Three 31


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warm fuzzies

Dear Mrs. H,

Thank you so much for all your hard work this year. I am so thankful to have had you as my language arts teacher this year. I couldn’t have come this far without you.

You are an amazing teacher and friend. I love coming into your class everyday because, no matter what, I always learn something new.

You have helped me succeed, and I couldn’t thank you enough for that.

You are awesome!

Sincerely,
L.E.

p.s. Keep in touch, I know I’m going to need your help in high school!


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#NIAW (National Infertility Awareness Week) | A Royal Daughter

Hi there, have we met before? If not let me introduce myself:

I am a country-living, ice tea drinking, good book reading, farming, ranching, Jesus-loving, curly-headed wife of a seminary professor. He’s a teacher, I’m a writer. He’s a thinker, I’m a creative. Together we make our home on a small farm in Texas.

Nicole has been such an encouragement and blessing to me. And somehow, even though we only live a few hours apart, we’ve never met! One of these days we’ll turn this online friendship into a face-to-face friendship.

Nicole offered to share her online space with me today for a very specific purpose: to help spread the word about infertility. April 21-27 is National Infertility Awareness Week, and as a woman who is currently battling infertility, I am passionate about spreading awareness about the struggles and hardships of infertility.

A few facts:

  • Each year approximately 1 in 6 couples in the United States are diagnosed with some level of infertility.
  • “Infertility” is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse for women under the age of 35. Women 35 and older may be diagnosed after 6 months of unprotected, well-timed intercourse.
  • 30% of infertility is the result of an ovulatatory disfunction (i.e. there is a problem with the woman’s ovulation cycle).
  • 30% of infertility is the result of a problem with the man (i.e. sperm structure or production).
  • Many women who face infertility describe their situation as “lonely,” “isolating,” and “painful.”
  • There is a large spectrum of treatments for infertility, with varying degrees of invasiveness and cost.

My story:

  • My husband and I have been trying to conceive (often abbreviated TTC) for almost 4 years.
  • We were officially diagnosed with “unexplained infertility” in February 2012 (the same month our foster boys were removed from our home).
  • We have tried various therapies and treatments, from “alternative” therapies to traditional western medical treatments.
  • We’ve experienced the pain and frustration of two failed IUIs.
  • Until last November, my husband and I kept our struggle to ourselves. We were completely unwilling to share our story, and to some extent we were unwilling to accept our diagnosis.

National Infertility Awareness Week:

This week on my blog, A Royal Daughter, I am dedicating the entire week to spreading awareness about infertility, offering encouragement for those battling infertility, and providing resources for friends and family of those facing infertility. Topics will include:

  • Ideas for stepping up out of the pit of infertility and converting negative emotions and energies into productive, worthwhile activities.
  • Collaborative efforts from women currently battling infertility, and how they overcame common lies women believe about infertility.
  • Online and print resources for those battling infertility as well as those who want to come alongside and encourage and support their infertile friends and family members.
  • How to be a friend to couples dealing with infertility
  • Owning your infertility + embracing the waiting period
  • Collaborative efforts from women who have made it through to the other side of infertility straight to the hearts of those currently navigating the muddy waters of infertility.
  • Infertility from the husband’s perspective.

There will also be a giveaway during the week with items I’ve hand-selected to offer encouragement to those battling infertility. My goal is to offer encouragement and inspiration not only to those currently facing the isolation and frustration of infertility, but for those who wonder how they can minister to their friends who are facing infertility.

I hope you’ll join us, and help spread awareness about infertility. It is an isolating journey, but it doesn’t have to be. You can connect with me at my website, on twitter, facebook, and instagram. I’m also on pinterest and google. However you decide to connect with me, please take time to introduce yourself!


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Dirt, Dust, and Crud

Last night, right before I stepped into the shower, I opened the built-in cabinet to retrieve a towel and washcloth. To my dismay, the towels were a disastrous mess and the washcloths were not in stacks. Obviously, Husband had “put away” laundry. I remedied the situation by (taking a picture and posting it to Facebook) re-folding each towel and washcloth.

messy1

I don’t want y’all to think my house is neat and tidy and organized, because it’s not. In fact, it’s quite gross at the moment. I am not in the running for Housewife Of the Year.

