Monday, May 20, 2013

Top 10


Top 10 for the Week:

10. Ticks. Found TWO more on Clay this weekend. One was actually embedded. Not a fan. UGH.

9. Concession Stand. I had to work the concession stand one night this week because I am a parent of a T-Ball kid. Crazy how this kind of thing is already happening in our lives:o) You should have seen Mal's face when she came up to see me at the stand--she was so proud and happy.

8. HaircutS. Cut Clayton's mop this weekend. He sure needed it! It was starting to get frizzy--REAL frizzy. And I also got my hair chopped. It is GREAT for the summer--short and no hassle. Perfect.

7. Park DayS. We actually went to the park twice this week--it was beautiful weather. And so nice to be able to do a picnic lunch with friends:o)

6. School Visit. It's been awhile since I had a visit into school. It was well overdue. And it was SO nice to see my fellow teachers. And even better that I also got to hang out with a few of them for dinner on Friday night. Thank-you ladies. Love and miss you. Terribly. I look forward to you being off this summer!!:o)

5. Exercise. I am trying my best to get on the exercise bandwagon. I've been walking with a few moms from Mal's preschool on Thursday mornings (which I've loved!)...and three times this past week I took the kids out for a walk down the road. Mal even biked two of the times. Feels good to be out and working my muscles. Not sure if running is my thing (did 2 separate miles this week). I'm giving myself until August to find out.

4. Garden. We spent pretty much all of Saturday planting our garden. Boy does it look nice:o) Excited to see if our new spot in the yard works. It looks better already (I made Jay put some wooden logs and patio cement blocks around it to make it look nice. He was not too happy about doing it--but doesn't it look nice Jay????) I'm hopeful we will have a successful harvesting year!! Much better than the last two years, when I didn't pay attention to it at all.

3. Clayisms. Nothing better than seeing your kid in just a diaper. Not sure why I think this is totally adorable, but I do. He spent most of yesterday in it. Loved it. Won't be much longer until we start potty training him though. I bought him big boy underwear today. So crazy!!! We are also weening him off of us being in the hallway during nap and bed time. We are having success. He is doing great!! Only comes out once or twice. He's also quite the sweater. Sounds funny. But he drenches his pillow every time he lies down. I can't believe he sweats that much!!

2. Malloryisms. She spent from Thursday night until this afternoon (Monday) with my parents. LOVED it. They did a lot! Beach, playground, mushroom hunting, ice cream, sprinklers, met a new friend (my parent's neighbor's daughter), and other things I don't even know about. They kept her extremely busy. She's a bit tired today (and grumpy:o)). But she didn't want to leave my parents. It was cute but also a little heartbreaking. If you know what I mean. I'm glad she is able to have the time with them and I LOVE watching the relationship build between them. It's pretty awesome to see your daughter loving your parents the same way you love them.

1. Single Child. Ummmm...yeah, one kid is so easy. Seriously. Like a piece of cake. And we had the overactive one. He was so good for us and made us appreciate one. Don't get me wrong, we missed her like crazy. Lunch yesterday with Clay and I was pretty quiet and so were the car rides everywhere. But it was nice to only have to get ONE kid ready, one kid fed, one kid put to bed, one kid bathed, one kid dressed. I never realized the work that goes into having two kids. But I wouldn't have it any other way. You should have seen the reunion between Miss Mal and Clayton. It was such a great moment. And I might have cried a bit when I saw her in Target. Super glad to have her back. (Even though she's STILL up and walking out of her room). Love them both. They make our family complete.

Loving this hot weather.
Hope you are too.

Can you believe Memorial Day weekend is this weekend??
Yeah for Summer!!
Yeah for my friends being out!!
Love to you all.

Until next week,
Mrs. Newell

Size Doesn't Matter*

So, I have a new theory on our fashion industry.

Are you ready for it?!?!

I think the industry is making our sizes smaller.
Like a TRUE 8 is a 6 or even a 4.  Or a 12 might be a 10 or 8.

Seriously.

Listen to this.

I've been shopping for a few spring/summer clothing items.
Well, more like a new wardrobe due to losing weight.
And I've been searching for deals.

I found three GREAT pairs of shorts at Goodwill for $12!!.
I was so extremely pumped.
And it truly was my first time shopping there for myself.
Well, they were all size 8--mind you this was my old size before kids.

SO, then I start looking in the stores.
JC Penney, Target, Maurices, Kohls.
ALL of them are anywhere from a 3/4 to 7/8.
Now, how does that make sense??

