7.3 Million

This week is National Infertility Week. Did you know that 7.3 million Americans suffer from this disease........surprised? I was until we became one of those statistics. I hope you know that infertility is not an easy thing to go through or to talk about. It's not fair.......it's embarrassing......and it down right stinks! But, I'm glad that I know God's heart......and that He is good. He was good 3 years ago when we were slapped with the devastating label of infertile. He is good today as my precious, miracle twins are snuggled up together sleeping. And, He will be good tomorrow when I am faced with that oh-so-perfectly timed reminder that we are still one of those 7.3 million. Because I know that He is good, I believe our trial has a purpose. I am only now beginning to see glimpses of this purpose, but I know that someday it will all be clear. One of those glimpses is found in this verse:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I want to share some things that God used to bring comfort to me and my hubby during our infertility journey. I hope you will be able to share these tips, resources and advice as you show compassion to a friend or family member who is still in the midst of their own struggle.

"A good person's mouth is a clear fountain of wisdom; a foul mouth is a stagnant swamp." Proverbs 10:31

Things NOT to say to someone suffering from infertility:

1. "You are just stressed. You need to go on a trip and stop trying".....and then add that it worked for your sister-in-law's cousin's friend. Stress does NOT cause infertility........EVER! Infertility causes stress!

2. "Just adopt"....and then add, "There are so many babies up for adoption that need good homes, and people who adopt always end up getting pregnant." Nope there aren't. Nope they don't. While adoption is a WONDERFUL way to become a parent, it is a God thing........something that must be bathed in much prayer (and only after couples are able to first cope with their infertility).......it is not an "easy fix." While there are lots of babies "who need good homes," that doesn't mean that they are "available for adoption." And, just because your roommate's old gym teacher adopted and then turned up pregnant, it is not the norm. Adoption does not cure blocked tubes, correct ovarian disease or give bad "swimmers'" lessons.

3. "Why don't you try.........." Don't give pointers about crazy positions, boxers, herbs/creams, relaxation techniques or old wives' tale remedies. Most couples have a REAL medical diagnosis and factual lab work from a reproductive specialist. Maybe you think the pillow propping worked for you, but I GUARANTEE that your infertile friend has already tried this and it didn't work!

4. "Well at least you have.........." The desire to have a baby with the man/woman you love is not overridden by the fact that you have a good job, a nice home, or a great spouse. This is not helpful. Remember, it is because they have a "great" spouse that they want to have a baby.

5. "You're lucky to have freedom.....my kids are driving me crazy!" Please realize that this person would gladly suffer any physical pain, grocery store toddler meltdowns and countless sleepless nights for just the chance to "enjoy" what you are complaining about. I remember being at Wal-Mart and hearing a lady scream at her little toddler, "You make me so mad...I could kill you!" I cried as I passed by the diaper isle and thought, "Lady, I'd give my right arm for a little girl like that.......temper-tantrum and all."

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. "Romans 12:15

Some Compassionate Tips:

1. While it is super-hard for a person suffering with infertility to hear that another friend is pregnant, it is even harder to be surprised with the news at a party or in public. It is not that your suffering friend it not happy for you; they are just sad about their situation. The most loving thing to do if you are pregnant or know that another acquittance is pregnant is to share the news with your infertile friend in private before an event where the new will be shared. It is a lot easier to deal with when you can get over it at home rather than being bombarded with the news at a social function where there is no closet to cry in.

2. If you are hosting a baby shower, send your infertile friend an invitation. But, attach a loving note explaining that you completely understand if they choose not attend. You may even want to add that you would be happy to pick up a gift for them or go in together on a present. (Shopping for baby things is really difficult when you have been told that you may never your own baby to buy things for.)

3. Be sensitive. Watch out for word vomit! You would never discuss the latest selection of VS bra's with a mastectomy patient or trendiest hair styles with a chemo patient. So, don't talk about baby stuff with an infertility patient. Only discuss your children if he/she brings them up, and try not to complain about them.

