Have I told you how excited I am for spring and summer?
I'm sure all of you are probably thinking the same thing...but for me it's a BIT different than years past.
Please let me explain.
Being a "retired-for-now" teacher, I have always gone through transitions with my kids. From being on summer break to going back to school - to being at school to going on Christmas break - to being at school to being at home with my kids. We were at a constant transition or scramble of trying to figure each other out.
And the more I think about this, the more I see this is the case for any parent who has school age children. So, most of you probably understand these trying times.
It seems starting in June, I'd spend the whole month getting our "routine" down. And then, once we'd finally figured each other out (or somewhat at least), it would be time for me to head back to school.
Well, THIS year is different.
We already have a routine.
I am already home.
My kids already know the rules and understand how our things run.
We already know each other.
Well.
SO, I will not need the month of June to become accustomed to being at home with my babies.
AND, I will not need the month of August to prepare us for the transition back to work.
Which technically means, I am gaining TWO months this summer. Seriously.
I am ecstatic of the idea of actually being able to enjoy these wonderful months in Michigan.
PLUS Sir Clayton is a little bit older, a little more independent, a little more able to get around. PLUS Lady Mallory is a little bit older, much more aware of things, weening off naps (which means more time with me and doing things we like to do), a little more helpful and understanding.
SO, I'm SO ready for SUMMER!!
(and even spring--and the new things that come with it being at home!)
Top 10 For the Week:
10. Walgreens Love. I know I've said this before, but I LOVE Walgreens. It's like my favorite store around (here at least). Another FREE photo collage (with pictures from Facebook) and a FREE photo book (Mal's 4th birthday & Clay's 1st birthday DONE!). So easy. So CHEAP. Oh and the kids and I were in there on Saturday and received a free Easter photo "session" which included free 4x6 photos and 8x10s. Can't say enough about this place (it doesn't help that the people there KNOW me. Yes, I go that much).
9. Weather. Crazy weather lately. SNOW gone and then SNOW back again. AND now SNOW gone again. But more sunshine lately. Which helps with the kids. The kids constantly want to be outdoors. We spent another afternoon on the back deck kicking a ball around. Can I say spring needs to come SOON!?!?!
8. Busy April. April is next week. And it's busy for us (just like March, I guess). But I feel a bit ahead of the game. Just got Clay's 2nd birthday invites done and ready to go and the baby shower invites for a friend are already done and out. Lots of celebrations:o) Very excited.
7. Happy Meals. A random and spur of the moment trip to McDonald's to get Happy Meals. Well, my kids didn't eat them. Seriously. I was floored!! Mal ate the fries and Clay ate the apples (and 2 nuggets on the way home). I'm wondering if our kids' taste buds are changing due to the change in our diet at home?? Not sure. Bittersweet.
6. Obsession. Sewing. It's still there. I actually spent several nap times this week sewing. And even some late nights. Who would have thought?? I love it though. Unfortunately these past few days I've neglected my machine. Hoping for tonight!:o)
5. Strangers. This week I had several random strangers complimenting me on our kids. An older woman in line at the grocery store told me Clayton was so well behaved (what she doesn't know is that he yelled the WHOLE way there and back) and that it reflected me as a mom. Yeah, kinda shocked me. But made me feel good. I also had another woman in Walgreens say that Clay was going to be a heart breaker with all the ladies when he gets older. And an older gentlemen in the same store, also complimented my kids on being so patient for pictures. May seem little--but for a SAHM it means a lot. And makes me know that I'm doing my job.
4. Recipes of the Week. Tackled two dinner recipes this week. Homemade GF sloppy joes (which were a hit with EVERYONE--even a friend who came over) with homemade fries AND GF Cheesy Chicken & Rice (which won over everyone but Clay). I'm still shocked how Mal will try pretty much anything I make. She's not always a huge fan, but she tries and will even pick the things out she likes (like chicken). Made GF banana muffins that were okay. Still not completely happy with them but I eat them:o) Baking this week I'm going to make my FIRST pie ever!! GF apple pie. Pretty excited about this. And I've got breakfast cookies and beef stew as new recipes this week. It's getting easier people. I would actually call myself a cook. Crazy.
3. Clayisms. Clay, Clay, Clay. This week:
*Moved a chair to the microwave, got a banana, PEELED it, and ate it. He's not even 2.
*Has been obsessed with things on his hands. Gloves (Mal's, mine) and socks. Constantly on his hands. Just walks around with them on...even tries to eat with them. Or wash dishes. Hilarious.
*He's also been acting like a dog. Eating like a dog, sniffing like a dog, picking things up like a dog. I've tried to stop him...but nothing works. He's obsessed with it. And he tries to hide it from me. Runs to another room or area where I can't see him and does it. SO smart.
*On our way home from Kalamazoo this week he made raspberries with his mouth the WHOLE way home. NO ONE said anything. He didn't stop. Just continued. Jay and I couldn't help but laugh. Thank goodness Mal was in good spirits. Or we all would have gotten an earful of her complaints.
*I've also noticed his frustration level increasing. He's getting more and more frustrated with not being able to communicate with us. He's saying more (my turn, sorry, thank-you) but it's still not enough for him. He SO wants to, but just doesn't. I feel bad. For him. For me. For us. I know we'll get there...but it still makes me sad.
