Remembering...

One week ago yesterday, our little man was born. All day yesterday I was recalling the events of one week ago and thanking the Lord for His faithful care of us throughout that taxing day. Here are photo memories of little Daniel throughout his first week. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of all the aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces who have been over. (Sorry Jamie!) Can't wait for Grandma & Grandpa Johnson and Nika to arrive in February!

Ben & Britney came to bring dinner and see the little guy.

Looking around for the first time.

Daniel is indeed a son of Chris! What a mighty yawn!

Abbey comes to visit.

Auntie April

Uncle Nathan

Grandpa

Grandma

Happy Dreams...

The hat Auntie April made.

Cute little fingers.

He loves this newborn toy. He stares at it each morning.
Thank you Katie Fisk!

Precious little Daniel

Daniel Whitefield Johnson

Daniel Whitefield Johnson made his appearance January 11, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs. 5.5 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. The midwives at Mountain Midwifery Center were so wonderful and both Chris and I were so grateful for their expert help.

Daniel's due date wasn't until January 19th. Since my Mom and Grandma were always two weeks late, plus the average birth date is 41 weeks and 5 days for the birth center mommas, I was totally surprised he came a week early. Not only that, he came fast and we only made it to the birth center with 20 minutes to spare. My dream of having a water birth didn't come to pass since I didn't want to bother with it at that point in labor. I just wanted it to be over, and soon it was! :-)

Mommy and Daniel shortly after birth.

Enjoying some time together.

Getting his first Daddy time.

Brave souls...it was 2am at this point.

Shaun, the student midwife. Unfortunately, nobody got a picture
of Molly, the official midwife.

Getting checked out.

Getting ready to go home.

He doesn't look too pleased, but he slept peacefully all the way home.
It was about 10 degrees outside. His little BundleMe kept him nice and toasty!

Gluten-Free Triumphs in a World of Wheat ~ 001

“Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” Les Brown

“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” John Wayne

Has your fear of gluten free cooking kept you from success?

If so, time to saddle up and try again! 

These rolls (or rather the adapted version) are to die for. 

I serve them for guests all the time and they have never guessed that they're gluten free!

 I'd call that SUCCESS!

(Click on picture above to enlarge so that you can bake, bake, bake!)

The recipe above is the basic recipe taken from the website, Art of Gluten-Free Baking,

but ready to make it extra special and even tastier?!

Follow these adaptations my sister made to the recipe.

Almond or Coconut Milk vs. Milk

Melted Coconut Oil vs. Vegetable Oil

Add the following ingredients to the dry ingredients:

1 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. cloves

Add to the wet ingredients:

scant teaspoon of lemon oil

Add after step 4 in original roll directions:

1/2 cup each of golden raisins and cranberries.

I prefer to use a muffin scoop to form evenly sized balls on parchment paper vs. buttering/flouring muffing tins, but of course it's up to you.

Though these are excellent without butter and jelly, apricot jam makes them fantastico!!

SUCCESS is on the way!

“Some people dream of great accomplishments, while others stay awake and do them.” Anonymous

Baby Shower!

Last Saturday, January 5th, Mom, April, Becky, & Abbey went to a ton of trouble and hosted a beautiful baby shower for Baby Johnson. I felt so encouraged by seeing the outpouring of love and support from so many moms and friends. I'm so grateful to God for such a wonderful afternoon. I'm also so grateful to Mom and my three sisters (and three brothers & Dad who helped by cleaning) for going to so much trouble to make it such a special occasion.

Here are some memories from the event.

Lots of friends and delicious food!

Ready to receive the gifts I guess. :-)

Lana Gilchrist and Ann Linville...
always great buddies when occasions bring them together.

Opening gifts while April writes
them down in a notebook.

Lana admiring the bib Donna (right) made for Baby Johnson.
Danica Smith behind them.

Exclaiming delight over the Baby Cello CD from
none other than Heather Gruis. :-)

Grandma Sue and "Aunt Cindy" admiring
Jamie Gilchrist's gift. (A onesie for boy & girl!)

So many encouraging friends and mothers! 

April's special gifts...3 adorable burp cloths.

Moose jacket!

Collection of all the favorite children's books friends supplied Baby Johnson.

So blessed by friend's generosity.

Mrs. Swigert's and Donna's masterpieces. Will I be able to use these as bibs?!.

Car Seat installed by Daddy Chris.
Car Seat sleeping bag (called a Bundle Me) all ready for Baby Johnson!