Wednesday, March 26, 2014

My OCD

I have OCD.
I admit this.
And I've gotten better.
(Helps that I have 2 little ones and an extremely laid back husband).


But there are some days when I just get lost.
In all the toys.
Clothes.
Decorating.
Redos.
My hobbies (working out, reading, sewing, crocheting)
Pretty much...
All the things on my to-do list.
And then SOME more.


I feel overwhelmed.
I feel suffocated.
I want to cry.


I usually start like five tasks.
And try completing them in ONE day.
And get even more frustrated.
At myself, at the kids, at my husband.


Then I pray.


Thank God for what I have.
Remember the good.
Remember the not important.
Complete ONE task.
Two if I'm lucky.
And play with my kids.


It can all wait.
I tell myself this every time.
And I wish I could admit
To myself and you
That it won't happen again.
But it does.
Maybe even more than once a month.
And I believe almost every mom
Feels this way once in awhile.
Or at least it makes me feel better to think this.


OCD how I loathe you.




Top 10 for the Week:
March 16th, 2014


10.  Prep for Weekend.  It is amazing to me the prep that goes into me leaving for a weekend.  Enough said.  Maybe I'm too picky about things.  But it's work.


9.  Consignment.  Finally got a chance to drop a few things off to the consignment store (since you have to make an appointed 2-3 months in advance!).  Feels good to be getting rid of some clutter.  I have another appointment this week.  And honestly I think I could make one every week for the next few months!


8.  Separate Bedtime.  Jay's bowling night, I had a bit of difficulty putting the kids to bed.  They both wanted just me.  They were both extremely tired due to playing outside almost all of the day and Clay didn't have a nap.  SO, I made a deal with Mal.  If I could lie down with Clay for a few minutes, let him fall asleep, then she could have me all to herself.  It worked.  And it felt great to have some alone time with her just like when she was younger.  We used to cuddle for a few songs, then I'd leave.  Now Clay usually interrupts all of that.


7.  Library Plant.  I received a HUGE plant from the library this week!  For FREE.  Kids loved it.  So do I.  Mal can't stop watering it! Ha!


6.  St. Patty's Day.  So, I totally did not get the memo that Monday was St. Patty's Day.  I honestly thought it was Tuesday.  Luckily, Mal's teacher pulled through.  In fact, she did it up SO much that Mal kept thinking every little thing in our house was "messed up"  by the leprechaun.  When actually, things were just moved for no apparent reason.  It was adorable but a little annoying too:o)  Sorry, gotta be honest.  The first 10 times were cute...but then it even went into the next day.  Seriously, she must have said it 100 times.  Next year, I'll be better about doing more at home.  Let's hope!:o)


5.  Family Walk.  One night this past week, the four of us took a walk around the pond.  It was cooler but the sun was out.  We enjoyed looking for animal tracks and droppings:o)  And listening to the birds.

4.  Outdoor Play.  We played outside a lot this past week--because of the warmer temperatures!  One day we spent almost all day outside.  It was bliss.  We all loved it and were extremely tired:o)  Felt great.  If only that were the case of the start of this week.  Ugh.


3.  Clayisms.  Clay is on and off potty training.  We've been more off than I.  I like to think that once it gets warmer, we'll be more on board this this.  But we will see.  This week he brought me a diaper and his wipes--letting me know he needed his diaper changed.  Now you'd think if he was smart enough o do this, that he'd be smart enough to use the potty.  Or maybe he's being smart?  Who knows.  I'm ready to say goodbye to the diapers.  But not sure if I'm ready for two kids to use public restrooms (UGH.  Yucky). 


2.  Malloryisms.  She's been a bit mouthy lately.  I guess you could say a little smarty pants.  It seems she's on to me.  Her reasoning and matter-of-factness are becoming quite good.  I wonder where she gets this from?!?!?!:o)  Such a performer at heart though.  One night this week, at dinner, she just started singing her own songs.  One after another.  It was the cutest thing.  Jay and I stood back in awe at how she was just able to improvise so quickly.  AND it made sense.  I really hope she does something with this talent later on in her life.  This week she also told me "I can't wait to be a mother."  Of course I had to chime in that she was WAY too young to be one...and would have to wait another 20 or so years.  I also told her that I would be a Nana then.  "A Nana?!?!  Like my Nana?!?!  Really?  Wow."  Ha!


1.  Quilting Weekend.  Had my quilting weekend this past weekend.  It was bliss to get away for a few days.  I didn't have to make food, wash dishes, do laundry, change diapers.  All I had to do was sew, eat, read, and chat.  Oh and maybe take a nap.  It was awesome!  I also completed a few projects.  Finished new pillowcases for the kids and the quilt I started last retreat (which is by far my favorite thing I've ever made! And my family loves it too!!!).   I also started and finished an Easter table runner--which looks great on out dinner table!  A great weekend away with my mom and my friend Kim.


