Friday Favorites

HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY KENNY!!!

40 Things I love about my Husband:

1. He is Masculine in EVERY Way
   
2. He is Sensitive
3. He is Strong
4. He can do anything - Really
5. He dances with me in the Kitchen
6. He loves his family more than life
7. He loves Life
8. He Loves the Lord
9. He Loves His Bible
10. He Pours out his life into our son and Loves him like crazy!
    
11. Great Calfs
12. He Cleans The Kitchen
13. He lets me have "the corner" of the couch
14. He rubs my feet
15. He is Brilliant
16. Hopeless Romantic
17. Loves Birds
18. Watches Dumb Movies with Me
19. Watches Sappy Movies with Me
20. Plays Piano Beautifully (at Church and Home)
21. Lets me sit with him and sing while he plays piano, even though I can't sing!
22. Ability to be hysterically Immature but can still
23. Carry On a Serious Conversation
24. Sexy, and let's face it, drop dead, freakin' gorgeous
    
25. Silly
26. Loves Games (and even though he knows I love to win, he will still provide good competition and try and beat me!)
27. Competitive
28. Balanced. Very Balanced
    
29. Humble
30. FULL of Forgiveness
31. Soooooooo Funny
32. Does the Dishes (well...not tonight though!)
33. Will make dinner if I'm tired..or even if I'm not
34. Wants to Provide for his family, so much, that he will throw papers 6 days a week for 5 years sometimes only getting 3 hours of sleep /night.
35. Doesn't throw papers anymore, and gets more sleep.
36. Amazing athlete - from golf to tennis to racquetball, football, kickball, etc
37. Incredible Woodworker
38. Has A "Do-It-Yourself Mentality"
39. I love how he wakes up one morning and says, "hey, lets learn Hungarian, or Mandarin before we go to China...ok? And he's serious.
40. He pours His Life into other people and loves his friends, family, extended family, and even Strangers...and is sincere.

My sweet amazing husband is one of a kind! I celebrate you today sweet love. I will also try not to be more emotional about you being 40 than you. (haha)

We will celebrate this "milestone" Birthday Saturday at our house with a Cuban "Pig-Roast" in our backyard! Please come by around 5:30 to wish Ken a Happy Birthday!

I LOVE YOU KENNY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

What do you love about Kenny? Oh Yeah. He reads My Comments...

First JV Game!!!

#6 goes for 6...Three times!!!

It was a rainy Game Day Monday Night as we sat under our umbrellas watching the Freshman and Sophomores play an amazing game, and Alec score 3 touchdowns (1 came back for someone holding, though) against Antioch!

Mimi and Papa and Ken

Alec Making his 2nd Touchdown - Look how hard the Rain is Coming Down!!! It Rained like that through the whole game!
Cheerleaders Cheering in the Pouring Rain! Go Morgan!!!

Dedicated Dads ~ Shane & Kenny
trying to stay dry!!!

William & Cameron Having Fun in the Rain!!!
"We don't need no stinkin' umbrella..."Morgan taking a break from Cheering!

Driver's Edge

Our good friends JT and Shelley hooked us up with this program that allowed kids to drive with Pro Race Car Drivers in the passenger seat, as they learned how to deal with extreme situations that you encounter when driving such as hydroplaning, sudden stops (anti-lock braking), having to swerve around obstacles, etc...

Here he is with an officer, about to put on "drunk" goggles and walk the line. Something he will never have to do....or else. There is no telling what he is saying to her!

Here is Seth with the "assimilated Drunk" Goggles on!

Here is Alec about to drive through one of the Obstacle Courses...

Thank you again to Shelley who was able to get Alec involved...it was a miracle, seeing as there was a 500 person waiting list!!! If you have a teen and are interested in taking one of these free Sunday morning courses, go here and check it out!

First Varsity Game!

GO RAPTORS!!!

Thursday August 20 - First Varsity Game agains Goodpasture

Since it was televised on UPN, we had to play on Thursday. It was a rough start, but the Raptors came out strong in the 2nd half, but were still defeated 14-7.

