What’s Up Wednesday – A Post-Christmas Edition

January 6, 2016 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres1 Comment

It’s been a little while since we shared a ‘What’s Up Wednesday’ with y’all…

Partially, that’s because much of our current season of life has been about waiting in prayer. Waiting for Jonah. Waiting to proceed with the adoption process. Waiting on the Lord’s leading. Waiting…

Part of me feels as if at least a portion of our wait is over. We are ready to take on the next journey at our feet! But in the meantime…

My precious husband took me to see The Nutcracker performed by the Atlanta Ballet at The Fabulous Fox Theatre. It was wonderful! I have wanted to see this ballet in person since childhood, so this truly was a dream come true – Craig’s pretty good about making that happen for me! 😉

Right after this, we also had the pleasure of ‘baby’sitting for our fur-nephew, Copper. He’s my brother and his girlfriend’s precious pup, and made fast friends with his fur-cousins, Lucy & Caroline – Especially Lucy. Those two were peas in a pod, for sure!!! Aunt Pier sure was excited that Lucy had someone to play with non-stop, so that she and Caroline could relax and enjoy some good ol’ tv in peace! 🙂

Christmas 2015 was a glorious one, as well. It’s always wonderful to spend time with our families – and our celebration is only halfway over! We enjoyed Christmas Day with our Georgia Family, and travel to Minnesota to see our family there this month!!

Of course the furs enjoyed Christmas, as well! Pardon the blurry picture…but this is an action shot of Lucy Goose playing her favorite game of tug-of-war with one of her favorite Christmas gifts – The Red Snake. When she isn’t tugging her precious little heart out, she is dragging the fluffy rope-snake around in her mouth like a toddler with a ‘blankie’. She is TRULY adorable.

Her sisters, Caroline & Miss Daisy, are not to be outdone, though! They merely consider themselves to be older and wiser than little Lucy, and thoroughly relished in the opportunity the holidays allowed them to spend more time snuggling with Mommy & Daddy.

I can’t say we minded any of it one little bit.

Well, you can cross this off of your list for today. You’re all caught up on our lives. 😉 How were your holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s?

My Choice Monday

A Top Ten List For Your Top Ten Places

August 17, 2015August 17, 2015 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

It’s already Monday?!?! Wow, it feels like this weekend just flew by! Not only was I busy with cooking (Craig’s) meals for this week, but when Craig arrived home on Saturday afternoon, we enjoyed the beautiful day walking at the Marietta Square and having dinner at Stockyard Burgers & Bones – where I was delighted to find they served not only gluten-free buns, but also lettuce wraps for their burgers! Yippee!

After church on Sunday, we began getting Craig ready for his trips this week with more cooking – that man eats pretty well, if I do say so myself! 😉 We also took the pups to a nearby dog park, and all ran around and played catch as a family. Anyone who thinks it takes human children to turn a married couple into a family is sadly mistaken. We are just the family God designed us to be at this moment in our marriage!! (Not that we can’t wait to see what He has in store for our next season!) You should have seen us running around out there, talking to Lucy & Caroline as if they were people! 🙂 They are my heart!

What are your weekend activities? Where are your favorite places to spend with your loved ones? For our My Choice Monday post, we have compiled a list of some of our faves (in Georgia & Maine) for free time fun:

So now it’s your turn? What do you like to do on the weekends, or in your spare time with your loved ones? There was a time we spent way too much time indoors and at home, but now, we are facing the beautiful opportunities the Lord provides each day by celebrating His glorious creation as much as we possibly can!

It’s amazing how the feeling of a long week and a tired earthly body can be reactivated with a little bit of fun! 🙂

My Choice Monday

A Case of the Mint-Free Mondays

August 3, 2015 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Happy Happy Monday Folks!

…and what a Monday it is! I shipped Craig off to Texas on Saturday, so this weekend was one of the first in my re-training myself in ‘How To Be A Single Wife’. These days his schedule means about 6 days in Texas and then, hopefully, enough time to catch a stand-by flight (or 2) home to re-group, have his laundry done, and pick-up some new home-cooked meals before he heads back out for another 6-in-a-row… I have to admit…I love him with every nanofiber of my being, and I wouldn’t trade our life together for a nanosecond, but the Pilot’s Wife’s Life is tough.