I'm up-to-date!
Woohoo!


Hope you have a great rest of the week!
Until next week,
Wish for warm weather,
Mrs. Newell

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Top 10



Top 10 for the Week:
March 10th, 2014


10.  Lice.  Lice scare in the preschool where my goes to school.  I panicked.  Yes, I did.  I mean, the dress up clothes, close quarters of their coats.  I should have, right?!?! It was kinda comical...the night I found out there was a case, my mom was here.  Mal slept with her that night.  A little chuckle to myself.  Although I slept with her part of the night the day before.  No lice.  Thankfully. 


9.  Kindergarten Roundup.  We had the informational parent meeting this week.  Jay won the subway gift card.  Mal was totally cool about it.  But was bummed there weren't more toys:o)  So, I had to explain to her how kindergarten was different--different learning takes place to prepare her for the next grade.  Within five minutes of us being home from the meeting, she wanted me to read the book the gave her.  It was adorable.  I enjoyed hearing her tell this to my parents when they asked how it went.  She understands.  But it still makes me a little sad that a lot will be expected of her.  Clay totally went along with her to the kid room  but then started freaking out after most of the parents were already heading back.  He was in tears.  Next fall preschool for him.  It may be a little tough.


8.  Messy Kids.  I love the spring and outdoors (IF it ever truly gets here!).  The warmer temps meant we were outside a lot in the mud.  Getting dirty.  We all enjoyed it.  The four of us also enjoyed an afternoon at great-grandpas sledding and building our first snowman of the year (I know, sad).  It was a beautiful day. 


7.  Zucchini.  Snuck some zucchini in our spaghetti.  They didn't even notice and it tasted delicious. 


6.  Cranes!  Our cranes are back from last year!  We've been talking about them for a few weeks now.  Knowing that spring is suppose to be here.  The kids and I enjoyed watching the three of them--a mom, dad, and older baby.  Its a breath of spring.


5.  Air Zoo/Northrup Date.  We were going to take the kids up to GR to see the Dino exhibit...but with it being St. Patty's day, we decided on the Air Zoo instead.  It was a huge hit.  The kids LOVED the rides and just being out and about.  We had lunch, ran a few errands, and came home to a play date with the Northrups (a play date for the adults and kids:o)).  Mal said, "This is my lucky day!"  She adores Hannah.  And Clay adores Ryan.  And of course we adore them all. 


4.  Nana Here.  Always a blessing.  She stayed for a few days...cause it's been awhile.  Just having someone else around all day is extremely helpful.  I kinda feel like I'm on vacation for a bit.  Just a bit:o)  And it always nice to catch up with her and spend some quality time with her.  Thanks Nana for all you do.  It's appreciated greatly. 


3.  Clayisms.  It was the most adorable thing ever.  Jay headed off to bowling on Tuesday, just after my mom got here.  He kissed Mal, Clay, and me...and was about to head out the door when he motioned to Jay to kiss Nana.  It was so sweet.  I mean, what kid notices those things?!?! Our Clayton Newell, that's who.  Sweetest boy ever.  A few things he said this week:  Got more and I'm not done (referring to not being done poopy in his diaper.  Nice eh?).  We've also been practicing using scissors a lot (he LOVES this) and working on his colors.  In the van one day I had several little squares with red, blue, yellow, and green on them.  As I asked him to raise the right one up he did--on the FIRST try!  All four colors!  I was pretty pumped. 


2.  Malloryisms.  Her vocabulary and choice of words truly amaze me.  When she makes up her stories, she uses adjectives people!  I'm serious--"The deep, hot pond..."  Some of my fifth graders wouldn't even do that!  She's also picking up on some of her dad's phrases, like "Dang it" and "Beats me."  I seriously thought she said damn it at first.  So we had a little talk how that one shouldn't be used.  One morning on our way to school, she made a comment on how the sun looked so big.  We got talking about the planets...she said there were 7.  And when I asked her what planet we lived on--she said Earth.  So matter-of-factly.  Thank-you George for teaching my child:o)  I love PBS. 


1.  Back Porch Living.  Well, I thought it was going to be close to spring.  But I guess I was wrong.  But this past week I was able to enjoy a bit of my back porch living.  Seriously heaven.  Give me sun with warmer temperatures, a cup of tea, and it is just so enjoyable watching my kids play.  I can't tell you how many days we spent on our back porch last year...soaking up the sun and enjoying each other.  I look forward to days when we can do this.  Please.  Come.  Soon.


I'm late.
Real late.
Gotta write this past week's now:o)


Mrs. Newell

Monday, March 10, 2014

Enough!

