Sunday, Sunday.

It is 9:07pm on Sunday night. C.J. is being fussy as she gets dressed for bed. She has already been bathed and now Mommy is greasing her up and about to pray and read with her. Daddy, on the other hand, is in excruciating pain. C.J. added to it when she touched my finger the wrong way as I reached out to her. So how did I hurt my finger. Well between sleeping on it improperly and having a 14 pound bowling ball pressing on it during a bowling match today, I think I have done a pretty good number on my poor pinkie. I can not even push off on it...it is that bad.

So today I was on my own. Due to the fact that we were out later than expected last night and that C.J. is a little congested, Mommy decided to stay home with her so she could recuperate for the week ahead. So you know Daddy was lonely on the ride down to church, not to mention that the radio decided not to work again. That was all good, it just allowed me some more time to get my mind right for WORSHIP!

After church the Mt. Sinai church family went out to bowl together. This was a time for Daddy to redeem himself for his defeat last week. Daddy did well today and that might be because his two good luck charms were not present. It seems to work out that way most of the time. Nevertheless he has fun but yearned to get home to be with his leading ladies.

When Daddy got home he played with C.J. the best he could, but his finger really is jacked up. There was even a moment where he needed to move her and he physically could not. Mommy said that she took advantage of my weakness. I think I have to concur. So I am now dealing with the pain as best I can and my girl, who laughed at her Daddy, is resting peacefully. So not much to report today. No blizzard or birthday parties to fill the day. Just good ole fashioned love exuding in the home. So please as you pray tonight please include my pinkie, just like C.J. and Mommy did. We all know that prayer changes things, people and situations.

NOTE TO C.J.: Please understand that when you are hurt, you need to know when to say enough. Do not be like your Daddy and make things worse by ignoring the initial signs. Daddy LOVES you!

Birthday Blowout

Today we did our first double duty birthday traveling. We shared with CJ#1 who turned one and Brandon who turned 10! Daddy even played Musical Chairs and did OK, he did not win but tired his best.

Always pray folks because prayer changes tings, people and situations! Will fix this up tomorrow. Daddy and CJ both are tired.

Another Snow Day

I will fix this post tomorrow. I am really sleepy. In A nutshell, Daddy, Mommy and CJ stayed in all day until the snow ended. Then we hung out at the mall! Remember to pray because prayer changes things, people and situations.

Guess What? It Snowed Again.

OK, OK, OK, it snowed again folks and that led to an adventure for C.J. and her Daddy. OK, C.J.'s morning was pretty much business as usual but Daddy's morning, without a doubt, SUCKED! It all began with the forecast from last night. As usual I prepared for a snow day by bringing some files home to read. However when I woke up this morning at 5AM no snow was falling so I began my normal morning ritual. Throughout the process of getting ready I uttered to myself, I really do not want to go to work and then have to fight through traffic to get back home. I even threw something on to say I had clothes on for work. So reluctantly I went out to the car and that is when I realized it has began to snow. I get C.J. all locked in, clean the car off, get it semi toasty for the ride and I say to Mommy again, "I do not want to go to work." My wife, oh how I love her, insisted that I go to work and made me feel all bad for even thinking about not going. I had just reached Route 9 when I realized that I had left my files home along with my wallet. I could not turn back because if I did, I would be staying home. So I kept going. Traffic this morning was not bad so we reached the sitter without incident, Praise God, and off to work I went.

Now remember I have files at home and I never wanted to go to work this morning, but my wife's words made me feel bad. I walk in the office and the lights are out. No problem they usually are. Then I heard a voice say, "Come here." I went and that is went I got the news. The electricity around campus was out. This means no computer, no lights, no heat, no inputting decisions, no copies, no faxes and no Green Tea. So I asked myself why the heck am I here. I immediately called Mommy to thank her for making me drive down to Ewing for nothing today. No sooner than I left the message my boss was announcing that the campus was closing at 10AM because of the power outage. Never mind that it was now snowing heavily. I also got a call from Mommy saying that school would be closing at 12PM. So I decided to get on the road quickly just in case the traffic was slow and treacherous.

The traffic flowed well and and I was in Perth Amboy in 40 minutes, record time. I told Mommy that I would pick up C.J. and then come get her. She insisted that I go ahead home and she would get a ride. So C.J. and I arrived home around 11AM and that is when the fun began. We had lunch together, checked Daddy's email and then played video games. She was all good until she wanted to eat her socks, lol! The afternoon would have been great if she could have kept her number two inside until Mommy arrived to change her. Daddy toughened up and held his nose while he changed his Princess' stinky pamper.

So you know this evening was Daddy bath night and that went very well. We prayed and read some scripture. Actually, I read Provers 31 to her, "The Virtuous Woman". I gave her a huge kiss, laid her down and she fell right asleep. We figured she would because she had not taken a nap all day long. So now we are sitting waiting to see what the forecast for tomorrow is. Whatever it may be Daddy and C.J. both know one thing, God is in control. So you all remember to pray as you wind down tonight. We know that prayer changes things, people and situations.

To Snow OR Not To Snow?

The talk of the day has been whether or not the Tri-state area will be hit by another snowstorm. I will admit that I have not seen the lines at the super market and no one seemed to be worrying too much about it like the previous storms. One of my co-workers mentioned that her children wish that the snow will not come either because they have no more snow days left in the calendar. For C.J. and I a snow storm always presents complications. First we have to wait and see if Mommy will have school or not. Then if she does not have school the question becomes whether or not C.J. will still go to the babysitter. Now if the snow comes mid day then Daddy has to make the decision of when he will leave work. One, not to hit traffic, and two, to make sure he can get his Princess and Queen just in case the school closes early. We do thank God that Daddy's job has some flexibility in that he could always take a sick day. Daddy also prepares for these type days by bringing work home to complete just in case he decides to stay home. Usually home is where he ends up simply because the daily hour long commute easily turns to two when bad weather hits, and with his hyper activity, he can not sit still that long.

