The Rich Family

Family Update

2010-06-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of exciting things going on at our house. My brother Caleb is visiting until July 7. We are so happy to have him at our house. He is great and we are enjoying our time with him. Mary Grace finished up her third grade year with all A's! We are so proud of her. She worked really hard and had a great year. Jon and I celebrated 8 years of marriage today. My brother Caleb stayed with Mary Grace while we enjoyed this past weekend together at the Scottsdale resort. We had so much fun! We got a couples massage and a pedicure together. It took me a long time to convince Jon to get a pedicure with me. I think he loved it:) We also enjoyed room service and a couple of really nice dinners. This past year together has been emotional. Jon has been so good to me. He has loved me on days that I was not so lovable. We found out this past Sunday that we are not pregnant this month. While this is heartbreaking I still have hope for another baby for us in the future. We are planning to try again in early August. We are taking a break for a vacation to California and South Carolina. We are excited to relax and spend time with our families. Today on our anniversary I am grateful for a husband who loves me no matter what our circumstances are. He is my rock and I am so happy to spend my life with him.

Grateful

2010-05-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

We are in the two week wait to see if this is the time we will get pregnant. I have realized with a little help from Jon that I have to let go and know God is in control. This cycle has been emotional. I think mostly because we were pregnant last cycle and I thought we were done with fertility treatments. I have put so much pressure on myself for things to work. I know that sounds crazy but its true. I keep thinking if I do everything right things will work. My sweet husband keeps reminding me that I have to stop making our infertility about me. It has nothing to do with me. We can take all the medications and do the fertility treatments but God is in control of what happens. Thinking I can somehow control the outcome is crazy and not logical. I went over to my sweet friend Alisa's house for coffee this morning. She was so nice to listen and encourage me. We talked about how its all about God and has nothing to do with us. That is true with every situation. It was so freeing to think about that. I have made so much of our infertility about me and what I can do to fix it. I can do nothing to fix it. I reminded myself that I need to praise God when life is difficult and I need to praise him when things are good. God loves us wherever we are! He loves us when we are sad, broken, hurt, and He loves us when we are happy and full of joy. This journey has brought a lot of tears but it has also shown me how much God loves me. He has provided money, family support, friends to love on us and has taught me to be grateful for what I have.

Thankful

2010-04-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Jon and I have an appointment with our fertility doctor. My hcg levels are finally negative so we are ready to start another cycle. I am feeling some mixed emotions. I would like to say that I have it all together and I am ready to start a new cycle. I am actually scared, nervous, and a little bit anxious. I am telling myself these feelings are normal considering what happened with our last cycle. Although I am having some negative feelings my heart is filled with hope, faith and strength only God can give. I know that on my own I am a mess and so weak. Today I thought about what we went through these past few months and while it was hard I am reminded that God has walked this journey with us. Here are a few things I am so thankful for.

1. Realizing I can be satisfied in Christ alone

2. The people God has put in my life during this season

3. Realizing God cares about every detail of our life

4. Learning to trust God!

5. The money God has provided for fertility treatments

6. Jon and Mary Grace

7. Encouragement from family and friends

8. My mom's visit

9. Doctor and nurses

10. Medications

11. Hope

12. Lessons learned

13. Being a stay at home mom

14. Morning time with God

15. Faith

God has shown me so many things that I may not have learned if we did not go on this journey of fertility treatments. I truly thank God for loving me enough to allow us to grow and learn through this experience. I am thankful I am closer to Him because of it.

Fun Weekend!

2010-04-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend was busy and fun. Friday Mary Grace had a friend spend the night. I walked in the march of dimes Saturday morning with my sweet friend Mindy. It was fun to see so many people supporting such a great cause! Mary Grace finished up her soccer season with her last game. She had a great season and lots of fun. We finished the day with a birthday party for our nephew Ethan. Today is his eighth birthday. Happy birthday Ethan! Sunday we went to church, cleaned house and went to grandma's for dinner.

There was a great guest speaker at church Sunday. He is a writer and he shared something neat with us. He said when he gets stuck while writing he always asks the question what if. He said this gets him thinking. He also said this can work in our life. What if we adopt a child, what if we volunteer more, what if we move etc. The list could go on and on:) When he said this the first thought that I had was what if I trust God. I know that I love God and I long to glorify Him with my life but I did not realize how little I have trusted Him with everything. I know that sounds terrible. After thinking about this I really felt peace that I could trust God and that I do not need to worry about things I cannot control. God is so much bigger then our problems, our worries and I am learning it is through these things God teaches us and helps us to grow.

I will post some pictures soon!

Our new puppy!!!!Meet Lucy!

2010-04-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

Here is our new Puppy named Lucy! This is an early birthday present for Mary Grace. Lucy came to us all of the way from a breeder in Missouri. She is a Cocker Spaniel and is the sweetest little puppy that loves to follow Mary Grace around. Here is a picture on the ride home. She has already brought lots of joy to our house.

spring break fun!

