Christmas Day.

This year was a big Christmas for us because it was the first one that we celebrated in our own home. Usually we are traveling and staying with family but not this year! I had so much fun setting up all the presents and stockings Christmas Eve. Justin had lots of fun putting up the boys new train table.

Christmas morning Justin's mom and Jim came over to celebrate Christmas morning with us. We woke Kam and Karson up and I loved seeing their cute little expressions as we all gathered around the tree. Their eyes caught sight of the train table and train right off and they spent a good amount of time playing with it before even noticing any other gifts. We took our time opening all our gifts and had a nice relaxing morning. It was so nice having Janice and Jim in our home, they made the most adorable barn for Kamden. We were all spoiled so much and I couldn't ask for a better Christmas morning.



We were planning on heading up to the cabin that afternoon but the snow was coming down. Justins brother Jade and his wife got stuck on their way over from Boise. While we waited for them to get here we went to visit my family. Finally Jade got into town and we ended up having a very unexpected, yet delightful Christmas dinner of chicken tacos, along with a quite evening at home playing with the boys toys.

Friday morning we made some visits to Grandpa and Grandma Johnson and Mom Janice and then headed up to the cabin. When we got to the cabin we had found that Santa had stopped by their too. The boys enjoyed opening even more presents and the big boys really enjoyed their yo-yos. The next couple of days we spent laying around enjoying the beautiful snowy outdoors, from inside the nice and warm cabin. We watched movies, played games, ate great food, and enjoyed each others company. Saturday all the boys headed up to Targee to snowboard/Ski while the girls watched chick flicks. We had a wonderful weekend!

 

What a great Christmas for us!!! I am so greatful to have such wonderful family and friends!

p.s- I attempted to make my own digital Christmas Cards to send out this year. Although I did get one designed it never left my computer. Sorry!

Christmas Eve

Once again this year was a whirlwind of Christmas fun. We had a lot of snow and were in a winter wonderland. Which was just perfect for Christmas. December 23rd Justin came home early from work because of a huge storm we were having. We enjoyed a nice quite evening at home. Christmas Eve day Justin got off work around noon. We headed down to a friends house for a little get together with some friends from High School. It was great seeing every one again and catching up. All the kids played great together and we were very sad to have to leave. But on to more festivities we had to go. We headed to my parents house were we spent the rest of Christmas Eve. Santa made a surprise visit, and of course once again the boys wouldn't even get close to him. We had some great food and had a little program. Justin has been teaching himself how to play the piano. That night he played Here comes Santa Claus for us all. My brother Austin played some songs for us on the Guitar and I even played a little Christmas tune on the piano. We opened gifts and took pictures. My parents always do a great job at Christmas and this year we got a lot of stuff for storage which we definitely needed!! It is fun having the whole family together.

These are a few of my favorite things.

Outside right now it is a complete blizzard. We are all snowed in for the night. It's only 8:24 and Justin and both the boys are sound asleep. The house is nice and quite and very peaceful. All the lights are off and the Christmas lights are aglow. I am taking advantage of the time to sit here relax and take it all in. Makes me think of all the simple things that make this time of year so pleasurable.

We have been very busy this last week getting ready for Christmas and enjoying the holiday season. Last Tuesday I had some of the gals in the Johnson family over for lunch. Our kids got to play and we got to visit. It is nice to have family around to hang out with. Justin is really lucky to have had such a wonderful extended family! Now I am lucky too that I get to be a part of it.

When I was doing some grocery shopping on Monday I ran into an old friend from college. We both are living in the area now and on Thursday we took our kids to a pizza/play place to have fun. It was so nice cathcing up with each other and I am so happy to have such a great friend. I am sure that we will be having lots more fun together! Thursday night we had Justins company Christmas party. It was fun to get out and meet the people he works with. They had a catered dinner,at guest comedian Kip Ataway. The best part about it all was spending time with my wonderful husband.

