Fall, Football and Fun!

Ok....so tonight was the perfect football night. There was a chill in the air and there were friends and fun.....but there was no win for the JV at Spain Park. This past Friday our Varsity Team was killed by Mountain Brook. Tonight, the JV lost to the JV Mountain Brook team at the very end....by a hair! It was painful!

Though the loss was really bad...there were a few things that made me laugh. I thought I would share.....



Kevin and I love to read these signs. Somehow they never seem quite fierce enough. We typically see something like, Hook the Bucs, Pave over the Panthers....but tonight.....the misspell sign totally owned us. I still don't get it. I really, really don't. But somewhere.....earlier today, there was a cheerleader who thought it would be a great idea! For the record...I apologize in advance if I am talking about your daughter...I am sure she is really cute. Seriously....



This picture just seemed funny to me because its like they all heard the play call and said, "What???". I liked that. Seriously, look at them all....in sync.

I like this next picture too...not because its funny - but its really cool. It's not from tonight...it's from our last home varsity game. You know how most football teams tear through the paper sign and run out yelling toward the other team? Well, the Spain Park Varsity Team likes to walk out in one big mass, almost marching in military style, to some really jamming music. Welcome to the Jungle by Guns 'N Roses is a popular song.




Cool- fun for the Varsity guys. I guess a big step up all the way around from JV ball in many ways. Wow, they don't even threaten to misspell another team's name. That's something right there!

* Thanks to my girl Mel who called me this am (laughing) and told me I misspelled...misspell. Yeah....its edited now!

The Ratliff Family Connection: Nick, Football and Homecoming

The Ratliff Family Connection: Nick, Football and Homecoming

Well it wasn't Oprah!

This past week we got a call from the high school inviting parents to join the students for a special assembly in the gym. Basically, it was a call on Monday night for Tuesday at 2:30pm. Crazy! The school had been saying that a surprise was coming.....get ready. So, the students took that to mean either The President or Ophrah was coming to visit the school. I'm serious. Anyway, I had a way busy day on Tuesday so I called Nick's guidance counselor and just said..."Is Oprah going to be at the school today? I've heard she might be...and if she is, I'll restructure my day...if not....I will make my sales calls! I had to check...I didn't want to miss her if she was going to be giving away some of her favorite things!!! She just laughed and assured me it wasn't Oprah...or the President. Instead, I would later find that the high school was honored with an awesome award.

Spain Park Wins Second National Blue Ribbon

(SPAIN PARK) – Spain Park High School garnered yet another award on Tuesday, September 09, 2008: a National Blue Ribbon from the United States Department of Education (USDE) in Washington, D.C.

Department of Education Secretary Margaret Spellings announced National Blue Ribbon winners Tuesday in Washington, 320 nationwide. Spain Park was one of five in Alabama. The National Blue Ribbon comes as part of the USDE’s No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Program.

“You are the only high school to my knowledge that has not only received both of them – but received them both the same year,” Spain Park Principal Billy Broadway told the crowd at a special Blue Ribbon ceremony on Tuesday.

Earlier this year, Spain Park won the Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Excellence Award from the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc.

“You are now one of the top high schools in the United States,” Broadway added.

Students, faculty, staff and community guests gathered in Spain Park’s gym for the special ceremony. Dr. Tony Thacker from the Alabama Department of Education, who helped nominate Spain Park for this award, served as the keynote speaker. Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos was also present, along with Councilor Gene Smith and Janice Farr, wife of late Hoover Superintendent Dr. Jack Farr. Board members and Central Office administrators also were in attendance, including Superintendent Mr. Andy Craig, Assistant Superintendent Carol Barber and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ken Jarnagin.

Spain Park administrators travel to Washington, D.C. on October 20-21 to officially receive the award.

You know...what is interesting to me, is that this is a school that is respected Nationwide for its accomplishments. But in many ways....this school has some kids that are so void of anything real.....I don't think they even understand how awesome their school is. Sad....but more common than you might think. Just a thought.....

