Santa Party

We had our annual Santa party this past Saturday. There were 27 of us most of them between the ages of 14 to 19. There were no little kids and the only believer was Rachel. I have told her Santa is really mom and dad and she just doesn't believe me. Every kid had a gift and had to sit on Santa's lap to receive it. One young man who goes to K-state got a piece of coal. It was pretty funny when Santa took his gift back and gave him his coal. You know this is Jayhawk country. The house erupted with laughter. Sean was a good sport and played along. The food was great and we just had a really good time. Actually I think this was the best one so far and we have had a lot of these. The Hanson's and the Gauthier's started this when David and Lindsay were 1 1/2 and Abby was almost 1. They are now 18 1/2 and almost 18. We have grown to 4 families and now have a huge buffet supper. We have boyfriends, girlfriends and just friends that come. It seems like the older they get the more fun they have. And they don't really care about sitting on Santa's lap. Most of them have fun playing along.

Tagging Happiness

I was tagged by Emily to share 6 things that make me happy.
1. My mom and dad. They are the most loving and generous people I know. They have loved me know matter what stupid thing I did. And if you have never eaten at there home you are truely missing a wonderful meal.
2. My Family. I love when we all go to a movie together. Now that Lindsay is "grown up" we don't do it very often. We did do it this weekend!
3. Lindsay's singing. I can watch and listen to her sing for hours. She has so much expression when she sings and you can tell she loves it.
4. Rachel's singing. Well it is hard to listen to but she also has lots of expression and truely loves to sing. She belts it out at her school chorus concerts.
5. I love sappy movies that make you cry. Right now all the Christmas movies/love stories that always end happy!
6. I love the Spring flowers. After a hard cold winter and that first bud pops through the ground.

OK I am tagging Donna and Lori.

New Job

Thought I would catch everyone up on the new job. I have now been in a week and a half of training. And I actually like it. I went into it thinking I was going to hate it. Now I haven't started my night shift yet so I may change my tune then. I start evenings on this coming Monday. This is a call center and I will be working with students and parents calling in with questions about the FAFSA(Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Student loans, grants and that sort of thing. It has been pretty interesting so far. I have taken about 15 calls now. All have been with someone there helping me. Monday I will be on my own winging it. I am in hopes that someone with good hours will quit and I can get their hours. You know the job I really wanted and everyone was praying for, they had a layoff. Kind of glad I didn't get that job after all.

Thanksgiving and Christmas all wrapped into 1

Well I thought I'd let everyone know I did not get the job I wanted. They are giving it to someone who already works there. SO I am still looking. Well I guess I have a job that starts 12/1 but I don't really want it but because of the economy and lots of people without jobs I am going to take it and keep looking. I will be working 12:30 to 9:00PM M-F. To work days I would of had to work Saturday and have a weekday off.

We will be heading to ElDorado for Thanksgiving and Christmas all in the same visit. My brother David and his family are coming this year at Thanksgiving so we have to get it all in at once. Rachel is very excited for Christmas to be here early and we are all very excited to see David's family again.
We are going to miss seeing Katie, John and McKenzie but we know they are going to have a great Thanksgiving with all their family in Minnesota. But hopfully we will see the rest of the Gauthier's at Grandma's house on Thanksgiving.

I need everyone's prayers!

OK I have another job interview Tuesday morning. I need everyone's prayers! This would be a good one if I could get it. It's not just one I applied for because I have to for unemployment.

Oh thoses Dentists

I have been having a tooth ache, Oh for about a month now. This past weekend it got so bad I couldn't hardly stand it. Early Monday morning I called our dentist and I couldn't get in until Wednesday. I found some pain drugs leftover from when Lindsay had her wisdom teeth removed earlier in the year so I started taking them. These got me to Wednesday. I get to the dentist and I had a broken filling. Let me tell you there was a couple of times I thought I dying. Just put me out of my misery. He numbed me up and drilled out that old filling and decided I needed a root canel. I have to say that I can now eat on both sides of my mouth, I can swish cold water in my mouth and it not hurt. I feel so much better. How can 1 little filling cause so much pain.

