Chasing our Dreams

ONCE AGAIN! We have another shot at winning a Free IVF Cycle from the most awesome fertility planet on earth- SHER Institute! This time was a bit different, and for that, I am thankful! Not only did they create a category for folks like ourselves, who are struggling w/ secondary infertility- meaning one of us has already had children, but they left it open to popular vote to determine the finalists that choose the Top 10 in each category. Our loyal group of family and friends rallied behind us, mostly thanks to social media, and voted us to the Top 10! Words cannot express how thankful I am to our awesome support group and as my hubby puts it- my "fan club"! You all ROCK! I love each and everyone of you! I was actually at my daughter's tumbling practice tonight when SHER announced the top 10 and I started crying tears of joy! Even if we don't win just knowing we had another shot and that we have so much support- means SO MUCH and makes me SO THANKFUL!

We are so ready for this next chapter in our lives! We have the house, the jobs, the pre-teens, and now we want THE BABY- our baby...to make our lives complete. We know it's all in God's timing and we are hoping this IS our time! I cannot imagine loving the hubs anymore than I do now, but giving him a child of his own and sharing that experience with the man I love (I have never ever had that) I tear up each time I think about how awesome that would be! Every woman deserves to have that experience with the man she loves and every man deserves to have a child to carry on his legacy- especially a man as awesome as my hubby! He is GOLDEN! Truly the most awesome, honest, loving, caring, hard working man I have ever known...so glad he's mine and I am his. We are blessed- no matter what! God speed to those who will be picking the winners out of the top 10! I cannot imagine having that task at hand but it's nice knowing someone who has been there is now choosing the next couple to have they chance they had!

33rd Bday & 5 Year Anni

Another year older and another year married...it seems that the happiness of celebrating our Anniversary every year, helps with the sting of getting older.

Let's talk AGE- 33- really? I don't feel grown up enough to be 33! I mean really? Maybe it's because I was always the baby of the family? Not sure! But I can't fathom this new mid-thirties status. I can attest to the fact that the 30s HAVE ROCKED! They have been the best years so far- in.my.life. I have accomplished more, had more fun, traveled to more places and laughed more than anytime in my entire life! I am enjoy the 30s- people finally take me seriously  and besides fighting the battle of the bulge, chin hairs (yes I said chin hairs) and an overwhelming amount of gray hairs-the 30s have been good to me.

5 years married! WOW! I always joke and tell my husband- "you should be proud this is the longest I've ever been with someone- no breaks ups, no back and forth- just TOGETHER". I am certainly proud of me! Coming from a "broken home" if you will, can be a hindrance when it comes to being loyal and sticking it out in a marriage. Children mimic what they see and what I saw from age 0-10 was fighting, leaving, fighting, leaving and finally the Big D. I am finally getting this marriage thing down- you stay, you stick it out, even when it hurts, especially when it hurts and you figure things out TOGETHER- no matter what it is- just put it on the table and work through it. Don't think I am trying to be an expert on marriage- I think that is a joke! We are all learning as we go- life is so unpredictable and we never know what's around the corner. We just do the best we can and if at the end of the day when we lay our hands we can do it knowing we are laying next to the one we love- well then we are accomplishing something everyday.

US on our Anniversary enjoying a night w/ fam & friends!

In the short but long 5 years we've been married- we survived- living in and flipping two houses, which means non stop work! Battling out in court over custody of the kiddos- nearly making us go completely broke- financial devastation was just around the corner for us. And who can forget the failed IVF that brought us both to our knees emotionally, physically and it also posed a huge financial burden. We spent nearly a year building our new house- ourselves- which was trying beyond any words I can put here. We are in the midst of raising TWO pre-teens and that has presented new challenges which I think we are dealing with very well! Amongst all these trials and tribulations of LIFE we never lost touch of who we were TOGETHER, we had some rocky times, times I know I thought I just couldn't stick it out any longer because it hurt too much, but I am so glad I did! I am so glad that the hubby came from a parents and grandparents that have been together FOREVER so he could teach me and show me what unconditional love is all about. "I am in this for the long haul" he always tells me. And for this first time ever in my life- I believe a man who promises he will never leave me. He's my best friend, my #1 fan, my partner in crime, my project manager of all things house related, my comic relief when I need, the center of my passion and everything I have ever wanted or needed in a man. I am so glad HE IS MINE! Love him! I can't wait to celebrate many more birthdays and anniversaries together! PS- he's finally getting the hang of this romance thing- he bought FLOWERS AND CARDS this year...a first! Kuddos Hubs!

