Shout out to the guys that love my girls!

These two guys are going to become father's early next year. I love to hear how tender they are to their wives during this time....and always. Carolyn told me when we were chatting one night it was time to go....time for brent to read a bed time story to baby girl. Ahhh.....that made me tear up a bit an also smile at the same time. Stacie did a blog post about the tender things that Kevin does for her. He gets up in the middle of the night to rub out her charlie horses....he kisses her belly goodnight and tells the baby that he loves it. I am so thankful for the examples Brent and Kevin had in their lives on how to be a loving husband and father. These two little babies that are on their way soon are very blessed to have such wonderful fathers. I remember hearing a noise in the gravel one morning....and I got up....looked outside and saw Scott pushing the car out to the road. I asked him when he got home what that was about" He said "The transmission is so loud....and I didn't want it to wake you" He did this every morning....but I didn't know it. Carolyn, Stacie, and I are blessed with the men in our lives.

Hello mom

Moses Lake can have some some of the most beautiful sunsets. My mother in law lived right next door to us and she would sit and watch the sun set from her big living room window. On the days that they were extra pretty she would always call and say "Stop everything you're doing and go out and watch the sun set." I have missed her so much since she passed away. She was not only my mother in law....she was one of my closet and dearest friends. I always here of scary mother in law stories. Mom was the greatest. When my kids were little I'd go over there every day and we'd sit and visit. I learned many things from here....the most important....how to be a mother in law. I hope I am one just like her. Well....the other night I happened to glance out the window....and this is what I saw. I grabbed my camera and ran out to take a picture. When I see sunsets like that I always think it is mom saying hello to me in her special way.....and letting me know she is still very close....and in our hearts forever.

A great day

September 13th is always a day that I usually like to avoid. Just go from the 12th to the 14th....and skip the whole day. It's a day that takes me back to the past....and one I'd wished had never happened. It's one of those days every year that I've found it is just easier to stay in bed...and pull up the covers. But this year I had plans....and it turned out to be a fantastic day. I went to tri cities to see my friend Mel and take her to lunch for her birthday that was on sunday. Well....for the last ten plus years I've been getting highlights in my hair. I told Mel it was time for a change. She asked me if I trusted her. I said "Sure!" So......I am a very dark brunette....and I love it! It was just the change I needed. I texted Scott and said "You're going to have a new wife to come home to tonight" We had a great lunch...and caught up. Oh I miss Melanie. We took the beast with us....her three year old....that I adore. He said he was best friends with his grandmimi....and I asked what about me? He said I'm his best friend too. Do you think it was because of that bag of candy I brought? Hmmmm? It was a beautiful fall day that felt much more like summer with the temps hitting 98 degrees. But I don't know if it was a hug from the beast....lunch with my friend....or my new hair....but I had a spring in my step and a smile on my face. I think it was the combination of all three. I think i should spend every Sept. 13th like that. It was much better than hiding under the covers. And to top it off....Stacie had an ultrasound and the little one has a strong healthy heartbeat. So excited for these babies to arrive.

My two favorite pregnant girls.

Sorry Mel....but Carolyn and Stacie trump you this time. These girls are adorable with their baby bump. We are so excited for them both. Can't believe that Carolyn is half way through on friday. Time seems to be marching right along with their pregnancies and we can't wait to meet the little ones the are carrying. They are both going to be amazing mothers. Sure love you two.....or should I say four!

Hiking Utah

Scott had a great time going on hikes with Kevin while we were in Utah. I felt bad that I wasn't up to joining them...but the swelling in my knee let me know it wasn't a good idea. It was great for them to have some quality time together though.

They hiked up to the top of the Y. They made really good time. I used to think Scott was the slow one on our hikes...but I figured out that I was the hold up.

One year when we did that hike there was a dip in the path and Scott said "Chris can you make it" Not thinking he would try Chris went on a dead run and jumped it.....but didn't quite make it. He got skinned up...and a whole in his jeans. So of course Scott had to try it this time. BOYS!

I am starting to think that Scott is a snake charmer. He is always finding them on hikes. He found one at the Y and when we hiked in Albuquerque.

Friday morning they went and hiked up to Stewart Falls. Our nephew Cory joined them on this hike.

Scott said it was a beautiful hike. Love the wildflowers.

I'm so glad they had this time together. Scott misses his kids so much....and nothing makes him happier than being able to spend time with them.

If you look closely you can see a rainbow. Scott said he found a leprechaun at the end of it. Ha ha....with Kevin 's red beard he does kind of look like one.

