put a smile on

Can I tell you something? I feel like there's something wrong with me. This past week, almost every day I came home feeling defeated from the day. Work has been rough. Day after day I deal with the same issues, mostly with the same children. I see kids cry, I see kids making fun of others, I deal with conflict, I deal with sadness. It's not that I don't like my job, sometimes it is just hard. The kids I work with make me laugh, they make me see the good in the world. I wish we could be more innocent like them. But some other stuff that is going on with work has me wondering, has me thinking that I will not be doing this kind of work long-term.

 One night, after a strain of terrible events, I had a breakdown. It was bad. I cried. I screamed. I sobbed. I sat on the bathroom floor crying, with the door locked because I was embarrassed to let me husband see me in the state that I was in. I threw my hair brush on the floor and it smashed. Eventually I came out and went back to our bedroom where we had previously been and I cried some more. 

And then my husband, my love, said some pretty amazing words: 

we need to get out of the apartment. we need to get you something to eat.

At this moment in my life, nothing is exactly how I wanted it to be. I didn't think it would be like this, but I don't mind it right now because I know that there are a couple things that I don't enjoy, there are couple of things I need to work towards obtaining, there are a couple of things I would like to learn more about and I need to continue to find satisfaction in what I do have and the successes that I achieve. However, there is one thing that I know I wouldn't, couldn't or ever want to change. Knowing that I am a Daughter of Heavenly Father, I will be able to overcome all of the daily frustrations I have and the pain I feel some days. I know that I can achieve all things through Him.

My husband continues to teach me this and continues to be my rock as I carry on this journey. I want to be able to support him as he studies and continues to provide for our family. Thanks for taking me out for pizza Haig Pinsent. you + me + pizza = love.

happy dress-iversary

so thankful that one year ago, I had the feeling that I needed to go to value village and have a look around because I happened to stumble across the most beautiful wedding dress I had ever seen, 

I knew I wanted it to be mine. 

read more about my wedding dress

Bridal Bargain

value village wedding dress:1

value village wedding dress:2

value village wedding dress:3

pumpkins & puppy

This past weekend we made a very quick trip to a pumpkin patch because I needed to pick up some pumpkins for work. Kayla wanted to come with us and take Winnie for a walk, so she picked us up to help out with Winnie in the car, and also take us home for family supper after. Thanks sister! You're awesome. Winnie was really excited and a lot of people at the pumpkin patch thought she was really sweet. One lady even asked if she could take a picture of Winnie with her baby! Okay I guess...

Also, thanks sister for taking gross pictures of Haig and I. I kind of like him. I wanted to take more fall pictures of us this year, but it has been a very busy season for us, so it's not a big deal. We will take some very cute ones next year instead.

sister, sister, sister

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go to Moncton with my mom & sister to visit with my grand-mother and three of my aunts! I couldn't pass it up, obviously! It was a much needed weekend away from the Island, but unfortunately I had to leave my husband at home to study and get some work done, and go golfing. But I had a really nice weekend too. We met up with my aunts on Saturday morning and visited with Grandma. Then mom, Kayla, Aunt Annette and I went shopping and met back up with Aunt Helen and Aunt Maureen & Steve at the hotel. We had some dinner at East Side Marios, which was delicious but made my belly sore for the rest of the night. It didn't help that I was sitting in a hotel bed with my little sister eating way too much candy and giggling wayyy too much. 

We visited again with Grandma again on Sunday morning before Maureen and Steve left town. We took some pictures with Grandma, but she was not very chatty that morning and wasn't too interested in taking some pictures as you can tell. She's such a good sport though. It is hard to see her like this, but I am fortunate to have wonderful memories with her. Every time I make peanut butter cookies, I think about her showing me how to roll them and press a fork in them before you put them in the oven. I remember sitting with her and watching TV in the kitchen while she drank her morning coffee. I remember snuggling with her on the blue couch in the living room and asking her about her beautiful dark, beaded rosary. She would tuck me into bed as often as she could when we stayed over in Moncton to visit. The day before we got there, she was lucky enough to have two of her sisters visit her. I was happy that my mom was able to visit with her sisters. I was happy that I could take a trip and spend some quality time with my sister. 

last night

Last night, Haig and I went out to run a couple of errands, which basically ended up being a really fun date night. I bought some things for work, we bought Haig a new pair of winter boots and we each got a treat at bulk barn. When we got home we put everything on the table and before I could start putting it away, I was in his arms. He told me that he is so glad that I am his best friend. He told me that even if we weren't married, he would still love to hang out with me, live with me and do stuff with me all the time. He gazed into my eyes and said: I love you.

