Johnson Family

Playing with Cousins in Utah

2010-12-11T16:43:00.000-08:00

Kenzie and Shaelynn sharing the ipod and coloring!

Paige is Adorable

Kenzie

Aunt Jennifer and Paige

Aunt Jennifer and Austin

Jeremiah and Paige

Jeremiah and Austin

Kenizie

Aden and Austin

Utah Visit Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-11T12:56:00.000-08:00

Bria and Jessica

Great-Grandpa and Makenzie

Austin and Uncle Brandon (and Uncle Brandon's balloon talent)

Great-Grandma and Austin

Ironman Professional Pictures

2010-12-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah's 2nd Ironman Total Time: 15:17

2010-11-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

Swim: 1:33:49

Bike: 7:27:31

Run: 5:57:43

Jeremiah beat his time this year, which is amazing since he didn't train and he battled incredibly cold water, wind, and rain. Set the date because he's signed up to participate in next years Ironman.

Austins and the personal banker

2010-10-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

We visited a personal banker today at Wells Fargo and while the man was distracted, Austin asked me if his job was the sort of job you worked if you got bad grades in school.

New Puppies

2010-09-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

Meet Roxi and Karmine. New additions to our family. We now have 3 dogs. Yeah! Never thought we would have 3 but its been a lot of fun.

Halloween Time!

2010-09-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait any longer. Halloween is our families favorite time of the year. Tonight we cooked a fall meal with pumpkin chocolate chip cookies (Jeremiah's favorite). Who cares that it was a 100 degrees out! We are ready for Fall!

California Trip September 2010

2010-09-26T21:03:00.001-07:00

While Jeremiah was in Alaska we went to California for the 3-day weekend. Mom and Bria came with us. We came back with amazing tans for picture day. The kids love the beach. We'll have to do this again soon since San Diego is only a 5 hour drive away.

San Diego California Trip

2010-09-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

Alaska Trip September 2010

2010-09-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah was invited to go on Uncle Warrens Alaska trip....taking Warrens place. He had an amazing time. It was well deserved for such a hard working guy. I tried to post some fun videos Jeremiah took but it's not working out. He got to spend 7 days in Alaska, enjoying the views, seeing seals, whales, catching salmon (and sharks), catching crabs, and bringing home a few starfish for the family.

Summer Family Visit June 2010

2010-09-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

All of the family inside the water tunnel.....taking an illegal picture.

Dinner at Cafe Rio
Me, Austin, Grandma Rose, & Grandpa Johnson

Jeremiah with Kenzie and cousin Shaelynn from Utah

Cousin Page....who owns adorable

Austin being a stinker.....he just had to experience a time-out at the fun place

Jeremiah and his dad

Kenzie and Shaelynn

We got a visit from Jeremiah's sister and Dad this summer. We visited the local aquarium and got to see Melissa's beautiful outdoor wedding. The whole family enjoyed visiting with family.

Jeremiah, Joe, & Kids Campout--Bear Lake

2010-09-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah needed a break from the summer heat. He took Joe and the kids with him to Bear Lake for some much needed fishing.

Brewer Family Reunion 2010

2010-09-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

This was a picture Aunt Stephanie took of the cousins waiting for Joe to come off the airplane from his mission (which took forever). Aunt Stephanie told us that Lexi turned to Kenzie and asked what she was doing in the picture. Kenzie responded that this was her "sexy" pose (don't ask me where she got that one). The next picture is of Lexi and Kenzie doing the pose.

Reunion pictures

We drove up to the Brewer compound for the annual family reunion. We got to listen to all the return missionaries talk, it was incredible. Aunt Stephanie built a return missionary board with pictures highlighting where every missionary in the family served. I should have taken a picture before the camera died, it was amazing. This was a good trip. The kids enjoy being around their cousins and it is important for us to make the trip, even if it was only for a few hours.

Remodel Survival

2010-09-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Before-notice the washer and drying behind Austin

This summer we finally moved the laundry space from the kitchen to the hallway. It took forever and it is awesome. I am in cabinet heaven.....literally. I have whole cabinets that are empty. We are not completely finished but here are the pictures that I have. Dad came and installed the cabinets, Jeremiah put in the floor, and I'm still working on painting.

Memorial Day Weekend 2010

2010-09-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

This was the kids ultimate best trip ever. It was a 24 hour trip one-way. All of us wanted to see Grandma Roth. Makenzie asked when we were going to get there while driving in New Mexico, when we told her tomorrow at noon, she stopped asking.

We visited Grandma Roth one last time during Memorial Day weekend. I wasn't thinking about pictures and this is the only one we got. This is Austin and Great Grandpa Roth. Austin is holding a mini connect 4 game that he begged everyone to play. Grandpa gave him a few rounds.

April 2010

2010-05-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

Kenzie's Spring Sing! She was awesome!

