a week of giveaways!

I'm a follower of a fantastic blog called Natalie's Sentiments. You can find her blog here:
http://www.shane-natalie.blogspot.com/ You're going to want to find it, too! Because for her birthday week (don't you just L.O.V.E people that celebrate their birthday for a week?) she is offering a giveaway each day, and it starts TODAY! So, go check it out and send birthday wishes Natalie's way. And seriously....you're going to want to check it out ALL week! ;)

a leaky faucet

Things like leaky faucets happen only when my husband is on plane headed out of town for several days. So, of course, Monday was that day for us. Fortunately, there are great plumbers in our area. They came out when they said they would, and even on the same day I called. Rather than a leak in the pipes (which they could have fixed that day), it had to be a leak in the faucet itself. Thank goodness for friends in high places (you're the best, Teresa!) I called Teresa who picked out a faucet WITH me over the phone while both looking online, and she had it on a truck at her office by lunch the next day. I'm back in business as of yesterday afternoon (yep, that's my new faucet), and I even get my husband home today. Too bad he missed all of the excitement! And speaking of excitement...

Meet Earl! No, he didn't come with our new faucet; however, Earl lives on the property behind Teresa's office. Of course she was taking William out for a visit and the chance to feed the donkeys and goats.

This is William feeding the momma goat. He said over and over again, "I just don't know about this." Thanks, Teresa, for an adventure in the world of leaky faucets and feeding the animals. What four-year old little boys wouldn't be all about that?!

new blog

Nearly a year after starting this blog, I have decided to create yet another one that will showcase better photos of my jewelry designs. I hope you will continue to check here, but please show my new blog some love as well! It is still a work in progress, but you can find it here:

http://lannaejohnsondesigns.blogspot.com/

While you're there (and while you are here for that matter!) why don't you sign up to follow my blog.

This blog will always be updated because you know I'm going to share photos and stories about my boys - it's just what I do! I hope you'll enjoy a wonderful weekend. I'm certainly looking forward to mine.

from baby boy to super hero

We miss Walker when he is at school; however, Wills and I enjoy our time together - time that is just about us. Preschool will be starting soon, and I'm going to miss lazy summer mornings being entertained by my little man. This morning I asked him if he would just plan to live with me forever. He replied, "Mommy, super heroes don't live with their mommys and daddys. You just don't even like to think about me being a grown-up!" He is right. When I'm enjoying every second of him being 4, a grown-up super hero is just too much for me to comprehend. So, for now, I'm simply going to enjoy each and every day that he lives under our roof. He'll be wearing a cape and saving the world before I know it!

apron giveway with....

you guessed it! BRANDY!! Now, the only reason I'm telling you about this is because I get my name in the hat a couple more times to win this fantastic apron for myself. So while you think I'm being nice, my motive is purely selfish. Now, Brandy knows I love her things and want to be her poster child, and those that read my blog certainly know that I love Brandy's things. In the event that you did not know, I have a HUGE thing for aprons. They remind me of my great-grandmother - she was always in an apron. I already have two of her aprons (so I really shouldn't be so selfish;) however, this one would look great on me, too! Not to mention I gave one of my "Brandy aprons" to my mother, so I really only have one now. What am I supposed to do when one is dirty, I ask? Okay, if you think you want to win this adorable apron, then as always head to Brandy's blog http://sewcuteshop.typepad.com/sewcuteshop/2009/08/michael-miller-pet-deer-apron-giveaway-fab-finds.html#comment-6a0115707da072970b0120a4ff4bde970b where she will tell you exactly what to do. Good luck (my fingers are crossed!)

Oh, and if you haven't signed up for her Green Swap, then you can do that, too!! Where does that woman find the time?

Green Swap

It seems as if I'm always apologizing for my lack of posts. At the same time, at least in my head, I seem to have a wonderful excuse. I'm not going to bore you with my schedule the last week and a half because I'd rather tell you about a fantastic swap Brandy is organizing. You need to get involved in this! So, here is the deal...you need to visit Brandy's blog at http://sewcuteshop.typepad.com/sewcuteshop/2009/08/with-this-being-the-first-year-i-am-really-going-to-need-your-help-in-the-advertising-post-on-your-blog-send-announ.html

All of the swap details are outlined there. In addition, you can find out how to earn gift certificates from Brandy's store...don't even get me started about how much I love her things! One of the boys' favorite people came to spend the night with them last night, and I had to drag out everything I owned that was made by Brandy. Quite honestly, it became a little embarrassing. I think she wanted one of everything, though!!

I've already started shopping for my part of the swap, and I'm working on some ideas for jewelry to include as well. So, be sure to get in on the action!!!

first day. first grade

Yesterday was the big day. Sending my little man back to school after a wonderful summer. The day came with mixed emotions (on my part); however, in the end, he was exactly where he wanted to be and where he felt so comfortable. What grade, do you ask?

Yes, that's right. Walker Johnson, first grader.

He was as ready as ever, and I think the picture belows shows just that!

home again - home again

We have recently returned from an amazing trip to Fripp Island with some fantastic friends. It was great to have an end of the summer vacation, but it is so hard for me to believe that my oldest starts first grade on Thursday. This week will be filled with getting ready, open house, starting back and me catching up on tons of jewelry orders. Thanks so much to everyone who has placed and order!! I hope to be sending most all of them out by the end of this week. Now, for a few pictures from our vacation...

We saw several of these when the evening weather cooperated.

We saw TONS of these - all wanting to be fed, of course.

And, of course, we ate our fair share of this!

If you're on facebook, look for me there. You can be directed from the link at the top of this page on the right hand side. I have promised a giveaway there, and you can get in on the action! Wishing you a wonderful week.