Last Post Before Going Private!

I have been so busy lately! I haven't had the time to switch the blog to private. I decided to write one last post, before we switch. I saw this on my friend Bek's blog, and thought this would be the perfect Last Post.

Here's an update on our lives:

Brad is down to 2 finals (he's actually taking one of them as i'm writing this). He's been working part-time at the public defenders office, working under an attorney. He really likes his job, but would never want to there permanently (after he graduates). Brad is on the Environmental Law Journal, and has hated every minute of it. He has to write so many papers for the journal. It has been very time consuming, but it will look good on his resume (that's what I keep telling him). He is still the Secretary in the Elder's Quorum. He only has to teach one Sunday a month, which leaves him free for when I need a sub! Yeah!

I (Melani) was recently called as the Primary President. I love my calling. I love working with the children in our ward. They are amazing kids! I've been trying to get everything organized for the new year before I leave, and let me tell you, it's been stressful; but worth it. I love being a mommy and wife. I have a wonderful life that I could gush about forever, but I will spare you.

Ariana is almost 3yrs old. I can't believe how big she is. She is growing up so fast. She is a very cuddly, loving, happy girl. She loves to sing, dance, clean (yes, I said clean), and play with her friends. She loves learning. Ari is probably the smartest person that we know. The lil' Monkey is SO smart! She knows all her letters and sounds. When we read, she sounds out all the letters to figure out the word. She's learning Spanish through her father and her friends Dora and Diego. She'll ask me things in Spanish all the time, and it takes me a second to realize that she speaking to me in Spanish. Again, I could gush about her forever, but I won't. She is the most amazing thing that happened to Brad and I. We are so grateful to be her parents. There is one more thing that I have to share. Since Brad has been in law school, I have found him to be, umm shall we say, more argumentative? We will be 'discussing' something, and Ariana will come in the room and say, "Guys, Guys, Guys! Be NICE to eat-uf-ur!" It makes us laugh every time! (You should know that one of our (Brad and I) favorite past-times is to debate. Keeps the relationship interesting. :) )

We love our friends and family. Thank you for everything that you do. We really hope you all have an amazing time this holiday season. For those who are in Utah/Wyoming, see you soon. For those Okies, see you when we get back! Merry Christmas!

I saw this on my friends Bek's blog and thought this would be fun to add to the 'Last Post'.

1. Real tree or Artificial? I love real trees! I love the experience of going up to the mountains and cutting down your own tree. I love the way the tree smells up your home with the yummy pine scent. I just love the traditions that my family made with having our own Christmas tree. However, we put up a 3'ft artificial tree this year, because we won't be here. (I don't think I've even seen a real Christmas tree here in OK!)

2. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving.

3. When do you take the tree down? Usually a couple days after the new year. I put on Forgotten Carols 'I Cry The Day I Take The Tree Down', and sob. :)

4. Do you like eggnog? Yummy! For me, yes please! Bradley does not like eggnog. Never drinks it.

6. Hardest person to buy for? Brad! He'll NEVER tell me what he wants. He would probably say the same thing about me.

7. Easiest person to buy for? Ariana. We love getting her stuff, because her reaction is so cute. She hug it, and with her eyes closed she'll say, 'Oh Mommy/Daddy! I love it!' Total overreaction, but that's our girl and we love it.


8. Do you have a nativity scene? Four of them.

9. Mail or email Christmas cards? We usually mail out cards, but I didn't have time this year. I'm so stressed trying to get everything in Primary ready before we leave, that the Christmas cards got the axe!

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't think of anything.

11. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I get a box of Chocolate Raspberry Sticks in my stocking every year. I love snacking on those. Brad likes his Jerky.

12. Lights on the tree? Pretty white lights this year.

13. Favorite Christmas song? Anything by The Carpenters. When I think of Christmas, I think of the Carpenters. I don't know about Brad. I'll have to ask him when he gets home. :)

14. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel. Can't wait to see everybody! I'm so excited!

15. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? You know Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer, and Vixen, Comet, and Cupid, and Donner, and Blitzen. But do you recall, the most famous reindeer of all? (da-da, da, da) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Love that Song!

16. Angel on the tree top or a star? Neither. Tinkerbell sitting on top of big red Christmas bulb. Oh, and she's holding a snowflake. Can't forget that!

17. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? At the Tolman's we open our family gift exchange the night before, along with our new PJ's. We open the rest of the gifts right when we get up the next morning. At the Johnson's we open all the presents after we've eaten lunch? (can't remember) on Christmas Day. When the year comes that we decide to stay home, we will do it the Tolman way, because I'm the Mom and I said so! :)

18. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? When people (us included) forget about the real meaning of Christmas. That's why we never shop on Black Friday. People get mean at stores and it just puts me in a bad mood.

19. Favorite Ornament theme or color? We have all my Mum's old wooden ornaments. Nutcrackers, Toy Soldiers, Toys, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, etc. I love them!

20. What do you want for Christmas this year? To see my family that live in Malaysia. I haven't seen them in almost 2yrs? Has it been that long? Crazy!

Going Private

Although I try really hard to not post any personal information on the blog, i've decided to go private as well. My Dad has been telling me to do it for awhile, so i'm going to listen to him. If you want an invite, leave a comment or email us at johnson.mb@gmail.com. Thanks!

P.S. Julia (Lyle & Julia), I lost your email. What is it?

Thank You Babe!

First of all SORRY I haven't updated the blog in so long! I've been busy. Stop emailing me death threats! Secondly, I have to say I have the best husband! I was shocked when I saw the post he did on the blog. SHOCKED! I bawled my eyes out. When he does something he goes all out, lucky for me. He constantly does things to remind me how lucky I am to have him. He spoiled me on our anniversay. It was a day full of surprises. I love you babe. Thank you for EVERYTHING!

Now, I have a few things to say about the post. My family is demented! While my amazing in-laws wrote the nicest things about me, my family tried to top eachother with the most embarrasing stories about me! Brad thought it was hilarious, so at least he's happy about it. Thank you everyone for taking the time to do that for me. It really meant a lot to me. Well, here are some pictures of the past couple weeks. I swear I will try to be better at posting, once things have calmed down next week (I will write about it later).

Ari and Mommy on Halloween. Ariana was the cutest pirate i've ever seen. I wanted her to be Lil Red Riding Hood, but she said she wanted to be a pirate. I'm glad we went with her idea.
Daddy and Ari trick-o-treating

Our own Elizabeth Swan

Ariana and Mommy at a Halloween playdate.

At Daddy's soccer game.

Happy 4th Anniversary!

HAPPY 4TH ANNIVERSARY

For anyone out there reading this, it may come as a shock to you (especially those of you who know me) but this isn’t Mel writing this entry but her wonderful, handsome husband. I am writing to let everybody know what a wonderful wife and mother she is, and most importantly, to tell her how much I love her. I love Mel because she is…

Bootylicious - the whole reason why I wanted to date Mel to begin with was because I thought she was drop-dead gorgeous – and I still do. I fall more in love with her every day. She is naturally beautiful, which I love.

Kind – Mel is such a kind person, which is one reason why I think so many people are drawn to her. Mel does not have a mean bone in her body.

Sweet – Mel is truly an old-fashioned girl, and always does nice things for me to let me know how much she loves me.

Generous – Mel truly wants to help everyone, regardless of who they are. I learned I have to be careful of what I tell her about what I do at work because she gets too involved with the kids EVEN THOUGH SHE HAS NEVER MET THEM.

Great personality – The reason why I wanted to date Mel was because she was pretty, the reason why I fell in love with Mel was because of her personality.

Funny – I love Mel because she tries so hard to be funny, and won’t ever give up trying to make me laugh. Ari’s Mom - she brought me Ari - need I say more.

Smart – Mel is an avid reader, and extremely intelligent. I love our conversations.

Amazing mother and wife – One thing I absolutely love about Mel is she is a great cook. Also, Mel is such a great mom. Ari is such a good little girl because her Mom has raised her so well. I can’t compliment her enough in this area.

