....Johnson Reunion Family Olympics

Caitlin, Jared, my Mom holding Summer, my sister Mirriam (always a good target)!

Just a few photos from our Johnson Family Reunion. Mirriam did a great job organizing/planning the events. She picked a great location next to a little lagoon. We had a lunch of BBQ pork chops, macaroni salad, pistachio jello salad, chips, etc... They theme was "Olympic Events" and they were fun to watch. Since most everyone were good sports! :-)

The above pictures show my brother Aaron running while hula hooping around his neck (Jared's idea), my brother Josh, the Marshmallow war where everyone is given a large ziplock of marshmallows coated in flour, my neice Autumn didn't really want to get "dirty" initially but, you can see that she clearly changed her mind and was having a great time.

We also played a "Javelin" toss (a swimming noodle), a jump roping contest, water balloons, spoon races, etc.... We had a good time, with lots of laughs and the friendly competition that my family seems to thrive on. We all received awards for our various talents/skills and a few bloopers.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Photos: my sisters Mirriam, Michelle and Sara reading the first pages of their new HP books!; Jared posing at the HP Release Party with Sirius Black; and my sister, Katie, Caitlin and Jared just as we arrived at the party! (see how nothing appeared to be wrong with Cait's eye? This is why I originally thought she was just putting on some drama... turned out I was wrong.)

About the party:

So, I thought I'd post a bit about our vacation to Boise, Idaho. You may know that I was looking forward to the release of the newest Harry Potter book. In fact, my 2 sisters, SIL, mother and I had planned a Harry Potter Book Party for ourselves. We pretty much coerced the men into watching the kids at my brother's house and planned a relaxing, fun time to read at my parent's home.

This being the last book, I wanted my kids to be able to go to the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book release party at Barnes and Noble before we bought our books. I dressed them up as Harry and Hermoine, costumes complete with cloaks, ties that I sewed by hand and wands. They looked so cute, and we were all excited. On our way to the party, my little Harry accidentally poked my little Hermoine in the eye with his wand.

Caitlin pretty much cried the whole way to the bookstore. She stopped briefly to get sorted by the Sorting Hat but, when she was sorted into Slytherin the tears started to come again. At this point I was just frustrated with her because she had been revengeful to her brother and then she just seemed to be "emotional" and attention seeking. Well, to make a long story short I took her to the bathroom, put some of my contact eye lubricating drops into her eye, & tried to help her calm down... she was so upset, she needed her rescue inhaler. Every time some stranger would ask her if she was okay she would start howling again because she was embarrassed. So, still up to this point I thought it was all the preteen emotional drama.

Unfortunately this never ended. I sat on the floor of the bookstore (next to the bathroom- picture "Moaning Myrtle") with her head in my lap and she cried herself to sleep. It wasn't until around 10pm when she woke up and was calm but, unable to open her eye that I thought something might really be wrong with her eye. We waited in my parent's car while my sister, Mirriam, stood in line for me and bought my book. Then we drove the kids (my nieces and nephew were there too) to my brother's house. My dad watched Jared for me and I took Caitlin back to my parent's home for our party. She fell asleep right away (1:00am at this point and I was exhausted from having been up at 5 am that morning). The next day, with Scotty's help, I found an emergency number for an Opthamologist that was willing to meet us at his office to check her eye. Turned out that she had a scratched cornea which was painful for another 12 hours or so after he treated her with antibiotics and drops to help control the pain.

So, not much reading went on for me, sadly. And I'm not sure if Caitlin will have any happy memories of the Bookstore's Harry Potter party. (SIGH) My sister's kids (Sara's kids) probably won't either as they were late to get into the bookstore before the line started to form at the door because they had filled to capacity. At one point, I actually traded my two kids for Carlee and Garett so they could do something... then, I left them in care of my mother and left the store to take Caitlin and Jared to the car to wait for it to all be over. Jared really enjoyed himself. He went around to all of the booths and events with Mirriam, my SIL (Michelle) and my sister Katie. Jared gets really into character and it was funny to watch him point his wand at dementors and yell "Expecto Patronum". Some people had some amazing costumes on and I got a great picture of Jared (Harry) with Sirius Black. I wish I had been able to take more photos. Jared got to make a wand, pick a thought out of the pensieve, make a Magical Creature among other things.

