corn out in the fields that hot summer), strong, had a good outlook on life, and wanted to be a vet when she grew up.

From that day our family still doesn't feel complete and I know it won't until we all meet again. At times my dad will say I wish God would have taken me instead of Lindsey which is hard. I know a lot of parents that have lost kids that will say that a lot. But my dad could have easily been taken that day also. God worked some miracles on him that day and for months after the accident. I always tell myself there is a reason for everything! I believe in that! I can't think about, what ifs. I can only cherish what we had because each day is a new day and we never know what will happen. Losing my sister was the hardest thing I have had to deal with in my life! But if she was never born I would have never had those memories. I know at her funeral the priest told everyone to spend the rest of the day with their kids and I want to say the same. So if you have that time.....which I know everyone will have time whether they think they do or not. And spend it with your kids or your loved ones!

I Love You Lindsey and Miss you very much. Until we meet again!

I had bought this picture last year because it reminded me of her love for horses and of her. The moment I seen it I just knew I had to buy it and hang it up in our house.

Fourth of July week-end

2011-07-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

This past fourth of July week-end was a three day week-end for me....that never happens! So I was already pumped about that. haha. It was a great week-end but the only thing I wished for was just a little bit better weather. I wanted some sun! But I am not going to complain. We had great food and the produce patch had local fresh sweet corn which was yummy! I remember when I worked their that was always something they wanted ready for the 4th b/c it would sell like crazy. They didn't know if it would be ready this 4th but it was!! We also got to spend a lot of time with family and friends. Play some corn hole. Watch the fireworks. And even go to a parade (haven't been to one in years)!

Saturday- Us girls and kiddos. After planning for a month in advance we finally got to hang out!

Me and DeAnne with Kira and Conner. These kids are like family to me!

Sis and Conner. And corn hole playin in the backround. haha

Sweet Conner

4th of July cupcakes

Sunday- safety first!!!! lol

Dru wanted to be safe too;)

Gotta have sparklers

Brothers

Me and my hubbs

Boys, boys, boys! Jarod has 3 brothers and 2 half brothers. Plus, 2 nephews. Maybe we will bring the first girl into the family someday:)

4 years as Mrs. Knepp

2011-07-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated our 4 year anniversary!!! I really did marry my one and only! Jarod is perfect for me in every way. He has a big heart, funny, not real serious, great doggy daddy (haha), positive, willing to help, always there for me, laid back, great with kids and many more that I could name. I don't know what I would do without him. For our anniversary we didn't do much but were able to spend the evening together. I told Jarod, we are working towards our 25th anniversary.....50th......60th.....but I don't how much longer after that.lol. I LOVE YOU Jarod Knepp and I want to wake up everyday saying you are my husband.

Now to flashback to our past!!!

The summer we met.

Our first time together outside the state of Indiana.

Our first time on the beach together.

Halloween party. I will never forget how funny Jarod looked. lol

At one of my best friend's weddings 2007.

First time swimming with dolphins= Love.

We love all things Disney:)

Ziplinning

Us and the wedding party on our BIG day!!!

The day we said our I do's:) Such a special day.

Random Pics.

2011-06-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

I don't have a lot to blog about so figured I would just post some pics! We all like looking at pics. don't we?! hehe.

I was able to catch up with some girls from high school at a baby shower. Me and DeAnne and are the last mohegans to not have a baby yet. A lot of baby making since our 2003 graduation...some with THREE already!

Look at that cute baby bump! Lookin pretty good for TWINS!!! I think it is amazing to see her pregnant after trying for many years. Her time finally came:)

We went on the river two week-ends ago. The first time on the river...well besides taking our wooden boat out for a short time last year. This time we were out there for a couple of hours. I never realized how pretty and calm it can be. I wouldn't mind going out there more.....am I considered a river rat now?? haha

Jet ski on the river? Yep.

Our nephew Dru was able to hang out with us one day. This picture cracks me up!

Making faces.

We don't have a lot of toys at our house so we made the best of what we have and played a game. He would run from me and I would chase him trying to get a picture. I didn't have much luck of getting a face shot.

There he goes again!

This was a different day but this goes to show how heat + driving a big brown truck with no A/C all day can get to you! Nappy time....Khloe was sleeping!

Yucky Medicine

2011-06-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

So from my last post I had talked about taking a new medication. Well, I tried and tried and couldn't swallow the dang pill. I got so frustrated that I couldn't swallow it that I wanted to start crying. I put it in jelly, ice-cream, cottage cheese, tried to swallow it with milk and a carbonated drink. All things that are supposed to help! This was the first step that I had to take and couldn't do it. I felt like I was letting Jarod down and our dreams. I knew there were other medications out there. It seems like anymore we have 3-4 choices to choose from, right. lol. I called the office and switched from a non-extended release and am currently crushing it. Yuck !!!! It is pretty nasty but I am taking it. So here goes to the begining of working on me finally:) At first everyday that passed felt like a day that I was wasting. I know I don't waste any days but I want to be one step closer to our child instead of one step back! Does anyone else have problems swallowing pills? I feel like I am the only one and hated calling into the office saying, I can't swallow pills. But it is the truth! I am just glad I am taking this yucky pill now. lol. Yucky but hopefully will help:)

Can we please have good news

2011-05-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

So last week we had our doctors appt. that we had long awaited for. After months of waiting it was finally time. We went with hopes not too high b/c we know the situation we are in. And it seems like any news we get isn't very good:( Once we met Dr. Jerrett we loved him and knew we were going to def. stick with him......even though his office is all the way in Indy! We are willing to drive that far for a doctor we feel so much more comfortable with. We have heard great things about him and after meeting him we couldn't agree more. He made sure he got a good history on us and explained all our options (which we kinda knew already). It is sad to know there really are no other options in helping with low sperm counts.

This was our last opinion before we would start thinking about what we want to do. This is a big decision in our life and it hasn't been easy. I know deep inside we had a feeling we may not be able to use Jarod's sperm for IVF but when we were talking to the doctor I couldn't help it but to start crying. I felt awful b/c I know this poor guy has to see people crying A LOT but I could only hold in so much. Jarod kinda gave me a weird look like, why are you getting so emotional right now. ha. I guess maybe I was hoping he would say something to give a little hope....even though that is just a dream to us. So for now comes the hard part trying to decide what we want to do. I never imagined in my wildest dreams I would be doing this. BUT we are not in control!! I keep telling myself that even though I wish I did have some say so. You know what I mean!? We do know we want to have kids and however God decides to give them to us we will take. Even though it is hard b/c we would have LOVED to have a child of our own we will love any child given to us no matter what. All children are gifts from God and I totally believe that!! Life is so precious!

Back to my title. Can we please have good news? Nope. I was told this week I have PCOS. I was like, what????? I have only heard of heavier girls having this with abnormal hormone levels. All my hormone levels are fine. Well, Dr. Jarrett didn't like that my periods are irregular (sign of PCOS) and wanted to do an ultrasound. Low and behold he found what he was looking for and diagnosed me with PCOS after looking at my ovaries. He said, there is a thin version. It is a little different in that in some point of my life my estrogen levels were too low causing an alteration in androgen/estrogen levels to lead to PCOS. He said, athletic women and thin women will get this. I know may sound confusing..... it still is for me. With PCOS your eggs are not the best.

So I now have to take metformin for 3 months before I see him again. I am horrible at taking pills and have never really had to take any meds. in my life. I would always crush them when I did have to. I know I am a wimp! These pills I can't crush b/c they are extended release. Soooo I have to take them and want to take them....I just have to figure out how to swallow these dang things. It is all in my head and I just want to gag when I try to swallow a pill. It is frustrating! I would rather give myself a subcutaneous shot. haha. I will have to let you know how it goes. The nurse told me to have my husband hide them in my food. lol. No, I don't think I will be doing that. haha. Until then, we wait another 3 months and I just hope these help! We have to get good news sometime?! I hope when we see him again we will. Until then we will continue to pray!

Infertility Awareness Week April 24-30

2011-04-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week (April 24-30). This is a big deal to me b/c like you all know we are dealing with infertility. I know we are not the only couple out there and that is why I wanted to put this reminder out there! I was trying to look up events around southern Indiana and Indiana in general b/c as of right now there are not many. I did come across a 5K run and 1 mile family walk THIS saturday in Evansville at USI at 8:00 am!!! Sorry for the short notice. I was so happy to see something so close to us.....I would totally be attending but I have to work this week-end:( BUT if anyone would love to go I have a link: http://www.chancetohope.org/p/events.html

This is their first Chance to Hope Event and I know it won't be the last! Hopefully we can attend next year!!! I love how they had standing together in~~fertility~~ LOVE:)

Good Bye Winter Blues

2011-04-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

I am such a bad blogger I haven't posted in such a long, long time!!! Really I didn't forget. Just have been busy doing things here and there but nothing really exciting. We have been getting caught up on yard work and Jarod has probably mowed 5 times ALREADY! I guess that is what we get for having thick grass! I have all my flowers planted. Yay! There is this really great greenhouse we found last year when we went to the Azelea garden (near Petersburg)....so this year I went there to get my flowers. They have so many to choose from!!! I LOVE flowers and want to get more. haha.

We have been seeing our neighbors more since it is finally warmer....that is something I miss in the winter time b/c I never want to go outside in the winter. I hate being cold! Not a whole lot more going on but I have some pictures that I snapped these past couple weeks! I need to start taking some more pictures. I haven't used my camera the past month really at all but I know I will be making up for that since it is SPRING....and almost SUMMER! Hallelujah!!!!

Me with DeAnne, Sis and Conner. Conner is like, why am I with all the girls. lol

D and Conner

Me and my buddy. Love this girl!

The guys about to duke it out!

My man workin!

Khloe has it made! She does this A LOT. haha. All she has to worry about is treats, play time, sleep, play time and sleep. lol

Flowers and trees are blooming and I just love it! This is a tree next to our house that is so pretty in the spring!

Hanging out with our neighbor girls and catching up.

Addy with her easter sucker! I thought these were so cute and fun. CVS always has good easter candy!

Khloe in timeout. If you can't see her she is in the crate...she really doesn't get timeout ever but ran a little too far.

April Fool's Jokes Anyone

2011-04-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

Did anyone do any pranks on people today? I know I didn't b/c I didn't realize it was April Fools' day until it was just too late so I missed out! Darn my luck!! I have fun playing jokes on people too....usually they aren't real good but I still like trying;) I looked up just a couple pranks I thought were funny and may have to try them next year. IF I remember. haha.

Tape magnets to the bottom of an empty coffee cup, and attach it to the top of your car. Laugh at all the people who frantically try to get your attention as you drive by.

Put a piece of bubblewrap under the toilet seat so when your victim sits, they are surprised by a loud POP!

Find an old bottle of nail polish that you don't want anymore. Unscrew the cap and set it sideways on a piece of waxed paper, letting the contents flow out into a puddle. When it dries completely, peel it off of the paper. Now you can put it anywhere and trick someone into thinking there is spilled nail polish. Works best on something your victim cherishes or on one of their important documents!

Find a scrap of cloth. Place a dollar on the floor and stay nearby. When the victim comes by and bends down to pick up the dollar, rip the cloth loudly. Most people will reach back to see if they ripped their pants.

If you have little holders for your salt and pepper, switch the salt with sugar and then watch your family's and friend's faces when they try their food! Just make sure they have something they eat salt with.

