Memorial day shots

We were watching at first then decided to play and for two people who have never played before we gave those guys a run for their money.

Ahh what form and grace
Jewel was not quite warmed up enough to Michael to sit in his lap.
Aww what a cute moment
Talking to mom before opening pressents

Some Bible study toolsAh truly beautiful. Mom sent me this mostly made dress so that I could fit it to her and finish it. We thought it would be funny for her to wear it thus.
The boys thought the balloons were tons of fun to hit bop around.
Rachel has a death grip on her Tom Brady poster that I had forgotten earlier.

More Birthday and Fellowship

Here is Rachel with her cake. I tell you after the dinner we had, there was no room for a sliver of cake.

Blowing out the candles and making a wish. I think Lani was afraid she might get sprayed.
The beautiful decorations.
Ben Hefner 008, yeah those are Rachel's glasses
Naomi and Xander, he has the cutest mohawk, but doesn't like to keep it spiked.
The boys were trying to see if they could flip the bowl over without spilling the pieces of paper.
Gerald was the only one who actually did it without spilling a single one, I think this time he lost one.
More masculinity
Rachel and Ava at the Gshwend's house, we had been at the pool earlier that day.
Amy is HOME YEAH!

Speaking Germany

Last night we were delighted to go to our dear friend Marion's house for German sandwiches and games. She invited two of her German friends and I enjoyed hearing them speak German! I said they were speaking Germany. I learned a few new favorite words. To top them all would be Tortenbuden-flan case which is a great dessert that has fruit on top Marion made for us on Sunday. This became my favorite word to say all night long. Obst means fruit so you could have a obst tortenbuden. And you could ask for eine tasse tee bitte with your obst tortenbuden which would mean one cup of tea please. On Sunday we had a erdbeer tortenbuden, which is a strawberry dessert it resembles a torte. Now we can tack these on to vas is los, was fur ding and shotzy which is currently the extent of Rachie's vocabulary in German. Watch out Germany here we come!

Party and Other Activities

Here are the first batch of pictures from Rachie's surprise party. Nate does look like he is going to attack or jump her. A little intimidating. I had taken her out to dinner and she had suspected we woud all get together after but she had no idea that anyone was at our house.

Yes she was bewildered, she did not understand how they got in etc. The shock wears off and we settle into party mode.
Our friends Peter, Lani (who helped set up and decorate) and Ben who liked banging and playing with the balloons all too much.
Aaron (our English friend), Naomi (who also set up and decorated), Lydia, Nate and Aimee, Bryan and Rachie
Ben looking a little suspicious with the balloons.
Anita and I went to scrapbook and little Ava came with us. She was good and slept a few times. There was a little too much excitment with ladies dying to hold her, and not wanting to let her cry at all.
Here is a cute mommy and me photo.

Past Updates

Anita and baby Ava at our scrapbooking day

Our Guardcat
Any place is a bed to her, you would think she would be uncomfortable here.
Here are pictures of my short lunch with the Meeks. This is Jake their eldest with Steven the youngest. There is only about 6 inches height difference between them and like 6 years.
Can we say Drama Queen Camille? She was born to be dramatic, as you can see.
Here is Heather walking with all three
Me and the kids. I love them.
Heather and her kids
And another view
Close up
I was so glad to spend an hour with them. Hopefully I can come and visit them soon and I will take Steven up on the offer to try out the trampoline.

