…daniel and april

…daniel and april

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Life through my iPhone

I have not blogged the last few weeks so I wanted to update with my iPhone pictures! Nothing exciting but wanted to share! 

My mom brought our 2 nephews to Fairhope for the weekend!  We went to the art walk, went fishing, ate ice cream, played outside!  It was a great weekend!  I love these boys with all my heart and miss living 20 minutes away from them! 

Daniel cooked dinner one night (which is always amazing) and I cut my finger on the food processor blade when I was cleaning up the kitchen :( 

Daniel and I went to New Orleans for a few days at the beginning of my Spring Break! It was such a great trip! 
 Only Main reason I went.... *shhhh
 We got a couples massage and had ice cream the last day! It was perfect!! 

 Evan and I dying eggs on Easter weekend! 

Easter Sunday!!  
 Love him! 

I tried a new potato recipe and LOVED it!! I got it from http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/06/crash-hot-potatoes/
 Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in as many potatoes as you wish to make and cook them until they are fork-tender. On a sheet pan, generously drizzle olive oil. Place tender potatoes on the cookie sheet leaving plenty of room between each potato. With a potato masher, gently press down each potato until it slightly mashes. Brush the tops of each crushed potato generously with more olive oil. Sprinkle potatoes with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper and fresh chopped rosemary (or chives or thyme or whatever herb you have available.) Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!! :) 

We went to Nashville for our best friends Gender Reveal Party!! 
This just sums up the four of us perfectly.... :) 
 Love them a lot!!! 

About to Open the box!!!??!!           Ripping the paper off!                    IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

        

The next day we got to visit with Casey and Austin! They were in town for a friends wedding! 
SGA Officers 2004.... We really missed our awesome secretary Christy!! 


So glad I got to be there the night my best friend found out she was having a little girl! Cannot wait to meet Anne Sims!!! 

My sweet sweet brother, sister in law, and nephews sent me a fruit/chocolate basket to school on my birthday!!! I was so excited and surprised!! 

Daniel surprised me with dinner at The Wash House! I have wanted to go here since we moved to Fairhope and it was worth the wait!!! Delicious!! 


 Last weekend we spent Sunday at the Grand with John David, Mal, and JJ. It was such a fun relaxing day!! We ate lunch, rode bikes, played by the pool! We are very thankful for their friendship! 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!! 

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

That moment...

...that moment when you see a 'Positive' on a home pregnancy test!! That happened for Daniel and I today. After 11 months of trying to get pregnant we finally were!! It was such a wonderful moment. 
I was about 7 days late starting so I told Daniel if I hadn't started by Friday morning I would take a test, and it was a very faint positive. We were so excited as you can imagine but didn't want to overreact because it was very 'faint'. Daniel's parents were coming in town for the weekend but we agreed we weren't going to say anything to them since we weren't 100% sure. Of course I was on the internet all day searching 'faint positive pregnancy test' and everything seemed to reassure me that it in fact was positive. Daniel wanted me to take another test that afternoon so I went and bought another test when I left school. This time I bought the test that says 'pregnant' or 'not pregnant'. TERRIBLE DECISION! I took it around 5:00 Friday afternoon and it said 'not pregnant'. The worst words to read when you want to be so bad! I will never buy that kind again!! It was like it was laughing in my face! :( So Daniel and I decided we would take another one Monday morning if I still hadn't started and just enjoy our weekend with his parents!
3/1/13
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Monday morning came...another positive HPT and we were so excited all over again! I called my doctor and she told me to come in that afternoon so of course I left school and went straight there. They did a 'pee test' and told me it was in fact positive and I was pregnant! It felt especially real then! All the nurses were so excited for me!! They still wanted to do a quick exam and a blood (beta) test. My doctor wanted me to come back in on Wednesday for more blood work. Based on my exam they were guessing I was only about 4-5 weeks. They said they would know more about my due date after first ultra sound. After my blood test I went straight to Daniels office (my doctor is in Daniel's hospital so his office was right there!) and told him the good news!  He just smiled ear to ear....I will never forget his face! I will never forget that day. I will never forget the joy I felt sitting in the doctors office when she told me I was pregnant.
We were on cloud nine for the next few days! Looking up how big the little baby was at this point, figuring out how we were going to tell our family and friends the next weekend, praying for this child that God blessed us with.  
Wednesday - time for more blood work. The nurse told me my level from Monday's blood work had come back really low, which was fine as long as my next number came back higher (your beta level is supposed to double every 48 hours).

