The Johnston Family

3 Little Leprechauns

2011-03-17T14:02:00.000-06:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

Unison

2011-02-18T13:38:00.001-07:00

I've been trying since forever to get a picture of all the girls smiling. And looking at the camera. And looking cute. It was hard, but we finally have a winner!

One smile, not bad.

2 smiles, great!

Violet thought about it....

YAY! We did it. All that's missing is red lipstick on miss Violet!
FYI, lipstick is a good bribe to get girls to wear what you want and get their hair done how you want.

Getting to know Daddy

2010-06-28T23:18:00.000-06:00

I loove to ask my kids questions. They are so funny and always thinking. I am making a point of recording more of the things I ask. I asked Emily and Eva a bunch of questions about Curtis before Father's Day. They're funny now, and will be hilarious years from now.

How old is Daddy?
Eva-3
Emily-32

What does Daddy to at work?
Eva- Drives
Emily-Does fire guns

What color are Daddy's eyes?
Eva-Brown
Emily-Brown like Eva's

What's Daddy's favorite food?
Eva- Milk in a bottle
Emily-Brocolli with melted cheese.

What's Daddy's favorite thing to do?
Eva-Go to the park
Emily-Ride motorcycles.

What's your favorite thing to do with Daddy?
Eva- Go on the slide.
Emily-Go sledding in the winter, play his guitar.

What does Daddy do at home?
Eva-He eats with me, plays with me
Emily-Plays with me

If you could give Daddy any present in the world, what would you give him?
Eva- A candy cane treat
Emily- A huge ice cream with a cherry on top

Who does Daddy love?
Eva- Me
Emily-Mommy

What do you love most about Daddy?
Eva- Being with Daddy
Emily- Brown eyes, I don't know

I should have answered the questions too, I think my answers might be a little different though!

Scared

2010-06-12T12:55:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a pretty stressful day for me! I was holding Violet yesterday morning and rubbing her little head when I noticed she had a weird lump on her head above her neck. I checked to see if it was a bump or a bug bite, but it wasn't. So I did what any mother would do--I freaked out. It doesn't take much for me to worry of feel anxious, and this definitely threw me over the edge.

I immediately called our doctor and miraculously they had just had a cancellation so I was able to make an appointment for the same day. Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to get in until Monday. I can't even imagine a whole weekend of worrying and waiting. I would have taken her to emerg for sure.

So I put Violet down for her nap and went on the net to see if I could find some info on her bump. I read that if your child has a cold or illness the glands on the back of the head could swell up ( I didn't even know we had glands back there!) the location of her lump suggested this could be what she had, so I felt a little better, but was still super worried. Curtis was at work too and I didn't want to call him until after I went to the Dr's in case it was nothing.

When Violet woke up from her nap I checked her head again and realized there were 2 lumps, both where the glands are, so it didn't alarm me too much more, but I definitely was more worried. So I take her to the Dr's with my bloodshot eyes and try to keep myself composed. Her Dr said she had lots of kids coming in with the same lumps and it WAS swollen glands.

I was soooo relieved. Like, breathed a huge sigh of relief as soon as I knew she was ok.

I am the kind of mom to overreact when it comes to my kids. Kids have no voice, it's up to me to protect them. And sometimes over protect them.

I am SO grateful my little 10 month stinker is OK! I love her and need her in my life every single day! She is totally getting into everything now and I love it! I love watching her pull everything out of drawers and cupboards, she's learning and discovering and it's awesome to watch her change. It stressed me out with the other 2, but let's face it, Violet's messes are just a drop in the bucket compared to her lovely sisters!

New hobby or suicide?

2010-05-15T11:43:00.000-06:00

Anyone who has kids knows how hard it is to spend quality time with your husband! I have found this to be the case with Curtis and I lately. The only time alone we really have is in the evening when the kiddos are asleep, and we're TIRED! We don't do too much except hang out, watch some tv, get things ready for the next day.

Cool.

Not.

We're lucky enough to have both sets of Grandparents in town, so we do get do go out on dates pretty often, but it's just not enough for me! I love that guy and wish I could spend way more time with him, so I thought of a solution.....take on some of his hobbies. There's not much of a chance he's going to take on any of mine--sewing together would be fun though :)
Curtis loves boy toys. Dirtbikes, quads, all that stuff. Not really my thing, until Curtis got a motorcycle! He got it about 3 weeks ago, and I've been ripping it up with him...me on the back of course. It's so much fun. Though last time we went out we were going like 120 on the highway, and I got a bug on the cheek! It was disgusting, like green guts on my face disgusting.

But worth it.

Curtis often goes out with friends dirtbiking on his days off, and with my new need for speed, I decided this is something I want to try, something we can do together. So....

I'm getting a dirtbike, and I'm gonna learn to ride!

I'm totally scared, I'm not good at those kind of things, but I love that Curtis is excited about this! He thinks it's awesome I want to do this, and he's already found some starter bikes for me on kijiji.

We're looking at a 1990 Kawasaki. Oh yeah, power baby, lol. It's pretty much a piece, and a total "girl" bike, but I'm going to need something I can ride hard and crash while I'm still getting good.

From sewing to dirtbiking, who would have thought!?!?

Easter Bunnies

2010-04-03T20:15:00.000-06:00

I tried to do an Easter photoshoot for the girls today wearing their matching outfits from Grandma. I took about 5000 pictures, and got maybe 15 that were ok! Thank goodness for digital cameras. I still feel like I didn't get any perfect pictures, oh well, they're still pretty cute.

Oh Violet, you are a little cry baby! I love the picture where Violets touching Emily's toe ring--she loooves jewellery! She always looks for her Grandma's necklace when she holds her.

