Happy Birthday to YOU!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Happy Birthday, dear Russ!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Today marks THIRTY wonderful years since Dr. Russ's birth!  I remember so well the days when 30 sounded so old!  Not anymore!  I still have a hard time thinking of us as adults...much less "old."  Ha!  In honor of Russ's big 3-0, I had a few surprises for him.  He was on call last night, so I had a little time alone to deck the house in birthday fun!

We invited Russ's side of the family to come up for supper at Windy City.  I thought I'd spice it up a little and throw Russ a "Dirty Thirty Construction Party!"

It started so small...with a construction birthday hat...and snowballed into a full out decorated construction birthday party!  If there's anything I love more than a fun themed party, it's details!  The more little details I found, the more excited I became!  These rubber ducky construction workers are my favorites!  Ha!

The birthday boy aka "Dirty Boy" had his own special hard hat, vest, and dump truck cupcake holder!  His cupcake even had an orange cone candle!  Details matter.

I saw this cute idea somewhere and made my own construction twist.  Everyone thought it was dirt cake, so I quickly informed them that it was in fact potting soil.  Please don't eat!  Ha!

And, since I had an extra bowl (they came in sets of 2), I made a second little display for the Dirty Thirty party...

Instead of birthday cake, we had chocolate cupcakes out of the massive yellow dump truck centerpiece.  The idea was for it to look like dirt in the dump truck.  I was encouraged to make dirt cake, but I'm just not that good yet.  I picked up some Sugarees cupcakes from the store before the party.

We were SO glad Russ's family was able to come.  We missed Jimmy's family, but we didn't forget about them!  We sent party favors home.  Everyone kept talking about how much Sam would have loved all the construction toys.

Jenny and Grace

Will and Elle

Seth

Russ's parents and Jeff met at our apartment, so Russ drove them to the restaurant.  Jenny and the kids helped me get the decorations just perfect for the big reveal.  Russ was overwhelmed, to say the least!

I'm pretty sure we embarrassed him a great deal!  Ha!  He didn't really talk until 30 minutes later.  I think he warmed up to the idea eventually.  I mean, he IS 30.  He needs to learn that people will be making fun of him from here on out.  You know, since he's so old! 

One thing I know...payback is coming!  He just kept saying, "I'm gonna get you back."  His "birthday suit" may have been the straw that broke the camel's back!  He was so cute though!  Such a good sport!

I love my dirty thirty birthday boy!

The old man and his younger woman

Russ's parents

Grace and Russ

Jenny and Jeff

We had a great time visiting and eating yummy food.  Grace had fun playing with all the decorations and party favors!  Ha!  I think she ended up taking all 12 hard hats home.

Grace

 I managed to find a few people who weren't "too cool" to wear their child-size hard hats!  For the record, I didn't know they were child-size until they came in YESTERDAY!  Too late by then!

Will, Elle, and Jenny

 We all enjoyed our meal, and we were ready for dessert!  There's nothing like a good Sugarees cupcake!  Russ informed us that we were NOT to sing "Happy Birthday," so we just lit the candle and took a picture.  He made a wish and blew it out.  I wonder what he wished for...

The dirty boy and his cupcake

My birthday card

 Russ is the baby of his family...by 12 years!  I guess it's safe to say that all the Johnson babies are officially adults!  It really was such a delight to see everyone and have them over to our apartment afterward to visit and sing "Happy Birthday."  Russ was very surprised and felt so loved!

Thank you everyone for traveling the distance to make this 30th birthday one to remember!  Happy birthday, Babe!  Here's to 30 more!

Happy Valentine's Day 2012

One thing that teaching taught me that has been a tremendous help in my everyday life is flexibility!  Pair that with the fact that my husband is in the medical field, and I would be doomed if I couldn't be flexible.  Yesterday, Russ called because he thought he needed to switch call with a fellow resident.  We started rearranging our already loose Valentine's plans, which was obviously no big deal.  We thought the wait would be excruciating the night before Valentine's, so we opted for Stix.  By now, I'm sure you know how much I love hibachi.  Since I started counting calories early this past fall, we haven't eaten hibachi but once or twice.  I was very happy to switch plans and eat a good hibachi steak with fried rice and veggies!  Yummo!

