Yes sir!  It's officially summertime for me!  For as long as I can remember, my summers started immediately with our family trip to Panama City Beach with my grandparents and the rest of the family.  So, it's really not summer for me until we go to the BEACH!  The forecast for today was SUNSHINE and it was SUMMERTIME!!  

Russ and I had a great first day here in Seaside.  We spent all day outside.  Russ woke up around 7 a.m. to run 7 miles!!  Wow!  Then, we went to the beach around 9:30 or 10.  We stayed there until it was time for lunch.  It was heavenly listening to the waves, sitting back, and reading some Kingsbury!

Most of my day looked like this!

Russ checking out the water - completely clear!

After lunch, we headed to the pool to check things out.  It was not crowded at all, so we "popped a squat" and stayed a while.  When it got a little too hot, we could just jump in the pool for a while.  So nice!  Then, we napped on the padded layout chairs.  Russ and I thought we wouldn't know what to do on a vacation by ourselves...but don't you fear!  We found perfectly relaxing things to do today!

Taking a dip in the pool to cool off

After a fair amount of sunshine for the day (and, trust me - I got PLENTY for one day!) Russ and I got showered and felt fresh as daisies.  So fresh that we decided to head to Destin for some outlet mall shopping.  But, first things first.  We must eat!  I immediately contacted Lee because he knows Destin like the back of his hand, and he suggested Pompano Joe's.  In case you've never tried it, you must!  It was delicious!  Not only that, but it is right on the beach.  All the windows are wide open, and we actually sat on the front balcony with only a rail separating us from the beach. 

Russ after his Seafood Sampler at Pompano Joe's

Ahhh...this is the life!

We are on Cloud Nine!

Literally.

Russ and I left today for Seaside, FL.  We have not been on a vacation with "just the two of us" since our honeymoon in 2005.  Most of our friends think we're crazy, but I must say vacationing with our families has been extremely fun!  We have also never spent our anniversary alone.  Obviously, it's not that big of a deal to us.  Usually we are in Panama City Beach with my family, and this year we spent our anniversary in lovely San Francisco!  What could be better?  This year we decided to plan an anniversary trip for US.  

And we are literally on Cloud Nine!

Our precious cottage - Cloud Nine

I have been to Seaside several times, and Russ went last year when we spent the week here with his family.  But, I must tell you that this is absolutely the cutest little cottage I have ever seen!  I did see pictures online before we got here, but they just don't do it justice.  We took a few to show you...but, again, they will not do it justice!  We are very excited about our week!

Me in the little kitchen with our little kitchen table - So cute!

Russ in our little living room sitting on our little couch by our little bay window - Love it!

Our living room going out to the little balcony

Our cutie patootie bedroom!

After checking in and checking out our little humble abode, we spent the evening in Destin.  We ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise and did some grocery shopping for the week.  Now we are back at Cloud Nine watching our cute little TV!  

I can't wait to hit the beach tomorrow!!  Sunshine, here we come!

Happy Anniversary!

Russ and I celebrated our four year anniversary on June 4. We were in San Francisco having a fine time, so I wasn't able to post what I wanted to. Russ and I chose June 4 for one special reason. Both of our parents were married on June 4. Russ's parents were married June 4, 1966, and my parents were married June 4, 1977. Our parents have been such strong examples of what marriage should be. We wanted to honor them by celebrating with them on this special day!

At our wedding reception, Russ and I had a surprise video for our parents. It was wonderful! They were so surprised, and the guests absolutely LOVED seeing pictures of the two couples from the beginning.

I thought you may like to view part of the video as well. So, here it is! The first part is honoring Russ's parents, and the second part is honoring my parents. You will notice the trends as we go from the 60's into the 70's. It makes me laugh every time I watch this!

Happy Anniversary to all!

And, Happy Anniversary to my hubby! It's been an amazing ride, and I can't wait to see what's around the corner! Love you always!

