Johnson Family Update - Summer & Early Fall 2010

Music pick = Summer Breeze

Often it seems that I become so busy that I don’t take the time reflect on what’s going on in my life. Once things do slow down a bit, I begin to realize that if I don’t write some of this down, I’ll have a hard time remembering any of it. Okay, some of it is okay to forget, but a lot of what is going on in my busy and sometimes crazy life may be something I or my kids can look back on some day with a certain degree of fondness, or at least humor. I used to write a monthly review, then it went to quarterly, and lately it’s just been yearly Christmas newsletters. My sister-in-law, Maile, just sent out a 2½ month update on her blog, so she inspired me to get back in the saddle and start writing again. We had an incredibly busy spring and summer at the Johnson house. With three soccer players (Shaelee, Annika and Alec), two referees (Jaden and Shaelee) and one coach (Bill coached Shaelee’s team), we didn’t spend many evenings at home, but it was a lot of fun.

On May 26^th, Jamie graduated from Mountain Crest High School and Alec graduated from Kindergarten – all on the same day! We hosted a graduation party for Jamie at our house the day after where we served cookies and rootbeer floats (two of Jamie’s favorite treats).

On May 31st we went on a family camping trip for two nights at Bridger Campground up Logan Canyon. Many of the Rogers family (Ryan, Bryant, & my parents) joined us for our next camping trip to Spring Hollow Campground up Logan Canyon. We had a blast having the group site to ourselves. We ate well and the kids jump roped for hours. Alec and Derick loved throwing kindling on the fire (day and night).

A few days later we camped again for one night at the Knowles Reunion in Blacksmith Fork Canyon. Unfortunately, Mom and Dad took some mice home with them in their motor home, and Mom’s not sure how excited she is about camping in the motor home anymore.

On June 8^th and 9^th, our family joined Ryan’s and Bryant’s families at the cabin to lay sod before the busy summer rental season. Being part owners in this comfortable getaway cabin has been a lot of fun, but also a fair amount of work this first year. We added several improvements such as the grass, satellite TV, and more furniture and amenities. Bill and I spent every Monday and Friday cleaning the cabin between renters, so we made a lot of trips through Logan Canyon. Even so, we still have enjoyed being managing owners and we love having a weekend at the cabin ourselves when time is available.

When my parents went home this summer, they took Jamie, Jaden, Shaelee, and Annika with them for an extra ten days before Bill, Alec and I joined them. It seemed really strange having only three of us in the house. One day we realized that Annika graduates in only eight more years, so it won’t be too long before we’ll be the only three at home all of the time. While everyone was gone, we took Alec and Cayson to Bear Lake one day to play on the beach and eat pizza at the Bear Lake Pizza Company.

Our big trip this summer was a vacation to Rockaway Beach, Oregon where we rented a duplex with the Karlette’s family. We spent July 3-10^th at the “Park Place” house located across the street from the beach access. The house slept 20 people with 8 bedrooms, so nearly everyone had a bed and we loved having the connecting deck between the two units. We were there for the 4^th of July, so we got to see the local parade and fireworks on the beach for the first time. Alaina’s new husband, Josh, showed the kids how to skim board. They spent hours learning and practicing this new skill.

After our beach trip, we stayed behind an extra week to enjoy the Columbia Gorge and some extra time with Mom, Dad, Alaina, and Cosy. During that time we hiked to Eagle Creek, picnicked at Big Cedars, visited Bonneville Dam and Multnomah Falls, went swimming in Hood River, and ate at the Ranch Drive-In twice.

The day after we got home from Washington, Bryant hosted a going away luau for Tyler and Maile who are moving to Hawaii. We ate great food and we watched turtle races and an outdoor movie in the back yard. We also played a game to see how well we know Tyler & Maile. Bill and I won and received the golden goblet award. What a party!

In August we left the valley twice. On the 10^th we went to 7 Peaks resort where we used some free tickets that we got as a trade for cabin time. Then August 18^th we met Ryan’s family and Robyn, Taylor and Kendal at Lagoon for a day of fun.

