Christmas Day 2008

The children were kind to us and did not wake up at 5:00 AM in the morning like they could have. We got to sleep to 7:00 AM, it was nice. They woke up and immediately went to Papa & Lois's room to say "Merry Christmas". Then they went down stairs and noticed the goodies that Santa left for them, then they came and got mommy and daddy out of bed. They were eager to open up their presents but we made them start on the stockings first. (Glenn tried to delay us from opening up things to do a house search for the video camera that had been missing since 12/20/08. No luck as it was not at the church when we went last to check. I am dying because we have no footage of this years X-mas day.) They went through the stockings excited about everything, Papa and Lois enjoyed Santa's gifts for them too. Merlova was the first to tear into her Santa gifts, it was hard to make her wait. This year she knew what it was all about and got into the true paper ripping spirit. She also was the first one to try and eat as much of the X-mas candy she got. We had a casual morning together as a family with our new grandma Lois to enjoy the present opening frenzy. A big surprise for the whole family was the Wii system that Papa & Lois got for everyone. Mommy of course claimed it at "mine" as soon as I knew what it was. We took a breakfast/hot coco break and played with our new toys. We shaved some things to open when cousin Michael and his friend would arrive around 1:30 PM for Christmas dinner. From Santa Akorren got a small remote controlled helicopter, a bakugan set, a Pokemon toy, and comic books. Zhivanna got an easy bake oven and decorating set, a Pokemon stuffy, and My Littlest Pet Shop Animals. Merlova got 2 puzzles, Mr. Potato Head dress up parts, and a Polly Pockets play set. It was a good day and we hope all of you had a nice Christmas as well. Zhivanna with new stuffies, Akorren and his heli, Merlova digging into the stocking goodies, family with X-mas stuff, Lois with calendar gift from kids.

World of Winter Light Pagent

Tonight our church put on it's holiday play. All three kids were in it and I helped with the stage management, organization, and some costuming. Akorren was part of the drummers for the early Yule celebration part, and also got to play Joseph for the Las Posadas. (manger scene). Zhivanna was a little Mexican girl who came in with the Posadas celebration and Merlova dressed up like a reindeer, (who also happened to be one of the animals that was at the manger on the night of Jesus' birth). The small production came out well with the support and help of the church families who came in at the last minute to help. The children had a good time and the whole community came together to enjoy a potluck meal after the evening events. The only bad thing that came out of this night was that when we got home that night and by Sunday morning, Glenn realized he had lost or left our video camera at the church that night. Akorren with the drums, Zhivanna with her maracas, Akorren as Joseph and Merlova the X-mas reindeer at the manger.

Light show in the neighborhood

Now I know this photo in no way does justice to all the effort and work that this one family put into their Christmas lights, but I had to post something on it. They are in the subdivision over off of Mansfield Pl. and have a light show that covers up their yard the and the two adjacent neighbors yards. I guess in years past they just did their house, and this year it expanded to the other houses. You can drive up in your car and adjust the radio to specific channel and hear holiday music that goes along with the flashing and blinking light show they have set up with the 100's of light strung every where. Versions of the Nutcracker and other common holiday song play as the lights flash, zip, wave and twinkle to the rhythm and tune. What I appreciated the most about this was that is was such a treat to let the children enjoy the show and is cost us nothing. I say that because as a family of 5 if I can get away with a fun night out for under $20 we are doing great. This show brought so much excitement and smiles to the kids faces and the family who did this, did it out of a reason to give something back to the community. I told our kids that we don't hang lights up because it is not a way we see to use our resource of energy. And that it was a kind gesture of the neighbors to do something for others to enjoy. After seeing the "light show" a couple of nights in a row Glenn did go out and get some LED lights to hang on the small bushed outside our door. Nothing fancy but just something to make the kids happy. The main lawn of the light show in the neighborhood.