G.I. Associates 5K

Russ, me, and my cousin ran the G.I. Associates 5K EARLY this morning! It was a huge event - the largest foot race in the state. There were three races this morning: the 5K, a half marathon, and a kid's Fun Run. There were 1200 runners in the half marathon and over 450 in the 5K. So, as you can imagine, there were people everywhere! Lots of tiny cute girls with serious runner faces, and then there was me. Ha ha! I talked my cousin, Clancy, into running early this week. This was her first 5K, and she kicked my boo-tay! She did great! We decided to sign up for more and we made some serious goals! I won't tell you what they are, because I don't want to be held accountable if I chicken out! Ha!

Clancy and I started out with my run 3 minutes, walk 1 minute pattern. A little over halfway, I started feeling sick and had to slow down. (Yeah, I know! Excuses, excuses!) So, I told Clancy to keep running. And she did! She ran the entire last half of the race! Go girl! Clancy finished in 37:28. I finished with a whopping 39:12...totally disappointed, but just glad to not throw up on the course! Ha! Russ, of course, finished at 25:24 landing him third place in his age division!! Way to go Russ! He was also 33rd overall - out of over 450 runners! Man, he makes me look bad, doesn't he!?

Run, Clancy, Run!

Me struggling to the finish line.

Great first 5K, Clancy!

We hung around a few hours after our race ended to watch the half marathon finishers. We were totally inspired! But, I'm still not going to tell you our goals we set! Ha! By the time we left, we were a bit delirious from our lack of sleep and early race.

Russ never gets an action shot because no one finishes before him! We staged one.

Cousins

The last thing Clancy said was, "Now, if we could just get Kristin to run..." I've tried. But, maybe she's changed her mind. What do you think Kristin?

¡Feliz Cumpleaños Uncle Howard!

In the midst of all the chaos going on in the Coon family, we did find some time to celebrate my uncle's birthday at Cozumel. My mom came back in town today, so we met for supper. We had a great time visiting, laughing, and eating some good ole Mexican food before the big race tomorrow! Ha ha! Russ, Clancy, and I are running in the GI Associates 5K tomorrow morning at 6 AM!! Wow...that's early! Better get to bed soon!

Uncle Howard, Mama, and me

Russ, Aunt Patsy, and Clancy

Uncle Howard eating his birthday surprise!

We had a great time! Happy Birthday Uncle Howard!

**Just to update everyone on the grandparent situation. Both grandparents are now discharged from the hospital and spending the next week or so at Methodist Rehab. Please continue to keep them both in your prayers.

***I know I have already mentioned my grandmother's fall. In case you don't know what happened with my grandfather, I'll fill you in. While my grandmother was in the hospital recovering from her brain surgery (a result of her fall), my mother stayed with her. My grandfather and the rest of my family and my mom's side of the family went on to Panama City Beach for our annual beach vacation at my grandparents' condo. (For more on that annual trip, click here.) My grandfather was very hesitant, but there was nothing he could do here. And he needed to get away to rest for a while. SO...while there, my grandfather had, what seems to be, a stroke. He was hospitalized there for a few days. After his release, my grandmother's neurologist wanted to see him herself. So, he has spent the last few days in a hospital here. The day he was admitted, my grandmother was discharged to the rehab facility. We should just have our own floor! Yesterday, my grandfather was released to the same rehab facility. My mom went home for a couple of nights to rest and take care of her own things. My cousin and I took turns staying the night with my grandmother - she cannot be left alone at night. My mom came back in town today and will be staying with my grandmother.

Are you tired yet? Cause WE ARE!! Thankfully, everyone is well (somewhat) and we are able to spend precious time with our grandparents and take care of them after all the MANY times they have taken care of us. Still, we would appreciate your prayers as my grandparents continue to recover... and my mom and uncle continue to care for their parents.

Wonderful Wednesday

What is so wonderful?

I can think of a multitude of wonderful blessings.  A caring, selfless, hard-working, intelligent, helpful, handsome, strong, Christian, loving husband.  A family who loves unconditionally and gives selflessly to help each other.  An exciting, fun, and stable job.  The opportunities to travel and spend time with those we love.  I could keep going on and on.  But, one thing that strikes me as the most wonderful of all is God's love.

