I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month. ~Harlan Miller

MeRRy ChriStMas to All Of You!!

I hope The ChrIsTmAS SpIRiT finds everyone. I love this time of year. I can't believe it came so fast. My Kids and HubBie are all asleep. Only Problem is That HubBie needs to hELp with a few things.. I guess He Is geTTinG woke up in a little Bit. I Told him not to GO To Sleep!

Well I hope to get back to a regular blogging ScheDule next year!!

Have a HappY NeW YEaR...

Love ya all,
JaCkiE *Ü*

Well It's been quite sometime since I posted. I realize I should be doing better at this. I check my blog each day to see if I have posted. Nothing. I guess I will break down and share another post with you.

Well Sunday we spoke in church as a Family. It is always such a neat time for me to watch my kids and see what a testimony they have at such a young age. I also love to hear "My Dear Hubby" speak in a setting like this. He is such a great man and I am so lucky to have him. I definately feel blessed. Our topic was on Gratitude and after all of us gave our talks I have to say that we all have much to be grateful for. Perhaps Jackson's talk put it the simplest. This is a little poem he read.

I’m thankful for …
Two eyes that see,
Good food to eat,
Two ears that hear,
Two walking feet,
Two busy hands,
My family,
A beautiful world God made for me!

(I'm sure when Jackson grows up he will see just how much we are all so thankful..)

As Christmas draws near, My wish is that all of us could just think of all the wonderful things we have around us. I am so thankful for family, a great bunch of friends, If we weren't surrounded by people who truly cared about us, I think life would be a lot more difficult. I think it would be a sad place. I'm thankful for Food on my table each day. A house to live in. I am thankful for a place to work. Yes I am newly employed at the Elementary school!! I have so much to be thankful for. I know that its hard for us not to get caught up in the gift giving, but I want to challenge each of you this year to buy a little less and spend a little more time with those you love.

Well I'm know I have rambled a little in this post, but I do that from time to time. I'm sorry. I hope to have more exciting things next time. Maybe some pictures and stuff.. Have a Great Week!!

Thankful Thursday Quote

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving ...................for my friends, ............................the old and the new.

.................................................................Ralph Waldo Emerson

I was tagged by Lindsay...
10 Things I Can't live Without!

I know this is gonna be hard, because who could live with only 10 things in there life. Come on lets be honest.
1. Our Heavenly Father! I have been through a few trials in my life time. I know we have all had a few. I have to say that he is the one that I always fall back on to help me through. I know with him I can get through anything, no matter how tough it might seem. He loves us and cares about us. I am so thankful for Him!!!

2. My Husband!!! I am so thankful for my hubbie. He is everything to me. He is always there for me. He takes care of our family in so many ways. He is a hard worker. He goes to work each day and never complains. He makes sure that we have the things we need. I am grateful for that. He is the perfect example to our children. He is so forgiving. I love him for always being there for me. I have given him a run for his money so many times and he is so patient.

I love you "J". Your the best! I am thankful for you.

3. My Children!I love these 3 little kiddies so much. They keep me busy, but they teach me so much in life. I just hope I can teach them all they need to know to become responsible adults and contribute in a positive way. They love endlessly. They are so full of life. They keep going each day even if it gets hard. I am thankful for the bright lights that they are in my life. They are so lucky to be surrounded by great friends. They all help each other to be the best they can be. We live in great neighborhood.
4. My Friends!! Well I wish I had a picture of every friend I had, but I don't. I am not putting any names for fear of leaving someone off. I love everyone of you. I am so glad I have friends that I can laugh with and just hang out with. I am grateful for all the love and support you give me. I couldn't do it without you guys. I only hope I can be half the friend that you all are to me. I love my friends! What would life be without them..

5. My Computer!!I don't think I could function without my Computer. I am so thankful to be able to have one of these bad boys in my house. It has a world of knowledge on it. From medical help to craft ideas to Decorating, to Kid games. (For the kids of course) You won't ever catch me playing a game on here, I spend to much time surfing blogs. I know what some of you are thinking right now too. Maybe I should read up on my English skills. We'll this is what you get. I've tried to work on my writing skills many times..