Blessed From Above

Yesterday was the 4th of July. We decided to go to Greers Ferry Lake with a bunch of friends from Bible study. We had about 15 there and swam and grilled out. It was a ton of fun.
We had carpooled so Rachel and I were not riding in the same car. We ended up taking different exits to get home too. I got there first and upon getting out of the car I saw our front door wide open. I searched for Rachel's car knowing she must be there somewhere, but could not find it. I thought this was a sick joke and reality set in so I was sure I was going to walk in on someone robbing us.
I walked in and the TV, Playstation, etc were all there. I was shocked. Rachel then came in and we looked for Misty because she likes to go out the door if it is open. She was just lounging around upstairs. The computer was there and we checked closets to make sure no one was hiding in there.
We thought about it a lot and decided when we left the door was closed but Rachel did not go back and lock it, we both had our hands full, and were to distracted to lock it. So the wind or some one must have opened it and they were to scared to take anything. My purse was there in plain sight and my keys and car were there. I could have been taken for all I had but God had His hand on our house and possessions and kept it safe and sound.
WE ARE BLESSED!
This all happened on a holiday! And last year on Memorial day I had a package dropped off and then taken by someone else at our old apartment. But our door was wide open and not a thing was disturbed. We don't have any idea how long it was wide open either. This apartment is a lot safer obviously. Also at our old apartment my car was broken into at night and they took about $1000 worth of stereo equipment and I had a car alarm. But again, wide open door just inviting thieves and not a thing touched. We are truly blessed and safety only comes from God.

Claustrophobia

This is how I felt except add maybe 5 more people

Claustrophobia-An abnormal fear of being in narrow or enclosed spaces. Yes I am and I had a chance to experience it first hand just minutes ago. I had just attended an interview for a new Dean for the the College of Nursing, and before that I had been typing test questions all day. Upon leaving the interview I knew I needed to visit the restroom but I wanted to get back upstairs and then use it. I did not know where the stairs were so I joined the group on the elevator. It was a large group about 15 in a small elevator and we all crowded in. We were going from the ground floor to the fifth, but we don't have a fourth floor so it was not far. The doors closed and we almost made it to one and it stopped and being an old elevator it took a while for the doors to open. That while carried on and my boss made the executive decision to use the emergency call button. The man answered and asked if we were employees first. Which made us wonder if we were patients would they come faster. They asked for her name and phone number why? So they could call her later after they got us all out? I think we were on for like 15 minutes and they finally opened the door. I was getting to the point where my knees were getting weak and it was hot in there. I think we should all be able to go home and get paid call it workmans comp. I decided to walk up from the first floor. We were so stuffed we could not even bend over, one person had dropped something and someone had to use their toes to pick it up for lack of space.

Simple things to make me laugh

1. The hamster dance videos entertained me for a few minutes this morning. The song is so catchy, one I found has pictures of hamsters and the other is video clips of a bunch of people dancing in random places. I would have to say dat's my jam right now. I may just listen again and do my own little hamster dance behind my desk.

2. I entertained Abby last night after Bible study by chasing her and then letting her chase me, although I was wearing a knee length dress. When I was tired and not ready to break a sweat she proceeded to prod me on to more playing. I gave my list of reasons why I should not including; a knee length dress, flip flops, I needed to rest, etc. She then showed me what I should do in a dress: twirling and posing and singing a cute little song that I could not hear. It was marvelous. Then she would go right back to asking me to play and chase her again. Anita says she suffers from short term memory loss, so I asked her if she did and she tried to repeat what I asked a couple of times, then gave up and Anita chimed in and told her to say she forgot. And as a willing child she repeated it.

3. Tomorrow I will be having lunch with a family I used to babysit for. He was my boss years ago and that is how I started sitting for them. They are most wonderful and I love them so much. They moved away about a year ago to Texas and Heather and the kids are back to visit for a few days so we will be doing lunch. I remember when I would babysit I would come, I guess about 30 minutes before they would leave, and Heather and I would talk the whole time, up until she was walking out the door, and sometimes while she was walking out the door. The 3 kids are completely marvelous. Each has their own unique blossoming personality, that makes me smile. I have missed them so much and for an hour or so I will be able to relish in their presence. Hopefully I will be able to come and visit them sometime in the near future, since they are in easy driving distance.

Daddy and Me

Can anyone question this man's love for me?

Playing with Daddy

Prime example of dad assembling or fixing things. I was his big helper.

I say get that girl a tool belt!

What a sweet cuddly moment.

