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!

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!

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.

It's Christmas Card Time

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

I'm finally getting some from Shutterfly this year! I order cards from them for every other occasion. It was just fitting to finally break down and get a few for this year. Plus you can't beat their Black Friday deals! I wonder what Cyber Monday will hold...

Trevor is going to have a sibling...

Coming soon in June

2013

With 9 short weeks under my belt, I'm feeling more and more confident to share the good news.  

TREVOR IS GOING TO HAVE A SIBLING!

We are overjoyed at this wonderful surprise and have been thanking God every night for this little miracle.  Lately, Trevor has been so good playing with our dog or other kids and I can't help but think of what an amazing big brother he will be.  He is such an affectionate child, and I pray that will continue with our next baby.  We couldn't be more excited!

 

I couldn't have loved being surprised more than on the day I found out AND told Markus on the SAME day.  (That has never happened before).  It was such a beautiful moment for us.  Truly, God was in control and it was manifested to us on that glorious day when we had no idea what was in store for us... a baby!  We feel so blessed and thankful for this faith building experience.

 

P.S. Markus still wants a girl! 

 

 

Bye Bye 29!

A coworker sent me a "birthday eve" email.  I thought it was worth sharing.  Thanks Betsy for your wisdom.  It was just what I needed to read today!

 

Dear Jennifer,

 

On the eve of your 30th birthday, I'd like to offer some thoughts to consider as you embark on this new era of your life:

 

Everything you have ever hoped for and worked toward isn't lost in your 30's - that's when it comes to fruition!

 

Smile lines and wrinkles are not apparent at 30. It takes 10-20 more years for these signs of joy, experience, determination and wisdom to appear! ( I encourage you to continue to protect your skin from the sun so you stay fresh, young and beautiful always!)

 

Babies and men will always find you more beautiful and captivating than you will ever see yourself - its not until you are over 50 that you truly appreciate the beauty of your 30's and 40's. Trust me on this - its true - and by the time you realize the power and impowerment of the time you are living right now, then its past. Don't waste a minute wishing for your youth - what we learn in our youth is painful, emotionally expensive and necessary to shape and polish us into the individuals, parents, partners and influencers we were destined by God to be! Rejoice that a perfect, loving and generous God gave you ALL his best qualities and he has so much more meaningful work to do in His name, for your benefit and that of others!

 

Surround yourself with those who see your potential, encourage your best abilities and see you as you wish God and all people see you - it will keep you on course. If there are those who don't see your "magic," accept them for their "visual impairment" and try to see theirs! (There are plenty of "blind" people in the world, and they can't always inspire us. Their limitations frustrate and delay us if we allow them to. Don't allow them to - I've struggled with this and still do - but its important to keep your eyes fixed on where you're going, not where you've been or wish you were!)

 

Never, never, never, never, never give up on what you know God is calling you to do, on being the strong and intelligent, independent woman he called you to be. Trust me in this! When you children are old enough to tell you different, cling to YOUR truth in Him, and that will be rewarded by watching them grow into what He called you to inspire in them.

 

I hope these thought have made you smile and that your last day of 29 (forever!) will be one of laughter and joy! I know it's difficult but you will see yourself happier as you release any fear of the future. "Let go and Let God!"

 

Wishing you a wonderful, blessed and joy filled birthday, regardless of the number!

 

Love always,

 

Betsy

 

*** I told you it was great!***

Wanted

I just saw this performed on the CMAs. I love this song. I dedicate this to my hubby. Who last night knew all I needed was... to be wanted. And you made me feel wanted as I cried myself to sleep. I love you Markus. You are always there for me when I can't say any words. Seriously you made it better (well temporarily) til I could sleep it all off. I love you honey!