Random Videos

Happy Gotcha Day!

WARNING: There is horrific singing on this particular video.

Clearly you can see that even the Bubsa Boo is annoyed by the sound.
However, it is a blessing to celebrate A's adoption
and our little family every year.

Watch out!

Anthony and Adele are having fun on the four wheeler.

Who's idea was it anyway to let Anthony control the "gas"

and let 18 month old Adele man the steering wheel?!

Tubby Time with Adele!

I'm sure they'll both love this video when they're older... 

Zoey the Bubble Slayer!

Zo has yet to meet a bubble she hasn't liked to 

chase,

eat,

bite at

and completely annihilate.

What a wonder dog!

Happy Birthday, Grammie Carol!

I love you!

xoxo 

Anthony

The Annual Johnson Egg Hunt

The Annual Johnson Egg Hunt was even more fun this year because Asher was old enough to participate!  He loved grabbing the eggs, throwing them, chasing after them and throwing them some more.  Actually putting them in the bucket and moving onto the next one really wasn't exactly what this 16 month old had in mind.  While Asher's eggs were hidden in the front yard the Easter Bunny hid all of A's eggs in the backyard.  He, too, had a great time searching high and low to find every last egg and was excited to find a bunch of change in his eggs.  He's already decided that he needs to go to the store and buy something.

 

PS -  Before going outside for the egg hunt Anthony found his Easter basket from the Bunny.  After we looked at everything I suggested he go and tell Grammie & Papa thank you.  

He gave me quite the look and I was completely clueless.

Again, I said he should thank his grandparents.

Still clueless.

Finally he looked at me and said, "MOM.  Why would I thank Grammie and Papa when the Easter Bunny brought me my basket?."

Aaaaahhhhh....  OOPS!

Quickly I picked up the card that was in the basket too.  "Because they gave you such a nice card.  You should thank them for that."

Clearly I need to work on my Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy cover.

Shesh!

Uncle Time

Uncle Erik Gounozales Pierri Keith Johnson sure knows how to make a little boy's day!  (Thanks for the reminder of Erik's nickname growing up, M & D!)  I'm absolutely in love with these photos that capture the two of them just hanging out and being.  I pray that they will always want to spend time together walking through the woods, building forts, foraging for food and asking/answering the questions of life.  Their relationship is one of beauty; A needs someone like his Uncle Airwick in his life.

Oteneagen Road

#30 - 36

Being with family and celebrating

A late night conversation

Singing to old songs that used to be a daily part of my life

Waffles with whipped cream

Fresh up north air

Playing Cribbage with my favorite

Opening all the windows and letting spring fill the house

Down on the Farm

 

What cute helpers, huh?!  Anthony had a great time visiting the farm with Ash and checking out all of the animals.  An absolute highlight for A was getting to bottle feed the lambs.  So stinkin' cute!  Thanks Uncle Damon and Auntie Manda for the down home fun!

A Beautiful Night

#29  Anthony's laughter - his joy bubbling forward - his beautiful, beaming smile - his kiss me again - his continually tapping of the nose signaling "I love you" - his funky chicken with a tongue stuck out dance - his hugs - his sweet kisses - his cuddles - his trust - his sweet voice singing - his twinkling, tired eyes - his voice saying momma and daddy...

We're on the cusp.
I'm sure of it!
Tonight was such a fun and beautiful gift.
Thank you.
This gift is far from being lost on Mark and I. 
It's treasured.
Weekends away with disruptions of our schedule is always fun,
but hard.
Easter weekend starts tomorrow...
I pray this behavior of joyfulness can bubble over into our weekend and continue on into our future together.

#22-28

#22-28

Seeing fresh snow fall is always beautiful; almost as much as seeing Anthony's excitement over the snow and the fact that "Christmas is coming!"

A fever makes for a great pajama day

A colon-less, J-Pouch body is always a better option than where I was at seven years ago

Still giggling over my sister's ideas for our "team" Wild Rice Festival 5k "running" shirts

Grilled brats taste especially good after a seven month hiatus

Hand writing cards always tops sending an email

Seeing the morning snow give way to green grass by the afternoon is just as beautiful

Forgotten Photos

18 month old Anthony James 

#13 - 21

Cleaning the house and finding treasures among the trash

I am Anthony's momma

Running for 10 minutes, 1.1 miles and then 16 minutes straight without stopping --- I can do this!

The clean, clear smell in the air each morning

The sound of birds after so many months

Adopting our son

Old pictures make me smile

When A calls me momma

The hidden Peeps in my classroom by two 7th grade boys is smile inducing

Starting the List

As of late, I've been struggling.
It's the same struggle I've been wrestling with for months. 
Okay, if I'm being honest, it's been a few years.

I hate you.  You're mean.  I hate you.  You're stupid.  I hate you.  

I hate you.  You're mean.  I hate you.  You're stupid.  I hate you.  

I hate you.  You're mean.  I hate you.  You're stupid.  I hate you.  

I hate you.  You're mean.  I hate you.  You're stupid.  I hate you.  

I hate you.  You're mean.  I hate you.  You're stupid.  I hate you.  