The kids at Usery Park

New Job

2010-04-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

Update: I'll be home all week during my transition from Grand Canyon University to University of Phoenix.

Daddy-Daughter Camp Out 2010

2010-04-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

Makenzie's favorite thing to do outdoors....look for bugs

Images of Easter 2010

2010-04-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

Easter 2010

2010-04-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

Our baby Chickens started laying BLUE eggs the day before Easter!

Sunday

2010-03-22T08:02:00.001-07:00

Just like every night, last night I did the rounds before I went to bed. I checked Makenzie's room and she was sound asleep in a blanket tent on her bed. When I went to check on Austin he was no where to be found. Jeremiah and I looked all over the house and finally found him sleeping upside down in his closet. He was literally hanging like a monkey. By the time we got the camera he had slide to the floor.

Kenzie has been so helpful lately. She might be motivated by the all mighty dollar. We found her cleaning up after the chickens Sunday afternoon. Later that night she asked for her dollar.

Daisy Bird

Daisy again...she just so cute!

Jeremiah's Camera Phone Pictures

2010-02-28T20:53:00.000-08:00

Meet Daisy (or as Austin says..Daisy Bird)

2010-01-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

We have been thinking about adding a dog to the family for a few months and we brought home a puppy last night. Daisy is from the Arizona Border Collie Rescue. From the moment we initially met her it took about 3 weeks (I think) to adopt. She's very energetic, fun, friendly, a little shy, a great companion, and we love her already.

Makenzie sat down next to me tonight and told me how she is starting a new life. Asking my 6 year old to expand on that was tough.....she said, "you know....a new life."

I was anticipating a rough first night with a sad dog. She wasn't sure at first that she should stay all night. When it was bed time she went to the door we came in and acted like it was time to go. Confused and sad, she fell asleep at the door. I gently put her in the new kennel and she slept the entire night.

Daisy is potty trained, but when she's excited watch out. I gave her a bath tonight after I watched her pee and wag her tail in it...sort of like wind shield blades...ew.

Welcome to the family Daisy.

A day off work

2010-01-30T18:02:00.000-08:00

Holiday's on Orange Street

We had Monday off this month and I finally took the kids to build-a-bear. It was my first time there and I'm so glad we had gift certificates from Christmas! (thanks Grandpa Roth)! Makenzie was happy just to make her own stuffed animal and had a hard time deciding whether or not her new toy needed cloths, shoes, a special ring tone, or accessories. It was a tough decision. Austin was sure of his decision from the moment he saw the Darth Vader costume. Going to build-a-Bear was more of an experience than shopping. The kids had a great time and have been taking good care of their new additions.

I don't remember what Austin was upset about? Geez, it's either one or the other some days.

Leaves

2010-01-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

Austin enjoyed riding his bike into the leaves more than running and jumping in them

Austin enjoying the leaves

La La taking her turn in the leaves

While the rest of the country is dealing with record cold temperatures, we were raking leaves in tee-shirts--that still amazes me. Jeremiah and I spent some hours in the yard this weekend, finally picking up the leaves. It was fun while it lasted! Austin and I started to rake the leaves on Monday and by Saturday they were gone. He seemed to enjoy riding his bike into the leaves more than running and jumping in them.

Austin picture documentary

2010-01-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a series because I can't get him to stop! Every time we download pictures to the computer there are always pictures from Austin. He is very sneaky. I think he was trying to tell me that he loved me.....what do you think?

Family Christmas Pictures

2009-12-23T22:54:00.000-08:00

My mom hired a photographer to take some family group pictures. . We would like to see all of the pictures that were taken that day. My mom got 15 incredible group shots hand picked by the photgrapher. By far; the best picture is of Makenzie and me.

Jeremiah's Elk

2009-12-23T22:19:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah went hunting two weeks ago and shot a huge elk. His size was 6 X 6 (which I'm told is the spread of the antlers). The hunting crew was lucky this year and shot 5 Elk out of 6 tags. This is the picture Jeremiah sent me from his cell phone. It isn't the best picture, but considering it was taken with a old cell phone it looks amazing.

Iron Man Support Group

2009-11-26T08:59:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of our Iron Man support group. I regret that I didn't take more pictures of everyone that came out to support Jeremiah during the iron man. He was appreciative of everyone that came out. My dad traveled from Iowa and Jennifer traveled from Utah to be there

Iron Man

2009-11-26T08:52:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah right before the start of the race.

Jeremiah running to his bike after the swim!
If you look closely you can see Austin holding up his sign behind the johns.

Results

Swim 2.4 miles Time: 1:22:50

1st lap on the bike

The kids were happy to cheer on Iron Daddy.

This is a picture I took of Jeremiah right before he changed his cloths to run.

Results:

Bike: 112 miles Time: 7:14:15

Jeremiah started to look exhausted by this point.

