Back in Action, Executive Homemaker Style!

I have so many blog posts that still just say "Draft" next to them. They were started but not fully complete and published. So, once again my apologies for such an extended absence from this platform.

So many exciting things are going on! My family has joined our local Country Club and I've started writing articles for the community magazine. I'm really enjoying this opportunity! I've also become a representative for some brands on social media, each of these brands have products that I just love! My two favorite right now are @XOMandySue ( www.xomandysue.com ) which has the cutest clothing (check out my Instagram @The_Executive_Homemaker , the dress that I wore on Valentine's Day was one of theirs, I'll also post below in this blog post) and you can get a great discount using the promo code SaraJane35, seriously check them out! The other brand that I'm working with is @Forever8Legendz ( foreverlegendz.com ). They have such an amazing, heart warming story behind the creation of the brand. Forever8Legendz is all about spreading kindness, compassion and empowering women. They're worth the follow and reading all about it on their website. I seriously love this company plus their shirts are eco friendly and the softest ever!

Besides that exciting work that I've been doing I've continued to stay very busy and active in my philanthropy and volunteer work. This year (my year revolves around the school year, I make sure that almost all of my summer is dedicated to relaxing with my kids) my time is being spent working with our elementary school PTO where I serve on the board as Secretary this year, our high school PTSA where I serve on the board as the Scholarships Chair, The Junior League of Austin where my current placement is serving as a lab assistant at The Mother's Milk Bank at Austin (SO COOL!), I'm still serving on the Board of Directors for Happy Birthdays where I'm also co-chairing our May "Black Dresses for Happy Birthday's" upcoming event, The Junior Austin Woman's Club where along with being a member I'm serving on the Finance Committee, Hand To Hold which is an organization that my husband and I volunteer at together and where I'm being recruited to serve on a development committee which I'm thrilled about. I also volunteer at other events but these are where I focus most of my efforts for the time being. I was the 2018 Chair of the Autism Speaks Walk Austin which I loved and hit my fundraising goal of exceeding $150,000! That was a very rewarding experience. I intend to continue to volunteer with Autism Speaks on a different level and pass the reigns to a new Chair.

Life is busy and it is important to keep myself in check and make sure that I'm not over working myself. I've been scheduling days in my planner to not make plans. I mark it as "Homemaker Day" because being a Homemaker is my "job" and incredibly important to me. I like keeping my home tidy and running smoothly. Last year I was so busy and committed to so many other activities besides my home that I feel like I let that slip some and I'm working hard to not let that continue. I'm getting myself back on schedule to ensure my home is in the best shape it can be, making more time for my friends and making sure that I get lots of quality time with my family. I'm living the best days of my life with my children all still being home with us and I don't want to miss it, it is already flying by so fast!

Recently I revealed some health situations that I live with that I've mostly keep to myself but have decided to open up about because none of it is anything to be ashamed about and I want to provide support to those living with the same ailments. I live with chronic pain due to a major injury from a car crash in 2003, PCOS, Endometriosis and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. I manage these daily with medication and choose to live my best life in spite of these ugly health issues. Every single day I hurt in a multitude of ways but I very consciously make the choice to fight it and push through. I choose happiness and don't ever focus on the negative. My husband and I have worked SO hard over the past almost 19 years to build an absolutely incredible life for ourselves. We are completely self made for all that we are and very proud of that. I choose to focus on that and on keeping things light and happy within my sphere of influence. I already have to push through so much personally and that is why I also continue to choose to eliminate toxic people from my life which turns into eliminating toxic people from my entire family. I couldn't be happier with these decisions to live in joy! Our health is the most important thing and I believe that when you focus on the negative that increases the decline of health but when you focus on joy you absolutely feel better, I know I do!

My children are about to start trickling home so its time for me to sign off. This evening my eldest daughter Grace has a bowling meet (she is on the Varsity team for her high school), my middle daughter Abby and my husband Chad have a Daddy Daughter Dance to attend together and I've got a snuggle date with my son Orin. Life is good, y'all!

