Breaking the 'Blessings' Rules

Typically, I reserve "blessings talk" for Sundays. But my absence for the last few weeks practically demands that I highlight my recent silver linings.

honoring a hero

President Obama, himself, recognized my Frankie G during his Memorial Day speech in Arlington National Cemetery where my friend had been laid to rest just days before.
(Skip to about 7:30 if you're impatient)

baby time

I won't even pretend like I wasn't freaking out when I was holding my 6-week old nephew for the first time. I'm so awkward and un-maternal, it's embarrassing. But it was such a blessing just soaking up his sweet baby goodness.

...and speaking of family

We spent our Memorial Day weekend in Ohio with Chuck's family. And let me say, I seriously lucked out in the in-law pool. (And no, I'm not just saying that because my Mama-in-Law is possibly my blog's biggest fan). I love each one of his siblings, love having conversations with my sister-in-law over beer and a roaring fire, and love that the Stuckert family = fun!

Taken in the midst of moving an 800+ lb piano into the house. Mama and Stuckert mens :)

nuptials

Who doesn't love a summer wedding?! I'm so excited to be New Jersey-bound with my Hubby for my cousin's wedding this weekend!

This was cousin Chris and I the night before my wedding. Clearly loving life.

I feel so fortunate to have such amazing people in my life when I know not everyone else does. My family (both married and genetic) is a constant source of support, joy and quite simply, unconditional love. Of all of the grace-filled wonders in my life, my husband, family and friends are the greatest of all ♥

Sunday Blessings

I acknowledge that my blog hasn't been the beacon of positivity lately that I generally strive for. I also acknowledge that my Sunday Blessings posts are a little less than consistent.

But in light of a really rough week, I think it's so important to share my blessings and make note of all the (bee)autiful silver linings that have been so apparent in my life.

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blog friends
I have not yet gotten around to responding to the thoughtful words and prayers that some wonderful Blogger ladies have left me. But not a single one has gone unread. I think every one grieves differently, but we do share one commonality: that we want to be loved and supported at our lowest. I'm really thankful for the blog friends who did just that :)
real life friends
I've admitted before that Chuck and I really don't have friends here in Pittsburgh. It's been hard, but we met a couple through FPU who we've recently gotten better acquainted with. On Friday, they dropped by while Chuck was at work to drop off groceries and a home-cooked meal. I felt like my heart might burst. I am so thankful for the kindness they showed us when we truly needed it.

prayer

Although, I've been thankful for the number of people who have promised to pray for me as I grieve the loss of a friend, I realize I'm not the one who needs prayer. Frankie's wife, little girl and family are the ones reeling over his death and while I'm hours away and feel helpless to do anything to lessen their pain, there is always prayer. I can't imagine their grief and I continue to pray that they will cast their burdens upon the God who loves them and ask that you might too.

Mommy

Happy Mother's Day to my voice of reason. My biggest supporter. The woman who I'd be completely lost without. I love you, Mommy.

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How have you been blessed this week?

Sunday Blessings

After almost two years in this unfamiliar city the husband I finally made it to Church. PTL!

The sun is shining, we're so thankful for a new Church to attend and my blessings are abundant.

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Church and schtuff
To be frank, I love Jesus, but I could do without the religious institution of Christianity most days. However, I do acknowledge how imperative fellowship with other believers is to spiritual growth. And consequently, Church is the easiest way to go about that. So, Chuck and I made the call that we would check out the Church that we've been going to on Saturday mornings for Financial Peace University. Not only did we love it (nearly half the congregation is made up of refugees from Burundi- HELLO?! Made for me?!), but the young couple leading our class invited us out to lunch this afternoon.  Hooray for making friends!
bookworm Since I left my second job, my evenings have been...more peaceful. I'm not a huge TV girl, so I've been getting back into the swing of actually reading for pleasure. In the past few weeks, I've finished The Birth House by Ami McKay, Dave Ramsey's Complete Guide to Money and Bloom by Kelle Hampton. Right now, I'm working on Love Does by Bob Goff and Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. I love reading!!!!!

