No Greater Joy

Praises in the Johnson home! The evening of Good Friday, during his bedtime devotion, our sweet Cole surrendered to the call of the Holy Spirit and asked Jesus to be his Savior. It's a memory that will forever be etched on my heart for years to come. . . So. Much. Joy!

Since toddlerhood, Cole has talked of God and the Gospel message, but this last year began asking lots of questions about the character of God, Jesus, and Heaven. Michael and I felt it wouldn't be long before his sensitive heart felt the Holy Spirit's gentle nudge, but had no idea it would be so soon, or so sweet :) Our prayers that Cole would know his Savior at a young age, be discipled by those that come alongside, and live a sold-out life that glorifies Him were answered and what a precious moment it was. Quite surreal in the fact that God was faithful to fulfill those deep rooted prayers right before our eyes and my son became my brother in Christ. AMEN!

With Easter on its way, the week prior held discussion of those long-ago events leading up to the death and Resurrection of Jesus. On Good Friday, we focused on the Crucifixion and read the account once again during our bedtime devotion. We explained how Jesus could've come down off the Cross, but he chose to stay because of his amazing love. We talked about the free gift of salvation given on that day and how it allows us to have a relationship with a Holy God that despises our sin. Michael and I spoke of how we had received the gift of salvation and Cole replied with "I asked Jesus in my heart too". I asked him when and he said, "Right now!" I just looked at Michael and we both knew this was it. . .

So we continued to ask Cole a few questions, then asked if he wanted to pray and ask Jesus into his heart. He did and those words were some of the sweetest I've ever heard. Listening to my five year old admit sin, repent of it, and confess Jesus as Lord brought a smile to my soul :) We then REJOICED and told Cole that all the angels in Heaven were rejoicing with us too - that brought a huge grin from ear to ear :)

He is so excited that he is now a Christian and the next morning we celebrated his 'Heart Birthday' with a fun breakfast.

Cole,

Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. We pray that you continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus as you follow His will. Seek after Him only sweet boy. . . He is the faithful, constant, sovereign One that will never leave you nor forsake you. This is the best decision you will ever make and we are overjoyed at the warrior you will become for His kingdom! Love you to pieces :)

It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood...

When I think about where God has planted our family, many thoughts come to mind - one being the catchy tune from childhood days sung by Mr. Rogers. It truly is a beautiful day in our neighborhood and we LOVE the sweet people that the Lord has placed around us. Everyone smiles and waves, ladies chat during the day when out planting flowers and pulling weeds, men talk about grass, trees, and tools, kiddos go from one backyard to another playing tag and other fun games - makes my heart so happy! We also have a ladies Bunco group that meets once an month, have a neighborhood yard sale in a few weeks, and a May Block party in the works. We pray that as we continue to do life together that we can sow seeds of the Gospel and have the joy of watching the harvest come to fruition in lives and hearts of friends and families.

Got a text one Saturday morning from the Whites inviting everyone over for homemade ice cream that evening after dinner. Jennifer outdid herself - so YUMMY!

Cole and Emma (even though she's 8, both she (and her older brothers) have taken to our boys and are so sweet with them)

Cole and Cade enjoying the 'neighborhood' trampoline :) Boy's got air!

Smores night at the Clymers

God's Artwork

Evening weather this past week was spot on for patio dining. Cool breezes and sunny skies lured us outside most days, and the Johnson clan was glad to oblige. Catching a glimpse of the sunset during dinner and then taking a stroll just around the neighborhood bend to view this masterpiece has been the perfect way to end our days. . .

All of creation speaks of His glory. . .

10/11 Months

Well, since Mommy had a whoops moment and did not dedicate a specific post to 10 months (guess that's what a holiday and the flu will do to ya), I decided to combine the two into one. I'm sure you'll forgive me :)

You are growing and changing daily sweet thing. I seriously cannot believe that we'll be celebrating your FIRST birthday a short month from now. Here's a sneak peak into the fun springtime theme for your special day. I've got lots of fun ideas and can't wait to get started on the invitations soon.

* Your eighth tooth came through. You now have four on the top and four on the bottom. Such a cute smile!

* You've begun eating more table food (bread, beans, crackers, bananas), but still prefer baby food for the bulk of your meal. You also LOVE puffs, yogurt melts, and organic crunchies as a snack.

* When eating, you must have toys/etc. on your highchair to keep you entertained. You are busy at all times and become very fussy/antsy if made to sit. I'm certain the only time you're not moving is when you're sleeping.

* Dancing is your new favorite thing. You've always enjoyed music, but now you bounce up and down when notes are played. Even if you're sitting down, your little legs begin to move and you sway your upper body back and forth. Quite precious and makes us laugh every time.

MAKING music with big bro is super fun too :)

* You wave bye-bye and clap your hands when playing pat-a-cake or when we say "yay!"

* The park is quickly becoming a favorite place to visit. If only I could keep you from eating the mulch. . .