Temple Square

Saturday morning the Jacksons and the Hirz family headed up to Salt Lake City to tour temple square. Brent's stepmom Kelly had never been before. It was a beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky and the temple against the blue sky looked so majestic.

We also watched the Joseph Smith movie that is playing down there on temple square right now. I have seen it in seminary....and it doesn't matter how many times....it brings a tear to my eye and I get a lump in my throat.

My favorite part of temple square is always going up to see the statue of Christ in the visitors center. It was slower than usual that morning....so it was pretty quiet in the room and it was nice to just sit there and contemplate over all of my blessings. So grateful for the Savior.

The Hirz bunch

The Jackson's

Convocation

Friday morning we had a great lunch with all of Brent's family and friends at the Brazilian restaurant that we love so much. It was delicious. We had a huge group there to celebrate with Brent. After that we headed to the Marriot Center for Convocation. It was great having us together....but the picture isn't complete without Stacie and Chris. We missed them both so much. I am so glad we got to go down for Brent's graduation. It was a wonderful week.

Carolyn sneaking a kiss from her husband. They are so cute together...and being around them makes me smile. Brent is so tender and loving with her.

Okay.....it looks like Kevin and Brent are sneaking a kiss too. Those boys crack me up.

Boy or Girl?

After commencement we headed over to Carolyn and Brent's. There were about 15 of us. We had been trying to trick Carolyn into telling us the sex of the baby for two days...but she never slipped. They made cupcakes and in the center they put either pink of blue food coloring...but we didn't know which. All but two of us voted we thought it was a boy.

Carolyn said "Don't shout it out....let everyone bite in and figure it out" Well.....Brent's dad doesn't follow instructions very well and when he yelled "It's a GIRL" I got so excited I dropped my cupcake on the floor. The most tender moment was when Scott stood up and hugged Carolyn and with a tear in his eye he said "My little girl is having a girl" My heart melted. That little girl is going to have her dad and her grandpa wrapped around her finger.

Chayla is Brent's cousin. She and Chris have been friends since birth. THey are three weeks apart and they have grown up together. She is just part of the family. She reached over and snuggled up to scott and said "Hi dad" I had to take a picture.

Commencement

We went to Utah for Brent's graduation. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Geography with and emphasis in travel and tourism. We are all so proud of you Brent! You did it!

Carolyn was so proud of Brent. She was beaming that day.

Brent got attacked by his sister. I love it when brothers get a surprise hug from their sister.

Carolyn, Brent, Heather, and Kevin

Very proud mother and Father in law

These two guys crack me up. Kevin said "Brent---your robe is huge....two can fit in there." Of course they had to try it. Kevin and Brent are much more like Brothers than in laws. I'm so happy that they are so close.

Carolyn's classroom

The morning after we arrived in Utah we had the chance to go to the school where Carolyn teaches. Here is Mrs. Hirz at her desk.

Her classroom was so much fun and decorated very cute. I am sure the kids love it there. I know that their teacher sure does.

Boys and their toys. Scott and Kevin couldn't resist....they had to play with some of the things in her room.

I got carolyn this adorable set to put on the wall in her room. She laminated it and then we had to cut all the pieces out...but it was fun helping her get set up for her coming school year. School started monday in Provo.

Double the Pleasure!

I have been waiting to blog about this for several weeks. Carolyn and Brent are expecting....and if that wasn't already enough to bring us tremendous joy.....Kevin and Stacie are expecting four weeks later. That's right folks. These precious little ones are due four weeks apart. Scott and I are elated with the thought of being grandparents. We can't wait for these precious little souls to arrive in our family. We are so blessed. Carolyn and Brent had not told Chris yet...and he emailed his sister one day and said "Time would pass really fast if you got pregnant right now and had a baby right when I came home....I wonder where mom would be. He put money on the baby" Ha ha. Carolyn thought I'd squealed to him.....but I hadn't said a word. He was so excited to get the news that not only would he become an uncle....but twice before he got home. I thought it would make him pretty trunky the last six weeks of him mission and he would be anxious to get back. Instead he said "Oh well....babies are ugly at the beginning....when I get to see them they will be cute." That's my boy. He's always thinking. We have been empty nesters for awhile now...and we are so looking forward to this new phase of our lives. Wish the kids didn't live so far away....but that just means more trips to Provo and Albuquerque. We pray daily for Carolyn and Stacie...and for those precious ones they are so happily carrying. If that wasn't enough excitement for one grandma to handle.....Chris gets home from Mexico two weeks after Kevin and Stacie's baby is due....and then we will pile in the car and make the trek to Utah and New Mexico so that Uncle Chris can be introduced to the newest members of the Jackson family.

