12th Man! GO HAWKS!

You may or may not know that I was taught at a very young age that I cheer for the Seahawks and the Mariners. No choice. I should have had one of those onesies "I'm told I love Seahawks and Mariners" growing up.  My parents took my brother and I to many games in the Kingdome (YES-seriously, I'm that old).  The hardest part of this Superbowl, is missing out on the family jumping.  We jump, a lot. 1995 Mariners, 2005 Seahawks, now. No workout can compare to watching a game such as this with the Johnstons. My dad took my brother and I autographing Saturday nights where we met so many awesome NFL players.  Baseball was similar. I know my M's aren't great right now, but through thick and thin, we stick it out. Today, the Seahawks are in the Superbowl for the second time. This time, we must win. I am excited to share this will our little ones, my love for Seahawks & Mariners, the Hubs love for UGA & the Braves.

I love my family, I miss them, but I'm thankful that across the country we can celebrate the fun of football and our Seahawks together! GO HAWKS!

"First" Snow

The night before T decided to enter this world, it snowed.  I told the hubs, he's coming tonight when the roads are icy and we are going to get stuck. Well, he came, but luckily the roads were clear.  That was technically his first snow. It snowed here mid-November, but didn't stick. We saw PLENTY of snow in Chicago over Christmas ('13) but due to illness, T was not going outside. His snowsuit was a little snug...we bought it brand new at a secondhand store (I didn't want Broncos colors BUT it was $45 off the original tagged price) so there weren't many size options. T could barely move to the snug fit, but here are some pictures of our first snowy adventure.

All is Merry & Bright

Christmas was very busy this year.  It was fun, however, we had a few bumps. We traveled to Atlanta, Salem (Illinois), Chicago, and Tacoma.  Driving over 35 hours, flying about 10, and two visits to the Children's Hospital definitely wore us out.  We loved seeing family, the bumps are worth it. We told everyone we were expecting baby #2 and are planning a similar trip around the country in June (ROAD TRIP!).

To fill you in on the hospital visits, T was lethargic and not eating (if you know this kid, that is NOT like him).  We went to a doc-in-the-box who sent us immediately to the hospital.  We found out he had a URI and a few days later ended up with an ear infection (YAY for the flight back to Chicago!). Needless to say, in Chicago we bummed it a bit due to a sick baby and over a foot of snow. Came home to find out that T no longer had one but two ear infections. Over the course of a month he lost 4 pounds and reached a temp of over 103! EEK! Thankfully the third antibiotic worked and halfway through January he was back to his happy self. 

Here are a few pics of T's first Christmas....

6 Months Away...

This is my every other month blog post...I've been busy being a zombie people -& thank goodness the first trimester is OVER! Most know that we are expecting baby #2 the beginning of August (DD 8-2-14). We found out around Thanksgiving and finished telling family on Christmas.  BH2 (baby Howe 2) is currently 14 weeks old and the size of a lemon based on my pregnancy app.  Our next appointment is near the end of February and we have no ultrasound planned as of yet to find out B or G.  Besides being completely exhausted, both baby and mom are great. 

Our First Thanksgiving.

Yeah...I have tried to keep my head afloat, but apparently I didn't make it.  Under the mound of "things to do" blogging was not on the top.  All I can say is, finally. Finally the list is short enough so I have a chance while T is napping. We have missed the 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 month slides-that are mainly for our enjoyment because you don't really need to see the numerous amount of adorable pictures we take on a nearly daily basis.  For our own digital scrapbook, we will be placing those slides up and if you want to, check it out.

I cannot express the blessings we feel daily as we spend time with our kiddo, pups and each other. November may be the time we really look at all these blessings and thank God, but having a kid has made me realize this on a more daily basis especially these last 9 months.

Thank you God for another first Thanksgiving. Our first Thanksgiving as parents. Thank you for the parents who have raised us to love You and given us a great example to follow. Thanks for the marriage that, through only You, holds us together as this journey of life continues. Most importantly, thank you for your Son, who saved us.

Our newest reason to be thankful:

6 Months

5 Months

4 Months

Wardrobe $15

So I'm one of those coupon, deal finder, cheap and proud of it mommas.  Yes, I embarass Jordan in line sometimes because I get upset over forgetting a coupon that would have saved us $.50...it adds up people! Because Jordan will be staying home next year as I return to teaching, we have had to find ways to cut back our expenses.  We don't eat out often, no cable, paid off our cars quickly, use coupons, the usual stuff.  Well another way we save money is through consignments.  Once Upon A Child is my favorite place-ask my close friend and family...it is addicting, cute little boy clothes for cheap! Well, I wanted to take a minute to brag about my super find this weekend....

all of this....$15! I must say, their stuff-a-bag event was pretty awesome.  Strapped the little guy in my Ergo and off we went. It was crowded, but we survived and I think it definitely paid off :)