The Johnson Family

Elizabeth's first Day of school.

2011-08-31T11:30:00.001-07:00

Yeah Elizabeth was well enough to go back to school . I woke her up with her favorite thing, the smell of bacon in the oven.
This year she picked out her backpack and her outfit. I stepped aside and let her. I thought she was adorable. She also wanted her hair down and straightened.

These cute little striped shoes were a great find at Tilly's. Elizabeth HATES wearing shoes. It's a nightmare to shop for them with her. So the fact that she loves these and claims they are comfortable is a miracle.

Heading into class with her new teacher Mrs. hicks.

First Day Of School

2011-08-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

Tuesday morning only Ethan headed back to school. Elizabeth, poor thing, woke up with a stomach bug. She threw up all over, and had to stay home. My heart just broke for her!! It was a rough morning. She was so excited to start, and so disappointed to miss the first day. Luckily she was feeling better by the afternoon. And able to go the second day.

It was a big step for me, but I even let the kids pick their own back to school outfits. Ethan had to have this Rockstar shirt. And his cool new shoes.

Off we go. I didn't get a cool outfit for the first day, in case you didn't notice. hehe

Due to the mornings illness, we were running a bit behind.
So yes we had breakfast on the road. As you can see Eric wasn't too thrilled to send his brother off to school.

I got chocked up when I hugged him goodbye in the parking lot. but I stayed composed. But here's the moment I almost completely lost it. These boys have been constant companions. My two little babies. How did I go from carrying them in both arms, to sending one off to school? When the lady behind them walked by and giggled saying how cute.. I though oh lady you have no idea! I just love my little boys!

Ethan's new teacher Mrs. Gentry.

This is Ethan's buddy scout. They are in primary together, and have a lot of fun together.

Ethan reported every detail on his first day of school when he got home. He was so excited to have met the principal. has another boy names Ethan in his class. Climbed to the top of the monkey bars. Ate lunch with Scout and opened her crackers for her. Took a rest time, even though he felt fine, and got to sit at the desks, and the table. I was so thrilled he loved it. I neve doubted he would. Fortunately he got through his first day. By 4:00 he was on the couch with a tummy ache. Throwing up through the evening, he'll be missing the second day.

Back to School Dinner August 2011

2011-08-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

The night before school starts I like to do something special for the kids for dinner. Just to help get them excited, and help calm any nerves. I like to have something they love for dinner. I found some of these really cute ideas online. Thank goodness for the internet. It was a busy day we had meet the teacher for Ethan, and he needed a haircut. The weekend was so busy we weren'table to get to it. I hope my kids realize one day that I do all these fun little things to show them how much I love them.

I even stole the cute centerpiece idea from online. These cute colorful notebooks were only .40 at Target. The kids were happy to each pick one out when we were done. Why are notebooks so exciting to get? I don't know, but I'm a sucker for a cute one myself.
I made the banner last year, when the kids started school. The Chalkboard was in the garage from Jamie and Prescela's wedding. And The subway art was a free printable I found online.

Ever seen a kid so excited about hand sanitizer? Only Ethan. We were at Bath and Body earlier in the week buying apple soap for their teachers. Ethan was begging to buy one of these little hand sanitizers. They had all kinds of back to school scents; pb&j, 2cool, juice box, etc. Ethan kept beggin to even buy one with his own money. But mean old mom just said no. Of course I figured they'd be a perfect little back to school goodie. He picked up this Halloween one with bones on it and said, " If you WOULD letme get one, THIS is what I would get." So he was so excited to find it at his seat!

I thought these apple drinks I found online were so cute. Just fruit punch crystal light, then a leaf on the straw, and a gummie worm over the edge of the glass.

Started dinner off with salad and fruit cups. Then yes I broke down, and they got puizza!

Elizabeth got frosted sprinkled donut hand sanitizer.

The best part of eating all your dinner is always desert. No I did not make cake pops. I will say it over and over , I do not do cakes like my sisters! I cheat by donuts, dip them in chocolate, and think how discusted Julie would be at my sloppy work.But hey these kids still look

happy to me!!

Mateo's Birthday Party

2011-03-07T10:14:00.000-08:00

We had mateo's Birthday Party at our house last month. It was perfect weather for everyone to be outside. They played games, wore transformer masks, and had a pinata.

For my boys the CANDY had to be the best part!!

All the guys played ball,

Elizabeth and Sierra look busted!

A day at the park.

2011-03-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

One thing I really miss about AZ is riding bikes. Here we don't have bike lanes, and there aren't long uninterrupted sidewalks. So we just don't get out as much.

This night we rode to the park up the street to do homework, and play. I have to leave the house sometimes, so we can play and not work. There's just always something to get busy on at home, and we need to spend more time playing with the kids.

We practiced a little softball with the kids. Of course Elizabeth brought the dog along to play.

The sun went down, so it was time to go.

Family Home Evening

2011-03-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

I will be the first to admit we are not consistant every week with our FHE. But we try. This night Elizabeth was teaching. Ethan here conducted the music for us. I know, terrible picture. But you had to see Samuel the Laminite. He's the Little People Noah, haha. He's on top of a wall of rice krispy treats. We threw marshmallows (stones) at him, while she taught the lesson.

Then of course we ate it all up! I got this FHe idea from a FHE swap group

I was in a few years ago. We love the kits, they are so helpful!

2011-01-20T23:32:00.000-08:00

I had to snap this picture of Ethan al ready to go . You see this is how he gets ready to go EVERYWHERE lately. As soo as i say we're going anywhere, he takes off to load up his backpack. Waterbottles, notebooks, stuffed animals, anything he might need. And ALWAYS his scarf. If it's warm out, no problem, leave the jacket and wear just the scarf. What a cutie!

Ethan is like his Uncle Jake, he can spend hours examining ever detail of every exhibit.

Building the Boys a Bed

2011-01-20T23:15:00.000-08:00

I have been waiting a long time to build this bed for the boys. We have debated over bunkbeds. After debate we dacided we'd save the trips to the emergency room, and go with a trendle bed. I was waiting for the weather to cool off in AZ, then we moved. We haven't even organized the garage correctly, but got to work anyway. All the kids are happy to get involved too.