The feeling is mutual. I love my best friend so much. 

Morning "Glory"

Honestly, I hate mornings.

When I started reading Morning, I liked that it talked about how it would provide a framework for morning success.  My mornings are currently lazy, busy, rushed and non-fulfilling. They include getting up at different time depending on our daily work/school schedule, getting ready for the day (shower, hair, make-up, getting dressed), eating breakfast, brushing teeth, packing a lunch & items that I will need for work. Some mornings also include getting on the computer to pay bills, do work or catch up on blog reading and social media.

After Amberle contacted me about becoming an advocate, I started to pay more attention to what I was doing in the mornings. I realized that my mornings are not how I would like them to be. What was the matter? I was not sure. I was looking forward to finding out what things I could do to better my morning routine.

I am seeking fulfillment for my mornings. When I open my eyes, I immediately rush to the events of the day. I quickly think about work and what I will need to do, I think about what we will have for dinner and what errands we need to get done in the evening. My mind races as I wake up and it does not help me to feel relaxed about the day that is ahead. I look at my sleeping husband, who {most of the time} is still in dreamland. When I wake him up, we cuddle and share an embrace that was made to get me through the day.

I really need to re-focus myself  on becoming more calm in the mornings. I need to have better thoughts as soon as I wake up. I can do this by thinking about hings I will be grateful for about this new day. That's just what it is. a brand new day. My life is very wonderful and I have been blessed with so many opportunities, especially these last few months and this past year. I can more fully embrace my morning routine by starting my day in a sense of gratitude. I need to pray vocally each morning before I even leave our room to feel the Spirit of the Lord and have his Spirit with me for the whole day.
  

Brave New Roots Introduction

I have been approached by a good friend, a very sweet friend actually to be an advocate for her brand "Brave New Roots". First of all, like I said, she is pretty cool. Her name is Amberle Evans. I met her a couple of years ago when I had lots of friends attending the Young Single Adult Ward in Halifax. I remember always being happy to see her, and in the back of my mind I knew if I ever needed help with anything I could talk to her.

She approached me with the opportunity to share her business on different platforms of social media. I was really excited that she thought of me. I do my best to blog about my personal life, and sometimes things I create but I have been interested in taking on a new blogging project and this would be the perfect thing for me.

I started by reading some of her website: www.bravenewroots.com

I learned a little bit more about Amberle's small business, her goals, her desires and her passions to provide people with wellness, happiness, success and an overall healthy lifestyle.

"I Believe We All Want Freedom. Because Freedom Is Magic. Freedom Is Free Of Barriers And Limitations Of Any Kind. It Can Be Whatever It Chooses. That, Is Definitely Magic."

-Amberle Evans

about Brave New Roots

Then, I asked her some questions to get to know more...

What is this whole "morning" thing all about?
The morning thing is about creating a life that is more about being than doing. One where you are free to be who you really are and where you set yourself in such a way that you can't help but do that.

Why do you think having a good morning routine is important?
Because it allows you to set the tone for your day and over time, your life. It's a magical opportunity to create the life you want to be in.

Do you enjoy the work that you do and why?
I haven't enjoyed the work I've had to do for most of my life, and this is true for so many people, especially women, which is why I am working really hard to create a business where I can do what I truly enjoy and help other people to do the same. My business is still growing but, and is still in many ways, a baby, but yes, I truly enjoy working on it. And I truly enjoy creating from this kind of a place. Freedom is my anthem and I enjoy finding it more for myself and helping and inspiring others to as well.

It's hard, but it's worth it and overall it's absolutely scrumptious.

If you had a million dollars and had to give it away (start an organization, build something, donate it..etcetera) what would you do with it and why?
Well, first I would donate 10% to my church because of all the amazing initiatives that would support, then I would pay off all my debt and as much of my families financial debt as possible, then I would buy a house where I really want to live and then I would invest some into getting all the supplies and things I need for my business, and the rest would be budgeted over time to help me further create the business and life I desire.