Results

Run 26.2 miles Time: 6:27:15

Jeremiah Johnson, you are an IRON MAN

Overall Time: 15:31:21

To See the Arizona Iron Man Video click: http://www.ironmancenter.com/index.php?dir=RaceVids/imarz&vidname=RaceVid-2009-ARZ-high&playtype=mov&w=480&h=400

Pre-Iron Man

2009-11-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

Kids Iron Man 1-Mile Run

2009-11-26T07:55:00.000-08:00

Dry Canning at Home

2009-11-26T07:46:00.000-08:00

Last week we finally got around to dry canning and believe it or not, we nearly finished. Austin can barely write, but here he is giving his best effort. All the cans Kenzie helped label were dazzled with flowers and smiley faces.

Happy Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T06:56:00.001-08:00

We had a good Halloween in 2009. The family went to the neighborhood party and afterwords went door to door trick-or-treating. We ended the night around 8:00 and headed home for movies. We never got around to carving pumpkins but I did manage to make Kenzie's Mermaid costume and that was a huge accomplishment this year. Austin wouldn't want to be anyone but Spiderman and Jeremiah accompanied him by dressing up as the green goblin.

Happy 6th Birthday Makenzie!!!!!

2009-09-25T18:06:00.001-07:00

Kenzie had a wonderful day! It all started at 6Am as we got ready to see the doctor for the flu shot. After being poked, it was off to school for a short day. The party started right after school and her friend Alex got to ride the bus home with her. Kenzie had a fun time entertaining her friends. She had 8 girls (and only one boy, her brother) come over. We played in the pool, jumped on the trampoline, ate cake, raspberries, cheese, blueberries, and hot dogs! It was a feasting party. The girls would swim for a while, go in the house for more food, and then, swim again. Kenzie was so happy that she was able to spend her special day with her friends.

2009-09-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

Things my kids say....

2009-09-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

There are things that the kids say and I want to start writing them down because I'm afraid I'll forget how cute and fun they are. Like today, Austin said....

1. While shutting the car door on the way to church I overheard Austin tell Kenzie that she looked beautiful in her dress. (unprovoked)

2. After the first day of swimming classes Kenzie expressed how fun lessons were. She couldn't wait till they teach her how to walk on water.

Iron Man

2009-09-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah is participating in this years Iron Man Race in Tempe. The race is on Sunday, November 22. We would love it if anyone can come out that day to cheer Jeremiah on and help with the kids (okay, beg...please come out!!!). This is a LONG race and he will need support. We watched some of it last year in person and online. They have people finishing near midnight...so it is a day long race. Here are a few details (click on the map):

SWIM (2.4 Miles) Tempe Town Lake map

BIKE (112 Miles) Start Tempe Town Lake 3 laps to Shea Blvd on HWY 87 map

RUN (26.2 Miles) Tempe map

I think Jeremiah is really brave to even want to do this. I wouldn't want to sit in a car for 112 miles, let alone ride a bike. Please come out to support him.

Tomatoes

2009-09-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Austin helped me can the last of the tomatoes this morning. He's such a big help. I don't know what I'd do without my slaves...I mean kids. We made 9 jars of spaghetti sauce and two more cans of tomatoes. My kitchen is HOT.

For Sale

2009-09-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

1992 International Dump Truck....only used on two projects.....2!!!! The kids and I were sent outside to make the beauty presentable.

Running Buddies

2009-09-08T23:46:00.000-07:00

We took the kids along for a jog on the track 2 days ago. Let's just say that Kenzie can kick my butt! I really cracked the whip and made the kids run a mile on the track. It's amazing how much energy they have. They were still running...after the run. I think we are going to enter the kids in a mile run soon. The best news was that we didn't fight them at all during bed time that night....they were practically begging for their pillows the minute we came home.

Tree Swing

2009-09-08T23:39:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah professionally installed 2 tree swings for our neighbors last week. They are amazing. We are sad that our house is missing a good tree swing kind of tree in the yard, but we are fortunate to have nice enough neighbors that gave us an open invitation to swing on the trees anytime! How can you deprive a kid of that! I love Austins smile in the first picture!

Equipment Auction

2009-09-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

Makenzie's First Day of All Day School

2009-08-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

This is Makenzie's first day of school, and we were almost late for it. She got ready in record speed and hardly ate anything for breakfast. I think she was too excited.

Waiting in a line for the bus. Makenzie was not sure what to do, so here she is hanging out in the back of the line watching the other kids. The kids on the bus stop are really nice to Kenzie.

Makenzie and her friend Indie

Austin was sad (or jealous) to see Kenzie leave for the day. He has to stay with the crazy lady (me) all day while she gets to go someplace more exciting.

She was so excited to get the heck of the house, look at how fast she's trying to get on the bus for the first time. So far, Makenzie is loving school.

