VICTORY

WE feed the missionaries breakfast every sunday morning before PEC meetings. Lastweek we talked about the upcoming rival game between BYU and Utah. Elder Argyle is from Bountiful. He is a huge Utah Utes fan...and talked a little smack and said that they would beat BYU this weekend. Well....after a back and forth battle the BYU cougars won in overtime. VICTORY!! I couldn't wait to feed the elders this morning. I had BYU place mats....and blue plates...and BYU football helmet stickers on their cups.

This BYU bear was the centerpiece on the table.

We had these BYU shirts hanging over the chairs the Elders sat at. Elder Lay also likes Utah....he is from St. George....but he is a greenie and he was to polite to talk trash about the cougars last week. When Scott picked the Elders up this morning he had on

his BYU sweatshirt...and Elder Lay said that Elder Argyle said "We are going to have a BYU breakfast....I just know it."

I told Elder Argyle that he couldn't eat breakfast this morning until he posed with the BYU is # 1 sign. He thought I was kidding. He said he just couldn't do it. I told him we would eat in front of him...and the sausage for the breakfast burritos smelled so good. He finally took a picture.....he said he would tell his family he was forced into it.....what force?......he could have fasted today. The Elders had to speak at the assisted living center this morning so after they headed to that I printed off this picture and Scott had it hanging on the board during all of PEC...when Elder Argyle realized what it was he said "I need to burn that picture." Not so fast Elder.....Scott gave it to the bishop and he said he would put it in the display case in the hall. BYU is #1. We had so much fun teasing those boys this morning. Seriously....if they had any taste at all in college football teams it wouldn't have been such a big deal. But Utah.......UGH! Not acceptable in the Jackson household. That will teach Elder Argyle about talking smack about the Jackson's teams.

Mission Call

We had a fantastic and exhausting weekend. We decided to make a rushed trip down to Rexburg to be there when Chris opened his mission call. We thought it would arrive on Thursday since he status was "Been Sent" and they always get them in Rexburg on a thursday....but we didn't want to go all the way and then not have it be there. So....we told Chris we would stop and Christmas shop in Spokane and wait for his call. Well, Scott and I really didn't want him to wait any longer than necessary so we went as far as Missoula and waited to hear from him. Mail didn't come when it usually does.....why does it always happen that way....so I was getting a bit anxious. Finally.....about 3pm I got a text that said "I have it" Well....we went straight to the van and headed on our way. Chris asked where we were and when I told him Missoula he was so happy that we were three hours closer to Rexburg. He was so anxious for us to arrive. I got a text from him about every 30 minutes asking where we were. Those five hours that it took us to get there after he received his call must have been the longest five hours of his life.

We arrived in Rexburg just before 8pm. Chris and Kelcey met us at the park. We went and picked up her roommate Natalie who is also one of Chris's friends. His roommate Tyler was in class until 9 and he told him not to wait.

So we went to a motel and the first thing Chris did was pull out a paper and started reading all of the guesses from friends and family as to where he was going to go. There were so many different guesses....I don't think anyone guessed the same place. Carolyn and Kevin and his good friend Blake were all on speaker phone waiting to hear the news.

Then he opened his call and began reading "Elder Jackson.....you have been called.....then his voice broke....and he got very emotional.....his eyes had jumped a line and he knew where he was going...but none of the rest of us did. We waited anxiously for him to continue.....to serve in the Mexico Hermosillo Mission. Then it came......a squeal......."I'm going to Mexico." He continued to read to see when he would report to the MTC....and then he leapt across the room. He was so excited. Kelcey and I were both crying. I'm sure they were a mixture of tears.....sadness at his leaving......worry for being in a foreign country.....and tears of joy for the happiness we saw on his face. Chris was just thrilled. I will never forget the moment when his eyes jumped ahead and his emotions took over.

Kelcey gave him a congratulations kiss on the cheek.

Chris giving two thumbs up surrounded by pretty girls. Kelcey and Natalie were so happy for him.

Chris is all smiles....mom is weary after traveling over snow filled mountain passes.

After all the cheers and tears Chris told us that Mexico is the place he has always wanted to serve a mission. He had never said that to any of us.....he didn't want to jinx it. When we went back to the cabin to get some of his stuff that evening he took Scott down to his room and showed him his science notes that he had taken earlier in the week before he got his call.....it had Mexico written all over it. He had also written Mexico all over his binder. I always said that kid should have been born a little hispanic boy...from the time he could walk he loved to eat hot salsa. I think he won't have a problem adjusting to the food. Mexican food is his favorite.

