Livin' It To The Fullest...

God's sense of humor...the rest of the story

2012-01-16T16:15:00.001-06:00

Well, a few days ago we posted on facebook about God's sense of humor.

In our marriage we have experienced this many times! You know what I mean, you say "oh yeah right, that would never happen" and next week it does. As believers we have always had total faith in God and His decisions for our lives, and never once have we regretted that faith and trust. There have been many times we have questioned His timing, or reasons but knew that in the end life is a Gift and our time here is really not our own anyway. Through the toughest and most blessed times in our marriage we have seen God do things that we didn't even think were possible!

Here we stand in complete awe again.

11 years ago when Ben was bitten by the brown recluse spider he had many health complications. Most were overcome with time, healing, and God's grace. But Mayo clinic told us we would never have kids again. We were pregnant with Christian at the time they told us this and were just praying Ben would survive. It was okay, I had always wanted to adopt and Ben and I had talked about it the night he proposed.

Through Ben's illness he felt that he had been ignoring God's calling for his life and living for the wrong reasons. Nine months after the spider bite he enrolled in college again and pursued his degree in elementary education. One week before Christian was born Ben climbed the stairs at the Crosslake Super Slides, and went off all medications Mayo had prescribed. Mayo told us he may never work again, regulate his blood pressure again, drive again, or resume normal life. Our God knew different! Ben says to this day that he was just too stubborn to go back to school without a big push (he felt he was doing fine in insurance)...I continue to tell him not to wait so long when God speaks to him!

While he was in school we decided to look into adoption since we had heard it takes a while to be matched with a birth mom. Two years later we adopted our sweet Isabelle, and Ben was almost done with school. When he graduated we headed to Texas to have a better chance at job stability and higher first year teacher pay.

When Isabelle was 2 1/2 we decided she needed a sister. At that time we knew we wanted to adopt again, but also wanted to make sure that there was no chance that we would "accidentally" have any homegrown surprises. We saw one of the top specialists in Austin and he again told us that we would not be having any more children. The next week we contacted Lutheran Social Services and excitedly pursued our second adoption. Eli came in April of 2007 and we were beyond ecstatic! We couldn't have asked for a smoother adoption and felt so blessed to have our 4 kids.

September of that same year we saw a program about adopted older kids from foster care and the great need there is for families for these kids. We prayed about it and decided we still needed one more girl, so again contacted LSS and had our homestudy transferred to the foster-to-adopt program. That program was heart wrenching. We poured through case studies looking at kids and praying to God to ask us to show us who was to be ours. There were several times that we asked about kids we thought might be right and then knew it wasn't. The need was SO great and our heart just broke each time we couldn't be the family for a child.

April of 2005 we had a nice big garage sale! We had moved to a home closer to the school that Ben taught at, and the boys attended. The house was much bigger and yet it still felt good to purge all that stuff we all seem to accumulate over time. We sold almost all of our infant stuff because we knew that we were adopting an older child and that Eli would be our last baby :-) God was chuckling the whole time. May 19th Luke arrived at 2 days old with a hospital band on and a little white t-shirt. We had 1 hour to gather up baby supplies. They needed a family with a stay-at-home mom to take him for 2 weeks because he was too young for daycare and they needed to contact extended family. Long story short...2 months later we were told he was ours!

Now at this point, many would say "wow, they must not be meant to have another girl". We had the same thought! We love our boys, and Isabelle is such a beautiful princess. On the other hand we had seen the need for older child adoption and we couldn't ignore and walk away from that any more than we could help breathing. We still left our information in the foster-to-adopt system and waited. In December we got a call that we had been chosen to adopt a sibling group of 2. Yes two. They were 10 and 8 and beyond amazing. We had room in the house, needed a bigger truck anyway, and Ben could be there everyday for them at school. Finally, another girl and a little guy with the biggest smile we had ever seen. They flew home to us and arrived on December 30th, our 13th wedding anniversary!

We had a long wait for finalization with that adoption. It was very hard on all of us, when we were just ready for no more court dates, home visits (although we all LOVED all of our case workers!), and the worry that something would change in the case. Once again, that was God's plan. If we had finalized when we thought we were going to our file would not still have been open and active at the end of summer 2009, and that is when we found out about our Riya girl. A five year old beauty that needed a forever home. We finalized Max and Elly's adoption, made room for one more, and she moved in the day Christmas break started and just in time for a trip home to MN to meet family and friends!

While on that trip home we realized that we were going to need family support and encouragement while raising this crew of 8! We also wanted to enjoy our summer breaks with the kids instead of spending all summer dripping in the TX heat. We checked out schools and small towns all around north Iowa. We accidentally drove through Garner and commented on what a nice little town it was. When we got home in January Ben started applying for jobs, and was hired in Garner, Iowa.

June of 2010 it had finally been 6 months (it has to be this long before you can finalize an adoption) and we could be all done with court! The same judge that had finalized our last 3 was there to do Riya's too. It had been a long, crazy, joyful, stressful journey and we were so happy to move forward as a family and make a new start in Iowa.

We arrived on 4th of July weekend in Iowa with my mom driving the moving truck, Ben in the poor limping suburban (the U-haul trailer had issues and had wrecked both of our newer rear tires), and me in the excursion with the other trailer. Our sweet home with a white picket fence, perennial flower gardens, and front porch was all we had prayed and dreamed for. The town was beyond welcoming and helpful, and the school everything we had hoped it would be!

The last year and a half has been a blur of busy and fun. Settling into a new town, making new friends and relationships, losing both my grandma and Ben's grandpa within 2 weeks of each other, and kids all involved in activities now has kept us crazy busy. All the kids love it here! They have made good friends, they have new freedoms in a small town, and we have all finally felt settled.

So, on to God's sense of humor? After 10 years of no "prevention" and no babies, after selling and donating all of our baby stuff, and me planning to go back to school (I had even visited my first college) and finally get that degree...God has decided to bless us with a new life. A homegrown one again!

You see, during all of our adoption stress I started having some health issues and decided to try eliminating food from my diet to see if that was my problem after doctors could give me no answers. After a month of no wheat, sugar, or milk we discovered that I was not the only one with food issues. Our whole family reacted to wheat when we tried to reintroduce it, but Ben and Braeden had severe allergic reactions and we found out that they have celiac disease. This explained many heath issues of the past and was actually a total relief for all of us. I also found out that I have a major thyroid problem (the worst numbers my doctor had ever seen). Two things known to cause infertility: hypothyroidism and celiac disease. We know that now. Two years off of wheat and 4 months on thyroid meds, and surprise! The doctors were wrong about the cause of that infertility, but God knew all along :-) He makes no accidents!

