An Ordinary Week
No thought provoking blog today. Just the top ten.
Top 10 for the Week:
10. Nerves. Yes, I have them. I'm a tad nervous about this winter. Will I have cabin fever? Will I drive myself crazy? I'm hoping not. Here's to having friend play dates and finding stuff to do outside of the house. Just had to throw that one out there. With the cold comes snow. Not sure I'm prepared for that.
9. Special Delivery. My 31 Party bags came this week. Oh to see the expressions of all the ladies who received bags. It was priceless. I think that I would like to be a delivery person someday. Or flowers. Whatever---I loved seeing their faces and reactions. Would do it again in a heartbeat:o) Oh and I LOVED getting mine too.
8. Hotness. This week we had a few record breaking temperatures. ALMOST caused me to turn the air on. The kids and I enjoyed them by spending most of the days outside. It was great to be able to take advantage of extreme warmness in late October.
7. Fish Hatchery. What a fun place! An unplanned trip which turned out to be a fun outing on one of the hot days. We fed fish, hiked, played in the dirt, and looked at the displays they had in their building. We will definitely be going back there.
6. Carving Machines. Due to the hot weather, we carved pumpkins on our back deck. It was neat to see both kids enjoying it. Last year, Clayton was barely sitting up, and this year he was standing IN the pumpkin. He was cautious about getting the goo out but he was all about eating the pumpkin top or any other part that came out of the pumpkin. Mal was all about doing it herself. Such a big girl. I'm realizing that she will be four in just a few months. Wow! By the end of the our family time, Jay and I were both ready to come in and settle down. It was getting a big crazy.
5. Clayisms.
*Sir Clayton is one of the messiest eaters I have ever seen. Today he had some yogurt of lunch and proceeded to cover his entire face, his shirt, the chair, and the table. All the while, smiling, laughing, and being his jolly self.
*We had visitors this weekend. While Jay and I were cooking, Mr. Jamie was watching Clayton in the sun room. While watching the game with Mr. Jamie, Clayton took off his diaper and peed on the floor. Afterwards he pointed to it. Now, I know this kid hates diapers and I'm assuming that he is potty training himself this early because of this. But really kid?? Peeing on the floor?? Had to laugh but I truly hope this doesn't happen again. We shall see. Nothing surprises me with Clayton.
*Out of the blue he said: Elephant and I swear he said Thank-you. Still can say va for vacuum. wa for water. dadda and momma. bi for bird. And misc other words he says like once and then doesn't say again.
4. Malloryisms.
*"I need to put my big pants on." (This was referring to her bigger sweat pants...but I think it's cute.)
*"I need to eat slow because I'm a princess and princesses eat slow." (Yes, you are a princess:o))
*Jay and I are realizing more and more that our daughter is goofy. I mean really goofy. We sit at the dinner table or in the car and crack up at the comments, songs, and facial expressions she gives us. It's hilarious. And it surprises me that, at four, she already has such a spunky personality.
3. Thursday Pizza. The last four Thursdays, the kids and I have been going to Pizza Hut after Mal's school. I talk with her about her school and week and it's like our little thing. I didn't realize we were regulars until the waitress said "Just cheese bread sticks and drinks?" Yes please. This week, we had friends join us. I have part of my routine down people!! So excited.
2. Sickness STILL here. It has not left our house. I think I'm going on week four and Clayton is on week five. Whatever the case, I ended up taking him to the clinic on Friday by myself with both kids while Jay was hunting out back to get the "Big One." I literally had like five minutes to spare before the clinic closed. BUT we got there. He has RSV or something. Antibiotics, breathing treatments, and steroids (which make him gag because it tastes so bad and then he throws up. It's lovely). He was wheezing so bad they actually did a treatment when we got there. I'm glad I had that mother instinct to take him in last minute. It's amazing how that just appears. Here's hoping we are back to healthy by the middle of this week. I woke up with a stuffy nose this morning!!! UGH.
1. College Friend Visits. We had the pleasure of my dear friend from college and her hubby visit. It was SO nice to catch up, share our kids, and have house guests. Makes me realize how much I miss her and how blessed I feel to have her in my life. She's one of those people who I can catch up with in just a few hours. It feels like we were never apart. She's also one of the nicest, warmest people I know. Just a good person. It's hard to find people like her in this world.
