An Unexpected Birthday Present

Shortly after Christmas, I started to wonder if I was pregnant. I'm not even sure what started that line of thinking. After years of trying to get pregnant, I had decided it would never happen. But each day, I couldn't shake the feeling. So on my birthday, I decided to take a pregnancy test. I was convinced it would be negative, just like all the other tests I had taken over the years, but I also thought if I was pregnant, my birthday would be the perfect day to find out. 

When I took the test, the second line was very faint. I even told myself I was seeing things. I couldn't be pregnant. It didn't seem possible. Finally, I decided to go to the doctor for a second opinion. I went in and peed in the cup and then the nurse visited with me while we waited for the results. She kept saying baby and pregnancy like it was a sure thing, but I still didn't dare get my hopes up. I've been down that road too many times.

Finally the doctor came in with the news. I was pregnant. I was in shock. Pregnant? I can get pregnant? Honestly, that shock would last for a few weeks, until the morning sickness decided to hit 2 weeks later; then it felt more real. 

After the doctor, I was on cloud nine the rest of the day. We were going to have a baby! I spent all day wondering how to tell Vince. I decided to buy a few baby items and give him a gift, even though it was my birthday. I even got off work early so I could get off at the same time as he did. 

I didn't know it, but by my coming home early, I ruined one of his surprises. He had planned to take my nephews to the dollar store to buy a present for my birthday. After I told him we were expecting, my mom sent a text to let him know the boys were home from school. He told me what he had planned to do, so since my mom and sister were expecting him to come over, we decided to re-wrap the gift and go surprise them. 

A few days later, I came home to a card and some beautiful roses. 

We still are in shock half of the time that this even happened. Neither of us thought it was possible. But we are beyond excited for this little miracle that God has blessed us with. 

Baby Sanchez is due in September. 

City Trip - Single Event

Recently, I found a Christian Singles group on Facebook. They meet for various activities, but its in the city, which means a 2-1/2 hour drive for me. Since it was my birthday this week, I thought I would celebrate by taking a trip to the city and checking out the group. The dinner is potlock, so I knew the best way to win over the crowd was to bring Oreo cupcakes. My plan worked when I saw most of them going back for a 2nd one. 

While we ate, we watched the football game. When it was over, we played Mexican Train. I will admit, when I first got there, I was taken back about the age group, I felt a little out of place. But I loved hanging with people who love Jesus. The game was fun and I ended up staying until 1 am. 

I knew it would be a late night, so I had booked a hotel nearby. On Sunday morning, I decided to go visit a church near the hotel. I love that no matter where you are, when you seek God, He ALWAYS shows up. This weekend was a huge step out of my comfort zone to go to an event where I knew nobody and then attend a new church by myself. But I'm so glad I did. 

After church, I went to the Olive Garden and then I did some shopping at IKEA. I had some gift cards and was able to buy a book shelf, a cabinet for my bathroom and a few odds and ends. The bookshelf was heavy and I had to have help loading. Then, when I got home, my cousin came over to help me unload it and get the box upstairs. 

Last night, after I had burnt out on homework, I wasn't quite ready for bed, so I decided to assemble the bookshelf. I have not been a fan of living alone, but I also feel the need to prove to myself that I can do it. God has provided for so many of my needs. The fact that I got to keep my home in the divorce is proof of that. I knew, if I could put the bookshelf together, by myself, there won't be much I can't do. 

Or course, I did have a little bit of "help."

It took me about an hour, but I did it! Just looking at it filled me with pride and joy. I know that I will be okay on my own, at least for now. I still need to assemble the bathroom cabinet, but I think it will be easy enough. 

The first thing on it was books. But the next thing I put on the bookshelf was pictures of my nephews. They need updated, but those pictures always make me smile, so its hard to replace them. 

My 34th Birthday

This is going to be my year. A year of self discovery, a year of growth, a year of awesome! As I drove to work on my birthday, I realized that 34 is the perfect age. I'm at the perfect age to start the next chapter of my life. I know the Lord has amazing things in store for me this year. 

I started the morning off with a few gifts. 

I decided to treat myself to a few new Alex & Ani bracelets and a new Pandora bracelet since mine doesn't fit well with my recent weight loss. 

I also decided to buy 2 new charms to go with it.They had a sale running that day and I was also able to buy a ring for almost half off. 

I love my birthday. I've never understood why people hate them. There is nothing wrong with turning a year older. I always try to spend the day in celebration. Those who know me, know I rarely eat these days. Most of my meals consist of protein shakes. But I decided to treat myself to some of my favorite foods. I started the day off with a frappe and muffin from my favorite coffee shop. For lunch, I went to Arby's, just so I could order cheese sticks. 

My growing collection of Alex & Ani bracelets. 

The best part of my day was having this lovely rose show up at work. I was kind of bummed that I would be missing out on flowers for my birthday. But "E" surprised me and sent me a beautiful rose. I've left it on my desk all week to enjoy. I find it so sweet that from another state, he would take the time to find a florist in my area and send me a rose. 

I had a few friends spoil me as well. Jessica got me a soft, purple blanket for my couch. 

For dinner, the Cairoli family took me to my favorite Mexican Restaurant. Being with friends was the perfect end to the day. Jana even paid for my meal. Jess got me a beautiful floral arrangement and Jennifer bought me chocolates and a gift card to my favorite coffee shop. 

My mom stopped by during the day to give me this cute sign she found. I love it!

Seriously, I just know that this year is going to be great. God has restored my joy and He is always faithful!