Growing Up
In less than ten days, Marin will be eight months old, or only four months away from being one year old, depending on how you look at it. I had no idea at how quickly this time would pass me by. Over the weekend I saw babies between the ages of 1-6 months old and they seemed so small and so new compared to Marin. I love watching her grow, but am sad to see it happen so fast. I can only imagine how I will be feeling once that first birthday does actually arrive, and then the second, third and so forth. Take it from a person who thought she might never have children; this is how they get you! Once a baby, turned toddler, turned youth, turned teen and then young adult. You will miss each stage and therefore you must have more than one child because you'll do anything to relive all those precious moments more than once!
Time Away
To celebrate the 4th of July, our little family will be taking our first vacation together. We will be taking our holiday with the Ross family and are very much looking forward to some time away. Matt and I have been swamped with work and keeping up with Marin, the house and everything else in life. We need to take a week or so to breath before it starts all over again. Thankfully, we are fortunate enough to be able to take a little time away and I think we both will make the most of every minute until we realize it's our last night to be free before heading back to work and our daily routines. Nevertheless, the time away will be a great reward!
Daylight
I love seeing the light outside until 10pm. This may be, my favorite thing about summer. Such a tremendous gift taken for granted.
So sweet.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Me
"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can." These little words, shared in the classic children's book, The Little Engine That Could (by Watty Piper)have become very prominent in my life lately. These words, afterall, are the reason why I don't just fall apart some days due to everything that rests on my plate.
I am a mom.
Whether I was ready for it or not, I am a mom. I adore Marin and I couldn't possibly imagine my life without her. She brings so much joy into our home and I relish in the days that I have the awesome privilage of spending time with her.
But... I'm tired. Exhausted really. I find myself aching for just a few more minutes of sleep in the morning before my daughter turns from laughter to a faint cry in her crib ready to begin the day. And I have gone from kissing my husband goodbye in the morning to a very tired wave from the bedroom, begging him not to creep any closer in fear of our wood floors making just enough noise to wake our sleeping beauty.
I am a Wife.
I love being a wife, and not just any wife, Matt's wife. He is the love of my life and I am a better woman for it. But, it's exhausting. The worrying, the pleasing, the longing for more time together, the list goes on. Being a good wife to an amazing husband is a large bucket to fill.
I am an Event Specialist
I used to be an event coordinator and all of a sudden I've turned into a specialist! You can't imagine the new responsibility I have due to my job title. I mean, when you're a coordinator it seems there might be room for a mistake or two, after all, you're only a coordinator! A specialist, on the other hand, means you are the master of your craft. The art of knowing it all and the pressure in living up to a title; it's enough to make anyone crack!
I am a Christian
I love my Lord. I cherish the time in my life when I made the decision to follow Him and to love Him with my whole heart. But even loving the Lord as much as I do comes with its challenges. Loveing Him, means constantly trying to do the right thing, praying hard and sharing my love for Him with others; it's a hard discipline to follow and a chosen path that never ends.
I am: A dreamer, a do-gooder, a perfectionist, a writer, a crafter, a believer, a worrier, a student, a teacher, a lover, a fighter, a gardner, a critic, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a grand-daughter, an all-around country girl.
I am Mandy.
While some critics would contend that The Little Engine That Could is a metaphor for the American Dream, I believe it's a simple reminder to keep doing what I do, because it matters. I matter. We all do.
I am a mom.
Whether I was ready for it or not, I am a mom. I adore Marin and I couldn't possibly imagine my life without her. She brings so much joy into our home and I relish in the days that I have the awesome privilage of spending time with her.
But... I'm tired. Exhausted really. I find myself aching for just a few more minutes of sleep in the morning before my daughter turns from laughter to a faint cry in her crib ready to begin the day. And I have gone from kissing my husband goodbye in the morning to a very tired wave from the bedroom, begging him not to creep any closer in fear of our wood floors making just enough noise to wake our sleeping beauty.
I am a Wife.
I love being a wife, and not just any wife, Matt's wife. He is the love of my life and I am a better woman for it. But, it's exhausting. The worrying, the pleasing, the longing for more time together, the list goes on. Being a good wife to an amazing husband is a large bucket to fill.
I am an Event Specialist
I used to be an event coordinator and all of a sudden I've turned into a specialist! You can't imagine the new responsibility I have due to my job title. I mean, when you're a coordinator it seems there might be room for a mistake or two, after all, you're only a coordinator! A specialist, on the other hand, means you are the master of your craft. The art of knowing it all and the pressure in living up to a title; it's enough to make anyone crack!
