Hello all! Just to keep you up to date, I'd thought I'd fill you in on what's new in the world of gainful employment. Mike has accepted a position at the Seattle Union Gospel Mission as the Director of the Men's Shelter.
This is a full-time position, but our plan is that we will continue working toward our new church plant at the same time. The two ministries will complement each other well, I think.
September will be a crazy month! I go back to work at Mars Hill Grad School as a Teaching Assistant, Mike starts classes towards his MDiv at Mars Hill, starts a new job at UGM, and homeschool starts back up for the kids and me. Keep us in your prayers!
Before all that, however, we get a week of family vacation in Eastern Washington at Sun Lakes Resort. (read resort as: 1972 single wide mobiles on a lake) I can't wait for the time away in the sun before our summer comes to an end!
God is good, he continues to provide for our crazy family, and this time of transition occurred without even missing a pay check.
Did I mention we are in the process of adopting #6?!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Birthday Boy is Turning 5!
Isaac is turning 5 this month! It is hard to believe this little guy is getting so big.
He came home to us right around his 1st Birthday. We had a little party in the backyard for him and I remember thinking how big he seemed at the time. Now looking back, he was such a baby! He didn't even walk yet and couldn't swing at the pinata we got!
Boy does he swing now! At everything! With everything! Bats, balls, sisters. . . you name it, he swings at it!
We're having a party for Isaac on Sunday, August 19th at our place around 5pm. You are all invited for dinner and birthday cake. See you then!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Hair
We have 3 girls and 2 boys. The 2 boys get a buzz cut about once every 2 months and we call it good. The girls, on the other hand, require a more delicate and intentional touch.
Each of our girls has her own unique hair texture. Add to that, each one also has her own sense of style. Add to that, I am white. They are black. Do I really need to say more?
There are websites, books, discussion forums, therapists, support groups, and magazine articles dedicated to African American hair care issues. I, being only one woman, have not read them all. I think I may have missed one or two.
With that said, today I undertook a new challenge: Extensions. Sasha, who is 10 (and a half!), decided that "baby hairstyles" are no longer acceptable. What this means for her is that for the past 6 months or so she has worn her hair in a sloppy ponytail which she considers "cool". What this means for Mama is that she has felt like a failure every time we are in public and people give me that "Oh, these poor African American girls are adopted by a dumb white lady who can't braid" look. Trust me, such a thing does exist.
As I am inbetween semesters and Mike is about to be inbetween jobs, I have a little extra time and nervous energy on my hands. So! Today! We did extensions! It may seem strange to my white friends who don't have may AA girlfriends, but this is a fairly commonplace hair procedure for AA kids. What it entails is this: Taking synthetic hair and adding to my girls hair in what is hopefully a natural looking style. The goal of this is to add length to their hair, as well as to help their styles stay in place longer without getting "fuzzy".
I am pretty impressed with me! For my first time out I think it turned out looking awfully good. What do you think?
Weather Channel
I do not have cable, or even antennas for that matter, so I don't catch the weather channel all that much.
Actually, there is not much need to watch the weather channel in Seattle. It's either raining, about to rain, or going to rain any day now.
With that said, we've had a horrible week in late July of rain, rain, and more rain. This may surprise some of you: "What! Rain in Seattle!" But when you get over your sarcasm I'll point out that July is one of the driest months of the year 'round here.
My kids are absolutely stir crazy: as nutty as they get. Cabin fever has set in with a vengeance and their Mama is about to loose it. And, although I am a generally even tempered, patient, long suffering kinda gal (ok, stand back for lightning bolts) this is too much!
So, this morning the sun came out! The clouds have passed, the mugginess is burning off, and the birds are going crazy in my pine trees.
And then we had concrete poured and had to keep the kids inside all day in order to avoid ruining the new patio. Agh!!!!
So this is basically me, venting about Murphy and his odd sense of law and humor.
p.s. Pray for us: we're going camping next Tues. for three days with the kids and Grandma and Grandpa who are coming up from So. Cal. Without rain would be my preference!
Actually, there is not much need to watch the weather channel in Seattle. It's either raining, about to rain, or going to rain any day now.
With that said, we've had a horrible week in late July of rain, rain, and more rain. This may surprise some of you: "What! Rain in Seattle!" But when you get over your sarcasm I'll point out that July is one of the driest months of the year 'round here.
My kids are absolutely stir crazy: as nutty as they get. Cabin fever has set in with a vengeance and their Mama is about to loose it. And, although I am a generally even tempered, patient, long suffering kinda gal (ok, stand back for lightning bolts) this is too much!
So, this morning the sun came out! The clouds have passed, the mugginess is burning off, and the birds are going crazy in my pine trees.
And then we had concrete poured and had to keep the kids inside all day in order to avoid ruining the new patio. Agh!!!!
So this is basically me, venting about Murphy and his odd sense of law and humor.
p.s. Pray for us: we're going camping next Tues. for three days with the kids and Grandma and Grandpa who are coming up from So. Cal. Without rain would be my preference!
Monday, July 09, 2007
The New Church NW
Hello blog-friends!
