Our Sweet Madi is 16!!!

Hard to believe, but our girl… our sweet Madi, is 16!  Her Birthday was a month ago and while it was a little heartbreaking for her Dad and me, it was, in all, a truly happy time!  It’s a strange combination of pride, joy, sadness and fear watching your child mature and become more and more independent.  As parents, I think we always carry around a mixed bag of emotions though.  And, I honestly think it gets worse the older they get! 

Anyhow, Madi’s special day turned into a weekend long event – as it usually does!  Madi’s friends come out to the house on Saturday, Feb. 22, to do some celebrating before we all traveled to Austin.

Her friends put together a really sweet video wishing her a happy birthday and talking about how special she is and how much they enjoy spending time with her. It was really kind and pretty funny, too! Lots of smiles and lots of tears. But, that’s a room full of fifteen and sixteen-(and one 30 something) year-old girls for ya! 

Madi’s main Birthday request was to spend a full day in Austin shopping.  So, that’s what we did – we stayed the night in Austin (the girls had their very own room which they were thrilled about!) and on Sunday, Feb. 23 (Madi’s actual Birthday) we took Madi and her friends exploring around Austin for a little bit and enjoyed some super-tasty donuts courtesy of Gordough’s on South Congress! Then, at their request, it was off to Lakeline Mall for some serious shopping.  To Jack and me, it felt like we were there for days, but for the girls – it was heaven! And, as the day was coming to an end, we convinced the whole crew to stop at a park on for some pictures before driving home.

Here are a few pictures from Madi’s Birthday weekend….

Madi's Tiffany Blue themed dessert table 

This GORGEOUS cake was made by Lily's Cakes in Harker Heights, Texas. 

I made mini cupcakes and cake balls to go along with the cake.

Instagram picture of the cake 

Sweet 16!!!!

Video of Madi opening her Nana and Papa's card - they moved to Georgia almost two years ago...she, obviously, misses them! 

Most of these pictures were taken on my cell phone - thus the granny quality. Anyway, here's the gang - Austin bound!

The girls at the Hilton Austin.

On one of the balconies at the Hilton - watching all the crazy fools on 6th street. 

We had the yummiest donuts at Gourdough's in Austin! 

I don't remember the name of the park that we stopped at, but we walked around for a little bit and took some group photos just before driving home. 

These two...

Dad and his 16 year old!!! 

First family photo with our 16 year old! 

 So, Madi got to spend her special day with good friends, doing what she enjoys most – SHOPPING!  It was the perfect 16^th Birthday for her. 

We really hope that these memories are as special to her as they are to us! It seems like just a short time ago when birthday parties were filled with little ones running around and playing games with gifts of little toys and cute stuffed animals. It’s hard to think about how few birthdays we have left with our Madi-girl before she’s grown up but, we will definitely treasure every one!!!

Just One Month

Sometimes I forget about the blog or - if I'm being honest, I get too lazy to post to it. I end up posting things that belong here on Facebook instead.  But, it's just so much easier (in my opinion) to hop on Facebook and share things.  It's a little more complicated to get it all together and write it here on our blog.

Here's an example.  On Thursday, January 23, 2014, I was thinking about Madison and her upcoming Birthday.  Jan. 23rd means that we have just one month before her Birthday on Feb. 23rd!  Just one month! And this year, she's turning 16! It's an exciting time. It's also a little stressful - trying to figure out what to do for her on her special day and how to get it all done in just one month.  And, again, if I'm being honest, it's a little heart breaking. I can't believe our little girl is turning 16!  Wasn't it just yesterday that I was kissing her chubby baby cheeks and rocking her to sleep? Sure seems like it.

So, I'm full of mixed emotions. But, one thing is for certain; I couldn't be happier for our sweet Madi! For this special time in her life and all the things that go along with being a free spirited teen.  I want her to have the BEST teen years! I want her to look back and say - "yep, it was an amazing time".  Other than school and making good grades (so that her dreams of going to her college of choice are attainable),  I don't want her to have a care in the world.  Those cares will come in due time, lets not rush it.

So anyway, here's what I posted on Facebook when I got to thinking about this special time...


This is my favorite picture of baby Madi and me. It's hard to believe that in a month my sweet, sweet girl will be 16! What a joy it has been watching her grow and mature into the young lady that she is! Her Dad and I couldn't be more proud! She is truly exceptional - and I am so blessed to be her Mom!

 This is exactly the kind of thing I want to have here on the blog so that one day we can look back and remember these times.  Facebook is nice for sharing things, but all the important things eventually gets buried by all the unimportant posts that come in after it.

