S'more Results

 Before we get to the goodness, I have some results to share! We had a series of tests done on the Mister and I to try and find any issues with our lack of conceiving.

1st and, according to the Mister, MOST IMPORTANT! His little soldiers are above average and he is NOT our problem.

2nd I am not pre-diabetic (which I was convinced I was, HALLELUJAH!) My insulin is looking great even with PCOS. However, I do have high- cholesterol. High protien, low carb diet here I come!

3rd I have a heart shaped uterus. After looking at my HSG (< click to view the post) Dr. Patel determined that I need an MRI to determine if it is a completely split uterus or if it has a deep arch. he also said the I may need reconstructive surgery on my uterus in order to conceive and carry a child.

4th after the MRI and if my uterus does not need surgery, I will start on some more ovarian stimulant (Femara.) yay..... can't wait for more HOT FLASHES! :-/

So, my friends, consider yourselves "in the know." :-)
Here is a little treat from me, to you!



S'more Brownies!

( image and adapted recipe from little life of mine.)

1 box family size brownies (13×9) Ghirardelli is my fav.
1 jar marshmallow creme or small marshmallows
1 package graham crackers
1 handful or 2 ....chocolate chips

Prepare brownies as directed on the box. Bake in a 13×9 pan, but take it out about 7-10 minutes early. It should be firm, not gooey.

Drop dollops of marshmallow creme over the surface and let it melt a little before spreading evenly all over with a rubber spatula. Don’t worry if some of the brownie’s surface starts to crumble into the creme, but try to spread it more gently or wait until it melts a bit more. Or you can sprinkle with small marshmallows and broil for a few at the end so they are nicely roasted.

Crush one package of graham crackers coarsely with your hand and sprinkle evenly over marshmallow layer.

Sprinkle with a handful (or more) of chocolate chips.

Put back into the oven for about 7-10 minutes until the chocolate chips melt.

Remove from oven and let cool in pan.

Make some this weekend. Weight gain fairy is on vacation. :-)

This and That

 As I'm sure you have noticed, I have been MIA for the past while. I promise to share some recipes soon, but not this post. Updates today only.

Since my last post in February (it's been waaaaay longer than I thought.) We've had lots going on.

March- I went off the Clomid because my Gyno wasn't monitoring me like he should have and I started getting ovarian pain (time for new gyno!)

April- I didn't have a period and got SUPER excited. I was sure I was pregnant, but we weren't. It was a pretty crappy rest of the month.

May- We finally went to an Endo/ Infertility Specialist, Dr. Patel. I put off seeing a specialist for awhile, because I think I just didn't want to accept that I needed help. I didn't want to admit that I couldn't get pregnant on my own (with the help of my Mister of course.)

May/ June- The Mister and I went through a TON of tests. Blood work, HSG, Semen Analysis & Ultra Sounds. As much as I dreaded the HSG (which wasn't nearly as bad as I had read it was,) the Mister HATED his Semen Analysis much much more. He was so nervous the entire 2 hour drive there and the entire day before.  He went in and had "The Doug" as we call him, give him directions. He marched in his designated room and gave his sample and then he  left his sample with "The Doug." He had his hand on the door to freedom when "The Doug" stopped him and gave him a packet of forms to fill out. The Mister said it was extremely awkward (maybe a little shameful) to sit there and fill out paperwork after giving his sample. lol. Just a few weeks ago, I had my HSG done and during the picture taking my Doc. determined my tubes are open (THANK GOODNESS) but that I have a heart shaped uterus.

Now we are waiting for the 30th when we will sit down with Dr. Patel and go over all of our test results and make our plan.

Some days I have all the hope in the world, and other days there is absolutely ZERO.  I think sometimes it's easier to have no hope. There is less pain, I'm not setting myself up for more disappointment.  Back in April, when I didn't have my period, it took me 2 weeks to sum up the courage to take a pregnancy test. NEGATIVE, the dreaded 1 pink line. I was seriously heartbroken. I think that has been my lowest point so far. The following months haven't been a whole lot better. Everywhere I turn now someone I know is announcing their new pregnancy. Seriously?! While I am very happy for my friends and family members, it is kinda like a hot stick of reminder poking me in the heart. Digging in a little deeper with each announcement as I sink deeper and deeper into my little hole. But throughout these past few hopeless months one thing I've come to realize is even though I have no control over my infertility or of life's timing, I can have control of Hope.  There is Hope, there is always Hope.

