Happy New Year!!!

As I reflect back on 2008, I have to say that 2008 was a GREAT year for me!!  I've had lots of successes and it helps when you have a job that you LOVE!  I was sitting at my desk today working on a layout, thinking, I'm actually getting paid to do this!!!  Anyway, I would like to wish each and everyone a wonderful 2009.  I pray that you will be blessed with good health, family and friends.

Toodles,

Chelley

Reunited!!!

It's New Year Eve and we have three teenage girls in our computer room!!!  Lauren and Taylor have been hanging out today and they got a call from Kirsten who moved away last year.  So, after a couple of phone calls, the girls are spending the night together.  There is lots of laughter coming out of the room!!!

Toodles,

Chelley

A new look for the new year!

After some prodding, Megan decided to get her hair cut.  Today she went to see Mrs. Debbie and got the cute stack cut.  It looks so cute on her!!!  She really loves it, too!!

Toodles,

Chelley

A Christmas recap

We had a great Christmas.  I was off on Wednesday, so Meg and I went to the movies.  We had to make a quick trip to Wally-world for a couple of things---big mistake!!!  Too many last minute shoppers there!  Anyway, we got home and went to the Christmas Eve service at church.  The kids opened their gifts from each other and their Christmas PJs.  We got to sleep in til 7 am.  matt and Lauren wanted to sleep in til 9!!  Anyways, they got up to see what Santa brought them and open their gifts.  Everyone was happy with their gifts!

We then headed over to Mom's where we celebrated with my sisters' and their families.  We made it home (with an extra child).  My niece Alyssa came to stay a couple of days with us.  

Friday, Mike and I went to IKEA and bought a shelving unit so I could organize the craft room.  When we moved the girls around, we just left everything in the room, in boxes and a MESS!!!  We just shut the door and ignored it.  It is great now!!  Everything is organized and the tv is set up with satellite and the playstation.  The girls have a place for their friends to come over and hang out and we will be putting a futon in there, so Matt will have a place to sleep when he comes home.

So, I spent Friday, Saturday & part of Sunday cleaning out the room and closets.  I was pooped!!!  I felt like going back to work was a rest!!

Here is a couple of pictures from the new room.

The new shelving unit.

Looking in

Toodles,

Chelley

Uh oh!!!

Some must not have been very good this year!!!  Megan got a chunk of coal in her stocking!!!  She was a good sport about it, and it was fun for all!!  We had a very good Christmas.....more to come later, got to get ready for moms.

Toodles,

Chelley

Merry Christmas!!

I would like to wish each and everyone of you a VERY Merry Christmas!!!  

Christmas Blessings to all!!

Toodles,

Chelley

My list is complete!!!! Almost

House decorated (inside and out) - check

made Christmas treats - semi check (no sweets, just check mix!!)

presents bought - check

presents wrapped - check

Christmas cards made - check

Christmas letter written and printed - check

Christmas cards addressed, filled and mailed - almost--just need to take them to the post office!

Ingredients bought for Christmas day meal - check!!

So, all there is left to do sit back and enjoy the wonderful season!!!

We're going to an Avalon concert at church tomorrow night!  I can't wait to hear them, they are one of my favorite bands!!!  We will go to our Christmas eve service at 5 pm then out to dinner.   The back to the house for a couple of presents.  We then usually watch The Christmas Story.  I LOVE that movie....."You'll shoot your eye out!"  "Deck the Halls with baughs of howwy, fa-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra"  I can never light to that song without laughing.

I know there are only 5 days til Christmas....enjoy each and every one of them!!!

Toodles,

Chelley

Here are the Children's Choir videos.

Children's choir, song #1 from Chelley Johnson on Vimeo.



Children's choir song #2 from Chelley Johnson on Vimeo.

Toodles,

Chelley

The promised videos

This is the first song the bell choir played.  It is Fantasy on a French Carol.

Fantasy on a French Carol from Chelley Johnson on Vimeo

The send song....Frosty the Snowman

Frosty the Snowman from Chelley Johnson on Vimeo.

The third song was a combined effort with the bells and the choir.  Carol of the Bells and Come on ring those bells melody.

Carol of the Bells/Ring those Bells Medley from Chelley Johnson on Vimeo.