I SHOULD Write MORE

After a friendly text from my fellow friend & colleague reminding me I should write more...I got the nudge I needed to put something, anything out in the blogosphere! 

HOUSE- 

WE ARE IN! We moved in mid- August! We got our kitchen "officially" finished mid October and now we just have little things to finish- like trim in the rooms, a few fixtures, etc. And then the outside finishing touches will begin- like porches being poured, driveway, garage, outdoor living space, the FUN STUFF! The kids are so happy- they are constantly proclaiming- our house is "awesome"! The hubs and I feel extremely blessed to OWN our home WITHOUT a mortgage! We have grown closer as a couple and partners in building through this experience! We are such a good team- be it- IVF, building a house, parenting two pre-teens- we just click and make things happen. I love being his wife...

I have to say I feel like that entire process of paying cash to build a house feels like more of an uphill climb up Mount Everest. Carrying a 50 pound bag of dead weight! I feel like some of that weight has been lifted but I still feel some of it weighing on me- until the FINAL touch is FINISHED! I also feel like nearly 2600 square feet was too much- especially now that I have to CLEAN it...which I fail to do as much as I should.

Dream Kitchen

WORK- 

I have been very very fortunate to be working for Oklahoma's #1 Home Builder- Home Creations! I am working a development close to home in Collinsville, OK- Ashbury Park. Believe it or not- I have sold over 40 homes there since January! I cannot even begin to describe how it feels to have such success- not just the monetary part- but helping so many couples, families, single moms, young single lady and gents- become first time home buyers or downsize to their first ever BRAND NEW home. I am blessed beyond measure to know each of these individuals. Building a house can be a grueling process- but I think between myself and my awesome amazing construction team- we do it with class and outstanding customer service! I cannot imagine being anywhere else or doing anything else! I was promoted to the Tulsa Team Leader in September and I am leading my team to great success! We sold 10 homes in 9 days just the past few weeks and we are set to break records in 2013! Just wait and see- the HC girls will make their mark on Tulsa New Home Sales!

KIDS- 

My beautiful baby girl- in the middle- My Mady Girl

The kids are full steam ahead in school and sports! Dax had his best football season ever- his first  year as a Middle School ball player- and scored a touchdown and had lots of awesome carries as a starting Fullback...I had many proud mom moments this season! Hes now in my favorite sport- WRESTLING! With his first tournament coming up on 11/17! Cant wait to see him PIN SOMEONE! Mady had a great cheer season and is now in her first tumbling lessons! She is loving it! We are also starting Volleyball for the first time ever in Dec- that should be an adventure. 

My #40 My Dax

LIFE- 
 
I feel like life is flying by and things are just so fast paced these days I don't have time to think! I need to make a goal to set down and write every week...it is so therapeutic. Like reading a novel...which I might add- I have been on a novel hangover since reading Fifty Shades of Grey- THREE TIMES- I haven't been able to get INTO another novel! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

One thing I know for certain right now- I need to learn to "turn it off" like my Hubby says- silence my phone, close the laptop, and just BE! Even if for an hour a day- I need the peace...and break from the world.  There is nothing that cannot wait until tomorrow. 

LOVE- 

In St. Thomas- that place was a dream!

Being married is NOT easy. For anyone. If they say it is- they are lying. Period. Life isn't perfect so therefore we struggle, battle, worry, fret and fight through this world together. Sometimes, in a forward motion both in sync, sometimes, one dragging the other kicking and screaming and sometimes just at a stand still trying to figure out where to go from here. Going through the failed IVF definitely was the "lowest of low" in our marriage, not even when it happened- but the emotional backlash- a year even almost two years later, of it all. Sometimes is just so painful, you cannot take it all in- it takes a year or two, just to absorb the pain and disappointment to its fullest extent and except things for what they are- together, apart, as friends, as lovers, as a spouse. Life changes, we go directions we never thought we would- with work and promotions- that your goals as a family have to be re-evaluated. But I have decided that I WANT TO HAVE IT ALL! The husband, the house, the kids, the dogs, the dream job, a baby w/ the man I love...who says I can't have IT ALL? Whatever happens in our IVF Journey- we are doing it- Together- and that's whats most important. I am so thankful for my hubby- he has been my rock through this entire journey and so supportive of my goals and dreams. I love this man, so  much, no matter what. I am the lucky one. 

Believing in a Bryant Baby

ANOTHER SIRM FREE IVF GIVE AWAY!

 HERE IS OUR ENTRY...

Praying this will be our chance!

It's Been WAY too Long...

It's been way too long...since I have blogged! So here is my laundry list of excuses of things that have kept me busy to the point of non-blogging...God has filled my life with amazing opportunities & amazing family, friends and new people...here are the pics to prove it...

