Park Playdate

Although the wind was quite prevalent yesterday, we couldn't resist the 60+ degree weather and headed to the park with our friends Jenny and Walker. We had planned on others joining us as well, but fevers and sickness have invaded their homes. The Johnson house is counting our blessings as we have ALL stayed well this season. Praying it continues!

Walker and Cole - hard to believe there's 18 months between them!

After our playdate, we enjoyed a walk to Sweet CeCe's for some yogurt goodness (or M&M goodness if you're my sweet boy and can't stand ice cream, popsicles, or other cold foods. . .)

Great start to a busy week!

Celebrating Love and Friendship

This past Friday evening, sweet friends of ours, the Willis', invited us along with 5 other couples and their kiddos to join them for dinner at their home to celebrate Philia (friendship) love together. We were so thankful our schedule was clear and truly had a wonderful night full of life, laughter, and love.

Jessica provided a lovely, intimate atmosphere along with a delicious Italian meal. We enjoyed sharing stories, both past and present. . . some of humor, others of the ways the Lord had intersected our life story and revealed His Divine nature. We are so blessed to have such dear friends to share with us in the joys and struggles of life's journey. We treasure each family and are anxious to get together again soon!

Felt like a 5 star restaurant!

10 adults and 5 kiddos (plus 2 more soon to make their debut) - LOVE it!

I couldn't get enough of sweet baby Elsie. She's 5 weeks old and made me long for Cade to be in my arms!

Cole also LOVED her. She began to whimper and he immediately came over to see what he could do to help. He gently stroked her arm and offered her the pacifier. He's going to be an amazing big brother!

Jeremy and Adeline

Ben and Elsie

Kristen and Elsie

Myself and Lindsey

Lydia, Jonah, and Adeline watching Cinderella

Cole and I

The boys :)

Evening at the "Beach"

After a fun filled day of MOPS, lunch at the park with friends, and a nap (not for me. . . sigh. . .) Michael and I thought it was the perfect evening to head to Lock 3 access which Cole calls the 'little beach'.

Every spring when the temperatures rise, we venture less than a mile to the shore of Old Hickory to let Cole play and search for treasures in the sand. Take away the Dupont factory on the skyline and the view is actually quite nice. The beach faces west which is perfect for capturing a beautiful sunset (as I did here last year). Unfortunately, the clouds covered the sun for this visit, but fun was had nonetheless.

Cade's first visit to the 'little beach'

31 weeks. . .

A Fabulous Love Day

After feeling so crummy on Sunday (thanks to vertigo and low blood pressure), I prayed that the Lord would restore health and strength for Love Day.  I had so many fun activities planned and didn't want to miss out on a single one :)  The Lord was gracious and after a great night's sleep, I felt much better come Valentine's Day morning. . . let the celebration begin!

The morning began with gifts from my two favorite boys - cards and a gift certificate for the spa. . . hubby did good!  After enjoying our traditional V-day breakfast of heart shaped pancakes, strawberries, and whipped cream, Michael offered the greatest thing ever - to do my weekly grocery shopping.  I had made our menu and list for the week and he set off to shop - he even put it all away when returning home :)  What a man!!

Cole's handwritten message to me - a precious treasure that I'll keep for always!

While he was gone, Gigi stopped by and surprised us with a special Valentine gift for Cole.  He loved the stickers and candy and enjoyed playing with her for a bit.  When she left, Cole and I began making his homemade Valentines for the grandparents and Kyle and Laura.  We've made these special cards/gifts every year and it's something I hope to continue.

This year, we made tissue paper flowers and a card decorated with his thumbprints saying "Thumbody loves you" :)  

We then got to work on the treats for Cole's Treasure Creek classmates.  As he ate lunch, I stuffed the bags full of goodies.  Afterward, he wrote his name on ALL 15 cards and a sweet message to his teachers (I was shocked at his attention span and his enthusiasm for writing!) - so cute!

The evening was spent making Valentine cookies, giving Cole his Valentine basket (he's so sad to see his treats/notes in the mailbox come to an end) and staying in to enjoy our special Valentine's Day dinner of roasted BBQ chicken, green beans, garlic and herb mashed potatoes, and bread.

Our fun family evening concluded with all of us watching Cole's new Blue's Clues video (It's Hug Day!) while enjoying chocolate fondue w/ fixins.

I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend a day of love with those I cherish.  I never take one day for granted and feel so blessed to share life with these two (soon to be three) precious gifts.

30 weeks and counting. . .

(Love the t-shirt slogan :)  It's actually the 'motto' from our LH Women's Event - works perfect for a pregnant lady!  Think I'll wear it when I go into labor. . . if it will still stretch over the belly!)

My love. . .

My precious boy. . .

Success!

I must say that Operation Cade's Room this past week was a complete success! After painting, the sexiest handyman ever (aka my sweet hubby) put together the crib and dresser set - which we LOVE (thanks Papa and Gigi!).

I added the bedding, curtains, and we brought in Cole's rocker/ottoman from his room. I LOVE the way it's all coming together. It makes me long for Cade even more!

Soon, we'll add a rug, lamp, wall art, storage baskets, and a few other decor items. April will be here before we know it!