First ICY post of 2024!

 This year has certainly gotten off to a VERY COLD and snowy start.  While we had such a mild December, January has just been terrible.  There has been sub-zero temperatures with a very windy, snowy, icy bit to boot!  These last two weeks have been all about staying inside and also trying to keep the inside warm!  This included portable heaters, open cabinet doors and fans to stave off frozen pipes.  We have had several inches of snow, followed by several inches of snow on top of ice, followed by several inches of snow that was blowing and drifting.  Needless to say, it is typical January in Chicago!  

The first "special" event of this year, was a special dance program, held at Dance Connection  (Lia, Ellie and Anna's dance studio).  They invited kids from 4-8 years old to come for a program that included watching the Spotlight dancers perform, having games and snacks and making a craft.  I registered Grace for this event, not knowing that it would fall right in the middle of a really awful snow event.  But, as they say, the show must go on!  Doug volunteered to dig out my driveway as well as deliver Grace to my house to make the trip a bit shorter.  The day was actually one of the first sunny days we had in a long time.  Doug and Susie arrived with Jimmy and Grace, just after a very kind neighbor paid to have my driveway plowed!  I love living in a small town where the neighbors still watch out for all the "old people".  It was certainly a bonus for Doug since all he needed to do was some minor touch up shoveling.  Grace and I had no issues driving the hour and a half north for the program.  

Grace had a very good time watching the dances, got to play freeze dance and make some really cool mouse ears!  She just loves being with her cousins, no matter what the activity is.  She was happy to dress up as "Anna from Frozen" for this event.  We got in the car to begin our 78 mile drive back to Doug and Susie's house, just as it started snowing - AGAIN!  Surprisingly, I followed Google Maps, and we made the trip faster than normal!  Grace and I did see 21 snow plows on the drive however.  I stayed for dinner (my favorite - Doug's meatloaf, mashed potatoes and zucchini), before heading home. It was a dicey drive home, with blizzard warnings due to 50 to 60 MPH winds and blowing snow.  The highway was totally snow covered and the average speed was about 30mph.  I was especially glad to get home!  In spite of the weather, it is always good to get the girls together!  

The second "event" of January was a special winter "Bible Boot Camp" at my church, Fellowship of Faith.  Bible Boot Camp is a not-so-typical Vacation Bible School program, that is held in the summer. The program is almost all outside with obstacle courses and capture the flag.   Gwen had the idea to try a winter version, held on a day off of school in January.  The plan was to follow the same pattern as the summer!   The thing about Chicago weather - you just never know what to expect.  It could have been 40 and sunny with no snow on the ground.  However it could also be -15 with a windchill of -30 and piles of snow everywhere that make it hard to even walk, let alone run.  And that is exactly what the weather was like.  The kids were limited to 10 minutes outside for two different activities.  I worked at the snack station and we served lots and lots of cups of hot chocolate!  Surprisingly there were lots of kids - who really didn't mind the cold at all! There were over 20 Boulder students (junior high and high school) who served as leaders, as well as over a dozen adult helpers.  This morning in church, the Pastor gave a follow up report on the event and commented that this program has been held during times of 140 degree difference in temperatures!  Last summer was an excessive heat warning with high "feels like temps and this program was during a windchill warning with very low feels like temps!  So, matter the weather - it is a good time to celebrate Jesus, come together to worship and have lots of fun!

Besides the outdoor fun and this amazing worship time, all the kids also did a service project.  Every group worked on tied blankets that were donated to local foster kids.  Working with blankets when it was below zero was a great activity.  The kids also got to choose a "Bible Buddy" to name and take home.  The idea behind this wonderful program is to encourage the kids to read the Bible to their stuffed animal.  They were also given a journal to record about reading the Bible.  It is a fun way to get the kids excited about reading their Bibles!  Even the youngest kids got Bible Buddies!  

My friend Colleen and I watched this program from the (warmth) of the coffee bar.  Neither of us ventured outside.   No matter how cold, or dreary the weather might be, all you have to do is surround yourself with the laughter and joy of kids to change your mood.  Often people will ask me why I still want to help out with the kids programming.  It is so worth it.  Even when it included getting up early in minus 15 degree weather, to drive to church, to open snacks and pour cups of hot chocolate.  It was a good day.  A very good day.  

