Habitat for Humanity

Unified Promise- I have talked about Because I Said I Would before the amazing Non-profit Matt and I have joined which is based on Promises Kept. Our local Denver chapter participates in monthly Unified Promises which is our Volunteer day! For January we promised to Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and we did!

 Saturday Matt and I along with some other chapter members volunteered from 9-4 building new homes for Habitat! I was on the hammer in nails crew and I was OH SO Sore Sunday morning!

 What is so great is that every member who signed up... showed up! And we all worked our butts off but at the end of the day we were able to really see how much our efforts helped!

 There were 2 other groups volunteering with us today and we all worked on a set of 4 ROW Homes each at different stages of completion!

 Matt's framing crew got an entire 2nd floor framed out that day and the Habitat crew was so impressed... as was I!

Our February Unified Promise is a Blood Drive and yes, I will attend to help but will not actually participate because I don't feel like passing out in front of everyone!
As always to learn more about Because I Said I Would visit the website HERE

Articulate Animals

Disclaimer for this post: I believe in this post 100%, I am not asking your opinion but rather sharing something with you that is SO SO special to me and you will NEVER convince me otherwise. K? Thanks!

This woman right here has changed my life..............

About Kelly

Born and raised on a Wyoming cattle ranch, Kelly Krueger has lived with and around animals all of her life. “Animals have always been a part of my life, from working with the ranch animals in my youth, to my current domestic companions, to enjoying the magic of wildlife in the hills of Colorado. Their peacefulness and wisdom never ceases to amaze me.”

Kelly Krueger has been a practicing Animal Communicator (sometimes referred to as pet psychic or animal intuitive) since 2005 and launched Articulate Animals, LLC, in 2007. Kelly has studied various animal communication techniques over the years including a one-year apprenticeship with Terri O’Hara. To supplement her animal communication skills Kelly has taken courses and seminars in the topics of grief support, animal nutrition, flower essences, Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT), and administering homeopathic remedies.

Kelly enjoys working with a network of clients nationwide and internationally. She has communicated with a variety of animals including dogs, cats, horses, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, bears, fish, and gecko, helping identify sources of physical pain, reasons for fears, preferences for foods and play, and reasons for behavioral issues. Kelly was featured regularly on a national talk radio program through 2008, sharing stories and benefits of animal communication. She gives informational programs on animal communication around Denver.

Prior to becoming a professional animal communicator Kelly spent nearly 20 years working in higher education in administration and operations, alumni relations and fundraising. She holds an undergraduate degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Wyoming and a master’s degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.

Residing outside of Denver in Evergreen, Colorado Kelly remains active in her local Presbyterian church and is a member of P.E.O., a women’s philanthropic organization.

For the past 2 years Kelly has been in our lives and my animals lives are so much better as a result. Kelly speaks to our animals and gives them a voice that we can hear and to say that it is a blessing is a HUGE understatement. It started with Oscars cancer diagnosis and thru her communication with him it validated what we already knew that our boy Oscar did not want to go thru radiation and Chemo. Kelly was the one who conveyed Oscars wishes on the day he choose to leave us and I could have NEVER gotten thru making that decision without her. On the day he left us we were able to tell Oscar how much we loved him and what he meant to us and he did the same.
Thru calls with her we have been able to prepare our animals for when we go on trips and a house sitter will be there and she was able to work with Bella (our cat) and me to get her to use her litter box again. (Praise Jesus) Bella has Stage 4 Kidney disease and I am able to check in on how she is doing and what her needs are regularly and Bella is SUPER chatty, it cracks me up. Kelly is able to tell me what I already know, how each one of my animals have a different spirit and how unique they are. The things she tells me is unbelievable!

Lately since last September we have been working with our boy Abner who is 15. She was able to confirm what we thought that he can't hear much anymore and that his eyesight is going. Abner was able to tell us what is going on with him not eating from time to time thru Kelly as well. Abner isn't doing so well and somedays I think today is the day and others I think he will be around for months. We know via Kelly that he is preparing to leave us and that is a huge reason why we didn't go home for Christmas, we wanted to spend the time he had left with him. This morning I had a call with Kelly and another suspicion I had about Abner was confirmed... he does have some type of Dementia. And sadly he told us his bad days are starting to out weigh his good and he is thinking that the time to leave might be soon. HELL YES that is hard to hear but the fact that each time I am able to meet his needs better as well as tell him just what he means to Matt and I ... that is literally priceless. I am not sure if Abner has a week left with us or a month but knowing that he will literally be able to tell us thru Kelly when he is ready does make it a little easier. (a little)

I could go on and on about Kelly, she is literally one of the best things to happen to me and my family! And YES she does this thru the phone... I was lucky to have to come over and meet us all 2 years ago since she is in Colorado but most of her work with thru the phone! If you want to communicate with your animals or have an elderly animal you need help navigating the end stages with you MUST reach out to her! You can visit her website HERE
http://articulateanimals.com

Keep my boy Abner in your thoughts, I told her to tell him that we want what he wants. As hard as that is. xo

Dinner for ONE please!

Wednesday night Matt and I were suppose to be out to dinner and enjoying the King of Leon show here in Denver but sadly that show has been postponed 2 months! SO Matt worked late instead and I didn't have anything in particular that I planned to have for dinner. I scrolled thru Pinterest and stared into my pantry and realized I have always wanted to make Eggs In Purgatory. I read thru a ton of recipes and then settled on creating my own!

There is something so amazing about eggs nestled into spicy tomato sauce and it goes so well with a glass of red wine. Its the perfect savory appetizer or in my case dinner for ONE! I will say that having  French bread on hand is the MOST important thing! Its the perfect vessel for the eggs and dunking into the sauce! It's weird how much I loved this and I knew I HAD to share this with you guys today!

I hope you all love this and I would love to hear if you enjoyed it as much as I did!!! Enjoy friends!

Manchester by the Sea

So I decided that I finally wanted to see what all the fuss was about regarding this movie, Best Actor and Best Picture contender. I knew that this was not an uplifting movie so I didn't go into this with any false idea of what I was watching. The thing is this is just a story, there is no high, there is NO resolution, there is no real movement and then 2 1/2 hours later it literally just ends. This is about a guy (Casey) who is dealing with the crappy life he has been dealt with but then realizes that after his brother dies he is the guardian of his nephew but doesn't want to be. You can see he does have a good heart but it has been broken too many times to feel anymore.
With that being said ya, Casey Affleck was great. He played miserable and sad perfectly but I have never seen him smile in real life so I am not sure this was too hard. I am sure he will win the Oscar because this is a movie he doesn't even smile once. But there was nothing special about this movie, I'd say this is a renter and make sure your not in any mood to be uplifted. But to each their own, huh?



PS- like 1/3 of the movie is literally Casey Affleck driving around in his car with no words. Trust me on this.

H.R. 586

In past few days President Trump has been signing a lot of things and the infertility community is worried that the rumblings of H.R. 586 will be next. What most people know is that is an abortion law but it is SOOOO much more than that.

We all know I did 7 IUI's and 2 rounds of IVF and I know COUNTLESS friends who have children because of IVF or are expecting right now all because of IVF. But what if IVF was banned? MY hopes of having children would have been stopped sooner and so many beautiful friends of mine would not have their children, I mean .... could you IMAGINE? Could you imagine knowing science could help couples have children but saying NO you can't do this anymore because this ill-thought bill becomes law?

Don't believe me? Read on to educate yourself.......

While President Donald Trump has been busily signing Executive Orders, he's not the only lawmaker getting to work in Washington. Meet H.R. 586, the Sanctity of Human Life Act. Introduced by Republican Rep. Jody Hice from Georgia's 10th district, the bill seeks to define that "the life of each human being begins with fertilization," and, more alarmingly so, that even a "one-celled embryo" is a "a new unique human being." H.R. 586 is a classic personhood bill that goes directly against science, so how would this personhood bill affect IVF? If H.R. 586 were to become law, it would effectively ban the practice of in vitro fertilization entirely in the United States......

To learn more about this and what you can do please head on over to read the rest of this informative article HERE
Share that post and this post because I can't imagine if people in my position were not allowed to try to and have a family of their own. 

Today.

I think NO matter who you voted for, what your thoughts are about each party and what your hopes are for the next 4 years.... I think that we can all agree that today is emotional. Seeing a chapter of our lives close, watching the chapter of the Obama's close and a new chapter open for the Trumps when you think about it is emotional.

Speaking of Presidents kudos for Netflix for announcing this today and I COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED!

What to do??

For the past 3 years and even more so this past year our life has been ruled by Infertility.
Each day there was something I needed to do
Every week was ruled by Doctors appointments
Each day was filled with shots or ultrasounds or what to eat, not to eat
I had a doctor tell me exactly what day my period was to start
I knew what day could bring happiness or sadness
I knew today was for paying infertility bills
Somedays were days to stay in bed due to sickness or sadness

SO..... that leaves me to this year and I literally do not know how to feel. It's weird I mean I live my life, have a new routine but deep inside my brain in a place known only to me I am so lost. Its a weird feeling and hard to really put a "thumb" on but blogging it out is always helpful to me and others I have found. It's weird I was talking with a friend today who is going thru a IVF round right now and the ripple effect this has on us is hard for anyone to understand. What you put your body thru it changes you, the money, the sadness, the routine of it, other peoples perceptions and the ripple effect thru it all. And then one day it is over and the result isn't ideal we have no baby to focus on but instead trying to form a new routine. Is this making sense?

Anyways as always my points for sharing is that it is helpful for me to get it out of my head. And it is weird how sometimes myself and other bloggers can be more open behind a computer than I would be with the people closest to me. I also do this to to help other people that maybe are going thru this and do not know anyone that has. And lastly as always to raise awareness for everyone that thinks... oh you just gave yourself a shot or two and it works or doesn't. (eye roll)

Well bloggy friends, thanks for listening!!!

Birth of a Nation

Saturday night Matt and I went out to a new place right by our house and we LOVED it, so fun finding a new restaurant so close to our house to splurge on! When we got home Matt wanted to watch the NFL playoff game that was on so I went to rent a movie in bed with Bella. Birth of a Nation was out on my TV and I was excited, I wanted to see this in the theater. I talk about it all the time that I LOVE a movie that not only entertains but teaches. Setting aside the controversy of the Director/Writer/Actor Nate Parker, ok......... I am only talking about the movie and I LOVED it. It was heartbreaking, emotional, well told and true. In fact I did a lot of research after watching the movie and this particular story ended MUCH much more awful than the movie could show. I would encourage you to watch this, it was a great movie........

I also saw that the movie was filmed in Savannah which was really cool since I was most likely at the places this Summer it was filmed. The movie touched me even more since I was able to experience and walk in the steps of the slaves that built this country.

You probably remember my posts last Summer but this was the slave mart at the port of Charleston, as soon as the slave ships docked the slaves were brought here to sell for the highest prices.

And one of the plantations we toured had the original slave homes still standing which is rare! These were actually much nicer than most but this plantation made bricks so they got to use them.......

And seeing a movie such as Birth of a Nation make the lives that walked this slave home come alive is truly something.

Anyways the point is see the movie, educate yourself!

SNOW Day!!!

Last year we had WAY more snow at this time so when I woke up to a winter wonderland today I was so excited! I thought that Elway was big enough to have a fun snow day! At first he wasn't really excited about going out into it but then he saw how much fun his big brother Ralph was having and he was ready to go...........

 It's so cute Elway wants to do everything his big brother does and they are finally forming a special bond! And literally right now Elway is laying side by side Ralph and they are both chewing bones! It makes my heart happy!

 What also makes my heart happy is seeing the JOY Ralph is having today running with his brother in the yard! Abner wants nothing to do with this white cold stuff and he is tucked into a pile of blankets on the couch while we were outside! Look at this cute action shot.......

Check out my Facebook and Instagram for some cute Snow day videos!!!!! Happy Monday my friends!

Step ONE

Step ONE
Since our last failed IVF in August I have been starring at my unused infertility meds in the fridge. And ya, I was able to share some with 2 people already but I wanted it ALL GONE. So this week I packed it all up and shipped it all to California. I met a lot of friends on Instagram during this whole process and I was able to give everything to someone who will be going thru IVF at some point this year. It really does feel good helping someone out and I love that I will be able to follow her journey and hopefully something good can come out of all of this medicine!
I tried to shed some of the mental weight of all of this when I shipped those meds and only time will tell if it worked.

Step TWO
Last year injecting myself with flipping HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE is bound to cause one to gain weight and overall I gained about 10 pounds back last year. NOW the only good thing about my Wisdom Teeth surgery was that I lost 9 pounds in that week. So that was a blessing and now I want to loose an additional 3 pounds and then focus again on maintaining this year. So it was nice to get a little head start on step two!

Anyways just wanted to share with you all a little bit about my 2017 journey thus far!!!

Hidden Figures

 This past weekend I went to see Hidden Figures and today I am almost at a loss of words of who to describe this incredible and touching film. You know there are certain films based on a True Story that can not only entertain you but teach you and this one leads that pack. I feel like this should be required viewing for everyone, so everyone can see the story of these 3 (and many more) women who helped the US get into space. While watching this I was thinking, I wonder what it is like to be so smart.... its mind blowing, literally. Below is the real picture of one of the ladies behind the scenes at NASA. The cast was incredible, you will laugh, you could cry, you will learn and most of all you will be touched by the lives of these women.

I urge you to take your whole family to see this movie!!

re·store

rəˈstôr/

verb

1. bring back (a previous right, practice, custom, or situation); reinstate.

   
   

   "the government restored confidence in the housing market"

   
   

   synonyms:

   reinstate, bring back, reinstitute, reimpose, reinstall, reestablish "the aim to restore democracy"

   • return (someone or something) to a former condition, place, or position.

     
     

     "the effort to restore him to office isn't working"
2. 
   

repair or renovate (a building, work of art, vehicle, etc.) so as to return it to its original condition.

"the building has been lovingly restored"

synonyms:

repair, fix, mend, refurbish, recondition, rehabilitate, rebuild, reconstruct, remodel, overhaul, redevelop, renovate; More

Every year I always have goals, resolutions, things I want to do.... yada yada. Last year I "debuted" a Word of the Year, which was HOPE. You can read that post HERE and I do actually think that all year that word stuck with me, was in the back of my mind and I tried to hold my HOPE close to my heart. For the past week I have been thinking a lot about 2017 and how to move forward because I feel very much STUCK. And I found a word/theme for 2017 that truly encompass how I want this year to go. In ALL areas:
* Emotionally
* Physically
* Weight
* Relationship with my husband

So you guessed it, RESTORE. I mean just look at every word of that definition including synonyms and that describes it ALL. How will I do this? I am not really sure just yet to be honest but finding a common place/word/theme is a nice place to start I think. I think how I started the new year off... in bed, recovering from surgery wasn't helpful for me. There wasn't any BANG or any excitement but yet another moment of hardship. And as silly as it might sound I feel stuck right now, stuck in the losses of 2016, stuck not wanting to get out of bed. I have this word now, goals and what not but I can't seem to kick off how to get going.
Do you have a word or theme for 2017? How are you kicking off the New Year?

Year of the Rooster

I wanted to do a fun post on the Chinese "Year Of" and come to find out it is not only the year of the Rooster but that is MY YEAR! I am a Golden Rooster to be exact and I was born in 1981. Read below to see if you are a Rooster and what that means for you.......

The Rooster's Personality: Observant, Hardworking...

People born in a year of the Rooster are very observant. Hardworking, resourceful, courageous, and talented, Roosters are very confident in themselves.

ACTIVE, AMUSING, AND POPULAR AMONG A CROWD

Roosters are always active, amusing, and popular within a crowd. Roosters are talkative, outspoken, frank, open, honest, and loyal individuals. They like to be the center of attention and always appear attractive and beautiful.

Roosters are happiest when they are surrounded by others, whether at a party or just a social gathering. They enjoy the spotlight and will exhibit their charm on any occasion.

Roosters expect others to listen to them while they speak, and can become agitated if they don't. Vain and boastful, Roosters like to brag about themselves and their accomplishments.

Their behavior of continually seeking the unwavering attention of others annoys people around them at times.

ROOSTERS ARE HEALTHY AND ENJOY SPORTS

People born in a year of the Rooster are typically healthy people. They are active and enjoy sports, such as hiking and swimming. Roosters don't get sick very often because they tend to fight illness well. Even when they do become ill, they feel better quickly. Roosters are a little sensitive, and they feel stressed and moody at times.

The Best Jobs and Careers for Roosters

Roosters are more motivated than other animals in the Chinese zodiac, making their careers a priority in their lives. Roosters are hard working, multi-talented, and can deal with a variety of jobs.

Good career choices for Roosters are newsreader, sales person, restaurant owner, hairdresser, public relations officer, farmer, athlete, teacher, waiter, journalist, travel writer, dentist, surgeon, soldier, fireman, security guard, and police officer.

How to Build Relationships with "Roosters"

Roosters are loyal and they make devoted friends. They always keep their promises and are always true to their word. Sensitive individuals may find it hard to get along well with Roosters, because they always brag about themselves and their accomplishments, which may make others uncomfortable.

Roosters’ Wealth, Work, Health, and Love Prospects in 2017

People born in a Year of the Rooster will have mixed weal and woe in this  Year. This is mainly because both lucky and unlucky stars will shine on them.

Holiday Movies!

You know yesterday I read an article that says you need a "3rd Space", meaning that other than your home, families home, work, gym a 3rd space that makes just you happy. A place you can go and for me that is the movie theater. And you all know that about me, it is my happy place.... the perfect escape. What is your 3rd Space?

Over Christmas Matt and I saw 3 movies and I wanted to share them with you today!

Assassin's Creed got bad reviews and not very many people saw this movie based on a video game... but we did! 1. I love Michael Fassbender 2. We love action and this movie had both! This isn't a movie to write home about but this was entertaining and full of action and we both enjoyed it!

I hate animated movies, there I said it. This is the second animated movie I have seen in like a decade and with that being said...... Matt and I enjoyed this. I think it was all the music we loved for sure and Gunther (below) stole the show with his "Piggy Power". This was so cute and if you have kids you must take them!!!

I was looking forward to this movie for a long time... I love space movies. On the other hand all space movies have me firmly thinking I would NEVER EVER go into space. (ha) I loved this movie so much, my only complaint was that it ended too soon.... like all of assuden it was over. This movie had love, laughter and action which combined is a nice treat!

What did you see over the holidays that you loved???

Well, I'm Alive...

Why might you ask is there a bloody picture of the elevator scene in The Shining on the blog today? Well because this is what my mouth looked liked for about 7 hours after surgery. Literally saying "might see some blood" following surgery was the understatement of THE YEAR! Literally at one point the look on Matt's face while I was having a panic attack said it all, Matt was super worried. And I don't like blood...seeing so much of it gave me the worst panic attack and I was on the verge of passing out. So we did call the doctors emergency number, who said this can be normal. WTF? It was so awful I couldn't even rest we had to change the gauze out every 15 minutes for HOURS and it was way worse than I thought. The next 4 days were spent bed, face swollen and in pain. And today is the 5th day after surgery and I am still swollen, in pain and only eating liquid and soft foods and at this point I am literally scared to chew. I don't want to hurt myself or mess up any of the healing that has happened. One thing I didn't expect so much was the pain in my jaw from the surgery I guess. That seems to hurt worse than the holes in my mouth and it is still hard to open my mouth to talk or to eat. I am trying to do things today because.....well....life calls but I am OVER this. Why does God give us these wisdom teeth (5 in my case) if they just have to be forcefully removed in a horrid way??????
UGH!!!!!!!