Goodwill sizes are obviously older styles/brands.
And the items in the stores now are new.

What are they doing???

And WHY??

I'm not complaining.

Just dumbfounded.

And wondering if anyone else has experienced this lately.

I would never imagine myself buying shorts in those sizes.
Since I don't think I EVER wore that size.
I'm pretty sure that in 6th grade I was already a size 10.

Random thought for the week:
Oh and go check out Goodwill! 

*The title caught your attention didn't it?? Thought it would:o) HA!



Tuesday, May 14, 2013

No time.

No time.  No thoughts.  It's Spring.  I'm outside:o)

Hopefully, I'll be back to TRULY blogging next week.

I'm hopeful.
We'll see.

Hopefully you are still there:o)


Top 10 for the Week:

10.  Training.  I don't know if you could really call it training....but I'm running now.  I'd LOVE to actual run in a 5K this summer.  Don't think it's going to happen at the Lakestride in Ludington--like I had planned.  But so far I've ran a mile three times...and I'm planning on doing the same tonight.  I know there are actual programs/trainings you can do, but I just want to get out and RUN.  So, we will see.  It's on my Bucket List for the summer.  Which I need to make SOON.  Two--one for the family and one for me.

9.  Lazy Monday.  Last Monday was extremely lazy.  We didn't do anything.  I moved Clayton's changing table out into the hallway and the kids played on it for HOURS.  Seriously.  Who knew a piece of baby furniture could be hours of entertainment.

8.

7.   Holland.  What a great day!! A friend of ours invited us up for the Tulip Festival.  We went to one of the parades that had a TON of marching bands and a few floats.  The kids LOVED it.  Wish I could have stayed longer and done the whole tourist thing.  It's on my list TO-DO next year FOR SURE.  IT was an extremely long day for the kids (Mal had T-ball pictures on the way home) but they loved every minute of it.  This momma was extremely tired too!!

6.  Spring Program.  Mal had her spring program this past week.  It was FREEZING outside!! Hard to believe temperatures here can change so quickly.  I was so proud to see her up there singing her heart out.  She is quite the performer.  She will often break into song anywhere.  As I'm typing this, I can hear her singing while coloring from the playroom.  It will be interesting to see if she continues this route or does something else. 

5.  Mushroom Hunting.  We had the chance to do a bit of mushroom hunting with Jay's family.  The kids enjoyed it so much and the weather was perfect for it!  I love watching my kids interact with their cousins.  And their love of nature and being in the woods.

4.  Nephew's Bday.  Hudson turned ONE!  So hard to believe it's been a year already.  And even harder for me to believe that Clayton was that age almost exactly a year ago!  The first few years surely do fly by.  He is one happy, go lucky kid.  Who smiles all the time:o)  Happy Birthday Buddy!

3.  Clayisms.  Oh Clay.  Still such a character and still loved by all.  He just has this charisma about him that attracts attention from any and everyone.  He's definitely fitting the "two" role as well.  Tantrums are becoming a regular thing as well as not being able to stand still for a few minutes.  It makes nights like Mal's school program or parties a complete crazy mess! 

2.  Malloryisms.  She's been saying some really funny things lately.  To me, her thoughts seem older than her age.  But maybe I'm wrong.  This past week in the car she was telling Jay and I that she needs a new car when she gets older.  So she can go babysit (She's really big into babysitting right now due to the fact that she LOVES our high school babysitter).  Another car conversation revolved around having 100 kids.  YES!  OH MY!  Clayton was throwing one of his tantrums in the car and she stated that wouldn't it be REALLY loud if we had 100 kids?!?!?!  Ummm...YES!  She told us she wanted a sister.  We responded with what if it was another boy.  **NO WE ARE NOT PREGNANT**  Her response:  "Two brothers would be great!"  Not sure Mommy and Daddy could handle three kids Mal!  Sorry.  Her and Clayton have already started the "stop-looking-at-me-that-way" fights.  I feel like it transports me back to MY early years.  SO sorry mom and dad. 

1.  Mother's Day.  This year I talked Jay into just doing cash for Mother's/Father's Day gifts this year.  He was totally on board with it...less shopping for him and ME! :o)  Win. Win.  But he still made me feel special Sunday (I know, dorky).  Just a few out-of-the-ordinary things he did that made me smile and appreciate him and my kids.  We STILL planted flowers IN the garage and went out to breakfast.  He also made me a steak dinner:o)  Always a good thing when you don't have to COOK!  LOVE you Jay.

Clay is up.
Time to get back to entertaining:o)

Have a great week!!
Love, Mrs. Newell

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Lazy Monday.

