Michael and Heather Johnson: Santa's Workshop

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Santa's Workshop

This year, Michael and I decided we would make all of our Christmas gifts so it was a season filled with Santa's helpers in our home.

The girls and I had plenty of shopping and gathering to do

and then we made quilts, salt dough ornaments, our signature Creamy Tomato Soup, aprons and more aprons, we assembled missionary care packages, made cookies, dinners, hair bows, and big, big messes!

Michael took shifts holding Liv, doing dishes, entertaining Isabelle, delivering gifts, snow shoveling, doing more dishes, vacuuming...in general, keeping the production possible, smooth, and continual.

Here we are making Big Pop and Uncle Don's Christmas Blankets. So we got the fabric and then set out to find quilting frames. It took some doing to even find old school quilting frames, I called every woman over 50 in our ward to no avail! (FYI: We once had some of our own--but that was so 9 moves ago).

Anyway, we finally collected some and then it was production time. Isabelle and I started off by taking a field trip into Michael's closet to study one of her dad's favorite Aunt Susan's flannel blankets. She studied the yarn ties and I studied the meticulous bias edging. We agreed it quite a lofty standard but we would do our bests. She learned to needle up and down the squares, and I helped her tie the square knots. She loved the part when she was out of yarn so she could get the scissors and cut all of her own lines she had made. We had a great time. After the nostalgia of tacking the quilt on the frame....(no wait, now this side needs to be retacked because I have too much blanket and not enough 2x4......now wait, the frame won't fit here, so it is untacking it for the 14th time, now remind me how to thread this yarn in the eye of this needle?).....

I am determined to acquire myself another quilting frame once more. Aunt Susan, you better hold on....there may be a new 4-year-old contender in town!

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Immunizations---Livy Style

Immunizations---Livy Style

Today was immunization day for little Liv and as usual, she took it like the calm, cool kid she is turning out to be. She was perfectly content to hang out in her diaper, read her board book on the big girl chair, and chatter with me as she points out the various medical paraphernalia about the examination room. She’s had her fair share of shot-rounds these days. She wasn’t able to get immunized early on because of her illness and prematurity, so we are working to get her all caught up now. She knows the drill and becomes a bit apprehensive when the same nice, dark-headed nurse comes calling with the syringes. But leave it to Livy to calmly stop reading, put her book carefully down, walk over, and quietly climb into my arms to prepare for the inevitable.

Zion's Air

Zion's Air

As most know, Utah's air quality has been the #1 lowest in the nation, and today on the news our air pollution was compared to that of Mexico City (which I took not to be a complement). So, I drove carpool to Isabelle's preschool this morning and it was a particularly cold, wet morning with the inversion like a thick dirty blanket hanging over our heads. Isabelle looks up and says, "Mommy, do you know what I smell? I think it smells like we are at the tide pools, at the beach......that's what I smell." And you know what? I closed my eyes and took a big deep breath as a myriad of Salt Lake briny sea smells, fog, and wet air permeated my nostrils. And I had to agree…she was spot on. It smelled and felt just like we were in the salty sea air of the Pacific Ocean at the Corona Del Mar tide pools....minus the beautiful sky. I’m not joking….the kid amazes me!

Memoirs of Math

$Memoirs of Math$
So it’s been a typical week with the same math students coming over for regular tutoring. Today, one was working on geometry and having a difficult time remembering the names of various shapes. I was quizzing him on the prefixes so he could recall the names on his test the next day. I would say, "An 8-sided polygon is called a what?" And if he couldn't remember, I would ask him the name of an 8-legged animal he knew......he would say "octopus…..oh, yeah…an octagon” and then we would discuss that the prefix oct means 8. So we were doing this with prefixes 2-10 but he kept getting stuck on 4. Isabelle, as usual, was perched right next to him with her own homework but was actually quite enthralled with his. I began this way: “Ok, Jake, let’s go over the prefixes again. So a 2-sided angle would start with bi like a 2-wheeled bicycle, or a 2-legged biped, or to bifurcate something. A 3-sided polygon is a triangle like a 3-wheeled tricycle, or a 3-legged tripod. A 4-sided shape is a quadrilateral. Qua means 4-like there are 4 quarters in a dollar, and a 4-wheeler is called a quad, and animals that walk on 4 legs are called quadrupeds.” Just then Isabelle stuck her head right in the middle of our conversation and offered her own bit of wisdom to help Jake recall quadrilateral on his anticipated test…………

When I Grow Up.....

