Christmas Cards

There is a typo on my Christmas cards- yeah, the ones that have already been printed.

That’s all I have to say right now.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

Gingerbread Village

As I have mentioned earlier, I took part in making a gingerbread version of the Falls here in Wichita Falls for a gingerbread village at my church. Here is what the actual “falls” (which are man made and can be turned on and off- lame!) look like:

And here is mine and my friend Maddie’s version:

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 7)

1. What was the last concert you’ve been to?

SARAH: I went on a mission trip Summer 2007 to LA with Harvest Ministries (Greg Laurie) and saw a few bands, including Toby Mac, David Crowder, Phil Wickham, and Leland.

JIM: Caedmon’s Call and Jars of Clay in 1997.

2. Is it easy to make you cry?

SARAH: Um, I’m pretty emotional. I cry when I’m frustrated, happy, sad, sick, hurt or angry- so yes.

JIM: No; I eat chocolate.
3. Do you ever feel like people underestimate you?

SARAH: Not really; I feel that I’m constantly challenged at work, at home, and in life in general. So, I don’t think people underestimate me. If anything, I sometimes underestimate myself.

JIM: What a weird question- I have no idea. Ask them…

4. Name 7 completely random things that you like:

SARAH: 1) Peanut Butter and Marshmallows 2) Josh Hamilton 3) Rap Music 4) Fantasy Football 5) Tap Dancing 6) Computers 7) Spreadsheets

JIM: 1) Budgets 2) Frozen Custard 3) Baylor Bear Football 4) Professional Wrestling Circa 1999 5) State Farm Commercials 6) Strawberry Daiquiris 7) Compost
5. What’s your favorite reality TV show and why?

SARAH: This is a toss up for me- Biggest Loser or So You Think You Can Dance- I watch both, but if I had to pick one, I would pick SYTYCD because I can always go read Chelsea’s blog to find out what happened on BL.

JIM: Whatever my wife happens to be watching
6. What is your favorite hair care product?

SARAH: Hmm…I love my chi straightener! It’s the only one that works good! I have thick hair that’s getting longer so I hope to be getting a bigger one for Christmas!

JIM: Bath and Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint Shampoo and Conditioner
7. What’s your favorite song at the moment?

SARAH: This is the hardest question- Church Music  - Dance (!) by David Crowder Band

JIM: Too Little Too Late by Jo Jo
8. What’s the number one thing on your Christmas wishlist?

SARAH:  Mr. Coffee Teamaker or straightener

JIM: Axis and Allies: Pacific 1940 Edition

9. Have you ever lost your cell phone?

SARAH: Um, go read this post.

JIM: No

10. Did you attack the hordes of shoppers for Black Friday?

SARAH: Yes; I went with my Mom to get 1 item. I woke up at 3:15 and was back in bed by 5:30. So I wouldn’t say I attacked, but I definitely took part.

JIM: Is this a trick question?

It Always Comes Up

Happy Back To Reality Monday! There isn’t much to add about my weekend since I published the 7 Quick Takes Friday post, so there is no “Weekend Roundup” today.

During the holidays, there is obviously a lot of cooking going on. And with a large family, we usually spread out the cooking so that one person isn’t doing it all. We look at it as since we are coming to completely trash your house, let us help you do the cooking.

Well, now that I’m married, I sometimes feel that I should take on some responsibility, you know offer to bring a side dish or dessert. I don’t think I’m ready for “turkey” cooking (but it’s okay because we have man chefs in our family that like to deep fry our turkey). So, this year I asked, and they told me that they had everything covered. However, we could bring something if we wanted to, you know, like a favorite dessert. And, since Jim loves cooking, we decided to bring (read he cooked) a soapapilla cheesecake.

I was kind of glad that they didn’t need anything, It’s a lot of pressure to be bringing part of Thanksgiving Meal. And, sometimes I do dumb things, so I’m glad I get to delay being a part of the cooking for another 364 days. You see, if I was to bring something, and something went wrong, I would be made fun of for life.

