Friday, December 21, 2007
5 Year Anniversary
Today is Denis and I's 5 Year Anniversary...it is so hard to believe that is has been five years. I was talking to Rachel today and we were remembering back to our special day and it seriously feels like it was yesterday. I can remember it so vividly....
The chaos of the rehearsal (something i would like to forget)
how Denis took me to the place he proposed the night before the wedding
the excitement in the house the morning of
or how i woke up with a cold sore on my lip like on my big fat Greek wedding!
I had a nice quiet morning at the spa before heading to the church
My flowers came in wrong, but they quickly fixed their mistake! (thank god...or i would of had orange Calla Lilly's at my Christmas wedding! gross...
Robbie (our best man) delivering a gift from Denis, they were beautiful diamond earrings...
The time finally came to put my dress on. That was the moment it felt so real! My favorite moment of the wedding is when Denis said his vows, then when it was my turn, he started saying MINE! we laughed and laughed... it was a day i will never forget.... it doesn't feel like 5 years ago.
After Rachel and i were done "looking back", she said "and look, now you are an aunt!" to which i replied "yes i am, life is progressing perfectly..."
Denis, i love you more today than ever before. I thank God everyday that you chose me. Being your wife is an honor. Your talent continues to amaze me, and you are wise beyond your years. Thank you for being my husband, my cheerleader, my protector and my best friend.
Here's to many more anniversary's
I love you
forever and ever...
Monday, December 10, 2007
It's Christmas time in the City
It's Christmas Time in the city...and in the johnson household. I finally found time to decorate for my favorite time of year. I had a great time decorating with Mattie and Jaime. This was my first time decorating this house, and i am pretty pleased with how it turned out. I had a hard time deciding where to put the tree. It is squished in at the bottom of the stairs for now :) i may try to find another place next year.
Here are some pictures of my tree
A few details
Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. Growing up Christmas was always a very special time full of special memories. Some of my favorites are:
1. The year my sisters and I got up and opened all our presents before my parents woke up. It wasn't funny or fun at all then because we were sent our rooms for the rest of the morning
2. Christmas candy. My mom is the Christmas candy making QUEEN. I used to love her chocolate covered peanut butter balls till i ate so many that i got SOOO sick...haven't had once since. But it is still an favorite for the family. Chex mix is my ABSOLUTE favorite! my mom makes the best ever....even though i pick out the peanuts.
3. i can vividly remember when i truly believed in Santa. It was so exciting to stay up and listen for him and to set out cookies. now i just know that my dad is a big fan of milk and cookies :)
4. My favorite Christmas gift of all time was my guitar a few years ago. I know that sounds silly because i never ever played it, but for some reason the feeling of seeing it out Christmas morning is one i will never forget!
5. Seeing the tree decorated and lit up is always so thrilling. i love having a home and my own tree to decorate now. I hope that my children will love decorating the tree as much as my mother and i do.
Christmas Traditions! We have a few in the Freer/Johnson households. Here are a few.
Johnson House: (we spend Christmas eve with Denis' family each year)
* we have a nice dinner before we do anything else. It usually includes fried chicken and Macaroni and Cheese...it's amazing.
* then we read the Christmas story. When denis and deanna were growing up, they would try and memorize the verses and say them along with Denis Sr....oh wait...they still do this...i am WAY behind.
* after we read the Christmas story, we each take the chance to pray and thank God for all his blessings throughout the year, and we pray for the year to come. I just love this part.
* then we open presents!...just a side note...each year my sister-in-law gets me coal for Christmas... i am hoping for chocolate coal this year. if i am going to get coal, i at least want to be able to enjoy it! GEESH!
Freer Household: (we drive down Christmas day to spend Christmas at my parents house)
* growing up we each were able to open one present on Christmas eve. it was always such a process trying to figure out which one to open.
* THE BOW GAME! don't ask me how this started or when or even why. But my sister's and i are very competitive and this adds some MORE excitement to our gift opening process. The goal of the game is to end up with the most bows covering your body as possible. I won last year for the FIRST time! it was thrilling!
* Christmas breakfast is always a special time. The food just seems to smell better and taste better than any other time of the year. sounds silly but it's true.
* Family Fun time! the rest of the day is pretty relaxed until the sun goes down, and then IT'S GAME TIME! we spend the evening laughing ourselves silly. denis and mike usually hide downstairs. They don't seem to get it quite yet!
What i am looking forward to most this Christmas:
* spoiling harmony! last year it was all about kemper. Now, it's all about that beautiful face.
* SEEING MY BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it could cry thinking about it.
* just being around family. best place in the world.
* Denis and i will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary! so hard to believe.
* giving...i am very excited about my gifts so far. I love to watch the faces of those i love most opening a gift i have put so much thought into.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Here are some pictures of my tree
A few details
Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. Growing up Christmas was always a very special time full of special memories. Some of my favorites are:
1. The year my sisters and I got up and opened all our presents before my parents woke up. It wasn't funny or fun at all then because we were sent our rooms for the rest of the morning
2. Christmas candy. My mom is the Christmas candy making QUEEN. I used to love her chocolate covered peanut butter balls till i ate so many that i got SOOO sick...haven't had once since. But it is still an favorite for the family. Chex mix is my ABSOLUTE favorite! my mom makes the best ever....even though i pick out the peanuts.
3. i can vividly remember when i truly believed in Santa. It was so exciting to stay up and listen for him and to set out cookies. now i just know that my dad is a big fan of milk and cookies :)
4. My favorite Christmas gift of all time was my guitar a few years ago. I know that sounds silly because i never ever played it, but for some reason the feeling of seeing it out Christmas morning is one i will never forget!