Spiritual – Mel has such a strong testimony, which makes me want to be a better person.

I feel so lucky to have Mel.

I also asked some of Mel’s family and friends to write some of their favorite memories about Mel and here they are.

1. So we all know how beautiful Mel is on the inside; selfless, loving, generous, kind, sweet, but maybe we should reflect on a memory that reminds us of her lesser talked about outer beauty. The setting was a college house dance party and the music was bumpin and we were all getting our groove on. Little did Mel know that her brothers were watching carefully from the sidelines. Mel was a little, shall we say, oblivious, naieve perhaps to her physical qualities that drew so much attention and began attracting a crowd of onlookers and admirers around her. Did I forget to mention that complimenting her bodacious dance moves were her skin tight leopard pants. Mel unknowingly continued workin' it out on the dance floor while less than worthy young men (mostly brothas from another mother) danced around her. Meanwhile, big brothers (playas in their own right,) Tai and Rick were on the sideline being assaulted with very descriptive admirations of their baby sister. Finally Mel prepared to execute her pattented 'drop it like it's hot' move and suddenly found herself being lifted up by the underarms and carried off the dance floor and out of the party by her brothers!

Pania (Sister)

2. Classic Mel moment - She had the biggest crush on the same dude all through Jr. High and despite her best advances, she could never get him to date her. As it turns out later in High School - the dude is a *original text deleted per Mel*. Way to pick em Mel!!

Rick (Brother)

3. Pan and I were still dating at the time this happened. Mel was in charge of getting a musical number together for her singles ward Relief Society lesson. A day or so before Mel was fretting about it and asked if I would sing with her. I really, really, really didn't want to do it, but Pan gave me this sad look and asked if I would do it. I reluctantly agreed just to impress Pan, but I didn't know what I was in for. We practiced a few times, but there was this one high part that I had a little trouble hitting. Mel said not to worry about it, that it sounded just fine. So Sunday rolls around and it's time for us to sing our song. I can't remember if Pan was playing the piano, but I do remember standing in front of a stadium-seating room full of decked-out, single BYU women in the Clyde building. Although I had performed for years and in front of way bigger crowds, I was never able to see their faces while on stage. This was much different and I was a bit nervous. The music started playing and we started singing. Well, it came to that point in the song where I had to hit that stupid high note, but instead of nailing it my voice cracked like an awkward 12-year-old boy going through puberty! It totally sounded like a yodel and I was mortified! The worst part about it is that instead of trying to play it off and sing through it like a pro, Mel stopped singing, put her hand over her mouth, and started laughing. She even gave me the "oh-my-gosh, I-can't-believe-you-just-did-that, who-are-you?" look. Well, if the Relief Society members weren't paying attention before, they surely were now because every eye was now on me. I'm sure some felt sorry for me, and some probably wanted to laugh out loud, but everyone had a huge smile on their face\. To make it worse, Mel's roommates - Kenna, Timberly, and Pan - were all busting up. I don't completely recall what happened after, but I'm pretty sure I scolded Mel. In fact, I'm still pretty embarrassed about it. Oh well, it's not as bad as that one time when Mel hit a supersonic high pitched note three times in a row during an EHS show choir concert - weird!!! Ha, ha, ha - I love you Mel! Happy Anniversary!

Fili (Brother-In-Law)

4. Here are Afton and my quick memories of Mel. One of Afton's earliest memories of Mel is when we played Madgab at Pan and Fili's and Mel let out her classic cackle. One of my earliest memories of Mel is when she tried to break the world record for kissing with Jay Faucett in the back of his dads red Ford truck and I went home and told my parents where she was. I didn't want to be too embarrassing and hopefully you can still use these. Lata!

