Cheeeese

This is what I got when I held my phone out and said "Cheeeese." And this makes this photo lovin' momma real happy. I think my girl likes the camera as much as her mommy hehehe :) While daddy is rollin' his eyes as I beg him for "just a couple more pics" I think Sweet K is gonna be smilin' away (hopefully).  I'll let you know after our next "photo shoot". God has truly blessed us with such a happy baby girl! From waking up to her sweet little voice and the smile I get when I walk in her room to the need to cuddle with mommy for naptime- she sleeps 9-10 hours at night in her crib, so letting her nap in mommy and daddy's bed is fine with me. Maybe one day she'll nap in her crib, but until then it's snuggling with mommy in the big bed (I normally sneak away once she's sound asleep :) How I LOVE this baby girl!

Make It and Love It

It's Christmas Morning at the Johnston Home!

At least for me.  You know when you get that one toy on Christmas morning and you spend the whole day playing with it and your excitement makes you act silly and well, like a child?  I have to admit I feel like I am experiencing this childlike behavior all over again. Tuesday night I got a new (to me) Sewing/Embroidery machine.  I've been wanting an embroidery machine for quite some time now, but the cost of one just did not fit within our budget.  To make a long story short, I have a great-aunt who has an insane amount of sewing equipment to make quilts, bedding, piping, etc...you name it, she can do it.  She's been sewing some pillows for my sister, so while my mom was over there one day she told her I had been doing a lot of sewing and was wanting an embroidery machine.  I guess my aunt decided to part with the machine she hasn't used in quite some time, because now it's sitting on my kitchen table!

I love to sew, create, and design things and with this new machine I can monogram, applique, and embroider.  I am SO excited!!! I probably won't use it as a sewing machine since I already have a sewing machine and am use to it, but I immediately had to make something! One of my best friends from High School is having a little girl in August.  She lives in Winchester, but her shower is in Chattanooga this weekend.  I have been going crazy making sweet baby Elise lots of goodies.  Here is my first official product made with my new machine- I think I'm gonna have to make Kate one too :)

Since my child slobbers (and eats her bibs) like crazy nowadays this is the perfect size for her!

My good friend Abbey Duncan and I decided since we were both making handmade  gifts and outfits for people who either wanted the items for their own children or to give as gifts, we should just work together and offer a line of handmade outfits, baby gifts, and accessories- our own little Etsy shop. LiviKate's Collection is a new line of handmade items for the cute kids in your life :)  Of course we are a little bias to girls, but we are working on some super cute John Johns and other clothing items for little boys- they need to be well dressed too :)  

Click here to view our line

I've really been into crafting these days too.  For Mother's Day, I decided I just didn't want to buy mom something for the sake of buying her something.  Since it's her first Mother's Day as being a "Honey", I wanted it to be special! So Kate and I made her some flowers that will never die :) I've got some super fun ideas for Father's Day too :)

AND Last but not Least- Steven and I celebrated our four year Anniversary on May 20th.  We were going to eat at Red Lobster (we had a gift card) but we didn't drop Kate off with my mom in time.  So we settled for another favorite- Ankar's, YUMMY!!! We were on a strict time schedule because we got to see Riverdance for the last time- It's "retiring" so it's on a Farewell Tour.  We had incredible seats- it helps to know the man who brings all these wonderful shows to Chattanooga (My Dad) :) It was the perfect way to celebrate! 

Look at how young we look!  I had just graduated H.S :) :) :)

And Fast Forward 7 years Later :) Dropping K Off to celebrate 4 years of marriage!

Also, Check out www.Makeit-Loveit.com for some super cute and fun ideas!!! It's becoming one of my favorite Websites!

My Big Sister's a Pug

Warning: you may call me a crazy dog lady at the end of this post

We love Molly Bojangles and I can't wait for Kate to grow up loving her too.  She has already started noticing and watching her.  She even reaches out to touch her when she's close to her. I know they are going to be the best of friends!  I was so excited when I found the cutest onesie for K when I was pregnant.  I got a good laugh out of the crowd when I wrapped it up, signed it "From Molly Bojangles" and put it among the gifts at one of my baby showers :) The real laugh came when everyone who thought my sister was the one responsible for the gift learned I was behind it.  I can't believe Kate's already wearing it! 

Molly Bojangles and "her gift" for Kate :) Nov.2009

Big Sister wasn't cooperating at first so I just snapped some of Kate

I had to jump in and try to make this photo shoot successful

Then I tried to just put Kate where Molly Bo was

I think Kate is saying "just cooperate so mommy will quite taking pictures"

Then Molly Bo scoots away....And that's a wrap :)

Ballerina Girl

Kate was AWESOME at the dance recital this past weekend!!! She sat on my mom's lap and watched the program like such a well behaved little lady! :) She even got to wear her little tutu I bought for her almost immediately after I found out we were having a little girl! I love her so much and had such a wonderful first Mother's Day! God has truly blessed me beyond what I could have ever imagined! Here's some recent pics of my little Ballerina Girl.....

