Just to show you all that we still exist, I am going to post a real simple summer slushy recipe. I have been craving slushies. This is a super cheap way to make them at home!
Homemade Slushies
1 pack of unsweetened kool-aid, any flavor
2 cups of water
1/2-3/4 cup of sugar
4 cups of cubed ice
Mix ingredients and blend. But I add a little more water and cubed ice because I like a lighter taste. It is pretty strong as this recipe is written. Also, I dissolve the sugar in the water. To add a little extra kick, decrease the amount of water and sugar, and add some 7-up or ginger ale!
It makes 4-6 glasses.
Cost is less than 20 cents for all the ingredients!
Enjoy!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Let's Talk About Infertility
Infertility. It still is a subject that can bring an elephant into a room, though it has gotten better in the last 10 years (I think). Each couple, each person reacts to the diagnosis of infertility differently. Most people don't like to talk about it because infertility is such a personal problem. And you would not believe the comments that come out of peoples' mouths. So here I am to educate you a little bit about infertility.
Definition of infertility: unable to conceive; woman unable to get or keep a pregnancy; man unable to impregnate
Approximately 2 out of 10 (or 20%) of couples are unable to conceive within one year. Chances are, you know someone who has or is going through this problem. You may, or may not, know about it. Of the 20%, 10% will get pregnant either naturally or with medical help after one year. Male and female issues are equally responsible for the infertility at 40% each. The remaining 20% are unknown/undiagnosed issues.
So imagine trying month after month after month, then year after year to have a baby. It truly is an emotional rollercoaster. There is constant disappointment, constant wondering what is wrong, and a feeling of utter failure. Each month, you start fresh and get excited only to feel totally devastated later. And then you start all over again.
After over 4 years of devastation, disappointment, anger, and sadness, we finally were able to get pregnant and stay pregnant (we miscarried twins prior to this). We were not able to do it the au natural way. Fortunately, there have been huge medical advances to give couples like us a chance to have a family. Because of that, we met our beautiful baby boy on Nov 3, 2009. We are fortunate enough to be able to afford the medical interventions--it's not cheap--unlike so many couples. Only 13 states cover all or part of infertility issues.
So a few things I ask of you when you are dealing with a couple who are having trouble conceiving...
1). Initially, don't be too nosey. They will talk about it when they are ready. But do ask how they are feeling because it is such an emotional subject.
2). Watch what you say... Please DO NOT say stuff like this
- "Why don't you just adopt?" Personal choice and not something for you to bring up. They've probably already thought about it. And adopting is actually more expensive than most infertility treatments.
- "Whenever I look at my husband, I get pregnant." Makes them feel even worse and like they are failures, doesn't help out how they feel at all!
- "If I have twins, I'll give you one." Really? You really would? Don't lie.
- "Just relax and it will happen." If I charge everyone $1 for how many times I heard this, I would be rich. The majority of couples who have been trying for over a year actually have something medically wrong with him/her. You saying it doesn't make relaxing any easier.
- "Are you doing it right?" Oh I love this one.
3). Don't give out advice like this:
- "Are you putting your hips up after?"
- "Have you tried standing on your head?"
- "Hop backwards seven times."
Yes, I personally was told all of these comments. Some of you may not see why this is a big deal. But unless you've been in shoes that go through infertility, you won't understand. And I hope none of you have to understand.
So why am I writing about infertility? Chances are that there is someone out there who is going through it. I've had the privilege to help others out in the last few years with infertility that have come to me personally about questions and concerns. I've enjoyed helping them so much. It brings a smile to my face. And of the 4 people who have contacted me, I'm happy to announce all of them have either given birth or are currently pregnant.
As for citing any references, the information you see here is pretty much the general statement in most articles or on most internet sites. I had a couple years to do research and gather information. I almost feel like an expert. In fact, I know more about the male and female reproductive system than human should have to know. :o) :o) :o)
Definition of infertility: unable to conceive; woman unable to get or keep a pregnancy; man unable to impregnate
Approximately 2 out of 10 (or 20%) of couples are unable to conceive within one year. Chances are, you know someone who has or is going through this problem. You may, or may not, know about it. Of the 20%, 10% will get pregnant either naturally or with medical help after one year. Male and female issues are equally responsible for the infertility at 40% each. The remaining 20% are unknown/undiagnosed issues.
