Little Besty

23.11.12

Girls Night Out

Remember conference weekend like over a month ago?

Well no worries that I'm JUST getting to posting about our girls night while the boys were at priesthood session. ;)

Basically, my mom, sis, and sis-in-law all met up at the best and only amazing Spagetti Factory for some grub. It was delicious as always, and we all got some much needed family girl time. Though it was a girl night...we did have our little guy, Carter tag along. :) I love my nephew so much! He is just growing and growing everyday, and I can't believe what a cute little man he is. Ah. To die for.

We went to University Mall after our dinner and looked around for birthday present ideas for Leafy and I, since her birthday was that weekend and mine was around the corner. It was fun! And we got to attempt to stuff blankets around Carter in the mall strollers because he was just a tad bit too small for them. :)

Over all, it was a wonderful night out. Favorite part of the night? Being with my girls and having Carter hold my little finger as we strolled around the mall. :)

Yeah for Conference Weekend!

Love always,
Ally Jo

The Hamster Goes Missing

So...sometimes I'm ridiculously 5 years old and do crazy things at our house.

As most women can relate, I feel like I loose half of my head of hair when I get in the shower. How do I loose that much?! I mean it's just insane. And down right gross.....especially when we forget to remove the hair when we're all done. ;) I usually always remember! But one morning....

...Chad mentioned something.

"Hey Hunny, so I found a hamster in the shower this morning."

Wha?

"Yes. A hamster."

I'm still utterly blanking and don't understand how a hamster could possibly get into our shower.
He laughs and begins to relate my wad of hair to a hamster.

Oh dear.
I probably blushed a little, then laughed lots for my and my husband's silliness.

So the hamster was removed.

But I wasn't gonna let this be the end of our friend, the hamster. So I got up earlier one morning, took a shower, and went about my devious plan. And this is what Chad woke up to.

Mwah hahaha!

Chad's reaction?= what did I marry?

:) Perfect. Ha ha! Basically what went down for clarification, I removed all my hair that morning from the shower, which meant our hamster escaped! Which only meant utter panic with a hamster on the run. I had to warn Chad!

...So maybe I'm a little insane and crazy beyond all reasons, but it's the little things that keep marriage wonderful and fun. And remind you why you love the other one so much you could just squeeze their guts out. All over.

The hamster tends to make an appearance from time to time, but generally speaking, we have frightened the poor guy off. Case closed.

Love always,
Ally Jo

My Super-Hero Husband

I love my husband.

I'm know all of you out there with husbands of your own love them too.

Chad is my source of joy when I feel low. He loves me when my hair is greasy and gross and tells me I'm beautiful. He dances with me in the kitchen. He builds forts with me in the living room. He remembers special things. He races me to the car clear across the neighborhood and grabs me and spins me around. He snuggles up to me and massages my neck and plays with my hair. He makes me killer omelets. He opens my door for me. He reminds me that I'm loved. He reminds me I have a purpose. He goes to the temple with me almost every single week.

He has caused me to believe in love. Real love. He's convinced me that we really can be together forever and there is a great, incredibly brilliant plan behind having a man and a woman come together. You better believe it can be sorta sticky living with a member of the opposite sex ALWAYS. Not just a semester, but this guy is stuck with me everyday of forever. Ha! I love him for sticking it out with me, even when I turn into a monster. And believe me, I can be a monster.

He's my super hero. I'm convinced his white spot on the back of his head is really his only link to his secret identity. Because really? He's a super fighting machine. He saves millions. That's right. Feel jealous that I found a super-hero for my husband.

Chad wipes away my tears so very tenderly. And I cry lots, so he has mastered this skill. ;) He knows exactly what to do when I'm having women-time-of-the-month days. Chocolate, Cosby show, heated water bottle and blankets. He's pro. ;)

He's my rock. He's my teacher. He's my companion. He makes me laugh like a screaming banchee. He makes me feel special. He makes me feel like the luckiest girl ever. AND I absolutely love holding his hand and walkin' around town because, let's be real. I have something to show off. ;)

Oh ya. And he's ridiculously good looking. :)

I love my husband. I just get giddy thinking I get to be with him forever. Love you, Sweetie!

Love always,
Ally Jo

1.11.12

My Bike

These past few months of m life, I've had moments of this. Moments where I've been on the bike and all that's getting me through staying up is telling myself that I just gotta keep moving. Gotta keep moving....gotta keep moving....

This semester is school has been hard. Not gonna lie. And my adviser wanted me to take MORE credits than I already am! HA. That's all I gotta say. Anyway. I've had a lot of things thrown at me. Credits lost. Stubborn jaw. Tired body. Not enough air. Insecurities.Not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Physical pain. Emotional pain. Spiritual pain. I'm sure everyone can relate to my version of "biking up that huge hill".

But I'm glad that I have things along the way to keep me going. Keep me balanced. I've had to step back a lot and look at what I CAN do, rather than trying to be superwoman and do everything. And that's hard because I love opportunity. But sometimes, not all the opportunity in the world is supposed to be grabbed all at once.

So I was a good girl today, and decided to let one thing go. It was hard, because it's a good thing, but I just need to "clean out the closet" and feel a little more spacey so I can do better in the things I am doing. I'm sorta doing that "spring cleaning", but in the fall. :) And I feel a little bit lighter.

I love the changes of season because it's a testimony to me that I can change too. This weather has literally been good for me not only because it's just plain lovely, but 'cause I feel like the season is my friend encouraging me to cleanse myself as they do.

I need to breathe. I need to enjoy the air flowing past me on my ride on my bike.

Did I mention "my bike" rocks?

:) Loves.

Ally Jo

29.10.12

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}

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.
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!
What is your signature dance move? Penguin waddle. Gets them every time.
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.
Number one place you never want to go? The Land of Mis-Fit Toys. How sad would that be?!
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.
Favorite word? Today? Superbly. :) My visiting teacher text it to me and I can't stop thinking how superbly superbly is!
Guilty pleasure? Cookie dough. Deep fried chocolate {jokes ;)}. Nutella.
Which TV show do you never get sick of? Cosby Show! And Boy Meets World!
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.
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.