There has been a hole in my life...

And it is called having a creative outlet. The right side of my brain has been so bored and so lazy. This may sound silly to you, especially with all of the projects I seemingly do around my house, but my creativity is so lacking. And I miss it so so much. 

When I was in high school I literally had at   least three hours of my day dedicated to artistic development and then hours at home doing the same. When I started my freshman year of college as a graphic design major, many many more hours were dedicated to sketches and the creative process. And then, suddenly, my whole person was flipped over to the intellectual scientific realm of which I was not accustomed to dedicating my thoughts to, and boy, was it hard for me. Now 4 years later I maybe do something creative/artistic once a week and most of the time it's not even an original idea. The right side of my brain has gotten so lazy, all of my "ideas" are from Pinterest (which I love by the way, but come on, it's not original). 

I give you this little spill to say, the creative Molly has been hidden away for too long and she is starting to get P'ed off that she hasn't been utilized. I'm not sure exactly what all that means besides I want to start dedicating more time to creativity. That's why the sudden influx of sign making and I hope it continues. So I ask of you, if you have any opportunities for me, needing something painted or otherwise crafted up, I want to be your girl! I hope in the months, year to come you will be seeing a lot more from me in that area. Keep your eyes posted!

 

In His hug, 

Molly

P.s. If you are interested in a similar sign, I'm accepting orders! Also, I plan on re-vamping/opening my online store soon. Watch out world! 

These are a Few of My Favorite Things: Holidays... And days and days...

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm experiencing the post-holiday blues. Any one else out there with me? I mean I may be convinced that Christmas didn't even happen if it weren't for the pictures I took as proof. It went by sooo fast!

I build up the holidays so much in my head to the point that they are almost disappointing when they are over. I really need to stop that. 

Why does the most wonderful time of the year have to be done so quickly? I think if I can convince Josh, I may try to hype up the rest of the holidays this year to make up for my sadness. Hobby Lobby count me in on buying all of your seasonal decorations. Have some shamrock earrings? You bet your going to find me wearing some. Easter dress? I've been slacking on that and I plan on being all over it this year. Maybe I'll even get a bonnet. MAYBE if you come by my house I will entice you with a sporadic Easter egg hunt. You may say, "Molly you are going to wear yourself out." But I say, "challenge accepted!"

I'm kind of becoming an over-celebrator anyways. I guess this could be closely related to my choosing joy resolution as well. People complain about Pinterest making Holidays and events too ambitious with all of the crafts, decorating and baking ideas, but I disagree. As long as you're having fun, live it on up! Who cares if your one year old really could care less about thier birthday theme and whether or not they have a photo booth. If it's fun for you and the people that celebrate with you then that's all that matters! People can be too Scrooge-y about things, especially the older you get. If you ever ask me if I'm too old to enjoy something anymore, the answer is a big fat NO. 

That is precisely why my sister got me mermaid and unicorn cookie cutters for Christmas and a big motivator in why we finally got a puppy when we did. Even when we had dogs I think every kid secretly wishes they are getting a new puppy for Christmas. Well, count my wish fulfilled! 

So people, please don't rain on my parade anymore. Life has too many downs as it is, if you give me a reason to celebrate, heck I'm celebrating it, even if it is Columbus Day.

I guess I need to get busy figuring out when Pancake Day is! 

In His hug, 

Molly 

Disclaimer: I ask that I not be held accountable for any Holidays I may or may not forget/decide not to celebrate. This is not, I repeat, is not a resolution. Thank you. 

Choosing Joy in 2015

As the new year rolls in, I imagine most people reflect upon their year in some way. And though you may not do the resolutions thing, I think most people think on things they would like to or wish they could change in their life in the coming year.

2014 has been a crazy year that has brought on a lot of change for us.
-We celebrated 4 weddings in our family.
-Josh and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary.

-I finished up nursing school and graduated from college with my bachelor's degree.
-Josh accepted a new Youth Pastor position at FBC Shattuck after 3 years at FBC Buffalo.
-Josh and I moved from Buffalo to Shattuck.
-We bought our first house.
-I accepted my first job as an RN.
-We became an Aunt and Uncle.
-And we went to Disney World!!
 And many many more exciting things along with lots of obstacles.

