And to all a good night!!!
The Johnston's
Here we are....and this is our blog. Family is our passion. This is my attempt to document our lives. Ron and I raised three kids, who are the pride and joy of our lives. More than anything in my life, I have loved being a mom. It has been the funnest and hardest time in my life. I love my family. I love being a grandma now and look forward to each and every little spirit that comes into our family.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thanksgiving Memories
Thanksgiving Thankfulness=Family Time.
As I get older, the presents don't seem as important
as the family time does. My heart takes so many
pictures that I can't capture with my camera.
I just want to put a big bow on my family. You are
my gift this year and every year. The material
things are just that. Material. I can't take them with me
when I die, but I can take my family and my memories.
I love each and every one of you!
Holiday Layla....Poinsetta and Reindeer....Welcome
Christmas, Christmas time!
Cam and Ellie....don't ask about their house.
gingerbread houses. You did good Eric!
Friday shopping. She stayed up all night! You go girl!
enjoyed it a little too!
Grandpa Ron loves Layla to sleep there!
appeared on his forehead. At least we didn't forget
who he was. Gotta love me some Dash!
There is a story here...Every year we make 10 layer
There is a story here...Every year we make 10 layer
jello salad. This is Cam's favorite thing of all on
Thanksgiving. Well, Robbie's too. Notice the 3 jello
squares on Cam's plate. I think he wanted to make
sure he got enough of it, because it goes quickly.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Gingerbread...here we come!
Green bean casserole, pecan pies and stuffed celery! That's my assignment for Thanksgiving. I am so excited for the holidays this year! In the past, I have been a bit of a Scrooge, but this year, I am already listening to Christmas songs and singing along!
I am making the trek to SLC this week and having sleep overs. Me and my sis are going to go see New Moon on Saturday, then make gingerbread. We have a tradition where after Thanksgiving dinner, we all make a gingerbread house, so that's what we are going to do. It's a chore, but the gang loves it.
We are trying to have everyone at Thanksgiving this year, because Dad probably won't be around next Thanksgiving. That makes us sad, but we are going to enjoy this year. I went and saw Dad yesterday and helped him eat his lunch. He is eating great, but very tired and sleeps a lot. I told him I love him. He smiled and said, "love you more." I am going to miss him.
Christmas is just around the corner and I have started the shopping. Little things here and there, but I have got stuff for my babies. They will probably not have a clue but it's fun. Dash is 6 months and Layla is 4 months. I am still searching for the that "perfect" gift for the Gabester!
I am thankful this year for many things. Most importantly, for my health. You just never know when that may slip away from you. You are in my prayers, Karen. I am thankful for my family. They are all I need in this crazy world we call life. I would be nothing without them. Love you all!
I am making the trek to SLC this week and having sleep overs. Me and my sis are going to go see New Moon on Saturday, then make gingerbread. We have a tradition where after Thanksgiving dinner, we all make a gingerbread house, so that's what we are going to do. It's a chore, but the gang loves it.
We are trying to have everyone at Thanksgiving this year, because Dad probably won't be around next Thanksgiving. That makes us sad, but we are going to enjoy this year. I went and saw Dad yesterday and helped him eat his lunch. He is eating great, but very tired and sleeps a lot. I told him I love him. He smiled and said, "love you more." I am going to miss him.
Christmas is just around the corner and I have started the shopping. Little things here and there, but I have got stuff for my babies. They will probably not have a clue but it's fun. Dash is 6 months and Layla is 4 months. I am still searching for the that "perfect" gift for the Gabester!
I am thankful this year for many things. Most importantly, for my health. You just never know when that may slip away from you. You are in my prayers, Karen. I am thankful for my family. They are all I need in this crazy world we call life. I would be nothing without them. Love you all!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Brown hair
My hair has been a multitude of colors throughout my life. No, seriously. It has been pale blond, golden blond, brown, dark brown, red, striped, and even green. The green was not supposed to be green, but that's what you get when you do it yourself as a senior in high school. I wanted to have some highlights around my face, so I used some pasty bleach and painted it onto my hair. Left it there for way too long, and then I had brown hair in the back and white hair in the front. It was horrible.
I could not go to school that way. So I got another brown color and "did it myself" and the white hair turned to green. Now it was a nightmare. In high school, "hair" was everything. It was the Farrah Fawcett" hair style that was in. I think I managed to get the green hair toned down a bit and went to school. After that, I learned a very important lesson. Unless you are a hair specialist, don't do it yourself.
After experiencing many different hair colors throughout the years, I decided I was going to get back to my roots, literally. I was going to go back to my natural color. The only thing is I was not prepared for the color of my natural color. I was shocked to see the swatch of color that my roots were. It was dark brown. Isn't that the weirdest thing ever? I always pictured myself to be the "fair" one of the family. But this was dark stuff. I just couldn't do it. Visions of my mom kept running through my head. My mom always had dark hair. Is it bad that I was having visions of her? I just didn't feel dark.
