Precious Moments

Turn around birthday girl

2012-02-02T07:56:00.001-08:00

There is a song I sang to Carolyn when she was a baby and I have choked up singing it to Claire.
Where are you going my little one...little one? Where are you going my baby my own? Turn around and you're two. Turn around and you're four. Turn around a you're a young girl running out of the door.
Where are you going my little one....little one? Where are you going my baby my own? Turn around and you're tiny. Turn around and you're grown. Turn around and you're a young wife with babes of your own.
Somewhere in all her twirling in her tutu my baby girl grew up and is a beautiful woman rocking her own baby. It all happened so fast. Happy 24th birthday bug.

Happy birthday Stacie

2012-01-30T11:14:00.001-08:00

Happy birthday to my sweet daughter in law Stacie. Stacie is about to have a baby. When I say about to I mean in the next couple of weeks. Stacie is going to be an excellent mother. I can't wait for her to hold that little one in her arms. We love you Stacie. Hope your birthday is wonderful. I hope your best present ever arrives very soon!

Sweet little angel

2012-01-24T13:42:00.001-08:00

My heart is full with joy and gratitude as I sit here in the hospital and finally see my exhausted daughter close her eyes as precious baby Claire sleeps in the cradle beside her. Seeing my daughter in pain yesterday was hard but she was such a champ. After many long hours she needed a c section. It was fine sitting in the birthing room when I could see claire's heartbeat on the monitors...but when they unhooked things and took her back for a c-section it was a very long thirty minutes waiting for news. I couldn't watch the monitors or rub my girls head during a contraction. It was all in the Lord's hands. But I can't think of better hands to be in. A peace came over me as faith took over. My heart burst with joy at my first sight of Claire. And then when I finally got to see Carolyn again I was so grateful that mother and baby were okay. This has been such a blessed experience. Watching through the nursery window as Brent looked through a drawer of bows and smiling when he pulled out a purple one...carolyn's favorite color. It warmed my heart to see brent's overwhelming love for not just his daughter...but for my daughter. I had a moment when I first held her and whispered "what was my dad teaching you before you arrived tonight?" I kept saying she was 9 days late because she had so many people on the other side that had so much to tell her first. Seeing my daughter hold her daughter for the first time was something I will never forget. Carolyn didn't sleep much last night She couldn't take her eyes off Claire When I crawled into bed last night I was overcome with emotion and couldn't stop the tears. Our precious angel had finally arrived safe and sound and I was full of gratitude. Someone said "congrats grandma Jackson". My thoughts turned to my sweet mother in law Melba. I only hope I can be half of the grandma Jackson that she was to my children. I have pretty big shoes to fill to be grandma Jackson. Now that Claire has arrived I am even more anxious to meet grandbaby number two that is due in three weeks. What a joyous time in our lives. Elder Jackson returns in 35 days and we are so excited for uncle Chris to meet these babies.

Not so patiently waiting

2012-01-08T15:22:00.001-08:00

Carolyn is due next Saturday....but we are so anxious to meet Claire and we hope each day that it will be the day we get to meet her. The excitement is building as we anticipate her arrival. Claire's bag is packed for the hospital, the nursery is ready....now we just need to get her here. Once she arrives is won't be long until Kevin and Stacie have their little one. Such excitement for the Jackson family. I emailed our missionary tonight....and after we hear from him tomorrow we only have 7 more emails. It's so great saying he will be home next month. I can't wait.

Looking forward to being a grandma. I think it's going to be one of the greatest things in the world. I must say....it's hard to walk by cute things in the store and not pick them up. Sometimes I just look at Scott and he says "Put it in the cart" Hopefully my next post has pictures of baby Claire and hopefully she will be born very soon. I think the only thing I'm looking forward to more than holding her is seeing my daughter hold her baby in her arms. I think it's going to be an overwhelming and awesome experience....I hope I have waterproof mascara.

Shout out to the guys that love my girls!

2011-10-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-14T11:00:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-08-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-24T11:42:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-08-24T10:48:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-06-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-04-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-02-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

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.

Happy Birthday Elder Jackson

2011-02-06T14:33:00.000-08:00

Can my baby really be turning 20 today? Wasn't it yesterday when he stood on the pitching mound in little league? Somehow between baseball games he grew up into a man. What a joy he has been in our lives. I believe the Lord sent us Chris to make us laugh. Chris wakes up each morning with a smile on his face ready to begin a new adventure each day. He was always such a happy kid. What a blessing he has been in our family. We had him on our mind this morning as always....but with it being his birthday even more so. Scott and I attended stake conference this weekend. A lot of the focus of conference was on missionary work. One of the speakers in the morning session talked about these missionaries giving of their time and sacrificing their education, family, and friends, to go and preach the gospel. He compared them to those Stippling Warriors in the Army of Helamen. Valiant sons of God. I got a little lump in my throat as he spoke of them in a reverent manner. The closing song today was "I'll go where you want me to go" Well, those that are familiar with the song know that it is often sung in a sacrament meeting as a missionary is preparing to leave and enter into the mission field. The chorus goes "I'll go where you want me to go dear lord. Over mountain or plain or sea. I"ll say what you want me to say Dear Lord. I'll be what you want me to be." Well....by the time we had sung the chorus the second time I had tears welling up in my eyes. Scott squeezed me and said "Me too" So....by the time the third verse rolled around we both were fighting back tears....but to no avail. "There's surely somewhere a lowly place in earth's harvest fields so wide, where I may labor through life's short day for Jesus the Crucified. So trusting my all to Thy tender care, and knowing Thou lovest me, I"ll do Thy will with a heart sincere: I'll be what you want me to be." We were unable to sing the words as our hearts were full at that moment. Sending a child on a mission is a wonderful thing....but sending them in to a country in turmoil is bittersweet. The missionaries serving in Mexico have our hearts with them. We know that conditions there have become very dangerous. I also know that when my son knelt in prayer he asked the Lord to send him to Mexico. He wanted to serve there since he was a little boy. So.....I'm wishing my boy in Mexico a very happy birthday. I know that this is where he wants to be. I know that this is where the Lord needed him. I know that he has had experiences there that will shape the man he will become. I'm thankful for his decision to serve the Lord. Happy birthday Elder Jackson. We love you.

Bug's Birthday!!

2011-02-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

Carolyn turns 23 today. How is that possible? It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that they placed that round faced, olive skinned baby girl in my arms. I will never forget that day. It was pouring rain...and when Scott brought my grandma to see her they were both soaked clear through. Grandma wondered if the babies got mixed up. Carolyn's hair was so dark..and her skin too. Just like her great grandma katie's. She was such a beautiful baby. No wrinkles to fill out though. 9lbs 14oz kind of takes care of the wrinkles....but she did have rolls....lots of them. I remember thinking "What will my little girl grow up to be like?" Well, I have an answer for that now. She grew up to be a loving and caring person that has such a big heart. When she told me she had decided to pursue a career in special education I knew without a doubt that it was a perfect fit for her. She loves her students. I was not at all surprised that she and Brent went and bought a coat for one of her students that came to school without one. It is not a job that I could handle....but she looks forward to being with them each day. The other day she told me that her facilitator at her school told her that she should apply to be a facilitator in the district. I said "That's great. More money...not having to deal with the kids." She said "Mom, I didn't get a degree in special education to do paper work. I got a degree to help children. I want to be in the classroom." Well.....my heart burst with pride and joy as I realized that all the dreams I had for that little girl in my arms are being realized. She is just like the person I wanted her to grow up to be. Happy Birthday Bug. I hope you had a great day with you class today....and I'm sure they loved celebrating ground hogs day...and your birthday all at once. And....I know there was no mix up at the hospital....because she is so much like me that it is scary sometimes....just ask Brent....ha ha.

Happy Birthday Stacie Lou

2011-01-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Stacie! As a mother you often think about the kind of woman your son will grow up to marry. I can honestly say that if I searched the world over I couldn't have picked out a better daughter in law. Stacie is the perfect fit in our family. I love her like she's my own. I am grateful that she is a part of our lives. Stacie is so loving and kind. Stacie is a perfect compliment to Kevin. I often tell people how lucky I am to have such a great daughter in law. When we were looking for her birthday card we found one that reflected how we felt...we bought it....but there was one problem with it. On the front it said Daughter in Law. I know technically that Stacie is our daughter in law...but in my heart I'd rather just say daughter. So.....happy birthday Daughter. We sure love you. Thanks for all you do for Kevin....and thanks for loving our family so much. Happy Birthday.

Always in my heart

2011-01-29T16:37:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in almost two months. I guess I just needed a break for a bit. Wasn't in the mood. I've had a lot going on with relief society issues that have mentally taken a toll and so I just have been a little blah for awhile. Today though I got an email from a friend in the ward. It had a link to her daughter's blog and she wanted me to read a post and watch the video on it. It was a youtube video and it was a country music video by an young man in Alberta and it was called Alberta bound. There were so many beautiful scenes of the place where I grew up and I got a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye and suddenly I was very homesick for the place I once called home. Moses Lake is my home now and I love it here. It was a great place to raise my children and they had great opportunities available to them in the schools and yet we are a small town.....but whenever I go home to Canada and I see those Rockie mountains I am reminded of how much I loved growing up there. I still think that Southern Alberta is one of the most beautiiful places in the world. You begin with the rolling foothills full of wheat fields blowing in the ever so present Southern Alberta wind, and they lead to the majesty of the mountains. I grew up just a half hours drive from Waterton National park and I've traveled to many places thoughout my life and I've never seen anything more beautiful than the lakes and mountains in Waterton. What a blessing it was to be able to grow up there and see the beautiful hand of God in his creations. I guess a part of my heart will always be in Southern Alberta.

Happy Birthday

2010-12-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

My dad would have been 71 today. It's hard to believe he's been gone almost 13 years. This is one of my favorite pictures of my dad. It is just before he left on his mission to France. He is so handsome.

As a child we always put up the Christmas tree on dad's birthday. We carried that tradition on here...but this year with the kids all gone at Thanksgiving I needed some Christmas cheer so I decorated the tree the day after Thanksgiving. It looks like Canada on the first of December outside of my window. We got another six inches of snow yesterday and the trees are covered and it looks like a winter wonderland.

Things I miss about my dad.

*His laugh

*His voice

*Riding in the golf cart while he does a round

*His sweet tooth(He was a pro and sneaking into goodies....but sometimes he got caught....like when his ring got left in the chocolate box)

*The way he was with my children

*The way he treated his mother

*His crooked nose

*Cussing in French (Like we didn't know what he was saying)

*Knock it off!!!

*His love of curling

*His love for my mother

*His wisdom

*His impatience (I got that from him and he got it from his grandma Card) Funny that it was one of the things that drove me crazy while he was alive and now it something that I miss.