Well folks, it's Monday.
I can hear my kids screaming from the living room.
Time to get this week going!
Until next week,
Mrs. Newell
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Guilty
As I was getting ready this morning at like 8:45AM, I felt a tidbit guilty. Why? Because it was 8:45AM!! This time last year, I had already been up for almost three hours, gotten myself ready, my kids ready, had breakfast with my students, AND taught a science class. Then, I started thinking about all of the things I've been guilty of doing this year SO FAR and I was astounded. Really?!?!?!
I am guilty of getting up at 7:15AM this morning. It was my turn to sleep in (and I earned it this weekend!!) and I only woke up because little Miss Mallory ran into our room and said "Mommy! It's time to get up!" Love her. Not the wake-up call.
I am guilty of being in comfy pants today. I'm sure you've heard. I have declared Monday comfy pant day. I dress the kids comfy as well as myself and we enjoy a day of leisure and fun with less strain on our bellies:o) Side note: I do change into jeans (usually) when I take Mal to dance in the evening.
I am guilty of letting my daughter watch a bit of TV so I can blog. This morning, her daddy watched sports and news all morning so she was unable to get her Georgie in. Why should I not give her the pleasure in watching her dear friend?
I am guilty of enjoying the fact that my husband made me french toast this morning. It was requested by Mal, but then she changed her mind and wanted cereal. Her loss, my gain. Thank-you honey.
I am guilty of having a pile of laundry to do and a pile of laundry to be put away sitting RIGHT next to me as I type this. It will get done, but probably not today:o)
I am guilty at doing random things at random times of the day. While the kids were running around with pom poms and shouting "Go Blue", I was cleaning the fridge and pantry out. Seriously. It's Monday. Before 9:00, and I am randomly cleaning my fridge.
I am guilty of rocking my 18 month old before his nap this morning. He is getting so big and I miss the cuddles he used to give me ALL the time. I take what I can get now.
I am guilty of have less stress, being calmer, feeling more put together, and enjoying my life a littler more. It's amazing what life feels like when you slow it down a bit.
I guess you could say that I've really fallen into my new job. And ALL the guilt and pleasures that come with it!!
Top 10 for the Week:
10. Forgetfulness. No clue what got into me this week, but I was very forgetful (NO--I am not pregnant). I forget Mal's backpack on Tuesday and her picture form on Thursday (which I set on the dryer before heading out the door). That's all I can think of at this moment. But my mind was in the clouds.
9. Playing Baby. BOTH of our kids are obsessed with babies. So I thought it would be fun to play "babies." I first pretended Clay was a baby, rocking him, and cooing at him, then I let Mal hold him. It was a HUGE hit. Then I did the same with Mallory. Clayton was a RIOT. He was like "I-need-to-hold-her-now. You are NOT taking her away from me." It was really cute. LOVE my babies.
8. SICKness. Going on day EIGHT of my sore throat. Was tested for strep LAST Tuesday. I almost wish it would have been cause then maybe I wouldn't STILL have it now. I'm ready to be done with the tiredness, cough, and soreness and back to working out and feeling myself.
7. Perfect Park Weather. Wednesday we met some friends for a picnic and park time. It was GORGEOUS. Love this weather...and I hear we are getting more this week!! Woohoo for nice weather.
6. Woodsy Girl. On Saturday of this past weekend, Mal went out in the woods with my dad. I remember as a kid doing the same thing. We'd tool around on the four wheeler, look for animals, do anything else that needed to be done for his hunting hobby. She LOVED it. Didn't surprise me since she's obsessed with being outdoors and animals. Oh and the men in her life:o)
5. Malloryisms. I'm realizing more and more each day that Mallory is getting older--four in less than three months. She observes more, says more, and remembers more. Which can be a good AND bad thing. Like for example, on the way home from the pumpkin patch yesterday, I said what I thought in my head ("Daddy is grumpy.") and YES, she repeated it to him. Which made us both smile and helped me make a mental note in my head to keep things to myself.
4. Trip to Ludville. Spur of the moment trip to Ludington for the weekend. Jay was heading to the Michigan game and I didn't want to be home by myself all Saturday, so I decided to head up. We really didn't do much. But it was nice to get away and have a new play area. Too bad Clayton didn't sleep very well which means that his Momma didn't sleep very well either. Thanks Mom and Dad for hosting us! We enjoyed our stay.