Winter Break Party

Akorren had his 2nd grade class party today and had a lot of fun. I got busy with the girls and their dance class so I was not able to stop by for the party. Papa Herman was sent on this Gilmore assignment to go and photograph Akorren during his party. The students got to make some other holiday ornaments, eat yummy snacks, and did small book exchange. It was fun way to end the year before going into the winter break from school. His class is a really nice gorup of students and it is great since the classroom parents are really involved. Akorren working on his puzzle wreath ornament, Ms. Shaffer & Akorren

Winter Luncheon

Before Winter Break, Gilmore school did a holiday lunch for the 2nd grade class where the school would provide a turkey lunch for a nominal price and the families could come to school and have lunch with their students. Papa Herman and Grandma Lois came back from their trip to Iowa a day early and were able to make it to the lunch along with Merlova, Zhivanna and I. Glenn unfortunately had a class to teach at NASA that day and time so he could not make it. Akorren had so much of his family he did not feel forgotten. We sat with his buddy Matthew who also is named Johnson. It was nice to visit with him for lunch since this year I have not had many chances to come and eat with him. The food they provided was very good and lasted for another meal. Lois, Zhivanna and Papa, mommy with her kids, Akorren his sisters and buddy Matthew, the family at the lunch table ready to eat.

Photo with Santa

Finally found time today to wrangle the 3 kiddos, in nice clothes over to the Baybrook Mall to get our annual photo with Santa. After typical grumbling from Zhivanna as Merlova not wanting to hold her hand and Akorren yelling at the little one for not being a good girl, we make into the mall. I walking in my focused mommy mode speed, leaving Zhivanna in the dust. As we come to the Santa display and normally 1 hour line ( like having to wait at Disneyland) I hear the lady blocking the entrance say to the young mother holding her 4 month old baby boy that Santa will be taking a break and no one else can get in line at this time. I lean in and ask her how long will Santa be taking a break for, she says..." oh, 1 hour." I say, We'll kids this is a bummer we are so screwed...I just called before we came down to see when he was taking a break, I knew this would happen." She saw my frustration and said now just wait a second here and I will see what I can do. So she let the gal in front of us go in and then waved me and the kids through the ropes. I quickly removed the coats, combed hair shot a few pre-santa-pics and then in less then 5 minutes it was our turn. And for trying to get 3 children to look nice in one photo at the same time I would have to say we did pretty good. As a treat we ate in the mall and then made our way back home via a detour to Target (or pronounced Tar-jay, the French store) to get a book for Akorren's 2 nd grade class book exchange. The exciting part of that trip was Merlova peeing in the book isle and getting to go "natural" without tights and undies for the ride home, yay mommy moment. Love it. Thanks lady at the mall, you were a real sweetheart! The kids waiting in no line, my freebie shot with my camera, the paid for one.

A Fort

I love it when my children get along with each other. It is a wonderful thing to watch them interact in caring playful ways. Being pals and siblings to each other. Since I was an only child I enjoy observing when they do this, because as you know brothers and sisters do not always get along. Today Akorren and Merlova spent time making a fort outside using their imaginations and what ever stuff we had in the backyard to move and pile up. I love the pride and joy in their faces at the careful creation they made. Having a close playmate is a true joy in life. Akorren and Merlova look through the opening of their fort.

The X-mas Photo & Letter (Novel)

Apologies in advance to my friends who so dislike the traditional holiday letter/note thing. This has been a tradition that my mother started when I was in high school and since she has passed on (Dec. 1999) I have been compelled to do something like this every year since I have been in college. So if this is not your Christmas thing please skip and go to the next blog entry. Some of you who will get this also have already received it in snail mail form. The photo cards read Merry Christmas & Happy New Year hard to see in scanned copy.

