Sunday, December 20, 2009

Tree Trouble

I have had a Christmas tree glut. I decorated:
My living room tree,












Our Angel and moose tree. Try and figure that one out!

My science room tree-took it down and redecorated it in the library,
my music room tree-took it down and redecorated it in the boys room,







I always love this little glowing tree


Lacey's Aggie tree- she took it down and redecorated it in her room, and I helped my mom with her tree. They all bring a little jingle to my heart. Although, we have found that you can't put a cheap tree over a heat register. Strange things happen.








Go Aggies!

The first time the boys room tree fell over, it awoke Hayden. He immediately blamed Zooey, but she was asleep by him. Then he blamed Carter. Carter was asleep in the family room. We 'Jerry-rigged' it back up. About an hour later, it fell for the last time. Shall we give it a decent burial or try and make a wooden stand? (they don't melt)

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Oh Dear!!

I just had to take Hayden to his practice and when we started the car, I saw this big old head looking at me from my patio by my lilac bushes. I asked Hayden, "Is that a deer?". We decided it was.Then we looked into the garden and each saw another deer....not the same one. I pulled the car so the headlights shone on the garden and another fawn jumped into the garden from the lower yard. They weren't nervous about us at all. Four deer in our yard at once. I took Hayden to his practice , did some light shopping and when I came home they are all bedded down in the gardens. I threw out four old apples and they didn't move at all. I tried to take their picture, but that wasn't cool. They left. I think I can hear them going down the driveway. I hope they aren't spying for Santa Claus!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Deck the Halls

I have been working on enjoying the Christmas season. I have decked my halls, Lacey's halls and am working on decking the halls at school. Marinda helped me put a tree in the music room. I still need to find some music themed ornaments for it. I am putting up a tree in the science room window tomorrow. The food drive will also kick off tomorrow. I am in a busy groove. My goal was to learn to love Christmas this year....but I feel the old dread sneaking in on me. I love the gift we were given and reminded of at Christmas time. It's just the worlds sense of gluttony that I am sick of. To combat that, I plan to sing (as soon as I recover from this cold), bake, listen to music, enjoy concerts, enjoy parties and love the people in my life. Will that be enough to make the season bright?

Friday, November 13, 2009

Christmas Gifts

Here is the schedule for Christmas Gifts for 2009. If you aren't family...feel free to give to whomever you like. Just kidding.
Lamberts give to Lacey
Johnson Hayden
Townsends Carter
Goudys Lamberts
Lacey Johnsons
Hayden Townsends
Carter Goudys

Plan on $25.00-30.00

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Ouch!!

I have not had a terrific week. An interesting one, but I am glad it's almost over. On Monday, I had another experience that has made me 'first grader shy'. If you want to know...come see me. Then on Tuesday, I was running out my back door to give my neighbor her 'late' birthday gift. I planned to pick up Hayden from Marinda's tutoring school after that. (thanks Marinda!) I was wearing my stupid clumsy shoes and holding the gift. Out the door I ran and tangled my feet in Bianca's rope. I stumbled and stumbled for what seemed like forever, my heart leaping to my throat. I didn't want to drop the gift and save myself because I worked hard on that gift. (I swear this happened in slow motion.) Finally, I can tell I am not going to remain upright under any circumstances, so I throw the gift to the safest spot I can think of (under stress). Then I bit the dust. Literally. Bit the dust. It was gross. My head banged hard into the ground and my knees started screaming about the injustice done to them. I choked out Carter's name as I thought I could hear him. He and Paul sauntered over. When they saw me, they sprang into action. I told Carter I needed the gift delivered and I needed Dad. ...He delivered the gift and then got Steve. Paul stayed by my side asking,"Are you alright Mom? We need to fix that so it isn't dangerous." I am bleeding from my mouth (which was still full of dirt). I kept saying I was okay, but I really wanted Steve to help me in the house and start crying. Which I did. Steve cleaned the wounds with Hydrogen Peroxide....that burns...I really started crying..sorry kids for any time I might have used that on you. I had a hematoma on my forehead. (Just a huge bruise now), a scrape that goes from my fore head to my chin, a huge fat lip that feels like it will open up if I laugh,and my lips feel like they are peeling off. And prayers are a little tricky. Wednesday, Ethan and his family came to visit. He was a little shocked. I started joking that a kiss would make me better. Then I started chatting with his mom. A few minutes later, he asked me to pick him up and he gently kissed my face to make it better. What a guy! Alaina also saw me Wednesday morning. She was fine. She knew Grammy would still be the same. I am thankful I didn't break an arm or teeth. I am grateful for my loving family. I am grateful for grand children's kisses. I hope for a brighter next week.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Carter McKay