I love that it's Friday!

YYYYYEEEEEAAAAA!!!!! I feel like I made it! It is the weekend and there will be some time for fun. I am looking forward to some 'high school' tailgating tonight and then hopefully a Win for Spain Park! Saturday will be fun too - our plan is to go skating to see if Max can skate. Why you ask? Because for his 10th birthday, this November he is thinking that he wants to have a skating party.....but he wants to be sure he can skate first. What a hoot!

Update; Nick gave the girl the CD.....she loved it and said yes. They seem to be a couple....I mean with one question.....the relationship changes. I saw them last night at Scout's football game and after the game, she came up and was bubbly as usual. This time, though, she greeted me with a smiley "Ms. Shannon!!" and then walked up a couple of bleachers to give me a hug. Nick smiled like a proud parent. I like her....I love Nick's heart more.....I hope this is a good life experience for both. I am praying!!!! Nick told me last night that she shared her CD with the girls and they said that is the most awesome way anyone has ever been asked to Homecoming. He then followed up with the fact that he would always ask his dad for suggestions. He sees now...that his dad truly does know what girls/women want! Go Kevin!

Ok...a friend of mine, Tony had this insane.....wacky picture on his Facebook profile. I seriously, enjoyed laughing at it. He had some fun at this website. You MUST do this! It's not hard...and it is beyond fun. Kevin and I stayed up past midnight one night making pictures of ourselves.....thought I would share a few with you! You MUST email me a pic of you...if you enjoy the random funness of this site!


Me in 1966. My face is big.....but its pretty funny.

Kevin in 1954

1958

1970

I am glad I met him in 1991~ Whew...that was fun.


Today, I love that I am going out to start my day with joy and expectation of GREAT things. I love that I had a sweet time alone with God this morning. I praise Him for this joy!!

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

He went the Mosque

Hello friends! Thought I would give you the update that Nick and his friend went to the Islamic service with his friend from school. They went to lunch afterwards and discussed the service and how his church (Christian church) is different than the Islamic religion. No resolutions...but I hear it was a good conversation between good friends. I am so thankful. Nick said it was definately different. He also said that the entire service was pretty much centered on defending their religion and how to combat what people tell you is not true. In fact, Nick said that the speaker said that the Koran has to be true because it has truths inside it that you can google and find back up yourself. WHAT????? That is the proof??? The back up resource is an internet search engine??? Well...I was not there and that is not all of the example...but its the main part that totally throws me. I won't type everything he said...but the gist was that it was a session on defending your views.

Nick said that everyone was most gracious and that he felt very welcome - but sad for them at the same time - because you looked around the room and knew where they were all bound to spend eternity if they did not change their lives and find real truth.

Nick and his friend Caleb have now asked this friend from school to come to a Wednesday night service with them. Please pray with me that he goes. I am praying for Nick's friend and him coming to know the Lord. Please pray that with us!

One last note - you may remember that a while back I blogged about Nick truly getting into some hymns that he heard at Kevin's grandfather's funeral. Well, the thing he liked most about the Islamic Service was kind of querky to me. He said it was cool because the guy just had a stand in front of him. (We call that stand a podium) He said that they didn't use all the power point stuff and all that. He seems to have an affection for all things 'old school'. I wonder if its because he's seen too much 'unauthentic' flashy stuff where it becomes about the stuff and less about God. His affection for hymns, straight up talk....makes me wonder. But don't worry....he didn't like the Islamic service!

Proverbs 11:30

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and he who wins souls is wise.

Something just for fun

Ok...so my brother in law is a HUGE Beatles fan. I mean HUGE! If you know me, then you also know my husband loves Elvis.....that's the same kind of love that Ken has for the Beatles. Now you might get it. Anyway.... Ken saw this one picture of The Fab Four and thought...hey...we have 4 cool looking kids....let's see what we can do. One hour on a Sunday and BAM.....here is our tribute to The Beatles...Johnson Style. Enjoy!