So C.J.'s first winter has provided enough snowfall for her to not need anymore for a long time! Again, Daddy went to church this evening and just got back in really. Mommy was reading, and to her knowledge, C.J. was asleep. However, when I looked over, I saw my little girl with her eyes open and her thumb in her mouth. You all know why she was up too. That is right! She wanted to make sure her Daddy had arrived home safely! I love that little girl! So I picked her up and she gave me the biggest smile...it melted my heart. She received the seal of assurance she needed and now she is back in the crib.

Folks, worship was HOT tonight. The Face of Faith was the subject of the sermon and the scripture referenced the woman with the alabaster box. I pray that my faith continues to strengthen, and by my example, C.J. will grow a sound, faith fulled foundation. So as I get ready to slumber you all remember to pray because prayer changes things, people and situations!

Frustrated Daddy

The highlight of my evening was when CJ woke up just to make sue her Daddy was home. It was also nice to see Mommy up when I got home too. For the past few months she usually is sleep.

Back to Business

So today was Monday and oh what a Monday it was. From the beginning of the day once God allowed me another day the bed made me feel so special. It held me close and did not let go. I think it was after the fifth snooze alarm that I finally told the bed I had to go but I would see it later. I looked over to the crib to see if C.J. was up since it was the time I usually begin to get her ready, but she was sound asleep. That was because she stayed up all alone last night, longer than Daddy and Mommy both. I can not even recall what time it was when I woke up and put C.J. in her crib.

So sluggishly Daddy got up and got himself together. Now it was C.J.'s turn, and as Daddy wished he could do, C.J. remained asleep while she was dressed. I was so jealous. She slept most of the ride to the baby sitter, and when I picked Mommy and C.J. up today, Mommy informed that C.J. took the liberty to sleep until 11AM. How I wish I were her.

Daddy and C.J. got to take a trip together today because we dropped Mommy off to get her bad tooth tended to. So we took a quick trip to Staples, of all places, to do a job for Pop. While we waited, C.J. as usual, was a very good little girl. If she continues to be so well mannered Daddy will be a proud papa! Yesterday someone said that she was so well behaved that we could probably take her to the movies with us already. That would be nice because I have missed a whole lot of movies.

So tonight business was as usual with a little twist. Mommy bathed C.J. and prepared her for bed. C.J., because she was visibly tired, fell right asleep hardly any fuss tonight. The only thing different was that Daddy picked out C.J.'s clothes for the week. We will see if they fit in the morning. Now Daddy is up finishing up some work and waiting for this 70% chance of mixed precipitation that was forecast this morning. We should have hit it during the ride home but we are still look at dry ground. How wonderful it must be to be able to be so inaccurate and still get paid good money. C.J., a Meteorologist is what you should become.

So folks, I will continue to look out the window for the rain, sleet and snow. Until tomorrow you all remember to pray because prayer changes things, people and situations!

P.S. I must add this because I am fair. As soon as I got up I looked out the window and the snow and rain are finally falling. Should be an interesting morning commute.

Sunday, February 21st

So today was a busy day for the Johnsons of Old Bridge. On most Sundays we go to church as a family. Some Sundays Daddy has to preach or teach, but today was different because Daddy had to preach twice and teach Sunday School. On a day like today we had to get up like it was a normal work day to make it to church on time.

This was no ordinary Sunday either. Mommy is fighting a bad toothache and the week prior still has Daddy a bit tired. Nevertheless we continued on by the grace of God. We got to church for the 8AM Men's Worship Service and Daddy preached about Keeping Your Focus. Once we were done we hurried along to Ma's house so Daddy could get some fuel in the form of oatmeal. Then, we got back in the truck and headed back down to the church for Sunday School. No one showed up but did that stop C.J.'s daddy? No it did not. Daddy taught Mommy a lesson about the transfiguration, which was quite educational to us both. Then finally it was time for the 11AM Worship Service. The people trickled in, but by the end of service, a good crowd was in church. Daddy preached about Making that Change and even referenced Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror song. C.J. finally got the chance to meet two of Daddy's close friends, Calvin and DeCarlo, who came to hear a word from God through Daddy.

You would think that we would have had enough but not us. We quickly went to Ma's house again, changed clothes and gobbled down some grub. We were in a hurry to get to the bowling alley to meet up with our Harper Family for some good old fashioned bowling. Daddy did not have such a great game today, maybe because he was exhausted. Well that is my story and I am sticking to it!

It was a busy day for us but C.J. and Daddy and Mommy, with her toothache, fought the good fight but the day fought back because Daddy, for one, was really tired. C.J., who did not take many naps, was awake for some reason. It was funny at one point. Daddy was knocked out and C.J. was playing on the bed...not to worry she was safe and secure though (as shady as it may seem).

So it was a busy day but as usual the Lord made a way and brought us through. We got our worship on and we had some family fun! So in all today was a good day. So as you lay down please do not forget to pray because I say it every night and I mentioned it in church today. Prayer changes things, people, and situations!

It's Party Time

What a busy day for Daddy and C.J. I will provide a few highlights and then get to bed. We have a packed day starting at 5:30am tomorrow as well. C.J. cried from when I got on the parkway until Exit 135. We had to make a stop and as soon as she saw my face she stopped crying.

C.J. had a piece of birthday cake at her cousin's first birthday party. (OK, it was not a piece but a crumb) It was at McDonald's and her goodie bag was filled with baby food. She also got a cool shirt with her cousin's picture on it. The only problem was that it was pink. They tried to get C.J. to take a picture but she was not having any of that. We came back home and watched the end of the Kentucky versus Vanderbilt basketball game.

I do apologize for the quick post tonight but Daddy needs to lay down and C.J. is already sleep. I will not leave before I remind you to always pray because prayer changes things, people and situations. Oh yeah, I forgot C.J. wore a birthday hat too!

Daddy Daycare 101

Though rare, C.J. and Daddy get to hang out together. Tomorrow will be one of those days. With the day looming just a few hours away, Daddy needed to prepare so he could have the most productive day possible. It began with Mommy giving C.J. a bath and getting her to bed early. As some of you may know, on Friday nights, C.J. usually gets to stay up as long as she wants or until Daddy feels like putting her to bed. While Mommy was with C.J., Daddy began the process of preparing the traveling diaper bags. Daddy found back up outfits, packed the diapers, changing pad, bibs, pampers and her trusty teething ring and basketball. Mommy came and put the food in the bag, so now C.J. is all set to rock and roll.

