Wednesday, December 31, 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I had a wonderful Christmas, although I am glad it is over! We are beginning a New Year and I wish the best for everyone. I am looking forward to the new beginnings of a new year. Some of the things I want to do are:
Enjoy life more, stop complaining!
Pay attention to the little pleasure of life. It doesn't take much to make me smile.
Spend more time with people. Living alone is NOT good! Believe me!
Cherish my family more. . . . I am blessed to have them so close to me and they love me. Even with all my imperfections.
Sing out loud, it makes me feel good. Especially at Church.
Just live my life, the way it is. It is good, it is mine.

I came across this little bit of wisdom and I am passing it on to you
May the sun bring you new Energy by day
May the moon softly restore you by night
May the rain wash away your worries
May the breeze blow new Strength into your being
May you walk through the world and know it's beauty all the day of your life.


Tuesday, December 23, 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Thought I would post my Christmas Newsletter. I haven't done this for a long time, but I decided some of us really do like newsletters. I do! So here goes with the quick version of the family newsletter. I send Christmas Greetings and Good News from me to you. I am happy to say that w are all healthy, happy and doing well. I am especially happy here in Tooele living close to my children and their families. I am very blessed to have all four of my children living close to me. My favorite place to be is with them, whether it is at their homes, at the ball fild, in the high school stadium or at the gym, I want to be where they are. With nine grandchildren I spend a lot of time at a variety of activities. They are all involved in something that is good. I marvel at how bright they are, how talented, and how close to me they are. They truly are my crowning jewels, my bright stars and my greatest accomplishments. My life is lived through and for them.

Mathew and Melanie are very involved with their family and church and community. The three children, Baylee, Emma, and Jared keep things moving at a fast pace. Mathew is the Vice-Principal at Tooele High so you can only imagine how busy he is. Melanie still works at the local hospital here in Tooele. Baylee is a beautiful bright young woman, a freshman at Tooele High and on the girls volly ball team. Emma is my blonde blue eyed granddaughter. Seh is a sweet loving little girl, she is in the third grade and is of course very bright. Her softball team this summer won the championship. Her Daddy was the coach. She is definately a Daddy's girl. Jared, is an active (understatement) little guy. He makes me laugh, and sometimes his parents can't understand why I get such a kick out of him. He is a bright first grader.

Emily and Russell are also very involved with family and church. Russ works at the "burn" plant, where the government is getting rid of all the toxic bombs! He just completed remodeling their home. He literally did it himself. It is beautiful. Emily works at Tooele High. (Her older brother Mat just can't seem to get rid of her). Emily and Russ have my two star athlete's Joel and Andrew. My Joel is an impressive football player and follows in the Jackson tradition of being a great player. He also is the high school varsity wrestler. He is a great young man both on the playing field and off. He upholds what every young man should, discipline, goodness and integrity. He is a Junioor at Tooele High School and loves having his Mom and his Uncle Mat there. Andrew is also following the Jackson tradition as a football player and a basketball player. He is very social whereas Joel is very shy. But they are brothers in every way. They cheer for each other and watch out for each other. And they are tender and concerned for me their Grandmother.

Blake and Gina are active and busy with their interests and jobs also. Gina works at a local doctor's office and is an EMT on the Tooele ambulance. Blake works at the golf course and goes to school at Utah State University. Brissa is also growing up. She is in the second grade and does very well. She is my dancer. The most tender scene is watching Blake and Brissa dance together at Brissa's annual dance revue. Brissa is very much a girly girl, but she also loves being with her Daddy working the dogs. Blake raises hound dogs and trains them. Brissa is just like "little Ann" in the book "Where The Red Fern Grows". She can handle the dogs, the horses and the mule. Blake and Mark hunt and pursue mountain lion's (courgars), in the mountains of Tooele County and surrounding areas. They are quite the hunters and have taken some impressive pictures of thie mountain beasts.

Mark and Shelly are equally as busy with their jobs, interes and going to school. Both Mark and Shelly take classes at Utah State University. I love that they are continuing their education. Shelly works, goes to school and still finds time to nourish her creative side. Mark is a devoted father to his three little girls. They have three of my granddaughters, Sara, Zada and Maya. Sara loves to do crafts at my house, she is in the third grade and is a caring tender older sister. Zada is also close to me, she is at the Early Learning Center and has improved so much with her speech. She is a little drama queen. Very expressive! Her and Maya love to come see Grandma at work each day. Maya is the little sister and is a beautiful sweet little girls (just like the others). She turns three in January one day before her Grandma's birthday.

As always there is never a dull moment in the Jackson family. Something is always going on, which is ok with me as long as I am invited! My life is centered around my children and thier children. I can see the blessings of the Lord in every area of my life and theirs.

At times I feel the emptiness that is in my heart, but I must remember the promises that have been given to me, by a loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem more than 200 years ago. I believe more than ever that He is the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world. I believe!