Happy Birthday dad. I'd like to think that grandma Viv has just finished baking you your chocolate cupcakes with her famous fondant icing and you are sitting down at a heavenly table enjoying your birthday. This is my dad on his last birthday before his passed away. I love you dad.

So blessed

2010-11-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

I will have to finish blogging about our trip to New Mexico at a later date....but I had to write down how thankful I am for the blessings in my life and for the power of prayer. We pray for our kids by name every night....that includes Brent and Stacie. Well.....we really needed those prayers this week. Stacie was in a car accident....and thankfully she only ended up with a sore arm. The car is pretty bad.....but it is only a car. She is okay....and that is the only thing that matters. When I saw a picture of the car I was so surprised that she wasn't hurt worse. I got on my knees and thanked my Heavenly Father for watching over her. This happened on Wednesday morning. Saturday is email day from Elder Jackson. Our email this morning said "I spent the night in the hospital on thursday" What? Are you kidding me. Now normally this wouldn't cause me to have a minor meltdown....but he is in MEXICO. My heart skipped a couple beats and I got a knot in my stomach as I continued to read. He would have called because they were going to do surgery....but changed their minds. He had been having pain in his arm....but of course....this is the first I've heard about it. Anyway.....it kept getting worse so he showed the mission presidents wife and she told him to get to the hospital. He had an infection in his sweat glands. They ended up giving him stuff in IV's and then he said the infection exploded like a volcano out of his arm. He said "Don't worry mom.....I spent all day THursday at the hospital and spent the night. I'm fine now. I just have a hole in my arm." So....that makes me feel so much better.....NOT. I'm so grateful that he is serving in the city right now and he was able to go to a nice private hosptial. From the pictures he sent it looked very nice and clean. I emailed him back with lots of instructions and he sent me another quick email and he said to stop worrying.....lots of prayers were being said oh his behalf. I know he is in the hands of the Lord.....and I know my children were watched over and protected this week. I am thankful for the peaceful feeling I get when I feel so blessed and I know that God's hand has been in our lives.

National Park/Day 3

2010-10-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

We rented an SUV that we could all fit into and we drove a couple hours to this National Park in New Mexico. Scott kept seeing these black things crawling across the highway. So....being a guy....he just had to stop and see what it was. I stayed in the car when I heard the word spider. Holy smokes....they were all out there taking pictures of this tarantula. Who's the smart one in the family now? That would be me!

Out in the middle of nowhere were these beautiful cliffs and that is the national park.

Kevin said "We are going to climb up on top of these things." I said "Are you kidding me?"

The different rock formations were so intriguing.

Mom and her kids.

The scenery was just beautiful.

I couldn't stop taking pictures.

Stacie and Carolyn wanted to have their picture taken in the little hole in the cliff.

Carolyn's turn.

There were several ancient inscriptions on the walls of the cliffs. I was surprised at how far back some of these dated.

Kevin let me borrow a hat to keep the sun off of my face. I already got burned the day before on our hike. The weather was beautiful. It was in the 80's. I am taking a break with my sweetheart.

As we were walking this snake appeared on the trail and went right between Scott's legs. We were happy that it didn't have any rattlers on its tail.

Caught the sun as it peeked through the break in the cliff.

On the front surface of this cliff it appeard to have a face in it. It was really cool.

Not just family.....but best friends! These four were so happy to be together again.

Mom and her girl! Love you bug.

Our beautiful daughter.

Our son in a thoughtful moment on top the cliffs.

Another beautiful view.

Stacie loved this picture because it made her look like a giant.

There were old Indian dwellings that had been discovered up on top of the cliffs.

We made it to the very top. We had such a great time. We were starving by the end of our hike....so we drove back to Albuquerque and went to our favorite Brazilian place for a feast. It was great. The playoffs were on....so the nice waiter kept checking the score for us. What a wonderful day.

New Mexico--Land of Enchantment/Day 1&2

2010-10-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Albuquerque on Wed. afternoon and we had dinner at Kevin's. He made some delicious stuffed peppers. We had a nice evening visiting and catching up. Thursday morning while we waited for Brent and Carolyn to arrive Kevin drove us up to the base of the Sandia Mountains that he and Stacie have hiked up. There was cactus everywhere.

I imagine that when the catcus are in full bloom in the spring that the desert is spectacular.

Kevin had fun jumping between rocks.

Dad joined in....and mom kept yelling "Get down from there before one of you breaks a leg."

Kevin seems to like the desert.

Enjoying the sushine. It was 80 degrees the whole week we were there.

Mom sure loves these kids.

Guess who arrived? Carolyn and Brent showed up early that afternoon and we headed to the outskirts of town to see the petroglyphs.

These four have sure missed each other and they were happy to be back together again.

Brent admiring the petroglyphs

It was a really nice hike....even though mom got sunburned...even with 50 proof sunscreen on. The day was beautiful and it was so nice to have the family together.....we missed Chris though. Didn't help that Brent so nicely pointed out that we were only a 10 hour drive away from him.

Carolyn and Stacie kept saying that their shoes didn't fit. Maybe because they had so much sand in them along the hike

I love Fall

2010-09-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

This tree across the street from us is always the first tree in the neighborhood to start showing signs of fall. It was just beautiful on Saturday morning.

I love fall because it is cooler...and because of the beautiful colors...and because it means it is time for our trip to Bainbridge Island to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with Drew and Ross and their family. This year they decided to do it a few weeks early so we could enjoy the nice weather and eat outside. We had a little time before catching the ferry and so we went and walked around the docks for awhile.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day in Seattle.

THe puget sound is such a beautiful area and we love the waterfront in Seattle.

We sat and watched this seagull for a long time. It had a starfish stuck in it's mouth.

As we headed toward the island we snapped a picture of the waterfront. Isn't it beautiful!

Mt. Rainer looked majestic as we rode the ferry.

Got busy and didn't get a single picture with the gang at dinner. Drew cooked for two days. The meal was fantastic. Turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, corn casserole, bean casserole, salads....three kinds of pie. I didn't even mention the delicious appetizers. The best part of the day was the company. Ross and Drew have a wonderful family. Hayley and Claire are the sweetest girls. Ross's parents and sisters are so very nice. Their friends are all wonderful too. We always enjoy spending the day over there. One of these days I am taking Drew up on his offer and I'm going over there for a retreat. They have such a beautiful yard....nobody around....it is so peaceful. I think a good book and Drew's couch would do a girl good.

CONCERT!!!!!!!

2010-09-06T16:58:00.001-07:00

On the 28th of August my niece Kelly and I went to the Keith Urban/John Mayer concert out at the Gorge. It was a beautiful summer night. The music was incredible. It was the best concert I have ever been too. The ladies went wild when Keith Urban came to the stage. We sat up on the hill....but it didn't matter because they had the big screens set up....and we had our trusty binoculars too.....the view was great. Keith put on one heck of a show. Then John came out and joined him on stage for a few numbers before Keith finished up his set. Some people left after Keith was done.....but they were crazy. Mayer put on a great performance as well.....and then Keith came out to finish it up with him. It was the longest concert I've ever been to. It lasted 4 1/2 hours. Kelly and I were up and dancing and singing for most of it. I had so much fun. Those two guys should tour together all the time. This was a special deal out at the gorge.....we were so lucky to get them both at the same time. It was AWESOME! Thanks Kelly for a great girls night out.

An elect lady!

2010-09-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

Today would have been my grandmother's birthday. We lost grandma in 2003 and there is not a day that I don't think of her. Sometimes we get an extra special blessing from our Heavenly Father. Grandma Viv....was one of those kind of blessings. There will never be another quite like her. She was a special lady that not only touched my heart....but I was so happy that I got to share that blessing with my children and they got to have the best great grandmother that the world had to offer. I spoke at grandma's funeral and I asked a lot of the grandkids for memories they had of grandma. Some were beautiful....some were funny....and some I know I will have to answer for when I see her on the other side someday. Here is a list of special memories I have of grandma.

*chocolate cake with fondant icing

*ice cold glasses from the freezer for our grapefruit juice

*her little dish of jubejube's.....it was alway's full....unless Tim had been there

*gingersnaps and chocolate chip cookies

*The Lawrence Welk show

*Royal Milk

*forgetting the punchline to her jokes

*praying for each of her grandchildren by name

*The world's worst photographer....she always cut off our heads

*Ooli gog

*chasing my kids around with her false teeth out and making them squeal

*Burping contests with Chris....which she almost always won

*Spongy hair

*Driving through the "Red Light" district in Edmonton with me.

*Being at my provincial speech competitions

*Pushing her in a wheelchair all over the campus of Eastern Washington at the National Science Olympiad competition for Kevin

*"While you're up"

*two ice cubes

*rice balls

*The way she doted on my father

*Always making me feel important in her life

*Sunday calls

*"Strawberries sure improve the taste of these pancakes"

* Saying that my husband Scott is her favorite...and I have it on tape to prove it.

*Her Unwaivering faith. No matter what trial she was facing.....she never lost her faith.

I am so greatful that Grandma Viv was chosen to be my grandma. I am so proud to have her name. Chandra Vivienne King Jackson. I love you grandma....and miss you....but I am sure that you are with dad....and he has a smile on his face...because he doesn't have to share the cupcakes with us. You only get four grandparents......and if you are really lucky.....you get at least one that is exceptional. I was that lucky. She was all that I needed.....and then some.

A big day!

2010-08-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

August 24th, 2110 is a big day in the lives of my children. Today is Kevin's first day of graduate school at the University of New Mexico. We are so proud of him for studying so hard in University. He is going to be an excellent professor some day. Today is Carolyn's first day as a special education teacher. She has a full time postion with an elementary school in Provo. She has spent countless hours getting her classroom ready for the big day today. She is going to be an awesome teacher. We are so proud of her. We are so grateful for their wonderful spouses and the support they have been for them on their journey. Thanks Brent and Stacie for all you do. We love all of you very much.

Today is also a big day for Elder Jackson. Today marks 6 months in the mission field and he is now 1/4 of the way through. He is presently serving in Guaymas, Mexico but should be due for a transfer any time now. He loves his mission. He loves the people he teaches. We are so proud of him and we are so happy that he loves this experience so much. As a mother my heart is full today. Overflowing with emotion. My children are happy and healthy and it brings me great peace to see them doing so well.

