She Kicks....She Scores!!!

We had our first soccer practice yesterday, and our first game today. I was so proud of Raelee, she did fantastic. Seeing as that yesterday was the one and only time she has played "actual" soccer, I was very impressed. She is the youngest (and smallest) one on the team, and she definitely held her own. Our team won (according to the parents), and Raelee even scored a goal....WooHoo! Colton was determined to stay on the field at practice, so Aunt Alisha watched him today while we went to the game. (Thanks Alisha, I owe you!) It was also bone chilling COLD. We were in shorts yesterday at practice, and snow clothes today at the game....good ole Louisiana. Here are some pics from the game, and I'm sure I'll have more EVERY Saturday!It was so cold, the kids put their coats on under the jersey.

Keeping warm during halftime.

Raelee loves that cousin Josh, and our friend and neighbor, Rileigh, are on the team.

Thanks to all the grandparents, and Mrs.Pam and Brook, for braving the cold and coming out to see our lil' #70. She had so much fun and can't wait until next Saturday!

P.S. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Hope you had a wonderful day : )

Memories

Do you ever see certain things, hear certain songs, or eat certain foods and they remind you of something or someone when you were young? Here are a few things that bring back memories for me:
1)Creedance Clearwater-makes me think of my "Papa" and going to the house on Lake Bistineau.
2)Wintergreen mints-makes me think of Aunt Peggy. She always had them with her.
3)YooHoo chocolate drinks- makes me think of dad and going camping. We would always have them and he liked them too.
4)Soft, orange peanut candies- makes me think of Grandma Richie's house. Not that I liked them, that's just what she always had.
5)Girl Scout Cookies- makes me think of mom and all the fun times we had over the years in girl scouts.
6)Slush Puppies- remind me of all the days and nights we spent at Cargill during baseball season.
7)Breck hairspray & red lipstick- makes me think of Mimi. Before she cut her hair short, she always had it sprayed to perfection and her red lipstick on.
8)PacMan- reminds me of Mom. She is the pacman master.
9)Tang- makes me think of my Great Grandmother. She always had Tang for us to drink in those cold glasses.
10)Corn dogs and funnel cakes- OF COURSE, reminds me of the State Fair....and why would I want to break this tradition?

These are just some things of the top of my head. I hope Raelee and Colton will look back and have many great memories of things too. What are some things that bring back memories for you? I would love to know!

My Love Bugs

I love these little people (and big person) so much! Our household has been pretty crazy lately with everyone being sick, Brad being at the fire station, and everyone getting the fever to go house hunting. Sometimes, we get so overwhelmed and in the same routine everyday that we forget to just stop and enjoy what is in front of us. Yesterday afternoon was so beautiful, (80 degrees for you folks not here) so I took the kids outside for a while. I love to watch them play and giggle together. I didn't take my camera, because I just wanted to sit back and watch, and not be trying to capture a cute shot. Although, I have to say, there would have been many. As crazy as they drive me sometimes, these 3 people are the love of my life. Brad is an amazing daddy and wonderful husband. Raelee is my little care taker and loves to help mommy. Colton...well, Colton is my little monkey. He runs me ragged getting into EVERYTHING, but then comes and cuddles up on my lap with those big brown eyes and his "banky"...aka blanket. I just need to take a deep breath, sit back, and enjoy this weekend and my family. I hope you will all do the same!

A Week In Review

There hasn't been anything too exciting going on in the Johnson house lately. Everyone finally got well, and we had a whole weekend full of things to do, and low and behold, Colton starts with the "yuck" nose. Allergies....I just keep telling myself.....allergies. At least we made it to get a haircut. (that's a whole other blog in itself!) We had a couple of beautiful days, so that means 2 things: 1) The kids LOVE playing outside, and 2) Mommy gets very busy selling houses. The housing market is fine in Shreveport, because I either talked to, or showed, everyone in the city a house this week. NOT that I am complaining.....bring it on.....babies need a new pair of shoes! (or 2 or 3....hehe!)Colton is "helping" daddy fix Raelee's seat.He thought he should try it out first.She calls herself "bike-girl" Now for a ride in the Jeep!