Who are these great looking boys??? From left to right, there is Nick, Alec, Scout and Max Johnson. Now get the JohnSONS? Ha! We had fun....they, surprisingly had fun too!

Are you wondering how it turned out???

Hello family and friends! I hope that you had a great holiday weekend! Ours was wonderful. We spent some time with my family here in Birmingham and then we drove to Nashville to be with Kevin's brother and his family. It was great.

On the 4th - I posted about Nick's invitation to the Mosque. Well, the friend never called Nick back about final plans. Nick thought he would just go to the Mosque and look for his friend...but we thought that was not the wisest idea. We'll wait on another invitation. All in all, it was a good and I think the discussions it allowed us was the best. I am also glad it did the same in some of your homes. I heard from some of you and that was really cool.

Have a great Monday!

Freedom

Happy 4th of July! I love today. I typically love Homewood Park on this day and 'Thunder on the Mountain' as we call our Redmountain Fireworks set to dramatic music - her in the Magic City. But today....I love some quiet time. No huge plans today until later....gotta love that. Last night we enjoyed a competitive game of Phase 10 with our friends that lasted from 7ish until well after midnight. Honestly....we were all pretty punchy right at that midnight hour when Nick said the strangest thing. I think his exact words were, "Oh yeah, I need to be at the Mosque by 1pm tomorrow". Literally all 4 adults sitting at that table....just paused and then kind of laughed. That was until we found he was serious. You see he has a Muslim friend who is on the football team with him that has invited him a time or two to visit the Mosque with him. My first mama reaction...was absolutely not. But, in Nicks rebuttal, he pretty calmly said, I don't see what's wrong with it, I'm not going to become Muslim and I think that this will help my friend agree to come visit my Wednesday night youth group. Ok...friends....how do you argue with that? The five of us then had a discussion on what is bad and good about going. I love what our friend and children's pastor then said.... "you just can't bow to any false god or idol". He mentioned going is one thing...but participating is another. Nick seems to get that and said he wouldn't participate he is just trying to find a way to get his friend to come with him. I love the passion there...but the process makes me nervous.

My other son, Scout has been invited several times to go to services at The Kingdom Hall with his friend from school. We've never allowed this. My feeling is that he is too young and too new in his walk with the Lord to understand the dynamics of that group. We love his friend and he comes around quite often. We've invited him...but of course, he is not allowed to go with us. But...we still enjoy him as our friend. Maybe one day.....Scout will be asking us to support his actions when trying to reach out to his friend. Oh....what will I do then?

This all reminds me of a day about 3 or 4 years ago when my husband let a couple of Mormon young men into our house. He offered a cool glass of water to them on a hot day while they pounded the pavement. (Mark 9:41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.) After they had been in our home a few moments and we had exchanged hellos....they were quick to ask.."So are ya'll LDS?". "No", we answered with a smile..."why do you ask?". (the obvious answer was that we were smiling and actually allowed them into our home....it was kinda clear by the attire who they were) We developed a relationship with these guys over a couple of weeks and though we never attended service with them...a story for a later date, when we talked about the differences in our faith...they agreed to come to a Friday night service we were having. I'll never forget the face of one of our pastors when we walked up that night with our Mormon Friends in their black and white attire...and Elder name tags. His face was priceless...and his words were something like.."in all my years in a Church of God...I don't think I've ever seen this". All of that to say, the experience allowed us to talk about our God...our Jesus and we know that made way for God to work in those men. We might not have seen the final result...but we were part of a plan because God's word never returns void! Am I right??

So...breaking this down, if I really want my kids to have a passion for winning souls - I guess that will mean at times....I have to trust God and the discernment the Holy Spirit gives to me. I know that Nick knows.....there is one God...one Jesus...named Jehovah Yahweh - I AM. So, our plans today....include Nick's visit to the Mosque at 1pm. This might not work for you....but in our life...it seems to fit with other examples that are pretty similar. What I mean is that I see and can hear God saying..."This is why you are here...to SHARE MY WAY". In fact, I see it all around us in the way our lives are changing with church in general. We all have different assignments here on this earth and we are all here to touch different people, even the Muslims....Jehovah loves them too.

