3.23.2013
Abigail Grace's Nursery {Sneak Peak}
I've been busy yall growing this baby girl, and creating her nursery amongst all the usual daily grind. It's been a little crazy around my house. Want a sneak peak at all the goods? Check it out HERE! It's coming along and good thing, because my belly is poking out and soon I won't be able to get it all done if I don't pick up the pace. Paint started this weekend. Almost feel like the nursery is half way there, but not hardly. Enjoy!
1.26.2013
The Reveal {baby #2}
We feel so blessed and surprised to welcome a baby girl into our little family! It was so much fun to hand deliver these stork cards to our family and friends who were local. Truly their reactions were so worth it! I'm so glad I took the time to make these little cards and involve our family and friends. It was way different for me, but the "gender reveal" concept has certainly grown in popularity over the past year and I was happy to create our own way to jump on the bandwagon and involve family and friends near and far all in the same way. I am thanking God for an opportunity to raise another one of His children, and a baby girl!
**Markus was so surprised with the biggest smile on his face when he saw the ultrasound picture that read "it's a girl!". It was a priceless moment for us. And to think he hates surprises! I sure fooled him ;). Stay tuned for the full story on Momma Jenn Jenn blog.
**Markus was so surprised with the biggest smile on his face when he saw the ultrasound picture that read "it's a girl!". It was a priceless moment for us. And to think he hates surprises! I sure fooled him ;). Stay tuned for the full story on Momma Jenn Jenn blog.
1.20.2013
1.03.2013
New Years Investments
With an extra day off over the New Year holiday (I usually have to work New Years Eve) I had a lot of time to do stuff. Anything I wanted. It was nice. Especially since I've been in a "nesting" mode lately. Cleaning house of sorts. Same goes for my life. I'm almost cleaning it too! LOL. In the past few months I have had so many different things come up (car accident, pregnancy, turning 3-0, etc.) to help me to do this cleaning. And I want to expound on that cleaning concept which I'll call Investments. Call it what you want, but the word "Investment" when explained to me really struck me in a way to get me moving.
Let's just take for instance money. In looking at where, what, when, and who to invest your money in, you are specifically looking for somewhere secure, something you can probably trust, and maybe more importantly if you can get a return on your investment. Right? So, as it's been put to me in a similar way, why wouldn't we invest our time with the same caution and concern? I myself had never really thought of it that way before, until I thought about it like this. Time, it's something we all have the SAME amount of. By that token, no we don't know when our last day is, but we all hope that when the day starts we have 24 hours in it. Now unlike money, once time is invested, we can't get it back. Only in the way that we hope it can be returned. But it isn't always, is it? And THAT is what I'm going to try a little harder at. Spending my time doing things I love. Spending my time being with people I love. Spending my time where I love. And so on and so forth. There is nothing more hurtful than thinking someone was your friend and it turns out to be one-sided. Or committing yourself halfway to doing something you love like gardening only not to yield any fruit or flowers because the proper time wasn't invested. Or not being able to put better meals on the table because time was short and put somewhere else. These are just some examples of the many that I have REconsidered.
I'm looking forward to seeing some fruits of my labors in 2013. Fabulous example, Markus will be finishing college in May of 2013 now. I couldn't be more overjoyed. We have been together for 10.5 years and Married for 7.5 years and I have been there the whole time supporting him, encouraging him, and providing the way for him to continue his journey for his diploma and get an education for himself. It's been a learning experience. I've learned a lot of good things and a lot of bad things from it. Anyone who knows him well enough, he will tell you it's been a hard road. He has paid for this out of his pocket (minus one semester). Not easy. Today's student gets finished a lot faster and usually pays for it out of his pocket much later in life. Markus chose a different route. Can't fault him for that. He had his mind made up about that before I met him. What a blessing it will be not to have any student loans to speak of when that diploma meets his hand. For this I am thankful for this life-altering experience.
