Grandpa is another name for "Alien"

Here is proof of Grandpa's Alien origins!

They are also standing in front of Grandpa and Grandma's new UFO, which happens to be disguised as a beautiful Honda Pilot. I think that now makes four Honda Pilots in the family... can you tell what our favorite car is???

The last day of Spring Break a week ago we met my parents in Prescott and they took the kids to "Race to Witch Mountain" and I took Will shopping and then we met up and ate at Cracker Barrell, which is one of my all time favorite restaurants. We had a great time and the kids talked nonstop about seeing their grandparents and the movie as well. It was truly an awesome day and a great way to end a great Spring Break.

Something we didn't notice until I looked at the pictures on the computer is that my dad seems to have antanae coming out of his head. Is this a new thing, or has he always been an alien???? We may never know!!!

The Johnson Clan is early.... alert the press!!!

Last week we had Ward Conference and during our Relief Society/Priesthood combined lesson we had an awesome lesson about reverence and one thing that he touched on in particular was coming to sacrament early so that you have time to get ready to feel the spirit and not make too much noise for others around you. Plus, it is a good example for your children. So, I took the lesson to heart and I vowed to be early this week. And believe it or not, all the stars aligned and WE WERE EARLY!!!!!

I had to show some proof of our early admittance so I have a picture of our clock when we were ready to leave out the door and a couple of pictures to prove that we didn't attend in our underwear, we actually all had Sunday clothes on.

Lund took my "early bit" one step further and got ready one hour early so that he could leave with his dad. Of course, he took my Ipod Touch and played games for an hour. But hey, he was there!

P.S. This is also a great way to introduce you to our new clock that I am deeply in love with. We purchased the clock in behalf of my grandparents who passed away and left us a little bit of money. We had a plaque made that says it is from them and everything. And it plays "Ave Maria" beautifully!! I especially love to watch the pendulum swing! Also, the best part about it--- it is normally 700.00 at Costco, but because it was the display model, they sold it to us for 250.00. hooray!!!!!

Cassidy took these last two pictures. Way to go Cass!

The Wedgie wins it all!!!

Tonight was the Pinewood Derby races for Bagdad and it was pretty awesome if I do say so myself! of course that is because I was in charge of it... He!He! Actually the only way it ran smoothly was because so many willing people volunteered their time and smiles! Wonderful memories all around!

Last night Morgan and I and the kids got the cultral hall ready for the races tonight. We had wonderful helpers as well. Thank you Hulse's, Schultz family, and of course, Roberta! Thank you all! And before Morgan put Lund to bed he discussed with him that it is o.k. to lose and to be a good sport about it, etc. Well, he didn't get to put that wonderful discussion to good use because he won 1st place! We were amazed and excited and proud of our little man and his father. They really worked hard together on this project and they drew pictures together on the car and really bonded over the whole experience! I would have just been happy that his wheels didn't fall off while he went down the track, but 1st place, that was pretty awesome as well!!

His ribbon that I actually made myself would put Mr. T to shame because they were huge wooden medallions that I made and it was funny to see the boys in them, but of course, they loved it! All the boys went home with a certificate and Lund's certificate was "Most Aerodynamic car", and he said, "What does that mean? is that good??" he! He!

He was so proud of himself that when he got home he tacked up his stuff on his wall right above his bed and sacked out. We have impounded his car though because now he has to go onto Prescott on April 18th for the District finals. Fun times! I bet it is serious business there, not like my makeshift Pinewood Derby race, but we sure know how to have fun here in Bagdad!

this is what Morgan did the whole night... start cars off. What a trooper!

This is my favorite... Nathan is saluting his car as it speeds down the track!

here is the line up of the boys, front row seats for the race

Lund looks a little intense in this one!

Will waves the "Lund" flag to support his brother.

Carolyn Hulse holds our cute little treats made by my helpers, twinkies and mini oreo wheels. (thanks for the stolen idea Cooper Newman!)

All of the cars lined up in all their uniqueness!

