Spencer, Stephanie, Sofie and Luke

Christmas, Birthday and New Years

2012-01-02T21:15:00.000-08:00

We had a crazy busy Christmas we visited 3 states in 6 days!

Our first night on the road for Christmas Shane and Sidni's house. The look on Sofie's face says it all about how excited for the holiday's she was!

Next night was actually a night out with the adults. We backpacked into a yurt in Idaho. This is a picture of my super cute/ tough sister-in-law, Steph, who is 8 months pregnant and backpacking. She just fits right into the crazy Johnson family!

Here is the backpacking clan. Spencer and 5 of his siblings and spouses.

This is a yurt. A large canvas tent with bunk beds and a fire place.

Who is this Mickey mouse?

Our brother-in-law just got back from deployment in Afghanastan brought this sweet pistol for us to target practice. Notice Spencer has the gun sideways- that's kill shot right there!

Our humble abode at night.

A little shot of the inside.

Christmas Eve and the Johnson's. It's tradition to do a Mexican dinner and piñata. The piñata this year was as big as Sofie!

Mexi staches!

ohh lala

the re-enactment

A final visit fro the "Old Man" before the midnight deliveries

Luke making sure to not look at Santa

Then we hoped in the car and drove to the Swendsen's in Utah, arriving late Christmas Eve. Here we are sporting our new PJ's.

The stockings after Santa filled them up.

Sofie so excited to see a little Jasmine head poking out of her stocking.

The beginning of a a wonderful day!

The thing she asked for Aladding DVD. Straight from Santa's work shop. Hence the different cover :)

Now this is hard to get on camera. Luke excited!

I can't tell if this is a look of excitement or a pirate face- arghhh matey.

We had to get them something to cart all their Christmas loot around in.

Sofie got to shop for us at school without us knowing what she was getting and she just got us the perfect gifts. It was so fun to see her so excited to surprise us. Here is Spencer with his football screw driver.

And she got me a little heart necklace. cute!

Loving these awesome road biking glasses Spencer purchased for me!

And of coarse we had to have an ugly sweater party! Loving my brother-in-laws beard he grew out and then shaved just for the event!

Aghh the picture perfect family. haha. My dad said this was the first time he had ever seen me comb Luke's hair. I think that might have been a subtle hint.

Well then it was off to Wyoming were Spencer worked for two days and while there he had a birthday! It was pretty uneventful and I didn't get any pictures but I did have a cute movie of Sofie wishing him a happy Birthday I tacked on at the end of the post. But I tried to make up for the lame birthday by inviting a few friends to go skiing when we got back so here are a few last pictures of our year in 2011.

Me and the girls, Sarah, and Megan.

Then New Years Eve was a blast!

Good bye 2011

This is a funny video of Sofie working out at the Hampton Inn while Spencer was working in Wyoming. She is also wishing him a happy birthday.

Pre Christmas happenings

2012-01-02T20:59:00.000-08:00

This would be Sofie and her cousin Kelsi after they raided Grandma Nancy's dress ups. Funny little kids!

We did a speed walk through Salt Lake Temple Square since it was FREEZING cold outside!

Grandma and Grandpa Swendsen

It was freezing but so pretty!

Oh, another shot of Sofie being silly.

Lukie

Well believe it or not Spencer shot some ducks!

"I'm too sexy for these waders...."

One of the many Santa visits

These two rangers were just a couple of the many people in the parade of lights in this here town of Grand Junction.

Thanksgiving

2012-01-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

We were so excited to have a bunch of Spencer's family come to town for Thanksgiving! Grandma and Grandpa Johnson, Brandon and Tina's family, Shane and Sidni, Jordan and Kelsi! Fun, fun!

This was the little rascal's table.

The adult table decor.

Ok the pictures are kind of in random order but this was at midnight on Thanksgiving AKA black Friday. This was the line for target! The doors to target would be just under the light in the right upper corner! CRAZY! But I still got everything I went in for but I did have to wait in line to checkout for 2 hours!!!! Totally worth it saved like $500, and didn't even spend $500!

Spencer finally talked me into getting a road bike and while his family was here we took it for a spin with Spencer and his little sister Kelsi. They both kicked my butt but it was fun!

Group shot.

another random shot of my mischievous 2 year old!

More table decor

we will "leaf" you with this cute little cousin shot.

Disneyland

2012-01-02T18:41:00.001-08:00

Well we finally did it. We went to Disneyland!

We didn't tell the kids we were going until the morning of our flight! Sofie was funny. I told her we had a surprise for her and asked her what she thought it was. First she asked if it was an iPhone. I said it was better than an iPhone and she got really excited and said "The whole entire dollar store!" Apparently she REALLY loves the dollar store. Then when we finally sat her and Luke down to tell them it was kind of anti-climatic. Sofie was excited but not over the top like I had imagined and Luke didn't even make a sound. Just sat there and stared. Maybe it the excitement just made him speechless. I tried to download the moment in video but it must have been too long because it wouldn't upload. Darn it.

The first day we were so lucky that Spencer's sister and her kids met us there! Disneyland with cousins is the best!

Luke and Kali- They could totally pass as twins

First Character encounter- Goofy! Sofie and Aubrey left their place in the ride line just to get this shot!

The first princess of many that we got to chat with. Somehow Rapunzel magically knew Sofie's name without her telling her. Sofie is still talking about that today! Brayden had to force a smile. He was not excited to be getting a picture with a princess!

A little festive family picture.

P-o-o-p-e-d!

It was fun to have all the characters in their Christmas attire.

Well we heard this princess was a hard one to track down so we feel lucky to have this as proof that we saw Belle!

This is where the princess infatuation all started, with this little beauty- Cinderella.

All the princess were sooo nice! They all called Sofie their "Friend". Rapunzel offered to take Sofie on a magic carpet ride if she ever found one and Ariel was so excited that one of the days Sofie had little mermaid on her shirt!

Goofy being goofy and signing the book on his nose.

ooooh

Whew- we found her. The princess she just had to see, Jasmine. We really had to hunt her down she was a tough cookie to find. Day one we saw here back side going into the cast room. Then the second day the same thing happened so we just camped our little selves outside the cast room until she showered herself! Things you do for your kids- right?

This was the usual response from Luke. Not near as excited as Sofie to see characters.

Buzz ride

Spencer talked Sofie into going on the star wars ride. Sofie was less than amused. I think it will be more exciting for Luke when he can go.

We went the first week of the Christmas decorations and we got to see them light the castle. Such a magical experience :)

Luke and Spencer on the train ride while Sofie and I waited in the Princess line.

Snow White. Well I feel like the trip was a success considering we hit up almost every princess except Tiana, Pocahontas and Mulan-

Sleeping Beauty

Silvermist- Tinkerbell's friend

Tinkerbell and Vidia. Sofie thought it might not be the real Tinkerbell because she "didn't look like the real one." I told her that she couldn't see the real Tinkerbell because real faries are to tiny.

Alice. Now here is a lady that can play the part. She was weird!

Sofie and her "Baby Jasmine" that she promised to always take care of. I have since found her forgotten all over the house.... and then Spencer couldn't resist getting Luke this little "Luke" Skywalker Mickey Mouse.

Buzz. The only way Luke would let us get a picture with a character was if we held him in it.

Jessie

/already taking after his dad. He's "checking the grill". I think he might be a braces candidate. What do you think :)

Cars

Back off Minnie, "He's taken!"

Work it girl

We stayed at the Howard Johnson and it was AWESOME! Not only was it super close to the park. It had a sweet little water park too!

After Disneyland we headed South to San Diego to spend some time with Kami, Spencer's sister.

While we were there we hit up Sea World! Lots of cool shows with the dolphins and whales!

"Cheese"

These were the only characters Luke was excited to see and they weren't even at Disneyland!

Sofie and her cousin's. Love this picture!

Two little heads poking out of the sand.

So this is why you are supposed to wear swim diapers hu?

And then the last day we were there Spencer's brother Daniel and his cute little family came and hung out with us and we ended the trip in the best way, girls trip with these awesome ladies to see Twighlight!

P.s. you might have seen my sister-in-law Kylie (in the white coat) before. Yep she was on the Ellen Degeneres show. Her and Daniel were given a Super nice car, and $6,000 of baby stuff! Yes this is a little claim to fame here!

Halloween 2011

2012-01-02T17:40:00.000-08:00

Here we are with our little Jasmine and Frankenstein this Halloween.

Mario brothers was the theme we went with for the Swendsen Halloween party. We had Mario, Luigi, Princess peach and Yoshi.

Here is the trial run for the church party. Jasmine with blond hair! What do you think, she should get some highlights?

Here is our little Frankenstein. This little guy won the church party costume contest. You can see why right!

Now here is the real deal. Halloween night. We upgraded to a black wig.

Here us Frankenstein with a green face on Halloween night.

"Cheese"

The pumpkins. This might be the 4th Halloween where Sofie wanted a cat carved. She is very consistent.

The after party, a black frosted donut!

Just some friendly witches and bees joining in on the fun.

The day's menu:

Breakfast- ghost cakes

Lunch: Mummy dogs and monster mouths

Dinner: Spaghetti and "eyeballs"

"Mummy!"

Little Halloween treats

Crazy hair day at gymnastics

Just a cute picture in the mix!

Just randomness

2012-01-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

So I had a bunch of just random pictures of the kiddos and so I am grouping them into one post.

Smoothie staches!

This is our theater room and theater seating!

Sofie's school pictures. 2011

So there is a little story that goes with this picture. Our little entrepreneur here was found gathering lunch meat, cheese and crackers and asking me for a dish to put them in. I thought she was just wanting it for a little snack. After she gathered the goods she headed out to the garage at night. After a while I got curious, wondering what she was doing out there. When I opened the door I found her riding around, in the dark, on her scooter yelling "Crackers, cheese, and meat for sale." Her awesome marketing earned her $2 (one from mom and one from dad!)

Our first snowman of the year. And just for the record Luke is cold that is why he is crying, not because he has pink pants on!

This was yet one more hike in our favorite little Colorado town, Ouray.

We camped over Labor day and thanks to our awesome friends were borrowed a camp trailer! Oh yes living the high life!

One more scenic vista of Ouray!

Girls night! Glitter toe party and Kathi's, super fun!

Happy Birthday Lukie!

2012-01-02T15:32:00.001-08:00

Time just flies when you have kids! Luke is already 2! And We had a party that was off the hook, thanks to our VIP guests- the Knights and Grandma!

Isn't it funny how many times the most favorite gift is the most insignificant, like this pack of gum that Luke was just so excited about!

"Cheese"

"Yea, Luke doesn't have to play with girl toys anymore!"

Just some cupcake monsters.... So our off the hook party was a glow-glow-in-the-dark theme

Here is the birthday boy in his glow in the dark bug glasses.

There was a killer glow-in-the dark dance party!

Everyone went home with lots of loot from the piñata.

whew, what a night!

This is a good time to record my two favorite things about Luke on his 2nd birthday!

1) Your little smile is so contagious. You are just a happy easy going kid!

2) Your excitement for the little things in life. Often I find you shouting out in excitement over little things like wanting to brush your teeth, or getting to watch cartoons, or eating snacks, etc. You just make life so much more fun! I love you and am so lucky to have you in our family!

A visit from our Knight cousin's

2012-01-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

We had a blast when the Knights drove down from Utah. Everyday we tried to pack something fun in and ware the five little rascals out. Friday when Grandma Nancy got done with work she drove down to join the fun too!

These pictures are actually in opposite order of "party" but whatever- (as Sofie would say). We did a fun hike to the monument this day, which was actually Luke's birthday!

Here are the ladies and kids. We actually had to hike vertically to get to this little nook!

"Cheese" (this is Luke's look in most any picture because this is how he wrinkles up his face when he says cheese! hehe)

Well hello little lady

What a three headed turtle?

Here is trouble!

Girl power

Learning from the master, hehe.

Hold it, hold it.... This was a different hike in our favorite little Ouray town. So Beautiful!

To adventure and beyond.

A trip to the pool was also in the agenda.

Along with a late night almost every night. Which I don't really get. I mean we wore these kids out. And they still had enough energy to get stay up late!!! Cousins, they are the best!

The wedding

2011-09-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Spencer's Brother Shane tied the knot on 9-10-11. Awesome date they for sure won't forget. I had pulled the camera out in the hotel the night before to make sure it was all fired up ready to go and I caught this cute face on camera.

Doesn't this just make you laugh, I can't pin point what is the funniest the double chin, the

1800 parliament looking hair or those cute little white ivory's under that pudgy little nose. He just makes me smile.

These two cousin's are 2 months apart and could be mistaken for twins!

All the Johnson girls minus Tina's girls and the newest member, the bride of the day -Sidni.

Kelsi- Spencer's youngest sibling and I had almost the same dress so we had to get a photo together. I had to get a photo of the dress just because it was so hard to find a dress for some reason.

Doesn't he look like a little Albert Einstein with the hair and bow tie!

Luke and Jordan- Spencer's youngest brother. He is single ladies :)

Our little ham- Sofie. I wish I had it on video while I was talking her pictures- she was working it!!! Moving her shoulders and head, so funny!

another cute photo

The whole Johnson Clan. It seems pretty big but imagine in 10 years when everyone is married and everyone has kids!!!

These 3 boys just cracked me up. Well we know what they were thinking "Are we done yet?"

The super cute bride. Sidni. Loved her dress!!!

Shane and his Bro's and Bro's in law. I think they were asked to make a funny face. . . Maybe Spencer is the only one that heard that hahaha.