2011-01-20T23:10:00.000-08:00

We have signed Elizabeth up for a fast pitch softball league. She was very scared to play, especially with the older girls who have played before. I was nervous for her too. But I want her to have the opportunity to try and learn different sports. She did great at her first practice. If she can get over her nerves, I know she can chuck that ball! I am so proud of her. She has had to do a lot of brave things with our move. And anybody who knows Elizabeth knows that's not easy for her. But she has faced every challenge so strong, and come out on top every time.It's great to see her growing up.

A day lost in Mimi's closet.

2011-01-20T22:47:00.000-08:00

I loaded Auntie Jaeleen up with enough gear to tackle her three nephews at the park for the morning. I thought it was funny to see her all loaded up.

Mom and I were trying to help Mimi get her closets cleaned out a bit. It was quite overwhelming for her. But I was thrilled to find this apron tucked away in her closet. This apron brings back so many memories of Mimi while I was growing up. I'm so glad she still has it.

We took a break and had some lunch. When we got back Mimi laughed histarically saying she had forgotten what a mess we had to deal with. I promis I got her closet put back together, and still have more work to do. It was so fun to spend the day with her.

A few more Christmas pictures.

2011-01-20T22:40:00.000-08:00

Ethan took the mattters of opening the toys himself. Nice pencil stabbing technique.

Christmas Morning 2010

2011-01-20T22:14:00.001-08:00

This Christmas we had just moved to Claremont. It was a crazy rush to get settled in, but Christmas. was the first thing to go up. Santa was so good to the kids this year, and Andrew hooked me up with a new camera. YEAH!!!!!

A new tradition we started this year. Elizabeth is making our Christmas breakfast. This year she made us Paula Deans french toast bake. So yummy!

I think this is one of Ethan's favorite thigs he got. He never leaves home without it. Who knew how exciting a $1.50 piece of fleece could be.

We were lucky to have Pappa Mike her with us too. His Virtigo was still pretty bad. But we propped him up on the couch, and he enjoyed the morning with us.

Rollerblades with fie on them ,way to go Santa!

September 3rd Craft Night

2010-08-20T20:38:00.001-07:00

Autumn Sign $13.00

Wood Candy Corns $5.00 for one, or $8.00 for set of two.

Happy Harvest Blocks with crow $15.00

I am excited for our first Girls Night In to craft. Got some fun crazy ladies in line already.
Friday September 3rd.
We'll start at 6:30, and finish when you finish.
Please email me your order : ajohnson149@cox.net
All orders and money due by Friday August 27th.

The caterpillar

2010-06-18T23:31:00.000-07:00

The caterpillars have been active in gobbling up our garden this year. I can never seem to find them. Ethan and Eric were pulling the eaten leaves off the basil plant, when Ethan found one. He was so proud of the little wiggly guy on the leaf. Andrew got a jar and poked holes in the lid for him.And then Elizabeth (having studied caterpillars in school recently) got to work on a proper habitat. Poor thing didn't last 24 hours, with all the jar shaking, poking, and carrying around it had to deal with. haha served him right, don't mess with my basil.

Father's Day Gifts

2010-06-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

I have set a goal for our family this year. I am trying to have all gifts we give handmade. I think it makes everything more special. And give the kids a chance to put more thought into it. Plus let's face it it's usually a lot cheaper. So for Father's Day I have spent the majority of my 105 degree day, cleaning out the garage. Did quite a bit of organizing.Elizabeth organized tools, and shop vacced the whole thing. Then on to our project. We are making saw horses for Andrew. I have an old door to put across them, and he will have a work bench for his RC cars he's always working on. So I got all the wood cut at Lowes, and our neighbor lent us his miter saw. I think I'm in love, not with the neighbor, but the miter saw! I forgot wood screws, so we will have to assemble it in the morning. But Ethan and Elizabeth got all the pieces sanded tonight. So excited!

More wise words from Ethan

2010-06-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

"Mom I want to sell this brother and buy a nicer brother. This one just hits me and hurts me too much!"

Ethan

2010-06-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

We were at the splashpad Thursday when Ethan fell off his scooter and skid his knees. Here's how the conversation went.
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!"
"It's ok Ethan, it's just a little scrape. Look at mommy's scar on her knee. When I was a kid I scraped my knoee all the way down to the bone."
"NO! You can't turn into a kid!"
"No Ethan, I already was a kid a long time ago. But now I'm all grown up and I'm a mommmy."
"NO, you weren't"
"Yes I was, ask pappa or Grandma Betty if you don't believe me. I was a kid just like you."
So we get packed up, in the car and are pulling out of the parking lot. Then out o nowhere.
"Hey mom, when you were a kid, did you have penis too?"
I stopped the car and had laughed so hard. I gues I should have specified when I was a little girl, not when I was "like you."

The Camera is gone again

2010-06-18T09:42:00.001-07:00

Yes I lose everything. The camera has been gone for over a month.But I need to journal so that will be the point from here on for a while.

2010-04-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

Eneichment Night (Lots of Pictures)

2010-04-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth's First Baseball Game

2010-04-16T08:17:00.001-07:00

Elizabeth is trying out baseball for the first time this season. I think she's enjoying it. She stresses herself too much for not knowing the game. I try so hard to get her to understand she's on the team to learn, and so are the other kids. She is excited her friend Paisly is on the team with her too. Her Dad is one of the coaches, and Andrew helped him out at the game. Aside from the beating my allergies took, it was fun to go watch her first game. SHe told me I am not allowed to make a team mom shirt, or to chant any cheers. Seriously is this really MY daughter?!!

Strawberry Jam

2010-04-09T21:55:00.001-07:00

Strawberry Jam

2010-04-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

Jammie Shorts

2010-04-09T21:45:00.001-07:00

Made the boys some jammie shorts since it warmed up this week.I made Ethan's from this shirt I got for free at a yard sale a couple weeks ago. I got Ethan's at Hobby Lobby today. I will have to whip some up for Elizabeth now too.