2. Malloryisms. Oh Lady Mallory.
*Just call her No Nap Mal. She's only been taking 1-2 naps a week. It was quite quick how all of a sudden she really didn't need one anymore. To the point where IF she does get one, she's up until around 10 (which is not cool with her Daddy and me). So, we've taken to "rest" time which is either a movie, computer, or quiet time doing something. She does have a few breakdowns, but we are working on it. Always a work in progress, right?
*Question after Question after Question. Reading books is a LONG, drawn out activity. If she doesn't know a word, she'll ask. Then when I try to explain, she'll ask what that word means. I feel like sometimes I'm going around in circles. But I would MUCH rather have her ask than wonder. She is always questioning something...but can be reasoned with very easily. For now at least.
*My mini-me. She's becoming more and more like me. Which I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing:o) She can't keep a secret from her Daddy that's for sure (yeah, I'm horrible at secrets). This week we stuck spiders, rats, and other fake insects on his side of the bed before he got home. Before he even came up the stairs she was telling him to go check out his bed. It was cute. She's also using words I use: disgusting & shocked. And there was something she said in Walgreens on Saturday that was totally my phrase but I can't remember what it was. I had to laugh.
*A few funny sayings from here. "I choose apple" (referring to Applebee's that we went to weeks ago). "Aren't you just a good little dinosaur" (repeated this sweetly many times to her little brother while holding onto him. It was the sweetest, most precious moment). In the beginning of the week, she also called me Daddy twice. Seems spending a few days with just daddy will do that:o)
1. Family LOVE. We went out to dinner on Friday night just the four of us. I love it. We have such a great time with each other. I feel totally complete with our little family. And I'm looking forward to countless more memories shared. I can't imagine it any other way:o)
Well, nap time is almost over.
And I'm feeling the need to just sit down...
Hope you all have a great week!!
Spring break is HERE!!
Enjoy it!!
Until next week,
Mrs. Newell
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
My "Thing"
So, I've found my "thing."
You know what I'm talking about.
That feeling you get when you meet someone for the first time and are like--where have you been all my life? And all of a sudden you instantly become great friends.
That feeling you get when you are searching days, weeks, months, or maybe you even finally give up trying to find something you've lost. And then you FIND it.
That feeling you get in the spring, when you are able to take out your lawn furniture from storage or your cooler clothes from the back of your closet or your flip flops from the bin in the basement.
Those are the feelings I'm feeling right now.
The excitement of all of those into one THING.
Quilting.
It bit me hard.
Enough that I am trying to quickly write this blog so I can go downstairs and set up my mom's old sewing machine and everything else I found and was given this weekend. But I feel it's even more important for me to write down this exact feeling I'm feeling. Because I'm not sure if I've ever truly felt this way about anything before.
Seriously.
I find it rather comical.
Never could I have imagined that I would even be SEWING on this craft weekend (which I was the ONLY one on Friday night who was NOT sewing). I brought several different crafty projects (a quick stop at Michaels on the way up prepared me), as well as books, magazines, my Ipad, and the idea of taking naps. That should have kept me busy for the whole weekend away with my mom.
But starting Saturday morning, you could not pry me away from the sewing machine I was working on. In fact, I was usually the last to start eating a meal and the first to be back at it.
I find it's me.
And it came naturally. I can't tell you how many women came up to me this weekend and commented on how quickly I was catching on and how some of them had just learned a few of the things I was actually sewing. Other hobbies or activities I've done in the past, have not come as easy as this. And I can go all the way back to grade school.
Which makes me even more bitten. And interested in the quilting/sewing world. Because it is a world. A whole new world I didn't know existed. And one that I'm excited to NOW be a part of.
And I'm still surprised that my mom new this would happen. She's told me for many months now, that I would like quilting. That it was for me. But I never really knew how spot on she was until Saturday morning when I made my first block.
My first quilted table runner is done, sitting on our dining room table--even if it does not match ANYTHING in our house:o) It's my first. And I cannot even express to you how proud I feel to have it completed.
I already have my next project (a baby table runner for a good friend of mine). And I started a list of more projects that I'd like to do.
So, I'm proud to announce my thing is not crochet, jewelry making, painting, and all the other new hobbies I thought I should give a try a few weeks ago.
It's quilting*.
And I couldn't be MORE excited.
*I think my husband thinks I'm an old lady now that I quilt. And I maybe thought that prior to this weekend. BUT I'm already trying to pull more of my friends over to the "dark side." At least, that's what the older women referred to it this weekend. AND if it means, I get to hang out with women, create masterpieces, get my creative juices flowing, and spend some time with my mom--WHO WOULDN'T???
Top 5 for the week:
(I know, sad. But it wasn't that eventful this week. And I can combine most of them together).
5. Painting. Mal LOVES painting. What kid doesn't?? But Momma doesn't like cleaning up after Sir Clayton. He is so all over the place with paint. It makes me not really enjoy the moment. But Mal loves it so much that I give in. This week she did a GREAT painting of a peacock in a forest. It seriously was awesome. Because normally she just blobs the paint down on the piece of paper and mixes the paints together to create this horrible color blob. Well, she actually took the time to make a picture. BUT, as I was changing Clay she altered the pic a bit. LOTS of brown. Everywhere. Doesn't look like a bird so much. Or even a forest. But I was still proud of her. I just wonder when she'll start painting more picture looking pieces.
4. Malloryisms.
*Mal called me honey this week. I did a double take. But it was so stinkin cute.
*She awoke and vividly told me about this dream she had--where Jay was making her shakes.
*"I can grow into it." Referring to her shoes.
