It's Not CUSH'S....But It Will Do

We have had some not so wonderful weather, yet again, this week. Hot...cold....rainy...dry....geeeezzz enough already. Raelee and I were bored to death Friday during a tornadic weather episode, and mommy wanted something sweet. It really took everything in my power not to drive to Cush's for a wonderful cupcake, but instead, Raelee and I spent the evening baking. Raelee loves to bake, for those of you that know me well.....know that I am no Betty Crocker! I like to do it with Raelee though, and make it our "girls" time. So we found some strawberry cake mix (yes, I said bake, but I still have to use the box!), vanilla icing, and some pink sprinkles. To top it off, I found some Barbie cupcake papers...woohoo...mom rocks! So despite the horrific weather, and fear that the power would go out mid-baking, we made some yummy cupcakes, if I do say so myself. I may just have to start charging $3.oo per cupcake too. Move over Cush's...you aint got nothin on mamma and RaeRae!Master chefPurdy while in the kitchenColton was REALLY ready for them to be done

Almost complete

Being extra nice to sissy, to make sure there was a cupcake with his name on it!

Spring Has Sprung....WOOHOO

We had some beautiful weather here this weekend! Raelee had a soccer game Saturday, and she did great. Even though she pretty much just chases everyone around, she is having a BLAST, so I am so excited. Thanks to everyone for coming out and watching. Here are a few pics.

She needs to learn not to play DEFENSE against her own team!

Rileigh and Raelee taking a break

Cousins, Raelee and Josh

Sunday I did an Open House, so Raelee went to Grancee's and Colton went to Dylan's game with mom and dad. (by the way, congrats to my nephews Dylan, and John Michael on their baseball games this weekend....GOOD JOB guys!) After that was all done, the kids, mom and dad, and I went down to the Boardwalk at the last minute. I needed to exchange an outfit for Colton, and of course, that turned in to dinner and a carousel ride. The weather was so beautiful, we just couldn't go home. We ate at Joe's Crab Shack and Colton loved it. He was movin and grovin the whole time. He also had shrimp for the first time, which he LOVED. He is definitely his momma's boy!

She jumped up on the rock and struck this pose herself! I have NO IDEA where she gets it from....hmm

The kids were just so excited to FINALLY be outside! Even though we have beautiful weather, the pollen is killing us. The kids definitely got the allergy genes from their daddy. They have been congested and sneezing like crazy. Hopefully this rain we're about to get will wash a little away....maybe. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend : )

Sketti Night At Grandmother's

Last night mom had Alyssa for a little while, so I took the kids over to visit. Colton and Alyssa are so funny together. They are only nine days apart, so they are hilarious to watch. Alyssa is such a typical girl. She talks, sings, and loves to show off. Colton is his daddy made over. He just sits back and watches, and enjoys the show. Here are some pics of the little monkeys eating spaghetti. Mom couldn't get it to Alyssa fast enough, and Colton just decided it was easier to use his hands. They were so cute....and messy!

Then it was cookie time. They each enjoyed their cookie like it was the last one they were ever going to see.

Oldies BUT Goodies

Not much happened in the Johnson house this week. The weather was YUUUUCKY, rainy and cold, so we played a lot games, and got lots of snuggles. Raelee is back full force. She went back to school on Tuesday, and is doing hunky dory. Colton never got it...thank you Jesus (and Grandmother & Pawpaw)! Even though there wasn't much going on for the kiddos, I did manage to sneak out Tuesday night for a much needed Mommy's Night Out to the.....drum role please......New Kids On The Block concert. We had sooo much fun. I felt like a screaming teenager again. It was GREAT! There was 10 of us that met up for some yummy Superior Grill, then off to the concert. 4 of us had tickets together on the floor and we were right next to a stage where they sang 3 songs. I got some really great pics. For those of you who are clueless, or under a rock in the 80's, NKOTB were the Jonas Brothers of the 80's-90's. It was hilarious seeing all these 25-30 yr old women singing every song as if it were yesterday. I must admit, I was one of those women. We had a fantastic time, and can't wait for our next mommy's night! Lisa,Brooke, and Me

There were Oompa Loompas in the parking lot at CenturyTel promoting a party at the Horseshoe Casino this weekend. DonnieJon Joey Danny Jordan

OK, so there's one pic of each one for you to smile over. Let me know which one was, and still is, your favorite New Kid!

