Skiing Fun..

Erick took Kiah skiing for the 1st time this week. She loved it . She took along a friend named Alyssa, and her cousins Meg and Cameron. Erick has always had a love for skiing and has wanted to share the love with his kids.

They went to Sundance and Erick said she picked it up real quick. We have loved having the kids home for Christmas break. We have been able to see Erick's brother's family who came from Alaska. And my brothers family from St. George. As crazy as the holidays get it is always such a blessing to be able to spend time with family. The kids had a great Christmas. We got a Wii and Isaac has played non stop. Kiah recieved an Ipod and a Bedding. Kesli got an American girl doll and a fun plush puppy dog. Ikey got lego's and a batman cave house. Sadie and Saylor got baby princess dolls and strollers.

We are now looking forward to the new year. And all it has to bring..

We are still waiting on the house. We were told short sales can take time...

Johnson Family Chirstmas letter

This year I have been so busy that Christmas cards aren't an option so I thought we would use our blog to let you know how our family has been this last year.

Erick returned from a year tour in Iraq in May. He is now working for a company called PCE Pacific. They are located in Sandy Ut. He works mostly from home with some traveling. He is selling Process Control Equipment. He got out of the Navy In October. Erick has a ski pass this season to Sundance, so he will be spending his winter on the slopes. He bought a new car this year a Subaru. He has quickly adjusted to life back in the states, and doesn't take anything for granted.

Camie survived a year without her husband. She has done alot of sewing this year she made her girls Easter dresses, 5 poodle skirts, 4 Halloween costumes, 6 Aprons, and lots of skirts.
She is the Enrichment Leader of the ward, which is her favorite calling ever. She has a Bunco group that she attends once a month. She has gotten into Yoga this year and loves it.

Kiah turned 11 this year. She had a fun 50's party that was a blast. She has loved attending Orchard Elementary this year. She has such a fun group of friends, she is still taking voice lessons, Ballet and Jazz lessons as well. She performed in the Nutcracker this year and did great.
She is very creative and always has a project going. She is very into fashion this year, I think my days of chosing her clothes are over.

Kesli was baptised in January on her birthday by her dad while he was home for his 2 week break. She loves to dance. She had a small solo in the Nutcracker this year and did fabulous. She loves to laugh and hang out with friends. She is very tender hearted and sweet.

Isaac or Ikey, started Kindergarten this year and is doing real well. His teacher is Mrs. Jones. He is learning to read this year and many other things. He took Karate over the summer and will start again in January. He loves to snuggle his mom. He spends all of his time playing video games on the Xbox or his game boy. This year he is receiving a Wii.

Sadie is silly silly silly. She is always laughing and having fun. She loves to wear either dress ups or pajama's. She loves to play with her doll house. She is just starting to enjoy Sunbeams to bad it's almost a new year. She wants to start dance next year.

Saylor is very shy. She loves having Sadie for a twin to do the talking for her. She loves to sing.
She takes a long time to make decisions because she is a perfectionist. She loves to read books with mom, and loves Apple Jackson (Micheal Jackson) music.

We have had a very good year. We have put an offer on a home in American Fork and will hear shortly on that. We have loved living so close to family and friends during Erick's deployment.
We look forward to being able to live in Utah again after 7 years away.
Happy Holidays to all.
The Johnson's

Tis the Season

Christmas time is always one of my favorites. Our family is always so busy this time of year, but we are greatful for the feeling that comes into our home. Maybe it is the Christmas smells, or food, or the lights that we see as we drive around town. This year we have Erick here for Christmas and that means so much to us. I think back to this time of last year, It was lonely. I did the shopping on my own, the tree, the party's, the lights , and the decorating. He arrived home on Christmas eve and stayed for 2 weeks. The minute he entered our house the magic began. The kids were happier, I was happier. It really started to feel like Christmas. This year that feeling is already here and I am greatful. Christmas is about family. Our kids will be receiving gifts from Santa, but they have the greatest gift that money can't buy. A daddy who returned home to them safely. Alot of family's did not receive that, and my heart goes out to them. Erick is such a blessing in my life and my children's. This year Christmas will mean a little bit more. Hug the ones you love and enjoy each precious moment you have with them. And have a Merry Christmas.

twillight

I finally saw twillight last night with Kiah. I must say I loved it. Kiah is going to read the book now, because she loved it so much. Edward was great and I liked Bella alot too. I can't wait to see it again.