I've attached a letter I am working on to explain what's new in the lives of the Johnson Family. I'd love your feedback and questions! It's a long letter and I've tried to shorten it, but can't come up with a way to say less and still say what I want to ! I'm not usually too long on words, but I can't seem to edit this down. Your ideas would be appreciated.
Here goes!
Dear Friends and Family,
Mike and I are writing to let you know about our upcoming life plans. After 10 years in full-time church ministry, we are responding to what has been an ongoing sense of God’s calling on our lives to begin a new church.
Most of you know that in 1995 we both graduated with our Bachelor’s degrees in Missions, with the intent of doing international church planting. Master’s Degrees, five children and twelve years later, we are essentially back to where we started. The difference now is that we have a decade of church work experience and hopefully ten more years of spiritual and personal maturity behind us!
The other significant difference is that instead of international church planting we are focusing on domestic church planting. We live in the Seattle area, and records for the past 25 years running indicate that this region is one of the most unchurched areas in the US. Sadly, mainstream churches in this area are on the decline. On the other hand, new church starts are doing well in this area and are tapping into an unchurched population that is responding well to alternative approaches to church. By this we do not mean an alternative gospel message, but rather, in the words of Billy Graham, an eternal message in contemporary means.
We believe we are uniquely poised for such an opportunity for several reasons. The first is our family. As you all know, the greatest thing about Mike and Dena Johnson happens to be our children! What I mean by this is that our unique family has opened so many doors to us that might not have otherwise been opened. We believe we have an opportunity to minister in a culturally diverse area because of our multi-ethnic family. In addition to the ethnicity of our family, that fact that we have a large family is also a reason we feel uniquely positioned to do church work in our area. Families are in great need of support and in greater need of role models and teaching. We feel very humbled and honored to be able to offer young families the support and lifestyle modeling many are desperate for.
The second reason we feel well positioned is because of Mike’s experience in this community. As you know, he is a social and outgoing guy! He has established many relationships in the community over our past several years of living here and is well connected with civic and religious leaders. These relationships are key to any successful church plant, as we do not believe we are called to do church work in isolation or opposition but rather in relationship and in community. Additionally, my work and my community relationships are an important aspect of why a church plant in this area seems wise.
A third reason I believe we are called to this new path is something less easily defined but equally as important: We are passionate about outreach, about people, about incarnational relationships, and about the Pacific Northwest. These passions make us ideal for church planting, while at times less than ideal for established church ministries.
(Side Note: By incarnational relationships I mean the kind of relationships that acknowledge that the redemptive work of Jesus began by his choosing to live amongst us. Rather than living beyond us, or above us, he dwelt among us. He lived and sweat and bled and worked and worshipped in our midst as one who was fully man, and fully God. The stance of this theology (unique to Christianity alone in the world) is that our God does not disdain nor manipulate his creation- he does not rain down fire bolts from a distant heaven or randomly bless those who ingratiate themselves to him. He breathed his own image into his creation and chose to walk among them in fellowship and humility. Imagine what a church looks like that seeks to live out that same profound respect and intimacy with humanity!)
While in no way intending to be disrespectful or discourteous, the reality we have experienced is that established institutions must spend energy and resources maintaining themselves. A new church plant does not have the challenge of slowly reorienting a large and slowly moving vessel. While I am thrilled and humbled that some people are clearly called to such tasks, those of you who have known Mike and me for any amount of time know that this is obviously not our unique temperament or calling.
With all of that said, I am writing to invite you to join us in this endeavor. What we are asking for is your prayers, your input, and essentially your sense of what you know of us and if this decision seems to gel with what you know. We will definitely need guidance and spiritual discernment in this whole process and do not want to step into something that is not supported and blessed in prayer and wisdom. We obviously will need financial support and “seed money” to begin a new church. The cost of incorporating, buying sound systems, renting facilities, etc. will be offset eventually by a growing body, but in the initial phase we will do some fundraising to provide for these essential needs.
For those of you who live nearby, we do ask that you consider being a part of this new effort. We are not asking you to leave your church for ours! We are asking, however, that you consider if God has been preparing you for such a ministry and for such a time. A new church requires a solid base of established Christians to provide care and spiritual leadership for new believers. We do not for a minute believe that the two of us have what it takes to minister to growing body on our own. Indeed, we have been a part of a rapidly growing church that did not have a secure base in place to provide spiritual care for its new members. The eventual burnout and disappointment inherent in such a system is a great tragedy.
Jesus told believers to go to the unbelievers and to make disciples. This implies an investment of time and of one’s life- not merely a new program geared at outreach. If you want to consider joining us in a lifestyle of ministry and incarnational relationships, we’d love to spend time with you praying about this.
Some of the specifics are in place, others are not. For now we are primarily gathering to pray and seek leadership of the Holy Spirit. Our hope is that Mike will be able to find part-time work elsewhere to help support our family during this transition. Until those details are clarified, we won’t be able to commit to time frames or agenda. What we are feeling sure of is the area around South Center (South of Seattle by about 12 miles, for those of you outside the Northwest). The pastoral association Mike belongs to is supportive of our efforts and is willing to walk with us in relationship. Additionally, a local church has offered us the use of their building. Our current church, The Church by the Side of the Road in Tukwila is prayerfully considering how they might support this new church and what, if any, oversight they might offer. This blessing and support means a lot to us, and is something that seems to reflect the guidance of the Lord. Other than the idea of being located in Tukwila, we are still in the very early stages of planning.