So when Daddy takes C.J. out, everything needs to be done strategically. She must be fed at the right time so when we get in the car we can get to the destination all while C.J. is sleeping peacefully. Having to pull over to tend to her would make the trip very, very long. The proper music must be played at the right volume so it does not get her excited, but rather keeps her calm. Usually when we arrive to our point of destination C.J. is still asleep and has to be awaken. The biggest piece to Daddy and C.J. going out together is the diaper change. To be honest I think I would do the changing in my truck. The bathroom facilities never seem appealing, and I still am in search of the answer to this question. What bathroom does Daddy take C.J. to? I know it sounds crazy but I need that answer badly folks.

So Daddy really wanted to match C.J. with her Kobe's tomorrow but for $140 to $160 he has decided to not be his Princess' twin just yet. Tomorrow will be her first birthday party. We will see how this all goes. Mommy is not joining us but she needs some time alone to rest anyway. You can all rest assured that I will have pics of her in a party hat though. She will also get to get a crumb of birthday cake. If she is going to the party, she has to go all in!

So as you pray tonight, send one up for Daddy and C.J. We anticipate a great fun filled day together. So have a great night and remember we pray because prayer changes things, people and situations!

A Praying Baby

I know I mentioned this before but today I have to share with you again that C.J. is a praying baby. As you know on Thursday nights Daddy bathes, prays with and reads to C.J. Today the reading was Roman 6:15-23. Daddy has to prepare a sermon for Sunday and the Lord has led him to work with that scriptural lesson. So when I cracked open the good word CJ began to grab at it. I had to hold her back because I did not want her to tear Daddy's bible. I am going to go with that she was very eager to get into the word. That is my story and I am sticking with it.

The highlight of Daddy bath time used to be when C.J. would kick and splash water all over the place. These days the highlight is when I ask C.J. to pray, she begins to make utterances. Today she even looked up to the Lord which means she is growing in her prayer life.

Daddy enjoys praying with C.J. more and more each time they pause to communicate with God. We pray for an open relationship, respect, a strong bond, love and family. These things will help develop the father/daughter relationship and help each of us to grow. Prayer will take us a long way! So you all continue to pray because prayer changes things, situations and people.

NOTE TO C.J.: "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16

Just a Poem Tonight

Now usually I have a lot to say, but today, nothing too interesting went on other than C.J. sleeping through getting dressed and not drinking her bottle on the car ride to the sitter. C.J. and I were apart more than we were together. We did manage to get some tummy time in together, but then Daddy had to go down to the church for service and it was magnificent! So as I leave you today, always remember to pray because prayer changes things, situation and people. I will also leave a poem for C.J.

A Black Woman, Nothing Else

By Annie Ruth

There used to be a time when
I was ashamed of my skin.
I received tormenting jokes
from all of my friends.

Of course it wasn't done
to make me feel this way
But being black gave me much dismay.

"African, charcoal, Black Baby",
I would hear
But no one even noticed or knew
That I had silent tears.

Those names became nicknames and
I'd hear them everyday at school
‘Cause when I was young and growing up
I'd play by my peers rules.


One day when I was still young
My father left us all
And married a white woman
Who beckoned his every call.

I was really ashamed of my skin then,
I thought it was very bad,
I thought the white woman had something
Which I could never have.

But one day when I was still young
I met a black lady darker than I was,
She cherished and boasted that her
Color was a gift from above.

She told me that I was beautiful -
Something no one had ever done.
She said, "your skin is
So black and smooth-
Which shows the perfecting of the sun".

She said, "To match the pretty black skin
Your teeth are white as snow
And I'm sure that you will show them
Everywhere that you go".

Everyday she would tell me this
And her words began to spread.
They came from other people
I never even met.

The words of my friends changed to,
"Let me feel your face

And let me see you grin"-
For sister, you are beautiful-
Be proud of the color of your skin.

Now, I'm not ashamed of my skin
Though obstacles it may bring.
I proclaim to the world that I am
A Black Woman, the element of spring.

I blossom with happiness
And pride within myself
For I am A Black Woman
And I wish to be nothing else.

Feast of Cakes

Now we do not do the whole Fat Tuesday thing but tonight we had a lot of cake. Daddy's Valentines Day cakes finally got here for his leading ladies and the one we tasted tonight was simply marvelous. The message on C.J.'s cake read, "Daddy Loves Princess C.J.". She is now officially one year in on Valentine's gifts. Now it is time to start thinking about her birthday present...we shall see what the end of that journey brings to C.J.

I had to drop something off to the babysitter today and I love my Princess so much that I did not want to see her. I felt that if I saw her I would want to take her with me and I could not today. So I let her stay with the sitter for the rest of the day.

So now that I have tried a new cake maker I have someone to gauge from. Her cakes for C.J. are great and C.J. smiled when I showed them to her. That means my day was a success! So now as we embark upon the journey of Lenten season I solicit your prayers as during this time we get more intimate with God. We know that when we pray people, things and situations are changed.

NOTE TO C.J.: When you take a trip make sure that you are able to get home. Today Daddy almost got into a situation where he would have been stranded. (OK I got a flat tire on the turnpike and had no spare) BUT GOD, allowed us to safely reach a service station and then they took us to get a tire. GOD is truly worthy of all my PRAISE!

Time Flies

I learned a long time ago that there are 24 hours in a day. I also learned that you work a third of that day and another third should be spent asleep. So if my math is correct (please check me because math is not my strong point) that should leave 8 hours to remain unaccounted for in a day. At least that is for normal people. For C.J.'s Daddy you can split that in half because up to four hours a day are spent commuting from home to work and from work back home. So now four hours what to do with it? How is it spent? I wish I could bank it all up and save it to create an extra day to the week but I can not. So I have to use it as best as I can. No matter what I do it seems that I never have enough time.

Today I left the house late. All because I spent a half hour envying Mommy and C.J. because they did not have to go to work or the sitter today. They actually observed the federal holiday set aside to honor our Presidents. Let me use the strong language I wanted to use...I was straight jealous. I really hate that I could not spend another day with them because I really enjoy their company, no matter how much they fuss and fight with me.

