Logie Tales

Tragic Day in Logie's World

2012-01-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

As a kid, I always hated the scene in Pollyanna when the pastor yells to the church, "DEATH COMES UNEXPECTEDLY!!!!" I just never grasped the point of that coming from the pupit. Well, after our day today, I keep replaying that scene in my head over and over again. We experienced our first unexpected death this morning when Logann when into her room to feed her fish. (Keep in mind, we have only had these fish since last Wednesday. So, we are going strong on six WHOLE days!!)

This morning she went in to give "Ephraim" and "Finnley" their breakfast, and as she entered her room I hear her yell, "Mom! Something's wrong!" I arrive to find "Finnley" floating on his side as "Ephraim" happily swims circles around the bowl. The water felt a bit chilly so I moved the bowl into the kitchen with the thought that her room must have been too cold causing the fish to die.

We sadly called Nana and Poppa (since they so thoughtfully gave us the fish) to tell them the sad, sad news. Logann bravely explained to them her hypothesis on what happened to her beloved fish. Nana tried her best to help Logann feel better by telling her that goldfish usually don't last too long in a fishbowl. (Little did we know how true this statement would become!)

Nana and Poppa surprised us with a visit and with a new "fancier" fish to take "Finnley's" place. Pop cleaned out the bowl and placed the second "Finnley" in his clean, new home. I noticed "Ephraim" had a funny look in his eyes. Maybe he wasn't fond of his new friend or maybe he was just mourning the loss of his buddy. We left them to bond over their clean rocks while we all went to eat lunch, only to return and find "Ephraim" floating on his back. Logann took this bad news a bit easier this time. We carefully removed "Ephraim" from the bowl and placed him in the funeral cup in which we saved the bodies until Dad could get home to say good-bye. Again, I noticed that "Finnley 2" had that same weird look in his eyes. I just brushed it off as a coincidence. Seriously, how could we loose 3 fish in 1 day? Impossible! He was just in shock from a traumatic day.

Well, according to Pastor Pollyanna, "Death comes unexpectedly!" Now, I'm thinking he should have changed it to EXPECTEDLY! By mid-afternoon, "Finnley 2" did pass away. He was added to the death cup, and once Jeremy got home from work, we sang "Amazing Grace" and gently flushed the ol' boys down the toilet. I've heard a saying that death comes in 3's, and we definitely experienced that today. Who would have guessed 3 fish in one day?!?!

Logann was such a champ through it all. At the end of the day she said, "I don't want any more fish. It costs too much to keep loosing them so fast." For such a tragic day, she handled herself so maturely. Even by the end of the "funeral" she was more amazed at how they swirled around in the toilet to even be bothered that they were gone forever!

A Day of Great Surprises

2012-01-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

This morning as we sat in the middle of our Christmas tree boxes and ornament tubs that wait to go into the attic, we just decided to take a spur-of-the-moment trip to the zoo. We quickly dressed everyone in warm clothes, packed snacks, and headed out to see the animals.

Once we arrived at the zoo, Jeremy presented our coupon for one free admission. The zoo guy surprised us by handing us three tickets and saying, "Mondays are FREE in January and February!" Well, don't mind if we do and thank you very much! We tossed our coupon in the trash and headed in for our FREE day in the zoo. Did I mention that it was FREE??!?!

The day consisted of cold air, leisure walks, and great family time! Merritt loved being nose to nose with the goats. She loved walking around with them, and she would have stayed there all day except we scooped her up once they started laying little pellets from their back sides! Surprise!

Logann was hoping to see the alligators, but they must have been inside because of the cold. To make up for it, she loved the gorilla who was napping on the hill. He had snatched a blanket and was snoozing in the sunshine. We laughed so hard to see him just lounging out in the grass!

After we completed our trek at the zoo, we surprised ourselves by deciding to head to Pop's in Arcadia. We each grabbed a bottle and sampled a specialty soda pop. Logann and Jeremy tried a cream soda and Merritt and I shared an Orange Cream. Deeeelish!!

Once we had chugged our pops, we drove over to Home Run Slider's for a burger. The restaurant, tucked neatly off of the UCO campus, offers slider burgers, fries, and specialty ketchups. Logann and I rotated between the Dr. Pepper ketchup and the strawberry ketchup. Yumm!

After dinner, we headed home for an early bed time. What a fun day!! Tomorrow is back to the ol' routine!

Well, Here We Are

2011-12-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

Today, Logann and I sat down to read all of the stories that happened in her little life, up until she was 3. A ton of time has gone by since I last posted my "Logie Tales". During that time, lots has happened with our little family. Logie is now 5, almost 6, and she is a big kindergartener. Let me recap the past 3 years in a quick minute, and hopefully I won't leave out any important details. Maybe some of these activities will explain why this blog sat alone for such a long time. Starting at the very beginning, let's dive right in..shall we?