Not much has been happening this January.  But there has been lots of time to read and to write.  I have actually picked up my writing during this cold spell.  And that has also been very good.  After a time away from writing, I always go back and read what I last wrote.  This time, I went back to the very beginning.  The further along I went, the more committed I grew.  I need to finish this project and I need to finish it well.  I will be spending more time in the next weeks with my laptop in hand, working to complete the project that has been YEARS in the making.  I am convinced this is exactly what I need to be doing.  

No matter what your weather is like - cold, hot or in between, no matter if it is dry or wet, rain or snow, sunny or cloudy., Jesus is with us in it!  When it is so cold you don't go out, remember that Jesus is with you inside the warmth of your home.  When it is so nice that you just have to go out, Jesus is going with you!  What a wonderful truth to remember - Jesus will never leave us - no matter what the weather!  

Jesus, thank you for planning the change of seasons and the ups and downs of the weather.  Winter is a wonderful reminder that even when things look totally dead, there is always the promise of spring ahead.  Holy Spirit, remind us that even when we feel alone, Jesus is with us.  Help us all to make Bible reading a part of each day.  Thank you for caring neighbors, for family and friends.  Thank you especially for children!  Amen

It was kind of a "dance" weekend for me!

 Friday was one of those extra special days for me.  I got to accompany Lia and Gwen to a Ballet Specialty store for a fitting for new Pointe Shoes! 

This is actually Lia's third pair of Pointe Shoes, but it is still amazing to see!  The first pair were purchased in 2020 and I remember how nervous Lia was that she would never get "off the barre".  Here she is with much more confidence, three years later!  

After making the final decision about the exact feel and fit, the purchase was completed.  I was a bit sad when Lia said, "Take a picture of my last time getting Pointe Shoes."  I know that she is 17 and doesn't think (at this time) that she will continue to dance.  But considering all the hours and hours she has spent in practice since 2009, it is hard to believe.

 One of my first, very favorite books (when I was in second grade) was called "On Your Toes, Susie" and I had almost memorized that book.  I was surprised to see that it is still available!

I always dreamed about dancing and especially dancing on pointe.  I never had any ballet training and Gwen was much more interested in gymnastics than ballet.  When Lia first started dance, I never imagined I would see her on Pointe!  I am sure that Lia might not be happy with me sharing the following pictures, but for this grandma, these are things that I will never forget....

These pictures are from 2009 when Lia started Ballet at Dance Connection in Grayslake, Illinois.  The teacher in the blue shirt in the last picture, is the owner of the studio, Ms Bridget Blake!  And she is still one of Lia's teacher today!  I wonder if she imagined that the little girl in the pink leotard who she led across the floor, would still be dancing 14 years later!  

Yes, Dance Connection is certainly a big part of the life at the Johnson household.  Not only Lia, but also Ellie and Anna dance every week.  This year was another first for us.  Lia, Ellie and Anna all danced in the annual Grayslake Parade as a part of the Spotlight group from Dance Connection.  

This was Anna's first year, dancing in the parade and she was very nervous!  I was so glad that I got to the parade this year.  I'm not sure why, but I have missed the pervious parades.  This is also the first time that all three girls have been in the same dance production.  Anna is so happy to have a chance to dance with Lia and Ellie!  

This is Ellie!

Here is Anna!

And this is Lia!

Given my past few months, I have been thinking a lot about my childhood and various memories.  I was always reading and I know that it was an escape for me.  I could imagine myself in different circumstances and in amazing places, having adventures.  I don't think I realized just how much the books that I read and loved, have influenced my life.  This is just one example!  I loved the Little House on the Prairie books and here I am, writing a book that starts on the Prairie in the late 1800's.  

What an excellent reminder for us all that our dreams may not be realized in exactly the way that we thought!  I never became a pointe dancer.  Gwen didn't do ballet.  Yet here is Lia, dancing on toe!  My dream has become a reality in my life, just not how I expected.  When I was little, I imagined living on a lake, having a house right on the water.  This was birthed out of many happy days spent at our vacation lake cabin on Lake Maud.  While I don't live on a lake, Gwen and Tim do! I have spent many happy days at their home, enjoying their lake front property.  Again, not exactly how I thought my dream would be realized, but I am sure enjoying what it is!  