*"It must be my lucky day." She says this a lot (we have a book called Lucky Day) but this week she was lucky. She found some money in the dryer when she was helping me unload it. "Finders keepers" I told her. A BIG grin back at me.
*Mal found a night crawler with her dad. Was she delighted! And couldn't stop talking about it.
3. Clayisms.
*Talking machine. Two, grandma, good job, car, thank you, sorry, books. And more...but I don't always write down all the ones I hear him say because he is saying SO much!!
*He is obsessed with helping. Emptying the dishwasher, feeding the dog, putting things away, cleaning up, closing closets or drawers, setting the table. I'm going with it!
*Put his own sock and pants on this week. Seriously this boy just blows my mind. Wants to do so much on his own.
*LOVES books. I wondered if he'd be like his sister--in her love of books. And he is starting too. One day this week, I found him sitting in his rocking chair looking at books. It was so cute. And by the time I started videoing him, of course he saw me.
2. Kiddos. So I was gone for a few days (48 hours to be exact). And you would think my kids would miss me--even maybe a little. Nope. I think the person who missed me the most in the house was Jay:o) He did great!! But I know he was ready for me to be home. He sure kept those kids busy--which means I can lay low this week at HOME.
1. Quilting. I'm addicted.
Well, a start to the new week!
Hopefully, warmer temps are around the corner.
I'm ready!
Enjoy your week!
Until next time,
Mrs. Newell
P.S. I'm also contemplating whether or not to post my posts every week on Facebook. Just a thought.
You know what I'm talking about.
That feeling you get when you meet someone for the first time and are like--where have you been all my life? And all of a sudden you instantly become great friends.
That feeling you get when you are searching days, weeks, months, or maybe you even finally give up trying to find something you've lost. And then you FIND it.
That feeling you get in the spring, when you are able to take out your lawn furniture from storage or your cooler clothes from the back of your closet or your flip flops from the bin in the basement.
Those are the feelings I'm feeling right now.
The excitement of all of those into one THING.
Quilting.
It bit me hard.
Enough that I am trying to quickly write this blog so I can go downstairs and set up my mom's old sewing machine and everything else I found and was given this weekend. But I feel it's even more important for me to write down this exact feeling I'm feeling. Because I'm not sure if I've ever truly felt this way about anything before.
Seriously.
I find it rather comical.
Never could I have imagined that I would even be SEWING on this craft weekend (which I was the ONLY one on Friday night who was NOT sewing). I brought several different crafty projects (a quick stop at Michaels on the way up prepared me), as well as books, magazines, my Ipad, and the idea of taking naps. That should have kept me busy for the whole weekend away with my mom.
But starting Saturday morning, you could not pry me away from the sewing machine I was working on. In fact, I was usually the last to start eating a meal and the first to be back at it.
I find it's me.
And it came naturally. I can't tell you how many women came up to me this weekend and commented on how quickly I was catching on and how some of them had just learned a few of the things I was actually sewing. Other hobbies or activities I've done in the past, have not come as easy as this. And I can go all the way back to grade school.
Which makes me even more bitten. And interested in the quilting/sewing world. Because it is a world. A whole new world I didn't know existed. And one that I'm excited to NOW be a part of.
And I'm still surprised that my mom new this would happen. She's told me for many months now, that I would like quilting. That it was for me. But I never really knew how spot on she was until Saturday morning when I made my first block.
My first quilted table runner is done, sitting on our dining room table--even if it does not match ANYTHING in our house:o) It's my first. And I cannot even express to you how proud I feel to have it completed.
I already have my next project (a baby table runner for a good friend of mine). And I started a list of more projects that I'd like to do.
So, I'm proud to announce my thing is not crochet, jewelry making, painting, and all the other new hobbies I thought I should give a try a few weeks ago.
It's quilting*.
And I couldn't be MORE excited.
*I think my husband thinks I'm an old lady now that I quilt. And I maybe thought that prior to this weekend. BUT I'm already trying to pull more of my friends over to the "dark side." At least, that's what the older women referred to it this weekend. AND if it means, I get to hang out with women, create masterpieces, get my creative juices flowing, and spend some time with my mom--WHO WOULDN'T???
Top 5 for the week:
(I know, sad. But it wasn't that eventful this week. And I can combine most of them together).
5. Painting. Mal LOVES painting. What kid doesn't?? But Momma doesn't like cleaning up after Sir Clayton. He is so all over the place with paint. It makes me not really enjoy the moment. But Mal loves it so much that I give in. This week she did a GREAT painting of a peacock in a forest. It seriously was awesome. Because normally she just blobs the paint down on the piece of paper and mixes the paints together to create this horrible color blob. Well, she actually took the time to make a picture. BUT, as I was changing Clay she altered the pic a bit. LOTS of brown. Everywhere. Doesn't look like a bird so much. Or even a forest. But I was still proud of her. I just wonder when she'll start painting more picture looking pieces.
4. Malloryisms.
*Mal called me honey this week. I did a double take. But it was so stinkin cute.
*She awoke and vividly told me about this dream she had--where Jay was making her shakes.
*"I can grow into it." Referring to her shoes.
*"It must be my lucky day." She says this a lot (we have a book called Lucky Day) but this week she was lucky. She found some money in the dryer when she was helping me unload it. "Finders keepers" I told her. A BIG grin back at me.
*Mal found a night crawler with her dad. Was she delighted! And couldn't stop talking about it.