Saturday at the Mall

2010-04-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

Saturdays we try to get out and do something fun with the kids. Especially while the weather's nice. We had intended on going to the Easter activities at Mother Natures Farm, but it was a bust. Elizabeth suggested we go to the mall instead. So first Andrew took us to lunch at In N Out. We hadn't been there for at least a year. The kids thought is was fun to eat at the tables outside. Then we headed over to the mall. Elizabeth likes to shop the accessories in the teenager stores. So we hit up forever 21, and the boys found these fabulous hats.Famous Daves was promoting their upcoming Grand opening. So the kids got to meet the pig mascot,get balloon animals, and have some ribs. Andrew and Elizabeth were in heaven. She loves them as much as her dad. We had a fun day together.

2010-04-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

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Elizabeth made us these yummy cupcakes. Grandma J and Papa J sent her the kit for easter. She made them all by herself. Everyone really enjoyed them.Especially Eric.

2010-04-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

The kids all climbed on the couch with me to watch conference.Ethan has decided to be my new hair stylist and gave me this awesome hairdo. Then we went on a treasure hunt. The kids had a list of things with pictures of what to find. Each item represented something from the Easter story.I was really impressed with how much Elizabeth understood this year. She truly is growing up quick. I had to be discreet as I tossed a few of the items on the ground as we walked. I figure it wasn't liekly they would find rope, coins, or bread, so I had it all stashed in my pockets. hehe

2010-04-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter. The bunny left an egg hunt for the kids this year. He hopped all over our garden and trailed it through the house. Eric was so excited to see he actually ate the carrots too. The boys were yelling "sugar!" and "chocolate" as they went through their baskets. They're such addicts. We had waffles, eggs, and strawberries for breakfast. The kids though that was special, since they usually get waffles from the toaster, it was cool to have huge belgian waffles.

Egg Hunt

2010-04-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

Friday night was the ward Easter Party. I didn't catch Elizabeth, but here's the boys hunting for eggs.

2010-04-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday Morning

2010-03-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

It's 10 after 10. Church just started. Andrew and the kids just drove off. The Ham is in the crockpot, glaze making all over the kitchen. Thread, fabric scraps, and all other sewing needs all over the kitchen and table, and friends are coming right after church. I'm running upstairs to take a 5 min shower, and head to church with wet hair. But, Elizabeth's hair is curled, Ethan's pants are hemmed, their ties are complete, and after trying several pairs, we found a matching pair of shoes to fit both boys. Thank goodness for my seam ripper this morning! I can't sew in a rush. But they left looking cute, and smiling.

Low Budget Spring Decor.

2010-03-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

SO I haven't had the time to go crazy with Spring decorations. I really wish I had a cricut. I am often lacking letters for the things I want to make. But I got thiese ideas from this blog I love with Dollar tree crafts. I normally don't buy little ceramic animals form the dollar tree, but this little wooden Robin was cute. And i already had the moss from our Spooky Tree. I also had these eggs in the craft cupboard from a foamie kit my mom had given Elizabeth. I think that was two years ago. I think they're pretty cute.

Lollipop for breakfast

2010-03-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

Eric woke up around 11:30 last night, and came into our room crying. "My penis hurts!" Over and over again. We changed his diaper, it looked fine. But he fussed and twisted , and jerked around for 15 minutes crying really hard. I was beginning to think that maybe he had a UTI, and was dreading it for him. Andrew went to start him a bath, to see if that would help. Once Andrew left the room, he turned to me and said,
"I don't want to go peepee in my diaper."
"What?! Do you want to use the potty?"
"YAH"
"Your bathroom or mine?"
"Yours"
So I quickly rush him in and set him on the potty. We have had SEVERAL unsuccessful attempts at this already. He has never gone in the potty. He has been too scared, sits on it, but that's it.
Right away he does it. I run get Andrew, and Eric does it again. He gives a little half chuckle. And he's done. Problem solved. I ran around frantically looking for a prize, which he has been promised to get when he goes. I wasn't prepared at 11:30 at night. But found a big lollipop from Disneyland. He took the bait. Ran into his room with it, and tried to wake up Ethan to tell him he'd used the potty. He was disappointed when I told him to save all this excitement for the morning. But he did, so it's lollipops for breakfast today.

The Camera's back AGAIN!

2010-03-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

So We loved our new camera, used it so much, the battery died. i didn't know this needed a special battery charger. It costs 49.99 at walmart, so I ordered one on amazon for under $5.oo w/ shipping. It came yesterday , so we're back in action. We had a fun month, wish we had pictures. Bike rides and rocket launches at the park. Aloha festival, which we will have to hit every year. Bounce jungle on spring break. A fun neighborhood potluck night at the park. But Spring Break is over, Elizabeth's back at school. And I am trying to organize life in general, as always. But we did have one great project over Spring break!
I had seen lots of people online making their own toy kitchens. I just love to repurpose things.So I got my hands on a cabinet, and off we went. Elizabeth was a little bit skeptical, " How is this ever going to be a kitchen?". She got out her own notepad and started sketching plans. It was a bit of work. I like projects done quick, this one took a few days. And I could not have done it without the hot carpenter I hired to help me out! Thanks Andrew.

As you can see we went for all stainless appliances. The gas grill is made out of rubber grip it circles, and popsicle sticks. Then I painted wooden wheels from Michaels for the knobs to turn.

We had some chalkboard paint in the garage so I made a chalkboard to put on the side. Andrew cut down and mounted this old busted up picture frame molding for it too.
The sink is on backorder, and should be delivered from Grandma any day now. We are still searching for just the right faucet for the sink, and three hooks for oven mits and aprons. But you all know I wont get them until I find them for virtually free. Until then we are whipping up a little bit of toy food here and there. My cupcake didn't turn out too tall, so we'll see how the next one goes. But the pasta and chocolate cookies are a success. The kids run in and cook with whatever I whip up. They are having so much fun with it!

Elizabeth's $20 Budget Makeover

2010-02-27T20:24:00.000-08:00

These pictures are absolutely terrible!! They're hardly visible. I have to figure out what Elizabeth did to my camera. Until then here are the crappy pictures.
I set a $20 budget, but the biggest improvements were free.
#1- getting rid of an entire black trash bag of stuffed animals. Allowing the lid to FIT on the toy box. Slight miracle.