6. Thrift Store!!I totally love the Thrift Store. I am addicted to this place. I know lots of people don't understand it, but come and hang out with me sometime and you'll see why. Even if I had an endless supply of money I would still love this place. I love the feeling of reusing something. Its amazing what one man's junk is to another woman. I know a lot of you might be changing your opinions of me right now., but I really love the D.I. 7. Yummy Food! Okay who can't live without food. I love food! I love all kinds of food. I can eat just about anything. I don't like canned peas! Anything else. Bring it on!!8. Water....... If you don't believe me you can call My MOM.....Seriously, I love Ice Water... But I have to have a Pepsi now and then!!!

9. Sushi!! I have loved Sushi for a long time now. I have to admit I have been known to sneak out get some all by myself. I just recently admitted this to my husband. He never acted to interested in this stuff. I crave this all the time.. I wish it were cheaper.. I could eat a hundred of them I bet. If you are in the neighborhood and like sushi, check out "Samuri 21" It is a little pricey, but well worth it. 10. Blogs!! Since I have started blogging, I have to admit that I have spent way to much time stalking peoples blogs. I love to look inside other peoples lives. Everyone has so many interesting ideas and great families and values. Its just awesome to be able to meet people through a blog and not even know them in person.

This was tons of fun. Thanks Lindsay! I am so thankful for a ton of things. I could name a million more.

I have been tagged!!(Thanks Erin)

I am supposed to post the 4th picture from the fourth file.

Here it is.

This is McKayla and Abbey on Christmas Day 2001. They were so little. I can't believe how BIG! Little ole, kayla is now! Hope you enjoy this tag as much as I did. Now I tag Cyndi, Rennie, Lindsay, Andrea, and Kristin M.

I can't wait to see all your cute pics..

Sneak Peak Pictures

Last weekend we had family pictures taken by one of our friends sister. I must say she did Awesome!! I am so excited to get these babies on the walls, in picture frames, in the Christmas cards that will be coming in the mail for sure this year.. This is just 2 of the almost 300 shots she took. She was so patient with us. Its always hard to get everyone looking great at the same time. I requested this picture of the kids holding hands. I saw this on someones blog(can't remember who) and I loved it immediately. It works so perfectly with Jackson.

We haven't had family pictures in soooo long that I feel like our family is growing up way to fast. I am setting a goal to get a family picture taken each year from now on. I hope you all can get a family picture this year too!

The Girls 1st Annual Halloween Party!!

Brillee is in the big pink glasses, Emilee is from Star Wars, Stefani is a Hippi Girl, Megan is a Dance Girl, McKayla is Clown, and Maddi is a Hippie Girl. (Left to right Top to Bottom.)

I bought scary teeth at the Dollar Store. We were gonna do a Tooth Bobbing game kinda like Apple Bobbing. WELL, lets just say a few of the girls started getting a little freaked out. So they just ended up putting them in their mouths and we took pictures.
"The Bone Hunt"Brilee, Stefani, and McKayla posed for a picture just waiting for the rest of the girls to come to the party!! They all had a blast!! Okay so toward the end of the party the Costume Box came out. All the girls started changing up their costumes. It was so dang funny to see what they would come up with. Well Stefani came up with the funniest by far. Her hair matched this wig she put on and it looked like "Uncle Earl" as they called it. It was the perfect mullet. Brilee had the mask on and the red cape. I wish I had the pictures that I took on Brilee's camera too. I got a ton of cute one on hers.
This was Stefani in the pink Hippi costume, Then Stefani in the Black Dress Coat, so you can see the Difference!!! So Funny!

Stefani, Come on Girl you wanted your picture taken "Can you at least smile for me"

Can you "Roll your Tongue"?? Everyone could except one girl..

Emily definately makes a great Star Wars figure doesn't she. She is so dang cute!!! Look at those ear muffs!

Happy Halloween Everyone! I hope you had a Boo-licious time!

McKayla's New Do!!!

I have been spending a little bit of time blog surfing this past week and found a few that were reallly cool. They show exactly how to do these cute up do's..

This is a picture of the one she wore to school. It looked much cuter in person. I have to tell you that she has very thick hair for all of you that don't know. So we did the best we could.

French Braid Headband

(with a ponytail twistup in back.)

We will be sure to post pictures of the next one she is wanting. We tried it last week one evening to see if it would work and it was so darling. The problem is we have run out of little black hair bands. Soooo, as soon as I get some we will do it.