Until next time, count your blessings!

Sara Jane
xoxo

Valentine's Day 2019 - My husband Chad and I, I'm wearing a new XOMandySue Dress! Check them  out and use Promo Code SaraJane35 for 35% off! xoxo ~Sara Jane

More than words

*If this is a little scattered please forgive me, I'm on some pretty heavy medication.*


What is Love?

The definition of love is: "an intense feeling of deep affection". I think we can all agree that love can present itself in many different ways and what someone may see as a symbol of love others may not. I think everyone has their own way of defining what love is to them or how they receive it.

Yesterday I had yet another surgery, lucky number 30. I had to have bone spurs chiseled out of my ankle as a result of the car crash that I was in (along with Chad, our daughter Grace who was only 11 months old and our dog Brownie) in 2003 when I was 20 years old. I've had this surgery before and will most likely have it again. I've been told that it is something I'll have to go through every several years for the rest of my life. I'm lucky that I was able to keep my leg after our wreck. Chad was told as I was going into surgery that they would most likely be amputating my leg from the knee down because the damage to my ankle and leg was so severe. I can handle having surgery every few years having been able to keep my leg and knowing that my family will be ok.

This week love has shown itself to me in many different, amazing ways. I have received many messages from family and friends. Old friends and new ones have been sending me their support and well wishes for a successful surgery and easy recovery. I have received more than I have for previous surgeries. It was amazing to feel so much love from people that didn't have to go out of their way. I also have so many friends and family who have offered to bring us meals or to order a meal to have it delivered, they have offered to create more work for themselves to make our family's night easier.

My sweet friend Jenna that I've met through The Junior League of Austin is a 3rd grade teacher. She told her students about my upcoming surgery and presented me with a stack of the most precious get well cards. They each made me smile, some made me laugh and all made me tear up knowing that these precious students care about my well being. She is teaching a class of thoughtful children and they decided to send me a gesture of love that I'm very grateful for.

When we got in the wreck Chad and I were in college, we lived in Abilene, TX. I had a friend, Sally, who was the single biggest help to me, Chad and Grace during this very trying and difficult time in our lives. Grace was a baby, Chad's hand was in a cast from his injuries and I couldn't walk. While my left leg/ankle was mangled my right one was severely sprained so I couldn't walk at all for quite some time. Sally basically moved in with us without literally moving in. She spent nights on our couch to help during the night when we needed the most help. She would load me, my wheelchair and Grace in her or my car and take me to my college classes and walk around campus with Grace until I was done and then would bring us all home and get Grace in bed. She would cook for us, give me sponge baths, take care of Grace in any capacity needed and was our angel during such a hard time. I have no idea what would have happened to us if it wasn't for Sally, who was also a student during all of this. Chad worked and went to college at night so she was seriously a life saver for Grace and me. I'll never be able to fully express my gratitude for what Sally did for our family, ever. Sally is family, nothing will ever change that. Sally is more family to me than many people that I'm related to. Sally is the Godmother to all three of our children and even that doesn't feel like enough to express our love for her. Today, the day after my surgery, Chad had to go out of town for a day trip for a business meeting, Sally once again came to take care of me. She is now a busy mother of two (soon to be three) and a NICU nurse and she still came to take care of me. I laughed when she walked into my bedroom where I'm stuck and asked her if she imagined doing this again after 14 years, she smiled. She spent the day with me until she had to leave to pick her children up from school. She spent one of her valuable days off taking care of me and making sure I wasn't alone the day after my surgery.

Then there's Chad. I know Chad loves me, that goes without saying. But,the way he cares for me and is my biggest support for ALL of these surgeries speaks measures. He has been by my side for every single surgery, all 30. We have our "surgery protocol" and "surgery routines" that are well established and he does everything he can to make me feel comfortable leading up to the day of surgery. He holds my hand until it is time to take me back to the OR, he kisses me and reassures me that he will be there as soon as I wake up. He is patient with me when I'm groggy and in pain. He is careful driving me home from surgery, as careful as he was driving our babies home from the hospital. He keeps me calm and comfortable once we are home and he makes sure I'm taken care of. He is my person and he reaffirms why he is every single time I have to go through these scary procedures.