In the Fall of 2008, I started working on my Master's degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford, OK. I took night classes on Monday and Thursday nights working on my Master's in School Psychometry. I graduated in May, 2010, praise the Lord! And with straigt A's, I might add!!

During this chapter of my life, I took a part-time job working for an Optometrist in town. In his office, they offer eye therapy. I was hired to use my degree ("almost degree" for a bit of time) by assessing patients to see if they qualified for the therapy. I loved administering the tests and writing the reports. I know...I'm a nerd!

To top off all of this craziness...we learned that we were expecting a baby!! Our baby girl would come into our crazy lives at the end of July, 2010. Because I require a Cesarian and because our doctor was planning a vacation, Merritt Claire Johnson swooped into our family early on July 16, 2010 in Weatherford, OK at the Weatherford Regional Hospital.

She weighed a whopping 6 pounds, 6 ounces and was a quiet, sweet, little lady!!

Logann was and is still such a proud and helpful sister! She loves her baby so much, and it makes my heart so happy. I ALWAYS wanted a sister, and I am so glad that my two girls will have the opportunity to experience life with a sister by their sides.

Isn't she beautiful and tiny? Even a year and a half later, people still comment on how cute and tiny she is!! OK! Enough pictures of Merr-Merr's birthday day!!

We have adjusted to a bigger family, a school-girl mommy, a working mommy, a stay-at-home mommy, a school-girl Logie, and now a move. Recently, we have sold our house in Weatherford, and we moved to a new home in Oklahoma City. Jeremy accepted a job as junior high youth pastor at Southern Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE living in "the City", and Jeremy is sooooooooo, sooooooooo happy in his new position. Logann started school at Oak Ridge Elementary, and she is loving her new friends and teacher.

Here is my little fancy-pants on her first day of school in OKC (Moore).

Now that I have a normal routine and semi-normal children, I hope to update Logie Tales on a regular basis. The name may stay the same, but the tales will involve Logie and her best friend and sister, Merr-Merr! Lord help us all--the world now has Courtney and her 2 mini-me's!!!!

Snow Day

2009-03-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

It is the beginning of Spring, and there is a blizzard. One day is 75, and the next day is 20. The blizzard blew through this past Friday. Logann couldn't have loved the snow more. On Friday night, we told her to get dressed in warm clothes so she could go play out in what snow had fallen so far. Here is what she chose:

So, we went in and chose clothes for her. We headed outside to play in the few patches of snow on our yard. Logann said she wanted to make snowflakes (not quite sure how to do that), snowballs, and snowmans.

Saturday brought us about 5 inches of snow, so Logann and Jeremy made a snowman and lots of snowballs and snowangels. Even though her little cheeks were red as strawberries and her hands were as cold as ice, Logann did not want to go inside. Even when the last bit of the snowman melted on Sunday afternoon, Logann searched and searched for the last drop of snow in which she could play (or stomp through). She said she can't wait for it to snow again.

Happy Birthday, Princess Logann

2009-02-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

Logie Bear is now 3! I can't believe it...just yesterday she was laying in her bouncy seat sleeping snuggly in her blankets. Now, she is skating around in her Dora skates and shaking her booty for anyone who will laugh. We celebrated her birthday on Saturday, February 14 with a princess dress up party. Logann played with her friends Hannah, Benjamin, Lindy, Nathan, Miah, Karsen, Kaitlyn, and Joe in her Rose Petal Cottage and in her pop-up school bus. We enjoyed her princess crown cake, in strawberry of course, princess punch, and lots of snacks. As favors, the girls enjoyed their own tu-tu and purse filled with dress-up jewelry, bubbles, and princess snacks. Boys were less fortunate in the favor department. What do you give boys who come to a princess party? They got gift boxes with bubbles and Spiderman snacks. Logann opened many great gifts, including clothes, coloring activities, books, a tent, Dora skates, and more. We were so excited to spend the day celebrating with friends and Grammy, Nana, Miah, Sher-Bear, Amanda, and Granny Choke.

Now, we look forward to the adventures that go along with having a three year old. I can do it! I will survive! Lord help me!

A Day at the Zoo

2009-01-27T09:10:00.001-08:00

As the saying goes, "If you don't like the weather in Oklahoma, stick around (for a day or so) and it will change." This was definitely the case when we went to the zoo. Not many days in January are warm and in the 70's. So, we took advantage of Saturday, January 3rd. It was so warm and sunny, so we loaded up and headed to the zoo. We stopped off an enjoyed some Sonic for lunch. Logann "accidentally" poked her straw through her cup as she sat in her car seat, so she had a special "strut" as she walked around the zoo. It was actually a blessing in disguise because she wanted to ride in the stroller instead of walk because her pants were wet. The giraffes were amazing, and we loved looking at the gorillas and talking to the ostriches. The elephants were shipped off to Tulsa, but the rhinoceroses took their place nicely. After looking at the fish, we stopped at the playground and then enjoyed a ride on the merry-go-round.

