You should know that after several months of waiting and cleaning and showing and packing and moving and living with my in-laws, our house SOLD! Not only did it sell, but it CLOSED! Yippee! I realize that although it seemed like a lifetime to us, we were blessed that our house has sold in this market. We have several friends that are still waiting with multiple house payments and having to pinch every penny (more than we all already do!).

It happened suddenly really. Well not really. We had been working with this buyer since August. But, after what is a long story of events, I received a call one day that said, "We may close tomorrow. I'll let you know in the morning." What? I thought the deal was over! I received the call about 10:30 that next morning. We all decided to meet in Starkville - Russ drove in from Memphis while I drove in from Corinth, and the realtor and notary drove in from Jackson. We met at the local Holiday Inn and signed the papers!

Signing the papers...

Once the ink dried, we were mortgage FREE!! And, believe me...after our ordeal, I made SURE the ink DRIED! Ha!

Russ, me, Sue, and the notary

When this door opened....our house CLOSED!

Praise the Lord and pass the pizza! After the closing, we (Dustin, Daddy, Russ, and me) headed to my favorite pizza place, Stromboli's, for a celebration dinner. And because the Smith family likes any excuse to eat out! Ha! Now, we are soon to be on our way to our new home. Just the two of us...our party of two!

Photo Booth

I come home in the morning light,
My mother says "When you gonna live your life right?"
O, Mother dear,
We're not the fortunate ones,
And girls,
They wanna have fu-un.

Oh, girls, just wanna have fun!

The phone rings in the middle of the night,
My father yells "What you gonna do with your life?"
Oh, Daddy, dear,
You know you're still number one,
But girls,
They wanna have fu-un,
Oh, girls, just wanna have fu-un!

Oh, girls just wanna have
That's all they really want....
Some fun...

When the working day is done,
Oh, girls, They wanna have fu-un,
Oh, girls just wanna have fun...

Some boys take a beautiful girl,
And hide her away from the rest of the world.
I wanna be the one to walk in the sun.
Oh, girls, They wanna have fu-un.
Oh, girls just wanna have fun!


Excuse the audio/video being off

Oh, girls
Just wanna have
That's all they really want...
Some fun...

When the working day is done,
Oh, girls,
They wanna have fu-un.
Oh, girls just wanna have fun!

MSU vs. Georgia

Yes, last week's game was a FUN one! I wish all games could be this grand. Sigh. Maybe they will from now on. Maybe we have turned a corner. Maybe. Just maybe. Nonetheless, the Smith clan will be there cheering on their Dawgs. Cowbells in hand. Ringing so hard, dingers fly out at least once a game! Yep. We are true fans!

We had a few new visitors for this Georgia game. We left town early Saturday morning to set up, beat the crowd, and pick up the chicken. Once all that hard work is finished, it's time to sit back, visit, eat, walk around, or watch some TV.

Mama and Dustin

Me and Season (Russ's cousin)

Sherra, Hank, and Adam

This game was particularly exciting because Jennifer...are you ready for this?...had NEVER been to a college football game. In. Her. Life! Gasp! I know. It was a shocker! We broke her in good! Don't worry. Mississippi State ballgaming with the Smiths will change you. Ha! At least it will change your wardrobe. Right, Jen? Right, Jeff? Ha!

Me and Jennifer

Aside from Jennifer's first ballgaming experience, we had lots of fun tailgating. The rest of the Smith family arrived, dressed fashionably as always. Can you tell I'm the "old lady" of the group?

Me, Kristin, and Dustin

Our resident celebrity cheerleader, Catelin, came by to visit and was so sweet to take pictures with the girls!

Catelin and the girls

Why are there no pictures of the guys yet? Well....because they only did one thing all day pretty much. Sit in chairs around the TV!

Seth, Jeff, Bill, David, Russ, and Lee

Lee, Ricky, Jake, Daddy, and a few strangers in the background trying to watch the game. Not sure what Jen's doing back there. She did NOT watch that game! Ha!

Family friends stopped by for a visit and to catch up.

Mama and friends

Closer to game time, it was time for Jennifer to try out her new cowbell! So, we walked down to the Dawg walk to watch the coaches and players walk through.

Please ring responsibly! Ha! Although, Russ told Jennifer that hers was so small, it probably didn't even count! So, she could ring hers whenever she wanted. Ha!

Jen and Jake cheering the team on as they walked through the crowd.

After a little walk around campus, we headed back to the tailgate for a little more food and fellowship before kickoff!

Kristin and Lee

The girls with Mary

Before we knew it, gametime was here! Yay! Walking into the stadium and watching the team warm up is always fun for me.

Russ and me

I love the pregame shows too! This game, we had parachuters (is that a word!?) come from above to land midfield.

Sorry...but there are no pictures from the actual game. Too exciting! Too fun! All you need to know is....

We win!


And that's how we do it here in Starkvegas!