Independence, freedom of religion....freedom in Christ. The dictionary defines freedom as the quality or state of being free,the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action, liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another.

Life in Christ is the ONLY spiritual life based upon freedom. Freedom to choose a life with Christ. He NEVER forces himself on us. He waits....He wishes to live and walk with us and enjoy life. How different for our Muslim friends. How beautiful.....if we can lead them to that true Freedom.

When was the last time you shared the opportunity of True Freedom with someone who needed it? I'm just asking.....I'm asking myself the same thing.

John 3:16-18 (The Message translation)

16-18"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.


2 Corinthians 3:16 - 18

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

If you see Nick on the road.....be sure to wave!

Well, it’s official – our oldest son, Nickolas passed his drivers test yesterday. He was so excited. We were too…..we see less driving to the football field in our future! Woo Hoo! After he passed his test, Nick was filled with a new confidence we had not seen in him before. Maybe confidence is not the right word. Maybe…it should be called ‘foolish wisdom’. All the sudden he could give anyone driving advice! So, maybe it was not all foolish…whatever you call it…he felt good!

Kevin and I sat on the couch last night as we handed the keys to our son. Nick took a friend with him on his first solo journey to the movies. It was very surreal but exciting too because I remember how cool that felt. Total independence, or at least I thought that at the time! Anyway, our deal was that he was to call us when he got to the movie theater. Guess what happened? No call. So, being the mom that I am, knowing the movie had already started – I called his cell until he answered. (Teenagers don’t turn off their cells in the movie…they only silent them. You know… they don’t want to miss an important call) So, he finally answers and tells me the movie started so he can’t talk. Excuse me….you forgot to call me was my reply. “Oh…mom, I forgot. I’m sorry. We’ll you can see that I got here safe. So everything is fine”. I had a moment to tell him that “no…it wasn’t all fine and if you are going to drive you MUST listen and obey me. This part is about me and my security in knowing you get where you are going safely”. I wasn’t angry….just needed him to know this is an important part of us allowing him to drive now. And…it was dark! He should be glad we even let him go!!! Right?

So…its time to be very clear with our rules. With Nick being the oldest…this is the first time we’ve had to go over driving rules and expectations. I would love to hear from some of you who have already been here…or ideas you remember from your teenage driving days. What advice do you have for a first time parent of a 16 year old?

Updates and Thoughts

Enjoying a weekend of found time...I think you know what I mean, I find that I am enjoying getting a grip on my loads of laundry, watching movies I've had from my online blockbuster account (Becoming Jane) and finding a few moments to blog some thoughts too. I really enjoy this new trend of blogging...and I enjoy reading others blogs too. I love what my dad said about blogs. He said that sometimes he feels he reading somebody's personal journal - and feels awkward reading them. Even mine sometimes. But, he said it was also really cool to be able to hear and see what goes on in my kids lives and others too. I enjoy the whole blogging process just as I do journaling. I have had several friends do the creative memory thing - and I've felt compelled at times to join them. Seems like the right mom thing to do. But....its too stressful for me. Too much cutting, pasting etc. I don't enjoy that. But a blog is a great way to use your pictures, archive your thoughts and life stories.

Our big news this weekend was from Friday. Nick went to take his drivers test and unfortunately, failed. He was the 3rd test of the day....and the 3rd failing grade the instructor gave out. One girl barely made it out of the parking lot before the instructor made her turn back in and promptly told her it was over and she had failed. She did not put her turn signal on leaving the parking lot. I guess that instructor had seen all she needed at that point.

