*Have a Holly.Jolly Christmas*

We carved out time today for a mini.photoshoot of the Beaux Jack. Here are a *few* of my favorites...






*OH, me and bebe.Jax at 21 weeks!




















More pics to come...

In case I don't get back here soon.enough, Merry Christmas friends. Enjoy your homes, your families, and your children. Christmas is the culmination of the greatest gift ever given to mankind... take a moment to reflect the gift of LIFE that is forever ours. Say a prayer for our troops who are spending this joyous season away from their families.

My Christmas wish this year is for PEACE... I wish that every mother in the world can rest knowing that their child will be safe, fed, and *educated.*

Peace, love, and meyer lemons,
xo
lmkw

I've been thinking a lot lately...

mostly about my legacy, who I am, who I want to be, and what I want for my family. I want to share some of these thoughts here on my blog- but I may have to wait until the holiday flurries settle around me. But I have been thinking about my life this year forward...

I'm wanting big things in 2009 for my marriage and my little family. I'm sure some of these things will end up on yee.trusy.ole.New.Years.Resolution list.

But for now, let me leave you with a few pictures taken within the last couple of days... Sugarbutt came over to spend some time with us yesterday. She brought her men and her cheer. Oh, and last night I held a miracle. Bebe.Miracle that is... we spent the evening being wined.and.dined by my dear friend and her husband. I love them. We've got so much to look forward to, now that we are both back from our out.of.state adventures. ;)

*It seems as if I am procrastinating on getting holiday pics of James and Marcus... Tuesday is our day! Our strictly observed family day. *How time flies?

I selected these pics because of the great faces and expressions... totally in the moment, unplanned, and imperfect. *I'm beginning to fall in love with the 'grit' of life... which is one of the things I've been thinking about. I want James to know me to be a full, round, rich woman... not the poser, the pretender, the pretty face... but a mother, a girl, a life who wasn't scared to jump in and roll with life... Sure, I want my photos to document all that God's given us. But you know what? There is more to me and my life than the allure of all things 'polished.' The person who'd give up the 'perfect moment' in an instance to allow the 'real' to shine through. Out with the 'perception' and in with 'authentic.' That's one goal.

One day, my legacy... my sons will recount who their mother was. What will they say?

I'm committed to the investment that will be the answer to that question one day.








Can you see that bebe.belly? Bebe.Jax is working on getting here... and I'm issuing this warning now: he's gonna be one special boy. I can feel it.





Go now and let your lords leap, and your maids milk... and water that fig tree!

Peace, love, and miracles.
xo
lmkw

Joy to the World!

Good morning friends! James Neal slept until 10:19 am this morning... what a good boy! I hope Santa was watching that. If I were him, I'd let him trade the squeezing of the toothpaste incident (into the sink) with this morning of sleeping in. As I type, James is cooking breakfast for all of us--- toast--- he's a masterful toaster of things... and his Daddy is pouring up my coffee. *sigh*

Today marks theHotness' first day of his winter holiday... over two weeks ahead of us before starting a new year of work!!! (i.love.this.part.of.the.year) "Starting a new year"... that phrase seems so odd to me. This year is already over! I can't hardly grasp that. 2008 was a great year for us and marked some huge milestones for me personally, and our tiny family. Although it went rather quickly, I'm so thankful for all the blessings that were ushered in during this year.... 2008... I'll never forget this year.

Now, on to the real reason for the post: As my Carmen said- I'M HALF WAY THROUGH this pregnancy! In fact, if she hadn't had reminded me, I may have overlooked it all together! On Saturday, I will be well on my way to the other half of this pregnancy- but for now I sit back, reflect, and give thanks for what this milestone means to me. I overcame that awful morning gradeau. I successfully maintained the pregnancy through the first trimester- *which is huge*. My weight gain has been spot on target! And we've gotten a look at our growing and healthy bebe boy.