We all feel great, and are excited to be welcoming a new blessing around September 13th. We know it is early so we are asking for prayers for a healthy mama and baby. There are a few extra risks with my thyroid issues, but as always we are in God's hands and following His plan. Honestly, we would have waited until 14 weeks to tell everyone but while there are some easy things about being a size 4, hiding a huge chest expansion and baby bulge are not one of them. Since I am already hot all the time now I am not about to run around in layers!

There have been so many God sightings over the years that I wish I could share with all of you! So many times that it couldn't have possibly been just fate, or that "Johnston luck". I would need a whole book, and the permission to share our kids full stories...maybe some day.

May we all remember to live life to the fullest, in God's grace, and for Him!!!

Goggle Girlies...

2010-08-14T01:44:00.000-05:00

Would you look at those smiles?

Summer Blessings

2010-08-14T01:40:00.000-05:00

This summer started off with a bang. On June 1st we completed our final adoption...and Riya Kendi Monique became ours forever! This little girl was smiling from morning til night and her joy was contagious. It was truly a special day...

Waiting for our Adoption Decree

The judge gives a stuffed friend to all the kids, Riya went for the biggest!

Adoption day thoughts, so many for such a little mind and heart...

Court in session!

With the same judge who made Luke, Elly, and Max forever Johnston's

Update #1

2010-05-25T22:34:00.000-05:00

So, for those long ago promised updates...

The red truck was broken into last month. I know it happened while I was in the shower, which makes it all that much more creepy and unsettling. I found out when I went out in the rain to throw out a poopy diaper and noticed the front passenger door open on my truck. How odd, I thought.

Then comes that sickening feeling as you get closer and just know your personal space has been seriously invaded. I got up to the door, cautiously looked around, and then peered in. Yup. They got the GPS, both DVD players, a lot of movies, an Ipod, some cords for the sound system/GPS that Ben was seriously annoyed about (hard to find), and my peace of mind regarding humanity in general that day.

However, peace of mind was returned when...we realized that the movie that they found when they opened their "new" DVD player was none other than Eli's favorite Veggie Tale. God Made You Special! So chew on that one for awhile thief, and let's hope that God uses that ugly situation to turn some lives around. Nothing like a picture of a smiling big, red tomato to throw your specialness/usefullness in your face!

7 Smiling Faces

2010-02-18T08:36:00.000-06:00

Finally some new photos to put up! I can't believe how much the kids have grown and changed in just one year. We are so thankful for each moment we have had with our babes, all of them have such amazing qualities...

Each of these faces are a blessing from heaven!

Almost 2 Almost 3

Kinder 2nd Grade

3rd grade 5th grade

7th grade

My Sweet Ben

2010-01-27T11:20:00.000-06:00

I am constantly writing blog posts in my head. I know that it doesn't seem that way from the serious lack of posts...but one post that keeps running through is a dedication to my sweet man.

It's funny how having 8 kids can really help you appreciate the man God has given you as a life partner! He could have blessed me with anyone but he picked Ben, and I am so thankful for him. A man who shares my love for kids, chaos, and spontaneity! This Christmas Ben was given a poem by a student in his class that just sums it up.

Mr. Johnston Is Cool!

Mr. Johnston is my teacher.

He is awesome in every way.

He helps me with each subject, so that I get an A.

He helps me with my diabetes even though I am new.

'Cause guess what, he has it too!

He helps me with my "gluten free" which means I can't eat wheat,

but he can't eat it either...isn't that neat?!

He taught us kickball and football.

It is SO Fun!

We give him a high five when we are done!

He can kick a ball farther than anyone in the school.

There are 4 words I want to say:

Mr. Johnston IS COOL!

Love,

Fidelina

Thank you Lord for blessing us with this super cool man, we love him!

Just what a Mommy wants to hear

2010-01-25T23:58:00.001-06:00

As I was tucking the girls in tonight Isabelle said she had a problem. She just "COULD NOT get that team member praise song out of her head from church on Sunday"!

Wow! Now that is exactly the kind of problem this Mommy wants all her kids to have. Thank you Lord!

The kids DO listen...sometimes anyway...

2010-01-25T23:53:00.000-06:00

Tonight I was watching the one show that seems to have sucked me in, The Bachelor. Now I know this is due to my inability to avoid a love story even if it does have a ridiculously crazy beginning. I just can't help myself though, so back to the point.

TV commercials are just plain horrid. They are one of the biggest reasons our kids should not watch, and don't need TV. Even my two year old knows that. Eli walked past as a yuck commercial came on and before I could change the channel he says, "dis not appropriate Mama". Well said Eli!

Jesus loves you!

2009-12-14T10:05:00.000-06:00

Last week was quite crazy and stressful, and I had been sending up many prayers for peace and patience. As I was heading off to grocery shopping a little harried I hear Eli say from the backseat..."meshmush muves wu". So I say, "what was that honey, could you say it louder"? This time I hear..."JESUS LOVES YOU MOMMY"! Melt my heart. Just what I needed to hear and something I have never heard come out of his mouth before so I know it was a message sent special delivery.

*update* He has continued to tell me this everyday, and even brought me his bible and turned to the page with Jesus in the manger and said "see mommy, I'll show you" and he points to Jesus with a stubby finger..."Jesus loves you"!

Beauty

2009-10-16T15:19:00.000-05:00

Sometimes living in the city can just make you feel so boxed in with all the roads, buildings, cars, and concrete. At those times I find it difficult to see God's creation in my surroundings.

Today is a beautiful day here in TX. The sun is shining, the air has a fall chill, and there is a slight breeze. I decided to take the boys up to have lunch with Daddy. As I was sitting at the same stoplight for a couple of turns due to a stalled car in front of me, I turned my head and looked out at the slope down to my left and was just stricken by the beauty of God's creation. There next to me was some 2 foot tall grasses waving in the breeze and for a moment I totally forgot where I was and just saw God's hand brushing the tips of those grasses. Such a feeling of peace.

What a simple reminder that God's creations are all around us if we just slow down long enough to see them...

Prayer Request

2009-09-17T23:11:00.004-05:00

All summer I had plans for great blog posts. Fun pictures, little stories, prayer request, and answers to prayer. And before I knew it September was here!

I have to confess that I was going through a kind of rebellion...I know that sounds crazy since this is my own blog, but I am so ANNOYED that I can't post any pictures of our Max and Ellyana! How can I put up vacation pictures or summer fun and leave them out? This is our family blog and they are part of our family!

