Not So Perky Pumpkins

Well, it was a gorgeous day Saturday, so I had the brilliant idea to take the kids to the pumpkin patch to get some pumpkins and take some pics. Since it was LSU game day, it was only fitting to dress them in their LSU attire. Josh and Lisa went with us and we headed off. It ended up being really hot, and the kids (well mine at least) were pretty grouchy. I have been trying to get there for the last couple of weeks, but haven't made it. To bad, so sad.....because the pumpkins were pooped (the real ones, not the rug rats). They were rotten and slimy. I usually let Raelee get miniature ones to decorate, but they were out. Oh well, at least maybe we can get some cute pics right....WRONG. They would not cooperate for nothing. (next time I'm driving to bossier to you Deann) Colton found a tractor that he LOVED and did not want to get off. Jackpot, we now know what to get him for Christmas! Anywho, here are just a few pics we managed to get, despite the heat, grouchiness, and pitiful pumpkins. Maybe next year kiddos.....maybe next year.

Do You Smell What I Smell?

It's the end of October in Shreveport, so that can only mean one thing (besides my birthday coming up, oh and Halloween of course)....the State Fair is here! We took Raelee Thursday while Colton was at mothers-day-out.(sorry buddy, maybe next year) It was opening day, and it just happened to be the coldest day so far....woohoo.....perfect "Fair" weather. Isn't it amazing how the second you walk through the front gate you smell it all.....the corn dogs, funnel cakes, turkey legs, cinnamon rolls, cotton candy...I could go on forever. Then as you make your way towards the back, you just start smelling the barn....hehe. Anyway, we met Lisa, Randall, and Josh there, so the kids had fun riding and visiting the zoo. The adults had fun eating. Lisa and I did manage to ride a couple of the rides with the kids, to which we have come to the realization that we are in our "30's" now, and the rides are not made for us. Nothing a little "fair food" couldn't cure. After lots of up and down, and round and round, we went to the zoo section. We fed the animals, walked through the live stock barn, and called it a day. As much as I love the fair, I love the shower that I take the second I hit the door just as much. There is nothing like that post-fair funk that sends you running to water. So, thanks State Fair of Louisiana.... we are now fatter, dizzier, and stinkier.....see ya next year! Go get um Rae!

WOO-HOO

Something they actually agreed on

She can always find a princessDaddy and Raelee in the fun house

Yes, that warning sign says "do not let small children feed the animals"

"Stripes" the zebra

And, an ice cream cone to finish!

Lil Steelers Fans

Brad is a huge Steelers Fan, so at the beginning of football season I got the kids Steelers shirts made. They wear them on game day when we are at home with daddy watching the game. They both say " I'm a Steelers fan just like my daddy!" Brad just thought that was the greatest thing, when they surprised him on the first game day. Here are some of the pics. As you can see, Colton takes this " Relax on Sunday Game day" business way too serious!


GO STEELERS!!!!!

A Day With The Daughter

Raelee and I very rarely get a day just to ourselves, so yesterday we took FULL advantage. Brad decided him and Colton could hang out and watch football while I spent the day with my Raelee Rue. There was a fall festival at The Provenance with live music, games, face painting, pumpkin and cupcake decorating, and some great snacks. After the festival, it was too beautiful to go home, so we headed to the Boardwalk, of course. After much shopping and snacking, we rode the trolley and carousel and called it a day. Here are some of our favorite pics. First the face painting, a rainbow of course

Then some serious cupcake decorating

Major concentration on the pumpkin decorating

Here is the final product, complete with an umbrella

In the pumpkin patch at the Boardwalk

Last, but not least, our carousel ride to end the day!

I love to take special days just for my sweet girl. I enjoy our talks and our shopping adventures. Raelee loves to shop when it's just me and her. She was acting so grown up, it just made me want to freeze time, and never let her go. My little baby girl is getting so big. I really hope she continues to want to spend "girl time" with mommy. I don't think mommy is ready to give it up any time soon!

Super Fun Saturday

We had a busy Saturday, but really fun one too! I helped mom host a wedding shower Saturday morning for my cousin, Tammy, that is getting married in January. Her older sister, Teresa, was in town from Tennessee with her son, Harlan. It was fun to get the kids together and watch them play. We only get to see each other a couple times a year, so it's amazing to see how much the kids grow in that amount of time.

