Traditions.

It seems the older I get, the bigger problem I have with traditions. First it started whenever I was about 17 and had finally gotten tired of going from my mom's to my dad's to my stepdad's family gatherings on holidays. Then I started dating Aaron. So we added his family gatherings into the mix. By the time I was 21 and getting married, we had 5 to 6 gatherings each holiday to celebrate.(Not much of a celebration if you ask me.) Then I started to look at the bigger picture. Why do we do things the way we do? For instance, it drives us nuts in our church. The way we choose to have someone read the announcements at the start of every service. No, its not necessary. We print 100 bulletins every Sunday for that purpose. We can even save a few trees and put them on the screens to scroll before and after service. But its a tradition that was started a long time ago. (And in all honesty, I'm singing "TRADITION!!" from Fiddler on the Roof in my head..) My family has this "tradition" (or habit) of waiting until the last minute to decide whose house we are going to for the upcoming holiday. Aaron's family has this tradition of a Cousin's gift exchange on Christmas Eve.  Every year on December 23rd, we get together with some of our best friends and do what call Christmas Eve-Eve. We eat, shop and spend all night together and go out for breakfast on Christmas Eve. (This tradition has changed this year because they just had a baby!)Some traditions of ours make sense, others however...do not. So what is the deciding factor on what traditions to keep and which ones to ditch? How do you determine this as you get older? We have discussed our favorite traditions as kids and ones we would like to start with our own kids. We've also discussed which traditions can go. Even though we would like certain traditions to become favorite memories, its still hard to let some of them go. Like the Cousin's Gift Exchange at Mema's house on Christmas Eve. This year, because 4 of the cousins won't be here on Christmas Eve, we are moving it to another day. Aaron didn't like that, because its not the tradition. But at some point, all the "cousins" aren't going to be kids anymore that want to do the exchange. Stepping out of our childhood traditions and starting some new ones is going to be hard, but necessary. We had quite the discussion last night about this. Ranging from things we thought were ridiculous traditions to have to ones that we hope we can start with our own children one day.

 

Now that I've said all this about traditions, here's the hard part: Just because its tradition does not mean its the best way for things to be done nor is it an excuse. Just because a doing a large meal worked for one person to raise money, does not mean that's the only way to do it. Stepping outside of the box to be creative is how you get better results. "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity."-Albert Einstein. So traditions may be good for some things, but overall  most people use traditions as an excuse for lack of creativity. If you want better results in raising money, in attendance,  in happier gatherings...step outside of the box. Break traditions. Get creative.

Movie Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Let me say this first. I, of course, read the book before the movie happened. And I loved the book then. The way the letters are written, the language used, the characters...this book grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go. When I heard it was being made into a movie, I instantly groaned. I just knew that it was going to be flawed someway somehow. That's just how adaptations go. But then history was made. Stephen Chbosky wrote the screenplay. And produced it. AND directed it. How could it not be absolutely perfect? I began to get disappointed as it seemed the release date was pushed back and pushed back. Then it didn't open in my hometown. So we drove an hour north to go see it this weekend. And let me tell you.. I was floored by just how accurate it was. I guess having the author in charge of all creative decisions can truly make a difference. I'm pretty sure I now believe all authors SHOULD at least write the screenplay for their adaptation.  So on to my review...
Logan Lerman was the perfect Charlie. He has the subtle anger towards society, obvious self sacrifice, and that brokenness that makes you fall for him everytime.
Emma Watson...she can do no wrong! Except for a few blips here and there with her American accent, she did wonderful as Sam. She was heady, invigorating, and loyal.
Ezra Miller as Patrick/Nothing was probably the best cast part in the entire movie. He nailed everything.
Each event that occured, from the parties to the football games, the fights, the kisses, everything was perfectly executed. One complaint I have is that Charlie's family dynamic wasn't drastic enough. They seemed to be putting on the "perfect family" show more than the book said. They each had their problems and the movie briefly touched on Candace's problems, but no one elses. The characters definitely brought you into their lives, especially Charlie.
The biggest complaint I have was that the language wasn't too terrible until the family scene at the end, when Dylan McDermott said "God D***" 3x. And the sister said it once. It was absolutely unnecessary, as it always is. Overall, I give the movie an A++. Having Chbosky direct was a novel, unprecedented idea that made this movie into something worth loving and buying.

"and in this moment...I swear we were infinite."

Lemonhead.