A humble missionary

2010-07-19T19:51:00.001-07:00

Today was email day from Chris. Some days I worry more than others with him in Mexico. There was a massacre this weekend in one of the border states down there....and I had a hard time sleeping lastnight as the violence in those border missions is escalting....and some days I wish he was just about anywhere else in the world....and then I get an email that touches my soul and I remember that Chris prayed to be sent to Mexico....it is where he wanted to serve....and the experiences that he is having there are shaping his life and will help make him into the man he will become. I wanted to share his email today. Hello family! ill send missionary moments.. Hey ML 5TH WARD! Mexico has been a great place for me to serve a mission, very humbling. Every other friday we eat with a Family that makes 8 american dollars a day. They dont eat with us, they watch us eat. Anyways when i was walking to the house i saw a boy of the Family, i said HEY! you excited to eat with us!, What he said changed my life... ¨Elder Jackson when we feed the missionaries we dont eat that day´´ I did not know what to say, I love this family so much they sacrifice everything. When they asked me if i wanted more food i said no, but they still put more on my plate. These people are the most loving peole i have ever met in my life. They dont know the difference between Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and Elder Christopher Jackson because we both have Elder, they think its equal. Im loving the mission, its the best place for me to be. At times i wish i had running water, cold air, washing machine, but at times i dont even notice im missing them. I love Mexico I Love MY MISSION!

Okay thats my missionary moments, im not going to lie, i cried when the boy told me that but it looked like sweat so i still have a good rep haha.

Chris loves the people of mexico......I know he is where he is suppossed to be.

Saying Goodbye to Paris

2010-07-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well......our trip has come to an end and we must say goodbye to the city of Paris. It was everything and more than what I expected. I will never forget the week that we spent here in Paris. I never got to take the paris trip with my dad's french class. The years I was in highschool the trip was to Quebec. I was always sad that I didn't get to go. I'm so glad now that I didn't. I'm glad that the first time I experienced this remarkable city I was with the man I love.

Paris really is the city of Love. I fell madly in love in Paris with the most amazing man.....and it's the man I've loved for the past 25 years. Thanks babe for a wonderful trip to mark our 25 years on our journey. I can't wait to see what the next 25 years bring. The next trip better have fewer stairs though.....I'm to dang old for this....ha ha. I love you babe.

Took this funny one of Scott as we took our shuttle back to the airport and we were weaving in and out of the crazy paris traffic. I really have never seen drivers like this before. On our long flight home I thought of all the remarkable things I had seen and learned this past week. I was having a hard time deciding which of all the things I saw was my very favorite. I asked Scott was his favorite thing was and without hesitation he said "My favorite thing was seeing the joy on your face as we saw something new." Am I married to the sweetest guy in the world or what? I am sure there were other places he would have rather gone...but he picked th e place where I wanted to go....and he loved Paris because he saw it through my eyes with me.

Sacre Coeur---Day 6

2010-07-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

Okay.....we all knew that at some point Scott was going to have a picture like this.

We went down to our favorite little neighborhood that we discovered on our second day. It is an area called Rue Claire. It is justl three blocks from our hotel and it is off the path of the tourist attractions and it is just the most quaint little area. Outdoor cafes line the street and markets with frest fruit.

One of the stores had these snails in the window. I must say I never did get brave enough to try that.

I love the little butcher shops with the meat hanging in the window. There just isn't anything like that where we live in Moses Lake. We went down to rue clair every morning. It was just a little part of paris that was tucked away from the hustle and I loved it there.

I loved the outdoor flower shops with the most beautiful and fragrant flowers. Lots of people stopped to buy fresh flowers.

A lot of people ride bicycles in Paris. This was a street in Rue Clair where you could put money in and rent a bike. I loved seeing the little old ladies with baskets on their bicycles full of fresh flowers and vegtables. It just seemed so laid back there in that part of the city. I didn't ever want to leave. I thought that if I had a little apartment there in Rue Clair I could be content riding my bicycle to market each morning in the shadow of the Eiffel tower just a few blocks away.

We spent a quiet morning walking along the shops and buying chocolate to bring home. Lots and lots of french chocolate. We found a creme brulee chocolate bar that was divine. Shared one with my little brother.....dang he's lucky. We also stopped at our favorite little bakery one last time. I had my second almond flavored cream puff. Yes......that is a look of pure delight on my face. French pastries are amazing.

We took a long metro ride to Montemart to see the Sacre Coeur. It was totally worth the stuffy and very crowded subway that day. It is set on a hill and it is marvelous to behold. I had to stop for a moment in the shade and just stare and take it all in. As a young girl I remember my dad telling me about climbing the steps up to the church. Not only did he serve his mission in France but as a highschool french teacher he took several student trips there. I wondered how many times he had climbed these stairs leading to this gorgeous church.

There were so many steps and my legs were tired but I didn't want to take the ride to the top.....I wanted to trace everyone of my father's steps up those stairs. As if the exterior wasn't beautiful enough.....the interior was breathtaking. The dome seemed to reach right to heaven. It is still an operating church and no pictures were allowed inside.

When we walked inside there was a sign that said "Silence. This is a holy place" Then you walk around the corner and there is a vending machine where you can get coins out with the church or Jesus on them. Around another turn was a place to purchase candles to be lit in prayer. I came upon a lady that was kneeling and clutching her bible as she prayed....just then a group of school children ran by and were giggling and talking. It did not seem very holy to me....and as happy as I was to be able to see this magnificent builiding I felt like I was invading.

This street performer was perched outside of the church. He was the best of any I had seen. He played a little flute and when he posed he truly did look just like a statue.

This adorable elderly couple was sitting across the church playing music for money. There were people like this all over Paris. They would even jump on your subway car and play and then pass around a cup for donations.

A final view of the Sacre Coeur

That evening we took a walk up to the Hotel Des Invalides. It was built for the wounded soldiers of the late 17th century. It was just a couple blocks behind our hotel and we had seen that gold dome every day so we decided to go take a closer look. Another beautiful building.

We had dinner at an Italian cafe in rue claire and then we decided to walk up to the Eiffel tower for our last night in Paris. We had only been there during the day and I wanted to be there when the lights came on and when it twinkled at the top of the hour. I had seen it from our hotel room.

So......what do two extremely exhausted people do when they are waiting on the lawn for the lights on the tower to turn on? We take silly pictures!

This is our "I Can't believe we went to the top of the Eiffel tower" shot.

"We are so sick of street vendors" shot. That is the only thing that we got sick of.....they were always shoving light up Eiffel towers in your face....or post card books....they wouldn't leave you alone.

Okay Carolyn....this one is for you. She died laughing when she saw this picture. Scott makes this funny face with his lips all the time and I always try to do it and can't.....Carolyn said it looks like I have stroke face. We really got a laugh out of it. We had lots of fun that evening waiting for the lights to turn on....and when they did I got a kiss from my lover under the glowing Eiffel tower.

25th Wedding Anniversary-Day 5

2010-07-15T09:34:00.001-07:00

I wanted to make sure and put a picture on my blog of our tiny little room. This is it. There wasn't a lot more to it.....it was clean though and had a very friendly staff. We were having trouble getting online to get Chris's email from Mexico and they were so helpful. Each morning at breakfast the little lady downstairs in the breakfast room would say "Bonjour. Chocolat" She knew we wanted hot chocolate each morning. We also had fresh croissants and jelly and ham and eggs. If I ever go again I would stay at the same place. They were so sweet as we asked directions and tried to communicate in french.

Blowing a kiss to my sweetheart. I've been married for 25 years to the most amazing man. We slept in this morning and then we headed for St. Chapelle

I loved all the fleur de lis on the outside of the church. That has always represented france to me. Whenever I see one I always think of my dad.

This church had my favorite of all the stained glass windows that I saw. It was completed in 1248. It is considered the most beautiful church in Paris. It has 15 stained glass windows that are 50 feet high. Each panel told a different scripture story. I would have never been able to pay attention to Mass. I would have been engrossed in the windows.

We sat down in a little section where the King used to sit for Mass. We sat there for a long time and just studied the windows. Remembering bible stories of my childhood depicted in the most beautiful way I had ever seen.

I loved the colors in this church. It was much more colorful than the Notre Dame.

I just stood there and took it all in. It was magnificent. Not only is the architecture so beautiful in Paris but the city is rich with history and I loved learning about different things.

Getting into St. Chapelle was different than the other churchs. We had to go through security and walk thhrough metal dectectors. It is located right next to the Palace of Justice so security was rather tight. Here is Scott in front.

Blow up this picture and look at the joker beside me. I was smiling at Scott for a picture and Scott was dying laughing and I had no idea that this guy was doing this beside me. I didn't know until after Scott showed me the picture.

We took a stroll along the River as we headed off to find some ham and cheese crepes for lunch.

We spent the afternoon shopping for souveniers. We had fun going into the different little shops looking for little trinkets that we could take home that would remind us of our trip. I got the cutest little silver bracelet with the different places we had visited.

I have been observing the fashion over her in Paris. It is completely different than how we dress in the US. I had to get a picture of this lady in her hat outside the cafe. She just embodied Paris fashion and it was great that she had a long slender cigarrette because I have never seen so many women smoke before. The men wear a lot of scarves and very skinny jeans.....in every color. I've seen them in pink, yellow, and lavendar. Several of the men wear suits.....but no ties. The woman wear mini skirts.....and I mean mini or short shorts with tights and stilleto heels. I still don't know how they walk on those cobblestone streets in those heels.....but they manage it. I was very happy to be in my sensible and comfortable walking shoes.

It was raining pretty hard by the time we got back to our hotel.....we stopped in at a little shop and got an extra umbrella of Scott because the one wasn't keeping both of us dry. Of course....we also had to stop by the bakery too.

Scott had asked me a few weeks before our trip what I was wearing for our dinner cruise. That kind of surprised me because he doesn't usually ask that. So I told him I'd bought a black and white dress. Well....as we were getting ready to go he whips out these two boxes. What? We had already decided we weren't exchanging anniversary gifts because this trip was our gift. Welll......he smiled and said "It's your birthday gift." I did get married on my 19th birthday and I remember Scott's mom saying she would ask me in 10 years if I still liked my present. Well mom....after 25 the answer is still YES......marrying Scott was the best present I have ever received. I opened the boxes and the first box had a beautiful round necklace with black and white diamonds....and the next box had matching earrings. They were just beautiful. I started to cry. Scott wanted to call a taxi but I thought it would be romantic to walk in the rain during springtime in Paris.....so we headed off down to the River to catch our boat for our dinner cruise.

We walked hand in hand and it was the perfect start to our evening. When we got to the boat someone else was at our table and so we were moved to a different table right beside the windows. It was a glass covered boat so everywhere had a good view of the city. The waiter came to open our wine that was sitting at our table and I said "No merci." I then told him that we didn't want anything with alcohol. We got that funny look again. A young couple was seated at the next table and he said "You sure know how to ruin the French experience." I apologized and said that we didn't drink and he laughed and said neither did they. We got to talking....they were from New York and were there for their 10th anniversary. He had brought his wife back to the place he had served his mission. Small world. I got a lump in my throat as I told him that my dad served his mission here many years ago.