One time, high school, 10th grade, I did a bad thing. I was playing soccer at my high school and we got out of practice at 4:30. I then usually had club team practice around 5:30. Well, it happens on that same night there was also a Christmas Eve dinner and service at my church and it was Pot Luck. We lived in Iowa Park, a tiny suburb outside of Wichita Falls, but it took you 20 minutes to get anywhere. So I was in a hurry to leave practice at 4:30, go home and get my stuff to change into at the Christmas Eve thing, and be back at my other practice. (This was before my days of being incredible planning lady, or else, I would have just taken it all to school with me.) Well, it worked out for my Mom because she wouldn’t have to come home to put the broccoli cheese casserole in the oven (Driving 40 minutes to do that isn’t the best use of anyone’s time) so she asked if I would do it. I said sure, but remember, I was in a hurry. I run into my house, grab everything I need, stick it in my car, and run back in to put the casserole in the oven so that when my Mom gets off, she can just take it and head to the church. I leave, go to practice, and get to the Christmas Eve dinner and everyone is kinda staring at me, making some funny jokes about cooking, and I have no idea what’s going on. I didn’t make the casserole, my Mom did. I go to the bathroom, change clothes, and then go to find my Mom. She is standing there with the most angry face- I walk up:

“Sarah! I wish you would pay attention to what you were doing. You put BAKED COOKIES back in the oven instead of the casserole. Now, I have burned cookies and cold casserole.”

Ooops! I remember thinking that casserole looked funny…

7 Quick Takes (Vol. 10)

Happy Day After Thanksgiving! I hope everyone had a wonderful, family filled food stuffing fun day! I know I did!

1. We started the day at Jim’s grandparent’s house, where his parents came over! A small, but very yummy “early lunch” was quiet, peaceful, & fun! We watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and just hung out!

2. We spent the after lunch period at my Mom’s house. There were lots of people there! 22 people… whoa. It was so fun! We had turduckhen (not sure if I spelled that right) and deep fried turkey, dressing, plethora desserts, broccoli cheese casserole, green bean casserole, rolls, and on and on. We also had two airmen over (our local air force base lets you “adopt” them because the majority of them don’t have family here). They were awesome! They played all the game with us (including duck duck goose, red light green light, football, freeze tag, and were just awesome! I even think they are coming back today to hang out and eat leftovers!

3. I then braved the crowds with my Mom and aunt. Wal Mart had a certain gift for $98 (regularly priced $130) and my Mom needed 5 and I needed 1. So we got up at 3:30 and went and parked ourselves in line. It turns out that we only were allowed to get 1 each, but my Mom still saved some money and it was fun! I was back home by 5:30 am. So I got back in bed until about 9.

4. Today, we will go to my Dad’s house and partake in Thanksgiving #3! We’ll be playing games (YAY!) and I’m sure eating some good food!

5. An awesome thing about the holiday season is that good friends from high school come back home to visit their families! I got to hang out with all of them on Wednesday night. I’m hoping that I get to see them one more time before they all leave! Kimberly will be going back to Pine Cove to the Forge, Lauren will be heading back to Dallas to seminary, Cassidy will be going back to San Antonio to finish nursing school and finish planning her wedding (SO EXCITED) and Emily wasn’t able to join us but she’ll be back for Christmas! I miss hanging out with them on a regular basis so it’s always good to see them and catch up.

6. I’m like totally tearing up right now watching the DVR’d Biggest Loser: Where are we now show. These people are amazing. Makes me want to go run

7. But instead, I’m going to finish laundry, finish homework, and decorate my house for Christmas. I love this time of year.

