a week in my life!

This school year has just flown by and I think part of the reason is because things are just crazy busy.

I want to document our schedule this week
1. so I can get it out of my head, and
2. so someday I can look back and remember this crazy time.

 I'm sure I'll miss it one day.

MONDAY

7:00am  get ready for work, makes lunches, make coffee

8:00am  leave for work

sent an email to Bunco friends telling them I wouldn't be there b/c a friend's gpa passed and am going to the visitation that night.

4:00pm   faculty meeting after school

5:15pm    leave school

6:30pm    Boy Scouts (carson ended up staying home sick, but I had to go to pay the yearly dues.  Then I went to Walmart for a 40 minute grocery trip.)

7:45pm    home to put away groceries and do dishes

10:00ish time to sleep, gotta run tomorrow morning.


TUESDAY

5:30am   RUN at the gym with Kel

7:00am   get ready for school.  I didn't make lunches the night before so that included making coffee, my lunch and Carson's lunch.

8:00am   leave for work

4:15pm   getting ready to leave work.  Carson says he's freezing.  Get home, check temperature, it's 102 degrees.  Call and get Carson a DR appointment for the next morning at 8:30am

5:00pm  Eric is bringing food for dinner b/c we are going to Ava for the visitation.  I end up staying home with Carson.  Eric goes to Ava.  Did dishes, and 4 loads of laundry since I'm home....

10:30pm Go to bed


WEDNESDAY

6:30am   get ready for work- pack lunch, make coffee

7:30am   leave for work (early meeting today)  Eric is staying home with Carson today.

7:45am  CARE team meeting

11:00am   talked to Eric.  Carson was diagnosed with Influenza Type A.

4:30pm  meet Kelly at the gym to workout.  Surprised by my trainer, Amanda!  She lives 3 hours away and came in for a surprise.  Worked out.. weights and interval training (cardio).

5:40pm  took Amanda to Fran's to surprise her.... visited for a bit.

6:30pm got home, ate dinner, cuddled with Carson, his fever got pretty high even though he's on Tamiflu, motrin, tylenol, and mucinex!

10:00pm  go to  bed.  Gotta RUN tomorrow.


THURSDAY

6:00am   RUN at the gym with Kel

7:00am    get ready for work, make lunch and coffee (Eric is home again today with Carson)

8:00am    go to work

the rest of the schedule is the "plan" for the rest of the week......

4:15pm    go home (hopefully get some time to rest a bit)

10:30pm  Go to bed


FRIDAY
7:00am   get ready for work, make coffee and lunch

8:00am   go to work

12:15pm  leave work for dentist appointment

1:00pm dentist appointment

6:00pm  plans with girlfriends......

SATURDAY

9:00am ish   RUN at the gym

spend the rest of the day picking up, cleaning house, and recovering from the week.

Hopefully Carson will be much better and on the mend from the flu!


That's it..... that is my week.  And quite frankly, they have all become pretty crazy like that.

Not to mention that my work days are filled with craziness.  My schedule is back to back except for my lunch and plan time.......  So, my days just seem full and hectic and busy and tiring.....

I'm not complaining... I know it sounds like I am.  They can be hard, but they aren't really.  It's just life.  The one I actually imagined and dreamed of for so long.  I appreciate the fact that this is what I wanted.

SO, this is why I have chosen the word I did for 2013.......

one little word 2013
coming soon!!

ob-la-di, ob-la-da life goes on, brah La la how the life goes on...

Well, strep has gone through our house.  We have all had it, and hopefully we are done with sickness for a long while. 

After Carson was feeling better this weekend (and before we caught it), he went outside to help Daddy with some yard work.  He doesn't like loud noises, so he always wears these to block out the noise.

 Cracks me up.

I found this table at Bagladdy Boutique.  This is what I'd like to get for my entryway.  I don't think I want it so distressed, but I'd love a soft blue table with this style legs... maybe a little longer.  I'm on the hunt for something I can redo.... because this one was 350 bucks.... really?????