5. Seeing the tree decorated and lit up is always so thrilling. i love having a home and my own tree to decorate now. I hope that my children will love decorating the tree as much as my mother and i do.
Christmas Traditions! We have a few in the Freer/Johnson households. Here are a few.
Johnson House: (we spend Christmas eve with Denis' family each year)
* we have a nice dinner before we do anything else. It usually includes fried chicken and Macaroni and Cheese...it's amazing.
* then we read the Christmas story. When denis and deanna were growing up, they would try and memorize the verses and say them along with Denis Sr....oh wait...they still do this...i am WAY behind.
* after we read the Christmas story, we each take the chance to pray and thank God for all his blessings throughout the year, and we pray for the year to come. I just love this part.
* then we open presents!...just a side note...each year my sister-in-law gets me coal for Christmas... i am hoping for chocolate coal this year. if i am going to get coal, i at least want to be able to enjoy it! GEESH!
Freer Household: (we drive down Christmas day to spend Christmas at my parents house)
* growing up we each were able to open one present on Christmas eve. it was always such a process trying to figure out which one to open.
* THE BOW GAME! don't ask me how this started or when or even why. But my sister's and i are very competitive and this adds some MORE excitement to our gift opening process. The goal of the game is to end up with the most bows covering your body as possible. I won last year for the FIRST time! it was thrilling!
* Christmas breakfast is always a special time. The food just seems to smell better and taste better than any other time of the year. sounds silly but it's true.
* Family Fun time! the rest of the day is pretty relaxed until the sun goes down, and then IT'S GAME TIME! we spend the evening laughing ourselves silly. denis and mike usually hide downstairs. They don't seem to get it quite yet!
What i am looking forward to most this Christmas:
* spoiling harmony! last year it was all about kemper. Now, it's all about that beautiful face.
* SEEING MY BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it could cry thinking about it.
* just being around family. best place in the world.
* Denis and i will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary! so hard to believe.
* giving...i am very excited about my gifts so far. I love to watch the faces of those i love most opening a gift i have put so much thought into.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Glory Baby
These past two weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions for me. Two weeks ago today i recieved a phone call that my sister was in labor and i couldn't wait to see that baby and kiss her face. I spent the next few days in absolute awe of how perfectly perfect she is.
One week ago today i recieved a phone call telling me that one of my best friends went to the doctor that day and they couldn't find her babies heart beat. My friend, Nanette was 39 weeks pregnant and due anyday. Denis and i rushed to the hospital to be by her side and to pray and petition God for a miracle...that there would be some sign of life in her baby boy.
Wednesday afternoon, Judah Gabrielle Rivera was brought into this world, but his spirit had already gone to be with the Lord. Denis and i went the the hospital and i was able to kiss his little face with my tears. I won't lie, i wrestled with God in that moment. I wanted to know why. Why did it have to be like this? But i knew those questions were not going to be answered. and i now have peace about that.
As i held him i thought; he's perfect. He looked just like his daddy, but with his mommy's nose. :) he was beautiful.
Today we said our final goodbye's to Judah. I have never in my life been more proud to call Nanette and Gabriel my friends. They are so strong. Stronger than I ever could be. I take so much comfort in their strength. I know that they are leaning into God in a way they have never had to before. They understand that verse that says, in our weakness he is made strong.
God's peace truly does pass all understanding. We may not always understand his plans. But we still hold fast to the promise that his plans are perfect. That even when we walk through the valley of the shaddow of death, he is with us.
This song is by watermark, it's called Glory Baby. i find that these words perfectly capture the emotions of this past week.
Glory baby you slipped away as fast as we could say baby…baby..
You were growing, what happened dear?
You disappeared on us baby…baby..
Heaven will hold you before we do
Heaven will keep you safe until we’re home with you…
Until we’re home with you…
Miss you everyday
Miss you in every way
But we know there’s a
day when we will hold you
We will hold you
You’ll kiss our tears away
When we’re home to stay
Can’t wait for the day when we will see you
We will see you
But baby let sweet Jesus hold you
‘till mom and dad can hold you…
You’ll just have heaven before we do
You’ll just have heaven before we do
Sweet little babies, it’s hard to
understand it ‘cause we’re hurting
We are hurting
But there is healing
And we know we’re stronger people through the growing
And in knowing-
That all things work together for our good
And God works His purposes just like He said He would…
Just like He said He would…
I can’t imagine heaven’s lullabies
and what they must sound like
But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home
And it’s all you’ll ever know…all you’ll ever know…
Judah, your name means "to Praise." and even though i will never watch you grow, i will always love you, and i will never forget you, and i will always praise God for you and for your incredible parents. I'll be seeing you...
One week ago today i recieved a phone call telling me that one of my best friends went to the doctor that day and they couldn't find her babies heart beat. My friend, Nanette was 39 weeks pregnant and due anyday. Denis and i rushed to the hospital to be by her side and to pray and petition God for a miracle...that there would be some sign of life in her baby boy.
Wednesday afternoon, Judah Gabrielle Rivera was brought into this world, but his spirit had already gone to be with the Lord. Denis and i went the the hospital and i was able to kiss his little face with my tears. I won't lie, i wrestled with God in that moment. I wanted to know why. Why did it have to be like this? But i knew those questions were not going to be answered. and i now have peace about that.
As i held him i thought; he's perfect. He looked just like his daddy, but with his mommy's nose. :) he was beautiful.
