In honor of a long Labor Day weekend I have the day off! It feels GREAT :) Although I know from experience that it is not nearly as fun if it is an everyday thing. Actually, I've thought about writing this for a while, but I always have decided against it.... But today it feels right? If that is somehow able to made sense. 

    So everyone who has read my blog knows a few things about me: I was just a talkative girl from Georgia who fell in love with a quirky Floridian. We were engaged after a year and it was decided I would move to Florida. Graham had a nice job, I was going to college online, things just worked out. We found an apartment, we were wed on April 13th, everything was more perfect that could possibly be planned. 

    And then April 19th Graham found out he lost his job. We had been married 6 days- we hadn't even had our second reception yet! But there we were, both jobless and on our own. Neither of us have felt very comfortable sharing this story with others- I would think many of my close family and friends would be surprised if they read this. When the subject is brought up, it seemed like everyone was shocked and looked at us with disdain- as if we weren't ready for marriage at all. In all the honesty I can relay, it is true that we were not worried when it happened. Now that doesn't mean we were happy about it or wanted it to occur, by any means. We had tried our best to do everything the right way, and knew we were not going to be left alone. It is also true that Graham and I have an intense faith that Heavenly Father would not forsake us. We hoped something would work out soon, but we had no doubt that eventually something would. 

    In case anyone is wondering, we did not go on a traditional honeymoon at this time.We planned to go on a cruise, but with our finances so insecure we decided to hold off. We did go on day trips to Disney, which wasn't too far or costly. We tried o live frugally as possible- generally we just stayed at home together. (While I love my dear baby boy, I can say that it was sometimes an overkill to be together nonstop. Trust me, married or not, people need their own space sometimes.)

  May rolled over and nothing had changed. Graham woke up each day and applied to numerous places. He dedicatedly tailored his resume for each job, asked about interviews, then follow up interviews and would persistently call to touch bases. Meanwhile our first set of bills came in, luckily there were not many. Even better, we had both saved a good deal from our previous jobs- but who wishes to use all of their savings up in the first month of marriage?

    So we paid what we owed and prayed that things would work out swiftly. I can not speak for G, but I can for myself- while I knew things were going to get better I did find myself stressing at times. I hope it doesn't seem as a severe lack of faith, although I did succumb to the "natural (wo)man."

    Then mid-May I applied for a nannying position. A nervous wreck, I met up with two different women for two successful interviews. I was thrilled to have a week long trial period to see if I was a good fit. By the end of the week I was invited to work permanently, 30 hours a week with great pay. I was beyond ecstatic to accept. Later on, I found out that the family had went through several nannies who didn't fit the bill. I was amazed- certainly it wasn't my actions that helped me really stand apart. I knew that was a blessing. 

    The day that I started my job Graham was extended an offer for an excellent position, one which would build his resume and pay above his previous job. We were awe struck. How did we both manage to go from jobless to employed in less than a week? Easy answer: we were blessed because we had the faith. I know things do not always go as planned-Hey, just retread this post if necessary- But I do know things will work out if we are truly doing what is right. If we have faith in our Heavenly Father's plan and live by that, things will always work out. 

    This experience was another addition to my ever growing testimony. When I find myself dreading another work week or even lazing around on a day like today I think back on those times... It makes me so happy to see how far we have progressed in that one simple aspect. I love my job, I love my husband, I love my relationship with Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ. If anyone doubts their love, I can promise it is there! I am eternally happy because of it.

Thursday, without the Thirsty

    Marring Mishaps

- Spending 2 1/2 hours and 2 weeks pay to get one tooth fixed. Not to mention the multiple shots and throbbing jaw which lasted two more days. 

- Suffering from "Baby Fever." Graham is constantly so annoyed by me if I mention it. Realistically it makes sense to wait a bit (I should have my bachelor's by Next December and we are still newlyweds) but I can't help it!  Everyone seems to be preggo / giving birth to a darling baby. 

- Putting off my laundry folding to write this post ;) It can wait- right?

- Finding a picture of myself as my hair was being highlighted; you can't stop being awesome folks.

- Graham losing his set of keys, his spare key *and* a copy of his spare key in 5 days. Luckily the spare key and copy were found. I'm debating on gluing it to his hand.

