The Wild World of the Johnson Five...

2008-05-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

I am officially bowing out of the blogging world for a time. There are just too many other things pulling my direction- (namely one Chinese princess begging for my time ;)), Colombian boys to enjoy, car pools to drive, Bible Studies to prepare, flowers to plant, walks to take, books to read, projects to finish (story of my life)...

I will keep the page and try every so often to post some picts of our family. But at least now that I've said "NO" to the blog voices inside my head, I will rid it of the unnecessary guilt for not posting. Now at least I will walk past the computer and have no "to do" list there!

If you need me or want picts or want to know what's going on in our lives, CALL ME! (or email!) Love you all- Gretchen

This One's for Elly (and her mom!)

2008-03-17T21:07:00.001-07:00

Mia and I went shopping last week. That is, in our garage. You see, when I get "the urge" to spend $ on cute little girl clothes for this Chinese princess, all I have to do is take a walk out to my garage. I pick one of about 12 huge bins, labeled with her size, and go to town. Thanks to Elly (who sends me all of her girls' hand-me-downs), I need to spend on average $0. for her clothing budget. Oh man, does Kenton love it. I think he's even willing to trade all that garage space for such a small clothing bill! :) We found this DARLING handmade robe, made by Elly's mom. I'm sure her kids (white hair, blue eyes) looked a little different in it. We love you, Elly! Thanks for all the goods!

Bye Bye Brown Tooth!

2008-03-14T13:38:00.001-07:00

PTL! Samuel's "brown tooth" has gone to the tooth fairy's castle!!! We have been waiting since he was about 3 years old, when he bumped that tooth on something. Eventually, it turned brown and looked nasty. The dentist told us to wait it out. I could barely stand it. Well, it FINALLY started to wiggle just a little. Samuel unfortunately let his brother "feel" how loose it was. Last week, in the back of the car, we heard the blood curdling scream. Isaac succeeded in the extraction just like every big brother dreams of. Samuel (who is unbelievably the BEST at screaming loud at the sight of blood) was a little bumbed, though. After all, that was the last hold out for him to be a "real" pirate. Now he just has to "fake it".

Just when I was going to give up...

2008-03-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

Just when I was about to sign off from blogging forever...
Maybe if I promise myself to post every month. Ha. I just don't see how you all do it! I find NO TIME to sit down at the computer. Anyway, now I have a few great things to post, so here goes:

Here is a picture of our fun last weekend. We hosted two teenage boys (Timothy & Jamil) from the country of Uganda. They are from the Matsiko Children's Choir which is touring the United States this year. SUCH FUN! Although they ate chicken like it was going out of style (I think where they're from it isn't out of style, just out of reach...), and graham crackers by the box, these kids were such a wonderful inspiration for our family. Most of the choir are "true orphans" with no living parents at all. Unbelievable stories. I asked Jamir, the 17 yr. old, where the choir lives since many have no parents. He said they all moved into the pastor's house. (Imagine 30 children!) I then asked how many children could fit into our 2000 SF home. (Kenton and I discuss this VERY regularily...) He looked around and repied, "Oh. Probably about a hundred and fifty..." He was totally serious. I said, "Do you mean a hundred and fifteen (like that makes any difference)?" He said, "no. a hundred and fifty." OKAY, LORD...I'm getting the picture! I'm just imagining all that chicken!

chicks weekend.

2008-02-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast these 2 weeks have flown by! Last weekend I spent 4 days at a "girlfriends retreat" in Spokane. I have 3 of the dearest friends from college, Kristina, Margie, and Elly. Go NPU Vikings! We all used to be on the North Park dance team together. (Okay, just kidding) We get together about once every couple of years and pick up right where we left off. We spent 4 days of sitting and talking, sitting and talking, sitting and talking. These girls are such a blessing in my life! We discuss things WAY TOO IN DEPTH, get stomach workouts from all the laughing & Kristina even treated us to massages (I mean she paid :)). Oh I feel refreshed! :) Two accomplishments for the weekend: talked a lot and got out of the house to go to TJ Maxx. We accomplished both! Here's to being forty-something.... (well, not quite, but awfully close!)

Thanks, Megan!

2008-02-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks, Megan for the new bloglook! This girl is so thoughtful. Megan is my good friend, not to mention our fabulous youth pastor! She must know me pretty well, seeing that every single item in my personal wardrobe is brown or green. We are very excited because she and her family are in the process of adopting from Guatemala. We need another brownbean in the mix! I'm adding Megan's blog to our sidebar, because you all need to be praying for their family. They are getting so close to picking up their son, Max, from Guatemala. Unfortunately, as so many times with adoption, there have been a few hiccups. We are a praying for a speedy process from here on out.