Daddy and Me

Well I wanted to post some adorable pictures of me and my daddy but for some reason this will not let me post them. I may keep trying or just give up until Monday.

Tribute to Dad

This Father's day I decided to put aside regular gifts and give one from the heart. I wrote a tribute for my father.

David Philip Johnson

The most important thing about my dad is that he is a man of God. I was too young to remember it, but he used to teach my Preschool Sunday school class. Years later he taught an adult Sunday school class and I preferred to come to his class than go to my own, it made me proud to sit under his teaching. He led our family in devotions. He knew the Word and I knew I could go to him with the questions I had and he would know the answer or know where to find them.
He was the leader of our family. He ultimately made the decisions of our family. He would seek mom’s advice and our opinions but ultimately he would make the call. He brought us together as a family through family night, where we would play games together, he taught me to love Risk and Railbaron. Sometimes we would even go see a movie. This meant a lot to me and I could see how we were very different from other families in the neighborhood. He was our protector, if only I would have listened more. When it came to the boys in my life he really did know what he was talking about. He knows me and what I need.
My dad is a jack of all trades. The man can make almost anything with his hands. Most of my furniture was hand-crafted by my father. He repaired and maintained the cars (unless the repairs were too difficult). I remember him replacing the Nova’s engine, using that huge lift to get it in, I still think he can fix anything on a car. Dad loves to sit down and build intricate model boats as a hobby. I can’t comprehend how he creates all the fine details, when his hands shake as much as mine do. The boats he has given us impress all who dare to ask where they came from.
Dad worked hard to provide for our family even though many days he would rather have been doing something else. Dad was made to be outside and I am so glad that is his occupation now. I remember vacations to Maine, where we would relax and dad would be working on the tractors, that was recreation to him. He is great at finances, although we never had a lot, dad would make it work, and we were never deprived of anything we needed. He taught me how to save and budget my money. He is very giving also, when my car died the day before they were to move he just decidedly announced they would buy me a car and I could pay them back later.
He had a hard time showing his emotions, but would cry when we needed to see his love and how much he cared. I know I hurt him many times with my words and actions but his love for me never changed. He showed me how proud of me he was. I remember if he was out of town for a play or choral performance he would send my flowers and a little note.
Many traits I have acquired from my father. He shares with me a love for all animals. Dad would own a zoo if mom would tolerate it. It would sadden him to see an animal die, he got attached to them so easily. He appreciated creation and would grow food from the sweat of his brow. He always enjoyed eating what he sowed and reaped. I remember him trying to hype us up about radishes and peas. Even though to this day I can’t stand peas, they make me ill. He gave me a love for the outdoors, taking us camping and hiking almost every summer. We also share an immense fear of snakes, even the thought of them gives us the heebie-jeebies.
My dad is a kid at heart. He would always play around with us. When hiking or camping he would pretend there were bears following us, and they would all have names. I think he sometimes relates more to kids than adults. Many days we have shared fish kisses and burp wars, I think I win.
I am so glad that God gave me to you!

Surgical Technology

I have received my official blessing to go to school from my boss and the dean! I will be able to just clock out and in for class and make 40 hours a week. YEAH. I will be a surgical tech in about 2 years. I am so ready for classes to start.

I have been fearful of this summer for two reasons. We have not truly had spring, we jumped to summer and 80s and 90s, so I am afraid of how high the temperatures will get this summer. With that, they crank up the AC in my building. I don't understand them, they cry poverty in the winter saying they can't afford to crank up the heat, but keep the AC running. But in the summer they keep it freezing in here. It is like 90 outside and I have a heater on me, I don't get it.

My second fear is that I will be bored all summer. Our senior students don't have any classes in the summer so I really have no work. I have dreaded this week but they are keeping me busy this week. I have been provided my one summer chore, to type up the annual report, this I take my time on doing a section a day, otherwise I could get it done in a day. But now yesterday I was provided a project that should have been done months ago, so I have a rush on it, but I have successfully completed it, now I just have to go back over it with one of the assistant deans.