3. Clayisms.
*Talking machine. Two, grandma, good job, car, thank you, sorry, books. And more...but I don't always write down all the ones I hear him say because he is saying SO much!!
*He is obsessed with helping. Emptying the dishwasher, feeding the dog, putting things away, cleaning up, closing closets or drawers, setting the table. I'm going with it!
*Put his own sock and pants on this week. Seriously this boy just blows my mind. Wants to do so much on his own.
*LOVES books. I wondered if he'd be like his sister--in her love of books. And he is starting too. One day this week, I found him sitting in his rocking chair looking at books. It was so cute. And by the time I started videoing him, of course he saw me.
2. Kiddos. So I was gone for a few days (48 hours to be exact). And you would think my kids would miss me--even maybe a little. Nope. I think the person who missed me the most in the house was Jay:o) He did great!! But I know he was ready for me to be home. He sure kept those kids busy--which means I can lay low this week at HOME.
1. Quilting. I'm addicted.
Well, a start to the new week!
Hopefully, warmer temps are around the corner.
I'm ready!
Enjoy your week!
Until next time,
Mrs. Newell
P.S. I'm also contemplating whether or not to post my posts every week on Facebook. Just a thought.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Decision Made
Well, it's done.
And I feel good about it.
The actually task of turning it in was the toughest.
But I'm glad to have it off my list of things to do.
And to get on with staying at home.
Without it lingering in the background.
There was just NO way I could go back.
Seriously.
Too many good moments.
Times spent together.
Lunches.
Car rides.
Outdoor and indoor fun.
Words shared.
I can't even put all of it into words.
AND we still have SPRING:o)
Too many days already missed.
And too many more days to go,
Before BOTH our kids will be in school.
So, we will see what happens in our future.
I'm blocking out the questions about that:o)
And focusing on the next few years being with our kids...
Because that's all that really matters to me right NOW.
Thanks to all that have really supported me this year.
You've helped tremendously.
LOVE to you all.
Top 10 for the Week:
10. Ants! Ants! Ants! While Jay was gone we had a few things go wrong--of course right?!?! Besides the wood stove having issues, Mal getting sick...we also had a small ant farm in our laundry room. Went to Tractor Supply and got LOTS of liquid traps. Seemed to instantly clear up the problem. Yeah, they're back. Now, it's Jay's turn:o)
9. Lazy Day. One day when Jay was gone, the kids and I stayed in our PJ's ALL day. It was great! Sometimes you just need one of those days.
8. Vitamins. The kids LOVE vitamins--the gummy ones of course. Mal gets two and Clay one. Seems Mr. Clayton thought that was unfair and decided to take one of his sister's this weekend. A call to the pharmacy, and we find out it's fine. Yeah, I was a bit worried. I know, I shouldn't have been, but I was a bit. So, if your 2 year old eats two gummy vitamins--it's OKAY.
7. Food! This week I made GF oatmeal raisin cookies that were a HUGE hit as well as lemon poppy seed muffins, homemade waffles, Carmel corn (delicious!!), and my own salad dressing. I seem to be having some issues with the muffins. After the first day, they become really dry (probably because they don't have all the preservatives in them!). I'm trying to solve this problem. Not sure if I should add some applesauce or maybe put them in the freezer and warm them up. Suggestions??? Will have to google that one. Cause google solves EVERYTHING.
6. Qdoba. We went there this weekend. One of my all time favorite places. And I LOVE their chips. Like could eat a whole bag. This visit I didn't eat even a crumb. It was SO hard, but I knew the effects and how I couldn't eat just ONE. So I skipped them. Seriously. If you would have asked me a year ago or even months ago that I would pass up Qdoba chips I would have laughed in your face! Yep. Jokes on me.
5. Museum Trip. Since we really haven't had much family time in the past week or so...we decided to try out the Kalamazoo Museum downtown. It's FREE. One major bonus. And the kids seemed to enjoy it quite a bit. BUT not as much as their Daddy. It was so cute to see him experimenting/working on some of the older displays with Mallory. And of course she was eating it up as well. Clay and I hung out in the toddler room where he was obsessed with the trolley. So obsessed that he wouldn't give other kids a chance. We enjoyed ourselves. Even if our kids had NO nap. Hey--it made daylight savings time a bit easier!! Ha!
4. Malloryisms. She has this great imagination and intuitive mind. It seriously shocks me the things that come out of our 4 year old's mouth. This week, on the way to somewhere, she said "Sun makes us feel better Momma. It needs to get into our bodies." As she's closed eyed, face in the sun, looking out the window. Boy--does it! And I feel everyone feels that way too. One smart cookie I tell ya. We also have a bit of a problem with our dog. He runs away. Well, Mal told me this week that Tipper plays the BEST Hide and Seek game ever. That she's a really good hider. NO kidding! When asked what she wanted for breakfast one day this week, she asked for cucumbers, carrots, and smoky links. Seriously. She's also getting ready for her recital in May. Watching her dance is so stinkin' cute!!! Can't wait to see her on stage:o)
3. Clayisms. Oh boy. This week he's come quite far on his language. Tipper, Good One, Blankie and Stinky. It's hilarious to her him say stinky. Guess I tell him too many times that his feet and diapers are stinkY:o) He's also been obsessed about walking everywhere. He does not want to be held at all and has to be on the go all the time. But surprisingly this week, he actually started watching TV. This is really new to us. He usually never sits down for longer than like five minutes....well, this week he's been able to stay focused for a bit longer. Don't know if this is a good OR bad thing:o) Two funny stories about him this week. I gave Clay a dog treat to give Tipper when she came in. I told him to wait until she sits to give it to her. Well, he thought I meant he needed to sit down. He sat down and gave Tipper the treat. It was cute. And the last thing about Clay this week--he ADORES his sister. I know we all know this. But let me tell you how much. While Mal was in a time out due to hitting her BROTHER, she kept screaming for her corner (AKA blankie). So what does Sir Clayton do. He runs into her room, grabs her blankie, and hands it to her, AS I'm telling her she'll have to wait until her time out is over. Yeah, he's that sweet. And thoughtful. And smart. Really Clay?!?!?! She's in trouble for hitting you and you help her out. Amazing love there. (Mind you, this is actually the second time he's done that for her).
