Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Crowley Coupledom's top 10 most-read stories of the year

It seems like every blog I'm reading has their top 10 most-read stories listed now as the year comes to an end, so why not list mine? What were the must-read stories of 2010? I let you decide!

No. 10 was "Surrounding yourself with uplifting, encouraging couples." "As a married couple, I've found it's so important to surround ourselves with other uplifting, encouraging couples as often as we can."

No. 9 on the list was "To love, the decision." "Define what we mean by the term 'love.' What I term as the word is '"putting the needs of others above yourself.' Doesn't sound like an emotion to me. That is an action, a purposeful intention one makes. A decision."

No. 8 was "A top 10 list of top 10 lists." Among those lists given were top 10 marriage mistakes, 10 awesome gifts for married couples and top 10 reasons to communicate.

No. 7 was "I choose you today, tomorrow and every day." "...so now every morning before we part for our days, we leave with saying, '"I choose you today,' to each other. I like to believe it starts our day out with our priorities in the right place, putting each other above everything else, under our relationship with God. If we have each other, not much else matters."

No. 6 was "Engagement video finally made." Ha, I don't know if people thought I'd actually posted the video on this post, but it was actually just a statement that I'd finally made one. I couldn't post it on YouTube because it was too big or used music that had been copyrighted or something. Does anyone know how I can post it online?

No. 5 was "Thankful for having the same mindset on marriage." "How did I get so blessed to be married to a man who loves being married and thinks the utmost of the sacrament of marriage? These are his own words, by the way. That divorce is never an option."

No. 4 was "Marriage bucket list." I listed life experiences I wanted to have with Mark that included having children, diving the Great Barrier Reef and making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

No. 3 was "Couples to Behold: Lauren and John Knaus." A part of a series I'm doing that features our married friends and qualities they possess in their relationships I would like to emulate. "One of the things I admire about Lauren's and John's relationship is how, as a couple, they place value on familial relationships ... While I know there can be an imbalance for couples when it comes to extended family, I think Lauren and John have found that great level that works for them and nourishes their relationship as a couple. Having that support system can make a huge impact!

No. 2 was "Reason no. 532 my husband is awesome." A thank you post to Mark for doing the things he doesn't like or that turn out to be more work than he bargained for, all because I asked him to or it would make me happy.

No. 1 was "Catholic 20-Somethings Ministry = Cupid." "Now looking at the ministry five years later (five years of 20-Somethings -- crazy?!), after having met my own husband through it, I can appreciate the fact that it has changed lives in bringing future spouses together, resulting in families."

Thanks for following my blog this year! I look forward to continuing to share my married experience with anyone who will read. :) Let me know if you have anything in particular about which you'd like to hear!

June 13, 2009

Monday, December 27, 2010

Couples to Behold: Christi and Thomas Payne

Christi and Thomas were just married six months ago. A few short 197 days later, this husband and wife are expecting their first child at the end of March 2011! How God chooses to bless our marriages is awesome, and I'm so excited for them as they journey toward parenthood.

I first met Christi when she was a new parishioner at Saint Mary Cathedral and I was the director of ministries there -- about four years ago, perhaps? I met her for dinner at Central Market to get to know her better and see where her interests might lie in getting involved at the Cathedral. Our friendship quickly took hold and she has since become one of my dearest friends. We were in each others' weddings and will, no doubt, remain close friends over the course of time.

Thomas, I met when he and Christi began dating about a year and a half ago -- on the dance floor of my wedding, to be exact! He is a sweet guy and clearly couldn't be any happier than to be married to his beautiful wife.

What I love about Christi's and Thomas' relationship is how they recognize the meaningfulness in doing the little things for one another. Every now and again I'll hear about how Thomas has left something out for Christi at the house for when she gets home from work, whether it be a special drink, flowers or just something else to make her smile. Thomas knows just how to bring that girly smile to Mrs. Payne's face, and not much else says pure joy when you catch a glimpse of it. Christi loves taking care of Thomas and being the nurturing wife that comes so naturally for her. They both honor what makes a relationship stand true and steady -- by doing little things for one another often. Sure, the big celebrations and gifts are important and create special memories, but it's those thoughtful everyday gestures and affirmations that are the most powerful and will grow and strengthen the relationship.

An awesome couple to know!

Christi and Thomas Payne, June 19, 2010

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Pope's Advent Message to Newlyweds: Follow Mary [2010-12-01]

"...and for you, dear newlyweds, may the Mother of Jesus be your guide in building your family on the solid rock of faith." Love it.

Pope's Advent Message to Newlyweds: Follow Mary [2010-12-01]

** Don't forget to vote for my blog to be one of the top 10 marriage blogs of 2010!

Couples to Behold: Nikki and Steve McMinn

Steve is another great guy who grew up with Mark, and Nikki is his sweet wife. I first met them when we attended their wedding several years ago, and they were blessed to have their first child, Garrett, this last summer.

One thing I've noticed about their relationship is that they seem really supportive of one another. Someone asked me not too long ago what I thought to be one of the most important qualities of a good spouse, and being supportive was what I immediately answered. From when I've seen Nikki and Steve together as parents, to being at Steve's surprise birthday party Nikki organized a few years ago to miscellaneous other times spent together at events, they just appear to be a supportive couple. Such a great quality to try to emulate!

Another great couple to know. :)

** Don't forget to vote for my blog to be one of the top 10 marriage blogs of 2010!

Steve and Nikki at the Chaudhari wedding, June 2010

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