December Day by Day
Monday, December 1st
Dad’s in Wyoming working this week. Megan, Luke, Matt and I are here in St. George. At 8:00am I was over at a neighbor’s house helping her clean since she’s moving. I spent a good two hours editing Family Christmas Card pics and worked on ordering cards. Got all the Christmas decor, nutcrackers and Santa’s out of cupboards and spent hours bouncing from one room to another cleaning, organizing, putting away Autumn decor and pillows and arranging Christmas decor. I got a lot of things partially done. Every room needs some work but I accomplished A LOT.
Megan ran some errands and worked on her missionary ‘scrapbook’ while I worked in the living room and kitchen after lunch. We watched the second Mamma Mia movie — actually we listened and sang more than watched. We tried to put on a Hallmark movie but it was too cheesy and I just couldn’t handle it.
Luke and Matt spend the day skiing together up at Brian head and had a great time!
Matt and Dad officially finished their list of HXP choices and are registered, paid and planning to go TOGETHER next summer. I’m so excited for them! Their top 6 choices are all in AFRICA.
Meg, Luke and Matt watched an episode of Stranger Things while I worked on the Santa Tree upstairs.
I edited Megan’s top 20 NYC trip pics while she gave me a good back-rub. Love having her home!More editing, a hot bath and in bed way too late. It’s going to be a busy couple of weeks!
“Highlight: Editing pics from our NYC trip
while Megan gave me a back-rub.”
Tuesday, December 2nd
7:30 Book of Mormon Study with the boys on my bed. And then Matt looked up his HXP assignment and announced it to all of us (including Dad on the phone) and they got the one they were hoping for: TANZANIA, AFRICA. July 7th - July 23rd!
I walked on the treadmill and then Chelsea came over to sit in the sauna. We are aborting the walking for the winter and she’s going to come lift and sauna with me on Tuesdays.
11:30 Meg and I went to do an Endowment session at the Red Cliffs Temple with a few ladies from the RS. It was fun to be with her and we had great talks in the Celestial Room. Then over to Viva Chicken for lunch.
Luke made cookies for me! I spent a few hours getting some things done and took a much needed nap.
7:00pm - Favorite Things Party with the YW with hot chocolate and cookies.
Finished decorating the tree with red velvet ribbons, cleaned the front room and sat to watch Poldark by the beautifully lit Christmas tree. Stayed up too late but it felt so good to just sit for a minute!
Texted my friend Brittany!
“Highlight: Temple Session and Viva Chicken with Megan”
Wednesday, December 3rd
7:30 Book of Mormon Study with the boys on my bed. BIG errand day… First a stop at Swig for a Beach Babe. Then Walmart returns and groceries, a stop at Passports, a return at Bohme and a purchase at Al’s, a return at Downeast and a stop at Staples to get the Ward Party fliers printed; then returns at Target and finally home. I listened to OUTSIDERS music for my drive. Texted my friend Monae!
“Highlight: Errand day with Outsiders and a Beach Babe”
Thursday, December 4th
Lunch with the Queens at a new greek restaurant in town. It was delicious and so fun to chat with everyone. Great long talks with Megan about adjusting to post-mission life. Then called Chris and then my mom. Megan watched Gillmore Girls and snuggled up in my bed for hours while I edited at the computer. Texted my friend, Mary!
“Highlight: Lunch with the Queens”
Friday, December 5th
Straight to the computer to work on designing Christmas Cards on Canva! Feels so good to get those edited, designed and ordered!
Cleaned my room, did laundry, cleaned the laundry room, kitchen dishes… Looked some things up on Amazon and made an order.
Went out to dinner with Megan and Luke to Mo’ Bettah’s to visit Luke. He was surprised. I don’t think I’ve been in there for a year and a half at least. Megan and Matt ate, we grabbed a crumble cookie and then we headed over to the Farnsworths to visit. Megan was excited to see all the kids and meet baby Nora. It was fun. Matt headed straight from there to a HOME ALONE party with Alix and Megan and I headed home to cozy up in my bed with our crumble cookie and watch a new Christmas movie: Oh What Fun. It was all about a mom who does everything and gets forgotten about during the busy Christmas season. It was silly but fun to watch something new. Luke got home at 11:30 and Matt got home at 12:00 and we hung out in my room for awhile before heading to bed late — but not before putting our shoes out for St. Nicholas!
