2011 is a year I will never forget. I have learned more this year than all my other years combined. If I had to pick a theme of 2011 it would be: keep moving forward.
Jeremy struggled working full time and traveling back and forth to Nashvegas for his EdD program. The work load from his program has been very overwhelming for my sweet husband and on multiple occasions we considered him quitting. However, my man kept moving forward and did not give up. Jeremy's hard work and determination has paid off. He now has adjusted to the demands of his program and balancing work... I have no doubt he will graduate next May. :)
My work situation has been hard and sometimes even harder than our infertility journey. I took this job right out school knowing my shift would be crappy. However, I was optimistic thinking it would get better NOT worse. It got worse. I tried SO SO hard to focus on the blessings of being employed. However, it was really hard not seeing Jeremy during the week, especially since we were both walking through the emotions of infertility. We needed each other, but we were both on opposite schedules. I also missed out on many bible studies, girls' socials, and get-togethers with friends. Finally at our breaking point, things started to ease up. I was ready to quit and never look back. No job is ever going to be more important than my marriage. NEVER EVER. However, I am thankful that even when I didn't think I could make it another day there, I continued to move forward with my job. I am happy to report my schedule has changed!!!! It's changing again to even better hours in February. I love being at HOME during the evenings with my husband and I pray we NEVER take it for granted. Can I get an AMEN:)
This past year was full of treatments, doctor visits, and hormones. We made many sacrifices to continue treatments. We had to save LOTS of money. Jeremy and I both cut out caffeine... even though he has started drinking coffee again with a vengeance:) I trained for a marathon (got up to 19 miles) and had to stop because God was leading us to do another IUI. We did 3 treatments in total: two IUIs and one fresh IVF cycle. We also tried every month in between. While our treatment schedule this past year was packed full and emotionally draining at times, He wanted us to keep moving forward. The hope and grace that is only found through Jesus Christ is what sustained us and continues to sustain us now. We grow weary at times, but I know this is God's plan for us. We have eight precious babies I think about constantly. For me, our embryos are a tangible example of Christ's love for me. Eight precious reasons to NEVER give up hope. Wow, my God really does love me and He doesn't want us to give up. In 2012, we will continue moving forward in our journey walk hand-in hand with our Father.
This Christmas we were not sad, instead we were very joyful. I think Christmas can always renew hope in one's heart through hearing countless stories about the birth of our Savior.
I did lots of fun crafting for family members (blog post to come). Crafting is good for the soul. Did you know that? It is, I promise. We enjoyed spending time together as a couple. Goodness gracious, I really felt like newlyweds again this holiday season. It was blissful. :) Oh and I got my camera.... I have been practicing on manual mode and completely hooked now!
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year. May 2012 be the year for many miracles!