Their adoption should have been final by August, but unfortunately we have not been blessed this time around with an adoption caseworker who is at all motivated. Legally we could finalize anytime after June 30th, yet here we sit without a court date. I have emailed and called several times with no response from her personally. She did call our attorney and ask her if we would be interested in a phone finalization?! These kids have been through SO much and they are so excited to go to court and have the judge make their names officially Maximus Louis Johnston, and Ellyana Victoria Irene Johnston. If the dang caseworker would have done her part in July like she said she was going to we would already have our finalization done. Grrrrr...a phone finalization is not enough, they need their fresh start with a day at the courthouse and a celebration after.

The kids ask every week when they get to go see the judge and be adopted forever, and Max still sleeps with a little stuffed friend that the judge at Luke's finalization gave him...every night.

So this family is asking all of your families to be praying for our judges, caseworkers, support staff, and attorneys. We pray that if it is God's will, that mountains would move and we would be able to finalize on November 17th here at National Adoption Day. We pray that this case would not sit on the back of anyone's desk any longer, and that hearts would become motivated! We also pray for peace for Max and Elly...and a little more patience for Mom and Dad.

Thanks for the prayers and lack-of-posts patience...

Girly Stuff!

2009-05-31T00:54:00.002-05:00

For all my girls...head to this website and have fun!

www.everydayminerals.com

This mineral makeup company is from here in Austin, and while I am not a big makeup person this stuff is fun, cheap, natural (no yucky chemical additives) and works amazing! I have been using the FREE samples they sent me for 2 months now and still have more than half left. All you have to do is go to their website and click on the "Free Samples Get 'em Now" link, then add the samples you want to your cart. I did purchase a long handled Kabuki brush to go with my samples but have continued to use my old blush brush, and and eyeshadow brush for the concealer. You just tap a little powder in the lid of the container and brush it on!

I have never actually enjoyed choosing makeup before...maybe it's sitting at home, lack of squirmy kids in carts, no husband asking "how long can choosing a color possibly take?", but this rocks!

Lowe's Mascot

2009-05-17T13:03:00.003-05:00

This is a picture of Eli showing off his 1st Lowe's building project! All the boys went to Lowe's on a Saturday morning and made birdhouses together. Eli was even more proud of his goggles and apron than the finished birdhouse.

UT vs. UCLA

2009-05-16T17:00:00.004-05:00

Ben has a great friend here who shares his tickets to UT basketball games when he can't make it. Thanks Lane! Those tickets are a BIG deal in the Johnston household and Ben rotates kids each game so that all will have a chance to go. When it was Christian's turn to go they arrived a little early to the game and were checking things out when they were approached by someone from UT and asked if Christian would like to be part of the half-time show. Christian was really excited and the pictures below are from the game and show.

The half-time show was a race between Christian and the boy in the picture. They were to put on a team member's jersey and HUGE basketball shoes and dribble a ball to the basketball hoop at the other end of the court, make a basket and then turn around and come back. The boys did awesome running in those huge shoes and then Christian was the first to make a basket and head back. Both boys were given a gift bag with a UT towel, can cooler, team pennant, and t-shirt. Christian also received 4 tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters game that was coming up. We found out after that the other little boy was a special guest that night. He had been given a short time to live diagnosis due to a brain tumor. Christian was very touched by the boys courage and strength and immediately asked Ben if he could give him the tickets to the Globetrotters. Ben was very proud of Christian and encouraged him to run over and give them to the family. Christian said "he could go to game another time, but he wanted that boy to have a chance now". It was a good game, with good life lessons too.

Sprinkles

2009-05-07T00:38:00.002-05:00

I am THE mom.

Why, you ask?

Because I use Sprinkles on top of our cream cheese frosted carrot bars! When the 2 newest arrivals walked in with everyone else on Tuesday after school they were greeted with a fresh after-school snack. All the other kids smiled and said yum. But these 2 were awestruck! "Wow, mom you are AWESOME"! Two sets of eyes just stood there staring at the bars.

People say it is too hard to adopt older children, ha! They just don't use sprinkles. It's the little things in life people that add up to the most impact!!! Kids who have had so much negative in their lives appreciate all the "sprinkles" with a freshness that inspires the whole family.

Below is our Grandma Vona's yummy Carrot Bar recipe, because you all deserve some sprinkles!:

4 eggs beaten

2 C sugar

1 1/2 C oil

1 tsp vanilla

Mix, then add

2 tsp baking soda

2 1/2 C flour

1 1/2 C grated carrots

1 C chopped walnuts

Mix and pour in a greased and floured jelly roll pan. (I actually use my Pampered Chef 10 x 15 baking stone with no grease or flour) Bake @ 350 for 1/2 hour, cool completely then frost with cream cheese frosting.

1/2 C butter

6 oz cream cheese

4 C powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Mix, spread, and then add sprinkles!

More "Meet Luke" Photos

2009-05-04T22:59:00.007-05:00

At this point in his little life, everything is about his siblings! He loves it when the bigger kids pile in after school :-)

Today's little funny...

2009-04-29T23:40:00.002-05:00

Okay. At the risk of messing up my "I can't believe you handle having all those kids so well" image everyone says I have (ha, ha), I am going to share the funny of the day.

So most of you who know me well, know that I am slow as a turtle. I am a bit of a perfectionist and as my darling Ben put's it...I have one speed, "slooowww". I call it relaxed... This does not always help me with being on time for things, but I do honestly try really hard to do my best and have really, really improved with age.

Now, one would ask why God would bless such a slow women with 7 children? Who knows. I am guessing He thought it would be amusing to watch me take an already ridiculous get ready routine to new longer length levels?

To get on with the story...today I took Isabelle to preschool as usual. We arrived "right on time", and I waited at the door while she went in for the wave of "goodbye, I see my teacher". At the door she turned to me and said "my class isn't here". I told her that was silly, and that she needed to get further than the door to determine that. She waved me off then and I started home, at which point I looked at the clock and realized that it was off by an hour. Hmmm? I proceeded to RESET the clock (brilliant, eh?) and pull in the driveway with the boys. I get in the house and realize that the clock in the living room is the wrong time too...hello! Race back to my phone to double check the time and finally figure out that I actually dropped Isabelle off an hour early to school! I don't believe in the history of my life I have ever been an hour early for anything, thus the clear questioning of all the clocks around me...imagine my shock when I realized I had an extra hour in my day!!!