Danielle and David joined us for the beach trip this summer. Their little guy, Cayson was 5 months old at the time, and he seemed to enjoy putting his toes in the sand. They are living in Logan, so we get to see the three of them often, which gives Bill and me plenty of practice being new grandparents. Cayson is 7 months old now and beginning to crawl. He loves coming over to our house to play, and his face especially lights up when he says Annika and Alec. He has really wrapped his little finger around all of our hearts and we love to have the three of them visit. Bill and I host Sunday dinners at our house at least twice a month. Dani, David, Gwen and Devin Rasmussen join us for dinner at 5:00 on those days after which we usually play croquette or board games. We all really look forward to those Sundays. Last time Alec surprised everyone by winning at croquette.

Jamie is enjoying life as a USU freshman. She is living at home and taking creative arts, life on other planets, Connections, U.S. Institutions, billiards, and a Book of Mormon institute class. She likes spending less time in classes than she did in high school and has enjoyed her classes so far. Jamie says she is impressed with USU campus. She continues to work at Stadium 8 theaters in Providence and is attending a singles ward in Providence with several of her high school friends. Although Shaelee and Jaden were anxious to take over her room if she went away to school, we’re glad to have her home with us a little longer.

Jaden had an extremely busy summer. He went on two camping trips in addition to our family camping trips, he went on two additional ones—Priesthood in Action camp and a Priests quorum trip to Starr Valley. He also spent a week at Snow College for Marching Band camp. He spends most of his free time practicing with his band, Tracing Yesterday. Jaden plays the electric guitar and has performed many times since his first concert in January. Music is a huge part of Jaden’s life, as his fall activities primarily revolve around marching band performances and competitions. He is joining the debate team this month and will compete for the first time on October 30^th.

Shaelee has discovered that 8^th grade involves quite a bit more homework than she had at Spring Creek middle school, but she is determined to stay ahead of the game and keep good grades. She has a great core group of friends (Meghan, Paige, Mekensey, Casadie, Aunika, and Antonella), and Shaelee is usually at the center of planning activities for the group. She also babysits whenever she can. Shaelee really looks up to her young women’s leaders and she loved girls’ camp at Camp Lomia again this year.

Annika enjoys being a 5^th grader at Millville Elementary. One of the privileges as such is that she got to be in the dunking machine at the school carnival in September. Her teeth were chattering and her skin turned blue, but she loved every minute of it. Annika spent two weeks at Cache Valley’s Center for the arts art camp in August. She loved making multiple craft projects and learning to play the African drums. One day during a break, she ran into her school principal who was at the adjacent building watching the play, “The Sound of Music.” While Annika was talking to Mrs. Nielsen, President Monson walked up to her and said, “Hi sweetheart. How are you today?” Then he proceeded to sing her a little song and shake her hand. What an incredible experience for our impressionable ten-year-old.

Alec is our cute little toothless wonder who may not have a full set of teeth for several months to come. In June he had oral surgery to have an extra front tooth removed, but in the process they had to take out both front teeth. A few weeks later, he lost a bottom tooth on his own (and the other bottom tooth is loose now), so eating corn on the cob (one of his favorite foods) was a bit difficult this summer. Alec loves first grade and he is beginning to be a pretty good reader. He loves playing with his two best friends, Ryland Tibbitts and Ronan Melani. We got a trampoline in August, so when his friends come over they like to play army, jump on the tramp, or play Sasquatch (a chasing game with Annika and her friends). Alec’s other favorite activities include going camping, playing with Legos, and playing with his action figures.

Bill began taking classes for Real Estate certification at Bridgerland Applied Technology Center in August and should be a certified real estate agent by November or December. He has class 4 hours a night on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He has also been keeping busy taking care of maintenance on the apartments we own and manage this summer. However, he does find time go fly fishing here and there and he’s caught some nice trout this summer.

