Well, I guess I've neglected the ol' blog for almost a year now! A LOT has happened since the last post. Most of you that will read this know already but I'm PREGNANT! I'm 32 weeks pregnant in fact so it's pretty much old news by now. Being pregnant has been an amazing experience for me. I have loved it. Knock on wood, I haven't experienced any morning sickness or nausea or anything of the sorts. The first trimester I was EXTREMELY tired but other than that I was just thankful to be pregnant! Second trimester was great! I had a surge of energy around week 14 and that stayed until around week 28. I'm still not feeling as tired as I was in the first trimester but the tiredness is coming back! I was able to go to 7 out of 11 AR football games this season! Jarred ordered me a seatback b/c I've had some back pain and that was WELL worth the money. I couldn't have made it through the games without it. Luckily, Arkansas had a great season this year so it was fun going to all the games. We even traveled to Nashville to see the Hogs play at Vanderbilt with my family.
Jarred and I have attended 3 prenatal classes so far (Birthing/Hospital Tour, Infant CPR & Safety, & Breastfeeding) and we have our last class tonight (Newborn Care). I guess once we finish class tonight we'll be "officially" ready to be parents! :) The classes have been great for both of us. We have really learned a lot and since I haven't read ANY books I feel lots more informed than before and actually more at ease about the whole labor/delivery process! I'm getting to a point where I'm READY to meet this little girl- not so much as nervous about the labor as I am excited to be a mommy!! She does have a name too- Callie Marie Crow.
We have 2 baby showers this weekend (one from my work and one from my church) and I'm so excited! So far we have a glider (from my Mimi), a crib, and a dresser! My mom and brother painted the nursery purple (light purple) and green and mom made a curtain for the window. Other than that we're just waiting to see what we get at the shower's and we'll fill in the rest of what we need afterwards. My parents, Mimi, In-laws, 3 sister-n-laws, 3 nieces, and best friend from back home will all be coming to the showers this weekend. I am pumped to see everyone! Callie is so blessed to have such an amazing family surrounding her! She's been prayed about for a long time now and we're all excited to meet her.
There's just a little update on life as we know it these days. Callie's a mover- she's kicking me all the time but I honestly love it. We'll be meeting her soon and I'm sure I'll have more to say once she gets here. Thank you to everyone for your prayers for our family, they have not been forgotten!
~Jennifer
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
On my heart
Quite a bit has been on my heart lately and I guess it's time I share with the blogging world. I'm sitting here monitoring a test for my residents, so I'm out of my office, done with all my paperwork, and just sitting in silence, thinking. I decided it was as good a time as any to get my thoughts out.
The past 2- 2 1/2 weeks have been a definite roller coaster of emotions. Still is a roller coaster, if I'm honest. Here's the story. Jarred and I have been trying to get pregnant since August 2009. It's been a long road but for the most part, up until recently, I feel like I've been handling it pretty well. Maybe I'm giving myself too much credit but I've tried to stay upbeat and positive about everything and to me I've done well. Maybe you should ask Jarred- he may not agree. HA! Anyways, I've had trouble with my cycle being normal- Back when we started I was doing triathlons, then training for a half marathon and it was killing my cycle. SO, after I suffered a stress fracture at the end of January 2010 (just before the half marathon in March) I decided to stop training so hard. Unfortunately, I got pretty down about not being able to do the half marathon and literally stopped doing all forms of exercise all together (I DON'T recommend this). Basically, I was wasting away (aka- getting FAT) and I was miserable but I was telling myself that I wasn't going to do anything b/c my cycle was starting to become more normal and I thought any exercise would mess me up- plus since my cycle was normal again I thought I'd just get pregnant pretty quick, have the baby, then start back to exercising. Well, as you probably guessed, that didn't happen. Not only was I not getting pregnant, I was not doing ANYTHING for my health! So, I had an apiphany (sp??) in about August or September of last year (yes, it's ridiculous that it took me that long to come back to reality) that I wasn't going to just stop living and only wait to get pregnant. It's ridiculous! It's miserable and not worth it at all. I was