The (Not-So) Newlywed Lefebvres
On Fire For Christ & Sharing Our Journey With The World
These words are guiding us on!
Xoxo,
Pier & Craig
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Hello All,
I realize it’s been quite sometime since I last posted a blog – at least you’ve had the pleasure of hearing from my much better half in the meantime. 🙂 I can’t say a whole lot has happened – or changed – since the last time I blogged. We have mostly just been settling into ‘normal life’, and have had a wonderful time doing so!
Most recently, we enjoyed a great visit from our “cousin-in-law”, Dani, and had a real blast while she was enjoying the Down South Georgia Heat! I recall her telling me just before she left Minnesota, she was so excited to be getting away from “all that humidity”… I laughed a little bit inside, knowing she was remembering a September in Georgia, almost a year ago, when she came down for our wedding. Late July in Georgia…not as pleasant humidity-wise. 🙂
Thank you, Dani, for making the trip! I’m sorry we weren’t able to do more – unfortunately, work tends to get in the way of that somehow 🙂 – but we hope you had the kind of relaxing vacation you were hoping for! You were such a huge help with the children I nanny! As a matter of fact, both the mother and the 2 year old asked about you today! 🙂 Maybe you have more of a future in nannying than you thought! 🙂
Poor thing! Getting Dani safely back to Minnesota yesterday was a bit of a challenge. ALLLLL the direct flights from ATL to MSP were quite full, and so she was able to spend some time in the great state of Michigan, as Craig and I worked for several hours the night before she flew out to figure out how we could get her home with the least amount of strife for her as possible. As it turns out, the flights from Atlanta to Grand Rapids, Michigan and from Grand Rapids to Minneapolis that day worked well. Thank the Lord. She made it back unscathed – and if you’ve ever flown standby, you know this to be almost miraculous. 🙂
Friday, Craig and I leave for Missouri. Via car. Yay! I am a sucker for a road trip!!! I love to make special travel snacks, trip CD’s… (although, I got the impression from our 23 year old visitor this past week that CD’s are now about as ‘uncool’ as 8-tracks…Sorry ladies and gents – Anyone who knows me, knows the Original “Pier’s Mix” CD’s are some of the best! LOL And they aren’t stopping!!)…I love stopping at random gas stations for snacks I would never otherwise eat, and slushies I would never otherwise consider slurping. I love holding my husband’s hand THE WHOLE WAY. Seriously, we do. 🙂 But, probably the thing I love 2nd best about road trips is playing the role of navigator. I guess in our marriage, it’s where Craig and I switch roles: He gets to be the Captain and I am the First Officer. Well, not on this trip. Not after I planned our route for Josh and Julia’s wedding in North Carolina, and intentionally turned a 3.5-4 hour drive into a 7-8 hour trek. While I loved EVERY MINUTE of the adventure, I think my extremely patient husband may have BEGUN to lose his marbles, considering that for the entire trip we were only on the interstate for about 20 whole miles, and never actually stayed on one road for more than 10 miles… Aaaah the joys of planning a road trip using Google Maps…and then gently ‘tugging’ at the route line… Heee hee hee… I guess, Craig didn’t see it as spontaneously as I did… 🙂 Therefore, he plainly told me this evening on the phone that he had already looked at a map and chosen the 4 interstates we would travel to our destination. Wha. Wha. Wha. 🙂 This doesn’t mean I’m not still in charge of music and snacks!!! Adventure here we come! We are so looking forward to Craig’s cousin Cara’s wedding and the following family trip in Branson! I PROMISE THERE WILL BE PICTURES POSTED!!
Craig and I have been working really hard to ‘re-prioritize’ our life, and keep God as the center of our relationship. Still not being pregnant, we have had to really put all our faith and trust in Him, and devote ourselves to seeking Him first. Just like the day I felt God tell me we needed to ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.’… We have been striving to live just that way. The Lord has presented us with some great and very unexpected opportunities to witness to what He has done in our lives, and sometimes, in the very strangest of situations. 🙂 We have also come across some AMAZING reading material, which I would LOVE to share with you:
1. Jesus Calling by S. Young. I don’t care who you are, or what preconceived notions you may have about daily devotionals…but you must go out and buy this book immediately. If not sooner. And if you are one of those who agrees with Dani and believes CD’s to be a thing of the past, well, there is also a Jesus Calling App – for both Apple and Android phones and tablets. Hurry. This is the most amazing devotional. When Craig is out of town, I send him a picture of the morning’s reading, so here’s a sample:
The whole devotional, while not divinely inspired, obviously, is biblically and prayerfully based, and its written as if Jesus Himself were speaking directly to you. It is utterly amazing. Craig and I have found our days just aren’t the same if we begin them without Him. 🙂
2. Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby. I know my husband and I both have written and spoken about this book, but it is another must have. I cannot tell you how much we have learned from and grown together in studying God’s Word with this Bible study as our guide. We have taken it very slow – at times purposefully, at others not do much, but God has used those thoughtful periods to really touch our hearts and teach us and lead us. The title of the book really says it all. It’s really all about learning to truly experience God, to actually have that unbelievable and sometimes seemingly unattainable intimate relationship with Him.
