Momma's Place

Brand New Eternal Family

2010-05-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

Baby Oliver
Sealed to his mommy & daddy
May 29, 2010
St. George Temple

TRUE LOVE...

2009-11-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

Tracy

and her newborn son,

Oliver Ayden Layne

Born 11/21/09

5 lb. 14 oz.

18 inches

THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE!

2009-10-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Here's to my best, most sane and inspired decision ever! The love of my life and me -- we're celebrating our 35th anniversary together! Seems like the years have flown by, but when we look at our terrific kids, their spouses, and those adorable grandkids....well, I guess we've been busy!

So, here's to you, baby. Here's to 3 1/2 decades on our way to eternity! Thank you for your patience with me, your tolerance of my faults and weaknesses, and your unending love - which I always feel. You are, without a doubt, my smartest decision!

I love you!!!

Mug

Conference at Grandma Barb's

2009-10-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

What is it about the Sunday afternoon session of Conference? Perhaps a yummy home-cooked meal right before? You be the judge....

Maybe we'll just say, they were lulled into the sweet peace of the prophets voice.

A WOMAN OF GREAT FAITH AND COURAGE...

2009-09-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

SO..... today is my baby girls 25th birthday! Amazing that so much time has elapsed since that joyful day! I want to tell you why I respect and admire this wonderful woman. If you're reading my blog, you're probably amazed that I even have a new post - as it's been a very long time since I did this.

But today - I want to honor my daughter. I wish I were more like her. In the midst of what was clearly the most devastating day of her young life, I found that she was comforting ME! Hmm... that should work the other way! She received the unwelcome news that her in-vitro attempt failed -- again. Worse yet, it won't be repeated until modern science solves some difficult problems, that might leave the door open for another attempt. However, this is 5-10 years away. What a blow for this cute couple, who want nothing more than to be parents. As they proceed with the route of adoption, it brings a new set of hopes, disappointments, and uncertainty, yet they're willing to put it all on the line - facing it all, with faith in their Heavenly Father's plan for them.

There's little comfort or answers I have for you, Tracy, except that I KNOW that you are somebody's mom, and how blessed those children will be for having you open your heart and welcome them in.

Last night, rather than wollowing (like me), you were making cookies for a bake sale to help a family in great need. What a shining example you are! What courage you have! And Faith -- well, just remember the college paper you wrote a few years ago entitled "Faith." It touched me then, and it touches me today. Thank you for being my daughter, Tracy. Thank you for letting me experience this challenge with you. And thank you most for keeping my perspective of these challenges very clear.

You are my hero.

You are my example.

You are my beloved, beautiful daughter.

I love you!

Mom

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANDY!!

2009-03-18T06:08:00.000-07:00

SO.... my little guy is now a big grown up "thirty-something" dad, who is having a swell birthday today! My, how time flies! So, my friend and bud, today I want you to know how very proud we are of you! You're a wonderful hubby and daddy, and a marvelous son, brother and grandson. We're all very blessed to have you as part of our family.

I wish I could upload the cutie pie picture I picked out, but I suspect I'll have to just change my internet service to do that. They just won't load for some reason. Have a VERY great day, and I'm sure there'll be some well deserved spoilage!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

LOVE YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BABY BOY!

2009-02-10T00:05:00.000-08:00

HERE'S WISHING MY HANDSOME BABY BOY A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Ok, I give up. At 1:30 this morning I began composing this post. I had the pictures selected and ready to import, so my baby boy would know his momma was thinking of him on his birthday. I waited about an hour for the pictures to download, and finally went to bed, leaving the computer doin' it's thing. I was very disappointed this morning to see the words "action failed" on my screen. BUT, undaunted, I began again this morning -- this time selecting fewer photos. Alas, I left for my workout with the computer working away...only to return to the same message! I hate this!

I'm repeatedly getting "failed" messages, and I'm starting to feel like a failure. BUT, how can that be, you say? Having produced 4 such magnificent babies....I can't be a failure! So today, my young Zakasaurus, this mommy is thinking of you, and what a wonderful man you've become. Kate and Kennedy are lucky indeed! Hope you have a wonderful day -- can't wait to see you on Friday!!!

love you,

mommy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATE!

2009-01-14T06:46:00.001-08:00

ISN'T SHE HOT??

What a beautiful mom, daughter, in-law, sister, friend she is! And what a great addition to our family! Lucky lucky Johnson's!! Hope your birthday is especially nice.... we love you!!

I OWE ARIE FIFTY BUCKS!

