Aloha!

September 30, 2015 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres3 Comments

It’s been awhile since we’ve had a (nearly) Wordless Wednesday, but since our return from the great state of Hawaii left us with some pretty amazing pictures, now seems like a good time. 🙂 Enjoy & Mahalo!

Our first leg of the journey was to Houston, TX. We arrived, booked a room at a hotel we chose randomly, and when we arrived...who should step off the elevator, but our long-lost friend Josh!! Small World! — Our first leg of the journey was to Houston, TX. We arrived, booked a room at a hotel we chose randomly, and when we arrived…who should step off the elevator, but our long-lost friend Josh!! Small World!

We made it on the Houston to Hawaii flight!! (Note: Our Big Smiles!)

Hanauma Bay

Waimanolo

Punchbowl Cemetary

From Our Hike Up Diamond Head

Our Sunset Dinner Cruise.

Pearl Harbor & the USS Bowfin Submarine

Pacific Aviation Museum

Y'all...see Monday's post about my CRAZY ISLAND HAIR! This WIND and my MANE really didn't help with our picture-taking! — Y’all…see Monday’s post about my CRAZY ISLAND HAIR! This WIND and my MANE really didn’t help with our picture-taking!

Our Dinner Cruise Catamaran

USS Bowfin Submarine

Kona Brewing Company

Polynesian Cultural Center

Hawaii Baptist Academy – Where I Attended Middle School

Diamond Head – Again

On the flight over…while my hair was still behaving!! 🙂

And there you have it folks – the highlights reel!

Until tomorrow…

TTC Tuesday

Dani’s Journey: My Victory Over Infertility

September 29, 2015September 28, 2015 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres2 Comments

Good Morning Folks,

We have a special special treat for you today! One of my dearest did us the honor of authoring a guest post for this edition of ‘Thank You, Jesus! Tuesday’ and boy, does she have a powerful journey to share!

So…a Looooonng while back I was asked to share my experience with infertility and how waiting on the Lord was a challenge. I’ve been married 3 years this November and when we were married I wanted a baby like “yesterday”!

However, there was a button on pause for us. I had been on the Depo-Provera shot for 3 injections prior to marriage to help with my hormonal imbalances, but this caused my pituitary gland to essentially “turn off”. With this crucially important gland not functioning, my body was not able to create the proper hormones which make uterine lining, ovulation and proper mucus.

The doctor’s rule was I couldn’t be considered infertile until I tried naturally to conceive for one full year. I can’t put into words how hard it was to know that for one year “all I could do” was pray. Sounds silly that I was disappointed by this, right? I didn’t feel that way at the time.

I was impatient and frustrated and sad as the months passed with no period and therefore, no possible pregnancy. After a year of marriage, I was ready to get into that doctor’s office and “DO” something! At first, I was put on hormone medications to hopefully, kick-start my brain into producing the hormones naturally. Oh how I prayed to God that He would make this work! I wanted Him to give me instant results, as my heart was aching for a precious baby.

After many long talks with God, I still didn’t understand how He could put such a strong and deep desire in my heart for a baby, but was making me wait. I knew that I’d have a baby someday, but what I didn’t know was when or how my child would come. My doctor was confident that I’d be able to have kids one day, and this kept me on the path to get pregnant.

After almost six months on hormone therapy my periods started!!!!! I was ecstatic! I was praising God for His miracle that now pregnancy was a possibility. Although I got my period back, it was not consistent. I had an ultrasound done to see if I was ovulating and I wasn’t. After finding out this information, I was devastated and found myself once again asking God why? It seems silly now to me how I went from happy bliss towards God to disappointment so quickly…

I began praying more often but wasn’t truly letting go and letting God take over. For the next 3 months, the plan was to start taking a medication to help me ovulate and then to plan conception. For two years I had been crying regularly and couldn’t understand why God needed me to wait. After all, He was the one who put this desire in my heart…

After two of the three months passed on this ovulation medication, I was a complete mess. I was sick and tired of feeling helpless and disappointed! I mentally, emotionally and spiritually could not handle it and fell to my knees in prayer. I made the decision to stop the treatment to get pregnant and to let God take over.

