So I think that everyone knows Morgan has a sister - who is exceedingly younger than he is - and well, she finally turned one!
I remember when I met Morgan I didn't meet his family until about 2 weeks into when we were dating - which was about 2(ish) months after we met. He had told me that his mom was prego - but not how far along (8 months by the way) - and when I met her, his dad and his brothers (who are 21 and 12), I won't lie... I was a little surprised. But, so was Madeline.
When she was born I was actually out of town for work. She was born on a Monday and I met her that Friday. Morgan had sent me pictures of her from the hospital, and then throughout the week, and so I already knew she was adorable (and tiny). When I met her that Friday though, I fell in love.
Over the past year I have gotten to know this little fire ball and her personality has completely blossomed into a little girl. and I'm still in love.
But it has been packed full of memories, too, and that's what's important.
When we were both {finally} in town together on a Saturday we all went to the Farmer's Market/Pumpkin Patch to pick out a pumpkin for Madeline's first {well, technically second} real Halloween. She was just happy we let her mess with dirt/large objects without taking them away :)
Later that day we went down to Minglewood Hall and caught the 3OH!3 concert.
I don't know why but I was looking back on my blog and read this post - from right after the new year.
and it became entirely evident that I have not made any progress.
OK so that's not exactly true - but during the moments when I begin to worry entirely too much it feels like I'm 15, 18, 21 again - and haven't learned a thing.
Deep down I know that I have, I know that I have come a long way from who I used to be
more mature
more aware
more wise
And then there are times, times that seem much more vivid in my mind than those where I have felt solace, that I feel like I have actually taken 10 steps backwards.
I feel lost
I feel uncertain
I feel aching.
And as I look back on those two conflicting thoughts, and the many experiences that go along with them, I'm grateful
for the contrast of happiness and sorrow
because I find my happiness great outshines the darkness of uncertain times
Though sometimes I may not notice until after
after too many tears have been spilt
and my eyes are a little too puffy
after I have felt empty for no reason at all
I do finally notice the difference.
and it gives me hope.
Hope in uncertainty - my 15, 18, 21 year old selves would laugh at the 23 year old me for even thinking that
{23 and 8 months, as Morgan would remind me}
but I know its true.
However uncertain the future is
However overwhelming it seems
and however incapable I feel
I know there is hope. for me. for Morgan and I {for us} to be
indescribably happy.
together.
I may have to remind myself every day - every hour -
whatever it takes
but truth has a way of changing someone for the better...
over time of course
And this hope, this faith in the future, is so amazingly true.
This Saturday, Morgan and I were able to attend one of my coworkers wedding.
It took place in a beautiful chapel, made entirely of just glass and wood {ok and stone and nails and steel too}, located in the middle of Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, AR. {yes, Arkansas can be pretty - I can't believe it either} and it was incredibly breathtaking.
The happiness and love they had was bursting, and I loved every single second of it.
{I even cried a little, big surprise}
Morg and I snapped a few pictures in the gardens before we left to go to the reception since we had some extra time. The weather was gorgeous.
The reception was held at Union Station in Little Rock - and it was also incredibly gorgeous.
Though Morgan thought the vases looked a lot like drinking glasses.....
Sometimes we clean up nice ;-) It was a great way to spend our Saturday, watching two lovely people join together - and hanging out with all my coworkers outside of work is fun too. :)
Morg and I make a point to have date night every weekend - Friday or Saturday night - or sometimes Thursday if either one of us is going to be traveling during the weekend.
This week I was in Arkadelphia, AR for work {never heard of it? I hadn't either before I had to} and so I was especially looking forward to this date night :)
We usually have a running {mental} list of places we want to try, or things we want to do - so this week we decided to try this little italian grill {Ciao Bella} next to our favorite frozen yogurt place: YoLo. Let me tell you - the italian grub was delish - but that YoLo gets me everytime.
And according to my Grandma Ellis...
"No matter how full you are you always have room for pudding and icecream."
Even though this isn't icecream, or pudding. I think it still applies.
Of course I didn't get pictures of us before during or after dinner - but this is what matters anyways right?
Enjoying ourselves and enjoying our dessert! = perfect date night!
