Valentine's Day

Since Valentine's Day is so close to our Anniversary, we have decided to keep all Valentine's Days low key. Last year we stayed in, but this year we thought we would venture out. Scotty got reservations at one of the restaurants up at Sundance. I've decided that I kinda love that place. I feel like I am back in Washington. It was fun to get dressed up and get out of our normal Friday evening.

 Scotty had a bouquet delivered to work. Made my day! 

I Heart Weekends

Our weekend was pretty uneventful. I have decided that I kinda like uneventful. I get a lot done with uneventful. It is also very relaxing.

I decorated for Valentine's Day the first time ever. I mean this isn't much, but it's a start. I printed these free printables at Walmart and after the worst experience there, it is quite the accomplishment that they actually made it up. 

We are couch-less right now. We sold our old couches and the new ones will be delivered this week. Scotty wanted to watch the basketball game in HD so we improvised by bringing our extra mattress downstairs and created a makeshift couch. It is pretty comfy if I do say so myself.

Now it's Monday. Woof.

But, seriously.

New Year's Week

The week of New Year's was definitely one for the books.

It was good, but I was not up to par health-wise. On Sunday, my common cold took a turn for the worse when I completely lost my voice. We had planned our "Christmas" with the McKells for Sunday. It was so fun to have dinner and celebrate Christmas morning all over again. But I could barely get out a Thank You ... or anything that made sense for that matter.

Side Note: We got this shirt for Carson for Christmas. 

I've never seen my husband so excited about children's clothes in my life. 

Can you tell they are 49ers fans? 

I woke up Monday morning and it was even worse. To top it off I had gum graft surgery scheduled that afternoon. I was definitely in a bind. So I went to the doctor to see what was up. Thankfully it was just an upper respiratory infection. Nothing that some antibiotics couldn't kill. When I asked my doctor if I should go through with my oral surgery he said ...  Might as well, you're out for the count anyway. Wow. Thanks doc.

So that afternoon I went in for the gum grafts. The surgeon said it went great and sent me home. Luckily Scott was ok just hanging out that night while I iced my face. He even went and got me a milkshake. He's a keeper. Between the cold and the surgery I was pretty much a walking pharmacy. Are this many prescriptions even legal?!

Luckily I had the next few days to recover. Yay for holidays and two-day work weeks! By the next day (New Year's Eve) I was feeling ok. I was able to meet up with some of my faves for lunch (aka soup). I am so grateful for these girls' friendship!

My mouth was still partially numb at this point ... hence the partial smile. 

I'm lucky I wasn't drooling all over the place.

Later Scotty and I met up with the McKells to celebrate my brother-in-laws 30th birthday ... which just happens to be on New Year's Eve. Ashley had a fun evening planned for everyone. We all went to the local trampoline place where everyone had fun jumping and running around this huge warehouse. I just watched, obviously. But it looked like everyone had fun.

2nd Side Note: How cute is he? 

Then my mother in law had a wonderful cafe rio pork salad-type meal for everyone. Well it looked good. I ate tapioca pudding and cream of wheat. By 10 p.m. I was wiped out. I iced my face some more. We played some games (of what little voice I had gained back) and once midnight hit, we peaced out. I was a complete party pooper. Sorry guys! Horrible planning on my part.

So I learned two lessons from this New Year's holiday. Don't get a cold while you have oral surgery scheduled. Don't schedule oral surgery if you want to eat food and actually be coherent New Year's.

Oops. My bad.

2013 Christmas

Christmas break came at the perfect time this year. I was in need of a major break from life. There has been some stress around our lives and we needed to have a break. On top of it, and probably a contributing factor, both Scotty and I had not taken more than a day and a half off work at a time in over a year. With the way that Christmas fell (and by making it a priority) we were able to take the entire week off work. Let me repeat myself, the entire week!

We went to Spokane for Christmas to spend time with my family. I had the "brilliant" idea to save the extra $500 and drive instead of fly. I have never driven to Washington in the winter time, but I mean how bad can it be? Bad! The morning we left a huge storm hit Utah. We almost got off the exit in Davis county to ride out the storm, it was THAT BAD. But Scotty was a champ. Not only did he put up with my white-knuckle worrying comments, he just kept the 25 to 35 mph speed and 3 hours later we finally made it out of Utah and most of the storm!

Once we made it home, our trip was glorious. I loved being back on my old stomping grounds. It was fun to spend time with family and family friends that I hardly ever see...and to squeeze and kiss my adorable niece and nephew. We slept in every day. Hung out. Went to movies. Went to a couple Christmas parties. Shopped. And played endless round of Rummicub. Christmas eve and morning were magical watching Savannah talk about Santa Claus and the presents that he was going to bring her. It was so fun being a part of that! To be a child again. We were so spoiled and are so blessed!

 I was dying around this time! I'm not the best person to have in the car with bad roads.

Once we hit Montana I just sat back and enjoyed the beauty around us!

 These faces made the long drive worth it!

Christmas Eve. Scotty took a break from shaving on the trip too :)

 I wish I would've taken more pictures of my parent's house. 

