Yes, I believe it was one of the doctors in Corinth that said he always wanted a Johnson and Johnson cardiology clinic. Ha! Too bad Russ chose radiology! Anyway, Jimmy and Roan and Co. came to visit yesterday. It has been so much fun! They came in Sunday and were able to visit their old church from their med school days. I think the church enjoyed meeting all the kids. Afterward, we met them at Mazzio's for supper. I believe Mazzio's was a Sunday lunch tradition when they lived here. Now the excitement comes....

As soon as we walked in the door, the kids and I pulled out Dance Dance Revolution and Singstar!! Roan and I had a rematch on Singstar with "Eye of the Tiger" and "Material Girl". We tied, each winning a song. I think on Roan's blog she attributed her win on "Material Girl" to my being 5 or 6 when the song came out - so I wasn't familiar with the lyrics! :) Then, we all got a little crazy on Dance Dance Revolution. I started, then Julie, and Russ. Roan tried a few times before Jimmy got up there and really got down! It was hilarious!! I will not post many pictures because we were all in "bedtime" attire. Sam was fast asleep before we ever finished, so we called it a night.


Jimmy's family had a fun-filled, relaxing day while Russ and I were at work/school. You can check out their blog to see what all they did. I think they felt right at home - Jimmy and Roan lived in our same neighborhood when Jimmy was in medical school. In fact, their house was extremely similar in layout. So, I'm sure their visits bring back lots of memories!

After work, we headed down to Renaissance mall to walk around and do a little shopping. Supper was at Kyoto, a Japanese hibachi grill. The kids had a fabulous time and we were all holding our bellies from all the food inhaled! But, we're never too full for Bop's - so we went for ice cream afterward!

Clay was excited to finally get rice on his chop sticks!

Julie and Leah enjoyed their first hibachi grill experience.

Olivia - Yummy!

Sam and Farley were great friends during their visit. Sam even took some time to enjoy Farley's bed!

The "big girls" and Aunt Megan

It has been a great weekend, and we hope the "other Johnson's" will visit again soon!

MSU 17, Vandy 14

What a game! It's about time State pulled out a victory. This was not a very pretty one...but, I'll take it! Russ and I headed down to Starkville with my famous Greek Pasta Salad (taken from Roan's blog) for the 1:30 kickoff. As always, it was great fun to tailgate with family and friends. It's even more entertaining when Dustin brings friends along.

Me and Kristin (who is, as always, in fine Chi O style!)

Brother-in-laws - looks like trouble! I think there were bruises by the time we left town on Sunday! I'm going to need to make a "no horseplay" rule next time we visit. Ha!

Lee and Kendall

Hank and Adam joined in the fun!

The ballgame was exciting at times and down-right depressing at times! I won't even discuss some of the silly errors made on our part. The bottom line - a victory!!

Our punter and Coach Croom during warm-ups

Ringing those cowbells after the game!

How Can You Not Believe!?

This amazing video was sent to me by my dad. My brother sent it to him, and Russ and I thought it was awesome! Please take the time to watch the whole thing. You can tell we are a medical family! :)

How can you not believe?!

The State Fair is Here!

In case you haven't already heard, the FAIR IS HERE!! I can remember going to the state fair with my parents and grandparents when I was young. In fact, that is where my fear of ferris wheels was born! My dad talked me into getting on the DOUBLE ferris wheel when I was like 5. We got on and started going around. That's about the time I looked at my dad and said, "Now, I don't want to go on that top one." Uh oh! Yes...I definitely had the "square mouth disease." That's what my family calls a child crying hysterically - if you notice, their mouth is square! Ha! Anyway...I've been on the ferris wheel since I've been older - much older! But, I have to know you VERY well because I act like an idiot - so embarrassing. No one can move or rock the seat in any way. I will not look down, and my body is as stiff as a rock. I don't want anyone moving or talking.