I took my profession to the next level as the OSC for Capital Homes

I did some lobbying at the Oklahoma State for laws effecting Home Builders. This is me, with Senator Rick Brinkley and Mindy Baker- Capital Homes Sales Exec.

I was appointed the Social Media & Communication Chair for Oklahoma Professional Women in Building- this is me, Kimmi Houston (the National Chair for PWB) and Mindy Baker- Capital Homes Sales Exec at the OSHBA Spring Boards  

I organized & hosted 3 Trade Shows at 3 of our model homes- this is in Bixby at Providence Hills- we had around 45 people in attendance! 

I found out that big scissors they always use- really ARE scissors- when I cut the ribbon for the Sapulpa Chamber Ribbon Cutting for Capital Homes' new model home!

I changed things up a bit with New Red Highlights in my hair!

I organized & worked at various Events promoting Capital Homes-  like the Oklahoma Wedding Show

I made my first Diaper Cake for my new nephew baby Kade! and I hosted my sis-in-laws baby shower!

I became an Aunt for the 5th time! My sister in law & her hubby had the most precious cutest little boy on cinco de mayo! Kade Aaron Runk! Love him!

We took a "cousin" trip to the zoo over Spring Break! The kids & nephews w/ my mom at the Tulsa Zoo- you are never too old to enjoy the good ole Zoo!

I worked the Capital Homes Booth at the Owasso Trail Days Business Expo! 

I enjoyed a Red Dirt Concert w/ my Hubby at the Cains! 

I bought an iphone 4 for myself and ipod touch 4 for Mady so we could Facetime while she's at her dads- her brother already had one- so now we all stay in touch a little better- which makes it nice!

I attended Charity Events like Owasso Community Resources Casino Night.

I was in such a scatter brain hurry that day after working an event all day then coming home to change & be back in Owasso for the OCR event- I put on two different pairs of heels & had to buy new ones before the event!

The Kids and I  took a short trip OKC to watch my mom be inducted as the first female NE Oklahoma VP of Okla Elks Lodge. She and my grandmother both won awards for their performance at their Rituals Competitions. I am very proud of them!

I witnessed my nephew Logan go to his first prom- it was so bittersweet- man Im getting old & time flies too fast!

Mady girl had her first piano recital 5/15/2011 she did great! so proud of her!

I had a wonderful Mother's Day with some of my favorite people!

and my kids gave me the best gift- they GOT ALONG all.day.long for one day! 

I worked the Keller Williams Trade Show

I was honored to be the guest of the Honorary Chairman for this event...it was a magical night at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Tulsa!

I got dolled up- hair and make up did & wore fake eyelashes for the first time for the Hispanic Excelencia Awards Gala! 

Mady finished up the 3rd grade- here she is with her group of BFFs and her all time fave teacher Mrs. Jeffries! She made STRAIGHT A's all year & was listed on the Superintendent's Honor Roll!

Daxon finished up the 5th grade- he was listed on the Principal's Honor Roll- with Mrs. Vance- our all time fave teacher- what a blessing she was to our family this year! We will miss her! AND I cannot believe my son will be in Junior High in August *tear*

My baby girl turned 9 another tear

She had a big Diva Birthday Bash....fashion stage, decorations, arts & crafts & hair feathers!

We enjoyed some lake time over Memorial Day weekend!

AND LAST BY NOT LEAST- MARCH 8TH I BOUGHT A NEW CAR!!! A SUPER CUTE PT CRUISER CONVERTIBLE!! THE KIDS SAID WE ARE "FINALLY PIMPIN" WHICH I GUESS IS A GOOD THING!!! 

JUST A FEW MORE PICS OF BABY KADE BEFORE I END THIS BLOG...LIFE IS SO SWEET!

MY FAVE PIC- look at his lil hand compared to Dustins

Uncle Dustin loves his new nephew Kade!

Shes Smitten!

He loves being a big cousin!

Right after he was born! I was so blessed to be able to share that precious day with Heather, Aaron & Kade! What a blessing!

A Mushy Valentine's Day Blog: Warning May Contain Lovey Dovey Sentiments

                                                              Our First VDay together 2007


In celebration of our fourth Valentine's Day together...I am writing a mushy love blog!

When I look at the pictures of us on Valentine's Day in 2007- our first Vday together only two months into our courtship- I am A-Mazed at all the things we have been through together- good and bad in the four years since we took this pic. I often wonder if my Hubby would have run screaming in the other direction if he had known what a hand full, loaded with baggage, mess I was (maybe still am). But then I remind myself a night too long after this pic was taken when I was dealing with some not so great things and he told he had broad shoulders to carry us both through whatever life brought our way. He was right- he has carried us both through many ups and downs and I revere him for his strength and loyalty through life's celebrations and tragedies.

