The Johnson Family News

A day full of LASTS!!

2009-06-17T11:18:00.009-07:00

Pardon my emotions through this post.

My last baby is ONE! Normally we should celebrate the firsts. I need to take a moment to be sad about my children's lasts.

Last time I will make a first birthday cake.

Last time I will have a one year old.

Last time I will let my cute one year old dig into his first birthday cake and think that it is so cute!!

It is not easy having a last.

But needless to say, we have a one year old and he is ready to celebrate!!!

Here is the Birthday Boy!!!

Weston has been the happiest baby. He is so kind and loving. He gives the most loving hugs, and they are hugs that he gives with his whole heart. Head on your shoulder and squeeze. He is in love with his brothers and sister. Weston lights up when he sees his dad come into the room, almost as if he is screaming, "daddy, daddy look at me, I'm right here!!"

Here is the last 1st birthday cake.
I love making the cakes. I am definitely not a professional, but it is fun.

Mr. Alligator Cake for my little gator.

Daddy and Weston

Mommy and Weston

Weston was playing with Trapper and heard something going on. "Hey, what's going on guys?"

A pinata of course!! We kind of had a fiesta celebration for Weston's birthday, so we had to have a pinata. The kids helped me make this, you would have thought I was making them weave a rug as painful as they thought it was. No, really they had fun, the helping just didn't last long.

Porter's turn at the pianta! Story on Porter:

Early in the day as Phil and I were getting things ready for the party, Garrett comes running in saying that Porter is hurt. Phil comes in the house with Porter crying with blood all over his face. Porter was riding his scooter and hit a bump/crack in the sidewalk, I don't know where his hands were but they did not catch him in this fall. He totally face planted it and kissed the sidewalk. He looks really bad, poor boy.

It always a pose for Lexi

Garrett took hitting the rocket a serious thing.

Weston at the end of the night catching a ride with his cousin, Trevin.

Well whether I like it or not I have my last one year old. He has a lot of lst that he will attempt here in the next little while and his mom will be in the back ground crying because she will be thinking this will be a last. :( On a Happy note because I feel you should always end a blog with a happy. This last children is such a joy. Phil said yesterday as he went into get weston out of bed that he didn't think that he wanted the fourth child but now can't imagine not having this cute boy. We love our Weston!!!

Mother's Day/ A goodbye to Grandpa Johansen

2009-06-17T10:30:00.006-07:00

Grandpa Don Johansen returned to his loving Heavenly Father and beautiful bride on May 9, 2009. He was such a wonderful man and will be missed. These pictures were taken on Father's Day 2008. The kids are really sad about Grandpa but the classic was when Porter asked me after I told the kids about Grandpa going back to Heavenly Father, "Daddy's Grandpa got dead?"

This is the home in Mt. Pleasant that Grandpa raised his family in and was raised in also. It has been around since apprx. 1918?

At the Funeral--Courntey, Troy and Nash, Phil, Julie, Vicki, Terry, Sarah, Brett, Tera, and Scott.

Mother's Day

Grandpa holding and boys--Weston and Nash. (2 months apart.)

Porter just being cute.

I can't say that these babies enjoyed this set up. This is the first time that Nash and Weston have been able to hang out. That is ridiclious!!

Kyler didn't appreciate being put in with the babies!

What a wonderful day hanging out with family.

What's a happenin'

2009-05-24T21:04:00.004-07:00

It's been a while, and you are probably wondering if we are still kickin'?

Life is going faster then I can handle at times, and there are things that get put off until I realize that it has been since Feb. when I blogged last. Sorry!!

I took the kids over the hill to the Camperworld the beginning of May. Alisa, Chad and Trevin were there camping and invited us over to go swimming. Mom and Dad came up for a visit also and we had a great time. The pool is heated by a hot water spring and it was the perfect temperature. Weston LOVED the water and Porter was the exactly opposite. He clings to who ever is holding him, and screams if you even try to peel his hands to loosen the grip a bit. He loves the swallow end though.

Weston was such a happy boy, just chillin...

And then he crashed!!! Swimming in warmer then bathtub water makes one very sleepy.

Grandpa and Lexi hanging out at the camp ground.

Garrett loved jumping into the pool. He still has to have his ear plugs and is very cautious.

This kid is one of a kind. Seeing him walk in these flippers was funnier then the picture.

Pretty girl had a blast holding her breath under water.

Garrett loving the flippers also.

Can't wait to go back, however, a can't imagine the water being any fun when the temp. is in the 90's. It was perfect for the beginning of May.

I Love Pictures

2009-02-27T16:43:00.012-07:00

There is something about having pictures taken professionally. I take a million pictures of my kids and I love all of them, however I love when I go and get pictures taken. Making it all special and exciting, then seeing them posed and forcing smiles in some pictures with overall cuteness. The latest pictures...

Garrett Philip will be 7 yrs. in April.

He had his pictures taken at school.
This is before he lost his front tooth. (Noted in the kids' pictures at the bottom.)

Weston Terry is now 9 months. Time is flying by.

I love his adorable grin in this one.

Yeah, I'm Big!!!

Porter Lyle is 3 1/2 years old.

Porter can definitely work the camera.

Alexis Anne is 5 yrs.

This is a famous Lexi pose.

I love the picture of her close up.

Do you see now why I love pictures. They wouldn't have done this for me.

There is the missing tooth.

--Priceless--

Halloween Party

2008-11-14T09:57:00.002-07:00

The Johnson Annual Halloween Party

You can't have halloween without a party and we love the Johnson party. I actually started my blog three years ago, and my first entry was the halloween party. Oh, what memories.

Porter and Hunter are five months apart and are good little buddies.
Me and my little kiddies. Julie a pirate, Weston a cheetah, Porter Batman, Lexi Ballerina (of course), Garrett Army guy.

What a cute bunch!!

This is such a cute picture. These three boys are going to be best buds growing up.

Nash (3 months), Weston (5 months), Kyler (14 months)

Tagged--5 Things

2008-10-06T13:18:00.005-07:00

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Living in a dump of an apartment with three crazy roommates
2. Having a crush on this cute guy in the apartment complex!!
3. Trying to salvage my grades from my days at Snow College (Good Times!)
4. Working
5. Enjoying college life (I wouldn't go back though)

5 Things on today's to do list:
1. Work out to Turbo Jam
2. Watch kids
3. Go grocery shopping (Fridge is looking quite bare)
4. Work on my blog--I would love to sit down and get caught up
5. Get house ready for preschool

5 Snacks I enjoy, unhealthy to healthiest:)
1. peachy rings
2. anything fruity
3. popcorn
4. ice cream
5. Fruit

5 Things I would do if I were a millionaire (you mean "when"):
1. Pay off house
2. put an addition onto the house
3. vacation with the kids
4. take Phil on a trip every other weekend!!
5. Start my own school (I don't see this happening, wishful thinking)

5 places I have lived:
1. Kearns, Ut (7 years)
2. Sandy, Ut. (11 years)
3. Ephraim, Ut. (2 years)
4. Logan, Ut. (5 years)
5. Wellsville, Ut. (forever more)

5 places I have worked:
1. currently MOM/preschool teacher
2. Cleaning churches
3. Teaching reading at a Elementary school
4. Delivering car parts (sounds weird but it was actually fun)
5. Harmons (of course!)

