Links I Love 3.19.14

This week's articles that caught my attention hit a wide variety of subjects which keeps things interesting.

7 Habits of a Hot Marriage in the Middle of Monotony
I loved this article. We've been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. This was a refreshing reminder that marriage is hard work but the work is well worth it.

Frame or Picture?
Deanna blogs about life with three little kids, one of whom has special needs. She paints a beautiful word picture about how as motherhood is not about us. Each kid paints a vastly different picture with their life but as moms we get a front row seat.

Why I Quit Tithing Years Ago
Tithing is such a misunderstood topic these days. Recently a missionary spoke at church talking about giving by generation. Giving in our generation (Millennials) was described as one time giving if it moved the individual. This article talks about tithing as an attitude of surrender and act of worship.

Five Ways to Improve Congregational Singing
This is a wonderful article by Keith & Kristyn Getty. So much of how is service is evaluated focuses on the elements of the service that don't involve congregational singing. This offered sound advice on improving congregational singing and how the it should be a focus.

Happy Birthday Christopher!

Today is Christopher's birthday!

Babe, the kids and I love you and are so thankful for you. Can't wait for you to get home from work so we can celebrate. :)

Leave any birthday wishes below

Wordless Wednesday

Cruise 2014

Chris and I went away in January on our first cruise. It was AWESOME! We are officially hooked on cruising. We had such a relaxing and enjoyable time. Many thanks and kudos to our moms who watched our kids so we could enjoy this to the fullest.

So, we kinda went crazy on the number of pictures we took on our cruise. To the tune of almost 550. So even 10% of our pictures would be overkill so I am posting the link to our Shutterfly photobook instead.

Cruise 2014 Photobook

Wordless Wednesday: Sunrise

Links I Love: 2.13.14

In the midst of Snowpocalypse 2014, I have been doing some additional reading, some books but mostly articles from the web. The links to the articles below have been especially thought provoking.

Isn't is pretty?

Leaving the Anti-Vaccine Movement

I saw this article today and it was extremely thought provoking. One thing I was taught was to look at the WHOLE picture before making a decision. I can remember my dad playing "devil's advocate" to various research papers I wrote or to "theories" I was testing out. I truly believed it helped me see both sides of an issue and thus creating a more balanced approach to life. The vaccine issue is a HOT topic and I have really good friends on both sides of the issue. 

Thank you, Shaun White, for not medaling in the Olympics

It is so refreshing to see those that haven't medaled to be gracious and loving in their responses. I have seen this genuineness displayed several other sports during the Olympics. I am grateful that my kids can see that it takes work and dedication to get to the Olympics but also humility and grace when you didn't place where you wanted to. 

The Dark Side of Healthy Eating

I have seen this rude and ungrateful attitude played out so many times recently and this sums up my feelings on the subject nicely. I have found that hospitality to this type of people is especially difficult and frustrating. As a disclaimer, those with actual diagnosed food allergies fall into a different category entirely. I have read several books on food allergies lately and I have found that I have gained a HUGE level of respect to my friends who have kids with allergies and I WANT to show hospitality by learning to cook for them.

I have also been addicted to the Waterlogue app on my phone since we have been snowed in. See why? Pictures from our trip coming soon. :)

2013 Recap

Here is our 2013 Recap. Better later than never, right? :)

January

// Visiting Chris’ Family in NH // Snow, Snow, Snow! //

February

// LegoFest outing with Derek // Trip to the outlets in Williamsburg //

March

// Chris’ Birthday // Dyed Easter Eggs // Easter Dinner with Megan’s Family //

April

// Chris started new job at PieTech // Chris obtained his Registered Paraplanner Certification // Yard Sale //

May

// Megan’s sister’s wedding // Chris’ brother’s wedding // IKEA Trip //

June

// Brooke’s 2^nd Birthday // Megan’s Birthday // Derek's First Dentist Appointment //

July

// Kids 1^st baseball game // Derek’s 4th Birthday // Busch Garden’s trip with Megan’s family // Anniversary trip to IKEA //

August

// Family Day at Monkey Joe’s // Laundry Room project completed // Derek started Soccer //

September

// Apple Picking // “Talk like a Pirate Day” at Krispy Kreme // Slugs and Bugs Concert //

October

// Went to the Pumpkin Patch // Family Vacation in Williamsburg //

November

// Derek’s Autism Diagnosis // Thanksgiving with Chris’ Family // Pig Roast at Chris’ Office // Saw Thomas the Train at the local TV Station //

December

// Kids Christmas Party at Chris’ office // Built our Family's Manger // Family got sick // Christmas //

Whew! We have had a blessed 2013 and look forward to what God will do in 2014. Looking back it seems we were busier than it felt like at the time. :)