The Provence region of southern France is wonderful way to experience the food and culture of France without the overrun of tourists and high prices of Paris. And while most people think of the never-ending lavender fields when it comes to Provence, the winter, and Christmas season in particular, are still a great time to visit with their own unique charms. Just replace touring lavender fields and sitting at outdoor cafes with drinking mulled wine while strolling through beautiful Christmas ... continue reading...
When God Gives You the Unexpected, Part II
I never thought I would be able to write this post. After 4 years and three months of infertility, I took a pregnancy test in the early morning hours of Labor Day and saw what I had prayed for countless times -- a positive. I woke up that morning a little after 4 am and couldn't go back to sleep. I had decided the day before that this was the morning I would test, but when you have seen the opposite of what you want so badly for so long, trust me, it can be very hard to make yourself go ... continue reading...
When God Gives You the Unexpected, Part I
We prayed for 1,564 days. He answered. We prayed. We prayed with tears and broken hearts, in anguish and confusion, with courage, hope, and faith. And so did many of you. You prayed, supported us, and hoped for us even when we could not. Over four years of infertility and gut-wrenching disappointment. Over four years of negatives, multiple specialists, ultrasounds, countless medication, injections, invasive tests, procedures, failed treatment cycles, surgery, a miscarriage, and waiting, ... continue reading...
Wine Tasting at Vina Povh
There's wine tasting. And then there's wine tasting. This is less about an actual wine review and will focus more on the fantastic experience that is the privilege of tasting at Vina Povh. On our way from Croatia to Italy, we decided to stop for an encore in Slovenia. We had already been in Slovenia for the beginning portion of our trip and we weren't ready to say goodbye yet. Slovenia is a small country and it is so easy to get from one neighboring country to another. Speaking of ... continue reading...
Dark Chocolate ‘n Nut Butter Avocado Smoothie
Look, I am not one of those crazy avocado people. I don't try to sneak avocados into pancakes, pudding, and cake. I somehow doubt that you will ever catch me making Chocolate Beet Cupcakes with Chocolate Avocado Frosting. I won't try to convince you that avocado brownies are somehow better than regular brownies. However, that doesn't change the fact that avocado and chocolate, when done well, are a really good combination. Add in some nut butter and a few other tasty items and you won't feel ... continue reading...
The Time That is Given to You
When you are in a season of infertility, you spend a lot of time thinking about time. How long you have been waiting. How long you have been waiting in relation to other people. How much longer you will have to wait. How fast the time has gone, how slow the time has gone. The time in between treatment cycles. How long a month can seem, how long one day can seem. Waiting for results. Waiting for appointments. Waiting for something to happen. Time. The inside of the bell tower on ... continue reading...