Get a balloon and put it on the tailpipe of a vehicle (Make sure the car isn't already on!) Then when they get in to start it up it will pop!

Haunting

2011-03-09T06:36:00.000-08:00

Ever since we got back from our trip a couple weeks ago infertility has been haunting me. The whole time we were cruising the open seas I didn't think about our infertility... not even once!!! I know some may say, not even once? I don't know why I didn't but I think it was because we were always doing something and I didn't have time to think about it. I don't know how other people get after a trip but I was a little down for a couple days after our trip because it was all over with. Back to reality!!! I was also missing my friends like crazy!!! After being with them for a whole week it felt weird not seeing their faces.

So I started thinking about our infertility even when I didn't want to think about it. Like the title says, it felt like it was haunting me!!! I truely hate being down!!! For a few days after our trip I was down. I always try to look at the positive in things!! But those of you who have delt with infertility know that it is an up and down rollercoaster. For a couple weeks you are okay with it and then a couple weeks later it hits you again. I am one that wants to stay busy so I don't have to think about things like this as much. Not really running from it all but I don't know what to call it. We don't see our infertility doctor (second) until May so I keep praying asking God to keep me strong.

The haunting is going away for me for now but I hope if someone else is dealing with a haunting to just kick it in the booty. haha. This whole experience can make anyone stronger and has defenitely made us stronger! But boy oh boy are we ready to take another step. Wether it be big or small.....just a step!

Show me your ways, O Lord,

teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

Cruisin the Southern Caribbean

2011-03-02T12:36:00.000-08:00

Last year a couple of us decided that we would take a cruise together February of this year. We had talked about it off and on beforehand and decided to go for it this year. We didn't think we could get it all worked out this soon but I am so happy we were able to. Jarod and I love taking trips together but it was nice to go with some other couples too. We don't get to see them as much as we would like because they live in Evansville but this trip allowed us to spend a whole week together:) After talking about this trip for months it finally came but I didn't want it to get here too fast b/c you know as soon as it is here it is over with. Trips always go WAY too fast!!!!!

The other's have never been on a cruise so that is how we decided on what to do. Plus all of us girls have always wanted to see St. Lucia so that is how we decided on the southern caribbean cruise. Totally worth it!!! We ported from San Juan and visited St. Thomas, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and St. Marteen. All beautiful places with such great people. I have a lot of photos I uploaded to look at:)

I have already told them we need to do this again for sure next year or the following year. You know me I am always up for visiting places. Seriously I think I need to be a travel planner on the side. They get free vacays too, don't they?? haha. Thanks for such a great time Wittmer's, Yoder's and of course my hubby!!!!!! And like I always tell people if you ever want any info. on places we have been to just ask because I would love to tell ya!

Here you go

Getting ready to check our bags in at the airport at 5 in the morning.

In San Juan and reading to get onboard the Carnival Victory. Our water home for a week.

Our room. We finally decided to get an oceanview room and loved it. I would always be looking out the window.

Leaving San Juan

Just hanging out

Hello St. Thomas

Sapphire beach in St. Thomas. It was so pretty!

Us:)

Walking around the beach

Someone got a little sleepy. haha

The Valentine's dessert. I love my chocolate!

What we were greeted with every night when we came back to the room.

Hairy chest competition. All I can say is hilarious but kinda gross too. haha

We had one day at sea. Just relaxing.

Us girls hanging out and trying to get a tan....except we got a little burnt usually!

Love these girls!

The boat was a rockin. haha

Me and my sweetie!

On our catamaran in Barbados.

We got to swim with sea turtles. We were looking forward to this for a while. So fun!

The catamaran we were on for the day!

In St. Lucia

It was so lush in St. Lucia. Just what we thought

Green

Tipping back the bottle a little too much. haha. Just kidding.

Our guide made us angel fish out of palm leaves.

Wild monkeys in St. Kitts. This was so neat! They said the monkey population is double the human population....I thought that was crazy. We watched the monkeys half the time we were at the beach.

The beach in St. Kitts

Back to the boat

Oh no I had to pull the boat back in before it left us. Glad I had my wheeties that morning. haha

Love him more than words can explain!

Orient beach in St. Marteen. Beautiful!

In our taxi.

Maho beach in St. Marteen. If you ever go to St. Marteen visit this place b/c I don't know of anywhere else like it. The planes take off right behind that fence. Notice the sign on the right. lol

The guys holding on. And this wasn't even the biggest plane.

Watch out

Our last evening on the victory:(

I love looking out and seeing nothing but ocean everywhere. I still think it is crazy to be out in the ocean that far!

Leaving St. Marteen.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures!!!!

Projects and The Big 30

2011-02-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago Jarod's aunt Mary and cousin Darla painted our living room/dining room I wanted to post some pics. After living in our home for over 3 years we FINALLY painted this room!! I wish I would have done it a long time ago b/c I love it so much more:) I kept putting it off b/c I could deal with it (just a little plain) but then I started looking at pictures and getting ideas. Well......after seeing a fellow bloggers picture (Courtney Owens) I seen a color that would fit our living room!!! Thanks so much Court!!!! And thanks to Mary and Darla's awesome painting skills! Next room is the bedroom. haha. Because you know there is always a project!

Tried to get a close up. The color is Norman Brown at Sherwin Williams.

Before

After- In person you can tell even more of a difference.

Before- Don't mind Khloe's toys. haha

After

Finally made my fabric necklace. Still working on the flowers and trying some different fabrics out.

My hubby turned the Big 30 on January 29!!! Had to get a gift shot!

Coldstone Cake. Yum!! And of course reese's:)

Went out to eat at Mi Pueblo for the birthday boy's b-day!

Right after they came out singing. haha

Last picture of the night. I Love you Jarod and I am so happy I could spend another birthday with you!! I met you when you were 20 and now I can't believe you are already 30.....oh how time flies.

Still the same

2011-01-21T07:01:00.000-08:00

I wanted to update on our infertility journey since I haven't in a while.....well there wasn't much done for a while so maybe that is why too. Last week Jarod went for a semen analysis (SA) AGAIN. They wanted us to wait a couple months after his testicular biopsy done Nov. 1. Usually they say every 3 months the count may vary because of the production cyle of the sperm. Well Jarod has been taking the herbs I was talking about (blue steele and false unicorn- I know they sound strange), an L-Carnitine vitamin, B12 vitamin and a multivitamin everyday since the biopsy hoping it would improve his count knowing we would be doing another SA. Well last week it did show Jarod had very few sperm but NO motility. So really not much of a change since the past SA's and I don't know if there is going to be much of a change......everytime we do this I go in hoping maybe this time it will be better!!! But nope! I just need to accept it that this is what it is going to be. Taking the vitamins was the last thing I wanted Jarod to try since there are no medications out there to improve sperm production:( I am still going to have Jarod take the vitamins but after these herbs are gone I don't think we are going to buy anymore of them.

We had an appt. with our infertility doctor the same day we did the SA and he said, we probably won't be able to use sperm from a SA and the only chance we may have of using Jarod's sperm for IVF is by doing ANOTHER testicular biopsy and trying to aspirate sperm. The only thing is that it isn't a 100% that they will find sperm. IF we would want to do that they would have to have back up sperm meaning donor sperm in case they would not be able to find any of Jarod's sperm. They have to do this b/c the the egg retrieval and sperm retrieval is done at the same time and they would have to implant the egg within a certain time frame. Now that is scary to think about!!!! I would awake from the surgery finding out if these embryo babies are going to my husbands sperm or someone else's.

Our options keep getting more and more complicated and it is SUCH a HARD DECISOIN to think about!!! We don't know for sure what we want to do but I do know we would love to try to have atleast one child that is ours. Is that too hard to ask for?? I know it may sound bad since there are so many kids out there to adopt. BUT I don't know about other people but I think most couples would like to have a child that is a part of them. We may have to adopt and we are still up for that option but I hate to give up on trying. I know there has to be a stopping point but deep inside I don't know if I am ready....I may have regrets down the road and wonder what if! We made an appt. with another infertility doctor in Indy......well the same one I had made an appt. with before. I cancelled though b/c I wanted to wait till we did this past SA but I wish I would have kept it b/c now we have to wait till MAY to see him!!!! I would have never imagined we would have to wait 4 months. So more waiting.......the story of infertility life. When I found out we had to wait till May I was bummed b/c I am soooooo ready to try/do something. I guess this is a way of God telling me to wait and have patience!!! For some reason he keeps testing me.....I know in the future I will know why. But until then I guess we won't know too much more.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:12

Christmas Photos

2010-12-29T07:27:00.000-08:00

This year wasn't a crazy Christmas at all and turned out to be pretty laid back! Meaning we didn't have a lot of get togethers on the same day and could spend quite a few hours enjoying each get together with no time frame! The week-end before Christmas we were able to celebrate with Jarod's family and my family which was really nice.

On Christmas we usually do the same thing every morning! We get up whenever we feel like it (yeah), make breakfast together (usually try a different recipe every year), open presents, watch a Christmas story (who else likes that movie?) and relax till we have to leave. We had Christmas lunch at my g-ma Nelson's this year but weren't able to make it to the Schroerings Christmas b/c they were both at the same time which I was kinda bummed about:(

Lots of pics. to follow that I posted from all the wonderful memories!!! We loved spending time with our family and enjoyed every bit of it. Now we are just trying to get back to the swing of things and get back to not munching on all those sweet goodies that have been sitting around the house. Hence "have" b/c we pretty much ate almost all of them. haha. They are always soo tempting! But we appreciate all the goodies we received from our wonderful neighbors! Thanks again!

Our tree!

Khloe's present.....she hates when we tell her to stay. I was trying to get a pic. of her with her treats but she was wanting them pretty bad. haha

And now chowing down on it:)

This year I ordered Jarod a Dremel and he found the box before I got to it. He had no idea I ordered a Dremel but this is what the box looked like! I guess he knows me to good! I do love surprising him but it is sooo hard but then I see this and it just makes me love him even more for how he is. haha. I did surprise him with the other gifts I got him though......a new cooler, socks and this LL Bean led light you can strap around your head. I forgot the name of it?!

My mom with her present....a gift card for a massage. So we can spend some more mother/daughter time together:)

My parents got Jarod an Ipod!!! We are so out of the technology loop and still have a lot to figure out about it. He loved it though!!!

Every year I buy an ornament in Memory of Lindsey! As the years past it is sad to see the ornaments adding up b/c that shows how many years she hasn't been here with us. We miss her sooo much!!! I do know she was with us and wathcing over us on this special day. I can't imagine what her celebration looked like above!

Our little family!

Maybe next year there will be one more person in the photo or in my belly!

Me and my mom and dad!

Me and my momma!

Jarod with our little nephew Dre'......he is such a cutie pie!

Hanging out.

I had to take a pic. of the yummy desserts. I know kinda odd but it is nice to look back at everything we did and had!

Dru and Aidan

Dru LOVES these remote control cars! So we knew exactly what we were going to get him:)

Opening gifts. We usually do a gift exchange but we all ended up just buying gifts for the younger boys. It was nice just to watch them.

Love spending time with this man especially!

We got my g-ma a rug with all her grandkids names on it.

My cousin's little girl Hope Lindsey. She has the bluest eyes!

My cousin Hannah and her boyfriend Steve.

My cousin Keith and uncle Rich and uncle Jeff. I don't think they were too thrilled with the whole picture taking. lol

Some of my cousin's kids.....they were wild! We had a lot of fun with them though!

Just look at their faces.....they were up to something!

