Good Luck Kevin

Kevin has been training for several months and this weekend he will be running his first full marathon. On Saturday he will compete in the St. George Marathon. I don't really understand his passion for running as it is something I've never been interested in. Kevin has been running for years. He competed all four years of highschool in Cross Country and ran for the MLHS track team. I'm proud of him for training so hard and being dedicated. When we were in Provo he showed us some of the places he's been running. He has logged a lot of miles preparing for this race. Good Luck Kevin! I love you. You'll do great.

Chris update

Chris is having a blast in Rexburg. He is busy with studies...but finding time to mess around with his roommates and go out and have some fun. He has become good friends with Hala, his Hawaiian roommate. Hala has moved his mattress into Chris and Tylers room and has been sleeping in there with them. He already does all his homework in there....so why not. He and Hala like to pull pranks on each other....so maybe Hala thinks he can keep an eye on him if they are in the same room. Chris was just set apart Sunday and he is in the Elder's quorum presidency. I think this will be a good experience for him and help him as he prepares for his mission. He really likes his mission prep professor. I can't believe that in a few short weeks he will be submitting his papers. Wow....that time has passed quickly. He gets shots tomorrow and then has his physical on Friday. He'll have to make a quick weekend trip home to meet with President Baker and then he's all done. Chris has such a fun personality....I think he will find it easy to talk to people out in the mission field. The missionaries serving in Moses Lake loved to take Chris with them when they taught....especially if they were teaching young women.....they liked having Chris with his dimple. Chris has grown so much this past year and has prepared himself spiritually for his mission. I have seen changes in him as he has studied his scriptures and read Preach My Gospel. I'm so proud of the Young Man that he has become. I hope he continues to enjoy his university experience this semester. We miss him terribly. It is so quiet at our house....but we are so excited for him.

Peaches

I knew that our peaches would be ready when we got home from our trip. They were just beginning to ripen as we left. I didn't want them going to waste so I told my friend Val to come take some and our neighbors to take some as well. There were still quite a few when we returned. We've had a great time on them. We've had peach jello, peaches and cream, a couple of peach cobblers. I'm sad that we finished them up lastnight. They were so sweet and delicious. I love having peach trees in my yard and getting to enjoy the delights of fresh peaches in the fall. I wish my dad were alive. He loved fresh peach pie. Cooking for two is a lot different than cooking for a family. It was one big peach cobbler....so we took some to the Skinners and she gave us peach jam in return. YUM!

The night we arrived in Rexburg we drove up the hill to the temple. I think the Rexburg temple is one of the prettiest temples I've ever seen at night. It glows for miles set up on the hill.

Monday was a busy day getting Chris and Tyler moved into their log cabin. It will be hectic with 12 people living there but Chris likes all of his roommates and seemed excited about the new adventure in his life.

Monday Evening Scott and I went up to spend the night in Island Park at Wintertons cabin. Good thing we arrived in the dark and didn't see the sign posted on the tree at the entrance to the cabin. Might have been a bit scared to enter.

The cabin was just beautiful. Mary has it decorated so nicely. We sat out in the hottub that evening and I've never seen so many stars. It was an absolutely beautiful evening.

We went for a walk the next morning and we really giggled when we came to a fork in the road and there was literally this fork lying right in the middle of the road just as the road was coming to a fork. We just had to take a picture for the blog.

The lake was so calm that morning. Not a ripple. We saw this crane and watched it for awhile. The scenery was breathtaking.

Scott snapped a picture of the moon on our walk that morning. Thanks Lyle and Mary. We had such a relaxing time up at the cabin. Wish we could have stayed longer.

Tuesday morning we drove up to Yellowstone National Park. We saw a lot of Buffulo. This guy was walking right down the middle of the road. I've never been so close to one.

The pools of boiling water were beautiful. This one was very deep in places.

We got out and walked around and saw some beautiful gysers. The spray from this one got me wet while I was trying to take a picture.

We were in the parking lot trying to find a place to park and we just missed Old Faithful. I've seen it before though and didn't want to wait another 90 minutes for the eruption...but we saw a lot of other really pretty gysers anyway.





We came upon this uprooted tree as we were walking and I was really intrigued by it. I thought it was really beautiful.

We drove up to a really pretty lake that was in the park.






Wednesday morning while Chris was in orientation we made an absolutely beautiful drive up to Grand Teton National Park. We stopped and saw an old friend in Teton Village and he told us to drive up to Jackson lodge and eat there. The restaurant had huge windows overlooking the Tetons. It was just breathtaking. Scott had sweet potato fries for the first time. I snuck a few. They were delicious.

I was still having a hard time with goodbyes so we stopped and took Chris to breakfast Thursday morning and then dropped him off on campus for his very first university class.








Scott and his boy.

