Yikes!

It isn't like I don't check everyone's blogs multiple times a day...and I just love seeing everyone's new posts...but I don't post? What's up with that? Maybe I am just boring...

My back is much better, thank you! And I am getting "back in the saddle" tomorrow. We got a trampoline of our very own, and we'll be putting it up in the morning. I think the kids are going to burst with excitement (at least I will). I can't wait to see our family having fun on it. So many memories on ours growing up...Jeremy's broken leg, sleeping out in the summer, laying out (some of my sisters even wore bikinis--tsk, tsk), and jumping until we couldn't stand it any more. I just love it when the memories can keep going to another generation.

But, no, I will not be doing any more flips...until I can figure out how to do it without injuring my back!

I'm getting old!

Well, it is official. I am getting old. On saturday I went to an indoor trampoline playground. I went with my fabulous sisters for a little laughin' and a little movin' and shakin'. We did plenty of all three!

My little sister Robin did a flip and made it look so easy. So what did I do? Yep--peer pressure did me in! (it is all your fault, Rob! :) When I finished flip #2, I landed on my butt, caught my breath, and jumped up only to feel a crazy twinge in my back. So now, two days later, I am getting better. I am so getting old, and I am BUMMED about it! I guess I just have to accept my "mature" status and get on with being prudent.

But I hate that word.

I'd much rather be jumping on a trampoline, wouldn't you?

And if you're worried that I have lost my nerve--I'm getting right back on that horse (menos flips, I think). I can be kinda mature, maybe!

P.S. Women's Conference ROCKED!!! And my house was clean when I got home! Yippee!

Women's Conference!

Hey-not that you would be surprised-i will be away for a couple of days. My sisters, mother, and I are going to a "Sister Celebration" at Women's Conference at BYU. My darling of a husband is flying solo with the kids, and i am so excited to have a little time away!

Wish you were all here to party with us!

nonstop

I think it must be payback time. Hadland NEVER stops talking. And I really do mean NEVER! Larry looked at me today while Hadland was waxing philosophical about why the Atlantic Ocean is called the Atlantis Ocean (yeah, i don't get it either). Larry just said, "Hadland, you need to get outside and run around."

If only...

We really need to get a trampoline. Then maybe the kids wouldn't use my couch as one. And it could be like a giant hamster wheel but for kids. Maybe they might even get tired enough to go to bed at night. We can always hope, I guess. One of these days we will get some outside equipment, I'm sure. Or maybe we'll just get a padded cell, and the kids and I can take turns in it.

(You probably already figured it out, but I am sure I never stopped talking either. Hence, the payback.)

shock value

william is the master of shock value. he loves to see my head jerk up when he says something bad. tonight it was moron.

or maybe "mean-o mom."

or maybe "poopy pants" (to his sister, not me thank goodness).

i try not to react because he is so blatant about it. i really should be smarter than he is, but most days he's got me beat.

but he sure is cute.

I almost forgot!

Hadland turned nine about two weeks ago! I didn't actually forget his bday, I just forgot to post about it. He was saying to me a few days before his bday that he would love a big family party with Auntie Nikki, Uncle Treas, the brandleys, grandma and grandpa, etc. I quickly told him that they had just been here the weekend before and wouldn't be able to come back. But lo and behold, on Saturday afternoon (about 5 pm), Darla calls and says, "Guess who's coming to town?" I drew a total blank before she said that her parents were on the way from Canada. I couldn't believe it! So I quickly called all the local (and semi-local) family for an impromptu party, headed to Costco for a cake (which Hadland told me later he didn't like), and tried to clean up a little (emphasis on little). It was a total blast to have everyone over, and Hadland was in all his glory. I love those little tender mercies!

Another funny: my mom called H the day after his bday and told him that he was going to get an extra $10 for her being late in sending his bday cash. What is up with that? I just had to laugh and hope H didn't get used to late penalties, cuz he sure won't get any from lil' better-late-than-never ole me!

April is a great time for birthdays!

On Saturday I had a girls' day out. It was GREAT!! Within a five week period, me, my MIL Virginia, and my SILs Shauri and Darla have birthdays (and Hadland, too, but he isn't a girl). So we decided to get pampered. Virginia and Shauri had never had pedicures before, so we wanted them to try something new. I think they liked it (but it was a little weird for them). They were such good sports, and we all have lovely toes now!

And just so no one rats me out, I know darla is technically a may birthday, but she is an honorary April-ee for this year!

Spring

You know the song, "Popcorn popping on the apricot tree?"

I know it isn't rocket science or anything, but I never really got it. I grew up in NorCal, and we didn't really seem to have that spring phenomenon. Or maybe it wasn't so noticeable.

Now, after a LONG winter in Utah, I get it.

I was driving with my kids the other day, and saw several trees that looked exactly like they were dotted with popcorn. I practically drove off the road (well, maybe not, but I felt like it), and I yelled to the backseats, "OH MY GOODNESS, do you guys see the popcorn popping on the apricot trees?"

Since then, we love to yell out the popcorn color, whether it is just beginning, or whatever else we can think of.

HOW COOL!!!! I told Larry about my discovery and deprived childhood, and he just kind of rolled his eyes. He must think that I grew up on a totally different planet. Well, in my defense, it was a different country, eh?

By the way, it also kinda snowed here today, too. I love snow, but I am ready for spring FOR REAL!

scouting

is it for boys or moms?

i never can tell.

when do i get my patch?

maybe i shouldn't say too much more or i will be the one wearing a yellow scout shirt. yikes!

sounds all around

don't you just love being able to sit in your kitchen and hear NOTHING but the refrigerator?

I sure do. I think I had forgotten what that sounds like.

Obviously there is nothing much to say today. Just that I am grateful for silence.

Phew!

I was standing at the kitchen sink getting some leftover spaghetti for lunch. Lauren walked over and said,

"Mom, are you eating all of the spaghetti?"

(I had just dumped the whole ziploc bag on my plate. Then I put back about half of it.)

"No, honey. I am leaving some."

Lauren: "Phew! I thought you were going to eat it all."

HA! Obviously "eating it all" is one of my frequent crimes. Oh well. At least I exercise some of it off. (sometimes) :)

My first 5K!!

So, I decided that on my birthday I would run a 5K.

No, really.

I know, it is kinda crazy.

I will share my logic.

Well, I have been exercising pretty regularly (Curves) 3 times a week for over a year.

Then, in January I started running every other day on the treadmill. I can do 35 minutes without stopping (that is HUGE for me). That ends up being a little over 3 miles per run. So, I thought to myself that I could do a 5K. No problem, right?

OK, true confessions time. My treadmill has a TV. I have hooked up a DVD player to it, so I run while I watch movies. Is that cheating? I don't think so. I still run 3 miles even if it is while I am watching a show.

My sister Nikki and I decided to run on the morning of my birthday. Thanks, Nik, you are a trooper.

Needless to say, it was WAY harder than watching a movie. But I reached my goal. I didn't stop, and I actually ran a little faster than I normally do. I complained a lot too. But I did it.

YAY ME!

Lest you think I am a total wimp, I am actually going to do another one in May.

Wish me luck!

(And send me any mental pointers you can!)

Happy April Fool's Day

This is as close as I am going to get to celebrating April Fool's Day. I just didn't get into it this year. Cherie gave me a great idea about having dessert for breakfast (I am hoping to try that next year!), but the only thing I am going to pass on is this funny story i heard on NPR tonight. I was just puttering around the kitchen, not really paying attention to the radio, but this story had me saying, "No way!" Here it is in my own words:

A couple in AZ were anxiously awaiting their tax refund check. What they got in the mail instead was an air conditioner. It is part of a pilot program with the IRS to stimulate the economy. Instead of hoping that consumers will spend their refund checks on goods or services, the IRS taps into a sophisticated database of where the taxpayers live and details of their lifestyles and chooses some consumer good that matches their location/lifestyle. They interviewed a supervisor at the IRS about the database and what they take into consideration. They also interviewed a Harvard professor about the implications of this program.

As I listened, I thought, boy, I am glad that isn't me. They wouldn't know the first thing about what I would want to spend my refund on. I am so gullible. I remember thinking, is this for real? It couldn't be, right? But the story followed the format of so many others I have heard, and I was really only listening with half an ear, so I suspended my disbelief for a moment.

Then, at the end of the story, the program host said, "Check your calendars, will ya?"

I had to laugh. They got me good. I guess I can check off "April Fool" on my list for the day.

P.S. Here is the link to the story (I got most of it right, ok?)

LOL

I just had to share something I read in Reader's Digest today.

