Treats on Main

One of the very best things about living in our small town is celebrating holidays here.  Each year, fire trucks block off the main street through downtown Wilmore (all 2 blocks of it) and businesses hand out candy and host carnival-like games for children.  It’s a safe place for kiddos to enjoy the fun of  Halloween and avoid the creepy, scary, evil side of the holiday.  We also love the fact that our boys get just enough candy that they are able to feel like they’ve hit the jackpot – but, not enough that we are eating it for days or weeks. 

Brad was out of town this weekend (we missed you), spending some time with his brother(we love you Uncle Rob).  Thankfully, my parents were here visiting with us and agreed to endure the torture go along with us on our trick-or-treating adventure.  Sam and Luke ran around the house getting their costumes on with a level of excitement that was almost contagious.  Caleb, however, was immune to this frenzy.  He was not happy about wearing his pumpkin costume.  Matthew was looking down at his frog costume and looking a little concerned.  It’s not everyday that your mom makes you look like a frog.  {grin}

We managed to get everyone dressed and ready to go – Matthew nearly ran to the van…such an eager little candy beggar.

 

 

My dad wedged himself between the two car seats in the back of our mini-van (he really loves his grandsons) and we were off.  Sam and Luke were chanting “trick or treat…trick or treat…” and Caleb was crying.  Imagine the chaos.  I chose to remind myself that we were making memories! {grin}

I did manage one picture of all of my little men together…poor little Caleb is barely visible in the back of the stroller.  I didn’t have the courage to try to get a better picture. 

 

It was such a blessing to have extra adult coverage for the troops.  My mom pushed the stroller through the crowd (she was pointing out two little dogs dressed as ballerinas to the boys).

   Luke pulled my dad from candy station to candy station – in wide-eyed wonder of the costumes around him.  Sam held my hand tightly and surveyed the crowd to see if he spotted any of  his friends from school or creepy costumes that wanted to avoid.  He held me captive to the point that I was unable to take his picture. {grin}  He was thrilled to find some of his friends from school…and thought it was so funny that he didn’t recognize his friend who was wearing “fake hair.”

We collected our treats and scurried home to get the little boys in bed.  Sam and Luke enjoyed passing out candy to the kids who visited our house.  Luke said, “Batban (Batman) is coming to our house!”  Sam wished them all a “Happy Halloween!”  It was chaotic, busy, blessed and sweet.  {grin}

Mr. Mayor

We are appreciating Sam’s school more and more as the school year progresses.  Today, instead of the traditional Halloween party with costumes and tons of sugar…they asked children to dress up as “community helpers.”  They are just wrapping up a unit studying these people who make our communities run smoothly and keep people safe.

Sam chose to dress up as the mayor.  The mayor of our small town happens to be an usher at our church each week, so Sam is familiar with him.  He even considers him a friend.  I love small town living.  {grin}

So, here is my sweet boy…the mayor.

Wouldn’t you vote for this guy? {grin}  Gotta love the forced smile…maybe he is a politician at heart.

A Camel, Really?

One day a few weeks ago, I went to the grocery with all four of my boys.  Usually, I try to go with only one or two of them…gives them a little “individual” attention and helps me keep my composure while I am shopping.  {grin} The ultimate treat is to go alone after everyone is asleep.   It’s just easier that way.  However, there are times when we all simply have to go.  Brad has been working tons of hours the past several weeks…working all day and then returning to his office after our little ones are tucked in for the night.  The thought of my children being hungry seemed worse than going shopping with all of them, so off we went! 

The boys are typically well behaved.  Before we unbuckle seatbelts, I tell them exactly what we are going to do and how I expect them to behave.  This leaves no questions or room for misunderstandings once we are inside the grocery store.  The greatest challenge in shopping with all four boys is the logistics.  Caleb and Matthew need to be in a cart…and I am not so good at managing two shopping carts and two boys on foot.  So, when everyone is along for the shopping trip – we head to Kroger.  The lovely folks at that store offer a cart with two seats for babies in some of their carts.  The ultimate Johnson-mobile is the shopping cart with two baby seat up front and a brightly colored plastic car for Luke to sit in down below.  I really need to take a picture of this sometime.  It’s really too cute! 