#2 Rearrange the bed, and get rid of old bed canopy.

#3. Make valances out of scrap wood from home depot, and a boa from her birthday party. Used the batting out of an old torn quilt Andrew's grandma had made, and 1 old towl, for the valance batting.

#4 Make new table lags to bring bedside table up to bed's height.

#5 Built shelf in closet to "showcase" "special" things that were crowding dresser.

#6 Score Vinyl on clearance at JoAnn's.

#7 Rearrange wall hangnings.

#8 Ditch old book basket, and arrange books in closet.

#9 A bit of organizing.

We still have a couple of things to add. I need to tile the top of her bedside table, assemble her memo board, and hang the other valance. But she was happy and hopefully this will keep her room clean for a week.

Boys Table

2010-02-21T13:28:00.001-08:00

I no longer needed this end table. I didn't want to get rid of it, so I re purposed. I bought the vinyl at walmart for $1.75, and I had the ikea fabric from the playroom. I didn't bother painting the table, because I thought the wood matched fine. The chairs were clearanced at Target. i watched them until the were $2.00. Whalaaa 15 minutes later a new easy to wipe down kids table.

Garage Sales Rock

2010-02-21T10:52:00.001-08:00

Yesterday morning when Andrew got home form his boke ride, he had gotten something for the kids. There was a yard sale around the corner, where he had grabbed each of the kids a frisbee for 5 cents each. He was impressed with himself, as the kids had been tossing his around all week. So we stopped by the same one later, and picked up some brand new fun for cheap too. The boys are obsessed with planes and rockets. They had this Air Hog plane. You pump it up with a small pump, then the perpellar starts to spin and off it goes. Ethan can do it all by himself, and Eric LOVES it. I am shocked we haven't broken it yet. We also got a kitchen botany set. We are sprouting beans and planting seeds in different enviroments. Went along perfectly with our Gardening we're working on right now. Good fun for a rainy day inside.

Planting a Garden.

2010-02-21T10:39:00.000-08:00

We are halfway through planting our garden. We were going to finish yesterday, but three days of rain has put it on hold. We are renting,and don't have a otn of room in the yard. But we did have a rock border around the AC units. So we went to home deopt and had a couple of pieces of wood cut. Then with a few pieces of wood from an old pallet, Andrew created our Garden boxes. Yeah! It does cost an arm and a leg to fill them with dirt. The kids had fun filling them up, and planting. They helped pick out all the plants at Lowes too.
zucchini
strawberries
jalapenos
red peppers
yellow pepers
romaine lettuce
chives
cilantro
basil
We even planted some in our hanging baskets.Now we are just hoping they all will grow. We have already lost three lettuce plants to over eager gardeners (Eric and Ethan) And the tomatoe plant is constantly attacked by rock storms. So we'll see how it goes.

Finally a new post!!

2010-02-21T10:36:00.000-08:00

Yeah I am so excited to have a camera again!! I have been watching craigslist faithfully for a good deal. Yesterday we snagged a Canon Elph for $50, with a case and a 4GB memory card. i am so excited. I feel like I have missed so much these past two months. So I will be snapping pics like crazy. I have threatened the kids with their lives if they touch it! I'm sure it means nothing to them. Who know if anyone other than Julie will ever look at it, but it's the only journaling I do for my kids. So here we go.

Ethan's ditched the training wheels.

2009-12-04T07:50:00.001-08:00

Elizabeth's School Work

2009-12-04T07:49:00.001-08:00

If I sailed on the Mayflower I would bring Pelos and blanckets, close, and stufft animail.Because it might get cold and you need close and I would get bored so I would bring a stuft animal.

Elizabeth's Thankful List

2009-12-04T07:42:00.001-08:00

I can't toss these lists, without recording them.
Her list she made at school;
My Family
My ant and unckles
My home
My Gramma's and papas
My old cat Arail
My friends
My cusin's

Eric turns 2

2009-12-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

Eric turned 2 on September 14th. Even though we had celebrated earlier in the month we couldn't let the day go by. As tradition has it, he got to pick the dinner menu. PIZZA! He announced several times. So we had pizza and cupcakes, Happy Bithday Little Guy. He's growing up way to fast. Here's a bit about him at 2. Can't get enough fruit snacks, juice, and crackers. Loves to play ball. Can toss the football, kick the soccer ball, and shoot the basketball. Loves the water, whether it's dumping out all the water bottles on the grass, or flooding the bathroom with the bath tub. He has his own opinions now. After folloeing everything Ethan's done for two years, he's aquired his own likes and dislikes. And of you differ in opinion, watch out he's rough. He'll tackle you to the ground, or just bodyslam you. He has a great sense of humor, and loves to make faces to make us laugh. And I love the way he wraps his arms so tight around my neck everytime I get a hug.

2009-11-07T20:00:00.002-08:00

The boys decided it was "morning time" at 4am this morning. Here's the boys as I left for the church this morning. Poor guys look a bit tired.

2009-11-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I was a bit busy, and these are all the pictures I got of our Super Saturday today. It was a fun day, but I am glad it's over. Everyone did awesome on their projects. Good times.

2009-11-07T19:49:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The party goes on.

2009-11-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

My boys love Uncle Jake.

The kids were fighting over whose hand to hold.

Movie night, aka parents want a break.

Seriously Andrew, get your own bike!

At this point you're wondering why I would post

such a hideous picture of myself, and body. But it's because despite

how I look, I had to give it a whirl too!

I had seen this fun looking park one day when I was driving around. So I thought we'd check it out. The kids had a balst. They were all so daring riding down the hills. And had so much fun climbing up in this big rope sphere. And shocking, there was a tree big enough to shade our blanket where we sat and ate lunch.

Halloween Hangover

2009-11-07T19:08:00.001-08:00

I just love this picture. It sums up the morning after Halloween. The kids were wiped!

