Award Winning . . . Smile!

8/23/2008 Wendy and Kristyn's birthday swim party at Wendy's house

Jenny is a delight! Paul and I were reminiscing about a conversation we had with Chris where we asked him how she was so happy all the time. We joked that there was some flask hidden in the back of the cupboards, or some special pills she slipped into her drinks. But in reality, it is just Jenny's natural personality!

We may wish we had her same zest for life and overflowing happiness, but it can't be replicated. It's why we all love her.

Happy birthday Jen!!!

Award winning- Friend

I love that Jenny lives so close! I drop by, often unannounced, and she is always happy to see me and lets me in no matter what busy work she is in the middle of! I like to go over just to chat, see the kids (hold ashley), or vent about a stressor, and she smiles and listens! She often feeds me too, which is great for a non-cooking-person like me. And I love it when we can take off for lunch or to the store- just fun outings with my sister and friend! I love you Jenny! Happy Birthday!

Award winning...

Jenny is an award winning "progress-or". As Jenny's older brother I can remember a ways back and looking back I can easily see that Jenny has [as David McCullough described George Washington] "steadily grown". And isn't that "it". What else is there? I am amazed and inspired by how Jenny has developed her talents - mentally, physically, musically, financially, spiritually, emotionally, creatively etc, etc. Jenny has achieved and accomplished. When you are around Jenny you can sense that she is a powerful individual.

I hope you had a wonderful birthday Jenny. Love you. Thanks for your example.




This is not a picture of Jenny. This is a picture of Jenny's back yard. Where are my pictures of you? I am certain that sweet Lucy is very proud of you too.

Happy Birthday to Miss Perfect!

Journal entry- January 16, 1993
"I LOVE MY FAMILY!!! I love them all so much!!! Jenny I am having a little trouble with. She is so perfect! Everything she does, looks, acts. It, well, drives me crazy."

You know what is so funny about this? I feel exactly the same way except for the last part. It doesn't drive me crazy anymore. It inspires me to do better and try better and to want to be like her. And now I can add "Award Winning" to my list of reasons why my Miss Perfect sister is just that- Perfect (in a very normal human way). :o) Do I feel motivated to sew costumes for a live production and then try to get an award from a state wide contest ? Not exactly. I am working on curtains for my living room though.

We love you Jenny! Happy Birthday!!!

So.

Having Sam visit us (as documented in the previous two posts) was so fun. We loved having him here, and hope you come back again!

But now, I'd like to point out that the only people who have NOT visited us in our home here would be: Joy and Co., Wendy and Pete-ah, and the Pegster.

You may experience a shunning from us at Thanksgiving. 

Other than that, I have to tell you about this insanely good Indian Fresh Fruit Salad. We made it for Sammy when he was here, and it was so good I wanted to cry. Recipe here. I only wish fruit salads were more photogenic.

And these are the bounties you get to experience when staying at the Paul Jackson adobe.

Next matter of business for the Jackson family: heading to Sam's place for Thanksgiving! Everyone in California thinks it's a fabulous idea. Sam said his dining area is huge and can seat a large army. Perfect!

I can already smell the pumpkin pie...

more photos

My attempt at a classy photo look. A man and his boy.


Thacker just ran up and down the beach untill he found the giant sand hole that the family nearby started. Then he wanted to help them and had no fear of walking right up to him. :)

Sam in Thackertown, California

I had fun visiting. Thank you Paul and Kristyn for making me feel welcome! You can see the glee on Benets face as he crushes the sand castles as quickly as his dad can make them. That was so fun!

To go along with Molly's Post

This is at the Washington National Cathedral.

Funny?

I'm not sure what this means but I thought maybe you guys would think it was funny?

Happy Birthday Wendy!

It has been so great to get your help with my new house. You are very talented and creative and I appreciate the good example of hard work and moving forward in your life. You have been an invaluable support to me and I wish you the best and many happy times ahead. I enjoy spending time with you and just wanted to say "come again! on my berday!" xoxo

Happy Birthday Kristyn!

Sorry this is late! It is so refreshing to have you in our family. You are always so cheerful and kind and complimentary - it is great as our family can become too serious sometimes. Thank you for your unending support and love and all the light and smiles you bring to our family!! You are a great little sister in law and an excellent mother.

Happy Birthday Wendy!

When I think of how creative you are, yes I think about the baby blankets and the mending you've done, but what I really think about is the time when we lived on Hill street and you made a whole paper model neighborhood with each home having unique features. I thought that was so cool! I also loved the blue alien/ Jim Hensen Muppet dude you made out of paper mache! It was incredible! Where is that thing?
Best of all you've created some great relationships, even one with your annoying little brother like me. I love you sister. Happy Birthday.

Wendy,
Happy Happy Birthday!
Your talents are so appreaciated by everyone.
I have the curtains you designed and a picture of the temple in
Mesa that I love. I love the picture you did of yourself . Its is so good. I have kept
many of pictures that all my kids so we will so through them some day.
You have a way with hair too. You can fix it a dozen different ways.
Wish you were closer.
Love you so much
Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday Wendy-bird!

You are one of the most creative persons I know, and coming from a creative bunch, that says something. I still have the sunflower pictures you painted for Vic, Joy and I when we lived in our apartment here in Mesa. You just look at something and say, it needs this touch and then wham!, you go and make it. This is a picture of our kitchen with a "Robinson family" plaque. We had just finished a small remodeling job and I think you found the 2x4 in the scrap pile, and just started with what paint we had around. All the lettering was freehand. So before the walls were even dry, we had beautiful new artwork to display! You are wonderful at adding beauty to the world around you and I still love introducing my little sister to the people around us! (The waitress didn't believe me though!)
Happy Birthday from Chris and I and your adoring niece and nephews!

Happy Birthday WENDY-LOO-HOOO

Happy Birthday to you on this Amazing 24th day of August. What a good month and day to have a birthday. I'm so freaking happy you're my sister and that you get to know me. It truly was meant to be. Like everyone has said, you are so creative and fun to be around because you always have good ideas, and know just how to make things extra special. What comes to mind first, are the countless articles of clothing you've made me just because I requested it special. For example, the Long, Pencil, pinstriped skirt WITH pockets you whipped up for me. That was awesome! Then there were the scrapbook pages you made me! Then there were all the cute cards you send and packages you sent while I was in school. Those Valentine Day packages really helped a single girl out! Anywho, the point is...... YOU'RE GREAT AND I LOVE YOU AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!