25th Anniversary

Dinner was incredible. The best restaurant meal I have ever eaten in my life. Everything was about presentation. This was my prawn appetizer and it was pretty enough that I took a picture. I had a white fish for my main course and it was drizzled with the most delicate tomato cream sauce. It was delicious. Scott had veal and I took a bit of his. It melted in your mouth. The flavor was tantalizing on your taste buds. Live music played as cruised along the river. I ordered crepes suzette for my dessert......When they lit it on fire it startled me.....I didn't know it was covered in alcohol. The guy beside us said....don't blow it out.....or you'll be drinking....ha ha.

As nwe docked we came right by the eiffel tower all lit up against the darkened sky. As I looked into my sweethearts eyes and held his hand I hoped that this moment would last forever. I have spent 25 years with the love of my life and I will never forget this night. Scott's entry in our journal this morning said "Lucky me.....25 years with my very best friend." Love is grand!

The Louvre---Day 4

2010-07-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

This is a pretty cool shot of the little arch with the Arc de Triumph in the background. This is just outside of the museum

This morning we decided to take on the Louvre. I can honestly say that it kicked our butts. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the size of that museum. We spent 6 1/2 hours there and we still didn't see everything....and we were rushing through everything that we did see.

Outside the Louvre. I must say that French security is pretty laughable. I was not surprised that our purses needed to go though an xray machine but there were three people sitting there talking and they didn't even look at the screen as the purses were being scanned....and just a few days before there had been an art theft in Paris at a different location.

We got a map when we got our tickets and did we ever need it. So we just picked a place and ended up in the Eygptian exhibit first.....but we got turned around in there and ended up in one of the sculpture rooms.

Of course I had to get my picture taken in front of the Venus de Milo.....seeing as our bodies are so very much alike. Yes......I have a rock hard abdomen.......ha ha.....don't I wish.....and I am often referred to as the goddess of love.....ha ha......ya right.

The paintings by the Italian artists were my very favorite. I was surprised at how many of the pictures depicted Christ's birth or cruxifiction. This painting is the Madonna of the Angels. During the 1200's almost every church in Europe had a painting like this. Mary was a cult like figure....adored and prayed to by the faithful for bringing Jesus into the world.

The louvre was packed with tourists and school groups. Walking into the grand gallery there were so many people.

We were trying to find the Mona Lisa and we came upon a room that was so crowded just off from the grand gallery. I knew it had to be in there. Yep.....this is us.....with the Mona Lisa in the distance.

I'm not going to lie. I was a bit disappointed in the painting. It wasn't as big as we were expecting. It was beautiful......but I think there is a lot of hype. I saw many beautiful works of art that day including other Davinci's which I thought were equal in beauty. This was the only piece in the museum that was flanked by guards and had a roped off area so you could not get to close and she was behind glass so it was hard to get a good picture. We were packed in there like sardines. One guy yelled out "Mona Lisa....can I have your autograph?" Another yelled "Mona Lisa.....look at me?" Scott and I both looked at each other and decided that we were missing something.

From the Mona Lisa we headed into the French section. This also had beautiful paintings but I preferred the Italian artists. I liked the vibrant colors that the Italians used. Several of the french paintings depicted Napolean. I tried to get Scott to put his hand inside his shirt to take a picture.

We stood and watched this artist making a copy of one of the paintings in the french section. He was very talented. It looked just like the original to me.

One of my favorite exhibits was the African one. One reason was that it was a newer exhibit and it was downstairs and there was hardly a soul in sight. After being crammed into the gallery upstairs it was nice to have some peace and quiet to explore this section. I was intrigued by the magnificent works of art created from a piece of wood.

We found a sculpture of Scott. Pretty good likeness.

The lighting in the Louvre is very dark but we came around the corner into the french sculptures and there was daylight coming in and we were surrounded by gigantic sculptures. The entire room was beautiful. While we were in that section we ran into 4 sister missionaries. I walked up to them and said "Hello sisters. It must be P-day." They knew immediately that we must be members of the church since we knew what P-day was. They smiled and we talked to them for a few minutes. No surprise that three of them were from Utah and the other girl was from Virginia. I told them how lucky they were to be in the Louvre on their preparation day. I told them our son was serving in Mexico and on his P-days he is trying to get cockroaches out of his apartment.

This was a touching sculpture of a french soldier clinging to a wounded child.

Thses next 2 sculptures bring all new meaning to the term "Bite Me!"

We saw Napoleans apartments as our last stop in the Louvre. He sure enjoyed the finer things of life. There was about an hour left before closing time....but we were through. Our feet and backs were aching. We headed ended our day just as it began.....under the glass pyramid.

After a short rest at the hotel we went out for a late dinner. I ordered chicken and potatoes and was surprised when it came in a souffle bowl with a heavy rich cream sauce. It was quite tasty. Dessert was delicious. I had upside down apple pie and Scott had a waffle drenched in chocolate sauce and whip cream. He was in heaven. We headed up the the Champs Elysees for a late night walk to see the Arc at night. It was a tiring but amazing day. I have never seen so many magnificent pieces of artwork assembled in one place. What a treat!

Trip to Versaille-Day 3

2010-07-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

Our Versaille tour wasn't until the afternoon so we didn't set an alarm and we woke up at 9:30. We never sleep that late. I think jet lag and all the walking finally caught up to us. It was to late for breakfast at our hotel so we stopped at a little crepe stand near our hotel for breakfast. Then we headed off to catch the subway to head up for our tour. We got there a little early so we walked around the area and ended up in front of the famous Opera House. It was beautiful.

The streets in Paris are so narrow and at almost every turn there is another statue or monument.

This morning we saw something we have never seen before. A group of policeman came by......on rollerblades. We sat and stared. Still trying to figure out how effective they would be chasing a crook down the stairs into the subway system on rollerblades.

We boarded a double decker bus to head to Versaille. The drive was really nice and we got to see some more of the city. I am sure my mouth was hanging open when we pulled into the parking lot by the palace. INCREDIBLE. I knew it would be spacious.....but I really had no idea. It was huge. I guess it had to be since 5000 people lived there.....4000 of them were servants.

I have never seen so much gold before. It was everywhere. The palace entry gates were beautiful.

King Louis was known as the Sun King and there was evidence of that all over the grounds and the palace.

There were so many people touring the palace so we were happy that our tour was a guided one with ear phones so we could hear our guide. He was very informative and gave us so much background information. I felt like I was having a history lesson and I really enjoyed learning about the royal family.

The highest point in the village of Versaille is the cross on top the church in the palace. The king beleived that nobody except for God was higher than the King. There is still a statute in the city ordinances that prevent any building from being higher than that steeple.

We toured the grounds first. That took a couple of hours and I quickly saw why 4000 servants were necessary. The grounds were huge. I can't imagine the upkeep it took. There were beautiful and ornate fountains everywhere. The different fountains represented the different seasons.

If there weren't fountains there were statues.

This was an outdoor ballroom. The King loved to dance and he loved to throw parties. It was said that the king threw another party in the ballroom every time he fell in love which was about every couple of months. Apparently the King loved the ladies and had several mistresses.

I could just picture the beautiful ball gowns as they swayed to the music. I bet the royal balls were just grand.

This rock wall was the entrance to the ballroom and it represented sea shells. Just the tops of the rocks were fastened and you could lift them and move them. It was rather intriguing.

The grounds were impeccable. Lime trees lined the paths and well groomed hedges.

The interior of the palace was breathtaking. Vaulted ceilings all hand painted with different murals. Each had particular meaning. The first room we entered we were told that the artist lay on his back for two years painting the scene and then committed suicide shortly after completion. He was paid very poorly for his work.

The walls were covered with works of art. Paintings and sculptures everywhere. Several works of art depecting the royal family. Vanity was apparent here as they were everywhere. They really liked to admire themselves. Here was a beautiful portrait of Marie Antoinette

There were sculptures of King Louis everywhere. They had rock hard abs and a beautiful head of hair. Truth be told that the King was bald and short and fat. Really made me giggle that the sculptures and artwork stretched the truth a bunch. The King didn't want anyone to know he was bald so he made a decree that all who entered the palace must wear a wig. Benjamin Franklin came to Versaille and he was the only person ever permitted within palace walls without a wig. They could not find one big enough to fit his enormous head.

This is the entrance to my favorite room in the palace. The hall of mirrors. It was incredible. Hard to get a good picture inside of it though....so I'm glad I bought postcards from our palace tour. The hall is 250ft long. There are 17 arched mirrors and then 17 windows on the opposite side which have an incredible view of the gardens.

The queens bedroom was beautiful. I was suprised that the King and Queen had seperate quarters. In the Kings bedroom there was a secret door beside his bed where he would sneak his lovers in and out.

The walls coverings in some of the rooms looked like velvet. Huge chandeliers in several of the rooms. I was astonished at the wealth of the royal family. The people of France were starving and they were eating rats. No wonder that when Marie Antoinette said "Let them eat cake" that the french people turned on her. She and her husband were later beheaded. The King was convicted of committing hig treason for communicating with the enemy.

We stopped at a little cafe for dinner. I just had a salad.....but even the salads are better in France. It was the best restaurant salad I have ever eaten. We always get laughed at when we order pop. Our waiter really teased me and said "WHAT? You want a Sprite?" Everyone here drinks wine with dinner. He came out and poured it into my glass over his arm like he would with wine and he smiled and winked at me. He giggled everytime he came to our table. I gave him an extra big tip. Of course we stoppeed by the bakery on our way back to our hotel. These were Scott's favorite treat of the whole trip. They melted in your mouth. THe chocolate was divine. Scott took one bite and had a look of pure pleasure.

We stayed up late that night. The Eifell tower twinkles for ten minutes at the top of the hour and we stayed up to watch it at midnight. I can't get enough of looking at that tower as it shines in the night sky.

We kept a journal. It is funny the different things that we remember. I went on and on about the palace and the gardens and the thing that Scott remembered about the Versaille tour the most was that they had 5000 living there with no bathrooms. Poop in a bucket then dumped it out the windows....Poor fellows down below that lived on the ground level. He was also wrote an interesting fact that all of the kitchens were on the outside of the palace because they were afraid of fire.

Paris----Day 2

2010-07-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

We have the subway system already figured out. It is really quite easy and everything is mapped out well. It is a great way to get around Paris....except it smells kind of funky down there. This morning we started our day with a bus tour that was a historical tour of the city.

Our tour group had many languages represented on our bus and two different guides spoke to us in English, Italian, German and Spanish. Our guide had a very heavy accent and we really had to listen carefully to understand him. The architecture of the buildings here is beautiful. I love all the balcony's.

We got off the bus at the Notre Dame cathedral. I have never seen anything quite like it. It was very interesting to learn about the history of the cathedral. It is sad that much had been destroyed during the Revoloution.

I couldn't believe the amount of detail work that was on the outside of Notre Dame. The foundation stone was laid in 1163 and craftsman worked for 170 years. It was magnificant.

This is the Portal of the Virgin. The splendid stone was carved in the

13th century. and shows the Virgin Mary's death and glorious coronation in Heaven.

