Christmas Day

Everything with Christmas was off this year. It fell on a Sunday so it was hard to coordinate when to get together with all the family. Normally we get up, open gifts, get dressed and go to the J's for breakfast. Then, later in the evening the B's come over with Cari to see what the kids got from Santa.

This year, Cari stayed overnight here and the kids loved that. Erin told her that it was the best Christmas ever because she "got a dollhouse and Care slept over." Cari forgot church clothes, Jer was sick with pneumonia and I didn't plan very well (as far as the kids go) so we didn't go to church. Jer had been sick for a week or more but by the time Christmas Day came, it was bad (no voice and no energy).

The kids didn't get up until about 7 this year. Okay.. just kidding. Emma got up at midnight. Then 3:00a.m. Then 4a.m. And finally at 7 we let her stay up. For the first time ever, Santa decided to wrap every single gift (even their underwear). I'm guessing that is because all three of them went on for a month about how Santa never wraps any gifts... "they're all just sitting out." I always loved that when I was little. The sensory overload was always such a thrill for me. Where do I start? Which pile is mine? But no... my kids apparently don't appreciate that. So the elves must've said something because there was very little to be seen when they walked in the front room.

Well, besides the giant dollhouse Erin walked right to when she opened her eyes. And the soccer goals that Josh saw next to the tree. Emma had to work a little for her ipod that was hiding amongst all the other wrapped gifts. I have to admit, the dollhouse (made by a very special elf) was what I was most anxious about. Erin didn't ask for much this year. She saw a dollhouse at Costco months ago, but what she got was nothing like that one. You could see that she wasn't sure what to think or where to start.

 

After everyone napped and played, we went to the B's for our little gift exchange there. It was really fun to see everyone on Christmas Day since traditionally we see the B's on Christmas Eve. It was pretty crazy with all of us there at once. I think we've decided we are officially big enough to have our party at the church.

Brynlee had Josh this year and (thanks to her awesome parents) she gave him a ManU beanie. He couldn't have been more surprised and thrilled. Erin got a pedicure set from Mason which is perfect for her (she has already used it on her dads toes). And Emma got a fun make your own bracelet kit from Lex. The three girls are growing up and I'm not sure I'm okay with it. They all have bigger feet than me and are almost as tall as me. Such pretty girls.

Finally, around 8p.m., Darrell and Kathy made it to our house after making the rounds.  Kathy made everyone a breakfast casserole and brought it over on Christmas Eve with the grapefruit. Josh couldn't have been happier about that. He doesn't like mixing things up and the thought of not having the traditional breakfast with the J's was stressing him out.  When they came over Christmas night, they had more gifts. Emma got a darling purse to keep her teenybopper crap in. Erin got a Pinkalicious game for her DSi (which is the first game she has actually become addicted to). And Josh got a gift card to Amazon. Kathy kept telling me that gift cards are lame and she was not going to do that this year. But, what do you do for a thirteen year old boy? He was super excited and has been on Amazon daily shopping for the best "stuff." It will take him forever to spend it all because he is such a tight wad.

Even though things weren't "as usual," Christmas was wonderful. I do wish Jer hadn't been sick, but he was a good sport about everything. Other than that, I wouldn't have changed a thing. Only 357 days till Christmas (it is Leap Year, right?).

Christmas Eve

We always spend Christmas Eve with the B's. It was extra fun this year because Grandma Helen came! I was so excited for her to hang out with us and see all the kids. Emma thinks Grandma is pretty special and I wish I had my camera out when the two of them were deep in conversation. Emma has always been so great about making the most of her time with her Great Grandparents. I love it.

We started the party early because Lynsee knew Brynlee wouldn't last much passed 8 (and she was right). She is a typical two year old until it is after her bed time... then she is a terror of a two year old. I actually think it's really funny so I am usually getting in trouble for laughing at her being "naughty."  We played Bingo for prizes and Emma had her first full on anxiety attack (he he). Bryn was climbing all over her and Emma was afraid her Bingo board was going to get messed up so she freaked out a little and needed Bryn off her lap. I don't know why that was so funny to me, but I couldn't stop laughing at Emma's reaction.

The kids all got jammies from Grandma and Grandpa (a fun tradition). Emma was thrilled that she got jammies with feet. What a crack up. And We tried to get a pic in front of the tree with all the kids in their new pj's. It almost worked.

