Twenty-Fourteen Recap

I must admit, if I were eight years old again and asked what I thought 2015 would be like, I would respond with flying cars and everyone would wear those terrible looking silver suits like you see in those futuristic movies. Instead, cars are still on the ground, fashion has not taken a major turn, there are more options for fast food, and a crap ton of things have been exposed through the news.

Tomorrow is 2015, where has this year gone??

Twenty-Fourteen has been a year filled with new friendships, love, experiences, stress, beauty, joy, and blessings. It's been our first full year here in Virginia, and reflecting back to last years post Out with the Old our hatred for Virginia has still remained the same, if not grown. Bryan finally knocked out a semester at Old Dominion University, and I am just a class short from receiving my Associates in Health Sciences. Joy.
Blakely has sprouted from a baby beanstalk to a toddler terror. No is still her favorite word and arguing is her favorite pastime. Blakely and I took a drive through the mountains to get her little pup Folly, who is stubborn as hell and does whatever she likes. Bryan and I have met some amazing people and made a handful of new friends. We have been blessed so many times and could not be more thankful.

This year the we will be ringing in the New Year with family; creating memories, sharing laughter, and enjoying some really good food. We look forward to what 2015 has to offer to our little Family and could not be more excited.

We hope that you have many blessings and an endless amount of opportunities within this new year.

Happy New Years!

Xo

M.

#Vaniversary

Things I own:

Mac desktop, Macbook, 3 pairs of blue jeans, a pair of white jeans, Chino pants, 3 bins of workout clothes, 5 pencil skirts, 12 dresses, and a crap ton of shirts and jackets that I have but don't wear. I have too much jewelry and enough designer hand-me-down bags to know what to do with. I have a table stacked with heels, boots, tennis shoes, loafers, sandles, most just sit there looking pretty. The crave of wanting more can never be filled; its an unchievable appetite. Tyler Durden in Fight club made a bold statement: "the things you own, end up owning you." So what are the real necessities? I can tell you only what I know...

Necessities:

1. Food- A well fed body makes the brain fueled and the soul happier. Plus without this we would be malnourished.
2. Water- Our body is made up of it. Replenish what was lost.
3. Sleep- Ever gone 18 hours without sleep? YOU. ARE. MISERABLE. Speaking for myself anyway.
4. Clothes- Realisticly everyone walking around naked would not be pretty. Let's face it, even Adam and Eve sewed leaves together.

The other Necessities:

Today I Celebrate my Anniversary, Christmas Eve, Having a loving family, A forgiving God, and a beautiful Life. I will never forget my original feelings of Bryan when I started to work for him. He was a straight up asshole. He made fun of my ears and gave me such a hard time but eventually the annoyance turned into being smitten which in turn we fell into Love. Id be lying if I said these past years were easy, and often times wondered why we were placed on eachothers paths. We have rode more rollercoasters than we could care for. Fought more than we should have, been there for each other's worst. Screamed and cried, laughed and loved. Our marriage has come a long way and with that said, we both have grown tremendously. Bryan makes me spiritually whole, comforts me when im sad, generalizes with me when im unrealistic. I could not even imagine a stronger man and a better half to stand by my side. Love is my other First Necessity.

Happy Vaniversary Lovebug.
Forever and Always.

M.

I've been Busy...

Have you ever let life get in the way of whats been right in front of you? 

Yeah, me neither.... 

I've been busy or claim to believe so. I work from 6 to 430, which work consists of working people out, tons of paperwork, and plenty of time to get what you need to get accomplished, done. I get up at 345 so I have ample time to get my workout in to kickstart my day. I get home, eat, prepare for the next day, and if I have enough fuel in me- i'll stay up to watch a movie with my husband. This eventually leads into me dozing off for the rest of the night. Monday through Friday this is my life. Is it fair to my Husband and my daughter who only get the 15 percent while 85 percent of me is used at work?
No. It's not.

Multitasking is difficult for me. Always has been, hopefully won't always be. It gets so bad that I can't text and talk. Drive and pick a different song, Listen to Bryan while i'm tending to blakely. I'm very one minded. It's either me or my family. Its difficult for me to spread the time out evenly and it's something that I will be working on.

Life is defined as a human or animals existence from birth to death. Life is Energy. It's the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change. I agree with all those definitions; I'd also agree with the fact that some of us get so involved with the changing of our own lives that we forget whats in our life.

These past two weeks have been pretty hard for me- and yes I will say it. I have lost sight in what gives my life meaning; My husband and my little girl.  I guess you could say this is pretty personal  to an extent but it needs to be shared because I know I am not the only one.