Our three winners: Nathan, Taylor, and Lund

Will sees Lund's car unattended and he grabs it.... And then he runs!!!!!! Here is our proud boy all sacked out! Great day Lund!

p.s. good news: Will only jumped on the track ONCE during a race, grabbing a car! Everybody laughed as I ran over and picked him up by the back of his sweater his hands and arms still swimming, trying to grab more cars! he just couldn't stand so many cars that he couldn't play with!

You know you live in a small town when...

..... your son is invited over to a friend's house and the mom says, "just make sure he brings his BB gun and his quad if he has one..."
p.s. there are reasons why my boy doesn't have his own quad, but I did let him borrow MY BB gun for the day. He had tons of fun!
p.p.s now your probably wondering why I have my own BB gun. Well, if it is mine, I can take it away whenever I need to and limit who uses it... see how smart I am! (I am slowly learning these "mom" tricks)

potty training on the go, otherwise known as "I have to go on the go!"

As you can see, we are once again riding that lovely train that we call the "potty train". We tried it a few months ago, but he wasn't quite ready so it wasn't wonderful all around. And this time we are DETERMINED to see it through.

The only thing is, Will doesn't like to go anywhere without his potty, for fear he may not make it in the event of an emergency, I suppose. I am including a few pictures of what I mean. He takes it outside with him so he won't miss out on the fun. We are also in the "naked" phase where he only gets to wear a shirt and no undies until he gets the hang of it.

Thank goodness for Traffic cones...

Today I have been doing a lot of reflecting and reading of Becky's journals and everything as I write the life story for Logan's funeral on Wednesday. And I have been crying, a lot, both on the inside and through my crazy tear ducts as well.

And then I was driving down the street to drop my kids off at Destiny's house so I could get a little more work done with everything going on and this lovely picture is what I saw. And let me just tell you that I laughed soooooo hard. It was sooooooooooooooooooooo what I needed and I just have to thank whatever teenager had the gall to go do this to our beloved Bagdad miners statue. I salute you!!! Thanks for the needed laugh!!!

The Plan of Salvation

o.k. everyone, this is going to be the hardest blog entry that I have ever written and I have debated not writting about it at all, but death is a part of life and the plan of salvation is sooo beautiful. This week, I have recieved a greater testimony of the gospel and my Heavenly Father's love for each of us.

On Wedensday at 4pm, my best friend's little boy, Logan (2 years old) was run over and killed out in front of his house. It was one of those things that you just can never see coming and it is everyone's worst fear. His daddy was leaving and he ran out to try to go with him. We really aren't and never will be sure of all the specifics, but he was swept under the tire and there was nothing the father could do. He died instantly and felt no pain. His brother, Canyon, spent the night at our house that night so Becky and Golden could be at the hospital with Logan and we had a lot of heart felt talks and Morgan was so wonderful with relating everything to scriptures.

Let me just tell you a few things I have learned in the last few days.....

1. kids have an amazing grasp on the plan of salvation and they are soooo great about knowing that Logan is with his Father in Heaven and that we will see him soon when he is resurrected.

2. I have learned soooo much about the comforting power of prayer

3. I have learned more about the Holy Ghost and his comforting power

4. I have learned so much about friendship and I love Becky sooooooooooooo much!

5. I have learned so much about the power of blessings and the power of the priesthood

6. I have learned what really matters in life--------FAMILY!

7. I have learned how awesome Bagdad really is because of the outpouring of love that was instant after the tragedy.

8. i have learned to drink lots of water when you are crying this much

9. I have learned soooooooo much about LOVE!

I have learned a whole lot more, but these are the things that come to my mind as most important.

The Bagdad community has been so amazing and they all want to help in so many ways. We have made the drop off spot for food, etc. across the street from the Brimhall's at our Primary President's home. Their garage is full of all the stuff and the Primary President brings over meals each day. It is just so amazing, the amount of love that is everywhere right now. The whole community is grieving together.

The funeral is this Wednesday at 10am at our ward building and the Bagdad schools have even cancelled school on Wednesday so the community can attend. Can you believe that? What an amazing community!

I am also really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, scared and and also honored at the same time because Becky and Golden have asked me to speak at the funeral and give his life story! I am praying a whole, whole, whole lot!

I love you all!!!!