“Highlight: Christmas Movie in bed with Megan”
Saturday, December 6th
Happy St. Nicholas Day! He brought chocolate, gift cards, oranges and even a pair of NEW SHOES for Luke. An early Christmas present for sure since Ryan packed Luke’s old vans and took them back to Tulsa with him by accident. Luke was due for some new shoes anyway but gets them 19 days early this year.
BYU played in the BIG 12 Championship Game at 10:00am. Chris flew from WY straight to Texas and hooked up with Jared, Brian and Terri and then Adam and Marilee for the game and dinner. (I was sad to miss but just couldn’t pull off with all that needed to be done post Thanksgiving pre-Disney and pre-Christmas)
Megan, Luke, Matt and I watched a pre-game Cougar show and then the big game in the living room while we ate French Toast. Jessica gave us a loaf of sourdough bread and it was delicious as french toast! The boys worked on their Legos: a Birthday 3CPO Lego for Luke from Dad and I and a Miles Spiderman Lego for Matt from Ryan and Cassie [early Christmas present]. In between plays I worked on a 500 piece Christmas puzzle and it was great. BYU didn’t do great in the game — so that was depressing — but it was fun to hang out together for the morning. I sent Luke and Matt out to the store to pick up the ingredients for Squamish Bars and Megan and I went and sat in the hot tub — which was warm and lovely.
“Highlight: Sourdough french toast, puzzles and St. Nick.”
Saturday night Megan and Luke came with me to the adult session of Stake Conference.
Instead of being anxiously engaged —- be ACTIVELY engaged — we have enough anxiety already. ; )
Cling to the scriptures EVERY DAY
MINISTERING is our sign of discipleship
AI should never replace our choices. Use AI to uplift and bless us!!
Prioritize relationships - Use tech as a tool - be aware of your habits
Not every distraction is a sin but every distraction has a price.
The safest place to be spiritually is within our covenants (the center of the Lord’s will)
Satan wants us to move 1 degree but for our kids that could be 10 degrees and for our grandkids…
Our children don’t follow our advice nearly as much as they follow our tracks.
Stop asking what the Lord will permit and what He would prefer.
Lay down the GOLD of our will. Offer him the FRANKINCENSE of our daily devotion. Present Him the MYRR of repentance.
Sunday, December 7th
Stake Conference at 10:00 with Megan, Luke and Matt. It was fun to hear from Ryan’s Mission President and Wife.
Met with Bishop after church for Luke to set up an appointment and then he pulled me into his office and called me to be the First Counselor in the Relief Society. I was pretty shocked. I’m definitely sad to leave YW’s but I’m happy to serve wherever. RS with Moriah, Mary Jane and Lynne will be a blast!
At 5:00 Megan was asked to lead a GETTING READY FOR YOUR MISSION night and she did a great job. Several kids who have their calls were over and Megan led great discussions of what daily life looked like and how to prepare. Luke sat in too (he’s working on his papers) and I listened from the kitchen where I finished making squamish bars.
At 6:00 the Riding Family came over to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. We cozied up in the theater room and Cassie and I had fun chatting between talks. Then squamish bars and lots of chatting and laughs. Chris’ flight that was suposed to get in at 4:00 was delayed until 11:00 so unfortunately he missed our fun night.
“Highlight: Riding Family over for the
Christmas Devotional and Squamish Bars”
Monday, December 8th
Chris was working from home today. Megan spent the day babysitting for friends down the street and I spent the day happily engaged in the work of December.
Spencer came over to work out - which happens frequently these days - and the boys were determined that today was sweatshirt sewing day. Matt got a white sweatshirt and Spencer got a blue sweatshirt from a girls choice dance and they decided to cut them diagonally and then I pulled out my sewing machine and sewed them together. They were thrilled with the results and thanked me profusely.
“Highlight: The smell of a cinnamon candle and twinkling of the Christmas tree”
Tuesday, December 9th
Chris worked from home today. I went to lunch with my new presidency to get to know them better. Then Luke and I dashed off to his pre-mission Doctor’s appointment for a physical and to get his labs drawn.
Tuesday night Megan, Luke, Matt, Chris and I enjoyed the Vandermyde Brothers concert at the St. George Tabernacle. It was such a beautiful concert and I felt the Spirit so many times. We wandered through the park with all the trees lit up with lights. It was a perfect night.
