Radio Disney...

Don't you love when your kids get a chance to do something special, something they may never do again? Last week Elisabeth got just such a chance, and was interviewed by Radio Disney. Our 6th grade is participating in "Relay for Recess" the first of it's kind, it is the school kid version of "Race for a Cure." They will be getting donations for how many times they ride their "wheels" around the track. Jenna, Hayden and Elisabeth spent the morning at radio Disney being interviewed to advertise the event. They had a great time and even got Rumbi, Elisabeth's favorite, for lunch. Our friend "Haydio" has now officially been on the radio! And their beloved Mrs. Durante is helping with the project.

The interview will air February 1 at 6:30am, so if your up listen in!

Check out Elisabeth's outfit she put together for the day!

Young Womens Fun...

Elisabeth is loving being in Young Women's. They have had so many fun activities including special needs mutual, early morning baptisms and seeing the Temple lights. The girls have been so terrific about including her, even though she is younger and so little.

Speaking of being smart...

The kids did terrific on their 2nd quarter grades.

Sam... Ended up with a 3.95 GPA! That is awesome considering he got one A- and that was in algebra! He also got 6 Honors and 1 Satifactory, he tells me it is hard to be quiet in 7th period.

Elisabeth... Last year it was social drama, this year it's rough with the teachers. All the kids are struggling with what is expected and how to make sure they given credit for their work. But Elisabeth did end up with 3 A's, 1 A- and one B and Honors for citizenship.

Way to go kiddos! We are so proud of you!

Smart Enough for a Smart Car?

After abandoning my kids for most of the week we visited the car show as a family, the Hiatt's joined us. The kids loved seeing the new cars, we dreamed of Maserati's and Ferrari's, but really took a look at Subaru's and Hyundai's. Everything is SO expensive and we just don't have the inside track on great deals anymore. JEEP had a rock wall the kids tried, Elisabeth chickened out for some reason but Sam went right to the top.





The funnest thing about looking at cars, is that Sam is starting to see that light at the end of the tunnel. When we used to tell him he would probably get the Hyundai when he turned 16 he turned his nose up and said it was a boring car, now that he is 13 it's not looking so bad. Hey it has 4 wheels and an engine! And a HUGE trunk that could only mean trouble in high school!

We were teasing them about not being smart enough to be in a SMART car!

Education...

One my many obligations in January is Utah School Board Association convention. Last year I was so overwhelmed about my new position that I was trying to stay afloat. But this year I LOVED it. It gets me all fired up to be with other people who are as passionate about education and children as I am. We spend three days learning ways to serve our districts better. And it's great to network with people from districts big and small, it makes your realize we all have struggles. It also got me fired up for the legislative session that started this week.


Excuse me why I get on my soap box...

We have many good people representing us, but why do we let those who don't represent us hold so much control? That is because we don't get involved enough. We have to do more than vote. Go to your local caucus and become a delegate! Did you know that more then 75% of delegates in Utah are senior men? Does this make a representation of our entire population? Take your friends to the caucus have them vote you in and then vote for people who want to help families in Utah and our nation. Call and email your representatives! It's easy their numbers are all online, most are good people who want to do what is right, let them know your feelings. And lastly, go up to Capital. If we had more parents just sitting in on meetings showing they are interested in what is happening in our state, especially education, they may get the point. And besides you will become better educated yourself, can't hurt to know what your complaining about.

Alright, stepping off!

Lizzie the Baker...

With all the new baking "stuff" Elisabeth got for Christmas she was excited to bake a cake for my brother-in-law Jeff's birthday. She made it from scratch and it turned out rough, but look how happy she is making it!

It's a Hard Life for Koda...

Koda was all cleaned up with nowhere to go!

All Things Manly...

Once again Elisabeth got the privilege of being the only girl at a boys party. Her friend Nils said he wanted her but none of her friends. LOL Since he was turning twelve and "becoming a man," he had a manly party including facial hair, so everyone wore a mustache. They had a great time doing a road rally all over Murray, and Elisabeth didn't mind being the only girl with Alex, Nate and Hayden.

Tie Day Friday...

Rainbow day has kinda come and gone, so now it's tie day Friday! Only Elisabeth could make Sam's church shirt and tie look so cute!

Hanging with T man...