Friday I went to my moms house and tried getting some Christmas projects done that I have yet to finish. That afternoon we headed off to Justins work to see Santa. They had cookies,punch,hot cocoa, and they even handed out personalized presents to each kid. Kam and Karson wouldn't even get close to Santa but stood at arms length to grab their presents. Maybe next year they won't be so scared of him. It was fun to go and see where Justin works. The boys played at his desk and loved the stapler and hole punch.

Saturday I braved the crowds and did some last min. shopping. CRAZY! It was so busy and wild. I then went down to my moms and made candy and finished my Christmas projects.

Sunday we had some really good friends of ours, Janet Jon and their baby Samantha, come and visit. It was great to see them and meet Sam for the first time. We spent our time catching up and enjoying each others company. The boys were in love with Samantha, and loved entertaining her with their tricks and toys. She is six months old and so cute! It has been over two years since we last saw each other but yet we picked up like it was yesterday. It is so good to have such great friends.

Last Wednesday Justin headed off to sunny Florida for some training. While he was gone I attempted to get the last of my Christmas shopping done. Its amazing how you can spend three hours shopping and still have more to do. It looks like I still have a few items to pick up. Guess I will have to join the chaotic world of last min shopping which equals, busy roads, busy stores, and busy parking lots. A few things I could definitely do without!

We had a very lazy weekend which was nice! Our siblings Karlee, Randy, and Eli ended up staying all weekend at our house. Saturday morning we awoke to a winter wonderland! The ground was covered in snow. Justin got home Saturday afternoon and the rest of the day we spent eating pizza (delivered of course)drinking hot cocoa, watching movies, and playing several games. We stayed in our p.j.s all weekend practically. We sure had a lot of fun! Sunday we took the kids over to Justins parents and they played in the snow. It was only six degress outside so they got cold quick. Kamden got pulled on the sled behind the Ranger and Karson sat in the tractor with pa, plowing the snow. That night we went to my parents for dinner and watched the Forgotten Carols. It was nice to have such a relaxing weekend.





Also some very exciting news. Justin is now officially licensed as a Professional Engineer. He got his stamp in the mail the other day and was very excited. Congrats Justin!

Wife Taged Back

So a week ago or so Chelsea put up some quite embarrassing pictures and facts about yours truly. I am stuck at some training classes for a few days so thought I would share some of the same facts about your lovely host. She is always so forthcoming on tidbits about the boys of the Johnson residence but rarely does she open the doors to her own wonderful talent/features/quirks.

1. What is her name? Chelsea Rae Johnson (Colgrove) those closest know her as "Cheech"

2. Who eats more? I guess always me

3. Who said "I love you" first? Me, I am pretty sure is said it wrong in Spanish

4. Who is taller? I am by a solid 3 inches, unless the 'fro is on then it is more like 6.

5. Who is smarter? When it comes to books it is close, but in life definitely her. Her favorite comment when i do something stupid is "Hu, Princeton, Right" accompanied with a head shake.

6. Who is more sensitive?Equally sensitive about most things, she is definitely more sensitive to other peoples needs/wants etc.

7. Who does the laundry?Chelsea thank goodness. I have an annoying habit of washing pens with the laundry.

8. Who sleeps on the Right side of the bed?Depends on which way your facing, but her.

9. Who pays the bills?Usually me, but Chelsea is starting to become interested

10. Who cooks more?For real elaborate things i probably cook the most, Chelsea is the baker though. She can make a cookie that you would die for.

11. What meals do you cook together? We try to spend the time in the kitchen together. Either talking or working together.

12. Who is more stubborn?I vote Chelsea, for proof see exhibit Karson: he looks like her and is super stubborn, Kamden on the other hand is more mellow and people say he looks like me.

13. Who wears the pants in the relationship?Probably have to disagree with Cheech, she wears the pants.

14. What do you like to do together? One of my favorite things to do with her is take road trips. We started dating 13 years ago (yikes!) and i can still talk to her for ten hours in a car with no problem. I also love playing games with her.

15. Who eats more sweets?Once again probably a toss up. We both enjoy our treats.

16. Guilty Pleasures?She loves TV shows and movies. She loves to cuddle up in bed and watch Smallville, The Hills, Movies, (insert any TV Show Here).

