Top 10

Top 10
October 13th, 2014


10.  Hunting.  Growing up, my dad (and later brother) where always hunting.  I remember being home with my mom while my dad was in the woods.  And now it seems I'm in my mother's shoes.  I actually enjoy this time with just the kids and me.  It seems now that school is in full session it's hard to get some alone time where we are not rushing around trying to get something done.  *Jay if you are reading this, I enjoy being home with them, but it's SUPER nice to have you home too.


9.  Chilled Weekend.  Mal felt a little under the weather this weekend and with it being kinda gloomy out, we totally chilled this weekend.  It was nice to just hang out inside playing games, puzzles, TV, forts, etc.  We needed one of these weekends.


8.  Sickness.  It's here.  Took Mal to the doctor today and she said it was allergies.  But Clay's nose is starting to run too.  And these allergies Mal has are horrible!  I'm hoping the medicine starts kicking in so she can have some relief soon!


7.  Clay's Field Trip.  Went on Clay's first field trip this past week.  ALL he could talk about was the BUS.  He was so excited to ride the bus.  He did really well and listened a lot better than he does at home:o)  Which makes me feel good.  It was fun to see him in his element with his people.  He's made a few friends and he loves all the adults (teachers, parapros, helpers, therapists) that are involved in the program at his school.


6.  Volunteering.  Still truly enjoying helping out in Mal's room.  Feeling never goes away.  I've got the itch.  To start teaching again.  Did I really type that?  Oops.


5.  Advocacy.  Since I've been home the last two years or so, I've really learned how important it is to be your own child/children's advocate.  Especially with our son.  I met with his private speech therapist and OT this week.  Our speech teacher is SO great with him and I feel she gives me exactly what I need at the time--comfort AND knowledge.  We chatted about his school setting and how it's hard for me to understand what he is actually doing in school (snack, PE time, etc.).  Most kids would come home and chat up a storm about these things.  Unfortunately, he does come home and "chat" a bit but it's extremely hard for me to understand him.  She was very supportive of this concern and enforced that I AM HIS ADVOCATE.  Later last week we started a traveling notebook.  It's already helping open up  more communication between school and home. 


4.  Wedding.  Jay and I attended a friend's wedding this past weekend.  Just the two of us.  Why do weddings always make me feel like I'm lucky?  Like I KNOW I picked the right man for me.  It's kinda like you remember all those memories you experienced on your special day.  The feeling.  The bliss.  The happiness.  I love my husband.  I love how weddings do that to me. 


3.  Clayisms.  I met with Clay's OT this week.  She is another amazing woman in Clay's life.  She first started out saying how much joy it was to work with him.  How his spirit and love of life is so great.  Makes my heart beam.  Because I also see this in our boy.  Starting at conference time, he will be on her caseload.  We are ecstatic!  She has SO many ideas for him.  And I can't wait to start working with her.  She gave us homework and I'm meeting with her again next week!  I finally feel like things are finally coming together for Clay.  Like everything finally lined up and we can only go up from here on out!  He has SO much support from his teachers, therapists, friends, family.  It truly is a blessing.  SO much has changed in just a few short months.  I am so excited for this year!


2.  Malloryisms.  Mal's been a little tired this past week.  Well, more than usual at least.  In fact, she's kinda even put up a stink about going to school.  I know shocking right?!?!  But I understand that school is work not so much play now.  Our conversation the other morning...


Mal:  I don't want to go to school.
Me:  I could homeschool you if you'd like. (I know I'm treading on water here...but read on).
Mal:  Oh really!
Me:  Yes, but that means you won't see your friends, you won't have specials, etc.
Mal:  Oh.  Yeah, I'll go to school.  It's just that I don't get to do what I want to do.  The teacher is always saying 'Do this, do that, do this, do that.'"


Dude--I couldn't stop laughing IN my head.  That's the way life works honey.  She's all good now.  But I get the feeling.  Sometimes life just seems hard and overwhelming and we all need a break from it.  But I DO think Kindergarten should only be 1/2 days.  A FULL day seems really long and hard. 


She had a chance to go to the school library this week and she was super excited about that.  It was cute to see her so pumped about books!  Another cute saying this week:  "Oh Brother!  He's so funny!"  Referring to her brother doing something funny. 


1.  Raider PRIDE.  I saved the best for last.  And it has to do with Miss Mallory.  Of course I've had lots of great mommy moments with my kids but this one seems to top them all and I wasn't even there to witness the REAL event.  But hearing it from my 5 1/2 year old makes it so special.  Mal earned an award and certificate from school this past week due to finishing up a summer booklet.  She was so excited to show me after school but it wasn't until bedtime that she truly shared with me the story.  Of course this isn't word for word what she told me...but it was close.  And you get the gist.


"Mom my name was called on the speaker!  The said "Mallory Newell."  So I went down to the office and when I got back to class all the other kids were asking me where I got it from.  They were all disappointed (this WAS the word she used! Ha!) they didn't have one.  We even got ice cream.  It dripped down my hand so I had to throw part of it away.  I licked the rest of it off my hand."


THE sweetest, proudest moment for me.  Her recollection of it, how proud she was, how great she felt....seriously made my week.  I will NEVER forget that moment she shared with me.  And it's so strange NOT being there and seeing those moments.  But somehow it's even better hearing it from HER.  Her important details and thoughts in the situation. 


Well, It's Monday!
I've got a sick kid home.
And another one bouncing off the walls!


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


P.S.  Hopefully one of these days I'll be able to finish all the ones I've slacked on!