I didn't notice the Farts book in the bottom of the pic until after I took the picture. :)

Also in between sickness, we took Carson for a walk/bike ride on his new bike.  It was just beautiful this weekend.  Maybe he can learn to ride without training wheels this summer.  We shall see.

I read on a blog that Martha Stewart has a new line of organization products at Staples.  I went in to see what they had and OH MY!  I think I literally heard angels singing.....

Look at all those beautiful products!!

I plan to get some of these babies for my mail/schedule center.... I just couldn't decide what to get while I was there.  I took this pic so I could think about what I need to get organized.

I did buy these chalkboard labes.  The labels can be wiped with a wet cloth and rewritten as many times as needed. 

AND, I've been looking for a different holder for my money "envelopes" that I carry.  I don't carry a lot of cash, but I keep what I do carry organized in categories so we don't overspend.  Once the money is gone... we are done for that area. But, my organizer that I have used is so thick and bulky.... Good ole' Martha had one that is oh so thin.  The new thinner organizer is actually full, and the old one on the right is empty, and look at the difference..... So. Happy.

March Photo a Day is fast approching.  I have loved doing this everyday, and I love using a few apps that I've downloaded to edit and label the pics. 

 I think I'll do a post on some of my favorite apps for photo editing soon.

(Jen, now that you have that new fancy phone... I'm hoping you'll join me in March!)

So, who is going to join me this month????

Angie and Mindy, I'm so proud of you for doing this!  It's been neat to connect with you this way.

And Nancy, I've loved seeing your pics too!

I have some other friends who have not kept up as much, but don't let that stop you from starting again.  Think of all the great day-to-day memories you'll have at the end of the year!

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

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.

oh, what a year!

This has been quite a year for the Sallee fam...

January:  A quiet month with some snow fun!

February:  Carson's 3rd birthday!  I began blogging, which has been such a great addition to my life.  I am able to record memories as soon as they happen... this gives me peace for some reason.  Scrapbook retreat in Branson.  AND, Eric surprised me with a family trip to Big Cedar Lodge for Valentine's Day.

March:  Our 13th wedding anniversary... and Kelly's Fabulous 40 Surprise Party!

April:  Easter trip to Bentonville (no white helicopter dropped eggs this year) and Easter Sunday with Grandparents...

May:  The end of the 2008-2009 school year- always a reason to celebrate!  and Carson began his first T-ball season!  Blog makeover!

June:  Our 1st family trip to Disney World- need I say more?

July:  4th of July at our house with family and friends, my 38th birthday, and Scott, Kelly, and girls bought a house close to us!

August:  Painted our bedroom and furniture,  Carson rode his first horse,  Cowboy Days with K.J. and Grandma Pat, the Daily crew increased,  and back to school.

September:  Carson's first day of preschool- EVER!  We bought our fabulous new refrigerator, Scrap Out Loud retreat with the ladies!

October:  A trip to the pumpkin patch,  the KC Chiefs/Cowboys game with the Johnsons, and Bumblebee the Transformer went trick-or-treating with us.

November:  Eric turned 39!  Carson's first trip to Chuck E. Cheese with the Daily Crew!  We finally got the landscaping done!  Carson's 1st choir performance at church, trip to KC Chiefs/Steelers game (and shopping!)  Turkey Trot '09

December:  Twilight with girlfriends, I found my LOVE for lattes and cappuccinos,  Carson's 1st Christmas Concert at preschool,  Xmas in Bentonville and our 1st visit to P.F. Chang's, Skype with Angie and Mindy for Xmas from North Carolina,  Xmas at home with Grandparents and Uncle Teddy, new iphones, and new year's eve with the Johnsons!

As I went through all of my pics, there was no possible way to include pics of everyone I know and love in this year in review post.  So, I tried to limit it to just family so I wouldn't leave any friends out.  We spent so much time with our friends as well as our family and are so thankful for each of you.

There are many things I'd like to do in 2010.  Hopefully, I can follow through on some of my goals... more about that later.

the most wonderful time of the year!