Totally hilarious watching the kids rock the night away at the reception. I didn't even get a good picture of the star of the floor little Brayden Banks. Probably because I was laughing too hard. These kids really cut a rug!

Grandma and Grandpa with all the grand kids. Except the one in the oven (Jayson's).

oh, I think someone had a little too much to drink when it was all said and done.

Most of August

2011-09-16T13:03:00.001-07:00

Well the travel log continues. . . If you are tired of reading about our hikes, bikes, and drives imagine how tired I am of packing, unpacking, doing laundry etc. But totally worth it to make all these memories with our kids before they are busy with sports and friends!

A day trip to Glenwood springs is where this trip is going. . .

and a hike to hanging lake. We hit up the huge natural hot spring swim pool when we were done!

Some resting hikers we stumbled upon :)

You know it's a popular trail when they have benches along the way. Which was really nice since we forgot the baby hiking backpack for Luke.

We went with Spencer to Rock Springs Wyoming. He goes there once a month to work so we tagged along this time. We had 2 days to fill our time while dad worked. Let me tell ya there isn't much to do in Rock Springs Wyoming at least that we could find. But we did have a little surprise for Dad after work one day when we had gone to the mall and Sofie suddenly decided to get her ears pierced! She was so brave she didn't even cry, flinch anything!

There they are, the little beauties! And I am not talking about the lips lined with leftover whopper from the movie we went to!

After Wyoming we headed up to the cabin in Island Park Idaho. It was a Blast. My sister Kathi's family met us up there as well as Kami and her family, Kelsi and Jordan (Spencer's siblings) and Grandma Jaylene and Grandpa Evan. The funny thing is I didn't even get a picture of what we did most. Play in/ at the lake. I think I was worried about the camera getting dirty.

Funny little Boston.

Asleep at last. The cousins stayed up so late at the cabin. I am not sure how I caught them sleeping on camera.

The lack of sleep caught up with her on the ride home!

Once we got back, it was back to the grind. Here is Sofie on her first day of School!

So the next weekend was a trip to Breckenridge to watch the USA Pro cycling race. Once again way cooler than I initially thought it would be. All the big names that raced the Tour de France where racing. Andy Schleck, Levi Liveheimer, Cadel Evans. . . We went early to get a good spot and it was funny there are so many cars and motor bikes before the bikers came we kept thinking they were almost here and then is would just be another round of cars and motorbikes.

That didn't keep this little on looker from having fun!

Or this one either. . . What? . . . There were lots of crazies dressed up. Just like the Tour De France.

Finally they came rushing around the corner. At one time the announcer said they were going 64 MPH when they were coming down the mountain, and on these tiny little tubes of air with only inches separating them from other riders. . . and Death! SCARY!

Aghh precious! Mother and daughter in the wild flowers.

Family snapshot in the mountains of Breckenridge.

Finishing it off with a dancing duo.

Middle end of July

2011-09-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

Middle of July we actually took a little break from traveling and did the usual summer stuff. . . . swim, swim, swim.

Sofie had swim lesson's that have just turned her into a little fish. She has become such a better swimmer this year. Here she is waiting in line to go off the diving board for the first time.

I can't believe she went of with out a little shove.

So Spencer found this little baby bird in our back yard while the kids were playing in the sprinklers. It was soaking wet and couldn't fly so Sofie had so much fun holding it and petting it. I well expected to wake up in the morning and find it in the yard killed over but nope it wasn't anywhere to be found, hopefully it dried off and flew away instead of dead in the neighbors yard.

Luke in his summer swim attire. These little floaties are so hideous but so awesome for swimming!

Cutie!

What he likes even more than swimming is playing in the sand/ mud!

Oh . . .Surprise!

I just had to get a picture of this little chef. Seriously he has an obsession lately with cooking. I was doing some stuff on the computer when I realized the erie silence that accompanies the phrase "What is Luke doing" when I found this happy little rat or should I say ratatouille!

One other thing he loves besides cooking right now is "bootz". Unfortunately his boots are now 2 sizes too small so I found him in his P.J.'s wearing Sofie's boots around just besides himself he was so happy to have "bootz" on.

Well the summer fun staying at home only lasted a few weeks and it has been "on the road again since then." This trip to Utah to see Susie come home from her LDS Mission (1 1/2 yrs in Germany) we hit 200k miles in our Honda!

A building company in Utah has replicated the "Up" house. They got special permission from Disney and it is decorated and everything like the movie! So we took Grandma and checked it out!

Cousin's gone wild! These two girls came up stairs just giggling so hard, they just thought they were so funny thinking this idea up!

And here we are awaiting the arrival of Susie from Germany. . . .

. . . . and waiting. I asked them to make a "I'm sick of waiting face", and apparently Shelley makes the same face when she is sick of waiting as she does when she is on the toilet. . . hahah

Luke got so sick of waiting he laid down on the floor. . . we waited for a long time!

And just as everyone was about to leave for a restroom break she popped through the doors when no one had a camera ready. Isn't that how it always happens?

Here is the welcoming crew, and the sad Sister Swendsen. She was so sad to leave Germany! At least that's what she told us. I am hoping it's not because she didn't want to come home.

When she left we lived a plane ride away. Now we live a 4 hr. drive away. We are excited to get more Susie in our lives.

So we got back in the car and went straight to Crestted Butte Colorado where we met up with some friends from Oklahoma. Spencer went out one morning to check out a mountain bike race going on and found this big surprise. A Bear!

Who's this little stow away?

The dog cracks me up!

While we were there it was announced the night before the race that Lance Armstrong was in town and was going to race!!! We actually saw Lance Armstrong mountain bike race in real life! Seriously was way better than I thought it would be seeing him in real life!

ummm hu. Almost as nice as seeing Spencer in spandex :)

Just kept snapping the camera. It's like I couldn't stop. There were many more I am not even posting! I didn't even know I liked Lance that much!

Oh shoot how did this picture of me getting off my bike get in here? hahahahah. . . I wish

Those legs actually belong to this lady, Rebecca Rousch. Best Female mountain biker in the world (at least she won the world solo cup). She signed my flip flop, even though she was slightly disgusted to do it.

Us and the Phillips. What a fun weekend!

July 4th

2011-09-16T12:21:00.001-07:00

The places to see around Colorado just never end. We just can't get enough of all this fun!

We met up with Brandon and Tina in Telluride Colorado for the 4th. Soooo beautiful! We actually went on this hike and it started out all nice and sunny and then on the way down it was like a downpour and we were so unprepared. The little kids were crying and we were sopping wet and just running with whatever kids we could pick up down the mountain. It makes me laugh just remembering it.

Kids fishing at the fishing pond in the telluride park

This waterfall was sooo huge we were so far away from it and could still got wet!

Jayson and Steph also came and so we traded off a boy's ride and then a girls ride. Which is a funny story since Jayson got a flat tire and used the last tube so when the girls were going to go we were warned to get a new tube. I said "I have never had a flat tire and have been biking for 9 year. We aren't that crazy . . . " Well I ended up eating my words and got a flat. Luckily Spencer gave me a patch kit that took way longer than it should have to fix it and then when I got a 2nd flat after that I ended up walking my bike down! Was still fun!

3 Johnson Bro's

Middle end of June

2011-09-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

So we met up with our fellow Buckeye friends the Luff's, Lee's and Frandsen's, and had a little reunion at Lake Powell. It was soo fun and for sure too short. It is so nice to have friends that when you are apart for years it's like you never missed a beat when you get back together.

Couldn't resist getting a photo of Luke on the Tube with his hair blowing in the wind hahaha.

This is me and my mad skills trying to jump the wake. .weak, I know I need to work on that.

The little girls who could have spent all day in the lake playing princess, queens, witches whatever little thing crossed their cute little mind. It was so fun to see them all together years later!

From left to right Avery Luff, Sofie, Hannah Lee and Peyton Frandsen.

The big girls and the little boys- Charlie and Luke. Oh man just looking at this picture makes me so grateful for such good friends and examples in my life.

. . . .and the crazy boys. This trip we could say boy's will be boy's. Boy's sore from trying to wake board like they are still in their early 20's, cliff jumping, burning gasoline in an attempt to scare off fire ants. Something never change.

This is Spencer doing a back flip. It's a lot cooler on video than in a picture!

So our friends the Luff's stopped by Grand Junction after Lake Powell and some how I didn't even get a picture of us all together but we went on a couple of hikes and managed to get a couple shots of the Johnson crew. This is at a waterfall in Ouray, Colorado.

This is at the monument which is like 15 min from our house. We actually saw a rattle snake on this trail!

One little birthday present I forgot to mention- tickets to Country Jam 2011. 3 big singers Sawyer Brown, Rodney Atkins and Best of all Alan Jackson. yeeehaaaw!

End of May early June. . .

2011-07-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

Well the month of June started out with the Swendsen clan getting together. Everyone was there except Spencer, Jim (Annie's husband) and the two missionaries, Susie and Eric. So Mom had a photographer come and take a photo of the moment!

Here is 8 of the 10 kids. Good lookin clan if I must say so myself.. . . but where are the kids everyone is so grown up!

This is more like it! And the memories of borrowing clothes without asking, the bossing around, the laughs and the cries. . . .

The almost whole clan!

Grandma had sent Sofie catapillars that turned into butterflies so we broght them to Utah with us and let them go into Grandma's flowers! (Minus the 1 that didn't make it out of the cacoon and the one that didn't make it alive to Grandma's- oops)

Who are these monkey's- All the girl cousin's

The big even that brought us all together. My littlest sister Shelley grad-gee-ated high school!

Oh this little turtle doesn't fit in his shell.

Fianlly punished for their crimes. . . too much candy, being mean to their siblings the list goes on.

Sofie getting a pony ride with her cousin's at Thanksgiving point. Sofie said her horse's name was "Banilla"

I am probably the only person that was excited to turn 30. I mean when you look like you aren't even 20 and you tell people you are 30 it's amusing. I wish I looked more like my age, so I could stop getting crusty looks at the grocery store like I am a high school knock up but oh well Whatcha going to do?

I know what you are saying "What? Why does she have a picture of her and Spencer in bath robes in a hotel room". Well I just had to document the funnest birthday ever! Spencer really out did himself this year. Friday, the day before my birthday, he came home early and I was really tired so I asked if he could watch the kids while I took a little nap. When I woke up my little sister Emily was at our house- which I had no idea about and was suprised since she lives 4 hrs away in Utah. Then Spencer said. "Ok Emily is here to watch the kids, get in the car and lets go." Surprise he had planned this little weekend getaway to this quaint little town in Colorado called Ouray which is know for it's natural hot springs. So this little hotel was built on top of a place they call the "Cave" which is a natural hotsprings in a cave. It was sooo hot I couldn't even get in. Spencer got in for a second and his skin was a lobster color. Well, then they had a nice swim pool/ hot springs outside which was georgeous becuase it is right in a bowl of mountains with waterfalls all over! The robes were provided by the hotel and was what you were to sport around in- I think I needed a kids size though! Anyways we were lounging out in the pool when a lady came and snuck me away for a massage- one more little suprise Spencer had arranged. It was like the perfect little vacation!

The next day we went on a few hikes to some waterfalls. It was the perfect time to go since all the snow was melting and the waterfalls were so big.

So we went to the Grand Junction farmers market and I had decided that I would give sofie $5 and tell her that was all she got for the night so she could by food, candy toy's whatever but it had to be $5 or less and once it was gone there was no more! So she decided that she was going to spend her money on face painting and just to give you an idea of how set this little girl gets on things. She stood in line for almost 2 hrs to get this done. I tried finding other things to change her mind, cotton candy, jewlery but no she had to get her face painted. What even made it worse was that as soon as we were done it was like 9:00 pm way past her bed time so I normally would have went home and washed it right off but I let her sleep with just trying to feel like we got our time and money's worth.

Cute conversations

2011-07-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

Well I finally got our blog posts from 2010 made into a book and I just have had all these cute conversations I've heard from Sofie that I want recorded. I'm only sad that I didn't put them on the blog sooner because I think I forgot some and I wanted them in our book!
Anyways 2 of Sofie's bestest friends stayed the night when there were driving from Okie to Pokie haha. Anyways June and Winnie came for a sleepover and Sofie was so excited and just besides herself with all the things she had to catch June and Winne up on since it had been 6+ mo. since we saw them last. So they had settled down for the night and I was in her room putting a few last things away when I heard Sofie giving the latest list of her new friends she made here in Colorado she said "So first there is Teegan and she is so LOVABLE and just so fun you would love her. Then there is Courtney she is ADORABLE and just cute she is the best. . . ." I know there are a few adjectives I am missing due to the time laps but I just cracked up. Only 4 and having such girl talk, I guess it's just something we are born with.
Then there is this "dirty" story but I just have to put it so it is can still bring laughs through the years. So yes I still wipe Sofie's bum when she goes #2. I have tried to get her to do it but she just doesn't want to give up the intimate time together. . . I guess. Anyways one day she had done her business and yells "Mom I need you to wipe I'm done and I went number 2". So I go in and wrap the paper around my hand and as she is totally bent over the toilet with me going in for the gig she suddenly says "Surprise, it's diarrhea!" I was like "Ohh what a fun surprise. . . " Well what can i say she loves to surprise me for better or worse! She has this infatuation with diarrhea lately I don't know why but she gives me updates on the deed by saying things like "I think I have diarrhea because I didn't have to go. . and then she makes this strenuous face and a pushing sound." Or she tells me what kind of poop Luke is going to have. . . "Mom I think Luke doesn't have diarrhea because he went and then does the strenuous face and sound thing"
So Sofie is our little miss priss so it just makes me nervous for what is going to come out of Luke's mouth when he talks!!!!
Here is another little addition to funny things my kids say. So I had a ton of errands to run yesterday and it included a trip to the mall. I pile all my errands up until I have to do them because Sofie will drive me crazy asking me for any little thing with a princess. I also had to get birthday gifts for kids so I HAD to go to the toy isle so I knew it was going to be inevitable that she ask me for stuff. So I tried to come up with a positive solution for a negative problem and before we even went into the store I tole her if she didn't ask for anything I would get her an ice cream. Well I let the first like 5 attempts slide by when I finally thought it's time I stick to my word and I put my foot down and said OK you have been asking me for stuff so no ice cream. Well then came the tears and the begging. . ."Please I will not ask anymore. I want a second chance. I won't do it anymore. . . . " but I remember someone telling me once to let your kids fail early in life or they will have a hard time later in life. So I thought no I have to stick to my guns here. Well when Sofie figured her begging and crying wasn't going to work she said "Fine, but when I get older I am not going to come home and visit you." I couldn't believe she was threatening me like that- she isn't even 5yrs old yet!!! I said that's mean to say and she told me it was mean for me to not give her ice cream. Well I hope it was just anger in the moment because I would hate for her to never come home because of a small ice cream incidence :) kids!