When I Grow Up.....

So it's been one of those days at the Johnson house where Isabelle and her mom cannot seem to see eye to eye. It has been a constant verbal dance of Why? What For? When? Why Not? Who Says? Why? More Why's? Continual Why's????? Until finally, Isabelle looks at me very resolute and says, "Someday, mom, I am going to be old and guess what?......that means I will be in charge of me. That will be so fun, huh mom? That's going to be great. When I am big and in charge of me......oh, and then Grandma Nan will give me those dolls too." (A promise she will be made to keep).

Isabelle's Epiphany

Isabelle's Epiphany

So tonight, Isabelle and I were sitting on the couch reading a book and she suddenly looks out of our tallest window and points up at the full moon. Just as she was about to tell me to look, I see this really puzzled look on her face........"How can that be?" She asks me. "What, Isabelle?" I ask her. She still has this wrinkled brow as she asks me, "How can that be the earth.....when we are supposed to live on the earth?" I explain to her that what she is looking at, though it may be round and look similar to what our pictures of the earth look like, she was in fact currently on the earth and that was the moon in the sky. "Oh, good." She says and goes back to reading her book.

The Church Lady Apron (Janice and Grandma)

The Church Lady Apron (Janice and Grandma)

This pattern honors women everywhere who prepare and serve food in church basements and fellowship halls. Inspired by vintage days gone by, the apron embodies the style, functionality, and versatility of church cooking and preparation in the 1950's. It goes without saying that this apron is one that can stand the heat. It calls out, “It will be ready as soon as that grieving family makes their way into the cultural hall,” or “Of course I have jell-o in my food storage,” and “Yes, I am aware of the hungry scouts waiting for the food,” and “Who didn’t bring their potluck assignment this time?” “Who’s intimidated by a crowd of 300?” and “Obviously, I know how to make eggs benediction, and I plan on serving it with a marvelous work and wonder bread.” Women of the church shake hands in kitchens across America in their reversible, sturdy, corduroy aprons with endearing embellishments of rick rack and 2-tone handy pockets. The criss-cross back creates endless possibilities of expansion and retraction; perfect for the ever-changing needs of every woman in age or in child-bearing years. Sophistication and style is not what a church needs to stay strong. It requires consistency, endurance, stalwartness….strength, and women who possess these qualities (and at least one church lady apron). And one of the most poignant truths of any religious sect is simply that though it is the priesthood that may carry the congregation to eternity, it will be the hard working women who will get them there well-fed. So, to every single woman of the church who has spent her fair share of time in church kitchens with the rusty, outdated, missing or otherwise battered utensils and pans, we salute you. This apron deserves…..well, maybe reverence. Don it with pride as you say: "I'm not a wife anymore....I'm a sister."

The All-American Apron (Rachel)

The All-American Apron (Rachel)