Overall it was exciting just to be part of one of the release parties. I wish it worked out differently on many levels but, it is what it is. It took me two days to finish the book. I finished the last chapters at the bowling alley, my brothers, Aaron and Josh were shaking their heads at me. They just don't understand. How could I put the book down to bowl at that point???? The most exciting part?? I liked the book, was disappointed about a few things (won't go into detail here- wouldn't want to be a spoiler) but, most of all I am going to miss anticipating and reading new Harry Potter books. I love this series!

Just an icky, icky week....

Well, it's flu time around here! Scotty and Jared were sick on Sunday with the stomach flu and fevers. I thought things were better but Jared got sick again yesterday! Crazy. Trust me, you don't want the details or pictures! :-)

I emptied our walk in pantry Tuesday and still don't have it completely put back together. However, I am feeling proud of all the purging and organzing I have done. We have way too much stuff! Ever seen Peter Walsh or read his book "It's All Too Much!" ? Love his organizational ideas and the way he explains how clutter can slow you down in every way. Great ideas. I wish I could hire him... but, I'm sure he only works for the rich and famous. Anyone up to a challenge??? I challenge you to throw away or give away a big black garbage bag full of your clutter! Let me know how you do. Nobody leaves me in love (comments) on here.

Happy 4th of July!!

Our ward has a great tradition of an 8:00am pancake breakfast on the 4th of July! We enjoyed yummy pancakes in shapes of Mickey Mouse with sliced berries and fresh whipped cream! The kids decorated their bikes and followed the other Primary members in a few laps around the church building in a festive parade.

These are two of the Beehive girls I teach: Molly and Whitney. Cute, fun girls!

After the Ward celebration we stopped and picked up sandwiches from a bakery and went to the Greenbelt that is real close to our home. We rode the bikes for 4 hours, stopping to eat our sandwiches at the side of the trail 1/2 way through our 11 mile trek. The kids were troopers. Jared was so proud of riding so far. He thought it was a world record. He still has the training wheels on his bike; so the whole riding process was sometimes painfully slow, but we all had a great time!

Later that night we went to the Bennett's home -notice the picture of Caitlin and her good friend Brenna Elizabeth Bennett. (I just love that Brenna has the name of my favorite book/movie character ever!)There were many families there and we lit off fireworks in the street, the kids did sparklers and we all enjoyed a potluck of snacks and desserts. We had a great fourth and are thankful for our country, our freedom, our family and our good friends!

Visting our Texan Friends!

It was not easy for the kids and I to get to Frisco, Texas to visit our friends! Our flight was canceled due to a bad storm. We got a taxi voucher & different airline tickets from American Airlines and caught a flight out the next day from the San Francisco Airport. To add to the craziness we got selected for the "special" security check... just what a mom needs who is traveling alone with two children and a million bags + one American Girl doll. Our direct flight was changed and was routed through Houston where we switched planes. I took Jared to the bathroom and when I returned I realized they switched gates on us. So we hurried across the airport to catch that plane which ended up being delayed for a little over an hour. Boy was I glad that is over!We had rain pretty much everyday that we were there. But, we really enjoyed seeing our good friends! We miss them a lot! The picture above is of the kids at our day trip to Rusk, Texas. We took the Texas State Railroad to Palestine, Texas for lunch. My good friends Drady and Crystal gave me an Open House where I had friends pop-in to visit me. It's been a year since we've moved and it was wonderful to see some friends I often think about! Thank you to all who came! I'm grateful for such good friends and I can't wait to visit again!!Here are also a few more photos of the kids playing in an indoor swim "play park". The big news is that I took Jared's life vest off and he did incredibly well staying afloat and swimming independently! He told me that he is really proud of himself. (GIGGLE) We have him enrolled in swim lessons next month, he will love that! In addition we joined a Cabana Club this year so we can go to the pool anytime!

Just a day at home.

I have to brag and say: My kids are great! (I know I'm the mom, I suppose to feel that way! Well, I'm telling you I do!)

Awhile ago I picked up this super clearance item where you snap these little hexagon shapes together to make a picture of a dog. So, the kids did some chores and earned the craft. Jared ignored the picture instructions of the dog and made a boy instead. I'm so impressed! He thinks so differently than me. I mean I have some talents, but give me a bowl of hexagon pieces and I might make a flower with a yellow center or line them all up and make a snake. But, I would need a picture to prompt me to make a boy. Hmmmm...

Then, I just have to add the cute thing that Caitlin said. Earlier this week, I thought I was going to go insane. Monday, the first real day of Summer Vacation and the kids were arguing about EVERYTHING. It could be a very LONG summer. SIGH.....

