a window of our own

I love...

2012-02-16T15:55:00.001-06:00

I love....

(in no particular order)

the beach.

roasted veggies.

pedicures.

Dr. Pepper.

reality television.

my iphone.

my boy.

family. all of them. :)

chick flicks.

big rings.

frappuccinos.

blogging.

instagram.

my planner.

dinner with friends.

vanilla custard.

fairness.

picframe.

girlfriends.

project life.

typography.

the smell of toast.

Clinique.

pinterest.

working out.

ollie.

Modern Family.

Xmas lights.

trust.

feeling healthy.

Jesus.

swiss roll cakes.

spring.

turquoise.

hot morning coffee.

time.

Girl Scout Cookies- Lemonades.

organization.

cooking.

snow.

milk chocolate.

laid back, drama-free people.

eternal grace.

my church.

friendly neighbors.

wedge shoes.

frozen margaritas.

lip gloss.

pasta.

holidays.

decorating.

country music.

graphic design.

toned arms.

my nook.

musicals.

naps.

Carson's voice.

faith.

answered prayer.

buffalo flavor chicken and pretzels.

giving gifts.

hazelnut candles.

soft peppermint candies.

vacation.

my home.

.......................

What do you love????????????????????

a valentine party

2012-02-15T11:34:00.001-06:00

Carson was so excited for his Valentine party at school! They made bags for their cards, which I was happy about because then there was no pressure to make a fabulous box.

And his bag turned out quite nicely.

The class had fruit and veggies for the snack (our school's wonderful health policy) and then they decorated a cookie.... which he loved.

Valentine Bingo was up next. As I watched him, I was amazed at how "big" he acts at school. He listens and was helping the others find their matches when they couldn't see them. It's just surreal that he is growing into a "big" kid.

Valentine evening was filled with visits and treats from both Grandmas and

Uncle Scott, Aunt Kelly, Nik and Sam....

We gave Carson a Lego set...... because he LOVES them with some candy.

And Ollie watched him lovingly as he put it together.

That dog loves that boy...

Carson's special message that he wrote on my board at school.

We had a great day. It was pretty low key. Eric and I didn't even exchange gifts or cards this year.

But we were all together, and that was a great Valentine present for me.

gifts from the {heart}

2012-02-14T12:32:00.003-06:00

hugs. kisses. salsa....................................................

Carson went shopping with Grandma Anne to pick out Valentine gifts for us this year at farkleberrys.

He picked out a beautiful Hugs & Kisses bracelet for me

and a SweetHeat Salsa for Daddy.

I think it's hilarious that he thought salsa would be a great surprise for Daddy.

I'm not quite sure what that means...

But we've decided when the salsa is gone, we are going to do something special with that jar. ;)

....................................HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

let it snow!

2012-02-13T19:48:00.001-06:00

Carson had his first official snow day today.

We spent the day inside... playing games, watching TV, and being LAZY!

It was great.

And when Daddy came home, they bundled up and went outside to play.

Our driveway is perfect for sledding down. Daddy stood at the bottom and caught him.

They did some shoveling...

snowball fighting...

and built a snowman!

They also went in the backyard and played with Ollie.

When Carson came inside he had red cheeks! He was ready for a warm shower and dinner.

He had such a fun time. I'm so glad he has a wonderful Daddy to take him out to play.

celebrate 6!

2012-02-11T21:43:00.003-06:00

Well, the birthday dinner turned into 3 dinners... but he had a great time celebrating with everyone.

I made him a candy cake that I found on Pinterest.

And he really seemed to like it.

The Daily Fam came by for some pizza and cake since they would not be able to come to lunch on Saturday.

And Saturday, we had Red Lobster with Grandma and Grandpa Marre...

the girls....

and Scott and Kelly....

They got him a dragon, which he adores.

and a Wii game!

and gma and gpa got him quite a few new toys.

Grandma wrote him a beautiful poem and framed it.

I need to take a picture of it and then I'll post it later.

The reason we went to Red Lobster.... Carson wanted to try crab legs.

He did like them, even though he couldn't eat a lot of it.

I think it's a pretty rich dish.

Sunday, we met Grandma Pat and Keri and Kendall, the kids, and Scott, Kelly, and the girls for lunch at Yen Ching. He got even more presents... We had a great time seeing everyone.

For some reason, the pics down loaded out of order... so here are more pics of his Bday night.

Overwhelmed at the big Lego set....

A much needed new bike...

He also got a neat pen and Crayola program for the iPad that lets him color pictures on it from Aunt Mindy and Angie.... loves it!

We had a wonderful time celebrating with everyone.

Thank you friends and family for having dinners with us.

I think next year, we'll do one party at our house on Friday night, so everyone can be together at once.

confessional friday

2012-02-10T12:28:00.001-06:00

1. The plan was to get back on the wagon and work out 3 times this week. It didn't happen ONCE.
Tomorrow's the only day left.... so ONE, it's gonna be. I only have 3 months to get back into feeling great shape before my beach vacation....

2. I thoroughly enjoyed Real Housewives of the OC this week. Going to be a smashing season!

3. Bunco was at my house this week, and as hard as it is to prepare for the evening. My house is now in pretty good shape, and I won't have tons of "musts" for this weekend.

4. Valentine's Day is in a few days.... I have nothing prepared.

5. Eric and Carson are going to a guys night out movie tonight. I will be READING the last book of the Hunger Games, Mockingjay.... since my house is in decent order.

6. I'm a bit frustrated because I have spray painting plans for some things to go on the wall in my craft room and it has been too cold to paint. So, my decorating in there is on hold....

7. I may or may not have devoured 2 Dr. Peppers today...... with 2 peanut butter M&M bars.....
yes. healthy eating goals, also not accomplished.

8. My project life scrapbook and pics are spread out on my craft table. I'm working on last year's vacation. I'm just a little behind. It would be great to get that caught up this weekend....

happy {heart} day to me

2012-02-09T08:40:00.003-06:00

I read Ashley's blog, lil blue boo.

She.
Is.
Amazing.

the vintage pearl is selling choose joy necklaces to help raise money for her cancer treatments

The vintage pearl is amazing also.

I've wanted to order a piece from them for awhile now, and this is the perfect piece for my first purchase!

If you haven't stopped by her blog yet, you should. I can not explain how uplifting and courageous she is. I have never known someone with so much positivity (is that a word?) and such a clear and wonderful outlook on life. Even though I don't really know her, I feel like a kind of do from reading her blog. :)

And this necklace is going to remind me to CHOOSE JOY in everything I do. Sometimes I lose sight of that. If Ashley can do it through all she's facing, then surely I can try with the little ups and downs of life that I tend to make bigger than I should.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

be my {valentine}

2012-02-08T20:19:00.003-06:00

Carson came home today and said, "Momma, I need to work on my Valentines. They're due tomorrow." So sweet.

And he sat down and wrote them all. I'm so proud of him.

I showed him how to do one, and then mark of his list. He marked off everyone as he went.

This pic is adorable, and much more clear on my phone. For some reason when I post from my phone the picture gets blurred. GRRRR. I'm not sure how to fix it....

On my February Photo-a-day, the topic is sun, but we had no sun today. That's why my title is sun {son}. :)

my little groundhog is {six}

2012-02-02T08:00:00.002-06:00

The day we brought you home from the hospital...

Your 1 year birthday party...

Your 2nd birthday party...

3 years old...

4 years old...

5 years old...

Dear Carson,

I want to remember every little thing about you at age 6.

You weigh 52.7 pounds and are 51 inches tall.
You wear size small boys in pants and shirts. (in Kindergarten... oh my!)

You love to sleep in just like your momma. On Saturdays, we both enjoy sleeping until 9:00 am, and you sleep with me on the weekends.

Every morning, you eat 1 or 2 pancakes, half a banana, and milk.

You brush your teeth, go potty, get dressed and then get back into bed to "rest."

On the way to school, we pray for your day and your safety... just like my mom and dad did with me.

You like walking in the gym in the mornnings before school. You don't like to get there too late so you're not the last one in line.

Kindergarten is so much fun for you. Your teacher, Mrs. Pollack, always plans great units for learning that you seem to really enjoy. I love hearing about everything you remember. You are a good listener at school.

You love numbers and math. It comes very easily to you. Reading has also been a pretty easy transition. You seem to be catching on and developing your knowledge of words quite well.

Since we are at the same school, I get to see you everyday at your lunch time. You are such a big boy sitting at your spot and eating lunch all by yourself.