Carter on the fifty miler last summer.
I remember the night before Carter was born. I cherished our last few hours alone together. Then the wild ride began! Carter had a dramatic entrance into the world. He has loved being on stage since. Carter is the life of the party. I am so proud of him. He is talented in music, although he keeps it quiet. When I can get him to sing, he has a beautiful voice. He is working hard to improve himself and his grades. Sometimes he is the only one around to keep me company. He is so creative. He can take someone else's junk and create something out of it.
Our favorite story about Carter: When I was in the Primary presidency, Carter had a hard time keeping his little body on those hard molded chairs. Many weeks, I would sit at the front, pointing at him and with a hoarse whisper, command him to arise and sit. One day, the song lady, told all the children she was looking for reverant children to help. Hayden was the first child chosen. He did a fantastic job of holding the picture and as he returned to his seat, Sunbeam Carter stuck his thumbs in the air and proclaimed loudly. "Way to go Hayden, Now you can be baaaad." I was horrified at the moment, but still chuckle when I think of it.
Carter is my baby boy . What a hard place to be. Never having seniority enough to 'battle' his way into shotgun. Having a myriad of parents. Always picked on. But Carter is the person all the grandchildren search out when they come to play. His name is one of the first we hear. He is always ready to play with them.

Carter loves to paintball.

Carter loves to do pull ups on my doorjambs!!! I had allocated one doorjamb he can pull himself up on, but he keeps forgetting. One of these times we will be replacing the trim. He also has double jointed shoulders. Creepy! I don't know if that is going to be helpful in wrestling or not! Carter is also a wrestler. You have to when you have an older brother picking on you.
Carter loves going to scouts and his leaders. He can often be found at his leaders homes scrounging food from them. He recently was elected to Order of the Arrow and in enjoying that. (See a more recent post.)
I appreciate his spirituality and kindness to others. He is helpful and tries to be friends with everyone. As I listen to the boys talk, (Yes, I eavesdrop!) I hear them put each other down. Carter is usually the one trying to make peace.
The earth is a much better place with Carter on it.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Hayden Hunter


Hayden with a special friend at his surprise birthday party
Hayden was a bonus baby. I knew I had two more children, but Steve kept saying 'no'. Finally the Spirit let Steve know and we prepared to welcome a new member of the family. I remember when he was born, I thought I had won some kind of heavenly sweepstakes. He had a deep voice as a baby and fuzzy hair that grew into ringlets as he got older. I couldn't cut them off. One day while bathing him, I noticed his hair was half way down his back. That is when we decided to make him a big boy. Does anyone remember his 'man voice' from Jr. Primary?
All too soon he grew up. But another treasure unfolded. When he 'tooted' his first horn, the music in him got a release. He is full of music. What joy he brings to me. He sings, plays guitar, trumpet, a little piano and can pretty much make any instrument he touches relinquish a song. He loves to sing with the family, which was pretty small last family night. Carter wasn't in a singing mode, Dad was at work, so it was just Mom and Hayden. I have to say my voice isn't right on these days and I felt pathetic at first. Soon we had it down. What a great way to end Family Home Evening. I also enjoyed a great band concert with him last night. I even heard his solos!
Hayden is a leader. He is very active in the Boy Scouts Order of the Arrow. He has even encouraged Carter to participate. When Hayden decides something needs to be done, he is ruthless until it is done. (I think he is starting to think about homework that way!!! Yipee)
I try not to be prideful, but it was so much fun experiencing "Singing in the Rain" with him. I was awed that he could tap dance so well with the few lessons he had. He sang great. Acted great and I was thrilled. Lina and Don in costume
He seems like he is older than his years, which concerns me sometimes. I am grateful that he has a testimony and goals to serve to the Savior. I am 'happy' of the way he is planning his life. Hayden after the family camping trip. Wasn't that fun ?

