Hope

I am deeply saddened by the tragic event that took place this past Friday.  I cannot stop thinking about it and those that were and will always be affected.  I cannot fathom it as a parent, teacher, or student. 

It frightens me.  Terribly.  For more than the obvious reasons.  Which surprises me.  In the past ten years of teaching, I have come into contact with a few students that I have questioned their future.  And it frightens me to possibly think...I can't even type it.

I worry about our children, our colleagues, our community, and our Nation.  What is to come of this?  What will our world be like 10 years from now?  20?  50?  What will my grandchildren have to do or deal with to be SAFE?

And then I think about what needs to be done?  Where should we, as a Nation, community, school, parent, first look?  First help?

I cannot stop praying.  In the car.  In the shower.  Folding laundry.  Any quiet moment I have, it pops into my head and I'm doing what I can only do at this time. 

Pray.  For those involved.  For comfort. For help.  For peace.  For wisdom.  For hope.



Top 10 for the Week:

10.  Sickness.  It's back.  Hasn't gotten me yet.  But I've been popping Airborne like 2-3 times a day.  Started with Mal, now onto Clay.  Runny nose, cough, tired, cranky.  Yeah, no fun.  Please leave.

9.  Getting THERE.  Usually at this time of the month, I'm like stressing to the max.  Worried about getting everything, doing everything, remembering everything, WHILE enjoying everything.  Today, I feel collected.  Cards done.  Shopping done (except for Jay--who "says" he doesn't want anything but cash to buy his new gun).  Presents wrapped.  AND I have this whole week to just enjoy and finish up little things that come my way.  WITHOUT dealing with 60-some fifth graders who are thinking about vacation and NOT school.  Instead I have two kids, who are SO excited about Santa and this holiday.  Blessed.

8.  Goodbye Christina.  Christina had to leave to head back to the North Pole due to Mallory not listening and making good choices.  She was devastated.  I was surprised.  But it had to be done.  Both Jay and I were starting to lose our sanity. 

7.  Car Duties.  Ummm...a few weeks ago I ran into our garage while backing up.  Caused a bit of damage to the car, but NONE to the garage.  Go figure.  So, my car's in the shop.  I've got Jay's.  Took it to get an oil change and car wash.  Which also led to a new serpentine belt.  We were in the car forever AND my kids were great!!  A shocker and a Christmas miracle.

6. Impromptu Trip to Holland. Nana and Papa came to watch their granddaughter perform in her FIRST program. Nana stayed a few days extra...so Mal and I drove her to Holland where Papa met us. We shopped, enjoyed an early lunch, and had a great time. A total random, quick trip that was a ton of fun. (Plus I got to buy more crafting stuff--see #2).

5.  Clayisms. 
*This week, we have noticed that Clay NEVER watches were he is going.  He has this tendency to look behind him or at something to the side of him, rather than in front.  Which causes him to 1) fall--usually flat on his face or 2)  run into a wall, person, dog, chair, table, anything.
* He has been in more timeouts this week than in his whole life.  He takes it pretty hard.  Crying, throwing his head down in his lap.  I can't believe he is already pinching, hitting, and bugging his sister.  Really Clayton???
*He's still his quirky, easy-going self.  And everyone still notices his bubbly personality.  This kid is going to be a social butterfly.  Please help us. 

4.  Malloryisms.
*"Yes, I'm interested in watching that movie."  (Interested?? Really??)
*"If you tell Santa to take a present back,  I'll tell him to give you small presents."  (Sassy pants.)
*She's also been more talkative or social to those around her.  I love to sit back and watch her have a conversation with someone.  The words she uses, her facial expressions, and hand gestures.  She will be four in like a MONTH people.  And I can definitely tell she's getting older:o(

3.  Baby "Stuff."  We've, let me rephrase that, I've been going through the kids' clothes.  Giving to friends, consignment stores, Goodwill.  It's happening.  Makes me so sad.  And brings back SO many memories.  I'm not sure why, but I am more sentimental with Mal's clothes than Clay's.  I still have ONE bin of her clothes, I just can't seem to part with.  We also watched a few old videos of Mal this week.  One was on Christmas Day, I was preggers with the Clayman.  The conversation went like this.  "Mallory who came last night?"  "Santa"  "What did he bring?"  "Gifts."  "How many do you think he brought?"  "Two."  "Do you want to open them?"  "I"  She used to always say "I" for yes...and I had totally forgotten about it until this video.  SO CUTE.  SO CUTE.  It also made me realize we have like NO videos of Clayton.  Must get on that one.  Although I do have a few on my phone. 

