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
15th 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 10th 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.
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Jack – on his Birthday back in April last year.
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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.
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| 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!
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All dressed up for Halloween
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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!
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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.
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