Mexico

2011-07-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

So happy belated graduation, happy anniversary just happy days to us. In May we treated ourselves to a Little Vacation in Playa Del Carmen Mexico. We met some good Friends the Lee's there and just had a BLAST! It was our first time in an all inclusive resort and I have to say that made it sooo much fun. There was soo much to do just at the resort kayaking, catamaran, wind surfing, volleyball, dancing, all sorts of contests etc. Plus it was a really small resort so it was fun getting to know the workers.

So Day 1 was actually mother's day and I am sad Spencer is closing his eye's but isn't that how it goes- like so hard to get a picture where you both are looking ok. Anyways such a good mother's day considering I got a full body massage on the beach- aghh that was nice.

Spencer did multiple wind surfing lessons and was getting pretty good. I tried it and it was a lot harder than it looks.

Spencer was a sucker and got peer pressured into multiple contests. Here he is in the swim contest. He made it past the first round and beat the German by a hair but he was no match for the others. I think the funniest contest he did was the belly flop contest.

The beach at our resort- doesn't it just look like it's from a postcard!

Us and the Lee's at Senior Frogs'

Aghh this is the life isn't it. No kids demanding my attention. No laundry calling my name just pure relaxation!

So we did this WAY fun excursion at this newly developed tourist trap called Explor. It was so fun! We did 14 zip lines- some where we went in the water, we floated in cenotes (underwater caves with stalactites and stalagmites and crystal clear water), we rafted, we drove amphibious vehicles it was just fun!

Amphibious vehicles

Us and the Lee's once again

Another little adventure we went on was to this beautiful little cove where we snorkeled and floated this river that went into this cove. We also did a little cliff jumping.

Spencer looking his best in front of Tulum an ancient Mayan ruin that was right by the Ocean that was more of a port city where people came in from Europe or wherever to trade with the Mayans who mostly lived in another part Mexico so the Mayans would have to meet here to trade and then carry whatever they would trade for back into their towns which were miles away and hotter than hot!

Another lovely couples shot.

We saw these little critter's all over the place down there.

I know you were look for a swim suit shot so here you go. . .

Here is our little fish in the tub with the snorkels' we brought back.

2011-04-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

We made 2 trips to Moab in April one with the Swendsen's one with the Johnson's. Here are the little rascals (and 1 big rascal) getting ready for a fire.

mmm read dirt mixed with snot. So don't judge me because of the pumpkin pie hair cut. Spencer and I are in cahoots about what to do with it (Spencer does not want me to cut it)

Here we are all- the little ant looking things under the arch

The whole gang- yes it was very windy-

My cute sister Mary doing an Easter egg hunt with Sofie- just what you need when you are camping- more sugar!!

This is a trip we took to see Grandma Nancy- at Thanksgiving point.

"All Aboard"

Plum tuckered out! This is what you call shop till you drop, since we were hitting up shops all afternoon.

We are LOVING all the time we get to spend with family now that we live a days drive away. I took the kids up to Idaho to Grandma Jaylene's while Spencer's sister's kids were there so grandparents and cousin's can't beat that! This is Luke and Kalli 2 mo. apart. They look so similar!

Sofie rock climbing at blast off. She barley fit into the harness, in fact she didn't really fit and was way below the weight limit so it was just fine that she only made it like a foot up!

Snow in April- Idaho is so unpredictable. None of the kids had snow clothes so they are sporting whatever clothes aunts and uncles had left at home.

After Idaho we stopped in Utah once again for my cute niece's baptism. This is grandpa getting sabotaged by Kelsi and Sofie during the party afterwards.

Jayden and Sofie on the big day

We also got to see these little aliens in a dance competition

Next weekend my lil sister and her hubby came for a visit. We thought we would take on a little snowshoe adventure you know an hour or so. . . 4 hours later we found our way back. Lucky the kids were good sports and my pregnant little sister didn't even complain one time!

So this is what 4 hours of snowshoeing and not putting the sunscreen on evenly will do to a kid. I know this could qualify for worst mother of the year award!!! Poor little guy. I had to miss church just because I didn't want people thinking I was bringing a diseased child around- someone at the park did ask if he was sick.

So after the snowshoeing we sat back and relaxed to a motor cross ordeal at the fair grounds. When we got there they had like 3 year olds out on these tiny little bikes and we were like "Oh how cute, we should get Luke one of those." We ended up slashing that idea when we say the teenagers come ripping out and having all sorts of scary accidents.

Our little Picasa. This is Sofie and her first shown (at her school) piece of artwork titled "Rapunzel" (are you even surprised at the name) She is left handed so expect to see a lot more of this high quality art work make it's way to the wall/ fridge.

Happy Easter- the Easter bunny had hidden some Easter eggs around the house with some clues aka. jelly beans (this is for anyone who has seen hop :)

More outdoors

2011-03-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

I am apologizing for being redundant with the post's. You might be bored of looking at our blog and seeing same story different day. I just make this blog into a book and want all these pictures and memories in it.- Sorry

We will start with the skiing this post. We met up with Spencer's 2 brother's families' Jayson and Brandon and had a fun weekend Skiing and hanging out by A-basin. I have to say I'm really sad ;) that Jayson went skiing the day before we got there and popped his rib out and so he ended babysitting for us on Saturday so it was a 100% adult fun run day- darn it!

Then Spencer and Brandon went on a crazy ski trip to a place called Sliverton. They had to ride the lift then hike and it was a guided thing and they had to wear avalanche beacon's, yada yada yada. Glad to report everyone made it back safely!

Here are some random pictures of our little monster Luke. He is at such a hard busy age but also doing so many cute funny little things. So when I say hard it's for things like constantly getting in the fridge. I had made some brownies one day and I hear Luke in the kitchen making a grunting noise- so I run in to see what he could possibly be doing and he's walking around with the 9x13 glass pan of brownies he had pulled from the fridge. So one night we were in the living room having family home evening when look comes in just eating away at a baked potato he had helped himself to- I finally got a fridge lock. I'm just wondering how long until he figures that out.

He also is obsessed with sunglasses. He will wear those things forever without taking them off. Even if it's night and I'm sure he can hardly see anything.

The weather here has been low 60's so this past weekend we tried to take advantage of the perfect temperatures. We went hiking with the kiddos. They loved it, even Luke was a hiking fool. He would get so mad if we tried to pick him up at all. Then Sofie is turning into a little Sherpa we were hiking for 3 hours and she never got tired or anything!

Spencer didn't think I could make it up to this little cave which was really ridiculous because after I did our little 4yr old Sofie scaled the rock and made it up too.

I don't know how long I will be allowed to leave this picture up so I hope everyone gets a peek :) Spencer being a dork! He makes you laugh doesn't he.

Last but not least biking. So we got a sitter and hit the trails here around town. So nice to get out with Spencer and not have to worry about the kids! So fun.

Lately

2011-02-15T18:53:00.000-08:00

I'm not trying to rub it in to my friends in Oklahoma or Ohio or anything but we just can't get enough of the outdoors here, just think of it as an invite:). For the past 4 weekend we have been able to venture out and just do fun things. I don't have pictures of everything but 1st my Sister's family came for a visit so we took the kids on a fun little hike. Of coarse I "let" my sister take all the pictures and then I don't have any to post but we did the same hike the day before with just us and the kids so here is a picture of that. Then Spencer and I got a sitter and went mountain biking the next weekend. So I used to really enjoy this sport- before we started Dental school- so like 6 1/2 yrs and 2 kids later I am realizing that I am a pansy. I'm going to have to brush up on my biking skills but it was still a blast.

The next weekend mom, pop's and my little bro. Andy came for a visit so we jumped in the car and drove 1 1/2 hours to Moab where we spent the day hiking around Arches park.

Fun Grandparents.

"Hercules" "Hercules"

Sofie was so excited to see "Pocahontas's" Indian writings. (Notice that she is wearing Luke's P.J. bottoms since she spilled water all over and that's all we had available.)

The Arch landscape in the background.

A bunch of pooped hikers.

Valentine's day was so fun. I love that it was on a Monday so we kind of celebrated all weekend and then ended with all the fun stuff for the kids. First we started off the holiday weekend by going snowshoeing with the kids on the Grand Mesa. It is sooo beautiful there, and it had just snowed early that week with blue skies and the sun was shinning. It was like pristine conditions! We actually all came back sunburned.

The kids did really good. Sofie started with snowshoes but only made it to the trail head before she noticed Luke getting pulled in the sled and then that was the end of that, but she still had so much fun getting pulled on the sled. Luke he was a pretty good sport too considering that we were show shoeing for 3 hours. I found out how long a sucker can last anyways. Then the last part of the trail he was plum tuckered out and you can see in the picture how he is bent over- he was passed out. All that work sitting in the sled just got the best of him.

So this was the excitement Monday morning the kids woke up to. Even nice little packages and valentines from some of our friends in OK and family- Thanks. We got Luke a $5 thrill- golf clubs. I don't know why for one second I thought that would be a good idea when I saw it all cute in the packaging (maybe because Spencer was with me:). I know I will regret it one day- real soon. I say this after a real hard week with this little guy, like when he somehow- I still don't know because I swear I went around the house early the week and collected all the sharpies, but he found one and for the 5 min. I was on the phone managed to color all over the wood floors and the walls- in a house we are renting. Yeah!

Sofie had her first school valentine party and was so excited about each and every valentine people gave her. She just thought it was so funny that boys gave her valentines with dinosaurs and cars- i.e. she said "That's silly Jacob gave me a dinosaur valentine. I'm not a boy." She obviously had two separate valentines for the girls and boys that she gave out. I have to say with all the valentines she had to give this year she is now very good at signing her name.

Life rewinded part I

2011-01-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

I have to start this out, with what so far, in our married life, is Spencer's biggest accomplishment. As of Dec. 9th 2010 Spencer is an Orthodontist. 10 1/2 years of School has finally come to an end. Though as exciting as it was, it had to be the most stressful time of our lives, trying to figure out where to go next, where was the best place to take our family etc? I get anxiety just sitting here thinking about it. Though I feel as stressful as it was we have been really blessed with the friends and family that has helped us through the process. We are excited to now call Grand Junction, Colorado our home for now. After these graduation pictures everything is kind of a hodgepodge of events in and out of order, hope you enjoy. And there is a second posting underneath for all the evens we couldn't fit into one posting.

2010 OU Orthodontics graduating class. Dan, Raj, Spencer, and Joe

The Ladies- soo happy- no more school. Cherisse, Kristin, Steph, Jeana

Kristin and I. We spent so much time together while our husbands were galvanting around "conferences" and spending time at the school. I loved all our walks and talks. Going to miss you!

More fun wives who I love and miss- Christina and Sarah

All the ladies/ girlfriend from all the 3 years of residents.

I now have soo many good friends all over the United States. I really feel so lucky to meet so many really amazing people through this whole journey!!

Gift bags from the faculty

The Johnson dinner party.

For a graduation gift my friend Kristin and I had a brunch with our friends and family that traveled for the big event and to say good job.

Spencer with his Mom and Pop's

A little graduation pop for a party favor.

The Cake. Isn't is so cute and just perfect for the event.

My mom who is super crafty and helped me with those cute pops.

Yeah!!- Our kids were here. We don't have any pictures of us with our kids on graduation day. I'm the worst mom!

Well, doesn't it look so official. Here is the sign in front of Spencer's new office.

A little jump back to the holiday season (for Christmas festivities refer to the following post.) Talk about a reality check- go snowboarding with your little sisters, (one still in high school) and then you realize how old and frail you are getting. But so fun!

Blast from the past. We were so lucky to get to see some of our most favorite friends the Frandsen's and Lee's. Oh so many nights in dental school spent with these ladies- that's how we made it through!

The guys. With our kids not around it was almost like nothing had changed. A late night fun of laughs and fun.

This was a family picture of us in our favorite winter outfit. . .

AKA ugly sweater party. No that is not a neck brace on Spencer, just a turtle neck :)

How we have spent our last week- trying to put our lives back together here in Colorado.

A little fun in our back yard

We moved only 4 hours from family, we hadn't even been here a week and Grandma has already been to visit- so glad to be closer!

We have already had a lot of really big 1st in the last week. Spencer's first big day of work as an orthodontist. Sofie's 1st day of preschool- and . . .

