My Birthday Bug

With work so crazy, we were unable to celebrate Kambree's Bday until Sunday. So we all got together and had a little Birthday Bash for Kambree and Kyle. As every mother does, I found myself asking where the time has gone. I just can't believe my baby is two already.

I was able to take a few fun pictures of Kam on her birthday when I picked her up after work. We had so much fun together! I really feel so blessed to have her in our family. There have been so many times that she has reminded me just what life is about. From the day she was born, she has been different. It's almost like she knows something that I don't--in fact, I am sure she does. She is a girl of few words but can always tell when mom needs a hug or a laugh. She is very good at reading people, which is one of my favorite things about her. She makes you laugh when you want to cry and she makes you calm when you're stressed.

She was having a blast posing for all the pictures.

I always love making cakes for the kids--probably because I love cake and fondant. So this time I decided to make the fondant as well. I usually buy it, but it turned out yummy.

This is one of my favorite pictures because everyone looks so stinkin' excited!!! I captured the exact moment when everyone had a serious face--funny.

Kyle and Kambree blowing out the candles.

When everyone was singing Kambree just looked around and smiled at everyone. She is just so dang cute.

After she blew out the candles she decided it was time to pass out gifts to everyone to unwrap. She noticed that everyone was asking if they could unwrap gifts. I don't know how many two year olds would give up unwrapping presents on their own birthday.

She opened one gift by herself.
So happy birthday bug!!! A couple days late :) We love you.

Busy, Busy, and more Busy

I never really wanted to be a circus clown, but ever since I started my new job I have found myself in a juggling act. Trying to balance everything has been a challenge, but I am so excited to be a part of the new hospital team. Sure I have shed a lot of tears, some because of post surgical frustration and not being able to do everything I wanted to do (this whole surgery just didn't fit into my schedule very well, after all I have things to do). However, most of those tears were because of the guilt of leaving the kids. I feel like I am in nursing school again--not sleeping, not eating, and leaving my kids with sitters. I am truly blessed to have family help out with the kids and Jalee has been nothing short of a LIFESAVER. I had gotten so used to my night shifts and it worked out so well. I was home with the kids during the day, and could still have a career. That is what is so great about nursing--its the best of both worlds. I really don't know what I would do without my career. Having the ability to impact someones life or save a life is amazing. I am also lucky enough to have a job that changes me for the better. I can step outside my own life and problems and learn from the special people that I take care of. It is the patients that make my job so rewarding. My new job however, has started off a little rough, and only because I find myself outside of my patient care role. We are so busy trying to get everything ready for our big opening, and of course, it is all done 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. So, though I am so excited to be working there--I will be even more excited to get back on my part-time, night shift schedule and care for real patients. That concludes my venting session tonight--off to bed to prepare for work tomorrow, then I am going to enjoy my two days off.

Kira's First Day of Preschool

We have officially started our crazy fall schedule. I am just hoping that between school, preschool, Tumbling, Dance, and work that I won't lose my mind. So far work has been taking the front seat as we are trying to get the hospital up and running and ready before the big opening. So, sadly, I was unable to make it to Kira's first day of school (yes I did cry nearly the whole drive to work this morning feeling that the worst mom in the world for missing it) . Lucky for me I was blessed with an amazing sister who was able to take her. To be honest Kira was probably more excited to go with Jalee. Jalee also took these cute pictures of the big day.

This is her "too cool for school" pose. She loves to get her picture taken.

Here she is at Mrs. Shelley's preschool. When I got home she told me how much fun she had and about all of her friends. I just can't believe how big she is. Like every other mom on the planet--I am thinking where the time has gone. They just grow up too fast. Bryce also started Tumbling tonight. Luckily I made it home for half of it. It was so much fun to watch him. He kept looking over at me after every trick to wait for me to give him the thumbs up. I know I may be biased, but I sure do have some cute kids!

First Day of School

Bryce woke up about at 6:00 so excited for school. He was all ready to go with his backpack on nearly an hour before the bus was supposed to pick him up.



I was trying to get some pictures as he hurried off to the bus, but this blurry wave was all I got. "Bye, Mom" he yelled to me over his shoulder--not even an I will miss you, or love you--ouch! He is supposed to be scared and miss his mom while he is gone, but not Bryce. He is just too darn independent.


Here he is loading the big yellow bus-he loves his bus driver. Hopefully all goes well at school. I am sure it will, but I will just let myself think that he misses me while he is gone cuz I sure miss him. I am so lucky to have such a great, responsible kid.
I followed the bus to school to make sure he made it to his class okay, and as I was helping him hang up his back pack Mrs C stopped me. She was so funny and just kept telling me there is no way that I have a first grader (She taught me in Elementary school). Time just goes by too fast. I will be anxiously awaiting the bus this afternoon to hear all about Bryce's Day.