What is the Johnson family thankful for

So I asked everyone what they were thankful for and these are the responses I got.

Saylor- Jesus, Parker(her cousin),Sami(her friend), Basement cause Daddy plays with me down there, dollhouse and room.

Kesli- Pilgrams or else we wouldn't be here in the united states, Family cause they comfort me, Church so we know what is right.

Sadie- Toys, playing with friends, Christmas it's my favorite, Frosty the snowman and cookies

Kiah- Friends, Talents, Music, Money, Sugar, Good books.

Ikey-Clean water, computers, snowman, thanksgiving turkey, friends, refriderator, candy, and mommy

Erick-To be here, my job, my health, my wife and my family.

Camie-I'm thankful for my 5 beautiful children, my husband who is the best man i know, my mom and sisters who are my best friends ever, Christ my savior, clean houses, my health, food and friends.

We are very thankful for these simple thing that we have been blessed with.

check out our new family pictures.

What do you think are they keepers?

Johnson update.

I don't know it we have anything to exciting going on lately. We all survived Halloween. It was a great night. We went to Erick's mom's for dinner and than headed down to our neighborhood with the twin and ike and made a killing in candy. Kiah and Kesli got to go with there friends this year. November has slowed down alot compared to October. I am enrichment leader in our ward so I have been putting together a fun night coming up on the 19th. Isaac is doing so well in kindergarten he is reading everything around him. Kiah and Kesli are still loving dance and they are performing the nutcracker in Dec. Sadie and Saylor are too much fun. They are learning to write there name and there abc's. They keep me busy. Erick is still loving his job. He travels but we are ok with that. We are looking to buy a house soon.
That about it with us.

How cute are these girls

Kiah's 50's party.

On Friday night we celebrated Kiah's 11th birthday. It was so fun. Kiah wanted a 50's theme. I made 5 poodle skirts for her and her friends. They started out the night with lip sync's. We divided the girls into 2 groups and they learned and prepared 2 lip sync to 50's songs. And then they performed them for each other. We turned our dining room into a 50's diner. Kesli and her friends took each girls order and served them Hamburgers, Hotdogs and French Fries. We also had bubble gum blowing and hoola hooping. The girls had so much fun. Also on Saturday I took her and her friends to High School Musical 3. The girls loved it. I myself being a big High School Musical fan, was a little disappointed. It was a little over the top. I still suggest you see it, but I love the 1st 2 much more. Kiah loved it equally so I guess it is still a hit with young girls.

Keeping busy.

I have been trying to keep myself busy with other things besides spending money, so I have been doing alot of sewing this month. I have made Kesli and her friend 50's diner outfits, 2 poodle skirts for Kiah's birtday party and I am making 3 more. My sister got a cute apron for her birthday so I copied the pattern and made my own. Now I know what Im doing for Christmas gifts. Sadie and Saylor are being Fairies for Halloween so I made some fun tutu's. I really enjoy sewing and I am greatful to my Mom who taught me. When I was growing up my mom had me make receiving blankets for my aunts when ever they were expecting babies and I have alot of aunts. I am now greatful for her passing that talent down to me.

Fall is here

My favorite season is fall. I am so happy it is here. I just wanted to share some of my favorite thing that come with this awesome season. The best desserts are in the fall. One of our family favorites is pumpkin roll, I make this 4-5 times a season. I love pumpkin anything so if you have some wonderful pumpkin recipes please pass them on. My friend Brooke also got me addicted to a dessert that is an apple cake with warm sauce. I made it for Enrichment last week and it was a hit. One of my favorite memories as a kid was driving up provo canyon when the leaves where changing. It is the most beautiful sight. Take time this fall for all you locals to drive up Provo canyon with the kids and stop and collect some leaves. Kiah and I were both born in the fall, so we have 2 fun birthdays we celebrate every fall. Halloween is my all time favorite holiday ever. I go over and beyond every year. I usually make all the kids costumes, I do my best house decorating , and when the kids get home we have hot chocolate. Last Halloween we went to 4 parties the week of halloween. When Erick and I were young married and money was tight we had apples with carmel dip once a week and apple spiced cider that is a memory I will always remember every fall. My favorite colors are fall colors. Well I just shared some of the things I love about fall. I would love to hear what you have to say.