Now five of you get to do this!!!
Alisa, Jamie, Jamey, Michelle, Stacey
Have Fun!!!

Grandpa Johansen

2008-08-17T10:19:00.003-07:00

For Father's day we went down to Grandpa and Grandma's house. Grandpa Johansen came up to spend the weekend. It was so nice to see him. We also saw him just this last weekend. He is living in an assisted living home down in Nephi. We went down for a Johansen family reunion. It was so nice being able to visit with him. He looked great and wishes that he could go home, however this is where he needs to be right now.

Bet your kids don't look like this...

2008-08-17T10:01:00.004-07:00

Oh yes, these are my cute kids, performing a medley of songs, dances, and super hero moves for their new brother.

Garrett is in his super hero outfit. He cut out the holes in daddy's hunting hat all by himself. You can't be a super hero if you don't have a mask!?
This is Porter let me point of several things...

1. These are the most favorite shorts, and they don't really go with anything. (That does not stop Porter from wearing them.)

2. red socks with this outfit.

3. Sister's pink and purple guitar, which does not matter because it is all about the tunes.

My little performer. Once again a favorite outfit, because when she shakes her hips and skirt sways from side to side.

Weston pics

2008-08-17T09:11:00.003-07:00

Weston is fitting into our family quite well. I thought that I would show some cute pictures of our family, especially those with Weston.

Garrett is such a good big brother. He is always saying, "So, how is Weston?"

Little Lexi is always singing and dancing for Weston.

Porter Boy is so cute with Weston. Weston is starting to coo, and Porter will come up to him and say, "a-coo, a-coo".

Weston is growing so big, at his last doc's appointment he was 11 lbs. 4 oz.

(This picture is while he is still in the hospital, under the lights for his bilirubin.)

Where oh, where...

2008-08-17T08:55:00.002-07:00

Where oh, where are my kids!!!

Garrett, Lexi, and Porter have been away for going on 5 days. My parents invited them to go with them to the annual Fish Lake trip. I took them down to my parents on Wednesday morning and thankfully we are going to pick them up today.

I know that they are having a great time, and to tell the truth I have gotten a lot done for preschool, but being without those cuties is hard.

Poor Weston, he doesn't know what to do with all this quiet, one on one time.

Thanks mom and dad for taking the kids to Fish Lake. They called yesterday, mom said that she is glad that she isn't the one washing their clothes. I can only imagine the fun in the dirt they are having with their cousins.

I will post pictures of their trip soon. (but you know me, don't hold your breath!)

The Johansen side coming out

2008-06-26T11:45:00.003-07:00

Children come out with their own personalities and they also get a lot of traits from the genes in their family. Take for instance our latest Garrett story. On Friday, we (being me, Garrett, Lexi, Porter, and Weston) head into town to pick up daddy from work. I being the type of person that tries to get as much as possible done even if it is completely impossible that it will not get done, thought that even though Weston was hungry we could run in really quick to get dad and then make it back to feed. Well about a 1/3 of the way into town Weston start screaming (note to reader: when Weston is ready to be feed, he will let you know, by screaming until he gets his way.) Thinking that I needed to put him off for another 20 mins. I asked Garrett to help me. While looking in the rear view mirror I asked, "Garrett, will you please unbuckle really fast and put Weston's binky in for me?" He thought for a moment and then with fear in his eyes he shook his head "NO". I tried again, "Garrett, Please!! I am not going very fast (30mph), just hurry and put his binky in and then hurry and get buckled back in." " No mom I can't, I can only do it if you pull over." he said with even more fear in his eyes. As we came to a stop light I pleaded one more time, "Garrett, we are stopping, hurry and put the binky in before the light turns green." You should have seen how fast and panicked he unbuckled, if you know my son at all, he rarely if ever hurries so this was a sight to see. As he put the binky in Weston's mouth he was in such a hurry that he didn't even give Weston a chance to close his mouth so it just fell out, so he tried again while keeping an eye on the red light. As the binky placement is happening, Lexi is in the back not helping the situation by yelling in panic to Garrett, "Hurry the light is going green Garrett, Hurry!!" The light did turn green while Garrett was up and it didn't matter if the binky was in or not he was back in his seat!!

You might be thinking that it was I that made my children fear being unbuckled, but no that would be the cautious Johansen in them. Thanks to once, Phil getting pulled over with the children in the car, Garrett asked if the policemen was going to take him, and Phil answered, "no, I have my seat belt on, I was just going too fast. This made Garrett think that if your seat belt is off they will take you away. I never thought that my children would be quite so cautious, however, when it comes to seat belts it makes it nice that I don't have to fight them on wearing one thanks to their Johansen genes.

Garrett at the Zoo--May 2008

The LIST!

2008-06-26T08:30:00.004-07:00

It was like every other morning. We were sitting eating breakfast--me still trying to wake up after yet another night with a newborn getting up every 3 hours, and Lexi and Porter at it again. It never fails they will find anything to fight over. "It is", "no it isn't" are the words between the two of them and it is getting louder and louder as if getting louder will get their point across then Lexi thinking she will win this battle just up and screams at the top of her lungs. The scream brings me out of my lack of sleep coma and I state very loud to her that she can not scream like that, it hurts everyones ears and we don't scream like that in our house. I, thinking that I got the point across, look at her waiting for the "but mom", and then Lexi looks me straight in the eyes and says, "YOU ARE OFF MY LIST!!" (picture in your head, her little head shaking with an attitude) as she turned and wrote something in her coloring book. I was dying inside as I turned my head (so she wouldn't see me smile) as if to say that I was hurt.

As we sat in peace finishing our breakfast, Lexi came up to me as though nothing had happened and asked me to write her name on this book. I said, "I thought I was off your list?" She looked at me and thought and then said, "It is a good thing to be off my list." (What a little sneak, working her mother.)

I think that those teenage years are going to be interesting to say the least.

Lexi at the Zoo--May 2008

Serenading Weston

2008-06-19T12:07:00.008-07:00

Note to all viewers---

I did not realize at the time that I had to keep the camera a certain way while taping. Sorry to all those that may get a sore neck from watching.

She is singing/performing for Weston. This is the first evening home from the hospital and this is Lexi's welcoming song.

Lexi is so into dancing, singing, and performing. In fact, every prayer that she gives, she blesses that mom will put her into ballet. This is just a taste of what Lexi does on a regular basis. We love her so much but, worry about the future with her and what her career paths might be. (We definitely need to keep her away from any poles, if you know what I mean.)

Welcome to the World

2008-06-19T10:31:00.003-07:00

Weston Terry Johnson

was born on May 27, 2008 at 8:01 a.m.

He weighs in at 6 pounds 10 ounces and is 20 inches long

Proud family--Phil, Julie, Garrett, Lexi, and Porter

Ready or Not!!