I've always said that pregnancy... and especially motherhood had a profound effect on me as an individual woman- and as a child of God. I thought I knew Grace, Mercy, Faith, Justice... I thought I had grasped all of those concepts before becoming a mother. I mean, I've been a Christian for nearly two decades... surely I understood those principals? I thought I knew what forgiveness meant... and the way God's love is manifested for us... but it wasn't until I held my own child and began to raise him, that my Faith was redefined and reaffirmed. God showed up in the most unlikely places, everyday. I never felt alone during that first year... still don't, really. Because my Savior's presence seems to be every where in this journey with us. I can't describe the ultimate comfort that I receive from that affirmation.

If God knows anything about me... which He does... even the number of hairs on my (impecably.colored.cut.and.styled ;o) head- He knows I really enjoy being 'the student.' He shows up and teaches me daily... and I dig His style. Totally rocks the behavior management side of it... models by example, has clear and concise consequences, is a masterful scaffolder- ole Lev Vygotsky and Bruner would really be impressed... totally rocks the idea of teacher lead to gradual student lead involvement... He does it first, then slowly backs off to let me take the lead. He's so good at understanding *Zone of Proximal Development* (que angels singing), you can hardly give Lev and Piaget any credit at all! AND God focuses on high quality feedback- Gets me everytime! I'm telling you. The guy can teach! ;) And I'm always ready and willing to learn... it's my nature.

(***Forgive the education.speak... it even annoyed my teacher.peeps... I'm the one they made fun of... that's okay though. I had better hair... and straight A's ;) ***)

Now, I'm on to chunky.Whitty.numero.two- or as he's better known now as, Jackson... or bebe.Jax. I thought that the second child will have lost it's luster because James took the spotlight of 'first' but that's another assumption I was dead wrong about. This little one is taken in stride. His momma stands taller, and is more confident than she was at this point with his brother. She's wiser now. Kinder now. She knows exactly who she is.

*When James came along, although I was proud.as.punch about my son, husband, and place in my life... I still felt like I had something to prove. Partly because I was still working towards my degree. But mostly because there are so many unanswered questions when you have your first child: will she finish her degree? will she lose the bebe.weight? will she take to motherhood? will she like being a mom? will she 'grow up' and stop wearing those heels and mini.skirts? will she lose her personality? will she get old too quickly? will she still cook and entertain like she use to? can she do it all: house, bebe, husband, school? is she too young (25)?

Those unanswered questions burned in me... and I felt the eyes of my family and friends watching as those questions were more or less answered. I fought hard to gain my identity back after having James. Yes, I am a mother now- and that makes me forever different (thank goodness) but I'm still have the same essence I have always had... well, that and I still wear mini-skirts and high heels. But I'm better now because of this life... and I wouldn't take back a thing from my previous.no.bebe.life except maybe I would have stalled on the navel.ring idea.

Now, I'm not swimming in that sea of questions. No anxiety for me. When this bebe.boy kicks and rolls around inside of me, I grin knowing that this experience we will have together will be completely different than the one I had with James. He'll stare up at my face for the first time and see a different woman... her eyes just as happy, just as hopeful, but he'll see a peace in me that will be new. To tell you the truth, I can't wait to have him in my arms. At first, I wondered if I have room to love two? Can we do it? But sitting here 20 weeks later, I couldn't imagine our life without this bebe.boy. We've always been ready. And now we are waiting for him to come and complete what we've started.

*I'm so grateful to be here, right now, in this moment*

In other related news: My belly is 'blossoming.' I have this little hard tum.tum that is quite obvious. I'm pleased with it. My pregnancy is now resembling James'. I'm carrying low.low.low. I've got heartburn starting around 7:30pm. My feet are beginning to ache at the end of the day. I'm still not eating (as much) like I did with James Neal... and I still forget that I'm pregnant most of the time... but three days ago I did make myself a peanut.butter.jelly.and banana sandwich with a side of raisins! And if that's not pregnancy talking, I don't know what it is!

