Chris's best friend

When Dad went into the nursing home four months ago he gave his beloved dog Morgan to Chris. Morgan is a border collie and she is the greatest dog. She and Chris have always been buds. Her favorite game is to chase baseballs out in the pasture that Chris hits. Living next door to dad's has meant Morgan actually had two homes. She would run back and forth during the day but when Chris would come home from school she would dart right over here to play. Well, the other night we had a rare evening home alone with Chris. We roasted marshmallows for smores and Chris had a graham cracker in his mouth and Morgan came right up and took it out of his mouth and ate it. She did it over and over again. The funniest part was when Scott put one in his mouth and called her over she didn't do a thing. Chris smiled and said "Morgan's my dog dad." He's crazy about that dog. His picture in the yearbook this year is with Morgan. Morgan is going to miss that boy as much as we are when he takes off in September.

Graduations!

So many big events have happened in Chris's life the past few weeks and we have been so busy with family home and dad's funeral and getting dad's house ready to rent that I haven't had time to document everything. On the 31st of May Chris was ordained to the office of elder. Scott ordained him and Kevin and Brent stood in the circle. Also standing in the circle was the bishop, his YM pres. His sunday school teacher, and the missionaries. This was the day before dad's funeral and Scott was speaking at the funeral. Scott asked the boys for a blessing. That night it was so special to have Kevin, Brent, and Chris give Scott a blessing of comfort.



Seminary graduation was also on the 31st of May. Chris and his girlfriend Kelcey were the only seminary graduates from our ward. Chris loved seminary. He had so much fun in his seminary classes. He was class president one year and that was a great opportunity for him. He has grown so much in seminary. I have really seen a growth in him during his last year. Thanks to Bro. Welty and Sis. Payne for being such wonderful teachers and examples.

We managed to catch our breath and gear up for the next big event. Chris graduated from Moses Lake Highschool on the 5th of June. It was held outside at Lion's field. First time in over 30 years that the ceremony was outside. It was beautiful. Chris's good friend Blake was the senior class speaker and he did a magnificent job. Here's a pic before we took off for the ceremony.

Chris and Kelcey showing off their diplomas.

They are both headed to Rexburg. Good luck you two.

Chris and his buddy Tyler Platt. Can you believe I'm actually letting these 2 room together at BYUI? What was I thinking? I know they will have so much fun together. I just hope they remember that they are down there to go to school.

The family at graduation. Kevin and Carolyn wanted to be there so much but after coming home for the funeral they had to get back to class at the Y. We missed them! Thanks grandma for being here to help us celebrate.

We took so many pictures. Far to many to blog. I will have lots to scrapbook this fall when Chris heads off to school. I got so many pictures with all his friends.

Way to go Chris. We are so proud of you. You have such a bright future ahead of you. Remember to always do your best and to always watch out for others along your journey. We love you so very much. You have brought joy and laughter into our home. Thanks for being such a wonderful son.

Happy Birthday Grant!

Happy Birthday Grant!

Grant is my daughter in laws brother. We first met through the blogging world....but after meeting Grant at Kevin and Stacie's wedding I knew he was going to be more than Kevin's brother in law....he was going to be a part of our whole family. Here are just some of the reasons that I love Grant.

1. He loves Obama. Granted, he is a little upset with him right now....but he loves his vision of hope and change for this country. (Pinky twitch)

2.He shares my delight of naughtiness.

3. He is a great cook.....or so I'm told....I am still yet to taste of his delicious recipies. I'm not getting any younger Grant....get with it!

4. His giggle makes me feel good inside.

5. Grant has a tender soul. Stacie and Grant have a sister who is blind and I watched the way that Grant and Stacie are with Lanette. So loving and tender. Lanette adores her big brother Grant.

6. He loves Kevin....even after stealing away his sister.

7. Grant is one of the bravest people I know.

8. He is a true and loyal friend.

9. His ever changing hair color keeps life interesting...although I am still bummed that you didn't go with the green and yellow wedding colors like I'd hoped.

10.Grant is awesome.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENTIE

Nice stash Brent....glad it's fake.

Happy Birthday Brent! Hope you have a good one.

Top ten reasons why I love Brent.

1. He loves my daughter!

2. He is so tender with Carolyn. When he kisses her forehead and says "I love you dear" It warms my heart.

3. Brent's laugh is infectious....and Kevin can make him laugh in about 3 seconds.....once he starts laughing the whole room laughs.

4. He is the smartest guy I know with computers. He is amazing.....and he only teases me a little when I ask a totally dumb question. I am so glad he works at staples. Who needs an easy button when you have Brent? I can call him anytime to ask questions.

5. He is more like a brother to my sons than a brother in law.

6. He loves Moses Lake....which means we may get them back up here someday. I know he'll move back home for Chico's pizza.

7. Brent is the most mellow person I know. Kevin roomed with him freshman year and as much as Kevin tried to annoy him.....he just couldn't. The only time he got really mad was when Cory squirted orange juice into Brent's eye....and then he was only mad for a minute.

8. He has a strong testimony of the gospel and it shows in the way he lives.

9. He is the only member of the family that will still willingly play the game of Trouble with me. He even asks me if I want to play. All the rest of the family goes into hiding when I pull that game out.

10. He is a perfect fit in our family. We love you so much Brent.

Love to run

Kevin has always loved to run. He ran all four years of highschool cross country and track. I've never really understood his passion for running but I've always been so proud of him for doing it. Kevin has run in a half marathon this year and a 5 and 10k. He is training for the St. George Marathon this fall.

Kevin has passed his love of running to Stacie. She just finished running her second 5K and got her personal best time today. I'm so proud of you Stacie. I don't quite know how Kevin convinced you that this is fun....but you seem to be enjoyng it.