Once again, we are primarily asking for you prayers and for your input. We are open to what you have to say and will really consider your words as an important part of this process. I think that if we are to do something new, it has to start in a position and attitude of humility and genuine willingness to hear from God and His people. You are all a vital part of that for us!
Please respond however you prefer. You can call us at: 206.244.0708 home
253.670.0777 Dena cell
Or you can email us at: onpilgrimage@yahoo.com Dena
j.michaeljohnson@yahoo.com Mike
Thanks for your friendship and for the ways you have invested in our lives over the years.
In Christ,
Dena and Mike Johnson
I've attached a letter I am working on to explain what's new in the lives of the Johnson Family. I'd love your feedback and questions! It's a long letter and I've tried to shorten it, but can't come up with a way to say less and still say what I want to ! I'm not usually too long on words, but I can't seem to edit this down. Your ideas would be appreciated.
Here goes!
Dear Friends and Family,
Mike and I are writing to let you know about our upcoming life plans. After 10 years in full-time church ministry, we are responding to what has been an ongoing sense of God’s calling on our lives to begin a new church.
Most of you know that in 1995 we both graduated with our Bachelor’s degrees in Missions, with the intent of doing international church planting. Master’s Degrees, five children and twelve years later, we are essentially back to where we started. The difference now is that we have a decade of church work experience and hopefully ten more years of spiritual and personal maturity behind us!
The other significant difference is that instead of international church planting we are focusing on domestic church planting. We live in the Seattle area, and records for the past 25 years running indicate that this region is one of the most unchurched areas in the US. Sadly, mainstream churches in this area are on the decline. On the other hand, new church starts are doing well in this area and are tapping into an unchurched population that is responding well to alternative approaches to church. By this we do not mean an alternative gospel message, but rather, in the words of Billy Graham, an eternal message in contemporary means.
We believe we are uniquely poised for such an opportunity for several reasons. The first is our family. As you all know, the greatest thing about Mike and Dena Johnson happens to be our children! What I mean by this is that our unique family has opened so many doors to us that might not have otherwise been opened. We believe we have an opportunity to minister in a culturally diverse area because of our multi-ethnic family. In addition to the ethnicity of our family, that fact that we have a large family is also a reason we feel uniquely positioned to do church work in our area. Families are in great need of support and in greater need of role models and teaching. We feel very humbled and honored to be able to offer young families the support and lifestyle modeling many are desperate for.
The second reason we feel well positioned is because of Mike’s experience in this community. As you know, he is a social and outgoing guy! He has established many relationships in the community over our past several years of living here and is well connected with civic and religious leaders. These relationships are key to any successful church plant, as we do not believe we are called to do church work in isolation or opposition but rather in relationship and in community. Additionally, my work and my community relationships are an important aspect of why a church plant in this area seems wise.
A third reason I believe we are called to this new path is something less easily defined but equally as important: We are passionate about outreach, about people, about incarnational relationships, and about the Pacific Northwest. These passions make us ideal for church planting, while at times less than ideal for established church ministries.
(Side Note: By incarnational relationships I mean the kind of relationships that acknowledge that the redemptive work of Jesus began by his choosing to live amongst us. Rather than living beyond us, or above us, he dwelt among us. He lived and sweat and bled and worked and worshipped in our midst as one who was fully man, and fully God. The stance of this theology (unique to Christianity alone in the world) is that our God does not disdain nor manipulate his creation- he does not rain down fire bolts from a distant heaven or randomly bless those who ingratiate themselves to him. He breathed his own image into his creation and chose to walk among them in fellowship and humility. Imagine what a church looks like that seeks to live out that same profound respect and intimacy with humanity!)
While in no way intending to be disrespectful or discourteous, the reality we have experienced is that established institutions must spend energy and resources maintaining themselves. A new church plant does not have the challenge of slowly reorienting a large and slowly moving vessel. While I am thrilled and humbled that some people are clearly called to such tasks, those of you who have known Mike and me for any amount of time know that this is obviously not our unique temperament or calling.
With all of that said, I am writing to invite you to join us in this endeavor. What we are asking for is your prayers, your input, and essentially your sense of what you know of us and if this decision seems to gel with what you know. We will definitely need guidance and spiritual discernment in this whole process and do not want to step into something that is not supported and blessed in prayer and wisdom. We obviously will need financial support and “seed money” to begin a new church. The cost of incorporating, buying sound systems, renting facilities, etc. will be offset eventually by a growing body, but in the initial phase we will do some fundraising to provide for these essential needs.