"My husband had an eye infection that was diagnosed as ocular herpes. His physician wasn't about to let him live that one down. 'So Fred,' he joked, 'been looking for love in all the wrong places?'"

I guffawed, I tell you.

Being humbled

I am being humbled. I was just talking to Larry last night about change. I was asking him how he has done it. In the past, I have seen him muscle through change, and I have been amazed at how he has accomplished it. So I asked him, how do you do it? What is the thought process? How can I change the many things I need to change? He said two words: "Be humble."

Wow.

I never thought of that.

You may think I am speaking tongue-in-cheek, but unfortunately I am not. My mind immediately went to Ether 12:27:

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness."

I see the weakness, or should I say weaknesses. But I never saw the first part--when we see our weakness that has come become we are drawing nearer to Him. That is comforting, isn't it? Kind of like a silver-lining sort of thing. Now to go on:

"I give unto men weakness that they may be humble;"

OK--so there is a purpose in this weakness thing. Not wallowing, but humbling. I remember someone once said that you can tell a lot about yourself if, when faced with a trial, you feel humbled or you feel humiliated. Humbled means you have faith, humiliated means you are a lone wolf, trying to save yourself.

"and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me;"

When we choose to be humble and ask for help, we get it. We let Him know that we know we are not lone wolves and that He is the most important part of the change cycle because He lifts us. His belief in us goes a long way in helping us to believe in ourselves.

"for if they humble themselves before, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

Double WOW. There is the promise. The payoff for being humble. It is miraculous to me to know that the greatest challenges we have can become our greatest strengths. I know this is true, but not often enough for my taste. I guess that is all up to me--the "humble themselves" and "have faith in me" parts are my choice and privilege.

Case in point: I have never been a decisive person. I am a second-guessing, full-of-regretting, good-at-fretting, ask-everyone-their-opinion, change-my-mind-with-every-gust-of-wind kind of girl. But I made a very important decision once that absolutely changed my life for the better. It was a painful time, full of fear and doubt. But I hunkered down (after months of lone-wolfing it), called upon God in humility for help, and believed. Only after that was I able to make a decision and feel GREAT about it. I have never regretted that decision (ever), and that is HUGE for me. I know I did what I wanted, and it also pleased the Lord. That decision I made is a strength to me everyday. Weak things DID become strong for me. Ether was right!!

So why do I fight being humbled? Because it isn't fun. That brings me to another point. Life isn't always fun. Did I think it would be? Being a mom is tough. Did I think it would all be bon-bons and storytime? Didn't I realize there would be temper tantrums and spilled milk? Lies and sassiness? "Was this what I was born to do?"

I must say I have been blindsided by motherhood. But it is my own fault. I have always been a little bit too romanticized for real life. I must have thought that I would just become a wonderful mother without even preparing or even trying. Aren't we, as women, supposed to have untapped reservoirs of patience and love and wisdom that just bubble up when we get married and have families? What is wrong with me?

I didn't dream of having a family. I dreamed of having a career and doing amazing things. Don't get me wrong, I knew I would be a mom and have a family, it just wasn't what I dreamed about. I didn't even dream about my Prince Charming or my wedding day. That was all part of the deal, but it wasn't my aspiration. Now my aspirations are to have a peaceful home, far from being a brain surgeon or an attorney. (Deep down I really didn't want to do any of those things, I just wanted to be something and have people admire me. Yikes, that makes me sound so shallow, but it is the truth.)

However, the people I admire are those with talents that don't always show. Those people with quiet kindness, thoughtfulness, patience and love are the people I want to be like. I don't want the accolades of the working world anymore, I just want to be able to love and help my family. I am woefully ill-equipped for being a selfless mom. I think I never outgrew the self-centeredness of my teen years.

So, I am being humbled. Humbled for not preparing adequately for the challenges of my life. Yet, lest you think I am hopeless, I didn't say humiliated. I have faith that I can still make a difference in my family's life. My kids aren't totally doomed, yet! :) I love my family--every one of them. Each person is different, with individual talents and quirks. And I am in this mothering thing for the long haul. I am learning to have joy in the journey. One smile at a time. One hug at a time. I am definitely being humbled, but that just means I am becoming more like Him. Like a chunk of rock, I am being refined. I have decided that I am very dross-y, but that is ok. It will take me longer, but I will one day be a shining piece of gold. It is already inside of me, I just have to get rid of the stuff that keeps me from shining. Like President Eyring said the other night, I need to go toward the light, not away from it. Then one day I will be filled with light. I can't wait!

My challenge

When President Hinckley passed away, I decided to accept a challenge that I was offered: to read the Book of Mormon in 97 days. I remember thinking during the first week that this would be a piece of cake. I remember thinking one particular night, "Why wouldn't I just read 5 pages a day? What could keep me from doing this?" Well, I can't even begin to recite how many things can keep me from reading 5 pages a day. Needless to say, there are many!

What I need to say is how blessed I am when I read. Just yesterday morning, I got up at 4:30 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep. So about 5:30 I decided to read in the Book of Mormon. I read for almost an hour, but I think I might have read just one chapter. I was in Mosiah 4 (a treasure trove of Christian teaching from King Benjamin), so that explains why I could read so little for so long. I've tried to internalize what I read as I go along and that takes time, which I am grateful to spend.

As I read about the people who saw their flaws and were sad about them, I could totally relate. I often have mini-pity parties about the flaws which are so present in my character. But I saw what the Nephites did and noticed a difference from what I usually do. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, they cried to the Lord for help. They cried for mercy. They didn't try to gloss over their nothingness, they accepted it and wanted help to move forward. What a great example of faith. It takes faith to move from "I'm such a mess" to "I can do better". We need to believe that we can change. That is where the Savior comes in. He believes in me. He believes that I was worth dying for. If He had thought that we would not take advantage of His atonement, would He have done it? Wouldn't it just have been in vain? Why go through that much pain and sorrow for no reason? But He had a reason. Us. You and me. He knew we could find strength in His suffering. He knew this strength could help me change. He knew that I could do it. Even if I don't know I can, I can look to His faith in me and be comforted. So often I feel I cannot surmount the challenges I face. I have bad habits; I have no willpower; I delight in sin; I cannot forsake my sins. It is a hopeless place to be. But He hopes I will look to Him and take solace in His faith in me. That is the only way to success. Maybe failure isn't failure at all if I keep trying. The only lasting failure will be if I don't change and grow into the person I can become. The day-to-day failures can one day be overcome if I don't give up. This is what the atonement does for me--it gives me hope that Someone far greater than me and far wiser believes in me. Even when I don't or I can't, He does. And that makes a difference. A huge difference. The beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that He doesn't want me to stay a child--He wants me to become more--even a queen! There is nothing threatening to Him about my becoming like Him. Just as there should be nothing threatening about my children becoming more than I am. That is why we were created--to fulfill our eternal potential. He has given us the tools--scriptures, prophets, ordinances, temples, families, prayer. Now it is up to me to find the treasures in them that will change my life.

My new favorite groove!

Well, if I was cool like so many of you, I would actually provide a hyperlink to this person's music. However, I find that it is amazing to me that I even know the aforementioned term!

So, Michael Buble is my new favorite singer. Think Frank Sinatra for a different generation. I love Michael's rich voice, and I love singing and dancing around the kitchen while I do the dishes. I could listen to him ad nauseum (and do)!

Also, he kind of reminds me of my bro-in-law.

And, an added bonus--he's a Canuck! I bet he even watches Corner Gas! (all the cool people do, you know!)

Long, long ago...

I last blogged.

Seriously, I know am slacking. But I thought I would post tonight because I felt too guilty reading everyone else's posts. How do you all do it? I seem to be a feast-or-famine blogger. Oh well!

It has been an interesting few days. We got "realigned" to a new church congregation last week, and so now we get to start at square one. Not that I am complaining, I actually like the clean-slate feeling. Now I can have another chance to be a 100% visiting teacher! Why is that always my first thought? Obviously I feel guilty about my past performance, eh?

But my real thoughts are centered right now on consequences and service. Not really two-of-a-kind, right? Well, hear me out. I am learning that the choices we make in life have consequences (duh!). However, often we don't know what those consequences will be until long after we have made the choice. We may think we can coast and not do hard things, but there is always a consequence for choosing the "easy way". This past weekend I saw some consequences in my own life because I was coasting along, not wanting to make tough changes. It made me sad, but I didn't have anyone to blame but myself. I have been thinking a lot about future consequences I don't want to have in my life, and trying to make better choices. I think deep down inside I am actually pretty wimpy. I don't embrace change. Rather, I run from it kicking and screaming. (emphasis on the screaming part :) But I am learning that I don't want to be a 60-year-old who is woefully immature and selfish. I don't even want to be a 35-year-old who is that way! So I guess I just have to bite the bullet and grow up!