I love how Jesus knows the desires of our hearts and brings those to us, sometimes in unexpected ways and much differently than we thought we wanted.  After a weekend like this, I am more convinced that Jesus knew my heart as a little girl of seven.  And this weekend, I realized just how special it is that my dream about dancing has come to pass.  I bet that if you actually looked at some of those dreams and desires from your childhood, you also would find ways that Jesus has brought them into your life, that were not exactly like you thought.  What a joy it is to know that, no matter how long it might take, Jesus will bring us exactly what we need and desire!  Even when those things include that very unexpected plot twist!  

Jesus, thank you for children and grandchildren.  What a joy it is to see children learning and growing.  Holy Spirit, help us to see with new eyes, the ways that long forgotten dreams and desires have been met for us.  Jesus, thank you for knowing our hearts and giving us exactly what we need, when we need it.  Thank you for pictures that help us preserve our memories.  Amen

 

May birthdays, Dance Recital and more!

 Trying to capture events that happened weeks ago is hard1  I am learning that I need to stop and make the time to put these words on the page - when they are happening.  For now, I am catching up! 

Zeke turned 12 on May 15.  That seems so hard to imagine.  Especially difficult for me since I had no idea what I got him for his present!  There was some computer "things" that he really needed since he is currently "building" a PC to use for gaming.  I simply ordered what I was told to get (Thank goodness for online ordering!  You don't have to go into a store and look foolish trying to get the correct items!)  I didn't even have to wrap these since I had them delivered right to Gwen's house!  Zeke asked me to please bring him "Chinese Chicken Nuggets" for his birthday.  This is actually just Sweet and Sour Chicken from our favorite, hometown Chinese place that is also Gwen's favorite!  I was happy to bring him this special treat.

Between Zeke's Birthday and Jimmy's birthday was the jam-packed Dance Recital weekend.  Anna only danced on Sunday so Susie decided to bring Grace that day. Lia and Ellie danced at all three recitals.  I always try to imagine the hours and hours of practice that these kids do in order to perform this long recital.  

This was Lia's 14th Dance Recital.  It hard not to get misty eyed thinking about the years that she has worked to get to this point.  It was Ellie's 9th recital and Anna's 6th recital.  Anna decided to dance in the special dance troupe "Spotlight" next year so that she could finally get to dance with Lia for one year!  Ellie has been dancing with Lia in Spotlight for a couple of years.  I love to see the commitment and patience and endurance these girls have shown off at the end of the year recital. 

Jimmy's birthday was next.  These two years have flown by.  Every week he has some new skill or new words or new activity.  They had a Dino themed party for him at a little play place that was perfect for two year olds.  He ran and played and just had a wonderful time being the center of it all.  

Lia turned 17 the next day.  It is hard to even write that number!  It makes me feel so old!  Given the busy life of a 17 year old (and Memorial Day Weekend) we settled for a lunch after church at Portillos to celebrate!  

Her gifts included a special backpack that she wanted for college -  yep - college.  She has already been taking some classes on line, but next fall she will be going in person.  Again, just where did the time go?  She also wanted these cute shorts and hoodie and modeled them for me!  That's one proud daddy for sure!

On June 2nd, Gwen and Tim celebrated 22 years of marriage!  Again - How did that happen?  So Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna came to my house tor the day/night/day so that Gwen and Tim could actually have some time to celebrate.  They opted to stay home, but went out to dinner and then also kayaked on their lake and went for a run together.  Hopefully soon, they will plan a better trip away to celebrate their anniversary!  Needless to say, the kids and I had a great time.  Lia actually drove them to my house.  That's a first!  We went out to dinner and played mini golf.  There was a zipline in the park near the mini golf and the kids had a great time pushing each other!  The next morning we went out to breakfast and followed that up with a trip to Target!  

It was a busy 24 hours  - but so much fun.  I can't think of a better way to spend a couple of days.  

These blogs are really like my journals.  They help me keep track of everything that goes on in my life.  So doing these catch up blogs may seem silly, but I love seeing pictures that help me remember exactly where the time went!  And seeing Jimmy at 2 years old and Lia at 17 years old on the same page kind of takes my breath away.  I cherish every picture of all of the grandkids together. It won't be long before it doesn't happen very often.  Yes, time marches on.  

