Merriest Christmas

To all,

Our family wishes all, our family and friends, a very Merry Christmas! We love all of you and our thoughts are always with you. We hope that you feel the spirit this season of Christ and remember him.

Update on all of us:

Ben: He likes his job as a Sales Rep. for United Rentals. He is getting more and more comfortable with what he does and enjoys meeting new people everyday. He is one class away from graduating from University of Phoenix in Business Management. This has been a long road, but a good one! He has been so dedicated to finishing his degree through all of our ups and downs in the past years. The kids and I are so proud of him!

Jen: I am doing good. I've been trying to do it all lately and it isn't working out to well so I am slowing down. I am enjoying my kids most moments. We have snuggle time everyday and we love it! I have taken up to jogging lately with our dog Bella. I jog the wash behind our house and Bella loves it because she doesn't have to be on a leash. I listen to my tunes and it is my 'time out' from everybody and everything for 30 to 40 min.. I am finding it nice to be alone to concentrate on goals, my kids needs, our family's needs and so forth. I hope I can keep it up before my back gives out! Crossing my fingers!!!

Tyler: He is growing up and becoming his own person more and more everyday. He likes school most days. He is still into Spiderman and Superman. He loves loves animals. He went to the zoo recently and he was so tickeled to see all the animals he plays with at home. He is five and I love to see him smile--his whole face lights up!

Abby: She is a hoot. She has mind of her own. She is a true artist and very creative. I hope she will develop that someday. She is into coloring, cutting and creating masterpieces to her liking. We go through a lot of paper lately. But I say it is much better than watching TV all day. She loves Preschool and her dance class. We twirl to our tunes in the kitchen before dinner. Because her mom likes to listen to music while she cooks(keeps her motivated;))!

Benjamin: Aka: Benji - He is 9 months. He is such a delight almost everyday! He smiles for his family on a dime. I know he doesn't smile quite on que for everybody else, but he doesn't stop at home. He talks, babbles and still loves his jumper everyday! He is a good sleeper and he is growing up too fast. He crawls and is trying to pull himself up on everything.

Well, that is a little bit about us in a nutshell! Have a great holiday until next time,

love the johnson's --Ben, Jen, Tyler, Abby and Benji

Christmas Thoughts

Ok, I am posting a ton this month! I think it is because of the season and I've always loved to express my thoughts through written word. I had forgotten that for a couple of years and came across notebooks full of poems, short stories, journals on life and short essays. I should've majored in English Literature, but I've always been more of a creative writer than a technical writer. I struggled in English because of all the rules......! I took a creative writing class in college and absolutely loved it! I hope to take another one in this life...

On to the point: I wanted to express how much I enjoyed my Relief Society Christmas Dinner. It was so nice - every bit of it! The company of my fellow sisters in the ward, the music, the christmas stories that touched so many of us and of course the incredible delicious dinner served to us by the Young Women and Young Men! I was touched by the spirit last night and felt others warm spirit as they shared. Thank you sisters for planning such a spirited night for us all!

A Nana Day!

Nana with our little 'dancer'

Nana with Ty 'special times'

Miss Amber with the girls! Thxs Amber for being such a great dance teacher.

A Nana Day! The kids lit up when they knew Nana was coming over for the day. I wish mom could see how fun and exciting it is for them on their faces for her to come as soon as we told them.
Mom came so that I could do a few errands and get my hair done! What a treat! Thank you - Thank you!!!
She did Christmas crafts and played with them. She also stayed and watched Abby dance in her dance class. Abby told me that she like dancing for Nana!

Thank you for being the best 'Nana'!

An Abby moment!

So the other day,
Abby so didn't want to clean and organize her room, but it was so overdue.
We got in there and I was literally pulling her to pick up. Then after a few minutes she realized she had my undivided attention and did a complete 360. She had all these suggestions of re-organizing and such.

"Mom, I have lots of ideas." (she always have lots of ideas-this one of many reasons why I love her so) "Let's move this here and that there!"
To tell you the truth I really didn't want to clean her room either, but I have to have things mostly organized. I hang on the mostly because I am not perfect and I don't have the energy or time to be hung up on perfection. I am always striving for that, but know that it will take my whole life and then some, probably.