“Highlight: Christmas Concert at the Tabernacle”
Wednesday, December 10th
Emily flew from Chicago to SLC (because of a better round trip option) and then borrowed Katie’s car to drive down to St. George. When she got here, we jumped in the new Palisade and headed down to California. Big travel day for Emily but she said it was worth it for a couple days in Disneyland. Chris and I are feeling a little under the weather but with cough drops, medicine and ginger honey lemon tea ready to go, we’re ready for Disneyland!
“Highlight: Listening to musicals all the way to California”
Thursday, December 11th - Disneyland
“Highlight: Meeting R2D2, Star Wars Land,
Mickey Beignets and Mainstreet”
Friday, December 12th - California Adventure
“Highlights: Guardians of the Galaxy, Cars Land and Toy Story Mania”
Saturday, December 13th
Drove home from California and hit Trader Jo’s and a few stops on the way!
Sunday, December 14th
Beautiful program at church - our ward does such a great job of musical numbers and narration for December.
Last YW lesson - it’s going to be sad to leave the YW and other leaders - We enjoyed cake for Jesus birthday and worked on painting kits of ‘Forget Me Not’s’ while listening to Elder Uchtdorf’s talk.
After church I was set apart for my new calling. Relief Society Presidency. I remember a few things from my blessing: Heavenly Father loves you -and you know this… Bless Chris to be able to support me even when away from home… my family will be blessed… The presidency will be blessed to be able to counsel together and build a friendship, and we will be able to keep unity in the ward
At home I got to see Brynn and Mia who were visiting quickly from up north.
I worked on cutting coloring pages and tying pencil crayons, and then we headed over to help set up for the Christmas Back to Bethlehem experience. We had an amazing turnout. Everything was just beautiful. Lisa and Shane did so much work to make it incredible and their backyard was just perfect. Everyone loved it.
When we got everything cleaned up we watched WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING and did a puzzle.
The Ward Back to Bethlehem Experience
The invitations and posters I made using Amy’s beautiful Etsy watercolor art. (The Digital Peach)
“Highlight: the Back to Bethlehem Christmas Experience”
Monday, December 15th
Went on a walk with Em to drop off something at the Feltner’s house
Chris slept in because he’s sick
Made eggs for him, he helped Em with finances
Megan off to lunch with Abbie Terry
Worked on thinking through and ordering presents
Kids did jobs and picked up a surprise swig
Worked on neighbor gifts
Taco dinner with the fam
Watched a Christmas movie finishing our gingerbread house puzzle
Luke went to priest Christmas party and Matt went to his work Christmas party.
A family game of skyjo
“Highlight: a Surprise Swig and a game of Skyjo”
“Highlight: Cleaning the temple with Chris”
Tuesday, December 16th
Chris and I cleaned the Red Cliffs Temple tonight and it was great. We arrived at 9:15, dressed into our white scrubs, started with a devotional and then divided into teams. Chris and I vacuumed and dusted the entire main floor, baptistry and presidency offices. We were done by about 11:00.
Wednesday, Dec 17th
Emily helped me with two pans of Squamish Bars - our favorite Christmas treat!
Made salmon, rice, and roasted sweet potatos for dinner. When Matt got home from work we enjoyed SANTA NIGHT by watching Miracle on 34th Street upstairs by the Santa Tree while Dad worked on his Christmas Santa Lego. Forced family fun. The boys weren’t thrilled about the movie but hung out with us and I ended up giving back rubs to everyone. Who can resist?
“Highlight: Santa Night with Squamish Bars”
Thursday, Dec 18th
Early morning Temple Trip to do baptisms with Megan, Luke and Matt. Home to enjoy a french toast/hash brown breakfast. Continued watching Christmas home videos from 2000-2005. When Luke got home from class then we decorated gingerbread houses. Note to self: get individual ones again. I’m not much of a team player. Haha Dad and Matt did finances. Dad and Megan finally worked out her Venmo issues. Megan went babysitting. Emily wrapped some presents. Dad and I did some magical Christmas errands. Luke did finances and then headed to the gym and then to work at Mo’ Bettahs and Matt headed to Rock Climbing. Em and Meg met us at Pizzeria Limone for dinner and then we watched a movie in the theater room… a movie Megan’s been anxious to see — it was fun.