What is Love to me?

Love is waking up from surgery to Chad's face.
Love is receiving so many messages of well wishes from family and friends .
Love is in the letters of precious third graders.
Love is carrying me up and down the stairs.
Love is refilling my Yeti every time I say I'm thirsty.
Love is making sure I'm on top of my medicine so I don't wake up in more pain.
Love is carrying me to the restroom.
Love is making sure I don't fall in the shower.
Love is taking all of the weight off of my shoulders so that I can heal completely.
Love is bringing my family a meal so that Chad can focus on me and our kids.
Love is creating a calendar for friends to sign up to bring those meals.
Love is taking on some of my responsibility in the PTO.
Love is helping us make sure our kids get home from school safely.
Love is in the single flower that my son brings me to make me feel better.
Love is when my daughters come to ask me if I'm ok or need anything just to check.
Love is carrying me to the couch in another room so I can get out of my bed for a little while.
Love is offering to stop by and bring my family anything we may need.
Love is MUCH more than words.

To everyone who has shown me and my family so much love, thank you. I notice each of you and appreciate you more than words can say. <3



Love,

Sara Jane

Me and Chad - Surgery Day

Me and Chad - Surgery #30

Sally taking care of me the day after Surgery #30 (Ignore that I look like a mess).

Precious "Get Well" notes from a class of 3rd Graders.

The flower my Son picked and brought to me to help me feel better.

Busy Busy Bee

I've always had things going on keeping me busy. It started as having babies to tend to, then toddlers, then extra curricular activities then incorporating school aged children and helping their teachers when I was able. Once all three of our children were in school all day I started substitute teaching sometimes but always had plenty of housework, planning, appointments and the like to keep me busy.

This year is different. I now have a new definition for myself as to what busy means. I have several to-do lists that are starting to feel never ending. But, while I'm a little overwhelmed at the moment, while I find my stride in checking the boxes off of my list, taking care of my family and other responsibilities, I am definitely not complaining. Most of the tasks keeping me busy these days are voluntary, things that I signed up to do and in some cases have paid to be a part of.

This school year I have quite a bit more on my plate, my titles now include:
Mother
Wife
Homemaker
Band Mom
Boy Scout Mom
PTO Treasurer
PTO 5th Grade Liaison
Provisional in The Junior League of Austin
Substitute Teacher

Just reading the list is a little overwhelming for me right now, but I have full confidence in myself to handle each position and excel at them all. I am trying not to be hard on myself while I adjust and am giving myself some grace to reorganize my life and create a new way of scheduling my events. I am in the midst of prioritizing and making sure my family never feel like my new responsibilities take precedence over their well being and happiness. I'm not saying I'm having the easiest time accomplishing all of this but I feel like organizing my daily life and finding a way to make it all happen is one of my strengths.

I'm only a few weeks in. I'm imersing myself into both of my PTO Board positions and just starting my journey into The Junior League. While all three are a big commitment, I take them each very seriously and am passionate to succeed in everything I'm taking on.

Looking at my planner is a little crazy. I've got meetings or appointments almost every single day. My husband has plenty of business travel coming up. Each of my children have school events that are important for us to be involved in. But, looking at all I have coming up is also so exciting to me.

