Brett and Connor

Graduation is almost here!

Well, graduation is almost here. It's difficult for me to believe--kind of bittersweet, really. I am excited, but sad, too. It has been nice to come home and not worry about homework, though. I actually picked up a book for leisurely reading--something that does not happen very often.

We're all trying to adjust to Andrew's new work schedule. We love having him home the entire weekend, but we sure do miss him during the week. Last Friday Andrew and I went to the Potter's House (a local soup kitchen and homeless shelter) and served dinner. We had a nice time. Serving the less fortunate is always such a humbling experience. It just reminds me that we never know what people are going through in their private lives. I know am so grateful for all the blessings in my life.

Connor had his school program this past week. I had to usher around my class and Andrew was unable to attend, so unfortunately, I did not make any great pictures. The children were absolutely adorable and sang so well. Connor decided to chew on his sleeve about half way through, instead of sing, but he still looked pretty sharp. The little stink! Hopefully he will be more motivated tomorrow when he makes his debut in the Nutcracker. Yes, that's right--the Nutcracker. He's a soldier in the Stokesdale Christmas Parade. I hope he doesn't flip out on us. I'll try to be better about the pictures and post some, if all goes well.

Free, Free! I'm free at last!!!

I just finished a quiz. I'm turning in the last paper of my undergraduate career in exactly one hour. I'm enjoying some fresh fruit and hashbrowns in the EUC. AND I am loving life! The DC Talk song "Free at Last" keeps running through my head (I know you hear it, Nat). I'm so excited that I'm thinking of putting on a show for my peers studying nearby. Today could only be better if I could say I had more than four hours of sleep last night. I'm running on empty, but it's all good.

I am now officially pumped for Thanksgiving. Connor is so excited to see Luke and Jake, but he seemed to have momentarily forgotten you, Uncle Aaron. He said to me this morning, "Mom, who is Uncle Aaron?" I said, "You know, Daddy's brother. Luke and Jake's dad." (You know we are nobodies when not identified via the relationship with our children.) So next he looks at me and says with a scrunched up face and silly eyes, "Oh Mom! That's so crazy--I thought you were talking 'bout Uncle James. That's silly!" Good news--you are definitely still loved!

We're also very excited to have the opportunity to see my sister, Natalie, and her family in Gatlinburg next month before Christmas. We haven't seen each other in over a year and a half. I can't wait to see Drew, my nephew. He is the cutest! We are blessed to have most of Andrew's family nearby (We miss you dearly, Amelia!), but it is really difficult to go so long without seeing the people you love. I only wish we could make it to see Daddy, too.

Something I found...

I came across something this week and I have felt compelled to share it ever since. There are days when we feel so inadequate, days when facing the challenges before us seem absolutely impossible. I don't know about you, but these are the days that really bring me to my knees. I was having a day like this last week when I noticed beside me, in plain view, this poem:

God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through.
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.

But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying Love.

Annie Johnson Flint

At first glance, the poem seems a bit corny, but it was exactly what I needed at the moment. It's really quite amazing how the Lord always gives us what we need to make it through our troubles. Every time I read it and think about God's promise that we'll never be alone, I feel like the load on my shoulders has been lifted. Jot it down; you never know when life will get to you.

The Bloggers' Update

Long time, no blog, huh? We're sorry about that. All is well here in the Johnston house. We had an amazing time at the Mason Jennings/Zach Gill show. Both of these guys are fantastic artists. Mark Strand and Carl Phillips were equally fantastic at the George Herbert Festival put on by UNCG. Andrew was off of work this weekend, so we've really just enjoyed spending time together. Connor really has us looking foward to Halloween. Check out his costume pictures...

What a week!

Boy have we had quite the week! It seems that when it rains, it pours. Between car trouble, the stresses of school and work, and the torrential downpour we've been plagued with the last few days, things are downright depressing around here. Things haven't been altogether awful, though. We did find Connor a new dresser. We are painting it blue to match his outdoor-themed room. I'll post a picture when it's completed. There is also much to look forward to! Drew and I are going to see Mason Jennings and Zach Gill Tuesday. We are so excited! Also, poets, Carl Phillips and Mark Strand, are visiting UNCG for a reading in early October. What an opportunity to see and hear two of the greatest living Contemporary poets. Can't wait! I'm pretty sure Drew is not quite as pumped as I am, but it's good for him. Right?

FYI: We saw Nights in Rodanthe last night. I realize I have no critical authority, especially when it comes to films, but I do have two cents to share. I don't have much to say about the flick, except that it was super cheesy! It really didn't do Nicholas Sparks' novel justice. I respect the novel and film as two very different, separate forms of art. However, the film just didn't meet my expectations. The plot and storyline were enjoyable, but there were too many weepy melodramatic moments. My recommendation? Read the book.

We have lift off!

Well, here we go folks! We're finally publishing our first post to our first blog. Andrew and I are very excited about joining the world of blogging. We make no promises as far as witty humor and stimulating discussion are concerned, but we do hope you enjoy reading about our little family's big adventures. Connor recently began his soccer season. During the week he practices his skills through Kinder Kixx at school. On the weekends he plays and practices with the Little Kickers league of KSA. Watching three-year-olds shuffle about the soccer field is about as entertaining a past time as a Saturday morning can include.