Jesus wants me for a SUN-BEEEAAAMMM...

That's right...you're looking at the newest sunbeam.

(Well, along with the 32 others in our ward)

Jack Boy

My poor Jack boy....

It's sometimes difficult being the man of the house...

So much pressure and responsibility....

I know he feels trapped.....

Like--he just wants to hide and escape from it all...

Lucky for him he's found some relaxing ways to wind down.....

Now if the weather would just warm up a bit we could REALLY enjoy ourselves

and our new Christmas toys....
Man, I love this boy.

Merry Christmas.

For the last 11 months I have been counting down the days of 2010 and praying the year would end quickly. I've had a terrible attitude about the upcoming holidays and truly wished this last one, painful month of 2010 would be over and I could have a new start and a better outlook for 2011.

In the last few weeks, all of that has changed.

I'm not sure what I've done to be worthy or deserving of the overwhelming acts of kindness, generosity and love that have been displayed toward Jack and I, and the outpouring of friendship that I have felt. All I do know is that the Spirit of Christmas is alive and burning in my heart and soul, and that the love of our Heavenly Father has me humbled beyond description.

The entire month of December has brought us one enormous blessing after another; the Heavens have truly been opened upon us, prayers have been answered and I have been brought to joyful tears on a daily basis.

I don't want this month to EVER end. (Or the year, for that matter.)

Even though at innumerable times throughout the year I thought that I simply could not survive one more day, I somehow managed to get through each day and felt the Comforter urging me on. My testimony and knowledge of His love for us were strengthened each time I felt His loving arms enfold me and remind me to have faith that things will be okay.

While I never in my wildest dreams could've predicated the trials and challenges that we've been faced with this year, I am grateful for the opportunity I've had to learn and grow and truly understand His plan for us.

I hope you've all managed to feel the Christmas Spirit like we have this holiday season. I'm so grateful for the birth of the Savior, and the opportunity this time of year gives us to reflect on His life, our own lives, and to reach out and serve others.

Merry Christmas!

Love, The Johnsons

December Festivities

Famous One-Liners.

Yesterday, Jack's daycare teacher recited this great one-liner to me that Jack exclaimed earlier in the day:

"My dad's not a grown-up, he's just old."

I. Have. Sinned.

I cheated on Black Friday.

THERE!! I said it.

I didn't mean to. It just happened. I was lonely.

Jack was gone and I thought it would be a good idea to scout out some Christmas presents without him. Then it happened, and before I knew it I had a cart full of goodies, NOT EVEN AT SALE PRICE!!! Isn't that just how it is? We think we're getting something good at the time, when the real prize was right there all along. Black Friday and those AMAZING deals are my real prize. Time to refocus all my efforts and wait patiently for Thanksgiving morning when the sweet aroma of turkey and freshly printed newspaper ads fill the house.

Ahhh, Black Friday!

There are countless moments in a mother's life when her child's behavior and accomplishments make her heart swell with pride.

Unfortunately for me, this is NOT one of them.

One Of These Things Is Not Like The Others.

What a surprise that my child won't cooperate for a picture.

Over.....

And Over....

And Over.......


...Clearly A Theme Is Developing.....



Until One Rare Moment......

Or Two.....When The Stars Align.....
And someone holds onto him and keeps him from moving....