Last week, I bragged about the kids getting along so well. 
I should have known.

Bliss turned to crazy in just a few days.
Saturday morning being the absolute worst.


Bickering, fighting, pushing, hitting.
Yelling, picking on.
You name it--it happened.
Between a 2 and 5 year old.


It surprised me how quickly it happened.
And saddened me terribly.

But not EVERY day they will get along.
We all need those days.
The days were we need some alone time.
And we get tired of our family.
Right?


It's Monday.
And they are back to normal. 
In fact, after Mal spent some time with Daddy,
And Clayton spent some time with me,
Things were pretty close to back to normal that evening.


Here's to a great start to the week!
And hoping my kids are somewhat pleasant with each other
ALL of this week:o)
Cause this momma doesn't know if she could handle it!




Top 10 for the Week:
March 3rd, 2014
10.  Colder Temperatures.  Suck.  That is all.  I am ready to get my kids outdoors.  Thankfully, later in the week, we did have a few warmer temperatures.  Kids LOVE being outdoors.
9.  Technology Limit.  I've always been concerned with the amount of time our kids spend watching TV or playing games on our phones/Ipad.  But the more I read, the more nervous I get.  This week, I'm striving to limit MORE of their time.  I'm looking for suggestions on how to occupy the mornings...to break our habit of turning on the TV before anything.  Go.
8.  Easter Table Runner.  So, while getting out our Easter decorations, I noticed the table runner I bought last year.  Last year at this time, I hadn't started quilting/sewing yet.  Yeah---I hate the table runner.  Because I can make one SO much better.  Bought the fabric this week.  SO excited to start making it over my quilting weekend--which is only 2 weeks away!  Woohoo!
7.  Ben Visit.  We had our nephew over for a few hours after school one day this past week.  Kids loved having a playmate.  I enjoyed watching them play so well together.
6.  Time ALONE.  Is SO important.  Especially with Mal not taking a nap anymore...and struggling to have rest time on her own.  Makes for a LONG day for this mommy.  Love my kids.  But some days I just need 5 minutes of down time.  This past Saturday, I had a little over an hour.  It was BLISS.  The quiet.  Stillness.  Time to myself.  Totally changed my mood.  Mind.  And Soul.  Thank-you JW.
5.  In-Laws Home.  My parents and in-laws were gone for the same 10 days.  I don't know what this bothered me so much.  Maybe in case of an emergency.  Or just having someone there.  Not sure.  But I'm glad they are both home.  Safe.  And I find comfort in it:o)
4.  Saturday Morning.  Kids woke up fairly early on Saturday morning.  We invited them into bed with us.  Spent 1/2 hour cuddling, laughing, enjoying the lazy morning.  I smile every time I think about it.  Love our little family.
3.  Clayisms.  He is SUCH a sweet boy.  I love how he hugs everyone when he says goodbye.  He seriously is THE best hugger EVER.  Still loud and screams a lot.  But he's trying to talk more.  We also had a breakthrough with potty training.  He was playing in the fort I built Mal and him, when he ran out and headed to the bathroom.  Pants down, diaper off, seat up.  He went!  All by himself!  Too bad we haven't had anything else like that...or motivation to go on the potty.  I'm hoping spring helps!  We will see.  The little buddy will be 3 soon.  I'm ready for no diapers.  But nervous about having TWO kids using public restrooms.  YUCK.
2.  Malloryisms.  More and more she's showing her independence and drive to "grow-up." :o(  From making two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (one for her and one for Clay) to her words, it makes me kinda sad.  A few adorable sayings this week:  "When I grow up, I want to build my house next to yours."  "I'm older now and I'm changing."  We even had a discussion on breastfeeding--the purpose of her chest.  She was so sweet about it.  "Well, that's pretty cool mom.  I'm five now, so you can tell me those things."  I'm not sure if she's too young to talk about those kinds of things.  But I know that I want to be the one to tell her them.  And when she asks me or points things out...I want to make sure I give her correct information--not ALL of it--but some of it.  Other cute things---She called silly putty, fun putty.  And pretending to be the priest--giving the body and blood to Clay and me.  I also got a HUGE hug after bath one night this week while she said "I love you.  You are the best mom I've ever had in the whole wide world.  Best brother.  Best dad.  Best cat.  Best dog.  Best deer."  Her sweetness fills me up.  And makes me want to be a better human being.  Love our girl. 
1.  Visit.  Jay's brother and his wife came home for a few days this weekend.  It was so great to see them and hang out with his family.  Hard to believe they were here for almost four days--it went by so fast.  Kids sure LOVED having them around.  Mal even brought her a rose (which she bought be at the grocery store last week:o)).  It was sweet.






We are into March people!
In about a month we will be celebrating a 3rd birthday!
Hard to believe!