only focusing on getting pregnant but not taking care of myself at all. So...around September of 2010 I started doing better. I decided to try to eat right, to exercise some (not too much though, b/c I was still worried about my cycle), and just try to be more content with where we were along the journey. I have to say that it did help some but in October we decided to start doing the ovulation kits (hadn't started them earlier b/c Jarred and I both thought it would just add more stress). Well, the ovulation kits didn't seem to be working but we decided to keep using them b/c since my cycle is so weird they did help to figure out when I was ovulating (or so I thought). Well, by December of last year we still hadn't had any luck, Jarred was going to be traveling quite a bit during December and we decided to stop the ovulation kits. I was feeling like I was in a much better place with my attitude and knowing that God was in control and that whatever his timing is would be/will be MUCH better than anything that I can dream up. So, we stopped the ovulation kits. I did a "work-up" for the doctor in December, which just means, lots of blood work to tests ovaries, ovulation, etc and an HSG test, which I do NOT recommend but it shoots a dye through your falopian tubes to see if you have a blockage. Well, everything came back normal except for the ovulation tests. Basically my levels were so low they thought I wasn't ovulating. By the end of the month the doctor decided to have Jarred and I come in on January 7th to discuss clomid (sp??). This drug increases your ovulation. Well, I had really been wondering if the doctors were right. They were telling me that I probably wasn't ovulating and since we had done the ovulation kits prior I was confused. The ovulation kits gave me a positive sign that I was ovulating every month, now it wasn't the same time every month, like it is for some but I was at least getting a positive sign. So, when we arrived at our appointment on the 7th of January I told the nurse everything I was thinking and that I still hadn't started my period but that it was normal b/c my cycle is sometimes REALLY long. She seemed a little confused but asked when my last period was...I told her it was November 29th. She asked me if I had taken a pregnancy test and I told her I had the week before but it was negative. She said well, it's probably still negative but just in case, let's take another while you're here. WELL...turns out that was my first POSITIVE pregnancy test ever! So, the doctor, who thinks she's coming in to talk to me about how I'm not ovulating and to discuss options regarding clomid, comes in to find that I've just had a positive pregnancy test. Luckily, Jarred was with me at this appointment and since I was in so much shock (crying hysterically, couldn't talk, etc.) he asked all the questions to the doctor. How did she get pregnant if she's not ovulating? Are you sure this is a positive pregnancy test? We've never seen one of those before so can you just MAKE SURE it's positive before you go getting my wife's hopes up?? Etc. Etc. Well, apparently the test they took to check my ovulation was done too early in my cycle (since, once again, my cycle is so weird) and my levels weren't where they normally are for normal people. Surprise! I'm not normal! Well, anyways, she reassures us, YES, you did get pregnant! You are 100% pregnant! Enjoy this time!!! Then she tacks on, but I want you to be cautiously optimistic b/c anything can happen! Well, we leave estactic and as we leave we schedule the appointment for our first ultrasound to see our baby- Monday, January 24th!
Well, lots of things have happened since the HIGH of finding out we were pregnant. We went on a cruise with my family over the weekend of the 15-16 of January and we decided to go ahead and tell them then. We knew it was early but all I could think was nothings going to happen, we've been waiting so long for this to happen, God wouldn't let anything happen now!!! So, we told my family! The cruise ended on Monday, January 17th and unfortunately that's the same day I lost the baby. I started bleeding almost immediately when we landed in Galveston and throughout that entire week (last week) I cramped and bled. It was AWFUL. We went from being on the highest of highs to now what feels like the lowest of lows. I have struggled to figure out why this happened. I still don't really know and I guess I never will.
Jarred and I feel EXTREMELY loved. Our family, church family, friends, etc have just surrounded us with meals, cards, phone calls, texts, etc. You name it we've received it. It's something that's so hard for me to accept too. Especially the meals. Basically, I'm learning that one way of serving is actually letting people serve you. It's very humbling.
