Yes, Russ is one step closer to being an official "doctor." He started his fourth year July 1, and he will be interviewing for a residency all during November and December. So, lately, Russ has been working with Dr. Douglas on his dean's letter. He has also been working on his resume. One thing he has to do is have a portrait of himself to attach to the resume, and to attach to the online applications. So, today is the day! Russ just left to have his picture made. I made him pose for me before he left. I just thought he looked too cute!! :) He wouldn't exactly cooperate - as you can see below! I guess it is the school teacher in me (like the way I "embarrass" my students on picture day - I know they really do like it when I get excited) that made me so excited.

Russ was giving me a hard time about taking his picture! I hope he doesn't use that face with the photographer. Ha!

Back to School Party

That's right, I'll report back to school Friday morning at 8:00! Can you believe it?! The best thing about August is seeing everyone after a whole summer! We have some catching up to do! One of our former teachers is in town from Colorado this week, so we all met up at Keifer's for supper.


We had a good, fun group of teachers with us tonight! I'll "call roll" teacher style: Kirk, Shepherd, Johnson (that's me!), Sassy (actually Sasser), Pemberton, White, Strum, and Parker. All teachers know that we call each other by our last names...kinda like a sports team! Ha!! Oh yeah, Emily Kay joined us too (Kirk's baby). She was SO happy all night!

We had so much fun! In fact, we continued the get-together at Kirk's house until 11:15! That's approximately 5 hours of catch-up time!! I love these ladies, and I am so glad to be a part of the Van Winkle family!!

The Square Cupboard Grand Opening

Well, she did it!! Jamie had a successful Grand Opening for her new gift shop! I am so happy for her and Charlie. They have worked SO hard for this day! I can't wait to shop it up! My family can definitely expect Christmas gifts from there! Ha! If you're interested in seeing what all The Square Cupboard offers, click on this link for lots of pictures from the Grand Opening.


Next time you are near Hernando...stop by and give her some love!

A Love Song

"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5

Merideth Andrews is a newer Christian artist who I have fallen in love with. Her voice is amazing, and her songs touch your heart. I love the lyrics to "You're Not Alone" because it speaks to us all during hard, stressful, and desperate times. No matter what we are going through or how lonely we feel. We are not alone! God has told us that He will never leave us. "You're Not Alone" is a beautiful interpretation of God's love song to us. Listen and let it speak to your heart.

More School Pics

I went back up to the school today. Our new third grade teacher was there setting up her room too. So I was able to talk to her for a while. I finished by AR bulletin board and got another one done too.

Accelerated Reader board - The students have little frogs with their names on them attached to clothespins. I clip them on the appropriate record as they reach their points.

Character Board - All our Core Traits are listed here. We focus on one each month.

Just a sign on the inside of our door. The students check to see that all the rules for lining up are followed. We cannot leave the room until everyone has accomplished them.

I worked a while longer...until Miss Strum came to visit!! When we visit - you can just forget about getting work done! Ha!! It's always good to see everyone after summer break!

7 days and counting...

Writing - IEW

I've had several people ask about the writing program I talked about in my earlier school post. I finally found some time and focus so that I can try to explain it. I have been working on my Writing Wall reminder signs today...so I will blog about the writing itself.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have started using IEW - Institute for Excellence in Writing as my writing program in my classroom. This program is a program that neither my school nor district uses. I found out about it through my sister-in-law. She homeschools her children, and they use this with great success. I really liked the logic behind it. It made perfect sense to me!

We are taught to teach grammar, and that will improve writing. If students know the basics, the rest will fall into place. Helpful as grammar may be, it does not by itself teach a student to write a sentence, paragraph, or short essay. I am teaching students practical methods that they will continue to use through college: taking notes and organize, outline, and write an essay or story. With this method, I am teaching language rules and skills as the need arises - as we write. IEW teaches 8 different structures for writing. With third graders, I only teach the first three: Note Making, Summarizing from Notes, and Story Summaries. Of course, I give the students time to "freewrite," but my focus is on teaching them HOW to write with this program. This learning method focuses on modeling!

