tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71158094190024535672024-03-05T02:30:52.284-07:00Johnson JabberingsCharlene Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04302849794836866709noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115809419002453567.post-48838541491011460452010-07-12T15:38:00.005-06:002010-07-12T16:04:52.436-06:00I'm Sick of Getting Thrown Up On!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1t8iLaeT6mSySU9J1l9Cx7dwIlgF8p2Xii2PdhJ0jGZZIYy60qVlmRcIXTRLKoAd1L_VZQAdAJAp0b8jBp6hYWvXDFV-RacQ-IZUnEigTqdgH5ySVMb0xZIx2WK1aXK-k7DY6BH9eNqn/s1600/DSC_4703+copy1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493143051447881058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1t8iLaeT6mSySU9J1l9Cx7dwIlgF8p2Xii2PdhJ0jGZZIYy60qVlmRcIXTRLKoAd1L_VZQAdAJAp0b8jBp6hYWvXDFV-RacQ-IZUnEigTqdgH5ySVMb0xZIx2WK1aXK-k7DY6BH9eNqn/s320/DSC_4703+copy1.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH3lE1uRcitGEmW8OGBKhphujBQEaUeYc2XAXCTUALRnlBWlE2J5Ml6l9rJ4wl5L8M8Q_5gGaPO4RWeQ_a-cf1uB4yJ9QwIwyJwTKxm_6djtLEAjUZmpdieEG89bjQ17kWy7aUAvwSP6E/s1600/DSC_4584.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493141731805996930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH3lE1uRcitGEmW8OGBKhphujBQEaUeYc2XAXCTUALRnlBWlE2J5Ml6l9rJ4wl5L8M8Q_5gGaPO4RWeQ_a-cf1uB4yJ9QwIwyJwTKxm_6djtLEAjUZmpdieEG89bjQ17kWy7aUAvwSP6E/s200/DSC_4584.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHzDwA_hdh3hzOAb8hrdgXkCoNDKAIwF2GvqYgtgeJCDvW0dsgCmO1mRa_gWMgLlHwKGqwPtMn8aasHJGwrQXwnq7HOGcz_41mMIvuNrKLvvAKgy7SEcqK5BWRDgddfNYGfPqFIMQ6dae/s1600/DSC_4592.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493141725420407330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHzDwA_hdh3hzOAb8hrdgXkCoNDKAIwF2GvqYgtgeJCDvW0dsgCmO1mRa_gWMgLlHwKGqwPtMn8aasHJGwrQXwnq7HOGcz_41mMIvuNrKLvvAKgy7SEcqK5BWRDgddfNYGfPqFIMQ6dae/s200/DSC_4592.JPG" /></a>The title of this post pretty much sums up my existence right now. My darling nearly 4-month-old son is a puker! We change his clothes 4-5 times per day, he goes through at least 5 burpcloths daily - and me? Well, I'll change my clothes if I'm going somewhere. But last night, I did finally admit to Jason that I am indeed sick of getting thrown up on! Hopefully this stage will pass quickly.<br /><br />I was talking to my niece last night about my blog, and it made me think (again), "Oh! I DO have a blog!" It has been such a long time, and my 3 readers probably think that Lincoln is my favorite child, seeing as he's the only one who has an entire post dedicated to him. Lincoln indeed is my favorite child. So are the rest of them! I'm lucky to have 4 favorite children.</div><div><br />Let me introduce you to my other favorite child, my newest addition, Mendon! TIME FLIES! I cannot begin to believe that he's 4 months old on Saturday! He is such a joy (minus the throwup!). I have figured out that the worse the pregnancy is, the better the baby, and that has held true with my children. He is quick to give a smile (while not throwing up), and he loves to be with the family and playing with his brothers and sister. He completely loves it when I sing to him, and he often joins in (doesn't throw up during singing time - kudos to me!), though his lyrics aren't quite there yet! And, I must say, his blue eyes are AMAZING! (Must give photo credit where photo credit is due - thanks Emilee for the pictures from Mendon's blessing!)</div><br />He's already moving around; the other day I found him about 4 feet from where I put him on the ground. Maybe, just maybe, I'll have a child who walks before 16 months. That being said, I realize now that walking early certainly is more of a nuisance than anything else. I'll stick with 16 months, thank you.<br /><div></div><br />Now you have it - one more favorite child!