2.  Love of Crafting.  Thank-you Pinterest!! This week, I made several different crafts for gifts to friends and family.  I was/am so excited!!  And glad I had the time to do it.  Mal also helped me out with a few ornaments.  I love getting my craft on.  Must do it MORE. 

1.  Our Performer.  Mallory is usually shy.  BUT this week, we were able to witness a true performer.  It was SO much fun and I'm sure I was beaming with pride...because I felt like there was a spotlight on my beautiful daughter.  She was spectacular!!  She was one of 7 kids in her class singing.  It was so cute watching her stand next to her cousin and have both of them belt out their song.  You could tell that she loved it too.  Which I'm surprised, but excited for.  I believe her next debut will be her dance recital in the spring.  Cannot wait.  It sure makes you feel great and SO proud watching your little one do so well.

This week is busy for all, I'm sure!!
My goal is to take a step back and watch our kids.
Really watch closely.
Looking forward to family time.

Good luck to my fellow teacher friends!!  Only 5 more days!!

Have a GREAT week!!

Until next week,
Mrs. Newell

The Monster Tree

Every year when we venture out to find our perfect Christmas tree, it reminds me of the first tree we had in our house.  It was a monster tree.  And the experience that went along with it was a memorable one.  One that is relived every year.

I was eight months preggers with Miss Mallory Jayne.  Jay's brother had told him of this "new" place where we could cut down our own tree.  I was a skeptic, but of course went along.  Why not cut our own tree down??

It had snowed that night, so there was about just a little over a foot on the ground.  I had wondered if I should have worn snow pants but second guessed myself.  How was I going to get them around my HUGE belly?  I wore snow boots and a maternity coat--no mittens or hat.  So not prepared.

We went after Jay was out of work, so it was starting to get dark.  It seemed like we were driving forever.  And then we stopped in front of this house that had only one light on.  We pulled into the driveway and a man came out.  We paid our $20 bucks and he told us to drive around and go ahead and just cut a tree down. 

Easy right?!?!

We finally found "the" tree after driving, walking, driving some more, and walking again.  It was about 20 yards from our car.  Jay was hesitant to drive to it.  Afraid we would get stuck.  The tree was HUGE.  We decided to cut about 4 feet up from the ground.  When he was finished, he dragged it to the Explorer and that is when we realized it was probably TOO big for our car and even our house. 

Go head...picture this.  Me--eight months pregnant--helping Jay put this HUGE tree on the car.  It was hilarious.  We were laughing and pushing and laughing some more.  I almost peed my pants (what woman doesn't when she's pregnant).  We kept joking that this would be an unforgettable experience. 

But, this tree was perfect for us.

By the time we got it home and into the house, it almost touched our 12 foot ceiling.  We have pictures of both of us (at separate times--yeah, we didn't think to use the timer) in front of it, with big smiles on our faces.  Mallory was there in spirit and in my belly:0)

Every year, we talk about this tree and the craziness that went along with it.  At the time, I thought we were nuts and hilarious.  And to this day, I still think we are nuts and hilarious.  The only difference is that we have two kids to add to the mix. 

I feel fortunate to have more funny experiences, then stressful ones during this holiday season and all year round.  What causes this?  Maybe we both are the type of people who create these moments together.  Or maybe it is Jay.  His easygoing, humorous ways that make our situations lighthearted and a story to tell.  Whichever the case, I appreciate this about us.  And our nuts, hilarious stories that are always fun to share and revisit.

Top 11 for the WEEK:

11.  Torture.  My husband likes to torture me.  I know that sounds bad.  But it's not what your dirty minds are thinking.  He knows I can't stand waiting to open gifts and presents.  If I'm giving or receiving, it really doesn't matter.  He's been torturing me for about a month now.  Seriously he has talked about it every day.  My gift was found on the Internet.  Then bought.  Came to the office.  Was in the house.  Downstairs.  In a bin.  Now, it's WRAPPED in plain view, where I can see it.  Talk about HUGE torture.  When he left a few minutes ago, I honestly wondered if I could unwrap it and then wrap it up again.  Then I remembered how excited he was like a MONTH ago because he had found the PERFECT gift for me.  Don't worry honey.  I won't ruin it for you or me.  I'll wait.  But it will be PURE torture for me from now until December 25th (unless of course you'd like to give it to me early).