One day, Madi will comb through these blog pages. She'll smile, laugh and probably cry as she does.  She'll be reminded of how very much we - Mom and Dad - have loved her and how we have dedicated our lives to making sure her's is an amazing one.  And for that, taking a few extra minutes to post here rather than Facebook is SO worth it!

Madison, we love you! As you're approaching this special time in your life, we hope that you embrace it and that when you are reading these words, years down the road, you'll be thrilled to say "yep, it was an amazing time!" 

Getting Back On The Horse.

Just in time for the New Year, we’re back!  I know it’s been a long time since last we wrote - I’m sorry about that - but, we’re here now and ready to catch up a bit!

First , let me just say thank you to those of you who actually read the blog {back when we maintained it better} and have reached out to me to ask when we would be writing/updating it, you are blessings to us! It’s heartwarming to know that people care about our family so much!  It is because of you, and because of our wish to leave a memento for Madison, that we decided to get back on the horse and start writing and posting more often. 

The last time I wrote was on February 22, 2013, the day before Madi’s 15^th Birthday. Yikes! And, even then, I wasn’t doing a very good job of writing/posting.  So, naturally, lots of things have happened within the past year.  It would be impossible to make up for lost time by going over all the things that happened, but I do want to touch on a few highlights quickly.  From here, the plan is to write as often as we can to avoid more “catch up posts”’ like this one.

Here's a few pictures from Madi's 15th Birthday...

We’ll start with my favorite girl ever… Madison.  Madi is in 10^th grade now and is almost 16. You can’t see me, but I promise, I’m wincing having to write that.  I’m trying really hard to not think about how little time we have before she graduates – or even worse, how little time we have before starts driving. Ugh!!!

9.27.13 – so grown looking and she’s wearing a little makeup these days. 

Madi continues to be a kind, respectful, companionate & loving kid. The teenage years, so far, have been kind to us; she hasn’t turned into the hormone raging, out of control teen that everyone warned us about. For that, we are thankful and acknowledge that we are truly blessed. It definitely can’t be solely based on our parenting skills!  

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10.25.13 just before homecoming 

She’s doing great in school.  Currently she’s on Christmas break, which means we’re already halfway into the school year.  Another shining example of how quickly time flies! And, although the season is over, she ran Cross Country for the third year in a row.  She improved on her 5k time and I think overall she had a fun season and enjoyed spending the long hot hours running with her friends and new coaches.

Jack switched jobs about 9 months ago and continues to work very hard for our family.  He left the company he had worked for for just over 10 years to peruse a totally different career path.  And, although he was traveling a lot in the beginning, he is now working from home most of the time. It’s nice. Real nice! Not just for Madi and I, but for him too. He likes what he does and is, for the most part, very pleased with the switch. I continue to be impressed with his work ethic and his ability to do pretty much anything that his is tasked with.  He’s one smart, smart dude. 

Jack – on his Birthday back in April last year. 

As for me, I decided a year ago that I wouldn’t be going back to school.  I wanted – needed (for my sanity and happiness) to get a job.  Thankfully, Jack was open to me finding work in something I enjoyed, something I was passionate about.  And, it’s a long story of God opening doors for me at just the right time, but I am now a certified-Yoga Instructor and a baker at a bakery.  They are both passions of mine. Y’all know I love to cook and fitness has always been important to me. So, both jobs are a perfect fit for me. Doing things that I would do anyway - working out and baking –but getting paid for it…how awesome is that?!?!  

Bella is still our four legged baby!  She is spoiled rotten and is lovin’ every sweet moment of life.  Unfortunately, she tore her ACL and meniscus right before Christmas and had surgery to repair them on Friday of last week.  But, she is doing great with no issues or problems so far. She seems to be heading toward a really fast recovery!  

Old Tex is still with us. He is the best cat! Such a sweet little gentleman!  Jack adopted him before we were married and can’t remember exactly how old he is, but we are figuring he’s about 15.  He’s our little buddy!  

 

Sadly, Cassie passed away on June 11, 2012. It was so sad and so hard to let her go. She had been a part of our family for 11 years.  She was my very first cat so she will always be really special to me.  

She sure was a beauty!

And! We are excited to announce that we have a new addition to the Johnston family! 

He’s name is Louis Nix III (if you’re a Notre Dame fan, you’ll recognize the name!) and he is about 8 months old.  We got him just over 2 months ago and like most kittens, he is crazy! He loves to play and sprint around the house attacking anything in his path.  Tex is not happy with this new, energetic cat that is constantly annoying him.  Louis is constantly grabbing on to his neck and taking him down. Tex, being too mature for his childishness, gets very angry with this!   