<br /><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493141748112950258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru4ODoei29OCFH54w1bzUfIg2sAxWYXcPHTzPYtDHMwhzxWcrNgDguYUvYQKL5bwGyB6twNf4HHezhao9mxzxT22v-IHdMeNUeOvKXAlSUldsZKyC8lGsGkVnEkovMq42mlk-8jUc29CP/s200/DSC_0268.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSBDlBp5knVK9zBs6Xn0R8nenz9YtYOON2AHin9GQHiYuYKsHAF28AUmnrYnqFv54zRuROSaz-8Tkh2dWzFj97UFYffLMDdQunaLG8Qyj57ofc4d1jFFN6-aemHfk8z6G8PBdbtgP5g00/s1600/DSC_0398.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493141739561948946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSBDlBp5knVK9zBs6Xn0R8nenz9YtYOON2AHin9GQHiYuYKsHAF28AUmnrYnqFv54zRuROSaz-8Tkh2dWzFj97UFYffLMDdQunaLG8Qyj57ofc4d1jFFN6-aemHfk8z6G8PBdbtgP5g00/s200/DSC_0398.JPG" /></a> </div>Charlene Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04302849794836866709noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115809419002453567.post-62446851125778590652010-06-07T11:11:00.003-06:002010-06-07T11:18:32.190-06:00Rhubarb Cheesecake!Due to popular demand, here is the recipe for the rhubarb cheesecake you may have heard about. We LOVE it, and hope you will too!<br /><br /><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Rhubarb-Cheesecake/Detail.aspx">http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Rhubarb-Cheesecake/Detail.aspx</a><br /><br />(Do NOT cut any sugar!!! - and you may want to cook the rhubarb for about 17-18 minutes instead of 15 as listed in the recipe. I also put something under my springform pan, as the rhubarb juice likes to escape!)Charlene Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04302849794836866709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115809419002453567.post-82758334822797760932010-06-02T14:29:00.019-06:002010-06-02T16:36:09.072-06:00Our Heartbreaker!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vFVYKgcR2SZPUIB-noLrh9Gs9twleH7f2Mco7hjjog-9aj8NZaQZ5ihmRFwssixh0sbTSLHsDhHt7CcGIVYJyn7u2CUW6KWoX3sgDeyiHyPoxxxcZ-rs132TjMR5oY1CNaaqVyoOXxiT/s1600/linctowel.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478283324352050882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vFVYKgcR2SZPUIB-noLrh9Gs9twleH7f2Mco7hjjog-9aj8NZaQZ5ihmRFwssixh0sbTSLHsDhHt7CcGIVYJyn7u2CUW6KWoX3sgDeyiHyPoxxxcZ-rs132TjMR5oY1CNaaqVyoOXxiT/s400/linctowel.jpg" /></a> <div>Today I'm highlighting our little blue eyed, blond hair heartbreaker, Lincoln. When I think of the classic little boy, my 2-year-old pops into mind. I have to brag here - he is SO CUTE!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this little tyke, and he's so much fun to be around and to simply watch. He's just now starting to talk a lot, and the things that come out of his mouth melt my heart! </div><br /><div>For example:</div><div>After a more difficult than usual trip to Target, and after his mean mother (that's me!) wouldn't let Lincoln have any toys at the store, we returned to our beloved minivan, where I remarked to him that it was a <em>nice</em> day. Scowling with all he could muster, he yelled at me, "MEAN DAY!"</div><br /><div>On the flip side, another <em>nice</em> day, when we were putting jammies on before bedtime, he said to me, "Mom, nice day EVER!" </div><div> </div><div>Then there's the way he says the title of a favorite movie, "The Little Rascals." Lincoln hasn't quite figured out how to start a word with the "r" sound or sticking a hard "c" in the middle of a word, and it comes out sounding more like ...."Little A**holes..." Good thing he's little, otherwise I'd wash his mouth out with soap!</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqlxX3kZiiqe-Jmuc9HSeXf4l2EgVW2J8uZs1aadBWJcoM6N8_0cn6Nc8-GISdDGqlx3g0hqDLKeNc9wblgWCIi5-t8-AgBMbkp5kgrHg8hGcJ8fMdpCZPCJRl_Qr2TPghaPAZhfLG7A5/s1600/linccandles.