A Walk Down Memory Lane
With boxes stacked high and everything packed up, I began seeing memories flash by. Seven beautiful years of memories began flooding my mind, all so sweet to my family and me. With the movers quickly loading up the remaining boxes, we all packed into our cars and began our journey towards something new. With our eyes fixed towards our new beginning and our hearts softened by the bittersweet memories, we began our new chapter. Now here we are, in our new cozy home. I cannot help, but put into words all that we grew to cherish as memories of the past. Although we are excited for what new adventures await and can hardly wait for the new memories we will make, join me as I walk down memory lane!
“Finally, this long-awaited day has come” I thought to myself as we moved into our home in August of 2015. It was a joyful day for everyone! Our vision had finally come together. The excitement of what God had in store for us left us all dreaming big! I began dreaming for my family in new ways. Allowing our creativity, passions, hobbies, and desire in growing to ignite something new for us. The thoughts of how we would fill our home and memories kept our family up at night. As a family, we decided that we would homeschool our children through a home-schooling program called Abeka Academy. We wanted our children to learn and continue to grow educationally while also giving them the opportunity to grow through life experiences.
Our children have always loved animals so we decided we would invest in purchasing a few pets of our own. What started small but began growing larger and larger it seemed! Our children began learning and growing outside their school setting. They began learning time management through their responsibilities. Working on our little farm had began teaching them life lessons that we had not fully anticipated. They began learning the art of balancing real-life responsibilities as they also focused on their lessons. To say they had fun is an understatement. We watched as our children loved on each pet. They built a bond with each animal as they spent time outside. We had gone from just one chicken to multiple chicks, kittens, dogs, one horse, two ponies, a whole lot more love to go around! Our children spent most of their days outside if not in the classroom! We had gone from being inside of our home to mostly enjoying our time in the backyard! Memories were being made all throughout our property!
My husband and I began working towards the indoor decor/build of the home. We made memories as we saw each sketch come to life in our home! I remember the decision-making process as if it were yesterday. My husband and I wanted our home to be an expression of our personal creativity. We wanted to fill the space with memories that would last a lifetime.
Our kitchen hosted sweet moments! We would come together after long days only to begin baking our favorite late-night dessert, crepes! Each one of us working together. The kitchen was filled with laughter, our appetites fully satisfied from perfectly made crepes, and quality time unifying us before the start of the next adventurous day ahead!
The music room was the coming together of melodies and hymns that worshipped God. Music holds a sweet memory that began in my childhood. It was an art I was passionate about from a young age. This beautiful art was fully embraced by my children. The memories of time spent in our music room holds a special place in my heart.
The living room was made cozy by beautiful art paintings, pillows, gently knitted blankets, a fireplace, and couches! This place was where we would come together as a family, connecting to one another, sharing ideas, dreams, goals, life plans, and many more things!
The office room was the space where Marcel Ardani was established! While my children and husband continued making memories throughout the home, I too desired to start something new! What had only started as an idea became the business where I have been able to connect with designing products that I love and connect with all of you! Marcel Ardani blog has been the space where I can store memories, encourage those that stumble across each post, inspire others with fresh ideas, and share pieces of my own journey in life! The first steps of Marcel Ardani started slowly. We began by designing and redesigning the logo until it finally felt just right. I had spent sleepless nights planning out each product until it was something that I knew would not only bring my joy, but all customers that purchased from my company!
From the flatware to the dinnerware, and all the products, I wanted to incorporate a wholesome, timeless, and classy touch to each item! I had the help and encouragement of my family to pursue this dream of mine! My daughter Maria joined me in organizing the business. She had been my mini business partner! Teaching her life skills and exposing her to the “behind the scenes” aspect of a business. Our excitement grew with each order placed! Our joy pouring out at the thought of families and friends coming together and how we were a part of making that happen left us both so humbled!
With each memory made, our hearts began softening. We learned to cherish and be ever grateful for the way life has unfolded for us during the years spent in the place we’ve made to be “home”.
Although it was not easy at times, we held onto each other through it all. As seasons change and life calls for making a move at times, we have learned many things! As a sweet reminder, remember to always take the memories with you and never forget that home truly is more than just the four walls.