New beginnings.

Sometimes things happen that cause you to lose faith. Not my faith in God but my faith in people and in particular, the church. Something happened to me that shook me to the core and really challenged my faith.
This post has been on my heart and my mind for months now. Lately my blogging hasn't really been from the heart, just surface stuff. I keep feel this tugging that I need to share this story.....I'm not really sure why.. I blog to share my story and share what's on my heart and keeping this story to myself doesn't feel right.

When we moved 9 months ago we left behind an amazing church family. My heart aches for what we used to have.  Once we moved we set out on a mission to find a new church family, settle in right away and plant roots. Turns out that's much harder than I thought.
We had been trying a particular church out for a couple months and one Sunday morning I decided I would be brave and take Sadie to church alone, since my husband was working a day shift.
Sadie has always been a very happy and vocal baby. We were in the balcony just enjoying the worship that Sunday morning. Sadie was really enjoying it and singing along in her own loud way. Someone hands me a note. I tuck it away thinking it's a positive encouragement. I hold Sadie tight and and just enjoy the time with her.
Someone taps me on the shoulder and says that I have been asked to leave the service since my baby is being a "distraction" to the congregation.
I quickly leave and try and hold myself together. I think to myself "did that just happen???"
I rush to the nursery and the tears start falling. I feel betrayed and extremely offended. Luckily there were some lovely ladies in there that I could talk to.
The note wasn't what I thought it would be at all.
I won't go into too much more detail of what happened that day. My heart still hurts and is still healing from what happened at that church months ago. We did meet with the church to discuss what happened but unfortunately we haven't been back.

" Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, "Let the children come to me, Don't stop them! For the Kinddom of God belongs to those who are like these children."

This scripture is truth. I don't share this story to gossip or slander the church. I share this story in hopes that anyone else that has been hurt by the church has the courage to go back and try it again. Church is run by people. People make mistakes. We've forgiven the church and are now ready to move on.
The world is a broken place and that's why we need Christ so much. I hold tight to His truth and promises.
If you've been hurt by the church please, please, give it another shot. Having a church community has made our lives so much richer. We've loved having a little village along side us to help us not only through life's valleys, but joyful things too!

Now that September is finally here (my FAVE month of the whole year!) we are ready to make a fresh start.
It's taken a lot of time but I think we are finally ready to start trying other new churches.
Maybe this was Gods way of leading us to where we are supposed to be. We won't really ever know why this happened. I hope that because of this some changes were made in that church. This definitely shook my faith but I know "that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28

Sometimes God gives you a double rainbow when you need some
hope and a reminder that He is faithful.  

Mel

PS- Happy fall!

She's O N E

My Sadie girl turned one a couple weeks ago and I am still trying to wrap my head around it.
A few days before her birthday I was feeling a mix of emotions about it for some reason. I feel like time is flying by and she is growing so fast. Everyone warns you about it and they weren't kidding. I remember the day she was born so clearly and it definitely doesn't feel like one year ago. I love this quote.
"The days are long and yet the years are short."
It's a good reminder to cherish every day with her,
This past year has been one of the best years of my life and also one of the hardest. So many changes in one year.
Sadie has always been my constant source of joy. Her infectious personality brings so much happiness to our life. She is always making friends where ever she goes. Everyone loves to stop and chat with our smiley, laughing girl.I feel so honored and fortunate that I get to stay home and raise her. I love being her mama.
Yesterday we celebrated her first birthday with friends and family! Thanks to everyone who was a part of her special day!

Our family. We are so blessed.

Thanks Auntie Jess for baking these with love!

her first birthday cake.

these legs...seriously!

Sadie has a special place in her Pops' heart.

She LOVED the cookie!

Cake smash time!

A special thanks to our lovely photographer Auntie Wendy!

Photo Credit: Ciao Bella Photography 

If you need any photos done, she's amazing! 

Happy Father's Day!

There is nothing better in this world than watching the man you love, fall in love his baby girl. Since she came into our world she softened her daddy's heart.

He holds her ever so gently.

She smiles and laughs when he comes home from work and shows him her love with sloppy kisses and giggles.

He's taught her to explore her world and touch bugs.

He takes her on adventures into the mountains where she is so mesmerized that she doesn't even make a peep.

He tucks her in so gently, watches her sleep and makes sure she always has her teddy.

He plays with her and makes her laugh and giggle uncontrollably. Something only a Daddy can do.

He carries her on his shoulders so proudly.

" I never knew how much I loved your Daddy
until I saw how much he loved you."

He loves her with his whole heart.

He's teaching her about prayer and faith and about the amazing God we serve.

He works hard to provide for our family.

