GO Diamond Dolls!!!!

It's that time of year again, softball!!  Laci decided not to play this year but Meg was super pumped about her first season!!  It's soo funny to watch the girls figure out the game.. they've been playing for a month or so and have already figured out so much.  If a ball was hit the first few games every player would run to it, tackle each other, then fight over the ball.  All the while the batter is rounding the bases.  They've started to figure out which base to go to, who gets the ball, and not to play in the dirt.  Amber and Brad are helping coach which is funny too because they're both so competitive!!

Megan and mommy, my sister Amber

Uncle Wes, Meg, & Uncle Benny

 post game talk

GO Diamond Dolls!!

 coach Brad (my brother-in-law) pitching to the girls

Meg & her daddy, Brad

 Meg hit her first home run, she was soooo pumped!!!!

 warming up in the circle

 hey batter, batter....

Ben and I look forward to her ballgames every week, we're so proud of you Meg!!

Happy Birthday Benny!!

Finally, something to blog about!!

On March 21 Ben had his 32nd birthday.  The day itself was spent like any other day, I worked & Ben had a class for his work.. thrilling really!!  That night we did get together at my parents house and had some things Ben requested.  He is not a huge mexican food fan but my sister makes this taco ring that he loves.  We kept with that theme and added cheese dip, salsa, bean dip, & homemade apple & chocolate pies per Bens wishes.

 Mexican food happens to be one of my favorites so the dips didn't stand a chance!!

Amber working on the taco ring

 the finished product..

Nonny, aka mom working on the apple & chocolate pies.. Wes thought she needed a little "eye black" on during the cooking (notice the flour on her face)

 the girls love celebrations and each made Ben birthday cards!!

 I'm sure I've mentioned that years ago Ben and I decided we wouldn't get each other presents or cards on holidays.. (Valentine's Day, birthdays, etc.) not because we're heartless, it's simply to save money.  Since it's just he and I we get what we need/want on a daily basis, no need for anything special just because.  I did have a present wrapped which caught him off guard.. he happened to get a box of contacts in the mail that day that I quickly snatched up and wrapped.  He thought it was funny but the girls were confused why he was so happy..

 at one point during the cooking we looked up and couldn't find Brynn.. apparently she can now open doors and was in a pile of mud in the back yard!!

 Ben and his sidekick Megan

fried pies :)

the birthday boy and I (we attempted this picture a few times but he could not keep his eyes open)

The Friday following his actual birthday we met his family at Cock of the Walk, yummmm!!!  Trent, our brother in law also has a birthday the end of March so we made it a joined gathering!!  I lucked out again because this restaurant is one of my favorites that we hardly ever go to..

 Cock of the Walk

the birthday boys, Trent & Ben

 after dinner we headed to Katherine & Trents house for dessert.. she had cupcakes designed with Razorbacks for Ben and Red Sox for Trent!!

Trent - Katherine - me - Ben

present time!!

Ben was showered with presents from family but this may be the best one from Kat & Trent!! 

We have always referred to our family as the "Griswolds" for more than one reason..

Ben had a great birthday and we're so fortunate to have each other, family, & friends that we do!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN, I LOVE YOU!!

I got nothing..

Who's ready for excuses??  Because that's all I've got for not updating this blog.. I've had good intentions for a month(s) but would rather be with family, take a bath, lay on the couch, or go to bed!!  I'm pretty sure I never updated our Grant Christmas, Dave's visit (Wesley's best friend & roommate from Georgia State), New Years Eve, Valentine's Day, nothing!!  I write this blog more for myself than anything else.. it's a way for me to release emotions I'd normally keep inside.  I guess that means things in my life are going pretty well or I'm just keeping everything to myself - ha I do have intentions of getting back into the swing of things..

I did blog about Ben graduating RN school and starting a job in the CVICU.. he's LOVING it there; his preceptor, boss, and fellow nurses which I am so thankful for.  My biggest prayer when he started this high stress job was that he would have good mentors.  He also took and passed the NCLEX-RN which is the national licensing board for registered nurses!!  HALLELUJAH, praise the lord!!

Ben and I still spend a ton of time with our nieces,..Laci, Megan, & Brynn!!  So much has gone on and changed with each of them lately, they're growing so fast!!  Laci and Megan got to go to Disney World with Amber & Brad last week and Brynn stayed with mom and dad.. Ben and I were there when we weren't working.  She is so funny & smart, we had a great time!! 