I have fallen in love with this bebe... I have. I did around this point with James Neal. I feel bonded and ready for this pregnancy thing to be over- so I can meet my son. However, I have really fallen in.like with this pregnancy. I didn't really enjoy my pregnancy with James... mostly because I'm a worker- and not a sit.around.and.wait kinda person. BUT this time around, I'm falling in.like--- soon to be in.love with this pregnancy. I'm rockin it. And that makes me happy.

***Maybe it's because of Christmas- which will always be a special time for me bc James was born at Christmas... but I'm beginning to get increasingly attached to James' old nursery theme of Vintage Cowboy. I can't bare to part with some of his things! We didn't go to Bebes.R.Us and load up on a particular nursery theme. No, I searched high and low from antique stores to online boutiques, to local boutiques to gather up his things... original signed art pieces custom framed... commissioned furniture, etc. AND I refuse to sell some of those pieces... but I can't imagine keeping it forever... so maybe I should raise up two.cowboys. Circle W Ranch. Keep the cowboy theme but put a fresh bebe.jax spin to it. I could still incorporate the Space/Starship/Robot theme into bebe.Jax personal style and things... but keep his nursery cowboy. I'm not sure... I just am overly nostalgic now- and can't seem to fall in love with the space idea as much as I did with how I the vintage cowboy.

BREATH: I still have some time.

However, with the start of this new year, my focus will turn this this bebe.boy. I can't wait to shift my holiday gears in to gettin.ready.for.bebe.jax gear! And I won't have too much time, either. He'll be here at the end of April, start of May! So basically, I have three safe months to get things done. I can't wait.

***Now, that my MarcusHotness is home for the holidays, I'll be taking some family pics. Stay tuned for those. Oh, and holiday decorating is COMPLETE! I repeat: Holiday Decor COMPLETE. Now, on to holiday baking!!!

***Thanks for all the interest in the bebe survey. Keep those votes comin in! And thanks for the emails and comments of support through my blogging... It still shocks me how complete strangers will take the time to read, reflect, and send a kind word my way. It may seem small, and hardly worth the time- but let.me.tell.you, you taking the time to spread a little bit of yourself someone else's way is really special. So, thanks again.

Peace, love, and pepcid AC,
xo
lmkw

*Our White Christmas*

I'm excited about this post... I've got new pictures, things whittled off my 'to do' list, a recipe, and a fully decorated Christmas tree. I'm well on my way of conquering this Christmas stuff. Marcus is taking two weeks off for the holidays in a week... and I plan on enjoying that time with him. Just me and my boys soaking up all that Christmas means to us.

But first, Janee, your comment cracked me up. I totally appreciate the numbered list!!! It's exactly what I need during this crazy holiday season!!! Totally gonna check out #1. Not yet on #2... maybe this week. Heard about #3, we've been twice- not to see Santa- but to see the cool Christmas set up. They let you write and mail letters to Santa, etc. So cute. Great pic opportunities. #4 you get now. And both, please to #5. And don't let me forget to talk to you about Beaux Jack's birthday...

Now on to the Snow pictures! So, those of you who live here know that we got snow Thursday morning!!! My sister called me at 5am to tell us to look outside. It was magical. Lots of white snow was swirling around and falling to the ground... the sky was so inky and the flakes were so white and perfect. When we woke up around 7am, 6 inches covered the ground!!! I couldn't wait to get James Neal up and dressed to get outside to play in it. I was in second grade the last time it snowed here in South Louisiana. What a special treat for us!

Marcus decided to go into work late--- he couldn't pass up the opportunity to build a snowman with his boy!!! Never. It was such a special day! Marcus ended up staying home and playing all day... I love my family. Days like yesterday are treats I don't plan on ever forgetting. A real 'pinch me' sort of a day.

Take a look at my best boy dressed for his first official SNOW DAY!

















Isn't he the very sweetest?

