Reed and kids

When scrolling through my camera roll I have a lot of pictures of Jake and Addie and few of any others that live here. So I will pause the other posts to speak about Reed. He was ordained a priest with the help of these important men. My dad, Harold, Reed, Greg, and Lloyd. 

He also finally passed his drivers permit test. I helped him fail the first time. Who knew there were so many different ways to paint cross walks, or speed limits in town? Anyway alone he passed just fine. 

Afton also lives here. She sometimes takes baby duty. This is a hard job as you can see, but such a relief to have someone else love on him and care for him for a while. I miss this break when the big kids go to school. 

Jake is developing a square face. He is so cute, and requires a bib as he is a gentle drooler. 

Reed ready for the wedding sporting his Jethro look. He's about outgrown this medium size shirt. I loved the leatherman and boots. When we got to the event I realized he was under dressed. Addie and he went to Wal-Mart for a white shirt and tie. A kind man helped them get the new clothes and on their way. 

And Livy in the background. She is often at work. We are thankful for her help at the shop. The open computer is Addie's life this year. From college classes to college scholarships she definitely has her eyes on her next life. 

We are sure thankful for the steady dependability Reed shows. He sticks with jobs and includes Bruce, Merle and Afton in the learning. He is not very tolerant but has demanded maturity from the younger kids and that is not a bad trait. He was everywhere doing anything that needed doing at the wedding. He is definitely coming into his own age of greatness. With the others coming into that same chanel. A teacher asked Addie if there were any sub-par kids in her family. She said she didn't know but he could tell her in 18 years after he had met the rest of them. The path is pretty well laid and obedience is demanded from the kids leading the way. We are thankful for their assistance in turning out smart, strong, polite, working "humans" as Andrea calls people (not a word I taught her). Life is good and we are blessed to be chauvered around again! Yay!!
 

Back to school in January

Ahh my angel helper. This lady brought her calm and steadiness to our home. We didn't get but a wink with her when she returned from her mission but this fall more than made up for that. She came home just prior to Jake and Joey's arrival and kept the boat of our family from capsizing through the adjustment to the addition of both. 

After weeks of getting to know each other these two announced they would get married Jan 17th. That was exactly two weeks from the announcement. Addie put together a formal invitation and we got the ball rolling quickly forward. Thankfully they had gotten engagement pictures before the big day. 

Meanwhile the kids went back to school and were given recognition for their scholastic work in the last quarter they completed. After some unusually snarky comments about my mental state for choosing to have so many kids this was great validation that though I may be insane or crazy my kids are not and are doing just fine. Maybe they are just highly resilient though. My kids were all clean and groomed so there's that too. Sometimes people are just rude. 

I found this picture of Andrea Jake and I. She has been so in love with being a big sister. I'm thankful for them in our home. If we had just kids exiting our home this season of life would be very hard to manage. 

This work of art showed up in the mail from Iowa. This couple is in a ward of dedicated crafters. Handmade hand cut cards and quilts each more spectacular than the last is the name of the activity. I was so impressed and then to learn the couple had made 200 to distribute was just amazing. 

Jake learned to smile and loves to be held. 

Aliza sought to manage the mounds of stuff... It is good to be more in control of the amount in my home. We have definitely transitioned from large sons to smaller daughters thus the excess of xl clothing is probably not necessary in such abundance. Not to mention the items that were worn our or outgrown. We are a constantly changing dynamic. 

Another picture of Jake cuz we love him so. His innocence is particularly highlighted in all the hustle and bustle of the older kids. 

The break from school was appreciated and fun but it was also so good to go back to school and be back in the routine of learning and independence. Life is good and we are blessed. 

Anna Wedding

This weekend our first daughter got married to the man of our prayers. Hers and ours, it was so great to know he exists and is so perfect for her. We had so much support and help from family and friends we were overwhelmed with gratitude. My camera went upstairs to provide internet for children who prefer their own space and experience at a long event like this. 

Sign lettered by Aunt Brenda, decorations provided by Aunt Shauna. 

