Johnson Family

Halloween 2011

2012-01-18T15:07:00.000-08:00

Makenna goes buzz!
Tessa pretty Minnie in pink

Tanner spinning webs

Kimball Nah Nah Nah Batman

Rebecca the Royal Duchess

Trick or Treat

Sammi Rapunzul, Rapunzul let down your hair

I am planning on making a blog book and want to finish out the year before I do that. So, still catching up. For Halloween we went to our ward trunk or treat night and had chili and hot dogs and of course the kids got a lot of candy! We also went to a Halloween party/FHE night that weekend. My kids loved dressing up and even though the costumes are sometimes recycled through they are excited anyway. I cant beleive how fast the time goes and here it is already January! A new year begins!

Flipped!

2012-01-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

On the way home from our fun beach trip in California in October( yes, I am behind again) we were in a very scary car accident. I was driving and had been on the freeway home for about 30 minutes or so when the trailer was swinging wide from side to side. I had no control and it all happened so fast. We flipped to the side, the suburban and the trailer. It was like a scary movie to me. We all got out, me last. I was so happy to see all of us ok and out. There were so many miracles that day. Several people held my little ones while we were trying to stay calm. I left in the ambulance with Kimball and Sammi. Kimball had glass and gravel imbedded in his knee and an abrasion on his back. Sammi's wrist was hurting, she had broken it last year. Jake got all the kids over to the hospital. His family had left California just ahead of us and back tracked to be with us and help out. We were in the hospital most of the day. Kimball had several stitches in his knee and they scrubbed it out really good. Sammi had an Xray done and she was fine. Jake's family loaded us all up and we rented a small U- haul trailer and headed home. We had to go get all our things from the trailer and suburban. Going to see the damage we realized again what a miracle it was. We have since taken care of all the insurance and gotten a new to us Suburban. I am so grateful for all the love and support we received. I love my family so much and know we were being watched out for that day.

Beach Trip 2011

2011-12-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

Over Fall Break in October we went to the beach! We didnt get a site in the summer so we decided to go in October instead. Most of Jake's family went and also some friends. It was so fun to have everyone there. It is our favorite vacation as a family and I am so glad we got to go. It was a little bit cooler but not as crowded. We went to Knotts Berry Farm one day and spent the rest of the time on the beach. It was a week full of good food, games, and just relaxing! I went running quite a bit and Jakes Dad was the best running partner. We took our dog Flynn with us too. We love the beach!

Monsoon Madness Gym Meet 2011

2011-09-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

Samara and Rebecca before the meet (they were really nervous)

Rebecca in 3rd place, her good friend from school is in 2nd place

Rebecca and three of the six girls on her team with two of her coaches

Rebecca is competing in Level 4 this season at the meets in gymnastics. She works out at the gym for 12 hours a week and loves doing gymnastics. I love that all the girls cheer and support eachother. She has made some really good friends on her team. This was her first meet and her team out of 8 teams placed first. She also took third in her age group. She has always been a little monkey!

Big Mack

2011-08-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

Jake has a special nickname for Makenna and it is "Big Mack". When he calls her that Tessa will say "Dad, she is not Big Mack" she is "Little Mack"! Tessa knows where it's at, don't you know a girl does'nt want to be known as big! It has kind of stuck though and so "Big Mack it is, although recently she has been dubbed "Mc Tantrum!

Fourth of July 2011

2011-08-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Makenna and Tessa (do you recognize Makenna under all that dirt! Yikes!)

Biking with Dad

Rebecca on the rocks at the Creek

Sammi and friends at the Creek

Makenna much cleaner

Look at all those guns! Oh my!

Game time at the campsite

Katie, Tessa and Me

Good friends!

For the fourth of July we went camping in Payson with friends from our ward. It turned out to be a "mini ward campout" as we had about 8 families there. The kids all had someone their age so it was great. We were in an open meadow which was nice but it was really dusty so they all were really dirty most of the time. It rained on and off which was really great to have the rain and cool weather. We took our dog Missy and she got equally dirty but loved playing with all the kids. There was plenty of good friends, game playing, talking and relaxing. We hiked down to the creek and a lot of the kids got in the water. There were a ton of crawdads and the water was really cold. Those two kept me out of the water. On the fourth we packed up in the morning and headed into Payson for the fireworks and park activities. They had bouncies and activities and the kids all played and had so much fun with their friends. Glade and Laurie had a lot of their family and friends show up for the day and they had a barbeque. Lots of good food. We all headed home after the fireworks and got home late. Fun Fourth of July!

Lake Powell 2011

2011-07-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

In June we took our now annual trip to Lake Powell. We went with Jake's sister Jill and her family. Rick has a boat so we went out tubing and a little bit of swimming. The water was a little cold. I loved hanging out and watching the kids play in the sand and water. Jake and I took the four youngest on a hike to the slot canyon. They loved it. The boys were doing "super jumps" off all the little cliffs and the girls were doing there very best to keep up. We took our dog Missy with us. We miss her very much. That is for a later post. I am doing my best to catch up on all our summer adventures, I have a few more posts to go! Then, I'll hope to stay caught up!

Mexican Riviera Crusie 2011

2011-07-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Shopping in Cabo San Lucas

Mini golf girls

On the deck

Formal night

Melanie and Robin

Laurie and Glade

Hanging out in the taco shop

Learning the art of towel folding

Jake and I went on a cruise for a week, with no children, but friends. We went right after the kids got out of school in May. We went with two couples in our ward who are good friends. It was so much fun. We all drove to California in Glade's truck and we were so excited to get on the boat. It was a week of relaxation, lots of food, dancing, karaoke, mini golf, and exploring. We spent two days in Cabo San Lucas and one day in Puerta Vallarta. In Cabo we spent the first day on the beach. The waves were kind of rough so not great for snorkeling but we swam a bit. There were these bright jellyfish all in the water and on the beach. I had never seen so many. Also, the bees were out in full force, I think they liked the scent of American sunscreen! The next day we went exploring the shops and did some shopping for our kids. They know when the cruise ship is in port so they were not willing to negotiate the prices too much. Jake and I got the best civiche from a guy selling it on the street out of his cooler. It was so good, we tried to get some the next day but he never showed up. I still think about it!

In Puerta Vallarta we had booked an excursion. It was the canopy adventure. We took a boat to the other side of the island. Then a jeep up to the top. Next they put us on mules and we rode tothe very top. After the mule ride I was so freaked out I was ready to just be done. I do not like heights at all. I had to be talked (forced) into this adventure. We went on about a dozen ziplines and rappels. The girl teaching us about the zipline looks and me and says "You look really nervous". I was in tears at that point. I did it though! It was so scary the first couple of runs, but then I started to have some fun. I am so glad I did it. Way out of my comfort zone!

We had such good dinners at night in the dining room and I got truly spoiled to eat in peace and not have to clean up anything for a week. It was the best to go with good friends!

Trek 2011

2011-07-07T21:27:00.000-07:00

Men's pull with Jake in the front

Women's pull (Sammi is in the orange skirt)

Water break at the wagon

Sammi and Hannah

Us, Alicen, and Melanie and Robin (awesome Ma and Pas)

Laurie and Glade Smith (the best cooks and trek friends ever)

In March during spring break Sammi, Jake and I got to partcipate in the Trek. Jake and I were an Uncle and Aunt. It was the best experience and I loved every moment of it. We really got to spend a lot of time together hiking, talking and working together. I got to see him in a different light and I am so grateful to have him as my companion. Sammi was a trooper and she is so tough. She finished the womens pull and then ran back to help the other groups. I got to wash many heads of hair men, boys, and lots of young women. It was worth it just to get my fingernails clean. We slept out in the open on large tarps and it was so nice to climb in my sleeping bag each night, just exhausted. They had so many growing experiences for the youth but the adults came away with so much too. Just awesome, I would do it again in a second. So glad I got to experience it with Jake and Sammi.

Ragnar Relay Race 2011

2011-06-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

I am doing some catchup blogging as there are some memories that I want to have recorded and I am really behind. In February, Jake and I ran the Ragnar Relay. It actually fell on my 40th birthday which was really fun. We had a great group of runners and it was really hard and so awesome all at the same time. Each runner runs 3 legs and its a total of 2oo miles. I ran about 13 miles total. Jake had longer legs plus he ran an extra leg. We are the cotton headed ninny muggins, taken from the movie Elf. We had two vehicles and they were fully decorated Elf style. Basically its little sleep, lots of running, laughing and bonding time. When I finished I said I would never do it again but I soon changed my mind. 2012 Ragnar or Bust!

Makenna's in Nursery!