2008-06-19T10:26:00.002-07:00

One thing about c-sections, is that you know when you are going to have your baby. Which makes it nice in the planning when Grandma's are going to help. But it is not easy on my nerves. The night before I was going to have the baby, I was a basket case. Emotions, Emotions, Emotions. I knew there was nothing I could do about this baby coming, I just didn't think I was ready. Oh well, what can you do, they can't stay in there forever. I had to be at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. and surgery would be at 7:30 a.m. You would think that they would let the mother's that have planned births sleep in for the last time, but no bright and early.
I waited until the last minute to get the picture of the kids kissing my bellly.
This is probably going to be my biggest baby, I haven't ever measured this big. Yeah me!!
This will be the last time I will be kissed on the belly with a sweet baby in it.

I don't think that the kids are really prepared for what is going to happen tomorrow.

Annual Halloween Party

2007-10-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

Porter is Clifford the big Red Dog. He didn't like this costume at first, but after getting told that he was so adorable about a million times, he decided that he liked it a lot.
Grandma and Grandpa are really good sports about getting all dressed up.
Grandpa, why didn't you dress up?
Josh, what ever happened to the good old days when kids wanted to dress up in something not so scary.
Here is our Hannah Montana, aka Amber holding her little cousin Kyler.
Phil is such a party pooper, he refused to dress up.
The cute Clan!!

Lexi (snow white), Kyler (Tiger), Amber (Hannah Montana), Lance (spiderman 1), Garrett (spiderman 2), Porter (clifford), Hunter (Lighting McQueen), Josh (Grim Ripper)

Hunter's Lighting McQueen was a hit with Porter. McQueen is Porter's favorite race car.
Lance as Spiderman

We really enjoy going down to Tera's house for the Halloween party. It is so fun seeing how all the kids play with each other. Lexi loves to follow Amber around and I hope that Amber will continue to enjoy being followed.

Pumpkin Time

2007-10-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

It is pumpkin craving time!!! Porter did not want to get his hands into the pumpkin and clean it out at all. We had a great time and these are our finished projects.

Yummy Pudding!

2007-09-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

One thing is for sure, and that is that Porter loves to eat. And when he eats, he is very focused. Porter got his hands on some pudding and refused to have any help. As a result, Porter looks like the pudding got the best of him.

He didn't care what he looked like, the pudding was delicious.

First Day of School

2007-08-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that this day has come. My little Garrett is going to his first day of school. We were able to walk Garrett to school and into his classroom he went.

What a handsome boy I have.
Can't forget to show off the awesome backpack!!
There weren't any tears from mom today, however this was quite a big step for me.
Here we go, off to school.
Garrett, Carson, and Lexi
Garrett at the front doors of his school (not quite sure why he is bending down?) Porter wanted to go to school really bad!
Mrs. Hull, Garrett's Kindergarten teacher. (She is prefect for Garrett!)

Salt Lake Adventure

2007-07-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Tonya is here from Georgia (Yes I said Georgia, God's Country, or that is what she thinks!! "People in Georgia are so much better then those in Utah" is what I have heard). Tonya is my Aunt but we are more like sisters because we grew up together and are only about 7 years apart. We have a great time together and our kids do to.

We met up at my Aunt Jeanines' Condo and went swimming, is was tons of fun, we even got away with making a little bit of noise. (We had to watch out for the Condo Nazi's and those that dislike children and noise and swimming in the pool.) But other than getting kicked out by those that gave us dirty rotten looks we had a blast.

Austin, Brandon, Nathan, Tonya, Preston, Lexi, Julie, Porter and Garrett
Porter hanging out on the side of the pool. This was very fun for Porter up until he let go he thought he was going to drowned. Thank goodness mommy was watching!!
Garrett had so much fun. He had is trusty life jacket on so there where no Johansen worrying, the Johansen (Phil's mom side of the family) are serious worriers.
It was a little chilly, but lexi had fun hanging on mom.
After a good swim and no longer being able to stay at the Condo with 7 kids (for fear of the Condo Nazi's) we walked/took Tracks down to the Gateway, where water was yet again added to our adventure.
In is picture I love that my kids are looking with their Johansen eyes thinking, "do we dare, is it safe?"

My cuties!!

That wasn't so bad was it?

Garrett finally went for it, and had a blast with the Neilson boys.

Scooping up bubbles was the highlight for Porter and Lexi.

I love this picture because if you look at Austin right in the middle of the picture, he is getting nailed with water right in the face. Good Times!!

Got a little wet?
My kids really know how to pose. Picture perfect.

hanging out with Snowcones. Lexi, Garrett, Nathan, Brandon, Austin and Jeanine.
Preston and Porter. They are about 5 months apart.

After The Gateway, we walked through Temple Square.
Adorable!!
Pretty Girl Lexi.
What a stud. And what a fun day.

More Birthday Boy!!

2007-07-23T16:58:00.000-07:00

Just a few more pictures of Porter's birthday.

I made a basketball cake for Porter.

This is as up close as you will see, because it looked pretty bad.
Porter had his little friend, Madi over for his birthday.
Yeah Porter, you blew out both of the candles.

Porter turns 2!!

2007-07-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

My Birthday Boy!!! I love this picture because Porter is so cute just chillin' with his dad.
Garrett thinks that it is so funny to do this goofy look. It drives me crazy, because his father thinks it is funny that he taught Garrett that goofy look!
Pretty girl Lexi loves to be with her brother. She loves to treat him like her baby, (Porter does not think that is fun at all) it won't be long before he could sit on her.
Getting all the cool birthday toys
Porter is truly a sweet, lovely dovey boy. I am so glad that he is part of our family. I am a lucky mom.

Garrett's 1st year of T-ball

2007-07-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

Garrett played T-ball this year and his biggest fan was his brother, Porter. (He wanted to go play so bad, I had to pin him down in order for him not to go out on the field.)
Enjoying watching her brother, Lexi was there in support and for the candy to bought.
The 2007 Yankees T-ball Team
Dad was an assist coach.
The stants that all the boys would take, they were ready for the ball to roll right pass them, which happene more than once.
Out field
Ready for the hit!!
Nice Swing!!
Cute kids.
Waiting on base.

Random

2007-06-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

These are just some fun pictures that I wanted to share.

Porter Boy is so cute, he loves to sleep with his blanket that Grandma Buchanan gave him.
Lexi and Daddy hanging out reading books.
I went to check on Garrett and Lexi when I was down at my parents. When I say that Garrett and Lexi are inseparable, I mean it.
Another funny sleeping picture of Porter.

The Hair Cut

2007-06-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

The Before The After

Lexi looks so much older with her hair cut. I really like it and so glad we did it. She sat so still while her hair was being cut. Boy, would it be nice if she would sit like that when I did her hair.

Lexi is Doing well with the cast

2007-06-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

Lexi is doing really well with her cast. We had to snap a few pictures to document the experience.

