Cartsie

I LOOOOOOOOOOVE my little nephew, Carter!

I think all of us in the family can say, "What did we ever do before Carter?". He brings so much joy to our family that can't be explained. I know all of us have felt more hope with him around. If I have a bad day, I know I can just look at Carter and feel all better again (when I get to see him) "Ok. Life is good. Carter. Good.", and everything seems easier.

I find such happiness being his Auntie! I just can't explain the love I have for him...and I'm not even his mommy! I can't even imagine what love Leafy and Tom must have for this little guy! I could watch him for hours. Every time he gives me that gummy, crooked smile.....ah. Kills me. I love kissing his chubby cheeks and watching him grow and grow. He is SUCH A CUTIE. Gah. What a little man!

He's been such a blessing in all of our lives. Our family has a new dimension now, and it's very cool to feel and see. The world makes more sense with is presence. Everyone is happy when Carter is in the room. Just hold him for a second and your heart will instantly melt.

This little guy has definitely made Chad & I really excited for the day we have kiddies of our own!

Love you, Cartsie! Never forget Auntie Ally loves you!

*muah. Baby kisses.

Love Always,
Auntie Ally Jo

Updating

Life has been quite good lately. I don't have much I can complain about. Plus complaining just sounds nasty as a word anyhow, so why would a talk about that?

Chad and I have been busy at schoolwork, work, and activities of many sorts. The other night, we went over to my brother and sister-in-law's house, Chris & Julianne to have some beef stew! AH. We love that lovely beef stew. It warms you up like none other and makes Chris and I's nose run. :) Thought you ought to know. I just love being with them. They are such good people and are both so very talented! They make Chad and I laugh and keep our spirits up. 

We went to our ward Halloween Party and it was a blast! They put so much work into it and everyone came with the cleverest costumes ever! I would have never thought of that! My favorite by far was the Daddy was a monk, the Mommy was a nun, and their little girl was Nacho. CLASSIC. Her little onesie had chest hair attached and everything. So cute! We have such a great ward and Chad and I are enjoying getting to know everyone and make new friends. 

We're getting a new car on Halloween! Thank heavens, hooray. Seriously. It's a Mazda 6 and we are eager to get our new little addition to the...family. Good thing that sounds like we're speaking of a child. 

We got callings! Yahoo! Chad and I are Choir Committee Members, which means we help choose music, organize treats, and help plan the Christmas and Easter Program. Oh ya. And the Bishop informed me that I'll be accompaining some songs too. AHHH! If you know me, yes, I play piano but playing for people is not my forte. But the Bishop said it would be good for me...grrrr....and I know he's right. So! Here's to not messing up too bad in front of the whole ward. Chad has also been called as the Assistant Secretary to the Elders Quorum Presidency. He's very excited about that and gets to work with some awesome men!

Overall, things are going very well for the Johnson Family. We are SO very blessed and just love being newlyweds. I'm glad I got him to keep my laughin' when life gets tough. Take care, all. 

Love ALWAYS. 

Ally Jo

Liebster! {Good thing this post took me forever to write}

Yeah for Liebster!

I was reading some of my favorite blogs today and saw some "liebster awards" going around. What is this? I must know more!

A Liebster is a German word meaning dearest, sweetest, cutest. The award is given to up-and-coming bloggers with less than 200 followers.


I was scrolling down the list of nominations on some blogs {demonstrated below}, and sweet! My blog cropped up! Well isn't that just peachy. :) Thanks, one and all to those who nominated my blog. I feel like we should share PB&J sandwiches together sometime.

But really, this award is really cool because it gives bloggers a chance to, like the award says, "discover new blogs!". I love finding new treasures {blogs}, so I love this. With the award comes some "rules". Here they are:

• Each person must post 11 things about themselves. 
• Answer the questions the nominator asked, and create 11 questions for your nominees to answer.
• Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
• Go to their page and tell them.
• No tag-backs.

So, let's get to it! 11 things about little ole me....