So today because Daddy got to work late he arrived home late. He had no time to play with C.J. but he did get to sit and talk to her for a bit before it was bath time. He much rather his eight-to-three o'clock hours better. This allows him time to play and relax with his Princess.

You all know that I learn a lot from the students I work with on a daily basis and today was no exception. Today I witnessed a father learn from his daughter information that really broke his heart. I saw a daughter broken into pieces because she felt she had let her dad down. I also saw how a father reassured his daughter that he always loves her and that nothing she does could stop that. He gave her words of wisdom and lessons on life today that he had once told her but needed to reiterate. As I sat in my seat I could not say a word. All I could hear was C.J., all I saw was C.J. The dad did say he would pray for me and I appreciate it. Immediately when I came home I asked C.J. not to take me through so much pain. The reality is that life will be part of her educational process. So with that will come ups and downs, good times and bad times. Heartaches, headaches and pain but the beauty is that there will be smiles, laughs and love to outweigh it all.

So tonight as I pray for strength and an open and honest relationship with my daughter, you all continue to pray too. We all know that prayer changes things, situations and people.

CJ's 1st Love

Today around the world people celebrated Valentine's Day. This is no exception in the Johnson household. The only difference was that because it was Sunday we had to celebrate our love for God before we could each other and that is what we did. Just so you all know, daddy really does not celebrate Valentines Day. he does honor it but he believes that you should not need a commercialized holiday to dictate when you show signs of affection towards the ones you love.

So when CJ was born I quickly realized that I would have to make sure she knew what love was. I had to make sure that I was the number one man in her life. That if anyone was to come after me they would have a tough act to follow. So of course CJ was given a card and a cute cuddly little monkey from her first valentine, Daddy. She has another part to her gift coming tomorrow. Due to the inclement weather this past week the shipping was altered. That is OK because like I mentioned earlier no matter what day of the year Daddy loves his Princess CJ.

I wanted to watch the NBA All-Star game with her but she had to go to sleep. So maybe next year we will be able to watch the game together. She did try to sneak a peek while I was taking her to the crib but a peek is not watching the game with her Daddy. So tonight was filled with worship and adoration for Daddy. The highlight of my day was when I prayed with CJ and she uttered something to God! I lit up because I know whatever it was, God understood.

I have to leave you with theses lyrics tonight. The choir at my second service song this as we left worship. This is what LOVE is all about. So as I go, use CJ as an example. Always remember to pray because prayer changes things, people and situations.

'Time In Praise (All Day Long)
(recorded by Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) Women of Worship)


All day long I've been with Jesus All day long my lips have uttered praise All day long my heart, my soul's been
lifted in worship
All day long I have been with Him
(Repeat as directed)
No way could I ever honor You enough
For all you have done for me
So I will offer up thanksgiving
from my heart
And praise continually
(Repeat as directed)
ALLELUIA Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Alleluia.
I will praise Him, ....
I will serve Him, ....
He's my Savior, ....
He is worthy, ....
Lord, we love you

Real Quick

Today I do not have much. I was on the go. I will let you know that C.J. and I watched the Dunk Contest for the All-Star game and it was really boring. So boring that C.J. even yawned once. Now I am fighting the want to go get her from her crib. Daddy hates when she whines but I have to be strong so she can learn that she does not get what she wants by whining.

So as I get ready to turn in, you all pray for me and pray for C.J. You all know that prayer changes things, and with prayer Daddy and C.J. will both learn their lessons.

Temper, Temper!

Today I had to leave home in the wee hours of the morning to get to work. The only thing different about today was that Daddy was the only person up and getting dressed. My girl C.J. got up with Daddy, but instead of getting dressed she remained in her crib with her thumb in her mouth as she watched Good Day New York through the bars. I hated that we could not have day three of Maury Povich and fun, but someone had to go out and earn some money.

So when I called home today to check in on my ladies, Mommy told me that C.J. had a rough morning. Her gums are beginning to hurt her as a tooth begins to press through. C.J. wanted to put everything in her mouth. From toes, to her thumb, to her blankets and teething rings. C.J. just wanted to get comfortable. So on the ride home, I decided to pick up some tablets Mommy had mentioned that could possibly help her a little.

Now to the little one's temper. When C.J. wants something she sets her mind to it and does not settle until she gets it. Tonight she was not interested in her toys, she wanted to play with the remote control for the television. You all know Daddy had an issue with that. She stretched and reach and wiggled to get that remote. When she realized she could not get it she tried another angle. If I can not get what I want then I will get feisty and act out. First she whined, then yelled, then screamed, then refused to sit, then wanted to be walked around. Now, of course Mommy does not deal with it and she puts C.J. in her place. Daddy, on the other hand, is a little more soft. He wants to cater to C.J. Why? She is his Princess. Now I believe in discipline but there comes a point when I would rather see her get her way versus hearing her shriek and whine. I just have to develop a longer threshold for her loudness. Mommy swears I let her get away with murder but it is simply a Dad loving his baby girl.

So as the evening turns to night and I try to get her back to sleep, I hope you have a great weekend. Please remember this, Valentine's Day is only a day. One created to make someone millions of dollars, tell those you love that you love them daily and you will not have to worry about running around looking for presents and chocolate. (OK, the chocolate is good, especially DARK!) Also remember to pray because prayer changes things, people and situations.

NOTE TO C.J.: I LOVE YOU 365 or 366 days of the year. Not just when the media has developed a day for me to say so.

Tazmanian C.J.

Well today was snow day number two but for Daddy, work is on the horizon. Today the streets were cleared and the sun shined brightly. C.J. and Daddy went for a ride and she slept and slept and slept some more. Well that was a good thing. I was able to get some things I needed to get done while she was asleep in the stroller. I still have to get the whole opening doors thing together...I hate asking for help.

Today Mommy was on vacation, as she calls it. This is a day when Daddy has to fend for himself and C.J. These vacations usually come when Daddy will be away from home for extended periods of time. Daddy actually enjoys Mommy's vacations because it gives him and C.J. time to hang out and do whatever we want.