Queen Latifah

2008-01-31T19:38:00.000-08:00

As Mia and I were tooling around in the car today, we were listening to this song (hope you can hear it...) She says, "mom, is this Queen Latifah?" I almost wiped out in the car laughing so hard. Granted, we had just seen "hairspray", but where in the world????

are you ready for some bbbbbbbbasketball?

2008-01-28T22:23:00.000-08:00

Both boys are both part of the Upward basketball program at a local church. It is hilarious and awesome all in the same breath. I first got that maternal internal worried gut when they BOTH wanted to play, seeing that "physical skills development" is sometimes an issue with our firstborn ;) Inspired only by Troy on "High School Musical", Isaac thought, "yeah. I'm pretty much as good as Troy. I want to do this." I love that about him. :) (Of course, Samuel had tuned into someone a little more obscure to emulate: Michael Jordan) The Upward program is a Christian program that is totally about encouraging and teaching great skills. Sat. p.m. we walk into the gym, the bass is pumping from a huge sound system..."Y'all ready for this?", the 9 year old cheerleaders are cheering, the announcer is announcing his name, and yeah, I thought for a minute "he IS as good as Troy." I LOVE IT!

A few words sum this up....

2008-01-20T18:59:00.000-08:00

THREE DOLLARS at Target!!!!!!!!!! (Jon, no comments about Jon Benet...)

Just as promised...

2008-01-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

Here we are, just as promised, 13 days later... :) Here are a few picts from our overnight trip to Portland. It was such a great family time. We took the Amtrak train (such a blast & so relaxing!) early in the morning on January 1. (Our official "Christmas vacation" began Monday, the 31st, after the pastor was finished preaching through the holidays!) We got into downtown Portland just in time for Dim Sum in Chinatown. (Here's a shout out to all you Anthony Bourdain fans out there...) We had an awesome stay at the downtown Embassy Suites (where else is there?) thanks to our Hilton Honors points (a free night makes it even more fun than ever. Thanks, Paris!). This will definitely be something we will do again. It's not Maui, but our kids thought it was just as good. Warm pool, movies in the room, huge awesome breakfast, and free "snacks" at night. ;) Anyone care to join us the next time?

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year

2007-12-31T21:22:00.000-08:00

I don't know about any of you, but this past month I've had just enough extra time to breathe! I'm embarrassed about my lack of postings, but then again, life must not revolve around my computer! We've done so many fun things this month: Riding the Santa Train, Christmas Eve Service with ALL THREE involved singing (go figure!)..., Christmas morning (thanks to Kjer and Brett, a WII!!!!). We've had so much High School Musical I could.......actually, I roam around all day singing the songs. I will try to upload picts from today's family fun day: Snow tubing in the mountains! Kenton is such a nut about snow, he's even willing to wear duct tape gloves. :) And tomorrow, we hop on Amtrak for an early morning ride to Portland. Picts to come. I promise to be better!

Cosmetique

2007-12-18T13:18:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me really well know the past year living here in Maple Valley, WA has been a "learning experience." There are many times I feel like we live in the boonies, pretty far from civilization. The nearest Target is 20-25 min. away (okay, I'm a brat), the nearest Super Walmart is 30 min. away, and there is no Aldi or Hobby Lobby in the entire state. I find myself at home much more often than not (yeah, it's a good thing..) I am pleased to report, however, I've found a new place to get my haircut (a not-so-easy task when a girl moves to a new area): this fabulous salon called "Cosmetique" located in a manufactured home within a mile of our house. I pass this sign almost every day, and I'm SO TEMPTED to make an EVENING APPOINTMENT. At least it always gives me a little out loud chuckle. Today, I finally had my camera with me in the car. I thought you'd enjoy it. Now, granted, not all the salons here look like this. In fact, there are some pretty nice ones around. I'm just partial to this one. :)

Don't Blink

2007-12-15T17:37:00.000-08:00

I took this pict just last week. The boys worked extra hard to finish their homework early, clean their room, and got to stay up an extra 1/2 hour to watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Remember those days when you were a kid? The three snuggled up on the couch and had such a fun time. I tried not to blink. I know I will blink and next they'll be teenagers and then I'll blink and they'll be all grown up. I just love these times.

Happy Gotcha Day, Samuel!

2007-12-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

Wow. How can it already be 7 years ago we recieved the gift of you, Samuel! I remember getting the call that you were ready to be picked up. What joy! Another boy! I immediately thought how cool it would be to have two boys, brothers and friends forever. We gathered up our stuff in less than 2 weeks and flew with Isaac to Bogota to recieve you. The next morning Carlos drove us to FANA, the same place we recieved Isaac 2 years earlier. They brought you out, an adorable chunkola, full of soft black hair (we had to take you for your first haircut at 7 weeks old!) busting out of the bottom of your outfit. You were such a happy pirate from the start! Grandpa Gord and Aunt Kjerstin came a week later to meet you and spend Christmas with us in Colombia. It was a dangerous time in the country, so we mostly stayed in the hotel and enjoyed getting to know you. We had no idea if we would have to stay 8 weeks or 2 weeks. Thankfully, our paperwork was done in record time and we got to travel home in only 3 weeks.

