Trey's Very Special Day

The anticipation had been building, the family had landed and the wait was nearing its end; Trey's baptism day finally had arrived.

It was a day I had thought about since his birth, a true milestone in both of our lives. My baby Trey was 8, dressed in white, next to his dad and I could not have been more proud. My two Richard Taylor Jacksons in the same pose I have of me next to my own dad. It was something out of a dream, but reality was even better. The only missing piece to the puzzle were the family members and friends that were not able to attend, but they were with us, in our hearts and minds.

Thanks for your love, prayers, well wishes and support Dad Nance, Rhett, Taylor, Danny, Brynn, Kalle, Heather, Kris, Kamae, Jackson, Julianne, Charlie, Halle, Annie, Emma, Jenny, Andrew, Jacob, Ruby, Kurt, Brad, Jeff, Sarah, Greg, Kate, Michael, Zane, Traci, Trevor, Boston, Gage, Mallory, Great-grandma Nance, Great-Grandma Jackson, Great Grandpa and Grandma Hansen, Great Grandpa and Grandma Larsen and Great-great grandma Beardall- all who were missed, but not forgotten. We headed to the church in two cars because we couldn't fit all of the family members in one car. I think that is the best reason to have to carpool ever! I loved that Trey kept turning around and waving at me. He was so excited he was bouncing around. Wait, he always bounces.
Josh signing Trey's baptism guest book. My Grandma Nance mailed Trey a special book called My Baptism Memories. It was perfect! Trey checks the signatures to see who is waiting in the chapel. Dressed and excited!Trey and me. Matt, Trey and Josh. Matt was awesome at passing out the programs. Our little family.Trey and almost all of his girls. We were just missing Kaitlyn who was safe in Rich's arms. (Left to Right: my mom, Rosie, Rich's mom, me and Brynn.) Rich's dad catches up with Todd and Josh.Kaitlyn loved the Cala Lilies.Brynn gave Jonni Badger's punch two thumbs up! Trey and Grandma Nance. She gave a special talk on the Holy Ghost and gave the three children a sack full of little reminders about the Holy Ghost. Grandma Blackhair (Jackson) and Rosie. The boys and their two Kentucky Uncles: Todd and Big Josh.

We had so much support and love from so many dear friends. What blessings they are in our lives! Todd, Kristi, Anna and Kate HamiltonEllie Warner and Jonni Badger Josh, Tiffany, Keenan, Loie and McKay Madsen.Hillary and Anna Claire WarnerLexie and Debbie HydeLaurel and Addison KramerTyler, Cynthia, Ellie, Caleb and Max Madsen
Some of the old Louisville Gang's Brood. (Left to Right: Caleb Madsen, Keenan Madsen, Matt, Josh, Trey, Ellie Madsen, Anna Hamilton and Loie Madsen.)
A picture worth a million memories, thanks, smiles and love! Thanks for sharing this day with us. WE LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday Day Brad!

Happy birthday to my little brother. Enjoy your special day. We love you!

Start Celebrating!

Rich's parents and sister Rosie were the first to arrive all the way from Utah for Trey's baptism. That meant: Let the celebration begin! We gobbled up the 2 pound See's Candies Nuts and Chews they brought along and as the kids modeled their new clothes. We are spoiled!

We then headed off to Graeter's where I was hopeful they would have Pumpkin Spice ice cream. Alas, not yet, but we'll be back on Monday for a scoop! The Chocolate Coconut Almond Fudge was a delicious second choice and I did have fun sampling at least five other flavors too.

We can't wait to see what the rest of the weekend has in store because it's off to a perfect start!

Straight from their mouth....

Josh and I were playing catch with a football. After a number of passes, I must have been doing better than he had anticipated. Josh exclaimed, "Nice throw Mom. You keep throwing spiders!"