He's leading our family and doing an amazing job!

Happy Father's Day to the daddy of my little girl!

Mel

6 years

6 years ago today we said " I do".

Happy anniversary to my one and only.

6 years ago we made a promise to each other of forever. For better or for worse, through thick and thin.

I love this man.

This past year has brought on so many changes! With changes there always comes a few challenges but I know these have only made our relationship stronger. This past year we were so fortunate and blessed to welcome our girl, Sadie Rae into our lives. She has brought us so much joy and happiness. She has taught me how to laugh more and love deeper.

the best day of our lives.

6 years ago I never would have thought that we would be living in Kamloops. This move has enabled us to both live out our dreams. You as a fire fighter and me as a stay at home mama to our girl, Sadie.

So proud to be his wife.

I love my job!

Here's to many many more happy years!

Love Mel

11 months

11 months ago at this time (9:00 pm) I was in the most agonizing pain I had ever been in. A few orange popsicles, an epidural, one c-section, and five hours and fifteen minutes later YOU arrived and changed my life forever.
Sadie Rae you're 11 months old! Seriously how does the time fly by so fast? It feels like only yesterday that we were bringing you home and here we are today chasing you around.

Some of your favorite things right now are
- playing with anything that isn't a toy
- cheese
- being naked
- playing in your pool
- waving at everyone
- laughing
- playing peek-a-boo
- when Daddy comes home from work and you get to bang on the window
- going in the backpack or the stroller
-going on the swing

 Happy 11 months to my sweet, smiley, always laughing, lovable girl!

Mel xo

To my mom.

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my mother.” 

This is my first official Mother's day this year. After being a mama to Sadie for the past 10 months I have come to have even more appreciation and love for my own mom.
My mom has taught me so much and I am forever grateful for all her unconditional love. By example she showed us how to have faith, and how to love unconditionally. She taught me how to never give up and always chase your dreams.
I know she is always there to listen and encourage and give advice when I need it. I hope and pray I can follow in my moms footsteps in my own journey as a mom.

Sadie & Nana
Photo credit- Ciao Bella Photography

Happy Mothers Day to my own mom, my mother in law and to all my mama friends!

Love,
Mel

Satisfied

I'm not sure if you noticed or not but I took a little break from blogging. I didn't really mean to but I haven't posted in over a month! Something heavy was on my heart and I couldn't really write without thinking of it.
Lately I have been really anxious about all the changes that have happened this past year. It's been really hard being new. One of the biggest challenges of my life, that's for sure. I've always been surrounded by family and friends. Not having the feeling of community has been really, really hard for me.
But I know without a doubt that God moved us here for a reason and is using this time of loneliness to draw me closer to him. Our little family of three has also become a lot closer through all of this.
We are still in the process of finding the right church and a place to call home.

When I was driving home from Abbotsford on Monday this song came on the radio and it really hit home.
I need to be more content. I need to be satisfied with what I have.
"No matter what my future holds, you are God, you are in control" is my favorite line from the song.

Have a listen here!

I will be back to blogging more regularly.
Next post will be a update on my Sadie girl!
She's growing and changing so much lately. I can't believe she is almost 10 months old

Sadie Rae is full of joy!
Photo credit: Ciao Bella Photography

Mel

Weekend thrift finds!

We did a little thrifting this weekend...! I wanted to make a cake stand for some reason. I never make cake but maybe now if I have a pretty cake stand I will. I bought a small vase that I am going to spray paint gold for the bottom of the stand. Then I found a super cute pink pie plate that I am going to glue to it.
I also want to make some mini pink and gold cake stands with the pink saucers for Sadie's 1st birthday party. Did I just say 1st birthday?! It is still 4 months away but I still can't believe it. She is growing way too fast.  I will post pictures once they are done.

My FIND of the day was this adorable vintage ironing board. I am not sure what I am going to do with it but have been searching pinterest for some ideas. My husband thinks I am slightly crazy for this purchase but his thoughts have never stopped my thrifting excitement! Currently it is set up in the middle of our living room for no apparent reason just so I can look at it.

treasure of the day! $5 whaaaat?!

idea of what to do with my ironing board!

This is how we thrift. She likes to grab everything she
can get her hands on!

Happy Monday all!

Mel xo

C U R R E N T L Y

Currently.....

Obsessing over: 
Homemade lattes- We are trying to be more intentional with our budget so my Starbucks/Coffee shop budget has decreased and my thriftiness has increased at home! They are super easy to make and just as good! Right now I am sipping on a Caramel Machiatto with homemade caramel sauce. Can you say YUM?!