He stayed in the motel with us that night. Scott fell sound asleep from exhaustion and I stayed up wit

h Chris while he searched the intrenet until 2am learning all he could about Hermisillo and the surrounding areas that are in his mission. The pictures were beautiful. Finally at 2 I got him to shut off the computer....and just as I would be drifting off to sleep he would say "Mom....I'm going to Mexico!" About 10 minutes later "Mom....I have been called to the greatest mission in the whole world." This kept up until 4am and then I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. He was just so excited.

The next day we went and bought him some things he will need in the mission field and then took him to lunch and we headed home. Chris headed south to spend Thanksgiving with Kevin and Stacie and Brent and Carolyn and Grant. We stopped in Missoula for the night as the passes were icy and we didn't want to travel them in the dark. We went to Kobe's game in Spokane on Saturday afternoon on our way home. He plays AAU basketball. John Stockton of the Utah Jazz coaches his sons team. They had the game before us.....so I sat and stared....and had a moment.....one of the greatest NBA players of all times.....then he walked right by Scott and smiled and nodded and said hello. WOWSERS! What a weekend!

Thank You Veterans

I got an email from a friend this morning with the following story. As I continued reading my eyes were full of tears. I am so thankful for the many men and women in uniform that currently serve and protect our country. I am also so grateful for the service of those that served before them. I am proud that I am married to a veteren of the United States Army and I am extremely proud that my father in law served in the United States Navy and fought in WWII.

I wanted to share this story with everyone.

I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey's. Sneaking a look at My watch, I saw the time, 1655. Five minutes to go before the cemetery gates are closed for the day. Full dress was hot in the August sun. Oklahoma summertime was as bad as ever--the heat and humidity at the same level--both too high.

I saw the car pull into the drive, '69 or '70 model Cadillac Deville, looked factory-new. It pulled into the parking lot at a snail's pace. An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed; she had a cane and a sheaf of flowers--about four or five bunches as best I could tell.

I couldn't help myself. The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: 'She's going to spend an hour, and for this old soldier, my hip hurts like hell and I'm ready to get out of here right now!' But for this day, my duty was to assist anyone coming in.

Kevin would lock the 'In' gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along, we might make it to Smokey's in time.

I broke post attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight: middle-aged man with a small pot gut and half a limp, in marine full-dress uniform, which had lost its razor crease about thirty minutes after I began the watch at the cemetery.

I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman's squint.

'Ma'am,may I assist you in any way?'

She took long enough to answer.

'Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days.'

'My pleasure, ma'am.' Well, it wasn't too much of a lie.

She looked again. 'Marine, where were you stationed?'

' Vietnam, ma'am. Ground-pounder. '69 to '71.'

She looked at me closer. 'Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine. I'll be as quick as I can.'

I lied a little bigger: 'No hurry, ma'am.'

She smiled and winked at me. 'Son, I'm 85-years-old and I can tell a lie from a long way off. Let's get this done. Might be the last time I can do this. My name's Joanne Wieserman, and I've come to see Marines and I'd like to see them one more time.'

'Yes, ma 'am. At your service.'

She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone. She picked one of the flowers out of my arm and laid it on top of the stone. She murmured something I couldn't quite make out. The name on the marble was Donald S. Davidson, USMC: France 1918.

She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone. I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek. She put a bunch on a stone; the name was Stephen X. Davidson, USMC, 1943.

She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone, Stanley J. Wieserman, USMC, 1944.

She paused for a second. 'Two more, son, and we'll be done'

I almost didn't say anything, but, 'Yes, ma'am. Take your time.'

She looked confused. 'Where's the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way.'

I pointed with my chin. 'That way, ma'am.'

'Oh!' she chuckled quietly. 'Son, me and old age ain't too friendly.'

She headed down the walk I'd pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted. She placed a bunch on Larry Wieserman, USMC, 1968, and the last on Darrel Wieserman, USMC, 1970. She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out.

'OK, son, I'm finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home.'

Yes, ma'am. If I may ask, were those your kinfolk?'

She paused. 'Yes, Donald Davidson was my father, Stephen was my uncle, Stanley was my husband, Larry and Darrel were our sons. All killed in action, all marines.'

She stopped. Whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know. She made her way to her car, slowly and painfully.
I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin, waiting by the car.
'Get to the 'Out' gate quick. I have something I've got to do.'

Kevin started to say something, but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get us there down the service road. We beat her.. She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet.