Somewhere in this busy time frame, I passed by Ken's and my wedding anniversary.  May 18th was our 49th anniversary.  Next year would be 50.  I remember having so many conversations with Ken about this milestone and we really thought we would get to celebrate that one together.  Yet, here it is three years that he has been gone.  These many events/pictures just remind me that we should never miss an opportunity to be with family and to celebrate even the small things.  I am so incredibly grateful that I am able to be with each of my grandkids every week.  It is a privilege to watch them grow and change.  I can imagine how much more of an impact these birthdays would have for me, if I didn't see the kids all the time. Its all about having a relationship with them.

I have several friends that I have lost contact with over the last few years.  I have been trying to reconnect with them, but schedules and illnesses and just general tasks have seemed to get in the way.  I have been considering just how hard it is to maintain a relationship when you don't have contact with someone.  This is a lesson that keeps coming back to me whenever I start to feel distant from Jesus and wonder if he is with me at all.  And don't we all have times when that is the case?  Often it is because I have fallen away from Bible study, gathering with other believers or even just listening to worship music.  I haven't given up on getting together with these friends and will continue to try to make contact happen.  And I know that getting back to that place of closeness with Jesus is a journal entry, a worship song or picking up my Bible time away.  As I have been playing catch up with these blogs, it has been a good reminder for me about what is important! 

Jesus, thank you for children and grandchildren and families.  Holy Spirit remind us of all those who may not be related to us by blood but are still like "family" to us - the neighbors, the friends, the co-workers, the people that we see every week.   Help us to make time for relationships that really matter. Holy Spirit, give us courage to let go of those relationships that are not important and remind us all to draw closer to you.  Give us patience with ourselves when we fail to put you first Jesus.  Give us grace to start again and determination to continue to learn and grow.  Amen

(Watching) Dancing my way into the New Year.

Well, here we are in 2022.  And we are STILL in the midst of the Covid pandemic.  As a matter of fact, so many of the "normal" things that had finally come back in late 2021, are now on pause, once again.  Lia and Ellie have been practicing for months with their Dance Connection special performing group, Spotlight.  These girls (and boys) work long hours, doing extra classes and learn extra dances, just to perform.  The purpose of this group is USUALLY to entertain at nursing homes and care facilities for the surrounding communities.  Then Covid, again.  So the very creative and wonderful owner and teachers of this studio, decided to do a series of shows for the community - aimed at children under 10.  The dancers whirled and twirled to the familiar music of Frozen.  There was limited attendance, social distanced and everyone wore masks.  The air purifiers were humming and the windows were cracked to help keep everyone safe.  The dancers wore 2 masks! The studio even zoomed for anyone who was unable to attend.   Was it worth the effort?  You bet!  

During the last two years, so many of us have become depressed and lost hope.  It has felt like we would never again be truly happy and at ease.  Even going to the grocery store causes anxiety, and it's not just the prices that make us feel queasy. We have become fearful and nervous around others - even sometimes our families.   Not only do we not want to get sick ourselves, but we certainly don't want to get others sick. So many have "taken sides" against each other.  Logic and common sense seem to have fallen by the wayside.   Yes, these are tough times.  But just take a look at those sweet, young faces.  They probably have many of the same feelings that you and I do.  In fact, I think it is much harder for the children and youth to process growing up in a world wide pandemic.  But I see HOPE and JOY and LIFE when I look at these photos.  There is determination and perseverance and hours of hard work.  And behind every one of these dancers are their families.  The moms and dads (and sometimes grandmas) that drive them to and from dance classes, over and over.  Who most likely make monetary sacrifices to pay for these classes.  Is it worth it?  You bet.  I don't think these dancers were giving Covid a second thought as they performed the day I watched the production.  They were listening to the giggles and claps of the children in attendance.  They were feeling the joy of the accomplishment of a job well done.  They were part of something bigger than themselves.  A common goal.  