First Fish

Scott took Carolyn and Brent down to the creek while they were home for a visit last week. Carolyn had been wanting to go since she arrived. She always likes fishing with her dad. Well....they had a lot of success and they all caught one.....this is Brent's fish. Notice who is holding it? You'd think that this was the fish Scott caught. Nope.....Brent just didn't want to touch it. I laughed so hard when I heard that one. Brent's this big six foot plus guy....and he wouldn't touch the fish. Carolyn teased him about it the rest of the week....and since he married into the family....you can bet that Carolyn wasn't the only one. Scott and I were happy to join in on the teasing. I wouldn't be surprised if Scott still teases him about it in years to come. Glad Brent is such a good sport about us teasing him. We sure love that guy. Glad they had so much fun down there and caught some fish. When they go fishing though it makes me miss grandpa Jackson. He would have loved to have been a part of that. I remember when he came home from one of his fishing trips with Chris and said "Crimenently....I'm not taking him anymore" Grandpa was getting pretty shaky at the time....and he said "That dang Chris had three fish reeled in before I even bait my hook" Grandpa was all talk though. He and Chris had several more fishing experiences together. What a blessing it has been to live out here in the country and to have crab creek running through the pasture. It has made for unforgettable memories with my kids.

4th of July message

We had a really nice ward breakfast for the 4th of July. The missionaries put on dinner and the Obershaw's were busy cooking and everything tasted really great. We had pancakes, sausauge, biscuits and gravy, hasbrowns. The Scouts raised the flag and we sang patriotic songs....but the best part of the morning was when each of the veterans that were there from our ward stood and said which branch of the armed forces they served in and where and for how long. Bro. Johnson came and he was wearing his two purple hearts. After they were all finished the bishop stood and thanked them for their service and he asked all the young kids to go around and shake hands with these heroic men who served their country. It was cute to see the Signorelli kids come up and shake Scott's hand and tell him thanks for serving. I went around and shook hands with most of them and thanked them. I have always been very proud of Scott for giving service to his country. He served during peace time...and I am very grateful for that....but I know that he would have gladly served during war if he was called up. I grateful to the veterans of the past and very grateful for those that serve today....here and abroad. They are always in my prayers. May God Bless our veterans and bless the families of those that have their men and women serving away from home. Thank you Scott! I love you babe.

Happy Birthday Brent and Grant

Today is Brent's birthday and tomorrow is Grant's. Two of my favorite guys in the world. Brent is such an awesome son in law. He is so tender with Carolyn and he always makes her laugh. I am so grateful that they have each other. Brent is always ready to help us when I text him and say "Help....we are stuck on a level on mario" I am not saying he doesn't laugh....or rub it in that it only took him three minutes to get through it....but he always stops and helps us. When we have a computer question he knows everything. Brent is a computer wizard. We feel like Brent is our son instead of our son in law. He is a perfect fit in our family. He loves not only Carolyn but Kevin and Chris are his brothers. We love you Brent. Hope you have an awesome birthday and we are so glad you are a part of our family.

Grant's birthday is tomorrow. Grant is awesome. We are so blessed that when Kevin married Stacie we got her brother Grant in the family too. Grant has added spice and laughter to our lives. He is such an awesome guy and he is always so tender and caring. He remembers birthdays....and volcano eruptions....ha ha. He loves Kevin like a brother. He is a huge part of our family. It wouldn't be complete without him. Have a happy birthday Grant. We love you.

It's about time...

It's about time.....that I updated the blog. Wow....it has been almost two months since I posted. I guess I just needed a break.

It's about time....that we got highspeed! This will make blogging so much easier. It took forever to upload photos.

It's about time....that I tell you that we had a wonderful visit with our missionary on Mother's day. He had a terrible headache....sounded like another migraine. He was very sad that he'd gotten a call that morning that he would be transferred to Hermosillo the next morning. He loved that little town Nacozari...and he loved the people there so much. I know he cried when he had to tell them goodbye. The branch was sad that he had to leave. They sang "God be with you till we meet again" Although he felt icky it would so good to talk to him and he was excited about his new companion he would be getting from Tonga. Hard to believe that we only have one call left....christmas....and then two months after that he'll be home.

It's about time.... I talk about my great birthday surprise. Scott let me be pampered that day. I woke up and there was a card on my pillow with a gift certificate to the spa. I got a hot wax treatment on my hands and feet. All wrapped in warm packs....and it was so soothing for my sore joints. I had a warm lavendar pack on my eyes....and I just layed back and relaxed. It was so worth it! Thanks babe! That night we switched to anniversary mode and went out for a wonderful dinner to Michaels on the Lake. I got to talk to a lot of friends that day....and got birthday emails and texts. It was a great day.