Throughout the last week I have been through every emotion imaginable. I feel very blessed that we were able to get pregnant! What a blessing!!! I mean, two weeks ago we weren't really sure that was possible and now we know it is! And we didn't have to use any medicines or anything, so YES, it's a great blessing. That is what I'm trying to focus on. I think that's been the hardest part for me, focusing on the blessing rather than the loss. I know that lots of people go through miscarriages and I feel lucky to have never heard a heartbeat or seen an ultrasound but I'm still having a hard time with this! I guess I will for a while. Jarred keeps telling me it's normal to grieve, I just don't want to be in this valley anymore!
Here are the positives (I think I need to do this)
1. WE CAN GET PREGNANT!
2. WE ARE BEYOND BLESSED WITH SUPPORT
3. JARRED AND I HAVE GROWN SO MUCH AS A COUPLE THROUGH THIS PROCESS
4. WE ONLY HAVE TO WAIT TO TRY AGAIN UNTIL MY PERIOD COMES (2 - 6 WEEKS)
5. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER HAS A WONDERFUL PLAN FOR OUR LIVES, ALL WE NEED TO DO IS TRUST IN HIM.
I'm not sure what else to say. I guess, just pray for our family right now. Pray that my period will come sooner rather than later. Pray for a successful pregnancy. Pray for us to TRUST in Our Savior!
With Love-
Jennifer
The past 2- 2 1/2 weeks have been a definite roller coaster of emotions. Still is a roller coaster, if I'm honest. Here's the story. Jarred and I have been trying to get pregnant since August 2009. It's been a long road but for the most part, up until recently, I feel like I've been handling it pretty well. Maybe I'm giving myself too much credit but I've tried to stay upbeat and positive about everything and to me I've done well. Maybe you should ask Jarred- he may not agree. HA! Anyways, I've had trouble with my cycle being normal- Back when we started I was doing triathlons, then training for a half marathon and it was killing my cycle. SO, after I suffered a stress fracture at the end of January 2010 (just before the half marathon in March) I decided to stop training so hard. Unfortunately, I got pretty down about not being able to do the half marathon and literally stopped doing all forms of exercise all together (I DON'T recommend this). Basically, I was wasting away (aka- getting FAT) and I was miserable but I was telling myself that I wasn't going to do anything b/c my cycle was starting to become more normal and I thought any exercise would mess me up- plus since my cycle was normal again I thought I'd just get pregnant pretty quick, have the baby, then start back to exercising. Well, as you probably guessed, that didn't happen. Not only was I not getting pregnant, I was not doing ANYTHING for my health! So, I had an apiphany (sp??) in about August or September of last year (yes, it's ridiculous that it took me that long to come back to reality) that I wasn't going to just stop living and only wait to get pregnant. It's ridiculous! It's miserable and not worth it at all. I was only focusing on getting pregnant but not taking care of myself at all. So...around September of 2010 I started doing better. I decided to try to eat right, to exercise some (not too much though, b/c I was still worried about my cycle), and just try to be more content with where we were along the journey. I have to say that it did help some but in October we decided to start doing the ovulation kits (hadn't started them earlier b/c Jarred and I both thought it would just add more stress). Well, the ovulation kits didn't seem to be working but we decided to keep using them b/c since my cycle is so weird they did help to figure out when I was ovulating (or so I thought). Well, by December of last year we still hadn't had any luck, Jarred was going to be traveling quite a bit during December and we decided to stop the ovulation kits. I was feeling like I was in a much better place with my attitude and knowing that God was in control and that whatever his timing is would be/will be MUCH better than anything that I can dream up. So, we stopped the ovulation kits. I did a "work-up" for the doctor in December, which just means, lots of blood work to tests ovaries, ovulation, etc and an HSG test, which I do NOT recommend but it shoots a dye through your falopian tubes to see if you have a blockage. Well, everything came back normal except for the ovulation tests. Basically my levels were so low they thought I wasn't ovulating. By