Here I am with a salamander I caught at Lost Lake, Oregon (I was pretty proud

I joined a book club (7 members) in January, and really look forward to our monthly meetings where we discuss not only the book we read that month but everything from the gospel, to parenting, to where to find good deals on things. These women have become my good friends, and we really have a lot of fun together. I’ve done a lot of reading this year, which has been a good thing because I’ve decided that when I have some personal reading time I’m usually a better wife and mother. I try to organize my time better so that there’s time left at the end of the day to read (and I’m usually less cranky, too). I also volunteer in Annika’s classroom every other week. Bill and I are both teachers in the primary. Bill teaches the 11-year-olds and I teach the 5-year-olds (Alec’s class).

The kids have fall break this week, so we’re looking forward to a trip to White Salmon for Alaina’s & Josh’s wedding reception on October 16^th. It will be fun to spend time with family again and see the northwest in the fall.

First Day of Kindergarten - It's Hard to Let My Baby Go

Music pick = Sunrise, Sunset

Wednesday, August 26th held a mixture of emotions for me. Alec started kindergarten. It was fun to share in his excitement at the prospect of attending school for the first time. Even though kindergarten didn’t start until 12:50, once he woke up he couldn’t wait to head out the door. When he found out that he got to wear all new clothes, he was even more excited. Alec picked out a teal tree frog t-shirt, army pants, new Batman underwear, white socks, and some cool light-up superhero Velcro shoes. He couldn’t wait to show his dad all of it (even the underwear). We videotaped Alec telling about his new clothes and his excitement for the day, and we took pictures of him in front of the house.

As we got the school and I opened the car door, Alec exclaimed, “Yes!” He was beaming, but at the same time, I got a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye as I realized that this was the last time I would take a child to kindergarten! It really hit me as we walked through the doors of the school. Alec humored me with a big hug and a kiss in the hallway, then wasted no time in heading for his seat in the classroom. Sitting next to him were two of his friends from Millville 2^nd ward, Tanner Hill and Ryland Tibbetts. Although Alec was clearly happy to be in school at last, I was a little hesitant to leave for home. When I leaned over and whispered, “Are you ready for me to leave?” Alec exclaimed, “Yes!”

Alec is ready to set off for new adventures and I’m having a hard time adjusting to the fact that I am no longer the center of his world. Although this makes me a little sad, his enthusiasm makes me smile and I know that from time to time he will let me come along for the ride.

Days like this are one of the hallmarks of being a parent. As I continue to move along the timeline from one stage of parenthood to the next, I’m grateful that I have more than one child so I am able to enjoy each one at various stages life.

Stage 1: Bill and I are nearly grandparents and are able to watch watch with interest as Dani and David plan for parenthood.

Stage 2: we’re parenting an 18-year-old young adult who is starting her senior year and all the adventure that holds.

Stage 3: we have a 15-year-old teenage boy about ready to drive who keeps us running with band practices, band performances, and sporting events.

Stage 4: we have a daughter who is 12 going on 16. Some days she acts like a little kid and other days she has an attitude and wants to be treated like a teenager with lots of social freedom.

Stage 5: we have a sweet 9-year-old daughter who is struggling to find her place in the world between the teenagers and the sometimes teasing or annoying little brother.

Stage 6: we have a five-year-old leaving toddlerhood and entering the world of school and a wide circle of new friends

Life is far from boring. Most nights we fall into bed at night tired from the day’s activities, but life is good and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Donny Osmond in Concert: A DREAM COME TRUE!

Music pick = Whenever You're in Trouble



Last night I fulfilled one of my life-long dreams: to see Donny Osmond in Concert. As a teenager growing up in Washington State, I listened to the Donny and Marie double album for hours and hours. I loved the fact that Donny looked great, sounded great, and most of all, he had the same L.D.S. values I did and wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believed in.

For Mother's Day I requested two tickets to see this music legend at the Kent Concert hall at USU on May 25th. Although Bill would have accompanied me without complaint, once he heard his niece, Melissa Stuart, was interested in seeing Donny, too, he gladly gave his ticket to her.