2010-03-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

I know that when I last posted I shared about some hard times so I thought I would share some good times. Mary Grace had spring break this past week so here are a few of our adventures.

Sleeping late, Daddy's birthday, Aunt Jana's birthday, nice dinners, movies, shopping, pedicures with aunt Jana, a play and lunch with grandma, playing outside, planting flowers, getting rocking chairs, beautiful weather, baking cookies and just spending lots of time together! I am really going to miss having Mary Grace around the house this week as she will be back to school. Also I wanted to share something neat. This past week I read Psalm 23. It is an amazing

Psalm that I felt like God laid on my heart. At church today the worship leader shared this same Psalm and then sang a song about it. I felt overwhelmed with God's faithfulness to love and hold us when we are hurting. It reminds me that we will go through hard times but He will never leave us. I know that I do not deserve God's grace and love but He gives it and fills us up when feel empty. My prayer for myself and others is contentment in Christ alone.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

Update on the waiting!

2010-03-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

I thought I would update on this cycle of our fertility treatment. We found out on February 12 that we were finally pregnant. Yay we had three blood test and three home tests to prove it. My beta numbers were climbing as they were supposed to and life was great. I felt like a weight had been lifted and we were done with fertility treatments. This news was even more rewarding because I had responded really well to the medication we used this time but that led to ohss. My ovaries had been overstimulated. I got really sick and gained 20lbs from fluid. This was not enjoyable but it was worth it when we found out we were pregnant. This excitment was short lived as we found out our baby would not make it at our ultrasound before going to our ob. Our doctor told us we would miscarry. He said the good news was we got pregnant and now they know what medications work for us. I thought it was over then we got a call from a nurse who said my hcg was really high they wanted to do another ultrasound in a couple of days. This news gave us hope but that ultrasound did not give us better news. Although the pregnancy would not survive my body was trying to hang on to it. I chose a treatment called methotrexate. It is supposed to move things along. I am still waiting to miscarry but hopefully it will happen soon and we can start look forward to trying again. This news was really hard and I experienced frustration, sadness, and anger. I really felt like we had been through enough and the rollercoaster of emotions was not fun. Jon has been strong and has supported me so much!

I really prayed that God would show me what good there was in this situation. I did not want to be bitter and angry anymore. While praying about this I realized there is always good in every situation. I thought of Jon and Mary Grace. I thought of the unconditional love they have shown me. Even Mary Grace at the tender age of eight knew that I was sad and has been so sweet and loving. Jon and I have grown closer through this experience. I thought that is a good thing. We already had a great relaitonship but I have seen a side of him that I have never seen before. He has been patient, strong, reliable, supportive, loving, and he just really allowed me to fall apart.
I am so grateful that he is willing to go on this journey with me. I will updated again soon.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

waiting

2010-02-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

I am learning that waiting is part of life we just cant avoid. I am also learning waiting is not fun but is when we learn so much. Our infertility journey has forced us to wait, wait and wait so more! While waiting I have learned what a precious husband I have, patience, contentment, I am not in control, God's perfect timing, always have faith, always have hope, and God's plan for our life is so much better then we could ever imagine. Mary Grace was such a surprise I never thought we would have trouble with having a second child. Through this experience God has shown me Mary Grace is a miracle. God has led us to fertility treatments. We did our first cycle of intrauterine insemination before Christmas and was not successful. We are in the middle of our second cycle. We added follistim injections this time. I had such a great response to the medication we almost cancelled due to so many follicules. We decided to move forward and are now in the two week wait to see if this is the month. While this wait has not been fun I know this season is temporary and we will get through it. I am thankful God has walked through this with us. He has opened doors, provided in amazing ways, and encourages us everyday!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-07T21:39:00.002-08:00

The holiday season went by so fast! We had Thanksgiving dinner at our house with Jon's family this year. We had lots of food and lots of fun! We were in South Carolina with Dee's family for Christmas. We really enjoyed visiting family and friends, looking at Christmas lights, going to church, Christmas parties, and lots of yummy food! Christmas morning was really special. Poppi and Nana made a yummy breakfast! After breakfast we opened presents and enjoyed watching Mary Grace and her cousin Ella have fun with all of their new surprises! We are back in Arizona now and getting settled back in routines. I thought I would give an updated on our fertility treatment. We went through a cycle of intrauterine insemination before Christmas and was not successful. Our doctor told us that it takes an average of three cycles. I guess I was still hoping it work the first time. This was hard but we know God is in control and He has a great plan for our family. This infertility journey has been painful but has helped me realize that Mary Grace is our precious miracle. I am so thankful for Jon! He has been so supportive. He has loved me even when I have not been so lovable. I am also thankful for our family and friends of have loved on us during this time. The support of our family and friends has been so encouraging. We are planning to start a second cycle of intrauterine insemination with follistim at the end of the month. We will update again soon. Happy New Year!

2010-01-07T21:39:00.001-08:00

We are back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

Mary Grace and her new cat named Tiger!!!!

Jon and Caleb always have fun together!!!!!

