How are you this week? Loved the Posts.
When is the surgery for Wesley Joy? What are you doing for Allie's birthday cake?
Le and Peg are in New Mexico this week. I stayed home to be the care giver.
Grandpa went out Sunday to get the paper from the sidewalk. He goes through the garage. He fell just after he got out the garage door by the drive way. He couldn't get up. He crawled back into the house and then got the door open. Mom got a chair so the could climb that and eventually get up. He had a bump on his elbow. Honestly, I can't believe how many times they have fallen and not broken something. It's a good thing but wierd. . He was pretty upset. He would be in a pickle if he hadn't been able to crawl back in the house. And, it is really cold outside. So, I was glad I was here. I would love to be in N.M too but I knew I should stay. Now, I have to get something so he can get a little more support when he goes somewhere. I hope they learn what ever it is they need to learn. They seem to be kept here on earth.
We have Stake Conference Sunday and our poor Stake Pres. just lost his son in a car accident. He was 21, just off his mission. I am sure he can get through it but still, its been a hard week. for them.
I am so proud and amazed at how Vic and Molly handle all they have had to go through and for all of the maturity that has been learned by all if us. I so appreciate how they have included us in this painful sorrow. Thank you. I love your last blog. Seeing her get excited about captain hook. She will be so fun when we see her again.
In the conference message, page 35, it says only God can sustain us and give us strength for the burdens of life. Only He can forgive. Only He can heal us and only he can change us and forge a godly soul. And he will do that and much more if we remember Him and keep his commandments. I believe it is so.
My throat is ok. Still a little sore. Dad looks really good. You can't hardley see a line.
Bear has missed Dad. He mopes around here and listens every time the door opens. He is a crazy little dog. He layed down by my door last night and wouldn't move in case Dad came in. He wanted to be ready. Have a good week. Love Mom

Happy new year from Amsterdam

Just a quick post, to share a great picture with you.

Unfortunately I didn't take it myself, but it's close to my office and I thought it was just beautifull and a great impression of my good ol' town.

Have the best year ever!

Love Mirjam

Ken and Barbie

Barbie Doll: Hello. What is your name?
Ken Doll: My name is Ken. What is yours?
Barbie Doll: My name is Michelle (Allie is always coming up with a new name for herself). Do you want to go swimming with me?
Ken Doll: Sure. Let's go.
Barbie Doll: Ok. Just look out for the alligators in the water.


(That was my memory of the conversation I overheard. Was that close Grandpa?)

Ouch,ouch, ouch,ouch, and ouch. That's about it for this week. Next week will be better.
Had a great Christmas. Had Sam and Peggy at our house and got to play a new game called "Pirate" and played Apples to Apples.

We got to see Joy and Jason and Allie and Luke and Westley and got to play dolls with Allie and Grandpa played dolls with Allie and Luke got to drive the "bus".
Grandma got spoons for me for Christmas, Le got a digital photo frame that rotates pictures, cool, and I finished the family history of pictures and some histories. Some of them need to have the names written on them. Lets do it in your handwriting. Love to all, Mom

I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus

But you should have seen him after I was through...

As a side note, grandma had her tonsils out too and it seems the two will live.

Merry Christmas Vic and Molly

I have been thinking about Vic and Molly and wanted to let them know that those of us outside of Utah are still thinking of them and that we love them and wish them a Merry Christmas.

So, this video clip is what we ended up with. Vic and Molly- here is wishing you the warm sweet peace of Christmas and that your hearts may feel the heavenly peace you seek! We love you!

p.s. No offense to those inside Utah or others not included. It was originally envisioned to be from those far away (per the nature of the message that was intended, and per limited time to collect photos). It was realized, after, that the pictures may include one or two people that live there in Utah. Ultimately, I didn't get all the photos in that was sought, anyways, but chance to complete it was limited. I wanted to get this to Vic and Molly before Christmas.

From ALL of us!
Merry Christmas!

Tempe Boat Parade

Did you see Marlene's post below? You should read it, if you haven't already.

We went to the Tempe Boat Parade recently with Sammy and Jenny & Co. I was SHOCKED to see how many people were there. I had no idea so many people knew about it!

Also, I was surprised to see how hard it was to take photos at night. Jason, if you have any tips, pass them along. We ended up deleting a ton of them, leaving only the ones below. It was sorely disappointed. I guess practice makes perfect!

Isn't Grant so photogenic???