“Highlight: Baptisms at the Red Cliffs Temple
and dinner at Pizzeria Limone”
Friday, Dec 19th
It was a good day. Love having packages and treats always showing up at the door! The boys headed skiing for their second day at Brianhead. They said it was icy but still fun. I walked on the treadmill, stretched and then deep cleaned my bedroom and bathroom - which felt great. Em came with me to deliver neighbor gifts and get the rest of the cards in the mail. We worked on a puzzle and watched Klaus during lunch and then finished it up during dinner. It’s such a good one… Em and I ended in tears. Chris and I looked over our Christmas lists, did some more online shopping and then headed out to two stores and were successful. We watched another BYU Basketball victory and then I enjoyed a hot bath and headed to bed early. Em started another puzzle, Megan headed with a friend overnight to a nearby cabin, Luke played some switch and Matt headed to the Farnsworth’s house for a Christmas party.
“Highlight: Deep Cleaning my Bedroom and
Watching Klaus with Emily”
Saturday, Dec 20th
Cute little card for from the HXP office! Exciting stuff.
Sunday, December 21st
I love the Sunday before Christmas… and one of the last Sundays for church at 9:00. Yay! Our ward does such a great job of multiple Christmas programs, so this was Christmas program #2 and it was beautiful. Emily, Megan, Luke, Matt, Chris and I sat up close and listened beautiful music… my favorites being the primary singing ‘Witness of Christ’ and the Vandermyde brothers singing ‘Be Still, My Soul’. Emily and I hopped up to sing in the impromptu choir of ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’ and it was fun. But maybe my most favorite was the closing hymn with everyone singing accompanied by the piano and organ. ‘Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains’ — it was touching.
We said Merry Christmas to some friends and then headed home for leftovers and got right back into our Johnson family Christmas videos from 2011-2014. Boy, it’s fun to relive those times. Chris and Luke worked on Luke’s mission papers. We made homemade pizzas for dinner. Megan brought down Zug um Zug and Chris and the kids played together while I talked on the phone to Ryan and Cassie. They are at home for Christmas because of the baby’s due date. Ryan will work from home tomorrow and then have most of the rest of the week off. Cassie has been trying to get this baby here with all kinds of walks.
“Highlight: Christmas Program at Church,
home videos and homemade pizza”
Monday, December 22nd
Chris is working in WY this week, which means he’s in WY today and tomorrow. He’ll get back late Tuesday night and work from home on Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas.
I walked on the treadmill and did some back exercises, got ready and hosted our first Presidency Meeting. It’s going to be great. I’ll be over the Missionary Effort, Teaching, and Welcoming the new 18 year olds in Relief Society. Here we go.
After a quick lunch at home, Megan and I headed out on a afternoon of shopping. We found some fun presents for Dad, checked out some stores in the mall, tried on a ton of stuff at ACE, picked up some Swig drinks, talked a ton and did some grocery shopping so we’re ready for the next couple of days.
Em had friends over tonight which was fun. Her ‘downstairs neighbors’ in her last year’s Provo Apartment. They came and then brought a few more friends with them and included Megan and Matt in the evening. They played card games, played outside, sat in the hot tub, watched a movie and Megan commented several times that it was just what she needed. This girl needs a Provo social life, sports and guys. It’s been too long post mission with just the fam.
While they hung out I wrapped and wrapped and got so much done. Then I cozied up in bed with a few Peppermint Jo-Jo’s and a Poldark episode and it was blissful.
“Highlight: Peppermint Jo-Jo’s and Poldark”
Tuesday, December 23rd - Christmas Adam
Such a good day. I worked out with Chelsea and we sat in the sauna and talked and talked. At eleven we did hour of cleaning. It’s just the best. We got the whole house vacuumed, mopped, bathrooms cleaned and baseboards dusted… and it was wonderful. Truly one of my love languages. I made salsa again, started a counter puzzle and then started THAT CHRISTMAS - a cute animated Christmas movie taking place in England. I’d never heard of it before and it was darling.
It was fun to text with my family throughout the day. Mom and Brian are with Amy and Chris in Texas this year and having a great time in 81 degree weather. The kids went on a Maverick run and brought me back a Swig — we’re enjoying a little too much soda these holidays, but it’s been fun. Emily made Fetticini Alfredo for dinner and we chatted with Katie and Taylor and learned some more details about Megan’s college boy excitement. Luke and I had a great talk up in his room about mission prep questions and then he went to meet with Bishop to get his mission papers on their way. Proud of this boy. After a dramatic turn of events in the ongoing college boy drama, Megan needed a little drive so we hoped in the car and listened to music for a bit. Then Emily, Megan and I did the 10 minute activities: journal - read - clean - backrubs (we kind of love it) while waiting for Dad’s flight to arrive into St. George…. delay after delay I finally picked him up at 1:45am
“Highlight: Hour of Cleaning, fresh salsa, a new Christmas movie and a great mission talk with Luke”
Wednesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve
Just some fun texts with the Waltons all day Christmas Eve!
