Ash Wednesday

This cold, dreary Ash Wednesday, I am reflecting on humanity's sin -  my sin - and the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert where he endured Satan's temptation. I am overwhelmed with emotion thinking of the 21 Coptic Christians who were murdered by beheading. I can't fathom it and while our news outlets are all covering this tragedy, it seems like a story. But these are real men with families, children and wives and they were men who loved God and were murdered because of it. These are our brothers. It doesn't feel right to sit and watch the news and maybe my eyes swell with tears and I get choked up, but then I turn off the television and go about my life...it feels like we should be praying continuously for these people, for the terrorist and for the captives. It shouldn't be a story that I just read or listen to and then turn it off and go about my day. I first sat down to write a blog post about how much I love the devotional I'm reading and it has turned into a convicting calling to let God grow my heart not only during this Lent season but grow my everyday life beyond the season of Lent. The routines, the schedules, the way I parent Denson and Eloise, my role as Jonathan's wife, my relationships with my biological brothers and sister but also my brothers and sisters in Christ...and to be more like John the Baptist. We are broken but by God's grace we are saved through Jesus. I pray that by focusing on our sin during Lent, we will be forced to look up to God and seek His kingdom.  

2015

After traveling for the holidays, we have been back in our routine at home and it's been so nice. While we had a great time visiting lots of family, the kids were sick and everyone was needing their quiet time. Being back in our cozy abode was good for all of us and what I look forward to most at the end of the day is a clean kitchen, an extra hot chai tea latte and DVR with hubby. My happy things!  

We soared through the end of 2014 with yucky colds, visiting family and too many new toys :) It was special to wake up Christmas Day with Denson and Eloise and celebrate Jesus' Birthday. We had the best morning of hanging out, eating yummy breakfast and toasting to the pure joy and thanksgiving we have because of God. We left the house a mess and headed to Alabama to visit with my Dad's family. It's special to see great-grandparents get to meet their great-grandkids and love on them. We made it home for New Year's Eve and celebrated with friends while the kiddos slept. We've been glad to have nothing on the agenda these past two weekends and stay in our pajamas most of the day.

I am incredibly thankful for friends and family and the support that surrounds us. My prayer for this year is to give more of my time and efforts outside of my family, which seems ambitious considering my hands are pretty full with two kids at home and a husband that works so hard, but I believe I will be better for my husband and kids if I serve others and be the hands and feet of Jesus for people I don't know. Looking forward to opportunities and seeing how this year is going to unfold.

This weekend Eloise gets to meet another one of her great-grandmothers and lucky for us, she lives at the beach :) Can't wait to stick our toes in the sand and see family ❤️

Pictures from the past couple of months...

Happy New Year! 

The days are long but the years are short

What truth is in that statement...the days are long but the years are short. These past two weeks have been tough, with the days feeling oh so long. We've all passed around a cold, been exhausted and needy and there is only one of me. Not that anyone else can't help, but Denson has wanted his mama a lot this week so I've been stretched. And when I'm sick I'm needy too so that's where we've been. But as I've struggled through the week, I have worked to focus on His grace and mercy for me as an example to show my children. I have yelled too loud, been impatient, tried to plop Denson down in front of the TV for a few so I can just sip on some hot [not cold] tea to soothe the soar throat. Counting my gifts and appreciating the little things truly changes my perspective and gives me treasured time with both Denson and Eloise. Sharing so many giggles, moments to teach, moments to learn, and reminders that I am only deserving of my life because of Jesus' sacrifice. One Thousand Gifts continues to lead my morning quiet time and keeps me in tune with the direction of my day and breaking expectations. Slowing down and being intentional allows me to experience the fullness of our Father's gifts.

