*Good Stuff*

The past two days have been filled with good things that make me happy. First off, my friend reminded me to set my TIVO to record the second showings of the Planet Earth series... and OH MY GOODNESS... I've never seen anything more spectacular ever on television. Seriously. Those of you that have seen it know what I mean. Those of you who haven't- trust me, you should. I'm telling you... each episode is like a worship service in our living room. God is great and His greatness is ALL AROUND US! The Earth is so much cooler than I ever thought... makes me want to slow down and set my pace closer to noticing these things on my own. It renews my passion to let my boys get dirty, dig in the sand, make a mess... and discover this world by touching, tasting, and smelling. The three of us sit on the couch and watch the tv transfixed on the amazing stuff we see. James' fav is the ocean episode... incredible. Have you ever seen squid eggs? They are the cutest things I've ever seen in my life. I'm just sayin'...

I've had back to back dr.s appt the past two days. Today was my MFM appt. We got to see bebe.jax in fine form! He was kicking and dancing up a storm. It was a beautiful sight. I could see him move real time on the monitor, and feel him wiggle around at the same time... now I know what he looks like when I feel his constant motion. He's fat, happy, and growing perfectly. The choroid plexus cyst he had in the 17 week ultrasound has completely gone away!!! Praise God. No worries here. Thank you all for your kind KIND words of encouragements... the calls, the emails, the comments... and thank you most of all for the sincere prayers for me and this bebe.boy. We 'expected' it to go away... but you never know how worried you really are until the doctor says 'it's all gone!' The rush of relief is overwhelming. *whew* So that is DEF good news.

Other things that qualify as good right now:
Bread machine... GOOOOOOOOOOD stuff.
Crazy windy weather blowing this cold weather in today- James and I played in the wind this morning... running and squealing and pretending like we could fly.
Napping with James Neal... heaven.
And of course, the three.year.old... he's good stuff... mostly. ;)

I described to my sister him being THREE this way: those of you who have ever had a cat... he's like a cat. Loving, precious, attached, smart, curious.... they act this way *most* of the time... but there is some times when he comes out of this room with a look in his eye... roaming, plotting, sorting... waiting for his perfect moment to pounce! That perfect playful look... imagination running wild. Oh, that's THREE!!! No malice... just bright eyed playfulness. Now, that does in fact include mixing 'potions' in the bathroom sink out of various soaps, toothpaste, etc. AND it does include dumping his dresser drawers out on the floor to create a 'pants party.' BUT mostly it just means tromping around the house like a dinosaur hunting prey. Playing for two hours straight at the *new* play kitchen and farmers market stand buying, selling, and cooking heaps and heaps and heaps of delicious things. Climbing the Eiffel Tower and having a picnic on top of raisins and apple wedges dipped in peanut butter. Or backpacking through his favorite country... 'Yourrrip.' And of course, playing doctor and giving me shots in my ear... and checking my ankle's blood pressure.

James has been so vocal starting at 7 months... and since rounding a year old, he's been excellent in communicating with words. He's a talker. And to hear him describe his dreams or his stories or songs... it's amazing. I've always been proud of him reaching milestones- but it's the talking that has been my most *proud* thing he does... maybe that's the ELAR teacher in me. Homeboy can talk!

Three. It's got it's moments, that's for sure! But man, does it have it's perks.

Speaking of perks... take a load of this good.lookin.creature! He's very VERY big on dressing himself, redressing himself, and playing dress.up all together. It's not so much about fashion or choice as it is ALL ABOUT 'by by myself.' You never know what will walk out of that playroom- but one thing is certain. You better have a camera close by. Take a look at this *good stuff.*








There should have been a cole.miner in the Village People. And don't worry about the lacing string around his neck. I took a quick three minutes of pics, the promptly gave him a talking to about things around his neck... but I had to grab the photographic evidence first... could you blame me?

I'm nearly ready to start readying our house for bebe.jax. ETA to start is Feb. 1st. Can't wait!!!

Peace, love, and silly.looking.belly.buttons,
xo
lmkw

Manic Monday

Jill's post had me jonesin to join in... why not? It's Monday, I've been to my early morning dr's appt, now I'm unwinding from that and putting off cleaning the kitchen. BLOG TIME!

Do you have any idiosyncrasies or unusual quirks when it comes to food and/or eating?

I'm a fast eater now that I'm a mom. I use to savor each bite... now I keep one eye on the toddler, and the other on my meal. AND I'm really big on only eating free range organic chicken eggs (and other free range milk/meat). I grew up with chickens... they're awesome... and they deserve to be able to stand up, stretch their wings, and turn around. The food I eat is the most important physical part of my life. It's our fuel... what keeps us alive. Cute clothes are important, but IMO feeding our bodies the best food available is more important. Plus, I'm a mom now. James can't feed himself- that's my job. So, everything that goes in to his body affects his future... what? Am I suppose to just not care? Oh, I get it- I could use the 'well we ate that way and we turned out alright' mantra. No thanks. Not my choice. Life's too short. And besides, it's like what? No more than a buck more per dozen? Totally worth it.