Brewer Family Reunion 2009

2009-08-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Austin Getting Soaked by COLD water and loving it.

Jeremiah got into a water fight with the bigger boys

Jacob, Jeremiah, & Jennifer

The cousins at the Pioneer Day Parade

Shaeylnn Cooling off in her own version of the swimming pool

Makenize actually eating

Water fight

Jeremiah and Jennifer at the Parade

Elder Roth is Home!

2009-07-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

We picked up Jordan Friday night and since then he's been released, given his church talk
(which was awesome), and he's gone out with friends. Our family is so excited to see him again. He's been over to the Johnson house quit a bite and he can keep staying! I can't believe how polite and absolutely pleasant it is to be around him. After two years we will have a lot to catch up on. Welcome home Elder Roth!

Austin's Stay with Uncle Jared

2009-07-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

Austin got to stay with Uncle Jared Friday night! Here are some pictures of what they did.

8 year wedding anniversary-Las Vegas Trip

2009-06-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah and I went to Las Vegas for two nights this week for our Anniversary. Although we missed the kids, we didn't miss them too much! They were in good hands, we really appreciate Tammie and my mom for watching them while we were gone. Overall, this was a good break for us. I don't think we've been alone on a trip for years. The first day Jeremiah planned a brutal schedule (typical). The morning started with all the roller coaster and rides he could find. He didn't stop until I couldn't walk.

The Strip

Jeremiah before the Treasure Island Show

Jeremiah giving his dollar to the huge slot machine...here you go.

I think the employee who helped me locate this in his casino thought I was nuts when he found out we only came in to see the Golden Nugget. Here it is....yeah! Jeremiah was excited about this.

The lion's den at the Mirage.

Jeremiah on the Strip waiting for the bus

Us on the top of the Stratosphere waiting to board some crazy stupid ride.

Another ride photo opportunity. This ride dangled your body over the 1,100 foot tall building and spun you around. Once was enough for me, not for Jeremiah. This was the ride that did it in for me. Needless to say, we gave up the rides after this.

Jeremiah's Photo Shoot

2009-06-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

We have been working on Mountain Man Trees Web site for a ridiculously long time. I'm hoping that it will be up soon. Here are some pictures I took with my friends AMAZING camera for the site. We removed two large pine trees with a crane. I am really happy with how these pictures turned out. You can even see the specs of sawdust.Looks can be deceiving, this dangling chunk of wood weights several thousand pounds. The crane operator was psyched out the whole time (I think this was his first day to operate the big crane). It takes mad skills to judge how heavy a section of log is. The crane can only handle 5,000lbs. This crane was fully extended to reach into the backyard.

Jeremiah's giving the thumbs up

Tying the knots into the tree

The crane operator is lowering the ropes

Jeremiah's Photo Shoot

2009-06-18T00:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Dave....I 'd like to think that he was a fan coming to see a superstar, but he was just delivering Jeremiah's stump grinder teeth. He has an awesome service. I mean, who personally delivers product and has resonable prices these days? Dave is a life saver. He reminds me of a life line on one of thoes game shows. Whenever our equipment brakes down (which, for some reason, happens frequently) we can call Dave and he'll come help.

Look, SAWDUST!

I'll be the fan

Summer

2009-06-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

Motorcyle Poodle

2009-06-18T00:25:00.000-07:00

Kenzie and I were giving bids one day when we saw this guy along the freeway. Normally, I'm the recipient of a forwarded e-mail with a similar photo. I don't know what keeps the dog in the crate. It's just amazes me to see a tough, leathered out, biker dude with a poodle in the back. Sorry for the poor quality photo, you'll have to click to enlarge to fully apprecaite the scene.

Filling the Pool

2009-06-18T00:14:00.000-07:00

This is what Bahama Blue looks like. We came home from church and tip toed into the pool. To our surprise, pool paint makes the floor super slippery. Kenzie was the first to slip into the pool with her church dress on. This was a fun night.

Painting the pool was a CHORE! The paint thickens as you go, which makes it difficult to even roll. When we were half way done, after about an hour, our cat Jack chased a mouse on a high speed pursuit down the pool stairs and into the paint. He was immediately side tracked from his prey and jumped out of the pool...leaving behind blue cat prints all over our cool deck. It took him a month to clean off all the thick blue paint from his paws...serves him right. It took a couple of hours after that to finish painting and trying to clean up paw prints.

Little Helpers

2009-06-18T00:07:00.000-07:00

The Johnson's visited in May. During their stay we were working on a pool restoration project. Jeremiah and I had acid washed the pool (which I will NEVER do again) earlier in the week. This is a picture of Austin and Isaac sweeping the bottom of the pool before we painted. The boys were so focused on doing a good job. We really appreciated all the help. Trisha helped tape the tiles which turned out to be a huge deal. Her tape job was the only tape that actually pealed off without a fight. Note to self, don't buy the cheap walmart masking tape and instead, splurge on the blue tape.

