For My Sister Jaynie

Love,
Anna

National Coffee Day

Source: etsy.com via Kat on Pinterest

Well, today is a day to be celebrated! Today is National Coffee Day. I simply don't know where life would be without coffee. People would not wake up or stay up without it. They wouldn't go to places that play loud music and spend hours on their computers there without it. People wouldn't know words like "barista", "venti" or "macchiato" without it (unless you're Italian, that is).

All joking aside, today since it is National Coffee Day, you can get a free coffee at 7-11 or Krispy Kreme. So if you're near either of those, you're in luck! Sadly, I know of no 7-11 or Krispy Kreme in my general area. Or even one far away for that matter. So I'll have to stick to paying for coffee today. But I can still celebrate with you if you get a free coffee. Make sure you check what size is the free size, because if you get the wrong size you might end up paying for it. Oh and if you do get a free coffee today, leave a comment and tell me!

Love,
Anna

Listening to Ballad of San Francisco by Caedmon's Call

PS -  Also, if you wouldn't mind leaving a comment telling me whether you think the blog design change was good, bad or terrible, I would appreciate it!

Link Love

Source: 500px.livejournal.com via Hannah on Pinterest

• Abortion, Infanticide, and The United Methodist Church - This article is infuriating and saddening at the same time. What inconsistency! "Isn't it hypocritical to be outraged by a mom who kills her twin babies after they're born, but indifferent to a mom who hires someone to kill her twin babies before they're born? It is, which is why Princeton ethicist, Peter Singer, says women should be given the right to kill their newborns. He points out that there is no ethical difference between killing a human baby before birth and after birth and concludes that since we've already deemed abortion to be morally defensible, the same distinction should be given to infanticide as well." 
• Here in my arms - Rejoicing with this beautiful family with the addition of their eight child! What a beautiful baby. I love the name they picked out, it has such a beautiful meaning.
• Meant to Shine  - Another blog by one of my many sisters! Four down, five sisters to go! Just kidding...
• encouragement - beautiful reminder, photo and song.
• Family Life Interviews: Carolyn Twietmeyer and Luther and Rebekah Ellis - If you only go to ONE link that I have here, this is the one. (Yes this is another sister's blog!) Very encouraging, even if you aren't considering adoption.
• Christians as Biscuit Dough - Thank you Ruthiey for sharing this great quote from Jerry Bridges! 
• Let Us Be Elegant or Die! - Very good reminder for me to be concerned about what's inside rather than the clothes I wear, my nails, my hair, my shoes, my purse......
• Vows - Last but not least, this post was thought-provoking. Am I true living my vows every day?

Love,

Anna

Listening to Jamie Grace - With You

PS - I can't figure out how I highlighted the whole post, so my apologies but I don't know how to fix it! 

It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year....

Source: browndresswithwhitedots.tumblr.com via Anna on Pinterest

Yes and I DO mean Christmas! I have been thinking about Christmas a BUNCH this week. I have no idea why, except that I can't wait for that time to be here. Christmas is my absolute favourite time of the year, hands down, no exceptions. It kind of helps that I love wintertime anyways! So, I'm pretty eager for it to get here!

Pottery Barn catalogue is one of my favourite things to receive in the mail. Call me weird, but it is. I pore over the pages, studying each and every item and where it's placed in the picture. I don't think I've ever purchased anything from them, I just love the glossy pictures. And when they already had a section of Christmas decorations in it, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Believe it or not, I've looked at the Christmas section multiple times since I discovered it in my mailbox!

Some Christmas pictures to enjoy so that you can share in my eagerness.

Source: potterybarn.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: potterybarn.com via Anna on Pinterest

Source: potterybarn.com via Anna on Pinterest

Pin of The Week

Source: joanlandes.wordpress.com via Anna on Pinterest

I now have four students and my newest violin student is a five year old, so I figured it would be appropriate to share this adorable pin to celebrate. Yay for new students, five-year-olds named Silas, and violins!

Love,
Anna

One Thousand Gifts

Source: simplyvintagegirl.com via Sarah on Pinterest

71 music that makes me dance
72 cold mornings
73 phone calls from my sister Jaynie in Central Asia
74 the delight of making Aaron laugh unexpectedly
75 realizing just how much I need God.... AGAIN
76 handwritten notes from those you love
77 the absolute joy of music
78 the life in a bouquet of flowers
79 the awe of God's bigness washing over me all over again
80 pretty nails (Thanks Megan for the recommendation!)

