Mess to Masterpiece

There's something about rainy days that bring out the 'blog' in me. I'm sitting in my quiet corner at work, sipping coffee, (that's a given!) and with all my paperwork in order I figured it can't hurt to take some time out of my day to dedicate to the blog. 

When I began this blog, I was a naive nineteen year-old looking for an outlet to sort out the mess I'd created of my life & today as I add to my thirteenth post in over the span of a year (and a half) I feel like the life that was once spinning around me, has rested in to a comfortable spot and I couldn't be happier of how I've grown. I can't say I'm not naive anymore- because if I've learned anything, I know that there's always wisdom to gain.

I'm married to a man that has had my heart since I was fifteen, he loves me faithfully and even though we have our differences at times, we choose to work through them and love each other anyway. We've learned to become responsible adults and take care of our precious little girl that depends on us fully. We've learned to pay our bills and choose the necessities over desires and cherish the innocent things in life. 

I've maintained healthy friendships that stretch from across counties to across the country. I've learned to listen to what God teaches us about being apart of this sinful world and to have patience no matter how frustrated I become. I'm a Mother, wife, sister, daughter & friend to so many incredible people and I'm so thankful for all the people in my life that make it what it is. It's a rewarding feeling to mull over your life and to be content with what's in front of you. 

This blog wasn't just for me to realize how far I've come, but for people to realize no matter what mess you may be in the middle of there is hope to rewrite your future. Never be intimidated by doing just that-

xo

Camping or Bust!

            It’s a peaceful morning over here, as I write these words to all of you. The sun has just barely come up and I’ve found myself restless and filled with words, so I’ve given up on the idea that a couple more hours of sleep is possible and surrendered to a cup of coffee and my laptop.

I may be able to attest this restless feeling to the fact Jon & I are going camping this weekend and having a little get-a-way weekend to recharge and reconnect. We’ve chosen to head out with our new car and some supplies- and according to the weather report…lots of rain gear. I was so disappointed last night as I checked the weather map for that area and it still had 3 solid days of gray clouds and rain. I found myself going through Pinterest at 4am this morning, reading through camping tips & tricks and doing what I do best…making lists! But this morning as I waited for my coffee to brew I had a little conversation with God, where he told me that this weekend would be everything I made it to be. All the planning in the world couldn’t make this trip fun if my attitude wasn’t prepped. So my prayer as we pack up Hallie for her nana & papa’s house and run around getting everything in the car for our trip, is that we find joy in this time we get to spend together, No matter what the weather decides to do!

            A huge thing in the life of my little family has recently happened, we bought our first car! It was a long time coming and huge hurdle for Jon & I to overcome. I know it’s just a car but for two young parents that are learning how expensive life can really be, to be able to end up in a position where affording a nice car was possible was a very big accomplishment for us. Driving off the lot with our new car was like driving over a finish line and it was an incredible feeling! Ever since we discovered we we’re going to become parents we knew that there was a huge gap between a young engaged, care-free couple, pondering about life and a settled, financially sound couple that we’re also responsible parents. It wasn’t an easy road to maneuver down but I’d say we’ve made our way to a very special destination. It doesn’t always happen like that-where you work hard for something and you get rewarded but it’s always sweet feeling when it does happen that way.

Well I’d say it’s time to go try to catch a quick power nap before our busy weekend begins! Like I always say- Don’t lose the joy in the journey! xo

A little 'milestone' picture for the family album! 

Power, Peace & Coffee

            It’s a rainy morning here in B-ville, so naturally, after a diaper change, morning bottle & a nice big cup of creamy coffee, I felt it only appropriate to sit down with the blog again. This past weekend I got the enormous honor of being a part of my lovely friends’ wedding. For me, weddings bring out the emotional side in me, as it does in most women I assume. This particular wedding was held at a spectacular waterfall in Taughannock Falls in NY. The ceremony itself was placed so perfectly on a stone overlook, right in front of the magnificent falls. As I was standing there listening to my dearest friend profess her unwavering love for her husband-to-be, I couldn’t help but peek around at the falls and marvel at its absolute power. It was one of those moments that happen few and far between in this busy culture we’re a part of. I could barely take it all in! As the water poured over the top in to the giant gorge & the couple standing before it reciting their carefully crafted vows, I felt as if they were not only speaking to each other but speaking before God. The waterfall so peaceful yet so powerful represented God. I don’t think it was meant to represent anything other than a beautiful back-drop but his mysterious yet perfect ways of reminding us he’s always there became so clear at that moment in the ceremony. I remember getting chills as if I was having a secret moment with our loving savior at this perfect ceremony. What a gift.