So imagine trying month after month after month, then year after year to have a baby. It truly is an emotional rollercoaster. There is constant disappointment, constant wondering what is wrong, and a feeling of utter failure. Each month, you start fresh and get excited only to feel totally devastated later. And then you start all over again.
After over 4 years of devastation, disappointment, anger, and sadness, we finally were able to get pregnant and stay pregnant (we miscarried twins prior to this). We were not able to do it the au natural way. Fortunately, there have been huge medical advances to give couples like us a chance to have a family. Because of that, we met our beautiful baby boy on Nov 3, 2009. We are fortunate enough to be able to afford the medical interventions--it's not cheap--unlike so many couples. Only 13 states cover all or part of infertility issues.
So a few things I ask of you when you are dealing with a couple who are having trouble conceiving...
1). Initially, don't be too nosey. They will talk about it when they are ready. But do ask how they are feeling because it is such an emotional subject.
2). Watch what you say... Please DO NOT say stuff like this
- "Why don't you just adopt?" Personal choice and not something for you to bring up. They've probably already thought about it. And adopting is actually more expensive than most infertility treatments.
- "Whenever I look at my husband, I get pregnant." Makes them feel even worse and like they are failures, doesn't help out how they feel at all!
- "If I have twins, I'll give you one." Really? You really would? Don't lie.
- "Just relax and it will happen." If I charge everyone $1 for how many times I heard this, I would be rich. The majority of couples who have been trying for over a year actually have something medically wrong with him/her. You saying it doesn't make relaxing any easier.
- "Are you doing it right?" Oh I love this one.
3). Don't give out advice like this:
- "Are you putting your hips up after?"
- "Have you tried standing on your head?"
- "Hop backwards seven times."
Yes, I personally was told all of these comments. Some of you may not see why this is a big deal. But unless you've been in shoes that go through infertility, you won't understand. And I hope none of you have to understand.
So why am I writing about infertility? Chances are that there is someone out there who is going through it. I've had the privilege to help others out in the last few years with infertility that have come to me personally about questions and concerns. I've enjoyed helping them so much. It brings a smile to my face. And of the 4 people who have contacted me, I'm happy to announce all of them have either given birth or are currently pregnant.
As for citing any references, the information you see here is pretty much the general statement in most articles or on most internet sites. I had a couple years to do research and gather information. I almost feel like an expert. In fact, I know more about the male and female reproductive system than human should have to know. :o) :o) :o)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Amazing Story, Amazing People
I needed to share this amazing story about our friends. This was the friend who became paralyzed after a dirtbiking accident in August 2009. It was really neat to see this in the newspaper today. Jordan was with Thore when the accident happened. I called Justine to tell her the news and picked her up to take her to the hospital. It was an unforgettable evening with a family who's lives changed forever in an instant. Don't forget to hug your loved ones every day.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_babae50c-4477-11e0-8199-001cc4c03286.html
(you will have to copy and paste because adding the link does not seem to work)
Grab a box of kleenex...
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_babae50c-4477-11e0-8199-001cc4c03286.html
(you will have to copy and paste because adding the link does not seem to work)
Grab a box of kleenex...
Sunday, February 20, 2011
No Time for Anything.
Originally, I started out writing this post yesterday. As you can see, I am now finishing the post today.
I have been getting some pokes that I haven't updated the blog lately. Just a few days ago, I realized it has been over a month since my last post! In fact, there was still Christmas music playing. So, here it goes.
January was filled with lots of action! Jordan's family was here from England. Then, we had Cindy (Jordan's mom) stay with us until she left for Liberia, Africa to continue doing missions. Jordan has been sick a lot with the random flu or cold. And Ethan mostly has been able stay healthy.
In the coming months, there will be a lot going on in and around the Marshall household. One of the biggest things we are looking forward to is SPRING! We all are getting that spring fever and sick of being cooped up in the house with so little to do. In the summer, so many of the tourist stuff is open and we have several options of what to do. But during the winter, it is either go to the mall or go to the family swim center. And it doesn't help I have an appropriate "mommy" swimsuit to wear anymore. So a new swimsuit is on the list of items to buy.