We also had some really bad, rainy days, and this is how Colton entertained himself.

He is looking for his strawberry! Brad and I were laughing so hard!Raelee was so excited to take tulips to Ms. Becca for Valentines Day.

Friday night mom and dad kept the kids while we went to dinner with Lisa and Randall. I pretty much worked all day yesterday and today, then I took Raelee to see Brooke in her cheer competition this evening. I didn't really think she liked it, but when we came home, she was doing everything in "cheer" and wanting me to put her in the air like those "cheerleader girls". By all means, we know the girl loves to wear big bows!

It was just a really nice, family week. I hope you all had a wonderful week too!

The Many Faces Of Colton

I have been trying to get a snapshot of Colton this weekend that is worthy enough of sending to the Regis and Kelly Baby Photo Contest. Any other time I would have oodles, but since I'm trying, these are the many crazy facial expressions I got from him. You gotta love this kid. He is ALL boy! (not to mention....he needs a major hair cut)

P.S. Please say a prayer for Raelee tonight. She is going to take her test for magnet school tomorrow. We won't find anything out until April 9th, so it's going to be a LONG 2 months!

A Bit Of "REALITY"

So for those of you who know me well, know that I am a reality show junkie. I don't know what it is, but I LOVE reality shows. Even though I know most of them are absurd, I can't control myself from watching it! Here are 10 of my favorites in no particular order. Feel free to leave comments on some of your favorites.
1) The Bachelor/Bachelorette - Random people competing with 24 others over 1 person.
2) Survivor- People living in the middle of nowhere, catching diseases, and eating bugs, all for $1 million.
3) True Beauty- People being judged (by hidden camera) on their inner beauty, all the while they believe they are competing for a modeling job
4) Biggest Loser- I love this show, and I think it's amazing. Although I must confess, I am usually watching it while eating something terrible, and trying not to feel guilty about it.
5) Howie Do It-Howie Mandel doing hidden camera pranks
6) TLC family shows - John & Kate plus 8, and the two families that have almost 20 kids.....geez, I can barely keep up with my 2.
7) Dancing With The Stars- People trying to regain fame doing ballroom dancing with professional dancers to win a mirror ball trophy
8) VH1 and MTV- I hate to admit to watching any of the reality shows on either of these channels, but I think it's actually considered "Comedy".
9) Amazing Race- People racing around the world, fighting in the car, to win $1million. I think I should be on this one!
10) And last but not least, drum role please.......American Idol - There just are no words to describe some of these poor folks, but there is also some amazing talent. I LOVE the winner from last year, David Cook. So, the people this year have a lot to live up to.

Well, there it is. My top 10 list of reality shows I watch. They sound even more ridiculous when you type them out! I can't help it though, maybe I'm just too nosy : )

All The Rage

Raelee got a bottle top necklace from Aunt Jennifer for her birthday. Apparently, these are the new thing if you have a child anywhere from 5-15yr. Well, they looked really easy to make, so I started to dabble. Like most of you know, I dabble a little to often. Anyway, I am up to my ears in bottle tops and can't stop. Raelee loves to help me pick out new ones to make, so it's been really fun together. I have made several for friends and family. So, if anyone has a birthday to go to soon, this is a GREAT (and cheap) gift. The stores can't keep them in stock! Here are some of my latest......enjoy : )

Hello Kitty and My Little PonyI have several different patterns for initials Baseball and Camo LSU I have different color ribbons to choose from. The tops attach with a magnet, so you can switch them out with each outfit! They are $5 for the necklace, $6 for the top or 3 for $15.

GO STEELERS!

