Go Generals!

Saturday the boys had their first soccer game. They are playing on a YMCA 6/7 year old team named the Generals. Their coach is a lady in our ward and was Josh and Matt's coach last year. It's always comforting for them to know a few people on the team and what a great experience for them to be all together. I love that we only have to chase Brynn and Kaitlyn around during one practice. Last year they were on the same night, but one was at 5 PM and one at 7 PM and the field was even further away. We would leave the house at 4:30 PM and get home around 8:30 PM. It was the night I dreaded most each week. This season was a big jump for Josh and Matt to now have set positions and a goalie, but they are learning more about the game and having fun. They would all love to play forward all the time, but that really wouldn't be fair. The roster lists twelve players, and six can play at a time. This allows each child to play on quarter offense and quarter defense and sit for a half.

Each of the boys took a turn being goalie which was great since my little brother Rhett plays goalie for the Spanish Fork High School soccer team. Rhett is currently playing club soccer and will play for SFHS this spring. Trey and Josh were happy to try out this new position, but Matt wasn't so sure, then they gave him some gloves. He immediately had a change of heart and loved stopping the ball. After the game he ran over to me on the sidelines to show off the gloves that were still on his hands. He instructed me to find out from the coach where she bought the awesome gloves. Once I saw Rawlings on the wrist I knew I was in luck. We had an exact pair of baseball batting gloves at home.

The boys played well. Trey has speed, but was a bit winded after a few minutes of running around. The coach told Trey he needed to practice sprints at home. This was music to my ears. It gives me one more reason to turn off the PS2. Trey's response to the coach was that his dad calls him a 'couch potato.' I would have said he was addicted to TV. This is why it is so good for him to get out and run around. Josh took some great shots and played hard. He even stopped two balls while playing goalie. Matt was a great defender and got some hard kicks that moved the ball away from our goal. He was an awesome goalie too.The game ended in a tie 1-1 and the boys can't wait until their next match.

Go Generals!

My little author....

While busy completing my weekend ritual of cleaning out the backpacks, I was pleasantly surprised. I discovered this wonderful little project Trey made this week.

A Better Me! By: Trey Jackson
Look after my brothers and sisters.

Do my homework.

Be nice to my brothers.

The title made my heart melt a little, thinking that he was contemplating being a better person at the ripe old age of seven. I hope it was not inspired by his mother and her constant barrage of directions, instructions, lists and jobs. He was already in bed, so I didn't get the full details, but I was so impressed with his illustrations and loved the various facial expressions he drew. It had a certain David Shannon "No David!" feel to me with the before and after drawings. I love that he is conscious of being kind to his family and that he loves his siblings.

Beautiful book Trey, it made me smile! I love you and am truly blessed to call you mine!

Spelling Bee

I have a serious dilemma every Monday afternoon, do open Trey's backpack the minute he gets home or should I give myself a few extra precious minutes of blissful ignorance? You see, once set my eyes upon the list I am fully aware of the minutes ticking away until Friday is upon us. Yes, I'm referring to Trey's dreaded spelling list. Every Monday I get to see what new and torturous words Trey's teacher dreamt up and expects the kids to spell. This would be fine and dandy if they were in middle school, but I must remind you that Trey is only seven. Not seventh grade, but seven years old.

The list this week did not disappoint. To be honest it nearly made me pass out. I had a hard time spelling the words. I quizzed my parents and they both slowly spelled out a few, surprised at the difficulty.

It was going to be a tough week. How could it be easy trying to spell:
Turquoise
Persuade
Urchin
Surgeon
Perspire
Swerve
Quirk
Thought
Curtsy
Affirm
and five other words, plus five random word wall words.

Trey was up for the challenge, but was I? I have so many things demanding attention- the girls, the sports, the girls, the laundry, the girls, making dinner (scratch that one), microwaving dinner- it's hard to find time to help Trey get all the words down. I am really dreading the day when Josh and Matt have spelling lists too. I can barely get their sheet of homework and reading done each night after Trey's hour long work fest.

Monday night Trey has to take a pretest and then write every misspelled word five times. Trey's hand was cramping and tears were flowing by the time he scratched out his SIXTY words.

Trey was a trooper all week and thankfully wasn't cursed with his mother's inability to spell. He worked and worked and I quizzed and quizzed and by last night, I felt like he had done his best, had studied hard and while getting 100% was possible, I would be proud of him no matter what he got.