I'm typing this in bed and Avery, our 140lb baby is growling at me because my computer is in my lap and she can't curl into me... that's my cue!!  Yes, it's Friday night, 9:22 and I'm in bed.. truth be told I've been here since 8:30 :)

until next time, goodnight!!

2011 - then and now

2011 was another eventful year for our family. 

Personally and professionally we had some highs and lows..

Of course one of the main things that sticks out to me is our struggle with infertility and the road that's led us down.  We were fortunate enough to be able to do IVF, not once but twice.  The process was a success but we lost two embryos each time.  I can't put into words the anxiety, organization, stress, time, money, appointments, ultrasounds, shots, drugs, did I say money.. that goes into this process.  We thought we were prepared but when it's all said and done you feel like you're road kill.  In-Vitro is an amazing process when you think about it and it is successful for many people.  We ended up having issues with some of the staff at the fertility clinic and ultimately had to chose not to go back.  So the last few months of 2011 we, in regards to our infertility, went back to my regular OB, started taking Clomid, and enjoyed the holidays with family.  It's hard when you know you have issues (in our case, I don't make many eggs) to sit back, relax, & just try month after month....... Clomid is an inexpensive drug that you can take by mouth every month, we figured it couldn't hurt.. One of the hardest things I've ever done and continue to do every month is wait to see if mother nature comes or I'm pregnant.  Unless you've been there you do.not.understand.  I can't explain the anxiety that comes with those long short two weeks.  This is not a pity party or poor Sarah, this is real, my life.  Thankfully I am not alone, Ben is by my side every step of the way.  Along with Ben, I have both of our families & friends supporting and praying for us!! 

Speaking of Ben, or should I say Ben, RN!!!!  He finished nursing school the first few weeks of December and we couldn't be more excited!!  I've spoken briefly about Ben and his professional goals.. I've always joked since we met that he should of gone to med school.. I would've never believed that he would seriously go into the medical field, and love it!!  He received so many awards all the way through nursing school, he was that student that always did well on tests, teachers loved, always volunteered, never missed a day, studied 24/7, etc.. He was even highlighted for an article in the Baptist December paper!!  It's no wonder he finished RN school on the honor roll which is a victory in itself!!  He's worked in the ER for the past few years, first as an aide and currently as a LPN.  He's worked with wonderful people and hopes to stay on and work PRN for them.  Our ultimate goal is for him to go back to school in a few years (1 1/2 to be exact) but we'll take it one step at a time.  With what he wants to do he needs critical care experience.  As a new graduate it's not always easy to get hired on in the intensive care settings.  Ben was blessed to get an interview and ultimately offered a job in the CVICU!!  If you asked him his dream job before applying anywhere this is the place he said.  He will start working in the next couple of weeks as a registered nurse. 

Besides family vacations & work, IVF and school pretty much consumed our 2011.  That is not a bad thing, we learned a lot about each other, ourselves, and what we're made of professionally and personally. 

Crazy to think Ben and I are both registered nurses, have great jobs, families that love & support us, friends that stick by our side, even with our busy schedules, a dog that thinks she's human, nieces who think we're pretty special, and a God who loves us no matter what.  When you think about it, what more could you ask for?!! 

2012 - bring it on!!

Mizell Christmas

This year it worked out best for every ones schedule to have Christmas with Ben's immediate family on Christmas Eve.  I must say that it turned out to be a great afternoon and evening!! 

 I can't believe I didn't get a picture with Mary Ann in it.. here is her beautiful tree and mounds of presents she and Phil got for us all!!

Katherine found this ornament in Branson, Mary Ann & Phil were very proud of it!!

 Rosie and I.. she just had surgery on her claws.. she was being extra clingy & sweet!!

 Phil and his traditional Christmas sweater!!

You had to be there to really understand the above picture.. Ben told his mom he would like a sweater, like one you can pull over a long sleeved shirt.  He even mentioned taking his sister along to help pick it out.. well Mary Ann did not take the advice and picked one out herself.  She thought she had found the perfect sweater because it had a built in under shirt.  Turns out.... it was a dickey!!  I thought Ben was going to die, we all lost it at this point!! 

 I was thoroughly impressed with Kat & Trent's attire.. jealous may be a better word!!

 Ben is making caramelized apples and I'm cooking peppered ham

We had another wonderful Christmas get together with family!!

Thank you again Phil, Mary Ann, Trent, & Katherine for all the great & "unique" gifts!!