Friday, December 19, 2008

End of the year ramblings

I become very nostalgic at this time of year, as I am sure most people do. Sometimes the memories are comforting and sometimes they are hard for me to deal with. But always tender and soulful. I pause at this time of year and count my many blessings. Something I should do constantly, but I am one of those people who can stumble right over a blessing and not see it. I visited with an old friend last night, I ask him how he was doing and he said "not so good, I am in the last stages of my life". Ed is a dear friend of mine and Lloyd's, we were once "couple" friends, his wife Vivian was my best friend and Lloyd and Ed were best friends. Ed and Lloyd became friends at the time they were both becoming active in the Church. They had many things in common, both has sowed their wild oats, and later faced some difficult challenges. We had many happy times together. We laughed and we cried, and developed in the gospel together. Tragically Ed and Vivian faced the lose of their first child, and when their little girl was three years old one Christmas Eve they lost her. Ed wasn't through with loses, Vivian died tragically in an auto accident on my birthday January 17th. Ed was left with four children to raise. His youngest were two year old twins. Lloyd and I were with Ed through this loses and they were difficult times. Eventually he found a good woman to help his raise his children and help to heal his broken heart. Now Ed faces his own mortality . . . . Ed ask me why I didn't come to see him, and my answer was. . . because it hurts! We hugged and kissed and said good-bye.
Yesterday was the 53rd anniversary of my mother and father's accident. My mother has been gone for a life-time. . . what kept coming to my mind was my little four year old brother coming to me and asking me where our Mom was. We were young children and didn't understand the meaning of death. Neither one of us knew where "Heaven" was. We were told that was where she was, and that was it. Nothing more nothing less, just Heaven. I have traveled a long path of life, and at times I still wonder where Heaven is! The destination for all of us is "Heaven". I am not really sure where it is. . . . . The Babe born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago brought answers to all the questions. He is the Son of God, and carries healing in his wings. He, Jesus Christ, is the mighty God of both Heaven and Earth. If I follow Him I will know where Heaven is.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

DECEMBER BRIDE

Today December 9, 2008 is my 42nd wedding anniversary to my dear Lloyd. Unfortunately I haven't had the blessing of having him for 42 years. I was allowed 25 years with him. I feel cheated out of something that was the dream of my life, the hope of all my tomorrows and the love of my life. I'll never have him hold me in his arms and tell me things will be ok. He and I will never enjoy together the activities of our children, or our grandchildren. He has not been with me as each of my children have married, never shed tears with me as our children transitioned from childhood to adulthood. Never held a grandchildren and felt the tender little kisses they share. Never cheered on the sidelines for an adoring grandson, nor had the rush of pride with each child's accomplishments. Never saw his oldest child receive his Master's Degree from college and make full circle with becoming a vice-principal at Tooele High. Never enjoyed hunting trips with his sons, nor football games, basketball games and wrestling matches. Never watched as his little granddaughter wins the championship in softball nor see his ballerina perform on stage.
Simply said Lloyd and I are traveling separate roads. His road is in a realm that I have no conception of. I don't know his world. Where as he does know mine. I don't know where he is and he knows where I am all the time. I cry alone and feel the emptiness of life without him, but he feels my pain and knows my emptiness. I feel cheated, and he knows the Great Plan. I feel it is a lifetime of losses and he knows it is only for a short moment. I am told the Lord will make up for all of our heartache and our losses. I don't know how that works, but I must believe it is so. I am told there is a principle of compensation, I don't know how that works but I must believe it is so. I have to believe or there is no hope for the coming tomorrows. I must say he gave me four beautiful miracles and in turn they gave me nine angelic energetic miracles. Thanks you Lloyd Jackson, somehow I will make it so that someday I can be with you eternally.. . . . .
We will meet again someday.

Monday, December 1, 2008

2008 HOLIDAY'S BEGIN

By my standard of time Thanksgiving kicks off the holidays. From Thanksgiving to New Years is the "rush" time of year. We begin by filling our tummies, and spend the next weeks emptying our bank accounts and more, and end by resolving to change our life and be a better person. . . I began my holiday season by stepping out of the box and out of my comfort zone. Thanksgiving was spent feeding the homeless and less advantaged. A few days before I had something happen that made me have a good inward look at myself. A look at my sole and spirit. I decided I had spent too much time crying over what I had lacking in my life, and determined I would be more helpful and grateful. I determined I would show gratitude and thank the Lord for my "wants" for they are unique to me. In fact, I have a great life and I will be more thankful for it. Somethings I have never experienced and I hope I never do. My eyes were opened to human suffering in a much larger scale than I had thought. At the end of the day I fell to my knees and ask the Lord to forgive me for all the whining I do. I have more than most. I left the group of people on Thanksgiving day with my heart filled, and a smile on my face.
The holidays are hard for me. . . . I have a love/hate relationship with Christmas. This year will be no different. But, I am trying to fill my days with positive energy. My friends and the people I cherish know how I am and respect and love me all the same. Depression during this time of year is a curse. . . . something I must work at constantly. I feel like I am running for my life to get away from it, when I should embrace it. I am still learning.
I promise I will have more and new photos posted soon. But I just can't let the football pictures of Joel go away. This season was fun and I like to remember. He is such a fun young man to have around. He is good. I am not just saying this as his Grandmother. He truly is good. I find great joy in this grandson. My others are a joy also. . . .I know the best is yet to come.
I will close this one for now. . . thanks for visiting. Come again.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Where Is Time Going