Another fine example, Motherhood. That is a life-long investment. I knew that when I entered those waters. I don't know if that is the reason I waited so long. But regardless, the journey has been a bitter sweet one. The sweetness lasts so long, it's easy to forget the bitter times and before you know it, you are at it again :). There could never be more precious time spent than that you give to a little one. I was so protective over this in Trevor's first year at least and some into this one. Until I realized that it might be ok for someone else's time to be invested in him too. That is important too. Every minute I wanted to make count. Some days I'm better at this than others. But there is nothing better at this very moment/stage in his life than seeing those pearly whites in his smile light up his whole face and feeling that gentle kiss on my lips and his tight embrace. Man it could last forever and it still wouldn't be long enough! I'd do anything for that baby. And I'll do anything to protect him. Still trying to figure out how that love will be divided. I'm sure it will be easy :). I'm still in lala land with this pregnancy. I'm hoping to come out of the clouds soon and start taking care of business. Perhaps when I find out the gender I will be more motivated to do so. Until then, let the bliss continue.
We truly have so much to look forward to as we do each year at this time. It's a perfect time to reflect on the past year and an even better time to anticipate and look forward to the future and what a year holds. I know one thing, it holds the same amount of time in it than it does for the next person. What will you do with your time? I'm hoping to invest mine in my garden like the kind you eat. The other comes so naturally. In people that truly want to have a relationship with me and care about my life/family. In my church calling which I get so much fulfillment out of teaching the little children. In hobbies I once enjoyed, but seem like ancient history... not anymore! In activities that will better my life and that of my family's. I could go on, but you get the point. Oh last thing, I'll be starting this book tomorrow when it arrives in the mails. I'm so excited. Here's to a fabulous 2013! Happy New Year Yall!
Let's just take for instance money. In looking at where, what, when, and who to invest your money in, you are specifically looking for somewhere secure, something you can probably trust, and maybe more importantly if you can get a return on your investment. Right? So, as it's been put to me in a similar way, why wouldn't we invest our time with the same caution and concern? I myself had never really thought of it that way before, until I thought about it like this. Time, it's something we all have the SAME amount of. By that token, no we don't know when our last day is, but we all hope that when the day starts we have 24 hours in it. Now unlike money, once time is invested, we can't get it back. Only in the way that we hope it can be returned. But it isn't always, is it? And THAT is what I'm going to try a little harder at. Spending my time doing things I love. Spending my time being with people I love. Spending my time where I love. And so on and so forth. There is nothing more hurtful than thinking someone was your friend and it turns out to be one-sided. Or committing yourself halfway to doing something you love like gardening only not to yield any fruit or flowers because the proper time wasn't invested. Or not being able to put better meals on the table because time was short and put somewhere else. These are just some examples of the many that I have REconsidered.
I'm looking forward to seeing some fruits of my labors in 2013. Fabulous example, Markus will be finishing college in May of 2013 now. I couldn't be more overjoyed. We have been together for 10.5 years and Married for 7.5 years and I have been there the whole time supporting him, encouraging him, and providing the way for him to continue his journey for his diploma and get an education for himself. It's been a learning experience. I've learned a lot of good things and a lot of bad things from it. Anyone who knows him well enough, he will tell you it's been a hard road. He has paid for this out of his pocket (minus one semester). Not easy. Today's student gets finished a lot faster and usually pays for it out of his pocket much later in life. Markus chose a different route. Can't fault him for that. He had his mind made up about that before I met him. What a blessing it will be not to have any student loans to speak of when that diploma meets his hand. For this I am thankful for this life-altering experience.
Another fine example, Motherhood. That is a life-long investment. I knew that when I entered those waters. I don't know if that is the reason I waited so long. But regardless, the journey has been a bitter sweet one. The sweetness lasts so long, it's easy to forget the bitter times and before you know it, you are at it again :). There could never be more precious time spent than that you give to a little one. I was so protective over this in Trevor's first year at least and some into this one. Until I realized that it might be ok for someone else's time to be invested in him too. That is important too. Every minute I wanted to make count. Some days I'm better at this than others. But there is nothing better at this very moment/stage in his life than seeing those pearly whites in his smile light up his whole face and feeling that gentle kiss on my lips and his tight embrace. Man it could last forever and it still wouldn't be long enough! I'd do anything for that baby. And I'll do anything to protect him. Still trying to figure out how that love will be divided. I'm sure it will be easy :). I'm still in lala land with this pregnancy. I'm hoping to come out of the clouds soon and start taking care of business. Perhaps when I find out the gender I will be more motivated to do so. Until then, let the bliss continue.