It's about time.... I wrote that we had a wonderful memorial day weekend. Ted and his family came over. Scott barbecued ribs and asparagus on the grill and he made his cheesecake....yum. That night we started a fire and the kids roasted marshmellows for smores. Kobe said "This is an adventure." He's a city boy. Scott showed him how to use the pocket knife to get his roasting stick prepared. That night Scott and Kobe went hunting for night crawlers. When Kobe came in he told his mom "I'm a man now." I really laughed about that one. It was great to be with family for the weekend.

It's about time.... I say how very blessed I am. With so much chaos in the world...I have an inner peace....and it comes from seeing my kids happy and doing well. Things have been pretty stressful at the hospital and I'm just glad that when all else is tumbling down....my family is my strength and my joy!

It's about time.....my body adjust to this new medication. I am tired of feeling icky. Feels like I have morning sickness every day. Trust me.....that is not it!!!! If it was....I'd be rich because my OBGYN would be making my house payments....ha ha.

It's about time....for summer to begin. It has been so chilly and wet around here this spring. I lost almost all my rose bushes. I was pretty bummed about that.

It's about time.....I call it a night. Thanks to highspeed I will be posting more often now. Oh wait....I need time to do that.....it's about time I had some of that!

Birthday Time

Happy Birthday Babe. Today is my sweethearts 48th birthday. I can say how old he is....because he's a guy....and they don't really care about things like that. Scott is not only a great husband and my best friend....but he's such great father to our children. They each of some of his qualities and I'm so happy about that. Scott is the perfect balance to my high strung personality. He is gentle and laid back....and sometimes he just sits back and laughs when I get overly excited during a sporting event. He is the calming influence that I need in my life. I'm so blessed I get to go through life with him. Happy Birthday Babe! I love you so much.

How do I spend Spring Break?

I am so blessed to be able to spend Spring Break teaching seminary. The highschool is off for a week....but the running start students still have seminary. So, Brother Welty can have Spring Break with his family I usually end up teaching early morning seminary that week. I am not a morning person......NOT AT ALL!! That alarm getting me up at 5:30 is hard....but when I get there and see the smiles on their faces and their desire to learn about the gospel I am invigorated. Today we had a great lesson on how the Lord knows us individually. Rianne came up after class and gave me a hug and said "I always leave your lessons on such a spiritual high. Thanks so much for teaching" I've mentioned that I'm not a morning person.....but during spring break I sure am.....I get my battery charged by going in there and teaching such amazing youth. Some of these kids will soon be in the mission field and the preparation they recieve in seminary will make them more prepared missionaries. I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to be the substitute in seminary and institute.

Saying Goodbye

We had a bittersweet moment lastnight. Elder Billin was called to the Brazil Brasillia mission but his visa didn't arrive so he went to learn the language in the MTC in provo, UT. When he was done his 9 weeks of language training his visa had still not been processed. So he was temporarilly reassigned to the Spokane, WA mission and he was sent to serve in our ward in Moses Lake. He was such an awesome missionary. We've had many missionaries come and go throughout the years and they have all spent a lot of time in our home. We love them all.....okay....I might be fibbing....there were a couple I wanted to throttle....but all in all we have loved them all....but some of them capture a special place in your heart. Elder Billin fit that category. We've had others here that were waiting for visas...but nobody that served as hard as he did and did it with a smile on his face at all times. He never complained that his visa was delayed and he never let down on his service just because this really wasn't his mission. Lastnight we had the opportunity to take Elder Billin to the mission home in spokane so he could catch his flight to Brazil this morning. I felt like I was dropping off another son for his mission. It was hard for him to leave after being here for 4 1/2 months. Today we got the nicest surprise in our mailbox. Elder Billin had written us a letter and he'd mailed on Saturday. He told us he was so grateful that his visa had been delayed and that he was able to come and serve in Moses Lake and be in our ward. He said that Scott and I had made a difference in his life and he loved us more than he could ever explain. So today we have another "son" that has left for a foreign land to spread the good news of the gospel. We will pray for him by name each day. We feel blessed that we got to have him here for a little while....but we are so excited for the people in Brazil that are going to get to have Elder Billin in their area. They are in for a real treat. God Bless you Elder.

Badger Mountain Challenge

We are smiling....because we have no idea what we are about to do. A few weeks ago Scott said "Hey...there was a flyer up at the hospital and there is a 15K in Tri Cities.....it is the first one there at Badger Mountain. I want to do it." Okay.....have fun. Well, as it came closer I decided foolishly to be the good wife and join him. His knee is bad and I knew he would be walking it rather than running.....so how hard would that be?

