Things I Love... Lately.

• Time Alone with My Husband
• Staying Home with Our Boys
• Words of Affirmation
• Taking Pictures
• Piles of Laundry
• Learning to Cook...  More.
• Laughter 
• Pretending and Imaginations of 3 Brothers
• Messy Floors
• Heroes, Ninja Turtles, and Bubble Guppies
• Party Planning
• Teaching
• Crafting
• Painting
• New Contact Prescription
• Plans to Celebrate our 7th Anniversary
• Family who is ALWAYS willing to help
• Church Home who is ALSO Family
• Reading the New Testament
• Pajama Wearing
• Thirty-One Make Up Bag 
• Vera Bradley
• Polka Dots, Chevron, and Houndstooth
• Anticipation of Vanderbilt Football - hurry back!
• History and Memories
• Antibiotics and Inhalers
• Soccer Season is COMING for a certain 4-year-old
• Expanding Vocabulary of a certain 21-month-old
• A certain 3-year-old coming out of his shyness
• When brothers play TOGETHER
• Hearing children quote scripture
• When little boys ask to hear the Bible
• When prayers are answered...  clearly.
• For an opportunity to speak to fathers and daughters
• Friends
• Silliness
• Smiles
• Supper at the Kitchen Table
• Pre-K - such a fun age, and I get to teach my own preschooler and 11 others that I adore!
• Moments like these:

Thoughts on Three

Today, I'm on my own.  With three little boys.  Did I mention that I am by myself?!

Both Brian and my mom had taken two weeks off of work when Elias was born, and here we are, two weeks later, and I am on my own.  I feared the worst, to be honest.  Last night, I was so overwhelmed with the day ahead that I could barely sleep.  However, despite the fact that it's only 2:00 in the afternoon, the boys and I have already had showers, arrived ON TIME to the pediatrician's office, took a trip to the grocery, and ate lunch and a snack.  Currently, not a single child is crying.  The older boys are playing together in their room, and Elias is napping.  What did I have to fear?!  Sure, there have been moments today when I almost lost it...  for starters, how in the world did I forget wipes when packing the diaper bag?!  Why did I not have an extra shirt for MYSELF in the van?!  AND, what was I thinking when I thought going to get four gallons of milk with three kids in tow was a good idea?! 

I'm learning a lot about parenting, motherhood, children, and myself during this precious time.  People said we were going to have our hands full when they learned we were pregnant with Elias.  People also said that three under three was insane.  They mentioned that we'd go crazy, go nowhere, and get very little sleep.  While some of that may be true, my thoughts on having three are a bit different than those given to me prior to Elias' arrival and the transition from two children to three under three. 

Here are just a few:

• It takes at least 10 minutes to load the van, 20 minutes to change diapers and potty, and 30 minutes to pack to go anywhere. 
• Even with a mini-van, there is not enough room for us all.  Our car seats, extra clothing and diapers, and collection of strollers take up more space than should be allowed. 
• Diapers/Pull-ups/Overnites for three children are more expensive than gas.  I'm so thankful for the stockpile I've created in my garage.
• There is no diaper bag big enough to carry everything we need when we're all together, and sometimes, each child needs a bag of their own. 
• 30+ pounds aren't that heavy until you bring home an 8 pound baby.  My toddlers are breaking my back on a daily basis.
• Forget not having enough hands...  I don't have enough eyes or ears to keep up with the boys!
• Lack of sleep never is easy.  Even if you are used to it.  Going to bed early is key.
• Hand-me-downs are amazing.  Dressing our children would be impossible without them.  This is why I have yet to consign ANYTHING of ours.
• Lunch is the hardest hour of the day.  The older two cry if they don't get what they want, the baby is screaming for what he wants, and I am doing my best to hold it together!  :)
• If I can manage getting them in it, riding in the van with all three boys is my favorite thing.  They are all happy and contained.
• Doctor visits are nuts.  I really don't know any other way to explain it.
• Sickness spreads like wildfire.
• It's not as bad as I thought.  Really, it isn't.
• One-on-one with each child is super important.  I can tell my older ones crave my attention, and I love giving it to them.  
• Going is easier than staying.  Believe it or not, as difficult as loading them up is, we are all content when we get out of the house...  if only for a few minutes.
• Grocery carts aren't convenient for parents.  They just aren't roomy enough.  Where am I supposed to put my groceries once I get my kids in the cart?!
• I feel humbled.  I notice people looking at me as if I'm insane to have so many kids, but I realize that God is the giver of life and He has given me three little ones to care for.  I'm seriously honored to have this hectic, crazy life.  