Busy Weekend

First of all let me say that what I thought was a junky computer problem was a bad modem problem and we are back up running full force again. YEA!! Nothing is more frustrating then computer problems.

It seems our weekends just keep getting busier. Saturday was Rachel Special Olympics metro bowling tournament in KC. We had to be there at 8:30 in the morning UGH. This means we leave our house at 7:30 AM. Anyway we made it and Rachel bowled a 26 and a 51. She should have gotten the bronze medal but for some reason she was left off the last of bowlers in her lane so they made a new list of bowlers consisting of 1 bowler, Rachel. Rachel got the gold medal. She was thrilled. She had lots of fun and doesn't get as mad as she used to when she gutters. I think this is her favorite sport. Of course it doesn't require much physical ability either. Yesterday Lindsay worked concessions at the KU football game and Bob worked. Then my parents came around 3:30 to ride with us back to KC for a wedding. The wedding was for my 2nd cousins daughter Kellie. Oh my she was beautiful. The wedding was on the Plaza in KC. I wish it would have been after Thanksgiving so my parents could have seen the Plaza lights all lit up. The reception was downtown KC, MO and the food was wonderful. We weren't able to stay very long as my parents had to get back home and it is a 2 hour drive from my house. They had a pretty nice jazz band that played. Rachel was ready to get out there and dance but nobody was dancing so she didn't either. For those of you who have been to my house, you probably have seen the many things I have made out of wood. Like the Wheel barrel on my coffee table and other things hanging on my walls. They were all made by Buzz Moore. His wife is my dads cousin. He was a wonderful man and a very good friend to many of us. His grand daughter was the bride. At the part in the wedding where you exchange your rings the preacher told a story of when Buzz was stricken with an unknown virus. Buzz had met Ryan(the groom) twice and really liked him. At the point when they knew he was dying he asked to talk to Kellie by herself. He took off his wedding ring and gave it to Kellie and told her she could use this for Ryan at her wedding. I tell you there was hardly a dry eye in the church. It was a very touching moment.

Well I'll try to do better with my blogging now that the computer issues are fixed.

It's been awhile Sorry

I am so sorry I haven't blog in awhile. Nothing new really. I had to have another birthday and at my age you just wish they would go right on by. Anyway it was a good one. No job yet but I am still hopeful something will come along SOON. We are having a garage sale this weekend so we have been pulling out things we don't want anymore. Well except for Bob. He says not to sell anything of his. Silly boy is such a pack rat. Lindsay is taking after me in that respect. If I don't use it anymore, get rid of it.
We went to Hesston Kansas this past Sunday. My mom is 3rd oldest of 15 children all living but 1. They are spread from Colorado to Pennsylvania and they were all in Kansas over the weekend. We had a big get together with a big dinner. If I figured right there were about 56 of us. At the end my mom's cousins and the 2 aunts and 1 uncle still leaving came to visit too. It was good to see all of them again as we usually don't see them but every 3 years at the Voth reunion which is next year. Because of the job situation we probably won't get to go.

Rachel's soccer

Yesterday was the state soccer tournament for Special Olympics. Rachels team went 2-0 and won the gold medal. They were pretty excited. Rachel played super and I was so proud of her. We only had 1 sub so the first game she played the entire time. The second game she got a short break. She didn't score but she took the ball away, kick it down field and played great defense. Lindsay and our friend Abby help coach her team so it was a double treat for me. Since this was the state tournament there was a dinner a dance afterwards. Once the boys spotted Lindsay and Abby there was hardly time to rest. Rachel had a great day and I think Lindsay and Abby enjoyed themselves too.

Don't have a title

Well for those of you wondering I still don't have a job yet. And yes my stress level is rising! Other than that everyone is good. I am waiting to see a new blog for Erin that says how things are going for her now that she has moved and Miss Emily hasn't blog for awhile either. Katie, Megan and Donna thanks for blogging because it makes me happy! I do have some pictures of Rachel playing soccer but I don't even have them down loaded on to the computer yet. I'll get them up soon. She has the state meet on the 27th so I guess I better get these up first. She did get a silver medal. .
In all this rain my parents had more problems. The lines going into their sump pump clogged which caused all the rain to seep into their FINISHED basement. They have had some pretty rotten luck with storms lately. They have some people out trying to get it all dried up and stuff. Then to top things off mom thought she was on the bottom step of the deck stairs only to be on the next to the bottom step and fell. She twisted her ankle. She was on her way out to pick pears. She picked 6 flats of pears, up and down the ladder before stopping to take care of her ankle. She's OK just swollen, black and blue and sore!