The other part of my thoughts centers on service. As a person trying to become more Christ-like, I know I need to serve others (most especially my family). But it doesn't always come naturally. I have to prepare to serve. Everyday I need to be ready to do something more than I think I can. I am often reminded of a talk by Henry B. Eyring who said that he had the opportunity to learn Spanish from his father who (I think) grew up in the Colonies in Mexico. He didn't take advantage of it at the time, and then learned later that it was a poor choice he had made. He was not prepared to serve in certain capacities because he had made that choice. That made a huge impression on him, and obviously on me as well. What opportunities am I afforded each day? Am I taking advantage of my agency to choose the good and prepare myself to serve? Am I taking the easy way out, and will I be sorry later for that choice?

Don't get me wrong, I am not feeling all doom and gloom. I don't think that life is always a grind. I just think that doing hard things is hard for a time. It is always hard to start an exercise program, or an ambitious program of study or learning. But most of the time it does get easier over time as we grow accustomed to doing it. Then I believe it can even become a joy. (Boy, I will love the day when running becomes a joy to me!) I have experienced that with obedience. It is hard, even confining at first, and then you grow to love that rule or whatever you have obeyed. I can do hard things. I just have to remember that it is worth it! Someday, I will be prepared to serve in a way that I can't right now. Maybe, like Esther, I will be in a place and time designed specifically for what i can do and offer. And maybe that time is now, with my family. And maybe that preparation is me feasting each day on the scriptures and my relationship with Deity, and doing all I can to be my best.

So, the bottom line for me is CARPE DIEM! Do today what I can to be the woman I want to become.

Happy Birthday Larry!

My sweetheart is almost forty! And proud of it! (well, not for two more years, but he's cool with it!) He rocks my world.

Isn't is wonderful when you spend so much time with someone (nearly all day everyday), and you're still not bored? Yea, I think so too.

Larry, you are my best friend. I can't think of anyone I'd rather spend eternity with, so I'm glad I'm "stuck" with you.

Have a wonderful day, full of chips, pop, pizza, movies, chocolate, twizzlers, hugs and kisses. (Gosh, do we have a food fixation or what?)

Here's to you, mom!

My mom is sitting here next to me complaining about the fact that she is too inept to blog. Methinks the lady doth protest too much!

So, I will subject you all (i know there are hordes of people reading this blog--although you'd never know it by the paltry amount of comments I get--wink, wink, nudge, nudge) to a boring blog entry so that I can show her how easy it is!

There, now, your punishment is now over.

Believe in what you're doing

I was listening to something this morning that really spoke to me.

It says:

"believe in what you're doing
believe in who you are
believe in who you're becoming
believe in who you are

hold tight to the truth that you're a daughter of God.

It may seem simple--all the little things you do
But the lives you touch matter so much
And there's no one else like you
And Father needs you to stand tall and faithful
To be all you can be"

I needed that today, everyday.

Being a mom is hard, emotionally, mentally tough.
But this is how I am shaping my world, one child at a time.

What will my fruits be? Will those who see the fruits know that I am a Christian?

Will they know I believe?

Do I know I believe?

YES!

I love patterns...

especially in the Book of Mormon. When I find them, I feel like having a little party for my budding sensitivity! (i will definitely invite the Holy Ghost as the guest of honor!)

So now to the details:

1 Ne 11:1 (how is it that so much can be packed into one little verse?)
For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat ^apondering in mine heart I was ^bcaught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high ^cmountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot.

Do you see the pattern?

1. desiring
2. believing
3. pondering
4. the reward--revelation!

Cool, huh?

I know, it is like patterns 101, but I love getting personal revelation where scriptures are concerned.

Now I just need to put it into practice. I was reading more last night, and I came across something that has always bugged me (but I am not going to share that thing with you, no offense). I am putting my pattern to the test. Maybe I will even share my findings (if it doesn't reflect poorly on my spiritual kindergarten-ness. :)

Positive Persistence

I read an email yesterday that talked about "positive persistence." It was referring to offering healthy food to your children, but I thought about it is a more universal light. Just this morning, Lauren threw a fit about the fact that I wouldn't let her eat yogurt raisins on the stairs. The rule in our house is that we eat seated at the table. Just because she doesn't want to do that does NOT mean that the rule needs to be null and void for her. I encountered resistance (duh!), but I need to persist in expecting obedience to the rule. What an basic but essential principle in parenting! Now, if I could just tame my temper...

President Monson

Did he look great today? He looked so calm and kind. He is definitely different than President Hinckley, and I am looking forward to getting to know his personality. I am also very glad that President Eyring is still in the First Presidency. I know it is foolish, but I feel like he is "my" general authority. He came to our Stake Conference the week before he became a counselor to President Hinckley, and I had such a wonderful experience listening to him that I have had a special feeling toward him ever since (you know he was called to the first presidency because of his awesome talks in our stake conference!). I know it is silly, but no biggie!

I was surprised to see Elder Uchtdorf in the First Presidency. It seems to me that they are calling younger members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to serve in the First Presidency. I think that part of serving in big, scary callings like those are that of training. President Hinckley and President Monson have so much experience to share with others. It will then be the job of the train-ees to be the trainers. That is the beauty of serving in the church. There is always someone who will share their wisdom with you and someone with whom you can share your experiences as well.

Cool, huh?

No worry!

I have often used the phrase, "no worries," in conversation. But it doesn't really describe me.

I was impressed over this weekend, with the many commentaries on president Hinckley, about his ability to not worry. It was said over and over that he was not one to worry.

I am. Rather, I have been.

I was reading in 1 Nephi tonight, and I noticed a strong thread of worry vs. doubt in Lehi's family. Laman and Lemuel worried about Laban, Nephi did not. They worried about their riches, Nephi saw them as tools to facilitate a miracle. What a difference.

Faith is essential to not worrying. Without faith, we are just wishing that things would work out right. We don't expect miracles without faith, we wish things would turn out better than they do. Faith is the key. Nephi had faith because he had sought the Lord and had been strengthened. Laman and Lemuel didn't even try.

I want to "go forward with faith" and expect miracles. President Hinckley sure did, and he saw plenty of miracles.

It is snowing again!

I love the snow. Still! It has been snowing off and on since Christmas, and I am in seventh heaven! I love looking out my window at the huge flakes coming down. I love driving on a quiet evening when the noises of the cars are drowned out by the dampening effects of the snowfall. I love taking a deep breath of cold air and looking into a crystal dark sky.

I love that I don't have to drive in the snow everyday. I love that I can send my boy to school on foot. I love that Larry got a snowblower so I don't need to shovel (unless I want to).

I just want to make one more observation.

On Friday when I woke up, the snow was coming down like a thick blanket. i was worried to drive to Salt Lake for fear of dangerous road conditions. It wasn't as bad as I thought it might be, but it certainly wasn't clear. Then when I woke up this morning, there was a new layer of snow on the ground and it was coming down so fast! So much snow!! But I think of yesterday, the day of President Hinckley's funeral--the sun was shining, the sky blue, the roads clear. Coincident? I don't think so. The Lord was smiling down on the farewell of this mighty servant. Everyone was able to participate how they wished without road conditions hindering their way. What a simple yet wonderful blessing. God loves his children!

Hinckley Challenge

I got an email about this challenge honoring President Gordon B. Hinckley. I am going to do it as well as put a graph with my progress on this blog (if I can figure it out--if anyone wants to help me, let me know!).

I am grateful for his leadership, and I know he would want us to come closer to the Savior. One way I can do this is by reading Another Testament of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon.

Hop on board--let's honor him together!

So many blessings...

The first thing I want to say could be offensive, but it isn't meant to be.

I never wanted to live in Utah.

I was okay with stopping there for a few years for college, but I never envisioned myself actually living there.

I mean, here.

I live in Utah, and I am so glad that I do.

Because I live here, I was able to take my children to pay our respects to a very important man in our lives, President Gordon B. Hinckley.

We waited a long time, and the kids got a little antsy, but it was well worth it.

I saw a man who wore himself out in the service of the Lord. And it seemed to be a privilege, not a sacrifice, for him to do so. It reminded me of the handcart pioneers who wouldn't have traded their sufferings for anything because they truly came to know their God through those heart-wrenching trials.

But an unexpected blessing came immediately after. I was approached by a very nice woman (who I recognized as one of Pres. Hinckley's daughters) who walked straight toward me and thanked me for coming to the viewing. All I could do was dissolve into my tears and try to choke out a thank you to her for sharing her father with the entire world membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I felt like I was in the presence of angels, and they weren't all on the other side of the veil.