Today we said our final goodbye's to Judah. I have never in my life been more proud to call Nanette and Gabriel my friends. They are so strong. Stronger than I ever could be. I take so much comfort in their strength. I know that they are leaning into God in a way they have never had to before. They understand that verse that says, in our weakness he is made strong.
God's peace truly does pass all understanding. We may not always understand his plans. But we still hold fast to the promise that his plans are perfect. That even when we walk through the valley of the shaddow of death, he is with us.
This song is by watermark, it's called Glory Baby. i find that these words perfectly capture the emotions of this past week.
Glory baby you slipped away as fast as we could say baby…baby..
You were growing, what happened dear?
You disappeared on us baby…baby..
Heaven will hold you before we do
Heaven will keep you safe until we’re home with you…
Until we’re home with you…
Miss you everyday
Miss you in every way
But we know there’s a
day when we will hold you
We will hold you
You’ll kiss our tears away
When we’re home to stay
Can’t wait for the day when we will see you
We will see you
But baby let sweet Jesus hold you
‘till mom and dad can hold you…
You’ll just have heaven before we do
You’ll just have heaven before we do
Sweet little babies, it’s hard to
understand it ‘cause we’re hurting
We are hurting
But there is healing
And we know we’re stronger people through the growing
And in knowing-
That all things work together for our good
And God works His purposes just like He said He would…
Just like He said He would…
I can’t imagine heaven’s lullabies
and what they must sound like
But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home
And it’s all you’ll ever know…all you’ll ever know…
Judah, your name means "to Praise." and even though i will never watch you grow, i will always love you, and i will never forget you, and i will always praise God for you and for your incredible parents. I'll be seeing you...
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Harmony Joy Shipman!!!!
I am pretty sure i will be floating on cloud nine for a long time to come. On November 20, 2007 at exactly 12:57, Harmony Joy Shipman graced the world weighing 7 lbs and 2 oz, 21 inches long. In the words of Mary Poppins, she is practically perfect in every way.
I received a text at 4am on Tuesday morning that said only one word... LABOR! not a minute later my mom called to let me know her and allison were on their way to Pittsburgh. I let her know that the soonest i could be there was Wednesday evening after church. I had a very hard time going back to sleep. i was consumed with thoughts of rachel and harmony. I prayed for a quick easy labor and safety for my family. Once i finally fell back asleep, i dreamed that harmony would come out with red hair like my mom. I woke up early that morning and called mike to see how rachel was. I got ready and headed to work but obviously i was very distracted! Allison called in the middle of my class and that is when it really hit me that i was missing such a huge moment in my sister's life. And i did not do well at all with that realization. When denis called soon after allison to see how denis was. When he asked me how i was doing with it all, i broke down. I absolutely lost it. All i wanted to do was be with rachel and mike.
After my class was over denis called me back and asked if i could leave ASAP, would i. i freaked out of course and said HECK YES! he then purchased me a plane ticket and i was rushing home to pack my bags. Let me pause my story for a moment and say that i am married to the most amazing man in the world. Babe...thank you so much for understanding how much i needed to be with my family.
anyway...to make a long story short, i should have been in Pittsburgh by 5, but after a crazy day of delays and missing my connecting flight, i arrived at 10:30pm!!! it was crazy.
visiting hours didn't start till noon the next day, so needless to say we arrived just shortly after. Seeing harmony for the first time was a moment i will never forget. It is an instant love i had only heard about. She is so beautiful and such a good little girl! we spent the entire day with her and mike let me stay the night with rach and harmony.
Since rachel did end up having an emergency c section, she wasn't supposed to come home until friday, but the doctor said...and i quote "since it is thanksgiving i will let you go home early" When rachel heard those words, she became a different person. she was up and in the shower and we quickly got everything ready to head home.
around noon today harmony was in the comfort of her own home with her proud mom and dad. Kemper was so excited about the new arrival. it was adorable to see them meet...even though harmony slept through it!
we have been enjoying a wonderful, quiet Thanksgiving day here at the Shipmans. I am blessed beyond words to have been able to be here for as much as i have.
Denis arrived around 4 today. We will be staying through saturday morning.
Here are a few pictures of the beautiful baby girl. Look for more soon!
I received a text at 4am on Tuesday morning that said only one word... LABOR! not a minute later my mom called to let me know her and allison were on their way to Pittsburgh. I let her know that the soonest i could be there was Wednesday evening after church. I had a very hard time going back to sleep. i was consumed with thoughts of rachel and harmony. I prayed for a quick easy labor and safety for my family. Once i finally fell back asleep, i dreamed that harmony would come out with red hair like my mom. I woke up early that morning and called mike to see how rachel was. I got ready and headed to work but obviously i was very distracted! Allison called in the middle of my class and that is when it really hit me that i was missing such a huge moment in my sister's life. And i did not do well at all with that realization. When denis called soon after allison to see how denis was. When he asked me how i was doing with it all, i broke down. I absolutely lost it. All i wanted to do was be with rachel and mike.
After my class was over denis called me back and asked if i could leave ASAP, would i. i freaked out of course and said HECK YES! he then purchased me a plane ticket and i was rushing home to pack my bags. Let me pause my story for a moment and say that i am married to the most amazing man in the world. Babe...thank you so much for understanding how much i needed to be with my family.
anyway...to make a long story short, i should have been in Pittsburgh by 5, but after a crazy day of delays and missing my connecting flight, i arrived at 10:30pm!!! it was crazy.
visiting hours didn't start till noon the next day, so needless to say we arrived just shortly after. Seeing harmony for the first time was a moment i will never forget. It is an instant love i had only heard about. She is so beautiful and such a good little girl! we spent the entire day with her and mike let me stay the night with rach and harmony.