I look at those of you with kids and I think, well, at least you have COMPANY! 🙂 It’s just me and the furs at our house!

Anyways, getting to my point :-)…in the re-training process, I am learning how to sleep in an empty house again. It’s something I have never been good at, and having to wake up around 5:00AM means it’s something I need to improve upon! I got in bed last night, sure I would fall fast asleep, quickly. I was soooo exhausted. But my mind had other plans…I tossed and turned and heard (and jumped) every time the cat jumped off of the bed to wander around – which seems to be about every 45 seconds. Finally, I decided I would put on a podcast of a sermon to fall asleep to. International House of Prayer App? Check. Sermon? Check…

But the moment I close my eyes and get comfortable, I realize this must be a sermon about the Book of Revelation and the End Times. Nope. I can’t listen to that when the cat and the dark are scaring me and keeping me awake!! Eyes open again and it’s on to the sermon search…ok…I find one that seems to be about Jesus’ Sermon On The Mount, and drift off to sleep.

My alarm blares me to life at 5AM…I hit snooze…or so I thought…

When my eyes slid open at 6:22AM, I realized I must have turned my alarm off. Yay. And today’s the first day of school for much of the Atlanta area….I knew traffic would be worse than usual – by a longshot, and I only had 15 minutes to get ready and leave for work.

While I did manage to corral the dogs in the kitchen, make one cup of coffee for the road, and pull my hair into a barrette, I had that rushed feeling that I despise since I prefer to arrive everywhere with 15 minutes to spare.

So, today, is a Monday. For sure. I am praying my quiet time in the car at lunch proves successful in de-stressing me for the remainder of the day. The Orange Essential Oil didn’t do the job…Although I think the Lavender may have worked too well – once I got to sleep!!

…which brings me to today’s product recommendation:

Auromere Toothpaste

Y’all. I have a confession. I cannot STAND minty toothpaste.

Yuck.

The idea of brushing my teeth and then having to wait an hour before I drink my coffee or a glass of orange juice really drives me batty, and at night, that crazy strong mint flavor keeps me awake.

I know. First world problems.

However, much to Craig’s chagrin, I found this toothpaste which is a game changer. Not only is it free of fluoride, gluten, bleaches, artificial sweeteners, dyes and animal ingredients, it comes in a non-minty, licorice-ish flavor, and makes your mouth feel so clean.

Craig does not like the licorice flavor (aka Mint-Free, although there is a ‘Licorice’ flavor), but agrees it makes your mouth/teeth feel clean. We are going to sample the Fresh Mint flavor for him.

The link I’ve included lists the toothpaste at $6.99, but I was able to find it at TJ Maxx for $4.00. Similar to using salon shampoo, you don’t need as much, so one tube should last a long while. We bought ours at the end of May and it hasn’t changed shape at all.

So, whether you’re into minty toothpaste or licorice, this toothpaste could be the answer for your pearly whites too.

*Please note: We were not compensated in any way for the aforementioned product review. Above, please find an honest, consumer’s opinion of a product.*

Have a great day, friends! We send our love!

Uncategorized

Busy With A Capital Zzzzzzzzz…

November 12, 2014November 12, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

As you all know, Craig and I have a very limited number of relaxing weeks and weekends, and in that regard, nothing has been remotely out of the ordinary!

In the midst of getting to know our new stomping grounds, we have also kept busy with my Youth Ministry. A few weeks ago, we sang “Revelation Song” at Mass, and rounded out the day by volunteering at a local assisted living facility, and various other acts of service.

I am blessed with a great group of teens! Last week, we meet for a Pizza & Devotion Night at a local restaurant, and it was so cool to have a discussion about faith right in the midst of a busy and crowded restaurant.

As a matter of fact, this weekend, we will be hosting an overnight teen lock-in with another church…We better start resting NOW! 🙂

We also recently made a trek down to Georgia for what seemed like the flash off an eye! I drove down with the pups and was able to meet my best friend’s sweet and beautiful daughter, Willa:

I spent a relaxing afternoon of catching up and manicures with a dear friend in Atlanta:

And Craig and I both were able to spend some meaningful time with family…so meaningful we didn’t even stop and think of taking any pictures! :-\

After taking Craig back to the airport in Atlanta for work, the furs and I made the JOURNEY back to Maine…in ONE stretch! Thanks to our awesomely fuel efficient car, I only stopped once for diesel!

And since our return and my opportunity to speak at the Maine Catholic Women’s Conference last weekend, we have resumed our usual frenetic pace!

Well, back to that busy schedule we go! I have some crafts to make for this weekend’s lock-in, and presumably, a nap to take!

So, what keeps YOU busy? We’d love to hear! 🙂 Can’t wait to talk to you again tomorrow!

XoXo,
Pier & Craig

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Food For Thought Friday

On The Road Again…

May 23, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres2 Comments

FRIDAY! I could shout it from the rooftops!! We are saying our prayers that Craig makes it home today – He was stuck in White Plains, NY last night due to fog and weather…Crazy to me, since it was 97°F outside and absolutely spectacular here in Atlanta, G-A! 🙂 We cannot WAIT to begin our BUSY, wonderful weekend!!

About twelve hours ago this time last week, we were up to another one of our crazy trips! Rather than fly to Minnesota for Craig’s dad’s birthday, we decided to make the 18 hour drive again – with the pups!

They are such good travelers!!!

Craig’s dad’s 60th birthday came in the form of a surprise party, so when we arrived on Friday afternoon, we met up with Craig’s sister, Mandy, and our brother-in-law, Mike, who took us in for the night. 🙂 Thank you SO much for letting us stay with you! (Especially with Lucy & Caroline!)

We went out to eat that evening in Downtown St. Paul with Mandy, Mike & Jenna too – Craig’s youngest sister! Great Waters Brewing Company was delicious!

When we got back to Mandy & Mike’s that evening, it wasn’t very long before Craig and I CRASHED! An eighteen-hour drive and no sleep was enough to do us in for about 12 hours! 🙂

Kevin’s 60th birthday party was held at Rockwoods Grill in Otsego, which is Craig’s hometown.

Here are some pictures from the awesome party – I sure do hope we surprised my father-in-law!

Back at the Lefebvre Farm, the next day after church, we had a big family lunch and took some BEAUTIFUL family pictures outside!

And then at 6:30AM the next morning, we were back on the road to Georgia!

We had a WONDERFUL time, and hope our Midwestern Family knows they are always welcome Down South – and that we would love to have them! 🙂

Have a FABULOUS Memorial Day weekend everyone!!! I want to especially say “Thank you” to my father who is a Retired Army Officer! Thank you for your service to this wonderful nation!

What's Up Wednesday

What’s Up (With The Ashes?) Wednesday

March 5, 2014March 5, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres6 Comments

Today is Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent – a time for us to do some spiritual spring cleaning and focus on the Lord – we will focus a lot more on Lent and what it really is all about tomorrow. 🙂

Ash Wednesday is one of my favorite days of the Liturgical Calendar. Why? Because it gives us an opportunity to truly wear our hearts on our sleeves. Even wearing a cross around your neck could be taken for granted in today’s society. It could be just a fashion statement, or even a mockery. However, wearing a black smudge of ashes on your forehead is noticed. And thus, a wonderful opportunity to share a small part of your faith.

My personal tradition (since Craig is never in town for Ash Wednesday) is to wake up early (now, I’m typically up and out so early it felt late!) and go to the 6:55AM Mass at a church close to my office, and head to work afterwards. I cannot tell you what an amazing (hidden) opportunity this is! It’s 1:45pm in the afternoon and I have had no less than fifteen conversations about Ash Wednesday and Lent and the meaning of it all since I arrived at the office at 7:55AM – and these were both in the office and when I headed out for a quick bite of tuna salad around lunch time.