Friday, October 16, 2009

Check it Out!

Thanks Bonnie, this was great fun!
http://monstermashup.com/07c37f
or this one
http://www.monstermashup.com/fdb84a
or this one
http://www.monstermashup.com/609e4d


Long Live The Queen

Lacey with some of her nieces and nephews on her birthday

As I was expecting my 5th child, I hoped with all my heart it was a girl. I don't know why. I already had three fantastic girls. I should have been hoping for a brother for Jeremiah, but I wanted another little princess. I was rewarded with another sweet daughter. We couldn't choose a name for her. Finally we decided on Melissa June. Melissa after a distant Johnson grandmother and June after a favorite aunt of mine. As we brought our treasure home, we realized my brother's new stepdaughter was named Melissa. I decided we needed a nickname. The kids tried Lizzie...I didn't like it. I came up with Lacey. It stuck! Lacey became the Queen of the House. She even told Morgan that one day. "I am the Queen of this house, Morgan!" May I say, her reign has been superb. She is such a great person. She takes good care of her parents. She is a driven person, graduating with a 4.0 from high school She paid for her college with her hard work. I don't know if she is a 'True Aggie" or not. (Don't want to know that!) But she is probably the most loyal Aggie they will ever find. She has the greatest room mates ever. I am grateful to them for watching over my baby girl. Lacey is a talented swing dancer, recently dancing with the 'A' team. She has a beautiful voice which I miss so much. I love to sing with her. She also gives a terrific foot rub. The family lines up at parties for a little attention Lacey on our family camping trip...hey, it could have been a bathroom picture!

from Lacey. She is talented in the domestic arts...sewing, cooking stuff like that. She was the president of the FCCLA her senior year. (I think I have the right initials.) It was a group of talented seamstresses, chefs, etc.
Lacey loves her nieces and nephews. Thanks to the siblings for bringing them to visit when she is home.
She is such a great friend to me. It has been really hard to have her leave for school. The house is empty with the queen away! Lacey on her Senior Choir trip. What a cutie!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Check it Out!

I hope you go through the "Favorite People" to the side once in a while. New surprise there! Also the Monster Mash on Bonnie and Jim is very funny. Here's wishing you a lovely autumn day!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Members of a Gang



Hayden and Carter are now fellow members of the Order of the Arrow. Carter just completed his 'ordeal' this weekend...I don't know what it is...it's a secret. I have heard rumors that new recruits can't speak for overnight. I am sure that was painful for Carter. I also know they perform a service. They both looked so cute in their uniforms and sashes. I am proud of my baby boys.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

The Gift of Goudy


Morgan came into my life on a beautiful May morning. She is has always been full of fun. I can close my eyes now and see her one handed cartwheels and that blonde hair that had a mind of it's own. (Odd, because now her hair always looks great!) She has always seemed to have music in her soul and dances away. She is thoughtful and looks for ways to treat others to pampering around her. Morgan had a best friend when she was little named Ashleigh. They were so cute together. I remember putting them in the same playpen on a camping trip. A few minutes later, Morgan was all messy and Ashleigh was still sitting there perfect. They loved each other. Ashleigh's mission assignment on this earth was short. When she got sick, I wondered how Morgan would react. My heart was warmed when Morgan just loved her friend and would lay by her hugging her. I am sure there is a joyful reunion planned in the next life.
I remember one of Morgan's first dates. She had aske
d a young man in the neighborhood to the Christmas dance. She looked beautiful that night. I also remember him giving her a very large bear for a Christmas gift. I wondered if there was some kind of mutual attraction right then...I was right. They fell in love and were eventually married. Kenny has been a great son in law to us. He is helpful and seems to know when we need his help. He is a great husband and father. He has a high level on spiritual wisdom, and is always kind to everyone.
Kenny and Morgan welcome a star right out of heaven last wi
nter. Colton tried out some new headwear for the family campout