I'm beyond thankful for a husband who is so supportive. He supports my passion for volunteering, he encourages me when I start to feel overwhelmed, he is picking up my slack while I figure out how to be the woman I want to be and have thrown myself into becoming this year and he also gives me a reality check when I need one. He is incredible. We have been married for 15 years, we have been together for half of his life and more than half of mine. I have supported him in every way possible since he was 18. I supported his education (the first 10 years of our relationship we, eventually just he were college students) through the beginning of his bachelors degree (we met and started dating in his second semester of college) all the way through his graduation from Graduate School. I have supported every career decision and in every other way he needed me. It is such an odd feeling to me to have that role switched. Of course I still support him in every capacity, but now he is the one supporting me and encouraging me to do what makes me happy and what I feel in my heart I need to do. He keeps asking me if I am happy and feel fulfilled. During frustrating moments he will hug me and tell me exactly what I need to hear in that moment to push me forward. He now asks me about MY schedule to work around. The new dynamic is going to take some getting used to but I can't tell you how amazing it is to be on the other side of what I've tried so hard to do for him for so long. The feeling of knowing I have him in my corner no matter what, now that I am getting to do what I want to do for ME outside of just raising my children and taking care of our home, is indescribable. Happy doesn't begin to describe how I wake up feeling everyday.

I keep questioning why I feel so happy to be so busy. Is it because I feel more "needed" than I ever really have? I know my husband and children need me, but now I have so many others relying on me on our Board. Is it because I finally feel like I'm giving back, through our PTO but especially through The Junior League? Is it because I'm finally doing something that I have wanted to do since I was a little girl attending Junior League events with my Grandma Jane? Is it because I am so proud of the work that I'm doing? Is it because I'm volunteering my time and truly not expecting anything in return? Is it because of the pride I feel when my kids seem proud of me? I don't know, but I'll take it all. I am a busy busy bee and I couldn't be happier about it.
I work with friends that I respect very much at our school and within our PTO. The amount of work and teamwork that each event requires is huge and each of these people jump in happy to help. I absolutely adore the women I'm working with in The Junior League and am SO excited for the future with them.

Now that I've accepted each of these roles I'm discovering ways to make my life easier so nothing falls behind, or at least not too much. I'm taking a few shortcuts that I never needed to before, things like HEB Curbside pick up. I'm setting aside time in my planner to do things like menu plan so that I can order my groceries (and not over-shop by walking the aisles, who knew it would actually save me money?!) and have exactly what I need to cook what I've planned for the week ahead.

I'm so thankful for my neurotic organizing and planning skills, they're being utilized now more than ever before.

I guess my next post will have to be an update to my adjustment to my new, much busier, schedule.

For you working Mama's and busy volunteers, I would LOVE your input or any tips on making sure you don't drop the ball and how you manage your own busy lives!

It is just past 11pm, I guess I should end my post so that we can pick up our band girl who is coming home from her second away game and then get some rest before I need to be at the school by 6:45am to set up for the"Donuts with Dads" event at our school.
I can't wait! :D

Until next time, count your blessings!

Sara Jane

PS- I'm sorry this post is a little scattered, I'm tired ;)

Surgery #29

Surgery is never fun and unfortunately something I'm all too familiar with. Two days ago on July 27, 2017 I was a surgery patient for the 29th time.

Most people don't know that I live with chronic pain. I don't like to talk about it and I chose not to let it bring me down. I suffer daily with intense pain in my left ankle, stomach and with pelvic pain. My stomach pain isn't constant (it isn't every moment of every day) but it does affect me most days. My ankle is a constant source of pain and is a result of a terrible car crash that my family was in when I was 20. My pelvic pain is because my body made three amazing kids but was not good at recovering and healing from the trauma that pregnancy and c-sections created.

I've had ovarian cysts since 2007, when my second child was a few months old. It isn't uncommon and sometimes isn't even noticed by a lot of women. My body is the epitome of Murphy's Law and I feel every follicle every time. I have had many abdominal surgeries for various reasons. I delivered all three of our children via C-Section (my first was an emergency and the second two were recommended as a safer option for my body) which is a major abdominal surgery. I've had my gallbladder removed, I had exploratory abdominal surgery, I had my uterus removed, I had a separate surgery to have my cervix and fallopian tubes removed and a few of other laparoscopic surgeries. Due to my body requiring so many surgeries I have plenty of scar tissue which my doctors clean up every time they're preforming surgery but it always grows back, that is just the nature of scar tissue. As far as reproductive organs go all I have left are my ovaries. With the cysts I've been having excessive ovarian pain but have been putting off having one or both of my ovaries removed since I was in my late 20's. I do NOT want to experience menopause or the associated side effects for as long as possible.