Rounding The Corner

Well, everyone finally got a full nights sleep last night.......but, not before Raelee and I adopted her Webkinz pet on the computer that her sweet teacher, Mrs. Becca gave her. She brought it to Raelee yesterday with some balloons. Raelee absolutely loves her some Mrs. Becca, so she REALLY thinks she's wonderful now. Anyway, she slept all night and had a great day today. She still has the upset stomach, and probably will for the next couple of days. She is slowly but surely getting her little energy back. Colton missed her so much, and it's killing him that she just wants to lay on the couch all day. He is totally bored! Mom, Mimi and I went to Ladies Connection at church tonight, so daddy got to entertain for a while. I must confess....it felt pretty good. Here are a few of the pics from the hospital to see the difference in my sweet girl. Again, thanks for all your prayers and sweet emails. I love you all!

DAY 1

DAY 2 I took this picture this morning....Colton missed her so much : (

Back At Home

Raelee got to come home today, due to everyone's prayers and one strong little girl. It was amazing the difference in her yesterday and today. I will post pics tomorrow, I am just too exhausted tonight. The doctor confirmed that she had Rotavirus, but she should be fine around Colton since she has not vomited or ran fever for the last 24hrs. We just need to make sure we wash our hands like crazy. She was so brave and was such a sport, especially for someone who has only been to 3 sick visits to the doctor her whole 5yrs of life! She has done really well at home so far. She ate a PB&J and some goldfish and has held it down....woohoo! For now, we are off to bed since we are exhausted and of all nights to loose an hour.....bummer. I feel like I haven't slept in four days....oh wait.....I HAVEN'T! So, thanks to the grandparents for helping out with Colton and bringing us lots of goodies to the hospital. Raelee loved the goodies, and Colton had a blast playing basketball and going to the park. (between us....he didn't miss me as much as I had hoped)

Update On Rae

Raelee had a really good night last night. She slept all night and did not run any fever. She has not vomited since yesterday around noon, so hopefully they will let her eat something today. She is STARVING. She hasn't had any solid food since Wednesday and she is down to 30lbs. They just brought our breakfast, and she is not pleased. She has jello and juice, and I have bacon, eggs, grits, and a banana. I also have pancakes, but I can't bare to let her see. The nurse is checking to see if she can have the banana. She woke up in a really good mood, and is getting back to her sassy little self. She is glad it's Saturday and all her favorite shows will be on. Aunt Alisha and Uncle Kevin got her a big art caddy with stickers and colors, so she's having fun with those. Daddy is on his way to stay for a while, so I can go home and shower and go get some hugs from my Colt man! It seems like forever.
WOOHOO....the nurse talked to the doctor and he said it was OK for her to have the banana! They are going to order her a normal diet for lunch and will see how she does. He is hoping she has gotten enough fluids and can maybe go home this evening, since she is doing so well. She is so excited to have food! I'll update at lunch and let everyone know how it goes : )

Poor Lil Raelee

I haven't blogged this week, because the Johnson house has, yet again, been infected. I was sick with a horrible bug Monday and Tuesday, then Raelee got sick Wednesday night. She was sick from both ends from 8pm til 10am the next morning....NON STOP! She was OK, off and on yesterday, and slept last night. I thought she would do good today, but no luck. We ended up taking her to the doctor, and they sent us straight to the hospital. She is dehydrated and will be getting fluids for the next couple of days. With a little luck and a lot of prayers, they said if she perks up tomorrow, we can maybe go home. Fingers crossed, but not holding breath. She has been so brave and the nurses already love her. She did soooo good with the IV, thanks to a little numbing before the stick. I have Brad's laptop, so I will keep everyone posted as often as I can. Also, thanks to Grandmother for keeping Colton the last couple of days. We have kept him as far away as possible. Brad is getting him tonight to send him love and hugs from mommy. I miss my little snuggle baby sooooo much. So, keep the Johnsons in your prayers and I will keep everyone updated.

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!