We love you so much and are thankful for the gift of you! You have grown into such a great young boy with a tender heart for the things of God. You are the first to defend your sister whatever she may be doing. God surely planned you for our family! We always needed a happy pirate.

All You Moms of Boys...

2007-11-28T11:20:00.000-08:00

As I'm at home cleaning the house so babysitters can come tonight, I had a couple of thoughts. I was wondering if there are any of you out there who experience these funny things:
1. I have to scrub down and sanitize the ACTUAL SOAP DISPENSER in the bathroom, because it is black with dirt and grime. How does that happen on a soap dispenser?
2. Sometimes I even get out "company soap". Has anyone ever heard of this? No kids are allowed to use it. It's sometimes called "adult soap". (sounds naughty, eh?)
3. Why do I find candy wrappers under the beds when we ate through our Halloween candy weeks ago? (I know what you are saying. "I can't believe she lets her kids eat candy in bed." FYI: I don't. :)
4. I wait until I see company DRIVE UP THE DRIVEWAY to wipe the yellow off the toilet. (and then I forbid any boy from going potty until they are gone.) :)
5. Even though I wipe the family table down at least 3 times a day, why do I need a power washer to get down to the wood before company comes? And have you EVER checked UNDERNEATH the table to see what is wiped there. unbelievable treasures.
6. All of Kenton's family has the cleanest washer & dryers I've ever seen. They look like they are in a showroom. Do any of you dust your washers and dryers?
7. Secretly, in an evil land all of my own, I take the vacuum cleaner to the kids room and vacuum up all those little piece of Legos and Playmobil on the floor.
8. Our favorite line in "Christmas Vacation" is "fixed the newelpost!" (sorry if you don't get that one)

Forecast: Showers

2007-11-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

Well, we've been here in Seattle now for a little over a year. Guess what it's doing outside? RAINING. For the fourth day in a row, and the forecast says it will rain the next four days (and I'm banking on the whole winter). I'm sure you've heard of that urban legend that it rains all the time in Seattle. It's not all true. I think there was a 3 week stretch in August where it was sunny and warm. We get such a kick out of the weather forecasters' clever words...Rain...showers...drizzle...partly cloudy (I would have said "mostly cloudy"...partly sunny.... So far it has not bugged me all that much (although I am getting fat and lazy), but if any of you out in cyberspace have a free condo in Hawaii or something...well...LET ME KNOW!!!!!!!!!!! :( Also, I'm taking creative ideas for indoor kids ACTIVE activities. I think their eyes are bugging out from too many "movie nights"...

cowboy, jedi, & minnie mouse

2007-11-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Mia woke up yesterday at 6am, carrying her pumpkin bucket into our room "ready for candy"...The boys soon followed dressed and ready at 7:15 and already chasing each other through the house. Then we sent them off to school for the day. HAAA. We prayed for their teachers yesterday! Now I remember why, when I was teaching, I SO DREADED this day of Halloween. Kids too excited for the evening and the next day the extreme low after too much sugar. It's much more fun now that I'm not a teacher. :) The boys brought home tons of loot. Mia lasted for about 20 minutes and then came home. The best is when they go to bed and we get to sift through for the good stuff!

Able-Bodied and Home

2007-10-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile, because one of the most events in my life took place a couple of weeks ago. My sweet sister, Kate, went home to be with her Lord Jesus. Here was a life used by God to bring people closer to him. Kate was 6 years older than me and severely disabled her whole life. She was such a huge part of our family. She shaped so many parts of me and has made an enormous impact on our family. If any of you are raising a special needs child, I've got the person you need to talk to: My mom! (but wait a week or so, she's in the midst of radiation treatment for breast cancer) Yes. When it rains it pours... But God is still good.

We just got back from a week of memorial services in Ohio and Indiana. Our family had such fun recounting so many memories. We took her everywhere we went, despite the stares and strange looks, fed her meals and we all took part in her strenuous therapy program. We loved her sweet smile and sparkly eyes, her huge hugs, her love for her nieces and nephews. What a blessing she was! I will not say “rest in peace” because I believe she is not resting…she is dancing and singing, able-bodied at Christ’s throne.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!

2007-10-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

I've never in my life heard parents cheer louder from the sidelines. Yes, today, after 4 very painful non scoring games (at least on our side), ISAAC'S SOCCER TEAM SCORED A GOAL! (now, granted, it wasn't HIM, but this is a team sport isn't it?) These guys are trying so hard, but, in the spirit of the Bad News Bears, finally it happened. Yahoo, little Maradona! It's in your blood, you know! So glad Grandma and Grandpa Held could be here for 2 weeks of games. Fun stuff.