We drove down to Provo on Thursday. It was great to see all the kids. Friday morning while the kids were at School Scott and Grant and I went for endless french toast at Kneaders. Scott had never been and I wanted to introduce him to the delight of fresh wish cream and carmel syrup. It was so delicious. Carolyn and Stacie harassed Grant for the rest of the weekend though. They said "That's not fair. You aren't even related." Grant knew he was officially adopted into the Jackson clan after the Kneaders breakfast....even if Carolyn kept referring to him as "The Other One."

Saturday afternoon we went to our favorite place. We love Tucano's and it was great. We all ate to much. Poor Stacie felt like she was going to throw up.

Saturday Evening just as the sun was setting over Provo we all hiked up Y mountain. The air was so thin and I'm not used to the alltitude and I wasn't sure I was going to survive.

Grant was the first one to the top. He didn't even wait for the old folks. I think he ran up there. He was there a long time before anyone else arrived....I think he figured we'd been eaten by a cougar.

Kevin, Stacie, Brent, and Carolyn were very happy that they had conquered Y mountain.

The old farts taking a rest after a long hike. It was beautiful though seeing the valley at night.

A tired bunch of hikers

I was a lot younger when I hiked the Y five years ago when we dropped Kevin off as a freshman. My body had lots more aches and pains after this hike.

Grant kept climbing on the rocks and trying to act like Gollum from Lord of the Rings. He does a very good impression....it gives me the willys. Well, on the way down Scott, Brent, Carolyn and I were taking up the rear. I heard a rustling in some bushes and I said "Dang Grant....he is going to jump out and scare me." A guy in a freaky clown mask jumped out and was lurking around us. It scared the heck out of us. Scott was ready to push him off the side of the mountain. It was really freaky. Scott called campus police and I hope they went up there and caught him. There were girls hiking alone and I'm sure they would have been terrified.

We spent a quiet Sunday resting up for our long drive home. Brent made a great chicken casserole....even if Grant turns his nose up at curry. It was delicious. Grant grilled up some pineapple that was even more mouth watering that the pineapple at Tucano's. That night we watched a movie and had Grant's blackberry crumb cake with ice cream. It was so yummy. I think Grant should really look consider going to culinary school. We had a wonderful trip. It was hard to tell them all goodbye. We have returned home to a very quiet house. It will take some getting used to.

Thanks for a wonderful time. We love you all.....and that includes "The other one"

Saying Goodbye

Chris said goodbye to Morgan on Sunday morning. I went out to load stuff in the van and they were in deep conversation. Chris was telling her that he was going away to college and wouldn't be back for awhile. I swear that dog understood everything he was saying. Morgan actually looked like she was going to cry. We got Chris and Tyler moved in but it didn't go as smoothly as we were hoping. When we arrived the place the kids were supposed to move into was filthy and the others boys had not even moved out. The mom's were not happy. The landlord was great and so apologetic....then he told the boys he had a room in the log cabin that had just opened up. We walked over there and it was great. So much nicer than the other place. However, there was a catch. 12 guys in one house. We let the boys make the decision and they picked the log cabin. All of the roommates were so nice. All are RM's and they were all so helpful. I am thrilled with his living situation. He had lots of activities with orientation and we didn't see much of him. He said the dance was a blast and he only asked one girl to dance....the girls kept asking him. That's my boy! I have always had a difficult time dropping my kids off at college....but dropping off my baby was even tougher. Not looking forward to a quiet house. I didn't want to let go of him....but Scott said "Say goodbye Chandra" I cried all the way to our hotel in Idaho Falls and still felt terrible that evening. I was so happy when Scott texted Chris and told him we were coming back to Rexburg to take him to breakfast before his first class. My wise girlfriend Val told me that as hard as it is to drop your baby off at college it beats the alternative. She told me that I'd done my job and I should be proud of the successes of my children. When I thought of it that way I did much better the next day. I know it's time to let him spread his wings. Soar Chris. Reach for the stars. I know you can do anything that you set your mind to. You are such an incredible young man. Raising you has been an absolute joy. You have brought so much laughter and energy into our home. Thank you for blessing our lives. Now go out there and hit the books and work hard....but remember to balance it with play. This is such a fun time in your life. ENJOY!

OUCH

When Chris went in for his dental exam for his mission papers last week the dentist discovered that his one and only wisdom tooth that ever developed was causing problems with his back molar. Sloan told Chris they were going to have to saw it out. Chris has never even had a cavity...so his only dental experience has been teeth cleaning. What a way to start. Sloan said that Chris was a hoot in the dental chair once he got the laughing gas. Sloan had to remove some bone so he said he'd be in some pain and have a bit more swelling. When we left the office Chris grinned and said "Thanks....you guys were great." Sloan looked at me and said "Tell me what he's calling me in a couple of hours." Chris asked for the tooth and when we went in to get his pain killers at the pharmacy he stuck it right up in the pharmacists face and said "You want to see my wisdom tooth?" I think he had way to much laughing gas. Once the freezing ended the laughing wore off. He wasn't his usual perky self as the day wore on. Lots of ice to the face and some good pain killers got us through the day. When he woke up this morning his face was really swollen. Hope he heals quickly as he's off for his next adventure. BYU Idaho......here he comes!