* You've yet to take a step, but are balancing well on your own. I'm secretly hoping you'll walk soon so that you can enjoy the outdoors with us. Crawling on the pea gravel isn't very comfy!

* You were a sick little boy on Monday, February 27. We had been to the park and were making a grocery run afterwards when you threw up all in the grocery cart during checkout. You continued to be sick at home on into the evening and finally stopped vomiting around 7:00. You were pitiful and I felt helpless. We're pretty sure it was the flu as the rest of us got it too throughout the week. Pedialyte was our friend and Gigi was a godsend as she helped out this tired mommy. So, so thankful we're all well!

* You've moved to size 4 diapers and are wearing a few 12-18 month clothes. Pulling out little shorts and cute summer shirts has made my heart happy.

* You're becoming more interested in books. You'll sit in my lap and let me read one or two - big improvement from just trying to eat them!

* You get into every cabinet on your level whether in the kitchen or bathroom. Most are off limits, but you've learned that the tuperware/plastic storage is fair game for play. Making a mess is your forte!

* You've all of a sudden become interested in Tank. You love to pat him, touch his ears/eyes/nose (which Tank often tolerates), and climb in his bed.

* Just about anything makes you laugh. And I mean belly laugh. Your sweet smile is contagious!

* You nap like a pro. If we're at home, you'll sleep for 1.5-2 hours in the morning and again in the late afternoon (around 3:00). Bedtime is usually close to 8:00 p.m. and you'll wake for the day around 6:30 a.m. Still getting up in the middle of the night - maybe this is the month when we'll finally get a full night's sleep?!

* When riding in the car, you've begun to talk non-stop. It cracks up Cole which in turn makes us all laugh as well. Love the laughter as we cruise. You also pull off your right sock (the left one stays in tact) when in the car seat if I've neglected to put on shoes. It might end up in your mouth (ewwww!), seat, or floorboard.

* You love, love, love your Daddy. You always make a beeline for his office and wave to him through the door if it's shut. He can make you laugh like no other and knows your favorite tickle spots. I think he's smitten with you as well :)

Next post will be PaRtY TiMe sweet boy! Love you to the moon and back. . .

Gorgeous Days

I think we've bypassed spring and headed straight to summer. Temps this past week hit the 80 degree mark and we took full advantage with loads of outdoor playtime.

Sidewalk chalk and swings are always a hit

Cade's first time to feel the grass on his bare legs. Not sure what to think, but warmed up quickly to the new found texture.

I'm also in awe of how blessed we are in our new home. We were in the backyard one evening when our new neighbor and friend came over to chat while walking her dogs. Her husband pulled in from work shortly thereafter and he came over as well. Cole sat in their laps and played with the puppies as we talked about grass, trees, and settling in. Other neighbors then came out to play on their trampoline and Cole headed over to join them. I headed over to chat about Spring Break and the like as laughter surrounded us.

Friends, my heart is full. We enjoyed our last home, but were the 'youngins' on the street. Our neighbors were friendly, but it was never the 'come on over anytime' type of atmosphere. Families basically kept to themselves and did their own thing. Our new little cul-de-sac is completely the opposite and I LOVE it. God, you are so good. . .

Crusin' the Rink

To help support our friends' adoption, we hit the rink one evening for a night of roller skating fun. Cole had never been, so we were anxious to see how he would take to walking on wheels.

When introduced with the idea at home, he immediately began crying. Michael and I both tried consoling, encouraging, and pumping it up, but he was scared silly. After about an hour (and slowly losing my sympathy/sanity), I simply said, "Cole, we're going and I'm sure you're going to LOVE it! It's always fun to try something new". He then replied with, "But Mommy, I really, really don't like the ice." What?!?! Ice?! Poor thing thought we were going ice skating. Guess I know not to push that one in the future.

I must also note that I'm pretty sure Michael was quite relieved that 'male figure skater' is not in Cole's professional future.

After realizing that we were indeed skating on a regular floor and not ice, he was super excited. We looked at pictures of the rink on their website and 5:00 couldn't come fast enough.

We arrived, and it turned out to be the perfect night to introduce this new activity to Cole. He is very cautious by nature, and the rink was wasn't crowded at all. Gave him the perfect chance to try out his new wheels - which he chose to wear over his shoes. I'm thinking he'll be ready for real skates next time!

Brave boy surprised this mama and took to it like a pro. After a few times around he insisted on letting go and doing it by himself. . . even laughing when he fell which is HUGE for him. Kyle and Laura were also there, so they added some extra support and encouragement as well.

And yes, this mama skated too. Oh the memories of disco balls and Paula Abdul blaring in the background :)

Because the floor was pretty sparce, the manager let us take Cade in his stroller for a spin as well. A night of family fun!

We're excited to take him back on one of our 'big bro nights' in the near future.

Tractor Pull

Couldn't imagine big brother carrying a more precious cargo

LOVE these sweet boys!