As I was reading through my bible, I came across Galations 3:17-19  "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and deep is the love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

In this passage, Paul talks about the immensity of God's love.  It is total.  Complete. 

His love is wide.  It covers all our experiences and to all the world.

His love is long.  It covers the length of our life.  "For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb....Your eyes saw my unformed body." Psalm 139  God has loved us since He formed us, and He will love us into eternity - Heaven.

His love is high.  It reaches to our most exciting celebrations, successes, happiest moments.  His love reaches the height of our emotions.

His love is deep.  It also reaches to our deepest valleys, sorrows, struggles, sin.  "Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:8

We must know this love to be filled with the fullness of God - which is expressed only in Christ.  Our union with Him.  Live by faith in prayer daily to experience the fullest life.  Then, we will experience the fullness of God.  As we struggle with infertility, I remind myself often that God's love is not conditional.  He loves me through these dark days, and He will love me just the same when we experience the joy of becoming parents.  His love has not faltered, even when my faith has.  I try to live by faith in prayer daily so that I may experience the fullest life He has planned for me.  Although I struggle...OFTEN, I know that a relationship with Him daily is the only way to experience the fullness of God.  Most times, my prayer is for Him to bring my heart closer and closer to His will for my life.  This is the only way I can find peace in the midst of our struggle.  God has granted me much patience and contentment since I began praying for this.  Have no doubt that I still struggle, cry, and "pout."  But, I do come back around to Him.  And He is there.  His love has never and will never fail.  Just how much does He love me?  He loves me as wide as this whole wide world, as deep as the deepest ocean, as high as the tallest tower, as long as the longest river, and even more than that!  

As I read this passage, one of my many favorite songs came to mind immediately.  Now, by now, I'm sure you figured out that I am a Mandisa fan.  It shouldn't surprise you, then, that this song is one of her newest.  How Much is a song that speaks to the immensity of God's love.  It talks about the width, length, height, and depth of His love for us.  Take a listen.  Don't forget to mute my playlist.

How Much

How much, how much
Do you really know how much, how much
Well, let me tell you how much, how much you are loved

These words go out to anyone who’s ever felt so unlovable
I’d just like to say to you
That lie is so not true
This message is for the broken down
They say you can’t turn your life around
No matter what you do
Well, that lie is so not true

Take the depths of the deepest ocean and go deeper
Take the top of the tallest tower and go higher
Take the best day that you’ve ever had
Try to imagine better than that
And it still don’t come close
To how much you are loved

Don’t worry about what you’ve done
God’s love goes out to everyone
And here’s the wonderful, beautiful truth
That includes me and you

So, let it find you where you are
Wrap its arms around your weary heart
And all the love you’re longing for
You’ll find all that love and more

No heart is big enough
To measure Heaven’s love
‘Cause it goes on and on forever and ever and ever

God loves me "this much," and He loves you too!

Elvis Presley 5K

Because we have not been busy enough, Russ and I topped off our week with a 5K in Tupelo before heading back to Home Sweet Home! We ran the Elvis Presley 5K. We actually left the Memphis airport and spent the night with Russ's parents in Corinth. We ate dinner there, and we woke up around 5:30 the next morning to get ready and leave for the race. Season was running too, and we had decided to try and stay together. So, I met up with her to warm up before the race. Russ ran to warm up! Whatever! I was not about to waste perfectly good energy! Ha ha!

We both did very well! Russ won 3rd in his age division, and I ran my best time so far. Now, remember that I am only run/walking. I have now worked up to a running 3 min. and walking 1 min. pattern. I'm still doing my Spanx breathing, but I'm working through it. Russ's final time was 25:02 and mine was 37:14 I think. I don't know the official results yet. Season and I beat our last race time by more than 5 minutes!

Season and me coming across the finish line. Notice the shape of our mouths as we struggle for our next breath!

Running with the King

Russ and his dad

Some may call this "pimpin'!" Ha!

Russ and I had a great time at the race! I was very excited to meet a few blogger friends as well! Our next race is this Saturday, and I'm still trying to talk my cousin into running with me. It's so much more fun running with someone. I'm very sure Russ will be out of sight within 30 seconds!