Luckily we live around the block from the school, and I was already pulling in the parking lot when the school secretary called to let me know that Isabelle was patiently waiting in the office for me. Knowing her mother very well, she laughed and told me I was "silly" and asked what we were now going to do until school? Well, we did A LOT in that hour. It was clearly a gift from God Himself and I was certainly not going to waste it!

Luke's Blog Debut

2009-04-22T23:17:00.007-05:00

Adoption Finalization Day!

March 31st, 2009 we finalized Luke's adoption. This day was so incredible for us, after all we didn't ask for this incredible blessing, and yet he's ours! On May 19th, 2008 we got a call from Lutheran Social Services. They asked us if we would consider taking a 2 week placement of a 48 hour old infant boy? He was to go with birth family after child protective services contacted them. Ben happened to be home early from school that day, so I turned and asked him what he thought. "Two weeks?" he said..."why not?". Probably some of the most memorable phrases uttered in this household. Luke arrived 1 hour later in his little hospital t-shirt and bracelet. That night I went in to find a verse on my dated bible study...Isaiah 9:6 says: For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders...

Birth family was not a safe option for our little Luke, and after we met his birthmother in June she relinquished her rights with the understanding that we would adopt him. God's plans for us are so amazing are they not? We certainly did not know we were to have the honor of raising another son last May, but God has known all along! Now that the adoption is final I can finally post some pictures of this adorable little man!

Blog world, meet Luke Nathan...

Born: May 17th

Weight: 7lbs 8oz

Length: 19 3/4 inches

New Wheels

2009-03-05T00:44:00.003-06:00

I just realized I never posted the photo of the new "beast" in the family! We did end up getting a nine passenger Ford Excursion and will be putting in a "little seat" for extra seating. At one point in our marriage we owned a Ford F-250 truck and that had seemed big, but nothing compares to parking this thing with all of us loaded in there, LOL!

We survived!

2009-03-05T00:40:00.002-06:00

We did all survive the horrid flu bug that came through. I really should have counted laundry loads due to sheets and bedding. Luke had it the worst with 10 days of diarrhea and vomiting, not fun when they can't hold a bucket or warn you it's coming ;-). Mr. Man was the ONLY one who did not get it!

...on, and on, and on

2009-02-11T23:52:00.004-06:00

Okay. So for those of you who were laughing before...now Ben's got it, Braeden, and we thought Eli was better until tonight at bedtime when he threw up again. Six down, 3 to go. I have completely disinfected the ENTIRE house, and took away hand towels in favor of paper towels (got some hilarious looks from the 3 who aren't sick)!

Look out for this bug, it's nasty!

P.S.

2009-02-11T00:29:00.002-06:00

Just thought that I would add that this experience has given me an even greater appreciation for the family of Abby. Abby has struggled with months of chemo with horrible side effects, my pitiful few days doesn't even compare!

But, it did feel better to vent and laugh at the absurdity of all of us being nursed by Ben at once.

I'm a grumpy old troll...

2009-02-11T00:02:00.003-06:00

What. A. Week. I intend to whine and complain, so feel free to leave at this point if necessary...

My mood tonight reminds me of that song from Dora that has a cute ring to it and talks about the grumpy old troll, who lives under the bridge. Those who know me well, know that I cannot handle vomit. Just the word makes me gag. I inherited this dislike from my father, who also instantly gags at the sight, smell, or mention of it. I will be taking up this issue with my heavenly father when I go home for good...why on earth did he feel the need to torture all of us with this yucky bodily function. Honestly, I would rather have strep throat any day!

So we start out with Eli on Sunday night, me (Mom) at 1:30 am last night, Luke at 9:30 pm, and Isabelle at 10:30 pm. This is the first time I can remember that we have ever had this many sick ones at once. Usually one or two will get it and I manage to disinfect well enough that the rest escape. The most unfortunate part of this viral bug is that only one of us so far has known to use the toilet. Thankfully we have lots of wood floors and I had thought ahead to remove crib bumpers and extra bedding just in case.

Thanking the good Lord for Ben! He doesn't do diarrhea (head to toe doesn't even phase me), but he rocks when it comes to kids and stomach contents. He came home early from school today, and is going to stay home to help tomorrow. Definitely wins the Daddy of the year award!

Ahhhh, thanks for letting me whine. I'm off to me warm, flat, coca-cola...

2009-02-07T13:05:00.003-06:00

Here is an update that was posted on the Riggs family blog this morning...please continue to pray! It does not matter that we don't know them personally, our Lord will hear all the prayers for this sweet girl and her hurting family...:

"This morning, Abby is about the same. Her little tummy is so swollen, she looks like she is going to explode. The infection area on her stomach around her feeding tube covers about the area of a dollar bill... red, blistered, inflamed. Just touching Abby's feeding tube sends her into a tailspin. The sores have not begun to improve yet and she can barely tolerate even wearing a soft diaper or panties. Going to the bathroom is torture.

Michelle is really tired but patiently tends to every need Abby has... taking her to potty, changing her clothes and bedding, feeding her, putting medicine and cremes on her, monitoring her I.V.'s, getting her drinks, keeping her distracted... watching the same video over and over 50 fifty times because that is what Abby wants to watch. (when Abby is done with chemo, I'm burning "Lion King" and "Beauty and the Beast")

Michelle is the epitome of a mother willing to give up every comfort, all her time and ignore her own needs... to take care of her child. For those who hold the opinion that "adopted" kids are "not as much your child" as biological kids... well, I don't have to make any comments about that. Everyone who has ever adopted knows how absurd that is."

Please help us pray for Abby!

2009-02-06T01:03:00.002-06:00

I have added a "blog badge" to the top right of our blog for a little girl we have been praying for. Her name is Abby and she was adopted from Guatemala. At three years old, she was diagnosed with a high-risk, aggressive form of Leukemia. Certain genetic complications have put her chance of surviving the treatment at about 20%. Her family is journaling their faith walk on their blog site and you can get daily updates for Abby there. Just click on the badge on our site to go to the Riggs family site. Abby seems to have taken a turn for the worse today and needs all the prayer she can get!

Just a little sliver...

2009-02-05T23:13:00.003-06:00

Last night "Mr. Man" had a sliver in his foot. To most of us a sliver means 2 things...a needle and tweezers. We pull it out and ahhhh, much better! This little sliver is a great example of the emotional pain that is "leftover" for these little people surviving foster care/adoption.

