Idaho in June....

We traveled to Idaho for a long weekend in June. My sister put together an open house for me and my babes. It was really nice to see mostly family and some good friends. Thanks to everyone who came! Love you all!!!

The passing of an icon.....

So I am sure that everyone knows that Michael Jackson has passed away. I will admit that I was a total and complete fan of his in junior high. I carried around a small notebook with his picture on it that I wrote all of my homework in. (Yes - I made a "list"). But he is not the icon I am talking about.....

Farah Fawcett I thought was one of the coolest ladies on television growing up. Yes, somehow, I too wanted to talk to the box with a voice and make a difference in the world. This too is not the icon I am talking about....


The icon to our family was also known as "Kris", "Grandma Kris", and "Nama". She was a super courgeous woman and humble in every way. She always made me feel like I was the best mom in the world - when in reality, I had no idea what in the world I was doing!!! She made such a huge impact on my daughter with her love and testimony that I will forever be grateful. It is through a family member that we met her. We love that family dearly and our hearts ache for their loss. We also know that we can see her again if we can just have the type of faith she had. We love you Nama and everything you showed us by your example. Till we meet again.

Kristine Anderson Johnston
(April 2, 1951 - July 8, 2009)
Our cherished wife, mother, sister, and grandmother passed away peacefully at her home in Elk Ridge, UT on July 8, 2009 at the age of 58 after battling cancer. Kris was born April 2, 1951 in Springville UT and was the third of seven children born to Mays and Orpha Anderson. She is remembered by her siblings as being a spunky and humorous child. Kris graduated from Springville High School in 1969 and soon thereafter attended BYU where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. While pursuing her education she met Steven C. Johnston and they were married in the SLC Temple on November 16, 1973. They enjoyed nearly 36 years of marriage together. During this time she served in many church capacities, lived in various locations, including England and Malaysia. Kris and her husband served an LDS humanitarian mission in Bucharest, Romania. All of these, plus many other experiences, blessed her with an increased amount of faith and understanding of Heavenly Father's plan for His children. Kris will always be remembered for her compassion, acts of service, love for her family and those around her, and above all ... faith in her Savior Jesus Christ.
Kris is survived by her husband Steven, her five children: Matt (Monica) Johnston, Amy (Neil) Andersen, Laurie (Kevin) Wilson, Dana (Mark) Purcell, and Katie (Jeremy) Bailey, her eleven grandchildren, and her siblings: Cheryl, Dave, Jim, Kay, Michael and Dane. She is preceded in death by her parents Mays and Orpha Anderson, and her granddaughter Lindsey Kate Johnston.

A viewing will be held Monday July 13, 2009 from 10:00 to 11:30 at the Payson East Stake Elk Ridge 6th Ward Chapel located at 185 E. Ridge View Dr. in Elk Ridge, UT. Funeral services will follow at noon. Interment will be held at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.

Special Bond

Everyone told me that there seems to be a "special bond" between twins. I see this more and more every day as the twins grow. Enjoy these pics of them over the last month and a half!!

Mother's Day

I hope everyone had a good Mother's Day!!! I sure did.

I am NOT a big fan of this holiday. I think we should celebrate moms every day of the week. We don't need to give gifts or remember them just on one day. Anyway - Madisen surprised me when I got out of the shower with my "gift". I think it was gorgeous! Inside was one of her white elastic headbands colored with markers in all different colors of the rainbow. It also had a lime green ribbon and black ribbon tied to the headband so it could be "fashionable". The ribbons hung down past my hair. I wore the beautiful thing all day. I love it!!

Blessing Day

Jared blessed the twins on May 3, 2009 in our ward here in Riverton, Utah. After church we had food and fun at our house.

We were very lucky to have lots and lots of family and friends join us. Some could not attend, but we know that they wanted to.

Jared did a great job and I am so grateful he was able to do this for our boys. Rylen was blessed first and Jared said that he really had to look closely at him to make sure he said the name right. I laughed because I don't think our twins look very much alike. They look like siblings, but they have so many features that are different. Jared said he just wanted to make sure he gave the right one the correct name. Makes sense. Here are a few pics.


Caysen Jared Andersen
Rylen Mills Andersen

Catching up!!

Yep...I need to catch up with my blog since I am trying to use this as my "journal" also. Here goes.

I Survived!!!

I survived my first week back at work. And better yet, the boys survived too! :0) Jared did a great job with them. (Of course!)

It is amazing to me how much more I sit down at work than I do at home. Staying at home is a really hard job I have decided, but worth every minute. Jared asked me this morning if I ever get bored? What is he talking about? It's not boring to sit and talk to only two 3 month old boys all day, and then in the late afternoon when Madisen comes home, I get to talk with my 9 year old princess. BORING?? I don't think so! I will only start to worry if I start to talk to myself. oh wait, I sometimes do that already.

Bring it!