Teachers

We just found out who the girls teachers will be for next year. This is always a nail biter as they don't allow you to make requests, and even if you could, the best teacher may not be on the track you are. It sucks. I truly believe the teacher is the most important factor in a child's education.

SO. Ella got the 'good' teacher according to neighborhood gossip. Kate got a brand new teacher. Always a little sketchy. I sent him this letter, I know I have a handful of elementary teachers that read, so tell me if it's too much. Too pushy. Too preachy. I sweated over it, but felt like I needed to let him know what we will and will not do.

Mr. Roper,

My daughter will be in your 4th grade class this year, and I just wanted to introduce myself and acquaint you with her a little bit. Kate has dyslexia, but despite this, graduated from resource before the end of 3rd grade and is back to grade level. Even so, she has to work twice as hard as other kids just to keep up. She is very conscientious and wants to please her teacher, because of this, she will kill herself trying to meet your expectations, and wind up with a headache every day. By the end of last year, she was begging to stay home, despite the fact that her teacher thought she was doing wonderfully.

Kate's father also has dyslexia. He is the principal of Paradigm High School. Their philosophy is very different from the public school model. We both have a different view of education than the norm. Our goal for Kate is simple-- we want her to love learning. We don't care if she finishes her homework, in fact, we are not fans of homework at all. We don't even care if she is on grade level. We know children all learn and progress at different levels and we think the whole 'grade level' system is a bit ridiculous. We are trying to help Kate realize the value of persistence over reading levels and grades. It is hard work to get an education, harder with dyslexia, and harder still not to confuse grades with education. It is persistence that will make her a great student for the rest of her life. When she learns this she will have the confidence to tackle any challenge. As long as she gets through 6th grade still enjoying the learning process we will be happy, despite what level she has attained.

We ask that you do not punish, or publicly humiliate her for not turning in homework. When she gets home, she is exhausted and just needs to be a kid. We insist that she read for 30 min. every night, but other than that, we pick and choose what homework she does. How this affects her grade is up to you, and we do not care. She knows that her grades are not important to us. Her last teacher made her 'pull a ticket' in front of the class, if her homework was not turned in. This was very distressing to her, and when I found out about it, I insisted that it stop. I realize every teacher does what they must to maintain discipline and order in class and if she ever misbehaves, we expect her to be held to the same class rules as the rest. That said, academic performance should never be a matter of discipline.

Kate is extremely bright. When she was diagnosed, she went through several tests and we found that her IQ is 120. She struggles only because she learns differently than most. She is very creative and loves to draw and create. These are her strengths. Reading and math are hard for her because the characters on the page move around in her brain. If you think she would be better off going back to resource, please let us know. She loved the resource teacher and actually cried when we told her she couldn't go anymore. She currently has no IEP, but if you feel she needs one, or if that would help you to be able to 'go easy' on her, we will do that.

I would love the opportunity to volunteer in your class weekly. I can come during preschool hours on T/W/Th, when my last child is gone. If you need someone to read with kids or help in any way related to academics, I would love that. I am not interested in planning parties or being on a PTA committee. Please let me know how I can best help you help your students.

We appreciate all teachers and know that it is a hard job. We don't want to be 'those' parents that hover over you-- we just want Kate to feel relaxed, with no pressure to perform. Please let us know if these requests seem unreasonable to you. I'm sure we can get her into another class if you don't feel you can work with her.

Thank you in advance for all your time and efforts spent on her behalf,

Kristin Johnson

Cop out post

We just got back from a glorious week at one of the most beautiful places on earth, aka: Lake Powell, and I should be posting about that.... but I didn't take more than 5 pictures all. week. long. Ya. I can't be bothered. Soooo... until I steal some photos from my fam, who all seem to own really nice camera's and keep them handy, I'll be posting this cartoon. Because I think it's funny.

We missed Pioneer Day, and while that means we missed the best fireworks of the entire year, and the best parade of the year... well... we didn't really even miss it. No offense to our pioneer ancestors, but basking in the sun while floating on your back in cool cool water without cell phone service for miles- trumps all. And the watermelon polo was pretty funny. I did manage to get a video of that. I may put it up tomorrow. Or not. I may be busy doing laundry and trying to catch up with my house/shopping/calling. Or I may just feel too lazy, because I'm all about lazy these days...

Maybe I'll just rip off my SIL's post. That should be easy enough. Eh. We'll see. 