17. How did you meet? The pursuit began in eighth grade. I finally asked her out in 9th grade (this is the type of dating where you hold hands and talk on the phone)

18. Who asked out who? I asked her out

19. Who kissed who first?I kissed her I suppose. It was more like me kissing at her since she didn't participate.

20. Who proposed to who? I proposed to her in the car on the way back from Vegas (not to romantic I know, i was only 19). She quickly responded "Not only no, but Hell No" once the tears started she figured out I was serious and the rest is history.

21. Her best features? Well she has one super feature that i like but will not mention. I also love this little space, it is trademark Cheech and I love it. I also think she has nice hair when she just leaves it alone.

22. Her best Quality. Where to even start. She takes care of me and the boys great, without her i wouldn't have clothes to wear, i would have a filthy house, i would never do anything exciting. She is funny (freakin hilarious, just ask her), she is smart, she is always there for me. She is a blast to hang out with, she makes me a better person, and she is my best friend. I better stop or i will fill up the whole blog.

Now you all know your wonderful host a little better. She is one of a kind that's for sure. Until next time, J.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The stocking are hung, the tree is up, there is even snow on the ground outside. Things around here are beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Friday night we went to our ward Christmas party. We had a delicious meal and the little children sang. Santa came to visit, but no matter how hard we tried we could not get Kamden to sit on his lap. Saturday night we went to the Idaho Falls Symphony Christmas program. Justin had got tickets through work so we invited my parents to go with us. I'm not really one for the Symphony but we ended up having a great time and it was a lot better then I expected. Last night we went to visit Santa again. In town there is this house that Santa comes too. They decorate it all up, and the kids wait in line to sit on his lap. There was Christmas music playing and they even had hot Chocolate. It was very cute, but even after Kam saw mom and Karson sitting on Santas lap he still wouldn't do it. At least I got to tell Santa what I wanted for Christmas. :)

I forgot to pack my camera around both times we saw Santa, but here are some from this past week.

We only have lights on the tree so far, so it still looks pretty bare. I can't seem to keep the two boys and dog away from it. They are constantly crawling under it, and behind it. The other day Kamden threw a ball in it. Maybe I won't be putting any ornaments on it this year after all.

I was trying to feed Karson some jello, of course he wanted to do it himself instead. This boy is so stubborn. For some odd reason I can't ever seem to keep him clean.



A very cute Kamden!

Happy Wedding Day!!!

Today I am feeling a bit glum. Today I am supposed to be at one of my best friends wedding in the Caribbean, Antigua to be exact. Justin and I had been planning this trip for over a year. But with our recent move home and a series of unfortunate events (such as our house still for sell in Michigan, and a sink hole needing fixed in the back yard) we ended up having to cancel our getaway! Although I know that I made the responsible decision about not finding myself more in debt, I sit here on the day of the wedding completely bummed! I could be in sunny Antigua (it's a nice 84 degrees there right now) on the beach sippin a virgin pina colada, with my best friends! Instead I am sitting here (it's only 31 degrees here right now) completely bummed.


Okay, okay enough about me! The real reason for the post is not so you can hear me complain. It is to celebrate the marriage of two wonderful people. Today my best friend Brandi will be marrying a down right devilishly handsome Jeff Savage. I couldn't be happier for them. Six years ago Brandi and I met at pizza hut. We were both servers their. Instantly we clicked. Our friendship came easy. Work was always fun when I got to do it with her. There would be days we would laugh so hard it hurt. Over the years she has become one of my biggest supporters and best friend. She has flown across the country twice, to be there for me after I had my babies. Anytime I ever needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to she has been there for me. As you can see she is a wonderful friend. She met Jeff three years ago. As soon as I met him I could see that he was madly in love with Brandi. He treated her like a princess and swooned over her every need. I knew right away that this was the man that was worthy of Brandi. Jeff is one of the most caring people I have ever met, a true gentleman. So today I am filled with joy. Joy that two people so wonderful have found each other. Joy that they get to find happiness together. Joy that they have found everlasting love. To be honest the hardest part about not being their today isn't about the beach or the virgin pina coladas, it's about not being able to be their with them on their special day. But despite the fact that I wish I were there, I am still filled with happiness for them! Congratulations Jeff and Brandi, to two wonderful people who deserve each other, and all the wonderful blessings life has to offer. Love you both!