How does it work? Unit One focuses on making an outline from a paragraph already written. Any short paragraph will do. The students choose 2-3 key words in each sentence to add to the outline. When finished, they will rewrite the paragraph in their own words using their key word outlines. They do this orally (maybe to a partner). I model this several times before I expect third graders to do it independently. When they have mastered the outline, we move to Unit Two - Summarizing from Notes. The students will begin writing their new paragraph from their outlines. During this unit, I begin to add "dress-ups." We add these one at a time, and don't move on until each is mastered. The students will learn and use -ly words (adverbs), strong verbs, quality adjective, who/which clause, etc. There is a checklist for them to follow to make sure their writing has at least one of each. The same idea continues in Unit Three for Story Summaries (the outline is slightly different...but you get the gist).

As the students write - since we are all working on the same paragraph - it is easier to focus on grammar where needed. I don't have to rewrite paragraphs that make no sense! The students know what a paragraph looks like (you'd be surprised at what they will come up with when freewriting), when to capitalize, how to punctuate, etc. We learn each of these as we write. Teaching grammar this way, we are able to get more accomplished - no wasted time on worksheets!

Of course, I have to make sure to relate this to that dreaded state test! You can teach anything! The test doesn't limit that! I learned that last year. No matter what you teach, you can come up with 3-5 questions (in test format), and show the students how this skill might be formatted on a test. Use it as closure after a lesson or homework. Again, not wasting time on drill...and teaching quality material. If the students "know that they know" the material, they will do fine on a test as long as they've seen the format before. Of course, this is simply my opinion. But, I have learned that they MUST see the format to do well - it won't just come from the activities, unfortunately! Every first year teacher has that ideal because we were taught that way.

I hope this helps those who have asked about it! If you have more questions, email me. I'll try to answer them - if I don't know, I'll ask my sister-in-law! Ha!

Johnson Beach Pictures 2008

Remember all the shopping I did for our beach pictures? We got some AWESOME pictures! I just wanted to post a few of the snapshots for you to see. Everyone looks nice, don't you think?

The photographer...

...and his wife

All the cousins

Aunt Megan and Uncle Russ

One of my favorites!

The Johnson siblings - Jenny, Jimmy, and Russ

Sisters-in-law

New Blogger in the Family!

I failed to mention that Russ's sister started a blog during our Seaside trip. She didn't have a chance with Roan and me blogging away and pressuring her all week! Check it out and give Jenny some lovin'. Maybe - with our encouragement - she'll keep it updated!

Welcome Jenny!

Summer's Almost Over!!

Okay...I've been realizing more and more lately that summer is almost over!!! Where did it all go? Maybe I've been on too many vacations to recuperate!

Today, I went up to the school to work on my classroom. When I arrived, all the desks and chairs were stacked, and all the furniture was in one big bundle in the middle of the room (just as I left it). We have to do that before we leave so they can wax the floors. Anyway, I began moving furniture around and unstacking desks. My back is sore, now, from all that lifting. I arranged most of the furniture. I was also able to put up my word wall and part of my Accelerated Reader bulletin board. I feel much better having just been there to work a little. Russ is going back with me this week to flip cubbies. For some reason, the cleaning people flipped those big wooden structures on their sides, and I (being weak as I am) couldn't lift them! Ha!


Another thing on my "Summer To-do List" is to finish my summer scrapbook. I just keep looking at the supplies...I have no idea where to start. But, today, I began. Summer is almost over, after all. I am starting with our Disney World vacation. Then, I'll move to the beach parts - Panama City Beach and Seaside. I can't wait to finish it! I have never really done an official scrapbook before, so any help will be greatly appreciated! Ha!!

Farley Update

Farley is alive and well today!! ...and barking like crazy! Thanks to everyone who asked about him. Dr. Huggins said it was the first time he's seen a dog who had been burned with battery acid, but he had seen many similar burns. Farley's was nowhere near some of the ones he had seen. Dr. Huggins gave Farley a pain shot. He was so happy!!! Ha! He also gave us some oral medication to administer. I'll let the doctor-in-training handle that. Farley is on a "bland" diet so as not to cause more pain than is necessary. But, he is A-Okay! Except for his sadness over leaving his grandparents. Thanks, Mama and Daddy for a week of puppysitting!