Cousins and great cousins

Finally my computer let me upload these pictures. It was being very stubborn.

Anyway we were so happy to have the Toney, Schreiner and Rice families for a visit. I do hope they come again soon. It has been a long while since we have seen Erin and we so enjoyed seeing her again. We are in high hopes that since she has moved down to the lower 48 we may get to see her more often. Katie, I'm sorry I didn't get any pictures of Kenzie. So that means you guys have to come back up.

Back To School

Yesterday was Rachel's first day of 9th grade. She hopped right out of bed without any problems. Today she asked me not to talk but when I reminded her it was music day she willing got out of bed. So far so good. Thankfully the bus doesn't come until 7:40 so she doesn't have to get until 6:45.

Today Lindsay starts college. That just feels so strange to say my daughter is now in college. She has grown up way too fast.

Job Search

Well this job searching is just not one of my favorite things to do. In fact I hate it. I do believe I have a new job though. Still working out the details but I think I will start August 18th. First Monday after Rachel goes back to school. I'll update again as soon as I know more. Only other news is Lindsay has a boyfriend. His name is Scott. He just graduated too but from the other high school here in Lawrence. He is going to KU next year majoring in Industrial Design. He is 6' 3" tall. He even makes Bob look short. Anyway he seems nice and we are looking forward to getting to know him better.

50th birthday

Well, today is Bob's 50th birthday. I am thrilled as he has caught me for just a few months. He says he will never catch me but in my mind I am going to think that he did. We woke up to buzzards in the yard this morning from our Yard Card friends. Pretty funny stuff. I peeked out the window when Bob left for work to see what he would do. He back up in front of the house to read the sign and to what our friends had left him. Tonight they are all coming for dinner. Tacos, cake and ice cream. Thanks to all you birthday wishers. He really appreciates it.

Hanging in there

Just wanted to let all of you know my job was terminated at The Strive Group. They had a major staff reduction and one of the cuts was mine. I'm already getting bored and have only been off 2 days. I am actively looking for another job and will keep you posted if I land a new one. So fpr now the laundry is all caught up and the dishes all done. Supper was made when everyone got home last night which is not the norm. I guess I should try and enjoy the time off while I can.

Don't want to be a slacker

I haven't blogged for awhile but really our life has slowed down since graduation. And I am very thankful it has. We are all good and are looking forward to a short week next week. I don't think we are going to ElDorado but who knows. I think we will just hang here in L-town.

My parents storm

A few blogs back I wrote about a storm that hit my parents place. I now have some pictures to share with you. They are very thankful that there wasn't more damage as Kansas has been hit pretty hard with storms this season leaving towns almost destroyed.

This is the corn cob that was stuck in their siding. They thought they were getting pounded with hail.


Same cob just showing where in on the house it stuck.

These tree's were planted 25 years ago when they moved out to the country. They were about 30 feet high. 3 of these trees uprooted. These 4 here are cut off about half way.


The tree at the corner here is cut off about 1/4 down. And of course all of these are in the front of the house.

Men and their toys

My dad got this big mower with lots of power. Bob was having way too much fun mowing my parents place. He was having so much fun dad thought he was going to mow the brome. :-) He thinks he needs one now. My parents have acres to mow and, well we don't. He would get dizzy from turning all the time.

Johnson Picnic

This Past weekend we traveled to ElDorado to the yearly Johnson picnic at my brother Ron's house. There were about 40 people there and lots of food. We have been doing this for several years now and it is always nice to see our cousins that we don't get to see very often.