Me and Jeff!

That is all of them!!!!

Cincy

2010-12-10T15:53:00.000-08:00

Last week-end Jarod and I went to Cincy for a little Christmas getaway to see some Christmas lights, spend some time together and to enjoy this time of year!!! Oh, and to go to Jungle Jim's. Yeah baby! If you haven't been there before it is a huge grocery store that has foods from all around the world. We spent 2 hours in there and could have spent more time if we wanted. We have been there one time before and it is def. one of our favorite stores....too bad it isn't closer:( When we were there it was snowing the whole time and it was so pretty! I always say if it is going to be freezing there might as well be a little bit of snow too, right! Here are some pictures if you want to see what we did:)

Getting close!

Our brochure of things to see and do....just a little excited. haha

We stopped at a look out and it was just beautiful! We could see so much of Cincy!

Inside Khron conservatory. A neat little place to look at all kinds of plants. And it was free!

Just outside Khron's. I thought this was so pretty. I LOVE the snow covered trees and the old bridge!!!

We went to the PNC festival of lights at the zoo. This was at the entrance.

My camera wouldn't take very good pictures in the dark but there are a lot of christmas light's back there. You can def. see the snow falling though.

I think they were shy;)

Reindeer!! Really where do reindeer live?? The only time I see them is around Christmas time! Is santa hiding them all. haha.

Trying to get a shot of Santa. Can you see him? I was cracking up when I seen this pic. b/c the little girl is totally smiling for my pic. lol.

Me and my sweetie! I love him soo much!

I hope everyone is enjoying this time of year as well! Take in every moment and cherish it:)

Thankful

2010-11-24T07:40:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving being tomorrow there is always that question: What are you thankful for? I know there is not a day that passes that I am not thankful! I do want to share a couple things I am thankful for and only a couple because I could go on and on if I would post EVERYTHING I am thankful for.

LIFE! GOD created this world for us to live and I am so thankful for that. I thank God every night for the life he has given me. Our God is a big God that can do anything and I am blessed to call him MY God.

My husband. He is the perfect guy for me and can always make me smile no matter what! Each day I love him even more and I am thankful for the man that he is! I love him with all my heart and I am going to love growing old with him.

Family. I don't know what I would do without my family. Even though my sister is in heaven and our hearts ache to be with her we are still a family without her here on earth but know that one day we will be together again in a better place:)

Friends. I love knowing the fact that I can trust them and can share anything with them and feel completely comfortable.

Memories. What would we do without memories. I can't imagine doing something and then forgetting the next day.

Work. I am glad that I have a job and a job that I love. I know some days can just flat out be crazyyy but I love having that interaction with other people that I am helping take care of.

Infertility. Now this is something that I don't want to be thankful for at times but I know this was planned for Jarod and I and we have to accept that....and we are. This has been ONE of the hardest things in my life but we have grown so much from this already and have grown closer to God.

Difficulties. Difficulties are opportunities to better things; they are stepping stones to greater experience. When one door closes, another always opens

Chocolate. haha. What would I do without it....I know I am not the only one thankful for this;) Now Jarod on the other hand wouldn't know what to do without pizza. lol.

On another note. I wanted to update on our resutls from Jarod's testicular biopsy. We went to Indy last monday and found out the results of the biposy. It wasn't good news but it wasn't bed either. The results came back stating that Jarod is producing a VERY low amount of sperm. We do have some swimmers though:) So he doesn't have a blockage. The news didn't surprise me after talking to the doctor after Jarod's surgery a couple weeks ago. I just had a feeling that was what we were going to hear. There really is no medication to help with sperm production unless it involves abnormal hormone levels and Jarod's hormones are just fine! So Jarod went to a local amish guy and bought an herb and is taking some other vitamins that may help. Maybe in another month or two Jarod will do ANOTHER semen anaylsis to see if he has any sperm and if so we will try and freeze them. We have talked about doing IVF if we can use any of the frozen sperm but we don't know if that is an option right now. We have so many things we can do but it is just the thought of what is going to be the best for US. Whenever we find out anything I will be sure to update.....until then.

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving and gets stuffed on all that Thanksgiving food. hehe.

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough

Random Photos

2010-11-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

My last few posts have been related to doctors so I figured I should post something NOT related to that. So here are some pics. from the last few weeks. We have been doing other things, I promise! haha. Here is proof:)

Jarod and our sweet nephew (Dre). Look closely at the shirt. haha. We got this for Dre when he was born and I am happy I was able to get a picture of them together with this on!

Dru was dressed as cop for Halloween and was having fun with his handcuffs.

Boys being boys. Dru's face cracks me up!

This was post 3 days no shaving. Thank god he didn't go 3 weeks without shaving like he had said. He was already a hairy mess. haha.

Mi Pueblo with a couple friends:) Fun times!

Buds!

Jarod's special at Mi Pueblo....now that is a HUGE burrito! And, no he can't eat that all. We love leftovers:)

The birthday couple!

Trying out the hats!

Such a cute smile he has!

Ashton, Aidan and Dru playing wii! Kids love this thing and it is always the first thing they ask to play with.

So serious!

I got one picture of Jarod after his surgery. He was a trooper!

This is for our neighbors! I know it probably seems weird but I had to take a picture of our dog doing her business b/c I know our neighbors would get a kick out of this....I think. hehe. Don't you wish you were our neighbors?! haha. Khloe sure does loves the extra yard:)

Hope everyone is enjoying this great weather!!! I have the windows open as I type and I am living it!

Hubby Down

2010-11-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

I know I have posted a few weeks ago that Jarod was going to have a testicular biopsy......well he finally had that done! This past monday we had to be in Indy at 7:30 for surgery and we were out of the outpatient surgery center by 11:30. I thought Jarod did a great job through everything and right after surgery he asked for a big cup of water;) If you don't know my hubby too well he drinks lots and lots of water and having to not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before was hard on him.

We scheduled the surgery when I would be off for a couple days so I could put my nursing skills to good use on my hubby. haha. I have been doing some pampering, cooking, trying to keep him comfortable, and just being there for him. He is still a little sore today but hopefully in a few more days he will be back to his old self!!! The doctor said, he will have to be off work for atleast 2 weeks and most people are feeling better after 6 days. I know this was something he wasn't looking forward to and is glad that it is over with. Now we just have to wait on the results to come back. These results can reflect what the future may hold and what decisions we may have to make. This month will make it a year since we have been trying. Boy oh boy how much we have learned and grew stronger through this all......but at times we think can we just have our baby now Lord?! I know it isn't that easy and I have learned to be a little more patient. I have such a loving husband to have at my side and he is more than I could have ever asked for.

Oh, and one more thing! If you happen to see my hubby around and it looks like he came out of the jungle. He didn't......he just decided he isn't going to shave for the next couple weeks and is growing his hair out!!!! Yeah......it is only day 4 and he has a beard. I am hoping I can convince him to shave sooner than that?! Sorry if he scares any of your kids. hahaha

Back to the hospital

2010-10-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

Today my dad had his doctor's appt. and he said my dad may have to be on bedrest another month! He is just taking longer to heal. I know there is nothing else we can do except to let his body heal on its own like nature intends it to. So today my dad asked if he could go back into the hospital b/c he feels so crammed in his bed turning every 2 hours and he was getting more depressed with everything going on. Not most people ask to go back into the hospital but he felt like it was best for him. I thank everyone so much that has said a prayer for my dad!!!!! I think the doctor putting him in the hospital happened for a reason. Hopefully my dad will be healed by the holidays! With lots of love, Ashley.

What bedrest can do to you

2010-10-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

I debated about posting this but I am so confused on what to do that I just have to. I feel like I try and try and get no where.....and it just hurts. This post is about needing prayers for my dad. Like you know he had surgery September 28 and with it being a month later he is still on bedrest trying to let his body heal from the surgery. He was able to come home last week but in an ambulance because the doctors still don't want him out of bed. While in the hospital he got a little infection so that set him back healing wise but we were hoping he would have been able to get out of bed by now! I can't imagine having to stay in bed 24/7!!! We have to go by the doctors orders though and my dad HAS to stay in bed. The only thing is that my dad is getting so stir crazy that he said, no matter what he is getting up this week-end. He has a doctor's appt. tomorrow and I am a little scared to hear what he has to say. What if he feels he still isn't ready to sit up? What if something happens and then my dad has to start at square one again?

I know it is extremely hard for my dad but I try to encourage him as much as I can. I have been visiting him most of the days I am off work but it doesn't seem like it is affecting his mood/thoughts. Well.....I know it is a little but I just wish he would be in better spirits. This past week or two he has just been thinking so negative and just isn't himself. He gets upset about things easily and I try to talk to him about it but I feel like I get no where. My mom and grandma try to talk to him and still don't really get nowhere. This is what I was mostly asking prayers for. I pray that my dad starts to have a better outlook on things. I know only he himself can do this. It is ultimately up to him. The only thing is that it affects all of us and just flat out makes me sad. I hate seeing my dad like this! He knows this isn't long term and I keep saying each day is one day closer that he will be able to get up. I have really thought about having a counselor or someone talk to my dad. I have been in situation's trying to help before but this time it is harder and I am trying to do the best thing. My mom stays at home with my dad everyday and he will want to take his frustration out on her at times and it just kills me. The last time he had to stay bedridden was after the car accident 6 years ago and half of that time he was medicated and didn't really know what was going on. My dad has his times where being paralyzed gets to him but this is reallyyy getting to him and is affecting my mom as well.

Does anyone know of a counselor that will go to someone's home or even a counselor that they can go visit?! This is just something really hard to deal with. At first I didn't even know if I wanted to bring this out in the open because it can be embarrasing. But I feel I need some advice or suggestions at this point. I hope the doctor gives the okay to my dad to get up because I know that will help tremendously but as long as he has to stay bedridden he is going to feel trapped. If you have any advice or suggestions please, please, please tell me!!!! I am ready for things to settle down for a bit between this and our infertility struggle! The holidays are quickly approaching. I keep reminding myself things will get better!!! Everyday is a new day:)

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. -Deauteronomy 31:8

1 doctor, 2 Doctor, 3 Doctor.....More?

2010-10-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Between Jarod and I and my dad it seems like we are always seeing doctors! My dad is STILL in the hospital and it we hit the 2 week mark yesterday. I know in my previous post I had said the doctor thought my dad would only have to be in the hospital 2 weeks. We were hoping but weren't counting on it too much b/c like I said anytime my dad goes in the hospital it is usually 3-4 weeks. It is weird saying, only 2 weeks b/c normally people are in and out of the hospital on average a week. But it is something we just prepare ourselves for and try to help as much as we can to get my dad back home. We don't try and push it though b/c we want my dad back home cured and don't want any reasons to be going back to the hospital again. At first my dad was doing okay but I think with anyone after being in the hospital for a while it will start to get to you. He was getting a little down but is back to his old self again. I think too if I had to stay in bed in the hospital all day and night I would start getting a little stir crazy too. haha. I am one that likes to keep busy!! When it was really nice outside I could tell my dad wanted to just be outside b/c he knows the winter is fast approaching. My mom and grandma have been going down there everyday and staying pretty much the whole day with him and I have been driving 2-3 times a week. Ugh....I hate that hour drive and after a while it just wears you out. But I want to see my dad and keep him company so I tough it out. He is still getting IV antibiotics and the doctor says, his surgery site is healing good but just a little slower then he wanted. As long as he is improving we are all happy!