Pet Safety Rule #1

Do not let your pet chew up a battery!!

That's right! Russ and I are in Corinth right now. We came to pick up Farley and for Russ to spend some time at Magnolia Hospital (where we plan to be after medical school). If you remember, my parents puppy-sat while we were in Seaside last week. We came in town yesterday around 6:30, and ate supper. Immediately after supper, we left for our church softball game (my brother plays). I guess Farley was mad at us for leaving him again, and he decided to make a statement! Boy, did he!

We got home, and Farley had his tail tucked. Farley ALWAYS tells on himself before we even know what's happened. We looked all over (assuming he went to the restroom in the house), and we did not find anything! So, we were all in the living room, watching tv. Farley was lying on my stomach. He yawned, and I noticed his tongue was drawn up and crooked. My first thought was that he had a stroke. I jumped up and took him to my dad's chair. We examined him for a while assuming he had something stuck in his teeth. But, we kept noticing this red mark on his tongue - like a burn. Finally, my mom came down...we told her what was going on. She took out running up the stairs. We had no idea what she was doing. She came down with something she found on the floor. It was a Ziplock bag (chewed holes all over) with two AA batteries and opened chap stick. There was no question what had happened! We examined the batteries and found that he bit a hole straight through the battery! Obviously, battery acid had burned his tongue. He was also gagging like he had something in his throat...so we aren't sure if some had gotten in his throat. EMERGENCY!

We called Dr. Huggins, a vet in town, at home. He told us to rinse it out with water, and bring him in this morning. So, Russ and Daddy held Farley down and squirted water into his mouth with a squirt bottle. Poor Farley! I know he was burning!

After rinsing with water, Farley was still gagging and shaking like crazy. I know it was because he was in pain and stressed out. We kept trying to sooth the pain. Daddy fed him some milk...a favorite!! He was still shaking. Russ gave him some Pepto Bismal to coat his esophagus and stomach while my mom held him and sang to him. He was treated like a human baby!

Mama is keeping Farley calm while Russ administers the meds. :)

Mama singing a lullaby, I'm sure!

This seemed to help a little...or it could just be because I was rocking him in the recliner afterward.

Farley did not feel good!

He is currently at the vet's office. Dr. Huggins was in surgery, so we had to leave him. He may never forgive us. We are waiting on a call. Did I mention that I have not heard Farley bark since the whole incident? That's odd!

Movies of the Week!

Kristin and Lee spent the weekend with us. We had a great time eating (always a favorite!), visiting, and going to the movies. We went to the movies this afternoon...but not to see the same movies. Kristin and I saw one while the boys saw another. It was so refreshing not to hear Russ complaining about my "girlie" movie choice. Ha!! He's such a trooper!

Mamma Mia, starring Meryl Streep, came to theaters on Friday, July 18. We showed up 20 minutes early for the 2:45 show, and it was SOLD OUT!! So, we waited around for the 4:00 one. I know...we are crazy! This movie was SO FUN!! If you love singing and dancing....and COMEDY - you will love Mamma Mia! It's certainly a movie you'll want to see with the girls! Well, I just know Russ wouldn't like it. Your man might. :) I also have the soundtrack - so good!

While Kristin and I saw our movie, the guys went to the 3:50 showing of The Dark Knight. You should have seen the line! According to Russ, it was awesome! This movie is the sequel to Batman Begins. Russ stayed up all night watching Batman Begins so he would be prepared for The Dark Knight. So funny! Run time is 152 minutes...so make sure you have plenty of time!

All in all, it was a great weekend! We really enjoyed our visit with Kristin and Lee!

Kingsbury Kraze

After finishing Nicholas Sparks for the summer, I have picked up another author. Upon my sister-in-law's suggestion, I picked up my first Karen Kingsbury book. It was FABULOUS!!! Karen Kingsbury writes Christian fiction. In fact, she is America's #1 inspirational novelist. So, I've borrowed a few more, and I am ready to suggest even more Summer Reads.