San Fran Day 6

Our last day in San Francisco was decided the night before by making a list.  A list of places we wanted to see or go back to.  First on the list was Lombard Street - the most crooked street in the world.  It was very fun to drive down Lombard in our big "delivery bus!"  Ha ha!  However, walking down it and admiring the beautiful flowers is altogether another experience.  It was very nice!

The whole Johnson crew outside our beloved "bus" before walking down Lombard Street

Russ and me at the bottom of Lombard Street

Next on our list was a run across the Golden Gate Bridge.  Russ was our photographer and Olivia kept the little ones.  But, they ran in spirit I'm sure!  Russ had run along the bay with Jimmy earlier in the week.  We had a great time even if I did finish alone...walking most of the way back across the bridge.

The San Francisco Running Club

Me and Roan running across the bridge

Clay, Julie, and Jimmy running across

To cool off and calm down, we ate lunch at Subway before heading back to Muir Beach.  Muir Beach was the highlight of the Johnson kids' trip, I'm sure.  They loved climbing, exploring, and finding unusual rocks.

Olivia found a rock

Me and Leah on a huge rock

Russ and Jimmy at the highest point watching the kids play below

Leah and Russ had a fun art session with rocks as well.

Jimmy and Roan have been great all week!  We are so thankful for their generosity allowing us to join them on this awesome vacation!

Leah, Russ, and Sam posing on a rock

Thursday night, Russ and I actually stole some time alone.  We celebrated our four year anniversary while in San Francisco.  To celebrate, we walked around Union Square and "window shopped" before heading over to Pier 39 for dinner.  We enjoyed the view from there, and Russ was able to get a few shots he'd been wanting all week.  Thanks, Jimmy and Roan, for allowing us "nearly newlyweds" (as Roan called us) to celebrate our anniversary for a couple of hours!

Sailboats docked at the pier

The view of Alcatraz from the pier

Russ and I had a phenomenal time in San Francisco with Jimmy and Roan.  I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for us over the years.  It has been so much fun getting to know them better as Russ and I "grow up" years later.  Ha ha!  Thank you, Jimmy, for being such a positive role model for Russ all these years!  And, thank you, Roan, for being there for me so much over the last year or so.  I've truly come to respect you more and more for the godly woman you are!  We love you both! 

San Fran Day 5

After several days in the "wilderness," as Roan calls it...we spent the next couple of days in the city.  Roan had graciously bought us all tickets to tour Alcatraz on Wednesday.  It was extremely interesting.  We rode a ferry over to the island and took an audio self-guided tour through Alcatraz.  I learned so much!  I must admit that prior to going to San Francisco, I asked Russ to explain Alcatraz so I wouldn't look completely ignorant! Ha ha!  Now, I know more than I ever thought I would.  The kids really enjoyed it too!  They were able to walk into jail cells and take pictures.  I asked if any of them wanted to stay there, but no one was interested.

Russ and I right as we got on the island

Russ and I outside the penitentiary

Alcatraz as we left on the ferry

We spent the rest of the afternoon walking around the city of San Francisco.  We started at Pier 39 for lunch and to see the seals.

Then, one of the children felt under the weather...so Russ and I took Julie and Clay for the afternoon while the rest of the Johnsons headed back to the hotel for a rest.  We had a great time!  We tried on "Krazy Kaps," rode the trolley, and shopped in Chinatown.

Clay, Julie, and me in our Krazy Kaps

Russ joined in too!  He says that he didn't mean to make a face like that!

I just thought this "kap" was too cute!

Julie and Clay on the trolley

Julie, Clay, and me in Chinatown

After our afternoon in town, we ate at Boudin's while we waited on Jimmy to pick us up to meet Olivia, Roan, Leah, and Sam in Chinatown.  They had finished with their rest and were ready to join the fun.

Me and Russ with homemade sourdough bread in the shape of an alligator

We still had time to spare, so we drove over to see the Painted Ladies...otherwise known as the Full House houses!  I was super-excited!

Don't we just look like we belong on Full House?!

Once we were all back together, Jimmy drove us up to Twin Peaks for a superb view of the city!

What a great day in the city!