Makenzie's Graduation Party

2009-06-17T23:49:00.000-07:00

Kenzie Graduated from the City of Mesa's Early Learner Program...which was basically pre-kindergarten. We were fortunate to participate in this program, especially since it was canceled this year.

During the first half of the year she did not like leaving her toys and backyard but after Christmas she looked forward to school everyday. Next year she will be attending a full day kindergarten class that teaches phonics.....yeah! Plus, she gets to ride the bus.....BONUS.
Not to mention (cause I just can't resist), students are required to speak English. Yes, I'm one of those frustrated parents that can't stand not being able to communicate with other parents or children in my daughters class.

Austins Preschool Graduation Party

2009-06-17T23:10:00.000-07:00

Austin suffered through wearing his spider shoes (that he used to love), nice polo shirt and khaki shorts for Graduation day. It was his idea to spike his hair. This was Austin's last year at Mrs. Marens Preschool. He made great friends and looked forward to seeing Mrs. Maren every school day. He's not starting Kindergarten yet, but I think it's time for him to move on to a classroom preschool. Austin was fortunate that Mrs. Maren let him into class when he was so young.

Garden Shots

2009-06-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

Our garden is still producing. This is a picture I took a few weeks ago of one day's worth of picking. I can't keep up. Tonight our neighbors found out that Kenzie and I love apples, so they brought us over a bag of apples on their walk. In return, we gave them a load similar to the picture above. I'd say we got a fair trade...anything for home grown apples.

Irrigation

2009-06-17T22:53:00.000-07:00

We finally ordered irrigation for the rest of the year. As you can tell, the kids had a fun time. Austin turned our sandbox lid into a boat and rowed himself along the lawn with a broom. Very inventive.

This is Hilarious---thanks for sharing Natalie

2009-06-17T22:44:00.000-07:00

What do you do on a Windy Day?

2009-04-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

Makenzie and Austin's cousin Lexi was over today. We had the best time planting flowers, having a lunch outdoors and flying kites. The kites didn't last long but it was a fun 25 minute activity. It was hard to find a spot without trees. After we landed Austins Transformer kite into the Mulberry tree we decided to go in the front yard. Thank Goodness we didn't crash into traffic.

Austin's cool Transformer kite couldn't handle the wind and broke within the first 10 minutes. It didn't help that he was crabby to begin with. Here he is having a moment. Sometimes I feel like doing this too when things don't go my way.

Daddy-Daughter Camp Out April 2009

2009-04-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

Every year our Ward organizes a Daddy-Daughter Camp out. Makenzie looked forward to this day all week. She was on her very best behavior because she didn't want to risk being grounded. (If you know Makenzie, then you know that she has been grounded A LOT lately!) After working so hard all week at making good decisions she was able to enjoy this moment even more. Here are a few pictures from her weekend with Daddy.

Makenzie found a Scorpion.

Picking Flowers

Daddy-Daughter Camp Out Continued...

2009-04-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

Makenzie loves all animals and bugs!

Makenzie and the turtle in the creek.

Helping Daddy Sell Chainsaws

2009-04-25T15:15:00.000-07:00

Austin is always ready to help his Daddy. Jeremiah decided to sell 7 chainsaws. Austin was more then ready to help clean them up.

What do kids take pictures of when they steal your camera?

2009-04-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

The kids took about 50 pictures around the house this week while I was busy. By the time I figured out what all the laughing was about they both had found digital cameras. Makenzie had no problem modeling with her toys while Austin snapped away.

Jeremiah's Buddy

2009-04-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah came home from work late the other night with this little guy in his shirt. It wasn't until he was getting ready to shower that he noticed the gecko.

Tax Day 2009

2009-04-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah wanted to take the kids and me to a protest on Tax day. I was really skeptical about taking the whole family. It turned out to be a super nice and peaceful protest. Mostly people were either listening to the speakers and clapping or walking around reading the hand made posters. We pushed the cougar around and read the posters. My concern is mostly for the amount of spending our government is doing. I really worry about all the debt that will someday need to be repaid.

I saw a few signs that included the word Extremest. I'm really offended by the word extremest. I think that if you add the word extremest to anything it just sounds horrible....I thought of a few examples in the shower, like eating extremest, sitting and watching t.v. extremest, phone talker extremest, gaming extremest, and I'm not that creative but I'm sure you get the point. Why on earth would some of these crazies put that word on their posters, like that makes them smart? Seriously, I only saw a couple posters like that but it was enough to get me bugged.

There was this one guy that had bike chains all over him and his sign said "This wasn't the kind of Change I voted for." I thought that was pretty funny, you would too if I had a picture of it.

Happy Birthday!