So, back to the day we went shopping a few weeks ago… 

I had Caleb (the lightest weight twin by 5 lbs) in the carrier on my back, I was carrying Matthew in my right arm, holding Luke’s hand with my left arm – and Sam was holding Luke’s other hand.  We were walking into the store to get to our shopping cart when a nice middle-aged man approached us and said to me, “ Wow!  You look like a camel!”  I think I must have looked shocked, because he immediately followed that comment with, “You have so many good helpers.”  A camel.  Really?  Sam immediately looked at me and giggled.  He has been laughing about it for days now.

A camel?  Really? {grin}

Favorite Foto Friday…and Frustration.

I had invested lots of time…okay, a little bit of time…in a post for yesterday.  It has now been officially lost – somewhere in the deep recesses of my computer.  I suppose that is one of the drawbacks to using LiveWriter.  I will share more about that later…now, onto Favorite Foto Friday.

This is my sweet niece, Grace.  Apparently, the Christmas of 2002 wasn’t too profitable…she ended up playing in the laundry basket at my parents house.  She is now a lovely 8 year old girl…and just as beautiful.  My boys love to spend time with her – we only wish we lived closer.  We love you, Gracie!

Favorite Foto Friday

I love, love, love this picture of my sweet Matthew.   He is wearing a “crown” that Sam made at school.  It has a timeline of the life of a pumpkin on it.  Matthew just thinks it is incredibly fun to wear.  He delights in putting it on his head…giggling…then pulling it down to his neck…then giggling even harder.  {grin}  Such a sweet little guy.

The Giveaway Winner is….

 

My very dear friend, Sarah!  We have been friends for a long time…over ten years, I think.  I am certain that it was long before anyone called us “mommy.”  Sarah and her husband, Chris, are now the proud parents of three adorable little ones.  You can learn more about Sarah and her adventures in motherhood and her heart for orphans/adoption advocacy by clicking here.

 

I used Random.org and the winning post was #3…

Chris and Sarah said...

I posted on my blog. =)

October 9, 2009 1:17 PM

 

Congratulations, Sarah!  I can’t wait to see what you choose!

Monday, Monday…

Another weekend has flown by at lightning speed…how does that happen?  The other five days of the week often crawl by at a snails pace – but, the weekend is over in the blink of an eye.  Maybe our time together as a family is so little and so precious that we try to cram in too much. 
The boys are all coming down with a cold.  The amount of sneezing and snotting going on around here is amazing.  If it weren’t so gross, it would be impressive.  I am constantly armed with a tissue…and my services are needed often.  There are many things I will miss about having young children…wiping noses will not be one of them.  Oh yeah, and reassembling sippy cups after they have been washed will also not be on  my list of “things missed” from this season of motherhood. 
However, the bonus of having little ones who are a bit under the weather is that there are many more snuggles and opportunities to smooch their soft, chubby cheeks.  I am also reminded that a passing cold is annoying, but not such a big deal.  When I get tired, frustrated, and annoyed with the things that go along with having ill little ones…I try to remind myself to be grateful (sometimes, it even works).  Somewhere there is a mom who has a sick little one who doesn’t have access to good health care or a mom who has a little one who is chronically ill and would love to only have a nose to wipe instead of an entire daily routine to care for them.
So, I am learning to pray more – asking for God’s help.  I desperately need Him to help me be patient when I am tired, to remain calm when it’s chaotic, and to remain grateful for the joy of mothering these little men of mine.  

So, when life has you in a tight spot – call on the Lord & be thankful!  {grin}

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, 

to all who call on Him in truth.     

Psalm 145:18

Photo Jewelry Give-Away

My brother, Jeff, is a great guy and a mechanical genius.  Since he was a young man, he has been tinkering with cars and he has even made a career of it.  He owns an auto parts store...and he's doing well in spite of the economy.  It's a blessing to have a brother with some auto-know-how...he saved my poor beater car in high school more than once.  Most recently, he rescued me and my niece when we had a flat tire.  As "handy" as my brother is...he is married to someone equally as "crafy."

My sister-in-law, Laura, is an amazing mom to my three nieces and my one nephew, she works full-time as a elementary school teacher, she is a zoo-keeper to the brood of pets at her house, and she also makes some amazing jewelry. She has an "etsy" site...full of jewelry really reflects her heart...what she values and treasures.  Each piece she creates is unique, because it's crafted with a photo(s) you choose.  She has made several pieces for me...and I always get compliments and folks asking how they can get something made for themselves.  I literally get asked so often that I now carry her business cards in my wallet.  {grin}  It's amazing jewelry, the quality is great, it's unique, and it makes a great gift for someone special - she even has some things for men.