Scott was really intrigued by the sculpture work and how they were able to do that so many years ago without modern technology.

The wooden door with the iron work was simply beautiful.

The twin towers are 226 feet high.

The stained glass windows were breathtaking. Millions of crystals put together to form the most beautiful windows I have ever seen. The rose windows are on the north, south, and west facades.

It was quite dark inside the cathedral. Not a lot of light can come through the stained glass windows.

We waited along the Seine River to catch a taxi boat back to our bus tour. One thing I have noticed is how fast the people walk here and yet the whole culture seems very relaxed and laid back. There are little parks everywhere and people out talking naps on the lawn of having picnics.

The Joan of Arc statue is where we meet our tour buses. It was hard to find....tucked away in a little section of the city called Pyramids....but once we found Joan we knew we were there.

We found a little crepe stand along the famous Champs Elysee. We had a chocolate and banana crepe that was so delicious. I told Scott he had to figure out how to make them....and I'm happy to report we bought a special pan when we got home and we had some crepes a few days ago. Delicious. Took me momentarily back to France.

The avenue is lined with high end shopping. A little to rich for my wallet. We found a shoe store with a pair of high heels that cost 2300Euros. Holy smokes......do you know how many pairs of shoes I could get at Payless for that price? Saw a rolex watch in a window for 28thousand Euros. The Louis Vutton store had a huge line outside. It is customary at the Paris store to not have more customers than sales people.....so you have to wait outside.

There was a rugby match in Paris this evening and fans walked up and down the avenue dressed in their teams colors....faces painted.....flags waiving....horns honking....and singing and chanting. It was fun to watch it all.

We headed up the avenue to see the Arc de Triomphe. Once again we were amazed at the intricate and beautiful architecture.

Construction of the 165 foot high arch began in 1809. It was to honor Napolean's soldiers. Today the Arc is dedicated to the glory of all French armies.

The interior of the arch was beautiful.

At the base of the arch is the eternal flame that burns over the tomb of the unknown soldier. There were fresh wreaths at the tomb. There was a military ceremony that was getting underway as we were leaving the arch. I got a giggle out of the fact that it was the mens uniforms that had the furry red top not instead of the womens.

It got windy and rainy so we headed back towards our hotel. We had dinner at a little cafe close by. We stopped by the bakery and got another french pastry. Wow.....the french know how to bake. The desserts are mouth watering. The eifell tower was beautiful from our balcony this evening. As the sun began to set I stood and looked at it. I got a little emotional as I thought of my dad walking up and down these same streets as he preached the gospel on his mission so many years before. And I thought of how many times he had looked at the eifell tower as he brought his french classes over here. I missed him terribly that night. Wished he were alive to call and tell him everything I had seen. Oh how he loved Paris.

Bonjour! Paris---Day One

2010-07-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have so much to blog about our trip to Paris that I decided I would break it into days. So here we go. Paris----DAY ONE!

We started our vacation having dinner with Drew and Ross at Pier 66 on the Seattle waterfront. We had a very nice dinner and it was fun visiting with our friends. We got a hotel close to the airport and we were up at 4:15am. We had a full day of flying with a short layover at New York's JFK airport. We got stuck on a plane for an hour that didn't have air blowing and it was hot and stuffy....but we were so excited about taking off for Europe that it didn't bother us much. We finally took off and flew high about the clouds and then saw the glorious moon. It was beautiful. We were very surprised at the ease of clearing customs. They opened our passports....put in a stamp and said "Welcome to Paris" We were met by a shuttle driver at the airport and quickly saw that Paris has the craziest drivers I have ever seen. There is no sense to it. No lanes....and people just cutting each other off and honking. Motorcycles everywhere weaving in and out of traffic. I couldn't believe that we arrived at our hotel in one piece. We had a quaint little room in the heart of the city. The elevator was so tiny. We could barely fit our luggage in with us. We went to the top floor and found our room.....it was not much bigger than the elevator. We were dumb americans and couldn't even figure out how to turn on the lights. We looked all over for a light switch. The maid giggled when we asked for help.....there was a place on the wall to stick our card key in and it activated the lights.

We had severe jet lag.....but we were in Paris....and we weren't going to waste any time by taking a nap....we put away our luggage and stepped out onto the balcony and I was so excited to see our view of the eifell tower. We headed out for a walk to go and see the eifell tower up close.

One of the first things we noticed is that there are statues everywhere in Paris. Well....we came around the corner by the eifell tower and this statue moved and nearly stopped my heart. Scared me half to death. There are street performers everywhere....wish someone would have told me that! They were neat to sit and watch as they moved around and performed. We walked along the Seine River for awhile and then we were going to head back to our hotel. It was a beautiful day....the lines were long but I looked at Scott and said "You want to go to the top of the tower right now."

So....we took our place in line....and I waited nervously as we got closer. I am scared to death of heights. I was not going to leave Paris though and regret that I hadn't gone to the top of the tower....so I sucked it up and got ready to go. Do I look terrified? My heart was racing the closer we got to the elevator. Can I just say....the elevator has windows....and you can watch as you climb higher and higher. I was grabbing onto Scott's arm rather tightly and then he said "Honey....you are leaving nail prints in my skin."

The view from the tower was amazing. It is said that on a clear day like we had you can see for 45 miles. I believe it. We could see the Sacre Coeur clear on the other side of Paris....and had a great view of the arc.

Here we are on the first level.....yep....that's right.....we still have a lot higher to go. Yikes!

We still have a ways to get to the top

I can't believe how high up we are. Look how small those busses are down below. My heart was racing....but I was so thrilled to say I was at the top of the Eifell Tower. It was just incredible. I couldn't believe it. I was in Paris....the city I have dreamed of seeing since I was a little girl.

I was very happy to see the secure fencing around us. Looking down was a little hard for me but I am so glad that I conquered my fear of heights....at least long enough to go to the top.

The elevators are jam packed with tourists and on the way down we were stuck in an elevator with some people with extremely bad body odor. So we got off at the next level and decided to walk the rest of the way down the tower. We're still young. Right? What's a mere 702 steps down the Eifell Tower? Piece of cake......or so we thought.

Motorcycles everywhere....and pretty high classed ones. This one wouldn't be to bad in a rain storm.

The cars are so tiny....probably due to the high cost of gas in Europe. Scott didn't look like he would fit to comfortably in these little compact cars.

We stopped by a bakery on the way back to the hotel to get something for dinner. We had no idea what we were ordering and each got some kind of sandwich. I'm not going to lie....it tasted pretty funky and I wasn't able to get the whole thing down.....but the raspberry pastry that we bought for dessert was delicious. Scott went in and ordered at the bakery and I sat outside and people watched. He came out laughing and that trying to understand the procedure for ordering at the bakery reminded him of the Soup Nazi episode on Seinfeld. In one door, single file, order, pary and leave. No talking. Being deaf in one ear didn't help either and one lady that worked there started waving her hands and speaking really fast. The only work he understood was derriere. He said "I think she just told me to get my ass out of the way." We enjoyed every single bite of our dessert and headed to bed early as we had been up for so many hours.

Happy Birthday Grant

2010-06-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

I stole this picture from Stacie's blog. It really made me giggle. We are so happy that when Kevin married Stacie Grant came as part of a package deal. We have enjoyed getting to spend time with him and getting to know him. Grant is a part of our family....we love him like one of our own. Happy Birthday Grant. Have a very naughty birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENTSTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

Today is brent's birthday. We are so happy to have Brent in our family. He always has a smile on his face and his laughter is infectious. It just makes you feel good to be around him. He's becoming quite a tease........you have to be in this family to survive. We are so thankful that he and Carolyn fell in love and are very best friends. It is so nice to see. Happy Birthday Brent. We love you.......almost as much as Chris and Grant do......ha ha.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Today is Father's day. It is never an easy day for me since my father passed away. I miss my father terribly. I miss him when important things happen in my life and he isn't there to talk to and share in my joy....like when Kevin gave the valedictorian speech at highschool graduation, Carolyn and Kevin getting married, my son's mission calls, university graduation. I wish he were here to experience all of those things with me....but the times I miss him most are just the quiet moments when I get to reflect on how much he taught me......or when the Mariners beat the Yankees and I want to rub it in. I was blessed to have Ted Stewart King as my father. I love you dad.

I was blessed with a second father. My father in law Lloyd was a precious blessing in my life. He was one of the kindest men I have ever met. He loved to tease me....but he also loved to tell me how much he loved me. He taught me so much about integrity and charity. There isn't a person I've met in this town that doesn't speak very highly of dad. I feel privledged to have not only known him.....but to have been his daughter in law. I love and miss you dad.

Last....but certainly not least......Happy Father's day to the greatest father I have ever known. My children are so blessed to have Scott as their dad. He loves them dearly. He is so proud to be their father. I have precious memories of watching him out on the back lawn teaching Chris to fly fish.....or seeing the tear slide down his face as Carolyn danced a solo in her final dance recital.....or the joy in his face as Kevin came home from Brazil and embraced his dad. The best gift I ever gave my children was falling in love with Scott so he could be their dad. I love you babe. Thanks for being such a great example to our children. Happy father's day.

Elder Jackson

2010-06-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Paris was incredible. I took over 1000 pictures so it is going to take awhile to downsize some of them for the blog. I look forward to scrapbooking our trip. Paris pictures and stories to come.

I can't believe that it has been a month since I blogged. My new calling has me very busy and I just need to take some time so sit down and do it.

Elder Jackson sent us a really great email a week ago and I wanted to put it on here so I'd have it to remember. He has suffered from the extreme heat and terrible blisters but he is happy to be teaching the people in Guaymas Mexico. He looks great....and happy.....although he hates snakes as you can see in this picture. Here is part of his email.

Well my blisters are somewhat getting better. I have been here for 6 weeks and I'll get a new one every day because the dirt and cobble stone roads... every step is different so my feet get a new one every day in a different spot but they are never super deep anymore... that reminds me of a story. I would like to share an experience with you that I had on June 2 2010, its a little about service and a lot about love. I love my investigators so much and Silvia has realized that... Silvia was waiting on her porch and waiting for the boys of God to walk down her street for lesson 3. She is always so excited and it makes me smile. Anyways, she could see that I was walking with a limp. It was hot and my feet got beat up that day extra hard, blisters with puss and my calluses cracked open and were bleeding. She asked me what was wrong. I said that I had blisters and she said she knew what to do.... "take of your shoes" she said as she chopped a lime in half... I slowly peeled of my socks, when she saw my feet she wept, she could not believe i walked all the way to her house just for her. She thanked me, as she rubbed lime and lemons on my feet for bringing her this message of happiness. I am baptizing her on the 12th of June. She will be a relief society president soon I am pretty sure.

I had tears streaming down my face when I read this. He loves the people he teaches so much and as a mother it was so touching to read about Sylvia showing him love and rubbing his blistered feet with those limes. It is the kind of love that the Savior has for each of us.