Since rachel did end up having an emergency c section, she wasn't supposed to come home until friday, but the doctor said...and i quote "since it is thanksgiving i will let you go home early" When rachel heard those words, she became a different person. she was up and in the shower and we quickly got everything ready to head home.
around noon today harmony was in the comfort of her own home with her proud mom and dad. Kemper was so excited about the new arrival. it was adorable to see them meet...even though harmony slept through it!
we have been enjoying a wonderful, quiet Thanksgiving day here at the Shipmans. I am blessed beyond words to have been able to be here for as much as i have.
Denis arrived around 4 today. We will be staying through saturday morning.
Here are a few pictures of the beautiful baby girl. Look for more soon!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
A "Wonder"ful weekend
This past weekend had to have been one of my favorite weekends in a LONG time. If you were to ask Denis or I what concert we would pay ANYTHING to go to, (besides kenny chesney and rascal flatts...but that is another story...) it would be Stevie Wonder! we are HUGE fans. So this past weekend we were able to live out that dream, thanks to wonderful friends and family. It was a weekend we will never forget. Here are some pictures
*the pictures of stevie wonder were taken on my cell phone seeing how we had Mr. wannabepoliceman at the door who made us take our camera's back to the car... i am still about sour about that...
Here are a few pictures of the crazy gang :)
AND NOW............ BABY BUMP!!!
i can't wait for her to just be here already! hopefully my next blog will be annoucing her arrival!!! :)
*the pictures of stevie wonder were taken on my cell phone seeing how we had Mr. wannabepoliceman at the door who made us take our camera's back to the car... i am still about sour about that...
Here are a few pictures of the crazy gang :)
AND NOW............ BABY BUMP!!!
i can't wait for her to just be here already! hopefully my next blog will be annoucing her arrival!!! :)
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
now you know my ABC's...
I stole this from heather's myspace as well...not because i want to be like amy, but because i am trying to keep up with this blog and i don't have much to say about my life right now. so enjoy! :)
A - Age: 26
A - Annoyance: my alarm every morning
====================
B - Best feature: elbows maybe... i wouldn't lable anything "best"
B - Beer : gross
B - Birthday: april 16
====================
C - Crush: nick stokes on CSI
C - Car: 2002 Toyota Rav 4
C - Career: Teacher
=====================
D - Day or night: neither
D - Dream Car: Jetta
D - Dogs or Cats: dog FOR SURE
===================
E - Egg nog: gross, but i love the season it's in
E - Mail: i have a hard time keeping up with it
====================
F - Favorite color: red
F - Favorite Band: christopher hopper band! :)
====================
G - Guilt: taken away
G- Gummy Bears or Worms: bears!
====================
H - Hair Color: blond
H - Happy: extreemly
====================
I - Instrument: used to play the trumpet. but i consider my voice my instrument
I - Idol: my mom
====================
J - Jewelry: i love a good necklace or a nice pair of earings
J - Job: teacher, afterschool director, and worship leader
J - Jail: what about it?
====================
K - Kids: love them, but don't have any of my own yet
K - Kickboxing or karate: i am a lover not a fighter
K - Kindergarten: i remember being very anxious about learning to tie my shoes
===================
L - Longest Car Ride: from my parents house to PEI
L - Last Tear: yesterday...
=========================
M - Milk Flavor: chocolate!
M - Most missed memory: all 6 of my family members in the same house
M - Movie Last Watched: Transformers
===================================
N - Number of Siblings: 3
N - Number of Tattoos: none!
N - Nickname: bucky, freer, airhead
=======================
O - One wish: for mike and rachel to move to rochester
O - One regret: not going to my cousins wedding in october
====================
P - Piercings: ears
P- Pizza: um...yes please. it is best eaten in amy's living room while watching grey's
========================
R - Reason to smile: salvation
R - Reality TV Show: american idol
====================
S - Song Last Heard: fresh price of belair theme song
S- Smile Most when: let's face it, i laugh alot. doesn't take much for me to crack a smile
======================
T - Time you woke up: 7:30
T - Time Now: 3:17 pm
T - Time for bed: anytime can be bed time
=====================
U - Unpredictable: not normally
U - Underwear: yes...
========================
V - Vegetable you hate: tomato ( in the sause on my PIZZA!)
V - Vacation spot: my dream vacation? Mediteranian Cruise
==============
W- Worst habit: interupting someone while they are talking
W- Where are you going to travel: to pittsburg on thrusday!!!!!!!!
===================
X - X-Ray: my ankle once, and my knee too i think
====================
Y - Year it is now: 2007
Y - Yellow: "it's the color of the sun sun sun" - Barney the Dinosaur
==============
Z - Zoo Animal: elephants are my favorite
Z - Zodiac Sign: Aries
A - Age: 26
A - Annoyance: my alarm every morning
====================
B - Best feature: elbows maybe... i wouldn't lable anything "best"
B - Beer : gross
B - Birthday: april 16
====================
C - Crush: nick stokes on CSI
C - Car: 2002 Toyota Rav 4
C - Career: Teacher
=====================
D - Day or night: neither
D - Dream Car: Jetta
D - Dogs or Cats: dog FOR SURE
===================
E - Egg nog: gross, but i love the season it's in
E - Mail: i have a hard time keeping up with it
====================
F - Favorite color: red
F - Favorite Band: christopher hopper band! :)
====================
G - Guilt: taken away
G- Gummy Bears or Worms: bears!