4. Don't complain or joke about your amazing fertility. Quotes like: "If my hubby just looks at me I get prego!" "All of our kids are accidents." "We can't even share a bar of soap!" "I can't wait to get him fixed!" "The doctor says, I'm fertile Myrtle!" "We just always pick a birthday"................are extremely insensitive and hurtful to a person desperately wanting a child.

"A friend loves at all times" Proverbs 17:17

Loving Do's:

1. Do send your friend a card......offering no advice. Just a card that makes the point that you care, God cares and promises that you are praying.

2. Invite your friend to dinner, a movie or to go shopping.......without bringing up any fertility issues.

3. Gracefully accept their regrets to parties, showers, holiday functions and gatherings that they feel may bring them pain.

4. Pray, pray, pray. Don't just say you'll pray........mean it and do it!

5. Send them the link to this post so they can check out the resources that helped me:

http://stepforums.bethany.org/ -------Bethany Christian Services offers a web forum where people can discuss their particular fertility issues with others facing similar situations. It can be done anonymously and offers lots of real advice from real people who are walking the same road.
The following are some great Christian songs that REALLY gave me comfort:

Hillsong “Made Me Glad”
Casting Crown “Praise You in This Storm”
Ginny Owens “If You Want Me To”
“He Knows My Name”
Paul Colman “One Thing”
“Carry You” Amy Grant
Kutless “Strong Tower”
“We Thought You’d Be Here” Wes King
Bebo Norman “Borrow Mine”

There are quite a few books out there that deal with infertility. Some are okay.....some are terrible.......this one is G-R-E-A-T:

This book offers awesome devotionals and prayers for couples in the midst of waiting. It is beautifully written with great honestly and compassion by Ginger Garrett, who also struggled with infertility. It REALLY helped me!This isn't an infertility book. It tells the story of Lazarus and helps explain how God uses sad circumstances for His glory! It is so uplifting and encourages you to trust God's heart even in the hard times! This is my favorite book in the entire world! It has nothing to do with babies. It is a fictional story that explains how much the Good Shepherd loves you........that he loves making the impossible possible........that you can trust Him in ALL things.......that He is always with you......and that he will turn fear and suffering into beauty and blessings! Jeremy read passages of this book to me over and over. He read it to me before my IVF procedure and during all of my episodes of pre-term labor. This is an amazing story......it will really bless you and you'll never be the same!

Never forget that God is ...........

JEHOVAH-ROPHE: "The Lord Who Heals"

JEHOVAH-JIREH: "The Lord will Provide."

The Mud Bath........

So.......I have said numerous times that my sweet, little Karson is such a
"girly-girl".........I renege.

Due to the fact that we had some major tree work done in our back yard, we have some
"trenches" and bare spots in the grass. Last Friday, as Jeremy and I were working in the backyard, Karson kept begging to get in the baby pool. We weren't about to go there yet, so she found an alternative activity..........

The combination of the trenches and water run-off from the cleaned patio furniture made the perfect mud pit!

Her very impressionable, 10-second younger brother decided to join her.
But, he didn't even get half as dirty as she did!

The bathtub had to have a good bath after she got finished!
Doesn't this look like the face of the future Miss Mud Wrestling America!

Another One Bites the Dust........

Another one of my girlfriend's twenties has bitten the dust! My Sarah Swann roomie, Kelly, turned the BIG 3-0 last week. I am thankful that all of my friends are finally catching up with me! It was cool turning 16 and 18 first......but not leaving my twenties before everyone else!

This is so not the most flattering pic of me and the birthday girl......but I have no pride!

We celebrated with a cookout, a bonfire and a CNC roomie slumber party! Okay, it wasn't that much of a slumber party......no chick flicks or make-overs. But, even though we had to share beds with our hubbies, we still managed to eat a lot of junk food and get in a little long over-due girl talk! Here is another of my CNC roomies, Dara, and her hubby Jason. Thank goodness she finally snagged him! He was our next door neighbor, and I thought I was never gonna make it through my Senior English Seminar class due to Dara's constant stalking of him on our front porch which was right under my bedroom window! I can still hear her giggling as they sat in plastic chairs all night talking! Now, these college sweethearts are expecting their first baby in November!!! Yay! I can't wait!!