I am a Christian
I love my Lord. I cherish the time in my life when I made the decision to follow Him and to love Him with my whole heart. But even loving the Lord as much as I do comes with its challenges. Loveing Him, means constantly trying to do the right thing, praying hard and sharing my love for Him with others; it's a hard discipline to follow and a chosen path that never ends.
I am: A dreamer, a do-gooder, a perfectionist, a writer, a crafter, a believer, a worrier, a student, a teacher, a lover, a fighter, a gardner, a critic, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a grand-daughter, an all-around country girl.
I am Mandy.
While some critics would contend that The Little Engine That Could is a metaphor for the American Dream, I believe it's a simple reminder to keep doing what I do, because it matters. I matter. We all do.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Small Treasures
It seems that God has been reminding me lately to love and to cherish my husband. It isn't that I don't love Matt, I do! He's the light of my life. It's just that when you have a five month old, a job, chores, and extra curricular activities, sometimes making time for your husband can be last on your list of things to do.
Reminder #1
Last week, Matt surprised me and picked me up early from work and we took a drive. It was one of the nicer winter days where we were able to crack the windows in the car and enjoy the nice breeze. We didn't do much, we drove to our favorite antique store to browse and then drove into Spring Lake searching for undiscovered (to us anyway) treasures.
(Side note: In New York we would find these wonderful little treasures amidst the dark, cold city. It could have been a small water fountain with a few flowers between two stone walls or a hidden park through a dark ally way; didn't matter, we had found a treasure!)
The beauty of this trip was that it was one of the first times where he and I were alone since Marin was born and we were doing exactly what we used to do before she entered our lives.
Matt and I love to take drives, search antique shops for goodies and grab a coffee or McDonald's dollar sundae on the way home. While on this particular day we didn't have time for the coffee or sundae, it was enough to just be with Matt and spend that time together.
Reminder #2
Tonight, came my other reminder of how much I love Matt and how I need to make more of an effort to show him how much I adore and respect him.
I was looking through some old e-mails during our engagement period when I lived in New York and Matt lived in Michigan. Matt was definitely the stronger one in our long-distance relationship and he was the best at comforting me, even if he was 13 hours away. In all my distress about being so far from him, money troubles, wedding bumps, and my many, many bad days, Matt had a way of making it all better. He deserved a medal, but he got me.
My point? Anyone reading this blog, love your husbands. Love them to the point where you can't see straight. But most importantly, let them know you love them.
Matt, I LOVE YOU!
Reminder #1
Last week, Matt surprised me and picked me up early from work and we took a drive. It was one of the nicer winter days where we were able to crack the windows in the car and enjoy the nice breeze. We didn't do much, we drove to our favorite antique store to browse and then drove into Spring Lake searching for undiscovered (to us anyway) treasures.
(Side note: In New York we would find these wonderful little treasures amidst the dark, cold city. It could have been a small water fountain with a few flowers between two stone walls or a hidden park through a dark ally way; didn't matter, we had found a treasure!)
The beauty of this trip was that it was one of the first times where he and I were alone since Marin was born and we were doing exactly what we used to do before she entered our lives.
Matt and I love to take drives, search antique shops for goodies and grab a coffee or McDonald's dollar sundae on the way home. While on this particular day we didn't have time for the coffee or sundae, it was enough to just be with Matt and spend that time together.
Reminder #2
Tonight, came my other reminder of how much I love Matt and how I need to make more of an effort to show him how much I adore and respect him.
I was looking through some old e-mails during our engagement period when I lived in New York and Matt lived in Michigan. Matt was definitely the stronger one in our long-distance relationship and he was the best at comforting me, even if he was 13 hours away. In all my distress about being so far from him, money troubles, wedding bumps, and my many, many bad days, Matt had a way of making it all better. He deserved a medal, but he got me.
My point? Anyone reading this blog, love your husbands. Love them to the point where you can't see straight. But most importantly, let them know you love them.
Matt, I LOVE YOU!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Thank You God for the Sun
Today, Marin and I took advantage of a gift. The gift of sun.
Despite the many chores I needed to accomplish, instead, I opted for a day out with my girl.
We strolled downtown Grand Haven enjoying the warmth of the sun while we both window shopped. It was so lovely out that I didn't even care that my cofee was spilling all over, nor did I care that the construction downtown made it quite difficult to navigate around. Nope. It was a beautiful day and we were going to swim in it.