Husband Tag.

My good friend Valerie Tagged me. It's a tag all about my husband so I was more then happy to do it.

1. What is his name?
Justin Thales Johnson aka J-sizzle.

2. Who eats more?
Usually him.

3. Who said "I love you" first?
Justin, he said it to me in Spanish in ninth grade.

4. Who is taller?
Justin but not by much.

5. Who is smarter?
Book smart Justin for sure, he is brilliant.

6. Who is more sensitive?
Me, but Justin is a big softy!

7. Who does the laundry?
Most of the time me.

8. Who sleeps on the Right side of the bed?
I do.

9. Who pays the bills?
Justin takes care of it.

10. Who cooks more?
It's really a toss up, but probably him. He loves to cook.


11. What meals do you cook together?
Cooking together is one of our favorite things. Its not always easy to do with the two boys. Usually one of us ends up watching the kids while the other one cooks.

12. Who is more stubborn?
Equally stubborn but usually over different things.

13. Who wears the pants in the relationship?
Depends on the day. Its pretty equal.

14. What do you like to do together?
Go out for a nice dinners, travel, watch movies, play game, camping, boating, having friends over. Just about anything.

15. Who eats more sweets?
Once again probably a toss up. We both enjoy our treats.

16. Guilty Pleasures?
X-box!

17. How did you meet?
In eighth grade we had some classes together. I had a crush on his best friend so started hanging out with them. Justin had a crush on me and made me forget all about his best friend. What a charmer! Been in love with him ever since.

18. Who asked out who?
Justin.

19. Who kissed who first?
Justin kissed me and I was in shock. I was only like 14. I couldn't even move my lips. I didn't know what to do. :)

20. Who proposed to who?
Justin.

21. His best features?
Have you seen those dimples.


22. His best Quality.
Smart, Sensitive, Driven, Good at anything he does. Fun, adventurous, thoughtful. He is a wonderful husband and Dad. He has so many great qualities. I love you Justin! You are the best.

I tag everyone whom would love to do a post about their hubby.

Thanksgiving Weekend Recap.

Thanksgiving Day we kicked off our celebration at my parents house for a light lunch. My whole family was able to be there. All 13 of us. It is always nice to be able to all get together. My mom made a delicious potato soup. We had a lot of fun visiting and looking at the black Friday adds to plan our shopping route for the next day. Later that afternoon we headed over to the Johnson house. It was a full house, with 16 people and 7 dogs. As always there was a ton of delicious food. After the feast we all sat around and chatted. We were stuffed!

Bright and Early Black Friday morning (3:30 a.m. to be exact) my sister Tessa and I were wide eyed and bushy tailed, in line, ready to shop. At 4:00 am the doors opened and the race was on. We continued the process several different times at several stores. It was a mad house! But I did get a lot of great deals and put a good dent in my Christmas shopping. To be honest I think it is pretty fun! Thanks for being such a great shopping partner Tessa.

Later that day we had yet another Turkey Feast. For all of those who know my husband he loves to cook. So he just had to cook a Turkey. My family came over to our house and once again we ate way to much. We played games and had a good time. That night Tessa took the boys to Nana's house for a sleep over. They packed up there overnight bags, and were so excited to go. Justin and I had the house all to ourselves. We snuggled up and watched a movie. It was very weird to have our house so quite and the boys beds empty, but it was so nice when both of us slept in the next morning.

Saturday was another busy day. After we picked up the boys from their sleep over, Justin took Kam to get his stitches out. He was so brave and didn't even cry. Our good friends Josh and Veronica were in town and we were able to have lunch with them. It is always good to see them and we have so much fun together. They were able to come over and see our house and puppy before having to leave. We all took a quick nap, then headed off to Justins moms and Jims house for another celebreation. We played more games and ate more. Later that night I ended up having a sleep over at my moms with my sister Tessa. All three of us stayed up late talking, laughing and playing cards. It was fun to spend time with the girls! It was a great Thanksgiving weekend!

