To Believe or Not to Believe

Well, it's that time of year again.  The one week in football where this house is divided.  Most houses are divided Auburn/Alabama or Miss State/Ole Miss....but here in the Johnston's house, you know it...

It is Alabama/Mississippi State.

We had a GREAT day in Tuscaloosa sans Banks.  

My parents and Sister were SO sweet to keep Banks for the day and let him spend the night so we were able to get up early and head to Tuscaloosa and stay late.

The day started with the good ole Homecoming Parade.  I have memories of getting up bright and early going to Tuscaloosa to watch the parade with my family and I was glad that Bryan got to experience his first UA Homecoming Parade.

He actually looks excited, doesn't he?

After the parade, we headed over to meet our friends Joe Baugh and Darren Jones ( we missed you Lauren and Ashley).  They have a great spot right behind Denny Chimes.

Bryan was glad to have some moral support by fellow MSU Dawg, Darren. 

Afterwards, we met up with Myra and her girls, Myra Rivers and Hollister.  I love that I get to see them all the time now that we are in Montgomery.

Bryan was even a good sport as to let me watch the Walk of Champions.  We did not get all up in the madness of the crowd, but it was good to see it from a distance.

Finally, in the stadium and ready to play!  

Can you tell how windy and COLD it was!!

I will not rub it in too much but I must say, those Bulldogs certainly were on my nerves all week with their "We Believe" slogan.   I think they were the only ones who believed, because the Bama fans knew all along how the game would end.  

Oh well, it is over and now life is back to normal.  I love Bama and always will, but still want MSU to win every game the rest of the season and Bryan still hates Alabama and wants them to loose every game the rest of the season.

Lauren Conrad--Leigh Anne Butler blog fan.

Many of you know my sister, Leigh Anne, is super talented and pretty much can do and make anything.  Her house is out of this world, decorated perfectly at all times, and her parties are like no other.

Well, people are constantly telling her that they see her house on Pinterest and I crack up because when I search for pretty much anything on Pinterest, her photos come up (with links to her blog).

The other day, she looked at her blog traffic and saw that Lauren Conrad is a frequent visitor to her blog.   So, Leigh Anne went to her blog and found THIS POST.

Yes, folks, that is the Lauren Conrad from The Hills that reads my sister's blog.

We have been joking that Leigh Anne is "famous".   Georgia Anne said "Oh good, now that you are famous, can we finally eat Lobster!?"  That silly Sissy!

Much Needed Lauren Time

Today, we went to Birmingham for the day (sniff sniff) to have some photos taken and to visit with Lauren and Cody.  

Lauren and I talk every morning at 7:30, as she is heading to school.  I never get to see her when I go during the week because she is busy educating some lucky 6th graders.  So today, we went over to their house to visit. 

Precious Lydia was all smiles and so sweet, as usual.

Trying to get a photo of Lydia and Banks....and as you can see, my child was not cooperating.  

Again, trying on the floor.

Lydia's favorite show (and Banks' too) is Bubble Guppies.  Lauren wanted me to see how excited Lydia gets with it comes on.

Glued to the Guppies!

We then went over to Mugshots and met our other good friends, the Gettys.  

Needless to say, with 5  kids under age 4 and 6 adults trying to eat, watch football, and have a decent conversation, we did not get any pics with Mary, John, and Annie.  

We then headed over to the Summit to complete some errands for Santa and Bryan surprised me with a new iPhone (my first).  I guess I might be one of the last people to get one..but better late than never.

It was a great day in my favorite city with some of my favorite people!

Alabama National Fair

One of the perks about living in Montgomery is the Alabama National Fair that comes every October.  Leigh Anne always says that her kids "live" for the Fair, so I knew we had to join them.  I was a little worried about whether Banks could or would ride the rides.......and let me just say, I was worried for nothing.  They all had a blast!

I was shocked that they Frog Hopper operator let Banks get on this one!  It went pretty high.  He was a little scared, but hung in there like a big kid!

Banks LOVED the petting zoo.  Leigh Anne was worried that Banks was going to pull the hook out of this Bull's nose.  Oh no!

There is really no need to explain each picture.  Just to say the kids had a blast and so did the adults will just about sum it up!

65 Years Old and Ready for Medicare

My sweet Daddy celebrated his 65th Birthday on October 4th.  The entire family was not able to get together all at once due to soccer and football schedules, so we celebrated for several days.  Thursday night, we had a sitter and went with my parents to one of our favorite restaurants here, Central.

Friday, I made my Daddy his favorite pie, Chocolate Pie.  Granny used to make this pie for him growing up and he absolutely loves it.  He does give my a triple thumbs up, so I will take that as a compliment.  Homemade all the way.....no cheating on the crust either.  If you try to use the Pillsbury Ready to serve crust, he will barely eat it.   Well, he will eat it, but he will tell you that it would have been better with "real" crust.  

Bryan had to work late on Friday night, so Banks and I went to my parents house for dinner and to deliver the pie.

Banks was really excited about the pie, candle, and the overall birthday party.

Happy Birthday Daddy!  I love to so much and thank you for everything you do for our family!!!  

Casey's 12th Birthday Party

Today, October 7, is Casey's 12th Birthday.  

I am so proud of my sweet Golden and she has been the best friend to me over the years.   I have had 12 wonderful years with Casey and that is reason to celebrate with a big Birthday Bash!

Both of my babies were begging for food (mini-corn dogs).

Casey was so excited about the food table!!  

More begging...

The kids were so sweet to blow out the candles for Casey.  

No special dog cake here...this lady gets the real buttercream and all!  No joke:  I put her piece of cake on her plate and before I could click the camera for a picture, she had gobbled it up!  

P.J. Butler had himself a fine time.  cake, corn dogs, ice cream.....what Pug wouldn't?

When the kids were not looking, the Birthday Girl had her way with their plates.  She knew that lower table was perfect for her...she just had to be patient and wait for the right moment.