Saturday As Is

Here's to staying in pajamas until after 11, morning coffee catch-ups, auntie silliness, sweet soccer moves, pizza parties, gorgeous sunsets, and fireside chats with wine. 

Sometimes Saturday's get to be Saturday's. 

And for this, I am thankful.  

A New Passion

Chris headed off on his first hunting trip today. While I'm not a hunter, I am thrilled that he has found something to be passionate about and committed to. His preparation for hunting with his bow has been methodical; each step well-thought out and purposeful. He has practiced. He has shown excitement. He has modeled for our kids how to start something new and stick with it. 

I wasn't a super fan of this new adventure of Chris's at first. I've come to realize, however, it is so much more than that...even if he will come home smelly after a few days in the woods. ;)

And for this, I am thankful. 

The Giggly Feels

You know what feels good?

Laughing. 

You should try it and then do it a lot. We take ourselves far too seriously. 

I laughed a lot today -- at work, at home, and even by myself. And, despite a super long day with lots of mental challenges, I feel...great! 

There's something to be said about a giggle or two. 

And for this, I am thankful. 

Next Gen Ed

I co-teach a course at Aquinas College for education students. It's the last course students take prior to entering their student teaching and is full of young minds ready to go out and change the world.

It's a real honor to work with this group of future leaders. Tonight, as I listened to the discussion around a book we just read, I had a moment of deep pride. The thoughts and conversations we so good! Like hair-raising good! These students are the real deal. They get it. They are creative and kind. They are smart and relevant. They believe in kids. They also know they too have so much to learn!

If this group is any indication of what our future teachers are going to be like, I can assure you that our children are in excellent hands!

And for this, I am thankful. 

Lucy

Our cat, Lucy, has a personality unlike any cat I've ever had. Her favorite activity includes jumping up on the couch and sitting juuuust out of reach. She's super soft and snuggling up with her is Newley impossible. She'll let us pet her but snuggles on our terms are off the table. 

Except for this morning. This morning, just as my alarm clock went off, Lucy jumped on the bed and curled herself up right on top of my chest in full purr mode. I died.

It was just what I needed to start the day. Lucy redeemed herself, if only for a moment. 

And for this, I am thankful. 

Crafty Slumber

The bottoms of my feet are covered in silver paint and not because I'm the one who is crafty. 

Chris has been working so hard on a beautiful loft bed for Sofia. We were fortunate to be offered this hand-crafted loft with desk and bookshelves by some good friends of ours. Chris's artistic potential immediately flourished. He has sanded, stained, painted, and sanded some more for over a week out in the garage. The project is almost complete and I he called me into the garage to check out his handy work (hence the silver feet).

I am so excited for Sofia to have a place to cozy up at night that was not only given to her with love by friends but also crafted with love by her daddy. 

Slumber surrounded in love. I like that. And for this, I am thankful. 

A Peek Into The Past

When my grandparents moved from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids years and years ago, they had quite a bit more stuff than their living arrangements could accommodate for. Thus, it made sense to get a storage unit to hold all the non-necessities.

Over the years, the family has made regular visits to the storage unit making efforts to sift through the massive amounts historical must-haves for the Johnson's to either donate, pass on to a family member or toss. As you can imagine, it's quite a process.

Today was the last visit. That was kinda weird. Now that both my grandma and grandpa are gone, there's no reason to keep the unit. I met my mom, step-dad, aunt and uncle to go through the last boxes. I had anticipated hours of work but when I got there, they had already done most of it! What was left to do was actually pretty cool. My job was to sort through just a few boxes.

Within minutes, I suddenly found myself staring through a window to the past: gorgous photos of my mom and aunt as young children (you know, the kind that look like they were hand painted and not taken by a camera. Stunning.), silver candle sticks and serving platters with engraved monograms, and even a photo album of me as an infant!

I really felt like for the first time as an adult, I saw the world through my grandparents' eyes, saw what was important to them and what they loved. It was really, really cool.

This is a picture of my Mom and I just after I was born. Today was the first I had ever seen this photo. Isn't my mom gorgeous?!?!

Hello 5th Grade! Found this Northview Newsletter stuck inside a photo album. This was the Spring of 1992, folks. 

My all-time favorite picture of Bill and Genevieve. 

So much fun peeking into the past today. :)

And for this, I am thankful.

Crisis Averted

Phew! Parenting crisis averted.

Sofia has some friends sleeping over tonight because their parents are attending an event. The girls were having tons of fun...and then it was bedtime. At bedtime, it was realized that a blankie was missing. Craaaaaaaap!

Seriously, this is every slumber party parent's panic moment. We looked and looked to no avail. No blankie and now, tears were threatening. Double Crap.

Thankfully, our little visitor only lives down the street. I was able to get ahold of her mom and our potential bedtime fail was prevented with the delivery of the coveted blankie along with a bedtime hug and kiss.

Next time, we'll check for that stuff waaaaay before bed. :)

I'm always learning as a mom of my own and temporary kiddos.
And for this, I am thankful.

Seasons

Fall is here.

I love the crisp air, bundling up, and the sound of rustling leaves as the wind picks up speed. We have some pretty massive trees in our backyard. It sounds like a wind symphony at times!

Watching the seasons change is so fascinating to me. I know it's dorky but it always brings the world into perspective for me. When things seem overwhelming, it's sometimes difficult to remember that it will pass. The change in seasons is always a good reminder that nothing is permanent...except change, that is.

I can deal with that. :)

And for this, I am thankful.

It's Just That Simple

Sick kid, neverending cold, breakneck pace at work, and a whole list of other left turns to the day...

The day is done and tomorrow is a fresh start. Sometimes, it's just that simple.

And for this, I am thankful.