2011-04-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

Makenna started nursery, and we are celebrating! A few weeks ago before she was "official" I stayed in with her for the first hour and she loved it. Jake came in to get her as he had to go to Young Men's and I was in Young Women's. Well she was not happy to leave the nursery. So Jake took her back and was in the process of asking if Makenna could stay the last hour when Makenna closes the door on him and turns around to play. She was letting him know dont try and take me from nursery. She is now official and is loving every minute of it!

I'm a Big Girl Now

2011-04-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

While Jake was in North Carolina for business for a few days we had some exciting news to share when he got back. Tessa is potty trained! I had tried a few times and with no success gave it more time. Well, she knew when she was ready and there was no turning back. She has done so awesome and gets so excited. She tells me "I really go potty, Mom". That is how she tells me when she needs to go. Of course having a treat reward has sweetened the deal. One more to go! Yeah for Tessa! She is flying high!

The Boys

2011-01-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

Kimball and Tanner are not only brothers, but the best of buddies. You rarely see one without the other. They have their wrestling matches, and disagreements but like most boys it ends quickly. I love that they have eachother in the middle of all the girls. It is not uncommon for one to be mistaken for the other. At our house they are often referred to as "the boys". We love our boys! Hunting Trip over Thanksgiving with Dad

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

We had such a fun Christmas this year. It was so nice to be home all day and just play and hang out. My parents and my sister and her family came over for dinner in the evening too. The kids all got pillow pets which they all love. I was hesitant to get them but it was such a fun gift and they were all so excited to each get their special pillow pet. They also got razor scooters and a few other fun gifts. It was so nice to get all the special treats from friends and cards and pictures. Now it is over and on to 2011! I am excited to see all that the new year will bring!

Turkey Trot 2010

2010-12-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

I ran my first 10K on Thanksgiving day. I started running about six months ago, and when I first started I could not even run a quarter mile without walking. I worked up to be able to run a mile, then two and eventually the 10K. I never was a runner, I hated running in PE and it wasnt until just recently that I now enjoy it as much as you can enjoy running. I have a great support system to encourage me of family and friends. My next race is the Ragnar Relay in February with Jake and Laurie and Glade and some of their friends and family. I know a lot of people run but to me this a great accomplishment.

2010-11-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

Makenna had been playing in the backyard with the others and apparently was ready to crash. Come on, do I get Mom of the year award or what! She is such a little bundle of fun and so busy. She really does go and go until she crashes. We love our little Makenna.

The other day I was driving the kids to school and I said "Guess what tomorrow is?" and Kimball says "Veterinarians Day!" Anyway, we had a great Veterans Day.

Halloween in Safford

2010-11-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

We went to Safford over Halloween. Jake had a bike race that weekend so we made it a family adventure and all went. We took our trailer and parked it at my sister Amy's in laws house. She is staying there until they move next month. It was so neat to see the new temple as we drove into the valley. It was so pretty and our first time seeing it except for Sammi who went through with the youth. We got there on Friday and had lunch at an all you can eat pizza place with my sister and her kids and Jake's friend from work who lives there and his wife and kids. After we got Jake's race packet and the kids played with their cousins. Later after dinner Jake, Amy and I played speed scrabble and Amy totally whooped us. Amy's husband Brad is away training for his new job so it was fun to be there with Amy. I got up early the next morning and took Jake to the airport where the race start was. It was so neat to see all the racers and watch them excited as they took off. I went back and Amy and I went for a run in her neighborhood while the kids watched TV. We got a good run in and it was fun to run with Amy. Jake said to be at the finish line between 11:30 and 12:00. So we hurried there at 11:30 and I saw the pace car coming around the corner and I knew he was going to be in that group and sure enough Darnit! he was. We missed him by a few minutes! It was great to see him excited that he made good time. Way to go Jake! 104 miles.
Happy Halloween! We went to my sister's ward Trunk or Treat and then to a few houses on the way back. Lots of candy so the kids were happy. It was a fun trip to Safford.

Broken Arm Blues

2010-08-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Sammi broke her arm a few weeks ago now. I know I am behind, such is life. She was climbing up in her closet to get a bag of craft buttons for a school project and was hanging on the hanging clothes bar which gave way, and she landed on her arm. It is a crazy story because Jake and I were not home when it happened. I had run to the grocery store to get some Mayonaise for a potato salad I was making. I forgot to take my phone and when I tried to drive home I had a dead battery. Luckily I ran into my friend Melissa in the store so I got a ride home with her. Well Sammi had been trying to call me and I didnt have my phone and Jake was riding his bike home and didnt hear his so she called a friend in the ward and they came over as I was pulling in with Melissa. Our friend Dixie and her daughter Hannah stayed with the kids and fed them dinner while I took Sammi to the emergency room. Jake got home and got the news and called me. They put a splint on for a few days until the swelling went down and then she had a cast put on. Of course orange, her favorite color. She gets it off after Labor Day weekend. Yeah!

Beach

2010-08-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

We go to the beach every summer with family and friends. Sammi was at girls camp so she didnt come this year. It was such nice weather and we all had campsites pretty close together. It was so nice to have our trailer and I always sleep really good at the beach, I think its the combination of the weather and the sounds of the waves. Love it! Jake was training for his triathalon while we were there so he got some good swimming, biking and running in. I went for a run on the beach a few mornings and it was so nice to be on the beach and getting some excercise in. There was plenty of sand fun, boogie boarding and exploring. Jake's parents will be back from there mission to go next year, we missed them! Tanner collecting water for the sand castle
Kimball, Bo, Katie, and Tessa

Makenna had some good naps on the beach

and fun in the sun

Rebecca and Lacie

Tessa and Rae

Rebecca covered up to her neck!

All the kids loved asking Tessa questions

Lake Powell

2010-06-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

Makenna hanging out in her Bumbo in the trailer
Fun in the sand with cousins

Sadie with Makenna fully protected

Sammi and Sadie hanging on

Tanner, Me, Tessa and Kimball ready for a ride

Kimball, Tessa and Tanner on a hike in the canyon

Family Reunion in Heber

2010-06-08T15:48:00.001-07:00

Over Memorial Weekend my family went to Heber and stayed in a really neat cabin. It was fun to have all of us together. My sister and brother who live in Utah were there too. All the cousins had such a great time and there were relatively few squabbles. We all had food assignments, and activity assignments. The kids loved my brother Shane's geo caching adventure and it was really fun to see them search and find the cache and then pick out a treasure. Rachel planned a fun scavenger hunt with a treasure bag at the end. Of course it would not be a real reunion without the VanCott tournaments. The cabin had an air hockey table, pool table and ping pong table. It was fun to see the competiveness come out and boy do we have a lot of it! The best part for me was the late night game nights with laughing to tears. Good times!Me, Sammi, my Mom and Sisters!
Shane explaining the art of geo caching to his neices and nephews

Treasure bags!

The whole gang!

Chicken Fun!

2010-05-19T11:10:00.000-07:00

My kids love our chickens! It is so funny to watch them pick them up, carry them around, slide them down the slide and jump with them on the trampoline. I know it may sound on the side of abusive but they really are good with them. We have six that are full grown hens that just starting laying and eight chicks that we just got a few weeks ago. Our goat is so funny with them and the chickens will hop on the goats back and eat the bugs off! It has been good for our kids to have animals and to take care of them and collect the eggs.

Karoke Indians

2010-05-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

Kimball went on a hike to the San Tan Mountains for boy scouts the other day. He loves scouts and just got his bobcat at the last pack meeting. He came home from the hike and he was telling us all about it. He says "We learned about the Karoke Indians." Who? Huh? Oh, the Cherokee Indians! We all got a good laugh. He is a funny kid and can quote Shaggy from Scooby Doo really funny too!

To go or not to go

2010-04-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

My 20 year high school invitation came the other day. Yikes! How time flies by. I am debating back and forth on whether or not to go. I was able to go to the picnic during the day for my 10 year and was glad I did that. My brother got married that weekend and his reception fell on the night part so we did'nt go to that. I have a few friends that I would love to see but they live out of state and I am not sure if they will go or not. Anyway, I am trying to decide if I should go or not and right now I am leaning toward going. Any advice?

Panic Attack!

2010-04-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was running my errands since Jake was working from home. I was in Costco and looking at the salmon. I turned around to put it into my cart and my cart was gone! I started second guessing myself, did I leave it somewhere? I look all around and don't see it. So, I start walking and I see this lady with my cart. I approach her and say "you have my cart" and she looks down and notices that it is not her cart and appoligizes and says "Wouldnt that have been funny if I had gotten to the check out and then noticed. I am thinking No way, I am so glad that I got my cart back with my purse in it! She had taken my cart instead of hers and walked off. I have never had that happen before. Scary!

Birthdays Birthdays Birthdays!