We hope you all enjoy this as much as we did.

It was a fun little Mommy Daughter time for us..

Love ya Kayla*Ü*

PTA Meetings

Raptor Romp Dance

Elder's Quorum Party's

Annual Primary Program

----------------------

Lets just say that its been a crazy few weeks around my house. Sooo this week is really quiet now. I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. Well except get back on the job hunting track. I am actively searching for a job. I really need something to get me out of the house and keep me busy. Well as most of you know my youngest son is in 1st grade this year. I am now completely free..not really. I know it sounds like I am probably living the life, but as most moms know its not really easy being a stay at home mom.

I do alot of these things... Carpooling, Homework, Reading, Grocery shopping, House Cleaning, More Carpooling, more Homework. Dr Appts., more Carpooling. Sometimes I feel like all I do is run the cute little kids around.. Well I think you get the picture. Oh did I add Laundry in there too..

I love my kids. It has been such a blessing to be able to stay home with them these last couple of years. They are growing up so fast. I find myself looking at them alot more now and just wondering where the time went. Before I know it they will be all grown up, but wait there is so much more I want to do with them still. So slow down and give me some more time.

I sure love my hubbie and my family. They are great to me. I am lucky to have them.

Okay I need all your Halloween Party ideas!!

I am really excited for the Halloween Party, However... I have drawn a blank at what I am going to do for these cute little kiddies. Well I am hoping that some of you fellow bloggers can help me out. I am looking for a few ideas for my daughters 5th Grade Class Party. If you have any really scary or gooey or down right haunted ideas please share them.. Do any of you have a great website that you like to use for ideas when it comes to the class parties?

Well I know this is a lot to ask for, but I know someone out there in the blogworld has to have some really great ideas.

Thanks and I look forward to your comments.. PLeasseeeee!!

Guess Who was Star of the Week???

He was born about 2 months early...

He had Hydrops...

He loves Frisbee...

He loves Ice Cream, Pizza and Cake...

He loves blue and red...

He loves football...

His favorite book is The Bear gets sick...

Yes it's Jackson!!

He had a great week and loved everyone being so interested in him. He loves school so much. We talked about how he was born early and showed pictures of his little feet and hands. The kids then got to ask him all of his favorite things. Jackson got to choose a treat to bring for his class and of course it had to be store bought. So we decided to do little baggies of candy. The kids were all excited when they saw how many little candies were inside the bag. Maybe six but thats a lot to them. Jackson seemed like such a great helper and he passed them out to each student and made sure they all got one. What a great little guy. I can't help but be so proud of him. Its so amazing to watch him to this day and realize what a blessing he is in our lives. I know its not Thankful Thursday, but I am so thankful for his blessing in my life. He has taught our family so much and we don't know what we would do without him.

Love, Mom

Can I say Heaven!!!

Today I was treated to a full body massage. This was my first massage ever! I was so excited to get one. I have posted before that I have always wanted one. Well it was everything I had hoped for. Isn't it funny how we think things might be and after we go through it we realize its not that bad. I should have gotten a Massage a long time ago. The girl who did it was so great. She made me feel so comfortable. Her Name is Tiffany, She works at Red Mountain Spa. She has been doing this for a long time and she knows what she is doing.

Well okay you might be asking yourself how I got treated?? Let me explain! My sooo cool sister in law Jaclyn asked me to watch her little boys over night this coming week. I agreed of course. They are so cute. They also love me!! Well Tiffany is Jaclyn's sister in law. So she mentioned treating me to a massage in exchange for watching the boys. I was like "well alright then" of course there is no need to twist my arm on something like that.
I have been wanting one for so long. Well now I know where to send my husband to get me a gift certificate for all special occasions.. Yippee!!

Why would you Vote?

There are some bleeps in the video, so please don't be offended. I hope it just helps us all to realize how important it is to get out and vote. We can make a difference we just need to vote our conscience. If we all vote whats in our heart how can we go wrong. I think now more than ever we need to register to vote. There are only a couple days left to register so if your not registered get registered!!

I know I know I'm not one you will hear talk about politics hardly ever, but I think now is the time more than ever.

Fall Link-a-thon

The Fall Link-A-Thon Has Begun over at Lemon Annies.