One thing about me is that I've always been a bit crazy about wanting my bebe boy to be warm enough... I suppose that's because I had a bebe born during winter. But it's true. I'm a nut about him being warm enough. So in these pics, even though he isn't in his big jacket right at first, he's in silk polar ski long underwear, fleece lined jeans, two thermal long sleeve shirts, his sweater, and his fleece lined hat. His ski mittens and ski jacket came out later. Good thing I over dress my boy- who knew we'd actually had the snow to 'need' it?? *I had to take those pics super quick bc the snow was falling so fast, I was afraid it would ruin my camera... and we couldn't have that!

After a day in the snow, what could be better than a nice homemade pot of soup? One problem: I love to cook. *It's true.* But I'm a dyed.in.the.wool.old.school cook. I cook from scratch, no questions asked. So, I was at a loss. I hadn't planned on cooking soup that night- so no bubbling chicken was on the stove for stock, etc. So I decided to try a new recipe! I broke down and used store bought chicken stock- but the rest cooked fairly fast. Since my dear friend, Kathryn, has a strong affection for good soups, I'm gonna post the recipe here. You've GOT to make it!!! It's the best soup I've had in a while. *K, it would have been perfect had I had a buttery slice of your warm homemade wheat bread on the side... I'm just sayin. :) If I were closer, I'd surprise you with a warm pot of it! I would love to do that...

It's a Mexican Potato Soup... with roasted peppers, chorizo, and cilantro. So unbelievable!!! So good. The recipe calls for chopped chard- which I just happen to have fresh out of Momma's garden... so this was the perfect recipe for her yummy greens. You top it with a little parm. reggiano and I threw in a touch of sharp cheddar... oh, and I added a small dollop of sour cream to the top, too. The soup doesn't have a milk base, so the cold cream running through each bite is delicious. Oh, and fresh cilantro on top. I'm a cilantro fanatic- so I add lots to the top of mine. So- that's that. You've got to try it out. And let me know if you dig it too!

Hmmm... oh yes, the Christmas tree is up and decorated... all 13ish feet of it. It's a monster- but fresh, aromatic, and beautiful. I'll post pics of that soon.

Oh, and you see to the right of my blog, I've posted a poll wanting you to weigh in on Jackson's middle name.... I've got my favorite. What's yours?

Peace, love, and unlikely events,
xo
lmkw

The *Magic* of Home

We are in full swing heading for Christmas here in our little house. Our spirits are bright, the decorations are going up bit by bit, the tree is watered and well on it's way of being the prettiest tree we've ever had. Many presents have been bought, none wrapped yet, and some still left to find. My Christmas cookie list is taking shape, and soon will be arranged on a platter, with some ready to hand out to family and friends.

This past week has been a wild ride. We met the inlaws half.way between here and Houston to drop James off for a week... at their request. James' Pops had his big Christmas.extravaganza downtown and wanted his best grandson to be there with him. Our idea was that half a week would be more appropriate, but we caved to the begging grandparents and let him attempt a full week. I was planning to get 'Christmas done in a week' with intentions to coast the rest of the month sipping on spiced tea, in my Christmas flannels. But midweek, I got a wild desire to zip over to Houston and visit my Moonbeam and her darling family. I've been officially gone from my Livable Forest for... 4ish months now. It was long enough to make me miss it/them like crazy. I'm glad I took the time to scoot over and reconnect with my favorite family. *Sorry Sugarbutt for missing your bday and backing out on our Birthday Dinner Date* I'll make it up to you!!!

Needless to say, I spent days with this exceptional creature.

This is what I call the Tate.factor. My heart is mostly filled with my adora.child, James Neal... however, there are these nooks and crannies that are no doubt filled with this child, Tate. He's got a firm hold on me. And those of you who know him, understand clearly why. I've never met a kid quite like this one. He's incredibly bright, funny, and clearly different from most other kids in an unbelievable way... And my heart beats for him like a mother's would. I enjoyed every second with this one... He's coming to stay with me in a few weeks! I already have his bed ready, his toothbrush out, and his bath.toys on standby.

Here is a summer pic of James with his best friend.

They are a perfect match.

Which leads me to my next point... my Erica. She's my perfect match.