This is my other roomie, Cara, and her hubby Keith. Don't they look like brother and sister? Cara made some really yummy food for the party! I'm glad she didn't cook like that when we lived together or I would have been in BIG trouble!

And here is my sweet hubby who gave up his weekend to sleep on a air-mattress and listen to repeat tales of our Carson-Newman glory days! What a guy!

Kickin' it Old Skool

Songs from middle school dances will be forever etched in my mind. As much as I'd like to forget most of those painful nights standing against the wall with frizzy-hair sprayed so stiff that my bangs could stand at attention for a week, wearing my favorite tight-rolled Guess jeans, Esprit t-shirt and white K-Swiss.......I just can't help but reminisce about the music. The fast songs stand out especially.......probably because those were the only songs I ever had the opportunity to dance to! My hubby remembers those songs too but with a little less pain.........(he actually got to dance to Vanessa Williams and Brian Adams with someone other than a pillow ;)

Anyway, we both had a good laugh when our play dough lovin' twins donned noses that resembled this: What middle school kid from our generation could forget Digital Underground's "Humpty Dance" There will be absolutely NO "Humpty Dancin" for the Oz kids, but the noses were pretty cute. So, cute that Mommy and Daddy Oz pulled out a couple of old dance moves......just for old times sake.

"Now gather 'round

I'm the new fool in town

And my sound's laid down by the underground"

......The lyrics get a little "shady" after this point.

Actually, I can't believe they even played this song at school!

Just wait till I'm a chaperone!

Truly, Madly, Deeply

I love the conversations I have with Brady in the car! This was the highlight of my chat with him on our way to the grocery store today:

He was wearing his Furman football hat, so I said, "You look so handsome in your Furman hat! Did you know that Daddy played football for Furman?"

Brady: "Yay-yes. Did you play too Mommy?"

Me: "No Bud. I didn't even go to Furman. I went to Carson-Newman."

Brady: "Oh."

Me: "Daddy and I weren't even friends then. But later, he fell madly in love with me!!"

Brady: (Looking at me in all seriousness, with pity in his eyes) "Mommy, Daddy's not mad! Don't worry, he's not mad at you mommy!!"

He's Alive!

“It's true. The Lord has risen!" Luke 24:34

We had a great time celebrating the resurrection of our Savior this weekend! Since Jeremy does have a degree in "chemicals," I let him be the egg dying master this year. Karson served well as his little associate sticker-putter-on-er technician. Brady helped too; but after he used up all of the Diego stickers, he was kinda done.Most of the Noggin crew were represented here...... along with some of the true symbols of Easter. I'm still not sure how I feel about the whole "Easter Bunny thing." I guess it is not any sillier to tell your children that a rabbit sneaks into their house to leave candy than it is to explain the bit about a fat guy squeezing down the chimney. Still, I am bothered a little bit more about the bunny. I mean, there were gifts given to baby Jesus by the wise men......but was there a rabbit giving out Peeps outside of the empty tomb? It just seems like that bunny takes over Easter more than Santa does Christmas.

However, even though I'm still not sold on him, the bunny did end up visiting and sent the twins on a scavenger hunt to find their goodies.

He hid clues all over the house.......in the closet...In the playroom.......In the tub.......Karson and Brady loved the hunt and their baskets! That smart Easter Bunny knew just what they needed......socks & a bathing suit.....play clothes.......worship CDs. He even threw in some play dough and candy.Here is Miss Priss leaving for church with her purse and hat.....little girls are so fun!And here is our future Republican nominee for President. "Hey Guys, you'd better vote for me!"

I would have so put him in a little seer-sucker suit with knee-socks and a bow tie....but you know Daddy wasn't having that. Last year's, Strasburg Jon Jon and white buckle shoes did me in.I can always count on them to pose perfectly for pictures....ha! This was the best outta 10....at least there is no nose picking or crotch flashing! After church, we headed to my grandmother's (Mema's) house for a wonderful lunch!

The twins loved playing in her yard........

And searching for the one million eggs that were "hidden." (aka--sitting in the grass)

Brady has found an egg and looks like he is dancing in a Broadway musical.

