Thanksgiving at the Johnsons, 2013

Cassandra Grace on Thanksgiving

Cassie Grace and her cousin Logan

Sometimes when you can't be together with all of those you love under one roof...
it helps to picture them with others that love them just as much as you!

Palm trees and lillies...

When I was a little girl my hair never went past the top of my ears and off we would go to the beauty shop for a "pixie".  I don't know if it was the style, the way my mom liked my hair, or if it was just easier that way... I do know I had thin, stick straight hair.  My girls all had long hair, I never did cut it until one day my mom impressed on me the fact that when Emi Jo sat down to go to the bathroom her hair reached the water in the toilet. 
Do you believe that?
Well, I did cut off her curls, they never came back.
Now the girls have their own girls.  They have all had a little baldness when they were babies... but it always fills in... 
first enough for a little palm tree...
then for a lilly on the side.

Aprons

This picture was taken on December 25th, 2013 - everyone was home for Christmas Eve together at our house.  Grams made Swedish meatballs, cheesy turkey and some luscious sweets.  Lindsey made some "zoupa" soup, and sangria's! We had mashed potatoes, artichoke dip, chips and salsa.  For one of Gramma D's gifts we bought her and the great grand-kids matching aprons.   She has always been known for her cooking and even now she continues to make the best meals around.  JaciAnna and Gramma D do baking together when ever they can, and if life permits it won't be long before the others join in!  After the opening of presents, the eating and the rest...   here they all are, about 11:00 in the morning with Gramma D, their matching aprons, Papa and Grammie Pammie too...
waiting for the day...
when the baking begins!

Cassandra Grace, 11 months old!

Said the night wind to the baby girl...
"do you hear what I hear, way up in the sky little girl?"

First born

I wonder if people really see these pictures as I see them? 
Do you see her smile and her hands?
Do you see their faces as they trust?
I wonder if anyone can love her as much as I do?
See her face and how she trusts?
Lord, I believe JaciAnna has been gifted with hands of love and help.  Please be with her as you build her confidence and show her Your ways.  As she learns where she fits in life and how to handle the struggles in the world, I pray that she we always be reminded of the gifts you have given her.  I pray peace and love to her always...
my first borns, first born!!

More Christmas

lindsey bakes gramma's cookies

Christmas day, Cassie in her new apron

Christmas tree at Cassie's house

Cassie reading a pre Christmas story with penguins

The Harren clan with Santa 2013

Lindsey and Cassie in Raunaby

Jaci Anna at Nola Jeans house, the rest of us went to Raunaby with Santa

I have a few more Christmas pictures, and then will have a few more...

whenever I get my pretty little birthday present camera figured out!

The hunt

no women allowed!

where it all begins... with a good breakfast

"The hunting crew"

27th year of hunting together!!

dew on the "lambs ear"

Grandpa, 2013/ 85 years old

I haven't ever been invited to "the hunt", but I remember well the first one.  It was in November of 1986.  We had just moved in to our house on Baker Street and I was pregnant with Lacey.  Curt and his dad went to Nimrod, Mn to find them selves some deer... to feed the family!
They had such a wonderful time that the tradition has continued every November sense then.  It is called the deer hunting opener, and is usually the first or second week-end in November.
Different people have joined them through the years, but none could compare to the years that the "son-in-laws" started coming along.  K found his first hunt to be in November of 2012.  They all had such a wonderful time and K's ears were fresh to the many stories that Grandpa would tell, he is such a good listener!  Then in 2013 Chris came along also!  More ears for listening, more hands for the work, another to add to the sound of laughter.  Each one of them "bagged" a buck and the excitement in Curt as he told me about it...
was blessed.
A man with all girls in his life has certainly ended up with a whole lot of boys!!  Hopefully Josh will go with for a few days in 2014 - completing the crew!