Great Grandmas are the Best!

After expected dinner guests had to cancel this evening, I was thinking, "What are we gonna do with all this food!?" Most families would already have dinner plans or be in the process of preparing dinner, so Michael had the fabulous idea to load it all up and head to my grandmother's home to share a meal. That's just what we did!

(so blessed to have such a thoughtful husband that truly seeks to serve others)

Chicken crescent roll-ups were on the menu. Easy and yummy - score! Thank you Pinterest!

Mom G kept saying over and over how thankful she was that we came by to spend the evening. Days are long and lonely since my grandfather passed away 3 years ago and her health continues to limit her activities. So glad that my boys LOVE her and that she loves having them in her home. What a gift!

The above pic is cute but these are a bit more realistic :)

Playing on my dad's childhood piano

Mom G was smart to keep all these fun toys around from the 'good-ol' days'! The boys love them.

But boxes are still the best

Got Dirt?

With new construction around our home, it's been a little boy's dream playground. Sand, rocks, wood and dirt. . . what more could ya ask for?

With these spring-like January days, Cole's enjoyed venturing next door after the workers leave for the day to slide down sand hills, dig for 'treasure' (aka cool rocks), and have a look at the diggers and dumpers.

Cade would love to explore, but I know it would just all end up in the mouth. So. . . he's content to sit on the front porch, watch big brother from a distance, and chew on plants as if he works for the Farm Bureau.

Love these two!

The sunsets lately have been beautiful as well. Cade was sleeping so I couldn't venture down the street to the lake where I know the sight was all the more lovely. I'll get a shot one of these days. So amazed that this Almighty artist cares for me. . .

Puppy Love

Our boxer, Tank, got some major love this week. He was allowed a bath in our master bathtub.

Being an inside dog, we try to keep him as clean as possible and the rainy/cold weather didn't provide 'outside bath' conditions. And who can resist a sweet boy asking to help Daddy give his puppy a bath in the 'cool' tub?

Michael had some good little helpers and we've now got one good-smellin' puppy :)

Around the House

We're continuing to get settled and are enjoying making this house feel like home. Basic furniture is finally in place, boys rooms are coming together, and the bonus room has become a great playdate space :) I've got so many other projects running around in this head of mine, but take comfort in the fact that it doesn't all have to be done today (although sometimes I'd like to wave my magic wand and have it complete!).

Bigger projects have been on the agenda for this month, so once we build up the bank acct. again (a-hem), I'm excited to begin the small decor. that will bring warmth, color, and a sense of my style to this neutral space. Here's a small look at what we've been up to. . .

#1: Floor bonus room attic space.

Storage runs the entire length on both sides of our upstairs bonus room. Last weekend, Michael purchased wood from Lowes, borrowed a friends saw and set to work. So glad to have this extra storage space for Christmas decor., tubs of Cole's clothes that I'm saving for Cade, and other items.

#2: Install door to Michael's home office.

It's been such a blessing that Michael finally has his own space dedicated specifically to his appraisal business. Although his office is a separate room, there was no door - just an open archway. This allowed for noise from two sweet boys to drift in (not the best background during a conference call) and other distractions. To remedy, we called a friend from church and his construction team installed a glass door that adds just as much beauty as it does practical use. Love it!

#3: Upstairs bookshelves for homeschool space

I saw this picture on Pinterest. . .

and loved the storage around the window. It was the same exact shape as our bonus room so I knew these Ikea cases would be lovely. After checking it out online, I was surprised to see that one $60 shelf had a shipping price of $299.99. Seriously!? I had set my heart on searching elsewhere when Michael (unbeknownst to me) found ModerNash - a Nashville based business that sends trucks to Ikea every 10 days or so to pick up your specific order at a fraction of the shipping price. They also house frequently asked for items in their Nashville warehouse. In walked Michael one evening with the shelves (that were in stock here; hence NO shipping fee!). . .surprised my socks off :)

There are still bins to be bought, and organizing to do, but I love the way they turned out. Especially excited to turn the bottom shelf into a window seat with pillows and cushions. A valence and/or curtains with artwork will make it just perfect!

#4: A little splash of warmth

It's amazing what curtains will do :)

January Days

What a great beginning to the new year for the Johnson crew. We're actually enjoying the 'lull' that seems to occur after the holidays. It's allowed for much reflection, goal planning (more on that soon), list-making, and the like. We've completed a few household projects and have begun our weekly routine once again. Here are a few snapshots of our January days. . .

Cole's Imagination Library books stopped in November (upon his turning five), so Papa and Gigi began a Highlights subscription to take their place. He LOVES reading the stories, trying the crafts/recipes, and the hidden pictures.

Sweet boy gets cuter by the minute!

After asking Cole to put on his pajamas one evening, this is what greeted me. No words can do it justice :)

A little shuffleboard action in the garage thanks to Daddy.

Lovin' art time. It's just about an everyday occurrence.

Being pulled around the house on a blanket or Daddy's sleeping bag. . . always a favorite

And yep, they almost always hold hands the entire time. Precious!

This boy will find a book to read no matter what he's doing :)

Welcome 2012

New Year's Eve was such a beautiful day. With the warm temperatures and sunny skies that greeted us, you'd never know it was December 31! We couldn't let this gorgeous day go to waste, so we headed outside to explore our new neighborhood.

Cole broke in his recent birthday Big Wheel and Cade had his first stroll in the 'car'. Both boys had a blast riding down the sidewalks.

As we walked, Michael and I began praying for the families that live in the homes surrounding ours. We are anxious to meet these soon-to-be friends and see what ministry opportunities the Lord brings our way!

To cap off a fun day, we spent the evening with dear friends, the Gibsons, and new friends, the Colyers, enjoying a Mexican fiesta and chocolate fondue. High hopes for late night game playing were quickly dashed as nearby fireworks kept the littles awake (6 kiddos ages 5, 3, 2, 1, and two 8 month olds - whew!), but the conversations that ensued were all the more sweet :) Back at home around 11:00, both Michael and I resisted the urge to crash and stayed awake to welcome the new year.

2011. . . you were a year filled with so much joy, blessing, and new adventure. 2012. . . eagerly awaiting what's in store for the Johnson clan!

Christmas Day

This year was one of the most relaxed Christmases that I can remember. Our day began around 8:00 a.m. when the boys woke. We headed to the tree, completed our 'What God Wants For Christmas' nativity and read the Christmas story from Luke 2. Afterwards, we opened our gifts to one another. Cole's favorites were his Spin Art machine and the Deal or No Deal DVD interactive game. Cade loved his stacking cups and tabletop rattle. I was surprised with tickets to see Mary Poppins at TPAC come March and Michael sported new clothes and a beloved automatic/hands-free soap dispenser from Cole :) Such a sweet time. . .

We enjoyed a late breakfast, some family play time, and then we ALL took a long afternoon nap - bliss :)

That evening, we headed to my parents home for a delicious dinner and to exchange our gifts with one another. Such a wonderful day reflecting on the blessings of family, friends, and the perfect gift of our Savior.

Laura and I will be some cake pop bakin' ladies soon!

Cole helped everyone open their gifts this year. He'd just float from person to person and sweetly ask "Would you like any help?" Precious.

Cole was so excited about ALL of his gifts. He's one thankful little dude!

A few of my favorites. . .