Recovery---UGH

So I have decided that I am sick of this whole recovery thing. First off the thought that I am now permanently disfigured is lame, but second it just plain hurts to have your abdominal muscles cut apart. Who really wants a c-section scar without even bringing home a baby--Lame, lame, lame. That is all. Onto other things. I have been really busy with my new job, which has also made recovery difficult, but I am really liking it. We are just getting our acute care unit put together and ready for the hospital opening on the 15th. As for the kids, they have been very patient and spending way too much time with a babysitter--lame. I hate leaving them and it will be so much better when I am back on a night schedule. But as for now I am dealing with the 8-4 every day. We are all getting ready for school. Bryce is so excited to be at school for lunch and Kira will be starting a preschool class. Can't believe it will be just me and Kambree. Trever has been so great and has become a great nurse and his priesthood has really helped me through. That is all for the update. I also wanted to attach a THANK YOU to everyone who has brought dinner, sent a txt, made a phone call, and helped out with the kids ,or gave a blessing. I am so blessed to have great friends and family. And to my best friend Monica--whenever you read this--You are such a great friend--It is crazy to think of how many times our paths have crossed. Thank you for listening to me vent and for being there for me through this whole process. I always walk away from our conversations feeling better about everything. Now this is the only post I am going to write about it--next one I am on to more positive things.

A little clarification (caution actual surgery photos)

Before anyone else asks me about having plastic surgery--I thought I would clear it up. It all started with a stray IUD. After an ultrasound and an Xray--it was finally found. However, not anywhere near where it was supposed to be.

So, I now knew that it would have to be surgically removed. The doctor did not know what kind of damage the IUD made, but he was pretty confident that the surgery would be a simple and laproscopically. Unfortunately it became more complicated. The IUD has apparently been out for a while (good news that the hole in my uterus healed on its own, but bad news for the surgery). It had embedded itself into tissue, which continued to grow around it. Eventually the entire piece of tissue broke loose and was found in surgery under my rib cage. this is a picture of the tissue they removed along with the IUD which I colored in purple.

The surgeon also found a cyst on my ovary, which he also removed. Strange I had no idea that it was there.

So, after an hour of surgery and a c-section sized incision I am just hoping to be back on my feet before my new job starts on monday. I was really upset that I ended up with such a nasty incision, but I am so glad that they fixed all the problems with one surgery. Thank you to all my amazing friends for all of the phone calls, txts, goodies, meals and your thoughts and prayers. Lucky me I have The greatest friends and family who have all been waiting on me. And my cute husband has been so sweet and caring. Sorry if the post is a little too graphic for some of you--most of my friends are nurses.

My Creepy Encounter

This morning after a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day at work I decided to make a quick stop at smiths for a few essential groceries before heading home. Well I grabbed a cart and into the store I went, not paying too much attention to the homeless looking man by the door. I started down the diaper aisle and noticed footsteps behind me. I glanced over my shoulder only to see the creepy man walking behind me. Obviously he didn't need diapers of that I was sure. I picked up the pace a bit gliding faster with my cart and circled quickly to the next aisle. The footsteps behind me grew faster and louder. With my heart thumping I looked around, relieved to see the bud light delivery man stocking the beer. I raced over stopping nearly right next to the poor delivery man. Creepy homeless guy followed close on my heels. I dialed Trever's number and quickly explained the situation in hushed whispers and code words. He naturally was freaking out. I picked up random drinks and casually read labels hoping my smith's stalker would leave---no such luck. After nearly five minutes I hung up the phone with Trever and decided to make a move. The bud light man could help me. Crazy homeless man continued to stare at me, and then when I was nearly freaking out he asked if I lived nearby. Okay that is it. I turned to the Bud light man with a help me PLEASE look. Startled he asked," is this man following you?" Yeah, I was saved. The man quickly turned and walked away. It was then I noticed the oh so familiar sky blue wristband with the black bar-code. Creepy homeless man suddenly became creepy hospital escapee!!! Luckily with the help of a very nice Bud Light delivery man I made it safely to my car. Seriously you can make this stuff up. My life is just so full of drama---Crazy. Hopefully this has inspired all the girls out there to keep a can of mace handy.

The Newest Johnson

Ever since our friends dog had puppies, Trever has been asking me for a dog. It is weird that both of us always had pets growing up but haven't since we have been married. I agreed with him that it was time for a puppy. We are still unsure of the name, but she is such a sweet puppy. She plays with the kids, but isn't too rowdy. She is just what we needed.

I decided that I had to get some photos of her today. She just laid there posing. So cute

She loves playing in the tall grass, she nips at it and pounces around, she is so fun to watch

I am just enjoying the time that she is still small enough for me to hold. She loves to snuggle, it is just like having a baby around. I love it. Thanks Monica and Jorge!!!

July 24th

Monica and Jorge invited us over for a bar B Que. We had so much fun. We are lucky to have such great friends, we could all just sit and talk for hours (and we usually do).

Aaron is quite the ladies man and was giving the girls rides on the hammock.

Kira loved the puppies. They were so cute and this puppy just let Kira carry her around and hold her. I guess it's time for a puppy.

I was so excited for fireworks because I have been dying to try out the "bulb" on my camera. It was tricky with little ones, but we were able to get some fun pics with the sparklers. Unfortunately I haven't figured out the white balance part. Never the less it was fun to try something new.

