Grandma Johnson's Birthday Party

Grandma Johnson celebrated her birthday this year with all of her family coming to see her over the course of 3 days. On Saturday, those of us that were there played several different games. The favorite was kickball. Clay was kind of a ball hog! He thought it was always his turn and then played it more like soccer, kicking the ball around the bases until he got to home.

 

We even had a hula hoop contest! 

 

 

Not sure who won, but Jauncee kept going and going and going...And quite possibly won!

 

The kids even played twister. Us adults opted out of that game.

 

Sara made the most awesome cake for Grandma. A garden! It was very detailed. She is one talented girl. 

 

Daddy and Grandma Johnson share the same birthday, so we got to celebrate him twice! He deserved it though because he really is that great!

 

I really think Annette (Grandma Johnson) enjoyed seeing everyone and celebrating! I hope she had a great birthday!

Happy Birthday - Daddy!

Five years ago this man entered my life and I can't imagine living a day without him. How did I go 31 years not knowing what real happiness, real love felt like??

Dirk is such a wonderful husband, dad and friend.

He is such a strength and support to me.

He fills my life and our home with so much love and laughter.

I feel sad each morning when he walks out the door for work and I look forward to seeing him every minute until he walks back in.

He is so hard working and devoted to doing his very best in everything he does.

He is very loyal to our family!

Dirk really is my miracle and I feel blessed each day that I get to love him and spend my life with him.

Happy Birthday to the greatest man I know.

I love you!

The BIG 13!

Wow, it is official! We have a teenager in the house!!!!
The thought makes me feel old. I don't think I'm ready! I can't possibly be that old. I still have some growing up of my own to do. 

Jeslyn is such a joy in our life. From the moment she was born she has put a smile on my face. Heavenly Father blessed my life with a best girl friend, favorite shopping buddy and a light in our home.
I am so proud of Jeslyn and the young woman she is becoming.
I love this girl with ALL my heart.
Happy 13th - JES

 

To My Sweetest Jeslyn - 

In six short years you will set off in to the crazy mad world, to college. It seems so close. Six years are gone in a blink of an eye! There are so many things you need to know, so many things I want to teach you, and too many things I'm afraid of you learning. I miss you already just thinking about you leaving. It makes me sad to think of you growing up!

You have been with me the longest, and have been the deciding factor in every decision I make. 

Enjoy the little things in life, all too soon they will become big things. Eat cheesecake, dance in the rain, sing out loud and surround yourself with people  who love you. Find what you love and figure out how to get paid for doing it.

Have no regrets!

Never be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, it OK if it is a little scary. Always treat people how you want them to treat you. You are not better that other people and they are not better that you.

Remember that no matter where you are and what you do, I will always love you. I will always be your biggest fan.

All my love,

Mom

Welcome Back to School

Welcome Back to School

by Kenn Nesbitt

"Dear students, the summer has ended.
The school year at last has begun.
But this year is totally different.
I promise we'll only have fun.

"We won't study any mathematics,
and recess will last all day long.
Instead of the pledge of allegiance,
we'll belt out a rock-and-roll song.

"We'll only play games in the classroom.
You're welcome to bring in your toys.
It's okay to run in the hallways.
It's great if you make lots of noise.

"For homework, you'll play your Nintendo.
You'll have to watch lots of T.V.
For field trips we'll go to the movies
and get lots of candy for free.

"The lunchroom will only serve chocolate
and triple fudge sundaes supreme."
Yes, that's what I heard from my teacher
before I woke up from my dream.

This girls started school on August 20th. It was a bittersweet day! I love having all my children home and being able to spend time with them...even if it is doing nothing at all!

 

Jeslyn is now in junior high and is starting the 7th grade.

 

Jauncee is still in elementary and is now in the 4th grade.

 

I sure love these two beautiful girls!

I hope the school year is a success.

 

At least I still have some company during the day!

18 Months

I know, I know! Dakota actually turned 18 months old like 3 months ago. I did however, keep a daily journal writing down my thoughts and all her accomplishments. I try to catch-up chronologically. And I am now to this point!

Dakota Rae - Officially 18 months old! 

Just six months ago we were celebrating your 1st birthday! In those six months so much has changed. You have changed. You are no longer a baby, but a little girl. I didn't think I could love you more, but I do. You warm my heart every day with your smile and laughter. You have such a good heart and spirit.

 

Your vocabulary has grown by leaps and bounds. Words you use frequently: up, help, milk, outside, mommy, daddy, Clay, Jes, Jauncee, water, yes, no, nite-nite, chees, hot, what's that, phone, shoes, Op, dog, horse. You know the animal sounds for a cow, horse, dog, kitty and pig. You LOVE animals! You actually continue to surprise me daily always with a new word. You eagerly bring us books to read, sometimes wanting to read them yourself. I love that I can identify more of your words, particularly the ones that aren't so clear. You are better able to articulate your needs and are understanding so much more.

You sometimes get frustrated when you can't have your way---or we don't understand what you want. I know it can't be easy. We try to do our best. Sometimes we can't give you what you want, and I know that is hard. It's one of those lessons in life we all learn---and struggle with.

I love cuddling in bed with you in the mornings. You sleep in your own bed all night and have done since the beginning, but by morning time, your are ready for snuggles. And so am I!

You enjoy coloring, even on yourself. You love to dance and sing. Somehow you manage to pick up the rhythm and the beat every time. I think you are going to by my musically talented child. I even catch you on occasion singing the alphabet song. It melts my heart.

Your curiosity is endless and sometimes can be fearless, especially when you know I am there. I try to give you the freedom you need to explore and take risks while making sure your are safe. You love being with other children and especially like to follow your brother Clay around. Everything he does, your try to do. Your favorite toys are tractors, trucks and trains. Occasionally you will love on one of your babies, but would prefer a stuffed doggy, monkey or giraffe.

You do things in your own way and in your own time, and have finally started to walk. (a little bit)  I a learning to be okay with this. 

In 18 short months, you have changed my world, and I am so proud of the little girl you are becoming! Everyday you make me smile! I cannot begin to tell you how much you mean to me---how glad I am to have you in our family.

Love you FOREVER,

Momma