3. Ladies Night. I had a 31/Creative Memories party this past Thursday. I had VERY fun drinks for the ladies with some yummy sundaes. It was great to have adult conversation and to spend time with women. Thanks ladies for coming out and visiting me:o) And thanks Tonya and Melissa for being great hostesses as well.
2. Gene the Pumpkin Man. We have visited Gene every year since Mal was born. It's a tradition of ours and like thousands of other Kalamazoo people. It was the perfect day. Which made Gene extremely busy. It was neat for me to see both of our kids participating in picking out their pumpkin and then helping pull the wagon. Thanks to the lady who asked to take our picture for us...we scored this adorable picture of our family. Thank-you stranger!
Us at the Gene the Pumpkin Man in Kalamazoo, MI.
1. A simple act. I might have to say that this is my favorite memory of this fall SO FAR. After visiting the clinic for my sore throat, we headed out of the building. Mal noticed this huge patch (I say patch because it's surrounded by cement and by a somewhat busy street) of grass and asked if we could run around in it for a bit. Normally I would have said "No, we have lots of things to do at home. Maybe another time." But today I said, "Sure! Why not!" First they ran around chasing each other, laughing, and smiling. Then at one point Mal laid down on her back, closed her eyes, and took in the sunlight that was shining down on her. Clayton noticed and followed suit. Watching both of them, soaking in the sun, eyes closed, enjoying their life, made me feel great. It was a memory I will never forget. I also snapped a few shots of them fooling around and that partially captures the moment but not entirely. I have the best snapshot in my head:o)
I am thankful for this life God has provided for me. Who would have ever thought a year ago I'd be where I am at now. Truly blessed and in awe.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next week,
Mrs. Newell
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Life is too short to be too busy to slow down
Many friends, family, old colleagues, and strangers have asked me how this "new life" as a stay-at-home-mom is going. And it's hard for me to even solely grasp exactly how I feel. And then to put it into a quick response back--feels impossible. So here, at this time, I've decided to confess or try to. And give some explanation to this new world of mine.
I'm more relaxed. I don't feel like every ounce of my being is being used up to it's maximum capacity--if that even makes sense to anyone. Teaching is a TOUGH job. That takes a lot away from a person. Sometimes I never even felt like I was myself anymore. Trying to be superwoman and all. Now, I feel more me. More sane. And I know being a stay-at-home mom is similar but it's different. Like for example, at this time IF I was teaching, I'd be prepping for the week (which gives me stress just thinking about what I would have had to do). But instead I'm blogging, carrying on a conversation with myself. And reflecting. I have time for that??? Really, I do.
I feel more balanced. My time is used the way I would like it to be used. Which means I have time for our kids, time for my hubby, time for myself, and time for my friends. It's crazy. And a blessing. I have air pockets of time here and there where I don't have ANYTHING planned. So we just be. Do what we please. How cool is that?
It's getting easier. I remember moments at the beginning of this summer (and even last summer) when my frustration and patience levels were all over the place. I didn't feel like I was really enjoying my alone time with our kids. I know, hard to believe right? I guess I always knew that the summer wasn't permanent...so just plug away and get through with it. I feel in a much better place now. I understand my kids more. Or maybe they understand me more. We also have routines. Routines of getting ready in the morning, routines of getting out the door, routines of what to do when mommy is cooking, and just this past week we discovered a new routine of when mommy is running/walking on the treadmill. ROUTINES makes me think of teaching--and the importance of them and how NO classroom runs smoothly without well, practiced ones. So can say we are pretty much getting that down.
I really do enjoy being at home. I knew this before, but I didn't realize how much I really do. This past week we stayed at home (except for a few errands here and there) all week. The kids were BETTER behaved for me and I was able to really spend time with them in our home. Yes, our home is messier...but it's good to know we are putting it to good use!!:o) AND there was a point on Thursday when I HAD to get out of the house. And we did.
I see the best (and worst) sides of my kids. I remember our day care person telling me how wonderful our kids were and THEN I would take them home and they would be HORRIBLE for me. I wanted to scream, pull my hair out, and be a fly on the wall at Deb's house! How could these kids be the same?? I now see it. My kids are GREAT when they have sleep and after they are fed. Oh and when you spend quality time with them--they are even BETTER. Don't get me wrong, I still see the worst...but thank goodness I see the best too. It definitely outweighs the bad.