We truly have so much to look forward to as we do each year at this time. It's a perfect time to reflect on the past year and an even better time to anticipate and look forward to the future and what a year holds. I know one thing, it holds the same amount of time in it than it does for the next person. What will you do with your time? I'm hoping to invest mine in my garden like the kind you eat. The other comes so naturally. In people that truly want to have a relationship with me and care about my life/family. In my church calling which I get so much fulfillment out of teaching the little children. In hobbies I once enjoyed, but seem like ancient history... not anymore! In activities that will better my life and that of my family's. I could go on, but you get the point. Oh last thing, I'll be starting this book tomorrow when it arrives in the mails. I'm so excited. Here's to a fabulous 2013! Happy New Year Yall!
12.31.2012
The ABCs of 2012 {Recap}
We have had a jammed packed year full of exciting times, heart aches, great memories, birthdays, and you name it! Here's a recap:
Abigail is what Markus has been calling baby #2 (repeat from when I was pregnant with Trevor)
Beach trip (Family vacation) Trevor's first beach experience.
Camry was rear-ended and was a total loss but Jenn and Trevor made it out ok.
Daddy is definitely Trevor's favorite thing to say.
Easter was by far the most fun to make cards for this year... Trevor is a photogenic kid.
Fishing continues to be one of Markus' favorite hobbies, and boy Jenn isn't complaining.
Girl is what Markus hopes baby #2 will be.
Hello is one of the cutest words Trevor says as he holds the phone up to his ear.
I have discovered that Mangrove snapper is the best fish I've ever eaten. Thanks to my hubby!
Jenn & Markus celebrated 7 years of marriage this summer.
Kangaroo seat is what Trevor sits in when Jenn takes him on bike rides...he's pretty cute.
Loss of a baby early this year discouraged Jenn from trying until September (when we got pregnant!)
Monkey see monkey do is the mode Trevor has been in this year.
Nose was the first body part Trevor learned to point to.
Office is currently relocating to master bedroom to make room for baby #2!
Perdido Key Beach was where we introduced Trevor to the ocean!
Quiet New Years Eve at home it will be, just me and my man. Change from in years past.
Right handed or left handed? Trevor shows favoritism to the left for a while. (Taking after daddy).
Sock monkeys were the theme for Trevor's first birthday!
Thirty years Jenn celebrated...
University tuition was almost a thing of the past... Graduation will now be Spring 2013! We are so looking forward to that May Day ;)
Valentines Day was rough... Had to remake cards that I originally planned to say "baby #2". Next year will be more exciting... We'll find out what we are having!
Walks (Trevor) for the first time after letting go and never looked back @ 14 months!
Xylophone was a Christmas gift Mimi gave Trevor this year.
Yes we are so blessed!
Zoo is where Trevor spent his birthday this year and he LOVED the elephants.
It's been fun to look back on this 2012 year. It has certainly gotten interesting and more dramatic as the year is coming to a close. Here's to the New Year and the changes that await. It's gonna be a good one!
Abigail is what Markus has been calling baby #2 (repeat from when I was pregnant with Trevor)
Beach trip (Family vacation) Trevor's first beach experience.
Camry was rear-ended and was a total loss but Jenn and Trevor made it out ok.
Daddy is definitely Trevor's favorite thing to say.
Easter was by far the most fun to make cards for this year... Trevor is a photogenic kid.
Fishing continues to be one of Markus' favorite hobbies, and boy Jenn isn't complaining.
Girl is what Markus hopes baby #2 will be.
Hello is one of the cutest words Trevor says as he holds the phone up to his ear.
I have discovered that Mangrove snapper is the best fish I've ever eaten. Thanks to my hubby!
Jenn & Markus celebrated 7 years of marriage this summer.
Kangaroo seat is what Trevor sits in when Jenn takes him on bike rides...he's pretty cute.
Loss of a baby early this year discouraged Jenn from trying until September (when we got pregnant!)
Monkey see monkey do is the mode Trevor has been in this year.
Nose was the first body part Trevor learned to point to.
Office is currently relocating to master bedroom to make room for baby #2!
Perdido Key Beach was where we introduced Trevor to the ocean!