Anyhow, each night, when I check on Caitlin after she's asleep, I write in a little journal she keeps on her desk. It's our Gratitude, Love, Praise journal. We write notes back and forth. You know, "You did a great job on your math test today!", "Thanks Mom for buying that pink shirt for me.", "I noticed you were a great friend to __________ at church.", etc...

I find it a great way for me to reach Caitlin. She thrives on encouragement and attention. She loves praise and it seems that I can never say "I love you" enough for her. So, I caught her being nice to her brother and I commented in the book about how that made me feel and that our home felt more peaceful. I did this two days in a row, and it has been much better... so I mentioned it again and her written reply was "It was no problem! I think I'm getting better at this!" It made me smile. I think I'm onto something. She will do anything to make me proud of her! Now, if only I could figure out her brother!

Personality switch while at the mall

I took the kids to see the Nancy Drew movie yesterday! We liked it! Good clean fun for the family, the kids liked the mystery. I thought it was cute. I think a girl named Emma Roberts was the actress that played Drew. She did a good job. I liked Nancy Drew's character, I got a kick out of her OCD, perfectionism.

Jared was a little miffed at me for forcing him to go into the girls bathroom a few times. I mean what else can I do??? Those family restrooms are always locked. Busy or just locked, I don't know. We don't always have the luxury to wait and see, KWIM?

We bought a few others things needed: shorts for the kids, shampoo for me. Then we went to the bookstore. Caitlin is into Discovery Girls and American Girl magazines so I bought those for her and Jared got a soft snowy owl: Hedwig!

He didn't STOP talking all night long about how he doesn't want an allowance anymore, or a trip to Chuck E Cheese, or anywhere else fun... he just wants me to order him a REAL Harry Potter wand. He also went on and on about how he plans to talk one of his friends into coloring their hair orange to be Ron. ROFL. Where does he come up with these ideas?? Finally, he fell asleep with Hedwig at his side and about 4 notes to dragons, Hermoine and Hagrid. He was in full character all night long. Man, he's fun to watch! The above picture is of him this past Halloween.

Caitlin wraps up 3rd Grade!

Okay, so it's hard to believe that I have a 4th grader now. While kindergarten seems like a little while ago, first grade seems sorta recent. (SIGH)

So, when asked about what her favorite thing about third grade was she said she liked jump roping during recess with her friend Priya. She also liked playing soccer and the kickball tournament. Her favorite subject is spelling (a natural, no need to study subject for her).

The move here to California and the switch of schools was very hard for Caitlin. I can't underline very enough. It has taken time to adjust but, she did (is doing) it! We are proud of her! I am really praying for a great teacher next year, one that can help her continue to adjust and realize her potential.

Highlights of her school year were the 3rd grade play about Tall Tale Heroes, her field trip to a Victorian mansion, the Art 'n Sole Walk-a-thon. She studied Victorian times in social studies and made an adorable journal in which she was a fictional girl in the Victorian times. She self-taught herself cursive in 2nd grade so she was very happy when that was finally covered and she could write her assignments in cursive. Math focused on division, multiplication and fractions. She learned about the solar system. She did her first science fair project and wrote a book. I think writing and illustrating her book showed off some of her talents and she had a great time completing that project.

She continues to take piano lessons and has recently decided not to continue on the swim team. She wants to try some team sports and take some art lessons. So, I guess we'll try to figure this all out. Every Wednesday she had activity days at church, she loves that... but, she is a socialite. :-)

Got to share.... AMAZING

Found this online today, LOVED it! I'm not a big follower of American Idol, but I do know how hard Simon Cowell is to please. This video is about a Welsh salesman who shows up to sing opera. Moved me to tears, gave me the goosebumps and put a big smile on my face!

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=646496&cache=1


Isn't it terrific???

Jared's Kindergarten Graduation

Here's our big boy "crossing the bridge" into first grade. He was the very first one in the kindergarten to cross the bridge so unfortunately I missed some of the things he did on camera. I didn't have the luxury of watching the other kids so, I did not know what to expect as photo opportunities. He also did fabulous in his speaking part at the ceremony. He was the one who welcomed all of the parents to the graduation and for their support.

I can't believe he's this big already! To me first grade seems like the last "little kid" age, WAHHH. This a picture of him with his teacher, Miss Chan. He has had a great year in kindergarten! He's a great reader, speller and writes cute stories. His classmates get so excited when he comes to school. He told me his favorite thing about kindergarten was learning about bugs. He LOVES math and is always asking for me to quiz him with addition and subtraction problems. He also likes the "red table" which is the science table. His favorite field trip was going to gymnasium where they learned how to keep fit and got to play on all sorts of gymnastic equipments (beams, rings, trampolines, etc...)