All dressed up for Halloween

Louie (our nickname for him) can also be very loving – purring loudly and rubbing his face on yours when he’s in his sweet-boy mood. 

He’s got a great personality really!  I’m pretty sure Jack is his favorite due to his willingness to play/fight whenever Louis is riled up.   

Well, that’s my update - in a nice little nutshell.  I hate that I missed posting so many pictures and events, but hopefully, I can waive some of them into future posts

From our family to yours, may you all have a wonderfully blessed New Year!    

Sorry for such a grainy picture {it was taken in a dimly lit restaurant with my cell),

 but it is, sadly, the only picture I have of all three of us taken anytime recently.

From a Swimmer to a Runner

I officially withdrew Madison from Swim Belton today.  I can honestly say that after 3+ years of swimming, her Dad and I are a little sad to see it come to an end.  But, at the same time, we are very happy and very proud of her for the new direction she is taking in sports - Cross Country.  Going from a swimmer to a runner hasn’t been easy so far, but with our encouragement, Madi’s running is getting better with each passing week.  We just pray that Cross Country is good to her {as long as she’s putting in the effort, we’re sure it will be} and that she finds what she is hoping for in the sport.

One of my favorite swim photos of Madi.  I’ll miss watching this girl swim – especially that nice butterfly stroke she has!

Madison:  We love you and we are proud of you no matter what you choose to do in life.  As you know, one of our rules is that - if you choose it, follow through with it.  I know we push you pretty hard and expect a lot from you, but I want you to know that we do it for YOU!  We do it, not only so that you learn to dedicate yourself to something and work hard at it, but also so that you learn integrity – the importance of following through with the commitments you make in life.

Cross Country was a choice you made {a huge twist in the Johnston’s game of life}, but it’s one that involves our whole family because you need {for now} to be pushed.  You need constant supervision so that you put in the work/miles.  I’m pretty sure that one day running will become something you want to do, not something you have to do because we make you. But, until that day, just know that your Dad and I will be right beside you; supporting you {first and foremost}, encouraging you, pushing you, and yes, sometimes downright yelling at you in frustration because we know you can push harder!  But, also know this; that we’ll be doing all these things because we care about you, we love you and we want to see you succeed in everything you choose to do in life.

Madi's Summer Break | The First Four Weeks, in Pictures.

We’re already a month into Madi’s summer break, which is just C R A A A A Z Y. Time is flying!  

I’m having such a great time with my mini me and I’m pretty sure she feels the same way.  We do almost everything together and have enjoyed our summer together so far!  Of course, our summer together would not be possible if it weren’t for Jack/Dad; he works hard so that I can stay home and just BE with Madi.  It’s all thanks to him that this is possible, which is a real blessing to Madi and I.  Jack/Dad is a real blessing to us!
Summer break started on June 1^st and for the first few days, Madi just vegged out.  Well, I guess I did a little veg’ing too.  :)  We watched movies and ate a lot of popcorn.  However, on June 4, we started our summer exercise routine, which basically consists of running. Lots of running.  I know, it sounds so wrong that I make my child go running during her summer break {her grandparents are feeling super sorry for her, let me tell you!}, but we’re doing this for Madi; to help her prepare for the upcoming Cross Country season.   It’s a choice she made at the end of the school year – to not continue swimming {btw, her last day was June 21 though I haven't withdrew her from it just yet} and to join the High School Cross Country team. She’s a swimmer, not a runner, so our number one goal this summer is to help her become a runner.


So, Madi’s Dad and I have been running with her  early in the mornings {at 6:30 because otherwise it is just too hot!} and in addition to the running she’s attending the High School Workouts three times a week.   It sounds like a lot for a 14 year old, who’s on summer vacation, and I’ll admit, it is.  But, she’s doing really great and most of the time {not always} she does it without complaint.  And, the best part is that she’s getting SO much better at running with each passing day!  For example, when we started running on June 4, she was only running a little over a mile before having to stop and walk.  Today, she is running 4 miles with NO walking breaks!  That is a fantastic improvement in just four weeks of training.  Also, she has dropped 2 minutes off her 5k time.  So, she’s working super hard and we are very proud of her hard work and of all the improvements she has made so far! There’s no telling what she’ll be doing by the end of summer!

Our summer hasn’t just consisted of running though; we’ve been able to have some fun too!  Because I want Madi to be able to look back on this time in her life, I’ve tried to take pictures and document the things she and I do together {along with her Dad when he is not working} and I plan to share them here on our blog throughout the summer for her sake and future reference.