Have you ever written love letters?

Absolutely. I'm a writer! So, that means I do this a lot. When Marcus was in Iraq for 14 months, I wrote him love letters every single day... and he wrote them back to me. I love to express myself through words- one of my favorite things to do... plus it's free! I want the man I'm with to think he's the luckiest beau in the world... so I make a habit to write sincere love letters to him. Now that we are parents, they've taken on a more intimate and deep tone... we've got more to love for, I guess. But then again, when kids come along I suppose there are three ways your relationship can go: 1. Too busy to notice 2. I feel sorry for myself because you should be doing more. or 3. Through your love, you've given me something I could have never manufactured for myself... the ultimate gift in life... come here you big strong man, you! *We are a three... we work like hell each day to stay there. Plus, authentic words of love, encouragement, and admiration are SO APPRECIATED once you become a parent. So, we do this a lot. And the best part is, it's reciprocal. I love how he thinks about me... and the words he uses to tell me his thoughts. Big gallute.

If so, do you still have any of them?

When he was overseas, he kept both mine and his in a binder together... a scrapbook of love letters... he gave the binder to me on our first anniversary. It's in one of those huge 4" binders. *sweet*

How easy or difficult is it for you to say you're sorry?

Not hard for me. Generally, my motivation is never to hurt anyone... so if things go south, I'm okay with saying I'm sorry for that. With James and Marcus, I'm particularly okay with it. I make mistakes... a lot. I want them to know that I love them fully- and in loving them like that, sometimes I make mistakes... but that's okay because I'm love them so deeply that I will always take responsibility for my actions. The best part is that they love me enough in return to forgive me.

***Went to my ridiculously.good.looking.OB.dr today. Bebe.Jax has a strong little heartbeat... and I look fine. Right on target. The bebe moves constantly now... seriously, constantly. Even when the dr. was measuring my belly and getting the heartbeat, he was kicking around for attention. It was cute. I love feeling him so active. It's magical. I've begun to take video of my stomach bouncing all around. One day, I'll cherish those little clips of bebe.movement. I can't wait to have my three boys all under one roof! I've got lots to post about the BeauxJack. He's a mess these days... totally three and spectacular. He's given up old habits, and started new ones. He's still coming off his Christmas and Birthday HIGH... it's precious and unnerving all at the same time. Marcus is back to work today. What a fantastic last three weeks! I love him... and I love him most for all the time he spends with us. I spent the last two days recouping from the holidays, two sets of company, 68 teenagers, a birthday, and new years. I've got a house to clean and undecorate- but no rush. I'm taking it one step at a time. I need to post a belly pic soon... I've blossomed!

Okay- that's that. Thanks Jill for the 'maniac monday' ditty.

***Oh, and HEY PEOPLE! Start posting new blogs, please! I'm ready to read!!!

Peace, love, and ice water.
xo
lmkw

New.Years.Rez List

1. Find a home church for the fam.

2. Make our own bread.

3. Finish James' room.

4. Finish the PlayRoom.

5. Have the Bebe's nursery done... by March.ish.

6. Get rugs for the house.

7. Have curtains made.

8. Revive yee.ole.To.Do list again... haven't used them since graduation.

9. Read Twilight.

10. Learn to crochet.

11. Expand my photography on a more professional level.

***and prolly more.

I can't stop wondering, praying, and thinking about what 2009 will bring our family. I'll have a new bebe to love and nurse and hold. We are ready for this... we worked so hard to get here to this moment. We have so much to hope for.

Peace, love, and fresh bread.
xo
lmkw

Clean Sweep

I can feel the rush of the New Year! I feel compelled to clean and organize and get started on some of those projects I've put off since moving in. BUT before I launch in to the new year, I'm going to finish up with those Christmas pics/Birthday pics I promised.

So here we are... freeze framed.



























*All our holiday company has gone home... we spent the day lounging around the house. So nice. Thanks to all for sharing their holiday tidbits... so much fun to see and share in. Now, on to a new year.

Peace, love, and belly.love.
xo
lmkw

Before I put it away...

Before 2008 gets too far in the past, I want to remember the highlights of the year. As I've mentioned before... it was a BIG one for us. Hopefully one I will never forget.... and hopefully one that laid the foundation for many other great years.. Lots of big decisions were made here... in 2008. I suppose we will see these decisions unfold before our eyes in the days and years to come.