In Awe

He is perfect.  Seriously.  I cannot, for the life of me, figure out how God knits our children within our wombs and knows exactly how to fashion them for us.  With and after each pregnancy I have endured, I become more in awe of God and His ability to create to perfection. 

When Daniel was born, after months of ultrasounds for high kidney fluid levels, we learned that the fluid was gone.  This, of course, was amazing to his doctors (and us), but NOT to his God.  When Samuel was born at 38 weeks instead of when he had tried to come at 33 and on his big brother's first birthday, he was healthy and thriving.  We feared the trama of pre-term labor may have effected him, but there is no fear in God.  When Elias was born, his ambilical cord was wrapped around his neck.  His purple tint was alarming to my husband, but NOT to my God. 

Years of miscarriages and healthy babies have taught me that life is not in my hands.  I have realized that it is not my responsibility to worry or fear over what could happen or what might have been.  God is constantly working out all things for our good if we love Him (Romans 8:28). 

Had you asked me 4 years ago what good came out of my first miscarriage, I would have said, "Nothing."  However, today, I can see the good, and its name is Daniel.  Had I never miscarried, I would have never had Daniel.  I cannot fathom not having this rambunctious, determined, intelligent boy in my life. 

Had you asked me what good came out of getting pregnant when my firstborn was only 3 months old, I would have told you then that it wasn't.  However, today, I see the face of my sweet Samuel, and I understand why God gave him to us so quickly.  He teaches us to love deeper.  He shows us how to laugh harder.  He makes us feel special by just being in his presence because he cares for us that much.

Ask me what good came out of my fourth pregnancy, and I can tell you that miscarrying wasn't easy or good.  It broke my heart but it allowed me to appreciate my two living children in ways I cannot explain.  I looked at heaven differently as well...  I began looking forward to it instead of being afraid to die.

Just recently, I've heard the phrases, "This oughta be good," and "How will you handle it?" in reference to being pregnant again (fifth child) with two toddlers at home.  I'll tell you now that then I responded with, "It's going to be hard," and "I don't know what God was thinking."  Today, I'm seeing so much more of God in my full house.  I will say that it is difficult and I still don't know exactly why God allowed me to have another child so quickly, but I won't question what God has given me. 

My heart is so overwhelmed with joy that I cannot put it into words.  These are HIS plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11), and I certainly believe they are far better than any I could have made for myself.  Looking around at my blessings today reminded me just how awestruck I am over my God.  He is far too good to me, and yes, He and His plans are absolutely perfect.

The big brothers welcome baby Elias home.

Daniel is quite thrilled when holding Elias.

Samuel loves to give his baby brother kisses.

My Three Sons :)

I wanna give it to him, Momma.

Laying in the floor together.

Sharing a sweet moment together.

Look at my rockets, Elias!

Sticker time at the table,

and yes, Elias had to join in.

Arms Wide Open

As I sat at my desk this morning, I overheard two little playful brothers laughing hysterically at one another.  My initial reaction was to wonder what the older of the two had done in order for the younger brother to laugh.  I'm just being honest. 

What surprised me was what I found when I quietly looked around the corner of my "office" door:  two little boys, with two completely different temperaments, sitting in the living room floor with their sweet arms wrapped around one another.  I almost choked on my own tears within that quick moment. 

I have been overwhelmingly wrapped up in God's love over the past few days.  He continually shows me how much He loves me despite our (obvious) differences.  He looks past my faults and failures and loves me just the way He made me. 

So, as I watched my children grin at one another this morning, I was reminded yet again of how much God loves me and how He is always waiting for me with His arms wide open...

A LOVEly Weekend in Pictures

We spent our Valentine's weekend on the go, and while we aren't big fans of all the details and "hoop-la" surrounding many holidays, we have decided that we can show God's love in every "holiday" that we experience.  So, here is how we spent our Valentine's with the ones we love...

Mimi brought the boys their Valentine's gifts early on the 12th. 

