Gratitude

So many people in my life have impacted how I view my experiences. I have a sister who hasn't slept a full night since her boy was diagnosed with diabetes at 8 months....I know that one day I will have a full nights sleep and that getting up every night right now is temporary.  I have an uncle who has just moved into assisted living but is otherwise living alone.....I know that one day all the chaos of my house, all the messes, noise and unending chores, will someday stop and that I too may one day be alone.
My dad has had some health issues recently and I know that my body is healthy and I am grateful to be able to still do the things that I enjoy.
One of the things that I love the most about Jenny and my dad is not watching them deal with their new challenges, but watching and learning from their attitudes. Not only are they figuring out how to have success but they have such positive outlooks that it makes me feel silly to even complain about my little troubles. The Lord has blessed me so abundantly that I feel ashamed thinking of my life as hard. I have the necessities of life and then some. I have food, shelter, family, friends, health (physical and mental), the gospel, safety, a great community with beautiful weather and numerous fun and challenging activities for me and my family. I have much and give when and where I can, and although I feel it is minimal, it is what I can do right now.
My work is endless, my nights are too short and my days shorter....where do they all go?  I am grateful to be able to do the work set before me.  These are my choices, this is my family, this is where I want to be and what I want to be doing when I look at the big picture.  The moments that make my life meaningful are small and treasured.  Yet these fleeting moments that pass by during the doing of the days are what make my life full and complete.  The giggle, smile, hug, kiss, remembering responsibilities, saying thank yous, hearing my children playing together in one of Meg's elaborate story lines, snuggling, playing, eating together, listening and story times.
These are all small moments and yet they are building my life and my family's life second by second and moment by moment.  Although I am stretched beyond my limits and oft times uncomfortable and pressed, I know what I do is special and unique and fleeting.  How wonderful and special are these little people who have taken over my life and heart!  I want to know that I enjoyed the moments...all of them....the happy and the frustrating, knowing that our heart has a way of forgetting the hard times and preserves the happy moments to be treasured always.
I am so grateful for my family.

Thanksgiving

Meg, Sam and Erik took a hike with Grandpa Ramon before watching the BYU/Utah football game.

Johnny and Alice waiting for Thanksgiving dinner.

Grandpa carving the turkey.

All the Johnson cousins jumping on the tramp....rain or shine(:

At the top of Monument Peak behind Grandpa Ramon's house. We climbed around the hills behind the avenues the morning after Thanksgiving with all our Johnson cousins. This was the day that we celebrated Thanksgiving with our Johnson family.

Thanksgiving Day. Kate's two aunts who are beauticians consulting over what to do with her hair. Did I mention that she cut both sides by her self?

Mullet anyone?

Grandma's pretty table waiting for yummy food!

Dad, Nick, Gigi, Amy and Grandma working away to get the food ready.

Another picture of Kate's hair cutting abilities. Grandma was working at the table doing crafts with the grandkids when she looked over and said, "Kate! You cut your hair!" "Yes!" said Kate proudly, "do you like it?"

The REAL reason Erik drives 12 hours to Utah(;

Grandma Patsy joined the gang for a down hill adventure at Brighton.

Sam with his new cousin Baby Phillip.

Playing with the Larsen cousins!

Alice

We were at the park one day and Alice kept fussing and wiggling in my arms.  I couldn't really tell what she wanted, but it was apparent that she wanted to go somewhere.  She tells me where she wants to go by leaning her head in that direction.  So I took her over to the swings for the first time and sat her down.  She seemed interested.  Then I started to push her and how she lit up!  This is my favorite picture of Alice.  PURE JOY!  I love her complete and obvious joy at the movement of the swing and how she got to be a big kid for a moment instead of just watching them.

Alice with Grandma Patsy and Grandpa Ramon

Alice and her cousin Elizabeth are just weeks apart in age. It is always so fun to get them together and see what they do. They don't look so happy to be getting their pictures taken.

Playing in Aunt Cami's ball pit.

Alice's favorite place to be....mine too!

Happy Baby!