Last night, Russ and I went with some friends from medical school. We had a great time. We had fun on a budget, for sure! (Christmas is coming too soon!) Russ rode a couple of rides, and I sat this fair out. I'll catch the next one. That's why you'll see Russ in the pictures...I took them.

Part of the group getting ready for Fire Ball

Will, Christie, and Russ about to drop at least 50 feet from a tower - NO WAY, not me!

I took a video of the drop. All participants said it's a good thing I didn't have the audio from this. I wonder what they were saying as they dropped? Ha!

Happy Birthday "Big Brother!"

Yesterday was Russ's brother's birthday. As you know, we visited them this weekend. When we arrived, Russ and Jimmy went up to the hospital to see some of Jimmy's patients. Roan and I took the opportunity to take a picture, of course! I found this picture I forgot to post, so I thought his birthday was a perfect time! Jimmy and his family have done so much for Russ and me, and his family. They are such a close family, and I love spending time with them. If there is anyone who has not yet checked out their blog (most of you have talked about it at one time or another!), please do. It's so good, and there are many helpful tips that Roan posts periodically. They are always busy! It amazes me how much they can get done while homeschooling five kids.

Happy Birthday, Jimmy! Thanks for all you do!

Prayer in School

My dad emailed me something last night that I wanted to share. I have seen this email before, but it was a perfect time to be reminded! With all the stress of district testing and the start of a new nine weeks, it's a good time for reflection.

This is about a teacher applicant after being interviewed by the school administration. The teacher prospect said,

"Let me see if I've got this right! You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning. You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self-esteem and personal pride! You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job. You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure they all pass the state exams! You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English and Spanish by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card. You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps?! You want me to do all this and then you tell me..........I CAN'T PRAY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?"

This is SO true!! It reminds me of my first class. I came in January (the fourth teacher in that room!). My kids were wild, but so much fun! When it came time for district testing, I was a nervous wreck! District testing is much more stressful than MCT. I don't know if I've told you we are testing this week...so this story feels so appropriate.

My first class...Van Winkle 2005 As one of Mrs. Pemberton's students said as she peeked out their window, "Who's that white girl!?" Ha!
We were getting ready for an MCT Pep Rally to motivate the students.

I had prepared and overprepared my student for these tests. I sent home a note detailing my expectations, and telling the parents how much I believe in and love these students. I was ready! On test day, my proctor had arrived and I was going over the script before the students began. You know how standardized tests are! Anyway, after I read through the directions, I asked if there were any questions. Kadarius raised his hand. When I called on him, he asked if he could pray. I told him sure, and went on passing out the test booklets (thinking he was going to just close his eyes for a minute or two). Then, I hear this voice say, "Everybody bow yo' heads!" I wish you could have seen my face - eyes wide open as I looked to the proctor. She looked the same way! Who was I to argue?? So, I did what the boy said. I bowed my head! He said a prayer for the class to "do good on these tests." When he said, "Amen," the class joined in and called out "Amen." I just kept thinking what we must have looked like as the administration and test monitors passed by our window! At least, if I lost my job...I'd lose it for an awesome reason!

Kadarius (on left) and Charlie

I love that story, and I try to remember it each time we take these tests. God is so good! I love the ways He reminds me that He is here. What a great first testing experience!! And who could ever, for a second, believe that a teacher can survive without prayer!?

Scrapbooking A to Z

As you know, we spent the weekend with Russ's brother and his family. Roan and I got some much needed "in person" visiting in. We usually communicate via text message, email, or blog! She explains it very well on one of her blog entries. I laughed so hard when I heard it described. We really are funny about it!

Anyway...among other things we talked about, Roan showed me her scrapbooking area. I looked through her scrapbooks and became inspired! She and her friends used to have a Scrapbooking Club that met once a month with a Close to My Heart rep. It sounded like so much fun, and the tools she acquired over the months were great! Roan began scrapbooking when her first child was born. Since Russ and I don't have any little ones yet, she suggested doing a scrapbook going through the letters of the alphabet. Perfect! So, I began my A to Z scrapbook last night. I began with "P" for Panama City Beach. I journaled about the trip - that made all the difference! I can't wait to get to the rest! I know it will be super cute when I'm finished...and something I can show my kids as they grow up.