2. Resignation. It's official. I turned it in on Friday. I had until April 1st, but wanted to get it out of the way AND off my list of to-dos. No worries. It's all good. Cried a bit (after like the 10th person asked me about it). But as my so understanding husband stated, "It's tough to give up something you love." So well said and so spot on to what I feel. Love you Jay.
1. Hubby Home:o) I love having him home. It's not the big things, but the small things. Or even just having him here. SO glad he's home. Period.
Well, my one little should be getting up soon.
Hope you have a GREAT week.
Spring is hopefully around the corner.
Take care!
Until next week,
Mrs. Newell
And I feel good about it.
The actually task of turning it in was the toughest.
But I'm glad to have it off my list of things to do.
And to get on with staying at home.
Without it lingering in the background.
There was just NO way I could go back.
Seriously.
Too many good moments.
Times spent together.
Lunches.
Car rides.
Outdoor and indoor fun.
Words shared.
I can't even put all of it into words.
AND we still have SPRING:o)
Too many days already missed.
And too many more days to go,
Before BOTH our kids will be in school.
So, we will see what happens in our future.
I'm blocking out the questions about that:o)
And focusing on the next few years being with our kids...
Because that's all that really matters to me right NOW.
Thanks to all that have really supported me this year.
You've helped tremendously.
LOVE to you all.
Top 10 for the Week:
10. Ants! Ants! Ants! While Jay was gone we had a few things go wrong--of course right?!?! Besides the wood stove having issues, Mal getting sick...we also had a small ant farm in our laundry room. Went to Tractor Supply and got LOTS of liquid traps. Seemed to instantly clear up the problem. Yeah, they're back. Now, it's Jay's turn:o)
9. Lazy Day. One day when Jay was gone, the kids and I stayed in our PJ's ALL day. It was great! Sometimes you just need one of those days.
8. Vitamins. The kids LOVE vitamins--the gummy ones of course. Mal gets two and Clay one. Seems Mr. Clayton thought that was unfair and decided to take one of his sister's this weekend. A call to the pharmacy, and we find out it's fine. Yeah, I was a bit worried. I know, I shouldn't have been, but I was a bit. So, if your 2 year old eats two gummy vitamins--it's OKAY.
7. Food! This week I made GF oatmeal raisin cookies that were a HUGE hit as well as lemon poppy seed muffins, homemade waffles, Carmel corn (delicious!!), and my own salad dressing. I seem to be having some issues with the muffins. After the first day, they become really dry (probably because they don't have all the preservatives in them!). I'm trying to solve this problem. Not sure if I should add some applesauce or maybe put them in the freezer and warm them up. Suggestions??? Will have to google that one. Cause google solves EVERYTHING.
6. Qdoba. We went there this weekend. One of my all time favorite places. And I LOVE their chips. Like could eat a whole bag. This visit I didn't eat even a crumb. It was SO hard, but I knew the effects and how I couldn't eat just ONE. So I skipped them. Seriously. If you would have asked me a year ago or even months ago that I would pass up Qdoba chips I would have laughed in your face! Yep. Jokes on me.
5. Museum Trip. Since we really haven't had much family time in the past week or so...we decided to try out the Kalamazoo Museum downtown. It's FREE. One major bonus. And the kids seemed to enjoy it quite a bit. BUT not as much as their Daddy. It was so cute to see him experimenting/working on some of the older displays with Mallory. And of course she was eating it up as well. Clay and I hung out in the toddler room where he was obsessed with the trolley. So obsessed that he wouldn't give other kids a chance. We enjoyed ourselves. Even if our kids had NO nap. Hey--it made daylight savings time a bit easier!! Ha!