We had an all-around wonderful day, and we hope you did too! Yay Jesus!

"For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace." Romans 6:14

That's My King!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this video! Our church has shown it before.......but showing it today....on Easter was even more powerful! Pause my music, listen and be blessed!

A Little Crafty-Poo for My Two

I am jealous of same sex twin mamas because they can coordinate their children's wardrobe to match so easily. Boy/Girl twins are tough to coordinate. Every now and then, you can find some cute "family" style designs at Old Navy or The Children's Place. Since Jeremy and Dave Ramsey have both put a firm stop to the matching boutique Jon Jons & smocked dresses (Jeremy--because he is no longer cool with Brady wearing knee socks or white sandals---pretty much a requirement for Jon Jon's........and Dave Ramsey---well, you know.......the whole budget thing ;)

Anyway.....because I am determined to have a little matching toddler fun while I still can......I made some matching shirts out of $3.50 Wal-Mart tee's, some web fuse and some scrap fabric. I may sew around the edges of the letters........we'll see.

This is super easy! Print out a letter in a cute font, get out your scissors and plug in the iron! In the words of the crew from Yo Gabba Gabba, "Try it......you'll like it!"

Oh No!

Oh NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Is the reaction I think my friend Steve had when I turned to him and said, "Look! We're gonna be family!," as his son, Aiden, and Karson got a little friendly at a birthday party last weekend. Steve kept calling Karson "mini Kristen" (cause he thinks she looks so much like me). Since we have known each other since the first grade, he has quite a lot of funny stories he could tell on his son's potential mother-in-law! I think just the thought of "mini Kristen" getting a little fresh with his baby boy had him a little worried.I think they are ready to follow in their parents' footsteps........playing on the worst T-ball team in CH Optimist history, hosting at Red Lobster and spending quite a bit of their college summer breaks watching bad 80's movies and eating at Perkins.........okay, maybe not. For now, they are happy just to play in the dirt. But, you'd better get ready Steve. You are in charge of covering the rehearsal dinner......and I'm sure "mini Kristen" will be thinking steak and lobster!

Tetelestai!

Your blood speaks a better word

Than all the empty claims

I’ve heard upon this earth

Speaks righteousness for me

And stands in my defense

Jesus it’s Your blood
[Chorus]What can wash away our sins?

What can make us whole again?

Nothing but the blood

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

What can wash us pure as snow?

Welcomed as the friends of God

Nothing but Your blood

Nothing but Your blood King Jesus
Your cross testifies in grace

Tells of the Father’s heart to make a way for us

Now boldly we approach

Not by earthly confidence

It’s only by Your blood
[Chorus]
We thank You for the blood

We thank You for the blood
We praise You for the blood

We praise You for the blood
Nothing but Your blood

Nothing but Your blood King Jesus

I just love this version of “Nothing But the Blood” by Matt Redman! We sang this at church yesterday during communion, and it really made me think about the true miracle of God’s grace. As we approach Good Friday, I pray that you know and understand what the Cross means for those who have accepted Christ as their Savior. I love the first verse of this song which says, “[Your blood] speaks righteousness for me and stands in my defense.” It is the blood and only the blood of Jesus that makes us righteous. Someday, when we, as Christians, stand before our Father in Heaven, Jesus will literally stand in as our defense lawyer and say that all charges against us have been dropped, erased, forgiven………forgotten!

I also love the last verse that explains that we can boldly approach the throne of grace “not by earthly confidence…..it’s only by your blood.” This Friday, remember that when Jesus said, “Tetelestai (It is finished!),” as he died on the Cross,……..He literally meant that our debts have been paid in full!

