Do you allow time to be with your spouse for a date night? Jon David says one of the many keys to a good marriage is to never stop dating. Free-time isn’t around every corner with three young children and a busy career, but they find a way to carve out time to enjoy one another as often as possible. What brings you the greatest joy as a parent? Watching their children learn and grow as individuals brings them great joy. The little things like watching them learn to communicate, walk, say a prayer, brush their teeth, etc. is very special to experience. They also love seeing the honesty, imagination, and the simple joys a child finds in mundane daily life. It is a constant reminder to not overlook the simplicities and little blessings in their own lives. Who is the financial manager in your home? Please elaborate. When it comes to personal finances for the Johnson family, Madelyne inks the checks to keep the lights on and manages the daily responsibilities, but Jon David keeps an eye on the balance sheet and manages their savings. They’re both adamant that saving is a monthly bill, and large purchases are discussed in advance. When your children were younger, what was your discipline philosophy? The Johnsons take Proverbs 13:24 seriously. They believe in the wooden spoon and the belt! Good behavior is rewarded and poor behavior is punished then corrected in the Johnson household. It is important to them to never discipline in a reactionary or public manner, but always make discipline teachable moments and ensure their children understand that it is an act of love. What do you see in your role as the greatest benefit to your family? Jon David believes his greatest role is to be a godly husband and father, and to provide and to lead. Madelyne believes her greatest role is to be a godly wife and mother, and to love and to teach. What’s a quick go to meal that isn’t fast food? And who does the cooking? Madelyne does the cooking and Jon David says she does it well! The family’s favorite quick go to meal that no child is protesting is Madelyne’s skillet lasagna. How long has Madison been your home? Madison has been home for the Johnson’s since 2018. What are some of your favorite things about Madison County? The Johnsons say, “What’s not to love about Madison County? It is full of good people, businesses, churches, eateries, schools, and it is safe and beautiful!” How do you spend your summer breaks? Summer doesn’t bring much of a break to the Johnson household, but they do their best to find a back porch and a grill or a lake on the weekends! What accomplishments make you proud during your time living in Madison? The Johnson’s are both very proud of the quality of friendships they’ve made in their tenure thus far in Madison. Professionally, Jon David is proud of the reputation he’s built as a veterinarian and member of this community, and Madelyne is proud of the impact that a service she helped create has at families’ dinner tables across this community. What drives you to have the job that you have? And what do you do for a living? Jon David is a veterinarian. There’s a long list of why he loves the career he chose, but he mentioned a few for us. He enjoys the diversity of medicine and the daily challenges that diversity brings. It is a career that is heavily rooted in being a part of a community, which he deeply cherishes. Most of all, he loves what pets do for all of our families, and he is grateful to be a part of ensuring that we can all experience that joy to the fullest. Madelyne co-owns a monthly recipe subscription business named “The Menu Mamas, LLC”. She has always delighted in cooking, and cherished siting down around a table with family at the end of each day. She finds fulfillment in that what she helps create are realistically simple, mostly healthy, family friendly meals and more importantly that Menu Mama recipes help create more memories around a family’s dinner table. QUESTIONS FOR THE CHILDREN What’s your favorite thing to do as a family? Coy Go to deer camp and to the beach. Ella Rae Play! Anne Walker No response! (3 months old) What your favorite restaurant? Coy Sonic Ella Rae Chick-fil-A What’s your favorite TV show? Coy Madagascar Ella Rae Mickey Mouse 10 • JANUARY 2023
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