Courtesy of GoodReads

If you're on GoodReads, follow me and let me check out your books!
God's timing So, Hubby and I got a pretty hefty tax refund this year which we were obviously stoked about. We were ready to take every cent and put it toward our debt snowball. And then his car went kaput. As frustrating as it was to not be able to payoff as much debt as we were hoping to, we're so thankful that God knew what he was doing and allowed the car to crap out when we actually had the moolah to repair it. Thank you, Jesus!
sunshine I am not a winter person, y'all. I was born in Southern California, and although I only spent the first 4 years of my life there, I blame that for my serious aversion to cold weather. To see the sunshine so gloriously shining outside my window brings delight to my soul! Hubby and I took an afternoon cat nap under the warm rays yesterday and it. was. heaven. 
long-distance friends One of my good friends from college is from Kenya...aka about an 8 hour time difference. Communication has been difficult needless to say, especially with working as much as I was, but after over 6 months of practically no correspondence I spent over an hour Skyping with him yesterday. He's one of my favorite people ever and I'm so blessed to have him in my life.
this kid

We're classy folks.

Enough said.

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Sunday Blessings

In like a lion alright, but March is here and I'll take it! Happy first Sunday of March, everyone! Can we please celebrate that Spring is almost here? I know I am. And I'm taking this happy moment to do some counting of blessings...

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bookworm I finished Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace book, and although I have a feeling Dave and I probably did not vote for the same candidate in November, I feel like I've gained so much from his teachings. I had no idea about insurance, college savings plans and mortgages until reading this book. Those topics aren't exactly an exciting area for me, but Dave really helped me to understand them. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, any age. Check it out here. I've also started reading Bob Goff's book, Love Does, which I talked about here. So excited to love more!
music I love music. And I love that I married someone who loves music just as much as I do (if not more). As I write he's simultaneously listening to Neil Young on his laptop while practicing "Blackbird" on his guitar. He's a keeper.

and speaking of my husband...

We've been married for six months. Six. Heck yes. Stay tuned for more on this tomorrow :)

church

For the first time in almost two years of living in Pittsburgh, we're finally doing it. We're taking the plunge and going to Church. Wish us luck!

prayer I've been feeling such a wide array of emotions lately. Unsettled and yearning. Content and in love. Exhausted and burnt out. Happy and blessed. I'm finding the only way to stay centered and level-headed is prayer. Prayer for myself, prayer for my husband, prayer for people I've never even met. It's only when I'm in those moments with my Creator that I'm finally at peace. And I'm so, so thankful for that.
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Sunday Blessings is BACK!

Rise and shine bloggy friends. It's a wonderful Sunday morning and I'm bringing Sunday Blessings back! If you missed my post yesterday, I'm going to have a lot more time to devote to this space in the days and weeks to come and I'm ready to regain my blogging stride. 

I haven't always been a counter of blessings. I think living in impoverished Uganda, as well as a need to remain aware of silver linings to keep that pesky negativity at bay led me to begin the practice. What better way to be actively thankful for God's grace than to document those little things every Sunday?

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job Freedom, sweet freedom. It's bittersweet to leave my part-time job, but I'm really looking forward to not being a sleepy, crankasaurus 99% of the time. I think Chuck is too ;)
blog friends Seriously, you guys. Your responses to this post may have made me tear up a little. I was so humbled by the kindness and encouragement I received. You like me, you really like me. To receive such validation for being myself was beyond amazing.
#rethinkchurch This Lenten Instagram campaign by the United Methodist Church has been such a fun way to truly take notice of my blessings. It's also given me an engaging opportunity to document my everyday life. I may live an ordinary life, but I have been extraordinarily blessed.

spring

Okay, so it hasn't exactly gotten here yet, but as February comes to a close, I know it's on it's way! I can not even describe how ready I am to be out and about in the sunshine again. I need some exercise, some nature time with my Creator and some Vitamin D, stat!

health

Lugging cases of soda and bags of kitty litter at the second job was starting to make me feel like Quasimodo. With Monday off, I made an appointment with a nearby chiropractor to see if I could get myself sorted out. I'll be honest, the office was not the most professional-looking place I've ever seen...nor did I feel like any miracles has been performed to readjust my spine. However, I did have x-rays taken and got to learn all about my messed up back. Apparently, I fell hard on my butt at some point in my life and was all out of wack!

Hubby

It goes without saying that my BFF/lovah is my biggest blessing. He's my sunshine through the dreary winter :)

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Currently, Prayer & Blessings

As I left work yesterday evening, I cried. I stopped momentarily at the mechanic when I asked if they could fit me in for an oil change. They couldn’t. I paused briefly as I made my way through the aisles of my local grocery store. But from the time I left work at 4:00 PM to the time I went to bed with my Hubby at 11:00 PM, I cried.