4. Malloryisms. She has this great imagination and intuitive mind. It seriously shocks me the things that come out of our 4 year old's mouth. This week, on the way to somewhere, she said "Sun makes us feel better Momma. It needs to get into our bodies." As she's closed eyed, face in the sun, looking out the window. Boy--does it! And I feel everyone feels that way too. One smart cookie I tell ya. We also have a bit of a problem with our dog. He runs away. Well, Mal told me this week that Tipper plays the BEST Hide and Seek game ever. That she's a really good hider. NO kidding! When asked what she wanted for breakfast one day this week, she asked for cucumbers, carrots, and smoky links. Seriously. She's also getting ready for her recital in May. Watching her dance is so stinkin' cute!!! Can't wait to see her on stage:o)
3. Clayisms. Oh boy. This week he's come quite far on his language. Tipper, Good One, Blankie and Stinky. It's hilarious to her him say stinky. Guess I tell him too many times that his feet and diapers are stinkY:o) He's also been obsessed about walking everywhere. He does not want to be held at all and has to be on the go all the time. But surprisingly this week, he actually started watching TV. This is really new to us. He usually never sits down for longer than like five minutes....well, this week he's been able to stay focused for a bit longer. Don't know if this is a good OR bad thing:o) Two funny stories about him this week. I gave Clay a dog treat to give Tipper when she came in. I told him to wait until she sits to give it to her. Well, he thought I meant he needed to sit down. He sat down and gave Tipper the treat. It was cute. And the last thing about Clay this week--he ADORES his sister. I know we all know this. But let me tell you how much. While Mal was in a time out due to hitting her BROTHER, she kept screaming for her corner (AKA blankie). So what does Sir Clayton do. He runs into her room, grabs her blankie, and hands it to her, AS I'm telling her she'll have to wait until her time out is over. Yeah, he's that sweet. And thoughtful. And smart. Really Clay?!?!?! She's in trouble for hitting you and you help her out. Amazing love there. (Mind you, this is actually the second time he's done that for her).
2. Resignation. It's official. I turned it in on Friday. I had until April 1st, but wanted to get it out of the way AND off my list of to-dos. No worries. It's all good. Cried a bit (after like the 10th person asked me about it). But as my so understanding husband stated, "It's tough to give up something you love." So well said and so spot on to what I feel. Love you Jay.
1. Hubby Home:o) I love having him home. It's not the big things, but the small things. Or even just having him here. SO glad he's home. Period.
Well, my one little should be getting up soon.
Hope you have a GREAT week.
Spring is hopefully around the corner.
Take care!
Until next week,
Mrs. Newell
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Our Nana
I have this wonderful woman in my life and her name is Nana.
(at least that's what she goes by in my house).
She has come to my rescue more than once.
But happened to this past weekend as well.
She's my kid's grandmother.
My mother.
She's sweet, giving, selfless, thoughtful, busy (does a million things at once--which is a mom of course), a great actor (plays a great kitty or dog), superb storyteller, cleaner, medical expert, food spoiler know-all, straightforward, truthful, wise woman. (I might have left a few others out. Seriously.)
This weekend was a great bonding experience for the two of us.*
For more than one reason.
The biggest was around bath time Sunday night.
While she was giving Clayton a bath, I noticed her singing the "Splish Splash" song to him. I was floored! Ummmm because....yeah, that's the song I sing to MY kids! It was strange for me to think that I subconsciously remembered that song. And was NOW singing it to my OWN kids. There were a few more moments this weekend that made me think that I am MUCH more my mom as a mother than I thought. But I guess that makes sense. We learn how to be mothers from our own mothers.
I think my mom realized this this weekend as well and came to her own realization. I may be far off on this. But as I was making baby shower invitations for a friend, my mother looked over at me and told me she was extremely proud of how I turned out. As if in that moment, she realized all her time, energy, love, and job as a mother had turned out pretty great. And she could visually see that in what I was doing and how I was acting.
And this gives me hope.
For those days, I feel worn out. Run down.
Not the best mother to my kids.
I can look back on this moment, and realize that the little things don't really matter. It's the WHOLE picture. And to look at my brother and I and realize that my mother (whom I'm a lot alike) raised some great kids (not to brag or anything--you know what I mean) makes me feel pretty great about the job I'm doing as a mother to my own kids.
As I sit her typing, with Clayton half asleep in my arms (no clue how he is actually sleeping with my arms moving due to the typing), I'm ecstatic about this huge revelation.
I love you mom. And I truly appreciate everything you do and have done in my life.
I would not be the person I am today without you by my side.
Thank-you.
P.S. Did you hear that mom? Even though I don't remember you taking me to the beach EVERY day or all the activities you planned for us, I still subconsciously remember things. And they are carried out in my daily life as a mother. So, don't you worry. All that time and energy WAS worth it:o) Love you!
*And we have another bonding weekend coming up in a few weeks when I go to a crafting weekend with her. Where she is going to teach me how to sew. I don't know who's more excited:o) My lovely mother or ME!
Top 10 for the Week:
10. Privacy. Gone. Yeah, I REALLY wanted to take a bath this week. Privacy? What's that? It seems once you have kids everything goes out the window, which includes taking a leisure, soothing, relaxing bath. Who knew?!?! Nothing like taking a bath with a 2 and 4 year old trying to watch you. The things we do as parents.
9. Bowling Night. A few weeks ago, I ran into a fellow bowler widower. We took it upon ourselves to claim Bowling Night as our own FUN night with our kids. It has been a blast. Her kids are a bit older than mine (I had her sweet daughter last year in fifth grade) but they get along great!! And it gives us women time to chat about anything and everything:o) (cooking being our go to). Instead of normally dreading Tuesday nights, I find myself looking forward to them!! Such a blessing!!
8. Virus. Mal had some random virus this past weekend. NO clue what it was that took over her body. But she did not eat for two days. Which if you really know my daughter--this is a HUGE deal for her. In fact she even turned down a happy meal. Yes, folks. You know it's bad when...She is pretty darn close to being back to her normal self. The over three hour nap yesterday helped quite a bit! Nothing like having a sick kid. Makes you feel awful and makes you worry nonstop.
