A Winter Wonderland Weekend

There is something magical about NYC at Christmas. It's cold, the decorations are beautiful, and Rockefeller Center looks like a winter wonderland. The hustle and bustle of NYC gets a little crazy and you feel like you are on a roller coaster most of the time, but it's always so much fun.

As I sit here and write this on my last day here in NY/NJ, I think back on the past few days I have had here in this wonderful place.

Last night I went to see the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Not to mention that across the street was the Red Carpet premiere of Mission Impossible 2: Ghost Protocol. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes walked the red carpet and the paparazzi were all over the place. I just wanted to get into Radio City.

When the show started, it felt like I was dreaming. Was I really sitting inside Radio City watching this show?? Some people dream of the day they can do this, and I have the opportunity to enjoy all these great things now. Thank you God for all these things you have given me.

Besides seeing the Rockettes, my favorite thing we did this past weekend was go into FAO Schwarz. What an awesome place. Real toy soldiers greeting you as you walk in the door, stuffed animals galore, and every Madame Alexander doll you would want.

I will miss NYC, because this past weekend definitely has been a Winter Wonderland...

Rosie the Elf

The Elf on the Shelf. The most amazing Christmas behavior plan and cutest idea ever invented. I have introduced this Elf to many families this year, I've held "Elf How-To" mini courses and given many ideas on where this Elf hides each night when it comes back from the North Pole.

Last night was one of the cutest experiences I have had with the Elf on the Shelf. This family has two kids, a boy and a girl, who are over the age of 7. They still believe in Santa, and really are in to this Elf. I introduced the Elf to them a few days ago, telling them that there is an Elf you can adopt from the North Pole, and the Elf watches over you during the day and then reports to Santa each night. When he comes back to your house before you wake up in the morning, the Elf is sitting somewhere in your house and it's your job to find him. BUT...don't touch him or he will lose his magic!

They were so excited to find two of their very own elves in the seats of the car when they went to school yesterday morning.

Last night, the kids and I named the Elves and "registered" them online through the North Pole. After they were officially adopted, I told them that they must carefully place the box they came in on the couch, opened, and the Elf would come out of it's box once they were asleep and report to the North Pole. I have never seen these kids go to bed faster in my life.

Their dad also bought a special skirt for the little girls Elf. I sure hope that Elf remembered to put it on...

Pilates is the New Gymnastics

I am so excited to be starting Pilates! One of the moms I babysit for has been going to Pilates for years and has been trying to get me involved. I have seen Pilates done before back in my gymnastics days, and know I will be able to do a lot of the skills, but I was still not so sure. I have been out of gymnastics for years and my flexibility is far from what it used to be!

I have been putting it off for awhile now because not only will I have to find time for it in my already packed schedule, but I do not like trying new things alone. So what a perfect opportunity it was for me to go to their Christmas party and get a great look into what it is all about! While having a glass of wine, nibbling on tasty hor'dourves, watching demos, and mingling amongst the instructors and clients, I felt a lot more comfortable after seeing Pilates in action.

After the night was winding down, I signed up for my first private lesson! I can't wait...and I know I will now become addicted to this world known as Pilates!

Love One Another

I remember when I used to teach Sunday school to a class of little toddlers. And a few years later, I moved to the infant room and sang songs about Jesus to these crying and smiling babies. I wasn't a good singer, but they didn't know this :)

Today I begin a new venture at church. I have been hired to be on the support team for the Special Friends ministry, a ministry of the church that guides children with special needs.

When I first started my job at The First Academy, I had no idea how my life would change. The doors that have been opened for me have been some of the best. And I thank God everyday for First Hope and the rewards it brings. So now, each Sunday morning I will teach bible lessons to children who just need a little extra care. "Love one another, as I have loved you" John. 13:34

A New Beginning...

It's almost time for the big move! I am so excited to have my own house, well I don't actually own it, but It's mine for the time-being!

Having all this extra room is great, and I am looking forward to making the little house in the backyard into a gym for me and my friends to work out for FREE! How cool is that?! I also have an extra bedroom for all of my scrapbooking stuff, and also a place for friends & family to stay over.

The kitchen is now over there and finished up, I planned on packing my clothes and bringing them over yesterday, but with this sickness that popped up out of no where, it didn't happen. So I guess it will all have to get done Friday. Saturday, everyone is coming over to help with the big furniture (the hard part) and then I am in for good! I will be so close to downtown, and so much closer to everything else that I do, including work. What a relief!

This weekend is going to be crazy. I am taking Friday off of work so I can get a head start with the moving, Saturday is the rest of it, Sunday is the CKF kids party all day and then another event that night, phew! I think I am ready for this...

Where Has the Time Gone?

It's been a while since I've been blogging. It's always nice to get back into it. Lately I have been so busy with everything going on..trying to pack for the move in 2 weeks, teaching, babysitting, tutoring, hanging with friends, doing my own school work for grad studies, and watching too many episodes of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

I need to do this more often though, because it is pretty theraputic, and from what I hear, people seem to read it!

Right now I'm babysitting the Georgoudiou kids, I can't believe how much Miller has grown. I still remember him as a little 3 year old who was always anxious and only wanted Miss. Mallory around. Not so much now, I am not the cool one anymore :)

I move in 2 weeks! I can't believe it and am so very thankful to the Krantz's for this house! I will have so much more room and able to have people over...and a nice kitchen! You take things for granted when you live in a house, and when you wind up in a small apartment, you realize it! I can't wait to make the little house in the backyard into a Gym. But that will happen in time.

That's all for now, check back soon!

Mallory

A Full Bucket

Each year at our school, our principal has a "Book of the Year". This year, our book theme is "How Full is Your Bucket?". You are probably wondering what I am talking about and every time I mention this to a non- co worker they look at me oddly. It is simple...

How many times a day do you feel down? Is it because of a situation with work? or a situation with a certain person in your life? How many times a day does someone come up to you and want to talk out their problems? And then the problem feels like your own? These situations are draining your "bucket". Don't get me wrong, I love talking to people and helping them. Many people tell me I am a great listener :)

OR...

Do you ever get friendly notes or encouragement? A facebook post that made you smile? a phone call or text that brightened your day? This is all "filling" your bucket. I know with me, each day I feel drained at times and it is important that we help each other by giving encouragement or just giving them something to smile about. My hope is that whoever is reading this thinks about their "bucket". What does it feel like right now? Has anyone done anything to fill yours this week? Think about it, and do something in return for that person.

Here are the people that filled my bucket so far this week:

Tiffaney, Ryan, Kathy, Joe, Michelle, Erika, Johnny, Amna, Mamaw, and Dad.

I am thankful for each of you!