The Fornelli's come to town

2009-11-07T18:52:00.001-08:00

We were thrilled to get company for Halloween. Sierra got to trick or treat with the kids this year! And the little candycorn is Shaylee, one of Ethan's little buddies. I didn't get a better shot with her. Jake has all the pics of our festivities through the day, so i will update when I get them.

Let's be honest. The sun went down too soon. The kids didn't nap, everyone was on the verge of meltdown. Even me, after all I didn't get my mummy meatloaf dinner made in time. Jake wanted to trick or treat a lot faster than Eric. We should have let him take off with Ethan and Sierra, those two could do the whole town in no time! We had a ton of fun. We ended the night back at home roasting marshmallows, and hotdogs. And sent all the kids off to bed in their jammie pants I made them. Poor Elizabeth, her's were clearly too small. I was barely short fabric, so they pulled a bit across the hips. I think she forgave me. So much fun!

Trunk or Treat

2009-11-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

So the night of the Trunk or Treat was the one and only FREEZING day we have had yet. The boys are truly wearing sweatshirts under their tshirts. But still we managed to have a great time. Nothing stops kids when they are on the prowl for candy!

Fall Festival

2009-10-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth came home so bummed that we weren't going to the Fall festival. So I threw the boys costumes together quickly, so we could go. I will have to remake their pants tomorrow, but they made it through the night. The kids had fun , Elizabeth found some of her friends, Eric had way too many lollipops, and Ethan at plenty of candy too.

2009-10-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

We're sitting on the couch this afternoon. And Ethan says to me, "mommy do you hear me growing?"
"What Ethan? Do I hear you growing?"
"Yah, it's in my belly. It's a snap crack and a ricketypop. It's me growing, I am going to be bigger."
Then he sat back down, and watched his show.

Spooky

2009-10-11T22:46:00.001-07:00

Amanda is so awesome. She drove down from Mesa last Tuesday just to bring me something. This ADORABLE spooky banner she made me. Yes she rocks the paper crafting world. But I just love it! Whatever I would have done wouldn't have touched it. It really brightened my day. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

I love our Spooky tree that we made. The kids painted the pot, put in the moss, and hung all the ornaments. I love to find crafts that they think are fun, but I love to display. We love to decorate for the holidays around our house. But we couldn't have done this one , if Andrew hadn't found us the perfect branch to begin with!

2009-10-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

Sissy took off her fuzzy socks this morning so I could paint her toes. Of course

the fuzzy socks, and nail polish looking. So Ethan put on her socks, and I told him nail polish is just for girls. He replied, "Maybe when I grow up, I can be a girl and THEN I can wear nailpolish!?"

SATURDAY NIGHT FUN!

2009-10-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

We had a great time taking the kids bowling Saturday night. But I have to say, where I come from bowling is a cheap night out. It sure isn't here. Seriously almost $8.00 a piece even for Eric. But we had a pass for a free game, so off we went.Elizabeth brought Lexie along, it's always more fun with a friend. I figure the boys always have eachother to play with, she should have someone too. Lexie informed us that she was an expert at the sport. I threatened to kick her butt at the game. Thank goodness for the bumpers, I think we gave her a run for her money. Eric loved "throwing the balls" he carried it all by himself. Andrew would give the ball an extra shove once the boys tossed it, to help it make it down the lane. Ethan was even able to wow us all with a strike! I was there too, but

am choosing not to post the pictures that the girls took at such great angles during the game! Thanks girls.

80's Day

2009-09-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

This time it's 80's day. Her outfit was WWAAAYYYY better with the torn blue shirt hanging off the shoulder with it. But Elizabeth said she couldn't wear it unless Kali or Lexi told her it looked ok. Surely they know more about the 80's than her mom. She did tell me that the 80's were the ugliest time ever. I have to agree!

Crazy Hair Day

2009-09-29T07:41:00.001-07:00

So I know this hair is a stretch for crazy. But anyone who knows Elizabeth, knows she's not one to do things out of their ordinary. She's never done crazy hair day at school before, but this year whe wanted to give it a shot. Nothing too crazy though. So misc. knotted ribbons on "high" pigtails is living on the edge for her today.

Halloween Decor

2009-09-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

We had a fun Saturday afternoon. It was time to bust out the Halloween Decor. So I realize how minimal my supply is every year. But the point is the kids have fun. Ethan told sissy they could put their costumes on and go to the houses and get CANDY!!! But I told him he has to wait, and he's pretty disappointed. Here's what we threw up outside.

Happy Birthday Eric!!

2009-09-13T20:19:00.000-07:00

Even thought we celebrated it last week, Eric turns two sometime tomorrow night. I honestly can't remember exactly what time. I honestly haven't even written down his birth story. Every time I try, I get too emotional and stop. I was induced the day he was born. They said I was dangerously low on amniotic fluid and sent me directly to the hospital. Justin and Marie kept 10 month old Ethan. And the Gilchrists kept Elizabeth. I was so glad that Jake, Meghan , and Dad arrived the next day.

I am so grateful for these pictures Tami Webb took of him. He was less than a week old. I admit I very sadly have forgotten so much of his first year. I was a bit busy, and now that I look back, wish I could have enoyed more of the days.I love this pic of him grabbing my face, because he did that so often when I held him. He was just the tiniest little thing. Dad and Jake went out and bought him some preemie clothes. And even those drowned him.

Maybe it was knowing he would be my last baby that made me so emotional over him, who knows.

My little tiny baby quickly grew into quite the little boy. He is the rougher tougher of the two for sure. He's attached to his binky more than either of the other two ever cares. He's daring, strong, persistant, and hilarious. At two he's talkeing, jumping off anything, riding bikes, playing ball ever since he could hold one, EATING, EATING, and MORE EATING, hitting (we're working on that one), making funny faces to make you laugh, singing, dancing machine, and finally has a head of hair.

It's been a tough road with two so little. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I am so glad the Lord knew better than I , and sent me Eric when I thought I was done.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LITTLE MONKEY!

Dinner on a Dime

2009-09-13T19:17:00.001-07:00

This is surely of no interest to anyone, but I am going to be using my Blog for more of a journal than I have been. Since I can't manage to do it otherwise.

