My how time flies. All day I was reminiscing at different times about where we were, what we were doing... the "moments." I know how blessed I am to have such beautiful memories of not only planning a wedding - but of the actual day itself, and with Jared right next to me.
We have come so far in three years. Decisions that have matured us, stretched us, made us closer. We have learned how each other loves, how each other deals with conflict, how each other plays, and how much marriage is a beautiful thing.
Three years in. So many more on the horizon. Thank you Jared, for being such a committed husband to our relationship. For always seeking me out and pursuing the best for us.
I love you to infinity & beyond!
It was colder than last year, but none less beautiful outside, and fitting to celebrate the life and joy that my moms have brought to me. Mom... Chris... I thank the Lord for you every day and remember how grateful I am to have not one, but two moms who love the Lord, love their husbands, love their kids, and set a beautiful example of what a Godly wife and mother should be. Thank you.
Chris, although we couldn't be with you on this day, you were celebrated, prayed for, and thought about. :) When I think about the home my husband grew up in, the values he was taught from you, and the way he looks up to your work ethic, the way I see your love and commitment to your husband, your church, your family, I am reminded of just what a joy it is to be a part of that family. You welcomed me in as one of your own kids, and I will forever be thankful & in awe of how blessed I am to have you as my mother-in-law, and the relationship that has formed. I love you!
This year, keeping with tradition, we brunched with our friends the Squires at Oak Ridge Center in Chaska. I look forward to this spread every single year. Some of the best food I've ever had - and we only get it on this special day. Family pictures are a must, and we usually spend a few hours all together. We love this whole big family.
So thankful for family. And now,
TO THE WOMEN IN MY LIFE...
For my moms - I love you both so much. You are the single most special and influential women to me. I love you both to the moon and back. For Cheri - my mentor, my friend, thank you for your Godly example and continual challenge to me. For Shyla - my growing up years spent at your house around your family are coming into view as being some of the most shaping of my life. Although I didn't know it at the time. Seeing you run your household as a woman and mother impacted me more that you know. Sarah - I know I can always call you if I need anything. Thank you for your love for me and for never hesitating to help mother me. Carolyn - you will always be my "momma #2." Always. For my girlfriends who also happen to be mom's - Kait, Mindy, Amber - thanks for your willingness to be open and share the ups and downs of motherhood. You guys are rockstars. For my sister-in-law Lori - you ARE the big sister I never had and a woman in my life whom I look up to. I love you so much.
I thank the Lord each and every time I remember all of you. Happy Mother's Day to you all.
meet our nephew.
Carter David Johnson. You've already won us over! Uncle Jared and Auntie Skyler adore you. Welcome to this beautiful family, little guy.
We were so antsy to get to the hospital to meet you, Grandma and Grandpa even more so, and what a blessing that they had a few extended days with your newness.
We are now a Johnson family of 7, you've made it better already! We love you! On Saturday the {not quite} whole crew was there - both sets of G-parents, Lori's sister and niece, and us... Carter probably didn't know what hit him there was so much lovin' going on. Mommy and Daddy were so gracious in sharing you with all of us... I think this picture was the most they got to hold you all day. :)
And a special one - just hours after you were born.... happy birthday, Carter! You made 1.31.13 a very special day for our family.
Be blessed as you grow! We are so so happy you're finally here. :)
It was most definitely a spring-ish day outside, and quite the day for a shower.... :) I don't humor myself very often, so I hope you put up with me.
But inside, we were "beaching" it. Kells is getting married in 2 weeks in sunny Florida on the beach. It was only fitting that our girls would gather to celebrate her, Brad, and the anticipation of their new life.
It was such a fun Saturday afternoon... we kept ourselves thouroughly entertained with a few games, beach bingo, pina coladas, presents, and enough mother-daughter chatter to fill the living room. How convenient that our mom's gather just like we do. 7 moms, 7 daughters, throw in some wedding talk... enough said.
Now anyone who knows Annie, here, knows that this picture just needs to be documented. Here ye, here ye, Annie is doing something domestic. And it was the best darn ribbon boquet I've ever seen. She went there, and it worked.
Moving on. To the food, of course. Naturally...
I'll give you the short version. Pinterest meets Martha Stewart, they bond over homeade seashell chocolates, have a kid and all three of 'em showed up at this party... it was that good.
And no, I'm not kidding about the homeade seashell chocolates.
It was a great afternoon with the girls. I'm so excited for Kelly & Brad, as I know we all are, and it's only keeps getting more and more surreal to me how fun of a group we have. There is so much history - some as infants, some kindergarten, some elementary, some high school, some volleyball.... it's unbelievable to me how these girls have spanned my whole lenghth of life and yet we are still so close. It's truly a blessing.
So here's to my girls.... you're a beautiful blessing in my life. Congratulations Kelly & Brad!!
**Rachel, if you're reading this... you've procrastinated long enough. Get back to the books, my dear, you're going to be a big time lawyer someday. But I'm glad my blogs get you through your study breaks. ;) But go. Now.
And Annie.... this one was for you. Look how speedy I was! I'll try to keep up my pace. :)
When a special something happens for a special friend, there is reason to celebrate!
My best friend Jena is engaged to the love of her life, Jeff. Jeff and Jena Wagner. Has a wonderfully cute sound to it - just like them.
I am filled with joy for these two. Not only because I love seeing my friends so happy, but because she is so special to me. She's an "all cards on the table, let's be real" kind of friend. I love her because she's bubbly, honest, intentional, spontaneous (she helps me in that department), and loves life. We simply have fun. More than fun though, she's been there for me when I need it, and I love her dearly for that.
So let the planning begin. I'm so thankful to be back in MN for this. However, Jena & Jeff's situation is a little bit different......
Corporal Jeffrey Wagner, marine, deployed today, November 29th, for Afghanistan. For 8 months. My heart is burdened for my friend, as she attempts this long journey of seperation and trust. However, the joy she retains knowing what awaits at his return - their wedding. In the interim, I ask for prayers, not only for a safe duty for Jeff, but for Jena and both their families as they give him over to serve our country. For Jena to be filled with the peace of the Lord, and confidence in trusting Him. For the Lord's hand of protection to surround Jeff, and keep him from harms way. Jeff - thank you for your dedication and courage! We're praying you through! CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT!!
it's her birthday. it's a special day! because she's special to me, and i couldn't imagine having any better of a friendship with my mom.
in many, many ways i am already a lot like her. she gifted me with lists & organization, a "like mother like daughter" face, a love of books, strong fingernails, and the ability to find simple pleasures (jared thinks its uncanny how we find the same things to laugh about.) and those are relatively unimportant things. she not only taught me all the good stuff when i was little, but she continues to teach me the grown up stuff about what it means to be a wife & mother. selfless. hardworking. patient. slow to anger, abounding in love.
happy 29th birthday mom. ;) i think your'e absolutely amazing, and i hope i grow up to be just like you!