They say when life hands you lemons you either: make lemonade, throw them at life, complain about having no sugar, or ignore the lemons completely, right? Okay, so I know that’s not how the saying really goes, but for those of us who don’t like lemonade (and take this as a metaphor or not…because I actually don’t like lemonade!) Some days I’d like to throw the lemons at the people who frustrate me or upset me. A lot of the time though, I feel like most of us tend to do the complaining part though. When life gets us down we want to complain to anyone who will remotely pay us a lick of attention. But that’s not what we should do, is it? The Bible says God will never give us more than we can bear. So why worry? Why throw the lemons? Or complain? And we should definitely not ignore our problems or God. So what to do when you don’t like your lemons? You make the best of every situation. Look at the bright side right? Easier said than done I know. Seeing that silver lining can be really difficult, but I always like to remember this verse: Philipians 4:6-7 “ Never worry in anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.” This verse is something I have hidden in my heart to remember that no matter what lemon I am handed, its nothing I can’t handle, because I have God on my side.

Summertime Summary

Well, here it is. The end of summer time, and its my first post of the summer. Surprise, surprise! So updates first:

1.) We led a group of 11 awesome teengagers to Panama in June. It was a life-changing experience. We hope to do it again one day. Possibly next year, if we don't lead a team from our church to the Czech Republic. I would love to do just a post about Panama, so hopefully soon I can sit down and load some pictures to do a post.

2.) Aaron has officially accepted the call to ministry. He starts school in January and will be pursuing a degree in Religion, with an emphasis on Biblical Studies. At this time, we are unsure of the possibilities he has. So please keep us in your prayers as we do His will.

3.) We are no longer teaching separate classes in Sunday School. We have taken on the Young Adult class...aka...our own age group! Its a challenge, but exciting at the same time.

4.)We have FINALLY sold the Focus! We are now a 1 car family, with $1500 less debt to pay!

5.) On a less important, more fun sidenote....we bought Thor, Iron Man 2(already had IM), & Captain America in preparation for owning the Avengers next month!! We're just a little excited about it! And, The Hunger Games comes to DVD this Friday! Can't wait for that!

6.) With some of the money we are getting from selling the car, we have a few household projects that are in the works! Tiling the kitchen, flatscreen tv(long overdue), media storage, pantry and closet organization, repainting and small decorating! And in order for our projects to come to  life....we are making our first, of I am sure many, trip to IKEA!  We are taking a weekend and going with Aaron's sister and her husband, and our oh-so-cute nephew, Elijah!

Well, I can do a few photos from our wonderfully awesome Afterknot! :)



And our beautiful location, Aaron's mema&papa's house!

These are just a few of the many beautiful pictures they took for us. They really made our anniversary special! And we have pictures to last a lifetime!

Life Happens

Well, there's at least one profession I know I'll never have: blogger. I'm terrible at updating this thing. Since January...sheesh....what all has happened!?! I'll post pictures soon!

*Aaron and I became an Uncle&Aunt for the first time!! Elijah Maurice Leichner was born 2/24/12! :)
*I started work at Perspectives on 4/16/11!
*We had our first anniversary!! :) What a wonderful, challenging year it has been!!
*We had our afterknot done with the Beatys! A special post about those coming soon!!
*I tried sushi for the first time!(minor detail in comparison to the rest of these!)

We are exactly 3 weeks away from E*Team training in Nashville! Our preparations are in full swing! Clothes are getting sorted, things are getting bought, dogs are getting accustomed, and bills are getting paid. Lots of stuff being done and still to do!! :)

I'll make sure to do a picture post soon! :)

Long time...

Whoops. I have totally forgotten to post in the last 2 1/2 months!

Updates:
I got a job! At Sparks Clinic in Van Buren.(11/16)
We bought a Mini Cooper!(11/18)
Thanksgiving and Christmas were busy, busy,busy! But wonderful!
We got accepted to lead E*Team Panama 2012!
We have a nephew on the way, Elijah Maurice!
We're finally starting the Total Money Makeover!

I think that's about all the major stuff.

I'm in the process of seriously organizing our house. With new containers, labels, assigned spots and all. Check out the I<3Organizing blog on the blogs we follow for ideas!

Also, if you're interested in learning about our trip to Panama, go to our team blog:
www.eteam.panama2012.blogspot.com

We go June 4th-28th! We're very excited to see what God has in store for us and our team!

I will try to keep updating this more.