This morning we woke up, watched some television, and then had our breakfast. C.J. had oatmeal and Daddy had cream of wheat. Then we turned to Maury...Daddy watched and C.J. was playing on her activity mat. There is no need for her to watch that madness. Daddy will not start his day when he is off from work until Maury goes off. We also viewed Governor Christie's budget speech today. Both Daddy and Mommy will be directly affected by the moves he is making. Maybe C.J. will be able to benefit from his plan in some way down the line. To round out the day we watched a few clips of Sid the Science Kid as we have slacked off a bit. We will get back on point.

I told Mommy that dressing C.J. is now becoming challenging. She is now so active and likes to twist and turn as you are trying to get an arm in here and a leg in there. She is a mess and a half but you have to love her. She even kissed, well slobbered, on my bald head today! Only C.J. would do such a thing. Well after staying up a little later than usual C.J. is now sleeping peacefully in her crib. She is some kind of kid and this is only the beginning! She is my little homey!

So as I get ready to rest to go to work tomorrow, (ok we all know I can operate on little sleep), you all remember to hit your knees tonight and communicate with the man upstairs. We all know that calling him up changes things, people and situations.

P.S. I usually tie the title in. The Tazmanian C.J. references how C.J. makes a lot of noise and moves all around while I try to dress or change her. I wonder where she gets her wild ways from? Hmmmm...must be her mother!

February Blizzard 2010

For Daddy the last time it snowed like this was the Blizzard of 1996, which I think acummalated more snow that this. I was a junior in high school and on the block we had so much fun. Between football, snowball fights and shoveling we probably stayed outside more than we were in. That was then and this is now. Today, other than racing to the post office to have something postmarked I stayed in the house all day long. No playing for Daddy. He did work and research (which for some odd reason he finds fun). Mommy did manage to bundle C.J. up and took her out on the balcony for a quick second. Other than that watching Maury was the highlight of the day, lol!

For C.J. she was a part of this blizzard and she will have pictures to see in the future. However the Blizzard of 2010 will not be the one she will remember when she is older. I guess it will snow like this again for her. So being in the house with C.J. all day did present a few highlights. Now she is mastering her crib. Mommy laid her down and when I looked over she was on her belly looked up and trying to move around a bit. She still is not crawling but the little princess is well on her way to getting in down packed. I just love the fact that she is so gosh darn funny too. Pretty soon we will fill the room with jokes and laughs together. I love this kid!

So tomorrow we have another snow day. Well Mommy has one officially and Daddy is just taking one. Mainly because my job made the dumbest decision ever. Instead of closing school they declared a delayed opening. All offices will open at 12:30pm. Now for Daddy that meant making a hour drive to work for roughly three hours. Daddy figures that makes no sense so he has decided to stay home with his Princess and Queen another day. They can have the castle to themselves on Friday and Monday, since the school calendar had already given them those days off anyway.

SO C.J. is sleeping now and Daddy and Mommy are still watching the snow fall as we reminisce our favorite Cosby Show memories since that is what we found on television to watch. So as we turn off the alarms for tomorrow and stay up late to sleep late (Mommy at least) before I leave one more thing. Always remember to pray for we all know that prayer changes things, people and situations! Be safe if you have to go out in this storm too! Be easy and be patient no need to rush and get hurt.

NOTE TO C.J.: When you get your career started always make decisions that are in your best interest. Sometimes people will not understand why you do what you do but once you pray and God directs your path you have nothing to worry about. Love you immensely.

#7

OK, I want to preface this blog by saying that I am not in the breeding business. Now you all remember that C.J.'s first present was a basketball. Now, I did not get her a basketball to train her young. Honestly it was the best gift in the gift shop. My options were limited. I am into sports and when I relax with C.J., I can not help the fact that basketball is on a lot. We enjoy our time together and we get excited from the action. The dribbling, the passing, the defense, the scoring and the electrifying dunks. You all should see C.J. get excited by the rapid moving colors across the screen. She really enjoys herself.

So today C.J. had a doctor's appointment. We all know that with a visit to the good old doctor, there comes vaccinations. Now in the past C.J. really did not take shots too well. She fussed a little bit afterward and the tears would develop in her "Pretty Brown Eyes". Today was totally different. She took two shots, one to each thigh and did not even whimper. Mommy asked if something was wrong. Daddy flexed his muscles and said C.J. is a tough cookie. Then, Mommy asked the doctor was that normal? He told her "impressive but could be normal". That just led me to believe she is developing her Clydesdale like thighs for stamina and jumping. He then let us know that C. J. is on the tall side. You know me..I immediately said, "Yes!" #7, C.J. Johnson is in full effect!

People, I am not going to force C.J. to do anything she does not want to. I fully understand that all the basketballs, attending games, watching games on television and buying her all the Kobe Bryant sneakers in the world will not lead her to be the starting small forward for the Lady Blue Devils, Lady Longhorns or Lady Volunteers. (She will never play for UCONN or RUTGERS, even though I love C. Vivian Stringer, TCNJ is where Daddy and Mommy met.) Basketball is something that we have in common right now and it continues to strengthen the bond we are forming.

So my little #7 is fast asleep now. Resting and growing all at the same time. C.J.'s daddy was proud of her today, she had a great visit with the doctor. Even he said that she is developing quite a personality. I am just thankful to God that C.J. is healthy and strong. God is good and worthy of all my praise. So as we watch the snow fall and stay up a little later tonight, since Daddy's job is closed tomorrow. C.J. and and I will have a fun filled day! You all know what to do. Continue to pray because prayer changes things! Stay warm and be safe on the roads if you must go out.

NOTE TO C.J.: Your Jersey and Warm-Up are coming!!!!!

The Car Ride Home

Usually I can recount an entire day for you. Today is very different. The period between 4:20pm and 4:45pm was the highlight of the day. Both Mommy and Daddy had decent days at work. Not even the little traffic that Daddy hit on the way home could put a damper on it. That would all change once we got in the truck to come home.

The ride home usually is filled with Mommy and Daddy recounting their days. Sometimes Michael Baisden is on the radio or Daddy is singing at the top of his lungs along with one of his many CD's. C.J. is usually asleep. Today that all changed.

