Today's Turkey Top Ten

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Hope you enjoy this top ten list of things I'm grateful for this year.

#10

I'm grateful that I didn't have to work at Marie Callender's this Thanksgiving. I have worked every Thanksgiving since 1999. But, I played the "pregnant card" and got out of it this year. It was however REALLY nice to still have my celebrity-status there. No waiting in the long lines for me! This picture is just a small fraction of the total amount of pies. And, yes, that's my little June bug eating something off the floor.

#9

I am grateful that I made a mean red pepper dip today. My mom used to make this for Christmas and I always LOVED it. But each year we get too busy to make it. So, this year, Anthony and I made it for Thanksgiving since it was a little more low-key. It turned out fabulous and it was the hit of our Thanksgiving dinner. Don't worry family, I made enough for Christmas too.
(Squeezing out the juice)
Internet photo of the finished product as I forgot to get one.Canned some for Christmas

#8

I am grateful for technology. It's mind-boggling. But, I love it. I love that I can look up virtually anything on the Internet, that I can email someone in Australia (though I never have), and that I can buy things without ever going to the store.

#7

I am grateful for food and water. I know. Lame. But, think about it. There are so many people that don't have a fridge full of food right now or a tall glass of ice cold water at their constant disposal. Actually, hang on, I'm going to go take a swig. K, I'm back. Being grateful for food also encompasses how grateful I am for Anthony's job and willingness to work. It also includes how grateful I am for all the preparation that goes into food. From seeds to on the shelf, there is a lot in between to be grateful for.

#6
I am grateful for my siblings. Each one has so many qualities I love but I will just (because I don't want this to be too long) pick out one thing each. Tad helps me with perspective. Tracy is "right there with me." Tyson keeps me LOLing. Kari helps me want to be a better mom. Ann gives without regret. Tyler loves his "in-law" family as if it's where he's always been. Loren cares about other people more than himself. Sonya is always positive and happy. Eddy has the best laugh in the world. Kylene has a very tender heart. Elizabeth is like your high-school best friend. Adam cares more about his family than anything else. Sam loves my children (well, all children.)

Tyson and his family get to be center-stage here because I don't have a good pic of everyone mentioned above and well, it's a great picture.

#5

I am grateful for my membership in The Church. This is not something I take for granted. I feel so blessed to know about the Gospel. I'm not sure why I "landed" born-in-the-church but I did and I have been blessed because of this my entire life. This picture is a drawing of the chapel I went to as a child in Lake Arrowhead, CA. I was baptized in this building.

#4

I am grateful for my mother and father. This is my 31st Thanksgiving and the first one I have NOT spent with my mom as she's in Iowa with Elizabeth, Adam, Megan and Jack. There are a ton of reasons why I'm grateful for my mom but I'd say the top reason is because I learned to be a mom from her. And, for my dad I am grateful for how he took such an interest in everything. If he loved to do something, he did it and tried to get better and better at it; like cooking, singing, drawing, playing games, etc.

#3

I am grateful for my children. Not a day goes by that I go without thanking my Heavenly Father for Bradley, Jamison and our little boy soon-to-arrive. Bradley is smart. He keeps me laughing. He has a tender heart and loves his sister. Jamison is hilarious. She melts my heart with her smiles and kisses. She is adorable and I can tell she is going to be a great big sister.

#2

I am grateful for Anthony. I really couldn't have found a better husband. He's perfect for me. I will refer you to our anniversary blog. Scroll down and read "7 things I'd miss out on if I weren't married to Anthony." Here is a picture of Anthony with Megan - our niece.
#1

I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. He came to this earth, taught us, set a perfect example, atoned for our sins, and suffered and died for each one of us. If I were the ONLY person that was to benefit from the Atonement He still would have done it. And, for that, I am most grateful.

The Power of Prayer

I've been quite torn regarding what to blog about. I feel like nothing is as important as my little nephew's health. I feel like an update on my own children or the things going on in my little Vegas-life would foreshadow where my mind has really been. Since I got the call that Jack had been born and was not doing well, time has crawled by like a snail. My mind has been with the Johanson family and nowhere else. Everything else I do seems so unimportant. Hours feel like days as I wait for good news. I can only imagine what my sister Elizabeth and her husband Adam are going through.

My brother Loren sent Elizabeth a quote from Elder Holland's recent General Conference address entitled, "The Ministry of Angels." I thought the quote was especially appropriate.