We finally finished and it surprised both of us that we actually had a really good time together! Now that I have three kids my attention is always divided. I cherish the moments I get to spend with them individually.

Aftermath of Thanksgiving!

This is what we feel like after Thanksgiving!!! Now onto Christmas!

A Family Thanksgiving Weekend

The dinner table looking so dashing right before chaos hits it!

The kiddos relaxing watching Lion King or something around that -Disney anyone?

Benji and me enjoying the leaves!

Sleepover at cousin Samuel's house. Samuel, Tyler and Abby all slept in the same room and it worked out pretty darn good! How fun for them!

The adults trying to play a game - the kids raided, but we triumphed to the end of it!
We had a great Thanksgiving Weekend! Thank you to Ethan and Angela for letting us stay with them - amidst the moving - you are so sweet and thoughtful! Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Johnson for a great dinner and good company!
It definately felt like winter up there and that was fun for us because we could bundle up! Weds. night we played games and had some chit chat! Thursday was the big day and in the morning we headed down to the church to play some ball and games with the little ones (since it was raining and cold). Then onto grandma's house... The kids played in the backyard with grandpa's new playhouse,slide and sand box for the kids! They played on it even though it was cold and rainy! Turkey and all the trimmings were wonderful! Afterward we took naps (some and some not so much)! We watched movies and let the dinner settle. We took a stroll with our coats zipped up tight and our winter hats pulled over our ears! The leaves were still falling and the air very crisp - it made for fun times! Pecan pie, pumpkin pie, cookies and sundaes delight for dessert. In the evening, we had a slide show with the 'Johnson' family memories of past and then the kids put on a talent show. Some danced, some sang, some said the pledge of alligience and some recited poetry (Snakes go ssssss....);)! The next day, Friday, we had a hike up 'Thumb Butte'Mt. and the kids hiked themselves all the way to the top -the cheered upon victory-little did they know they had to hike all the way down. It was cold, but so beautiful and who doesn't like being in the great outdoors anyhow. Grandma and Grandpa provided a picnic of sloppy joes and chips/salsa! Then we had to say goodbye! Tired, but happy hearts!

Thanksgiving

Grandpa with the grandkids at the top of 'Thumb Butte'-- 1.5 miles up and then 1.5 miles down. So, go kids! I was tired so I can't imagine those little legs of theirs!

The hike up was slow, but it made for more fun times and the kids were having fun together!

Benji in the wagon all bundled up for a walk after Turkey dinner! too cute, I'd say.

Grandpa's play creation - Play, Play --Abby,cousin Bella and cousin Mason!

Uncle Jake and Aunt Tami taking a snooze after Turkey dinner. (Tami is prego so no her stomach isn't bloated from the big feast!) ;)

Jumping Cactus!

What is Jumping Cholla doing in our neighbors yard? Oh, it is the southwestern desert we live in, but that is a hazardous cactus by nature! Poor Abby - such a trooper -so brave! And can I say OUch.....

Crazy 8 Tag!

Never been tagged! But totally fun.

8 Shows I love to watch:
1. ER - watching most years
2. Life - Totally addicted
3. Grey's Anatomy - I just love Derek
4. 24 - most seasons-- Just watch the 2hour Premiere
5. Biggest Loser- Constant Inspiration
6. Glen Beck
7. Anything on the food channel
8. Design on a Dime -great ideas to design for cheap!

8 of my favorite Restaurants
1. El Rico's --yummy mexican
2. Rosa's--after the temple
3. Texas Road House -- Good Steaks and Rolls
4. Paradise Bakery -- Sandwhich and Soups --why not!
5. Rubios-- a new like, but it is good!
6. New York Pizza-- Best Pizza
7. California Pizza Kitchen -- Always the Bbq. Chicken Salad
8. Chili's -Because overall food is good and decently priced!

8 things that happened yesterday
1. Took my son to school
2. Read my book --Breaking Dawn
3. Helped my husband with school work
4. Forgot to eat lunch and paid for it later
5. Took Abby and Benjamin out to a stroll around Target and only got tights for Abby--that is so good for me in that store...no choice... no money!
6. Saw my brother, Ryan in the parking lot and chatted with him and Aimee
7. Picked up Tyler at school
8. Had family night and talked about Thanksgiving and why we celebrate it!

