And December begins...Party, Houses and Lights, Oh My!

Happy FHE! Evan and Chase constructing the house. We found that using a glue gun got the boring part over with a lot faster! Chase didn't want to burn himself, so Evan stepped in...

The best part of the evening...CANDY!

Reunion Community holiday party: After singing with his school concert choir, he took a few minutes to decorate the gooey-ist cookie ever! (Ahem...I would know because I tasted it!)

Reunion Community Holiday Party: Our cute girls with their matching snowgirl face painting!

Evan and Brian in deep discussion about HOW to get lights on our house...the Anti-Lights House! I think Evan realized that our friends were actually going to get a gigantic blow up Santa and install it on our front yard if he didn't get the lights put up! Nothing better than peer pressure!

You're the best!

I am completely overwhelmed with all of the sweet comments that have been left on our blog about the upcoming arrival of Johnson #5. Ev and I were caught off guard and this new course for our family was actually the last thing we ever thought would happen. Hearing from all of our friends/family has meant the world to us. So thank you for taking time to write your well wishes and to share your excitement! You have our hearts...

When the Unexpected Happens...

You bake cookies and have a treasure hunt!!
FINALLY got this video to upload! Sorry to my family who have all been waiting patiently!
We had a treasure hunt for the kids on Monday night to tell them some BIG news! I recorded the last clue...with the last word missing...it took them a bit to figure it out, but luckily Amelia can read now!

Turkey Trot 2008

Here comes the D! Her time was 30:30! Way to go Abbey!

Here comes Evan...Rockin' to the finish! (Notice NO ONE is around...) New PR, baby - 20:29 which is a 6:36 pace!

WAHOO! 3rd in her age group! It's in her blood...GO D!

Reigning 3rd Place in age group...2 years running!

The Johnson Family runners...Channy, Abbey, Evan and Uncle Spencer


**Note: We missed Chandler as he came in because he was SO FAST! He was 29th in his age group out of 130 kids.

BYU vs. Air Force Football Game

The Gang at our tailgate party before the game! I can actually EAT a hotdog when its cooked outside...a strange mental phenomenon!

Mom and Chan...you can tell he really loves hugs from Mom...is he that age already??

Thank you to our friends, Damon and Johanna, for helping us get cheap tickets to the Air Force vs. BYU game on Saturday! I had a "partner in crime" that day (in Johanna)! We were able to schedule a play audition and merit badge college along with remembering the food, coats, tickets and ALL of our kids! PHEW! To see our plan in action was so rewarding...so thank you to all of the amazing people we have in our life who helped in the execution of Project "Busy Saturday"!

Of course anytime BYU wins, its a great day! Things looked a bit questionable during the first half...we were hoping one of the players didn't need to "repent". But, in the end, we came through victorious! It was fun to share it with many friends. I think the kids had a great time because they were able to be with THEIR friends!

And I need to mention that I got a virtual "punch in the gut" walking into the stadium...after the awesome "fly over" of the US Air Force fighter jets, I overheard Chandler say under his breath, "Oooo, Cheerleaders!" Forget the days where trains, trucks and planes were Chandler's obsession...now we're moving into "ooo, cheerleaders??" I seem to be having more of these "loose my breath" moments lately. Is this what growing up feels like to a mom? If so, I'm going to be writing a LOOOOONG letter to my mom thanking and apologizing for providing many moments like this for her. She's gonna get a BIIIIIG gift this year....BIG!

Halloween in Cheyenne

Here's the group (minus the boys) Amelia:Snow White, Abbey: Pirate Girl, Jordi: Ladybug (in the babyseat sleeping), Maria: Vampire, SJ: Vampire Jr (but he didn't like the cape), and Leah is the Good Witch.

Spencer sat on the porch and waited to scare small children...

SJ and Amelia were checking out the candy and Abbey was trying to keep hold of the hungry, squirming Ladybug.

Halloween Prep: decapitated, half buried guy...YUM! The kids were excited to help put the finishing touches on the WY Johnson's decorations!

Abbey (the photographer) took a pic of Evan drooling while napping after the 5k...Glad she caught me AFTER I swallowed the a handful of candy corn!


Well, I forgot to post our Halloween pictures...sorry! After the race, we went to eat at Chipotle (a family favorite). Watching Abbey take down a giant burrito was a sight! After eating, a few of us ran errands, Ev and I watched a movie (well, I watched a movie...he slept) and Abbey helped Leah make chocolate spider cookies. It was very relaxing and so much fun to be with family! Maria made the 6 hour drive from SLC to be with us, too! Thanks Spencer and Leah for letting us come celebrate "The Night of the Dead" with you!