I am exhausted. Physically, my back is killing me from lugging customers’ cases of soda and water at my second job. Emotionally, I am so homesick and ready to move back to Ohio and be with our friends and family. Mentally, I am so discouraged and miserable at my job.

I am just plain exhausted.

I haven’t been posting my Sunday Blessings lately. One, because I’m either working or completely out of commission by the time Sundays roll around these days. Two, because I haven’t made God much of a priority these last few months. But today, for the first time in weeks, if not months, I prayed. I sat in a traffic jam caused by a three-car collision and prayed for those involved. I prayed for my Hubby who is equally as exhausted as I am. And ever-so-selfishly, I prayed for myself. I prayed for peace, for the strength to stand up for myself when I need to, for faith in God’s timing. In the midst, of a serious case of the blues, I humbly brought myself to the feet of my Lord.

I am still exhausted. Still miserable at work. But, I am not alone. I didn’t hit rock bottom. But I hit just low enough, to scrape together what faithfulness I have left to call on my God.

It’s funny how sometimes the very act of prayer is an answered prayer. Sitting in stop-and-go traffic, tearfully asking the Lord for more mercy and grace then I will ever deserve, I began to reflect on my blessings. So while I experience this rough patch, I am eternally grateful for the roof that rests over my head. For the food that fills my cupboards. And for the absolutely astounding love and kindness my husband bestows upon me every day.



Sunday Blessings

While Hubby is out picking up milk for our Sunday morning heaping bowls of cereal, I thought I'd seize the opportunity to report back on my Sunday Blessings :)

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job numero dos

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Just imagine that's me, but with less time on this earth and more hair. 

I started and finished my cashier training yesterday! Am I slightly embarrassed when I tell people that my second job is as an oh-so-prestigious cashier at my local grocery store? Yes. But truth be told, it actually wasn't bad at all! My trainer said I picked up on everything quicker than he's seen any of his trainees do and I legitimately enjoyed figuring out how to bag correctly, greeting customers and finding the codes for all those odd items of produce. 

Just as with every opportunity in life- this job will be what I make of it. And I'm making the best!

cleaning up

Referring both to a productive Sunday full of cleaning, organizing and baking Christmas cookies! As well as how stinkin' good Hubby and I looked all cleaned up last night for a friend's Christmas party.

Hubby

And speaking of said Christmas party- not only was I completely exhausted after working all day at the grocery store...on a weekend before Christmas, but I was feeling super overwhelmed being in a room full of people I didn't know. I'm an introvert to the max, but knew Hubby really wanted to get out and socialize so I sucked it up. We spent several hours eating yummy food, drinking yummy drinks and making small talk, but around 11:00 PM, I hit my wall.

I felt terrible for being such a party pooper, but Chuck was completely understanding and was content to just come home and snuggle in bed. I'm so appreciative for a man who understands me and is willing to do whatever it takes to make me happy. I'm just so stinkin' in love with him :)

How have you been blessed this week?!

Sunday Blessings

Today's Sunday Blessings is coming a little late in the day, because I was at orientation all morning! Orientation, you ask? Well, because of the state of our finances after I withdrew from grad school and have now begun re-paying loans from both undergrad and graduate school, Hubby and I are both starting second jobs to help make ends meet.

To be honest, it's incredibly stressful and scary right now, but there's no way I'd be as at peace as I am without the love and support of my amazing husband, and my faith in Jesus. I am trusting that through some kind of miracle, our needs will be met and we'll be able to skate by for the next year or so until the biggest thorn in our sides is behind us.

But I digress. Basically, there's a lot we could worry and concern ourselves with at the moment. But there's so much more to be thankful for.

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giant eagle

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As of today, I am a fully-uniformed, part-time cashier at our local grocery store. Not the most glamorous job, but it comes with great benefits. And who am I to complain about more income?!
blogger land

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Is there anything that has the power to brighten your day more than winning a giveaway?! This past week I won a Cuisinart knife set and Emeril Mini-Pie Maker from my favorite local blog, Pittsburgh Hot Plate, courtesy of my friend, Chef Chuck! I'm so ecstatic to try out my new toys!
(And speaking of giveaways, be sure to stop back this week for a certain special giveaway of my own!)
babies!!!