After the zoo, we stopped to do some shopping at the mall, and we stopped to get some birthday invitations at Hobby Lobby. When we left the Hobby Lobby parking lot, the temperature was 68. We drove straight to Yukon to eat at Chili's. In the time that it took us to drive from Hobby Lobby to Chili's, the temperature had dropped to 42. We enjoyed a nice dinner, then braved the wind and the cold to drive home.

What a day! We enjoyed the sunshine, the warmth, the animals, good food, family time, the wind, and the cold. Only in Oklahoma!

Family Time

2008-12-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

We have been busy, busy, busy! During Thanksgiving, Logann had the opportunity to play with Owen for a few days. Every night, she would cry because she didn't want to leave Owen. When the weekend was over, Logann woke up every morning looking for Owen. She can't wait until we go to visit him once baby Stella is born. She will be excited about seeing the baby, but she will LOVE playing with Owie.

Christmas has come and gone quickly. We got to spend some time with my cousin from LA. Logann cozied right up to her and her husband, Matt. There were many times when I would find her sitting right next to Matt playing his DS. He controlled the left buttons and she controlled the right ones. It was really cute. When the DS wasn't around, Logann would sit with Lisa and play games on her iphone. We drove with to up to my grandparents house for my grandpa's 90 birthday party. Logann loved playing the organ in the party room and riding the scooter up and down the hallways.

After the party, we drove to Seminole to celebrate Christmas with Jeremy's mom. We had a blast watching Logann dress up in her new dress up clothes. She loved being a princess. She was so excited to get the movie Wall-E. She had already watched it before we even got back home.

Christmas was a lot of fun. We opened presents at our house Christmas morning. Once we finished presents, we went over to Nana & Poppa's house for our traditional star biscuits and gravy breakfast. We had more Christmas with Nana & Poppa and Uncle Larry, Aunt Barbara, Cousin Lisa, and Cousin Matt. Logann received a Rose Petal Cottage and a new baby doll. The cottage is so big that I'm going to have to rearrange her bedroom or get rid of some furniture to make everything fit. She loves it though. She puts on her princess dress everyday, accessorizes with her high heeled, plastic shoes, and climbs into the cottage to play. She is becoming such a big girl. Almost a week later, she is asking me if she can open more presents.

Fall Adventures

2008-10-31T19:23:00.001-07:00

It's been a little busy around here, and I am a little bit behind on posting recent events. This past weekend, we went with the 55 and up group from our church on a trip to Branson. We saw Noah, the Musical, and did lots of shopping and talking. Logann came home from the trip talking all about her dolls being GRANDbabies. She loved sitting with the ladies on the bus, and she, again, did not want to come home.

We went out to the pumpking patch on Monday and let Logann look at the petting zoo, the pumpkin patch and the corn maze. She loved hearing the pigs snort and seeing the tall stalks of corn. We brought home two pumpkins that Logann picked out. It took us awhile to find some good ones because Logann kept telling us, "That's not a good one." or "That one has bugs." We finally found two that she approved of, and brought them home to our front porch.

Tonight we went Trick-or-Treating. Logann dressed up as a gum ball machine. At each house, she walked right up to the doors and rang the bells, but when our friends would come to the door, she didn't wait for them to hand her the candy. She would walk right into the house and try to find the bucket herself. We had a great time visiting friends and, of course, eating the candy.

Tomorrow, we're off to a 5k and the SWOSU homecoming parade.

Camping Out

2008-09-30T13:50:00.001-07:00

Needing to get out and about, we took Logann on a one night camping trip. I decided to take one for the team and make a huge sacrifice--we actually stayed in a tent. We drove down to some land, owned by one of Jeremy's friends on the outside of Altus, OK. We set up our tent, and we geared up for the night. Jeremy took Logann fishing with her new Princess pole.She did not catch anything, but the next morning she said that fishing was her favorite part. We roasted hotdogs and made smores. It took some convincing, but Logann finally decided to eat the whole smore and not just the marshmallows. Once it got dark, we headed to our tent to watch movies (we couldn't rough it totally!). The night went smoothly until a few cows found their way to our tent and started chewing on my shoes that were outside the tent "door." I woke up to hear Jeremy yelling, "GAW! GAW!" as he tried to get the cows to move on. Luckily, they dropped my shoes and took off. Logann slept through the whole thing!

The next morning, we made some pancakes on the griddle and enjoyed a nice family breakfast. As we were getting things set up, Logann played on the side of the "kitchen." As I cooked, I could hear her singing "Jesus Loves Me." It was the sweetest thing!

I am actually surprised that I survived, but what surprised me the most is that I would consider doing it all again. Memories!