Happy Birthday to my guy!!!

Sept 11 1976. Is the day the love of my life was born. I just wanted to express my love for him on this special day. I have know Erick for 14 years, and I feel very blessed to know him, and be his wife. Erick has many loves in his life just to name a few. Water skiing, Snow skiing, Mountain biking, golf, lemon desserts, peanut m&m's, IBC cream soda, microwave popcorn, crossfit, his kids, Me( of course), sunsets, snow, camping, his friends, his life experiences, and his brothers. Erick is the most amazing dad ever, he takes that job very seriously. I just love watching him spend quality time with each child, my children adore him as do I. I treasure every moment I have with him. He truly is the best husband. We laugh together everyday. He has such a love for life that is contagious. Erick is turning 32 today. I have loved these last 14 years with him and I look forward to many more memories.

Sadie and Saylor are so fancy

Fancy Nancy party was a success. These girls were so fancy. We painted nails, made fancy necklaces and decorated our cupcakes to go with the parfaits. What a fun day for the twins

Twins Birthday

Today is Sadie and Saylor's 4th birthday. They woke up this morning to presents. They are into Disney Princesses like the rest of the 4 year old girl population. They recieved some Princess pajama's, dress up shoes and Giselle and Robert barbie dolls from enchanted. When Sadie opened the jammies she said "these are so magical". It was great. Erick and I took them for lunch where they sang happy birthday and gave them free icecream. Later my mom picked them up for more icecream. We had cupcakes after dinner and we are looking forward to there party on Saturday. I can't believe my babies are 4. They are great girls and we love having them as part of our family.

Back to School

My kids just completed there first week back to school. Kiah is a 5th grader this year. I can't believe she is that old. She loves going to Orchard Elementary and we hope we can keep here there. She will be doing the school choir again this year, and taking voice lessons and dance. Kesli is a 3rd grader. She is such a smartie. She has such fun friends this year and is very social. She is taking ballet and jazz this year. Ikey boy is starting Kindergarden on monday. His teacher is Mrs. Jones and I had here in 5th grade and now she is teaching my son, small world. Isaac is hoping to play soccer this year, he loves video games and star wars. He is such a great kid. Sadie and Saylor have another year home with mommy. We are going to have mommy and twins time everyday. They have never received my full attention. I am excited to get to know them better. They love playing outside, shopping, and fancy nancy books. They are turning 4 on Sept 3rd. They are having a Fancy Nancy birthday party. For any of you that have young girls get the Fancy Nancy books they are great. This year I am going to work on myself inside and out. I am picking a topic each month that I want to improve on and I am going to read and do everything I can on that topic to better educate myself. September begins my health and fitness month. I will keep you posted each month and what I've learned. Erick is still training with his job. He travels alot but he likes what he is doing. He is working from home as well so we love having him around.


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Sisters day.

Last summer my sisters and I started a sisters day. It last 4 hours. We always start with lunch and then we either shop, or get a project done together. Since we have all been married we haven't lived in the same state. Now that we are Utah girls we have carried on this tradition this summer as well. Wednesday's are one of my favorite days. We all get babysitters and the fun begins. I have been blest with 2 sisters and we are best of friends. Corey is currently living next door to me and she has been amazing helping me through the last year. She has 2 boys Parker and Jack whom I adore and she married Erick's brother. Jenn is the youngest and she is such a good example to me. She is them most wonderful mother I have ever seen. She has 4 children Kali, Lexi and twins Dominic and Zaxen. We have been working out together every morning and of course sisters day. I will post a picture of the three of us later. If you have sisters you live close to try this out you can even add sister in laws.

