Showing posts with label tayson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tayson. Show all posts

Friday, May 20, 2016

My Crazy Fish Life



The story begins with a fish named Carl (that's me!) I was swimming along one day with my best friend Jonathan. We are teen fish of the fire fish kind and we were heading to "school" (a large herd of fish).  When out of the blue a large fisherman boat came and we saw the shadow and I don't know about Jonathan but I thought "Dang! That's a big rock!" So being the stupid fish we were, we went towards it and swam right into a net where we were lifted into the boat and shipped from the Great Atlantic Ocean to a fish store in Provo, Utah. I was there for about 10 months (actually 10 days...)

One day a man with a brown beard, white skin, brown hair, black shorts and a superman shirt stared at me for about 10 seconds. Then he gestured to the man who captured me and he came and captured me again with a small net along with my friend Jonathan.  We were thrown in a bag, scared and alone when we got to a giant landmark (house). The man with the beard stored us in a room in the bottom underground and it was quite the life! Free food that didn’t swim away, no sharks, octopi, Fishermen. Nothing bad. 

Until one day it happened. The man with the beard brought us up to a bigger tank and we were put in and named.  I was Poop and Jonathan was named Die. They called us the “poop or die” fish. We had the life! Rocks, sand and once again food and no predators.  Jonathan and I loved it.  We swam all day and slept all night and these weird big creatures would admire us! When the man with the beard would come by we were always fed.

One day a new thing came into our ocean, it was a plant like creature. Jonathan and I went to introduced ourselves to the snake like plant in a pipe but every time we got within about five inches it fled back into its pipe! So after that attempt we just went back to regular life for about two days.  Then Jonathan just sat their awkwardly laying on the rocks until I figured out he had no eyes, he was dead. I stayed there for maybe two hours mourning Jonathan's death. Then I dug a hole next to a rock and hid there for a long time only coming out to eat.

About 2 months later a strange white grey type fish came and started eating sand I named him Sandy and I introduced myself as Carl. He reminded me of Jonathan, he was nice and I had company again. I had the life again. We would swim around scare snake plant pipe thing, eat and sleep we had it good for a long time.  About two months later a new fish was dumped in our ocean, he was purple and had a nasty battle scar. His tail... was cut off! He is a crazy fish, he swims so fast and is always being funny.  Just after he came in I counted eight fish coming into the ocean. A giant fish we call Biggie. He's so much bigger than me! And the silver brothers, there are three of them and a little silver baby who follows them everywhere.  Goldie the orange fish. And there were also two striped fish. 

They all told me the same story. It was "The Toddler Attack" they all said in unison. "One day two toddlers attacked us in the small ocean underground and almost killed us all.  They threw things into the tank and tried to grab us!" Just then a face popped in front of the glass in my ocean. I got so scared that I flew into the sand and was in there for a bit.  


I needed to get out of this ocean, I tried to escape but I couldn't.  I swam so much until I finally gave up. So I laid on a rock as if I was dead for two days only eating food that fell into my mouth. Then one day I finally woke up and realized there wasn’t anything to be afraid of.  There are no sharks, or fishermen or even toddlers that can get me in my small ocean.  The man with the beard brings me food every day and now I have lots of friends to play with.  I guess my life isn’t so bad after all. 

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Tayson's Talk

Tayson gave his first talk in Sacrament meeting today.  He did such a great job and didn't seem nervous at all.  Then again, what did I expect...the kid loves a captive audience.  :)

His talk was on James 1:5 - he had such a great joke at the start.  Here is the first part of his talk:

Hi my name is Tayson Johnson I just turned twelve and I got the preisthood two weeks ago and I'm talk already - sigh.  To introduce myself I'm going to tell you three things I like and three things I don't like.  I like video games, sports and my awesome dad.  Three things I don't like are homework, waking up early and my dad telling me to write things about him being "awesome".  I was asked to speak on James 1:5.

Luke gave a talk in primary too.  It was crazy having both boys give talks on the same day.  His talk was on how wholesome activities strengthen the family.  He wrote his whole talk and even changed it a little on the fly because he realized our family bonded more in Cancun staying in a hotel together than just focusing on the Whale Shark tour :)

It was a very proud mom day today!


Friday, August 22, 2014

Tayson's First Temple Trip


Todd and I took Tayson to the Provo Temple to do baptisms.  We went Friday while my mom and dad were working in the baptistry.  Since BYU is out the temple was empty and we got to spend lots of time with my parents.  Tays did family names which I think always makes the experience sweeter. It was so amazing to take my son to the temple.  He is so grown up! 