TELZ... Life TELZ a story, memories last a lifetime.

Grackilee's Shop Announcement

Fall is here!!! Time to get ready for Christmas. Look here for meaningful, long lasting gifts that will be treasured.

I will be adding some new items for the holiday season.

Welcome to my shop !!! Stop in for awhile and check out my fun, personalized, one of a kind jewelry and assessories.

I love to do custom work. I don't like to make all things the same over and over so some things pictured may be just a little different from the photo. I will be sure to let you know what may be just a little different. Maybe some different beads... Nothing major, and of course your ideas are most important.

I guarantee all of my work forever as long as I am around anyway. If you ever have problems, please let me know. I will fix it right up for you.

I have also done several pieces of memorial jewelry to remember lost loved ones and even pets.

Enjoy shopping and please let me know if you have any questions. You can also reach me at Lulee13136 [!at] aol.com.

Thanks a bunch, Laura
 

**You can win $30 in jewelry from Laura's Etsy Site!**

The more times you enter, the greater chance you have to win...here's how you do it.

1. visit Laura's Etsy site, choose something you'd like to win, then leave a comment on my blog telling me what you chose.
2. post about this give-away on your blog and you'll earn another entry.
3. leave a comment telling me how you found my blog and you'll receive another entry.
   

 The winner will be randomly chosen on Wednesday, October 14th.  Please remember to leave your e-mail address in your comment so I can contact you if you win.  {grin}

A Great Give-Away

Since only a handful of friends/family follow our blog...you have an excellent chance of winning an amazing prize.  Stay tuned for more info...this is gonna be big! {grin}

Family Foto Fun...kind of.

Taking family photos of the Johnson Tribe is a difficult task.  Really, imagine getting four very busy, squirmy, independent little men to all stand/sit still and look in the same direction...difficult, at best.  However, I just choose to laugh - and hope that the essence of our family at this time in our lives is captured in some lovely images that I will treasure forever.  So, I don't mind photos of my little men squealing, running away, making silly faces, or even crying - afterall, that is who they are at this age. 

So, a few weekends ago, my hubby and I loaded up the little men and headed for Keeneland, where we met our friend and fabulous photographer, Carissa Martin.  The next few minutes were a flurry of people doing all sorts of entertaining things to get our boys to sit still and look at the camera.  It was hysterical!  The wind was blowing my hair everywhere.  Caleb was slobbering - leaving large wet spots on his shirt.  Luke was lovingly try to hold his baby brother - it was not received in the spirit it was intended.  Sam was doing his best to follow directions in spite of not wanting to wear his "handsome" shirt. Brad and I could only laugh at the hilarity of it all.  Well, on second thought....I am not so sure that Brad was laughing - but, he was making the best of it.  {grin}

You can be sure that Carissa is indeed a professional, she was able to get a few good shots of the Johnson Tribe.  These will be treasured almost as much as the memory of this photo shoot.

 

 

 

 

Baby Talk

Well, I know that at 20 months old, the twins are hardly babies anymore.  But, they are certainly my babies.  They are chatting up a storm lately…so adorable.  It’s really fun to see them begin to communicate with us.  Aww…I love baby talk.  {sigh}

both babies say:

• all done (both still sign this while saying it)
• hi
• hot
• uh oh
• bye bye
• Dada
• Momma
• cookie
• Elmo
• attempt to sing the “ABC song” – so cute
• baby
• more (Matthew still signs this when he says it)
• juice
• milk
• AMEN - with great gusto!  They both bow their heads and reach to hold hands (as does our entire family)while we pray before a meal.

 

Caleb:

• down (said when actually requesting to be picked up)
• Sam
• cookie
• outside
• shoe (when we are getting ready to leave, I tell the boys we need to get our shoes on.  They both run to their bedroom and sit in the rocking chair – waiting to have their shoes put on)
• Gran (my mom)
• Nee Nee (Brad’s mom)
• brother

 

Matthew:

• book
• dog
• Pa (my dad)
• eat
• silly
• apple
• Cal Cal (Caleb’s nickname)
• ni ni (nighty night)
• hat
• sock