Mom's Surgery

Mom will be having neck surgery tomorrow for those of you who did not know. She has to be at the hospital at 7:30am, but we're not sure what time the surgery is scheduled for. She has a bulging disc in her neck, that is really pressing on her spinal cord. I hope this is the relief she needs, because she has been in a great deal of pain for a while now. If all goes well, she will go home the next day, and be driving the next. Incredible huh? Keep her in your prayers and I will update everyone tomorrow evening as soon as I can. Keep Brad in your prayers too....he will be keeping Colt man all day by himself!

Kindergarten......What?

Hold on to your seats.....Tonight I went to Kindergarten Open House at Eden Gardens for Raelee for next year. That's right, KINDERGARTEN! I walked the halls wondering how my "baby" is going to be in a big girl school next year? Art rooms, Music rooms, Cafeteria....oh my! Let's not get ahead of ourselves. First we have to test some time at the beginning of the year, then find out if she can get in to one of the magnet schools. Keep your fingers crossed, because I don't have a clue where else she would go. Her pre-school teacher is doing a wonderful job preparing them and getting them ready for "big school". Raelee is enjoy getting to go to school everyday, so I don't think it will be too big of an adjustment for her...just me. In the mean time, we will enjoy being in preschool and TRY not to stress about the "BIG K". (even though we already have to start the process NOW!)

P.S. It made my feel really old seeing a lot of my friends there for their children. We are now those parents saying, " oh, I went to school with her mommy", or "your teacher was one of mommy's friends"....GEEEZ!!!!!

Lunch Date Thursdays

I know I'm a tad bit late on this, but haven't been on here much lately. Every Thursday is MY day, while both kids are in school. Mom, Mimi and I have decided that is our lunch date and shopping day. This Thursday Aunt Peggy was able to join us. Mom and I started out early shopping for some baby and birthday gifts. We later joined Mimi and Aunt Peggy at the BellMead Shopping center for some shopping and lunch. We had lunch at Fairfield Market, which is always fabulous, then on to Chicos to do some damage. I had a lot of fun trying on clothes with the girls. It's always good to have family with you because they are totally honest. I couldn't ask for a better group of women to spend my day with. I'm so blessed that I have such a close family and we love to do things together. Not a lot of people can say that these days. I have the most incredible women in my family and I think God for them everyday. I love you so much and I can't wait to spend my Thursdays with you!

P.S. Colton had a better day at school. He did really well and only cried when someone else would start crying.

Back On Track

So the last few weeks have been a little...well a lot......nuts. There's been sickness, medical scares, busy work weeks, and everything in between. BUT, I think we are getting somewhat back to normal. I think God has really blessed me with real estate lately, and I know he is going to do the same with all of the crazy medical things going on with my family right now. More to come on that in the next few days. I promise I will do better blogging from now on and keep everyone up to date. The kiddos are doing great and growing so fast. Colton is getting better each week with Mothers-Day-Out. As most of you know, Raelee is obsessed with horses, unicorns, ponies etc..... I bought her this horse twirl dress and she LOVED it! She wore it to school the other day and just had to take pics. She twirled around the house making herself dizzy. Then you know, Colton had to start twirling too.

I Know....I Know.....I Know

I haven't blogged in the last week.......sorry! It's been really crazy, but yet boring all at once. Raelee is going to pre-school everyday, and LOVES it. Colton goes to mothers-day-out on Thursdays, and I don't think I need to comment on how that's going. Let's just say, it's a work in progress. He's only been twice, so we'll see. Raelee is doing wonderful in school. I bought her a new board to hang all of her work on everyday. She is so proud. Colton is so funny without her here, he doesn't know what he wants to play with first. This is also new for me. Getting Raelee up, dressed, and lunch made everyday by a certain time. We're doing pretty good I must say. We haven't even been late yet.
The weather has been really nuts here too. It will be beautiful one week and I will be running to death showing houses, then the next week we're having wicked weather. Everyone has been freaking out and draining all the gas stations and buying up all the groceries. Not to mention all of the extra people that have been in town. It's been a mad house around here. A lot of people are still without power thanks to Ike this weekend. We lost power for about 24hrs. We had to pack up and go stay at mom and dad's. Oh, and let me mention, Colton happened to be running 102 temp during all this mess too. Thanks mom and dad for putting up with a sick little one, a bored big one, and a stressed out mommy. Couldn't have done it without ya! Now we are having beautiful, fall weather, and the kiddos are doing great. It's finally starting to feel like football season around here!
I have been fortunate with work lately. Real estate has kept me busy. Anyone looking to buy or sell let me know and I would love to help you.
Hope you all are having a wonderful week. I promise I will post some new pics of the kids soon.

