The Johnson's

Radio Disney...

2012-01-25T13:18:00.003-07:00

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...

2012-01-25T11:33:00.002-07:00

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...

2012-01-25T11:28:00.002-07:00

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?

2012-01-25T11:21:00.004-07:00

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...

2012-01-25T11:07:00.002-07:00

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...

2012-01-25T11:06:00.001-07:00

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...

2012-01-21T16:17:00.001-07:00

Koda was all cleaned up with nowhere to go!

All Things Manly...

2012-01-21T16:14:00.002-07:00

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...

2012-01-21T16:12:00.002-07:00

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...

2012-01-21T16:05:00.003-07:00

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...

2012-01-21T15:58:00.003-07:00

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!

2012-01-04T20:29:00.003-07:00

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...

2012-01-04T20:23:00.003-07:00

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...

2012-01-04T20:20:00.003-07:00

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...

2012-01-04T20:11:00.003-07:00

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...

2012-01-04T20:01:00.005-07:00

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.

The Reason For the Season...

2012-01-04T19:58:00.002-07:00

In my opinion, Christmas should be on Sunday every year. After are little bit of presents, we got ready and went to church. What a great way to celebrate Christmas. We had a musical program in our ward with the choir, primary and young women. Jeremiah and I also helped narrate the program. The Spirit was so strong and it was great reminder that it is not about Santa and presents.

So this is what they did for winter break...

2012-01-04T19:55:00.002-07:00

Since Santa had got the iTouchs all ready to go, and since mom and dad let them, this is what the kids did for winter break...

Like I said, I officially have teenagers!

Teenagers?

2012-01-04T19:30:00.008-07:00

I suppose we officially have teenagers now. How do I know? Because we had a Christmas of electronics and clothes! Not a sign of toys at our house, although Santa had to pretty tech savvy to get all the electronic toys up and going. Because of the cruise the kids knew that Christmas was going to be modest, and they already knew about their main gift. Let me explain. Both kids really didn't have anything on their Christmas lists, they both had mentioned an iTouch, but at $200 a piece that was pretty far out of reach. They had also mentioned on the trip that they had pretty much out grown their Nintendo DS's, and they mostly wanted to play on the iPad. Well, Jeremiah and I toyed with the idea of selling the DS's, but the $200 iTouch still seemed steep. Until, I found a deal at Target that brought the price down to $140. We decided to put the DS's on KSL and see what happened, we posted them at midnight and had sold them both by 8:00 am the next morning! So both kids put that money toward an iTouch. I am pretty sure having to put their own money in and already knowing what they were getting made them more excited then if we had just surprised them! Elisabeth kissed her package under the tree everyday, they could not wait for Christmas to come!

So long story short, they got their iTouch and didn't put them down for all of Christmas break. They each also got cases for them, new church clothes and other clothes, calendars, shoes and Elisabeth got a Young Women's bracelet and Sam got a new CTR ring. They even got clothes from American Eagle another sign that they are officially teenagers.

Now to the sneaky part! I thought I had been so sneaky by getting Jeremiah some new work shirts and a video game he really wanted, but I had no idea what he had been up to. He fooled me twice! During the Christmas season I usually use cash, I all the sudden the week before Christmas I was short, but with the cost of teenage items I just figured I had spent it. Well, Mr. Johnson had hid the money, so on the eve of Christmas eve he fessed up. So we had it a $50 check from one of the dealerships we had sent a customer to, and we got to go on a shopping trip. It was fun to got as a family in the hustle and bustle and let the kids pick a couple extra gifts. Sam got snow pant and bibs for ice fishing and Elisabeth got a coat she had wanted and a much needed pair of Vans.

The second surprise, apparently took place clear back on the cruise, when I once again thought we had spent more then I had calculated! I guess my sweet hubby had kept the money and bought me the watch I wanted so much on the boat! All those sneaky people in my life knew, my mom and dad, the kids, Randi, Bonnie. Seriously, they all knew and I had no idea, so now I have a beautiful new watch, that I love! Thanks to my sneaky husband!

The Christmas of Few Pictures...

2012-01-04T19:19:00.003-07:00

For some reason I just must not have been in the mood to take pictures this Christmas, but don't let the lack of pictures fool you, we had a wonderful holiday. Christmas eve we had to break from tradition because there was NO snow! So no sledding. And since the Lions game was on Joe and Randi didn't come to our usual movie. But we did see HUGO as a family, which the kids and I enjoyed because we had liked the book, and Miah, who hadn't read the book was unsure about. Then it was off to the Andersen Christmas eve party, the usual ten dollar gift game, tons of food and visiting. The kids were excited to give each other their gifts, so they wanted to hurry home after a quick stop at CoeLen and Bill's.

Elisabeth had gotten Sam a stone miniature mask in Mexico and the book "Michael Vey" and Sam got her a decorated Coke bottle in Grand Cayman and a Clair's card. I love that they use their own money and want to pick just the right gift for each other, and they were both excited about what they got.

They also opened the traditional one Christmas Eve present, but this year I changed up and instead of the usual jammies they each got warm fuzzy robes. They are always stealing mine and the basement is pretty cold, so now they have there own.

They actually were in bed pretty early and then Santa had some work to do!

It's Almost Here...

2011-12-23T21:08:00.003-07:00

This Sam created Lego Santa just wanted to let you know he's doing his final check of his list!

Vistors from Ohio...

2011-12-23T21:03:00.002-07:00

Tonight we got to visit from my Ohio blog stalker! It was so fun to catch up with old friends, even if Casey is the only one that is old. There daughter, the other Sam, was so cute she just jumped in and played with Elisabeth, who loves having a little friend around. Thanks for the visit Speer family, we will try to get out to Ohio soon to visit, probably during football season. Ya, Jeremiah found some fellow Buckeyes.

Cruising With 26 - Day 9

2011-12-21T19:42:00.003-07:00

Day 9 - Coming Home

This picture of Elisabeth pretty much sums up the last day of the trip. We traveled home on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, busiest travel day of the year, so we the Rigby's and the VanT's were on a different flight then the Johnson's and Grandma and Grandpa. So our transfers were through Norwegian so we were first off the boat, before 7 am, it ended up we sailed through the customs and the airport security so we had about a four hour wait at the airport. Boring! Elisabeth was tired enough to sleep on the floor. The Rigby's and VanT's couldn't leave the ship until later even though they would arrive home before us. We finally boarded the plane to Phoenix, Sam sat next to some cute surfer girls from California ;) Elisabeth and I were together, but everyone else was separated, which made for a long flight. We had another layover in Phoenix, with half of BYU, and then finally we were home. It was strange, it was like Christmas started while we were gone, Christmas lights and decor everywhere. Our animals were super happy to see us and it was great to be back to our little house and some simple food!

Cruising With 26 - Day 8

2011-12-21T19:32:00.007-07:00

Sea Day... Tanning, wind, juggling, bingo, 18th birthdays and late night crepes...

Jeremiah had another race coming up the week after we got home, so he was good about running while on vacation. Now how many 35 year old men can put there leg up that high to stretch?

It was probably good the last day was a sea day, I am pretty sure everyone was ready to just relax. My sisters, nieces and nephews were all determined to lay out even though the wind was so strong you could hardly walk!

The kids found lots to do on the last day, they went to a class on how to fold towels like the animals you find in your room and then they went to class on juggling by "SharkBait." Even the big boys joined in, they all soon found out that juggling takes a lot of practice.

Hudson taught Elisabeth his version of making a bunny from a napkin.

After juggling Elisabeth, Chad, Adrian, Sam and I played bingo with Grandma. It was really fun because Grandma bought a big package of games, so the kids and I could play. She ended up winning $250, which was pretty exciting.

Hanging out with Uncle Chad and Adrian, and once again playing "piggies."

For our last night we went to the good bye show and celebrated Ali's 18th birthday at dinner. And then we hit the buffet one more time late night crepes.

