Who Are the Johnson's

More About Me:

Seven years ago, I embarked on a journey I never thought would change my life forever. It was in the summer of 2006 when I boarded a plane and traveled for almost a day to set foot in the beautiful state of Colorado. Home for me is about 7300 miles south west of the United States. I am from an island called Palau in the South Pacific region. I was born and raised there to two amazing parents. I am the youngest of four and am truly grateful for wonderful siblings that changed my dirty diapers and took great care of me. I had a great life and was taught great principles and values from two very devoted parents. I also had extended families that cared about me and wanted me to be the best I can be. Discipline, lecture and hard work were important morals that needed to be taught and learned. These were engraved into our souls at a very young age. I learned how to clean the house, do laundry, and care for an infant when I was only a child. Although it seemed hard then, I am forever grateful for these life lessons I learned as a child. They have become very useful now that I am a wife and mother. The traditions and cultures were another important aspect of a Palauan native. They were taught on a daily basis and practiced so very often. I love my culture and I think it is something very pristine and unique. I enjoyed family gatherings, a whole day spent farming with my mom and aunts or going fishing with friends and neighbors (who are all considered families). My parents weren't the wealthiest people nor did they have all the great things to offer to us, but I felt like I was the richest girl in town.

Moving here was a big shock to me. It was the biggest change in my life and it took a lot of strength and faith for me to get through it all. It was hard and I remembered crying every night for a month wanting to just go back home. With the encouragement that I got from my parents, I was able to endure and stand strong. I struggled and felt like giving up a few times, but each time a loving Father in heaven picked me up and carried me through. I finally had the courage to move out of my sister's house and venture out on my own. It was probably one of the hardest things I had to do. Because of the great example of a faithful mother and the things she taught me, I began to apply them in my life. One of the principle she taught me was prayer and trusting in God. I prayed a lot and that was the only thing that seemed to help me. It did not take too long when the missionaries came knocking on my door. This time, the Lord wanted to hold me forever instead of just picking me up whenever I needed him to. I learned of His gospel and eventually joined His church. On June 22, 2009 I was baptized a member of His church. This is one of the best accomplishments that I have done in my life. It was the first and best big decision I had to make for myself as an adult. Because of this very decision I was able to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the beautiful California Santa Rosa Mission. Through this experience, I obtained many skills and talents that have molded me into who I am today. I am a better daughter, sister, wife and mother because of it and the gospel. I have a wonderful husband who shares the same belief and a powerful testimony that inspires me to strive to be a good mother and wife.

Meet My One & Only Ethan:

I met Ethan in 2008 at the singles ward here in Grand Junction. I think he was the only hot Mormon here in GJ and I am kinda glad he thought the same about me ;) He was here for work and was enjoying life as a returned missionary. He served his mission in the best mission of the world (as he would say it), Brazil Ribeirao Preto Mission. He loved the people there, enjoyed the food and most of all the ghetto-ness. People were very friendly and inviting which made it very easy to share the gospel and help them come unto Christ. Because of this great opportunity the Lord blessed him with, he too obtained many skills and qualities that I love and am truly grateful for. He had two true and faithful parents that taught him how to be a remarkable son, brother, and father. Ethan was very blessed to have been born to parents that had the gospel in their lives. He was taught about Heavenly Father's plan and the many important truths that helped build his testimony. Just the thought of this, I am sincerely humbled that I was led to such a magnificent man. He is a man with very few words, but loves knowledge and finds enjoyment in learning. He is a hard working man and would strive to do whatever it takes to survive. He is an independent man, which is why he is very private. I learned that Ethan left home right after high school and explored life on his own. It is a quality that I admire because I firmly believe that it is how you grow and become better. 

He is fun, enthusiastically passionate with life and usually is very calm during stressful moments. This is something that's a plus in our relationship because I am a worrier and I freak out about every little thing. Sports are his entertainment and he is pretty good in any sports he participates in. He is very adventurous and spontaneous. A daredevil that would take up any challenge and would probably smoke everyone out! I am so grateful that he chose me to be his wife and that we are an eternal family. He has flaws and imperfections, but to US he is a perfect father and husband. Laien is such a lucky boy to call him dad.

Introducing Our Sweet Laien:

Laien (pronounced LYON) Sers Frederick Johnson, our very special blessing that has brought us so much joy and happiness. He is so full of energy, high-spirited and completes us entirely. He acquired the many great qualities from his dad and took in some of my spunky attitude. He is loud and is very good at telling us what he wants or how he is feeling. Some may not believe this to be true, but come on over to our house for a couple of hours and you will see for yourself. When you are in his territory, he will definitely show you his true colors. He is a very determined young fellah that would do whatever it takes to fulfill what he has set his mind to do. He loves to watch Barney, finds pure happiness in singing and definitely has the rhythm when it comes to dancing. He is a meat eater and sweet potato is his favorite. 

He is a tough, strong boy and momma can't handle him at times! But I love every moment with him. He finds great joy when riding his bikes that he got for his birthday. He thinks he is the coolest and gets excited when his dad pushes him around the house like they are at a motor speedway. He is a daredevil just like his daddy! There is never a dull moment with this cutie and we savor every moment with him. Oh and I forgot to mention that he is a fast learner and very observant- traits that both mom and dad have! He decided one day that he will start helping mom and dad in feeding Raskullz. This is a chore that he enjoys doing and he has never missed a day. I am sure Raskullz appreciate it a lot!

Our Almost Forgotten First-Born--Raskullz:

A stocky, medium-sized, short haired Boxer that melted my heart two years ago. I love dogs and growing up I always had a pet dog no matter where I was. Before going on my mission I had a half boxer and pug puppy. Yes! A really weird combination of breed, but hey he was still cute. At least that's what I think...Ethan didn't really think so. He was one crazy dog that there were times I thought, 'is he retarded?' But I loved having him around in spite of how bad he was. I had to give him away before I left, so I promised myself that when I get back I would get another puppy. This time a full boxer was what I had in mind. Ethan knew how much I wanted a dog. So one day when we were driving around town, we stumbled upon a sign that said, "Boxer puppies for sale." There was a family in front of Wal-Mart trying to sell several boxer puppies. That short and quick stop that we made is where it all started. Raskullz was one of the three pups that were left. He woke up and looked right at me. I fell in love with him that day. We left empty handed and I was kind of bummed. Due to living situations, it was just not the right time. Ethan was living at an apartment and I was still with my sisters. A couple of days later, I came home from work to find a great surprise that Ethan had gotten for me. It was lil' Raskullz:) He was the cutest puppy and loved to cuddle. I miss those days where he just laid on me with no problem. Then he grew into this big, energetic, crazy dog that loves to play all day long. He is fun, loving and very protective. However, he could be slightly annoying and a very bad listener at times. He has this humorous way of letting us know he is listening. He would tilt his head from side to side with his tongue sticking out or a crooked  smile that's just hilarious. These are the little things he does that bring laughter and amusement into our household.

We are the Johnson's Party of Four!