Darlene my dad's couson and George's mom

Aunt Jan and Mom Rachel and Aunt AnnDad, Lindsay, Bob, Becca(George's daughter), George(my 2nd cousin) and Vickie his wife
Cousins Cindy and Carmen Their husbands Ken and Rick

Little guy Trevor, cousin Darren's son Steven with ball, Lois(niece),Ron(brother), Daniel(nephew), Phil, cousin Darla, Trevor and Austin. Phil, Steven and Austin are Darla's kids

Elizabeth and Rachel. Rachel looks very guilty as she was just about to give her bunny ears

Dad and his siblings. Norma, Richard and Ann

Special Olympics

This past weekend Rachel and I spent in Wichita at the state swimming and track meet. Rachel rode the chartered bus and I rode in a 12 passenger van that was very quite! Friday Rachel swam her 2 events and took the bronze medal in both of them. That evening was opening ceremonies and they had the parade of athletes. Rachel was picked to help hold our banner as the team was announced. They had a live band from Houston that played about five or six songs and then they had a huge fireworks display. This display was absolutely wonderful. Best fireworks show I have seen. It was a late night and we had an early morning and everyone was tired. Saturday started off very stormy with lots of rain and some pretty good sized hail. The track meet was delayed about 2 hours and they cancelled all the field events but the tennis ball throw. Rachel got a silver medal in this event. Now the track part we only got ribbons as running is not our favorite or strongest events. They have what they call Olympic Village and it is filled with games of all sorts. Each athlete is given a card that is punched at each game. Depending how you do on the game as to how many punches you get. No matter what you at least get 1 punch. Then you turn these cards in for prizes. Well they had this big slide that Rachel just loved and she went on it over and over and over. She didn't care that she only got 1 punch and it was taking forever to fill her card of 50 punches. I finally convinced her to do something else so she could at least fill her card up. The day was almost over and I knew that when it was time to pick a prize she would want a big one not a small one. She ended up with another recorder and a princess wand. I told her she could not play it on the bus as it would be taken away from her. The evening ended with a banquet and a dance. On Sunday there are only relays and some long walking events, but just like Saturday the storms came again delaying things for about an hour. So they only ran the relays. Rachel's team was in 2nd place when the batton was handed to the anchor boy. He was passed by everyone but one team so her team took 6th place. I was so proud of Rachel as she ran her little heart out. All in all it was a pretty good weekend and Rachel had lots of fun.

Graduation

Right before Graduation
Right after graduation
John, Katie, Jonathon, Andrew and Lindsay playing Mexican Doninoes

This weekend was Lindsay's high school graduation. It was at Allen Fieldhouse on the KU campus. And of course it was the hottest and the most humid day of the year. Oh and did I mention the fieldhouse has no AC. Other than the heat it was a wonderful day. We had 16 family members that came. After supper and before the after grad party Lindsay taught Katie and John how to play Mexican dominoes which is a favorite game at the Johnsons. My little girl is all grown up now. And now she has to go out into the real world!

Rachel is FINALLY 15

This is Rachel's teacher Angela

If you would ask Rachel she would tell you it took forever for her birthday to get here. Then when it did get here we couldn't celebrate it because of a Senior awards ceremony for Lindsay. She didn't want to go and insisted she was 15 now and could stay home by herself. She did go and complained the whole time. But last night we did have a small party and it was all about her. She had a great time with some friends and her teacher came too. We watched the DVD of her last play High School Musical and had cake and ice cream.

Prom 2008

My beautiful daughter all dressed up for Prom. This is not her boyfriend, just a friend. He is the same boy she has gone with to all the dances but 1.

Our very last band concert

I have been down all week at work with no INTERNET! It has been terrible! I haven't been able to post or even read anyone's blogs. I know I could get on at home but our computers are soooooo slow. So much easier to do it here.

Wednesday was our very last band concert. I do believe Rachel is very happy about this. I on the other hand am sad. Monday will be the last choir concert and I do believe it will be pretty emotional for ME! Tomorrow is prom so I will post some prom pictures on Monday. Happy Mothers Day to all you mom's.

Special Olympics Track and Swimming Metro meet

She thinks she was stretching and warming up for her race.
50M run 4th place
After her 1st place 20M swim
Gold medal award.

This weekend was the KC metro meet for track and swimming. Rachel came away with 1 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze medals and 1 4th place ribbon. She was pretty proud of herself. Especially in swimming where she got gold and silver.