Roadside Daisy's
Pelican on Lake of the Woods
Designs in the sand Wisconsin Point
Fawn in Missouri near Maddison's house
Mallard in the bay at Lake of The Woods
Beautiful sunrise on Lake Superior



enjoy the creation that surrounds you, love jen

Maddison moves to Missouri

Grandma with Maddison, saying goodbye
Me, my dad, Maddison (and Tobie) my mom
Grandpa and Maddison

Wow, we had quite the year and a half, I hardly remember all we went through, that was a rough time. I actually thought we would never get through it, but we did. Boy did we get through it! Maddison has and continues to grow into an incredible young women, our relationship blossomed as she blossomed. Now with this divine move to Kansas City, I see she will spread her wings and FLY!!! She is attending art school, taking care of herself and Tobie & becoming the most incredible women. I am so very proud of her


kisses, love mom


Drove Maddy down on July 4th 2010

5 guys burgers and fish eh!

June 2010 Canada trip. Kain, Parker, Dewey, Jack, Oscar and myself.


The five guys: Oscar, Kain, Jack, Dewey and Parker
The burgers yummy! We eat so well at the cabin. We have leisurely mornings with coffee, bacon, eggs and toast. We then head out on "the lake of the woods" and eat fish i9n the evenings while sipping on a cocktail. The dog days of summer :)
The catch of the day - that's my man, catch 'em , fillet 'em and grill 'em
How to get to my man's heart; fish , cook and watch football!

whats your love language

Gardening

The new rock that paves the gardens
In this picture you can see the pavers, now sold and replaced with rock, more natural looking
These pavers were sold , in one hour, made $47.00 whoot whoot!!

We are on our second summer in this house...I think, yes that sounds correct :) Dewey thought that I would love to garden, I tried a bit last year. He encouraged me all the time, he said that he would really enjoy the results, a pretty yard. I worked on one spot in the yard that the previous owners neglected. I laid out that paper stuff to keep weeds out. I figured , I am only trying this gardening out, I want to start easy. So then I covered it with new, beautiful , rich black dirt. Yikes, in about three days there were as many weeds as before. My mom says I got a bad batch, full of weeds. That was it for '09 . Now this summer something came over me, I think because I have less people here, with the girls out on there own and all. I really got into this, I took out the old pavers. I sold 'em in about an hour after posting them on Craigs List!
My Mom and Dad practically raise rock, they have lived on the same land for over 40 years and there is so much rock, I love rock! I hauled several truck loads. My dad got into it and was putting the rock aside for me...huge rock. I was buying plants and have about a dozen containers. I cut down an old tree (the poop tree) and really liking this. So then Dewey starts asking...do you needs more rock? how many more loads are you planning to get, honey? Dewey, sweetie, you encouraged me to garden and now I am. Sure he still encourages me but I think that he thinks - that's enough- guys they do not understand when enough is enough. So anyway I send my husband off to Canada for a week of fishing. I talked to him a bit before he left, stating I am in the mood to buy shrubs and plant trees in the yard, he kindly states, we have three girls and a boy to support, lets wait. Ok..I agree, with respect for him and our relationship...how far do I really have to go?? I love him and kissed him good bye, I said I was glad we spoke. I knew very well that he would not say anything if I did not bring it up before he left and I went ahead and bought the shrubs and trees, but I am not happy unless we communicate, trust and share.

Love, deeply , madly, always Jen

Carpet Caper

Dewey made a deal with me, I am not really sure if I agreed and if I did I would say he caught me at a very vulnerable time , maybe he asked me when I was running out the door "honey should I put the laundry away?" I cry "yes" "Puddin' should I make dinner?" I say "yes, O yes!" then as I turn the engine to the Mustang he yells, "Babe, will you run a half marathon in exchange for new carpet? I smile, wave and blow kisses as I peel out of the driveway I say "of course dear" How fair is this? I think about finishing a 5k, I dream about running with 1200 others on a crisp morning, I imagine myself being happy, overwhelmed and proud of my accomplishments, then I grab another bowl of chocolate Beyer's ice cream and tune in to the Closer. Dewey believes in me , maybe I should believe in myself too.



Your belief determines your action and your action determines your results, but first you have to believe.

Love Jen

Macy Daniel-Lyn

The Graduate 2010

Pdawg is now a teenager!

Parker Thomas James Segel, born December 29 , 1996. These pics are from his birthday week. We had homemade pizza, lots of cake, he received some Kickapoo present & he boarded just about 12 hours a day during Christmas vacation. will a teenage boy be easier than the girls? I hope so, cuz those girls were tough!