2008-10-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

SO... in a desperate attempt to be recognized and in fact acknowledged by my darling granddaughter, Arie, I offered the tot $50 if she would say "grandma Barb" or some close semblance of such, to ME. Stubborn though she is, whilst playing here at grandma's (along with Allie & Bree), in a moment of glee (and possibly a mental lapse) she CLEARLY uttered, "Barb!" Some far stretch causes me to think I have heard "grandma"(in some foreign dialect, of course) uttered on one or two occasions. I figure it's only a matter of time before she addresses me as "grandma Barb" as she hears Allie do, and no doubt Bree will so speak in the not too distant future! Way to make my day, Arden! Grandma Barb loves you!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO.....ME!

2008-10-11T16:13:00.000-07:00

So, today's the day. A mere 34 years ago today, I became Mrs. Kerry Johnson! As I recall, I was throwing up until minutes before the ceremony. Yes. Sweet little temple workers were trying to push soda crackers down me, while I fought them off - assuring them that I would, indeed, throw up if they persisted. Kerry's uncle, the pharmacist, arrived at the temple with some "magic pills" in hand. Now, I still don't know if it was the pills, or the ceremony being over, but something caused me to feel wonderful! Today.... well, it's Kerry who's throwing up! Ha! Actually, I don't think he has thrown up all day - but I could be wrong.

Through thick and thin, good times and bad, we stuck together. I have no intention of ever changing that. So today, my love, let me just say that you are my rock, and my "softie." You inspire me, you believe in me, you support me, and definitely you spoil me. Without you, there's not much to me. You make me a complete person, and you keep me grounded when I need to be, sane, when I'm ready to crack, happy when I'm feeling blue and you always make me laugh (I think that's why I married you). Add to all that, 4 magnificent babies, 3 fabulous daughters-in-law, a terrific son-in-law and the 4 cutest granddaughters we could ever hope for. More? How about wonderful parents, siblings and friends. Blessed I am. The world is mine.

The Perfect Weekend! .. almost!

2008-09-14T21:18:00.000-07:00

All we were missing were Jeremy, Sharla & Bree! Wish they could have been here..

Baby Kennedy's Blessing Day

Sept. 14

I don't want to steal too much of Zak & Kates bragging rights, but I just had to put a few of my favorite pictures up from our terrific weekend!

Three of our 4 granddaughters - Kennedy, Allie & Arie

Grandpa Kerry with Kennedy

As usual, Arie has everyone grinning!

Family & Friends

2008-09-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

So, the last weekend of summer brought the troops south for a final R&R. Here's how the weekend went: It started off with Tracy arriving late Thursday night. She had no work and no school on Friday, so she got a jump on the weekend. Friday morning was time to hit the irons! We took Andy with us, and the 4 of us golfed at Red Hills. I must say I was only along for the entertainment value. Everyone else played pretty well. Tracy even out-shot the boys at times! Jon and 2 other couples (friends of theirs) arrived late Friday night. It seems everyone else was on the freeway headed south too! Saturday morning, after delicious waffles with fresh peaches and cream, the gang headed here:

There was also lots of girly time with the granddaughters/nieces

Bree loves the pool!

We also ate LOTS of FANTASTIC peaches!

Thanks to Jeremy and Apple TV, there were also plenty of movies to watch!

Kerry took everyone to see Jeremy's vintage car collection at the airport. They loved that! I think their favorite part was when Kerry let them drive one of them down the street -- where it ran out of gas and they had to push it back to the hangar! Ha! Good times, huh boys?

Sunday evening we toured Jer & Sharla's new house and treehouse. Amazing place! Can't wait till it's finished. Jon was particularly impressed with the beautiful staircase that will have no supports. Monday (when they finally got out of bed) they all enjoyed fresh peach slobber for breakfast, played a little tennis, then headed for the pool again. All in all, it was a fun, busy weekend. Hope you kids enjoyed your last taste of summer!

Grandbabies....what else??

2008-08-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

You tell me... are these girls the cutest - or what! Here Kennedy is about 2 weeks old...

Allie & Bree watching a movie...

Allie & Arie at the conclusion of their water fight

and showing off their ample muscles!

What great fun they all are! We're missing Kennedy and these cute first months. We're excited to see her (oh, AND you, Zak & Kate) in a few weeks! Meanwhile, we're greatful to have the 3 others close by so we can see them often. Love you girls!

Bonding with Mel..

2008-07-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

Mel "enjoys" hugs from Arden

Mel... pay attention!

These are your eyes...

Here are your ears...

That's it! I'm outta here...

AWW...the Lake!

2008-07-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

My brave little granddaughter - "jumping ship!"