Missy and I had a great time. Before the concert we went to dinner at Olive Garden. The chicken fettuccine was great, and it was fun eating out together. The concert itself was great. The Utah Festival Orchestra and Chorus did several patriotic songs, but of course, Donny was the best part. I couldn't believe his energy and enthusiasm. After a particularly exuberant song and dance number, a woman in the audience yelled, "You've still got it, Grandpa!" The 52-year-old grandfather of two replied, "This is so much fun, but it kills me!" He made some lady's day when, after a bit of persuasion, he tossed his sweaty towel into the audience. He also gave hugs to two women who brought him long-stemmed roses from the audience.

My favorite part of the concert was when Donny told a personal story that happened when his third son was on a mission to Scotland. One day Donny was recording a really important song when he received a ring indicating a text message on his phone. His first reaction was to ignore it because the recording was important and needed to finish soon. However, Donny felt impressed that he needed to answer it, so he did. The text message from his missionary son said, "Dad are you there? I need you." He immediately responded and they began corresponding. After 20 minutes, Donny's son said, "Dad, I'm okay now. You don't need to worry about me anymore." When Donny asked him what was different now from 20 minutes ago, he replied, "I just needed to know that you were there for me when I needed you." That same day, Donny wrote the song, "Whenever You're in Trouble," for this son and all his children. I have played it at least ten times today. What a great song about being there for those you love!

My only criticism of the concert was that Donny didn't sing long enough; forty-five minutes just left all of us wanting more. Despite the lack of quantity, the quality was fantastic. I was thrilled that he sang one of my favorites, "The Twelfth of Never." Instantly I was transported back to my bedroom where the walls were covered with pictures of Donny Osmond, Shawn Cassidy, and Leif Garrett--back to the room where I would dream of meeting my own prince charming some day. Donny can still melt my heart through song, but he is no longer the one I think about when I hear him croon a love song. My sweetheart doesn't sing for sold-out crowds, but he does love fly fishing, grilling dinner, and building Legos with my kids. He even shares my passion for camping and bargain hunting. This prince fed my kids dinner and after I returned home from my Cinderella night, he greeted me with a warm welcome and a spotless kitchen. Although my bedroom walls are no longer plastered with the face of the man I admire and dream about, how lucky I am to have my personal prince charming living within the walls of my own home. Dreams do come true! This fantastic night reminded me of that!

ALEC'S DREAM: Dandelion Fields Forever!

Music pick = What a Wonderful World


I just had one of those experiences that makes being a parent all worth it. It all began a couple of days ago. . .

Alec and I were driving home from soccer practice along 100 west in Millville when five-year-old Alec exclaimed, "Mom, I would LOVE to live at that house!" I was in a hurry to get home and continue dinner, so I didn't have time to go back and see which house he was talking about, but I asked Alec what made him like that house so much. He enthusiastically replied, "Because there are dandelions everywhere and lots of the kind you blow!" In quizzing him further, his dream house would include a yard filled with dandelions. Alec loves to pick dandelion bouquets for me, and with a yard full of them, he could pick them any time!

The saga continued yesterday night when Alec came running into the house yelling, "Mom! Mom! I've got to show you something!" He grabbed my hand and proceeded to pull me out the door and across the street. Alec was so excited, he wanted me to close my eyes, but was afraid I might fall, so he told me I could keep them open. Before our final destination, he led me to a bunch of yellow tulips, which he thought were so pretty, but he became sad when he told me that they were beginning to die. Yet, his spirits perked up when he remembered why he brought me outside. Grabbing my hand once again, Alec led me to the large iron gate of our neighbor's hay field. He then exclaimed,

"LOOK, ISN'T IT COOL!"

Before us was a large field completely covered in seeded dandelions. Alec was beside himself with joy. He ran into the field and began blowing them gleefully. A few minutes later, our orange cat, Mustang, bounded across the field, anxious to join his best buddy, Alec.

One day I will no longer have a curious, wonder-struck five-year-old living in my house who delights in dandelions, the sight and smells of beautiful flowers, and the appearance of hummingbirds at our hummingbird feeder. But today I do, and life is. . .

WONDERFUL!