Family Holiday Traditions are the Best!

The second annual Johnson family Easter Pageant was a huge success. We missed Dave and Sam who were home sick (that hubbie of mine seems to catch anything and everything!) but managed to have a great time despite their absence. My mother-in-law Pam is an overachiever and this celebration did not disappoint. We reenacted the last week of the Savior's life with each of the grandchildren having a role. We even had a cardboard tomb. My father-in-law Wynn was Christ and at the end he came in a white robe and sang a beautiful song, the kids were transfixed. It is a fabulous way to really feel the spirit of the Resurrection of Christ. Dinner was delicious and very exciting when the oven caught fire. I am already looking forward to next Easter.

My sister Whitney loves St. Patrick's Day and her enthusiasm is catchy. We had green pancakes and eggs and milk for breakfast and a treasure hunt after school. Liv is a little frightened of the leprechauns because she is convinced a "midget" lives in a little door in my closet and it looks just like those treasure seeking leprechauns. Where do kids come up with these things? My mom had a fun St. Patrick's Day dinner, everything was a hit but the green chicken. Some things are just disgusting when they're green!

Oh the luck of the Irish, Charlie and Brock frolicking in the tire swing.

Solitude Ski Vacation

I decided upon my retirement spot. We had the greatest weekend up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Thanks Grandpa Charley's boss for the free condo. Thanks Johnson cousins and Grandma Pam for skiing with us on Saturday and then scaring everyone out of the pool afterwards. Thanks Brighton LDS ward for the most reverent sacrament meeting we have ever experienced. Thanks Heber J for the fun sledding spot by your cabin. When can we go again?

Olivia's First Stitches!

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and I had bribed Brig to practice the piano. Olivia cheerfully came running into the living room and tripped on the rug. We watched her literally fly across the room and hit her temple on the piano bench. Oh, the blood and tears! Actually, Olivia was very brave. Dave and I took her to the Instacare, my parents were horrified no plastic surgeon was involved on their beautiful granddaughters' face. Maybe we should have taken her to the hospital because the PA that gave her 4 stitches looked and acted exactly like Juno. Olivia was so good she got a dum dum for all her trouble. Hopefully this is her first and LAST experience with stitches.

The Joys of Motherhood!

The great family rivalry, Utes vs BYU

BYU vs. U of U B-ball Game

Olivia's new princess dress-thanks Grandma Goose

A few weeks ago I thought I was either dreaming or Mother's Day had come early this year, my kids were so awesome. It was a Sunday and they all got up and got dressed without complaining. (this is a big deal) Then Brig practiced the piano and Sam played the guitar, again without being asked. (this is an even bigger deal) They were sweet all day and I was in heaven.

Now contrast that with today. Dave has been out of town for a couple of days. We have been busy with work, school and lessons. Sam made it to the District Science Fair, exciting, but a lot of time. Olivia has a gaggle of little girls who love to play together every day. Today they were at mine and the crying and tattling was at a record high. I guess I am still getting used to little girls. I "politely" asked Sam to get ready for wrestling and 3 minutes before it was time to go he was madly rushing around trying to find his gear, which it turns out he left at wrestling. ( he has the Allen forgetful gene) I took the boys to get hair cuts. Charlie wanted the "one" buzz, I tried to secretly tell the gal to use a "two" otherwise he truly looks bald. Charlie overheard and was so upset he tried to run away. Olivia was crying, "Not our "toot" (cute) brother, "him's" (he's) running away." The other patrons were getting a good laugh. I am way past the point of being embarrassed, been there, done that too many times. Now they are finally all asleep, I'm ready to watch some mind numbing TiVo and be grateful for my four great kids who keep me laughing, it truly is the best medicine and the only thing you can do on days like this. Motherhood rocks!

Our Little Princess Turns Four!

I have loved every second with this precious baby girl, she has been a delight. We invited 10 little girls to her princess fairy party because she gets along with everyone so well. I love spending time with her, she is fabulous at thank you and I love you. I was leaving this morning to take the boys to school and she had to kiss both my cheeks and give me a hug first. I only got one girl, how grateful I am it was Olivia!

JOY!

I had the chance to speak in Young Womens about finding Joy in life. I have been blessed with the ability to overcome the adversary and adversity and turn negative events into positive happenings. I truly love life! I know that life deals some pretty hard knocks, but if we search, we find something for which to be grateful.

My family brings me great joy! I know it sounds cheesy and unrealistic, but I am best friends with my sisters, my brother and his wife, my parents, my kids, my husband, and in-laws. I would rather play with my family than anyone else. The Gospel makes me happy. I love the peace the knowledge of the Savior and the atonement give. I can't imagine life without this gift. I know I am getting old, its hard to accept, but having a healthy body that still lets me be outside enjoying nature rocks. This week I was able to run up suncrest on a gorgeous sunny day and then a few days later go skiing with Brig on another amazing day, could life get any better?

Happy Birthday Charlie!

How can I describe our Charlie? Our passion child is truly a passionate child! My sister Whitney told Charlie he was her favorite nephew, a fact he did not keep secret. But he is really hard not to adore! Char was born with a sense of humor. He is a social butterfly and has made some great friend in his first grade class. He is realizing he is not 11 years old and he can play with kids his own age. The other day we were shopping and he borrowed my cell phone to chat with his budddies.

My Dad took he and his cousin Christopher to a BYU Basketball game. We had a great time! Thanks Dad. Charlie loves anything to do with BYU. For his Birthday party we went to the Bean Museum ton campus to check out the "creepy" animals and then to the creamery for ice cream. It was awesome! We love you Charlie.