Mom's Day

2010-05-16T17:54:00.001-07:00

I'm only a week late doing my mother's day post.....and considering I've been swamped with Relief Society stuff I am surprised I'm even getting to it now. I still need to blog about Scott's surgery.....one thing at a time. I have been blessed by having several women in my life that have been like mother's to me. First of all my own mom. She has been by my side on many occasions. I'll never forget her feeding me ice chips in the delivery room as I was giving birth to Kevin. I'll never forget the countless hours she spent at speech festivals watching me perform. I think the thing that I learned from her the most is to never be a door mat. I know how to stand up for myself and I'm thankful for that lesson she taught me. I was blessed with the greatest grandmother that a girl could have. Vivian King was a regal woman with a heart of pure gold. There will never be another like grandma Viv. I miss her every day. I am so proud that I am named after her. Grandma was the most loving and giving person that I know.....and not only did she mean the world to me....but also to my kids. My mother in law was the greatest. Not only did she raise an incredible son but she became one of my very best friends. She was a very talented woman. Melba always had her hands busy doing some kind of craftwork. I loved going over to her house and just sitting and talking with her. I miss that. I could not have hand picked a better mother in law. She was the best. There is a woman in Alabama named Ann Hearn. She put her arms around us and welcomed us to the ward and she just adopted our family when we were back there for a couple years while Scott was stationed at Ft. Benning. She is so loving and kind. She would box us christmas gifts each year and send them out West to us. We went back a few years ago to visit her. It was wonderful. She is a blessing in my life.

I had a great mother's day. This was my first mother's day as an empty nester and I wasn't sure how I was going to like it....but it turned out to be a great day. We got up early that morning to call Elder Jackson for my mother's day call. He emailed and told us to call at 7 but he never said am or pm. So we called that morning. TROUBLE-----Chris hadn't given us the complete number. He was missing a couple numbers that were the country code. After several attempts at that number I began to cry. I didn't know what I'd do if we couldn't reach him. Then I got on my knees and pleaded with the Lord. I asked Scott to call the mission office. He didn't think anyone would be there but Elder Olson from Minnesota answered and said "Oh yes....Elder Jackson is the new one that just arrived." He called and tracked him down and got the right number for us to call him back. We had an incredible visit. He had only been in Mexico for 5 days when we got to talk to him. He said that he thought his visa had been delayed for a reason. The president told him that he planned to send him to Nogales....that is the border city in his mission that is having so much violence. I got a lump in my throat when he told me this. He said that there have not been American missionaries there for quite awhile and they were going to send Elder Jackson there....but when his visa was delayed they made other arrangements so he was sent to Guaymas instead. Thank the Lord for listening to a mother's prayers! He told us his companion is from Mexico city and he didn't speak a word of English. Actually he told us that in five days he hadn't found anyone who did. He said that if I wanted to send anything to send toilet paper. I thought maybe the stuff down there was rough. He said "no mom....we can't even find any in the stores." They stuff their backpacks full of it when they go to church and use empty journal pages when they run out. He said there were cockroaches all over his apartment. Ick! He said that everyone calls him Elder Gringo. He told us that the little girls laugh when he speaks Spanish because he sounds funny. The woman come up to him....they want a green card. The bishop's wife calls him son in law....he said "These ladies down here want American grandchildren." Chris said his feet were covered in blisters. When it is to far to walk he said they hitch hike. I said "YOU DO WHAT?" He said "Don't worry mom.....the nice drug dealers always pull over to give us rides." "Are you kidding me" I guess not. He said those guys treat them really well and they have thier backs. It is the ones that buy the drugs that call the missionaries names. So.....obviously I have spent even more time on my knees in prayer than I had before this call. He sounds great though....and so very happy. After five days he had already asked a woman and her children to be baptized and that was going to take place this weekend. Can't wait to hear how that went.

I got to speak to all of my kids on Sunday. Kevin and Stacie are doing well in New Mexico and are all settled in their new place. They sent the most delicious chocolate covered strawberries to me for Mother's day. Carolyn and Brent are doing well in Provo. Brent is looking forward to finishing up with his school in two more semesters and Carolyn is so excited to be getting her own classroom in the fall. They sent me a beautiful purple orchid and it came by special delivery. Heather and Hilary (Brent's sisters) brought it over and we sat and talked for over an hour. It was such a great ending to my mother's day. We laughed a lot and I really enjoyed spending time with them. They are great girls.

I am thankful for all the amazing women in my life. You go Girls!

Graduation!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

After four years of hard work Kevin, Stacie, and Carolyn all got their bachelors degree from Brigham Young University. We are so proud of them for their dedication and hard work. This is quite an accomplishment.

A bunch of pretty COOL graduates.

A tender moment as Brent kisses his wife after the commencement ceremony. Carolyn earned her degree in special education.

Kevin and Stacie look great in their cap and gown. Kevin has his degree in English and Stacie has hers in Psychology. Kevin graduated cum laude.

It was an incredible weekend as we watched these three get their diplomas. We are so proud of each of them.

Grandma came down for the special occasion. It was a little emotional not having my dad there. Carolyn will be teaching special ed at an elementary school in Provo and Kevin is in grad school to get his doctoral degree in Midevil literature so he can teach at a university. My dad would have been so proud that his grandchildren had followed in his footsteps and want to teach.

We had over six hours of convocations on Friday but mom sure didn't care. It was great to be there for all of it. I love this picture with my kids.

After a full day of graduation we started loading the moving van bright and early on Saturday morning. Kevin and Stacie were moving to New Mexico for Kevin to attend graduate school and Stacie had a brand new job at the university of New Mexico. Good luck you two.

We got them all loaded and had to say our goodbyes that night. Grant was also moving back to Wisconsin. I tried to be a brave soul....but I couldn't hold back the tears. Seeing them all move even farther away from home was pretty difficult....but I think it was even harder for Brent and Carolyn to say good-bye. These guys have become the fabulous five. They did everything together and they are going to all miss each other terribly.

After we got Kevin and Stacie on their way we spent Sunday with Carolyn and Brent. We went to the temple grounds and took some pictures. Brent asked Carolyn to marry him at the Provo Temple grounds.

Zone 20 from the MTC was on a walk and we got to see Elder Jackson. Just for a few short moments. He was on a bench and we headed to the van so he wouldn't break any rules...but he stood up and started bearing his testimony in Spanish. He walked over to us and I wanted to hug him so badly. He reached his hand out and shook all of our hands. We snapped a picture. All these Elders are going to Mexico and they all shared a room with Chris. Chris said Adios and he was on his way. It was a perfect ending to a fabulous and rewarding weekend. Seeing our three graduate from university and then seeing Chris so happy at the MTC we felt such joy that weekend.

Elder Jackson has a visa!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

Chris called yesterday morning. He and his district were stuck at the MTC waiting for their visa's. He said "Mom....it's here. I'm going to Mexico in the morning." He was sad that he was leaving his companion Elder Jarmon. Nobody else in his district got their visa. He was excited to get there though and get to work. He got to call from his connecting flight in Pheonix today for five minutes. He said "Mom....you don't want to see the plane that I am about to board. I've seen crop dusters bigger than that." YIKES!!! He needs to learn to filter some of the things that he says to him mom. The other great thing about his visa arriving is I get my mother's day call......I wouldn't have received one if he was still at the MTC. Hurray for visas. May God bless Elder Jackson....and all the other missionaries throughout the world.
I have so much to blog about from our trip to Utah....but it will have to wait until another day.

Employed!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

Carolyn got a job today with the Provo school district. She has been so anxious to start her own class. I'm so proud of you bug. You are so much fun and you are going to be an incredible special education teacher. Brent......you lucky dog. Will be nice to have a sugar mama so you can finish school.

Wedding weekend

2010-04-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

Brent and Carolyn came home for a very quick weekend trip. Brent was walking his mom down the aisle for her wedding. Carolyn's cousin Julianne was nice enough to curl Carolyn's hair for the wedding. I don't think she had any idea how thick her hair is. She has short hair....but there is a ton of it. It was sure nice to have them home even if they were very busy. We did manage a Chico's pizza night when they first arrived and a matinee the next day. Carolyn and I even fit in some shopping where we each got some new clothes. Carolyn....those shoes I bought you were so dang cute. It's to bad they couldn't stay a little longer but Brent had to get back to school and Carolyn to work. That's okay....we will see them in just a couple of weeks for graduation.

Time to move on

2010-03-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

Well, two days after graduation Kevin and Stacie will be packed up and moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Kevin has been accepted into the UNM graduate program for a Master's in English. Stacie just accepted a full time job....with benefits.......with the UNM housing office. She will be supervising student employees. I'm not going to lie.....we are sad to see them move even farther away...but we are so excited for them to start this new adventure in their lives. Good luck with school Kevin.....and Stacie....I know you'll be great at your new job. Stacie's brother Grant that has been living with them is moving back home to Marshfield, Wisconsin. So.....we kind of feel like three of our kids are moving away. We will miss them all. We love you Kevin, Stacie, and Grant. Our love and prayers go with you. I think Carolyn and Brent will miss them the very most. They do everything together.

Happy Birthday Kevin

2010-03-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

Wow....do I really have a 24 year old? It just doesn't seem possible. I will never forget the day that bundle of joy with "Pink" hair was placed in my arms. Our parenting adventure began and what a joy it has been. Kevin you have grown into such an amazing man. We love you so much and we are so proud of the person you have become. What a blessing we were given when you arrived into our family. Not only we were blessed....but your sister and brother were so blessed to have you as their older sibling. You have always watched out for them. You are a fabulous son and big brother....and now a terrific husband. You bless each of our lives and we just want to say WE LOVE YOU KEVIN. Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!! Oh....and congrats on your personal best record for the half marathon. You are awesome! What a dedicated runner you have become. Great job!!!!!!!!!!!

A new chapter

2010-03-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I was thinking that as Scott and I headed into the empty nest phase of our lives we would be able to rest and relax after raising kids. Apparently the Lord has a different plan than that. We were are just beginning to enjoy this new chapter in our lives and have the freedom to do whatever we want....whenever we want. As much as we enjoyed cross country meets, dance recitals, and endless baseball games....we really like not having a schedule anymore. Well, this Sunday our lives got a whole lot busier. Scott is the HighPriest group leader so that keeps him hopping.....and I was just called to be the Relief Society President. So.....my quiet carefree days will be changing a bit. I've never been so terrified of a calling in my whole life. The bishop gave me a wonderful blessing when he set me apart. The first thing he blessed me with was the health and strength I would need to do this calling. That was such a comfort to me. I do know that the Lord can sustain us and give us strength that we didn't even now we had. I know that I will have to really rely on my Heavenly Father for guidance in this new calling. I have been blessed with a wonderful presidency that will help not only me but all the sisters in our ward. I have so much to learn from each of these sisters. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve and for the trust that has been placed in me. Keeping busy may turn out to be a realy blessing with Chris gone. Hopefully it will make his time pass much quicker. So here is to the new adventure I'm about to embark on.