The time has come to get the cast off. This was pretty scary, the doctor taking it off was really good at making Lexi feel comfortable.
Lexi couldn't watch him cut because she was afraid it would cut her.
Almost OFF!
Wow! My arm is still there!!
The thumbs up after the x-ray came back clear.

Lexi's Broken Arm

2007-05-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

Well it finally happened. When you think that your child is safe from danger, something is bound to happen.

This story however, is one that I will need to start clear at the beginning, and is a four part story. So if you get bored with the stories you are more than welcome to skip down to the pictures.

The month of May is one that Lexi will never forget.

1) In Wellsville there is a sidewalk that is famously named the "secert sidewalk", it cuts between two streets without a road. It is a fun walk for the kids because it is all shaded, with a stream running on one side and a field with horses on the other side. However, we live on one side of the Wellsville Hollow (a big dip where the river natually flows) so whenever we go to the park or anything in Wellsville we must go down the Hollow and then back up. It is quite a steep hill and by the time you get to the top one is worn out and has to rest for a moment.

We were heading back home after an afternoon at the park and I was pushing Porter in the stroller, Garrett was on his bike and Lexi was on a big tricycle. In order for Lexi to get up the hill I told her that she needed to start going fast so she could have enough speed to get up the other side. As I saw Lexi take off I began to think, "she is never going to make it up the hill", and sure enough she got about half way up and her leg strength couldn't push any more. So, instead of jumping off Lexi proceeded to roll back down the hill. (Need I remind you, there is a river running on one side with a 15 foot drop down to the river and horses on the other.) As Lexi was rolling I started running knowing that I was never going to get to her in time. I was about 15 feet away from her when she disappeared bike and all off the sidewalk down to the river. I yelled her name and as I got to the spot where I saw her disappear I saw her slipping through some thorny bushes that had grown on the side of the hill. My neighbor that was there also, grabbed her just before she slid down 15 feet into the water. You can imagine Lexi's heart, it was just pounding she was so scared. I have never been that scared for my child, if I had high blood pressure before, I can't imagine what it was at that moment.

2) We recovered from the "Secert Sidewalk" episode that very day. I was fixing something outside and Lexi came over to me, wimpering, not really crying, I asked her what was wrong and she said, "I hurt my toe." I looked down and saw that her toe was bleeding badly. I turned on the hose and washed off her toe and asked how she had cut fer toe so badly. She then told me that she and Garrett were moving a block and dropped. I looked over to see what block they had been moving and saw a big cinderblock laying on the ground. Ouch!!

3) I am on the enrichment board, we are in charge of delivering fliers to remind the sisters of enrichment night, I deliver to those around my neighborhood and love to take the kids along with me (to get some engery out). On our route we pass by some horses and Lexi loves to feed the horses. I told her to hurry and feed the horse so that we could keep on going. I started walking and turned around to see that she was coming, as I turned around I saw Lexi disappeared (that girl falls a lot) into the grass. The grass was really tall and I couldn't see her, I told her to hurry and stand up so we could go, and she said she couldn't. I thought that she was beening over dramatic and so I went over to get her. As I picked her up a long 2x4 came with her. I couldn't believe it she had stepped on a nail. I bent down and pried the nail out of her shoe, I wanted to see the damage so I took off her shoe. There was just a little sratch on the bottom of her foot. Needless to say that ended our delivering of fliers.

4) Now for the icying on the cake. On the same day as the nail in the foot incident, that night I went to Enrichment night. As I came into the house I was relieved that had put the kids to bed (he is always good at that!). However as a came in, I heard little foot step coming down the stairs, my Lexi!!! The kids were still awake and I told Lexi that I needed to say goodnight to Porter first and then I would be in a tuck her in. As I was kissing Porter, I heard a big bang and then a screm of pain. Now as I said before, Lexi falls a lot, so I did not run to her aid because I thought that she would get over it.

She came into the room crying and saying that her arm hurt, I carried her into bed and tried to comfort her. I wanted to make sure that nothing was broken so I moved her arm all over the place and everything seemed to move just fine. I gave her some medicine and comforted her to sleep. When I finally made it to bed, I went in to check on the kids and noticed to Lexi had not changed the position of her arm.

The next morning, Lexi woke up still complaining about her arm and it looked swollen. Long story short, we went to the doctors', and Lexi has a hair-line fracture in her elbow and has a cast on for 3 weeks.

As you can tell Lexi had quite a May!!!

Lexi is smiling ever though her arm hurts and she isn't sure what is going to happen.
The first layer of a cast.

What a cute girl!!
Second layer
The best part of the cast, Purple with sparkles. (this was a hard decision, between Pink and Purple)
The finished product.

More Zoo Fun

2007-05-10T22:30:00.000-07:00

Here we all are dying of heat at the zoo. Alex, Averi, Angie, Porter, Julie, Lexi, Garrett, and Kylie. (Not shown are Kadie and Robyn Carey-Angie's mom)
There is Kadie
Garrett and Kylie are best little buddies. They were holding hands the whole day.
Then we have the other best little buddies, Lexi and Averi.
Don't forget about Porter Boy!! (no, the girl that is posing for the picture in back is not with us.)
Porter Turtle
Garrett Turtle
Lexi Turtle

The cousins--
Porter, Averi, Kadie, Kylie, Garrett, and Lexi

Lions, Tigers and Bears

2007-05-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

All the things to see at the Zoo--Lions and Tigers and Bears!!

I love hanging out with my adorable kids. Aren't they just the cutest!!

Lexi hanging out with the girl gang--Kylie, Lexi, Averi, and Kadie.

This is the White Alligator, it was very interesting to see. He hardly even moved and I wasn't even sure if it was real. We did see it move once, so it is real.

Don't Eat Us!!

2007-05-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

You can't go to the Zoo and not have your picture taken with your head in the Lions mouth.
I could not get any of the kids to look up for the picture.

Porter just wanted to play in the water more than get a drink, or look at the camera.

Do You Measure UP??

2007-05-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

Do you measure up??

If you haven't noticed, I dressed the kids in orange. I thought it would help to pick them out of a crowd. I think it worked, however Porter is so fast I almost really did lose him once.

Porter also likes to play with the camera. LOOK UP!!!

Adventure to the Zoo

2007-05-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

We went to Hogle Zoo today with our cousins. It was a fun filled day and the kids had so much fun with their cousins. We came down for the day and lately Lexi has had some serious car sickness. I was just getting off on the Hogle Zoo exit when Lexi said she didn't feel good, (and that means you better pull over now!!) Well, she threw-up and luckily I called Alex and Angie and they hadn't left yet so they were able to bring a change of clothes for Lexi. Poor little girl.

Garrett, Porter, Lexi, Kylie, Averi, and Kadie

I must point out my sons' clothes. Notice the socks and shorts, or are they just pants? He refused to wear short socks and there was nothing I could do to change his mind.

Anywhere there is water, Lexi is will be there.

Bunkbeds!!

2007-04-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

We did some rearranging today. I'm getting ready for my preschool (for those that haven't heard, I'm starting a preschool in the basement) and we needed to clean out the storage room. Garrett and Lexi have been wanting their bunkbeds for quite some time, so we finally broke down and put them up.