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My sister-in-law is going for her ultrasound for Baby #3 tomorrow. I can't wait to find out the gender so I can promptly begin buying adorable things that I can't afford! Haha! So excited to be an auntie times three!
hubby

Taken by our honeymoon friends on Night #2 in Jamaica ♥

I continually feel so undeserving of the man I married. He is kind, selfless and has officially been mine for three months today. Suck it, Kim Kardashian ;)

Sunday Blessings {Link-Up}

This week has tuckered me out! I'm scraping together just enough energy to count my blessings today, but believe me, they're there.

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job
You may remember me talking about how I recently withdrew from grad school in order to chip away at my mountain of student loan debt, here. The only way, in fact, that I can begin to pay my debt off, is by obtaining a second job. Which as of, Friday, I have done. 
Working as a minimum-wage paid cashier at a nearby grocery store is not exactly what I was hoping for. But after I had some recently unemployed friends remind me how fortunate I am to have not one, but two jobs, I promptly zipped my lips and began thanking God for this opportunity.
tech fun
As I drove to work on Friday, already in a less-than-favorable mood, I noticed my Blackberry was getting really hot. When I tried to unplug it from the car charger, the screen went black and life as I knew it had ended.
In actuality, it wasn't all bad. Hubby has been due for an upgrade so I stole his and got myself a fancy schmancy Droid. I know I'm like 2 years behind, but seriously, how awesome are Instagram and Draw Something?!
home
Chuck and I really struggle some days with being so far away from our friends and family. We constantly have to remind ourselves to stop counting down the days when can move back "home" and remember that for now, Pittsburgh IS our home. There are difficult days, but I'm also so incredibly thankful that we have this time to adjust to married life and build our family without distraction.
blog love
Seriously, to the ladies that commented on my last post. You all are amazing. I'm so humbled by the outpouring of love and encouragement I've received recently, it just blows my mind. I've really started to be more intentional about writing for me, and sticking to what's on my heart, rather than posting silly, superficial things that I think people want to see. The response to my honest thoughts has been overwhelming and I'm just so stinkin' happy to have found such wonderful people through the blogging community.
tis the season
Can you believe Thanksgiving is here already?! Holy cow! We're leaving Wednesday after work for a few days spent with Chuck's family in Ohio. It's going to be an activity-filled weekend with a Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving Dinner and Family Christmas photos, but I'm so ready for it to be here.
And because I'm a freak about Christmas, we kicked off our Christmas-movie-watching of the season with Elf yesterday and decorated the tree a few nights ago!

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We're still in dire need of some more decorations, but I figure with 50+ years of marriage ahead of us, we'll find the time :)

P.S. Don't forget to enter the Secret Santa Swap!

Sunday Blessings...on a Monday

I never got around to posting my Sunday Blessings yesterday, because I've been so busy the past few days! So today, I'm taking some time to share all the wonderful little moments God has graced me with this week.

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hubby This one is a given every week, but just look at what I stumbled upon a chilly morning this week en route to work...

family

Because we are spending Thanksgiving with Chuck's family in Ohio this year, we had a "Pre-Thanksgiving" this weekend in New Jersey with my family. I got to see my mom, sister, step-dad and cousins for the first time since the wedding and got to see my amazing, wonderful Grandma for the first time in a year and a half! It was the best weekend we've had in awhile, so stay tuned for pictures to come :)

christmas fun!

You may recall me mentioning I was participating in this ornament swap...

Well friends, I seriously got matched with the best swap partner ever. Kait @ GridIron Lipstick sent me the cutest ornament! We found out that we're both PA girls, and after I told her I had partied at her alma mater in college, she sent me such a fun ornament from Pier 1!

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Thanks Kait! I love it!

I'm also getting really excited about our Secret Santa Swap coming up. I'm so happy that so many girls have expressed interest (Insert shameless plug: If you want to be one these girls, enter HERE!).

Hope you all enjoyed your three-day weekends as much as we did.  Lord knows, it was much needed!

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Sunday Blessings {Link-Up}

Life is crazy right now. Things are uncertain. But through that uncertainty, my blessings gleam brighter than ever. 

(Don't worry, I won't be this vague forever. I promise).