1. The day I got my braces off was one of the best in the whole entire universe {I think anyone who has been through this day would whole-heartily agree}. The slimy, smooth texture of my teeth was completely satisfying in an indescribable way. I don't think I've ever touched the front of my teeth with my tongue that many times in one day in my life!

2. I love crackers and chippies. Ask my husband. He says that more often than not, I can be seen holding a cracker or chip in hand. I try to stick to the crackers. :) But there is just something about a salty crunch that gets me. Ah. I need a cracker. 

3. I have some big dreams. But there are 3 MAIN big dreams. 1:Be A WIFEY. [Done.] :) And thank heavens it's an eternity thing, not just a momentarily thing. I adore it. 2: BE A MOMMY. Ah! I want, more than anything, to be the epitome of a mother. The thought of having little heads all around me-having tickle fights, flour fights, peanut butter all over the walls, crayons on the floor, soccer games to attend, room mother duties, concerts to enjoy-----you name it and my heart is full. I want this more than anything. I can't wait for Chad & I's special little spirits to get here! And 3: Go to Africa and many other places around the world helping other people through service. I LONG for this. Helping children in orphanages, making schools, helping sick people...I want to be apart of that. I want to participate in a hard core humanitarian group. 

4. When I was 6 years old I said I liked 11 boys. Mind you, they were people like, "the one kid I saw at the gas station on our trip to California". :) I was so silly....

5. I didn't know Tweetie was a boy until 3 days ago. Huh.

6. Scary movies? Not my thing. I don't like the evil spirit I feel when I watch them. Doesn't make sense to me WHY someone would openly invite that. 

7. I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. :) Proud of it. 

8. My husband is better than Spider-Man. I know. LUCKY!!!!

9. I had extremely Blondy hair as a child. It just turned darker with age. 

10. I LOVED high school. Yeah, there's the not so dandy parts, but overall, I had GREAT friends, GREAT teachers, a GREAT community to support me, and lots of love. Proud to be a caveman!

11. "My Man"-Barbra Streisand from Funny Girl. Ah. "People" as well. Gets me every time.

And here are my questions from Jeannie and Allie. {I chose some from each} 

1. Why do you blog? Why? Because it gives me a space to keep my thoughts. I do have lots of journals, which never can be replaced. Nothing is like gliding a pen along that holds your deepest wishes and joys. Blogging is just another form of that for me...clicking of keys....and I can keep friends and family updating on what I'm doing and see what my friends are up to.
2. Favorite piece of furniture (and it can't be your bed!)? I love really sweet coaches that have awesome fabric on them. But mostly, my family's navy blue coaches that are now resting in peace. :'(  Such a sad day when we had to throw those away! So many memories on those couches!
3. What is your signature dance move? Penguin waddle. Gets them every time.
4. Character in a movie/book you related to most? Gah. This is hard. Don't you feel like you can always relate to someone in a book in some way? Of course I felt like I could relate to Hermione when I was a young teen. :) What girl didn't? The rest shall remain anonymous for now.
5. Number one place you never want to go? The Land of Mis-Fit Toys. How sad would that be?!
6.  What is your biggest pet peeve? Disrespect. Oh baby. It makes me cringe when people talk over others, don't listen to the teacher, or are just plain rude and cruel. Absolutely hate it.
7. Favorite word? Today? Superbly. :) My visiting teacher text it to me and I can't stop thinking how superbly superbly is!
8. Guilty pleasure? Cookie dough. Deep fried chocolate {jokes ;)}. Nutella.
9.  Which TV show do you never get sick of? Cosby Show! And Boy Meets World!
10.  Thoughts on breakfast? I wish I had more time for it to be a hard-core breakfast eater. Like actually getting up and making waffles sounds like a dream! Like a lot of everyone, I usually grab and go.
11. If you were a tree, what tree would you be? Acorn Tree! Then I would have kisses* all over me to give away to passerbys.
 

Alright. Now it's my turn to nominate. :) 

Here's my questions for them now because my computer is being nuts and won't let me post them after. 