When we arrived home, I had a surprise waiting for me on the kitchen table!

Yes, my husband is the absolute best ever!  I dare you to challenge that statement.  He bought heart-shaped doughnuts from Dunkin' Doughnuts, and then stopped by Kroger to get icing.  He wrote our initials on every single one.

Yep, he's pretty cute!  Since he couldn't decide which flavor to get, he got one of each!  I'm just gonna say that they were gone this morning!  And SO. DELICIOUS!

I love my hubby!  Now, that was creative!

I'm not ashamed to say that I ate two last night and one this morning! Mmmm mmmm!

I shared with my Valentine too!

I had a little something up my sleeve for my Valentine!  After Russ went to sleep, I got busy tying bows and sneaking little treats all over the apartment.  I tried to think of his morning routine and where all he would find things.  Although the pace of our morning wasn't as expected, it was fun.  Well, you see, we woke before 6 am to the sound of Farley peeing on the floor.  No idea how Russ heard it...or WHY in the world he did it!!  So, our morning started a bit frantic as Russ started freaking out and cleaning it up and took Farley out...while I just laid there.  Russ ran to his closet to find his first surprise, and I could hear him giggling in between scolding Farley.  Well, my turn was coming.  While Russ was outside with Farley, I started noticing a terrible smell.  Yep.  He surprised us again - under our bed!  Happy Valentine's to us from Farley!  So...we worked together to lift the mattress while I climbed under the bed to pick up the lovely chocolate-looking gifts and sprayed Solumel.  Russ ran to the bathroom to get toilet paper for me to use, and he found his second surprise.  At least he was able to smile a little in between events.  We both got back in bed, and wanted to start the morning over!  Ha!  When it was really time for Russ to get ready for work, he found his third surprise in the refrigerator while reaching for his morning drink.  His final morning surprise was in the basket with his wallet.  It was a fun little "happy" for his Valentine's morning.  I never got back up before he left, but I promise I was smiling as I laid there with my eyes closed!

When Russ came home today, I had supper in the oven and a few more treats around the house.  A surprise in his sock drawer, one in the laundry room, and the last one in the pantry.  All in all, it was a fun little "scavenger hunt!"  Now, we are settled in watching Biggest Loser and the State vs. LSU game.  Quite the romance!  Ha!  Obviously, Russ ended up not having to work.  We got the better end of the deal, though!  Two Valentine's dates!

I hope you felt loved today, and I hope you made someone feel loved!  We all need lovin' every now and then.  Happy Valentine's Day!

#GrammyTweets

So, Sunday night was Grammy night.  I'm not usually as obsessed with events such as these.  I watch them...let's be clear.  However, I found myself watching every pre-Grammy event and red carpet interview listening for reaction to Whitney Houston's death.  I was interested to see how she would be honored during music's biggest night.  I thought there were incredible moments...and not so incredible moments of the night.  I tweeted my way through...along with my sister and a few other friends.  Here's my run-down...

Tweet 1: "#Grammys

This was just to let the world know that I was now watching the Grammys, I suppose!  Ha!  I was very excited, and I had already been through pre-interviews and red carpet, making the buildup quite big.

Tweet 2: "RT @kjaynetull Prayer at the Grammys... #nicesurprise"

I absolutely loved how LL Cool J decided to begin the night...with a prayer.  It was great seeing all those celebrities with their heads bowed as LL Cool J said a prayer for the night and for Whitney.  Many raised their heads with tearful eyes when he finished.  It was, as Kristin tweeted, a nice surprise.

Tweet 3: "New loves...LL Cool J and Bruno Mars!  #Grammys I'm slow to catch on... Ha!"

LL Cool J became one of my new favorite people because of prayer above.  Bruno Mars put on a fantastic performance...much like Jerry Lee Lewis.  I already had some of his songs, but this performance warranted his name be moved to my LOVE category.  I immediately downloaded the song at the conclusion.