Halloween 5k, FE Warren AFB

Second Place, Men (behind his younger brother, Spencer, of course!) GO EVAN!

Abbey got 3rd place, overall for the girls! GO SPECIAL D!

Channy's cruising down the lane...

Evan bringing the D home! She's a natural!

Maria and Spencer

No better way to start off Halloween then with a 5k! The Johnson's had a great showing at this race! The weather was unexpectedly warm...in the mid-70s. The sun was blazin' and it felt closer to 80 degrees. (Leah and I didn't run...we were in charge of the pictures and the babies).

Way to go, Johnson Family Runners!

Gotta Love Hockey!

Yeah, he ruined that potentially "cute" picture!

What do you do with YOUR fries?? (Not quite sure what Todd is doing there in the background..)

Ramie and Todd

Thank you to our friends, Todd and Ramie, for inviting us (again) to the Avalanche game on Thursday! We had a great time! Ramie is the Hockey Expert, so sitting next to her was priceless! She was so patient with my "Why are they doing that?" questions...

By the way, we learned that the Pepsi Center has the BEST burgers and fries! We broke Todd and Ramie's nachos tradition...but I think it was w0rth it!

Thanks again to our great friends for the invite! GO AVS!

Abbey "Cum Laude" D

Abbey and Principal Witt

Sweet D with other "Cum Laude" students

Abbey receiving her award in front of the 3-6th grade students and parents

Channy being shy?? Really??

Congratulations to our 3.4 GPA student, Abbey D! She smoked her siblings! She graciously accepted an Oreo Blast from Sonic and a new book from the Book Fair as her reward! She has worked steadily everyday to complete her homework and study for tests. When we sat with her teacher at Conference, she only had a glowing report for us. Here is an excerpt from her First Quarter comments: "She is a steadfast, conscienctious worker...It is a pleasure having Abbey in class this year...she is a student who always knows what is going on...her work refects careful attention to detail and presentation." WOW! We are so proud of her! We hope she keeps up the great work!

Chase is a Blogger!

Our oldest son, Chase, has finally joined the ranks of family bloggers! I can't wait to see what he has to say...

I have added his Blog Link to my list, so feel free to check it out!

WE LOVE YOU CHASERS! WAY TO CAVE TO PEER PRESSURE!! :)

Reunion Ward Halloween Party!

Sweet Meeza and her cookie creation! She had two cupcakes (from the cupcake walk) and made some sugar cookies all with no tummy aches! She must be my child...I can take down sugar like it's nothin' !

Sis. Eaton, Sis. Williams and Sis. Herbert...with a cow and a ladybug!

Of course there was a "Squat" competition! Every ward Halloween Party MUST have a fitness competition! Evan sat there for 2:36 (that's 2 min, 30 sec...not 2 hours...haha) He was beat by a tiny missionary who was in that position for about 3 min. CRAZINESS!

Sarah demonstrating our tossing technique...we signed up to decorate a door/room for the kids. Sarah had "Hawaiian" decorations from Sierra's bday party, so we put up a blue sheet and had the kids "go fish" for the candy. It took a long time and we were holding up the line, so we started tossing it over the blue sheet...gotta watch out for those "jumping fish"!!


THANK YOU EUDIS FAMILY/Reunion Ward Activities Committee for the super fun (and very organized) Halloween party! It was beautifully decorated and I know that everyone had a fabulous time! It reminds me of a party that my own Dad would come up with! Thanks again for all of your hard work! The planning really showed!

Abbey's Gymnastics Recital

You will have to see Abbey's blog about her recital. She blogged before me, so she got all of the good pictures and the videos that I took. :) But, I just wanted to say how PROUD we are of our big 9yr old! She is beautiful and talented! Can't wait to see what great things she does in the future.

Mapleton School District Fundraising Event

THANK YOU DAMON AND JOHANNA for the invite to a wonderful event for a very worthy cause! You are both such amazing examples of charity and service...thank you for being our friends!

Janis was my "date" for this evening...her hubby is in Chicago and mine is in Reno...Darn J-O-B!

Michelle, Patti, Janis, me and Sarah. What a great group of people I am associated with...I count my blessings to have friends like these ladies. (Tamara and Johanna are missing...probably off bidding on something!)