Lovely Lady

2008-09-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

As Logann gets older, I am trying to find fun adventures for us to do so that we're not just playing at home with the same old stuff. Last Wednesday, we went to a Stephen Fite concert at the local YMCA. She wasn't too sure about all the kids screaming and dancing. You know how crazy kid's concerts can be!!! She kept asking to go to the bathroom, so I deduced that she was finding any excuse possible to get out of there. On our third trip to the restroom, I finally figured out that she had spied a fish tank outside of the bathroom doors. By this time, the concert was over, so as we headed to the car...she threw a fit because she wanted to go back to the concert. She cried all the way home. I guess she really did enjoy herself.

Today, we went to get pedicures. I loaded Logann up in the stroller for our walk, and we walked down to a local nail salon. Of course, she got the movie star treatment. They brought her a cold drink to enjoy while she picked out her color. She sat in my lap as they clipped and filed away on my old feet. Then, she got to put her feet in the bubbling bath and watch as the under-light turned the water different colors. They massaged her feet and added her carefully selected, hot pink polish. She looked like a movie star getting pampered.

First Day of School

2008-09-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today was Logann's first day of Children's Day Out at our church. All weekend long, she kept telling me she was ready to go to school. Last night, I couldn't get her to go to bed, but finally, the first day arrived! Looking at the picture now, I know I have a big girl on my hands. She made a picture of "Logann's House." She played with the toys in the gym. She even took a nap on her napmat that I made her. To top it all off, she came home with a book order. I remember getting so excited to take them home and look at them with my mom. Now, I'm the mom (and I still get excited to look at them.) I am officially a FREAK! I took too many pictures of Logann's first day, from her eating breakfast,

to getting her hair fixed,

to walking to the door.It's not really school, but from all the flashes going off, you would have thought I was dropping her off at college. I'm proud of my big girl. She's already talking about going back to school, and it's only 3:58 on the same day!

Logie and Momma's Night O' Fun!

2008-08-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

I'm always trying to find things for us to do so that we are not parked in front of the television. Tonight, the crafter in me wanted to think of something that was fun, productive, and creative. I got online and looked for edible projects. I found a recipe for pudding paint. Logann and I made a batch of banana pudding. Then, she chose the colors, and we mixed up our paints. I think she was a little shocked when I sat her down at the table with no paint brush. She just sat there with the paints and looked at me. She finally said, "I use my fingers?" It took her a minute to get going, but after a few minutes she was dumping the bowls onto the paper, and the little finger dabbles became full hand swishes. My little budding artist makes me proud. Next, we're off to play a little Elefun!

Winter Can't Come Fast Enough!

2008-08-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

Obviously, Logann can't for winter to arrive. We were going for a walk the other day, and I told Logann to get her flip-flops on so we could leave. She came in and said, "I changed my mind. I want to wear my boots." Tonight after church, she same right in, threw off her flip-flops, put on her boots and her hat, and she was ready to play. I can't complain. I'm ready for some cold weather too.

A True Texan

2008-07-29T20:02:00.001-07:00

Tonight, we were invited to eat dinner with our friends who run a ranch, "Maw-Maw" & "Big Daddy". Every time we go to their house, Logann begs to wear her "cowboy" boots (her pink, winter boots with fur) and her "cowboy" hat (her hot pink, cotton, bucket hat). She puts them on any time she rides her stick horse. The other day, while she was riding, she even said, "Look at me, Momma. I'm a cowboy!" So, tonight for her last dinner with Maw-Maw & Big Daddy, we told her she could wear her boots and her hat, even if it didn't match her outfit.

We enjoyed wonderful steaks, baked potatoes, bread, salad, and strawberry shortcake. After dinner, they surprised Logann with a going away present--red and brown cowboy boots! They told her the brown was to represent Texas, and the red was to represent the Sooners. At first, we had trouble convincing her that her pink boots were not actually cowboy boots, and that these brown & red boots were what real cowboys wore to ride horses. After much talk, she finally took off the pink boots and put on the cowboy boots.

They took Logann outside, and she became a real cowgirl because she rode her first horse. She didn't want anything to do with the horse unless I rode with her. So, I put my childhood nightmares in the back of my mind, and I hopped up on that horse (actually someone had to give me a little boost), and Logann and I rode him around the ranch. He was very gentle and slow. We walked by the barns, across the yard, and up the drives. We were headed back to the beginning when the unthinkable happened...I saw my life flash before my eyes...I shouted for help...I pondered if I should toss Logann off before we all crashed...I had to make a split second decision with our lives...

the horse stopped and knelt down to eat grass. I'm sure it was no big deal, and I'm sure he was probably moving in slow motion, but to me (flashing back to 4th grade when I learned to ride the fastest horse on the planet) I remembered why I had nightmares. I have no clue how to ride a horse. We recovered from the kneel, and the horse walked back to the group. No one seemed to be bothered by the incident, so I had to pretend that everything was fantastic. I tossed Logann to the first person I saw, and I nonchalantly dismounted the horse. Logann had a great time, and I pretended that I did as well!

I know I may not be a true Texan, but my daughter is...she even has the boots to prove it!

