Speaking of Wonder Pets...

You're welcome as that will probably now be in your head the rest of the night.

The Parents: This Winter

Lest you think Chad and I are just sitting around changing poopy underpants and taking down cribs, we have been pretty busy, too.

We have both started a pretty solid workout regime. Chad attends Boot Camp Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 5:30am (I know, yikes), and then he sees a trainer Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 5:45am (seriously, yikes). He is really enjoying it. I have continued Zumba (really trying to go 2-3 times a week) and then recently started with a trainer one day a week. This one day leads itself to the other 6 days of the week in that I weigh in (big old yikes) and have to show my My Fitness Pal food journals once a week. Eeek. But accountability is what I needed and so accountability is what I got. And I love it.

When I started I had to set some fitness goals. I didn't know if my trainer would find it funny if I wrote my goals as follows:
1. Abs like Fergie
2. Arms like Heather Locklear
3. Legs like Beyonce

Though I did not write it down, I did tell him my goals outloud. He may have been slightly amused. And then told me to lose two pounds by next week. ha!

I don't normally support or utilize profanity but this was too hilarious. And with it being Girl Scout cookie season, very true to what I am working with right now.

The band is doing well. We are busy with family and "real work" lives but still continue to practice regularly and are currently working in the studio on a brand new album. A few weekends ago, we had a great opportunity to be the band at a Lutheran Youth Conference at a local hotel. We played 6 different times throughout the weekend to about 400 youth and their leaders. It was super fun and a great experience.


We also celebrated the upcoming arrival of my new sweet baby niece. I went a bit overboard and "showered" her with all new outfits for all her first holidays...including her first beach trip and her first Grace Reigns Down concert. We cannot wait to meet Baby Claire in about 7 weeks!


And finally, I have spent this weekend at a Futures Conference at my church. I loved seeing all the excitement and fellowship among members. I was the note taker and really heard and recorded some great things. I am super proud of my church and where we seem to be headed.


We're all busy. All 4 of us. We are living life to the fullest. But still taking time to sit around in our PJ's and slippers and watch some TV. Because sometimes you just need some Wonder Pets or The bachelor every now and again.

The Kids: This Winter

Here's a mish-mash of what the kids have been up to the last two(ish) months. If you follow me on Instagram or are on Facebook with me, you may have seen some of these...

Last May, Brooklyn was a "model" for some education products. This pulled her out of her comfort zone (which I LOVED) and she really did a great job for her shy self. A few weeks ago, we received the finished product. So cool.


I am encouraging Wii Dance as a physical activity- especially during these cold months. I usually get about 3-6 minutes of participation. I'll take what I can get, I guess.


Here's a very rough shot of Jake's new big boy bed and bedding. Nothing else changed but I have plans to paint and do a bit more decorating. Maybe I should say, I have plans to procrastinate until summer and then make Chad do it over summer vacation.


Working from home in the evenings sometimes leads to me having to 'share' my computer. But Jake loves typing on it and working on his letters and sounds and spelling family members' names.


Brooklyn has been hesitant to jump back into her weekly Zumbatomic class (Zumba for kids). Not sure whether its because the class is small and she's just not done it since summer but she's had a hard time jumping back in and dancing. However, her teacher, Ms. Lori, was a guest at one of Brooklyn's Brownie meetings, and they all had a blast. Just another way I am trying to get Brooklyn to open up and try new things. Zumba is great because its dance class without the end of year recital and costumes. :-) Maybe I'll try and find a friend to go with her so she's less scared. Or maybe I'll just be the mean mom and tell her to suck it up and get over it.


On the flip side, Jake tore it up at his school's Valentine's Day dance.


And we had a great Mommy and Jake dinner date at Wendy's one night.
It's the little things.


And most recently, Brooklyn and Zoe had a sleepover with Zoe's mom, Emily, and I at Embassy Suites to celebrate Brooklyn's 8th birthday. We were there anyway for a big gig with Grace Reigns Down (more about that gig later), and they gave us a room so we capitalized. Much fun, not much sleep, and a great "first" for Brooklyn.



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Pookie is 3....well, almost 3 and 1/2.

Jake turned three in October and I never did a 'what he likes now' post. So, here it is.....but first a "feeling sorry for myself moment" brought to you by #feelingsorryforyourself.com.

I'm a blogger failure. I had a great run. I am getting that overwhelming feeling that too much time has gone by and now its just too late to catch up. But that's my Type A talking. And my Type B (the little that I have in me) says "Who the heck cares? Just write something d**mit."

So, I will do my best. Because I truly do use this blog as a way to journal the kids lives. And sometimes preach about health and fitness (got some new fun things going on there) and maybe occasionally rant about a business or policy.

But for now, here is my Jake.

Jake at 3.

Jake loves his mama. But he loves his daddy, too. And he loves his Gramma and his Nanny. And he loves his sister. Loves to annoy her, boss her around, and get in her stuff. But he loves her.

He's very snuggly. And always quick to give hugs or say "You know what, mama, I love you."

He usually times that one right after/before he poops his pants.


Jake loves TV. And the iPad. And Netflix.
He goes to school for 9 hours everyday and I think they work him pretty hard. So, like any good Johnson, he likes to come home, put on his jammies, and chill.

Favorite shows are: Team Umi Zoomi, Diego, Dora, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Blues Clues, Wonder Pets (especially the Yak, the Pig, and the Dancing Bear), Leap Frog Tad on the Farm, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar


Jake is a great "player." He will go to the playroom, his sister's room, or his room, and just play by himself. He loves cars, blocks, wipe boards, and even dolls. :-)

Back to pooping.

See this right here? This is a sure sign that something is up. I won't bore you with the details but potty training Jake has been MUCH more challenging than with Brooklyn. We were very lucky with B and I just know that I am paying my dues. But it's tough. He's doing great with peeing but pooping is about 50% (and that's just recently...before this week i would have said 10%).

But we are trucking along. And rewarding an awful lot when it does happen. :-)


Jake is not a big reader but he does retain things very easily and will "read" to me books that he knows. I'll take what I can get.


This was Jake's last voyage in the crib. In January, one random night, he decided he did not want to sleep in his crib anymore. He went straight to the twin bed that we had just "taking space" in his room and didn't look back. I was so shocked and totally unprepared. But we did it and we all survived. He's actually been doing great and stays in it most of the time. No major issues here.


Here's that bed. :-) Brooklyn must have warmed it up for him real good.


Jake is becoming a big helper in the kitchen. He loves to make his waffle for breakfast or pour his apple juice. He loves food and is a great eater. Favorites right now are: yogurt (drinkable, squeezable, any kind), apple sauce, chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, baked beans, jelly sandwiches, green beans, corn, crackers/chips, pizza, and any desserts. I am really capitalizing on the "use the potty and get a chocolate" train right now.


Other notable things:

• About two weeks ago, Jake spent the night at my parents' house and my mom just didn't think he had a paci so she didn't offer one. He didn't ask and then he came home and didn't ask. So, I quietly put them away, and seriously, he has NOT EVEN MENTIONED THEM ONCE. I mean, really? That easy? I have always been of the mindset that he would give it up when he was ready. It was only at night and not hurting anyone or any teeth so I wasn't concerned. Well, guess he was ready. Paci out.
• Jake has been doing great at school. Well behaved. Rarely has bad reports (thank goodness). Only complaint from teachers: Pooping in pants. 'Nuff said.
• He does great in church every Sunday night. Very quiet (the ONLY time he is quiet in a week) and loves the music. Just a joy to watch in worship.

He's a joy. Just an absolute joy. Love this boy so much, and we are so blessed to have him in our family!