June's Journey

In a nutshell, here was June's journey.

We finneshd skool!!!

No one is happier than this momma/teacher!

The outdoor fun began.

Vacation Bible School

Basketball Camp for Griffen, Rhys, and Dad

There were moments I though about laying down to relax....

And I tried to have a logical conversation with this goofball about why he does, indeed, need to eat his peaches.....no matter what they may look like.

I discovered a few surprise selfies on the tablet. 

And, of course, there was Fathers Day! I sure do love these people!!!

And these final pictures just help lower my blood pressure a bit after a long day.

I realize more and more just how blessed I really am. Even in our recent miscarriages, I have discovered so very much to be thankful for. For example, the journeys to each of my children have been filled with nothing but JOY. I am learning that is not the case for everyone. From the moment we received the news, to their gender reveals, to bringing them into our home - these have been the highlights of my married life. On top of that, in spite of the fact that four of my five kids were born between 31-34 weeks gestation, they are all perfectly healthy! But above all, God has taught us so many invaluable lessons about His plans, His provision, and His miraculous power. 

"O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come."  
(Psalms 71:17-18)  

No Regrets

Late this afternoon, I received a call from Dr. Keenan with the results from my second pregnancy blood test. Unfortunately, my hcg levels dropped to 6. While these little lives did indeed implant and try to grow, God had other plans for them. While we would have welcomed and loved two more, they now join our 7 others who are safe in the arms of Jesus. What a wonderful place to be!

While there is a measure of sadness, we have so very much to be thankful for.

1. That this journey is over. There is great relief that comes with tossing out all the needles and meds! I have literally been on hormone supplements for almost three years now. My body is quite ready to get back to normal. And after 8 adoption home studies and the emotional roller coaster that comes with all the unknowns, we are grateful to put this piece to rest.

2. The five precious blessing we have!!! If you would have asked me at any point in my pre-married life what I hoped for in my family, I would have always responded, "four little boys." Yup, believe it or not, that was my dream early on. God not only granted this desire, but added the cherry on top when He also gave us a little girl.

3. A clear conscience. We knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God wanted us to go back and get our remaining sibling embryo's. Even though they will not be in our earthly arms, we know that we did the right thing. Nothing compares to a clear conscience.

And so, this chapter of our lives comes to a close. We have NO REGRETS.

The Results Are In

Today I went to the clinic and had my first pregnancy blood test. The results came back at 48. While this is a definite confirmation of pregnancy, the number is lower than normal. They were hoping to see a beta of around 100. A healthy pregnancy cannot be totally ruled out just yet, but there are definitely concerns. I will go back on Monday for a second test that should hopefully provide more answers. Until then, we continue to wait....