So I feel like it's been a challenge to eat healthy on such a tight budget. It seems the inexpensive stuff is often , the premade or boxed junk. But I think we're getting pretty good at it. Now that Andrew has jumped on the healthy bandwagon it's a lot easier.
Tonight we ate,
BBQ chicken breasts 6.00
Steamed Green Giant Corn .75
Scalloped potatoes .50
And crystal light lemonade free.
Then for Dessert we each had a Betty Crocker cake bowl .25
That's a pretty good dinner I think for $7.75
And I have one chix breast left over to make chicken ceaser salad for Andrew and I for lunch tomorrow. The bagged kit was .99.
I hope to continue getting better at feeding us on a budget.
I think this is the first month I am going to really maket it.
$400 includes all food, toiletries, diapers, and lunches for school.

Erics Turns Two

2009-09-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

I'm too tired of updating this blog tonight.

2009-09-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

2009-09-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

2009-09-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

Luckily the hotel was three doors down the street. That was great. After a nights rest the kids hung out in the morning, and we all got ready for family pictures.

Eric didn't even last until we got to IHop.

At the end of the night we went across the street to Ihop. Ethan fell asleep in the chair next to me, in the middle of chewing a bite of pancake. He suddenly just started leaning over on me and was out, mouth still full of food.

Carter, Kathryn, Elizabeth and Ashleigh , Jordan and Tessa, Ethan running off with Eric.All in their matching shirts courtesy of Auntie Bridget.

This is my favorite pic of the night. I took three of the kids to play, while Tess and Barry kept the babies, to allow the rest of the Adults a turn on a ride. I came back to see these great looks on their faces, and hearing too screaming babies.Those ppoor baby girls had enough Disney for the day.

Since it was 104 the day we went to Disney, we had to stop in for some Ice Cream to cool off.

Eric, daddy, and the back side of Carter in Bugs land.

Our first all Johnson family weekend. The last weekend of August was planned to go to California for Stephen's mission farewell. I will be completely honest here, I was not looking forward to it. Life around our house had been a nightmare for weeks. Trying to get the place put back together after the flooding we had. All our time had been spent working on the house, things out of order,kids feeling neglected, Andrew and I both tired and frustrated, money being tight was an understatement, and Elizabeth would be only two weeks into a new school schedule. The timing was just awful. Originally we were planning on driving out Friday night, and coming home Sunday, that's a long time in the car with our three kids, for a short visit. I knew it was important all along that we go, but it just seemed impossible.

Well I convinced Andrew to take a couple extra days off work, and we went. We had a Great time, and are so glad we were able to go. It was fun to have all the kids together all weekend. I'll fill in on the weeekend later. Lot's to catch up.

2009-09-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

The third week of August I took Eric for his first dental appoinment. Yes I know it's a waste at this age. But he had chipped a tooth a few weeks earlier, and it was very minor. But a cleaning (insurance paid) was a better way to get his tooth looked at than an emergency visit with expensive xrays. Just trying to work the insurance game. He was a good boy, hated the cleaning, but loved the prizes he got at the end.

2009-09-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

We had a funtime the weekend before school started, when Mimi and Mom came to visit.We took Mimi shopping for some new outfits, went to dinner, and got Elizabeth ready to go back to school.
Check my Grandma out, she rocks at 92! She got Elizabeth all fixed up for church. I always remember Mimi brushing my hair, and setting it in curlers when I was a little girl.There's no denying the fact that Mimi was here really just to see Ethan. He's her favorite for sure, so she read him books and played whatever he wanted to.

Mom brought the boys Pop Rock candy , and they couldn't get enough of it!

Back to School

2009-08-10T09:24:00.001-07:00

2009-08-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow is the first day of school. Although they were early mornings, I was gald Elizabeth had 7:30 swim. I knew it was keeping us on track for school. Until this past week happened. We had a toilet leak up in the upstairs last Sunday. It must have been running for about two hours. It flooded out into the hallway, and poured out through 3/4 of the garage ceiling. Needless to say we were freaking out. So it's been a crazy stressful week full of late nights, and all sorts of chaos. Details I'll share at a later date. Point being not the way to spend the week preparing for back to school. Mom and Mimi are also here, spending the weekend with us. So tonight we all sat down while Andrew gave Elizabeth her Father's blessing. Ethan sat quiet, but Eric ran circles around the coffee table, making plenty of noise. When Andrew was through Ethan hoppes right up into the chair.."I want one too." If I didn't know a picture would be inappropriate I would have taken a picture. Cutest thing. Eric kept jabbing him with his cobra snake saying.."here Ethan." during the prayer. I know he's so revrent. But as soon as they were done, Eric hopped into the chair.."my turn." This time I REALLY had to fight the urge for a pic. A sight I never want to forget. Eric sat quiet as a mouse with his Arms folded.."look mommy." "good job Eric." Then Andrew gave him a blessing too. He didn't budge or unfold his arms until he was through. I thought of Karen Wormell having a homecoming for her son from his mission tonight. And Stephen leaving on his in a matter of weeks. I am sure that moment will come all too soon for me, as I realize both my boys will seve at the same time. Like I mentioned I never want to forget this night, as each of my children sat with their wonderful father, and recieved a blessing from the Lord, and filled our home with the spirit. The walls may be torn apart, the floor trampled with drywall dust, my landlord seemingly unfair, the bank account runnung low, but I am truly blessed.

2009-08-01T23:42:00.000-07:00

My next post is our trip to Cali , and it's way too late for that one. Pics are far and few and inbetween these days. That camera that Julie sent me to use passed away in Cali. So I am screwed. Hopefully I can get one soon. Until then I will keep trying to catch up.

2009-08-01T23:39:00.000-07:00

Back in the beginning of June, when you could still breathe outside, we took all the kids to the zoo. I can't say too many great things about our zoo, but I will give them credit for the splash pad area. The kids had a great time. It was fun to all go out with our kids, we don't do it often enough.