As for Jarod and I. I have been putting it off to post about our most recent doctor's visit b/c I was so emotional about it at first and didn't really want to talk about if for a couple weeks. It hit me harder than Jarod but we are both doing better. We just have to keep reminding ourselves something will come of this all and no matter what does I know we will be happy! So here goes. A couple weeks ago we got the results back from Jarod's hormone levels, Semen Analysis (SA) and Urinalysis. Hormone levels were normal so that couldn't be causing his low sperm count. Urinalysis didn't have any sperm so he doesn't have a back flow of sperm into his bladder. And his SA was ZERO again!!!! Three weeks prior to this appt. his count was zero and 3-4 months ago his count was 2 million. I know things can change in 3 months with sperm production so that could effect the results every 3 months. So we are still in the process of trying to find out why Jarod's sperm count is low. The doctor said, the last test to do is a testicular biopsy. Do you remember me saying the other doctor wanted to do that?! Well now that we have had Jarod's hormone levels checked, his urinalysis done and his couts are now zero I feel more comfortable moving forward with this option. Note how I said, I. Jarod is still a little scared but is willing to do it. Before I didn't want to jump into surgery until we had other things tested and just b/c surgery would be more painful for Jarod. Well I think we are at the point where this is the last option and if we can't find anything from this then we may not know whey Jarod's counts are low.

The biopsy will determine if Jarod is producing adequate sperm or just really none at all. The doctor said, 1/3 of the time the male is producing enough sperm but has a blockage and that is the cause but the other 2/3 are just not really producing. The way the doctor was explaining to us didn't sound good. But we want to know what is causing this and are hoping and praying, hoping and praying that is is a blockage. I want Jarod to be one that has a blockage!!!! The surgery was elective and it took us a couple days to decide exactly what we wanted to do. I know Jarod will be sore a couple days after the surgery and will be on bedrest but I told him I will take good care of him:) So the surgery is planned for the begining of Nov. I am happy I have a husband that is willing to go through this b/c not all guys would want to. No matter what we have to go through I know we will be at one another's side and will support one another. I have to say, I am one of the luckiest girls to have such an amazing hubby!!!!

Until then we will have to wait and see. And like I said, I had been putting this post off b/c when we heard the news I was thinking we may never be able to have a kid that is both ours. And that may be true! However, if we can't I can't let that get to me or us. I know there are other options out there even though I would LOVE for US to have a kid together!!!! Wouldn't most people?! I was sad at first and those first couple of days after hearing that news I didn't want to do anything.....I really didn't think I would be like that. I guess you never really know until it happens. And that saying is so true......when something does happen you never really know until it happens but you have to keep moving forward and thank God for what you do have. I know there will still be days where I will get down but I know that is normal. It is hard to believe next month will be a year since we have been trying and thinking we had thoughts we would be a family of 3 by now!!!! I hope 2011 will be the year a little Knepp will be made:)

Besides all that doctor business we really have been enjoying life and this awesome weather!! We took a drive through Shoals and to French Lick last saturday. I know some people would laugh but it really is pretty around there esp. this time of year!! We got to see the golf coarse at French Lick and that place is absolutely beautiful!!!! I could just hop in a golf cart and drive around and be completely happy. haha. It is gated but if you can get the chance check it out.....it costs a lot of $$$ though! Too much for me!!! We did sneek in though and looked around for a couple minutes and that is how we go to check it out;) Then sunday we just hung out at the house and some friends over and watched football. Typical sunday!

Surgery Update

2010-09-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

My dad had his surgery and is doing very good right now!!! I know the prayers worked! He was in surgery for 4 hours yesterday and felt pretty good except for a stiff neck yesterday after surgery and still today. I think by tomorrow his neck will feel much better! So far the doctor says, everything looks great and maybe he will only have to be in the hospital 2 weeks. He loved hearing that and so did we! Driving to Evansville is a longg drive after you go a couple times a week. Blah! So hopefully no temp. will occur during that time frame and he will heal great. And he may be sucking up to the nurses a little too. He had my mom buy a big stash of candy for everyone. haha. Trying to make the best out of being in the hospital:)

Also, I wanted to share a video we watched before surgery to give some laughs! I heard about it on the radio and so we had to look it up. Click on this link.... click on most popular....click 7 year old rapper Lil' Peanut. He just too cute!
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/videos/

Thanks again for the prayers!!!

Prayer Request

2010-09-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

If anyone could say a little prayer for my dad tomorrow I would appreciate it soo much....and I know he would too:) He is having surgery tomorrow at 2:00 (3:00 our time) in Evansville. I won't really go into to much detail though. He has been getting IV antibiotics for around 6 weeks now everyday and seeing doctors which has been kind of tough on both of my parents. They have been managing their schedules pretty good though and listening to the doctors. That is what has kept him out of the hospital.....until tomorrow. We are guessing he will probably be in the hospital for 3-4 weeks which he is not looking forward to....and I don't blame him. So if you could just keep him in your thoughts it will help so much!! I hope everything goes okay tomorrow and there are no complications. Me being a nurse I always think of what could happen b/c you just never know. Life is so unpredictable! My dad has made it through A LOT already so I have confidence he can make it through a lot more!!! I don't know what I would do without my parents! I thank God everyday for them and I know Lindsey will be looking down on us.

"The Boat"

2010-09-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a picture of our boat that we fixed up.....well we are still in the process of fixing it up! I think it might be one of those never ending things?! You know what I mean! We are going to do the rest this fall/winter when we can't use the boat. Still need to put a shiny coat on the outside and paint the inside. Until then we just want to get some use out of it and we have. Have you seen a boat taking laps around the Montgomery Lake?? That might have been us. haha.

The before- We sanded it all down and made the top front bigger. It is hard to tell in the after pic.

The after- We wanted to see the wood grains but I think we might put just a little more stain on the outside.

The HOT driver. hehe.

Me posing:)

Just enjoying our boat!

Oh, and I have been making more tutu's again! I kind of went through a slow period where I didn't really make any and I just made 2 this past week!!! This is for a one year old when she welcome's her little brother at the hospital and then she is going to wear it around Christmas time too.

This is for a Boy! Joking!! Made for the fall time.

One of my best friends from college was celebrating her daughter's birthday last week-end and had these cute cupcakes. It was fairy themed if you couldn't tell;)

And this is the birthday girl!! She is such a doll and did so good at her party. She even ate all of her cupcake....she LOVED it! She is already going to be a big sister next year!

Hope you enjoyed the pics!! If you have any suggestions on the boat let me know! I think we are going to paint the inside a bluish/green color. What do you think?!

We Love our Doctor

2010-09-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a month since I blogged. How did that happen?! We haven't been really busy and I didn't want to bore anyone so I guess that is how that happened! I have been following other blogs though. haha. This past week/week-end we had a little more going on. Lots of birthdays in the month of August. I turned 25, my father-in-law had a birthday, my grandma and a good friend.

This past sunday after church we went to my grandmas to celebrate her b-day. She wanted to cook though....my crazy g-ma. I love her to death though and she sure does have some good cooking skills! After that we went on a little cruise in our BOAT! Well it isn't like a normal boat it is an antique wooden boat that we have been working on. Nothing fancy but Jarod and I both love it! We just love the fact that we have a wooden boat....not to many of those around anymore! It seats 4-6 people and we have been working on it for the past month and are still working on it. We had to sand the entire boat and re-stain it, then build a new back for it and had to find an antique motor. We were so excited to take it out.....it makes all that work worthwhile! I will have to post some before and after pics. It doesn't go very fast but is so relaxing out on the water with it:)

This past monday we had our appintment with the urologist/male infertility specialist in Indy. Going to the appointment we didn't know what to expect. We have been coming out of other doctor's appointments feeling a little down and more confused on what we wanted to do. Well this was the first appointment we left with feelings of HOPE! We both LOVED the doctor and he was so easy talk to and actually made a plan. My kind of doc!!! The doc. is Dr. Thompson in Indy and I totally recommend him to anyone that is going through infertility! When we found out about Jarod's low sperm count I knew we had to see a urologist to have Jarod checked out and we did but I feel seeing a doctor that has a specialty in male infertility is so important! He did an excellent assessment on Jarod, did more blood work (checked the levels of his hormones) and another semen analysis. When we go to our next appointment we will get the results of the blood work and the doctor wants to do another semen anylysis. Yeah just what Jarod wanted to hear. NOT!! But he is willing to another. I gotta love him for being such a good sport! The doctor wants to do another semen anaylsis b/c Jarod's count was ZERO this time. Okay we had two tests that had 2 million and now zero. So the doctor wants to do another test to compare the semen anaylsis' and then go from there. Maybe if this next one is zero Jarod may a blockage? I don't want to start jumping to conclusions until we get the results of all the tests though!

When we left we felt happy for once leaving a doctor's appointment. Not happy that we are having to go through this but that we actually felt comfortable and a little relieved. No we didn't get much more answered and we may not at the next visit but we feel better that this doctor is trying to rule out everything to figure what may be causing Jarod's count to be low and to help us out. We felt like he really cared and you don't how good that made us feel! I know not all people get answers and we may not either. If we do I pray that we will have hope in having a child!! So until then we are still not bring the subject up as much and enjoying life with it just being Jarod and I. We still talk to family and friends about it but it isn't so much a main topic as it was before between the two of us. Even though at night I still pray that our dreams will come true of having a child of our own!

I also wanted to tell a funny story from the doctors office. I thought it was funny but you may of had to just be there. The doctor was doing an assessment on Jarod and Jarod was already not looking forward to this doc. grabbing his goods. haha. So the doctor did what he had to do and then Jarod "thought" he was done and so did I. Then the doctor says now if you could turn around and bend over the table I am going to have to check your prostate!!!! I didn't know if Jarod knew how they checked that or not.......well the look on his face when he turned around to look at me was priceless.....and he knew how they checked it. hahaha. I couldn't help but bust out laughing when he looked at me like that and the doctor was like I know, I know but I have to do this. I was laughing the entire time and that doc. was proabably thinking a good wife you have. haha. It didn't last long and Jarod hopes to not have that checked for a while!!! I don't blame him!

Also, the doctor answered our question of what we thought was a variocele we felt. Come to find out it is a cyst and nothing to worry about. That is good to know!!

Hope everyone is having a good week and it is almost FRIDAY and a 3 day week-end for most!!! Picures to come in the next post!

A little Bit of This and That

2010-07-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

We have been doing a little of this and that these past couple weeks. We haven't been real busy...which I like. Just enjoying time together, with family, neighbors/friends and working. And working is our favorite part. haha. NOT! I have pictures to show what this and that is that we have been doing!

Beautiful flowers my hubby had sent to our house on our third anniversary!! LOVED them:)

Here is the little story when they arrived. My parents were leaving when this Fed-Ex guy came pulling in our drive. I was like, I didn't order anything. Then I see him holding a 1-800 flowers box. Hmm...I was like maybe my friend from flordia sent these.....she is the only person that has sent me flowers from 1-800 flowers. So I opened the box and it had a sweet card in it from my HUBBY! duh. I had no clue and was surprised he ordered them b/c I didn't know if he knew even where to order flowers from. haha. I called him right away and enjoyed looking at them every day!

My best friend D'Andrea had a little boy recently. Conner Blake (love the name). He already loves me and is tyring to give me a kiss:) I thought this was such a cute photo!!

Me and Conner!

Another best friend (Tiffany) that I graduated high school with had a baby shower. She is due in September. I had to make her a tutu of course and get a dress with pink in it.

