almost there...

Last weekend was supposed to be a resting weekend for me.

But it wasn't.
I decided to do a long run.  I mean a really long run.
And I did it!  More on that this next weekend....

We also had a birthday party for one of Carson's friends right in the middle of the day.  I ran some errands, lunch with my parents after church, small group Sunday night.  I did take a nap Sunday afternoon, but it didn't feel like I was rested when I got up.  So, I'm still very tired.

Carson has decided that he wants to play baseball this summer.

Eric has been working and practicing with him and he is actually improving.  Their coach also works with the kids quite a bit teaching them now that they are older.... So, I'm excited to see how he does this year.

Carson was the "All-Star" for his class for the 3rd time this year.  A child is chosen each week from each class.  I'm so very proud of the way he works hard in school and tries to do his best.

I love that he wants to learn and he realizes that it's his responsibility.  Many kids do not understand that teachers don't do the learning for them.  He has learned so much in Kindergarten and 1st grade.  He's a great student!

We had our last Bunco meeting until September.  Some of the girls weren't there.  :(
We missed not getting to see them.  But we had a great time at the Grotto!

And, I had to take a picture of Ollie the other night.  This is what he does most of the evening...
He loves to sleep right beside someone.  Such a cuddle pup.  What did we do without this dog?


He has us all wrapped around his paw, that's for sure!

 

 

So, I'm almost there.

I'm almost to the end of this school year.

I feel like I have crammed so much in to this spring.

I can't wait to have a few weeks with not much to do.

I'm even too tired to make a list of projects that I want to start this summer.

That will have to wait until May 20th!

 

But I'm almost there....



be.....frustrated....

I have been blog surfing lately.

And, I see all the great party ideas and decorating posts and fun recipes and cool crafts.

And, I think to myself......

I can do that stuff.

I have great ideas.

I love cooking and decorating and crafting and parties.

But, I don't have the time or energy for any of it lately.

And it makes me sad.

Carson's party was a swim party at the OC.  And everyone had a great time, but I put as little energy into it as I could.  Because I was just too tired and stressed to want to do more.

It's not like I'm not exercising and eating healthy.

I am.

So, what gives?

Life is good, don't get me wrong......
I'm not complaining about my life.  I guess I'm just frustrated that I don't allow myself to just BE and enjoy it. 

It's like I just want to make it through what I have going on each day, so I can get home and do nothing........

hmmmmm........

I confess Friday...

1.  I confess that I am on my second day of Carb Depletion with my trainer, and I really want some Andy's Frozen Custard!

2.  I confess that it's not even Thanksgiving and my son is so excited for Christmas that I am ready to celebrate the season also!

3.  I confess that we finally sold Carson's play Diner last night,  and he sat and cried for a good 15 minutes while Eric loaded it in the car.  He hasn't even  played with it for a year.  or more!

4.  I confess that I was a bit sad myself as he took it out the door.  It takes up a lot of space and we needed to get rid of it, but he was so cute when he did play with it years ago.  It makes me sad. :(

5.  I confess that I am amazed at how quickly this year is passing by.  Carson is almost halfway through 1st grade.  How can that be?

6.  I confess that I've lost 15.5 pounds on this getting healthy journey... I'm halfway to my goal.  I just pray I can finish and conquer my love for junk food.

7.  I confess that I didn't do my strength workout this morning, so I'll have to make it up tomorrow after I run.   Ugh!

8.  I confess that I was so glad as I went to my yearly check-up at the DR this week that I was not still on our infertile journey to parenthood.  That was such a hard time in our lives.  And I am so thankful for the things I learned through it, but I am glad we are now on the other side.  Just sitting in the Dr's office and watching all the pregnant ladies come in and out, used to be such torture for me. 

9.  I confess that my dear friend, Fran flew back to Florida this week, and I'm not happy about it.  But, she should be coming home for good very soon!

10.  I confess that sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to have a normal job.... where I could leave for an hour every day and do whatever I wanted..... Or take a vacation any time of the year......  Or take a break whenever I pleased......Though I don't want to give up my 12 weeks of vacation every year......

11.  I confess that I still want an Andy's concrete with CARAMEL!



(Linking up with A Blonde Ambition)

a fun list:

I saw this on another blog, and I thought it would be fun. 

You copy and paste the list on your blog, and then bold the things that you have done.  I made the items red and then commented on some of them.

1. Started your own blog - thanks to Jen and Tammy. 

2. Slept under the stars- in 9th grade I believe, with my friends, Nancy, Tonya, Angel, and Tammy on a trampoline in Tammy's backyard.  so. fun.