3. Freedom Beyond Comprehension by Joan Hunter. Wow. This book changed the way I thought/think about so many things. It’s main preface is about letting go of the past, but there is so much to be learned about not only the forgiveness of Christ but His unthinkable love and power to heal – & not just in a spiritual way, in a physical way, as well. One profound quote from the book says that God doesn’t do ANYTHING just partway, He does everything all of the way. Simple, yet amazing truth. You won’t be disappointed reading this!
So as I end this entry, I will show you a little project we just recently finished – my idea and design and Craig’s construction:
The picture does this hanging birdcage lamp not a bit of justice. It adds such a great ambient light to the room! You’ll have to come see it in person!
We can’t wait for your visit!! Talk soon!
God Bless,
Pier & Craig
Good Evening Everyone (Or Early Morning, Depending On How You Look At It),
So during our Bible Study a week or so ago, the chapter we are studying in “Experiencing God” mentioned that the Bible, as a whole, isn’t an account of the people in the Bible – like John, Peter, Ruth, Noah or Abraham, but rather is a story of God working through the lives of these people. The Bible is then an autobiography of the Lord, and the other characters throughout were vehicles through whom He worked.
This got me to thinking. Suppose Noah hadn’t built the ark, as God instructed. Suppose Noah heard God’s instruction and thought, “Ugh. It’s too hot to build an ark. I don’t even know HOW anyway! I’m not a boat builder! Plus, I have plans! I don’t have time to do this.” Or what if Mary had not said YES to God’s invitation to carry His Son?
The Bible would be a very different book if those who accepted God’s instruction had lived according to THEIR will, rather than HIS will. So, what would a Bible story of YOUR life look like? Would the book be full of detail as you followed Christ and carried out His plans, or would it be a short account in which Jesus asked you to do something, and you told Him you were too busy and let YOUR plans get in the way?
In considering this, Craig and my ‘Mission Statement’ for our marriage had to be re-examined. And so, even though he was off work all last week, and I usually enjoy the luxury of not having to be at work until 11AM, we followed God’s call and rose early each morning to lead the music together for our church’s summer program for middle and high school students – who were less than thrilled to be at church at 8AM when on summer vacation. This week, even though I am working a 9-5 schedule with the sweet children I nanny, I am rushing off to help lead the music for VBS each evening after work from 6-8:30PM.
We certainly aren’t asking for medals or accolades here. Not in the least. BUT the whole idea of considering what your story in the Bible would resemble certainly made us realize that following God’s Will and putting Him first in our life was absolutely the MOST important thing. Even though 12-13 hour days are NOT fun, and getting up early on your day off is NOT typically anyone’s cup of tea, living life for Christ is our mission, and as we have learned, His ways are not always OUR ways.
I thank God He brought me my soulmate, who stands right by my side as we endeavor to lead our lives for Him. The Lord doesn’t always guide us down the newly paved road, but more often than not, the bumpy, gravelly, dirt path most people try to avoid.
We pray He will continue to guide us, and we ask for your prayers for our journey, as well. We would love to pray for you, too, and many of you we already do! If you have a special request you would like us to pray for you or with you, please e-mail Craig and I at newlywedlefebvres@gmail.com
Well, it’s now time for bed, as there is another full day of nannying and VBS and puppies…Yes, we have multiple doggies in the Lefebvre household now! Don’t worry, our next post will include more on recent events and if we are diligent, even some pictures!
Take Care and God Bless,
Pier & Craig
Well Happy Sunday Afternoon To All Of You!