Daniel received an awesome box of snacks, a talking Toby train from Thomas and Friend, a Toby apple juice cup, and some other goodies. 

Samuel got some Gerber Puffs, a box of Gerber baby food, and a set of cars.  The boys got Mimi a gift card to Cato and a bag of her favorite candies.

After spending the evening at our church's "It's a Love Story" dinner, we came home to find our firstborn wide awake and ready for his own loving!

We spent the entire Valentine's Day together!  We started our day outside, enjoying the beautiful sunshine!

 

Grandpa brought Daniel his own box of Dum-Dum suckers!

Daniel and Samuel gave Pa a box of banana chips and Snickers.

Pa and Mimi kept the boys for Mommy and Daddy to go to dinner.

We attempted a few family shots...

But Mommy and Daddy ended up eating at Longhorn and watching a movie, in the van!

The next morning, we woke to find Samuel not feeling so well.

He continued getting worse.  Details will follow in a later post.

Daniel went to Mother's Day Out and brought home this Valentine to Mommy and Daddy.

He spent most of his evening enjoying all of the Valentines he received at MDO.

Daniel loved his Valentines from Mommy and Daddy:

a Whiff train from Thomas and Friends and Hero of the Rails golden book.

Daddy let Daniel pick his very own Valentine's balloon...

He chose an Elmo one.

Samuel loved his gifts too:

a set of cars (the same set Mimi got him) and a First Words book.

He really liked watching Daniel's balloon.  :)

Did I mention that Aunt Ca ALSO spent Valentine's evening with the boys AND got them lots of goodies?!  Seriously, we are so loved.



There's a Lot Going on Here

I caught this video of the boys the other day, and I have GOT to share it.  They were both sitting in Samuel's new playplace, loving on one another.  Love quickly turned rough, and Samuel liked sitting on his own rather than with his big brother.  So, Daniel decided to help Mommy video Samuel.  It's a busy video, but if you'll watch carefully, you'll see that a lot goes on here every single moment of the day.  Brothers hugging, Samuel sitting, Daniel talking, and Mommy taping.  It's the life!


Brother, Get Off of Me. from Jenna Johnson on Vimeo.


I also managed to get some pictures of the sweetness...

Table Talk

I can't remember exactly what I was doing in the kitchen, but I could not figure out to keep both boys happy and safe with them in the living room.  So, I did what any mother would do, I bribed one with Toy Story coloring pages and goldfish and the other with his exersaucer. 

Much to my surprise, they actually enjoyed their time together in the kitchen.  I caught them laughing and making noises at each other, and it was hilarious.  I stood and watched in awe of them for a few minutes before realizing this was too sweet not to catch on film...


Table Talk from Jenna Johnson on Vimeo.


And because the cuteness continued...


Table Talk Part Two from Jenna Johnson on Vimeo.

By the way, please ignore the mess which is my house! 
AND, would you notice Daniel's manners in the part two video?!

Too Fast

My boys are growing so quickly that I cannot find time to write about them.  Seriously.

Samuel is a little chunk.  He was so little at birth (as compared to Daniel), but now, he is suddenly so big and outgrowing clothes and diapers faster than Daniel EVER did.  I found him on his belly in his bed the other night, so he's busy rolling over now.  He loves the bath too, but he's so big that he barely fits on his bath net.  It's so precious when he looks up and smiles at us.  Samuel is such a calm, happy baby. 

Daniel is a little comedian.  He's busy all day long laughing and throwing fits just to get my attention.  His favorite word is "Hello," and he literally says it one thousand times a day.  He likes eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches and pretending to give us a bite then stealing it away only to put the food in his own mouth.  Daniel is such an energetic, loving child.

The best part about my boys growing is that they are growing to love one another.  Daniel runs to the bedroom every morning waiting to see Samuel.  He stands at the gate until I lift Samuel into his view, and Daniel will begin with his "Hello" marathon of the day.  If we leave Samuel on the couch or anywhere in Daniel's reach, he is going to find his way onto the baby.  He doesn't hurt him...  Daniel just kisses him, gives hugs, and touches Samuel's fingers, toes, and belly.

It's all happening so quickly, but it's an incredibly blessed time. 

The Sweetest Thing

I've ever seen...

is love like this.