We (I), tend to focus more on what society wants of us. Have a nice paying job, a perfect little life, time for yourself, your friends, and your family. Religion is not that big of a center point in families these days. Spouse equality may or may not be as important to others. Work is a place for relaxation because theres so much hostility at home. Sooner or later we're making excuses for why marriages fail, why children are so "messed up" from living in a broken home, why financial responsibilities should be #1. Why we brush aside the important things and why we let the wrong things dictate our actions/choices versus the right things.


Do not lose sight in what really keeps you going. The minute you do, you better snap back in reality because your job and the clothes you wear won't aid you in real comfort. Don't get caught up in the "necessities" that really aren't. Remember the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
I myself have not been to the "other side" and I don't want to venture out that way. I'm happy where I am, I just forget it at times.

Stop to take a look, reflect, and savor the important things that you have. You will realize that you have it better than you thought.

Bryan,
Thank you for never losing sight in me. You are a bigger person than you realize.

Weekend Getaway

Even though Virginia Beach is 20.3 miles away (30 minutes on a good day without traffic) it was this weekends Getaway. My in-laws (couldn't have married into a better family) came down from upstate New York to spend some time with us. My mom and dad are pretty much the best/realest people out there, and if I were boasting this is where I'd say that my in-laws are better than yours.

They rented the same hotel as they always do which is located right on the beach with the best view. Being Labor Day, we had the excitement of all the boardwalk festivities; local bands playing country covers, Reggae smoothers, and of course homeless individuals who banged on buckets for tip money.  The Rock and Roll marathon was also going on which woke us from our slumber at 7am, but interesting enough the types of runners from athletically gifted to not so much kept us occupied for a good minute. One in particular was a double amputee who hand biked his way through the entire 1/2 marathon heat. Folks thats 13.1 miles all on the power of his arms (which I might add, came in right before 2.5 hours had touched the clock). In passing I was overcome with chills and it reminded me that anything is possible if you tell yourself it is.

Doubt: To be uncertain about; consider unquestionable or unlikely; hesitate to believe. A word with synonyms of apprehension, fear, suspense, and discredit. Where faith, calmness, and dependence cannot be found. 

Doubt can be a powerful thing and if you aren't mindful, it can consume EVERYTHING. What do I mean by everything? Your faith in family and friends, yourself, and even your morals and beliefs.  Tribulations can be overcome. People are meant to be trusted. Your faith is welcome in all areas. I found that young man to be an inspiration, for honestly if I were in that position I can't say I'd be as grateful as him.

When it comes to anything in life we must remember that God is with us through everything, even when we feel as if we are standing completely alone. I tend to forget this often and am reminded by the little things which step way into my path.
Doctrine and Covenants 6:36 God states "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." This is a good reminder that needs to be imprinted to every situation I come across when my heart is sore and my mind is full. #somuchtobethankfulfor.

I have a roof over my head. Food to indulge in. A patient, loving, faithful man who stands by my side in everything. A mini Me who has brought more joy and life lessons than thought possible. Two families who have molded me into who I am today. A forgiving God and a gospel that teaches the power in faith through all things.

I am Blessed. There should be no gray area of confusion.


Xo
-m

Cheers to being Two

I woke up to the repeated calls of Maaaama as our little one was trying to roll me out of bed. All my husband could say was,  Morgan it's her birthday...

Our little one is now officially TWO. Where and why has this past year gone by so fast. At one moment I could not wait for this age, where she's sociable and semi-self dependent. Now that she's in this point of life and answers no to everything, I can't tell you what I would give to have her swaddled back in her newborn blanket snoozing away. Life, let me keep my baby A BABY.

So a little bit about this sassy thing:

