If you think your name is on that piece of chocolate, Daddy,
then you are wrong.
If you think you hid it so I could not find it, Daddy,
then you are wrong.
If you think I cannot make a way to get that chocolate, Daddy,
then you are wrong.
If you think I am going to tell you the truth about it, Daddy,
then you are wrong.
If you think my face can tell the whole story, Daddy...
well, then you'd be right!
Will Steal for Chocolate from Jenna Johnson on Vimeo.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
This Doggy is NOT Funny.
Last weekend for my birthday, we headed to the local Cracker Barrel with the whole family. It's never a quick trip to Cracker Barrel with a toddler in tow. Daniel had nearly fifteen meltdowns to get out of his high chair. He kept yelling, "Hot!" and pointing at the fireplace and then realized we had fire on our table... Then, he told every single waitress that passed, "Hello," time and time again. To keep his attention, we all entertained him with coloring books, biscuits, trains, and tea, and all of that was BEFORE supper even arrived. At that point, he'd eaten so many strawberry-jellied biscuits that I'm sure the sight of carrots and green beans weren't all that exciting.
What WAS exciting was when Grandpa finished eating super quickly and allowed Daniel the opportunity to run wild in Cracker Barrel's country store! The rest of us enjoyed our meals and finally headed out to see what Daniel and Pa had gotten into. The kids' section at Cracker Barrel is full of fun. You would have thought that Daniel was having his own birthday celebration, pulling out every item from its shelf and playing with it until it bored him. Surprisingly, though, there was one "toy" Daniel didn't find too amusing. What's funny about it is the fact that it laughs itself silly, rolls all around, and just about scares Daniel to death!
The Laughing Doggy from Jenna Johnson on Vimeo.
Strawberry Jelly on your Biscuit?
Yes, please.
Now, clean my hands.
What WAS exciting was when Grandpa finished eating super quickly and allowed Daniel the opportunity to run wild in Cracker Barrel's country store! The rest of us enjoyed our meals and finally headed out to see what Daniel and Pa had gotten into. The kids' section at Cracker Barrel is full of fun. You would have thought that Daniel was having his own birthday celebration, pulling out every item from its shelf and playing with it until it bored him. Surprisingly, though, there was one "toy" Daniel didn't find too amusing. What's funny about it is the fact that it laughs itself silly, rolls all around, and just about scares Daniel to death!
The Laughing Doggy from Jenna Johnson on Vimeo.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
28 is Great!
I turned 28 five days ago, and can I tell you that, although I am quickly approaching thirty, I had one of the best birthdays I have ever had! I was spoiled rotten all weekend long and thoroughly enjoyed it. I got some very thoughtful gifts ranging from clothes and my favorite ice cream cake to BareMinerals makeup, a Willow Tree figurine, gift certificates galore, and money! Who said getting older wasn't great?!
It always had snowed on my birthdays in years past... In fact, we just expect it. Even if there isn't snow in the forecast, I know it's coming. I've had parties cancelled and rescheduled for as along as I can remember. So, when they called for snow days before my birthday, it too was almost as if it was God's gift to me. :)
Here are some pictures from my birthday weekend:
It always had snowed on my birthdays in years past... In fact, we just expect it. Even if there isn't snow in the forecast, I know it's coming. I've had parties cancelled and rescheduled for as along as I can remember. So, when they called for snow days before my birthday, it too was almost as if it was God's gift to me. :)
Here are some pictures from my birthday weekend:
Daniel enjoying Mommy's birthday snow...
Daniel decides to give Mommy a break on her birthday
and feeds Samuel for her.
Okay, nevermind how we look!
Mom and me at dinner
(Who forgets to wear makeup on her birthday?!)
Eating his strawberry biscuit at Cracker Barrel on Mom's birthday.
Marble Slab Ice Cream cake!
Finally, a picture of the birthday girl!
Daniel helps Mommy open her present.
Samuel loves on Mommy before bed.
But, before going to bed, Samuel surprises her
by crawling on his hands and knees
for the very first time...
on her birthday!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
8 Months Old
I know... Samuel is getting way. too. big.
In his 8th month, Samuel:
Slept so well... on his stomach.
Wore size 3 diapers.
Fit in size 6-9 month clothes.
Wore a size 2 shoe.
Scooted across the house.
All over it.
Got TWO teeth!
Loved laying on his belly.
Enjoyed his first Christmas.
Got a new Britax car seat and lots of clothes, toys, and shoes.
Liked rolling the ball.
Laughed at his brother a lot.
Was always grinning.
Switched to formula.
Ate at least one jar of food each day.
Hated peas and sweet potatoes.
Loved all fruits.
COULD NOT eat Puffs yet.
Found the tiniest pieces of trash/dirt on the floor.