Happy Easter everyone!!

I made it!

2010-03-22T09:40:00.001-06:00

Here's the first dress I've made so far for little Eva! It only took me an evening--it's a simple dress and would probably take most people like an hour, but I was just happy it didn't take me a week or more. It looks better on, and I should have taken pictures of Eva wearing it yesterday. I can't wait to make another one, but I need to make a sewing machine cover first!

Eva can be picky about clothes, and if it doesn't feel juuuusssst right, she won't wear it. Thankfully she refused to take this dress off until bedtime last night. Score!

It came!

2010-03-15T20:58:00.000-06:00

Finally my mother load of fabric came! A couple weeks ago I made a big order from fabric.com. It was suppossed to ship out to me within 48 hours, which is one of the great things I love about them, but almost 2 weeks later I got an email from them saying they didn't have enough of a specific fabric I ordered, and what did I want them to do. I was like "what, you should have asked me this 2 weeks ago! " I said just send me what you have and can I have something else instead? They said yes so I ended up getting a fabric that I loooove and wasn't available when I originally placed my order for free. I also asked them what they could do for me to make me happy-- they gave me free express shipping (it was sent Friday and was on my doorstep Monday morning) and $15 credit for my next order, AND I ended up getting more of the fabric they didn't have enough of than I ordered! They also gave me way more minky than I ordered, and a random pack of 12 black glass buttons! Oh fabric.com, you and your ways! I also had gotten 15% off my whole order from a coupon I had, so all in all it was a pretty sweet deal.

Not the most organized pic of my lovveeellyy fabric, but I was anxious to get it all organized and put away in my sewing closet--yes I have a whole closet in my sewing room just for my sewing and craft stuff!! I'm going to make some pretty sweet dresses for my girls, and desperately need to make a sewing machine cover! I'm excited to get started. Fabric...who thought it could be so much fun!?!?

Warm Winter Day

2010-02-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

It was a gorgeous day today, like plus 2 or something, which in 'The Mac' in February is pretty awesome! I swear I have twice the energy and happiness on bright sunny days even when it's cool out, what a bonus when its sunny AND warm!

We took the kiddos tabogganing on the hill behind our house. Didn't get any action shots, but I was holding the babe. No pictures of me either! There don't seem to be many pictures of me.....come on Curtis, get shutter happy!

My silly kids!

We were so happy to get out of the house and get some fresh air.

Someone didn't last as long as the other kids. Should have sent her down the hill on the taboggan, that would have kept her happy hey?

This winter is almost over and I'm so happy I could SCREAM! I don't like cold, I don't like snow. I live in the wrong place, I know! I could definitely live somewhere warm year round, White Christmas's are totally over-rated, I would trade it in a heartbeat to wear sandals and sunglasses all the time.

Oh well, our 4 months of weather nice enough for sunglasses and sandals is almost here!

Love this song

2010-02-12T22:44:00.002-07:00

This song makes me happy. Two of my favorite songs and two of my favorite instruments. Love it. Hope you enjoy it too.

Peek

2010-02-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

See this super cute Hello Kitty purse? I do, a lot! Eva and Emily love to carry their purses with them allll day long, and whenever I open the purses up, I always find interesting things.I love to look in their purses to see what interests them, and what they think is "theirs"

Tonight I peeked into Eva's purse and found:

A little bible book
Hello Kitty watch
Hello Kitty change purse
Harmonica
2 Pink cars
4 bracelets
2 sleeping beautys
A bread tag
A young womens handout
2 Leapster games (both Dora)
$3
A necklace charm
A ponytail holder
A sparkly barbie shoe
A barbie sized CD case
A chipmunk toy

That girl makes me laugh....where did she get all that money??! Oh yeah, and those purses just get more and more full, until I empty them! I know what I'll be doing tonight!

I got nothing

2010-02-07T21:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I hardly ever blog becauase I never feel like I have anything good to blog about, but something interesting happened to me a couple weeks ago and I never blogged about it, so maybe I'm just super lazy. Or busy.....I am super busy that's for sure!

Sooo, a couple weeks ago we went to Edmonton for a relaxing trip with the kids. No Such Thing as a relaxing trip to Edmonton with the kids! It was pretty crazy trying to keep them occupied on the long drive there and back, it was a hassle to find a bathroom every 15 minutes, and it stunk to share a little hotel room with all our kids, but I think in the end they had fun. I on the other hand wish I had of stayed home because my purse got stolen!!! Ok, there's an itty bitty chance that I may have left it on a chair by the bathroom after I nursed Violet and before I met up with Curtis to leave the mall, but I highly doubt it, because I am smooth people--I don't forget important things like my freaking purse, right? The truth is my brain is swiss cheese and I probably left it.
What realllly bugs me is that even if I did leave it, I think 99.9% of people would turn in a lost purse or wallet they find, but a slimeball had to find my purse.....or took it from my stroller while I was in a shoe store....sometimes I leave my purse on top of the stroller and look around. Won't be doing that anymore.

So we leave the mall and are driving back to our hotel which is super far away, and are almost there when I realize I don't know where my purse is. I got Curtis to pull over so I could check the folded up stroller in the back. Wasn't there. My heart sinks and I feel sick! My phone was in my purse so we call my phone.....nothing! We drove back to the mall and I was confident I would find it where I nursed Violet or it would have been turned in, but again, nothing! I checked garbages, and even asked a man to go into the mens bathroom and check the garbages in there since I've heard sometimes a thief will go through your purse and dump it. I was pretty much hysterical by now because I had EVERYTING in my purse. My wallet with my credit card, my new blackberry, medication, my car key. I felt SICK, I was even crying, and I never cry, at least not in front of Curtis, it totally embarrasses me!