So on this lovey dovey day of L-O-V-E I want to thank God for giving me my Hubby, aside from my children and sister- he is the best thing in my life and I am certain I would not be who I am today if I did not have him in my life. He lets me chase my dreams...no matter what the cost! He stands by me and always has my back! I can be who I am with him and I never have to worry that he won't understand what I am trying to say or do- because he just GETS ME! His love is solid and unconditional and I am certain that are hard times are past us and our future together is bright and full of amazing things!

Whatever we have overcome together has only made us stronger and brought us closer and to me- that is the true test of love- those who can go through, excuse me, Hell together, and come out on the other side stronger, determined and driven to get to the top of the mountain- hand in hand. We have reached our mountain top and what a journey it has been. Through custody battles, financial struggles (because of the custody battles), selling houses, moving, flipping houses, losing loved ones, and a failed IVF- we are still madly in love just like we were on the day this picture was taken- even more so now because of everything we have been through together.

I could not ask for a better husband, a more perfect match or a better man to share my life- even in the crazy times! Thank you Hubby for loving me through everything and being my #1 Fan! You are THE BEST! MUAH!

Music Heals the Soul? I Say Music WITH a Side of Dancing Heals the Soul!

It's been nearly two years since the Hubby and I enjoyed a night out on the town. Not that we don't like going out and dancing...we LOVE to! We just seldom make time for ourselves to do the fun stuff! We were kidless and Hubby the day off Friday so Thursday night we ventured out with family and friends and danced the night away!

As we drove to Tulsa I started thinking about exactly WHY it had been so long since we had been dancing since we love it so much. I decided the last two years have just been busy and challenging! Here's a little breakdown: for 11 months we were entrenched in a custody battle (that thankfully we put to rest in May 2010), we sold a house, remodeled and moved into another house, lost a beloved grandfather, lost a beloved family dog, we spent all of summer 2010 at the lake (our best summer yet), the kids switched schools (for the best), kids school & sports, I walked away from working in public education to begin a new career in new home sales, writing & marketing and we spent two months preparing, go through (11 days in Vegas) IVF to try to have a baby which ended in a miscarriage. So I would say I understand WHY it's been so long since we took time to enjoy ourselves by spending the night out on the town.

We danced our hearts out for nearly 4 hours. Singing, laughing and mostly- DANCING! As we were enjoying the evening I looked my hubby in the eyes and I was overwhelmed by the fact that after everything we had been through...we are still as happy as the first day we fell in love! He still gives me chills when he touches, makes me laugh and sweeps me off my feet when we dance! I am truly blessed!

Even though a part of me remains in recovery mode I can say that for the first time since November I felt healed! By the music and especially by the dancing...my soul was calmed and I felt NORMAL again! Thank you Lord for giving us music and giving couples like Hubby and I dancing...so when we are climbing our way out of the valley we can do so while dancing  and singing!

I AM DEDICATING THIS POST TO MARY KATHRYN RIDENOUR...LIFELONG SPERRY/SKIATOOK RESIDENT, MOM, GRANDMOTHER, GREAT-GRANDMOTHER, SISTER, COUSIN, AUNT, FRIEND AND LOVING CHRISTIAN WOMAN WHO WENT TO BE WITH HER LORD JANUARY 1, 2010. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. HER GRANDDAUGHTER SHARED WITH ME YESTERDAY THAT SHE ENJOYED READING MY IVF BLOG POSTS AND WOULD ALWAYS VISIT WITH HER ABOUT IT. SHE LOVED SINGING AND I HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES OF HER IN THE CHURCH CHOIR. KATHRYN WAS SUCH AN ENCOURAGEMENT AND INSPIRATION TO ME WHEN I WAS STRUGGLING!  I WAS BLESSED TO KNOW HER!

From Preemie to Perfect: Happy 11th Birthday to my son Dax!

11 years ago today I gave birth to a tiny little bitty preemie baby boy. At 3 pounds 3 ounces Daxon was born with lungs fully developed and breathing on his own- a feat the doctors warned me-for the 3 weeks I was on bed rest in the hospital- would probably NOT happen. I knew then he was special, he was a fighter and he would be just fine. He just needed to grow a little! Though I only got to kiss him on his little forehand and see him for a split second before he was whisked away to the NICU...I knew at that moment that my life would never be the same. I changed, I became a better person, wanting better things for myself and for my baby and I became driven to get those things and make his life as good as I possibly could. At 20 years old I fell in love like I never knew I could and became a mommy to a precious preemie boy! 11 years later he is healthy, happy and strong. He overcame being a preemie, a heart defect and childhood asthma. You would never you suspect that he was born a preemie. He is perfect in every way.