We just returned yesterday evening from our annual Johnson family reunion. This year We headed down to Zions National Park, We stayed in a cabin just outside of the park at a ranch called Zions Ponderosa. We headed down to St. George on the afternoon of the 4th and we stayed at a house across the street from Erick's Grandma Call. We went to a church parking lot and we did our fireworks and sparklers. Kiah our accident prone child stepped on a sparkler and got a nice burn on the bottom of her foot (poor girl). The next morning we woke up and headed to Zions. The kids loved the scenery and of course the mile long tunnel. We finally made it to our cabin, It was perfect for us. It had 8 bedrooms including a room full of bunkbeds for the kids. We brought all of our food and it had a perfect kitchen for all of our needs. Erick's parent, and His brother Spencer's family, Dave's family, Curtis and his girlfriend and our family were there. We sure missed Emily's family, Jenn's family and Matt's family but we hope next year they will be there. We had so much fun. They had a great pool where we spent most of our time. We also attended a small rodeo. We did crafts, played games, the men had some competitive basketball games. Saturday morning a group of us went on a hike in Zions to the Emerald Pools. We sure enjoyed the whole experience. The kids are hoping to go back next year.

We have had a fun two weeks since Erick has returned. We went to the Orem Summer Fest, which had fun rides, food and booths. Kiah inpressed us all with her rock climbing skills. She made it to the top in a matter of seconds. The twins loved the Carousel, and Ikey and Kesli enjoyed the ferris wheel. Fathers day was special this year seeing how Erick was here to help us celebrate. We gave him a tent that will fit our family. He loves camping and we know have kids the perfect age for this. The kids gave him a car washing kit because they love to wash the car with him. We ate dinner at my parents. One of the things I love most about Erick is the wonderful father he is. He spends such quality time with each child and they love him so much. We also took a trip to St. George Ut this week. My brother lives down there. And he just purchased a boat so we helped them try it out. One of Erick's greatest loves is Waterskiing and Wake boarding. Kiah tried out the knee board and the twins and Kesli tubed It was a great time. Kiah also had the oppourtunity to see Les Miserables and the Tucsan theater with her cousins, it was her first musical and she loved it. We are looking forward to a family reunion in 2 weeks in Zions so there should be some fun pictures and story's to tell soon.

Johnson update.

I flew out to Virginia Beach on the 29th and Erick and I had plans to meet up in Chicago. He had a job interview in Seattle and he was flying the same day as me. So I rode the plane from Salt Lake to Chicago it was a long 3 hours. I arrived in Chicago and I got off the plane and there he was waiting for me. I remember thinking how wonderful he looked as I ran into his arms. We flew from Chicago to Va together it was so awesome. We got to Va and went to Cheesecake factory for dinner so yummy (and that included the food). The next morning we went to Busch Gardens it's a fun amusement park in Willamsburg. We rode all the extreme roller coasters it was such a fun time together. We were so thrilled after our last rollercoaster ride Erick received a job offer in Sandy Utah. The next morning we heading to Anapolis where we meet up with friends, they were great they put us up for the night. Sunday morning we headed back down to Va beach where we took a trip down memory lane. We drove by the old house and neighboorhood. We really loved our time there. That night we went to dinner with Erick's co- workers. Monday was a busy day we ran all over town. Erick was signing all sorts of different papers to discharge from the navy. We relaxed monday night and Tuesday we hit the rode. We drove across country for the next 3 days and on friday afternoon arrived in Orem. The kids were all lined up on the street and the ward had put flags all down out street. The kids paraded us down the street on there bikes and power wheels included my sister and there kids. At was really neat. Erick had a wonderful reunion with his kids. And now it feels like a party all day long. Erick has accepted the job in Sandy Utah and will start work July 10th as an account manager in a Sales job. He is excited about this opportunity. And of course we love the area. We will stay in Orem for now. I will post pictures later today or tomorrow.

Erick is back in the U.S.