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478283478683537474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqlxX3kZiiqe-Jmuc9HSeXf4l2EgVW2J8uZs1aadBWJcoM6N8_0cn6Nc8-GISdDGqlx3g0hqDLKeNc9wblgWCIi5-t8-AgBMbkp5kgrHg8hGcJ8fMdpCZPCJRl_Qr2TPghaPAZhfLG7A5/s320/linccandles.jpg" /></a> Recently, he's surprised us by taking upon himself the task of garbage boy. Anytime he sees garbage in the wastebasket in our bedroom, he'll take it out and dump it in our big kitchen garbage. I don't care what anyone says, but a barely 2-year-old who will do that without being asked - well, that sure makes me feel like a good mom! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFDOCpsJYfE23VEmRX5T0EbEVedHqlBcs-vqQnsz0ppGA-XDNS-3qfR_Ba9yPC2-t5H5BJ5dPcHOeE6K8hnDCfNxBUdk7EuBOUJ5Jb-MlohRfuXtdmLmlIQflzji0_c6-98AFPalnwbt4/s1600/lincglasses.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 146px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478284545209425074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFDOCpsJYfE23VEmRX5T0EbEVedHqlBcs-vqQnsz0ppGA-XDNS-3qfR_Ba9yPC2-t5H5BJ5dPcHOeE6K8hnDCfNxBUdk7EuBOUJ5Jb-MlohRfuXtdmLmlIQflzji0_c6-98AFPalnwbt4/s200/lincglasses.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>He also makes me feel like a million bucks when he comes up behind me and gives me a huge back hug, or when he looks at me, smiles, and says, "Mom, pretty." <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478282628962697122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mxWb13Xh81cOR0WgftVRV86XOX0VKJSN_SX-YEqgimiXoTHTr8vMJnJvnJtreOhtMruPCVbnhrRIQ97ADumzHEZpf2-itUMuYoMRoqIWpcVbs2FVjQY_XIjNr73B8JymHOmnr7d2Kfek/s200/lincface3.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 193px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478282571303234658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbDy84waIBpKIACDT2MmcM2mKOJAK-4QbJCXNdbLHNux_VOxwAgh-9b9s4-yPTIpQm5XOosVTR4mPWNByG_bLeIr-xDCQKfVmpihKiV8LRCJY37fvaLb4qJmdbuzh39RC7_07IEZ8BCec/s200/lincface2.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478282481858156658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF_-KXp2Ucvxk0mGxXdncP6GNcgtWoIK8tFsf1AXK4rRdQOHuIcCa8GltVd6JAzz8kweLLLwsqgq3dTHIA6PiOBCWSUQlNAFx4tTVJRBzK9qrfWJGFoGAD63g1zMEbEgdxHHLhXC2shfv/s200/lincface1.jpg" /> He's got one of the most expressive faces I've ever seen, he's got a great wink, which I have yet to catch on camera. I also love the way he runs, he puts his all into it - which he does with everything.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478281790548832866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_Crna9pC8g_nskk29Prg4beLDP5Q6whazKNm23spWH69mHhYoX8JSC12kvbKc7KtDNFIOdPBT_41o1PKTiWDycuGl0Hn0jkxg_fbIVXd446XZjmC2fDanwM210BUV6ZGG9zx3-VQts15/s400/lincrunall.jpg" /> <div>Lincoln, I love you!</div></div>Charlene Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04302849794836866709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115809419002453567.post-74311856053433266592010-05-24T11:34:00.002-06:002010-05-24T11:36:56.212-06:00Wishes!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukrAmeghL93hRi8s26zJH5Nz22iv4HZJtAcQXz0ukfRtVOiNSfpTBsOB9u4-wKnUFqABRTmRy9sWsKbKpEoY5FhTJcE0isIWn_LWRPmqTzFZ1NcgxaJf_fWPwPfY7bQVDbqNawAO-e4bq/s1600/Dandelion.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474891868548941250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukrAmeghL93hRi8s26zJH5Nz22iv4HZJtAcQXz0ukfRtVOiNSfpTBsOB9u4-wKnUFqABRTmRy9sWsKbKpEoY5FhTJcE0isIWn_LWRPmqTzFZ1NcgxaJf_fWPwPfY7bQVDbqNawAO-e4bq/s320/Dandelion.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Jason and the kids went on a bike ride the other day. As they passed a vacant house overrun with dandelions, Cecelia called out, "DADDY! LOOK AT ALL THOSE WISHES!!!"