meant to be married.

You would think I'd be used to the hubby being away since our whole dating relationship was long-distance. However, each time we are away from each other for an extended period of time, I miss him like crazy whoa.

I managed not try cry at MK's departure yesterday morning - but rather, cried the instant I stepped back into our apartment. A few tears were shed and then I went about my day, fully taking advantage of any opportunity to distract myself with cleaning, work, Facebook, and even had a dinner date with Amie (the wife of the other hall director traveling to OPE with MK). But then at night, I was faced with the dreaded loneliness of sleeping in our bed without my other half. I always view the bed being somewhat small until I have to sleep in it alone. It's HUGE! I cried, talked to MK on the phone, prayed...and somewhere in the midst of tears, managed to fall asleep.

I sound so pathetic. But really, I just love my husband, completely. I'm clearly convinced I wasn't created to live by myself, let alone, live without MK. When I reflect on our marriage, I see the ways we complement each other and inspire each other to live better than the day before. Life is so much fun with MK!

On that note - 10 Reasons Why I Love My MK*

*10 is such a small number, I am sure to leave some very important reasons out of this list. Therefore, this is a list of the 10 Reasons that first come to mind and are NOT in order of importance.

1) His red, manly beard.
2) His willingness to prepare raw meat. I'm not sure we'd eat much meat if the task were left to me!
3) The way he touches and talks (well, more like sings) to Baby Kole. So cute!
4) His ability to make me crack a smile when I'm determined to remain angry and annoyed.
5) His inability to, for the most part, resist my selfish pleas for snuggles, trips to the grocery store for random items, my TV shows, and best of all - back rubs!
6) His desire to challenge and support students in their development. He's so patient!
7) The expression on his face and tears in his eyes when I walked down the isle on our wedding day. I hope I never forget that moment!
8) The look he gets when he's in the mood for....er...nevermind. But it is rather adorable, yes, adorable. :o)
9) His sarcasm and humor. I can't imagine our relationship, or life, without either of these!
10) His faith. He is so much better at analyzing, questioning, and expressing faith in Christ than I will ever be.

Ah, I love him...I really do, have I mentioned that, yet? No?! Well, let me tell you....

SLK

Music for February

As discussed last month, I'll be posting a playlist of what I'm listening to each month.

Here's February's...

Stay Gold!

MMK

Highlighting the Hirsute

I trimmed my beard down a lot last week, but not before taking this:



Women may get to give birth to babies, but men get to give birth to beards.

It's good to be a man.

Now I just have to work on the moustache.

Stay Gold!

MMK

goodbye savings.

Marshall and I don't generally celebrate love day. We are firm believers the day is just another excuse for card companies, flower shops, etc. to bank a bunch of money. We choose to love each other everyday, right honey? :o) So, instead of spending $30 on flowers...we went crazy and said goodbye to our savings to put a down payment on this:

2003 Honda Civic Ex
No, the car isn't brand new - but I am praying we made the right decision (not much we can do now, right?). We both agree we didn't get the trade-in value for my car we were hoping for, even after negotiating, but we have learned, maybe next time we need to be even more firm and a bit pushy! I am going to miss my car more than I had initially realized. She has been so good to me over the years! Baby Kole - how are lives are already changing and you haven't even been born, yet?!

Speaking of Baby Kole - we had another appointment on Friday. The appointment looked much like previous appointments. I've gained a healthy amount of weight so far, my tummy appears to be expanding at an average rate, and all vitals (the baby's and mine) are great. The midwife was able to determine the baby was in a head down position by pressing on my lower abdomen. Marshall and I were curious and when we got home, we did the same. We could feel the baby's head if we put our hands in a specific location - so weird...but amazing too! Anyways, all good on the baby front. Baby Kole appears to have more clothes already than I do in my whole entire wardrobe (okay, maybe I am exaggerating...but still)! I go in Tuesday morning for another (standard) glucose test to check for gestational diabetes. Instead of having the standard baby appointment scheduled in four weeks, the appointment has been scheduled three weeks out. After that appointment, I will be seen every two weeks! AH! This means time is going by quickly - before we know it, Baby Kole will be here!

Not much else new. Work has picked up a bit, and I have been able to provide more direct service and assistance to afterschool programs, which I love! I am thankful God has provided this opportunity to serve and learn a vast amount, but I anxiously awaiting my departure!

That's it really. I hope everyone is well! Love and miss you all.

SLK

Picture Dump

Hey everyone, here are some pictures from the past month-and-a-half or so. Most of the drawing pictures are older. I just felt like sharing...

Mom doesn't like having her picture taken.


Snow so deep it buries a picnic table.


A view of the courtyard in front of our building after a snowfall.


Haircut.


Best baby outfit yet.


Jesus rode dinos like horses.


Mother and child drawing.


Blowin' minds like Eniwetok.


More stick figures.


Gypsy head tattoo design.


Live free or die tattoo design.


john Wilkes Booth.


Bird copied off of a painting by Anita.


5-minute sacred heart sketch done in church.



Stay Gold.

MMK

I Statements

I love my family, New Hampshire, my wife, and my God. Life is good right now despite the prevailing winds of doubt and disaster swirling about this place. I pray for continued blessings.

I've been drawing a bit recently.

I'm wearing a new hoodie that my Dad sent me for my birthday.

I have been to the gym everyday for the past six days. My goal is to make it there everyday for the rest of the month. I bench-pressed 220lbs twice last night.

I need to start reading some books about having babies. I probably don't just want to try and wing it once the thing gets here.

I will probably eat oatmeal for breakfast tomorrow. Maybe with cinnamon and sugar on top.

I enjoy David Letterman more now than I enjoy Jay Leno. This is a change of tastes for me.

I guess I don't really have a lot to say tonight.

MMK

crib!

thanks to my parents, marshall and i were able to purchase a new crib for BK! thanks to my aunt barb, we were able to purchase a mattress for the crib last night. AND...thanks to our brother joseph, we were able to cover the mattress in a rather cute baby sheet! (auntie rod, please take note of iowa light on wall, we love it!) i thought you all might want to see...

SLK