That's What She Said

Sad, Disheartened, Ashamed...I Could Go On...

2011-07-24T23:04:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was a sad one for me...here are the reasons why...

1. Amy Winehouse died.

The first time I heard, 'Back to Black' on the radio I remember saying to Brian, "Who is that? I love this song." He then went home and researched who sang the song and bought me the CD. It's an incredible CD, one of my all time favorites. So talented, so unique, someone who shared herself with the world and was a good memory for me. I don't know how you feel about music (if anyone even reads my blog) but it's brings out so many emotions for me. It was a huge part of my family growing up. I started playing piano (6 yrs old), then flute, then learned how to play the bassoon. My dad always had music playing, I learned to love the Beatles because of him. My mom played the euphonium in high school. My sisters played the clarinet, saxophone, flute, piano and one of my sisters is an opera singer, along with being a certified music teacher. I also love listening to music with Jack and think it's great that he likes music from so many different eras. Yes, even with the horrible events that happened in Norway, I am very sad to hear about Amy Winehouse.

2. Shootings at a Norway summer youth camp, execution style, for 90 minutes.

Horror comes to my mind, absolutely heartsick. Can't even express my feelings in a cohesive way. I do not know why people make the choices they do, or maybe why our brains do not possibly function properly or why people harm others. So sad for them all.

3. People saying that Amy Winehouse DESERVED to die....

Because she abused her body with drugs, and "we saw it coming". Really? I believe that God loves everyone, no matter what our faults and trials are. No one is perfect. Just something to think about.

4. Plus all of the harsh criticism about Casey Anthony. (from the previous weeks)

I wasn't in that court room. I sure hope she didn't kill her daughter, maybe we need to pray for her and her family? I don't know.

I have sat back and listened to opinions, hopefully read truthful facts.. read them online via news websites and I am sad, disheartened and ashamed...I could go on...my heart is heavy.

Maria Shriver recently quoted Plato when the news of her life changing events emerged, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle."

I try to make good choices, haven't always, but I try. There are some things I choose not to do because of my religion, or because it isn't good for my body but that doesn't mean that I don't love other people that do not believe as I do or follow my actions. AND....just because I don't drink alcohol or smoke, or use illegal drugs doesn't mean that my Diet Coke and Double Stuff Oreo Cookie habit is good for me either.

Unconditional love????? How powerful is that.

Jack Graduates

2011-07-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Jack's 8th grade graduation!

Now, it's off to high school....

He's ready, but...I'M NOT!!!

(I think sending him to high school is harder then sending him to kindergarten)

February Update

2011-02-09T19:38:00.001-08:00

What's what.....with Jen & Jack

* We moved into a house. It's such a cute house, needs some cosmetic work but I love it.

* Basketball season has ended and next week are the varsity baseball tryouts at Jack's school. He continues to play on the Broncos club team and those weekend tournaments ;)

* Brian and Jack were able to go to Utah two weekends ago and Jack had dinner with my mom. (she is still on her mission in SLC) It's so cool that Jack and my mom can spend time together.

*Had (hopefully) my last surgery (keep your fingers crossed) in December and this is the first week that I have felt back to normal. It's so good to feel better!

* In December I reached the one year mark of being in the research study at the Mayo Clinic. One more year to go. I am grateful for lungs that breath :)

Sometimes when it is really cold out and it's the second game in the baseball tournament, I sit in the car to warm up. Here I am just messing around with my phone. This phone can actually take non-blurry pictures.

No More Braces!

2011-02-03T17:07:00.000-08:00

After 2 1/2 years of braces...look at those nice straight teeth! Good Job Jack!

Eating Los Compadres, brace free ;)

More Baseball!!!!!!

2011-02-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

Baseball in the cold. "Really," you say? Yup. Here is the frozen field to prove it.

Jack plays on a club team, therefore, year round baseball. This was the week after Christmas and it was sooooooo cold out! I think it was in the 30's.