the end of the month the doctor decided to have Jarred and I come in on January 7th to discuss clomid (sp??). This drug increases your ovulation. Well, I had really been wondering if the doctors were right. They were telling me that I probably wasn't ovulating and since we had done the ovulation kits prior I was confused. The ovulation kits gave me a positive sign that I was ovulating every month, now it wasn't the same time every month, like it is for some but I was at least getting a positive sign. So, when we arrived at our appointment on the 7th of January I told the nurse everything I was thinking and that I still hadn't started my period but that it was normal b/c my cycle is sometimes REALLY long. She seemed a little confused but asked when my last period was...I told her it was November 29th. She asked me if I had taken a pregnancy test and I told her I had the week before but it was negative. She said well, it's probably still negative but just in case, let's take another while you're here. WELL...turns out that was my first POSITIVE pregnancy test ever! So, the doctor, who thinks she's coming in to talk to me about how I'm not ovulating and to discuss options regarding clomid, comes in to find that I've just had a positive pregnancy test. Luckily, Jarred was with me at this appointment and since I was in so much shock (crying hysterically, couldn't talk, etc.) he asked all the questions to the doctor. How did she get pregnant if she's not ovulating? Are you sure this is a positive pregnancy test? We've never seen one of those before so can you just MAKE SURE it's positive before you go getting my wife's hopes up?? Etc. Etc. Well, apparently the test they took to check my ovulation was done too early in my cycle (since, once again, my cycle is so weird) and my levels weren't where they normally are for normal people. Surprise! I'm not normal! Well, anyways, she reassures us, YES, you did get pregnant! You are 100% pregnant! Enjoy this time!!! Then she tacks on, but I want you to be cautiously optimistic b/c anything can happen! Well, we leave estactic and as we leave we schedule the appointment for our first ultrasound to see our baby- Monday, January 24th!
Well, lots of things have happened since the HIGH of finding out we were pregnant. We went on a cruise with my family over the weekend of the 15-16 of January and we decided to go ahead and tell them then. We knew it was early but all I could think was nothings going to happen, we've been waiting so long for this to happen, God wouldn't let anything happen now!!! So, we told my family! The cruise ended on Monday, January 17th and unfortunately that's the same day I lost the baby. I started bleeding almost immediately when we landed in Galveston and throughout that entire week (last week) I cramped and bled. It was AWFUL. We went from being on the highest of highs to now what feels like the lowest of lows. I have struggled to figure out why this happened. I still don't really know and I guess I never will.
Jarred and I feel EXTREMELY loved. Our family, church family, friends, etc have just surrounded us with meals, cards, phone calls, texts, etc. You name it we've received it. It's something that's so hard for me to accept too. Especially the meals. Basically, I'm learning that one way of serving is actually letting people serve you. It's very humbling.
Throughout the last week I have been through every emotion imaginable. I feel very blessed that we were able to get pregnant! What a blessing!!! I mean, two weeks ago we weren't really sure that was possible and now we know it is! And we didn't have to use any medicines or anything, so YES, it's a great blessing. That is what I'm trying to focus on. I think that's been the hardest part for me, focusing on the blessing rather than the loss. I know that lots of people go through miscarriages and I feel lucky to have never heard a heartbeat or seen an ultrasound but I'm still having a hard time with this! I guess I will for a while. Jarred keeps telling me it's normal to grieve, I just don't want to be in this valley anymore!
Here are the positives (I think I need to do this)
1. WE CAN GET PREGNANT!
2. WE ARE BEYOND BLESSED WITH SUPPORT
3. JARRED AND I HAVE GROWN SO MUCH AS A COUPLE THROUGH THIS PROCESS
4. WE ONLY HAVE TO WAIT TO TRY AGAIN UNTIL MY PERIOD COMES (2 - 6 WEEKS)
5. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER HAS A WONDERFUL PLAN FOR OUR LIVES, ALL WE NEED TO DO IS TRUST IN HIM.