The kids sported dad's favorite team shirts today and are cheering for the Steelers. Brad had to go to the fire station today, but he's probably secretly happy. He'll probably get to see more of the game at the station than he would have, here at home with the kiddos. Anyway, everyone has fully recovered from the "yuck bug", except for Raelee. This little munchkin just can't seem to shake it. I think I'm going to have to break down, suck it up, and take her in tomorrow for some blood work. In the meantime, I'll just veg out in my PJs, watch commercials, and cheer on the Steelers!

Struck With The "Yuck Bug"

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, for those of you concerned! The Johnson household has been quarantined from everyone this week. I never ever, ever, get sick.....but, this week was definitely the exception. I'm talking the fever, chills, congestion, no appetite (the only positive thing), and indescribable weakness. I started running fever last Sunday, and Brad got sick Monday. This thing spreads like wild fire, but neither one of the kids got sick. Brad and I took turns with the kids, and made it through. Raelee ran some fever yesterday, but I think she slept it off. I don't think she's getting the full virus. Colt man is going strong, so hopefully he's in the clear.
So, since I didn't blog all week, I didn't get to wish Brad a Happy Birthday. Brad's birthday was last Friday, and we went to dinner with a group of friends. We had a fantastic time and wonderful dinner. Saturday was Josh's birthday party at Party Central. This could have very well been where the "yuck bug" struck. I took Raelee and Brad kept Colton at home. You would understand if you have ever been to Party Central! Sunday, I went with Deanna and Jenn to take the kids to the movies. This my friends, is the last thing I remember for five days! So, hope you all stay well, and I can't wait to get out of this house this week : )

Update On Alyssa

Little Alyssa got to come home today. She is still on a plain diet, but is doing better. They gave her fluids and she should back to dancing in no time!

Party Pics

We had Raelee's "5th" birthday party at Kid City yesterday. She had so much fun with all the friends and family. We are so lucky to have such a clean nice facility to use at our church for the kids. It's amazing everything that they have. Here are a few pics:Of course, it was a Unicorn Princess party!

Grandmother and Pawpaw got her a Pink Guitar

Raelee, Emmie, Taylor, and Kathryn

Colton can find a ball anywhere he goes

The three stooges from pre-school

Cute Cousins

Colton got a knot on his noggin from mommy taking him down the fast, scary slide....sorry pumkin!

Raelee at home, blowing out her candle for year number "5"!

Thanks to everyone for coming and making it a wonderful birthday!

Happy Birthday Mimi

Happy Birthday to one of the most wonderful women I know. Today is my Mimi's birthday. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful grandmother, and a terrific great-grandmother to my children. How awesome is it to be able to have 4 generations of girls together all the time? I love our weekly lunches and special time together. She is the spiritual rock of our family, and best friend to us all. Hope you had a wonderful birthday. We love you so much, and couldn't ask for a better "MIMI"!

Say A Little Prayer

Please take time and say a little prayer for my niece, Alyssa. She is 18mos old (her and Colton are 9 days apart). She has a stomach bug and had to be admitted for dehydration. She was premature, so they are a little more cautious. Just say a little prayer for her and hopefully she will be out soon.

My Birthday Princess

Five years ago today, I was excited, scared, overwhelmed, and in love all at the same time. Our precious baby girl, Raelee, was born 5 years ago today. Last night when I was tucking her in, I told her she wasn't going to be a baby anymore, when she woke up, she would be my big girl. She put my face in her hands so softly and said, " Mommy, I will ALWAYS be your baby....I will be your baby Raelee forever and ever." Tears started flowing as I held on to her and flashed back to her being an infant. She was so sweet and sincere, and was really trying to comfort me. My little girl is growing up, but promises me she will be my baby FOREVER. I love this little person so much, and she has turned out to be such a beautiful and wonderful child. I look forward to sharing memories, stories, and advice with her. Helping her learn to drive, and get ready for her first date. Picking out a college, and starting a family.....but until then, I will just sit back and enjoy my "baby Raelee".
P.S. Thank you Grandmother for the special birthday t-shirt. She wore it to school today!