1. What is your deepest more wonderful life dream for yourself?

2. Shoes or no shoes?

3. Did you have a favorite thing when you were little? Like a blankie, stuffed animal?

4. How do you eat your oreos?

5. Paper, or plastic?

6. If there was ever an opportunity for you to go skydiving, would you?

7. Favorite kids show as a child?

8. Did you get babysat as a kid? If you ever babysat, any stories?

9. What do you do for your "me" time?

10. A person you admire.

11. Why blog?

 

Good thing this post took me 2 weeks to write. HA! Love you all!

Aly: Becoming Louisianans

Steph: A&A

Alisha: Lisha Bisha

Abby: Abigail

         Leafy:Tom & Elise

        Amanda: Hermansen Family

        Eliza: la vie de les grants

       Erika: Linen & Wool

       Makenzie: A Teacher Named Life

Rachael: The Fortune Cookie

In Christ Alone

When I get in hard-core study attack sessions, I listen to some songs over and over again to get a certain mood and rhythm going in my head. It's interesting, because certain types of songs don't mesh well with my studying brain. Some classical songs totally work with my study-gel-brain, but others are completely awful. There are songs that I absolutely adore and will play over and over again in the car, but could never study to them.

In high school, I was the drama/speech sterling scholar {I know, right?}, and I remember sitting at the computer for literally days creating my portfolio. The only thing that kept me sane was a playlist of the same songs being repeated over and over again. I even typed up the list at the end of sterling scholar because I wanted to remember those songs. They literally inspired me and kept me going when I had no ounce of juice left.

So today I've been listening to a certain song over and over to keep me sane in my studying vortex. My husband showed this song to me awhile ago, and I instantly fell in love with it. I didn't even know Owl City had this song! What a shiny find! He started listening to it a lot in the last few weeks and I noticed the peace it brought me. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to this song in my moments of sadness, anger and happiness.

I think the message is simply exquisite in this song. Maybe you'll listen to it and love it just as much. :) My Savior has brought me such unexplainable joy...and no words can describe the rest. Just take a listen, and maybe you'll understand my feelings a little better. :)

"In Christ Alone" -Owl City

Love. Love Always.
Ally Jo

We Can Make It

My new temple. :)

I absolutely love Fall.

Adore it, more like.

I discovered this year that about 3/4 of my clothes are long sleeve. Who knew? In the warm months I was always trying to be creative, but most of the time ended up with a t-shirt and jeans because it's the most comfy when I'm hot and sweaty. But now I look in the closet and see endless possibilities!

Ha. I'm a goober. There may be endless possibilities but it all depends if I EVER get up out of bed (with the worst bed-head and morning breath ever) and feel like taking the time to actually get dressed up instead of just a sweater. {Except I would NEVER say "just sweater" because it would hurt sweater's feelings.:) And sweaters rock}.

Anyway. Enough of sweaters.

I'm feeling a bit crazy lately. Like I'm here...but I'm not. Anyone relate? Like I go where I go, but there's this glass case around me and it's like I'm watching all these people and interactions, but I don't think I'm really there. {Chuckles}. It's a real scream, but definitely true. I'm gonna go back under my blanket now...

I LOVE apple cider! My favorite thought at this moment is getting in my footsie pajamas and cuddling up with a hot mug of cider and a good read. Mmmmm.....Bliss.....come to me.

Oh yes. I've started a Savory Scripture text. Basically I send you a scripture everyday with my little thought. That's all. No monthly fee, no commitment, no hassle, no anything. :) I would even send you a piece of chocolate with it if it were possible. If you want to become apart of the Savory Scripture love, just....contact me....somehow....{probably facebook message} since I probably shouldn't give out my number on here for creepy people sake, and give me your number and I would LOVE to add you to my list! You can even be someone I don't know so well! Or you can even give me a number of a friend or family member you want me to send it to and I'll do it!