Matson (Brother) & Afton (Sister-In-Law)

5. Dear Melani Ariana, It seems like just yesterday our family was preparing for your wedding. What wonderful memories I have of that day. We loved Brad and especially loved getting to know the Johnson's and realized that they would love you as we do. Your father and I are proud of you and Brad and our blessed granddaughter Ariana. Nothing can compare to the daily ritual of her singing a song to Boompa before she goes to bed. We wouldn't miss that special time of the day for anything in this world. Know that you are loved Mel. Lovingly, Mum & Dad

P.S. By the way son, great idea.

6. Melani Tolman...oops i mean Johnson, I love ya Brad! Happy Anniversary princess! It seems like yesterday you and I were in the Sam's club parking lot screaming our heads off while trying to keep calm, while you were on the phone with B-rad. We almost dropped the pineapple cans, remember? ha! ha! He had called to invite you to do something that weekend. I actually think it had to do with his family. Not sure but I think his sister was getting married? Anyways I do remember how we went all crazy because we didn't know what to do. Funny how I felt I would be dating him too. bahaha It was written all over your face how much you really liked him. It was so much fun seeing you come home after dates, you fell head over heels for him! I remember one night you came home thinking that you'd have to learn to compromise your boyz to men with his rock music. That's when I knew he was the one! lol Mel Belle I love you! Brad asked for short stories, but i could never follow directions. Plus this isn't even the memory I wanted to write about =)...remember how we would run through sprinklers in the middle of the night, put on concerts in the living room, have dance offs with the apartment across from us and make snow angels in our swimsuits! But I'll save that for another time. heehee! I love you so much, you're beautiful inside and out. Happy Anniversary!

Kuka (Tutasi Roommate)

Bradley...i love you, Bradley i do...Father in Heaven has sent me to you! bahaha! no but really i love you. but i'd love you even more if you spell checked the essay i just wrote. ha! go ahead and minimize it if you need to. you're so great for doing this for her...she's gonna love it. k let's be honest she'll cry! but happy anniversary to you too my friend! give hugs and kisses to my niece! love you dawg!

7. Mel has always been a great listener and sister-in-law. Any time I've ever talked to Mel about anything, she has always given the best advice and been sincerely happy or sympathetic. We also love to party with her, she has always brought the best "bubbly" and she is so much fun to be around no matter what the festivities are. We love Mel!

Love, Ryan & Jennie (Brother -In-Law & Sister-In-Law)

8. MELANI HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE APPLE OF HER FATHER'S EYE. HE JUST DOTED ON HER. SHE HAS ALWAYS BEEN BUBBLY, SWEET AND SMILING. HER CHEERFUL DEMEANER IS SURPASSED ONLY BY HER THOUGHTFULNESS AND FRIENDSHIP. SHE HAS BEEN SO CARING AND HELPFUL TO ME AND HER GRANDMOTHER. I REMEMBER ON TIME SHE CAME TO OUR PLACE IN OREM TO CLEAN AND I WAS SO SURPRISED TO SEE THAT SHE CLEANED THE BASEBOARDS WHICH NO ONE NORMALLY THINKS ABOUT. ALSO, SHE WAS BORN IN MAY, JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS SHY OF MY BIRTHDAY. YOU GOT A GREAT ONE WHEN YOU PICKED HER. MEL HAS AN UNCLE TED. HE USED TO JUST TEASE THE DAYLIGHTS OUT OF HER. IN FACT, THE MINUTE HE WOULD WALK INTO THE ROOM SHE WOULD SCREAM, "NO, UNCLE TED, NO!" MELANI HAD A LITTLE BOYFRIEND WHEN SHE WAS ABOUT 4 OR 5. I THINK HIS NAME WAS RICKY OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. SHE WAS SO PLEASED TO BE WITH HIM AND FOLLOWED HIM AROUND LIKE A PUPPY DOG. I HOPE THIS HELPS YOU. GOOD LUCK, GRAMPS T.

(Mel's Grandpa with his signature 'all caps' writing style. Grandpa please stop yelling all the time.) .

7. Mel just makes me smile...she is always so happy and fun to be around! I remember the first time we met her...Jeff walked up and gave her a big hug, and she just played along, and wasn't uncomfortable at all. She is such a good sport, and is always cares so much about everyone.