(Photo will be added later..) This pattern honors women everywhere who prepare and serve food at soccer games, for starving kids, with friends and family at home or outdoors, and who know how to make plentiful portions. Inspired by the good-old USA, this apron embodies everything that comes all-American. From hot dogs to apple pies, the cook in this apron will know how to put her heart in her home and will have fun doing it! She’s the woman who can drive car pool while applying mascara, she can double buckle those kittens like the best of em’, and she knows how to feed the herd! This apron knows how to get back to basics and get things done. It covers the cook who knows her way around the grocery store and who can manage kids, projects, husband and home without even breaking a sweat. It is for the mom who is her football star’s greatest fan and her little girl’s listening ear. The cook in this apron is clever and versatile; not persuaded by those recipes of reducing portions or omitting butter. She’s the all-American creator of home-town favorites. From BBQ’s to biscuits for breakfast, this cook knows how to put on her apron and get it done. So you all-American girl, wear your apron with pride. You are traditional, you’re inspirational, you home is inviting and your serving dishes never have bottoms. You’re kids will never go hungry if the cooking is up to you. As you wear your apron, may you remind those wavering, wimpy women around you: "Keep on cookin' that beef. We all know the west wasn't won on salad!"

SASSY ON A SATURDAY (KATHRYN)

This apron is designed for women who are not afraid to cook while looking extra sassy. The cook in this culinary cutie must know how to stir on stilettos, cut in cashmere, accessorize with appetizers, and prepare with perfectly manicured nails. This apron says, “Of course I cook, what you thought I was just a pretty face?” And “I may make you a white cake with sprinkles….but baby; I will make it with sass!” It is the apron to wear with clever cook groups, among fellow sassy girlfriends and will spice up any mundane mac-n-cheese meal on a typical Saturday afternoon. It honors the woman who is not afraid to look good, even barefoot and in the confinements of her own kitchen….her vintage Tiffany-Box Blue painted kitchen might we add! So, all you sassy chefs out there, put on your cute apron and hold that perfectly-styled head of hair high. You’re hot! You cook! And most of all- aren’t you looking sassy! As you wear this apron, may you speak the words of only a wise and sassy cook:
"It's not what you're cookin'
It's how you're lookin'
For what husband really cares what's for dinner anyway?"

Olivia is soft and snuggly, warm and cozy, and is constantly nestling down on your shoulder with her head of curls to give you a long love and hold. She's all about being held and pats you on the back throughout the day just to keep that continual connection. She's bent down and looking at you while you fold clothes or talk on the phone. She loves dolls, kittens, daddies, soft things, cute things, endearing things. Olivia wants her mommy to hold her, love her, read to her, dance with her, and drive her around the house in her little red car. She comes to life when Isabelle is off at preschool. Like a little shy but curious creature, Liv will explore when no one else but her mom is watching. She will wait until the house is empty and still. Then she tries on Isabelle's backpack and drags it behind her around the house, with a strap criss-cross over her back. She's read the books Isabelle keeps on the top shelf. She climbs up on counters just to stand eye-level with her mommy and laugh and sqeal until she is hurried off the unsafe height....only to attempt it again. She'll tackle the stairs, going up and down, up and down while laughing and clapping at herself. She'll walk on the carpet and read her little books to herself in her adorable jibber jabber language. She'll point to "Z" (Zoe the dog) and rub her ears and kiss her long snout. But as soon as someone comes home, she will put her head down, crawl to her mom, and be the tiny introvert once more. Olivia draws attention everywhere....grocery stores, family gatherings, church, the children's museum....with her sweet disposition, her beautiful face, her soft curly hair and toothy smile, and her lovable personality. People seem to be drawn to her wherever we go. She's quiet and content, loving and nice. She's the most perfect baby a mother could ever dream of having. To say she's loved in this house would be the greatest understatement. Liv is to die for!