C
olton is an extra special child. He has a smile the starts at his mouth and spreads radiantly all over his face. I love to call his name and watch that smile as he recognizes me! One of my most treasured moments this year was watching him be sealed to his parents in an eternal family. I am truly blessed by the Goudy family.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Totally Townsend


Here is my third sweep stakes prize from Heaven. Marinda was born at home early in the morning on a warm September day. She was so tiny. I used to show her that she weighed the same as a 5 pound bag of sugar and a package of chocolate chips. She is still a 'sweety'. She has entertained me since she was a little girl. I have videos of her singing, juggling and making me laugh in general. Does anyone remember, "Hello.......fat lady"? I remember the pride (that I really tried to not let take over my heart) as she sang solos throughout her high school career. We also drove to Ephraim two nights in a row to hear her sing solos for the Messiah.
I am so grateful for home teachers....Marinda married hers. We love Jamey. Although he very quiet and I fear for his soul when the rowdy Johnsons are in their groove. He is a great man. We are glad he is in our family. Marinda and friends ham it up at a party

2 years ago, precious Ethan made it on the scene. He is so funny. He loves to help take care of the chickens, ride the lawn mower or the cart behind it, rearrange my curio cabinet and make Grammy laugh. I love to hear him say, " I made a mess" (Usually sounds like, "jdhksuyrhkjsd a mess" to me.) Ethan and Lacey enjoying the lawn mower
Marinda serves as the secratary in the Primary in her ward. (I forgot to add stuff like this to Stephanie and Jeremiah's tributes...sorry you still know I love you though?) Marinda has blessed my life. She takes good care of her mommy.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

My boy, Jeremiah


I remember the excitement I felt when Jeremiah was born. He is my second child, but my first born son. He is a handsome boy. (I like his bare face better than the hairy one, but I love him all the same). He has always been the kind of person, who gives great service. There is a dear sister that lives a few doors away. She told me she still misses Jeremiah, because he always checked on her and helped her in her yard. Jeremiah works as a printer. He is an excellant father to two of my precious grandchildren. Jeremiah also gave us our first grandchild. We are amazed at this fantastic family. Marian is a loving daughter in law. She is good to her husband and devoted to Cory and Isabelle. I just wished they lived closer to us. They live in the dark and dreary wilderness of Salt Lake City. I love to see my Cory and hear him calling me,"Grammy Jo, guess what?" Or talking to me on the phone. I still remember the phone call with a sobbing Cory telling me that he needed to come to my house. Isabelle can melt me with her smiles. She wants to make Poppie feel good so she hangs around him, but when she smiles at me, I know we are buddies.
The Johnson family loves football, dancing and w
e hope hanging around us. I am truly blessed.

Pumpkin Dessert

Morgan asked for my recipe of Pumpkin Dessert. It is an Autumn treat that we enjoy every year. It is fast and easy. Try it this month!