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Today, I'm feeling blessed by...

community

And by community, I'm referring to the blogging community. I've been so encouraged and inspired by the love shown to me by blog friends, I'm beyond humbled. This blog gives me such joy and fulfillment and the fact that people want to share in that with me is beautiful.

Christmastime

Yes, I'm one of those people who believes the Christmas season begins the second that Halloween is over. I saw my first glimmers of snow on Friday and promptly began daydreaming about Christmas movies, visiting our families and reflecting on the grace of God.

(And speaking of Christmas- have you entered the Secret Santa Swap yet?!)

hubby

Of course, it wouldn't be a proper Sunday Blessings post without mention of my sweet husband. It's hard to describe him without sounding cliche or biased, but Chuck is one of those people who makes it impossible to dislike him. He's sweet, good-natured and carries a light with him, no matter what the situation. I'm not sure he sees it in himself, but anyone who knows him knows this to be true. 

Yesterday morning, a technician from Verizon came to install our internet and TV. He arrived seeming aloof, impersonal and gruff. I stood at the kitchen sink washing dishes and eavesdropped on the conversation between Chuck and this man. I smiled from ear to ear as the man became warmer and warmer toward my other half. By the end of our appointment, he was joking around and engaging in lively discussion with us both. Chuck brings out the best in me, and the best in people. 

One of the many things I love about him.

Chuck loving on my boy BFF at last weekend's Halloween party.
Cutest thing ever :)

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Sunday Blessings {Link-Up}

It's Sunday and I'm in Ohio spending my weekend with my family and friends whom I haven't seen since our wedding two months ago. A blessing indeed!

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Today, I'm feeling blessed by...

comfort food

Some days, you just need a a bowl of mac and cheese or plate of wings to soothe your soul. I'm all about healthy eating, but yesterday when I mentioned a plate of chicken strips sounded oh so good, my Hubby surprised me by coming home from some errands with his bro, with a plate teeming with crispy, chicken-y 

goodness and a side of fries. Love him :)

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"He's my Boo"

I'm not much of a girly girl, but sometimes you just need some freshly painted nails to make you feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. My MIL bought me this adorable Sephora nail polish set last year on a whim, so today I'm totally rocking, "He's my Boo."

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love&sex

This one's a little heavy, but stay with me, because I promise there's a blessing in all of this. 

Someone very close to me confided in me the most awful story I've heard. This girl, who I love dearly, had been sexually abused by someone she thought was a good person, a good friend. The details were graphic and I felt violated simply hearing it. My heart broke for her and my emotions were all over the place. 

I needed her to know that his behavior was not okay. That real men do not act that way. That it is not normal for a man to treat a woman as he treated her.

Through such ugliness however, I was able to make out a silver lining: I have been blessed with a husband who is a real man. Who embodies the love of Christ. Who is loving, gentle, tender, attentive, respectful and brave. I am married to a man of God. And it occurred to me, that men like my husband are few and far between. I have done nothing to deserve this kind of love in my life, and yet God has blessed me  beyond measure.

Thank you, Jesus, for this love.

Thank you, Chuck, for being this love.

How have you been blessed this week? Grab a button and link up!

Sunday Blessings {Link-Up}

Ahhh...the weekend. Ours has been full of episodes of The Office in bed, scrumdiddlyumptious leftovers (who doesn't love Taco Night?!) and lots and lots of blessings...

dirty dishes

I've seen this poem shared before and today it's ringing quite true.

Thank God for dirty dishes;
They have a tale to tell.
While others may go hungry,
We're eating very well
With home, health, and happiness,
I shouldn't want to fuss;
By the stack of evidence,
God's been very good to us.

The stack of dishes piling up in our sink is nearly unbearable to look at. But it serves as a reminder of how precious it is that we have bellies full of food and hearts full of love. 

home

Admittedly, Pittsburgh is not my favorite place in the world. I've lived here for over a year and it has yet to feel like home. But for all its pitfalls (pun intended), Southwestern Pennsylvania may be the most beautiful place I've ever seen in the fall. The changing leaves and rolling hills take my breath away on a daily basis.

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baby sister

Today is my sister's 21st birthday!!! She is my slightly cooler, slightly funnier mini-me and my best friend in the world. So thankful for her presence in my life. Happy 21st, Kelly- drink responsibly ;)

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