GO ALLIE!

Row Row Row your boat.... Tracy and the kids go for a ride..

PLAYTIME WITH ARIE

2008-07-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

We had some great "Toddler Time" over the weekend! On Saturday we played at the Town Square where Arie entertained us at the Splash Pad, the wading river, etc.

Tracy & Arden having a water fight and sharing a shave ice!

On Sunday, we flew up to SLC for Nathan's Farewell (which was fabulous!) After dinner we went over to Wheeler farms so little snookems could see the animals.

Jon & Andy demonstrate the art of "sheep feeding"

Andy discusses manners with a hungry duck who could take Arden's fingers off!

Touring with grandpa

HUBBY TAG

2008-06-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

1. What is his name? Kerry Johnson

2. Who eats more? Depends on what it is!

3. Who said "I love you" first? He did.

4. Who is taller? He is.

5. Who is smarter? Well, that's a "no brainer!" He definately is!

6. Who is more sensitive? Me.

7. Who does the laundry? We both do.

8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Looking at the bed, he does

9. Who pays the bills? I do. He just supplies the money!

10. Who cooks more? Lately neither of us cook too much. Always a good Sunday dinner though, and I usually do most of that.

11. What meals do you cook together? no comment

12. Who is more stubborn? Me

13. Who is the first to admit they are wrong? Me. I don't like to, but I don't like to fight, so I do it.

14. Who has more siblings? Same. 4

15. Who wears the pants in the relationship? We each have our place - but he's the boss

16. What do you like to do together? Travel, play with the kids and grandkids.

17. Who eats more sweets? Me, for sure!

18. What is his guilty pleasure? E-bay, and his internet

19. How did you meet? His best friend was dating my roomate

20. Who asked who out first? He did

21. Who kissed who first? He definitely busted the move!

22. Who proposed? He did. Very cute and fun

23. His best features? His nice nice hair for sure! Also, I just love his wit. Love it when he makes me laugh.

24. What is his greatest quality? Hard to pick.. He works very hard, and he is a man of his word. He's my very best friend!

25. Tag -- anyone who looks at this blog!!! Get busy!

Happy Birthday, Sharla!

2008-06-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the cutest bunny I know!!! Welcome to your THIRTIES!!!

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!

2008-04-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a peek at our Girl's Week Extravaganza!

The young girls

The Fun Girls

The Hot Babes

More Babes

The baby shower honoree & hosts

Grandpa - Pilot extraordinaire!

2008-04-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

On dad's 79th birthday, he got a great surprise from Jeremy. One of the first to ride in his shiny new 7-passenger helicopter! It was a beautiful ride to Lake Powell to check out the dream houseboat! Jeremy had grandpa "driving" and he did pretty darn good! This week Jeremy is flying grandma & grandpa and 4 friends out to spend a few days in the life of luxury on the boat!

Jeremy is a very talented pilot, and is instrumental in an unending number of search and rescue operations throughout Southern Utah.

Easter Weekend

2008-03-25T07:31:00.001-07:00

Jon gets schooled by Arie in a game of one-on-one..

Bunnies were everywhere!

It's not spring without our famous peach blossoms..

Ok, this was a really cute picture! I've rotated and saved it about 3 times, and it's still sideways! Whatever am I doing wrong??

We were excited to have Jon & Tracy with us for the weekend! Bree and Allie enjoyed some fun play time with them..

Peek a Boo!

2008-03-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

I just found these cute pictures of Arie... Even though they're a couple of months old, they were too cute to pass up!

Where's Arie???

PEEK A BOO!

ARDEN'S SHOES

2008-03-04T07:26:00.001-08:00

When Arie came to play at grandma's, she had this interesting pair of shoes on! She insisted on coming this way - that way she has a favorite on each foot! Andy says she has a pair at home just like 'em!

Valentine's at Grandma's

2008-02-25T18:08:00.000-08:00

Being the "sweet" grandparents we are, we offered to tend all the girls while the young folks went out for Valentine's Day. We decided to make sugar cookies - and a mess! Note the concentration on Arden's face! Keep in mind, she's only 16 months old! Talented girls! Allie gave good lessons to her cousin..

Grandma's Girls

2008-02-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

Just can't resist these darling girls!

THE BAD SITUATION...

2008-01-29T21:07:00.001-08:00

A big wind blew through town on Monday afternoon, and critically injured our beautiful willow tree! A full half of the tree is now laying on the trampoline!

Bree Smiles!!

2007-12-09T15:52:00.001-08:00

Check out this BEST grin!!

