Remembering Mom Johnson

One year ago Jared and I drove to Utah all night and surprised his mom with a visit.  That was one of the best decisions we ever made and it was the last time we saw her in mortal frame.

Margie was a spitfire of a person, what she lacked in size she made up for in personality and energy.  I learned many things from her in 25 years of being her daughter.  I like to think that I am a better mother in law because of the way she treated me.  There was absolutely no end to the amount of love she had to give.

One of the things she always said "Be grateful in ALL things."  Sometimes, I didn't like to hear that but, she of course was right on.

So mom, whatever fun and exciting project you have going on up there in heaven stop for just a minute and know I learned this valuable lesson in gratitude from you and I LOVE you for it.

Mom, know that we think about and fondly speak of you day by day.  You are an important part of what our family is and we are so thrilled that we get to be a part of your forever. Just last week I said something and all three kids at the table started laughing and Stephan said, "Well hello grandma Johnson, when did you get here!"

 I know you were there with me that terrifying night on the highway and that you were whispering for me to hold still, and I am grateful because just like you, I have lots of work still to do.

  

November's End

I can not believe it is the last day of November! I have so much to be thankful for. My family tops the list. We had such a nice Thanksgiving Day. Jared helped me keep kids busy, he went to pick up the turkeys that Dray and her family cooked in the pit. {I love you Dray, those turkeys were the best.} He vacuumed, set up tables, moved furniture, you name it... all while feeling pretty crummy, cold medicine rocks. Mollie slept in, cuz Nutcracker everything is taking all of her energy. Christian helped me cook and went with my angel mom to buy cat litter when we realized we were out, not good when the whole family is due to arrive in an hour and you have 9 cats.

We ate at 3pm so Naomi and Carlin would be able to come. I can't believe how grown up all of the cousins are. Even with all the food Jordan wanted peanut butter and jelly for his crackers, I should have taken a picture of that so I could tease him later on in life!! Aunt Debbie and Christy came I haven't had Thanksgiving with them in I don't know how many years. Aunt Debbie was able to meet Isaac. Mom J. helped do tons of dishes, Kim helped me dole out the leftovers, and Jared did more dishes and bagged up the leftover turkey while Kim and I watched tv, (fell asleep on the couch.)

Then on Friday I woke up with Jared's cold and pretty much have stayed in bed since except to drive Miss Mollie to Nutcracker when Jared isn't available. Bed can be a great place when the dvr is full of good stuff and the cutest grandson in the world comes to visit at naptime because his dad is painting his room for two days in a row. Taking a nap with him is my idea of Heaven.