Cari spoils my kids (well, all the kids). She was like Santa with her big bag of goodies for everyone! And she has a bit of magic in her because every gift she gave couldn't be more perfect for each kid. She knows them too well. And, she gave mom and Lyns and I new church bags. I love mine too much to just use it once a week so I have been using it as my everyday bottomless purse. It actually works out since the kids end  up stuffing all their crap into it so that they don't have to carry anything. One day I hope they get over that.

Mom and Dad did awesome gifts (again) this year! Lynsee got KitchenAid mixer (love love love) in red! Cari got a camera (which she has been needing and will come in extra handy on her cruise) and I got a Kindle Fire! I think my brothers got shop vacs or something (I'm obviously not a very good sister). They gave us the Kindle early because the trial period with Amazon started as soon as they plugged it in to charge it for us. It has been awesome because the whole family can use it. I need to make a cover of some kind for it though. Makes me nervous to have it in my purse with no case. And, because I am my dads favorite daughter, I got my own set of drill bits. I know, you think that's crazy. I actually asked for them because I need to drill holes in things. Crafty things. You'll see. I will use it and show you.

Here is a cute pic with my Grandma. 

(Josh, Emma, Erin, me, Lynsee, Mason, Cari, Brynlee, Helen)

What a fun Christmas Eve! It ended earlier than it normally does. Emma was anxious to go home and go to bed. Not sure if that is due to the anticipation or if she really was just sleepy. It was okay, though. We came home early enough to take a pic in front of the tree and have family prayer.  And to bed they went. It was great.

We Wish You a Merry Birthday!

This week was our week for Birthdays. Erin turned 7 on Tuesday (the 13th) and Jer turned a year older on Thursday (the 15th). As usual, Erin celebrated for the entire week and Jer got about 30 seconds worth (which is actually how he prefers it). Since Tuesday we had a soccer game and all the normal Tuesday busy stuff, we decided to give Erin her gifts and have cake and ice cream on Monday night. She couldn't wait. She asked me about a dozen times when dad was going to be home so we could start the party. She was a little excited when she opened Just Dance 3 for the Wii. Her face is priceless in that picture. I love it.

On Tuesday, I went and spent the last half hour with her at school. It's always fun to see how she is around her friends. She got to sit in the big chair and call on her classmates. They asked her questions like "what's your favorite food?" and "what's your favorite thing to do with your dad... mom... sister... after school..." It was super cute. Then they got to take turns telling her what they love about her. I wish I had a recorder because first graders are too fun. Of course they all love her hair. Ms. Nielsen loves "the way she always does her best." I love that she is a perfectionist. I love her smile. I love that she still cuddles with me.

After school Grandma and Grandpa B came over and gave her a darling little reversible apron. I might steal it 'cause I think it's stinkin' cute. At the futsal game that night, Grandma and Grandpa J came to see her and give her a gift. They gave her a Fancy Nancy Madame Alexander doll with a new Fancy Nancy book.  Erin LOVES her (all except for the part that whenever my girls get a new Madame Alexander doll, I let them take them out of the box, inspect, look, kiss, love ... and then they go back in the box).

On Friday, Erin had a little party with her friends. She has wanted a party at Boondock's forever, but can you see how many little girls are in that picture? I can't afford to take them all and Erin isn't the kind of kid that can just have two or three friends come. So, we had a little party here and they played Just Dance all night and ate snacky foods. It was crazy fun. If you don't have Just Dance, I suggest you get it. It's a great workout, but it's also so entertaining to watch the kids play.

So there is Erin's week of partying. For Jer's birthday, he got to come home from a long day at work and help the kids with homework. Lynsee and Devin came over, his mom texted, my mom brought over a gift and he talked to his grandma on the phone. See what happens when you get so close to being forty thirty something? Life goes on as it always has. And he is happy that I didn't tell anyone that it was his Birthday until it was over.

The Red Nosed Grandkids

Since Christmas decided to land on a Sunday this year, we decided to have the Johnson Christmas get together early in the month. Even though everyone only has an hour of church on Christmas, that hour is at a different time for everyone so it makes it hard to have breakfast together. We have always done Christmas morning breakfast with the J's. Josh isn't convinced that getting together earlier in the month makes up for not having breakfast casserole and grapefruit on Christmas morning.