10.  Help!  Love my kids.  BUT by the end of the week I was begging for a break.  Jay offered to take them to the Dowagiac parade (which is HUGE parade) without me but I couldn't do it.  Why do mommys feel so guilty for getting away and having their own time??  If anyone has a solution to this, please share.

9. 2 Sticks of Butter.  In the baking mood once again this weekend.  YES.  I made dark-chocolate chip cookies and used the TWO sticks of butter that it asked for.  However, I did use wheat flour:o)  Jay said he noticed by the color of the cookie.  Every little bit helps, right?

8.  Family & Friends.  Visited once again by my parents this week.  Short and sweet visit which allowed Santa(s) to go shopping.  Also met up with several friends this week and weekend.  So nice to hang out together when it gets too cold for the kiddos to go outside.  Play dates are a must.  I know that both parties enjoy them.  (Sometimes I think my kids get bored with me).

7.  Toys R' Us.  Last Sunday afternoon, Jay and I decided to take the kids shopping to preview the toys.  It was a HUGE success.  Santa will be bringing exactly what Mallory asked for and Clayton will be getting something he enjoyed as well.  I loved watching their faces when they found something that they adored.  This might have to be the start of a new tradition.

6.  Irritating Elf.  If you read last week's blog, you know that we have an elf named Christinia.  Cute little thing, but she's starting to be a little irritating.  Mal gets up at the crack of dawn to see where she is and what she's doing.  A few nights this week, she woke up in the middle of the night (like 2AM!) and I had to reassure her that it was not morning.  I LOVE seeing her face when she sees her or when she's talking about her, but the early morning/nights are a drag.  The things we do for our kids.  (Jay told Mal that maybe Christinia had to go back to the North Pole to help Santa.  Her look was priceless.  She isn't.  Still here.  For now).

5.  Clayisms. 
(*)  Ummm...Clay POOPED in the bathtub this week.  It was GROSS.  He farted in the water and then stood up and dropped one.  Bathtub was obsessively cleaned before Mal got in for her time. 
(*)  He's getting sneaky.  He opened up our pantry, grabbed a sucker from our bin, and ran into the living room, and hid behind our rocking chair.  What else is he going to do?
(*)  I feel like I constantly am telling him NO.  I am really quite shocked he doesn't say the word NO because he hears it 50 times a day.

4.  Malloryisms.
(*)  Several times this week I saw Mallory showing small acts of kindness.  Totally warmed my heart.  From giving her friends a candy (before she had one) to saying Please and Thank-you.  Proud Momma here.
(*)  Calls hand sanitizer--hanitizer.  Which makes sense right??
(*)  Seems my vocabulary is wearing off on her.  Irritating and hilarious were used this week in the right context.  Yep.  She's a mini me.
(*)  She's finally "agreed" to let me work with her on school stuff.  Before, I felt like I was pulling teeth.  Now, it's okay for some reason.  Her growth still amazes me.
(*)  Speaking of growth, she's grown 3/4 of an inch in just over a month.  No wonder her 4T pants are TOO short!  My daughter will be in 5T pants! YIKES.

3.  Mall Santa Visit.  OMG.  Jay hates visiting Santa.  I could take or leave it.  But I am fond of the "experience."  So Jay sucks it up and goes along with me.  This year, it was kinda random when we went.  Wasn't planned at all.  Just woke up Saturday morning and was like "LET'S DO THIS!"  We got there a little before 10AM with our "game face on."  And to our surprise there was like three other families there.  We were IN and OUT in like 15 minutes!!!  A record for sure.  Mallory was shy, Clay hated it.  But we did our duty.  I was bummed it wasn't the same Santa that we've had for the last three years...but he was friendly.  AND Mal once again confirmed that the gift she wanted from Santa, the one she saw at the store, was the EXACT gift we bought her.  Santa knows!:o)

2.  Our Xmas Tree.  After work this week we went and bought our tree.  It is an extremely round, full tree.  We both think it's our best one yet.  Decorating it was a bit of a hassle with Sir Clayton.  But we took fun family pictures in front of it.  I love the way it smells and the glow it gives.  There's just something about having a Christmas tree in your house that makes you feel good.  Now if we could only get Clay to leave the ornaments and train alone, we'd be good to go.  HA!