About 5 minutes into the ride C.J. began to cry. Now normally we could give her a pacifier and she would be OK. Sometimes she will soothe herself with her thumb. However today nothing helped. The crying got louder and louder. She started to develop phlegm. Never have I had to pull over to see if we could calm her down but today I needed to make a pit stop into the Walmart parking lot to chill out and get her calm. After about 5 minutes we strapped her back in the car seat and then the crying continued. It seemed like the 2 mile drive would take forever but we finally arrived home. Mommy grabbed her up and carried C.J. inside. It seemed like the moment we entered the house, C.J. stopped crying. Whatever it was, Daddy was glad because the crying needed to go.

We did manage to end the evening with C.J. in her Daddy's arms as they watched the Duke versus North Carolina Women's Basketball game. Mommy came to see about C.J. and C.J. all but told her that she needed to move because she was in the way. Before you knew it C.J. was dozing off but she had to wake up because it was bath time.

Tonight we are trying a sippie cup with her. She has done well with holding the bottle so we are going to see how she does with a cup. You all pray for C.J. and her parents. We are still learning and we know that prayer changes things, people and situations. Enjoy the rest of your evening.

C.J.'s 1st Super Bowl

Usually Daddy is real excited for the Super Bowl! Today was different though. I did not look into a place to view the game. I did not want to leave Sunday dinner early. I did not look for a new appetizer recipe to create. I did not even care what the outcome was. The only thing I did was take the time to sit C.J. down with me to at least watch the 1st quarter together. After that I cared so little that I pulled out the remaining applications that I brought home and completed those.

C.J. was attentive as I knew she would be for the time she watched but then she needed to go get bathed and dressed for bed. I will let her know who won the game but I know she will not care since we only care when the Giants win.


My girl C.J. was not herself this morning. She whined all the way to church. Half of the way was because she was hungry but the other half she was just being a diva. The same way she has been acting all weekend. Hopefully she got this little diva stuff out of her because that will become tired quickly. I do not know folks, maybe she wanted us to celebrate her being 6 months old which happened today. I can not believe how time has flown by so fast. It seems like just yesterday we were in the hospital waiting for her to come into the world. Well today she let us all know that C.J. Johnson is alive and kicking and demands that her Daddy and Mommy pay all of their attention to her.

So the night is upon us and I am listening to C.J. and Mommy snore in unison. Mommy is about to be upset because I will ask her to come read my blog. I do it every night so she should be OK with it now. Now C.J. and Daddy will continue watching the NBA and hopefully Kobe brings us another ring! He'd better since we just brought his sneakers. We will also wait around for Spring Training to come and go, so the Mets 2010 campaign will start. We have high expectations for them this year simply this, stay healthy. Now before you ask, Yes, C.J. will have a whole lot of Mets attire to wear!

So as I go interrupt Mommy's sleep you all continue to always pray and pray for me. ( I will need it after I wake her up) We know prayer changes things, people and situations. Have a great evening.

NOTE TO CJ - Who really care that the Saints won the Super Bowl, not Daddy. We only get excited when our teams win. We will watch the game and even go to a party or two but the game will always have half of our interest unless the mighty Giants are involved! Oh yeah, just so all the fans know Sean Payton once was a part of the Giants Franchise, C.J. always let folks know the history too!

A Snowy Day

The Johnson's kept sleeping as the snow fell down. When I went to sleep last night the snow that was promised to hit us by noon, then by 4pm, them by 10pm had not begun to fall. I thought as I got int he bed my weatherman philosophy continues to be correct. The more wrong they are the more they get paid. So this morning when my alarm woke my up at 5:30am I looked out the window and saw the good old white stuff coming down pretty heavy. I shut my alarm off and went back to sleep. On a Saturday when I normally would be out and about early, i took advantage of the canceled meeting and stayed in be as long as I could. We even put CJ in bed with us to get her back to sleep when she too woke up at her normal time. Mommy fed her and she eventually dozed back off.

So how do you spend a snowy day? You watch every basketball game on ESPN and you do work! that is right folks knowing on Friday that my Saturday meetings would not take place and figuring I would be snowed in I decided to bring home a mail bin of files to read. I am happy to report that I have knocked most of them out already i still have 18 more to read and input but I will do those while the Superbowl is on. (See how much I care about that game huh) CJ will be in her chair I will be on the couch and we will be watch it enough to know who wins the game other than that who cares.

CJ did catch up on basketball too. The game we enjoyed the most today was Georgetown putting a whooping on Villanova. both teams were good but the Hoyas looked unbeatable today. Daddy's favorite team won today as well. Way to go DUKE! That is what CJ and I did and enjoyed each others company. Their is a but coming.

But other than that, CJ was in rare form. I was trying to complete file and cook dinner. Mommy was preparing CJ for tomorrow and washing her clothes but CJ was not satisfied at all. She whined and whined and whined until one of us came to pick her up. We pick her up and she stopped. We put her down and she commenced her whining ways again. Both Mommy and Daddy were a little annoyed but continued to play the game. usually CJ does not get like that but today I guess she wanted all the attention anyone around her possessed. I even told her at one point, "You know it is not good to have both Mommy and Daddy not happy with you.) She smiled of course in her sly way. Usually it is Daddy teaming up with CJ but today I had to along myself with the Mommy! She finally went to sleep after her bath and nightly prayer time.

So now I am sitting here really tired with The Iron Chef in on in the background. My neck hurts and I am getting sleepy. The good thing is that I have accomplished all I set out to today and that will be beneficial in the grand scheme of things. So as I go to join my ladies in la la land, I remind you all to keep praying because prayer changes things, people and situations. I am a living witness to that! It is about to be Sunday and that means I get to get my Worship on, can really sleep when your focused on that! You all take care.

NOTE TO CJ: As you grow you will try to master your parents temperament, all children do. I will share this with you, just like you were unpredictable when you were a baby it will be our turn as you grow. Just keep this in mind, we love you and we run this and you will be OK!

Friday Flicker

Good day all, I will be very brief tonight. Not because I am lacking material but because I want to enjoy a Friday evening relaxing and watching television. This morning we woke up and Mommy had to be convinced to go to work despite a bad storm heading our way. Daddy promised her that she would not be left in Perth Amboy and that he would not get stuck in traffic with no gas. He let her know that at the first sight of snow he would leave work. Well 1:00pm came and Daddy received a text that read,"I guess I was paranoid for no reason." Not a drop of snow to that point. Now I am sitting here at 8:27pm and counting and no snow is visible. I canceled two meetings because people were concerned with the weather. All I kept saying is that, they mentioned this storm could go in two directions. One that would dump snow on us and the other would miss us. At this moment I am thinking the latter.