These are the pictures that I took this afternoon. I hope you enjoy them. I have enjoyed looking at everyone elses fall decorations. It gives me so much inspiration. I hope to see more.. Thanks again to Lemon Annie!! Ü

I just made this Barn Star last week. Edit: I just realized that the skeleton hanging from the shelf is turned around backwards so just use your imagination.

This is the top of my Armoire
This shelf is right by the front door entrance!This plate rack is in the dining room!
This is my favorite Fall Wreath! Look at the Yummy Candy Corn! Okay after I put the turkey out I realized its a bit early still, but he gets to stay I guess. He is so cute.. This picture is a thrift store find all the way. I repainted the little buffet black. It was originally just stained wood and cost just $8 bucks if I remember right. I got the awesome clock at the thrift store also for $5 bucks just as it looks now. I always shop on a tight budget and with a very open mind. I love to repurpose things.

Just for Fun!!

I found this article while I was blogging around at http://tammystimeflies.blogspot.com

{For those of you living in Utah and get the SL Tribune, you probably have seen this already.}Robert KirbyTribune columnistSalt Lake Tribune"A Reorganized Church"Most Sunday mornings, you'll find me on a pew in the Rosecrest 1st Ward chapel. It's where I'm supposed to go to church. Lucky for me, it's also where I want to go. Technically, Mormons don't have a choice. For church, we're bound by the geography of the ward. We worship where we live. The only time Mormons can switch wards without also contacting a Realtor is when we attend specialty wards. For example, I went to a Spanish-speaking ward in West Jordan for a while.Specialty wards allow members with specific common needs to worship together and support each other in their exclusive part of the Lord's vineyard. There are (or have been) lots of LDS specialty wards, including singles wards, college wards, deaf wards, ethnic wards and nudist wards. OK, I made up that last one. There are even seasonal 'snowbird wards' in places where Mormon RV owners congregate. I talked it over with my friend (despite a restraining order) Ken Wallentine. We think the specialty-ward idea needs to be improved on in our ever-changing and increasingly divided culture.For example, there needs to be a late ward, a ward Mormons who are perpetually late for church could attend and not feel bad about dragging their herd in 15 minutes late. The only problem with a late ward would be showing up late for a meeting that was supposed to start late in the first place. Eventually, you would end up with a ward that ran out of time before it started. 'Welcome to the Tardy 3rd Ward, brothers and sisters. We will close now by singing hymn No. 145.'Given the high birthrate among Mormons, I thought about the need for maternity wards. Except that we already have those. They're called married student wards.A Star Trek ward might do well. The bishop would preside from 'the bridge' instead of the stand. High-council Sunday would be referred to as a 'Klingon Sunday.'Harley riders congregate to the exclusion of just about everyone else. Why not an LDS biker ward? White shirts and neckties go well with black leather.Ken really wants to attend a concealed-weapons ward. He says church would be a lot more interesting if real personal risk were involved in disagreeing with a lesson.There could be a texting ward for teenagers. Bear your testimony with your thumb. In 25 years, they'll all belong to carpal-tunnel wards.At the less-active ward, maybe there'll be a meeting and maybe there won't.Testimony meeting in an anger-management ward might be interesting. Nobody's going to sleep through, 'Hey! I know the church is true, you stupid #*&@s!' A big hit would be the MLM ward, also known as a 'Gadianton robber ward.' With all the financial scamming that goes on in this culture, it would be nice to have them in one place for a three-hour block.I think a Democrat ward is a good idea, although in Utah the best we could probably hope for is a Democrat branch

A New Toy!!

Parker's 12th Birthday Present

A UNICYCLE!!!

I have to admit when he asked for a unicycle I didn't know if he would stick with it. It has been almost 2 months and he is doing awesome. He spends a lot of time each day practicing new tricks. He loves to ride this cool new toy. I love to watch people smile when they see him riding it. He had a friend named Braden that got him interested in it. They are now able to go riding together and do tricks for people. They will ride these things forever!!!

Just what the Dr. Ordered!!