At the end of each school day, you come to my room and I am so happy I get to see you. You usually eat a snack and draw pictures while you wait for time to go home.

You STILL do not like to wear pants around the house.

You love to sleep with your loveys and have taken a liking to a stuffed puppy you've named Furry.

You love playing with your Wii. Some of your favorite games are Donkey Kong, Mario, Legos Batman and Star Wars...

You are obsessed with a new app called DragonVale on the ipad. You have all your cousins, Lauren and even Aunt Mindy obsessed with it too!

Legos are coming out of our ears. I'm still amazed at how well you put them together and are able to do any Lego set with no problems.

You have made many friends in the neighborhood and you love playing outside with them.

You can say all the books of the New Testament... thanks to Grandpa. And you have learned just a few verses at church.

You love to be at home. You don't like to spend the night away from Momma and Daddy. I know that will change one day, so I'm enjoying that while it lasts.

You are in love with your puppy, Ollie G. And he is in love with you. If he thinks Daddy is trying to "get" you he attacks Daddy to keep you safe.

You love your grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. (Including the Daily family who might as well be related.) You enjoy any time you get to spend with them.

Some of your favorite foods right now are: candy, ice cream, masagna (lasagna), pumpkin pie, pasta, tacos, and PIZZA You love pizza right now. .... you also eat pears, apples, oranges, and yogurt... but you'd rather have junk food.

Your favorite color is still blue.

Every night at bedtime, after you brush your teeth, you want a water cup to drink and place beside your bed. You are very picky about the shirts you wear to bed. You now hate to wear shirts to bed that have anything on the front that you can feel the texture.

We pray every night as you are going to sleep. You make sure that we pray for you to have good dreams. Sometimes you'll forget if we did, and ask me right before you go to sleep.

When I watch you sleep, I am amazed at how much you look like that little baby boy that slept in a crib not so long ago.

It is just amazing to me how fast you are growing. I say this every year, but words just can't describe how much I love and adore you. I still sit at times and think about how you are MINE.

Six years ago, when I saw you for the first time... You had lots of fuzzy, orange baby hair. And you were such a big baby. I could not believe that you fit inside my tummy. NO wonder I had to push you down from my ribs every evening. Your daddy held you to my cheek while the doctors worked on me, and I could not stop crying. All those years of waiting and praying and crying and waiting and tests and procedures and prayers and waiting and doctor appointments and waiting were finally over. You were here.

And all the emotion and joy that I couldn't quite let go of (because I worried about you so much while you were in my tummy) finally came out in the most uncontrollable tears I've ever experieinced.

It was and will always be the happiest day of my entire life.

I am your MOMMA. And I love it.

You bring ultimate joy to my life.

Happy 6th Birthday

Carson!

(pics to come!)

January: photo a day {my365}

2012-02-01T14:23:00.001-06:00

January is over...... 1/12 of 2012 is done.

I can't believe it.

I've had a blast taking a pic a day and keeping them in the my365 app I found. It's been quite a month, and I love being able to look back and remember each day.

Next month... I'm joining House of Smiths and the

February Photo a Day Challenge from fat mum slim.

I can't wait!!

{organize} my thoughts

2012-01-27T11:38:00.000-06:00

Sometimes.... my brain gets all jumbled up with thoughts and I feel so overwhelmed... it gives me a literal headache.

I tend to overthink things sometimes...

In the past, I've had a friendship that was a bit one-sided. I think that I tend to transfer things that happened with that friendship onto some of my current friendships.

I start to think that I'm bothering my friends, and that they really don't want to spend time with me, that I'm just a nuisance to them.

Why. do. I. do. that?

I'm usually an easy going person. Things don't really hurt my feelings much. Don't get me wrong. I do get my feelings hurt at times. but not usually.

And it's not even that friends do anything to make me feel that way. I just start overthinking things.

I need to let go of this.

I need to find a scripture to pray about this.

I need to, quite frankly, start to not care about this.

Because it's ridiculous. Unless, I do have friends that really do feel that way.....

See what I do? It's a circle of uncertainty about my friendships that I don't really think should be there.

Am I the only one who feels this way at times?
Am I crazy?

This is really being transparent... So, I don't know if I'm even comfortable with sharing this with the blog world.... but it has been on my mind lately. I guess I just wanted to get it out of my head.

Like right now.... I'm worried that my friends will read this and think I'm specifically talking about them and think....That Leslie... There she goes being needy again.

Hmmmm..... I think I need prayer.....
or maybe professional help.
or both...

photo a day {february}

2012-01-23T15:49:00.000-06:00

I began posting a photo a day after I found this cool app called my356. I love how it stores the photos in order in a calendar format. I've enjoyed going back and looking at the pics just from this month that I've taken so far. So, I know I'm going to LOVE looking through it as we get further into the year.

I found a blog, fat mum slim, that is posting a list of picture ideas each month for her daily pics. I'm excited to do this, and I wanted to invite all my friends to join me in this fun. I may not post them all on my blog, but I will keep them in my app and post them to twitter and facebook everyday.

If you decide to join me in this fun... leave a comment and let me know!!!!

bryan adams... bare bones tour

2012-01-19T20:29:00.001-06:00

We went with our friends, The Roses from church, to see the Bryan Adams concert.

Before the concert, we went to the Aviary Downtown. I had never been there. It was amazing.

Eric and I split the salted caramel dessert crepe. Words can not describe it. Oh my.

I wasn't really excited at first about seeing Bryan Adams, but I had a great time. He was entertaining and I didn't realize how many of his songs I actually knew.

This is a pic from the Rose's seat. It looks neat with the light behind them.

We sat in the front row. We were so close.

So glad we went.

just dreamin'

2012-01-18T09:43:00.002-06:00

about no more bullies.... by Carson

not much.....

2012-01-16T10:52:00.002-06:00

We didn't have any big plans this weekend, and it was nice.

We made some plans for a low-key family vacation this summer.

Made a trip to Target... These new baskets are divine!

Heath Bar Jackhammer with Caramel at Andy's was a must. In. Heaven.

I found a new app that makes word art on your photos. So. Fun.

Church was great. Our Life Group met and we had good discussion.
Carson made this during Children's Church. It's a bracelet with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes.
Love this.

I finished the second book of the Hunger Games and am now on to the third....

That's it. Nothing much. And it was nice.

I also wanted to mention that I follow a blog called Lil' Blue Boo. I've written about her before, but I am constantly amazed by her. She posted a video recently, and it's inspiring.

She wrote a quote at the end of her post...

Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one. ---- Dr. Seuss

what i'm loving, lately...

2012-01-12T15:36:00.000-06:00

My new nook tablet.... O.M.G. I love to read, and I love the feel of a good book as I'm reading it. But, I am enjoying reading on my new nook. It's actually very easy to turn the page, and there are so many options... it tells me how many pages are left in a chapter, I can increase the text, highlight, look up words, AND read in the dark.... I'm loving it.

I also love how easy it is to get a new book to read. That may not be a plus.... you just shop for a book and hit the BUY button.... so. easy. I just downloaded my favorite Bible translation, so I can carry it to church and use it there...

There are many free books as well.

via

Of course, since I have a fancy new e-reader, I must have a fancy cover, am I right??

via

So, I just ordered this by Jonathan Adler.... I can't wait for it to arrive!!

10 things I've learned so far, during Kindergarten lunch room duty........

2012-01-10T12:39:00.004-06:00

10. 1 scoop of fruit at the Garden Spot really means to a kindergartener.... take as much as I want.

9. Playing with the bar that slams up and down between the tables is oh so much fun!

8. I need a napkin means.... I spilled my milk on the floor .

7. When opening packages------> pinch-pinch-pull... I learned this technique last year from Mr. J.

6. Counting down from 5 to zero does not necessarily mean the cafeteria will get quiet... but it is a great opportutnity for everyone to YELL the numbers.

5. shut up is the S word.... not another word that you may think is the S word, so don't get too worked up when a child reports "so-and-so said the S word."

4. Chocolate milk poured into every section of your lunch tray does not. look. pretty.

3. You will spill your tray full of tomato soup and grilled cheese ALL OVER YOURSELF if you do not look forward as you walk.

2. A wet mop spot where said tomato soup tray was mopped up is a lovely place to play....

1. Just SURVIVE! It's been an interesting ride since I began lunch duty. I think you learn that the kids need to behave... of course, but you can't sweat the small stuff with that many students to watch...

{organize twenty12} the house

2012-01-08T14:45:00.003-06:00

There are many areas of my life that need to be organized. One of them is, of course, my house.
That is where I'll begin...