I was talking to my dad about when I was 12 and how different my youth was with going to the temple.  The closest temple to us when I was 12 was Washington DC.  Then the Chicago Temple was built (1985) and my first temple trip was when I was 14 and our youth went to the Chicago Temple.  It was a weekend trip and we did museums and the temple.  I only went to the temple a few times until I came out to BYU. 


Sunday, August 17, 2014

Tayson's Ordination

Today was such an amazing day.   Tayson was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood today by Todd.  The spirit in the room was unbelievable and I truly hope Tayson never forgets the way he felt today.  After church we all met in the bishops office and Bishop Beesley asked some of us to say a few words.  First he had the grandmas both say a few words.  Grandma Johnson talked to Tayson about what a great example he was setting for his cousins and how proud of him she is as her oldest grandson.  Grandma Schultz talked about the responsibility he has now and told him that he is just an awesome kid and how much she loves him and how proud of him she is.  She also talked to him about his love for doing temple work and that she is so excited to go to the temple with him and work on family history. Then I had to talk (not easy since I was already in tears) and I don't really remember what I said but I know my feelings are that this is a big step for him and that now Satan will be doing everything in his power to keep Tayson from being worthy and serving a mission.  He needs to work on reading his scriptures and saying his prayers and he needs to develop his testimony so he can remain worthy.  Then Todd talked to him about how important it is that he not only have the priesthood but that he uses it to serve.  That he can't be exalted unless he uses and serves with his priesthood.  Then Tayson was ordained and the blessing he was giving was so powerful.  Again I don't remember what was said just the feelings I had.  I am so proud of you Tayson for the young man you have become and for your amazing spirit.  I am proud of you for making good choices and working hard to prepare for the priesthood. 




In the circle:  Todd, Grandpa Schultz, Grandpa Johnson, Steve, David, Timmy, Mark, and Bishop Beesley.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Happy Birthday Tayson!

Tayson is 12 years old!  This is a big birthday.  No more primary. No more elementary school.  My baby is so grown up! For his birthday he had a sleep over with Ryan, Talon and Roman.  I let them stay up late and skip swimming in the morning.  Then we had our traditional birthday pancakes with homemade buttermilk syrup, whip cream, sprinkles and a candle.  Then while I was at work my parents took Tayson and the boys out boating on the lake (the girls weren't allowed to go since it was a boy party).  Then I took the kids to Olive Garden for dinner that night.  When Todd got home from the airport that night Timmy and Megan met us and we went out for ice cream shakes to finish off a fun filled day. 


Friday night Tayson had his first campout as a deacon so Todd took him to get all his boy scout gear - new pack, sleeping bag, tent, etc.  Then off he went.  He had a blast.  Then Saturday night when he got back we all went out for another birthday dinner at his very favorite Brick Oven.  Grandma Johnson came with us and so did Grandpa Dave, Kelle and Brooke.  Then Tays got to open his presents.   I think he had a great birthday with lots of fun celebrations.  Happy birthday buddy!  I sure do love you.



Saturday, June 7, 2014

Meeting an Olympic Swimmer

The boys did a great job at their swim meet.  They both took lots of time off their previous long course times.  Tayson swam the 400 free again and went from 7:09 to 6:46 - and his head coach said he has lots of potential as a distance swimmer.  Looks like he is taking after Uncle Danny.  Luke did his first 200 free and did a great job.  Both boys swam great and had a fun time.  And this meet was extra special because there were a bunch of BYU swimmers at the meet and one of them Rafael Alfaro swam in the 2012 Olympics for El Salvador.  It was fun to watch the "big boys" swim and my boys were excited to meet them and even humored me and got their picture taken.
Rafael Alfaro
Rafael Alfaro
Rafael Alfaro
 



Friday, May 30, 2014

Goodbye Elementary School

How is it possible that Tayson is already out of elementary school?  He has grown up so much.  He turned out to be a good student.  And school and sitting still for long periods of time weren't easy for him when he was little.  He had the same backpack from day 1 in kindergarten until his very last day of 6th grade.  It's getting worn out though so I don't think it will make it to Jr. High.  I sure am proud of you Tays and what a strong young man you are growing up to be.  Keep making great choices and being the fun loving kid you are!!






Saturday, May 10, 2014

Another Meet

For Todd's birthday I let him sleep in and I took the boys to their swim meet.  I volunteered to be a timer and spent the morning hanging with the boys and cheering them on.  Makes for a long morning but I love watching them swim.




Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Oh Canada!

Tayson chose to do his World Fair report for 6th grade on Canada.  Thanks to Todd's traveling he was able to get lots of fun stuff for his presentation.  He had fun candy and ketchup potato chips and a sweet new t-shirt.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Just some stuff about Tays


Jr. Jazz - Tays had a blast playing basketball this year.  He loved playing with his buddies from school and they had a great coach.  