Sofie lost her 1st tooth. It happened so quickly. I feel so ill prepared. I haven't really talked to her about the tooth fairy or prepared a little tooth party like I wanted. Last night I noticed she had a wiggly tooth. Spencer just couldn't believe it since it's sooo early. Then today she was eating her lunch when we heard a crunch and Sofie said "There is something crunchy in my food." Reached into her mouth a pulled out her tooth. I don't even know the going rate for a tooth these days? Any advice will be gladly excepted.

Well this is not all of the last couple months. . continue on to the next post for more. (You might want to take an intermission break, it might be longer than this one.)

Life rewinded part II

2011-01-13T09:42:00.000-08:00

These events are pretty much in reverse chronicle order. That's how the pictures were downloaded and I have to leave it that way or I'll never get this post done.

Spencer had his 32nd birthday. We were at the Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's residence to celebrate and it's one of their family traditions that everyone says something nice about you on your birthday. It was the one day in like 17 years (that was pulled out of my rusty memory) that every single person including in-laws and grandchildren were there and it was only for one evening so lucky Spencer got to hear a lot of nice things from all his nice family members!

I didn't get enough pictures of Sofie and her cousin's but she had sooo much fun with all her cousins.

Christmas morning with the long awaited Santa stash. She was so excited she stayed up soooo late in her bed listening for Santa's reindeer. I thought she was never going to go to sleep.

Dentist Barbie from G & G Swendsen.

Finally some boy toys. I don't know who will enjoy this more Spencer or Luke. Spencer and his 5 brothers always had a game of pig going on in the house since Luke got this for Christmas.

So I have to record this story for the history books. So Christmas day we went tubing on Taylor Mountain behind the Johnson residence. The hill was pretty big and pretty steep so we had been only going about 1/2 way up the hill to sled down. Well I was at the bottom pulling Luke on the sled (that cute girl in the photo is not me it's my sister-in-law Kelsi). Meanwhile my sister-in-law and a Johnson cousin had decided to go all the way to the top and come down. They started barreling down the hill. When I looked up they were coming straight at Luke, who was laying belly down on the sled. Everyone started screaming and I yanked on the sled trying to get him out of the path of destruction but when I pulled on the sled it slid right out from under Luke leaving him in the path, not on the sled. Things happened so fast I remember thinking "Oh my gosh he's going to get run over" by the time I thought that it was already done. A huge tube with 2 adults on it pounded over the top of Luke. I'm not talking grazing him or over his legs or only part of his body I am talking completely over him. He came flipping out the back in a huge flurry of snow with his boots and socks flying off. I ran as fast as I could to pick him up. Luckily I heard him crying and knew he was alive. His cheeks had some minor scraps and were bleeding a little bit and he was a little glazed over for the next couple of hours but other than that he had no injuries. I keep re-living the moment and it was like a bad nightmare it happened so fast. Spencer said he has never felt so much rage as he did seeing them head straight into Luke. It was so scary. I'm just so grateful he was ok. Now that it's over I just think add it to the list. . . Spencer getting hit by a car, Luke getting run over on the tubing hill. aghhh!

Here is the survivor Luke with Santa, not real thrilled. . .

Unlike his sister Sofie who didn't miss a beat getting on Santa's lap.

So here they are the two boy cousins that were born 4 days apart. This is at the first part of the week. Notice Luke was picking on Noah. Well Noah figured out how to stand his ground and by the end of the week if Luke crouched in on his territory Noah went up and gave Luke a little shove- basically saying- stay back this is mine.

Temple square visit with the Swendsen family.

Candid of the kids.

Sofie was a little dare devil with the sledding. She loved sledding and would be so sad when it was time to go.

Snowman with a Sofie head in Grandma's yard.

On the trip from OK to UT we stopped for a couple days in Colorado Springs to hang out with Spencer's brother and his family- Here is me and my super tough sister-in-law Tina. She took Spencer and I up the incline. It's like stairs straight up a mountain- killer! I think it's like a mile long- but don't quote me.

Here we are at the top.

Oh what's that little thing in the packing box?

Sofie's last day of gymnastics with Coach Andrea.

A last girl's night out with some of my really fun friends from Oklahoma City. Oh, this picture makes me miss Oklahoma so much. I really have learned soo much from these girls and feel so blessed to have them as friends.

So this is Spencer and Sofie at a Oklahoma City Thunder NBA basketball game. There is a funny story that goes with this. You know how you tell your kids they can't eat too much candy or they will get a belly ache? Well Spencer let Sofie have free reign to treats and popcorn this night and in the middle of the night I heard Sofie say "My tummy hurts" I knew what was coming and dragged her into the bathroom just in time for the vomit to make it into the toilet. Turns out it's true- you eat too much candy, you will get sick.

Halloween

2010-11-14T20:18:00.001-08:00

Well another Hallween spent as a princess. Sofie was Tiana from Princess and the Frog and Luke was Louis from Princess and the frog.

Sofie had a couple parties so she decided one time to go as the "blue" Tiana. She refused to wear a shirt underneath this dress. Good thing we live in Oklahoma and it's like 80 degrees outside.

I have found out that a lot of people don't know who Tiana is so I am providing a visual aid here.

This is the inspiration for the outfit- Tiana.

So here she is in her costume. Pay attention to the detail that she WOULD NOT be content without. i.e. The ringlet curl in front and one in the back under neath. The pearl necklace and gloves and the only way I got away with a shirt under this dress is because it's brown :) The Tiana crown and you can't see them in this picture but you can in the "blue dress" picture- tiana shoes. She doesn't miss a thing!

Now here is Luke as Louis- doesn't even have a clue what is going on- unlike Sofie- luckily because really his outfit is a dinosaur that we are saying is Louis.

Sofie had her last Soccer game with her favorite coaches Coach Carrie and Gretchen. She learned so much and we will miss them as our coaches (they were also the coaches for her T-ball and spring soccer.)

Happy Birthday Luke

2010-10-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

We will start with his favorite part- the cake. Don't you just love his 2 front teeth.

Usually we can't get an expression out of this boy- one way or another. I think he was so excited for all the special attention he couldn't stop smiling.

Of coarse he has more than enough help from Sofie opening the loot.

So excited for his first bike. Already at one year old- suprised? Our friends told us about this little contraption called a strider glider. It's a pre bike where they learn to balance and is supposed to transition them into a bike with pedals without the training wheels. I'lll have to keep you updated of whether it works or not.

CHEESE!

The bike mechanics hard at work.

Tada! First appreance on a bike. Making his dad so proud. We might have to get him walking before it's really going to work- ya think.

Finish off the post with our family pumpkin carving night.

Are you suprised that Sofie wanted to carve a cat? Happy Halloween everyone

Spencer

2010-10-14T17:28:00.001-07:00

So I am soo far behind on my blogging that I have broken it up into 4 posts- one for each member of our family. Starting with the man of of the house- Spencer.

So besides the nagging grind of the usual student life, Spencer spent the summer doing what he loves the most (besides spending time with the fam :))- cycling. He participated in a variety of races and rides but some of the top ones lead him to be the Oklahoma State champion in the open division, 3rd place in the big Texas race "Hotter N" Hell" and then just recently took 1st place in a race that was against all categories. Good job babe! I hope our kids get your lung capacity :)

Luke already taking after his dad- Our friends gave us this shirt and so he had to wear it to all the races.

I hope the pictures of Spencer throwing the kids around can't be used to incriminate us, but the kids just LOVE IT! Spencer is such a good dad- and husband- I try not to use the blog to boast but these pictures just prove it- he's the best dad ever-

Stephanie

2010-10-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

It was so hard to find pictures of me. Does anyone else have that problem? Not to mention that if I am in a picture it's usually a close up head shot from me extending my arm as far as I can and taking my own picture. Anyways this summer and fall have been rushed away by heckling with the kids, attending baby showers and last but not least 2 girls trips. One to Dallas with some girlfriends here in OK and then a long awaited San Francisco trip with 2 amazing friends from dental school.

So much to do in San Fran. I have been lucky enough to hit up so many cities moving and traveling around while Spencer is in school and of all the big cities I have visited I think San Francisco might be my favorite so far. For a big city it was so clean and felt pretty safe. It is so cool that there are such tall building all over these super steep hills. And SOOO much to eat. I could go back a hundred times and probably still not sample everything I would like to. The shopping was great, the food excellent, the activities wore us out and the company- something I have been missing for too long, not to mention the late nights just catching up. I always think that you know a good friend when you have been apart for so long but when you meet back up it's like a day never passed. That is how I felt with these girls. I have come home feeling like a better person along with new ideas of how to save, time management skills and grateful for all the little things in life.- Thanks you guys. Also thanks Spencer for taking time off of school to stay at home with our little rascals so I could venture off by myself. I sure love you.

Sofie

2010-10-14T15:08:00.001-07:00

Here is our little make believe diva in her little brothers Halloween costume. She just can't resist the urge- even though she had to squeeze to get in.

Here is a modge podge of what Sofie's been up to. One of the biggest events is that she started going to a little preschool that my friend does for 2 hours 2 days a week. We also had a garage sale were Sofie sold homemade chocolate chip cookies and made out like a bandit. (Thanks so Spencer's ortho friends that stopped by). Then I had to add a picture of her little twin friends here in Oklahoma Brielle and Izzy.

She has been a busy little bee doing so many activities, which is funny that I don't even have a recent picture of her doing her favorite thing, gymnastics. She did turn into a little fish this summer. The beginning of the summer she didn't even like getting her hair wet and by the end of the summer she was swimming short distances without the floaties. Soccer is a work in progress. She made her first goal last week- shocker!!

It finally came, the long awaited Princess and the Frog- Bayou birthday. We had bought stuff from Oriental trading for the big event- (Since Sofie's favorite part of the party is the 'bag of stuff' you get at the end) and I think she told all her friends plus any stranger she met about it for like a month before. Then there was the "I'll get that for you for your birthday" saying she said to all her friends whenever a commercial came on or they were at each others house playing with toys they didn't have. I was thinking "I'm glad no one is keeping a list." I just love this age!! She is trying to act so mature but yet is so little.

For Sofie's 4th birthday I wanted to list my 4 favorite things about Sofie:

1) She is so pleasant to have around. She is so good at remembering her please and thank you's. She is so well behaved I don't worry too much about having her with me wherever I need to go.

2) She LOVES to pretend and play make believe. Though my voice gets strained from talking like a man or a prince all day I love that she has such an active imagination.
3) She is so sensitive and cares so much for those around her. I love hearing her explain why you don't do mean things stuff like "It will hurt my feelings" or "It will make me sad" or one day she did something that she shouldn't and when I asked her what she was going to do next time she said "be like Jesus".

4) Which leads me to my last thing. I am so impressed at her communication skills. She doesn't initially come running to me to tell on others, she doesn't yell or get upset (unless it's Luke) she just calmly talks her friends through the situation- then when all else fails she comes running to mom. I am always amazed at what comes out of her mouth. She can comprehend and then regurgitate so much that I wouldn't expect a 4 year old to understand.

I'm so lucky to have her in my family. I love having Sofie for a daughter.

Luke

2010-10-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

It has been so fun watching Luke's little personality come out. He is, for the most part, pretty easy going but yet he has a little temper on him. He has started getting to the point where he runs from Sofie or tries to fend for himself. I only worry about that because I see it rubbing off on other kids like, grabbing things away or letting out a shrill if he feels them creeping in on him etc. He is such a homebody though. I remember Sofie at this age hated to be held, always wanted to be put down so she could explore. Luke is so chill- he loves being carted around and never wants to be put down. He isn't walking. He is so stubborn because he could walk if he wanted. We have been working with him, and he would stand alone so good but WOULD NOT for the life of him take a single step. So he has this fetish for straws, which is usually a nuisance like when I am trying to watch Sofie at gymnastics and I look over to see him drinking some random person's sonic drink- anyways we put some juice in a cup with a straw and the first time he walked he took 11 steps sat down- didn't even fall down- and started drinking his juice. That is our little Luke's personality coming out, cracks me up.

Here is a little man that likes to get down with it. Sorry it's sideways wasn't thinking about that when I was recording and of coarse this isn't the best shot of him doing his favorite thing- backing it up- but I can never get the best moments on camera- anyways enjoy!

A visit from my sisters

2010-08-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

So many pictures, so much fun- where do I start? Well 2 of my little sisters Lisa and Emily (I have 7 sisters only 2 are older than me) came all the way from Tennessee to visit. It was a BLAST. We went to the zoo, had a girls night out, went swimming- A LOT, jogging, coloring, playing at the park, even Spencer and I even got to go on a date. The week just went by too fast.

Lisa had Noah 3 days before I had Luke so we have high hopes of them being best buddies.

Sofie still talks about "your sisters". Or says mom I miss Noah. She LOVED all the attention these guys gave her. Emily colored more here than she had her whole life put together.

One funny little story about Sofie. She is at the stage where she pretends to be older all the time so one day we were at the park and she had been talking up a storm to all the princesses on her Cinderella cell phone Grandma Jaylene had sent her, when she asked Spencer to hold it for a minute while she was playing. Spencer put the phone to his ear and pretended to be talking to the princesses. When Sofie got the phone back she put it to her ear and said "This is Sofie, sorry my dad was borrowing my phone."- Already apologizing to her friends for her embarrassing parents.

Photo booth at the zoo

We watched Spencer do a time trial. He has been a biking fool this month. I am going to have to follow this with a posts of just of his races.