These are actually the bunkbeds I had as a child. Thanks mom and dad. The kids love them!!

They just love their bunkbeds and they seem so big in them. Porter hasn't figured out how to climb up onto the top bunk, but I'm sure it won't be too long. He is a monkey!!

Hanging out at Grandma's

2007-04-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

The kids have so much fun playing at Grandma Johnson's house.Porter and Hunter are just 5 months apart and are starting to really play well together.

Porter and Hunter thinking that they are Superman

Garrett, Lexi and Porter enjoying life!

It is not easy getting two 2 year old boys to look at the camera

This a Garrett and Lexi posing for the camera in their Easter egg hunt stance.
-Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Johnson-
This is at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's house. After an Easter egg hunt and dinner, we opened presents for Garrett. He got a mitt and T-ball bat and ball, and don't forget the awesome Superman monster truck. Lance and Garrett played with that truck forever, we love hanging out with our cousins. Thank you also to the Mecham's and also the Johnson's (Brett and Sarah) for their gifts to Garrett.

Garrett's 5th Birthday

2007-04-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Garrett!!!

I can't believe that I have a 5 year old. Time goes by so fast! Garrett's birthday landed on Easter Sunday this year so we celebrated his birthday along with Easter. This really worked out well for all family members because they won't have to come all the way up to Wellsville. I was telling Garrett that he needed to think of a wish. And then blow out the pretend lit candle.

Garrett is thinking seriously about this wish!!
His cake turned out cute. He wanted a number Five with train tracks on it. He helped put on the sprinkles and wow get he do a great job!!

He is quite good at pretending to blow out the candle. (You would have never known that the candle wasn't lit because it was too windy!)

What a stud muffin!!! Bring on the presents
-Thank you Uncle Richard, Uncle Kevin, Alex and Averi-
I didn't know that this was going to be a spiderman themed party, but it appeared that everyone knew that he is a spiderman fan.
-Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Buchanan for the DVD's-
Porter is helping hold on to important Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle DVD's.

-Thanks Aunt Alisa and Uncle Chad-
-Thank you Uncle Michael, Aunt Angie, Kylie and Kadie-
They also gave him a kite that would have been perfect to fly on this windy day
Lexi was so excited to give her brother a present.
If this isn't the sweetest picture. What good little best friends!!
-Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Johnson-
This is at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's house. After an Easter egg hunt and dinner, we opened presents for Garrett. He got a mitt and T-ball bat and ball, and don't forget the awesome Superman monster truck. Lance and Garrett played with that truck forever, we love hanging out with our cousins. Thank you also to the Mecham's and also the Johnson's (Brett and Sarah) for their gifts to Garrett.

Easter Egg Hunt

2007-04-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

The Easter Egg Hunt of 2007 was the biggest event to date. Grandma got really carried away with candy filled Easter eggs. This was really the first year that the kids are old enough to really get the idea of finding the eggs.
Porter is not in these pictures because sleep was so important to him and his parents.
On your mark, get set, Go!!
"Mom, I don't have time to stop for a picture!"
"Mom, you point out the egg and I will get it, because I'm cute!"
There is an egg.

Into the basket it goes.
I really wanted to get a picture of Garrett reaching down to get an egg, he was too fast for me get the shot, so I finally had to have him pose.
Kadie and Lexi coming in after all the eggs have been found. Lexi can hardly carry hers.

Our treasures and rewards!!Relaxing after a long day at hunting.
Porter finally woke up for all the fun (fun being all the candy that his brother and sister are going to share with him).

Easter Sunday

2007-04-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Easter is always a busy day for our family because we usually get to go to both family sides to visit and eat. Today was even more busy because our oldest child is turning 5!! I can't believe it, time really does go by fast and there is nothing that we can do about it.
We also came down to hear my mom and dad speak in sacrament meeting. Their church starts at 9 a.m. so that means that we had to leave our house by 7:30 a.m. to get there on time. You can probably imagine how that went getting 5 people ready in their church clothes and out the door on time. We were running late but thought that we would only be about 15 mins. late, until Lexi, in the back seat started complaining about her stomach hurting. (Lexi is one that if she tells us that she feels sick, like she might throw up, then you better pull over because something is going to happen.) We were drive up my parents street and we just kept telling Lexi that we were almost there, hold on. We pulled into the driveway and I jumped out and started to unbuckle her while saying, "Hold on, don't throw-up!!" (She has the most beautiful Easter dress on) I was unbuckling the last strap when it happened!! Yes, all over the dress all over my arm, down onto the floor of the truck. Needless to say I went to church with Garrett and Porter, Phil stayed at my parents house cleaning up the truck.

After church everyone came over to Grandma and Grandpa's house to have Easter lunch.

Garrett is quite the protector to all these cute girls. Porter is not shown in any of these pictures because he was taking a much needed nap.

Aunt Alisa bought all of the girls Easter dresses, aren't they adorable. (Lexi had to borrow this dress from Aunt Angie because of our early situation, but this is what her dress did look like.)

Averi, Lexi, Kadie, and Kylie Easter 2007

Picture perfect

2007-04-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

This was too cute not to put into my blog.
They were watching their dad move the trailer.

Porter has to look over and make sure that everyone is still holding still.
(Are we done yet?)

The front view. Garrett, Lexi and Porter. Hanging out on the front porch.

We are cute and we know it!!!

Grandma and Grandpa Buchanan visit

2007-03-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday is a special day, it's the day that Grandma and Grandpa Buchanan came to church with us. Garrett, Lexi, and Porter were so excited to have their Grandparents come up and watch them on Saturday night while mom and dad went out to celebrate Julie's Birthday (that is a whole other story, Big 29) Grandma and Grandpa slept over and went to church with us.And of course we had to document the occasion with pictures.

What is everyone looking at?

What a bunch of cuties!! Could Lexi and
Garrett's smiles get any bigger?

I told everyone to smile...Don't tell Lexi
what to do or she might sucker punch as shown
in the picture. J/K

My boys are in vests that Grandma Johnson gave to them for Christmas and Lexi is in an adorable spring dress that Aunt Alisa gave her. Adorable Picture!!!

Hanging out with Grandparents is Garrett, Lexi, and Porter's favorite thing to do. They love their Grandparents (don't tell them this, but the kids have them wrapped around their fingers!)

Me with my Mom and Dad (Porter jumped into the picture at the last moment). Thank you Mom and Dad for coming up and watching the kids. Thank you also for all that you do for our family--I love you!!!

Three generations of cute girls! Mom, Lexi and Grandma Buchanan

Your Vote Counts--The Do

2007-03-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

We are taking a vote!!
It is time for you to make a decision. Porter is in deseperate need of a haircut, but before we give into the scissors we thought it would be nice to let everyone know that their opinions counts. Which DO will do?
Your choices are....
The slicked look
The Wave

The Mohawk

The long look (You could also use the words stoned look!)
Last but not least-- the messy look
Mom stop embarrassing me, no more picture!!
Whichever do you choose isn't this boy cute and happy?? Please leave your vote in the comments.
--Thank you the stylist--

Morning Surprise!!