Tweet 4: "Two of my first CDs...Reba and Whitney.  Classics!"

It's true.  My first CD ever was Reba.  I think my grandparents gave it to me when I got my first CD player.  Whitney Houston was one of my first ones too!  Bodyguard.  I still have never seen the movie, but I had the CD and I loved Whitney Houston.

Prentiss quickly replied on Twitter saying, "And Janet, you loved Janet!"  Which brought about my next tweet...

Tweet 5: "@prentissbutler Ha!  you are SO right!  #thatsthewaylovegoes"

I loved my Janet CD!  I can still remember the words to "That's the Way Love Goes."  I was very impressed that she remembered it though!

Tweet 6: "Love it, Taylor Swift! #standingovation #teamtaylor"

Taylor Swift did her thing.  She looked cute, sang well, and had a little attitude with it!  Loved it!  She also received a standing ovation from all her peers and fans.  I found myself smiling at the end.  Nice job, Taylor!

Tweet 7: "#Adele Amazing!"

Even if you didn't watch the Grammys, I'm sure you know and heard how incredible THE Adele was!  There really are no other words needed here.

Tweet 8: "RT @katiejwalden If anyone wondered why "I Will Always Love You" was written, it was for this moment right here on the Grammys.  Those words were perfect."

Jennifer Hudson did an amazing job with her rendition of "I Will Always Love You" in honor of Whitney Houston.  Touching moment, and a beautiful singer!

Tweet 9: "I fully expect @dustbucket88 to come home wearing those yellow shoes Lil Wayne is sporting now. #ohmy"

If you don't know Lil Wayne, you won't appreciate this.  However, he came out and did his thing...and probably was arrested shortly after for all I know.  What I first noticed were his huge untied bright yellow tennis shoes.  My next thought was that Dustin would probably love them!

Tweet 10: "But if he comes in wearing that mouse head, I WILL step in."

I did not understand Deadmau5 (pronounced "dead mouse") at all.  Do you?  I must be getting old, but I don't think I would have thought that was cool even when I was younger. 

Tweet 11: "Nothing to say here..."

Nikki Minaj totally lost me.  I was confused.  I was sitting on the edge of my seat with a furrowed brow trying to understand.  I'm pretty sure I would not have appreciated it even if I did understand.  Not my thing. At. All!

So there you have it!  My #GrammyTweets!  Do you feel smarter?  More connected?  I didn't think so.  Ha!  It was a great night overall, and I really enjoyed it!  How was your Grammy night?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Have you ever woken up on the wrong side of the bed?  Well, I didn't wake up on the wrong side of the bed, but it did end up feeling that way by the time I got to work.  That's after my husband called to ask about something I left up on the computer...his birthday gift.  Surprise spoiled!  Oh well...life goes on!  So, in an attempt to get myself back to where my mood should be, I'm going to join in "What I'm Loving Wednesday."

Here are some things I'm loving today...

Today, I'm loving Priscilla Shirer's book, Life Interrupted.  I absolutely loved the Jonah bible study last year, and this book is a fabulous refresher of that study!  Throughout the book, Priscilla uses the life of Jonah to illustrate life's interruptions turned to divine interventions.  I still LOVE it!  And I'm still highlighting and taking notes.

 

I'm also loving Kisses from Katie.  This is a book I finished the first of the year.  I've read Katie's blog for some time now, and I couldn't wait to read the book.  It is a gut-wrenching account of her life in Uganda with her fourteen daughters she has adopted into her family since her stay.  Her young life is truly an example to us all.  I highly recommend this book to you!  It may change the way you view your little world...your perspective.

As always, I'm loving my furry love!  One of the many things I love about working part-time is our morning snuggles.  I canNOT believe he will be 7 this summer!  He's practically an old man now.  Ha!

Lately, I've been loving Downton Abbey!  I had seen so many people talking about it on Facebook and Twitter, so I started from the beginning watching season 1 online.  I've been hooked ever since! 

I, along with everyone else in the world, am loving Pinterest!  I'm just gonna be honest here and let you know that I haven't made or created a single thing I've pinned on Pinterest.  But, I sure do love pinning!  Ha!

