The Jackson Family

2011-11-24T16:31:00.001-08:00

The James Family decided to donate a Christmas Tree for the Blackfoot Christmas Tree Fantasy. I was in charge so of course I got my girls to help. Melanie and I went shopping with the money that was donated from our family and then decorated the tree that was donated by Karen.

Hidden Treasures

Mom & Dad came over on Monday night to help out and fix the lights. We were about to give up until Dave got home from work. When there is a job to do.....he takes on the challenge. He fixed all the lights!! He is great at things like that. Melanie and Chelsey and I finished up the decorating the next morning.

I know it doesn't look that great in the garage but I hope it looks great at the fund raiser and that it sells for lots of money to help out those in need.

We have some hidden incentives to buy the tree......Dave gave up his basketball signed by all the Jazz players and coach Jerry Sloan. Karen and Barry are bringing their football signed by Lavell Edwards. Whit and Griff are bringing a football signed by the U of U football team. We also have some match box cars hidden in the tree (thanks to Dave for buying them in storage auction) and some jewelry in the treasure boxes in the tree.

2011-11-13T19:44:00.001-08:00

Dave Jackson AKA Great White Fisherman

Dave went fishing in Salmon Idaho. It was a "boy" trip. He said he had fun but there was no talking and laughing and staying up late and going to movies or shopping or going out to eat. There was however a cold cabin, hard beds, cold river, dirt and a bunch of smelly guys. How is that fun????

2011-11-13T19:32:00.001-08:00

We have been following Utah Football again this year. We had a great time in Tucson Arizona with Chris and Colleen Thompson. We spent a few days at their house and played Pinochle and shopped and just relaxed.

Whit and her Dad

It's a good thing I love Red!!

It doesn't get any better than this!!! Old Age is great!

Griff waiting for a punt.

2011-10-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

Roxy, Kathy & Louise
We rode 80 miles in the Little Red Riding Hood Bike Event.

My good friend Carla Albertson & I at the Wonder Woman Ride

Coming in to the finish!!!

We did it!!!! 100 miles:)

Proof!

Carla and I did a ton of biking this summer. We rode all over Pocatello and even rode to Idaho Falls a couple of times. It was a fun summer spending time together and getting some great exercise. We rode from Payson to Nephi and then to Spanish Fork and back. I especially loved going through the canyon from Nephi to Benjamin. Wonder Man was at the finish line in Payson, Utah.

2011-10-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

2011 SISTERS TRIP!!
We went to SLC and stayed at the Country Inn and Suites and sewed bags. Rachelle and I loved it. Melanie and Casey thought it was fun. Whitney had school so hers got done for her...needless to say she loved it even better. Chelsey endured it. Everyone did love the shopping trip the next day and the Broadway play Mama Mia. We were dancing and singing and having a great time. Dexter got to come with us.

2011-10-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

We had our Jackson Family Reunion the end of July. We rented a cabin in Bear Lake. I wish we had taken a picture of us all together but we didn't. Mom and Dad James came to visit for the first night.

I love this picture of Jackson and Bryson hugging. They are such great buddies!

Cooper!!!! Love this boy!

The Three musketeers. Jackson, Bryson and Russell. They had so much fun playing together. They spent lots of time in the sand and dirt outside catching critters!

Josi hurt her ankle the day before we left and couldn't walk on it the whole time we were there.

Jenika was the Limbo queen!!!

What if the Hoky Poky really is what it is all about??????

Getting pretty for Football Camp!!!!

Rachelle is in her element!!!! This is part of Family Home Evening.

We are so glad Chelsey married Brett for lots of reasons. His boat was a great asset to the fun we had on Bear Lake. Wish I had a picture of him wake boarding!!!!

2011-10-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

Casey & Luke moved to Florida:( I got to keep Cooper for a week while they drove there and then Cooper and I flew to Naples:) I had so much fun with Cooper and then it was fun to see where Luke and Casey will be living for the next 26 months. We will miss them terribly but are glad for the opportunity for Luke to continue his education.

Coopers room!

At the beach! They live in a vacation spot. I'm sure we will all go visit.

One of the cutest boys I know!!!

2011-10-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

So, I am going to try this again. I have so much to catch up on I decided to start with last night and move backwards. This is Cruella De Vil at our Ward Halloween party. Yes, I actually blew smoke out of that cigarette in the church. It was pretty shocking to some. My mother would be so proud!!!

Melanie was a witch. Her Broom....Josiah, is unfortunately not in the picture. Denaie is eating her roll as Fancy Nancy and Russell is a mad scientist.

2011-10-26T20:27:00.001-07:00

Okay, I know it has been too long since I updated this blog. I really don't know where the time goes. It seems the older I get the faster time flies. I thought I would just put some highlights of the last year up tonight and see if I can remember how to do this.
Chelsey got married the week after we got back from Hawaii!!! She married Brett Bybee and they are the cutest couple. Words cannot express the joy, happiness, relief, or gratefulness I felt having all five of our beautiful daughters in the temple together. Hopefully, there was one more watching from above. It was a great day, as was all the weddings of our daughters.