Craig and Lucy are out in the front yard playing fetch, so I was able stay inside with the air conditioning and have a little peace and quiet – and jump free time, to write the blog we promised for this weekend! 🙂 As usual, things have been hectic around here. We went to Minnesota over Mother’s Day weekend and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with our Midwestern family. We were able to spend time with so many people I felt like we hadn’t had any quality time with since the wedding, including the other Newlywed Lefebvres – Dani & Marty! It was a great, relaxing and much needed trip! Unfortunately, so relaxed we even forgot to capture the memories with pictures. I guess there’s always next time. 😉
Over Memorial Day, the Southern Lefebvres went camping. It was quite the innovative compromise, I must say. Craig wasn’t back in town until Saturday, and I had to work on Monday, so we couldn’t go very far…BUT we did enjoy some fun in the sun at the neighborhood pool:
And then after I got home from work on Monday, Craig and I (and Lucy) headed out on the long hike to our camping spot…Our backyard! 🙂 We had such a good time! We made hot dogs, and played games indoors in the A/C… and when it was time to go to bed, we headed out the back door and slept under the stars…Well, except for Lucy, who heard all the nature sounds but couldn’t SEE what was going on and freaked out, pacing back and forth in the tent anxiously all night…Until my husband decided to turn on the radio from his phone to calm her down…and it worked like a charm. She actually shared a pillow with Craig that night. 😉 The best part of our little “camping trip” was being able to wake up, and walk inside to take a shower right away, with immediate afterward access to coffee, tea and a hot breakfast. Camping perfection. 😉
This week we have both been working up a storm. Here’s a glimpse:
Oh…and another little thing…
For the moment, I have bangs…Craig wanted me to try it out, since I haven’t had them since 7th grade, but I’m not sure how I feel about them yet. They will either take some getting used to, I’ll like them better as my hair gets longer, or they will be grown out pronto. We shall see. For the moment, they’re pinned to the side. Therein lies the beauty of making a hair change like bangs – it’s easily undone. 🙂
In other news, I am working with one other member from our church choir to lead the music for Vacation Bible School at church the week of June 10th. If you have young children in need of summer fun in the Cartersville vicinity, VBS will be at St. Francis of Assisi from 6-8pm, Monday through Friday. I’ll be heading over that week after nannying. We’ve been going over the music and choreography and it’s really going to be a lot of fun. For a sneak peek, you can take a look at www.cokesburyvbs.com. It’s the program about being a good neighbor (rather than the one entitled “Hip Hop…”)…
Craig and I have been praying and have been felt led to help out in some way with the youth at our parish. The VBS program literally fell into my lap, when I was asked to help, and then the Youth Director called and asked if I would lead the music for daily Mass this week at the Youth Camp at our parish for middle/high-school students. Interestingly enough, Craig is off work all this week, so we will be leading music together starting tomorrow morning at 8am, before I head off to work…Speaking of which, I guess we better get to learning said music…Eeek! 🙂 We want to glorify the Lord, after all, not make the Youth Program wonder whose bright idea it was to bring US into the game! 😉
More To Come Very Soon!
Much Love,
Pier & Craig
Hope y’all are happier and more excited about it than this little guy!
Xoxo,
Pier & Craig
Good Evening All!
We’re trying something a little bit new here, so bear with us as I get all the file conversions and uploads straight… But…here’s our blog! Just click the link:
Watch & Enjoy!
Much Love,
Pier & Craig
Some bloggers post daily, and well, as you may have noticed, we don’t. There’s a reason for this, and it isn’t laziness or the fact we’re TOO boring! 😉 We do have A LOT going on, but the fact of the matter is we only blog when we feel ‘led’ to do so. I feel like our blog is meant to be, not only an update for our family and friends of what’s going on in our lives, but also a tool in sharing Christ’s love – how He has touched and miraculously transformed our lives – and how sharing that can help others, as well.
Today, I felt led to blog about my new job – I just love it! I’m a nanny to one-month old twins and an adorable, bright and bubbly two-year old little girl, and this position has been nothing short of a life-changing experience for me! Some said it would be a realization for me, insofar as how much of a ‘handful’ caring for young children really is. As a matter of fact, I not only care for these precious babies, but I cook for the family, as well – at least twice a week. I also do the children’s laundry and help keep the house clean and orderly. I do some grocery shopping and help run errands. After all is said and done, I feel quite blessed – not stressed.
Don’t get me wrong – This isn’t an EASY or RELAXING job AT. ALL. However, it’s work I love to do! There is such a sense of accomplishment in providing care for children and in helping a family, versus my former life of filing and typing documents and speaking in corporate lingo. This is not to say there is a thing in the world wrong with that type of work – more power to those who thrive in the business world and the corporate environment! At this time in my life, an office just isn’t where I’m supposed to be!
I know God blessed me with intelligence and I could easily have accomplished whatever sort of academic agenda was at hand, with His guidance. But right now, that’s just not my place in the world. In fact, my new job has only strengthened Craig and my faith, and made us desire a family of our own even more. We cannot wait to have children of our own!