It was so cold this morning and we got to the starting line. Oh....by the way...no parking by the start...had to park a long way away....so it turned out to be a 17K by the time we reached the car. Thank heavens I thought to pack a fleece cap because there was a bitter cold wind blowing. Rain didn't appear till after the race so we were happy about that. Such a blessing. Well....we arrived at the starting point and the cousin of the event organizer tells us we are climbing up the mountain. WHAT? So much for the easy part. Pretty steep hike.....but wait.....there is more.....after coming down......we walk around the mountain and climb up it again from the back side. With all the swelling in the back of my knee it was a pretty rough hike going up......but we did it. I first considered just stopping after coming down the first time.....but I thought "Nope....no matter how long it takes....don't start something and not finish." So up we went again. This is a pic of me when it's all over. Why am I still smiling? Because I'm half crazy.....but you already knew that.

I was so proud of Scott. His hip started cramping on the way back up the mountain....but he kept on going. He stayed a little behind me the whole way....I think he was checking out my butt.....but close enough we could talk when we weren't huffing and puffing. Even though i can feel pretty much every muscle in my body...and I'm pretty sure I'll discover even more of them in the morning....I'm so glad i decided to do it with Scott and say we accomplished it together. Was it smart to do with my bad joints? Of course not? Was it worth it to spend time with my guy? Absolutely!!!

This is how I felt at the end of the race. There you have it. We discovered how old we are really getting....but considering we did it anyway.....I'd say we are both still pretty young at heart.

Happy Birthday Kevin

I don't really know how it is possible....but my oldest turns 25 today. The boy with the pink hair is all grown up. Scott was in school in Rexburg and I was home with my parents. Babies on Alberta Health Care were a lot more afforable than our student insurance. I called Scott and said "I'm in labor." He took off for the 12 hour trip and arrived 10 hours after Kevin was born to find me passed out on the hospital room floor. I'll never forget the hutterites looking at that 9lb 5oz baby and saying "He looks big enough to drive the tractor already." Kevin was the easiest baby. He would lay on grandma Jackson's couch for hours and just look around without a sound. Grandma used to say "I wish he had a clear head so I could see the wheels turning." I had so many hopes and dreams as they placed Kevin in my arms. Raising him was an absolute joy. His toddler years were so enjoyable. Kevin learned to read very young and I'll always remember him laying on the waterbed with me when he was five and reading Tom Sawyer to me. We did this everynight. His love for reading has continued throughout his life. Kevin was a pretty easy teenager. We didn't even have to disagree with his music choices during those years. He was a huge Beetles fan when he was growing up. One of the qualities Kevin has that I love the most is his love for old people. Hs piano recitals were held at an assisted living facility and we had walked in and I turned around and there was no sign of Kevin. He had stopped to talk to this older gentleman in the hall and they were deep in conversation. Kevin was so good to his grandpa Jackson when grandma passed away. He would go next door to dads every single night. They would sit and talk for hours. Kevin knows more about Lloyd than any of his own kids I think. When Kevin left on his mission grandpa said "I miss my best friend." I am so proud of the man that Kevin has grown into. He is everything I dreamed he would be. Happy Birthday my dear boy. Thanks for all these years of joy.

Hump Day

There are certain days that are monumental when your child is in the mission field. Today happens to be one of those days. It's HUMP DAY!!!! Of course we look forward to our Mother's day and Christmas Day phone calls from our missionary.....but today Chris hit his year mark. We can know start counting down instead of up. That is reason to celebrate. I am happy that Chris chose to serve a mission.....but 2 years is a long time for a mom to go without a hug. Chris sounded like he wasn't keeping track....and that is good. That means he's busy and working hard like he should be.....but as for his mom.....I put a sticker on his chart for every day....and it was Awesome putting a big red sticker on his chart today marking his halfway point. May God bless and keep him in His care. We love Elder Jackson.

Happy Valentines Day

I'm a lucky girl. I get to be married to my very best friend. When we were in university our French prof was my dad's old missionary companion. He liked to tease me before Scott and I got married. He'd say to Scott "Did you know you're going to be stuck with her for eternity?" Scott would always smile and say "That doesn't seem long enough." Well.....I know just what he meant. Forever looks pretty dang great! Doesn't seem long enough though to be with my sweetheart. Scott always makes me feel special and loved. I'm no easy girl to live with....but I get to be me....and I love that....and more importantly....he loves that. Happy Valentines Day baby. I sure love you.