A Birthday, Brother and Baptism

Happy Birthday Trey! He sprang out of bed, was dressed and showered in 2.5 minutes and was ready to open his gifts. If only he had that much energy every morning when getting ready for school! Celebrating in the school cafeteria. Josh assists in the passing out of the treat: Hostess Scary Cakes. Gotta love Halloween for the orange frosting, Trey's favorite color.Off to Louisville for some serious party time! The Underwoods threw Trey the party I didn't. THANK YOU! They had cupcakes, ice cream and hours of fun being together.
Josh and Boston giving the Hermit Crabs some love. I hope your new pets don't drive you crazy! The girls made themselves at home!Traci and little Malory. She's a mini Zane! WELCOME JEFF! My little brother Jeff was offered an interview for medical school admission at the University of Louisville. We would love for him to move out here to the Bluegrass state next fall!I had to show off Kristi's newest project. She cut the wooden letters out herself and made the holder above. Well done! Dinner at Panera Bread minus the dudes who REFUSED to leave the Underwood's. Thanks Zane and Traci for a quiet dinner. Trey got to spend his birthday just as he wished.Big girl Anna Hamilton modeling two of Kristi's darling bows. She needs to give Kaitlyn and Brynn some pointers! I love her ringlets!
Baby Todd, I mean Kate. The boys were more than eager to show off their new swimming skills to their award winning swimmer uncle in the hotel pool.
The end of a long and happy birthday for the Trey Man, surrounded by sweet treats and your best friends. What a treat! Thanks Jeff for being such a great sport about sharing the room with your sister and 5 nieces and nephews. That is a scary combination. Thank heavens for sleeping pills!

The only part missing was Rich who was on call in Lexington. We missed you!September 27, 2007. The Interview! It was Jeff's first medical school interview. He was nervous, excited, but well prepared and ready to face the challenge. I dropped my brother Brad off in the exact same spot almost two years earlier to the day! (Brad was accepted at U of L, but decided the Medical School of Wisconsin was a better fit for him.)

It was fun to be back where we have so many great memories of Rich's 5 years at the University of Louisville medical centers. I pointed out buildings and places we would meet Rich for dinner and they could remember. I am glad they were old enough to keep those memories. Off to the Louisville Zoo. One of our favorite places to spend the afternoon. We met up with Traci, Gage and Mallory Underwood, Kristi and Kate Hamilton and Tiffany and McKay Madsen. What a treat to spend time with wonderful and dear friends. I must have enjoyed myself too much, because I forgot to snap a picture. Sorry ladies, but thanks for a wonderful morning together!
One of our other picture spots. Glad the pushing, shoving and tears that occurred while getting in place weren't evident in this shot!This one's for you Rich. The bongos are his favorite animal at the zoo. This baby girl was born in January 2007. The boys wrestled this Komodo Dragon for a ride. What bravery! It poured buckets early in the morning and the thunder sounded like bombs. Gotta love Kentucky and their serious rain storms! The rain created large puddles in the elephant enclosure and the little baby elephant delighted in splashing, rolling and playing in the muddy water. Sounds a lot like my boys!Party time! Jeff's interview at U of L went very well. We were ready for some good eating at Moe's Southwest Grill.
Nope, Jeff's not headed off on a two year mission for the LDS church. He's headed back home to Utah and his lovely new wife Sarah.

Good bye Jeff! We love you! Can't wait until you interview at UK and we can show you around our new hometown!

If we weren't quite so far down the road of living away, I would have cried taking him to the airport. After seven years of medical school and training, I have learned to love the journey no matter where the pathway leads and excited to see new faces join the trail.

My head is spinning after such a busy 24 hours! I can't say it will slow down anytime soon, but I do enjoy having lots to fill my time and it is wonderful to have lots going on for such an exciting reason: Trey's baptism on Saturday!

As for today, on the list is VT, a trip to Sam's Club for baptism goodies, a quick run to Garden Ridge (in search of a few needed Halloween items), finish cleaning the house, set up the church at 2:30 PM, soccer practice at 4:30 PM and the family starts arrive TONIGHT! So exciting. It will be a weekend to remember!