Sick Little Guy

This is one of those "journal" blogs for me to remember and try to find a pattern.

Cole had another hard weekend. Everything was fine Saturday. We had no idea that he would get so ill in the middle of the night! Saturday we had a Kids Are Music show in Dana Point. Cole was adorable and sang his little heart out! Then we went to the Tree Lighting Festival at Fashion Island. It was amazing. The show during the day was really hot. We kept joking about needed to go find an ice cream store, because it felt like August heat! By the time we got to the tree lighting it had turned really cold. But we had planned accordingly. Cole was wearing three layers of clothes, and we had blankets, and he stayed in the wagon or in our arms almost the entire time.

Bill went out of his way to be on the lookout for any smokers. We have been told that even someone who smokes holding him could be potentially fatal. So if you smoke, please be careful! Cole walking by a smoker could be really dangerous.

There were some "fake" hay bails at the daytime event, but Bill thinks they were boxes covered with turf and artificial hay.

Here is what Cole sounded like during the night. It went on for hours. He had to struggle for every breath. He would sleep fitfully on and off, but not much. He was so miserable.
(Note: the black mark on his arm is his mickey mouse airbrush from the festival earlier in the day. He is very proud of it.)


Then Sunday afternoon he had a fever of 101, and Sunday evening he was 103. At 4am Monday morning he was breathing much better, but still miserable, and still 103.5 temperature. We give him Albuterol breathing treatments, but it doesn't seem to change anything. He throws up a lot (30 times) because the struggling for breathes becomes choking gasps, and that produces throwing up. (I did 8 loads of laundry yesterday.) I also give him 4 ml (almost 1 tsp.) of Children's Tylenol Plus. I do not notice that helping to bring down the fever at all, but it is really all I can think of to do.



(Note: This is Bill holding him. My sister Mitzi was thinking it was me. How funny!)

By 7:30 Monday morning his fever was gone, and he was breathing fine. He seemed tired, and worn out, but ok. Monday afternoon his temperature started up again, and by 5pm it was back at 102.

Tuesday morning he is still achy and whiny, wanting to be held, but doing better for the most part.

Whew! I am exhausted! Billy is a great husband and dad to help me with the crazy nights involved with this little guy.

Fun blogs to visit for the holidays!

Tip Junkie is having twelve days of giveaways and today's is a giveaway from Plum Pear Apple.

Gwennie has one that is Adorable, and I would love one for Cole. So I am loving this blog!
Click here for more!

On the Go!

To translate, Cole says "I fun" and "ready set Go!"

I am so thankful for Healthy children and darling Cousins!




And then what I love about this video...
Brighton can't be bothered or slowed by the camera. He has places to go.
Dillon is the entertainer. He'll slow down and give you some comedy.
And Cole... who "they" said would never speak or walk on his own. Doctor's... wonderful people, but clueless as to what can really happen with Heavenly Father's touch and a little love from a family!
Cole's little legs going as fast as he can.
Cole is all about the "Ready, Set, Go!" He is in the racing phase. It is great! I can get him to do anything by calling it a race!

A day at the beach with cousins

My sister Amy has a job with Alaskan Airlines, and she loves it. She is really good at what she does. Their family has been to Alaska lots of times in the past few months. One of the greatest perks of Amy working at Alaskan Airlines is that we got to meet Sarah Palin.

Actually, no I am totally kidding, but that would have been so cool! The best thing is that they get to travel all over for free! It is so awesome! Last week they came for 3 days and we had such a great time. We spent one day at the beach. Amy had a great idea of roasting hot dogs on an open fire down at Balboa. Since it is November, we were a little worried about the weather, but it was gorgeous!! This is where we were when we saw the Prop 8 skywriters.


We even called dad and Bill and since they were working on beach houses a few blocks away, they both came and enjoyed a hot dog lunch with us! So fun, and delicious!
Dixie is the QUEEN of sea adventures. She loves amazing finds like this. She fished it out of the water and wrestled it up the shore to us. She is such a sea explorer!

Dillon 6 roasting marshmallows with Denim 4.