Cruising With 26 - Day 7

2011-12-21T18:59:00.009-07:00

Ruins, beaches, shopping, Tepanyaki and pirates...

Day 7 may have been my favorite day of the trip, we spent time as a big family and as a little family. I helped mom and dad round everybody up, yup all 26, to meet our guide Jesus. We boarded a bus and headed toward the Mayan ruins. Jesus entertained us with lots of history and corny jokes. The ruins we visited were of a village that existed before the birth of Christ. Jordan, Jacob and I discussed what relation it would have to the Book of Mormon, we agreed to disagree. Grandpa wanted us to all go on this excursion, and for the most part the kids were great, even if only some of them were interested. Jake Gregory tried to rangle a iguana, which was obnoxious and amusing at the same time. Unlike the last time we went to see the ruins, when it was August, 100+ degrees and they only offered us cold beer or warm soda, it was really pleasant and they offered us cold water afterward.

Jesus and his driver "Mr. Nelson," then took us to what pretty much was our own private beach. We had a yummy buffet, not sure if the food was yummy or if we were just ready for a break from cruise food. There were other people of the beautiful beach but with 26 with us we pretty much take over most places. I came super prepared with Santa hats for pictures for our Christmas cards, I love how they turned out. The kids played and gathered shells, which we would later make into Elisabeth's friend Christmas presents, caught crabs and visited.

Not sure what is up with my family, but they all gathered in this shallow pool and just hung out!

Christmas card shot... All I Want For Christmas, Is A Real Good Tan!

Then it was back on the bus to the port where we shopped at about a million stores that all had the same junk. But my kids were totally impressed by what they could get for their money and we did get a beautiful ornament, cool shirts, a new bag and a bunch of jewelry.

We went to a local store to buy snacks, the kids were totally impressed that for less then four dollars we got 4 sodas and 4 candy bars. We felt kinda weird because we were buying junk food while all these IronMan contestants were fueling up for the race the next day, but oh well, we were on vacation.

Jeremiah has to send Joe a picture of the IronMan entrance, next year?

Stockton really wanted one of these Mexican wrestling matches, apparently his parents gave him the money and told him he had to negotiate, he went to a couple different vendors and then got his price.

That night we went to the Tepanyaki restaurant on board the boat. The food was okay, but oh well, we had fun. The menus could be folded into origami, the kids are kinda into origami and when the man next to Sam got stumped, Sam gave him a message.

Back at the show, "SharkBait" was the opening act, once again excellent! The men's group after was kinda boring.

Brock had had enough fun for a seven year old.

Adrian entertained us all with his sock puppet and telling us about the pirate on his shirt. The pirate has a sword and a patch, below his him telling him about the patch.

A new friend greeted us in our room!

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly... Oh the joys of family pictures!

2011-12-21T18:21:00.005-07:00

Cozumel - Ruins

So let's just say, my brother and sisters kids are totally photogenic, my family not so much. But family pictures were part of the trip!

I will try to get this flipped, Grandma and Grandpa with all the Grandkids before boarding.

Cruising With 26 - Day 6

2011-12-21T18:14:00.005-07:00

Grand Cayman -

We have spent Thanksgiving in Vegas, in California and in Zion's National Park, but on a cruise ship in the Bahamas is the most exotic place yet! We had been to Grand Cayman before, so we knew if we got up early we could look around plenty before GAME TIME! We did a little bit a shopping, the kids bought each other Christmas gifts, and a lot of walking and then headed back to the port. There we found the rest of the family just coming ashore, Zac, Stetson and Grandpa decided to head back with us. It was a little weird not watching the Packers v. Lions game without Joey, and we couldn't even text him when the Packers really put the beat down on them. Who would have ever thought we would be watching the Thanksgiving Packers game in the middle of the ocean on the biggest screen I have ever seen?

"Sad Face"

"Oh No!"

Aaron Rodgers Touchdown Dance

Grandpa braided Andie's hair.

Ugly face! Doing the Clay Matthews post sack routine.

Thanksgiving dinner was little different, turkey dinner with a fluffy spin. The kids weren't thrilled and ordered mac'n'cheese. But oh well, we were all together and we all enjoyed ourselves.

Adrian slept through Thanksgiving dinner.

That night it was back to another show in the theater.

So that evening we found Sam's sock stuck on the hooks on the bathroom door, we asked him how it got there, and all he could say was "I was looking for that!"

Another one bites the dust...

2011-12-21T18:13:00.003-07:00

My last elementary Christmas program was Friday. All the kids did a great job, but the 6^th grade was funny as always doing “The 12 Pains of Christmas.” Her part was something about getting out Christmas cards. This is her and her friend Natalie after wards.

Book Worm...

2011-12-21T18:11:00.004-07:00

While driving out to Bluffdale this is what I find in the backseat...

Apparently she wasn't done reading and came prepared with her own flashlight!

Ali the Hoarder...

2011-12-21T18:11:00.002-07:00

This Ali, she is a hoarder, she hoards her special stool, her clothes, her phone and her candy!

Christmas Choir...

2011-12-21T18:03:00.005-07:00

Not sure how I feel about this, but Sam had a great time doing it! As part of the choir Christmas program he did what can only be called a striptease, well they only took their ties off, but watch the video.

Desert Star...

2011-12-21T18:01:00.001-07:00

Back when we tended Truscott for the Hillman's, they gave us tickets to Desert Star as a thank you. We wanted to see a Christmas show, and chose to see a parody of “It's A Wonderful Life” when our friend Emma Simmons was in it. Thanks McKenzie and Nick!

Let the brainwashing begin...

2011-12-21T17:24:00.005-07:00

We've been working on Adrian...

We say, "Adrian, say GO PACK GO!"

Adrian says, with a fist pump, "PACK GO PACK!

It's a work in progress...

Here's a video, but he really wouldn't hold still so it's not great...

In other Adrian news...

He came to visit a special visitor that had stopped by Parkside, he didn't mind Santa too much but he wasn't going to look at the camera.

Piggies...

Adrian is slightly obsessed with toes, he has been for a long time. We say he is either going to have a weird foot fetish or be a podiatrist, his mom hopes for the second. On the trip he would play a game called piggies, where basically he told the girls to take of thier shoes and let him play with thier piggies. It is so weird it calms him right down. The first picture is him mezmorized by Ali's piggies on the trip and the second one is of him playing a new game of piggies with Elisabeth and Ash.

AND...

He celebrated his 2nd birthday! We were invited to pizza and cake, and it was so fun to see him open all his presents, mostly trucks. We just love this little guy, my kids talk about him constantly, and quote him all the time. "Ah dangit" is Elisabeth's favorite.

2011-12-21T17:21:00.001-07:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Michelle on Pinterest

Cruising With 26 - Day 5

2011-12-19T16:56:00.012-07:00

Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Zip line, scary people, Legos, juggling, dancing, planking and owling...

Let me just say Jamaica is beautiful, zip lining was great, but I never need to go back again! While the rest of the family went off to swim with the dolphins, we chose adventure and went zip lining through the jungle. We had so much fun, 9 different lines and by the last ones they would just hook you on and off you would go. The young people that worked there were so friendly and helpful, we enjoyed talking with them. However, when we were dropped off at a shopping center after wards, we saw what pushy really is. Mexico has nothing on Jamaica. I wasn't to keen on the idea of people telling me they needed to feed their families, and using my kids desire to be nice to make money, and most of all when they would say "come little girl let me show you something back here." But like I said the green jungle was amazing and zip lining was a blast.

After a day on the island I treated the kids to cool treat!

Some day she will be there.

One of the afternoon activities was a Lego build,
so Sam, Elisabeth, Hudson and Stockton joined in.

Jeremiah got the points for getting Adrian to sleep.

