The Johnson Family: December 2008

Merry Christmas!

We would like to wish a very Merry Christmas to all who view our blog! It has been an amazing year filled with so many great experiences. Yes, we have had our ups and downs- just as everyone else has. We have learned from our mistakes, grown from our challenges, and hold tight to the blessings we have received. It is our prayer that we will all feel God's love this holiday season. May we all take the time to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

love,

The Johnson Family

Dan and I

Dan and I have enjoyed our year with family and friends. Our children bring us joy. Our adventures keep us young. Our responsibilities keep us busy. Can't wait to see what this next year will bring.

Lexi in 2008

Some of the things Lexi enjoyed in 2008 (click on picture to view closer)
* enjoyed playing soccer and excelling in gymnastics
* learned how to ride her bike with only two wheels
* LOVES being with her dad (her personal jungle gym)
* has mastered the monkey bars
* loves spending time with her cousin Connor
* favorite cartoon is Sponge Bob
* learned how to swim this summer (she and her cousin Katie taught eachother)
* enjoys all of her Webkins
* can not survive a day with out using paper, markers, crayons, and glue

Jamie in 2008

Things Jamie did in 2008
* participated in tennis, piano, and softball
* loves sewing and latch hook
* enjoys reading to her little sister and friends
* turned 8 and got baptized!
* went camping
* loved tubing behind Lisa and Dave's boat
* always wants to ride her bike
* likes playing 'school'
* made the Honor Roll in school
* likes watching HGTV with mom
* lost a ton of teeth

Jared in 2008

A few things Jared enjoyed in 2008
*Received his Wolf Badge, Bear Badge, won the Pine Wood Derby and the Rocket Derby, and spent a week at twilight camp for cub scouts.
*He got up on his first try Wakeboarding at Uncle David and Aunt Lisa's Lake House
*He set off his first fire works
*He played basketball, baseball, and soccer
*Went to a basketball camp and played ball with Kendrick Perkins (Boston Celtics) & Jason Maxiell (Detroit Pistons)
* Continues to be on the Honor Roll at school
* Enjoyed playing guitar hero and playing playstation

If Only.....

If only we all lived close together!! Five siblings living in 5 different States. (We are sorry mom and dad!) I loved the time we spent together trying to capture a good picture. At this Christmas season I want you each to know how much I love you.

Life is....Family!

Football Anyone?

Jared and my dad in the middle of an intense finger football game. They have a championship game once a year. The winner writes his name on the bottom of "The Good Soldier Award" trophy. Jared has won 2 years out of the 3 years they have been playing. Practice up Dad!

What is Thanksgiving day without watching a little football? The guys taking full advantage of Dan's man cave (Chris, Dan, Robert, Clayton,Scott, Dad)

From playing finger football to watching football...nothing compares to doing the real thing. This is Jared and Dan on their way out to play a little football on Thanksgiving morning. Jared came back pumped for the day. Dan came back with a few aches and pains. His aches didn't slow him down too much though. A short rest then Dan was out the door for a 5o minute ride on his road bike to his parent's house for a nice turkey lunch.

What a Day!

Jamie was definitely surrounded by love on her big day! She said she felt "Famous". She had a lot of family there to witness this amazing ordinance of Baptism. A huge "I'm sorry" needs to go out to all of our friends who missed the note about the time change. Kym Jensen, Sister Pickett, Underly family and Chambers family- we know your hearts were with us. If anyone was to blame for that mistake it is me- I'm sorry.

Madison and Jamie's Baptism Day!

We were so glad we had the chance to share this special day with the McEwen family. (Our friends whom we will miss when they move!) Madison and Jamie will always have a special bond to each other that no one else can share.

Jamie and her Dad!

It is quite a feeling to watch a father baptize his daughter!
Dan you are a great dad! Jamie you are so lucky that your father holds the keys to the Melchizedek Priesthood. To have the authority to act in God's name is a blessing that your father has been given. He was able to perform an ordinance that will get you started down the path to exaltation. So much is in store for you my little Jamie. We are so proud of you!

Our Bishop Our Friend!

We are lucky to have not only a great Bishop but a great friend as well. Bishop Tolbert worked hard at developing a relationship with Jamie before her baptism. I don't think he ever missed an opportunity to say 'hi' or give a high five or a hand shake to Jamie when he saw her. Thank you for going out of your way to make her feel special! (The second picture is on her Baptism interview day- she got a little nervous and cried so her dad got to sit in on part of the interview)

Grandparents Make Life Sweet!

Jamie was truly blessed to have all of her living Grandparents with her on her special day!
Ron and Mary Sue Johnson , Billie and Gordon Hand, and Lecy Stephens (Great Grandma)

Jamie's Aunts

Jamie is a lucky girl to have so many Aunts attend her Baptism. Hillary was not able to make it but she took Jamie on a date and gave her a special Baptism towel. Aunt Lisa also gave a perfect talk on Baptism. Lisa, I asked Jamie what she remembered about your talk a few days later. She said "That she cried". She knows that you love her Lisa- Thanks for doing the talk. Jamie loves you guys!

Jamie's Big Day

We had a fun and busy Thanksgiving Holiday this year. There was much to be thankful for! Dan's brother and all of his sisters were in town with their families (except for Arielle and Morgan- we missed you guys). Dan's parents were also in town from across the world (Ron has been working in Taiwan). My parents drove over from Florida and brought with them my grandma (Lecy Stephens) and three of my nieces.

It was a memorable weekend. The highlight for me was Jamie's Baptism day. Dan and I are so blessed to have been given the opportunity to raise such a precious girl. In her short 8 years of life she has taught us in so many ways. She is one of a kind! We are lucky to have her as a daughter.