100 Things I am Grateful For (Sarah)

1. Jesus Christ dieing on the cross for my salvation-without this, nothing else matters
2. My wonderful husband- he loves me regardless and has promised to stick with me no matter what
3. My amazing Mom- she inspires and encourages me
4. My handy Dad- he is always there to help fix anything
5. Grandparents on my Mom’s side- they poured so much into me
6. Grandparents on my Dad’s side- although things weren’t always the best, they still loved me
7. Public Radio- I love listening to it’s view on news in the world
8. The Bindel’s- they are friends and co-workers!
9. The Bindel’s Senior- Aunt, Uncle, and cousin who opened their home to me for some time
10. My Step Mom- Stacey- she helped “soften” my dad up
11. Brady and Melissa Sharp- Great friends and co-workers
12. Lindsay Cannedy- A great friend who can always make me laugh and be so wise
13. The Clark Family- They were like a second family to me in high school, especially during soccer
14. The Muirhead Family- Again, they have blessed/poured so much into me
15. Kimberly Ginnings- a great friend who is so fun and spontaneous and always has a great story and is great to talk with
16. The Kelley/Fulcher  Family- They are such a strong family and inspire me to keep going
17. My job, no matter how hard/crummy it gets sometimes- many don’t have jobs, especially right now
18. My car- I’m thankful I have the means to purchase it, clean it, and fill it with gas each week
19. The Frank Family- A wonderful family, counselors, friends, just great people!
20. iPhone- I love my iPhone no matter what you say!
21. The Gray Family- They let me invade their house for over a year and provided me with so much
22. FPU- It’s showing me how to be a good steward of my finances
23. The Hurst Family- New friends I made when I married Jim- they are so fun! Wish we lived closer
24. My Parents In Law- They are great! Some people don’t have a good relationship with theirs but I love mine!
25. Grandmommy and Granddaddy- Since most of mygrandparents are gone, they have lovingly embraced me and my family
26. The Johnson Family- Mentors and friends, sweet girls! Love them
27. The Zamzow’s- A great spiritual encouragement in high school
28. Soccer Coaches in high school who cared more about me than my performance on the field
29. My 8th Grade English Teacher- I still keep in touch with her and have lunch with her occasionally- she was always there to encourage me
30. My JH Choir Teacher- Such a strong woman who is so special to me
31. My 1st Grade Sunday School Teachers- They poured so much into me and helped me develop my biblical foundation
32. The Linscott’s- More friends I “married” into- they have a sweet family and we have a lot in common
33. The Longley’s- Great extended family- again, I’m so blessed to be loved by them!
34. The Mills’- Great extended family- again, I’m so blessed to be loved by them!
35. The Kregers’ -Great extended family- again, I’m so blessed to be loved by them!
36. The Pruitt’s- Awesome aunt, uncle, and cousins that I love and wish they lived closer
37. The Randles- New student ministers who embraced the job and are becoming good friends
38. The Royal’s- Poured and continue to pour so much of themselves into me/others
39. The Roach’s- A great picture of what I want my family to be like one day
40. The Simpson’s- Such humble and genuinely nice people who are such a blessing!
41. Kathleen Stewart- Step sister who is awesome!
42. Ashley Stewart- Step sister who is awesome, too!
43. Darrell Stewart- Step brother who is, you got it, awesome!
44. James Strickland- My brother who can do everything and inspires me to be more laid back
45. Emily Strickland- Who does things completely opposite of what I would do but makes me laugh
46. Lexie Cox- My sweet sister who loves me!!
47. Josh Cox- My sweet little brother who says the darndest things
48. Alijah Cox- My smart little brother whose probably going to be a computer nerd!
49. Zach Cox- My little brother who is going to be a great thinker!
50. Charlie Cox- My little brother whose face lights up when he sees Jimbo!
51. 1665 Dayton- I have a house! Not everyone does
52. Janey Johnson- I love my sweet first dog ever!
53. Josie Johnson- My little cuddle schnauzer!
54. Special gifts in my home from my Wedding
55. The ability to run
56. The means to go to College
57. Clean water to drink
58. Clothes and shoes to wear
59. Ability to travel to far places
60. Texas Ranger Baseball
61. Ability to have memories
62. The freedom to worship as I choose
63. The freedom to read my Bible in public
64. Dr. Pepper
65. Changes in the weather/seasons and the beauty in it all
66. For the experiences I’ve had to make me who I am
67. Medical Care to take care of me when I’m sick
68. Great bosses who make my job meaningful and are full of integrity
69. The ability to smell
70. My passions and likings
71. That I really like my co-workers
72. I can wash my clothes at my house
73. That I can hear
74. That I can see
75. Times that have humbled me and reminded me I’m not in control
76. That I can show emotion and not be fearful
77. Contacts/Glasses to help me see better
78. The friends I “married” into friendship with
79. McDonald’s French Fries
80. Grace
81. My Community of believers around me
82. Medicine
83. Books
84. Wichita Christian School for allowing my Mom flexibility in sending all of us there
85. That I don’t have to have it all figured out
86. That I have the ability to bless others
87. That I can grow my hair to give it away
88. Time to just sit and do nothing
89. TV shows
90. Having extra money at the end of the month
91. The military serving our country- the greatest sacrifice
92. Bible teachers to help me understand it better
93. Autumn colors- my favorite color scheme
94. Having hope because some don’t
95. Good movies that make you laugh
96. Board games- one of my favorite things to do with friends/family
97. Car rides where all you do is talk
98. Learning sign language
99. Making new friends
100. This blog to tell you how thankful I am!

