Avlynne Kay Johnson

Okay, so this post is about 2 years overdue. Documenting our life through Instagram has been much more my style. Sitting down at my desk to accomplish anything has NOT been my style although it is something I desperately need and long for. "Organizing my life" as my college roommates liked to call it. Needless to say I have a huge pile of stuff to get to on my desk and I am starting to feel overwhelmed. First trimester exhaustion is not helping. So today is my birthday and what did I ask KJ for...a day to have basically no other responsibilities than sitting at my desk/computer, catching up on laundry and laying on the couch to read whenever I got tired. Kind of nerdy but wonderful nonetheless! So, here is a poem my Dad wrote for Avlynne when she was born. I will save it in her babybook but wanted to make sure it was somewhere else safe and sound. Plus, I wanted to "show-off" my Dad's gift that he occasionally blesses his family with. He has become quite the thoughtful writer in his later years.

Avlynne Kay Johnson

(First read by Grandpa Doug with Avlynne in his arms on Sunday March 14, 2010, the second day of her homecoming from the hospital and on the occasion of Samuel's 7th birthday party.)

Now, we know your name

See your face, in the light of day

Saw your face, knew your name

God, before creation, deem your stay

A loving family

Graciously given, Johnson name

"From riches of His glory"

To help you thoroughly claim

Blessed to be a blessing

Chosen for purity and light

Called to praise your Savior

And live in Spirit's strength and might

Created by Him and for Him,

to journey with us for a time

Christ in you, hope of glory

The way to heaven, most sublime

For passing on our brokenness,

Bringing you into a world fall'n, we are sorry

We'll faithfully show you Jesus

And tell you salvation's story

Avlynne, you entered this world in pain,

You'll probably leave it in pain too

Between, it will wax, and it will wane

With it, the Christ of the Cross will know what to do.

Many times you'll need to say, "I forgive."

By God's grace your heart will be free to do

By that same grace which He freely gives

You will see His forgiveness anew

Over many, many distant years, one by one

You will sadly place us into the hands of our loving Creator God

Then one day, when God says your earthly mission is done

Again we'll joyfully gather to welcome your arrival from this earthly sod

Thank you for giving us such a treasure Dad! And thank you Lord for giving us these past two years with Avlynne Kay Johnson!

Addy May

Here's Addy May's

Addy May: Click to watch video

Avey

Fun App on my phone was able to create these fun videos of my girls :)

Avey: Click to watch video

Somebody turned 6 years old on December 21st ...

ADDY MAY!!

Here are a few pictures from her birthday party.  We rented out a bouncy place for her to bounce to her hearts content with her friends and family.

Highlights:

*Never beating a 6 year old boy named Danny through the bouncy maze... always beat me at the end. 

*Grown men competing to get the best time going through the bouncy obstacle course.  I split my pants and landed my self in 3rd place behind #1- Baltzell and #2- Erik Dordal... who landed on his during the 3rd obstacle (it was a bouncy course so don't worry he didn't sustain permanent injury.

*Addy May SMILING so much that warmed my heart... what a precious gift.

Addy and her kindergarten buddies... their smiles make me smile, a smile is contagious!

What a beautiful birthday girl :)

Daddy Baltzell and "Ty Ty" (Titus)

DANNY!  The kid who still haunts my dreams by beating me every single time we raced on the bouncy obstacle course.  I'll get you next year Danny!  HaHa

Kate- one of Addy's classmates

Charlotte- another one of Addy's classmates

Addy and all her kindergarden friends making silly faces... so fun!

Grandpa and Grandma Antak with their precious 6 year old Granddaughter. 

First cupcake as a 6 year old... ummm, ummm good :)

Baby sister Avlynne got in on the fun too with her buddy Ella Dordal... "weeeeeeeeee!"

So many memories, so many laughs and such an amazing daughter we have the privilege of loving.

Love you Addy May! 

Dad and Mom