Go Spartans!

We spent the weekend in Saltillo, MS with Russ's brother and his family. Roan, my sister-in-law, homeschools her five children and does a fabulous job! They have taken up a family sport - running. In fact, the three oldest children have joined a homeschool cross country team - the Spartans. They spend their weekends running in 5K's and competing in cross country meets. They always do fantastic! I have never been to a cross country meet before, so I was dying to go see them compete. We decided to go north for the weekend and watch them run in New Albany on Saturday.

So, the first thing I learned about cross country is that it begins EARLY in the morning. Which, if you know me, you know that mornings have been difficult for me in the past! Ha! We left Saltillo around 7:30 am headed for New Albany. Cross country meets look a little like tailgating. Every team had a tent and chairs set up. All the parents and visitors hang out while waiting for the events to begin. Jimmy had made a sign for the Spartan tent, and it looked great! But, I didn't even get a picture of it! Sorry, Jimmy! :)

Julie, Olivia, and some friends warming up

Roan, me, and Sam waiting for the meet to begin
(Notice Sam holding on to Roan's hair - his security blanket. So cute!)

The cutest shoes I've ever seen!! Tow-Mater!
Sam loves the movie Cars.

Jimmy and Roan showing their Spartan spirit

The girls JV started the meet with a 4k run. JV consists of grades 7-9. Julie is actually a 6th grader, but was allowed to compete for the first time! She was so excited!

Julie was the first girl to come toward the finish line! There was no one in sight behind or around her! It was amazing! Way to go Julie!

Olivia was the second girl to come to the finish line. Again, no one in sight behind or around her! Wow!

They looked like they were in a completely different race! I was amazed! When they came close to the finish line - the homeschoolers had to peel off right before crossing the finish line - they looked like they could have run the course again! Most of the girls that crossed were throwing up or looked like they were dying.

After the girls JV, it was time for the boys JV. Again, this was grades 7-9. Clay, who is currently a 4th grader, was allowed to compete in this race also.

Clay was the first Spartan to come to the finish line...17th overall out of over 100 runners!
FOURTH GRADE, remember! He was only 10 seconds behind Olivia's time! Super job, Clay! Notice Roan cheering him on!

Clay, Olivia, and Julie after the race

Leah and I were glad to be watching and not running! Ha!

Russ's dad was able to come down

After the race, we packed up and headed to Atlanta Bread Company to eat - SO GOOD! Then, we spent the afternoon at Jimmy and Roan's hanging out. After pretty much everyone took a nap, Russ helped Jimmy mow their massive yard, Roan ran 4 miles (she is training for a half-marathon), and the kids and I played in the sandbox.

Leah making a "cake" in the sand

The "Little Digger" having fun

After mowing, Clay showed Russ some of the trails in their woods.

Sam wants to ride too!

We had a great time! Thanks so much, Jimmy and Roan! I'm sure Roan will post everyone's times on her blog. So, check it out if you have time.

Third Grade Thoughts for Thursday

Two in one week...I couldn't help myself. I had to post this cute one!

Today, I was teaching a lesson on parts of a book. For example, table of contents, index, glossary, etc. So, to begin, I posed the scenerio: I have been looking for Tornado Alert in my reading book. I just can't seem to find it! Where should I look to find out where it is?

All the students know the answer to this question, so there were 21 little wiggling fingers and hands waving at me. I chose to hear from Nareuna, who is usually not paying attention. "Nareuna, how can I find out?" Nareuna smiled, very excited because she knew the answer. "THE TABLE OF CONTINENTS!" Yes, I smiled and even giggled a little. I couldn't help it! I even got her to repeat it! She was smiling so big. Of course, I told her she was right...but that a continent is a large piece of land like North America. I went on to write the correct words on the board: Table of Contents.

Just a little something to make you smile! :)

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