I don't know. I picked a shade that was a couple shades lighter than my natural color. I like it. It looks sophisticated, instead of trailer trash blond/red/brown. It looks rich and warm. Good for the winter season.......right? Who knows, maybe I will bring back the "green" look in the springtime.
I could not go to school that way. So I got another brown color and "did it myself" and the white hair turned to green. Now it was a nightmare. In high school, "hair" was everything. It was the Farrah Fawcett" hair style that was in. I think I managed to get the green hair toned down a bit and went to school. After that, I learned a very important lesson. Unless you are a hair specialist, don't do it yourself.
After experiencing many different hair colors throughout the years, I decided I was going to get back to my roots, literally. I was going to go back to my natural color. The only thing is I was not prepared for the color of my natural color. I was shocked to see the swatch of color that my roots were. It was dark brown. Isn't that the weirdest thing ever? I always pictured myself to be the "fair" one of the family. But this was dark stuff. I just couldn't do it. Visions of my mom kept running through my head. My mom always had dark hair. Is it bad that I was having visions of her? I just didn't feel dark.
I don't know. I picked a shade that was a couple shades lighter than my natural color. I like it. It looks sophisticated, instead of trailer trash blond/red/brown. It looks rich and warm. Good for the winter season.......right? Who knows, maybe I will bring back the "green" look in the springtime.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Happy Birthday to my son!
Almost 24 years ago, I gave birth to my son, Cam. It was at 10:23 pm at the St. Benedict's Hospital. Out of my 3 children, Cam's birth was my easiest delivery, probably because his older brother paved the way, if you know what I mean!!! Cam weighed 9 lbs 6 oz. and was 21 inches long. He had more hair than Robbie did, but there was a tint of red to it. Who'd have known he would be a red head? Well, a strawberry blonde head.
Cam....this is for you. I simply adore you. You have made my life interesting and memorable. Rob is my gentle giant, you are the "spice" in my life, and Katie--my comic relief with all her adventures.
To be your mom is one of the best things in my life. I can't tell you how many times, I have had people come up to me and say, "you're Camron's mom?" and the next statement goes something like, "you did good raising that one." Or, "what a great kid you have there." Tell me something I don't know....right? As a mom, there is no greater compliment than when someone tells you how great your children are. It's a little bit like the sprinkles on the donuts.
You have given me so many memories. Thank you. Please know this. I will love you forever and always, my little boy you will always be!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Blessings.....for after much tribulation, come the blessings.
Grandma Julie holding my lover....
Layla's Blessing....Here she is looking like a princess.
Thank you Grandma Brenda for letting us party at
your house! And Grandma Skinner too!
This is Dash a doo
This is Layla in her car seat ready to go to church.
This is my family! My pride and joy. I love you all!
I have said it before. I stand all amazed....my
cup runneth over. Thank you!
This is my bff...My sister who I love so much. We
have been through so much together, I don't know
what I would do without her and my brother.
have been through so much together, I don't know
what I would do without her and my brother.
Layla's Blessing....Here she is looking like a princess.
Thank you Grandma Brenda for letting us party at
your house! And Grandma Skinner too!
This is Dash a doo
This is Layla in her car seat ready to go to church.
This is my family! My pride and joy. I love you all!
I have said it before. I stand all amazed....my
cup runneth over. Thank you!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
My babes--They make me smile so much!!!
I found Gabe! His adventure from last Saturday.
This is Dash and Layla being buddies and trying to hold hands!
Gabe....where are you????
Thank goodness for camera phones...as I never had my camera ready.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Time to Breathe
Finally....I have some time to sit and do nothing. Life has been extremely hectic since the end of July to now. But now that I have some time, I will update my blog.
We made the decision to place my dad in a home for Alzheimer's/FTD in Bountiful. It was definitely not the easiest thing we have done. My stomach has not been the same since that day, and I have to wonder, if it will ever be the same. Each time I visit him, my heart strings are pulled every which way possible. I finally have to leave because I can't hold back the tears any longer. However, I know it is the right place for him and for his safety. Sometimes it just plain hurts.
FTD is a strange disease and not sure what we are to expect. But according to some wonderful forums and support groups, it is not going to get easier. I have to wonder if he will be here for the Christmas season. The tremors and rigidity are bad and get worse each time I see him. He sleeps all the time, yet he still knows I am his daughter and tells me how much he loves me. I am a lucky girl.