So I called my phone about a hundred times over the next couple hours, and sent some pretty desperate text messages, but I was soo sure I was never going to see my stuff again. And then Curtis's phone rang......it was ME! Well, my phone anyways. It was the guy who took my purse of course, and Im sure he called because I kept texting him that I had reward money for him for "finding" my purse. I didn't care what his motivation was, we agreed to meet back at the mall right away.

We get back to the mall in record time and waited over an hour for this guy to show up. It was soo stressful waiting. It was like a tease--I'm going to get my purse back--No I'm not!! I was so discourged, plus it was like 6pm and the girls were hungry and tired and so bored. It was the worst. THE WORST. Then the guy calls me and asks me to meet him at Zellers, so I start running with the carseat and a little 2 year old like there's no tomorrow (Curtis had gone to a phone store to buy an adapter so we could charge the phone in the car...his phone, which was our only communication with this guy, was going to die any minute, just to add to the beautiful situation you know) I came across a security gaurd on my way and asked him to come with me, ran ino Curtis (things were starting to fall into place) and finnnaaallllllyyyy found dude at Zellers with my purse. Only it wasn't my purse.....it was a plastic bag with most of my things inside. Whatever, I got my wallet, phone, meds, and car key (minus the remote start) back and I was HAPPY!

The guys story was that his friend gave him the bag with my stuff in it. That was it, the best he could come up with! I didn't have to give him a reward either because the security gaurd said his story sounded too shady. Want to know what was taken from my purse?

Lip gloss and lip chap....used....ever hear of swine flu buddy?
A baby toy
My remote start
$1 that's all the cash I had in my purse which was awesome
hand lotion...again, used
and my "Guess" purse......well guess what sucka, that purse was a knock off! Would have loved to see his face when he saw the made in china sticker inside!

The silver lining? I got to buy a new purse, and I bought a way nicer one than what I had. Not made in China this time!

He wasn't the brightest of thieves, he logged into facebook on my phone and left himself logged in! I had his name and picture. I was so tempted to change his status to "I love to steal ladies purses" but didn't want to start anything, who knew what info he had taken from my wallet?? Ok, this was uber stressful and horrible, but I was SOOOOO blessed to get my stuff back. When does that happen? Not often, not when someone takes your purse. And even if I did leave it, he took it then and didn't turn it in, same thing. Ok, this is getting long, anyways I'm going to be a better blogger...I've said that before, but you'll see!

My resolution to play!

2010-01-09T13:12:00.005-07:00

I made lots of resolutions this year, like always. And like always, I've already gone bad on a lot of them. One I made was to play with my kiddlets more. Why is that such a hard thing to do for me? It used to be easy, I remember a couple years ago when Eva was just a little wee, I would spend so much time EVERY DAY playing on the floor with both girls. I would put on their Kindermusik cd's and get out my baskets of instruments and books. It was so much fun and never got old.
So I guess I know why it's hard now--I've got 3 kids who are super busy, and a big house to keep clean, and Emily's in preschool and dance classes and Im always on the go! I find when I do take them downstairs to play (they won't go alone, even Emily won't and she sleeps down there every night with no problem, go figure) I find myself organizing and cleaning more than actually interacting with them. Not good.

Anyways, a couple days ago I came across this article which has given me tons of motivation to play with my kids.

I love this: Here are seven benefits of play:

1. Play fosters a positive self-concept.

2. Play promotes language development.

3. Play stimulates thinking and problem-solving.

4. Play enables children to understand the world.

5. Play is a forum for children to express and resolve their feelings.

6. Play enhances creativity.

7. Play develops social skills and social thinking.

As parents, we want our children to have the best toys to help with their development. After all, creating a stimulating home environment is the least we can do. But the most important play-thing that your child can have does not come in a box or from a store. Children need the significant adults in their lives to stop, sit, and become co-workers at play. It’s easy to delight a child with a new toy and walk away. But what a child needs most is intentional and personal interaction with the adults in her life as she learns and grows.

It’s hard to take a break from what we view as important: work-related issues, financial problems, or the upkeep of a home. But investing daily in the lives of our children by sitting down with them, allowing them the freedom to choose what to play, following them and labeling their actions, and resisting the urge to organize and perfect their play is the most important work that you can do as a parent.
The simple act of investing time, do it today. A few minutes will make a lifetime of difference.

This was from the Kindermusik blog. I love Kindermusik, I used to teach it, and wish there was still a studio in town for my kids (hint hint mom) Makes me want to play with my kids right now!
On another note, Violet, who we thought looked just like Emily when she was born, it starting to look a lot more like Eva now! Take a look
She is definately her own person, but it's not hard to tell she's related to those crazy sisters of hers.

Violet 5 months old

Eva 5 months old. Don't mind Emily in this pic, she was clearly going through that "naked 2 year old girl phase" all my girls seem to go through it lol.

Christmas Angel

2009-12-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

This past week little Emily had her Christmas concert! I can't believe this is her second Christmas concert and she's only 4! I absolutely love her preschool and all the wonderful things they do with the kids. So last year the kids just sang a few songs which was cute, but this year they did a little Nativity! It was absolutely precious and the kids all did an excellent job. Guess who was one of the angels? That's right, my personal blonde haired blue eyed angel.

I love how the angels were holding their hands!