7. March. Makes me happy. Even though there are a few more inches of snow on the ground, we are on the down slide of this winter. Thank goodness!! I am ready for some warmer temperatures so we can head to the playground and just BE outdoors. PLEASE. Soon. Mal even commented this week how March (yes, she said March) was definitely a LION:o)
6. Whole Foods! Just found out the other day that there is a Whole Foods going in on Grape Rd in South Bend. Which is only like 45 minutes from us!! And right down the road from a high school friend of mine (which haven't visited in years...and now that she has a Whole Foods next door...yeah, I'm that person! Sorry Susan). I also just heard a Trader Joe's and Whole Foods in going up in Grand Rapids. It's about time! Seriously! With all my food sensitivities I'm really excited to have more options that are more reasonably priced.
5. More cooking. Kale chips (need to work on those), Nomato sauce (which was a HUGE hit with my hubby!), GF apple cinnamon muffins (yummy). It's amazing what you can find on the Internet!!Still plugging along at recipes and enjoying every minute of it!!:o)
4. STUCK. Literally. So, umm...how do I say this. The kids and I were headed home from library this week and I had to pull over to firmly talk to them about their behavior in the car (seems to be an extremely huge issue right now--anyone who might have suggestions on how to fix this, please send me an email, message, whatever). Well, that day also happened to be a bit warmer, which was causing the snow to become quite slushy. After our discussion, I tried to pull back onto the road and realized that I was actually STUCK. Luckily, my SIL was driving by on her way home from the library as well, and was able to put on the gas, while I pushed. Lesson learned. Watch where I am pulling over. There is no way I'm giving up the lectures:o)
3. Malloryisms. Taking off of #4...about a mile from our home on this SAME trip and after minutes of silence from both of them, my dear daughter decides to get all sweet on me.
Mallory: "I'm glad you're home Mommy."
Me: "What do you mean?"
Mallory: "I'm glad you are staying home with us."
Shocked look ME, "Me too honey."
Mallory: "When I was a baby, I wanted you home. I dreamed about it all the time."
Then of course there were tears streaming down my face. For SO many reasons. Being stuck. Being home. Being not home. Having this moment. Yeah, I was mush. But I good mush, I suppose. She also shocked me in the library that same day. Clayton was standing on his cushion seat (which is not allowed in library) and Mallory tells the librarian "He doesn't always understand things." Well, the librarian didn't hear her so asked her to repeat. Mal actually thought she said something wrong and I had to coax her into repeating it. Seems I must say this quite a bit to her:o) At least she gets it, right?!?!
2. Clayisms. Busy but getting more disciplined. He's much more aware of the rules and structure of how things work (except for standing on the cushions in library--or does he know?!?!). It amazes me what he WILL do if I ask him too. His new words this week: puppy, doggy, Tipper. He LOVES popcorn and fruit. Will sit and eat two big bowls of popcorn and want more! He also has been a bit cranky lately. Wasn't sure what it was until I looked in his mouth and saw TWO teeth coming through! Explains the chewing on everything and his sudden mood change. Still enjoying taking him to HIS library time. He loves it too. Sitting in my lap majority of the time because he can and there's no one there to share it with. He's a trooper too, doing whatever Mal wants him to do. I'm waiting for that to change. But he is SO her sidekick. It's cute. And he just adores her and her busyness.
1. Nana to the Rescue! Now, I was spoiled this weekend. Jay left Saturday morning and I was extremely lucky to have my mom come down until Monday morning (my dad came for the day on Saturday). Between the kids and the house--I don't think I'd be in such high spirits or in such a great mood if she wasn't there. A BIG THANK-YOU to her and all her help.
Well, it's midweek and this should have been done days ago.
But you know how things go.
It's done now.
Hope you are enjoying your week!
Until next week,
Take care,
Mrs. Newell
(at least that's what she goes by in my house).
She has come to my rescue more than once.
But happened to this past weekend as well.
She's my kid's grandmother.
My mother.
She's sweet, giving, selfless, thoughtful, busy (does a million things at once--which is a mom of course), a great actor (plays a great kitty or dog), superb storyteller, cleaner, medical expert, food spoiler know-all, straightforward, truthful, wise woman. (I might have left a few others out. Seriously.)
This weekend was a great bonding experience for the two of us.*
For more than one reason.
The biggest was around bath time Sunday night.
While she was giving Clayton a bath, I noticed her singing the "Splish Splash" song to him. I was floored! Ummmm because....yeah, that's the song I sing to MY kids! It was strange for me to think that I subconsciously remembered that song. And was NOW singing it to my OWN kids. There were a few more moments this weekend that made me think that I am MUCH more my mom as a mother than I thought. But I guess that makes sense. We learn how to be mothers from our own mothers.
I think my mom realized this this weekend as well and came to her own realization. I may be far off on this. But as I was making baby shower invitations for a friend, my mother looked over at me and told me she was extremely proud of how I turned out. As if in that moment, she realized all her time, energy, love, and job as a mother had turned out pretty great. And she could visually see that in what I was doing and how I was acting.
And this gives me hope.
For those days, I feel worn out. Run down.
Not the best mother to my kids.
I can look back on this moment, and realize that the little things don't really matter. It's the WHOLE picture. And to look at my brother and I and realize that my mother (whom I'm a lot alike) raised some great kids (not to brag or anything--you know what I mean) makes me feel pretty great about the job I'm doing as a mother to my own kids.
As I sit her typing, with Clayton half asleep in my arms (no clue how he is actually sleeping with my arms moving due to the typing), I'm ecstatic about this huge revelation.
I love you mom. And I truly appreciate everything you do and have done in my life.
I would not be the person I am today without you by my side.