====================
H - Hair Color: blond
H - Happy: extreemly
====================
I - Instrument: used to play the trumpet. but i consider my voice my instrument
I - Idol: my mom
====================
J - Jewelry: i love a good necklace or a nice pair of earings
J - Job: teacher, afterschool director, and worship leader
J - Jail: what about it?
====================
K - Kids: love them, but don't have any of my own yet
K - Kickboxing or karate: i am a lover not a fighter
K - Kindergarten: i remember being very anxious about learning to tie my shoes
===================
L - Longest Car Ride: from my parents house to PEI
L - Last Tear: yesterday...
=========================
M - Milk Flavor: chocolate!
M - Most missed memory: all 6 of my family members in the same house
M - Movie Last Watched: Transformers
===================================
N - Number of Siblings: 3
N - Number of Tattoos: none!
N - Nickname: bucky, freer, airhead
=======================
O - One wish: for mike and rachel to move to rochester
O - One regret: not going to my cousins wedding in october
====================
P - Piercings: ears
P- Pizza: um...yes please. it is best eaten in amy's living room while watching grey's
========================
R - Reason to smile: salvation
R - Reality TV Show: american idol
====================
S - Song Last Heard: fresh price of belair theme song
S- Smile Most when: let's face it, i laugh alot. doesn't take much for me to crack a smile
======================
T - Time you woke up: 7:30
T - Time Now: 3:17 pm
T - Time for bed: anytime can be bed time
=====================
U - Unpredictable: not normally
U - Underwear: yes...
========================
V - Vegetable you hate: tomato ( in the sause on my PIZZA!)
V - Vacation spot: my dream vacation? Mediteranian Cruise
==============
W- Worst habit: interupting someone while they are talking
W- Where are you going to travel: to pittsburg on thrusday!!!!!!!!
===================
X - X-Ray: my ankle once, and my knee too i think
====================
Y - Year it is now: 2007
Y - Yellow: "it's the color of the sun sun sun" - Barney the Dinosaur
==============
Z - Zoo Animal: elephants are my favorite
Z - Zodiac Sign: Aries
Monday, November 05, 2007
Happy Birthday Love
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Karaoke, grills and uh-oh's
We have had quite the eventful weekend at the Johnson Household this weekend. i am trying to say true to my promise and blog more. And just so everyone knows, since i wrote that blog i have been doing ok with my no more soda comment. I have actually cut down quite a bit. but andrea (my blog stalker) insisted that i crack down on myself more. So i actually haven't had a soda since my dinner with her saturday night. and that is BIG for me folks. HUGE!
ok..on with the story
Friday night denis and i decided to go to a dinner party with friends from church. i wasn't really in the mood to do much since the only thing i really wanted to be doing is driving to my parents house to see them. but i made the decision last minute that all that driving (cause they went to pittsburg) would make me even more exhausted than i already am. So come friday night, i was regretting my decision. But i sucked it up and we ventured over to our friends Nick and Sharon's house for a dinner party. Their house was beautiful and dinner was AMAZING! we were spoiled for sure. After dinner, WE SANG KARAOKE! Now this may come as a shock to you, but you couldn't get me off the microphone! SHOCKING! here are some of the songs i sang:
my baby loves me just the way that i am- Martina McBride
overjoyed- Stevie Wonder (denis and i sang this together....so sweet...)
joyful joyful- from sister act
any dream will do- from joseph
endless love- luthur vandross (i sang this with trina!)
my humps- by the black eyed pees (i sang this with bekah, and though of rachel the ENTIRE time)
i am sure i sang more, but i can't remember what they were...
the performance of the night though was when Leandra sang "gold digger" by 50 cent. ALL of us were on the floor bent over in laughter. could have possibly been one of the funniest things i have EVER witnessed...ever.
Saturday came and we layed around the house, went to the market (this weekend was the last weekend for the season...denis was sad...you should see our freezer. it is packed with amish goodies) then denis decided "lets go by a grill" he actually wanted a smoker, but i wanted the grill. so off we went to home depot and purchased a grill/smoker. Denis then proceeded to say " I am going to smoke everything" such a silly man.
Saturday night was church, and then we went out to an AMAZING restaurant called Edibles with Livi, Matt and Andrea. I had the best salmon EVER. the company was the best though.
I actually was able to sleep on in Sunday! but i did sing the last two services.
I spent the afternoon shopping with heather for invitations for her wedding. I think we finally feel like we have found what we want. so now...we just have to make them!
The weekend over all was relaxing, which was nice. but everything in me just wanted to be with my family. I was able to talk to them sunday a bit while they dined at my favorite Pittsburgh restaurant, Max and Ermas. I just miss everyone....sigh.
but yesterday (now onto my uh-oh) i realized that it was a very good thing that i didn't take my car to my parents house. Denis was driving the car back to church after dropping me off at home, and as he pulled into the parking lot, OUR CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE!...well the tire to be exact. yes...i said fire. there were apparently flames shooting out of the tire. It had been making a high pitched squeaking sound for about 2 weeks, but we brought it in and they said it will be ok for now, but we made an appointment for this wednesday. wednesday wasn't soon enough. we had to get it towed to our dealer and they currently are figuring out the problem. i don't know what i would have done if i had been driving it home and flames just started shooting out. i would have freaked. So i thank God for keeping me safe and denis safe.
this week as already had it's ups and downs...and it's only tuesday.