The frozen pitcher's mound.

Jack is warming up his bun's next to the portable heater that one of the parents brought.

On deck, warming up his arm.

Running to field a ball.

Christmas 2010

2011-02-03T15:06:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2010 was a nice one for Jackie and I.

New sneaks for the boy, size 11!

(belated) Merry Christmas To All!

Glendale Glitters

2010-12-12T09:28:00.001-08:00

Last night I went to Glendale Glitters with Joyce and Carol. It was so fun. I have lived here for over 14 years and have never gone to this! There were so many families out enjoying the food, the lights, the music, the dancers, the stores and a movie in the park.

So Grateful!

2010-11-29T16:07:00.001-08:00

I have the most amazing co-workers. I am so grateful for them. I spend most of my days with these ladies and they have seriously been my rock this year and last year. Have you ever met someone or had a friend who accepts you for exactly who you are and where you are in your life?

My co-workers are angels. Thank you my sweet friends.

Carol and I. I met Carol about 14 years ago when we shared a Head Start classroom here in Phoenix. We hit it off right away. She was there when I was pregnant and would toss my cookies at work. After Jack was born, she came over to my house and held Jack so I could take a shower because I was just learning how to take care of Jackie. Over the years we would get together for lunch and now we are working together once again at Washington High School.

Carol left this Christmas tree outside of my house on Saturday night. She must have been inspired because I was dreading decorating for Christmas. I was trying to gear up and decorate for Jack and was having the hardest time. I cried when I saw it on my porch. Thank you Carol.

Joyce, me, Collie and Carol- The wonderful ladies I work with. Love them.

Four Eyes Once Again

2010-11-29T15:59:00.001-08:00

After about 10+ years of not having to wear glasses... my lasik has worn off. Dang.

That is so many levels of....

2010-11-27T19:03:00.000-08:00

I had to turn the heat on today! What's up with this crazy Phoenix weather? Or maybe I'm just being a wimp? Anyways.... here's the Jen and Jack update:

* I went to Las Vegas last weekend with one of my friends to see the Bodies exhibit and we also went to see Phantom of the Opera. I missed Bodies when it came through Phoenix so I was super excited to see it finally. It was amazing. I'd go see it again. Our bodies are just incredible. I had never seen Phantom (but have been listening to the music for over 20 years) so that was awesome as well.

* My friend and I were walking through the casino and this guy was talking on the phone and we heard one of the best lines ever. So hopefully I don't shock anyone when I write this... those of you who know me well know that I swear occasionally, even though I really try not to. (this is the swearing warning.... ;) This was the line.... "That is so many levels of shitiness!" We just laughed when we heard it. So funny.

* Jackie is now playing three sports at one time... thankfully football is almost over. He just started varsity basketball and continues to play baseball.

* Jack and I were supposed to go to Utah for Thanksgiving but the weather in Utah was horrible and after waiting in the airport for 6+ hours with no end in sight, we decided to get vouchers and go another time.

* I hit the wall (not literally) about two weeks ago with all the doctor appointments I have to go to. I considered just stopping all my meds and just let fate take over. I just became so overwhelmed with everything. But... I am still taking my meds and going to my appointments because I am a "smart" girl and stopping would be extremely stupid. So- onward....

* After almost a year sabbatical of not regularly working out I am committed to exercising once again. I have never gone this long without exercising and I'm feeling it. I'm ready to feel stronger and just keep myself busy working out.

Baby Owen

2010-11-13T18:36:00.000-08:00

My newborn nephew Owen!!! He is absolutely darling, just love that little guy. Here he is with T, his sweet mama.

Big sister Mimi

More "Old" Pics

2010-11-10T17:27:00.000-08:00

Jack and Aunt Beth playing in the leaves on Christmas morning.

Jack, Nana, and I in Central Park

At our 6th Ave. house

Jack and I one Christmas

Jackie at Seaworld

My mom, Jack and I in Cold Spring, NY. That's the Hudson River behind us.