My first Kingsbury book was Even Now. This book is about a young couple separated by lies and long years...yet have never forgotten one another. This is a beautiful story of parents' love and mistakes. It is also a story of true love and misunderstanding. You will be surprised at every turn, and you will gain inspiration from the miracle of resurrection. Even Now is the first in a series. This book and its sequel, Ever After, are on sale now at Lifeway for $5.87. I saw it this weekend! Purchase it today!! You won't regret it! I have not yet read the sequel...I got caught up in another one of her series that I'll mention in a sec.

The second Kingsbury book I'd suggest is Redemption. This is actually the first in a 14-book series, known as the Baxter Series. Roan says this series is by far Kingsbury's best! I will give the description straight from her website. When Kari Baxter Jacobs finds out that her husband is involved in an adulterous relationship and wants a divorce, she decides she will love him and remain faithful to her marriage at all costs. This book shows how God can redeem seemingly hopeless relationships, and it illustrates one of Gary Smalley's key messages: Love is a decision. (Gary Smalley is a well-known marriage/family counselor and author.) I finished this book before I even got to Seaside! It is awesome!! If you are ready to start a series that you CAN NOT put down...by all means, start here!

My current read is the second book in the Baxter Series, Remember. This book follows the lives of the Baxter family...keeping you updated on Kari's life (from the first book), but focuses on one of her sisters, Ashley. Ashley was a mysterious character in the first book, and I can't wait to see how God will work in her during Remember. I'm only on Chapter 15, so I won't tell you any more. Besides, you'll need to start with Redemption anyway!


All of these stories are stories of love and life from a Christian perspective. I am absolutely addicted to them now! I hope you pick them up and start reading!! Summer's almost over, so you better hurry!! Ha!

A Fantastic Week at Seaside!!

I can't believe it's already time to go home!! Russ and I have had such a great time vacationing with his family! It is SO much fun going to the beach with kids! We have also gotten in some much needed visiting among the adults. Hopefully, this will not be the last Johnson family vacation.

Russ and me

Grace, me, and Russ going to the beach!

Russ and Sam (Won't he be a great daddy someday!?)

Russ wrote a message to me on the beach!

Thank you SO much, Jimmy and Roan!!! We had the best time and made some great memories! We love you!

By the way, check out Roan's blog or Julie's blog for more pictures and stories.

Seaside Running Club

So, we are on vacation with THE runners of north Mississippi! Jimmy, Roan, and their three older children run in races almost every weekend, and all of them usually place. They are serious about their training! When I wake up around 8 am...someone is just getting BACK from running. And, then, there is usually an evening group of runners as well. Russ was fortunate enough, today, to be invited into the "Seaside Running Club." Ha! He and Clay ran together...which was a breeze for Clay. Russ was dying!

Jimmy and Clay showing us the correct "running form"

...and they're off!

Sister-in-laws - FYI...Jenny and I are NOT in the Seaside Running Club YET!

Seaside Day 1

We made it to the beach yesterday, around 12:00. We drove over to the new Pier Park in Panama City and ate at the Back Porch for lunch. Then, we shopped around a little. After that, we drove over to Destin for a little bit while we waited for Jimmy and Roan to arrive. The whole family was here around 5. We ate supper and enjoyed visiting!

Today, was our first day on the beach. Though it threatened rain sporadically throughout the day, we had a blast!!

Grace and me - with Russ's new photography skills

Me and Julie


Me and Jenny (silly girls!)

Will doing his Baywatch pose

Jeff and Jenny

Grace and Russ catching some waves

Roan and me

Olivia making Leah into a "mermaid"

After lunch, we spent the afternoon at the pool. The kids had a great time, and the ladies were able to get a little sun and read. We are now getting ready for supper...and walking around the area. Can't wait for Day 2.

...And We're Off!

Well, it's time for us to leave for our LAST vacation of the summer. We will be spending most of the week in Seaside with Russ' brother and his family, and his sister and her family! Russ and I have never vacationed with his family before, so we are super excited!!