I even cook/bake more, craft more (with kids and by myself), scrapbook more, read more (with kids and by myself), workout more, am outdoors more, do yard work more, run more errands, and PLAY more with my kids of course. I also clean more, do more dishes, do more laundry (UGH). And I hate to confess this...but I Facebook more. I need that to be on my less list.
I spend less time getting ready (not to my liking), watching TV, talking on the phone, rushing, or thinking about what I'm going to do tonight, the next day, next week.
Overall, I feel pretty darn great about my decision. NO regrets on my part. And to the girl that asked if there was a way I could go back after the semester when I was telling a group of stay-at-home moms I was planning on staying at home that next year--I wouldn't even IF I could.
Life is too short to be too busy to slow down. And I am taking full advantage of that.
Top 9 for the week:
9. Sleep Deprived. For some unknown reason, this past week has been a struggle for our kids to sleep through the night. It brought us back to newborn stage. It was ugly. I must say it does ween me off of having another newborn. It amazes me how you forget so easily what it was like to NOT have sleep. Gosh, what I would give right now to have ONE solid night of sleep. Crossing my fingers for our children to get back to their patterned sleep!
8. Our Ballerina. I must say I LOVE Monday nights with my Mallory. It is so great to spend some quality time with just here in the car, at class, and then on the playground afterwards. She eats it up. And enjoys every minute of it (except for that ONE Monday awhile back that she did not get a nap prior to dance--boy was that a rough one).
7. Home Bodies. Yes, this week we stayed home. Don't ask me what we really did all week. We were outside a bunch and who knows what else we did. But we were home. And the kids loved it.
6. Attention. Okay, I know this isn't rocket science or anything but I discovered something this week. IF you give a child attention, they WILL behave better. Yes, it's true. There were several moments this week where it was just the three of us playing together, reading together, eating together, doing whatever together. Which in turn meant less timeouts or squabbles with the two kids. It was bliss.
5. Girl's Night Out. I was able to get away and have a movie/drink night out this past week. MUCH needed girl talk with great company. Also made me realize how far I've come to being in this new job and how awesome it feels to be grounded.
4. Malloryisms. There were SO many this week!!
*"2012, 2012" (Yes, my daughter knows the year we are in. Thank-you St. Mary's school!!)
*"Clay, I don't want to see your body." (As Sir Clayton is running around naked. That boy would rather be naked than dressed.)
*"Mommy that is way funny." (Referring to a face we made out of crackers and cheese snack.)
*"Hey Daddy, IF you feel like it, you can bring me home a sucker from work. But don't tell Mommy, it will be our secret." (Said to Jay as he was kissing her goodbye one morning. Really??)
*"Daddy, what are those girls doing?" "They are cheering on the football team." "What are those boys doing?" "They are also cheering on the football team." "How come they aren't playing?" "That's a really good question." "Maybe they don't like football." (Said to Jay while watching the Michigan game).
*"Mommy do you smell my fart?"
3. The Potty King. Clayton is. I have to admit it. He has pooped on the potty four times and peed--I can't even count how many. He will be 18 months this next weekend and he is potty training himself. For heaven's sake the kid can't even say more than five words BUT he can go on the potty. It shocks me. And puzzles me. And saves me money:o)
2. Triple Date. In downtown Kalamazoo. A late night, but so much fun. AND our babysitter had both kids in bed by 8:45PM. I asked her what she was doing at 8:00 every night.
1. Our New Church. We have decided to join the church we have been going to the last few months. AND have our kids baptized there. We are extremely pumped about this and feel this is truly the best fit for our family. We had our first meeting tonight and we both left feeling really good about our decision. SO great to have prayers answered:o)
Night friendly readers!! Have a great week!!
Mrs. Newell
I'm more relaxed. I don't feel like every ounce of my being is being used up to it's maximum capacity--if that even makes sense to anyone. Teaching is a TOUGH job. That takes a lot away from a person. Sometimes I never even felt like I was myself anymore. Trying to be superwoman and all. Now, I feel more me. More sane. And I know being a stay-at-home mom is similar but it's different. Like for example, at this time IF I was teaching, I'd be prepping for the week (which gives me stress just thinking about what I would have had to do). But instead I'm blogging, carrying on a conversation with myself. And reflecting. I have time for that??? Really, I do.