Almost Christmas

2007-12-09T15:45:00.000-08:00

I snapped this picture of Jer, Shar & the girls...I just kinda liked it!

Defying logic..

2007-11-28T06:57:00.000-08:00

I CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU TO DO THIS! SIMPLY STAND STRAIGHT LEGGED, THEN PUT YOUR HEAD ON THE FLOOR!! NO PROBLEM FOR ARDEN!

More cruise pics

2007-11-22T18:30:00.001-08:00

Enjoying the beach at

Cozumel

Here's our little boat. Sailing on this "floating city" was fabulous!

THE CRUISE!

2007-11-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks mom & dad!!

As you all know, Grandma & Grandpa Muir took all "us kids" on a cruise to the Western Carribbean! We had the time of our lives! Not only as couples, but as a FAMILY! We left from Ft. Lauderdale, FL and stopped in Jamaica, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Nassau. It was incredible - and as you can tell from the pictures, dad really let his hair down! It was like cruising with a 6-year-old! He was a fun and funny guy...here are a few of our favorite pics..

I've been TAGGED!

2007-11-12T20:54:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the tag, Trace...ya got me thinkin!

Rules:

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.

B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.

C. At the end of the post, the player then tags other people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

Ok, Tracy...here goes nothin'!

1. Some of you may be aware of "The Toe." If not, here goes.. My middle toe on my left foot is longer than all the others. It looks like it needs to be lopped off about the first knuckle! Adding proof to my claim, whi

le cleaning out my parents house in anticipation of their downsizing move, we ran across my hospital birth certificate. You know, the kind with the footprints on it? Yup. I was born this way!

2. I have always been a flexible sort of girl. I mean, kinda like a gumby doll. Sadly, as I have aged, I have "stiffened up" a bit. Can't do the crazy stuff I used to do. I could do what dad called the "spider walk." Wish I had a video of THAT! But I don't, so you'll just have to confer with someone who knew me "back when"

and they'll verify this magnificent stunt.

3. As a senior in high school, I was selected as a Spartonian. This highly coveted position was sought after by many in my class. I had great high kicks, splits, and precision drill moves. Well, our debut for the school was held early in the school year at an assembly. I was as nervous as I had ever been, but was well prepared and very well warmed up before the performance. However, my nerves must have tightened up my hamstring tighter than cat-gut on a cello! Our first move early in the routine required a simple split. Something I could do without even feeling a pull. But, as soon as I hit the floor in a full split, I felt a pop, and sure enough...I was stuck there! My first thought was "will I ever be able to have kids??" Yea, crazy I know, but it did go through my mind. Anyway, I turned to the girl next to me and told her I couldn't get up, and she said I had to. Uh huh.. Well, about 8 counts behind

the other girls, I drug myself up and hauled my injured right leg with me. I managed to stay on the floor - pretty much walking through the routine. After exiting, my advisor checked on me, and they got me to a doctor. Bottom line - I had seperated my hamstring from the bone. I was on crutches for a while, and off the squad until the end of football season. Bad news. I couldn't run for nearly a year after this little incident.

4. I hate spiders. I hate bugs. I hate creepy crawly things. I've been known to beat a hole in the wall simply killing

a bug. .. screaming the whole time, with my broom flailing about. I've had a bug man

spray for the last 20 years, so I don't have much of a problem anymore. Still, I will ask ANYONE to kill a bug for me. I only do it myself if I have NO OPTIONS!

5. I think I'm an odd ball. I grew up in a normal, functional, happy family. I have no terrible memories of my childhood. My parents are STILL married. It never occurred to me to cause my parents any grief...you know, sneaking out at night, getting into trouble, or flunking out of school. I probably missed out on the cool stuff, but I just didn't think of it! I have 4 siblings, all still married as well. My grandparents were always married. I can only think of ONE uncle who was divorced. Yup. My family seems a bit odd.

6. I DO believe my kids are brilliant! Not just IQ, but their ability to choose well, marry fantastic women/man, and 2 of 'em are producing DARLING granddaughters! (I know the rest of you will do your share soon). It's been said that I have a charmed life. Usually by people who have screwed up theirs. But it's true. Charmed indeed!

I'm tagging Mo, Lisa & Elaine!! Let's hear it!

Halloween at our house..

2007-11-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Nothin' too spooky here..we were worried about the possibly illegal aliens who showed up at our door. We checked 'em out and found that they are, in fact, LEGAL! If ya zoom in REAL close, you might notice that Andy's mustache is REAL! Oh yea. A little darkening technique that us girls use on our eyebrows, and voila!