Tuesday we celebrated Denson's 20 month birthday and today we celebrated Eloise's three month. Words can't describe my joy for this sweet girl. She has the biggest smile and soaks up any attention she gets. When she's in the mood to socialize she lets me know, and gets upset if I walk away without warning. She's been sleeping 7-12 hours and is all cozy in her little room. I was more apprehensive about moving her out of our room just because it signals growth and maturity which I want for her, but not too fast. She nurses well and has done better with a bottle, but prefers breastfeeding overall. Denson asked to hold her a dozen times today and I can't keep track of the kisses. He also gave her a birthday "love slap" this afternoon :/ He has so much energy and excitement; I know it's overwhelming, at times, for him to control all the emotions he is feeling. He is talking up a storm and loves looking at his artwork we've hung on the wall. He brings a new peice home each week and loves to explain how he paints with his "haaaans". Baseball and football are his absolute favorite past times. If he's not eating or sleeping, he's playing sports. Reading is a close second because his asks for his bible all the tjem. Thank goodness we have two copies, one for his room and one for downstairs. Melts my heart to hear him say Jesus and his prayers.

Jonathan is working late tonight but we were able to have a 15 minute Chinese takeout dinner date before he headed back to the office. We talked last night about how this season of life, at times, feels like passing ships because we see so little of each other (esp when he works late)...and when he is home, Denson wants his attention so date nights are a priority for us to catch up and reconnect without distraction. It's been a while since date night because we don't know anyone we trust but friends from church have recommendations which I'm thrilled about checking into. 

Introducing Eloise Anne

The week of July 7 I went to the doctor and opted not to get checked because I didn't feel much action and didn't want to get hopes up...just wanted to be in the moment. That afternoon, I started having some light contractions, stronger than Braxton hicks and definite changes. I could tell baby was dropping and I was getting closer. Jonathan and I had everything ready and were probably too relaxed for our own good because if I went into sudden labor, any family member is at least 2.5 hours away and Denson would have to come with us to the hospital. Tuesday was the same but getting more uncomfortable and by Wednesday morning I knew we were probably a day away from meeting our baby. Mom happened to call Wednesday morning and say she was up worrying about us and if we did have to rush to the hospital, no one was here for Denson. I told her my contractions were strong but not regular so I didn't want to inconvenience anyone to come up yet but I felt best if she did. Jonathan brought home lunch for me on Wednesday and to check on us and he decided to stay home the rest of the day because I was feeling more pain. My appetite was zapped and that reminded me of how I was with Denson just before he was born. Our bodies are incredible and many symptoms prepare us for the baby's arrival (at least that's what I've experienced both pregnancies). At that point, I called mom with slight urgency feeling that we would be going to the hospital that night. Let me tell you, we were literally at our front door waiting for her and had woken Denson up in case she didn't make it in time and we had to take him with us. We hugged Denson and mom, got in the car and headed to the hospital. Pain was bearable but intensifying quickly and when they say your second baby comes faster, they are right! The checked me and I opted to walk around the hospital for a bit longer to help baby drop more and after 10 minutes of walking, I was ready for an epidural. We got to the delivery room and before we knew it, Eloise was in our arms. She was born at 12:27am, weighing 7lbs 9oz and 19 inches long. Her hair looked dark but in the light it is definitely dark red. We will treasure the moments when we first found out we have a daughter...it was difficult not knowing baby's gender the entire pregnancy but the excitement and surprise in the delivery room was a blessing and bonding moment for Jonathan and I which we will never forget. As I wrapped my arms around Eloise, I was also thinking about holding Denson as well and how full my heart is with two babies. I wanted my mom to bring him to the hospital that moment, but being so late it was better to wait until morning. I missed him so much and he visited first thing Thursday morning. It took a week for him to warm up to Eloise but he loves on her all day everyday now and is full of laughter and love. The first night we were home, I broke down into tears because Jonathan took him upstairs for his bath and bedtime and he wailed "mommaaaaaa" with the biggest tears and most pitiful cry. I was nursing Eloise at the moment and physically felt pulled in two directions. At that moment, I worried how can my heart handle loving two babies but I soon learned how quickly Denson would adjust and not only that, but how much he loves her. I also know my heart can handle loving two...It is an incredible feeling that is impossible to describe. 