(also pictured: Samuel and his cronies from the neighborhood!)

SAMUEL TURNS 7!!!

2007-09-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

It's official. Samuel is 7 years old as of today! He is pretty sure he grew a whole lot last night and I might agree. Now if he would only be done sucking that thumb! We are on a 2 year rotation for having a "friend" party, so this must be the year! He chose a pirate theme (same as 2 years ago). Does that surprise any of you who know him? We had a whole crew of looting embezzlers (including Grandpa and Grandma Held!). So much fun...an old fashioned scavenger hunt, pinata (Mia was just as fast at scavenging for candy as the big boys), gold nuggets and worms for dinner. Samuel kept saying "where's the rum, matey?". Oh Lordy. So glad the other parents weren't around. Kenton said not until his 9th birthday party. ha ha. It was very loud, but very fun. And a whole lot of "aaaarghs".

The best part? The next morning he woke up early for a soccer game and scored a hat trick (3 goals in one game)! Way to go, Samuel. We love you & happy birthday!

as if it were that hard!

2007-09-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

You know the feeling you get when you have so much to tell an old friend so you never call because there's too much to tell? Well, I'm attempting to get back on the saddle after a long a busy summer. School just started (yes, just started), so we're getting back on track after having an average of 7-8 boys playing at my house all summer! I couldn't get to the computer for fear my house would crumble around me if I wasn't supervising! Any of you relate?

So forget the previous posting about pictures from the summer. It probably won't happen. :) If it does, well, what a treat that will be! :)

Keep Watching!

2007-08-14T17:37:00.001-07:00

We are back home again and I'm getting closer to a new post! Keep watching. I'll post some picts from our fabulous family vacation soon.

Lizzy jumps ship!

2007-07-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Sometime in the middle of the night, our dear beloved 3 legged hamster, Lizzy, passed over onto that eternal hamster wheel in the sky. Isaac thinks either the passover "got her" or she died of old age. She was a dear friend and lovely pet. We are relieved, however, that we will not have to find a rodent sitter for her during our upcoming vacation to the Midwest. Rest In Peace, three legged trooper. It was a good run, wasn't it? (get it?)

New Cousin!

2007-07-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

We welcome MACY CHRISTINE FERULLO to our family! Kjerstin (Kenton's sis) gave birth to a beautiful baby girl June 29. We got to see her within the first few hours of life outside the womb! She is so sweet & tiny! Congrats, Kjerstin, Brett, & Jake!

Amelia Christine Johnson -3 years old!

2007-06-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

For those of you wondering, we DID actually celebrate Mia's birthday! Even though I told her not to turn 3, she went ahead and did it anyway. She is growing up way too fast. We all enjoy her so much and what a blessing she is to our family. She keeps us all laughing, especially her brothers with the things she comes up with. Yesterday, we were in a pirate store on the waterfront. She put on a huge pirate hat and said, "look mommy! it matches me! arrrrgh!" Happy Birthday, sweet one! We love you!

only in the northwest

2007-06-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

One of these days I will do a photo montage of funny things seen only in Washington. But before that happens, I MUST relay this story. How I wish I had my camera. Please let me know if any of YOU have had an experience like this in YOUR part of the country.

We were on a Sunday afternoon drive (you know the kind. driving around in neighborhoods you can't afford, trying to find a screaming deal on an acre lot with a 4 bedroom house...) This neighborhood had beautiful wide streets, various people walking their dogs who always happen to kind of look like their owners. I strained my eyes, because around the corner comes an owner with 3 awfully big dogs. Wait, I thought. Is this a dream? No, not a dream. It's just 3 llamas on leashes being "walked" around by a woman (yes, she did kind of look like one). They kind of prance down the street toward us and all of a sudden I break into uncontrollable laughter. I felt like we were right in the middle of Jurassic Park, watching from our vehicle as 3 llamas stare eye-level into our car. Man, what a cool neighborhood that was. I'm pretty sure I can say "only in Washington".

disclaimer

2007-06-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

as summer rolls into full swing, I am officially issuing a "blog disclaimer". I am setting the goal for one post a week! We are going all over the place (Portland, family camp, Indiana, Tennessee) & will be gone awhile. I hope to post every so often, to keep all of you informed, of course! I will be seeing many of you anyway, but don't go too far!

Love Family Visits!