This was HUGE for me! I had been trying to do this for months but always had one foot in and the other out. I now had to trust God completely that He had a plan… and sure enough, He did! I had continued to track my cycles but had no more medical intervention nor did I have that heart, heavy with disappointment. I stopped the medication in April of 2014 and conceived in September 2014! The Lord had answered my prayers and given me that baby He promised! 🙂

Within days of finding out I was expecting, I then knew why I had to be patient for this gift. I was very sick with hyperemisis gravidarum until week 16, followed by migraines that could knock a full grown man to their knees. Both conditions caused hospital visits due to pain, dehydration, blindness, etc. I was pretty much bed ridden from week 4/5 to 21. It was awful.

Then, the migraines, vomiting, and blackouts let up. I found out at week 22 that we were having a girl!

I knew it all along but was always told “you never know”. I was so happy and once again, thanking God!

Little did I know that just a few weeks later, what I thought was my turn for the best became my turn for the hardest. At twenty-seven weeks along, I developed gestational hypertension. The following week, I was admitted to the hospital for 3 days due to high blood pressure and water retention. Within days of coming home, I went into kidney failure with Pre-Eclampsia and was told that without immediate intervention I would lose my life and my baby’s.

My daughter was born at 29 weeks to the day at 2lbs 7.2oz. She was a fighter, but I became more ill after delivery and ended up with Post-Eclampsia. It was days before I pulled through and could see my own daughter!

I still had a long road ahead with our stay in the NICU and my own recovery to health. But because of my faith and reliance on God, I was able to handle the situation.

He knew if He prolonged my waiting for a child, I would eventually surrender (I’m very stubborn) and rely on Him wholeheartedly – and I did. Without His timing I would not have been prepared mentally, emotionally or spiritually. God gave me a peace when I had to deliver her. I was not concerned with anxiety but had faith it would all be okay. “God’s got this!”, I thought.

Each day I prayed for something new of healing with my daughter and every day each prayer was answered! God is amazing and works miracles!!

Because of His timing, I’ve gained patience, understanding and have learned humility! These were all my worst traits before, but now, they are my best! God knew what He was doing when He had me struggle with infertility. He was teaching me and preparing me for His bigger purpose…His bigger plan.

For anyone struggling with a desire of their heart they know the Lord placed there, rely solely on Him for it. He placed the desire, and will fulfill it one way or another. It may not be the way that you expect or take the you on the journey you thought you were prepared for, but He has a bigger plan for you than you have for yourself.

He says He has a purpose for you and a future! (Jeremiah 29:11) Take a moment today to reflect on what it may be that you are struggling to let God take control of…now try to think why? If you keep it simple, then the answer is simple – because you are not ready. But thankfully, He knows when you will be, and He’s preparing you! 🙂

In Christ,

Dani

Wasn’t that a beautiful story of God’s grace and love? Keep this one in your pocket, or on your bookmarks bar to uplift you when you feel like His Promises aren’t for you. They are. Remember, God doesn’t play favorites. (Acts 10:34) Craig and I are the proud Godparents of this amazing miracle, and can’t wait to share pictures from her baptism this weekend!

My Choice Monday

The Lion (Mane) Tamer

September 28, 2015September 28, 2015 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Good Afternoon & Happy Monday!!

We’ve been absent, but with September as crazy a month as it is for our family, we had a good excuse – we’ve been preparing for and then vacationing in Hawaii! (More on that Wednesday!)

As much as I love the island that was my middle school stomping ground, I had almost forgotten how much my hair despises the humid island air – even more than it disagrees with the Georgian breeze. Thank goodness I:

Don’t have bangs anymore.
Remembered to bring a HUGE supply of hair rubber bands.

Do any of you remember Monica’s hair debacle from the Friends episode (#26) above? That’s me. While the other girls at the luaus had long, silky, freshly ‘coiffed’ hair, mine was in a big puff on top of my head, or strung up in french braids.

