{What a Special Lady....}

Monday morning my sweet Great-Grandma Neva passed away. I'm feeling guilty for all the times I drove past Spanish Fork and didn't stop. I'm feeling happy for her to get be with my Grandpa again. I'm feeling grateful that she loved us as her own, and for the wonderful memories of her that I will cherish. There are many words I can think of that describe Grandma Neva, but the one that stands out is SPUNKY! That woman could run circles around me up until a few years ago, and I don't think anyone walked as fast as she did. She made the most beautiful Christmas gifts for us when we were younger, but the wrapping was almost as beautiful. Even as a child I remember not wanting to open my gift because it was always SO perfect. I feel so privileged to have had her in my life and will truly miss her.

Neva Mower Sanderson Johnson

(February 12, 1920 - September 29, 2008)

Our beloved grandmother, mother, and friend, Neva Mower Sanderson Johnson, passed away peacefully September 29, 2008
Neva was born February 12, 1920 in Oak Creek, Utah to Francis Marion Mower and Martha Terry. She married Ted Sanderson on August 9, 1939 and was later divorced. She married R. Dean Johnson on October 27, 1974 and was later sealed to him on December 22, 2001.
Our grandma loved to crochet, garden, and bake pies for birthdays. She loved to camp and fish, she was a wonderful dancer, and made beautiful quilts. Grandma was the best Kismet player. We always got to see the happy dance when she got a Kismet. Grandma loved spending time with her grandkids. She was very dedicated to her roses and was rewarded for her efforts by receiving the Beautiful Yard Award in Spanish Fork. Grandma stayed active with her gardening and yard work and continued walking right up until the day of her death. Grandma never let her hair fade from its vibrant red color and always reminded us of her bent and crooked fingers–they were working hands.
Grandma is now rejoicing in Heaven with her silver haired sweetheart and her beautiful little boy.
She is survived by her son, Bryant (Colleen) Sanderson, of Santaquin; daughters, Charlene (Doug) Allan, of Mapleton; Paulette (Larry) LeDuc, of Provo; and Gwen (Keith) Barney, of Salem; 21 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren; and 33 great great grandchildren.
We love you Grandma and look forward to doing the happy dance with you again.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 11:00 a.m at the LDS Church at 310 E. Center Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. Family and friends may call on Wednesday evening, October 1, 2008 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Walker Mortuary, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork or on Thursday morning at the church from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services.

Derrick, Monica, Grandpa Johnson & Grandma Neva

Sept. 9th, 2005

{Cold Day at the Lake}

Saturday afternoon we decided to take the boat over to Yuba Lake. We haven't gone out much lately and may not go again this year. When we left home it was nice and sunny, by the time we got there a cloud had parked itself right over the lake and it didn't move the rest of the afternoon. It would have been a nice day if we could have had just a tiny bit of sunshine. The kids still had fun playing in the sand and we couldn't keep Carlie out of the water. She would run in say BRRRR and run back out, and then do it all over again, her poor little lips were blue by the time I made her get in the boat. It was a nice relaxing afternoon just watching the kids play and reading a bit all wrapped up in my towel!

Brock building a castle (we forgot the sand toys)
What a great big brother!
I love it when they play together and don't fight!
What a cutie!

Kaleb

A long day for our little miss!

{Silly Girls}

Last week at the park Miss Kelsey decided that the girls needed some pictures & that they had to go on my blog, even Grandma joined in on the fun. Of course Kels is the queen of poses and her facial expressions crack me up. Actually, Kelsey just cracks me up, she's one of a kind.... I always tell her she's a gem! I can't even tell you how fun these girls are, I miss having them next door, Fillmore is just not close enough. You wouldn't guess by looks or personality that these four are sisters, they are all unique and wonderful girls! I can't imagine poor Uncle Rich being the only guy in a house FULL of girls, fun girls, but girls nonetheless.

{You Do Know They Have Those at the Store?}

A few weeks ago I ordered a bushel of peaches and a bushel of pears from our friendly neighborhood fruit man. Well, they came on Thursday. Of all the weeks to come that wasn't what I needed, I had Bunco that night, we had to go to Payson Friday afternoon, with Carlie's birthday, sharing time and other things, I just didn't have time. When I was trying to figure out when I could get to them, Derrick so helpfully said, "You do know you can buy those at the store, right?" Really? Since when? AHHH, a big part of my doing peaches is because he likes them! So guess what I did Monday and Tuesday......peaches & pears. I ended up with 20 quarts of peaches and 28 pints of pears. I couldn't help but think as I washed my bottles where they all had come form, and how many women in our families had used these jars. My Grandma Ainge gave me some that I got the privilege of dumping and cleaning, Derrick's mom gave me a big box, and I bet I have some from my mom that I haven't returned over the years. I'm sure some of the ones Jeannie gave me were Grandma Stevens at some point. Some of the jars have blued, each is unique and each has a history and a story. I'm tired and worn out, but I feel better when I look at those pretty filled jars on my counter, and I think they'll stay there another day or so for me to enjoy, before I take them down to my shelves. Maybe I could have bought them at the store, but where is the joy and fulfillment in that?