Not thinking that Alec was going to have any playing time (being a Sophomore), we look out at the first play of the game, and there he is..on Kickoff!!! He is #6.

GO #6!!!!

Life: Beautiful

Life: Beautiful

I recently found this magazine on one of mine and Ken's "date nights" at the bookstore! (yeah...I know a little nerdy, but don't knock it until you try it...!)

This is a quarterly Christian based magazine that is very calming to the senses. Every page, literally...is beautiful! They have thought of everything, from the layout, to the color schemes, to the content. Every photos is breathtaking.

The articles are broken down into: Family, Marriage, Life Lessons, Nutrition, Body, Projects, Home, Finances, and Stories of peoples lives. The authors in every issue include: Joyce Meyers, James Dobson, Gary Smalley, among others. It is the perfect size, with not so much content that you are overwhelmed and feel it is a chore to read through.

Favorite Things Friday!!!

The "Slimline" Velvet Hanger!!!

Have you seen these? Every Time I make a Target run, I throw a pack of these in the cart. These are the best invention! I love my hangers to be uniform, it seems to reduce the chaos-look of my already overcrowded closet! Since I don't have room for the beautiful and expensive wooden hangers, I've replaced all my white plastic hangers with these beauties, that help you gain closet space, reduces slipping, and look great!

You can purchase them at Bed Bath & Beyond, (use 20% off coupons - you can use 5 at a time, and even expired ones) or at Slimline Hangers.com. You should never pay more than $1.00 for them. They make different colors, different sizes (kids - Addie will definitely have them for her closet...maybe even in this new pink I just found....) and they are wonderful!

Blueberry Season

Ken and I went Blueberry Picking last weekend and filled up our bags with yummy, fresh blueberries that we will put in the freezer to make smoothies with! About as many went in my mouth as went in the bag! They don't use pesticides where we pick, which is why I didn't mind eating them straight off the bush (and why I almost ate a caterpillar!)

Kenny Picking Blueberries

Blueberries are full of great nutrients. They have a large amount of antioxidants ~ which fight cancer, glaucoma, varicose veins, and heart disease. They are a natural anti~inflammatory, jammed packed with Vitamins C & E. To find out more than you want to know about blueberries, go here.

THESE.....

are NOT...Blueberries. Yuck

Ken, Kel, and Al's, Daily Smoothie Recipe:
Frozen Blueberries
Frozen Strawberries
Frozen Raspberries
Banana (can be frozen)
Stoneyfield Strawberry Yogurt
Milk
Water
Ice
Honey
(Add some hidden powder that no one else knows about: Protein, Fiber, etc... I'm so tricky )

Outdoor Living

Photo: Domino Magazine
~

Most evenings in our home, usually end up with coffee and dessert on the porch ~ especially if we are entertaining! This time of the year, we can't make it to the outdoors fast enough, where the evenings are cool as the sun goes down a bit earlier, and the ebb and flow of the harmonious night creatures create a peaceful backdrop to this moment of relaxation!

Photo: Better Homes & Gardens
~

Photo: Better Homes & Gardens
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Photo: Domino Magazine
~

Photo: Domino Magazine
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Photo: Domino Magazine
~

Though we can't all have the luxury of our outdoor spaces facing the Mediterranean, or Mountains, a Beautiful Pool, or Downtown Views, we can certainly surround ourselves with pieces to force us into that "calmness" that we so desperately crave. Here are some tips in creating the perfect outdoor living spaces for entertaining and relaxation:

• Plenty of seating. It could be cushions on the floor(West Elm, World Market), a porch swing, and a couple of chairs. Loads and Loads of Cushions!!! (I love our hammock swing!)
  
• Surround the area with Flora and Fauna
• Good Lighting: Candles, Rope Lighting, Outdoor Hanging Lanterns. I love our Tiki Torches that we light on our Patio, and the circumference of our backyard.
• If you don't have a Fireplace on your porch, you can buy an inexpensive Firepit for your porch or patio at Home Depot/Target/Lowes/Wal-Mart...or you can make one like we did!
• A Water Feature. Click Here for directions on how to make a Fountain in a Clay Pot
• Tables ~ Side Tables, Coffee Tables, and/or Patio Tables, for an outdoor meal, a place to put reading materials, and drinks.
  