I wish that all of you could watch this performance.  More than that, I hope that all of you take away a bit of the lesson I learned that day.  We can not stop living.  We have to find a goal to shoot for.  Make plans for the months ahead.  We need to figure out how we might bring a spot of joy and hope and life to those around us.  Even knowing that it takes hard work and perseverance.  A life lived for Jesus is a life that walks confidently - no matter what is happening around us.  We need to begin each day, covered in the armor of God so that the fear and isolation and anger about the pandemic don't overwhelm our hearts. Over the past week since this dance show, I have had more than one aggravation pop into my life.  It certainly helped to close my eyes and remember the freedom and joy I saw on the faces of the dancers that day.  And then I began to sing... "Let it go!"

Jesus, thank you for using ordinary things in my life to remind me of your plans and purposes that don't stop for Covid.  Holy Spirit, keep this message fresh and close in my mind and heart as I walk through the next days.  Jesus, keep us mindful of your presence as we face conflicts and disagreements, no matter what the topic.  Guide us to the people and places that you have purposed for us. Thank you for loving us all.  Amen
 

Dance Recital Weekend - this year!

 Ths past weekend, I spent the day with Gwen watching the Dance Connection yearly recital.  So much thanks needs to go to Bridget Blake, the Director/Owner of this studio.  During Covid she has worked tirelessly to make dance something that the kids could depend on, even in the midst of quarentine.  She arranged zoom classes and figured out how to bring the kids safely back to the studio as soon as possible.  This is so much more than just a dance studio - it is a family.  This recital marked Lia's 12th  dance recital, Ellies sixth and Anna'a fourth. The one thing that was really not able to be practiced or planned was the weaather, and it was less than ideal!  Saturday was COLD, WINDY and RAINY!  The entire event was held outdoors in an open tent.  I felt so sorry for the dancers in their thin costumes, as Gwen and I sat huddled under two blankets wearing several layers of clothes and sweaters.  But the kids danced like it was 80 and sunny.  There was energy and grace along with precision and joy.  Of course there was also reluctance from the smallest dancers, to even go on the stage!  It just made your heart so full and was such a welcome normal event.  

Anna danced so well!  She had a jazz dance and a tap dance.  I am so amazed at how well these kids do, even the really little ones!  The dances are not easy and there are so many steps to remember.  She danced with so much confidence!

Ellie has had some years where she has chosen to not dance.  But recently, she has really liked Ballet and Lyrical dance.  She has done so well in both and also made so many great friends.  She is moving up next year to a new, harder level that will take lots of work.  But she is dedicated to keeping on in dance.

This only represents a portion of Lia's dances.  I really don't know how she remembers all of these complex dances.  She had a Tap, Lyrical, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Student Teacher, and 2 Spotlight dances!  Yes, that is 8 different dances.  It was the first time we have seen her dance "on Pointe" and it was breathtaking.  Both Gwen and I were teary watching her dance.  These 12 years of watching her dance seem to have passed in a flash.  Wasn't it only just a short time ago that she was in that front row of dancers in "Pre Ballet"?  

This was Lia's first dance recital costume.  Driving home, (with my car heater blasting to try to warm up), I was thinking about this very first recital. Ken and I went and Lia was so tired after doing two big dances in one day, she could hardly keep her eyes open. Ken had picked out a special "Penguin Pillow Pet" for her.  

It was so good to be able to walk to a shelf, and pull off a scrapbook from 2010 and find this picture. Certainly makes the time and effort to do these books worthwhile!  Ken was so proud to see Lia up on that big stage. There was a tired 3 almost 4 year old.  And now, there was a poised, talented, confident almost 15 year old!  Dance has strengthened her body, soul and spirit.  She has become close to girls that she has danced with for these 12 years.  She has looked up to and admired and wanted to be like the student teachers and teachers she has learned from.  The care and compassion that was shown to her as she grew and learned each new dance, she is now showing to those little ones that SHE student teaches.  Watching her almost float across the stage brought tears to my eyes.  As of right now, Lia is thinking that dance will be her college direction.  She is only just finishing her freshman year of high school, and that might change.  After this past weekend, that path seems quite likely.  