Tayson is doing great in his scouting and even got to build a rocket for our stake pow wow.  He is working hard and with Steve as his scout master he will totally get his Eagle :)



Poor Tayson got to spend an hour with me at 6th grade maturation.  Todd was out of town this week so he got me instead.  Luckily he really doesn't mind at all.  He was way more embarrassed that I made him take a selfie with me than me being there during the program.  I can't believe how old he is and that he has to talk about all this boy stuff already!!


Tuesday, February 11, 2014

School

I was on facebook this week and saw my friend post a picture of her son with his Science Fair project.  Interesting I thought....Tayson said it was due next week.  Well, it was due that day and I wasn't a very happy mom about it.  So he and I worked quickly on getting the project put together.  Todd was in Winnipeg and we couldn't get ahold of him which added another dimension of issues since all the pictures were on his phone and the charts on his laptop.  We finally got ahold of him and finished the project.  Tays did a great job on his project and it was only 1 day late :)


Claire is working on Geometry right now - in Portuguese.  The other day I didn't have the patience to re-learn all the concepts (which I can't believe she is doing in 2nd grade) so I asked Luke to come help.  Thank goodness he loves math.  And thank goodness her pages have English on the back so we can figure out what the questions are.  I can't believe I can't do 2nd grade math.  HA HA HA.


Monday, February 10, 2014

My Swimmers

Another weekend.....another swim meet.  I love watching these boys swim.  It makes me happy to see them work so hard.  This meet was a big one for them because Tayson was trying for his last "b time" in order to move from the bronze team to silver in the 200 IM.  He needed 3:38 and he got 3:15 (he did get DQ'd for his arms on his butterfly not coming out at the same time but his time still counted).  He also swam the 500 M free for the first time.  It is such a long race and he pushed so hard and still had just enough guts to push even harder his last 75 meters.  Talk about a proud mama moment!

Luke did the 50 Fly for the first time in a meet and was awesome.  Both boys moved up to the next level in their swimming.  They have only been swimming club for 8 months and they have made huge improvements and both "leveled up" already.  Good job boys!!  I have a feeling I'll be sitting pool side for years and years to come.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Fishbowl Swim Meet

The boys had a 3 day swim meet.  Luke and Tayson both swam on Thursday then Tayson swam Friday and Saturday.  Tayson's coach is working hard with him to move from the bronze team to the silver team so he swam a ton of events.  He hit his B times for all the events he swam.  So now he just has 1 last event to get his time in - the 200IM.  


we spend a lot of time sitting around

 I'm pretty sure he will regret making this face

Luke on the blocks

Luke finishing his 100 free strong

more and more waiting around

Tayson's last event - the 100 breaststroke

by Saturday his arms were all covered with his events so we had to write on his leg

I love watching my boys swim.  They have made huge improvements in the last year of swimming - sometimes it feels like they've swam forever but they have only been swimming club for 8 months so far.  They make me proud how hard they are working. 

Monday, January 13, 2014

Melted my heart


Getting the kids to school can be stressful.  Getting 4 kids out of the house at the same time is never easy.  And when you add on the early morning and making sure hair is combed, homework is done and signed, lunches are packed and they are dressed warm enough it gets a little hectic.  Every morning when I drop the kids off Sophie is the last one to leave the car and she always gives me extra hugs and kisses.  This morning she took extra long and gave me about 10 kisses - which I loved.  While she dawdles Tayson waits for her so she makes it to her class.  He can be so sweet with her and I love seeing my big 6th grader and my tiny kindergartner walking into school together.  Today it just melted my heart as I watched them walk away.  How are they both so old?  How can I make sure they always stay so close?  How can I make sure Sophie never stops giving me 10 extra kisses every morning?  I am one lucky mama to have 4 these beautiful kids. 

P.S.  Tayson still has the same backpack he had since kindergarten.  It's starting to fall apart and I want so badly for it to last this year just because.


Saturday, November 23, 2013

Another Swimmeet


We live at the pool and I couldn't be happier.  I love watching these boys swim.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Our New Scout

Tonight Tayson got his first BSA award at the court of honor. 

Just some stuff

At least she gets herself ready....

Tayson loves 6th grade

Lizzy loves homework

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

When mom's away....

This is what happens when I am away for work.....

Yes.  She went to school like this.  Yes when her hands are down you can't see her shorty shorts.

Yes.  This dog cost $50 (of his own hard earned cash).  Yes. His dad was with him when he bought it.  Yes.  It scares me every time I walk in his room.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Tayson's Webelo

He did it.  He finished his Webelo and is now an 11 year old scout.  He's growing up too fast!!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Goodbye Cubscouts

Tayson and Ryan both finished their Webelos and were initiated into the BSA program.  Tayson is now an official 11 year old scout.