2009-04-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah had a Birthday on Monday. We had a very small celebration Monday night. Thanks for everyone that called him to wish him a Happy Day.

Easter 2009

2009-04-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

We decided to go to the Wright house Neighborhood Easter Egg hunt this year. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous and every spot was a perfect picture opportunity. The kids had so much fun. Here are a few of the pictures.
Austin made friends quickly.

The kids are waiting for the hunt to start.

Easter Continued...

2009-04-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Makenzie hunting for Easter Eggs

Jeremiah climbed in our Mulberry tree to get Mulberries for breakfast.

Picture of the Chickens on Easter Morning.

Austin at Work

2009-04-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

Austin helped Daddy prune an Olive tree last week.

Random

2009-04-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I couldn't find Austin in the house and I found him doing this. He was sitting so quietly listening to my ipod, and when I caught him, of course, he gave me this look.

This is a picture of our new Hong Kong Orchid Tree that we are nursing back to health. Actually, I'm not sure if it's ever been healthy. We bought it from the nursery in this shape. I think we are doing something right because the tree gave this awesome display of flowers.

This picture is of the first winter lawn we've ever been able to grow. The crab grass is growing in now EVERYWHERE, including the garden. It's such a pain.

Austin on the monkey bars! Believe it or not, this is a skill he has been working diligently on. This is the first time he was able to do the bars by himself.

Ta-Da

2009-03-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

Our first egg! Makenzie spotted this and ran to us screaming that she found an egg. I never thought we would get an egg this soon. Here it is, exactly where we found it..kind of a weird place-next to the water. Let's hope they lay in the coop next time.

Jeremiah's new hobby, catching fly's. Notice my annoying white rooster in the background all alone. I think his chicken clan is annoyed by him too.

Spring Break

2009-03-22T00:35:00.001-07:00

I can remember my mom dreading our school breaks and it wasn't until this week that I got why. I wasn't prepared for Spring break. The kids were going crazy. Austin didn't stop asking to see Mrs. Maren till Thursday and Kenzie didn't even ask about Mrs. Partridge (hm? I think she was looking forward to the break---even as a pre-kindergartner). Since we are not in our normal schedule the kids have been acting up (I suppose they are trying to find things to do or just trying to find new ways to push mom's buttons). It wasn't until Thursday night that I decided to get my kids their favorite things....crafts. We spent an hour at Michael's picking out the perfect project and more hours of fun during the past 2 days. Could this be a foreshadowing of what summer will be like? I need to find some activities for the kids this summer---something indoors! Once summer hits....NOBODY plays outside...unless it's in a pool. I'm thinking that a dance or gymnastics class would be a good idea.

Chickens

2009-03-21T23:51:00.000-07:00

They are finally growing up! Here is a picture of our teenage chickens...it seems like only yesterday (Christmas) when we brought them home. Seriously, I can't wait for them to lay eggs....I'm thinking this should happen in May. Looking at this clan, you might think they are cute (and for most part they are), but let me tell ya, all these hens are TROUBLE makers. They are ALWAYS trying to sneak out of the coop (it's a daily fight)! Last week I visited Kenzie's new school and upon my arrival home I found the hens enjoying themselves on the FRONT LAWN (they were probably there for hours)! I must not of latched the gate. Anyway, I was so embarrassed. First of all, I live in a CITY, so it's not that cool to have chickens (it least to the city folk) and It took me FOREVER to chase them back into the coop.....in fact, I even had an audience at the stop sign. Thanks for watchin-creepy guy in the red truck!

We accidentally ended up with 3 Roosters. I didn't really want a Rooster at all but Jeremiah talked me into having one Rooster (you know, just in case our cat Jack got hungry). On the way home from picking up the Chickens, Jeremiah told me that Jacob (Jeremiah's brother) gave us 2 Roosters just in case one died (I'm not an expert in the field, so we just went with it---honestly, I don't believe Jacob wanted to get stuck with an extra Rooster-can't blame him). And, about two weeks later after bringing the chicks home, we discovered a 3rd Rooster--the white Rooster---who might as well be a hen. I think he has major gender confusion issues. He looks crazy but he's such a wimp. This Rooster, in particular, really gets on my nerves. My next goal is to convince my husband that we do not need 3 Roosters...heck the cat seems to get along really well with the hens, I'm not sure we need any Roosters that wake me up at 4:30 EVERY MORNING. I'm starting to wonder if this is a plot from Jeremiah to make me get up early...hm?

On a chicken side note, I realized today that the Mesa Feed Store on Broadway has been ripping me off on chicken feed this whole time. You can find the same brand for half the price at the Pet store on Country Club and 1st street. I love it when I get a good deal...but at the same time I feel duped for paying way the heck too much.