I had the greatest time with her this week. She got to feel the bebe move- even before Marcus. I'm so glad she gets to go through this with me. We met when James was 6 months old. I enjoy my time with her so much... plus I get the benefit of being around her family. First, her hubster is my BFH... I love him nearly as much as I do her... cept she makes jewelry for me. Then her sisters and mother... I love them like my own. Plus this impromptu visit allowed me to spend some time with her sister's brand new angel.bebe, Zekial. My heart was broken when I couldn't be there a week ago when he was born... but just at five days old, I got to hold him in my very own arms. He's perfect in every way.

While in Texas, we attended my inlaws downtown Christmas Party... It's really an awesome little shindig: sidewalk artist, horse drawn carriage rides, face painters, The Houston Symphonic Band, Santa Clause, cookies, cakes, hot chocolate and wassel, Christmas lights- all FREE of charge!... Marcus' Dad is the property manager for four big highrise buildings downtown in the galleria area. This is his big Christmas shindig... his shining moment. This year was special because James Neal got to ride in with Santa on his sleigh to begin the party! Needless to say, this year was his favorite year of all... he loved every second of it. Here are a few quick pics:







James LOVED having his face painted... which is why he went back again for the penguin... and is also the reason why he BEGGED me to have my face painted. I'm a touch too old for that... but he wanted me to do it so badly. It was worth it, though. After it was over, I was kneeling to show it off to him, and he grabbed my cheeks and looked deep in my eyes and said, "Momma, you the most bootiful gull in the whole wurl." Then planted a big kiss on my lips. And right then and there I thanked God for all that He's given me... More than my fair share, for sure.

And not to belabor a good thing... in fact, I'll expound more in a later post but having James has made me enjoy life so much more. The details of things... the anticipation of things... the pure delight found in every day life. I love how beautifully simple my life is...I'm fulfilled in such a deep.down way. He'll be three this December. That phrase makes me feel two things simultaneously... it makes me feel victorious and strong, but also saddened that these past three years are in the past for us... memories. Did I enjoy it enough? Did I savor each minute? Did I love entirely with no reserve? Did I create a sense of security, safety, unconditional love, curiosity, and wonder for him during those years? Heck, I was new at it all... I was a rookie! He was a divine promise fulfilled to me... was I all that I could be for him?




I feel like the answer is probably 'yes, mostly.' I was made to be his mother and feel like this is the greatest thing I have ever done... But I hope I never forget the privilege nestled in each day as I go about the more mundane task of motherhood. It's not all fun- but it is a gift... privilege. I hope the 'new' never wears off. He's still so new to me... so wonderfully new.

I'm so happy to be home. I love it here, smack dab between my two boys. It's fun to be their girl... To think we are adding another one to our crew!!!? I can't wait to have this next son in my arms... I'm ready for him to join us. We've got so much to give.

*Stay tuned for holiday house pics... and more ramblings...

Peace, love, and claymations.
xo
lmkw

What I'm thankful for...

I know this is a funny picture to represent this post... but it's all apart of my overall theme. When I was young, my Daddy gave me and Tboy two bebe turkeys for Easter one year. You remember how you could get died bebe chics for Easter? Well, Daddy couldn't make sense of buying a chic that had been artificially dipped and died--- it is a bit inhumane, so he opted for a twist on the obvious: two bebe turkeys. They grew into the very best pets. The female was named Jerry and the Tom turkey (boy turkey) was named Tom, natch. Anywho, they layed eggs and we loved them. Daddy would load them up in the back of his truck and ride down the road with them, like you would a dog. Such good pets. Tom was my favorite because he was so kind, and full of himself. He would strut around all proud and perfect.

So when I think of being thankful, there are heaps and heaps of things that come to mind.

I'm thankful for my past... all things knitted together just so, to bring me to now.

I'm thankful for my parents and their ability to provide for us, and give us beautiful memories.

I'm thankful for my siblings: My greatest friends on Earth. My champions. My Encouragers. And all the memories we created together.