The kids did a quick costume change inbetween the play and their singing, and I snagged Emily on her way out. I was only able to get this quick pic before she took off to be with her class (she's such an obedient girl)

Santa always visits with presents after the concert! The kids got a book and a stuffed animal. There are soo many boys in Emily's class! There are only 4 girls including Emily. The girls are all good friends, and she is definately learning to play with and relate to boys, which is something she doesn't get exposed to at home!!

Emily with Santa and baby elf!

Grandma was saying little Violet looked like a present with her big bow. I'd like to see her under my Christmas tree! Poor Eva was terrified of Santa, can you tell??

Getting some Poppy love.

And some Grandma love.

My kids are so lucky to grow up with so much loving family around them. Both sets of grandparents made it to Emily's concert, which I love. Family is so important!

Change mat clutch

2009-12-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

Little Violet can be a tough customer when it comes to smiling on cue, but I can always be sure to get a cute pouty face!

She's been rocking the hats lately with all this cold weather! It was minus 39 this morning WITHOUT the wind chill! That is gross people!

So lately I've always got a sewing project on the go. I just finished this change mat that holds diapers and wipes, and folds up into a cute clutch! Thanks so much Tanya for refering me to some cute sites on your blog, I found the idea for this on a blog called, "Cluck cluck sew" http://www.cluckclucksew.com/ so so many cute ideas on this site!

I love how it turned out! I added this fabric flower which was really easy to make too.

Can't wait to use this! This will be great for the summer when I need to change her at the park! No more lying my kids on bare, gross benches to change them....I always forget a blanket in the summer! Next I'll be working on Eva's Christmas quilt!

Simple Christmas

2009-12-09T22:20:00.001-07:00

I'm trying to keep Christmas simple and cheap this year and am trying to come up with some great family traditions. What things did/do you do that made/makes Christmas special to you? I always loved going to the live nativity the church put on when I was growing up, but that was in Calgary...there's nothing like that here unfortunately!

I've decided to go easy on the gifts for my kids too. They're still little and won't really care if there's not a whole sleighload under the tree. Plus, more toys equals more clutter! I love how little kids love simple things! I took the girls for a drive a few nights ago to look at Christmas lights. Eva kept yelling, "Sparklies, sparklies!!" Ahh, so easy to please. We made a gingerbread house tonight.....it's quickly being picked apart by little fingers already!

I'm trying to enjoy this Christmas double, because last year Christmas was HORRIBLE for me! I was sooooo sick and tired from being pregnant. I think I developed an association with Christmas and throwing up because this year, I feel a little sick to my stomach when I hear Christmas carols. I kid you not. I remember not even caring it was Christmas last year, and I love Christmas! Thinking about last year is making me so glad to not be pregnant right now!

I'm BACK!

2009-12-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to hear that people can see me again! The fact that I was blogging and no one knew was totally turning me off from blogging! The sewing is going well--I am making the girls little quilts for Christmas. Nothing big, just something they can drag around the house and watch TV with. Im also making them doll blankets to match their quilts. I've done Emily's so far, here it is!

I have had so much fun making these! It's funny how things change in life and come full circle. I remember when I was a kid, the worst most boring thing ever was when my mom would drag my siblings and I to fabric stores! I swear she would take forever in there and there was NOTHING for kids to do (Except Fanny's Fabric, anyone remember the ball pits they used to have?, lol!)

Anyways, the last couple times we've gone to Edmonton, I've gotten so excited when I went to Fabricland! Although they don't really have the greatest selection or price. I looove fabric.com. They have so much awesome stuff, and sweet shipping. I ordered my fabric on a Monday morning, and had it on Thursday morning, and Wednesday was Remembrance Day. I loved not having to wait literally weeks for my stuff.

My favorite fabrics are Amy Butler and Michael Miller. What do you like?

My kids have been busy growing! I can't believe Violet was still inside me 4 months ago, she is so big now!

2009-11-26T23:26:00.002-07:00

can you see me?

2009-11-16T19:59:00.002-07:00

I don't think my silly blogger is working! Ahh, if my blog appears updated on your blog let me know!!

My little projects so far

2009-11-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the things I have sewn so far. I just got my order in from fabric.com and am excited to start sewing my girls Christmas blankets. They are going to be so gorgeous! Well, the plans in my head are gorgeous, I hope they turn out great too.

Here are burp cloths I have made. Has anyone worked with minky before? I have a serious love/hate realtionship with the stuff. It's so difficult to work with, but the stuff is delicious! I would love a sheet set made with the stuff.

This is a little carseat blanket.

Ahh, I love this, I wish I had of made it bigger, but that darn minky! I ordered lots of chenille and can't wait to work with it. It's almost as soft, but not so stretchy so it should sew up better.

Right now it takes me a ridiculous amount of time to make these little projects, but it's still fun!

Quiet Book

2009-11-12T21:13:00.006-07:00

I used to have so much fun looking on etsy for cute things to buy--this cute apron was going to be a Christmas present for me.

Now I have so much fun looking for cute sewing ideas on etsy!! I could totally make this, and WILL!

I'm in a crafty mode lately, probably because their are soo many cute things for children out there and it's way cheaper to make things yourself. Not to mention "sew" much fun to do it yourself! Hehe, sorry guys that was bad.

Even as a little girl I appreciated and liked the things my mom made for me by hand. In fact a couple of those things are in my playroom for my little girls now. (Handmade is durable too!)

I want to make a quiet book for my girls! How cute would this be for church? I actually have one Curtis bought at the church bookstore when he was in Cardston last summer, and it's really cute, but I would love to make and personalize one myself. I'm sure I'd make one for each girl with things that fit each of their unique little personalities. Here's an example of a quiet book:

I love that you can use whatever cute fabric you want.

You get to dress the little girl, and put the little dolls to bed, so cute!