Running

2009-03-18T22:16:00.000-07:00

No, not me (but what would a post be like without pictures) I'm going to put it out there....yes I'm going to start running again. It's something I've learned to enjoy and it gives me tons of energy. I thought that If I blogged about my new goal it would help me be more accountable. I've got a thing with commitments. Tonight I ran 2 miles in an embarrassing 30 minutes (that's on the soft track). However, I did it and it's a start. I watch my 5 year old daughter run EVERYWHERE, just for the heck of it and I'm amazed at her energy. Makenzie doesn't know this but she could definatly outrun her mom. We all know that Jeremiah can out run me (that's a given, he could probably outrun a pack of chetas). Heck, maybe I'll finally put in that P90X DVD and get past disc #1.

Garden 2009

2009-03-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

We are a few weeks behind on the garden, however we had a lot to do before this was put in. THE ROCKS ARE GONE! I've been waiting two years for this to finally happen. Both pictures are of the rock beds turned into garden space. Our family is focused this year on organization and this is one of the things we can cross of the list.

Natalie's purse

2009-03-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

Finally, I have a pictures of Natalie, and the bag I made her for her birthday. This thing took my inexperienced sewing hands 6 weeks.....Not to mention that I resewed the thing 3 times to get it to look decent. Natalie told me that she washed it and the thing didn't fall apart....nearly. Thank goodness! I bought a new pattern and as soon as my taxes are done I'll get that project done.

Austin's Hair Cut

2009-03-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Thank Goodness for Natalie! Natalie came over the other day and Austin was lucky enough to have his hair fixed up. His last hair cut was given by his parents (sorry Austin) and he was looking straggly. Here's a picture of our handsome boy!

A Visit to Jeremiah at Work

2009-03-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

We went to visit Jeremiah on a job last week that required a crane, and not just any crane, the big one. So, I thought it would be fun to see. It was actually one of the scariest job's I've seen him do. The job was to remove a 45 foot tall silver oak tree from the back yard that was near two structures and power lines. This is a picture of Jeremiah being lifted by the crane (whenever I see the crane operator do this to him, he reminds me of Peter Pan, flying in the sky) This is a bad picture, the sun was constantly in my background messing up my pictures.

Makenzie is practicing her climbing/modeling skills. This is where we waited in safety during the tree removal (WAY across the street).

I don't believe that this picture gives the removal justice. This is a picture of the crane dangling a 4-5,000 pound tree over a house (in fact, it's the guy in the green shirt that's barely in the pictures home). I was surprised that Jeremiah cut such a large piece first.

This is a shot from the backyard. I think this was the third cut.

This is Jeremiah prepping for the last and final cut. The crane loaded this huge log directly into the trailer. This saves us a lot of time. We used the crane to take out two trees on this project and it took about an hour and a half. Of course, clean up took longer, but he's a true professional.

Practice Sitting

2009-03-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

The kids had a fun primary activity yesterday. We arrived an hour and a half early. Makenzie and Austin had so much energy that we needed to practice how to sit still. Here they are doing their best. Notice the barrier between...loved that.

About time we cleaned the shed

2009-03-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

We have lived in our home for two years and have NEVER truly moved into the shed...so the shed moved all over the yard. Last week I spent 4 days organizing all our stuff.. Since I worked some long hours, I thought I should post my hard work. After I cleaned the shed I asked Jeremiah how long he had been collecting oil, anti-freeze, and window wash. I think his collection is around 150 bottles--no exaggeration. Anyone need 10-30 oil?

Austin helped me load the 4-wheeler into the shed. This was the crowning point...we got the 4 wheeler to fit into the shed with plenty of room to spare!

The kids even worked hard, how could I not take a picture of this!

The next project is to shovel all rocks out of the yard and plant our garden. If it's one thing we know how to do, it's yard work, but you'd never know it if you've been in our backyard in the last two years. In the next month this area will look amazing!

Old Photos

2009-02-27T10:29:00.000-08:00

I thought It would be fun to change a few of our favorite photos in this program. You can do the same with the Bakamatsu Koshashin Generator

What is this?

2009-02-21T14:44:00.000-08:00

As I was walking out to my car after taking Kenzie to kindergarten I saw this on my tail light. Nice. I have no idea how long I've been driving around town with this little attachment.

Austin's PJ's

2009-02-21T14:40:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! I intended this to be a Christmas present for Austin. I guess it's better late than never. This is my first attempt at pajama bottoms. Jeremiah doesn't know it yet but Austin and him will have matching pajamas...Yeah! Something tells me that the only person excited about this idea is Austin.