I plan on making a New.Years.Rez list... and posting a Looking.Back.Photo post recounting in freeze.frame this year... but for now, I type as my favorite men make breakfast (12:14pm) for me and Moon and our boys.

In January, I met my mentor Lisa... she changed who I was as a teacher and a woman. One of the greatest experience in my school experience came under her guidance. Every day she shows up in my life in some way... some small lesson learned from her coming to pass in my life. We also considered the possibility of moving back to Baton Rouge from Texas... a career jump for Marcus. In one whirlwind weekend, we trusted God and Marcus signed a contract with ExxonMobil.

February made me shiver, with every paper I delivered. Bad news on the doorstep... wait- that's a song. I started this blog in February. We put our little house in the woods up for sale.

March welcomed my rose.bud of a niece, Kathryn Rose. She's a beautiful and happy red.headed bebe girl who adds so much to our family.

April I finished my student.teaching... which marked a HUGE victory in the 187 hour long stint of my education.preparation. We raised a sweet little family of ladybugs... and I started my affection for raising monarch butterflies with my family. *Both things I hope to do annually...

May proved to be a huge step for us when we signed a contract on our new.house here in LA... what a scary decision that has turned out to be a blessing. I'm so happy here. Oh, and I turned 27!

Marcus started his new job in June! He left us in Kingwood as he started his position in Baton Rouge. I was finishing school, taking care of James, and trying to sale the house while he was away. It certainly wasn't easy... but it was one of those things where you come out feeling so strong and accomplished once you get things done. I'm an independent person by nature... so these times really help renew my sense of ability. I love a good challenge.

July marked our big move homeward. A brave step. We miss Texas and our friends we left there... but God has a plan for us here... for now. And so many good things have come our way with this life.step. I'm especially proud of Marcus for posturing himself in such a way to constantly be looking to the future for his career and his family. It's not easy- it certainly takes guts.... and you got to be really good at what you do everyday to get some of these opportunities. *What an affirming and fulfilling thing to realize!

August I graduated college. A promise to myself fulfilled. A guarantee that if I ever needed to support my family by myself, I could. It enables me to be 100% self sufficient if need be. It's one aspect of proof that I am raising up a family that values education and the essential nature of educating oneself. It was a long, hard road... but we arranged our lives to support my commitment to this... An accomplishment I'll always be proud of. *And Barack Obama accepted the democratic nomination for president... *wow*

September we were blessed to find out we were pregnant with our second child... another son. Another huge step for our family... We are so pleased.

October marked the five year anniversary of our wedding. The second best decision in my life. I love the man I'm married to. He's nothing short of my hero.

November was an easy month... loving our new home and celebrating our first holiday here as a family. The greatest nation on Earth elected it's first black president, Barack Obama. What an amazing thing to bare witness to. We have so much to look forward to!

And December is barely behind us. Another year end of stock.piled blessings! What a beautiful thing.

Hello, 2009. Lets be friends.

Peace, love, and waffles.
xo
lmkw

Happy Birthday Bebe.Boy

I love you... and am so glad you are mine.

Peace, love, and purpose.
xo
lmkw

*My Boy*

He's turning THREE on Monday...

Three.

I can't stop thinking about it.

To me he represents: life, love, hardwork, mercy, consistancy, forgiveness, beauty, courage, and commitment.

He is the kid you want to be around... because he's just plain fun. He's the one you take out to dinner... because he'll behave and add to the night. He's the one that you let participate... because he'll add to the experience.. He's the one you miss when he's not around. He's the one you take the time to teach... because he's coachable. He's the one who is fun to buy for... because he is grateful. He's the thing in your life that makes you laugh at the 'stuff' you use to do... because just him being here, being the kid he is, makes your old self look plain silly.

"Where are we going, Momma?" -Where would you like to go? "The Great Wall of China. I bet it's bigbig."

"What is this, Momma?" -What do you think it is? "A rocket ship that can fly to the moon."

"Here's a flower for you Momma... I fink I womantic. Like Daddy."

Purpose. He represents 'purpose' to me.

He's been in my life for three years. How time flies.

***************************************************
Christmas was beautiful. Santa knew how to rock the party, yet again. Inlaws are coming in for the bday festivities. Moon is coming with her boys. I can't wait for James to be with Tater. I'm going to sit on the couch with E and tuck my toes under her leg. Our big boys are going to follow each other around like pups. I may photograph every second... or face the fact that a pixel can never fully capture what happens when we are all together.

I will post Santa and Christmas pics as soon as I can. I started teaching a new class today- so with that and gearing up for company, I will be swamped. But I'll find time as soon as I can.

Peace, love, and nostalgia.
xo
lmkw