Idaho, Oregon, and Utah

2010-07-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

A month has past and I'm finally getting our big summer trip posted. First we started in Idaho where the kids were spoiled rotten by Grandma Jaylene, Kelsi and Evan while Spencer and I got a little get away to Oregon. Then it was on to Utah to see the Swendsen's.

Of coarse a Johnson get together wouldn't be complete without some physical competition. I was impressed with Evan's effort this go around. He took some harsh shot's and pulled some muscles but he stayed in it- not bad for a "Old man" :)

A day at good old Heise Hot Springs. It was soooo cold- especially after coming from Oklahoma's 105 degree humid heat- but still a blast.

I don't know how he did it but Spencer somehow talked Sofie into going down the water slide twice, but you can see it in her face she was terrified.

Our first stop in Oregon was to Nike Town. So this is my dorky self chillin with Lebron James.

Isn't it just beautiful.

It was such a nice break. Thanks Evan and Jaylene.

Final stop- hangn' with the Swendsen's in Utah. We were so lucky to get 9 of the 10 siblings together (my lil' sis Susan is off serving the Lord in Germany).

Look at all the blonde hair and blue eye's. We almost doubled the number of grand kids in one year from 4 to 7.

These pictures just made me laugh, so I had to narrate some of them. My sister Lisa had Noah 4 days before I had Luke and then my sister Kathi has a 2 year old boy Boston, and the three little boys together were a hoot. I totally know Boston is going to give the little ones a run for their money. Every chance he got he was pranking Luke, pouring water on him or whatever was around. Luke loved it though- they are going to be so mischievous I can already tell.

I know Anne, KJ, and Lisa- you all want to kill me right now but since we are all mom's and we never had time to take some "unnatural" (these are definatly more natural mom moments) pictures of us mom's looking great with our hair done and our perfect smiles, these pictures I shot while wrestling with the kids will have to work. These were probably some of my favorite moments of the whole trip. I would always say I am not going to be one of those people that always talk about their kids- then I had kids :)- They consume every moment of your time it's like what else CAN I talk about. Anyways I LOVED IT. I just left feeling so lucky to be a sister to these great mom's. You all teach me a lot. I already miss you!

My sister Kathi had the funnest idea, since we came from all over the U.S. to be here at the same time, and since we never get to be together for the kids birthdays she had one huge UN-birthday party. It was another highlight of the trip- something we will have to do again.

Diva Sofie decorating her cupcake

Liking her candy ring she got to decorate.

Luke was in HEAVEN with his first taste of frosting.

I just love this moment- Boston making Luke laugh.

I can't hardly believe that my little brother is old enough to go on a mission but he is going to Peru in Sept. I was so lucky to be there with everyone when he went to the temple for his first time.

Sofie couldn't get enough of her cousin's or her Aunt Shelley. Shelley- even though she is almost 18 and would normally be out with friends spent so much time doing make-overs, sleepovers, looking at the stars etc. how fun!!!

The perks of a large family. I'm one of the oldest so I still have younger brothers and sisters to rough the kids up and they love every minute of it. Here's my littlest brother Andy putting Luke down the slide. Can you tell by Luke's face that he's a little nervous?

Well there it is in a nutshell, and over in a snap. What fun!

Kansas City

2010-07-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to Kansas City to visit our super good friends the Frandsen's. Here are a few pictures from the trip.

They were due to have a baby on the 4th of July, so I had so much fun putting together a shower for her while we were there. One of our other really good friends from dental school, Melanie, flew in for the big event. We had so much fun and late night chats, I think we must have worn Michelle out because she ended up going into labor a month early- the day that we left. Sorry Michelle!

So I had so much fun looking online and getting ideas for this shower I just have to document the event. First here is the guest of honor and the 2 host's. Isn't Michelle's TINY belly adorable- she was 2 days away from having little Peyton.

The theme was sugar and spice- emphasis on the sugar-something Michelle and I have a strong affinity for. These were the invites.

The "Candy Bar". A friend brought a cake and it went in that empty spot.

Yummy cheesecake pops.

This picture is dark but I tried to stick with a brown and pink theme so I had these 5 candy jars with brown and pink candy.

Treat Bag for all the guests.

This is where the "Spice" fits in. We "spiced" up baby Peyton's wardrobe by making hair bows and bracelets.

I think it turned out pretty cute but looking at the pictures I think "that was it- what took me so long?" It was so fun anyways- thanks for letting me do it Michelle.

Colorado

2010-07-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

We just HAD to take another trip to Colorado to visit Brandon and Tina. We just get so spoiled when we are there and we never want to leave. It's so beautiful there.

We drove to the top of Pike's peak and the elevation change is so drastic we were all dressed for warm weather when we got to the top it was freezing so we ran to the edge grabbed a picture and then headed out.

One of the many beautiful scenic vistas on the drive to pike's peak

We tried to dare our Nephew to get into the almost frozen over lake, he thought about it for like 1 second.

Sofie couldn't get enough of her cousins.

Look at the beautiful mountains in the back.

I bet that hurt coming out :)

Notice Spencer's fresh mountain biking wound- always pushing the limits and leaving me a nervous wreck.

Notice Sofie covering her face the fire was so hot you could barley roast a mallow- but such a fun idea.

One last action shot- Sofie on the slip and slide.

I have 2 more post's coming of our Kansas City trip and our Northwest trip and I have Luke pulling at my legs crying and it's time to make dinner- always planning on getting more done than I accomplish so I will just put

To be continued . . . . .

Gymnastics, Kylie and Camping

2010-05-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

Well another year of gymnastics have come to an end. Sofie just LOVES gymnastics. I had her in dance and gymnastics and due to a tight student budget made her choose which one to continue and she didn't miss a beat in saying gymnastics. (I was hoping for dance she just makes the cutest little dancer)

Working on a back flip

Her version of a cartwheel-
For the general viewers this might seem so boring and nonsense but it's so fun as her mom to watch her every week and then see her learn- even the little things.

I just had to throw this picture in there- our family home evening for the night. Since Mom just called me today and told me that she was taking the kids to school in a snow storm- Just in case anyone is wanting to come and visit.

Isn't he just sooo cute.

So I am sad this is the only photo I took on my camera of my super cute sister-in-law Kylie who came to visit. Seriously had a BLAST with her here. It's been a month and Sofie hasn't stopped telling me "Remember mom, when Kylie was here". It's sometimes hard when there are a combined total of 16 siblings to get quality time with not only them but their spouses and kids so I just feel sooo lucky that Kylie took the time to come and visit. I probably talked her ear off. I don't think there was a second of silence the whole time she was here. I LOVED it!!! She is sooo fun and easy to talk to- such a great person. Every morning as soon as Kylie would get up Sofie was waiting outside the door to greet her. The time just went bye too quickly.

So as I was logging on to the Internet the home MSN page had the Forbes 5 most healthy and 5 most "sluggish" or unhealthy cities listed and guess what was the #1 most "sluggish" city. . . . right here in Oklahoma city. So we are doing our part as a family to change that and we went camping. Here is a picture of our fabulous camp site.

Spencer off-roading with our Honda. The park police (seriously there was a police station at the entrance of the park) come around to check the sites and we heard one yell "How the heck did they get that car over there. I have never seen a car over there". Spencer was pretty proud of that one.

Camping in style. Notice Sofie's "sunglasses". They are actually the 3D glasses from when we went to how to train your dragon, but now they have become her "sunglasses".

Our cute little hiker. Sofie LOVED camping she did not want to leave.

Luke wore himself out on his first camping excursion.

Turner falls- beautiful.

There was this fun little stream by our campsite.

Our Blue Eyed "Babes'"

2010-04-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

So I was checking my sister Lisa's blog (she had a baby 5 days before I had Luke) when the guilt over came me, I ran to the closet pulled out the trusty old black sheet- didn't even change his clothes (as you can tell by the drool running down the front) and did a homemade 6 month photo shoot for Luke.

Of coarse as you can tell by this photo it's become quite difficult to get pictures of Luke without Sofie trying to hop in every time I am about to shoot, and it always seems those are the best pictures of Luke- So be it- I never said I was a professional.

I'm just a mother on a mission and a small budget so I fudge it :)- I really need to get out more.

Okay I SWEAR I did not enhance these blue eyes on photoshop they are just so blue!!!

We had to take a bottle break- the life of a celebrity- so exhausting. But I had to show everyone how Luke is making my life easier by holding his own bottle- I tortured both of us trying to make the breastfeeding work but now when I see this, all those bad memories fade and a smile comes to my face.

This picture cracks me up with Luke's facial expression and Sofie's pose

Oh so precious

Luke of coarse couldn't have all the attention so here is Miss Sofie and you might notice that she got a new summer hair cut. I don't know what happened to the lighting in this one. It looks like it got left on the dash of the car for a couple of months.

Here are some of the last shots of those beautiful goldie locks. I am sure I am just totally prejudice but is she not the prettiest little girl ever- and those dimples-

I had to get the whole outfit in there to show Grandma Jaylene what good taste she has in clothes.

And now a little Easter catch up.

Do you think she was excited to see the Easter Bunny?

Our timid little egg hunter. She was funny to watch because she would start to go for an egg even have her hand on it and if anyone so much as looked at it she would suddenly retaliate. It is the same reason why we are struggling with soccer she doesn't want to take the ball from anyone.

Notice the hairdo. I think most people know that Sofie's hair each day is done by special request, such as "In a poof like Tinkerbell" or "half up half down like Belle" etc. Well thanks to the new movie "How to Train Your Dragon" this is the Astrid hair do.

So there pretty much isn't a day that goes by where people tell me that Sofie and Luke are like clones and then after that it's either "they look just like Spencer" or "They must look like your husband". So last night they were all playing on the floor and I got a good look- What do you think?

So since this is my 6mo. post for Luke I thought I would do an update of his progress. I have yet to take him to the Dr. but despite his birth weight issue he seems to have slid down the scale in the percentiles. I now it's probably too soon to tell for sure but it looks like he is going to have Spencer's body with the longer torso, broad shoulders and shorter- but powerful :)- legs. He is sitting up, and wanting to crawl so bad. This is a little snip it of him trying to move- but not moving. I could watch him all day and he hardly moves but as soon as I leave the room and come back in he is like clear on the other side of the room. I have no idea how he does it. He does roll over so that must be how he does it. But I have a feeling he is going to be crawling and into everything sooner than later.

Spring break 2010

2010-03-26T11:58:00.001-07:00

For the third year in a row we went to Colorado Springs for Spring break to visit Spencer's brother's family, and once again we return having the greatest time ever- having soaked up every minute we could in the beautiful outdoors, and visiting our favorite zoo- where you can feed the giraffe's. Sofie had such a fun time with her cousin's. Always someone to play with, and they just played so well together. I just totally admire Brandon and Tina for all they have accomplished in life and their family. I just love every minute I get to them.

We had so much fun staying the night in a condo and skiing the next day. Sofie had her first go at skiing. She seemed so excited about it when we arrived but after two runs she was freezing cold and crying to go in.

Then Spencer and I got to go on a little getaway with out the kids to the lake Tahoe area. Thanks to Brandon and Tina watching our little nuggets. It was just what I needed after having a baby and being stuck in the awful Oklahoma weather now my tank has been re-fueled.

Just end it with a few pictures of our little cow pokes.

2010-03-06T19:09:00.000-08:00

Sofie had her first Soccer game today. It was pretty funny watching. Most of the time they couldn't keep 4 kids on the field because they were crying and scared but to my surprise Sofie didn't even mind she stayed out there almost the whole time. Now kicking the ball was a whole other problem, she would chase the pack around but she wasn't even trying to get the ball. How do you teach a child that it is okay to take the ball away when you've spent their whole life telling them not to take things from other kids. Over all it I was really proud of her. Oh and she has a very competitive streak in her I am learning. Before the game she kept saying- "I want to win mom" and then when she would take water breaks she would ask "Am I winning mom"- Even though they lost miserably I told her "Yes hunny- you won" She was pretty proud of herself after that.

So here's the latest Pict's of the growing boy. I love those big blue eyes!

Some fun Pict's of our Drama Queen

So me and the gals went to this fun event- a Roller Derby. The girls in the yellow were actually the girls that were in the movie Whip it. I don't know what was more entertaining. The crowd, the half time or the actual event. It was like some weird world I didn't even know about. It was a pretty fun night out though.

This was the 1/2 time show performed by the "fearleaders"- I guess if you like Halloween this would be right up your alley-

We were guessing that the official in black is in Drag- what do you think?

Just hanging with the girls!!

2010-01-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

Sofie's loving her 1st dance class

Luke's little personality is starting to come out. He has so many funny faces that he makes, these are the ones I caught on camera.

So Spencer and 4 other Orthodontic residents have officially started a cycling team. They actually got some sponsors and were able to purchase this fine outerwear, which they got to design themselves :). They look pretty fast don't they.

We blessed Luke January 3rd, 2010

You know how you think you got a good picture and then you see it on a screen other than your tiny camera screen and turns out the picture wasn't as good as you thought. Well that's what happened with this picture of Luke in his blessing outfit. This was the best I got. It was such a cute outfit though- Thanks to my friend Lexi for loaning it to us. (I think he looks like a little Joseph Smith)

An Orthodontist's worst night mare- a thumb sucker :)- Seriously Luke loves sucking on his hands but when he gets just the thumb in there it's like he's in heaven!!