I've been tending Trus a little bit again, while his dad is off being manly hanging windows. I love my days with this little guy. As of this week he is walking on his own and boy is he fast! We have to shut all the door and put a gate at the top of the stairs, he can open cupboards, shut doors and go up the stairs, so you have to watch him constantly. But he also plays pat-a-cake, give me his forhead for a kiss, growls and says up about a million times a day. Elisabeth is still completely in love with him, and now that he is getting bigger Sam likes him more, and well Miah just makes T nervous. We also have loved counting his mom and dad, McKenzie and Nick, as friends, they are terrific people. It is a compliment that they have told us they only want us to tend, well besides family.

News Years Day...

We spent new years day going to church and the Rigby family party. All my Rigby cousin are just awesome, and we don't see them nearly enough. I saw this quote on facebook the other day, and thought it was so true...


Everyone thinks that my cousin Kelsey's boy and Adrian look alike, what do you think?

Bring on 2012!

2011 was a long year for us, it's and uphill battle building your own business, but when I think of all the people who have so many more trials then us I am grateful for all I have. I thought I would name a few blessing the Johnson's had in 2011...

2 healthy kids (and parents)
awesome grades from those same kids
new associations with the great people of the Murray School Board
getting to know Laura Baker before she passed away
the end of being PTA president
Packers win the Super Bowl
Red Rocks
Lagoon
visiting San Francisco for the first time
Jordan and Jacob came home from their missions
days at the pool
baking class
rainbow day
Amy's wedding - we pulled it off!
Disneyland
Scouts
Adrian
glasses for Elisabeth
a summer vacation filled with kids coming and going from our home
Sam becoming an official teenager - big 13
lots of "couch time" with Joe and Randi
getting together with old friends
our cute little house
renters in West Valley that want to stay forever
a career with Farm Bureau
Legos
Grandmas and Grandpas
getting to tend Truscott
fireworks
miah's half marathons
new friends
the hugs I get from my Parkside kids
Elisabeth turning 12 and entering young womens
ballet (but not the drive 3-4 days a week)
morning scripture and prayer
my multiple little jobs that bring in some $
guitar
the Chruch's youth organization
new callings
extended family
family game nights
Koda and Fred
THE CRUISE
The Gospel
the Packers going 15 and 1!!!

We brought in the new year with the McFarland's and the Weir's. They each have 4 little boys which makes for a wild and fun night. We played games, visited and even let Sam let off some fireworks!

Elisabeth and baby Max

The McFarland boys

All the boys love Sam, he's not sure how he likes being followed everywhere.
Chase and Brayden

Zoo Lights...

While Sam was off camping with the Scouts (still no snow so can you call it winter camp?) the three of us went a saw Zoo Lights. It was a beautiful evening and we had a great time seeing the lights and the animals that are normally asleep. Elisabeth like playing only child for the night.

Finally some new clothes...

It is so nice to see the kids in some different/new clothes since Christmas! They look so nice. And Grandma Bonnie spoiled them again by taking them after Christmas shopping where they both got, I swear, a whole new wardrobe.

The Johnson's...

Then it's off to Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's to be spoiled again! This year we really made out with a bunch of really great stuff. Elisabeth got big tote for her baking stuff from Grandma and an Eifle tower and Utah necklace from Jenny that she LOVES. Sam got a much needed backpacking pack and a light/warm weather sleeping bag from his grandparents and new ice fishing bowl from Jenny and Jeff. Miah and I made out like bandits with new glasses, a shop vac, blow dryer and pillows, all we desperately needed. And we also got a Utah gift card (I bought the cutest new shirt) and Ohio State gear. We had a great afternoon there visiting with everyone. Jenny and Jeff's girls are getting so big and Aynsley is at an AWESOME age to enjoy Christmas.






We finished the night out with having Joe and Randi over to watch the Packers/Bears game and to just relax. And yes, the Packers won, clinching a first round bye and home field for the playoffs.

The Rigby's...

Following church we headed to Grandma and Grandpa Rigby's for brunch. We always have yummy food and I love seeing everyone on Christmas morning. I love my nieces and nephews (and brothers and sisters) so much, it is so interesting and exciting to watch them all grow up.

Gotta have a Christmas day game of "piggies!"

Jordan NEVER passes up a back rub from Ali.

Everyone gathering to watch the video Jana made of all the cruise pictures.

Grandma and Grandpa were supposed to be "skipping" Christmas because they took us all on the cruise, but they spoiled us as usual. We all got a new book and a new outfit. And Grandpa gave us girls Madame Alexander Dolls, car washes and cash for the kids!

Yup! That's all of us in Grandma's forbidden, out of bounds, front room!

Not sure what that's about, but it's for sure going on facebook!

Jordan, the one hit wonder, playing Grandma's very out of tune piano.