Happy Grandparent's Day!

Happy Grandparent's Day to all of our wonderful grandparents. My children are blessed to have both sets of grandparents, 2 great-grandmothers, and a great-grandfather. They have grandparents that we can call for anything and are always there if needed. Raelee loves spending the night with them and playing with all of her cousins. I'm so lucky that I have a grandmother "MIMI" that loves to help also. She has been a huge help with the kiddos whenever needed. Grandparents are wonderful people who love your children just as equally as you do. They have knowledge, experience, and lots of hugs and kisses. Grandparents create lots of memories that you will keep in your heart forever, and stories that you will tell for generations. Thank you to our grandparents and great-grandparents, we love you so much and appreciate EVERYTHING you do!

Happy Birthday Dylan

Happy 7th Birthday to my nephew Dylan! Raelee absolutely LOVES "her" Dylan. She is so lucky to have such a wonderful older cousin that takes such good care of her. We hope you have a wonderful birthday and we love you!

And.....They're Off!

To school, that is. Remember my blog, "Never Another One Just Like The Other One"? Well, my children proved that theory once more today. Raelee is starting 4yr old Preschool and Colton is going to the same school once a day for Mothers Day Out. (or as I call it, "Thank you Jesus for this day") She was suppose to start Tuesday, but due to ole Gustav, school was out Tuesday and Wednesday. Therefore, today was our official 1st day of school. Raelee woke up ecstatic, ready to go. She asked me every 5 minutes if it was time to leave yet. She has been at this school since she was 1yrs old, so she knows everyone and LOVES it. Colton, well, that's different story. He thought is was fun this morning to carry a lunch box just like sissy, but poor boy had no idea what is was for. First we took Raelee to her class. She gave me a big hug and couldn't wait to go see her friends from last year. Then Colton and I took the dreaded walk. I took him to his class and he seemed really fine. He immediately started playing with the toys and found a ball. Hmmm, I guess he's actually going to do fine. I snuck out, and as soon as I shut the door and he noticed, I heard him start whaling. It broke my heart to see my little man freaking out. You have to understand, Raelee clung to the teacher for dear life when I came to pick her up from her first day of Mother's day Out when she was 1yr. She didn't want to go home. Now I have one that doesn't want to leave home! He made it through the whole day, and he just cried off and on. Hopefully next week will be a little better. I can't believe my little Raelee Rue is going to be gone everyday. She is really excited about it, I know she gets bored with me everyday. She loves all her friends and making things to bring home to show me and daddy. It's really going to be strange, (quiet but strange), not having her here all day. She's my little best friend and my little helper. She drives me bonkers with wanting to pretend all day, but I'm pretty sure I'll miss it after a few days. I'll keep everyone updated on the progress on both of them. Keep your fingers crossed!
P.S. I got to enjoy a day of shopping with mom and mimi and lunch at Superior. This "Free day Thurday" is not going to be so bad after all!

Gustav Schmustav

For all of you who read this that used to live here in Shreveport, or still have family here.....everything is fine. We haven't gotten near the winds that they were expecting us to have. We are still not totally out of the woods yet as far as rain goes, but I think the "bad" stuff missed us. It is suppose to rain here for the next few days, but as long as it is just a steady rain, and not terrible down pours, the flooding issue should be fine. Our power flickered a few times last night, but that was it. Brad was laughing at me because I was charging the kids portable DVD players up. Sorry, can't be stuck in a house without electricity with two kids without some kind of entertainment other than coloring books, and games. We can only color so many princess pages! We still have 11,000 evacuees here, so it's pretty nuts at all the stores. That is just the numbers at the shelters. There are many others who were able to stay at hotels or with family. They will probably let them start returning home in the next couple of days. So, keep everyone in your prayers that are returning to flooded homes, and I'll keep ya posted on the never ending rain here!