Hair

2010-11-07T12:53:00.001-08:00

So I know this is a totally silly post, but here it is anyways. My hair. I have been growing out my hair for a year now. I've also been going blonder and blonder. I am really wanting to cut it off. Just don't know what to do. Serious dilemma. (not really) Whatchya think? This summer (July 2010)

October 2010

November 2010

I was going to go to Jack's football game with my hair like this but thought it might embarrass him (and possibly myself) so I switched to braids. (see above pic.) The thing is... when Jack and I were driving home after the game he said, "you look like a ten year old with your hair like that." Maybe I should wear braids/or pigtails in the privacy of my home!

Jack's Cheering Section

2010-11-07T12:21:00.000-08:00

It was one of THOSE weekends where Jack had a football game and a baseball tournament. Brian is so wonderful to go to ALL of the games! (I went to one football game and one baseball game) On Saturday there were 2 baseball games and one football game and so far today (Sunday) there has been 2 baseball games with the potential for 2 more. In case you all didn't know... we love Jack.

The Farm

2010-10-27T20:51:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of our trip to the farm. Sorry I couldn't post any of the kiddos. This is one of my favorite field trips. So fun.

Corn Maze (I'm a shorty)

It was such a beautiful day.

What's Going On?

2010-10-23T17:45:00.001-07:00

Here's what is going on with Jen and Jack...

1. School is back in session. We started back the beginning of August and the year is just flying by. Jack is playing football (pictures below) and playing on a club baseball team.

2. We are going to Utah for Thanksgiving to see my mom (who is still on her mission in SLC) and my brother and his family. I'll also get a chance to see my Rick's friends. Can't wait.

3. I've been reading some teen literature lately. (I guess it's teen literature), Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Animal Farm and the Chocolate War and loving them all.

4. I seem to be somewhat stabilizing (keep your fingers crossed) with my Scleroderma treatment. Thank heavens for the Mayo Clinic. I seriously owe them my life.

5. We have to decide soon on a high school for Jack...I am sooooo nervous for him to go to high school.

That's it for now. We are happy, grateful, and have the most wonderful people around us. Wonderful.

Pop Warner Football 2010

2010-10-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

Jack is playing Pop Warner football this year. He plays for the Bears and today they won their playoff game. Here is he on the side line. He caught a touch down pass and also caught an interception. Good Job Jack!

Brian helps out with the chains. He had a shirt made with Jack's number, so cute.

After the game, the two '34's.

Me and Jackers.

Rock Climbing

2010-07-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

We went rock climbing with our friends, Brent and Addie. Here are some pics of our fun day.

Jack, Brent and Addie

Brent and Addie getting ready to climb the ropes

Jack is getting so tall!

Here I am belaying (hope I spelled that right) Jackie. Jack had no fear and tried so many walls.

That boy is strong. He would even jump to the next foot hold.

All of us tried climbing the ropes.... they looked easy, but were deceiving! Jack made it the farthest, climbing about half way up.

Jr. Life Guard Olympics

2010-07-27T12:16:00.001-07:00

Jack was on the Jr. Life Guard team at the Washington pool this summer. Here are some pictures from the "Olympics". Jack won gold medals in CPR and the Passive Relay. Jack loved being in this program and said he was sad it was over. Lots of red swim suits, new pool skills, and great new friends.

Beach and Pool Pictures

2010-07-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from years past of us swimming or at the beach.

Jack fell in the ocean and we let him run around au natural... shhh... don't tell him I posted this!

Playing in the sand at the ocean

Starting to build a sand castle

All done

We were in Vermont, freezing- I think

Newport Beach

Cute

At Luigi's after a day of swimming at Mission Beach in San Diego. Sticky, salty beach hair and everything!

Baby Jack

2010-07-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

I have recently been going through old photos, (back when I used to print them out) and wanted to share :) In case no one knew, I love my Jack.