Isn't that a beautiful sight?

{Birthday Fun}

I just had to post some pictures of Carlie's birthday. We celebrated with our family on Saturday (her real birthday), and then we had cake and ice cream with the families that live close on Sunday. We took the crib out and brought in the big girl bed. I think Carlie played on the bed half the afternoon, it was cute. I was worried about bedtime, but she did really well. We also got her a bike. I think she was more excited with the princess tag on the bike than the bike itself. Derrick put her on it and she peddled once, and then said "my can't do it" and got off and walked away. I guess that present was a bust? I was super excited with how well the cradle turned out, and she liked it.

BIG GIRL BED, Yea!
The "my can't do it" bike!
Sleepy Girl in her BIG girl bed!

Rock-a-Bye Baby

It was our cousin Skyler's 18th birthday today, so we decided to combine cake and ice cream and have a get together for the PRINCESSES! Since there were quite a few people, we just went to the park in Meadow. Carlie talks about "Kyler" all the time, but for some reason whenever she is around, she won't go to her? It took quite a few tries, but we finally got an ok picture of them together, complete with princess crowns! I still can't believe my baby girl is 3, but I'm even more confused at the fact that my Sky is all grown up into beautiful young adult (I started to write lady, but I just couldn't?). Thank you to everyone for the gifts and birthday wishes, Carlie is one lucky little gal!

A Princess cake for the Princesses
Yippie~Barbie!
~Birthday Princesses~

{Happy Birthday Baby Girl}

How can my baby girl be three already? I know we all say this about our kids, but time has seriously just flown by. It seems like it was just yesterday I was having an ultrasound and hoping I would get a girl this time around, so I would get a beautiful crocheted dress and loopy booties from Grandma Ainge. I don't think I really believed that she was a girl, until she made her quick entrance into the world and the nurse (who delivered her since she came so quick) handed her to me. Carlie was a darling baby with lots of blond curly hair. She's had all of us (especially her big brothers) wrapped around her little finger since day one, and she rules the roost! Carlie is our spunky little princess, who is often bossy and well, usually ends up getting her way. She loves to be pretty, but will play in the dirt anytime. Carlie loves to dress up and changes her clothes no less than 4 times a day and usually it's more. Together Carlie and her cousin Tylie make up the "Terrible Two" and where they are, a mess of giant proportions can usually be found. Carlie gives the best hugs and kisses, but you may have to beg for them. We love you baby girl, Happy Birthday!

Carlie Saige~ Sept. 20th
Isn't that the cutest smile and the craziest hair?
Mmm, Yummy, Cereal!
All Dressed Up!

1st Birthday
Sugar & Spice
Daddy's Little Mechanic Girl
Best Buddies and Little Monkeys~Addie, Tylie & Carlie
Carlie Loves "Her Boys, Bubba and Taylib".
Carlie is always up for a "Vroom Vroom" ride.

Spring 2008

Carlie is Daddy's Girl!
What a cute smile!
Carlie is our little fish, she loves the water and spending time on the boat.
Could that look be any more mischievous?

~HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY DOLL~

{Sleepy Little Miss & More Projects for Mom}

For some reason Carlie has been getting up early the last few days? This morning she crawled into our bed at 6:05, and decided it was time to chat (that is much too early for chatting). She also decided recently that she isn't taking naps anymore. I have to tell you, the combination of the two makes for one tired girl. I was working on the laundry and when I came back in the kitchen she was curled up asleep on one of the chairs at the table. I ran to get my camera, but one of the boys came in and woke her up. A few minutes later, Kaleb told me to be quiet because Carlie was asleep.....this time on the stairs? A bit later I found her half on, half off the couch, and yes, she had peed! Hopefully she'll sleep longer tomorrow.

I'm sure you will all be happy to know I got Carlie's quilt finished, and I must say it turned out pretty good for a first timer. I'll share pic's after her birthday. I think I must be in project mode. I found this cradle at a yard sale earlier this summer......can we say RETRO? I thought it would be cute in Carlie's room and I think she'll love playing with it. But, it's screaming for some paint and I really want it done in time for her birthday? Wish me luck, I really need less projects or I need to start giving myself more time to finish them?