For those of you who live nearby, we do ask that you consider being a part of this new effort. We are not asking you to leave your church for ours! We are asking, however, that you consider if God has been preparing you for such a ministry and for such a time. A new church requires a solid base of established Christians to provide care and spiritual leadership for new believers. We do not for a minute believe that the two of us have what it takes to minister to growing body on our own. Indeed, we have been a part of a rapidly growing church that did not have a secure base in place to provide spiritual care for its new members. The eventual burnout and disappointment inherent in such a system is a great tragedy.
Jesus told believers to go to the unbelievers and to make disciples. This implies an investment of time and of one’s life- not merely a new program geared at outreach. If you want to consider joining us in a lifestyle of ministry and incarnational relationships, we’d love to spend time with you praying about this.
Some of the specifics are in place, others are not. For now we are primarily gathering to pray and seek leadership of the Holy Spirit. Our hope is that Mike will be able to find part-time work elsewhere to help support our family during this transition. Until those details are clarified, we won’t be able to commit to time frames or agenda. What we are feeling sure of is the area around South Center (South of Seattle by about 12 miles, for those of you outside the Northwest). The pastoral association Mike belongs to is supportive of our efforts and is willing to walk with us in relationship. Additionally, a local church has offered us the use of their building. Our current church, The Church by the Side of the Road in Tukwila is prayerfully considering how they might support this new church and what, if any, oversight they might offer. This blessing and support means a lot to us, and is something that seems to reflect the guidance of the Lord. Other than the idea of being located in Tukwila, we are still in the very early stages of planning.
Once again, we are primarily asking for you prayers and for your input. We are open to what you have to say and will really consider your words as an important part of this process. I think that if we are to do something new, it has to start in a position and attitude of humility and genuine willingness to hear from God and His people. You are all a vital part of that for us!
Please respond however you prefer. You can call us at: 206.244.0708 home
253.670.0777 Dena cell
Or you can email us at: onpilgrimage@yahoo.com Dena
j.michaeljohnson@yahoo.com Mike
Thanks for your friendship and for the ways you have invested in our lives over the years.
In Christ,
Dena and Mike Johnson
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
5 Johnson Kids Ballet Performances
This year 4 of the 5 kids danced in the final production of Prokofiev's The Stone Flower. Sasha was in 3 or 4 different numbers and Lily was in 3 as well. The little kids, Chloe and Isaac, stole the show, as they seem to do each year! The big kids work so hard, and then the cute little guys come along, goof around, walk in circles, wave to the audience, and get all the giggles and applause.
It was a special treat to have Chloe's birthmother at the show this year. Her mother and father came, too. They are a lovely bunch of people who have blessed us beyond words. Their respectfulness, kindness, and steafast loyalty to our family and to Chloe have been a living reminder of God's grace to us.
Sasha will be dancing all summer for the first time. As a beginning pointe dancer, she cannot take the luxury of a summer off anymore. The girls lose too much strength and skills over a summer off, and when a dancer is dancing on pointe, to lose strength is a danger to developing muscles.
Lily decided this is her last year of dance. She has gone back and forth about this, but as much as she enjoys the performances, she's ready to try something new. These days she thinks fencing is the next mountain to climb! After a week at horse camp, what she'd really like to do is buy a horse for the front yard! I have a feeling this girl is going to keep me on my toes.
Isaac did such a good job this year in class! He especially enjoyed the tap portion of his class: it was noisy!
Monday, July 02, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Cruise in Review
Dancing! 
I love shots of Mike with his folks! We had a great time with Richard and Betty, who are the best travel partners in the world! Well, this may be true. So far they are the only people we have travled with and we think they are the best. They gave us just enough alone time and were so flexible and laid back the whole trip. Truth be told, Betty spent the majority of the cruise in a lounge chair by the pool with a book. This, I have discovered, is her absolute favorite place to be. Retirement is really rough on these two! Richard enjoyed the sun, too. He also fit in a round of golf with Mike and a trip to the USS Midway in San Diego. He served on the Midway for two years in the 50's and gave Mike his own version of the tour. Pretty amazing.
There are still more photos to come, since Mike and I got suckered into posing for every photo on board and bought a bunch of them because they were too great to pass up. When was the last time you had prom pictures taken?! We both got snazzied up for formal night and sure thought we were hot stuff. Well, I thought Mike was hot stuff and he seemed to think I was too!
It's great to be back, messy house, imperfect kids and all. They did really well while we were away (at least that's what the people who kept them say) and now they are in the "let's see how far we can push Mama and Papa now that we're all back together and once again establish just who's in charge here" mode. So far I'm winning. Pray for me!
We met some great people on the cruise. Everywhere we turned God brought believers into our path: A lovely couple from Phoenix brightened our day in Ensenada; the comic on board is a Christian who made me laugh harder than I have in a long time and spent an hour after his show sharing his life and thoughts with us; the folks we had breakfast with one morning who were celebrating their 60th Anniversary, and still more we met in passing. It's a great world, full of amazing people who are trying to figure out how to live lives pleasing to God and in meaningful relationship with others. Pretty amazing.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
More Phoebe Jane!
My Cousin Stacie takes the most amazing pictures (wilkinstribe.blogspot.com).
As does Corbin Gross (onegrossfamily.blogspot.com)
.I am fortunate to be surrounded by such talented friends and family, people who make amazingly beautiful art so full of love and their unique passions.