THE BOYS

2009-08-01T23:32:00.000-07:00

After five years with one little girl, I had no idea how my life was about to awaken with these two boys. They truly are old friends, I can tell. They are full of energy, curiousity, mischief, laughter, and love. Ethan can tell when I am upset, usuall after he does something wrong, and will always come to check on me. "You are happy mom?" He really is such a little lover. He wakes me up every morning and climbs into my bed to snuggle. "I want to hold you." he says. And cuddles right up. Eric cracks me up. His little face still fits in my hand. And often he will come up to me and just rest his head in my hand, until he starts to giggle. Then he'll hit me and run away.Yes his gentle moments never last too long. But I love them anyway.

Homemade tortillas

2009-08-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

So it's Sunday afternoon. We want tacos for dinner and haven't any tortillas. They seem to have been a luxury we don't spring for much lately.So thanks to the wonderful world wide web and google we made some of our own. I have to say they were pretty good. Here are my underage employees I made labor in the kitchen,

2009-08-01T23:24:00.000-07:00

Okay so not the best picture I know. June 10th Andrew and I celebrated our 9th anniversary. We chose to go to the temple and dinner. Once I figure out how to use my scanner I will have to post one of our wedding pics.

2009-08-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

Kira had posted awhile ago about a snow cone machine her kids were loving! Well we have been trying to have as much fun as possible, while staying extremely frugal this summer. So I splurged for the snow cone machine. And she was right, the kids love it. Even Eric can push the top down to shave his own ice. Thanks for the idea!

2009-08-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

I wish I had taken pics of the kids at swim lessons this summer. We are SO LUCKY to have Miss Nikki and all her amazing talents. She was so awesome at swim. I felt like Elizabeth was such a big girl as I sent her off on her own to swim. She learned the butterfly, breast stroke, and a bit of the side stroke this year. She always has loved the water. Ethan started out not even putting his face in the water, and finished a little fish. He is so excited about his progress. He didn't take easy, ,poor Nikki had to put up with some choking, kicking, and high pitched girl screaming from him. Thanks for your patience Nikki!

2009-08-01T23:12:00.000-07:00

Don't let these wild monkeys fool you. They hate being confined at a restaurant. For some reason we continue to try our luck with them . Maybe it's those cute little faces.

Back to Blogging

2009-08-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

SO I am almost as far behind on my blog as I am on scrapbooking these days. And that's pretty bad. So I am going to try and play catch up a bit at a time. There's been a lot going on since school got out. Ethan can swim now, thanks to miss Nikki. Eric and Ethan are both in big boy beds now, no more cribs. And so much more fun stuff. So hopefully I can get it all recorded here.

Back before the summer fell upon us like the burning heat of #!@*, we enjoyed bike rides to lunch. I never posted this cute picture of the boys fallen asleep on the way home. I think it's so cute the way they always take care of eachother.

Last day of School

2009-05-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

Last day of school. The fears of summer set in. Will thekids kill eachother? Can I keep enough snacks in my house? Will my house ever look clean again before August. And the biggest fear of all... with Sissy home, is Ethan going to phase out his nap? NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Soccer Swim Party

2009-05-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

Soccer season endedso we had a party to celebrate.Thanks to Rian and Andrew for coaching the kids! The boys enjoyed the free for all candy and drinks.

First Grade Performance

2009-05-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth's first grade Performance was yesterday. I will spare you al my emotional thoughts on the end of the school year. Just can't believe how fast it al goes. They sang really cute songs about all the things they had done, and learned at school this year. I love that Elizabeth always get to be in a top row because she is tall. I was always shorter and thought the kids that got the top bleacher were so lucky.

Mean Kids

2009-05-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

I think kids who say "you better ..... or you can't...." are mean and bossy! So if you hear this phrase used out of my childs tell me! I hate even more that my daughter thinks she has to listen to kids that tell her this!

Curriculum Night

2009-05-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

We had Curriculum night at the elementary school. This means school is almost over. I am not quite sure how the summer will go. It seems that the kids are ALWAYS fighting lately. And Elizabeth, well that's a whole different post. So hopefully we will make it through the summer without killing eachother.Anyway we got a chance to see some of the work she has done. the whole first grade hallway was done up Eric Carle style. We saw books, she made, bugs they made, and wrtwork displayed from art class. I am so sad to hear that the "specials" are getting slimmed back with the budget cuts. These music, art, science, and other classes mean a lot to the kids. I guess they will be offered to the older grades now. What a bummer!
it was a rough start this year, but Elizabeth made it through the year. We still struggle to get out of bed ontime, but better luck next year!

2009-05-17T15:28:00.000-07:00

My fun friend Staton cam to visit me a couple pf weeks ago. We use to be roomies. AHH the memories. Anyway she and her husband live in Hawaii now, so we haven't seen eachoher for years. It was so good to see her. That's the great thing about such good friend. Five years later, and it only take five minutes to feel like old times!

Andrews Ribs

2009-05-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

I know this was almost\ a month ago. So I am a bit behind on posting. But Andrew and I accidently defrosted these ribs. I had bought two full racks of ribs, on an awesome deal at Bashas. So we had to cook them up. It made a TON. They were delicious. I think I took them to four other people that night, and we still had leftovers. Yummy!

the boys

2009-05-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

Eric and Ethan at the end of our bike ride. Ethan takes good care of his little brother, (when he wants to).

2009-04-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

SOCCER

2009-04-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth is on a soccer team this spring. Andrew is helping to coach it, which was one of the only ways i got her to play. She refuses to be on any sort of team, or try extra curricular classes. So this was a huge accomplishment for us. She doesn't love it, to be honest. But it's good for her to do. Last week she finally kicked the ball in the game, and I saw her face get pretty excited. I try to watch her as much as possible, but I spend a lot of the time plucking the boys off of the soccer fields!

Monkeys

2009-04-30T08:50:00.001-07:00

I chose this background, because I always call my kids monkeys. I'll have to document some proof to post.

I have a camera again!!!