            It was a special day filled with lots of smiles, pictures, memories & food. The day came and went and reality set back in swiftly. Jon and I made our way home back to our little girl waiting for us and the routine of our life-style as parents & responsibilities set back in as quickly as we left them.

I woke this morning, whined and rolled out of bed wishing for more sleep, I knew that it was time to ask God for some strength because no coffee in the world can keep me going like God can. I suppose it’s time to leave my corner of comfort with my coffee and dimly lit laptop but thankfully I believe this streak of writers block is over and I’ll be visiting the blog much more often. Until then… :) 

Iced Coffee & Prayers

Hi friends, it’s always a joy to take a break from life and sit down with Dunkin iced coffee in hand to scribble out what’s been going on in this crazy (and blessed!) life of mine. I have been anxiously waiting to begin a new job and as each day passes, the excitement builds. My gracious brother-in-law to be has been renovating a new store in Brewerton, NY to become his new flooring showroom. He asked me a few months back if I would join him in selling flooring and doing his books and other paperwork for his business. I can still remember the feeling of relief as God was answering my prayers. Shortly after I left my long-standing job at the beloved Red Onion, I began to worry that I wouldn’t find something that paid well and worked with my evolving mommy schedule. This wonderful opportunity not only answers every single prayer that I prayed but it gave me three special months to savor with my Hallie girl. Watching her grow was such a gift and I’ll never forget these early days of her life that I was able to stay home with her. So yes, Praise the Lord!

Following this update on my life, I’d like to touch on the topic of prayer. As noted above, God heard me loud and clear and it was so incredible for me to experience that, but I must be true to my readers. I didn’t spend a lot of time praying for this to happen. Prayer is something I’ve always struggled with. It’s not that I don’t think God hears me. It’s that I struggle finding time in my life to dedicate to God. Recently in the quietness of one of my special days at home with Hallie, God really made it clear to me that If I open up and really pursue a more personal relationship with Him, He will prevail.  Nothing insane or crazy has happened since, but I feel so much more complete that I get to talk to God whenever I need to and He listens. It’s such an often forgotten privilege with powerful results.

I hope your all staying warm in this blistery storm!  Jon woke up this morning and decided it was as good a day as any to play hookie, so the plan for today will be to hunker down with my two favorites and have a fun day indoors eating Superbowl leftovers and watch movies!

Thank you for reading, as always, I'm very humbled to see how many people actually do take a glance at the blog. <3 

Change is a promise

Last night as I was trying to fall asleep, I began thinking about all the milestones in life that are yet to come. Something about having my first child, awakened this sense of excitement within me and it gave me such hope for the future. I remember this specific Grey's Anatomy episode (forever will be in love with this show!) where there was an older man dying of cancer. As one of the interns was in his room treating him for something, he began to explain there becomes a time for the older generation where you realize that all that you were looking forward too, already happened. That epiphany in this fictional character has always stuck with me. It's a sad realization but it can always be used as a reminder. To recognize that this time that you have right now, comes along with a promise, that it won't always be here. Change can be oddly comforting if your having a bad patch or it can be scary if your happy with how your life is at the moment. But the sooner we embrace it, the better!

On that note, I thought I would update my readers on my current stage of life. Our daughter just turned 6 months and she is growing so fast. Every day it seems she's developing more and more and it's so fun to watch. I love the light that comes on in her eyes when she masters something. This week it was sitting up, such a big milestone for her! I have to remember to document it in the baby book!