The happy couple before the wedding. 

Looks like a prayer but not sure. 

The beautiful and tasty cake from aunt Brenda. Lemon with buttercream frosting. So tasty. Aunt Brenda was a great resource on how to do a wedding. I spent many hours asking her questions and opinions as she attends weddings more often than I. The amount of help friends and family gave helping me shape an idea of what should/could happen along with general encouragement was true friendship and charity in action. 

Centerpieces made by Anna. 

The walking down the isle. A first for us. The chapel was close to completely full. Bishop Jace Morrison married them. He has been Anna's employer for the past two falls he had good experiences and understanding to share about them. She wanted the open light from the windows. I love that there was a lot of light and love throughout the entire day. We prayed before hand people would feel comfortable and welcome. I think they did. 

Harold went to  friends wedding earlier in the morning in Twin falls then headed for Ontario and made it with a few minutes to spare. Joey's grandpa is shown from the back. 

Aunt Sheryl helped serve the dinner. She Aunt Crystal and Grandma Saunders made over 400 rolls. Aunt Alena made chocolate coconut cakes- my personal favorite, which I appreciated so much.

Cutting the cake. They were polite and careful with each other. 

The little girls assembling for the bouquet toss. This turned into a brawl Livy being the tallest grabbed the bouquet but some of those little cousins really fought for it. Alas many petals were left on the floor but all little girls retained their eye balls and no hair was pulled too hard. I didn't see tears but it was a grudge match for a few seconds. 

As Anna was departing grandma asked for a picture of the oldest and youngest. So with the joke provided by a family friend ringing in my ears we snapped the shot. What is the difference between a shotgun wedding and a Mormon wedding? At a shotgun wedding the bride is pregnant at a mormon wedding the mother of the bride is pregnant. I guess baby Jake is close enough to mom being pregnant. Oh well we are so thankful for both these sweeties. We are so thankful our kids want families and aren't afraid of marriage. We are thankful that God trusts us to raise His precious children. Jake is a sweet baby not overly demanding and keeping us in plenty of sweet baby snuggles. 

After the wedding our loving family got right to work taking the decorations down. Uncle Bryce with Monroe on board took the screw gun to the arch they stood under and started taking it apart. 

Reed, Uncle Eric, Uncle Jon, and Aliza helped Uncle Don take down the gauze walls that made the gym look so elegant. I love the lights in this gym people could see each other but these simple walls really elevated the experience. 

Aliza and friend Carlin were the anchors and angels and muscles of this day. Carrying idea, vision, and calm throughout the experience they worked so hard. I have no pictures of Carlin as my phone left my hands almost as soon as we entered the building but they worked non-stop. Livy helping clean-up and enjoying Aliza. 

Grandpa helping with Jake who was about finished for the day. He managed so well and tolerated being bounced to and fro. 

Good friends showed up after the basketball games we were thankful for their support and wisdom
throughout the years. 

The grandkids. We love cousins. So many helped with water refills, kid management and were just friendly so they each had a nice evening together. I'm thankful for a smart friend who took care of all of them and made sure they were safe, cared for, and in their own space. We had a lot of people come and these kiddos went upstairs to play instead of staying with the talking adults. It worked really well because of Brooke Hess my friend. Uncle Ty and Aunt Rachel Hawkins and Aunt Ruth also helped man the upstairs and then put it back together. 

I had to take nursing breaks for Jake and missed parts but the stuff happened. The cake, the bouquet, the father daughter dance, the visiting and congratulating. It was good. We are so tired but very thankful, and praying that they will feel that love and support and have all the happiness and blessings they can. 25 years ago we had our own reception here it was good and another full circle moment. Life is so good. Speaking of good we had delicious tri tip dinner catered by Brian & Barb Wolfe, and simple yet tasty cake for dessert made by Millie and Mom. Served by Michelle Trowell and Brenda Grout two sweet and thoughtful friends. 
 Other friends cleaned the church just for us Jamie Tolman and Genelle and Spencer Frahm family took care of the building so we just focused on the gym. Did I mention a funeral was hosted in between our decorating and wedding. It worked so nicely with my sweet friend Glenna Mason serving there and making it all ready for us to take over. So many blessings and people we care about caring for us this day. A real testament to a life of connections. 

