Thursday, July 30, 2009

Reunion


The day after Joel's wedding we took off for a Johnson family reunion in Idaho at the Cub River Lodge. What a great time we had reminiscing, eating delicious food, and just having fun with lots of different activities. There was swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, and much more beyond the things that were planned. Unfortunately my camera stayed in the bag most of the time, so I don't have many pictures. (Someone please share!) The only thing to mar our stay was a nasty bug (violent vomiting kind) going through the entire family. (Luckily, I waited to get it until we got home, but I can honestly say that last night I threw up more in six hours than I have in the rest of my life total!) Thanks to all who planned and pulled this huge undertaking off. Good times!








Sunday, July 26, 2009

Happily Ever After





Congratulations to our newest newlyweds! After a wonderful ceremony, delicious luncheon, and beautiful reception, Joel and Emilee are off to Ireland for a dream come true honeymoon. Best wishes to them for a very happy life together!

Monday, July 20, 2009

One of the Good Guys


He may be a little older and grayer, but he's still one of the good guys. I have known him for more than 40 years (which seems a little incredible), been married to him for more than 35 years, and hope to rack up a good number of years with him in the future. My life has been richer because he has been a part of it. My children are so lucky to have him for a father and what a terrific grandfather he is. Happy birthday Jim--and many more!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Gratitude

Today Emily chastised me for being lax in updating my blog. I have thought about writing, but the busy-ness of my life lately has kept me from following through. I am grateful for most of the things that are keeping me so busy and although this isn't the traditional time of year to write a gratitude post I think that I must.
Sam has been dealing with some physical issues for awhile now and of the dire things that could have been the diagnosis, diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have been eliminated--so I am very grateful. She goes into more detail on her blog, but is still awaiting some blood test results to solve her medical mystery.
My mother had a nasty fall in late June which resulted in her hospitalization and she is now in a care facility. The original diagnosis was a broken neck, but that turned out to be wrong, for which I am grateful. She is doing so well with her physical therapy and course of IV antibiotics, that we hope to have her home before too long. I am grateful for her progress and for those that have been so kind and generous with food, flowers, visits, and prayers.
I am grateful for Joel's upcoming wedding and I'm so glad that he found his "Molly" in Emilee. I'm grateful that I get to add another daughter.
I am grateful for the opportunity to accompany a musical every summer. I'm grateful for the talented people I get to work with and for the chance to "stretch" my abilities with each show. Thoroughly Modern Millie was a delight!
I am grateful for my family, their support for me and other family members. All it takes is a phone call for someone to rush to the rescue. I am especially grateful for Jim. He is a great example of a husband and father--and I really appreciate the fact that he treats my parents as if they were his.
I am grateful for my country and my pioneer heritage particularly at this time of year. I attended a patriotic devotional a couple of weeks ago and actually teared up during the Pledge of Allegiance when I got to the part where we say "under God".
These are just a few of the blessings I've had on my mind lately. I am highly aware that there are many more things on my gratitude list, but I will leave that for another time. Right now I will close by saying that I'm grateful I can sew because there are still a few skirts waiting to be made for that upcoming wedding I talked about.