As I write this, I look outside at the 8+ inches of snow that have fallen in the last 24 hours. Boo. At least we can go play outside in the snow. If it ever warms up...
Ethan, Ethan, Ethan. He still is our bundle of energy who refuses to sit still. He loves to climb on things. He loves to jump. He loves to dance. He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to watch Phineas and Ferb on television. Oh, and he loves to scream and throw tantrums. He is quite determined and hard-headed (like his dad). Here is a funny story. When Ethan starts throwing his tantrum, I put him in his room and tell him he can come out when he is ready, and I partially close his door. But, Ethan found a way to show he is displeased. He slams the door shut. LOL. How does a 15 month old learn that?
Because of my lack of blogging, I will keep you posted a little better in the coming months!
He LOVES daddy's bike and didn't want to get off.
Found HIS baby bouncer and watching Phineas and Ferb
Still an obsession.
I have been getting some pokes that I haven't updated the blog lately. Just a few days ago, I realized it has been over a month since my last post! In fact, there was still Christmas music playing. So, here it goes.
January was filled with lots of action! Jordan's family was here from England. Then, we had Cindy (Jordan's mom) stay with us until she left for Liberia, Africa to continue doing missions. Jordan has been sick a lot with the random flu or cold. And Ethan mostly has been able stay healthy.
In the coming months, there will be a lot going on in and around the Marshall household. One of the biggest things we are looking forward to is SPRING! We all are getting that spring fever and sick of being cooped up in the house with so little to do. In the summer, so many of the tourist stuff is open and we have several options of what to do. But during the winter, it is either go to the mall or go to the family swim center. And it doesn't help I have an appropriate "mommy" swimsuit to wear anymore. So a new swimsuit is on the list of items to buy.
As I write this, I look outside at the 8+ inches of snow that have fallen in the last 24 hours. Boo. At least we can go play outside in the snow. If it ever warms up...
Ethan, Ethan, Ethan. He still is our bundle of energy who refuses to sit still. He loves to climb on things. He loves to jump. He loves to dance. He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to watch Phineas and Ferb on television. Oh, and he loves to scream and throw tantrums. He is quite determined and hard-headed (like his dad). Here is a funny story. When Ethan starts throwing his tantrum, I put him in his room and tell him he can come out when he is ready, and I partially close his door. But, Ethan found a way to show he is displeased. He slams the door shut. LOL. How does a 15 month old learn that?
Because of my lack of blogging, I will keep you posted a little better in the coming months!
He LOVES daddy's bike and didn't want to get off.
Found HIS baby bouncer and watching Phineas and Ferb
Still an obsession.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Unwrap Those Presents!
Merry Christmas (belated), Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!
Even though the Holiday season can be so crazy and sometimes stressful, it still is my favorite time of year. The presents under the tree, the music playing in the background, the big snowflakes falling from the sky...it all is wonderful. But we also remember what Christmas is about. Jesus is the reason for the season. And the quality time with family is treasured.
For those who are not able to celebrate with us here on earth, we hope that you were still able to share each moment with us.
We are so thankful for all we have. And we thank all of you, our friends and family, for all you've done for us.
P.S. Now, Ethan has learned how to ride his battery-operated 4-wheeler squatting, standing on his seat, standing on the foot rest, laying on the seat, or sitting backwards. Maybe we should get a smaller deductible on our health insurance...
Even though the Holiday season can be so crazy and sometimes stressful, it still is my favorite time of year. The presents under the tree, the music playing in the background, the big snowflakes falling from the sky...it all is wonderful. But we also remember what Christmas is about. Jesus is the reason for the season. And the quality time with family is treasured.
For those who are not able to celebrate with us here on earth, we hope that you were still able to share each moment with us.
We are so thankful for all we have. And we thank all of you, our friends and family, for all you've done for us.
P.S. Now, Ethan has learned how to ride his battery-operated 4-wheeler squatting, standing on his seat, standing on the foot rest, laying on the seat, or sitting backwards. Maybe we should get a smaller deductible on our health insurance...
Pre-Christmas
The computer has been on the back burner for awhile. I didn't do well with keeping up with e-mails, checking facebook, or looking at blogs. And I admit it has been pretty nice! We have been able to spend lots of quality time together.