{Good thing I have unlimited texting...:)}

This has really been a cool experience. Just to feel like we're all scripture friends, ya know? We all have our hectic days we're going through-and to just take a moment and think about our Savior as we look at our phone...it's good. And I'm right there with everyone. I hope it's lifting those who receive it in some way.

I'm about to be 21 years old, friends. 21. Where in the whole hundred acre wood did I find myself staring at THAT number? Wow. I remember when I was little I would imagine myself as a "mature" woman. {Ha...mature...} And I have to say...I imagined myself a little bit taller, ha! But basically...I wasn't too far off. :) I shall share more of my "becoming 21" times with you when it gets closer.

I hope everyone is doing good. And by good, I don't necessarily mean perfect. 'Cause things can be pretty tough lately. I don't even know exactly what every human is going through, but I know something is happening behind that face. Some concern, some worry, some stress. Something. And I just want to say, "Ya. I feel ya". But I also want to say, "We can make it, friend".

And we will.

I am very proud of the courage you have to fight against the monsters under your bed. The scum between your toes {alfalfa anyone?}. The room without a nightlight.

Let's face it. You all rock. And I'm glad.

Hopefully your week is pleasant. It's tough for it to be perfect, but just remember. It's your best day. :)

Take care, all.
Love always. Just do it.
Ally Jo

Birthday...love...happiness

Well now that I finally figured out the camera situation, I can put up some photos, as of late!

My goodness, my hubbie is now a whopping 22. ;) Who would have ever thought. We had such fun on the birthday festivities {ha, and it wasn't even mine!}. Ryan and KacyAnn {bro and sis-in-law} took us out to Oliver Garden, which was fantastic, especially when you're newly weds. After dinner, they took us to Nickelcade and we had such a great time! His mom took us to Los Hermanos and Chad got nachos that were the size of France. Literally. It took him a week to eat them all! After that delicious dinner, we went to Comedy Sportz, which is always a deep pleasure. 

The two of us went to a movie {which was so-so} and afterwards I took Chad to the mall to get a new outfit for life and fun. :)

Look how stylin' he is! And yes, those are red pants. :)

Myself for birthday happiness. Get this! Chad TOTALLY picked out those smokin' pink pants on our honeymoon! He's got style...

So for his birthday we didn't have a cake or anything, so we got him a Krispie Kreme donut. :) What could be better on a birthday than a donut, spider-man cup, and a wife? So his birthday deemed spectacular.

About a week later I went on a weekend trip to Hurricane with the fam. Unfortunately, Chad couldn't come because of work :(, but I had a good time catching up with family. I just love Hurricane. It brings complete rest and joy in my soul and I always feel refreshed when I go. Seeing my grandma and cousins just makes the world a better place. 

I'm amazed this picture turned out like it did because in reality, I was a gross, sweaty mess on that car ride!

This past weekend I performed a solo for a "Best of Chamber" concert at UVU. The chamber choir is raising money so that we can go on tour to CHINA {I know, RIGHT!} this year, so we put on a fundraising concert. Everyone came with solos, duets, quintets...you name it and we all performed. It was actually super fun! It was so great to hear all my colleagues show off their stuff. I sang, "Astonishing" from Little Women. I've always wanted to sing that song, but it's a beast. But hey, I thought I'd give it a shot and it actually went pretty well. :)

My hair for the performance. :)

I think the best part of the evening was when I was sewing a button onto my vest before the concert started and one of my friends said, "You really ARE a little woman! Look at you sewing!". :) That's RIGHT!

Before the show, my Daddy and Mommy took Chad & I out for dinner at my favorite...The Old Spagetti Factory. Ah. Let me tell ya. Special dinner is a GUGILLION (yes, gugillion), times better when you're married. Yes, anything in regards to food is wonderful. So I was triple-foldly glad for my parents and their love. It was so good to see my parents! I miss them like crazy and don't see them very often, so any sighting is fantastic.

So yeah for some happy times of August/September. Here's lookin got October! My birthday month!

Love. Love always.

Ally Jo