8 things I am looking forward to:
1.Thanksgiving dinner and visit with family
2.Putting up my Christmas decor
3.Our RS dinner
4.The Live Nativity at the church on Dec. 5th
5.My sister coming into town for Christmas
6.Benjamin crawling and picking up his own food
7.Christmas Eve
8.Christmas Day

8 things on my wish list:
1. Peace in the world
2. Health for my family always
3. Happy children always
4. Someone to clean my house -definately
5. Someday I could eat anything I want and not gain weight
6. Enjoy the small moments more often
7. Learn how to play the piano
8. Get my Master's Degree

8 People I tag:
1. Jessica Corbin
2. Jessica Hayes
3. Helena
4. Jenny R
5. Sarah F
6. Jessica W
7. Kristi M
8. Jenny B

Poka - Dot - Green Shoes!

Thank you Samantha for your Poka-Dot-Green Shoes, shouts Abby! I just love them, shouts Abby again!

She now where's these everyday and loves them! They fit good and have a little room to grow!

Abby says, "Mommy can I where these always." Mommy says, "Why?" Abby says, "Because Samantha wore them, and I just love her -Thank you Samantha"!

Yucky Face!

Benji had fun and we of course had to take a picture! He loves those teething bars, but I don't always because of the mess, but we do every so often when it is right before bath! He now has 4 teeth (two up and two down)! He is sitting up and trying to crawl, but doesn't have it down yet. When he gets excited he bounces and giggles. He loves food and his bottle! Benji loves us all, but he especially loves Abby. Smiles and laughs whenever she is around. She is definately a big sister and loves, loves him. He is 8 months and counting.... It has gone by too fast so I am trying to enjoy these moments with little Benjamin.

Ode to my Mom

ok, I am probably going to embarrass my 'mom' but I wanted to do an ode to her! She is now enjoying a week in Mexico in which I am totally jealous, but she clearly deserves it so much more than me for too many reasons to list at this point! There are times and seasons for everything in life to experience and hopefully we won't miss those boats when they sail our way! This lesson I learned from my wise mother. No, it is not mother's day or her birthday, but just a normal day in my life and hers, but I feel overwhelmed to express my love to her for so many things!
When I was little I loved my family and was a happy little girl. Mom was there at every turn in my little life -- she kept me safe and tried to keep me happy! When I was a teenager things changed with me not her! Of course, I didn't see that then, but do now! She still kept me safe and tried to make me happy, but I thought I knew everything. Then I went to college and discovered really how much she meant to me! Our relationship started to change into a friendship too! I so looked forward to calling her on Sundays and in the early years of college, I would precede to cry when I got off the phone wishing I could close my eyes and be home for the 'yummy' Sunday dinner they were having while I was having white rice with soy sauce because at 19 I hadn't discovered how to shop or cook very well!

Well, I got married some years later and leaned on her even more for motherly support and her friendship through my early years of my marriage because we all know it is a learning curve at first! In my mothers infinite wisdom she was there enough all those times, but also let me live my life and have my ups and downs! And she was there for it all in the 'background'!

Ah, I became a mother for the first time years back and of course I looked at my mother with even more shock and awe --- I can't believe you mothered five of these!
Now, I am a realist and know that my mother is not perfect and wasn't of all my growing up years, but she 'in my eyes' is pretty close! She has a good heart! She has learned when to be my friend and when to be my 'mom' in this life right now to her daughter of almost 31 who is married and has three kids of her own. I look to her for her good example in so many things daily that I go through. I draw on her strength now and even way back then when I was that happy little 8 year old!
She has ultimately given me such a great gift in life - herself as my mom and friend!
Bless her always - she is such a strength to me and I love her always!

Traveling, Looking for Autumn

We found some traces of fall a couple hours away! Abby said, "Look leaves are falling off the tree! Is this fall, mommy? I said, "This is it!" Or as close as we are going to get this year! Fall is one of my most favorite season's. I think it is kinda funny because most of my life, I haven't experienced autumn in the true sense. But I have visited and lived where there is a spectacular ray of color in the mountains and you can even get 'rained on with leaves' while driving through the streets! I love the crisp air and talk of turkey and pumpkin pie!