Toodles,

Chelley

Whew!!! Deep Breath!!!

It has been a busy weekend!!!  Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday Megan and I were at the church for rehearsals or performances of the Christmas program.  Saturday was also Lauren's banquet.  It's hard to believe that will be our last sports banquet with her!!  Back to the Christmas programs.  They were GREAT!!  Our church does a great job putting on productions.  I do have video of the bells and children's choir----those will be coming later.

On Sunday I went to Cheryl's to take family Christmas pictures.  Catarina did a great job and Carston is getting so big sitting up like a big  boy.  Here are some of the pictures from the shoot.

 

Today, we woke up to some frozen weather.  It was enough to give me late arrival but the girls had school.  Lauren was home anyway sick with a sore throat and no voice (yahoo!!!)  We're in the house snuggled and warm with the animals snug in the garage--thank goodness they get along.

Toodles,

Chelley

What a nice surprise!!!

When I left for work this morning it was a balmy 67 outside.  Imagine my surprise when I left work and it was 35!!!  With the wind, it had to be in the teens or 20's!  We went out for dinner and then Lauren and I went shopping for a banquet dress.  When we walked out of the store it was sleeting/snowing!!!  There is actually white stuff on the grass.  We brought the babies in except for Jo-Jo, she ran off and won't come to us.  So, hopefully, she will be ok in the cold tonight!  The girls are all set for a snow day tomorrow!  I don't think that will happen, but one can wish!!

Toodles,

Chelley

Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!!

If you look at the time of this post, you will see it is late on a Saturday night.  I have just finished my last piece of work for my 2-D final!  It took me 5 tries to get it close to what I wanted.  I will turn everything in on Monday and take my last final then!!!  I took my final in Art History this morning....got the results and I got an A as my final grade!!!!!!  I have one more assignment in Computer Literacy and I will be done!!!  

I have finished just in time for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season!!!  I have a bell rehearsal on Wednesday, then dress rehearsal and three night performance in the church's Christmas program. NO, I'm not singing----I'm playing bells in three songs and Megan will be singing with the children's choir.  After we perform on Saturday, we will be leaving and scooting it to the high school for the volleyball banquet.  And, eventually, I will have to do some Christmas shopping!!!  Oh and I forgot about the Christmas cards!!!  The picture has been taken, and I've started a letter and designing the card, I just need to get them printed.  Oi vey!!!

Ok, the nyquil I took is starting to kick in, hopefully, I will get a good night sleep and my nose won't clog up or start running!!!  Have a good week!!!

Toodles,

Chelley

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We have returned from the hill country!!!  We made a whirlwind trip--left yesterday at 4:30 am and returned at 4:30 pm today!!!  Which meant, no shopping for me!!  It's all good---I have a good start on my Christmas shopping and will finish in a couple of weeks.

We were at Mike's brother's house.  The land of dialup and no wi-fi!!!  It was tough, but I survived!!!  I did have 74 email messages when I got home!!  Our niece and her husband and kids were there from Florida.  We had an absolute wonderful time with them.  Megan was thrilled to have some little ones to boss around.  It is so funny....since I was Shannon's babysitter, oh so many years ago, now seeing her kids and how much they were like her. Shannon and I took the kids to the city's main street park where they have TONS of Christmas lights and exhibits out!!  The town is so pretty all lit up.  We made the trip after the Cowboys wooped up on the Seahawks and in the middle of the UT massacre of A&M!!!

We stopped and picked up Matt in Waco and when we dropped him off, we went in to see the apartment-----YUP, it is definitely a bachelor's pad!!!  Enough said!!

I'm attaching some pictures of the kids and the fun at the park last night.

Lauren, Megan, Bethany, Sami & Joe

The Fantastic Four!!

The three Gingerbread Hams!!!

Lovin' the lights!!!

Everybody!!!

Toodles,

Chelley

It's my birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to me!!!  On Saturday November 22, I will officially be 41!!!  :-O

It's ok....I did start celebrating today at lunch!!  A co-worker and I went to lunch (her birthday was Wed.)  Tonight Mike, Megan & I went to Red Robin---got a free burger!!!  (PSA:  Sign up at your favorite restaurant's website---you get lots of freebies at your birthday!!!)  Tomorrow night, we're going to Roadhouse and use my free appetizer coupon for dinner.