I've decided to make a list in every room that will keep me focused on all of the areas in our house that I want to organize. Some of these areas are not in bad shape and some of them are in horrible shape, but my goal for this year is to get the whole house COMPLETELY organized. So, I might as well aim high!

I've already crossed some items off this list... which feels good. And, I'm sure as the year goes on, I'll be adding to the list. But, it feels good to just get it down in writing and OUT. OF. MY. HEAD.

Foyer
~~Move buffet into dining area~~ 1.22.12
Get a new entry table
paint mirror for above it
finish decorating walls in entry

Living Room
~~De-clutter TV shelves~~
Keep up with changing mantle for the seasons ongoing

Master bedroom
headboard for bed
new mattress (but not this year)
clean out side table drawers
re-organize under bed
clean out dresser drawers
~~Eric organize drawers with electronics/cameras~~

Master bath/closet
~~organize drawers under sinks~~
get shelving unit for towels and storage across from sinks
keep closet organized
get closet system for both closets (not this year)

Kitchen
~~organize all drawers and cabinets~~
~~organize pantry and pantry floor~~
decide how to decorate over cabinets
finish decor on walls
new stools with low backs for island

Dining
~~move buffet into dining~~ 1.22.12
add shelves above buffet
colorful roman shades for bay window
mail/message center for address book, messages, cards, stationary, coupons, family schedule

Laundry room
keep up with baskets for bills, etc.
shelving for shoes that get left in laundry room
clean off hooks
add shelf above shelf that is already there in laundry room
new washer/dryer (not this year)

Coat closet
~~move luggage to closet floor~~
~~organized gloves, scarves and hats in an over the door shoe organizer~~
~~clean out old coats/jackets~~
~~organize shelf above~~

Hall bathroom
eventually get new shower curtain/rugs
get ocean water color framed and hung on wall
clean out bottom portion of towel closet that keeps the extra sheets and rugs
re-organize and better use the storage area and drawers under the sink

Craft room
~~get a table to work on~~
~~Add shelving to existing shelves~~
~~pick up future craft projects on floor and put in closet.~~
~~clean closet out so it's workable for now~~
Add shelving to closet
new lighting
decor for walls - in progress
~~new curtains~~
fancy yet comfortable chair
a work light to spotlight on the table
paint and hang window pane on wall
bar hooks for behind door

Carson's room
pull out and donate toys he no longer plays with

Playroom
sell diner with accessories
sell train table with accessories
get more shelving to store toys and display his many Lego projects
re-organize crafts
move his little table to playroom
put up artwork display

Garage
organize tools
organized new shelving Eric built
buy storage for easy access of above items

The house isn't the only area that I want to organize this year...

My list of other areas are below. I plan to do more in-depth posts on each in the future.

I have plans for organizing:

my budget- (do some reorganizing.... we have a good grip on it already)

my free time- (TV watching... enough said)

my spiritual time

my health/exercise routine- needs some tweaking...

my wardrobe- so in need of some updating...

{one little word} 2012

2012-01-03T18:40:00.000-06:00

For the last 10 months or so, I've known what my one little word for 2012 needs to be.

But, I have fought choosing it for awhile, because I wanted something that sounded... I don't know... cooler, more sophisticated, deep. Well, this word kept coming back and hitting me smack dab in the middle of everything I do.

So, my {one little word} for 2012 is........... drumroll please..........................

organize!

I will post a more in depth look at my word soon. I will continue with my word from 2011 {live}.

I have many thoughts and lists and goals whirling around in my head....

January First, Twenty-Twelve

2012-01-01T22:04:00.000-06:00

via

I've been working on my {one little word} for 2012.

I'm excited.

I've also been working on my craft room, which happens to go along with my word for 2012.

I can't wait to share pics of the progress so far!!

i'm the ultimate FRIENDS fan!

2011-12-30T20:08:00.001-06:00

and this poster is fabulous! I remember every one of these episodes! and I laugh just reading some of these lessons from FRIENDS... Some of my favorites are

1 (Ross cheats on Rachel on their 'break')
13 (Joey and Chandler do the deed for Monica)
25 (Ross and Janice's Day of FUN!)
26 (Joey found his in Vegas)
28 (Ross and Monica's New Year's Eve dance)
29 (The one where they find out about Ross and Rachel)
31 (Moving the couch up the stairs)
40 (When Chandler tells Monica he loves her)
42 (Monica and Rachel lose the apartment)
46 (Monica educates Chandler on women)

I could seriously tell you about each and every episode below.... I know. It's pathetic, but I could.

Source: slundh.blogg.se via Leslie on Pinterest

And, I could add many more...

47. Cheesecake eaten off the floor tastes just as good as from a plate.

48. Naming yourself Princess Consuelos Banana-hammock is probably not a good idea.

49. Going crazy at work because someone ate your leftover turkey sandwich will probably get you fired.

50. If the Phalange is broken, you better get off the plane!

I'll stop, but I have more. Trust me :) I think I need to get out my FRIENDS episodes and watch!

christmas morning {25}

2011-12-30T15:33:00.001-06:00

Our Christmas card...

After Santa brought all the presents....

Santa wrapped his presents in the red and white paper...

And Christmas morning, we had one excited little boy.

Where to start???

Ollie enjoyed his bag of treats from Santa while we opened presents. :)

Our family yearly shutterfly book... a Christmas tradition.

Carson loves watching Beaker from the Muppets on YouTube when he "sings" Ode to Joy! And a friend of Eric's at work told us they had a Hallmark ornament of it. When you push the button, he sings the song! More like Me-me-me-me Me-me-me-me Me-me-me-me-meeee Me-me... It's. too. cute.

It was a great Christmas morning, and we were so thankful that Ollie was there to enjoy it with us.

After presents, we went to church and enjoyed a great service. Grandma and Grandpa came by that afternoon to see all of Carson's new toys. And, later that night, Grandma Pat, Scott, Kelly, and Sam stopped by for a while.

Carson got a circuit set from Santa that he absolutely LOVES! It kept him quite busy for a good part of the day.

Uncle Scott enjoyed playing with it also!

And, Sam and Kelly were able to play with their Nooks at our house since something with their internet wasn't letting them use them at their house.

And, we talked with Keri and Kendall on Skype with Grandma.

It's hard to believe this is our 6th Christmas with our boy.
(7th if you consider the year he was big in my tummy for Xmas.)

Every year just flies by even faster than the year before.

a marre Christmas 2011 {24}

2011-12-28T11:23:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve was eventful, to say the least....

Ollie got into something late morning and was acting disoriented, couldn't walk, and was just out of it.
It was so bad, that we were pretty scared and ended up taking him the the pet hospital in Springfield. They gave him charcoal and fluids to absorb what he might have eaten. They vet said his heartbeat was very slow, and not normal. I believe we would have lost our puppy had we not taken him in so quickly.

Ollie had to stay at the vet for a few hours to make sure he was okay. Eric came home and we ate lunch with my family. I usually like to take a pic the feast, but in all the chaos with Ollie, I could barely think straight and pictures were the last thing on my mind.

The Christmas menu: a Castlewood ham from Sam's (Eric's brother, Kendall, designed this ham for Sam's. It's a bone-in ham that has the bone taken out and then it has a great marinade with it), bacon wrapped pork tenderloin, bacon wrapped green beans, home made mac-n-cheese, and garlic bread.

After dinner, we opened presents of course!

Mom made a new scarf for Eric.

A new "mom" bracelet that Carson picked out at school.

A Darth Vader alarm clock from Gma and Gpa...

A new jacket for Ted from us.

And, new Carson books for Grandma and Grandpa. A Christmas tradition.

Eric's new hat.

Some family china for me.

Carson picked out this mouse pad for Eric...

I tried to edit the red eye out of these pics, and they are edited out on iphoto BUT will not seem to upload with the changes on Blogger. So, I gave up and am using the red eye pics.

After presents, Eric went to get Ollie. He was doing much better, back to normal, an happy to be home!

He got a new sweater from Grandma!

my Lego engineer {23}

2011-12-26T19:16:00.002-06:00

The Dailys gave Carson a neat Lego kit that he can make lots of Lego contraptions with.

He loves it and was very busy making every possible thing from the book.

He even made a contraption that stirs his drink!

Xmas dinner with Kel {22}

2011-12-26T19:10:00.002-06:00

Kelly and I went to Hinode to celebrate Xmas! We had a blast -as always.

And after we tried the new Yogurtini by the theater in Ozark.