Merrill Tenney (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, IX, 185) notes that the verb, Tetelestai, was used in the first and second centuries in the sense of “fulfilling” or “paying” a debt and often appeared in receipts. “It is finished” (Tetelestai) could be interpreted as “Paid in full.” “Paid in full” means that once a thing is paid for, you never have to pay for it again. In fact, “paid in full” means that once a thing is paid for, it is foolish to try to pay for it again. God is offering you salvation free of charge. That’s what Tetelestai means. Jesus paid in full so you wouldn’t have to pay anything. Our salvation has been accomplished solely by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who died in our place. Because our debt has been “paid in full” nothing…..no good deeds, no ceremonies, no submission to “rules or regulations” by any church, no effort or works can add in the very least degree to the value of the blood, or to the merit of the finished work of Jesus Christ. As Romans 10:4 puts it, Christ is “the end of the law.”

God loved you so much that He sent Jesus to pay the complete price for your sins so that one day you can live with Him FOREVER in Heaven! You can take this to the bank! If you have asked Jesus to live in your heart, He has already signed off beside your name in His receipt book…….. Tetelestai…..Paid in Full.

It is because we love our Defender, Redeemer, Savior…..that we live for Him, love Him and try to honor and please Him. Remembering His Body that was broken for us and His Blood that was shed……… is why we praise Him and desire to live according to His word………not because we have anything more to gain…….but because we are so very thankful that the Cross means Tetelestai…..Paid in Full!

Galatians 2:20-21 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

Easter Craftiness

I have been collecting scrap material for a while to use for some little projects. I have seen tutorials for such cute and simple crafts on lots of ladies' blogs. I finally got up the nerve to try one. I made these bags for my brother's little boys for Easter and filled them with some goodies.

You simply iron cute material onto web fuse (I used heavy duty). Then you trace the letters onto the back of the web fuse (make sure your letters are written backwards). Then you cut out the letters and follow the instructions for ironing them onto your bag or t-shirt.

The first one I did not turn out quite as planned. I used my Aunt Joanie's Cricut Expressions Machine to cut out the letters. I saw an infomercial where they showed how easy this was... and it seemed to work perfectly on TV.......not so much in real life. Don't try it. It was way more work than just doing it by hand. The letters were way too big to fit on the bag........but when we tried to make them smaller........the machine ripped the material. I made the letters fit, but it wasn't the look I was going for. Thanks Aunt Joanie for helping me......at least we know that you can't believe everything you seen on TV!

The next one I made turned out perfectly. I just chose a cool font from my computer and printed out out the letters. I cut them out and traced them onto the back of the web fuse. It was way easier than using the machine.......really!I really think these letters will stay on forever! Make sure you go around the edges of the letters with fray ease or some kind of anti-fray agent before you iron them on. I got the bags 3 for $5 at Hobby Lobby. I saw in the paper today that the bags are 50% off this week! Keep a scrap material stash and make your own. These bags are super cheap and super easy!

Dressing Your Diva for $5 or Less

Spring is here and so are all the children's consignment sales! Last weekend, I made it to three. I found lots of cute stuff and some pretty good deals. However, what you really have to watch out for at those sales are the vendors........the bow ladies in particular. I must admit that Dave Ramsey would not be pleased if he saw my bow tab........those monogrammed bows just sucked me in! But, I easily did pass up the $45 dresses that another vendor was selling. As Hannah Montana would say, "45 dollars.......say what?????????" Are you joking? So, I made one instead.....not exactly the same.....cuter I think! It cost $5.........now that's more like it!

These are so easy to make! I know I should have a big hot-pink K monogrammed on it, but then it wouldn't be a $5 dress and that was kinda the whole point.....right? Someday, I may post a tutorial for this dress.......but it would be a novel.......and right now the hubster is almost finished giving the kids a bath.....so I'm about to be summoned for duty. But, you can google for free pillow-case dress tutorials or come on over (after 9:00 pm when my two demanding little bosses let me off work for a few hours) and I'll show you how!

I also passed up the cute flower barrettes at another vendor's stand......because again, I whispered (probably a little too loudly) I can so make that. She wanted $6......it cost me about $1(maybe less) I got these flower stems at Michael's for 50 cents.

Obviously, you have to cut the flower off the stem. Then, you have to detach it from this little green part below.Completely disassemble the flower. This one consisted of 3 parts. Hot glue the parts on top of each other onto a alligator clip or barrette (these come in packs at any craft store for about $1.99). What a super easy project for the little Diva in your life!