Disney Land Trip 2008

2009-02-17T16:31:00.000-08:00

We went to California in September was the best vacation of all time. We sent three WHOLE days at Disneyland, one at Sea World, and one day at the beach. Our favorite ride was the pirates of the caribbean ride (of course). It took a lot of convincing for Kenzie to believe that the pirates were puppets and not real people. I think we went on every ride we could, even Splash Mountain. I was surprised that they let us on (because of the height requirements) but I guess that's what happens right before closing time when the teenagers are in charge of the ride. Poor Austin, we tried to get him on the rides that had height requirements. By the end of the trip he was a pro at standing on his tiptoes to get on the rides. It's hard to explain to a four year old that the three year old, who is taller gets to ride the ride while he has to sit out. BEACH! The kids were a bit shy around the ocean at first but after I forced them into the water they got the hang of it and I couldn't get them out. You'd think I would have gotten a NICE tan after spending the entire day at the beach....oh well.

Austin NEVER took his pirate mickey ears off during the whole trip!

Valentines Train

2009-02-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

Makenzie and I spent Valentines day together while Jeremiah and Austin were traveling. This is a pictures of a Train that Makenzie's Sunday school teacher made for her. Makenzie loved it. I wish I thought of creative things like this.

Good Bye BC 1800 XL

2009-02-11T17:54:00.000-08:00

I originally posted this video with the intention of removing it, but I sort of feel like the chipper was part of the family since we put so much into it. I know you shouldn't get emotionally attached to things...especially equipment, but I can't help it.

Last Saturday Jeremiah and Austin went to Arkansas to sell the Chipper. It was a happy and sad day as we said good-bye to the best chipper that we have ever owned. It was even better than the first chipper that survived a cliff jumping experience (talk about a bad day).

We realized last year that our tree service really needs a smaller chipper like a Vermeer BC 1000. If you have one of those laying around let us know....lol.

2009-02-04T15:03:00.000-08:00

Sledding! This is the first time the kids went sledding. They had so much fun playing in the snow.

Iowa Trip

2009-02-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

Trip to IOWA! The kids and I stayed with my grandparents during record cold temperatures. The above picture is a picture of Grandpa Roth the kids and me at the John Deere Center.

Makenzie & Austin with Great-Grandma & Grandpa Roth

Great-Grandma suggested that we take a picture of the kids in this special chair. This chair has been in the family for four generations (sorry if I got that wrong Grandma). Once Austin heard this he begged to have his picture taken in the chair every time he saw the camera.

Trip to Utah, 4th of July Parade and day Jordan became a Missionary

2009-01-07T23:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2007

2009-01-07T23:10:00.000-08:00

havasupai trip

2009-01-07T23:09:00.000-08:00

This is where the Colorado river meets up to Havsupai falls water...pretty amazing!

Havasupai Trip 2007

2009-01-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah made the Havasupai trip every year for the first 4 years of our marriage. It is an incredible hike. My dad and Jeremiah are pictured above. I love how the hike is mostly brown canyons until you reach the bottom and everything turns almost tropical. It's really sad that this place was flooded last year, I don't think it's the same anymore. Jeremiah and my dad took this hike all the way to the Colorado River. That was an insane hike. I think it was over 35 miles round trip. I did the hike one year and I puked at the very hop after hiking 28 miles in two days.

Emmaline Apron

2009-01-07T22:55:00.000-08:00

Here I am trying on the Emmaline Apron at one of those shops where EVERYTHING is overpriced but incredibly cute and authentic. This is my absolute favorite apron and I almost bought if for $85 except I just couldn't do that....could you? Maren gave me the pattern, even held my hand while I made myself one. Thank goodness for friends that sew, and sew amazingly well!

Best Friends-Makenzie and Austin 2007

2009-01-07T22:51:00.000-08:00

I am so happy that my kids get along as well as they do. I took some time to take a pictures while doing yard work...eventually the rocks will be out of the yard...I'm determined!

How do I look?

2009-01-07T22:49:00.000-08:00

Camping Trip to Big Bear Lake 2007

2009-01-07T22:43:00.000-08:00

Even though it was cold, rainy, and most disappointing than ever, the fish weren't bitting, we had fun. I didn't realize Kenzie would love the crawdads. She spend hours playing with them. I found crawdads in the front pocket of her yellow jacket, she was the only one who would touch them.

Makenzie 4th Birthday 2007

2009-01-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

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Makenzie had a good day....First we brought these ridicoulsly expensive custom cupcakes to her preschool, then we opened presents all day. At the end of the day we had an impromptu party, my friend Erica brought all the kids (I think there was 6 including Austin).

Elder Roth

2009-01-07T22:33:00.000-08:00

Reminder....write your brother! The kids are the best to remember Elder Roth in all their prayers. Elder Roth, Independence Missouri Mission.

Halloween Party 2007

2009-01-07T22:25:00.000-08:00

Instead of trick-0r-treating our neighborhood has an annual party. This was our first year and it was so much fun!!! Austin was determined to be peter pan (he didn't even mind the green tights!) so we all decided to go as a group. Kenzie as tinkerbell, Jeremiah was the original pirate, Cap'in Hook and I was tiger lilly. My brother Jared came too, I think he was dressed up as joe dirt.