2007-03-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

Going and getting the kids out of bed each morning can bring quite the surprise. I never know what they might look like after a nice rolling sleep.
Check out Porters hair!! (Richard does this hair remind you of anyone?)
Lexi hanging out, still trying to wake-up.

Folks you don't have to adjust your screen!! This is really how crazy Porter's hair is in the morning.

That is quite the mop on your head!!

Garrett giving a big cheese for the camera.

Last Snow Day

2007-03-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

It has been so cold in Cache Valley we really haven't been out in the snow. It snowed (not sure what day) and Phil had to go and plow his lot, I told him that I would shovel our driveway. I didn't think that it would take me long, so I told the kids to stay inside and watch me from the window. They couldn't handle not being out. They would open the door and ask me "are you almost done?" every 5 seconds. I would tell them to get back inside because they were still in their P.J.'s and they didn't have any boots on. Lexi opened the door after another 5 minutes and said, "Mom I'm dressed can I come out?" I looked up to see Lexi standing at the door with a skirt and her boots on. I just had to laugh (she had done everything I said, what's the problem). They won and I went in and got them in the right attire to play in the snow. They loved it!!
Porter in his over-sized snowsuit, bundled to the max. (Think of The Christmas Story movie.)

Loving being outside in the snow.

Garrett, Porter, Lexi and the neighbor boy Carson. They are holding still just long enough for me to take the picture.

Prince and Princess

2007-02-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

The day was a beautiful February morning and all had come to see the Prince take his princesses hand in marriage. As the ceremony began, the camera was ready to capture a moment in time. STOP!! You are probably thinking that I am going to tell a tale from a storybook--but this is actually a day in the life of the Johnson household.
Garrett and Lexi have an amazing imagination. Garrett especially has a mind that is at times in another world. He came to me wanting to get some flowers for his Princess, "Here are some flowers for you Princess," he said. "I got them for you so we can get married." I was then told to be the marrier (the person that marries people?) My Prince and Princess got married but not before they also informed me that Porter was also going to marry Lexi. I thought to myself, "When should I inform them that this is not going to be okay when they grow up." I recorded the whole event and will be able really embarrass them when they get older.
Garrett had planned this event to the T. He got Lexi into her beautiful dress and got his and Porter's vest out, so that they could be properly dressed for the occasion. I also have the wedding pictures to prove it.
Perfect wedding pose!!I love how in all the pictures I took of Garrett and Lexi, Lexi would put her head on Garrett. That is love!!My main squeeze!!
Are you talking to me?You have to love the outfits. Garrett planned the whole event, down to the smallest detail of having nice clothes on for the special occasion.
My Prince!Hanging out!!
I'm cute and I know it.

Artist in the making

2007-02-27T19:57:00.001-07:00

I have to show the art work that is in our house these days.

Lexi is always drawing pictures. I usually can't tell what the pictures are without Lexi explaining them, but this picture is very clear. She did such a great job!

Garrett is writing his name so well. The name in blue is the very first paper that he bought home with his name written all by himself.

He is getting so good at writing his name and we are working on saying and writing his phone number now. Talk about growing up!

The new addition!

2007-02-25T17:48:00.001-07:00

The new addition to our family!! It is an old piano but a piano all the same.

I have been wanting a piano for a very long time. I want a used one so that I don't have to pay that much for one, and when I say not pay much I mean not much. My wish came true a couple of weeks ago. My dad knew a girl that use to live in his ward, she called up my dad and said that she was going to be moving and wanted to get rid of he piano. I now have a piano, and it is amazing how much I play it. It is also amazing how much I have forgotten from my piano playing days.
I can't wait until the kids are able to take piano. They love the piano so far, in fact the night that we brought it home, all three kids sat down to play. As they were playing Phil said, "Who's idea was it to get a piano?" They were just pounding away.
These are pictures that were taken at Christmas time at Brett's house.

They really like playing on the piano. It is nice having music in the home.

Garrett is growing up

2007-02-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

Garrett is really growing up. I just turned in his kindergarten school packet. That means my little boy is going to go to school in the fall. I really having a hard time with this. I feel like it was just yesterday that we brought home a 5.2 lbs. tiny little bundle. He was so little and now he is going to school. Last week I took Garrett to the doctors to get the shots he needs to go to school. He now says, "I got 4 shots so now I can go to school huh, mom!!"

Garrett has been going to preschool this last year and has really enjoyed it. In fact he can now write his name and say his phone number. It has really just been in the last 2-3 months that Garrett has really started to catch onto to the writing and memorizing.

Garrett and Lexi switch off on who is going to say the pray at lunch or dinner. A couple of weeks ago, it was Garrett's turn and as he was saying his pray he blessed, "that the Big Bad Wolf won't come blow our house down!" I had a hard time not laughing in the pray. These kids say the most sincere prays. Garrett never forgets to bless everyone in his pray, and is always good to remember to bless that "Daddy will love Jamesy". After the pray he will lean over and tell me that he wasn't teasing me, he was teasing dad. (But, Phil is over laughing his head off, I think the joke will always be on me!!!)

Catching UP time!!

2007-02-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I posted any news, so I will have to do some catching up.

I will try to update all that has been happening to the Johnson clan.

Phil, Julie, Garrett (4 1/2), Lexi (3), Porter (17 months)
This is a picture that we were going to use for a Christmas card, but I never got around to doing it. Oh well, there is always next year.

Poor Little Lexi

2007-01-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

Lexi had to have tubes put in her ears on Jan.11, 2007. We went in at 6:30 A.M. because her surgery was scheduled for 7:30. She was a little nervous but can you blame her. We sat in the waiting room and read books and hung out. I tried to put her nerves to rest by explaining what was going to happen. (I knew what would happen because, Garrett has been in for 4 sets of tubes, this is routine for us.) I told her that the doctor would come in and take her to a special room so he could look at her ears really close. That when she was done they would bring her right back to me and I would hold her and cuddle her and then we would be able to go home. She looked at me and said, "how about we just go home now!!"

They took her to surgery and the Dr. came in and said that the tubes were in but, he was looking at her tonsils that they looked really bad. He suggested that they be taken out now because we would most likely be back to have them out. She was already under so we went ahead with removing the tonsils. This is new to me, I don't know what to expect. She came out of surgery wondering what was going on and wanting her mom. She had a hard time calming down because of the I.V. in her arm and wanted it off NOW! When they finally took the I.V. out she was able to calm down.
She was pretty miserable that 1st day and I thought that it was going to be a long 5 days. However, we are talking about Lexi, she was up and feeling quite well by the next day. In fact, I gave her a bath the next day and Grandma Johnson called to see how see was doing and I turned around to see Lexi jumping on my bed. I think I can safely say that she was doing A.O.K. I don't like my kids feeling sick so it was really hard to see Lexi hurting. I do however, like to cuddle my kids when they are sick. Well, cuddling with Lexi didn't last long, she recovered really quick!!
She is all back to normal jumping around with her brothers and having a grand old time messing up the house that I just tried to clean.