At pick up he said he felt good about the test and then asked if you spell laugh L,A,U,G,H. I told him that was correct. He gave me a big smile and looked relieved. What a cute kid! We treated him to a trip to Blockbuster tonight to rent a possible birthday present game. He deserved it.

I should enjoy the weekend because I only have 63 more hours until next week's words kill my joy! I just hope I don't spot 'lieutenant' on the sheet!

Favorite Breads!

This time of year also is wonderful for making bread. While I love all types of bread, I have never had much luck with anything that calls for yeast. If I can manage to ruin Rhodes Rolls, then I obviously have a serious problem. Thank heavens for Pillsbury's bread sticks! Pop the can, roll out and presto, a hot delicious side for dinner.

I usually stick to fruit type breads and have much better luck with them. Here are my all time favorite two.

Coconut Pecan Bread

4 eggs
2 c sugar
1 c oil
2 tsp coconut extract

Mix and add:

3 c flour
1/2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder

Mix and add:

1 c buttermilk
1 c pecans
1 c coconut

Bake at 325 for 1 hour 2 min. Cover with glaze.

1 c sugar
1/4 c water
1 Tb butter
1 tsp coconut extract

Bring glaze to a boil and cool slightly. Brush over hot bread. Makes 2 loaves.


Pumpkin Bread

4 eggs
2 c sugar
2 c pumpkin
1 c oil

Mix and add:

2 c flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp soda
1 Tb cinnamon

Bake 350 for 40 min. Makes 2 loaves or 1 9x13 pan.

Optional Frosting for 9x13 pan:

1 lb powder sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cube margarine
8 oz cream cheese

Happy baking!

Favorite Soups!

I copied this idea from Sally because it really is the perfect time for making soups, though I tend to make them even in the heat of summer. I made a big pot of boiling hot clam chowder a few weeks ago and plopped it down in front of Rich. He was sweating just from looking at it. Sometimes you have to break the code and rules of food and make soup even when the temperature in the kitchen is 95, but there are no excuses today because it dropped down to a balmy 74, making it certainly "fall" enough for soup. These are my favorite two.

Cauliflower Cheese Soup

1 med head cauliflower, cut in small pieces and cooked til tender and drain.

In a pan melt 1/4 c. margarine (I use Blue Bonnet Light) and 2/3 cup onion. Cook until tender. blend in 1/2 c. flour and cook two minutes, then add 2 cans chicken broth. Cook, stirring constantly until it boils and thickens. Add 2 cups half and half (I use the fat free and you can not tell), 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce and 3/4 tsp salt. Add cooked cauliflower and 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Great served in bread bowls.

Mom's Boston Clam Chowder

3 can clams (save juice)

1 bottle clam juice (sold right next to the clams)

1 c. onion finely diced

1 c celery finely diced

2 c potatoes diced

3/4 c margarine (I use light)

3/4 c flour

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 c half and half (I use fat free)
1 c milk

1 Tb red wine vinegar

pepper to taste

Pour all clam juice over vegetable in a saucepan and add water to barely cover. Simmer over med heat for 20 minutes (or until veg are tender). In another pan melt butter and add flour. Stir constantly. Add half and half and milk. Cook until thick. Add undrained vegetables and clams and red wine vinegar and salt. Heat. Add pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

Hotel de Jackson

This past week I seriously wonder if I am living in a hotel. Or maybe that should read, it seems like I'm working at a hotel. After years of having kids, you would think by now I should be used the constant pick up required to keep the house decent, but it seems to have spun out of control these past few days. How can five little kids make such big messes in just seconds?

I am used to the constant need of clean clothes, hunting for missing shoes, searching for lost backpacks and endless pots that need a good scrubbing, but recently it has gotten completely out of hand! I have slept in clean sheet the past four nights, not by my own choosing. The kids love to sneak in and watch TV or movies in our room and have managed to get them dirty more often than not. The girls also have spilled milk and diapers have leaked when they have climbed on in the early morning. I am constantly finding wet used towels shoved into closets and behind doors causing me to run an extra load of wash that day. I have gotten out the Hoover carpet cleaner three times this week and I won't even begin to say how many times the dishwasher has been emptied by yours truly or garbage runs I have made to the garage.