2010-03-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

February and March are the busiest for our family and birthdays. We celebrated Tanners, mine, Sammi's and Tessas. So this post is a recap of their birthdays. Tanner wanted to go camping and fishing for his birthday so that is what we did. We went to Roosevelt Lake and a couple other families from our ward came too. My camera's battery died after one picture so I got one of the big fish Trevor caught. Tanner didnt catch anything but he loved being in all the action and using his new fishing pole. It is kind of a joke that Jake loves to fish but isnt very successful. So, sorry Tanner you get all the experience and more experience! We went on a hike to the indian ruins and it was such a nice day. The kids did so good and even Tessa hiked most of the way. I had Makenna in the front carrier but Jake ended up carrying her a lot of the way up. It was enough of a struggle to get myself there! It was such a fun weekend, we want to go again soon. Thanks for the adventure Tanner and Happy Birthday Big Boy! We love you! Great big Carp!

Tessa just turned 2! She is such a sweet and fun little thing! We had family over and she was so excited for her birthday and loved to hear us sing to her throughout the day. She loves princess stuff and to dress up. Happy Birthday Tessa! We love you!

Sammi had a birthday party with all her friends. She planned it all herself and did a great job with all the games. She wanted Hawaiian haystacks for dinner and apple pie and ice cream. She is officially a teenager now and is loving the role, I am still getting used to the idea. She is such a good helper and we love to hear her laughing. She keeps us all on our toes. Love you Sammi!

Ragnar Relay Race

2010-03-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

Jake participated in the Ragnar Relay Race last month with eleven other runners. There were some that he knew well and others that he didnt. There were the Sherwoods and the Smiths from our ward and our sister in law Julie and the others were friends of the Smiths. This was his first time and everyone else's too. They ran three legs each and alternated through the race. They had a couple of hotel rooms to crash in and take a shower when they were not running. He enjoyed it and will probably do it again next year. There were over 150 teams of twelve so it was a busy race. We went to the finish line at the end and Jake and his team ran in together. Go Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins. That was there team name!

Kimball's Baptism Day

2010-02-25T10:02:00.001-08:00

On Satruday Kimball was baptized and it was such a special day. My sister in law Julie gave a talk on baptism and my Dad gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. They did such a great job, thanks guys! Rebecca sang the "I like to look for rainbows song" all by herself and she did so good. It was fun to see all the cousins gather around the baptisimal font to watch and what a neat example for them. The Bishop welcomed him to the ward and told him that the happy tears that he saw from his Mom are because the spirit is here and that whenever he sees his Mom have happy tears to remember those moments. He also gave him a homework assignment to give us a hug and kiss that night and to say thank you for being his parents. He was so cute to follow through before we left for Stake Conference that evening. Shelli came and played the piano and welcomed him to Primary. Thanks Shelli! It was so neat to have my sister Amy and her family come from St. Johns and all the rest of the family that was able to be there.

It's a small world

2010-02-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

Today at Walmart I ran into two old friends from my singles days from two different singles wards. I was at the bank and the first friend and I were catching up, she has five children and her baby girl and mine were born on the same day! She has been wanting to have a Horizon singles ward reunion and I told her that I would help her to organize it. Then as we are talking another friend shows up and she knows both of us! She is from the ward that I was going to when Jake and I met. Gotta love the singles wards!

Great to be Eight!

2010-01-28T08:47:00.000-08:00

Kimball turned eight years old on the 16th. He had two friends, Hyrum and David go and see Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeekquel. Then they picked up Taco Bell and brought it back to the house. We sang to him and had brownies and they played on the trampoline and Kimball opened his presents. I cant believe my little guy is eight! He started scouts and loves it. He gets so excited for Tuesdays and had his first Pine Wood Derby. He was so excited to make and race his car. Kimball is getting baptized in February and it will be a very special day.All the boys!

Solome Jug Hike

2010-01-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

Jake took the kids on a day hike last Saturday to Solome Jug Creek. He likes to find new hikes and the kids complain they dont want to go hiking sometimes ,but after they can't wait to go on another one. I stayed home with Makenna but now wish I would have gone. Next time I am going to make myself do it anyway. Sammi had her camera and took these pictures and she did a great job. I love that Jake will plan fun outdoor activities for our family. He wants our kids to be "tough" and they learn early to hike and camp. Kimball had a scuffle with a prickly bush as you can see from his face. It looks like a cat got him but he was proud of his hiking wound!Tanner on the way home all smiles!
Kimball showing off his scratches

Crazy Dad who takes five kids hiking

Tessa was all worn out

Tessa with her fruit snack

Resting time for Rebecca

Willy Wonka

2009-12-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

Sammi, Rebecca and Kimball were in the Willy Wonka play in November. It was such a good experience for them and kept them really busy. Makenna was born during the rehersals and my kids got many rides with the Smith kids which was a lifesaver, thanks Chelsea and Laurie! Sammi and Rebecca were Oompaloompas and Kimball was a squirrel. It was such a cute play and they did a great job!Tanner didnt make it to the end of the play
Rebecca with Tessa

Kimball and Rebecca took off their cosumes before I took their pictures

Audrie and Sammi after the play

The whole cast

The bigger baby

2009-12-16T11:57:00.000-08:00

I watched my friends kids the other day and Trevor told his Mom later that "the bigger baby kept following me around" and she said Oh, you mean Tessa and he said " I didnt know girls liked me". I thought it was so funny because I hadnt thought of it that way but it is true I do have a little baby and a bigger baby. It is so fun to have the two of them home with me during the day and Tessa just loves Makenna and is really sweet with her. At times I have both of them on my lap and the time goes so fast so I am trying to enjoy the moments.

Casa Grande Sprint Triathalon

2009-11-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

Jake participated in the Casa Grande Sprint Triathalon this past Saturday. He and his friend Glade went together early and Jake's parents came and took Sammi, Rebecca, Kimball and Tanner. The race includes a 400 meter swim, 10 1/2 mile bike ride and a 3 mile run. Jake did the swim in 8:42 minutes and the bike ride in 33:17 minutes and the run in 20:44 minutes. So, it took him 1 hour and 2 minutes. He came in 25th place out of 442 participants. He was really happy with his times. He and Glade are training for a full triathalon in July in San Fransisco. He ran in the St. George Marathon in October and this weekend he is biking in the Tour de Tucson. The kids love to go watch him when they can and when the baby is a little older I will too! The whole gang

At the finish line

Way to go Dad!

Jake and Glade ready to swim

Halloween

2009-11-06T12:48:00.000-08:00

Halloween was a little crazy this year with the new baby coming so I did'nt buy any costumes and we made do with what we had already. It all turned out ok and they were happy with the outcome. Jake took them to the ward Trunk or Treat for chili, games and of course candy! Jake said that he went to the car to hand out candy and it was gone, and we had had a huge bag from Costco. Rebecca and her friend had "passed it all out" in huge amounts to the kids who had come around. He was not thrilled but then it was gone so his job was done. Sammi had taken the robe off and what was underneath, a cheerleading skirt and so now her costume had transformed. She said "I got hot." So, that is what happens when Mom isnt there. Kids! They all had a great time and came home with smiles and lots of candy! A few days later Kimball and Tanner dumped it all out on the kitchen floor and sorted it all. They had a great time and all the kids posed for a picture. Tessa was funny, she would reach her hand in grab a sucker and have it in her mouth in record time. I love this time of year and all the memories and family time it brings with it!

Baby Makenna Louisa

2009-11-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

It has been two and a half weeks since Makenna's birth and it is crazy to think that my due date was yesterday! She was 6 pounds and 12 ounces. I am so glad that she was born early. It has been so fun to have her home and the kids all love her. Tessa has adjusted well and wants to give her lots of loves. The other day I was downstairs putting away laundry and I heard them both crying so I came up to see what was wrong and found Tessa carrying her down the hall to my bedroom. She had gotten her out of her bouncy seat and was trying to bring her to me. That was scary, so now I have to really watch her. She is sleeping pretty good and now seems to have her days and nights figured out. There were a few nights where those seemed to be mixed up. We are so happy to have our little Makenna in our family!

Where Oh where has the time gone?!!

2009-09-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

I have been really, really blogger slacking! Since school started I have just been keeping myself so busy I havent been on the computer except to check my email occasionally. I have been feeling really guilty about not keeping connected with family and friends. I am going to do a quick catch up and then do better at keeping up to date. This pregnancy has been really tough on me and when Tessa naps thats when I lay down and rest. It has been so nice to have that break each day. Sammi, Rebecca and Tanner are in the Willy Wonka play at the Queen Creek Preforming Arts and they are excited about their parts. Sammi and Rebecca are Oomfaloompas and Kimball is a squirrel. We are all looking forward to Baby Makenna joining our family soon. I am 33 weeks along and am ready for the time to go by quickly! Jake is training like crazy for his marathon that is coming up in a few weeks. He is running the Saint George Marathon with Glade and my brother Shane. He has worked really hard running and he rides his bike to work a couple of days a week. We are busy as ever with life and enjoying each day as it comes!