After our crisp walk, Marin and I traveled to the State Park where we both rested in the car with the window slightly down; enjoying the cool breeze and the warmth of the sun on our pale winter faces.
While resting, and maybe even more beautiful than the wonderful feeling of the sun's warmth, was the magnificent view of Lake Michigan and the thousands of tiny crystals sprinkled across the entire Lake thanks to the help of the sun. I do believe these crystals, or tiny treasures, may very well be my favorite thing to whitness during the early Spring months. The sun, reuniting with the Lake, in all its glory.
While typically it might have been a bummer to have to leave this fantastic scenery, I was okay with having to say goodbye. Afterall, it was quickly approaching 2:00 PM and Marin would soon be hungry. I can't wait for the day when the sun will be enough to fill her.
Matt is fly fishing today and I'm so thankful that he too, can enjoy the beauty of God's creation at its finest.
I get to live here. What a remarkable feeling.
...so sweet.
Despite the many chores I needed to accomplish, instead, I opted for a day out with my girl.
We strolled downtown Grand Haven enjoying the warmth of the sun while we both window shopped. It was so lovely out that I didn't even care that my cofee was spilling all over, nor did I care that the construction downtown made it quite difficult to navigate around. Nope. It was a beautiful day and we were going to swim in it.
After our crisp walk, Marin and I traveled to the State Park where we both rested in the car with the window slightly down; enjoying the cool breeze and the warmth of the sun on our pale winter faces.
While resting, and maybe even more beautiful than the wonderful feeling of the sun's warmth, was the magnificent view of Lake Michigan and the thousands of tiny crystals sprinkled across the entire Lake thanks to the help of the sun. I do believe these crystals, or tiny treasures, may very well be my favorite thing to whitness during the early Spring months. The sun, reuniting with the Lake, in all its glory.
While typically it might have been a bummer to have to leave this fantastic scenery, I was okay with having to say goodbye. Afterall, it was quickly approaching 2:00 PM and Marin would soon be hungry. I can't wait for the day when the sun will be enough to fill her.
Matt is fly fishing today and I'm so thankful that he too, can enjoy the beauty of God's creation at its finest.
I get to live here. What a remarkable feeling.
...so sweet.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
A Lot Like Coffee
It's actually quite strange that prior to this week I'd never really given a lot of thought about how I "take" my coffee. Most people I know "take" their coffee a very specific way, and with good reason, I'm sure. I, on the otherhand, am as random as it gets. I will drink my cofee black, just with cream, with cream and sugar (always varying amounts), just with sugar or sometimes the occasional splenda! It truly doesn't matter to me. I just need my coffee.
I got to wondering though, if how we "take" our coffee can say a lot about who we are? Seeing as how my coffee tastes vary so much, does that mean my life is as chaotic as my coffee?
(Thinking...) Yes. It does.
I recently joined a small group Bible study with a couple of my closest girlfriends (shout out to Andrea and Elisabeth!) We're beginning to read "What Every Mom Needs" by Elisa Morgan & Carol Kuykendall. I have to tell you that I am outwardly excited to get this study going! The first chapter focuses on your IDENTITY! Ahh, Identity, that tiny thing I seemed to have lost once Marin was born. Well, maybe not lost, but misplaced somewhere in my new world of mommyhood/wifehood/workhood/familyhood/pet ownerhood/churchhood/youth grouphood/theatrehood/friendhood/bills-hood/schoolhood and all the other "hoods" that remain in my life, but are not listed. Regardless of which "hood" I'm refering to, they all fall under my chaotic coffeehood umbrella.
Right now life seems like one big stir. And like stirring coffee, all of my assumed priorities and responsibilities are in that mess of adding sugar, creamer or having it plain as black. The decisions are endless.
My point (and I'll make this short) is that my life is probably right where it's supposed to be. God only gives us so much and I'm certain that one pot (sugar or not) is enough for any new mom to sort through.
"I'll take a grande decaf white chocolate mocha with skim milk, no whip...and hold the foam."
Life. So sweet...
I got to wondering though, if how we "take" our coffee can say a lot about who we are? Seeing as how my coffee tastes vary so much, does that mean my life is as chaotic as my coffee?
(Thinking...) Yes. It does.