Hawaii 2010

2010-11-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

Papakea!!! Another great vacation. This is the view from our Lania. We walk the beach every morning and go to sleep listening to the waves roll in. It is like heaven.
We had a great time with Cooper and Casey and Luke!
Kevin and Joylene Quick, Luke and Casey and Josiah and Melanie and Dave and I all had a great time at big beach!
Cheeeburgers in Paradise is my favorite place to eat. Live music, great food, and fabulous company, listening to the ocean and watching the sunset....what could be better?
Tyler Millward and his wife Carri live here and they came to see us a few times. Nora is a a doll!
We went on a snorkel trip to Molokini on a boat. We swam with Turtles and saw lots of cool fish. Josiah wnet crazy with his underwater camera!!
I think Luke had fun even though it was way out of his comfort zone!
Putting at the condo...by the way I think I won!
Cooper got to get into the ocean with his grandma and was even liking it until his dad came to rescue him. I think Luke was afraid I would let go. Cooper was pretty scared of the ocean at first but he loved the sand.
Balancing on a long board....I didn' post the picture of Luke for reasons I won't mention here. Casey and I and Josiah all "walked on water". It was great fun!
Dave and I took a bike tour to Haleakala....the Crater. We left at 2:30 in the morning and drove up to 10,700 feet. The sinrise was beautiful but it was COLD! Then we rode a bike down the hill.
It has been great and now we are ready for the next big adventure that awaits us at home. Chelsey and Brett Wedding...here we come! Life doesn't get any better than this!

Chelsey 's Birthday

2010-08-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

That is alot of candles!!!
Grandma and Grandpa stopped by to see Chelsey for her birthday.
Chelsey opened presents on the deck with Brett.

Jackson Family Reunion 2010

2010-08-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

Cooper at his first Jackson reunion! He doesn't know which Jackson yet.
The kids entertained themselves all day in the sand.
Who needs a boat????
Delaney likes to put shoes on her hands to crawl with. She still won't walk but loves shoes!
Casey and Cooper at the lake.

We played the see food game and Dave got an onion to eat.....it was pretty funny.
We rented a house 20 minutes from Bear Lake in Ovid. There were encough beds for everyone and we didn't have to set up tents or cook over the fire.

Chelsey lead the nieces and nephews in a rendition of Proud Mary. Chelsey made a great Tina Turner.
Rachelle getting Jenika ready for the beach. We spent the whole day at Bear Lake in the water. The kids built a sand swimming pool, Josiah built a turtle, and Luke got sun burned. We played football in the water and everyone got tackled and dunked except Dave who wouldn't take out his hearing aids. (Who would have thought hearing aids could be a form of protection!)

Bryson, Jackson, and Russell were tutored by Grandpa Dave.
Whit and Griff
We are not sure what Rachelle is doing!!
Delaney was busy packing to go to the caves.
This is what Dave looked like for much of the trip. He was readding "Driven" by Larry Miller.
We went to the Minatonka Caves.

2010 Cousin Camp

2010-07-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

We had a great two days! We painted shirts, had races, played duck duck goose, had a scavenger hunt, went to the movie (How to Train a Dragon), roasted marshmallows, slept in the tent and went to Lava. All together and loving it!
What would we do without Aunt Chelsey!
Bubbles!!!
Jackson in the lead of the Gunny Sack race!
Ready Set Go!!!Bryson
Russell
Josi
Jessica
Jackson
Cutler
Jenika
Sierra
Josi soaking up the sun at Lava
Cutler just hanging out
The painted shirts....what artists! Everyone had a great time and went home worn out!

2010-07-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago Chelsey, Susan B., Nicole C., and I went to Zions National Park and hiked the Narrows. It was on my bucket list so now I can check that off. It was amazing! It took us 11 1/2 hours. I was so sore and tired that night I wasn't sure how I would walk the next day but I survived. The Narrows is a 16 mile hike down the Virgin River. There are sections where the danger of a Flash Flood could be fatal so I had just a bit of anxiety going in. There is a stretch called "Wall Street" that is a mile and a half long that is nothing but 1000 foot walls on both sides of you and in spots was no wider than about 20 feet. It sprinkled on us and thundered just as we were begining "The point of no return" or Wall Street. We all looked at Nicole (who was our expert) and questioned the decision to go ahead but we all trusted her when she said she thought we would be fine. That is when Chelsey kicked in gear and we all tried to keep up with her. We did stop for some pictures with Nicole's camera that are awesome. I will try to get those up here some day. We had to put everthing in ziplock bags, including and especially the cameras so they wouldn't get wet. There were spots where we were up to our chest in water walking down the river and there was even a stretch about 20 feet that we had to swim. It was really an adventure.

The first water crossing of 124 from 7:30 untill noon. After that we lost track.

Whitney.....we'll never look as good as you but we will keep trying!

We thought we had to jump down the waterfall but we took the path of least resistance to the right!

Don't let the smiles fool you!!! I was so tired and sore at this point but very glad to make it out alive!!!!It was one of the best hikes I have ever been on and I loved it....thanks Nicole!!

Cooper Luke Jackson

2010-06-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

Today Cooper Luke Jackson was blessed. All 21 of us and all of Luke's family came and we had a picnic at the park afterwards. The weather was great and we all had a great time. It was fun to be together.

The Month of May is BUSY!!

