Slowing down.

This weekend, the laziest of weekends, has done our family well.

Being a housewife and handyman have sort of consumed our weekends. But this weekend, we chose to forget about the work. 

And try relaxing, instead. 

We both did very well, I think.

"RELAX"

It whispered "What does it really matter, love?" 

That's how Brady J had a cookie in each hand for breakfast both yesterday and today. 

It's been quite a while since our schedules were clear. 

Like a gift that I rarely see, so my job is to make the most of its appearance.

I probably accomplished more this weekend than I can see,

but I know how truly desperate our family was needing to slow down. 

It was good for the soul.

For all four of us.

My better half.

My 17th Birthday 

2004

Graduation

2005

Engagement

2007

I sure hope he doesn't kill me for posting this.

Ever since we met, (I think I was just learning to drive!) Brian Cox has brightened each one of my days. It was more than the "dating years", actually it was more like falling into the "I can't live without you" years. Of course we couldn't admit that to each other, but it was obvious.

And of course, we broke things off a hundred times, tried dating other people, which ended up one big fat joke.

I called Brian to save me from the worst date of my life.

He was there as soon as I called.

He answered my call when he was on a date, too.

He's my hero, really. 

Always was, and always will be.

He tells me I'm beautiful every single day.

Has always put me first.

He's always made sure our needs are met before his own.

That Brady and I have the best we can have.

He will always take care of us.

I've tried avoiding sappy things lately, only because tears are a second away.

I just thought you folks should know 

just how proud I am to be his wife.

I've learned so much from him, and I hope our children learn so much from him too.

I've never met a man like Brian.

I know I never will, either.

My better half.

Humor in the phases.

He's been a big help when a craving hits. We share our "kiki's" together.

I knew it was bound to happen sooner than later. 

The "terrible two's" are highly understated.

If anything is slightly attainable, Brady Jameson will find a way. 

Yes, it's cute and it's funny and there have been times when I hold back a laugh 

while I find the spank stick. 

(Which happens to be a paint stirrer.) 

He's just a toddler.

We've been reading up on him. Dr. James Dobson assures us that all toddlers act this way.

I'm still doubtful.

But, despite all of his little pranks, like hiding keys and unplugging our computer, 

that little smile of his still works like a charm.

Then Miss Marcy Lane is along for the wild ride too.

Truth be told about second pregnancies...

Your clothes get way too snug, way too fast.

There is hardly time to shop for maternity clothes. Good luck making what's in your closet work.

Brian's oxfords are my new best friends.

You're still trying to learn about baby #1, while baby #2 is halfway here.

And, finally....

There's YOU.

And the pregnant YOU.

When your half your brain shuts down, but you're still expected to think straight.

...and then you remember you're pregnant.

If you have a sense of humor, by all means will you enjoy your children and the crazy person they turn you into. Life changes in every single way. But it's just a phase. And phases are meant to bring wisdom, and a little more humor to your life.

Next week, I'll be halfway through my pregnancy. 

Boy, does time fly.

When you lose your mind.

          These are the type of mornings I'm wide awake. It's 7 am, I'm ready for the day, which happens to be a soaking wet & rainy one. Brian and Brady are still asleep and I didn't sleep a wink. Halfway because everything on my body aches when I try to sleep these days, and the other half because I have this guilty feeling lately that parenting is way more than we're capable of.
 
         I know no parent is perfect, and children are born ready to be molded into civilized little beings. Lately that doesn't even seem tangible. I know it's a phase. Brady will pass right through it, and I'll forget about these long, exhausting days in a year or two. How is it that a 24 year old can feel controlled by an 18 month old?! These reasons are what my tired brain has come up with: I love that child more than life itself. What parent doesn't want to enjoy every second with their little one? It's time that parenting and discipline come before playtime. Bummer. Second, I don't want to spank. (Not that he even notices the sting, that rough little boy.) I would love for time-out to do the trick. Brady's ways are way beyond my knowledge...I never thought the day would come when it would truly be difficult to even think of a solution.

      You must be laughing, whether you've raised children or not. I feel so lost! I've heard most parents go through this, which does make me feel better. And not so crazy. At the end of the day, I want to know I'm leading Brady in the right direction and doing what's best for him, even if it is making him stand in a corner. (I can't wait for the days where I can make him write 100 times what he did wrong. I think mom always got a kick out of that!) So...here's another new day. One cup of coffee in my system. And a long workday ahead. My sweet Marcy is already getting the raw end of the deal...

     The truth is- Every mother is crazy. Even a lady at the grocery store yesterday noticed. She simply said "I hope your day gets better." And all I could do was laugh. We're all crazy! Trying to hold on to what's left of yourself, after giving everything you've got to your children, husband, work, home...and then remembering you've got another bun in the oven that's due right in the eye of the storm. 

The terrible two's. 

    And from all these messy, crazy words you've read, I want you to know one thing...

I wouldn't trade this wonderful life for anything in the world. 

If you're not a mother just yet...you juuuuust wait. You'll be just as crazy as all of us crazies one day.

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.