Jackie about one or two months old

Not wanting to give up his bottle

Our first day with Cissy

About 3 months old here, our first smile captured in a picture

Rocking Jackie to sleep in the rocking chair my mom bought me when he was born

Summer Baseball

2010-07-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Jack's summer baseball tournament. His team played in four games. They played two games back to back each night in the 112 degree Phoenix heat. Summer sports in Phoenix! He did so well!!

Yes, I admit it, I am a proud mom. I love watching Jackie play.

Jack's first hit was a home run.

Jack struck out 12 batters the first night.

Good job Jackie!

2010-06-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

Summer so far:

* I went rock climbing for the first time! So fun- thanks to my new lil' brother for introducing me to a new sport.

* I rented the entire BONES television series, I am officially addicted. Will Bones and Booth ever admit their love??? (it's so obvious and sweet)

* Jack was accepted into the Jr. Life Guard program at the Washington Pool and is loving it. Today he was exhausted because he had to dive down 13 1/2 feet to retrieve the 30lb brick, ten times! Go Jack!

* Jack is also on the Cal Ripken All-Star baseball team. The tournament starts this week so... after a month of practices... we'll see. We have great expectations :)

* Lots of time to relax, paint, listen to music (Jack continues to make sure I know all the latest music- I love it! He has opened my "ears", eyes to the music he likes), and read.

* Therese and I continue to work on our business and our excitement is still strong.

Life is good.

Jack

2010-04-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

Up at bat.

Jack playing on third base for his school's varsity baseball team.

Jack has been attending many Bar and Bat Mitzvahs recently. Here he is all ready to go.

Where have I been????

2010-04-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

So... I haven't blogged in a looooonnnnngggg time for a myriad of reasons which I am not going to mention, but will give a quick list of what has been going on lately in my life.

1. Living closer to my work and Jack's school has been wonderful! Jack can walk to school, go to friend's houses easily, and I have a 5 minute drive to work.

2. It's baseball season and Jack is on two baseball teams, (he made the varsity team at school!) and he is also on a basketball team. This means there are many practices and games. Last week he had 4 baseball games and 2 basketball games, not to mention practices, homework, etc... I actually love that he is so active. He is doing great in school and really enjoys playing sports. Watching him play is one of my favorite things to do.

3. I still have quite a few doctors appointments- and I am grateful for a work environment that is flexible in allowing me to attend all of them. I had a scare around Christmas where my hemoglobin kept dropping and dropping. I was taken off of the Disatinib until we could figure out why my iron levels were unsafe. I have had so0000 many blood draws! I was scared to have a blood transfusion and luckily didn't need to get one. I ended up having a stomach surgery to stop the bleeding and am back on the Disatinib :) (Thanks to my absolutely sweet sister-in-law for driving me to the hospital and not minding toooooo much when I threw up burnt stomach in her car- so gross!- in a bucket of course)

4. Over spring break Jack and I drove to Utah to see my family and college friends. My mom is on a mission for our church- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- I am so proud of her and admire her commitment to serve. We saw my brother, his wife Shauna, and his two children. We also saw my two friends from Ricks College, Shawna and Karen.

5. I am exhausted! Who isn't, right? Along with the Scleroderma, the Disatinib is making me more tired, and the longer hours at work.... but I am okay with it. I enjoy working and do not want to be at home thinking about my disease and other things. I am around such nice co-workers and children who are so funny, I wouldn't change any of it.

That's it for now- I am going to start bringing the camera around with me again... and hopefully be better at posting!

My Doctor

2009-11-03T17:05:00.000-08:00

While I was driving to work this morning I started thinking about my Rheumatologist out at the Mayo Clinic. (He is "in charge" of my scleroderma treatment.)

Let me start by saying this: he is amazing.

