Life Update :: Strep Throat & Golf Lessons

It's been quite a week here in the Johnson house. I feel like it should almost be February, but alas, it's January 9th! Jacob got sick last week and it turns out he had Strep Throat! Poor guy! We're finishing up antibiotics this week. In the meantime, I also got sick (again!) with the same stuff I had before Christmas, so I'm doing what I can to feel good (my medicine options are limited thanks to breastfeeding).

On Monday, I took my Mom on her birthday trip. We went to Top Golf for some golf lessons (she's always wanted to learn how to play) and it was a super fun trip. I listened in on the lesson as best as I could with Jacob and then we played a couple of games. I think I probably enjoyed the two hours in the car there and back talking to my Mom, but I hope she had fun!

Yesterday, dance resumed for me as did a new schedule for my siblings (and Mom). I have a new student in my older class which is exciting for financial reasons and so my sister isn't soloing it anymore.

Today, we're finally back to a more "normal" schedule. Jacob and I went grocery shopping this morning and I've already got crock pot pasta fagioli cooking in the crock pot. He's taking a nap, so I'm enjoying some down time.

Getting Older Makes You Grateful

This thought crossed my mind last week while laying in bed trying not to cough and wake Jacob up. I was furiously sucking on cough drops in an attempt to stifle the coughs that wouldn't go away, no matter what I did. We were visiting family for Christmas so Jacob was sleeping in our room, right next to us. I'm so grateful we put him in his own bed from the first night home. Hearing his every whimper and movement is not ideal.

But, I was laying there thinking about all the gifts our family had gotten. Christmas is big in our family. But I think for the first time, Christmas was more about what we were doing and not what we got. I am so thankful for the gifts: after having kept my Christmas budget under control, I'm so thankful for those that spent their hard earned money on things for me. It made me think twice about the things I "wish" for. 

I had gotten word that one of my siblings said that all he got for Christmas was "stupid clothes." It was a good thing I was 4 hours away because I immediately wanted to pound him. How could he be so ungrateful? Kids everywhere would have done a lot for those "stupid clothes." We also had to delay our travel home because of bad weather. I was heartbroken because I wanted so badly to be with my family. 

After really thinking about it all and praying about it all, I came to this conclusion. Christmas will be what you make it. If it's all about the gifts, disappointment can be sure to be found somewhere. We aren't perfect gift givers, after all. I want to make it a priority to raise Jacob to be grateful. I want to make it a priority to make the Christmas season about Christ and the perfect gift He was to the world that so desperately needed him, that still desperately needs Him, today. Sure, I'll still make my Amazon wish list every year; there is nothing wrong with giving and getting gifts. It's one of my favorite things to do, actually! It will not, however, be the focus. The focus will be Christ, gathering my family around me, even if it means multiple trips across town or across the state, and spending time with the ones I love.

Christmastime is Here....

I can finally exhale (for the most part) and enjoy the rest of the week knowing that I am completely ready for Christmas to be here! All of my gifts are purchased, made, and wrapped under the tree! Don't get me wrong- I've enjoyed every minute of the season so far! I haven't been stressed out to the max or anything. It's just nice to know that it's all done. The list has been checked twice and I'm excited for people to open the gifts we purchased or made for them.

I can't get too relaxed, though. There's still 17 things on my list of things to do today! Sheesh- I will never be ahead again. That's okay.

In other exciting news, Jim surprised me two nights ago with a note and a gift. He said it's the 12 Days of our Anniversary. I mean- what a guy! Sweet notes and little gifts... love my man! He didn't even use Pinterest... Yesterday, I went all around the house looking for my gift, but it turns out I get them at night. Ha.

Oh, shout out to my little brother, Alijah. He turns 11 today! Happy Birthday Dude!

Christmas Vacation

Christmas vacation has officially started for me. Save for picking up my siblings next week, which really isn't that much "work," I can now completely focus on the to do list that is filled with mostly holiday tasks and some first of the year projects.

To start off my vacation, I cut a couple of inches off of my hair. I was wadding it up into a messy bun on the back of my head every day and never fixing it because I would rather do other things than fix my hair but I also felt like a slob. That was a bad sentence, but it was my thought process. Now, it's shorter and thinned out so I can wear it down and curly (which is what will happen most days)' pulled back for dance and working out and straightened for special occasions. I also got some side bang things that are going to drive me crazy for a while.

I'm not finished buying/making Christmas presents which is a must. Then, they will need to be wrapped. I really haven't thought much passed that and probably don't need to as it may cause unnecessary anxiety for my OCD personality. PS: I love Amazon. Not only do I get free two day shipping on most things, it's sometimes cheaper and you get a free box. Could not be any easier.

So that's what I have planned for the weekend along with some family things. I'll be back Monday to let you know more about it. I know you're dying to know.

Blogging's Been on the Backburner

I haven't been blogging regularly. It's not because I haven't had time; it's just because I've been spending on it things that were more important to me than the blog. I'm a firm believer in that you make time for what's important. 

There's lots I want to blog about. It's Christmas and with that comes the usual hustle and bustle of the holidays. It's our first Christmas as a family of three and I want to make is special, but not go crazy. After all, Jacob won't really remember this. But, it's important that we make Christmas special for our family with our traditions and for the right reasons. We've been doing an activity every day to count down the days until Christmas. We've also been participating in a Jesse Tree devotional. I'll share all about it when we're done.

I'm excited for some time off from one of my jobs to completely refocus and plan for next semester. I'm excited for Jim to get some time off to to hang out with us. We've got fun Christmas plans ahead and I can't wait!

Today, Jacob and I made some Edible Arrangement deliveries for my Mom. She's finishing up her FNP degree and had to do some clinicals. She wanted to thank them so we made the deliveries for her to save her the $24. Jacob was a rock star on the two hour errand. He played with his toys, talked to whatever was out the window, and we listened to the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" from the Holiday Traditions station on Sirius. We made a stop at small town Sonic to eat lunch. He deserved a car seat break and I was hungry. I put him in the front seat facing the highway and he watched the cars and trucks drive by while I ate. 

We did a diaper change and headed home. He ALMOST fell asleep in the car but I kept him awake until we got home. I laid him down almost 30 minutes ago and he's still in there talking to Mr. Grinch. Hopefully he gets a nap in before we have to go pick up my siblings.

I'm going to try to update on a more regular basis, even if it's from my phone or iPad. Getting behind makes it more overwhelming to start back up!