Pink Gloves

There is one word that I always fear and hate to hear. It's a disease that seems to become more and more common. Sometimes you hate to even say the C word. Cancer. A few years ago, it was just a word. Nothing I ever considered touching my life. Since then, I have watched friends and family friends and family members touched by this horrible disease. I've watched loved ones beat it. I also watched them lose the battle. Each time I hear it or see it touch the lives of those around me, I become more and more aware that it can happen to anyone. And, I think to myself, "How can I help stop this!? How can I help slow it down?"

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there are health care professionals all over this country doing their part to raise awareness. Grace, my niece, actually showed me this video on YouTube. She is the "Queen of YouTube!" I watched it with her and smiled. I even teared up. I love it!

I cannot claim to know all the emotions and feelings that go into the lives of those with cancer. But, I can only imagine the feelings of loneliness, fear, and dread. God calls us to use these gifts...these days...He has given us...even the trials that come along...to His glory. To not stand back on the wall. He calls us to dance. Dance for Him!

But, it's important to know that you won't dance alone!

The caretakers, health professionals, and families of those patients are our angels in disguise. I love the visual at the end of the video of the caregivers, who share the experience in such a personal way, coming together with the breast cancer survivors. No, you will not dance alone! We are in this together.

Keep DANCING!

Sew Me! Oh My!

Just look at all these fun aprons! I've been busy busy busy during my free time. I can't keep my hands off this sewing machine! Now, I just need some other ideas of things to make. Until then...

...there will continue to be aprons and more aprons! Ha!

Cute Mother/Daughter sets

Fall owl aprons - This Chi O loves some owls!

Fun and bright owl aprons!

Cute and colorful aprons!

Aprons with colored towels and white towels!

And aprons-in-progress!

I have already had several orders for these adorable and fun towel aprons, and I'm loving making them! I've also been working on some full aprons shown in my last sewing post in different prints. So cute!

One thing I know...

I have a problem. And the first step to recovery is to admit that you have a problem, right? I admit. I have an addiction to cute fabric. I am not kidding when I tell you that I get a new package of fabric each week! I just cannot resist!

Sew me! Oh my! I'm having a blast with my new hobby!

Saltillo XC

Last weekend, Russ and I traveled a few minutes south to the big town of Saltillo to watch two of our nieces run in a cross country meet. It was apparently a big to-do....1200 runners I think Roan said. Of course, we were also in dire need of visiting with Russ's brother and sister-in-law. So, we woke up early. Yes, on a Saturday, we left the house a little after 8 to see the girls run.

Roan's mom, Russ's dad, and Russ

Roan's parents were there as they often are, and Russ and I enjoyed visiting with them as always. Russ's parents also drove up for the race. It was such a beautifully HOT day! Last year when the girls ran this race, it was so muddy that most of the runners had to crawl up the last hill to keep from sliding down it! So, we were thankful for the sunshine!

I, being a non-runner these days, enjoy two parts of these races (well...actually 3!). I love to watch them all line up as the race is getting ready to begin. The teams all stand together side by side with the next team. Some pray, chant, dance, etc. to get "hyped" up. Then, they all take off running when the race starts...funneling into a line of organized and paced runners. It's just fun to watch.

Of course, I also love to watch as our nieces or nephew run past us. We cheer them on and watch for the next one to come through.

Then, I really am entertained watching the finish line. Have you ever been to a cross country meet? If not, you should. If only to watch the finishers. There are a few fascinating parts of this finish line that I enjoy or find myself watching out of fascination. First of all, as pictured above, I love to watch when two runners are running side by side and sprint to the finish line to be sure to finish first. Catherine, the Spartan above, is sprinting with one of our Corinth girls to the finish. There is a picture to prove that the Spartan did in fact cross first, but there was quite the discussion and a bit of shoving after crossing the line. The Spartan was put in her appropriate place...in front. But, it was entertaining nonetheless. I also find it fascinating to watch the finish line, AKA the "puke shoot." I know. Gross! But, it's just so interesting to watch these runners who have given ALL they have and run their hardest finish with such a bang. Some are so limp they need assistance walking any further. Some fall down. And some just toss their cookies. Well...I'm sure it wasn't cookies they had for breakfast. But you get the picture. However, it should be noted that Olivia and Julie always look like they could run another race after they finish! They are so conditioned! Amazing to me! So, I believe Julie finished 8th and Olivia wasn't far behind out of 120 varsity runners in the "smaller schools" division. Great job girls!

Leah and Russ's dad

After the race, we all spent some time at the tent visiting and enjoying the remaining races.

Roan and Sam

Roan, who was standing in as coach, finally had a chance to sit and relax. Well, I'm not sure she ever gets to relax. But, she did get to sit!

Olivia, me, and Julie

We congratulated the girls, then put the chairs, coolers, food, and tents away before heading inside for the awards.

Jimmy and Russ

The Spartans were recognized at this particular race. That varies from race to race since they are "unattached" runners. The Spartan XC team is a group of homeschool families that organized this sport themselves. Some for the competition and some for the fitness. We watched as Julie went up front to receive her t-shirt for finishing in the top 20!