She is usually in charge. She is rarely wrong. She keeps her bedroom door closed after a good cleaning so "Zoe and Liv-liv don't go in and mess things up." She knows how to assemble, run, and disassemble the Cuisinart and is usually in charge of food processing at every cooking session. She digs long showers with short shampoo/conditioning cycles. She craves hot chocolate first thing in the morning but would settle for something a bit stronger if life were entirely up to this 4-year-old. She won't go anywhere at day without her sunglasses in the car, and won't at night without one of her 4 so-soft blankets. She is articulate, she's extremely curious, and she'll call you on any bluff. She's good at reminding of any unfufilled promise made and she beat her dad on their latest bowling date. She's passionate about snakes, sharks, dogs, and hints around that she needs a kitty-cat by speaking present tense......."now, where did my little kitty-cat go, dad? I better go check under my bed.....that silly little kitty-cat I have." Her day is broken into two times that she has independently named "uptime and night time." Uptime usually starts with these predictable questions, "Mom, what day is it today? What kind of cereal do I eat on that day? Where do we go? What do we do? Now, where's my dad?" Uptime is reserved for activities that involve adrenalin, adventure, high intensity, gross motor actions, and at her preference (and I guess mine too if we're being honest) outside and away from the house. Night time only works if it involves her dad, a good episode of sponge bob, root beer, and popcorn. She see's a sad kid and says, "I know why he's sad.....his dad must be at work today." She tells people everything from what she did that made her mom SO MAD! to the monster in the bathroom that assisted her in surviving a surprisingly large bowel movement. She also lets people (her parents mostly) know that she doesn't like when they talk about her. She's gentle and kind. She sings on pitch. She in fascinated with odd people as long as they keep out of her personal space and she'd rather get to know the mummies and draculas at the door than trick-or-treat for the candy. And if that's not enough, she's even been known to tell a few select people that she's easy like Sunday morning.

Isabelle keeps our house messy and our minds attentive. She fills the house full of laughter and rocks from her Enchanted Forest outside. Daily she provokes the following questions:

1. Where did this kid come from?

2. How does one go about acquiring the Belle-Belle owner's
manual?

3. Where does someone so small retain such wild and vast
information?

4. What does easy like Sunday morning even mean?

In the words of the wise old Tootsie-Roll owl.....

"The world may never know."

She's endearing and charming....if you catch her rested and well fed.

Isabelle is, in a single word-- awesome.

BACK FROM THE DEAD. IN SOME COUNTRIES, THEY CALL IT PREGNANCY.

BACK FROM THE DEAD. IN SOME COUNTRIES, THEY CALL IT PREGNANCY.

You know the saying, "What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger?" I think that's a bunch of garbage. I think it should say, "What doesn't kill you will fill your mind with memories so terrifying and agonizing that even the thought of them will put cotton in your mouth, sweat on your brow, cause your knees to tremble, and make you nausiated at the very thought. Oh, and it will remind you of the 80 pounds you must lose not because of food you couldn't eat for 9 months but because of the large amounts of cortizone you were given. What doesn't kill you only makes you wish it had somedays!

Our Easter Tradition

Our Easter Tradition

Every year, Michael and Isabelle go on a date for Easter. They shop for an Easter dress, they get lunch and inevitably, they somehow find the Easter bunny. Belle usually leaves the house a bit aprehensive about a potential bunny encounter, but somehow they always return with a cheezy photo--proof that she was very brave indeed. She tells me, "Mommy, he is nice. But he's just kind of scary so we don't have to like the Easter bunny, and we don't have to like strangers at the park." That's when I take the opportunity to briefly explain that not all abductions take place at the park, and not all strangers will be dressed like the Easter bunny. So then she tells me that the Easter bunny is still scary and so is "Snack-shop Todd," one of her very own pet names for a (rough-looking all be it) guy who helps Michael with renovations on our rentals............ I'm just not sure I am getting through.

Yes, hurt...again.

Yes, hurt...again.

For those of you who know Zoe....pictures speak a thousand words no one needs to hear. She's hurt, as usual. And she's not amused. Papa Tigger (Carter) would contend the fact that nothing could make Zoe look any more stupid than her droopy ears and long snout....But we have a picture to prove him wrong. And she's picking up channels in Asia which is an added bonus. You keep on licking those stitches, Zoe. We are starting to like what they are broadcasting in distant parts of the world!

On the bandwagon, an official BLOGGER!

