Johnson Journal

I found a coupon for Build-A-Bear Workshop in one of my magazines that expires on Dec. 31st, and the kids had been dying to go since they recently opened one in our local mall. So, last Saturday, I offered to take them and let them make a bear for the baby. Jared decided that he would rather hang out with dad, but Lauren wanted to go, so we fought the holiday crowds and made "Baby Bear" for little sis-to-be. It was pretty fun.

I've got a lot of events to cover, so let's start with our church's Christmas dinner on December 14th. We enjoyed visiting with some neighbors and friends over a potluck supper. Jared was chosen to sit in Santa's lap and help him with the book he was reading to all of the children (I'm not sure why Santa chose such a big boy to sit on his lap for so long, but I guess he is used to people sitting on his lap. Maybe his legs are always numb?).


The next event was on December 16th. The third graders performed "SuperClaus!" at the high school auditorium. It was AMAZING! Especially the angel wings (ha ha! A little joke because I helped make some of them.) Jared was a reindeer and a shepherd. He delivered his lines perfectly- slowly and clearly! The show was about an hour long and every child had a chance to be in the spotlight. The music teacher is my friend's mother, and she is awesome! Three of Jared's close friends were in leading roles- Santa, Mrs. Claus and Dr. Brainpain (the Dr. treating Santa for amnesia). It was really something! Just ask the next time you come over, and we'll be happy to show you the video!

















(My camera does not do well at a distance!)

















(Jared in the middle in the mustard colored garb)

















The next day, Lauren sang some Christmas songs with her class in chapel at her school. She did GREAT! She had been practicing her songs at home and after singing, "Let's worship Jesus. Let's worship Jesus. Let's worship Jesus, and celebrate his birth."- she asked me, "Mom, what does worship mean?" I thought it was cute and am glad she asked and wanted to know!






















Friday, December 19th, both kids had their Christmas parties back-to-back, and then we went to Steve's office for lunch. Lauren's class had a snack, made a couple of crafts, and played a game.

















Jared's class made paw-print hats and played a game where they broke into 4 teams and each team had to dress up one member as "Rudolph" using pantyhose, balloons, and bows. It was funny and cute!

These are the pictures we took at Sears just before Thanksgiving. We used the sled one for our Christmas cards. I've had a few comments about Lauren's "Texas hair!"- gotta love it! And my handsome Jared, with his new tooth just starting to come in. My babies are growing so fast!!

We had a wonderful Turkey Day at my mom's! Three dogs and 20 people make for quite a festive gathering! Steve and my dad took the kids to see Madagascar 2, and we did a little Black Friday shopping. Oh, and ATE A LOT!


























We stopped in College Station on the way back to drive around and see all the changes...there have been a lot in the past 12 years!

Here's my little turkey at her school party:





And with her friends on the field trip:










We've been busy since then with bday parties, school functions, etc.. Steve finally finished the outside lights today, and the tree will hopefully go up tonight. Ho ho ho!