3 eggs 1 tsp. of pumpkin pie spice (or whatever you do to season pumpkin pie)
1 c. sugar 1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1/2 tsp. salt 1 cube butter ... or margarine
1 can (29 oz.) Pumpkin Whipped topping
1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
Blend eggs, pumpkin,salt, milk and spice together. Pour into a greased 9X13 pan. Sprinkle cake mix on top. Dot with butter. Bake 350* for 1 hour. Serve warm with whipped topping.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Heigh Ho Halloween is Here....Almost


Morgan talked me into starting my Halloween decorating. I love Halloween! I am planning on burying a few people this weekend. For those of you that are perplexed....look at the pictures. More Halloween later!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Love Those Lamberts

I have decided to honor each of the darling children that were sent to teach me celestial lessons. I will start with the one that had the hardest assignment. Stephanie. She has always been the calm "I can take care of my mother" child.She is talented, smart and who we call when someone is sick or injured. She is an incredible nurse, working with tiny little bodies that were too anxious to get on with life. She is serving in the Primary Presidency in her ward. She is married to a super fantastic man-Richard. We have been so blessed to welcome him to our family. Richard is a great brother-in-law to Hayden and Carter. He invites them over for sleepovers to play Guitar Hero, etc. all night. He will never know how much we love him.
Stephanie and Rich are the perfect parents of Alaina Grace. Shown here on her blessing day. What a beautiful gift the day she came into my life.

Alaina is my oldest granddaughter. I am loving being her Grammy. She loves to be at my house. She knows where all the good 'toys' are and keeps us laughing with her sayings and antics. WE love when the Lamberts visit. They are such good sports and join in all our crazy ideas for fun. They were the first to hear the cougar scream on our campout, play a mean game of badmiton, ride bikes to come visit, and are pretty much perfect ...well maybe they leave too soon and don't come over quite often enough, but we know they have busy lives also.

When I am feeling down, I have learned that counting my blessings and practicing gratitude (it's a verb!) always helps me back to a happy life. The Lamberts are always on my special list of blessings! Next week we meet the Super Johnsons.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

The Cat Came Back....


I love my new job! I know that, eventually I will have to teach the core and be a good girl, but for the first two weeks as I have established rules and procedures, we have played. My boss told me that the students have not been very enthusiastic about music so I began a quest to convert them. I have been singing questionable songs.....they love them. This week I taught them The Cat Came Back, a delightful song of the adventures of an unwanted cat with an uncanny talent of survival. A bit violent...but they loved it. One 3rd grade boy (usually a discipline challenge) said, "Mrs. Johnson this song is violent!". I said "Okay, I won't finish it." Pleas of protests were heard for the finish. One second grade girl stated that she would be having nightmares.
I think I am safe in my job as the administration keeps visiting ...(checking on me or enjoying my refrigerated air?) and I still have a job. So far so good. Any ideas of songs for the future? Please share. PS I love Bill the Cat!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Sliding Down the Scale

I just finished my first two music classes...... In the first grade class, things went well. I taught them my rules and went over procedures. Then we learned the Muppets song with altered words to introduce the music class. There are a couple of boys that I am going to have to establish my authority with hard and fast, but things went pretty well. Then I showed them my camp song book and taught them ' I'm a Little Ol' Piece of Tin'. It was fun. Their teacher came in. I stood to get the toys that I had confiscated from two students and promply stood on the 'Flaming Marshamallow' and slid rapidly to the ground......I hurt! My elbow and wrist are hurting and now my back....worst of all, can I maintain discipline in that class now? Help me make it through the rest of the day....I am going to the office for some sympathy.

Friday, August 21, 2009

A Gift Every Morning


Every morning, is a gift- A promise that I can try again to be perfect. Even though I know that I haven't accomplished it yet, I get to try. Every morning is a promise that I am watched over and loved, that angels are lining up to visit me during the day. Sometimes they rub my feet and brush me hair, or make me laugh or hug me while I cry, but I met them every day. I tried to capture the promise I get each morning. This was a glorious sunrise on our camping trip.Thanks for getting me Stephanie and Rich. Today, I will try and be a good friend, a caring mother and a better wife. It's been a glorious day.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Home With Stars in Our Eyes