First day of the cruise and everyone is all smiles!!!!

Mary Grace catching some sun and enjoying the fun slide on the ship!!!!!

Mary Grace trying to fit in with the locals in Mexico.

Mary Grace on Catalina Island. What a beautiful Place.

Mary Grace and Ella relaxing!!!

Our new home. We know God has blessed us with this home and give him glory for everything we have.

Hey everyone,

Sorry we have been away for a while. Here are some pictures from Spring, Summer and Fall. Hope everyone is doing great!!!! Here are a few of our adventures...

We bought our first house in February. We feel so blessed with our home.

We visited Dee's family in South Carolina in the spring. We started the summer with a cruise with Jon's family on to Mexico. So much fun and so much food. We finished the trip with a few days in San Diego.

Dee's parent's and Caleb came to visit for Dee's birthday in July. We had a great time. Lots of nice dinners, shopping, movies, the lake and we ended with some fire works.

Summer was hot but so nice to feel settled in our home. We enjoyed painting, decorating and finishing our back yard. (Harder project than we thought)

In August Mary Grace started third grade at her new school. She loves it. What a blessing. She has a great teacher, lots of new friends, and loves walking to school now that the weather is a little bit cooler. We are really enjoying our new neighborhood. We have enjoyed the pool, meeting new people and we love the area. We have some new neighbors who are gamecock fans. They moved from Greenville, South Carolina last spring. We watched a game with them:) Go gamecocks! On August 15 our precious Mary Grace turned eight years old. Its really hard to believe. We went to Disneyland for her birthday! What a great time. Aunt Jana joined us.

This fall we have decided to start a new adventure. We have be unable to have a second child on own. After lots of prayer and consideration we have decided to move forward with seeing a fertility specialist our doctor highly recommends. Our first appointment is October 30. We will update on this soon. Happy fall!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T18:44:00.001-08:00

Thanks Nana, Poppi and Caleb for all of our Christmas Presents. We love you and miss you.
Flagstaff, AZ December 23, 2008
Looks like a "White Christmas"

We had so much fun playing in the snow!!!

Mary Grace was so excited to make a snow angel.

Keeping warm together!!!

Mary Grace could not stop smiling in the snow

I am planning on throwing a snowball at Daddy!!!!

Thanks Lesley for making me this special pink scarf.

This keeps me warm and stylish.

Jon was very proud of his Crown Roast.

He made it for a Christmas party with family.

Jon and Dee pose for a holiday moment.

Mary Grace was all smiles after opening her high school musical

purse full of goodies. Thanks for the gifts uncle Daniel, aunt Lesley and Ella.

Ready. Set. Open!!!!!!

Dee, Jana and Mom enjoying a nice dinner before a play.

Thanks Randi for planning this fun girls night.

We hope you enjoy looking at our pictures. We have had a lot of fun this holiday season. Everyone is healthy and looking forward to the new year. We have lots of friends and family that we care about and feel lucky to have all of them in our life. We would like to wish everyone a very special Christmas and want everyone to know that we will be thinking of each and everyone of you.

With lots of love,

Jon, Dee and Mary Grace Rich

Mary Grace enjoying cookies and milk

2008-12-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Mary Grace enjoying cookies and milk after school. This time of year reminds me of the many wonderful memories I enjoyed as a child. Growing up the holiday season was always full of Christmas parties, shopping, baking, reading the Christmas story, lots of decorations, and of course the hopes that Santa clause would stop by our house on Christmas eve(he always did). I am so appreciative that my parents always made this time of year so special. Now I am enjoying those same traditions with my husband and daughter. With all of the excitement and chaos of the season I am trying to slow down and remember why we celebrate Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season! Happy Holidays!

Mary Grace Christmas Picture

2008-12-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

Mary Grace getting ready to decorate the Christmas Tree

Jon and Dee at dinner (Mary Grace took the photo)

Dee after a long makeover by Mary Grace

Mary Grace and Dad after visiting Santa

Mary Grace

December 2008

Mary Grace

Disney Land with Uncle Caleb!!!!!

2008-11-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

Lunch at Disneyland $75.00 for Chilli bowls
Watching Caleb scream like a baby on the Tower of Terror - Priceless......

Caleb's Favorite ride!!!!

That is so sweet!!!

Mary Grace will never forget being in the Magical Kingdom with her uncle Caleb.

We had so much fun on this trip to DisneyLand. Thanks for coming out to the West Coast for our adventure to DisneyLand and the OC.

Our First Blog

2008-11-14T08:53:00.001-08:00

We have decided to enter the world of technology and start a blog. We thought it would be a good way to share our adventures with the people we love.

We met at the University of South Carolina. Go Gamecocks! We have a precious little girl named Mary Grace who is seven years old. She means the world to us! We currently live in Phoenix, Arizona. We love spending time with Jon's family who live here but we miss Dee's family terribly. (They live in Greenville, SC) Jon is a medical sales rep and Dee is a stay at home mom. We enjoy eating, sports, watching movies, traveling and spending time with family and friends.