I am happy to report that Erick made it to the United States early this morning. He is staying with some friends of ours in Baltimore. He will be there all day today and then off to Seattle for a job conference. I am so happy to know that he is safe and home. He will be in Seattle until Saturday then he will heading to Virginia Beach for 3 weeks before I go get him. This week has been so crazy busy. My grandpa Kocherhans passed away on Friday he was my mom's father. It has been an emotional week. We went to a wake on Sunday night, then we have a viewing tonight as well as the funeral tomorrow. At the wake we had the opportunity to share stories and feelings about my grandpa. I was very close to him. I grew up 2 blocks away from him. He would come over every Saturday for a while to visit. I remember lots of camping trips with him, He would take me to A&W for my birthday every year. I remember one time I had a fight with my parents and I was downstairs packing my stuff with plans to (run away), he came down and talked to me and told me if I ever wanted to run away I should come stay with him instead. He also showed such a love for my kids he made frequent visits to my mom's to see them when we were in town. I loved him very much. My grandpa was a wonderful singer his dream was to sing in the Tabernacle Choir, but he started to have hearing loss in his early 50's he could no longer hear music, he had 85 grandchildren and 30 something greatgrandchildren many of which have a talent of singing as well. He was with my grandma for 70 years and he died of heart failure. He was such an amazing man and I will remember him forever.
Kiah had a choir concert last night where she sang a solo and did amazing. She is so talented and has no fear. Kesli has a dance recital this weekend she really loves to dance and does great at it.
So that sums up my busy week but anything to make time go faster so I can be with my man again.

Very blessed year.

Now that Erick is down to his last 10 days in Iraq. I have just been reflecting a little about the last year. I have never felt so blessed in my life. I know that my heavenly father has taken our little family into his care and filled our life with blessings. We have been so well protected and taken care of and I have had a strength I didn't know possible. I am also blessed to have such a wonderful family. While I have been here My sister Corey had a baby boy and my sister Jenn had twin boys. I haven't been able to be with them yet for there baby's. It has really been fun being an aunt (not a mom) to these sweet little boys. I have been able to grow so close to my sisters and have know that I could count on there support and love through this hard time. This picture is all of us together . There are 15 grand children. We had this picture taken while Erick was visiting for Christmas. I am also so greatful for my parents. My dad has been over almost every saturday fixing things around the house or helping out with the yard etc. My mom lifts my spirits every time I am with her . She expressing to me daily that I am a wonderful mother and I am doing an amazing job. I have loved being close to them. My brother who also served in Iraq as a general sergeon also returned to Utah resently after being in the army for 12 years. Has been so good to me by taking me out to dinner or taking my kids to do fun things. They all love there Uncle Rob and his wife Tara. I also am thankful for my friends who have been praying for us and sending Erick packages and emails. We have felt your prayers and we thank you for taking that time to think of our family. We truly love you. We look forward to the next adventure that our life will bring. I am blessed to come from such a wonderful supportive family and I know that I could not have done this without them. I know I am a stronger women because of this experience and I am greatful for this trial I have been given. I just pray that more trials don't come my way for a long long time. I am ready for a break. I am going to Virgina to pick up Erick in May and look forward to that time with my guy. I love Erick more than ever before and I am so proud of his postive attitude of this experience he has made the best of things and that has kept him happy, and given me peace of mind.
We love you and thanks again for coming into our lives.

Easter

Easter was a big success at our house. The easter bunny comes on Saturday that way we still keep the real reason for easter in our hearts on Sunday. After all the sewing of these dresses. I made the kids take some pictures so we could send them to Erick right away. We headed to church and I notice everyone in the chapel started to stand. I look back and walking up to the stand is Elder Dalin H Oaks. He is an apostle of the LDS Church. I have never been in the presence of an apostle. He brought with him such a wonderful spirit. His daugher is in our ward so he came to visit for easter. We did not have the privelage to hear from him but it was amazing. He also attend Sunday School and some of Relief Society. Isaac gave a talk in primary about Easter and he did a great job. After our meeting we headed to Erick's parents for dinner. The kids had an easter egg hunt with there cousins. When I think of Easter last year , I remember we arrived in Utah the day before Easter. Erick spent the holiday with us. On Easter sunday we knew it was going to be our last sunday together for the next year. We spent most of sacrament meeting wiping away tears , it was very hard day. 5 days later he left us for training. I can not believe that we are down to the last 5 weeks of being apart. I am so excited. We know that all of your prayers have been heard in his behalf. We appreciate all the love and support.