I have not heard yet from all of you if you have the V.O Jackson family book. Who needs one.?

We sang in church today, the choir I mean. I loved the song Lullay Lullee, I think that is the name of it. Have you heard it? Did you have Christmas programs today?
Sam should be here tomorrow. Drive carefully Sam.

This little dog that just about went to Jenny's house is a fun little dog if you don't do anything but sit around. I don't think he was out-side much when he was with his other family. We went for a walk the other day. It was cold on his feet so he just sat down and wimpered. I ened up picking him up and carrying him home. . He sits with Grandma most of the day on her lap. She likes it I must say.
Terry Hope got married Sat. It was snowing and pretty slick so we ended up not going.

We have a weird situation coming up. I am supposed to have my tonsils out Dec. 30. They are down in the throat,called lingueal tonsils. Dad has been bothered by eyelids drooping onto his eyelashes so he got clearance with Ins. to get them" tucked up" However, he didn't get it done so the last day for him is Dec. 30. Uncle Harold will take Le over to Provo. Peggy will take me over to Payson. We both will be home that afternoon. crazy huh. I don't look forward to this at all. It's just a crazy way to start the new year.

I love you all so much and miss you. Sometimes I think I am not adjusting into my empty nest life as I should but what to do. I thought I would be somewhere that you could just drop in and I would help with kids and we would have Sunday dinner. You know how that goes for some people. Well, you don't get to chose some of these things.

Take care, love the pictures and blogs. I appreciate this time with your thoughts and with the thoughts of Vic and Molly especially right now. I will be calling. Love you all, MOM

Black and White (& purple)

We got a super cool gift in the mail today! All of the photo files from our Thanksgiving trip. Most of these shots are Kristyn's, I thought I would mess around with B&W... -Jason

Dear Family.
I have been checking around and found out some of you do not have a Victor Rex Jackson book. who still needs one? They are brown and thick. Grandpa Jackson was giving them out when his grandchildren got married. I think he missed some of you. Anyway, I do need to know as there are four left and I am goint to acqire them if four of you need it. Of course I don't know if any of the cousins still need one. I hope everyone has it. The histories in it are wonderful
So, let me know.
Dad and I were are Vic and Molly's this Fri. Their tree, giving to them by the ward, was beautiful and touching. I appreciate that gesture, to give something from the heart . They will show you a picture soon I hope and describe what is on it.
We finally have snow. Its a little late but it is snow.
I am looking forward to the Holidays and hope you have a great time. We talked about traditions in Relief Society. They are important aren't they. What are some of your traditions that you've developed as you have blended yours and your spouse's traditions.
When Dad and I first got married, we had to decide if Santa wrapped the gifts. I said he didn't . Dad said he did. I think I won. Didn't I? Then we wanted to open a present Christmas Eve. We did do that. Dad was the one who started the tooth brush in the stocking. He also liked nuts at Christmas. I started baking cookines for the neighbors. Now we don't do that.
We still have a puzzel out to put together. We have the Christmas story.
I hope to hear from you, have a great week. MOm

It's jammed!

My phone hasn't been working for a while and when I opened up the back to check the battery, I found a sticky substance-syrup or jam! I'll give you four guesses how it got there. Anyway, I have no way of getting texts or calling long distance so I'm not ignoring anyone, my phone's just toast! Call me at home if you need.
P.S. Happy Anniversary Wendy-who is in Florida with her hubby!

Nov 29 2008

I'll post the rest of the photos later, but here are the pictures from the cabin. Thanks again to Vic and Molly for suggesting it, and a BIG thank you to Leland and Marleney for covering the expense. What a wonderful present to all of us!

I'm sorry it took me so long to upload these, and also, all of these pictures are guinea pigs for me when it comes to processing. I have a new appreciation for Joy and Jason and their refined sense of how to process photos - it's a lot harder than it looks!!

It was so great seeing everyone. The talking, the crying, the eating - it was all perfect. Hope you all had a great time as well, and here's to looking to the next big family gathering - Christmas '09!

And Vic and Molly - cool trophy! It's a lot bigger than I had thought it was going to be, so I'm maybe I'm glad we threw our entry this year to not win - it wouldn't have fit in our car with everything we had. Whew. I know it was a close one there with our awesome castle. Just kidding. Everyone's was great, and I'm already looking forward to the next competition.

Nov 28 2008

Nov 27 2008

Jason, I think this one below is one on my top favorites of all the pictures you took! I just love it.