That night we watched the best show of the whole trip. These two guys are called "Shark Bait," they are juggling, variety show act. SO FUNNY! They meet when they were both clowns for the Barnum and Bailey Circus. We all laughed so hard, and their juggling tricks were amazing. After the show we all went to the deck party where everyone had a great time dancing the night away.

Elisabeth - Adrian - Jessica

Brock was hiding from the camera.

Jordan - Chad - and Arica's finger

The ladies + Jake

Andie and Arica

Adrian and Brent

Ashlyn and Elisabeth danced and danced.

Elisabeth "owling" on the mysterious glowing box.

Sam "planking" on the glowing box!

Cruising With 26 - Day 4

2011-12-18T14:46:00.009-07:00

Day at Sea...

We had two days at sea during the trip, sea days consisted of lots of ..

playing in the game room
eating
laying out
lounging
laughing
and just being together!

I will let the pictures do the talking again...

Not sure what Stockton was thinking?

The kids spent a lot of time hanging out in the game room. I'm not sure that the other passengers appreciated it, but it was a great place for them to hangout. One of the best parts of cruising with the whole family was the built in friends, there was always someone to hangout with.

Adrian was sure he could push over the posts if he just had a little help from Elisabeth.

Being the youngest, Brock and Adrian became buddies.

Hudson and Elisabeth playing Scum...

Grandma and Grandpa only asked that we do four things together, dinner the first day at sea, family pictures that night, Thanksgiving dinner and our excursion in Cozumel.

You can't expect them to be good all the time...

Another Year of Molly Mouse...

2011-12-06T11:36:00.003-07:00

Since Elisabeth was 8 years old she has been participating in...

She loves the time she spends with friends rehearsing and performing. This year she was one of Molly Dance Friends and performed in all five performances. It is funny to watch these beautiful girls perform with over sized mouse heads on, and trying to find your own daughter is tough.

Between Saturday performances Grandma and Grandpa Rigby took Sam, Elisabeth and I to Trolley Square to look around and get some lunch. I made my kids get a picture with Santa, something they haven't done in a few years, because I wanted the gingerbread cookies they got after wards, so yummy! Sam was totally put out, and so he is making a face, Elisabeth know you have to believe to receive.

Cruising With 26 - Day 3

2011-12-03T13:21:00.011-07:00

Elisabeth and Ashlyn

Day 3 - The Beach

Our first port was Norwegian's private beach, Great Stirrup Cay. Elisabeth has been wanting to go to the beach for years, it goes with her obsession with all things ocean related, we have been to the beach a couple times but apparently she was to young to remember. So we spent the day just playing in the sand and in the ocean and just enjoyed being together. The pictures probably say it all...

The ride on the tender to the island was a little rough... but that doesn't stop the fun.

Adrian and His Papa

Ashlyn and Brock

Maybe Jan and Chad are going to adopt Zac and his obnoxious shirt!

Cutest couple ever, oh wait their brother and sister... Jordan and Jessica

Jake, Jana and Stetson

Not sure what that is all about, but Amy looks cute!
Amy, Jake and Brock

Sisters...
above: Ali and Arica
Below: Arica and Amy

Cousin love... Jordan and Ali

We even got Grandma and Grandpa to the beach.

I love this one, "The Littles," would let the tide lift them up over and over again.

Arica and Taylor

It started out innocent, then they gave Zac boobs!

Adrian didn't care for the ocean, he was much happier playing with his cars on a lounge.

Stetson and Elisabeth get along great... until he dumps the sand on her head!

Sam, hoping to get a coconut.

Watch out Next Top Model!

Lisa and Brent

Amy and Jake

One of the best surprises of a cruise, the little guys left in your cabin by the steward.

Sleeping on boat is the best, rocks you to sleep like a baby.
The kids slept so well, Sam even talked in his sleep one night.

Cruising With 26 - Day 2

2011-12-02T09:46:00.006-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa and all the kids!

Day 2 - The BIG BIG Boat
After a goofy breakfast at the hotel we boarded another bus to head to the port, this time we weren't the only ones so we kept it down a bit. We meet a lady from Wisconsin, we were wearing our gear for game day, we would see her hundreds of times throughout the trip. Cruise ships are funny that way, 2700 people and yet you see the same people over and over again.

The kids entertained themselves on the floor of our hotel room until it was time to go, there was a lot of Phase10 played on this trip.

Adrian was pretty excited to get "Sanuel's" undivided attention.

While we waited to board I got a call from home. It was our Bishop letting me know that we were being released as a Primary presidency, he didn't want to do it without me knowing. Yahoo! I must say I was ready, I love the kids but having spent most of my adult life in Primary I am okay with a break. It was also great to get this news before the trip because in my mind a had several things that I was going to have to do for Primary when I got home and I was off the hook!

Checking out our rooms. I wish these pictures had turned out better, Adrian thought it was cool to sit in the window and look at the water and then he wanted the kids to "c'mon" and sit with him.

I don't think you ever get over the immense size of a cruise ship, Lisa's kids had never been on a cruise and Chad and my kids hadn't been since they were young, we were all impressed. The Norwegian Pearl is a beautiful boat, it was only built and 2006 and so is realitively new. We of course hit the buffet and let the kids explore a bit. The kids were amazing, they had that big ship figured out the first day.

Amy, Ali, Jake, and Taylor
Let the eating begin!

Arica found the ice cream. She would soon find herself struggling with seasickness, thankfully it got better.

Cruising With 26 - Day 1

2011-12-02T09:23:00.006-07:00

In attempt to get all my memories organized I am breaking the trip up into days, so here it goes!

Day 1 - Big Airplane, Big Bus, Big Boat!

To be honest I was really hesitant about the whole trip, a few days before I found myself not very excited. I wasn't sure if all the arrangements my mom and I made would work out, and how everyone would get along, it just seemed like a recipe for disaster. Saturday our flight left at 2:30ish so we ran around all morning finishing up getting ready. There is a lot of things to take into account for a trip 8 days long. I even had to run to Best Buy for ink in the MIDDLE of printing our boarding passes. Grandpa and Grandma picked us up and off we went to the airport at noon. After a stop at McDonalds to feed Sam's hollow leg, we made it to the airport and checking in went so smooth for the first 6 of us. Then came my sister and all the others, and everybody was on time! Incredible! We had kinda long wait for the flight, because we got through security and everything really quick. So there was lots of time for hanging out, and Miah even did some work. When we all boarded the that first flight, despite the rude Frontier flight attendants, that is when I finally thought this may all work out okay and our vacation began.

We arrived in Miami late that night, and road the BIG bus to the hotel. Adrian was thrilled to go on the Big Big airplane, and big bus. The hotel we stayed in was a little interesting but everybody found a spot for the night and looked forward to boarding the ship the following day.

Thankfully we were the only ones on the bus when the kids decided to sing the wheels on the bus go round and round!

While waiting for our luggage in Miami the 12/11 year olds made up a new style, one shoe, one pant let up, on sleeve up and hood on. Whatever, it was late and had been a long flight.

This is how ridiculous we looked everywhere we went! 26 people, 26 suitcases, 26 carry-ons, 5 or so purses and one stroller! Jana braved standing in the road to take a better picture of all of us with our stuff that I will have to get from her.

A Day With T...

2011-12-02T09:15:00.002-07:00

Call me crazy, but when I got the offer to tend Truscott the day before we left I couldn't pass up a day with the little guy. His dad needed a day off from playing Mr. Mom, he was off to do manly stuff. Our little buddy is crawling and pulling up and is all over the place, he can go up stairs and get in the Christmas tree and he is still cute as ever.

I promise...

2011-12-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

We are almost back to normal life, except for 5 performances of Molly Mouse, when we get there I promise to blog about our wonderful trip and all the other happenings around here!