Love Birds

Chris asked Annie if Zeke was her friend. She very seriously said, "Zeke is my very best friend. I'm gonna marry him." We looked over at Zeke and he scrunched up his face in the cutest smile and giggled, "I can't wait to get married!" 

Annie's mom snapped this photo on their way home from 7-11. They just started holding hands as they were walking. It's so cute. I hope they are always good friends, even if they are never more romantic than they are now.

Dad's Funeral-- long post

The viewing was Friday night from 5-8pm. Chris left on his motorcycle at 1 pm for  a ride. By 4:30 I was packing up the kids in the van and he still wasn't home. He wasn't answering his phone, which is normal, when he's riding. I wasn't worried. I think I'd have a bad feeling if something happened to him. Maybe not though. Regardless, I figured he either lost track of time, or was on his way and just didn't want to pull over and answer the phone.

When we got to the viewing he finally called, he'd gotten lost. He was home, but couldn't find his sports jackets or shoes to match his suit. Luke was wearing the black shoes. The sports jackets were at work, or in the laundry. I should have been the good wife and made sure his wardrobe was ready, but getting myself and 5 others into the car on time is all I can handle. 

People kept asking me where he was. He wasn't the only sibling late. In fact there were 3 that showed up well after him. I just had to chuckle. 'Johnson family time' is worse than 'Mormon standard time'. Nobody pays much attention to the clock in that family. Except for me, and my five children. We were all there on time.

The kids all went to look at Dad. The reactions varied: 'He looks fake. He looks creepy. It doesn't even look like him! Is he plastic?' Zeke peeked his head over the casket and said, 'Yep. There's grandpa!' and then ran away to pilfer more candy from the funeral home jar. Ella kept going back to look at Dad. She did that at my Grandma's funeral too. I never know what she's thinking, but she didn't seem upset, so we just let her look as long as she wanted. I ended up taking the kids for dinner an hour later, then Luke drove them home and I went back to stay with Chris. I love having another driver in the family. After the viewing ended, we went to Cheesecake Factory with 2 of his sisters. That's always a good way to end a day! 

The funeral was really nice. A bit long, but good. Almost all Stan's family was there. I think we were only missing 2 grandson's and 2 grandson-in-laws. There was lots of extended family too. Chris, his brother and sister all spoke. The daughters and a granddaughter sang. It was great. There were tears, but everyone made it through their parts. Chris did a good job. Really good job, considering he didn't know what he was going to say until his brother got up to speak. That's always the way it is with him, he just ponders up until the very minute, and he's 'given what to say' just in time. It was a perfect mix of doctrine, gospel and Stan stories. He told some funny stories that had the audience laughing out loud. I had to run out in the middle of it, because Ella leaned over and said the most dreaded words a parent can hear, "I think I'm gonna throw up!" We RAN to the bathroom, but she couldn't do it. Her stomach had been cramping all during the funeral, but it wasn't until we got into the car to go to the graveside that she started puking. Life with children. Never a dull moment. Anyway, Chris ended up taking her home before the luncheon, and she's still ill. I'm just praying none of the rest of us get it.

The grave sight is underneath a giant pine tree, right by the mausoleum in a cemetery that is way up in the foot hills with a beautiful view of the mountains. It was overcast, and just the perfect temperature. It was the perfect day for a funeral. Luke was one of the pallbearers. Zeke was an honorary pallbearer.

We went back to the church to eat our ham and funeral potatoes provided by the RS, and then quickly came home so Chris could go back to the luncheon. Luke and I had headaches from lack of food. No one had eaten since breakfast and the luncheon didn't start till 2:30pm. Being hungry never helps. I should have packed snacks. Note to self: Pack food for funerals. When we got home, I climbed in bed with Ella and took a long nap. We're all exhausted. Physically and emotionally. I didn't think it would be that hard.  

It was fun to see all the grandkids and their ever growing families, some we haven't seen in a decade. It's still a little bizarre to me to be in such a huge family-- but I love them all, they're good people. I wish we had more time with them, in a more relaxed, less stressful situation, fighting with our little kids, being hungry and tired. Oh well. It is what it is. At this point in Chris' family, the only thing that's going to gather the whole herd is another funeral.

As for Chris' mom, and where she's going to live now: Ella asked her last week, "Grandma, are you going to live with us?" Laverne said she'd like to keep that option open, but for now, she just wanted to see how she would do on her own.