There is one good thing that comes from this. That is that I get to spend a lazy Saturday with C.J. and Mommy. C.J. will be up too because I followed Mommy's lead and put her to bed, even though I usually let her stay up until she feels like going to sleep on Friday nights. So tomorrow I am primed and ready to hang out with her. Have some tummy time, some basketball game time (She has to catch up) and some rest time. As we look at the anticipated snow fall through the windows we should be like Peter in Ezra Jack Keats' Snow Day...enjoying the time together as Daddy and daughter.

So I will go now, but make sure you remember to pray because prayer changes things, people and situations!

We Cool

Today was a good day for C.J. and Daddy. We followed our normal routine by getting up before the sun even began to shine. Daddy went to work, Mommy went to work, C.J. went through her long day at the babysitter, and then the day came to an end. Daddy left work, Mommy finished up her school work and C.J. was picked up. As usual God made provisions of safe travel for us, and we are so very grateful for that.

When I picked C.J. up today, I was glad to see her in the same clothes that I dressed her in this morning. This meant that all her food went in her mouth, and she did not get too messy. I like what we put on in the morning. It is usually hooked up and with style. We all know how much into style Daddy is, and he is training C.J. to take after him. (I think I will need a raise before she gets older and has a hand out for my wallet) Mommy is definitely the mild one when it comes to dress. I will not say conservative because Mommy has her ways. Daddy, on the other hand, likes to coordinate and be innovative with his style.

So C.J. came home today and wanted to be her usual loud self. While her Mommy was on the phone, C.J. let her grandmother know that she was alive and kicking. She made her funny sounds, she laughed and laughed some more. It is really exciting to see her so happy. I enjoy it because that means she is like her Daddy, full of charisma, spunk and energy. I have said this before but I can not wait until she is walking and we can get into trouble together.

Finally it was Daddy bath night. Today was fairly easy. We are getting much better with that. I did not even have to call Mommy in for help. I bathed her, dried her, greased her up and then dressed her for bed. The reading tonight was from a book entitled, "1001 Things Everyone Should Know About African American History" by Jeffrey C. Stewart. I figure since it is Black History Month, that should be the theme. I will have you know that we do not isolate our history into a month in this house. I am a history buff and we celebrate our heritage daily. We ended our bath time with prayer. Tonight I asked C.J. to pray. She made a sound of some sort so I know she communicated with the man upstairs. Then, I continued for us both. Tonight was the first time I really felt a spark when we prayed together. It is something C.J. and I will begin to do more often together. Maybe when she wakes up we will pray together as well.

So tonight C.J. went right to sleep once she hit the crib. Now Daddy will prepare for tomorrow himself. Now before I go, I will urge you to always pray because prayer changes things, people and situations!

What is CJ's Favorite Snack?

Daddy enjoys eating. For snacks he will have peanut butter and jelly. Some times popcorn is my option. However, my favorite snack of all is raw chocolate chip cookie dough. Now C.J. prefers a rather weird snack. No it's not a bottle of milk. It is not a jar of baby food, and it is not even a teething treat. Princess C.J. prefers to snack on her toes.

Every day I watch her, and it gets more and more humorous. She will bend her legs up and try to eat both sets of toes. One day she will share with us what the fascination with her toes is. Until then I guess we have to make sure her feet are clean so she does not put anything funky down her throat.

One day C.J. and I will snack together. That is when snacks for Daddy will consist of carrot sticks, cucumber slices and celery sticks dipped in peanut butter. We will always have fruit snacks in the house, and water will be the drink of choice. I want to make sure she is healthy and well balanced. Daddy is doing better with it now...he even bought some salad to eat the other day. For C.J. to be healthy, she must see healthy lifestyles, and Daddy will be an example.

So that is it for today. I am snacking now on some hot tea that calms me so I can sleep comfortably. C.J. is fast asleep and hopefully will not wake up for a snack. We will have to synchronize our watches when she gets older to sneak into the kitchen for snacks while Mommy is sleeping. Until tomorrow my friends, continue to pray because we all know that prayer changes things, people and situations!

C. J. and Daddy Time!

OK, everyone told me that when I became a father that my needs and wants would take a back seat to my child. Of course I emphatically said that would not be the case. I would still get everything I wanted, when I wanted it. Slowly I am coming to learn that I, Jamal T. Johnson, was wrong.

Now I am not saying that I can not get what I want. The desire is simply not there. For instance, today I had the opportunity to roam the mall for two and a half hours alone. With the mall full of shoe stores, places to buy suits and ties, and sneaker stores, I am sure I could have thought of one thing I wanted that I could buy. However, that was not the case. I walked in the mall and I see the baby clothing store so I walk in. I did not see anything worth spending money on, so I made my way to Macy's, but not to the Men's section or the cologne counter, but the baby section. After Macy's then I decided to look for some sneakers for C.J. I promised to get her the Kobe's so I looked for them and found them. After the purchase I was content. I walk towards the exit and bought me nothing. Now you know my life has changed if I can go to the mall and leave with nothing for me. C.J. is taking over.

Now Mommy and I differ about her sneakers. Mommy wants her to be cute, while Daddy wants her to have proper basketball attire. So C.J. having a pair of Kobe Bryant and Lebron James sneakers is only fitting. Mommy says they look like boy sneakers. Daddy only sees the sport! I will admit I will have to think about what she wears because I do not want her looking too much like a boy. I should have no problem since I also like to buy her dresses and skirts. The only rule, be it clothes or shoes from Daddy is, NO PINK (if I can help it).

So this evening Mommy needed some time to rest so C.J. and I caught up on some bonding time. C.J. and I enjoy our time together. We laugh, we smile, we hug and we play. Today Mommy asked me to make sure C.J. had some sufficient "tummy time". I obliged and C.J. was on point today. She rolled over on her own, and stayed on her belly for a long time. She was very active on her mat and even scooted a bit. So I give her a A- today. I do not want to give her an A+ because then she would be a master of all we want her to do.