But, I just couldn't hold out anymore. I was getting to the point that my ovary pain was making me suffer daily, not just when I should have been ovulating or going through a natural cycle of what ovaries do. I saw my doctor and talked to my former OB/GYN. They both agreed that I've put up a good fight for the past few years but it was time to look into removing an ovary. So, I did.

My doctor, who I adore, opened me up on Thursday and found that my left ovary had adhered itself to my bowel. She carefully cut it out. She said that my right ovary looked healthy but had a lot of scar tissue and adhesions around it/near it so she cleaned all of that up. She also found endometriosis. While I'm still adjusting to having this horrible, painful disease, it gives me a lot of clarity and validation to the severe constant pelvic pain I've been having.

I am incredibly thankful that while I've had so many surgeries and health issues that I know that I'm not missing out. I know several women that have had similar issues that can massively affect fertility, but the difference is that I'm complete. I have three great kids and have known that our family is complete since I had my third child. I don't feel like I'm missing out. I know that I'm lucky on that front. Many women who suffer like I do haven't had children yet or still want to have more and may not have that opportunity.
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So, for all that have been wondering why I had to "go under the knife" again, there you have it. After years of putting it off, I had my left ovary removed, adhesions cleaned up and endometriosis diagnosed and cleaned up too.

I'm a little over 48 hours out of surgery, I'm very sore and doing my best to rest up. My husband (and kids) and my Aunt have been massively helpful and I couldn't be more thankful! I also want to thank my sweet friends Jill and Shannon for my beautiful flowers, my new friend Eileen from the Junior League for dinner and to my countless other family and friends who have checked on me and offered their love and support! You all are so incredible, thank you!!

Unfortunately I will be having another surgery (lucky #30!) in about six weeks. I will be undergoing another ankle surgery. That one will take longer to heal as I'll be having bone shaved and chiseled off of my ankle/lower leg and wax put on my bones so they can glide easier instead of grind every time I take a step. All of the info on that surgery will be for another post :)

Again, thank you to everyone who has reached out to me offering their love and support! xoxo

Until next time, count your blessings! :)

~Sara Jane

Teaching, Volunteering and Skin Care...oh my!

I've had an impossible time accessing my blog for months. On April 17, 2017 I posted the below post on a different blog site. I've finally recovered my original Blogger credentials and can move forward with my intended site. I posted this several months ago but want to add it to this blog site to keep things in order. I hope you enjoy!

~Sara Jane

I have been substitute teaching so much more than my normal recently, but instead of the thought of that stressing me out, I’m really excited for what I have accomplished. I’ve decided to exclusively teach at the schools my children attend (very occasionally I’ll make an exception). The students see me at the school often since when I’m not teaching I’m at the school usually volunteering my time to help teachers and with PTO activities. I love the connection I’ve made with so many students. It is very rewarding to walk down a hall and when my class realizes I’m subbing for them they get so excited and all rush to hug me. It really makes me feel like I’m doing something right! 

Last week I taught for one third grade class for three consecutive days. When I left after school on the last day the other teachers in that grade told me how happy they were knowing that I was the one teaching that class. That when I sub they know I’ve got control over the class and things will be done correctly. It was a small conversation with a big impact. I feel so lucky to have the freedom to teach where I want to when it fits my schedule and am so happy I made the choice to stick with a school where I can make the most impact, no matter how I’m spending my time there, teaching or volunteering. 

I’m fortunate to have a lot of time to volunteer, which is something I take seriously. I am very careful about what I dedicate my time to and I’m intentional with all I do. 

