I'm Still Here :)

*Disclaimer*:  Post could be unusually long with picture overload.  Read at your own risk. . .

Has it really been a WHOLE month since I've blogged?!?!  CrAzY!  At least I have a great excuse :)  I usually blog, check email, etc. when Cole naps, but the fatigue has been so prevalent this pregnancy that I find myself napping right along with Cole these days.  I also remember the lack of sleep that's coming, so I'm stocking up :)  

Now that we've entered the second trimester (w00-hoo!), here's to hoping that energy will return and I can get back to chronicling the Johnson adventures.

I can finally say that fall has arrived!  With cooler nights and somewhat cooler days, our family has enjoyed being outside and admiring God's beautiful changing creation.  Trips to the zoo, pumpkin patch, and park have entertained our days and our first bonfire of the season is this weekend.  Can't wait!

Zoo with the Gamble Family

Love this shot - all six kiddos :)

The new flamingos. . . a definite hit!

Pumpkin Patch time!  A fun playdate with our MOPS group.

Cole with little Wyatt on our hayride to the patch.  He can't wait to be a big brother!

Cole and Cohen - we've taken this same shot every year since they've been born.  Precious!

We also spent a long weekend in Gatlinburg with Kyle and Laura - a much needed relaxing getaway.  Shopping, strolling the strip, grilling, eating out, and fun at the Chimneys made for such a trip.  We are anxious to return for Thanksgiving!

The breathtaking view from our chalet

Birthdays, birthdays, birthdays have been the theme these past few weeks.  Over the past month, we've celebrated 6 family birthdays, including yours truly.  What fun!  These special days deserve a post of their own. . . coming soon!

Along with the fall weather, we've enjoyed some yummy fall treats.  Here are a few of our favorite recipes. . .

Iced Pumpkin Cookies:

2 1/2 c. all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. butter; softened

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 c. canned pumpkin puree (or homemade)

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine first 7 ingredients (dry) in a large bowl and set aside.  Cream together butter and sugar.  Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla to butter mixture and beat together.  Add in dry ingredients; mix well.  Drop onto a cookie sheet by the spoonful and flatten slightly (back of a spoon dipped in flour works perfectly).  Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Icing:

3 Tbsp. milk (may need more for icing consistency)

1 Tbsp. melted butter

1 tsp. vanilla

2 c. powdered sugar

While cookies are baking, make glaze by mixing all ingredients.  Cool cookies on a wire rack and drizzle glaze on top.  YUM!  These are a hit everywhere I go. . . my favorite pumpkin cookie recipe thus far.

From my friend Brandee, found at allrecipes.com.  Makes about 24 cookies.

Scarecrow Crunch:

4 c. Quaker Oatmeal square cereal

4 c. tiny twist pretzels (I like to cover mine with chocolate)

22 oz. bag of autumn mix candy or candy corn

2 c. Reeses pieces or mini Reeses cups

6 oz. box of chocolate Teddy Grahams

2 (6 oz.) boxes of caramel corn (I prefer to pop kettle corn and stir in melted white chocolate :) )

Mix all ingredients and place in a sealed container.

This is what I made for Cole's Treasure Creek teachers, MOPS teachers, and my MOPS table.  Place in cute fall bags/containers and it's the perfect fall treat to share!  Thanks Audrey for the recipe! 

Candy Corn Cupcakes:

Aren't these cute?!  Click here to visit Brittany's blog for this simple recipe.  I can't wait to make these with Cole and share them with his class!  (I'll probably do mini-cupcake size for the little guys :) )

Whew!  A small glimpse into our blessed lives.  So thankful for all the Lord's goodness towards us and can't wait to see what's in store!

So Long, Farewell. . .

Dear First Trimester,

Where do I begin?  You brought so many emotions my way and have left me with so much joy - a wonderful ultrasound and a strong little heartbeat to name a few :)  Although we've shared these last 12 weeks, I must say that I'm not entirely sad to see you go.  Your colleagues nausea and fatigue have definitely worn out their welcome. . . feel free to take them with you as you leave.  If not, my new best friend, Zofran, will remain to help me with these house guests.  I'm also excited to usher in your successor - oh the fun we'll have together!  Finding clothes that fit correctly, learning the baby's gender, shopping, decorating. . . I can't wait!  

I must say that your visit seemed to fly by.  Four years ago with Cole, you lingered, but we're so busy these days that I've hardly had the time to sit and chat with you.  I have, however, journaled our time together so that I can reminisce and share these moments in the future.

So long, farewell.  If we never meet again, I'll forever be thankful for the moments we've spent together.

12 weeks - the baby bump appears!

