Along with our Christmas cards, I would help my mom write "The Ransones :Insert Year Here:" to share our year in review with our loved ones. At that time, I thought it was ridiculous, but now that I have a family (and blog, albiet neglected) of my own, I could see myself starting this tradition. So without further adieu...
The Johnsons: 2015
Nathan:
2015 was a milestone year for Nate. In April he turned 30!!! This year he also grew a sexy beard ;-) He continues to inspire me daily as he is always working to make himself a better person - whether it's with clean eating and exercise, putting his needs last to make sure me and the kids are happy, or just constantly reading and learning new things. Some of those "new things" include: building an electric smoker so he can slow-cook meat and control the temperature away from home - yes, this happens, discovering new places around town, and french braiding Isabelle's hair.
This week Nate lost his Grandmother - an amazing woman who was blessed to see 101 years. Please pray for him and his extended family's strength during this time.
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| Rest in heaven, MoDear |
Jasmine:
Shortly after my last blog post in October, I lost my grandmother. Since then, the pangs of homesickness are more present than not. It is my first time losing a grandparent and even though we knew time was fleeting, I just wasn't ready. Can you ever be? Before she died I told myself that we would finally make it back to Michigan to see her by January. Little did I know, I did not have that kind of time.
The rest of 2015 was a blur. I took out my first uterus. I started exercising...for a bit (haha).
I became an "upper level/chief" on one of the busiest services of our program. I started talking to mentors regarding big decisions in my professional life. But I also decided that "I have to work" would no longer be an acceptable excuse for not calling, writing, or visiting those I love when I can. 2016 I am going to do so much better.
Rounding out the first half of second year has been incredibly better from a family-work balance perspective in comparison to where I was this time last year. I tried to be as present as I could in all the moments at home.
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| My angel Grandma Wilhelmina |
Nathan II:
2015 meant the end of Kindergarten and the start of first grade at a new school for our Deuce. And in January he turns SEVEN. I will just let that marinate for a minute... He continues to show an aptitude for building - just like Dad. And this year, Nate (what he wants everyone at school to call him now) became a writer. His class did a unit on telling their narratives, and at parent-teacher conferences his teachers showed me his growing collection of short stories. I was already so proud, but seeing him love something that brings me joy was awesome. His dad bought him a leather bound journal this year, and he hasn't looked back.
He has also discovered sarcasm. Stating "that was sarcasm if you didn't know" when he tries it out. This kid.
Nate continues to be an amazing big brother - even though Isabelle's main goal these days is to test all the little sister limits. And we can't forget his dancing. He can pop, lock, whip, and 'nae-'nae with the best of them.
Isabelle:
Miss Isabelle is such a little lady these days. Sure, she enjoys picking out her hair accessories and taking care of her baby dolls - which she has lovingly named "Baby Wow" and "Baby Mommy" - but she also adores her older brother who has her puddle jumping and karate-kicking regularly.
She loves reading, singing, and dancing as much as Nate. Her vocabulary has grown exponentially and she never runs out of kisses and hugs. Even at two, she understands the importance of family - asking to call her grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins frequently. I don't know what we ever did without her. She is such beautiful girl, inside and out.
Thank you to all of our loved ones and friends who have shown more unwavering love and support in the form of prayers, encouraging words, and deeds than we could ever repay. You don't know how thankful we are for each and every one of you. 2016, we're ready!
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| My surprise Valentine's |
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| Feb 2015 |
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| March 2015; Isabelle was afraid of the snow... |
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| Wilmington (April) |
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| My brother Josh graduated from Loyola in May! |
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| Kindergarten Graduation in June |
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| Cousins in July! |
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| No more intern year! |
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| J's Bday in August |
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| Fall! |
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| Making Thanksgiving Pies with Maimeo |
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| Christmas with my parents (Lita & Grampy) and "little" brothers - Carey, Josh, and Jordan! |
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| My Grandma Wilhelmina |
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| Nate's Grandma MoDear |