To LSU and Back!

Brad and I had a little ROAD trip this weekend. I emphasize ROAD trip, because we were basically on the road the whole time. We had plans to go to the LSU game this weekend, and as most of the world knows by now, GUSTAV, cut our trip a little short. We left Friday evening and headed to Baton Rouge. The trip was really easy, there was no traffic at all. Maybe that's because we were one of the few cars who were actually heading South! We arrived around midnight, checked in, and grabbed something to eat....as in drove through Cane's Chicken. Woke up bright and early for the 10am game. There was hardly any traffic, so we didn't have a problem getting to the game at all. We had fantastic seats on the 35 yard line on LSU's side. The only problem was that is was HOTT! Now, I have lived in Louisiana all of my life, but this was some unbearable heat. There was not a cloud in the sky or a hint of a breeze. They were giving away 2 for 1 waters it was so hot. At halftime LSU was leading 30-0, so a lot of the fans cut out. The news was saying to prepare for the storm, but I'm reporting, it was because of the heat. Brad and I decided to cut out during the 3rd quarter. We just couldn't take it anymore. We were both soaking wet and miserable. I have never heard Tiger Stadium that quiet. We got out really easy, got something to eat and headed North just like the rest of the folks. Traffic was heavy, but it was a steady flow. We were never at a stand still. I'm so glad we ended up going though. I had a really good time despite the heat. Brad and I needed a night away in a king size bed, at a nice hotel. I got to eat breakfast at a normal speed, with a fork, and actually swallow. It felt odd to just get up and get dressed and not dress, feed, and pack 2 other people. We didn't argue in the car one time, and most of you know, that was a miracle in itself. It was just a really great ROAD TRIP! Oh, by the way, thanks mom and dad for keeping Colton and to Mike and Deanna for keeping Raelee. You're the greatest! Please keep everyone down south in your prayers and prepare for some bad weather here also. Have a wonderful and safe Labor Day! Here are some pics from the game:

Pregame

Here come the TIGERS!

We were by the student section

Woo Hoo

Death Valley from the Interstate

A Chick-Fil-A Kind Of Day

Yesterday we had a lunch date with my friend and neighbor, Margaret, and her son Will. Will is about 6 months older than Colton. We wanted to get the kids out since it had been raining so much lately and they had been cooped up in the house. ( and for mine and Margaret's sanity) We went to Chick-Fil-A since that's really the only place for the little ones to play. It looked like it was going to rain, AGAIN, so we didn't want to take our chances. We let the monsters play for a while and work up an appetite before getting some food. They played so hard and had so much fun. Colton and Will loved the tree house and Raelee found some new friends. That child never meets a stranger. I haven't decided if that is a good or bad thing yet. The kiddos ran their little legs off, so it wasn't too hard to get them to come eat. Margaret and I inhaled our food because once the kids were through, they were ready to head back out. We let them play a few more minutes, then it started getting a little crowded. I think they all had a blast....I know mine did. Colton passed out as soon as we got home. We love our great neighbors and can't wait to do it again! Here are a few pics from our fun day.....

This looks like DOUBLE TROUBLE!!!!!!

PJ Party and SCC

As most of you know, Brad's cousin Randall lives next door to us. They have a son, Josh, that is 2 days older than Raelee. As crazy as it sounds, Josh and Raelee have never had a sleepover. I know....NUTS! Anyway, Randall and Lisa had a wedding to go to, so we decided it was the perfect time. Raelee talked me into going to the dollar store that day to get lots of goodies. So, for the next few hours all I heard was, "when is Josh coming over?"! Josh, finally arrived, PJs and all, and we started the fun. First they did their stickers, then we made foam picture frames and I put their pictures in it.

