Making the Best of It

It's so strange for me to think of my life any other way.  It's been about 1 1/2 years since I've "retired" from outside-of-the-home work and I can honestly say I'm STILL loving it. 

Of course there are days when I would give anything to trade places with my husband*.  To just go to work for a few hours to get away from our little ones, from the chaos.  To recoup.  To be in silence.  To be me.

But then there are times like today.  Where it's freezing outside, so we head to Bounce Land in Kalamazoo for a few hours.  IF I was working, I wouldn't have been able to do so.  Wouldn't have been able to enjoy the "just us" moment.  The kids had a blast.  And so did I.  Running, laughing, sliding, just enjoying being out and about. 

And I look at them, and see how big they are already.  I mean, Clayton can climb up the biggest slide WITHOUT me.  He's that big now.  And I realize my time at home, WITH them, is short.  But SO needed for both parties involved.  They need me.  And I need them. 

And unfortunately/fortunately I, Beth Newell, could not give them what I give them now, when I was working.  It wasn't in ME.  It makes me nervous to think about going back and being a mother/teacher again.  It's draining.  And honestly, I'm a different mother when I am a teacher.  I'm hoping it will come easier once they are older.  But thank God, I don't have to think about that right now.

Until then, I'm enjoying every blessed (and chaotic) moment I get with my little ones.  Because next year, my baby girl will be in Kindergarten.  And it breaks my heart to think that I won't be able to hang with her the majority of the day.  I've got NINE months people.  And we are for sure making the best of it!

*Ask him.  Seriously.  There have been a few days that I've asked as he was saying goodbye to me. 
Top 10 for the Week:

10.  Me Time.  Didn't get out of the house this week by myself.  Felt it.  Needed it.  Hopefully this week.  And my 30 minute haircut doesn't count. 

9.  Crockpot Lid.  So the handle of my crock pot lid broke.  It was crock pot Monday and I was annoyed.  My dear SIL recommended calling the company to see if they would replace it for free--AND they DID!  I had it at my house by the weekend!  I need to be more ambitious in calling companies.  Here's to calling more and buying less!  (My pork tenderloin smells delicious now).

8.  Sewing/Crocheting.  Finished some projects this week.  I get such satisfaction from doing this.  Seriously.  So glad I found my niche. 

7.  Enough!  My kids bicker.  And I can only take so much.  I ushered them to their rooms for 20 minutes, while I finished dinner.  And it was bliss.  Why have I not thought of this before?!?! 

6.  Chamber Dinner.  The Christmas Chamber Dinner was this past Monday.  I had a little TOO much fun if you know what I mean.  I was suffering a bit on Tuesday.  Makes me feel old.  But also makes me glad I only do this once or twice a year:o) 

5.  Paw Paw Parade.  It. Was.  Freezing.  SO COLD.  But Mal enjoyed walking, passing out candy, and being a big girl.  With her mom.  It was well worth the cold. 

4.  Dowagiac Parade.  The expressions on the kids' faces were priceless.  Clay couldn't stop making crazy high pitch noises and Mal couldn't stop pointing out every dancer, firetruck, or Santa.  They are at the perfect age right now--eating up every sound, vision, and experience. 

3.  Clayisms.  I was walking past our nativity scene on Friday and noticed three rocks placed in a line on the manger.  That's Sir Clayton.  He also likes to put them in his pockets.  And yes, he can find them anywhere--even in the winter.  Speech is still going well.  He's trying harder--really wanting to say words and sounds.  It is amazing to me how much he understands.  Makes me think I need to start watching what I say around him.  He plays SO well independently.  Mal not-so-much (what rest time?).  I wonder if this is the second child syndrome.  He's so entertained by his trains, cars, and anything else I give him.  I'm truly shocked.  And still working on Mal.

2.  Malloryisms.  Oh Mallory.  Seems she had a "lock-up" (according to Mal) at school this week.  You know a lock down.  She came home all concerned and of course we talked about it.  It breaks my heart I have to have these conversations with my 4 year old.  But at least she's willing to share.  Overheard Mal telling Clay that they should snuggle together on the couch while watching a show.  They both were in smiles, giggling, covered in blankets, hunched over towards each other.  Most adorable kid sight ever.  Mal and I spent some sewing time together while Clayton had his nap.  We used a starter kit and made a kitty cat and heart.  She was singing the majority of the time--to lyrics that had to deal with our sewing.  This totally reminded me up her Daddy.  Two other quick quotes:  M--"Alexis has two boyfriends."  Me--"What?!?!"  Mal--"Alexis has two boyfriends."  Me--"You can't have a boyfriend until you are 16."  Mal--"Okay Mommy."  She's 4 people.  FOUR.  This weekend was a bit of chaos for us with the laundry room.  We tried to do the BIG things when the kids were sleeping...but of course some things had to be done when the kids were awake.  During the process of moving the big freezer, Mal ran into the room and told us Clay was climbing on top of the boxes (we have TONS).  I told Mal, "Well, tell him not to nicely."  So she ran into the room and we heard her say politely, "Clayton not to."  Jay and I looked at each other and cracked up.  We couldn't stop!  LOVE the 4 year old literal mind.  And the simplicity.  

1.  Laundry Room.  Is on it's way!! We have painted walls (goodbye ugly bright blue, hello grey) and NEW flooring!  It looks great and I feel like we have somewhat organized chaos.  Now for some new closets and the rest of the unorganized chaos will be taken care of for good! 

Well, here's to another week closer to Christmas!
Can't wait for the holiday!

Have a great week!
Until next,
Mrs. Newell