My Grandma Jane joined the Houston Junior League when she was 25 years old (the youngest age you can join; women can only join between the ages of 25-40) and has loved being part of The League since then. She is 86 meaning she has been a member for 61 years. WOW! Now that all three of my children are in school and we have all settled into a lifestyle accommodating to that, I strongly felt that it was my time to apply to be a member of the Junior League of Austin. I had looked into joining last year when my youngest, my son Orin, was in Kindergarten but missed the deadline for mandatory meetings by just weeks. I remember being SO disappointed. I marked in my planner (I don’t go anywhere or plan anything without it!) the dates that I needed to send in any information and meetings to ensure I didn’t miss it again. I attended my meetings, did everything asked of me immediately and am so happy to announce that I was accepted! It was a very proud moment when I made the phone call to my Grandma to let her know I was The League’s newest member. I could hear the joy and pride in her voice. 

The Junior League is a league of women (worldwide now!) who dedicate our time and efforts volunteering for our local communities and making a big impact. I can not wait to get started for my provisional year and see the impact that a group of dedicated women and myself will make. I am so proud to be part of this prestigious League and to work with like minded women who are all eager to help our community in the best, most impactful ways possible!

I was also very recently placed on our PTO Board (for my youngest children’s elementary school) for next school year. Even though my board position officially starts next school year we are all very busy planning to make sure things start out smooth. I was asked by Shannon (our PTO President) to be the Treasurer which I was excited to do having a background in banking, but sadly had to turn down the position. I can’t be the Treasurer and handle cash while being an employee of the district. I didn’t even think about the fact that being a substitute teacher makes me an employee. I’m sure it is because any income I make goes directly into a savings account and I don’t ever really see it. So, I’m not the new Treasurer but I am on the board for “Family/Community Events” which I was excited to accept and to work with my friend Jill, who knows her stuff, and am excited to meet and work with one more lady who will be on this venture with me. 

Between The Junior League, PTO board, teaching, being a mother (of two elementary students and a high schooler in band and AP classes) and being a wife, plus so much more that is always going on, next school year is sure to be even busier than this one has been. I’m a little anxious but I know with proper planning it will all go smoothly. 

When Chad and I were planning our family and were ready to try for our second child, I told him that we could have two more children (we have both wanted three since we started dating as teenagers) but that when we were done having kids that he was going to have to “fix what you’re about to break”. I said this meaning that he had to promise to help me get my body back to as normal as I could get it after having so many children. He laughed and agreed. I wasn’t joking and he knew it but probably didn’t think I would hold him to it. About 3 years ago I told him that it had been more than three years since I had our last child and I was very ready to get my body back. I was the heaviest and biggest size I had ever been in my life, including at the end of my third pregnancy and post delivery. Before I had children I was about 105 lbs and a size 0-2. At the time I told Chad I was ready I was almost 200 lbs and a size 14-16. For some that size fits their body well, it didn’t for me. I was SO unhappy and I didn’t feel like I was in my own body. I hardly recognized myself and the thought of shopping for clothes (let alone swimsuits) was a reason for major waterworks. I told Chad that I was ready for my plastic surgery wanting liposuction and a tummy tuck. He told me to schedule some consultations and get quotes. I did. Of course with both procedures (all of the doctors I saw recommended a lot of lipo) the quote was in the five figure range. I was even more discouraged because while I wanted to be happy in my body again, 10K+ is a lot of money and I didn’t want to take that much from my family. That is the same amount that we would spend on two ski trips! I couldn’t justify spending that much. I cried to Chad and he again told me that he loved me no matter what and thought I was beautiful. He didn’t ignore my weight gain, he embraced it (way more that I did) and told me it didn’t bother him because I became what I was by giving him three great kids. To me his words and sentiment were beautiful but a lot of BS. I wanted to FEEL beautiful and happy in my own skin and i just really wasn’t. It was depressing. 