Quiet New Years Eve at home it will be, just me and my man. Change from in years past.
Right handed or left handed? Trevor shows favoritism to the left for a while. (Taking after daddy).
Sock monkeys were the theme for Trevor's first birthday!
Thirty years Jenn celebrated...
University tuition was almost a thing of the past... Graduation will now be Spring 2013! We are so looking forward to that May Day ;)
Valentines Day was rough... Had to remake cards that I originally planned to say "baby #2". Next year will be more exciting... We'll find out what we are having!
Walks (Trevor) for the first time after letting go and never looked back @ 14 months!
Xylophone was a Christmas gift Mimi gave Trevor this year.
Yes we are so blessed!
Zoo is where Trevor spent his birthday this year and he LOVED the elephants.
It's been fun to look back on this 2012 year. It has certainly gotten interesting and more dramatic as the year is coming to a close. Here's to the New Year and the changes that await. It's gonna be a good one!
12.23.2012
Christmas Sunday
We got our little man all dressed up for Christmas Sunday and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a picture. On the first try (and only try) we got the best picture! Merry Christmas!
12.20.2012
Thanking God
I think there comes a time in life where one realizes after something almost traumatic could have happened that you are blessed. Blessed by the ever watchful hand of God and the sweet tender mercies he provides to us to let us know we are loved, watched, and blessed.
Yesterday, I received word that my SUV was ready for pick up from being repaired. I got my dear sweet coworker to drop me off at the shop to pay and pick up my vehicle. I didn't get many details on what was the problem or repaired by Markus, so I really wanted to talk to the mechanic. He came out and told me what he repaired and told me that there was a fuel leak and what he did to fix it. I had been smelling gasoline for weeks and knew something wasn't right. He said the fuel leak was spewing out from the injectors. My eyes got bigger. He told me I was lucky. I asked why? He said if the gasoline would have touched the exhaust the truck would have gone up in flames. He looked me straight in my eyes as he was telling me this horrifying "almost" news... I fought back my tears. Thanked him profusely. And was out the door. Driving to my office I just couldn't stop thinking about it. I started saying silent prayers to God. Thanking him and thanking him some more. I began to tear up... my baby was in the car with me... everywhere I went. Everywhere. Wiped my tears and walked inside. My dear sweet coworker who dropped me off asked about the car. I just started bawling. I couldn't stop crying. I realized how lucky I was. She was the one who even planted the idea in my head that that could happen. My head was obviously in the clouds. And at the expense of my child and me and my now unborn child. Oh dear!
I am so grateful for this lesson to bring me closer to how God watches over me and my family. I cannot believe it sometimes. How much of a protection He provides to us. I just felt the need to share. I was truly humbled as often times is how it happens for me to see something ever so important. Thank you God for this tender mercy.
Yesterday, I received word that my SUV was ready for pick up from being repaired. I got my dear sweet coworker to drop me off at the shop to pay and pick up my vehicle. I didn't get many details on what was the problem or repaired by Markus, so I really wanted to talk to the mechanic. He came out and told me what he repaired and told me that there was a fuel leak and what he did to fix it. I had been smelling gasoline for weeks and knew something wasn't right. He said the fuel leak was spewing out from the injectors. My eyes got bigger. He told me I was lucky. I asked why? He said if the gasoline would have touched the exhaust the truck would have gone up in flames. He looked me straight in my eyes as he was telling me this horrifying "almost" news... I fought back my tears. Thanked him profusely. And was out the door. Driving to my office I just couldn't stop thinking about it. I started saying silent prayers to God. Thanking him and thanking him some more. I began to tear up... my baby was in the car with me... everywhere I went. Everywhere. Wiped my tears and walked inside. My dear sweet coworker who dropped me off asked about the car. I just started bawling. I couldn't stop crying. I realized how lucky I was. She was the one who even planted the idea in my head that that could happen. My head was obviously in the clouds. And at the expense of my child and me and my now unborn child. Oh dear!
I am so grateful for this lesson to bring me closer to how God watches over me and my family. I cannot believe it sometimes. How much of a protection He provides to us. I just felt the need to share. I was truly humbled as often times is how it happens for me to see something ever so important. Thank you God for this tender mercy.
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