Today, during the funeral, I found myself again tearing up as I watched the love Pres. Hinckley exuded in every talk, every smile, every wave of that wonderful cane. How privileged I am to have been alive when this "giant of a man" guided this church with such humility, wisdom, faith, and optimism. How blessed I am to have known and loved him. As I said before, I am even more motivated to stand a little taller.

I already miss him, but I know that is a selfish feeling. I cry because I won't see him at the pulpit of the Conference Center, I won't hear another witty remark, I won't feel his powerful testimony of the Savior. But I will remember.

I saw President Monson in a new light today as well. What a loving man with such a daunting task. One could say that he has big shoes to fill, but that is the beauty of the gospel and the priesthood. There is no ambition for power or recognition in the leadership of this church. Those serving are doing so because the Lord has called them. President Monson brings different talents to the table than Pres. Hinckley did, but they are every bit as needed and tailored for this time and these circumstances. I pray that the Lord will strengthen him, and that we will all support and love him in his service.

I am grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am grateful to be a wife and mother. I am grateful for good lives that lift, motivate, support, and strengthen me. I will miss him, but President Hinckley's legacy will live on as each of us live more like our Savior.

President Hinckley

I am so grateful for the life and testimony of President Gordon B. Hinckley. As Larry told me that he had passed away tonight, I just stood there, unbelieving. I find that in my everyday speech, my prayers, my conversations, my thoughts, he is always there. I love hearing my children pray for him. I love his smiling, faithful, enthusiastic face as he urges us to "stand a little taller." I feel like I know him because I have been touched so deeply by him. I am sure there are people all over the world who feel exactly the same way. I will miss his straight-forward, unapologetically optimistic attitude and his sense of humor. I will miss his insights and wisdom. I know he was a prophet of God, prepared through his life to humbly and willingly lead the church of Jesus Christ. I love him, and I have always looked up to him and his towering example. I will stand a little taller, and I will try a little harder to follow the teachings of this amazing servant of God. I have been so blessed to learn at his feet.

I am grateful...

This won't be a long post, but I have to write something after today. I was asked to help the youth in our ward (church congregation) with a cultural activity which culminated in a performance tonight. I have been gone (from home) a lot for this assignment, and needless to say, my family has missed me. The focus was on gratitude. Our ward's theme was gratitude for obedience. The kids sang an awesome song called O-B-E-Y (sang to the tune of Y-M-C-A). It was a long time coming, but we were able to do a great job. I had a great time with the kids, and that meant a lot to me. But it really hit me when I came home tonight (after being gone since 9 am), and the kids were telling me how much they missed me. I was glad to be able to say that I was obedient to what the bishop had asked of me, and that I was grateful for my obedience. I was able to share with my family that I am grateful for what the Lord asks of me. He's probably saying, "Who'd a thunk it? She sure does complain a lot about what she's asked to do."

He's right. As always.

I do complain a lot. But I am going to try to stand a little taller where this is concerned. I have been given so much: a loving Heavenly Father, a merciful Savior, an adoring husband, wonderful children, a healthy body, and a beautiful world to live in. I am grateful. For a living prophet, for scriptures, for amazing examples of Christ-like living all around me, and so much more.

What are you grateful for?

We love to sled!

So, this is my homage to sledding.

We love to go sledding at the Rock Canyon Bowl, and my pictures are dramatic. You'll have to imagine what it was like because all of the pictures I got were of the inside of my pants pocket. Don't you love it when you can hear the click of your cellphone camera as you are sledding down the hill? I sure do.

Oh, if it could only capture sound...

P.S. In case anyone is wondering, boogie boards make EXCELLENT snow sleds!

Just a little reminder...

I find I always need to be reminded that most people are just regular folks. So often we think that just because they live outside of our skin, they must feel differently than we do. They must not have the struggles we do. Their lives must run so much smoother than ours does.

Well, most people are people just like me.

They love yummy food. They love to laugh. They love to feel happy. They love to feel good about themselves.

It is the simple stuff that makes us alike. The important stuff.

I want to remember that we all want to be happy, and I want to make someone happy every day.

Even if it is only me. :)

I will go, I will do

I was just reading in 1 Nephi 3:7-8 about Nephi's desire to do whatever the Lord would require because he knew He would help him do whatever that was. Of course, that wasn't the only reason Nephi obeyed, it is just a good reason. I am learning to trust the Lord. It seems like one of those lessons we never finish learning. There is always a new level the Lord can take us to in order to help us trust Him. That's mostly a good thing, but sometimes it is a scary thing. Fear isn't good. Fear is the enemy. Fear keeps me from doing some of the most important things I could possibly do. I have lived in fear long enough. Fear, BE GONE!!!

The other thought I have is that in verse 8, Lehi is "exceedingly glad" that his son has learned such an important principle. It got me to thinking about how I am my children's guide and example to learn to know and love and serve their Father in Heaven. My prayers need to focused on how I can guide them in their journey. The reward, then, is joy in their growth and success (and failure-if it leads them to be humble and keep trying). I want to rejoice in my posterity, but that doesn't come without a price. A daily, sometimes mundane, sacrifice and service.

I will go and do just that.

New Year, new blog?

Well, maybe just one that gets most posts, right?

I am really going to try to get pictures on here. I got a new camera for Christmas, and I want to learn how to use it. So, of course, I went to the library to get some books on camera basics (fueling the hope that someday I will take pictures like Tara or Cherie). I got one called The Photographer's Eye. I think I read a few pages and then laughed. This book was for die-hards. It talked about composition, design, motion, tension, and on and on. I though tension was just what I felt when I tried to take pictures of my kids. I should be an award-winning photographer by this time with all the tension I felt. But it isn't that kind of tension. YIKES! What have I gotten myself into here? I just want to take pictures, not re-invent the wheel!!! I guess that means I have to actually take some pictures and experiment. I don't really like to do that. I like to know what I am doing. I don't like taking risks--I like being safe and accomplished. Boy, isn't that a recipe for disaster.

Does it feel to anyone else like this blog is a sort of therapy for me?

Read at your own risk. I don't pay by the hour.

Happy Birthday, Lauren!

It is our darling girl's third birthday! She is such a cutie, I can hardly stand it! I took her to the doctor for her check-up, and she was so cute and shy, and always leaning her head toward me to cuddle me. She loves to keep up with her brothers, but she is still such a mother hen. She got a doll and stroller, highchair, carseat, etc. She (and her brothers) cannot get enough of it all. I can't believe I didn't get this stuff sooner--Sarah would have been much less mauled!

It snowed on Friday night--just in time for December! So, the snow novice that I am, I decided to shovel the driveway and sidewalk. YIKES!!!!! Almost two hours later, I was done and sore like I couldn't believe! I am still sore, but I think the novelty of shoveling has definitely worn off. I think I will let Larry do it next time. He's got lots of experience, right? :)

We had Papa O and Mama J to stay for about 5 minutes last week. It is so much fun to have my parents here--they do all sorts of fun things (like fix things around the house--thanks Dad!--and make meals and birthday cakes--thanks Mom!), and I always love to see my kids follow their grandparents around the house. You'd think my parents would get sick of the parade following behind them, but they are so patient and loving! Thanks for coming--come again SOON!!!

As Christmas approaches, I am interested in hearing about YOUR traditions with your families. As long as I can remember, my family has made gingerbread houses. Maybe we love it so much because we are candy-aholics. Who knows? Anyway, let me know what you do! I would love to add some new traditions to our repertoire. Thanks in advance!

Is it Christmas yet?

I am so glad to be decorating so early. It is so festive, and I LOVE it. Maybe next year I will decorate before Halloween (just like all of the stores!). But maybe not. My kids keep asking me why we have our Christmas stuff up and it isn't even Thanksgiving yet. They just don't get it...but they will!

Christmas time is here!

My tree is up. Fa la la la la la la la la.

'Nuf said!

So, is it possible?

I LOVE reading a friend's blog about how she lost 70 pounds with faith and a whole lotta work. And I was wondering today...

Is it possible to be an LDS mom and not have treats for EVERY occasion?

I know some people must because there are thin people in the church, but I can't figure it out.

Every event has to have refreshments (sugary ones, I might add).

Family Home Evening has refreshments (only sugary ones, my family tells me).

WHAT IS UP?

Maybe it is because I only go to things where they have refreshments. My bad, I guess.

You don't really see me at lectures or the museum, or classes without the promise of refreshments. But then, I must be training my children to not pay attention to anything that doesn't end with brownies. Maybe that is why they struggle with sacrament meeting. There isn't any treat promised when it is over. (Well, I guess Lauren does get a nursery snack, but since she is the worst behaved one in the bunch, that doesn't hold with my hypothesis, so I will just ignore it!)