A few months passed and again I was complaining to Chad about how I felt about myself when he said something that made me question everything he had ever said about me being beautiful to him. He said something along the lines of “Sara, I think you’re beautiful and I am more than willing to spend the money that you aren’t. But, first you need to lose some weight and show me you can keep it off and then I’ll happily spend every penny.” I was in shock. I was so furious that he had basically acknowledged how big I had gotten. He was supposed to tell me that I didn’t look big and that I was beautiful no matter what. Of course a big fight ensued and I cried. After a while I calmed down and really thought about what he said. No matter how mad it made me, he was right. Why would we invest so much money into a quick fix when I would most likely gain it all back with the same eating habits? I accepted what he said and forgave him…and maybe apologized for freaking out on him. I also accepted that I would be fat forever because diet’s just aren’t my thing. I LOVE food. Then I gave in. I started to diet on my own, I was determined to lose weight and I was completely unsuccessful. 

About a year later (just about exactly 2 years ago from now) I convinced Chad to go to a consultation with me at Cedar Park Ideal Weight and Skin with my former OB/GYN Dr. Laurette Smith. She had been my OB for 10+ years and I LOVED her. She left her successful practice as an OB/GYN and opened this clinic which helps with weight loss and spa types of skin care/treatments. So we went in to this consult, with my favorite physician and talked to her about Ideal Protein. She had done the diet with great success and I trusted her that it would work for me too. We pulled the trigger. I did the diet. I did it and it worked! In about five months I got to my goal weight and passed my size goals. I had a pair of size 10 jeans that were my “goal jeans”, when those were too big I was thrilled to be in single digits again. By the time I ended the diet I was in a size 2-4 (depending on the brand). I was over the moon! I’ve maintained for a year and a half now and have been so thankful that I did this diet every single day. This past January Chad made another statement that kind of blew me away, but in a good way this time. He said “Sara, we are going on our anniversary vacation in May, if you want your tummy tuck now is the time, lets do it!” My consultations/quotes were half, some less than half of my original quotes because I didn’t need any lipo and what I did “need” for a little of extra skin from having three kids was so minimal. How exciting, right?! Then I did something I NEVER thought I would do. I told Chad that I didn’t want a tummy tuck anymore. OMG, I couldn’t believe those words came out of my mouth! Instead I went for an option that was even less expensive by thousands than the surgery. I decided to once again trust Dr. Smith and her staff at Ideal Weight and Skin of Cedar Park and am undergoing a few laser treatments to melt fat and tighten my skin. It started with me just doing this on my abdomen and minimal “love handles” but now I’m having treatments done on my face and neck too. It has been awesome! I did four sessions under the Vanquish machine, four with the Exilis Ultra machine and four with the Cellutone machine. I’m done with the Vanquish machine on my stomach but am going to have a little more work done with the second two machines. They do both fat melting and skin tightening. The Exilis Ultra machine is what is also being used on my face and neck. I’ve only had two treatments on my face and neck and can already see some results of diminished fine lines/wrinkles and it is so encouraging! 

Doing these laser treatments was a big commitment for me because I’m the kind of person who needs fast results and clearly a tummy tuck has immediate results. These treatments are not immediate, it takes up to a few months to see the full results. I am still so pleased that I went this route and would recommend it to anyone! I’ll be doing more treatments of several of the services that this clinic offers and am excited to keep you all in the loop! If anyone has any questions about exactly what I’m doing here is the link for Dr. Smith’s clinic, I can’t recommend them enough! http://www.idealweightandskin.com/  I have another round of treatment on my stomach, face and neck this week, I can not wait! Once I’m done with specific treatments I’ll share my before and after photos for anyone interested. If you decide to visit this incredible clinic for anything, a facial, weight loss, laster treatments…whatever, tell Dr. Smith that I sent you! She and her staff are truly the best and extremely professional. I promise you’ll leave happy no matter what service you are doing!

