A Must

Summer=Busy.

Which means,
I don't have too much time.
Which means,
Blogging is taking a back seat.
Which means,
I will try my best.

BUT I WILL get my top 10 in for the week.

It's a MUST.

It's my way of keeping track.
Of recording the week.
Of slowing down and paying attention.
To the little things that make me smile.
And the little things that make me crazy:o)


Top 10 for the PAST week:

10.  Where is Mallory???  Somewhere about a month ago, Mallory turned into a little girl I didn't recognize.  This past week was horrible.  Really bad.  Bossy, mouthy, rude, mean.  Teenage years people.  I was shocked!  And sad.  What happened to my sweet, thoughtful little girl.  (My mom thought I was exaggerating this--until she witnessed it first hand.  Seriously).  So, I'm happy to report that this week has been a WORLD of a difference.  And we will chat about that next week;o)  Thank God for answered prayers (and for old friends' advice)!

9.  Subway with Dad.  We ate lunch out with Daddy.  Met him at Subway and had a nice, little lunch date.  Kids were extremely excited--we don't do this very often.  It was cute.

8.  I'm old.  This past weekend I went home to Ludington and had the pleasure of catching up with old neighbors.  Loved it and them.  Seems the young lady I used to babysit for is pregnant and 30.  This makes me OLD.  Like really OLD.  But I don't feel OLD.  In fact I feel the SAME.  And I was told twice this week I look YOUNGer.  I'm not OLD.  But anyways, I love this family.  And the U-Hauls will always hold a special place in my heart;o)

7.  Family Fun.  With the warmer, longer nights our little family has been enjoying our backyard.  This past week we spent a few hours "playing" baseball.  It technically wasn't baseball--just hitting and throwing the ball around and chasing it...but we had SO much fun.  A prelude to our future years together.  Both Jay and I did not want to come in.  And the kids were soaking in our playful, outdoor manner.  **Sidenote** I hit the ball better than Jay.  Just sayin'.  I've got it in me. 

6.  Fairy House.  One night this week while I was cleaning up after dinner and Jay was weeding the garden with the kids, Mal and Jay made a fairy house.  It was so precious.  With big pieces of tree bark, rocks the kids and I had painted together, and other misc things Mal found in the yard.  Just like Tinker Bell's.  This reminds me I need to go take a picture of it. 

5.  Lewis Farms.  A great time at the petting zoo up in New Era.  Such a clean and fun place.  Not many people there--just a few families.  Kids absolutely loved it--as well as the adults.  Except for the fact that I got bit HARD by a donkey.  In the side as I was taking a picture of Mallory.  I am not kidding.  And I have a bruise to prove it.  I am not a fan of Susie Q, the donkey.  Still was fun and we will be going back.

4. School's out for the summer!  What a great last day for Mallory!! And I had a chance to be there without Clayton (Thanks to my MIL!)  Her teacher is the best--and we are so excited to have her again next year with all the same kids:o)  We are quite the crew and had so much fun enjoying their end of the year party.  Even with a front loader!  It was a riot and great way to end the year. rI also had to go back to Decatur on their last day (I seriously couldn't resist).  Waved goodbye to the kids on their last day.  Made me a LITTLE sad.  Not much.  But a little.  I just missed ONE whole class in Decatur who will never know me as a teacher.  Strange.

3.  Malloryisms.  She had a midnight tantrum one day this week.  It was horrible.  Just added to the frustration of her this past week (we are beyond that now--hopefully!).  However, there were a few times this week where Mallory was hilarious.  The night before her last day of school, I told her I couldn't wait for tomorrow to be able to spend it with just her.  She asked me what can't wait meant, and after I told her, she told me she couldn't wait for tomorrow too.  It was so sweet.  And I love the fact she asks me meanings of phrases and words (most of the time anyways!).  She keeps Jay and I entertained in the car with her wild imagination as well.  One night after her T-ball game she was asking Jay what color hair he wanted.  He answered green to which she replied, "Green it is Daddy."  Which is SO Jay.  He uses this phrase often.  She also keeps us entertained by her made up songs--like better than her Daddy.  We couldn't help but crack up with laughter.  I really wish I could have recorded a few of them this past weekend in the car.  At my parent's house, she has a new friend that lives next door to them.  She asked me on the way there if she could introduce me to her new friend.  Do many 4 year olds talk like this???

2.  Clayisms.  Clever little fellow.  Knows just how to push his sister's buttons then act as if it was her fault.  He has started potty training again.  In fact, one night this week while in the tub, he got out to use the potty (pee!!).  BIG boy.  I'm hoping this is a start to our no-more-diapers-days.  Talking a little more here and there.  In fact, others understand him better than me sometimes:o)  He's a very determined boy.  And a messy one too.  He also enjoyed the golf cart rides with Papa this weekend. 

1.  Ludington.  Went up to Ludington to run the Lakestride.  Due to my inadequate training--I bailed (BUT I will be running one THIS summer).  Honestly, I truly was going to visit old high school friends.  And BOY did we have fun?!?!?!  Like SO much fun.  Like I had the best GF beer ever!! Like too much!! But it really was the best time catching up with my ladies.  And my hubby and I had a chance to have dinner before---just the two of us.  Looking forward to being back there the weekend after the Fourth--to see all you lovely ladies again!!!! And even add a few more to the mix!!!  Crazy after 17 years out of high school, we can all get together like we saw each other yesterday.  Thanks again to all of you!  Such a great time.

Well, it's already Tuesday.
And we have had a busy week so far!
Glad most of you are on summer break!
Enjoy it!

I feel truly blessed.
By old and new friends.

Have a great week!
Until next week,
Mrs. Newell