2010-05-30T20:21:00.001-07:00

Jackson had his appendix out! We all went to see him in the hospital.
Delaney and I share a birthday.....56 years apart! Happy Birthday!

Mothers Day and Sierra's birthday were celebrated with dinner and fun!

Grandma and Grandpa Dave and Roxy visiting Cooper.
Russell was on his way to school.
Jessica & Josi love to dance!
What a cute boy you are Cooper!

Memorial Day....Jerrilyn and Paige and the whole bunch.

Our 10th Grandchild!!!

2010-05-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

Cooper Luke Jackson arrived April 26th at 8:00 by c-section (due to his breech presentation). He weighed 7lb 1oz and measured 18.5 inches long and is adorable. Four days later at the doctors office he measured 20 inches long, his legs finally stretched out. He looked like kermit the frog for a few days. We have taken some fast trips to Provo and Nephi and back. Luke, Casey and Cooper are all doing great!!!

Branding

2010-04-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

We had a ward "western" dinner party the other night. I brought my man to brand!!! We had fun....we ate and played games. Remember the See Food Game? It was pretty funny! We ate marshmallows, raisins, water chestnuts, tomatoes, peaches, lemons, pretzels (that is what I got), gummy worms, hot tomales etc. I love our ward!!

Junior Miss

2010-04-09T18:56:00.001-07:00

The Junior Miss program was a success!!! There were 25 beautiful girls who participated. It was tons of work and I am exhausted and ready to do something besides Junior Miss but it is such a good program. It is very rewarding to see the girls learn and grow. Now it is time for a break!!!

2010-03-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy week going to basketball games. We went to the Jazz game Monday night in SLC. They played the Celtics. It was a great game and what made it better was that Shawn & Chelsey, & Casey and Luke were there too. Chelsey came home for a week and brought her friend Amy. It was fun to have her home. Dave and the boys went back to SLC (and Chelsey) for the NCAA games and then I went back with him on Saturday. Chelsey flew back out on Sunday morning. It was a busy fun week!

2010-03-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today is our 36th year anniversary. Wow we sure have the wrinkles to prove it. On Monday nights we take dinner over to our good friends the Gibsons and eat with them. Scott has ALS and can't get out much. We have some good times on Monday night and tonight they celebrated signing on their house and we celebrated 36 glorius years together!!! Woo Hoo!!

2010-03-12T17:14:00.000-08:00

I had the great fortune of having these cute grandchildren for awhile while their mothers were busy. They are so fun!!!

2010-03-12T16:52:00.000-08:00

Our Pocatello/Chubbuck Junior Miss program is in full swing! Melanie and I have our hands full but we have a great committee and lots of help. We have 25 girls this year. It has been fun, stressfull, time consuming and rewarding.

2010-03-12T16:45:00.000-08:00

I talked Dave into a picture a few Sundays ago. Our Church is not until 11:30 this year so we have some extra time in the morning. Dave doesn't like his picture taken but he looks good doesn't he? I was going to write something inspirational for Sunday but it has taken me so long to get to this....I can't remember. What I do know is that I am inspired when I go to church. I always learn something and I can recomit to be a better person. We had a Relief Society Stake meeting a few weeks ago and they talked about having a Heart like "His". I have been thinking about that a lot. I had read the book by Virginia Hinkley Pearson (I think that is her name) and I loved it. I would highly recomend it.

THANK YOU!

2010-03-01T08:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have been fooling around with this blog for way too long and it is more challenging than I want it to be right now. So for now.....no private blog...it is just over my head and too time consuming. I did change my music though after much trouble and so I am saying....Thank You for being my friend!!! All of you. I am feeling very blessed today to have so many friends and such a great family! Life is good!

NEW YEARS EVE

2010-03-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

After years of planing and attending elaborate New Years Eve parties, we have settled in quite nicely with the "old" crowd. For the past 7 or 8 years we have been going to Cotants for a dinner. We all bring our own steaks that J O cooks for us. We sit at a table set with china and have shrimp coctail and baked potatoes and salad and great conversation. I have to admit the first few years I missed the excitement of a dance or a party full of games but I have really enjoyed these parties and look forward to them every year. I know I am showing my age but I don't even feel that bad about it!
Bill & Linda Orr, Sonny & Susan Davis, J O & Kathy Cotant, Kent & Emily Yost.
Being old is really not that bad!! I quite like being 50 something!

Christmas Eve 2009

2010-02-27T20:27:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Eve program stars!
Lets get the party started!!
Mary and Joseph (Jessica & Cutler
And the Angels sang...
We have a scavenger hunt on Christmas Eve. It was a blast!!! We made a great team once Josiah and Griffin quit fighting about who was going to drive.
Much to Chelsey's surprise...The winning team!
The "last place" team!
Santa arrived early!!

Chelsey got a JAZZ shirt and tickets to go to the JAZZ sign in party. She was thrilled to say the least!

Thanksgiving 2009

2010-02-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

Okay I know Thanksgiving was a long time ago but I am doing my best to catch up. These are just some photos from the fun day!!

I forgot the last picture entered was the first one to show up.....This is Tom...wow!! And that is all I have to say about that!
Casey is trying to show her baby belly!! Cute!

We had a round robyn ping pong tournament. Sure was fun even though I didn't win! Griffin thinks he is all that!!

