Picture Day

I can't believe how old my kids are getting.  I'm not sure how I feel about this!

My little bunny

 Todd and I harvested lots of carrots from the garden today.  And Sophie liked to chow on them Bugs Bunny style.  I love her face. 

Shopping with my girls

My girls love to go shopping with me and I love hanging out with them.  While we were waiting in line at Banana Republic I turned around and saw Sophie sitting there holding the mannequin  hand so I had to take a picture - then Claire jumped in and said "mom take one of me too".  I love it.

 We also went to Sports Authority and they both "had" to get a running skirt just like mom.  Who cares if neither of them run yet - they look darling in their skirts and they find places to wear them.

Canning Peaches

My dad called me and said "are you busy tonight we have some peaches to can?"  I wasn't busy so they came over with 9 bags of peaches they picked from Heidi's house.  We ended up with 31 quarts of peaches and 18 jars of jam....oh and a few jars of green beans too!  I am really loving canning and it's amazing to me how much food we have preserved this summer.  I really like spending time with my mom and dad in the kitchen too :)

Potatoes

I have been very sad that my garden hasn't been as amazing as I wanted it to be.  My green beans are great and so are my cherry tomatoes but it didn't seem like much else was going strong.   My cucumbers, squash, zucchini, pumpkins, and peppers are still so tiny and have no food yet. A week or so ago I pulled up one of potato plants and it was just a few roots.  So sad I thought......then Todd told me how to harvest them and that you have to dig down deep.  I had no idea they weren't just on the roots.  We got a big bowl full of potatoes.  I am so excited!!  For my first year and such a big garden we have had more success than I should expect.  It's just hard because my mom's garden is ridiculous. 

I heart fall

I love how crisp the air is. I love the colors in the mountains. I love eating peaches. I love eating out of the garden. I love the kids being back in school. I love wearing sweaters, scarves and boots. I love that Halloween is getting closer. I love fall - it is my favorite season!

Running in South Fork Canyon

Delicious peaches and cream pie.

Luke's Baptism

Luke got baptized.  I am so proud of him for the choices he has made and the little man he's becoming.  The service was amazing.  He shared his special day with another girl in our ward Amanda Day.  Todd gave an amazing talk on the Holy Ghost, Jeannie sang a beautiful solo, my dad and David were the witnesses and Christine gave a closing prayer.  Luke put a lot of thought into who he wanted to do each of these things and it went so great I think he chose perfectly.   Bishop Gardner spoke at the end about how the kids were just starting their race with baptism and was comparing this life to running a marathon (he said like I run ... but he's about to run his first marathon in a few weeks so I know it meant a lot to him as well).  He talked about how people will help them along the way, and that it doesn't matter what position you're in just that you finish.  At the end of a marathon everyone gets a medal - at the end of this life everyone can receive eternal life.  It was such a great day and I truly am so proud to be this kids mama. 

Luke and Todd

Luke in his new suit

All ready to go - they look good in white

Luke with Grandma Johnson

Meggan came to be a part of his special day

The whole crew

The Johnson family

The men who were in the circle for his confirmation 

(our bishop isn't in the picture)

Family picture time

With Grandma Johnson

A few things that really stood out for me are how overwhelmed I was by the spirit as Todd and my dad and my brothers all stood in the circle for his confirmation.  I am so grateful to be surrounded by so much priesthood power.  I love seeing Todd use his priesthood authority.  In the confirmation blessing he told Luke that the things he needs to do to keep the Holy Ghost as his constant companion are the small and simple things.  He needs to pray daily and read the scriptures regularly.  I know these things will help him through trials and life in general.  It was a good reminder for me and everyone to remember to do these things.