2 Seperate Doctor Appts
2 Co Payments
One busy Mom
2 Tired Kids
8 x-rays McKayla
1 hospital cafateria lunch (shared)
3 Booster shots Parker
2 Really sore legs Parker
1 Unhappy Child= 1 Big I Owe You

McKayla had a appt with Dr Marsden to have her feet checked. She has a really knobby bone type knob thingy on the outside of her foot. They did X-ray's to make sure nothing funny was going on with her feet. Dr. M called us tonight and let us know that the pic's looked great.. We were relieved. They also did a bone age on Kayla and that was great also. She is 10years 3months old and her bone age is 10 years. So we are very grateful tonight that all of her tests came out normal. We will watch McKayla's feet for the next couple of weeks and if they don't seem to get any better we will taker her back in again for further testing.

Parker had a appt with Dr Nygaard. He needed his shots, and so he had to get his well checkup too. He was so tough, I know that shots are painful especially the tetnus shot. He did great. He also had to get the ole "cough" test done. Dr Nygaard asked him if he wanted his mom to leave the room and of course he said no. He was thinking it would be just like last year. lol.. I thought so too. However, I do have to say I was a little embarrassed and told them both that I think I would wait outside the next time he(Dr. Nygaard) did that because I don't remember him doing that last year. He then lets me know that he doesn't do that exam until they are 12. Sooo, I then realize I have just been embarrassed and caught off guard..By this point we are all laughing and I'm sure my face was probably pretty red. Sorry Parker I didn't know! I'm sure this isn't the first or the last time right! I still can't believe my little guy is 12. Time really flies doesn't it. Parker also has a slight scoliosis and Dr. N. wants us to help keep an eye on it. So we will do that. Well I am grateful for such a caring Pediatrician. He truly cares about my kids and takes the time to make sure they get the care they need.

I just want to say how grateful I am to have healthy kids. I know what a blessing it is to have children who are healthy. I am grateful for a husband who loves me. I am grateful for my parents teaching me so many things. I am so grateful for friends who help me to realize all the wonderful things around me. I am thankful for my testimony. In case you are wondering, I am going to try something new that I found on one of my friends blogs. I am going to try to list several things that I am grateful for each time I post.

Sugar Scrub!!

Tonight Andrea and I had wonderfully relaxing pedicures. (I owe you for this one!!) It had been several months since I had my last pedicure so I was ready. It was great and it was relaxing. I am hoping to get back in there and have my first massage. I am so anxious to get one, but I can't wait... I posted this picture because I wonder how long my toes will stay like this. I am gonna count the days.
There is something great about a pedicure that is so relaxing. If you haven't had a pedicure before I encourage you to get one. It is worth!! Its not just about getting your toenails painted. You get a wonderful foot and ankle massage. I love having my
feet massaged. My favorite part is the Sugar scrub. I wanna hear if you have or haven't had one before? Leave me a note!

Well I just want to thank you for the fun night Andrea, It was great! I'm glad we were able to go and get away from the kiddies and have some quiet time!

Room Mom!!!

Today was a fun day. I was able to take Parker to lunch at his favorite place "Alvaro's". He is out early due to SEP's. He is such a fun kid. The Report card thing appears to be working still. I am so proud of him and how hard he is working to keep his grades at a 4.0.

I went to a Room Mom Tea Party at Sandstone today. I am going to be Mr. Horrock's room Mom this year. I did it when Parker had him in 5th grade also. I am excited. I know McKayla is excited also. The first activity we are planning is the Halloween Party so if any of you know of any great ideas send them my way. Its so much fun to do this because you get to be help plan the fun things they do throughout the year. I love doing this.

Our Gooseberry Ride!!!

For Labor Day Weekend we went on a ride with our friends. We ended up going last minute with the Young's on Friday instead of Saturday early morning. It was a fun ride up. I learned that I am not the only one that has sweaty feet. Dave met us on Saturday and we had a great breakfast before we headed out for our ride on Gooseberry. This mountain is Cameron's stomping ground and he is like little kid on a pedal bike. I love going on rides with them. I promised Heather that next time if she wasn't gonna make it I would stay home and watch the kiddies so she could come instead. We missed her, and I do feel bad that Dave has to talk to himself on these long rides all by himself. Don't worry Dave just remind yourself this is only short term!!
Anyway back to the mountain. It is so gorgeous and relaxing. Its a piece of heaven to Jason and I when we are there.