'Kevin, stand at attention next to the gatepost. Follow my lead.' I humped it across the drive to the other post.

When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called in my best gunny's voice: 'TehenHut! Present Haaaarms!'

I have to hand it to Kevin; he never blinked an eye--full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud. She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send-off she deserved, for service rendered to her country, and for knowing duty, honor and sacrifice.

I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac.

Instead of 'The End,' just think of 'Taps.'

May God Bless all of the members of our military. A special blessing to the families of those that lost loved ones the the shooting at Ft. Hood last week.

A Mom Moment

Last friday is the day that Chris has been anxiously awaiting. His mission papers were submitted! So....let the guessing begin. He should know in a couple of weeks where he will be spending the next two years. Chris....we are so proud of you. You are such an awesome young man and you are going to be a fantastic missionary. You have such an energetic and fun personality....not to mention that dimple....which makes you totally irresistable. We will miss you like crazy when you go....but you will be in our prayers always. May the Lord bless you for your service. Can't wait to see where you are going. Did I mention mom and dad are so PROUD of you.

Carolyn applied for graduation this summer. She will walk in April but she will be all finished with classes and student teaching next month. She has really enjoyed her student teaching at Springville Junior High. Carolyn...you have such a gift of working with those with special needs. You have such a capacity for love. I can tell that you are very passionate about your work. Your dad and I are so proud of you for all your hard work these past four years. Grandpa Bogey man would be very proud of you for going into education....and extra proud that you majored in special education. Your students will be very lucky to have you.

I got a text from Stacie at the beginning of last week telling me she had applied for graduation. Stacie....we are so proud of you for all your hard work. We wish you continued success as you attend graduate school. You are such a blessing in our lives....and I'm so glad that Kevin fell in love with you and married you. Good luck next semester....with your one and only class.....LUCKY!

I got a text on Friday from Kevin saying he had applied for graduation. Yippee....three of our four down at BYU will walk this spring! Brent.....NO that doesn't mean you get a bigger graduation gift because you will be the only one next time....ha ha. Kevin.....we are proud of you for all your hard work. What a blessing it was for your hard work in highschool to pay off when you received the Hinkley scholarship. I think you have found your niche majoring in English. You are such a talented writer and you have such a love for literature. You will be an excellent professor someday. Good luck in grad school. Keep up the hard work. Sounds like Chris is also interested in Education. Grandpa's buttons would be bursting with pride if all my kids ended up in education. Good luck to both you and Stacie as you apply for grad school.

So....I had an emotional and sentimental day on Friday as Chris's mission papers were submitted and I got the text from Kevin about graduation. I texted Kevin back....and I must have sounded a little cheesy as I told him how proud I was of him. Pretty soon I got a text from Carolyn and she wanted to know if my head was in the freezer. WHAT? I told her "No.....not at the moment....I'm not having a hot flash. Why did you ask that?" She texted back that Kevin thought I must be having a hot flash from all the stuff I wrote in my text to him....so just figured that my head in the freezer would explain a lot. Ha ha.....very funny you two. Mom was just having a MOM moment......and NO MY HEAD WAS NOT IN THE FREEZER.....you nuts!

This one's for you dad!

Well.....you have to give the Yankees props. They finally earned all that outrageous amount of money they are paid. I hated to see them win.....but win they did. I must say that Matsui was incredible lastnight and well deserved the MVP. Isn't it ironic though that the MVP of the world series is now unemployed? I guess he just increased his bargaining chip. Might be too rich....even for the Yankees. I am always sad when the last pitch crosses the plate.....and baseball goes silent for a few months. Lastnight when the final out was made Scott looked at me and said "Are you crying?" He knew how badly I was pulling for the Phillies....but he couldn't believe I had tears when it was over. Those tears kind of caught me off guard....I wasn't expecting them. I was furious that the team that I love to hate all year had just won the World Series.....but as the celebration began and the team started jumping up and down and hugging one another my mind was flooded with thoughts of my dad and how much he would have loved to have seen his Yankees win again. You see.....my dad loved those boys in pinstripes as much or more than I hate them. He would have been thrilled lastnight.....and my phone would have been ringing for him to tease me about it....and it was all just a little overwhelming. My phone did ring....and his name was Ted King....but it was my little brother....and he filled in for my dad....teasing me and harrassing me....because he....like his father....is a huge Yankees fan. So the bats are quiet and the stadiums are empty but I look forward to opening day next spring.....where once again I will be cheering for my Mariners and also for anyone that is playing the Yankees.