Thank you to Damon and Johanna for the invite to this wonderful fundraising event for Damon's school district. We found out tonight that there are 6,000 students and approx. 3,000 are ESL students in the Mapleton (Denver area) school district. They are a diverse group who need more resources to give these students a chance to achieve their dreams! This event always reminds me to think of ways I can help where ever I am "planted." Doesn't have to change the world, but I can do just one thing daily to help someone or ease a burden. I really missed my sweet hubby tonight...he usually gets all excited about the "bidding" process...he's very competitive! Made me miss him more...

My Political 2 Cents...BEWARE!

John and Cindy McCain

John Elway and John Lynch (formerly of the Denver Broncos)

Meeza, Abbey and Channy in line waiting to enter the Coliseum

Mom and Meeza (with her wierdo smile!)...I had to sit her on my shoulders to see the stage. She had the best seat in the house! We were about 50 feet from the stage, but a lot of people had signs...

I heard that John McCain was going to be within 30 minutes of our house, so I decided to drag the kids out of bed early and take them to see him in person! I think they had a great experience. You'll have to check their blogs to see...

Ok, so I am not the most "learned" person when it comes to politics or the reasons WHY the country is in so much turmoil. Most of the time, I don't even think about Washington and what they are up to over there. My hope is that the people I help put in office would be thinking about my family when they make decisions...that their first responsibility is to the people of this country and doing what they can to keep the USA the best (and safest) country in the world. Doesn't seem like a lot to ask, does it?? ;)

Well, I have to admit that when the nominees were both announced and the Conventions began, I was seriously considering writing in "Mickey Mouse" on November 4. I was frustrated with the choices. But, I knew that I had to vote for one of them, so I decided to go into the months of Sept/Oct with an open mind and heart. I decided to listen to them both, watch the debates, read the "plans" on their websites and do whatever I could to gather information to make a good choice. I can honestly say that I have done that. There was one speech given back in September that never left me, though. It was John McCain's acceptance speech in St. Paul. At the beginning of the speech, I was thinking "oh, boy...here's another fluffy political speech coming our way." But, about 3/4 of the way through, his demeanor changed and his voice softened. That grabbed my attention. So I listened. As weird as it sounds, I felt his words in my heart...I knew that what he was saying was the truth. Here is part of what he said:

"....But after I turned down their offer (of being released) , they (the Vietnameese) worked me over harder than they ever had before, for a long time, and they broke me.
When they brought me back to my cell, I was hurt and ashamed, and I
didn't know how I could face my fellow prisoners. The good man in the
cell next door to me, my friend, Bob Craner, saved me.
Through taps on a wall, he told me I had fought as hard as I could. No
man can always stand alone. And then he told me to get back up and
fight again for my country and for the men I had the honor to serve
with, because every day they fought for me. I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I
loved it for its decency, for its faith in the wisdom, justice, and
goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a
cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again; I wasn't my own
man anymore; I was my country's. I'm not running for president because I think I'm blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in
its hour of need. My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And
I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God."

http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/president/conventions/videos/transcripts/20080904_MCCAIN_SPEECH.html

So, we all will have our own "2 cents" about this election. Not everyone will agree. But, I can say that I am confident in my decision of who I think will be the best choice. And poor Mickey Mouse will have to be content leading the parades at Disneyland...

Happy Birthday AbbeyD!

Yes, our Sweet D is 9! Abbey's birthday is October 13, which was on a Monday this year. Her party is today. She was funny about it...she just didn't want it to end! She not only loves the attention, but she really enjoys being around friends/family. She's just getting TOO big, TOO fast!

My specialty is chocolate cake with chocolate frosting...but she didn't want chocolate. She told me she wanted the "sprinkle cake" from the box and candy on it. WAHOO for me! I could handle that! I haven't done a box birthday cake in a long time, but what a timesaver! She and Amelia had fun putting on the gummi lifesavers and Starbursts.

Her other request was a special lunch from Del Taco...strawberry shake and two chicken soft tacos. She was the talk of the class that afternoon, just the way the D wants it! She is a very special girl, so she deserved it.

Can't wait to see how our PJ party turns out! We'll post pictures tomorrow!

TAGGED by Laurene!

Wow! Well, its been more than a week since Laurene ( http://lewisross.blogspot.com/ ) tagged me. I wasn't quite sure what to write...so I put it off! But, just knowing that I've been "tagged" has been nagging at me! Time to get it done...

Ok...so 7 random facts...here we go:

1. I love old music! Anything from the 50's to the 80's. Evan teases me that I know every word to every song that plays on the radio...but its kinda true. I used to "live" in my bathroom when I was a teenager and I had a small, pink vintage looking radio. That's all I did back then...dance and listen to the radio. I also have to credit my parents for the endless days of Broadway hits and my high school boyfriend (Matt Rankin) for passing on his love of Buddy Holly and that "era" of music. Music rejuvenates me, energizes me, calms me down, makes me introspective and some music even teaches me a thing or two.