Oh, where is it going? I can not believe it is November and this year is just about gone! I feel like I am being robbed. Robbed of precious time to make MORE memories. My oldest child turns 40 years old this month, November 25 Mathew Lloyd Jackson first born child of Karie Lyne Daley and Lloyd Jackson. I am having a hard enough time in turning older, but having my first born turn 40 just seems impossible. The day, the time the moment is etched in my heart forever. The joy, the unbelievable reality of really having our own child was something that can never be forgotten. Wasn't it just yesterday that this beautiful baby boy was placed in my arms and encircled in mine and Lloyd's love? Where did 40 years go. . . . it just can't be that they have passed and I can no longer bring them back. I am a first born and when I turned 40 my Dad said to me, he couldn't stand having me grow older because it just met he too was growing older. Each generation moves forward and someday beyond.
I met my "old friends" last night for dinner. . . . what a great time. Right now I am kind of in a fragile state, and I easily shed tears. There were 14 of us at the dinner. As I looked over the group I thought of all the memories I have created with them. Some of these friends I have had since birth, some from elementary school, and some from jr. high and high school. We have know each other for 60 years! We are a beautiful group of women, (girls at heart). I just couldn't believe the classy group we are. . . . it is not to say we have not weather some of lifes hardest storms because many of us have. We have loved and lost and done it over and over again. And yet we laugh and giggle as if we were the young girls we once were. . . . We love and support each other in all that we do. If not in person in our hearts we care for one another. They lift my spirits and make me a better person. . To my "old friends" thanks for my journey with you.
The tears are streaming down my cheeks so I am going to close this post. I have so much more to write but it will come later. KJ

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Season is Changing

Well, the season is changing. It is so cold right now in northern Utah that I am reminded snow and winter will soon be coming. Although it is cold it is still beautiful here.
The Tooele Football season didn't end the way we wanted it to. THS is not going to any play-off games and we are done for the season. Joel was really disappointed to say the least . . . But the next sporting season will start soon. Joel wrestles and Andrew is basketball. Andrew is still playing football. His little league team is still in competition, we will be sitting in snow, I just know!
As everyone can see my life is wrapped up in my children and grandchildren. I don't have a life of my own. There are a lot of things I miss out on because of being alone, but I try to get by and keep busy. I sometimes wish there was that special someone who could continue my journey with me. . .I have the blessing of family and friends in my life. My dear friend Vickie came to see me yesterday afternoon. What a treat. I just love her. She is so good to me. Vickie and I have been friends forever. Our parents were best friends and we just kind of grew up together. Her brother Diz (Richard) was best friends to my brother. . . Not only are we best friends but we are also distant cousins. We have a common ancestor and are in the same generation line. I appreciate Vickie for her compassion and understand nature with me. I true friend in deed. There isn't much else going on with me. Just doin the best I can. Work is a drag! It gets in the way of the real things I want to do. . . . . I was never cut out for the eight to five life five days a week. I am more of a two or three days and only 4 hours per day. But since I have to support myself, I must work the full shift. Things cost too much now and I am pretty high maintance, in the fact that I love clothes and shoes and purses, and all the girly things. I have always been a girly, girl. I like to buy new things for myself and for my home and give to my kids. I know the Lord keeps me poor because if I had money my kids would never go without. . . . and I would have anything I wanted! O00000, I sound like a "selfish want evertyhing person." Hmmmm, I think that is what I must truly be.
Just trying to do my best, and giving all that I can. Always

Monday, October 6, 2008

Life is Good

My goodness where does the time go? I had a very good weekend. I went to Payson, Utah to stay over night with my Aunt Diane and Uncle Jerry. I always love staying there. They live in my Grandma Dot's home. I was raised in that home surrounded with the love of my Grandma. The older I become the more I love my Grandmother. That is a whole other blog. . . . and one day I will devote a full blog to her. Anyway my stay with my Auntie and Uncle was wonderful. They reaffirm the love of family and the great circle I have been blessed with. I also went to my best friend's birthday/retirement party. It was a surprise to her! Me, and Caren Kirk (Curtis), Jeannine Patton (Provestggard) and Judy Wightman (Cook) really enjoyed being there to help celebrate Vickie's birthday and retirement. There is just one more "friend" that turns 60 this year, Christie is the last one. (Note the picture at the side). My friends are another blessing in my life. It is unique for old friends from high school to still be so close. We truly watch over one another. Caren is really good to make sure all of us our happy in our 'nests'.
Between old friends, my auntie and uncle, and listening to conference I feel much better. I realize more fully I am blessed with the tender mercies of the Lord. I will be forever thankful I made right choices in my life. I come from a wonderful family, I have been and continue to be blessed by great friends, and I am LDS, trying the best I can to live a good life. I am as imperfect as can be but somehow the Lord is blessing me. I cry to him daily to be with me always, and to help me fulfill the mission he has set for me. I cherish life and I know it can change in seconds. I want the Great God of all to know I am Thankful always to Him.