Pomegranate Raspberry Sorbet. Uh. Mazing!

a text to Santa {21}

2011-12-21T21:12:00.001-06:00

We had to text Santa a while back. Luckily, Santa was understanding, and presents are still coming. ;)

pajama day and the polar express {21}

2011-12-21T16:46:00.001-06:00

Carson was so excited for his first pajama day in kindergarten.

They all received a ticket to watch the Polar Express.

And his class sacked out with blankets and stuffed animals to watch the movie.

His teacher, Mrs. Pollack, has just been a huge blessing! We are so happy that he gets to spend his days with her.

And I wore my pajamas too! It was fun to experience this day together.

all he wants for Christmas... {20}

2011-12-21T12:48:00.004-06:00

.... is his one front tooth!

Carson lost his 3rd tooth (one of his top, front) today at lunch. Luckily, I have lunch duty at that time. So, I was able to look for it since it fell out of his mouth and onto the floor.

At first we couldn't find it.

But, we finally did!

And his smile is changing again. My little boy is growing up so fast.

puppy love {19}

2011-12-20T21:32:00.001-06:00

Ollie is such a cuddle bug...

Xmas A to Z {18}

2011-12-20T21:26:00.002-06:00

Carson made a super cute Xmas book in school.

He was excited to show it to me.

And his art work and writing are coming along nicely.

Lego time {17}

2011-12-20T17:34:00.001-06:00

He is an AMAZING Lego builder! So proud of him...

sallee navidad 2011 {16}

2011-12-18T11:25:00.003-06:00

We had so much fun this year at the AR Sallees for Xmas!

Keri and Kendall hosted, and it was spectacular!

We had great food, and apparently, we love the pig.

Pork tenderloin, ham, bacon wrapped asparagus, and fried corn with bacon along

with homemade rolls, mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole

We opened presents which is always fun.

And there was a lot of ipad playing...

Cousins...

We bought KJ a Rocket thingy for Xmas. While the girls went shopping, they went outside and had a blast!

The pics were hilarious!!

After shopping, we ate dessert and played Merry Xmas Bingo and Guestures.

Thank you Kendall and Keri. It was a very Merry Christmas.

visions of Jesus danced in his head {15}

2011-12-16T14:36:00.002-06:00

He filled in the blank with Jesus.

I just love him.

And the pic of him "sleeping" is just divine. His teacher makes school so much fun!

choose joy {14}

2011-12-15T11:18:00.002-06:00

Carson has been sick since Tuesday afternoon. His fever was around 104 most of the day yesterday and through the night. So, I decided to take him to the doctor this morning. His only symptoms were fever and a headache (until he threw up this morning). But, I wanted to make sure he didn't have strep. Some kids at school had strep with no sore throat and since we have Xmas this weekend with the Sallees, I wanted to make sure it wasn't OR get him the meds he needs if it was.... It was not! Thank goodness!

And he is feeling much better today. He's still a bit weak, and not eating a lot, yet....

I hope with enough liquids and rest today... he should be back to school tomorrow.

His fever was much lower this morning. He actually gave me a smile in the doc's office.

I must get a new phone... the pic is blurry but you get the idea...

He had to get his throat swabbed.

Last time we had to do that, it took FOUR of us to hold him and get it done.

He is usually not a defiant kid. Especially in public. But he has a massive gag reflex and HATES to have anything put down his throat.

I prepared him today, and bribed him with a Cherry Cream Slush at Sonic after we left IF he would be brave and let the nurse very QUICKLY swabbed his throat. She gave him a drink of water right after the swab, and that really seemed to help him.

Through all of this the past couple of days, I was pretty sure it was just a virus... but of course, as a parent, you always pray that it's not anything more serious.

I just recently started following a blog Lil Blue Boo. She was recently diagnosed with cancer while she thought she was just a few months along being pregnant, but it turned out to be a cancerous growth. She had to have emergency surgery and they were not able to save her uterus.

She recently lost her father, and his last words to her were "live the life you dreamed" and "choose joy"

She is currently doing Chemotherapy and going on to more aggressive treatment because of recent findings. You can read all about it on her blog if you're interested...

But I brought this up, because I am AMAZED at her attitude and zest for life that she continues to have. She tries to live by her father's words and choose joy throughout this whole process. I know she truly appreciates every day she is given. And it has reminded me how precious life is. And none of us are guaranteed anything when it comes to the length of our earthly lives.

I want to remember to CHOOSE JOY everyday... even when my baby is sick with a virus that will go away quickly.

I want to remember to CHOOSE JOY everyday... even though I am realizing that unless God decides to work a miracle... we will probably always be a family of 3. And that's okay. I am so blessed with my 1 miraculous baby.

I want to remember to CHOOSE JOY... when I think that I feel so tired and out of shape. I am thankful that I can work out, eat healthy, go to work, and do so many things that I take for granted each day.

I want to remember to CHOOSE JOY... when relationships are disappointing or broken. I have the ability to work on them, fix them, or move on. Either way, it's an option because I am living and healthy.

I want to remember to CHOOSE JOY... during this season that is the reminder that all joy comes from a little baby boy, Jesus.

He is JOY.

And I am so grateful.

During this season, which can be hard for many people. If certain things about this season are hard... focus on the parts that can bring you joy. Even if it means forgoing certain traditions that remind you of lost loved ones or babies that are dreamed of.

Focus on Jesus' love for you. He will carry us all through. And we can choose to focus on the JOY that is him... ETERNAL life of JOY with him. FOREVER. It does NOT get better than that.

CHOOSE JOY

the mantle {13}

2011-12-15T10:44:00.000-06:00

I changed the mantle up a little this year. The picture in the middle is one we found a long time ago that is pretty special to us, so I usually keep it there and just build around it.
You can't see it in my pics, but the green trees are a little more vibrant and green than they look here.

I just love the little pic of Carson that stays on the mantle in that square frame. Those are his 6 month pictures and some of my favorite baby pics of him.

the tree {12}

2011-12-13T17:21:00.001-06:00

Our tree {2011}

and a few of my favorite ornaments...

We found this pregnant bear ornament the year I was pregnant with Carson.

It is a very special ornament to me.

And, the year Carson was obsessed with helicopters... we found this little dandy.

Carson picked out this fish his first Christmas. He just loved it. He was only 10 months old, and it just seemed to please him. :)

christmas wishes {11}

2011-12-13T16:24:00.000-06:00

I LOVE sending Christmas cards each year! It was one of the things I looked forward to when we were trying to have a baby. And, it brings me great joy to send them to our friends and family.

a new ornament {10}

2011-12-13T16:09:00.001-06:00

a holiday tradition: every year, we go to Pier 1 to pick out a few new ornaments for the tree. It's the only time I can get Carson excited to go shopping at Pier 1!!!

have an ollie jolly xmas! {9}

2011-12-13T15:54:00.002-06:00

iPad fun {8}

2011-12-08T19:25:00.001-06:00

cozy slippers {7}

2011-12-07T09:00:00.001-06:00

It's a cold winter night with snow on the ground...

but the slippers that Grandma Anne made keep his feet nice and warm...

even though he still does NOT wear pants!!

oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree {6}

2011-12-06T20:35:00.000-06:00

Thou tree most fair and lovely!

Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

Thou tree most fair and lovely!

The sight of thee at Christmastide

Spreads hope and gladness far and wide

Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

Thou tree most fair and lovely!

a little more gingerbread-KINDERGARTEN STYLE! {5}

2011-12-05T11:39:00.003-06:00

Carson has been so excited about this craft they worked on last week. It looks like they worked on the relationship of one object to another.

The Gingerbread boy is ON the house.

I'm very proud of his mighty fine coloring skills. He has really improved since the beginning of the year.

a little gingerbread 2011 {4}

2011-12-04T22:16:00.003-06:00

Carson's tree... {3}

2011-12-03T20:49:00.002-06:00

...that he decorated all by himself!

deck the halls {2}

2011-12-02T15:40:00.002-06:00

C is so in love with our tree. He even hugged it last year before we took it down.

let the countdown begin! {1}

2011-12-01T19:14:00.001-06:00

****The next 5 posts are new. So, scroll on down and read about our last few weeks.****

Carson has been asking for a Legos Advent calendar this year, and I told him that it might just be a regular one and he should be happy with whatever it turned out to be.

He was prepared for something that was not Legos.

AND, was he surprised when we pulled out this bad boy...

And so it begins. He is infatuated with Christmas and everything that goes with it.

This is what I longed for as I prayed for a child.

I'm so grateful that I am his Momma.

a {Marre} Thxgiving

2011-12-01T19:01:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving at my parents was calm and relaxing. Grandma Pat was able to come this year too!