Mom & Dad at the "quiet" table.

Three girls in red!! Mom, Me, Debra

MY MAN!!!

2010 New Year...New Plans....

2010-02-14T19:48:00.000-08:00

I just looked at my pictures to put some on this blog and got discouraged becasue I have not even looked at the pictures we took at Thanksgiving... I did get them downloaded on the computer and maybe I will start tomorrow.
Why is life so busy? I really thought that at my age things would be slower and quieter but they are not. I am just trying to keep my priorities straight.
Jerrilyn and I took Mom Jackson to the Temple on Friday as part of her Christmas present. We bought her a new white dress and took her to a session and lunch. She enjoyed it but moves pretty slow these days and it doesn't take much to wear her out. I am grateful for all she has taught me over the years and it was sure fun to go with Jerrily. She is just great!!!!
I am changing my blog to be private so if you would like to be invited to view my blog, please leave me your e-mail address.... I really don't think anyone views this except my girls and Kris. Except the one time some lady from Australia left a comment. That kind of bothered me so.....

2009-11-09T14:22:00.000-08:00

We had such a good time on our sisters trip. We met Thursday night to go to the Jazz game. Chelsey surprised us with T shirts and the Jazz won. It was loud and fun. We had all had a busy day and were tired so we went straight to the motel that night and were in bed by 1:00. (That is very late for me and even later for Casey)On Friday we shopped and shopped and then went to a Collin Raye concert. It was fabulous!! It was our favorote of the trip. On Saturday we did more shopping and then met up with Debra and Jennifer and Kyla for lunch. That night we went to so you think you can dance. It was great but a bit long. We got out at 10:30 and didn't get out of the parking lot till after 11 and so by the time we got Whit and Chelsey home and we drove home it was very late. We did have a blast though. I love hanging out with my girls. They are the best!!!

Sisters Trip 2009

2009-11-09T14:20:00.001-08:00

Jackson and Bryson were baptized!

2009-11-09T12:15:00.001-08:00

It was Casey's birthday on the day Bryson got baptized.

We had a party at Rachelle and Shawns after the baptism. We really missed Chelsey at both of the boys baptisms.

Bryson turned 8 in August and was baptzed on September 5.

These two boys are the best of friends!

We had a lunch at the church after the baptism. We had chili, cream soup and cinnamon rolls and cheese rolls.

Jackson turned 8 and was baptized on October 31.

Holloween-2009

2009-11-09T12:09:00.001-08:00

PRICELESS!!

ANOTHER PROJECT!

2009-11-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

We had been thinking about replacing our deck for several years and finally decided this was the time.

Mitch Shearer....a good friend of ours was out of a job and so we hired him to build our new deck.
An update is needed! Michelle Shearer agrees.

The old Deck!
Josi stepped on a nail from one of the boards.
Josiah was the demolision crew!

We will be ready for parties next summer!

The new deck almost finished!!

2009-11-09T09:51:00.000-08:00

This summer I decided it was time to take out the bushes in the front of the house. The weeds had over taken the ground and the bushes were too tall at the end of the driveway and the tree was dying. Chelsey started taking off the rocks at the begining of the summer and that was and ongoing project. Finally, we got all the rocks off, pulled out the bushes, thanks to Josiah and the tractor, and began preparing the place for the new plants. I went to a green house and had them help me plan what to put where so I would not have the same problem as before. It was alot of work!!!! The end result looks better than what I had and the plants should fill in and look beautiful. I love the rock the kids all gave us for Christmas last year! So glad that job is done!

BEFORE

ROCKS, ROCKS, ROCKS

STAY AWAY WEEDS!

ALMOST THERE!!

THE FINISHED PRODUCT!!!

Utah Football

2009-11-08T20:31:00.000-08:00

It has been a fun fall going to the Utah football games. Griffin is red shirting this year and Bill & Lisa are dedicated fans who are generous with their tickets. The whole family has been taking advantage of the fun. I got to go to one game and sat in the box seats. It was warm with great food and President Monson was only two box seats away! It has been great!!! Thanks Bill & Lisa!

Summer Fun!

2009-11-08T17:13:00.000-08:00

We had a real treat this summer and Amuitz (our favorite girl from Spain) and her family came over for a barbecue. Her husband David, baby Patricia and her parents came. They were here visiting Davids family. It was sooo good to see them. We were fortunate to have spent 10 days in Spain with her parents 10 years ago and we had the best time every. It was a dream vacation and we still talk about what a great time we had thanks to the hospitality of Jose Louis and Pili (Amuitz's parents). Mel and Josiah and their kids came over and the kids had fun playing.

2009 Cousin Camp

2009-08-24T07:40:00.001-07:00

WOW! That is a bunch of pictures to upload!!! We had a great time at the 2009 Cousin Camp. This year I didn't have Chelsey to help me and I missed her! I had 2 more children this year than last year and I was all by myself so things were a bit crazy but we had lots of fun. We painted shirts, went for a picnic, and rode bikes down by the river on the river walk. We were so hot and thirsty after all that action that we stopped and bought an icy on the way home. All the kids got vampire blood except Jenika who got pink bubble gum and Jessica who got vanilla (her favorite color is white!). It is so fun to be with them and watch how they interact with each other and get to know their funny personalities. Grandpa took us all to Pizza Hut that night and then because it was cold we decided not to set up the tent and we all slept inside. That was a mistake becasue we played musical beds all night. I think if I had slept in the tent with them all together the night would have gone a little smoother and I know Dave would have had a better night since he would have slept inside while I was outside in the tent. Oh well, next year I will know better. The next morning we had pancakes and then played kick the can, hide and go seek, tag, and I set up an obstacle course for them. It was way fun and exhausting for Grandma and Grandpa!!!