The two boys in my life that are also jumping for joy that the 2nd trimester has arrived :)  They have both been very understanding and Michael has truly been super-hubby these past few weeks.  From cooking and cleaning to helping with Cole. . . I'm so blessed!

Baby Makes Four

I hardly know where to begin.  There are so many emotions stirring in my heart. . . anticipation, excitement, happiness, fear; but the greatest has to be JOY.  

The Lord has chosen to impart his favor and grant our request of another child.  We are beyond overwhelmed at his goodness and faithfulness towards us.  

We've contemplated the thought of another child for sometime now.  I can say that I was ready before Michael, but we always wanted a sibling for Cole and an age gap between our children.  Those of you with 2-3 years between your kiddos, KUDOS to you :)  I'm so impressed with your organization and energy.  For my own sanity I always thought that 4-5 years would be ideal for us.  My only fear is starting over. . . it seems as if I've forgotten everything!  

My brother and I were five years apart and have remained the best of friends from day 1.  I hardly remember a fight between us.  I pray this for Cole and his little brother/sister.  That they will remain close through the years and serve the Lord together.

We have been blessed with easy conceptions in the past.  After a little trying 'off the cuff', we've always conceived when going by the calendar.  I am truly aware of how grateful I should be when so many struggle with infertility.  We are blessed indeed. . .

Because of this, I had an idea that I might be pregnant simply because of our prior 'success'.  I decided to take a home test on Monday, August 9 not really expecting any results as I was still a week early of my cycle.  After what seemed like hours (a few seconds), 'pregnant' appeared on the screen.  I was in shock.  Not what I anticipated at all.

I kept this news to myself and took another test on Thursday, August 12 knowing this test would be accurate.  Once again, 'pregnant' appeared on the screen.  I was overjoyed!

Now to tell Michael. . .

I looked everywhere for the perfect 'Guess What?' greeting card suitable for a spouse and couldn't find ANY (I think I'll go into that business. . . I could make millions).  Instead I found a 'Congrats' card that was perfect.  It read, "Congrats!  Enjoy this moment, because YOU made it happen!"  

LOVED it!!  I placed the recent pregnancy test inside and wrote him a sweet note.  

I couldn't wait for him to open it.  He had no idea and it took him a moment to realize what the card was conveying.  I could tell he was in shock (as was I) and he then gave me a huge smile and we thanked God for what he had done.  A moment that I'll always cherish. . .

Before sharing the news, we had our first ultrasound at 6 weeks.  We were both so nervous and I prayed constantly that morning for the Lord to replace all spirit of fear with His love.  As the ultrasound tech zoomed in on the tiny beating circle, we were overcome with joy.  Tears streamed down our faces as we realized the miracle that had taken place because of our love for one another.

With confirmation that things looked great, we decided to tell close family and friends.  The first to know would be my parents, Kyle, and Laura.  We invited them over on August 29 for a Sunday lunch to celebrate both my mom and Laura's birthdays.  After eating and playing games, it was time for presents.  As my mom opened her gift, laying on top there was a poem from the new baby.  Everyone began to understand what was going on and as she read it outloud smiles and laughter ensued :)

 I do not have a face to see,

Or put inside a frame.

I do not have soft cheeks to kiss, 

I don't yet have a name.

You can't yet hold my tiny hands, 'nor whisper in my ear.

It's still too soon to sing a song, or cuddle me so near.

But all will change come Easter time,

That’s when they say I'm due.

I'll be your second grandchild; I can't wait till I meet you!

All I ask between now and then are your prayers while I grow.

I promise I'll be worth the wait, because of all the love we'll know.

So Happy Birthday Gigi

A wish to you from me.

I cannot wait to be a part

Of this great family!

Love,

Baby (coming in April)

Now for big brother. . . 

We sat Cole down one evening and explained that God had placed a baby in mommy's tummy.  He looked intently at the ultrasound picture and took it all in.  We explained how he would be a big brother and in April a little brother or sister would come to stay at our home.  After careful listening, his only question was, "What's Daddy gonna have?"  Love that kid!

Ever since, he's prayed every night for a SISTER and says he has a baby in his tummy too.  He's ready to change the 'red' room into a nursery, but says that he will still play in there :)  He's also asked for his paci back (really?!?  It's been 2 years!) and he wants to be carried like a baby.  Oh boy!

Now on to close family and friends. . .

Even with the modern technology of email, Facebook, and other social networking, I wanted to find a way to personalize our news to those closest to us.  Phone calls are also great, but I wanted a hint of creativity and surprise.  So. . .I created a super cute pregnancy announcement on Shutterfly and mailed it out right before Labor Day (the perfect date if you ask me!)  Family and friends were shocked and thrilled with our news.  We are so thankful that the Lord has given us so many dear ones to rejoice with and covet their prayers until we meet this little one.