Kiah's St Patricks Day

Kiah had such a fun decorating these shirts seen in the picture. They sprayed there hair green and they all wore green skirts. It was a fun day. Who knew that 4th grade would be so fun. She has such a fun teacher this year named Miss Nelson. Kiah is taking voice lessons and is in the school choir. She got a solo in the choir that she will be performing in May. She also is singing a solo in Sacrament meeting in June. She has such a fun personality. I enjoy being the mom to a ten year old girl. Most of the creative things we do are her idea I just provide what is necessary.

Busy month

March has been such a busy month for me. I was looking for Easter dresses for my 4 girls and ran into the cutest dress at Gymboree the problem was that they were 50 dollars each and 4 girls you do the math. No way was I going to spend that. So I decided I would sew the exact dress. So I went and got all the fabric and notions and spent 60 dollars for everything I needed. So I have been busy making 4 darling dresses in time for easter (pictures will be posted later). Also this month Kiah decided that her friends wanted to dress the same for St. Patrick's day. So I told her to have all there friend come over and bring a white shirt and we would decorate them. They did such a good job. And they had a blast together. Kiah has such a fun group of friends this year they are amazing girls. I also started a Joy school with some other women in the ward so this was my week to teach. It has been a fun thing I teach one week of the month on a tuesday and thursday. Sadie and Saylor love it. With easter around the corner I have been getting stuff for baskets and sending Erick his own easter stuff as well. We have also had 5 birthday parties to attend this month. I never remember March being so busy but this year with Easter so early I guess that's what happens. Erick is still doing great. He is still looking for a job. He has lots of leads and we are hoping something happens by June so we can make plans for the future. We love Utah and hope we don't have to leave. We miss all of our friends and hope to cross paths againg with all of you. I will be going to Va Beach the end of May to pick up Erick we will spend 4 days there just the 2 of us I can't wait.

Celebrating 11 years

I haven't been a very good blogger lately, sorry. Next week Erick and I will celebrate out 11th aniversary. It has been an amazing 11 years. We started dating when we were 17 so we have been together 14 years almost half of our lives. I have been so blessed to have spent this time with him I can't image my life with anyone else. We have spent now 10 months apart and it has been the most bonding experience for us. We have had to express our love for each other over web cams, emails and phone calls. I have never felt more close to him then I do now and we are so far apart. I just know he is the man that makes me a better person. When I met him I was not in a good place in life and he really did save me. He brought joy and happiness and hope when I needed it most. I love him so much and am thankful for him. I want to encourage everyone to really spend good quality time with your spouse. We seem to get so caught up in our children that sometimes that relationship can go on the back burner. When that relationship should be #1 at all times. I know that every minute I have with Erick will be so special to me when he returns and I look forward to new memories.

Valentine's Day.

It's been so fun reading everyone's valentines day blogs. I had a nice Valentine's day. It started with a web conference from Erick which we always look forward to. Then I made heart shaped waffles with pink syrup for the kids. Cupid comes to our house and leaves a little treat for the kids.
I took the kids to pre-school and came home to a flower delivery from my husband. I helped out at Kesli's classroom party which was fun. Then when the kids came home from school they had a special valentines they had made for me. My dad every year gets us a box of chocolates so I am savoring each one slowly (Ha Ha). As I read others valentines experiences I know that even thought I am not with my true love this valentines I am with so many people I love and who love me as well and that is what it is all about. I am greatful for the 5 little valentines in my life and especially my husband who even though he is in Iraq he took time to let me know how much he loved me. It was a great day. Happy Valentines to all. Oh yea and Erick is 80% done. A little over 2 months left. Yipee.