We sure love our Texas friends. You will all be missed, but we know we will see you again soon!

Splashing Around

2008-07-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

We discovered a small water park the other day. So, Saturday, Jeremy and I took Logann there to play. It's perfect for small kids, and Logann has a blast. She fell all over herself splashing around in the water screaming with delight. She wore her "Bono" sunglasses as she explored fearlessly. She attempted the slides a few times, but of course she was drawn to the huge slide that was for the big kids and adults. Once we convinced her that she needed to stay in the kids area, so splashed around for a few hours. Needless to say, when it was time to go home, everyone within a mile radius knew that she was not pleased with me making her go to the car.

This week, we are trying to do something fun around the Dallas area before we move to Oklahoma. Today, Logann and I went back to the water park with our friends Amy and Avery. Logann and Avery were so excited to get in the water that they wouldn't hardly touch their lunch. The only way they were eating was when they would take it down to the water. After a few soggy pieces of bread, we had to hide the food until snack breaks. Logann and Avery splashed around for a few hours again.

At the end of the day, the girls slightly protested our leaving. They had a blast, though, and it really tuckered them out.

Any tips?

2008-06-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a month since we converted the baby bed to a big girl bed. The first 2 nights were a breeze. EVERY night since...not so much. From everything I've read and been told, after I put "the child" to bed, every time she gets out of bed, I am supposed to walk "the child" back to bed without emotion and say, "Good night!". Then, I am supposed to walk out of the room. I am supposed to do this over and over until "the child" gets the idea that it is bed time. So, here we are, 1 month later, and "the child" does not get the idea that it's bed time. If I sit in her room, she will fall asleep in minutes. If I stand out in the hall, she will scream and get up for over an hour. What is a parent to do at bedtime with "the child"?

On another note, what is a parent to do with a "busy" child? This past week, we had Vacation Bible School at our church. Logann got to attend the 3 year old class because she is the only 2 year old. I warned the teachers at the beginning of the week, that if they wanted to leave her behind with the 1 1/2 year olds, I really wouldn't mind. They of course said they would LOVE to have her in their class and wouldn't think of leaving her behind with the little ones. Needless to say, by Wednesday when I went to pick her up from her class, she was no where to be found. She had gotten the boot and was sent back to the baby class. They said she kept running away and was too busy for them to keep up with. Over the course of the week, I would run into her teachers at Wal-Mart or at another church function. They all had the same thing to say, "She sure is a BUSY little girl...VERRRRY BUSY!" (great emphasis on the busy.) Is this a nice way to say that my precious lamb is a crazy loon?

I am glad she is curious and interested in everything. She knows how to behave, yet she gets her mind focused on something and it's hard to change it. Is busy a bad thing? My mom keeps reminding me that I was the exact same way as a child. My grandmother also said my mom was this way. So, I have hope that somewhere along the way (hopefully sooner than later), she will get her craziness out and will grow up to become a "less busy" young lady.

Despite being warn out from chasing her around, I love Logann's business! It may not appeal to everyone, but I wouldn't have her any other way.

P.S.-I think my 4 kid plan has gone down the tubes! This world can't handle 4 mini-Courtney's. I think I will stick to a 1 kid plan from now on!!!!

Dear Logann,

2008-05-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Logann,
We changed your crib into a big-girl bed tonight! I couldn't tell if you were excited about it or not. I tried to talk it up to you, but I think you were more excited about jumping on your matress than about sleeping. It seems like an easy thing to do, but honestly, it's not coming easy for your mommy. I walked in to check on you tonight, and you were sleeping like a big girl! Memories flooded back to me from when Da-Da and I went to pick out your bed. We were so proud of our choice. We thought it was beautiful!! I couldn't wait for our baby to arrive so that she could sleep in it. Now, I no longer have a little baby sleeping in a beautiful crib. I have a big girl laying in a big bed singing every word to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and "Jesus and the Children". I just want you to know that I am so proud of you. I miss my little baby, but I am so excited to spend each day with my Big Girl!

p.s. Thank you for going to bed quietly tonight. Hopefully, you will always go straight to sleep without a fuss and stay in your bed all night!!!!

Love,
Ma-Ma

Travels

2008-05-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

Before we left for Mississippi, Logann and I spent a few days at Jeremy's mom's house. While Grammy was at work, I took Logann to the Jasmine Moran Children's Museum in Seminole. What a wonderful place for children to explore!! Logann RAN from station to station checking out all of the exciting displays. We saw fish, a fire truck, an ambulance, and an airplane cockpit. She got to play with bubbles, broadcast the news, excavate dinosaur bones, shop at a tiny grocery store, be a judge and jury, make shadows, and much more. She was such a big girl!