MM shows me his little sliver while I'm tucking him to bed last night. I say, "okay honey, let's go in the bathroom where the lighting is better and we'll pull it out". He says, "okay Mom". We headed into the bathroom and I try to remove the sliver with my fingernails since it is already part of the way out. No such luck, so we ask Braeden to bring us some tweezers. We try the tweezers and still can't seem to get a grip on the dang thing. At this point we have much squirming, some yelling (even before we touch it) and moaning. I finally sneak downstairs to get a pin. When I get back we try a few more times with tweezers, but he is definitely getting more agitated despite our reassurance that "Mom" has much experience with tweezers and Braeden shares stories to try and distract and calm him.

I start to explain that I think it will be easier to just slide a pin in next to the sliver and pull it out...TOTAL PANIC. I am talking instant sweating, tears, agitation beyond anything I've seen before! Out of his mouth pours a story of horror involving a previous sliver, a large knife, needle and an irrational birth father. The poor baby was scared to death of that tiny pin. Emotionally and physically his whole being reacted instantly just at the sight. We did our best to calm him, and through his unreal sweating and shaking quickly removed the sliver without further incident. The relief and letdown was immediate.

The amazing part of this, is that he did trust me (and Braeden) enough to let us continue, and actually said that "he knew we could fix it". However, it just shows how powerful a child's past hurts can be and how that can affect their whole little body. So many foster children are labeled with all kinds of different things. Mr. Man himself was labeled with a few that are complete hogwash! Things that truly would have made him seem "unadoptable" to some. The truth for many of these kids, is that they can't always control their reactions to a situation because their brain is telling them that they are in extreme danger due to past circumstances. I think it would do the world a whole lot of good if we would remember that when we are working with children, especially those that come from a broken past. We don't always know the past of a child we meet...but are so quick to judge an unusual or extreme behavior. Take the time to try and find out what is behind the strange actions with a kind word, caring look, or if appropriate soft touch and we just might be surprised how much healing and peace that could bring. Understanding and acceptance can go a long way. Once a person can process the pain and fear in a safe environment, I don't believe the next reaction to that type of situation will be so extreme.

I carried MM back to bed and carefully tucked his still quivering body in. He wrapped his arms around my neck, and said "I love you Mom" and explained again his "overreaction" to me. The sweet boy wanted to make sure that I wasn't mad at him for being scared. He healed another wound a little bit last night. The scar will always be there, but his gentle relieved cry and soft sigh when he rolled over, assured me that there was healing. God-willing, the next sliver will be a whole lot less scary.

Little Snippets....

2009-01-17T01:16:00.002-06:00

I have been trying to put together an update all week and honestly could not find any spare energy at the end of my day. We have welcomed 5 different newborns to this family, but not one new baby can compare to adding a walkin', talkin', love-needin', insecure, tryin' to find their place in this scary world "big kid". We have discovered a new kind of exhaustion. It is an extremely blessed, happy exhaustion, but emotional exhaustion none the less.

Here are some fun, happy things we are seeing and hearing:

-Girls laughing, giggling, and chasing eachother around the house

-Boys clicking lego pieces together and sharing the awesome finished products with eachother

-Kids praying for eachother, and asking eachother for prayer

-The sharing of beloved stuffed friends from one brother to another to comfort a newcomer with his nightmares

-A hug from one little sister to comfort a new big sister at the end of her good cry

-Amazing noise and chaos outside on the green machines and bikes (I'm sure this used to be a quiet street ;-)

-"I did it!" after hours of homework practice for 2 kids so behind in school due to circumstances they couldn't control

-"Mom and Dad" screeched from all 7 of our children

-"Mom, will you wash my hair"

-"Dad, can I come too?"

And the practical update...we did sell our Grand Caravan this week quicker than we thought and are now crazily shopping for a 9 passenger (or bigger) vehicle. The Suburban only seats 7...brilliant planning eh? We have also discovered that an extra large front loading washer/dryer would be WONDERFUL!

Celebrating New Journey's

2009-01-11T23:10:00.004-06:00

Today I sit here, finally able to find a sliver of a moment to write an adoption update. This is day 10 in our latest adoption journey, and while I have not been very faithful in updating through our blog in the past, I am hoping to do better in the future. It is so hard to keep track of who we email, and who we don't, so the blog was supposed to help with this problem...that way anyone can check for and update whenever there is time. With all the privacy issues surrounding our new additions we have to be very careful, and we can't post photos of their sweet faces until all is final. We can post fun things that are said and done, or things learned by all that day!

After 2 private domestic adoptions we thought we had seen and done it all. We were experienced. We understand bonding, respect and love our children's birth families, love the culture and heritage they originate from, and are so thankful for the blessings of Isabelle and Eli.

Starting the foster-to-adopt/straight adopt process seemed like an easy thing to do for us. Much of the paperwork was already in order, and the training classes were a breeze. What we were not prepared for we felt would be easy to learn as we went along, so we jumped in with eager hearts! We were licensed in January of 2008 and had our first placement of a sibling group of 2 in March. It was a sibling group of a 5 year old girl and a 2 month old boy. They were beautiful, precious children with very typical issues for first time foster children. There were some heavier circumstances that necessatated a move, but honestly that placement scared the pants off of us and made us think we were crazy for even considering this program. It felt as though all the fears that had stopped us in the past from pursuing this avenue had been thrown before us in a short 5 day period. We told our agency that we were only interested in a little girl younger than Isabelle and had several other ideas of what we could handle.

Insert Luke. Our two week placement! We call him our bonus baby, the little guy we TOTALLY didn't plan but fit right in. We knew he was meant to be here, but that still didn't answer the lingering feeling that we had another little girl waiting to be ours...

Then along came the "little sweatheart" we have mentioned before....the almost placement we had in August. We said goodbye to her in the beginning of December as she moved on to be with her family in Florida. It was a bittersweet goodbye with big hugs, hidden tears, and huge prayers. But God had known we needed that little girl for perspective. She had shown us how wonderful the right placement of an older child could be....and we had let the agency know we were again open to older children. The week after we said goodbye to her, we got the call that made us a family of 9!

For those who didn't get our email or that only read the blog, we just welcomed a sibling group a 2 into our family. Our new daughter is in 5th grade and our new son is in 1st grade. They are beautiful kids with amazing smiles and a twinkle in their eyes!

