Johnson's Christmas 2008

What a wonderful Christmas we had! I'm feeling so very blessed. This year we had the chance to be with both sides of our family this year to celebrate so I'm grateful for that.

We made plans to meet up with the Popes on Christmas Eve for dinner at Outback Steakhouse. On the way there we got a call from Ryan's youngest brother, Jordan, who is serving a mission for our church in Taiwan. It was so great to hear his voice! We hadn't spoken to him since May and he sounded really good. When you serve a mission you get to call home twice a year; once on Mother's Day, and then again Christmas Day. It was 5 am his time on Christmas Day when he called so he woke up extra early to call all of the family. I'm not sure why, but I got real teary eyed while talking to him, I guess I just know he's really missing his family a bunch, and also that we're all just so proud of him...We miss him!

Dinner with the Pope's was lots of fun. It was so much fun being around the kids because they were all beyond excited for the big man's visit.

When we got home(around 6:30!) Addyson was already ready to go to sleep, she knows that Santa won't come near your house unless you're sleeping. We put a bowl of water and some reindeer food out for Rudolph and his buddies, then got our ice cream and cookie ready for Santa(our Santa is an ice cream fiend so we have to give him what he likes;-)

I was so excited to see the faces on my little girls on Christmas morning that I didn't sleep much that night. I don't think that Christmas excitement we have as kids ever goes away!

The next morning was pure joy and excitement! Addyson was squealing as she saw what Santa brought her, and Delaney, even though she didn't have a clue as to what was happening, loved it too. They each had their favorite gifts, and Ryan and I did too. Santa hooked us UP this year! I think out of everything Santa brought her, this was Addyson's favorite thing, she is forever glued to it. Delaney had a few favorites as well, but this was the winner. She's had so much fun playing with everything she got, I think she was extra good this year. Santa did do something new this year, he got us a family gift which we love! I'll be taking this everywhere I go. Ryan did a little post-Christmas shopping and picked himself up a new flat screen TV that he wants to put in his "man cave". Should be fun to see it once it's up.

After the presents were opened and the naps were taken, we packed up and headed to The Lahiere's house for Christmas dinner. It was a blast! Brandy and Bobby's house was decorated to the hilt and it looked beautiful. Courtney and her boys were there along with Mom and Dad and my sweet grandmother, Maw Maw. After the kids played outside for a bit we had a yummy dinner, followed by more presents. We finished off the evening with a table full of sweets for dessert. Nothing could have made Christmas better than to be able to spend it with people we love...

Now we get to look toward 2009 and reflect upon 2008. There were definitely some ups and downs this past year, but more ups thank goodness! I know that 2009 will bring us that much more happiness and I can't wait to see what great things will happen to our little family...stay tuned!

Happy Holidays to you and yours~

"Mom, just ONE, PLEEEEEEASE?!"

This is what Addyson has been asking me all morning, she wants to open just ONE present; "Nope!" I say. It's driving her nuts. I told her that maybe tonight she and Lane can exchange their gifts to each other...Such an impatient little girl!

While we're "patiently" awaiting the arrival of the man with a white beard, we're tracking him here, Addyson loves it!

In all seriousness, I am reminding Addyson of what the true meaning of Christmas is and why we're doing all of this; to celebrate the birth of our wonderful and loving Savior, Jesus Christ. Ryan and I have tried to help her focus on the birth of Christ, and the fact that this is what Christmas truly is about. It's fun watching her get that sparkle in her eye when she sees me put yet another gift under the tree, but at the same time, I want her to understand why it is that all of this is happening. One day she'll get it, and I can't wait for the day that she and her sister will have the same special feeling I do this time each year.

I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and I owe everything good in my life to Him.

Good Times With My Girls

We had a great weekend. Yesterday morning Addyson and I took off and left Dad and Delaney at home for a few hours to run some errands. We started out at one of our favorite stores, Hobby Lobby, to get a few things to finish gifts for our sweet neighbors on our block. Then we hit HEB, and finally ended up at the nail salon to get our toes done. This is one of Addyson and my favorite things to do together, I love having a girl to do "girly" stuff with, and I'm glad she loves it as much as I do...

After nap time we went to Babies R Us to get a gate to keep Delaney from going down the stairs when we're in the game room. Finally, I can relax while the girls are up stairs playing! While we were at BRU, Geoffrey the Giraffe was there taking pics, so Addyson being the animal lover she is insisted on getting her and Delaney's pic taken with him. They turned out really cute. Delaney caught a glimpse of her Dad and she turned on her cute smile!

One of Those Days

*sigh* We've all had em', and I had mine today...

Addyson started getting sick yesterday, and this morning she was feeling just as bad. She woke up grouchy(as to be expected, she doesn't feel well). Then Laney woke up a bit earlier than usual, and I find that her diaper had leaked. I have prided myself on the fact that this child has never had any accidents, and this morning she did. No big deal, but it all just kind of set the tone for the day.
Kind of a let down when I looked at the clock and realized it was only 7:45 am!