So it is time to update you on the happenings of the Marshall family starting from pre-Christmas!
I worked way too many hours prior to Christmas. So it was wonderful to have a whole week off. I was able to put the tree up just a few days before Christmas.
Pre-Ethan Christmas Tree
Ethan Discovering the Christmas Tree
Post-Ethan Christmas Tree
We managed to block the tree off and have minimal tree catastrophes!
Oh how I love this time of year!
So it is time to update you on the happenings of the Marshall family starting from pre-Christmas!
I worked way too many hours prior to Christmas. So it was wonderful to have a whole week off. I was able to put the tree up just a few days before Christmas.
Pre-Ethan Christmas Tree
Ethan Discovering the Christmas Tree
Post-Ethan Christmas Tree
We managed to block the tree off and have minimal tree catastrophes!
Oh how I love this time of year!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
I Heart Christmas Season
I felt the need to change the blog a bit. As I read others' blogs, I realized that I am so busy, I just put information and some pictures. Now I plan on adding a little more thought as to what I write. We will see how this works.
While the three of us snotty-nosed Marshalls fight a cold, it doesn't change the fact that it is that time of year. December. Christmas.
Those around me know how much I love Christmas. I love making the house smell like apples and cinnamon, with a cup of hot cocoa or hot apple cider while sitting on the couch staring at a tree that sparkles so beautifully. Then there are the additional Christmas decorations that make the house feel like home. Since we got our first dog, we have not put any presents under the tree due to a previous experience, which I miss doing dearly. Thank goodness our puppy at the time, Trooper, did not eat the whole DVD and we could salvage the DVD for ourselves.
Now that we have a very active child, I am debating when we should put the tree up. Not only is Ethan active, but he is a persistent little fella'. You tell him no, and he grins with his little "no means do it again" smirk while you stare at him with a displeasing look. But without the tree, it just does not feel like Christmas. I don't get the feeling of curling up in a blanket and wanting to fall asleep on the couch next to the Christmas tree while it snows large Charlie Brown flakes outside.
So how do all of you deal with having small children and having a Christmas tree?
Almost all the presents are bought and wrapped. The last of the Christmas shopping has to be done this week so I can send off all the presents. There aren't many who get to send presents one way to Alaska and the other direction to Norway. We are so fortunate to have family, but I often miss them. It is especially hard for me during the holidays. One holiday season, we all will be able to get together.
Here is to one year ago, when Ethan got to experience his first Christmas. He was our little Christmas 2009 miracle.
And I love those little quirks of personality that Ethan has, like the one where he likes his legs pretzeled up so his feet can rest against the high chair.
While the three of us snotty-nosed Marshalls fight a cold, it doesn't change the fact that it is that time of year. December. Christmas.
Those around me know how much I love Christmas. I love making the house smell like apples and cinnamon, with a cup of hot cocoa or hot apple cider while sitting on the couch staring at a tree that sparkles so beautifully. Then there are the additional Christmas decorations that make the house feel like home. Since we got our first dog, we have not put any presents under the tree due to a previous experience, which I miss doing dearly. Thank goodness our puppy at the time, Trooper, did not eat the whole DVD and we could salvage the DVD for ourselves.
Now that we have a very active child, I am debating when we should put the tree up. Not only is Ethan active, but he is a persistent little fella'. You tell him no, and he grins with his little "no means do it again" smirk while you stare at him with a displeasing look. But without the tree, it just does not feel like Christmas. I don't get the feeling of curling up in a blanket and wanting to fall asleep on the couch next to the Christmas tree while it snows large Charlie Brown flakes outside.
So how do all of you deal with having small children and having a Christmas tree?
Almost all the presents are bought and wrapped. The last of the Christmas shopping has to be done this week so I can send off all the presents. There aren't many who get to send presents one way to Alaska and the other direction to Norway. We are so fortunate to have family, but I often miss them. It is especially hard for me during the holidays. One holiday season, we all will be able to get together.
Here is to one year ago, when Ethan got to experience his first Christmas. He was our little Christmas 2009 miracle.
And I love those little quirks of personality that Ethan has, like the one where he likes his legs pretzeled up so his feet can rest against the high chair.
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