I'm not sure what else to say. I guess, just pray for our family right now. Pray that my period will come sooner rather than later. Pray for a successful pregnancy. Pray for us to TRUST in Our Savior!
With Love-
Jennifer
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Thanksgiving
Well, I guess this is long overdue but I'll post about it anyway!
Jarred and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This year we had Thanksgiving with Jarred's family (we alternate the holidays). This was the first year that they had Thanksgiving in Searcy at Jarred's parents house. Normally, we go to Flippin, AR to see Jarred's Nanny but as she's gotten older she doesn't do the cooking anymore and it's easier for Bernetta (Jarred's mom) to cook from her own kitchen. It was a nice change. I sat at the table with Jarred and his brothers and learned that this is the FIRST time in like 18 years, or something crazy like that, that Jarred's older brother Jeff has had Thanksgiving with his parents! They usually stay in Searcy to be with his wife's family but this year since we were all in Searcy they joined us. It was great to be with family and enjoy the holidays!
I got to help with a lot of the cooking this year! It was awesome! I made my green bean bundles, jello pretzel salad, devilled eggs (which I learned was my father-n-law's favorite!), and some cookies! I LOVE to cook so it was fun to get asked to bring something! I am sad that I don't have a picture of the spread because my camera batteries died and I've been too lazy to go to the store to get batteries...AND when I go to the store for normal stuff I ALWAYS forget! Maybe I'll get some batteries before Christmas! Guess you'll find out when you read my Christmas post!
Anyways, we stayed in Searcy Wednesday and Thursday night and came home Friday afternoon. Once we got home it was time to start decorating for Christmas! I LOVE to decorate for Christmas and I love to do it AS SOON AFTER THANKSGIVING AS POSSIBLE! So...while Jarred watched the AL vs. Auburn game Friday afternoon, I decorated for Christmas! I got my tree up and put all the ornaments on (except for Jarred's ornaments that he put on after the game was over), decorated my mantle, put a few Christmas odds and ends in my kitchen and on another table in my living room, and put up some lights around the entry to my house! I wanted to put up the rest of the outside lights that day but unfortunately we ran out of daylight! Our outside lights are up now though! My brother came with his really long ladder and put them up for us! They looked awesome until yesterday when one of my strands went out and now I need him to come back!!! I'm going to buy one more strand of lights to fix that one and hopefully we can get them up and running again. I LOVE OUTSIDE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! They just make me VERY happy! There is a picture of our house all lit up on my facebook page!
Saturday was probably one of our most memorable football game experiences EVER! The #12 HOGS beat #5 LSU which has now moved us up to #7 and them down to (I THINK) #10 AND...wait for it...wait for it...since Auburn beat South Carolina in the SEC Championship game...wait for it...wait for it...WE'RE GOING TO THE SUGAR BOWL BABY!!!! Jarred is beyond excited. I think HOG fans everywhere are excited about this. No one moved from their seats after the game was over. Normally the crowd starts clearing immediately to rush to their cars but not this time! They were all so excited that they (including us) stayed in their spots and sang "Pour some sugar on me!" multiple times! We ordered our tickets on Monday after the LSU game not even knowing if Auburn would win (which turned out to be a blow out!). So...on January 3rd we'll be heading down to Louisiana to the Superdome to watch the HOGS in their first BSC Bowl game EVER!
So, all in all, the Thanksgiving weekend was fantastic! I enjoyed every minute of being with family and friends and my sweet hubby! I'm so thankful for him! He's been gone to Vegas this week for his annual board meeting and he gets back TONIGHT! I can't wait to see him! As I finish I'll leave you with this verse I came upon today while reading an excerpt from a book that a friend recommended to me. It really spoke to me especially with what Jarred and I have been going through with trying to get pregnant. Maybe it will be an encouragement to you to.