Us girls! Enjoyed our little reunion.

Belly bumping!

DeAnne and Tiff.

Me and my hubby dressed in our best. haha. This was taken at the St. Louis zoo.

Me and my momma!

This monkey was right next to the window and was just staring at everyone. This was only my second time to the St. Louis zoo but they have a great zoo. All of the animals are so active and look happy. Plus it is free and it is huge!!!

Last friday we went to Holiday World with our neighbors.... over 3 years since we had been. It didn't seem to crazy busy but it was a hot one. We spent most of our time in the water park.

Me, Belinda and Dustin.

One of my favorite rides! The scrambler.

I also wanted to put a little update on our infertility journey. I know I have said Jarod was going to have his FSH tested and he did. It was normal and the urologist we were seeing wanted to do a testicular biopsy. I don't think we going to have that done and are going to see a specialist in male infertility to see what he recommends. I don't want to jump into invasive procedures until we rule out everything. If you know what I mean. Maybe once we have other lab work done and a second opinion we will change our mind. Just have to wait some more:( And the infertility doctor we went to see only recommended IVF. I don't know how ready we are to jump into that either. So we are going to get a second opinion from another infertility doctor. I loved the infertility doctor we seen and he was really easy to talk to....BUT I totally agree on having second opinions. As you can tell. It doesn't hurt anything and if anything will give us more options! Like I have said before, I thank the girls sooo much that have been giving me advice!!! Don't know what I would do without all of you! So until our next appointments we are trying not to talk about this topic that much and trying to stay as stress free as possible! We could have big decisions to make in the future. Until next time.

3 Year Anniversary

2010-07-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated our three year anniversary! Three down 60 or more to go. haha. I don't know what I would do without my wonderful man! He is perfect for me and I feel so blessed to have someone like this in my life:) He completes me so well and we always have a great time together. We met when I was 16 and Jarod was 20 making it 9 years this month we have been together. I wouldn't change it any other way! I love you honey!!!!

I had a surprise yesterday with flowers sent to our house!!! I had hinted around about maybe picking some up but didn't know if he would. I LOVE getting flowers and these are beautiful.... and I was really caught off guard when they were sent to our house! I was going to post a picture but didn't feel like uploading it. haha.

Yesterday we didn't go out but just stayed at home. It was a relaxing evening and just perfect:) We had lasagna, rented a movie and had some French Lick wine. Really the only wine I drink. The movie we watched was Remember Me. It was really good but Jarod didn't know if he would like it since it was a romance. BUT it wasn't all romanticy (don't know if that is a word) and turned out to be good. I think Robbert Patterson is going to be one of my favorite actors....he does such a good job. I am not going to lie though it had a sad ending and I had to cry. Anyways, here are some pics. from oldest to most recent.

Our wedding day. 7/7/2007

First professional football game in St. Louis

Oh and this past week-end we ended up eating at Mi Pueblo saturday...not so much 4th July food but we were craving it! Then went to our "new" neighbors saturday evening to hang out for a little. This past year we have made some really good friends with a couple great neighbors that have moved into the block/hill;) Back to saturday. That night I left the party early b/c I had to work the fourth....boooo! Fireworks kept waking me up saturday night and I was like, I wish I could be out there with everyone else but I had 12 hours ahead of me the next day and I don't like to go to work with little sleep. So I worked sunday and right when I got home I changed and we went to another get together and THEN I got to see fireworks!!! Monday we were both off but we just stayed around the house and sanded our old wooden boat we traded our canoe for. I will have to post pictures when we get more done. It is our little project boat we are working on.....kinda like an antique car but it is our antique boat we want to fix up. Can't wait till we can take it out.....maybe this fall! If anyone know's of any old boat motors for sale send then our way b/c we are looking for a boat motor.

Hope everyone had a good fourth!!

Thoughts

2010-06-30T06:18:00.000-07:00

These past couple weeks we haven't been too busy. Jarod has been helping coach a baseball team this year and their last game was monday. They lost but I know they had a ton fun! Jarod's little half-brother (Ashton) was on the team so I got to watch my man coach and watch Ashton play. I love the fact that he could help on his brother's team:)

Rewinding back to last week. Jarod finally had his appointment with the urologist and it took forever in there. I think we waited almost an hour. So Jarod made himself at home and laid on the examing bed and I think almost fell asleep. haha. Once the doctor finally came in we talked a little and explained everything and what we thought Jarod had. The doctor then examined Jarod in a place men don't usually like to be examined. haha. Then said, I don't think I feel anything. What?! I'm going into to detail so hope you don't mind. I know I had felt it before b/c I was curious but it had been a while. I thought it was on the left side and so that is what we told the doctor. Once we got home I told Jarod, let me try and feel again. haha. I didn and I felt it on the RIGHT side!! Then I wondered if the doc. even felt the right side or was only focusing on the left b/c that is what we told him. Ugh!! So now we are back to square one. I was hoping after the appointment I would feel a little better or atleast maybe have an idea if Jarod does have a variocele. Now I feel more confused! The doc. did order a lab test (FSH) and I should find out the results later this week. I don't really want to wait till the next appointment in 2 weeks.....sooo I am going to call in and ask for the results just b/c I am curious and want to know if it is normal/high/low. Why did the doctor order an FSH?! Well FSH stimulates sperm production so doing the test helps determine why a male's sperm count may be low. The doctor said if it is high then he may have a blocking, if it is normal he may do an ultrasound to see if Jarod really does have a Variocele and if it is low there are meds out there than help increase a FSH level. So here we are again waiting. Something I am NOT good at!!!

This waiting thing has been getting to me the past week! I wonder:

how long will we have to be "trying"

doing lab work

procedures

visiting doctor's

will we have to do IVF (b/c I am willing to even though it does scare me)

will we get PREGNANT

will this takes YEARS b/c I hear of that all the time from couples dealing with infertility

Jarod is almost 30 and what age will he be when we can have kids....if we can

I had been doing good but I have my ups and downs and this week has been a down for me. Usually I am positive about almost eveything. For some reason I am having a hard time with this issue. Why? I dunno. I pray everyday and hope God is hearing my prayers. I wonder why some couples have a hard time conceiving and others don't. I know life isn't easy and maybe God is reminding me. I have been through plenty of struggles and I KNOW life isn't easy. I really found that out the day my family was in a car accident. I lost a sister that day and almost lost my dad a few times. He was VERY sick for a few months and we literally lived in the hospital for atleast a month to see my dad every minute we could in the ICU!! I am VERY thankful my dad is still here today along with my mom and I don't know what I would do without them!!! But then I wonder why did he take my sister and why are we having to struggle with inferitlity now?! I am the only one now that can give my parents a grand-child and boy are they ready!!! I wish I could tell them they are going to be grandparents but I can't. The only thing I can do is pray!! I feel for all the other women out there that are dealing with this. I really know where you are coming from. We haven't been dealing with this for as long as many other couples and still have a long road ahead of us. Kinda scares me! I have already started following other infertilty blogs and that really has helped me!!! If anyone is dealing with this feel free to e-mail me (an41@evansville.edu). I would love to try and help you out or maybe give you some advice!!! I thank all the women that have already talked to me about this b/c it truely has helped:) I hope I start to get out of this rut soon....I know I will but I just hate when I get in them. I think everybody gets a little down sometimes. We are human!

Until next time....I will have a happier post:) haha. We have a couple Fourth of July things going on and will post about that next week!!

Hope everyone has a great Fourth of July week-end!!

Great Friends = Great Time

2010-06-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

This past week-end we had a busy day and a relaxed day....worked out perfect! Sunday was our relaxed day and we stayed around the house most of the day. Saturday we visited my parents before we headed down to Evansville. We had plans to get together with some friends that we don't get to see as much as we would like. This outing was planned a month ago....we have to do that b/c all of our schedules NEVER seem to match up! All of us girls have went to high school or college together and have stayed close. Our next get together is already being planned and I can't wait. We are having it at our house and I am totally finding some way to get a huge piece of plastic to make a BIG slip n slide. I have seen this before and thought it would be sooo much fun:) We will find a way for it to work and it may have to invovle soap, baby oil or whatever else we can think of. haha. Here are some pictures to share from the week-end. Also some pics. of us girls together two weeks ago....we were on a roll being able to see each other. Thanks for being such great friends DeAnne, D'Andrea, Steph and Hope!!!

The grill master! Todd has a Traeger and that is exactly what Jarod wants.

Me, Sis (D'Andrea) and baby. We will soon find out if it is a girl or boy in a couple weeks!!

DeAnne and Steph

The girls

Just having fun

The boys (Jarod, Al, Jhance and Todd)...too bad it is blurry

At Olive Garden. I don't really like salad but I LOVE it here!

Hope (college friend) with Lilah and just found out she has another one baking away!!!

This was only the second time I got to see Lilah. The first was when she was only a couple days old. She is a doll and LOVED everyone!

Hanging out. Copper loved Lilah.

And I can't forget to post a picture of our new nephew. Dre' Carter Knepp. Such a cutie!

Also, those following our infertility journey I have appointments made with the urologist in a couple weeks AND an infertility doctor in Evansville next month. I went ahead and made an appointment with an infertility doctor b/c of Jarod's count being so low but hopefully the urologist can do surgery and increase that some! If not we will already have an infertility doctor that we will know.

Mixed Emotions

2010-06-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

This post is an update on our journey with infertility. I know I haven't posted anything about it in a while and just found out some news this week that is giving me mixed emotions. We have been doing really good with the thought of still no positive pregnancy test until this week. I had called the doctor's office to get a requisition for a sperm anaylsis a couple weeks ago. Well the first try we messed it up a little. Funny now but not that funny at the time. I know I kinda felt a little stupid at the time since I am a nurse but wasn't thinking about really at the time. So my poor husband had to do the sperm in a bottle thing. We followed the directions on the paper and had it all ready. We didn't get the sperm too hot or too cold on the way to the hospital and were pretty happy of getting that over with. Well....we got to the hospital and they asked if we kept them under our armpit or in between our legs to keep them BODY TEMPERATURE. I was like....uhhh no! They said they could do the test but it wouldn't be as accurate so I said, we will just have to do it again. In my head I was like not again. My poor husband! I still have to tell the doctor's office they should put that on the paper. I know there has to be more people out there that did the same thing!

So last friday we did the test AGAIN. I was nervous of what the results would be and called the doctor's office wednesday to see if they had the results yet. They said they had the results but had to show them to the doctor before they could tell me. I knew it wasn't going to be good news when they said that or they would have probably told me then. They called back a few minutes later and the news that still makes my heart sink is that Jarod's sperm count was ONLY 2!!!! Just 2!!! The news nobody wants to hear!! The normal is 60,000-100,000! I wanted to start crying on the phone but held it in until I hung up. I am nervous, scared, happy and don't know what to do. I am happy that atleast we did have 2 and not 0. That is the postive! But our chances of having a baby on our own is going to be reallyyy hard. I have been praying every night for months now that we will be able to have a child. Jarod and I even joked that those few sperms that do survive are going to have to be some pretty tough sperm. haha. We did do another sperm analysis that same day and I will find out the resutls monday. I know it will still be low but having a second test done will make me feel better!