She's weighing somewhere around 25 pounds, yes she was a 6 pounder at birth, but generally babies catch up on their weight as they grow. Still wearing 18 month bottoms, she has now graduated to some 2T tops and lets not forget how her size five diapers swallow her.
Favorite Movie: Frozen. When Let it Go starts to play, she drops everything she is doing to dance and yes she even sings "go" repeatedly through the whole 2.5 minutes of the song. It's really quite entertaining.
Favorite Pastime: Coloring. Yes our little Pabl(a) Piccaso loves to share her artwork.. on the walls of our rental, her clothes, our bedspread, and her art table. Time to stockpile up on those Magic Erasers, Mr. Clean you're welcome in our home anytime.
Favorite Food(s): Well her diet explains her wardrobe size. I once was that individual that criticized the "bad" parents who fed their children stupid stuff just so they wouldn't "starve" I even swore I would never succumb to that. Well all I can say is never say never... our 2 year old eats what she wants because she has a mind of her own. If she doesn't want it, she won't eat it.
We've progressed from wanting popcorn everything to popcorn sometimes. Mac 'n cheese, fruit popsicles... actually fruit everything, ice cubes, sweet potatoes, almond milk,  and the occasional stir fry and meat/veggie bake from mom and dad's plate now make up the food pyramid of our daughters diet.
Favorite Animal: Pretty much anything that makes a noise. Blakely and I like to get in a Meow contest which consists of us meowing like cats back and forth to each other. I have to say that Bryan really like this one, and blakely has surpassed me when it comes to who makes the most realistic cat noise.
Favorite Word: I really can't believe I just made a category for favorite word!? Aren't all two year olds favorite word No? She has been talking a lot more lately and randomly too. The other day I was pulling some bags out of our storage closet and she asked,  mom are you okay? I was like wait what? yes mommy is okay then she had to reassure herself by asking if I was sure... She also loves to ask what was that with everything that makes a noise. She loves to surprise bryan and I with new words and sentences.

Blake has an attitude just like her mother, in a way thats a good thing but it also is not such a good thing. My mother said to me when I first found out that I was pregnant that was goes around comes around ten fold. Good call mother goose, good call. This child is something else and I feel the older she gets the more Bryan and I are going to have on our hands.

Did I mention how OCD she is too? I'm not kidding, if something has a place that's where it will go. I couldn't be more proud of a two year old who organizes. (insert witty mark of how my child is better than yours here.)

Our baby cheeks has brought us more joy and love than thought imaginable. She surprises us daily and makes us so proud. We love you little Blake and Happy Birthday!

Xo

Daddy and Mommy.

Holla to yo Mama

"ALL THAT I AM... OR EVER HOPE TO BE, I OWE TO MY ANGEL OF A MOTHER. "

They say that life didn't come with a manual, it came with Mothers. Now i'm not a violent person, but whoever came up with that crock of crap I'd like to punch you in the face. Don't put that type of pressure on us, as if we know the answers to life's secrets and what it entails. What would be ideal is on that last big push, the baby came out holding a manual for the mothers on what to do in every situation possible, the good the bad the happy and sad.
*Baby won't stop crying... Look up in chapter three reference A and oh look there's the answer.
*Child says an embarrassing thing in public look up chapter 8 and there's the answer.

The very first Blog I ever posted was titled Motherhood has Hit. A little after a year of writing that I have realized that yes, figuratively speaking it has hit. You gave birth, you do your motherly duties and thats that. It takes much more to be a mom though, rather than you just saying you're one and living life as you please.

I carried Blakely for nine full months, gained twenty pounds, sacrificed my body and was adorned with these so called "tiger stripes" which I invested in every cream on the market to avoid getting. When that beautiful little 6 pound baby was placed in my arms it was if time stopped and it was just her and I. Everything that I went through was completely worth it and the greatest feeling of love had poured over me in a way that I had never experienced. Watching her grow, aiding to her needs, actually being there for her (even though I'm sometimes guilty of not after a long day of work.) It takes a lot to be a Mother and a good one at that. I look at the mothers in my life and wonder how they made it this far because it's so hard. I often question whether or not I'm doing the right stuff for Blakely and mostly answer it with a definite No.

What I've grasped so far is that motherhood is a journey in itself. No good mom has had it easy from the start. It's literally a trial and error process but going forth in a manner of being there and giving all you have within you is what counts. Motherhood is a sacrifice and putting aside you own needs for the needs of your little one. It's scratching her back in order to fall asleep, watching Frozen + Lion King over and over. Playing princess and horsey or just watching her color just to let her know she is doing a great job of trying to stay in the lines and she's not even two. It's creating memories and a strong foundation for her so that she may become successful in everything that she does.

I'm not a stay at home mom, so I have to give credit to the man behind the scenes, my husband. You place the discipline in her life and instill the rules where needed. Providing love and comfort in the areas that I struggle with. Being the role model for our little one. I know it's not easy but it means so much to her and I with everything that you do. I wouldn't trust anyone to do a better job than what my husband has done. No not even myself. I truly married a Gem.

I've been fortunate enough to gain mothers here and there as I travel the road that life has provided for me. All have given me impressions that will forever remain in my heart. I'd like to thank the beautiful ladies in my life that have been there for me when I've needed it most.