2007-05-30T16:05:00.001-07:00

Although I am a little late in posting, here are a few picts from our visit with the Love family. For those of you who don't know who they are, Kristina Love (Lindberg) was my best friend all through high school (remember when we sang "friends" at church as a duet?) & my roommate at NPC in college (all 4 years!). They live in Spokane where John is a county prosecutor. Our kids all played so well & we had a blast. Even the guys had fun, I think. :) This will definitely have to happen more often, now that we live so close! Sorry, no picts of the adults (everyone looks the exact same as college), just kids! In case you're wondering whose kids are whose...Mine are ebony & hers are ivory.

$$$ Gretchen's First Fender Bender $$$

2007-05-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

While one car was in the shop getting fixed because a rock (boulder) hit it ($250. deductible), I was driving the other. I was looking over my shoulder at this unbelievably nutty driver on my left (meth-induced) thinking "should I call 911 and report this?"...meanwhile...BUMP! Somehow I bumped the brand new LEXUS SUV in front of me. It was my first time in any kind of fender bender...barely a little dent on his trailer hitch, no damage on mine. (why does a Lexus SUV have a trailer hitch anyway?) Can anyone out there tell me why a Lexus trailer hitch costs $800. to repair? So now I either pay $800. for the fix or watch my insurance premiums rocket. Can anyone say YUCK? Oh yeah, and meanwhile the LITTLE TINY rock spot on the windshield decides to grow into a huge spider. So there's another $250. deductible. WHOOO HOOO! At least our bikes work!

Crazy May!

2007-05-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

The month of May seems to have a mind of its own, doesn't it? Everything is winding down, but it seems like it is just winding up! End of the year concerts, open houses, Gotcha days (Isaac!), awards ceremonies, planting gardens, Birthdays, Graduations, Prom, end of the year teacher's gifts (help!) That's where I've been the past few weeks, not updating my blog! And our school year is not done until the end of June. Hope you all are enjoying Spring. WE ARE! Finally, the rain has slowed to a drizzle and the bits of sunshine are peeking through.

Thought you'd enjoy what happens on a daily basis around our home. Dress up boy style is the name of the game. Pirates, cowboys, Batman, Superman, Jedi fighters, kings, knights and WHO KNOWS WHAT. Isaac dressed up like a tree last week. Go figure. Kenton thinks he is dressed like 50 Cent in this pict (or is it Sir Mix A Lot?) We have no lack of imagination in this home! And Mia? She can swing a lightsaber with the best of them. A regular Asian Princess Leia. At what point do they start getting beat up for this?

Happy Birthday, DAVID!

2007-05-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to believe this great kid is 16!!! Holy cow. I remember when he was just 2 years old, climbing on the roof...What a nice nephew he is- such a helpful and kind friend to everyone around. He has a heart for the Lord & it is evident. David, I'm thinking about getting you a wolf's head hat like your scout master. What size do you wear? I bet it's XL, now that you're 16!!! And try to DEAL today with your big sis going to prom. I know it's a madhouse around there! Ha ha.

Need I Say More?

2007-05-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

Great News!

2007-05-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

MERCY and GRACE!! Well after almost a week waiting, I received news today that all the tests were benign. Thank you, Lord! God has taught me so much in the last week about what truly is important. I have a new compassion for those who are dealing with diseases like cancer and I have an altered view of life. Oh, it is never very fun when God is trying to teach you something! I never like that part. I always try to tell God that I will learn even without the trials, but I guess he doesn't believe me! My brother asked me if I went skydiving or rode on a bull named Fu Man Chu. I didn't, but if I had the chance I probably would have!

thank you all for your prayer support!
more later...

call for prayer

2007-05-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

Well, amidst the day to day life in a busy family (in between painting my living room, doing laundry, helping with homework, rushing kids to the potty, hamster races, etc.) I received a call from my Dr. that some yearly tests of mine came back with unusual abnormal cells. I had an endiometrial biopsy last week (ouch!) and am waiting on those results. Needless to say, it has thrown us back a little. About 40% of the results come back with significant problems like Cancer. Yeah, something I DON'T NEED right about now! Please hold us up in prayer the next few days as we wait for the results.

Congratulations, Anna!

2007-04-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

ready, okay? like totally a great big congrats and shout out to my youngest neice, who like totally made the HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING TEAM for next year at Harrison High School in West Lafayette, Indiana. She will be a freshman (or is it freshwoman?) Head nodding, pyramid building, cheesy smiling, cool dancing, loud yelling, sharp clapping, lips puckering, yes, this girl can do it all!!! We are so proud of you. Way to go, Anna! Just wondering if your dad will make you wear your homeschool cheerleading skirt for the team....hmmm We'll pray for you!!

LICE UPDATE!

2007-04-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

Thank God the little critters never showed up at our home! The kids are very tired of me asking them every few minutes, "are you scratching your head???" I think it's safe now. And an update on Lizzy the hamster: we tied up her wheel (so as not to be temptation or stumbling block) and she is now up to using 3 (count 'em) legs! In case those of you reading this blog are young'uns, the music being played is a great song of the '80s by Lionel Ritchie (yes, Nicole's dad), "Running with the Night" (thought it fit perfectly with our hamster theme.)

a day at the races...