I wonder what would happen if we had an activity with no treats. Would everyone decide not to come next time? Is it that ingrained in us as a people? I don't really want to answer that question either.

Maybe that is why I am obsessed with treats. They are a regular part of my routine. If I didn't offer treats at FHE, my family would burn me at the stake. I am NOT kidding. larry would be first in line with the matches (and not just because he won't let the kids touch matches!)

Yet, I am not strong enough to 'Just Say No.' Or maybe I am and I just don't know it because I haven't stretched that way yet.

Just a bunch of silly thoughts. I am kind of embarrassed that I am posting them, but once it is out there, I can't take it back. And that is a good thing. Writing out my thoughts is very enlightening, mostly because I don't think about these things that often. I am usually overwhelmed with trying to find the baby wipes!

Friends and lovers...

OK-kind of a scary title, but just stick with me, you'll get it.

Along the same thought as earlier, the best friends are the ones who inspire you.

Friendship takes a lot of work--time, love, patience, understanding, forgiveness, etc.

But it is so worthwhile.

I have been blessed with many friends who I totally admire and am in awe of.

They are incredible mothers, empathetic listeners, movers and shakers (unfortunately, I am more of a shaker myself), loving wives and friends, and followers of Christ.

Isn't it wonderful to have someone in your life who loves you for who you are and believes you can become even more? A person who knows your weaknesses and is willing to help you overcome them?

As I write this, I am reminded of my very best friend, my dear husband. He loves me when I stink, when I am sick, when I am mean, and when I despair. He has taught me so much about unconditional love. I don't know where I would be without him. I would definitely be much sadder and lonelier. Larry believes in me even when I can't believe in myself. And he thinks I am beautiful.

Am I blessed or what?

Friends lift us up where we belong

Heavenly Father loves me.

One way I know is that He sends me friends that lift me.

I have had many days brightened,

Many burdens lightened,

Frowns changed to smiles,

Frustrations and anxieties understood,

and so much more.

I am grateful for friends--they make us laugh, live, and learn. (and a lot of times, they make us yummy treats--hint, hint).

(why am I so obsessed with food?) :)

Gosh...

I love belly laughs. Yet, I have a hard time relaxing with a movie. But that all changed when we saw Napoleon Dynamite. I don't think I ever laughed so hard in my entire life. I still laugh when I even think about it. I was reminded today of how much I love to belly laugh and that Napoleon is a wonderful example.

I am going to focus on things I love. I thought I sounded a little grumpy with my anti-Halloween kick the last couple of days.

I love Stan Kenton. For those of you who did not grow up with my dad, I'm sorry! Just kiddin'. The reason I say that is because my dad is an incredible trombone player with great taste in music. I grew up with Stan Kenton, Dave Brubeck, and so many more great musicians. I think big band music is some of my favorite! I just love a good brass section!

So, in my home growing up, it just wasn't Christmas until you heard the opening bars of "O Tannenbaum" by Stan Kenton and his Orchestra. I know you aren't here with me, but I am humming it right now (and if I was super cool, I would put a link to the music right here--, but I am only a little cool, and someone needs to teach me how to do that). It is very subdued (trombones I think, with a little percussion) and then grows and GROWS into a fabulous musical treat.

So, go listen to some Stan Kenton, or anything you like to listen to for Christmas. Go on, i dare you!

Another reason...

I thought of a new reason why I don't like Halloween...

MUSIC!!

The only music I can think of is "Have you seen the ghost of John?" or our "Boo!" song from Let's Play Music. Oh, and there's always Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique" with the head being guillotined at the end (nice image, eh?).

This is why I love Halloween to end. I can officially start the

CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now there is a holiday I love--replete (another good vocab word) with excellent music.

Stan Kenton, MoTab, Ella, King's Singers--you're on for the duration!

So, everyone, get out some Christmas music and let's celebrate that Halloween is OVER!!

(And yes, I did have some candy last night :( Oh well, there's always today to "Just Say No!")

True confessions

Why do I check in on everyone else's blog EVERY SINGLE DAY and then just disgustedly skip my own because I know I am a blog-slacker and don't want to be reminded? (did I just answer my own question?)

Well, sickness has invaded our happy home. I don't want to gross you out with the details, but just know that I am doing A LOT of laundry! Oh, boy. I am just livin' in the laundry room!

I know I may be the only one, but I don't like Halloween. Maybe it is because my raging sweet tooth has millions of opportunities to satiate itself (nice word, huh?), or maybe it is because my craftiness reaches its limits after about 2 seconds of brainstorming about costumes. Or maybe it is because I am the biggest wimp in the world when it comes to scary stuff. I just know that I breathe a sigh of relief when November 1st comes around, and I have made it through yet another Halloween without my kids needing to go trick or treating in their birthday suits!

I am also very limited in my own costume. I have a super-cute Halloween apron that I picked up from the Relief Society rummage table a few years back, and that is all she wrote. I tell everyone that I am dressed as a domestic goddess (which is definitely a science fiction for me), and I get a few laughs. But not many. And I am okay with that. Really.

So, I am standing next to the hiding place of the Halloween candy (i am the only one who knows where it is) wondering if I am going to indulge. Maybe. Darn that Halloween!

Stay tuned--i might post more than once this month! :)

I'm trying to set a record

I don't think I have ever posted three times in one day (many of you may be thinking--she doesn't even post three times in a month), but I almost forgot!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISTIN!!!!!!!!

We love our Auntie so much. We'll be thinking of you as we devour a box of mini-donuts. Hope you are having a SPECTACULAR day!

She's alive and kicking

I just read my post, and I thought that the comment about my mom's example of service made her sound like she was dead or something. Perish the thought! She is alive and kicking, to our great delight. And we hope to report the same for MANY years to come.

(Maybe I am just paranoid, and none of you thought that my comment sounded like an obituary. Just wanted to make sure we were all on the same page!) :)

FIRST SNOW!!!

I just love a first snow. Actually, I love any snow. Having spent almost all of my formative years in sunny California (and many more after), I get so excited about the white stuff. And my children do not fall far from the tree. Today was a grey, wet day until at about 5:30 tonight when I hear, "MOM, IT'S SNOWING!!!!" All three of my children who walk were running around the front room, screaming in delight. I joined them in their enthusiasm. Yet, the practical mother inside me said, It is too cold for them to go outside. Besides, it will be dark in a little while. I have to find their winter clothes in the garage. We'll wait for another day to play in the snow. Then, BAM! The kid in me woke up. It is the first snowfall, you stick-in-the-mud Mom. Let them play!! I am happy to say that I listened to the aforementioned kid, and I let my kids loose in the yard with promises of chicken noodle soup and cocoa when they were done. Oh, how I LOVE snow. I am glad I let them experience it, too. They were making snow monsters and chasing each other around the yard. Next time I'll be out there with them, with Sarah in tow.

On another note, I have been thinking a lot about service today. My mother was a tireless example of service to all those around her. I want to set the same example for my children. Does anyone have any good ideas about serving with a family of small children? I want my kids to know that, even if they think they are deprived of many things, they don't know the first thing about real deprivation. I don't want them to be depressed, mind you, I just want them to experience how other people live and to be grateful for the opportunities to share with others instead of always thinking of ourselves. OK, that was a really long-winded way to say--Any ideas for serving with a young family?

This Day

So, I am not procrastinating anymore.

Here I am, the day after having a lesson on Elder Henry B. Eyring's talk (http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-690-32,00.html) about not waiting for "someday" to do what I need to do in my life, and I am ON IT!!!

Seriously, this talk touched me deeply. I was riveted on his talk from the moment he said, "We will weep, and He will weep, if we have intended to repent and to serve Him in tomorrows which never came or have dreamt of yesterdays where the opportunity to act was past."

I don't want to weep (or gnash my teeth) because I just didn't get around to kicking habits and breaking cycles that I always intended to kick and break. There is no time like the present. That has never been my motto, but I think it will be now. I have always been a "well, I can get away with doing it tomorrow, so why should I do it today? NO MORE!!!!

I urge all of you to read (or re-read) this talk and get pumped about "this day." I know I am!