I feel more balanced. My time is used the way I would like it to be used. Which means I have time for our kids, time for my hubby, time for myself, and time for my friends. It's crazy. And a blessing. I have air pockets of time here and there where I don't have ANYTHING planned. So we just be. Do what we please. How cool is that?
It's getting easier. I remember moments at the beginning of this summer (and even last summer) when my frustration and patience levels were all over the place. I didn't feel like I was really enjoying my alone time with our kids. I know, hard to believe right? I guess I always knew that the summer wasn't permanent...so just plug away and get through with it. I feel in a much better place now. I understand my kids more. Or maybe they understand me more. We also have routines. Routines of getting ready in the morning, routines of getting out the door, routines of what to do when mommy is cooking, and just this past week we discovered a new routine of when mommy is running/walking on the treadmill. ROUTINES makes me think of teaching--and the importance of them and how NO classroom runs smoothly without well, practiced ones. So can say we are pretty much getting that down.
I really do enjoy being at home. I knew this before, but I didn't realize how much I really do. This past week we stayed at home (except for a few errands here and there) all week. The kids were BETTER behaved for me and I was able to really spend time with them in our home. Yes, our home is messier...but it's good to know we are putting it to good use!!:o) AND there was a point on Thursday when I HAD to get out of the house. And we did.
I see the best (and worst) sides of my kids. I remember our day care person telling me how wonderful our kids were and THEN I would take them home and they would be HORRIBLE for me. I wanted to scream, pull my hair out, and be a fly on the wall at Deb's house! How could these kids be the same?? I now see it. My kids are GREAT when they have sleep and after they are fed. Oh and when you spend quality time with them--they are even BETTER. Don't get me wrong, I still see the worst...but thank goodness I see the best too. It definitely outweighs the bad.
I even cook/bake more, craft more (with kids and by myself), scrapbook more, read more (with kids and by myself), workout more, am outdoors more, do yard work more, run more errands, and PLAY more with my kids of course. I also clean more, do more dishes, do more laundry (UGH). And I hate to confess this...but I Facebook more. I need that to be on my less list.
I spend less time getting ready (not to my liking), watching TV, talking on the phone, rushing, or thinking about what I'm going to do tonight, the next day, next week.
Overall, I feel pretty darn great about my decision. NO regrets on my part. And to the girl that asked if there was a way I could go back after the semester when I was telling a group of stay-at-home moms I was planning on staying at home that next year--I wouldn't even IF I could.
Life is too short to be too busy to slow down. And I am taking full advantage of that.
Top 9 for the week:
9. Sleep Deprived. For some unknown reason, this past week has been a struggle for our kids to sleep through the night. It brought us back to newborn stage. It was ugly. I must say it does ween me off of having another newborn. It amazes me how you forget so easily what it was like to NOT have sleep. Gosh, what I would give right now to have ONE solid night of sleep. Crossing my fingers for our children to get back to their patterned sleep!
8. Our Ballerina. I must say I LOVE Monday nights with my Mallory. It is so great to spend some quality time with just here in the car, at class, and then on the playground afterwards. She eats it up. And enjoys every minute of it (except for that ONE Monday awhile back that she did not get a nap prior to dance--boy was that a rough one).
7. Home Bodies. Yes, this week we stayed home. Don't ask me what we really did all week. We were outside a bunch and who knows what else we did. But we were home. And the kids loved it.
6. Attention. Okay, I know this isn't rocket science or anything but I discovered something this week. IF you give a child attention, they WILL behave better. Yes, it's true. There were several moments this week where it was just the three of us playing together, reading together, eating together, doing whatever together. Which in turn meant less timeouts or squabbles with the two kids. It was bliss.
5. Girl's Night Out. I was able to get away and have a movie/drink night out this past week. MUCH needed girl talk with great company. Also made me realize how far I've come to being in this new job and how awesome it feels to be grounded.
4. Malloryisms. There were SO many this week!!
*"2012, 2012" (Yes, my daughter knows the year we are in. Thank-you St. Mary's school!!)
*"Clay, I don't want to see your body." (As Sir Clayton is running around naked. That boy would rather be naked than dressed.)