I had to add some of Stacie's pictures of Phoebe Jane to regale you with her perfect, pink, splendour. (Phoebe Jane's, not Stacie's).
I'd suggest you all check out their blogs and book your sittings soon! Now that I've posted their info, there is bound to be a rush to their sites!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Mexico Cruise minus 5 Johnson Kids
These are some initial shots of our cruise to Mexico!
You are all dying to know, and so yes, the kids have survived! My eternal thanks to Katie, Donna, Stacie, and Amanda. We didn't worry once about the kids, but did spend some time worrying about our friends keeping the kids...Yes they also survived. Now we get to return the favor! Anytime, guys, we're rested up and ready to keep yours!
We did the typical cruise stuff: ate, slept, ate some more and laid in the sun. Us Northwesterners both got sunburned the first day and looked the tourist part.
I'll add more pics later and share more of our time.
We talked to Gabriel last night and he wanted to know if we were off of our Space Ship yet. The answer is yes, now we're back on earth! But we had a lovely trip on the Space Ship.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
16th Anniversary
Mike and I are getting ready to leave town to celebrate our 16th Wedding Anniversary. Someone kindly asked me the other day if we were 12 when we married. . . The same day I was called blonde. Now that's funny!
We are headed down to LA and then we're taking a 4 day cruise to Mexico. I was about to say, "Just the two of us!" but the truth is we will be joined by Mike's folks. Okay, now it may sound odd to say that we are celebrating our wedding anniversary with our in-laws (I'm a therapist- I know how it sounds) but the truth is we do enjoy traveling with others and they offered to join us. I made sure we had separate rooms and we pledged to give each other lots of space. I figure Betty and I can go shopping if Mike and his Dad decide they need to do something manly. Like shop for golf supplies. Or shop for shoes. Or shop. (Mike's dad is a biiiigggg shopper!)
Many friends and family members have come together to make this possible for us. Finding someone to keep 5 kids for a week can be quite a challenge. I even bought trip insurance just in case. . . I am so grateful to Katie, Donna, Stacie, Amanda, and my emergency back-up Randi! If ever I heard a good reason for small families it's this: Getting out of town if tough with more than 2.5 kids.
16 years, I must say, is something to be proud of. I am proud to say we have fought long and hard to develop a strong marriage- one with it's ups and downs, with it's strengths and weaknesses, with it's dignity and depravity. Celebrating at this point feels well earned, after a year of lots of transitions and hard questions. I don't suppose we're celebrating the fact that now we'll never have hard moments again as much as we are celebrating the fact that all meaningful relationships are made up of hard moments and of a willingness to enter into hard moments rather than flee or deny the difficulties.
With that said, I plan on fleeing for at least 4 days on a cruise ship bound to Mexico!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Armed Forces Day
We took the kids out to Ft. Lewis today for an Armed Forces Day Celebration. It was great to see the families show up and all of the great memorabilia from the past. As a homeschool mother, I was awfully proud that my 10 year old could identify the Allies in WWII! How many adults you know can even do that! (For that matter- I heard that a majority of Americans cannot identify our Vice President today- a majority!)
It was super to be there, but also an odd blast from the past. Mike and I met when he was a soldier at Ft. Lewis and so some of our old dating stomping grounds are on base and in Tacoma where the base is located. Before that even, my best friend when I was in high school and I spent too much time on and near base with a handful of friends who were either active duty or people who still hung out with active duty soldiers. ( We really weren't those kinds of girls!)
And then, there were two years I spent on base in Great Britain, one year in England and one in Scotland. My base in England, High Wycombe at Bushy Hall is closing for good this week. My school is shutting down and it's a sad thing to know the place I graduated is now standing vacant. Alas, the American presence in Post World War II Europe is diminshing as we establish presence in the Middle East.
I am forever grateful for my time in and around the US Military. It was a stable source for my life in the midst of certain instability and chaos. I am more deeply grateful for the servicemen and women of present and past who honor us with their service and commitment. My ex-Ranger husband makes me proud, my Reserve Coast Guard brother-in-law makes me proud; all of you who have put time into service make me proud. Thank you for your service.
It was super to be there, but also an odd blast from the past. Mike and I met when he was a soldier at Ft. Lewis and so some of our old dating stomping grounds are on base and in Tacoma where the base is located. Before that even, my best friend when I was in high school and I spent too much time on and near base with a handful of friends who were either active duty or people who still hung out with active duty soldiers. ( We really weren't those kinds of girls!)
And then, there were two years I spent on base in Great Britain, one year in England and one in Scotland. My base in England, High Wycombe at Bushy Hall is closing for good this week. My school is shutting down and it's a sad thing to know the place I graduated is now standing vacant. Alas, the American presence in Post World War II Europe is diminshing as we establish presence in the Middle East.