1.  Shopping with the BIG man.  I had the opportunity to shop with Santa this year (AKA Jay, my hubby).  We took off around 5:30 on Thursday.  Got into Kzoo around 6:00.  And shopped 7 stores in 3 HOURS.  Not many people, and we doubled up on some of the stores (Jay was at Home Depot, while I went to Target).  Did I mention that we also grocery shopped too?!?!  We had enough time to stop and enjoy a drink and appetizers at Main St. Pub.  Have REAL conversation and a break.  It was bliss.  Now we just have to wrap:o)

That's a wrap.
Another week down.
Hope everyone enjoyed their week.
And for those of you that are teachers, only 2 weeks left!!
Good luck with this week!!

With love,
Mrs. Newell

P.S.  I'm extremely jealous of my friends and family who have SNOW.  Please send some our way.

P.P.S  Weird finding this week.  Jay's parent's birthdays are the 13th and 15th.  My parent's birthdays are the 14th and 16th.  Now isn't that strange???  I'm a big numbers person...love finding patterns or weird coincidences in dates. 

The Elf Thing

We have an elf dilemma at the Newell Household.

You've heard of the Elf on a Shelf, right? 

Well, you see, we actually have THREE elves.  And I've (not-so-much Jay) been so confused on how to combine all these elves together, without getting too confused at what elf goes where or does what.  And it doesn't help that I have an extremely smart almost 4-year old, who remembers everything and questions everything.  I have had too many drawn out conversations to count about our elves. 

So, Elf #1 is Sally.  She came to our house last year.  She is "invisible."  She comes to our house at night and watches Mal.  She talks to me about how she did that day and then go reports back to Santa.  Her "sprinkle" is seen at night when she travels to see Mal and visit with me.  Sally also brought many treats, toys, and other things to Mal and left them in a box that Mallory and I made last year.  This year, the box has not played a role in her "job."

Elf #2 is Christina.  She was given to us by Mal's Great Aunt.  She, a soft, figurine, came with a book, that tells a story about her coming to the Children's world.  Christina has taken up space in Mal's bed since late November.  Starting the first of December she started hiding (in the freezer) and doing some mischief around our house.  I even moved her during the day today (was taking her out of the bathroom) and Mal flipped out, saying "Look at Christina!! She moved!! How silly of her." 

Then we have Elf #3, the original Elf on the Shelf.  Which we have not "used."  He sits in the playroom and watches over Mal and Clayton.  I find him rather creepy. 

So, I guess our Christina is our Elf on the Shelf.  She's cuter, at least I think so.  Sally is still around, but pays attention to the things Christina can't see.  My only problem is keeping them straight and making sure the stories match.  Because Miss Mallory Jayne Newell is wise and I feel she might be on to my shananigans with Sally.  But not-so-much with Christina.  Who knows!  How long does this last anyways?? That you can convince them of something that is really not real.  I honestly feel a bit bad that I'm lying to her.  The whole Santa and Elf thing.

**DUDE--she JUST woke up and I hear her calling, "Christina?  Where are you?  I put her right there and she's not there anymore."  She's looking in the fridge and freezer.  "Maybe she'll sneak up on me Mommy."  Gosh, I can't keep a straight face.  I LOVE this.  She is SO into this.  AND I AM SO SNEAKY!!!!  LMBO**

Top 10 for the week:

10.  HUGE.  So, I totally thought I was on top of things when I ordered my xmas cards a few weeks ago.  Who wouldn't right?  Well, I got them this week and they are HUGE.  Like, half a page.  I was shocked.  Guess I didn't pay close enough attention to the dimensions of the cards! Oops!  Will next year!  So, if our xmas card takes up half of your fridge--SORRY! (if it even makes it to the fridge!:o))

9.  Prowler Adventure.  Today we really didn't have much planned.  Kids got up early as usual and we kinda just did nothing until we decided to head outside.  After putting up a few more lights (according to Mal we don't have enough), we headed to the barn, and saw the Prowler.  We decided to go on a prowler ride.  We tooled around the pond a few times making a MUCH needed path.  Kids loved it.  Daddy loved it.  And I loved it.  Simple, yet so fun. 
 
8.  Bidding. This past week, was the Chamber Dinner at Hard Times "downtown."  Dinner and then an auction follows.  I've bid once or twice before, but not as much as I did that night.  Let's just say I REALLY enjoyed raising my hand and nodding on a bid.  Ummm....wouldn't mind going to another auction.  Just sayin'.