Colton chased them around a bit, then it was time for him to pass out. I put him to bed and made Raelee and Josh a bed upstairs. We made popcorn, and after much deliberation, found a mutual movie. They really play very well together considering Josh is ALL boy and Raelee is ALL girl. Oh, FYI, Brad was watching football during this whole PJ party.

Lisa and Randall came and got Josh since it wasn't too late. The kids were both asleep, so they didn't really realize it until the next morning. We had lots of fun and can't wait to have many more to come!

Sunday morning we had a big celebration at church. (Shreveport Community Church, formerly 1st Assembly of God) They opened a new addition called "KID CITY". It was fantastic. They have a huge indoor playground, an arcade, and a place to have your birthday party. There is even a Starbucks and pastry bar. They were also celebrating Denny and Deanza's 10th year as Pastors and SCC's 25th year anniversary. There were several great guest ,who we have not seen in a while, including Teddy Grover. Also, all the Duron kids were there. They are spread out all over now, so that was great to see them all back together. Raelee had so much fun in her new classroom and playing on the new playground. It was a wonderful day! Hope you all had as fun of a weekend as we did!

Rainy Days & Shoe Shopping

It's been a little yucky here lately, so the kids and I have had a LOT of togetherness. Yesterday we finally got a little sunshine and we headed out shopping for school shoes. With Grandmother in tow, we hit every shoe store on Youree Dr. to find my fat foot boy, and my itty bitty princess some shoes. Raelee definitely takes after her mamma....she ended up with 6 pairs of shoes. I'm really ashamed to admit that! Girls have to have certain shoes for certain outfits. Boys just need the basic brown and tennis shoes....sorry Colton. Anyway, we survived and Raelee will have cute feet if nothing else.
Here are a few videos of the rest of the week inside. We played every board game, did every puzzle, colored every picture and watched every movie. Colton's favorite game is Wack-A-Mole.(For good reason I guess) I think Brad was actually relieved to go back to work Wednesday. They may drive us nuts when we are all confined in one house all day.....but we love these little restless monsters!
P.S. You can push pause on my music so that you can hear the videos.
This first one is of Colton covering his ears every time Raelee's bear starts to sing.

This next one is of the kids playing Wack-A-Mole.

Last one is of Raelee singing a beautiful song.(that she's making up as she goes)

Didn't Know I Had Those!

I'm sitting here working...now moving on to blogging....and it's raining outside. I love to hear the rain when the kiddos are asleep and I can ACTUALLY relax and listen to it.
Not too much going on in the Johnson household this weekend. Mom and Dad (AKA Grandmother and Pawpaw) got a Nintendo Wii last week. They thought it would be a good idea for all of us "older" kids to come over and learn the games before the little ones started in. Yep, I have to get a leg up on my 4yr old. So, Kevin and Alisha and Brad and I went over and showed our age. Dad cooked some burgers and the games began. We didn't even really play that long, but lordy, my arms would tell you other wise. That is some serious business. Now I see what all the fuss is about. I discovered muscles I didn't know I had. I think us girls have decided we need to belong to a bowling league...that's right...we're that good! I'm thinking after some tennis, boxing, and the fit challenges, I'll be a teenager again. Ok, so maybe that's pushing it, but this really is some good exercise. Raelee kept wanting to play, but we were all so into it, we kept telling her to hold on. Awww, maybe next time sweety. Anyway, next time you see the Johnson and Hagedorn clans, we will be unbe-Wii-vable! (I think the rain is getting to me)

Nothing New

Hey everyone! Not a lot new has been going on in the Johnson household this week. I've been working, it's been hot outside, and Colton (yet again) has a yucky nose. Brad is on his 5 days off now, so maybe we'll do something interesting. I want to take Raelee to Gator and Friends, so we'll see. Raelee's pre-school will start Sept 2, so she is counting down the days. Colton will go one day a week too. She has already told me that she will take very good care of him at school. What a GREAT big sis. Until then, we're just trying to find some last minute fun summer things to do!

P.S. When Grandmother and Pawpaw play the Wii games all night and are not sore, and I play 3o mins and can't move my arms......I think that means I need to hit the gym. (or the Wii a little more!)