I recently joined a small group Bible study with a couple of my closest girlfriends (shout out to Andrea and Elisabeth!) We're beginning to read "What Every Mom Needs" by Elisa Morgan & Carol Kuykendall. I have to tell you that I am outwardly excited to get this study going! The first chapter focuses on your IDENTITY! Ahh, Identity, that tiny thing I seemed to have lost once Marin was born. Well, maybe not lost, but misplaced somewhere in my new world of mommyhood/wifehood/workhood/familyhood/pet ownerhood/churchhood/youth grouphood/theatrehood/friendhood/bills-hood/schoolhood and all the other "hoods" that remain in my life, but are not listed. Regardless of which "hood" I'm refering to, they all fall under my chaotic coffeehood umbrella.
Right now life seems like one big stir. And like stirring coffee, all of my assumed priorities and responsibilities are in that mess of adding sugar, creamer or having it plain as black. The decisions are endless.
My point (and I'll make this short) is that my life is probably right where it's supposed to be. God only gives us so much and I'm certain that one pot (sugar or not) is enough for any new mom to sort through.
"I'll take a grande decaf white chocolate mocha with skim milk, no whip...and hold the foam."
Life. So sweet...
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Giving the Credit to Plumb
If I had the talent to create a song for Marin, this would have been it. Fortunately enough for me, Plumb did it instead. Such a wonderful, beautiful song and the explanation to why this blog is titled how it is. Please enjoy.
I tip toe
Hush hush...
Pitter pat
Goes my heart...
Your beauty
Your innocence
Joy is found
With every kiss
My sweet, my lovely
My sweet, my lovely
So sweet, so lovely
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
I stare into
The bluest eyes
Time stands still in
Your smile
You weren't there
And now you're here
I dreamed of you
But I never know how...
sweet and lovely
My sweet, my lovely
So sweet, so lovely
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
My sweet, my lovely
My sweet, my lovely
So sweet, so lovely
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
I tip toe
Hush hush...
Pitter pat
Goes my heart...
Your beauty
Your innocence
Joy is found
With every kiss
My sweet, my lovely
My sweet, my lovely
So sweet, so lovely
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
I stare into
The bluest eyes
Time stands still in
Your smile
You weren't there
And now you're here
I dreamed of you
But I never know how...
sweet and lovely
My sweet, my lovely
So sweet, so lovely
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
My sweet, my lovely
My sweet, my lovely
So sweet, so lovely
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
Close your eyes
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Matt and Mandy's Top Five Movies
Nick and Norah had their infinite play list, and in a similar fashion, Matt and Mandy have their top five.
I realize that by writing this, not everyone will agree with our picks for the top five movies of all time; and you're not supposed to agree. And, if you do agree, then we have a lot in common! The great thing about choosing your top five is the promotion of doing something together, for fun!
I am quite certain that over the years, our list will change. That's the point. As our relationship grows, so will our taste for certain things. The fun part is coming to the agreement.
Below are the movies Matt and I consider to be our top 5, and with each, a brief explanation of why they made the list:
Dan In Real Life
Matt and I consider this movie one of the better ones of our generation. There are two parts that we quite often refer to. One of those is when the young daughter screams out "you're a murderer of love"-it reminds us of what we have to look forward to in Marin's teenage years. The other part that typically makes us laugh, even in the midst of an argument, is the wonderful tune, "Ruthie, Pig Face Draper." Seriously, even if this movie hasn't made your top five, the least it can do is make you laugh over and over again.
The Family Man
It has become a tradition for Matt and I to watch this film during the holiday season to help remind us to love what we have just the way it is. Our favorite line in the movie is, "don't screw up the best thing in your life just because you're a little unsure about who you are." It also reminds us that it's God's plan and not our own.
High Fidelity
Matt loved this movie prior to us even meeting. I watched the film with him while we were dating and agreed that it would make the top 5. Besides John Cusack being one of our favorite male actors, we truly admire the complex and intellectual dialogue in this film. A great one to watch over and over again.
The Notebook
I am a Nicholas Sparks fan through and through, but The Notebook is the greatest love story of them all. Matt and I both have had grandparents who have and are struggling with dementia. This film is a true testament to love and sacrifice. It is love at it's best (and worst). Matt also got my nickname from this film and he often refers to me as "birdie". We typically watch this around Valentine's Day and it never gets old.
The Story of Us
This is one of those movies that never gained much publicity during its release, but should have. It is a wonderful love story of a complex nature and a true definition of what most struggles within a marriage are like. Not to mention it has a phenomenal soundtrack!
It Figures
How's this for a first post...I finally got Marin to take a nap, typed the entire thing and then lost it. Breath, it's one of those "small" things.
...so sweet
...so sweet
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