I am a complete stranger to him and he wants nothing but to make me well again. He always returns my phone calls, and with him there are no 'stupid' concerns or questions. When I start crying in his office, there is concern on his face as he hands me the tissue box :) He actually cares about how I am feeling and whenever I speak to him or see him, I feel hopeful. That means so much to me. I am so greatful that his interests involve trying to find a cure for this disease. He is literally one in a million and I feel blessed to have him as my doctor.

Pictures of Jack

2009-11-01T09:41:00.001-08:00

2009-10-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick update: (I'll try to post pictures soon)

1. Brian was released as the Bishop of our ward.

2. We will be moving in a couple of weeks to a townhouse near Jack's school. We are super excited because he will be able to walk to school.

3. We paid off Jack's braces!!!

4. I will be trying out a leukemia drug to try to fight my scleroderma. 30 people in the United States are enrolled in this study and I'm lucky enough to be one of them. So I'll be at the Mayo Clinic often- it's a two year study. (My latest pulmonary tests showed that I am now breathing at 63 %, last January I was at 79 %) Let's pray this works !

5. I went to Utah about two weeks ago for my brother's wedding. It was beautiful. I also saw my good friends from my freshman year at Ricks. I loved being able to see everyone.

That's all for now!

Scorpion Attack!

2009-09-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the scorpion that decided to hide in my bed and sting me at 3am this past Tuesday.

Now have new fear of scorpions, never knew that a sting could hurt so badly, also have sympathy for people that dislike scorpions.

P.S. My arm is still numb.

My Dog, Cissy

2009-08-03T03:12:00.001-07:00

Okay, maybe it's silly, but Cissy is a great dog and I just love her. While I was taking pictures, she kept staring at me and wouldn't move. FUNNY!

When Jack was in 2nd grade he wrote a song about Cissy. Here goes:

Cissy, she's a wonderous dog.

Cissy, she's the lovenest dog.

Cissy, she goes out on the town.

Cissy, she knows all of her nouns.

Even though she has a bad back,

I've always known she's had the knack.

I guess it is an unfinished song, but I love it! (BTW, Jack was learning about nouns in school when he wrote this)

Going to the Doctor

2009-08-03T03:02:00.000-07:00

So it has been 6 months since I had my first batch of Scleroderma tests and today I'll see my Rheumatologist out at the Mayo Clinic. (He is WONDERFUL. So wonderful in fact, that I am paying to see him even though my insurance won't cover his costs. Ahhh, my insurance, that's another story. I'll just be greatful that I have some coverage.)

I'm super nervous to hear how my tests came out and if there is anything that can be done to SLOW down, stop, or cure (no cure yet, wishful thinking ;) this horrible disease.

I was trying to think of any blessings that have come out of having Scleroderma.... I'll get back to you on that one. Right now I'm too anxious about my appt.

Wish me luck!

Missing My Boys

2009-07-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

Here are Brian and Jack at Zion's Camp.... totally roughing it! Yes, they are eating Subway. Geesh, I miss those two. They are camping until Saturday (Brian will be in Tucson for a day or two mid-week to help the students with the AZ State Bar).

It looks so nice and cool there, nothing like the 115 degrees here in Phoenix. Anyways, I'm so glad Jack can attend camp this year and that Brian can be there with him. What a great experience!

Brian's Birthday

2009-07-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today is Brian's birthday! He is 30 something ;) Oh, alright, he is 38. For dinner we went with his family to Fajita's. Before that, he went to look at a sailboat. (He eventually wants to buy one.)

Look at that happy guy!

We love him!!

Health Update, (kind of)

2009-07-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick update on my health status. I had a test last week (lab work), and another lab test yesterday. Tomorrow I go in for my CT Chest scan and the Pulmonary Function test (lungs, breathing). Due to last weeks lab test results, I have to go see a gastro.... doctor. (I really need to learn how to spell that correctly!!) Apparently, I am very anemic and we are going to find out why. Anyways, I'm pretty nervous and anxious, but I am hopeful. These tests will tell so much. We'll be able to find out if the disease is progressing and if it is, at what rate.
I do have some good news about finding a new product to help my skin. My sister in law, Therese, suggested Neutrogena's Sesame Oil. I LOVE IT!! It really has helped the itchiness and my skin feels and looks better.