Habakkuk 3: 17 - 19
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights."
~Jennifer
Jarred and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This year we had Thanksgiving with Jarred's family (we alternate the holidays). This was the first year that they had Thanksgiving in Searcy at Jarred's parents house. Normally, we go to Flippin, AR to see Jarred's Nanny but as she's gotten older she doesn't do the cooking anymore and it's easier for Bernetta (Jarred's mom) to cook from her own kitchen. It was a nice change. I sat at the table with Jarred and his brothers and learned that this is the FIRST time in like 18 years, or something crazy like that, that Jarred's older brother Jeff has had Thanksgiving with his parents! They usually stay in Searcy to be with his wife's family but this year since we were all in Searcy they joined us. It was great to be with family and enjoy the holidays!
I got to help with a lot of the cooking this year! It was awesome! I made my green bean bundles, jello pretzel salad, devilled eggs (which I learned was my father-n-law's favorite!), and some cookies! I LOVE to cook so it was fun to get asked to bring something! I am sad that I don't have a picture of the spread because my camera batteries died and I've been too lazy to go to the store to get batteries...AND when I go to the store for normal stuff I ALWAYS forget! Maybe I'll get some batteries before Christmas! Guess you'll find out when you read my Christmas post!
Anyways, we stayed in Searcy Wednesday and Thursday night and came home Friday afternoon. Once we got home it was time to start decorating for Christmas! I LOVE to decorate for Christmas and I love to do it AS SOON AFTER THANKSGIVING AS POSSIBLE! So...while Jarred watched the AL vs. Auburn game Friday afternoon, I decorated for Christmas! I got my tree up and put all the ornaments on (except for Jarred's ornaments that he put on after the game was over), decorated my mantle, put a few Christmas odds and ends in my kitchen and on another table in my living room, and put up some lights around the entry to my house! I wanted to put up the rest of the outside lights that day but unfortunately we ran out of daylight! Our outside lights are up now though! My brother came with his really long ladder and put them up for us! They looked awesome until yesterday when one of my strands went out and now I need him to come back!!! I'm going to buy one more strand of lights to fix that one and hopefully we can get them up and running again. I LOVE OUTSIDE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! They just make me VERY happy! There is a picture of our house all lit up on my facebook page!
Saturday was probably one of our most memorable football game experiences EVER! The #12 HOGS beat #5 LSU which has now moved us up to #7 and them down to (I THINK) #10 AND...wait for it...wait for it...since Auburn beat South Carolina in the SEC Championship game...wait for it...wait for it...WE'RE GOING TO THE SUGAR BOWL BABY!!!! Jarred is beyond excited. I think HOG fans everywhere are excited about this. No one moved from their seats after the game was over. Normally the crowd starts clearing immediately to rush to their cars but not this time! They were all so excited that they (including us) stayed in their spots and sang "Pour some sugar on me!" multiple times! We ordered our tickets on Monday after the LSU game not even knowing if Auburn would win (which turned out to be a blow out!). So...on January 3rd we'll be heading down to Louisiana to the Superdome to watch the HOGS in their first BSC Bowl game EVER!
So, all in all, the Thanksgiving weekend was fantastic! I enjoyed every minute of being with family and friends and my sweet hubby! I'm so thankful for him! He's been gone to Vegas this week for his annual board meeting and he gets back TONIGHT! I can't wait to see him! As I finish I'll leave you with this verse I came upon today while reading an excerpt from a book that a friend recommended to me. It really spoke to me especially with what Jarred and I have been going through with trying to get pregnant. Maybe it will be an encouragement to you to.
Habakkuk 3: 17 - 19
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights."
~Jennifer
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thankful!
As Thanksgiving is quickly approaching I'm going to make a list of the top 10 things I'm most thankful for...just to keep things in perspective! :)
1. My Heavenly Father and the gift He has given us so that one day we'll be able to be with Him in Heaven!
2. My Wonderful Husband and how as we grow in our marriage we begin to learn more and more about each other on a daily basis. We KNOW each other so well and I'm thankful for that.
