The Johnson 4

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

2010-01-09T15:43:00.005-06:00

What a Christmas! The kids had a wonderful day spending it with family... We try very hard to remember the reason we are celebrating this very special day! We have always sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, but this year we decided to bake him a cake. We made a chocolate cake with white icing, because that is what the boys thought Jesus would like.

Getting ready to bake the cake for Jesus!

The finished product -- It says "Happy Birthday, Jesus!"

With the candles on it

Andrew blowing them out!

What a day!

This is what Nathan looked like most of the day! He got a DS for Christmas from Oma and Papa!

Santa brought Nathan a new scooter!

Nathan, Andrew, and their cousin, Caden together at Nana and Grandpa's house!

Nathan and Andrew sitting in front of the manger scene at church!

I wish I would have taken more pictures this Christmas! I think I was so wrapped up in making it special for the kids... I forgot to stop and pull out my NEW camera!

Advent Season

2010-01-09T15:11:00.005-06:00

We had 4 amazing Advent celebrations at our house this year. We really enjoy having the family over for dinner and celebrating this special time of the year with everyone.

Jeff, Nathan, Andrew, and Grandpa blessing the Christmas tree!

If you look closely, you can see the holy water!

Andrew turning on the Christmas lights after we blessed the tree!

Kelli and Caden lighting the Advent candle!

We had our yearly progressive dinner with the neighborhood kids! We go to four houses -- ours being the last -- dessert... We received some sad news on this night... The Addison's are putting their house on the market... We were all sad to hear it but happy for them! Here are all the kids lined up -- 8 total kids -- 3 girls and 5 boys!

The progressive dinner happened on a Sunday during Advent this year, so we decided to do our celebration with all 4 of the families!

Beginning with a prayer

The Johnson's lighting the first candle

The Royed's lighting the second candle

The Herman's lighting the third candle

The Addison's lighting the fourth and final candle

After the Advent celebration, we had some artwork for the kids to do! They had a lot of fun making their Santas!

Decorating the House for Christmas!

2010-01-09T14:34:00.007-06:00

This year, the boys had a lot of fun setting up for Christmas! We probably have about 10 bins filled with decorations, so it is quite a family ordeal... Enjoy the pictures below of us decorating our house!

Nathan has had a Christmas tree in his room since he was little. As Andrew has gotten older (since they share a room now too), he has enjoyed decorating it with Nathan.

Jeff doing his favorite thing of all! ;)

Nathan, Andrew, and all the singing toys in front of the tree!

Could he be any cuter!?!?! I guess I am a little partial! ;)

Best Buddies!

Enjoy the video of the four of us decorating the house!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

2010-01-05T18:08:00.008-06:00

Yes, it snowed here in Missouri City on December 4, 2009. It was an amazing day for the kids. We began to have snow flurries here in the morning as we were walking into school. The snow picked up throughout the day. It began letting up as the day progressed. This is what we were greeted with when we got home that afternoon! The kids had a blast!

Our house in the afternoon

Nathan and one of his neighbor friends, Alex, building a "Texas Snowman."

Nathan and Andrew getting their snowballs ready to throw at me.

The three of us happy as clams playing in the snow!

Pumpkin Carving Fun!

2009-11-08T12:00:00.000-06:00

What a memorable carving pumpkin year! Jeff and the boys had this great afternoon planned carving their two pumpkins. As Jeff was beginning to cut into the pumpkin, he cut into his left hand. So what was planned to be a fun afternoon of pumpkin carving, turned into an afternoon at the emergency clinic getting stitches. Blake, our neighbor, came over with his little girl, Alex, to help continue the cleaning out of the pumpkins. Jeff and the boys continued the rest later in the week. Enjoy the pictures!

Setting out the newspaper getting ready to begin the pumpkin carving!

Sitting next to their pumpkins... so excited!

It has become a yearly tradition for Alex, our neighbor, to join us! This time her daddy came along to finish up the cleaning out of the pumpkins.

A couple of nights later, Jeff and the boys finished carving out the fronts of the pumpkins.

The final product and a proud little boy

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-08T11:00:00.000-06:00

For Halloween this year, we went up to Nana and Grandpa's house to celebrate. In past years, they have told us that trick-or-treating is a big deal in their neighborhood, so we decided to give it a try. They were right... the kids had a blast! I will let Captain America (Andrew), Darth Vader (Nathan), and Mickey Mouse (Caden) take over. The pictures tell a story of our day!

The first thing we did when we got to Nana and Grandpa's was play outside. The kids love to play outside when they go there!

So, I have to tell a little background information about the last picture. We love to watch "Mantracker" on TV as a family. It is a show that follows an outdoors adventure where Mantracker is supposed to search in the woods and find a couple that is running from him. I went over and asked Andrew what he was doing, and he said he was hiding from Mantracker.

Before dark, because the kids couldn't wait, we began our trick-or-treating. We started out with taking pictures of the three kids. Nathan was Darth Vader, Andrew was Captain America, and Caden was Mickey Mouse (at the last minute).