Nick's test was overall good - if you don't count any of the stop signs he slowed through. Yes, I said slowed through and never stopped. Confusing, because they boldly tell you what to do as you approach them. To be honest, I had never noticed him not coming to a complete stop at stop signs. With me, I see him very cautious. I would have said something if I had noticed only slowing and not stopping....right? But away from me and Kevin...I guess he drives differently. Maybe he was nervous. Or maybe I was too close to or too used to seeing him as I see him and didn't pick up on the fact that he was not doing it correctly. How could I miss that? It seems that is a question we parents as ourselves from time to time about a few things our kids might do...right? Anyway...

As I thought about his test today, I found it very life like. I began thinking of the consequences of driving with other drivers and not stopping at stop signs. That lead to me thinking of life in general. The stop signs, or leadings by the Holy Spirit we have in life. When the spirit BOLDLY says....don't go any farther...stop here. Some call it conviction, others call it their gut feeling. I know that what I hear is the Holy Spirit speaking to me. There were times as a teenager I didn't listen and stop but I proceeded with a slowing...telling myself I had done all I needed to, but never a complete stop. (like Nick's driving) How I wish I would have stopped more and slowed less. I could have avoided a few unpleasant situations, hurt feelings and less bruises I am sure! But God is good....and he loves us through all the circumstances we go through. Thank goodness. Funny how God can speak to us through most any circumstance. That of course, led me to talk to Nick about the importance to stop signs...and my life parallel as well. Instead of just laughing at me....Nick did say, "Wow, I never thought of it that way". By the way, he still laughed at me.

He'll take his test again on Monday. He'll definitely remember to stop at each stop sign. I hope that this is now a reminder of how important it is to ALWAYS stop and pay attentions to signs. Hmmm, pay attention to signs of all kinds. I hope that he also thinks about our talk and how sometimes when the Holy Spirit says STOP....we need to listen. Nick is definitely growing into a man. Look how much he looks like his dad. Amazingly handsome and grown up...but still a boy learning to be a man after God's own heart. He'll keep learning how to listen to the spirit that lives within him his entire life. I don't think we ever have it completely figured out, but as we grow older, I am thankful that the voice we hear is more recognizable and for me, easier to follow.

Pray for Nick on Monday.....red, octagonal sign means STOP!!!!!

Today is special!

I cannot believe that today...my son is 16. It seems amazingly surreal to me. He looks more like a man every day. Leaving that little boy behind more and more as he grows. But still, there are times when he just seems to be a boy that needs his mama. Don't tell him I said that! And Nick, if you are reading this....you so know its true!

I remember this day - 16 years ago. I remember Kevin and I waking early to go to the hospital and my dad helping us get everything ready for our hospital trip! We were so excited. After I got the hospital, we put on my James Taylor CD and we just waited for Nick to come out! My mom waited for hours with us. Anxiously awaiting that little boy, wondering what we would do with a boy. I too wondered that same thing. Thank goodness we had my mother in law. She came for the birth and stayed with me for 2 weeks. Being a boy mom was somewhat intimidating. I had never been around boy babies. Seriously! I had one sister..and a girl house. Now, I can't imagine NOT being a boy mom. THAT is my calling, and I love it!

I loved my doctor that delivered Nick. I am sad that he passed away just a month ago. He was an amazing Christian man that prayed with us the moment Nick was born. Dr. Perry prayed and thanked God for our baby and prayed that he would be used for His glory. Amazing huh??? Dr. Perry liked James Taylor too. We all enjoyed it in between various pushing and breathing exercises.

When Nick was born, I remember the feeling I had when I looked as his little face. I thought he was the most beautiful thing I had EVER seen. I still feel that way sometimes when I look at him. I am so blessed to be his mom. Kevin and I are blessed to share in the joy of raising such an awesome son. (He has two great brothers too) We seriously enjoy Nick.

He'll be driving soon on his own in his 1992 Ford Ranger Truck. He is getting very excited about that. We'll go next week and get his license. I wonder what he'll want to do first.