Such Cute Sisters!! Darcy 11, Dixie 9. I think!

We had to stall for time while Cole was in therapy for an hour... so we went to the dollar store and let each kid pick one toy. Greatest $1 spent! They were in heaven, and Amy, Wayne and I had lots of fun also! Brighton got a foam dart gun.

We had brought our Halloween costumes swords and shields for the boys to play with, so Wayne was in a sword fighting mood all weekend. Here he got Amy to Hot Dog Roaster Stick sword fight her. I think they both had a really good vacation away form the stresses of home.

I am Thankful for ...

I made a turkey dinner tonight, and my house smells amazing. It turned out so great! I felt like an actual domestic goddess! The funny thing is, when I took it out of the freezer to thaw a few days ago, I totally forgot that Thanksgiving is 2 1/2 weeks away. I have had it since May in my freezer, and I have always heard that you should not keep meat frozen longer than 6 months, so I thought, "Oh yeah, I have that nice Turkey in there, I'll make that up. It will be a fun dinner." Duh!!! 2 1/2 weeks before Thanksgiving!!

Brighton kept asking me if this was our Thanksgiving Feast. Well, that made me think of what I am thankful for. Today in Primary the kids all went around to say what they were thankful for, and a ton of the kids said food. And it made me think how thankful I also am for food. But I feel like I have learned such a respect for food this past two years. I have learned so much about the word of wisdom, and eating portion sizes. I guess what I want to say is #1. I am so thankful for delicious food!
And #2. I am so thankful for gastric bypass surgery. I have a whole new life since my surgery, and it is wonderful. I am thankful for parents, siblings and especially a husband who supported me in the decision to have the surgery. I am lucky to have such an amazing blessing.

Lots of my friends now did not know me 3 years ago, so for their benefit, and for my future posterity... I will post some before pictures.

It is funny. When I was bigger, I never thought of myself as huge. When I would see a picture of myself, I would think, "Who is that?" I did it every time. Inside, I felt like a smaller sized person. Not thin, but never morbidly obese. I was just a happy mom with a great husband and two amazing kids. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have a life changing experience like this.






Seriously... What A CUTE Family!!! Am I so lucky or what???

Thank you Heavenly Father for so many wonderful blessings, and thank you for letting me live through the scary parts of the surgery so that I could be here to enjoy such a wonderful life!!

The Mighty Knight's!!!

Tonight we took the boys to see the Backyardigan's Live Tale of the Mighty Knight at the Orange County Performing Arts Theater. It was so great! I am amazing at how well behaved both our boys are when we have taken them to theater productions. Last Christmas we took them to see the Rocketts and it was fantastic. And again tonight, both Cole and Brighton were silent and fascinated throughout the entire show! It was so much fun!

Of course we dressed up both boys as Mighty Knights. I just assumed that all, if not most, of the kids would be dressed up. But no one else was dressed up at all. Our kids were totally adored and coo'ed over the entire night. Everyone made such a fuss over how adorable they were. Both boys just ate it up. They loved the attention. Brighton wore his Halloween Costume and Cole wore Grammy's dress up Prince Phillip outfit from the Disney Collection. Thanks Grammy for having fun Boy Dress Ups! They were so excited to be Mighty Knights! (That's Right!)

So... Here is a shout out to all my family who are Backyardigans Addicts. (And anyone else who think the yardigans ROCK! And yes, the dancing was AWESOME!!
Name all five characters.
Name what animal they are.
Name their color.

And the best ever Backyardigan song EVER!!!!
Hint: here is the link from you-tube.

For those who don't know what a Backyardigan is... Click Here.

Dillon Edward Dittbrenner

We are so thankful for Dillon. He is a great cousin for Brighton. Very often Brighton will thank Heavenly Father randomly in his prayers for Dillon. Every night we ask Brighton, "What was your best thing today?" Anytime we spend with Dillon, the answer is always "playing with Dillon". The funny thing is, it does not matter what we do with Dillon. Even if we go to Legoland, Disneyland, the beach... anything... Dillon is always better. I asked him if playing with Dillon was better than Legoland. He said, "Oh yeah mom!"