I have a new favorite

Ok, I am pretty tech-savvy, but I am embarrassed to say that I may not know how to do what I want to do. And of course, Larry isn't around for me to ask him. I have a new favorite blog. One of larry's best friends just shared his blog with us. It is a collection of stories he remembers from growing up in Barnwell. I love reading it because it gives me a little more detailed glimpse into the wonderful place Larry grew up (and crazy too, if some of the stories are to be believed!). While I was on his blog, I clicked the link to one of his favorite blogs titled, "A Waist is a Terrible Thing to Mind." Well, as you can imagine, I laughed out loud at that title and started reading. What a treasure! So, now you know. My new favorite blog is http://awaistisaterriblething.blogspot.com/

Okay, now the tech thing I don't know how to do is make all those yucky colons and backslashes go away and just leave the blog title. Many (and probably all) of you reading this blog are saying "Duh, everyone knows how to retitle a link" (is that what you call it? Now I am really showing my tech-illiteracy). Well, I don't. And I am not ashamed to say it. This is very much my modus operandi (M.O.). I don't care how it gets done (in other words, it doesn't have to be pretty), I just want it to work. Perfection, in most areas, is not my cup of tea. My baby quilts have lumps and the squares don't always line up, my pictures are "mostly" level on the walls, my lawn-cutting is "pretty okay", my running is "not-too-slow", and my meals are mostly edible (none of my family are starving :). So you see, I don't have patience for perfection in most of the things I do. However, I am pretty adamant that things "work" the way they are supposed to. For example: a lumpy baby quilt still keeps a little one warm and protected, the semi-level pictures hung on my walls still bring a smile to my face when I look at them, the cut lawn keeps most of the neighbors appeased, I can keep running for a specified amount of time, and, as I said, no one is starving in my family. Now, if I could only apply this non-perfectionism to how I view myself, I'd be one step ahead of the game. I give myself a very hard time for not being a perfect mom, wife, and size 6. I torture myself for not being as creative as so-and-so, as patient as you-know-who, as beautiful as what'shername, etc., etc. But I mostly believe that I have worth. I can kick-butt on the piano (but why do I need to kick anyone's butt? it isn't a competition!), and I know I can sing. Why do I have to compete? How insane is it to suggest that by comparing myself to others and coming out the "winner" will make me feel good about myself? The trick is to rejoice in others' blessings and talents. I am still learning how to do that. Hopefully in truly loving and treasuring others, I can truly love and treasure myself. Now, don't go thinking that I am depressed or anything, I am just trying to be honest about where I am now so that I can figure out how to get to where I want to be. That place is where I know that I am a wonderful wife, mother, friend, and daughter of God. Where I know I am beautiful on the inside and out. Where I have developed the talents of faith, hope, and charity and they are blessing my family and myself. I know where I want to be, and with the Lord's help I will get there.

That brings me to my new favorite blog (see the non-streamlined link above :). "A waist is a terrible thing to mind" is one woman's journey of faith to lose weight. You may be saying, "Oh, not another weight-loss story." Well it is. And I like to read the success stories in the hope that someday it may be me to write that story. However, even if you don't like reading stuff like that, I hope you'll at least take a look. This woman is writing (very openly and honestly) about how she lost 70 pounds. Now that is significant, but the most amazing thing is how she did it. Prayer. That is the key. How she relied on that, you'll have to read for yourself. It has really inspired me to "trust in the Lord" even in this seemingly insignificant area of life. The bottom line is that if it is important to me, it is important to Him because He loves me. How wonderful is that?!

Anyway, that is enough philosophizing for me today because I hear the pattering (more like cupboard-slamming, package-rustling) of little feet in the kitchen. Better go batten down the hatches!

Patterns...

You know how your mind drifts as you are shoveling food into a baby's mouth? (or maybe that's just me :)

I just figured out that apart from Santa Barbara and Spain, I have lived only in cities that start with O, N or P for the last 28 years! How's that for a pattern? I grew up in Newark, CA (since 1979), then moved to Provo for college, then on to Spain for a mission (we're not counting cities in which I served there), then back to Provo to finish school and marry my sweetheart. Then we moved to Newark, NY, for 18 months, onto Santa Barbara, then Oxnard, Ogden, and lastly, Orem.

What's even more cool is the N, O, and P are neighbors in the alphabet. Neat, huh? (Yes, my mind is always spinning with exciting information like this--imagine what it is like for Larry to talk to a loony like me all the time! :)

News Flash...

WE MOVED! After a year in Ogden, we tearfully said goodbye to that fair city (which we LOVED, by the way!), and became Orem-ites! One of Larry's business partners purchased an amazing home for real estate investment, and we are the lucky winners that get to live in it! (thanks Troy and Diana!) It definitely has plenty of room, so if anyone wants to take a trip to Utah, you can stay at the Johnson hotel (you may even get your own room! :)

We hated leaving Ogden, the Brandleys, Farr better ice cream, etc., but we are loving our new digs. If I can locate the camera in all of the chaos, I will take pictures to post here. This time I am really going to send a "new address" email, so be waiting for it, ok? If you don't get it in the next 48 hours, CHECK YOUR EMAIL! Then you can either post here, or call us: 805-890-3537.

Oh yeah...Sarah can now crawl, she has two teeth, and pulls herself up to stand. Is she amazing or what? And, in true Johnson fashion, she can down a bowl of rice cereal and peaches in no time flat! Just don't come near her if you want to keep your pizza crust--she is absolutely obsessed!

We love all of you and beg your forgiveness for not being very regular bloggers--but I do have a pretty good excuse: we decided to move and moved in 8 days. How's that for speedy? See if you can top that, Tara! :)

Oh boy!

It has been a long time since I blogged, so as you can imagine, there is a lot to say. However, first and most important,

Hadland got baptized this month!!!!

We are so proud of him--it was a special day for all of us! We were so blessed to have had all of Hadland's grandparents there as well as several aunties and uncles! What an amazing experience for our family. Grandpa Wood gave a wonderful talk that Hadland and William were riveted to (that is a miracle in and of itself). We had a lot of help with our little girls (thanks Darla and Delyle!), so it was a novel experience to actually listen to the program. One tends to forget how all-encompassing having children can be (or maybe we can never forget!).

Also, Daddy went away to CA for a business trip, so Mommy decided to suprise him with a new haircut. It was fun to get a totally new style, and believe it or not, I am actually having fun styling it. Now I just have to figure out how to have fun with my face, and I'll be set. Where are you, Tiffany, when I need you? :)

William takes to the road--for real!

Well, our William is amazing. Not that any of you are surprised. But we took off the training wheels tonight and within minutes he was riding his bike! We have some videos to share with you as well as photos.

Video #1-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWYsdKrPTIk This is William's tour de force! He totally rocked this by going all the way from one end of the street to the other starting and stopping by himself.

Video #2-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC2by4tt678 Larry wanted me to include this because it made him laugh so hard. This is me being an multi-tasking overprotective Mom. I was trying to take the video and make sure he didn't crash. You can imagine the rest (but you don't have to--you can watch it!). Just make sure to turn down your volume because I have a little bit of a "loud issue" as Larry puts it. But in my defense, it isn't really my fault that the microphone is right by my face (when I'm taking the footage). However I realize that I have a very piercing voice especially at close range :)

These other pictures are just ones I couldn't pass up putting on the blog. Enjoy!

Just kidding!

Well, Sarah WAS finally sleeping through the night, and then...yep, you guessed it--She got sick and is back sleeping with us. Major bummer! Can you be more tired than totally sleep deprived? Is that possible? Well, I am livin' it!

Life in Ogden is good. The weather today was AMAZING!! Not a cloud in the sky--I just love that! I am looking forward to gardening a bit (although I am missing my year-round garden in Oxnard) and sitting out on the back lawn looking up at the clouds. If I could just get my dishes done, I could play! How is that for motivation?

I just got the invite to the Wood family reunion for this summer (BTW, so glad I am not in charge!), and I am so excited to head to the beach! I can't wait for all the food, family, and fun! (and maybe not in that order).

We just set up an "art studio" and reading corner for the kids in the basement. Now I just need to find a good garage sale recliner to go down there and we can actually spend a day not huddled around the TV! What an idea!!!

I just realized that we only have a little more than a month of school left. Yikes! Where has this year gone? We just purchased a work of art by a little known (but very talented) young artist. You may have heard of him...Hadland Johnson's the name. His school had an art sale and we were just able to afford a masterpiece featuring a vase full of flowers. Very inspiring, indeed! Larry and I were just commenting to each other that it was most definitely better than anything we could have done at that age and quite possibly better than either of us could do now. I know that art must not be genetic--both of H's parents are very artistically challenged (visual arts, that is). Just in case you are wondering about our self esteem, we are aware of our many and varied talents in artistic and other areas! I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!

Sleeping through the night--a paradox

So, I know I am not the only one who experiences this paradox.

We are "helping" Sarah sleep through the night by not going to her when she cries. Whatever you may personally think, this is the method, albeit difficult, that works best for our family.