Monday, September 29, 2008

More of My Favorites

Well, another weekend has passed. Tooele lost the football game on Friday, but it was a good game. We are in a tough region and once we get past this Friday Oct. 3 rd. we will be on even ground with our opponents. My "little Nipper" is really coming into his own. He improves each week and so does the team. We have lost some heart breaking games. In case you don't know Springville's high school football coach is a former NFL quarterback for the Detroit Lion's, Scott Mitchell. But at the game on Friday was just a coach, and our coach was just as good as him. We played a good game. As I sit in the stands I think of how proud my Lloyd must be of our first grandchild, Joel. I know he is there at every game and cheering him on. Joel is definately a Jackson, and there is nothing better.
This upcoming weekend on Saturday I will be going to Payson. To my hometown! I am missing my auntie's and I need to be revitalized emotionally. It is General Conference also, so I am looking forward to that. I keep going down my path and trying to enjoy every minute of the beautiful life I have been blessed with. Enjoy my pictures I have posted of my grandson #76. Also I put on some beautiful Autumn pictures. The mountains and canyons of Utah are beautiful this time of year. Not another place I would rather be.
One last thing. Went to the movies this weekend. "Nights in Rodanthe" OH, MY GOSH! It is the sweetest love story . . . . . but a little too close to my heart and life. . . . . I cried and cried. And Richard Gere, what a hunk! I wanted to take him home with me! And Diane Lane was perfect. I love her other movies such as "Under The Tuscan Sun" I watch that everytime I am feeling lonely and down. But Nights in Rodanthe is unbelievably good.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

SEPTEMBER

September is going way too fast for me! It is beautiful this time of the year in Utah. The flowers are showing their vibrant colors, the sky is bluer than blue and the weather is wonderful. Not to hot and not too cold. Not only is the a beautiful time for nature, but it is a fun and beautiful time for me. I have always loved the fall/autumn time. Football is in full swing. . . . there is nothing like Friday night lights. And that Grandson of mine is playing like you can't believe. We are all so proud of him. He has really come into his own. He is a good boy! Having lots of fun with his high school years. The football coach told Emily he wants Joel to take his ATC in December and then he wants Joel and his parents to go to the College Clearinghouse. Emily said they had thought maybe Joel could play football at Snow College, and the Coach said, why Snow? Joel is University material, Coach said he is thinking more like BYU, Utah, or some other high division college. Can ya, tell I am one proud momma? And let me just say it is a riot sitting with my two younger sons as they watch their nephew, "The Nipper" on the football field. They are a show in and of themselves. My sons have their father's personality and sense of humor!
Enough of the grandson and football. . . . my second favorite thing is SCRAPBOOK USA. Me and my daughter, Emily, head into the Expo Center and have a fun time scrapbooking. It is a blast! A fun time to spend with my daughter, and friends. We usually scrapbook way into the night, but this year we have to leave at 6:00 pm so we can make it to Tooele High's football game. My niece Audrey has not been able to be with us the last few years and I miss her. She made the event even more fun. . . . but her children are involved in their activities now and it takes top priority as it should. She lives in Kanab and it is a long way from Salt Lake City. Maybe after the kids are grown she will be able to join us again.
The time goes fast, and soon this season will be over and I will go to the next season. The holidays will be approaching. My college classes are coming along very well. I love my History 2700 class. I have learned a lot of things I didn't know. And history is my passion and I thought I knew alot before I took the class. My college math class is another story. I am not doing so well in this class. I will barely pass. And right now that is all I care about just passing. I am already thinking of Spring semester which will start in January. I believe I will have more history classes. Not much longer and I have the degree.
Life continues and it is good. There are many things I wish could be different, but I have to be happy with whatever the Lord gives me. And I am trying really hard to be grateful.

Friday, September 5, 2008

FOOTBALL AT TOOELE HIGH

Ok, my favorite season and sport is in full swing, and I am one proud Grandma. This is my blog and I can brag, boast, and let my pride come full force. My grandson Joel Spendlove is absolutely awesome! He is 16 years old stands 6'3'' is an offensive lineman, and it is all coming together for him. All the years of little league Ute Conference Football, and the coaching of his Uncle Mat, and the football camps at the U are showing through with an outstanding young football player. Last night the local Tooele newspaper had a sports article on Football for Tooele County. They interviewed Coach Goff and he said, "offensive linemen doen't receive the credit they deserve. We (Tooele High ) have three outstanding linemen, and Joel Spendlove is only a junior playing varsity football. He has made some incredible blocks and taken our ball carriers into the end zone. By next season he will be playing college level football." Oh, my gosh! Me and his mother, Emily went sky high! And the amazing thing is Joel is very humble about the attention he is receiving.
Joel is my first born grandchild, and he is the shining gem in my crown. . . He is my boy that I share with his incredable parents Emily and Russell. They are good parents and Joel has been able to overcome alot of obsticles because of his loving family. He is the light that shines bright in my line of grandchildren. He sets an example of integrety, honor, and humility. He is a good boy! And in todays world it is a challenge and accomplishment to stay true to the values taught to a young man by his parents, grandparents and uncles and aunts. I can't say enough about this young man. And I can't say enough about the good parents he has been blessed with. I like to think that maybe "I" his grandma has had some loving influence on him. And there are many others who have influenced him. His Uncle Mathew has been a guiding force in forming Joel's character. . . Joel is bonded to Mathew. His other uncles, Blake and Mark have also influenced him. He idealizes his uncles and the stories that have been told to him from the time he was born about their accomplishments as athlete's. And high on the pedestal is his grandpa Lloyd. I believe his Grandpa has had and continues to have a tremendous influence on Joel. . . Tonight to go to Ben Lomand in Ogden. . . . I won't miss a game. . . this is my life for right now. And I know by experience it doesn't last nearly long enough. I hope to have pictures posted of the games and my grandson. . . . Keep coming back to my page, and you will share in my journey.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