I may have been a bit hard on Addyson today, but this is my first time having a 4 year old, and I'm trying to learn my way as her parent, just as she's trying to learn her way in this world.

Delaney is as sweet as she can be, but she is into everything, Addyson was never like this, WOW! I spent my afternoon chasing her, making sure she didn't go up the stairs, get into the entertainment center, or get into Addyson's room. I had to wake her up early from her nap(the thing a Mom never wants to do!)to go pick Addyson up from a gymnastics thing, and that was no fun. I was half tempted to call my neighbor to see of she'd come over and sit w/ Delaney while I was gone, but I decided not to.

The day wasn't all bad though. I went out for some retail therapy just after Laney went to bed and got all of Ryan's Christmas presents bought, yay me! It was nice to get out by myself, I even drove through Starbucks for one of my favorite treats, a Grande' Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. Not something I usually do, especially being on my wheat and dairy free diet, but I thought tonight I'd go for it;-)

It was nice to get home and find one of my girls sleeping, and the other one waiting to snuggle me in her bed. We had some good talks and I'm glad I got to end a not so good day on a sweet note with my oldest. She's a good girl...

In the grand scheme of things, I'm glad I have a sick child that had a monster of a tantrum today, and one that had a leaky diaper that is determined to destroy my house. If I didn't have those things to deal with, I wouldn't have my girls, and they are the biggest blessings of all to me.

My New Find

When I find something new that I love whether it be a mascara, fun toy for one of my girls, perfume, etc., I have to share it with anyone that will listen.

My newest favorite find are these! They arrived today, they're an early Christmas present to myself:-) They are so comfy, and I think they're pretty cute!

I spilt a bit of hot chocolate on them and it wiped right off, very practical for a spill prone person such as myself, ha...

My Helpful Husband

So along with giving up my daily Cokes, I've given up wheat and dairy products. I'm following a new diet according to what blood type I am. It's really interesting, and it's actually making me feel much better. I started the diet last Thursday and already I can tell a difference. I'm Type A+, so that means basically that I'd make a great vegetarian(umm no, I'll never go 100% that direction). No red meat or pork, my focus should be on fruits, veggies, fish, and chicken, but even chicken should be limited.

The first few days were rough and I was a grouchy person! Ryan was such a help. He and I went over the list of the foods that I should be eating and we devised several menus that would work. One night he made me several pieces of salmon to eat over the course of a few days, he's made me some omelets, and tonight it's chicken stir fry. He's awesome. He works all day, and still he comes home and makes dinner for us.

He also made these really yummy cookies(I had to try one bite!)for Addyson to give to her teachers, and for us to give to friends and neighbors. He got the recipe from Alton Brown, his favorite chef on The Food Network.
Here's the recipe;

Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies

1 batch Sugar Cookies, recipe follows
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Directions
Divide the dough in half and add chocolate and vanilla to 1 half and incorporate with hands. Add egg yolk, peppermint extract, and crushed candy to other half of dough and incorporate with hands. Cover both with plastic and chill for approximately 5 minutes. Roll out doughs separately to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Place peppermint dough on top of chocolate and press together around the edges. Using waxed paper or flexible cutting board underneath, roll dough into log. Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Remove dough from the refrigerator and cut into 1/2-inch slices. Place cookies 1-inch apart on greased baking sheet, parchment, or silicone baking mat and bake for 12 to 13 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time. Remove from oven and let sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Sugar Cookie:
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk
Powdered sugar, for rolling out dough
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Place butter and sugar in large bowl of electric stand mixer and beat until light in color. Add egg and milk and beat to combine. Put mixer on low speed, gradually add flour, and beat until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl

Aren't they pretty??

I'm grateful for my husband and his wonderful culinary skills!

January, February, March, April, May...

Normally it's like pulling teeth trying to get out of Addyson what she did at school when I pick her up. She's pretty tight lipped until a few days later when she belts out a new song that she's learned.

Tonight just after dinner she started singing a new one, and here it is. It's pretty catchy, I've been humming it for the last little while.

I'm proud of her, I didn't know my months of the year until at least Kindergarten!

No More!

I made a monumental decision today and it's one that has been a long time coming...No More Cokes, ever!

Anyone that knows me knows that I keep the Sonic on Westheimer Pkwy in business with my almost daily Diet Dr. Pepper's w/ Vanilla. Lately I've been feeling really sluggish late in the afternoon, and I know it's because that's when the caffeine has worn off. I don't like being dependent on something like that. And if I haven't had a Coke(ok, anyone in the South knows that a Coke means any carbonated soda, just to clarify)each day by noon I get a raging headache that I won't be able to get rid of, not fun anymore.

Today was the first day in I can't tell you how long that I have not had a Coke, yay me! No headaches and sluggishness to speak of.