But amidst the obstacles this Holiday season has very appropriately reminded me how truly blessed I am. When looking back at that list of good things I feel ashamed for ever complaining. But let's just be real and admit that amidst great blessings life can be really trying and confusing and frustrating. It is easier to give into frustrations and throw yourself a pity party, which frankly, I'm pretty good at.
But this new year, I would like to choose joy.

Sure I have other goals. I'd like to lose weight, I'd like to cook more home meals, I'd like to spend more time outside, and I'd like to be less busy. However, if I don't accomplish any of those, I still want to choose joy. If God decides to test me the most in 2015, may joy still be my heart's song. 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

-Romans 15:13

The Bible speaks a lot on the joy of The Lord and how we will receive it when we follow Him. Catch that? We will receive it when we follow Him. To be quite honest that has been my biggest hang up of 2014- I think okay, I've been obedient, now where is my joy and peace. But lately God has been impressing on me that I have felt it lacking, because my faith and trust in Him has been lacking. I guess that's why I believe it is a choice. You believe to let the worry and anxiety go, as truely hard as it is, and to choose to trust and give it to God and therefore choosing joy. 

It will be really hard for me. I wish I was a naturally positive person, but my sinful nature made me into a generally pessimistic and jealous person. But this is my prayer for 2015, that I will let joy consume me more than I do worry, or doubt, or fear, or disappointment. I pray that others see the joy of The Lord in me. 

Even as this holiday season of fun and celebrating comes to an end, it is hard for me not to feel down and sad, but I'm striving for joy. 

I ask for prayers as I seek out joy this year. I pray that your goals for the new year bring you closer to God as well as if there is anything in your life you are seeking prayer for, I'd love to pray for you! 

I hope 2015 is the best year for you yet! 

In His hug, 

Molly 

These are a Few of My Favorite Things: Penny the Puppy

We finally took the commitment plunge and got ourselves a wittle bitty pup for Christmas last week!

We have been wanting a dog for many moons now. Josh would have been okay with getting one once we got married, but I was a bit more apprehensive. I firmly believe once you get any kind of pet you are making a commitment to have that pet forever and ever. I know there are sometimes circumstances in which the owner has to get rid of said pet, but it has to be a pretty good reason. Therefore I wanted to make sure I was ready to make the commitment to care for another living thing, to make sure it was well trained, groomed, fed, and loved. I knew that during school I would not have the time to properly do those things and that it would be unfair to put all of that responsibility on Josh. So we waited and waited. 

Since we have now progressed more into our adulthood we have been searching the Internet for the perfect furball to add to our family. A friend in town posted about some puppies she was giving away and we fell in love with the brown runt. 

Before we got her we just knew she was a Penny, and because I just have to be quirky and clever she became Penny Lane. 

She is almost 7 weeks old, a mix between lab, collie, and black mouth cur. She loves to bite all things, but mostly toes. She likes to play with big sister Patch, and Patch is not so sure she likes to play with her. She also likes Patch's cat food more than her own. She is already so smart and picking up her house training rather quickly. She is very quiet except when she has to be in her crate. We have had her only a week and are already in love with her!

Don't worry about Patchy. We have been giving her extra lovins and attention. It makes me sad because she has always seemed like a playful little kitten although she is almost 12, but now that we have a little puppy running around she has become a cat. When I pick her up compared to Penny, I think when did she get so big! I hope once she gets used to her her playful nature will come back. 

I always thought it was a little weird how some people acted like their pets were their children, but I am totally that person! Please don't judge. Expect many more Penny pics in the future! And no, we aren't planning on name all of our children "P" names, but maybe just our pets. We are still trying to come up with a Penny hashtag, any ideas?

We hope you have had a wonderful holiday season! I will post more about ours (maybe) once we are finished! We still have two to go! All I can say is, I am far blessed beyond what I deserve. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

In His hug, 

Molly Brooks

Christmas Decor at the Brooks Household

So, it has been a busy while. Since my last post we've been in the process of redoing one of our bathrooms, working working all the time, celebrating thanksgiving with family, and wrapping presents like crazy. Much has happened, yet I haven't felt there has been much to blog about, though I am excited to share my bathroom with you once it is completed.

