April

Now that we are into April, Aaron and I are starting our next challenge.  (By the way, we were both more than excited to have some sweet tea/soft drinks after Lent!) For April, we are reading the book of John.  We are also challenging ourselves to tithe obediently.  I must be honest, it is a struggle to even admit that we don't already. It's not that we don't give anything but we certainly don't give as we are capable of and should. In a post several weeks ago I quoted Luke 12:48:

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded...

I know this verse can be applied in many ways that have absolutely nothing to do with money but for me, it was sort of a wake up call to reflect on my willingness to and attitude toward tithing.  The attitude part is really crucial.

2 Corinthians 9:7 

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 

Although we are using months as check points for reflecting on something new to focus on, I am noticing these "challenges" are becoming part of our daily lives... except for the giving up caffeine - that was a one time thing! ;) The point though is that these planned monthly goals have given us some direction and a place from which to start. I challenge you to reflect on where God might want you to pay special attention over the coming weeks and take action. 

 Some highlights from the past month:

We went to see Little Big Town at The Palace. It was a great show! 

Mom and I joined Kelsey as she registered for her fast approaching wedding! I also picked out her wedding shower venue... SO excited!  Sneak peak: 

Aaron and I were baptized again via immersion are now members of Southeast Christian Church. It was pretty cool to get to share that experience with my husband! 

Last weekend, we got to witness more than 50 people get baptized at SECC's Easter service (many of which were spontaneous). They ended up baptizing 779 people Easter weekend across their campuses which is amazing. It was such a cool thing to witness. Aaron and I had never seen anything like it.  

https://www.southeastchristian.org/sermons/

We also had a great afternoon hiding and hunting Easter eggs with the cousins. Those cutie loved finding "monies" in the eggs. 

Happy hump day, y'all! : )

Weekend Getaway

We just had the most wonderful weekend. My grandparents gave us a gift card to a bed and breakfast and we finally used it at Willis Graves B&B in Burlington, KY.  Between the fresh baked cookies waiting in our room each day, the outstanding breakfast each morning and the rustic digs.. I was in heaven.  We stayed in the cabin on the property. It was picturesque with the snow. 

It may sound funny but my favorite part was the bathroom! It was so relaxing. Their attention to detail was amazing. 

And the food.... YUM 

Here are the gingerbread pancakes. They were delicious. Our favorite was probably the creme brûlée French toast. 

On Saturday, we went to the Newport Aquarium. Yes... poor Aaron is married to an overgrown kid. I was so excited because we did the Penguin Experience. I am obsessed with penguins. The first gift that Aaron ever gave me was a stuffed penguin. I really wanted to just grab one and run. This little momma laid behind my feet the entire time and even laid her head on my boots.  She'd just laid an egg the day before so she was recovering. 

That afternoon we explored Hyde park for a while. After that, we headed back to the B&B to relax... Which meant devouring the cookies and watching several episodes of Swamp People (one of the few shows I can get Aaron to watch with me). It was the best day! I thoroughly enjoyed the nonstop quality time with my husband especially since he'd been out of town all week. That man is my soulmate. Moments like those remind me how lucky I am to have someone I can totally be myself with. 

I would highly recommend the Willis Graves B&B if you are looking for a relaxing getaway. It's close to Cincinnati, Oh and Newport, Ky so there are plenty of fun things to do nearby.  We will certainly go back!

March is here already?

Another month, come and gone.

We just wrapped up our February challenge but I have to admit, we forgot to do our verse yesterday. So here it is...

John 13:34-35

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

For March, we are participating in Lent (which actually started on February 18th). I gave up caffeinated drinks and fast food. Aaron gave up caffeinated beverages too and he typically drinks as many of those a day as one should drink water. 

Aaron completed the Polar Plunge yesterday which helps raise awareness for Special Olympics. He said it was colder than ever... No hot tubs this year to warm up in afterwards. Here is a photo of Aaron and some of his coworkers getting ready to become popsicles...

I decided not to go watch in person this year because it was so cold. I'm proud of Aaron for doing it though!

Earlier this week, my sister, dad and I went to a Nickleback concert at the Yum! center. It was a lot of fun. I don't remember that last time we'd done anything with just our dad. My dad is a pretty cool dude. His laugh is one of a kind and he knows how to have a good time. I hope my future children will think as highly of me as I do my parents. 

This year is already flying by but I am looking forward to warmer temperatures! 

Happy (early) Valentine's Day

This video is super sweet. Watch it and spread the love...

Nieces, a nephew, and cousins... Oh my!

I can't believe we are already into the second week of February. I wanted to share one of my favorite verses from our verse challenge last week:

To whom much is given, much is expected. 

Luke 12:48

Its been interesting (and eye opening) to see how Aaron and I interpret the same words differently. To me, this was a reminder to give more because I have been given so much. We are so blessed. 

One of my most treasured blessings is my wonderful and growing family. We had a very fun weekend hanging out with family. Aaron and I have a new niece! Little Miss Kyla Davis was born early last week and we got to snuggle with her over the weekend. She is a cutie. Speaking of cute, how good does my husband look holding a baby? 

Really good... I know! :)

Of course, we also loved playing with Kenley and Sawyer. They are going to make a great big sister and brother. 

Yesterday, I had a movie date with my cousin Bryce. We went to see the new 3D Spongebob movie. His dad gave him $10 and he got a kick out of paying for his own Icee at the concession stand. I got a kick out of watching Bryce reach out his hands when the images were 3D on the screen. Too cool. 

Have a good week! :) 

Support Aaron's Plunge!

Aaron is participating in the Polar Plunge once again this year.  The Polar Plunge is one of the biggest Special Olympics fundraisers of the year.  Participants solicit donations to support their effort much like a walk-a-thon but instead of walking, Polar Bears take a chilly dip into the Ohio River! 

If you'd like to donate, please do so via the link below:

http://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1120743&supId=399823931&extSiteType=1

Here are some photos from last years event:

February Challenge

It's February 1 and that means Aaron and I are starting the next monthly challenge for 2015. This month we have committed to reading a bible verse together every day. I searched for a month long Bible challenge on pinterest and found the one below.  

The theme of the challenge is blessing your spouse which I thought was perfect for February. Along with daily verses, it comes with daily challenges to complete.

Check it out! 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+35&version=NIV