Poem reads. . .

Our family is growing, 

And so is our love.

We're expecting a new

little blessing from above.

Trucks and cars

or ribbons and bows,

What will it be?

Only God knows!

Rejoicing in HIS goodness and love, 

Michael, Adrian, Cole, and Baby (coming in April)

Lastly, I saved the big announcement for my MOPS group this past Wednesday.  Although I have many close friends in this group, I purposely did not mail them an invite because I wanted the 'surprise' factor at our meeting.  When our hospitality coordinator, Anissa, asked for all current expecting moms to stand to receive their gift, I wish you could've heard the collective gasp as I stood.  Ladies were shocked!!  It was perfect :)

So here we are at nine weeks and in awe of this blessing.  Continue to pray with us. . . that the Lord will grow this little one into a humble servant that shines with the light of Christ to a darkened world. 

It's That Time Again. . .

Hard to believe that summer has ended and fall is on it's way.  With that comes routine, MOPS, and Cole's favorite. . . Treasure Creek.

We LOVE the preschool at Long Hollow.  Cole has attended for the past two years and has really come out of his shell (socially speaking).  This year, we only enrolled him for one day as opposed to two, but are excited at all the wonderful things he'll be learning and experiencing.  He will enjoy music and chapel as well as centers in his room and units throughout the year.  Such FUN!

We were also excited to see that his teacher, Mrs. Christy, from the past two years has moved up once again to stay with her 'kids'.  She loves Cole and Cole loves her :)  We are also glad to meet Mrs. Tammy who will be loving on our sweet boy.

Being a teacher myself, I know how draining it can be (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) to love on and pray for 14 kiddos (or 21 first graders in my case :) ) that are not your own.  Because of this, I try to send little notes of encouragement or small gifts of thoughtfulness to let them know how much they are appreciated.  I started off the year with my annual 'Teacher Survial Kits'.  They loved them!

Crayons:  

To color your day bright and beautiful.

Erasers:  

Both you and the children will make mistakes.   Remember that God gave you this passion. . . you cannot fail!

Starburst: 

To give you a ‘burst’ of energy when you need it.

Paperclips:  

To hold it all together

Toothpicks:  

Every child is unique.  Remember to ‘pick’ out the good in each one!

Kleenex:  

To wipe away the tears - theirs and yours :)

Glue / Post-its:  

Stick to it!  You ARE making a difference!

Band-Aid:  

Children and families will come through your door hurting.  Show them that God’s love can heal ALL wounds.

Mint:  

YOU are worth a mint!  You are the heart and soul of Treasure Creek.

Nuts:  

So you can go a little nutty :)

Cole and I also made these sweet mini-cupcakes for his class on their first day.  Little butterflies with a note to his teachers - 'Thank you for loving our children and helping them to SOAR!'

1 box of cake mix (flavor of your choice)

1 tub white icing 

Food coloring of your choice

mini pretzel twists

licorice strands

M & Ms

Bake, cool, and ice cupcakes.  Place pretzels for wings with chocolate candy head and licorice antennas in the center.  Using a ziploc bag (or other piping method), pipe icing between the pretzels for body.

First day - August 19, 2010

My how you've grown this past year.

I love you more than words can express and treasure you so very much.  

Your kind spirit, laughter, silly faces, and sweet words bring such joy to my heart.

I love the way you love Jesus and talk to Him all through the day. . . there's so much to be learned from you. . .

I pray you always seek Him, hide His Word in your heart, and love others with His grace and mercy.

You are so precious to me.

Love, Mommy    

Fun at the Fair

This year, Michael and I took Cole to the fair for the first time.  So Much FUN!  Not only is the Wilson Co. Fair supposed to be the best in the state, but the night we went, the Lord granted us perfect weather.  Cool, breezy. . . a rare find these past few Tennessee months!

Michael and I have sweet memories from visiting this fair in the past and it was wonderful to share those with our son.

View from the road - Cole couldn't wait to ride the ferris wheel!

Michael was in heaven upon entering. . .

Ready for the pig races!

The Garcia Bros. show - very entertaining!

Browsing around Fiddler's Grove.  Love all the 'old-time' crafts and buildings.

Cole's favorite building was the old schoolhouse.  He wanted to read the books and even asked where the ink was for the feathered quill on the desk.  Really?!?

Heading to the fairway.  Cole's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. . . priceless!

His favorite rides were the ferris wheel (their 'car' was stopped numerous times at the very top which was Cole's favorite place to be!) and the caterpillar roller coaster.  

Monkey jockeys - one of the most hilarious things I have ever seen.  Cole LOVED them!

Rounding out our evening with a browse through the petting zoo.