I missed a few things here and there, but for the most part, this is the first four weeks of Madi’s summer vacation in pictures.

A rainbow or halo around the sun - Madi spotted this on our way to her Grandparents house, June 3, 2012



Madi and Sammy during our visit with her grandparents on June 3, 2012.

Watching her Dad practice his fly fishing skills - June 3, 2012

Madi's first ever High School Cross Country practice with the team & couch - June 5, 2012 *Madi had Cross Country Practice twice a week with her Cross Country team, but that was only for the first three weeks of summer.  It will pick back up in August.

Madi after her first High School Cross Country Practice on June 5, 2012. 
She was worn out!!

 Carly and Madison goofing around on the kiddy playground during our trip to Salado, Texas - June 6, 2012.

Poor donkey {or horse??}!  In Salado, Tx, June 6, 2012

 During our walk through the town of Salado, we walked past "The Inn at Salado" which is a beautiful historic bed and breakfast.  This picture hardly does it justice and was taken in the back of the Inn.  This is where most weddings take place and before we decided on Hawaii, Jack and I were thinking of getting married right there under that big oak tree.   June 6, 2012. 

Madi and I taking getting out of the sun near the Salado Creek. Thanks to Carly who took a picture, I have a picture of Madi and I from this day! June 6, 2012.

 

Madi, always the little cut-up! 

Madi and Carly - Salado, Tx on June 6, 2012.

That's better, Madi!

Carly, Bella and Madi watching "The Woman in Black" with Jack and I.   June 6, 2012.

The following are all pictures taken on June 7, 2012 during our {what we like to call} "Historical Marker Drive".  Madi and I have done it since she was a baby, it's just where we drive around looking for historical markers and learn about the history of the places around us.

Moffats Cemetery in Temple, Texas

 The Coryell County Courthouse.  It has a historical marker, but I don't have a picture of it.

Adamsville, Tx


Stanley Walker historical marker on the west side of US 281 in north Lampasas county.

 We stopped for a late lunch at "The County Seat Restaurant" in Lampasas, Texas

The bea-u-tiful Lampasas County Courthouse.

Hughes' Springs - off US 190 East of Lampasas.

Battle Branch historical marker, just entering Lampasas.  This marker is named for an event in the Horrell-Higgins Feud in 1877.  It's like the Hatfield's and McCoy's, but on a much, much smaller scale!

The Ogletree Stagestop and Post Office - A really, really neat old place in Copperas Cove, Texas.

That’s the end of the Historical Marker Drive pictures.  Now, the following pictures are from Madi and Carly’s day of tubing with Johnny Dad on June 8, 2012.

Madi and Carly tubing together. This was Carly's first time tubing and she did great!

Just Carly

Just Madi.

Madi pointing out a bird to me - LOL, she knows me too well!  :)  However, I didn't get a good picture of it. Boo.

 My girl.

 This is my favorite picture from this day - it perfectly sums up these two; always laughing, always smiling, always fun!

Madi helping her Granddad.

Olive Garden in Temple, Texas on June 9, 2012 - Madi took this picture of her Dad and I, but didn't want one of herself. 







Madi's first day of High School Workouts - June 11, 2012.  Workouts will last all summer long.

One of the small projects we worked on together for Madi's room - June 15, 2012.

We went to Crystal Lake the weekend of Father's Day.  This is one of my favorite pictures of Madi during our visit. Taken June 16, 2012

Another photo from Crystal Lake on June 16, 2012.  Madi, her Dad, Cami {her Grandma}, Jackson {with his feet in the air} & Johnny Dad {her Granddad}.

Madi being a HUGE help in the kitchen!  Making MoonPies for her Papa on June 18, 2012.

The MoonPies Madi and I made together for Papa for Father's Day! June 18, 2012.
 Madi and I hung out with her Dad and Bella - watching them do some fly fishing at Miller Springs on June 19, 2012.

 Madi - dog sitting for our neighbor and good friend, Brenda.   These to cuties are Rusty {the tan one with the HILARIOUS face} & Baloo.   June 21, 2012

Hanging out with Jason for a short time on June 25, 2012.  : )

6am comes mighty early and Madi needs a little boost most mornings before her run. So, Madi tried her first cup of Coffee on June 26, 2012 before our morning run.

 Our weekly treat - Starbucks frappe's!  We enjoyed these two on June 28, 2012 while taking a break from shopping.

Masks! Some fun, some freaky!  Pier 1 Imports -  June 28, 2012. Fun stuff!

 Madi helped me bake again on June 30,2012.  We made Coconut Petits Cakes for Cami's Birthday!

Madi giving Cami one of her gifts - June 30, 2012.