Love,
Anna

Fill in The Blank Friday

1. The best thing I did all week was spend time with my husband! But you know, I think that's what I would say everytime I was asked that question...


2. Listening to quartet music makes me super happy.


3. Pets are adorable, quirky and sometimes irritating. Like when everytime you shower, your dog decides that's the best time to leave gifts on the carpet.


4. God's presence is the best thing about my life.


5. With the cooler weather I am looking forward to fuzzy sweaters, warm cider, cozy feelings in your tummy, colourful scarves, pretty leaves, morning mist, candles in the evening, and finally Christmas!


6. Something that's on my wish list right now is a pair of grey dressy pants. I found the perfect pair at Maurices, I'm just debating whether I should get them or not. We'll see.


7. This weekend I am going to attend a membership class on Saturday for our church with Aaron, go to Bible study with Aaron on Saturday evening and church on Sunday morning, but other than that spend as much time as possible with Aaron!


I hope you all have a great weekend! Enjoy the nice weather before it gets cold enough that you need a coat outside. Remember to keep a heavenly perspective on everything!
Love,
Anna

Bucket List: Twenty.One

Source: weddings.theknot.com via Stacey on Pinterest

I am 21 now. How strange is that? I remember when 21 seemed old, like once you were 21 you couldn't relate to those who were younger. And yet, I feel no older than I was when I was 16, 17, 18... I decided that I would write out some goals that I have for my 22nd year. I have 21 items here so far, but I may add more as time goes on as things come to my mind. I'll let you know when I complete each one! By the way, these aren't in any specific order.

1. Workout consistently for 30 days (and more!)
2. Read The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis
3. Memorize Psalm 18
4. Begin a Bible study on Skype.
5. Finish my last CLEPs and DSSTs.
6. Save money to go visit my grandparents in Denver, Colorado.
7. Fast for a week.
8. Go to a concert
9. Begin a Bible study for girls at my church.
10. Learn how to swing dance with Aaron.
11. Do 100 consecutive pushups.
12. Learn how to take better pictures with my Nikon D90x
13. Learn the solo violin part for Vivaldi's Four Seasons.
14. Graduate.
15. Donate my hair to Locks of Love.
16. Memorize more of Romans.
17. Run in a 5K.
18. Become a sidewalk counselor outside an abortion clinic.
19. Pull an all-nighter just because.
20. Become a more submissive wife.
21. Never speak negatively about Aaron.

I pulled the all-nighter the night of my birthday. Aaron and I went to Starbucks to drink some caffeine to help us with our whole night and I walked right up to the register and said, "A Venti cinnamon dulce with two extra shots please!" The look on the barista's face was so funny! She asked, "What are you two up to?" So we told her our plans and she gave me my drink for free! Aaron and I had a good time and got to know each other even better. We ended the loooong night with watching Fireproof again. It's such a good movie. We'll see how I do with all the rest! 

Love,

Anna

For Jaynie: Dvorak

I've been listening to this Cello Concerto this week by Antonin Dvorak and especially like the middle movement. It's so long there are two videos for it on youtube. I miss you Jaynie! Don't forget to check her blog and continue praying for her.

Love,
Anna

Link Love

Source: 30.media.tumblr.com via Anna on Pinterest

• 10 Reasons Why the New NIV is Bad for Women This is a really good article that was shared with me by a friend. I was dismayed when I heard about the new NIV and this article does a really good job of showing just how destructive this step is.
• Overview - Check out the update from my sister Jaynie! Thank you so much for continuing to remember her in your prayers. She's definitely experiencing adventure and many things that she would never have experienced in America. It's been about a month since she went over there but it feels like she's been there forever.
  
• Divorcing Alzheimer's Victims - How sad! This just about broke my heart. Definitely watch the video at the bottom, I want to have that attitude in my marriage! 
• Salted Caramel Sauce - I want to try this recipe, it looks so yummy and very easy! 
• Giftaway - Check out this giveaway and read about GiveLove365. 
• Motherhood Is a Calling - My Mom shared this post with me. I am looking forward to the day when I'm a mommy!
• Love Tap - This video is cute. Aaron showed it to me from Challies Dot Com.

Have a great rest of the week!

Love,

Anna

Fill in The Blank Friday

1. You should always take time to smile, especially when you're in public. People now just pretend like the person walking towards them in the aisle at the grocery store doesn't exist by not making eye contact. Keep your head up, look people in the eye and smile at them! You never know how you might bless someone with a smile.


