Treats for School

I love to bake... I think we all know that by now! I really do enjoy getting the chance to bake for others too... that is the fun part.

At Z's school the staff takes turns in bringing treats. Every Wednesday some one brings in treats. Well, this week is Z's turn and yes... I did the baking. I made Sour Cream Brownies from a church cookbook, which is one of my favorite recipes. I also made chex mix, and last but not least... my favorite... cherry chip cupcakes with vanilla butter cream frosting. I have to say so myself, they turned out pretty good, and looks good too! I could get a tall glass of milk and tear into these, but I guess I will let all the teachers do that... they deserve it! They work so hard.

Surprise from my Fairy Godmother

As I pulled into our driveway after work yesterday, I see a pink paper by our front door. I go inside and open the door, there was a pretty pink package wrapped up from my Fairy Godmother. Now, I have written before about this mystery person. I have no idea who it is, but they must read my blog or is someone that I am close to and not coming forward because they have rewarded me with gifts, exactly when I need them! I usually do not like surprises, but I cannot tell you how this person has blessed me in their random acts of kindness.




The past few weeks have been a little difficult, I will be honest, and again my Fairy Godmother blessed me with a gift EXACTLY when I needed it. What a great gift to have on a Friday! I will definitely be breaking into this later.

I have to say, I loved the little note on the Lucky Charms box (clever wrapping by the way) because even if it was just a box of Lucky Charms, I would have been blessed by that. Just knowing that someone thought of me, wrote me a beautiful note that brought me to tears... it was exactly what I needed.

So, Fairy Godmother...whom ever you are, thank you for your random kindness. Your encouraging words were what I needed to hear. Thank you for thinking of me, silly little me, and blessing me with your time and creativity. I hope one day I can figure out who this creative person is to hug and SQUEEZE them. It has been such a blessing and amazing gift. It has brought me some comfort during this time for me. I will be cheering you as I drink my wine, eating my crackers and cheese. So fun, so joyful, so blessed by you. One day, I hope we can share a bottle of wine together through conversation. I hope one day I can return the favor. I truly have no idea what I did to deserve this, or anything... but thank you.

Number 2

Z and I were excited to find out several weeks ago that we were expecting again after our previous miscarriage. I cannot tell you the range of emotions I felt: excitement for this new life, closure, sadness, hopeful, apprehensive, joy, and many more. Not that we would ever forget our little baby with our miscarriage, but I was ready to close that chapter and move forward. We wanted to have a family, and knew God has blessed us with that desire. Now I realize... it might just happen in a different way than what I had expected.

We were in Iowa for a birthday weekend for Z's mom while I started spotting and having some complications. I knew what was happening as the same sequenced events happened just like the last one. I told Zack what was going on, but it was so hard to keep this to myself and go through something so hard when we are there to celebrate a birthday.

I went to the doctor on Monday only to find out that I, yet again, had miscarried. Granted this one was not as far along as the previous one, but this child was bringing me hope. I found as the doctor was talking about tests and things to do now moving forward... I never would have thought I would be having these conversations. As I was reading about one of the tests they want to do, it said in the information, "this test is performed on women who have a hard time carrying a pregnancy to term, or have had repeated miscarriages." Really... is this me?!? I never wanted to be here. I guess when you start trying for a family, you really have to be prepared for the "what ifs," and we take for granted so quickly how women can get pregnant no problem.

I know Z and I are truly blessed with all that the Lord has given us. We are ready for the journey that he has for us. Even when we lost Sam, Z's brother, I know the Lord is in it.... I just don't have to like it right now. I know some other women struggle with even getting pregnant or cannot at all. I do not want to discount what they are going through. I just know that what I am experiencing is hard for me, this is my journey, our journey.

I don't really know who reads this or why I really write... just an outlet for me to express what I am feeling I guess, and not have it blasted all over Facebook and have people look at me differently. I truly hope there isn't anyone offended that I am not personally calling and talking about this. It is hard, "Hi, how are you?" "Ok, just had a second miscarriage." It just creates such awkward conversation. Thanks for understanding about it. I do not want this to be an identity factor to me or who we are as a couple. This is just something, a trial, we are going through right now just as people loose a job, move, or have financial problems. If you do think of us, please pray for us as different tests are done that God will give my health care providers answers. That we can be a light for God in the midst of our sorrows. We can find what is going on and be blessed with a child, Lord willing.

Valentine's Around The House

I enjoy Valentine's Day. Not for the ushy gooshy cards and gestures, but I just love hearts. I love the colors and the cheeriness it brings to me. It is also the holiday that promises me that Spring is just around the corner, although this Minnesota winter has not been bad at all!
For Christmas I received a light up tree from At Home America. I decided that it has found a permanent place on our table in the entry way of our home. It doesn't just need to be for Christmas, does it?!? It is going to be my four seasons tree. I took the Christmas down a few weeks ago. I got creative while taking a break from making flowers and came of with these simple little heart ornaments for the tree. I really would like to make a garland of these to put along the mirror as well that is on the wall by the tree. It is amazing what I can do with my glue gun. I am looking forward to making more ornaments as the seasons change and holidays come. If you have any ideas let me know!

(This was my coffee cup during the project..inspiration? Maybe! Oh, and I am sure there will be Valentine's cookies coming soon! Those are my favorite to make!!)

Christmas Cookies

As most of you know... I LOVE making sugar cookies and decorating them. I had about 1o dozen to do for Christmas, and here are some of the designs I came up with for the holidays. Well, at least the designs I remembered to take pictures of cookies during baking.

I hope you all had an enjoyable holiday season!

DIY Coffee Table

Over the holidays we spent most of our time at home. It was wonderful because Z being a teacher, he had a whole week off. I had extra PTO time and was able to take the whole week off as well. We did a couple of projects around the house such as painting, building shelves, but I think my favorite project was a coffee table project.

We found this small coffee table at the local Salvation Army for $10. We liked the size, but we just didn't like the color. For a couple of dollars we got a new drawer pull and a can of spray paint. Here are some pictures of the before and after. It fits well, and we wanted a punch of color in our living room... I think it provides that for us. It was a fun, easy, and inexpensive way to brighten a room. Even though we have been in our house for a year, we are finally getting some fun and personal touches in our home. I thought the project was quite bold, but at the same time... I think it turned out quite well.