It is so beautifully decorated at Christmas time!
This is what it looked like a couple years ago.

 I think Santa came. That Barbie bike was for me. Just kidding. 

I forget what this stupid thing is called but Savannah loved bouncing on it.

Then it was back to reality. The drive back was perfect!

Oh and so I never forget ... We played this new game called Heads Up!. It is actually a phone app created by Ellen. It is a mixture of catch phrase and charades. And the best part is that it records it for you. I haven't laugh that hard in a long time!

You're welcome!

Christmas

Christmas this year was a busy one, but very fun! We stayed in Utah. It was nice not having to travel. The best part is that we were able to spend the holidays with both families!

Christmas Eve and morning was spent with the McKells. I was able to finally experience the famous Christmas Eve talent show and nativity. Let's just say I realize again how little of talent I brought to this family. I mean I have a good sense of humor and can find a mean deal ... but when it comes to anything musical, ya right! I did enjoy watching the talents of others and be a part of the Christmas spirit!

During the nativity, we skyped in Ashley's new baby to play the part as baby Jesus. I mean how could we not with Carson being days old and in the age of technology.

Christmas morning was fun. I'll be honest, it was a little weird not waking up in my parent's house on Christmas morning. But it was fun being apart of my new family's traditions. One of my favorite decorations in my in-laws house is this vintage tree. And when I say vintage, it's legit. It belonged Scotty's great grandmother. It is silver and there is a color wheel that goes around so it changes colors like every 15 seconds. It's way cool.

We took off early Christmas afternoon to head to my sister's house, where my family (yes my parent's too!) was. We made it in time for my brother to call from California, where he is serving his 2-year mission. It was sooooooo good to hear his voice. It amazing to hear the change in him. He was way more talkative than I have ever heard him and more mature, yet still our same Scottie. Can't wait to see him in May!

Overall it was a really good Christmas. We were able to spend it with most of our family, we were spoiled beyond what we deserve ... by most importantly we were able to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Temple Square Date

Last night we went on a mid-week date to Temple Square to see the Christmas Lights. I love living so close to this place. There is such an amazing feeling on those sacred grounds, even amid the chaos. It was fun getting into the Christmas spirit. I also was able to finally see the infamous candy windows at Macy's that I kept hearing about. I love festive window displays. It was like a little bit of NYC came to SLC. 

By the end my face was frozen and I remembered why I like summer.

thanksgiving 2012

For Thanksgiving we were fortunate enough to fly to Spokane for Thanksgiving. Have I ever mentioned how much I love (and miss) that place?!?!

It was such a fun and relaxing trip. We shopped, laughed watched a ton of football and ate way too much food. A successful Thanksgiving indeed.

Savannah was our resident entertainment (well besides my dad. haha). That girl has personality! And a big talker I realized. I love this picture of Adrienne and Scott trying to reason with her on her visit to Santa. She sure loves Santa ... but only from a distance.

Thanksgiving was spent with just my family and my Grandma Johnson. My mom did an awesome job with the food. We even played Betsy's Bingo. Let me assure you this is not your grandma's bingo. ... though great-grandma was the one who walked away with the big prize.

Friday was spent shopping! What else? I wasn't on the hunt for anything in particular and wasn't in a rush so the crowds didn't bother me too much. Friday night we went and saw the new Lincoln movie.

I sure do love my family. 

We missed having the Simon' there, 

but all in all it was a perfect way to spend the Holiday. 

Two thumbs up!

Annual Halloween Par-Tay

The McKell Annual Family Halloween Party is a big deal...remember last year?

Everyone dresses up.
We eat yummy fall food.
Dance to Monster Mash and Thriller.
Play games (pumpkin pinata included).
And of course play a couple rounds of Boo Bingo.

This year I actually put some thought into my costume and once we got to the party it was fun (getting there was a little stressful). I was a witch (fitting?) and Scotty went as Buzz Light Year.

The gang. Lots of family was in town for Ashley's baby shower, just missing Brett.

Close ups of our costumes. SIDE NOTE: This very well may be one of my favorite pictures of my husband. He was so excited to show my sister his costume, it blows up after all. Well, she was taking a long time getting to our house and he fell asleep waiting. Haha.

Click Here for more pictures of the party.

life and my birthday

1. Utah never seems to disappoint on sunsets. We were on our way home from Costco and I couldn't get over this view.

2. Sometimes (and only sometimes, unfortunately) I am a good wife and make my husband breakfast. Proof.

3. Me, Steph and her friend decided to be crafty and make refrigerator magnets the other week. It was fun being crafty. I love making things!

4. Last night we had fun going through some of Scotty's old things. I found a couple winter hats from his mission. Fashion statement?!? I asked Scotty if he thought I could pass as a Russian/Ukrainian and was semi-offended when he said yes ... and then he clarified only if I was wearing the hat. Phew.

This past week was my birthday! (Insert personalized birthday song). I turned 28 years-old! I can't believe I am almost 30.

I sure feel loved and am one very spoiled girl. Birthday festivities were three fold.