My favorite part was taking her in the little grocery store. Not because I always played "store" growing up, but because she shopped like a little mommy. She bought rolls, apple pie, oranges, oatmeal, and egg beaters. When she got up to the register, she ran to put the oatmeal back, and she picked up some dog treats. She was so sweet to think of Sam! Then, she ran the register like a pro. Typing in the numbers that the volunteer pointed to. She did get a little carried away with the plus button. I think her 5 items ended up costing her $269.58. Inflation!!!!

I tried to get her to play in the 3 and under room so that I could sit down for a minute. She lasted a whopping 20 seconds before she was at the door ready to head off to the next station. We had a great day, and I can't wait to go back again!

We left Grammy's house and headed to Mississippi. My brother graduated from Ole Miss with his doctorate, so our family traveled out to see his hooding and celebrate with Casey. Logann got to spend time with Nana & Poppa, Owen, Casey, & Christa, Sher-Bear & Ron (my aunt and uncle), and Christa's sister's family. Logann spent hours running and playing with Owen and his cousin Max. She got to "drive" Owen's Escalade. I use the term "drive" loosely. She pushed the gas, but she got distracted every time looking around. She would forget to steer. Jeremy and I used our quick reflexes often to grab the steering wheel before she plowed down a mailbox.

We had a great time hanging out with everyone. I was so happy that Logann got to see ALL of her family at one time. We finally got home, and now we are trying to get back into the swing of "normal". We can't wait to head out on our next adventure!

Adventures in Logie-land

2008-05-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

I have a little catching up to do. We have explored a lot these past few weeks. Let's start at the beginning...

Last Friday, we had dinner with some friends from Fort Worth. After dinner we let the kids hang out. Then, we all took a family walk with the wagon. Logann and Andrew had a great time riding along...especially when they spotted all the dogs along the way.

Of course Logann didn't want to leave baby Andrew's house. But, we have promised to catch up more often. I'm not sure who had more fun: the adults or the kids!

The next morning, Logann attended a birthday party for her friend Caroline at Bouncin' Around. My little toddler didn't think twice about climbing the HUGE steps on the GIGANTIC slides. The first few tries, I had to give her a little boost, but she quickly got the hang of it and went crazy on all of the bouncy toys.

Before we left, I realized how sweet my Logie Bear can be. We were getting our things together to leave, and I told Logann to go tell Caroline, "Happy Birthday!" She walked over to Caroline, but Caroline got distracted with her new presents across the room. Instead of walking back to me to leave, she chased Caroline around the room until she could give her the birthday message. It made me laugh to myself, yet think how proud I am of my baby girl. Instead of giving up (like mom would have done if someone walked away), she knew it was important to listen to her mom and to be kind to her friend. Isn't she precious?!?!?!?

Finally, we took a trip to the Oklahoma City zoo. Logann's cousin Miah had a class field trip to the zoo, so Jeremy, Logann, and I got to tag along. My mom and dad and Jeremy's mom also met up with us. We didn't ride over there with Miah, so as soon as we walked in the gate, they hugged like long lost friends and held hands for the longest time as they walked along with Jeremy's mom (Grammy).

On our way out from seeing the lions, Logann stopped to listen to the zoo keeper holding a turtle. Of course, Logann reached out and touched the turtle (begging to hold it) as the nice lady pointed out specific turtle characteristics. At our next stop, being fearless, Logann also plopped herself down next to a gorilla sitting in a window. It cracked me up because neither one of them seemed to mind the other one as they "sat" together.

We had a great time looking around at the animals. As expected, Logann was not ready to leave, but we were able to talk her into going to find a hamburger as long as we had "catup." Next, we're off to Mississippi. Adventures with Owie to come!!!!!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

2008-04-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

It was the 2008 opening series at the Ranger's Ballpark. Of course, Jeremy goes every year. This year, Logie and I were lucky to tag along with Daddy to the second day game. We loaded up the ice chest with drinks and the backpack with snacks, and we set off for a 7:05 game on Dollar Hot Dog Night! Of course, it started raining on our way over to Arlington. We called the ballpark every few mintues to make sure the game was still on, and they assured us every call that it was. We parked in our favorite lot (double price since it is opening week), and we walked to the stadium full of excitement and raindrops. We bought our hot dogs to devour, grabbed some paper towels to clean off our wet seats, and sat down to enjoy the cool evening. Just as we took the last bites of our hot dogs, the announcer comes over the loud speaker to announe that there is severe weather in the area, and the game will be posponed until tomorrow-when they will play a double header to make up the game.

We gathered up our things, and told Logann we were heading to the car. She says, "Oh man! WHHYYY? I wanna watch ball game." We explained to her that the rain was coming, and we would come back tomorrow. That satisfied her desire for baseball since she knew she could watch tomorrow. I think her Grandpa Johnson would be proud to know that she is such a fan of baseball. I wonder if he had a hand in that?

A Day at the Ranch

2008-04-03T10:42:00.001-07:00

We have friends that manage a ranch on the outside of town. We like to think of them as the real-life "DALLAS". They invited Logann out to see their new baby horses, so this morning we got up, had pancakes, and went out to see the new babies.