So last night I put her to bed at about 9 p.m. I was so ready for her to go to bed. Not that she was misbehaving, but she just hung on with those wide-open eyes for so long. So off to dreamland she went.

At about 11 p.m. I still hadn't heard even a peep from her. But I didn't want to go check on her for fear that I would wake her, so I just turned on the monitor. And I tried to sleep.

At about 1 a.m., when Larry finally came to bed, I told him I was petrified with fear because I still hadn't heard anything, NOT ANY NOISE AT ALL, from her. So he decided to go and check on her. He was gone a long time, and when he came back, he told me how scared he had been when he went in to check on her because she was sleeping so soundly that he couldn't tell if she was breathing or not. After trying to feel her breath, watch for the chest rising and falling, etc., he finally uncovered her and put his hand on her chest to check for breathing. And of course she was, and she finally moved. And she didn't wake up, either. Amazing. Not until 7 a.m. this morning. I think she cried for a few minutes at 4 a.m., but I wasn't going to reinforce that time of wake-up!

Ah, the paradoxes of parenting.

Hadland is finally eight!

Well, we have an eight-year-old child! Yikes--who knew!!!

Hadland turned eight years old on Friday, and we have been partying all weekend!

By the way, thank you to everyone to sent Hadland an email. He LOVED getting all the cyber-attention!

First, on Friday, he had Lucky Charms for breakfast (he chose that over homemade pancakes with peaches and cream--that wouldn't be my choice, that is for sure!). Then he took homemade cupcakes (white cake with lemon frosting--again, his choice :) to school with him. After school he played for a while until we went as a family to Golden Corral (yep, you guessed it, Hadland's choice). After that, he finally got to play with his remote control airplane he got as a gift from G & G Wood. Actually, Larry got to play with it (so he could figure it out for Hadland). Coincidentally, Larry went to get an airplane yesterday. Go figure.

Saturday was just as good for our boy. He got to take three of his friends out to see "Meet the Robinsons" with Dad, Uncle Scott and cousins Nate and Clarissa. Afterwards, the whole group came home to eat pizza and then decorate and eat their own cupcake creations. The kids had a great time, and it was pretty low key for all the adults involved. Gotta love that! To top it all off, Hadland and Dad went shopping for Larry's new toy and then got to go to McD's and to see "TMNT." Quite a weekend for our birthday boy!

Today I sang in church. It was an adventure to say the least. In our ward, the person doing the special music actually prepares two pieces to share. Darla, my wonderful sister-in-law, accompanied me AND helped take care of the kids during sacrament meeting. However, when both Darla and I left right after the sacrament to go to the stand, Lauren pitched an amazing fit. She didn't want Auntie to leave her (mom is chopped liver when Darla is around) and wasn't going to keep quiet about it. Poor Larry was left with all four kids, two of whom needed to be held. I am up there on the stand, singing along, when I hear an incredible ruckus from the back of the room. I didn't even have to look--I knew that scream. Needless to say, Lauren and I competed for everyone's attention until Larry to flee into the foyer. Yikes! We went back down to sit with the kids until the next time I needed to sing. When Larry came in with Lauren, she actually said thank you to him when he set her in Darla's lap. What nerve! She sure is a cheeky monkey! I thought it might be a good idea for Larry and the girls to spend my next song out in the foyer, and it made a big difference. I think the people in the congregation could actually hear what I was singing! Oh my--what parents go through, right?

Another bit of news from us--we are trying to get baby Sarah to sleep through the night. Translation--we have been listening to her cry in the night a lot. It is all I can do to not run to her. I have to put a pillow over my head to not go crazy. If anyone has any good advice, we're not to proud to ask for it! She is doing better everyday, so I am hopeful we won't be suffering like this much longer. She's so darn cute that I can hardly stand to let her cry!

The next adventure will be to take away Lauren's pacifier. I am not looking forward to that! Once again, if you have any non-horror stories about this, we'd love to hear from you!

So much fun, so little time to blog!

Boy, has it really been almost a month? YIKES!! Well, I am loving the internet right now because I can blog from anywhere!!!! Our family is enjoying Spring Break in Denver. Four of the seven Johnson siblings have descended on Ray and Val's house, and we are having so much fun (and eating them out of house and home, I think)! We've been to the zoo (yes, we even saw the hippos and sang "I-I-I just wanna be a hippo!), swimming, on a picnic, to a real blacksmith shop and barn, had ice cream, birthday cake, lots of snacks, and watched some fun movies on the BIG SCREEN downstairs. All the cousins are playing their hearts out and the adults get to catch up on all the visiting (and games, too) that we love so much. I JUST LOVE FAMILY!!

Hadland lost his tooth last week, so now he looks really cool (but Rachel lost her two front teeth, so she looks just a bit cooler). Lauren can say "play" "go" and can sign a WHOLE bunch of things. Sarah is just about ready to sit up by herself, and she is on to some new foods as well. I think Larry is chomping at the bit to feed her some Doritos and chocolate. Will someone please tell him to chill? He thinks that if he likes it, the baby should get some, too. Oh, boy. I think if he changes a few more "real food" diapers, he might be convinced to take this food introduction stuff a little slower. At least that is what I'm hoping. And I get vacation from diaper duty :)

I just turned 35 yesterday!! I had a great birthday--I got to go work out with Darla (no kids in tow), and I got to stay home in a quiet house (rare occasion) while the daddies and Auntie Val took all the kids (except the babies) to the pool. That may not sound very exciting, but believe me, it was AWESOME! Then I got a yummy dinner and my fave bday cake of angel food cake with whipped cream and strawberries. The kids wrapped up some presents and sang to me (which was even cooler than the quiet afternoon), and Larry (with some help from Val) got me some flowers and lotion. Add to that some wonderful phone calls from family and friends, and I had a FABULOUS birthday. Thank you so much for all your thoughts and good wishes--you all ROCK!

We woke up this morning to snow! Can you believe it? I know it is only the beginning of April, but earlier this week we got sunburned noses on some of our outings. Weather sure can change quickly here in the high country!

I almost forgot...My sweet husband (with help from his baby-sitting sisters) took me to the temple this morning. It was a wonderful experience, and the perfect end to my birthday. My mom always told me that she wished that I was born on April 6 so that I could share my birthday with a very special Elder Brother. When we entered the temple, the worker reminded us that it was extra special to be in the temple today on the anniversary of Christ's birth. Then, knowing that it was the Friday before Easter, it is also the day we commemorate His death on the cross. And what is even more wonderful is that in two days we will CELEBRATE His resurrection. What an incredible time of year to think of our Savior and His life and all He did for us. I am deeply grateful to Him that He paid a terrible price to free me from my sins, weaknesses, sadnesses, and so much more. He loves me, and He loves you. What a gift!

Happy Easter everyone! We love you!

I love it!

My kids' smiles make me so happy! For Family Home Evening, we went on a walk to explore our neighborhood. We found the neighborhood school, and the kids had a blast playing at the playground. For almost the whole time we were there, we had the place to ourselves. I watched the kids help and torture each other (usually not at the same time). I never heard so many giggles! Lauren was hilarious--she loved being chased down the slide by Hadland. What a blessing to have this little slice of joy!

Sarah ate TWO bowls of rice cereal today. We are hoping for some serious snoozing tonight! We will let you know how it goes...

By the way, today felt like SPRING!! I love warm weather, and today was a treat. I even dressed Sarah in a little dress (short sleeves, bare legs)! It feels like California today--hooray!

A day of feasting!

Spiritually, that is! Larry and I gave talks in Sacrament Meeting today, and we actually feel pretty good about it. Except for the fact that our kids had an absolute FIELD DAY!! So, what do you do when, as you begin your talk, your two-year-old suddenly decides to come join you at the pulpit? Only to run through the choir seats when her embarrassed daddy comes up to retrieve her. Topped only by her brothers following daddy up to the stand?! YIKES!! And I was nervously beginning my talk so that I didn't even notice until out of the corner of my eye, I saw four people walking conga-style down the stairs of the stand. Yep, you guessed it! The amazing Johnson family strikes again. Needless to say, Darla jumped in to help corral our little ones, leaving Scott to take care of her three kids (quite well, I might add). Whew, I am getting tired just thinking about all the commotion. I think our pew was definitely the most lively today!

We spoke on a talk given by Elder Bednar in October General Conference entitled, "And Nothing Shall Offend Them." You can find it at this address: http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-646-32,00.html

Talk about a powerhouse talk. If you haven't read it in a while, I urge you to do so. Elder Bednar invites us to choose not to be offended if someone hurts our feelings. Boy, I need this everyday. When we are offended, usually the only one hurting is ourselves. We need to be like Pahoran when he responded to Moroni's scathing letter (see Alma 60-61), "In your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart." Elder Bednar also reminds us of how Brigham Young responded to Joseph Smith's humiliating censure -- humbly asking what he could do to improve--NOT retaliating or getting defensive and offended. What amazing examples!