 I wrote the first paragraph of this blog on Friday and the second paragraph tonight (Wednesday).
We have made plans to go home Saturday and tell our families and close friends! We can not wait! I wanted to write this blog tonight so I didn't forget all the feelings and emotions I am having. I never want to forget the excitement we are experiencing. We prayed a lot tonight that my numbers (beta levels) would go up after todays blood work. We prayed that this baby inside me is growing and progressing just as it's supposed to.  We prayed that this baby grows up to know and love The Lord.
 I will never forget the excitement and happiness we are feeling tonight. Having the desire to be a mom for so long and finally being blessed with this child is such a gift from God. We cannot wait to start this journey!!
3/6/13
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The dreaded words....
"Your numbers went down, and you will probably miscarry sometime in the next week"
I have to admit that I really hesitated before I decided to write so many personal moments on my blog regarding this miscarriage. But after a lot of thinking and praying, I decided that maybe it would help me cope through this loss but also to help update all those who I know truly care for Daniel and I. And maybe somehow I can help others that may be hurting so badly through the same type of loss I've experienced. What we went through was horrible, and if anyone else is going through this, it might help to know that you are not the only one.
Thursday afternoon I got a call from my doctor. My blood work had come back in and she told me that my levels had gone down, which was not good and I would miscarry over the next week. There are no words for what I felt. I went from the happiest girl in the world to the floor falling out from under me in one phone call. I went numb. I think I was 'numb' for about 4 days. All I wanted to do was be with Daniel. It was a hard night. I didn't understand. It wasn't fair. I wanted to do everything I could to protect this baby, save it, help it survive inside me. But I knew there was nothing I could do.
I went to school Friday (you can imagine how good of a teacher I was that day) but I couldn't sit at home all day and think about what was going on. My mom is my very best friend, and I wanted to call her the moment I left the doctor excited on Monday, but I didn't. We were going to wait til the upcoming weekend and go home and tell the entire family! So Friday afternoon I called her to tell her what was going on. She said everything I needed to hear and was exactly who I needed her to be. I was surprised she was not on my door step the next morning, but she did come visit me later that week. We told the rest of our family and close friends that weekend also. We knew that sharing this information with all of them was the best decision so they would be praying for us. We did not keep it to ourselves and I don't recommend that! I could have never gotten through this without my husband or our family and friends. Birmingham, Nashville, Trussville, Atlanta, New York, Fairhope...knowing that people were praying for us from all of those places was such a great feeling that helped me get through this terrible time. During this difficult time, I was so reassured just how strong my amazing husband is. Actually 'amazing' doesn't begin to describe how great he his. He has been by my side every single step of the way, constantly asking what he can do to help or make me feel better. Watching your spouse go through something painful and knowing that there is really nothing you can do to help is horrible...but I would honestly be lost without him.
This is just an example of how amazing our friends and family are!

                        

                          

The anticipation of waiting to miscarry was horrible.
Saturday mid-morning I started cramping REALLY bad. I had been having dull cramps for the last 2 weeks but these cramps were nothing like those. I knew something was wrong and the dreaded moment was coming. The first sign of blood might have been the worst moment. I will never forget that feeling. Knowing that there was nothing I could do to protect this child...we were finally pregnant and we lost it. Part of me felt like it was my fault, like I didn't do exactly what I was supposed to do...but I know that is not the case. I know this was God's way of telling us it was not the right time, and something was just not right with this pregnancy.
This is hard, the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. It hurts. I was sad, mad, frustrated, didn't understand, didn't think it was fair. And I might not ever understand or know exactly why it happened, but what I do know, is that God is faithful and he loves me, and he will never leave me. I have to trust him always, know that it will happen all in his timing, and know that his plans for me are good.
If you are going through this, have gone through this, or ever do go through this... know that I am praying for you. I pray everyday for couples that are having trouble getting pregnant or experiencing a miscarriage.
Some advice if you ever go through this (I pray you don't)...is to really try to look at the positives in all of it. Daniel and I keep telling ourselves that 'at least' now we know we can get pregnant...which is a wonderful thing. We have been wondering if we can for almost a year, so that is a huge positive for us. Find your own positives in the situation and focus on that...it's hard to do...but it really will help some.
My last piece of advice - over the last month of going through this loss and attending 2 funerals of two amazing people...I have really come to realize...
It is okay to cry! Our Lord Jesus cried over the death of Lazarus, even though he knew that He would shortly raise him from the dead! Death is sorrowful, a tragedy, and it is proper to mourn. Let us never forget though, that death will not have the final victory!
Please, sisters, flee to Christ to wipe away your tears!

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28"
        

Friday, March 15, 2013

Mardi Gras in the South

I love any excuse to get dressed up and go dance, eat, and drink all night long! Oh and did I mention get out of school for 2 days!! 
Well Mardi Gras is a BIG deal down here in Fairhope/Mobile! Parades and Mardi Gras Balls for 3 - 4 weeks and everyone was out of school for 2 days! Even things like Doctors offices and the YMCA closed down...

We enjoyed the Fairhope Mardi Gras Parade with our sweet friends - the Gardner's and the Stillman's 

If you notice...Mal and I are looking a little tan! We went and got a 'light' spray tan so we had a little more color in our ball gowns ~ LOVED IT!!!!! I would do it again in a heartbeat and recommend it! I was so scared I was going to look like an oomph loompa (sp?) but I think it turned out great! 