While my crazy, puffy head of hair didn’t deter us from having a marvelous time, I thought I would share with any of you who are fellow curly/wavy/thick haired girls my favorite ways & products to tame my mane:

Chi Keratin Shampoo & Conditioner

It all starts with the right shampoo & conditioner. Some may disagree with my on this, but I have tried A LOT of products, and these are my favorites. Not only do they smell fresh & clean, they work. I typically wash my hair 2-3 times with the shampoo and leave on the conditioner for about 10 minutes. If you have thick & crazy hair like mine, you can try not thoroughly rinsing out all the conditioner. This is more important if you’re in the thick of a humid summer stretch.

2. The Wet Brush

The Wet Brush. What you brush your hair with matters – most of all when it’s wet. And trust me, when it comes to tangles and being gentle, this brush has it all. I use it when I get out of the shower, after I towel dry my hair, and then again after I apply a ton of product (more about that in a second!).

When your hair is dry and styled, my favorite brush is one like this:

The Spornette Ion Fusion Brush is my favorite, but any large paddle brush will do! I like this type of brush because the bristles are long and sturdy enough that I can feel them on my scalp – believe it or not, this is rare. Plus, the brush is large enough that it covers a lot of ground at once. (Anything to lessen the amount of time I spend styling this mane!!)

3. DermOrganic Argan Oil

As soon as my hair is super towel-dried, I apply this oil, mixed well with another product and apply to all of my hair, concentrating on the ends. Say it with me: Life-Sav-Er!! But it’s important to read below and see how and WHY I mix it with the other product!

4. Outshine 01 – Redken Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk

This stuff works like a dream, and mixed with the Argan Oil (above), I apply it to towel-dried hair from root to tip, concentrating on the ends. For some reason, the combination of a cream and an oil really helps my hair to lay down, and decreases the frizziness quite a bit more than either product on it’s own.

5. Conair 3-in-1 Ionic Styler

This hairdryer has been my best friend since I was a kid. I use one of the 2 comb attachments it comes with and blow-dry my hair, all the way through. Those of you with fine, thin or straight hair, may be able to get away with air-drying or only drying halfway…or using a regular hairdryer with your head upside down…but not I. Dry your hair fully after towel drying and applying the products above.

6. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Replenishing Sheen Spray

Ok, before you say anything, let me say that I was a skeptic too…but WOW. This stuff has changed my hair life. Now, having said that, be sparing. More of this is less. After you dry your hair, spray on this. Not too much. Just enough to lightly coat it. When you begin straightening, you can use this again to spray (lightly) on each piece before you use a flat or curling iron on it. Just be sparing. Otherwise, you will look like a greaseball. I promise you.

7. Moroccan Oil Styling Clips

Yet another lifesaver. It is a must that I section out my hair prior to styling it. There’s no other way. However, most clips out there do NOT hold my hair (read: in the past week, I have POPPED, while wearing, 7 rubber bands.), so I found these babies – made for big, thick, crazy hair. They hold it and they do it well – and no pinching.

8. Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium Straightening Iron

Now that your hair is dry and protected from the heat and sectioned out, it’s FINALLY time to flat iron. This is the best flat iron ever. I have had it for more than 4 years, and it is still going strong! And it straightens my mess of curls and frizz in one pass. Amazing.

9. Vavoom Freezing Spray

Okay, I don’t care what anyone else tells you. This stuff is the BEST. If you don’t want you hair to move – rain or shine, it will NOT. And you’ve just spent a good chunk of your day perfecting your hair, so you would be a little snarly if it were to get messed up after all the work, right? 🙂

10. Batiste Dry Shampoo

Considering you’ve now spent two or more hours on your hair, you may not want to wash and style it every. single. day. And I’ll let you in on a little secret…days 2 and 3 are often my BEST hair days. But just because you may want some morning free time, doesn’t mean you can neglect your flowing strands. Keep your hair fresh and clean with dry shampoo! I have tried MANY brands and Batiste is my favorite by far. The one I’ve linked to above is specifically for blondes, but they make a brunette version, as well, in addition to many different fragrances. I haven’t found one yet that I don’t like!