So I am feeling good tonight! C.J. is developing well. I am getting stronger and all is getting better. So you all continue to pray because we all know that prayer changes things. It's funny, I am actually listening to Prayer Changes by R. Kelly. Here is a link to the song, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNd5M456OtY&feature=fvw) and I will leave you the lyrics as well. Enjoy!

"Prayer Changes" R. Kelly

Somebody just look back over your life and
See where he brought you from
How many of you know?

Prayer changes (I heard that)
Prayer changes (I believe that)
Prayer changes (I know that)
Prayer changes things
Prayer changes (I heard that)
Prayer changes (I believe that)
Prayer changes (I know that)
Prayer changes things

Now I was in a real bad abusive relationship
Knowing that, that was no way for me to live
A young girl like me, raised up in a good family
Way too young to endure such misery
And every night I cry myself to sleep from all the pain
And the more I prayed for sunny days it seemed to rain
(He hit me) at any given time
(He hit me) no reason at all
(He hit me) so so hard
(He hit me) my God, sometimes I'd fall
Mama asked what happened to me
And I'd take up for him
She said that devil's a liar
And pray get rid of him
And now I'm going to school
Hitting those books
I'm doing fine
He's out my life
I'm not confused
Got peace of mind
Man I tell you

Prayer changes (it changes)
Prayer changes (oh it changes)
Prayer changes (I'm a witness that)
Prayer changes things (said I know)
Prayer changes (it changes)
Prayer changes (it changes)
Prayer changes (I'm a living witness that)
Prayer changes things

I was a freshman in college and uh
I had just made it on the basketball team
I had all the skills it took to make it
But on my grades I would get nothing but all D's
And the coach came to me
And had a talk with me about my career
Said if you don't get your grades up
I'm gonna have to sit you down this year
Man as tough as I was I broke down and cried
'Cause everybody knows me
Knows that basketball is my life
(Algebra) I studied hard
(Chemistry) I gave my all
(Calculus) oh my God
(English) so many flaws
Playing ball didn't look to good for me
My future, could not see
I had lost all my beliefs
And gave up on all my dreams
Then I went to church on Sunday
And the pastor began to preach
It was like he was talking to me
When he said I can do all things
In Christ that strengthens me
And for me that was enough
Now that I went from a D
All the way to an A plus
I tell you prayer changes things

Prayer changes
Prayer changes (prayer)
Prayer changes (it changes things)
Prayer changes things (oh)
Prayer changes (said it changes)
Prayer changes (things)
Prayer changes (I'm a living witness that)
Prayer changes things

Me and my wife had a few problems
We thought that nothing could solve them
Listening to family members and so called friends
Man I tell you that's just how the devil creeps in
We were separated at least for a month or two
She was wilding in the clubs
And I was out there doing wrong too
And we would walk around the house
Putting each other down
I mean right in front of the kids
We would curse each other out
Then I was in a bad accident
And almost lost my life
And guess who was there for me
My wife
Now ain't it funny how He makes a way
When we said there was no way
I'm out the hospital and back at home
Planning another wedding day, I tell you

Prayer changes (it changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes things (things, I'm a witness that)
Prayer changes (change)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes things

Now all of these things were happening in one family
But that's okay, cause there's nothing God can't achieve
I don't care what the problem in your life may be
Cause who the Son sets free, is free indeed
And if you didn't know, now you should know
All you have to do is take this family life for example
Now Mom and Dad are married again
Four kids now, cause they just had twins
Little sister all grown up now
She's a lawyer, married with one child now
Two years, big brother's out of college
And man he's got his hands full
Blessed with skills, blessed with knowledge
Now he's playing for the Chicago Bulls

Prayer changes (I'm a witness yeah)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes things (woah when it looks like)
Prayer changes (you can't go on)
Prayer changes (I know that prayer)
Prayer changes (changes things)
Prayer changes things
Prayer changes (in the middle of the storm)
Prayer changes (prayer will calm)
Prayer changes (cause it changes things)
Prayer changes things (yeah)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes)
Prayer changes (prayer changes things)
Prayer changes things (woah)
Prayer changes (even if you're doing wrong)
Prayer changes (even if your money's gone)
Prayer changes (if you're put out your home)
Prayer changes things (yeah come on)
Prayer changes (if you can't find a friend)
Prayer changes (at your journey's end)
Prayer changes (feel you just can't win)
Prayer changes things (woah woah)
Prayer changes (you're really going through)
Prayer changes (and trouble's chasing you)
Prayer changes (Heaven's got a hold on you)
Prayer changes things (yeah)
Prayer changes (when it seems you can't go on)
Prayer changes (and all your strength is gone)
Prayer changes (hold on it won't be long)
Prayer changes things (I know prayer is gonna change)
Prayer changes (drinking or doing drugs)
Prayer changes (even if you're running the streets)
Prayer changes (even in the music field)
Prayer changes things (rock, pop or R&B)
Prayer changes (prayer will change)
Prayer changes (prayer will change)
Prayer changes (prayer will change)
Prayer changes things....



[Thanks to The_Pied_Piper6@hotmail.com for these lyrics]

Just A Touch of Love

Well today will be quick. It was one of those days where I did not get the opportunity to spend too much time with my girl. I can only focus on this morning when I dressed her. She was up and ready and smiled the entire time I dressed her. I probably could get done a lot faster but I stop to get my kisses in for the day. She is really maturing though. I can dress her and sit her down without her getting too feisty before we leave in the morning, which is good.

When I arrived home this evening C.J. was fast asleep. She used to stay up and wait for me. I guess now that she is older she needs her rest so she just leaves Mommmy to wait for Daddy to get in. Just so you know C.J., becausee I know you enjoy TCNJ basketball, the Lions won the game big! You would have been proud. I have attached the beginning paragraph for you below:

Ewing, NJ... The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team brought their two-game losing streak to a grinding halt as they defeated visiting Penn State-Brandywine 110-64. http://www.tcnjathletics.com/news/2010/2/1/MBB_0201104327.aspx?path=mbasket

So C.J., you get your sleep baby! Daddy will see you in the morning. Now for all of you, always remember to pray because prayer changes things and people.