Clean--for 5 minutes!!

Okay--so my home, though small (in comparison to others we've owned) takes me forever to clean because my children follow behind me, destroying everything in their path. Summers are especially tough because the kids are all home at once! Rarely, do I have more than 5 minutes to bask in my clean rooms--and rarely, is more than one room clean at a time. SO--I decided to take pics today of my clean rooms. Now, I can look at the pics and be content with my monotonous, never-ending cleaning :-). Granted--this is more for me than anyone else--but sometimes ya just need to remember those perfect moments, right??!

We LOVE rainy days!

These boys no longer smile for pics. They like to make all kinds of weird poses. I think they feel it's more "manly." :-) Blakester and Cody.

I love this girl! She is sugar and spice and everything nice--all that little girls are made of.

Amber Goose stripped down and jumped into her swimsuit faster than everyone else. She can't wait to play---no matter what it entails! Running in the rain is just another thing to add to her list.

What do you do when it rains? We strip down and run around! YEAH! The smell of the water mixed with the dirt just makes me smile. The overcast, gray days are the best! The kids get as excited as I do!

Julie's Health Update July 28, 2008

So--finally, I got in to see a urologist who handed me an Interstitial Cystitis Diet guide. And--as I was expecting--chocolate is NOT allowed! Either are eggs, canned meat (actually most meats), fruit (other than blueberries and watermellon), and store bought tomatoes! Any foods with preservatives and/or high doses of potassium (i.e. bannanas)are also out. Because I'm lactose intolerant--milk is out. And, for whatever reason, my body rejects any yeast prodocts (breads). So--with all the "foods to avoid"--I'm not quite sure what TO eat! I've taken a serious liking to blueberries, though--in hopes of staying optimistic and proactive. :-). The urologist asked for x-rays and a cystoscopy to see if my kidneys are also part of the problem. I went in for the x-rays today--only to be turned down because I needed blood work to prove I was not pregnant. So--after being sent to 3 different medical buildings--and waiting 2 1/2 hours in various waiting rooms, I went home having only had a pregnancy blood test. AGH! Needless to say, trying to play the "medical games" just to get a grip on my health problems--is inducing more stress than I had before!! I'm wanting to stay positive---constantly thinking "HAPPY, HEALTHY, WHOLE." I'm scheduled to see a Gastroenterologist this week as well. Maybe we'll find a cure somewhere???? Please pass a few prayers our way. Thank you! Jules

The Johnston-Flake Family

July, 2008

Reunion Bliss

Troy (my brother) and Michayla (Brent and Michelle's little girl) enjoyed the July 24th parade in Snowflake.

My brothers take things WAY TOO SERIOUS! I just wish they would relax every once in a while!! :-) From left to right: Travis, Troy, Jeremy, Jeff and Brent.

Granny Jo and Poppy Keith.

My brothers, Travis and Troy. These two are best of friends.








My brother, Jeremy Johnston, and his son Isaac Brent Johnston.

Elder Travis Johnston--heading to Guatamala for a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ninja Natalie, Cody, and Blakester.

Back rub time. Poppy Rod (my dad) and my brother, Troy Johnston.

These three cousins have so much fun together. We're always amazed how much time they're willing to spend together!

They act like siblings--but are best of friends. Good times!

Granny Jo

My mother is SUCH a hard worker! She fed thirty people over and over while we were there in Snowflake, AZ. She's selfless and giving. I sure hope I grow up to be like her!!

Jeff and Poppy Rod

Theresia and Jules

Theresia jumped into the fun and helped to cook for the masses there at the Mud House (Mom and Keith's home in Snowflake, AZ).

Poppy Rod and Grandma Tessy

This beautiful woman sure doesn't look like she could be a grandma, huh?? Dad's sure a lucky guy!! It was great to get to see Dad and Theresia and see all of their kids: Adam, Anthony, Jerrod, Jonathan, and Joseph. They came to Snowflake to see Jeremy and Kendra's little baby's blessing and Travis's farewell.

Time with cousins at the Mud House

Troy boy and Pappy

This is my brother Troy and my dad, Rodney Johnston. Two of my favorite men in the world!

Grandmother Amberson and Julie

Grandmother Amberson is my mother's mother. She is so peppy and fun. I'm always excited to get time with this fine woman.

Travis and Jules

Travis is SOOOO ready for his mission. He's an upstanding, spiritual, self-motivated STUD! We were able to watch a video of his college performances at EA where he stole the show! He's a beat-boxin' phenomenon! I'm so proud of him :-). Travis headed out for the MTC July 21 and will be heading to Guatamala. Just like his brothers before him, he can't wait to get to the mission field.

Julie's Brothers

This was the morning of Travis's farewell and baby Isaac's baby blessing. From left to right: Travis, Troy, Jeff. They had all stayed up gabbing and playing card games throughout the night--so it took Jeff awhile to wake up :-).