Five Generations

I posted earlier that we are having a baby, not me but in our family. The latest addition will be Winry . I can hardly believe it, my little girl , Macy will be a momma very soon. Less than twenty days! Above is a picture of five generations. Macy - with Winry. Myself - the grandma. My mother- great grandma. My mothers mother- great great grandma. Wow! Macy can hardly wait to have all five in the picture. I can hardly wait to have that little baby in my arms.

The Troll Hole

I wanted to show my love, appreciation and I wanted to deposit in our 'relationship' account, a huge sum. So what did I do? I created a Troll Hole for my husband. It was News Years weekend, my brother was staying the week. And what do the Johnson's do when their creative juices flow...they go go go! Al - The professor and I created this room for Dewey, a place where he can have his privacy, a place where he can veg , listen to music, take it easy, read & watch the game. After painting a dark blue stripe, we lined the wall with black and white images of his favorite things. Hunting, fishing, buffalo, football , Marvel comics and music. We hung a new flat screen on the wall, installed a surround sound, put in a big comfy chair, a fridge stocked with 'man food' after two very full days of planning, shopping, painting, tearing down and setting up we were ready!

Dewey was on his way home, had no idea and we surprised him.

He says every thing he has is ours, but I truly want him to have a place, a spot a room. He gave up much much more than any of us. Sure the kids have to share their mom , but really they were ready for that. He gives us everything without asking anything in return.

love ya, you are the best

jumping, running, burning, loving

Dewy is so cute, he asked to take in these 'stray' animals. Jenna the Siberian husky- most lovable dog ever! & her side kick Nola, our black Cat. Although it was two months in between adoptions- that's how long it took us to decide for sure on the cat. Sure, I like pets (I just typed pests-funny -Freudian slip) but I can certainly live without them..very easily in fact.
Although I did grow up with dogs, cats, goats, pigs, horses, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds..pretty much anything we came home with, we could keep. A little bit about these pets (there I go again, I just typed pests again)

Jenna is a quiet dog and a bit nervous. She is somewhat obedient & when she is not she gets away with things because she is so sweet & looks up at you with those beautiful blue puppy dog eyes. She naturally is a lover & is very loyal. Kitty is sweet and cuddly and talks a lot in the morning to us. I kind of have this idea that it is good for the family & we - as parents- should give our kids this expedience, being pet owners.

I have decided to put my foot down early and firm. I need help! Well, I put my foot down after a meltdown I had. I need help! I cried, as my family watched me throw a fit like a two year old. I insisted on a plan. I saw way way too many mothers carry the load. Sure every ones wants a dog, cat, bird, goat, rabbits and hamsters...but who will be responsible for them....eventually the mother. I know I know there is my responsibly to be in charge, I am the parent. Don't enable them, be firm, stick to the rules. But you know how it is, it happens so fast. Next thing you know - I am doing it all. Now we have Pdog walking her every day after school. I walk her after work and Macy and Dewey walk her when they are around (their schedule is a little more complicated) and we have a minimum of one half hour per person. O, Yes & I asked Dewey to be the litter box guy. sweet!

So this little incident was funny to me when I heard about it, Dewey on the other hand took a couple days to laugh at himself, then when he did he roared!

First off , I was so proud of myself for planning a meal. I threw some meatballs in the crock pot and added a bottle of bar b q sauce. Not bad, make some potatoes after work...sounds terrific. Easy , good meal. I thought about it, really wanted this to be ready for Pdog and decided to set it on high, I wanted it ready for Pdog after school. He can make the potatoes and Dewey will have a great supper too. I had a meeting after work, I got home at 8pm and I found Dewey 'pouting' in the bedroom. He came home from an extremely hard days work with Parker jumping off the banister to trip and wrestling and fight him, Jenna and Nola racing out of the house down the street (there is that 'somewhat' obedient) & a crock of burnt bar b q meatballs. I started to smirk and was trying really really hard to be consoling and thoughtful to his needs. He could see I was holding my lip down by my teeth and the corners of my mouth popping up while my eye brows and head cocked just enough to look concerned. (that lasted all of two minutes) it was quit a fiasco! Dewey ended up in the truck looking for the dog and cat. (after taking a shower and letting off some steam- the night ended with me coming home to the most loving man I know...and funny too

I love you Dewey. You make me smile

Call me Mya

I am going to be a grandma! Baby will be here around February 11th Auntie Maddison's birthday :) I am excited and will be redecorating a babies room very soon.

love Mya (grandma)

Jenna

We are babysitting for the winter , my niece Zuzu's dog, Jenna
She is a sweetheart. (probably more like 6 years)
I cannot say that I am a animal lover, I am a animal tolerator. Dewey wants a cat and dog, when Jenna became homeless Dewey said we need to take her in. She is a sweetie and I am beginning to love her. She is very very well mannered, which helps right? She has a history of abuse and has been hit by a car two or three times - before Zuzu adopted her. I find that I can love her even more because of her background. We have an appointment at the doggy salon next Saturday. She will look more beautiful after a bath.