2007-04-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Even though this was a few weeks ago, we all felt the dire need to document the incredible day. Lizzy (our newest addition to the family) participated (well, kind of) in the Petco Annual Hamster Races. What a fun time of people watching..some taking it all too seriously. Isaac trained her hard, but to no avail. You can see even Kenton joined the fray. It must be a "building year." She came in with the crowd at the end.
In the meantime since the race, sad news... Lizzy lost control of her back legs and now drags them on her wheel at night (until bloody.....talk about the eye of the tiger!) Do any of you have one of those little carts we could attach to her torso to help her get around?

Funday Sunday

2007-04-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting nicer and nicer out here in Seattle! Yay! We've been able to get out many times as a family & take in firsthand much of what Kenton had promised we would see in this beautiful state. This outing was on Sunday, a hike in the rainforest (as Isaac promptly corrected me, "the TEMPERATE rainforest, Mom.") The boys pretended they were Joe and Frank Hardy the whole time & totally were in their "boy" element! Mia loved it, too. She is definitely an outdoors girl. We hiked up and down the trails to the Green River. Kenton, you were right...A beautiful state it is!

So Grossed Out...

2007-04-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

Last week I noticed the boys playing with their friends, switching bikes, switching helmets, etc. I said to myself, "I know they shouldn't share helmets, should I say something?" I squelched my OCD desire to yell out to all the neighborhood and say "KIDS, WEAR ONLY YOUR OWN HELMETS! YOU COULD CATCH SOMETHING" (I am a little like that old lady on Saturday Night Live...) I said nothing and I felt a little proud that I am not a nutjob after all.

Our family then decides to go on a very nice bike hike Sat. & Sun. together. We had a ton of fun. Kenton & I were bantering back and forth about "making" the boys wear helmets. K- "Don't make them. I never had to wear one & I turned out okay..." G-"why is it such a bad habit to get into?" Anyway, the mother bear enforced and made them wear their helmets.

We get home & the boys go over to see if the neighborhood can play. Oh no, they can't play, because they are getting their heads shaved for EXTREME HEAD LICE! (yes, after just borrowing our helmets) For those of you who know me, this does not sit well with me. at all. I am having dreams of headlice infestation. Help. Now, why did I make them wear their helmets??? Ayyyy, pray for me the next week!

Spring Break!

2007-04-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, another week off of school! We've had lot of fun though because we took a trip (to SEATTLE!) Our B&B was quite a bargain (we stayed at home)... The Seattle Science Center, Seattle Center, Butterfly House, Red Robin, Family Fun Center, & the Great Wall Mall (for gotcha dinner). You folks who've been to China would love the Great Wall Mall (TOTALLY JUST LIKE CHINA, including all kinds of "dry goods" and very "fresh" seafood) I'm thinking the Pingjiang reunion should be here next time.

Gotcha Day, April 7!

2007-04-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

Oh Miss Mia! What would we ever do without you? You joined our family 2 years ago and have brought so much joy into our lives. God surely knew what he was doing when he planned this! I think back to that day we received you. What joy & promise we felt. You seemed to know right away, "yeah, this is my mom and dad." And when you met your brothers? Oh my, love at first sight both ways! WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE YOU WITH US! In short, you make us all smile even on the grayest days. For those of you even remotely interested in adopting, I ENCOURAGE YOU... Don't miss this blessing in life.

Congratulations, Kathryn!

2007-03-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our niece, Kathryn (a senior in HS) has her first real job!! Poor girl, she had to start during Spring Break when the rest of her family was living it up at the Embassy Suites. We're so proud of her! She is headed to PURDUE SCHOOL OF NURSING in the fall! Yahoo! In the meantime, she will work as a CNA in a nursing home. I LOVED my time spent working in the old folks home. But then again, I didn't have to give any old men baths. :) Right, Kathryn? Grandma H. says she'll get used to it in no time. Kathryn is not so sure...(about the bath part!)

Caballero & Animal Shelter Worker

2007-03-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

Last night was "what you want to be when you grow up night" at Awana. We have big news. Samuel has made a career change. Apparently, he no longer wants to be a pirate when he grows up (although that is a close 2nd). He wants to be a "Mexican Cowboy" or a "Caballero". Where in the world did that come from? :) One thing, our boys DO have incredible imaginations! Isaac wants to work at the animal shelter. (that's fine with us, as long as it's not to fulfill a judge-ordered "community service" sentence. And Mia? A princess is fine for now!

Happy Birthday, Isaac!

2007-03-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

NINE! Count 'em! Where has it gone? We're halfway to 18. Yikes. We've been celebrating the birthday for a few days now. We had a small "family party" on Sunday with a "dog" theme. We're trying to expose this side of the family (Johnson's, Ferullo's) to strange things like plastic tablecloths, paper plates and of all things...CORNDOGS!!

