(in)Fertility Friday + a Teacher DIY

I haven't done (in)Fertility Friday for a while because I had nothing good to say. I was mad and ready to give up on these stupid posts but I had a nagging in my heart to write one. An email came my way in which the writer told me that my blog really helped a couple of her friends who were struggling with infertility. The rawness and honesty of my thoughts encouraged them. And if I can be of help to even just one or two people then I will press on. Here we go!

Medical
Zippity Do Da to report here.

Emotional
I'm really trying to focus on being thankful for what I have and starting each day by thanking the Lord for my blessings. I'm not going to lie...I've been pissed off lately. Pregnancy announcement after announcement has had me begging for mercy. You would really think that I would get used to this by now but it hurts every time. I would even say that the pain and disappointment is getting worse as time goes on. I'm trying to hold out for January when we do IVF but I'm scared to put too much hope in that process either. I guess that's my way of protecting myself for failure. I'm in such a weird place of balancing my emotions right now. Trying to have hope but not too much hope etc.

Spiritual
Not only am I trying to be thankful but I'm also trying to surrender my plan on how to have another baby. It's not that I'm giving up hope, but giving up my plan of how I want this to happen (the timing, and means). His plan is the best plan and that means His timing is better than mine too. Here are some nuggets from a recent sermon that encouraged me to come out of my dark hole...

Character is Revealed When Life is Tough- by Tom Lance

During trials you figure out who you are. Jesus was not in this place (being crucified) because He sinned; it was God's plan for Him. The same goes for you. You are not experiencing this current trial (of infertility) because you sinned but because God has chosen this for you. Jesus had a choice (to die or not) that would reveal His true character; you have that same choice. To persevere on this path because you are called to, or to give up and do things your own way.

You can trust a God that allows trials. There are moments of "why me" but ultimately you should be trusting in His sovereign plan. Stop complaining and start trusting. God was preparing Jesus for more, to be a leader. He is doing this same thing for you right now. God puts us in trials to reveal our character.

How many times do you miss what God has for you because you are mad at the place God has allowed you to be?

Are you settling for less than what God has intended for your future?

Psalm 84:11 For the Lord is a sun and a shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

1 Thess 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

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Let's move on from the heavy stuff shall we? I was a day late and a dollar short on bringing Blair's preschool teachers a "first day of school" treat on the first day of school. I'm hoping they enjoy it on the second day of school just as much. :) I made them little apple shaped treat boxes (From Oh Happy Day) filled with Hershey Kisses and added a Starbucks gift card to the bottom (not pictured). It was super easy! Here's how:

Materials: Oh Happy Day print out, scissors, safety pin, toothpick, glue dots, candy, ruler

Materials

1. Cut out the pieces

2. Fold and score each edge

3. Add a mini glue dot to each tab

4. Adhere the bottom of the apple and do the same to the top, leaving the lid open

5. Fill with your candy of choice and use the safety pin to pierce the paper for the toothpick.

6. Close the lid and add your kiddos name (why do they get all the credit?!)

7. Voila! Handmade cuteness with chocolate and coffee...trust me teachers love that kind of gift.

As a former teacher myself I assure you nothing is better than getting chocolate/baked goods or Starbucks gift cards. Yes that pencil holder cup made out of crayons is cute. No, we do not want that. Give me the stuff I need to survive being with kids all day. If I wanted a cute pencil holder I would get crayons from the supply room and make one myself. Sorry, not sorry. Take my honestly and run with it! To Starbucks preferably...for your teacher's sake. ;)