Here's to good news, slow progression rates, and finding a cure for scleroderma :)

Foutz Fun

2009-07-12T23:40:00.000-07:00

Brian's parents bought us tickets to go see Wicked. We had never seen it before, and really didn't know anything about the story. IT WAS FANTASTIC!! We all loved it! I won't say any more about it, just in case you decide to go and see it :)

The Foutz 3 at the fireworks. Jack looks THRILLED!!!

Jack and Grandma watching the fireworks at the golf course.

Jackie jump.

Brian swimming with Jack, Sarah, and Carter.

The 12 Year Old Boy

2009-07-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had to take a 12 year old boy shopping??? Jack does not like to go shopping, really never has, and this morning I had to make a Costco run. I was out of milk, bread, fruit... You would have thought I was torturing the child. Maybe some of you are saying, "Why didn't you just leave him at home?" I made him go because I knew that he probably wouldn't leave the house for the remainder of the day because it's so stinkin' hot out (110 degrees today)... you know, we all need fresh air.

Anyway, he was soooo GRUMPY!!!! No smiles in the car. "How long are we going to be gone?" "What do you need to buy?" I started to go down the book aisle (books were not on my list), "What are we walking down here for?" I gave up, didn't browse, found what I needed, bought him pizza, a churro, and a soda and we went home.

Funny, but after that, the remainder of our day went well and he was quite pleasant. He even helped me clean the house and give Cissy a bath. I don't know, maybe the pizza cheered him up, or maybe he was happy that we weren't shopping anymore!

Grumpy Jack Face

He & Brian were wrestling at Bounce U

Brian has a "fat" lip from the festivities

Happy Jack Face :)

A Little Girl's Camp

2009-06-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Brian spent about 4 days up at girl's camp and had a great time. He said the programs were wonderful, the girls were having fun, and that our stake and ward leaders were amazing. I joined him on Sunday for Sacrament meeting and Sunday School. I had never been up to Camp Lo Mia, or to any girl's camp, for that matter. I also had never attended a Sacrament meeting outside, and I have to say I loved it!

It was worth the round trip drive to Pine to see Bri and everyone, enjoy the green of Pine, and to snap this really flattering picture of us! (Bri looks great, me, well...) Thanks to Bri's parents for letting Jack stay over Saturday and spend the day with them so I could drive up to camp!

Family Birthday Party

2009-06-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

Cousin Sarah's fun birthday party.

Bob & Brenda have this huge water slide for the kids.

I love Momo's (Morgan) happy face! She loved being in the water!

Therese, Mimi (Mia) and Jack.

Here's Jack at Sarah's 9th birthday party. Of course it was insanely hot, but my creative sister in law, Brenda, found a company that sells snowballs! How fun is that? I believe it cost $10 for 50 snowballs and everyone had a blast having a snow ball fight.

Heads Up!

2009-06-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let all of you in blogger land know that my sister in law and I are starting our own company. We are sooooo excited!! We are working on our products and are setting up the paper work. Hopefully we will be launching in a few weeks. Currently, we will be featuring products for babies and kids.

We will also be looking for other great products made by moms to sell through our company. Let me know if you have any ideas, or know someone who is interested.

Blogging!

2009-06-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

I am soooo not good at blogging! Sorry I can't seem to line up my words correctly. I thought I had below, and then when it published, the words were to the left! I am confident though, that I'll get better at this.

Utah Trip

2009-06-19T17:04:00.000-07:00

Brian and I decided to send Jack to BYU football came this summer. It would be his first time at camp where neither Brian or Uncle Brent stayed with him. We thought it would be such a great and fun experience to let him stay in the dorms on campus. We were also hoping he would meet some friends.