Logann walked right up to the fence and stuck her hands right in. She loved petting the "horsies"! Of course she was completely fearless as she rubbed the momma horse and called for the baby horse to "Come Hen, Horsies." Her friends Mattie came during our visit, so they had a great time running between the tampoline and the horses. She is getting this Texas "thing" down. Now, all she needs is a pair of pink cowboy boots!

Easter

2008-03-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

We had a blast this year at Easter. As soon as Logann woke up, she said, "Happy Easta." She loved looking into her basket to find all of her goodies. Of course she wanted to eat all of the Reece's eggs. But, the best part came when it was time to hunt the Easter eggs. She stood at the door (as close as possible) with her friend Avery.

Once the door was opened, she took off outside to find every egg possible. Unlike last year when we had to point to every egg and tell her to put it in her bag, she collected eggs like a champ!

Now as her parents, we are trying to figure out an Easter tradition that will teach her the real meaning of Easter. We want her to know that the Easter bunny is all fun and games, but we celebrate Jesus conquering death. I can already see her displaying a love for Jesus. It is so exciting to hear her shout out a "Yeah! Chuuuurch!" as we turn the corner to go to church. And for the first time, her favorite song is "Jesus Loves Me". Lately, she has asked us to sing it to her several times a day. It excites me to know that she already has a love in her heart for our Savior. I can't wait for the day when she asks Him into her hear!!!

Logie on a mission

2008-03-23T21:42:00.001-07:00

This past week, we took a Mission Trip to Rillo-Rillo (as Logann calls it). In Amarillo, we were conducting Apartment Ministry bible clubs and doing some clean up work around a church campground. I really worried about taking Logann on the trip because I didn't know how she would handle being off of her "normal" schedule, sleeping in a big bed, and taking a bath not in a bathtub. I don't know why I worried. She was a champ! At the apartments, she was right in the middle of all the kids playing. After we would leave, she would say, "I wanna play with da kids!" She couldn't wait to get back there each day. It was exciting for me to watch because I want this to be something that is a part of her. I don't want her to have to get used to ministering to people. I want her to grow up and not know any better. Hopefully, missions will be something that she can grown up and never know when she really starting doing it because it is something that she has always done.

When the week was all said and done, Logann slept in a bunk bed, taken a bath in a rubber maid tub, and witnessed 11 kids coming to know Jesus as the Savior. I couldn't have asked for anything better than to see Logie on a mission!!!!

Snow Day

2008-03-07T12:34:00.000-08:00

Last night, we received an inch or so of snow. Logann wanted to see it so badly from the window after she woke up. We looked out, and I decided that we'd better hurry and play before it melted. I bundled her up in some sweats and her furry boots. We put on her mittens (which lasted only about 5 minutes) Then, we put on her gloves. I was hoping she would leave the gloves on since they were easier in which to move around. She has a wonderful time running through the traces of snow in our back yard. The gloves quickly came off as well, but she didn't seem to mind. She would run to the door and tell me that it was "COOLD!" Then, she would scurry away to throw some more snow.

I finally stopped taking her picture, and obviously stopped paying attention to her. Before long, I realized that I hadn't see her or heard her in several minutes. I moved closer to the backdoor and saw her running along the side fence...barefoot!!!!!! She had sat down by the bistro table, taken her boots off, and left her socks laying in a puddle so that she could run free!!! Of course, we immediately came in side.

I guess this is paybacks AGAIN for me. As much as I hated going outside as a child, I get to make up for in now because my child LOVES to be outside...boots or barefoot...freezing or not!

Happy Birthday, Logie!

2008-03-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

On the 16th, we celebrated Logann's second birthday! She had an artist party in the youth room at church. The kids painted, played with play-dough, colored, and read books about shapes and colors.

I think they all had a great time. Logann enjoyed herself until she started getting sick. I felt so sorry for her. She played so hard, and then all of a sudden, she seemed to fall apart. Out of no where, she started running a fever. She tried her best to have a good time and be courteous to her friends. Once the party was over, she crashed for a few days.

Here she is blowing out her candles. I'm not even sure if she felt like eating her cake.

Besides Logann getting sick, the party was a blast. She enjoyed spending time with her family and her little friends from church. I'm already starting to think about the theme for next year.

Valentine's Day treat

2008-03-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day, we took Logann to see Hannah Montana in 3D. I wasn't sure if she would sit through the whole thing, but for the most part...she did a good job. Here she is in her 3D glasses.
There were only 2 other people in the theater, so this was the first time that I have EVER stood up and danced during a movie. Logie and I were on the back row dancing and singing.

She had a great time, and we were so excited to take her to her first movie!

Amen!