Dad was able to come to the reception for Ellie and Cam. He seemed to enjoy himself, ate an ice cream cone and visited with family and friends. He was very tired, though. On Sunday, he celebrated his 77th birthday. Again, I have been blessed to have him with me for that long. Mom died when she was 62 and it was way too early. She still needed to be a grandma to her grandkids! She still needed to be there for me to whine about things. I know she is playing with my grandbabies up in heaven and taking care of them until they get down here.
It's nice to finally relax, play with Gabe a little, snuggle with Dash and Layla. I have also found that I like to take naps now and again. It's a selfish pleasure. There hasn't been time to vacuum the furniture, finish up all the laundry at once or even read the paper.
Oh, and the most exciting thing of all, we grew a pumpkin! Can't wait for it to turn orange.
We made the decision to place my dad in a home for Alzheimer's/FTD in Bountiful. It was definitely not the easiest thing we have done. My stomach has not been the same since that day, and I have to wonder, if it will ever be the same. Each time I visit him, my heart strings are pulled every which way possible. I finally have to leave because I can't hold back the tears any longer. However, I know it is the right place for him and for his safety. Sometimes it just plain hurts.
FTD is a strange disease and not sure what we are to expect. But according to some wonderful forums and support groups, it is not going to get easier. I have to wonder if he will be here for the Christmas season. The tremors and rigidity are bad and get worse each time I see him. He sleeps all the time, yet he still knows I am his daughter and tells me how much he loves me. I am a lucky girl.
Dad was able to come to the reception for Ellie and Cam. He seemed to enjoy himself, ate an ice cream cone and visited with family and friends. He was very tired, though. On Sunday, he celebrated his 77th birthday. Again, I have been blessed to have him with me for that long. Mom died when she was 62 and it was way too early. She still needed to be a grandma to her grandkids! She still needed to be there for me to whine about things. I know she is playing with my grandbabies up in heaven and taking care of them until they get down here.
It's nice to finally relax, play with Gabe a little, snuggle with Dash and Layla. I have also found that I like to take naps now and again. It's a selfish pleasure. There hasn't been time to vacuum the furniture, finish up all the laundry at once or even read the paper.
Oh, and the most exciting thing of all, we grew a pumpkin! Can't wait for it to turn orange.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
We sure did party!
We had a great time! Here's a few pictures for family to enjoy. Thanks to all for your support and love.
Monday, August 24, 2009
September = Fall = Leaves = Cool Weather = My Birthday
I totally hate August! It has to be the worst month of the whole year. It's the hottest, muggiest, dirtiest and just plain yukkiest month of the year. Nothing is pretty in August. The grass is going brown, the fields are going brown, the air is dirty and hot. There you go. But then there's September! Yummy, Yummy September. I love the fall, as do most other people. Fall is that time of year where the air smells good. The leaves are beautiful, the grasses don't need to be mowed as much. You can play outside without having heatstroke. I dig the fall!
The big day is almost here for Cam and Ellie. I can't believe how many things have been done. Invitations sent by the hundreds, pictures by the hundreds, tuxes, flowers, cake, fancy dresses, jewelry, rehearsal dinner, slide shows created (thanks Kate). And all on top of school starting. We got the classes, paid the tuition, paid the fees. I must say I have been a little stressed. But it's all good. Pretty soon it will be September!
It's been an eventful summer for us Johnston's! My babies are here and have stolen my heart. Dash is almost 3 months old. Layla is 6 weeks old. Gabe is going to pre-school. What a big boy!
New callings in the ward, new home for Grandpa Frank :( But we will get through it. The Lord doesn't give us more than we can handle right? And soon it will be September....
The big day is almost here for Cam and Ellie. I can't believe how many things have been done. Invitations sent by the hundreds, pictures by the hundreds, tuxes, flowers, cake, fancy dresses, jewelry, rehearsal dinner, slide shows created (thanks Kate). And all on top of school starting. We got the classes, paid the tuition, paid the fees. I must say I have been a little stressed. But it's all good. Pretty soon it will be September!
It's been an eventful summer for us Johnston's! My babies are here and have stolen my heart. Dash is almost 3 months old. Layla is 6 weeks old. Gabe is going to pre-school. What a big boy!
New callings in the ward, new home for Grandpa Frank :( But we will get through it. The Lord doesn't give us more than we can handle right? And soon it will be September....
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Grandma Julie again!!!!
Katie holding our newest angel, Layla!
Mom, Gabe and Layla
Gabe missed his mom so much...he just had to put stickers
on her arm.
Grandpa Ron...he is loving this!
Little Layla
Today at my desk I had to hold back the tears because I was thinking how incredible life is and how blessed we have been lately as a family. It was a fact that I was very tired after being at the hospital late last night, which made me teary, but I feel that my blessings just keep coming.