It is so wonderful to have a cousin you love and adore. I had that with Nicki. Of course I love all my cousins. But to have someone special like that is such a blessing.

So thank you Amy for having a darling little boy for my Brighto to adore!

We are thankful for cousins!

My own Title of Liberty

In memory of our god, our freedom and our religion....
We know that there are times when we must stand up and be counted, and that there will be moments when that is difficult. I can only imagine that it will become increasingly more difficult with every passing year. Life gets harder as this world changes. But with those changes also comes the opportunity to grow, and our strength of character to become stronger.

I have dear friends who feel differently than me on this issue, and that is one of the things I love about this country. It is okay to have different beliefs. We just need to respect each other's rights to choose for ourselves. To these friends I say I love you and I am thankful for our friendship. Please do not be offended that I have chosen to embrace this issue so fully. This is important to me, and I appreciate your feelings also.

I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. I believe that those who choose a same sex lifestyle should be given the rights associated with a civil union, but that marriage remains between a man and a woman.

I have loved having the opportunity to be a part of something so historical and significant! As I stood out there in the middle of the road holding up my sign, I felt like I was standing up and being counted. I was really there, saying, "This is what I believe, and I am willing to shout it to the world." It was my Title of Liberty moment, and I am so thankful for it.

Papa was hilarious! He was so happy! Really, really happy! He was the team coordinator for his area, and he did a fantastic job. But the greatest part was when he was out on the corners holding signs. He would smile like prince in a Disneyland parade. It was amazing! I have never seen him smile so much, for so long! And it was not fake smiling... It was adorable!!!


The Dittbrenners were in town, so Dixie, Amy and Wayne came out to hold sings with us. Dixie was very cute. She learned a lot. A Lot! We were flipped the bird many times, and that was new to her. And she learned some new words. But she was a trooper, and just kept on holding up her sign. Seriously, how big of a jerk do you have to be to yell obscenities at a little girl and flip her the bird?

We were so excited to see these skywriters while we were playing at Balboa Beach!
When it started, we were trying to guess what it would say. I was so worried it would be a vote no sign. When it said yes, we all went bizerk screaming and cheering! It was awesome!!!

Click to see the pictures bigger!


Vote yes on Prop 8... Save Traditional Marriage

Christmas Wish List

A friend of mine blogged her Christmas Wish List, and I thought it was a great idea. When I blog I often think, " Would I want to read my grandma's journal on this topic from when she was my age?" And yes, I would love to know what my grandma Bodell wished for at Christmas time when she had two little children of her own. It was soon after a war, and the world was in such a huge time of transition.... anyway... that is another topic for a different post. So here is my Christmas Wish List post.

Bill's family is really big on writing a list of what you would like for Christmas. Then they go directly from the list. It definitely has it's cool perks. No dumb gifts, just stuff you really want. So last week I got out the magnetic notepads for the fridge and wrote at the top. Charise's Christmas Wish List and Bill's Christmas Wish List.

A few days later I noticed Bill had jotted down a few things. Here is his list. Yes... Seriously.

1. Time to Enjoy Life
2. A garage I can work in
3. More Money

Seriously, why not just put World Peace! So does anyone know where I can find more time and money???

And yes, I already know that my sister Mitzi will say, "Yes, move to the East Coast with us!"

As for my list.
1. I'd like a gravy boat for when we have nice dinners.
2. I'd like an electric blanket. Bill loves it to be cold when he sleeps. I like to be snuggly warm. I often sleep with a heating pad, but it is too little. I really want a blanket.
3. I love making mini muffins for breakfast, and mini cupcakes for fun treats. My mini muffin tins are metal, and they rust so badly. I'd love to find a silicon version. I hate trying to clean the rust.
4. My favorite gift Bill has ever given me is the TV headset. It is a really comfortable headset that let's me hear what is on my tv. This way I can clean my house and walk around and do laundry, all while enjoying an episode of friends. Dishes are fun to do when you are listening to "the one where nobody is ready". Well, he gave me this headset about 7 years ago, and it is wearing out. I'd like a new one.

