Unwritten In

We recently celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. I came across this card  Chris bought for me and has yet to write in or officially give me. It made me laugh because I can think of a few other times he has bought cards and never wrote in them or actually gave them to me. We've laughed about it before too so I decided to go on a hunt to find the other unwritten in cards. But what I found was card after card that had actually been written in. I'm feeling bad for thinking first of the few cards he didn't write in but overlooked all the cards that had beautiful messages of love, adoration and respect from my husband. This blog started out as a funny joke because we have actually joked about these cards that remain empty. However, it is now about how I want to first and always think of how wonderful and amazing my husband is. He is always doing things for me and works very hard to provide for me. He constantly is thinking of ways to make me happy. He never says no to me when I want something. He is willing to go on adventures when I want to but he doesn't. He helps to keep our house clean. He adores our children and helps take care of them with me. He honors his priesthood and is a righteous example to me and our kids. He is intelligent, hilarious, easy going, overly confident:), an accomplished chef, and an outstanding surprise trip planner. 

Chris surprised me with dinner at Ruth's Chris and tickets to Cirque Du Soleil 'OVO'. Along with a night away, just the two of us. Thanks to Katie for watching the kids:) It was perfect, all of it! Just what we needed!

 Our family has experienced a lot of change these past 8 years. We've done a lot of moving, switching jobs, and having babies. Sometimes all 3 at the same time. No matter what happens next, I know Chris is by my side and I'm by his. From the words of an unwritten in card (but in reverse), Chris, "to my husband who's still got it from your wife who still wants it!"

I love you.

Compliments

Sometimes you get the sweetest compliments from your kids and sometimes you get sweet and funny.

Calvin to Chris: Daddy, your the best toy buyer in the world:)

It's Super, Super Spooky!

Halloween is fun! I think it's fun to decorate, fun to dress up, and trick or treating with my kids is the best. 

Brownie Taste Test

Chris had waited long enough. He had to know, just had to know which is the best, store bought, boxed brownie mix. 

So today, he came with all of these:

That's right, 7 boxes of brownies!

And he started baking them right away! 

Our neighbors heard about the test and thought it sounded fun so we shared. 

The winner in our house is Betty Crocker Fudge Brownies.

Their house was divided between BC and DH. It was a texture thing:)

Now that it's settled, I can get back to eating healthy.

1st Grader and Kindergartener

Typically, I find the first time I do something to be the hardest. However, I did not find sending my kiddos to school this second time around any easier. I didn't bawl like last year, I kept my cool. But those familiar feelings were just below the surface. It's a mixture of emotions for me. Nervousness, excitement, and I really just miss them. However, they are always excited to go and that makes me feel better. Calvin is bummed he only gets to go for a half day. He really wants to eat lunch at school for some reason. It's gets better when we get in a routine. I'm positive they will learn and grow, and make friends. Here's to making this school year great.

When we came home from dropping Lila and Calvin off, Graham threw on his 'pack pack' and said 'I'm goin' to school, mom'

Whoa, Baby...#5!!!

It always starts in the middle of the night for me. Early, like 3am early, I started having contractions. Which is an awkward time because then I have to wake someone up to come watch my kids. Fortunately Chris' parents said we could call them anytime. So we did and they came. Chris and I went to the hospital and of course the contractions slowed down. It was a familiar situation. So, after being lectured by a jerk, I mean the nurse, for not being registered with a doctor even though we had just moved to town 2 weeks ago, we left. All day, contractions would come and go. Nothing regular but definitely painful. My mind plays tricks on me because I think I know what to expect but what if this time is different? Anyways, Chris and I were able to spend the day together since the kids were with Chris' parents. We were able to relax, do a little shopping and that night we had plans to go to dinner and a movie. Well, after dinner I had enough and we headed back to the hospital. This time a much nicer nurse was there:) I hadn't changed much but they let me stay anyway. We had enough time to get settled and to choose a name. Chris and I can't seem to agree in advance about names. Anyhow, labor progressed quickly. I did get an epidural which offered a brief moment of relief. Then all of a sudden it didn't. The rest of delivery was PAINFUL but quick, relatively. 

Ross Aaron Johnson was born at 11:30pm on March 26th, 2016.

 I'm so grateful for a healthy pregnancy, labor and delivery. It's amazing how much pain I have had to go through to bring my children into this world. Pain like no other! Five different times! That is how much I want them and love them. 

I don't know exactly how life with five kiddos is gonna be but I know I love them all and am so lucky to have them. I'm also blessed to have such an amazing husband and father to my kids. I can't imagine doing all this without Chris by my side. 

We were all so excited to meet Ross and he's just so cute and cuddly. I feel overjoyed but look exhausted in this picture. I'm sure that's how it will be for awhile.

Love you Ross, and I'm so glad you're here!

Trick or Treat Scooby Doo!

 My kids are big fans of Scooby Doo, so that's who we were for Halloween. I like opportunities to improve my sewing so I altered a shirt to make Daphne's, I mean Lila's costume. I am pretty impressed with myself and it was fun to see the kids get excited for their costumes. Chris is always a good sport and he even decided to paint his hair. The color is barely noticeable but the effort was much appreciated:)

Happy Halloween from Fred, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy, Scooby Doo, and Scrappy!!