Arie wants her turf!

2007-11-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

Arden looks like she wants to pop Bree for taking over her daddy's lap! Actually she was just wanting to touch the baby. But who knows...she can be territorial ya know..

Ouro Preto, Brazil

2007-10-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

The beautiful cobblestone
streets in Ouro Preto were
oozing with charm! Built
on a hill, this old mining
town is just dripping with
charm!
Even though the people in
Brazil are very poor, by
comparison to the U.S.,
you'll notice that they
can still manage satellite
TV! Go figure..
This window was just
too cute to pass up this
photo op!

Trip To Brazil

2007-10-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm safely home (and glad to be) from a great trip to Brazil to visit Dan & Pat Frei. They are doing quite well, and we had a fun week with them. It sure seemed to fly by! I'll post just a few pictures of the many we took to give you a taste of what it was like. The plane ride was LONG and very cramped. My feel and ankles were swollen from sitting immovable for so many hours. Seems to me they are moving those seats closer together every chance they get! We'll be sitting on each others laps pretty soon! Without further ado, here are some photos.. This first one was our first whole day in Belo Horizonte. We went to church about 25 minutes away in a ward that has doubled in size in the last year! There were probably 130 people attending. Hope you all appreciate your softly padded pews...no such thing here in Brazil! Hard, uncomfortable wooden chairs here..

Barb's Girls

2007-10-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

Tracy & Kate came to meet baby Bree, so we snapped this picture of "the girls.." (sadly, we were missing Fergi & Arden). That's a lotta cuteness in one picture!

Grandpa, the push-over!

2007-10-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

Grandpa is not easily distracted from his computer and O'Reilly after a hard day at work. However, he'll drop everything to read a story to his sweet granddaughter, Allie! Arden, you'd get the same treatment if you'd sit still long enough!

Domino Reincarnated

2007-09-30T18:14:00.001-07:00

Don't get all excited kids. It's not him! This fella came along with the transport crew that brought the playhouse. He found a tennis ball, a comfy spot in the yard, and settled right in. He played catch, and brought the ball back clenched tightly in his teeth, refusing to let go. Just like Dom. My I sure do miss that mutt! Anyone know how I get this annoying underline off the text???? HELP!

2007-09-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

The New House

2007-09-29T07:16:00.001-07:00

There was quite a parade through town on Thursday! The new playhouse Jeremy bought was delivered to our home. Now, the house was not your miniature bungalow, as pictured in the minds of all girls...it was a 15' tall 2-story "fire house" type play house! There were police escorts (4) and I don't know how many hired escort vehicles. The house was too tall as it sat on the delivery truck, to fit under the traffic signals. So traffic at every intersection had to be stopped as the playhouse was weaved through - avoiding the signal arms. Several stops were made while wires were raised for the house to pass under.

The house now sits temporarily on the driveway - next to it's more permanent home. A cement slab will be poured on Monday, then the fun task of moving the beast into place! We'll keep you posted!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRACY!!!!! Sept. 26th

2007-09-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

There once was a cute little baby..

who grew to a lovely young lady.

The years seemed to fly -

We're not certain why,

But we'd turn back the clock again -- maybe!!

Happy birthday, little girl! We love you bunches!

(by the way, does anyone else see Arden in this picture??)

Say what??

2007-09-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

Uhh, that doesn't sound very nice! We snapped this photo while in Berlin...anyone know what it really means??

Alex...is that YOU??

2007-09-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

While vacationing in Hawaii earlier this year, we met our old friend, Alex (short for, Alexander the Great). Our kids will no doubt recall many memories of our days with this crazy guy. One of his favorite little quirks was to become very vocal anytime the phone rang! Seemed he wanted to talk too. Tracy was about 8 at the time, and the phone rang, so she answered it. Of course Alex began his sqawking and hollerin' and Tracy said, "just a minute," put her hand over the phone and screamed "SHUT UUUUPP!!! He did, and she went back to the phone call.

Alex's undoing came when he continued to punish mom (who fed, cared for, and cleaned up after the dirty bird) by not returning my affection - instead preferring dad, who did none of that! You're a gonner..

It's Time..

2007-09-11T18:32:00.001-07:00

OK folks...hold on to your hats! Hard to believe, I know, but we've gotta show our younger generation that we're not totally computer illiterate! Me and D are gonna BLOG! Ha! The first one to tease or poke fun of me will not only incur the wrath of momma, but will probably make me melt down, delete my blog, and crawl back in my safe, dark world of non-internet savvy "old people!"

So, without further ado.... Heeeeeeeeerrrreeee we go!!