*"Mommy that is way funny." (Referring to a face we made out of crackers and cheese snack.)
*"Hey Daddy, IF you feel like it, you can bring me home a sucker from work. But don't tell Mommy, it will be our secret." (Said to Jay as he was kissing her goodbye one morning. Really??)
*"Daddy, what are those girls doing?" "They are cheering on the football team." "What are those boys doing?" "They are also cheering on the football team." "How come they aren't playing?" "That's a really good question." "Maybe they don't like football." (Said to Jay while watching the Michigan game).
*"Mommy do you smell my fart?"
3. The Potty King. Clayton is. I have to admit it. He has pooped on the potty four times and peed--I can't even count how many. He will be 18 months this next weekend and he is potty training himself. For heaven's sake the kid can't even say more than five words BUT he can go on the potty. It shocks me. And puzzles me. And saves me money:o)
2. Triple Date. In downtown Kalamazoo. A late night, but so much fun. AND our babysitter had both kids in bed by 8:45PM. I asked her what she was doing at 8:00 every night.
1. Our New Church. We have decided to join the church we have been going to the last few months. AND have our kids baptized there. We are extremely pumped about this and feel this is truly the best fit for our family. We had our first meeting tonight and we both left feeling really good about our decision. SO great to have prayers answered:o)
Night friendly readers!! Have a great week!!
Mrs. Newell
Sunday, October 7, 2012
"It's" Gone
It's happened.
I no longer feel "it."
And I'm not even sure what "it" is, BUT I can describe it to you.
Anyone who has worked for a school system or who has gone to school for awhile knows the feeling I am talking about. The feeling when you are anywhere else but in school during the work week. It can be a Tuesday morning or a Monday afternoon. Does not matter the weekday or time. For whatever reason, a doctor's appointment, home sick or with sick kids, a personal day, funeral, whatever it may be, you are someplace else besides school. And you feel like you are in the wrong. The feeling you have when you know you should be in school, but you are not. Guilt maybe? BUT you feel this gut wrenching urge, desire, thought (not sure on the word here) that you NEED and HAVE to be at school.
Well......I no longer feel "it".
It's gone. It disappeared this week. Poof! Shocked me. Took me back for a bit.
I think it was maybe Tuesday, I think, that I was like, DUDE--I NO longer feel guilty for being at home with my OWN kids. I don't feel the NEED to be at school.
In fact, I feel great. I feel like I am totally where I should be at, at this point in my life. Don't get me wrong, there has definitely been ups and downs to this whole process. And even this past week felt rather BLAH. Cold weather? Into routine? Cranky mommy? Cranky kids? Was there a full moon I didn't know about???? Anyways, we are moving on.
Losing that "it" feeling is huge. A weight off my shoulders. A step in the right direction.
And I feel great.
Top 11 for the week:
11. Forgotten Sweet Gesture. A few weeks ago in church, Mal reached over entwined my hand with hers and then reached for her Daddy's and did the same. She looked up at me and smiled. It was so sweet. So cute. And SO cherished.
10. Family Photos. I love JC Penney pictures. It's cheap, quick (for the most part), easy, and I get them back in ONE week. I am NOT good at keeping the baby books up-to-date, measuring my kids, or keeping track of things--but I AM good at making sure we get our photos done. This Fall's photos were GREAT! I was extremely pleased with how they turned out. In fact, we had to sign a release form because JC Penney was interested in using them for their advertising. I know, I'm a dork. BUT, I thought it was kinda cool:o) We also got a free 8x10 out of the deal.
9. Exercise. I got two runs in this week (only 1 mile each at 12 minutes) and a Zumba class. HUGE. Felt great. I LOVE the way my body, mind, and soul feel after a good workout. Now if I can only continue that on to this week. Motivation people!!!
8. Homecoming Parade. We were back in time from Mal's field trip to see the parade. Mal and Clay enjoyed it greatly. I saw LOTS of students who yelled out my name and waved to me. It was great to see all of them--I can't believe how BIG they are already!! It makes me feel old. Clay got a shout out from a student and the expression on his face was priceless. He felt WAY cool.
7. Heart-to-Heart. Mal and I had a conversation just before bed this week that was about good and bad choices. After such a rough week last week, I was searching for something to "fix" the situation. It didn't entirely fix it but it did make things better. She knows the differences between good and bad choices. I just have to keep reminding her of them.