We have been so busy this past week, but I've really enjoyed it all.  Here's a little recap...

• Bunco was Tuesday at Tonya's!  We had great snacks, food, fun, and an ornament exchange!
• Wednesday night we hung out at the house.
• I had a dinner with Kelly on Thursday night.  She had a fabulous meal with chicken, a great salad, and orzo- I've got to get some of that pasta at the store!  She also gave me a beautiful necklace that I adore.  I have gotten so many compliments on it.  But, most of all I treasure the time I spent with her, her friends, and the girls.  
• Carson was not feeling well earlier this week, and it has developed into a cold...
• Friday night was dinner with Pat, Scott, Kelly, and the girls... then on to Stained Glass Theater for a show.
• Saturday was BUSY, but fun.  I walked with Kelly (that's 2  times this week, better than nothing), Xmas shopping in craziness, dinner and a movie with the Dailys.
• Saw the Blind Side last night... such a good movie...the best I've seen in a LONG time.
• Kids were pretty good this week.  We had a rough Tuesday, but the rest of the week was great!
• Had 2 Caramel Brulee Lattes and a Peppermint Mocha this week!  YES!  I can now drink a Grande with one shot instead of a large... I'm hooked!
• Saw a moving truck in traffic yesterday, and a guy got out of his car... ran up to the window... and said something.  We wondered what was going on until a car moved out of view of the truck to show a gas pump handle was still in his gas tank, and the hose was dragging along behind him.  OMG!  I couldn't get to my camera quick enough, but I knew that would have made a great bloggable moment!
• Carson went to Grandma Pat's while we went to the movie.  He loves visiting her.
• Stayed home from church today- Carson getting over his cold.
• Finished Christmas shopping.  I think I'm done with the exception of a couple of small Wal-Mart items.
• Purchased Holiday Inn, the movie (I finally got it Tammy.), and I'm going to watch it tonight!!
• Saw many people I knew at Target today... love that place!!
• Here's a shout out to Ang and Mindy... just because we love you!!

first day

Today was my first official day back to school... I am tired and sad. Usually, this is the best time of year -getting everything organized and ready for the kids, but I am really struggling with it this year. I know time is running out. Carson will be starting school in 2 years, and my chance to stay home with him is almost gone. I chose to go to work, and I am so thankful that my mom can be with him. I never have to worry about him at all, BUT I am really regretting my decision to not stay with him. I'll never get this time back.

I know I'll get over this. Once I get into the swing of things- I'll be fine. I know I am so blessed just to have him. I guess I waited so long for him that I don't want it to go by so quickly. I don't want to be so caught up in work and everything that needs to be done, and not think about him most of my day b/c there's not time. I don't want to miss all the little things he says throughout the day. I don't want to be so tired when I come home that I can't just enjoy being with him...

a quiet day

Carson and I had a quiet day at home today... I worked around the house and we played. I am trying to savor each moment with him. Summer will be over very soon. I can't believe it. The last day of school seemed like just yesterday. I know I'm going to miss him so much. Every August just gets harder and harder. He's growing up quickly, and I don't want to miss anything.

Just Another Day...

I am feeling better...finally! I still have an annoying cough when I eat or drink. It's like the food/drink irritates my throat and makes it tickle. My energy is much better, which is a relief. I was starting to worry something major was wrong. I guess whatever I caught just had me down.

Yesterday, Carson and I went to the park. It was pretty hot. When we got there, some kids were there from a daycare, and Carson was loving it. Then, they all got together and left. Carson turned around and said, "Hey, where's all the kids?" I felt so sorry for him. He craves social interaction with other kids, and he was left on the playground by himself. A few minutes later, a little girl came and he was able to play with her for a while.

He wanted to ride his scooter to the park. (I had to carry it home, though.)

Let's go to the park!

He was so proud to climb this wall by himself.

Today, we met Jen to help pick out paper for her birthday invitations for Lauren. Then we went to ToysRUs and bought a new Transformer! On the way home, we went to Farkleberrys to visit Fran.