So I finally made book from my blog- it was so easy. I was surfing blogs one day when I saw a post that someone had done it with their blog and how to do it so I tried it and was totally pleased with how easy it was and how good it turned out. So it's called blurb.com. It's totally free to download the software to do it. I just watched like a 5 min video on how to "slurp" your blog to a book and walla here it is. All I had to pay including shipping (and I opted for the nicer cover and the premium paper (hoping this lasts for a long time) ) was $40. FYI though for anyone doing this I did do the cheapest size book 7x7 mostly because I wanted the square book but I will for sure do a bigger book next time because some of the pictures are so small you can hardly see them and then you can't put much writing on a page.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

These faces say it all. Our pre Christmas festivities with the Johnsons at the Great Wolf Lodge were too much for words- it was a blast.

Don't worry Luke was here too just sleeping on the sidelines. (Loving the post baby legs- sometimes the truth hurts.)

Sofie wasn't even scared of Santa this year and Luke didn't mind either. It was pretty cute when Santa asked what Sofie wanted she had obviously been practicing in her head because the list just came out so fast and fluently.

They all got new PJ's to wear to Story time that evening. They had mechanical animals and other things singing and then it even snowed after the Christmas carols were over.

Our Gingerbread house.

I had been wondering what it was going to be like without snow at Christmas when suddenly on Christmas eve day it snowed 14+ inches- more the Oklahoma City had ever had in one snowfall. They declared a state of Emergency- it was so crazy and fun at the same time. So our Friends the Gomez's invited us over for Christmas eve festivities. Unlike other people in OK we were not afraid to brave the weather (plus they lived like a mile from us :) so we ventured out and got stuck in their driveway. It was worth all the digging out though when we got to spend the night doing fondue and rock band.

Christmas morning. I don't know who was more excited for Christmas morning- me or Sofie. This was the first year that Sofie was really excited about Santa, so I was there ready with the camera to catch her face the minute she woke up. Acutally, we had to go and wake her up at 9:00 because I couldn't stand the anticipation any longer.

Isn't it always funny how the littlest most least expensive thing is usually their favorite at this age. This was a stuffed Prince Naveen frog that was in her stocking that she hasn't put down since Christmas.

Luke's favorite gift- the Bumbo. One of my favorite Christmas things was that Luke was so smiley and chatty on Christmas- the most he had ever been. Maybe he could sense the excitement in the air. Isn't he so strong that he can already sit in this chair and hold his head up and not fall over at 2 months (or am I just being a overly proud parent?)

So the majority of the day (at least for Spencer and Sofie) was spent in the Snow. Then night before Spencer built up a bunch of snow and then on Christmas made this really sweet snow cave.

It was so big. I am not even exaggerating when I say it fit three of us with room to spare. It was so fun. Sofie took her dolls she got for Christmas and played in there all afternoon. She had it broken up into rooms- a bedroom, playroom and a kitchen.- The basics every house needs :)

We even got to go sledding.

Snowman #1 and then . . . .

Snowman #2. I Think Spencer had more fun playing in the snow than Sofie. I could barley get him to come in to go to a friends for dinner.

Sofie wanted to the Princess and the Frog dolls to go with all the other dolls she got last year for Christmas. She now has so many dolls it's like a land mine around here. Dolls everywhere and they are painful if you step on one. But there hasn't been a day gone by that she hasn't spent hours playing with these things they are the best.

Spencer turned 31 over the break. I had been planning this huge Birthday surprise for a couple of weeks. I had made appointments for a couples massage and then when we showed up the place was closed. Then we went to get the IMAX avatar tickets hours ahead of time and they were sold out. Then I had to stall when the massage place was closed because I had invited a bunch of Spencer's friends from School to Texas Roadhouse for a dinner surprise. So luckily one of my surprises worked out and we had a fun dinner with our friends.

We did end up going to the 3D (not on Imax) avatar and it was pretty sweet. Spencer even said he thought it was one of the best movies he had ever seen.

My sister sent us this fun activity to do rice crispy trains. So Sofie had a slumber party with her good friends Emma and Aiden and we broke this cute thing out.

So just to capture this fun and crazy age Sofie is at I leave you with pictures of Sofie's goldie locks I found on the floor just before Christmas. I was sooo sad and mad at the same time. I have always thought Sofie was too afraid of getting in trouble to do anything like this. It was just a eye opener. This was only one of the things that pushed my buttons a little too far over the break. The second I have to preface with saying that Sofie is VERY sensitive to discipline (exactly why I never thought she would cut here hair) and she has lately been reverting a little and having accidents (I mean wetting her pants) during the day- it's funny that most of the time it's been when she is at other people's house. Anyways, I had been up a lot with Luke one night so the next morning I turned on cartoons and laid down on the couch. I had fallen asleep when I heard Sofie crying in the bathroom. I jumped up and ran to the bathroom to see what was wrong when I stepped into about an inch of toilet water. Sofie- in fear of getting in trouble was trying to flush her pull up down the toilet- then trying to hide the evidence had tried to clean it up with a wet wash cloth when she realized me finding out was inevitable and just started crying. I didn't even know what to do at that point- do I get put her in time out when she was doing it not to get into trouble or do I just start cleaning it up. I mean there are some days you just can't win.

On the lighter side of things I realized the other day how much of my life lately is spent in imaginative play with Sofie when Sofie asked me a question, and then after I answered Sofie said "Why are you talking like that and not like mom right now." I apparently answered her in a Deigo voice- which I had been playing earlier that day. I said well aren't I Diego and she said "Not anymore mom you haven't been Diego for a while." But Seriously I have to talk like so many characters throughout the day I can't keep myself straight sometimes and to come up with so many different voices is really a challenge- and Sofie will be less than pleased if it doesn't sound right. Another funny voice I have been asked to duplicate A LOT has been Tiana from Princess in the frog and I have found that spilling over into other conversations throughout the day even when I am just talking to Luke or in my head I find myself talking in a Black dialect. Never a dull moment when living with this 3 year old.

Cutie Lukie

2009-12-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

So last night my little sister told me she wanted to see more pictures of Luke when I realized I haven't even been taking too many. So today he was looking so cute I had to just snap a shot of our 7 week old Luke . . . I know you just want to squeeze his cheeks don't you!!

I thought I would throw in a couple favorite family pictures while I was posting:)- Happy Holiday's everyone.

Thanksgiving

2009-12-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

It's almost Christmas so I decided to post Thanksgiving- haha. That's about how my life goes these days meaning to get so much done and getting almost nothing done. But here are a few picts of our turkey day spent with friends who pretty much are family (their last names are the Johnson's and the kids might as well be cousins).

This is "Uncle Kolby" who needs credit for making this beautifully delicious bird.

This is the turkey I get credit for: a cherry cordial stuck to a grasshopper cookie with a few jelly bellies to top it off.

The cooks and the . . .

Crooks- who ate all the food :0.

Our 3 little Indians- or as Sofie likes to be called "Pocahontas".

Just another picture of our growing little boy

This is how we see Sofie about 50% of the time as "Insectosaurous". Seriously there are some mornings I find her in her bed with this on and I have taped it about 100 times trying to keep it together.

The baby story

2009-11-10T12:48:00.001-08:00

Of coarse I have to start the post off with some of my most favorite pictures of Luke- I just think they change so much just in the first couple of weeks.

So I have been debating putting the whole labor and delivery story out here for everyone to read but have decided it's a big part of our lives and needs to be documented so you might want to skip over the next few paragraphs if obstetrician terms are not for you.

First I thought I would show the pre-math of what happened. I seriously don't think my stomach could have stretched a mm bigger- so here's me about to pop!!
The shortened version of the story goes as follows: My labor began Thursday morning after a visit to the Dr. (I was supposed to be induced the next morning). I had planned on having all day on Thursday to get things in order for the baby coming the next day so even though I was contracting and already at a 5 at the MD appointment I had to get a few things done before checking myself into the hospital. So as the day progressed they started getting worse and closer together so I thought I would call Spencer and tell him to get home as soon as he was done seeing his last patient. Hours went by and I hadn't heard from Spencer so I called him again and broke the news that this baby wasn't coming tomorrow and he needed to get home. He hurried home, dropped off Sofie and we raced to the hospital. By the time we got there, just after 6:00 PM, I couldn't even walk and I was contracting like every 2 min. It was quite embarrassing being rushed down the hall in a wheelchair cringing in pain. I was just so nervous I was too late for the epidural. Once we got there, they got me in bed and an IV started and I was at a 7. Once they got my epidural in I was finally able to be excited that the moment was coming. It wasn't too much longer that my water broke and then it was a couple more hours of waiting. As soon as the Dr. arrived it was time to push. 8 min of pushing and he was here the whole 8 pounds 10 oz baby. I was worried it was going to be a lot more complicated than that because the Dr. started to looked panicked and told me that I had one of the biggest tail bones he had ever seen and that I might "need help" getting him out- I guess that was all the motivation I needed to get him out :)

Now I have a love hate relationship with hospital pictures it's the truth in the faces that I love it's like two extremes shoved into one moment- extreme fatigue and extreme excitement along with a white, swollen faced, baby. Yet it's this moment that I already miss; 9 months of anticipation for that moment and it's over like that.

It was just too bad that we had him during the flu season because the next day the hospital started a thing were no one under the age of 18 was allowed into the hospital. So Sofie had to wait until Saturday to meet her new brother.

Luckily she didn't even mind waiting because she had Grandma Nancy and Andy all to herself. It was so nice having my mom and brother here to help with Sofie, make meals and do the laundry
etc. Thanks Mom and Andy.

Then this last week we were lucky enough to get to spend time with Grandma Jaylene. She was so much help around the house but especially good company and good for Sofie. I'm pretty lucky because I think I have the best mother-in-law a person could ask for. The first picture is Sofie with some of her loot from Grandma's shopping trips with Sofie. Sofie asked Grandma to take her shopping everyday at least 3 times a day.Thanks Jaylene.
Really I am blessed that both my Mom and Mother-in-law came out to help me when you consider that there are 10 kids in my family and 8 in Spencer's any one on one time we get with them is totally treasured.

Here are a couple of shots from Halloween. It was a very low key Halloween but Sofie still got a basket full of candy so what else can you ask for. I just loved Luke's costume even though Spencer, Sofie and I were the only one's to see him in it. Sofie was so excited about the red hair spray but she still has red spots in here hair that I can't get out and Halloween was over a week ago. Plus it's a funny story, just to give you a snip-it of Sofie's personality. Sofie had, for months, picked out a Tinkerbell costume it was what she was going to be at her birthday party and for Halloween so of coarse a couple days before Halloween she stars this new Ariel obsession. I mean you cannot believe this girls obsessions when she gets them. So of coarse she changes her mind after the costume is already bought and worn that she wants to be Ariel. So I have learned my lesson from past experiences that she is not going to change her mind no matter how much I talk Tinkerbell up or whatever other tricks I think would work. So as you see Sofie wins the battle once again and was Ariel for Halloween.

I must say I have read so many blogs when the older brother or sister meets the baby for the first time and is so cute with them and wants to help mom do everything from changing the diaper to burping them etc. and how it's the cutest thing and melts the parents heart and so on and so forth. I wish that was what I could say happened with Sofie but it's pretty much the opposite. Of coarse I can't say that I am too surprised since a few days before Luke was born she was crying and telling me how she didn't want a baby brother and she didn't want to be a big sister and then asking me if she could be "Sofie" when the baby was born and not "big sister". I guess amongst the "No I don't want you to hold Luke," and the "I don't want you to be Luke's mom" fights that go on and on all day there has been a few times where she wants to kiss Luke or help me change Luke's diaper that I think the mood is changing but then it's back to the drama. I have tried about every angle to helping the transition be easier for her but it hasn't worked so I am up for any advise that anyone has to offer. Yet at this point Spencer and I have decided time is just what it is going to take for Sofie to accept this change.

I do have to say that I don't know if we were just blind to the fact that our little girl was getting so big or this has forced Sofie to grow exponentially in the last couple of weeks but Spencer and I can't believe how big Sofie seems to us now. This picture is of a bendaroo bear that Sofie made all on her own. Spencer and her were working on them other night. Spencer was so into his Nemo that he didn't even notice that Sofie was fast at work making her own. When she got done neither of us could barley believe our eyes that our little 3 year old made an almost perfect bear out of bendaroos completely on her own.

Luke Spencer Johnson

2009-10-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

He's here. Luke Spencer Johnson came the evening before I was supposed to be induced. He was a whopping 8 lbs 10 oz, 20 1/2 inches. I think it's all in his cheeks. Spencer asked why his eyes are slanted down and I said because his cheeks pull them down. I was all prepared for this petite little thing after having Sofie 6 1/2 lbs. Anyways we are all doing great even Sofie isn't minding him too much- of coarse it helps that Grandma is here spoiling her. Anyways enjoy the picts.

Our craziness we call life

2009-10-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Spencer has decided to give Triathlons a tri :) and did two triathlons back to back. The first one he ever did was a really big race where people from all over the US flew in for the Redman. He ended up getting 6th in his age group- this race just warmed him up for the next weekend where he got 2nd over all by 10 seconds. I know I've said it before but I really think he's somewhat of a mutant.