Mint.com- Like I said above we are working on our budget and this website has been amazing! Check it out if you are needing a new budget program. It has made me a lot more aware of where our money is actually going! And a great way to save for our goals!

Reading: hmmm not much reading going on here lately. I read a food and wine magazine a little while ago. Does that count?

Working on: my new little business. If you haven't noticed I started selling my button earrings!
Check out my facebook page here! https://www.facebook.com/simplymelco
I am currently running a contest to win two free pairs of earrings. Make sure you enter! Information is found on my page.
My plan is to eventually open a Etsy shop where I can sell my handmade earrings and maybe other crafty items.

Fitness- lately I have been trying to work out more regularly! Sadie and I do a mommy&me boot camp once a week which is a really good workout and a great way to meet other moms. I have also been doing my Jillians Michaels 30 day Shred video. Her workouts are fast and intense which is perfect for someone with a short attention span like me. :)

Thinking about:  That I am so blessed and God is so faithful.

Anticipating: Our girls weekend away in Seattle in a few weeks! Looking forward to hanging with my mom and sisters (yes Sadie is coming too!)


Eating: Tonight's dinner is sloppy joes on homemade buns. Random I know! Dinner is all ready to go. I was feeling like super mom this morning. :)
Now I can enjoy the afternoon with my girl and go on a walk with a friend.

Praying for: a house. wisdom in parenting Sadie.

Wishing for: SPRING! Yes I am still wishing for more spring like weather. I just want to wear flats and not have cold feet. Is that too much to ask?

I love my new M I N T button earrings! Combining two of my
favorite things... Mint & lace 

Daddy & his girl. No words....

Happy weekend!
Mel xo

Cherishing moments.

Tonight I was looking through some older photos of Sadie. Next week she will be 8 months old! I still can't believe it! I love looking back at photos and seeing how much she has changed and grown. 

This week she learnt how to clap, realized she has ticklish feet and found her new favorite toy is yarn! She smiles and laughs all day long. She brings me so much joy and I am so grateful for her. 

I love you Sadie Rae!

My favorite picture of me and Sadie. She made me a mama.

Our first family photo.

My first look at our Sadie Rae

Here are some recent photos of our happy girl!

those dimples

Happy Weekend! My hubby is on night shift tonight so I am going to take it easy, drink tea and watch some Gossip Girl. Oh and craft. Always crafting. :)

Mel

Cute as a button earrings

If you follow me on Instagram or are friends with me on Facebook you probably have been seeing my posts lately of button earrings. Follow me on Instagram if you would like to be updated on new patterns! melissamaries
I saw them online somewhere and thought they were adorable and wanted to make myself a few pairs. Then some friends and my sister wanted some so I thought I should start selling them!
I really enjoy making them and it is something to keep me busy on these snowy days (still).

Here are a few photos of my cute as a button earrings creations

floral is perfect for spring!

my current fave is the mint green lace!

If you would like to order some please send me an email
mika_melissa@hotmail.com
or a personal message on Facebook works too
or commment on here!

They are currently available to buy at Tracycakes in Abbotsford and at our Langley location in Murrayville for $7 per pair.
If you order directly from me I am able to ship them.
Prices
$7 per pair
2 for $13
3 for $19
I've had to adjust my prices a few times since I am figuring out exactly how much they cost to make.

Happy Thursday!

It's a snowy day here so I think I will stay in today and work on some orders and finish off my spring wreath. Well my wishing of spring wreath!

Here is my wreath so far. it needs more felt flowers and some
lace trim of course!

Mel

Catching up!

I have fallen a little behind in blogging this week! Let's play catch up and I will show you what I have been up to. 

I am trying to incorporate a little more colour into our home. If you know me you know I love white everything! But since spring is around the corner I thought I would add a few pops of colour. Here is my hutch. I picked up some scrapbook paper from Michaels and taped it to my hutch. That way when I get bored of it (which I will) I can just take it down! 

I got these cute little frames from Michaels in the
$ section!

Another project completed! I picked up this super fab mirror from the thrift store for $2.50! 

I painted the mirror with chalkboard paint and picked a fun coral colour for the frame. The chalkboard is in Sadie's room. I want to write bible verses and inspirational quotes on it.

My mom and sister are visiting this weekend. Actually my sisters visit was a surprise!!! I was SO happy to see her! They are the best. Seriously. Since they are here we had to go thrifting of course. I picked up these pretties.

$1 each!

Cute spring blouse. Yes please. $3
This was my moms pose idea....!

Spring is coming. (in my window sill at least...)

Well I am off to wake up my mom from her nap and pick up some lattes for us. Happy weekend all!

Mel xo