Our Story

 

In May of 2019 we found out after a year of trying that we were pregnant. We were both so excited. However, that excitement was short lived. After seeing the doctor a few times and undergoing tests we were told that I was experiencing a molar pregnancy and I needed emergency surgery.  A molar pregnancy is relatively rare and to put it in the most basic terms  instead of a baby forming  a tumor that was growing in my body and it needed removed right away.  However, my body still thought it was pregnant which is why there was a positive pregnancy test and symptoms. In addition to the emergency surgery I was told that there was a possibility of cancer and because of this we couldn’t try to have a baby for another year. Every month for over a year I had to go in and get blood work done to make sure the tumor didn’t come back and there was no cancer. We lost a child and for a year we were in limbo every month worrying about how the test was going to come back. It was honestly one of the most difficult things I’ve had to deal with.

 Going back to school that fall seemed impossible.  My body was still recovering and emotionally I didn’t feel like I had much to give. But I knew God had made me to be a teacher so I did the best I could. Ever since I was a little girl I just knew I wanted to be a teacher. I knew it was my purpose. However, when I became a mother I longed for the opportunity to stay home with our son. As I was still going through issues with the molar pregnancy we decided that it was time for me to leave teaching and stay home with our son. While I was ecstatic to have this opportunity part of me worried if I’m not teaching what was my purpose?

 The beginning of 2020 was extremely difficult as I was still dealing with complications of the molar pregnancy. As a way to cope I started making earrings. It started off with a few pairs and quickly our basement became full of earrings. I started showing them to friends and family and they encouraged me to sell them. My husband was onboard with that idea (I really think he just wanted to get his basement back) and helped me start this business.  When it came to the name Created With A Purpose came to mind. Everyone is created with a purpose in life and like I learned your purpose can change.

 Through this painful experience I have found a new purpose. My purpose now (other than being the best wife and mom I can possibly be) is to inspire and empower others to achieve their life’s purpose. It doesn’t matter where you are in life, you are created with a purpose. I hope that our products can help add that extra spark of confidence that you need to achieve your life’s purpose. 

Update To Our Story - I’m writing this in January of 2021. It’s taken several months to be able to share this but I do feel God nudging me to include this because it is apart of my story.

As I mentioned before I had to go in monthly for blood work to make sure the tumor didn’t come back. I was so thrilled that in July I was done with that. I felt like I could finally close that chapter of my life. I was finally free from that weight! With my last blood test in July coming back negative we were finally cleared to start trying to have a baby. 

We got pregnant right away. I was ecstatic!! I felt like this was my reward for going through all the pain. Because of the molar pregnancy we had to monitor my HCG levels very carefully. Quickly we realized things were not progressing like they should. While my levels were rising it was only slightly as opposed to doubling or tripling. Every time I got an update on where my levels were my heart sank. There was no way I could go through losing another child. 

It was the end of July and we were supposed to go on vacation with my parents. We weren’t able to go where we normally would because of COVID. So we decided so stay around Lake Erie. Towards the end of vacation I started experiencing some distressing symptoms and I knew I was miscarrying. 

I’m not sure I can find words strong enough to describe my emotions. Devastated. Angry. Hurt. Confused. Broken. Empty. Are a few that come to mind. I had a doctors appointment to confirm what I already knew. I had miscarried. I guess you can say that thankfully this time it was a “normal” miscarriage and nothing else medically needed to be done. 

I am so fortunate to have such a great support system. It is because of them and my faith that I was able to get through this. I tried to focus on the positive things in my life - my family, friends, and even this business (honestly that’s why I have macrame and wooden earrings now). On days that it became too hard I gave myself some grace and reminded myself eventually it would be better. 

 

Through these experiences I’ve talked with several women who have shared their own stories of loss. Each one is unique and yet at the same time similar. I’ve learned that regardless of when the loss happened - a month ago, a few years ago, 20 years, 60 years the strong heartbreaking pain is still there. As I listened to these women share their stores I could hear that intense pain in their voice. 

Our pastor once said that God doesn’t waste pain he uses it for his glory (Romans 8:28). I’ll be the first to admit that oftentimes I struggle with that. But if my pain and experiences can help others then to me it is worth it. It has really been placed on my heart to desire to help other women who have experienced a miscarriage or miscarriages. At this time I’m not entirely sure what this looks like yet but there are some things in the works. 