Yes, I LOVE staying in a hotel and look forward to the day when we can on trips frequently and find a real maid making my bed instead of me. But for now, I'll keep slaving away because like I said previously, this is MY hotel and I'm the #1 cleaner upper. Lucky me. Lucky me.

Tuesday Tell All- School Days

Today's topic is tell about your favorite class or teacher from any period of your life. Once again, I pondered this questions the past two days. I found myself recalling classes and books, tests and projects that filled my days as a student. I have reflected on so many wonderful educators that have influenced me, opened my eyes and mind to new subjects and made my years in school so memorable and happy.

Eugene P. Bertin said, "Teaching is leaving a vestige of one self in the development of another. And surely the student is a bank where you can deposit your most precious treasures."

I know I have been the recipient of so many wondrous and valuable treasures of knowledge throughout my life. They have come from my parents, my family, my husband, my children and from many, many committed and dedicated teachers.

Two people who have deeply taught me the value education are my parents. They taught me that school was my first priority. It came before getting a job, social activities, cheer leading and all the other things that filled my time. I also knew that no matter what grade I got, if I had studied and really prepared, and had done all I could, then my best was good enough.

I never got lower than an A- through high school. I then started spring semester at BYU before I graduated from Spanish Fork high. I took an upper level family science class and the teacher was a bit kooky. When I went into the testing center to take my first exam, I got the shock of my life. When it spit out my score at the end it read C-. I just about died. I rushed over to my Dad's office in tears and told him that maybe I just wasn't cut out for BYU. My Dad put his arms around me, pulled me close and told me that it was OK and that I could handle BYU. I had done my best and it was good enough. What kind and gentle words. I had to suffer through the weekend, but my fears were erased on Monday when the professor announced the test curve which changed my C- to a B+. I ended up with an A- in the class, but I never forgot that my dad believed in me and that I was more important than any grade.

My Dad just LOVES to learn. Growing up he would tell us about all the amazing classes he took at BYU. From handball, to bowling , to the engineering calculus class he took because his original calculus class was too EASY, he has always amazed me with his love for knowledge. Now he buys college lectures on various subjects (usually history) on CD and listens to them in his car. We discussed the history of the Tudors just last night. He has a memory like a steel trap. Once it's in there, it never escapes. I can ask him questions about a class he took in college or a book he read years ago, and he still knows the answer. I pray my children are blessed with that same gift.

My mom taught me to appreciate the value of an education. She knew that getting a degree would open the world's door for me and my brothers. She was always by my side, helping me, encouraging me and fixing my punctuation. She was my ultimate English advisor and nearly wrote my first paper at BYU when I was floundering with the elements of writing. She loves to read and always has a book she is flying through. So many times when I walk upstairs I can find her on her bed reading. She also has taught me to never question my ability to learn something new. She has taught herself to tile showers, replace light fixtures, repair broken cabinets and believe in never saying 'can't'.

Thanks Mom and Dad for your example and for sharing so much of your precious knowledge with me.

And, so to the question. Which class do I favor best of all?

By now, everyone should know I have a very hard, almost impossible time narrowing things down to one measly choice. So I picked my top four. I'll try to keep my reasons brief, near short story length. Here goes.... (and in no particular order)

#1. Hula. I took this class my freshman year at BYU-Hawaii. I loved the music, the soft movements and telling a story through the dance. It gave me deep love for the Hawaiian people and their culture.

#2. Children's Literature. I took this class while I was in the elementary education program at BYU. I was teaching in the elementary school everyday and was overwhelmed by the lesson plans, observations and tests I was required to complete. This class allowed me to make time to read beautiful stories and further develop my love for children's books.

#3. Astronomy. I took this class at BYU-Hawaii. I was so excited for this class since my own dad took it when he was at BYU. I have always had a love for the night sky because of my father. He owns a wonderful telescope and I've seen so many planets, comets and stars throughout my life. When I moved away and was living on a far away island, the night sky brought me peace and comfort. I loved learning about it more in depth. Highlight: That spring (1996) the comet Hyutake graced the night sky. A friend and I traveled to a place on the beach to find a proper viewing spot with no light from cars, homes, or street lights. It was a glorious sight. The comet was far brighter than any other star or planet I had ever seen and its tail stretched across 2/3 of the sky. It was a magical thing and the only piece missing was sharing that moment with my dad.