My Favorite Time of Year

I am so excited! This Friday is the first Tooele High varsity football game, and my grandson Joel is starting on both offense and defense! This is an exciting time for me and my family we love FOOTBALL. All three of my sons were "star football players" at Tooele High and now the next generation is also a "star". Joel is the apple of my eye. He is the first born of my grandchildren and he holds a special place in his Grandma's heart. He lived with me from birth until he was three years old. He was born at a time when my world had crashed. . . and I mean major crash. Six weeks after Joel was born, my husband Lloyd died. It was a rough time for me and my children, but we always had that ray of sunshine in our life because of Joel. Blake nicknamed him the Little Nipper. . . It is amazing how the darkest time of your life can become the brightest time of your life. We all cherish our memories of living together on Upland Drive with Joel as the center of our affections and love. So now the Little Nipper begins his journey as a high school junior starting varsity defense and offense and having all of the family cheering for him and our Tooele team. He stands 6'3" He is a good boy, very humble and courteous. My daughter Emily and son-in-law Russell, have done a wonderful job in raising him.
Last week I watched him play in a scrimmage game, and the tears kept coming to my eyes, I don't know how I will watch a game without tearing. As my years accumulate I realize more each day how precious time is and how fast it goes. These precious moments are gone too quickly. Yes, I wish I could put time in a bottle. . . especially this time. So, Friday nights at Tooele High football games, with Joel and Saturday afternoons are with his brother Andrew at Ute Conference football games. (Andrew is another bright shining star). Can anyone see my light shining because of the countless blessings I have. I will keep everyone posted and soon there will be pictures of my star athlete.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Five Little Granddaughters

What a fun weekend I had. Five little Jackson granddaughters spent Friday night and Saturday morning with me! It was wonderful. They range in ages 8 to 2 1/2 years old. First off we went to a "beading" party. Each little granddaughter made their own jeweled bracelet. I let them be the designer and I just helped string the beads. I must say my little girls are very creative. Hmmm, wonder where they get that from? They had a great time at the bead party. There were lots of other little girls there also. Then it was off to Grandma's house for a sleep-over. We didn't think little Maya would make it through the night, but she did. . . snuggled up to Grandma all night. . . . Zada said it was too scary sleeping in the living room with the others so we made her a bed on the floor next to me and Maya. They all giggled and played and we had a great time. Saturday morning we had waffles for breakfast, and enjoyed being together. I was exhausted! These little Jackson Princesses are so precious. They are very active little girls, and I mean very active. When we were driving home from the bead party, Emma was laughing and saying Grandma you are glowing green. Oh my, I had florescent green in my hair on my arms on my clothes and on my fingers. It seems that little Maya was chewing on a glow stick, and green was all over her and me. How could I get mad, when I looked at Maya and she smiled at me with a green glowing smile. . . . we all had a good laugh. The things they say and the things they do are adorable to me. I wish I could put it all in a time capsule and keep it with me forever. . . they are growing very fast and the time will come when they will all be young women. I pray they will always remember the times spent with Grandma, and how much fun we had. I had a grandma that I adored and I cherish my memories of her, and how we could laugh and play and she taught me so may life skills. I remember her touch on my hand, and how she would brush the hair from my eyes. . . She died when I was 17 and I cried and cried, because Grandma Dot was my protector, and my security. Never again did I feel the same. I want my little girls to remember how much I loved them, and how they have made me happy. To my little Princesses, Grandma loves you. Emma, Brissa, Sara, Zada, and Maya.