I am forever grateful for my time in and around the US Military. It was a stable source for my life in the midst of certain instability and chaos. I am more deeply grateful for the servicemen and women of present and past who honor us with their service and commitment. My ex-Ranger husband makes me proud, my Reserve Coast Guard brother-in-law makes me proud; all of you who have put time into service make me proud. Thank you for your service.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Phoebe Jane
This beautiful baby girl is Phoebe-Jane Elizabeth Allred. A big name for a teeny-tiny, itsty-bitsy girl.
My sister Randi, 4 Boy Mama as she is otherwise known, gave birth to this delightful pink bundle of feminine characteristics May 14th at 4:44 am. Barely 6 pounds, 18 inches long, she came out howling and woke up her startled brothers.
They were startled not only to be awoken at 4:44am, but more specifically to be awoken by a GIRL! They were all pulling for boy number 5, but they quickly got over the shock and welcomed Phoebe Jane.
Now if only Chad could get over the shock!
Welcome sweet baby! You help us all remember what this life is all about: Children, family, siblings, the beauty and miralle of God's created order that just keeps on creating. Praise His name for this beautiful addition to our family. (We're up to 10 now between Randi and I! Add Cousin Stacie and we make 14! We need a bus. And to win the lottery.)
y
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Daffodil Season!
This time of year in Washington is wet and windy, with a few, random day of glorious sunshine and warm breezes.
One thing you need to know about living in Seattle: Take advantage of the nice days. They don't come often in the spring and if you don't get out and play on the dry days, you just might grow mold spots.
The rain, however, gives birth to some glorious scenery. Right now, the daffodils are beginning to bloom in my yard, and the tulips are also pushing their way up. This time of year always makes me think of my first job as a teenager when I worked in the daffodil fields in Puyallup.
It seemed like such a romantic job! Picking flowers in the spring sunshine! What a perfect job for after school and on weekends!
Little did I know what back breaking work it was. They were days filled with standing in mud puddles up to my shins, rain running down my plastic raincoat filling my rubber boots with water. The rows of daffodils seemed endless and the breaks spent in a dripping shack on the side of the fields were not much of an improvement.
The girls all worked in a rows next to each other, competing to see who could finish first. The trick was, if you worked too fast, everyone was angry with you, but if you worked too slow, others had to help finish up your work. A lose lose situation. I figured since I was fast with my hands, I may as well be one of the workers who helped the others finish up, and at least gain the gratitude of those I helped, along with the recognition of those in charge. This resulted in me being hired to come back for tulip season (a little less rainy) and then iris season (getting warm!) and then bulb cleaning at the end of the summer (awfully hot, dusty, and dirty). Eventually I was offered a job working in the packing barns, loading and sorting the flowers to be shipped around the world. This was a definite step up, as we could listen to the radio and the owners occasionally brought Big Mac's for everyone at the end of a shift. The part I liked best about this was watching the others girls head out to the fields: I was not gloating, mind you, I was just truly grateful not to be joining them!
I'm glad I had this job. I like the stories that grow out of it and I still have some fun memories of working in the fields with the other girls on nice days. I love tulips and daffodils to this day, although at the time I thought I'd be happy to neve see another flower!
What I like most about it, though, is that I had to work hard. I had to use my hands and my body to get something done that others just decided was too much effort. I learned to enjoy the challenge of it and to be proud that I could do it well. I don't know that my girls will be working at 15, and definately not to provide the basics that my parents would not, but I want them to have something like this in their adolescence. Something that they think they cannot do, but discover that the can. Something that is not fun, easy, or entertaining, yet something that gives them a sense of self, and a sense of pride in their ability to work.
One thing you need to know about living in Seattle: Take advantage of the nice days. They don't come often in the spring and if you don't get out and play on the dry days, you just might grow mold spots.
The rain, however, gives birth to some glorious scenery. Right now, the daffodils are beginning to bloom in my yard, and the tulips are also pushing their way up. This time of year always makes me think of my first job as a teenager when I worked in the daffodil fields in Puyallup.
It seemed like such a romantic job! Picking flowers in the spring sunshine! What a perfect job for after school and on weekends!
Little did I know what back breaking work it was. They were days filled with standing in mud puddles up to my shins, rain running down my plastic raincoat filling my rubber boots with water. The rows of daffodils seemed endless and the breaks spent in a dripping shack on the side of the fields were not much of an improvement.
The girls all worked in a rows next to each other, competing to see who could finish first. The trick was, if you worked too fast, everyone was angry with you, but if you worked too slow, others had to help finish up your work. A lose lose situation. I figured since I was fast with my hands, I may as well be one of the workers who helped the others finish up, and at least gain the gratitude of those I helped, along with the recognition of those in charge. This resulted in me being hired to come back for tulip season (a little less rainy) and then iris season (getting warm!) and then bulb cleaning at the end of the summer (awfully hot, dusty, and dirty). Eventually I was offered a job working in the packing barns, loading and sorting the flowers to be shipped around the world. This was a definite step up, as we could listen to the radio and the owners occasionally brought Big Mac's for everyone at the end of a shift. The part I liked best about this was watching the others girls head out to the fields: I was not gloating, mind you, I was just truly grateful not to be joining them!
I'm glad I had this job. I like the stories that grow out of it and I still have some fun memories of working in the fields with the other girls on nice days. I love tulips and daffodils to this day, although at the time I thought I'd be happy to neve see another flower!