Saturday evening, Brad's parents had a party at their house for his dad's birthday. He had ponies there for all the kids to ride. As you all know, Raelee has an OBSESSION with ponies, so she was SUPER excited. We had to wear our horsey dress, of course. The kids had a blast and it was a perfect day with beautiful weather. Happy Birthday Pappy! We hope you had as much fun as we did!

Little Miss CowgirlNo Colton, the horse does not need help cleaning his nose

Now for Miss Alyssa's turnRaelee just stayed on, until someone else begged for a turnHere comes JoshuaWhere are all the cowgirls?

Planning their next attack

Brad, Colton, Scott, and Anderson

Sweet cousins, Taylor and Raelee

Stacie, Lisa, Tonya, and Me....aka - Tired Mommies!

While The Sister Is Away, The Brother Will Play

If there is one thing in our house that is off limits to little brothers, it is Ponyville. Raelee loves her My Little Ponies, and she knows EXACTLY where everyone of them are, and should be. Colton does a pretty good job at obeying this rule (when Raelee is around). He really just likes to go to the teapot house and push the button, because it lights up and plays music. Automatic disco for him. Well, the first thing he does when sissy goes to school, is head straight for Ponyville. I usually tell him "NO" and move him away, but for some reason today, I just wanted to see what he would do. Let's just say, the poor boy really needs some monster trucks and action figures! He is surrounded by pink, princesses, and ponies. Christmas just can not come soon enough! Here are some shots of him being sneaky (and loving every minute of it). Shhhhhh......don't tell sissy!!!!
Yes, he's even sitting in her throne......
And wearing her royal crown!

Happy Birthday Dad******Happy Anniversary Brad

October 6th is such a special day for me. Today I get to celebrate 2 amazing men in my life. Today is dad's birthday, and mine and Brad's anniversary.

I have one of the most amazing father's in the world. He is the foundation of our family and I think God for him everyday. He is a father, friend, supporter, provider, but most of all, my rock. There has never been anything too big or small that Daddy couldn't handle, or didn't have time for. Always a phone call and a hug away. I am truly honored to be your daughter. I love you and I hope you had a wonderful birthday!

God blessed me with wonderful parents who have been married for 32yrs and I just hope Brad and I can follow in their steps. I have learned over these last 7 yrs that NO marriage is perfect. No man does things around the house EXACTLY like you want them, or is romantic at all the right times. I have learned not base my marriage on all my favorite shows, especially the mushy ones! All that matter is that our love is strong and I pray ALOT. I have a wonderful husband that is an amazing father to our children. He is such a hard worker and provider for our family. I'm am truly blessed to have him in my life. To see the father he has become is overwhelming. There is nothing more rewarding than to see your husband rolling around on the floor with both of the kids wrestling him, laughing as hard as they can. He was such a huge help this week, while I was staying with mom. I think him and Colton have really bonded. I love you baby, and I can't wait for many more to come!

Latest News

OK, so mom is doing lots better. She is moving around pretty good, but her legs are still really weak. She felt a lot better today and most of the swelling and fluid have gone down. We may try to get out tomorrow and do a little walking to see if it helps.

I took Colton to get another haircut yesterday. He looks like a little man....or should I say, little version of Brad!

Pie Works by our house is opening tomorrow. We went to a special preview last night with Lisa, Randall and Josh. It was fabulous. I'm so excited that they are soooo close. Raelee and Colton LOVED the bread sticks. I'm sure they will know us by name.

Colton is coming down with yet another cold. I'm convinced he is just a typical snot-nose boy!
Besides that, everything else in the Johnson household is going great. Life is GOOD!

Recovering At Home

Just a quick update on mom. She was able to go home this evening around 5:30. She is moving around on her own, but in a little pain. That is to be expected considering she just had surgery on her neck and spine. The surgeon's nurse said the bulging disc was HUGE. They were all talking about it in the office. It's no wonder she was in sooo much pain. It also took him a little longer than expected to get the plate out that was put in 5 yrs ago in another area. So, a lot of digging around, equals a lot of pain. We are just praying and believing that this is the answer and everything will be better now. She already has the feeling back in her hands and feet that were numb before the surgery, so that's a good start. Hopefully she can get a good night rest in her own bed tonight, and have a little more energy tomorrow. Thanks for all the phone calls and prayers. I have the bestest friends ever!

Surgery Update

Mom's surgery went very well from what we can tell so far. She is in a room and will probably go home sometime tomorrow. The doctor was able to do everything he expected and was very happy with the results. So far, she is doing great and is not in any pain. I'm going back tonight to spend the night and will give you all an update tomorrow. Keep her in your prayers for a speedy recovery!