</div>Charlene Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04302849794836866709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115809419002453567.post-91291357534316184612010-05-20T14:03:00.005-06:002010-05-20T14:18:37.274-06:00Only One Will Survive<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpllN4EZgr2ATwpXTOkG5CK_TlwKMTC2busTOs56lOd1gjzGh3IevW4xSCcl8zTcSzjhfUXlR31pCiI2M0XOcRwIryL5cW3JcX5trAjA3zgSAuZ6lKAw6BSXhYab77JoRS2e85YpFjIF0c/s1600/hair1.jpg"></a>A couple weeks ago, Cecelia had a fight. Or perhaps I should say that Cecelia's hair had a fight - with a comb. After spending one HOUR trying to avoid cutting her beautiful locks into a boy cut, I was beginning to fear that this was a battle I was not going to win.<br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473448746495437490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJY8jV8zsK_hrjCcA-YjyGeU-mL04jdmuuONFnevR1cw2d888TFCXBfsg72_o08A_x9yYppgpOySn0vWKtY1yT9l5JKxpIvP3If0l5l06ITtVohh8qywMHUbYmZBhjMAOmyNFjk6cAMP4/s400/haircol.jpg" /><br /><div>So I called in my knight in shining armor.....with wire cutters....and the battle ensued.</div><div></div><br /><div>Thankfully, only the comb did NOT survive.</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 353px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473448851422011938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklTWVemqX3WoR615hNxVtNkZf3K3r3thGdy9MBWbprOV53WkRe3mQqz__C22pGi0MIuwnsZOj9IUnvhE-z9Yo8-yEf9elx1n5JyZkX2FMWIyJLWIaryt4HSHjAvPYgqUWEv5cSJZmx2do/s320/comb.jpg" /><br /><div>Cecelia has not tried to comb her own hair since.</div></div></div>Charlene Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04302849794836866709noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115809419002453567.post-82838125626466259812010-05-18T10:37:00.005-06:002010-05-18T10:52:00.900-06:00You know you're a mom when.....May 7. 11:30 p.m. <div><div>Cecelia begins the family <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">throwup</span> fun.....</div><br /><div></div><div>May 17.</div><div>No <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">throwup</span> ALL DAY!</div><br /><div></div><div>So yes, you know you're a mom if you blog about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">throwup</span> and diarrhea, and are proud to say that you've gone 24 hours without cleaning the blasted stuff off your carpet, pants, your kids pants, the floor, the bed, towels, etc.</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38bfkhWNFOzQkP3PYHOzkpo4q6K4qkRr71csyzvu1SremQI6OU37cY2OdTZU_EEMnNs-TlYQhG1qcKGoO9VOIWaXtQ9jE9lgr6zGRXylnG9ZLdGxKxVbeTqbS5DgkA8Yx9PFCKeKwLBqz/s1600/sicklincoln.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472653311429762098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38bfkhWNFOzQkP3PYHOzkpo4q6K4qkRr71csyzvu1SremQI6OU37cY2OdTZU_EEMnNs-TlYQhG1qcKGoO9VOIWaXtQ9jE9lgr6zGRXylnG9ZLdGxKxVbeTqbS5DgkA8Yx9PFCKeKwLBqz/s320/sicklincoln.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>My poor Lincoln had the worst of it, 8 full days of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">throwup</span> and the other stuff. He's finally having some energy, thank goodness!</div><br /><div></div><div>Must, must, must thank my Jason. He took a lot of crap this week - literally! Lincoln had a major explosion one night, and yes, Jason got it all over his pants and shirt. I asked Jason which he preferred on himself, vomit or b.m., and his vote is for vomit. Me? I personally don't prefer either one! But thank you, Jason, for being <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">SOOOO</span> wonderful and helping so much this week - a week that I prefer to forget, but remember to laugh about later!</div><div> </div><div> </div></div>Charlene Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04302849794836866709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115809419002453567.post-40502720604835927542010-05-11T11:21:00.001-06:002010-05-13T19:56:39.847-06:00Family Domino Night!