Point Clear Parade

We got lots of beads!! 

 MOT Mardi Gras Ball in Mobile

Love these great friends! 

Dancing the night away to Fly By Radio! 

After the MOT Ball! Love this guy. 

Our first Mardi Gras experience was so much fun!!! We can't wait for next year! 

Friday, March 1, 2013

Monster Cookie Bars

I feel like I gain weight just making these bars...but they are worth EVERY calorie!! 
just look at these things....


I know right?!?  You want to eat one right now! Well here is the recipe!! 
Recipe from...  http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2012/08/monster-majic-cookie-bars.html
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup salted butter (see Note)
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 3/4 cups old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
  • 1/2 chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup mini M&Ms (or regular)
Instructions
  1. Note: You can use unsalted butter here but with all the sweetness in the recipe it really is good to have to salt to counteract it. So if you use unsalted butter, you can either add 1/4 teaspoon salt to the graham cracker crumbs or sprinkle salt on top after the bars have baked.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place butter in a microwave safe bowl and heat up for about 30-60 seconds or until melted.
  3. Combine butter and graham cracker crumbs in a medium bowl and then press the graham cracker crumbs into a parchment lined 9x13 baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
  4. Evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker layer. Sprinkle the oats, peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and M&Ms evenly over the sweetened condensed milk and gently press in a little. Remember that all of the toppings are approximate so add more or less depending on what you like.
  5. Bake at 350º for 20-25 minutes or until brown. Cool and slice into squares to serve.
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Now on to my weakness...STARBURST JELLY BEANS!!!  
I was at Target last week (no surprise there) and I saw this bag of ALL pink and red jelly beans IN THE SAME BAG!!!! I was beyond excited! 


Just thought everyone should know that they do exist. 

Friday, February 1, 2013

FAVORITE Time of the Year!

Little late but... Here are some pictures from our Christmas Season. This Christmas seemed extra special since we now live 4 hours away and we were in town for the whole week! 

Picking out our Christmas Tree! 

Final Product! 

We had the Cheerleading (JV and Varsity) Party at our house the week before Christmas and it was so much fun! The girls brought delicious food and played Dirty Santa! 


This is Chesley...We coach cheerleading together! I would be lost here in Baldwin County without her!


We had a High School Tacky Christmas Party at Jay's house!! It was so great to see all this amazing friends! 
I got to spend time with my sweet amazing Homewood teacher friends that I miss so much! We did Mexican night of course! 

We got to spend some of Christmas Day with our best friends Hunter and Leslie! 

Daniel and I got Evan and James this Blow Up Cars Ball Pit for them to play in...they loved it!!  I am sure Justin and Melinda will get us back one day for all these 'fun' gifts we buy the boys! 


Jana and Will drove down from Birmingham to spend New Year's Eve with us and it was so much fun!! Fairhope has a street party/band/dance thing new years even night so we went and ate pizza then did that! Once we made it back home we made a dessert...don't really know what all Jana put in this...but it was AH-MAZING! 
I love these people. a lot. 
This was the s'mores dessert jana made for us...
I can feel myself gaining weight just looking at it!!! 

 I always get sad when Christmas has come and gone...but already looking forward to it next year!!!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Visitors...YES PLEASE!!!

Daniel and I absolutely LOVE having friends/family come and visit us!!! Since we have moved to Fairhope in August we have had...Daniel's parents, the Flinkows, the Nelsons, my parents, my brother sis in law and PRECIOUS nephews, and the Gunnels! 

If you want to come to Fairhope for the weekend...we have a bed with your name on it! 

jana and will's visit to Fairhope...

Love this girl.

 Leslie and Hunter's visit to Fairhope...
The boys fished at the bay while Les and I laid by the water :) 

Daniel and I are so blessed to have these two as best friends!!! 

Hunter and Leslie were in town during the first Bama football game...so of course we had to have some 'tailgate' food'! 
Pretzel rolos, chocolate chip cookies, texas caviar dip, and fun fetti cake batter dip! 
Roll Tide!!! 

Then...one weekend my brother called me on a Friday and said they were heading to Fairhope that Saturday morning!! I was thrilled!! I miss these two boys like crazy! 

We made cookies, watched movies, fed the fish, and watched some Alabama Football!! 

Sara and Drew had a wedding in Fairhope so they stayed with us for the weekend!! So glad we got to spend time with the Gunnels! 

My mom, dad, brother, sis in law, and nephews all came in town for the Christmas Tree Lighting in downtown Fairhope! It was such a fun weekend!!
We absolutely adore these two boys!!! 

those.cheeks.

He was ready to feed the fish!!
He had a FUN weekend with his Aunt April and Uncle Daniel!!!