2010 Let's Do it Again!

As the end of the year last year approached I was thinking about all of my 2009 resolutions. They were not all that successful. But they were really good so I figured I would try again in 2010. Things like: getting my children into a good chore routine, making a regular scripture study time (routine again), exercising regularly (this has been pretty good actually). Having 3 kids has made it really difficult for me, because I am not Jenny Robinson, to exercise daily. Giving up a monthly cell phone plan for prepaid and using that money to join the YMCA has been the best! Speaking of money, getting back to and living strictly by our budget we made last year... that is another thing I want to do again. And perhaps another big house project- the back yard- 2010, let's do it again.

Safe at my house

I wanted to let you know what happened when some of you were here, the evening of Fri. I guess that was just Joy's family.
The babysitter was here and she couldn't get the remote for the TV to work. She called her Dad, who lives across the street. He came over and just walked in and went downstairs. He was finished and started to come up the stairs. Grandma Hope was standing at the top of the stairs and stood so he couldn't get by. She said" I don't know who you are but your not taking any of these kids!" He said, I'm your home teacher and I am just helping Olivia. So Mom said Oh, and moved and he asked how she was and then went home. I just wanted you to know your Grandma is still on duty. . She is 90 but she will do something if she has to. Isn't that cute. This was told to us by Bill, the Dad across the street.
I think it was funny too as we talked to Grandma later. She said "I was in my house dress and didn't have my teeth in. Only a women knows what she is wearing in times of crisis.
I guess Joy told Luke that Grandma was going to bed because she was old. Luke met her at her door the next morning. "You went to bed because you were old. Now its morning and you got up and your still old. Grandma had a big laugh. I wish old age would go away by going to bed.
2010 has started out well because we got to see all of you. I still put the 0 down and squeeze the 1 in after when I write the date. Good luck Jenny on the chicken raising. I think It's kinda fun. We don't have big plans here. Your Dad is coming down to Arizona for appraisal class. I will stay here with Grandma. Vanita called tonight and they are getting ready for classed to start. They have been to their old mission and touring around. All is well. Take care and we will see you in the funnies. Mom

2010, gonna get some hens!

2010 because you don't know when.... the crap will hit the fan.
Peggy came up with the hens one! I'm getting some chickens (again!) and planning their 'dog secure' home. But my plan for the year is to be more ready. Eggs are just one thing I want on hand. But also; a church bag so when we leave for 8:30 church I can just grab a bag of quite books, toys, snacks and be ready, teach my kids each a meal they can prepare so they are ready when mom gets sick and stays in bed, Help my kids be ready to be more self sufficient and help out more, Get a will so we are ready-save more $$ so we are ready for what ever. You get the picture. I hate to be caught unaware and not feel like I have made some prep for it. (even if it's just a granola bar so when I get stuck in line, I can pacify my children until we get out!

P.S. I knew the last time I saw Grandpa at Thanksgiving, it would be the last. I told my self that we needed to get ready for a potential trip and have some gas$$ saved. When the deer hit us in December and the insurance paid out on it- we were ready. So maybe I'll just be ready to receive the tender mercies of the Lord and worry about more important things like the exaltation of my family and neighbors.

2010. all year

I'm getting tired of looking at the Christmas pictures. I mean its February already right? So if no one has any pictures or anything to post, lets brainstorm and post some sayings for the year 2010! Ok, you already have mine. "2010. all year". What else.....

Also, lets have some predictions for the year 2010! What do you think will happen to you this year? What do you want to happen? Either to yourself or if you wanna go even further and talk about the world, etc.

Ok, here's mine. This year I predict I'll do more traveling. I already have been to San Francisco with Wendy and Pete, but I Predict I'll go to Europe again this summer. I also predict that I'll move to salt lake. I also predict that I'll get one speeding ticket this year. Lets face it, I'm a Jackson.

ok now your turn!

Christmas Pics

If you didn't see Joy's post below, then go read it!

And here are some more pictures of our great Christmas extravaganza!

A little contest for you...

Which is the better looking dump truck cake? I know, it is a tough choice!

