Nate on the left and Zachary on the right
I was so proud of Zachary and Nate last night at Senior Awards night. I think everybody sitting by me was sick of me clapping and cheering for my boys. But I was a proud Mom and I wanted to show it. I will brag a little and tell you some of the awards they got Distinguished Honor Graduate, Kershaw County Academic Honors Medalist, Zachary got the Athlete Scholar award (being on a sport and maintaining a high GPA). Nate was awarded the Palmetto Fellow, which is a scholarship to any South Carolina school.(which he decided to decline since he is going to BYU) But the surprise came when Nate was awarded a certificate for being the 2nd highest in the district for his SAT scores. The funny moment came when Nate went up to get that award and after he got it he walked off stage the wrong way and realized what he was doing he walked back the right way. When he was walking back I said kind of loud "Yep, there goes my genius son". Everybody around me laughed, especially Boyd. We love to tease our boys but we are proud of all of them and all there accomplishments.
When Zachary and Nate spoke in sacrament meeting Sunday I was crying and Samuel looked up at me and said "Are you going to cry at my 5th grade graduation". I think I just might Samuel. Because this has been a wonderful time to reflect on how blessed I am to have 6 wonderful, very different boys. I love being a Mom!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
And the award goes to ...
Friday, May 16, 2008
Freeze Frame

Do you remember the song of the 80's, Freeze Frame? I love that song. Even when I was younger I would think about what event in life would I like to freeze. I would imagine different scenes of my life and then take a pictures of it and freeze it. If time only stood still.
This morning I was thinking about the next two weeks of my life. I have a 5th grader, 8th grader and two Seniors. ( I do have a 1st grader but he just moving on up to 2nd grade) All of them embarking on different stages of their lifes. I have been complaining a lot the last week. Because I have 5th grade award ceremony to go too, 8th grade ceremony and then there is Seagull (gifted and talented program) awards night for my 8th grader. Then I have a few orientations I have to attend 6th grade orientation and 9th grade orientation. Then we have seminary graduation and then senior awards night and finally high school graduation. You get the idea of my life right now.
I feel bad because this morning I started complaining again and then I thought about that song "Freeze Frame". There hasn't a been time in my families life that I have just wanted to freeze and frame as much as this time. In the fall Zachary and Nate will be gone. Luke will embark on a new part of his life too and start preschool. Things will be different. Maybe I won't have anything to complain about but I will miss this hectic part of May, when I had 5 boys in school all at the same time. Just for a minute I want to FREEZE it.
What part of your life did you want to freeze? Have you ever wanted to take a picture and have that moment just last forever?
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Big Learning Experience for Me on Mothers Day
I had to speak at church today on Mothers Day. While I had very mixed feelings about doing this I learned so much this week. I have had a very spiritual week. I used a talk by Pres. Faust in my talk that I think everyone should read "Message to My Granddaughters becoming Great Women". I also read a poem that somebody said I ought to post on my website to here is goes (kind of long but worth the read)
The Girl in a Whirl
By “Dr. Sue” aka Vickie Gunther
Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do if you only knew how.
I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.
I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.
I help in their classrooms! I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair!
I memorize names of the General Authorities;
I focus on things to be done by priorities.
I play the piano! I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle! My checkbooks all balance!
Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! Never late!)
I’m taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all.
I track my bad habits ’til each is abolished;
Our t-shirts are ironed! My toenails are polished!
Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.
I do genealogy faithfully, too. It’s easy to do all the things that I do!
I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!
I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too, with my labors.
I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It’s the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)
I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each “lost lamb” on my Primary roll.
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all.
I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write “thank you’s” to those I admire.
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids get straight A’s! And their bedrooms are clean!
I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.
I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car’s tires! I fix the sink’s leak!
I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.
I make sure I rotate our two-years’ supply;
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!
These things are not hard; It’s good if you do them;
You can if you try! Just set goals and pursue them!
It’s easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!
It’s easy!” she said…and then she dropped dead.
After this poem I said a quote from Pres. Faust's talk it says
"You cannot be a 100 percent wife, a 100 percent mother, a 100 percent church worker, a 100 percent career person, and a 100 percent public-service person at the same time. How can all of these roles be coordinated? Says Sarah Davidson: “The only answer I come up with is that you can have it sequentially. At one stage you may emphasize career, and at another marriage and nurturing young children, and at any point you will be aware of what is missing. If you are lucky, you will be able to fit everything in.”
I learned more from this talk than anyone. It is fantastic being MOM! I love being a MOM!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Happy Mothers Day
As I reflect on Mothers Day I am always grateful for the wonderful Mother I have in my life. I owe my Mother so much. She is a blessing in my life. In trying to raise a family of six boys I don't know how she raised all 9 of us. She is truly a Saint. I am so grateful for the things that she taught us growing up. I am grateful for her testimony and her love of learning the gospel. She always says she wishes she could give us more. But she has already given me more than money could buy and that is for teaching me about how to gain a testimony and listen to the spirit. With out my Mom I don't know who I would be today. I do know that I wouldn't be happy.
I love you Mom !!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
BYU Women's Conference

I had a wonderful weekend. I had a wonderful opportunity to go to BYU Women's Conference. It was Thursday and Friday. My Mom spoke in a class on Friday. That class was so great. She spoke on being a life long learner. Her summary of her talk is on her blog.. It was great to see so many friends and family. My sister Mariah, Aunt Holly, Grandma and me my sister Anissa, and my Mom.
The best surprise was that my brothers wife had a baby the day before we got there. A little boy Cash Ivo Johnson. It is amazing to me just how little he was and how good his Mom Jackie looked. It was so fun to see their new place and see where they live.
It was one of the most relaxing weekends I have had in a long time. (maybe like forever) It was exactly what I needed to refresh my soul and go forward with life.