Carson put up Grandma's Xmas tree...

He also read some books that he made in kindergarten.

... and read books on the ipad.

This is a picture that Carson wanted to take of all of us.

a {kindergarten} Thanksgiving feast

2011-12-01T18:50:00.000-06:00

Each year at our school, the kindergarten has a Thanksgiving feast to celebrate and learn about the first Thanksgiving. Being a teacher at that same school, I knew that this was taking place each year, but I did not realize what a sweet little event this is.

The parent volunteers set up the tables and the food.

The kids came in dressed as either a Pilgrim or an Indian. They had previously made each costume in their classrooms. Carson just loved making them, and gave us daily updates on the process. They were allowed to choose which costume they wanted to wear. Carson said, "I picked Pilgrim cause Dr. Kopp was a Pilgrim."

Next, Dr. Kopp read a story about the first Thanksgiving and then read "Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving" (a funny book about the holiday).

My little Pilgrim...

Carson enjoyed the feast, especially the processed meat. Grandpa would be proud. :)

I am excited to hear everything he is learning each day. I am impressed with his teacher and the kindergarten team. I love that he enjoys learning, and I am very thankful that his teacher makes the learning meaningful to him.

The next day, he wore his Indian costume. His Indian name was Hiking T-Rex. He chose that name because "he likes t-rexes and he likes to go hiking."

Thxgiving @ Gma Pat's NEW Duplex!

2011-12-01T18:28:00.000-06:00

We had quite a spread... all the usual Thanksgiving fixins and Pat surprised me with a Lasagna. Hers is really delish, and I love pasta on the holidays.

Green bean casserole and DEVILED EGGS! YAY!

Yummy fruit salad AND can you see the cream and butter floating on them thar potatoes???

Kelly did it again!

Dad's famous salad...

And Grandma Pat's kitchen had plenty of space for everyone to mill around and fill their plates.

So happy for her.

What's a holiday without Pat's homemade rolls? Are ya hungry yet?

And, we obviously DO put baby in the corner... to eat anyway!

cutie pie!

I made 2 pumpkin pies, 2 chocolate pies and a big dish of my peanut butter rice crisp treats.

Uncle Scott usually takes dishes duty...

This was just perfect. All the kids were hanging out on the bed. What a great pic!

After dinner and a fun trip to The Red Poppy in Nixa, we all went to see Happy Feet 2.

And, we came back for round 2 of all the food. That is Thanksgiving tradition!

Great food. Great fun. Great shopping. Great day.

houligans at Houliha's

2011-12-01T18:01:00.000-06:00

Recently, we were lucky enough to leave all the kids at Grandma Pat's and the Sallee brothers and "sister" wives (HA!) went to Houliha's for dinner! We called it Houliha's because the 'n' was out on the sign when we arrived. :)

Scott had called and reserved a table. We were thrilled when we realized that meant we had our own private room, and we did not have to wait in the long line! So fab!

Our waiter, Dominique, was a very nice guy and he kept the drinks and food a comin'. We actually had glass doors on the room. So, every time he entered... we raised our glass and yelled DOM! I think he liked it, either that or he was really annoyed and cussed us every time he left the room.

My super-duper frozen strawberry margarita!

Keri's buffet of martinis!

We called Angie and Mindy during our fun, because we missed them so much and wished they were there. I think they had a really good laugh at our craziness.

After dinner, we went to Scott and Kelly's for a little bit.

We did not go to Midnight Rodeo and we did not ride the bull. ;)

I'm elated that we took the time to go out. It was a wonderful time.

keeping the {X} in CHRISTmas!!

2011-11-30T08:00:00.001-06:00

About the X

For the past few Christmases, I have noticed that so many people are pretty touchy about using the abbreiviated form of the word Christmas (Xmas) for the holiday season.

I was pretty sure that the dreaded X was not a pagan or disrespectful way to refer to the season, but I wanted to figure it out this year, once and for all.

I did a little research... and this is what I found...

The "X" in Xmas was originated by religious scholars and scribes. The Greek letter "Chi" is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ ---------> Χριστός.
The religious leaders used the X for short to represent CHRIST.

Hence..... The word Xmas does not take the CHRIST out of Christmas.

It just refers to a different alphabet and that symbol for HIS name, thereby leaving HIM in
the best season of the year.

Have a Merry Xmas!!

eleven. eleven. eleven.

2011-11-11T15:11:00.002-06:00

elevenfaves

1. salted caramel frappuccinos from Starbuck's!

2. my erin condren planner

3. roasted veggies... mmm, good!

4. Pinterest {I'm addicited}

5. the Elements app on our ipad... such a fun game. oh. my.

6. my baby boy {always}

7. owls. I've become strangely drawn to them lately.

8. my cheapo BIC pens. I love writing with them.

9. typography wall art

10. my new clinique make-up.

11. big rings

elevenwants

1. a dutch oven

2. Kitchen Aid stand mixer

3. to decorate and better organize my kitchen

4. some new typography wall art

5. my own mac

6. the new iphone

7. to finish my craft room

8. a mani/pedi

9. a haircut... why do I wait so long?

10. a vacation

11. a 4 day work week... why not really dream. right?

elevenplaces

1. IKEA. IKEA. IKEA.

2. Williams Sonoma

3. Anthropologie

4. Siesta Key, Florida

5. Disney World

6. my warm, cozy bed

7. Archiver's

8. Big Cedar on a snowy weekend

9. St. Thomas

10. The Cup

11. shopping anywhere with girlfriends

it's fall again!

2011-11-06T19:33:00.001-06:00

We met my friend Nancy to take a few pics of her and her son, Jace. And we took a few of us... It sure does seem like yesterday we were going to Jr. High in St. Clair... in 4th hour Algebra... eating split lunch (my usual pepperoni pizza and swiss roll cake)... being referee for Joel and Angel...sleeping on the trampoline at Nancy's Bday party at Tammy's... hanging out... just the 5 of us. I am so blessed to have had such loyal, kind, childhood friends. I'll always treasure Tonya, Nancy, Angel and Tammy.

Now, here we are with our boys. Time just flies...

We always like to take Carson's picture in front of this tree in the fall every year.

Little turkey...

buttprints in the sand

2011-11-04T09:40:00.004-05:00

{Buttprints in the Sand}

One night I had a wondrous dream,

One set of footprints there was seen,

The footprints of my precious Lord,

But mine were not along the shore.

But then some strange prints appeared,

And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"

Those prints are large and round and neat,

"But Lord, they are too big for feet."

"My child," He said in somber tones,

"For miles I carried you along.

I challenged you to walk in faith,

But you refused and made me wait."

"You disobeyed, you would not grow,

The walk of faith, you would not know,

So I got tired, I got fed up,

And there I dropped you on your butt."

"Because in life, there comes a time,

When one must fight, and one must climb,

When one must rise and take a stand,

Or leave their butt prints in the sand."

Our principal shared this poem with us... It's quite a different take on the comforting other version of Footprints in the Sand. But, I guess God knows when we need to be carried, and when we need a little tough love. Either way, He never leaves us. And I am so thankful for that.

what do you think of me now??

2011-11-01T14:08:00.004-05:00

I was ready for a change, and I knew I could count on Danielle to give me a fabulous new look.

She has some wonderful pre-made templates. You can choose your own background and colors, insert your own photos and viola!.... You have a perfectly, unique looking blog and design. Genius!

Thank you Danielle for always providing

the best service and design.

u h. m a z i n g!

trick or treat!

2011-10-31T21:14:00.001-05:00

Ollie was a Yellow Submarine this year. I found his costume on clearance for $2.50 last year after Halloween, and I couldn't pass it up. He wasn't thrilled about it...

...but he looked pretty adorable.

And he told us about it too.

But he eventually forgot about it.

Carson was a Bakugan!

Grandma and Grandpa came to see him before he left for trick or treating...

Carson and his friend, Michael.

and Lauren.

and Erin.

He really had so much fun. I feel so comfortable with our neighborhood after getting to know many of our neighbors. He just had a ball.

These are the kids that he plays with regularly on our street. I feel so blessed that Carson has such great friends to play with at home.

Grandma Pat came by for some pics, to leave some treats, and watch him have fun.

This was a haunted house that someone had set up in their garage. Carson went in with Daddy. He was so brave and said it was scary but fun.

We saved the best house for last.... It had the scariest man on the front porch though. :)

And when we got back, he wanted to pass out what candy we had left.

It was Carson's first time Trick or Treating and he had the BEST time!