The Vikings Vs The Ravens

I painted their faces while we were driving...and mine too.

My sweet husband sure likes football and what does he likes more than football? His wife cheering and talking the lingo and of course wearing purple pride. Dewey and I went to a game at the Dome this fall, we brought the boys. Kaine and Pdawg. We had fun, the stadium was roaring with the fans, we were cheering (and losing our voices doing so) we were having 7$ hot dogs and 9$ beers...it was a BLAST! this was Pdawg's first game, he asked Dewey to bring him. Dewey jumped on the chance so we all headed down to the dome.

This fall Parker joined the Spartans youth football. I do not know who was more excited, Dewey or Parker. Actually I know who was, Dewey. He came to every game and yelled and cheered (always for both teams) There were times when Parker made a tackle or ran with the ball to the end zone Dewey actually got tears ion his eyes....a proud papa :) and I a proud mama. We were so happy Parker tried something new. We do not knowif it'll be his gig next year but we sure had fun watching him and I think Pdawg had fun too.

House of J

The table I made looks great with the new slate floor!

I since added a bulliten board I made to this wall. The shelves came with the house and display my bowls beautifully.


Wow three months have passed! I have so much to say but have been busy with work, kids, Dewey and now making over the house. We moved in 17 months ago and it is finally feeling like 'mine'. I have finally put a Puddin' touch on the house. Dewey was sent off to the shack for a ten day stint in the woods, i no longer said goodbye to him, threw him a kiss and cracked open the sweet looking colors to start painting.
I started with the most annoying...all around the counters and cabinets. A gorgeous golden/mustard yellow. The fist night around 2am I thought a made a grave mistake, by morning and 10 more cups of coffee I loved it. I have an awesome chocolate brown on the opposite wall and into the dining and living room. I painted one wall a rusted red/orange Love that!
Dewey knew while he was off catching his buck his little doe will be painting and redecorating. He said when he left "honey, forgive me now, cuz afeter ten days in the woods I will not notive the decorating I will jsut notice you!" Oh, Yeah! thats exactly what he did. ....and later that day he said he was happy I put my touch on things.

Love Jen

House Fire August 18, 2009

Johnson's Stables 1200 South Oak Street Cloquet Minnesota

This is a land mark, our homestead, my dad grew up here , built my childhood home and went into business for himself.

My father and mother have lived a very simple life, where material things were not important and family was everything. My dad , over 40 years ago had this itty bitty trailer house and each time he had a child he added onto the trailer - and one time added upwards.
My dad and mom taught us how to work hard and love family. This was truly a home. My dad is an eccentric, unique artist in his own right. He built us an awesome tree house, swing set and life on this hobby farm. He gave sleigh rides in the winter and hayrides in the fall and trail rides in between.
When his grandchildren were born he created a yard full of fun. With tree houses and go carts and vegetable gardens and swing sets , all made with his own two hands a lots of love.
Sure my mother felt crazed at times, but this was who Howard was....don't buy it- make it- don't throw it - fix it. He was an old timer that always told us that he should have dirt floors and one day he will die with his boots on.
My mother, his right hand women, supported and loved him and worked her butt off too. She too, had shown all of us how to love, give and how to serve others first.

Frankly, besides a few memorabilia items and photos albums it is the home my dad and mom created for us that I will miss, nothing it it.....but the memories and creativeness and history we have had there for over forty years. Their legacy is not over...it will remain.

Thank you mom and dad , we love you and glad you are safe.

Another Fine Mess I Got Us Into August 7, 2009

I can say that I do not ask for a lot - I feel I am pretty easy going and do not insist on anything 'my way' but there is this annually kayak trip in August that I have wanted to go on for two years. I asked Dewey "Honey, I do not ask you for much, but please ask for mid August off" He says sure and in January asks for this week off. August approaches before we know it and neither of us has set our fannys in a kayak...well I did take a four hour class through community ed.

don't tell anyone but I have this extreme fear of water.

We head out from Red Cliff near Bayfield Wisconsin. We paddled an enjoyable scenic 6 miles to Oak Island. With two - three foot swells. We spent two nights with three other couple with good food (shish kabobs - Pizza over the fire-great big breakfasts and great coffee) and good fellowship- and much needed time alone with my sweetie.

We hiked 5k to an overlook on the island - where we saw ten of the Apostle Islands.

We made it, I am so proud and so happy to accomplish this with my best friend and husband.

We will sign up again .....soon
I am hooked, Love Jennifer