oh...and i decided what i am going to be for halloween...right rach :) hehehehe
ta ta for now
ok..on with the story
Friday night denis and i decided to go to a dinner party with friends from church. i wasn't really in the mood to do much since the only thing i really wanted to be doing is driving to my parents house to see them. but i made the decision last minute that all that driving (cause they went to pittsburg) would make me even more exhausted than i already am. So come friday night, i was regretting my decision. But i sucked it up and we ventured over to our friends Nick and Sharon's house for a dinner party. Their house was beautiful and dinner was AMAZING! we were spoiled for sure. After dinner, WE SANG KARAOKE! Now this may come as a shock to you, but you couldn't get me off the microphone! SHOCKING! here are some of the songs i sang:
my baby loves me just the way that i am- Martina McBride
overjoyed- Stevie Wonder (denis and i sang this together....so sweet...)
joyful joyful- from sister act
any dream will do- from joseph
endless love- luthur vandross (i sang this with trina!)
my humps- by the black eyed pees (i sang this with bekah, and though of rachel the ENTIRE time)
i am sure i sang more, but i can't remember what they were...
the performance of the night though was when Leandra sang "gold digger" by 50 cent. ALL of us were on the floor bent over in laughter. could have possibly been one of the funniest things i have EVER witnessed...ever.
Saturday came and we layed around the house, went to the market (this weekend was the last weekend for the season...denis was sad...you should see our freezer. it is packed with amish goodies) then denis decided "lets go by a grill" he actually wanted a smoker, but i wanted the grill. so off we went to home depot and purchased a grill/smoker. Denis then proceeded to say " I am going to smoke everything" such a silly man.
Saturday night was church, and then we went out to an AMAZING restaurant called Edibles with Livi, Matt and Andrea. I had the best salmon EVER. the company was the best though.
I actually was able to sleep on in Sunday! but i did sing the last two services.
I spent the afternoon shopping with heather for invitations for her wedding. I think we finally feel like we have found what we want. so now...we just have to make them!
The weekend over all was relaxing, which was nice. but everything in me just wanted to be with my family. I was able to talk to them sunday a bit while they dined at my favorite Pittsburgh restaurant, Max and Ermas. I just miss everyone....sigh.
but yesterday (now onto my uh-oh) i realized that it was a very good thing that i didn't take my car to my parents house. Denis was driving the car back to church after dropping me off at home, and as he pulled into the parking lot, OUR CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE!...well the tire to be exact. yes...i said fire. there were apparently flames shooting out of the tire. It had been making a high pitched squeaking sound for about 2 weeks, but we brought it in and they said it will be ok for now, but we made an appointment for this wednesday. wednesday wasn't soon enough. we had to get it towed to our dealer and they currently are figuring out the problem. i don't know what i would have done if i had been driving it home and flames just started shooting out. i would have freaked. So i thank God for keeping me safe and denis safe.
this week as already had it's ups and downs...and it's only tuesday.
oh...and i decided what i am going to be for halloween...right rach :) hehehehe
ta ta for now
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Top 5
i have been trying to post pictures that i took with my new camera for days now, and i can't get it to work. but i have really neglected my blog lately, so i will post without pictures....i know...shocking. all my posts have pictures. So i will just give a little update on my life and the craziness that seems to follow me :)
Top 5 wonderful things happening:
1) Denis and I just celebrated our 1 year anniversary at the Father's House. i can't believe it has already been a year since we have been on staff. We are so in love with this church and it's people. It is a feeling that is pretty much indescribable. We have found such a family there. we are just loving it.
2) i am almost an AUNT! i can't wait to meet that beautiful little girl. as i wrote previously, i have alot of people around me that are either expecting or just had their baby. Still to go: Rachel, Nanette, Shira, and Sarah. babies babies babies. i love it
3) I just finished another great read by Nicolas Sparks. I just wish he wrote faster...we most likely have to wait until spring for another. write on nick. write on.
4) as i mentioned before I GOT A NEW CAMERA! yep. i purchased a Canon 20D. It is the same camera rachel shoots with. It is a great camera. Soon...i will show you a few pictures....soon...i hope....
5) I AM GOING ON VACATION! well...not for like 2 months, but still. Tickets are purchased. Hotel reserved. and i am counting down the days...
5 not so wonderful things happening:
1) the weather is getting cold....crud
2) i spend most of my days exhausted and dreaming of my bed.
3) i feel like i am missing out on so much of rachels pregnancy. i hate that she lives so far away...
4) my car is making funny noises. now i have to get up early and take it into the shop...i have never done that before. i mean i only just learned how to pump gas. geesh.
5) my husband is cheep. he would say he is money conscious. but really... he's cheep. so because he is cheep, our house is freezing. It is a bigger house and so i know it will cost more to heat, but really, do i have to walk around in layers so we can save a buck or two...
5 things that are really bothering me
1) John knows my nieces name
2) John knows my nieces name
3) John knows my nieces name
4) John knows my nieces name
5) John knows my nieces name
5 things i am going to try to start doing more often
1) visit my parents
2) eat healthier
3) blog more
4) putting in baby name guesses to rachel.
5) keep in touch with old friends
5 things i am going to stop doing
1) saying yes to everything
2) commenting on john's blog. he hasn't commented on mine in SO long. so i am done with his too. It can go both ways bucko. :)
3) drinking soda (this is going to be SOOOOOOO hard...)
4) hoping the eagles will win a game.
5) worrying
look for pictures soon
peace
Top 5 wonderful things happening:
1) Denis and I just celebrated our 1 year anniversary at the Father's House. i can't believe it has already been a year since we have been on staff. We are so in love with this church and it's people. It is a feeling that is pretty much indescribable. We have found such a family there. we are just loving it.
