Lake fun with the Darbyshires

Several weeks ago, our family went to the lake for a few days to rejuvenate and savor the warm weather. One of those days the Darbyshires graciously blessed us with their presence. We had so much fun with their dear family and were thankful that they went along with our last minute plans, (hmmm...that phrase seems to come up a lot with us Johnsons).

Hannah and Avie

Mr. Darbyshire put on an impressive presentation of slaloming

Esther and Avala were fun to watch; their expressions were hilarious!

And, of course, Josiah and Aaron refrained from screaming and showed us how tubing is done

Congratulations, Aaron: the tubing champion

Yes, she was as experienced as she appears to be

Andrew and Alan

Thanks, Darbyshires, for a fun day of fellowship!

Random Summer Memories

Here is a random assortment of pictures from this summer. There were so many memories made- but here's just a glimpse...

One of the highlights of this summer was having our Uncle Doug in town. At the beginning of the summer he had just concluded a job in California, and was making preparations to leave for a year overseas; so, of course, we tried to make many memories (which I plan to share later) and enjoy the summer together

Noah and Philip just love their Uncle Matt

"I'll help you wash the dishes, Aunt Stephie"

Reminiscing over old pictures

Deedra, Me and Hannah taking a break from cleaning

(many thanks to the faithful counter top- for making these memories possible)

One of the things we did this summer was help our grandparents move in with Aunt Kim and Uncle Ben.

A priceless family moment

Pops and Noah

One of Essie, Josiah, and David's summer projects: Acrophobia

Tuesday Nights

One of the highlights of each week is spending time with mom's side of the family. We enjoy a meal together and cover a new stream of topics each week- usually with a wonderful side dish of laughter!

Sweet father-daughter moment (Karissa and Uncle Ben)

Mema and Papa

Observing Eli's new wheels

...and the guys observing the engine

Making Salves

Heather took some time this summer to teach us how to make salves. We were so glad Sarah was able to join us!

EHE Graduation

The Easley Home Educator's Class of 2010

Congratulations, Carrie!

Robert Carter, with Creation Ministries, came and spoke to our church fellowship

And, as promised, Esther's ducks!

God bless, and goodnight!

Last Minute Picnic

We've been blessed with some wonderful fellowship this summer. One of these times being a gathering at the local baseball field with four families who are very special to us: the Fondry's, Looper's, Farrier's, and Franseen's. Here are some, very delayed, pictures from a fun evening together!..

Lyla Kate

Poor Mercy had fallen and scratched her nose; a moment in life she'll never be able to forget- thanks to her aunt Stephie

Mercy Rose


Elizabeth and Philip

Just love all the men in the background of this one...they're most likely discussing theology

Two godly leaders we're so thankful to have in our lives!

(My most sincere apologies Mr. Fondry for taking your picture- I simply couldn't resist :) *must be read in a cheesy british accent)

Philip was certainly well cared for :)

Philip, Carrie, and Noah

Annie Leigh

Uncle Matt's creative mind at work

Esther, Amy, and Christiana enjoying some time on the volleyball court

Faith and Philip

Thanks guys, for making time for fellowship!...even though it was extremely last minute :) We had a blast

A date with Papa

Wow! It has been a full and busy two weeks. We had a wonderful time in San Antonio and learned so much; we're just praying that we'll apply the truths we learned in every day life and use our new found knowledge to glorify our wonderful King.

There are several posts I've halfway put together, but haven't had the chance to sit down and finish. Perhaps life will slow at some point, and blogging the endless supply of pictures will find a place on my schedule. Until that day, an account of yesterday's blessed activities will have to suffice...

Yesterday we Johnson ladies had the privilege of a lunch date with our dear Papa. He took us to the world famous Golden Arches- and treated us to hamburgers and ice cream.

We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch, and papa patiently answered our array of questions about facts from his past. We love opportunities to learn about our heritage- what it was like during our grandparents childhood; the almost forgotten details behind how and when they met; the story of our great grandfather supposedly putting a skunk in the school furnace (lovely truths that explain some family quirks! :) ), and many other mesmerizing stories.

We had a blessed time together, and concluded our time by doing a little shopping and driving around town.


Grandparents are such a blessing and I'm thankful that we have been especially blessed!

Happy Birthday, Mother Dearest!

(Heather, Christie, Mom, Mema, Me, Hannah, and Essie)

Today marks the birth of a wonderful and dear person to me- My beautiful Mother!

It is hard to know how to describe her to those of you who have never been in her joyous presence- she sparkles! But that word doesn't do justice to the depth that she has countless times proven to hold. Her hands are always busy in a project of some sort- be it gardening, reading, cleaning, sewing, or nurturing. Nurturing: now that is a word which fully describes my dear mother. I cannot count the number of times each of us has had the smallest bruise or most trivial concern; but we would never have known it to be so small- for she would compassionately place a band-aid (sealed with a kiss) over the microscopic sore, or gently take us in her arms and understandingly counsel us.

As much as I could go on about the many qualities my mother holds- none compares to the love she has for her Savior. My mother is not without fault, as she continually reminds us, for she is human. But she is a woman seeking diligently to know and love her Jesus more than the day before. She is covered in the righteousness of Christ, and the fruits are being produced abundantly in and through her life. Praise the Lord for His goodness!

Mother Dearest, I love you so very much and am thankful for the Lord's sovereign grace in placing you as an authority to lead me to Himself! Thank you for your daily example of a willing heart- and thank you ever so much for your labor to have my heart. It is yours and daddy's completely, and for that I praise God!

I'm so sorry we're not there to enjoy this day with you! But know that we're thinking of you today and praising God for you!

I love you!

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

A quick note while packing...

This summer has proven to be an extremely busy and blessed one thus far- my lack of posting is full evidence of that :)
This weekend was our NCFIC Road Trip Conference, which turned out to be a wonderful encouragement and I'm so thankful the Lord allowed us to attend. We made many new and dear friends and were able to spend time in beautiful fellowship.
There were many exhorting messages throughout the day- but I must say that the ones which pierced my heart the deepest were the Brown and Bradrick ladies during the Ladies Tea. I pray I will remember the truths they brought out from the Word of God and diligently apply them.
I will have to post the pictures of the event later- as we are currently tying up loose ends before leaving, Lord willing, for San Antonio tomorrow morning. We are so excited to be attending the Baby Conference! Sadly our dear family wasn't able to come, but they lovingly sent Hannah and I along with Christie and Isaac under the title of Mommy's Helpers. While we are thrilled about the wisdom we will be able to glean while supervising Nina and Wosie, we will certainly miss our dear family back home!
I should now get back to being productive- although the sweet little one (aka Anna Bell) asleep in my arms is feeling rather comfortable and happy! That is my excuse for all the mistypes- I do best typing with two hands :)

May the Lord be praised for His goodness- and I hope each of you experience His goodness through His Word and creation today!

"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.
Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.
Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth"