The Bible In Hollywood??

December 27, 2013December 27, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres11 Comments

When is the last time you went to the movies? With today’s technology, it hardly seems worth it to visit an actual movie theater and fork over a whole week’s pay to watch one movie, eat one scoop of popcorn and have one sip of Diet Coke…It has to be a pretty good movie…

Well, we have a GREAT movie for you! We saw it with Jenna, Craig’s youngest sister, on Christmas Eve – and for a steal – $5 per ticket, $2 off a drink purchase and a free popcorn!!! All 3 of us saw a movie, with a drink and our own popcorn, for a TOTAL of $20! Maybe that kind of a deal would make ANY movie great, but this one is a must-see (provided you’ve seen the movie “Mary Poppins” in the past, anyway):

This is actually based on the true story of the creation of the beloved Disney movie, “Mary Poppins”, and brought tears to my eyes (and Jenna’s) for sure – I can’t say the same for Craig, but I know he really enjoyed it. 😉 Click on the picture for all the information you’ll need on “Saving Mr. Banks”, then go and see it!

Here’s another movie tidbit that might interest you: Biblical Films Are Making A Hollywood Comeback . While this seems like wonderful news, and I am SO excited to see “Noah” in March 2014, as well as “Mary: Mother of Christ”, remember Isaiah 55:8 and don’t just believe everything you SEE and HEAR – especially when it is of this world. Take it all with a grain of salt, and know that Hollywood is in it for the MONEY – not for the Will of God – although, God works in miraculous and mysterious ways, and they may be doing just that, though certainly unintentionally…

For example, Brian Godawa – a Christian who is also a screenwriter in Hollywood, and who also wrote a book I recently purchased about Noah, of all people, and the Nephilim – has seen an early version of the script for the upcoming movie, “Noah”, which reveals the following:

“…It has been suggested that the film shows Noah as an early opponent of climate change. Its director, Darren Aronofsky, has called him the “first environmentalist”.

Brian Godawa, a screenwriter, claimed to have read an early version of the script and said it portrayed a scenario in which the Great Flood was caused by man’s “disrespect” for the environment…” From The Telegraph, “Biblical films’ Hollywood Comeback”, by Nick Allen

Definitely “food for thought” on this Friday…and on that note, we leave you with pictures from our Christmas (thus far – more to come!)…

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Until Monday,

X’s & O’s,

Thirsty For Christ Thursday

Be Near Me, Lord Jesus, I Ask Thee To Stay

December 26, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres2 Comments

Merry Day After Christmas!

We hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas! As we posted yesterday, we spent a wonderful few days in Minnesota with family, and while we are exhausted after our drive back yesterday/early this morning, it was such a blessing to be able to celebrate Christmas with our northern family!

On this Thirsty Thursday, I thought I would share with you an insight from a devotional book I just love – we both do – The One Year Book of Hymns. Today’s entry focuses on the song “Away In A Manger”… Did you know this hymn’s first two verses are somewhat of a mystery? The author is unknown…For many years, it was said to have been written by Martin Luther, as it appeared first in a Lutheran hymnal, but no one really knows for certain. Regardless, it is a beautiful song…Take a minute to really listen to the words:

The final verse’s author is known. It was written by John McFarland, between the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, and its words are profound:

“Be near me, Lord Jesus. I ask thee to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray.”

Jesus as a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger… and then we read in Isaiah 53:1-6 :

Who has believed what he has heard from us?

And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

2 For he grew up before him like a young plant,

and like a root out of dry ground;

he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,

and no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He was despised and rejected by men;

a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;

and as one from whom men hide their faces.

he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he has borne our griefs

and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned—every one—to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

Don’t you find it astonishing that we, as Christians, during Advent and Christmas, honor this tiny baby, born in a manger – Emmanuel, God With Us. God’s only Son, sent down from Heaven to save this world from its sin…

And after Christmas, we let our joy and our heavenly peace fall away. We allow the world to creep back in, and we all go astray. We follow society, the media, and all that we know in our hearts to be wrong. We are all guilty of this. Just like sheep – following blindly the wrong shepherd.

This day after Christmas, let’s make it our resolution to keep that joy and that heavenly peace in our hearts, to remember all year long why we celebrate Christmas in the first place, and to let that reason be shepherd of our souls.

All Our Love,

What's Up Wednesday

Merry Christmas from the Newlywed Lefebvres

December 25, 2013December 27, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres2 Comments

We wish you and your families a very merry, joyous, healthy and safe Christmas! God blessed us with a wonderful visit to Minnesota, along with a truly beautiful “white Christmas” of snow and below freezing temperatures!

May your Christmas be just as magical!

All Our Love,

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My Choice Monday

A Delicious Way To Wake Up!

December 23, 2013December 20, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Happy Christmas Week!

We are writing to you from beautiful (& very chilly) Minnesota on this Monday before Christmas, with the perfect (mostly) prepare-ahead breakfast for your Christmas Morning!

Craig & I made breakfast for dinner last week, and tried this dish…It was so GOOD! We substituted blackberries & blueberries for the raspberries, and of course used Gluten-Free Bread – but you can certainly use “real” bread if you aren’t “gluten-challenged”!

Raspberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Click the link for the recipe, and until you make your own version, here is the one we made last week!

Oh my goodness, this was just so delicious! Craig ate his with maple syrup, and the look he gave me when he took his first bite told me he was in heaven! 🙂 Personally, I think whipped cream…or vanilla ice cream…mmmm…would be yummy, as well!

I would have taken a pretty, ‘staged’ picture our plates…but we just gobbled this up TOO quickly!!

If you enjoy this recipe and are gluten-challenged or interested in more gluten-free and delicious recipes, Udi’s has some great ones here – Your family won’t even be able to tell the difference! 🙂

Until tomorrow…

Love,

What's Up Wednesday

An Early Christmas At Our House

December 18, 2013December 18, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Hello everyone!

It has been a little while since I have written anything on the blog, so I decided that I would sit down and take some time on ‘What’s Up Wednesday’ to give a little bit of info on what has been going on.

Usually you see some pictures of the latest project I have been working on (for quite some time) and that being the cheval mirror for my wife. I am glad to say that the mirror part is finished so we have at least a full length mirror available!

It may sound silly to take on another project while I am finishing this one, but I find that working on another gets me motivated to work on the other, because I always reach a point where glue or a finish needs to dry, and then I can switch to the other one and keep going.

I decided to build a jewelry box for my wife, which I thought would be a pleasant surprise for her. I have no clue what I said that clued her in, though, because she straight out asked if I was building one! I could not keep it from her because I was so shocked that she guessed, that I knew I could not hide it in my expression!

Sunday we celebrated a little bit of Christmas early, and exchanged our “big gifts” with each other. This is only the start of our Christmas celebrating, as we have our stocking stuffers and Christmas dinner on Friday, and then we will celebrate with family after that! It will definitely be busy next week!

Pier picked out the perfect gifts for me! I will share a couple of them! I received a red and green plaid flannel shirt, which will be the perfect and warm shirt to wear on Christmas! After opening that, she gave me this HUGE box. Although it was not heavy for its size, I began to open it and I soon realized that there was another box inside wrapped up… and I opened that to find another and another and another and another and another! I never thought it would be 7 boxes to open!! Just for her to find 7 boxes to fit perfectly inside one another must of taken months!

Once I finally got down to the actual gift box I opened it and found a Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk Blue Angels edition watch! I was fascinated by the fact that it set itself to the correct time with radio waves right then and there and later I read the “mini book” called an instruction manual and found out the many other features of this watch including the E6-B computer on the face dial of the watch! Pilots will know exactly what I am talking about! Also, no batteries to replace as it is charged by any light source and will run 6 months in complete darkness with a full battery!

I loved watching Pier open her gifts. As some of you know, my wife has an amazing voice and I love to hear her sing. The best thing is she loves to sing, so I get to hear her often! I decided to get her a whole home recording and vocal system. I watched her smile as she opened the boxes containing the pro grade speaker, song database of 17,000 songs, 2 pro microphones (one for me so we can sing together!) and a mixing board and cables! It is unfair if only I get to hear her, so I also included a special recording mic and audio interface so we can record her singing!! I am sure that she will have some songs on the blog in the future! We have already used both systems and I will say she sounds amazing on them!

Well, I need to get back down to the workshop and finish Pier’s jewelry box! We hope you all have a wonderful day, and join us again tomorrow for Thirsty For Christ Thursday!

Love,

My Choice Monday

Music & Meds For Christmas Cheer

December 16, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed LefebvresLeave a comment

Happy Monday!

We are officially 9 days away from Christmas!! Aren’t you excited!? Craig and I ended up having Part One of “Our Christmas” last night, which is the only day we have had to ourselves since last Sunday, and will be the only day we will have completely to ourselves until the New Year’s Eve. We figured we should make the most of this special time together, and so we opened each other’s “big gifts” last night. It was so much fun! We are looking forward to sharing Christmas with our families beginning at the end of the week! I think just maybe we might be able to fit everyone in! Prayers and fingers crossed!

Now for our recommendations for this week!

EZY Dose Stackable Pill Reminder Maybe you’re thinking this is an odd recommendation, but since I’ve started with the medication to balance my insulin, plus all the vitamins and supplements and allergy medications, I have struggled with a way to both make sure I remember to take them throughout the day, and to transport the pills. We found this handy pill keeper at Walgreen’s, and it has proved it’s usefulness tenfold. You can read more about it or purchase one here. Ladies, this fits quite easily into your purse; and gentlemen, with the helpful un-attaching feature, you can easily carry one (or a few) of the containers in your pocket! No more excuses for not taking your pills!
10% Off TODAY Only at The Catholic Company If you have any last minute gifts to buy, today’s your lucky day! The Catholic Company is giving an additional 10% today only with this code: F2RT7JD6 🙂 You can access their website here and can find a WIDE ARRAY of products from books to dvds to bible studies to jewelry to art to gorgeous pieces like this: Catholics and non-Catholics alike can easily find something at The Catholic Company! You can even get an extra 15% off by subscribing to their e-newsletter… Happy online shopping!
Sidewalk Prophets Christmas Album This is a phenomenal Christmas album that is both cheerful and worshipful, and contains both new and old Christmas music. I know you will really enjoy it, and your can purchase it right here! My favorite tune to get me in the Christmas spirit is “Because It’s Christmas” – and I’m giving you a little preview below 😉

Y’all enjoy the rest of your Monday, and we’ll catch up with you tomorrow!

Love & Christmas Blessings,

TTC Tuesday

Trying To Conceive Tuesday

December 10, 2013December 10, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres3 Comments

Welcome Back!

It’s TTC (Trying To Conceive) Tuesday here at The Newlywed Lefebvres blog, where we will limit ourselves to one day per week of discussing our (trying) journey of infertility. For the purposes of future posts, maybe today I should tell you a little bit about our unique situation.

For the past year and 3 months, Craig and I have been trying to have a baby, and thus far, we have been unsuccessful. After complaining to my doctor the entire time of issues I was experiencing, after almost a year, he finally referred us to have some testing completed. Long story short, they found a polyp blocking my right fallopian tube. This was surgically removed in October.

Further testing (which is an entire novel of a story in itself) confirmed I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Click here to find out more.

We began treating this condition in the past month with Metformin and Letrazole, as well as vitamin and mineral based supplements. In addition, I am using a progesterone cream, as well, and (as I have for years) am following a extremely low-GI, gluten-free diet. Yay.

Last Wednesday, I went in for my first sonogram to monitor the medication’s effectiveness…If you have gotten a frustrated call or e-mail from me, you know we are struggling with the most inept medical practice in Northwest Georgia, and to put the cherry on top, they had no idea why I was there when I arrived at the doctor’s office last week…So, that being said, who KNOWS if they were able to obtain any worthwhile results from our first sonogram or not. This Friday, they will have another shot, so we will have to let you know next week if they redeemed themselves or not. Pray for us and my patience with these people. Seriously.

On a positive note, the Metformin has been wonderful at treating all sorts of things I have struggled with for years. Insulin-resistance can affect alot of things, and finally finding an answer and a treatment is priceless, albeit a little bit maddening that it took so long for the doctors to diagnose and to grab their attention. If you want that saga, send me an e-mail. It’s quite the tale…

The bottom line is that YOU know your body. If YOU think something is off, don’t stop until the doctor LISTENS and DOES something!

The anagram is PUSH – Pray Until Something Happens. I say: SPADS – Start Praying And Don’t Stop.

Until Tomorrow…

Much Love,

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

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…and tomorrow I’ll have pictures…

December 5, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres1 Comment

Knock-Knock…

We’re back!!!!!!! …and hopefully, you’re still there; still willing to read what we have to share, and we thank you so much for your patience. Geez, I sound like a phone recording for a business who has you on hold. Sorry about that!

So…alot has happened while Craig and I have been non-blogging… Here’s a short and to the point synopsis:

We had a great road-trip to Missouri for Craig’s cousin, Cara’s, wedding. Afterwards, we hung around MO for a mini family reunion of sorts in Branson -talk about a vacation so great and jam-packed you need a vacation once you’re home!
We enjoyed a visit with my grandmother in New Jersey for several days. Craig got to meet a lot of family members he had never met (sort of a reversal from my meeting a lot of new family while we were in Missouri), and he really hit it off with my Uncle Vic (my grandmother’s sister, Angie’s, husband)! Talk about peas in a pod… If you think ladies talk when they get together…oh my. We had a ton of fun!
We celebrated our one year anniversary (and my birthday) with a trip to North Carolina – Wilmington, and the town I feel as if I ‘grew-up’ in, Fayetteville. I think one of the things I realized by this third trip of the summer (and one of many trips in our relationship, engagement, and marriage) is that the longer we are together, the closer we become. The closer we are, the better and more enjoyable our getaways become – no matter where it is we venture. I might even say that we had more fun as a couple in Wilmington, NC, after a year of marriage, than we did after four months of marriage in Rome, Italy. Marriage (ours anyway) is like a fine wine….It just keeps getting better, the longer and the MORE we are together. That is just one of many many many wonderful things I have discovered over this past year and almost 3 months of marriage to my amazing husband. 😉
The source – thus far – of our infertility was diagnosed two-fold: a polyp blocking my right fallopian tube and PCOS.
I had surgery to remove the polyp and all went well!
I was offered a wonderful job opportunity out-of-the-blue…and accepted the position! Sadly, I had to leave my nanny position, but fortunately, Craig and I were blessed with my new job and all of the possibilities it brings with it, i.e. tuition reimbursement!
Craig and I bought our first car together! We love it – so much fun to drive and unbelievable fuel efficiency!
Almost a year and three months later, we are still trying to conceive. I’m currently taking Metformin to aid with the insulin resistance brought about by good ol’ PCOS, and we are in the midst of my first round of Letrazole. As always, we are placing our hope in the Lord, and believing faithfully that He has a miraculous plan in store for our journey together. We pray constantly this plan includes the blessing of children from Him.

Whew! It’s been a busy past few months! As soon as I have a spare second, I will post the pictures of our adventures here. It won’t be too long either, because I’m anxious to show you our Christmas decorations!

We thank you again for keeping The Newlywedlefebvres on your blogroll, and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers. Infertility and PCOS are uphill battles, and nothing less. We pray for His Will to be our will, and that His Will be done.

“My thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways My ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways and thoughts higher than yours.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Our Love & Greetings,

Pier & Craig

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When In Rome…

February 12, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres5 Comments

Why, Hello There!

We are safely back stateside dears! I know you could hear the birds begin to sing a little bit sweeter when our plane touched down on Saturday evening. 😉

What an AMAZING trip!! Craig and I are so blessed to be able to have enjoyed such an experience! You can see ALL of our pictures (well, the ones from our digital camera) here. But I’ll give you some highlights from our trip below:

Peering Into St. Peter's Square — Peering Into St. Peter’s Square

Our first day in Rome, we arrived early – as our driver from the airport moonlighted for the Italian version of NASCAR. We took back roads, crawling with traffic and mopeds at well over 90 miles per hour. We enjoyed a breakfast at a small cafe near the Vatican while we waited for our bed and breakfast to open at 10am, at which time we dropped off our luggage and took to the neighborhood for exploring while our room was made ready. The photo above was taken while peering through the huge columns surrounding St. Peter’s Square, looking in at the Basilica.

That evening, after a LONG NAP to catch up on our beauty rest, Craig and I enjoyed a DELICIOUS dinner at Renovatio La Sofitta Ristorante, which can provide ANYTHING on their extensive Italian menu in a gluten-free version!

Said Gluten-Free Pasta...Yum! — Said Gluten-Free Pasta…Yum!

We also enjoyed a night out at Saxophone Pub:

The view from our room at the B&B was spectacular at night:

Craig & I visited the AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL Vatican Museum.

I mean...That's a CEILING - and not even the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel! — I mean…That’s a CEILING – and not even the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel!

My highlight of the entire trip was our next stop: St. Peter’s Basilica. If this place didn’t make your jaw drop, well…perhaps, your soul needs a check-up. I could hardly bring myself to take any pictures. I was mesmerized.

Looking At The Altar In Saint Peter's Basilica — Looking At The Altar In Saint Peter’s Basilica

We were so blessed to have the opportunity to celebrate Mass there that evening. It was amazing. I can’t speak for my better half, but there were tears in my eyes the entire time. It was that beautiful.

We enjoyed a sushi dinner at Konnichi Wa:

Sushi In Rome: This is what happens when the Sushi Menu is in Japanese with descriptions in Italian. Actually these were DELICIOUS!

We toured the Galleria Borghese, which houses the original “David” by Bernini.

Galleria Borghese: Unfortunately, photos INSIDE are not allowed!

Until my decision to NOT wear a coat came back to bite me, we saw the ALMOST COMPLETELY OUTDOOR SITE of Castel San Angelo.

We toured Trastevere and must have walked 20 miles that day alone…It too was BEAUTIFUL!

We ate at a “fancy” ristorante called Il Viaggio (“The Journey”), and Craig thoroughly enjoyed his brandy!

My scotch wasn’t too shabby either!

We visited the Trevi Fountain and made our wishes!!!

In Trastevere, we saw St. Mary at Trastevere and prayed a very special prayer.

We also visited the Basilica of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, and my confirmation saint. It was a very special trip for me, thank you to the careful planning of my sweet husband. 🙂

If you’ve never read this amazing saint’s story, you should. And you can here.

Of course, Craig and I visited the Colosseum and the Ruins of Ancient Rome.

Absolutely breathtaking, and such an experience to be surrounded by so much culture and history. We enjoyed our busy time in Rome, and before we knew it, it was time to head back home. As our travels typically are, the trip home was an adventure, as well, and we made the 10 hour flight from Rome to Washington, D.C., and then raced through customs and the D.C. airport to make a flight back to Atlanta.

We made it!

We are now once again enjoying our little family, all home together: Craig, Pier, Daisy and Lucy – who is beginning to understand the importance of both sleeping through (most of) the night, and pottying outside. Yay! We are so blessed and so thankful for all of the many blessings we have. Please pray for continued blessings for our little family.

Tonight is C & I’s Movie & Popcorn Date Night for Mardi Gras, followed by Ash Wednesday tomorrow, and choir practice, and then Valentine’s Day – Our first as a married couple! I cannot WAIT to give C his gifts – which I had to hide (from MYSELF), so I wouldn’t break down and give them to him early. I’m horrible about that!

Happy Fat Tuesday to all of you! I hope you’ll all enjoy a big evening, before Lent begins tomorrow! Have you decided what to give up and/or add to your Christian walk?

Lots of Love,

Pier & Craig

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Ready For Rome!

January 21, 2013 The Not-So Newlywed Lefebvres2 Comments

Good Afternoon All!

I apologize it’s been so long since I’ve posted! It feels like forever since I’ve given all of you an update, but we have just been insanely busy – maybe even more-so than usual!

After my Memphis excursion, I finally was able to fly on a flight flown by my husband – who, may I say as a girl who has been flying frequently since the age of 3 – accomplished the best landing I have ever experienced in a plane! The first weekend of the month, I flew with Craig to Kileen/Ft. Hood, TX. Other than go out to dinner and browse around a strip mall, we didn’t do much of anything – which was actually WONDERFUL! Time together when we don’t have anything to do is SO RARE!!

First Class...Delicious! — First Class…Delicious!

Hard To Be So Close To Craig & Yet, Unable To Talk To Him!

The Flight Back To Atlanta - Beautiful View! How Can You NOT See God In This?!?! — The Flight Back To Atlanta – Beautiful View! How Can You NOT See God In This?!?!

Of Course We Didn't Take A Picture Until The Early Morning Flight Back When I Hadn't Fixed My Hair!! :-) — Of Course We Didn’t Take A Picture Until The Early Morning Flight Back When I Hadn’t Fixed My Hair!! 🙂

The next weekend we were FINALLY able to celebrate Christmas with our Lefebvre Family in Minnesota!

It was GREAT to be able to spend a good, long weekend with family, AND to be able to see some real winter weather! (Well, this Georgia Girl thought it was pretty wintry!) I also had the opportunity to “see” more of the U.S., since we traveled to MN via both Detroit, MI & St. Louis, MO! 🙂

Beany & Jenna Playing Reindeer Games (AKA Scrabble)

And as much as everyone LOVES to take a family photo, I think these turned out REALLY well!

Of course, all good things must come to an end, and we had to head back to reality …where there IS no 4th Christmas that is celebrated in January! 😦 Instead, you have to go to work! Boo!

But…you all know Craig & I, and we can never just leave well-enough alone. So… at my husband’s request, I got a ‘New ‘Do’:

AND…

We got a puppy dog!!!

Lucy Lefebvre is the newest member of our little family, and younger sister to Miss Daisy, our kitty cat – and longtime “Only Child”…It’s been an adjustment of sleepless nights, but we are SO excited to welcome our new little addition home! Even Miss Daisy has given her nod of approval!

Well, let me end this entry and grab another cup of coffee before I fall asleep at my desk! Craig & I have been getting up during the night at the cries of our little one and taking her for several midnight strolls throughout the wee hours of the morning! We are both walking zombies!!

Wish us luck! And come visit us and the newest little member of our family!

Lots Of Sleepy Love,

Pier & Craig