Tomorrow Megan has her last game of the season.  It is the rematch game for 1st place!!!  It will be cold, it will be tough and it will be rough!!!  I told Megan the only thing I wanted from her is a WIN!!!!  Our girls have been practicing twice a week still, so they should be ready!!! (I hope).

Everyone have a good weekend!!!

Toodles,

Chelley

One week and counting!!!

So, only one week until the 12th anniversary of my 29th birthday!!  I'm going to enjoy and celebrate all week long and more probably!!!

Have a good weekend!!!

Toodles,

Chelley

ALL DISTRICT!!!!

As you know, Lauren's senior year-volleyball season wasn't what we had hope for or expected.  Today we found out the she made Honorable Mention for All District!!!  I was siked when I read that!!!  Just think what would have happened if she had played all year!!!  Anyway, I just wanted to share the good news.

Ooooh, also, SHE GOT A JOB!!!!  She is the Hostess with the Mostest at Applebee's.  Just another step closer to being off my payroll!!!!

Toodles,

Chelley

Happy Veteran's Day

Gotta love the government holidays!!!  I spent the day shopping (not for me, but started my Christmas shopping!!)  

Anyway, be sure to thank a veteran!!!  If it weren't for them, this wouldn't be the land of the free!!

Toodles,

Chelley

I voted today, did you???

It is your right!!  

Toodles,

Chelley

PSA

We interrupt this blog for a public service announcement:  

Tuesday, November 4th is the day to cast your vote for our elected officials.  Either way, this year will be a history-making election.  

I'm not going to tell you who I'm voting for, nor do I want to know who you are voting for.  All I'm interested in is that you VOTE!!!  You have been given a wonderful opportunity to express yourself, speak out, let your voice be heard.  Please take advantage of it!!!  

Think of it this way.....there are thousands of men and women over seas fighting for our freedom, including the right to vote, the least we could do, is exercise our right!!  

So, if you didn't vote early, on Tuesday, Nov. 4, go vote.  If you don't I don't want to hear A WORD from you about your opinions of how the wrong guy won!!

Toodles,

Chelley

A quick catch up

Busy, busy week!!!

Thursday, Megan had a makeup soccer game.  It was against the team in 2nd place in our league (we're in first and undefeated!).  These girls were BIGGER and faster, but we were able to keep the game at a 1-1 tie.  So, we are still undefeated and in first place.  We will meet this team again on Nov. 22, so I told Megan I wanted a win for my birthday!!!  Megan had another game today and they won 6-0.  There was a LOT of pushing going on in this game.  Megan got knocked down a couple of times, then the girl who was doing the pushing, got a taste of her own medicine.  Megan got a little tough with her!  The ref didn't call ANYTHING!!!  So, needless to say, it was a very physical game!!  Megan left the game with several scratches on her knees.

Monday in practice, Lauren started having shoulder problems again.  She is out, for good!!  We're going to go see an orthopedic doctor, the coach and trainer think she might have a pinched nerve.  It has not been a fun week with her arm cramping, shooting pain and numbness!!

Friday night, the varsity played Cedar Hill in a one-game playoff for District Champs.  We lost.  The first 4 matches were VERY close but the 5th one, they came out and kicked our hineys!!!  Anyway, we placed 2nd in our district and will play Plano in Coppell on Tuesday night at 8 pm!!  That drive and late will be a butt whippin'!!!!

Things are going great at work!!  I spent Friday working our company's haunted house!!!  It is a HUGE fund raiser for our charity campaign.  It was a blast!!!  I did a lot of screaming and my voice was a little hoarse, but I'm surviving.

Have a good week!!!

Toodles,

Chelley

S-C-O-R-E!!!

Yesterday Megan had a soccer game.  This was the first team we played this season and beat 6-1.  Today we beat them 11-0.  Megan made her FIRST goal!!!!!!  At half-time, the coach from the other team complained to the referees that we were playing too tough.  Hello, it's soccer!!!  And WE had a girl leave the field with a busted lip---HELLO!!!  Anyway, our coach adjusted and left the three main players they were complaining about on the sidelines---Megan was one of them.  He did put her in later and as a forward (a position she never plays) and she scored!!  She was so-o-o-o-o excited!!!  The goal cost me a dollar!  I told her I would give her a dollar for every goal.  This deal was made at the beginning of the season---she remembered!!!  It is the first thing she told me when she came off the field!!!  