Halloween and Too Much Candy!

So, lots of Halloween festivities went on this past week! Trunk or Treat at the church, school parties/carnivals and a family Halloween party to boot! So much and to many sugar rushes to the head! The mom is tired and the kids still coming off their 'high of halloween candy' but lots of memories.



Nana with her halloween grandkids!

Conner and Mason (cousins)- Star Wars? Where's Darth Vador?

Spooky Drinks??

Jessica Hayes(my cousin) and Reagan posing for the camera?

Nana had spiders living in her hair? Abby so intrigued...

Miss Kristin with Abby at the Halloween Carnival

Abby taking a swing at Halloween golf? Not bad...

Of course, the babies! Benjamin and sweet Em

Abby and Mason at Trunk or Treat? Can anyone say too much candy!! Ha.. Ha...
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The twosome posing again in life!

Why Write? Is this a waste of time?

This blog thing is addicting for some simple reasons for me. I love to write! Always have. I am not the best, but it is an outlet for me. Another reason is to give myself a creative outlet as well. I love the idea to do it as a journal because all the posts are archived and this journal gets pictures too - what a bonus. One more because I like to share my perspectives on life and family with my family and friends.
I am finding that you just don't remember things like you think you will years down the road. It is fun to look back and remember the simple and the magical moments in your life!

Ode to the Man in my Life!

to my love,

I owe my 'man' a great big kiss and a hug that lasts forever! We are both imperfect people, but perfect together! He is amazing to me and loves me so so so much even though sometimes I am not so nice! When I think of him, my heart starts to beat faster and faster. He loves us at every moment and is an amazing dad to the kids. He works hard to provide for us all everyday. This life has its ups and downs, but Ben is our trusty 'optimist' which keeps us all hoping and dreaming of better times. He looks for the good in everything especially his family. When he walks through the door and the sound of the pitter patter of little feet coming bounding towards him, he scoops them up and laughter fills our house. He is always planning our next family outing which could be just taking a walk with our dog, Bella for the night or taking a hike in the Superstition Mountains(now that is finally cooling off). I want Ben to know with all of my heart that I love him so. He fills my life with love, strength, peace,laughter, fun and excitement!

from your love -jen

Favorite Food

I am posting a 'favorite food' every month and will make it too for that month. So, this month is Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! They turned out so good. You have to like pumpkin to like these, but we do. This year the kids loved them. It is tradition every Oct. or Nov. to make a batch and we might make a couple this year -who knows!

An October Day with all the Kiddos!

I have a household of five kids whom I adore, but that doesn't mean it gets a little crazy from time to time so I decided to have a little fun! We made cupcakes in honor of 'halloween'! The kids helped me with the eggs, oil, mix and water and then they got to have their own spoon to have a taste(they couldn't enough). Then it was time to decorate! They were so excited for these cupcakes (too cute to see)! They did a pretty good job too!

Update on A/C

Abby and Lexi (Aren't they so darn cute! Friends and School Buddies)They happen to have the same dress so I had to take a picture! That is what happens when there is a Target around every corner:)
Yes. Lets have a moment of silence. The air is fixed - at least for now! No, it should be fine for a long while! Thanks for all the concern from family and friends! Not fun to go through, but feel blessed it is taken care of and we are 'sweat' free!

Keeping Cool!

Well, as I am writing this I am starting to sweat in my own house. Our 'beloved' A/C is having issues again. We thought it was fixed, but to no avail! So, who knows when the 'fixers' will arrive today.

I started thinking how people survived without air conditioning. Wow! I think this is why I was born when I was and maybe for other reasons too, of course. I appreciate the modern convienences more than ever now. When you don't have them, it humbles you real quick. I am thankful for the 'fixers' and their ability to come out quickly, though.

So, hopefully I can start feeling the 'coolness' from above come into our home sometime today - sooner than later!

I am trying to keep the faith!!! That is what it is about, right.

A Pinetop Times 2!

We had fun at the Hill/Davies family get together too! The weather very nice! Had picnics at the park, walks, a little antique shopping, bike riding and just hanging out! Thanks for a good time. It always goes by so fast.