I called that same day to the urologist to get an appointment for Jarod b/c he does have a Variocele. This is the #1 cause of infertility in males. It is an abnormal enlargement of the vein that is in the scrotum draining the testicles. It pretty much heats the sperm too much where it kills them. I am hoping the doctor can do surgery and that will give us a greater chance of increasing Jarod's sperm count. The surgery can be done in an out-patient bases and usually doesn't have any complications. Usually pretty simple! I just hate that Jarod may have to get this done b/c nobody likes to have any kind of surgery. But he is willing and is being a good sport:) I couldn't get an appointment in until the end of this month which I was bummed about:( Does anyone know of any guy that has or had this?!

Until then I am just asking if you could say a little prayer for us! This week really got me down but I know there is a reason for everything. I am sooo grateful that I have an amazing husband that is right there by my side and such good support! We have already talked about the what if's and what we thought about things! This is only the begining and I know something will work out! I know God has a plan for everything! Just wish I knew now. I know, I know I don't have much patience! I do know this will only make us stronger in the end though!

The Snapshots are up!

2010-06-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

So I am just now uploading pics. I know it took me a little longer than I wanted but they are up now:)

Hello Mexico!!!!

The sand was so soft!

My "amish" hubby. haha

Gotta have a Mariachi band in Mexico

Jarod, me and a REAL alligator!!! Oh the things you will do out of the U.S;)

Enjoying our time together

Beach Volleyball everyday!

Swim-up bar. These are so cool!

Yummy!

I want to blow up this pic. and put up in our house. I love all the colors!

The landscaping was beautiful.

Kisses

Hammock time. Our last day I got Jarod to get in this with me:)

The view from our room. I would wake up every morning and sit out on a our balcony and take it all in.

My life saver

More of the landscaping. Mi Pueblo has metal statues just like this.

Taking a break from our bike ride.

First time sitting at a Hibachi grill. This guy was impressive! We tried to make the same dish but not quite as good:(

Monkeys!!!! They are so fun and silly.

Our last meal. We ordered room service. Not very much food I know. haha

Are you serious? It is our last day already.

Hope you enjoyed looking at our pics!

Did somebody say Mexico

2010-05-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have plans and then at the last minute they are changed?! Well, that is what happened last week. Jarod and I had plans to leave with my parents to Destin, Fl. last sunday in their RV. My dad didn't feel very good the whole week before and was hoping he would get medicine or get results back from his tests before we left. It got to friday and he decided that we weren't going to be able to go with them:( It was for the best though b/c I wouldn't want to leave and then he start feeling worse. Who likes to go on vacay feeling sick anyways. I am not going to lie I was bummed since I was sooo excited to go somewhere my parents. Even though staying a whole week in the RV was going to be a little crowded we were up for it!! I think my mom and I were the most excited but I guess we will have to try another time.

Jarod and I knew we wanted to do something since we were both going to be off. Hmmmm......what should we do???? We had talked about going to Destin by oursleves, maybe Las Vegas or Key West. We had plans to go to Mexico later in the year for our last vacay this year. So we thought maybe we should go to mexico NOW and give it a shot later this year to go with my parents to Destin. Sounded like a good idea and it was going to be cheaper to go to Mexico now then later. I guess that was one good thing about booking so LAST MINUTE! I had already knew of a couple hotels we liked b/c I had already researched a little on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. And after looking ALL day sunday on the internet we booked our vacay and left monday morning at 3 am. Yeah I think I only got like 4 hours of sleep. I didn't care though b/c we were going to Mexico. haha. I always tell Jarod I am thankful that we are able to visit different places like this. I LOVE to travel and Jarod does too but not as much as I do. He is always up for it though. He is such a great husband:) I know not all people are able to travel this much or even travel much at all. I always enjoy it to my fullest everytime we go b/c I know if we are able to have a child we probably won't travel as much. But it would be worth it:)

On to our trip. We left monday morning and arrived to the airport an hour and half before our departure. We thought we were doing good on timing and thought it won't even be that busy b/c out flight was leaving at 6:30. Wrong! The line to check in our bags was super long and they even let some of us cut to the front b/c it was getting closer to our departure time. Then we got to the security check point and that line was long. I was like, you can't be serious. We waited in line watching our clocks about every minute thinking we are going to miss our plan. We asked a couple people if they would let us cut and they were nice enough to let us. I felt bad asking but then again I made sure there flight time was later than ours. So we got through and took off on a dead sprint to our plan. Yeah we were "those" people. Funny now but not so funny at the time. We had to run atleast a 1/4 mile b/c our flight was leaving at the very end of the terminal (i think that is what you call it). The lady said they were getting ready to shut the doors and that she would let us on. I was like, I can't believe it. I really thought we were going to miss our plan. I was getting soo nervous! As she was checking our ticket I told her there was another lady coming b/c we had talked to her earlier. She made it too!!! Yeah! So we weren't the last one's on the plane;) We got in our seats and just took a deep breath. Not a good start. But after that we didn't have any problems. Thank God!

We arrived to Cancun around 1:20 and were at our hotel a little before 3. We ate right away b/c we were starving. Well I was! Jarod can go a whole day without eating. Then after that we relaxed on the beach. I could just sit there all day looking at the gorgeous water! Ate supper that night and were out around 9 from being exhausted. Such a long day!

The next couple of days we took tennis lessons, played beach volleyball a lot, relaxed, ate too much, walked on the beach, did some swimming/floating in the pool (had an awesome lazy river), took a bike tour to a local town, visited a small zoo and did some other activities they had at the hotel.  It was a GREAT vacation and we had fun spending time together and even met some people from around the world. We met this older couple from Scotland on their 50th anniversary. We talked to them at the pool for a while. It was neat hearing about their life compared to ours. They were a cool couple! Now we are back to reality:( Warm reality!! Then later today we finally get to see our nephew (Dre) in person!!! Such a happy time. Can't wait to see who he looks like?!

Hope everyone has a good week and I will have to post pictures soon of our vacay!

Important Women's Health Issue- Have you heard of this drug?

2010-04-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

y/n~ Do you suffer from shyness?

y/n~ Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Margaritas.

Margaritas are the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions.

Margaritas can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about anything.

You will notice the benefits of Margaritas almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live.

Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had.

Stop hiding and start living, with Margaritas.

Margaritas may not be right for everyone.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Margaritas.

However, women who wouldn't mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.

Side effects may include:- Dizziness- Nausea- Vomiting- Incarceration- Erotic lustfulness- Loss of motor control- Loss of clothing- Loss of money- Loss of virginity- Table dancing- Headache- Dehydration- Dry mouth- And a desire to sing Karaoke

WARNINGS:-

The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you are whispering when you are not.-

The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.-

The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to think you can sing..-

The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.

Thought this pretty funny!!

Tell other women out there who may need Margaritas;)

xoxo

Hooray for warm weather!

2010-04-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of you are loving this WARM weather but I know I am!! I can't believe it has been in the 80's. This is my kind of weather. Last week I was cathching up on the yard work and spraying my weed killer EVERYWHERE so the weeds don't get out of hand. It doesn't take them long! I got that done and I am ready for the fun part. Taking my yearly trip to Lowe's to stock up on some flowers for our back patio. Yeah! This is something I look forward to every year...I know it may seem boring to some but I love it. haha. I just love going on our patio and having all these flowers out there.

Last saturday Jarod and I also went to Jasper to enjoy the outside by taking our bikes to the Jasper park. They have a really nice bike/walking path. Has anyone else been there? We also stopped at their new mill on the path and that was pretty neat. But with all that work we got hungry so we had to stop at Applebee's. It isn't our favorite restaurant but we had a gift card we wanted to use. Can't beat a free meal:) Plus, that night we also got to hang out at our neighbors house for a few hours also. Turned out to be a fun and relaxing day. This week I have been working and then yesterday we went on a little canoe ride and decided to take Khloe. I thought she would have been scared but I was wrong! She was loving every minute of it. We bought this canoe last year and love it but it is just a little tight for two people. When we were looking for a canoe last year we wanted something that we would have no problem hauling in the truck. Well we found that but like I said, it is a little tight. We have thought about selling it and getting a bigger one but then it may be harder to haul. So I don't know what we are going to do. If anyone would like to buy a canoe we have thought about selling this one. Anyone want a one person canoe?!

Also, I just wanted to thank everyone for their prayers and comments on my last post!! I REALLY do appreciate them! I had my ultrasound yesterday to see if the medication was working and to see if I had follicles. Everything looked great!!! I was so relieved! Now we will see what will happen in the next few months. Hopefully a baby soon:) Until then we will let GOD control what happens. I have been doing better and have been trying not to think about this too much. I know the comments that everyone posted made me feel much better:) I have even got a few messages and even a letter from some women I know. I feel sooo lucky and blessed to have these people in my life!! I think it is great that we can be so open about these things and have so much support for/from one another!

Hope

2010-04-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

So this is not going to be one of my typical blogs where I talk about our past week/week-end, vacations, friends/family, crafty projects, the weather;)....etc. I know I don't usually go into much personal detail on my blog but someting inside me keeps telling me to blog about this. I know there are some people that have had to deal with this in the past and some that are currently dealing with this same situation. I was hoping we would never have to deal with this. Getting Pregnant! The big P word or may I say the big I word (Infertility)! Jarod and I have been trying for a few months now and each month comes and goes and we have no positive pregnancy tests. It is hard not to think about it...especially when you hear somene else you know is PREGNANT. I am always excited for them but then at the same time wishes it was me announcing that news right along with them. Being a mommy is something I think almost every woman thinks about being.

So a couple weeks ago I went to the OB doctor to talk to him about this. I have had an irregular period ever since my parents were in an accident and so I knew this would make it even harder to get pregnant. I was nervous going to see him to hear what he had to say and if he would give me anything to help us get pregnant. I was happy to hear he was going to put me on Clomid. A pill for infertility to help stimulate ovulation. It is something that is giving me HOPE right now and I just pray that it will work!!!! I started taking it yesterday and have to take it for 5 days. No side effects right now and hopefully I don't have any. This is our first step to take and I hope this is the only step. I am nervous but know that God has a plan for everyone. I just hope one of his many plans is to give me the ability to have one of his a children. I have some days where I just want to cry but then I have to remind myself to keep my head high. I know there are a lot of women out there that have to deal with this. You never know REALLY what it feels like until you are in that same situation. In a little over a week I have to get an ultrasound to see if I am producing follicles and to see if the medication is working. I am asking for anyone to please pray this medication will work for us. I know GOD is in control and will answer prayers. Until then I guess we will have to see what will happen in the next few months....keeping my fingers crossed;)

Proof that we were missing

2010-03-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

I know about two weeks ago I said we would be missing. Well here are some pictures to prove it. I wouldn't mind going missing again to tell you the truth. haha. We spent 4 nights on the Disney Wonder cruise and 2 nights at Disney World and didn't get home until late saturday night. I know Disney is more focused on the kids but we become kids again once we hit Disney World. Kinda like that commercial they had a couple months ago when it shows the mom/dad as kids and then coming back to reality and realizing they are not a kid;) Don't know if anyone remembers that?! I took lots of pictures but I am only posting some of them b/c it would take way too long to post all of them. Hope you enjoy seeing where we went!!

Getting the party started before we debark and head out to the open sea!

Almost to the lagoon to swim with the sea lions. I was looking forward for a long time!

Some of the sea lions...aren't they cute. haha. They were very silly.

He has it made.

All suited up. The water was chilly and these didn't help much.

Enjoying the sun. That is Paradise Island behind me. So Pretty.

Our home away from home.

On the front of the ship. Thought this was cute.

At Disney's private island.