We have 3 grandchildren who are healthy and well taken care of. They are loved by so many people and will be cherished for the rest of their lives, if Grandma has anything to say about it.
Life is a great blessing. Families are the biggest blessing of all. I am thankful for both! I am truly enjoying the ride!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Meltdown Time!
Ok, it's official. I hate Frontotemporal Dementia. I am going through the same thing I went through with the alcoholism. I hate alcohol.
Dad.....I'm just not ready. I'm not ready to let him go. I'm not ready to be parentless. I'm not ready to lose my hero. I'm not ready. I'm not ready. I'm not ready. I need him still.
I guess I am going through one of those phases of loss. Anger! I am angry at life right now. No one can fix it. No one can kiss the owie. No one can make it go away.
My burden is too heavy to deal with right now. Yesterday was my "curl up in the fetal position" in my bed and cry. I want my dad to be normal again.
Seriously, I am so jealous of those people that have parents who are still active, physically and mentally. I want to go over to Dad's house and chat. I want to go watch a baseball game with him.
Does it matter what I want? I feel selfish. I'm sure Dad wants to be normal again too and enjoy those grandkids and great-grandkids he has. What a legacy Mom and Dad have left!
I have some great moments I have shared with my Dad. I was thinking last night as I was watching a MLB game, that me and Dad saw Mark McGuire hit his 500 home run as we sat in the St. Louis ball park, eating hot dogs and junk food.
Me and Dad stood together in Carthage Jail listening to "A Poor Wayfaring Man" with tears streaming down our faces. Me and Dad have been to the temple, knelt across the altar and sealed as a family.
Good times. I want more and I don't even care if I am being selfish. I want more Dad.
Dad.....I'm just not ready. I'm not ready to let him go. I'm not ready to be parentless. I'm not ready to lose my hero. I'm not ready. I'm not ready. I'm not ready. I need him still.
I guess I am going through one of those phases of loss. Anger! I am angry at life right now. No one can fix it. No one can kiss the owie. No one can make it go away.
My burden is too heavy to deal with right now. Yesterday was my "curl up in the fetal position" in my bed and cry. I want my dad to be normal again.
Seriously, I am so jealous of those people that have parents who are still active, physically and mentally. I want to go over to Dad's house and chat. I want to go watch a baseball game with him.
Does it matter what I want? I feel selfish. I'm sure Dad wants to be normal again too and enjoy those grandkids and great-grandkids he has. What a legacy Mom and Dad have left!
I have some great moments I have shared with my Dad. I was thinking last night as I was watching a MLB game, that me and Dad saw Mark McGuire hit his 500 home run as we sat in the St. Louis ball park, eating hot dogs and junk food.
Me and Dad stood together in Carthage Jail listening to "A Poor Wayfaring Man" with tears streaming down our faces. Me and Dad have been to the temple, knelt across the altar and sealed as a family.
Good times. I want more and I don't even care if I am being selfish. I want more Dad.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Guess what I get!
I gets me a granddaughter on Tuesday the 14th!
Yes!!!
Quote of the day:
The biggest biotch is Karma. Letting her do her job and it is SWEET!
Yes!!!
Quote of the day:
The biggest biotch is Karma. Letting her do her job and it is SWEET!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
I had the best day with you today!!!
We spent Katie's birthday day at the Gateway
in SLC and had so so much fun.
Gabe loved the fountains!
And got soaked!
Fun day!
This was water from the fountain, not rain.
Ok. She swears it is going to look cuter when her
hair is all done. You are beautiful no matter what!
Picking out Kung Fu Panda
Washing our hands at Bath and Body Works.
Hot Topic lady with blue hair. Gabe loved this store!
Kate...You are old enough to buy tobacco. But you better not or else I will have to spank you.
I can't believe you are 19. Wow...I know this sounds like a cliche, but the time has flown by. I treasure every moment and every memory I have with my kids. I am a rich person.
Thanks for the memories and for all the future memories I look forward to.
El Matador....it was yummers!
Gabe...and his tongue
Bro and sis
Cambo
in SLC and had so so much fun.
Gabe loved the fountains!
And got soaked!
Fun day!
This was water from the fountain, not rain.
Ok. She swears it is going to look cuter when her
hair is all done. You are beautiful no matter what!
Picking out Kung Fu Panda
Washing our hands at Bath and Body Works.
Hot Topic lady with blue hair. Gabe loved this store!
Kate...You are old enough to buy tobacco. But you better not or else I will have to spank you.
I can't believe you are 19. Wow...I know this sounds like a cliche, but the time has flown by. I treasure every moment and every memory I have with my kids. I am a rich person.
Thanks for the memories and for all the future memories I look forward to.
El Matador....it was yummers!
Gabe...and his tongue
Bro and sis
Cambo
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