My Ramblings

I am astonished by the overwhelming support and love given to my blog.  My last entry had by far the most views, comments, and likes.  I am still shocked that all of you read and like my weekly ramblings:o)  I started this over two years ago as an outlet to my sanity.  As well as a reason to look for the good in the weekly little things, to keep record of my family's life, and to hold onto a bit of my educational background.  It has even blossomed into more than just that for me.  And the three month hiatus this summer has proven that to me. 


I'd like to give a huge shout out of thanks to those of you that have supported or commented or just thought in your head "I get that!"  My sole purpose was to help myself (I know, rather selfish), and in the process I've gained an audience who appreciates my random thoughts and ramblings.  An audience I did not know even existed.  But whom I appreciate and find comfort in.  Thanks again!


Top 10 for the Week:
September 15th, 2014


10.  Bee Sting.  I was stung by a bee last week swatting it away from Clay.  I haven't been stung in YEARS.  Was not fun and freaked out the kids a bit.  Whoops.


9.  Tipper Love.  So, I've never been a huge fan of our dog, Tipper.  I know.  Crazy right?  Hear me out.  Our dog before Tips was our baby.  His name was Murphy and he had THE best personality.  Unfortunately we had to put him down when he was around four due to an illness.  We adopted Tipper as a puppy the summer Mal was 18 months.  It was pure chaos.  I seriously felt like I had two babies to care for.  It was too much.  Hence the not fully enjoying her.  Anyways, now that the kids have been off to school, I'm finding this new love for our dog.  She is very sweet, calm, and a great company.  Who would have thought?  Jay's astonished.


8.  Busy Friday.  My goal is to try and stay home on Fridays.  Oh what a Friday we had.  Before noon I had changed the sheets on all 3 beds, cleaned the bathroom, emptied the dishwasher, and unloaded a truck full of wood!  I was exhausted.  And so was Clayster.  He's such a great sidekick.


7.  Pudge the Pig.  Mal's class mascot came for a visit this week.  She was SO excited!  Beaming from ear to ear when I picked her up.  I seriously LOVE this age.  Her excitement over little things is so adorable.  Pudge had a great visit and Mal sure enjoyed sharing her bed with a pig.  (I seriously want a REAL pig.  Seriously.  We are considering getting one this spring.  I'm so excited!:-))


6.  Mal's DESK.  Mal was given a desk from her Aunt and Grandma Newell.  It is perfect!  We had a great time painting it together.  Even Clay helped out. 


5.  Canning Pears!  So last year a few of us got together and canned 60 quarts of pears.  This year, my SIL and I decided to do it again by ourselves!  We were extremely successful!  6 hours, 2 bushels of pears, and the two of us produced 60 or so quarts of pears for us to enjoy over the winter months!  Such satisfaction out of doing this.  Which I still don't know why.  But every time I open a jar up, I am beaming with pride that I helped can it and provide it for my family. I know.  Extremely silly.  And I just have to put in here that Clay was such a trooper!  He was SO well behaved!  I was SO proud of him!


4.  Thursday.  I had an oil change appointment on this past Thursday.  I really didn't know what to do with myself during this time.  But I decided to walk down to a local coffee shop that I had never been in.  It was SUCH bliss.  I had a chance to plan meals for the next week, enjoy a coffee, do a few other things, in the company of locals while smelling delicious coffee.  It seriously was awesome. 


3.  Clayisms. Clay grabbed my phone this weekend and started watching videos of him and Mal.  I cried.  Makes me sad to think about how we used to be able to do things together during the week.  Such a more relaxed, carefree atmosphere.  Now I feel like I'm rushing here and there and everywhere.  Clayton seems to be improving on his speech.  I'm noticing a few combined words--two sheep, pink pig, here mom.  He continues to love school and is SO into napping (which he's NEVER been before!).


2.  Malloryisms.  Getting to be such a big girl.  I asked her this week during one of our chit-chat sessions if she wanted me to go back to work.  Her reply, "I don't want you to work.  You need to take care of home."  I guess it's probably comforting for her to know that I am home waiting for her.  Still loving school as well and doing extremely well.  I'm noticing an improvement in her writing.  And she's more interested in practicing things at home.


1.  Kidless Weekend.  Jay and I went to visit some dear friends of ours one night so my parents took the kids for the whole weekend.  I cried when they left.  I didn't even have a good chance to talk to my girl after school and then she was gone.  For our kidless date night, Jay and I hauled wood.  Yes, that is correct people.  You do what you gotta do.  We are those type.  Between hauling and unloading we DID got out to dinner and had a few drinks.  I had three and had a hangover in the morning.  This is why I don't drink anymore.  Jay thinks I need to drink more so I don't feel this way.  HA!  We had a lovely time visiting our friends and getting a tour of their new house.  We feel blessed to have them in our lives for so many years (18 years to be exact!).  Lots of laughs, food, and just enjoying each other's company.  Looking forward to hopefully another visit before the end of the year.


That's a wrap!
Hope all is well!
And that you had a great week as well!


Until next week,
Mrs. Newell