Button on shapes and a texture page--I think that's a great idea, I could think of like 3 pages worth of textures to use.

check out http:/modestmaven.blogspot.com to see the whole book

I am have such a great time learning to sew. I am no expert yet.....it's only been a couple weeks though, and it takes me an embarrassingly long time to finish my little projects, but I am so proud of the things I have made! I will post pics for sure.

I would love to make a sewing machine cover for my machine, anyone have a pattern?!!?

Sew it goes....

2009-10-31T15:04:00.005-06:00

Here's the lap quilt I am working on! All the peices are cut out and ready to sew, but I'm too scared to actually sew them together. I don't know how pretty the final product will be, but it's my first project so I'll have to give myself a break or 2!

There are a few squares that are misplaced in this picture (Thanks Eva!!) Luckily Curtis noticed and fixed it with me....they're all in the right spot now. I'll be working on this tonight while Curtis is out trick or treating with the girls.....not sure how many trick or treaters will get candy from me tonight!

So far, sewing has been more challenging and time consuming than I thought it would be, but I am really enjoying it! One drawback is that I can only work on it at night after my girls are in bed, and by that time I sometimes feel to tired to work on projects. Thank goodness for Curtis's days off!
Well folks I will post pictures of the final product soon!

Developing a talent

2009-10-07T16:38:00.002-06:00

When I was growing up, it was easy for me to see what my talents were. I did well in school, I did ballet for years and loved it, I was in an honor choir that I had to audition for, I played piano, blah blah blah.

But now I'm married and have kids and all those things are over. All of a sudden I feel like I have no talents. I wish I had of developed more talents that would benefit my family and me NOW. So feeling like this has made me think and think of what talents I wish I had. It's been a real brain racker, but I finally figured out what I want to learn......how to sew!

I used to play around on my moms sewing machine when I was a girl, you know, making barbie clothes out of scraps and things like that. But I never REALLY learned how to make things, and believe me, those barbie clothes wern't pretty! I'm totally starting out from ground zero here too. I don't even have a sewing machine, but my mom graciously offered to lend me hers.

I LOVE creating things, and haven't really done much creating since I got married and life changed. Well, I've created 3 gorgeous girls, I guess that counts! I would love to be able to make things for people, like baby blankets and stuff, instaed of always having to buy gifts. I'm excited to get started! A little scared too I'll admit. I know it's not going to be easy at first ( I don't even remember how to thread a machine) and I'm going to feel frustrated, but I'll give it my best!

Hooked

2009-09-25T21:49:00.003-06:00

About a year ago, everyone was buzzing about Twilight. When I learned it was a book about vampires, I was soooo not interested, and thought anyone who was, was a little dumb.

I take it back.

Because I'm hooked!

So I started to get curious when I heard from 500 people that the books were really good and addicting. Who doesn't love a good book you can't put down? Well I finally caved in and got the series right before Violet was born so I would have something to do while I'm nursing. I'm almost done the 4th book and am sad it's going to be over! I am excited about New Moon coming out in a couple months! Girls night anyone?!

My Sweet Violet

2009-09-24T20:35:00.003-06:00

Ok, I'm a little late in posting about my latest addition....make that 2 months late, but here she is! Violet Summer Johnston. She was only 3 days overdue, which is nothing compared to my first 2. The labor and delivery was awesome, and of course, she is awesome!

Here she is just a couple minutes old. My babies are born so CLEAN! I guess that's the consolation prize for over due babies.
Here we are the next morning, both looking a little sleepy.

This is the babe today, 2 months old! Wow, the last 2 months have flown in comparison to the last 2 months of pregnancy. What's with that??

My word she is a cutey patootie! Thanks etsy for the hat, haha!!!

Ok, so no secret, I love to sell things on Kijiji. I make $30 this week, pretty sweet. Well what's a girl to do with that money? Save it? Buy groceries? I think not. What do I do? Buy more stuff!! Buy more stuff on etsy!

Here's the treasures I've found on etsy so far...........

I am waiting for this carseat tent to come in the mail. I love that I won't have to schlep a blanket over my carseat anymore. Ever had your blanket blow away/fall off/get in the way of the handle? Well no more for me. Perfect for when they fall asleep and you just want to peek in on them. The cute flower keeps it open too. Love it.

Love these pretty wash cloths! My girls love getting to pick one for bath time every night.

Sorry, my baby looks cuter in this hat than you.

Love this blanket. I got it in purple so it would be violet for my Violet.

So life has definitely settled down for me (and yes that means I'll be better about updating my blog!) and it feels gooooood to be in a routine with my new life. The girls have really adjusted well to Violet, I just wish they would ease up on the sloppy kisses and tight bear hugs. I know they just love her which is awesome, but it stresses me out. I think I say "get off of her!" and "GET OFF HER NOW!!" about 500 times a day!

I love that each child you have has a different personality they bring to the home. Violet's personality feels so peaceful to me. I mean yes, she cries and fusses, but she just makes me feel so peaceful and relaxed when I'm with her. I totally needed that now that I have 3 little ones. Thank you Violet! The fact that she's freakin' cute helps too, hey!

Patience is a virtue...

2009-07-28T11:52:00.002-06:00

I have patiently waited for the last nine months for my baby girl. Make that nine months and one day. Umm, what's the big idea little one? I have done my time, the lease is up, give me back my body! Oh, if only it were that easy!
It does help to know this can only go on for a few more days, and, I would rather have a healthy little babe a few days late then a baby too early. A little early would have been nice though!

