For the last two years, I've posted a sappy, heartfelt list of the things for which I'm most thankful on Thanksgiving.  If you've been reading this for any time at all, you know I'm head over heels in love with my husband, ridiculously obsessed with my dog, I have the best friends and family in the world, I have an awesome (albeit challenging) job....duh....of course I'm thankful for these things.  They truly make life worth living.

That being said, there are some smaller things in my life that truly make life worth living, too....so, here is my tribute of gratitude for "The Little Things" that make my world go 'round.

Enjoy ;)


1.  DVR - not only saves my favorite shows until I have a free minute, but, it saves me from watching the commercials.  Ah, the gift of time.

2.  Hair dye - if only every physical flaw were as easy to cover as gray hair!

3.  Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee - when you just can't stomach another $4 latte. 

4.  Marie - oh, sweet Marie - I admit it....I'm totally in love with my cleaning lady.  She makes my freaking week.

5.  Menage-Trois California wine - a wonderful blend of merlot, cabernet and a hint of sweet zin. Ah, yeah, yum.

6.  Fleece Sheets - not flannel.  Fleece.  And, yes, I plug these babies every year.  I already have an unhealthy obsession with my bed....fleece sheets just make it worse.  Sigh.

7.  Red Bull - keeps me faithful at my 5:25am step class.

8.  Pandora.com - love my music - love it even better commercial free and always playing exactly what suits my mood.

9.  Real Housewives of....wherever - I watch every season and love how normal they make me feel.  A blissful, drama-filled, lovely waste-of-time.  Love it. 

10.  The book Mindset by Carol Dweck - it has changed the way I will talk to children....forever. 

After our last procedure and negative pregnancy test a few months ago, I realized I had something in common with the gallon of milk sitting on the top shelf of my fridge.  No, I wasn't "fat free" (darn.), nor was I getting ready to jump, head first,  into my morning coffee, but rather.....I had expired.


Doctoring for infertility can be somewhat addicting.  Stopping treatments can feel like you're giving up on your dream.  It can feel like you're throwing in the towel when maybe....just maybe.....the next one would be the one!  The appointments had become a staple in my calendar.  The meds were part of my daily routine.  The nurses had become my friends.  The emotional roller coaster was all part of the routine.  I had become the poster child for infertility.  There was a time when I was very much OK with all aspects of the "doctor drama."  I identified with my cause and I felt passionate about allowing this journey to consume me.

I no longer feel that way.

At all.

Someone once told me....."you'll know when you're done...."  Patrick and I couldn't agree faster or more sincerely on anything in our lives.  We're done with doctors for a long while...maybe forever....maybe not.  We aren't making any definite decisions except this one:  It is time to quiet the journey (doctors, adoption, all of it), and, simply.....freely.....live our lives. 

We know that there are so many who are cheering us on - believing in our miracle - joining us in the journey.  We appreciate that more than words can express.  We know that our friends and family want what is best for us - and right now - this is definitely what is best for the Van Osdels. :)  Life is way too short to live in the "what ifs."  We are living in the "now" and I can't even explain how good it feels.

Keep in mind that we are absolutely not....never....EVER.....giving up on our dream of becoming parents.  We know God works miracles everyday and we believe that regardless of what we are doing, He continues to work behind the scenes on our behalf.  I found this devotion incredibly encouraging.  It quite accurately reflects Patrick and I's mindset.  It just may inspire others, too - enjoy!
 

Take Off the Limits

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Spent the weekend in Baltimore visiting the "other" VO's....Patrick's brother, Jeff, and family.  We had a great time - as we always do when we travel.  It was amazing to see the sights, take in some nightlife and enjoy a little family time.  We made some amazing memories....

I have a new favorite website!

Aside from facebook, hotmail, blogs and work email, there is a website I've been frequenting as of late.  It is an amazing tool for tracking calories, exercise and weight loss.  I've already lost 5 pounds in 3 weeks.  For some reason it helps me with 'accountability' - I need it big-time need when trying to stay committed to anything these days.


I have been on hundreds of diets throughout my lifetime....never really reaching my end goal.  For the past three years I've been hoping to get pregnant thus thinking, "Well, clearly, this is not the best time to diet."  (Nice excuse, huh?  Sadly, I'm famous for 'em). 

So, I've begun to get my life back together and instead of living in the "what ifs," I'm embracing "what is"....and that means being free to take care of myself the way I should.


Another cool perk?  You can even be friends with people, facebook-style, to help you stay motivated and encouraged.  Be my friend and we can encourage each other on the journey to getting healthy....and into those skinny jeans we just KNOW we'd look killer in....if we could just squeeze into them.