Here We Go!

Last week I stared at a blank screen and wondered how I could possibility begin another blog. How do I get my readers caught up? How do I tell new readers what this is all about? Most importantly, where to begin. I suppose like a bandaid. But, instead of ripping it off, I’m just going to put it all out there. I haven’t found an idiom for “putting it all out there,” unless “putting it all out there” is an idiom. In that case, a girl’s gotta seize the day.

I’m Mallory. I work a little, and write a little. I’m married with four children, and am safely assumed to be sleep deprived.

I’m not the typical Mommy-Blogger because A) I hate the term Mommy-Blogger, and  B) I’m completely devoid of domestic talent.

If you’re someone who keeps at least 6 frozen pizzas in your deep freezer, and cries when the kids ask to use scissors, then I’m your girl.

You will NOT find me on Pinterest looking for themed birthday party ideas, nor showing you a step-by-step tutorial on how to refurb a thrift store find. That’s not to say I couldn’t pull off something handy. After all, my hibiscus plant DID survive the winter indoors, which is worthy of some cred. But all the picture taking and crafting expertise is just not.my.thing. It’s just that I’d rather beat my head against a brick wall than blog about how terrible I am at being resourceful. If that’s your jam, thank you. It’s people like you who can teach me how to Dougie.

Too harsh? How can I win you back? Do you love Diet Coke? Hopefully we have that going for us.

What might be helpful to know is that I blog a lot about family life, and the challenges that come along with busy, demanding days. Sprinkle in some Catholicism, current events, politics, and special causes, and we’re all set. I tend to find the profound through simple conversation and everyday experience, which I hope to share here.

After the birth of our daughter in 2012, our family life shifted significantly. Martha was born with a rare syndrome that causes physical and mental disability. This experience has shaped the current “us” that is our family. When I blog about advocacy, special needs, and syndromes that cause developmental disability, know that my heart is irrevocably tied to this matter. The vulnerable among us is as much a Catholic issue as any other.

I am also one of the 1.3 million people in the United States who live with the disabling autoimmune disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis. With 50 million Americans suffering from myriad Autoimmune Diseases, I am certain to find others trying to maintain the delicate balance between caring for our families, and our families caring for us. This is no insignificant thing. Many can empathize with the fear of being pitied, yet the implications that a severely-limiting disease has on a mother of young children are significant. It will take a small act of courage to share them here.

The name of this blog came about three years ago, when I started logging the ups and downs of my daughter’s condition. I wanted to remember everything. not just medical appointments, but how the drastic shift in our life impacted everything from our relationships, decisions big and small, and our very souls. It took heroic honesty and a determination to examine life through an authentic lens. Sharing this way helped not only myself, but also others. It was a way to live–transparently; authentically, and to use the challenges ahead for holiness.

For the greater glory of God.

Let’s get started.