the year in photos

Here's a little snapshot of this past year.


(We'd love it if you'll take a moment to write a comment so we know you've watched our video. Thanks!)

future grammy winners

The children sang at church yesterday. Although they knew the songs, Karis and Daniel were a little awestruck by the size of the audience. If you watch the video though, you will see that they did sing a little. Daniel performed in the second service as well as the first ... however he was more interested in getting something out of his pocket than in singing. Check it out.

christmas festivities

Thursday was a big day for Christmas festivities. Daniel had a Christmas party at school. He made the cutest little marshmallow snowman (in our 75 degree weather). And to top it off, Santa came to his school at the end of the morning. At her school, Karis decorated a gingerbread house and then performed in her school's holiday concert. (The concert was outdoors. It was kind of funny seeing all the parents trying to find places to stand in the shade ... in December!)
Daniel didn't want to go up to Santa by himself.
Can you find Karis in the front row? (Ellie H. is in the front row too.)

Karis and Daniel couldn't wait to eat their gingerbread house and snowman after dinner!

welcome ashton james johnsen!

Ashton James was born to Tammy and Lloyd Johnsen and big brother Brodie on Tuesday, December 12 just before midnight.
Congratulations Tam and Lloyd! Way to go Tam ... you rock! We love you all!

a performance by our ballerina

Last weekend was a very busy weekend for me. I had the Christmas Parade, Sirica's baby shower, Holly E's birthday party, and Karis' ballet recital. Although it was a busy weekend, all the festivities were a fun way to start off the Christmas season. And Karis' recital was precious. Below you can watch her and all the other "candy canes" in action. (She curtsies to her buddy, Paige, at the beginning and stands next to her buddy, Ellie, for most of the dance.)


We figure with how much the seats at the show cost, we better be sharing the show with all our friends!

happy birthday holly!

Happy Birthday to Holly Eubank! (a couple days late!) On Saturday, Holly's parents treated her and a group of her friends to lunch out ... at a restaurant where Holly & her mom once sat at a table next to Oprah.

I should mention that Holly E. and Cathi Speake are two of my most frequent "commenters." (Cathi is standing next to me and Holly next to her.) Ladies, you rock! Thanks for all the encouragement that keeps me blogging. ...Now I know there are those of you out there who read my blog but never comment (this includes my mom's friends!) ... I know you're reading because you've told me so. I'd love to hear from you!

christmas parade!

I love our Christmas parade! It's definitely my favorite parade of the year. I think because it's at night and the Christmas lights are out ... it's kind of magical. And I love watching my kids watch the parade ... seeing how their faces light up at different participants. This year, Karis' favorite thing in the parade was all the dancing groups and Daniel's favorite was the motorcycle gang.