35

So, I had a birthday this week.

I turned 35.

I realize that now, I am closer to 40 than 30.
And that there is the same amount of years difference between a 20 or 50 year old and me.

Strange thoughts I know.
But I love numbers.
And I think about these kinds of things.

But I LOVE this age.
Seriously.

This past year has been a huge revelation for me.
I'd like to think it's due to a wiser me.
Or maybe my growing faith.
Or my holistic doctor.
Or feeling grounded.
Or finding hobbies.
Or having time for myself.
Or my loving family and friends.
Or being where I need to be.
Or my attitude.
Or just being HAPPY.

Whichever the case, I am taking it all in and enjoying every minute.
And thanking God and everyone else who has brought me to this place.

These past 35 years have treated me well (maybe the last one not so much, but that's okay), and I truly feel this next year is going to be my best yet.

Thoughts that I am living by and will continue to be inspired by:

Be nice.
Be thankful.
Be TRUE.
Be honest.
Be you.

Thank-you all for sharing with me the last 8 months.  For the emails, comments, thoughts, conversations--everything!  Be on the lookout for the FINAL chapter to this year sabbatical. 

**Don't worry. I'm not done blogging. But I am starting a new chapter in my life:o) **


Top 10 for the Week:

10.  Goodbye Crib.  It's been quite the challenge.  One afternoon during nap time, I counted over 200 times that he opened the door to his room.  Needless to say, I gave up and just laid down with him.  Instead of forcing the issue, we've been doing this.  It takes anywhere from 5-30 minutes to get him down.  But honestly, right now, I don't mind.  And I don't even mind the fact that he gets up ONE time at night--to which we do the same.  I know, we should be a bit tougher...but it's SO hard.  Maybe when Mal gets out of school:o)  Who knows.

9.  Recipes.  I have not been in the cooking mood lately.  But I did make my own veggie stock this past week and some zucchini muffins.  I'm hoping my cooking/baking drive comes back soon.

8.  Ant Farm.  We've had a bit of ant attack in our house.  No need to worry.  Just little ones.  But my kids LOVE them.  In fact, Mal creates "ant traps" to capture her "friends."  And Clay will walk around with a bowl with one or two of them in there.  The ants are not hurting anything YET.  The kids sure do enjoy watching them.  I think it's cute.

7.  Crankiness.  Mal has been outta sorts lately.  So outta sorts, that this momma is going crazy.  I'm hoping it was the full moon last week.  We will see.

6.  Classmate's Bday.  One of Mal's preschool friends had a birthday party yesterday.  She enjoyed herself so much.  I couldn't compete with the horse rides, hay rides, trampoline, cats, and other outdoor rides.  Honestly, she didn't even notice I was there.  It was bittersweet.  But I LOVED seeing her truly enjoy being with her friend:o)

5.  Clayisms.  STILL hugely afraid of bugs.  And the bee sting he got on Saturday didn't help it.  And it also made Mal more afraid of bees as well.  He's enjoyed his time outside--rolling huge rocks down the driveway, driving his scooter down the hill, saying goodbye to the playground when we left and then kissing the slide!!! Yes, that's our child.  He's been obsessed with wearing his rain boots and his winter coat.  Strange yes.  But it doesn't surprise me:o)  He's loving watching Mal play T-ball and wishing he could do it as well.  (He LOVES popcorn and is in popcorn heaven at the games~!)

4.  Malloryisms.  Miss Cranky-this-past-week has been better today.  I'm really hoping it was just a bad week.  And she knows it.  She told me that it was her fault that she didn't take a nap--not mine.  Oh girly.  I didn't enforce it, which technically makes it MY fault.  Honestly, her vocabulary is amazing me.  Some of her word choices are more descriptive than some of the fifth graders I've had in the past.  But I guess I don't use baby words.  And I either I explain or she asks what the mean.  Sometimes it will be a chain reaction.  Where every word I use to explain that word, she asks what it means.  It's okay with me.  I love expanded her vocabulary:o)  She also enjoyed the outdoors this week--making mud pies, riding her bike, playing with WORMS, looking at ants, taking walks.  WE are an outdoorsy family and I love it.  She had her second T-ball game this week which she did a lot better!!  She actually ran to first without having to be told and grounded a few balls.  I was so extremely proud of her. 

3.  Outdoors.  Gosh I love this weather.  Not too hot, not too cold.  Just perfect.  Lots of time outside today especially.  I feel like I've started summer a month early than all my old co-workers:o)  I'm loving the age the two kids are at right now.  Easy to entertain for sure.

2.  Butterfly Garden.  We love our Northrup friends.  All FOUR of us.  We were lucky enough to be able to go with them to the butterfly gardens in GR on Saturday.  Mal was a bit disappointed that the butterflies didn't land on her, and Clay was freaked out because a few almost landed on him.  It was hysterical!  They enjoyed playing outdoors and I was amazed at how much was there for the kids.  It was a beautiful morning and lunch with them:o)  But I'm not surprised.  It always is:o)

1.  My Birthday.  Loved it.  Face book always helps:o)  It's great to think that that many people care enough to write a Happy Birthday on your wall.  Maybe I'm cheesy like that, but it made me feel good.  I also received several calls and emails from friends and family--which some even brought me to tears.  My dear SIL also persuaded me to have a girl's night out with dinner and painting pottery on my actual birthday.  And boy am I glad I did!  We had so much fun and it was such a mixture of old and new friends.  I can't wait to pick our pottery up on Thursday!  My hubby pulled through too.  Flowers, hutch, and dinner on Saturday at Woodfire.  A much needed date night.  Which by the way--the babysitter had NO problem putting Clay to sleep.  AND in fact, had him asleep the earliest THIS week.  Yeah, she's good.  REAL good.

I truly feel blessed where I am and the people I have surrounded myself with.  And I think birthdays help remind you of this.  And make you feel extremely special.

May is HERE.
We get new counter tops tomorrow:o)
Yes, those are the highlights of my next week! Ha!

Here's to a warm, sunny rest of the week!!
So long April!!

Until next week,
Mrs. Newell