Thief

Pete and I took peggy to San Fransisco. She was very well behaved. I took her shopping in Chinatown and she found this wonderful suitcase! Little pink stars all over-totally her! We tried to bargain with the chinese shop lady, but she wouldn't come down on price!
So what does peggy do? She just walks away with it!
Hurry, Peggy! Run! Thief!

The little brown germ

Our darling little Lad
not feeling well,
His bum did burn
from a diarrhea germ.

He gave to another
not by his will.
and cousin did his
pants and undies fill.

Grandma got it and
tried not to spread it
This germ is not fun
It causes a brown run.

Grandma went to work
and tried to wash often
But a lady that works there
came down with her share.

This little germ is fast and very
social. It was determined to
be everywhere
-so when we meet again
we'll bring our own bottle of desitin
Sorry, couldn't resist.
Hope your all having a great week. The
germ dosen't last long. Mom

Happy Birthday Pete!

Joy said she only had a couple of pictures of you so we will share some more. This is the one I have on my screen saver.

Thank you for joining our family. Thank you for all you do for Wendy!

Happy Birthday Pete!

I am sorry... this is literally one of only two photos that we have of you. It is adorable though you have to admit. Hope you have a GREAT birthday! We are so glad that your married our sister and joined the family. You make her so happy which of course makes us happy. That is only one of the reasons that we like you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Torture

Here is all of the information extracted at the hands of the torturer (click photo for full size).
Stars of the show, these two won the spirit stick:



(Sorry Kristyn, I don't have a rotate feature my software; let me know if you want the RAW and I can email it).
Fun to drive:
More practical:
Perfect photo until I ran in front of Wendy after pressing the button. 2 milliseconds later it all fell apart- so here is history as it happened...


(More photos to come when I get a sec to process... If anyone wants the RAW files to play with and process differently, please let me know).

Merry Christmas from our family to Yours!

We rented this cabin outside the east entrance to Zion Park.

Joy & Jason Payne with

Luke, Allie, & Wesley

This is looking from the Living/Great Room to the upstairs. There were three bedrooms and a bunk room upstairs with three bathrooms, and a master bedroom and two baths on the main floor. Wesley, Allie, Jason, & Luke welcoming all upstairs.

This is the Living Room/Great Room Christmas morning.
And as the fun was beginning.

This is all of us after Church. Left to Right, Back Row: Wendy (without Pete), Kristyn (holding Bennett) and Paul, Jason & Joy, Thacker, Wesley, Peter, Luke, McKay, & Samuel; Middle Row, starting behind Marlene: Hailey, Allie, Molly & Vic, Chris & Jenny; Front Row: Peggy, Marlene & Le, Grant, & Jack.

Well, that's all! We had a great time together!

(Sorry we missed you Pete.)

Ever Since I discovered online photo editing by picnik.com it's known I can't be trusted with this software. I think Lodewijk would be to embarressed if he sees this.

Oh well, I just wanted to post this to wish you a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2010!

The original picture was actually taken on a beach in Portugal. It's one of our favourite holiday countries and we are thinking about setting up a business there, like a b&b. Unfortunately we couldnt have picked a worse time for such a thing, so it will remain a dream for a while.

Anyway, are you all coming up to Utah for Christmas? That would be so great!

As you might know we have to Christmas days here, which is very practical if you have inlaws! But the first day some friends are coming over for dinner. The second day is divided between both our families. Either way I'm looking forward to it!

I do hope you have a great time and hope to see some pictures here after!

Love always, Mirjam

By the way, Peggy congrats on the job, You go girl!

Finally!!!

Its a Christmas Miracle ya'all! I have been offered and accepted a job at a small law firm in SLC. Well Sandy. Its just a small firm. I'll be doing some office/administrative/paralegal work. I start tomorrow. So thank you to all who have been praying for me these last few months. I surely have felt it and appreciate it. Seeya soon. Last one there is a rotten egg!

The Jacksonians Blog

Have you seen Paul and Kristyn's blog lately? I had to laugh because it took me back to a day many years ago that sent Jason and I rolling with laughter. Just wanted to share. Thanks for joining me on the trip down memory lane!