Serene Serendipity

- My total weekend of relaxation in Daytona. (See previous post.) It was the perfect getaway!

- Baby Kellan gave me the stank eye when I tried to take him from Graham! Family trait, I guess :)

- Celebrating Labor Day by two 4-day work weeks. Hallelujah!! 

- Slightly embarrassing,but I finally realized why the Book of Mormon is called just that! Mormon was in charge of abridging (which I always thought simply meant adding pages, however it means summarizing). He built the book (figuratively)! Definitely wish I knew this years ago.

- My fabulous (seriously, she's fabulous) sister-in-law led the way for Faith In God girls facials this week. They loved it! Heck, I loved it. My face is even rejoicing.

- Trying to motivate myself from Graham's example to calorie count! No weight loss plans, just I maintain. I now have "My Fitness Pal" downloaded to help with this task. Heaven knows I am to lazy to otherwise. This quote gives me strength.

(Just kidding, y'all know my boy is the perfect one for me!)

- I think Disney is in our sights in the next few weeks. Eek! 

- New callings at church! I teach the 3 year- old Sunbeams and G is the 1st Counselor in the Elders Quorum. We are both excited and glad to be worthy of them.  

- Our two year anniversary to everything is coming up! I'll explain more later. I have plans to do a reminiscent blog when it becomes closer.

- I just feel happy. I've been kind of run down recently, I think most of it had to do with the lack of friendship I have found here in Jacksonville. (Back home I had known everyone since elementary school... there wasn't really a need to try to make friends.) But I've decided that I DO like it here, better yet, I have the best friend I could ever ask for here with me. My husband deserves all the praise I can give him- he works so hard for the two of us to be happy together. He is definitely my strength, in every way of the word. I love him so much more than I could ever explain.

    Well sorry to get gushy on the last part;) But hey, y'all know me by now. I am glad that my life has played out the way that it has. I definitely have I work hard and sacrifice some things, but I have been so rewarded. My mishaps only help to cherish the serendipitous moments. I hope this finds everyone is a peaceful day.

Daytona surpassing Expectations

    So originally I had this really awesome post written, all I needed to do was add a picture or two. I went into detail, I made a few jokes, the usual. Alas, my iPhone did not save nairy a lick of it. Haha, Graham usually gets a kick out of it when I say that. Since I am too disheartened to think about rewriting I have decided to briefly describe my photos instead ;)

    Last weekend Graham and I had a getaway trip planned to Daytona. We stayed at the Dream Inn at Daytona Beach Shores. Here is a lopsided panoramic view of the room.

    Friday night we scoured the Boardwalk. 

    We rode the Ferris wheel in the rain. I look like a man in Graham's shirt.

    Graham took pictures of me looking like a total dweeb on the beach.

    We made an awesome rendition to 3 Doors Down "Here Without You" (irony: we were not there without anyone), even had it added to a cd. We sound atrocious but it's sure to be a family classic now.

    Woke up precisely at 6:57 on Saturday morning to watch the sunrise of the ocean. Promptly took this photo and realized the clouds were interfering into my serene moment then dove into bed. 

    Fell in love with the room's adorable jacuzzi. Oh yeah, my husband is an angel.

Went to the mall- bought some makeup from Sephora and Graham bought some pants from AE. We did not go over budget ;)

    Realized that G, while beautiful, is an intense weirdo. Just him, not me.

    Went to a chocolate factory tour, where we sampled a lot of goodies. Ended up finding chocolate eggs and bacon! Y'all know I snatched that bacon up. Perfection.

    Mama distracted me by sending a picture of the fattest baby jaws ever to grace the universe. Kellan is a perfect replica of what I wish my young babes to be.

    Back to the Boardwalk! We rode the new roller coaster- so fun- and took a walk up the pier. 

    Sunset at the Boardwalk. 

    Me & my boo loving our vacation.

    Just watched the spectacular view for a while.

    Listened to a loud blaring concert for a while then watched as the city   popped of fireworks.

    Realized our keys were missing. We never found them. But we were very blessed because I had a spare to his vehicle. We weren't too discouraged, just a little sad. Monday G sent me a little reminder about the subject. (Ignore the errors, y'all get the idea.)