Being 16, do you remember it? I do and it was awesome. I had the time of my life. I have incredible memories of being a teenager and I pray my boys have wonderful memories too. I am praying that the Lord protects Nick and uses him to His Glory. Sometimes I think that as our kids get older and reach those milestone ages, like 16 - we consider them mature and grown. And though they are, they still have much growing to do. Even though I may see a young man on the outside of Nick, the inside is a 16 year old boy that still needs guidance (with some room to make mistakes of his own) and protection (with soft boundaries sometimes to allow him to fall and get hurt at times too). I feel I've reached a part of parenting that can be so hard. Allowing them to live their own life. That means not controlling every action or fixing every problem they encounter. Wow!!! So hard!!!

But I know, that my FAVORITE verse is true for my son too. The Lord KNOWS the plans He has for Nick. He knows the successes he'll have and the falls he'll take. And he weaves everything together for HIS good because HE loves Nick and Nick is called to his purpose. I know this. I remind myself of this sometimes (like now) when I get a bit fearful of letting go. I have to let go a bit more every year. You will too if you haven't already. If you are still enjoying the K5 - 5th grade years.....enjoy every minute. If you are in middle school years....find something to keep you sane and tell yourself its just 3 years! And if you are 9th - 12th grade...I bet you are finding lots of fun again right? Seasons.....they change and keep us growing as parents. I love that. Nothing boring about this job!

As I write this...there are two teenagers filling water balloons in my bathroom and throwing them at Max and his friends.(out of the windows thank goodness) My doorbell is being pushed (just for fun) a million times a second just because they want to see what our dog will do. That is obviously fun. Did I say highschool age was fun??? I have a headache now...but still thankful for my crazy, loud, awesome house of boys!! But I do need Advil.

Happy Birthday Nick! You are a treasure!

The Message has an awesome version of Psalm 139 - Share this with your kids today if you have a few minutes. Children truly are a gift from God.

Psalm 139

A David Psalm

1-6 God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
I'm an open book to you;
even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say
before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you're there,
then up ahead and you're there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
I can't take it all in!

7-12 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?
to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you're there!
If I go underground, you're there!
If I flew on morning's wings
to the far western horizon,
You'd find me in a minute—
you're already there waiting!
Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I'm immersed in the light!"
It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you;
night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you.

13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.

17-22 Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
God, I'll never comprehend them!
I couldn't even begin to count them—
any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
And please, God, do away with wickedness for good!
And you murderers—out of here!—
all the men and women who belittle you, God,
infatuated with cheap god-imitations.
See how I hate those who hate you, God,
see how I loathe all this godless arrogance;
I hate it with pure, unadulterated hatred.
Your enemies are my enemies!

23-24 Investigate my life, O God,
find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me,
get a clear picture of what I'm about;
See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong—
then guide me on the road to eternal life.

The Last Day of School

Wow! I cannot believe that when my boys wake up tomorrow morning....they will be getting ready for their last day of school. Where in the world did this year go? Where have I been? I feel like I've lost some time somewhere. Really!!!

I remember some fun times from this school year. I need to journal them before I forget. Maybe I'll take my journals to the beach next weekend and jot some thoughts down. I have much to catch up on. I keep a journal for each of my boys. Funny things they've said, life lessons learned...that kind of thing. At first, I thought that I was starting them for their future wives. Seriously. I had planned on giving them as wedding gifts to my son's brides. My way of giving them a look into the life of the man they are marrying. Now...I can't imagine parting with them. I'll revisit my first thought in the years to come...you never know.

What stands out for me when I think about this past school year is Max's teacher. She is an amazing third grade teacher. She takes pictures of the kids during the day completing assignments or leading the class in some way and then she sends them via email to the parents. She allows us to peek into their days. I love that! Max loves her too. She is a Christian too. She prays for her students and truly loves them. We have been blessed.

One day, Max came home from school with a big announcement. He said that in school, they had taken a vote and he was elected the ambassador of the class. "Ambassador???" I asked. He then said, "No...no Ambassador. Um.... what do you call it when you go to other places and talk to people about stuff??" I was at a loss. He then exclaimed, "Missionary. That's it! I was voted the Missionary". For some reason (though a good idea) Kevin and I knew that couldn't be true. Even with our praying Christian teacher! The next day I emailed Ms. Thompson and got the straight story. Max had been elected to a position of service within his class. But, it was the Student Council Representative for Third Grade. Ha! Missionary. I love that story. There are more too, but that one is my favorite.