Toodles,

Chelley

Senior Night!!!

Tonight was a milestone night---Volleyball Senior night!!  It is tradition that the senior and parents are announced at the last home game of the season and afterwards, we have a party to celebrate them.  The parents get to speak to everyone about their daughter.  I made a poster of pictures (yes, I did put embarrassing pictures on there!!!  I was fine talking until I saw Lauren crying......then I started!!!  So, I made my talk short.  After the parents, the underclassmen bought gag gifts for the seniors.  It was funny!!!  

So, on a good note, Lauren did get into the game tonight!!  Grandma came to see her play, too.  We surprised her!!  All in all it was a good night----a win and then a party!!

Toodles,

Chelley

She got in!!!

Lauren has been accepted as a freshman for the 2009-2010 school year to Texas A&M Commerce!!!  We're very excited for her!!  Grandma and Nana got the first phone calls.  She chose this school because it has one of the best teaching programs in the state!  Also, if she wants, she can take sign language classes, too.  (She's in her 2ND year of sign language this year).  

Whoo Hoo!!!

Toodles,

Chelley 

Lions, Tigers & Bears, Oh MY!!!

We took a trip to Boyd, TX today.  Where is Boyd???  It is Northwest of Fort Worth---about an hour drive.  We went to the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary.  This is a place that has rescued several animals (mostly big cats) from all over the world.  I had a hard time with getting good photos because of the cages and I couldn't get as close as I was able to at Pug Mark Park, but we got to see lots of beautiful cats and a group of grizzly bears (3 brothers & a sister).

Check out their website:  www.bigcat.org.  

Here are a couple of photos from today.

Toodles,

Chelley

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!

First let me start of my saying, Lauren has been released!!!  She should have a full week of practice so she can get in the games Tuesday & Friday.  Friday night is senior night (wiping tear from my eye)  I cannot believe this season has FLOWN by!!!  And with that said, there is a very real possibility that the girls will walk away with a DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!

Last night we played Cedar Hill.  This is our 2nd meeting this season.  The first meeting was not very nice.....basketball refs, CH parents calling lines, lots of BAD calls, etc.  We took them to 5 games, but they won.  This time was different!!!!  We had good refs and two jr. high coaches called lines.  Our girls came out pumped and ready to play!!!  The game started off with our girls blocking their 6ft + girl and scoring 3-0 right off the bat!!!!  It only took four games for us to beat them!!!  25-19, 25-9, 26-28, 25-19.  The second games was VERY impressive!!!  Anyway, we will probably have to play them in a one-game playoff and WE ARE READY!!!!!   The arena was full of people and LOUD!!!!!  I LOVE games like that!!!!!

Keep watching, we're leaving soon for our very cool day trip!!!  Pictures will be up this evening!!!

Toodles,

Chelley

Prayers, please!

We found out this week that Mike's mom has rectal cancer.  We're not sure how severe, staging, etc.  She will be having surgery on the 29th of October.  They will be removing her gallbladder, repairing two hernias and removing her tumor.  Please pray for the surgery and that the tumor is removed.

Toodles,

Chelley

Very Exciting!!!

We are doing something VERY cool tomorrow!!!  Check the blog tomorrow evening to see pictures.    Want a hint???    ROAR!!!!

Toodles,

Chelley

HOOK 'EM HORNS!!!!

If you didn't see the BIG upset of the day.....the Oklahoma Sooners got a butt whoopin' courtesy of the TEXAS LONGHORNS!!!!  Unfortunately, I didn't see the whole game, but I did see the last 11 minutes which was the BEST part of the game!!!  Can't to see the NCAA rankings on Monday!!!  Do I smell a #1 ranking??????

Toodles,

Chelley

THEY ARE OFF!!!!!