2) i am almost an AUNT! i can't wait to meet that beautiful little girl. as i wrote previously, i have alot of people around me that are either expecting or just had their baby. Still to go: Rachel, Nanette, Shira, and Sarah. babies babies babies. i love it
3) I just finished another great read by Nicolas Sparks. I just wish he wrote faster...we most likely have to wait until spring for another. write on nick. write on.
4) as i mentioned before I GOT A NEW CAMERA! yep. i purchased a Canon 20D. It is the same camera rachel shoots with. It is a great camera. Soon...i will show you a few pictures....soon...i hope....
5) I AM GOING ON VACATION! well...not for like 2 months, but still. Tickets are purchased. Hotel reserved. and i am counting down the days...
5 not so wonderful things happening:
1) the weather is getting cold....crud
2) i spend most of my days exhausted and dreaming of my bed.
3) i feel like i am missing out on so much of rachels pregnancy. i hate that she lives so far away...
4) my car is making funny noises. now i have to get up early and take it into the shop...i have never done that before. i mean i only just learned how to pump gas. geesh.
5) my husband is cheep. he would say he is money conscious. but really... he's cheep. so because he is cheep, our house is freezing. It is a bigger house and so i know it will cost more to heat, but really, do i have to walk around in layers so we can save a buck or two...
5 things that are really bothering me
1) John knows my nieces name
2) John knows my nieces name
3) John knows my nieces name
4) John knows my nieces name
5) John knows my nieces name
5 things i am going to try to start doing more often
1) visit my parents
2) eat healthier
3) blog more
4) putting in baby name guesses to rachel.
5) keep in touch with old friends
5 things i am going to stop doing
1) saying yes to everything
2) commenting on john's blog. he hasn't commented on mine in SO long. so i am done with his too. It can go both ways bucko. :)
3) drinking soda (this is going to be SOOOOOOO hard...)
4) hoping the eagles will win a game.
5) worrying
look for pictures soon
peace
Friday, October 12, 2007
best commercial ever
this is by far the cutest commerical i have ever seen. Amy and i were talking about it, so i thought i would share it with all of you! ENJOY!
Monday, October 08, 2007
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Happy 1 year Anniversary to two of my favorite people. I can't even believe that it has been a year already. I truly think that this holiday weekend is the best weekend of the entire year to get married. I have been to a wedding on this weekend for the last 4 years and every wedding has had beautiful weather. John and Amy had a picture perfect day. I love you both! enjoy your special day.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
I'm a BIG girl now :)
This post is LONG overdue, but life has been a whirl-wind of craziness since school began in September. But i did want to share with you my exciting news! no... i am not pregnant...BUT i do have a new baby... A NEW CAR! I am blessed beyond words and i still can't believe i am not only a lisenced driver, but that i now have my very own car. It is a 2001 Rav4. Denis and I love the fact that we now have a depenable car. My mom and dad came up last tuesday so my dad could test drive it and look under the hood and all that guy stuff. I just thought it looked cute. Denis just wanted something i felt safe in. We all won in the end. Thanks to my mom and dad for all your time and effort. I PROMISE i will come home more often now... i fear the lecture from my dad if i don't! YIKES! So here are a few pictures.
The last time i posted pictures of the inside of the house, but none of the outside. So i thought i would add it into this shot.
It's she a beauty. mom...while your in canada, i need a moose for my car. THANKS!
until next time...
The last time i posted pictures of the inside of the house, but none of the outside. So i thought i would add it into this shot.
It's she a beauty. mom...while your in canada, i need a moose for my car. THANKS!
until next time...
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
The Baby Madness begins!
Congratulations to the my dear friends Laura and Marc and the birth of their precious baby boy, Malachi Isaac Falco. He graced us with his presence three weeks early on September 20th. He was 7lbs 5oz and 21 inches long. He is perfect. A full head of dark hair and the most perfect skin. Denis and I went to visit the new bundle of joy on Saturday before church and i did not want to leave him. Not one bit. He slept so peacefully the entire time we were there. The new mommy and daddy are wonderful, just a bit tired. They are all home safe and sound.
This is the first baby of 5 on their way.
Still to go:
Rachel
Tanya
Nanette
Sarah
Looking forward to posting pictures of all the new babies! Congrats again to Marc and Laura. Malachi doesn't even know how lucky he is to have you as parents!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
An afternoon to remember
This past sunday we celebrated a very special occasion with a very special lady. My sister is just weeks away from bringing in to this world what is sure to be the light of many lives. I think about this baby often. I wonder what she will look like, or what her first words will be. I think about the things she will enjoy doing, or what it will be like to see my dad as a grandpa. I was recently at a wedding...megan george's actually, and i got very emotional during the father daughter dance because all i could think of was mike someday doing the same thing with this precious little girl inside my sister's belly. I know that when i see rachel, all i do is call her fat :) (it is simply out of love!) but the fact of the matter is i can't think too long about what a miracle this really is without feeling a wave of emotions that i dare not let out. I can't wait for the day that i get to hold this little girl in my arms and introduce myself. I hope she likes me. i look like her mom... so i think she will. Rachel, i hope that you enjoyed your special celebration. I love you with all my heart!
here are some picture's from the day....
the best surprise ever... an unexpected guest that made the pregnant mom to be RUN to greet her... christy you will never know what that meant...
one of our crafts for the day. the guest book complete with a picture, a name for the baby and a note to the momma. allison LOVED getting that ready :)
our cupcake tree. i was very pleased with how they came out. The best part... those where brownie cupcakes. Thanks Jaime. It was the perfect touch.
mom-to-be, grammie-to-be, and aunt-to-be!