So, starting this blog thing makes me wonder.....where do you actually start? Michael and I have had about the most adventurous life two people can have in six years and I should have been documenting it long before now. I see how savvy Mari and Aurelie are on this and wish my site had archives back a few years. Oh, well.....no better time than now to start.
So, I will begin by saying that I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and an incredible and amazing little girl. Michael and I enjoy traveling together and look forward to many adventures with Isabelle and others. (No, unfortunately that is not an announcment but rather hopeful thinking.)
We were able to backpack through Italy last fall which was one of our most memorable trips and one which fufilled a lifelong dream for both of us. We have also enjoyed backpacking through Spain, Costa Rica, South France and The Pyrenees (visiting the Iroz family), South America, and then visiting lots of other great places in the states. Michael is about the best travel partner you could have. He has no problem packing a change of clothes, a small travel guide book, and buying us tickets to some remote place just because he heard the food was good. We have found ourselves exploring volcano sites, bat caves, rivers with Myan ruins dotting the shores, mountains, jungles, and wherever our book takes us. He even speaks fluent spanish which comes in handy and if it doesn't apply to the local language, he is not afraid learn phrases as we sit on a train or subway platform. Michael is about as adventurous as they come which has really been great for me.
Another thing Michael is great at is trying new things and not letting fear of failure stop his efforts. We just moved into a home we built after years of building and moving and remodeling and selling and then moving again. He gives me the freedom to design a floorplan, kitchen, finish trim and archetectural features, and then is so great to let me learn what works and what does not. He had taught himself how to succeed with apartment rentals and then we have teamed up to manage them. We remodeled one of our units in a1940's triplex right next to the University of Utah. We then moved into that apartment which was a great experience. Living close to downtown and having access to the trax and the outdoor festivals and concerts was really, really fun. Plus, we lived on site at one of our rentals which was a good experience in learning how to be effective property managers and owners. Coincidently, it is a few blocks away from my house I lived in while in grad school at the U and where Michael and I met. So the neighborhood also brings nostalgia like we were dating all over again.

Where to Start?

So, starting this blog thing makes me wonder.....where do you actually start? Michael and I have had about the most adventurous life two people can have in six years and I should have been documenting it long before now. I see how savvy Mari and Aurelie are on this and wish my site had archives back a few years. Oh, well.....no better time than now to start. So, I will begin by saying that I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and an incredible and amazing little girl. Michael and I enjoy traveling together and look forward to many adventures with Isabelle and others. (No, unfortunately that is not an announcment but rather hopeful thinking.) We were able to backpack through Italy last fall which was one of our most memorable trips and one which fufilled a lifelong dream for both of us. We have also enjoyed backpacking through Spain, Costa Rica, South France and The Pyrenees (visiting the Iroz family), South America, and then visiting lots of other great places in the states. Michael is about the best travel partner you could have. He has no problem packing a change of clothes, a small travel guide book, and buying us tickets to some remote place just because he heard the food was good. We have found ourselves exploring volcano sites, bat caves, rivers with Myan ruins dotting the shores, mountains, jungles, and wherever our book takes us. He even speaks fluent spanish which comes in handy and if it doesn't apply to the local language, he is not afraid learn phrases as we sit on a train or subway platform. Michael is about as adventurous as they come which has really been great for me. Another thing Michael is great at is trying new things and not letting fear of failure stop his efforts. We just moved into a home we built after years of building and moving and remodeling and selling and then moving again. He gives me the freedom to design a floorplan, kitchen, finish trim and archetectural features, and then is so great to let me learn what works and what does not. He had taught himself how to succeed with apartment rentals and then we have teamed up to manage them. We remodeled one of our units in a1940's triplex right next to the University of Utah. We then moved into that apartment which was a great experience. Living close to downtown and having access to the trax and the outdoor festivals and concerts was really, really fun. Plus, we lived on site at one of our rentals which was a good experience in learning how to be effective property managers and owners. Coincidently, it is a few blocks away from my house I lived in while in grad school at the U and where Michael and I met. So the neighborhood also brings nostalgia like we were dating all over again.