December 10, 2008
Dear Family & Friends,
Another year races past us and it is hard to believe that we are already looking into 2009. We have so much to be grateful for with the joys of family life and having been spared from the hardships of hurricane Ike blowing through our area in September. That natural event has left a mark on our community and surroundings and it will be several years before things are back to “normal”.
Ms. Merlova (3 yrs. in April) is still a petite sprite. She truly rules the roost and lets her demands be known to all of the family. Her biggest thing this year has been the formal start of dance lessons (ballet/ tap) and taking gymnastics class all on her own. For being the youngest and smallest in both classes she really shows all that she has got. Her teachers are very impressed with what she able to do, the coaches at the gymnastics place keep eyeing her progress with interest. Most of her days are spent with mommy or Papa and usually include a trip to the YMCA, where she gets in some playtime with other children and works to keep the staff on their toes. She also makes her rounds at the library to check out books, and gets in a lot of playtime around the house with big sister. Her current phrase is: “Daddy I’m growing up to be a big girl, I’m not little anymore.” She is into anything her siblings have and loves Polly Pockets, (little dress up dolls with lot’s of parts to loose around the house).
Ms. Zhivanna Cecil (5 yrs. in Jan.), is in her second year at the Little Friends Preschool program at our local high school. She is a leading character in the events of the class this year, as she has done school before. Zhivanna also takes dance lessons and gymnastics and played soccer in the Spring. She decided not to play soccer this past season, as she did not want to have to, “... run up and down the field and get all sweaty”. An exciting thing for her was being signed by the Pastorini-Bosby Talent Agency in Houston for representation in film, TV, and print work. She has not done any jobs yet but has taken some wonderful headshots and has her own ‘Child Actor’ work card. We will see if this goes anywhere for her in the coming year. She loves anything fluffy, cuddly or stuffy whether, be it horse, dog, cat, bunny, (you name it ). She’s always willing to play along with brother in imaginary play of Pokemon or Harry Potter things. We are delighted at the nice young girl she is becoming, especially in how she is learning to be a good big sister.
Akorren Serek (7 yrs.) is growing into a big kid, and he always wants to, “..tell you something”. He is enjoying 2nd grade and has been a straight A student . He has been tested for the gifted and talented program this year as well. Akorren played goalie on the Rangers soccer team for Papa Herman, and really has been trying hard at his gymnastics. He is taking a break from piano at this time and plans on taking it again over the summer along with doing some sort of a martial art. (He always has plans for what he wants to do.) Airplanes, fight, and blimps are a favorite of his, and he still wants to become a pilot when he is older. He has been turned onto the Pokemon card game, and Bakugan role playing toys. These have served as motivation for him to earn (toys, cards, etc.) once he completes reports and other special projects for school. Camping and being outdoors, and collecting rocks/minerals are still activities Akorren likes to do. It is nice now being older, he can ride his bike outside on his own. He has been and continues to be a super big brother to his two busy, bossy sisters. He will make a great man someday and he is usually a lot fun to hang out with (when you can get a word in edge wise).
Glenn is still working at United Space Alliance on space station projects within Crew Systems. I would say this has been an exciting year for him with his work on the new space station toilet system, food galley and a special light he helped designed for use on the station. Again this year he has taken several trips to Huntsville, AL and also to Kennedy Space Center in FL. The last few weeks with the most recent mission have been hard on Glenn’s sleep schedule as he has been pulling 3 AM or 20 hour a day work shifts. (Yay no sleep) He did get to talk to the astronauts on the space station the other day (how many people can say they did that?). Glenn keeps up the fix it/ to do projects around the house and has been working hard as the facilities guy for our church. In addition to that he has a goal of building a sidewalk from our subdivision to Gilmore school for the kids of the neighborhood to use. Glenn has been collecting bricks from neighbors and it is now under construction as we speak. He is getting the reputation as, “Oh, you’re the one building the path.” Time walking the dogs while dragging the whole crew of kids with him and sneaking out for an occasional camping weekend are still fun for Glenn. He is my wonderful husband of 12 years (already ?).
I am still doing a million things but have been much better this year by putting my home life 1st. I have even said “NO” to doing things and I don’t feel bad when we as a family ‘skip out on something’ so we can have time together. I am still a distributor with Homemade Gourmet (for the time being). I always am taking the kids somewhere with all their activities and try to balance it with the simplicity of being at home. I coached Zhivanna’s soccer for one season, then took a break. I am playing soccer with my co-ed teams (when I am not injured). As I have been out with a badly sprained and bruised right ankle since Nov. I go to the YMCA (to do Taebo) when I am not substitute teaching (which I love) and I taught Kindermusik for a semester, then decided to take a break from that too. This year I am on our church Board of Directors (again), this time as the secretary, so that keeps me busy. I also teach the religious ed. classes on Sundays and I am continuing to leading a small covenant group at the church. I feel like I am doing a better job with the daily home stuff and have been keeping up on the family scrapbooks. I am grateful that I can be home with my children and that I do have the support and flexibility to work when I want to. I did manage a mommy weekend in CA for a class of 88’ high school reunion. Life is good.
Papa Herman gave us the biggest surprise this year by falling in love with a wonderful neighbor woman named Lois. We have gladly welcomed her into our family, in November of 2008 she and Papa were married in San Antonio, TX. Lois is a great ‘new’ grandma to add to our family. Herman is very happy. This year he coached his Rangers soccer team, and he always finds time to get the YMCA most of the week. (He has been top man with the fitness program) He has added line dancing to his activities as well as spending as much time as he and Lois can together. They will be moving into an apartment in our area by Feb. 2009.
2008 quick review: Jan.-Papa Clyde & Grandpa Johnson see us in TX , Zhivanna turned 4 yrs. had a doggie party, Feb.-Akorren has no front teeth, April-Merlova turns 3 yrs. and has a Spiderman party, May-1st dance recital for Zhivanna, June- I break my toe/ Akorren turns 6 yrs. has a Harry Potter party, July- We drive to to IN for a Johnson family reunion to see our crazy family, Akorren goes to CA to spend 1 month with Papa Clyde & Grandma Dani, Aug.-Zhivanna gets a talent agent, Papa Clyde comes to see us, Papa Herman is engaged, Sept.-IKE arrives, Oct.-Melissa to CA for a 20th high school reunion, Nov.-I get my ankel taken out at soccer,Thanksgiving spent with our cousins-the Lanza Family, Papa & Lois married. Wow it’s Dec. I have really tried to keep December calm but it is still busy with all the school, church, and social events going on, oh well!
This year was a good one for us (despite Ike) and we have really tired to make this Christmas a season of giving this year for the children. We are not asking for much, will show gratitude for how fortunate we are and plan to do simple things to care and give to others. We hope to do community service with our church and kids to make it real for them. We love hearing from you, please drop us a line, photo or note so we can know what you have been doing. Have a simple and joyous holiday season and New Year.