I have been bringing my scrapbooking and books to read, but I have almost finished scrapping the photos I have and I can only sit with a book for about an hour before my mind starts wandering and I glance over the words.

Tiny Surprises

On Memorial day morning. I was putting up a raft from that weekend's lake trip, it had been just sitting outside and it needed to go into the storage unit. So as I opened the door I saw this whitish thing flash in front of me. I knew probably a cat had crawled in the dryer vent, although we do not have hook-ups they went ahead and put that in. Makes no sense to me. But then I looked in and saw a couple tiny kittens tumbling around in there. I went to get Rachel and we captured these pictures of our new leasers. There were 3 of them.

This first one was the most social and unafraid. Here are the two twins.
How they got in here.

Aww how lovey
The most shy one. I only got one shot of this one.
The sad thing is I checked on them too much so the mom took them away. We were really thinking about keeping one if the mom did not come back.

What Did You Do at Work Today?

I climbed on desks and chairs!
My day started as usual. I come in and check my mail, organize my work and decide what I will tackle for the day, or on a slow day decide what to do with my time. Since I am the assistant for senior faculty and the seniors get the summer off, I get bored pretty easily. I have had tons of exam questions to get ready for the fall semester, but I have to ration that out over the whole summer.

So I was going to work on one exam today, I was sure I would have to type all in because I seemed to have lost my electronic copy. Then as I was half way through and really getting frustrated, I remembered that my scanner does exist and it is marvelous. So I scanned it and a 5 hour job was whittled down to about an hour excluding the time I was stupidly typing it all in.

As I am finishing scanning another faculty came in asking for me to help her move something. She really doesn't give me any work unless it is manual labor so I became hesitant. I have to say no a lot when she asks me to help her bring stuff to her car that are too heavy for her but my protruding disks don't appreciate the weight.

So anyways, she first asked how agile I was, and I asked why. She needed someone to climb on her desk and take down a huge flag and put it up in the new office. I told her I was very agile but also pretty clumsy. She promised she would be there to catch me if I started to fall. So part of my fun filled Friday was climbing on desks and the arms of chairs. It brought enjoyment to my day.

I also decided to run down the hallway again, because it's Friday and I want to. I am also currently jammin to Nicole Nordeman, and with the door shut singing my heart out. I would laugh so hard if someone came through that door and entered in on my performance. If only I had a microphone and an amp, oh the fun I would have.

Held

Natalie Grant

Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling

Who told us we'd be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved
From nightmares?
We're asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It's unfair

This is what it means to be held
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it, let the hatred know
Our sorrow
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

This is what it means to be held
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held

If hope is born of suffering?
If this is only the beginning?
Can we not wait for one hour
Watching for our Savior?

This is what it means to be held
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be HELD

Baby Hannah & My Mighty Mom

As I have been trying to gather my baby pictures to scrap them all I thought I should share some of these fun ones with you and brag on my mom. I know you reap what you sow. I am destined to have an 11 pound baby who decides they want to stay in for 3 extra weeks. Actually in this day and time, going overdue is unheard of and generally doctors don't allow it to happen, but I am sure my baby will still be 11 pounds anyways.

This is my mighty mom, pregnant with me. This picture was taken 3 weeks before I was born, oh yes she endured 3 more weeks of this. Let us also take into account the fact that at this point she only should have been 1 week away from giving birth. I was perfectly content to stay in my mom 2 weeks beyond my due date. What a trooper. Fun fact: for every week over your due date the baby gains about a pound.

This is me being inspected by my sister and father, two ears check.
Here is me on my birthday compared to my almost 2 1/2 year old sister.
Oh yes this is me on the day I was born, not 2 months later. Although I was the size of a 2 month old. Oh yes I was a 10 lb 6 oz baby. Another fun fact: mom had me all natural, no induction, no drugs, nothing. But she said she pushed like 10 times and I was out. I guess the two extra weeks did me well and it was time to come out.
Yep that's me again. Don't let my sister fool you around this time she tried to murder me.