My Selfless Mother Shanda- who birthed me, put-up with my teenager stubbornness, and dealt with the typical Morgan stuff until I left the nest. My beautiful Grandmother Patricia who also raised me and has given me much insight on things. My second Mother Galen, the words and happiness that have been experienced in your presence will forever stay with me. Last but not least my Mother-In-Law Jane, you are truly an amazing woman and I hope you know that. I am so grateful you were the woman that raised the man that I am married to. You are such a caring person and I am glad to call you my mom.
You ladies have been so strong and have given me everything I could need throughout the years of knowing you. It takes a special person to be a mother and the Lord has definitely chosen right.


 To all the mothers out there, know that you are needed and loved. Not everyone can do this job.

Mother Goose 

The Fearless Mimi

Happy Mothers Day!

Love,

M.

F. VS

How do I like to spend my Saturdays? Driving in the car all day half across the state of Virginia thats how. 

I have just been yearning for a little weaner dog; ever since my sister had them when we last came to visit, Bryan and I both fell in love with the dachshund. We searched all pounds, rescue homes, and yes, even craigslist which is where I found our little Folly.

Blakely and I got packed for the day and started our little road trip as early as possible. She had her TV set up in the car so it was a smooth four and a half hours on the way up. 

The area was breathtaking and the pictures I snapped through my car window doesn't do the area justice. 

Pulling into New Castle was quite an adventure and putting myself in the most awkward positions isn't new for me. 

Let me set the scene: 

Twists and turns up an entire mountain covered with trees and "watch for sliding rocks" and "wildlife/bear crossing" signs, about 12 miles outside of New castle my phone loses service since its out in the middle of nowhere and I begin to start thinking the worst, like the Hills have Eyes type of worst. Does this guy even have dogs? If he tries to drag me into the house what am I going to do? We're in the middle of nowhere, no one would find my body. I had blakely with me as well so what was I going to do about her?? I text Bryan the address just incase we didn't return in a joking manner but I was really being serious. Finally my phone gets service about 2 miles away from the house and I pull into this trailer park area. Ironically the area was extremely pretty and not what you would normally expect given the circumstances. The man is standing outside with his 9 year old daughter and 17 year old son when I drove up. Thankfully I dogged the bullet of not having to walk up to the front door. We headed to the back yard and there were the puppies frolicking in the dirt like little dirt balls. Blakely had a field day and was chasing them all over the place.

Remember I said I get myself into weird situations... well turns out this poor mans wife said screw it, packed her stuff up and just bounced three days prior to me picking the puppy up. Left the kids and the 9 dogs with the gentleman. All of this conversation, I might add was in front of the two kids and I just was dumbfounded and and like most of the situations, I did not know what to say. All I kept thinking during the extent of this conversation was 1) why is this man telling me about this  and 2) how badly I wanted to be like you know what, forget the dog, let me take the 9 year old and raise her for myself. 

Sweetest little family who I will never forget their kindness and hospitality. 

After what seemed to be like forever, we took our little Folly and headed out. I had to fill up and went down the street to the 'town' which was explained by the boy that only had 1 gas station, 1 subway, 2 diners, and a grocery mart. Anything else needed, they had to travel 60 miles out. (wtf just kept repeating in my head)  The town is so small that the school is combined with all grades and has a total of 200 students. Everyone knows everyones business which reminded me of my last duty station. Of course with this town being so small it had to have been at least 10 times worse. I finally find the gas station which I might add is the old fashioned kind. I pulled up got out and had no clue what the hell to do. A gentleman whose house was next to the station walked out in ripped up overalls and filled my car for me, I had to thank him and said I had no clue what I was doing. He said "I noticed, that's why I came out here to help ya sweetheart," after paying for the gas we headed back home to Norfolk. Blakely didn't do so well on the drive back, she kept on screaming for the puppy but I could't trust her since she chucked one of the other puppies back at the house in a dirt hole. 

We pulled into home a little after 7:30 and I can't tell you how happy I was to be out of that damn car.

Bryan instantaneously fell in love with Little Folly when we walked through the door. Harley is happy that he has another sister, and Blakely is learning to be gentle because it's not a stuffed animal. 

Since the puppy is 8 weeks old and not 10 (surprise babe!) we have the advantage of training her from the  start. Bryan went out and bought her a crate, which she fell asleep in when we were moving around but when we went to bed she woke up and cried throughout the night. Long story short she ended up in our bed wrapped in a blanket. This is exactly how blakely started and now we can't get her to sleep in her own room. Something to continually work on for the both of them. 

This Morning Folly was playing with Harley and Blakely and seeing her little tail wag was the cutest little thing. She currently is snuggled up in her crate sleeping while blakely is watching cartoons. I better utilize this time to get the chores done with. 

Xo

M.