To think about the past year and where we are now is amazing. God has led us each step of the way and I would have never imagined being where we are now but it is more fulfilling than we deserve. We trusted God and moved to tiny town Vidalia and within 10 months, Jonathan accepted a new job and we were moving to Kennesaw. Here I was eight months pregnant and we still owned our house in Vidalia (with a struggling market and no foreseeable buyer), but we find an incredible house to rent in a perfect neighborhood for Denson to enjoy. Then, as we are in the hospital having Eloise, our realtor is calling, telling us we have an offer on the house...how incredible! Finances are taken care of along with every other need. God rewards us for trusting him and being obedient...and He always provides even in the darkest times when we don't feel there is anything to celebrate-He has His hand on us. 

St. Patrick's Day (old post that just posted)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! We spent all weekend outdoors and glad we did because yesterday and today have been non-stop rain. After church yesterday, I made cornbeef and cabbage for dinner...then we made-from-scratch sugar cookies with green icing (and a huge mess in the kitchen). I can only make desserts if Jonathan is willing to take most of it to work, otherwise we would eat way too much...especially considering my intense cravings for sweets lately.

I can't believe how fast this pregancy is going by. I'm enjoying watching Denson change each day and soaking up time with him and weeks keep flying by. It is getting more difficult as we wait to find out the gender of baby Nevins #2. We watch the ultra sounds and baby is moving all around and the doc and nurses know if it's a boy or girl so that makes it more tempting but we are holding out! 

We continue to pray for the health of newbie and ask that The Lord prepare Denson's heart and our's to welcome a new member into our family. He has been rubbing my belly a lot at night time when we cuddle and read books...that makes time stand still. I know he is going to be such a fun and sweet big brother. 

Moving again!

(This paragraph is from two months ago. I never finished writing and publishing because we have been extremely busy with lots of changes!)

Jonathan applied for a job on a whim; he was not "actively" looking because we were content with Vidalia being home for a while longer. Within two weeks, he was contacted to interview, interviewed and received an offer of employment. We were blown away with God's timing of it all and where we were mentally with our lives and near future. All of the logistics seemed and still seem overwhelming but after 2 relocations, we've learned God always takes care of everything no matter the obstacles. Here we are with baby due in 8 weeks, a house to sale in vidalia, having one weekend to find a place to live (which we did yesterday), booking movers and finalizing details with our new place and moving on Saturday! Denson has been a trooper and Jonathan has a gift for planning and handling details which makes the move as stress free as possible. 

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So this all happened in May...we went on a fun family beach trip with my dad and step-mom and while we were there, Jonathan got the call that they had an offer for him. We told our families about the big opportunity and quickly started laying out plans for this job change and move to Kennesaw. It's been challenging but with the help of our families, we've made it. We still need to sell our house in Vidalia and are praying that God will lead the right person or family to our wonderful home, and soon. We found a fabulous neighborhood in Kennesaw and are pretty much settled in. I am two weeks away from my due date and this summer heat is making it difficult to enjoy these last weeks but I'm getting some sweet one-on-one time with Denson :) Jonathan loves his new job and coworkers and is giving 110% at work and home...he's almost finished with summer classes which I'll be glad to see him have more free time to relax. He is one humble man and I'm grateful he's mine :)

There are moments of panic when I think how am I going to handle two kids and there are moments when I feel confident and know God has given me the gift of motherhood, equipping me with all the tools I need to take care of these babies. I see Denson's love for other kids and I know it's going to be a gift that keeps giving to see these two (whether it's a boy or girl) grow up together. By the way, it's not been difficult not knowing gender until now that we're so close...also, when I think about if it is a girl, only having two outfits for her to wear! I don't have a "gut feeling" either way but won't be surprised if this little one is a boy too.

We are pressed for time to find a new church home because we've had to get house unpacked each weekend since we moved and now baby will be arriving very soon. That is our goal, along with enrolling Denson in Mother's Day out because he will be ready for it as much as I will, come August. I am not the best playmate considering its uncomfortable to stand for more then 10 minutes and not much flexibility when I'm sitting on the ground. We've been playing a LOT of baseball though...it's the cutest thing to watch him throw and hit the ball. 