#4. Humanities 101. This class was like living in a fantasy world. I still have the textbook and look through it. I studied great works of art, music throughout the ages, building styles, ancient artifacts and I found I had a passion for it. If I had not already chosen to pursue elementary education, I would have changed my major. There were so many aspects and I really, really loved them all. I appreciated the world more and all is kinds of people. I hope to one day take my children in person to visit the places and discover the wonders I found through humanities.

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." ~Henry Brooks Adams

A Tank and a Tribute

I think it is interesting that when I give directions on how to get to our house that I can simply say that I live by the tank. Yes, a tank. Not some silly little miniature toy thing. A real life, once used tank that is just over one block from our home. When we first came out looking at houses, the tank was Matt's favorite thing about Lexington. It's how I would remind him which home we bought.

The tank has been the destination for more than one walk in the year we have lived in Lexington. It is a 2003 US Army M60A3 tank. The boys love to climb on it and explore it from top to bottom. They love to see the periscope up top, see the space where the gunner could see through, and touch the large metal wheels. Though the hatches have been welded shut, you still can get a feel for what it would be like for a solider to ride in. You can imagine how noisy it must be when the tracks move along the road with their metal grips, how slow the turret would move from side to side and what a dangerous machine this truly could be.

With all that said, having a tank close by is a perfect fit for our neighborhood. It is situated on the edge of Veterans Park. This enormous park has miles of open grass fields, walking trails, a river, a baseball complex (three fields below, a softball field above) and the boys' school is on the southern end. It is appropriately named Veterans Park Elementary. I didn't even realize the size or beauty of this park when we purchased our home. It is one more thing that I will greatly miss when we leave this wonderful city in a few years.

We drive past the tank everyday and I still love to look at it when I pass it. They have a light shining on it at night and the American Flag proudly waving just to its side. Also flying in front are five flags, each representing our nations various armed forces. There is one for the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Navy.

While I have loved having our tank close by, today it is a much more symbolic reminder of this great country we have the privilege of living in. For six years ago today, on September 11, 2001 so many people lost their lives in those horrific terrorist attacks. Over three thousand people taken too soon and their families were left shattered and forever changed.

That day will live in my memory forever. It changed the way I felt about America, about soldiers fighting for our freedom and was a reminder of how precious each day of life is. I was in Utah with the boys while Rich was far away in Kentucky. It was so hard to be separated. During those first days, I was so moved and touched to see how it softened us as a nation. Within hours some one in my parents ward had put up American flags in every yard. There were signs in gas stations saying God Bless America. People seemed to be kinder, more helpful and softer. It made us all appreciate what we have been blessed with.

So today I pay my respect to those lives lost, especially those of the firefighters and police men, who ran in when everyone else was running out. They are true heroes. And to those who fought back on Flight 91 and saved so many other people's lives by giving their own. There were so many acts of heroism, to the ground zero workers, to the Pentagon rescue workers, and to all the men and women who gave help to others that day. While it was a dark time for our country, the light and goodness of men and women shone forth, showing the world what being an American really means.

I also salute our soldiers, the men and women who have left their families behind, who risk untold dangers each day to fight for freedom. Thank you.

May the Lord bless you and help you come home safely and soon. May we all be grateful to be an American.

Therapy

My friend's little sister's blog site header reads: T-minus freak out- you know you are. We all have those moments in our lives and it has gotten quite insane around here these past few weeks with school, homework, the boys playing two sports and Rich preparing for his big test. It got me thinking about the variety of things I do to keep myself from going crazy. Sometimes I wonder if they are working, but who doesn't go nuts once in awhile? So here is my list.

15 WAYS TO STAY HAPPY, HEALTHY, YOUNG AT HEART AND HOPEFULLY A LITTLE BIT SANE.

1. Go for a walk. Get out of the house and look around at this beautiful world we have. Enjoy the fall air, notice the leaves, listen for the birds, see the butterflies, smell the flowers and feel how good it is to get out and just go. It's a great pick me up anytime.

2. Get take out for dinner. It will eliminate cooking clean up and the kids will eat what is served. And really, who can beat Little Caesars large pizza for $5.00? One cheese, one peperoni and we are good to go.

3. Do some yard work. Pull weeds, edge, mow the lawn, get a bit dirty and see how you can transform the earth into a thing of beauty. Enjoy the fresh air, the smell of cut grass and flowers around the yard. I'd rather word in the yard than clean inside any day. Trimming bushes and raking leaves gives me a satisfaction that cleaning a toilet just can't match.