Scout had a great year too. 7th Grade was awesome for Football, friends and parties. If Kevin and I drove Scout and his friends to the Country Club once.....we drove him at least 10 times this year for various birthday parties. Kids party big these days. Full DJ set up too. He would come home so sweaty and talk about how much they danced. He lived it to the fullest. He also had a few girlfriends. But that is a blog for another day!! He made amazing grades this year. AB Honor Roll for both semesters. He tries very hard and it shows. Scout has had a big commitment with football this year and though he sometimes felt challenged for time and rest...he kept with it! I am so proud of him. He is gearing up for yet another summer of practice. He'll have a great 8Th grade year I am sure!!!

Nick had an awesome Sophomore year. We had some growing pains too. I definately spent some time in prayer. Cried some tears too. Nothing horrible....just the realization of a child that needs to walk his own journey. Walk his own spiritual walk. That...I learned, is hard, but doable with God! I remember praying to God one time and just praying Lord...what if he makes the wrong decision and then God reminded me, He would be there for him. Just like He was for me. I'll never forget that! Thank you Lord. You keep reminding me too. Going to State with the Football Team at Spain Park is something he'll never forget. I am so glad for him. He's made a million memories with that team. I can't wait to see what his junior year holds. We've already looked at class rings and in just one week, he'll turn 16. It seems like just last year Nick was leaving his 3rd grade teacher and I was thinking how blessed we were to have had Ms. Mannering. She really did bless us and our son. Where did the time go?

I can't wait to spend some time with my boys this next week! I love summer time and free schedules...though they don't stay free for long. There is always football, youth camps, mission trips, kids camp, sports camps, friends and parties. But...this too is but a season and it will pass. To think I may only have 2 more summers with Nick, 5 more with Scout and 9 more with Max....whew...In 10 years, I won't be wondering where I'll find the time to run those summer schedules everywhere.

Wow! So how has your school year been? I pray it was a good one for you and that we all have a blessed summer with lots of time for friends and family and the making of memories that keep us laughing for years to come!

Oh, Tonight was Night of Power for Nick at school. My almost 16 year old benched 195 for his max tonight. He now sports a beard most days..... Yeah....3rd grade was a while ago wasn't it?????

Tradition

What a beautiful Easter Sunday!! I hope the weather was as beautiful where you were as it was in Birmingham, Alabama. I have enjoyed every part of this day! The entire weekend was good. We had Kevin's parents come for a visit. They arrived on Friday and we enjoyed a wonderful Good Friday service. Saturday we enjoyed family time and some competitive Triaminos. And today, a wonderful Easter Service together. I also have say that also on Saturday night, we had good family time as we colored our Easter Eggs. Egg decorating was wild this year. As the boys get older, it's less sweet and cute and more about who can make the craziest egg. Or, who can smash the other brother's egg first. But...even with all the craziness, we are making memories. That...brings me to tradition.

My son Scout talked alot today. He liked talking about the many things that we do year after year at family gatherings and holidays. Actually, my dad arrived carrying a gallon of Milo's tea and that pretty much started his rant. Scout said that I never buy Milo's tea unless we are having a family dinner or it's some holiday. I guess he's right. I am not sure I ever noticed that small fact. But he sure did! But while noticing, he noticed many other things we do as tradition. What is tradition really? Here is the definition I found for tradition;

Tradition - the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction.

Without written instruction, that intrigued me. While it intrigues me, it also inspires me. I feel like that is what we are doing! You know exactly what I mean, don't you? The way you do things during holidays is the way they are suppose to be done...... right? Like, if you go to another home for a holiday, and things are done differently...there is a part of you that kind of feels like it's just wrong. Admit it. We've all been there.