“I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. “[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.” On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places… the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal…'I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, . . . my Spirit shall be in your [heart], and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.’"

I am sure that angels are "round about" Adam, Elizabeth, Megan and Jack. Elizabeth has mentioned many times that the Spirit around Jack has been very strong. I feel there are those on the other side of the veil helping buoy this young little family up during this time. How ANYONE could face a struggle like this and be able to do it without intervention is beyond me. Our family has been fasting and praying for these four people. Their names are on about 10 temple prayer rolls (that I know of.) That means in addition to friends and family there are thousands of other people praying for them too. I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers and that he will help Jack and Elizabeth and Adam through this tough time.

I always thought when people told you, "you're in our thoughts and prayers," or "we'll be praying for you," that the thought was kind of habitual. It was just one of those things that everyone always said in rough times to make you feel better. I wondered if anyone actually did add you to their "list" when praying. This week my thoughts have changed regarding prayer and fasting, especially with a large group and for a great purpose. I have seen small miracles already with Jack and his parents that I absolutely believe are answers to the prayers we've all be "sendin' up." I feel there is a loving Heavenly Father listening and truly answering our prayers.

So this week, as I think about what I'm grateful for, I will be able to add one huge item to the list. I am grateful for Heavenly Father. I have always been grateful to Him. But, at this time, I am grateful that He hears and answers prayers. That He doesn't leave us "alone or unaided." I'm grateful for my family. Every. last. member. Especially little Jack who, even thought I haven't yet met, I love more than I can put to words. I could think of no one more adorable to talk about in my 100th post!

Jack Alexander Johanson

My heart aches tonight for my sister Elizabeth, her husband Adam and the new little baby that has been brought into this world. This will be my first picture-less post because there are no pictures of little Jack floating around yet. Other things are more important. Elizabeth delivered Jack via emergency c-section this morning at 7:07 CST. Since then Jack has not been doing well. The umbilical cord was around his neck which caused his heart to race and that was the reason for the c-section. A lot of problems and unanswered questions have been looming all day. It's a waiting game at this point to see what exactly is the matter with Jack. Some symptoms point toward problems from the cord. Other symptoms point toward other possibilities that are being diagnosed. Again, just a waiting game right now.

Elizabeth seems to be doing okay but the emotions are about all she can bare. She's trying hard to get her strength to be able to be released so she can go be with her baby. (Jack was taken to a hospital in Des Moines a few hours after his birth.) Jack received a blessing before he went to the other hospital. Adam went with him and is now back with Elizabeth for a few hours before he heads back to Des Moines to pick up my mom from the airport.

Our family is fasting and praying for this family. If any of you could add the Johanson family to your prayers I know it would be appreciated.

I'll post more when I know more.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

Today would have been the 40th anniversary of my parent's wedding.

Instead it is the 10-year anniversary of my dad's passing.
I always have bittersweet emotions when November 16th rolls around.
It's one of the hardest days of the year for me (and I'm sure for my mom and siblings.) Yet, it's one of the best because it marks the beginning of a marriage that brought forth so much. 40 years later and my parents have 7 children, and 14 grandchildren with 2 more on the way.

(Christmas 2007)My family is growing and even though my dad is not here to continue with us, we know that because we are an ETERNAL family we will be together again.

As if it was planned, Jed, one of my cousins, and his beautiful wife Cyndi were sealed yesterday (along with their 4 children) in the Redlands, California temple. It was the perfect way to turn my thoughts to the sealing power that binds this family together; beyond death.

Jed, Cyndi, Shannyn, Karyssa, Bryan, and Jonas

So, there is much reason to rejoice on this, the 16th day of November; the day my parents were sealed in the Los Angeles, California Temple. It is a great day, a great month and a great time of year.

Questions about temples, sealings, eternity, or life after death? Visit http://www.mormon.org/

Singin' at the Park

At the park yesterday Bradley kept singing one of his favorite songs taught to him by his Abuelo. So, I asked him to sing it for the camera. He loves to sing; I need to record more of it. The first video is "take one." He messed up one word and wanted to start over.

Jamison was also there at the park with us (of course, where else would she be?) She loves to sing too, but mostly, the girl loves to DANCE. She can swivel her little hips and loves to move her arms everywhere. It's so cute. It's so refreshing because Bradley HATED to dance when he was little.

A Month of Orange and Black

October is over! I have been saying all year long that each month seems to fly by. But, October actually went a little slowly for me. We celebrated Halloween for like a week straight and I was a little tired of all the décor about 5 minutes after I put it up. But, the kids had a great month and we got to go to Disneyland. It was Bradley and Jamison's first time. And, it had been about 17 years for both Anthony and me.