The first night he said he couldn't sleep so when I talked to him on Tuesday, he was super tired. On Wed. night, his last night, he was having a pizza party in his room with about 12 other boys from his floor. (Their dorm counselor let them order pizza from Domino's) So after the first sleepless night, things were much better. He made some good friends, learned more about football, and wants to go back next year.

Some funny things he told me as we were driving back to Phoenix (yes, I drove him and crashed at my brother's house for the week) were:

- Mom, you wouldn't believe how many things get spilled in the dorm! Some one spilled a day old Jamba Juice in the middle of my room and then we wiped it up with a towel. It ended up being my roommate's towel.

-One of my friends locked his cousin in one of the closets in his room. He wouldn't let him out until he said "uncle". (I guess the boy stayed in the closet for 45 minutes until he said the magic word.... ) Stubborn? (the boy was okay)

-For breakfast this morning I ate FOUR donuts and a bowl of cereal. I felt awful, and then got sick in the bathroom. (Jack ate in the Cannon Center)

Anyways, I am so glad he was able to attend. I watched him play the last day and there was such a good feeling from the coaches and players. Who knows, maybe Jack will attend school at BYU when he is older.

Jack was the quaterback.

Getting ready for football orientation.

Jack's first stay in a BYU dorm. He was in May Hall, (in

Helaman Halls)

Signing Jack in for BYU football camp.
There were so many kids there! I had know idea

how full it would be. EFY was going on at the same

time. Teenagers everywhere!

Jack with his cousins, Zoe and Doug before
heading off to BYU.

More San Diego Pictures

2009-05-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

Outside at the Birch Aquarium

Sailing in the bay

Jack, Mia, and Uncle Brent finding critters in the sand

San Diego

2009-05-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

I have three favorite pizza places in the United States.

1. Cold Spring Pizza in Cold Spring, NY

2. Pino's in Phoenix, AZ

3. Luigi's at Mission Beach, San Diego, CA. Whenever we go to Mission Beach we eat at Luigi's. This pizza is HUGE! It costs $35 for one pizza and feeds a ton of people. It is delicious!

Brent buried Jack in the sand.

Brian in his beach gear.

We went to San Diego for about 3 days and had such a wonderful, relaxing time! Our lives have been so busy that we haven't vacationed together since last summer. We went to the beach, the aquarium, saw some friends, and watched the sea lions. We also went to my favorite Target- the one with two floors. Brian, his dad, his brother and Jack rented a sailboat and had a great time. It was a great vacation and we didn't want to come home.

I love being a mom!

2009-05-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

I've been reluctant to blog... with all of the weird things that can happen with the internet but on this Mother's Day I've been thinking about my boy, Jack.

Here are some of the things I love about Jackie:

1- He loves to learn, is smart and does so well in school.
2- He loves his family! (mom, dad, nana, pops, aunts, uncles, grandma's, grandpa's, cousins,... and don't forget Cissy)
3- He'll try any sport and is especially a great baseball player. He really concentrates, is quick to react, and encourages his team mates.
4- He likes to watch The Office with me. We laugh so much!
5- He is developing his taste in music. I love it when he hears a song and tells me it makes him feel good. He also keeps me up with all the new music.
6-He loves to beat me at Skipbo and Boggle.
7-He's so darn handsome!
8-He tells me he loves me.
9-He's super funny.
10- He's brave- he'll go on any ride at Knotts Berry Farm, etc... and isn't scared.
10-He is so excited to pass the sacrament.

He's just a great boy, and I am so blessed and lucky that he is in our family. I can't imagine life without out him. I never knew I could love so much!

My First Post

2009-02-10T10:59:00.000-08:00

This is my first posting and Kathryn has been so nice to help me! I'm one of those people who needs LOTS of help on the computer... I'll post more soon and will even add pictures.