The morning set-up crew of my Dad, James, Cambree, and Trey, Natalie, Millie, Livy, Reed, Addie (who got all the snacks for upstairs kids, and all the assorted last minute shopping), Cindy Atkinson, Linda Hiatt, JEnnifer and Lexie Hawkins, Aliza, Anna, Carlin, Don & Shauna. 

We are a big family. We have a lot of people who really care about us and gave generously of their time, talents, patience, and love to make this happen. We are most blessed because of those many hours of service given to our family. Its hard to count or express how much it means. We will continue to try to return that love and support all we can to family and friends it really means a lot to those in need as we were. 

I learned in the quietness when I stayed home from church the next day because I was too tired and dehydrated to go anymore that it is the Atonement of JEsus Christ who covers, lifts, enables, and strengthens us (among many other gifts) that gives us hope and confidence in this earth experience. I'm thankful for that knowledge that the Savior is always aware and helping and blessing and filling in all my gaps. It is so good because of Him and all those striving to serve and be like Him. We are so blessed. 

Life in full circle

More of this big guy starting to smile and interact. He is becoming very charming and showing us he has preferences and opinions. Thankfully he has lots of holders. We do a hybrid of mom and bottles. We are thankful for both.

Harold came home and takes Jake as much as he can. He loves babies and this baby loves him. 

This was how Harold demanded to be held when he was a baby. He would not sleep unless he was on my chest. We survived. I would have never have imagined Harold would grow into such an interesting large man back in those long days of working to grow him. Life is full and rewarding seeing so many prayers for health and strength and independence answered full measure. 

We had one day of snow. We took pictures to share with Mark. It's 90 degrees and more where he is at. 

The final project Livy, Millie, and Afton had was to make a food from the country represented in a book they read. Livy took lemon curd and biscuits. Afton took brownies, Millie sent ecclairs. 

They made a menu and then shared treats with classmates. It was a yummy experience. 

We attended the ward party. It was great. The Johnson ladies always do such a nice job. They did a video presentation with messages from the missionaries serving from our ward. I loved seeing Mark. John was not available for taping. Reed showing a way to move tables and not hit anyone. 

My redhead guys at home. Seriously different guys but very similar mold. Harold is holding the younger two. But oh be still my heart for my handsome sons. Lots of fire and ice in those bodies. 
 
As I'm sitting working on books and listening to new years focused podcasts people considering goals and success. This break has been one of looking back and looking forward. Starting over with Jake having adult Harold, Anna, and Aliza on various journeys really has made me ponder the parenting experience and effort. We keep refining our practices, life changes, ability increases and decreases, we keep showing up. We also celebrated our 25 years together. I'm so thankful for that one decision. As Anna is also considering her own marriage Greg and I have discussed again and again our own. We are thankful for her progress forward and for the great man she has found. Life continues to grow and change. We pray to keep up and do what's right and to know what is right. We are blessed. 

Anticipation in December

I got this picture of John one day a kind member had obviously taken them to lunch. I love when people share pictures with me. John is doing so well and sounds so happy this month. That is reassuring to my heart that missed him a lot as we gathered as a family many times in December. He had his last mission Christmas. We are looking forward to seeing him in July. 

Millie and Addie had a Christmas piano recital. 

Livy enjoys a few minutes a day with Jake. She continues to love to dress up and play with our babies. It makes me wonder how her own children will be arrayed. She is so creative. 

Jake is growing we spend a lot of time together. 

Sometimes he lets his dad hold him too. They look very similar. Same head shape same color of hair. 

Alia's teacher worked so hard to make a creative last week of school. This was elf day. I love their pointy ears. 

Then they had gingerbread day. 
    

And finishing the week with a visit from Santa Claus. 

December is a month of anticipation and excitement. We survived and enjoyed so many moments. Life is good and we are very blessed. 
-