Help us pick the best pictures of October. Vote (by posting a comment) for one from each category. You should end up with three letters when you're done. Have fun! Check out the winners from September here.
(click each collage to enlarge)

Jamison October 2008 Bradley and Jamison October 2008

September Winners!

Thanks to all who voted for the best of September pics. We had clear-cut winners this time (I didn't have to break any ties!) Be sure to vote for the best of October!

Sept. 25, 2008 Bradley's new "That's a bad choice, Mommy!" face.September 21, 2008 - Ready for church. I love this dress. I usually only get about 2 uses out of each dress because she has so many between hand-me-downs and my love for cute church dresses. But, I think I put her in this one 5 times and it's still hanging in the closet. I just can't let go of it yet! September 6, 2008. Can you believe on September 6th Sam's Club had their Halloween stuff up? This is a pic of the kids looking at the "Face Ripper." They were both a little paranoid each time we went in Sam's during September and October.

Where were you 7 years ago today?

Do any of your remember what you were doing November 10th, 2001? For a handful of you, I have an alibi should you ever need it.

I was apparently babysitting - hmm, a little foreshadow into the future?

(Torie, Sarah, Tara and Coulson)My mom was by my side the whole day. It was hard not have my dad there. She played the role of both parents very well. Anthony's parents were also a great help that day.

These yahoos were the groomsmen. (Honorary groomsman, Loren, was in Texas.) Groomsman Tad (and my Uncle Bob) were our witnesses.

These chicas were the bridesmaids. Nice leg Ann! Yoda made his appearance. (Can someone confirm? Was this Yoda's first wedding?)Sam was celebrating his 17th birthday with his newest brother-in-law. (When my mom asked Sam if he would mind if we got married on his birthday he said, "That's fine, I'll just get married on Sarah's birthday." Then, he looked up at my mom and said, "Hey, when is Sarah's birthday?")
My future's so bright, I gotta wear (Eddy's) shades. The happy bride

The handsome groom.

Don't you wish you knew everything BEFORE you got married?

Would I do it all again?

Of course! Because I'd miss out on these 7 things (one for each year) if I weren't married to Anthony.

1. He has a strong testimony of the gospel and strives every day to be more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. I was very impressed when we were first engaged and newly married with how well someone who wasn't "raised in the Church" knew the doctrine of our Church. Of course the mission helped, but the desire has to be there and Anthony has that desire to learn.
2. Anthony never loses his patience. I lose mine all the time. I am trying to learn from him.
3. He is a wonderful father. He NEVER complains about anything related to his children.
4. He is very artistic and helps his very-not-so-crafty-wife when she gets stuck.
5. He knows a lot about how things work. Cars, tools, the human body, computers, electronics, the government, etc., etc.
6. He cries at movies. I think it's funny to look over when we're watching something, just to see him wiping his eyes. Sorry Anthony for ratting you out on this one. But when you tear up watching "Journey to the Center of the Earth" you've got to get made fun of.
7. And, the reason I'd do it all again - Anthony loves my family. He treats all my nieces and nephews and my brothers and sisters and mom as if they were "his side" of the family and not just "my side." In the beginning of our marriage I used to whisper little hints to him at family functions about cousins or in-laws like, "That's Vanessa, she's got 5 kids and lives in Utah." Or, "That's Josh, he's the one that named you C-Money." "Over there is Aunt Debbie. We call her Babbs." Finally, one day he said, "You know you don't have to do that. I know the family." He truly does know and love my family.

Happy Anniversary Anthony!
Here's to many, many more (like an eternity more.)

"Can We All Just Get Along?" Rodney King

Happy Election Day everyone! I think it should be interesting tonight as we watch the states turn blue or red. I have an opinion about who I would rather see win. When I voted I felt like I just shrugged my shoulders and checked the box. But, since I voted (a few weeks ago) my opinion has gotten a lot stronger. I know who I think will win. But, who knows? It feels like it's a coin toss at this point. I really wasn't too impressed with either candidate this time around. Actually, "impressed" isn't a word I'd use at all for either one.