I'm thankful for Freedom, my citizenship. I'm thankful for all the people who came before me to ensure my right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

I'm thankful for the selfless men and women who sacrifice their own safety, comfort, and family to allow me those rights.

I'm thankful for all the men and women who served as my teachers and professors. These people took their time and invested it in me. So many people took part in molding me into who I am today. I am forever thankful for their skill, kindness, tenderness, and presence in my life.

I'm thankful for my spiritual mentors who pushed me to grow my Faith and belief. I'm thankful to have been born into a Christian home who put our beliefs into daily practice.

I'm thankful for the Ultimate Sacrifice that ensures my salvation... and all the hope that springs forth from that gift.

I'm thankful for my husband. He's my best friend, my lover, and my protector. I'm constantly amazed at how kind and wise he is. He is the most generous person in my life and the love he gives me surpasses so much of what I deserve. I'm thankful that his hard work provides me the option of being a Stay at Home Mom with my son. What a priceless gift!

I'm thankful that Marcus is the father of my son. He is steadfast in his focus toward growing, raising, and providing for our family. He is patient with James. Tireless. Sincere. Selfless. James' future is so bright... because his daddy took the time with him yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

I'm thankful for James Neal. He's a promise fulfilled to me. He has made me the very best version of myself. I'm thankful for his nature, curiosity, and goodness. He's so smart. So smart. Funny. And well behaved! I love our conversations, his made-up words, and mad musical skilz. He's everything I've ever wanted in a child, a son.

I'm thankful for my friends. These women have lifted me up with their humor, encouraging words, and prayers. They've reminded me of who I am, even when I seem to forget. They've documented memories for me, surprised me with potted plants, talked with me for hours from foreign countries, showed up at the hospital to 'keep it all together' for me. They've sent cards through the mail. They've kept my bebe.boy to let me get through school. They've welcomed me into their homes to take part in their special family moments. They've let me hold their children, hug their husbands, and cherish their parents. They've heard my disappointments, my fears, my hopes, my failures. They've loved my family. They've taken the time to invest in my child. They've made me a better wife. A better mother. A better friend.

I'm thankful for the internet and the education and information that is at my fingertips!

I'm thankful for:

chapstick
tivo
makeup
music
prenatal vitamins
starbucks
big bathtubs
circus peanuts
creative people
my beautiful home
cameras
cameras
cameras
post photo processing
LSU football
wonderbras
magic erasers
dirt, flowers, bugs
powerstrips
lemons
Kitchenade stand mixer
Food processor
Santuku knife
blogging
Alton Brown
literature
Barack Obama and the nation which elected him
etsy
Dropshots
good cheese
the teacher in me
email
grand isle
jerry lees boudin
egrets
accents
organic food options
Land of Nod
socks
long distance telephone services
poboys
wind
fresh sac au lait
farmers markets
a good sale
odd jobs that pay!
the way James says 'feather'
the adjective 'chauny'
children's books
lampe bergers
baking stoneware
my culture
friendly neighbors
homemade food
*knowing how to cook
Noggin
the environment
my floral knife

The women who have helped me become who I am: my mother, Jan, Claire, Nancy, Lisa.
The men who've shaped who I am: my Daddy, my grandfather and superhero, Doyle, and Duke.

And the new bebies who've made it into this world to renew our thirst for knowledge, wonder, and hope: Rosebud, Miracle, and Zekial *and the mommas who gave them to us.

Lastly, I'm thankful for motherhood. I'm thankful for my healthy body who continues to allow me to function how I wish. I'm thankful for the Miracle of Life and the ability to carry my own pregnancies... the ability to birth healthy, beautiful children. I'm thankful for chunky.whitty.numero.two. I'm thankful for every flutter and kick!

***ThankYOU for all the kind words, comments, and emails you've taken the time to send me. Your time and caring words are more than passing thoughts... they become inspiration and affirmation to me. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. !!!

More to come on this bebe.business.

I hope yall all find yourself overcome with thankfulness this season.

Peace, love, and pecans.
xo
lmkw