I’m SO thankful to have a husband who supports me feeling good about myself even if he thought I needed it or not, which he insists he didn’t. While I truly believe that he thought I was beautiful in all stages that my body has been through, I can definitely say that he now compliments me out of nowhere several times a day and proves how attracted he is to me almost constantly.  We have been together for 17 years (tomorrow), since I was 16. He has stuck by my side during my very best and very worst physical years of my life. He is my rock and I LOVE living this life as his partner. 

Life is good! :)

Until next time, count your blessings! :)

Sara Jane

School is Back!

After a very fun summer our three children have started a new school year! Grace is now in the 8th grade, Abby is in the 4th grade and Orin is now a big 1st grader!

This summer was a lot of fun for our whole family! It was the least stressful summer we've ever had.
Chad works from home when he isn't traveling for business. This has always been difficult during the summer because young kids don't understand that Dad needs quiet and for them to be calm so he can focus on his task at hand. It's their home and they are allowed to be kids. This summer everyone was pretty chill and old enough to understand that when Dad is on the computer or on a call not to be too loud and let him get his work done. It was really great and a smooth summer break.

We took a trip to Hunt, TX, we love it out there! It is in the middle of the beautiful Texas Hill country. The rest of the summer we did some fun activities and focused on spending time with a few friends and having a lot of quality family time together. It was really the best summer break ever!

Now that our children are back in school we are all in an adjustment period getting back into the swing of things. The kids are happy with their teachers and I'm now trying to remember what I need to do to fill my time and be productive. It is so quiet in the house again, which is nice, but always eerie at first.

I've accepted my first substitute teaching assignment of the school year that will happen in a couple of weeks, I've got a coffee meeting scheduled, my hair and nail appointments scheduled and a few lunch dates coming up.

The beginning of a new school year is always bittersweet for me. I'm elated that our kids are so excited about school and feel very lucky that getting them pumped and eager to learn isn't a fight. But every new year is a very sobering reminder that my time with my children is limited. Next year Grace will start high school, in five years she will be moving into a dorm starting college and transitioning into her own life's journey. They will always be my babies, but my goodness time is flying by! I tell my friends time never moved so fast until I became a Mother, it is so true!

I am making an effort to truly enjoy each day with our kids and create the best memories with them. I am trying to stop worrying about things, like time moving so fast, that I have no control of and to make the best of our time. We have created three amazing little people and they are so much fun to raise! I'm such a lucky woman!

I hope everyone is feeling as lucky and loved as I am! For parents and students, I hope it is a great school year for you all!

Until next time, count your blessings! :)

Sara

Blessings in a Broken Refrigerator

Yesterday our freezer went out, we noticed when our ice cream was liquid, gross. We quickly shut the freezer door and put it on a lower temperature setting to hopefully get something working again. Of course, that didn't work. I also noticed that the fridge wasn't cooling anymore either. No bueno. As usual when something breaks Chad is traveling for business.
As I sat back planning my game plan to get things back up and running I couldn't help but feel really lucky. I know it is a weird feeling to have when a major necessary appliance stops working but I couldn't help it.
I felt incredibly lucky that I have another full size refrigerator and a separate deep freezer in our mud room. I started moving things out of our kitchen fridge/freezer and into our other two perfectly functioning appliances. After that I once again felt lucky (and smart!) that to fix my fridge all I had to do was log into our home warranty website and put in a service request. Our technician just left our home (almost exactly 24 hours after I asked for help) and at a minimum he will have to replace the computer in our fridge, probably the compressor too and at the worst the entire fridge. No matter the damage all I will pay is $75. I am so glad that Chad and I kept up with a home warranty after our first year in our home. When we closed on our house our awesome Realtor team (http://www.shepherdnelsonrealty.com) bought us a home warranty for a year as a gift, Chad and I decided to continue purchasing a warranty and it has already paid for itself.
So, as I sit waiting for a few more days for my fridge parts to come in to be fixed all I see are blessings and know that it will all be ok!

Until next time, count your blessings! :)

Sara