I know it’s been a while since my last update. I really have not been on the computer hardly at all the last few weeks and I think this post will help explain why.
Last Sunday (the 16th) was Josiah’s birthday and we had five days of celebration for that. I’m not kidding! It was a busy and full weekend but so fun to spend tons of time with lots of family. Thank goodness the kids are good travelers!
We are also in the middle of some construction at our house. This project started off with us making a wheel-chair accessible entrance to our house (it is likely that Josiah will need to use a wheel-chair eventually) and as it is with all projects…it grew. Thanks to some VERY generous people we now have a new entrance to the back of our house,
a window where the old entrance used to be,
a hole in our living room wall (on purpose of course),
and a brand new HUGE and wonderful deck (sorry, no pictures..yet)! I will spare you the detailed changes that had to take place for all of that. We are loving the changes so much…just looking forward to the project being done and the mess gone 🙂 There have been several days/evenings when work was being done at the house when two inquisitive children were not needed underfoot, so we’ve done some fun stuff together.
(breakfast picnic at the park)
But, that also means that I have not been home to get things done like…update my blog 🙂 Plus, due to the construction in the house everything is not where it should be and it is quite the obstacle course around here. But everything is moving fast and will soon be done and all this will be a distant memory. We are so thankful to be able to do this!
And just in case we didn’t have enough going on…check out Josiah’s birthday present:
Meet Cruz (pronounced like cruise)
Yes, we added a puppy to the madness. Are we nuts? Yes. I would say…certifiable. But, Josiah has always really wanted a dog and while I am not an animal lover, I always thought we would get a dog when the kids were a little older and able to take some responsibility for it. Well…time isn’t really on our side and several things fell into place for this to happen…sooo we now have a dog. She is fun and cute and a ton of work. But I love seeing my husband and kids play with her and it will be good for the kids to grow up with her.
Plus, it gives Josiah a project right now while he’s feeling good 🙂
Speaking of Josiah. We have decided not to do any more chemo right now. There are a number of reasons for this that I won’t go into right now. It was not an easy decision, but we feel like it is the right one. God has lead us this far and we are trusting him to continue to show us His plan. We do still appreciate your prayers as we decide what the next step will be.
Whew…I think we’re caught up!
Beautiful Things 
Jessica, Thanks so much for the update. My heart is heavy in prayer for you and Josiah. After many rounds of chemo myself I get the idea of not doing anymore for now. – Julie
We had such fun at Josiah’s birthday bash, it was nice to finally have ALL the family together:)
Cruz is just tooooo cute! Please, Please don’t show your Uncle Dave he thinks HE needs a puppy(no way)
But seriously you all will have such fun with her(it is a girl isn’t it?)Praying that God will contiune to direct your paths and that you would know just what to do in any situation. Love you Aunt Debi Uncle Dave
Oh I forgot to say something about the construction
THIS TO SHALL PASS and then you will LOVE IT!!!
Josiah and Jessica,
You know that bbq we always wanted to have and never got around to it? Katie and I would love to still do that with you guys. Whether it’s the 4 of us or getting the kids together. Not that you need any more rotten news at this point but my wife Katie was diagnosed with breast cancer about 4 months ago and we are working our way thru it now. Jess, I think you and I have a lot in common at this point. But I will say, although feel a little guilty doing so, that Katie is doing really well and we are very hopeful for our little nightmare will over in another 6 months or so. It is hard to describe how I feel when I read your posts on this site, I think I feel more upset about you Josiah than I do about my own wife. That is probably because I’m kind of in the eye of the storm over here and don’t really have a chance to step back and see how I’m feeling about Katie. I think it would help all 4 of us to get together and hang out, and it would be fun. Let us know, we’d love to see you 2. Josiah, I’ll bring the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!
Tim & Katie
Good morning loved ones:
Thank you for the update, Jess. I’m amazed that you ever update with your busy schedule. Anyway, the construction looks great. Can’t wait to see the photos of the deck.
We continue to pray for you and “the next step.” Our prayer group at church is a steady support. Mike came last night and it almost made me cry to hear his prayers for his brother. He loves you all so much.
sending love from Wisconsin,
You guys just continue to amaze and bless me!! The deck is beautiful…has been fun watching the progress. Your kids are getting so big and are both adorable and that puppy….well, what can I say? I LOVE dogs and this one is just the cutest!! It is so good to see Josiah out in the yard with her and the kids!! I know puppies are tons of work, but they give such unconditional love. She will be good therapy for all of you. We continue to lift you up to the Lord as He lays you on our hearts (which is many times a day as I drive by on my way to where ever!!)As always, let us know if we can be of help in any way. We love you all!
Judy Mauseth
I am sure that Cruz loves your family as much as the rest of us. What a fun & wonderful addition. We are continuing to pray and know that your faith will guide you in your decisions. What a blessing to be preparing the house and have people to help.
Hello, Jess. Your personality comes through your blog so clearly. I love it. When it said, “soooo, we got a dog” (or whatever), I smiled and thought you were in my house telling me the story. I heard your voice crystal clear. We are continually praying for your family and extended. I adore the pic of Lincoln and Cruz! I know it melts your mommy heart and mine too!!! I love you, thank you for your continued steady-as-a-rock self. 🙂
Jess, the remodeling looks wonderful! On top of that major Project, getting the puppy is also great timing, and will be so worth it. We totally agree and support you in not doing chemo. We really do. He will feel so much better during this break. Take care, all 5 of you Johnsons! Sheila & Kent
Thanks for the update. I’m praying for you guys.