Grant dirty santa!!!

This year has flown by in more ways than one.. I can't believe Christmas has come and gone?!  We are so blessed to be surrounded by families that love and spoil us like crazy!!  The Saturday before Christmas we got together for our annual Grant Farm Dirty Santa, & boy was it dirty this year!!  One of the main things I love about these family members is how real we all are, what you see is what you get!!  Here are a few pictures from our day at the farm.. for the most part, what happens at Vegas the farm, stays at the farm!!

 of course we had papaws burn barrel going strong, always a special place to gather around!!

 mammaw is "babysitting" these dolphins.. only Mary Fae!!

Brynnie loves all animals, she has no fear.. and she probably should with the goats, Ethel likes to come at you with her horns

 the girls came in to show off their stunt skills.. two of the neighbors were able to come over and spend the afternoon with us.. I hope we weren't too bad of an influence on them!!

another of BBB's favorites, the cows!!

 mammaw likes to put old home videos on, it's always a hoot!!

Laci, Megan, & Aunt Connie (dads sister)

 Connie got the girls Nerf guns which they loved, unfortunately it was she and Brad that got into a war!!

 the Grants are known to be competitive so we always have to have ground rules from the start, this is Brad making sure we're all on the same page..

 Adam ended up with these jewels, I'm pretty sure he ended the night with them too :)

Wes got to keep this hat as well, it did come with $20!!

 we were thrilled Brad picked one of the presents we brought, a "Hillbilly Brief Case".. it didn't hurt that it had a $20 Home Depot gift card in the crotch :)

 cousins Katie & Jace, love these two!!

 the backside to part of Adams present!!

mammaw Grant proudly holding the frames Amber made of the girls foot prints, so special!!

We plot our dirty santa gifts year round, Connie already has hers purchased for next Christmas!!  Each year it gets better (& dirtier) and better!!  Not many people can say they look forward to going to their family get together but this is one group of people I can't get enough of!!

Next stop, Christmas Eve with the Mizells & Crows!!

may your days be merry and bright

I love to decorate for Christmas, it's good for my heart I find!!  I always start right after Halloween which drives Ben nuts :) He was embarrassed to put up our front door decor when all of our neighbors still had their pumpkins and mums out.. here is a small glimpse of my happy place!!

 our beautiful tree that my sister so graciously decorates for us, I love it!!

she, my sister Amber is so creative!!

the mantle with our stockings.. me, Ben, & Weslee's - I wish you could see Weslee's up close, there's a diamond crown on the corner that's gorgeous!!  We tell Avery (our dog) that the pink stocking is hers.. it might as well be, she's treated better than most humans!!

I couldn't get a great picture, but this is our entry way that my sister too decorated.  It's beautiful in person!!

 again, not a great picture but I love the simplicity of these trees with only lights on them.. these are in our entry way as well

the kitchen table..

front door, decorated by my sister

I got this wreath for a huge deal at an after Christmas sale, along with the red & green ribbon.  I still love it!!

my sis & brother-in-law got us these gnomes a few years ago for Christmas, I keep them out year round!!

Christmas flag we have by the mail box

my new favorite Christmas picture that my mother-in-law, Mary Ann painted herself!!  She made one for me, mom, Amber, & Hannah..

aren't they amazing???

my most special Christmas tree.. we call this, "Weslee's tree" she went to be with Jesus on October 24, 2009 so you can imagine how hard the holidays were for us, and still are unfortunately.. I decided I wanted to have a tree just for her and we've put it up every year since.  there are some special ornaments on the tree, some from family & friends and a few things we got to bring home from the hospital.

bittersweet.

Mary Ann got us this hand painted ornament that matches her tree, it stands alone!!  The ultrasound picture is my favorite we have, her perfectly formed long leg!! 

Christmas is my all time favorite time of the year!!  I love all the family get togethers, buying gifts, especially for my nieces, celebrating the true meaning CHRISTmas, decorating, time off, and this year Ben graduating from RN school!! 

When people ask me how I'm doing I usually reply with, "I can't complain.. well I could but I wont" We've been through many trials over the past few years that I often question where it went wrong or could of done things differently??  I think I will have these questions forever.. while I could complain I chose not to.  Ben and I truly have so much to be thankful for!!  We are embarking on another Christmas with empty arms but we have a peace with it for the most part.  Some days are better than others.. it's with friends, family, & our faith that gets us through each season. 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!