Thank-you.
P.S. Did you hear that mom? Even though I don't remember you taking me to the beach EVERY day or all the activities you planned for us, I still subconsciously remember things. And they are carried out in my daily life as a mother. So, don't you worry. All that time and energy WAS worth it:o) Love you!
*And we have another bonding weekend coming up in a few weeks when I go to a crafting weekend with her. Where she is going to teach me how to sew. I don't know who's more excited:o) My lovely mother or ME!
Top 10 for the Week:
10. Privacy. Gone. Yeah, I REALLY wanted to take a bath this week. Privacy? What's that? It seems once you have kids everything goes out the window, which includes taking a leisure, soothing, relaxing bath. Who knew?!?! Nothing like taking a bath with a 2 and 4 year old trying to watch you. The things we do as parents.
9. Bowling Night. A few weeks ago, I ran into a fellow bowler widower. We took it upon ourselves to claim Bowling Night as our own FUN night with our kids. It has been a blast. Her kids are a bit older than mine (I had her sweet daughter last year in fifth grade) but they get along great!! And it gives us women time to chat about anything and everything:o) (cooking being our go to). Instead of normally dreading Tuesday nights, I find myself looking forward to them!! Such a blessing!!
8. Virus. Mal had some random virus this past weekend. NO clue what it was that took over her body. But she did not eat for two days. Which if you really know my daughter--this is a HUGE deal for her. In fact she even turned down a happy meal. Yes, folks. You know it's bad when...She is pretty darn close to being back to her normal self. The over three hour nap yesterday helped quite a bit! Nothing like having a sick kid. Makes you feel awful and makes you worry nonstop.
7. March. Makes me happy. Even though there are a few more inches of snow on the ground, we are on the down slide of this winter. Thank goodness!! I am ready for some warmer temperatures so we can head to the playground and just BE outdoors. PLEASE. Soon. Mal even commented this week how March (yes, she said March) was definitely a LION:o)
6. Whole Foods! Just found out the other day that there is a Whole Foods going in on Grape Rd in South Bend. Which is only like 45 minutes from us!! And right down the road from a high school friend of mine (which haven't visited in years...and now that she has a Whole Foods next door...yeah, I'm that person! Sorry Susan). I also just heard a Trader Joe's and Whole Foods in going up in Grand Rapids. It's about time! Seriously! With all my food sensitivities I'm really excited to have more options that are more reasonably priced.
5. More cooking. Kale chips (need to work on those), Nomato sauce (which was a HUGE hit with my hubby!), GF apple cinnamon muffins (yummy). It's amazing what you can find on the Internet!!Still plugging along at recipes and enjoying every minute of it!!:o)
4. STUCK. Literally. So, umm...how do I say this. The kids and I were headed home from library this week and I had to pull over to firmly talk to them about their behavior in the car (seems to be an extremely huge issue right now--anyone who might have suggestions on how to fix this, please send me an email, message, whatever). Well, that day also happened to be a bit warmer, which was causing the snow to become quite slushy. After our discussion, I tried to pull back onto the road and realized that I was actually STUCK. Luckily, my SIL was driving by on her way home from the library as well, and was able to put on the gas, while I pushed. Lesson learned. Watch where I am pulling over. There is no way I'm giving up the lectures:o)
3. Malloryisms. Taking off of #4...about a mile from our home on this SAME trip and after minutes of silence from both of them, my dear daughter decides to get all sweet on me.
Mallory: "I'm glad you're home Mommy."
Me: "What do you mean?"
Mallory: "I'm glad you are staying home with us."
Shocked look ME, "Me too honey."
Mallory: "When I was a baby, I wanted you home. I dreamed about it all the time."
Then of course there were tears streaming down my face. For SO many reasons. Being stuck. Being home. Being not home. Having this moment. Yeah, I was mush. But I good mush, I suppose. She also shocked me in the library that same day. Clayton was standing on his cushion seat (which is not allowed in library) and Mallory tells the librarian "He doesn't always understand things." Well, the librarian didn't hear her so asked her to repeat. Mal actually thought she said something wrong and I had to coax her into repeating it. Seems I must say this quite a bit to her:o) At least she gets it, right?!?!
2. Clayisms. Busy but getting more disciplined. He's much more aware of the rules and structure of how things work (except for standing on the cushions in library--or does he know?!?!). It amazes me what he WILL do if I ask him too. His new words this week: puppy, doggy, Tipper. He LOVES popcorn and fruit. Will sit and eat two big bowls of popcorn and want more! He also has been a bit cranky lately. Wasn't sure what it was until I looked in his mouth and saw TWO teeth coming through! Explains the chewing on everything and his sudden mood change. Still enjoying taking him to HIS library time. He loves it too. Sitting in my lap majority of the time because he can and there's no one there to share it with. He's a trooper too, doing whatever Mal wants him to do. I'm waiting for that to change. But he is SO her sidekick. It's cute. And he just adores her and her busyness.
1. Nana to the Rescue! Now, I was spoiled this weekend. Jay left Saturday morning and I was extremely lucky to have my mom come down until Monday morning (my dad came for the day on Saturday). Between the kids and the house--I don't think I'd be in such high spirits or in such a great mood if she wasn't there. A BIG THANK-YOU to her and all her help.
Well, it's midweek and this should have been done days ago.
But you know how things go.
It's done now.
Hope you are enjoying your week!
Until next week,
Take care,
Mrs. Newell
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