11-11-11

2011-11-12T04:01:00.004-07:00

I am not really sure why, but I have a very soft spot for soldiers and their families. I cry at USO commercials or when the news shows troops leaving or coming home. I just can't imagine the sacrifice they families and the soldier make being so far apart and in harms way. So even though we didn't have any big plans to celebrate Veteran's Day, 11-11-11, I was glad I got to be there for our Parkside choir to sing "God Bless the USA," oh the tears! Love these kids, love this school, love this country, love our troops!

Cool School and Happy Halloween!

2011-11-12T03:46:00.004-07:00

EARLY Halloween morning Elisabeth and I headed to Parkside to be part of the Fox13 Cool School broadcast. The kids where challenged by anchor Big Budda to go without bulling reports for a month and earned Cool School of the week. The choir was first up bright and early at 5:45am! I was so surprised how many kids got there and how good they were. They featured our school in different segments all morning, including me having to talk about Roads to Success and Halloween traditions. Elisabeth also got to share her book from last years Author's Fair, Big Budda tested her Packer knowledge, but she had no problem showing him up!

(Elisabeth was a darling jester with a dolled up costume from Becky's costume closet)

Then it was on my last Halloween parade as an elementary mom, they go by so quick, the school years and the parade of kids. And then that afternoon I helped with the Halloween party in Mrs. Schutz class.

The kids rounded up friends for trick or treating, Elisabeth took off with Hayden, Alex, Nate and Rianna. And Sam called up Parker, Josh and Sammy, I have rule they can still go if they have costumes, so once again Sam pulled out the Super Chicken costume from 2nd grade, it getting considerably smaller. Another perk of having older kids is sending them out on their own to trick or treat, we stayed behind watching football and passing out candy with Joe and Randi. It was the best weather for trick or treating, and the kids had a great time, they trick or treat for a while and then hang out and someones house until they made it back home.

Overall, it was a long day, but everybody was in good spirits considering the EARLY start time.

Professional Pumpkin Carver...

2011-11-12T03:28:00.005-07:00

I must say one of the perks of my kids getting older is not having to touch a single pumpkin gut! Besides cutting Elisabeth's top this year, they were on their own, and they did a great job. Sam so enjoyed the first TWO pumpkins he did at Grandma's that when we came home the little girls from next door came over to admire his handy work, there dad said you want to do ours? and Sam did! The first one the girls sat right down and told him what to carve, the other two he went with his own ideas. We thought he did a great job! And Elisabeth made a great JackSkeleton too!

Ashlyn gets an unwanted hug from her two uncles.

Lizzie B

Adrian used a marker on his pumpkin was a little freaked out about it being all over his hands.

These two little boys, Eli and Adrian, really like Samuel, it's kinda worrisome what he might be teaching them.

Master Pumpkin Carver

The neighbors pumpkins.

Sam's first two pumpkins.

This is the one the girls, Adi and Malory, told him what to do. All girl Adi wanted a heart eye.

Elisabeth's Jack turned out great!

This warty pumpkin was the hardest thing ever, Sam ended up using the drill to get it done at all.

Sam's 8bit pumpkin.

Getting creative!

Sometimes it's who you know...

2011-11-12T03:13:00.004-07:00

This year with our beloved UTES entering the Pac12 there have been fewer tickets available from the dealership kicking around. But we were lucky enough to get a turn to go to the game versus Oregon State. And they were tickets in the press box, where Coach Kyle Whitingham's family sits. It was kinda weird sitting up there, everybody was pretty serious, you could hear the television announcer in the next booth! We enjoyed watching the teams first Pac12 win. Thanks Chad for the hook up! Afterwards, we headed to Chili's with Joe and Randi, we watched them from the booth like crazy stalkers, for dessert.

Elisabeth had spent here Saturday how she usually does, at the ballet studio. They had had a Halloween party that day so she was in a getup that was half Halloween half crazy Ute fan.

Fall Leaves...

2011-10-29T15:54:00.003-06:00

My mom and dad have a really pretty maple tree in their backyard and my mom loves to have the kids pictures in front of it in the fall when it turns red. Then comes the raking, Elisabeth and Sam have been trying to help them keep up, the leaves are still pretty even on the ground, and this is one of my favorite pictures of Elisabeth lately. She's really cute right now, she talks like she is 18 and is still sweet most of time... most of time!

The Haircut...

2011-10-29T15:37:00.007-06:00

Elisabeth needed her hair trimmed, it has gotten really long, and a thought she liked it. But apparently she was ready for a 12 year old do, a style and short! We are still adjusting, especially her daddy! She is literally giddy about it! I like how it looked but the first few days styling it were a challenge, especially when she decided she didn't want to wear it down, but we are figuring it out.

Before... No it was not 80's day she just wanted to dress this way to show off all her retro birthday gifts...
Fun with the new crimper, Joe and Randi's b-day gift...

After... it's shorter in the back then in the front... pretty cute...

Figuring out new do's, this one is supposed to like a spider web...

A Little of This and That... In Pictures...

2011-10-29T14:45:00.005-06:00

Isn't he cute? This is what kitty looks like most nights when I get ready for bed.
Sam loves Spirit Week and dressed up everyday, but his dumb mom forgot pictures every day except for "Jocks and Nerds Day." He said he is a nerd, technically a geek, everyday so he decided to be a jock.

Cousins! Ashlyn, Elisabeth, Zac, Arica, Taylor and Ali!
Celebrating Ashlyn's 12th birthday.

"If you eat all your lunch you can go on the round and round!" Weeee... he loved it! Elisabeth was happy to take her little friend for a ride.
A tree every good Ute needs!
We've been captured by the zombies!
Elisabeth and Dorthy, aka Anysley, after Grandma Bonnie took the girls to see "Wizard of Oz."
Andie, Ali, Taylor and Arica, we were teasing Taylor that he has sister wives!
Grandma wanted pictures with the pretty tree in her back yard.

The Second Time Is Harder...

2011-10-17T01:25:00.004-06:00

5 or so months ago when Jeremiah and Joe decided to run back to back races it seemed like a good idea, and beside who can back down from a challenge from your little brother? But after The Other Half, half marathon in Moab, Miah is thinking maybe not. I wasn't able to go as planned because of the primary program at church. Last night before the race he was more worried then last week, his foot still hurt and now he knew how tough it would be. Not with race completed, with a much harder course, I am pretty sure he won't race for awhile. The weather was complete opposite, 70 degrees and stat time, and the route consisted of many hills. But he made it and has another medal to show for it. They had a good time on their quick round trip, which included cards, Randi's birthday, beer at the finish line, a side trip up highway 70 and stinky boys who hadn't showered. (The hotel wouldn't let them do a late checkout!)

The Kidnapping...

2011-10-12T02:35:00.004-06:00

I love the girls in our ward Young Women's group, but I think they may have scared Elisabeth for life when they kidnapped her on her birthday. They came at about 7:15am, and I thought they would say "surprise" and blindfold her, instead Bobbie and Kara but a blanket over her head, she was sound asleep, and dragged her out of bed. She was fighting and crying, and I realized that she probably was truly scared since she knew we were leaving them home alone while I was took Miah to the race. Thankfully, as Elisabeth told me later, about the time they got to the front door she got a peek of Kara, and so even though she knew things were strange, she knew she was okay. They went to the Harris' for breakfast and then they brought her home safe and sound. She is so excited to be part of this group of girls and they have been talking to her for months about Young Women's. It is really strange not having my own kids in Primary, and even stranger knowing they will both be going to a youth activity tomorrow night!

Cute Jillian is holding E's shoes and jacket that she was kind enough to ask for on the way out the door.

Jillian, Kara, Bobbie, Sara, Mirium
Mindy, Entien, Josie, Becky

Two final(ish) gifts...

2011-10-12T02:23:00.003-06:00

Sunday night after the birthday Joe and Randi came over to watch the Packers play on the Sunday Night Game. Both the Packers and Lions, yes the Lions, are off to a 4-0 start, and so Joe is really full of it! But I guess so are we. They brought Elisabeth's present, a crimper, her little 80's heart is in love. Randi did her hair while we watched the game, and then I fixed it and she wore this 80's getup the next day. And one of her last presents was a Packer win, making her team 5-0!

