Fun in the Sun!

A friend invited us to play in their pool and sprinklers.  The kids loved it.

Trek

Scott and I got to be a ma and pa on trek this year. I really wanted to go 4 years ago when they went but I was having complications with my pregnancy and they wouldn't let me go. Scott went as an uncle and had a great time. This year I was going! I was even willing to do sanitation if that was the only way to go. We were assigned to be a ma and pa and I was ecstatic. Then I started having trouble with my hip and knee. It wasn't going to stop me though. I went to the Dr. and started physical therapy. Unfortunately that seemed to aggravate things. Back in to the Dr. and they decided I needed to have surgery. I decided to schedule it for after trek. As the month went by it became more and more painful to walk and I started thinking that maybe this was a sign that I shouldn't go. Scott and I discussed it and prayed about it and felt like we were supposed to be a ma and pa and that things would work out. Scott bought me some walking sticks and we were set.

The only picture I have of us!

In a minute we were the proud parents of 10 teenagers!

I was grateful when I realized that I was not the only person with walking sticks. There ended up being three of us that had to use them all the time. It was nice to have company.
When we left President Geary informed us that our family would be in charge of the rickshaw(a fancy handcart with a padded seat). He had gotten it for him having had surgery on his knee just a few months before with various complications. He also said that it was for me just in case. I was determined not to use it unless I absolutely had to. I think that Heavenly Father saw it as an opportunity to humble me. I lasted about a 1.5 miles before my hip gave out and I couldn't walk anymore. I was afraid that the kids would be frustrated to have to pull me but they were so sweet. Every day I woke with a determination to not end up in the rickshaw and every day I spent a good deal of time in it. It think it ended up to be about 50/50.



The day of the Women's pull 2 of our girls where not able to pull due to heath issues. I didn't want to leave my girls to pull alone so I decided to pull. It was a lot harder than I thought. I was completely focused on simply getting up the hill and didn't even realize we were at the top until Scott wrapped me in his arms. I looked around and people were crying and hugging and I realized that I had missed it. I was so intent on just making it through that I missed the experience. As we continued on I realized that I often find myself in that predicament. I made it through the trial but I failed to look up and learn from my trails.

Last time Scott went he was in charge of putting together some pioneer games. He put a ton of work into them but they ran out of time. This year he brought them along again and we had a blast.


By the end of the week I loved my crazy teenagers as if they were my own. I am so grateful for the opportunity we had to go. It is an experience I will never forget.

Independance Day!

We ended up in Rexburg for the Fourth. Scott's brother and his family were here from back east and so we met up with them and Scott's parents. We went to the Rexburg parade and did our own fireworks. We stayed with my folks and had a lot of fun just playing games and relaxing.

On a side note... my brother Spencer turned 15 on July second and this is the cake he asked me to make for him. It was really fun trying a new technique and I think it turned out pretty cool.

Father's and Sons

This summer has been crazy so surprise, surprise I am way behind on blogging. In June Scott took Steven to Father's and sons. Steven was so excited to go camping with dad all by himself. They had a great time.

Scott and Steven aren't in this picture but I thought it was funny that they were all gathered around an electronic device instead of enjoying nature.

Grace Elizabeth Johnson

Grace Elizabeth Johnson
August 1, 2012 1:19 pm
6lbs 14oz
19 inches

Yesterday I was able to participate in the birth of my niece. I have seen babies born before but not since I have had my own and it was an entirely different experience. Mari decided to not have an epidural and labored for 18 hours and pushed for 2 hours. I feel so privileged to have been able to be there. I was there for moral support and ended up being a little bit of everything from breathing coach to pushing coach. Babies are an incredible miracle. Getting them here is exhausting and painful and I think pushes women to their breaking point and then they are here and it is worth every minute of pain and exhaustion. I love the picture of Jordan and Mari and baby Grace just moments after she was born. I think it says it all.

Emma's First Birthday

Emma turned one on May 22. She is so much fun! She loves to talk on the phone and she wrestles with the kids and does stairs like a pro. She doesn't want to walk she wants to run and so crawling is faster right now. She loves to cuddle and is such a sweet baby. This year we celebrated with our good friends. It was a duel party because Emma was born on Uncle Michael's birthday. Our tradition is that they get a cake to themselves for their birthday. My other kids were very cautious and would only touch it with a spoon. Em had no problem getting into the cake. She quickly demolished it and then proceeded to throw it and giggle. She also loved opening gifts.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl! We love you!

Spring Craziness!

This spring has been crazy. We had school plays, preschool spring shows, dance reviews, a piano recital, and of course soccer season. We also got to see my Grandparents.