As I have been reflecting on watching my precious girls dance, there has been an important backdrop to this event.  I am so thankful that these girls are dancing filled with the love of Jesus in their hearts.  The time that they spend at dance is balanced by time learning and growing at church. Church is also home and family to them.  Before they were born, Jesus gave me a glimpse of His plans for each of them.  And it is so amazing to continue to pray for the fulfilment of these plans.  I see Lia as a leader of her peers, bringing so many to know the Lord.  Ellie has the heart of a warior - fighting for those she loves on her knees in prayer.  Anna will bring the kingdom of heaven to earth through a legacy of love.  Yes, I am so grateful that I get to walk along side of my children and grandchildren on this path into the future.  

Sometimes it is not easy to see Jesus at work today.  Things seem so dark and distant from what you read in the Bible.  All you need to do is find a way to surround yourself with the love, laughter and joy of a bunch of kids, dancing with all their might. Then, even with dark skies and rain falling and the wind whipping around you, the sun will come out in your heart.  I also encourage you to stop and ask Jesus to show you how to pray for those around you.  It might even be a coworker or a neighbor.  Or a child or grandchild or niece or nephew.  I remember once hearing this... "General prayers are answered generally.  But when you pray specific prayers your get specific answers".  

I missed telling Ken all about the dance recital.  But I was thankful to have that long ago memory of his love for Lia, shown through a penguin pillow.  

Jesus, help us all to look through the noise and darkness of our world today to find your love and your grace that is all around us.  Holy Spirit, guiard the hearts of our children and youth who face so many temtations today.  Thank you Jesus for giving creative ideas to business owners, to families, to so many during this pandemic.  Thank you for your protection and love.  Amen  

What happens in 2020 to a dance recital....

 I never thought I would get to see these sweet girls perform their dance recital for 2020.  But thanks to a wonderful studio, Grayslake Dance Connection, I got to experience something truly wonderful.  

The recital was held outdoors, and boy did a lot of people pray for the weather.  It was a cool, cloudy couple of days - something not expected for August 1st.  There was appropriate social distancing, and everyone wore masks - even outside.  But it was so worth it.  

First up was Anna.  She had both a tap dance and a jazz dance.  

It was amazing to watch these young kids, who had only had Zoom classes since March, get up there and dance their hearts out - even wearing masks.  You would never have guessed that they only had one short in person practice before this event.  I was so proud of Anna.

Next Ellie had two dances - a lyrical and a ballet.  Zoom classes have been extra challenging for Ellie but you would never have known it watching her dance.  She has worked so hard and it showed as she came to life with her groups.  

This was Lia's eleventh dance recital.  When you see the pictures below you will understand just how much time and effort Lia puts into dance.  She loves it and you can tell with every routine that she does.  In addition to her "regular" classes (jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical) she is in a special group called Spotlight (tap and jazz) and she also is a student teacher and the student teachers did a jazz dance.  I honestly don't know how she learns and remembers all of these dances.   

Yes, those are Lego bricks!  The Spotlight Performance was all from the Lego Movie.  I was so impressed by all the dancers.  You would never have imagined that the studio could pull off such a great performance during a global pandemic.  There is so much love in that studio.  The teachers, the owner, the student teachers, the dancers and all the families that sacrifice to get their kids involved in dance.  I was thinking back to the very first time I actually came to this dance studio.   I brought Lia to a class when she was three years old.  On that first day I heard a phrase that I have heard over and over.  "Miss Bridget says, "You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit!"   

Well, Miss Bridget (the owner of the dance studio) certainly followed her own advice.  She took a terrible situation of a pandemic with total shut down and somehow managed to continue to teach kids complicated dances.  She has a talented group of teachers who followed her lead and reached out to all of the kids, encouraging them to keep practicing.  And then she managed to pull off an amazing show to allow the families of these dancers to see all that had been accomplished - in spite of 2020.   She rose to the occasion and showed us all that what we got was an incredible show.  Thank you Miss Bridget!  

Grayslake Dance Connection if you want to learn more about this studio, just click the link!

Jesus, thank you for people who love our kids as much as we do.  Thank you for your presence with us all that helps us to weather these trying times during situations that we could never have imagined.  Holy Spirit, continue to give all teachers creative ideas to keep our kids engaged and involved, in spite of social distancing.  Pour out your blessings on Dance Connection, Miss Bridget, and all the teachers as well as all the children and families.  Thank you for good weather and a great event.  Amen