Work out
Dad works from home
Pretzel Jello for tomorrow
30 minutes of cleaning
Benja Thai for lunch
Swig drinks
‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ movie at home
Christmas Crepes for dinner
PJ’s and pics
Christmas Eve Devotional
“Highlights: Walton Selfies and the Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
Thursday, December 25th - Christmas Day
Pics coming soon.
Friday, December 26th
Relaxing day, big Christmas dinner, games of Nidavellir. So wonderful to have a day to relax.
Saturday, December 27th
Sunday, December 28th - Emily’s Birthday
Church from 9:00 - 11:00 (Our LAST 9:00 meeting. yay!) Then home for lunch. We had Emily’s request… buttermilk waffles and were joined by two elders from Megan’s mission. We taught them how to play Architects.
Katie and Taylor drove down ready to spend the next week with us!
Em got a journal and earrings from Katie, a Mr. What’s It shirt from Luke and Matt (a late Christmas present that finally arrived), chick-fil-A and Barnes and Noble date from Luke and Megan, McLaren Lego Car from Matt and money from both grandmas. Chris and I gave her some cookie sheets, a new striped polo shirt, and money towards a mattress and bed frame. We watched some of Emily’s favorite youtube videos, played Hues and Cues and then gathered in the theater room to watch the first half of Les Mis with everyone. It was good!
Emily is easy to have around, happy to help out, thoughtful and has a good relationship with each person in the family. She lives TOO far away these days but we love it when she’s home. It’s always so fun to celebrate her birthday together every year.
“Highlight: Waffles and Les Mis”
Monday, December 29th
Matt headed to Rock Climbing on Monday night. Scott and Elisha and boys drove in and spent the night with us.
Tuesday, December 30th - Chris and Lisa’s 30th Anniversary
We spent the day hanging out with Scott, Elisha and boys. We played pickleball, swam in the heated pool, sat in the hot tub, played Project L with Fos and Nate and enjoyed some good food. So fun to have them here. Around 4:00 they headed to the Las Vegas airport on their way to Costa Rica — the other boys knew but they were keeping it a surprise from Owen and Ben, which was so fun.
Tuesday night we headed out to dinner. We thought about a few different restaurants but they were all SO busy so we ended up at Zupas. Then home to finish LES MIS.
“Highlight: Swimming in the heated pool and Project L - and of course my love and 30 amazing years together.”
Wednesday, December 31st New Year’s Eve
We started our New Year’s Eve with a little Christmas morning. Shelley brought us Christmas breakfast, grape juice and fruit and we gathered around the table. Then over to the tree to open presents to and from Katie and Taylor - and some from Granny J as well. We gave Katie a new shirt, cute pink and beige Geometry dishtowels, money for shopping, 10 pound pink weights, a pillow and cover for her living room, a puzzle, and pink scalloped dishes (given at Thanksgiving). We gave Taylor Protein Powder, Oil Containers, a small cooler, a Pine Hurst Golf hat, a billabong long sleeve shirt and money for skiing or clothes. And nuts and protein bars for both of them.
Katie and Taylor gave Chris and I cute glass containers w/ spoons for Ninja Creami Toppings.
Christmas presents from Shelley as well. Sunglasses and quilted cases.
Right after presents we hopped in the car and headed to the theater to watch Anaconda - Grandma’s treat. It was silly but fun.
Vision Boards took up hours and it was so fun!
We loved snacking on spicy chicken dip, fruits and veggies, kiwi berry poppyseed salad, crackers and dips and the yummy oil and sour dough bread my mom bought me for Christmas. It was so good! We loaded our plates and headed up to the theater room at 6:00 PM to watch the Stranger Things Finale. Fun to have watched all the seasons together. Matt took off for a friend party and the rest of us worked on vision boards and then counted down to 2026. Fun to be together!!
“Highlight: Charcuterie Boards, Vision Boards
and the Stranger Things Finale”