Introducing Pete

2010-03-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

So, the couple that is renting Grandpa Jackson's has a cat. The cat has decided that it lives here though. It eats here....it plays here.....and it sleeps here....in the dog house....while our dog morgan sleeps outside next to the doghouse because it is always occupied by the cat. I don't know why Morgan is so nice to that cat. He will run off every other animal that steps foot in our yard. It was here so much that Chris decided to name it before he left. So.....here is Pete. He is actually a very fun and frisky cat. He likes to hide in my flower garden and pounce as I walk by. Trying to work out there in the flowers the other day was quite difficult with my little helper. Everytime I would snap off an old limb he would jump at it and want to play. The other day I looked out and saw a beautiful male pheasant in my back yard. A sure sign that spring has arrived to the Columbia Basin. Out the corner of my eye I saw the cat crouched down in the grass. Pete thinks he's a tiger....I'm sure of it. He lept.....and that bird flew off just in the nic of time.....that cat almost had pheasant under glass for dinner.

A couple weeks before that we came home one evening and the cat was sniffing around in the dirt.....Scott came out awhile later and that cat had caught himself a snake....or should I say half a snake.....he had bit it in half. He played with that half for hours....tossing it up in the air and really having a good time. So....Pete is really great at catching snakes.....and sometimes birds.....but I've never yet seen that cat with a mouse....and we live with a pasture in our backyard....there are plenty of them.....That darn Pete.

We finally got a letter.....and with pictures!!!!

2010-03-08T19:07:00.001-08:00

Getting dropped off at the MTC. Chris said it was freezing.

It's official. Elder Jackson has his nametag. Now.....if he can just keep track of it. That will be a miracle.

Chris is the district leader. This is his companion Elder Jarmon. He is from Bountiful, UT. That is kind of funny because we just had a missionary here in our ward and we always teased him about being from Bountiful. Chris loves his companion and they are getting along great.

Elder Hickman is from Moses Lake. He and Chris played Highschool baseball together. They both pitched for the Chiefs. Elder Hickman was supposed to fly out last Monday to his mission in Chile....but he has been delayed at the MTC because of the earthquake. His mission was hit the hardest and they can't get flights in there yet. They ended up in the same zone at the MTC.

Chris said he loves it. Not to crazy about the MTC food though. He said he is learning so much. He said that everyone should go on a mission. We are happy to hear that he is doing so well. He is kept very busy with his spanish classes.

How could I forget?

2010-03-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

How could I forget? Something else big happened this week. Kevin got his acceptance into the English Masters program at University of New Mexico. He is still waiting on others but now he at least knows that they are headed somewhere. Good luck Kevin and Stacie! You'll both do great no matter where you end up. I'm so proud of you both for working so hard in university.

Wonderful Week

2010-03-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

I've had a wonderful week. We finally heard from Elder Jackson on Thurday. It was a very short email but he reports that he is doing well....he loves his companion....and he is working hard. He is in a fast group. After just one week his group is ahead of the group that has been there for three weeks. So....he must be picking his Spanish up quickly. He said the spirit at the MTC is amazing....but he's not to thrilled with the food. He said he is so excited to get to Mexico. Bring on the beans and tortillas.

On Saturday we had the opportunity to go to the temple with one of Chris's very best friends. Tyler has been called to serve in Sao Paulo Brazil and leaves in May. He has been such a blessing in Chris's life. They had so much fun rooming together at college. It is always so great to see these young men grow up and go out and serve the Lord. It was a wonderful day to be in the temple and feel of the spirit there. I got to sit by one of my old laurels. Anne is a returned missionary that served in Italy and she is getting married next month. I love watching these young people grow up. God Bless you Elder Platt as you go out into the mission field.

I have the opportunity to attend sacrament meeting twice a month at the assisted living center. Scott is the high priest group leader and I'm in the relief society presidency so we get to go together. I always return from that meeting with a warm feeling. I am always uplifted by the testimony of the elderly that live there. There is one man that is in his mid 90's and he wheels around in his chair and shuffles his little feet to pass the sacrament to each of us. I always get a little chocked up as I watch him. He can't hear hardly at all anymore....but he sits there week after week....not knowing what is being said....because he knows that is where he is supposed to be. My dear friend Melanie's grandmother is there and she always add such spunk to our meeting. She really likes to tease me and I give it right back to her. There is a non member that comes each week and sits in our meetings. A much younger man that had a stroke a few years ago and is confined to a wheelchair. Then we have Brother Kemper. He got cancer over thirty years ago....and has beat it four times and he has such a strong testimonty of the Savior. I truly love going there and being blessed and spiritually fed by each of them. I'm thankful to Bro. and Sister Willis for assisting in the sacrament meeting each week. Today Scott knelt and blessed the sacrament there and it was so wonderful to see. It has been a wonderful week. I feel like my battery has been charged and I'm ready to take on another week.

I hope they call me on a mission.

2010-02-22T13:14:00.000-08:00

I hope they call me on a mission. When I have grown a foot or two. My friend Melanie's son Nathan inherited Chris's suit from when he was young. They were here for his farewell yesterday and Chris gave Nathan a future missionary pin to wear on his suit. Just had to snap a picture of Elder Jackson and the future Elder Bushman. Seems like just yesterday that it was Chris in that suit wearing that future missionary pin. My how time flies. He's grown from a boy into a man. Chris's farewell was wonderful. He had such a large crowd of family and friends that came to listen to him speak. He gave a wonderful talk. He is so excited about going and serving the people in Mexico. He asked one of the young men in our ward to play his violin for a musical number and it was so beautiful and it really brought the Spirit into our meeting. Thanks to all the people that have been so supportive of Chris. We love you all....and we are thankful and blessed to have you in our lives.

Feliz Cumpleanos Chris!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Buddy Roo. I can't believe my baby is 19 today and leaving on his mission in a couple of weeks. Chris....you have brought so much joy and laughter into our home. We will miss your smile.....that adorable dimple.....and your fantastic sense of humor.....your hugs.....your laughter....and so much more. You are going to be an awsome missionary. The people in the Mexico Hermosillo mission are so lucky that you will soon be arriving. You have a magnetic personality and you are a hard worker and love to serve. May the Lord watch over and protect you as you serve him with all your might. Happy Birthday Bud.....we love you.

Happy Birthday Carolyn!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to my little groundhog. I can't believe my girl is 22 years old today. Somewhere between the tap shoes and the tutu's you grew up. I love you sweetie. What a blessing you are in our lives. Your laughter is infectious. Thanks for being a wonderful daughter....and a great sister. We are all very lucky to have you. Enjoy your special day!

Happy Birthday Stacie!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-30T09:15:00.000-08:00

Today starts the crazy birthday week at the Jacksons. Stacie's today......Carolyn's on Tues.....and Chris next Saturday. Stacie, we are so happy that you are in our family and that you get to be the first birthday of the year for us. I hope you have a wonderful day! I hope you had a wonderful birthday dinner at Tucano's. Wish we could have been there to join you. You are so awesome. HAPPY 22nd Birthday!!!!!!!!!!! We love you so much.

2010-01-26T10:52:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh....I can't believe it has been almost an entire month since I posted. Just been so busy....and trying to spend as much time with Chris as I can before he leaves that I haven't even been on much. I know.....SHOCKING! So I guess I will try to fill in the blanks from the last four weeks.

The end of December brought a lot of tears into my life. One of my dearest friends moved away. This is not any friend....this is the friend that I can roll my eyes at during church and she knows exactly what I'm thinking. She knows when I'm at the very end of my rope and a girls lunch is necessary to help me hold on. I'm so excited for her though. Her husband got a great job in his field and the move is going to be so good for them. I just feel a little lost without her. I'm crazy about her kids too and the day they left they stopped by here and each got out to give me a big hug and I was trying my hardest to hold back the tears. I went to see her the other day....not only is she my friend....but she does my hair so I'm so glad they are only down in Richland. I'll be able to see her when we go to the temple. So....I got my hair done....and went to lunch with her and her two youngest ones. The little guy came on a dead run and jumped into my arms. It was just the fix I needed.
We have been going to the temple once a week since Chris went and it has been so wonderful. We are going to try to conquer the pass the Friday and take him to the Seattle Temple. Just depends on the amount of snow up there.
It is less than a month now before Chris leaves. The time is passing so quickly. It has been so nice having him around....even if I do have to share him with Kelcey. Just the two of us went to dinner lastnight and it was really nice to talk to him. In the evenings he cuddles up to me with his horsey blanket and i get to rub his head while we watch tv. I can't even begin say how much I'm going to miss him. He brings so much joy and laughter into our home. He is being sent to a pretty dangerous area and I'm scared to death but he is so excited about going to Mexico. They are so lucky to have him.
There has been a lot of stress with Relief Society stuff this past month. It just seems like there is so much that people have to deal with these days. It is very sad to see so many going through so much struggle.
The earthquake in Haiti was so devastating. It breaks my heart to see so many people struggling. I have cried many tears watching the news reports from over there. I pray that the Lord will sustain these people and bless them as they try to rebuild their shattered lives.
This weekend we just needed break from everything here. Chris was on a boys weekend with his buddies that are all waiting to leave for their missions. They went to Pullman for the WSU women's game. One of Chris's best buddies is a 6 foot five freshman that starts for the team. They had a great time. So....we were empty nesters again for a couple of days and we headed to Spokane for Kobe's AAU playoff game and then we went to Ted's to watch the Zags game. A lot more fun watching it with them. Ted and Kobe get so excited. Zags win again!!!!!!!!!!!! They are having a great season. I love college basketball.....and right after that ends.............PLAY BALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait! Just signed Hernandez to a five year deal and we picked up Lee in the off season. Mariner's will look great on the mound this year!!!!!!!!!!!
Carolyn got a job at a middle school in Provo. She doesn't have her own classroom....but she is happy to be working in her field of study. Her diploma arrived the other day and she was so thrilled to get that piece of paper with her name on it. Way to go bug!