Love,
Melissa, Glenn, Akorren, Zhivanna, Merlova,
the doggies Keeko & Panda too! (not pictured)

P.S- Hope you like the dual photo card this year (Halloween costumes/ formal), we actually had nice family photo taken for our church and I wanted to show it off.

1207 Fawn Court League City TX 77573
281-557-0411 (h) 281-620-2632 (C) 281-755-2823 (G’s Cell)
jademissy@hotmail.com (M’s) glenn.f.johnson@nasa.gov (G’s Wk email)
www.jademissy.blogspot.com/ (M’s Blog)

Yes, Snow in TX!

Tonight the weather conditions were right to make it snow here in the Houston area. The last time this happened was when Zhivanna was just a baby. She was so excited and kept saying how this was the "...first time in her whole life that she has ever seen it snow!" It was perfect timing for us as the snow came after dinner and homework and before we were planning on having hot coco since the temperature seemed to drop very quickly over the past few hours. We ended up putting all 3 kids down late for bed because playing in the snow with our neighbors Brenda, Scott and Peyton was way to important. Catching snow flakes on our tongue, scooping up any snow on the cars that we could to make snow ball for a fight and just running around out in it. What a great FREE winter treat for our holiday season. I couldn't have planned it better myself. Daddy, Zhivanna & Akorren 1st discover it snowing outside, Merlova by papa's car, the 3 kids kids/Panda and Peyton under the tree.

Decorating for X-mas

This weekend mommy got motivated and decided to get all the Christmas decorations out. That way part of the excitement this year could be the simple joy of looking forward to the coming of the holiday. So the kids got right into the spirit and helped set up the tree and decorate it. Now some day I hope to have a nice glass decorated tree in one theme but for the time being it is so nice not to have to worry about things getting damaged on the tree since most all of it is plastic. We do not believe in getting a real tree as the purpose to cutting and kill alive one just does not fit in our way. Merlova got to put up the angel and of course Zhivanna had to gripe about that, but she and Akorren did put up most of the ornaments. It is fun because they are all now getting the age where they can help and do it themselves with some adult guidance. Being in the holiday spirit we had to enjoy some hot coco and start watching some of our favorites Christmas movies. Zhivanna with the box of ornaments, The kids decorating the tree, Merlova and daddy put up the angel.