Yesterday we had a much needed day of relaxation and rest. Last night we started getting out Christmas decorations. Tonight hopfully we will get our tree up. I love decorating for Christmas. It makes the house so cozy! Happy December 1st everyone!

Ellie!

I am getting so excited for the Holidays. I just love any excuse to celebrate and get together with family and friends. I also love when Justin gets work off and is able to be home with us. I love Thanksgiving to New Years. It's such a fun time of year. It's a good thing that I have so much to celebrate or the cold weather might me getting me down. Lately it has been extremely cold. Brrr. I am not a big fan of the cold/winter, but looking on the bright side it's a great excuse to cozy up to the fireplace with hot chocolate and a good book.Kamden and Karson have really been enjoying the puppy. The other day I found Kamden and the puppy cuddled up asleep in his bed. It was so cute. Karson thinks that the puppy is his new play mate. He tries to ride her, and rolls around on the floor with her. We are working on teaching him how to be soft to the puppy. It is amazing how quickly you can become attached to pets. She has been a really great puppy thus far and Justin is getting so excited to teach her tricks. I told Justin he could name her and he decided on the name Ellie. So it is official her name will be Ellie. She makes a pretty cute Ellie don't ya think?

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. With lots of good food and good company. We are sure going to miss you Jade and Megan!!! Happy Thanksgiving to all!

The fun never ends!

There was two things in my life that I knew eventually would happen. One I was very hopeful for, and the other I dreaded. In this last week both have happened. One was very welcomed, and well the other I was hopping to hold off on. But it was bound to happen.

Saturday I went to the movie Twilight with my mom and sister Audra. I have read all the books and was so excited to go. I must admit I was a little nervous to watch the movie because when it is based on a book you never know how it will turn out. It turned out being great though! So if you haven't seen it yet, make sure and go.

After the movie I was driving home and my eye caught sight of puppies for sale in a parking lot. I had to pull over and look at them. Well looking turned into petting, turned into holding, turned into puppy love, which then turned into me buying and taking home my new found love. I had Justin meet me outside and together we took the puppy into the boys. They were so excited and it didn't take long for them to fall fast in love with her, including Justin. I knew becoming a dog owner again was eventually going to happen, and it was a warm welcome!

Which leads me to the second event I knew would happen. The dreaded one!! I mean having two very rambunctious boys and a puppy it was bound to happen. Yesterday morning minutes after Justin left for work, Kamden was running around the house with the dog running after him. Kamden thought this was hilarious and gets a little delirious in a laughing attach, trips over his own feet, and his head hits the glass coffee table. Luckily I was right there and picked him up and saw that he had split his head opened. There was blood everywhere. It wasn't even a question about stitches, it was a definite. I called my mom and we rushed to the nearest urgent care center. My mom was much braver then I was and she ended up staying in the room with Kamden while he got the stitches. While I wrestled with Karson in the hall way. Kamden was such a trooper and didn't even cry. The doctors told my mom that they would rather have 10 patients like Kamden, then one of their regular ones. They gave him some coins and he got to get treats with them out of a quarter machine. He was pretty happy about that. Today he is doing great. We have to go back and get the stitches taken out on Saturday. Good thing Justin will be able to go with him! Thanks mom once again for all your help! Your amazing!

So as you can see it has been a very eventful week. A new puppy and a boy with four stitches. The fun never ends!

When Justin and I moved to New Jersey four years ago we had to leave our plants behind with my mother. She took great care of them! Since moving home we decided to bring them to our house. They have slowly been going down hill. My mom always teases me when she comes over how terrible they look and that she took better care of them. Whats the deal? I water them! They get enough sunlight! I take good care of them too! So what is happening to my poor plants?


The Victim!!

The Evidence!

The Crime Scene!