The kids watching Jorge's awesome fireworks show. Kambree was scared (big surprise) and spent the whole time with Daddy. What a fun evening. Thanks to Monica and Jorge for inviting our crazy family!! We had a blast.

Swim Lessons

The kids love swim lessons. This year I actually convinced Bryce to jump off the diving board. He is a little timid sometimes. So the final day he finally did it!

Bryce Jumping off the diving board!

Swimming on the platform with his teacher.


Kira loves the water. She wanted to swim by herself and kept telling her teacher that she can swim.

The teacher let her swim by herself with the noodle and Kira just loved it.

Mini Cheer Clinic

Last week Kira had Mini Clinic. She cried the first day. So on the second day I tried to inspire her by going out on the field and showing her how fun it was. That was unsuccessful. So on the third and final day and after bribes and tears, she went out onto the field and stood there.

Even though she didn't dance, she did throw out a wave to mom in the stands. It was so funny. I am not sure where she gets her shyness from--weird. At the end of the day, she couln't wait to tell her Dad about her "Cheer Class". She told him it was so fun. I guess that is all that really matters.

Powell Adult Week 2009

Trever and I had a blast at Powell this last week. It was so nice to be with such amazing friends. Thanks to everyone who helped out with the kids while we were away especially Jalee! I have millions of pictures to sort through, so I am only posting one "stupid fun" picture.

A Tragic End. . .Saying Goodbye

Trever had a little mishap with a fuel line on his DA Biplane. When he came home he and the kids held a little funeral service to say goodbye. Trever gave a ulogy :

R.I.P. On 6-12-09 at 12:04 p.m The Great Planes Ultimate bi-plane pass on from this life to the next. Cause of death was a fuel line that came unhooked inside the fuel tank resulting in a dead stick that was unrecoverable. There were no survivors in the accident. Some claim foul play, some say the Ultimate was depressed since the airshow ended last weekend and still others say it was "just his time". The Great Planes Ultimate Bi-plane is survived by a QuiQue Yak 54 and an Extra 300s Patty Wagstaff. When asked for a comment the YaK and Extra said they were coping the best they could and vowed to "one day fly again".


The Wreckage



The final goodbye...Sorry for your loss Trev. Father's Day is coming maybe the DA fairy can pay you a visit.

Happy Birthday Jellybean!!!!

Not having my sister around sure is hard--so I need to send a special shout out on her birthday!!! We may not always get along, but we have had our fun times. So many memories, just my sister and I. We have shared so many laughs and so many tears. It's hard to believe that the little toe head that always bugged me has grown to mean so much to me. So, heres to my favorite sister in the world---happy birthday with a big birthday hug I love ya!!

Seven Years and Counting

Monday we had such an exciting Anniversary. Trever worked all day, and then went to my parents to help set up their computer. I dropped the kids off then I left for work. I think in total we saw each other for about 2 minutes, just long enough to say 'happy anniversary'. Trever gave me a card, which had the cutest love note. So, hopefully we will get to celebrate this weekend. I am so lucky to be married to such a supportive husband. He spends a lot of time taking care of the kids while I am at work or school or dance, and never complains about it. I also don't think that I could have made it through nursing school without him. So, here's to seven years!

Kindergarten Field Trip

Friday Bryce had his first field trip. He was so excited! When he woke up that morning he said, "Mom, its a big, fun, exciting day today."

Brynn, Bryce, and Matagi.

I barely got a chance to get a picture. We were basically running through the place. Bryce and Matagi were so excited we couldn't get them to slow down.


Bryce and Matagi


Bryce decided that he wanted to ride the carosel with these people. I have no idea who they are but he introduced himself and wanted to ride with them. So much for stranger danger. Torrie and I were laughing so hard about it.

JenJohnson Photography

My PhotoBlog is up. . YAY!!! I am so excited. Everyone should check it out. I am booking sessions for May and June. Please leave you comments or contact me through my email listed on my photoblog for more information. I have also developed a scrapbook page so everyone can ask me their digital scrapbook and photoshop questions there. Hope everyone likes it!

http://jenjohnsonphotography.blogspot.com/

Easter

Yes, I am way, way behind. I decided it was time to post some new pics.

On Saturday we dyed easter eggs with Brynn and Steele. The kids loved it!!

Then on Sunday it was time for the big Vernon Easter Egg Hunt. I don't know who has more fun, the kids, or my Dad. He walks around and gives everyone clues--it is so great.

I was sitting down to take a picture of kambree, so she kneeled down too.

Finally, we made a little time for horsin' around

Xander and Cloud

My brother's horse, I swear, is out to get me, whenever I am around he follows behind me and tries to nibble on my clothes. We had to have a little talk.

Jumpin' Jacks

Decided I better catch up on my blog, these pictures are from our trip to St. George. The kids and I went to Jumpin' Jacks with Ann, Aliyah, and Xander. My parents and Jaxon joined us as well. The kids had so much fun jumping around!!

Taking the Plunge

I haven't been blogging much lately due to my latest business endeavors. That's right, I have found a new love----PHOTOGRAPHY. I am working to figure out the details and will hopefully have my blogsite up and running soon. And this blog will return to being a family blog. I will post all the details when I figure them out. I welcome any feedback.