Our little lady turned 3. She insisted on a Tinkerbell party but since we invited almost as many boys as girls we turned it into a Tinkerbell/ Peter Pan party. Kids decorated wands for the girls and pirate bandanna for the boys and were dressed accordingly. They then got tattoos at the Indian encampment, walked the plank and found the lost treasure in the mermaid lagoon. Sofie has SOOOOO many nice friends out here. I just think she is the luckiest little 3 yr old. She got a bike from mom and dad. It was so cute Spencer said he felt really proud buying her bike. He said it's like a huge step in Sofie's life getting a bike (I hope she doesn't let him down :)

Okay I just have to put a little exert in our "family journal" about the amazing friends and people out here in Oklahoma, just to look back at when I'm having one of those bad days. I wasn't expecting any showers when we got pregnant and have ended up with 4 this pregnancy. The first one being with my fam when I went home this summer. This collage doesn't do justice to how many people, how much fun and how cute they were but I just am in awe what people have done for me and my little boy. I seriously feel like a million bucks to have to so many great people in my life. Thanks so much everyone!!! I think the nicest people live in Oklahoma and I met some dang nice people in Idaho and Ohio. Spencer is gone this week and everyone is so worried about me having this baby with him gone. I can't believe the offers people have given to help if something happens while he is gone. Even Dr's at work are telling me to call their house (as if it's anything I want anyone at work to see me go through :) but I just feel like the lord really knows me and has blessed me with the right people along the way when we are so far from family!!!!

Speaking of dang nice people in Ohio- one of my best friends Michelle drove 5 hours each way to just come and hang out with me while Spencer was gone for 2 weeks. I seriously would have lost my mind if she didn't come. Thanks Michelle you are just a great friend!

Changing faces and Hotter N' Hell

2009-09-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

So we got to see the little guy today and I am just in awe at how good the pictures have been turning out. So I made a collage of all the ultrasounds we have had thus far to compare the growth. I have one more scheduled before I deliver and I am worried his face isn't even going to fit in the frame. I really wish I had these 4D ultrasounds with Sofie because she came out looking a lot like me and I don't know if you agree but so far this little guy looks just like his dad. I think we are going to have another baby with lots of black hair (that's what Sofie had) because they saw hair on the ultrasound today. I am just getting so antsy to see him. Oh and if you have any great names you don't mind sharing we are still having a hard time in that department.

So I guess you can't keep a good man down. Spencer raced in Texas's biggest bike race of the year (TX is where Lance Armstrong is from FYI :)) and took 6th place in his bracket. I don't know if you would call me a good wife for supporting him in this after getting in 2 scary wrecks or if I am stupid but if there's one thing I've learned in 7 years of marriage it's that Spencer LOVES biking- so how can I take that away- (Plus I don't think he would listen anyways :)) So I just grin and bear it. But am I wrong to say that I really do like seeing him in spandex :)

It was a pretty cool race. Well you could actually do the race (100 K) or the ride (100 miles). Over 10,000 people signed up and I am sure more people rode that didn't sign up but I just thought after hearing the name of the race it wasn't going to be me- I don't know maybe I will change my mind when I am not 8 mo. prego. Anyways there were all sorts of people and bikes I had to take a pictures of some of them because they were just crazy. There was a 3 person tandem bike. A crazy tandem recumbent bike where one person was facing forward (luckily it was the person in the front) and one person was facing backwards (yea, she wasn't even pedaling she was just snapping photos- now that is the kind of ride I need).

I saw this little guy with training wheels and a whole bike get up and my Son's life flashed before my eye's- I am sure this is what Spencer is picturing our little man doing in like 4 years.- Aghh

At least let's hope that if this happens in the family it's me pulling the kids or else they are in it for the ride of their life (Spencer's Grandpa used to tell him all the time there is more than one speed- He has this crazy need for speed)

I just had to insert this Sunday activity Spencer does. He gets so stir crazy on Sunday- hey I say whatever works- I guess Sofie is getting into it too.

Like mother like daughter???

2009-08-10T13:19:00.001-07:00

So the other day we had a rare occasion when Spencer and I got to go on a date so I went all out and actually took a curling iron to my hair. Since this is a rare occasion I think Sofie thought it was very intriguing and asked if I could do her hair like that- usually she cries when I tell her I have to do her hair. So after we both had our hair curled I decided to document it with a picture. Well the more I look at this picture I have found myself asking. . . Is this really my kid. I mean when she was little I swore she was like me mini me and now I can't even see a resemblance in this picture- I don't know- what do you think?

Living so far away from family for so long makes you cherish any little moment you get with them. So that's what we did with my sister Mary and her hubby Joey when they were traveling through on their way from AL. to UT. Mary is in school to be a home ec. teacher so she is kind of on her way to being jack of all domestic trades. So we put her right to work giving Sofie her first real hair cut- I know so I am a bad mom because me daughter is almost 3 and I have never had her hair cut. Then we had her mending clothes and finally we had a big recipe swap- you see this is why you need sisters and why I miss having them so close. Thanks Mary we already miss you.

The final product isn't it SO cute.

So our most recent addition to the family is our new dog Bolt (luckily he's the kind that doesn't really poop or need feeding or if you step on him it's no big deal) anyways Sofie has been trying to fill a sticker chart (she gets a sticker every time she eats her meals well, pick up her clothes- which if you knew how many times a day she changes her clothes you would know why this is part of the deal, and then picks up her toys and anything else mom or dad deam sticker worthy). Any who, she has been eyeing this stuffed Bolt at the Disney store and we had to go visit it every time we went to the mall etc. Finally the day has come where she filled out her sticker chart traded it in for enough $ to get her new pet. Though everything takes twice as long because every time Sofie has to go potty so does bolt and every time Sofie has to eat so does bolt and so on and so forth, I actually think this might help her ease into having another sibling around- or so I am hoping.

The wedding and the cabin

2009-07-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

2 out of 3 weddings complete. The whole family actually got to go to Spencer's brother, Jason's wedding (except Jordan who is on a mission in Ukraine). They are just such a great couple so excited we are getting more estrogen in the family. They drove off on a motorcycle it was so cute.

Sofie with her cute aunt Kelsi

We then went on up to Island Park for the week and had a blast on the lake and the land. It was so nice getting some time in the beautiful mountains.

Love this cute little girl

We were so lucky to get to play with all of our cousins on both sides. Sofie couldn't get enough of her cousins every time she was separated from any of her cousins she was constantly asking "Mom where are my cousins'?" I just love spending time with both families- I feel so blessed!!

Oh and we went to a good ole rodeo where all the kids went down and had to chase a cow and get the ribbon. Sofie didn't get the ribbon but she was one of the fastest one's to reach the cow. I was so surprised she wasn't scared.

Oregon

2009-06-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

First order of business I know people are waiting to here. . . . It's a boy!! Yep I was pretty sure after Sofie I was going to be the mom of all girls but I guess Spencer gets his wish after all.

Second, we have a plethora of weddings and graduations this summer so we are having to divide and conquer. We are still in Oregon and Dad is home hard at work but I don't want him missing out on the fun so here are some of the fun things we have done.

Here's the main even my little brothers graduation

Of coarse it's Swendsen tradition to cram as many showers, birthday parties, weddings, graduation etc. into a limited time frame when we all get together. So here is my little sis Lisa and I after our combined baby shower. We are due 1 day apart both having boys- how fun is that.

We also did a quick trip to the beach- cold but beautiful

That yellow thing by Sofie's head is a rock covered in Sea lions. We went to the Sea Lion caves while at the beach and Sofie can make quite the seal bark now.

One more of Grandam and Sofie at the beach

Our miracle

2009-05-11T10:27:00.001-07:00

So about a week and a 1/2 ago I got a phone call from Spencer's phone but it wasn't Spencer- Spencer had left about 40 min prior to go on a big group bike ride and it was a fellow bike rider telling me Spencer had been hit by a car on his bike and was being taken to the hospital, but he was awake and talking. When I finally got to see him at the hospital he was pretty beat up, shaking and his blood pressure was through the roof, but when he came out of the scans and x-rays he didn't even have a broken bone. The police man came to visit him at the hospital and couldn't believe how lucky he was. He said they think the car was going 40 miles an hour when it hit him. When another biker brought his mangled bike by he couldn't believe Spencer was up walking around. He said he saw the whole thing and it was like it was off a movie- the car slamming into him, him crashing the windshield and then flying high in the air and smashing down in the asphalt. Luckily Spencer doesn't remember any of it- he blacked out and when he came to he said that all these people were surrounding him telling him not to move and then some guy was praying over him- hey maybe it helped. His helmet was cracked on both sides first from hitting the car then from hitting the road. All I can say is that I really believe someone unseen was protecting him. I keep playing the possibilities of what could have happened over and over in my head and I just feel so blessed that he made it out with only some cuts and bruises.

Big news from a Big Girl

2009-04-19T13:44:00.001-07:00

Well we finally did it. We got a "big girl" bed for Sofie. I was wondering how it was going to go since she could climb in and out of her crib I wasn't thinking it was going to be that big of a deal. It actually has gone better than expected I think mostly because we got princess bedding she just can't wait to go to bed- it's great. But we aren't saying good bye to the crib for too long because we have to get it back out for baby #2 that is due in October- Yep that's right we are having baby number 2!!! I am 13 weeks prego and hate to say it but it has been a REALLY long 13 weeks. Is it amnesia or was my pregnancy with Sofie totally different I can't really remember. Anyways here's what he/she looks like- I'm guessing they look more like Spencer at this point :) . . . . .

and the a little Easter catch up. . . .

There was a killer Easter egg hunt at the UCO stadium. There were so many eggs the baskets were over flowing with still tons of eggs on the ground. I saw some kids just eating the candy and putting the empty eggs back because they were out of room in their baskets. You can tell by the look on Sofie's friend Winnie's face just how much fun it really was!!

They also had free inflatables for the kids to play on with free animal balloons (would you be surprised to hear that Sofie wanted a blue kitty :) and then free face painting- once again she asked for a kitty face.

Our pooped little kitty- partied till she dropped

This is Sofie with her really cute Easter dress- thanks Grandma Jaylene- it was the cutest dress on her!!! Then of coarse her with bolt from her Easter basket- She talked about the Easter bunny bringing her bolt for a month before I am glad her didn't let her down :)

Well I guess it's that time of year again. Spencer decided to do this crazy fast bike ride 10 minutes before we went to bed the night before. I was just so nervous of him crashing since his last bike race he did ended up in a bad wreck leaving his bike in shambles, a concussion and road rash up and down his left side. Luckily he made out okay on this one even though there were 2 or 3 wrecks that he was able to avoid. He finished in the top 10- pretty good considering he decided the night before to do it and hasn't been seriously training.

You might have to zoom in on this picture to see it but this is the head pack coming in one of the rounds and Spencer is the guy in second with a blue and yellow Jersey.

Just a family picture of us at the zoo. We rented a swan paddle boat- it was such a nice day.

Spring Break

2009-03-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

For Spencer's Spring break we went to Colorado to see his brother who just got back from 15 months in Iraq. Some other of his siblings came for the weekend. We had so much fun and the weather was so nice. I could so be happy living in a place like this. Here are some fun pictures of the trip. Thanks Brandon and Tina for such a fun time!!

Just life

2009-03-12T09:02:00.001-07:00

So if there is anyone out there that still checks my blog frequently I have to apologize for not posting for a while (you were probably wondering if we actually did get swept away in the tornado.) Actually we have just been living life as we know it. But there have been a few things that Sofie has said that I wanted to record and for those family/ friends that live so far away. First funny little thing was the other day when I was getting dressed I was in the closet and I heard Sofie in my room saying "Mom can I be like you, Mom can I be like you. . . " next thing I know she comes around the corner with a bra in her hand. I was cracking up but she seriously wanted to wear it so I put it on. She did this funny look on her face and then said "Mom I don't want to be like you." (I was saying in my head you really don't want to be like me- I am way too small :)So we took it off but it just cracked me up.

Next thing was the other day I was washing the car and I had just sprayed the top off when I heard in this tiny little voice, "Hey that's not vewy nice." When I peeked around the car I saw Sofie drenched- I guess I soaked her when I was rinsing off the car.
Then today I let her have a fruit snack (a rare occurrence at our house) after I gave it to her she started walking away I heard her say to herself "This wonderful. These fruit snacks are wonderful." Sometimes I just wonder where she learns all this stuff.

I know valentines is WAY over but I thought I post a few pictures from it. We actually celebrated for 2 nights. First we went out just the two of us. Then the next night we had a little valentine party with some friends- kind of a weird concept for the holiday but it actually turned out really fun.

There was TONS of delicious food but I couldn't help but think these were the cutest cupcakes I have ever seen- My friend Jess made them and they were as good as they looked!!!

So I was thinking of a blog post as I was making these time consuming little things and am barley getting around to doing it. But for the last couple of years I have made sugar cookies on valentines day and taken some to work. This year I decided for some crazy reason to double the recipe. Yeah so 135 cookies later I am on the verge of slitting my wrist thinking okay as if it wasn't enough work to roll out the dough over and over and OVER until every little scrap piece was used now I get to frost them all. Well I am just leaving myself a little note to remind myself to NOT DOUBLE THE BATCH next time. I just love sugar cookies but every time I make them I question if they are really worth the work- then 15 cookies down the road I seem to have forgotten all the hours it took to make them and all the hours of exercise it is going to take to get them off. They are just delicious little things.

Side not: Most everyone at work is dieting and so I was really peeved when hardly ANY of them got eaten.

Oklahoma severe weather changes part II

2009-02-10T17:56:00.000-08:00

So I think it's funny that I just did a post about weather in Oklahoma because today I realized I wasn't in Ohio anymore. So around 2:30 the tornado sirens started going off and there was some thunder and lightening going on. Well honestly I didn't think anything of it because in Ohio this would happen and everyone just ignored it. Then Spencer and my good friend Jess called me telling me to get into the bathroom and turn the news on. So still in denial- I thought to myself I've seen way windier days than this and nothing happened. Shortly after the electricity went out and then I couldn't get the cable up and working when it finally came back on. So I guess I thought ignorance was bliss. I just kept carrying on checking blogs and playing with Sofie- the usual daily activities when suddenly there was a HUGE gust of wind the rain started pounding and then it sounded like someone was trying to break into our house. So I did the worst thing you could do in a situation like this I ran to the window to see what was going on. That's when I saw these bouncy ball size hail dropping from the sky. STILL I went back to carrying on the usual. It wasn't until some other friends and some people from my ward called to see if we were okay that I realized how serious things really were. So basically there was a tornado that touched down a block from my house. 6 houses were ruined and I guess they had a red cross station set up and a police blocked and everything. I guess things don't really go like Wizard of Oz portrays them :)

Yeah she's potty trained!