2009-04-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

So Julie was so kind as to send me her extra camera. The boys have officially destroyed both of mine, hence the lack of blogging lately. So I am excited to start documenting our lives again.
Last weekend I was lucky enough to be part of a Relay for Life team. For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, it is a fundraiser for cancer. It benefits all types of cancer not just one specific. My awesome friend Marie put in a ton of hard work organizing our team. She put the team together in Honor of our Friend Rashele who is currently winning the battle against cancer. I was so excited to be a part of this event.
I lost my Aunt Barbie to Cancer a few years ago. She wasn't just my aunt. Her girls are just like my sisters, and I spent a lot of time living with and being a part of their family.
Aunt Barbie was like a mother ot me. She helped me grow up, and gave me the support, example, and role model I needed. She was there for me whenever I needed her. And watching Cancer take her away for this time, from her family, myself and the rest of this world was awful. She was so Valiant, sweet, and beautiful every step of the way. So this relay was an opportunity to honor her, and share with my family her memory.
I think I will do this every year.it was amazing. I am glad I was there. Andrew and the kids came in the evening and hung out with us all. But they left, and so did many other members of our team as the night progressed. Quitters! The select few stuck it out until the end. 6 am. no sleep, tons of fun, lots of memories, too uch food, freezing cold, listening to a hairy elvis, horrible teenage weezer wanabe band.
Our team had ballons at our sight. We all wrote names of those we relayed for on the balloons. And in the morning we let them go. Rashele was there too. She looked radiant. I watch her fight through the pain to be a part of it all, and to hold her children, even though it hurts. She is an inspiration to me of strength. She designed the shirts we are all wearing as well.

All tuckered out.

2009-04-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

So moving has been a load on everyone. I found Eric asleep on the couch while I was unpacking one day last week. What a cutie. I really think the boys love all the space they have to run around her. Especially being able to ride bikes out back.

$3.60 at Target

2009-04-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

I have recently picked up the hobby of couponing. I am loving it. Almost two months in I feel like I am getting the hang of it now. This was an awesome trip to Target. Seriously that's all I spent. And the only thing not pictures is a pack of staples that cost $1.24!

2 Year Old Lemon

2009-04-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

When we moved we transplanted our dwarf Lemon Tree with us. It's doing well. But this lemon fell off. It is the first piece of fruit we've gotten from it. It seriously no lie has been growing for 2 years. The little lemon that could.

GO DIEGO GO

2009-04-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

So I have received quite a bit of nagging to update my posts here. In my defense this past month has been nothing to blog about. Lots of packing, moving, puking, emotional days. All kinds of stuff you didn't want to hear about. But we are settling in so I will catch up later. For now this can't wait. Ethan has potty trained himself. And I really mean himself. Today was the last step. "I go poo poo in the potty mommy!" Yeah! So off wil the pullup, scary, and on with Diego. It was a bit of a struggle to convince him to get Diego instead of Dora, but I won. He lifts up his shirt and says here's my Rescue pack! You have to know Dieog to get it.
Yeah!!! Only 1 left in diapers!!

Erics Finally Talking!

2009-02-27T22:04:00.000-08:00

Eric is finally picking up a few very important words;
Cookie
waffle
cracker
banana
sorry
more

Silly Ethan

2009-02-27T21:56:00.000-08:00

Took Ethan and eric to Barnes and Nobles story time on Monday. Ethan was more anxious to get to costco than hear stories. All the little kids are sitting on the benches listening. As soon as the story ends, ethan stands up turns around and announces,"All done Mommy, let's go to Costco.

Walking through Target this morning, we passed the lingerie and sleepwear department. Ethan says out loud,"Those are boobs mom?" Of course he said it three or four times before I realized what he was saying referring to the bras.

Ethan had fun at the mall Thursday..."going up and up in the sky in the alligator."(elevator)

Miss Negativity

2009-02-24T07:44:00.001-08:00

I hate that it's warm outside today. It makes me nervously aniticipate the summer. I think all you who love the million degree heat here, are crazy. I HATE THE ARIZONA SUMMER!!!I also hate that the only thing I have to do today is clean, laundry,and make food. I got up at six, thought for some small miracle I could work out before the kids were up. Yah right. Eric was up at 6. Seriously!!I miss going to the gym.I wish I could go back. But then again, my boys rarely let me get through a class,and I swear always were sick. So I am destined to be lazy forever,or at least a couple more years. Anyway life will be better in about ten minutes. but hey we have to be real on here every now and again. Not everyday is cupcakes, and fun!!

Time for Tea

2009-02-18T11:37:00.002-08:00

We had a little Valentines party on Monday since there wasn't any school. The girls had a fun time. We had tea (juice) Pizza rolls, strawberries,mini cupcakes, and other yummy snacks. Then we played at the park, went on scavenger hunt, and made a couple of crafts. I'd like to say it was fun. But really I had been up with Eric since 4 am, and was feeling like nothing other than a nap. but hey the kids had fun.

2009-02-16T19:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines day everyone. Andrew and I got up early and Heart attacked the dining room for the kids. We had a little valentine gift for each of them on their plate at the table. (Thankgoodness for my Target clearance stashes)We had pink pancakes and eggs, and I set off al the smoke alarms at 7:30 am cooking bacon. What a loser. We had a fun morning together. Then Andrew and I went out to the movies.In the evening we had Rachelle and the kids over for a yummy Steak and Chicken dinner. I was excited that I found these Steaks in the bottom drawer of the freezer which my mom had delivered for Christmas. Yummy stuff. We played games, and the kids finished the night off with a dance off. Eric and Aubryn were the dj's for our club.

Happy Valentines day

2009-02-16T19:36:00.001-08:00

Here's Elizabeth off to school for Valentines Day. She was so excited to give her teacher the gift she made with Nikki. A bottle of hand lotion with Elizabeth's hand cut out and taped like they were holding it. Saying You deserve a Hand. We all know already , Nikki is so dang cute.

Ethan's Sticker

2009-02-16T19:33:00.000-08:00

First of all, No Ethan does not have a Dumb and Dumber bowl haircut.His mowhawk was not yet styled this particular morning. Now with that said. Ethan was so excited to show me, "mommy i got a sticker!I put it on my shirt." Yes lovely, the little peel of tab from the package of Kirkland wipes. He wears it proudly off every package now.