Friday, July 25, 2008

My Pioneer Heritage

I just celebrated the 24th of July. Those who don't know traditions of Utah do not understand the uniqueness of our 24th of July celebration. This is the day that we celebrate the Pioneers entering the Great Salt Lake Valley. It is a wonderful celebration that the people of Utah have done for over 160 years. I am very grateful to set a day aside that I pause and reflect upon my heritage as a descendant from these noble forebears. I give thanks to the Lord for their sacrifice and their success. Most importantly for the commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for their love of the Lord. Because of their beliefs and their sure knowledge of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and the Church, it has made my life richer and easier. I know because they know. Their stories fascinate me and I have learned many of life lessons from them. My gratitude to you my fathers and mothers, Mathew Daley, Mary Elizabeth Wightman, Arron Daniels, Harriett Nixon, Caroline Rogers, Stephen Hales, William Spencer, Eliza Ewing, William Beddoes, Riah Brockhouse, William Pickering, George Pickering, Ann Wainer. Henry Nebeker, Ann VanWagoner, William Daley, Mary Ann Graham, Charles Wightman, Mary Ann Dixon. There are many more who made the journey.
I enjoyed my day by watching the Days of 47 Parade on television. A barbecue at Jim and Sharon Jensen's. And just being with my family and friends. I had to work the day after and let me tell you it is hard to come back after having the day off.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Friday Night Blitz

Well, me and the two grandson's Joel and Andrew went to the late night showing of
"The Dark Knight". . . Wow! It is a great movie. Heath Ledger is fantastic as The Joker, I didn't think anyone could out do Jack Nicholson, but Ledger did. . . too bad he won't be here to accept the Academy Award! I am sure he will receive it. . . The grandson's really liked the movie. We watched the Batman movie with Jack Nicholson before we went to the movie. Then we came back to my house and watched Batman movies. It was a late night. . Grandma is getting too old for the late night scene, but those grandson's love to watch movies with me. And I cherish the moments, because I know they last for only a short time. Children grow up way too fast. I hope Joel and Andrew will always like having sleepovers and movie nights with Grandma. In my heart they will always be my "little grandson's". I have had a lot going on in the last week. Lots of visits from friends and family. Saturday night I went to dinner with an old working partner. It was good to see Janis. Sunday of course was Church. Our ward is going to be split. It is huge. Lots of young families with crying babies and rowdy children! I don't know what the deal is now days. When I was a young mommy I took my children out of Sacrament meeting if they were crying or being noisy, but the mother's now days don't do that. It may be our LDS culture. We love children, and maybe the parents think the rest of us love hearing their screaming children. I couldn't hear a thing. I think it is very rude to let a child to disrupt a sacrament meeting. Too bad they don't have a ward for us older folks who really want to come to our meetings and have it quiet. . . . So, I hope we are divided and we get a "old" ward.
The Pioneer holiday is coming up this Thursday, and I will be writing a blog in honor of my ancestors. I am so blessed to be a 7th generation Latter-day Saint. All of my family lines came across the plains to the Salt Lake Valley. One great-great-great grandmother was in the Martin Handcart Company. I fall to my knees in gratitude for their sacrifice and that I descend from such nobleness. I am also looking for a day off. Watch for more ramblings and writing. KL

Friday, July 18, 2008

Revitalized by old friends and GAC

I am always amazed at the relationship of long lasting friends. My day Thursday was just as I had anticipated it would be. The relationship with my "ole" high school friends amazes me. I don't see them on a daily basis, we e-mail but we don't talk on the phone. I live 50 miles away and yet distance and time never changes nor weakens the ties that bind us together. We have all weathered many of life's storms, some have experienced widowhood, divorce, child and spouse that are less than perfect, caring for aging parents, and many more stresses and life challenges. But somehow we have survived and amazingly still love life and the adventure of the journey. . . . remember we are children of the 50's and teenagers of the 60's. We are the beginning Baby Boomers . . . living the American Dream. For some we were the first of our families to go to college, we raised families and worked outside the home. We were part of the process to bring about social changes and yet we stayed close to our heritage and our roots. My little band of sisters are now aging with grace and beauty. The grace and beauty that radiates from the inside.

Little great-Auntie Colleen went shopping with me earlier in the day. What a fun time we have. She lifts me to a higher level and makes me feel good about myself. She is a character and we laugh and can find humor in a lot of things. She is 78 years old and doesn't miss a beat, quick on her feet and has the endurance of a much younger person. I have a hard time keeping up with her. She is my mother's aunt. Her and my mother are the same age, so when I am with her I feel like she is an extension of my mother. I didn't get to have my mother for very long, just a short 7 years not nearly long enough. Her death took my childhood away and in some ways it took away parts of my adulthood. . . I cling to my aunties for a glimmer of something I could have had. . . Life is amazing. I am surprised any of us make it to the end! But what a beautiful ride for anyone willing to move at an exhilarating rate of speed and wonder. . . .

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Summer Is Moving Along

The summer is rolling along way too fast. It is mid July and it won't be long until we are thinking of "back to school" and the Fall season. I am just not ready for that. I have been busy as could be. I take two college courses on Monday and Tuesday and they take a big chunk of my time. I was about to drop the idea of getting my degree when my son said, "No Mom, you have always wanted it and you need to keep going to school. You are too close to stop now." (Isn't it amazing how adult children become your parents?) Anyway, I will continue. Actually I should be able to graduate next spring! It is those darn Math classes that have me stressed and thinking of quiting. But, I will continue forward, I have nothing else to do. . . . This week I am looking forward to going to dinner with my "high school friends". It is amazing after 42 years we still keep in touch and get together. We are all very fortunate to have this kind of relationship. Most people after they graduate from high school never see their old classmates. Me and my friends are unique. We still care about each other. Not only am I going to dinner with my friends, but I will spend a few hours with my Auntie's Now there is a unique relationship! Love those dear aunties so much. They have been with me through thick and thin. All of my ups and downs and and in betweens. GAC (great-aunt Colleen) and I have had some choice times together. The best thing we like to do is visit family and friends, shop! And we go looking for old furniture. She is always happy to go on a new adventure. I will be sure to write about my day with old friends and Aunties. I may bore some with all of my ramblings, but this blog is fun. I have kept a personal journal for years and this is just an extension of that. I truly need to get picture of my life on this web-site. I will try that for next time. KJ