Aha CAUGHT! So now we all know what is happening to my plants! It's the plant bandit!

Snip, Snip, Snip!

Karsons hair grows so fast. He has the most adorable curls, and a lot of them. Before to long though it starts growing out of control and he starts looking more like a little girl then boy. So yesterday the curls had to go.

Before picture.
Snip!
Snip!
Snip!

After.
Thanks Mom for cutting his hair. You always do such a great job!

Yesterday Kamden and I were reading a book called Do Kangaroos have mothers. He was looking at the picture of the kangaroo and the baby kangaroo in its pouch and pointed to the baby kangaroo and asked me " what's he doing?". I told him that the baby kangaroo was riding in his moms pouch. He looked at me with his big blue eyes and said " Oh.....I wanna ride in your pouch ma? I explained to him that I didn't have a pouch only kangaroos had pouches to carry their babies in. He responded "Oh ma...Where did your pouch go? He was so worried about it. It is amazing how their little minds work. He cracks me up with the things he says.

Where have all the apples gone.

Tuesday we finally finished with our last batch of apples. It took us all day long but all the apples are canned. We made the most delicious apple butter and more applesauce. It has been a long process, but I have had so much fun with my sister and mom doing it. Lets just say we will be eating a lot of apples!


Last weekend my mom and I went on a road trip to Utah to visit my sister Tessa. I was able to leave my two youngsters at home thanks to my wonderful husband who took care of them all weekend. Also thanks to my brother Austin and my sister Audra for helping watch the kids while Justin was at work. We left Friday afternoon and got back late Sunday night. Us girls had so much fun together, and enjoyed watching movies, eating out, lots of shopping and wonderful conversation. Thanks for a great weekend mom and Tessa.

The weather has been so cold this week and the wind won't stop blowing. Justin told me that next month he gets to go to Florida for some training. Right on the beach! I must admit I'm a little jealous. This last week of crapy weather has really got me thinking about moving to Hawaii. Why not?

Here is some fun pics from this last week.

Visits, Flu bug, and Halloween! Oh my!!!

The last two weeks have been full of fun, and some not so fun. Just the very day after my no good very bad day my sister surprised us by showing up at our door. She lives four hours away so we always feel so lucky to be able to see her. We have so much fun with her. We were able to spend a couple of days with her. Then that weekend Just and I took the boys on a little get away to Boise, to visit Jade and Megan. We got to see thier cute new house. It was a great weekend full of games, food, and fun. Justin and Jade even fit in nine holes of golf. Saturday night we were so excited to go to Famous Daves BBQ, one of our favorite places to eat. We used to go to them in Michigan, and they finally have one in Boise!! Our weekend went by way too fast, but we had a lot of fun, and miss Uncle Jade and Aunt Mae Mae already! Congrats on the new house we are so happy for you!

Last week the flu bug hit our house. It's the nasty flu bug too. The kind that makes you wonder if you got food poising, But then 24 hours later you feel much better and a day later someone else has it. It went from Kamden to Justin to me. Luckily Karson still has not got it. I am keeping my fingers crossed!! I'm so glad to be done with that.

I am also feeling very lucky because we managed to plan our sick days around our Halloween celebrations. Thursday I dressed the boys up in their Halloween costumes and we headed out for an early trick-or-treat at a local business. We went with tu tu, Karlee, and Randy. It was such a great time. The building was all decorated and employees were all dressed up. The kids made stops along a marked path and got candy. Kamden was hesitant and just took everything in with wide eyes. Karson was just happy go lucky, along for the ride. They ended up getting a ton of candy. Halloween day I invited my family over to make cookies and decorate them. Kamden had so much fun rolling out the dough and cutting it into shapes. Karson had so much fun eating it! I had so much fun chatting with my Mom and sister. I love baking! The cookies turned out great! That night we went trick-or-treating and delivered cookies to family and friends. The boys were so exhausted that they feel asleep in the car while we were driving around. It was another great Halloween at the Johnson house.
Nana and Kam making cookies.
Mouth full of cookie dough!
Our little Pirate!
Our little dragon!