I hate you.  You're mean.  I hate you.  You're stupid.  I hate you. 

screaming

whining

hitting

kicking

crying

screaming

More I hate yous, you're mean, I hate yous, you're stupid...

How do I shield my heart from such hurtful words and actions?  How do I "weather the storm" without completely changing and staying true to myself?   Is it even possible?  Why do I let a four year old's words get to me?  I know he struggles.  I know he's wrestling his own inner demons.   So why can't I stay composed, unflinching and be unaffected by what he dishes out? 

As I look back through our weeks, months, and years I can see such significant progress being made.  There hasn't been a full blown meltdown, rage situation happen since January.  (I'm so very, very thankful!)  The difficult sleeping pattern that was started back in November of 2009 is no longer a major issue.  (I actually sleep at night!)  Within the last few weeks Anthony has completely gotten off of Melatonin and has been able to sleep through the night without any "help".  (AMAZING!) Just last week he had SIX nights in a row without nightmares, without disruptions.  He stayed in his bed the whole night and woke up smiling. 

NEVER underestimate the power of a smile and happiness!

Progress feels good.
There have been so many times that I've told Mark and loved ones that it feels like we are on the cusp of something...

a new understanding
an awareness
a pivotal change
acceptance
embracing of love
healing
a world void of the chaos and pain...

Just being a family. 

Ah, a family.

Once again this week I was reminded of the power of sharing what's making your heart heavy as well as the amazing healing power of an honest, Kleenex-filled conversation with people who love you. I've also been reminded that when mothers are being honest we share similar struggles even though our stories may be vastly different.

We've yelled.
We've cranked up the music to drown out the screaming.
We've cried.
We've spanked butts.
We've pulled over the car.
We've been beyond frustrated.
We've given time-outs.
We've given ourselves a time-out.
We've second guessed our actions.
We've played the roll of Nanny 911.
We've fallen on bended knees asking God for help.

Or at least that's what I've done as a mom...

The struggle already feels lighter just through the process of sharing even though every day continues to be just that ---- a struggle.  Every time I encounter another individual who is willing and able to share their struggle with vulnerability and honesty I know that I will be able to get through mine.

Thank God 

for girlfriends.  

Sisters.  

Moms.  

Caring co-workers.  

The people who surprise you in life.

Today during my blog viewing I was reading previous posts that were written on Letting Love Cover It.  In her post, I'm A Believer, she wrote about her list of thankfulness and I immediately gravitated towards it.  She's living life in spite of her personal adoption struggles and writing down the thousand gifts along the way.  She's right that it's probably a fad (although, not shockingly, I'm unaware of it) and trendy, but I'm drawn to it regardless. 
A list of happiness.
On the good days and on the bad, I will continue to plow through it.
I will write, share (again, K-E-Y for M-E!), read, re-read, share, write, write, write until I am done. 
I will do this for my own good. 
I will do this so I NEVER underestimate the power of a smile and happiness; so I always remember to be thankful even on the most challenging of days...
I will do this so I can be the best mom I can be for my little boy. 
I
will
find
the
good
and
give
thanks.

....I am here to tell you, if you are feeling a little glum about life, take the challenge.  Write down 1000 things you love.  Nail down 1000 moments of your life, and see if it doesn't change the way you see the world....  - Letting Love Cover It

I'm starting my list today.

#1-12

My beautiful, energetic, funny, full of life Bubsa Boo

Seeing green grass peek through is such a delight

My daycare lady is seriously the best

Going to the movies with three little boys on date night

Talking to Ash on the phone

Surprise "you truly are amazing" emails from MB

Flowers on my desk at work

Friends you can just talk to and be yourself

Upcoming Arlt visit

Night Road waiting for me on the iPad (even better was the surprise emails from EL today!)

Touching nose = I love you

Understanding, loving, loyal, teammate and husband

Team Tuttle

My nephew is the cutest and, luckily for this auntie, my talented sister loves capturing photos of him to share with others.  The newest photos might be my all time favorite.  Ash is just too darn cute and such a little boy!  Check out Team Tuttle, but prepare yourself for the cuteness of rubber boots meets water puddles and the joy of carrying sticks! 

A Week of Drills

This week at school we had a fire drill on Monday, a severe weather drill on Thursday and a soft lock down drill on Friday.
Uff Da!
On Friday I sat on the floor with my Jumpstart students in a locked, quiet and dark room with my daily cup of hot chocolate thinking about how sad it is that we live in a society that has to practice for potentially imminent and horrendous violence. 
That thought completely scares me.
What would I do?
Would our system that's in place keep everyone out of harm's way?
What if someone left to go to the bathroom or was coming back from the Media Center?
Could I possibly keep everyone safe?
Hopefully in my career I'll never be in a position to have to actually answer any of these questions and I can just continue to facilitate drills upon drills upon drills.

Addendum:
This is why these drills get me thinking....
A kindergartner?!
Why would a six year old bring a loaded gun to school?!
Why does a SIX YEAR OLD have access to a LOADED GUN?!
Brazil Shooting
A 23 year old gunman kills twelve children between the ages of 10-13 before killing himself.