We are happily home from our star struck family camping trip. I am exhausted. We saw some fantastic shooting stars on Wednesday night - before the clouds rolled in, unfortunately, those clouds thought we were there to see them. The meteorites that we did see were incredible. Our favorites were the big ones with tails. We painted T shirts and quilt blocks, made bracelets and rock necklaces, rode motorized toys, practiced target shooting, had a paint ball war, ate good food, sang good songs, loved great children, enjoyed toasty fires and celebrated our family. We are making a 'star' quilt which we will give to a lucky member of the family in the future. I think we have a new family tradition. Thanks to all the great family members, each of which took the time to share and give to their siblings and parents. Each of them had a great attitude and tried to make sure everyone had fun. As usual, I enjoyed the moment and thus forgot to take enough pictures. Someday we will find out what that strange screaming you heard was about!
Next time let's not order a snow storm to escort us home!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Triumphant Return





They made it home victorious! Steve's knee didn't even bother him. They caught fish, had a good relationship with the rangers, had fires, survived the storms and returned home as lean mean working machines. Steve caught a 16 inch fish! Carter finally tried eating fish and liked it. Hayden was like a warrior carrying that heavy pack. They found great places to bunk down. All their equipment worked. The springs were fantastic as usual and they return home with their precious booty. (Spring water in a bottle). I guess I was the only one having a hard 50 miler.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

I Miss Steve


It has seemed like a very long week. The positives: my house has remained relatively clean,no chickens have passed on, the temperatures dropped, the cars are still running, no bounced checks...yet, lunch twice with my parents,saw three of my grandchildren this week. The negatives: are they laying under a tree somewhere the victims of a mass lightning strike? one more year of Steve giving his vacation up, trouble sleeping because Steve is gone, no music from Hayden, no hugs from Carter, phone calls and doors from people not remembering they are gone, all the work is mine to do, chickens loved the cucumbers, my heart is lonely,the dang dog barked almost every night (was it the boogey man?), my hobby of worrying has really been exercised.
They get home tonight. I am planning a good dinner for them and bracing myself for all the clutter, stinky boys and no hot water as they relax in the showers.
Whew! I am sure looking forward to tonight!


Sunday, August 2, 2009

I am NOT Eggs agerating




Steve, Hayden and Carter are not available to eat these beauties...I am getting sick of eggs. PLEEAAAASSSE come and get some. I have 8 dozen in my fridge right now and am expecting around a dozen a day all week. The first six dozen, I will give away free! (Maybe more, I just won't tell you what number visitor you are!) There is a catch, you have to take lemon cucumbers also. Becky does not live by eggs and cucumbers only. They are delicious, but again, I can get tired of them. If you love me, you will come and get some of our bounties. We are very blessed. Come and share.(Call me to make sure I am home)

Monday, July 20, 2009

Perseid Peeks on August 12




Every August, the Perseid Comet passes close enough to earth to give us a star show. For years now, I have been wanting to enjoy the show. We have spent the evening on Bountiful Peak once. But I need less light pollution and more time to enjoy. We have planned a family camping trip to celebrate. Everyone that is my family...or should have been my family is invited to enjoy the week at Whitney Lake in the Uintahs. It is BLM camping....no established campground...no toilets. We have full week planned. We need a head count. The following activities will require advanced preparation: Shirt painting- please bring a gray T- shirt to paint for each family member. Making bracelets- please bring some of your own beads, clasps etc. I will have a limited amount to share. Campfire singing- we are excited to announce a new edition of the Flaming Marshmallow. I need to know you are coming to get that edition in your hands...please be familiar with as many songs as possible. Please contact me to know what we are doing about meals. I will try and upload some of our pictures from star parties in the past. It will be an "Ex-star-avaganza!!


Lacey was ready for the show


Here was what we really got to see!


We ate dinner on the ground...never my favorite!



I have no idea when this was taken. Does it look familiar to anyone!! I know we had no trees for the last star party and no fire either. Who is that in the chair? Could it be a younger Hayden? Correctly identify the occupant first and get a pat on the back.