    We didn't make it home until late! But that was okay. 

    We finally made it to the beach! 

    This bathing suit left the ugliest tan line! One thick strap and one thin strap. :(

    These pictures all have my leg awkwardly in there because I took them with my toe! Monkey feet comes in handy sometimes.

    We built our first sandcastle together. It truly was very impressive, clearly not indicated by the photo. Oh well, just know that it was.

    Graham even built a barrier around it. A random lady came over to photograph it. Celeb status.

    Dipped in the pool, jumped in the hot tub one last time and ignore my squinty eye.

    We were given two free tickets to Congo Falls, Adrican themed putt putt, so we went! 

    Graham carved a note into the casket. Slightly morbid but whatever! 

Graham + Lacey for Infinity

Messy bun queen with weekend det's

    Originally August 16-18 (this past weekend) was the dates for the grand beach trip. Our trip was to leave town (Jax) and actually visit the ocean, allthewhile relaxing together. Well I couldn't get off work as early as we wanted this week so plans changed- our beach trip was rebooked for this weekend and we realized that we had a spare weekend before us. 

    What to do, what to do? Finally it was decided to have a trip to Gainesville in behalf of Graham's Nana. So Friday night we enjoyed ourselves at Ale House and staying awake til an obscene hour. The next morning we were feeling it- bleh. But we had a schedule to attend so after staggering around for two hours we finally left! Ross, one of my boy's new favorite stores (eek! yay! I must be rubbing off on him), was our first stop to look for new casual shirts for him. Our original plan of 15 minutes turned into a 45 minute one; but we ended up with a nice haul. So to Gainesville we went! 

    After sneakily evading all the towns dedicated to gaining revenue by speed traps (all eyes on you: STARKE and WALDO) we made it! Gainesville kind of reminds me of a Waycross, an old place with a few options of entertainment. 

    Nana, Graham's maternal grandmother, seemed thrilled to see us. She showed us around her future plans for remodeling, gave Graham two huge Asian paintings he had been asking for, then was ready to explore the town with us.

    Finally we were on the road and all hungry! Turns out Graham or Nana didn't know the location of restaurants very well so we meandered about for a few. Eventually we came across a BJ's Restaurant and Brewery (I dedicated an entire post to my love of this place) and opted for that since nothing else was in sight. As we parked in the mall parking we noticed a huge red sign proclaiming "Red Robin!" Graham, for those who may not know, lived two years out West and grew to love this place. He said it was surprising that they were on the East Coast- all I could chirp was "Red Robins- yum!" So we decided to head that way. Apparently it was relatively new, but they set up shop well. We all had our fill, with Graham and I chugging Freckled Lemonade like it was going out of style (we both ordered it before reading the price was 4$ a person). It was decent, yet pretty pricy for a burger shop. 

    Then it was the age old question: what can we do now? Well Gainesville is home of the University of Florida Gators (chomp, chomp) so almost everything is surrounded by that. Lake Alice was were Graham picked, a lake right off of the UF campus. I know zero facts beyond that one! 

    But here we are standing on the small peninsula before the lake. I should have tried to get the scenery better I guess!

And here is one of several alligators and soft shell turtles we kept seeing! It was nuts because they were right on the bank with a three foot drop off separating us.

    So Lake Alice was nice! If you're ever at UF I would say go for a visit. We even saw a couple picnicking there! However, I know Graham's only regret is that he didn't bring a pack of hot dogs. He continually shares a story about long ago his Dad who threw a mint at an alligator who clamped its' mouth shut, thinking it was something worthwhile ;) 

    But exploring was slowing down with lightning and a chance of rain. So back to Nana's we went! She thanked us for coming, said "everyone just thinks I've fallen in love with Lacey!" and asked us to stay another weekend for church. 