Congratulations Olivia and Julie for running such a great race! We are always proud of you!

Oh Sew Happy!

Yes, I'm happy! Not just regular happy, but Oh SEW Happy to be using my new sewing machine! I had big plans to take weekly lessons on the basics of sewing. But, instead...I just jumped right in there! It helps when you are living with your in-laws...the mother-in-law who has sewn all her life, the sister-in-law who taught herself to sew and now appliques, makes outfits, and anything else cute, and a father-in-law who embroiders! Yep. I'm immersed in a sewing culture here at the Johnson household. Ha! Just for the record, I DID ask my mom to take a sewing class to which I got this response: "No." That was it. Never spoken of again.

My first task on the sewing machine after that tiny witch looking stocking I made on the first day...was a cute apron!

Jenny taught me how to ruffle, and I examined her straps enough to figure it out....and voila! Cute aprons! I've also become addicted to cute fabric during this little hobby of mine. Oops! That costs money. Good thing I've already had some people buy some already. I just keep making them and making them. Because I'm pretty good at this project. And why stop a good thing, right?

Well, a couple of weeks ago, I decided it was time to step out from behind the aprons. So, I signed up for a dress class. Where they teach you how to make a little girl's dress. Now, we all know I don't have a little girl to dress. So, I did the next best thing. Made one for my niece. Just because she lives the closest and her mom helped pick out the fabric. I was so happy to have Mary Elizabeth in the class for both moral support and complete hysteria! We had SO much fun!

We made some pretty cute dresses too! Grace wore hers to church that next Sunday.

Next on my list...following a pattern by myself. I picked up a pattern at my new hot spot, The Treasure Chest, and began the process. I only had to ask my mother-in-law and father-in-law a few questions about "pattern lingo" and I was off to sewing on my own! Reminds me of that jingle, "I'm a big kid now!" Ha! I sewed my sister a cute little contemporary apron.

That's not where the madness happiness ends! This past weekend I did the unthinkable. I became a grandma! I joined a quilting class! Yep. That's right. I am now officially constructing a quilt. It just so happens that I wasn't alone! The mom of one of my best friends from high school was in the class with me. All I can say was that she was the last person I expected to be in there!

We had the best time! There were four other women in the room, and we had a ball! Laughing at ourselves and each other, getting to know each other, and mix/match/stitching all the while.

The hardest part was picking fabrics to piece together. We had 20 different fabrics and 80 different pieces to put together. By the time we left, we at least had a few blocks completed. Pam's quilt was just beautiful! I loved her fabric.

Then, I went home to work on the finished product. I can't wait to see it with the border and quilted!

Do you understand now? Why I'm SEW happy! I'm using that machine up! I probably sew everyday at least a little. I have piles of fabric on the table and more on the way. I'm a little obsessed. But, I'm thinking it's a good obsession. Like one of our older church members told me in the fabric store a while back, "If you learn to sew, you will never be lonely." I guess that's why I'm SEW happy. I will never be lonely!

MSU vs. Auburn

This Thursday, the Smith family loaded up again for another home game! This week's theme....TRUE MAROON! Everyone was to wear maroon. In fact, a LARGE majority of the fans donned this cute shirt. I went straight to the bookstore to purchase one, but they were sold out!

I had to work until noon, so we left after lunch. Since the game started at 6:30, we didn't have that much time to tailgate. We sat up a few chairs, the tents, and grabbed some Mississippi State ice cream as we relaxed and watched the fans roll in. It was quite nice actually. Mama and I, of course, made our way down to the Dawg Walk to see the players and coaches walk through. A couple of friends stopped by for a visit too. It was a nice afternoon! Sadly, Russ had to work all day in Memphis and wasn't able to make it to Starkvegas. He watched on TV with his dad instead.

Becca, Adam, and me

Once the game started, it was cowbells ringing! We are supposed to ring our cowbells responsibly, but I'm pretty sure that didn't happen. What do you expect from our first SEC home game?

I'm pretty sure two cowbells at one time is NOT ringing responsibly! Ha!

Kristin and Lee had to work too and made it just in time for kickoff. We were wearing maroon and ready to play! Let's go Dawgs!

Kristin and Lee

The game was a close one! The fans stayed until the very end...all of us wearing blisters from ringing our bells, I'm sure! At least I was! Both teams had a few mistakes, and we couldn't seem to hold on to the ball. There are very few times that my dad yells out during a game. This was one of those times. Ha! He kept a close eye on every play and his ears listening to the game on the radio.

Daddy with his binoculars and radio

Unfortunately, we couldn't pull it off in the end. Not completing the last play, which would have put us in field goal range, was gut wrenching. But, we ended with a close score of 14-17. Auburn wins. Poo!

Kristin, Lee, Mama, Daddy, and me sat around at the tent for nearly an hour waiting for the traffic to clear out. After stopping by Dustin's apartment, it was Home Sweet Home for us...with our eyes on the next game. LSU. You never know what will happen!