Chelsey to Arizona

2009-08-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

Chelsey is off to an adventure in Arizona. I drove down with her to help her get settled and to bring "stuff" in my car. We followed each other the whole day, listening to books on tape, stopping for drinks, potty stops and a looka around. I had never driven that way before so it was an adventure for me. After 13 hours in the car we arrived in Scottsdale where we met up with Ron and Karen and then Wednesday morning drove the last hour to Gilbert. We got her unpacked, bought her a bed and took a few pictures before I left. Mel and Josiah and kids came to say goodbye before we left. Chelsey on her new bed, Chelsey with one of her new room mates and my good friend Karen and I. We are so glad Ron and Karen are close by to watch over Chelsey. They have been great to help her. She has been searching for a job and things are looking up. We miss her but hope this move is a fun adventure in her life. I all but wanted to pack her back up and bring her back home with me when I left but I refrained. It is hard to let your children grow up. I took off Wednesday night to get part way home. It was a very long drive that included staying in a real dive Wednesday night. Wow it was good to drive back into Chubbuck Idaho. I love where I live!

Jackson Camping Trip

2009-08-23T20:23:00.001-07:00

The last week of July we went camping in the Stanely Idaho area. All 19 of us were able to come. We brought horses and went on a trail ride up to 4th of July Creek and the Chamberlain Basin. We hided up to Hell Roaring Lake one day and went to Red Fish lake and took a dip in the freezing cold water. We ate good and had a great time! We celebrated Bryson and Chelseys' birthday while we were there. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa James, Dave and I slept on a nice bed in a warm camper. I've spent a lot of years camping in a tent and it was fun but now that I have camped in a camper.... I think we should go shopping!!! The grandkids had lots of fun playing with each other and staying dirty. We all had a great time just being together.

Table Rock

2009-08-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

On July 23rd Chelsey, Rachelle, Nicole, Susan, Kathy and I hiked Table Rock. We started about 8:30 and didn't get to the top until I think about 1:00. We stopped to take pictures on the rocks and crossing the streams and every other photo moment we could find. I was doing just fine until that last assent up the hill to the top. It was so hot and I seriously doubted my ability to make it to the top. Once on top though the view is breath taking and all worth it! Chelsey had to pull and push me up the last half hour or I would not have made it. Susan was able to overcome her fear of heights and we all had a great time. On the way up I was sure I would never do it again. I am too old for this kind of stuff!!! Once you actually accomplish it you feel so good (and sore!) that I may consider it again. Wow, I am crazy!!!!

2009-06-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy 6 months, preparing anf planing for 2 weddings and a new baby. Working full time and being in charge of Jr. Miss this year added to the rat race. Chris and Colleen Thompson have a house in Arizona and invited us to come spend a few days with the. Dave and I went and did pretty much nothing for 4 days. We, or I should say I went swiming,(Dave didn't even ever put his suit on), we played cards and went shopping. We drove over to Lake Pleasant one day which is only about one half hour from their house. Amy and Danette and their children were there as well. It was fun to see their children and spend time with them although it made me miss my grandchilren. Chris and Colleen have been friends for a long time and it was good to spend time with them again.

New Baby!!!

2009-06-21T13:43:00.001-07:00

We had a new addition to the family. Delaney Dahlstrom was born on my birthday by c-seciton. She weighed 8lbs and is of course very cute. Melanie is busy with 5 little children. I am so glad they live here close. Everyone else is way too far away!!!

2009-06-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

So the wedding turned out wonderful. They make a very cute couple. We had a window of about 10 minutes when they came out of the temple of no rain. We got a few pictures but then got rained out. The green and brown dresses were a hot topic of discussion between the sisters and brother-in-laws. We all decided that Whitney chose them so she would look fabulous (not that she needed any help) Jo and Shawn thought the dresses looked like something Fiona from Shrek would wear or maybe the ugly step sisters. They actually turned out better than we were afraid of. Anyway, we had an amazing turn out at the reception and everyone seemed to have a great time. Ron Howard dj'd the dance. It was all great! Now the happy couple are living in Salt Lake City where they will continue their education.

Whit & Griff Engaged

2009-06-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

The McNabbs went to Mexico for a family vacation and invited Whitney to go with them. While they were there Griffin proposed to Whitney on a boat. She said yes and the wedding plans began again. The wedding was planned for June 6th in the Idaho Falls Temple. There were decorations to plan for and dresses to make. Whitney found her wedding dress and before we knew it the day arrived! They looked so happy. The day was perfect except for the rain. They say it brings good luck!