Kevin was first place for his age group in a race he ran a few weeks ago. You're awesome bud! Way to go.

Almost Finished!

Carolyn started her practicum this week. She is teaching second and third graders down in Spanish Fork. I can't believe she is almost done and will recieve her degree. I'm so excited for her. She is going to be such an excellent special education teacher. Kids adore her because she is so much fun. I remember watching her as she competed in Special Olympics on the unified softball and bowling teams. Those athletes loved her. They would see her in a store months later and yell out to get her attention. Of course if she saw them first she was the one yelling across the store. I know....hard to believe from such a shy quiet girl.....ha ha. She has genuine love for people with special needs. I am so glad she decided to pursue a career in an area that will bless her life as well as those she teaches. Way to go Bug. December is just around the corner.....and then the new adventure begins. Good luck with your teaching. I sure love you and I'm so proud of you.

Kleenex anyone?

I've been meaning to blog about senior night for baseball for a few weeks but things got a little hectic around here when dad took a turn for the worse. So, now I'm playing catch up with the blog. Chris pitched a few innings of relief on senior night. He played right field for the chiefs this year and he was their middle reliever on the mound. When Blaine got hurt Chris had to be the starting pitcher in a few games. He had a really good season on the mound. He really perfected his curve ball and it was really difficult to hit. Even the state champion Richland bombers couldn't hit his curve.

Mom sneaking a kiss

Senior night was rather emotional. One of the mothers did some calculating and figured that since these kids started playing allstars together when they were 11 that they have played about 700 games. That is a lot of baseball. We have traveled all over the state and into Idaho and Oregon for summer ball. There were 7 seniors on the Moses Lake Highschool varsity team this year. All seven are the baby in the family. So, lots of moms tearing up on senior night. We decided we could have been a kleenex commercial. Thanks Chris for all the wonderful years and memories we will cherish of watching you on the field. You played with all your heart.

Well, bring on more kleenex. Tonight my baby graduates from highschool. I just don't know where the time went. It passed so very quickly. Somewhere between the swimming pool and the ball field he grew up and is ready to leave the nest. Not sure that I am as ready as he is but I'm excited for him as he will head off to college and room with one of his best friends. He is also excited about filling out his paperwork for his mission. He is taking steps to prepare spiritually and he has grown so much as he prepares. Chris has been an absolute joy in our home. He fills our home with laughter. He sent me a text the other day and said he thought he was predestined to bring laughter to the Jackson house. I think he's right. His wonderful sense of humor has brightened our lives. What a blessing he has been and what a joy it has been raising him. I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father entrusted him to our care. Way to go Chris! You are about to begin a new journey in your life. Remember who you are....and remember that we love you very much and we are so proud of the man you have become. Good luck buddy roo. We are always going to be right here if you need us. Now spread your wings.

A Fitting Tribute

Dad's service was just beautiful. The speakers were wonderful. Scott did a great job giving the life sketch and Tom told wonderful stories about his father. Kelly paid a wonderful tribute to her grandfather. Les was the concluding speaker and he spoke about Bishop Jackson. It was very moving. The music was beautiful. Sonia Butterfield sang an unaccompanied solo of "Oh my Father" It gave me chills. The Dodgen sisters sang a trio that was so pretty. I think dad would have approved of the service. We laughed a lot at the funny stories....and also cried a lot. The grandchildren sang the closing song "I am a child of God" By the final verse most of them had tears streaming down their face. Oh how they loved their dear grandpa Jackson.




Grandpa was known as the tootsie roll grandpa. He gave those candies out to every little kid in the ward, the store, or anywhere he came into contact with him. We had bowls of tootsie rolls at the guest book and Scott tucked one in dad's hand.

The military service at the cemetery was very moving. As taps began to play everything became so quiet. It was almost a sacred feeling as those soldiers folded the American flag with taps playing in the background. I had no idea they were presenting the flag to Scott. What an honor for him. As they presented the flag the sailor looked right into Scott's eyes and said "On behalf of the President of the United States I would like to thank you for your fathers service to this country." I don't remember the rest....I was crying to much at this point. It was just so moving....and so well deserved by a man who loved his country and was willing to die to protect it. Thank you dad for your service during the WWII.

Thought I would include some pictures from the cemetery that I took yesterday.

This was the beautiful hearse that carried dad to the cemetery.

The pallbearers were some of Lloyds grandsons. Kevin and Chris are on the end.

Sailor in the United States Navy Honor gaurd.

Preparing to fold the flag.

Scott with all of his brothers and sisters.

Scott having a last and quiet moment with his father.

We are all so happy that dad's suffering has ended....but we will miss him terribly. What a presence he has been in our lives. What a blessing for my children to have grown up right next door to this remarkable man they call grandpa. Since dad was in the nursing home Chris was assigned to take the sacrament to his grandpa every sunday. It was such a great opportunity for Chris. Well, this Sunday.....Chris's last Sunday as a priest.....he knelt for the final time to bless the sacrament in our ward....as he began the prayer his voice cracked and I knew he was having a struggle. He continued the prayer very slowly. When he arose from the table he had tears coming down his face. Other is the congregation were also crying. The spirit in that meeting was so strong. Chris was also the concluding speaker at sacrament on Sunday. At the end of his talk he paused and said "I think it is a good idea to pay tribute to my grandfather. I used to always be jealous when I was growing up that so many people called him grandpa. He was my grandpa and I didn't want to share him. Now that I've grown I am thankful to have a grandpa that so many others wanted to have him for a grandpa." We will miss you Dad. You will be in our hearts forever.