In other exciting news, my best friend Lauren had her little girl Charlotte on June 5! She is a doll and I am dying to meet and love on her...hoping to see her next weekend! Praying for Lauren and Brad as they discover parenthood and all the challenges but endless blessings that come with it. Love y'all!

Denson is one!

What a month we have had so far...we were able to go to Birmingham for the first week in February so Jonathan and I could make a little couples' getaway and also celebrate Denson's first birthday with all of our family. Jonathan and I made a trip to New York for what was going to be two nights but when flights were delayed and we didn't get in until 12am, we extended our stay another night. It all worked out because our original flight home was cancelled so we would have wasted a day at the airport...instead we were able to make the most of our last cold day with yummy foods and lots of sight seeing. We had the most delicious breakfast at Sarabeth's our first morning...I don't have a picture but I had the lemon ricotta pancakes with blackberries and I can't put into words how amazing it tasted. If you go to New York, you must try these. We did a little planning before heading there and wanted to see a show, try a few restaurants and really just enjoy the big city. Another food stop was Shake Shack because lets be real, they have the best burgers ever. We grabbed a late lunch in the middle of freezing Madison Square Park (snow and ice everywhere) and had burgers and fries...it was outstanding! One of my favorite stops was going to The Lego Store and picking out a little lego boat set for Denson. We had a great time but were both dying to see him by our last day. He did great with Beebee and definitely became accustomed to all the attention she gave him :)

Friday (his bday) we woke up and went to get breakfast at Dunkin Donuts. He loved his first cake donut and had a good time making a huge mess. We were excited to get the rest of our party supplies and see all of our family. We are fortunate that our parents all live within an hour of each other so we get to see everyone. We had a lunch party for Denson Saturday and he was a party man considering he didn't get his afternoon nap. After BBQ and cake, we were all pretty beat so we bundled up and took a stroll around the neighborhood so he could ride in his new wagon. He LOVED it! Lacy had the pups so he got to watch them walk beside us and bark right along with them.

Denson is a joyful and witty one year old who has a keen sense of curiosity. He is fairly cautious yet eager to try new things. I know I've said it a million times but I never imagined how much love I would have for Denson and how it would change and grow each day. It is a joy to be his mom...having a child has given Jonathan and I a small glimpse of what is must be like for Jesus to love us, pretty powerful. Your heart overflows. And we will be sharing that love with another baby come July! 

What an exciting year this will be as Denson will be a big brother! We found out in October and told our families which was a lot of fun. Denson sees the ultra sound pictures on the fridge and will point trying to say baby. He also will touch or rub my belly and say "dat-dat-dat". Monday we went for the big ultra sound...we have decided to wait to find out gender although I almost caved at the appointment. Jonathan and I both watched the ultra sound but couldn't tell gender and the doctor said she knew which made me excited. Our guess is boy. We have to go back to get some closer pictures at the next appointment and I may ask for the ultra sound tech to take some pics that reveal gender and just put them in a sealed envelope. :) temptation! We will see if I can hold out...

We are praying for a healthy baby that continues to grow and thankful for how healthy Denson has been. I can't imagine life with two kiddos but I know once newbie is here, everything will fall into place. I can't wait for Denson to be a big brother and share his love with us and newbie. Enjoy the picture dump...

Fire truck ridin'

We've been sitting him on the potty and he likes it so far...he tee teed for the first time last week!

I was craving cheesecake and attempted making my own...Jonathan gave it two thumbs up

NYC

Shake Shack Madison Square Park

The absolute best burger I have ever had

Times Square

Sugar and Plumm 

First Birthday breakfast at Dunkin

He loves his wagon! And so do I :)

Papa and Denson

Singing Happy Birthday...he didn't know what to do with all the singing 

He loves Papa

A sweet gift from Jonathan's parents...his bib says "Newbie Brother" and we have another that says "Newbie"

Feeding himself like a big boy