Jenn {Berg} Dowd ~ My Teaching Partner

In the school of education at IU you were placed in these "clusters". They were essentially a pod of people who took almost all the same classes together for the last two years of school and you got to know these girls {I don't think we had any guys in our classes} REALLY well.

I got to know one girl better than the rest {maybe it was because we both had to take summer school and no one else did during the year of the cicadas...OH YUCK, that sound just makes me want to squirm}...my teaching partner, Jenn Berg!!!

We call each other our teaching partners because during our clusters we had to do practicums and initially you partnered up with someone and did your lessons together.

How I got so lucky to have Jenn as my partner, I will never know, but this girl was AWESOME! She was creative, HIGHLY organized and fun!!!

Oh and she can SING!!! She was in a group called Ladies First {a really prestigious acapella group at IU}. Phil and I went to watch one of their performances around Christmas and it was AMAZING...Honestly, Jenn is really, really talented.

Our second placement together was in a first grade class in Bloomington where we taught an excellent {super creative} 6 lesson series on Australia. Jenn was going to Australia for a semester abroad so it seemed appropriate. We did all sorts of things, like a music lesson and a sea life lesson. We were pretty impressed with ourselves. I even dressed up in a wetsuit like a scuba diver on the Great Barrier Reef.





One of my best memories with Jenn was the night that just the two of us decided it would be a good idea to go out by ourselves. It was snowing, but that did not detract us from our mission to have a good time. We went down to Kirkwood and had our own little bar crawl of sorts. Our only flaw in plan was that we didn't have a way home, so we rode the 'drunk bus' back to our houses, which provided even more entertainment!



As luck would have it, after college Jenn moved back to Cincinnati and we were pretty far apart, but we kept in touch and life kept moving. Five years after we graduated, I finally lived in Indy and she drove over and we had dinner together!!! It was so great to see her happily married with her first baby on the way!

That was last summer. Now she has a handsome little boy and is no longer in education {we are both burnt out on education for a while} and she is a project manager part time at a dentist office, which works out great so she can work and be with Gavin!

Emrie and I drove to Ikea in Cincinnati last week and had lunch with Jenn and Gavin. It was so great to catch up with her and meet her little man. Even though we have come a long way since our teaching partner days in college, we are able to pick right back up where we left off. As always, we had a hilarious time, only now instead of laughing about teacher stuff, we were cracking up about motherhood and how horribly difficult it is!!!

Despite our distance, I am SO thankful that I can have such a wonderful friend that I can pick up with no matter how much time or space has passed and to watch her grow into the wonderful wife and mother that she has become!

p.s. Jenn deserves friend of the year award for her selflessness too...When Emrie and I went to Ikea, we were looking for a chair for her room but they were out of the white slipcovers. So Jenn went back to Ikea, not once, but twice to get it for me and ship it to my house...I owe her big time!!!

Crystal Clear....Well, Clearblue

Recently, I feel that I have had numerous conversations with friends and strangers {well, not really strangers, but a friend of a friend whom I had never met did call me} about conception and my journey to becoming a mom. I wanted to share our struggle because I believe that if our story can help just one other person, it is worth it!

As women {and men} we spend a lot of time trying NOT to get pregnant until we are ready. When Phil and I got married I remember being freaked out just about every month that I could be pregnant {even though I never missed a pill}. I even called my mom crying the first month we were married because I had taken antibiotics for strep throat and flipped out that I could be pregnant {even though I had no indication that I was}. I cried that my life would be over before it had begun and how would I take the trip to Chicago the next month to visit Lesley {I was 22 years old and married, we would have been fine and as my mom said, you take the baby with you especially when they are still in your body, Morgan}.

With shows like, "Teen Mom" or "True Life: I'm Pregnant at 16" and articles about teen pregnancy on the rise, I was just convinced that the minute you were ready to get pregnant you would just look at each other and it was done!

Girlfriends of mine were getting pregnant 'accidentally' or 'weren't really trying' so in my mind I figured it was like anything else in my life; I would make up my mind and work at it and, voila, we would have a baby {the first month of course, because that again is how my mind works}.

So after having the "I-want-to-start-a-family" talk with Phil {which was very sweet and he told me that he had been ready since we first got married but since I was the one who would have to sacrifice the most he wouldn't bring it up to me until I said something because he didn't want me to feel any pressure} I went off the pill and expected that in 4 short weeks would would have a baby on the way.

Four weeks later I had a different visitor and although I should have known better, it still hurt and I cried. This happened for six months.

But I was doing everything "right"! I read everything online {by the way, don't you know that EVERYTHING is bad for you and you are going to die if you look at the wrong product...just read webMD, they will tell you how many ways you are killing yourself}, I was tracking my temperature and my mood swings and my goosebumps and anything else I thought would help {that was an exaggeration if you were wondering}. Still nothing seemed to work.