We had a onesie decorating contest! This was my original design! better see that baby wearing it!
another game had to do with babies frozen in icecubes. Megan GEORGE won that game.
The momma-to-be herself! looking beautiful at 7 months!
The White's! i am pretty sure Momma white is yelling at me because i MAY have said something about puerto ricans...but i just can't remember....
this is the worst part of living far from my mom...the goodbye's. they suck...
overall the day was quite a success thanks to Amy for the use of her home, to jaime for all of the last minute "chores" i gave her. To Allison for her scrapbooking skills, and to my mom for making the trip for the day. Thank you to all who were able to join us and to those who where there in spirit. Thank you most of all to mike for knocking rachel up! :) hahahahahaha
here are some picture's from the day....
the best surprise ever... an unexpected guest that made the pregnant mom to be RUN to greet her... christy you will never know what that meant...
one of our crafts for the day. the guest book complete with a picture, a name for the baby and a note to the momma. allison LOVED getting that ready :)
our cupcake tree. i was very pleased with how they came out. The best part... those where brownie cupcakes. Thanks Jaime. It was the perfect touch.
mom-to-be, grammie-to-be, and aunt-to-be!
We had a onesie decorating contest! This was my original design! better see that baby wearing it!
another game had to do with babies frozen in icecubes. Megan GEORGE won that game.
The momma-to-be herself! looking beautiful at 7 months!
The White's! i am pretty sure Momma white is yelling at me because i MAY have said something about puerto ricans...but i just can't remember....
this is the worst part of living far from my mom...the goodbye's. they suck...
overall the day was quite a success thanks to Amy for the use of her home, to jaime for all of the last minute "chores" i gave her. To Allison for her scrapbooking skills, and to my mom for making the trip for the day. Thank you to all who were able to join us and to those who where there in spirit. Thank you most of all to mike for knocking rachel up! :) hahahahahaha
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Heather and Tony
Recently (last sunday) one of my closest friends in the whole world GOT ENGAGED! and boy did she find an incredible man. The more i get to know tony, the more i love him. They are absolutly a perfect fit for eachother. They have planned a wedding for May 31 and i was honored to be asked to be a part of it. Here are a few engagement pictures that i took for the happy couple on saturday.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
The Johnson Crib
that title was just for you ashley
*a little blog disclaimer: I am not posting these picture IN RESPONSE to rachel's recent house pictures. I was planning on posting these pictures on the weekend, but after rachel posted her pictures, i did not want to seem like the "one up" girl. :) so now that rachel has posted a belly update, i am free to share my pictures!
ok
now on with the show
Denis and I just recently moved about 5 houses up the street from our last house ( our 4th house in a mile radius...so pathetic) but we are LOVING the new house. We will be here for a while for sure. i will put some before and after pictures up. Before i do i have a few people that i need to thank. 1) My mother. she has been a trooper. she has been up twice since the move and she has made things happen. She unpacked my kitchen, painted our downstairs bathroom, helped me decorate and brought yummy snacks! (that is very important! I am sure Amy agree's!) It was just a great excuse for us to see eachother! Thanks Momma! 2) Marc and Andrea. They took an entire day and painted our bedroom while denis and i were at work! Thank you guys! I owe you.
This is the living room
The Dining Room
The Downstairs bathroom
The Upstairs bathroom
This next room had the most dramatic change, so i will put a before and after photo.
Before
It had that ugly green carpet that made my allergies go bonkers. The people before us had a cat, not that i have anything agaist them, i am just allergic to them. Thanks for the good genes mom! :) Plus it had that terrible wood paneling... so outdated... so...we made a few changes...
After
We put in new carpet and painted! it is still in great neeed of new curtains and decorations. It is still a work in progress, but i just love it! it is my favorite place to be. You can't see but the room is quite long, not in the picture is denis closent and a little reading nook with a chair in it.
Moving was the most stressful thing i have ever done, but it was so worth it! COME VISIT!
*a little blog disclaimer: I am not posting these picture IN RESPONSE to rachel's recent house pictures. I was planning on posting these pictures on the weekend, but after rachel posted her pictures, i did not want to seem like the "one up" girl. :) so now that rachel has posted a belly update, i am free to share my pictures!
ok
now on with the show
Denis and I just recently moved about 5 houses up the street from our last house ( our 4th house in a mile radius...so pathetic) but we are LOVING the new house. We will be here for a while for sure. i will put some before and after pictures up. Before i do i have a few people that i need to thank. 1) My mother. she has been a trooper. she has been up twice since the move and she has made things happen. She unpacked my kitchen, painted our downstairs bathroom, helped me decorate and brought yummy snacks! (that is very important! I am sure Amy agree's!) It was just a great excuse for us to see eachother! Thanks Momma! 2) Marc and Andrea. They took an entire day and painted our bedroom while denis and i were at work! Thank you guys! I owe you.
This is the living room
The Dining Room
The Downstairs bathroom
The Upstairs bathroom
This next room had the most dramatic change, so i will put a before and after photo.
Before
It had that ugly green carpet that made my allergies go bonkers. The people before us had a cat, not that i have anything agaist them, i am just allergic to them. Thanks for the good genes mom! :) Plus it had that terrible wood paneling... so outdated... so...we made a few changes...
After
We put in new carpet and painted! it is still in great neeed of new curtains and decorations. It is still a work in progress, but i just love it! it is my favorite place to be. You can't see but the room is quite long, not in the picture is denis closent and a little reading nook with a chair in it.
Moving was the most stressful thing i have ever done, but it was so worth it! COME VISIT!
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