We love you! Kerri (Sister-In-Law)

6. I never forget meeting Mel for the first time in RC Willey by the lawn mowers. I will never forget how I felt about you and how impressed I was and oh how I hoped that my bro. would be able to date you. We got our wish, and not only was Brad able to date you, but we were all blessed by Mel joining our family. You have been a perfect fit to our family Mel I love you and my whole family does as well.

Love Greg (Brother-In-Law)

5. I have many good memories about Mel but one is particular special. The first time I ever met Mel I experienced the most calming feeling that my brother had found the right person. I know this memory does not seem extraordinary but it was. Mel, I know I do not share my feelings very often but I want you to know that I am extremely grateful for you and what you do for my brother! Happy Anniversary!!!

Tim (Brother-In-Law)

4. First of all we definitely remember the day you guys got engaged and we are just very, very glad she said YES-helicopter ride and all! She is always very loving with us not only in word but in actions-lots of hugs and kisses, etc. She is very cute in looks and personality.(famous movie star, maybe) She takes great pictures even though she doesn't think so. I will never forget the time we came home from somewhere and there was a meal in the fridge that she had made for us. She's done that more than once-she's always stepped in and either prepared a meal or helped with food and definitely helped me with many projects-from family calendars to Relief Society bulletins and the list goes on. I always know I can call on her to help and she will figure out how to do it. She gets along with everyone in the family and everyone loves to be around her whether it is just to visit or play games or anything-it is always fun to be around her and especially to hear her laugh. Of course the most important thing about Mel is that she is taking great care of our son and grandaughter by being a great wife and mother. We are so grateful for the phone calls that let us know what is happening. She is also very interested in learning about the gospel and is always asking questions so she can learn more.-a strong spiritual side to her. We love Mel and everything she's touched including Brad and Ari!

Love Mom and Dad (In-Laws)

3. How about the time when we were in Mel's car, I can't remember the conversation but I asked Mel if she could do something for me, she said "I can." I didn't hear her so I asked Can or Can not? She yelled back annoyed that I was questioning her, "Can!!!! K - A - N!" We all had a good laugh

Mark (Friend)

2. "I have so many great memories with Mel, it's really hard to pick just one, so I'll pick two!

1. Our trip to Hawai'i! Mel and I got these great deals on a flight out of Las Vegas for our friend's wedding in Honolulu. To get to Vegas, we drove good 'old Jade down to Vegas. Although I was a little nervous as to how much "fun" we'd had driving down to Vegas, we truly had a spectacular time! It was great for just me and Mel to talk, laugh, and sing in the car all the way to Vegas! We had so much fun, and I've gotta say that road trip has been the best road trip I've ever taken! However, I must add that the drive back to Provo was not as fun for Mel as I could not keep my eyes open and I think Mel ended up driving practically the whole way!

2. My other favorite is a little embarrassing but is one of my most favorite memories of Mel because it so epitomizes her! Mel was having severe back pain and thought it would be a great idea to take her Grandpa's muscle relaxer. Unfortunately, the dosage was much too severe for her little body and Mel's body was rendered useless and I think paralyzed. Looking back, I wonder why we didn't take her to the hospital because the drug reaction does seem quite severe! Anyways, we call Pan and Fili and they came over to help take care of you... We had so much fun laughing with you as we showered and then dried you off in the living room with towels. There were some really funny quotes dealing with shaving that I won't share here, but I'm sure you know what I'm talking about Mel! That was seriously one of the funniest moments of my life. I really could go on, but I'm trying to restrain myself as Brad has told us to write a "short" memory of you! Anyways, I love you so much Mel, I am so glad you found your prince! Happy Anniversary!!!!!! You guys are so perfect for eachother!

Love, Beka (Roommate)

1. I can't say enough about my Mel. She is the funnest, most beautiful, most bubbliest and lovely girl I have ever met. I love the sunshine that she has brought into our family's life. She is thoughtful. She is concerned for others happiness. She has the greatest laugh and it is contagious and fun and you can't help but laugh with her. She is the greatest mom. The love she has for Brad and Ari is amazing!! She is a good friend and an even better sister and I feel blessed everyday of my life that I have her in my life!! I love you Mel!!! Happy Anniversary....love Bec (Becky Sister-In-Law)

Fun Daddy!