2008-02-13T12:48:00.000-08:00

I never wanted Logann to know the meaning of the word "scared". I wanted to avoid the nights of crying in bed because she felt scared. But, after many days of playing chase in the house where Mom or Dad jump out and scream, "BOO!!", followed by, "Did that scare you?", she finally figured out the meaning of the word. Now, as we drive in the car, she might say, "Cars are coming. Scary!" Or, "Hide, Mommy! The monster is coming. Scary!"

I decided last night to try a new approach to her thinking things were scary. We were eating her "midnight snack" at the table, when she said, "Scary, Mom! Scary!" I said, "Logie, when you are afraid, we will trust in God." She looked at me and said, "OKAY!"

Today, she had a new take on our bible verse. This morning, she told me something was scary, so I quoted the verse to her again. This time, she jumped up and shouted, "AMEN!"

In a happy place

2008-02-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how blessed I feel by just watching Logann. There is nothing out of the ordinary or anything extravagant that happened. I just watched her, and I couldn't help but smile and say how happy she makes me!

The night before last, we were out in the backyard waiting for Sammy to do his business. I was sitting in the patio chair making my shadow wave at Logann's shadow. It took her a few minutes to figure out where to look when I said something was waving at her. When she finally found my shadow, all she could do was giggle. Then she kept trying to jump on the waving hand. I told her to look at her shadow and wave. It was amazing to sit and watch the wheels turn in her head as she processed the whole scenerio. She just stood there and waved at her shadow over and over again. Then, as if she figured the whole thing out...she just took off running and shouting because she was so happy.

This afternoon after Logann woke up from her nap, we walked to our neighborhood park. Of course she is not afraid to climb the stairs by herself to the 7 foot twisty slide. Once at the top, she heads down the slide on her belly, face first and loves every second of it. We walk over to the smaller slide (only a 5 footer), and she heads up the steps to take in all the sights. She steps off onto a landing to look out at the park. As she reminds me, "Be careful. Logie fall." she walks over to me and just gives me a kiss then takes off up the steps and heads down face first. As she runs away to the next task, I just have to laugh to myself and I said outloud, "I am so happy right now!"

These are just small things, but it just reminds me how blessed I am. God has blessed me with such a sweet family. I have a precious baby, and I could not ask for anything better!

Mini Me

2008-01-21T17:09:00.000-08:00

My parents always tell me that Logann acts just like I used to. I'm not sure if I agree. Surely I wasn't this adventurous and energetic. Remember...I was the one who didn't like to play hide-n-seek because it involved running. But, that's beside the point. I do have a mini me on my hands. Good or bad...she has a personality that looks familiar.

Yesterdat at breakfast, she was attempting to use her fork to eat her egg. She tried and tried to stab that egg with her fork, but the silly thing kept falling off the fork. Instead of just picking up the bite that fell off and putting in her mouth, she sat there and laid the egg on top of the fork over and over again until she could get the egg to her mouth on the fork. Surely the perfection doesn't come from me!!!?!?!

Today, as I am cleaning up the dishes from dinner, I hear the cabinet doors in the bathroom closing. I call for Logann, knowing full well that she is into something. I come around the corner to see her in our bedroom with her shirt above her belly rubbing deoderant around her belly. If I can't teach her everything...at least she knows how to smell good!

The Curse of Night-Night

2008-01-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

What is the deal with going to bed? We took juice away during nap and night-night time. Now tonight, we have new drama. After Logann had been in bed for an hour and a half, in her new Dora Jammers, I hear her start to cry. I walk to her door and say, "Lay down and go night-night." I then hear her say, "Uh-oh. Diapie. Dora." I enter the room to find her standing in her bed TOTALLY naked!!!

We haven't hit 2 yet, and I'm not quite sure what to do with this cute kid. She cracks me up, but I just want to know...when can we just go to bed in peace??????

Elmo spit!

2008-01-09T21:23:00.000-08:00

Is it normal for a 1 year old to know how to pass blame? During nap time the other day, Logann had a mishap with Elmo. She has to go to sleep with Elmo, Snow White, Bear, a sock monkey, a weinie dog, and her juice cup. After an hour and a half of her singing, talking, and laughing to herself, I hear this strange sucking noise. Her back is to the door, so I can't see what she is doing. As I walk into the room, she quickly turns around and stands up to expose her soaked t-shirt. I said, "Oh no! What happened?" She quickly pointed her arm straight down and starts shaking her finger at Elmo. She proceeds to say, "Elmo spit!" We then have a long talk about how Elmo and Logie are not acting nice to spit their juice on Logann's shirt.

On Tuesday, Jeremy puts her down for her nap while I'm at the store, and he watched her from the door. She passes her juice cup around the all the friends in the bed. When she gets to Elmo, she turns him around in the corner of her bed and tells him, "No! No! Elmo!"

Today, Elmo struck again. What a surprise to hear Logann stand up in her bed and say, "Oh no!' I go in to find her shirt, socks, and sheet saturated with juice. The first words out of her mouth are...you guessed it, "Elmo spit!"

New rule: no juice in bed!