4. Bake up a batch of cookies. Three rules. 1. If kids are present make them help. Have them crack eggs, add ingredients, they love all the little spoons and measuring cups. 2. Eat the cookie dough. 3. Make enough to share. Who doesn't enjoy a little treat from a neighbor or friend?

5. Read a good book. Escape from your own life for a moment and when you get interrupted be glad there is not an on/off button that will most certainly be pushed in your absence and you will utterly lose your place in the story.

6. Call a family member and catch up. You could call your grandparents and ask them questions about their lives. You will be amazed at what you can learn.

7. Ask a child to tell you all their favorite things. From color, to TV show, to toys, they love that someone older wants to know all about them.

8. Go to a sporting event. From little league baseball, YMCA soccer, to high school football, or (someday) flying to NYC to watch the US Open, watching it all is fun. It may not always be relaxing, but you'll enjoy every minute.

9. Go to a park with your kids and play! Climb on the playground, go down the slide, bring along bubbles and run through them. You'll feel young no matter how old you are.

10. Eat an ice cream cone. This is such a simple pleasure, but bring wipes. In these hot temperatures things tend to get sticky fast!

11. Run through the sprinklers. It can count for your shower for the day too!

12. Write a letter or email to an old friend. Reacquaint yourself with someone who once was an important part of your life.

13. Invite people over for dinner. While the cleaning of the house might be a tad stressful, make a new recipe or a favorite dessert and make some new memories with people close to you.

14. Clean out your closet. Be honest with yourself and get rid of anything you haven't worn in a year. It made be cute, but if you haven't worn it, the odds are you won't, ever. Give it away before it's so out of date that no will want it.

15. Turn up the song in the car and sing along. The kids will laugh and sing along too.

May we all have days of joy, laughter and a little less headache!

Little Things

I love the fact my boys and their friends love to hang out here in our home. I hope it always stays like this. I love being the designated "Kool Aid" house as my mom once put it. I don't mind feeding the wave of little boys coming in and out giving them popsicles and treats. It's true that I have no problem with stocking the cupboards with snacks and goodies that most mothers might consider rationing, but why not enjoy something tasty everyday to celebrate the little things in life.

The boys worked really hard at school, baseball and soccer all week, so what better way to celebrate the weekend than invite the gang over to play, eat and get way, way to wild. Thank heavens for basements. I am so glad we live in a little cul-de-sac where they can run around outside and have a childhood similar to my own. I didn't think that could be possible anymore with all the worry about child abductions. They love it here in Lexington and that is the best thing a mother could ask for.

The Wild Bunch: Trey, Ethan, Matt, Luke, Alec, Josh J., Josh P. and Sam. All we need are Luke B., Trevor, Boston and Keenan and we would have a complete set of best buds!

Feeding the masses. Thankfully they all seem to enjoy a nice big bowl of mac and cheese.

Glad the boys will have to clean up the basement after they all leave and not me. I'll designate myself as supervisor over the picking up.

I love these times of my life, having all my kids home, watching them grow and develop. What a rewarding thing it is to be a mom and have the added luxury of staying home with them. It's the best job in the world.

I loved the quote on my Mary Engelbreit calendar last week. It said, "Enjoy the small things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

Celebrating the small, even the Friday afternoon party of cookies, root beer and mac and cheese with friends makes living each day a little sweeter.

An early morning sandwich...

I got up early with Rich to see him before he left for the hospital, another day on call. After I waved goodbye, I went upstairs hoping to sneak a few more minutes of shut eye before the crew awoke. I was not surprised to see Trey now in my bed asleep his body positioned across the mattress. I straightened him out and pushed him over to Rich's now vacant side.

I closed my eyes and soon felt something brush against my arm. It was Josh and he was hungry. I told him he could lie down in bed for five minutes and then I would go down and make breakfast. He was soon snuggled in.

I closed my eyes yet again and not a moment later I was shaken by Matt informing me that there was no room for him to squeeze in. I told Josh to push Trey over to the edge and then Matt could jump in between me and Josh.

At this point I was rethinking my idea of the bit of extra rest.

As Matt wiggled his way in, he matter of factly declared, "I am squished! I feel like I'm peanut butter!"

Yup, he was right. We were scrunched in tightly, just like peanut butter between the bread. Great for the memories, but not the best for a peaceful snooze!