We hadn't told anyone {well, I told Lesley} that we were trying because we didn't want the pressure from others, but it became really lonely. Phil was much more patient with the process than I was, but it tore him up to see me crying once a month over something he couldn't control.

Why couldn't we get pregnant? We would be great parents {that is still to be decided by the way}, and we were healthy and fit and financially and emotionally stable {although I am not sure that I was emotionally stable during this time, but typically we are, or at least Phil is}.

I had read about fertility monitors on a blog and since I had already figured out my body didn't follow the 'typical' cycle of most women {Phil says 'of course, you aren't normal'} we decided that it was worth the money to take this next step and buy a machine that would hopefully help.

That night I bought a Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor off Amazon. I read the instruction booklet front to back {I am a bit of a planner and kind of OCD about stuff like that}.

Low and behold, just like I thought, I am not a 'normal' woman and I ovulate a week late. No wonder I wasn't getting pregnant.

The third month using the monitor was March. I specifically remember telling Phil, "I am not really sure I want to get pregnant this month because the baby would be due at Christmas time and I am almost done with my masters, maybe we should just skip this month and try again next month."

Two weeks later I woke up early on a Saturday morning and read the word PREGNANT on my first test! I didn't know whether to cry or laugh. I literally believed I would never see that word on a stick I had peed on. I had seen SO many negative tests {yes I was that anxious girl who took a test every month 2 days before I should have, just hoping it would have two lines}.

I had never felt so nervous and relieved at the same time. I ran into the kitchen and shoved the stick in Phil's face. Then I did start crying. The emotions were just pouring out of me and I don't even know what emotions they were exactly. {If you want to read the rest of our 'Finding Out' story you can click here.}

The reason I share this story with you is because although many women do get pregnant right away {and I am so thankful for you that you don't have to endure the heartache of waiting}, that wasn't my story, and it isn't the story of A LOT of women I know. It wasn't until I opened up {and I was pretty honest with people} and told people it took us a while {I know, in the big scheme of things 9 months isn't that long and many couples wait much longer, if ever} that more people started sharing stories with me of their struggles to get pregnant.

While it isn't a cure all, I do STRONGLY endorse the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor. Including my two pregnancies {we got pregnant with #2 the second month we used it this time} I personally know of at least 4 other women who had been unsuccessful getting pregnant and became pregnant after using it. It even helped a friend of mine determine that she had a minor fertility issue that was quickly treated by her OBGYN and she was blessed with twins:)



I am not undermining the fact that there are couples who have real, deep fertility issues and do require medical help, but this was a simple fix for us and a few friends of mine.

Ultimately, I know that I was made a mother in God's perfect timing, but that doesn't mean there wasn't a struggle and heartache along the way. Besides the wonderful lessons I learned through our journey of patience, trust, and I'm not in control, if my story comforts or helps just one other person I am grateful.

Baby Bell Bottoms

Since I got my serger, I have been dying to make something for the girls. It has been 16 years since the last time I used an actual pattern to sew something and I was a little rusty. But once I got back in the hang of it...LOOK OUT!!!

I can't wait to make more adorable matching clothes...This is just the first of many to come I am sure!!!





Isn't she just too sweet...It was funny to watch her walk because they swirl as she does and it is so cute!





Now they just need matching headbands and swing shirts to go with them!

Baby Blanket All Tied Up

For the baby's blankie I wanted to do a tie style quilt. I have had this fabric for almost a year and have LOVED it, but couldn't decide what to do with it. It seemed only fitting that I would use it for my little girl's blankie.




Funny little story...I brought it upstairs to show Phil and I said, "I stitched her initials in it"...His response was, "what are her initials...I didn't know we had decided on a name!"

I looked at him with such a blank face because I was shocked. We had totally discussed and agreed on a name two weeks ago.

When I reminded him what her name is, he said, "oh yeah, I just didn't know you had decided that for sure."

Well now it is stitched in her blankie...that makes it pretty official:)

The Great Stroller Debate: SOLVED!!!

As most of you know, there was a lovely little stroller debate going on at my house recently. Part of the debate was between Phil and I, but most of it was a war in myself.

I really wanted to make sure I got the EXACT stroller I wanted with all the amenities I needed, but it felt that no matter what price I was willing to pay, I just couldn't find a stroller that had EVERYTHING on my wish list...

Then I found the Mecca of all strollers {it wasn't either of the two I had originally been debating}...

Baby Jogger: City Select

This thing had everything on my wish-list:
1. A single that turns into a double
2. Quick fold
3. A car seat attachment in the rear
4. Stadium seating
5. Locking wheels for a jogger

There are 16 different ways you can use this stroller:

This will be for the first 6 months, I'm sure

The good news is, that when we have a third kid:) you can put a glider on the back for them to stand on!