Good-bye to our friend from "The Czech..."

2011-10-12T02:18:00.002-06:00

Vilem is Jacob's friend from his mission in the Czech Republic. He is has been staying with Chad and Jana while trying out for the BYU hockey team. We have enjoyed getting to know our friend from "The Czech," when he came to Sunday dinners. The first week all our craziness and sarcasm were lost on him, he said he didn't understand our humor, but he has quickly caught up. He will be traveling home next week, and so we got a picture with him, he called Jeremiah his "hero" for running his half marathon.

and then...

2011-10-12T02:12:00.004-06:00

There was our final (maybe) birthday celebration at grandma and grandpa Rigby's. New luggage, for our trip, filled with clothes was the perfect gift for our 12 year old.

2011-10-10T04:31:00.003-06:00

Well, somewhere along the way I lost my mind and let Elisabeth invite 9 kids to her birthday party. A party that was supposed to be at our house and she was supposed to plan. Filled with boys and girls, dancing, games and fun. Thankfully I regained sanity at some point and talked Elisabeth into taking them all to Fat Catz to bow. Then once again I lost it and invited 3 more cousins, one more friend of a cousin and Sam, making a total of 15 kids between the ages of 10 and 13! Elisabeth has the best group of friends, good kids but totally nuts! They had a great time bowling, it's nice that the boys and girls can all just be friends for now. And then we headed back to the house for cupcakes and presents. That is when chaos truly broke out. After a rambunctious round of "heavy, heavy hangover" and going crazy for a bit they were all out the door at 9pm. After a 4:30am start what a long day. Chad and Jana had brought the boys and Adrian by and came to our house to watch the game and wait for Jess to get home, so we visited with them for a bit and then crashed! The funniest part of the whole party is that those boys know Elisabeth well enough to know she LOVES Coke and two brought her that as her present. So funny and embarrassing!

Customize your own slideshow

Lunch with Grandma and Grandpa...

2011-10-10T04:02:00.002-06:00

After the race we headed over to a little barbq place to fuel up the boys and to celebrate Elisabeth's birthday. She was spoiled with baking stuff galore from grandma and grandpa Johnson. And she opened her gifts from us, ballets stuff, footy jammies and a new halloween shirt. It already been a long day, with a 4:30am start, but we had a birthday to celebrate. He dropped off Elisabeth at ballet rehearsal and got ready for her party.

13+ miles...

2011-10-10T03:38:00.004-06:00

It makes me tired just thinking about it, but Jeremiah did it! He completed his first half marathon! I am super proud of him and he's proud of himself too.

The day started early, we left home at 5am to head to Layton, I dropped him off and came back home to the kids. Then we headed back up to watch him finish, I got a little worried when it was getting past the time he thought he would be done, but then we found out the race started late, and finally he came. We are waiting for them to post the official time, but we think about 2 1/2 hours. He looked like death when he was finished, but after a few minutes he was okay. The day after he is a little sore, but overall not to bad.

Jeremiah's brother Joe ran a full marathon at the same time, one of Miah's goals was not to have Joe pass him up. Joe did well also, he was a little off his previous times but has been working a lot of hours and not training like he would like to.

The kids ran the last little while with both their dad and Joe, and they both said they loved the boost of energy it gave the to finish.

Randi's uncle and aunt also ran the half, so all our runner posed for pictures afterward.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” ― Dr. Seuss, Happy Birthday to You!

2011-10-08T07:56:00.009-06:00

This is my beautiful 12 year old birthday girl! This morning I was thinking about that morning 12 years ago, as I drove back from Layton at 6 am (more about that later!) I cried as I thought of my little baby all hooked up to machines and lines in the NICU, thankfully it was just a short visit. But Elisabeth came into the world quick and she hasn't stopped moving since! She it the most energetic and dramatic child, so here's 12 of the 100's of reasons
we love this girl!

12. The girl has a stubborn streak (can't imagine where she got that from) but this stubborn streak makes her a fighter. She is a defender of the underdog, and I love that about her. In the last few years I have noticed how she will take care of the kids with special need at our school, she makes sure to say hello and help them with their work. Especially her friend Theory. Elisabeth isn't always a patient person, except for in these situations.

11. "Sassy" LOVES little kids! She is a terrific babysitter, she is the babysitter that sits down with kids and plays games, sings songs and gives hugs. She loves her cousin Adrian and her new friend Truscott. Sometimes I feel bad that all our friends have younger kids than us, but Elisabeth loves it, she loves a good visit with the Monsen's or McFarland's where she can round the kids up to play. She also takes being an example seriously, she know the kids look up to her. She cracks me up when Adrian hits or bites and she takes him by the hands, looks him right in the eye and tells him no. Sometimes that girl is all business.

10. She loves hanging out with the boys, I am not sure if this come from hanging out with Sam and his friend, but she is defintely comfortable being with the boys. One of her very best friends right now is Hayden, they are hilarious together! Elisabeth has found out boys are a lot less drama!

9. She's my ballet girl! 6-10 hours a week and she loves every minute of it. I can honestly say she NEVER complains about going to dance, she loves it to much!

8. Elisabeth is our hard worker, Sam is our dreamer, but Elisabeth will just get it done. Good or bad the girl loves money in her wallet, that this summer as quickly flown out of her wallet to buy accessories. From selling key chains to her coke stand to helping out Grandpa Craig she knows how to earn the cash.

7. The accessories! She is the queen of accessories, bags, rings, jewelry, glasses, earrings she loves it all!

6. Her love of all things cake! She dreams of opening a bakery someday, Lizzie Anne's Cakes. She can't get enough of the cake shows on tv and loves a new cake tool.

5. Speaking of TV, she is queen of the remote and knows how to get around on cable and on-demand better then the rest of us. She has her shows on the dvr that she can't miss, including "Cake Boss," "Toddlers and Tiarras" and "Dance Moms."

4. From hot air balloons to roller coasters to fireworks to white river rafting Elisabeth loves adventure and is not afraid of anything, except spiders!

3. Her love for her brother, even though they drive each other CRAZY they are best friends.

2. She is the most loyal crazy Utes and Packers fan! She wears her colors LOUD and PROUD, win or lose! I won't forget her just bawling after the Packers playoff loss two years ago and how excited she was when they won the Super Bowl last year. And besides how many kids can say they have been to Lambeau Field?

1. Love of life, Elisabeth has a love of life. She is spunky, out going and fun to be with. She if funny, and talks like she is 25 sometimes. She is quick to smile and gets over being angry quickly. She loves making friends and being part of a big family. She is a great kid and a great student and really we couldn't ask for more.

Happy Birthday Izzy B!

It is Halloween...

2011-10-05T14:31:00.003-06:00

With her 12th birthday just a few short days away Elisabeth broke out the Halloween outfit. She loves October, we have the house all decorated and ready to go for her big birthday weekend! I cannot believe how old she is getting!

Fun with a blender...

2011-10-05T14:26:00.003-06:00

This is what my kitchen looks like this afternoon, 4 boys who are getting rather large, blending whatever they can find in my kitchen!

A day of Scouts...

2011-09-30T22:28:00.002-06:00

Sam started his day with a hike, with his Scout troop, of Grandeur Peak. He called me from the top of the mountain so that he could say "mom, I'm calling you from the top of a mountain!" He's not the best hiker, but as always he made it. Then it was home and off with dad's 11 year old scouts to catch crawdaddy's. Apparently it's fun to let them pinch your fingers and fight with each other. That would be Elisabeth's BFF Hayden with Sam.

Do you like my hat?

2011-09-30T22:22:00.002-06:00

A few more pictures of our little buddy, this was our gift to him...come on, he had to have it!