Monday, July 7, 2008

4th of July

Well the 4th of July is over and summer is in full swing! I had a great 4th celebration, with family and friends. Parade with my son Mark and his little family, the little girls were so fun to watch as the parade passed by. Emma's little softball team rode the fire truck in the parade. They are the champions for their age group. Mat and Melanie coached the team. My Jared (Jarbug) rode high atop the fire truck, proud as could be. They all looked so cute. And Mark's little girls Sara, Zada and Maya could hardly wait to see Emma and Jared on the fire truck. Small town USA is what the 4th of July is about. Parade, park, and BBQ's and fireworks is what 4th of July means to me. I love it! One of my favorite holidays. . . . I will have pictures posted later showing the fun day. Later in the day I went to Jim and Sharon Jensen's for their annual 4th of July BBQ. It was great, and I really appreciate them inviting me. I was with Emily and Joel and Andrew. Sharon is Russ' mother. In the evening I was at Mat's having dutch oven dinner, and a great time visiting with friends and family. Watched fireworks with Mark and his little crew. . . Blake was busy all day with Gina's family from Arizona so I didn't get to see him. Saturday I spent recovering from all of my celebrating. Sunday was church, and my cousin Louise invited me to have dinner with her and her family. I love to be at Louise's house, she is so talented and fun, and a great cook! Love visiting with her and Heather. It was delightful. . . . I sometimes get feeling real "down" and then I have to look around and see how blessed I am. I am surrounded with wonderful people. People I cherish and love. I can't imagine my life without them. Watch for the pictures to later. KJ

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Saturday with GAC

I had a great time Saturday with my Great-Aunt Colleen. We visited with Tony, Andrea, Ferron Winnona, Karma and R. Dale. Nilan and Edith and Nick. We went to Vine Bluff Cemetery and search for our lost ancestors and by golly we found them. We found Tabitha Matilda Norton Wright. She is my great-great grandmother on my maternal line so she is my Matriarch. I have always wanted to visit her grave and pay her homage. She died when my great-grandmother was just a small child. We didn't know very much about her, but there was a deep sense of connection to her. Finding her grave was almost spiritual. I indeed felt the connection. I am grateful to have given my respect to her as my maternal grandmother. I believe strongly in the connection of families. It is indeed eternal and forever. We also found Tabitha's mother and father, Tabitha McDaniel Norton and William David Norton. They have interesting stories as they traveled across the plains as early pioneers. We found Elizabeth Salisbury Wright who is my 4th great grandmother. She traveled the plains with the Martin Handcart Company at the age of 52. We know the terrible hardships this company of saints endured. I owe so much to her and her dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ just as I owe my love and dedication to all of my ancestors.
GAC and I spent the night visiting with Diane and Jerry. We love to visit with them, then we stayed at the Comfort Inn. Sunday morning we were homeward bound. Dropped my great auntie off in Orem and I went on home to Tooele.
What a great time we had. Lots of people to visit lots of places to see. We didn't get to the shops we had wanted to go to. But that is ok, people are more important. Especially the ones we visited. I hope we scattered sunshine along our way and made everyone's day a little brighter. I know my day and weeks to come were made brighter by having gone on this little trip. KLJ

Monday, June 23, 2008

Hot weekend in St. George

I just spent the greatest weekend with my children and grandchildren and my niece and her children. St. George was hotter than - - - - but we had a wonderful time. Everyone spent the day in the pool and the evening playing minature golf and other games. Some visited the historic homes in St. George and Santa Clara others shopped, and others just 'vegged'. It was great! Way too short, but wonderful. . Southern Utah is a spectacular place to visit. Nature really played some interesting moves when creating the landscape. Everyone should visit the area at some point in time. Like I always told my Dad, St. George is a great place to visit, but I am a northern girl, and I love the north.
Next year for our family vacation we are going to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I believe a family who has the name of Jackson should visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We visited there many years ago when Lloyd and I took the kids to see Yellowstone. We had a great time then. And I am sure it will be even more fun this time. My kids have a way of making things fun. My sons are a riot to be with, they are witty and will have the rest of us laughing all the time. Nothing gets past them without some kind of a remark. Very entertaining to say the least. I will blog for sure when we go to Jackson.
This weekend I am going with my great-Auntie Colleen. Now this is going to be another adventure. She has reserved us a room in Payson, our hometown. She and I are going on a "hunt". That is what we do best. We are going to Nephi, and surrounding areas just to see what we can find. We don't want to be rushed so that is why we are going to stay over-nite in Payson. I have two other auntie's in Payson, they aren't as adventuresome as GAC. (short for great aunt colleen). But me and GAC are game for just about anything. I love to be with her. She has taught me a lot about my family, and in turn myself. She is my mother's aunt/sister. I know that sounds complicated but it isn't. GAC is the caboose of the Pickering family. She has always been very close to me and my cousins. Like I said I love to be with her. Next week I will let you know what me and GAC did.
Here is my thought for this week: "Cherish all your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for old age." KL