We had yummy food (as always), sang Christmas songs, played games and the kids did their gift exchange. It was fun but I still vote we all sluff church and get together for breakfast on the 25th. There's only going to be like 10 other people at church anyway, right? Brady says he has to conduct. Lame excuse. Now I feel bad. I don't really want to sluff. I just hate it when things mess up tradition.

Hunter 8th Ward Christmas Dinner

Last night was our ward Christmas party. I'm not sure how it happened (though I have a good idea), but Jer was asked to be in charge of it this year. I was his wing man. We asked a few people in the ward to be on a committee and it actually turned out great. I was told by more than one person to expect 20% of the members to not love how we did things. Hopefully there weren't that many that walked away disappointed. 

Jer is an expert at feeding lots of people. And, he feeds them well. We had roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, rolls, green salad and cake. We planned for 250 people and when the night was over, we figure we fed 258. We served 100 lbs. of potatoes, 65 lbs. of beef, 22 dozen rolls, 3 sheets of cake and lots of corn and salad. Have you ever made gravy for 250+ people? Jer pulled it off and it was amazing.

We asked Ashley Tucker to be in charge of decorations and as you can probably see from the pics, she also outdid herself. We had a lot of awesome people in the ward that helped and by the time they were done, the gym looked like we were having a wedding. I had the radio on the whole day so that I could pretend like I was decorating for the Prom I never got asked to.

Our program was Power Academy Dance Company from Payson, Utah. They were great and it seemed like the ward members enjoyed it. It was fun to see all the kids actually paying attention. They were either sitting on laps watching or dancing to the Irish music. We also had the Ivie's set up the live Nativity outside with their animals before dinner. The Primary kids rotated through since it was so cold outside. It was nice that they only had to sit outside for a 15 minute shift rather than the full hour. I didn't get any pictures of the Nativity because I was too busy in the kitchen, but the kids all said it was great and I was grateful I didn't have to worry about anything because our Primary President took care of everything outside.

Overall it seemed to be a success. Jer and I (and the kids) were exhausted by the end of the day and none of us moved much today. It kicked our butts to be on our feet from noon until 9:30p.m. Thanks again to everyone that helped. There were several sisters in the ward that helped and did it without being seen or recognized. We had a great time and were excited to have such a great turnout. Just don't ask us to do it again. Ha ha. We probably wouldn't say no, but we might serve Ramen Noodles next time.

I'm Thankful for.... cheese and fries.

We had such a fun Thanksgiving weekend this year. The last few years Josh has played in a soccer tournament in St. George over the holiday weekend. This year, we stayed home and I'm glad we did.


Darrell and Kathy scheduled their church for our turkey dinner and it was great to have a place for the kids to run around and the adults to enjoy hanging out.

 We only used the kitchen to "warm" our feast, I promise. :) Everyone brought something and they all did a great job with everything from the food and table setting to the entertainment. Unfortunately, I had the worst headache (okay prolly not the worst, but a doozy) so I was all hopped up on percacet all day. It's a good thing I took my camera 'cause I may not have remembered anything without all the pictures. I have this habit of getting sinus infections .. continuously. I finish one antibiotic and end up on another one three days later. It's becoming quite a routine thing for me. I am caving and going to see an ENT and moving forward with the dreaded sinus surgery.

 Anyway, back to turkey and mashed potatoes. 

 Even though I was taking pictures from a mile away, Josh was still annoyed with me. Look at that face. If you can see his face behind all the hair that is. I'm loving his curls even if he does look shaggy and junior highish.

The kids had so much fun together. They always do and it never seems like enough time. I wish pictures in the gym turned out better, but oh well. They're still cute girls.

These are more boys that don't love getting pictures taken, but it was too fun watching them play Rock Band together.

The seven boys from Josh's soccer team that were still in town, got together for a little futsal tourney in Salt Lake. It was so much fun!! I don't normally love the indoor arenas (and especially with my raging headache), but they played so well and we had so much fun! It was great. The boys played up a year and beat two U14 premier teams! I love games like that! And they were on such a high after two wins in one day. Sadly, they didn't win Saturday, so they didn't win the tourney. But, second place isn't anything to complain about (unless your Ricky Bobby and in that case, if you're not first you're last). Jer did a great job coaching. He tries to say he doesn't miss it, but he loves the boys too much.