For me there is something therapeutic about writing things out and sharing them. If you are reading this and you’ve experienced this first hand just know you’re not alone. If you need someone to just talk to about things or just want to share your own story don’t hesitate to reach out.💕 

Update 2025 

On Mother’s Day 2023 we found out we were pregnant. After years and years of trying and investigating other options we had decided earlier that Spring that we really were going to leave it to God. We were happy with our family of three and for the most part I felt pretty good. We went on a Disney trip in April of 2023 and while we were eating at Cinderella’s Castle I saw so many little girls and my heart just ached. It was the strongest feeling of heartbreak I had in many years. Fast forward to Mother’s Day. When I saw the positive pregnancy test my mind and heart were racing! We told some very close friends and our parents. Everyone starting praying immediately.

I went in for my first appointment and had my first ultrasound. Just walking into the building was hard enough - it all reminded me of the hardest time in my life. The years of healing seemed to come unraveled as I walked in. The doctor told me some information that I didn’t want to hear. They saw a sac but it was empty. She told me that she was concerned that I could be having another molar pregnancy and we would have to wait a week and repeat the ultrasound again. My world was shattered. I thought how is God doing this to us again!? The best piece of advice my doctor gave me was to anytime I felt those feelings creep in focus on the things you’re thankful for. I’m not going to lie that was very hard but it did help. 

The night before my repeat ultrasound we met with a group of very close friends (one couple was on a missions trip at the time and got up early in the morning to join us on zoom) to pray over the pregnancy. We begged God for life all the time knowing things may not work out the way we were hoping. We knew no matter what God in his grace, our family, and friends would get us through. 

The time had finally come…the moment of truth. I gripped my husband’s hand so tight and closed my eyes. He had his head down. Both of us praying. Then we heard it. The most beautiful and strong heartbeat. We were shocked. I was finally able to whisper out praise God! 

The pregnancy progressed and in the middle of the summer we found out we were having a little girl!! Our minds raced back to our Disney trip! We had a little princess on the way! This pregnancy was not an easy one but with every pain and discomfort or when I was tempted to be upset I was reminded of this miracle I had. 

The fall was filled with lots of shows and busyness with the business. She was due on January 20th so I knew I could focus on the business things, Christmas, and then putting the final touches on things and get ready for our sweet girl to come! 

Fast forward to Christmas - I wasn’t feeling well at all the two days before Christmas but I was determined to make the most of our last Christmas as a family of three. We had a NST (because I was a geriatric pregnancy) scheduled for 1 pm on Christmas at the hospital. Most people would have skipped this appointment but I was so careful with everything regarding the pregnancy we decided to just make it apart of our Christmas that year. We figured it would be good for our son to see where his sister would be born in a few weeks and we also brought the staff some Christmas cookies! 

The NST started like normal but my blood pressure was a little high. The nurse very quickly left the room and came back in explaining that we needed to run some more tests. A few minutes later she came running back in and said “baby girl isn’t coming in a few weeks…she’s coming today!!!” Brandon and I started crying and our son jumped up and said “She’s going to have the same birthday as Jesus!!” I was starting to have HELLP syndrome which could be very dangerous so the baby needed to come right away! 

My doctor who has been with me through everything was on call that day and when she walked into my room I started crying. I told her that the moment I found out I was pregnant if I was ever in an emergency situation I prayed that you would be on call and be my doctor. She laughed and said “Oh so you’re the reason I have to work on Christmas”. I laughed back and said “Hey that was up to God! I just prayed for you not the day!” There were so many God moments that day! Our parents were able to join us and just when I became so overwhelmed with everything we called our friends and put them on speaker phone. They prayed for all of us and I immediately felt a calming presence. I was ready! 

There was some concern of baby girl being a little too premature so they prepared us by saying she may have to be separated from me and go to the NICU. I asked when we would know that and the doctor said just pray she comes out screaming. The C-section started and while it was an emergency situation I didn’t feel like it was. Maybe it was because it was Christmas night but it all just seemed so calm and relaxed. The doctor talked me through everything. Soon it was time for her to come and I once again gripped my husband’s hand even tighter and we both prayed. Soon we heard the loudest and strongest cry!! Our doctor said “Praise God”!!! By miracle after miracle our sweet girl was born on Christmas Night 2023! Her name Eliana Grace which means my God answers with unmerited favor. Our sweet family was complete! 

This business has been an amazing opportunity for me to not only share my story but also provide for my family while stilling being home with our daughter. I love hearing my customers stories and the friendships I have made because of this business! From the bottom of our hearts we thank for you being here and supporting us!!