2. The joy that comes through, from and because of Jesus Christ makes the world a happier place to be.


3. I can hardly wait for tonight when my Grandma and Aunt Jean arrive to spend the weekend with Aaron and I!


4. Sunday is my favourite day of the week.


5. Something totally dumb and ridiculous that I love is sparkles!! Sparkly nail polish, sparkly eye makeup, sparkly shoes, sparkly shirts, sparkly jeans, sparkly dresses, sparkly jewelry, sparkly hair things and sparkly eyes.


6. If I could, I would visit my family every weekend! I miss them a lot.


7. I rather like the peanut butter fudge that Megan sent me in the mail. Yum yum!


Love,
Anna

For My Sister Jaynie

I laughed when I saw this video. I hope you enjoy it Jaynie!

Love,
Anna

Link Love

Source: weheartit.com via Anna on Pinterest

• This Momentary Marriage - This post is soooooo good!! And in case you're curious, this is exactly the kind of marriage Aaron and I have as well. 
• This wedding was so sweet to read about! How often do you hear of twins marrying twins? And wow are they going to have beautiful kids, too! I thought the story about the girls' family was very inspiring as well.
• This was an encouragement for me to be a Radical Blessing to my dear husband. I want someone to be able to call me a "radical blessing" to Aaron.
• Two babies born this week! What a huge blessing. You can find William Paton here and Rebekah Rosalie here. Praise God, the Creator of life!
• I just love this adorable picture of my little sister, Oksana.I miss her!
• Check out this blog: all the leaves are rustling. 
• Really love this quote about love. It made me think.
• My sister Lissie posted this video. A good reminder of just how big our God is!
• Fall! I'm so excited for autumn and can't wait for it's official arrival. I've seen it peeking around the corner, but I can't wait for it to be here completely.

Love,

Anna

Listening to Adele - Rolling in The Deep played by Steven Sharp Nelson and Jon Schmidt

One Thousand Gifts

61 cozy jackets
62 a Salted Caramel Mocha
63 cold rain + the Vitamin String Quartet
64 the smell of new perfume
65 cuddling on the couch
66 MUSIC
67 playing my violin with passion
68 staring at rain out a window
69 Snow (Hey Oh) by the Vitamin String Quartet
70 seeing my husband after a long day without him

Love,
Anna

Listening to The Vitamin String Quartet's version of Hey There Delilah by The Plain White T's

Fragments: Brighten My Life

Waiting in the rain
Dull and dreary.
All alone
You're not here.
Wet on my toes,
In my hair.
But when you come
It's sunshine all over again
You brighten up my life
The sky seems brighter,
Music seems happier
My step more buoyant.
The world is wonderful.
When you're here.
You give my stomach butterflies
All the time.
You put the spice in my life
The spring in my step
The smile on my face
The cream in my coffee
The sparkle in my eyes
I love you.

Love,
Anna
~ Listening to Haven't Met You Yet ~ Michael Buble

Who Am I?

I AM... an extrovert, a lover of music, and a poet.
I WANT... to share my love of music with as many people as possible.
I HAVE... many adventures I want to embark on.
I KEEP.... every note and card anyone sends me. I enjoy re-reading them at a later date.
I WISH I COULD.... have more time in a day to spend with my husband.
I HATE.... feeling unmotivated and procrastinating.
I FEAR... spiders. It's dumb, but I do.
I HEAR.... the roar on the other side of the silence.
I DON'T THINK... winter is a bad thing. Fall and winter are wonderful!
I REGRET..... placing value on things that have no infinite value at all. Like clothes.
I LOVE... God, my husband, my family, and my friends.
I AM NOT....quiet. Beware.
I DANCE.... when I'm with people I know really well, like my husband or siblings.
I SING.... with every song I hear, even with ones without the words, in my heart.
I NEVER.... am alone.
I RARELY.... slow down.
I CRY WHEN I WATCH.... gotcha day videos like this one. Lucy Lane's Gotcha Day.
I AM NOT ALWAYS... smiley. I know that comes as a surprise to some. I wish I was though.
I HATE THAT... it's easier to gain weight than lose it.
I'M CONFUSED ABOUT... the choices some people make.
I NEED.... God. Every. single. day.
I SHOULD.... be studying right now. But I'm catching up on blogging instead. Oh well.

Thanks to Sarah from Ampersand Photography for this list!

Love,
Anna

Listening to Vitamin String Quartet's version of Fireflies by Owl City

For Jaynie

This is a quartet piece, so it does include a cello and because it's a quartet, it reminds of all the fun times I've had with my siblings jamming away with Mozart and Beethoven and look forward to when we can do it again. I miss you Jaynie!

Love,
Anna