 Since I didn't go to my mom's on Thanksgiving because of my lame sinus infection, I had to do my craft by myself at home (days later). It's always been a tradition to do some kind of Christmas decoration on Thanksgiving with all the B girls. I was sad I missed it. But, at least I had all the stuff so it was just finding the time to sit down and do it. I love how it turned out. The picture doesn't do it justice (it was taken with my phone).

 

We had planned to go to Temple Square on Friday night with the kids, but we participated in the soccer tourney instead. So, by the time we were at the last game on Saturday, the girls were cheering for the other team so that we didn't have to go to the championship game. Josh didn't appreciate that but, it was fun to go see the lights that night instead of staying for one more game - especially with 45 degree weather. 

The kids have always loved taking Trax downtown to Temple Square. It was funny this time because Jer rides it every day to work. He got a kick out of the kids acting like they were on a ride at Disneyland. It was the first weekend for the lights and great weather so, of course, it was packed. We didn't mind the crowd and I got some great pictures.

 It's tradition to go eat somewhere downtown when we go see the lights. Last year we went to the Garden Cafe. This year we waited in line for the always delicious Lion House rolls. The kids love it there because it's cafeteria style and tastes homemade. Jer and I love it because we had our wedding reception there so we get to reminisce a little.

The grounds were lined with amazing hand crafted lanterns. It was gorgeous. I love that every year there is something different to see and it's always awesome!

 Another picture of Josh loving the moment. (Notice the hoodie? That kid loves to push my buttons)

Erin's cute teacher emailed me this picture last week. I had to share. This is Erin, Tally and Chloe. They are in first grade and I'm afraid this could be the beginning of this generations "Mean Girls." I really doubt any one of them have a mean streak in them, but they are already coordinating outfits and forming their own little clique. They don't even realize what they're doing. Black shirt, grey jeans (with pink stitching), hair in side pony with black ribbon. So funny.

Erin and Emma both have amazing teachers this year. I get emotional when I think about it because it's such a priceless thing to have your kids in a classroom with someone that loves them and makes your child love school and learning. Erin has broken out of her shell and I know it has a lot to do with her awesome teacher, Ms. Nielsen. Emma is being pushed in a way she never has before - and she is accepting it and working hard and wants to be at school and wants to work hard. If you know my girls, this is all big.

And that's it for the longest post ever. Sorry. Kind of annoying, I know. But since there's only like 3 people that read my blog, oh well. And you can always skip over all the reading. I'll never know.

The phrase “bite my head off” was not entirely a figure of speech...

I found a few more Halloween pics on my phone so I thought I would post them. I'm sure one day I will look back and wish I had a picture of so and so in the such and such costume. The whole time I was making the Rubik's Cube, they all loved it. Too bad they didn't still love it by the time Halloween actually came.

Here is a picture of Emma in the parade at school. I had a hard time getting a good one of her, but she is cute anyway. I think the doctor look suits her well.

This was the best I had of Erin. I'm not sure why all of a sudden she decided to be camera shy. As if she isn't shy enough already, now she is pulling this crap. You can kind of see her skeleton costume in this picture. Those ruffles were a bigger pain than I had hoped - maybe because this costume was like the fifteenth made this year and was done the night before the parade at school.

This wasn't on Halloween. This was the picture I was looking for on my phone to blog when I came across all those others. We went to see Breaking Dawn Thursday night and if it wasn't for these awesome girls, the night would have been one big regret. The movie SUCKED! I kind of feel sorry for all those women that loved it and still admit to being Team Jacob/Edward fans. I read all four lame books. And, I will admit to liking the first three. Breaking Dawn was twisted and weird. So, I guess I shouldn't have expected anything less from the movie. It was just as twisted and weird - if not more. But, I love hanging out with these girls and they made the night as fun as it always is when we're together. The best part was that we went to a 7 o'clock showing and April was in her midnight mood. I think the lady next to her was the only lady in the entire theater that didn't laugh at any of the movie - which made it that much funnier every time April howled back at the wolves. Unfortunately, we have to wait months to see Part II of Breaking Dawn. Only unfortunate because of the GNO part of the experience.  Why they had to make a horrible book into two horrible movies is beyond me.

Anyone else dying to see Hunger Games? Now that's an amazing book and the trailer for the movie looks awesome! So excited for that. Anyone for a GNO when Hunger Games is in theaters?