Pregnancy is not the easiest thing for me. I have extreme morning sickness for months--I still get nauseous from time to time, I am exhausted 24/7 throughout my pregnancy, I get sciatic pain and back pain at the end, who loves waking up with heartburn and charlie horses in the night? Plus I've had to go into the hospital 3 times with this pregnancy for different complications. All worth it when you take that sweet bundle home, but I am just very ready to be done!
More than anything, I miss her! Does that sound strange considering I've never seen her or touched her, or that technically she couldn't be closer to me? Well, I totally long to hold her and kiss her and nurse her and love her! Im ready for her to join our family and be with us for the rest of our lives!

Im open to suggestions on how to take my mind off pregnancy and babies! Let me have them!

I am not the only one anxious for this sweetie pie to arrive.

Is there a basketball in there?

This is it!! The last prego pics.

Wish I had this when I was a girl...

2009-06-27T21:08:00.004-06:00

A few months ago we brought the girls with us to look at houses. One house (the one we actually bought and move into in 2 days) had the rose petal cottage in their playroom and my girls went wild over it....not like I wouldn't have if I was 2 or 4.....or older I'll admit......
So, I was totally smitten with it myself and planned on buying one for them the next time we went to Edmonton.
Anyways, I found it today....at a garage sale....for $35!!! Not bad compared to the $100 it costs just for the playhouse and oven! The one I bought today had everything pictured here, minus the chair and apron set. Umm, this stuff is freaking expensive--every additional piece, like the sink, is $45! I would never spend that much toys. Although now that I am up to 3 girls, I am justifying a lot more cute girls things.
Remember how much fun it was to have a little hideaway of your own when you were little? I was forever making forts, playing in closets, under the computer desk, anywhere I could have my own little spot. This cottage is so perfect for that! As soon as I had cleaned it up, Eva dragged her blanket and pillow into it and laid down! Emily said the little cradle and change table were the perfect size for the new baby........that baby's going to get a lot of love......I'm going to have to moniter that love very closely!

In other news, we are MOVING in 2 days!!!!!! I honestly wasn't stressed until now. Now I am very stressed. Moving is not fun! There's so much stuff that is awkward to pack....and just so much stuff in general to pack! I'm looking forward to Monday night when we will be %100 moved out of this place. Very glad that we will be all moved in and settled before the baby's arrival--she's coming soon! I have about 4 weeks left, but am mentally preparing myself to go for another 5 or so. Darn these overdue babies!

Well I should be off, there is still packing to do...thankful tomorrow is Sunday!

Finally!

2009-06-16T21:27:00.002-06:00

Get a carseat....check
Pack hospital bag......check
Wash baby clothes...check
Pick a baby name.....CHECK!

We have FINALLY agreed on a baby name and I love love love it! I was getting really discouraged that the baby didn't have a name yet, and the due date was getting closer and closer, so a few nights ago I was praying really hard that I would know her name and pop, just like that it came to me--and it wasn't a name I had even considered. But it just clicks, this is totally what her name should be!

Exact same thing happened with Eva.

I seem to need divine intervention to make a lot of decisions!

I am so excited about the name, I want to shout it from the rooftops! Who knows, maybe I'll tell her name before I have her--secrets are totally overrated!

Big girl turns 4!

2009-05-03T19:49:00.004-06:00

I can't believe my little girl is now 4! To me 4 still seems pretty small, but in a year she'll be 5 and there's nothing small about 5! Even though I miss her bald, chubby, rosy babyness, I'm totally into the personality and independance that comes with a little girl.

Personally, I really love birthdays. I feel totally special on my birthday and love love love anything people do for me. Presents, birthday phone calls, once my visiting teacher even brought me a meal complete with brownies! Cards and cheques from my grandparents--still love it. Because of that, I want to make my children's birthdays super special and all about them.

So for Emily's special day, we went to lunch at Montana's...anyone ever been there when it's someones birthday? All the servers come out ringing a cowbell to get everyones attention, sing a silly birthday song, and give the birthday person a free dessert.......and you get to wear this hat.......I would die if this happened to me, but knew my little one would probably dig it. She did.

I plastered hearts saying "Happy Birthday Emily" all over her room while she was sleeping...she woke up on her birthday, came to my room and said, "Why are there hearts in my room?" I told her the B'day fairy did it.

Eva's Birthday was a week and a bit ago, but I held off giving her her present until Emily's B'day since they got the same thing and right now, things are all about fairness and equality with these girls!!

Digging in! They both got V-tech digital cameras. You can also play games and make movies on them. They LOVE them.

Cheese! I better get used to this!

Emily's Princess party is this Friday. It is her first real birthday party with friends coming over. I am excited!

Check out Aqua Poppy

2009-05-02T17:05:00.003-06:00

I just found this website that has free backgrounds for your blog--

http://aquapoppydesigns2.blogspot.com/

I'm probably the only one who didn't know about it since I am a pretty new blogger, but I think their backgrounds are the cutest! Way cuter than the cutest blog on the block....maybe just by a bit!

I don't know how I can commit to just one background when there are so many darling ones to choose from, so prepare to see a different one every time you check out my blog!!

The Joys of Potty Training!

2009-04-27T20:01:00.004-06:00

Potty training. It's a beautiful thing.

Actually it's been a little rough since Eva insisted on starting at about 22 months. Mentally she was ready, but physically...not so much, but we have both gotten a handle on it now, and I am so glad she will be well established in the potty world by the time the baby is born! And seriously, could that bum have any more dimples?!

Lovin it

2009-04-22T20:57:00.003-06:00

I went to Edmonton. I fell in love with some new products.

My grapefruit hand soap and lotion from fruits and passions. Will be going to that store more for sure! Love the holder too--and the price! Got it on sale for $24.