She's been taking care of Stan for the last 6 years, changing his bag (bladder removed from cancer), taking care of his every need and want, she's put a lot of things on hold. The day after he died, she was cleaning out his closet, getting her quilting organized (she still has 12 quilts to make for grandchildren before she dies, she says), and talking about how she's been wanting to make a new centerpiece for the dining room table. She's going to join a sealing group and start going to the RS activities. She said, "It's kind of nice to be able to leave the house without Stan yelling, 'Where are you going? Don't spend any money!'" LOL. Poor woman. She needs some and R&R.

We'll keep a close eye on her, and make sure she's ok. She may eventually come to live with us, but for now, she wants to stay put. Chris has a 'spidey sense' about her, always seems to know when she needs him, and when he needs to call or go over. She still hasn't really cried. It may hit her in a few days, or weeks, and then we'll need to be ready to step in and help out. I'm happy to do it. She's so sweet. The perfect mother in law. All the kids praised her for being the keel to Stan's boat at the funeral. Chris said when his life was full of storm, she was the one to say, "Peace, be still." He was a powerhouse, but she was the anchor, the one to keep him grounded. 61 years of marriage, that's a long time. He was a lucky man. The whole family is blessed. We'll miss him. 

Oakcrest '13

Tess had an opportunity to go to Beehive camp. It's girls camp for 7th-8th graders up in the Uintah's. I never got to do this growing up, as our area didn't get invited, but out here, they do. 

She was gone 5 days, and had a great time bonding with strangers, as she didn't sign up to go with any of the girls from the neighborhood. 

The focus was spiritual, but there were fun activities and crafts, and 'really good food' she said. 

Here's a few pictures:

TRUE STORY

Tess, Ella and I were out swinging on the porch tonight. We'd had Stan's funeral all day today, and we were exhausted. Pretty soon we see this SUV make a weird U turn and kind of look at us for a while. Then they drove up and parked in front of the house and a man got out and introduced himself as Scott Featherstone.

"Any relation to Vaughn J.?" I asked. His father. Pretty close to Mormon celebrity right there folks.

Anyway, he said he was making a commercial for some health insurance company, they wanted him to film in Daybreak (aka: The Truman Show), and would we like to make a $100 while we sat in the swing?

Um... Yes! I signed a waiver, he gave me a fresh Benjamin, and our filming debut began.

We sat there, swinging, talking amongst ourselves, trying not to look at the camera, and not feel awkward. Laughing at the thought of Ella suddenly puking all over the porch on film (she puked her way all through the funeral today) and wondering if they'd want their $100 back if she puked on that too... you know... just trying to 'act casual'. Just your average Saturday evening on the porch swing.

I wonder if he'd like to come back when Luke is smooching his girlfriend with the Christmas lights all lit up? I bet that would make good copy!

Never Far

I was reading the Book of Enos today in the temple dressing room, waiting my turn, and when I got to this verse, I had a very strong sense of my Father in law, and that he had earned his mansion.

 27 And I soon go to the place of my ^arest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall ^brest. And I rejoice in the day when my ^cmortal shall put on ^dimmortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the ^emansions of my Father. Amen.

Tears of course sprang to my eyes, and when I looked up to clear them, this older temple worker walked past WHO I SWEAR WAS THE SPITTING IMAGE OF HIM! Only in female form. I had a little cry fest right then and there. Of course I did. But then I started thinking of all the good he is probably doing now, and hoped that he was watching over us, and my children particularly, and even had a little vision of him shaking hands with my grandfather Nakaya. It was a sweet moment that confirmed to me the existence of the after-life. I know I shouldn't be sad over his passing, he's much happier, my mother in law is doing much better, SO WHY AM I STLL CRYING???? I swear I have cried more over this than any member of Chris' immediate family. SO. STUPID.

I am a wreck. I need a tissue. Excuse me.

Funeral is Saturday. I'm planning on wearing my sunglasses through the whole thing. And maybe a big floppy hat.

Juan Beiber

Chris and I met his mom and a few sisters at Luke's restaurant for lunch last week. Luke's manager came up to the table and said, "I assume you are some relation to LUke" to which I replied, "Yes, his mother." Then he said, "I like the hair better on you." lol.

He then thanked us for raising such a hard working kid, told us he NEVER hires teenagers, but was really impressed with Luke. I told him we made him do chores and only paid him a $1/hr to babysit, to which he replied, "I think I may be over paying him then!"

Luke came in on the 5th of July to work, and apparently was the only employee not hung over. His boss said, "Thanks for not coming into work all F-ed up and Sh** faced dude. I really appreciate it."
What is it with restaurant managers and their potty mouths? Every single manager I ever had waiting tables had the same mouth. Idiots.