We plan to leave around 6 or so in the morning (If you know me, you know we'll be leaving a little later than that!). Jimmy and Roan won't be in Seaside until around 6:00, so we are going to spend some time in Destin until they arrive. Hopefully, we'll get there in time to eat a late lunch, and shop at the outlet mall! FUN!

We're taking Russ's laptop so maybe I'll get a chance to blog this week!!

Gone to finish packing!!

Megan Johnson - Costume Director!

In preparing to spend the week in Seaside, I had a little shopping to do yesterday. You see, we have decided to attempt a family picture on the beach. Let me just fill you in on who exactly is included in the family trip: Jimmy and Roan, and their children: Olivia, Julie, Clay, Leah, and Sam; Jeff and Jenny, and their children: Will, Seth, and Grace; and Russ and me! That's right - 14 people are going to pose for a beautiful and peaceful beach picture!! Yeah, I'll let you know how that goes!

Anyway, we have decided to wear white and denim. Well, as everyone started rummaging through closets, we realized not everyone had what they needed (including Russ). So, I went shopping for Russ - white polo. I found polos on sale at Old Navy for $10! I remembered Jenny needed white shirts too...so I texted her to let her know. She needed 3. So, I picked them up. Soon after, Roan also realized some of her family lacked white. Did I mention she has FIVE children, homeschools, and is cooking all week for this trip. Obviously, there was NO WAY for her to shop around. No problem! I went to work! I got EVERYTHING on sale at Old Navy (one trip!) - except Leah's dress. Let me tell you - if you need a white dress for a little girl, just go straight to Gap Kids. That is the only place in the Jackson Metro area that has them. And they are on SALE! Success! 13 pieces of clothing ALL ON SALE!

Wardrobe for family beach picture!

In all seriousness - anyone who knows me will tell you that I LOVE to shop (especially for others - and even more for kids!) so this was actually a fun day for me! Now, everyone has to try them on and LIKE them...that's the scary part! Ha!

Dominican Republic, Here They Come!

My brother is leaving tonight (1:00 AM, actually) for the Dominican Republic. He and a group of guys (plus a couple of women) from our home church, FBC Corinth, are doing some mission work there next week. They are working through SCORE International. Check out their website. The guys will be playing baseball with people from the Dominican Republic. They will share their faith as they get to know the players and others. This will be a fantastic experience for Dustin, and I am so excited for him and the rest of the group! Of course, the flight overseas will be long and nerve racking for some. But, God is in control! Who could be better?

Do you think the Dominican Republic is ready for "The Big Cheese?"
Disney World picture I haven't posted yet

Please pray for safety and for God to prepare the hearts of those in the Dominican Republic to hear what He has to say through these guys (and girls).

The group includes: Dustin Smith, Kendall Murphy, Jordan Gurley, Ben Woodhouse, Andy Timmons, Larry and Debbie Reid, Gray and Sarah Falanga, Scooter (not sure of full name - a seminary student from New Orleans), and Brian Reid is the organizer. There are also several boys from Adamsville going with the group.

I love you, Dustin, and I am SO proud of you! I'll be praying!

Here He Comes to Save the Day!!

When we went to Disney World, Farley stayed at a fabulous boarding place - Wee Paws in Brandon. They are always so good to Farley - so much that he frequently doesn't want to go home when we come pick him up. But this time, I had to take him because Russ was taking the Step (remember?). Anyway, I had never taken him before. It was TERRIBLE!! He was so pitiful. I couldn't even talk to him as I left because I was fighting back tears. I was crying before I even got to the car! I think I cried almost to Hattiesburg that night.

Needless to say, I was NOT looking forward to leaving him again when we go to Seaside Sunday. So, Farley's grandfather (my daddy) came to pick him up today. He and my mom will be puppy-sitting next week.

