Really hoping it's the best year ever!

I've been getting my classroom ready for back to school this last little while. As some of you know the school has been under renovations so it has been kind of a crazy process getting things ready for children to actually be able to occupy the building. The school looks awesome and the stage is set for us to have an amazing year. It has got me to thinking about the changes I am making in my own life (kind of like the changes being made to the school). I have decided to make some lifestyle changes, starting with the food that I eat. I have decided to eat more healthfully (begin to eliminate my unhealthy food vices and replace those bad habits with good habits) and carry a water bottle with me at all times and drink from it regularly. I am also going to begin to be more active. These changes are necessary for me to lead a long, healthy life and in order for me to pass down healthy habits to my future children. These changes are also necessary so that I can better prepare myself for IVF. I could stand to lose a few pounds. I'm not unhappy with myself, I love me as I am, but...improvements could always be made. With our plans for IVF sitting around Easter/Spring break time next year I have some time to focus on these health goals and really try to achieve them. Thankfully my family (mother, sisters, husband...etc) have all been making healthy changes so that I am not alone (like I have been in the past). It is nearly impossible to be successful in making healthy lifestyle changes if you are going in alone.
Needless to say it has been an interesting year so far, from extreme despair over the fact that we are unable to conceive naturally, to extreme happiness with the birth of my beautiful niece, and the changes that have been made personally in my life. I am excited for the school year in our new and improved building...and I am excited for this year in my personal life, as it is a new journey for health and wellness as well as the journey to finally become pregnant via IVF.
I love you all so much and you have been very supportive.
Thanks so much for being there!

Jen

The Vacation

So as many of you know Luc and I have been on vacation in California (and loving every minute of it!!) The reason we decided to go on a vacation is because we plan on next year being our IVF year, and thus funds will not only be tight, but I will (hopefully) be pregnant! Who wants to travel all over the place when they're pregnant? My feet, legs and knees hurt enough right now, can't imagine what it'd be like to be on this vacation preggo!
Anyways, it has been hard not to focus on $$ this whole vacation. As anyone who knows anything about IVF would know....it's very expensive. I'm not talking like prada purse expensive....i'm talking it'd buy someone a nice Ford Focus or thereabouts expensive.
Vacationing is really not cheap. I mean I know you can go on cheap vacations...but when you're doing your trip of choice because you know you may never come back...you spend some dough that's for sure. I'm a pretty frugal person admittedly...so I already am pretty tight-pocketed...but, throw in the fact that I am trying to save my pennies to be able to live my dream of becoming a mother...and it's even worse. Now, I've tried to let it go and enjoy myself...and I've done surprisingly well..but it has still been rather difficult. I've just had to tell myself it is our last big wa-hoo as a married couple without children, not to mention the fact that we never had a honeymoon.
Anyways, this is me rambling on again...lol
The vacation has been AMAZING! I love California. I would not live here...but to visit....I HIGHLY recommend it =)
I would suggest not limiting yourself to just one part of California. Get yourself a rental and drive everywhere within reach. You'll see some amazing sights and you'll really get a feel for the "golden state."
I have to say that we are really enjoying our time in California. We miss Bella (our dog) and of course I miss my family...but it has definitely been awesome to just be able to be Luc and Jen alone for an entire 10 days!! Some people may not want to spend that much time alone with their husband...but I tell ya, I love mine dearly and it has been wonderful =)
So this has basically been a blog about me...trying to enjoy my vacation and not think about the money I am not using for IVF..lol....though I still have plenty of time to save for that (and already quite a bit saved). When your Frugal Francine like me...you notice every penny in and out...lol....but like I said...it hasn't kept me from enjoying my vacation one little bit...not near as much as I thought it would...and I know my next vacation...I'll be spending it not only with my wonderful husband...but my children as well =)
Love you all.

Jen