I'm putting this up on my blog so I can feel that much more accountable for not having anymore Cokes. I'm done! Well, I might have to stop by Sonic for the occasional Cranberry Limeade;-)

Dr.'s Visit and Dinner for a Cold Night

This morning Addyson had her 4 year well visit at Dr. Lentsch's office. Yes, that means shots. She was 4 in early September, so you do the math, I put this off for as long as I could. I begged and pleaded with Ryan to take her to the appointment and he reluctantly said yes.

As he was getting her dressed this morning I heard a scream come from our bathroom, yep, he broke the news to her that she was getting shots(not sure why he didn't tell her on the way to the Dr., or at least until they got there?). She comes to find me and says, "Mom, Dad says I'm getting shots today, do I have to?" She had the most pitiful look on her face and I felt bad for her.

She got her shots and Ryan said it was pretty traumatic(a hangnail is traumatic for our little drama queen, so you can imagine how bad this was), so he took her to Toys R Us to pick out ONE toy. Notice the word ONE is emphasized here, ONE toy. Well, they came home with THREE toys. Ugh! The man doesn't know how to say no, but I'm sure he was feeling bad for her. I just wish he would have left a few things for Santa to get her *sigh*.

I also promised her lunch at Chick-Fil-A and told her she could play there for a bit. I'd say she racked up in the sympathy department today...

Anyway, our "baby" is all done with her immunizations! Next round of shots will be much later, or if/when she decides to travel to the rain forest or a third world country.

Thanks Ryan for letting me off the hook and taking her for me!
(the above pic is how I found her just after she got home, guess those shots took their toll!)
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I usually think soup or stew when it's really cold outside, and tonight is no exception!

We're having Broccoli-Cheese Soup with Cornbread tonight;

Broccoli-Cheese Soup

10 3/4 ounce can cream of celery soup
10 3/4 ounce can cheddar cheese soup
1 1/4 C milk
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp pepper
1 C shredded cheddar cheese
2-3 C broccoli, chopped and cooked

Combine soups, milk, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. Add cheese; stir until melted. Add broccoli and continue to stir over low heat until soup is heated through. Serves 4 to 6.

And I'm making a pan of cornbread, just a mix I got at the store. A trick my Mom taught me; add 1 can of creamed corn to the mix, it makes it really yummy!

With the leftover cornbread I usually have cornbread and milk, and old Southern treat that Ryan makes fun of me for eating;-) If you weren't born in Texas, I guess you just don't get it! Just ask my Mom and sisters, this stuff is awesome. Crumble 2-3 pieces of cornbread into a tall glass, then pour milk to the top of the glass, heaven! Stay warm and enjoy!

Houston, We Have a Walker!

Delaney is really getting the hang of walking and it's so much fun to watch her doing it. Both our girls began walking within a month of their 1st birthdays, so she is right on target!

She's also developing a real crush on Addyson, so when she does walk, it's usually over to see what big sister is up to.

Yay for babies walking instead of crawling!

Addyson-isms

This girl is so funny, at any given moment she can say the goofiest stuff. She keeps Ryan and me laughing all the time...

Today as we were driving home from school she said something that made me turn down the radio and ask her to tell me what she said a second time.

Yesterday our housekeeper Gloria came and cleaned, and Addyson always gets so excited after she's gone and we have a spotless house(guess housework isn't my greatest talent??). She gets really obsessive about trying to keep all the toys picked up in the game room and living room.(but that obsessiveness only lasts for a day or 2) So today as we were driving home she says, "Mom, you shouldn't bring anymore babies home from the hospital because they just mess up the house and make it unclean. Are you going to bring anymore babies home??" Ha! I had to do a double take on that question. Too funny....

Never a dull moment with this little four year old!

Great Friends

Isn't it wonderful to have great friends?? I'm blessed to have a few that I really love...

Today I loaded up the girls and we paid a visit to one of my dearest friends, Carolyn, and 2 of her kiddos, Matthew and Madelyn. We used to go to the same church as them when we lived in Pearland, and she was one of my Visiting Teachers. From the first time we chatted on the phone back in 05', we instantly clicked! We have so much in common that we could talk for hours.

It was nice to go back to Pearland today and see all the familiar places we used to go. It brought back so many memories of when Addyson was a baby. That was a great time in our lives!

Thanks for having us out today Carolyn, we enjoyed seeing you guys...I was half tempted to steal Madelyn and Matthew and take them home with me, we love them! :)

Our Little Girls

After searching for a few months, I finally found the "right" photographer to take some pics of our girls. I needed some one year pics done for Delaney, and I wanted some shots of Addyson too. We headed out to Old Katy where there are some really cool old rice mills and had our session there. Both girls were pretty tired, but I was impressed at how well they did while the camera was in their faces.

They're not your run-of-the-mill-sit-by-the waterfall pics, but I wanted something a little different, and this is what I got. I'm proud of them, thanks again Kelly!!