We love Lilo and Stitch:) Two of our favorite characters. I think we like them so much b/c they are so goofy.

On the beach. Ahhh!

Pirate boat with no pirates. Looks like it is gonna take a bite out of something.

My sweetie relaxing on route 66 on the cruise ship.

The couple's we were assigned to eat dinner with each night.

On the deck at night.

Oh my if you are ever at disney go to this place at their beaches resort and get this dessert. It's called No Way Josie. I know it is big but so good! I wanted to go back another day to get it again. haha.

Me and my sweetie on our last night at Boma's in Animal Kingdom lodge. I love him so much and so happy to have a wonderful husband to spend this time with!!

Will be missing for a week

2010-03-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

Haircut- check. Car cleaned inside and out- check. Oil changed (thanks to hubby)- check. Tires rotated- check. Packing- check. Map- check. I think we are ready!

Tomorrow Jarod and I will be leaving on our vacay and I am soooo EXCITED!!!! Wide awake and probably going to have a hard time sleeping tonight. haha. I have to wake up early for work tomorrow and then we are off after I get off work. I just pray everything goes well and that we have a safe trip there and back and while on our trip. If you think of this week say a little prayer if you could also. I will post pics. when we get back:) Hope everyone will be enjoying the warmer weather while we are gone!! Finally a little sun around here. See ya in a week!

A little piece of Crate and Barrel

2010-02-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

On Valentine's week-end Jarod and I headed to Indy for a little road trip so we could pick up a shelf I had ordered. I usually don't order bigger items unless I see them in person but the moment I seen this I knew it would fit perfect. I had been looking for a while and once I found this shelf on Crate and Barrel's website I knew it was just what I was looking for. But....I still put off buying it for a while and then FINALLY broke down! So glad I did b/c I love it!!! I have never been to the Crate and Barrel store but I have to say that is now one of my new favorite stores:) Has anyone else been there?! After we looked around a few stores we went out to eat at PF Chang's. I have heard of this place before but this was our first time eating there. The food was good but I don't know if we would eat there again. Just wasn't the kind of food we usually like to eat. Still good though....and the lettuce wraps were yummy!! On Valentine's day we didn't do much just relaxed at home together and watched a movie that night.

The leaning shelf- to show off our collection of different bottles and future small TV. This is in our weight room and sometimes it gets boring with only the walls to look at. haha

Not very wide...what I was looking for

Had fun on the way to Indy

Got a little thirsty too

Last week I worked, cleaned, did a few other things and spent one day in E-ville with my parents. We made a stop at the doctor's, Applebee's, Sam's, American Eagle- to pick out a some tops for our trip:) and Krsipy Kreme! It has been forever since I have had a Krispy Kreme donut and as we were leaving Sam's you could smell all those dount's cooking up. I was like.....hmmmm.....can we make one more stop. haha.

This week-end I worked and am glad to be off today. It was busyyy! We were full and as one patient would be transfered to another floor or discharged another would be admitted. I don't think I even sat for a total of 30 min. my 12 hour shift. I seriously need to get a pedmeter to see how far I walk. I was up and down, up and down the halls like the energizer bunny. haha. Then I had a little trouble sleeping thinking about this patient I had. Sometime when I have a patient that is really sick or worries me I do this. I can't help it. You are with that patient for the whole day and sometimes spend most of your shift with just that patient and then leave at shift change wondering....or may see them the next time at work and check up on them. Do any of you other nurse bloggers do this?! I know you do! The thought I have right now is kinda like a saying you have heard. It may be a crazy job sometimes, but it is my job I love. You can go through this crazy rush and sometimes wonder what am I doing. This is crazy. But then leave and end up saying I don't know what else I would be doing. haha. Sounds silly but true!

Well....I am off the next couple days. Yeah!! On my week-end:)

Hope everyone has a good week!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T09:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I was doing a quick research just now to see how Valentine's Day got started. Well here is what I found. Thought it was kinda interesting!

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine".

Also some Valentine traditions.

In Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"

A love seat is a wide chair. It was first made to seat one woman and her wide dress. Later, the love seat or courting seat had two sections, often in an S-shape. In this way, a couple could sit together -- but not too closely!

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

Enjoy today with the one(s) you love!

Can You Guess Our Plans

2010-02-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

In one month we will be leaving Indiana for one week to go to.....

Here are some hints

Mickey is there

We can relax on the beach

Eat lots of food. Maybe a little too much. haha

The biggest hint. We will be traveling on this big sucker!

After the last picture you probably guessed it. We are going on a Disney cruise in March!!!! We are getting soooo excited! We went on a cruise last year (Carnival) and didn't know if we would go on one this year, BUT we have heard lots of good things about the Disney cruise. So here we are waiting for the day that our one week vacation will arrive. They go way too fast but those memories last a lifetime:)

Too many places and not enough time....and money;) haha

Hope everyone is enjoying this snow and getting ready for superbowl sunday! And, if you don't have plans yet you are free to stop at our house....we are having a super bowl party!

To Do List

2010-01-26T09:50:00.000-08:00

Last week was a busy week for me and I was able to get a few things marked off my "to do list". It started on sunday when I had to leave church a little early to go to my cousins baby shower. I got to catch up with some of my aunts/cousins and enjoy everything that goes along with a baby shower. It has been a while since I had been to one but I love them! I wish I would have wiped out my camera though b/c she has one of the cutest baby bellies...seriously! I can't wait to see what he/she looks like. It is a surprise baby! I don't know if I would be able to do that. I think I would want to know what I would be having...well atleast for the first one.

Monday and tuesday I had to work. Wednesday I knew I had a doctor appt. for my Pap. Ugh...not my favorite thing!! Plus I got a phone call tuesday saying my 6 month dental check up was the day also. Just glad they were at different times. So I was able to get both done in one day and I should be good for a little while now!!! And I figured if I was doing that much might as well hit the eye doctor up to. haha. So I got my glasses ordered too. I was on a role that day and glad I got all that done.

Thursday was the day I was looking forward to most that week. It was the day some of us girls were going to E-ville to hang out, shop and eat (Olive Garden..yum). We don't get to see each other that much since one lives in Terre Haute (Tiff), one in E-ville (DeAnne) and me and sis live back home. Our schedules seem to never work out..... but we FINALLY found a day that worked for everyone! Yeah! Good times.
Oh and one funny thing I seen at the maternity store I just had to tell. I have never heard of these.....tee pee for your wee wee! They are supposed to be used on your baby's wee wee when you are changing his diaper so you don't get sprayed. haha. The things that are made these day!

Friday my mom and dad came over. They were missing there grand puppy....Khloe. haha. Not me just Khloe. J/K. We talked for a while and then we went to wal-mart to pick a few things up. Jarod and I were just there and forgot a few things. I hate when that happens. Then I had to work saturday but got to leave 4 hours early. Oh I am always up for that especially on a week-end!!! Plus I was off sunday and never get off on one of my week-end's to work. It was nice though but then back to work monday. And now it is tuesday and I am just relaxing today. Catching up on little things.

Tiff, Sis, DeAnne and Me at Olive Garden

Tiff and Sis sporting there new wheels. haha. Just a little tight.

Just having some fun. Never to old to take some shots on the kiddie rides.

Lumpy belly. Trying on some things in the Maternity store.

Sis showing off her #3 kiddo. The rest of us are wayyy behind!

I got to make 2 tutus last week for a lady a t work!! It had been almost a month since I had made some and I kinda missed it.

Hope everyone has a great week!!

January Blues

2010-01-16T07:02:00.000-08:00

This past week we haven't been very busy at all so this post won't be long. I figured I better update though since it has been a couple weeks since my last post. Don't want to go too long;) Last week week we didn't have any big plans and just did the usual work, eat, hang out, sleep routine. Well we did have wii in that routine too. We got the new wii resort game last week and it is a lot of fun! We have had our wii for almost two years and only have 2 games for it so we finally broke down and bought another game. The winter time is the only time we really play the wii b/c it is too cold outside. In the summer we would MUCH rather be outside:) January just gives us the blues. It is kinda that in between month where it has been cold for a couple months and we still have until March until it will start to warm up a bit. Why do we live in Indiana?! BUT we do have a little heat wave that I am loving!! Summer can't get here any sooner!

This past week-end I had to work and it was a good week-end and loved my patients. I love those days at work when you have just the cutest people:) Then this week my mom and I went to E-ville one day for her Christmas present. I gave her a gift card to Head over Heelz and told her we would go out to eat also. Well we did that and she loved it....and so did I;) A great mother-daughter day that we were due for! Last year I gave my mom a gift card to get a massage for her birthday to a different salon and both of us really like Head over Heelz much better. Totally recommend this place. They are really nice and even let you change into a robe and slippers before your massage/facial and have a little waiting area to relax while you wait.

This week we also got to hang out with our good friends Al and Sis and their kiddos one night. We just talked and watched some of the American Idol. I never really watch that show but it was funny. The best part......"Looking like a fool with your pants down low". hahaha. If you watched it you know what I am talking about. Funny guy! And I don't know any guy in his 60's that can get down on the floor like that.

Well.....not much else going on. See I told you. It is saturday and I don't know what we have planned today. Maybe going to the Barr-Reeve game....still trying to decide.

Hope everyone has a great week-end!!!

Something Yummy

2010-01-03T19:12:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to do a quick post. If you are interested try these two recipes that are oh so yummyyy! Don't be scared to try them trust me they are good:) I fell in love with the chocolate cake it is one of the best I have ever tried. I am a big chocolate lover too....I can't make too many of these b/c I would eat way more than I should!!

Chocolate Cake

I used the Ghiradelli cupcake mix. I don't know if they have this at wal-mart (haven't checked yet) but I got this at Sam's. All you have to do is make the recipe on the back for the triple layer chocolate cake.

1 pouch cupcak mix

1 cup (8 oz.) sour cream

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

For the Frosting

1 pouch Ghiradelli frosting mix (came in the box)

1/2 cup butter, softened

3-4 tablespoons hot water

Mix all the cake mix ingredients until blended and bake at 350 degrees for 16-20 minutes if you use three 8 inch round cake pans. I used two 9 inch pans and didn't have any problems. I think I cooked it a little longer though. For the frosting mix. Mix all ingredients on low speed for 30 seconds, scrape the bowl and then mix on high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy! Then all you have to do is put it together and your done and ready to enjoy.

Corn Bread Salad

1 box Jiffy

2 cans pinto beans

1 can whole kernal corn

6 green onions, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

3 med. tomatoes, diced

1 c. sour cream

1 c. miracle whip

1 pkg. ranch dressing mix

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 pkg. real bacon bits

Bake corn bread according to box. Drain beans, corn and tomatoes very well. Use a paper towel to get rid of any excess moisture. Crumble corn bread into bottom of 9X13 pan. Layer beans, corn, onions, peppers, and tomatoes on top of corn bread. Mix the sour cream, miracle whip and ranch mix together well. Add on top of the tomatoes. Top with cheese and bacon bits.

Hope you enjoy!! I did get one last picture of the corn bread salad before we ate it;)

Party Overload

2009-12-24T06:53:00.000-08:00

This past week-end we were party overloaded. Most of our family was getting together that week-end because of work schedules, being the week-end before Christmas and traveling for some. It was okay with me because I was off that week-end!! We were super busy but we loved every minute of it. I think the only time we were home was to sleep and then Jarod and I both had to be back to work monday morning. Boo!