Jon and I just celebrated our first anniversary as a married couple. It was oddly perfect that we spent the day together just doing our normal routine. I cleaned our apartment and he cuddled with the baby on the couch. Then my parents watched Hallie while we went out to a nice steak dinner and then of all presents he gifted me a new diaper bag! ;) That low-key kind of day was just a pleasant reminder that our life together is a perfectly ordinary one. Filled with quiet nights in our apartment watching our daughter grow, weekly trips to the grocery store and a passionate love that never seems to fail. I couldn't be happier.

I must touch on the fact that life isn't perfect. I value the truth that though I paint a perfect picture there are many flaws as well. Marriage is a challenge, we work so hard everyday to do it right. Loving each other some days is a choice but it's always the right one. Hallie, though a happy baby most of the times, we do have the occasional, fussy day where I don't shower until after dinner. I can't seem to keep up with my heap of laundry which I get the awesome privilege of carrying down my 32 steps and 7 miles over to my parents, twice a week. But in this life filled with challenges, I get the awesome privilege of waking up every day and living it. And to me, that's enough.

So, thanks for reading, I hope all of you can take away something from this post. Stay warm in this frigid weather and remember...Change is a promise. Spring is coming! :) 

In light of our anniversary, I thought I'd post a little memory from our Wedding. :) 

Dear 2014

Dear, 2014

 I must reminisce with you. You have been a year to remember. You will be a year that I tell my grandchildren about someday, a year that when I'm old and wrinkly, I look back upon and smile with remembrance. A year that chose to test my limits, to bring me pain and then replace it with joy. You have stripped me of my pride on countless occasions only to replace it with humble thoughts. You've strengthened my relationship with my family. You've brought me life-long matrimony with a man that is kind and loyal to his word. You've brought me a daughter that has striking blue eyes and a soul made of joy and love. Oh, 2014, you have been one for the books. I'd like to thank you for your constant roller coaster because it taught me that life holds no promises. I'd like to thank you for your constant changes, they taught me how to adjust and accept. I'd like to thank you for the consistency of your months that come so quickly and leave so quietly. 

2014, you have not been a year that came and went with disappointing regrets, resolutions not completed and exceptions not met. You had plans I never expected and you held memories I'll never forget. Goodbye 2014, I'll welcome this new year with you in mind and bring along what you've taught me.

Love,
Mallory 

When Moneys not Enough

It's a surreal feeling for me to sit down with this empty paper. I usually read my last post and then sit here with my fingers hovering the keyboard and its always a mystery of what's going to end up on the page. Blogging is not as much as an outlet for me but it's a way of sorting through whatever is going on in my life. With the everyday changes that seem to occur regularly, it's only natural for me to need to sit down in a quiet corner of my life and mull over the recent piece of the Journey.

Sadly the theme in life lately has been anxiety. I am somewhat ashamed to admit that because it's always something that I've run from. It runs fiercely through my family and I was always proud to be labeled as the chill one. I blame it on hormones but I'm pretty sure it's just me at this certain point in my life. I get the privilege of speaking on the phone with my beloved friend every now and then. Our recent conversation revolved around the inevitable realization that money sucks. There is never enough and for me and my friend we like the sense of security. My savings account has looked pretty barren lately and even though I have everything I need (and MORE) I still seem to toss and turn and crunch the numbers in my head. I know I am just starting out and it takes time to learn how to manage the money and put it where it counts, but I still need to remind myself that money isn't everything.

I thank my husband for this reminder daily. I realize that I am a pain. I realize that I have a stressed look in my eye too often and I realize that I need to stop going on a Dunkin coffee run every single day.

But on a serious note, I needed to sit down and take a good hard look at not the numbers but my trust in the Lord. Once I focused on all that I had and all that God has provided for my family and I, all those money worries seemed to dissolve. Now it's not to be said that I need to throw my hands up and say God will take care of this for me but when I start to feel like the world is crumbling down around me because the money isn't as plentiful as what's comfortable, that's when its time to take a chill pill and look to God because he is always enough.