We went over to visit one of Jeff's teachers that lives in the Woodlands. We had to take a picture of Caden because he looked so confused being in a different car and car seat.

When we got back, we began the much anticipated trick-or-treating. Nathan and Andrew did not have a nap, so Andrew petered out pretty soon after we started. We made it down Nana and Grandpa's street, and he wanted to turn around. There is a little boy and girl that live on their street, and Nathan hit it off with them. Nathan and Jeff went about three streets away with the little boy and girl and their families

First house

Kelli and Caden

What a fun Halloween! Thank you, Nana and Grandpa, for hosting us! :)

Alien Bug

2009-11-08T10:00:00.000-06:00

In 1st grade, the kids participate in a BIG insect fair at our school. It is a closing to their unit on insects. We had about 3 weeks to complete the project, and if you know me, we had the project done a week ahead of time. Not only did he have to construct an insect, but he also had to write a paragraph explaining his insect. The pictures below show you from the beginning to end making "Alien Bug."

Alien Bug is well on its way to being complete.

On another note, we had a visit from the tooth fairy -- missing one of his front teeth. The other one is not far behind.

The bug's habitat

At the insect fair, the kids sat at lunch tables which lined the cafeteria. As soon as I walked in, I saw Nathan and Alien Bug sitting at the table. He was so proud of himself and his new buggy friend. Not only did I get to come down to the insect fair, he had two more special visitors there to help cheer him on.

Thank you, Oma and Papa, for making a special trip!

1st Scout Campout

2009-11-08T09:00:00.001-06:00

We went on our first scout camp out with Pack 820 to Camp Mauritz. Nathan was so excited to be able to spend some time with his tiger cub buddies. The time was very structured. The best part of the camp out was the time he got to run around with all the scouts, old and young. The campsites were set up in pods. Between each pod, there was a little trail. The kids ran from pod to pod going to war with the older kids. I was sure that was his favorite part, but when we asked him he said flag football was the winner. I will let the pictures tell the story of our first scout camp out.

In the car on the way to the camp grounds

Here are the five tiger cubs in our den...

Austin, Kyler, Nathan, Alec, and Nigel
We went on a pack hike. The kids collected big walking sticks, and we walked around the camp grounds.

Here is a couple of pictures of all boys in Pack 820.

After the hike, we started a rotation of three sports -- kickball, soccer, and flag football. As I mentioned before, flag football was Nathan's favorite. We split the kids up into three groups to rotate through the activities by size. Nathan ended up with the 2nd and 3rd graders. He had so much fun, and they were so patient with him.

KICKBALL

SOCCER

FLAG FOOTBALL

Dinner was at a pavilion on the camp grounds. We had spaghetti. Right up Nathan's alley!

After dinner, we headed over to where the campfire would take place. The neat part was the kids were able to participate in making the actual fire. Each child got to set a stick in the fire. Here is a picture of Nathan setting his in.

At the campfire, we had a flag burning ceremony. I did not know this, but there is only two ways to respectly dispose of an American flag. One thing you can do is bury it, or you can burn it. Places from around the community give us their flags to properly dispose of. We had a flag burning ceremony where we burned two flags.

The part we all had been waiting for -- roasting marshmellows.

Nathan's left overs from the marshmellows.

And a great end to an awesome, energy-filled day -- cuddling in the tent after dark.

Second Pack Meeting

2009-11-06T10:00:00.001-06:00

We had our second Pack 820 meeting October 27. At this pack meeting, the boys got their first badge called the Bobcat Badge. This required them to learn the beginning cub scout things like the salute and pledge. Enjoy the pictures from our pack meeting!

Nathan saluting during the pledge.

Four out of five of the boys in the den. Nathan is a head taller than the next tallest boy!

Receiving their "Bobcat Badge"

At this pack meeting, the kiddos also had to present a song and cheer that represents them. For some reason, I can't find the video of their song. Below you will see the video of their cheer. It did not go over well -- they clammed up. You can't even hear it on the video. We are going to give it another try at the next pack meeting!

First Go See It

2009-11-06T09:00:00.001-06:00

Our den of cub scouts went to our first "Go See It." Each month, we supposed to visit a different community place. For the month of September and October, we visited the Fort Bend Herald. One other scout showed up named Alec. They had a good time going behind the scenes of newspaper printing.

Nathan and Alec waiting to go inside.

The photo-editor took a picture of the two of them and had a fun time distorting it. I think this was the boys' favorite part!

Nathan and Alec listening to the explanation of the newspaper process!

Andrew waiting for Nathan to get done!

At the end of the presentation, they both got a newspaper. They will be printed in the newspaper for being special visitors. We are looking forward to seeing that!

*on another note* These pictures are the perfect reason why I am asking for a new camera for Christmas. It takes great pictures outside, but when we get inside the picture quality goes down the tube!

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-10-21T19:44:00.004-05:00

What a Weekend!