Over the next couple of weeks, I am going to share some of my experiences as I work on my morning routine and changing some habits in my daily life. Amberle was so gracious in offering me a copy of her book "Morning". It is a beautiful book. It is super inspirational and I will hopefully be able to take some nice photos to go with my "morning" journey. I am excited about this project and opportunity. I am excited to learn more about myself and what I can do to gain freedom in my life, and continue to strive for happiness and fulfillment.

Donagh Stories

one my little boys at work just became a big brother again. he has told me 3 times now that his mommy had his new baby sister at the dentist. I corrected him by saying "I think mommy had her at the hospital", but he said "no she had the baby at the dentist". I talked to mom today. she didn't have the baby at the dentist.

Peggys Cove

On Sunday afternoon, we took a drive to Peggy's Cove. Haig nearly made us all sick on the drive up, it was so curvy and he was driving pretty fast. When we got there it was nice to get out of the car for some very fresh air. It was a pretty windy day but that didn't stop us from climbing the rocks and appreciating the beautiful landscape around us. I will always be in awe of Peggy's Cove because of it's uniqueness and the ability it has to captivate you.

I loved walking with my husband, Emma, Luke, Hannah and Mom on the rocks. I am grateful  for them and all that they do for me. At one point, Luke put his arm around me and I thought of how much he has grown up in the past couple of years that I have known him. Now, I am looking up to him and he is becoming such a wonderful young man. Emma took some pictures and I could see her passion as she tried to get the right picture of the waves crashing up on the rocks. Hannah was not feeling well on the drive up, but as soon as we were out of the car, she pressed forward and made the best of the experience and tried to feel better. Haig helped Mom along the rocks to make sure she would be safe. I love the relationship they have, and I love that mom will be there for us 

no matter what.

My husband is adventurous and exciting. I watched as he jumped from rock to rock, somewhat worried for him, but I knew he was having so much fun. I also knew that he trusted me to be safe and that I could trust him to be careful. He is my rock. He has been my confidant the past months in helping me to understand my goals as a worker, friend and especially as his wife and a daughter of God.

I am thankful for beautiful places like Peggy's Cove and being able to spend time there with 

beautiful people.  

Thanksgiving in Nova Scotia

We had such a great time in Nova Scotia for our FIRST THANKSGIVING together (as a married couple). Last Thanksgiving, we went around the table and said what we were thankful for, and Haig said our wedding date! Now one year later, here we are and still having so much fun, falling more and more in love. I love my husband and I am SO thankful for him and all he does for our little family. On our drive home from Jocelyn's Thanksgiving dinner, Haig decided that he would drive us to Nova Scotia. We left around 11pm and didn't get to Cole Harbour until 2:30am. The roads were not great, and I slept a little bit. Haig said we hydro-planed a couple of times and I could feel it when I was awake. We probably won't be doing that again!

On Saturday morning, we met up with my parents and some other friends from the Ward and went to the temple. I felt peace and happiness as I was there and I got to sit beside my mom which was a really sweet experience. After the temple, Haig and I just wanted to do something together, so we went down to Dartmouth Crossing for a little shopping. Unfortunately, Haig got bored pretty quickly as I shopped for a couple of things and ended up waiting in the car. We went home as soon as I was finished and we relaxed and helped with dinner. I made the pumpkin pies for the family.

Dad got home from work and we started to have dinner, unfortunately the Grannies joined us later on, but it was still so great to have them there with us. Thanksgiving dinner at the Pinsents' was great as usual. I think this is my 3rd turkey dinner there! The pie also turned out amazing along with Granny's mincemeat pie and cherry cheesecake! I was thankful to be surrounded by my beautiful and wonderful family that I love so much, and also my sister and brother in laws and *nieces! that are out west, we miss them. 

After dinner, Haig and I made our traditional trip to Value Village to have a look around. I found a gorgeous value village wedding dress in the costume section for $14.99. I think I might have a bit of a weakness for cheap, but beautiful wedding dresses! We went home to pick up Emma and then go see a movie (The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials). It was nice to just spend some time with Emma, she is growing up so fast.

I loved our day spent with both our families and in the Temple. 

I am Thankful for October 10th 2015.