Lake Powell

2009-06-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

We went on a last minute trip to Lake Powell. We were not planning on going and then we were at Jake's parents house and Jill and Rick and their kids were heading out with the boat and jet skis and trailer. We decided we could leave on Wednesday and come back on Saturday. It was crazy trying to get the trailer packed and get organized to go. But we made it work and it ended up being so much fun. The kids loved riding in the tube and got quite the crazy ride and loved it. I even got on and they did a gentle ride and it was nice to be on the lake. Jake and I went out on the jet skis several times and he took the boys and Sammi out too. The Johnson's and Donn's from our ward were there too, so it was fun to visit and play. Jake and Sammi on the jet ski!
Jake and Tanner and Kimball

The guys went for an early morning swim

Tanner loves the boat

Ridge, Tanner and Me

Kenyon and Tessa

Sammi and Sadie getting sprayed by Rick on the jet ski

Watch out! Here comes the jet ski!

Rebecca, Tanner and Lacie

And it is.......

2009-06-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

A girl! I had my ultrasound appointment a few days ago and we are so excited to be having another girl. It will be so fun for Tessa to have a little sister at home with her and they will be 19 months apart so they will be close friends and rivals. So, we will have 2 girls, 2 boys and 2 girls. I never thought I would have six children but here we are and we feel very blessed.

Barbados

2009-06-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

There was an open fish market each day and they would come and buy fresh fish. There was also little stands that sold fresh grilled fish with the sides right near it and we went and on Friday night it was really busy and all the locals and tourists come and eat and listen to music and there was stands to buy jewlery and other local items.

Jake standing in front of the fish market.

Jake took some time to enjoy the water on our catamaran cruise.

We took a catamaran cruise to snorkel with the fish and sea turtles. It was such a great time and we got to see and touch the sea turtles and fish up close. They fed us lunch and there was all you can drink and some took advantage of that and got very drunk. The pina coladas were really good but of course virgin. The water was just perfect and we loved being on the catamaran.

Jake and I on the catamaran.

We had breakfast at our hotel which was included in our travel deal. There was sugar bowls on the tables and these little birds would come down and stick their beaks into the sugar and have sugar covered beaks. It was funny to watch them. Also we ate dinner at the hotel one night and there was this little crab crawling on the patio which is right on the water. It was fun to watch him scurry around and a cat that was nearby saw it and pawed at it a few times and then it fell off the deck into the water.

We rented a car to get around the island and we called it "the yellow bug". Most of the cars there are really little as their roads are narrow and only two lanes. It was an adventure driving on the left and following the crazy roads and a map to get around. Jake had to keep reminding himself "stay to the left!" This was in the parking lot of the cave we visited.

Inside Horton's Cave, we took a tram through on a tour. It was amazing how much water was flowing on the inside. There were many waterfalls and steams. I had never seen anything like it before.

Some of the stalagmites inside the cave.

Jake and I outside the cave.

We went to a Rythym and Blues dinner theatre. This is us outside of it. It was a great show with lots of music and dancing. They had a lot of Jamaican type reggae and local music. At the end they had a congo line and had everyone up dancing. The food was buffet style and very good. They eat alot of fish and chicken there with salads and potatoes and rice and beans. They also have plantains {fried bananas}.

We went to an aquarium with lots of variety of fish and sea life. It was feeding time in the shark tank and they were flipping all over to get the fish being thrown into their tank.

A nurse shark cruising by.

A pair of barracudas in the tank.

They also had a bird and reptile exhibit. I was a little nervous to get that close to the gila monster but he seemed very friendly.

Jake hanging out with another gila monster.

A pair of eels, they reminded me of the creepy eels in the Little Mermaid.

This fish really blended in with his surroundings we almost didnt notice it.

This one was my favorite, it is just so distictive and detailed.

Jake took kite surfing lessons while we were there. This is him in the water getting used to the kite and how it balances. He did two days of lessons for a few hours and really enjoyed it. He is hoping that when we go to San Diego sometimes he can rent one and try it out.

Jake and I during his kite surfing lesson.

He had to learn on the sand first to get the hang of the kite.

Me in the water by our hotel. It was the warmest clearest water so different from the Pacific coast.

Jake on the beach with our hotel in the backgrond. The people were so friendly and kind. We felt very welcome and met so many nice people on our trip.

Our footprints in the sand.

Jake and I on the patio of our hotel.

Flag Football

2009-05-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Kimball and Tanner played flag football for the first time and loved it. They were both on the same team which was so nice for us and for them. They had a great coach and a really fun team. They learned all the basics of football and it was so much fun to watch them play and improve. We had an end of season pizza party at Peter Piper and they loved their medals and trophies. They will probably play again in the fall as the same coach will be coaching again. Way to go Kimball and Tanner on a great season of flag football! Nicole, Tessa and Rebecca loved hanging out at the park and playing
Tanner and his medal

Group huddle

The whole gang

Kimball and his medal

Tanner was the team captain

Kimball out on the field

Run Tanner!

Football buddies

Mother Daughter Cake Decorating

2009-05-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

For Sammi's Young Women's mutual night they had a Mother and Daughter cake decorating night. It was really fun. We brought our own cake and they had a sister in the ward who is very talented and does wedding cakes come and teach us some tips. It was fun to see the creativity of the girls. I am a just get it done sort of girl and Sammi is a lets get it looking great! She is very creative and did a great job! We had my family over for dinner and cake and everyone loved her cake, especially with ice cream! The pictures are terrible of me but just focus on the cute girl next to me!

Tanner's Preschool Graduation

2009-05-18T15:11:00.000-07:00

I am doing some catch up on some of the happenings in the past month or so. Tanner loved his time in preschool and looked forward to going each day. He loved to bring show and tell and would get so excited to show and tell me about the things he did. He will start Kindergarden this year and is very excited. Way to go Tanner, We love you!

Grand Canyon

2009-04-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

We left at 3:00 and arrived at Jacob's Lake at around 9:00. I didn't sleep well and probably only slept 4 hours. Everyone was up by 5:00 and went down for breakfast at 6:00. We left by 7:00 but Joel got a flat tire on the dirt road. We finally started the hike around 9:00, but wanted to start at 7:30. We hiked down 8 miles to Thunder River and got water. It was a hard hike down and we were all sore. We hiked the remaining 2 miles and split up into our 2 camp groups. We had about 8 kids with us and they all did great. We caught some fish, made dinner and went to bed. I was so sore in the morning I didn't know how I would do the day hike to the Colorado. I took some Advil and was fine. Sammi and I caught some fish for breakfast and had oatmeal. The hike was great and we had to hike high above the water on some narrow trails. We swam in the Colorado river and it felt good but it was really cold. We took some naps and headed back in the afternoon. I had hung my backpack in a tree, but somehow the rats got into the pack and ate one of my dinners. The birds ate all of Jared's crackers that were sealed in his backpack also hanging in a tree.

The next day I woke up really sore, but took some Advil and was fine. We hiked over to the other camp and started a hike to Tapeats Cave. It was a cool hike and we had to cross the creek a dozen times, such pretty terrain and the creek made some beautiful waterfalls. It was really pretty but the 5 mile hike took all day as it was slow going. The kids did well but we always had to make a chain across the creek to help them across. When we got to the cave it had a tunnell of water that felt good to wade in as we were hot, but then it got cold quick. Paul and Ricky jumped in and swam down the cave. I followed and we found an opening that we climbed into. It was the neatest cave I've been in the Stalagtites hanging all over and the rooms being very large. We had to swim a number of times and only stopped when we got to the underground lake and got too cold to go on. We made it back to camp before dark. Sammi ran ahead of me and was only 1 minute ahead when I came upon a rattlesnake in the middle of the trail. I can only assume that Sammi ran right over it. It slithered into our camp so we ended up smashing it with a rock. We caught more fish and had dinner.

The next day I felt the best I had the whole time and packed up. One group headed out early and the rest of us left a couple hours later. We were going to camp on the Esplanade but we all got out before dark. Joel drove home and got home at 4:00 AM, the rest of us camped on the top which was cold and we didn't sleep well. In the morning we had breakfast at Jacob's Lake and came home. Sammi did great on this trip and never complained. She did great on the 10 mile hike in and the 10 mile hike out.

Can I Just Vent!