7.  Library.  On Mondays, we usually don't go to library because Mal has dance that day in the complete opposite direction.  Due to timing and driving, we've been skipping out.  This week because of the Chamber Dinner, Mal could not go to dance.  So, we headed to the library in the afternoon.  Mal enjoyed it and it made me proud at how well she followed directions and listened.  Preschool has been an extreme blessing and tool in creating the little student she has become.  Yeah for Preschool! (By the way she's a sheep in the Christmas program next week!  So excited.)

6.  Coordinating Nap Times.  My kids seem to not have gotten the memo from me about sleeping at the same time so the "boss" can have a break.  The days that Mal does not take a nap (we are unfortunately weening off of naps), Clay takes an extra long one--like close to 2 hours.  The days that Mal takes a long nap, like 2 hours, Clay takes an hour nap.  Now this wouldn't seem as bad.  However, Mal is hard to put down and by the time I end up getting her to sleep, Clay wakes up 30 minutes later.  The life of a stay-at-home mom.  Sending the memo out again is on my to-do list this week:o) 

5.  Clayisms.  One day this week, Clay took off his socks and discovered his sock fuzzies.  He was fascinated for about 20 minutes which is REALLY long in Clay's book.  He had such a puzzled, intrigued look on his face.  I laughed.  He is turning into quite the handful lately.  I am constantly chasing him around telling him "NO," pulling him down off of chairs and misc other furniture he climbs, and getting him out of things he shouldn't be in.  Is this normal??? I mean, I know he's a toddler and SO boy, but do they really do this much???  I never rest.  Ever.  Because of our little, sweet man.  Sometimes I wish he wasn't so cute.  I think I'd be a little stricter with him.  And if he's stop kissing and hugging me, that would help too.

4.  Malloryisms.  My girl.  Cracks me up!!  Monday was a rough day for her.  Not sure if she missed her dad or what.  But here was a few of her comments to me that day:
"I like Daddy's hot chocolate better.  It is warmer and more chocolaty."  (Really?!?!?!)
"Speeding is dangerous Mom."  (As I was accelerating--NOT speeding)
"Did you see that sprinkle?"  (She meant sparkle--referring to our "elf")

And then later this week a monologue to Clay in the backseat:
"Clay when you get older, I'll show you how to do that (read a book without tearing pages).  And you can chew gum but don't swallow it.  That's bad.  That right Mom?"  (That right is a phrase she uses often).

I always tell her she's my favorite girl.  During nap time yesterday, I said this to her, and she replied "You're my favorite Mommy."  Melts my heart.


3. Old co-workers.  Miss them.  But love them.  Had another one call me out of the blue this week, and she stopped by after school for over an hour.  I so thought that I would just fall off the face of the earth when I didn't go back to school.  But turns out, I didn't.  They contact ME!  And I see them and talk to them.  And it makes me feel happy.  Thank-you for staying my friends even when I'm not at school anymore.  I appreciate your friendship and enjoy being in "the loop."  I am also rooting for you!!!  Even when the politicians are not.  Scary thought.

2.  Holistic Health.  I went to a holistic health person this week.  It was hopeful.  Not sure if I buy into everything...but I'm willing to try it out.  We will see. (Still no pop or alcohol since kidney stone.  Going on 28 days.  Lost 5 pounds too.  Less sweet cravings.)

1.  December. Can we say FUN!!! Mal is at the perfect age. She lights up to Christmas music, elf tactics, Outdoor lights (even only one string!!), baby Jesus, and anything that has to do with the holiday. It is so gosh darn cute and brings me back to how special this holiday truly is to a child and everyone. She has no clue what she wants for Christmas (everyone keeps asking her and she replies "I don't know.") but she sure loves everything else around her. Her expression on her face when seeing Santa in the parade on Saturday, was priceless. It was the I'm-shy-but-I-love-you-and-you-make-me-excited face. If you know her, you know this face. Now Clay, enjoys the holiday as well, but for other reasons. Like he gets to touch more fun things and get into everything. We are so excited to put up our tree next weekend! We can hardly wait! (HUGE sarcasm).

Yeah!! For the first week of December!!
Hope you are enjoying this crazy warm weather.
Have a great week.
Christina will:0) and so will my Miss Mallory.

Until next week,
Mrs. Newell