Christmas 2016

Praying that you all had a very Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year! I am finally getting around to uploading some photos to my computer and thought I'd share on the blog. It was such a nice Christmas here in the Johnson house, busy but fun spending time with family. Although all the siblings were not together in the same place at the same time this year, I was able to see all of my siblings at some point over the holidays. 

For the last few years, Kiah and I have done a sister picture and this year was no different! Although we didn't take the picture in our normal spot outside (we ran out of time before the Christmas Eve service), we did take it. I love look back at the pictures of us over the past few years!

Christmas Eve we had Seth, Cindy, and the kids at my parent's house which we have done the last few years. We missed Cael and Kristin (they came over on Christmas Eve Eve) this year but it was fun to have the rest of us together. Grandma Rich even made it over for the evening festivities!

One thing that is so hard about living so far away (thus my upcoming move!) is that I hardly get to see my nephews and niece and they are getting so big! Love watching their wonder and excitement as they open their gifts. Below, Micah is modeling the gift they gave Thaddeus -- a ninja mask and sword!

Praying that your Christmas was filled with family, fun, and remembrance of the reason for the season. I pray that you were able to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and make memories with your families.

On this New Year's Eve, hard to believe that 2016 is coming to a close, but so excited for all that 2017 has in store! If you don't follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter -- my big news is that I am moving to Virginia in February! I will most more on that later.

Happy New Year's!

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19)

2016 Women's Retreat

Happy Friday, sweet friends! The temperature's are in the 40's this morning here in Oklahoma and it is finally beginning to feel like fall. Unfortunately it's going to be short lived as temps are supposed to be back in the 80's. Oh well, I'll enjoy the high 60's today while I can.

Over a month ago, I flew back to New York for the wedding of my brother, Cael, and his now wife, Kirstin. When I found out the wedding date, I realized that it was the weekend after a women's retreat at one of my favorite places on earth! 

Mission Meadows is near and dear to my heart. I grew up going to camp here for a week each summer and then was on the summer staff for my first three year's after college. I have had some of my most memorable encounters with the Lord at this place and it's very special to me.

The annual fall retreat is a gathering of women from several church's from all over. It is a fun weekend of worship, fellowship, and a great speaker. I attended the retreat in 2014, a time that was a test of faith and trust for me. I had moved back to the United States in July and was in the process of applying for jobs. I think the retreat was about 2 weeks before I applied for my job at Dillon!

The bell tower, where I spent many mornings drinking coffee with friend's during the summer months. The summer of 2008, I met here several mornings with 3 other ladies to drink coffee and pray for one another.

I had fun taking pictures as I reminisced about all the wonderful memories this place holds.

Me and my mama! We braved the rough waves and went kayaking. It was short lived since our arms were so sore from paddling against the waves but we did make it out when there was a break in the rain which was our goal.

It was such a wonderful, relaxing weekend spent with my mom and women from my home Church. I was sad to see the weekend come to a close although I was ready to sleep in a real bed again! Until next time, Mission Meadows!

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."

Psalm 46:10-11

Home Sweet Home

Nothing quite like being home with family. As much as I love Oklahoma, it is hard to be away from family, especially from my sweet nephews and niece. Babies change so quickly and that is definitely the case with Miss Quinlan. She was just 5 months old at Christmastime and now at 9 months, she is crawling and jabbering away. Even though it was a chilly few hours at the Bona game, it was so fun to see these sweet kiddos and of course watch Thad play! It was too cold to take lots of pictures, but I did grab my camera from the car for a few shots.

You can't go to a baseball game without your glove!

I love this picture of Micah and Landon with Thad at bat in the background.

They rolled down this hill probably 25 times. It was making me dizzy just watching them!

It's also super fun dropping rocks down the drain. This kept them entertained for quite a while. Between this and rolling down the hill, they were happy.

Sweet baby girl!

My time in NY always goes way too fast. Soaking up every minute I can!

