Blessings Come in Small Packages!

Just wanted to post these pictures of the first 3 or 4 days Chloe and Lily were with us. Julie and Stanton, we just thought you needed to see your adorable little girls. We know they miss you terribly but in spite of that, they are amazingly resilient and adaptable. Enjoy, and I will post more as I get them edited.

Memorial Day in Idaho Falls Cemetary

By oldest sister was stillborn after a full 9-month pregnancy. Her grave is simply marked "Baby Girl Johnson"
which was the custom at that time. I think Mom is said she never received a name.
The cord got wrapped around her neck and the doctors weren't able to save her.
I am excited to meet her on the other side and am so grateful that families are forever.

My Grandma Johnson's mother's grave in the Fielding Cemetary in Idaho Falls.

How I remember loving her white hair wrapped up on top of her head when we would visit her
at my Great Aunt Hilda's home. My Great Grandpa Erastus Hansen (up above) died before I was born.

This is my Grandpa and Grandma Johnson's headstone also located in the Fielding Cemetary in Idaho Falls.
Grandpa died when I was only 11 years old. But I remember how loving he was and how many times he told me
"I love you more than tongue can tell; if I had you in my mouth, I'd spit you in the well!" Don't ask me what that meant! Holy Cow, when I think about it now, it sounds awful, but he said it with such love that to me it just told
me how special I was to him. He had the kindest face and very twinkly eyes! Grandma lived alone for 36 years and I have great memories of going to stay in her little tiny home some Friday nights. She would put up the hide-a-bed in front of the TV and let me watch it with her. She fixed great tuna sandwiches! I also remember her beautiful african violets sitting on a snack tray in front of the window in the living room.

Dad's gravesite. It is hard to believe it has been 4 1/2 years since Dad passed away.
I miss him so much, especially this time of year for some reason. I guess it is because he
loved to come here for dinner and sit out on the patio for hours and enjoy the yard and
good conversation! Such a great man and so respected and loved by all who met him.
I have always loved telling people I am Hal Johnson's daughter when they would ask.
It seems that everyone knew him.

My younger sister, Jill Johnson Rex Duffin, is also buried in Fielding Cemetary
just to the right of Dad and Mom's grave site. She died October 6, 1991, just 6 months after my sister-in-law, Rebecca (Craig's wife), passed away of leukemia. Jill died as a result of complications from Multiple Schlorosis. Not having had a sister on this earth for a very long time, I am absolutely thrilled at the knowledge that I will have two wonderful sisters to spend an eternity with!

Me at Dad and Mom's gravesite the day before Memorial Day
I am so grateful for my heritage. I want to always honor Dad's respected name.

Baby Girl Johnson's grave marker is right below Dad's where
the yellow mums are sitting.

Mother's Day 2009

Such a memorable Mother's Day for me! The girls, their husbands and families all came for dinner and spent the afternoon. Greg arranged for no morning meetings and spent the time with me helping me get ready for everyone to come. It was great to have him home. He is so thoughtful, loving and helpful to me. How I appreciate his goodness. Mom came early and went to our three meetings with us which is always a treat for me. She makes friends so easily... just makes herself at home wherever she goes. I love that about her (among many other things)! I have been so blessed with a wonderful mother who taught me the gospel of Jesus Christ that would make it possible for me to have peace and joy through my life. She has always been a perfect example of goodness. I truly want to be like her.

Everyone helped by bringing delicious food, and the weather? Well...it was absolutely picture perfect in every way! We were able to eat outside which really helps when we have a big crowd! The kids had a ball playing with each other in the back yard as you can see from some of the pictures. I was so glad I had not yet planted the part of the garden where the kids are playing in the dirt! They had so much fun digging and getting dirty! It is such a joy to see the grandkids love to play with each other. They all enjoy their time spent together and we get a kick out of watching and listening to them interact. Each has a special place of his own tucked away in our hearts. The day was capped by a call from the Florida Roses wishing me a Happy Mother's Day! With children such as these, how could it be any other way? And by the way, our Rome Savings Account is growing! Thank you to all of you for the heartfelt cards, messages, gifts and money to the account. You bless our lives in so many ways.