God is Good to the Johnsons

How long does it take? Til a house feels like a home? I’ve forgotten since the last time. How long does it take? To adjust to the steps? You know, to the point where you can navigate the house in the dark, and fetch your baby a bottle and rock him to sleep without turning any lights on. How long does it take? To stop calling the other place home? Because right now, I still feel like a stranger (a happy stranger, but foreign at that) And I miss Provo. Day #302

I didn't expect tears, and I didn't expect him to put his hands in front of mine to stop the tape. At first he thought it was a game, as I took books off the shelf, so did he He giggled as he did it, making his floor a library instead of the shelf. It was cute. But now, now he dives into the boxes, pulling out the things I've placed inside and gazing at me through tearstained eyes, confused. It didn't hit me til today, after days and days of this placing and packaging that I'm placing his whole world into boxes. These little walls, these four rooms. It's here we gave him a tour after he came home from the hospital, showing him each and every corner of our little home. Daddy and me weeping and laughing because we'd never lived our life with three before, and the joy spilled over. We walked and talked through every room, We were introducing him to life in a duplex, life in our home, our sanctuary. For his 15 months, this has been his place and I...

Baby, last night you found two white circles on our friends’ floor Two itty bitty fat and flat cylinders And how was I to know they were Altoids? You’da been fine. But baby, I didn’t know til that moment How fast I could scoop you up, How my fingers could pry open your stubborn little lips to pry out that pill, How the adrenaline kicked me to high-gear in a fraction of a moment Because Baby, last night I learned that I’m a momma bear And I’ll do what it takes To protect you Always. Day #300

I never liked the games they'd play those boys, who'd wile the hours away in lines for lunch, or rides, or class And all that time they'd gruesomely ask "Would you rather" that or this from hearing a roar or a rattlesnake's hiss to death by rabbits or death by goats Allergy to water, or inability to float But midst the nasty situations splayed in this yucky game that boys would play when faced with sleep loss or hunger's pains I knew from which I would refrain For while it's not pleasant to hear stomach rumbles Without sleep, I know, I'd endlessly grumble. But would I tell those boys? Why no, Interest in their talk I'd never show But if I had to pose my own quest, a dementor or an orc, would you rather best? Day #299

Today I was lunching with an old friend (I've known her since we were wee toddlers) who is expecting her first baby, due in just a few short weeks. She confided in me how difficult it has been for her to hear acquaintances discuss in terribly negative tones how taxing and trying motherhood has seemed to be for them. She continued to tell me in strength and optimism that she believes that since God has commanded us to multiply and replenish the earth, that it should bring joy to us. I heartily agreed. Now, I fully recognize that motherhood brings unique trials (exhaustion, postpartum/antepartum depression and anxiety, wayward children, etc. to name a few), but I believe it's important to give just as much time--nay, MORE time--to discussing the positives. With that, I also want to extend a heartfelt hug across time and space to mothers of every kind, those who have given birth and those who haven't, mothers who are married and those who are single, those mothers of every...

Mijo, Mijo Estoy aquí mientras sonríes y lloras Juntos, Juntos Estás allí mientras sonrío y lloro Yo, Yo Day #297

Who:  Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Baptist minister, and leader of the Civil Rights movement from the Mid 1950s until his death in 1968. He led thousands in peaceful, non-violent protest; and, as a result of his and others' noble efforts, the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965. He is a champion of equality for all people. How I Learned About Him:  I have studied Martin's life for as long as I can remember, mostly at school, but during some leisure reading as well. Many children's books have given me the general and minute details of his life, including titles like Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport and My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris (who also happens to be Martin's sister). Why He Has Blessed My Life:   I am grateful to Martin Luther King Jr. because his efforts have made my friendships and acquaintanceships with dozens of people of various ethnicities possible--because I met them in school and ...