And that is my Christmas wish list... and of course, "world peace!"

What is on your wish list?

Ever feel bad for someone?

I can't imagine how hard this must be. Actually, despite the crazy faces, my boys were both wonderful about getting their hair cut. But Mitzi... We miss you! It was so nice when you would cut my boys hair for me. It seems crazy to pay $15-$20 for cutting little, little boys hair. Not that it isn't worth it... but it just seems expensive.

Cole would be fine, and relax, until he felt the water... then he would scream with excitement! He loved it! because of his Skin problems, he only gets to shower twice a week... so he thinks it is a big party when he gets to play in the water. Crazy kid!

Sea World Fall Festival

We went to the Fall Festival at Sea World last week. My boys wore their cute new Halloween shirts that we made at the party. They are so cute! A very fun and easy Halloween Craft Project. Thank you Family Fun Magazine for a great idea!

We are watching the Sea Lion and Otter show. It is a funny Halloween show... but it has some scary parts. I love how you can see Brighton's laugh and how much he is loving the show. And then at the end of this clip, a scary part comes up. Watch how cute Bright's face is when it gets scary! I hate that I cut it off there! He is at such a great age. He totally "gets" stuff now.



My boys Love the Shows. I had expected them to get bored... but no.. they love every minute of the shows! The both get so excited about seeing any of the animals. It is really neat to see them love it so much.


We got to watch them training the dolphins. My boys (all 3 of them!) were fascinated! It was so fun to watch the trainers play with the dolphins. We were so close to them, we could hear everything they were saying.

This is Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween!!!
The moon is out, Ghouls and Goblins too,
We're throwing a party, and inviting you!

Wear your favorite costume, It will be quite a sight.
When we go trick or treating on Halloween night.

It might be scary, It will be fun,
Can we count on you, will you come?

Dinner starts at 5:30. But come and go when you can,
And of course Trick or Treating is a part of the plan.

Bring a favorite dish, something to share.
I'll make Taco Soup and Cornbread, try it if you dare!

Who: All of our cute fun friends, everyone is invited. If there is anyone else you'd like to invite, the more the merrier. We wouldn't want anyone to feel left out!
What: HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT DINNER PARTY!
When: Halloween Night! Friday, Oct. 31 5:30pm. Open house, come and go as you please.
Why: Fun, Fun, Fun!! Trick or treating is so much better with friends!!

See you for a Happy Halloween!
Charise, Bill, Brighton and Cole Johnson


We had such a fun party last night for Halloween! We started with dinner set up out in the front of our house. Taco Soup, Cornbread and Homemade Honey Butter, Salad, Pumpkin Sandwiches, Spiced Apple Cider, Old Man's Toes


Witch's Fingers

and Pumpkin Cake.

Everything was yummy delicious. Thanks friends for making yummy foods and playing with me! We have Kate Ingram's family, Lanay Swanson's family and Shaylyn Johnson's family with us. It was great.

Every year since we have been married, Bill sets up a full graveyard in the front yard with spooky special effects. He loves doing it! We always have an awesome Halloween Yard. (Well, almost every year. The year that Cole was in the hospital for the entire month of October, nothing got done. But that year doesn't really count since we can't remember much of anything other than living in a hospital!)


Bill had a full party dance atmosphere set up with strobe lights, smoke, bubbles, party lights, and Halloween music... LOUD Halloween Music. I kept expecting someone to call the cops on him because it was LOUD! But everyone seemed to love it.


We went trick or treating and had a great time. Bill always stays at home to pass out the candy. Well, actually the play dough. Yes, we pass out play dough. I don't need any more candy and junk and empty calories around the house. At weight watchers they always taught us to buy candy that we hate to use for Halloween, so that we were not tempted to eat it. But Bill and I love the opposite candy, so either way, one of us will eat it! So I have done play dough the past few years. It makes me very happy! And so far, no one has egged our house, as Bill was worried they might do.

I love the fun of this season!

My Mighty Knight Brighton.


Mickey Mouse Cole.


Seriously??? This is his smile! Cheese!!