We are going to Paris!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-30T20:10:00.000-08:00

So....Scott has been bugging me about getting my passport. I need to get back into the United States from Canada now....and I'm the only one in the family that didn't have one yet. So.....he even went so far as leaving me notes reminding me to go get it. Well.....now it all makes sense. Christmas morning there was a package that said "Open last" It was my present from Scott. He wrote me the most beautiful letter. Told me how much he appreciated me being there to help him while dad was sick. It was just beautiful....and then he told me that he had been thinking of how he could show me how much he appreciated me. The next envelope had an all the information about our trip to Paris for our 25th anniversary. What? I started to cry. Of all the cities in the world it is Paris that I have always dreamed of visiting some day. My dad served his mission in France and he took several trips to Paris with my mom and his french class. Somehow.....I got the trip to Quebec.....what a ripoff....ha ha. Well....since my dad passed away I've had even more of a desire to walk along the Seinne River and see the gardens and visit the museums of Paris. I can't even begin to express how excited I am. We will spend our anniversary in June in Paris!!!! It is almost unbelievable to me. Such an awesome gift.....and it overwhelmed me. Scott has always wanted to go back to St. Lucia where he served his mission.....and instead he picks the place that I want to go. How loving and unselfish. I can't wait until we go. Thanks babe. I can't wait to spend time with you in Paris.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-30T15:54:00.001-08:00

What a wonderful Christmas at the Jackson house. It was so great having all of our kids home for Christmas. We were pretty much on top of each other....but that didn't matter a bit. It was just wonderful to be together and laugh and play and just enjoy each others company. With Chris getting ready to leave for his mission it will be awhile before we are all together again.

Looks like Chris and Brent could both use a little more sleep.

Scott opening his fishing presents from Chris. I'm sure he will put them to good use.

Stacie gave Kevin a professional picture that was taken when he ran the St. George Marathon.

The guys in thier new Mariners shirts.

A hungry bunch....waiting for Christmas dinner

Scott grilled the prime rib and it was so delicious

We all played pictionary after dinner and Brent and Carolyn were the winners....and she let all of know that!

Brent's dad and sister teamed up. Mark was better at giving away clues to Brent than he was at drawing.

Fun playing games

Stacie and Kevin make a great team

Brent's sister Heather teamed up with Chris. He kept her laughing.

Chris and Brent chilling on Christmas night. Those two crack me up. Brent looks pretty comfy.

We had a fantastic Christmas. Wonderful gifts.....I got an Obama chia head from Brent and Carolyn.....those nuts.....and a beautiful calendar that Stacie had made full of pictures of our family. I love it. Chris got me a cool case that he antiqued to store his letters in that he will send me from Mexico. Scott wrote me the most beautiful letter and gave me such a special gift....but I am going to post about it all on its own. It was wonderful to be all together. Couldn't have asked for anything better.

Leavenworth

2009-12-30T14:07:00.001-08:00

A couple of days before Christmas we took everyone up to Leavenworth. It is a little Bavarian city nestled in the cascade mountains. It gets all decorated up for Christmas. All of the little shops have so many treasures. It was such a great day.

Kevin and Stacie. It gets pretty cold up there so cuddling is necessary.

Carolyn and Brent in front of the pretzel tree.

Chris loves going to his favortie store there....the Austraila store. He bought some pepperoni sticks that were alligator and kangaroo. I took a bite of the alligator stick....it was good.....until he told me what I was eating.....and then it kind of gagged me.

Mom and I walking along the streets in Leavenworth.

The funniest part of the trip was the "Hot sauce" episode. There is this little shop that has food samples and we have been there before and Chris almost singed his tongue on the hot sauce. So....I warned everyone not to try it. Well....Stacie just couldn't take it....she said that now she just had to try it.....her face was fine at first....and then the burn began.....Kevin followed.....they both ran over to starbucks looking for milk to quench the fire burning in their mouthes. Carolyn and Brent were next. Brents face got all red and swollen.....they went as fast as they could to the icecream shop.....when they walked in they were handed samples because they knew they had partaken of the hot sauce. Well.....Chris is the last one.....he had his pretzel loaded with hot sauce....he had extra on it because he was going to give it to his sister....sounds just like a little brother.....I told him not to do it. He said "Mission Prep".....and put the whole thing in his mouth. He said he thought he was going to die. His mouth was on fire for about 30 minutes. Why oh why don't they listen to their mommy? I was laughing so hard as they all were trying to figure out some way to extinguish the burning sensation inside their mouths.

Temple Day

2009-12-30T13:43:00.001-08:00

On the 22nd of December we had the wonderful opportunity of joining with Chris as he went through the Columbia River Temple. What a marvelous experience. We watched as family and friends joined with Chris in this spiritual occasion in his life. The feelings were so strong that day.

The family stopped for a moment to take some pictures before Chris had to go inside. Inside we were also joined by Uncle Tom and Aunt M'Lee, Milo and Melanie Bushman, and Les and Janine Michie, and Bakers. I can't even begin to express the overwhelming sense of joy it was to be together as an entire family within the walls of the temple. It was very emotional for me. Seeing my children all there embracing one another was one of the best days of my entire life. It was a moment that I will cherish forever. I don't really know when exactly it was when Chris went from being a boy to a man.....but it happened somewhere between baseball games and swimmeets.....and what a wonderful man he has grown into.

Kelcey joined us on the trip to the temple. She was a trooper. She sat in the waiting room for a couple of hours as she waited for Chris

to be done. I'm glad she could join us on this special day.

She's DONE!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-11T09:53:00.001-08:00

Today is Carolyn's last day of student teaching. I know it will be hard for her to leave those students. She had an amazing mentor teacher and such a wonderful experience at Springville Junior High. I can't believe I have a University graduate. I feel very OLD today. Way to go Carolyn. I'm so proud of you for all your hard work and determination as you finished your special education degree. You are awesome. You're going to be an exceptional special education teacher. You have so much love to give. Let the job hunting begin! I hope you get that job in the district.....sounds like a good fit for you. We love you bug! This is quite an accomplishment.

Gone but not forgotten

2009-12-09T10:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I stopped what I was busy doing and sat down and watched the memorial service for the 4 slain Lakewood Washington police officers. What a sight it was to behold as I saw the thousands of police and fire vehicles in the procession. As the caskets arrived even with thousands lining the street it became very quiet. Seeing the salutes from fellow officers was touching.

There were police officers from not only around the country....but from around the world. I must admit that the 1000 police officers that belong to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police looked the sharpest. It was a carpet of red as they marched into the Tacoma Dome. They really stood out in the sea of blue uniforms. I was proud of my canadian heritage as I watched them march in and take their place among the other law enforcement personel that were there to honor these fallen heros.

There was a touching moment before the service began. There have been makeshift memorials set up all around the city and a reporter talked about a seven year old boy that came and left a Mariners baseball and his baseball glove.....with it a note that said "These are my most prized possesions but I am giving them to you." What a tender and thoughtful gesture from a young boy that recognized the service of these four slain officers. I shed a few tears over that one. The service was beautiful. A wonderful and well deserved tribute to those in uniform. As the service concluded and the folded flags were presented to the families instead of a 21 gun salute there was a bell that was rung 21 times. Then the saddest moment of all......the stadium became completely quiet and the officers radio control letters were read three times.....NO RESPONSE.....after no response came with each one a voice said "Gone....But NOT forgotten."

May God bless these families as they grieve. May we all remember the sacrifice they made to serve others.

A day to reflect

2009-12-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

I have been in a rather reflective mood today. Today would have been my father's 70th birthday. This is a picture of my dad at 1 year old. Oh how I wish that dad was still with us and I was able to talk to him today and wish him a happy birthday. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him. There are many things that I learned from my father....and many traits that I inherited. He would always tell me "Remember who you are" I took that to heart....and I always tried to live up to the King name. After all....as a little girl I thought we were royalty. I have since learned that it is so much more than that. I am a Daughter of God....and I need to live and Honor that birthright. I learned to always be my very best self.

This is a picture of my dad as he left for his mission to France. Isn't he handsome? Some of the traits I inherited other than the obvious King nose.....are always being very early to everything. My dad hated being late. My lack of patience I attribute to my dad as well. I think one of the traits I got from him that shines through quite often is my ability to stand up for myself. I didn't always have that quality but as I grew I learned it from my father. I got my stubborn streak from my dad too. There are times when I will do something and Scott will say "Okay Ted King" I take that as a compliment.

A couple of weeks ago I had a very special experience. I had been to the temple and I had dad on my mind. I had prayed that I might feel him close to me. Two days later we were on our way to Rexburg to see Chris open his mission call. I was pretty emotional on our ride down there. I told Scott how sad I was that both of Chris's grandfather's were gone and they could not share in this with him. We hit snow and slush on the roads on the pass and suddenly we started to slide.....I gasped and said a quiet prayer.....I felt like there were arms around me....and I felt so warm....but I didn't feel like it was my heavenly father....but my earthly father. I couldn't get dad off my mind for the rest of the trip. I hoped that he and grandpa Jackson had the best seat in the house for Chris to open his call. As we walked into the Costco in Missoula, MT....there was a great big package of vinyl transfers for your wall....and it was the Eiffel Tower. My dad was a french teacher.....and every time I see the Eiffel Tower I thought of him. I must admit I was a bit surprised to see it there....didn't seem like something that those in Montana would have on their walls. No antlers or anything.....ha ha. Well.....we went into TJ Max when we were done at Costco....and that is where we got the text from Chris that his call had arrived....and just as I walked around the corner in the store there was a big silver Eiffel Tower. I really felt like my dad was trying to tell me that he was there....that he knew of Chris's call....and that he would be with us. I love you Dad. I'm grateful that I am your daughter.....and I'm grateful for the things you taught me while you were here...and even now since you've been gone. Happy Birthday Dad.

****Minutes after I had published this post I got an email from my cousin Linda telling me that My cousin Shane's wife Pam had delivered a baby boy today.....on my dad's birthday. That little guy is going to share a birthday with a very special family member. Congrats Zobell family!

VICTORY

2009-11-29T18:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-23T14:17:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-08T10:15:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

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.

What's wrong with this picture?

2009-10-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

So......Scott and I have been checking everywhere for H1N1 vaccines. The first round of vaccines that arrived at my clinic were reserved for health care workers and children. They didn't get anywhere near the number of vaccines that they ordered. Vaccines finally arrived at the hospital but are reserved for only health care workers....and those with patient contact have top priority. Thankfully Scott falls under that category so he was able to finally get vaccinated.....so at least he can't get the virus and bring it home to me from there. There is not a vaccine available in Grant County. My clinic is also out of seasonal flu vaccine because production has slowed to enable getting out more H1N1....and the first seasonal flu vaccines they received were just reserved for children. So.....here I sit....feeling a bit like a sitting duck....with a compromised immune system.....and no vaccine.

Yesterday I read a report....that if I wanted to be vaccinated I could commit a crime....because the prison system has plenty of vaccines. Apparently they are high risk because they are in such close quarters. Are you kidding me? Pregnant women and children and those with compromised immune systems have been waiting in line for hours only to be turned away because they ran out of vaccine....but violent criminals are going to be able to get vaccinated ahead of them. Something is seriously wrong with this picture. Murderers....rapists....armed robbers.....you name it......they get to receive their shots because they live in close quarters. Last time I checked.......THEY MADE THE CHOICES THAT PUT THEM THERE! They should be the last ones on the list to receive vaccines. The staff in the prisons should be vaccinated......and that is it! That is just ridiculous.