The Dawn of my Favorite Season

            Today I sit with you from the seat in front of my computer desk, my little 14 month old sitting at my feet, sifting through the paper trash and baby gabbing away, the wash is in and kitchen cleaned after a breakfast of waffles and fruit and the cool September air is circulating through the apartment nicely. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this content and it feels so invigorating! I also might add that some of the excitement is coming from the season that’s upon us…autumn has always been my favorite. From the warm scents, to the whirring of the school buses on route so early in the morning and the endless weekend activities that seem even more exciting now that I have a family of my own to share them with.

This feeling of content isn’t only brought on by my love for the season in weather but the season in my life that’s just begun. There was a time not many weeks ago where I felt stuck. My daughter, always my main priority and worry, wasn’t seeing enough of her Mommy because of my work and the endless routine that I practiced week after week that started to run me down. The constant need to find a baby-sitter and the unsatisfying feeling of leaving my growing daughter in fear I would miss something. All of these things followed by the laundry list of chores that never seem to go away. It was a rut I found myself in after simply trying to go back to work to help our little family make it in its young, fragile state. I remember waking up on one of my days off and just praying to God to help me find a solution where I could still work but end up where I belonged. The thought of returning to my old job (which I mentioned in my last blog-post) came to mind and I cautiously proceeded with the idea.

I’ve been back to work at the Red Onion for 3 weeks now and that cautious idea I decided to move forward with has prevailed in ways I could have never orchestrated myself. I’m able to be home every morning with my daughter, playing with her, watching her grow and most importantly keeping the home fires burning. I work 3 evenings a week with the help of my closest family and of course, wonderful husband, to care for Hallie.

Not only has this change in job been good for the dynamic of our family but most importantly it’s given me 3 times a week I get to remember who I was before I was dubbed wife & mom. I didn’t realize the importance of that identity until I hadn’t seen it in a while. I must say, God really had my back and knew exactly what I needed…And how awesome of him to do it during the dawn of my favorite season. ;) 

xoxo 

Mallory 

Apparently all that 'paper sifting' tuckered her out! 

Closing a Chapter

I’m writing to the blog tonight from a sense of excitement and eagerness to share a new but old addition to my Journey. I’m propped up in my pile of blankets in our cozy, laundry covered bedroom. Hallie is running around our house under a watchful eye of her Daddy and he’s graciously given me a little quality time with my blog.

Life has been hectic lately, slowly mastering the balancing act of working two long days during the week and being around the other three to play out my wife & mommy role. It’s definitely been a telling time for me personally. There is a definite responsibility that presents itself in the everyday moments of life that I owe my daughter and most importantly my family, my very best on a daily basis. It’s not always feasible but it’s definitely my life goal to be there for my little one that needs me fully. 

My recent chapter in life is coming to a close and though I’m sad for certain reasons, I’m also very excited to enter in to a new chapter. These past 6 months have been a real challenge adjusting to life working in a complete different line of work, learning to grow as a wife and mother, and still trying to tend to myself when I can. I’m proud to say I took a job opportunity and played it out to its full potential, but unfortunately, I’ve decided to walk away from the day job and enter in to an old routine of a night job at the beloved Red Onion, while also taking on an entirely different side job working for an incredible health and wellness company, it works Global.

What a crazy thing life is! I can’t even believe my life is changing this much in such a small amount of time but I’m so blessed to have so many awesome opportunities to play out and give my all.

With the fall season just around the corner and new beginnings on the horizon, I can’t help but feel giddy with excitement as life changes course. I’ve come such a long way through this Journey as a person and as a mother; it’s an invigorating feeling to grow towards a direction you feel you’re led to follow. Stay tuned! 

xo Mallory 

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. :)