Our Little Buddy...

2011-09-30T17:40:00.002-06:00

Make your own free photo slideshow

When I signed on to tend, for one the kindergarten teachers, for six weeks, I thought "I can do that, I like babies and the cash would be handy for our upcoming family vacation." Besides when my kids were younger we tended kids all the time, family, friends, paid, not paid. I did it then with my own kids at home, so one little guy while my kids were in school should be no problem. Little did I know that in 6 short weeks he would leave such a mark on our hearts. We love little Truscott! I have had to figure out this baby thing all over, and had to gain muscles, remember how to do things one handed, and I can't just say everybody in the car, I have to make a plan. He is pretty much the best baby ever! (except for my own of course!) Imagine how happy I was to tend a baby who has a great schedule, goes to sleep on his own and eats like a trooper. And that is without even mentioning how HAPPY he is all the time, he even wakes up happy. In six weeks he learned to hold his own bottle, stick out his tongue, clap, sit up, roll over and get his first tooth. We also got lots of pats on the back, sloppery kisses and a bit of spit up! As easy as tending has been for us the 6 weeks have been a little bit of a trial for T's parents, with dad away fighting wildfires mom has had to deal with baby first cold, working full time and most recently a broken elbow with a cast. We will miss him so much, he made our home a happier place, seeing that smile every morning made my day. Happily, he gets to stay home with his daddy now, how fun is that? Love you little buddy!

Giddy Up Cowgirl!

2011-09-25T20:28:00.001-06:00

Coming through the ringer...

2011-09-16T22:01:00.001-06:00

This week I experienced my first school board meeting that put me through an emotional ringer. We had a lot of hard things happen, our President was out of town so the 3 ladies were left to put together the whole thing. Which by the way Marge did a terrific job running the show. We had a study session where we I was it with the grueling task we have ahead of us to get a bong passed and a junior high built. Then we had patrons speak on some changes in our special education groups, I have had just a small taste of fighting for a child's rights, and man was it hard to hear the love they have for their kids. We also had patron input on a insurance benefit we were proposing, rough... everyone should have good insurance. Lastly, our sweet Laura wasn't there, she will be greatly missed. We had a moment of silence, and the entire staff told of their experience with this wonderful lady. I have still be in a weird place for the last couple days, but I feel better after emailing my fellow board members and getting their responses, as well as an enlightening response from our Superintendent. phew..... I am going to have to work on not taking things personally, you can never please everyone, Laura told me that during our talk in San Francisco. As long as we are trying to do what is right, that is what matters.

Would You?

2011-09-13T20:47:00.002-06:00

On today's to-do-list was getting Elisabeth's new ballet shoes all sewn and ready to go. First, I must proudly say, that I only paid $5 for the shipping on the ballet slippers, the actual shoes were free. And I only paid $25 for her new pointe shoes! Both were great deals, so proud of my bargain shopping. Anyway I had all her new and old shoes on the bed while I pinned them and thought they made a great picture, and summed up Elisabeth's life.

While the sewing machine was out, I figured I should sew on more of Sam's merit badges...

Elisabeth and I were teasing Jeremiah about him doing the sewing, and he said he would have to pay someone. I said, you know people do get paid to sew Scout badges and probably dance shoes too.So here's the question... Would you or anybody you know pay me to have these things done???? Comments PLEASE!

I'm to sexy for my shoes...

2011-09-11T20:09:00.002-06:00

After wearing hand-me-downs from Zac for a couple years we finally got around to buying Sam new church shoes. Problem is a 13 year old wears a men's size, but his mom has a kids size budget in mind. I just couldn't see paying too much for dress shoes. So after hitting Target, Payless, Ross and TJ Maxx, we found the greatest deal a DSW, we actually bought Sam, "sexy," STEVE MADDEN shoes for $20 bucks! Brand name shoes for less then any of those other places. He thinks he's hot stuff, and I have to admit he looked pretty great for church today.

A little house keeping...

2011-09-11T19:34:00.005-06:00

In the world of school boards they use the term "a little house keeping," all the time when they want to tie up lose ends or make announcements. So I'm doing a little blog house keeping...

Elisabeth left us a note to wish us happy anniversary.

Lizzie spent the last few weeks of summer participating in a the Wasatch Youth Ballet's annual Choreography Concert. Every year the company girls at CBT but together this performance, they do the auditions, planning, choreography and costumes. The upper division girls all have a chance to participate, Elisabeth was selected for a Bollywood number and she had blast. She loved spending time with her friends and getting to know the older girls. She now has a 17 year old soul mate named Mareen. The picture is of Elisabeth and her friend Grace after the first performance. I have begun to say that ballet is Elisabeth "soft place to fall." With the girl drama of last year, which has started this year again, she could always count on her "dance friends." I love this group of girls, they spend a lot a time together and get to be good friends, but without the pressures of boys and school there doesn't seem to be drama. Thank goodness.

Elisabeth kicking off the Utah football season!

This is the design for the Parkside shirts for this year, I stole an idea from the internet, tweaked it a bit and then the great folks at CREW COLORS made it awesome! It goes down the side of the shirt. I am also selling hoody's again and a cool draw string backpacks.

Soon after Jacob got home, Amy arrived home from another summer in Iowa. Her husband Jake came home about three weeks later. It is great to have every one home again.

If your going to be gone pretty much all day for three days to a school board leadership convention, why not offer to host the elders quorum party on Saturday afternoon?
Thankfully Jeremiah did a ton of work getting the yard looking a great, our backyard is coming along now that Koda doesn't dig. We moved the television outside so we could watch the Utah v. USC game, and the turnout was great.

Elisabeth enjoyed having the little kids over, and even gotta to hold the Pike's little guy. And Sam even volunteered to hold him.

Also crammed into the weekend was the Parkside Carnival, where our new Superindent, Dr. Hirase, did me a favor and sat in the dunk tank for an hour. And thankfully the rain held off. My friend Alicia did a ton of work, and unless you have put together a carnival single handedly, you can not imagine how much work it is.

Then it was off to dinner to meet Jereld's girlfriend who was in town from Texas. It was a strange dinner with the two of them in their own world, but hey, at least he's happy.

Sadly, this weekend we lost a friend. My fellow Murray School Board member Laura Baker passed away yesterday. She was diagnosed with Lukemia shortly after trip to San Francisco in April. To be honest, when I ran for office I couldn't imagine how this women in her 80's, who had been on the Board for 20+ years could be affective. I was wrong, dead wrong. I quickly learned that there is no one as well versed in school board policy, she is more in touch with the students, teachers and staff of Murray then anybody you will ever meet. She is an amazing women, who's wisdom will be missed. She had a long chat on the bus in San Francisco that I will never forget, she taught me about pushing boundaries and always remembering the children. She welcomed me to the board with open arms, and would often tell me to remember things because she wouldn't be around forever. Words cannot express my gratitude to this women, and her wonderful husband, for the friendship they have shown me and Jeremiah. She will be missed.

Swiss Days...

2011-09-07T11:36:00.004-06:00

Summer flew by and we didn't get out for little family adventures as much as we would like, but we did were able to spend Saturday at Swiss Days. We had never been before and we had a great time. The parade was everything a small town parade should be, old cars, candy, cheerleaders, bands, and even a chihuahua in a tutu. The we checked out some booths and watched a yodeler perform. Soon our stomachs were calling and we found these GIANT scones with home made jam, so yummy! Then we looked at more booths, Elisabeth bought a ring, Sam bought a bug made from a fork, and I bought an ornament to remember our visit to Swiss Days.

I guess he's alright...

2011-09-06T17:29:00.005-06:00

So Sam is not sure about tending a baby, he's not sure about babies until they are about Adrian's age and then they are fun to play with. But he is getting pretty good at feeding T-man his bottle while I get stuff ready for after school. I think he's even growing fond of him. This week T's dad is home, so we don't get to see him all week and Elisabeth and I miss him already.