1. On Thursday was my actual birthday. Scotty made me breakfast and gave me some flowers and one part of my present. Later that night we had a small group of family and friends over for dinner and to watch the BYU vs. Boise State Football game. I guess that is what happens when you have a fall birthday. It was really fun, despite the loss. I mean just Keep Calm and Birthday On!

2. Scotty kept reminding me that it was my "birthday weekend" and that I could do anything I wanted. So of course I chose to go shopping. I mean I had gift cards to burn. We went to city creek. I want to enjoy every last bit of nice weather we have. I found way too much that I wanted to buy (especially at The Limited), but restrained myself to only a few pieces. After taking my sweet time in the fitting room on our first stop, I came out of the store to find Scotty sitting in a chair just keeping himself entertained. He was so bored, but was such a good sport. He didn't complain once. He's a keeper I tell ya. ... I knew he wanted to go see the new Clint Eastwood movie so we went to that after City Creek. It was a fun day!

3. Sunday evening we went to the McKell's for my and Elle's birthday dinner. We had a yummy dinner outside and I was more than happy to share the birthday festivities! I told Elle she can be my new birthday twin.

All in all ... I have a feeling 28 is gonna be a good year ... especially if my first week is any indication!

A Beach Boys Kind Of Fourth

It seems I always end up being with my family on the 4th of July. I wouldn't have it any other way. Instead of traveling like last year, my family came to us! We had a BBQ at the cabin and just hung around. I love spending time with my family. It was fun showing my nieces all the fun places around where we live. They showed up all festive and ready to party.

The Stadium of Fire was this year's choice of venue for fireworks. Why, you ask? The Beach Boys were performing! You can't get any more American than The Beach Boys. My entire family was beyond excited to see them. We are big fans, us Johnsons. I mean we even have participated in two variety shows (20 years ago) dancing to Be True To Your School and California Girls. They are on video somewhere. I need to track those down. It's a pretty infamous video. Scotty even bought an Endless Summer shirt for the occasion.

Waiting for the festivities to start. We were dying of heat!

Look who we spotted? President Uchtdorf (a leader in our church)!

As Scotty and Stephanie would say ... He's so German! #insidejoke

I am happy to report that after 50 years of being together, The Beach Boys still got it! They sounded amazing. It was probably the best concert I have attended. Well the most fun! My parents all the way down to my two-year old niece got into it. They are such an American icon. What better day to see them than on our Independence Day?!

Proud to be an American!

Christmas in Photos

This is a little what my Christmas looked like...

A lot of Christmas decorations. My mom and dad did a good job this year. No?

A lot of food, which included our annual Panda Express on Christmas Eve. #myfave

And not enough kisses (but way too much Barney) from this little girl.

For more reasons than one, Christmas was good to me this year!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas too.

No Place Like Home for the Holidays

We are leaving today for the Inland Northwest for Christmas!
I cannot wait to be with my family!

This is my parent's house last year decorated at Christmas. 

Can't wait to see what my mom and dad did this year!

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Shopping

Christmas is less than one week away. One week! I finally finished my Christmas shopping last night. Are you done yet? The hardest people to shop for are those who never make a list (eh hem dad).

Agree? Agree.

So I thought I would share part of my wish list with you ... just in case Santa reads this. Or if one of you are DYING to get me a present here are a few ideas. Just a thought.

 (all can be found on my pinterest page)

1. Two-toned watch. Now that I have some bling on my finger, I need to make wearing gold easier.
2. Marc Jacobs Daisy. I already have this but I am almost out. Time to re-stock!
3. Hunter Rain Boots. I mean who doesn't want these?!?!?
4. Chambray Shirt. The one I have has shred to pieces.
5. A cute dress. A girl can never have enough dresses.
6. Camera bag that looks like a purse. The Daybook recently gave my favorite one away (I obvi didn't win).
7. Anything leopard. Obsessed much?
8. Clarisonic cleansing system. Yes. Please.

I figure that  if I don't get all of these, which in all reality I am NOT expecting ... 
I will just go on a little shopping spree!

I mean ...

Oh and make sure you enter my sister's 

12 Days of Christmas GIVEAWAY.

It's a good one!

Steph's ends tonight.

Santa ...

Santa ... I KNOW HIM!

I was going to share my week according to my phone ... but this one takes the cake!

O Christmas Tree

On Friday Stephanie and I had the brilliant idea of getting a real Christmas tree for our apartment. We didn't get around in until 9 p.m. that night. Thank goodness the cutest Christmas Tree Farm opened back up for us. And thanks to Scotty and his 4Runner, we got ourselves our very own Charlie Brown Christmas tree!!!

Too bad we failed to have a base before we actually bought the tree and Wal-Mart was out of what we needed. Naturally. So the tree sat outside for the next two days until a base was bought. This afternoon we finally got that sucker inside and set it up. It was quite the process.

Once it was upright and not crooked, the roomies got in on the decorating action...

Please excuse my Sunday attire.

Isn't she pretty? I mean it's no Griswold family Christmas tree, but it'll do.

She's perfect.