Usually by the first week in December I am basically finished with Christmas shopping, but this year has been a whole new ballgame. I still have yet to receive many presents in the mail, but I think they are at least all bought by now. I think. I didn't do much DIY-ing this christmas, but I will be happy to share with you all our Christmas home this year.

From our first year of marriage we have gone for a white tree, though our first one was only about 2 feet tall :) Now we have graduated to a 6 foot pre-lit tree.

Our first tree, isn't it cute! 

I don't think you can really go wrong with a Christmas tree, but there is something about the white lights with the white tree that appears so etherial and captivating to me. I also like how colorful ornaments really pop on the white tree as well. We go for the look of mix-matched ornaments rather than a themed tree. I think it's a little more personal when every ornament has a little story.

Above: This ornament was one my in-laws brought us back from their cruise to Jamaica.
Below: Our alien ornament was one of the first ornaments I didn't buy at a thrift store. I can tell through the blogosphere that you are jealous.  The 3 wise men beside it was one of Josh's favorites on his mom's tree growing up.

 This embroidered Mary and baby Jesus was made for me by my mom. When I was growing up, she had a full nativity scene that she made in High school. My sister and I expressed one year how much we loved them, and now we receive a few handmade pieces from the nativity each year.

I bought these shadow boxes at our Alco (RIP Alco :( ) a few months back, not really sure what I wanted to put in them. I decided to make them a piece that I can change out with each season. I used Christmas printables that I found off of Pinterest glued onto a thin sheet of foam, glued onto scrapbook paper and embellished with random baubles I've found at thrift stores. Here are the ones I made for Fall:

I'm not particularly fond of this retro light fixture, but for now I decided to dress it up for Christmas. I had seen versions of this on Pinterest (of course) and had some snowy branches I wasn't sure what to do with- thus, this light accessory was birthed. 

Once again, I had all of these little wooden ornaments that I collected from the thrift store. For some reason I find them adorable, so I was happy to find a unique way to display them. 

We don't have a fireplace mantle to decorate so I make pretend like our TV and entertainment center is the same thing.

I made this banner using this printable, scrapbook paper, and ric rac... that I probably got a thrift store...

We haven't reached the Christmas decorating expanse that say my mother and father have (6 christmas trees people!), but I think it all comes together nicely! I have fond memories of not just looking at decorations, but doing the decorating for the Christmas season with my family. I remember my sister and I would argue about who got to put up the Christmas village and who got to do the nativity scene. I love that I now have those memories with my husband as we argue about who gets to hang which ornament (hehe) and I'm excited to make those memories with my future chillens. 

I hope you enjoyed this Christmas tour of our home and are enjoying this holiday season! 

In His hug, 

Molly

P.S. - Patch's favorite Christmas decor is the tree too, it's the perfect spot to sleep under. She has also taken up a part time job as an elf for Santa this year. Here she is to show off her uniform. 

Brooks Fall Activities Thus Far

I recently changed from the day shift to night shifts at my job, and while I like the general calmness of nights I'm still adjusting to staying up all night plus the fact that our night shifts are 7 on and 7 off. So I have been a little off lately. I've never been one to believe or desire to live to work. I've always been of the mindset that I would rather struggle a little bit and be able to experience my life than to work my life away so it's hard for me to sacrifice a full week like this. Plus I'm a millennial and you know we don't have a good work ethic and all that so I'm sure that contributes ;).  If you have tips for how you balance work and life, let me in on your secrets!

On my days off we have been greatly enjoying the goings on of fall. As you know a couple of weeks ago we had our glorious fall break camping trip and this week we enjoyed Halloween. 

My aunt bought herself a kayak recently and we had fun breaking it in for her :)

You know, someone was bound to fall in. And it just so happened to be Josh.

We caught enough fish this year to have our usual fish fry!

Josh and I slummed it in the tent. Someday we want to buy a little used camper and spruce it up, but for now bundled up with a million blankets in the little tent does just fine.

The next week we had our annual pumpkin carving contest with Josh's family-

Josh and I's pumpkins. Isn't his rather...ugh...inappropriate?