2009-06-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

Whitney and Dave went to the airport to meet Griffin upon his return from his mission. The girls and I were busy setting up the reception for Casey and Luke in Nephi. Because Griffin was still set apart as a missionary, all that happened at the airport was a handshake. Griffin went home to Pocatello and Whitney came back to Nephi for the festivities surrounding Casey's wedding. We had a reception in Nephi and then drove home Saturday morning to set up for the reception in Pocatello. Whitney had some school responsibilities on Saturday morning and so she was unable to come home until the reception had started. The hug picutrue is the first real reunion of the the two. That was the begining of an exciting 3 months.

Whitney & Griffin Reunited!

2009-06-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

2009-06-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

New background!

2009-06-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

June 14th
Wow, I know I have been forever doing this Kris.....this is for you.
Whitney and Griffin are married now and my life might slow down a little. I need a lap top computer so I can take it with me wherever I go and when I have a spare minute I could upload some pictures. No pictures today but soon I hope. Life is good and busy. Pictures are worth a thousand words so stay tuned!!

Casey Wedding

2009-04-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

Busy Busy Busy

2009-04-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

Okay....I know it has been forever.....I was thinking that no one really cared anyway but then Melanie said Amuitz checks our blogs so now I feel motivated to try to update it. I am so excited to see Amuitz and David and their baby in August!!! So it is very late and I have been driving all day and don't have time for much news today but I will be posting pictures again soon.
I just moved Whitney home from BYU today. She lived on the third floor so it was a lot of stairs to climb up and down with boxes and boxes of stuff.
So the highlights of my busy past 3 months are #1. Casey and Luke's wedding, #2. Chairman of Jr. Miss Program, #3 Whitney and Griffin engagement and getting ready for another wedding!!!! #4 Working full time at the hospital
Pictures to follow!!!!

Addictions!!

2009-02-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

So here goes thanks to Kris....
#1. Who isn't addicted to their family. I have the best husband, children, grandchildren, and son-in-laws! Wow, I am blessed!
#2. Right now I'm addicted to Weddings because I am spending all my spare time planning one! (Happily, by the way!)
#3. I'm addicted to chocolate!!! Love Jr. Mints, M & M's, chocolate covered peanuts, brownies, hot fudge sundays.....pretty much anything chocolate.
#4. I am addicted to a clean house, sometimes I am in withdrawls!
#5. I am addicted to air!!! Really, aren't we all!
Okay.....apparently 5 addictions are not enough so I am adding an additional 5!
#6. American Idle!!! Can't miss it! Fortunately we have a DVR.
#7. I'm addicted to a stiff neck. Unfortunately I live with one daily.
#8. I'm addicted to hiking....who wants to go to Table Rock?
#9. I'm addicted to Hawaii....can't wait to go back to the beach, the pool, the SUN, the green, and the relaxation!
#10. And last but not least...Yes it is true....I'm addicted to Kris!

Hawaii

2009-01-11T21:17:00.000-08:00

It is Sunday...Dave and I are alone here and have had some quiet time. We went to the Mercedez-Benz golf tournament today. We had to be quiet...it is a very different atmosphere than the Arizona Cardinals Football game. We drove to Hana and the "7 pools" yesterday. We left about 7 and got back home about 8pm. We hiked up to a waterfall above the pools. It was amazing, we walked through bamboo on a boardwalk, across a few bridges and ended up 2 miles up the mountain at a 400' water fall. After all that work we went down and I swam in the pool and Dave stuck his feet in. We were able to go on a Catamaran with Tom and had a great time. We saw whales and turtles and got to jump off the boat while we were sailing and float underneath the hull and climb up the back. Josiah and the boys and Chelsey and Whit went. Melanie stayed at the beach with the twins. We went to Big Beach and Flemming Beach. It has been tons of fun. We will be back to the snow and cold on Wednesday. Can't wait to see Rachelle, Shawn and the kids and Casey and Luke. We have lots to do when we get home!

2009-01-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

January 5, 2009
We are having a great time in Maui as evidenced in the pictures! The biggest problem I am having is sleeping in. I wake up between 5 and 6am and can't go back to sleep. It doesnt get light until about 7 so I decided this morning to update this blog.
We have had fun at the beach, shopped at the flea market, rode a zip line....that was fun and very scary, and have swam in the pool and soaked int the hot tub every day. The skies are blue and the sun is hot. How can you help but have a good time here. We are gong out on a sail boat this morning. More fun awaits!!
The big news in case you haven't checked out Casey's blog is that she is engaged!!! The date is set for March 13th. We are all very excited. Welcome to the family Luke!!!

Festival of Trees-Princess Tea Party

2008-12-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

A picture is worth a thousand words so I hope you enjoy all the picutres! The Princess Tea Party is an anual event of the Festival of Trees put on the Portneuf Medical Center. Little girls and their mothers or Grandmothers come for a fun night of dress up and a tea of strawberry milk, star shaped peanut butter sandwiches and cupcakes. The girls do look like princesses!

THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T17:52:00.000-08:00

What a crew!!! We had a great thanksgivning dinner. The only thing that could have made it better was if Chelsey were here and if Shawn would have been able to come. He was on call for work and unable to get away. We missed them both. The kids had fun playing together. We topped off the night by playing duck duck goose and eating pie. Kris, my friend from work came and ate with us with her 3 children. It was fun to have her. I have tried to adopt her since I need another daughter!