Part Dog Part Human...

2011-09-06T17:27:00.001-06:00

Oh Koda makes us laugh sometimes, so first of all he loves peanut butter and second of all look how he is holding on the the jar with his paw.

15 years and counting...

2011-08-27T11:58:00.005-06:00

So our anniversary isn't officially until tomorrow, but with the busyness of Saturdays and Sunday being Jacob's homecoming, we ended up celebrating a few days early. I am forever teasing Jeremiah about his lack of romance, and he is always reminding how he may not always be romantic but when he is he does it right. So he shows up with these beautiful roses...

With a card that says...

So sweet!

And then he wrote me this note...

It says:

15 Reasons You Are Special For 15 Years!!!

1. August 28, 1996 you said I DO!
2. After 1 year you made me want to be a better man.
3. May 6, 1998 you made me a proud father of a son.
4. October 8, 1999 you made me the proud father of a daughter.
5. Your are the most caring person I know.
6. Your always let me have my way.
7. Your always have stood by my side.
8. you have always been a wonderful mother.
9. You give up your time to help others unselfishly.
10. You have made me proud of what you are doing.
11. You almost ALWAYS look for the best in other people.
12. Because of you I have to be more social.
13. You always want me to be happy first.
14. Your always have so much passion for what you do.
15. Your are my BEST FRIEND!

Belinda, it has been 15 years since we have said I do and I know we have never done a lot of gifts or anything but I wanted to do something for you to show you how special you are to me. I love you so much and I can not think of ever being without you. Jeremiah

Yup, pretty cute, huh? He really pulls out all the stops when he decides to show his romantic side. Then he took me to dinner at Rodizio's, and by some small miracle, the two of us had dinner without a phone call, text or email!

It is hard for me to believe that we have been married 15 years, and at the same time I can't imagine a time when we weren't together. A few weeks ago at the temple, Jeremiah leaned over to me in the waiting room and said, "that couple looks like they are 12!" I replied, "ummm... ya so did we." We were so young and we had so many obstacles in front of us and in many ways we came from very opposite worlds. Some how we have bridged that gap, we even do weird things like finish each other thoughts or have the same idea for something. There are still many hurdles in our lives, the last 5 years has been a long stretch. But he works so hard to take care of us and we are blessed beyond measure. Our kids are healthy, smart and outgoing. Our little Murray house has brought us together as a family. We don't have season ski passes or boats and toys, and we can't hit the Tommy section at Dillard's like we used too, but we have everything we need. And mostly we have love, and the gospel, and really it seems to get us by.
I love you Jeremiah Johnson!

Here we go again...

2011-08-24T16:52:00.002-06:00

It never fails, the mornings cool off and we set record high temps in the afternoon, the kids are bored and fighting, and mom is at the end of her rope, it's time for school to start. Elisabeth is excited to be a big 6th grader, she runs around with the best group of kids, a lot of them being boys. She is excited to have the same teacher Sam had, Mrs. Schutz, who as she tells it "is not mean, like other kids say." She has cute little outfits each day with matching accessories and so far has been riding her bike there with the boys. Things are off to good start for the most part, except the reality of 6th grade having more/harder homework.

Sam is off to his second year of junior high, he will tell you he didn't want school to start, but I don't believe him. This year he as a lot more friends in his classes, and lunch with a lot of friends. So far his favorite part is German with Herr Pope, which I kinda figured would be the case. Sam has the best attitude about keeping up on his school work and getting good grades, he's had a bit of rough start with a headache one day and an ear ache today, but hopefully it's just from getting back to work.

Mom is spending her days with a new little friend. When one of our kindergarten teachers asked for suggestion to tend her baby for 6 weeks, I said why not me. Her husband is wildfire fighter and is on duty until October 1st, so little T-man and I are spending our days together. It is working out great because it gives me a little income, cruise money, and it makes me get up and get moving in the morning. It also means I can't spend as much time at Parkside, so it's helping cut the ties there a bit. He is such a good baby, eats like a champ, goes to sleep on his own and is so smiley. Elisabeth gets up early each morning so she can be in charge from 8am until she leaves to school, and little man loves her, he leans for her and gives her slobbery kisses. I'm working out my arms lugging him around and no, I don't want to start over with new baby.

Movin' on up...

2011-08-24T11:41:00.003-06:00

Ashlyn, Elisabeth and Hudson all start 6th grade this year. How'd that happen?

They probably think we are idiots...

2011-08-24T11:33:00.002-06:00

There is one thing for certain at the Johnson home, WE ARE NOT CAMPERS, well mom and dad aren't. Underline and bold the dad part. But Sam loves it, and so off he goes with Scouts on a hike and overnighter. And his brilliant parents send him with a backpack that is WAY to big for him, I didn't know there were different sizes until about an hour after he left, a sleeping bag that was way to heavy and to hot and who knows what else we packed incorrectly. His Scout leader, Steve, is so quiet and so patient! I wish he would just tell us we are idiots! Well despite it all Sam had a great time, and even though he was completely exhausted, he can't wait to go again.

"Ding Dong!"

2011-08-22T12:11:00.001-06:00

After a late night ring of the door bell, this is what we found on our porch! Cute, huh?

He's Home!

2011-08-22T11:54:00.005-06:00

It seemed like just yesterday that we were at Tereminal 2 picking up Jordan and then there we are at Tereminal 1 pick up Jake! It was so good to see him! He looks just the same, and to Jordan's chigrin he pretty skinny. Jake had big hugs for everybody including his nephew he had never met, and boy was Adrian confused. We had all been showing him pictures and talking about Jake and JoJo, but when they both were in front of him he was perplexed. After the hugs and hello's the silliness set in, as Jordan and the big kids started sucking hellium from the balloons and then talking to Adrian in silly voices, boy did he think they were funny. Yesterday, at mom and dad's house, we got visit more and hear more about his mission and about the Czech Repuplic. It feels great to have them both home. Stetson was funny when we left the airport, he said looks like i'm sitting in the back seat again! Here's some pics from the airport, unfortunately mine didn't turn out well, so I hijacked these from Jana and Jess.

"No! No! Big Pappy"

2011-08-22T11:49:00.002-06:00

I love that Adrian knows my name... "Binda!" He also knows when he pulls up to my house and when he comes in he wants to see "big pappy" but when Koda gets a little to friendly Adrian scurries up into the big chair and tells him "no, no!" So cute! This same day he had to go find the kitty under Elisabeth's bed and then to my surprise he climbed right on the bed. Then he said "'mon Stocky," translation "come on Stockton," because he wanted him to sit on the bed with him.

Needy...

2011-08-19T15:48:00.002-06:00

Both my pets are spoiled rotten and so needy...

This is Koda sleeping right by my feet while I am at the computer...

And this is both of them, irritated that I am ironing instead of paying attention to them!

A Ballerina and her Marine...

2011-08-19T15:40:00.003-06:00

Elisabeth has been lucky enough to have Miss Lindsay for ballet for a couple of years, including Molly Mouse. Lindsey has been a student or teacher at CBT since she was three years old and is a beautiful dancer. Well, as Miss Lindsay fell in dated, fell in love, and planed a wedding to her Marine, the girls new all the details. They were so excited for her, and she invited them all to the wedding. She then decided to plan a flash mob to surprise her new hubby, this is where one person (the bride) starts dancing and then people in the crowd gradually join in doing the same choreography. The girls were buzzing about it all summer, and were so excited that night. And yes he was surprised. Afterward, the bride and groom danced and danced and the girls danced along. I must say this is about he 6th wedding we have been to this summer and they were the cutest couple ever! So in love and so fun, they had little cards at each table talking about things they enjoyed or had done together, and even though he had been at boot camp/training for much of their engagement, they had so many adventures. As I stood there watching I hoped that someday Elisabeth would be that happy someday, without the part of leaving for 2 years to Camp Pendleton.