Next year in first grade he says he is looking forward to: Science.

Stay tuned for Caitlin's end of year spotlight....

Another BLOG????

Hey everyone! I've decided to have a separate blog for my stamping/papercraft stuff. Please follow the following link to see what I've been up to in my craft room!

http://astampedimage.blogspot.com/

Make sure you still visit me here though. I'll be posting more about life around our house!

Watching tv is not healthy, crazy dancing in front of the tv is...

Jared was not too happy to find me doing my walking video this morning in front of the tv. He complained that I do this to him everyday... which I was easily ignoring. You see, it matters to him because he wants to play a video game NOT watch his mom's sad attempts at jogging and waving her arms around at the beck and call of a crazy lady on tv.

Just when I thought that he had given up talking me out of relenquishing the television to him, he says to me: "I don't know why you do this anyways, watching tv is NOT healthy for you. You know that!" Bahaaaaa!!

Itsy, Bitsy Spider gets a lucky break!

Here's a picture of the kids with Aunt Meme (my sister Mirriam).

I bought Jared one of those little vacuums that suck up bugs and spiders. I thought it was a good idea since he's been picking spiders up with his fingers and one bit him the other day. We have found black widows here so it makes me a little nervous...

Anyhow the sneaky little guy took the bug vacuum to his sisters school play. I'm glad I noticed it before the play started and made him put it away. As soon as the play was over he went to work vacuuming up imaginary insects, as the self proclaimed "Spider Exterminator".

We moved towards the front of the multi-purpose room. It was crowded and hard to walk around. Would you believe that Jared found a spider innocently crawling along on the floor? Jared knew just what to do and sucked that poor thing up in his vacuum, securely locking it and trapping the spider inside. "You don't stand a chance with me!" he told the spider in his most scary "Spider Exterminator" voice.

Miriam and I were shocked! What a very strange thing for a spider to not have been stepped on in that tight crowd, only to meet his fate in the canister Jared's toy spider vacuum. Mirriam was grateful, as she is very afraid of spiders, and decided she will be buying her own spider vacuum in the near future since it has proven itself extremely useful.

So we are in the van, on our way home, Spider is still in the vacuum canister. Mirriam is carefully watching to make sure he stays there (LOL!). Next thing we know, Jared has given the spider a name. It's like George or Fred... He informs us that he doesn't intend to smash it, it's going to be his pet. WHAT?????? Mirriam is more than slightly uncomfortable. We compromise and stop about 1/2 mile from home. Jared crawls out of the van and frees "Fred" near the school bus stop. Mirriam and I are changing the "Exterminator's" name to "The Liberator".

Look closely and you will see the lucky little guy!

Vacationing with Aunt Meme

My sister Mirriam came to visit us last week. (She's from Boise) We had a great time with her! The kids adore her attention, I enjoy her company! We gave Mirriam a little "sampling" of the Bay area and neighboring coastal towns. We went to the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. The kids and Scotty played on the roller coasters and rides. Actually Jared had to sit out a lot because he didn't meet the height requirements, but he was a good sport about it. It was cold and we ended up buying sweatshirt souvenirs out of necessity.

We also went to Monterey, just briefly. We went to Cannery Row and walked along the boardwalk and pier near the Monterey Aquarium. I took these photos of the kids there. Caitlin was being very cooperative, Jared was humoring me. Most of the photos of him he's wearing a scowl. I LOVE this top photo of Caitlin. This is her natural and most endearing smile. The smile that is hard to catch on film. The one that usually is accompanied with a giggle.

The next day we drove into San Francisco. We took some pictures from Coit Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. We drove down the curviest street in America (Lombard Street) and went to a fantastic little pizza dive near China Town. The pizza was terrific. It took us 40 minutes to find a parking space though, and 20 for Scotty to hike back to the car and drive back to pick us up.

San Francisco is an interesting city, full of character. I am just so glad I don't live there. I like city, but not one where it takes 40 minutes to find a parking space. I'm not crazy about China Town either. Too busy, too dirty. Even San Jose' is too big for me. I like little cities that have all the conveniences with a small town feel.
Aunt Meme also got to see Caitlin perform in her American Tall Tale Heroes play at school (Caitlin was a square dancer). I did a horrible job filming the play without the tripod I carelessly left at home. And the still photos weren't much better.