2009-04-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, so just to preface I love to have children to play over at our house. I always want to be the house that is fun to come over and play. We have two neighbor children who I feel I have been very good about having over to play on a regular basis. Yesterday, was my breaking point! Jake has been out of town all week and I had my friends kids over while they went through the temple. They were so good, not a problem! But, this neighbor girl comes over everyday and her Mom or Dad brings her so I feel like I cant say No, not today. Well, the other day I was leaving to meet with my childs teacher and had Ashley down the street come babysit since Sammi is gone to the Grand Canyon with Jake. Well, this little girl and her Dad show up and I say " I am just leaving and Ashley is babysitting" and he says "Well I am sure Ashley wouldnt mind watching one more" I am fuming, because I mind! She is over everyday and she constantly whines and tattles on my boys! Well, my breaking point came yesterday when she came over and they were all playing outside and Tanner comes crying with a bloody nose! She had whacked him in the face with these foam swords that we have. When I asked her what happened she said she didnt do it. That made me mad because all the other kids saw her do it. I was going to send her home but she came in and said she wanted to go home. I felt bad, because I am not normally that frusterated but it was a good thing because we had a great afternoon and there were no more issues. I just needed to vent about it since it has been bugging me. I feel taken advantage of sometimes like she has so many kids already what is one more! On a positive note I love to have kids over to play and I am happy to watch any of your children anytime. Truly!

Missionary Moment

2009-04-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

The sister Missionaries called and asked if Rebecca and I would go with them to visit a 10 year old girl who wants to come to Activity Days. We met them at Tailor's house. Rebecca was very shy and nervous at first. I talked to her about Activity Days and got her contact information to get in touch with her. The sisters went over her Book of Mormon reading and taught her about Fasting. She really wants to be bapzited but needs to attend church at least three times. Her parents are members but not active. Rebecca really warmed up and told her about her baptism and Activity Days. Tailor wanted Rebecca to say the closing prayer and Rebecca asked that Tailor could be baptized soon. At the end Tailor likes to play charades. She has a ton of energy and her attention span isnt long so the sisters play this at the end. It was cute to see Rebecca act out taking the sacrament and reading the scriptures. It was a neat experience for us and I am so happy I got to share it with Rebecca.

Easter in St. John's

2009-04-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

We spent Easter weekend in St. John's with my family. My sister Amy and her family live there and we all went and stayed at her house. It was really a cold weekend but we all had a great time. On Friday we went to the Petrified Forest near Holbrook. The kids loved walking the trails and being with their cousins. It was super windy that day. There were all these petrified logs and some of them had contained big crystals but people have taken the crystals out so there are just big holes where they were. On Saturday we had an Easter egg hunt in the backyard. We scattered the kids by age and they had fun finding and eating their finds. Later we went to Lyman Lake and had a barbeque and did some hiking. There had been some snow flurries that morning so it was really cold. The kids had fun skipping roks in the lake. That night after all the kids were in bed the adults played Ticket to Ride, I love that game. My Dad had never played before and he loved it too. On Sunday we all went to church. The church buliding were in was over 100 years old. It was a nice meeting and it is fun to go to other wards and meet new people. We had a really yummy early dinner and then headed home. Thank you Amy and Brad! It was fun to get out of town and to spend time with family!

Good Excuse!

2009-04-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I last posted, but I have a really good excuse! Or, at least I am going to use it as one. Watch out, five is becoming six! Yes, we are having a little bundle of joy join our family and we could'nt be happier about it. It was a real surprise but a great one. Tessa just turned a year old so they will be 19 months apart which is the closest for me but it will be so fun for Tessa to have a little brother or sister to have at home with her.

Tessa Turns 1 Year Old!

2009-03-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

My baby Tessa turned one year old on March 13th. She had shots the day before her birthday so she wasnt feeling good the day of her birthday so we gave her, her gift which she loved. It is a Fisher Price kitchen and she dances so cute to the music. We had two families from our ward over for dinner and Family Night so we sang and had brownies and ice cream to celebrate.

Tessa is a bright spot in our family. She is such a fun baby and she loves to be in all the action! When Jake comes home from work he takes her to feed the chickens and she knows that is her routine and gets so excited. She tries really hard to say "ch ch chicken"! Tessa is walking now and she is so cute with her arms in the air to balance herself. All the kids just love her and want to carry her all over, but now she wants to get down and just go! Happy Birthday Tessa, We love you!

Yum! Brownies and Ice Cream!
How does this work?

Oooh!

Just blow the candle!

She wanted to grab the flame!

In her kitchen!

Korean Date Night

2009-03-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night Jake and I went out with another couple from our ward for Korean food. I served my mission in Taejon, Korea and so did the husband of this other couple. It had been a long time since I had had Korean food. As soon as they brought it out the smells were so familiar and it tasted so good! It brought back a lot of good memories. We are going to have to go back soon! After dinner we headed over to a Korean market and bought some things to take home. I got a jar of Kimchi, a package of seaweed, a few Korean side dishes, and some marianade to make the pulkogi (barbeque meat you wrap in lettuce). We ate frozen melon bars on the way home. It was such a fun night out! Jake even enjoyed it, he is not a huge fan, but it is growing on him. I have been eating rice and Kimchi and seaweed for lunch and my kids say "Oh, that stinks!" and it does have a strong smell but I love it! It also gave me an idea for my sharing time that is coming up and I am going to talk about missionary work.

Sammi turns 12!

2009-03-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday was Sammi's 12th Birthday! She had a party on Friday with some friends. They had early release so the girls came over after school and they went to the ice skating rink. Jake took the girls and I stayed home with Tanner and Tessa and got everything ready for when they got back. They had pizza and cake and ice cream and opened her gifts. She had decorated the cake herself and it turned out really cute. I had seen the idea in a magazine and she loved it. We all played Apples to Apples while we waited for parents to come.

Sammi is so excited to be going to Young Women's! She is a fun and sweet daughter and sister and friend. She keeps us on our toes and likes things to be her way! We love you Sammi and are so happy to have you in our family! What a wonderful blessing and one of our greatest memories and blessings was taking you to the temple to be sealed to us forever! Happy Happy Birthday!

Fire Station Field Trip

2009-02-25T10:11:00.000-08:00

On Friday Tanner had his preschool field trip to the Fire Station. His teacher's husband is a fireman and it is a really fun field trip. This is the fourth time for me since Kimball did it two years and now Tanner in his second year. I have to say though, that it is still fun to see the excitement on the kids faces. They go over fire safety and get to try on the big jacket and get a tour of the station. Then they get to climb in the truck and they get to hear the siren and see the lights. This time while we were talking about safety the code and alarm came on and we got to see the truck and firemen leave the station to respond to a call. That was a first and it was way cool. The kids got to run out and see the truck leave with the lights and siren. Look at all those boys and only one cute girl!
Future fireman?

Tanner's teacher all ready for action

P B and J Blues

2009-02-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

At Kimball and Rebecca's school they have an extreme allergy alert for Peanut Butter. Well, this has been the staple for their lunches for so long. They have a seperate table where any child who brings peanut products has to sit to eat lunch. So, one morning I was out of lunchmeat and we were in a hurry and Rebecca says "Mom, I dont want to sit at the peanut butter table! Nobody hardly sits there!" So, we have had to get much more creative with their lunches or its the menu at school. Also, they have a share basket and when kids don't want something in their lunch they put it in the share basket. Well, Kimball is all about the share basket and the rule is you can't go get anything out of the share basket until you have eaten eveything in your own lunch. Kimball will tell me "It's no fair by the time I got my lunch finished all the good stuff was gone from the share basket!" I just think it is funny how much drama there is over lunch!

Wildlife World Zoo

2009-02-17T06:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took the kids to the Wildlife World Zoo. My sister lives near there and has a season pass so we met her and her little boy there. The kids loved it! They got to feed parrots, and giraffes and to pet llamas and goats. Tanner kept saying "I want to go see the Flamangos!" There was an aquarium and a reptile building. There were quite a few baby animals and they were so cute. There was a baby monkey nursing and the kids were fascinated how close to home that was. Rebecca took the picture of the flamingos and she was excited how in the picture the flamingos heads are forming a heart. Sammi loved the giraffes and she took those pictures. After at the gift shop she blew, oh spent $22.oo on a stuffed turtle and a giraffe but it was her babysitting money to spend. It was a really far drive but I think it was well worth the trip. The kids spent the whole time during dinner telling Jake all about it.

Happy Birthday Tanner!

2009-02-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

Tanner and Kimball playing in the great big box!
Playdough fun!

So tired after a day of fun at Lake Powell
Boating Fun!

He loved being at the wheel!

Today is Valentine's Day but it is also Tanner's Birthday! He is our little valentine and we are so happy he is a part of our family. He is a sweet and super fun little guy. He is Daddy's little shadow and loves to go hiking, camping, going to the track, and the hardware store with his Dad. He also loves to be with his Mom and going to Costco, picking up Taco Bell, reading and dancing to music (with a bit of coaxing from Mom.) He loves going to preschool and is very excited to start kindergarten this year. We love you Tanner!