Duck-Duck-Goose

2007-01-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

I don't have a picture to go with this story.
I was folding clothes in the living room and the kids were at my feet, looking at books. I started to hear Porter talking but didn't really understand what he was saying until I turned around and saw that he was going around to Lexi and Garrett's head, tapping them. He was playing Duck, duck, Goose. I asked him if he was playing that game and he looked at me like, YEA!!! can't you tell. So we all sat down and played a little game of duck-duck-goose. When someone would call out Goose it didn't matter who they had touched on the head, Porter would jump up and start running around the circle.

Christmas Day

2007-01-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

On Christmas day we went down to the Johnson's for dinner and present exchange. Here is the whole gang. Garrett, Porter, Grandpa, Hunter, Grandma, Amber, Josh, Lance, and Lexi. The kids love playing with their cousins.

Some of the gifts from Grandma and Grandpa.
They look exactly the same, clothes and all.

Santa brought the kids Packer clothes (Santa must love the Packers as much as Phil!!) Garrett in his Farve #4 jersey, Lexi in her Pink Packer's cheerleaders outfit, and Porter in the Packers warm-ups.

This doll was kind-of scary because it looked like Lexi. It is as big as Lexi so sometimes you would glance down and you wouldn't know which was the doll and which was Lexi. I thought that these two pictures were priceless,
seeing that these two little boys hardly ever sit still.

Porter and Lance hanging out happily on the same chair.

Christmas Morning

2007-01-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

Christmas morning was so fun!! The kids actually slept in until 7:30 and had to be reminded that Santa probably came. They immediately ran downstairs to see what they got. It is so much fun having kids, everything was awesome to them and they couldn't believe their eyes. Santa was every good to these kids!!

Santa brought the kids some cereal that mom doesn't normally get and some little drinks that they had to have at breakfast. (oh well, it is Christmas, right!!)

Their cute pajamas are from Grandma Johnson, they got to open them on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve!!!

2007-01-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

For Christmas Eve we went down to my sister Alisa's house. It is always entertaining having 6 kids under the age of 4 1/2 running around the house. Here they are Kadie, Garrett, Kylie, Averi, Lexi, and Porter with their cute reindeer atlers on.

Showing off their gifts from their Grandparents.

Alisa and Chad gave Garrett and Porter this awesome semi-truck. I think Phil was more excited about this than the boys where. (Funny story...On Christmas day Phil told Garrett that the semi had to be keep out of Porter's reach so that it wouldn't get destroyed. He continued to tell Garrett that the semi was really special and that it needed to last for a long time. Garrett came up to me later that day with his Buzz Lightyear that he got from Santa, and told me that he needed to keep it up so that Porter couldn't get it because it is very special, and he didn't want Porter to destroy it.)Aunt Angie made these cute pillow cases for the kids.

If you look closely (well you don't have to look that close) Porter is ready to start the pillow fight. I think that it is interesting that is going for the one that is always trying to attack him--Payback time!!!

Christmas Eve

2007-01-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

I love these pictures so much. Christmas Eve was on Sunday so I had to take some pictures of the kids looking all dressed up in their cute church clothes.Lexi is 3, Garrett is 4 1/2, and Porter is 17 months.

Garrett thinks that Porter looks like the President in his suit.

These are some happy kids. I can't believe that they held still for 3 pictures in a row.
They are so much fun.

Seeing Santa

2007-01-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to see Santa 3 times this season. Really can you ever see Santa enough? My kids didn't think so.

Santa's flash on his camera went off at the same time, that is why it is so bright.

Porter's 1st time sitting on Santa's lap and not screaming

Our ward Christmas Party.

Porter was not too happy to see Santa.

Christmas was so fun this year. The kids are really catching onto the whole Santa thing. It has been fun using the good old "Santa is watching!!" line. I wonder how long we will be able to drag that one out.

Lexi's Birthday

2006-12-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile, can I just say Christmas season, that should make sense to everyone. Well we have a 3 year old in our house. Lexi's birthday was on Dec. 1st and she was so excited for her big day. We had some friends come over for a little party. They had a great time playing Duck Duck Goose, red light green light and pretending they were butterflies. That was the theme of the party, Butterflies. I made the cake along with cupcakes and they turned out pretty cute.
I love this picture because they look so cute. (They are getting so big!)
Then after the little friends went home, Grandpa and Grandma, Alex and Averi came for the party. We had a lot of fun especially Lexi.
Funny story--I wasn't sure if Lexi's cousin were going to come so when Lexi asked if they were coming I would say, "I'm not sure, I hope so" and then she would inform me that they were coming. As Lexi and Averi were playing on the floor with the toys, Lexi yelled to me, (in a very I told you so voice, "See mom, I told you Averi was coming!!"

Thanksgiving Time!!

2006-12-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving was great!! We were with Phil's family and this was the 1st year that it was just his immediate family. We were hoping to celebrate Thanksgiving with the whole Johansen clan, however, it didn't work out that way. It was a fun day and the kids love hanging out with their cousins.

That night we went and stayed with my family. Phil went four-wheeling with Troy the day after Thanksgiving. So we got to hang out at Grandma and Grandpa Buchanan's. These pictures are of the kids waiting for their Grandparents to wake up!!
Lexi had a great time playing with cousin, Averi.
Garrett loved Uncle Richard helping him build things with Legos.

Porter's Haircut!

2006-11-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Porter Boy got a haircut last Thursday. This is actually his third haircut but I haven't taken any before and after pictures until now. I can't believe how big he looks with his haircut!! Check out the BEFORE!!
And AFTER, What a STUD!!!
We go to Penny's to get his hair cut, she is so good with kids. Porter has figured out what is going on (because like I said this is his 3rd cut) so he made Penny work for her money. He was moving all over the place trying to see what she was doing. Over all he did a great job!! He is so cute!!

Discovery Toys!!

2006-11-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

If anyone is interested, I am having a Discovery Toys Party.
Thursday, Nov. 16th from 6-8 P.M.
It is an Open House so feel free to come any time between 6-8.
It is at my house and there will be treats also.
If you can't make it, and would like to order something or find out more about Discovery Toys let me know.
Hope to see you Thursday!!!

Porter The Monster

2006-11-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

I have to share a quick story that I don't want to forget. Phil and I got some Jazz tickets so we took the kids down to my parents for the evening. According to my mom this is the story... Garrett is the type of person that gets very involved in what he is doing and has to have things a certain way. He was playing with the Lego's in my parents family room along with his brother and sister. My mom was in the bedroom and could hear Garrett getting frustrated with Porter. Before my mom could get out to see what was going on she looked down the hall to see Garrett carrying Porter around the waist and Lexi following close behind (supervising as my mom puts it) coming towards the bedroom. Garrett carries Porter into the bedroom, deposits him on the floor as Lexi is closing the door. Porter is left in the room wondering what just happened. He gets over it for a second because he has found something else that he might be able to destroy but then realizes that the true fun is out in the family room and he can't get out there. Porter looks at my mom and gives her a look like, "I just want to go play, I'll be nice, can you help me?" Being the sucker that she is, my mom opens the door for Porter. Before she is even able to get out in the hall Garrett from the family room yells, "We don't want him in here!!!"
Now look at this picture, you tell me if he looks like a monster that would drive his brother and sister crazy?