We have wanted children from the beginning, but now with some fresh experience under my belt, I can confidently say being a mother is what God has in mind for my life, for our lives, and parenthood is the path He is leading us on. It’s funny, the life lesson I’m receiving has the benefit of a pay check, when the ultimate job we desire for me pays nothing – monetarily speaking. 🙂
Please pray for Craig and I in starting a family of our own. Please pray for patience. Please pray for strength of character. Please pray for the blessing of many children on our marriage.
In Christ,
The Newlywed Lefebvres
Good Morning All!
First, my apologies for being MIA the past few weeks! We’ve had a lot going on here in Georgia – from C’s birthday to his recurrent training to my new job as a nanny! Unfortunately, in all the hustle and bustle, we were unable to make the trip to MN for Craig’s cousin’s wedding – We were so sad to miss it, but plans are in the works for us to make a trip north very soon! Would anyone in GA like to volunteer to watch this little rascal sweetheart for us while we are gone?
My sweet husband celebrated his 31st birthday last Saturday and we were so lucky to be able to spend the whole day together! I made a Layered Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with Pecans – all from scratch. You can see the recipe here. I made a few minor changes: The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, and I ran out of sugar at 1 1/3 cups…So I added Dark Brown Sugar to reach 1 1/2 cups, plus about another 1/3 of a cup. Also, I used pecans throughout the batter AND in the icing, as well. Craig LOVED this cake. He isn’t much of a dessert person, but loves his breakfast, so this combination worked out well for him, as it is very similar to Banana Bread. Typically, I would have a picture of this deliciousness for you…but, alas, I used a new type of icing to write “Happy Birthday Craig” on top of the cake….and instead I made a MESS! 🙂 Who says delicious has to be pretty?? 🙂
l surprised the birthday boy with a ride in a World War II Vintage Open Cockpit BiPlane!
I had no idea how much fun our ride was going to be! You should definitely try it out! You can make a ‘reservation’ here. We followed our flight with a yummy dinner at Elevation Chophouse:
And then some of our very best friends – Josh, Julia and Steve – met us to end the evening at Electric Cowboy! Happy Belated 31st to Craig! And thank you to everyone who helped make his special day even more special! 🙂
In other news, I am officially into my second week as a nanny to beautiful newborn twins and a lovely two-year old little girl! This week I have begun to cook for the family, as well, and just cannot begin to explain how much I am enjoying my new “job” – two of my favorites: cooking and children, and it’s what I do for a living?!?! Love it!
Well, speaking of my new nanny position, I must get going! Little Lucy needs a walk before I head off to work!
We hope all of you are doing well! Promise it won’t be such a long time until our next post! I’ve got a great recipe to share for a Buffalo Chicken Dip I turned into a Casserole/Hot Dish. It’s easy, gluten-free and quite tasty! 🙂 So, until then…
Take Care! XOXO,
Pier & Craig
Good Morning Everyone!
Today is a very special day indeed! Two years ago, on this very day, at this very time, I must have been sitting at my desk at RB Management, poring over magazine pictures and talking with my friends at the office…Trying to decide what I was going to wear for a VERY special date I had that evening. A first date. A first date with the man who turned out to be my husband.
One year ago on this day, I had received a (what appeared at the time to be) very odd package delivered to me at the office…It contained a CD of special songs…a sweet letter…and another envelope I wasn’t allowed to open yet. I left work early for a doctor’s appointment, and afterwards watched a DVD of our past year together with Craig and then went to get ready for our Anniversary Date, only to be met with beautiful flowers and an AMAZING proposal.
Two years ago today my life changed forever, and one year ago today, it changed even MORE and for the absolute best! Happy two year anniversary of our first date, and one year anniversary of the day you asked me to be your wife, Craig! I love you!
It’s the first of these years we have not been able to be together, but such is the life of a pilot’s wife! I am, however, able to enjoy this Holy Thursday with the adorable Miss Daisy, and her sister Lucy – both babies are napping and so I finally had a chance to write this blog!
In other recent news, the draperies are (halfway) completed! 1: We misplaced, and JUST found the return for the other window, and 2: Craig has to be here to thread the bobbin on my sewing machine… SO (or SEW ha ha ha), I did the first panel with stitchwitchery to try and surprise my hubby a few weeks ago with completed draperies… BUT it took almost 4 hours to finish one panel, and my sewing machine just would not allow me to thread it…When C got home, he threaded the bobbin and the second panel was completed while he washed the car with Lucy (fun for him! lol), but then we couldn’t find the return for the 2nd window in our bedroom…So, one window – two panels – are complete!