Family Pictures

I had to show off the family photos we had done when we took pictures for our church directory, in November. The one with the gray background will be printed in the directory. We ended up getting some of the other ones as well. (Sorry not being able to send out copies to all of you we love) For family/friends who want better digital copies of these, email me and I will send them to you in bigger files. It was nice to take a photo of the 3 kids and Glenn & I together, it has been a long time since we have done something like that. It kills me because I can now see some our maturity and experience lines on our faces now, I think the kids help with that. Zhivanna was the one who decided that the girls would wear purple and the boys green for the photo and I think she helped to pick out some pretty nice clothes for the family to wear.

A Christmas Survey (Ho, Ho, Ho!)

Here are my responses to this Christmas Survey that one of my friends sent out to me the other day. Please feel free to email me back or post a reply with some of your answers it would be fun to know your experiences and thoughts.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both or neither.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Fake (fiber optic/COOL), we do not believe in cutting down a real tree.
3. When do you put up the tree? When we feel like it sometime before X-mas, this time it was shortly after Thanksgiving.
4. When do you take the tree down? When we take the time to, we try not to leave it up to long, the lasting effect of the holidays can linger a bit too much.
5. Do you like eggnog? YES, especially with some good rum or bandy in it!!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My 2 foot tall "Aliens" (from the 80's movie) action figure doll. It had the double mouth thing in the back of it's elongated head that you could squeeze and make pop open. I slept with that for days. Yes I know creepy, but what can I say...I still wish I had that thing.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Extended family
8. Easiest person to buy for? My children
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, a simple one.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Both, I send out about 125 mailed, and at least 150 emailed. Some people get both. With a page long year long family letter.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? The year 1999, the Christmas that fell after my mother and grandmothers passing on the 15th and 16th of that December.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? "It's a wonderful life" I cry every time I see it, "A Christmas Story" a modern classic, "Christmas Vaccation (1989) just love Chevy Chase, "Scrooged" (1988) a newer version of the famous Scrooge tale.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? No sooner then I have to. I am not a "shopper". I don't like being out with all the people, or crowds. Sometimes I get things done soon other years I am late, like the day before.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes for white elephant gift games.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I have fond memories of the tamales at our family events as a child. I have always enjoyed turkey too.
16. Lights on the tree. Yes, one strand of red to highlight the ornaments, with a fiber optic tree you get so much light already, less is more.
17. Favorite Christmas song? "Little Drummer Boy" the version with Bing Crosby and David Bowie.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? Would love to be able to travel more, but with Glenn's work have needed to stay nearby lately.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes, " You know...Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer, and Vixon... Comet, and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen... but do you recall, the most famous reindeer of all... Rudolph the red nosed reindeer..."
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? As a kid the gifts from family Christmas Eve party were opened then, Santa's presents opened on X-mas day. Now with children all are opened on Christmas day.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? All the shopping people are compelled to do. Commercialism!!! The "give me toys" attitudes of the children who want, this or that. EEeeeK!
23. What theme or color are you using? My theme is to think about what you can give this year to others and not about buying and getting expensive stuff. I love the colors green and purple and it does not matter if my wrapping paper matches.
24. What will be your favorite thing to eat for Christmas dinner? I don't know, as I have not planned what I am going to make for the meal. I will make something that I enjoy eating for that day, it usually is some food that is not on my normal meal plan,(ie. pumpkin soup, artichokes).
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A chance to teach my children to give to others, and appreciate what they do have, to teach about the other cultural celebrations for this time of year and to have a nice simple day with my family on Christmas.
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Same a response to #27
27. Who is least likely to respond to this? I have no idea, I think those who have time will those who are busy won't. I would love to hear what anyone else has to share. Have a blessed holiday season.