Oh, scouts...

Joe and I are not 100% converted to scouts as parents yet. We believe in the program, but we're not very good at getting AJ to pass stuff off yet. We did, however, work on enough things that AJ earned a bead at his recent pack meeting. He was pretty proud of himself, but not proud enough that he could tell anyone what he did to earn the bead. He had to track his health habits, make a job chart, and teach a few family home evening lessons.

Here's a few pictures from the annual blue and gold banquet.




AJ and his pack had to perform a few skits. This was the best one. Joe said they had it all well practiced and were great in practice. However, in front of the crowd, they all ended up with stage fright (except for "Ham-it-up AJ").

Repainting the Duster

Joe recently participated in a car show at Big Bend Community College. One of the things he was embarrassed about was that they made him lift the hood and show off his mis-match paint job. So this week's project is masking off and repainting the trunk and engine compartment to match the exterior. We are lucky to have a nephew who works at a paint store and got a GREAT deal on the paint for us. Joe had to really finagle that one. It looks a lot better now that it's done. Sorry the after pics are not the best.

Of Brooklin

I have a love/hate relationship with my kids as toddlers. I think my daughter is so funny in all the little things that she does. Like hiding under a laundry basket. Or trying DESPERATELY to put on her doll's pajamas and getting frustrated when I told her they simply wouldn't fit. But it's also still hard to deal with the lack of intelligible communication and the emotional outbursts when I just don't understand what she wants. Luckily, sign helps a lot with that. But I don't know the signs for a lot of things and thus, neither does she. But she is getting better about talking.

The best news is that Brooklin is almost potty-trained. We have found jelly beans to be a great motivator for her. She has been dry all day today (so far!). Most days we are about 50/50 for accidents vs. in the toilet. She likes to wear her underwear and gets really mad when I insist on a diaper for car rides and such. Not quite sure what we're gonna do on our trip to Utah next week. We might just have to cart the toddler toilet with us :)

Being brave

Poor Natalie had her first cavities last year. Unfortunately, whatever germs invaded her mouth really did a number on her. And she ended up with 9 cavities. So we've been a little more diligent in making her brush and floss regularly. We recently had checkups, and she only had one small cavity!! I love her little lopsided smile from the lidocaine. I also had one small one, and everyone else was clear. Thank heavens for that.

Introducing LeiAnn Johnson RNC-OB

My work gives a pretty strong incentive (money) for people who decide to certify in their specialty. I finally decided it would be well worth my time to complete my certification. I travelled to Las Vegas (by myself!!) the last week in February to take a review course and the test. I was really glad I took the review course first. A lot has changed in OB since I was in school and even since I precepted for L&D. The test was really hard, but luckily, I passed!!


I had a great time down there besides studying. I shopped at a huge 3-story ROSS on the strip for hours, probably, and didn't worry that anyone (kids or husband) was bored or sick of sifting through racks of clothes. I also walked to the mall one day and saw all kinds of fun stores that I didn't have time or money to shop at! I also finally got to see the fountain show at the Bellagio, which was spectacular! It's a shame that Las Vegas has the gambling and the disreputable establishments because there's a lot of really great and fun things to do/see there. I want to go back with Joe and see shows next time.



I celebrated my 30th birthday all by myself studying for my test in my hotel room. Joe (my too-sweet and wonderful husband) sent these to my room. It was perfect! The kids told me that they had a surprise coming (they can't keep a secret to save their lives), and I was really worried that he would try to send flowers or something equally difficult to take on an airplane. But he totally knows me. I loved it!


One of the best parts of my trip was my 3-hour layover in Salt Lake. My brother, Ben, and his fiance, Stacy, brought me Costa Vida (YUM!) for dinner and hung out with me. Stacy is my brother's twin. It's so crazy! They are exactly alike and obviously perfect for each other. I can't wait for their wedding!