<span style="font-family:times new roman;">Last night we played dominoes as a family. First, Cecelia spilled fresh lemonade all over herself. That caused Lincoln to throwup all over himself. Which in turn caused me to grab the nearest bowl and hold the kid until he was done. My quick action caused Cecelia, now standing in her chair to avoid the lemonade, to fall over in her chair. Her falling over, however, was cushioned by Corman's head which was, for some reason, under the chair. All this action caused the three older children uncontrollable sobbings while both Jason and I broke out in uncontrollable laughter over our family domino night!</span>Charlene Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04302849794836866709noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115809419002453567.post-66401104593305527162010-04-14T15:27:00.003-06:002010-04-14T15:47:17.020-06:00Living BlogcariouslyI love reading good blogs, I do, I really do. I even created a "Favorite Blogs" folder so I could access them quickly. I coined the phrase "living blogcariously" - which is what I do, live a vicarious blog through my friends' postings. Just yesterday I was thinking, "Gosh, Char, wouldn't it be cool if you could add your OWN blog to your favorites list?!" So, as a result of that thought process, here I am, typing like mad on my own blog. If I get more than 1 comment, I think I shall add this blog to my favorites list. (I should really figure out how to post more pictures on here too, for I have some darn cute kids that I love to show off.) <br /><br />As my 2 readers already know, life has changed dramatically since my last blog. I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy St. Patrick's Day - Mendon Josef. He is such a sweet baby. I really think I was right when I said, "The worse the pregnancy is, the better the baby!" He was 8 pounds, 9 oz. and 20 inches long. My biggest baby by more than 1 pound - no WONDER I couldn't move very well at the end and every step - or misstep - was painful! Some have wondered where we came up with the name Mendon - so buckle up for some good reading.<br /><br />Before I was born, a family lived 2 houses down from my parents. They were pretty close. The mom gave birth to a little boy, Mendon. One morning, Mendon's mom called my mom and said, "Mendon is dead." My mom rushed over, and sure enough, this little Mendon had passed away from SIDS. His mom never held him again, and shortly after, the family moved away and my family never again heard from them. Even though I never knew this little baby, he has had such an impact on my life. Every year since then on Memorial Day, my mom puts a sweet boquet from her garden on his headstone. I've never seen any other flowers there. From my mother, I've learned what service is, what Christlike love is - and I've always loved this little Mendon whom I never knew. I thought it fitting for me to name my last baby boy after this little one who has taught me so much - through my mother. Thank you Mom!!<br /><br />Mendon fits right into our family - his brothers and sister love him SO much! They fight over who gets to hold him, and now I have yet another "bribe" for my kids. "Corman, clean up your room and you can hold Mendon!" Yes, works like a charm every time!! I'm not saying I love getting up a few times a night, all the added laundry a little one produces, getting puked on or peed on right after I shower, a sore neck and back - but, OH, I love my baby! And my other babies too!<br /><br />Right now I'm serving as Primary President in our ward, and it is a challenge. I told the bishop I was excited for my maternity leave, and he just laughed. I wasn't kidding. Seriously though, I have great counselors who can do ANYTHING - and they really do! I'm ready to be back though and see all my kids again. Believe it or not, I've missed them the past 4 weeks! I don't know if I'll say that again after church on Sunday, but for now, it's the truth.