Also got the fruity body spray in Georgia Peach, what a delicious smell! 50% off, love that too.

Just discovered OPI nail polish. Love that it doesn't come off till I take it off. Bogo--love it.

I love great products and I love great prices!

I promise to blog more...a lot more!

Sweet Deals

2009-03-31T22:17:00.008-06:00

I'm always on the look out for good deals--who isn't? Anyways, it can be very hard when you live in a small town with limited stores that are always picked over! When we do get to Edmonton, we have a specific list of things we want/need, and cross our fingers we can find it all, never mind if it is on sale or not. Because of that, I started to shop online. Mostly on e-bay, and other stores that ship to Canada.

By the way, who else is ticked that Old Navy and Gap don't ship to Canada?? What gives???

Anyways, I haven't bought anything off e-bay in more than a year--a couple packages never made it to my door and I am still cautious...and bitter.
Before I go to Edmonton, I love to look online at the stores I plan to go to and get an idea of what I want. I'm the kind of girl who has to look in every store before I buy something, to make sure I don't buy something and find something better at the next. I'm also the kind of girl who takes back a qauarter of what I buy the next day! I'm not fun to shop with....I often shop alone..... So I am going to Edmonton in 3 weeks and was checking out Toys R Us since my girlies have some birthdays coming up. Well to make a long story short, what I wanted for my girls was on sale for this week only, so I decided to buy it online, and am glad I did because they have the cheapest shipping ever! No matter how much I put in the "cart" the shipping stayed at $7.98...so I ordered a bunch of stuff, and don't have to lug it home in 3 weeks! (Make sure you go to the Canadian website http://www.toysrus.ca/ )They had some really good deals, like buy one Barbie under $15, get another one free! So Easter is taken care of now too!

My girls are both getting children's cameras for their Birthdays. Anyone with two children of the same gender close in age, will know that buying 2 of something identical, is NOT a waste of money.

Bonus: my camera will now be safe.

Bonus #2, you can play games on the camera, cool!!

Remember this oldie but goody? I had one! Of course mine didn't have a digital calculator.... I remember getting hours of fun out of my cash register, which means my girls will too. I can see this being right up their alley.

So we are still in the process of trying to sell our house. I know it's only been on the market for like 6 weeks, but it feels like an eternity compared to our last experience. Two years ago we sold our previous house after one open house...and had 2 offers above our asking price. Those were good times. We're grateful we don't have to sell our house, we're not moving to another city, we're not in financial dispair, we just want to so we can move into this.....

This is the home we will buy if it doesn't sell before ours does! Wish us luck, we are in love with it.

Also in love with these pictures Mackenzie Garner took of me at a girls get together.

Thanks Mackenzie!

Oh Baby!

2009-03-21T20:28:00.001-06:00

Now that I am over halfway through this pregnancy, I am starting to get really excited for this little baby! I had my first ultrasound almost 2 weeks ago and was thrilled to find out I am having my third girl! I seriously can't believe I will have all girls!

I have to say I was a little relieved, I honestly wouldn't know what to do with a boy. Through serving in the nursery, and helping out in my daughters preschool class, I have totally noticed that boys are very different than girls. They act different, think different, play different...are different! I only know what to do with girls, maybe that's why I keep getting them! Also, I have heard one too many diaper changing stories involving pee shooting everywhere...including mother's mouths......girls don't do that.....

I am happy that I don't have to get anything for this baby since I have all girl stuff, and am excited to use all my cute baby girl stuff again. I have to say I feel a little ripped off--When I had Emily, my first girl, I bought all girly clothes, but kept the big ticket items like crib, carseat, and stroller neutral, in case I had a boy. Now I'm wishing there was someway I could have known from the start I would have all girls so I could have gotten everything in pink! Of course if I had of bought pink stuff with my first, I totally would have had a boy next.....it always works out like that in life!

I know I am sounding very much like I am done having kids...maybe I am, I don't know! I can never think ahead to the "next one" while I am pregnant and even for awhile after the baby comes.

Here I am at 22 weeks. Thanks to Mackenzie for taking these pics for me! I went to her house for a girls get together where we got our hair and pictures done, and I asked her to snap a couple prego pictures with my camera while she was at it.

Wow, I am really getting big. Sad when I compare pics of my 3rd pregnancy and first at the same stages.

Baby J at 20 weeks. You might think I'm crazy, but I swear she looks the exact same as Emily in her 20 week ultrasound pic. Mother's can tell this stuff, right? I'm loving her round head!

Check out the Burnt Daisy!

2009-03-18T15:59:00.000-06:00

Check out the Burnt Daisy! My friend Mindy has started her own home business making hand-crafted Initials and names--so cute! I will be ordering some for sure!

Go to.....

http://www.theburntdaisy.blogspot.com/

February Recap

2009-03-06T22:48:00.001-07:00

Ok, already I am slipping into blogger inactivity! I want to blog at least once a week and think I'd be better if I had more blogger friends--come on Fort McMurray, get blogging! February is over and March is here, which means it's only a matter of time before Spring is here! I have to admit, this winter has been extra extra long since I've been feeling so awful from my pregnancy. STILL! I feel like I don't really have anything to complain about, I mean I feel terrible, but as far as I know, my baby is healthy and thriving, and naturally that's the long term concern. If only I could have a healthy baby, and an easy pregnancy to boot.
I have my ultrasound this Monday and am double crossing my fingers to find out what I'm having. I'm betting my money on a bouncing baby boy, but that's what I always say, and so far I've got all girls, so we'll see!