6. Clayisms.
~Clay can not only open our kitchen cabinets (pushing down on the locks), he can now open our pantry as well. Anytime he feels like having a snack, he heads to the pantry, opens it up, grabs what he wants, and then closes the doors. Sneaky boy.
~Really starting to pester his sister. I mean REALLY. And he knows it. There was a fight in the morning this week where Mal wanted a book on the floor and Clay wanted it on the couch next to Mal. Brought back memories of my brother and me.
~This week I also really noticed him saying MORE. And we heard him say Grandpa to Jay's grandpa today. He's also said water, vacuum, and buck this week. I just need to pay attention more to what he is truly saying.
5. Malloryisms.
~"Mommy, you and me are the same." (at breakfast one morning for no reason at all. Just within the last few weeks or so she's been calling me Mommy--totally out of the blue).
~While reading bedtime books, Mal noticed that one of them had a picture of an Earth in it. She asked me what it was and I was kinda lost for words. I tried explaining that we were just a speck on this BIG huge, round ball. "Just like the elephant Mommy." "Ummmm...sure, but the earth is MUCH bigger than an elephant." "No, I mean like in the movie." Yes friends, my daughter was referring to Horton Hears a Who which we watched months ago. Brilliant I tell ya!!! And totally saved me from a huge, drawn out conversation. Thank-you Disney.
4. October 4th. Aunt Lindsay's Birthday:o) We also enjoyed time playing outside since it was gorgeous out!! The kids played with the hose and water! Yes, can you believe that?!?! It was adorable seeing Clay try with all his might and succeeding in spraying the hose. He also thought he was pretty cool being able to spray his sister with it. Mal enjoyed making soup in her pot and mud pies. Nana and I sat back, took pictures, and took in the memory.
3. Sibling LOVE. It is so heartwarming to see the way my kids interact with each other. I witnessed Clay intently looking at Mal and strongly seeking her attention this week. Mal made a bed for Clay in our living room this week with tons of blankets, "fluffies" (stuffed animals), and pillows. They do not always act this way...but I sure enjoy the moments they do.
2. Clay's Obsession. Babies. At almost 18 months, he is obsessed with babies. Anytime he sees one, he gets these googly eyes, reaches for them, gently touches them, and makes this weird cooing noise. It's so stinking cute. He is SUCH a sweet boy.
1. Mal's 1st Field Trip. Mal and I enjoyed her first field trip to the Apple Orchard. A wagon ride, picking apples, tasting donuts and cider, and playing games. It was a blast! SO glad I was able to go and enjoy it with her without having to run after Clay (Thank-you Grandma Newell for watching Sir Clayton!!). Another opportunity we would have missed out on, IF I had been working.
Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed.
Have a great second week of October!!
Until next week,
Mrs. Newell
I no longer feel "it."
And I'm not even sure what "it" is, BUT I can describe it to you.
Anyone who has worked for a school system or who has gone to school for awhile knows the feeling I am talking about. The feeling when you are anywhere else but in school during the work week. It can be a Tuesday morning or a Monday afternoon. Does not matter the weekday or time. For whatever reason, a doctor's appointment, home sick or with sick kids, a personal day, funeral, whatever it may be, you are someplace else besides school. And you feel like you are in the wrong. The feeling you have when you know you should be in school, but you are not. Guilt maybe? BUT you feel this gut wrenching urge, desire, thought (not sure on the word here) that you NEED and HAVE to be at school.
Well......I no longer feel "it".
It's gone. It disappeared this week. Poof! Shocked me. Took me back for a bit.
I think it was maybe Tuesday, I think, that I was like, DUDE--I NO longer feel guilty for being at home with my OWN kids. I don't feel the NEED to be at school.
In fact, I feel great. I feel like I am totally where I should be at, at this point in my life. Don't get me wrong, there has definitely been ups and downs to this whole process. And even this past week felt rather BLAH. Cold weather? Into routine? Cranky mommy? Cranky kids? Was there a full moon I didn't know about???? Anyways, we are moving on.
Losing that "it" feeling is huge. A weight off my shoulders. A step in the right direction.
And I feel great.