Chelsey--this is the dinner plate we dished up for You!!

BYU vs U of U

2008-11-27T17:34:00.000-08:00

I wonder if we will ever get enough football!! Thanks to Bill and Lisa McNabb we had tickets to the BYU/Utah game in SLC. Dave and I drove down and met Whitney there. We sat in "RED" territory....at that stadium for that game there wasn't much "BLUE" territory. We tried not to cheer for BYU because the McNabbs are die hard Utah fans. It didn't matter much anyway though because BYU you got beat 48 to 24. Whitney felt like a traitor but if things work out with her and Griffin this spring, she will have to change her loyalties and cheer for RED.

2008-11-26T15:12:00.000-08:00

Whitney went on tour to Colorado with Theatre Ballet at BYU. They had a "dress rehersal" in their studio so I went to watch. I miss seeing her dance whenever I want to. She had a great time in Colorado and in general just loves BYU. (The dancing, social life and not so much the studying).

Trip to Arizona

2008-11-26T14:06:00.000-08:00

We went to Arizona to visit Karen and Ron Howard and to go see a Monday Night Football Game between Arizona Cardinals and San Fransico. We had a great time with Karen and Ron. We climbed the "bell rock" and went to Sadona. We attended the singles branch where Ron is the Bishop and then had dinner at Lori's. It was fun to see all their kids and grandkids. The game was fun and CRAZY. I can't even imagine how much beer consumption goes on at those games. Everyone around us was buying bottles at $7.25 a piece. They didn't limit themselves to just one. Notice the tight white "tights". The stadium holds 60,000 and was sold out. It was loud and crazy and fun for a one time adventure. We met Chris and Colleen and then stayed in their house Monday night. We flew back home on Tuesday.

2008-11-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

Grand
children
are so fun!!!

2008-11-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

Guess who the King is!!!

Oct 31....For Halloween Roxy Rock Star and Hannah Montana (alias Roxann and Jeannie Gibson) had fun at the ward Trunk or Treat party. Dave is not in the picture because he dressed up as a Potato Warehouse manager and was not having near as much fun and Hannah and I. Life is too short to act like I am 50.

2008-11-02T19:01:00.000-08:00

Oct 18th. It was Grandma James 78th birthday. We had a surprise party for her at my house. Dan and Deb and several of their kids, all of mine (except Chelsey, Casey and Whitney) and Karen and Barry and Cindy came. We had 37 for dinner. We had sloppy Joes and salad and birthday cake. It was fun and Grandma was surprised. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Grandma!

2008-11-02T17:37:00.000-08:00

October 17th.....This is the most exciting thing that happened in our yard for years!!! I have wanted Dave to fix some sprinklers and water troughs for the horses for years but he always had the excuse that he couldn't because he couldn't turn off the water. Well now.....there is no longer a good excuse. Ricahrd and Marsha came over and dug holes to find it and then spent a few hours fixing the pipe. I am thrilled. Dave has even started fixing some of the pipes around the house and I am still hoping that the automatic waterers will be next.

This is a job that I knew Richard did not want to do, so I have been reminding him with kindness for the past 2 months. I have been taking cookies, bread, cake, etc to entice him to come. He finally came through for me. He said he didn't know if he wanted to because the treats would end. I assured him they wouldn't. I have taken him goodies 3 times since.

2008-10-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

October 12, 2008
Here is an update of the snow for you Chelsey!! Enjoy your sun because before long you may see some of this.
I got up this morning to take some motrin for my tooth (or lack of) and this is what I saw. Dave and I went to the Mystique Theatre last night and saw Joseph Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was pretty good. Today we are having soup in a loaf for dinner. I have been eating a lot of soup the last week.

2008-10-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

October 11, 2008
We woke up to snow this morning. CRAZY!!! It melted off by noon but then this evening it started snowing again. We have snow on the ground again tonight. I am not ready for the cold!

2008-10-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

This is about as close as I will ever come to seeing my name up in lights. This Portneuf advertisement is a bit misleading don't you think? I posed for the picture but did not make up the add!

2008-10-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

October 11, 2008
Chelsey's good friend Nathan got married a few weeks ago and since Chelsey was occupied in Washington D. C. and unable to be there in person, we brough Flat Chelsey to the reception. She stood gaurd over the gifts and greeted the bride and groom. It was a fun time for all!

2008-09-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

Sept, 7 2008
There was a gorgeus sunset the other night. I love where I live. Jenika and Cutler spent some time with Grandma this week while Rachelle was at school. They are so Cute!!!

Sept. 7, 2008

Yesterday I spent all day painting the old play house. First I had to kill all the hornets and knock the nests down, (yuk!) then I had to get rid of the spider webs, some with spiders (double yuk!). I made Dave get on the ladder for the top window and eaves. It looks much better. It has turned into my Christmas storage in the loft and my garden center in the bottom. I listened to my Ipod the whole time to a new book called "The Holy Secret" It was so good. Lots of new insights to the scriptures, the Sabbath day, the Temple, and our responsibility. I loved it and realize more and more how much I don't know.