Every time I see someone with the same stroller {especially if they have two kids in it} I ask if they like their stroller. I can not believe the raves moms give this stroller. Every single one tells me how great it is and tries to sell me on it until I tell them I already bought it!

I could not be HAPPIER with my selection {and so far Emrie likes it too}!!!

It's What's For Dinner: Green Southwest Chicken Salad

In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day and everything green...here is a "green" salad.

As I have mentioned before, I have an affinity for Mexican food, as does my husband. But we have also been trying to eat somewhat healthy {he always has eaten healthy, I am just recently getting on board}.

For a REALLY quick dinner tonight I made my version of a Southwest Green Chicken Salad {I called it a 'Green' salad because just about everything in it was green}.

The weather has benn WONDERFUL for March {the 'Green' is therefore appropriate} so I actually went outside and grilled chicken that I threw on top {and everything taste fresher and 'springier' with cilantro}!!! By the way, I got the simple but delicious dressing recipe from my best friend Lesley and I just added the lime part...YUM!






Southwest Green Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

Bag of fresh greens
Cilantro
Green Onions
Avocado
Lemon juice
Tomato (I didn't add any because I was out, but it would be good)
Tortilla chips
Lime juice
Balsamic vinegar
Ranch dressing

Directions:

Simply cut and mix the greens, cilantro, green onion, avocado, and tomato in a bowl. Squeeze lemon juice on top. Crush tortilla chips on top. To make the dressing, mix one part balsamic vinegar and one part ranch dressing in a small bowl then squeeze lime juice in as well. Grill the chicken on the bar-b-que {I use Lawry's Season Salt to flavor mine}, cut and throw on top.

MMMMmmm....Good!

National Craft Month: DIY Easter Basket

My inspiration for this craft was, "anything I could find in my craft room"! The only thing I had to buy was a pink basket for $1.50.

While it isn't the cutest basket I could have made {I should have glued fabric over the pipe cleaner ears, and I wish I had different googlie eyes, made a cute bow that Emrie could wear to attach to the ear and write her name in glitter over the tail, all of which I still might do}, it was quick {less than 10 minutes} and cheap, cheap, cheap!






The best part was that everything in the basket cost around than $8 total because I bought everything last year right after Easter when it was all marked 75% off. I definitely recommend going shopping for next year's basket after Easter. Come next year you will be thankful that you did!


All sorts of little goodies...stickers, bunny chalk, lip gloss {I am going to hate myself for that one later}, headbands, fabric coloring egg and adorable bunny slippers!

National Craft Month: St. Patrick's Day Fabric Flower Clips

Everyone needs a little green for Saint Patrick's Day! Here is how Emrie and I will be showing our green!!!

There are a million different ways to make fabric flowers, but these are two that I used because they are so fast and simple.

Supplies:
2 types of fabric
Button or embellishment
Felt
Hot glue gun
Alligator clip

Directions for Four Leaf Clover:

Cut two different sized circles {5 of each size}...For one flower you only need two different size circles, but I was making one for me and one for Emrie so I had four.

Using one circle as the base, fold one circle in half...
Then fold it in half again so it is in a pie shape
Then glue the pie shape to the base circle
Do that with all four circles and they look like a clover
Repeat the process with the second fabric and glue on top of the first clover
Glue an embellishment to the center {I used a decorative button}
Glue a felt circle to the back for reinforcement
Glue the alligator clip to the back
Now you have a festive Saint Patrick's Day Clover Clip!

Directions for a simple Rosette:

Start with a strip of fabric

Glue it in half

Start at one end roll the fabric and glue it onto itself to start making a circle

Roll the fabric circle out as far as you want the flower size then roll the rest of it back onto itself and glue in the middle

Glue all flowers to a piece of felt

Glue the alligator clip on the back

Now you have St. Patrick's day hair clips for mother and daughter:)

Let's see how long Emrie keeps hers in her hair!

National Craft Month: Bird 'Print' Frame

This bird 'print' is so quick and easy.

Supplies:
Picture frame
Scrapbook paper
Ribbon
Hot glue gun

Directions:

Take scrapbook paper and cut it to fit the frame.

Then free hand draw a bird and cut it out and glued it to the paper. Then framed it.

Take some ribbon and tie a bow and hot glue it to the frame.

Put it on your mantel along with a couple of cute ceramic pieces {the bird is from Hobby Lobby and the owls are from Pier 1} and everything on your mantel is done for around $20.

National Craft Month: Stick Bouquets

Stick Bouquets are the second craft I made this month for my mantel. We had tons of sticks in the back yard due to wind and I love to decorate with sticks. You can use them for just about any season.

Supplies:
Sticks
Fake flowers
Vase
Hot glue gun

Directions:

Collect your sticks:)

Put them in a vase

Hot glue the flowers to the sticks

Put them on your mantel

You can do all kinds of things with the stick branches...hang eggs, hang candles, tie ribbons, hang ornaments...the possibilities are endless!