I Am My Mother’s Daughter

Some girls grow up wanting to be just like their moms. Others grow up wanting to be nothing like their moms. And I think that each of those things are extreme. There is a healthy balance here. My mother is an amazing woman! She has/is raising 8 kids, mostly singly, as my step-dad’s health is declining, and so far, we’ve all turned out functional. She doesn’t care what anyone else thinks, and is the hardest worker I know. She is kind to everyone she meets, even when others think they don’t deserve it. She’s never afraid to take on anything, yet she is humble in everything. But, there are things that I hope I don’t “carry on,” and I don’t mean that in a mean way. She would be the first to admit, as should we all, that we aren’t perfect. Just as my hope for my kids is that more good will rub off than bad, she wants the same thing for me. But I’m afraid there is one thing that I can just get rid of that she has unintentionally rubbed off on me- no matter how organized and listed out my life is, I still lose things and forget things- and my mom is the same way.

One time, I locked my keys in the car with it running.

One time, I went on a soccer trip to Dallas as the captain of the team and left my soccer cleats.

Take for instance, when Jim and I were dating (or engaged, I really can’t remember). His grandmother gave me a check. So, I gratefully accepted and put it in my car. Not in the bank, or a purse, but the car. And you know what? I lost it. And you know what? I was embarrassed. So I prayed I would find it so I wouldn’t have to fess up. And you know what? Someone else found it on the side of the road and called Grandmommy. GREAT way to impress the new in-laws.

This past week, for work, I had to go to Target to purchase some gift cards for the College Ministry (we were doing some giveaways). Our church has a credit card with Target. As is customary to do, I go upstairs, get a purchase order, go into the finance office, check out the card, and therefore take full responsibility for it. We only have 1 Target card. And when that card is checked out under your name, you are responsible for all purchases. If you lose the card, and someone picks it up and refurnishes their house with it, you pay for it.

So here I am, first thing Friday morning, stopping by Target. I am aware of my ability to lose things, and therefore take extra precaution to make sure I don’t. As I check out, and the next person’s stuff comes down the conveyor belt, and they are waiting on me to move, I stick the gift cards, the purchase order, the receipt, and the card in my bag. I wad it up, so nothing falls out, and stick it in my purse. THERE- now if it falls out, it’ll just be in my purse. I drive back to work, am unloading everything and think: “Where is that card?” Not in the sack, so it must be in the purse. But, I can’t find it upon glancing in. So I dump everything on my desk- I find a dog collar, medicine, tampons, interceptor (for my dogs) a checkbook, wallet, pens, hand sanitizer, but no Target card. That’s weird. I KNOW I stuck it in there. Maybe it’s in the car- I keep my car clean (you know, so I won’t lose things) and it’s not there. Now I’m freaking out- really? I’ve lost it?

I get in the car, use white pages app on my iPhone to look up Target, call them, and humbly say, “My name is Sarah Johnson and I work at First Baptist Church. I seemed to have misplaced our Target Credit Card- has it been turned in?” “Hold on, let me check.” For what seems like hours and hour, I wait, listening to the latest sales when the lady picks up, “Ma’am, we have it right here.” “I’m on my way to get it!” I reply. Can you just feel the sigh of relief come out of my chest?

LESSON: Yes, because I choose to be anal (somewhat overly, but I’m working on it) about things being neat and organized, I don’t lose things quite as often as my Mom. But no matter how hard I try not to let the bad rub off, sometimes, it just does. And it’s okay. My kids are going to get some of my junk, too. I’ll just pray that I do more good than harm. When I depend on myself, I will fail.

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 6)

1. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

SARAH: I wanted to be Jane Polly (on date line) only weather girl style. I used to diligently take notes on the weater, do reports, and listen to the scanners with my Grandpa when I was little (read until Junior High).

JIM: An airline pilot.

2. Name 3 of your irrational fears.

SARAH: Getting sick, having an aneurism in my sleep, not being accepted

JIM: Large bodies of water at night, heights, stinging insects

3. If you had a $200 gift card to any store, what would you want it to be? (Nothing responsible allowed. Can’t be used for groceries or anything)

SARAH: Michaels or Hobby Lobby- I love those stores but never spend money in them because I always think of the more “practical” things to use it on!

JIM: Smith’s Gardentown- a local nursery!