Due to my mood and my children's moods today*.  This is all I have for you.  Enjoy.

*Monday.  Finished Tuesday.  Kids much better just so you know:o)
Top 10 for the week:

10.  TICKing me off.  They are here.  TICKS.  I am good with spiders, ants, worms, snakes, frogs, pretty much any other kind of rodent/bug (except for mice).  But when it comes to TICKS, I can't stand them.  I had TWO of them on me this week.  The terminex guy came and told me he hoped he had helped with the tick issue.  We will see.

9.  Warmer Weather.  This weather is breathtaking.  The kids and I have enjoyed many morning and afternoons outside playing.  In fact, while they were playing with their new water table this week, I folded laundry outside.  AND read a magazine while sipping green tea.  Those days make today okay (my kids are out of sorts today if you haven't noticed--but they are both sleeping now).  This must be how it feels to actually enjoy SPRING.  Usually I'm cramming everything in to finish out the year and the sunshine usually gets pushed to the wayside until JUNE!  LOVE YOU SPRING.

8.  GF Pizza.  Chiro LOVE.  I had the best GF pizza at Amores this week.  Delicious!! Even if it was small (I almost ate the whole pizza) and even if it cost more than it should have!  It was still delicious.  Oh--and I love my chiropractor.  I was feeling all outta sorts and then I was adjusted.  And everything was all good.  AMAZING.

7.  Friday:o)  We had the best day.  Seriously.  When I sit here and start thinking about Friday, it puts a HUGE smile on my face.  We were outside most of it and it was just splendid.  Couldn't have asked for anything better.

6.  Retail Therapy.  I had a few gift cards to burn--and of course I had to stop at JoAnne's--my new favorite spot.  The cashier was the nicest older woman I have talked to in awhile.  I left feeling happy and connected.  Over a little five minute conversation with a stranger.  It was sweet.  And I think I convinced her to start quilting:o)  (*Side note*  I almost finished sewing one of the Mother's Day gifts.  I am SO excited!! And it didn't take me as long as I thought it would! Woohoo!!). 

5.  Nephew Over.  My nephew came over for a visit Friday morning.  Mallory was elated...as she always is when it comes to seeing, playing, or just talking about him.  The kids played in the water--"painted" the porch, squirt guns, buckets.  They truly enjoyed each other's company.  It was cute.  I think Clay felt a little bit left out though. 

4.  Malloryisms.  Feisty is her new middle name.  The dance recital took a lot out of her this weekend.  I'm sad to see it be done, but glad for us to have some time "off."  I hope she returns to it in the fall...but I'm totally going to let that be her call.  Overheard her playing with Ben on Friday talking about needing a recipe.  I had to do a double take--she actually meant directions or instructions.  They were putting together some of her Lego's.  It was cute. 

3.  Clayisms.  He has been amazing in public lately.  I really feel like he's getting and knowing how one is suppose to behave.  At Mal's dance recital he lasted 1 1/2 hours!!  He was superb.  I still am shocked.  He is still Mr. Friendly.  This week it was the counter top man (yes--we got out counter tops and they are beautiful!!!).  As we were leaving, he waved and then ran to him (the man was crouched down) and gave him a HUGE hug.  He is not shy at all.  Hilarious.  He's also very organized already.  I think my tendencies are rubbing off a bit on him.  Doors, drawers, closets, microwave--everything has to be closed.  And everything has to be turned off.  Oh- and almost everything has to be put away.  He hung his bath towel up on his closet door this week.  Exactly like I do:o)  He also cleans up after his sister.  Blessings.

2.  Weather.  Yeah, I just realized I have weather on here twice.  Which makes me think that I am truly grateful for all this beautiful weather we are having!!!  We had a power weekend.  Which means we finished about 8 projects!!  It was crazy...not even sure how many hours we worked...but I know my dear hubby was dragging on Sunday.  I live for those kind of days:o)  Makes me feel so accomplished.  I know, I'm a dork.  And crazy.  Just ask my husband.

1.  Mal's Dance Recital.  Brought me back to my days in dance.  It was so cute to watch her and I couldn't help but smile through the WHOLE entire thing (and maybe tear up a bit).  To be able to get up on that BIG stage by herself and perform.  I'm still in awe of her courage and memory.  I couldn't be a prouder Momma.  And I'm so glad she had the experience.  And that there were SO many family members who came and watched and encouraged her.  Thank-you!! It made her day.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!!
Miss and Love you all!!!
Hope you are having a great week!!

Until next week,
Mrs. Newell