It was such a time of learning for us as we made it to this point. We got phone calls asking us to take babies after Luke, babies that our hearts wanted but we knew logically we couldn't handle. We found out that we made it to selection staffing (the meeting that the CPS staff has to select a family for a child) and were chosen for 2 different sibling groups of 2 the same week. That week also happened to be the same 5 days that we had the placement I mentioned above...the one that almost closed our doors forever. We submitted our information/homestudy for many children that "we knew for sure" were ours, but then never heard anything from the caseworker. Each time we put ourselves out there we would pray before we did it, and put a piece of our heart on the line. "No" actually became a welcome answer, because it was better than hearing nothing and wondering if a family had been chosen.

But, you see...that is the best part of a faith walk....the journey when you look back. You can see God right there, guiding your decisions and helping you to grow in Him. The amazing similarity between all 5 of our adoptions is simple to see. The exact moment that we gave up on trying to control the situation we were in, and just asked God to let us know when He needed us...asked Him to show us who our child was to be, that was when we got the call. Not once was it who, or what, we thought it would be. Each time better than what we could have asked or hoped for!

Now that the journey is officially on the blog I feel like I can move on and post things that happen in our day. I can use Luke's name because that is what we use now but it was not his given birth name. His adoption should be final this March. I will call our oldest female addition "little miss" on the blog and our oldest male addition "mr. man" for privacy sake :-)

Our 13th Wedding Anniversary!

2009-01-10T23:30:00.005-06:00

Ben and I have so much to be thankful for over the last 13 years. God has richly blessed us with a best friend in eachother, many life experiences, wonderful children, a beautiful home, many years at home for Angie, a dream "job" for Ben, extraordinary friends, loving family, etc.... Thank you Lord, for the years you have given us and may there be many more!

Fun Holiday Stuff

2009-01-10T23:16:00.003-06:00

This Christmas season we had a fun experience at the Polo club here in Austin. They hosted a party for foster/foster to adopt families that was so much fun for all! The highlight of the day was definitely the horses...and the cookies with all-you-can-pile-on frosting...and facepainting too.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2008-12-27T01:08:00.004-06:00

From our home to yours, Merry Christmas! We have had an incredible, busy, fun, crazy holiday season! We will have more posts and updates, but for now...have a very blessed season of love and joy as we celebrate and thank God for His presence, and the gift of life He has given us all!

Freedom!

2008-12-12T00:42:00.003-06:00

This is freedom. The most amazing stroller invention ever! It is a Phil & Ted's Sport stroller with the doubles attachment. It fits through all doctor's office doors, the school entrance/classroom doors, turns on a dime, folds up like a dream, and I can lift it into the back of the Suburban. What more can a mom of 2 babies ask for in life?

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa, Anna, and my loving husband for contributing to this ridiculously expensive piece of freedom. I will never take it for granted!

It's snowing!!!

2008-12-09T23:25:00.001-06:00

We're off to wake the kids up :o)

Unbelievable!

2008-12-09T22:45:00.003-06:00

It was 80 degrees today...and now it is sleeting with snow in the forecast! Gotta love Texas. Out running errands all day with the boys in t-shirts, and bundled up this evening with fleece jammies and hot cocoa. We have court in the morning for the smallest, soon-to-be Johnston at 8:30 in downtown Austin. No salt for the roads, and not-used-to-snow-and-ice TX drivers...should make for an interesting drive in rush hour traffic!

Thanksgiving Weekend

2008-12-03T23:31:00.003-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend this year! Grandma and Grandpa came down from MN on Monday and stayed until Friday, so we had a nice long visit. The girls did a wee bit o' shopping, we had new photos taken of the 3 little ones, and installed a new kitchen faucet (thanks Grandpa).

On Saturday we attended the Blue Santa Parade downtown with some friends and that is what the pictures here are from. We are missing the girls and one little one, due to other people being in the picture and not sure if they can be on the blog. Had a great time and kids love giving a gift to kids who need it. Blue Santa represents the police department, and their gift drive every year.

Eli was given a puppy by a fireman and was very pleased with it! He seemed very intrigued this year with all the sights and sounds. The highlight for us original "small towners" is always the big balloon type friends. They are so huge!

When your hands aren't big enough...

2008-12-03T22:00:00.004-06:00

Use your chin!

This is Eli's solution to too many little people, not enough hand to carry them all...slide one in under the double chin :-)

Beauty

2008-11-01T23:24:00.003-05:00

I think this is the most beautiful picture. There is something so special about the bond a dad and his daughter share. Isabelle has always been a daddy's girl, but this day was just so precious to both of them. Ben took Isabelle to the Austin Ballet as a daddy & daughter date. This princess is going to knock someone's socks straight off someday...then the handsome king (whose mine!) will knock his off for him ;o)

Why is that?

2008-10-31T01:41:00.001-05:00

"It’s extraordinary to me that the United States can find $700 billion to save Wall Street and the entire G8 can’t find $25 billion dollars to save 25,000 children who die every day from preventable diseases."- Bono

This was copied from a friend's blog. It just struck me.

Proud of Uncle Jordan!

2008-10-26T23:38:00.002-05:00

This summer while in Minnesota we had a great visit with Uncle Jordan. We are so proud of him for all he's doing in college and life! Gotta love this photo of all the kids crammed into a booth so they could sit together :o) We love and miss Jordan!

Tryin' to get back

2008-10-17T00:00:00.003-05:00

As you can see and hear (Ben added music, more songs to come) we are trying to get back to bloggin'. Had too much fun this summer to spend much time on the computer, and back to school has been too busy. Will post some photos soon!

Hot Investment Tip!

2008-10-06T23:15:00.002-05:00

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

There is no greater return on an investment than knowing that you have invested your heart in someone that needs you...that you have given any part of yourself to save a life...that you have been HIS hands and feet....I say REVOLT against WORRY about the economy...GIVE MORE, LOVE MORE...BE MORE....this is NOT a time for fear.........PROVE where your treasure is....Go ahead...

Now that is an investment tip!

Feeling older...

2008-06-12T23:33:00.003-05:00

One week before my 31st birthday, and Christian comes into the room excitedly describing a scene in a movie...he tells me about this "phone box thing that has a spring coming out of it!". Are you kidding me? Has technology come so far, so fast that my six year old does not know what a regular ol' phone is! I think it's time to get a land line again ;-)

Letterboxing

2008-05-11T21:57:00.018-05:00

Two years ago we found a new hobby here in Austin, TX. I was reading my Family Fun magazine and they had an article about letterboxing. It is a "sport" of sorts that we do as a family. It starts out on http://www.letterboxing.org/ with clues that we look up and print for area letterboxes, then we pack a picnic lunch and head out with journals, a stamp, and an ink pad. We follow the directions all over Austin until we find the letterbox hidden (could be anywhere...under a rock, in a tree, on top of a post, etc.) and then we mark our journals so that we know we've been there. We also have a family stamp that we use to mark the letterbox's journal and that way the person who set up that particular letterbox is able to see who has visited and when. This has become a super fun, free, favorite family pasttime on the weekends. Here are some pictures from Spring break letterboxing at a the Colorado River State Park...

Easter Sunday

2008-05-11T21:35:00.009-05:00

Since the year we moved to Texas, our Easter bunny has been having a little fun with the baskets. We had moved twice that year before Easter and we were worried that the kids wouldn't know any of the new hiding spots, so our "bunny" tied a string to the bed posts and ran all over the house with them until placing the other end on the handle of the basket. Each kid has their own color string and it's so fun to see them running all over trying to figure out where the string goes next. The tradition has stuck with us and now it happens each year!

Christian found his

Isabelle found hers

Eli found his

Eli is not sure about the Easter grass

Braeden found his too, but too fast for the camera

Mmmmmm, sugared up before chuch

Easter dinner after church

Late posts...but not forgotten...

Decorating Eggs

2008-05-11T21:09:00.005-05:00

Here are the pictures of the kiddos decorating their Easter eggs :-)

Johnston Science Experiment

2008-03-20T13:53:00.004-05:00

Hey all!

I just wanted to let you all in on a new laundry adventure the Johnston family is taking...we have started making our own laundry detergent. Isabelle has VERY sensitive skin and breaks out easily in a rash from perfumes to foods. We had found that Melaleuca detergent (unscented) worked well for us, but it was expensive and had to be ordered specifically through company. I found that many store brands were also expensive and full of perfumes and additives that were unhealthy and bothered her skin. Through my research I found out that the enzymes added to nearly ALL big brands, Tide, Purex, etc...and that it takes around 16 showers to wash the enzymes off our skin. Enzymes are necessary and helpful for stain removal but do not need to be in the whole wash. They are harmful to our mucus membranes and mess with our immune system.

The results of googling laundry enzymes:

A) The main enzymes used are protease and amylase, but a cocktail is preferred to attack all kinds of proteins, they must be grown in a lab, and sometimes they are genetically engineered. http://www.scienceinthebox.com/en_UK/glossary/enzymes2_en.html

B) Yes enzymes are very effective, but perhaps way too effective, they also attack the proteins in your skin and mucus membranes in such a way that it takes 16 rinses to get them off your skin. http://www.healthrecipes.com/laundry_soap.htm

C) if you really need enzymes these people sell a natural papaya enzyme for laundry http://www.safewash.com/ Not exactly cost effective. Also its liquid, but powdered is also available, for a price.

So, to get my enzymes I use Shout gel on any of the kids food, grass, and mud stains, but do not have them in all the wash now.

Here is the recipe that we are using:

1 Bar of Zote = 6 cups shredded (I freeze after shredding, or leave on counter for a week to dry out) cost $.76 per bar at Wal-Mart

3 Cups Borax $2.99 at the grocery store or Wal-Mart

4 Cups Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda $2.29 at the grocery store or Wal-Mart

1/2 Cup Vinegar in the rinse cycle HUGE bottle (much bigger than Downy!) for $1.79

I then mix all together in my Kitchen Aid or food processor and store in a plastic tub. I use 1/4 cup per load (remember I do huge loads for 6 people) when washing, and add the vinegar to my softener dispenser in the middle of my washing machine. The vinegar helps rinse any remaining detergents off the clothes, helps set the colors, and softens the clothes.

--Zote Soap has varied uses, including the following:

Hand washing: Moist Zote Soap is rubbed onto the wet garment and rinsed clear.
Stain removal: Zote Soap can be used to pre-treat stains
Delicates: Because Zote Soap has non abrasive ingredients and no salts that could massively deposit in the clothes, it can be used for delicates.
Brightening: Zote Soap contains optical brighteners chemically designed for hand washing. Zote Soap has no chlorine, and thus bleaches without fading color.
Clothes softener: A piece of Zote Soap can be placed in a sock at the end of the wash cycle for soft fragrant towels.

This is a letter I found online:

I actually work at the factory where the Zote soap is manufactured. (www.lacorona.com.mx)To understand the existance of this soap, we need to understand it origin. This soap was used in the past (no washing machines yet) in México, when people used to go to the river and wash their clothes. They simple rub the clothes on a rugged surface (like a rock), and hand wash the clothes. Then consumers started to use a machine called "palangana" that is like the Belly of a turtle (rugged) to wash in home. That´s why no instructions are needed (at least in Mexico) Nowadays, with more washing machines around this technique trends to desapear, but consumers are still finding a way to keep using the Zote soap. We are developing a new Liquid Zote (like a liquid detergent) that you can pour directly to the machine. Since there are a lot of Mexicans in the USA (Texas), they are demanding this product and that´s the reason you can find it on the shelves in Wal-Mart and other stores.It is funny, but there are some many alternate uses for this bar, like Mosquito repelent, hair treatment,fishing bite, fabric softener, YOU NAME IT!!With a 36,000,000 million bars sold last year you can bet we´ll have Zote bar soap for a while.If you need more information, I´ll be glad to help you!

Ingredients: Pink Zote Soap is made with coconut oil and tallow. It contains sodium chloride, glycerin, perfume, an optical brightener and dye. Zote Soap is scented with citronella oil, making the soap fragrance long lasting.

--Borax

20 Mule Team® Borax is made of 100% Borax, a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen and water. 20 Mule Team® Borax is not harmful to washing machines, plumbing or septic tanks and does not contain phosphates or chlorine.

--Super Washing Soda

-- ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda is 100% sodium carbonate. It does not contain fragrance, surfactants or other additives.

ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda is 100% sodium carbonate and it is used as a laundry booster and general household cleaner. ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda is 100% sodium bicarbonate and has a myriad of household cleaning, personal care, and deodorizing uses, as well as being a leavening agent. IT is important to note that these two are two distinctly different products and cannot be substituted for one another.

In conclusion, this may not be something any of you are interested in, but we have found it a fun family science experiment and love the results! Our clothes smell awesome, no more rash for Isabelle, everyone likes to grate the Zote, and it is super cheap to make!

My boys running?

2008-03-07T23:40:00.003-06:00

Here are some super cute pictures of something that probably won't happen again until Nathan comes to visit again. Our cousin Nathan likes to run. He's got all the right gear, and to give him some credit, the right body for running. My family, with Christian being the exception, makes running look awkward and in most cases somewhat painful (Ben has shin splints). But, for the love of Nathan they all wanted to participate and, Ben has been saying that it is time to get in better shape...

