Cousins are those childhood playmates who grow up to be forever friends!

How lucky my kids are to have so many cousins and have them all living so close to each other! I'm sure they will look back on their childhood and remember the many family parties and get togethers with fond memories!

What I know for sure!

I know that my Mom loved me! I know that what I am today, the woman that I want to become and the family that I have is because of the influence of an amazing Mother. I know that my Mom taught me how to cook, clean, make a house a home, debate, forgive, pray, listen, talk, laugh, learn to overcome, hang on, buck up, understand, study, meditate, tell a story, think out loud, say too much and LOVE! I hope that I can be the influence of good for my children and that they can understand that I loved them as much as I know my Mom loved me. I figured this out later in my life while my Mom was sick that she really did know what she was talking about.  How I wish I had one more chance to tell a loving Mother just how much she taught me and… that yes, she was right! I love you Mom and miss you every single day!

Reflections... A Different Kind of Hero

Megan entered the "Reflections Photo Contest" at school, the theme was "A Different Kind of Hero".  Meg decided (all on her own I might add) that she would dress Jake up in Dad's uniform and have him hold a picture of Russ in Iraq.  Her write up was, "My little brother is A Different Kind of Hero, he is only four years old and he is having to be the Man of the House while my Dad is deployed.  He is doing a great job filling his boots."!  She got a sheet, put it over a chair and took the picture.  Megan ended up going to District!

Home Sweet Home!

“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.”

Someone to watch over me!

My Mom was amazing! My Mom had a lap that could hold four children at one time, a kiss that could cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart. My Mom could reason and negotiate. My Mom had strengths that amazed everyone, she would bear hardships, carry all of our burdens, but she also held onto happiness and all that was good in life! My Mom would go without so that her family could have, she was so strong even when she thought she had no strength left. She loved unconditionally. My Mom gave her heart to not only my Dad but also her children and their families, and her dear friends. My Mom kept our world turning; she brought us so much joy, love and happiness. My Mom’s power is un-deniable and her influence and her ability to mentor isn’t limited to just her children. My Mom worked hard to instill faith and values in all of us. I admired the way my Mom effortlessly balanced the duties of motherhood, being a wife, grandmother and a friend. My Mothers strength of character, drive, determination and perseverance made her a woman that I aspire to be. My Mom always provided us a shoulder to cry on, a non-judgmental ear and words of wisdom to guide us through life’s twists and turns! I love you Mom!
Part of my Funeral Talk for my Mom, Terese Johnston January 5, 2005

Ho-Ho-Ho, It Must Be Jakob, I Mean Santa!

Jakob was (and is) such a funny kid!  He loved to play Santa, from October through Christmas!  It started with him taping Kleenex on his face for a beard, he then saw a white hand towel and asked if he could make it a Santa beard that could be washed, I of course couldn’t resist.  That beard started to get worn so we bought him a “REAL” Santa beard! 

And The Winner Is....

During Russ’ first deployment to Iraq, Megan thought it would be fun to enter a “Chanel 2 and Modern Display Holiday Home Makeover” contest. She had to send in an essay of 50 words or less on why her family should win, she won! She put in her essay, "My Mom is stressed, my Dad is deployed to Iraq and my Nana is on hospice. My Mom is sad, please help my Mom with a Holiday Home Makeover"!  She won our family one large tree, mantel decorations, three small trees, garland and outside lights!



Ally McKay from Channel 2 came out to do live shots at our house with Modern Display and a representative from Hill Air Force Base. Russ made the kids Build a Bears before he left and talked in them, Ally heard it and played it for the audience… Ally and the News desk were all choked up! It was a fun morning and the best part was having someone put my Christmas up (and winning a fabulous tree with decorations worth $5,000 plus)! Happy Holidays!!!

American Soldier - This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.

Russ has served his country with great honor and pride! Russ spent a year in 2004 serving in “Operation Iraqi Freedom”. It was a difficult year for Russ and for us here at home. Russ spent 5 months in Afghanistan in 2007. I am eternally grateful for the men and women who serve in our Military, the sacrifice they make and the sacrifice that the families here on the home front make. It isn’t easy but so appreciated! The Iraq deployment was especially difficult as my Mom was battling her own war of ovarian cancer. I was blessed to have my husband come home in time for him to say his last good bye to such an amazing woman which he loved with all of his heart. I am thankful to say that Russ and the entire group from the 67th Aerial Port Squadron from the 419th Fighter Wing all came home safe!