Daddy and Farley hanging out

Farley LOVES to go to his grandparents house!! My dad has a chocolate lab, Dude. Farley loves to play with him...annoying him, really! I'm pretty sure Farley gets SPOILED there too - just as grandparents should do!! In fact, as soon as Farley saw Daddy walking in the door, he went crazy and started playing rough immediately. He knows that is Daddy's favorite play mode. They play so rough together that Farley has drawn blood to Daddy's hands before - provoked, I might add!!

Farley sleeping on Daddy's leg...never far away!

I am so glad I will not have to leave my baby again! I know he will have one-on-one attention (probably too much) for a week. Thank you so much Mama and Daddy! We love you! Farley says, "You have saved the day!!"

Mrs. Johnson is Starting to Prepare!

I have not done my door yet!! This is from last year! (Just to clarify!)

Well, it is almost that time - SCHOOL TIME. I don't even want to think about it, to be completely honest! But, when we went to Corinth this weekend, my sister-in-law got me motivated (a bit) by showing me all her plans for homeschooling her FIVE children for this year!

I had already bought some of the materials I needed to prepare some things I like for my students to have...all I lacked was the work. So, today, I began! The first thing I did was buy a paper cutter. I am SO excited about this little device! If you are a teacher, you understand why. I use these things like CRAZY!! Usually, I get ALL my things together to take to the Teacher Resource Center downtown. I laminate, cut, and di-cut there - it's an all day process (sometimes two or three). It's just nice to have all that "stuff" done before I walk into the room. I can get more done. Anyway, I got this paper cutter for like $35 at Office Depot - I thought that was a great deal! It works great!


I started work on the students' FROG books. I started this last year and LOVED it! I bought each student a 1 inch binder with clear plastic cover to stuff a cover in. (Yes, I'm one of those teachers that spends all my money on my class!) My theme is "frogs," so a FROG book worked well for me - Fully Responsible Organized and Growing Students. I am a huge neat freak and wanted a way to keep my students organized (which was impossible before this). I take construction paper (cut to fit in the binder) and put preprinted labels on them - one with each subject - and laminate. These are the dividers. We put the FROG books together during the first week - the students get SO excited about this colorful binder that is THEIRS to keep! In each section, they have notebook paper for notes, and an objective checklist. As we cover topics, I have them "check it off" so they can see how much they have learned this year and how much is left. This was so exciting when we had covered 'almost' everything. It's almost like a countdown! Throughout the year, I will let them know what to add to their FROG books: relevant worksheets, notes I have copied for them, etc. They take FROG books home before tests to study. They love taking them home to show their parents because it's so colorful and "fancy." Hmm....good teaching strategy?! Whatever works! Then, they have everything in ONE place - NEAT and ORGANIZED! Yea! I won and they don't even know they are learning a valuable skill!

There are many variations of this binder. Some of it was a little much for me - and irrelevant for the students I service. The FROG book works for me. But, there are lots of good ideas to add if you like. Here is a link.

Dividers (I also have Science, Social Studies, and Class Information sections)

After working on the FROG books (everything ready to laminate), I printed the labels for a couple more things I just want them to have Day 1. Some people may call this obsessive, but I just like for some things to be exactly the same - and this is how I do it. I bought 60 spiral notebooks last week at Walmart for five cents each! I always do this, and I never regret it! You'd be surprised how many of my students come with nothing but a pencil. Plus, it only cost me $3. I use spiral notebooks for two reasons:
1) writing journal - Last year I began using IEW writing program (Roan, my sister-in-law uses this for her children...and I love it!) More on this later.
2) JAMS Journal - Journal About Math and Science (J.A.M.S) - My students use this every day for math. Before each lesson, I begin with "Fab Four" (four problems from different areas to review and keep them sharp on past material). This work goes into the JAMS journal. They also use this for science centers to record data. So, instead of having loose leaf paper all over the place, I can just say "Put that in your JAMS journal." I really enjoy this notebook!

Writing Journal and JAMS journal - ready and NEATLY labeled!

First day back to "school work" - FINISHED!!

I know I probably bored most of you! Hopefully, I may have given some fellow teachers some ideas - or motivation, at the least! I know I need all I can get! I'll post more pictures of my work and classroom as I get a chance.