    We enjoyed our time at Gainesville, also seeing Nana Boo Boo (ain't kidding y'all, they call her that occasionally). But our fun wasn't over yet! Oh no, lads and lasses, we still had to get home. In typical fashion, we saw a Beall's Outlet, I panicked and Graham whipped us around to get inside it. As we parked we saw a Goodwill on the same complex and decided to head over. Every three feet the windows had a sign saying "EVERYTHING IS $2!" We went in, as the workers assured us that it was true so we searched for any kind of goodies. I found 3 adorable dresses, Graham found a blue Lacoste shirt, I even found an adorable vest for our future son (G thinks I'm weird). So as they announced the were closing a worker gave us a long speech about the store. "This is the only $2 Goodwill in America! There is no others. Why think about everything here is $2! Laptops, televisions, I even bought a 500 vacuum for $2! Just yesterday a massive stereo state went for $2." 

    Um hold up- everything is $2? So we immediately searched all over for things- we ended up finding an awesome set of speakers! They found refuge with the G&L party train. And there you have it, just two dollars for everything in Starke, Florida's Goodwill. Y'all know I am going back! 

    Well that just about wraps it up. I did notice though a thing or two about our pictures. I love to keep them for memory's sake so we always are taking them. Each seems to capture our big smiles at fun places. But accidentally I took a picture of us as we prepared for it. Um, quite the change.

    This weekend so was laid back that it was nice. Nothing to do specifically, no horrible never ending drive, nothing but messy buns. Seriously, I'm the queen of them.

Until later!

Helping Folks

   I don't know about all of you guys but are you loving the continual downpour of rain? I must be honest I am! I had the coolest experience that it played a part in too. 

    So Wednesday Graham and I attended a baptism of a youth (14, I think). It was very touching! As we left we spoke to the sister missionaries who we were feeding the next night, to figure out what kind of a meal they wanted. After  living life as a picky eater, you appreciate that type of thing. So taco soup was on the menu!

    Walmart was the next destination, because I literally hadn't bought groceries in a month! We both piddled around in the car before we got out, I was finishing up a round of Candy Crush (curse that addictive game) and Graham was probably pondering how old his two- day scruff made him look (he told someone he looked 17 at the baptism) when we saw a squat little lady looking mildly suspicious. This woman was laying down flat looking under cars, then she would stay up and take a puff from her cigarette and try the next car. Perplexed when she came to our car Graham asked what was going on. Turned out this woman was generously offering her break time to help a family find their lost twenty dollar bill- how often do you find people like that? So she continued looking and we opted on what to do. In the meantime we saw the vehicle of the people who lost the money and it seemed beyond chaotic. The two adults were angry with one another so they yelled and dropped the F bomb; verrry awkward stuff in a public parking lot. But we decided to help and went about two rows over and began to search. After a biter don't have any luck and Graham checked his wallet for cash. He didn't have a single dollar bill in his, meanwhile I knew I was empty beyond a singular twenty but, honestly dreaded to say it. You see folks, I am not the compassionate one! I am the hoarder who can hardly give to people what we work so hard for, while my husband is the type to give and try to fill a need... We began looking again. Finally we realized the money was long gone, our endeavor fruitless. I looked at the car and thought these people were making a mountain out of a molehill- it was just 20$! Then I heard a little girl in the backseat whine- probably about the stifling weather- for her mother to respond, "Will you just SHUT UP?" I could not stand it! This poor child was innocent; how could se treat her daughter like that? I was so mad I snatched out my wallet and have Graham the cash. I do not want anyone to think that I was being kind in this moment, I really wasn't- it was more out of anger towards the thoughtless lady, yet feeling so sorry for the child that had to deal with her. Graham gave it to the employee, asking if she would hand it to them.  She did, but mother who refused to accept it. The father, still searching, did take it and thanked us. (Also not why we gave it, we felt bad that he found out it was us who offered it.)

    Finally that was out of my mind and I shopped to my heart's content, buying things to keep us from eating out, dreading walking outside because the rain sounded like a monsoon. We checked out and stood next to the door watching the rain come down in biting sheets. The room was packed with ladies with buggies, waiting on men to drive their vehicle up to spare them from the pour. Well, lo and behold, the same little lady who searched for the 20$ stood next to us! She began talking to Graham, thanked him for his kindness. She began to tell the story of what happened, "Apparently as the family got to Walmart and tried to get out- the mom went to help the daughter and the twenty slipped out of her hand. That is why she was so mad with her little girl. But then she went berserk! She was yelling and looking everywhere. They didn't have any money besides that. Even after I gave her your money she still couldn't calm down..." As she rambled on with the story I felt like I had just been slapped. That was all they had- a twenty... Wow. Sometimes do you ever just feel put in your place? I was. 