I’ll try another picture where you can better see the entire window treament soon. I’m not sure why, but the flash on my camera made everything look blue…Oh, well, at least my side of the room is darkened – which means Lucy doesn’t wake up with the roosters, as she did BEFORE the drapes…Whew! 🙂 I really love the wa the window turned out! Craig’s cornice board, made with shims and leftover finish from the refurbishment of our dresser, plus these draperies, against the deep blue accent wall, really do a lot for our bedroom!
We have ANOTHER new addition in our home, as well: “Alfred”.
The cow rug! :-)If you are in the design world, this rug is a Safavieh! Pricewise, we STOLE it! If you know my husband at all, you know two things: First, he is not likely to pay a lot of money for a rug…Especially one that is solely for decoration. But also, he has a thang for cows and all things farm. “Alfred” (along with the cow print I gave him for Christmas) really makes a statement in our den! Both we AND our girls just love it!
If you haven’t been over in awhile…ahem….please come and visit SOON! You must see all the changes that have turned this once-bachelor pad into our little family’s home!
Little Lucifer Lucy has been growing like a WEED – or maybe faster!
That was the day we brought her home. This is the other day:
She has discovered a new walking trail, which is DEFINITELY her favorite! The only downside is the 20 minute drive to reach it, along with the fact it is FIVE MILES LONG. You certainly have to carve out a large portion of your day to be able to indulge her!
There are plenty of opportunities for her to get into trouble, considering this is a true nature trail. Yesterday she dove right into a creek that runs alongside the trail, and desperately attempted to catch a fish – which was actually just a floating leaf, but I didn’t have the heart to tell her. Three hours and a 20 minute car ride home later:
This was MY reward! The 5 mile walk is MORE than worth it! 🙂
Craig and I celebrated 6 months of marriage a few weeks ago:
And these truly have been the best six months of my life. Hands Down. Without Question! And so, on that note, let me say that we were overjoyed to celebrate the marriage of two more of our dear friends this past weekend: Ashley and JW (or John, or P. Diddy???? Not sure WHAT to call him after the speeches we heard at the rehearsal dinner…) 🙂 It is wonderful to be able to welcome another set of our friends into the bliss and journey that is marriage! Congratulations Ash & J! We wish you all the happiness!!
Well, I must go! Lucy needs a walk, I need to finish my Bible Study, and then I have to get ready for our parish’s Holy Thursday service! Being in the choir has been SUCH a blessing!
We wish you all the best, and send you all of our love.
In Christ,
Pier & Craig
Today is a wonderful day marking SIX MONTHS of Wedded Bliss for Craig and I! Such an absolute blessing these recent months have been, and there is no one to thank more than God above! Thank you; Thank you; Thank you – Infinite thanks! Never could we have found our jigsaw puzzle piece matches without His omnicience!
In other news, I apologize it has been several weeks since I last wrote – the tides, they are a-changing! 🙂 And with those changes, of course, come a lot of time consumption! 🙂 What all has happened since we last met? Well, due to an…interesting turn of events….I ended my employment as an Executive Assistant a few days earlier than planned…My, that’s a long story…As we noted in the last blog post, Craig and I had been planning for me to leave for several months, but when we KNEW the time was right, we acted…and within DAYS, we had not just one, but 4 different job opportunities staring us in the face – and I hadn’t applied for a single one of them. Please know, we aren’t pointing this out in order to boast, but simply because it was only further proof we were on the path God was leading us down! Jesus says in Luke 17:6, “If you had faith no bigger than a mustard seed, you could tell this mulberry tree to pull itself up, roots and all, and to plant itself in the ocean. And it would.” We listened to the Lord, put our trust in Him, and He provided. Nothing is impossible with God. (Thanks to our choir director, Dian, for reminding us of this again last week with a BEAUTIFUL song – “Nothing Is Impossible With God”, sung in four parts. Come hear us sing at St. Francis in Cartersville! Sundays at 10am!)
We prayerfully considered all of these 4 positions, and in the end, chose the one that, while on paper may not look the ‘best’, is certainly what we feel I am being called to do at this time. The new job begins in April – so more details to come!
Other than this new career path, it’s been a busy couple of weeks filled with catching up on cleaning and resting and COOKING! 🙂 We even had the pleasure of entertaining my brother for dinner one evening when he came to meet little Lucy! Stuffed pork chops. Delicious! If you’re interested in the recipe, send us an e-mail, and we’ll let you in on our EASY to prepare and gluten-free secret! 😉
Well, I must be off! Before my husband returns home, I promised him I’d finish sewing the draperies for our bedroom – a long overdue project I finally have the time to complete!
Take Care All Of You!
Much Love,
Pier & Craig
The (Not-So) Newlywed Lefebvres 
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