Top row- mine, Tim's, Josh's

Bottom row- Jan's, Kelsey's, Dan's

Then I worked a long seven days and was off for Halloween. We wanted a nice family picture in front of our house, but Patch was not having any of it. We may have had a few bowel movements in the making of this picture.
And because she wasn't cooperating, you need more pictures of Patch in her costume...

At my parent's on Halloween we made some spooky treats. My dad made his famous popcorn balls, Sarah made mini caramel apples and mummy cookies, I made monster cookies and Butterbeer, and Josh made the witch fingers. We had a perfectly frightful night watching Clue. 

I know that some Christians have some indifferent feelings towards Halloween, but I am thankful for any time of the year that encourages family time and silly traditions. Also, Natalie Grant posted this on her Facebook on her feelings towards Halloween, and I think it is a great point to be made-

"I've had many people over the years ask me if I "celebrate" Halloween. I don't celebrate evil. Or darkness. Or witches, ghosts and goblins. But I DO celebrate kids. And princesses. And fairies. And candy. Lots and lots of candy. And neighbors. And community. As children of the Light, why in the world would we hide in our houses on what is considered a "dark" day? And what other day of the year does your entire neighborhood show up at your doorstep? What good does it do to make sure all of the lights are out, trying to make a "stand" for righteousness while the neighbors turn and walk away? No - as a Jesus follower I will open my door wide, greet everyone with a smile and hand out the best candy possible. You don't have to agree with me. That's totally ok. We still both belong to Christ. Oh, and I forgot one other thing I celebrate...freedom in Christ WITHOUT the yoke of legalism. Let the candy collecting begin. " 

-Natalie Grant

And with that, I look forward to Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and New Years, and Valentine's Day, and St. Patrick's day, and so on and so forth. As always, they pass by way too fast. I think I would be okay with all of Josh and I's families living in a communal neighborhood, but I'm not so sure they would. Hope you all had a Happy Halloween and enjoy the extra hour of sleep tonight! 

In His hug,

Molly

These are a Few of My Favorite Things: Fall Break

Next week is the infamous fall break! For some, it means a break from school. For my family, it means campfires, fishing, s'mores, frito chili pie, and lots of board games. Since I can remember my mom's side of the family has gathered at some lake in our campers and tents to spend the break together. When I was in middle school I would often extend my fall break and skip school on Wednesday so I could go early. With my parent's permission. Obviously.

A lot of my grandparents friends would join as well (in truth they started it and my family just joined in). Myself and the other grandkids would ride our bikes around the lake exploring and then return to someone's camper for trail mix and a juvenile poker game. It was awesome. And it still is awesome.

Sure, we've skipped a few years here and there, but magically I somehow managed to be off work for fall break in my first year as a working girl. God knew I desperately needed fall break. Thank you, God!

I think I'm progressively looking cooler in these pictures. 

We started out going to Canton Lake every year. One of my favorite things to do was to go into Canton with my Grandma and go in all of the little stores and buy useless things. I remember specifically buying one of those little velveteen bears that matches your birthstone and one of those add water and it grows into a larger dinosaur and claiming it was basically the same as catching another fish.

Miracles always happen over fall break. One being the time I caught to fish on my fishing pole whilst sleeping in the back of the boat. Another being the many times someone had to be rescued from a sinking boat, but I won't go into those stories. One more was the time a friend and I thought we discovered the longest snake ever on a beach where the water had collected from the lake being low. We hurried back to show our families our discovery only to bring them and discover that the water was just full of walleye's that had gotten trapped there when the water went out.

The past couple of years we've had to congregate to different lakes because of the tornado that went through Canton. This year we are gathering at Ft. Supply and sad about the family members that can't join, they will be greatly missed.  Now who will bring the peep's for roasting?

I love s'mores. I love to spend those days in jeans and sweat shirts. I wierdly love the memories of washing off the day in the communal showers with a bunch of spiders. I love the smell of campfire smoke with a cold nose. I love the feeling of being all snuggled up in a tent while being aware of how cold it will be when you take your blankets off. I love walking along the lake shore to see what oddities you can discover. A dead fish was always a score as a kid. I love that Josh now partakes in this tradition with me. And by the way, I love getting to spend that time with family. I LOVE FALL BREAK. 

In His hug,

Molly