Lost Valley in Ponca, AR

2011-10-30T14:54:00.001-05:00

aka... the longest post EVER!

Eric planned a great trip for the Sallee Fam to go on a hike in Ponca, Arkansas. The leaves were changing, and it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!

We stopped at a lookout on the way, and the view was AMAZING!

As we drove on, we followed 3 trucks down a very long, steep hill and we had to pull over because Scott's brakes were smoking!

At the state park, we rolled out the Scott Sallee's green grass rug and had a picnic. I was starving!

We were meeting Kendall and KJ at the park, but they hadn't arrived. Eric and Scott decided to go back to the nearest town and see if they could get better phone reception to try and call them and help them get there. So, the rest of us relaxed and had some fun...

We all cheered as they guys arrived back at the park, and prepared for our hike. We crossed a big field to get to the trail start...

The trail was perfect. and so was the weather.

"Look Momma, at the big whole leaf!"

The Sallee boys...

We found some caves...

... and a small waterfall.

The family.

We took so many great pictures. I could seriously do 2 weeks worth of posts with them. If you have a free day and want to spend some quality time outside, this is only about 1 hour and 40 minutes away and the hike is fairly easy. We left the trail a lot and climbed over rocks and trees, but you can stay on the trail and make it a much easier hike.

After the hike, we went to Jasper, AR on a REALLY curvy road and ate at the Ozark Cafe. It has been open for 102 years. The perfect place to end our hiking adventure. They served just about everything. The prices were dirt cheap, and the portions were double or triple what you normally get at restaurants.

We had such a perfect day, and we can't wait to go back!

our little bucket buster

2011-10-30T13:17:00.000-05:00

We are so proud of Carson for earning Bucket Buster in the month of October. Our school has a character program, and each week 1 student from each class is chosen as a bucket buster for that room.

Bucket Buster: n. someone who fills their teacher and classmates "buckets" so full with the character word for the month that it busts wide open!

This month's character word was self- control. As a former classroom teacher, I was particularly proud of him for earning this one. Self-control is not always an easy thing to do at school.

Once a month, they have a short assembly to celebrate the kids from the month. While the kids were coming to the assembly, the Bucket Busters were waiting on the side. He sat calmly and quietly while he waited, showing lots of self-control. Not all of the kids were doing a good job with it. I was happy to see him making good choices. :)

Waiting in line to go on stage...

Getting ready to say the school pledge and self- control cheer...

Sel-Control

Gotta have it

when your mad

and you've had it!

Keep your cool.

School song...

We have a mascot, Bucket Man that the kids love. He is a huge bucket and for some reason Eric did not get a picture of him on the screen. But then Dr. Kopp came out as a secret agent on a Mission Possible (our school them this year).

He danced with some of the kids and recognized other students in the school that were caught showing self-control. The kids just love this assembly and it's fun to see what Bucket Man and Dr. Kopp have up their sleeves!

We went back to my little room, and took a few snapshots. Carson loved his self-control dog tag that he earned for being Bucket Buster.

So proud of our good boy.

cupcake {love}

2011-10-28T11:59:00.001-05:00

I love that Carson enjoys baking. I've always liked to bake, ever since I was a little girl. And when I was old enough to use the oven by myself, I pretty much took over the baking.

When Carson was old enough to stand on a chair or stool by the counter, we began baking together.

And the holidays are a time when we do lots of baking!!!

He takes his stirring seriously...

Can you see the cake powder on his face?

I used my friend, Kelly Carter's, icing recipe.... It was perfect. I hate the way store bought icing never sets up right and gets runny the next day. So, I am very happy with this homemade recipe.

And Carson is too!

Rockin' Run 2011

2011-10-27T19:47:00.000-05:00

Recently, our school held a fall carnival of sorts with a short run/walk beforehand.

Carson was not a fan of the walk, but it was fun.

We had to coax him to finish, and he really wanted us to carry him. OH. MY.

But, he was sure excited to cross the finish line and receive the dandy little medal.

After the walk, we enjoyed some of the carnival. Of course, Carson needed a tattoo.

And the bouncy house was his fave.

He had fun with Carter (from his classroom.) They're both red heads and look like they could be brothers. :) I can't get over how much taller Carson is than Carter.

{so true}

2011-10-19T15:00:00.002-05:00

Source: cherrybam.com via Leslie on Pinterest

I'm so thankful for my girlfriends that are ALWAYS there...

enough said...

parent-teacher conferences

2011-10-18T18:56:00.000-05:00

How is it possible.......

that this little baby....

is growing up....

to be such a big boy?

What happened to my bald baby?

And those cute words that weren't pronounced correctly?

He's grown into one cool, smart kiddo!

(picture from Mindy Atchison Photograpy)

We had Carson's FIRST EVER Parent-Teacher Conference tonight. He got a GREAT report.

He knows all of his letters, can count to 100, and knows most of the sounds that he should know by this time in the school year.

He also received a super report on his behavior (thankfully).

I am one proud momma.

awww shucks!

2011-10-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

Scott, Kelly and the girls asked us and Pat to go to the Verona Corn Maze last night. As we entered, we saw this sign... Hmmmm....

The maze before dark was fun, but all the monsters were supposed to come out after dark. So, we opted for the daytime maze.

Before we entered this clown tent, someone started a chainsaw and scared Nikki half to death.

As we were leaving the maze, all the monsters were going in. We stopped one for a photo. For some reason, this is the only pic I took of Pat. All the group shots with her were taken with her camera.

Carson loved shooting the pumpkins with Uncle Scott.

But the Corn Cannon was a little loud. Carson is not a fan of loud noises.

Next, we took a hayride. Samantha and her friend, Haley.

Scott, Kelly, Eric, and Nik went through the scary corn maze and apparently had to find a quick way out of it toward the end. I believe it was a bit scary for Nik. I don't blame her. That kind of thing is not my cup of tea.

When the got back, we had a few treats at a picnic table and visited. Until the 10 ft tall Tree Man came out. He had red light up eyes and long scary root arms. Carson instantly went under the table. And began crying. So, had to reassure him that the scary tree would not bother us and we would never let anything hurt him. He worked through it and was eventually able to at least look at it from afar.

We had a great time, and Carson was ready for sleep after his long week at school, which included Grandparents' Night (pics to come), and a fun night at the Corn Maze!

my. new. planner.

2011-10-04T17:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about my new planner! My friends, Jen and Erin, have always been big fans of the Erin Condren planners, and so I decided to check them out myself. I was hooked at the first click...

This is the box.. Even the box is adorable!

And then it's wrapped in tissue paper and a cute little sticker!

What's even better? They're PERSONALIZED!!!!!!!!!! I picked the design, the colors, and was able to add our name.

Do you see those FABULOUS tabs???? Do you?

There is a monthly layout.

and weekly layout.

Some cute pockets...

And STICKERS! Some are pre-labeled and there are many blank ones too!

There are lots of extra lined pages throughout the year also.... for those wonderful lists I like to make and check off.

So, I just had to share. I know the pics aren't the greatest, but you get the idea.

I'm

one

satisfied

customer!

the {pickin' patch}

2011-10-03T20:11:00.000-05:00

We went on Carson's first official field trip today to the Pickin' Patch in Marionville. Before we left, we were able to hang out in Carson's room. He sat at his table and drew a picture of what he thought he might see today. I loved seeing him in his room and experiencing what it's like for him during his day.

His cubby buddy that we made at the beginning of the year looks great in his cubby.

His desk and nameplate...

Carson's response to his favorite color.... blue, of course!

Follow that bus!

Listening to directions....

Getting ready for the hayride...

Running through a maze...

They had a cute little graveyard.... I love a good play on words.

I think she's missing her phalange!!!

Next, it was time to pick out a pumpkin. Carson had to search the whole patch before he made his decision... just like his momma!

And, he finally found the perfect one!

This reminded me of that song.... 10 little pumpkins sitting in a row...

The classes posed for a photo. His teacher, Mrs. Pollack, is on the left. I am so happy that she is his teacher. All the kindergarten teachers are wonderful at High Pointe. So, I know we would have been happy with whoever he got, but he is having a blast with his teacher. And, I am positive he is learning so much. I have been so impressed with her and the kindergarten team. They are so organized, and they are teaching such great units. He is really enjoying learning!

A family shot...

After the Pickin' Patch, we went back to our city park for lunch and play time. Carson was ready to eat his peanut butter and jelly sandwich. (His usual)

He loved play time, too!

I'm so glad Eric and I were both able to attend his first field trip. We had a great time!

