One Life Change

Since it is Thanksgiving this week, I  felt it was fitting to share with you what I am SO extremely thankful for this year.  I think it's rather obvious, but this year I am thankful for my chance at being home.  It really encompasses all the things in my life that mean the most to me.

Because of this, I am closer and more loving to my husband, kids, extended family, friends, and God.  I am whole again--mind, body (somewhat), and soul.  I am more collected in my thoughts, decisions, house, and parenting skills.  I am witnessing more firsts like crocheting, Zumba, cooking/baking, scrap booking, and blogging.  I am appreciating moments, lessons, people, our community, country, and life. 

Instead of usually being thankful for the extended time off of my teaching job, this year I am thankful for the new outlook on life and for really being able to appreciate this holiday and the meaning of it.

I know it seems so strange to have one life change mean so much.  But it's true.  Because I am slowing down, taking it all in, and being thankful for what I have in this wonderful life God has given me. 

Top 10 for the WEEK:
(GREAT week by the way)

10.  Revisiting ER.  Unfortunately, I revisited the ER this week due to my doctor's suggestion.  What came out of the visit?  Absolutely NOTHING.  I was extremely disappointed and frustrated to have wasted three hours of my day.  No solutions.  But then, I looked at the situation differently and came up with a positive twist.  1) I was able to finish TWO magazines (I am subscribed to 4--and I am always behind).  2)  Jay fed the kids, did the dishes, and folded laundry (BONUS points Jay!!)  3) My MIL came to take Jay's spot so he could go bowling and started bathing the kids.  and lastly 4) I stopped by the bowling alley to switch cars and walking in, brought me back to our "dating days."  It made me smile.

9.  Love of Pinterest.  I made SEVERAL recipes this week.  If you know me, you know that I don't cook or bake.  Or shall I say, I didn't before this fall.  So, it's big in my house and with me.  Two of the recipes were a HUGE hit in my house.  The first one was Baked Ziti and my mom happened to be here.  It felt great making a "real" meal for her, after all the times she has done it for me.  Clay had 3 1/2 helpings.  I am completely serious on that one.  Jay was shocked and couldn't stop raving about it.  The recipe actually made two dishes so I have ONE in the freezer.  How awesome it that?!  The second was a pancake muffin.  We loved them and it was so quick and easy.  Who would have honestly thought that I would be cooking as much as I do??? I'm still in shock.  Love to Pinterest.

8.  Vacuum LOVE.  This is by far my kids' favorite chore I do.  As soon as they hear the vacuum, they come running.  It's like a game and the dog joins in as well.  Such easy entertainment.  I would love to purchase vacuums for them for Christmas.  I really need to look into that so Clay doesn't constantly fight over mine.  The vacuum is BIG in our house.
 
7.  Venturing OUT.  I was so fed up with being on house arrest that I went to Holland to meet friends and my mom.  I couldn't stand it anymore and I was beyond caring about using the bathroom twenty times while gone.  Luckily, I didn't drink much and by the end of the visit my urgency to pee subsided.  Which began the start of a better week!! Praise God.  I was ready. 

6.  Preholiday Prep.  I have a confession to make.  I put almost all of our Christmas decorations out tonight.  I know, it's horrible.  And I feel like I'm totally following the stores, commercials, and advertisements with forgetting Thanksgiving.  But you have to understand that my Fall decorations have been up since September 1st.  It was time.  The kids LOVED it--especially Mal.  Last year, I packed away all the Christmas books to save them for this time of year.  I had to read FIVE Christmas/winter books to her tonight and when I left her room she asked if I could read more to her when she got up in the morning.  LOVE her.  And love how she loves books.  We also put up outdoor lights and lights in the playroom.  The facial expressions on our kids was SO worth the agony and work it took to put them up.  I truly love this time of year.  And having kids, makes it SOOOOO much better and more special. 

5.  The "BIG one."  This year, Jay hunted opening day in our backyard to catch the "BIG one" he saw on his trail camera.  It was great having him so close.  I was finishing up the breakfast dishes when I looked up and saw his orange hat.  I ran to get the kids and we all watched him for awhile.  It was SO strange being able to see him from the kitchen and bedroom windows.  I almost felt like I was invading his privacy:o)  Growing up in a hunting household, I understand the importance of the stillness and silence of the woods.  I know it seems strange, but I still feel bad for "spying" on him. Ha!

4.  Clayisms.  Clay's obsession with getting into things is crazy.  This week he was able to get into Mal's rocking crib, the space between our dresser and wall, his old excersaucer (which he had both legs in one leg hole), Mal's dollhouse (a truly funny sight), and there's more but I can't remember them.  I really don't understand this craze.  But then again, sometimes I really don't understand him:o)  This week Clay also started saying "Mwah" when he gave kisses.  So cute.  That boy will always have my heart.

3.  Malloryisms.  The FUNNIEST thing this week was Mal kept calling my kidney stone a "rock."  Every time she said it I cracked up.  By golly gee girl it better not be a ROCK!! I would much rather have her refer to it as a pebble.  Pebble would be nice.  "Mommy is your rock out yet?"  Let's hope so my dear!!!  Mal and I are also working on teaching Clayton animal noises.  When we see animals in the car, we vocalize their noises.  As I was mooing one morning, Mal says "Good Mooing Mommy!"  Sounded like "Good Morning Mommy."  It was adorable.  She also "wasn't feeling good" Thursday morning, so I let her stay home.  Gosh--lesson learned there.  She was totally fine.  And I felt SO guilty the WHOLE day.  She's in preschool half-a-day and I was freaking out about her staying home when she should have been at school!  Yes, my teacher side came out.  Even typing it now, still makes me feel bad.  I'm done.  Moving on.

2.  Connecting with friends.  Since I was really feeling great by the end of this week, I jammed my Friday-Sunday with outings.  From play dates to old colleagues visiting for dinner to a night out with the hubby to a ladies shopping trip to Kalamazoo--I enjoyed EVERY minute of it.  Thank-you God for making me feel better and getting me back into my world.  I missed it!!

1.  My Sh-- IS together now.  Yes, it is back together.  I feel great (knock on wood).  I'm still keeping my appointment for Wednesday just in case...but I am SO extremely glad that by the end of the week, I was back to normal.  And I think my kids and husband do to.  And everyone else around me:o)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
Enjoy your family and friends.
Until next week,
Mrs. Newell

P.S. Today marks 14 days without pop and alcohol.  I broke down this morning and had ONE cup of coffee after a late night out the night before.  I feel SO much better and healthier.  I feel it's a combination of hydrating myself with water and less sugar.  With that, it motivates me to continue.