Notice one person stretching:

Now, I'm not one to spread rumors...but rumor has it that Ben rode Christian's bike home ;-)

Happy 4th Birthday Princess!!!

2008-03-07T23:00:00.004-06:00

This year our baby girl turned 4. Isabelle chose a Hello Kitty theme with pink and yellow decorations. We had lots of fun picking out the flavor of, and decorating her cake. It was extra fun because she still had cousins here to celebrate with. She was so excited to be one year closer to five! In our house five is an amazing number...because you get to go to school with Daddy!

At the ripe ol' age of 4 Isabelle has decided that she would like to be a singer when she grows up. American Idol is her favorite TV show, and if you have ridden in the car with her you know that she has all the commercials (that are songs), all the radio station jingles, and all cd's memorized. This girl CAN sing in tune, on key, with the beat, whatever you ask!

Happy birthday beautiful girl...may all your dreams come true!

Company!

2008-02-02T22:50:00.001-06:00

This year we had some family come to us for the holiday's! Our cousins, Nathan, Lisa & Ean Hagman. They arrived on our Anniversary (the 30th of December) and stayed for 5 days. We had a blast meeting their little boy for the first time, and it was fun to see Ean and Eli play together! We took them to see all the sights of Austin, including a New Year's Eve parade in downtown Austin, letterboxing by the Arboretum Cows, and we visited a few fun restaraunts. For those of you who don't know Angie's cousin Nathan, he always acts this goofy (which is part of what we love about him ;-)

Eli's First Christmas!

2008-02-02T22:33:00.000-06:00

Eli was so fun this Christmas! All the "big" kids loved helping him open his gifts, and watching his reactions to his new toys. What a gift he is...

Decorating the tree

2008-02-02T22:15:00.000-06:00

It's not Valentine's Day yet, so I figured I could still add the Christmas photo's ;-)

Goin back....Christmas!

2008-01-18T21:43:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I warned you that I was going to backtrack a little to fill everyone in on the last few weeks.

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! We started out by celebrating Jesus' birthday on Christmas Eve at a residential treatment center for children in the foster care system. Our family had carefully chosen and wrapped gifts for an 8 year old girl living there. Her name is Breia and here is the link to her adoption photograph: http://www.heartgallerytexas.com/portraits/158.htm. She is a beautiful girl that needs a loving family, and we were it for the Christmas holiday. It was such an incredible experience for our kids to see how some children spend the holiday's. Not by choice, but because of the situation they were born into. God has big plans for Breia, and we are praying that the right forever family is out there looking for her right now! We ended our time there with a meal of pizza, after Breia herself invited us to share her Christmas Eve dinner with her.

We then headed to church for an intimate candlelight service, full of all the old carols and praise songs we know and love. The evening ended with new snuggly jammies (thanks to Grandma and Grandpa ;-), some unwrapping of gifts, and a bedtime snack.

Christmas day was very relaxing thanks to the crock pot! We had our first-ever Christmas meal in the Johnston home. We have always had Christmas dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house, and since we stayed home this year it was a pretty relaxed affair. During dinner we shared all the gifts we had received all year long, and realized that God had blessed us many times over. We were all a little homesick for missing friends and family, but enjoyed not having to worry about road conditions :-)

P.S. Tried to add photos, but there seems to be some issue right now. I will try to add them to another post.

Kiki

2008-01-18T21:18:00.000-06:00

The two weeks before Christmas were spent trying to help our 5 year old male cat, Snuggles(nicknamed affectionately, Kiki). He had developed crystals in his urinary tract and they were making him extremely ill. After $480 in vet bills and watching our poor Kiki try and pass the crystals, similar to passing a kidney stone, we decided the time had come.

However, the vet had developed a particular fondness for him and when we brought him in she asked permission to do the very expensive catheter/antibiotic treatments to see if she could clear up the problem. She explained that she would need us to relinquish our rights to Kiki and that the vet clinic would adopt him if she could help him heal. He would then become a blood donor cat for them and help all the other sick cats that come in. They felt that his wonderful personality and extreme size would make for a great clinic pet. I know this sounds crazy, but the vet clinic is a beautiful, huge, old victorian home with plenty of room and lots of employees to love Kiki. It seemed a wonderful option for us since the $1,700 for treatment was not in the budget.

So, this is for you Kiki and all the snuggles and laughter you brought to our home. We love you and miss you!

Catching up...

2008-01-17T16:44:00.000-06:00

How terrible! I was so excited to get this blog up and running, and then we have had one thing after another happen over the last two weeks to keep us from posting. So, to fix this I think things will be a little backwards. I will add some pictures from Christmas, our cousin and his family's visit here over Christimas vacation, and Isabelle's birthday. Then hopefully we can go forward from then on.

We have had a little health issue (I'm sure no surprise to ya'll who know and love us ;-) with Eli. Last Tuesday we took him to urgent care because he was having trouble breathing and was wheezing terribly. He was diagnosed with asthma and prescribed steriods by mouth, plus albuterol treatments through a nebulizer every 4 hours, and to top it all off...antibiotics for a nasty ear infection. Now before you all think we had not cared for the little guy in days...he had no symptoms but a runny nose on Sunday and Monday. Woke up Tuesday to a temp of 99.9 and the wheezing. He wasn't even grumpy!

By Friday he was pretty cranky, and he HATED the nebulizer treatments. I took him into the pediatrician and the good news, no asthma! The nebulizer was not doing anything long term for him, so the doctor tested for other things. He also said that he had two of the worst looking ears he had seen. Turns out he has RSV, and the most we have to worry about is making sure he gets plenty of sleep and clear up the ears (which are a well known side effect of RSV). Yay!

Now it is over a week later and we are just finally turning the corner with the wheezing and back to decent naps.

I've added a picture of Eli having one of the nebulizer treatments :-( He was so sad.

Here's to 2008!

2008-01-09T00:29:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We've arrived!

2008-01-09T00:06:00.000-06:00

Always the last to try something when it involves technology...that is the Johnston way. It took us forever to get cell phones, a computer, then the Internet (not to mention eBay), and we still don't have cable or a satellite dish. Blogging just looks like such a fun way to update out of town friends and family, that we couldn't resist any longer. This will be a family blog, so that means you could hear from any one of us at any time...We will have fun posting pictures and making our background fun for you over the next couple weeks!