    Immediately I offered a prayer of gratitude to Heavenly Father for knowing my weaknesses (sweet children) and working through that, when he realized I would not be as generous on my own. Then I tried to imagine the family going hungry when I literally had a full buggy in front of me. I was absolutely not in the right to be so harsh and not at all compassionate, I feel sure of that. I felt so thankful for the opportunity to help, even if I begrudgingly took it.

    Truly, I know God exists. I know He is aware of our individual situations, He wants to help us. He also uses us to help others, inaware as we may be. I can never tell others of how many times he has rebuked me in a way that has made me wish to better myself (definitely counting this time). I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that it is through the blessings of it that I have such a wonderful life. 

    Thanks for reading- I hope everyone has a great weekend!

    Lastly here is a picture of myself with my husband and sweetest little Kellan. Graham wasn't depressed, simply unprepared ;) 

SS&MM

SPECTACULAR SERENDIPITY

-How could anything come first besides the birth of my newest (and last, sadly) first cousin. I think I am up to 18 now. Wow. But the baby of the hour is Kellan Maxwell Mizell (Guess he will be a rhymer like me! Lacey Michelle Mizell) He is adorably fat, very alert and awaiting my kisses tonight at 7pm sharp. I am amazed that my family is able to once again celebrate a happy, handsome baby. He is such a lucky boy with two wonderful parents and loving brothers- he also has a great heritage! Honestly, I love him so much already- though I know holding him will seal the deal. (Just like it did with his brothers!) 

- We have cooked 2 out of 3 nights, pretty rare around here. They both were actual meals, as well as tasty! I am so pleased, more so with Graham for going out of his comfort zone to do so. 

- Random Wednesday night out. G&I met up at the Town Center after he got off work. (We actually never go to any of the malls now that I live here- probably due to the fact that we both have this ritual of cringing and flinching while trying to pay for things.) Alas we decided to head onward and pick up something to eat. By recommendation we dropped by Brio's Tuscan Grill. Graham's meal was better than mine and it was licked right off the plate. Mine also was since he finishes off whatever I can't. Anyways it was a nice place, though we both agreed that the portions were too small. Then we ended up going to the movies at Tinseltown afterward (possibly the nicest one in Jax) to watch Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. I must be honest that we both were hesitant since the first movie was a total dud... Luckily this one stuck to the plot and had decent (and cute!) actors. It is always fun to just have a nice get away from all the stresses that come with daily living. I love my boy, too.

- The very first subscription box I ordered came in! Alas, it was the third to arrive but that is okay. It was The Trendy Box! My next blog will be an unveiling so beware if you don't like those ;)

- I randomly got a wild cleaning hair and went to town on my apartment. I am so happy that I did! I organized G's closet, found his mysterious missing 10 (!) pairs of shorts and rediscovered my darling wedding veil. Ahh, I just feel so at ease.

- I think we finally found the perfect wedding band for me! As of now I just use my engagement ring which was customized (truly love the fact that no one has my ring!) so there wasn't a prepared ring to go with it, but I really want a wedding band.... Just in case another comes along we have just put it in a tentative layaway. However I doubt that considering the one I picked out is dainty, adorable and perfect! Not to mention the price is reduced and we can get 10% of that sale- my kind of deal. 

MARRING MISHAPS

- My meals for today: a bowl of Captain Crunch, 1 Hershey's bar and 2 scones. Slowly destroying my figure as I wonder where is the real food? I need to buy groceries.

- I got my permanent retainer put on. Yay? 

- Tried my first California Roll at Kan-ki or whatever the heck the name was for that Japanese restaurant we went on a triple date too. I think it would of been okay until someone said that stringy center was imitation crab as i bit into it. Gag reflexes activated.

    Well that is it for this session of Marring Mishaps & Spectacular Serendipity. I hope that everyone has a fab Friday and weekend!