So there you have it. I may not always be on time, but now you at least know WHY! 😉 Even with all the products above, I still don’t have great island hair…but that’s one reason I *usually* keep my locks long enough for a knot on top of my head or braids. They are life-saving styles in case of humidity!

I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s “My Choice Monday” – Please note that we were not sponsored or commissioned by any of the above brands. All opinions and suggestions are my own and I am not a hair professional. However, should you wish to send us a sample of your product for review, please contact us here.

Join us tomorrow! We have a very special guest post I just can’t wait to share!!

My Choice Monday

Intentional Living

September 14, 2015 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres2 Comments

I just noticed I haven’t posted anything in the month of September so far…and for that I apologize! The other day, I received an e-mail confirming my speaking to a women’s group in October, and at first, I thought, “Well, that’s still a long way off…”

Well, no ma’am, it is not! October is just around the corner! Time sure does fly, doesn’t it?

We get so bogged down in everything we have to ‘take care of’ and before we know it, a week…two…three have passed by. In today’s world, where everything whizzes by in an instant, we have to be intentional about our time, and make the best use of what we have been given.

Now, I don’t say this because I am a particularly good steward of my time, but it is certainly something I am working on!

Several weeks ago, Craig and I went to see ‘War Room’…and it was so moving and heart-wrenching, I saw it a second time with one of my best friends. Once again, I was deeply affected by the film, and if you have been in my vicinity in the past couple of weeks, you have been urged, begged and pleaded with to go and see this movie! (And here I go again, “GO SEE WAR ROOM!!! It is worth the noise and crowds of the theatre. It is worth the cost of the ticket, Diet Coke and popcorn! The Holy Spirit will speak to you in that theatre, so be prepared with a box of tissues. You will NOT be sad or feel you have wasted your evening. I promise.)

And therein lies my whole point about being intentional with your time.

In John 21, beginning with verse 15, Jesus is speaking with Peter:

When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” He answered, “You know I love You.”

Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.”

Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.”

Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.”

Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?”

Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?”

“Lord, You know all things;” he replied, “You know I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

Truly, truly, I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.

After He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.” John 21:15-20

This scripture says more to me than what it appears on the surface. Jesus is saying here, if you want to follow me; if you want to be a Christian (AKA Christ-follower, which is what that means literally); if you love me, your life is about more than just living. Your life is about more than just attending church on Sunday, saying a prayer before bed, reading your ‘Jesus Calling’ first thing in the morning. Your entire life and being should be intentionally devoted to your walk with Christ.

When we saw ‘War Room’, one thing that struck me was the intentional time being set aside for prayer. I don’t want to ruin the movie for any of you who haven’t seen it (because I know you are going to finish reading this and immediately purchase a ticket to see it tonight), but Jesus tells us in the Gospels:

“But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6 (Berean Study Bible)

I know that much of the time, I get up in the morning, quickly read my devotion and rush to get ready and head out the door to work. I listen to sermons, praise and worship music, and/or Victory 91.5 on my way to work. And honestly, by the time I get home in the evenings I am dog-tired – right alongside our precious pups, who always seem to be dog-tired, no matter how little they’ve done all day! I lay on the couch in front of the television, scrolling through Facebook and Instagram. I may do a few dishes or a load or two of laundry, but my evenings are always haphazard. By the time Craig and I have our evening phone call before bed, our prayer together is only half-conscious being that we are both so exhausted.

Since seeing the movie, I have a strong desire to make my life more intentional. Ecclesiastes tells us:

“Everything has its own time, and there is a specific time for every activity under heaven…” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Nothing God does is coincidence. Everything has a purpose and a plan, and I think then, if we are striving to follow Him and become more Christ-like, so should our lives. I know I do better at the office if I plan my day, so how about my evening?

What if I returned home from work, fed my pups, changed into comfy clothes, ate dinner and then retreated to my war room? What if I was as intentional about prayer and spiritual warfare as I am about making sure I feed myself and my fur-kids?

How much would my life change from this one intentional addition?

Would He give me the strength and the means and the opportunity and time to serve Him with my whole heart, to feed His sheep, to shepherd His sheep if I only made room for Him in the way He asks me in my busy schedule?