The utility room has more dirt and grass than Blue’s pasture. There is also an “explosion” of footwear and a towel that was used last week for wet shoes after a rainy day. Don’t mind the weapon in the corner, it’s a pellet gun for critters trying to sneak into the barn.

messy3

There are several families of dust bunnies taking up residence behind the couch and in the hallway. They like to congregate in corners, out of the way of high-traffic areas.

messy2

The kitchen floor needs to be swept and mopped. The dishwasher needs to be unloaded so it can be loaded with dirty dishes again.

messy4

Because this post is gross and I don’t want you to hate me, I’ll share pictures of pork fat. We all know that bacon is the bee’s knees and ain’t nobody got time for making a bigger mess in the kitchen!!! Hmmph.

bacon

Oh, what? You don’t bake your bacon? Preheat your oven to 325, line a baking sheet with parchment, arrange slices of bacon in a single layer, and bake for 20 minutes (flip once). Increase temp to 375 for 5-10 minutes if you like your bacon extra crispy.

Please don’t hate me for having a messy house. Thank you. Amen.

2013


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ALL ABOUT ME (a prelude to the DFW Bloggers’ Spring Meet Up)

A while back, I began organizing the DFW Bloggers’ Spring Meet Up. Within hours of opening registration, the event was full. I’m excited to see everybody, including some I’ve not yet met. Before we gather for fun, bowling, and dinner, let’s break the ice with this All About Me, Myself & I link-up.

DIRECTIONS
Copy and paste the questions below to a blog post, answer them
honestly, and publish by April 26. Add your post’s link
to the DFW Bloggers’ About Me Link-Up below.
Then, visit the other blogs and introduce yourself to the attendees!

button

THANKS Becky for creating the button
and
Carly for creating the link-up.

What is your name, blog name and URL?
Nicole from Three 31 (www.nicoleandkevin.wordpress.com)

When and why did you start blogging?
In 2009, during a cold, snowy week off from school, I began 27 & Counting. I had no idea what I was doing. In 2011, I relocated to WordPress and created Three 31. Husband and I were married on March 31, my blog’s title is our anniversary date.

How old were you in 1993?
10

What do you hope to get out of the DFW Bloggers community?
I want to create authentic connections with local bloggers and nurture friendships that are established. I would like to have a regular schedule for social events. I don’t care if it’s dinner and a movie, sushi making class, or sitting on a truck’s tailgate and drinking sweet tea, I want to socialize with y’all!

How much cash is in your wallet right now?
$2.61

Tell us about the most controversial blog post you’ve published and why it caused such a stir. You gotta share the link too!
I wrote this about my boobs, then this happened.

Are you a professional bowler?
No, but I have fun and love the ridiculous shoes!!!!
don’t forget SOCKS to wear with your bowling shoes at the event

What is your shoe size?
11

How do you earn money?
I teach belly-dancing classes to senior citizens and sell moonshine.
Okay, fine. I teach 8th grade language arts.

What are you wearing at the moment?
Yoga pants, a University of Kentucky t-shirt, and socks that don’t match.

What’s your favorite beverage?
Sweet tea.

Do you have kids? If so, how many and how old are they?
No.

If you were another person, would you be friends with you?
Yes, everybody needs at least one sarcastic, loud, inappropriate, big-boobed friend who laughs, talks dirty, and drinks sweet tea.

Name 3 goals you have for your blog in 2013.
By the end of 2013, I want to be featured on a popular blog, improve the content and writing of my posts and the quality of my photography.

What’s the first thing you notice about people?
I watch how a person treats another human being and listen to the words they say.

Can you change a flat tire?
Yes.

If you could spend the day with a celebrity, who would it be and why?
Maya Angelou, so I could ask, “Why does the caged bird sing?”

Which social media site (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.) do you use most?
Facebook

What are you most looking forward to at the DFW Bloggers’ Spring Meet Up?
I’m looking forward to seeing everybody, plus eating, drinking and laughing with friends!

CLICK HERE to add your post’s URL to the link-up!