• Outdoor Rug
• Create Shade - if you don't have a covered area on you porch or patio, Purchase an umbrella, or tent. Decorate the inside with a string of outdoor lanterns, and create a seating area within
• Birdfeeders
• Windchimes
• Outdoor Speakers

What is essential to your outdoor Living Space? Let me know!

"Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one's labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward." ~ Ecclesiastes 5:18

Friday Favorites

The Olympics in Beijing!!!

This year, there was a lot of talk on the news, around the world, about not supporting the Olympics because of where they were being held. I know there are many reasons why various people were/are upset of China's hosting the Games. Personally, I thought it to be an extremely brave move of this very private country to host this year - very graciously I may add.

It is unfortunate that Politics always play a part in the Olympics, because of the focus being on what is wrong with this country or that country ~ there are plenty of things wrong with many countries all around the world. Yes. I do understand the differences in degrees.

But, let me just tell ya...The Olympics are about people.

I am moved to tears when I hear of the adversities that these athletes had to overcome to compete to be there. World Peace...starts with people. Not politics - which will always have it's differences. During the Opening Ceremonies, I witnessed countries from all over the world, with different political stances, different religious backgrounds, some countries are even enemies with one another... march in the SAME arena. That's pretty miraculous. There were countries that could've competed but didn't (ie: Cuba - boxing) because of political differences, and I feel bad for the athletes that have trained, and dreamed of the moment where they could have had opportunities for medals, and breaking world-records, but were shut-down because there is something about the host country that they disagree with (and probably rightly-so)...sad.

I am so thankful that the Olympics are in Beijing. China is a stunning, beautiful country, and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about this amazing culture.

I love this picture where these men from 3 different countries may not be equal in their political views, religious beliefs, or even look the same, but they have found a common denominator in their mankind, and they know it. They embrace it. They embrace each other. Different hands reaching out to one another. This is the picture that I have seen throughout this Olympics. This is the picture of Peace.

Adoption Prediction

There were rumors that China was going to shut down their adoptions the month of August because of the Olympics. While I was thankful that they didn't, they did however only match 2 days worth of LIDs this month.
Here is the update from China Adoption Forecast:

Our prediction for LID 2006-03-07

China has 39 days of dossiers to be processed before they get to your dossier. China currently processes about 5 days of dossiers each month.

Our best guess: 2009-03-01

Since China generally sends out referrals in a batch about once per month, your referral date could easily vary +/- one month depending on whether you just get included or just get missed in a particular batch.

Why My Jeans are Tighter Today...

1. Mrs. Smith's Cherry Pie
2.Puffy Muffin's Boston Cream Pie - for breakfast
3. Hot Dog with Sharp Cheddar Cheese
4. Spaghetti O's (with Calcium!)
5. Squash Casserole - healthy? Um. No. Cheddar Cheese, Stick Butter, Sour Cream
recipe here
6. Dark Chocolate M&M's...mmmmmm
7. McDougal's Chicken Strips
8. Movie Popcorn with Kernel's Parmesan Garlic Seasoning (thanks Denise!)

This is for ya'll who don't ever think I eat! hahaha
TODAY is all about salads and ice water!!!

It's Been 14 Years....

Today is our 14th Wedding Anniversary! We will celebrate by working and going to football practice, making dinner, then going to sleep!!! Can you tell it's been 14 years??? hahahaha Happy Anniversary Honey!

This was Then:

This is Now!:

First Day of School

It was an early morning at the Johnson home today. Notice the doors behind Alec? Black. The sun doesn't come up until 5:45 around here. Yep. We were up at 5:00 this morning to drive Alec to school for his first day of his Sophomore year...that he began with 5:30 a.m. Football Workouts!!! There were no smiles, no heart-shaped pancakes, the griddle was still sleeping. He was lucky to chug down a protein shake, which is possible to do with your eyes closed! All in all it turned out to be a decent first day. His schedule includes 4 Honors Classes, 1 AP Class, and a Criminal Justice Class. Pray. We do , however have a very tired 15 year-old upstairs doing his homework, preparing for another day of 2 football workouts, and a full day of school tomorrow...