Such a Happy Baby Girl!!!

My Sweet Baby

K's recital outfit :)

Now- Summer Break and everyday home with my girl -Wahoo!

It's THAT week!

My house says it all...

IT'S RECITAL WEEK!!!!

It's that time of the year when housework is neglected, I stop eating, and everyone I love wants to stay clear of me.  HAHA Maybe I'm not that bad, maybe?!?!  Let's just say I've got a lot going on this week and things like cleaning my house and eating become the least of my priorities.  Number one priority that cannot be neglected this semester: My Sweet Baby Girl! 

This semester has actually been a lot less stressful than usual.  Liz and I normally make all the costumes, but this semester we found some great prices and ordered the majority of them.  We also have great moms that help us out so I have not had to sew a single thing this semester! I've still made a million hair bows, but  that is nothing compared to having to sew!

That Sweet Little Baby Girl of mine has also been going through a stage called : I DON'T WANT YOU, I WANT MY MOMMY! I'm pretty sure she's too young for this, but she's started having separation anxiety. 

I'M NOT KIDDING!

Steven and I went out for my birthday on the 24th and left K with my parents- something we've done many times.  She had recently started crying when other people would hold her, but we just thought it was people she wasn't familiar with. Well.....

My dad calls about 9:30 and asks us if we are getting ready to head that way because K has been crying for over an hour and a half and they can't soothe her.  They think she has a tummy ache so we end date night, swing by Publix and get some tummy drops.  We get to my parent's house, I pick up my child who has almost cried herself to sleep, she turns around and smiles at my mom and sister- not even kidding! 

She's fine when she's with daddy, but anyone else she screams her head off.  What to do, What to do? I feel bad for my parents, sister and everyone else my child wants nothing to do with. Hopefully it's just a- I really just love my mommy stage and soon I'll grow out of it and show everyone else I love them too.  I mean I was the one who wouldn't have anything to do with my own dad for the first 6 months of my life and then turned into the biggest daddy's girl -so I do have hope!

I have to have Honey's help this week, so I'm praying K's over this little stage and will be good for her!

I thought after last semester I would lose that front baby bump.....

But, it still may be there for this recital too :)

Please excuse the messy house, my non-showered self, and goofy smile. I was actually trying to get some housework done and sometimes this is the only way that is possible! 

How could I ask for More?

On Sunday I will experience the  "I'm halfway to 50, I've been alive for a quarter of a century, I'm 5 years away from 30" Birthday.

The BIG 2-5.

They say when you get older, times flies by so much faster and I am learning more and more that is SO true!  I literally remember when i was in 3rd grade counting how many more years I had left of school and thinking, "I'm gonna be in school for the rest of my life!" I've been out of college for 3 years now- man, that went by quick.

I can honestly say that Life is Good.  I have been feeling so extremely overwhelmed with how much God has blessed me lately that it's hard to grasp.  Sure, life has had it's ups and downs and I wouldn't say life has been easy, but I've seen God's faithfulness and His everlasting love for this child.

I've lost two sweet grandmothers and my mother-in-law in the past four years and even though I miss them daily, I'm reminded how precious this life is and how we should not take one day for granted.  Even though it makes me extremely sad that sweet Kate will never know these special ladies, it does make me think how much I want her to cherish the people she does have in her life and how important it is to spend time with them.  With that said, we are striving to do better about staying connected with out of town family and not letting life's busyness get in the way.

Steven and I are also starting a new ministry job in June.  Steven has taken the position of Baptist Collegiate Minister for Lee University and Cleveland State.  We are SOOOO excited.  I am still trying to  take in how God opened this door for us at the perfect time.  I am reminded that God's timing is PERFECT! And as hard as it is, I want to always say "Lord, not in my timing, but in yours!"

We had been praying for a while about ministry and being exactly where God wanted us to be.  Steven just finished his Master's in December and happened to see the position open.  We prayed about it, he applied, and it seemed like everything just unfolded so quickly.  Steven has always had a heart for discipleship and just building relationships with people.  This new job requires exactly that.  We are so looking forward to discipling college students and just living life with them.  He can also still lead worship on the side, which is also a huge passion of his.

With all that said, I am so looking forward to celebrating this birthday as a new mommy and by thinking back on this life and how much God has truly blessed me, in more ways than I could ever deserve. I can truly say, Thank you Lord, How Could I ask for More?

May 20, 2006- One of the Happiest Days of my Life. 

So blessed by a godly husband and best friend.

January 12, 2010 Another Happiest Day of My Life :)

Sweet Kate is growing sooo fast! Trying to cherish every day

And of course, so thankful for amazing parents, big brother, and little sister

Yes, we are at a bowling alley.  
One of my mom's ideas to get Kate to come while Patrick was here 

It was our first family bowling experience and quite enjoyable hehehe

confessions of a recovering hoarder

Two Words- Yard Sale. One Word- UGH!

I have a love/hate relationship with Yard Sales.  I hate getting everything set up, organized, and priced.  Especially the latter because you know people are just going to try and buy your precious possessions way cheaper than you think they are worth. Sigh.

But, I LOVE the moolah that comes with the parting of these possessions.

This weekend Steven and I had a Two Day Yard Sale.  And let me just say, we will never have a one dayer (I know, not a word) again!  We got rid of so much stuff.  We had accumulated so many things to sell due to my recent epiphany that I don't need to hold on to things like a Limited Too Jean Jacket that is so out of style, too small, and I will never wear again- OH, just wait, it gets worse.

With this realization and especially seeing it all laid out in front of me, I realized, I HAVE A PROBLEM!

For some strange reason, I can't let things go. Seriously, I may be teetering on the verge of a hoarder.  And I have Sweet Baby Kate to thank for this realization.  It was when I really started "Nesting" that I realized... "OMG WHY DO I STILL HAVE THIS STUFF?!?!"

Not only is my problem with holding on to things and buying random items comical- I mean at the time the green and red Christmas streamers seemed like a good purchase and they were in Target's dollar section, it is kind of eye-opening. As my husband exclaims, "What were you going to do with Christmas Streamers?" My only defense, "ummm...I thought we could throw a Christmas Party?!" Really Hailey, Really?!?! Steven and I did have some fun going through items and laughing about some of the stuff, but honestly, it made me realize, "I don't NEED anything."

I love to shop.  It seems like there is always something I want.  I can ALWAYS, I mean ALWAYS find something to buy at Hobby Lobby, Target, or TJ Maxx. My weaknesses.

Well, I've decided this has to change.  I look around my house and I think, I love my house.  It is exactly how I want it, BUT I normally can find something I want to change. And I'm not even going to talk about my closet.  For the past two Sundays, I've worn dresses I've had for probably 2 years and never worn before- Why?!?! I have so many clothes I don't even know what I have- Sad!

So here's my challenge for myself...  I am not going to buy anything I don't need, and I mean really need for the next 2 months.  We are going on vacation this summer- a vacation we REALLY need. I'm not even kidding.  And with that said, I'm going to go ahead and say it- I don't need a new bathing suit. I have plenty.  So Victoria's Secret don't even send me an email telling me of your incredible sale on bikinis :)

It's real simple. I want to honor God with my finances.  I want to honor my husband for his hard work and how much I appreciate the opportunity I have to be a stay at home mommy.  I want to be content with what I have and remember daily how truly blessed I am.  Not blessed because of all the stuff I have, but blessed because I have abundant life in Jesus Christ and he is truly all we need anyways.  I don't remember hearing the people living in tents in Africa complaining about how sick they were of their home decor.  Ouch, that one really hurts! Seriously, they were the most joyful people I have ever met and they had maybe 4 to 5 possessions total AND they lived in tents because their homes had been burned.

Jesus did say that he "Came that everyone would have life, and have it to the fullest".  So may I be content in You and You alone Lord. And realize that all this other "stuff" is just stuff. And one day is won't really matter if I had the most beautifully decorated home or kept up with the latest fashion trends. Cause really all we need is You Lord.  I feel a song coming on :)

Just for your enjoyment I leave you with some of the more comical items that this recovering hoarder finally let go :)

               Really Hailey, Limited Too? Maybe I was saving if for Kate?!? haha

It looked cool in my room in H.S...The treasure box beside it I won one year in VBS.

Don't worry this is from a Dance Recital- Never wore in public. I promise :)

My neighbor asked Steven, "How do ya'll have so many things for your yard sales?"

Steven: "My Wife"

Please notice the Timblerlands in the left side of the pic.

Def. got them 7th grade Christmas.  

I guess I thought I may need them just in cause we ever went for a hike?!?!

Most stuff was sold and the rest is going to The Caring Place.  I can say it feels good to have things "cleaned out" and to release the junk, yes I said it,  I was for some reason holding on to.  And I am so glad I don't have to worry about Niecy Nash showing up at my front door anytime soon :)