In the Zone

2009-02-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

The last week or so I have been "spring cleaning" my house. I decided I would do it differently this time since dusting the whole house or wiping down all the walls is too overwhelming. So, I split my house into zones and each day I work on one zone and do that area only. It has felt so good to feel like I accomplished something. So, it took me a week and a half to get my laundry room, a bathroom, and kitchen done. With Tanner and Tessa and laundry and running kids its a work in progress!

Hard Knocks!

2009-02-04T09:01:00.000-08:00

Sammi for her choir assignment has been putting different lyrics to the Annie song "It's a hard knock life." So, the song has been playing at our house. Last night when Tanner was taking a shower I overheard him singing "It's a knock hard life for us! " That put into words how I feel sometimes, Keep knocking and knock harder!

London's Run

2009-02-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

Jake ran the half marathon on Saturday. It was London's run which is a funraiser event that was started for a little girl named London who died of cancer. We came at the end and were able to see him come in. His parents and a few nieces came also. There were several others who ran also from our ward. He did really well and came in at 1:49. He was at a 8:19 minute pace. Go Jake!

Talent Show

2009-01-31T20:13:00.000-08:00

On Monday night Rebecca was in the Queen Creek Elementary School talent show. This was done as an Eagle Project to raise money for the library. It was very well organized and they had tryouts and a rehearsal. Rebecca put together a dance with gymnastics in it to the High School Musical song "You are the music in me". Jake and I were a little nervous when she first wanted to do the talent show. This past summer at the Family reunion in Utah they had a talent show and she and a cousin did an "impromptu" dance and lets just say it was very impromptu! She really wanted to do this so she prepared and did a great job. I was really impressed with what she did all on her own. It was a really fun evening and there were a few other kids in our ward in it too. They all did a great job!

Build-A-Bear Birthday

2009-01-28T08:03:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we took Kimball and Tanner to Build A Bear and Applebee's for their birthdays. Tanner's birthday is in a few weeks so we combined their celebration. Kimball has been telling me all year that this is what he wanted to do for his birthday. Jake was asking him are you sure this is what you want? He thought he might want to go on a "man's hike" or campout. No, he wanted Build A Bear and dinner! They had such a fun time. Kimball chose a dog and Tanner an elephant. They went through the whole process of making it and Tanner's favorite part was blow drying it and brushing its fur. Kimball was all about picking out an outfit and shoes and a hat. Tanner wanted nothing to do with it. He could not be talked into any outfit or accessorie. He wanted it "just regular"! Kimball named his Coco {we had a dog named Coco} and Tanner named his Matt {his favorite show is Cyber Chase}. After we went to Applebee's for dinner and Tanner got the Macaroni and Cheese and Kimball got Chicken Strips. It was a fun birthday for them and that is all that matters! Kimball and Tanner with Coco and Matt

Waiting to be seated at Applebee's

Tanner grooming his elephant

Happy Boys!

Kimball all smiles

Tanner's heart that went inside the elephant

Happy Birthday Kimball!

2009-01-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

He turns seven years old today. I remember when he was just a baby with blond curly hair and the biggest smile. Kimball is the happiest kid and loves to play with his friends and brother and sisters. He looks forward to camping and hiking with his Dad and family. When Kimball was a little guy he would make a humming sound when he would eat and every once in a while we hear it and we know the food is good! He loves to play and have fun but he can be quite a tease! {watch out girls!} We love you Kimball! At the Indian Ruins
Happy Valentines Day

Fathers Son Campout

Fire Escape Plan

2009-01-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

Last night for Family Home Evening we went through a fire escape plan. We are using the Family Prepardness manuel that we got at church for some of our family nights. We decided that the family meeting place would be way out front next to our Jacaranda trees. Then, we went downstairs in the basement and had the boys open their window and try to climb up the window well ladder and push the cover up. It was not an easy task for them and we told them that they would probably never have to do it but we wanted them to be aware of where it was and what to do. Next, we had the girls open there window and learn how to get the screen off or if that didnt work to just kick it out. At the end we reviewed what to do and Jake asked, "Now where is our meeting spot?" and Kimball says "Go to the Jack O' Lantern trees!" Yes, go to the Jacaranda trees. It is nice to be having more consistent family home evenings again. When the girls were in gymnastics we were not very good at getting it done. Now, the kids look forward to it and are taking part in planning the lessons, music and treats.

The Sweetest Sound

2009-01-09T09:53:00.000-08:00

When the other kids were babies their first word was Da Da. And yes, he is wonderful and charming but who feeds them, changes most of the diapers, and gets little sleep! Well, Tessa's first word is Mom,Mom, Mom. She says it so cute while looking up at me. She is such a fun baby and even though she has been my worst sleeper all that goes away when she looks up and me and says Mom, Mom, Mom!

Dishes Duty

2009-01-09T09:43:00.000-08:00

A few months ago we started having the girls do the dishes each night, switching off weekly with emptying the dishwasher and rinsing and putting them into the dishwasher. Kimball and Tanner clear and wipe the table. Before I did the bulk of the dishes, Jake doing them now and then. If I was tired I would leave them for the morning, and grumpy and resentful do them. So, last night when the girls were finishing off some leftover pasta after dinner Rebecca went for her own bowl and fork and Sammi said "Lets just share and then I won't have to wash another dish". I just laughed to myself because she is getting it! It has been so nice to have that help. I dont know why we didnt start years ago!

Sand Dunes

2009-01-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

We went to the Sand Dunes in Glamis over New Years. We met the Johnson's and Donn's there. I was really nervous because this was a new experience for us. Our friends Eric and Elizabeth let us use their trailer which was so nice because it has a bathroom with a shower and a heater. It got pretty cold at night so that was great. We had the best time! I felt way out of my comfort zone at first but ended up loving it. We got there on New Years Eve and spent the evening with fireworks and Sobe bombs. It was crazy! They put gasoline in Sobe bottles and put them in the fire and they build up pressure and shoot this huge fire ring in the air. I was worried with my kids but they had such a good time. Jake and I stayed up until midnight, our kids till about 9:30. They were tired and we wanted them to have fun the next day. I went to bed and Jake went up to the hill to watch California ring in the new year an hour later. The kids loved riding on the quads, and I had no idea they had such a need for speed! I went on a ride with Susan in her sand car and she is an awesome driver! She has skills! It was so fun going straight up the big hill and all over the dunes. My kids loved the sandrails, quads and rhino. It was quite a trip, with Kimball getting pulled over by the patrol and Jake getting a ticket. The little guy was so sad and he was right near our camp but because an adult wasnt right there we got an unsupervised $100 ticket. We called it a "bad parenting ticket". Tanner was watching and said to me "Is he going to jail?" We were very careful after that. My kids had been on quads before but not in the sand. It was such a fun weekend.Tessa loved watching all the action out the screen door

Kenyon was so cute with Tessa and loved playing with her

Sammi, Jake, Kimball and Ridge

Sammi was quite the driver, she flipped it twice!

Kimball, Tanner and me with Gene in the sandrail

Rebecca

Rebecca, Kenyon, Zanna and Tanner

Kimball

Christmas Day

2008-12-30T09:29:00.000-08:00

What a fun morning that started earlier than usual. The girls woke up at 4 am and then when Tessa was up at 5:45 it all began. The kids were so excited by what Santa had put in their stockings. They got new toothbrushes, some fun toys and markers and a few other things. Then it was on to the family gifts. I was so happy with my CHI blowdryer and a gift card to Red Lobster {my favorite}. The kids got some new Wii games and have been loving playing that together. We got 4 controllers and that has been nice to not have the "its my turn now!" Later we went to my family's to have dinner and hang out.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-30T08:51:00.000-08:00

For the past 25 years the Johnson family has been having a Mexican food fiesta with the Kriloff family. They were neighbors when there kids were growing up and it grew into a tradition. It used to be held at their home but now there are so many of us it is held at the church. Diane had a coloring table set up for the kids and they enjoyed coloring together as eveyone arrived. The food was so good as usual. Tacos, tamales, enchiladas, rice, beans, salsa and taquitos. We always bring the guacamole. After dinner we watched the video Luke 2. Then it was pinata time! The kids love this! They double tape it up to last so all the kids get a chance to hit and this year some of the grownups too. Just when I think the candy is gone from the house, more candy! It was fun to see eveyone from out of town and catch up.

Budding Musicians

2008-12-17T20:27:00.000-08:00

I heard Tanner on the piano and came in to see Tessa joining in! They are fun together and Tessa is pulling herself up on everything! I think she will be my earliest walker. She is growing way too fast!

Christmas Party (Amazing Jake's)

2008-12-17T20:22:00.001-08:00

Jake had his work Christmas Party on Monday night at Amazing Jake's. They had it there last year too. His work is so generous and each kid gets a gift and this year we pooled the gift and they got a Wii. They were so excited and it has been a real incentive to get homework and piano done! Tessa got a Crawl and Cruise Musical Jungle that we need to put together. I played Lasar tag with the older three and that was so much fun! I was surprised how competitive I got! Sammi and I played a couple of rounds of air hockey and I won the first round and she took the second one. The kids love the teacups and spin as fast as they can go. We all had a great time!