Top 11 for the week:
11. Forgotten Sweet Gesture. A few weeks ago in church, Mal reached over entwined my hand with hers and then reached for her Daddy's and did the same. She looked up at me and smiled. It was so sweet. So cute. And SO cherished.
10. Family Photos. I love JC Penney pictures. It's cheap, quick (for the most part), easy, and I get them back in ONE week. I am NOT good at keeping the baby books up-to-date, measuring my kids, or keeping track of things--but I AM good at making sure we get our photos done. This Fall's photos were GREAT! I was extremely pleased with how they turned out. In fact, we had to sign a release form because JC Penney was interested in using them for their advertising. I know, I'm a dork. BUT, I thought it was kinda cool:o) We also got a free 8x10 out of the deal.
9. Exercise. I got two runs in this week (only 1 mile each at 12 minutes) and a Zumba class. HUGE. Felt great. I LOVE the way my body, mind, and soul feel after a good workout. Now if I can only continue that on to this week. Motivation people!!!
8. Homecoming Parade. We were back in time from Mal's field trip to see the parade. Mal and Clay enjoyed it greatly. I saw LOTS of students who yelled out my name and waved to me. It was great to see all of them--I can't believe how BIG they are already!! It makes me feel old. Clay got a shout out from a student and the expression on his face was priceless. He felt WAY cool.
7. Heart-to-Heart. Mal and I had a conversation just before bed this week that was about good and bad choices. After such a rough week last week, I was searching for something to "fix" the situation. It didn't entirely fix it but it did make things better. She knows the differences between good and bad choices. I just have to keep reminding her of them.
6. Clayisms.
~Clay can not only open our kitchen cabinets (pushing down on the locks), he can now open our pantry as well. Anytime he feels like having a snack, he heads to the pantry, opens it up, grabs what he wants, and then closes the doors. Sneaky boy.
~Really starting to pester his sister. I mean REALLY. And he knows it. There was a fight in the morning this week where Mal wanted a book on the floor and Clay wanted it on the couch next to Mal. Brought back memories of my brother and me.
~This week I also really noticed him saying MORE. And we heard him say Grandpa to Jay's grandpa today. He's also said water, vacuum, and buck this week. I just need to pay attention more to what he is truly saying.
5. Malloryisms.
~"Mommy, you and me are the same." (at breakfast one morning for no reason at all. Just within the last few weeks or so she's been calling me Mommy--totally out of the blue).
~While reading bedtime books, Mal noticed that one of them had a picture of an Earth in it. She asked me what it was and I was kinda lost for words. I tried explaining that we were just a speck on this BIG huge, round ball. "Just like the elephant Mommy." "Ummmm...sure, but the earth is MUCH bigger than an elephant." "No, I mean like in the movie." Yes friends, my daughter was referring to Horton Hears a Who which we watched months ago. Brilliant I tell ya!!! And totally saved me from a huge, drawn out conversation. Thank-you Disney.
4. October 4th. Aunt Lindsay's Birthday:o) We also enjoyed time playing outside since it was gorgeous out!! The kids played with the hose and water! Yes, can you believe that?!?! It was adorable seeing Clay try with all his might and succeeding in spraying the hose. He also thought he was pretty cool being able to spray his sister with it. Mal enjoyed making soup in her pot and mud pies. Nana and I sat back, took pictures, and took in the memory.
3. Sibling LOVE. It is so heartwarming to see the way my kids interact with each other. I witnessed Clay intently looking at Mal and strongly seeking her attention this week. Mal made a bed for Clay in our living room this week with tons of blankets, "fluffies" (stuffed animals), and pillows. They do not always act this way...but I sure enjoy the moments they do.
2. Clay's Obsession. Babies. At almost 18 months, he is obsessed with babies. Anytime he sees one, he gets these googly eyes, reaches for them, gently touches them, and makes this weird cooing noise. It's so stinking cute. He is SUCH a sweet boy.
1. Mal's 1st Field Trip. Mal and I enjoyed her first field trip to the Apple Orchard. A wagon ride, picking apples, tasting donuts and cider, and playing games. It was a blast! SO glad I was able to go and enjoy it with her without having to run after Clay (Thank-you Grandma Newell for watching Sir Clayton!!). Another opportunity we would have missed out on, IF I had been working.
Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed.
Have a great second week of October!!
Until next week,
Mrs. Newell
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