Brand New Eternal Family

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

TRUE LOVE...

Tracy

and her newborn son,

Oliver Ayden Layne

Born 11/21/09

5 lb. 14 oz.

18 inches

THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE!

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

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...

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!!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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??

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..

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!

My brave little granddaughter - "jumping ship!"

GO ALLIE!

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

PLAYTIME WITH ARIE

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

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!

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

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!

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!

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.