Christmas lights

2008-12-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

Saturday evening we went around and looked at Christmas lights. All the cousins hopped in the back of Joel's truck and cuddled under blankets. The kids sang Christmas songs as loud as they could and had a great time! After we came back for hot chocolate and Joel and Jake played Kick the Can with the kids in the road for a little bit.

Gingerbread houses with Grandma

2008-12-17T20:11:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we went over to my Grandma's to decorate gingerbread houses. My Grandma is Jewish and has never done this before so it was fun to have her share this experience with her Great Grandchildren. My Mom and my Grandma's live in helper, Bobbie were there too. The kids loved making theirs different and unique. We used marshmallows for snow and black licrorice pieces for logs. They turned out really cute and the kids were so excited to spend that time with Grandma.Sammi's Gingerbread House

Rebecca's Gindgerbread House

Grandma with Rebecca and my Mom

Kimball's Gingerbread House

A Christmas Carol

2008-12-12T21:51:00.001-08:00

Thursday night Sammi was in the school play "A Christmas Carol". They had dinner that we had prepaid for, pizza for the kids and Paradise Bakery or Cravings for the adults. There was a Christmas Choir concert during the dinner and then the play after. They had some technical difficulties with the lights and microphones. This was the first school play at the new Newell Barney Middle School. Sammi was Nicklby and her part was toward the end of the play. They did a good job and it is fun for Sammi to be involved in these activities. It was pretty long and as you can see Tanner didnt make it to the end. He was on my lap and kept saying "Is it over yet?" He crawled under the table and crashed! They all got to bed late.

Ward Christmas Party

2008-12-08T19:22:00.000-08:00

Saturday night was our ward Christmas Party. They had asked us to dress up for that time. It was fun to get a picture before we left. Of course as soon as we got there the costumes came off. It was hot in there and they were not very comfortable. Before we left Tanner was telling me he didnt want to dress like this but wanted to be a bee. He was a bee for Halloween last year. There was a really good turn out. They had a few activities for the kids and a program after dinner.

Michael's Sealing

2008-12-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

On Saturday my sister Rachel and brother in law Josh were sealed to their son Michael. The adoption was finalized and they were able to be sealed in the temple. It was such a special experience. All of us were in the temple together and that made it extra special. Michael was so cute and he was just interested in getting down and running. He is a year old and has so much energy. It brought back memories from our own special day when we had Sammi sealed to us. It has been 10 years and I cant beleive how fast the time goes. I am so grateful for the temple and the sealing power that binds us as families together. What a great blessing. It was a wonderful day. We love you Micheal, Rachel and Josh! The family together after the sealing

Michael

Michael, Josh and Rachel

Mall Trip

2008-11-27T13:01:00.000-08:00

My sister Mary and her husband Aaron and their baby James came to stay with us over Thanksgiving. We met my sister Rachel and her baby Micheal at the mall on Wednesday. We ate in the food court and there was someone dressed as a big cow for ChikFilA. Tanner saw it and says "Mom, what if it Moos at me." I had him go up and give it a five. After we let the kids play in the play area. Tessa was pulling herself up and was happy to just go. It has been fun having Mary's family visit.Tessa

Michael

James

Aaron, Tessa, Rachel, Michael, Mary and James

Turkey Trot

2008-11-27T12:11:00.001-08:00

Jake, Jake's Dad, Joel, Sammi and Sadie ran the 10K. My sisters Rachel and Amy ran the 2 mile fun run. It had been raining but during the race the weather was nice. I am guessing there were some prayers answered for good weather. The Smith Family and Julia and Brett from our ward were also in the 10K. It was fun to be at the finish line and watch them all come in. Jake ran it in 47 minutes and Sammi came in at 1:17. It was her first race so we were so excited for her. Jake has been running the Turkey Trot since we have been married so it has been fun to go each year. There were so many runners this year. I got some fun pictures. Rachel and Amy

Sadie and Sammi

The whole gang

Rebecca and Tessa

The Johnson group

Rivas Ranch Hike

2008-11-24T16:10:00.000-08:00

Jake took the kids Friday on an overnight hike to Rivas Ranch. He went on this hike last year and did not take Kimball and Tanner. They got to go this year and had been looking forward to this hike. One Sunday when we were driving back from Jake's parents house Jake says "Who wants to go on the "Rivas and Ruckbed" hike and of course I am the only one laughing because the kids don't get it. So it became an inside joke at our house. Kimball had no idea and he would say "Dad, I really want to go on the Rivas and Ruckbed hike". (Beavis and .....) Anyway, they went with Jake's Dad and their cousin Sadie and Jason from our ward. Rebecca sat in a cactus and had to have a few needles pulled out, ouch! They were afraid it would be cold at night but it was suprisingly warm. Jake's Dad hiked the kids out the shorter route, and Jake and Jason took the longer one. Jake said he had a hard time keeping up with Jason. The kids really enjoy this time with their Dad and it was so quiet around the house with just me and Tessa, she was a much happier baby when they got home. She seems to enjoy the company! Jake only got these two pictures.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

2008-11-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

Today I was feeding Tessa on the couch and Tanner was curled up next to me and he says "What is Tessa going to be when she grows up? a dragon?" and I say no, she will be a big girl like Sammi and Rebecca" and he says,"no like a garbage man"and I say "oh, do you still want to be a garbage man when you grow up ?"and he says "no I want to be a Daddy" and I say" Oh that is such a good thing to be" and I ask him "what do you want to do for a job?" and he says I want to buy money like Dad does, "and I say" you want to work on computers like Dad?" and he says "Yeah." Its so funny how there little minds work. He has had this obsession with garbage trucks and whenever he hears it coming runs outside to watch it pick up the trash. He would tell me I want to be a garbage man when I grow up. I guess his ambitions are changing!

The Jungle Book

2008-11-18T16:38:00.001-08:00

Sammi was in the Jungle Book play at the Queen Creek Community Theatre. It was such a good experience for her to attend the rehearsals and build her confidence. It was the cutest play and they did such a good job getting all those 1oo+ kids involved. The music was so fun and you could tell the kids really enjoyed being a part of it. Sammi was a Mahi villager and did a great job! We went to see it last night and I forgot my camera, so I snapped a picture of her today after the day preformance that they put on for the elementary age kids. Rebecca was excited to see her and her good friend Brooklyn in it. It was neat to have a bunch of kids from our ward it it too.

Food Storage and Prepardness Enrichment

2008-11-18T16:28:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I went to the Enrichment activity at a sister in our wards house. They had two canners there and I canned a total of 47 cans of refried beans, potato flakes, and flour. It was nice to have a little assembly line of sisters helping eachother. They also had classes on bread making, jams, fruit tree care and cooking with beans. I came away with a bunch of good recipes and ideas. I have never been a very good bread maker and I am going to make an effort to change that. Robyn made this bean dip that she had soaked and cooked the pinto beans and then mashed them up and added cream cheese and salsa. It was so good. There was also a white bean soup cooked in the crock pot with celery, carrots and a little ham. It was really good too. It feels good to be learning new skill and working on getting closer to being prepared.

What's for Lunch?

2008-11-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

My sister Rachel tagged those on her blog list to give her some ideas for lunch for her and her son Michael. We are not very creative at our house. It is Tanner and I and I have to admit we get take out at least once a week. Tanner's favorite is Taco Bell and mine would be Subway. I usually make him Dinosaur chicken nuggets, Pasta Roni, Macaroni and Cheese, or Peanut Butter and Jelly and we almost always have Cottage Cheese and fruit with whatever. Leftovers are a staple for me if they are good leftovers. Rachel, your recipe for the macaroni salad sounded good and will have to give that a try. What's for lunch today? I think I will run through the drive thru at Burger King and try their new swiss mushroom burger I saw on the TV last night!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T20:01:00.000-08:00

My favorite part of Halloween is getting to see my kids excited to be in their costumes and to get their pictures. The candy and the after affects of the candy, not so much. However, I do get to dig through with my kids permission and get the best candy bars! We put all the candy in one big bowl and they really are pretty good about not sneaking into it. At least I think they are. We went to the ward Trunk or Treat party. It was really fun. They had chili and cornbread. My kids did not appreciate it like Jake and I but it was really good. Later, trunk or treating and they had an adventure alley to win cute prizes and a no hands doughnut eating contest, and a cupcake walk. After the Bishop offered to take Sammi and Rebecca to a little extra trick or treating with his older kids. They loved that and came back with big candy bars! Now we are on to thinking about Thanksgiving and then Christmas, it is going way too fast!