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

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Life is Crazy

Top 10 for the Week:
February 24th, 2014
10.  Jay Gone.  Jay and a few of his buddies went to a Michigan basketball game this past Saturday.  Great for him to get away and have some fun.  But it makes my five day week a six day week.  I honestly don't know how single parents and families that have traveling spouses do it!  The kids did well with me...we kept ourselves busy.  But it makes for a really LONG week.  And thankfully they were both in bed, SLEEPING by 8:05.  I wore them out!:o)
9.  Sunday Crazy.  Do you ever feel like your Sundays are your catch up days?  Like you try and scrunch every last ounce of getting things done in the day?  Sometimes I wish I used Sunday as a more relaxing day...and maybe once the weather gets warmer I will.  But now I feel like I'm constantly busy trying to get things done and ready for the week.
8.  Barbies.  One day during rest time this week, Mal and I played Barbies together.  She is SO me.  Knows exactly how she wants to play.  Telling me what to do the whole time.  I became a little frustrated...but tried my best to be understanding.  She was naming all of her dolls and named one of the men Joe.  "That's funny.  Like the sloppy."  Referring to sloppy JOES.  It was cute.  We had weddings, a camp out, traveling.  Those Barbies were living it up!  Even though I LOVE using Clay's nap time for getting a few things done--I know it's important to connect with her too.  It's so hard for me sometimes to balance everything.
7.Easter Décor.  I had in my mind March 1st as being THE day to get out Easter decorations up.  But due to the kids' excitement, we decided a few days early was just fine too.  I LOVE seeing their faces as we open the tub and explore what's in them.  I seriously feel like it's kinda like Christmas.  The "new" Easter books, decorations, and Easter toys that they can play with now that it's that time of year.  If only I had monthly tubs with appropriate decorations.  I MIGHT just need to do something like that.  Maybe a SUMMER one.  Oh--that sounds COOL.
6.  Leo Loves Mal.  I'm actually surprised by this.  She LOVES the cat.  Searches for him, carries him, holds him, pets him.  Lots of things that I can tell he doesn't particularly like.  BUT I think he secretly does.  Lately, he's been sleeping on her bed A LOT during the day.  NOW, if you were the cat, and you KNEW it was the child's room that adored and smothered you--wouldn't you think you'd pick someplace else to sleep?  Just a thought.  She's elated by it.  I don't blame her.  It's truly a miracle in my eyes!  And I'm thinking Leo is not dumb...but this behavior does make me wonder.
5.  Dinner Out.  Friday night when Jay came home from work, I was in "the mood."  Not THE mood, but the mood.  Tired, exhausted, drained from our kids all week.  I was just starting to cook dinner when he had the brilliant idea of going OUT.  We rarely go out anymore for several reasons.  With my food allergies it can be hard for me AND of course the kids aren't always the best behaved in restaurant settings--especially when they are hungry.  But I LOVED his idea.  And it was bliss.
4.  Visit.  Nana and Papa are finally home from Florida--11 days later (like any of us were counting:o)).  On their way through they stopped and saw us.  It was so great seeing them.  Even little visits are great--even IF it gets the kids wound up!;o) 


3.  Clayisms.  Sometimes I am amazed at how well this kid follows directions.  Seriously.  Between telling him to go get a different pair of socks because the ones he picked out were too tight OR telling him to please put the bathroom towel away (in a cabinet that he had to actually open and "stuff" it in there)--I'm shocked and grinning from ear to ear.  He has definitely picked up on more "big" kid stuff and I contribute that to Mallory.  He SO wants to be like her and be a big boy.  We are working on potty training.  And somedays I feel like we are doing well, and others not so much.  Hard to believe he will be three in just over a month!
2.  Malloryisms.  Getting ready for dance by herself is hard.  With tights, leotard, etc, I get it.  Well, this week she did it herself!  I was busy getting dinner ready and asked her to use the restroom before we left.  She went in, got dressed, and came out beaming!  Huge accomplishment here.  And she knows it too!  We've been talking about frostbite with these below freezing temperatures.  She's intrigued by this and asked "How does the snow bite?"  Cutest, most innocent question.  And SO literal.  I love it!  Our 5 year old also signed up for her OWN library card this week--HUGE.  Checked out books on her own and was even excited to take them back by herself.  Another interesting fact about Miss Mallory Jayne--she is a lover of egg salad AND Brussels sprouts.  I'm serious.  This girl has such a healthy appetite.  Love her to pieces.
1.  Playing Well Together.  Both kids played SO well together this week.  I caught them several times playing school, Easter bunny, cars, doing art, whatever.  They were two peas in a pod getting along beautifully.  Makes a mommy proud!


Another week done!
Late.
But it's all good.


Until next week,
Mrs. Newell