Looks like Brad is simply holding the mini trampoline right?

Nope, that's our precious little girl he's got hanging on the legs. No wonder she's a Daddy's Girl. He always makes forts out of our couch cushions and blankets, takes the leaf out of our dining room table to make a slide, or makes a race car out of the laundry basket, just to name a few. The other night Ari and I went out to the balcony and threw her bouncy balls off the ledge. Daddy was supposed to be down on the grass catching the balls, but instead he bounced them off his head because it made her laugh harder. He'll do anything for a laugh out of her. Such a good Daddy! Scares me sometimes with the things they do (example below), but still a GREAT Daddy! ...And then he turned it into a flying saucer.

My dream man is ... Harry Potter?

I just finished reading the last book in the Harry Potter series. I'm embarrassed to admit that I had never read them before. I needed some good books to get myself off my 'Twilight' kick, so I decided to finally read Harry Potter. My Mum bought me the first three books years ago. They just sat on the bookshelf, collecting dust, frowning at me every time I put a newly read book next to them. I thought, 'What the heck?' and decided to start them. Boy am I glad I did (two thumbs up, wink, flash that Kodak smile)! I loved them....J.K. Rowling is a genius...yada yada... now lets get to the weird stuff. I've had TWO dreams about Harry Potter; TWO. No, it's not an Ashton/Demi relationship. In my dreams we're about the same age, but we're not teenagers. I don't know how to explain our relationship, but it just felt so right in my dream. :) I don't remember everything that we did, but there was a lot of snogging! ... Grandpa, if your reading this, snogging is a card game that the children play over in England. Harry said i'm a world class at it too! Proud of your lil granddaughter? ... Don't worry mates. I told Brad about my dreams and the guy could care less. His honor and ego are intact. He's more embarrassed about the fact that his wife had another dream about yet another *urghm* fictional character than anything else. (Edward occupied my previous dreams) Wait until he's see's this post.

I love you Bradley Lloyd!

Team Gryffindor!!

What did you say that is?!!

The other day I was in the kitchen cooking dinner, when Brad calls for me to come to Ari's room.
I walk in and see that Ari's window is wide open and the screen has been taken out. Ariana and Brad are leaning out over the window looking at something in the tree. I walk closer and Brad say's, 'Look Babe, there's a bat in the tree.' WHAT??!! Sirens start going off in my head. All I could think was rabies, rabies, rabies, rabies! Normal people would call animal control when they see a bat; not my husband! He takes the screen out and shows his little girl a real life bat! And it's only about two feet from them. So if anybody wants Brad to babysit their kid; he's great! They will learn a lot! :) ... Now that I think about it, I did take the time to go grab my camera and take a few pics before yelling at him.

Wi r a reel smharte phamili!

Part III

I love my friends! They love me unconditionally, despite my many flaws. :( Unfortunately everybody couldn't go, because of the General Relief Society broadcast. Ooopsy! We missed the ward temple trip last month, because we went to the Breaking Dawn Release party. I'm going to Hell in a hand basket!

Bobbi, Me, and Monica
Hannah's head :), Monica, and Me
April and Me
Me, Lauren, and Blythe
Bobbi and Me

Part II

This is the DJ that picked me. ... He's quite the looker!
Look how RED my face is?! My hair is flat, because it was so hot, and I look like a a bumble bee stung me all over my body! :(
I LOVE them!!
Backstage pass.
The Boyz II Men groupies with a new generation of groupies. Ariana stayed home with Daddy.

I can die a happy woman now...