3. My Family- this includes my parents, brothers, sister-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc. I have THE BEST family around. We all get along, we all love each other, we actually enjoy being together! I'm so thankful!
4. My In-Law Family- I actually enjoy Jarred's family too! I know this is unheard of but I really do. His parents are THE BEST as well and they treat me like I'm their own daughter. It's a wonderful relationship and I realize that's not something everyone can say so I'm thankful!
5. My Friends- Once again, I have THE BEST friends around. I have always known this but it's become more apparent to me lately. As I've been struggling with my own issues my friends have rallied around me and lifted me up in prayer. They are all so special to me and I'm thankful for them!
6. My Job- I really do like my job. It fits me. I have 2 amazing bosses that I really enjoy. One of my bosses I consider to me one of my best friends! She is like another mom to me and it's nice to have that when my Mom is far away! We like to call her and her husband our Little Rock parents!
7. My Home- I'm thankful that Jarred and I have been blessed with a home that is big enough to allow us to help our family. I'm posted about this earlier but we've been able to have my brother and his wife live with us since July. I'm thankful that we've been blessed and are able to share those blessings.
8. My Church Home- I'm thankful for PVCC because we've been blessed to be VERY involved. We've been given opportunities through PVCC that we may not have had elsewhere. Jarred and I were given the opportunity to work with an inner city school in NLR and have been blessed bc of it. I'm so thankful that someone saw something in us to allow us to have that blessing!
9. My Upbringing- Too often I get jealous of people that came to Christ on their own accord. I say things like, Man, that is impressive! They have such a better story than I do. What am I saying??? I grew up in the church and should be thankful that I did. I take that for granted too often! We all have a story and I shouldn't be ashamed of mine.
10. My Future- I don't know what the future holds for Jarred and I but I know that God has great things in store for us. I know that He will guide us. Whatever is next for us I wait for it with anticipation! Just like the song- While I'm waiting I will trust you Lord!
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving????
~Jennifer
1. My Heavenly Father and the gift He has given us so that one day we'll be able to be with Him in Heaven!
2. My Wonderful Husband and how as we grow in our marriage we begin to learn more and more about each other on a daily basis. We KNOW each other so well and I'm thankful for that.
3. My Family- this includes my parents, brothers, sister-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc. I have THE BEST family around. We all get along, we all love each other, we actually enjoy being together! I'm so thankful!
4. My In-Law Family- I actually enjoy Jarred's family too! I know this is unheard of but I really do. His parents are THE BEST as well and they treat me like I'm their own daughter. It's a wonderful relationship and I realize that's not something everyone can say so I'm thankful!
5. My Friends- Once again, I have THE BEST friends around. I have always known this but it's become more apparent to me lately. As I've been struggling with my own issues my friends have rallied around me and lifted me up in prayer. They are all so special to me and I'm thankful for them!
6. My Job- I really do like my job. It fits me. I have 2 amazing bosses that I really enjoy. One of my bosses I consider to me one of my best friends! She is like another mom to me and it's nice to have that when my Mom is far away! We like to call her and her husband our Little Rock parents!
7. My Home- I'm thankful that Jarred and I have been blessed with a home that is big enough to allow us to help our family. I'm posted about this earlier but we've been able to have my brother and his wife live with us since July. I'm thankful that we've been blessed and are able to share those blessings.
8. My Church Home- I'm thankful for PVCC because we've been blessed to be VERY involved. We've been given opportunities through PVCC that we may not have had elsewhere. Jarred and I were given the opportunity to work with an inner city school in NLR and have been blessed bc of it. I'm so thankful that someone saw something in us to allow us to have that blessing!
9. My Upbringing- Too often I get jealous of people that came to Christ on their own accord. I say things like, Man, that is impressive! They have such a better story than I do. What am I saying??? I grew up in the church and should be thankful that I did. I take that for granted too often! We all have a story and I shouldn't be ashamed of mine.