4. What is your most (blog-friendly) embarrassing moment?

SARAH: I don’t really have a ton of these- one I can remember is in high school. My senior year, we had a fire drill while I was at lunch. So I leave the cafeteria, and am walking out to the grassy area just beyond a parking lot when I hear my name. I turn around and begin carrying on a conversation only to turn around and walk directly into a parked car as all my peers escaping the building saw me do it.

JIM: When I was a really little kid, I was terrified of the whirlpool in the bathtub. I thought it was the tornado in the Wizard of Oz.

5. If you were only allowed to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

SARAH: Chips and queso from On the Border is what I”m feeling right now. That could change.

JIM: Pizza, because you can do so much with it.

6. What was your favorite toy growing up?

SARAH: My teacher edition school books were pretty awesome.

JIM: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Action Figures

7. Do you have a “go to” outfit? What is it?

SARAH: I’m assuming this means a “go to” outfit that I need to wear upon a sudden event that requires dressing up (like not wearing a t-shirt and jeans). I have a pair of B-republic wide leg jeans, black boots, a black Karen Kane shirt with a black long sleeved under it with a necklace (what I wore to church yesterday!)

JIM: Yeah, khaki shorts and a t-shirt

8. Who was the best teacher you ever had?

SARAH: I can’t pick a best- my 8th grade english teacher was pretty great at always encouraging me but not letting me get away with too much! I still visit with her and have lunch with her on occasion. My Junior High choir teacher was much the same. They were special ladies in my life and I did anything I could to please/help/encourage them. In high school, I had two soccer coaches that really helped me figure out who I was as a

member of the team not being incredibly talented at soccer and also what it was like to live in this world and still carry myself well. I also still keep in touch with them.

JIM: My senior year physics teacher!

9. If you could buy any car right now (something at least SORT OF within the realm of reality…so, you know, a Rolls Royce may not qualify), what would it be?

SARAH: I love my Cube- but I’ve always wanted a 4runner! I don’t know why, but it’s a gas guzzler so I probably won’t ever get one unless I have like 4 kids.

JIM: A prius, but I kinda like Cubey!

10. How do you reckon that Chelsea comes up with 10 of these questions every week? It was hard! What’s your theory on how she’s so creative? Are you going to help her?

SARAH: Chelsea = awesome! Duh- that’s why her blog is so successful! I can’t wait until she finishes her book! I say everyone needs to add a question each week to help a sista out! Here’s mine: What talent do you wish you had?

JIM: Yes!

Weekend Roundup

Good Morning! Hope that you are having a wonderful day already! Here’s what went on at the Johnson household this past weekend:

FRIDAY: Friday evening, as soon as we got off work, we went to the tennis courts to practice for our tournament. I was glad that we had time to go hit some before the first game, but wished we could have played some matches on Friday night. When we got home, Maddie J. came over we got to work on our gingerbread village piece for our church. (More on that tomorrow)

SATURDAY: Jim had his first singles match at 8:30. And he won! Then, we immediately played our first doubles match! We did not win (we lost 6-0 6-0), but I had a lot of fun. Jim then played his next singles match and although he played well, he didn’t win. (We now know that he was just getting tired). We got some lunch at Subway and then came back to play our next doubles match. My goal this time was to at least win a game, and that we did. But, it was still a loss (6-1 6-0). We got a break after that match (it’s about 1:30 pm) and we got to go home and rest for a while. This is about the time Jimbo realized that 5 matches in a single day was too much. His back was hurting, and as long as he kept moving he was fine. Our last match was at 5 pm. This time, we actually almost won a set, but we lost in the tiebreak and then lost the second set. (7-6, 6-1) I, overall, had a ton of fun and am considering playing in the league or being a sub. I’m not completely sure yet. We ate dinner with his parents on Saturday night.

SUNDAY: As we thought would happen, Jimbo couldn’t move on Sunday morning. He took some advil, layed on a heating pad and watched TV and play video games while I went to church. Then, I had to run some quick errands to prepare for Maddie coming back over to finish our gingerbread version of the Wichita Falls Waterfalls. We worked on that from noon until 430 or 5. We got it finished, and we took it to the church, and then headed to Jim’s grandparents. His cousin and her sweet family were in town so we ate dinner with them. We came home and went to bed! I was never so ready for bed!

Up To Date

I would just like to report that all posts on the Johnson Blog have been categorized. Also, I am posting this from my iPhone to see how this works.