What I like most about it, though, is that I had to work hard. I had to use my hands and my body to get something done that others just decided was too much effort. I learned to enjoy the challenge of it and to be proud that I could do it well. I don't know that my girls will be working at 15, and definately not to provide the basics that my parents would not, but I want them to have something like this in their adolescence. Something that they think they cannot do, but discover that the can. Something that is not fun, easy, or entertaining, yet something that gives them a sense of self, and a sense of pride in their ability to work.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Binge and Purge
Snow in Seattle
Santa Chloe
You may noticed that I blog in fits and starts. . . When I have the time I try to catch up on everything that is going on in our lives, and then I get swallowed up in busy-ness again!
We spent Christmas in So. Cal. with Mike's folks and had a great time! Well, the kids and Mike hade a great time: I had over 2000 pages of assignments to read and grade in the two weeks between classes. I came home with my work completed and a serious sore neck. Everyone else come home with a suntan after spending every spare minute at the beach.
In January, Mike's mom, Betty came up to stay with the kids for a week while Mike and I went to the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. We had an amazing time, working this year as International Hosts. We welcomed and registered particpants at the event from all over the world. 160 nations were represented and I think Mike personally met them each. Twice.
The whole family went to an Alpha Course Retreat a few weeks ago. A friend of ours runs the Alpha program at Westminster Church in Bellevue. He knew we weren't doing an Alpha Course at our church this semester, so he invited us to join his. It is a great opportunity to meet new people, have great conversation, a ready made meal and free babysitting! What else could you ask for! The retreat was a great chance to get away and connect with people who are seeking God and seeking more of God. If you've never been to an Alpha Course or if your church doesn't offer one, check it out online because it's a trememdous resource both for those with questions about Christianity as well as for those who've been in church for a long time but who are looking for a chance to be invovled in a great outreach ministry.
We got back to the homeschool gring and then all the kids got hit by the flu two weeks ago. Just when I'd think we we're out of the woods, another kids would spike a fever in the middle of the night! Every once in a while I begin to wonder if the world outside to my doors actually exists or has it all disappeared in the two weeks I've been inside? Cabin-fever, you think?
Mike is officially on the job hunt. He's decided not to seek the Senior Pastor position at our current church, and so it seems the time has come to move on. Any leads would be welcome!
I have enough of my mother in me that the thought of galavanting across the country sounds fun- but enough of my own galavanting experience in childhood to long for a permanent place to settle down and grow some roots. We're hoping God will open up something in the area that we can truly be passionate about.
Well, that's the update! I hope all of you are enjoying your spring, crazy weather and all. Summer is coming soon- the best time to visit the Northwest!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Mike and Dena sitting in a tree. . . .
(okay, clearly I don't know how to download pictures. . . I did not mean to get all these duplicates, but I can't seem to get rid of them either! Bear with me.)
We had family photos taken recently. 5 kids and photo shoots do not go well together. And yet, we have the most amazing photographer (www.corbinphotography.com) and he makes even 5 wild kids and two crazed parents look good!
We make fun of my sister Amanda and her husband Ben because they always take these "glamor shots" of themselves. Wherever they are, Bothell, Spokane, Rome, or Venice, all their pictures look the same: intense, staring deeply into each others eyes, alone in a crowd and all that mumbo jumbo.
So, we could not resist the opportunity to mock them. Just a little. We told our photographer, "Hey, let's do a Ben and Amanda shot!" and this is what we came up with. Howerver, no matter how you slice it, we're just not as cool as they are. It might have something to do with the 10 years difference, but even when we were 25 we were not as cool as they are. That's okay, they'll never be as encumbered by debt and surrounded by kids as we are! Ha ha! Just let them try and catch up!
I have a handsome husband and the most beautiful kids you've ever seen (except your own, of course). I count myself lucky, vain, but lucky.
www.teamlanghans.blogspot.com to see more of the Amazing Amanda and the Beneficent Ben
Halloween/Harvest/Fall Celebration
Well, I don't care what you call it, our family really enjoys it. We started out 10 years ago with the attitude of "Oh no! Not the evils of Halloween!" Well, we soon got over it and started down the slippery slope of moral demise.
Sasha, pictured here, was aiming for "Mexican." I told her that was not politically correct and so she revised it to "South American Peasant Woman." I think she looks more like Cher.
Gabriel is my cabellero. Sasha did his make-up and I'm darned impressed.
Lily is an amazing pirate. The Dred Pirate Roberts be warned!
Chloe is a clown. 'Nough said.
Isaac refused to dress up, but that did not keep him from getting handfuls of candy when we went trick-or-treating. I think his "4 year old boy" costume was appreciated by all.
We went trick-or-treating in Seatac (the town, not the airport) and our group of 13 (!) made quite a parade. Randi and Chad, Mike and I, and all 9 kids certainly stopped traffic.
The kids all had a slight cold so we skipped the AWANA Harvest party, which was a good thing after all, since they only allow the kids to dress up as Bible characters. We worked long and hard to figure out whether any pirates, clowns, cowboys, or Mexicans showed up in the Bible. We tried, really we did.