The cool dude with his shades.

We ended our day by meeting the Dailys at Mr. Yen's for GENERAL CHICKEN! You gotta love that stuff!

Craziness..

This has been a whirlwind of a week.  Monday night we had small group.  We are reading and discussing "The Shack."  I finally finished it.  I just don't know what to think of it.  The middle of the book is interesting... Mack discovers some things about God, Jesus, judging others, forgiveness, and free will.  BUT, the whole reason he's at the shack is just so disturbing to me that I just couldn't get past it.  

Tuesday was Bunko at Jen's house.  So much fun.  It was great to see her and catch up with all the ladies.  After Bunko, Tammy and I did our Beth Moore Bible study.  This week's scenario is --It's tough being a woman when thrown a giant-sized weight.  Honestly, there was a lot of info and I need more time to study on it before I can even get my thoughts organized about it.  I am enjoying the study.

Today was more MAP testing and I was supposed to take Carson to his 3 year checkup at the doctor and completely forgot about it.  Eric called and rescheduled, but I can not believe that I did not think of it once today... I'm losing it. 

Tonight, we took a bike ride and went to the park.  It was a beautiful spring day.  I hope it stays this way for a while.  

I Spy With My Little Blue Eyes... Monsters!

We had an eventful evening tonight.  Tammy and I took Carson for a walk - 2.1 miles with a stop at the park.  I have to get back into the swing of working out again. I just get so lazy.

I made taco salad for dinner... I think Eric would eat tacos 5 nights a week if I'd let him.

After dishes and a load of laundry we just spent some time together as a family.  Eric tried to Skype Keri and Kendall, but something wasn't working on theirs (we think) and we never could see them.  We did get to Skype Angie and Mindy, so Carson was happy about that.

Next, Carson wanted to play "I Spy."  He was adorably cute.  I think he learned it from some cartoon. He said, "I spy with my little blue eyes something orange."  We all took turns guessing and being the I Spy person.  That was fun and surprising that he wanted to play.  He's such a big boy!

Finally, it was bedtime. Dum da da dummmmm. We tried putting Carson in bed and giving him some "tough love" but he was just so upset and seemed to be very scared.  He came in for the third time very scared and so I went in his room with him and got in bed with him.  I heard the noise he was talking about. It was the fan making some really weird noise.  I got up and fixed the fan.  Carson said, "So it wasn't a monster?"  I said, "No, it was only the fan."  He seemed very relieved.  I stayed with him until he went to sleep.  I think we may have to do this for awhile.  We've decided that he will eventually get older and not be scared, but right now, we'd rather stay with him and transition him into sleeping in his room again.  

Oh well, I guess he won't ever be three again.  I think as Daniel pointed out, we'll miss this time of him wanting to sleep with us someday.  So, I'm not going to stress over it.

Dinner and a Show- Sort Of

So tonight we decided to go to a movie since Carson stayed the night with Grandma Pat.  We didn't have time to eat; we went through the drive thru at Steak-n-Shake.  Eric wasn't very hungry so I ate in the car while he went inside to get tickets.  After I finished eating, I turned the key, got out of the car, shut the door, and locked it.  

We saw "Duplicity" with Clive Owen and Julie Roberts.  It was okay- slow in parts- more of a good renter.  I noticed how many older people there were in the theater.  She doesn't draw the young crowd like she used to.  I guess as I near 40, I'm less part of the young crowd myself.  

After the movie, we went to the car and the keyless entry wouldn't work.  Eric unlocked the car manually, and we realized the battery was dead.  After I turned off the car, I exited from the passenger door, but the car is programmed to turn off the lights when the driver's door is opened after the ignition is turned off.  

We used our Triple A membership and waited 30 minutes for them to come and give us a jump. Our jumpy thing was at home, not in our vehicle.  

To say the least, it's been a weird evening.  Now we're home, relaxing and looking forward to a LONG spring break.  I just hope I can get half the things done that I want to do.