Things Under a Teen Boys Bed....

Feeling a bit charitable today, I went to up to Alec's room to surprise him with a new desk from West Elm & Chair, and some organization, to prepare him for the hefty Sophomore Schedule ahead of him.

I made the mistake of looking under his bed and chair. Oh My!

1. Homer Simpson Slippers
2. Missing Homework from Last Year
3. 3,000 bottles of Gatorade/Powerade
4. A Full 2 Liter Bottle of Sprite (???)
5. Box of Blueberry Pop Tarts
6. Game Informer Magazine (thank God)
7. Cd with no case
8. Cell phone with no guts
9. Cell Phone Guts
10. Summer Reading Assignment & Algebra 2 HW due tomorrow

Our Landfill has nothing on Alec!

How do you De-Stress?

(This was a rare moment where Alec brought down his guitar and played for us!)

No matter how wonderful parents are, teenagers will still seek solace away from the world, in their rooms, usually behind closed doors, for the remainder of their years at home before college (when they are at home!). This does not bother me at all, because as a teen - not too long ago (uh-hem) myself, with wonderful parents of my own, I remember doing the very same thing, and how important it was for me to have that time to myself. If he didn't come out for food, we'd definitely get worried! He needs that time to decompress after a long hard day of school and after a physical and mental day of football practice, among other things that we may or may not know about.

For Christmas, Alec's Uncle Kevin & Aunt Shannon bought him a Takamine Guitar after hearing him play around on Ken's guitar. When he got the guitar, we immediately signed him up for a couple of guitar lessons and reminded him that there were "no strings attached" (pun intended), and that these lessons were just for him, that he could learn the guitar so that he could have something he could come home and de-stress with. With no pressure of performances and practice schedules, the guitar has become his best friend! His instructor has asked us if he could perform, and we've remained faithful to what we told Alec, and told him no, unless he wants to.

As parents who've always pushed Alec to do his best, it has been a good lesson for all of us.

We all need something to do that we enjoy, where there is no pressure to perform, or to perfect...just something we can "lock ourselves in our room" and do for our own enjoyment. I Blog. Ken plays the Piano. Alec plays the guitar - very well I may add! I love to hear him play. He is actually very talented, practically teaching himself the songs he wants to know. You may never see him on a stage, or hear him on the radio, and sorry in advance if you ask him to play for you and he doesn't. However, I do have a couple of video shots of the door with a faint guitar sound behind it....

What Color Should I Paint?

Color is what pulls everything together in a room. It can change a space's mood from energetic to calm. From Romantic to Spicy. It can enhance your furniture and defines your space. One of the hardest choices for people wanting a change, is which color to paint their walls. With thousands of choices, it can be hard to narrow down which color to paint.

If you are stuck, and need a color, Click HERE to take the "Color Personality" quiz. Perhaps this will remove the angst when standing in front of the color board at a paint store!

Out of curiosity (and boredom), I took the quiz, and it was "spot-on"! Now I've got to figure out which walls I want repaint....again. (Sorry , honey!) Ken is convinced that our rooms continue to get smaller because of all the coats of paint!!!! Apparently I like Whites and Creams!

I have to say a big "Thank You" to my new friend Michelle from Shabby Creations! If you like the Layout of my blog, click on her website, and she'll hook you up! I love this layout for our blog. Especially the beautiful birds!

Who Will Care for My Daughter?

I had a vivid dream last night about our adoption...