These may seem like they're far away (perhaps like Columbine out in Colorado); however, some stories of school violence are way too close to home...
Red Lake
Hastings Middle School 
Rocori High School

Here's to no violence happening on 4/20 this year and just more practicing of drills...

Easter Zombie Visit

Our visit to the Easter Bunny was a memorable one this morning!  Mark and I were in charge of two more kids, which, honestly, was a little worrisome at first (especially for Mark!).  However, it went off without a major hitch.  Andie slept the whole time we ate and Adele was so hungry that she spent most of the time sitting and eating instead of venturing out into the crowd.  Anthony was just glad to have Adele's company for eating breakfast and chair dancing that he did a fabulous job too.

After we finished eating we got into a very short line to await our turn with the big bunny.  (There might have been a reason the line was so short...)  Here's where the real adventure with the kiddos begins!

With hesitation and then growing terror Anthony quietly asks while starting to hide behind us,

"Where are the Easter Bunny's eyes?!"

Mark and I look up and then start to giggle.  Clearly the eyes spots are mesh so whoever is inside can see out.  However, the bunny does look quite morbid and scary for the wee ones.  It appears to have no eyes at all.  Nice.  We've brought the kids to zombie, freaky, horror show Easter Bunny!

When our turn came up both Anthony and Adele were hesitant to go sit with this big, fluffy eyeless bunny.  To show them all was well I put Andie down first right by the bunny.  (Sorry sweet girl!  You had no chance to opt out being you are such a little peanut.  Forgive me!)  Anthony felt a little more comfortable sitting down being that Andie was the buffer between him and horror bunny.  Adele, though, was a completely different story.  We put her to the right of the bunny and she immediately hopped off not wanting to spend even a second by this deranged creature.  So we placed her by the other A's. 

CHEESE!  

SMILE!  

LOOK HAPPY & NOT TOTALLY FREAKED OUT!

I just want to quickly get one cute shot...

(Notice how Anthony is totally holding onto Adele and she has a mixture of a smile, but mostly fear written all over her face...)

Upon hearing the crying Anthony checks out Adele to make sure she's okay, but is holding onto her with a death grip.

DON'T LEAVE ME!

Adele can't handle this anymore; she plans her escape even though Anthony is trying desperately to keep her by his side.  Andie's eyes plead with her big sissy, "TAKE ME TOO!  DON'T LEAVE ME HERE!"

 Um...where's Adele?

 Um...where's Andie?!

I have to sit here by myself?!

Are

you 

serious?!

Oh well.

I'll give a quick smile so momma can take the shot,
but then I am out of here!

See you later eyeless, horror, zombie bunny!
PS - Be sure to bring me treats when I'm up north
celebrating Easter, but I really don't need to see you again...

Babysitting A & A & A

This week we have had the pleasure of babysitting three special girls in our lives.  On Monday Adele came home with us from daycare, on Friday night Amalia was dropped off while her parents went on a much needed date night and then this morning Adele and Andersyn came by while their momma ran a race (in the snow!).  All three days were busy in the Hanson household and so much fun!  (Mark and I keep wondering and asking ourselves if we really could expand our family.  Adding another child seems like so much work...  The verdict is still out on that one!) 

A friend said that after this week I should think about taking a hiatus from babysitting and helping out. 

I.  

don't.  

think.  

so.  

I wish that there were more opportunities to spend time with the kiddos we love and don't always get the opportunity to see very often.  

Chubby Chubberton aka Asher

CJ and Nicky

Ella Bella and Lucy 

Clara and Sammy Pants

We certainly are blessed to have so many beautiful and wonderful children (and godchildren) in our lives.  Here's to more opportunities to play, snuggle and love up the little ones!

 Eighteen month old Adele Rufaro

Six month old Amalia Mae

Three month old Andersyn Kundai

So Gross!

Jenn and I showed up at work today unintentionally looking very twin-like with a few exceptions. We should have talk to each other the night before to get the shoes and hair just right and clearly there was nothing I could do to match the every growing LeRoy bump.
Right before the last block of the day we were standing together chatting and became surrounded by seventh graders.  Eventually someone in the crowd pointed out our matching outfits and asked if we had planned it.  Of course we joked around saying that we had and that we were BFF teacher friends.  One girl in the crowd asked all aghast, "You two are like friends outside of school in real life?"
When we explained that yes we were we got the best, middle school response EVER.
"That's gross."
HA!
Here's to having a "gross" out of work, real life relationship, Wonder Jenn, and awesome matching jail bird outfits today!

Wow, that's a lot!

Anthony was describing a bad dream he had about spiders last night at the dinner table.

"There were so many, daddy.  Like more than one."

He was so serious telling us his dream and trying to completely describe the awfulness of it.   I couldn't help but smile and look in wonder at this little boy who is growing up so fast.  I love his expressions and how he says things.  (Well, with the exception of poopie, butt, penis and all other words that four year old boys find hilarious to say.)

Triple A

Getting the opportunity to spend time with Adele and Andersyn makes for one happy Bubsa Boo!  Thanks for stopping by, Little Ladies!