Fall Ball

Trey had his first fall baseball game this afternoon. His spring team, the Orioles combined with two Cub players and the Yankee t-ball team's players that are old enough now to play Rookie league. I think they are calling themselves Reds because of their shirt color. Trey had a great game. He went 4-4 batting and scored once. He hit as well as any of the kids on either team. He also got his first opportunity to play infield. He played right field in the spring. Today he played a different position every inning. He started on third and made a great stop with the help of his left cleat. He then played left field and almost had a catch, but fielded the ball well and got it to second base in a flash. He then played short stop and ended the game playing first base where he caught a throw from an outfielder. I was really proud of him. Way to go Trey!

Soccer

The boys are playing YMCA fall soccer again this year. Trey began when he was only three, so this makes five straight years of Saturday soccer games through September and October. Soccer is a great sport for kids because it has few rules, they can run out all their energy and learn to work together as a team.


This is a unique year for us though, Trey, Josh and Matt are all on the same team for the first time ever. They fall into the 6-7 age category and Trey made the deadline by just two and a half weeks.


Their team is the Generals and they practice every Friday at 4:30 PM and have games on Saturday. Their coach is a lady from our ward. It should be a fun season being all together

Growing up fast!

After watching the girls, I know that children learn by example. They are slowly but surely turning into me. I hope they pick up only my good habits! I thought I'd document through photos what they have learned at the ripe old age of 17 and 1/2 months.

This is how we put the soap in and then close the little door. Kaitlyn is my best dishwasher helper.
We love to play the piano and are practicing our duet. Mommy loves that we can open the keyboard lid and climb on the bench all by ourselves. Lovely music all day long!

We have to wash off our hand prints off the windows and glass door every day! Windex is great stuff. Brynn mastered typing on the keyboard long ago, but recent discovered how to use the mouse. What a technologically advanced baby!

Feeding and loving babies is what we do around here all day long (and occasionally all night too!).
We push our stroller and baby around and around just like Mom.

We even use our stroller to walk to the pool. We load the stroller up with all our gear, hang the swim toy bag over the handle and we're ready for an afternoon of fun! I love to wear my bracelet, carry my purse and gab on the phone. I am a skilled at multi-tasking!

Mom has taught us to enjoy the finer cuisine in life, like Fruity Pebbles. Delicious!

We are really good at using a grocery cart since we go shopping at Wal-mart at least three times a week!

This is how Mommy puts on her mascara. Love the cat eye look. And who mascara could double as hair dye.
Reading a good book before bed. Sometimes it's the only free moment to sneak in a few extra pages!
And we spend LOTS of time in the van, though we have the most fun when we escape the confines of our car seats and explore the elusive front seats! So many fun buttons to push!

I love you Kaitlyn and Brynn!

Celebrate!

Thank heavens it's Friday! That means a few days break from spelling tests, math homework, 20 minutes reading and 6:45 AM alarms. Well, at least the ones that plug in the wall, but the ones named Brynn and Kaitlyn run on their own power! Can't really control or predict them.

Too bad Rich is on call Saturday day and Sunday day. I guess that doesn't equal relaxation for him or loss of the dreaded early alarm clock this weekend, but at least we have tonight (after soccer practice). So what to do?

Josh had a the perfect idea last Sunday. Go to Graeter's to celebrate not only the weekend, but mainly to say a huge YA-HOO that Rich took the American Board of Radiology Physics Board Exam on Thursday. Studying for the test= months of torture and brain cramps! Having it finally over= new found excitement and freedom! What a relief!

We have been talking about and dreading this test since before he even decided to pursue radiology. It actually was one of the serious drawbacks of the field. Rich won't get the results for a month, but he felt good about it and that's enough for me to celebrate.

I can't wait to have my husband back and he can't wait to get his life back. After he got home he looked at me and said, "Oh my gosh it's September!" The summer was a complete blur for him. He went to the library every day on his week off in August to review. He only went to the pool twice. (Compared to my 100 times with swim team) He lugged around 100 pounds of books with him wherever he went. They were like our sixth child. And while he got bits and pieces of breaks, the need to study was ever present in his mind and the test was like a dark cloud looming over the sunshine of June, July and August.