I don't even know how to start this post. It's been two days since the event I am going to write about, and I still get goose bumps thinking about it. I found out a little over a month ago that Boyz II Men were coming to the Tulsa State Fair. I went with my girlfriends Monica, April, Lauren, and Bobbi...oh and two lil ones Blythe and Hannah. Anyway, so we had pretty good seats. It was center stage in about the 20th row. The concert was amazing, as it always is. :) So they were singing their last song, when April told me to go up to the front so I could get some good pictures. I built up the nerve and squeezed my way through the maze of people up to the front. I was right by the stage. They finished their last song and then the DJ's came out and said that they had two backstage passes to meet Boyz II Men. I jumped up and down, screaming my lungs out, trying to get his attention. Well, he picked me!!! The security guard help me over the guard rail and I got to meet BOYZ II MEN!! My life long dream! Anybody who knows me, knows how much I love them! I had to wait about 20 mins, but it was so worth it. My friends saw me up front jumping up and down with the pass in my hands. They ran up to me and just made fun of me, because I was shaking so bad! I couldn't help myself. It's like my brain was disconnected from my body. Anyway, so I went back and met Wanya (Squirt), Nathan (Alex Vanderpool), and my favorite Shawn (Slim)! They all gave me a hug and I think we had a conversation, but honestly I can't remember a word I said. How SAD!! I do remember Nathan hugging me saying, 'Baby Girl you're shakin so bad, you're givin me a back massage!' Too which I replied with a giggle covering my mouth. They were so nice and so sweet. Shawn and Nathan rubbed my back while somebody took pictures. :) Ugggghh! I love my husband! I love my husband! I love my husband! :) My face was beet red and my mind was long gone. Even afterwards when I met up with my friends, they were making fun of me because they literally had to lead me around. I was so incoherent. I'm so embarrassed! I always imagined that if/when I met them, I would be cute and witty, and they would instantly want to be my friend forever. :) Instead, I stared at them with drool coming out of the corner of my mouth, while giggling the entire time. .... But I don't care! I met my favorite group in the whole world! I'm still on Cloud 9!

Wanya (Squirt) Morris
My favorite Shawn (Slim) Stockman
Nathan (Alex Vanderpool) Morris
LOVE them!

Evanston Cowboy Days

I don't like going to rodeos. I'm proud to be from Wyoming and I consider myself more of a country girl than a city girl. But I can't watch rodeos. I feel so bad for the animals and I never enjoy myself. (I don't even go to zoos! Kills me!) Brad, Pania, and Fili begged me to go with them. Now, before you think ill of me, I know that ranchers, farmers, cowboys, cowgirls, ect., take great pride in caring for their animals. I just don't do the rodeo; that's all. Anyway, we missed most of it anyway, cause I took my time getting out to the car. I hardly watched it, and I had fun! I ran into a few people I knew so it was great.

Pania and Me (can you tell the difference?)
Our happy lil family!
Hunter, Fili, and Pania (notice the baby spit up on her shoulders?) :) Baby Sophia stayed home with Nanny and Boompa.
About the only thing I enjoy about the rodeo! Cowboy butts STILL drive me nuts!
Miss Rodeo Utah 2008 Ranae Cowley with Hunter and Ariana

Whirlwind Trip pt. 2

We drove in to Provo, Ut Friday night and straight to dinner with some of my family. The next morning we went to Dallin's baptism, then headed over to my Tiana and Daxia's soccer practice, to see the rest of my Provo family. After that, we drove to Evanston to spend the night with my parents. We went to the rodeo that night and then left for Grace the Sunday. After the funeral on Monday, we drove back to Evanston, had dinner with my parents and then drove home to Oklahoma. I don't think there was a minute wasted the entire trip. I'm still tired!