{the posse}

2011-09-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

We live in the BEST neighborhood! We have VERY CLOSE friends that live down the street on the corner, the Dailys, and we hang out with them quite a bit. Recently, we have become friends with lots of other neighbors, too. All the kids play outside in the street and in the yards while us adults stand around watching for cars.

Last Sunday, the McIntyres hosted neighborhood BBQ, and we spent the whole day outside playing, eating, and having fun. The weather was perfect!

They also hosted a sleepover in their backyard. Dawn directed her minions, and they put up a huge tent.

The kids decided to have a bike race...

And Lauren learned how to ride her bike without training wheels! So exciting. Hopefully, Carson will decide to try soon. :)

Great job, Lauren!

The kids have a couple of motorized cars, and they ride them up and down the street. It's just a great place to live, and I'm so happy that Carson can experience having the neighbors to play with.

random ramblings...

2011-09-10T19:40:00.000-05:00

Now that Carson has started kindergarten, it seems like the week days are even crazier. Unfortunately, blogging has not been happening.

Carson celebrated his first completed week of school with a new Kre-O Transformer.

He has really enjoyed riding his bike lately. I think he's outgrown his bike... which he probably did not get his money's worth out of. Hopefully, when we get a bigger one, he'll get more use out of it.

Michael, his neighbor friend, rides his bike a lot. This has helped Carson to take more of an interest in his own bike.

Ollie has been such a good puppy while we are gone all day. We leave him with access to the kitchen and living room. So far, there have been no accidents while we are gone. YAY!!

Kindergarten celebrated Clifford Day to wrap up color days. They made the cutest Clifford ears!

This is what we see everyday when we come home... Ollie with a toy, ready to PLAY!!!!

{GREEN} day, all the way!!

2011-08-24T18:38:00.001-05:00

We wore green today to celebrate GREEN day!

And Grandma came over with some ice cream cone cupcakes.

Delish!

I decided to take a pic of his lunch for tomorrow. He wants the same thing every day- half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a gogurt that was frozen the night before, chips, grapes, Oreos, and a Caprisun Roarin' Waters.

It's the same lunch box as preschool. He didn't want a new one, and I was a-okay with that!!

{blue} day!

2011-08-23T18:02:00.001-05:00

It's BLUE day in Kindergarten! Carson was sporting a new blue shirt...

... and his new blue, light up, Star Wars shoes!

During art yesterday, Carson drew a self portrait. His teacher complimented him and asked, "but where are your legs?" To which he replied, "I don't ever wear pants at home."

But, he did add pants to the portrait... :)

He also worked on writing his name. I can already see improvement. This is something he really needs to work on.

When he showed it to me, he said, "Look- I got a Wow and a smiley face. That means I did really good!"

Too. Cute.

{this} & {that}

2011-08-20T12:55:00.003-05:00

The first official week of kindergarten is over. Carson had a great time! He seems to enjoy school and really likes his teacher, Mrs. Pollack.

His allergies have started bothering him again. So, we are back on allergy meds. I think the meds may make him grumpy. He went through a bit of a mood change last time he took them, so we may be talking to the doctor about finding something else if I don't see improvement. I haven't figured out if it's that or just being tired from being in school.

My week at school was good. I had to test and place students who need help in math this week. And, I'll start seeing them on Monday. I feel much better now that I'm in the swing of things. I just hope the district continues the math position next year. I really like helping the kids with math to be more successful in the classroom. And I love working in the small group setting.

We went to see "One Day" last night with Anne Hathaway. It wasn't a "feel good" movie, but I really enjoyed it. The story was an interesting, real life story.

Next week starts color week in kindergarten and Carson needs some more t-shirts so we will be getting the colors that he does not have. And we need to get new tennis shoes...

Carson lost his second tooth last week and I didn't blog about it. It was right next to the first one he lost. And the tooth fairy gave him $2.00 for it. Now he's working on wiggling a top tooth!

AND... I just ordered my first life planner from ErinCondren.com I am really excited about it. I've looked at them before, but it was never at a good time to start a new planner. With Carson just starting the school year, I think it's the perfect time.

{the first day}

2011-08-15T20:51:00.000-05:00

We woke up bright and early...

He woke up with a smile, but it didn't last for long.

He ate breakfast... pancakes, banana, and milk.

Daddy had to carry him to the car because he decided that he really didn't want to go. I felt so sorry for him because he was very nervous. But, he finally pulled it together for a few first day pics.

Next, we went to the Daily House for a few first day pics with Lauren.

When we arrived at school, he wanted to sit in the car for a few minutes to calm his nerves.

We went to my classroom until he could go to the gym.

I took a quick pic with Tammy and Kel...

Then Daddy took him to the gym while I had morning duty. He walked the perimeter a few times and then got pretty upset and decided he didn't want to walk. He began to cling to Daddy.

Looking pretty sad...

The kids sit with their class at 8:40, and he was looking sad and nervous.

He was very happy to see his teacher. He said to her, "Do you remember me, Carson?" So sweet.

Lined up ready to go to class...

I didn't check on him until lunch, because I didn't want to upset him. He was in a great mood when I saw him at lunch. He ate everything I packed for him, and he was even helping a little boy next to him.

This is the "cubby buddy" that we made for him to look at in his cubby when he feels homesick.

After school, he came to my room in a very good mood. I think he had a super first day.

Snack time!

I asked him what his favorite part of the day was... he said it was recess. :)

Happenings from the day:
Carson has been sniffing a lot due to allergies (I think). So, I told him that he couldn't sniff all day b/c it will drive his teacher crazy. Today, in art class he asked
Mr. Peterson, "Do you mind if I sniff a lot?". Mr. Peterson said sniff away.

At lunch, he told the kid sitting next to him to open everything in his lunch first, then he would be ready to eat.

I have a few more things to post, but I'll have to do it tomorrow... I'm tired. And i'm not checking for typos!

God is my victory and he is here...

2011-08-14T15:46:00.001-05:00

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

~~Matthew 11:28-30

I have felt burdened and overwhelmed lately. God revealed this verse to me today during Pastor Scott's sermon.

I need to dwell in it.

I feel weary.

And this was a song we sang at the same service. Boy, did I need to hear them...

The Desert Song by Hillsong:

Verse 1:
This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

Verse 2:
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3:
And this is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've recieved I will sow

meet the teacher {kindergarten}

2011-08-12T13:49:00.000-05:00

I have mixed emotions about this whole kindergarten thing.... On one hand, I'm so happy that he's a growing, healthy boy who is very smart and ready for kindergarten... but on the other hand... I'm sad that my little baby boy is old enough to go out into the world and begin school.

It will be nice that I teach at the same school. So, he will come with me every morning to work and I will be there all day in the same building as he is.

Carson was nervous before we left. When I see him nervous, then I feel a little twitch of pain in my heart because I don't want him to be scared or uncomfortable. But, we reassured him that we would be with him and he would be able to see how much fun school is going to be.

He was very eager to sort his supplies as soon as we entered the room...

He also found the behavior chart. We're assuming he wants to stay on green. :)

At his seat...

He quickly found some friends and they had fun playing with the pattern blocks...

After some time in the room, the kids went down to the gym in a line and learned about the morning routine at school. He did a great job in line. He learned in preschool how to walk in a line and keep bubbles in his mouth when he walked by the babies' room.

On the way back from the gym... he informed me that he told his teacher about a bully he saw in the gym. That's right... not even the first day of school and we are tattling!!! This is something we have been working on and apparently, we have a ways to go with learning not to tattle.

His desk plate...

The teacher's desk...

Standing by his cubby...

The reading corner... (he really likes the trees)

His pretty teacher, Mrs. Pollack! She is so nice and did a great job filling us in about kindergarten.

I know Carson is going to love her, and it's going to be a great year!

we're all smiles...

2011-08-12T13:18:00.000-05:00

Carson's only boy cousin, KJ, is eight and he lost his first tooth the same week as Carson in the same spot!!! Luckily, they also had a play date planned the same week. Of course... we had to get a pic!

a {fair} trip

2011-08-06T12:32:00.001-05:00

The weather was perfect for a trip to the fair! Carson was excited to go, but when we got there... all the craziness of the fair made him a little nervous.

After we walked around for awhile...

...and ate some cotton candy, he warmed up and rode a ride...

...and played some games. Of course, we had to play the duck game. :)

one step closer to {kindergarten}

2011-08-03T21:20:00.001-05:00

Carson decided he wants to keep his backpack and lunch box from preschool. He has a yellow and black Transformers lunch box and a black and yellow backpack. He likes that they coordinate. So, I get to save some money. :)

We purchased all of his supplies for $23.00. It helps that we only got what was on the list and of course... Walmart had great sales!!

