Johnshoy Christmas 2008

I hope you all had a very merry Christmas this year.

The Johnshoys celebrated with the annual Johnshoy Christmas in Alexandria, MN.

The turnout was good this year but we all missed Grandma.
We had two new additions to the group this year - Lisa introduced Hien to the family and Krissy introduced Eric.
We were also informed that there will be two new Johnshoys added to the family in January 2009. Jason & Erin Thackeray are due to give birth on January 20th and Isaac & Heather Larson are due on January 28th - I hope I have the dates correct! :)

We were all in agreement that the annual Christmas party must go on!
The decision was made to continue having the annual get-together the weekend between Christmas and New Years each year; should these holidays occur on a weekend, we will have to move the party to another weekend - that weekend is yet to be determined.

In addition, we have decided that going forward each family will have a turn to plan the annual party. 2009's Christmas Party will be coordinated by the Huebner family.

Everyone also seemed to like the Evite this year that was sent out with all of the Christmas information; so, we will continue to send notices, etc. through that forum. For those who do not have e-mail/computer readily accessible, we will continue to send the Christmas Party invite via mail.

I will be sending the e-mail addresses I have for the family out to everyone via e-mail soon. If I am missing someone or you do not receive the list, please send me an e-mail (shans1219@msn.com) and I will add you to the list and send out an updated copy.

Last, Brad and Gina put a lot of time and energy into this year's slideshow and as usual it was great! I have posted it here for those of you that may have missed it.

I hope everyone has a wonderful new year!
God bless!

2008 Annual Cousins Weekend

It's almost that time again!
The annual Johnshoy Cousin's weekend will be held on Saturday, July 26th at Mike & Julie's house.

I hope everyone can make it! Just bring your swimsuits, towels, lawn chairs and yourselves!!
If you plan on spending the night, please bring a blanket and pillow too! There is usually quite a bit of floor space and if you are brave enough, feel free to pack a tent.

If you plan on attending, will you let myself or Pam know so we make sure there is enough food for everyone?

If you have any questions or need directions, please let me know (and I will forward to Pam!). :)

I hope to see you all there!

Grandma Johnhoy

Grandma Johnshoy passed away on Saturday, June 14th.


She will be missed by many.

I thought it would be nice to re-read the wonderful article written about Valborg in the Pope County Press this past Mother's Day.


A Mother's Love

By Chad Koenen


From a very young age, Valborg Johnshoy knew she wanted a large family. Ten children later, she now spends her time watching her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren grow.


Each year when Valborg and the late Herbert Johnshoy family come together for their Christmas celebration, the gathering often rivals the population of a number of neighboring communities. In fact, the living members of the Johnshoy family (89 when including the son and daughter-in-laws of Herb and Valborg) outnumber Farwell, population 57, Sedan population 65, and Westport population 72 in Pope County.


But that's just the way Johnshoy wanted it. The youngest of five children, Johnshoy said even as a child, she knew she wanted a big family.


"I was the youngest one and I just loved children," she said. "I was a nightmare to take to church because I wanted to go and see all the babies.


"Fortunately, her future husband Herbert shared the same desire of a large family. The couple married in the living room of her parents home, and began working on the Johnshoy family farm. They fixed up a three bedroom home on the property and began starting a family.


First there was Herb, Jr., then Lauris, Vernice, Sandy, Deloris, Glen, David, Nona, Brenda, and finally little Randi. Ten children in all, all in a three bedroom country home. One for boys, one for girls, and one for Herbert and Valborg.


There were no twins, and other than some occasional help immediately following a birth, Johnshoy never had any hired help in caring for the children. After all, there was no need. As each child grew older they baby-sat for the younger ones, helped with extra chores around the house, even helping with discipline by watching over each other when they were in town.


It wasn't something they necessarily were asked to do, but as a close-knit family, watching after each other and helping with the chores was something that just came naturally.


"Kids learn to be responsible if they have to be," she said.


Each week ended with the anticipation of a freshly baked pie following church. When Christmas came around, the family sang in four parts resembling more of a small choir than a family singing Christmas carols.


One way or another, there was always something going on at the Johnshoy household. Perhaps that's why there wasn't very much inhouse bickering, there simply wasn't the time."There really wasn't anytime for fighting," said Johnshoy. "If they were arguing Herbert just looked at them and they would quit. That was one thing he couldn't stand.


"After the thousands of changed diapers and the numerous lessons taught at Sunday school, Johnshoy said before she knew it the house was empty and the children were all grown up.


"When you have that many (children) they're interested in different things," she said. "You keep them interested in what they like to do and pretty soon they are all grown up.


"With Mother's Day just day's away, the mother of 10, grandmother of 29, great-grandma of 38, and great-great-grandma of three, said the best advice she can give to mother's anywhere is to set a good example to their children. "Be real honest with your children," she said. "Don't do something you don't want them to do. You have to be a real good example.


"With nine of her children still alive, David passed away a few years ago, Johnshoy joked that though they love their brothers and sisters, they must have had enough of a large family life because not one of her children has more than four kids of their own.


Though they are spread out across the country, rarely does one miss the annual Christmas retreat at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria, weddings or other family gatherings. The reuniting is a chance to catch up on old times, share memories, and begin a few new adventures of their own.


"The biggest day in my life is the day everyone comes home," said Johnshoy. "Whether it is the Fourth of July, Christmas, or New Years, that's the biggest day.


"After all, the love of children has never left the soon-to-be 94-year-old's blood, and with each family gathering is a chance to hear stories and create new memories with young children all-over-again.



(http://www.pctribune.com/main.asp?SectionID=22&SubSectionID=103&ArticleID=5482&TM=41475.98)

Justin's Graduation Party

Justin graduated on Friday, June 6th from Shakopee High School and Brad & Gina hosted a fun-filled party for him at the Larson house on Saturday afternoon. Justin is off to University of Minnesota Duluth in the fall!



Quite a few of the family members were able to make it to his party and we had a great time - as always.

Here are a few of the pictures from the party!



Next up is our annual Cousin's weekend at the end of July!! Can't wait!

Shakopee Hockey

The regular season is now over for Shakopee High School hockey but the season ended on a high note with Justin Larson helping the Shakopee Sabers defeat Farmington. Shakopee won 8-4! Justin had one goal! Way to go Justin!

Family Dinner at the Larsons

Some of us got together at the Larson house for a little family dinner recently and we were able to meet Lisa's new friend, Hien. He is a very nice guy and we are happy that he is bringing such joy to Lisa's life.

Here is a picture of the two of them as well as a few other pictures from the evening. It was fun to get together with everyone. It is a night we will not soon forget!

Johnshoy Girls Cousin Weekend

The 3rd annual Johnshoy (Girls) Cousin weekend is approaching soon!
We are going Thursday, May 1st through Sunday, May 4th!

This year we are planning to go to Naples, FL. Mike & Julie have graciously offered us their time share to stay. To shake things up a bit, I think this year we may even invite the guys along - as long as they serve as our pool boys and cater to our every whim!

And to think Uncle Arvid thought we wouldn't even get the first trip planned!

We've had a great time the past few years - New York and Las Vegas were both awesome! We are all looking forward to the warm sun and good company!!

MN Gopher Season a disappointment

Okay, the football team needs to practice a little more. The games left much to be desired.

I can't wait until the stadium is open & we get to endure these boring games out in the cold! Why did we get these tickets again?!

As always, it is lots of fun hanging out with the Johnshoy cousins!!