L to R: Tiana, Hunter, Ariana, Aunty Jaslyn, Amaya, Daxia
Ariana and Dallin at his baptism. He is the sweetest boy in the world. The picture perfect child.
Daxia, Uncle Rick, Ariana, and Tiana at soccer practice. Rick and Matson are the coaches.
Brad put Hunter and Ari in the wheelbarrow and ran around the back yard. Brad has as much energy as they do. He's a good daddy/uncle.
Don't worry Pania. Hunter's perfectly fine! They're on the trampoline! :)

Whirlwind Trip

We got a phone call last Wednesday night from Brad's Mom, telling us that her Dad (Grandpa Lloyd) had passed away. After praying and circumstances occuring to help us, we decided to drive to Grace, Idaho for the funeral. I know we were supposed to be there, because everything just fell into place. We left Thursday evening so we could be in Utah for our nephew Dallin's baptism. It worked out perfect. It was so nice to spend a quick weekend with our families, and celebrate Grandpa Lloyd's life. I love spending time with family. I love my family, and I couldn't ask for better in-laws. My sisters-in-law (8 all together) are like my sisters. I have so much fun with them. As for the brothers-in-law...well...what can ya do? J/K They're hilarious. I'm a lucky girl. Here are some pictures of our trip.

Pallbearers: Brad's right in the middle on the other side of the flowers.
The flowers were gorgeous! The funeral was so nice.
Ariana with Grandpa Johnson. She is the only granddaughter (so far) and she knows how to use her status. She has that man wrapped around her chubby fingers.
Uncle Tim telling the nephews a scary story right outside the funeral home. :) They look terrified. It was an entirely appropriate time for scary stories. :)
At the lunch in afterwards, I heard screams coming from the other side of the church gym. Ari and her cousins were huddled in a corner hiding from Brad. He'd come around the corner and growl at them. I love how Cooper is covering Parker's eyes. Too cute! L to R, Top to Bottom: Colton, Cooper, Parker, Ariana, Alex

R.I.P. Max Walter Johnson

Well Crap! Max died! I tried so hard to keep him alive. I know he was sick when we bought him, because he didn't eat for a week. I did well for about two weeks, and then it just went downhill fast for the lil guy. Ari asks for him every day. I told her that he went to go see his friends (in heaven). I actually cried hard when Brad flushed him down the toilet. I know, it surprised me too; okay not really. I cry at everything. R.I.P lil guy. Sorry, I tried!

Breaking Dawn continued...

Me, April, and Lauren patiently waiting in line for book.
I guess there were some drunk people out in the parking lot that got out of hand, so the police had to come. They decided that it would be funny to come in and join the party. Right before midnight, they escorted the books to the front of the store. It was really funny; guess you had to be there. :)
YEAH!! I've already finished the book, and I loved it!
We went to IHOP afterwards to get drinks and pancakes. We didn't get home until around 2am. Our husbands and children were fast asleep, while the mommies partied until the wee hours. We really know how to party!
Borders gave everyone these mini gift bags that included vampire teeth. Hello? Real vampires don't have fangs! Just venom coated, razor sharp teeth! :) Lauren cracked me up. I didn't know what she was doing in the photo until afterwards. ...Also, one of those you had to be there moments. Anyway, it was a fun night. Our other friends were suppose to be there, but it was temple night and they all went to the temple. Hello? Where are their priorities? :)

Breaking Dawn Release Party!

Okay, so last October I fell in LOVE with the Twilight Series. Thanks to my sister's Pania and Afton for introducing them to me! Anyway, I tried for two months to get my friend April to read them. She made fun of me for so long, but finally succumbed. Then we tried to make her sister Lauren read them, but she refused. She finally read them last month, as well as our other friend Monica. I was so happy to have other crazy Moms feel the same way I do about these books. We decided that we were going to go to the midnight release party for the new book. We made t-shirts and drove our husbands crazy for days. Here are some pictures of the event.

From L to R: Monica, April, Me, and, and Lauren. We met at my place to take pictures and then departed to grand event! By the way, the back of Monica's shirt says, 'Did I mention my husband and kids'. Very cute.
Ariana and Mommy
In the parking lot, before we went in, we decided that if the party was lame we were still going to make it fun. There surprisinly tons of people there. It still might have been weird, considering the people there, but we had so much fun. I loved every minute of it.
Ummm.... that's suppose to be Rosalie on the far left, and then these guys... well their t-shirts say it all. They were actually pretty funny.
Lauren won the t-shirt contest! Her shirt said, 'Save a Volvo, Ride Edward Cullen'. Nasty girl! :)