2. I am scared of the dark...STILL! Halloween is my least favorite holiday because it reminds me that bad things happen in this life...YIKES! I am all about jolly St. Nick, love on Valentines Day and cute, fuzzy bunnies on Easter. I have to have a light on somewhere close by when Evan is gone because I don't like to imagine what is in the dark (that I can't see). I also dislike scary movies. I just don't want it in my head. I know, I know...get over it!

3. I could live on fruit and Haribo gummi bears. For my June birthday, my mom used to cut a watermelon in half and stick in some candles...dream kid, huh? I would also get a 1lb bag of cherries and they would be gone by the end of the day. I can still take down an entire bag without stomachaches or any other "bad"effect. :) And those gold bags of gummi bears...YUM! They are soft in the center and firm on the outside...no gooshy, squishy bears for me. I saw a HUGE bag at Target the other day for $7. Cheap Christmas gift!!

4. I wish I had more boys! I would love to have a house full of boys. Once they get past the busy, active stage at 3 or 4 yrs old, they are so easy! Boys love their mommies, they are simple creatures with simple needs, they are easy to dress (tshirts and jeans) and knowing that they will want to spend the rest of their lives with someone who is just like me is very flattering!

5. My favorite part of my body is my ankles. They never let me down. They never gain weight. They look pretty in heels. They are a perfect transition from my calves to my feet. They are just nice, all purpose ankles.

6. I love family gatherings! I am not picky...the Johnson side or the Stephens side, I love being with my family. Even though I don't get to see my 10 other siblings and 5 "in-lawed" siblings all the time, I consider all of them my best friends. I can be myself, grumpy or happy, skinny or chubby and I never feel anything less then loved.

7. I couldn't think of another "big" random thing, so I jotted down a few that are worth mentioning: I love my curly hair, I have so many grey hairs I can't count them, the only thing I have ever wanted to be is a mom/wife, I have always wished I finished my YW Recognition award, I have always wanted to go chase tornadoes, my one regret is leaving BYU without a degree, I want to have a little farmhouse in the middle of nowhere and teach my kids to be self sufficient (it must have been the canning experience last month), I think that the most generous people on earth are my parents (I have an entire life full of examples), I haven't seen a rated R movie in over 15 years, my favorite drink (besides a cold glass of milk-with a pb&j sandwich) is Dr. Pepper, I have always wished I could sing (like Celine Dion or Sarah Brightman) and the person I most admire is my mother (if you know her, you understand why).

I think I need to tag another 7 people now...

1. Kim Labrum http://labrum6.blogspot.com/

2. Cindy Stephens http://cindylori.blogspot.com/

3. Abbey Johnson http://www.abbeyd99.blogspot.com/

4. Chandler Johnson http://chandler11.blogspot.com/

5. Spencer/Leah Johnson http://sjandleahfam.blogspot.com/

6. April Johnson http://apesees.blogspot.com/

7. Dad http://sherriers.blogspot.com/

Run for the Lynx!

Amelia, Chan and Abbey workin' Dad's medals
My sweet D after she ran 2.5 miles! WAHOO! The next generation of Johnson runners...
Chan coming off of the obstacle course...its a fun way to change things up!
College Spirit Day! Of course Mom got him a Longhorns T-shirt (even though I went to BYU, I was still accepted)!
Chan with other 6th grade runnin' buddies


Well, you must wonder WHY all of the pics of Chan, only one of Abbey and none of Amelia...because I am just ONE mom and I can only do so much! The kids had a fundraiser at school on Friday for their sports program. Almost $6000 was raised! The kids had a 1/4 mile loop around the parking lot on an 88* day! It was HOT. I was able to see Abbey finish at 11:15am and I snapped a picture as she was lining up. I helped with lunch duty for 6th grade at Noon and then I watched Chandler run at 12:30. I don't think I will be invited back anytime soon, though...I was pulling out some drill team moves (which don't go as well to Hannah Montanta) and using my old cheerleader "pep rally" voice! Hopefully, those kids forgot about how hot it was for a minute while they were running past me being crazy. Amelia didn't run until 2:45pm, so I missed her, but good news! She will forget (because she's only in First Grade) and I'll put her at the top of the list next year.
I am just so proud of our kids! They always do their best and try as hard as they can. While other kids were complaining, our kids kept running! WAY TO GO CHAN, ABBEY and AMELIA!