It's cute, isn't it?

Pretty hot mask, right??? Well, I didn't want to be breathing old lead paint.

Don't you just love the decals?

{I'm Grateful For}

It's been awhile since I did a gratitude post, so in no particular order, I'm grateful for...........

• Modern Medicine~ It's truly amazing the technology we have, from surgery to medications, we are blessed.
• Primary Kids & Music~ We are having our program this Sunday and the kids have worked hard, they are darling and the music is truly inspired. There were quite a few moments I had tears as we practiced last week, there is just something about those kids singing those songs, you know?
• My Brock~ He's such a great kid! I got a call from his teacher yesterday (at first I was worried when I saw her name on caller id). There is a boy in his class that has a crappy home life and misses quite a bit of school. Brock choose to stay in from both lunch and afternoon recess to help him with the work he's missed. When I asked him about it, he just said, "well, he's my friend and he needed some help." What a thoughtful, caring and selfless thing to do and I'm super proud of him!
• Coconut Lemongrass Scentsy~ Yummy! I love this scent!
• Friends/Cousins~ What great listeners and support I have. It's nice to know I have people to call or email and they will just listen if that's what I need, or give advice if I'm needing that.
• Snickers Rockin' Nut Road~ I should have never tried this (thanks Lis for tempting me). I was bummed at first when I saw it was dark chocolate, but it's YUM-M-Y! (you need to try it mom)
• My Mom & Dad~ Today is their 33 anniversary! What great people they both are and they are also great examples. I'm one lucky girl!
• I'm thankful for your quilt sewing tips.....keep them coming!

{Unaccomplished Sew-er Seeking Advice}

So, as some of you know Miss Carlie Silly Pants is having a birthday in the very near future, (my baby is turning three, how can that be?) We've decided that she really should be in a "big girl bed" (aka, toddler bed) and what better time to change then her birthday? Anyhow, that means she is in need of a blanket/bedspread also, and I thought I'd just whip one up! The problem, you ask. Well, I can sew, but I'm far from a seamstress, to me being able to sew and being a seamstress are two totally different things, a seamstress has TALENT! I'm not asking for compliments here, I know my limitations. So I decided a simple rag quilt couldn't be too hard, in fact my SIL, Julia has made one and she doesn't sew at all. So, I started with a little blanket for her doll cradle to get the feel for it. It's not bad, but it's just not great. I've decided I won't use black thread, though I really like the look of the black, all my mistakes and sloppy seams are glaringly obvious, so I'll use pink. Here is where I need advice. Have any of you done a rag quilt? (you know you have, fess up!) Do you have any brilliant advice for me? I know all of you who read my blog are brilliant, so bring on that advice, and be honest, it won't hurt my feelings at all. Oh, and not to be bossy, but advice sooner rather than later please, I only have just over a week to get this project done! Oh, and yes, I do know sew-er is not a word, but seamstress I'm not, so sew-er it's going to have to be:)

Here is the cradle quilt, like I said, not bad, but not great!

126 squares of fabric, 63 squares of batting, 1 spool of thread.....now tell me how to make it into a FANTASTIC quilt???

{Lucky 13}

Today is our 13th wedding anniversary! Thirteen years just seems crazy to me. I feel like it was just yesterday that we were dating? How did time go so fast? We've done so much in those short years, I just thought I'd share a few little trivia facts.

• We've attended 11 years of college between us (only two of those years are mine).


• We have had 9 jobs, only 2 mine and right now Derrick is working 3 of those.


• We have been married 4749 days which is also, 410,313,600 seconds, 6,838,560 minutes,
  113,976 hours, and 678 weeks. WOW!


• We've had the chance to travel to quite a few places together, Hawaii, Russia, Ireland, and Canada being just a few.


• We have had 9 different cars/trucks. Can any of you name them all?


• We have moved 10 times in those 13 years. The longest we've stayed in one place, was our tiny trailer in Woods Cross, we were there for over 4 years. We've also built 2 new homes together in just over 2 years, with Derrick doing the contracting. I'm betting after that we can make it through anything!


• We've added 3 pretty cute kids to our family....I'm thinking we'll keep them all!


• Most of all, we've made some great memories and had FUN together! I can't wait to see what the coming years will bring!

Derrick & Monica ~ September 9th, 1995

(ok, how young do we look?)

I can't believe how much everyone has changed. Left to Right, My brothers, Kyle & Shad, my cute little Skyler, my sister Lisa, my friend Patti, Me & Derrick, our buddy James, Derrick's brother Nick, my Mom and Dad, Derrick's Mom and Derrick's Dad.

I guess we are a few years older and maybe wiser too?