Johnson Journal

What a weekend!
The Big Day:
Lauren's birthday was on Friday and she was SO EXCITED! I made some chocolate cupcakes (with pink icing and pink sprinkles) and brought them to her class. They sang to her and she got to pick a present from the birthday basket (notice her crazy face because she was wearing the crazy birthday hat!) Then, my friend Kim came over for a visit and gave Lauren a Polly Pocket boat that she and Jared both love (hehe- sorry, buddy)! Mimi and Pa got here around 4:00, and got to see Lauren's soccer practice. Jared was selling popcorn at Bush's chicken for cub scouts, so we brought some chicken home for dinner, and then Lauren opened her presents. She got some clothes, shoes, Lite Brite refills, a Belle doll, a jewelry box, a Tinkerbell shirt to wear to her party, and for her birthday charm this year, I got the sign language "I love you" (see earlier post).

The Party:

Well, thanks to ZERO GRAVITY GYMNASTICS and my friend Emily Cadell (Dance by Emily), the party on Saturday was a huge success! Long story, but TEXAS DYNASTY GYMNASTICS- (BOO!) double booked my party time and didn't bother to let me know about it until Thursday night at 6pm when I went to drop off the supplies for the party. Luckily, everything worked out and we had a great party at Zero Gravity! We had seven little girl friends, Jared and his friend, Chandler, and Micah's son, Cole. Aunt Leslie and Aunt Laura especially enjoyed the balance beam and jump ropes! It worked out great and everyone had a nice time. Happy Birthday, my sweet girl!

Hard to believe that my baby girl will be 5 years old on Friday! She has always been my "snuggle bug" and loves to give and receive lots of hugs and kisses!! She always says, "Mom...I love you" at random times throughout the day. Or she'll say, "You're my best Mom," and I'll say, "You're my best Lauren." Last year, I showed her how to make the "I love you" sign in sign language, and when I would pick her up from pre-school, she would walk out to the car waving the sign in the air to me. Now that she is learning to read and write, she likes to write me love notes. Last week, she got a notepad as a birthday party favor from a child in her class, and as I was driving somewhere in the car she asked me how to spell "are" and "cute". When we got to our destination, she gave me her note:

Steve's grandmother passed away last Friday and was buried today in Omaha, Nebraska. She was 88 years old, and a truly amazing woman! Virginia Hope Cram was born 12/26/1919, married Harold Hultman on 8/23/1940, and was the mother of four children (Steve's mom was second oldest). I first met her 11 years ago, and I loved her instantly! She was a small, frail woman and her hands and voice trembled significantly due to essential tremor, but she was very strong and independent! She and Harold lived in a retirement community in Arkansas at the time, and I remember watching in awe as she used both hands to carefully guide her shaky fork to her mouth at dinner, or water her many plants and flowers around the house. She loved to garden! She was a pleasure to talk to and listen to, and she had an amazing faith in God- not one to preach, but you just knew being around her! We took the kids to visit in 2003 after Christmas, and the extended family was all there. Virginia had broken her arm trying to make up one of the beds for guests. She was determined to get things done and take care of everyone! I never heard her complain about her health or situation, she just kept going the best she could. This picture was the first time she held Lauren! When Harold passed away in 2005, she was just a pillar of strength- running the show and keeping everyone on their toes. She agreed to move back to Omaha shortly afterwards to be closer to her two sons, and has been living in an assisted living/nursing home facility since. We sent pictures and tried to call and keep in touch the best we could, and I know the family in the area visited often and took her on outings regularly. She died peacefully and I KNOW that she is now reuniting with Harold in Heaven!! We have a picture hanging in our kitchen that she gave us when she moved from Arkansas to Omaha. It is a Charles Burton Barber called "Suspense" and shows a little girl praying over her breakfast in bed with her pets anxiously awaiting the "amen". I think of Virginia every time I look at that picture! I will really miss her, but I'm so thankful I had the chance to know her, and I know that we will see her again someday!