SO Not Ready

I realized when I took this gig that there would be a day that it would end.  I thought I'd have at least four years home with the kids and then we would go from there.

I didn't realize how much I would enjoy being home with them.  How much it would change me.  And them.  For the better.

I tear up thinking about Mal going into kindergarten next year.  What will our day be like without her with us?  I think it will possibly be harder on me, than her.

Well, today, it was mentioned that Clay next year could possibly be in the preschool program located in the same building as his speech.  The program is five days a week for almost 3 hours. 

I cried. 
I'm SO not ready for this. 

I didn't realize how attached I'd be to them.
How just in a 18 months, I'd feel this way.

Roles and lives change so quickly.

Top 10 for the Week:
12-9-13

10.  No Power.  One day this past week we were without power two separate times (one was just over an hour).  Jay got his chance to try out the generator.  Enough said.  He was elated.  Like a little kid.

9.  Stuck.  So, our new van is WAY different driving in snow than our Trail Blazer.  A bit scary.  A few times this past week I struggled to get out of our steep driveway.  In fact, one day I actually got stuck on my way to pick up Mal.  Several scoops of salt and shovels of snow and I made it out.  I called on my handsome husband to help me out.  Of course, when he came, I was in the last 2 feet of the steep hill.  He jumped in and drove it the rest of the way up.  95% done.  Yeah, it was me.  All me.

8.  Early Riser.  I was up early one day this week.  I had like 5 things accomplished before anyone was up in the house.  It was bliss.  Why don't I do this???  Here's to trying harder to be an early bird.

7.  Brussel Sprouts.  LOVE them.  Didn't know this until Thanksgiving of this year.  Seriously.  I could eat them every week.  Delicious.  How have I gone 35 years without having one?!?!

6.  Damaged.  Our holiday decorations are getting ruined by our kids (mainly the littlest one).  Makes me sad/angry/frustrated.  Let's just say that I have a permanent pile of "please fix me" pieces on the counter.

5.  Xmas Program.  Mal had her Xmas program this week.  SO adorable.  She had to wear pajamas and pretend she was sleeping for part of it.  I love seeing her in this kind of environment.  She's becoming quite the performer:o)  Clay was a gem!  He was SO good throughout the whole program.  Very captivated by the performance.  Stuck by my side the whole time I was moving around trying to get the perfect shot of Mal. 

4.  Holiday Stuff.  We had quite the packed holiday weekend.  Friday night we went sledding behind Jay's Grandpa's house.  The kids were thrilled and had such a great time!  I did as well!  And forgot how much of an exercise sledding can be!  We also went and saw Santa in the mall.  Clay was a bit skeptical at first--not wanting to go near him--and then he warmed up.  Mal was her usual shy but excited self.  Her I-love-you-but-I'm-going-to-be-shy smile.  Both took a great picture with him.  After Santa we went and got our tree.  Snowing, cold, cranky kids.  We picked one that he had already cut down.  But it was perfect.  Fits nicely in our living room.  The kids were ready to be home:o)  We ended up decorating it on Sunday night.  Clay was into it at first but then realized that Jay wasn't going to lift him up for every ornament.  He turned quickly into a not so excited boy.  Mal adored it all....every ornament was "so cute" and she loved everything about it.  I love having the smell and light from it.  A nice addition to our living room.

3.  Clayisms.  Speech was cancelled this past week.  He was upset about it--making a frown face when I told him.  He seemed off most of the week.  Cranky, not talking as much, screaming lots.  A very frustrating week.  Spoke again to the speech therapist today.  We are looking into getting him more help with another speech therapist as well as having his hearing thoroughly checked.  She thinks it has something to do with his motor development (not being able to process what he's thinking and saying).  Knowing what the right thing is to do for your child is hard.  He's still his happy, personable, loving self.  I don't want that being taken away from him--out of frustration of not being able to communicate OR from working him too hard.  I know I write about this a lot...but it's always on my mind and heart.  And this week was rough.

2.  Malloryisms.  Oh Mallory.  A few of her funny sayings:  "Ava told me that gummy bears were made out of bones."  I put two health food store (made out of agave nectar) in her snack and she was told by another little girl at school this.  Cracks me up.  She was concerned--who wouldn't be?!?!  "MOM!  I would poop on the floor--would you like that?!?!"  It seems, I wasn't walking FAST enough to help her unbutton her pants.  And of course I wouldn't like it if she pooped on the floor.  Duh?!?!  Only the beginning people.  Help me.  She also believes that I can fix and make anything when it comes to sewing or crafting.  SO cute.  But she's putting the pressure on me.  "Oh Daddy.  Mom can make that!"  I'm ready to start saying--"Oh Mallory, you can make that!"  And I think she's ready too.  But still a little too young to start using her own sewing machine.

1.  Crazy Sunday.  LOTS was done Sunday.  Chaotic.  Yes.  Stressful.  Yes.  Jay was able to get the frame up for our huge closet in our laundry room.  The kids and I wrapped presents, made homemade play do ornaments, got out the rest of the Christmas stuff, and did our usual thing.  The day flew by!  And by the end of it--the kids were ready for bed! 

IT's close!
Last week of school for Mal!
Excited to have her home for a few weeks--
where we can stay in our pajamas for a day!

Hope you all have a great last week!

Until next week,
Mrs. Newell