Don’t forget to visit other blogs and say hello to the other attendees. =)


14 Comments

Three Favorite Reads // Blogger Book Swap

Oh, The Places You’ll Go Dr.Seuss
I have loved this book for as long as I can remember.
It’s a classic to read over and over again!

You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.
You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don’t.
Because, sometimes, you won’t.

drseuss

The Help — Kathryn Stockett
In 2009, after leaving a career in corporate marketing and business development, I situated myself on the couch in front of a very tall stack of books I had wanted to read for four years, but never had the time. It was during this time I read The Help. I love Stockett’s writing and witty language, plus her likeable (and not-so-likeable) characters. I’ve read The Help at least three times.

You is kind.
You is smart.
You is important.

thehelp

The Organic God — Margaret Feinberg
In 2006, Aunt G gave me her copy of The Organic God because she had finished reading it and thought I’d like it. She was correct. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I wrote a note to Margaret Feinberg. Weeks later, she replied. When Margaret came to Fort Worth for a TV show appearance, she invited me to the studio. Since 2009, I’ve attended every show, conference, and ministry event Margaret has been a part of in Texas. I am also blessed to call Margaret and her husband, Leif, friends. Their cutie-patootie poodle, Hershey, is my furry friend. =)

While it’s a word usually associated with food grown without chemical-based fertilizers or pesticides, organic is also used to describe a lifestyle: simple, healthful, and close to nature.
Deep down inside I still hunger for a true, pure relationship with the Organic God — the One True God. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In him is found the mysterious wonder of the Trinity. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

marg

What are three of your favorite books?

2013


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Natalie Merchant

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a concert featuring Natalie Merchant with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra at Bass Hall in Fort Worth with my friend and blog buddy, Julie.

julienicolebasshall

The evening was amazing. Natalie’s voice is unique, very soulful, sultry even. She performed songs that the audience recognized immediately and the acoustics inside Bass Hall are like no other. As much as I love listening to an orchestra, and Natalie’s performance with the FWSO was great, I thought the encore was spectacular. She stood on stage, with a guitarist and pianist, and performed without formality. By the end, more than three dozen audience members were next to the stage, sharing the microphone and singing with Natalie!

 

Wonder by Natalie Merchant

These Are The Days by Natalie Merchant

2013


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Preview To Summer || a blogger book swap

To register, click HERE. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED!!!!!!

It’s hard to believe that summer is around the corner, but it will be here (along with wretched hot temperatures!) before we know it. To survive a Texas summer, I have the perfect solution: stay inside where it’s cool, drink sweet tea and read. I’m excited to announce that I am co-hosting the Preview To Summer | A Blogger Book Swap with five amazing bloggers:

As hosts, our job is to encourage participants to get to know their swap partner and remind them to send their gift on time. Participants need to be dedicated to the swap and willing to utilize social media and email to connect with bloggers, including their swap partner. We want this to be a positive experience for everyone, and we are available to answer questions and address concerns.

REGISTER NOW THRU APRIL 21
To register, click here. You’ll be redirected to a Google document.

The more information you provide, the easier it is to find you a swap partner!

In addition to the swap, participants are encouraged to join weekly link-ups (every Sunday, beginning April 21 through May 26). These link-ups will include a book-themed writing prompt provided by a member of the book swap team. This is another way to foster relationships with bloggers, learn more about your swap partner, engage in community and blog about your experience.

If you are like me, I live for lists. If I’m working on a project with multiple deadlines, I need an organized list. So, here you go Lists People!!!!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 14
— Registration begins
April 21 — Registration ends
April 24 — Swap Partners announced
May 15 — Deadline to mail book packages
May 28 — Blogger Book Swap Link-Up

I hope you will participate and register for the Preview To Summer Blogger Book Swap. The hostess team has invested a lot of time and energy into this event hoping it’s a positive, rewarding experience for everyone. As much as we enjoy good books, we love meeting other bloggers who share this passion. If you love to read and enjoy blogging, this event is for you. Register now and encourage your friends and blog buddies to do the same!

If you use Twitter: use #bloggerbookswap and #PreviewToSummer to promote this book swap.

Happy reading. =)

2013

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