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Thought for Today

Here is a thought for today:
Will you look back on life and say, 'I wish I had or I'm glad I did'?
I am excited I am going to St. George this weekend. Just a nice leisure weekend in the warm (very warm) sunshine of St. George. Three of my children and their families are going. Emily and Russell and the boys, Joel and Andrew. Mat and Melanie with Emma and Jared, Baylee has a soft ball tournament so she isn't going with us. Blake and Gina and Brissa with be with us also. Mark and Shelly and the little girls, Sara, Zada and Maya aren't going to be able to be with us. My step-mother Merlene lives in Bloomington and my step-sister Debbie and her husband Fred live in St. George. Debbie's daughter and son live there also. My sweet niece Audrey and her daughter Kaitlynn and son Kyle will be there with us. I am excited to be with my niece. It has been a few months, and I miss her. I am hoping my brother Alan and his wife Julie are there also and that some of my other nieces and nephews will join us. There are lots of things to do in the St. George area, but I will be content to just sit around the pool and read my book. I am so ready for a vacation even if it is a short one.
Not only is it my vacation, but it is also a good time to connect to extended family. I am a family person. I believe it is the most important relationship only surpassed by your relationship with your spouse. Families are a precious gift from God. I love my friends and I treasure friendships, but my family is my greatest treasure and gift. Nothing can take the place of my family. Part of my family is my step-mother Merlene and my step-sister Debbie. I have neglected them. Not included them in my circle of 'family'. I am ashamed of myself. I am not that way. . . and I am sorry for behaving in such a negative way. I can only hope that my future actions will show I am sorry. I want no regrets, I want to be able to say "I'm glad I did". As I posted earlier in my tribute to my Dad, he taught me much about living. . . . He was a man with a huge heart room for many and it didn't diminish his love for me his daughter, nor for his son, Alan, nor our mother Bonnie. I want to be like my Dad, a heart that has room for many. KL

Friday, June 13, 2008

Tribute to My Dad

Father's Day is this Sunday. It is a time for me to pause and give thanks for the great Dad that I had. My Dad has been gone for over 12 years, and I miss him all the time. For you see, my Dad was my only parent for over 40 years. I only lived with him for a short 8 years. Though he lived just a few blocks away, we never lived in the same house for many many years. I miss him. And what do I miss the most? His tenderness, his wisdom, his steadiness in my life and in the life of my children. My Dad was the only grandparent they knew. My grandpa would say that my Dad was born with wisdom. He was a wise child. Always seemed to know what to do and how to do it. When my Dad was a young man of 28 he was in a tragic automobile accident. The accident killed my mother, and crippled my Dad. His spinal cord was severed and he lived the remainder of his life in a wheel chair. Never taking a step ever again. Never running, never jumping, never dancing, never lifting his children, and grandchildren in his steady strong arms. Never! But he lived his life, and he lived it the way he wanted to live it. Positive, happy, confident with more wisdom than most. He lived his life.. . . . . I love him, I miss him. . .The older I get the more I think of him, and miss him. I savior the words he spoke to me, I cherish my memories of him, I thank my Lord for giving me such a kind and gentle father who loved me and protected me. I was his first born, I was his princess. Though our years were short, our relationship was strong and he taught me much about life and living. KL

Thursday, June 12, 2008

I love to find quotes that lift and inspire me. I found this one the other day and will share with you. It is by Ralph Waldo Emerson. . . "Each moment of life has its own beauty....a picture which has never been seen before and which shall never be seen again." I have pondered on this and realize I don't always appreciate the newness of each day and for that matter each moment. I go through my days and weeks and months and soon years not really appreciating what I have seen and what I have experienced. I sometimes feel like my life is so mundane, nothing new and exciting. And that all I ever face is problems. That isn't true! My life is unique and only one of a kind. . . it is my life, my minutes, my hours, my days, months and years. All belonging to me a gift from my Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ. I need to appreciate the mundane, the everyday rituals, and rights of life. Taste and savor my world and my life. I shall never pass this way again.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Stepping into Blog world

This is my first adventure into the world of blogging. I really don't know what I am doing. But I do enjoy reading other blogs. I will invite my family and friends to go on this adventure with me. Each day I will write of the dailiness of my life. Nothing exciting just the normal routine of life. Mine is a little different in some respects and hopefully my blog friends will notice the differences in my daily life compared to theirs. Each is unique to that person. And that is what makes life so interesting is uniqueness. I will enjoy each new day and each experience I write about, whether it is new or just the same as yesterday. As I see it each new day is a new adventure. KJ

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