And, of course, I'm loving my nearly 30 year old hubby!  I remember when 30 sounded so old!  Wow!  Each year, 40 and 50 seem younger and younger.  It's hard to even believe we are adults...much less nearing our 30's.  Does anyone else have this issue? 

Whew!  There...I feel better already!

What are you loving today?

Lessons

One of the many lessons learned through this journey is the power of thoughtfulness.  We have been extremely blessed by the thoughtfulness of friends, family, and many we have never met.  Last week, we had a surprise from one of Russ's fellow residents.

I have never met Kelley, but Russ and I have had her in our thoughts and prayers lately as her dad recently passed away after a battle with cancer.  When she returned to work, she gave Russ a gift for Baby J.  I was overwhelmed with her thoughtfulness during such a difficult time in her life.  Russ and I have certainly learned from so many of you what a blessing it is to think of and give to others.  We are blessed, and we have been especially blessed by Kelley and her family.

Just look at this!  How precious is it!?  Kelley has little boys and said that when she was expecting, she and her husband loved all things handmade.  So, she thought we would like it too.  She gave Baby J these super cute handmade items for some newborn pictures since she knows how much Russ enjoys photography.  And, we absolutely LOVE it!  More than that, we love the thought and prayers that it represents.  

Russ and I are challenged to do more for others and think of others more.  We are challenged to not only lift others up in prayer, but to let them know we are doing so.  Such a blessing!  Thank you, Kelley and family!  You have blessed us!

Six Months

Baby J,

Yesterday marked six months since the day we were officially approved.  Wow!  It does not seem like it has been that long AT ALL!  Things seem to be flying by (most of the time).  Of course, the last six months were filled with football, Thanksgiving, Christmas, vacations, and celebrations.  That helps to make the time move a little faster.

I'll be honest.  I really thought you would be here by now, so I put off planning my 2012 vacations.  But, I know that God has that timed perfectly.  So your daddy and I are planning away at some fun vacations coming up!  Let's see....your daddy is going with your Uncle "Tat", Uncle "Leeroy", and your "Dendy" to Montana this month on a snowmobiling trip.  But if you want to come before then, that's fine!  I don't mind!  Ha!  Your "SuSu", Aunt Kristin, and I are trying to decide if we will take a girls trip during that same time to Gatlinburg.  It's just a road trip, and it is easy to get back home if I need to (Hint. Hint.).  Then, in June, we are all going on our annual Panama City Beach trip with "Susu's" side of the family!  We'll be happy to take you with us if you wanna go!  Your daddy and I are also planning to join your Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Roan, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Jenny, and all your cousins on another beach vacation to Seaside.  Doesn't all that sound fun!?  I'm sure we are keeping ourselves busy enough for the next however many months to fly by as well.  We have to keep ourselves busy so that we won't go crazy!

We've had several special happies given to you this month!  One special happy was made for you by your cousin Julie.  She and her sisters are extremely talented!  They can do anything!  But, they all love to crochet.  She crocheted you this adorable owl hat!  How cute is that!?  I LOVE it!  I can't wait to put it on your itty bitty head!  Since I saw this precious gift, I have given the girls a list of things to work on for your room!  I can't wait!

To celebrate the new year of waiting, I stopped by Ginger's and found a sweet newborn outfit for one of your early days in this world.  I love to look at it and picture your little body wearing it!  I can't wait to see what you look like in this sweet gown!

Once again, you will see that we have not forgotten about you!  We think about you every day.  We talk about you every day.  We are praying for you every day.  Not just us...TONS of people are praying for YOU!  In fact, one of our sweet friends came up to me yesterday at church and told me that she prayed for you Sunday morning before church.  She had a feeling that Baby J was coming soon.  We'll see!  Just remember, sweet one, that you are being covered in prayer from all over the world!  You are loved, longed for, and anticipated!  I hope to meet your sweet face very soon!  We love you already, and we haven't even met!  Imagine how much love we will have for you when we actually get to hold you, care for you, and take you home!

Love always,
Mama