<br /><br />Jason is madly working on his masters' degree - and I'll tell you what, we are SO ready for him to be FINISHED! This whole newborn/masters/primary/Young Men/3 other kids thing is really wearing on us. Now you know why I'm so excited for our "date" to a wedding reception Saturday night! How pathetic is that?! But heck, I'll take what I can get! We're going down to Cedar City to walk for his graduation in a couple weeks, then he has 2 more classes in July and DONE. Can you tell I'm ready for this to pass??<br /><br />I think I'm about done here for a while - here I was thinking this was going to be some witty, funny, charming post on my blog.....but it looks more like a whine session. Yes, please, I would like some cheese with my whine. Do you have any aged smoke gouda perhaps?Charlene Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04302849794836866709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115809419002453567.post-14313293136003681192009-06-04T22:23:00.002-06:002009-06-04T22:40:37.050-06:00The Fruits of Our LaborI don't know why, but for some reason today I feel like posting on my blog. Don't pass out, my 3 blog followers. It's going to be ok.<br /><br />Also, for some reason, I'm feeling somewhat nostalgic. I was thinking today that it was EIGHTEEN years ago that I graduated from junior high. Where on earth did that time go? I mean, I still look and feel exactly like I did 18 years ago, right?! It's been fun to reconnect with some of those junior high buddies on Facebook. And it's interesting, too, to see who's still a brother(sister) in the gospel. I'm grateful that I have remained faithful and I'm SOOOOOOOO glad for what I know! Life is just too short to put faith aside.<br /><br />I'm also feeling so grateful for my three beautiful children! The fruits of my 3 labors are amazing! It's strange to think my oldest will be starting kindergarten in the fall - but it's even stranger to think that some friends my age have kids starting/or already in junior high! I'm certainly far from the perfect mother, but days like today make me think that sometimes I'm a pretty ok mom! Corman didn't even tell me today that I broke his heart. Certainly an improvement from yesterday! I've really taken a look at how I spend each day with my kids, and more and more I want to put the work aside and play with my kids! Dishes will still be there tomorrow (oh, speaking of dishes, I need to run the dishwasher!), but my kids won't be kids forever! So today we played on my bed for a long time and I got a great workout playing airplane with Corman, Cecelia and briefly with Lincoln. Ah, the joys! I'm also so grateful to know that my kids are mine FOREVER! Ah. See? I'm grateful for what I know!<br /><br />Finally, I've always been amazed by my own mother who has done so much throughout her life. I wondered for years why she gardened so much and loved all that she has done in her garden. I've certainly benefited with numerous amounts of produce! So now I've finally gotten the love for yard and gardens like she has. Well, maybe not quite so grandiose, but still a good start. Tonight I picked an entire colander FULL of strawberries, and I only picked half the patch. My back was KILLING me after that - ok, fine. I don't feel like I did 18 years ago in jr. high! You caught me! I'm watching my peas get almost ready to pick, the sugar snap peas are doing great, I transplanted about 50 bulbs.... I love the feeling I get when I can reap the benefits of the fruit of my labor! It feels GREAT!<br /><br />And with that, I will leave this blog for another month (or five).Charlene Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04302849794836866709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115809419002453567.post-89051356964964050062009-01-17T22:07:00.000-07:002009-01-17T22:11:30.551-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzmJBJQ0xH_OmOOuSlYkv7ifRs7F-4Ruv3f51G6EDfsJr3LbniXFCIO5XMVFNN48HFa9i3Az3Xol4TW2ghlgj8Vz_gFssdDOaj9XVCHYBdAL7-7ieaO2w0FT8U3yYj5m9wZywqVTT-y24/s1600-h/chrismasfam.