I am not sleeping very much at night, but I am doing a lot better. But, I am also looking forward to hitting the sack. See ya!

I'm better, thanks!

Thank you for all your kindness. It is good to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends. I am grateful for all of your long-distance hugs and good wishes.

Things are a little better--if someone could just convince Sarah to sleep longer than 1 1/2 hours at a time at night. Larita, I don't know how you have survived this long. You are amazing.

Enough of the gloomy stuff. I am so grateful to be a wife and mother. I have a loving husband and four beautiful children. They are a bunch of whippersnappers, but I love them just the same. Most of all, I am grateful to my Savior, Jesus Christ, for His love, patience, and mercy. He makes it all better. Really. I can go through anything because I know He understands and will help me make it through. He helps me believe that I am not a loser after all!

bummed--

Do you ever feel like you are the only loser in the whole world?

Well, that's where I am right now.

Let's hope it doesn't last long...

3-day weekend sickies

How is it that whenever there is a 3-day weekend someone always gets sick (or more than one someone).

This weekend we all stayed home from church (larry got to go to sacrament meeting) lest we "share, share, share" all our coughing, runny noses, fever germs. It takes a very special person to make Sunday feel like the Sabbath even when you can't make it to church.

Hadland said to me today, "Mom, this day is SOOOO long." I replied, "I know. It makes a difference when we don't go to church, doesn't it?" He agreed. Then added, "I don't think I want to miss church again, ok?" You bet, buddy!

I have to say that I am very glad that we have BYUTV. I have watched a Women's Conference address by Ardeth Kapp a couple of times today entitled, "Encircled about in the arms of His love." Good stuff!!

We'll see what tomorrow brings. I am just grateful that there is no vomiting (knock on wood). I'll take runny noses anyday.

Boy, has V-Day changed!!

I think that as you go along in life, you just "keep swimmin'!" Valentine's Day used to be a big bone of contention in our marriage. I, of course, wanted the flowers and chocolate, perfume, jewelry, whatever the media said that romance dictates. Larry would say that it was just a commercialized thing to sell more candy. He would bring them on Feb. 1 or Oct. 28 or June 13. I would feel sorry for myself and buy me a candy bar or something.

Then life goes on. Like yesterday.

I took all the kids to take pictures at the department store (mostly because I don't have a Cherie or a Tara who lives near me ;), and when I got home literally hours later, I was ready to surrender for the day. It hit me that I didn't want the big "wine and dine" rigamarole, I just wanted the kids to go to bed and be by ourselves. No chocolate, no jewelry, just TIME ALONE.

So finally, at about 9:30 p.m., I sat down on the couch next to my honey. We shared a bottle of Martinelli's and wished each other a happy valentine's day. How my wishes have changed. I don't need anything to make me happy, I just need my special someone!

But, Larry, if you are reading this, I still do like flowers :)

I love you, honey!

I took a step out into the dark today!!

I know this sounds like I did something amazing, but it may seem amazing only to me. I put together a photo collage including each member of our family. I am going to try to post it here, but if you don't see it, I was not successful! :(

I just saw it, and I am bummed that it is so grainy. But you can just email me, and I will send you the digital image so you can see all of us in our loving glory!


Today Sarah turns four months old, and she had her first taste of rice cereal. She was really excited about it, but I couldn't tell if it was because I was holding something in my hand that she wanted to touch or that she really wanted the food. Needless to say, we have embarked on a new journey with her. The bet is on to see if she sleeps longer at night (Larry sure thinks she will).

Lauren gets affectionate...

And Sarah gets annoyed. I know I have already blogged today, but I saw this picture and just had to post it. Lauren LOVES to hug and kiss her sister. However, Sarah sees things from a different perspective. The look on her face in this photo just sums it all up. I can just hear Sarah thinking, "She's a great sister and all, but does she have to always be touching me?"

Gotta love the siblings!

Special friend day!

Hadland had a very important event at school today--Special Friend Day! Each of the second graders at his school got to choose a "special friend" to spotlight. It had to be an adult but not mom or dad. He chose his Grandma Johnson. He wrote a nice tribute to her and drew a FABULOUS picture of his beautiful grandma. But the best part of all was that, although Grandma lives in Canada, she was able to attend the special friend day. What a treat for Hadland (and for Grandma)! We love our family so much, and we are so grateful to have them with us when we can!!! Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa Johnson, for being here today!!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

She's a rollin'!!

Sarah is officially rolling over! She has been rolling over quite a lot, but tonight I am making it official! The reason...? You might have guessed it...the couch! I left her for about one second so I could grab something on the table. As I was about to walk around the corner, I took a quick look back only to see her perched, on her side, at the edge of the couch. Mom-adrenaline kicked in and I made it back to save her from falling. YIKES!!!!! Let's just say she will be chillin' on the floor from now on!

Here's a look at what our little darlin' can do...

Happy Birthday Melissa!!

I was just getting my daily dose of visiting my friends' blogs, and I saw the Basuas: www.buzz628.typepad.com. Adam did a big video montage of pictures of Melissa through the years. She's finally turned 30--Welcome to the club! You are such a GREAT mom. All the pictures just made me realize all over again what a great person she is. We are so grateful for all of our wonderful friends! We love all of you so much, and we miss you!

We had a terrific visit with a lot of family in the last week or so, and for that we say THANK YOU!! Thanks to Larita (and Ethan), Val, Doug, Delyle, Shauri and their family, Larry's Mom and Dad (who, incidentally, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this week--CONGRATULATIONS and WE LOVE YOU!), my Mom and Dad, Nikki and Treas, Michael, Uncle Preston, Aunt Maurine and their family, the Browns (who are almost family, right?), and so many more! We are so blessed with a great family!!

Belly laughing...

I love friends that can make you laugh til it hurts. I just heard Larry on the phone with our dear friend Alexis. She is the BEST for belly laughing.

We love you, Alexis!!

Sarah's Blessing Day!

This past Sunday our angel Sarah Joy was blessed by her daddy. It was a sweet experience surrounded by family and friends. We were so glad to have all four grandparents here with us as well as many aunties, uncles, and cousins! We are so grateful to have such a supportive family.

Here are a few of the pictures. I am sad to say that I do not have good camera skills (unlike many of my friends), but at least you can get an idea of what she looked like. Her beautiful cousin Grace was blessed the same day, so I will put a picture of her as well!

We almost forgot Larry!

I noticed as I put the pictures on the last post, the only person I didn't get was Larry. Lest he should feel left out, here is a picture of my sweetie pie. Isn't he handsome? And Sarah's not too bad, either!

I got it goin' on!!!

I finally sat Larry down and made him help me put pictures on my blog...so here goes!

Introducing Sarah! She just turned three months old, and she is a DARLING!!!! She has two ear infections (nice gift, eh?) and is coughing hard enough to make herself vomit (sorry to the queasy stomach people!). But she is as cute as can be and has been a trooper through it all. We love you baby Sarah!

Lauren is a hoot! Her new things are "mo" (means no) and "boo" (peekaboo). Typing out the words just isn't the same--you gotta hear her say them!

William is William. He keeps me on my toes. His new thing is telling me that he needs lipstick. I keep reminding him it is chapstick he needs, but I guess he likes the sound of lipstick better. We read an I Spy book tonight--he is quite the observer!

Hadland's goal in life is to ruin every photo he is in with his goofy faces. Maybe I will someday embrace the goofiness, but it might not be today!

We're finally on our blog--hip, hip, hooray!

The snow is here!!!

I am so happy today! The snow has finally come. I went out and played (and shoveled snow) with William and Lauren, and we had a GREAT time.

It is the little things that make a difference. Some snow and some cocoa (stirred with candy canes)--it just doesn't get any better than that!!!

Its been snowing all morning and the view from my front room is incredible!

Life is good!

We made it!

We finally made it through the holidays and into the new year. We really enjoyed our time with family and friends, and we are also enjoying returning to normal bedtimes! We missed having a white Christmas, but we are hoping that we will see some more white stuff soon!

We are still working on our holiday greeting (which is now our New Year's greeting and will be our Valentine greeting if we don't hurry up!), but I am hopeful that it will be emailed soon! Thank you to all of you who sent us holiday cards, pictures, updates, etc.--we absolutely LOVE receiving them!!!

Thank you for tuning in to our blog--I love doing it, and I hope you like hearing about us.

Happy 2007!