Well, the sun finally broke through the muck and Rich is going to have to stop and enjoy it for awhile because he truly deserves it. Congrats Rich on taking the test. You worked, studying, sacrificed all free time, flew to Sacramento for the review course and endured months memorizing things I will never even begin to understand. I know you'll get good results soon. I'm so proud of you. You deserve a break, maybe Monday.... or Tuesday... or after residency when things slow down.... but I doubt they ever will. Love you!

P.S. Graeter's got a new fan tonight! I am on the countdown until they start selling Pumpkin Spice ice cream in a few weeks. It is my favorite ice cream and a perfect holiday indulgence.

Trey, Josh and Matt's Anthem

While driving in the car today I popped in a Jack Johnson CD my brother Greg made me years ago. As I flipped through tracks, I recognized one called Might Just Let It Go. I listened to it once and then hit repeat. The second time around I understood the lyrics in the chorus. I had found my boys' anthem. A song that represents their mother and their incessant questioning of her.


The line sings, "It seems to me that maybe
It pretty much always means no."


I was laughing out loud. Trey has repeated those words to me countless times. And he's almost always right. When I say maybe, it usually ends up being a no.

I actually like the entire chorus. I am sure the boys would agree with the ending of the verse. My saying 'maybe' just keeps their hopes up a tiny bit longer, until my 'no' crashes their dreams down.

"It seems to me that maybe
It pretty much always means no
So don't tell me, you might just let it go
Often times were lazy,
it seems to stand in my way
'Cuz no one, no,
not no one likes to be let down"

(Jack Johnson
Might Just Let It Go- Track 5
Brushfire Fairytales)


When they got in the van after school I played the song for them. They LOVED it. They laughed, danced and replayed the chorus twenty times. They said if they had an iPod, they would download it. They grinned wide when I told them we had it on CD. To them that was just as good.

I'll always think of that moment when I hear that song. I'll close my eyes and remember Trey sitting in the passenger seat, eyes closed his head rocking to the beat singing key words, Josh pushing the repeat button, begging to hear it again, while Matt laughed at pulsing base from the max volume the song was blasting on. Then I'll smile and hum the song for days.

The Jackson Clan

I got a nice treat in my e-mail inbox today. There was copy of the Jackson family photo, so I wanted to share it. We had it taken while we were in Utah in August. I was impressed that our little in the backyard and have a friend snap the shot turned out so well. Then figure in the SIX babies that we dealt with and the word 'miracle' might be an understatement! It was wonderful to be all together. It had been far too long. Love you all and look forward to the next time!

Go Brorioles?

Fall baseball is in full swing and Josh and Matt had their first game tonight. Some of the kids on their old team moved up to the next divison so they had to combine two teams to create our new fall one. There are players from the Braves and the Orioles. They haven't come up with a name. The best idea so far from the coaches has been the Brorioles. Huh. Hard to yell that tongue twister after a great catch. I think they should go with the idea one of the players came up with- The Bombers. Sounds easier on the lips to me.

Since fall ball it much more low key that spring ball, the kids can have a chance to play a variety of positions and line ups. What a treat for Matt since he was stuck in right field last season. Tonight he got to be an infielder for the first time and boy he did glow from pride. In the outfield he would stare at the bugs and dandilions and never got to touch a ball. He liked batting fine, but he didn't love practing at all. Who would when you are stuck fielding balls that never came your way and running bases. Well, tonight he was really one of the guys. He played 2nd base and man you couldn't have found a kid that stayed in ready position better when there was a batter at the plate. I was a bit nervous since this was all new to him, but when a player hit a solid line drive straight to him, he quickly stopped it with his glove and foot. It was a great play, even for a seasoned second baseman. Good Job Matt!

After the game he told me, "Mom, I was part of the action tonight. When you are in the outfield, you just watch the action go by. I love the action." And really who doesn't? It reminded me that we all need to feel included, needed and important. And that made last night's game Matt's best ever.

Josh and Matt both went 4-4 and each scored almost every time. Josh turned into A-Rod hitting every ball into the outfield and even got a triple. Way to go Josh! He played first base next to Matt at second. They they both played out field and the last inning Josh played third. They don't keep score, but I think we won the little Giants team.

This will keep us busy. Josh and Matt play every Tuesday and Thursday night for the next four weeks, while Trey's team plays on one weeknight and then on Saturday. We have soccer practice on Friday night and one game on Saturday. The only saving grace is that all three boys are on the same soccer team. We seem to always been stretching ourselves thin, but at least they are out running around, making new friends and the house stays clean while we are away!