Then on Monday night Isaac got to choose the restaurant for "Funday Monday". His first choice? Old Country Buffet, where he could get Popcorn Shrimp and Mac & Cheese. I'm definitely not sure about that place, but the kids loved it. Hilarious. I lost my mind laughing when Kenton looked over to me in the middle of the meal (through the balloons) saying, "that ham is outstanding..." I'm pretty sure he was serious. I love that guy. He'll eat anything and like it! I could not stop laughing the whole night. Never in a thousand years would I have imagined the fun children have brought into our lives! And why does it always feel steamy and hot in a place like that? The best part? On our way home, we adopted "Lizzy", a new hamster (pictures coming soon). Oh the fun times are just beginning!!

Favorite Hand-Me-Down Friday!

2007-03-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

How about these strawberry pants from friend, Peachy Conant? I think Mia's hair looks a little like Charro here. Ay ay ay aay!

Sunday Morning!

2007-03-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

Granted, not ALL Sunday mornings begin like this...but I'll take these when I can get them. We try to make Sunday mornings special around here (so as not to end up at church totally growling...). The kids even get to eat PopTarts (sorry, Grandma!) if they get dressed on time. It is amazing though, when we get home it looks as if a tornado has hit our home. Oh well! At least the roast in the oven smells good.
(okay, just kidding about the roast..)

sad...

2007-03-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm officially very sad we won't be able to make it to the PingJiang reunion! Boo hoo!

Music Today Dedicated to Kristina Love

2007-03-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

Hey Kristina, didn't we sing this in high school VocalEase? I think I can still remember the creative hand motions.

As Iron Sharpens Iron

2007-03-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

Soon after we moved here, Kenton was asked to join a group of Maple Valley pastors who meet weekly to pray for our community. He has found this to be a Godly group of men and feels blessed to be part of the group. God is at work in Maple Valley! One of "the guys" has connections to some incredibly wealthy guy who has a huge ranch with a 25,000 sq. ft. home (love those kind of connections!). The master bedroom is literally as big as our whole home! They went on a retreat Sun. (after church) through Tuesday evening. Time was spent praying, riding horses, sharing vision, shooting guns, hot tubbing, playing cards (yes face cards...ha ha) and etc. They even had cowboy hats and coats for them to borrow. (hence the sweet coat in the picture!) I'm thinking it's time for the pastor's wives to find a "connection" to someone in the spa business!

Favorite Hand-Me-Down Friday!

2007-03-02T07:11:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Peachy (Aubrey) Conant, for this darling white jean jacket! Mia thinks she is the bomb when she wears it. :) Watch out NY runways!

Snow Day!

2007-03-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

In case you heard me scream "NO WAY!" clear across the United States this morning (okay, maybe not quite so nice...), I need to explain. Yes, here we are on our (maybe 7th?) snow day of the year here in Maple Valley. I am including pictures in case some of you think I am (or have in the past) exaggerating the circumstances. The boys get a day off of school for just "the thought" that snow might come! And if we get 1/4 of an inch? Better take off a week! I am officially crazy. Just look at those treacherous streets! Here we are in our front yard enjoying the 45 degree weather and our snow day. Tried to make snow ice cream, Mom, but it was just mud. :) ARGGGGGH!

Feng Shui Sister

2007-02-27T21:23:00.000-08:00

Not much new going down around here this week. I'm still working myself into circles trying to "downsize" our house and reorganize to make our smaller house work! I feel like a dog chasing its tail. Or maybe more like a manatee chasing its tail? Yesterday, I switched the office/playroom to the boys' room, the boys' room to Mia's room, and Mia's room to an office. (tried to get it all done while Kenton was on the slopes for the day). Yeah, it wasn't quite a "day's work". Maybe by summer I'll get it done.:) well, maybe next summer...

Happy Birthday, DAD!

2007-02-21T20:44:00.000-08:00

The big 70 it is! Celebrate it and enjoy that new big screen by relaxing and watching a war movie or two! We love you, G, K, I, S, M!

Miss Sassy Pants Exerts Her Strong Will!

2007-02-21T20:31:00.000-08:00

Watch out for this girl! She's got a will of iron. Mia is now fully potty trained, thanks to her iron will. One day, absolutely nothing to do with the potty (screaming, fits, straight legs, diapers) and the next day, fully done. Seriously, we've skipped straight past training pants and all that and have gone straight to the big time. Yesterday at the museum she said, "mama, I need to go to the restroom please." Hilarious. All my work is for naught unless this princess ready and willing! I think we've got our work cut out for us. Here she is enjoying the "fruits" of her labors, what we lovingly refer to as "poo poo suckas" in our house!