Instead we had a party over at Randi's house and it turned out great. The kids all got really creative and planned games, contests, and even prizes. They played "Pin the wing on the airplane", "Fishing" (a clothespin attached to a string and stick) and bobbed for apples. Micah, who just turned 12, said it was the best Halloween ever. You just know you've done something right when the 12 year old enjoys his younger siblings and cousins enough to say that! Good job, Randi and Chad.
So, whether you celebrate Harvest of Halloween, we hope your holiday was as blessed as ours was. I've come to believe that God can handle Halloween, and just might enjoy the costumes as much as I do!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
All About Me
Well, I have tons to say about the kids, as always, but I wanted to add some thoughts of my own this time.
First, the news: I had laser eye surgery two weeks ago and I love it! I have been wearing glasses for about 15 years full-time now, and it is incredible to not need them anymore! I probably don't look smart now, but I'm willing to risk being thought dumb and cute.
I am supposed to be grading the 126 papers sitting on my desk right now, but instead I am checking email, writing old friends, and blogging. A homeschooling mother of five's work is never done!
So here is what's on my mind: Forgiveness is a beautiful thing. I have group of friends (family acutally) who get together a couple times a month to share our lives and what Jesus is doing in our hearts. Somehow the topic of forgiveness came up. (Actually, I know how the topic came up but it's not relevant to the story. And it's none of your business.) But the point is, I shared how I had recently experienced forgiveness for something that has been on my heart for over 15 years. I've been ashamed and embarassed about something I said and did to someone I cared about, and for all this time I've felt sick everytime I've thought of it. 15 years is a long time to still get yucky butterflies in your stomach when you think of something.
I guess what surprised me about this experience, besides the surprise of getting in touch with a long lost friend, is how utterly giddy and light-hearted I have felt ever since. I am truly wondering if I have ever experienced forgiveness before, because this feeling is new.
I know that I have certainly needed and received God's forgiveness, and my husband extends his forgiveness daily it sometimes seems. But to hold onto something for that long, to feel sorrow and shame and all around stupidity for something and not have it go away, and then suddenly, to have it lift- this really is a taste of eternity. This is God's goodness, this is his touch. He lifts shame, not through denial but through being seen. He extends grace, not in response to our hard work to set things right, but randomly, out of the blue, and with no strings attached.
So, in addition to seeing more clearly, I also see more clearly. (Get it? Laser eye surgery, new understanding of forgiveness. . . )
First, the news: I had laser eye surgery two weeks ago and I love it! I have been wearing glasses for about 15 years full-time now, and it is incredible to not need them anymore! I probably don't look smart now, but I'm willing to risk being thought dumb and cute.
I am supposed to be grading the 126 papers sitting on my desk right now, but instead I am checking email, writing old friends, and blogging. A homeschooling mother of five's work is never done!
So here is what's on my mind: Forgiveness is a beautiful thing. I have group of friends (family acutally) who get together a couple times a month to share our lives and what Jesus is doing in our hearts. Somehow the topic of forgiveness came up. (Actually, I know how the topic came up but it's not relevant to the story. And it's none of your business.) But the point is, I shared how I had recently experienced forgiveness for something that has been on my heart for over 15 years. I've been ashamed and embarassed about something I said and did to someone I cared about, and for all this time I've felt sick everytime I've thought of it. 15 years is a long time to still get yucky butterflies in your stomach when you think of something.
I guess what surprised me about this experience, besides the surprise of getting in touch with a long lost friend, is how utterly giddy and light-hearted I have felt ever since. I am truly wondering if I have ever experienced forgiveness before, because this feeling is new.
I know that I have certainly needed and received God's forgiveness, and my husband extends his forgiveness daily it sometimes seems. But to hold onto something for that long, to feel sorrow and shame and all around stupidity for something and not have it go away, and then suddenly, to have it lift- this really is a taste of eternity. This is God's goodness, this is his touch. He lifts shame, not through denial but through being seen. He extends grace, not in response to our hard work to set things right, but randomly, out of the blue, and with no strings attached.
So, in addition to seeing more clearly, I also see more clearly. (Get it? Laser eye surgery, new understanding of forgiveness. . . )
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Pumpkin Carving. . .With Deranged, Knife Yielding Husband
An average night at the Johnson household. . . Lily sitting on counters, Mike making strange faces, pumpkin guts EVERYWHERE, and an argument over why we can't put blood (ketchup, she suggested) on the pumpkins to make them look scary. Never a dull moment around here!
Sunday, October 08, 2006
5 Johnson Kids
We went to have pictures taken with our good friends Melody and Corbin and I snapped this digiital picture of the kids. For the great pictures done by professionals, see www.corbinphotography.comWhen we get the pics back I'll post some of the "professional" pictures. Corbin does some wonderful work, his photos are creative and original. Yo should definitely call him and give him your business!
Sasha is almost 10, Lily is almost 8, Chloe is almost 5, Isaac is 4, Gabriel is 3. Mike is 36 and Dena is 29. Again.
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