We are the Johnsons--Alan, Mandy, Olive, and Clementine. I (Mandy) quit my job in September 2010 to stay at home with our two little fruits. This was the beginning of the end our journey towards what it means to follow Christ. I'll explain more of that in a post or two. For now, I'll introduce you to the happy bunch!
Alan
Though I could've chosen a picture to show off his rock-star-awesomeness, I chose this picture because this is what matters. I mean, don't get me wrong--the impromptu mini-concerts that happen daily in this house are "super special", the perks we get by saying things like, "don't you know who my husband is?! Um, he was the lead singer of the former band Vintage Road!" are invaluable, and the jeggings. Rock stars wear jeggings and they are...well, they are tight. Really tight. And not in a good way. So the jeggings have been banned. But that, too, is a post for another time. Alan is so amazing it's hard to sum it up here. But that sounds like a challenge, so Ima' do it. He is the best dad to our girls--if for no other reason than the fact that he plays beauty salon with them. There ARE other reasons, but I've got three more people to write about, so I'll save it. He is the best husband (I'm going to resist the urge to say "in the world" because that would mean that your husband is not the best husband because mine is, and though it might be true, I'm going to resist the urge.) for me. I mean, there are a select few who can put up with my crazies, let alone love me for it. I'm forever grateful. He is a talented musician/worship leader who somehow lets me give feedback into a hobby/calling I know almost nothing about--see, people? THIS is true love. He's a master puppeteer (R.I.P. AJ), a Texan-gentleman (he opens doors and carries bags; he does not wear chaps or tip his hat), and one of the funniest and funnest people I know (I know 670 people according to Facebook, so....). Meet Alan.
Olive
It's safe to say that she is a mini-me. She looks like me and acts like me, which is not always awesome, despite what you might think. She is a sensitive, smart, and sassy girl. And she's funny. I mean, actually funny. Sometimes, we steal her jokes and use them to get laughs and people think WE are the funny ones. She has taught herself how to tie her shoes, blow a bubble, and open drinkable yogurts with her teeth. She's pretty talented. Her current hobby is playing Echo which involves repeating everything you say. It's not as fun as it sounds.
Clementine
Clementine was born between two blizzards, leaving over 20" of snow each. When I say she was born between the blizzards, I mean that quite literally. We left the hospital less than 24 hours after she was born to beat the second blizzard that had already begun. She is very independent and has now adopted Olive's old hobby of changing her outfit multiple times a day. She also wears at least 3 layers, including skirts under dresses. Her favorite activities are putting on make-up, coloring her body with markers, and filling cups with water. Her favorite food is mango. She has such a sweet heart and is pretty adorable with our 2 cats. Her current phrase is "Mom? Don't forget me!"
Alan
Though I could've chosen a picture to show off his rock-star-awesomeness, I chose this picture because this is what matters. I mean, don't get me wrong--the impromptu mini-concerts that happen daily in this house are "super special", the perks we get by saying things like, "don't you know who my husband is?! Um, he was the lead singer of the former band Vintage Road!" are invaluable, and the jeggings. Rock stars wear jeggings and they are...well, they are tight. Really tight. And not in a good way. So the jeggings have been banned. But that, too, is a post for another time. Alan is so amazing it's hard to sum it up here. But that sounds like a challenge, so Ima' do it. He is the best dad to our girls--if for no other reason than the fact that he plays beauty salon with them. There ARE other reasons, but I've got three more people to write about, so I'll save it. He is the best husband (I'm going to resist the urge to say "in the world" because that would mean that your husband is not the best husband because mine is, and though it might be true, I'm going to resist the urge.) for me. I mean, there are a select few who can put up with my crazies, let alone love me for it. I'm forever grateful. He is a talented musician/worship leader who somehow lets me give feedback into a hobby/calling I know almost nothing about--see, people? THIS is true love. He's a master puppeteer (R.I.P. AJ), a Texan-gentleman (he opens doors and carries bags; he does not wear chaps or tip his hat), and one of the funniest and funnest people I know (I know 670 people according to Facebook, so....). Meet Alan.
Olive
Clementine
Clementine was born between two blizzards, leaving over 20" of snow each. When I say she was born between the blizzards, I mean that quite literally. We left the hospital less than 24 hours after she was born to beat the second blizzard that had already begun. She is very independent and has now adopted Olive's old hobby of changing her outfit multiple times a day. She also wears at least 3 layers, including skirts under dresses. Her favorite activities are putting on make-up, coloring her body with markers, and filling cups with water. Her favorite food is mango. She has such a sweet heart and is pretty adorable with our 2 cats. Her current phrase is "Mom? Don't forget me!"
Mandy
And now for the awkward job of talking about myself without sounding vain. Before moving to Mexico, I lived in Pennsylvania my entire life. I went from farm country to the world's second largest city. I'm pretty certain that was a crazy decision. I have realized how much I love being a mom--and not the kind that has labeled laundry baskets for colored and white socks--but the kind that chooses love and kindness, laughs because life is hard and laughing is good medicine, and helps my kids become pretty amazing adults. I love to cook and I mostly love it when my kids help me--except the time when Olive came in from playing outside with the neighborhood cat and digging for worms and decided to add her own flare to my pizza dough by rubbing her hands all.over.it. Memories. I love to laugh, but more so, I love to make others laugh. If I can get a belly-laugh out of an otherwise quiet person, I feel really satisfied deep in my soul. Probably similar to how people feel when they complete a marathon or graduate from college. Just really good. I am so grateful that I somehow tricked Alan into marrying me because there is no one who knows me like he does and no one that makes me laugh like he does, and no one else who will agree to letting me have the purple, orange, and red properties in Monopoly every time.