Still in his infant car seat.
Started getting heavy.
Hated sitting up.
Began liking the exersaucer...
Because he could stand and not sit.
Had favorite toys... rattles and links.
Tolerated Daniel's roughness.
Took long naps.
Had eczema on his belly, arms, stomach, and face.
Loved his bath and scooting around the tub.
Was held often... He was SO sweet!
Celebrated his Mommy's 28th birthday.
Took his first major, balanced crawl on his hands and knees that same day.
Letting big brother feed him
In his 8th month, Samuel:
Slept so well... on his stomach.
Wore size 3 diapers.
Fit in size 6-9 month clothes.
Wore a size 2 shoe.
Scooted across the house.
All over it.
Got TWO teeth!
Loved laying on his belly.
Enjoyed his first Christmas.
Got a new Britax car seat and lots of clothes, toys, and shoes.
Liked rolling the ball.
Laughed at his brother a lot.
Was always grinning.
Switched to formula.
Ate at least one jar of food each day.
Hated peas and sweet potatoes.
Loved all fruits.
COULD NOT eat Puffs yet.
Found the tiniest pieces of trash/dirt on the floor.
Still in his infant car seat.
Started getting heavy.
Hated sitting up.
Began liking the exersaucer...
Because he could stand and not sit.
Had favorite toys... rattles and links.
Tolerated Daniel's roughness.
Took long naps.
Had eczema on his belly, arms, stomach, and face.
Loved his bath and scooting around the tub.
Was held often... He was SO sweet!
Celebrated his Mommy's 28th birthday.
Took his first major, balanced crawl on his hands and knees that same day.
One very, precious present...
Samuel's first Christmas 2010
Cutting teeth during the Christmas season
and hanging with Pa
Sitting with Daddy
Laughing at Pa...
With cousin Landon
Rolling the ball around the living room
Playing in the exersaucer
Sitting up on his own all the time
Sharing his toys with Daniel
With Mommy on her 28th birthday!
Crawling isn't so hard...
And, just because he's so sweet...
here's a video I got of him one afternoon during his 8th month.
Get That Ball! from Jenna Johnson on Vimeo.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
A Very Blessed Birthday
It is hard to find words when the place you find yourself in is one of humility.
I feel as though God has poured out His love and shown me His grace so greatly in the past year that I cannot begin to explain how deeply thankful I am. I have been on the mountain and felt such peace, yet I have experienced the terrifying walk through the valley. I have faced some of my deepest fears, and I have been given the opportunity to love and do so deeply.
Last year, as I celebrated my birthday, I did so with a growing belly and a little one learning to walk. I knew life would be different in the coming year. The following month, my life literally flashed before my eyes as Brian and I were in a car wreck on the interstate, hitting the concrete median twice going 70 mph. I remember holding my husband's hand as the car was spinning... I wanted him to KNOW I loved him. I recall seeing the excitement in Daniel Benjamin's face as he tore into his birthday cupcake. I was filled with such joy that day as so many friends and family came to celebrate our first born's big day with us. Yet, joy quickly turned to fear on Daniel's actual birthday three days later when I began bleeding. I was only 33 weeks along in this 3rd pregnancy, and as we raced to the hospital, I knew the outcome wouldn't be good.
I can still see the concern in my doctor's eyes as he monitored my condition. It was too early... I needed to be moved to a hospital where there was a NICU. I was rushed in an ambulance to Baptist where I spent the next 7 days away from Daniel, in pre-term labor, imagining what it'd be like to have two children born in the same month, only one year apart. I couldn't wait to see the child's face! I remember praying in that hospital room, burning up from the medication to prevent the contractions, asking God to let the baby come. After a few more visits to the OB and 10 days of bedrest, Samuel Levi was born healthy in my 38th week on May 23rd after a quick twelve minutes of "delivery".
I still do not know how we made it through those first few months with two babies in the house. We were both so exhausted and frustrated over constant cries. I suppose we couldn't have done it without the help of our family; God supplied our every need. When summer came and went, both boys had grown so much. I was painting as much as I could, and I was struggling to find time for everyone that needed me. As the fall came, we took our first vacation as a family of four, and upon returning from that trip, we learned we were pregnant a fourth time. I was certain the baby was a girl, almost immediately, but with very few symptoms and a disappointing ultrasound, December ended with the pain of losing Elisabeth Joy.
The final month of my 27th year has been both heartbreaking and filled with happiness. I struggled in the first few days following the miscarriage. I wanted my child's life to be validated. I was not angry; I was simply saddened by the fact that I would never hold this baby. Oh, but how the Lord has filled my arms! Daniel became so loving, giving hugs and his special "muah" kisses at the most perfect times. Samuel needed me as he became more mobile and began solid foods; he loved being held, even when I felt that I didn't have time to do so. The snow fell more often (as it usually does around my birthdays), and I was filled with happiness watching Daniel and his Daddy enjoy trampling through the cold. We ate snow cream like it was going out of style, and we loved a little bit deeper.
I don't know how, but I continue to be reminded of how much God must care for me. I look around my home and see all these things I do not deserve. I had such pride as Samuel crawled on his hands and knees for the first time today. I watched in amazement as Daniel laughed until he was out of breath playing hide and seek with me tonight. I was completely thrilled seeing the number 2 and 8 candles hidden on the microwave by my sweet husband tonight (he knows how much I love cake). I have so much more than I ever wished for!
As a blanket of snow covers the ground outside my window in the early hours of this day, my 28th birthday, I am humbled by God's unfailing love. He has forgiven me of all my sins and was willing to make this day possible for me by giving His life. He was able to sacrifice Himself so that I might have this day, this very minute even, to share the story of His redemption in my life. It's unfathomable to me to think of myself that highly, yet He thought of me in that moment... and He knew I'd be His all these years later.
I feel as though God has poured out His love and shown me His grace so greatly in the past year that I cannot begin to explain how deeply thankful I am. I have been on the mountain and felt such peace, yet I have experienced the terrifying walk through the valley. I have faced some of my deepest fears, and I have been given the opportunity to love and do so deeply.
Last year, as I celebrated my birthday, I did so with a growing belly and a little one learning to walk. I knew life would be different in the coming year. The following month, my life literally flashed before my eyes as Brian and I were in a car wreck on the interstate, hitting the concrete median twice going 70 mph. I remember holding my husband's hand as the car was spinning... I wanted him to KNOW I loved him. I recall seeing the excitement in Daniel Benjamin's face as he tore into his birthday cupcake. I was filled with such joy that day as so many friends and family came to celebrate our first born's big day with us. Yet, joy quickly turned to fear on Daniel's actual birthday three days later when I began bleeding. I was only 33 weeks along in this 3rd pregnancy, and as we raced to the hospital, I knew the outcome wouldn't be good.
I can still see the concern in my doctor's eyes as he monitored my condition. It was too early... I needed to be moved to a hospital where there was a NICU. I was rushed in an ambulance to Baptist where I spent the next 7 days away from Daniel, in pre-term labor, imagining what it'd be like to have two children born in the same month, only one year apart. I couldn't wait to see the child's face! I remember praying in that hospital room, burning up from the medication to prevent the contractions, asking God to let the baby come. After a few more visits to the OB and 10 days of bedrest, Samuel Levi was born healthy in my 38th week on May 23rd after a quick twelve minutes of "delivery".
I still do not know how we made it through those first few months with two babies in the house. We were both so exhausted and frustrated over constant cries. I suppose we couldn't have done it without the help of our family; God supplied our every need. When summer came and went, both boys had grown so much. I was painting as much as I could, and I was struggling to find time for everyone that needed me. As the fall came, we took our first vacation as a family of four, and upon returning from that trip, we learned we were pregnant a fourth time. I was certain the baby was a girl, almost immediately, but with very few symptoms and a disappointing ultrasound, December ended with the pain of losing Elisabeth Joy.
The final month of my 27th year has been both heartbreaking and filled with happiness. I struggled in the first few days following the miscarriage. I wanted my child's life to be validated. I was not angry; I was simply saddened by the fact that I would never hold this baby. Oh, but how the Lord has filled my arms! Daniel became so loving, giving hugs and his special "muah" kisses at the most perfect times. Samuel needed me as he became more mobile and began solid foods; he loved being held, even when I felt that I didn't have time to do so. The snow fell more often (as it usually does around my birthdays), and I was filled with happiness watching Daniel and his Daddy enjoy trampling through the cold. We ate snow cream like it was going out of style, and we loved a little bit deeper.
I don't know how, but I continue to be reminded of how much God must care for me. I look around my home and see all these things I do not deserve. I had such pride as Samuel crawled on his hands and knees for the first time today. I watched in amazement as Daniel laughed until he was out of breath playing hide and seek with me tonight. I was completely thrilled seeing the number 2 and 8 candles hidden on the microwave by my sweet husband tonight (he knows how much I love cake). I have so much more than I ever wished for!
As a blanket of snow covers the ground outside my window in the early hours of this day, my 28th birthday, I am humbled by God's unfailing love. He has forgiven me of all my sins and was willing to make this day possible for me by giving His life. He was able to sacrifice Himself so that I might have this day, this very minute even, to share the story of His redemption in my life. It's unfathomable to me to think of myself that highly, yet He thought of me in that moment... and He knew I'd be His all these years later.
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