2008-08-31T19:01:00.000-07:00

August 31, 2008

So Now that it is just Dave and I home, this is what it looks like here. Either Dave on the bed watching TV alone.....or I am sitting by him. That is pretty much it. What an exciting life! Acutally, today we went to church, it was great....Joylene Quick and Merlin Blad spoke. I had to give my R.S. lesson today and I am very glad that is over. After church Mel and Jo and the kids came for dinner. Bryson was with Jackson so that was extra fun. We had corn on the cob and I should have go a picutre of Jessica eating her corn...she loved it. Now the kids are gone, we have spoken to all the girls on the phone and I have to work tomorrow so I guess I will go to bed. What an exciting life huh?

2008-08-31T17:43:00.000-07:00

August 31, 2008
On August 23rd Chelsey flew out to Washington DC. We put her on the shuttle in Pocatello and she was off. We miss her but are glad she gets to have this opportunity. She is there until December.

On August 25th I took Whitney to Provo to help her move in and to visit Casey. Whitney is all moved in and ready for another exciting year at BYU. She auditioned for the Ballet theatre and made it. Her first show is Sept. 18th - 20th.

So while I was there I went to Nephi with Casey and Luke and his Dad took us on a horse ride up the canyon. They run their cattle up in the canyon and I really don't know how they gather them in those mountains. It is pretty steep in spots. We had fun though and then went to Lukes house and his mom made us dinner. By the way....what do you notice is the same in each picture?

2008-08-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

August 31, 2008

On August 22nd, Chelsey, Whitney and I hiked to table rock. See that flat little mountain in the picutre? That is where we hiked to.

IT took us 3 1/2 hours up and the same down hill. I was trying to keep up with the girls the whole way. The last 30 minutes of the hike up is a killer. This year I listened to my IPod for some inspiration up the hill and I think it helped. It is sooooo beautiful on top. You can see all the way down the valley into Driggs and of course it is a close up view of the Tetons!!!

Of course we always have to get an arabesque shot! There is a reason I did not post the ones of Chelsey and I. The way down was easier on the breathing but my toes were killing me. I was sore for the next couple of days. We had a great time though. We ate square ice cream cones at the "Dam" store on the way home. What memories!!

2008-08-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

August 7-10, 2008 We went on a family camping trip to warm River just outside of Ashton. We had a great time as you can tell from the pictures. The kids loved floating the river on the tubes, the girls all had a book (from the Twilight series) to read and we even played some cards. We went to Mesa Falls and Yellowstone park and saw a play in West Yellowstone, ate some great ice cream and shopped. We came home tired, dirty and grateful for carpet and a bathroom with a flushing toilet within 10 feet of the bed.

2008-08-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

Aug 3, 2008
Okay so I wanted to edit my new post and I don't know how so I am just adding on.
Friday and Saturday I spent in Boise at a conferance for childbirth education. It was a great conferance and I learned alot. I am going to be teaching some childbirth education classes at the hospital so it was very helpful.
Today we are celbrating Chelsey's birthday because no one was around on the 1st of August...her official birthday. Mom and Dad and Daves mom will be here for dinner and then Mel and Jo and hopefully Shawn and Rachelle will stop by on their way home from Utah.
I am looking forward to our camping trip this week end and especially looking forward to seeing Casey. We have fun things planned so new pictures will be posted next week!!!!

2008-08-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

August 3, 2008

So.....we went to the circus this last week with Grandma and Grandpa James. If you saw Rachelles Blog you have seen a similar picture of the one to the right. The lion that Jenika liked is here as well. Dave said several times on the way home "that was Awesome" spoken how only Dave can. It was fun to be together and the kids really did enjoy it. We picniced at moms first and with much to do I got a picture of me and my sisters. Karl was supposed to be sitting by Cindy but he vanished.
Thanks Mom and Dad!!!

I am still trying to figure out how to set this up.....

2008-07-27T22:16:00.000-07:00

It is Sunday at the Jackson house. Shawn and Rachelle spent the night Sat. and went to church with us. Cutler fell and hit his forehead on the bench. We couldn't decide if we should put him through the trauma of strapping him down for stiches or not and finally decieded the cut was not terribly deep, they didn't want to sit in the emergency room for 4 hours, they didn't want Cutler to be held down, unfortuneately money is an issue and he is a boy sooooooo we super glued it!!! We put some steri strips on it and hopefully it will heal okay. Crazy I know. Then this evening Chelsey and Whitney crashed while playing in the rubber band. I honestly thought Chelsey was knocked senseless but they are both alive and well, granted they both will have bruises but they will live. The lesson is....don't get in the rubber band with Shawn and Josiah!!!

2008-07-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

Jessica and Josi!

More pictures from cousin camp!

This is Sierra.

The others are Bryson, Jenika, Jackson and Russell.

2008-07-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

We had our 2nd anual cousins camp last week. Here are 5 of my cute grandchildren. We played games, painted shirts, visors, and water bottles. We went to the new McDonalds, slept out in the tent and ate waffles for breakfast. We fingerpainted outside and then had a scavenger hunt. I am looking forward to when I can make the scavenger hunt challenging and they will love it! Right now they were only focused on the prize at the end. The twins came for the hunt and were pretty clueless but they loved the bubbles they found at the end.

Our Life.....

2008-07-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

This is my very first blog entry!! Impressive I know! I'm hoping that friends and family enjoy sneaking a peek into our lives and happenings here at the Jackson house!