22 months!!!  That is how long Lauren has been in braces.  She got them off this morning.  She was so excited.  She actually had an appointment last week, but it was for the retainer fitting, so she was totally bummed about that!  But they are off now and she can have her senior pictures taken for the yearbook!!!  She's been holding off all summer until she wasn't a metal mouth anymore.

Here are the pictures she took with her phone and sent to me.  I'll get better ones tonight after she gets home.

Toodles,

Chelley

Fall Flowers

Last weekend we decorated our porch.  My original flowers that we planted had died....thanks to cats using my flower bed as their potty!!  We decided to rock the flower bed and put the pots of lantanas back there.  I did get some beautiful mums to put in the planter boxes and a new scarecrow.  The front looks very festive--especially with the leaves falling on it, too!!!

Toodles,

Chelley

Saturday Fun!!!

Today we started the day with Megan's soccer game.  They won 9-2.  Megan played the full hour game and did a great job!

This coming weekend is Homecoming, so we made Lauren's mum this weekend.  This being her senior year, the mum is silver and white.  It also has three flowers!!  It is HUGE, but it is what she wanted and she loves it.....so that is what matters!!!  If you will notice the bear has a sling....that was Lauren's idea.  It is really hard to see, but it has a cap & diploma on it and volleyballs.

Last year, I made the mum without any incident, but I wasn't so luck this year!!!  I accidently touched some glue that I didn't see and I now have two burns on my fingers with one having a blister!!

So, now I'm sitting here, trying to type with one hand while I have ice in the other!!!  It is seriously still burning.

Matt's in town this weekend.  We had to run him to a CareNow for a spider bite.  He got bit on his upper thigh Thursday night.  By Friday morning there was a knot and puss.  Sure enough it was a spider bite, so the doctor got a q=tip and cleaned it out, gave him a shot and some antibiotics.

I'm off for a shower.

Toodles,

Chelley

My new job!!!!!

So, I'm 4 weeks into my new job and LOVING IT!!!  I came in at the busiest time of the year---Thanksgiving Sales Ads!!!  I've been giving the opportunity to update and correct some of the ads and I've even re-designed a few when items were removed.  Today I got the chance to design a sweepstakes poster and will be working on the other elements that will go with it.  I've also been given the name "Proofing Princess".  The department director is sending everyone to me to proof their work, which is totally cool!!! 

I've got a picture of my new digs.  I have two monitors....The really big one on the right is the one I work on, the smaller one on the left is where I keep my email screen up.

Toodles,

Chelley

Gotta love fall and the fall weather!!!

We've gotten some cooler weather and with it has come the ragweed!!!  My nose, ears and eyes are paying the price!!!  My nose and eyes are running and my ears are clogged!!!  I'm walking around with red eyes and nose saying "huh??"

Megan had another soccer game yesterday.  She played the full game....poor thing was pooped when it was over!!!  She had some great kicks that sent the ball back to our offensive side and stopped some break aways.  We won, the final score was 6-0.

Lauren's still in a sling and not showing much improvement.  She is still having lots of pain.  Volleyball is going good.  They are 4-1 in district.  We didn't go to the Cedar Hill game, which was their first loss.  From what I understand, it wasn't a loss....it was taken from them by the officials and parents who called the lines.  The officials were basketball officials and cedar hill parents called the lines, making bad calls against us.  We'll meet them again and in our arena---we will make it a fair fight and will show them how to win without cheating.

My job is going GREAT!!!!  I'm learning lots and having a great time working on the tabloids for the holidays---lots of good sales coming then!!!  I'm making my list!!!

Have a great week!!

Toodles,

Chelley

Hello WIN Column!!!

Today Megan had a morning soccer game.  It started off really nice, but the sun came out and we were all baking by the end.  The girls started off rocky during the first half, but they got it together and out-scored the opponent 5-2.  Megan is directly responsible with assists for 2 of the goals.  She plays so much like Matt, it's unreal!!!  Matt and Lauren came to support their baby sister today.  That meant more to her than the win!!!

This is one of Megan's assists.  She kicked the from deep in the other team's side to our side, the forward got it and scored!!!

She has the same form as Matt had....she was responsible for all of the goal kicks.

She crosses her fingers when she kicks the ball!

A perfect throw in----dragging her toe!

Toodles,

Chelley