BTW, no new laundry service here. My brother Jon(who can fix stinkin' ANYTHING) walked me through changing the dryer belt ON THE PHONE! He's taught me to wire ceiling lights, fix the drain under the sink, and fix the bathroom fan. If you need something fixed and want to save a load of $$, call me and I'll set you up for a fee. :) Seriously, THANK YOU JON!

It's Official

2007-02-17T12:32:00.000-08:00

well, it's official now. we knew this day would come (at least we had a feeling the last couple of weeks...) our dryer is officially broken and the washer is in its final stages. how we LOVE spending $ on things like that! I inheirited the problem from my g'ma rudolph-doing wash at least 1x a day. now we're paying for it after 10 faithful years every day. any recommendations out there for front loaders???

Air Millie

2007-02-16T16:16:00.000-08:00

Isn't this just how my personality is? A million posts in one day and then wait a week or so? Isaac had everything to do with this picture.

Favorite HandMeDown Friday!

2007-02-16T15:51:00.000-08:00

Since most of you do "Favorite Photo Fridays", I thought I'd add a new twist. Mia has very FEW clothes that have not been handed down from wonderful friends. We love them. I will post the favorites here on Fridays! Here are the shoes she wears every day when she wakes up, from her friend, McKenna! She calls them her McKenna Lady Shoes. Notice she is pairing them with her snuggly jammies from Kaisa.

Is It Spring?

2007-02-16T07:07:00.000-08:00

I'm grabbing onto whatever I can here...Sorry for all you covered in a huge blanket of snow, on my walk yesterday (which I do regularly IN THE RAIN!) I saw crocus blooming! Spring is really on its way. I'll be glad to see that after our first full winter in Seattle. Yes, it rains a lot. a lot. A whole stinkin' lot! :) Again, if any of you have a timeshare in a warm place you're not using...

We had a great Valentine's Day. Mia and I helped out in both the boys' classrooms. Wow. Fun, but exhausting. I kept thinking, "How did I EVER last a whole day in the classroom?"

We also had our 2nd small group Bible Studay at our house last night. A great group of 5 young (well... yeah, young, couples.) We're the old farts there. :) It feels like we really are getting to know people here, which is great. And thanks to Gma & Gpa Held's rearranging ideas and Gpa Gord and Kenton's brute strength, our living room now can hold 10 people!

If You Enjoyed the BeeGees Video...

2007-02-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

Oh my. If you enjoyed the BeeGees Video, you will love this one! And so appropriate for Daddy coming home! We are all feeling great & no more pukies. Yeah!

Quick! Get the Body Fluid Cleanup Kit!

2007-02-06T22:27:00.000-08:00

The middle of last night proved to be full of activity at the Johnson Home! In perfect timing with Kenton being gone, I had (all within about 45 min. one Chinese princess throwing up all over her crib and self, one Colombian peepeeing all the way through to his mattress, and the other Colombian crying "missing his Daddy"...WHEW... what a night! To top it off, we were out of laundry detergent. The great thing? God gives extra grace exactly when needed. I was actually thinking as I was holding the bucket in front of Mia for the 3rd go round (I know this is the bizarre part), "I actually love this part about being a mom. I am so blessed to be the one here to help." I think it's those sweet, sad eyes saying "help me. you're my only hope!" It's probably just how God looks at us sometimes. And thank you God, that I have a carpet steamer.

when the preacher's away...

2007-02-04T16:53:00.000-08:00

We're bachin' it this week. Kenton left today for Denver & the Midwinter Conference for ECC pastors. Come on over for dinner. It'll probably be cereal, sandwiches,or pizza! We already can't wait for him to come home. Go Colts!

Newsflash2: Isaac Comes Back!

2007-02-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

Our son has returned! After being gone 20 minutes, we had a knock on the door. I was happily greeted with a smiling Isaac, ready to come home. I, of course, welcomed him back (didn't kill the fatted calf, but we'll have waffles for dinner) He looked, but couldn't find a better family in the neighborhood anyway. His whole countenance had changed, even smiling in the cold rain. Here he is, back in front of his Saturday homework. This time the work actually got done. If only all our problems could be solved this easily!

Newsflash: Isaac runs away!

2007-02-03T16:09:00.000-08:00

Isaac decided to run away this afternoon after getting into some trouble with his mom. He thought maybe life might be better in another family that didn't have so many rules and chores. I let him take his coat, but that was it (the other stuff in the house is the family's). He took back his Christmas present he gave me (a fancy music box/globe), because he said he bought it with his Awana bucks. I said that was fair, but I wanted a picture to remember him by. We were going to be sad without him, but he had to decide. He left at 1:38pm.

Entering the brave new world of blogging...

2007-02-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

I thought this blog would be a great way for family & friends from far away to keep up with what we're up to. (just in case you might be interested!)