Crepes!!!!

Have you ever wondered what happiness tastes like?

You will no longer wonder after tasting these babies!


Crepes were the very first thing I learned to make. I mean VERY FIRST!

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly. I kinda like mine thicker, so I add a bit more to the pan.

Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.

Place your goodies inside (I usually do fruit and yogurt, but I was out of yogurt.)

Roll up and enjoy! 


***Note: This is NOT a Burrito.

Attention Fellow Infertile Myrtles

Warning: This post has no recipe, but there is one of my favs ready for tomorrow! Holla!

These last few weeks have been incredibly difficult for me.

It seems everywhere I turn there is another woman that I know embarking on a new journey to motherhood.

She is preparing for a child all her own.

A child she created and can feel growing inside her.

My heart is in turmoil.

They tell me their wonderful news and

my

heart aches.

So many feelings rush in. Anger, injustice, jealousy, pain, bitterness, betrayal...

I could really go on.

There are times I have to hold back a hurtful remark or a punch towards a nose! Let's face it, I'm far from perfect.

I may go home and cry under the covers for awhile and eat a few bites of healing chocolate... Ok, who am I kidding, a LOT of healing chocolate....

But time and time again, I find comfort in the arms of my Mister and I MOVE ON.

Did I tell you he rocks? Cause he does.


Here is my point- These feelings are OK!

No I am not saying it is appropriate to deck the newly announced expectant mother.

No. No.

It is ok to feel disappointed and depressed from time to time and frankly, inevitable.

But we can also BE GRATEFUL that there is someone out there that STILL WORKS! hee hee.

Be happy for your friend that she has this new miracle coming into her life.

Yes, it will still be difficult. It will always be difficult.

But the last thing you want is to destroy your friendships.

The key here?

MOVE ON

You can have your sad days, but you have to MOVE ON, count your blessings and go on about your life.

Ok, rant over.

Tomorrow? Mandi's Amazing Crepes! These things will rock your socks.

House Arrest

I promise, I am still alive.

I haven't posted in a few days.

There has been a battle going on over here.

Us vs. SICKIES

So you will have to be patient.

I promise I will let you know how it ends.


MANDI

Feelin' HOT, HOT, HOT!

CHILI CHILI CHILI!!

(I am an avocado fiend, you may not want this much on your soup)

The Mister came home from work last night sick, sick, sick!

So Chili was just what he needed.

On a happier note:

I OVULATED!!!!! This may not seem like a HALLELUJAH moment to you, but this has been our biggest obstacle so far. 

Thanks double dose of Clomid. As much as I hate you, I love you too. :-)

Ok, Ok, here is the recipe!

Ingredients:

3 cans of White beans

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup of cut corn (I use frozen)

1 or 2 cans of green chilis depending on how spicy you are feeling.

1 box (32 oz.) chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup of mozzerela cheese

1/2 cup flour (for thickening)

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder 

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin OR MORE!!!!

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

Saute the chicken, onion and garlic powder in oil until chicken is no longer pink. 

Mix cooked chicken, beans, corn, chicken broth, green chilis, heavy cream, and all spices in a soup pot. 

Bring to a boil and simmer for 5- 10 min.

Add mozzerla and flour (optional) last and mix until cheese is melted and flour is dissolved.

Serve with fresh cilantro and avocado.

Hope you enjoy!

Please sir, can I have S'more?

(recipe from the one and only Martha)

Yum, yum and more YUMMIES!!!

These sweeties will not your socks off!

It was a rough metformin day and my girlfriend had a family member pass away, so I had to make some quick "cheer me ups." I think it's safe to say that these did the trick!

Enjoy!

Ingredients
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup warm water
3/4 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line cupcake pans with liners; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, sift together cocoa, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the eggs, warm water, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla;
5. Mix batter until smooth, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of bowl to assure batter is well mixed.
6. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about one-third full.
7. Bake until tops spring back when touched, about 20 minutes, rotating pan once if needed. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely.

Marshmallow Frosting

1 1/2 stick butter, room temperature
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
7 oz. jar of marshmallow cream
Directions: Cream all together with mixer, pipe onto cupcakes if desired. I just cut a hole in the tip of sandwich bag.
Sprinkle crushed graham on top and put a square of hershey in the middle.


Tomorrow? We're gonna make some white chili! HOLLA!!!