The Jackson Fam in SLC

For Christmas this year the extended Jackson family did something a little different. A trip to Boondocks, the Hilton in SLC, a little sub-for-santa, the Utah Symphony, and lots of fun! The typical presents were replaced by these activites and we thought it was definitely a good swap. Libby's favorite part of the weekend was playing with her cousin Emma at Boondocks. "We won a lot of tickets!" she says.

Noelles favorite part was riding the elevators at the Hotel. Unfortunately I didn't snap a photo of that. I did, however, capture the kiddos playing trains in the hotel lobby. We were waiting to check in and they weren't about to waste precious playing time.
The swimming was a close second, as far as favorites go, for both girls.

It wouldn't be an official Jackson party without a Howard Montana appearance!

I was in charge of the Nativity and I wasn't sure how to do that with 17 kids (some extras from the sub-for-santa family we had with us). So, I made puppets. It went over pretty well. Definitely a lot less headache for everyone.

Gingerbread- cheater style

We decorated gingerbread houses. We used a kit. I feel guilty. At least I did it, right? Not only that, but I did it cheerfully. Maybe that is the ultimate advantage of the kit!

Liberty and her friend Taygan.

I had to document the outfits. It makes me cold just to look at them!

This will make you smile!

Many of you know how much Daren enjoys ketchup. However, you may not realize that his love of ketchup doesn't even come close to Noelle's love of ketchup. Sunday I found Noelle hiding in her closet with the bottle of ketchup! It was an amazing sight. While I'm on the subject, I'll share a few more Noelle stories. First, she still can't say her V's and I'm not anxious at all to correct her. Hence, we have a "uncle Dabe", a "Grober" on Sesame Street, and a "lobe" of many things. Second, the other night I forced Noelle to eat two green beans. She put them in her mouth and almost instantly threw up. I don't mean gagged. I mean she threw up. I caught most of it in my hands, so I was spared a lot of clean up. And third, I think Noelle was suffering from a headache the other day. I'll never know for sure because she just told me that her "brain hurts". There was only one appropriate response to that... "My brain hurts too, Noelle".

My little superstar!

Libby's Christmas piano recital last night. She did great!

PANAMA

I have so much to tell, but not enough time to tell it. Panama was incredible! Traveling outside of the country is a great learning experience and super fun. We were very lucky to avoid a "tourist" experience because of our gracious hosts. So, here is just a small taste of a great vacation- Happy 12 year anniversary to us! (I went to Ogden on my honeymoon- so don't feel too jealous).
Spanish ruins- panama is a relatively young country, but they do have some remains from long ago.

Like I mentioned, we really got to experience what the locals do in Panama. Including whole fried fish, squid, octopus. It was all great. I can honestly say the only thing I didn't like was the coconut water. Daren enjoyed the food too!

A closer look at my lunch. It really was delicious!

In a jeep on our way to the rain forest. Daren, me, Lily, and Remy. Lily and Remy were our hosts and they were so gracious and fun.

Daren is ready to "canopy" through the rain forest (I think it's what Americans call zip lining).

On the beach. There were very few people there. We had a great time running on the beach.

At the zoo. There zoos are just a tad more scenic than ours!

A photo showing what most of Panama looks like. Green, green, green.

At the Mira Flores Locks- Panama Canal. The Canal is an awesome sight! We also went to the Panama temple which was equally as awesome. Next time we will take the girls and anybody else that wants to come along.

I'll cry if I want to!

Far too often there are tears in our home! Occassionally they occur when I am trying to capture a photo. Here are two fantastic examples:You can't really tell from the photo, but this was taken to document Libby's crazy hair on "crazy hair day". Her hair was in three different pony tails and it is sprayed purple. I can't remember why she was crying. Probably something about not wanting to ride the bus or walk to the bus stop.

The day before Halloween. Noelle is dressed up for Pre-school. She is crying because she didn't want her picture taken. She does that a lot. Not the funnest post ever, but I'm just keepin' it real.

Halloween

Does this look familiar? Yes, it's Libby's costume from last year. That didn't stop her from wearing it this year too! She has no problems "working it" for the camera.

Fortunately, I was able to convince Libby to wear this wonderful, warm costume (thanks to Aunt Jessie for finding it) to go trick or treating. Noelle is wearing a costume I wore when I was 6 years old. What a cute witch she is! We had fun trick or treating with friends, but Noelle wore out quickly. Afterwards we went to Wingers for dinner and Noelle fell asleep on my lap. I know that sounds like a typical kid, but my kids aren't typical. I can count on one hand how many times my child has fallen asleep some where besides there bed. It was a special Halloween treat to have her zonk out at a restaurant.

We went to the pumpkin walk with some friends from Clinton.

What did I say about working it for the camera?

Birthday Eve- I'm special and spoiled

First off, let me just say, it was quite the ordeal to get these pictures of me. I had to make a special effort. I am always the one behind the camera. Anyway, on to bigger and better. My 31st birthday is tomorrow. Since we don't party on Sunday, Daren took me out yesterday. He had scheduled me a massage, manicure, and pedicure at the day spa at Gardener Village! Does it get any better than that? What a good man. Then we got to eat at Macaroni Grill. I LOVE real italian food. Wait, there is more! We also went to a play at the Hale theater. Such good times. Unfortunately, we left knowing that Noelle was getting sick and we came home to her even sicker.

Now, just for fun, some random facts about me:

• I love olives- not just plain, old black olives. I'm talking about green olives, kalamata olives, etc. There is nothing better.
• My favorite movie is Nacho Libre. I never read a book twice (except for the Book of Mormon) and I rarely watch a movie twice. Nacho Libre is the exception. I love it. "My life is goood. Real goood."
• I love music. No, I really mean I love music. I can't name a favorite. Do you have a favorite child? Of course not! So, likewise I can't choose a favorite song because I love them all for different reasons.
• I love a good deal. I've been known to talk about the good deals I have found, probably way too much. I can't help but tell people about the awesome deals I find. Along the same lines I love to turn "trash to treasure".

Ok, that's about all I can handle of that. Every once in a while I have to do something like that just to make sure that I exist as a person outside of being a mom. Thanks for humoring me.

Love,

The birthday girl

Look Mom, I did it!!!

Ta Da! An apple pie made by yours truly. Today should not have been a day for baking (Noelle was sick), but I just had to prove to myself that I could make a pie without my mother standing by my side. Last week I attempted to make an apple pie and the result was horrible. This time, however, it turned out pretty good. It doesn't look perfect, but it tastes great. The crust is nice and flakey. Thanks Mom, for teaching me how to bake.

Clever Homemaking

I recently stumbled upon a blog that I really enjoy: www.cleverhomemaking.blogspot.com. I was initially impressed with her chore chart that she has created (and is currently doing a give away for), but I also was impressed with other tips about meal planning, organizing hair accessories, etc. Check it out and enjoy!