St. George Marathon

2006-11-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

I know that this is not so recent however, I wanted to write about my experience in the St. George Marathon. October 7, 2006, I participated in the St. George marathon. I have many reasons for running the marathon; staying fit, making a goal and sticking to it, and being able to say I have run a marathon, but the real reason is that my dad encouraged me to do it. Driving down to St. George was stormy the whole way and even when we pulled into St. George it was raining. I really didn't want to run in the rain or wind, I was really quite nervous and had no idea what to expect. Dad, Phil and I drove the route and I kept thinking, "Where is the end??!!" Then there was Phil that was falling asleep in the back seat and said, "I am wore out just driving the 26 miles!" I stayed with mom and dad in the hotel that night and Phil stayed with the kids at our friends the Kabonics' in Toquerville.
The alarm went off at 3:20 A.M. and as I rolled out of bed, I thought, "what am I doing?" We met Scott Buchanan (my cousin) in the lobby and had a continental breakfast (it is hard to force food down at 4 in the morning and when you know that you will be running 26.2 miles in just a short time). We got onto the bus at around 5:30, it took about 45 minutes to get to the starting line. The race doesn't start until 6:45 A.M. so they have these fire pits (probably 50) that everyone just stands around trying to stay somewhat warm until it is time to line up for the race. They also have 100 port-a-potty lined up and you wouldn't think that with that many potty's that there would be a line but the line went on forever. We had to pill our clothes off about 10 minutes before the race started and that was probably the hardest part about the race, it was so cold I thought that I wouldn't be able to move if I took my warm-ups off.
Dad and I started off, it was dark and there was a full moon and not a cloud in the sky, what a perfect morning to run. It didn't take long for us to warm up and we had a great pace going. You would be so amazed at the people that raced. It was so crazy!!! At mile 7? we came to Vejo hill, this hill is the hill that everyone talks about when running the St. George marathon. It is a mile long and steep. We got to the bottom of the hill just as the sun was coming up over the top of the hill. I wanted to get to the top before the sun got there, a little more than half way up most everyone ends up walking because running doesn't get you up the hill any faster, so I walked and made it to the top without much sun on the hill. I can't believe how great my run was. ---A little footnote...At the beginning of July, I injured the side of my knee (my IT Band) while training. It hurt so bad, I had to take 2 weeks off of running and wasn't sure if I would be able to run at all because every time I tried to run it would start to hurt right around mile 4. I went to the doctor and he did an electro treatment and gave me some exercises to work on. Amazingly, I didn't have any more problems with my knee not at all.--- So to be able to run the marathon and not be having any knee problems was great!!! Right before mile 17 there is a downhill slope and I had to end up walking a little sooner then I wanted to because my knee did start to hurt.
Dad told me even before we started the marathon, that I could just take off if I needed to. I think that is crazy talk because, it is his fault that I'm doing this so I wanted to stick with him for as long as I possibly could. Right after mile 18, I turned around to see how my dad was doing (he was back about 10 feet) and I said, "Dad, how are you doing?" He said he was doing fine but that I could go if I needed to. No, I was fine. At 18.5 mile I turned around again and dad looked me straight in the eyes and said, “GO, JULIE! I want you to get the best time you possibly can!” As I tried to decide if I should go or stay and run with my dad I started to cry. I had come so far and I didn't really want to leave my running partner, but I also knew that he wanted me to do my best, so I went. I turned around and started running with tears running down my face. I really had a hard time leaving my dad, what a spiritual expericnce. My dad came in only 11 minutes behind me and says that this will be his last marathon.
I am so glad that I was able to run with him, he was such a great coach. We would run and would only stop at the water stations that were every other mile. I think that if I had not known that I would have not done as well. Your body kind-of needs that little bit of break so that it can continue on for 26 miles. The worst part of the race was the last 3 miles. The course had changed this year and so dad wasn't sure where it went so we didn't drive that part. So when I came to that part of the race it was unfamiliar to me. I knew that I didn't have that much farther so I wasn't going to stop, but every corner I would turn I thought I would see the finish line. I was dying, I just wanted to finish!! Finally I turned a corner and there it was (still 3 blocks away) but there it was and then I saw my family. They were so cute: first, my mom saw me, she must have been walking with Lexi to see if she could see me because as soon as she saw me, she turned around and took off running with Lexi, then I saw the rest of them, Phil, Garrett, Porter, Alisa and Chad. As I ran past them, the kids were cheering for me and I felt so good. I tried to sprint the last mile because I saw the time clock coming up on 4:20 and I wanted to make it there. I crossed the finish line at 4:20:01 (that was the start/finish time) My chip time (the official time) was 4:19:20, they have you put a chip on your shoe and it will start timing when you cross the starting line and stop when you cross the finish line. After the race Phil asked me if I was going to run another marathon? I think I will have to say Yes, it was an awesome experience!!!

Dancing With the Stars

2006-11-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

I have my own Dancing with the Stars at my house. We were watching the show (if you aren't familiar with Dancing with the Stars, it is ballroom dancing performed by stars that go through an elimination process each week) and Garrett and Lexi decided to start dancing. Phil and I had a blast just watching them dance around the family room. They didn't just dance for a couple minutes they continued to dance the whole show (1 1/2 hours) Okay, they probably only danced for half a hour but it was so cute to watch. Garrett would dip Lexi and then would try to twirl her around (she is not the easiest dance partner) he would also attempt picking her up in a lift. At one point they were dancing a slow dance, Garrett was following the show and trying to do what the dancers were doing, he would get after Lexi because Lexi had a different way of dancing (picture, jumping up and down in a wild type manner) It was hilarious to watch. Then Garrett and Lexi would come over to Phil and I and want us to critique them on their performance, and then would go behind the couch and ask for their scores (just like Dancing with the Stars). I didn't record it because it was too cute and I didn't want them to stop. I did however, record them the next time the show was on because they performed for us again.

I can't forget to mention Porter's dancing also. He is quite the little dancer. Picture Porter Boy marching in place with his hands punching in and out, and not to forget the big grin on his face. He always has to be like his brother and sister. He really does think that he is the same age as they are.

Halloween Fun

2006-10-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

We went down to the Mecham's for a Halloween Party!! It was a lot of fun and the costumes were great. Grandma and Grandpa even got into the fun of dressing up!! The kids love seeing their cousins.

Porter is our little lion (he has the growl to go with it), Lexi is a kangaroo, Garrett is Batman (of course), Julie the cat, and I bet you can't tell who Phil is...Larry the Cable Guy. For those that don't know who Larry is, look at Phil, that's Larry to a T (He dresses just like that)!!