Day 20

I'm going to be brave and post a few pictures that I took with my new camera! Now, I haven't edited them and I certainly don't have anything perfectly focused, but, I was SO excited after I saw the results of my very first picture!  I exclaimed, "Yes, this is EXACTLY what I've wanted! (and I didn't even have to figure out all the features to get this result!)"  I also let the kids hold the camera and take 1 or 2 pictures of their own.  I figured, there won't be as much curious finger poking it if they've already touched it.  So, here are some of them!

My very 1st picture with my new DSLR! Maybe I should get it printed and framed somewhere ;-)

Oh my word, how precious is this!

Justin was in a mood, so he only let me take a picture of his toe.  I was trying to get a picture of everyone.  Benaiah and Jared didn't want to participate though.

Say cheese!

I believe Justin took this picture.

I know Keturah took this picture (yes the tree is still up, I haven't had time to deal with it).

I think this one was Keturah too.

Day 19

It's here! It's here!  The day has finally come that I get to join the DSLR camera group! It's been a dream in the making for 6 or more years.  I can NOT believe I own one now! It's like having a 5th baby.  So many bells and whistles to learn.  I don't really have time to learn everything at once, but I'll take it slow and I'm sure it's not terribly hard.  Here's a picture of me with my new "baby."

Keturah, the innovator! Where's there a will, there's always a way! I told her she can't stay in the living room and bother her brother while he uses the TV screen to play the PS4.  Well, she found that if she looks in this mirror in the dining room, that it's positioned just right for her to see the TV in the living room.  What a stinker!  She's definitely one "go get 'em" kind of girl!

These two were giggling like crazy so I just had to see what was going on.  Justin had drawn this scene and I think Keturah added herself at the bottom right corner.  She drew herself with a big head and big glasses.  Then Justin added a booger coming out of her nose.  Why are gross things so funny?  I'm glad I bought new dry erase markers the other day because it obviously revived an older activity.  The wipeboard/chalkboard had been sitting there untouched for 4 months.  These two make quite a pair!

Day 18

"It's Monday all over again...." - part of a song from a musical that Michael W. Smith put together in the 90's that I was a part of.  Well, it included songs from the Change Your World album in 1992.  I played the part of a cheerleader....but I digress....

Yes, it was a Monday, and a little hectic.  The kids had a hard time settling into schoolwork today, but we got it done.  Then we were off for a doctor's appointment and other errands.  My back is sore from lifting the carseat from the van to a cart because we went in 3 different stores.

Then there was basketball for Justin and homework time with Benaiah.  Fun stuff!

Abishai loved pulling all the wipes out of the wipe container from the diaper bag this evening.  The funny thing is, he kept wiping his face with him.  He gets very messy at dinner time, so maybe he knows he needs to clean himself up? It was soooo cute!

I've been having trouble with meal planning lately, so a friend suggested to take each night of the week and make it a theme.  As you can see, this is very general, so I can do different recipes every week.  Keturah and Justin are very excited about this simple meal plan and keep checking to see what dinner comes next.  Who knew something so basic and simple could be fascinating?

Day 17

I promise to get more pictures taken this week, hopefully with my new camera which arrives on Tuesday!  I'm super, super excited about that!

We had a decent day with some clear weather.  The big snowstorm they predicted for last night was a no show!  I'm not joking!  Not even one single snowflake!  We went to church and had BLTs for lunch.  Abishai had a long nap, so I got lots done.  Then Benaiah and I went to Staples for some things (some very expensive things like a big $10 3-inch binder for our history curriculum and $60 for printer ink!) and off to get groceries at No Frills.  Got home and unloaded it all, just in time for little man to nurse and go to sleep.

I did manage to get this cute picture today though!

I just had to get a picture of Abishai and Justin looking like twins!  And yes, we know Abishai looks a lot like Justin.  Justin loves this fact!  They are both holding their favorite Lego "mini" figures.

Day 16

Whoops! I didn't take any pictures today and I'm so tired that I can't think of any substitutes.  I had my Lilla Rose open house today, which went well.  It was lovely seeing some friends come and go during it.  I loved that I could stay home out of the cold.  A snowstorm is supposed to blow through here tonight, but I haven't seen much activity yet.  I'll post double the pictures tomorrow.  Good night!

Day 15

Today's picture is a preview of tomorrow.  Tomorrow you are all invited to my Lilla Rose open house (message me for our address).  I am a consultant for Lilla Rose and have been for 2 years.  I've got some great Flexi clips, stretchy headbands, and very strong bobby pins with gorgeous motifs that belong in YOUR jewelry drawer for YOUR hair!  I've got some great sales on all of it with extra discounts if you bring a friend! Come anytime from 10-3!  We can sit and visit, and drink some tea or coffee together too.  AND you get to see Abishai climb the stairs and be the cutest kid on the block!  I hope to see you tomorrow!  (Read on below the picture if you want the scoop on our busy day).

Oh boy, it was one of THOSE days. We tried to get moving pretty quickly this morning because we Bible class with Grandpa Johnson at 10:30, skating at the Cari at 11:30 and a playdate at 2.  Well, we managed to read our history quickly before 10:30, and found our skates before class.  Class went fine.  But then, it was a mad dash to wake up Abishai and get him in his carseat to go skating.  I had checked the schedule (via my phone) and it said that the public skate was at it's normal time.  Well, I got there, and no, there was no public skate today!  Grrr,..going out in the below zero windchill with 3 kids, a stroller, and skates for nothing is NOT my cup of tea.  Thankfully, the young man gave me a token for the parking lot (which normally costs $5).  So, we stopped off at Jared's work to drop off a book and head home for lunch.  By the time we had lunch and I checked email and made some phone calls, it was 2:30.  We rushed to finish and head off to some newer friends' house for a fun 2 1/2 hr playdate.  The moms got to chat and the kids made some new friends.  Abishai had a blast eating some wooden puzzle letters!  My friend shared her Juice+ plus business information with me and I shared some Lilla Rose love with her (that was pre planned ;-)  By the time we got home, supper was going to be later than normal anyway, but then it took the salmon more than an hr to cook in the toaster oven! (It was frozen to begin with).  So, another crazy full days.  I'm glad not all days are like these past two days!

Day 14

Today should be titled, "On the Go with the Johnsons." We had two appointments with Benaiah, a trip to the library, a sweet homeschool mom watched our two middles, and basketball practice this evening.  Lots and lots of van and kid shuffling.  Poor Abishai spent more time in his carseat than out of it! So, here's a picture of our trustworthy van that keeps us going.  We have had to put money into it bit by bit, but it still runs awesome for it's age and use!