Adventure...

2011-08-19T15:34:00.003-06:00

The kids and took a little adventure out to Herriman to see the Parade of Homes. I call it an adventure because Herriman is like on the other side of the state! My brother lives in Bluffdale, easy you just jump on the freeway and you are there in no time, but Herriman is another story, we had to drive all the way back to Riverton before we got to a gas station to get drinks. We did have fun though, we saw the "UP" house and two others, the man made lake and from the one home you had a view of the valley, including 3 temples.
The "UP" house was so beautiful, I expected it to be really cheesy, and I suppose the pastel colors on the outside are. But inside it had beautiful wood work, tile, bathrooms and kitchens. They even had the characters out side for pictures.

Queen Of Bargins...

2011-08-19T15:31:00.002-06:00

Part of Elisabeth's shopping fetish is finding GREAT deals. She was dying to go the the Bath&Body premiere party for their Paris line, they were giving a bottle away with purchase. But luck for her 3 days before we saw on the internet that if you took a print out of the home page of SEVENTEEN magazine you got a large bottle completely FREE! She is sure it smells like Paris.

My Big 'Ole Family...

2011-08-17T12:11:00.004-06:00

Elisabeth and I were talking on Sunday about Jacob coming home this week, she was trying to remember when the last time the 27 of us were together. 27 is the magic number of family members going on our cruise. I had to remind her that last time we were all together our number was only 22! So I decided to look for a picture...

January 2009 - Jordan's Farewell - Almost all the kids, I think Amy was away at school.

November 2008 - Thanksgiving in Vegas - Grandma and Grandpa with all the grandkids!

Not only have we grown in numbers with the addition of Taylor, Junior, Adrian, Jake and Brock. But can you believe how much the kids have changed? I think Jacob will be surprised to see how big they all are, especially his little brothers. I am feeling sentimental for some reason lately, I am so excited to have my whole family back in the USA! And when Amy and Jake come home in September they will all be home where they belong! (And Jan, Chad, Stetson and Jordan come from London today.)

Pictures to come of all 27!

Hmmm...

2011-08-15T11:13:00.002-06:00

I just came across this and I think it's perfect for the start of the new school year. It's going on our refridgerater and both the kids mirrors, and probably a few other places.

Before You Speak Think

My girl...

2011-08-09T13:36:00.002-06:00

A Boy Scout is... Hungry!

2011-08-09T13:16:00.002-06:00

Bright Sunshiny Days...

2011-08-09T12:58:00.003-06:00

13 days!

2011-08-06T10:19:00.003-06:00

And Jake will be home! Yea! When Amy and Jake come home the end of August everybody will be where they should be. Three short months until all 27 of us go cruising! Looking forward to a busy fall.

Janey's Baking Class...

2011-08-02T16:58:00.005-06:00

Elisabeth has been looking forward to baking class all summer, my super talented cousin Laura is teaching. The girls meet for 2 hours each day for two weeks at my aunt Becky's home. They have had such a great time learning how to pipe, roll foundant, sugar paste flowers, and bake cakes. Not only are they learning all sorts of stuff, but they get to have Laura as the teacher and there are several cousins in the class, making for extra fun. Laura has done so much work to get everything ready, she is truly a school teacher at heart, they have quick starts, folders and she has made each of them their own tool kit, so cool. Only problem is that now Elisabeth wants to bake all the time at home, what a mess! At the end of week one they each brought home a beautiful creation.

Roxi and Eliza

Elisabeth's bumble bee cake.

Ashlyn's outdoors cake.

Witchy Hats...

2011-08-02T16:55:00.002-06:00

Can you believe the stores are already full of Halloween stuff, well at the least the crafty stores. While Lisa and the older kids were at youth conference we took Ashlyn and Elisabeth to Quilted Bear for a look around, they loved trying on these witchy hats...

A picture of me???

2011-07-25T20:25:00.002-06:00

It doesn't happen often, but I actually like this picture of my beautiful nieces, my darling nephew and myself!

And yet, more proof that he is obsessed with toes!
Yes, he does have diaper on :)

Just for us...

2011-07-25T20:20:00.002-06:00

We went for a consultation at the orthodontist the other day and the kids got a real kick out of the parking spot reserved just for us!

This...

2011-07-25T20:04:00.004-06:00

This is Sam, ready to head to a week of Scout camp. Wish I had a picture with this big orange back pack... he looked like the kid on "UP." Lot's of talks this morning about safety, and "remember who you are and what you stand for." I know, I know, it's Scout Camp, I would rather not think about that part.

This is who Elisabeth found to replace her brother at the Pioneer Day parade, Hayden. They are such great friends to each other, total goof balls.

This is Elisabeth getting Hayden to pull her on the wagon to the car. Have I mentioned how she can get boys to do anything, scary!

This is float I thought was super cute...

This is what we did this afternoon, swimming with the Rigby boys and Adrian.

This is Adrian attacking Elisabeth's "piggies," that boy loves piggies.

This is Sam and Elisabeth, being buds, it's gonna be a long week without him.

Pioneer Day...

2011-07-24T13:36:00.002-06:00

I've been gathering stuff for weeks, mainly baby food jars, for this weeks sharing time. It was all about pioneer children. I made the girls bonnets (paper and fabric) and the boys kerchiefs. We sat around a "fire" and made butter. I told them about the lives of pioneer children, read a story and played the game "In my basket." And the when the butter was all shook, it was easier for the big kids, we had yummy butter on crackers. It was such fun morning, the kids seemed to really enjoy it, making my work totally worth it. It also served as a reminder of what a sacrifice the early Saints made to settle this beautiful valley, their strength and faith is awe inspiring.

I wish I had more pictures, but its hard to take pictures and be in charge :)

LA..goon!

2011-07-20T19:50:00.001-06:00

Another photo collage by Smilebox

1 month!

2011-07-19T22:57:00.001-06:00

My awesome, handsome, fabulous, smart, great missionary nephew comes home in one month!
Yahoo!!!

Proof...

2011-07-17T22:52:00.003-06:00

That Sam is a stud muffin... this is Sam with his cutie friend... she's going to be a sophmore! Sam has spent time with friends this summer from 8-17 years old, tonight the older kids stopped by to say hi. I told Sam to put his arm around Kylie, to his credit he did, even though it was totally awkward!

Cousins... continued...

2011-07-17T22:47:00.002-06:00

Arica and Taylor

Chad and Jessica

Hudson and Adrian

Ali and Jordan, "Please, give me a back rub."

Cousins...

2011-07-16T21:16:00.003-06:00

We have been having fun spending time with Adrian this summer, he is so fun, cute and smart. Everything right now is big... big puppy, big sky, big bike, so this is him on Sam's "big bike."

He does get a bit crazy when he gets sleepy though! So then we have a book, a bottle and a blanky on the couch.

Also, this summer has included a visit from my cousins from Washington, Iowa and Idaho. It has been so fun to see all of them and their kids, we have spent hours at my aunt Becky's visiting while the kiddos played. Elisabeth loves all these "little" cousin and has enjoyed getting to the ring leader. On this night they were playing games, like Red Rover and Telephone, it was a little unpredictable with this bunch.

Proof that I do have another child...

2011-07-16T21:05:00.003-06:00

Recently, I looked at the pictures I have posted this summer and realized it looks like Elisabeth is an only child! Really we haven't sent Sam away to the prep academy, as we threaten him sometimes, he is alive and well. Most of his day consist of sleeping in until 9ish, doing a few choirs, spending a few hours in his pajamas playing Little Big Planet, then he calls a friend or two, they hang around the Johnson house all day (eating me out of house and home), then it's dinner time and off to Scouts, Young Men's or to hang out with the boys from his Young Men's group. This summer we have moved to late nights and sleeping in and mostly being on his own for Slurpee runs and meeting up with buddies. I guess we have a teenager!