2009-02-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

Well it's finally happened Sofie is potty trained. We did one of those sticker charts telling her she can have this princess kitchen (we got a steal on during the black Friday frenzie) when she had filled up the chart and this week her work payed off. The thing is it came in a little box but I thought it was just because it wasn't put together yet- oh no it's like a kitchen for ants :) but she doesn't seem to mind she has already cooked up a storm for her princess barbies.

Alien's vs Monsters- you be the judge which one is which.

I think Aliens are taking over.

Snow doesn't happen much here so when it does you have to take advantage of it. (This was before the birds- or neighbor kids ate the eye's and nose)

Extreme weather changes

2009-01-27T17:20:00.001-08:00

Four Days ago in Edmond, OK 78 degrees (we were the only one's at the park in a jacket) . . .

. . . . Today in Edmond, OK, below freezing.

I felt like a kid today- both Spencer and I woke up having work and school cancelled because of a crazy Ice storm. It wasn't as crazy as everyone hyped it up to be but Spencer was driving home from school yesterday and said his car kept trying to slide down into the gutter while he was driving. The roads were just sheer ice.

It's hard to tell by this picture but this chain had like 1/2 of ice on it everything is like caked in ice.

I thought this was hilarious, people sledding basically on the grass but I think because it was iced over. They actually were cruising down the hill.

This is a cute little dress up game my sister gave Sofie for Christmas that we have been playing non-stop.

Spencer even plays it- we just have to tackle him and put him in submission. I tried to get a picture of him all dressed up but wasn't fast enough getting the camera.

Queen Stephanie and Princess Sofie. Notice how Sofie is always wearing her Cinderella dress. It's been a bit annoying until the other day she was sweeping the floor and told me she was cleaning the floor because she is Cinderella. (Suddenly I wondered why I hadn't tapped into this pipeline before- turning it to my advantage.)

Christmas 2008

2009-01-12T18:12:00.000-08:00

We went home for 3 weeks for Christmas. The longest we have ever gone and we sure had a great time.

It was so fun being back in the mountains. It is something I always took for granted growing up and now I just love it when we get a chance to get out.

Sofie was of coarse spoiled rotten by all her grandma's and aunts and uncles. She was still a little scared of Santa this year but she sure had her list of thing she wanted from Santa.

Here is a cute picture of Sofie and her Cousin Boston in their buckeye apparel.

Sofie's first attempt at skiing with Grandma Nancy. She was really concentrating it was pretty fun to watch her try to figure it out.

We took a really fun snowshoeing- a little Johnson tradition- to a yurt in Idaho. Of coarse I have to say thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Johnson who sacrificed going on the fun trip to watch our little tots.

Sofie actually got to see all of her cousin's on both sides. I just love it when the cousin's get together. I got to see all but 2 of my sisters and we got to see all but 2 of Spencer's brothers.

Spencer turned the big 30 while we were home. His mom got him this hat because he got a 46" plasma for the big event.

I got to see my grandparents this visit which was a real treat since I hardly ever get to see them. This is a 4 generation picture.

So my last thing is a shout our for these little figurines. So Sofie's friend Emma had these little figurines and Sofie just loved playing with them whenever she went over to play. So that is what she got for Christmas and I am not kidding when I say these have been the best purchase in regards to toys yet. I would see these at the Disney store and think "how boring" but we traveled 30+ hours in the car alone this trip and these dolls saved our lives.

Thanksgiving break

2008-11-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

Well our Thanksgiving break started out with another fun visit with our friends the Frandsen's from Kansas City. We actually met them in Dallas and went to the Dallas world aquarium. I was hoping it was going to be something really cool since the admission is kind of steep- and I wasn't let down. It was made to look like a jungle and there were monkeys in the open trees with waterfalls and rivers filled with all sorts of fish and reptiles. They also had a glass tunnel with sharks.

Of coarse we did more fun things with the Frandsen's and had a great Thanksgiving dinner and I didn't take any pictures!!! One thing I did that I don't remember doing for a long time was going shopping on Black Friday. For so long I had thought that there was a few great deals that go when the doors open and that is really just a ploy to get people to come into their store while everything else is close to normal price. So for all these years I have not taken advantage of the Black Friday sales. We first went to Target and I felt like people were just throwing anything in their cart that had a sale sticker on it, so I made sure to tell myself to not become like that when the next thing I know we are at the Disney store and I am going buck wild with the princess paraphernalia- When I got home a realized all the things I got I was feeling a little sheepish. But over all I thought there really were some good deals.

I do want to say in the thanksgiving season how thankful I am for all my blessing. I truly feel like the Lord takes really good care os us by giving us so many really great friends and family- thank you everyone for your kindness to us!

Tagged again- I am just worried I might not have enough adult answers. Sometimes I feel like I've gotten so lost in the daily life tasks I've forgotten what I really like but we will give it a go
Crazy 8's tag
8 TV shows I Love: (even though I hardley ever watch TV- but when I do it's:)
1. The Office
2. I did like heros until like 3 weeks ago when I was just totally lost
3. Family Fued- as you will see I am a game show junkie
4. Deal or no Deal
5. Who wants to be a millionaire
6. Iron Chef
7. Untamed and uncut- (animal attacks caught on tape)
8. Any makeover shows

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. P.F. Changs
2. Elvaqero (even though it's only in Ohio :()
3. Olive Garden
4. I love chineese and I really like all those little whole in the wall places that seem to be owned by the same people- like the Great wall
5. City BBQ
6. Panera bread
7. Texas Road house
8. Mongolian BBQ

8 Things that happened yesterday:
1. Ben and Michelle left :(
2. We put up our Christmas tree
3. Spencer put up the lights on the house
4. We watched the OU- Oklahoma State game
5. I got to talk to my good friend Lori on the phone, two sisters, and my mom
6. Did Laundry (I know exciting)
7. Took an hour and a 1/2 nap- Heavenly
8. Drove around some neighborhoods checking out the christmas lights

8 things I'm looking forward to:
1. Going home for Christmas!
2. One day getting a real paycheck
3. Finishing the Twilight series- I only have like 20 pages left
4. Sofie being potty trained
5. Sofie's face on Christmas morning
6. My hair being long again someday
7. Someday living close to family
8. Being back in the mountains

8 people I tag:
1. Lexie Sautter
2. Jen Olsen
3. Michelle Frandsen
4. Lori Luff
5. Melanie Lee- this is an effort to get you to post some pictures as well :)
6. Karen Berhmann
7. Kim Hansen
8. Kristi Gailey

Warning long post!!!

2008-11-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

The zoo had a fun thing called haunt the zoo where you can take your kids trick or treating and they have lots of characters dressed up giving out candy.

One of Spencer's brothers had a dental school interview here in Oklahoma so we decided to make it a party when two of Spencer's brothers and their girlfriends decided to come out over Halloween. Spencer is supposed to be Nacho Libre by the way and that is a real mustach by the way.

Don't they have the cutest girl friends. Yes I know the over used 80's look on Halloween.

It's kind of hard to tell but the skeleton pumpkin was Spencer and I's and Spencer put braces on the top teeth.

We took the bros' and their ho's (just thought it was a funny phrase) to go shoot clay pigeons when we met Jesse a guy with about 20 guns and wouldn't let us leave until we tried them out. I was really impressed with the ladies and their shooting abilities. Jason and Daniel I hope these are keepers :)

We finally ended the visit with a OU game. I can't believe we got 6 seats together. The game was pretty much a blow out so we ended up leaving a little early but it was fun anyways.

I am going to try and finally do the two tags first I have to go to my 6th picture folder and post the 6th picture

Oh what do you know just a old highschool picture of my friend Lori.

My second tag is kind of long and some questions seem to repeat themselves but here we go

I am: already running out of ideas

I think: the world is comming to an end soon- hope you are ready cause I'm not

I want: to live close to family some day- agh paridise

I have: a little boys chest- seriously when I wear a sports bra I feel like a 14 year old boy.

I dislike: people that are mean and salad- whenever we go to a resturant and Spencer gets a salad they try to give it to me- eww

I miss: the mountains- there is so many things you can do in the mountains- things I took for granted when I lived in Idaho

I fear: Obama will get elected and take all our heard earned money- Seriously I hope we didn't go through all this school just to give it all to the government

I feel: lucky to have such great families!!!

I hear: meowing from my little cat Sofie-(she is still wearing her cat costume everyday even though Halloween was over days ago)

I crave: sugar- anything with sugar and chocolate and then an ocassional pickle- wierd I know.

I usually: like to go to bed early- drives Spencer nuts

I search: blogs I have lost so much time blog hopping- that's why I have to limit my blog time or I get sucked in.

I wonder: what life not in school would be like. Will I be able to get groceries without haveing a pit in my stomach whe the price is rang up.

I regret: not staying in touch better with so many high school and college friends- lucky blogging has really helped me out with alot of people though.

I love: getting outside. I don't know what it is about fresh air but I love it. I also love Spencer and Sofie.

I always: say too much- stick my foot in my mouth when I am trying to play it cool.

I worry: my breath stinks when I am whispering to people in church.

I believe: in the atonement and Jesus Christ

I dance: probably similar to Elaine on Senfeild but sometimes you just gotta feel the beat

I don't always: eat my vegtables

I win: almost never but for some reason I keep trying.

I need: to see my friends and family

I forget: to floss- don't think that Spencer lets me slip though-

I am happy: that I have been so blessed with so many great friends and family

More fall fun

2008-10-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

So it's been a really long time since Spencer and I actually went on a date when one of Spencer's professors gave him tickets to an OU game. It was so fun just spending the day together and it reminded us of the fun we had at Ohio but we misssed our friends getting rowdy with us. Of coarse this wouldn't be possible with out you Jess watching our little rug rat for us- Thanks

We went with some friends to this really fun place here called Orr family farms. They had a petting zoo, train rides, hay rides, a pumpkin patch, race track, carosel- just to mention a few.

Sofie's 2yr pictures

2008-10-14T10:42:00.001-07:00

(corny phrase I know but it's Sofie's favorite)

So I know Photography is a hot new hobbie now a days, so I jumped on the band wagon and decided to have a go at it with Sofie's 2 yr pictures. I do have to say I have had some lessons and picked the brains of my two really good friends Lori and Mel- so without you guys I would have had to go to boring target or something so thanks for teaching me all I know (which really isn't enough) Anyways I am mostly posting these pictures for you guys so you can see all your hard work paid off. I am sure you are going to be picking them apart because they are so ameture but at least I got what I paid for. Thanks Guys

I am loving Oklahoma

2008-10-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

So I saw 2 gas stations today where gas was $2.69 a gallon!!!! I took a picture but due to lack of time I am just writing it. What is going on why is gas going down? I am sure there is some trick to this. Is it going down everywhere?

Happy Birthday Sofie

2008-09-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

Things I love about Sofie at 2 years:

1) I love her little smile (her bottom jaw is pretty small so when she smiles her top teeth hide her bottom lip)

2) I love to listen to her play with her dolls she really loves singing Happy Birthday to them

3) She is really sensitive to those around her. She gets really worried when other kids are crying infact there is a little cardboard book I have about babies and she is really concerned about one page- she always turns to the page right away- it has a baby crying on it and she just says over and over baby crying momma, baby crying.

4) She loves to help mom I just love that she wants to help (even though it can be more of a hindrence at times)

5) She is such a quick learner she will do things after only being taught them once ie- at gymnastics

I just LOVE my little Sofie girl. I seriously have LOVED having a little girl and all the princess stuff and her gentlness I feel SOOOO blessed to have such a great daughter!!!!

Fall is in the air

2008-09-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

So fall is my favorite season- probably like the majority of people- anywho I am just so excited it is here. There are some that don't know but in my former life (that would be life before marriage) I was a hunter- I know you aren't suprised because of my manly physique, but the leaves changing colors, the perfect temperatures and then there is this smell in the air that all just reminds me of the good old days of huntin with my dad. Well I thought you might want to see it to believe it so in the picture below the hottie, with the afro so big an adult size hunter orange hat won't even fit around the head, would be me proudly displaying our latest kill with a slit throat and blood dripping out- can we say REDNECK!!! Oh the good ole days when you thought you were so cool and you really a big DORK- at least I have matured in that I know I am a big dork now just wishing I was cool.

Well we have already been out and about trying to soak it all in before the freezing temperatures come. Below are some pictures of a visit to the zoo and a little camping trip we went on this weekend. We got a cheap thrill princess sleeping bag for Sofie and I've never seen her happier. She spent almost the whole entire time rolling around on that sleeping bag in the tent. I am just loving the age were it doesn't take much to make her happy. I know the day is comming where she is going to require alot more than a $15 sleeping bag to entertain her so I am living it up all I can with handme downs and cheap thrills.

So the last picture is Sofie with 2 french braids and a side messy bun something I have been dreaming of doing since the day she was born. Her hair is getting so long so on Sunday I decided that was the day to try and it really turned out so cute but by the time we made it to church she had had a nap and rubbed it around on the car seat it was like friz central.