The last place you look....

Let me take you back in time... to December... the day of the Christmas Recital... as the girls were off at school, I went to get the costumes out to make sure that all the pieces were accounted for. ... Breilly's were all there, but Whitney's were GONE!! Seriously missing... SO the hunt began.... for the next 8 hours (as the kids were in school) I hunted, in around, on, through EVERYTHING I could think of. I was FREEKING out! I was crying, called my mom, sister, derek, anyone who cared. I hate to lose things, and this was no exception. I couldn't believe that it had disappeared! (and as you see the picture, can you believe that the neon green leotard could hide!!????!!) Anyway, When I picked the girls up from school, I proceeded to tell Whitney (through tears) that I had looked ALL day, and couldn't find her costume. She started crying to, and said, "I'll find it mom" but she couldn't either. That night she wore a black leotard, and a green tank top over it. She was a GREAT sport, but I felt rotten.

Dance pictures are next month, so I knew that I had to find it, in the next month. Today, it happened! Whit was looking for something under Breilly's bed... AND THERE IT WAS!!! YAHOO!! I'll tell you it was a miracle, because that truly is the last place I would have looked. I would have spent another long day looking through my halloween boxes, closets, and other places, and been unsuccessful. Anyway, it was a very happy moment, and now I am a firm believer that, it truly is ..."the last place you would look." HOORAY!!

The Budding Pianist!

Breilly's first piano recital! She was a little nervous for her debut, but we couldn't have been more pleased with her performance!! She was FABULOUS!! (The best of the evening, yes we are biased!)

Sugar and Spice

So for all those who "don't" know already,... another little lady will be joining our family! Zach will be double stuffed!! He is fine with it, as he declared, "I'm going to be spoiled huh mom?" as well as "I'm going to be crunched by girls!" I called my cute friend Natalie, to share the news, and she said, "We'll some middle children(which I happen to be) claim they are "forgotten," but with your only son being in the middle, he won't be able to say that!" We are all excited! And grateful that "she" looked great in the ultra-sound. (So the tech said, but to me those ultra-sound images, all look a little spooky!) When I was driving home the other day, I heard the great song "Daughters" , by John Mayer! It made me cry, as I just love the words,

"Father's be good to your daughters,

daughters will love like you do...

Girls become lovers, who turn into mothers,

so mothers be good to your daughters too!"

My own family growing up, had 5 girls 1 boy, and I know that my brother received plenty of love! I will continue to crush on my son, but now I am adding another beautiful daughter who I will adore, just like I do her sisters!! Now it's on to the quest of names, one that Derek and I always struggle with! (Suggestions are welcome) HOORAY FOR LITTLE LADIES!!

And the Baby is.......

Well, yesterday we had our ultra-sound. I am 20 weeks, yeah! Half way there!! We didn't tell the kids that we were finding out, just that I had an appointment. We've been telling the kids that "we" don't choose what baby comes to us, that Heavenly Father decides those things." They (even Zach) were good with whatever. Zach even said, "I don't care mom. I like girl and boy babies." Right now he doesn't care about much except his StarWars Video Game! He goes to bed talking about it, and wakes up ready to play! Anyway, we did find out, and we are all smiling. This little one will fit perfect in the Johnson Puzzle! If you want to know what it is... Is Zach double stuffed or will he get a buddy? Well, you'd better leave some comments, or email us to find out!! Have a great day!! loves

My "Gifts"

So I recently watched a movie called "The Ultimate Gift" (wonderful movie) and I was thinking of what 12 gifts I have recently "learned/experienced:"
1. The Gift of Service - I've had so many people, some I don't even know very well, help me during my sick days of pregnancy. Some randomly bring by dinner (so that my family doesn't have to eat cereal again), some who offer to take the kids, some who just simply call and check on me. I have felt so thankful to be surrounded by such kindness and love.
2. The Gift of Friendship - I loved receiving all your Christmas cards, and catching up on lives and seeing your beautiful families. I definately have been blessed with wonderful friends!!
3. The Gift of Laughter - there's nothing like your little son saying, Hey mom, Dad's your honey huh? Hey when you go into Zuka Juice just tell them you need two, one big one for you and one big one for your honey, and then I'll drink it for dad. Okay?" Or Emmie being mad at me and saying, (in a VERY angry voice) I like you!!! (of course meaning she doesn't like me at that moment) and replying I love you too Em. (but I don't use the angry voice).
4. The Gift of Money - with another year starting. A new budget begins. Another attempt to do better this year. So far, so good! I appreciate being blessed with enough for our needs, even when our roof falls apart.
5. The Gift of Humility - Sunday I was just called to be the YW President in my ward. Need I say more? Luckily I will be surrounded by FABULOUS ladies, who will be my strength.
6. The Gift of Family - I am so thankful and grateful for the blessings that come from having a strong family foundation. Both Derek and I have such terrific families!! And our little gang is pretty awesome too!
7. The gift of Children - 4 wonderful children, each with different strenghts and different talents. Each fitting perfectly into our family puzzle. We know that this next little one, not matter the "flavor" will fit perfect into our puzzle.
8. The Gift of Health - now that I am feeling better (YEA!) I am so grateful for health, and also (knock on wood) that our little family has been very blessed in that department. I pray that this little one joining our family will also be healthy too!!
9. The Gift of Learning - I am on the quest this year to learn how to take better pictures, with my fancy new camera. I am committing to even taking a class. I also am so excited to be studying the Book of Mormon this year in Sunday School.
10. The Gift of Failure - Yes, that sounds weird, but it seems like the times that something doesn't work out, it makes me try again. I am pretty stubborn about not stopping until it's done "right."
11. The Gift of Love- I am in love, with my "honey" and 4 (almost 5) beautiful children. And even when I am the "wicked witch of the west" they love me back.
12. The Gift of a Perfect Day - what would that be....the other day we had a pretty perfect day. The kids played together, not much arguing, and we laughed alot. Not giggle but a full belly ha ha. Complete with tickles and wrestling. Finishing out the day with a trip to the "The Magic Forest,:" a night time story I have created, which Zach likes to help tell, and which "magically" helps the kids go to sleep.(Miss Whitney thinks she can't sleep without it). And then Magically they did go to sleep, early enough that Derek and I could relax and be together!