All the Johnson kidsTessa the cute bunnyTanner the crazy skeleton

Kimball as Spider Man

Rebecca as Dorothy

Sammi back in the 50's

Family Fun

2008-10-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

My kids love to play with my laundry baskets and will put their pillows, blankets and toys in them and then themselves. They will watch movies, read and play in them. The latest joy has been boxes. When a new box shows up at our house, the kids will get the markers out and spread out on the kitchen floor and color it all over. Then the fun begins as they push eachother all over the house and it is played with until it falls apart. The boys have been taking them out back and making "homes for ants" including taking them snacks which we nipped in the bud real quick. It is fun to see them play together when they are having fun and getting along. Which is the few and far between moments, but I enjoy them when they come. So, I dont think they will be needing new toys for Christmas, just a few boxes and a laundry basket! Rebecca and Tessa having fun in a box

Tanner and Tessa hanging out in the laundry basket

Tanner loves playing with Tessa

Kimball reading a story to Tanner

Jake playing the piano with his little shadow

Pajama fun

Sammi, Tanner and Rebecca in the laundry baskets

Food Storage Project

2008-10-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

I have had a goal to get my food storage and my pantry organized for a long time. Well, I am accomplishing that goal. I cleaned out the room in the basement, got Jake to put the shelves together and hauled all the #10 cans of food storage downstairs. Before it was in various places all over the house. I went to Fry's for their case lot sale. I got sugar, spaghetti sauce, oil, black beans, oatmeal, peanut butter, spaghetti O's, and chicken broth. Every time I go to the grocery store I pick up an extra gallon or two of water and they are in all of our closets. It is funny because our neighbor came over the other day and said he had been feeling like he needed to be prepared for his family. He said I know Mormons know about how to store food and water. We showed him what we had and he was really excited to get started. He kept saying I have just had these really strong feelings about it. I got this neat feeling like we are planting a seed. There is still a ways to go but I am getting there. Tanner was watching me and I had asked him if he wanted to help me out and he said "Mom, those are too heavy, I cant "harry" them. He is the funniest kid and he is always cracking me up with the funny things he says. He likes to help his Dad find the "grover holes" and lets you know that Dad needs to poison those "grovers".

San Diego Beach Trip

2008-10-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a week camping at the beach over Fall Break. We were with Jake's family and our friends Marci and Craig and their girls. We took our tent trailer and enjoyed the weather and ocean. The kids had so much fun playing with friends and cousins. They got to go on the annual sea shell hunt. Jake's mom buys all these cool shells and hides them down on the beach and the kids get so excited to find them. The little ones dont know the secret, and think they are finding shells that washed up from there, but the big kids know and are still excited to find cool shells. We went to Knotts Berry Farm one of the days and it was so nice because it wasnt busy at all. We got right on all the rides. It was nice too to have lots of us to take turns with the kids so everyone could go on rides. The boys picked out these pop guns and loved having them to play with the rest of their vacation. Sammi got a snoopy water bottle and Rebecca a snoopy coin purse. It was their allowance money that they had saved for this trip. We went to La Jolla another day and Jake took the kids snorkeling. I sat in the park with Tessa and Tanner and played I spy with Tanner and people watched. It is so interesting to see all the kinds of people that make up this world. Kimball lost his flip flops on the beach and I went down several times to look for them, but they were buried somwhere in the sand. I did find a cell phone though. We called the number in the cell phone under Mom. It was a kids phone. The Mom said she would send her husband to pick up the phone. So we met him at the front. He thanked us for returning the phone. He said that his son wasnt supposed to be at the beach! Busted! It was nice to get away and spend time as a family. I have mounds and mounds of laundry! Oh the joy of being a Mom! Kimball ready to try out snorkeling in La Jolla.

Rebecca catching a wave!

Yes, that's me boogie boarding!
Sammi is in the background.

Tessa with her "Caution will eat sand T-shirt"!

Our family at the San Diego Temple

Tanner having fun with the waves

Sammi and Kimball finding Sea Shells

Visiting Teaching

2008-09-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

I went Visiting Teaching on Friday. I had Tanner and Tessa in the car with me. I was on my way to pick up my partner Georgina Ciotti. We were headed up towards the moutain and Tanner says "Mom where are we going up the mountain?" and I say " We are going to pick up Sister Ciotti" and Tanner says " Sister Coyote?" and I say yes Sister Ciotti." and he says Sister Coyote lives on the mountain?" It was pretty funny.

2008-09-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE!

This is a picture of us at the beach last year. We are going again in a few weeks so I thought it was a fun memory. We have had some wonderful memories from the beach starting with when you proposed. As the children have come along we have loved having that time together each year. I am so grateful for such a loving husband and awesome Dad to our kids. I hope you have a great birthday. It doesnt get much better than Joe's Barbeque especially when its free! Wow 26 years old, that makes me, uh 27! Remember, your only as old as you feel. Have a fun day! Your the best! I love you!

Horton Springs

2008-09-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Jake took the kids to Horton Springs on an overnight backpacking trip. His Dad and Jill's girls and Tait went also. This is one of a couple different backpacking trips they have been on this year. They have gone to Rivas Ranch, Fossil Springs, and the Indian Ruins. The kids at first were hesitant but now they ask where are we going next, Dad. I have been having them write a journal entry after a family adventure so I am going to include their perception of the trip. Sammi wrote" We went to Horton Springs. We hiked 2 miles then we camped. Then we made camp. We made a campfire and had hot dogs, and ramen for dinner. We then roasted marshmallows. After that we went to bed. The next day we hiked to the spring and got spring water. Then we packed up and hiked back 2 miles. We had fun! The End." She drew a picture of the hike, the spring and camp with the tents and the fire and the trees. Rebecca wrote " I went to Horton Springs. There were my cousins and Grandpa. We hiked 3 miles to the campsight. Then we didnt even have to walk a mile to the Horton Springs after we were at the campsight. We found this big tree branch that was wiggly by the spring. The spring was really pretty and the water tasted really good. We had so much fun!!! We went to bed at 9:30 and played games."

Kimball wrote "Thank you! It was very very fun. I liked the motorcycles. They were riding on the back." I guess they saw some motorcycle riders on the way up. Tanner drew a picture of Horton Springs.

I am glad that Jake takes them on these fun adventures. Tessa and I stayed but someday we will be right there with them!

Lava Tubes Hike

2008-08-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to Flagstaff and camped overnight. We left on Friday afternoon and found a spot near the Lava tubes. Jake's Mom and Dad came and his brother Joel and Christina and their kids. We took the tent trailer which has really been great. I love it! We set up camp, and then sat around the campfire and told a few stories and jokes. Jake told his immortal porpoises joke which is the one he told me when we were dating and I knew then that it was true love! The next morning we had breakfast, egg burritos of course! The guys and the kids played softball in the road and then we headed out to the Lava tubes. It is very narrow going in and really rocky. It is a big cave inside that goes for about a mile long. It was dark througout so everyone had a flashlight.
When we got back we had lunch and then packed up. On the way home, we stopped at the Deer Farm. I remember going there as a kid about Sammi's age. It was before we had moved to Arizona. It was so neat to have the deer come right up and eat right out of your hand. The kids loved it and we saw reindeer and buffalo, peacocks and some other animals.

Triathlon

2008-08-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

Jake entered a sprint triathlon with his brother Joel and a friend from the ward Glade Smith. Sammi and Rebecca came with his parents to cheer him on. They thought it was so neat to run across the finish line with him.

our trip to Utah

2008-08-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

We went for our family vacation to Utah. Our first stop was to Lake Powell for two days. Jake rented a ski boat and they had so much fun swimming, tubing and attempting to wakeboard and waterski. We took our tent trailer and camped in the campground. It was pretty hot, but not terrible.

We then headed to Provo and stayed in a hotel for two days. We got to see Mary and Aaron and little James. We walked around Thanksgiving Point and went to their barn with animals, a pony ride and hayride. It was a lot of fun. Later we swam at our hotel pool. Aaron was great at playing games with the kids in the pool. That night we met up with Shane and my Dad, who was up for a race he was running with Shane. We went to a Thai place and it was really yummy. Went to Shanes place after for Masterpiece and Balderdash. So funny!

The last stop on our vacation was the family reunion at Mutual Dell, up American Fork Canyon. The kids had so much fun playing, and they had it so well organized. Kimball said " This is the best day of my life". They had an outdoor movie, a big bouncy slide, a cool zipline and lots of good food. We camped in our trailer and it was nice weather. Tanner called the zipline the "ziploc bag". It was a really fun trip.

new blogger

2008-08-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

My brother Shane has been encouraging me to start a blog so it has been fun learning how to do it. My sister in law Julie came over and taught me a few things. Thanks Julie!