When we got back to Cameron's moms house she served us the best grilled chicken pesto veggie sandwich I think I can remember(Okay except for Cameron's). Anyway all the food she served us was totally awesome. It runs in the family!!

Well the kids weren't so excited about being left home, but they did survive. No major accidents. I was nervous. Grandma Gale saved their day. Thanks Mom!!

In case your wondering were this Gooseberry is?? Its right by Fish Lake.

Well we sure hope our friends realize how grateful we are to them for all they do for us and how much we appreciate there friendships. We love them all so much!! Thanks again, Youngs and Greens your Awesome!!

Jackie

Sarah Palin Speech!!

Well Last night as Jason was forcing all of us to watch the tv. I was the only one that ended up getting to watch the speech because when it was finally her turn to talk he got a important phone call that ended up taking her whole speech. I did record it for him though. I also had the kids in bed.. Yippee!! I had never heard her speak or really even knew what she looked like for that matter. While She was in the middle of her talk that I was very impressed with by the way. Little Piper wanted to hold her brother. All I know is that when Mr Palin handed the baby over to little Piper to hold. What I saw was amazing. Piper took her hand and licked it from bottom to the top and combed her baby brothers hair. She must have felt like it needed to be combed down and took it on herself. It was so darn cute. My mouth fell open in awwh. The camera was just fixed on her while she was doing this. I realized that this showed how much love is in the home and how family oriented they must be. Then I realized that the rest of the world also got to witness this same thing. Anyway, It is the next day and I am still thinking about how sweet that was of little Piper and a reflection that was on the family.

WhAt I DoN't GeT OuT EaRLy???

Parker is in the 7th Grade this year. He also doesn't get to come home early like his siblings. Darn it!! He came home from school today and said I wish I could stay at school all day long. It's better than being at home. What??? I couldn't believe it!! Just Kidding! I remember those days too.

Well this year we made a deal with Parker that we would give him 10 Bucks for each A that he got on his report card and that If he got straight A's we would give him a Hundred Dollar Bill! Well I didn't really think this was gonna stick or even make a dent to say the least, but I am starting to think that money talks to this kid. He really has made a change this year and is worried about his grades and checks them online and makes sure they stay at a A. Of course, we as parents didn't make the challenge to him because of the money, but if it helps him and challenges him in school and he stays on top of things then I guess I'm all for it. I have to admit each child is different and I don't know if i'll offer this to my other children when they get older, We'll see.. Good Luck Parker!!

School's Out Early!! SEP's!!

Well this week has been fun! I went and met with McKayla's teacher. She is in 5th Grade this year. She is doing awesome so far. She loves her teacher Mr. Horrock's. She is reading the book Shiloh and has to do 6 small reports on the book in the next 6 weeks. She is a member of the Student Council and is so excited to help make a difference in the school.

Jackson is in 1st Grade. His teacher is Ms. Webster. She is awesome. Jackson is doing great so far also. While we were meeting with his teacher she asked Jack if he had any questions. This is what he said. "I want to know if tomorrow you can let us use that sink to wash our hands? She says, "You need to wash your hands when in you go to the restroom or after during recess." He asks, "Why?" She says, "Because the water comes out so fast it gets all over the place and then when one of you sees someone washing your hands then all of you think you need to wash your hands." He says," Well then tomorrow can't you just explain to the kids how to turn the water on half way so it doesn't come out and splash everywhere."

The whole time he is trying to reason with Ms Webster he is rubbing is hands together just wondering if she could just explain this to the other kids it would really work. It was so cute.


Jackson and McKayla are loving being in the same school and they are already talking about how next year he will be alone and have to find someone else to walk home with.

My First Post in my New Family Blog!!

I finally got my rear in gear. I have wanted to do a blog for quite some time now. This last week I got going on Facebook and I got talking to Lindsay(Casey's sis) and she showed me the way. I am still trying to figure out a few things. I will have to figure that out tomorrow. I am so exicted. I should be finishing up on my sharing time for tomorrow, but I couldn't wait to post on here. I am so excited. It took me a couple hours just to decide on a skin for my blog. Crazy I know. I have been messsing with it for a few hours. The boys all went to the Roadrunners baseball game tonight and Mckayla was gone babysitting for Aunt Jaclyn. So I have just been sittng here burning the night away. Shhh!!! Thanks again Lindsay for getting me moving.