Thank You.

Well, I'm trying to do this more often! Life is pretty great right now. Aaron&I have been married 200 days! I only know the exact number because I stumbled across our wedding website, which is still counting for us! :) 

We got cable this week...and let me tell you it was a hassle. 4 visits, a free month of internet with a free modem and DVR(because they messed up so many times), and 2 days later...it's finally working! This morning, I've been listening to....the...CHRISTMAS MUSIC CHANNEL! Its wonderful! 

Although, as much as I love Christmas, I try not to start decorating and celebrating until the day after Thanksgiving...because November is the month of thanks. And to me its not very thankful to forget about Thanksgiving and just start celebrating all the superficiality of all the commercial Christmas stuff. I choose to be thankful the entire month(and not just this month..but you know what I mean) And celebrate Christmas when its time. Christmas music is my weakness, though.

Part of the reason I don't start celebrating early is because I love fall. I'd rather it be 55 and slightly windy, with pretty colors everywhere...year round. But, since the cold is inevitable, I'll embrace it when the leaves are all dead!

Since this is the month of Thanks, I am going to 30 things I am Thankful for. One for each day of the month.

1. My Savior. He died for me. He loves me even when I don't deserve it.

2. My Husband. I've always been thankful for Aaron. As a friend, a boyfriend, and now my husband.I know I'm not the easiest person to live with! He's the best.

3. My parents. All 4 of them. Life has been hard for all of us, but somehow we're all still here.

4. My In-Laws. For all that they do. Their always caring attitudes.

5.Our dogs, Embry and Elliot. For the constant source of laughter and happiness. Oh, the messes they are...you gotta love 'em.

6. Brothers. Chris, Brett, Adam, and Dylan. These 4. Where to start...from the jokes, and the obsessions to the fights.... they're always there.

7. Sisters. Jenna and Meagan. How different can they be?! Laughter, tears, chick flicks, and home decorating conversations....they seem to last forever. The advice they always have...whether they be form the 24 year old or the 10 year old....it always works.

8.Our Church. They're like our family. Always have been. Always will be.

9. Our home. We have a roof over our head, a place to chill out, a place to be ourselves. Its wonderful.

10. Aaron's job. He may not feel this way most of the time, but without this job we would be in some serious trouble. This year has been hard, but we've made it.

11. Water. I know this seems so, simplistic. But its something to be very thankful for. We have the water for showers. Drinks. And its healthy, clean water. Definitely something to be thankful for this year.

12. Tasty things. I have to add this because of something that was said in our Sunday School class 2 years ago... we had an entire discussion on things we're thankful for. And somehow the conversation ended up with a book of edible tasty things. Our conversations were always so funny.

13. Friends. We have some of the best friends. Always there for us.

14.Vehicles. Although, I wonder sometimes why I am thankful for this...with the Blazer its hard to be thankful! But, we have two, most of the time running, vehicles that let us travel to see our family and friends, go to church, and get to wherever else we want.

15. Books. Mad props to authors. Seriously. All that imagination has created worlds upon worlds of escapes.  They have taught us about friendship. Love. Geography. Peace. History. And so much more.

16. Vacations. Oh how I love this one. I love to travel. I can't wait to see the world God has created.

17. Home and Foreign Mission(arie)s. Their bravery. Courage. Excitement. Motivation. I know its not about them;its about the lives they're touching...but, all these traits are needed to that job. To go. To love.

18. Music. Without music, life would be so quiet. And without music, my husband's passion would be useless. "Music gives wings to the soul".

19. Warmth. I'm thankful that I have clothes to wear, shoes to love, blankets to cover up with when I'm cold, heaters, dryers, and a totally different kind of warmth...but, love.

20. Technology. It has changed the way the world communicates. 

21.What freedom we have. Freedom to still worship God. 

22. Persecutions. Without them, you'd never know your strengths.

23. Family. In general. Grandparents, cousins, Aunts&Uncles. All of them. How they make life more fun, interesting and full of love!

24. Light. Darkness is only fun for so long. "Happiness can always be found if one only remember to turn on the light."

25.  Rain. The looks, the sound, the smell...I love it.

26. Art. The beauty. The challenge.

27. Pictures. The memories, the lives, the love, the happiness. Everything the represent.

28. Fun.

29. Air fresheners. As silly as this might sound, they make things smell a lot better!

30.Clocks. I don't like to be late.

These are just a few things!