Ready or not... Kindergarten, here we come!!

fishin' and tubin'

2011-08-02T12:29:00.000-05:00

Carson, KJ, and Eric went to Ava last Friday to go fishing at Eric's family's Fish Farm. It was a VERY HOT day, but they had a great time fishing. I'm so glad Carson has taken a liking to fishing because it is something that Eric really enjoys and they can spend time doing it together.

This is a deer butt that is mounted in the store. The boys thought it was pretty funny.

The next day, Carson and Eric went to the lake with the Johnsons to tube. He absolutely loved tubing with Aunt Angie and Mindy. So, he was looking forward to this.

After his to fun days in the sun... he was pretty tired on the trip home. :)

the tooth fairy strikes again!

2011-07-28T09:00:00.006-05:00

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 10:00 p.m. Carson Eric Sallee lost his FIRST tooth!

Before I share what happened, there's a little back story. Carson has had a loose bottom tooth for a few weeks now.

I was watching The View on Monday, and Elisabeth Hasselback had mentioned that the tooth fairy forgot to come to their house the night before. Whoopie G. stated that she knew the tooth fairy, and she knew that Grace (Elisabeth's daughter) had been pulling pretty hard on the tooth and forced it to come out. She also knew that if kids forced teeth out before they were ready that their names didn't appear in the Tooth Fairy's book right away and that is probably why she didn't come yet.

Carson looked up at me after hearing this and said, "Oh, we better not force this tooth out."

HA! Is that not the cutest thing??????

On Monday night...

He was brushing his teeth and noticed that when he spit, it was a little bloody.

Then he looked in the mirror, and gasped.. "My tooth came out!"

Sure enough, it was in the sink and there was a big hole in his bottom teeth.

I had bought this pillow at the Mt. Vernon Apple Butter Makin' Days when he was just a baby. I was sure it would be a long time before we would use it. It has been hanging on his door knob. And I can't believe the time is already here, but it was perfect.

We placed the tooth in a snack size baggy, and slid it into the pocket.

Say Cheese!!

Of course, we had to call the grandparents.

He wanted to make sure that the tooth was sticking out a little, just so the tooth fairy would see it.

We had already discussed that the tooth fairy brings a little more for the 1st and last tooth. So he's prepared to not get as much for his other teeth. We placed it on his night stand next to his bed. He was very willing to go to sleep in his bed on this night.

The next morning, we found 5 ~ 1 dollar bills in the tooth pocket. And the tooth was gone.

We were very happy the tooth fairy did not forget to come and his name appeared in her book!

{ladies who lunch}

2011-07-27T19:46:00.001-05:00

Tammy, Kelly, and I went to lunch downtown today. I am amazed at how much it has changed and how many great places there are to eat and explore.

We went to a dive called Grad School. It was a small little building. Loved the atmosphere. And the food was really good.

Of course, we had to then go to The Cup. I have wanted another cupcake since the last time we went. They both went for the summer cupcake. It was an orange cake and I'm sure it was delish...

...but I HAD to get the Tuxedo again! Chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream icing... My FAVE!!!!

After lunch, Kelly had to go, but Tammy and I did some shopping. I love my old fashioned little colander from TJ Max.

Thanks gals for a great day. I loved getting to eat at a normal pace and not scarfing it down like we have to do during the school year. :)

{40} a few lessons along the way...

2011-07-26T11:40:00.002-05:00

In my 40 years, I've learned a few things and have grown to believe a few things...

I have learned that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I will spend eternity with Him and all I had to do was ask him to save me and forgive me from my sins.

I used to sing this song by Evie growing up. Beautiful.

Unfailing Love flows from His heart and heals my soul.

In spite of who I am he loves and makes me whole.

I almost can't believe it true, unfailing love and yet I know.

He gave his life to give to me,

unfailing love.

~Evie Torquist

I have learned unconditional love from my parents. Growing up with that kind of love is such a blessing. I realize more every year just how wonderful my parents are and how much that unconditional love has shaped me and helped me become the person I am today. There is a special security and comfort that comes from that kind of upbringing. I want to give that gift to Carson.

I've learned about choices... I do not believe in fate. I think that God knows the path we will follow and all the choices we will make in our lives, but I do not believe it is predestined. We are given free will, and it is up to us to choose our path. I know God is with me every step of the way. And when I make mistakes, I know he gently guides and reminds me of where I need to be.

I've learned to approach others in love and compassion even if I don't always agree with choices they may make. I have cherished loved ones who accept me- no matter what.

I. am. not. perfect. I have and will make mistakes. When I was younger, I thought I couldn't make mistakes. That it was the end of the world if I did. Of course, I try not to, but if it happens...It's important to learn from them, but not dwell on them. Ask forgiveness and move forward.

I have learned that I am very impatient... one of my many flaws. This is something I continue to work on.

I've learned... Some friends are friends for a season and some are friends for a lifetime. A hard lesson for me to learn. Sometimes, it's just better to let go of a close friendships if they are causing pain or stress or if you've just fought and fought for the friendship and there seems to be no other answer...

And I've learned... Great friends are hard to come by. I have lots of wonderful friends and some cherished close friends that I know I can always rely on. I'm not going to mention names, but I've told them and they know how much I love them. I also have a small group that I can see after not seeing for awhile, and we pick right up where we left off. I know I can trust them with anything and we laugh and have the best time. Girlfriends who stick by you, even after going through rough patches together, are so special to me. Or girlfriends with no rough patches that are just laid back, roll with it, and are so easy going.... are special friends also!!

I've learned...Marriage is HARDDDDDD! I could go on forever here. Just know, there is so much I learn and continue to discover on this journey.

I learned in my thirties.... It's okay to say no. I don't have to do everything that everyone asks me to do. I must do what is best for me. And if others can't except your "no," stick to your guns. They will eventually get that you mean it.

I've learned... Infertility SUCKS! Sorry, but there's not a nicer way to put it. Trying to conceive a child for 8 years was not the way I had planned to spend the last of my twenties and the first of my thirties. The only way I survived that time was God's grace. My family and friends who stuck by me were such a blessing. I had some wonderful friends who were always there for me, and God sent an angel in the form of Kelly to carry me through some of the roughest times. Looking back, I don't know if she realizes just how much I depended on her. Thank you, Kel, for helping me find joy through the rain during that time.

I've learned... being a mother is THE. Best. Thing. I'll. Ever. Do. I'm not a perfect mom, but I love that little boy with all of my heart. He is the cutest, smartest, wittiest, most fun little red headed boy EVER. (I may be biased, just a little.) He brought true JOY into my life. The moment he was born, I just kept looking at him. I was absolutely amazed that this little baby came out of my tummy. He actually grew in there. Something we had been trying to achieve for so long. Just MIRACULOUS. Words can not describe the amazing feeling after 8 LONG years of waiting. I know it's a momentous time for everyone, but it's insane after an infertile journey.

I've learned... I'm a good teacher. I have been at it professionally for 15 years. (How can that be?) Teaching has changed dramatically over the last 15 years, and I can't imagine how much it will change over the next 15. I have learned that I have other interests, besides teaching. Interests I am passionate about. I might just pursue them over the next few years. So, I've learned that being a teacher may not be my only professional title in this life. (Something I didn't expect.)

I have learned that I have sooo much more to learn. Wisdom does come with age. I look forward to a long, happy life (hopefully) full of learning and growing. I want to learn and do better. I want my life to point more towards Him and His love. I want to be content with His will for my life and BE STILL in Him.

{40}

2011-07-25T19:33:00.003-05:00

I am still not sure how I made it to 40? It seems like yesterday, I was just graduating high school. But here I am.... 40!

It was a quiet day...

Carson made a birthday picture for me.

He played on the iPad while I relaxed a little.

We ran some errands and then went to my parents' house for dinner.

Mom made Bubble Bread with homemade bread! Delish! Those pink birds on top are candle holders from when I was little.

When I got home, I found this fab glass! Perfect for a margarita!!

Thx Kel!!

It was a relaxing, stress free day. And I'm so thankful for my family and friends who have wished me a happy day. Having my baby boy always makes it perfect!!

P.S. I was also tortured all evening by a certain revenge getting, Jayhawk loving, 60 something who shall not be named neighbor down the street. :)

Thanks for all the fun, neighbor. Your tactics are NO PROBLEM!!!!!