2009-10-18T12:00:00.001-05:00

Our weekend started out with Jeff going to do his annual visit to Andrew's school to show the kids the drums! When Nathan was at the pre-school, he ate all of this up. He loved having his daddy there and loved banging on the drums with no regards for the noise level. Andrew not so much! If you know my baby, you know he is EXTREMELY sensitive to sound. All of his life, he has struggled with his ears -- two sets of tubes and three surgeries on his nevus (pre-cancerous birthmark). We think this is going to be something he struggles with his whole life.

Andrew took his hands away from his ears long enough to hold the shaker.

Daddy holding Andrew

Sitting in the audience

Daddy showing off all the drums

Just For Grins...

2009-10-18T11:00:00.002-05:00

I thought I would attach the pictures from Nathan and Andrew's drum visit with daddy in 2007 when Nathan was in Pre-K! It just shows you how much the boys have grown and how much Nathan liked it. In Andrew's defense, he was probably not feeling 100% on Friday!

Nathan's Soccer Game

2009-10-18T10:00:00.003-05:00

Nathan had his weekly soccer game Saturday morning at 10:30. His Nana, Grandpa, Aunt Kelli, Cousin Caden, and Daddy went to cheer him on. Andrew ended up getting sick Friday night, so we were unable to attend. He still had a pretty large cheering section. He scored 7 goals during the game and assisted with some the points! WAY TO GO NATHAN!

Number 6

Talking with coach (or smiling at the camera) :)

Getting his pep talk!

Snack - the most important part of the game

Gabriel - one of his teammates

Running after the ball

Run, Nathan, Run!

Awesome game, Nathan! Wish Andrew and I could have been there to watch - next time!

Our Church Bazaar

2009-10-18T09:00:00.003-05:00

This Sunday, we went to our church bazaar. The kids get so excited to go and color their hair, faint their faces, and do all the things kids like to do. We debated on whether to take Andrew because he was still feeling a little under the weather. I am so glad we did because he had a good time, and it got him out of the house for about an hour. He didn't do much but hang out with daddy while Nathan and I went around to spend tickets. This is always such a great event for us. It is so nice to see everyone from around church.

The back of our bazaar shirt - we all got one this year.

Waiting in line for the obstacle course

Going down the slide at the end of the obstacle course

Andrew checking everything out

Nathan getting his hair painted red. Andrew would have nothing to do with Nathan after he had this done. Not only was it painted red, but it also had confetti from confetti eggs in it.

walking out to the car

We had a great time going this year. We are so excited for next year! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-14T19:36:00.006-05:00

I love my three boys! They are just amazing! I am so blessed!

PS I really need to work on being wordless... If you know me, you know that is hard! :)

The Biggest Loser

2009-10-10T19:08:00.004-05:00

At school, we are participating in the biggest loser. We paid $10 at the beginning for an entry fee. The picture I am attaching to this post is hard for me to look at much less attach to a post that I know everyone will be looking at. I think it helps a lot to have what they call a "fat picture" of yourself, so you can see the progress. Since that picture was taken, I have lost about 13 pounds. When I hit 20 pounds, I will attach a new picture for everyone to look at. Until then may the pounds melt away! :)

Andrew's First Week of School

2009-10-10T18:21:00.004-05:00

Andrew is in the 3 year old class at our church's mother's day out program. He loves to go to school. This is the same school Nathan went to when he was a little guy. We feel so blessed to be able to send our children to a preschool that prays before meals, has prayer celebrations, and focuses on Jesus. Below are some pictures from Andrew's first week of school this year.

Taking care of the babies in his class

Reading with one of his friends

Cutting in class - He is a very artistic child.
We are amazed daily at how well he can color, draw, and write.

Cleaning up his mess from picture above

Playing with the blocks

Cub Scouts

2009-10-10T17:58:00.005-05:00

Nathan has started cub scouts this fall to follow in his Uncle Will's footsteps. My brother is an eagle scout. Jeff told me that I need to learn to put my hand down more or sit on my hands while they are asking for volunteers. ;) I volunteered myself to be the den leader for Nathan's group of boys. There are 5 of them in their group. I figured that I would have to be there anyway so I may as well be in charge of what we are doing. Below are some pictures from the first pack meeting.

Nathan in his cub scout uniform. He was so proud to be in it!

A close up of Nathan in his uniform (such a mini-Jeff).

Nathan standing outside of the school waiting to get inside.

Another one of Nathan - such a proud little boy.

The back of Nathan's uniform. Go Tiger Cubs! :)

Our Big First Grader!

2009-10-10T13:48:00.005-05:00

Nathan is now in first grade at my school. He has two wonderful teachers that he adores so much! Since Jeff and I both teach, Nana has brought him to school the past two years. Here are some pictures from the first day. Sorry the camera fogged up.

Nathan and Andrew in the back of Nana's truck on the way to school.

Nathan standing out in front of the school.

Nathan stopped by and saw me. We are standing out in front of my classroom.

Nathan standing outside his classroom with his named football.

Welcome to First Grade!

Welcome

2009-10-10T13:30:00.001-05:00

Well, I have finally jumped on the band wagon! I am starting a blog for our family. This has been something that I have been wanting to do, and now it is officially starting! Hope you enjoy your "glimpse" into our family!