Antiques, Character & Charm.

             These things are the sort of example that I have become my mother.

   Where spending $20 on a vintage needlepoint pillow could never compare to anything brand new for $20. Finding a vintage crocheted bedspread that a dealer originally priced for $200 and gave away for $80. And two mirrors, marked at a 50% discount...I've either stepped into big trouble, or I'm right where I need to be, in my own little happy place.

   I can't pass up a deal, especially when my heart belongs to that piece. It might sound ridiculous to many, but I can only buy something if I've fallen in love. I found this bedspread 5 days ago, and woke up every morning thinking of it. (That's sickening, I know...) But when it's yours in your heart, it's meant to be. I went back to the store, and to my surprise, the dealer discounted her sale price by $40 and I proudly toted that blanket home with a smile on my face. I don't shop a lot, because honestly, when is there time? And who's made of money? But I have a love for antiques, character & charm, and wherever there's a will, there's a way. This one's for Marcy Lane. I've inherited this mentality (A trait I love to share with Elliot) that life is sweet when thrift stores and antique shops are in the picture. And I'll believe it 'til I'm gone.

   You know, now that I think about it, I sure hope two ultrasound tech's are correct about this baby being a girl...

    Anyway, I think God has sent a little boy and a little girl to teach us many lessons, of course, but to bring out the best in both Brian and myself. The fact that I can walk into a store and think pretty thoughts for Marcy has totally made me breathe a little easier. It might be the hormones, who knows. Regardless, Brian's got his little buddy, and I've got my little lady, and we're all excited that this family and all our personalities will finally be equally dispersed!

             Brian, Brady & Diesel & Me, Marcy & Lilly

And last, but certainly not least, I need to show thanks for my supportive husband. He's dealt lovingly with the unwelcomed hormones and this new world of femininity I'm stepping into. (I swear I lost it there for a while in the world of boys.) Thank you Brian- for not calling me crazy when I can't explain the tears, for smiling when I dig into a whole container of banana pudding, and reminding me to take care of myself. He's made our lives so bright.

 

     

Her Name & My Dreams.

      

    For those of you ladies who are quirky like most, you’ve always practiced writing your name, right? Over and over. Either to pass time, or dreaming of the future...like when that special someone came along, you practiced your name...with a new last name. You would tilt your head at it, and see if you’d feel any different after writing it. Like maybe it’d really happen one day. (If you’ve never done this, please don’t consider me crazy...) It’s just one of those funny little things...once it's written on paper, it sort of comes to life. I wrote “Brady Jameson” many times, and it just felt right, every time. But this time, I had a feeling deep inside a little girl might join our family... So I grabbed a pen and paper.

         Her name will be Marcy Lane. She'll have a big brother who will teach her all sorts of things. He'll throw his arm over her shoulder and keep her safe. She’ll have a daddy to shower her with hugs and kisses and take her on adventures. She'll want to marry someone just like him one day. Her Prince Charming. She'll sit in my lap while I braid her hair and tell her stories. Maybe she’ll giggle when Brady tells her she’s pretty! She’s a lucky little lady with a beautiful future ahead. 
     So here comes August...the month of the “move.” Moving three rooms to make a special one for Marcy. Our family has grown into something only God could've created, and no dream of mine could've imagined. Brady showers me with kisses like Marcy will do to her daddy. His heart will melt for his daughter. And this, I can't wait to see.  

     So, what did I do first? Gathered inspiration, of course! Pretty little girl things and dreams of a nursery. Here are a few things that tickled my fancy... 

A cozy, calm and neutral nursery. 

(Truth be told, I still can't stomach the thought of PINK.) 

This is Brady J & Marcy Lane. Best of friends.

(I'm dreaming, yes.)

_______________________________________________________________

The fun thing is...That our children will have our initials.

Brian Johnson

Brady Jameson

&

Morgan Lacey

Marcy Lane

_________________________________________________________________

As my tummy grows, and we're painting her bedroom, we're remembering that January 7th is just around the corner. So much to do! Such little time! We will soon be a complete family of FOUR! 

Not as often as I should, I've thanked the Lord for the life He's given our family. 

I didn't know it was possible to be this happy.

Sun & Sand.

Suntans, sandy feet, salty water, and lots of good eats.

                        A week at the beach was good for my soul! I tried with all of my senses to take in the ocean air, the breeze, warm sunshine and water at my feet. I mean, how often do we get to just SIT?!  As we all know, those relaxing weeks somehow pass by in a matter of minutes, and a new one begins. But the days only brought a HUGE SURPRISE! 

A baby GIRL is on her way!!!!!!

She has a beautiful heartbeat, she loves to suck her thumb already, and she's a kicker!

Her pretty little name and fancy things will be in the blog post to come!

I think I can do PINK...

We're all smiles.

Wisdom & Encouragement

wis·dom

 [wiz-duhm] 

noun

the quality or state of being wise;  knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just   judgment as to action;sagacity, discernment, or insight.

  I'm not completely sure why my posts are leaning towards the more serious side lately...possibly hormones or the realization we'll be soon responsible for raising two respectable human beings!

   Lately I've sort of been hit with the ~ it's time to grow up, raise a family of four, being held accountable, it's time to be WISE train of throught. But as mentioned in my last post, day after day brings new lessons learned (if you choose to accept problems that way). 

  My lesson today, I took as one on wisdom.

   I know I'm not in control of the world, although some days I wish things would happen on my time. People aren't always the easiest to deal with, but that runs deeper than what we see on the surface. Not everything comes easy and I've learned to accept that that's just life.

   After a few tears, a little complaining, and letting go of those bottled feelings via cell phone to a doctors office.... peace was made, things were calm... and then I checked the mail....

    A couple that both Brian and I grew up with recently visited Oak Ridge, Roatan to help rebuild their community and share the Word. I wasn't there and I can't say I had the pleasure of meeting these beautiful children, but checking the mail and finding this picture turned around my "bad" day, entirely. Quite the reminder that life certainly isn't easy for everyone, and to feel discouraged at all today is a pretty embarrassing. What a beautiful sight and encouragement for me to dwell on! I  hope to one day as a family do something this special, because I know the Warrens were blessed just as much as these wonderful people were that week.

Another day, another lesson.
A sort of -think before you feel- kind of lesson.

God never promises to remove us from our struggles. He does promise, however, to change the way we look at them. -Max Lucado