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292496967765585410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzmJBJQ0xH_OmOOuSlYkv7ifRs7F-4Ruv3f51G6EDfsJr3LbniXFCIO5XMVFNN48HFa9i3Az3Xol4TW2ghlgj8Vz_gFssdDOaj9XVCHYBdAL7-7ieaO2w0FT8U3yYj5m9wZywqVTT-y24/s320/chrismasfam.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Charlene Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04302849794836866709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115809419002453567.post-90060294397831285232009-01-17T21:38:00.002-07:002009-01-17T21:52:59.894-07:00I have a blog??A dear friend of mine just reminded me that I have a blog. Then I realized that blog is glob spelled backwards. Then I thought, "Gee, I should have named my blog something like The Johnson Glob Blog." But, seeing as only 5 people have ever read my blog, I'll just leave it like it is and give you some more jabberings. My New Year's gift to the world. More Charlene blogging. Globbing. It's late.<br /><br />Where to start. This week was interesting. We've all been coughing up lungs (you should have SEEN how big Jason's was!), Cecelia almost broke Lincoln's nose, and we regressed on potty training. On the positive note, I can't help but be amazed by the pure innocence of childhood.<br /><br />Take, for example, Corman. 5. Boy. Corman watches 19-year-old girl eat waffles with us. He says, "You better stop eating. You're going to get a tummy ache." Let us all hope and pray he grows out of noticing how much girls eat by the time he's 16! <br /><br />Then, there's Cecelia. 3. Girl. We read a Noah's Ark book earlier this week, and of course, as in most Noah's Ark books, animals are drawn in pairs. When I asked her what a certain pair of animals were, she excitedly said, "Those are snails. Hey, SNAILS! I have those in my hair!" I was stumped. I really DO wash her hair, not with beer (a great snail bait), but she's clean and generally well kempt. Then the little light went on above her head as she said with a sheepish smirk, "Oh wait, SNARLS." Oh my goodness. I busted a gut. I think she might have been hurt for a minute, thinking I was laughing at her, but who wouldn't?? SNAILS in her hair!!! I quickly and lovingly explained that I was simpy laughing because she is so darn cute. And if that ain't the truth, nothing is.<br /><br />Finally, my little Lincoln. 10 months. Boy. Jason and I had gone to the temple with my nephew one morning and left the kids with a babysitter. (She's great!) When we got home a few hours later, Lincoln literally ATTACKED me with hugs and great big gargantuan slobbery, open-mouth kisses. I've never felt so loved (and somehow I don't mind getting slobbered on by that little boy - but don't give Jason any ideas!)!<br /><br />Ah yes, the innocence and perfect love of children. Moments like these make you think the near broken noses, potty regressions and telling a girl to stop eating in case of a tummy ache - are all worth it.Charlene Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04302849794836866709noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115809419002453567.post-68582106532416137682008-11-19T13:51:00.003-07:002008-11-19T14:13:08.721-07:00The First Jabber"Get a blog, Charlene. Just do it."<br /><br />"What? You're on Facebook but you don't have a blog? <gasp>"<br /><br />"I don't think we can be friends anymore if you don't have a blog."<br /><br />Hence, the resulting blog. I have SO much extra time with 3 children ages 4 and under....so here I am. Don't mind me if my posts wander as much as my mind. Most of you reading this probably have the same condition anyway. I take comfort in knowing that I don't suffer from mommy mind on my own.<br /><br />At any rate, enjoy this blog. If, on the small chance you don't enjoy, take comfort in knowing that I will enjoy it enough for all of us!Charlene Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04302849794836866709noreply@blogger.com6