Thanksgiving at The Hillhurst Inn

Jocelyn had us over on Friday night for the loveliest Thanksgiving dinner at The Hillhurst Inn. I am so glad to have such a great friend and great party host! I made the desserts for the evening and I am really glad everyone liked them, even some guests of the Inn! Haig said a blessing on the food and gave thanks for good friends and the time that Jocelyn took to prepare the event and the meal. We like her a lot. Everything tasted so good. We started with a butternut squash soup and rolls and then had our turkey dinner with the best mashed potatoes I have ever had (thanks Dan!). The table was also so sweet. I just love fall decor. I think it might be my favorite yearly decorations.

Thanks for having us Jocelyn! We had a wonderful evening with you and our friends!

my family's new pup

I cried when I met you for the first time tonight. We had Nala for 15 and a half years. Almost a year and a half without a dog, you filled a void in my heart that I didn't even know was there. I will love watching you grow up, and someday having my little ones grow up around you too.

Welcome to our family little lady.

                       

haig & alyssa lately

alyssa; working girl. this was a particularly hard day for some reason. but I just have to put on a happy face sometimes, especially for my after-school kids, because sometimes school can be hard and I do love seeing them at the end of their school day. They have so much energy and I am getting so much great feedback from them and parents that they are enjoying the program and love spending time there. Some don't even want to leave when their parents come 

(but sorry guys, I want to go home)

haig: student. we had one week where school was pretty tough. Haig worked on an assignment every night. But he is doing really great! He got a 90% on his economics test and a 94% on his math test! He is so smart and I am really proud of him. Because let's just mention that he didn't study very much for either of those tests, and he still did fantastic (because if it was me, I would have been so stressed out, well I was a little stressed out for him but there's nothing I can do to help with school sometimes!). Then there's times like this after a long day at school, or work in the afternoon and I find him like this and it makes my heart happy.

"We need women who are devoted to shepherding God's children along the covenant path toward exaltation; women who know how to receive personal revelation; who understand the power and peace of the temple endowment, women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen children and families, women who teach fearlessly." -Russell M. Nelson

general conference

This weekend has been pretty great. I have been struggling at work these last few weeks. I've had feelings of inadequacy, lack of knowledge and experience and I have been burdened with tasks that are challenging for me to complete. The weekends have been much needed, and especially General Conference. Haig and I watched the first session in our little apartment that we love so much. I did a couple things for work while we watched. In between that session, I went to the store to grab a couple of things while Haig stayed home and worked on a school assignment. I got home just in time to pick Haig up and head over to the church for the second session.

The second session was really phenomenal. Three new apostles were called and it was a really amazing and humbling experience to watch these men accept the call to serve. After this session, we came home but Haig got ready to go back to church for the Priesthood session. I contemplated what I would do with my night, and I decided that I just needed some time to relax. I took a quick shower, put a pizza in the oven, painted my nails and watched Confessions of a Shopaholic. I also wanted to bake, but I was too lazy to have to wash any dishes after. I was very happy when my husband came home, and he looked great in his Sunday clothes late on a Saturday night. We talked about the things we had heard and how we had felt inspired throughout the day.

This morning I woke up a little earlier than Haig, and I went out to the kitchen and I started to make some ginger cookies. While I was baking, Haig woke up and started to work on his assignment some more. When I was done baking, he took a break from his work and we got ready to go to conference. He worked a little more while I finished getting ready and then we went to church for the first Sunday session. The session was fantastic, and Elder Russell M. Nelson's talk was one that I needed to hear for a number of reasons. After the session, we went home to get changed and then headed over to my parents for an afternoon dinner and to watch the last session of this 185th semi-annual conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I am very happy to be a member of the restored gospel and be able to hear from the leaders of our church and especially our Prophet every six months. I really enjoyed this conference, and I know I need to find ways to take the inspiration and revelation that I have received and apply it to my life. I need to look for ways I can improve. Everyday, I need to strive to become a better, more faithful and diligent daughter of God. I need to be a better wife and companion for my husband. I am not perfect, and he is not perfect, but we married each other with the potential of someday being perfect for one another. I need to pray more, and study more so I can have the spirit in my life. I know that when I am doing all of these things that I will feel happier, at home, at work and in my life.