Anyway, at the restaurant, they call him Juan Beiber. Pretty funny man. And they love him. He is the hardest working kid on the block. It was a proud parenting moment. Wish I could take some of the credit, but aside from giving him chores and making him earn his allowance, he was born with this work ethic. He's a good egg.

Independence Day 2013

We spent the 4th at Grandma Nakaya's, BBQ-ing and doing our own fireworks. My SIL's brother and his family are in the states from NZ, so it was a bigger party than usual, and fun to hear more than one accent in the conversation.  

  

After dinner, we went down to the 'firework safe' zone-- basically off the hill-- to empty lot where many 'uphillers' were gathered to do their fireworks. Luke played his usual role of fire master, and we got to enjoy not just our little box of fireworks, but everyone's show. Some of those people spent a TON on fireworks, so we got a really good, really long show. I trotted over to the conveniently placed fireworks stand and bought some sparklers and glow sticks, and the kids were happy as clams. Except Ella. She was petrified of the fireworks and spent half the night cowering in the car. Don't ask. I have no idea. Never had this problem before. 

At the end, someone's fireworks tipped over, shot out sideways into a bit of grass and started a fire. It was pretty exciting, but that's when we said, "Well, we're outta here!" Don't want to hang around till the cops show! They got the fire out with some blankets pretty fast, and by the time the cops showed, there was nothing to see. A long, but fun night for the kids. 

RIP

Stanley Clawson Johnson
July 30, 1930- July 2, 2013
Husband, Father of 8, Grandfather of 39, Great Grandfather to 47. Former Bishop, brilliant Chemical Engineer. Served 2 full time missions with his wife Laverne. Joined his loved ones on the other side of the veil late Tuesday night. Will be dearly missed by all.
Rest in Peace Dad. We love you.

First Kiss and the Kiss of Death

Slightly morbid title.

Chris' dad is getting ever closer to death, and Chris has been on death watch for the last 3 days, pretty much 24/7. It's been a very spiritual process. Everything from visits from deceased loved ones, an amazing last father's blessing for the whole family, and tender moments watching his mom patiently, and loving endure the stress and fatigue of round the clock care giving. He hates to be away as he wants to be there for his Mom when Dad passes. The kids and I visited for the last time, as he is now uncommunicative. I can't go over there anymore. I can't control my emotions. I don't want my kids last memory of him to be anything worse than what it was at our last visit. Still recognized them, made a few jokes, looked horrible, but still could smile and hold out a hand. That's all gone now. Maybe we should be over there keeping vigil. I don't know, I just know I can't do it. It's too upsetting to me. I don't know how Chris is handling it. Dad hasn't eaten or drunk anything in 3 days. It can't be long now. This slow death is so agonizing, but yet must serve some purpose, either for the one dying, or the ones left behind. Teaching us to trust in the Lord's timing I guess.

Anyway, I'm a mess now. Let me switch tacks to something more upbeat.

Luke had his first kiss while we were away in Cedar City. We'd left him in charge of the 3 littles and took Tess to see a play for her birthday. Well, she and Chris saw the play, I got my haircut. WELL worth missing the play for! We also had a sealing in St. George the next day for my cousin, so it all worked out well.

Friday night after the kids were in bed his 2 gal pals came over to hang out. Gal pal dating his best friend left. Gal pal he's hung with forever, but never been 'romantically' inclined towards stayed. He told us they were sitting on the porch swing, with the christmas lights on (did I mention he wrapped my swing in Christmas lights? He did.) talking about how they should invite Gal pal #1 to read the Book of Mormon with them, and then he said, " And then I thought, "What if I kissed her? and then I just WAS!!!"

Well, no longer sweet sixteen-- but how many teens tell their parents about their first kiss??? I know I sure as heck didn't! We feel pretty good about the open relationship we have with him.

Chris of course had to ask for details, which he freely gave, and then Chris said, "Well, just don't do it (kiss) a lot. It makes you horny."

I don't know how I feel about it yet to tell you the truth. I kind of wanted him to keep his virgin lips till he came home from his mission.

Oh, and the other thing, she just graduated. She's 18. All his friends were Seniors, and since he skipped a grade, that makes him 2 years younger than them. Chris said, "That means your first kiss was with and ADULT! GROSS!" And Luke says, "Ewww!" She's off to community college-- Luke's still in HS. I can't see it going anywhere really. At least I hope it doesn't go anywhere. Girlfriends are nothing but trouble I tell you. Trouble.

*sigh* I don't know if parenting teens is really my thing. Good thing Chris is good at it.