Christmas 2015

Praying that you have all had a very Merry Christmas! Hard to believe that another Christmas has come and gone and that it is almost time for me to fly back to Oklahoma. Vacations always go way too fast, especially during the holidays. It has been a wonderful week in NY, relaxing and making memories with my family. I didn't take the time to edit the pictures below but wanted to document photos from the Johnson Christmas 2015.

Soon after arriving in NY, Kiah and I baked lots and lots of cookies early last week. It's a tradition and so I do them, but they are a lot of work! Thankfully I have Kiah now to help me out.

Christmas Eve we had all 7 Johnson kids together! With me living in Oklahoma, this doesn't happen that often and it was wonderful to have all of my siblings together in once place, even if it was for just one evening. We enjoyed a beautiful Christmas Eve service at Church before having everyone over at my parent's house for dinner and gifts. I always love spending time with my two nephews and niece who I wish I could spend much more time with.

It is tradition in our family to have Strawberry Ice Cream pie. Oh. My. Goodness. It is delicious. We have been having it on Christmas day (and now Christmas Eve as well) for as long as I can remember and it's served on a plate with an attached candle. We turn out all the lights and eat by candlelight. It's one of my favorite Christmas traditions.

This year was probably the most low-key Christmas morning that I can remember. With so many kids, it's usually a flurry of activity and excitement but as we all get older, it has changed. Kiah was pretty excited and woke us all up earlier than we would have liked. :) After opening our stockings, we took a break for cinnamon rolls, orange juice, and coffee. The boys started watching a movie so we had a little intermission before opening the gifts under the tree. Finally around noon, it was time to get dressed for the day and for my Grandma, Aunt, Uncle, and cousin to arrive. More eating, more gifts, and more dessert, was how we spent Christmas afternoon/evening. I cherish these moments with my family since they only happen a few times a year for me.

Christmas ended with a gorgeous sunset. Sunsets have always been a love letter to me from God. Reminding me that no matter how crazy life may be, He is still in control.

Praying that you all had a Christmas full of memories, magic, and family. Hard to believe that 2016 is almost year! Excited to see what the Lord has in store for this next year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Family Time

It was so wonderful to have my family here for a few days. We were missing all the boys, but it was so great to have my parents and Kiah here. When they were here in December moving me, it was not a very relaxing few days at all. We were busy getting my apartment set up, my car, things I needed, etc. that they didn't get to see any of Tulsa except for Walmart. This time, they were able to enjoy it a little more!

They arrived last Saturday evening and they were able to go to Church with me Sunday morning. They loved it!

Unfortunately they brought some snow with them to Oklahoma. However I think it is pretty funny that I experienced my first snowfall in Tulsa with my family here! Of course they were hoping for some more spring like weather which I don't blame them. 

Even with the yucky weather, we still had fun. 

I had 2 snow days from work. 

"How much snow did we have?" you may ask?

Get ready for it...

2.7 inches.

I know, I know, I find it rather humorous as well. But in their defense, they are not prepared for it at all. And below the 2.7 inches was ice which is really what made it yucky. 

I can handle driving in snow. But the ice? I don't like that.

Kiah has decided that she wants to wear dresses more so we ventured out to do some shopping.

Excuse me, but when did my little sister grow up? Hard to believe that she will be fourteen years old on Monday. Seems like yesterday she was one.

We saw some of the Tulsa sights as well.

Like the "Golden Driller."

Yeah, I don't know... it's kind of weird, but there he is.

My apartment here has a fireplace but I have been scared to use it by myself. 

My parents brought some wood down and we build a fire one evening and ate tacos. 

It was so much fun and now I know how. 

I just have wood ready and waiting for another fire.

On Tuesday, the sun came out and the temperatures reached the mid 40's and we drove to Oral Roberts University to look around. 

What a beautiful campus! 

I had looked up ahead of time and ORU had a baseball game while my family was going to be here and I thought that would be something fun to do. 

But of course it snowed and it was cancelled. 

Maybe next time.

Wednesday came all too soon. 

It was time for them to head back to NY.

Goodbye's are never fun or easy but it was a little easier since Tulsa is beginning to feel like home.

And I am blessed that my family is close enough to come visit. Not all the time, but much closer than China. 

And for that, I am thankful.