Signs...

I was coming home this morning from dropping the boys off at school and was shocked when I saw a beautiful maple tree adorned in fall colors. It made me smile and think about the breathtaking views of the Utah Mountains I have enjoyed throughout my life. I miss seeing the wide range of yellow, orange, red and still green leaves on the mountain side.

If having football on TV, school in session, boys playing soccer, Halloween candy and costumes stocked in the stores and delicious crisp apples to eat aren't enough proof, here is one true, indisputable sign that fall is upon us. Take a moment to stop and enjoy its splendor.

I hope they call me on a mission....

Every time I sing the hymn Called to Serve it makes my heart swell. The first time I entered the MTC and sung that hymn with the Elders and Sisters I had chills and a tear in my eye. I had a new love and appreciation for the song and for their calling as a missionary- they are true messengers of Heavenly Father.

I know each and every missionary are doing the Lord's work. And while it is a sacrifice, I know their lives will be forever changed for the better. They will witness miracles, have the gift of tongues and discernment, be watched over by guardian angels and give people the hope and knowledge that can bring true happiness in this life, when they accept their message.

I am so proud that my little brother Kurt is now a full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has been called to serve in the Taiwan, Kaohsiung mission and entered the Missionary Training Center this afternoon.

Kurt has been like a big brother to my boys and they love him dearly. What an example he will be to my children for the next two years. It will be wonderful to share his life through letters and the boys are excited to write. We got his address tonight, so I think we'll pull out the paper tomorrow.

I don't know what my boys will call my parents home for the next two years since it's simply been Kurt and Rhett's house since they could talk. We will all miss his beautiful piano playing, his kind and gentle nature and his willingness to serve. How many other 19 year olds will sit and play in the loft with three little nephews for hours or talk about PS2 games with Trey over the phone too many times to count? Not many. That's Kurt. He always has had a very soft heart and kind spirit. Now he can share all these talents and attributes with the people of Taiwan.

Kurt, I love you and can't wait to see what the Lord has in store.

Tuesday Tell All- Passion for Paintings

This week's topic is any easy one. I LOVE paintings and have a wide variety on my walls. I love paintings that bring thought and emotion, ones that your children will remember and learn life lessons from. I started getting paintings from my parents for Christmas when I was in high school. It was fun back then to think that one day these works of art would adorn the walls in my future home. How nice it was to have beautiful paints when we were first married. Now I realize that one day, there will be no room on my walls because I will have aquired far more than I have space for.

My all time favorite painting is The Widow's Mite by James C. Christensen. My parents got the print when I was young and hangs in their den today. It is a simple painting of a the biblical story of the young woman who gives all she had to the Lord and her true sacrifice meant more to Heavenly Father than all the gold and riches the wealthy parted with because she gave all she had.

My parents knew of my love for their painting and they took me by complete surprise when Rich and I unwrapped our wedding presents. The large package from them held a Widow's Mite painting of my own. It brought me to tears. My painting hangs in our front room over the fireplace. I love seeing the woman in the painting each day and reflect upon her story and hope I am doing as she did.

My honorable mention painting one I deeply love as well. It too is by James C. Christensen and is called Once Upon a Time or The Storyteller. My parents got this print long ago and it hung over our family room fireplace for years. This painting was made for the Orem, Utah storytelling festival called Tales Beneath Timp. I wanted my own copy, but since they were sold out when I was in Jr. High, I settled for a poster version, but never had it framed. Three years ago, the painter re-released it in a new canvas format. I was dying to get one, but with our lack of income (Rich was a third year medical student) I knew it was far beyond what I could afford. My parents made me a deal. If I used this painting as my birthday and Christmas presents from them for the next three years, I could get a copy. I said yes in an instant. They shipped it from Utah in a custom made crate that had to weigh 150 pounds and stood 6 feet tall. The delivery service left it on our porch. What a surprise we got when we notice something outside from the window. Rich spent an hour unscrewing and pulling the wood apart to get the painting out. It now hangs in our family room over the couch. I love looking at the vivid colors and characters, but my favorite part is Mt. Timpanogos in the background. It reminds me of home each time I see it.

My all time favorite well known painter is Claude Monet. His paintings are simple, beautiful and peaceful. Whenever I am in a museum, I search out his works of art. I have seen his paintings Honolulu, Louisville, Boston, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., Paris and London.