Happy Birthday Grandma

Over the weekend, I realized that today would have been my sweet Grandma's 92nd birthday. She passed away 4 1/2 years ago, but I still think of her often. I have this beautiful picture of her by my computer from her 80th birthday. My mom and my aunt took her for "Glamour Shots" for her birthday and we all got these wonderful pictures! I so treasure the memories that I have of my Grandma. She is the only grandparent that I have memories of. My Grandma Nielsen passed away when I was quite small and I don't remember her at all and both of my Grandpa's passed away before I was born. This makes Grandma Moselle very special to me. She was such a talented lady who created the most amazing embordry work on dish towels and pillow cases, which I am proud to say I have some of. She would grow an amazing garden and had the most beautiful flowers. One year she made winter stocking hats for all of the young great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Both of my kids were able to spend time with her and I feel were so lucky to have a living great grandma for a few years. I know that she is always watching over all of her family and is happy to be reunited with her eternal companion Ellis. Family was so very important to her and she loved having them visit. Family get togethers and reunions were something that she always looked forward to. I will always remember my memories of her and hold them very dear to my heart. I love you Grandma, Happy Birthday!!

Back to School and much more!!!

I'm a little behind on this post but I figured better late than never! :) The kids are both in school and we are trying to get back into a routine, doing homework, fixing dinner and trying to get them in bed before 9:00. This can be quite a challenge when it's close to 6:00 before I even get home from work. Conner is now in 5th grade and it will be his last year at Lincoln Elementary which makes me really sad. Next year he will go to middle school and everything will change! Hopefully it won't go too fast! Courtney started kindergarten and was so excited on the first day. She goes all day and gets to eat school lunch and rides the bus home with Conner. So far she loves everything about it, her friends, her teacher and is learning so much already. I was prepared to be emotional on her first day, but she was so happy about going there was no reason to be upset. I was just as excited as she was!! Conner isn't as happy about school as Courtney is but hopefully that will change and school will be more fun for him. He takes such good care of his sister and makes sure he picks her up outside her classroom and gets her on the bus, safe and sound!

Also, a week before school started we had the Johnson Family Reunion. We had such a good time! We took our trailer up and spent the weekend with all of our extended family. We had a delicious pot luck dinner, our traditional raffle, I came up with a trivia game about the family and we played musical chairs which Clay won the first round! We stayed up really late Saturday night around the campfire listening to funny stories from my Uncle Dave. We all laughed and had a wonderful time!!

Conner & Courtney in front of Abe Lincoln!

Courtney and Mrs. Tyger

Conner in Mr. Allen's class.

Uncle Dave and Clay with their prizes for winning musical chairs.

Amanda, my dad and Heather with their prizes as well!!

Simple Pleasures!

A couple weeks ago I straightened and organized my pantry. Pretty sad that such a simple thing can bring a girl such happiness! I love seeing it all nice, neat and tidy! This is one of those examples where my OCD rears it's ugly head! Since I have started my couponing hobby, I try to keep my food storage in order with the expiration dates oldest to newest. And this way I can see what I have and actually use it!!! So far, the pantry has stayed looking this way other than more purchases added to it! :) I have been working on some other projects in my house which I will post about later. Much more exciting than an organized pantry! Stay tuned!

Courtney's Photo Shoot

Now it is finally Courtney's turn! I can't leave my photogenic princess out! She loves the camera and was happy to have an opportunity to smile for me! She is so much fun to take pictures of. I can't believe she is 5!! When we were looking for a place to snap some shots, Keesha suggested the old Red Church on main street in Hyrum. It ended up being a perfect backdrop for some awesome shots!!! Too bad they are going to tear it down soon. :( I may have to go back and see if I can get Conner to cooperate. He was in no mood for pics on Saturday, but I really need to get some decent shots of him. He is in that "fake smile" stage and most of the pics I have of him he's wearing the phoney smile. Oh well. Hadley's pictures were taken out in Paradise at the little old museum next to the Cracker Barrell.

Kenzlie's Photo Shoot

Last weekend I took pictures of my other sweet niece Kenzlie. I also took some of my daughter Courtney which I will add in a future post. Kenz was all smiles after some bribery from her mom that she could go play at McDonalds. Great idea Keesh!

Hadley's Photo Shoot

Over Labor Day weekend I took some pictures of my cute niece Hadley! Here are some of my favorites!! Isn't she a cutie??

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Happy Birthday to the most wonderful mom in the world! Today we all went to dinner at Iggy's and then had cake and ice cream and opened presents at her house. We gave her a new Cricuit Expression that she was really excited about!
My mom has always been there for me and has been my best friend. I remember in high school she would come down to my room to tell me good night and we would end up talking for hours. She takes care of all of the grandkids after she puts in a long day at work and would do anything for me and my sisters. She is the most unselfish person that I know and has always been such a great example and role model for me. She married my dad 36 years ago and became an instant mom to my two older brothers from my dad's first marriage. I've always looked up to her and hope that I can be as good of a mom as she has been to me!!! I love you mom!!!! You are the best!