Eroding Sensitivity

I’m the queen of gullible (and over committing to things).  Evidence here on the proof of being overly gullible.  I love a good laugh or practical joke.  I woke up expecting to see many false headlines today.  As my morning routine includes, I pulled up Facebook only to see a photo of a positive pregnancy test – you know the one with two lines – and smiled thinking of how lovely it would be for this family of four to become a family of five.  Lucky them!  THEN it hit me.  This was her version of an April Fool's joke.  I hope she’s laughing; I’m not. 

I guess she doesn't realize that her joke is one that many take quite seriously.  Wonder if she’s thought of the many women (likely her fb friends like me) who are unable to experience the joy of a positive pregnancy test.  I am extremely grateful to have had that experience once.  It took a long time to see the “plus” sign, and I may never see it again. I’m OK with that.  But some struggle more than me with infertility.   

I’m guessing she’s not experienced the “joys” of infertility.  Maybe she’s never had a friend who’s heart is literally too weak to support a pregnancy, or a friend who’s the mom of three beautiful children – all adopted because she was unable to conceive, or the many friends of mine grieving the loss of their unborn child due to miscarriage.  I’m generally quiet about these topics because they are so personal.  They are not fun to discuss, yet so many women struggle with a variety of reasons they cannot conceive. 

Wonder if she thought of the many women whose constant prayer is that they can experience a positive pregnancy test.  I am not one to cast the first stone and certainly am not in denial that I've been insensitive to others more than once in my life.  Similar to the Louisiana coast line, my cervix is slowly eroding away, but one of the things I've learned through many shared experiences, especially related to some form of infertility, is to be sensitive to the struggles of others.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if all women worked to be more sensitive to the private struggles of our peers. We are all on the same team, right? 

Until next time…

Run Sara Run

First things first - Happy New Year!  2013 was complete chaos and I could not be more thankful for every day that took place.  That said, hello 2014.  I've never been one for resolutions, but I did jot some goals for 2014.  I'll share those later.

I sincerely hope your holiday - Christmas, Hanukkah, or other religious celebration was delightful.  This Catholic girl enjoyed celebrating Jesus' birthday (um, shout out Mary and Joseph!)  and will continue to celebrate until the Twelfth night. (The Twelve Days of Christmas isn't just a song, ya'll!) 

I am guilty of many unfinished projects.  You are too, right?  I'm NOT ALONE, right?   There is one thing from 2013 that I still need to finish...It goes back this beach trip in late June 2013.  We had a blast.  But the whole time, I felt a little self conscious in my swimsuit - the one piece kind.  I decided that I needed to do a little extra physical activity to shed just a few pounds, so my pants still fit .  SO, I started walking in the mornings at 6 am.  (Did I mention I loathe waking up before sunrise?)  

The walking turned into a few sprints here and there and I decided that I liked running.  Wait, it's not so far reaching, I did run cross country in high school, fifteen years ago.  I battled a little with shin splints, invested in some great running shoes, etc.  I was set.  In early August, my (unbelievably smart and talented) friend Mary Leah got some "good" news that her heart was "healthy" enough to start exercise again.  

She posted online about beginning to train for a 5k.  If she can train for a 5k with a bad heart, certainly I need to do it too.  Solidarity.  Sisterhood.  I love this chick, so a few days later, I registered for a 5k.  As in, I paid people to let me run in a race.  

So the training began.   I downloaded a Couch to 5K application on my phone and could barely breath after the first day, August 7.  Throughout that day, my foot was uncomfortable.  I attempted to put on high heels the morning of August 8 and new something just wasn't right.  A couple phone calls and an X Ray later, I experienced my first broken bone - a stress fracture in the 4th metatarsal.  

I was delighted when an X Ray a mere seven weeks later told me I could continue the training.  (Aren't those sandals fabulous!?) 

Except, getting back into the training mode has been less than successful.  No particular reason...except a sinus infection here and there, not wanting to get out of bed, etc.  

Then 2014 arrived.  And I realized that the LA Marathon 5K is THIS month.  The C25K training is 8 weeks, 3 days.  I'm only on Week 4, Day 1.  

Wish me luck folks.  I will be running a 5K on January 18, 2014.  I just hope I'm not last.  Here's to 5:15 am wake ups and some intense training.  I'm not certain where Mary Leah is on her training, but I"m running this one for her! 

Until next time... 

Happy 5th Birthday Super Graham

Times flies --- just like any superhero.  

Graham recently turned five.  

ordered from here

Our celebration was filled with amazing friends and lots of (cold) fun!  We made superhero arm bands, played a little "Hot kryptonite" (instead of hot potato!) and had kryptonite races! 

superhero arm band station

kryptonite (aka, foil balls) 

hot kryptonite 

kryptonie relay races...just pure fun here

I scored these awesome capes from the dollar store just before Halloween!  My very talented friend made the masks for her son's party and gave me the remainders!  Visit her etsy store here.

My decorations and invite came from this amazing etsy shop.  

LOVE THE WORK, Customer Service was awesome too! 

We served hot dogs and chili, apples, grapes & cheese, a few cheese and cracker dips and lots of m&ms! 

Great American Cookie Company cake...amazing. 

transformed the robot from last year to a superhero too. 

I also created this photo booth using bulletin board paper from the teacher store and a pack of sharpies in three metallic colors.  I used spray adhesive to attach the paper to a foam board and used a "sort of" strait edge to create the buildings.  Graham had a blast helping me with this project.  It took about two hours start to finish and I was thoroughly excited it came out like I envisioned it...my husband didn't understand what I was going for until it was complete!  If you know my obsession with monograms, you will immediately recognize that the last building on the right is my favorite! 

  

Graham enjoyed playing with his friends and a fun time was had by all! 

Ben and I are continually amazed by this little boy.  We often ask ourselves how we ended up so lucky to get this kid.  Graham, you are the light of our eyes.  Continue to shine brightly for the world to see! 

Graham's Grandparents love him too!