Crazy Story

I just thought I should share this crazy story. Yesterday morning I got up with the kids and was getting them breakfast when I noticed. A deer right outside our patio door laying in the snow. I told the kids to come see. When she noticed us she got up and walk away. I noticed she was bleeding a little. It look like it was coming from her behind, on the left side of her tail. She was acting fine and eating off the bushes and just hanging out. I called my sister and she said maybe the deer is in heat or having a baby. So I thought I should call someone. I called a few numbers in the phone book and they were going to charge me 500-700 dollars to come get the animal. So I decided to scare her off by slamming the patio door a few times. I scared her away and didn't see her again the rest of the day. This morning I woke up to see the deer once again laying in the same spot. I started slamming the door and knocking on the window but she wouldn't budge. I finally got a plastic chair and threw it next to her. She got up but didn't run away as she got up I noticed her Bowels were hanging to her knees (no lie). There was blood all over the snow where she was laying. I knew she was in great pain and going to die. I called my mom and she said call the police they work with animal control. I did this and they came over. My brother in law and the police walked over to the deer and she got up and walked over the the neighbors yard. An
hour later the police called to tell me the animal was dead and wildlife were coming to remove the body. It was crazy. Poor deer. Anyway just thought I'd share. If you have any crazy stories and want to share that would be nice cause Im starting to think this kind-of stuff only happens to me.

lowfat recipes.

I started weight watchers. It is a great eating plan and I do it all on line. Anyway I have made the new years resolution to make healthy habits for the whole family. So I have been looking for good recipes that are kid friendly and lower fat. I have one to share with you all. If you have any to send my way that would be great.
This is Pasta e Fagioli
Very similar to Olive Gardens.
1 pound of leand ground beef
1 small onion
1 large carrot julenned
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes
1 15 ounce can red kidney beans (with liquid)
1 15 ounce can great nothern beans (with liquid)
1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
1 12 ounce can v-8 juice
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 pound ditali pasta.
Brown the beef in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Drain off fat.
Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic and saute for 10 mins
Add remaining ingredients, except past and simmer for 1 hour
About 50 minutes into simmer time, cook past in boiling water over high heat. cook for 10 min or until past is al dente.
Addpast to the large bowl of soup simmer for 5-10 mins and serve.



Very yummy and hearty.

Funny things kids say.

We have a sunday tradition of watching family videos. Isaac asked to watched him as a baby. So we put on his birth. Nothing to graffic. Anyway he was saying how cute he was and then said, Mom I want you to have another baby in your tummy. I asked him if he would like a brother or sister. He replied a brother and we will name him " Underdog". Such a funny kid. I had to explain that mommy is done having baby's and he was ok with that. I guess this means we should get him a dog.
Isaac will be turning 5 on Saturday. We are having a pirate party with a treasure hunt and everything. He is so looking forward to this birthday. Erick has been home for only one of Ike's birthday's. And he missed Isaac's birth as well. It's good to know that he shouldn't have to miss anymore birthday's ever. Anyway. I am so greatful for Ikey in my life he is so sweet.

Kesli's Baptism

Kesli turned 8 on Monday January, 7th. She had one of the best gifts ever. She was baptized by her father the night of her birthday. It was such a special day. She was grinning all day long. When she came up from the water she looked at her dad with her huge smile and it touched all of us there. She is a special little girl with a love for life. I am greatful for her in my life. I am also greatful for a husband that lives a worthy life, and that he was able to perform that ordinance. It was such a bonding moment between the two of them. Erick left back to Iraq on Wednesday morning early. He tucked in each of the kids tuesday night. And shared tears with each of them. He is such an amazing Dad and the kids miss him so much. We only have 4 months left before we can be a family again. And we are looking forward to that. We are greatful to have spent the Holidays together. It was magical. I am keeping busy with projects to help time go faster. I have a great family and wonderful kids and I know we are going to do just fine. Thanks again to all the prayers in our behalf we really feel them.

We had such a good holiday season. Erick loves the snow so we went tubing twice already it was a great time. All the kids and me included were going down the hill. We have had lots of snow just what Erick has prayed for. We spent Christmas eve with Erick's family and Christmas day with my family. It has been just so fun hanging out together. That is all we have wanted to do. Erick being here has been a dream. He is so helpful, he lets me sleep in, does the dishes, puts the kids to bed you name it. He has been helping me with his crossfit workout that he is really enjoying in Iraq. If you are looking for a new intense workout check out Crossfit.com. it posts your workout everyday. Erick is speaking to a youth group from our church tonight about his experiences over there so that should be exciting. He is also baptizing Kesli on Monday her birthday. So that will be neat as well. We love him so much and will be sad to say goodbye again. We appreciate everyone's prayers in his behalf. Happy New Years to all.