I am so thankful God gave him to me. The timing was not the best but we certainly made the best of the timing. Speaking of time, I teared up today thinking how fast it has flown by. Too fast! 11 years just does not seem right! I wish I could hit the pause button and keep both my kids from growing up. I love them so much and life is so good with them in it...everyday!

Happy Birthday to my 11 year old son Dax! What a blessing you have been and will continue to be! I love you with ALL my heart!

My Christmas Gift...4 Years Ago

Every year on Christmas Day my heart is filled with thankfulness as I  remember Christmas night 4 years ago. December 25, 2006- I fell in love with my hubby! We joke around and say God gave us EACH OTHER for Christmas in 2006. Christmas is extra special around our house because it is true 4 years ago we became more than friends on Christmas Day. (See pic of us in Jan. 2007- taken at his then bachelor pad which was deemed the Love Shack).

It is one of those stories that I can't wait to tell our future children! We were both single, totally NOT looking for a relationship and we had been friends for about 6 months. My single friend and his single were sort of dating and on Christmas evening his friend and mine friend were having dinner at her house. She didn't want to be there alone with him and her kids, and he didn't want to be there alone with her and her kids so he brought Dustin along and she invited me and my kids to come over. Neither of us knew the other would be there. We spent the evening laughing, talking, eating pizza in her kitchen while her kids and my kids played in the living room with all new Christmas gifts. We all agreed it was nice to unwind from the hustle and bustle from a family filled Christmas day.

That evening something changed in the way I looked at him and felt about him. It was certainly one of those AHA moments when you realized what you wanted was right in front of you for some time now. I can't really explain it but things just clicked with us and from that day forward we were pretty much inseparable. He made me laugh and I was totally not skeptical of him- like I was with other guys. He was a small town boy but very quick witted and smart and thought intrigued me beyond all means.

I am so very thankful for our two friends for inviting us with them that night. I am sure we would have eventually ended up together but that night was just perfect. I actually had my kids in tow with me so he saw some of the 4 and 6 year old craziness which obviously did not scary him away- which said A LOT. Even though we had been friends for 6 months I was very picky about who came around my kids and honestly he was the first guy who had been around them since my divorce. I felt safe with him. I knew he was a good guy with a solid background and good family.

God gave me peace about him. He saw me in mom mode and saw my kids in kid mode and he still wanted to date me. What a guy! He was only 23 at the time, with no kids, never married, and I honestly did not think he and I would make it past a few months because my life was so complicated and busy and his was so NOT complicated and so quiet. But he embraced the kids and I and all are dysfunction and craziness and he has loved us unconditionally from day one. I love him so much for being strong through everything. He is so amazing and to this day...he is the best Christmas gift I have ever been given...I thank God everyday for him and his love!

So as you celebrate your Christmas today and tonight...just remember that the most precious, viable, long lasting gifts DO NOT come from the store, they can't be bought...they come from the heart, from actions, from memories and mostly from God.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and don't forget the true meaning of the season....Jesus!

Walking With God

We didn't make it to church this morning as we had a house full of chattering, giggling, running through the house kids last night who were up until 4 am. But they had a good time and that's all that matters. Thankfully I had our church bulletin in my email and was able to read it over just a little bit ago. In it was an amazing poem that spoke directly to me and so I am sharing it with you! Here it goes:




Walking With God Sometimes I walk in the shadow, 
Sometimes in sunlight clear; 
But whether in gloom or brightness
The Lord is very near. 
Sometimes I walk in the valley, 
Sometimes on the mountain crest, 
But whether on low or high land, 
The Lord is manifest. 
Sometimes I walk in the desert, 
Sometimes in waters cold, 
But whether by sands or streamlets
The Lord doth me enfold. 
Sometimes I walk in green pastures, 
Sometimes on barren land; 
But whether in peace or danger 
The Lord holds fast my hand. 

 This poem sums up exactly how it feels to live the life of a Christian. Times will not always be sunny, happy, safe, healthy or joyful. There will be times of disappointment, sadness, sorrow, darkness and sickness. But as long as we walk with God we know we will grow into better people and come out of valley with a story to share and hope to keep us going. It also reminds us that the Lord is ALWAYS with us through the good and the bad times. He walks with us and never lets go of our hand. 


So keep hanging on and keep your faith and I promise one day you will be at top of your mountain, shining in the sun!