10. My Future- I don't know what the future holds for Jarred and I but I know that God has great things in store for us. I know that He will guide us. Whatever is next for us I wait for it with anticipation! Just like the song- While I'm waiting I will trust you Lord!
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving????
~Jennifer
Friday, October 29, 2010
Last Soup Recipe for October
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
1 1/2 lb. plum (roma) tomatoes, halved
5 TBSP olive oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 lb. sliced mushrooms, Crimini if you can get them
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can Campbell's chicken broth
1/3 cup tomato paste
pinch of sugar
3/4 cup whipping cream (I use fat-free 1/2 and 1/2)
Grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Place tomatoes cut side down in greased baking pan. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic and seasonings. Bake uncovered at 450 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until edges are browned. Cool slightly. Place tomatoes AND pan drippings in food processor or blender and process until smooth, then 1 more minute.
In a large saucepan or skillet, saute mushrooms and onions in 2 tablespoons of olive oil 5 to 8 minutes. They need to be tender, but not browned. Stir in everything except cream. Bring to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in cream. Garnish.
SO SO GOOD!! Serve with french bread (or your favorite bread) for dipping. If you want to MAKE your bread visit my good friend Carissa's blog (http://prettyhungrygirl.wordpress.com/) for instructions on how to make some FABULOUS bread! Her bread is FANTASTIC!
Enjoy!
~Jennifer
1 1/2 lb. plum (roma) tomatoes, halved
5 TBSP olive oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 lb. sliced mushrooms, Crimini if you can get them
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can Campbell's chicken broth
1/3 cup tomato paste
pinch of sugar
3/4 cup whipping cream (I use fat-free 1/2 and 1/2)
Grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Place tomatoes cut side down in greased baking pan. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic and seasonings. Bake uncovered at 450 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until edges are browned. Cool slightly. Place tomatoes AND pan drippings in food processor or blender and process until smooth, then 1 more minute.
In a large saucepan or skillet, saute mushrooms and onions in 2 tablespoons of olive oil 5 to 8 minutes. They need to be tender, but not browned. Stir in everything except cream. Bring to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in cream. Garnish.
SO SO GOOD!! Serve with french bread (or your favorite bread) for dipping. If you want to MAKE your bread visit my good friend Carissa's blog (http://prettyhungrygirl.wordpress.com/) for instructions on how to make some FABULOUS bread! Her bread is FANTASTIC!
Enjoy!
~Jennifer
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Waiting
A dear friend sent me this prayer that she prayed for both her and myself yesterday. We're both going through a rough time right now and I thought it was perfect. I thought I'd share the prayer with all of you.
"While I'm Waiting" by John Waller
I’m waiting I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait
I’m waiting I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord
Prayer has been difficult for me recently and the Lord has blessed me with a MUCH wiser friend who has been helping me through it. I haven't shared much about what I've been going through on my blog, I'm not sure I'm ready to open that can of worms. I just want to say that I'm thankful for friends that will encourage me when I'm down, even when they are down too. This is the second prayer she's sent me and they are always perfect. I want to be the kind of friend to others as she has been to me. Let's be encouraging to others around us, even when we may be going through a rough patch as well.
Faithfully Waiting...
~Jennifer
"While I'm Waiting" by John Waller
I’m waiting I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait
I’m waiting I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord
Prayer has been difficult for me recently and the Lord has blessed me with a MUCH wiser friend who has been helping me through it. I haven't shared much about what I've been going through on my blog, I'm not sure I'm ready to open that can of worms. I just want to say that I'm thankful for friends that will encourage me when I'm down, even when they are down too. This is the second prayer she's sent me and they are always perfect. I want to be the kind of friend to others as she has been to me. Let's be encouraging to others around us, even when we may be going through a rough patch as well.
Faithfully Waiting...
~Jennifer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)