3. Played in a band - played piano, so no band.

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland - when Carson was 3.  loved. it.

8. Climbed a mountain - in North Carolina.

9. Held a praying mantis (no way)

10. Sang a solo - sang many as a kid.

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightening storm

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning - or thought it was. 

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetable - with Eric- tomatoes, green peppers, and cucumbers

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - as a kid

24. Built a snow fort- with my dad.  He built one with huge ice blocks.

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon - really, walked a 5K.

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse - in 1st grade at school.

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - ocean/beach sunsets are the best.

31. Hit a home run - only because they kept throwing the ball past each plate and I made it to the next base each time. :)

32. Been on a cruise - 2 fabulous cruises.

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community - used to drive by them every time I went to Spfld from Mansfield

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - I'm not dissatisfied. (is that a word?)

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing - Chimney Rock, North Carolina

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted - not painted but a characture drawn. :)

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - with Eric

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud - mud pies in 1st grade

54. Gone to a drive-in theater - with my family as a kid.  It was cheaper than the indoor theater and we LOVED it.

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business - if you count being a Creative Memories consultant...

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Rome

60. Served at a soup kitchen - not soup, but food.

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check - in college

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy - A few dolls.

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar - on the cruise.  Tasted like salty eyeballs popping my mouth.

72. Pieced a quilt - as a child, I made one for a family friend.

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle - as a kid.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book - no, but I wrote a song

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car - a 1989 Ford Escort.  My first car.

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper - all through high school for various reasons in my small hometown.

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox - twice.  Didn't have them bad enough the first time.

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club -Beth Moore

93. Got a   tattoo - no, but I want one...

94. Had a baby - the absolute best experience of my life was being pregnant.

95. Seen the Alamo in person - on a San Antonio vacation in college.

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit - only if you count those huge suits that they send you in the mail and you fill  it out and end up winning $7.42.

98. Owned a cell phone - Um, I'm slightly attached to it.

99. Been stung by a bee - at the pool, on my finger.

I got 43 out of 99.

Not bad.  I guess.

I'll be waiting to see my other blogging friends' lists.  Tag you're it!

 

the hunger games

I've read the books....

   though they disturbed me a little.  I'm looking foward to seeing the movie.

   I have a feeling it's going to be a better movie than the Twilight movies were.

   Let's hope I'm right.

But, I'm going to wait.  I don't like fighting huge crowds to see a movie.

That takes the relaxing and fun out of the equation. ;)



Are you Team Peeta or Team Gale?

much about nothing...

   Spring Break is in full swing, and I haven't really taken many pictures.

It's been a great time off, and we only have 3 days left.

How do the days go by so quickly?

Before break, Carson made this and it's hanging in the hall outside his classroom. ;)

   At the beginning of break, I met with some of my teaching pals... 

We had dinner at D'Arpino's.  Cara couldn't make it, and we really missed her.

But, I did enjoy catching up and spending time with these gals.

     

And, what do teachers do for fun? 

Go to Staples and look at Post-Its and other office organizing supplies.

     More fine artwork...

I found this display of SMASH products at Michaels this week.

Love these products.  I had to buy one for our vacation this summer.

We pulled out Carson's train table so we could set it up and take pictures for selling it.  Then, he decided that he wanted to play with it.  He has had it in his play room for years, and won't play with it.  He said if we leave it in the living room that he will definitely play with it now.  

That's NOT going to happen.

Poor puppy hates it when he can't go outside with all the kids...

We set up a savings account for Carson this week after we emptied his piggy bank.

He was able to sign his own name at the bank, and of course I had to get his pic!

And, we went to see The Lorax yesterday.  The word for the day was clouds. 

 These were beautiful around the theater.

I didn't get around to making the deep dish pizza pie for dinner that i was going to make to celebrate Pi Day.  But, we did have some "round" things anyway.  Quiche from Lola's, soup in a round bowl, and tea!

I've actually gotten quite a few organizing projects almost completed.  I have to add labels to some things and finish an area in Carson's play room.

So, hopefully, pics will come soon and I can cross more off my

house list. :)

Oh! I wanna dance with somebody...

I found this youtube video on Leslie's blog.... A Blonde Ambition.

The guy's name is Ben Rector. 
He remixed Whitney Houston's song, I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
I really like what he did with the melody.  It's a beautiful updated version of her very wonderful song.

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!

I love...

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????????????????????

confessional friday

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

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

{organize} my thoughts

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}

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!!!!

not much.....

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...

 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........

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...

i'm the ultimate FRIENDS fan!

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!

keeping the {X} in CHRISTmas!!

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.

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

my. new. planner.

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!