LHG Putt-Putt

It's been exactly a year since our family joined the Long Hollow Gallatin congregation to worship and serve.  It's been a journey learning the ins and outs of a satellite campus and the differences they hold apart from the 'normalcy' of the main campus that we knew for seven years.  Making new friends, building new relationships, finding new areas to serve that grow and stretch our faith...it's been a hard ride that we're still navigating yet really beginning to enjoy.  

Being the newbies on campus, we have tried to attend all the large gatherings - movie nights, dinners, scavenger hunts, and on this occasion, the LHG Putt-Putt Challenge.  We know that we'll never feel connected unless we make the effort to truly get to know individuals and families outside of the 'big room' as Pastor Bill likes to say :)  So, we headed with a group of 50 other LHGers for a fun dinner at Cock of the Walk and then over to Grand Ole Golf for an evening of putt-putt.  

We were paired with a sweet family and really had a great time!  The boys had a ball with their new friend, Lizzie, and we built yet another foundation for a Sunday morning 'Hello!' with a couple that went from strangers to familiar.  Thankful for this body of believers and excited to see what the Lord has for the Johnson crew as we continue to follow His leading...

Taking Time to Remember

The past few Memorial Days, we've spent our time at Morningside Assisted Living visiting with the residents and then usually a cookout of some sort at my parent's home that evening.  With Michael having to work this year on the holiday and the parents heading to FL the following day, plans were sure to change.  I've always wanted to take the boys to the National Cemetery in Madison and mentioned it to a friend a few days prior.  When Monday rolled around, despite the rainy morning (and early storms), we decided to brave the weather and at least take a drive through the grounds to really gain a sense of what this sacred day means...honoring those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  We piled into two vehicles with 7 boys between us and spent the morning at this hallowed place.  So. Glad. We. Did.

The cemetery wasn't crowded at all...partly due to the weather I imagine.  Thankfully, the rain let up to a soft drizzle and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to get out, explore the grounds, and take in the history/honor/sacrifice up close.  We spied a group of men in the distance and headed their way to see a lovely statue standing somewhat alone in the middle of the grounds.  As we approached and made our introduction, a kind gentlemen began to tell us the story behind the statue and the amazing history it represents.  It is the only free standing US Colored Troops statue to be placed in a National Cemetery and honors all the fallen colored heroes that served their country so well.  A beautiful story and piece of our nation's background that deserves to be known and told.

 Quite a few were dressed in the traditional uniforms and filled our minds with so much information.  I wish I could've recorded it all...amazing facts that I had never heard.

The gentleman next to the statue on the left was the model for the sculpture.  Look closely and you can see the resemblance.

Amazing Air Force, Navy, and Marine veterans that taught us so much.

My sweet friend, LaRae...braving the rain for the best. Memorial. Day. Ever. :)

There were various coins on LOTS of grave markers around the cemetery.  Upon asking, we learned that each currency value means something different and lets the family know that someone stopped by to pay their respect...
Penny - Thank you for your sacrifice, "You are remembered"
Nickel - Trained at boot camp together
Dime - Served with him/her
Quarter - Was there when he/she died

That evening, we gathered at our home for an impromptu dinner of grilled fixins and sides.  

Memorial Day has always meant more than fun and lake to me, but today I was truly humbled.  To all of you with loved ones that have given their lives for my family's freedom, know that we honor you today and always.  Their sacrifice is not unnoticed or in vain.  We remember...

Strawberry Picking Day Date

With the onset of lots of late April/early May rain, the local strawberry patches haven't produced their usual abundance.  We always pick in late May, but headed to a favorite spot a little earlier in the month to make sure that they had enough delicious berries to fill our fridge and freezer with strawberry goodness.

As in the past, I invited my iMom gals to come with us for a spring playdate, and it just so happened that Michael was able to take off work for the DAY and come with us too :)  Kyle also joined his crew, so it quickly became a friend and family date.  There were plenty of berries to choose from and we picked our baskets full.  Perfect!

Mrs. Amanda explaining how they grow and the proper way to pick

Annnd no one is looking...fabulous!

A picnic at the park was a great way to end our morning together - happy picking!

Spring Days

Spring in Tennessee is officially here which means crazy weather, temps jumping from the mid-70s to low 40s, sunshine mornings, rainy afternoons, and buds unfolding at every turn.  It also means outdoor play dates and chats with friends can commence while the kiddos play and run off some energy - thankful for the warmth and beauty of this season!

We took advantage of the weather and enjoyed having our iMom friends over to play and make a fun Easter craft.  Added bonus for Cole - it was Sumner Co. Spring Break, so a school-aged friend was able to come too.  Sweet boy is so patient with all the babies, toddlers, and preschoolers that often grace our home...thankful he had a fun friend too :)

Making our 'Chalk Eggs'