If not enlightening others about the meaning behind the ashes, it is discovering others in your place of work or around town who share your Christian faith. Community is a wonderful thing, and you don’t have to be Catholic to participate in Lent or Ash Wednesday. Head to a service right now!

Like I said, more tomorrow on Lent! Don’t miss it!

In other newlywed news, I’ve been ramping up my workout by adding in two days of cardio every week, in addition to 3 days of Pure Barre. I’m getting very very addicted to exercise – a concept I never thought I would understand!!!! If I can get excited about working out, any one can. Trust me. There is hope for us all!

Most of our other time this past week was spent with the furs – as usual – when we weren’t at work or working out:

Our little Lucy is a mama’s girl and she does NOT realize she is enormous and no longer a puppy! She is such a big girl nowadays she literally steps up onto the couch and lays down on top of me – and that’s the end of it. ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz! and not a thing we can do about it! (And we wouldn’t have it any other way!)

Just look how much she’s grown!!!! This was taken just a year ago!

And finally, on Saturday, we went to LaGrange and had our hair done (Yes, Craig too!) 🙂 . Then we had a sweet visit with my grandmother, Mama Dee, and ended up going to dinner with my parents.

Pardon my red eyes! 🙂

We ate at The Farmhouse At Serenbe, and it was such a wonderful experience! I wish we had taken a picture with my lovely parents, but I think we were too mesmerized by the dessert to think about such things! Yum!

*Don’t forget about our giveaway! iParent.tv graciously donated this free one-year subscription to us, and we can’t keep it for ourselves! Maybe you know parents who could benefit? Enter to gift the subscription to them! Today – All you have to do is comment below. ANY (NICE) COMMENT AT ALL – wins you one entry!*

Join us tomorrow for our first Lenten Edition of Thirsty For Christ Thursday, and right now – head to an Ash Wednesday Service near you!

Oh, and one more thing! CLICK THE IMAGE for a beautiful and FREE Lenten devotional by the amazing Ann Voskamp, brought to you free of charge by Ann herself at A Holy Experience.

Your Devotional Is At The Bottom Of Her Blog Post – But Make Sure You Read That Too! How Beautiful!

Until tomorrow y’all,

Monica at Equipping Catholic Families

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Chris at Campfires and Cleats

Campfires and Cleats on Facebook

Tina at Truly Rich Mom

Truly Rich Mom on Facebook

Tracy at A Slice of Smith Life

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My Choice Monday

Our Very First Giveaway!

February 17, 2014February 17, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres5 Comments

We have some very exciting news to share! This week we will be doing our first ever giveaway! Here’s how you can win:

giveawaybook — Click The Book To Enter & Win!

Click the image of the prize for a chance to win this Rafflecopter Giveaway! There are only a few simple steps to enter your name in the hat! You have from now until Friday night….

ON YOUR MARK

GET SET

GO!

Until Tomorrow…

What's Up Wednesday

The Furs!

January 22, 2014 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Good Morning Friends!

Brrrr! It’s COLD here in Atlanta – 17 degrees! For we Southern folk, that is an arctic chill! 🙂

We’ve been pretty busy with errands, and plain not exciting this week, but that gives us an opportunity to brag on our little girls – The Furs, as we call them:

Miss Daisy – our resident kitty and 1st pet. She was mine before I met Craig, but once we found him, she became HIS baby! Miss Daisy just loves her father! She was very very used to being our “only child”…

and was a little perplexed (and MAD!) when we brought home this little ball of fur…

Lucy: Our golden retriever/yellow lab mix…My precious little girl who is not little at all anymore!! She was allllllll puppy when we got her, and very very curious about her new kitty cat sister, Miss Daisy…But Miss Daisy was not the least bit interested in being her friend… And then this little miss climbed (literally!) into our car at the gas station one morning…

Caroline: “The Longest Dog In The World”, as we refer to her. This little dachschund has the tiniest body and the biggest heart of any animal I have ever met. She is curious, cuddly, and just precious! However, she is TOO curious for the comfort of Miss Daisy for sure!