Saturday we went to my Grandma Nelson's for lunch and then to my mom and dad's for supper. At my grandma's we ate, talked, and just had fun just watching all the little kiddos play...there are 6 great-grandkids already! It was a full house and my grandma says her trailer is getting too small to hold everyone. It was pretty full but we didn't mind it:) At my mom and dad's we opened gifts, ate Chilli ( I think they have the best Chilli) and just talked. I gave my mom a gift card to Head over Heelz (Spa) so we can have a girls day out!! I can't wait till we can go. I told her she can use the gift card and then I will pay for lunch also.

Sunday we went to Church and then off to see my Grandpa Mathies. We could only stay for about 2 1/2 hours b/c we then had to head over to the Knepp's Christmas. We had taco's for supper, opened gifts and played Pictionary. We play that game every Christmas and we all LOVE it!! That is seriously one of my favorite games!! It is so neat to see family's grow and have such wonderful people in our life. We couldn't have asked for a better week-end.

My parent's, Jarod and I

The Padgett's

Uncle Jeff, Mom and Jarod

My grandma with her kids- Kim, Jeff, and my dad

M cousin Hannah and her boyfriend Steve

Me with my cousin's little girl Nevaeh. She is such a doll!!

Brother and sister. Nevaeh and Miles.

Jarod and I with my grandpa

Jarod and I with my grandma in-law and their dog Robby

Couldn't forget Khloe:)

Dru, Ashton, Jay and Aidan

What a cute family. I love this picture.

Jarod holding his gift up

That cast iron pot was heavyyyy!! Can you tell?!

The girls- Des, Shauna and me

Look at all those boys

Playing Pictionary

And finally me and my love:)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful time with their family too!!!

New Wheels!

2009-12-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

This past week-end I finally got Jarod to go look at a vehicle with me and guess what....we got new wheels!!! This past fall we thought we would get a different vehicle and then we decided we might wait until winter and then we were going to wait until spring. Well I was getting pretty excited and started looking this past week at cars and found one that we both really liked. We already had our money saved up to get a different vehicle so we thought we would check it out. We drove to Louisville saturday b/c they seemed to have the best prices on the vehicle we were looking at...which was a Nissan Maxima. I drove the car and just wasn't that into the way it drove. We looked around the lot and I wanted to check the Nissano Murano out. I have always liked those vehicles too! I asked if they had any used Muranos...no they didn't:( But wait he knew of a used one that he would have to go get....we drove it...and loved it. So here I am now with our 2006 Nissan Murano. Yay!!! I think I am a SUV kinda gal;)

Now all I want to do is drive it. haha. I know when I get a different vehicle I want to keep it really clean at first. That didn't happen b/c monday morning it snowed and I had to go to work. I thought about calling in....just kidding. haha. I am not that bad. It is A LOT more reliable on the snow than my Mustang though....I think anything would be compared to a sports car!

Well....I will post later this week about our week/week-end. Hope everyone is having a great day:)

One last pic. with my Tang:( I will miss that car.

Welcome December

2009-12-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

It is already December and only 23 days til Christmas!! So exciting! I love Christmas time...the joy, lights/decorations, food, family/friends and the meaning behind Christmas. We had a great Thanksgiving last week and got to spend some time with family. We only had one get together on Thanksgiving day this year so it was more relaxed and we even had time to watch The Elf that night. We LOVE that movie!!! Seriously it is a must to watch around Christmas time. On Thanksgiving we ate lunch, played games, talked and looked at black friday advertisements. haha. My family likes to go shopping that day. I debated and did end up going too, and it really wasn't that bad. I got some good deals and even got a Dyson vacuum. Exciting!! I have wanted one for a while now. Our old vaccum Jarod had a couple years before we were even married and it had no sucking power. Well, we tried the new vacuum out right away and I was amazed at how much better it was!! I love it:)

This past week-end I had to work and this week my parents and I went to French Lick for part of the day. My mom has been wanting to walk through the hotels and look at the Christmas decorations and I was all up for it! We walked through both of the hotels and I have to say they are both very pretty. It was neat looking at the pictures they had before they restored the hotels. Can you imagine if they would have never restored them?! They are such amazing buildings. We did go in the casino for about 15 whole minutes. haha. I am not a gambler but we mostly looked around. I think my mom spent $3. She said she likes pulling the handle...oh mom;)

Mom holding her nose. The sulfur well smelled like rotten eggs. That will wake you up!

Other than that I work the next two days and I don't know what we have planned for this week-end. After going to French Lick I would like to go see their show "It's A Wonderful Life". I dunno though...don't know if Jarod will like it. We will have to see.

Take care and stay dry today!!

What Are You Thankful For?

2009-11-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

It is hard to imagine that tomorrow is Thanksgiving! Time does fly! I am ready to pig out on Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, pumpkin pie and who know's what else. It will all be yummy! I know I have been busy today making two loaves of banana bread ( It is a great recipe if anyone wants it), date pudding and cowboy beans (for tonight- so you may not want to sit next to us at the game. haha).

Today I wanted to wish everyone a early Happy Thanksgiving and hope everyone enjoy's their time with family and friends tomorrow! I know I am thankful for so many things but Thanksgiving is a time it reminds me once again of those things. A few things I am thankful for is my wonderful hubby, my parents, family, friends, able to have a turkey dinner, our home, our church, great workplace, and the wonderful memories that I had with my little sister:) What are you thankful for?

Posting yet

2009-11-13T14:03:00.001-08:00

Ugh! I just posted and it still isn't posting on other blogs. Would anyone know why it is doing this?? For now I am going to post once again. Lets see if this posts?! Crossing my fingers but I dunno. BUT if it does post... scroll down to see what we have been up to.

Posting or not posting and Tutu's

2009-11-13T12:38:00.000-08:00

Well It seems my posts are not updating on other blogs:( I don't know why and I hope this one shows an update. I haven't done anything different so I don't know what is wrong. But it has been less than a month since my last post!

Also on my last post I posted some tutu's that I have started making a few weeks ago. I just made another Christmas tutu today (green and red) that I love. I am so ready for Christmas!! Check it out and the other two Christmas tutu's. Have a great week-end!!

Little to long

2009-11-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

Just like the title says. It has been a little too long since my last post. I'm just going to update you a little on the Knepp's nest. We haven't been too busy lately...have really been trying to enjoy this awesome weather! I know the cold weather is approaching pretty fast and I don't like the thought of that one bit. I seem to be cold ALL the time. No joke! My hands and feet are always freezing....I 've already diagnosed myself with poor circulation. What am I going to do when I get old?! Probably wear 2-3 pairs of socks/gloves, have our house set on 80 and have Jarod walking around in his undies. haha. But I do seriously hate the cold and usually the winter unless there is pretty snow out:) I could live in 80-90 degree weather all year round but in Indiana that isn't going to happen:(

So we really haven't been that busy these past two weeks. We have been hanging around the house (actually watching some movies), visiting some family/friends, shopping, working and making some tutu's. One day last week my parents and I we went to the Edinburgh outlet mall to find some good deals. I didn't get many things there but hoping in the next week or two I can go to Indy. Mainly Indy b/c I found this shelf/desk at crate and barrell that I loved and would fit perfect in our weight room. I have been looking for the past couple months for something that would work great and finally found something. If you don't know me though...I usually look around probably too long. So hopefully pics. in an upcoming post!!

Also I have started making some tutu's!!! These things are soo addicting to make! I have been wanting to start making these since this past summer and finally about a month ago started. I think they are so cute. I have made some in different colors and sizes already and want to try to some other things out with them. I will post some that I have made already and if you would like to buy one I am selling them for $16. Any size and color(s). They also have an elastic waist so they can stretch 3-5 inches and fit comfy around the waist.

I started making these as a little hobby. Especially in the winter time when there isn't much to do outside these give me something to do inside. I have been having to much fun with these;) I have a couple Christmas tutu's I am not finished with yet that I will post another time too.

Brown with brown ribbon and daisy flower clip

(Flower can attach to any tutu or you can wear it in your hair. Flower is on a hair clip)

Yellow and brown with brown ribbon and flower attachment

Red and white with red ribbon and candy cane ribbon

Light blue, bright blue and black with black ribbon

Light blue and white with white ribbon around the waist (not pictured on this one though) with snowflakes sewn on the tuelle

Hope everyone is enjoying there week!!!

Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-25T15:02:00.001-07:00

So Halloween is almost here. I don't know how many of you carve pumpkins but that is one that I love to do for Halloween and basically just for fun! This is something that I have done for many years and always looked forward to it when I was younger. I think a lot of kids love to do this...we even got a couple cute boys ( Aidan and Dru) to help us this year too! They did the digging out of the seeds and the gooey stuff while us adults did the carving. I was going to save some pumpkin seeds but didn't and wish I would have. If you have ever tried them they are good. All you have to do is clean them, sprinkle some salt on them and then pop them in the oven for around 15-20 minutes. Pretty easy.

And a tip for carving- DO NOT use white pumpkins for carving. They are like twice as thick as orange pumpkins and they take forever to carve. I guess I should have figured that out since they weight twice as much as the orange pumpkins. haha

Here are some pictures of our pumpkins and I also have some cute ideas that I may have to try next year....or maybe you might want to try:)

Ta Da!!

Desiree, Shauna, Aidan, Me and Norman

The boys trying to clean out the pumpkins.

How cute are these?! Fun!

I thought the face mask idea was great.

Don't wanna carve. Draw on a pumpkin.

I LOVE the pumkin tower with all the little stars that glow at night.

I thought this was pretty funny. haha

Veggie pumpkins

Hope everyone has a great week! I know this week-end turned out much warmer than I thought...no complaining here. It feels like fall now:)

Back to the Bourbon Trail

2009-10-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

If anyone remembers when we went to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail last year we weren't able to finish it. So it gave us a good reason to go again!! We knew we would go in the fall like last year because these places give you that comfy feel and look so pretty with the leaves changing colors. This past Saturday we bundled up and headed out on our adventure toward Lousiville, Ky. We were pretty pumped because we loved it last year. There are 8 distillery's and we finished the last 4 this time. It takes around 1-1 1/2 hours at each. We had a great time and didn't get home until late that night. If you want to check out the website to find out more it is: http://www.kybourbontrail.com/

Scroll down to follow us on our trail:)

The first stop Buffalo Trace. Inside snapping a shot next to one of their barrells. No bourbon in this one....just empty.

Outside grabbing the Buffalo by the horns.

Inside the storage building. Now these are full and you could defenitely smell it.

A look at the storage building from outside. I love the look of them.

Second stop Four Roses. This was probably our least favorite but it was still very pretty.

During our tour we went inside to see where all the action takes place. The making! Pretty cool to learn about.

Third stop Wild Turkey.

Just driving along and seen this bridge. I had to take a picture!

Last stop Woodford Reserve. This was our favorite stop.

Which chair should I sit in?!

Looking out at the grounds.

Looks like some barrells are headin out.

Another picture while driving. They had so many horse stables it was insane. Most of them were nicer than a lot of homes and all were wrapped with black fences. I think this where all the big shot horses stay. Lucky horses!

And to top it off with my favorite picture. I love this one! There was this amazing waterfall at one of the distillery's.

Hope you liked looking at all the pics! I highly recommend the bourbon trail to anyone. It is totally free to go on the tours and look around. You can learn a lot about the history and the making too. I am usually not into much history but this is pretty interesting. We didn't know what to think last year before we went and we ended up LOVING it.

Hope everyone is staying warm!! I know I am...staying inside today:)