Our family traditions are important to us because in some ways we count on them to take us back. Back to fond memories, familiar places and feelings of security. That is what my son was saying today. He was enjoying all the many traditions of our day. Some of those traditions are food related. Others are decorating eggs and having certain decorated eggs year after year. I found it kind of funny that as we were decorating our eggs, Scout was not good with Kevin deciding to forgo his 'traditional' spider man egg. Scout decided he would make one and proudly proclaimed that he would carry on the 'Johnson Egg Tradition'. Even as I type this, I realize how many things he has pointed out over the last two days that are special to our family.

You know, there are certain things that I count on as 'tradition' as well. At Thanksgiving, I love my mom's cornbread dressing. At Christmas, I enjoy my stocking from Kevin. He knows exactly what I mean by that. It's always special for me. On family trips, I love stopping at a gas station and getting my Diet Dr. Pepper and some Fritos BBQ Twisters (that is my road trip tradition). There are more...but I won't bore you with those. I am just trying to make the point that we all have things we consider tradition that we look forward to and we hold dear to our hearts.

Traditions make our homes feel special. They are also what make our home different from others. I could see today as Scout was talking about our Easter traditions and family traditions in general that he found comfort and joy in those things. It is something he is sure of. I hope those memories are things he'll remember and smile about when he has left our home. I want our home to be a safe, fun, loving place where they will one day leave...but will enjoy returning (OFTEN) for holidays because he loves his family traditions.

As we raise our children, I think traditions are one of the best gifts we can give them. Customs and examples, handed down from one generation to the next. I really believe that when we take the time to make these moments happen, not only our children, but our spouses and family members feel special and grow closer together.

Today, why not ask your family to share their favorite family traditions. It can be for any holiday. Just ask. If they have a hard time coming up with one....don't feel bad, just start one. When is the next birthday? That is a perfect occassion to have special traditions that are unique to your family.

I love my family and have had a wonderful Easter Sunday with you all! Thank you for such a special day!!!

Do gentlemen text?

I have to wonder about this one. Not that it is un-gentleman like to text but...has it totally destroyed the art of conversation? Before we go any farther, I will obviously use my kids pretty often in these life situations that I will write about. I told Nick what I was doing last night. He just laughed...I wonder if he'll laugh after I write a few more about him. We'll just have to see. Anyway, so I was talking to one of my boys (it wasn't Max) and he mentioned that he told a certain girl that she was beautiful. I was like Wow...you just said it? Thinking...that is a departure for my shy son. (now you know its not Scout) Then, it was all clear - he had sent a text message. A little different. As parents, Kevin and I are finding that sometimes our kids will text things that they would never, ever think of saying out loud. Its a false confidence of sorts. You feel like you can say anything...but you really aren't saying anything. You are typing. Its not the same. When you speak, the emotions flood in. How unfair for the boys of my teenage years. I mean, if they wanted a girl to know something...they would have to get the nerve to finally dial the phone number and ask her parents if he could speak to her....or write the note that the girl would eventually show all of her friends. Now that...took courage.

How do you feel about texting and do you talk to your teenagers about what they say or rather text to someone of the opposite sex? Do you periodically check their text messages to see what they are sending or receiving? Side note -if they have a camera...be sure you are looking at what they might think are funny pictures to keep on file. Some...might need some discussion. I only share this with you because we have had some talks with our boys. Not they have done anything all that terrible, but they need to be guided in how to use all of the technology they have in front of them. They won't get it right the very first time, they just aren't that perfect. If we as adults struggle to make the right decisions at times, how can we even think that just because we tell them once, our kids will from then on, just get it right?

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. I am holding on to that. Knowing that if Kevin and I keep them in God's word and teach them how to even use current technology as a young Christian man, that when they leave our house, they will be men of integrity. We just can't stop or think that our training doesn't include teaching our kids responsibility in texting or even email or myspace! It's all related....every bit.

I want to know if you have suggestions on things you do to teach text manners or encourage real conversations between your kids and their friends....what do you do??