I was shopping at a very busy mall...just living my life, when I noticed 2 small baby China girls (sisters) giggling and playing on an escalator. I could see their mom who was keeping a loving, watchful eye on both of her daughters. All of a sudden, the youngest girl fell and scuffed up her knee. She was alone. And hurt. My first reaction was to pick this baby up to hold her and care for her wound, just like I would if it were my own son, So I looked over to her mom who tried to get to her, but she couldn't. I saw the worry in her eyes that she was unable to care for her, you see, her circumstances, where she was located, she couldn't care for her daughter - it was too crowded, there were too many people. She was too far away for me to have a conversation with her asking her permission to trust me - a stranger, to let me help her daughter, but as I met eyes with this mom, she nodded her head in gratefulness, and sadness, as if she was giving me sorrowful permission for me to step in her place and pick up her daughter and care for her as she was hurt. Her mother was thankful that I was there, but sad that she was unable to care for her daughter. Her daughter just needed to be held, picked, up, cared for, loved. She was hurt and scared and lonely, and she wanted her mommy.

As I reached to pick up this small beautiful, but hurt child, she looked at my face and stopped crying. She let me hold her for a moment , but then my dream took a twist...she became a scared kitten. And if you have ever held a kitten who was hurt, they fight the one who is reaching out their hand - it has nothing to do with the caregiver..they just hurt, and they don't know why. So I held on to the kitten as it began to flail, and scratch - it wasn't pretty, and I'm pretty sure I got scratched up in the process! Once I was off the escalator, and in the presence of my family and friends I felt safe enough to put her down so that she could calm herself. Even though she didn't know where she was, I knew and trusted the people around me. We were all watching out for her.

This kitten became our Addie Grace! And even though this is the point of the dream where I woke up, I know how it ends!

"Lord, I pray that you keep a watchful eye and loving arms around our Sweet Adeline Grace. I pray that you give her birth mother the strength to let her go and fill her heart and soul with a confidence knowing that she will be held and loved and taken care of. Let her know that we will tell her how much her birth mommy loved her and that she was wanted. Lord, I know there will be a time of grieving and hurt in her little heart and I pray that you hold her in your arms until we can be there to scoop her up and kiss her face. I pray that as she goes through her grieving stage when we arrive to bring her home, she will come to love us and trust us quickly, so that we may tend to her wounds and she will soon be giggling with our family. I know our meeting her is your perfect timing, so we will continue to live our lives and wait on You."

Seeds of Change

"For I know the Plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm your, plans to give you a future , and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Every year I plan out a small section of our garden to add red and white vincas. I am very particular about it, and if not too busy, make sure that it is free of weeds and watered regularly. As I was walking past this small mound of flowers I noticed an intruder...something had plopped itself smack-dab in the middle of my flowers! Running late, I didn't have a moment to yank it out of the ground, and then forgot about it. Well, as the sun continued to beat down day after day, I noticed that this weed, this "interruption" in my plans, had become more full.

As I bent down to rip it out of the ground, my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to walk away and see what would become of this green leafed sprout. I am so glad I did, because when I pulled in the driveway a few days later, there were 3 beautiful yellow faces greeting me home! I grabbed my camera and ran over to the mini-sunflowers and snapped a picture. I was so glad I didn't rip it out of the ground!
You see, God has a plan for our plans. He wants us to make plans, but He also wants us to trust Him. In the middle of our plans, we need to know that He may have something else in mind, and we should be patient to see it come to fruition, even if it doesn't look good at the time. Not only did this "interruption" cause me great joy when I returned from an exhausting day, it is serving a purpose for this beautiful butterfly!

"Lord, teach me accept your plans in the middle of mine, and help me to trust the direction you are taking me in, even if I don't see the outcome immediately." I love how the Lord speaks to us so greatly in such small things!

Dining In

What in your home evokes a sense of PEACE? Is it color? The way your furniture is arranged? I love this picture of a dining room. The earthy colors of blues and greens among a backdrop of white is very comforting and clean . The slipcovered settee and chairs in a soft-hued linen warm the "could-be" coldness of the iron rail, stone table-top and planter base, and starkness of white. I can see deep conversation, light-hearted humor, or an intense game of cards in this setting. All that's lacking are the hors d'oeuvres and fruit tea!
photo: McAlpine, Booth, & Ferrier