Goofing Off

When Chris got home from his fishing trip he was sitting beside me on the couch showing me the pictures he took. Then he started snapping pictures of us with goofy faces. It was fun. I had a good laugh. He would say something and then snap away.

"Cheese"

This is our shocked look

We got caught we our hands in the cookie jar look....notice....my look is oops....his is....flash the dimple and I won't get in trouble. That little stinker. He has used that dimple to get out of trouble many times....and it still works....UGH.

Simply adorable

"We just saw a huge spider"

This was going to be the nice one....but Chris had other ideas.

That's one big fish

Scott and Chris went over to the coast this weekend to stay with his sister and brother in law in Westport. Early Monday morning they got on a charter fishing boat and went salmon fishing out on the ocean. This was a new experience for Chris so I told him to take some dramamine. He didn't think he needed it so when Scott offered him some that morning he said he'd be fine. Well, when I asked Chris that night if he got sick he said he threw up at least a dozen times. He didn't seem to mind though. He said he had such a great experience. This fish took him all around the boat. It was a real fighter. Scott had one that he brought in that was acting weird on the line and when Scott looked down it was being chased by a shark. They both caught their limit and they came home lastnight with two coolers full of fish. It was a great experience for my two guys. I'm sure glad they got a chance to go over and do it. Thanks Jeannie and Charlie for taking good care of them and helping them have a great time. Aunt Jeannie spoiled them. She cooked up crab for them when they got home from their fishing trip. Chris said it was delicious. Fire up the grill. It is barbecued salmon for dinner tonight!

Happy Birthday Grandma Viv

I was blessed beyond measure when I got Grandma Viv as my grandmother. She was an elect lady. Today is her birthday and I’ve thought of her often over the past 6 years since she passed away but on her birthday I stop to reflect about the amazing woman that she was. She was awesome….just ask anyone that knew her.

Reasons why I love grandma so much.

She made the BEST chocolate cupcakes with white fondant icing. She used to get so mad at Ted and I for eating them straight from the freezer. We couldn’t wait for them to thaw and it drove her crazy. She also made the best chocolate chip and gingersnap cookies and Rice balls with Mcontosh toffee…yum.


Grandma was my biggest supporter. She was there both times that I won the provincial speech competition and she was so proud of me. She always told me that I could do anything.

She did a fantastic job raising my dad. She spoiled him to much....and it made it tough on the rest of us…but she raised an amazing man. I didn’t quite appreciate the depth of my fathers love until after I had my own children. He raised us to be responsible citizens and someone that others would respect. I think he learned that from his mom.

She was an awesome great grandma. My kids adored her. They loved playing with her spongy hair. They really loved it when she would take out her false teeth and chase them through the house. They all laughed so hard. What a blessing it was for my children to have such a close relationship with their great grandma viv. Grandma was a real lady....but she knew how to let her hair down and have fun. One day when she was drinking a pop she let out a small burp. Chris ran into the room and said "I can do better than that grandma viv" Let the games begin....the contest was on. Chris was shocked that she usually won.

Grandma always smelled so good. I loved being a little kid and getting hugs from grandma…I could smell her for hours. I took some of her perfume after she passed away and when I really miss her I will spray a bit of it and that smell takes me right back to childhood.

She had the strongest testimony of the gospel of anyone that I know. She prayed to the Lord everynight and asked him to bless each of us by name. I feel like I have my own guardian angel in heaven. Her faith in the gospel was unwavering.

I could tell grandma anything. She wasn't just my grandma....she was my dear friend. After I got married she called me every Sunday and would catch me up on all the family news. When my phone rings on Sunday I still think that somehow she has found a heavenly phone and she is calling to catch up.

She was so strong. She had many trials in her life. Grandma had polio...not once…but twice. Her short leg from a result of that never slowed her down. She was at so many of my kids activities. When Kevin went to science Olympiad nationals and it happened to be held in WA that year grandma viv was right there watching all of it.

She always had treats for the grandkids. She had a well stocked gumball machine, a neverending M&M dispenser....and a crystal dish full of jube jube's....unless Tim had been there and then they were pretty picked over. She also kept glasses in the freezer so we could have ice cold juice.

Grandma Viv was the funniest person I’ve ever met. She had the funniest sayings and mannerisms. She love to tell a joke...but would either tell the punchline at the beginning or she would get clear through the joke and then forget the punchline and she'd be dying laughing. We will always remember grandmas duck bumps, royal milk, whip cream improving the taste of those pancakes, and all of her other funny ways.

I am truly honored that my full name is Chandra Vivienne King Jackson. I love you grandma…and I miss you every single day....but I know that you and dad are together and that brings me great comfort. Thank you for being the world’s best grandmother.