I do know, however, that my eyes will be turned to California and the voting results on Prop. 8. I think the whole country will be watching that outcome. My earlier blog entitled "Note to Self" reflects my opinion on the Proposition. I have a lot of family that lives in CA and a lot of them have been working tirelessly to get the proposition passed. They will be celebrating a job well done regardless of the outcome. I have SO many feeling about things that have transpired regarding this issue. But, another day . . . or probably not. I'll just record my thoughts in my own personal journal. I don't want to invoke an argumentative forum here.So, to those of you who haven't voted yet - go enjoy your constitutional right. Then, head to your nearby Krispy Kreme®, show your "I Voted" sticker and get a free star-shaped doughnut.

WALL E and the Witch

I was in Big Lots! a few weeks back and the commercial overhead said something like "Did you know Halloween is the 2nd largest holiday?" I thought, "no way!" But, after living through last week - I believe it!

We had a GREAT Halloween week (because one day just isn't enough anymore!)

Saturday the 25th my mom and I kept our tradition of visiting the "spider-web" house for a photo op.Jamison the witchBradley as WALL E Monday night for FHE we carved pumpkins. Bradley's pumpkin was carved as WALL E. Sunday night's dinner was the annual "Orange Dinner. " We had pizza, salad with orange peppers, orange Kool-Aid, and nectarine and cantaloupe slices. For dessert we had orange cinnamon rolls (Sarah Day made from scratch!) and orange sorbet.

This picture of Georgia is blurry, but she's still so cute.

Tuesday night was our ward's Trunk Or Treat. It was very well attended. Our ward was just split and combined so this was the first time we got to meet the new families and say goodbye to the ones joining the Stonegate Ward.

Crystal (spider-rella,) Bradley(WALL E,) Marshall (Pirate,) Coulson (Indiana Jones,) Sarah (witch,) Jamison (witch,) and Katherine (witch.)The boys - Marshall, Coulson and BradleyWednesday afternoon we headed to Southern Cal. My mom, Aunt Debbie, Tyson's family, Ann's family, Josh's family, and my family enjoyed Thursday at Disneyland.

Here's a picture of most the clan. We hadn't met up with the Kelley's yet - there were 22 (and 3/4) of us total. This was Bradley and Jamison's first time at Disneyland (along with most of the kids that were with us.) Bradley plugged his ears on virtually every ride. But, he never shielded his eyes. He soaked up EVERYTHING and loved every minute of the day.

This is a picture of our first ride, "Big Thunder." Here he is on Winnie the Pooh. He seems to be having a good time, but the ears were still plugged. Here are a handful of pictures of Bradley posing with the WALLE statue. So many people took pictures of him. One couple had him pose with the WALLE and Eva stuffed animals they had just bought. His costume was a hit. It was a very long day. We didn't stop ONE time. Bradley was out before we got to the car. Jamison was out the second I finished getting her PJs on. And now, a moment from our sponsers.

Disneyland was a blast thanks to Josh, Sara and Aunt Debbie. Josh was our "tour guide" and Sara helped us with the kids so all the adults could go on the rides. Aunt Debbie was also an experienced "Disneyland-er" who helped us out the whole day. Our D-land day wouldn't have been nearly as successful without these three. Josh, I will now consider naming this baby Mr. Mustachio (well, just for a minute.) I can't even tell you all the things Josh did! We waited in virtually no lines thanks to him and never wondered what to do next. He kept us going all day long. "Walk and talk."

Also, a huge thanks to the Rombergs for letting us crash your pad for two nights. You guys are the best.

Okay, now back to the rest of the week. Friday (Halloween) morning we left the Rombergs and visited the beach for a minute. It wasn't "beach weather." But, if you're a mile away from the beautiful ocean you've got to stop right? Jamison has never been to the beach. We'll have to go again next summer to properly introduce her.

Next, we headed to Tad and Tracy's. We stopped at Tad's office where we dropped off Tyler, Anthony and Coulson to help finish some baseboard work. The rest of our clan headed up the mountain to get ready for yet another Trunk Or Treat.

I didn't get any great pics that night of WALLE or the Witch - but this one of Sarah was too good to not post. Well, that brings us to Saturday morning, November 1st. Halloween and the month of October were now officially OVER. We went to Tara and Torie's soccer games. Torie's team got creamed while Tara's team remained undefeated.
Last, we headed down the mountain, finished up at Tad's office (it's ready to open the doors!!) and then headed home.

All in all, Halloween 2008 was a huge success. When we got home Bradley asked "can we take down the Halloween?" He is SO not a huge fan. But, he and little Jami JuneBug did great this year.

I have posted plenty more pictures in my Picasa Album labeled Halloween '08.