Emily with a Valentine's treat, yes it's been awhile since I've posted. Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday, but sadly I really didn't do much for my family this year--all I wanted to do was sleep...and throw up! We had a nice dinner and strawberry shortcake for dessert, and Cupid did visit the girls with some Dollorama goodies, but nothing like what I normally do. I was about to say next year will be better, but just remembered that next V'day, I'll have an extra 7 month old baby kicking around, so maybe not!!

Making Valentine cupcakes with Mommy.

Here I am 19 weeks preggers--almost halfway there :)

February almost left us with nothing but good memories...almost! Eva, almost 2, is a little accident prone as all active toddlers this age are. 2 weeks ago, she fell on a picture frame and split her lip! It pretty much stopped bleeding after a couple minutes, and she stopped crying, but it was deep! I decided to error on the side of caution and get her to the hospital. We got in really quickly considering it was a Friday afternoon and the waiting room was PACKED. Her accident happened at 12, and we were home before 2pm. Thankfully bleeding babies are a priority! The Dr. said she didn't really need stitches, but for cosmetic reasons it would heal better if he did give her a couple. I was like bring them on--faces are important! Now this isn't little Eva's first trip to the ER for stitches--last March, she got her finger shut in a door and needed 5 stitches. I still can't believe she's had stitches twice and she's not yet even 2--I'm trying to not make this an annual tradition!

Oh, and somehow these things always seem to happen when Curtis is at work, which is too bad for all of us, because I have absolutely no grace in emergancy situations, I totally lose it. I get light headed, my hands shake, I can barely think of what I need to do, I'm a wreck! I guess that's not totally true, I have enough sense to grab a big bag and throw diapers and drinks and snacks and dolls, make sure I have my wallet and cell phone, but other than that, total wreck! It is nice to look back and see that somehow I was able to handle the situation and make sure everyone was taken care of. So far, I've had to take Eva to get stitches twice, and once when Emily was 19 months, she ran into a wall and had 3 seizures--that was by far the worst day of my life, but that's another long story! She's 100% ok now, that's all that matters. I am thinking of covering my house in foam before the next baby can walk.....

Family Day

2009-02-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

Today was Family Day! It was the first time we actually did anything for this day--it's really the first year I felt I could take the girls somewhere and they would enjoy themselves, and it wouldn't just be Curtis and I chasing after them! We spent the morning at the Oil Sands Discovery Center--for years I've heard about the things they do on FD, and I thought heck, we can stay at home and stare at each other, or we can go out and do something with the girlies. We actually had a great time, and I would totally go again next year.

I love watching my girls together, and the way they take care of each other. They melt my heart with the kindness, compassion, sympathy, and general love they have for one another. They stuck together like glue during the activities at the Discovery Center, and every time they moved on to something else, Emily would take Eva's arm and say, "Come on this way Eva". If Eva got away from her, Emily would make sure Curtis and I knew, and chased after her too. They make sure the other has their boots, mitts, and jacket as we're getting ready to go somewhere, and they are always willing to share their treats with eachother. What great examples they are to ME!

I am trying to do more things with my girls. I think childhood is all about the experiences we give them, not the "stuff", although stuff is fun too! It can be difficult to think of things to do that don't cost a lot of money as well. We used to go swimming at the YMCA quite a bit until they jacked up the price to $25 for a family to go swimming! Please give me ideas of things I can do around town that are cheap/free, or even fun things I can do at home with them. Soon summer will be here and we can live it up at the water parks again-- I looove the water parks -- since they cool you down, you can stay there all afternoon!

Here's what we did today at the Discovery Center:

We enjoyed a puppet show,
Even Eva was into it...with the help of a tube of lipgloss!
We checked out the big shovels,
We dug in the dirt,
We did some science experiments,
and had lunch at Burger King!
Emily loved the play area....it was way too big for Eva though. Sorry Eva!
We got some awesome glasses in our meals too!
Then it was time to go home.

My Girls.

2009-02-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

And so it begins....

2009-02-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

Our gorgeous family in October 2008

I've finally joined the world of blogging! I'm hoping this will serve as an online journal for me since I've been so inconsistant to write in mine, as well as a great way to keep friends and family up to date on my family and me. There's always so much going on in our lives that we never bother to tell people, thinking that it's not interesting enough, but I love reading other people's blogs and seeing that they're doing the same "boring" things as my family. I think blogs can also be a wonderful way to get to know someone, even someone you thought you knew well. So I'll recap the last 6 years of my life.....that's where it all began!

Curtis and I

I met my husband Curtis 6 years ago in May 2003. I can't believe it's been that long and I'm still crazy about him. He had just gotten home from his mission in Guatemala, and I was just about to graduate high school. He's a total cradle robber, I know! We went on our first date 2 weeks after we met, were engaged 3 months later, and married 3 months after that. Our daughter Emily was born May 2, 2005, and we've been having babies every 2 years since then! Eva, our second daughter was born April 19, 2007, and we are expecting number 3 at the end of the summer.

Emily, 3 and a half

Eva, 18 months

My ultrasound is in March, and I am soooo excited to find out what I'm having! It's a total win-win situation. If I have another girl, I've already got all the stuff I'll need, plus I'll have 3 little girls who are close in age and will be best friends. If I have a boy, than I have the new experience, and hopefully a little hockey player for daddy. There's no way my two little girly-girls will be lacing up hockey skates anytime in the future! Unless they are pink sparkly Cinderella skates, which I guess would be figure skates, right? I'm a stay at home mom and hope I'm always fortunate enough to be one. It gets stressful at times, like several times a day, but my girls make it totally worth it. What can I say, I love my family with all my heart!

Our sweet girls