Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Stockings Were Hung


It's true, they were. For the first time in our marriage I got to hang our stockings from a chimney with care. I love having a fireplace. I never really thought much of having a fireplace here in the desert. My parents have one and they have never lit it once in 21 years. So I always thought they were kind of pointless. But, we have used ours a lot this month and I am hooked. I love how watching a log burns makes me feel so peaceful. I love how my kids run to it after their showers so they can warm up. I love how my stockings look hanging from it. I love how Ella goes up to the fire and tries to blow it out. I love how excited Quinn gets every time we tell him we are going to light a fire and he runs out to the garage to carry in the heavy log. And I love the handful of memories I now have from this ol' fireplace. Cheesy but true.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The Phoenix Temple, Part II

So tonight is the Eve before the Eve of Christmas Eve. Whatever you did today, I'm sure it had something to do with getting ready for Christmas. I wrapped presents and took my sick baby to the doctor. On my way home from the doctor I couldn't help but be discouraged at what this lady chose to do on Christmas Eve Eve Eve...

Yes, they are working hard. Flagging down drivers on 55th Ave to sign their petitions. They were also at the elementary school on Friday and the church building on Sunday. It's unfortunate that on the week we celebrate our Lords birth, they are trying to stop His temple from being built. How ironic.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Just Keep Trying...

Just keep trying. Just keep trying. Just keep trying, trying, trying. What do we do, we try, try, try.



My sweet baby that took forever to crawl isn't in a hurry to walk either. At 17 months she can actually pick up the walker and turn it the direction she wants to go. She looks like a giant in it. I'm sure she'll walk before nursery next month. One can only hope.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Parties, Parties and More Parties!!!

I feel like all I've been doing lately is getting ready for the next school party. I guess it just comes with having three kids in school. We go from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas in just a matter of weeks. Once one party is done it's time to prepare for the next! Well I'll spare you the pictures of all of those parties but I can't go without posting about one of the wildest parties of the year. Dave turned the 34 last month! HBD2U Sweetie!

I tried my hand at fondant. Not bad for my first attempt. Quinn gave it his touches there at the bottom of the cake. I enjoyed it enough to try it again for Dailee's birthday but probably not before then. We'll see if there is any improvement.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

The Phoenix Temple

As most of you know, yesterday was the City Council meeting for the Phoenix Temple. And as all of you may know it was approved unanimously, yeah!!! But you may not know that the oppositions fight is far from over. As I have attended these meetings, I am pretty bothered at the extent of hatred these people have for this beautiful building, the Lords Temple. The fact is is that the church owns the property and can build a temple on it. The only reason we have been through this process is because the building ordinance only allows a 30' structure and the temple is 40'. So the church is asking the city for approval of only 10 extra feet. That's it, 10 feet, not approval to build. *Major side note: steeples, spires, bell towers etc., are not restricted at all. They can be as high as you want want. So, is the neighborhood in a frenzy over 10 feet???? No, they are in a frenzy over the temple being built at all. They are hoping that if they huff and they puff they will blow this temple away. Here are the huffs and puffs....

1. Traffic - The neighborhood is very concerned that the temple will cause major traffic issues. It's a legit concern I admit. However.....What they don't understand is that traffic into the temple is more of a trickle then a down poor. This isn't a church that has a couple of meeting times a week and needs cops to control the traffic. But more importantly, a traffic study has been done and the traffic engineers have found no concern for the traffic in this area being effected by the temple. Neighbors, do you know what this means???? The City actually has engineers who's job is to study traffic. They are professional traffic studiererers. So if they say traffic won't be an issue then TRAFFIC WON'T BE AN ISSUE!!

2. Lighting - It's true that all temples are lit up at night. And this neighborhood does have a dark sky ordinance. There are no street lights in the neighborhood because the people like to see the stars. So again, this is a legit concern. However....This temple is not going to be lit up like the Mesa, Salt Lake, San Diego, or even Gilbert Temples. The lighting is going to be much less as to comply to the dark sky ordinance. Did you hear that neighbors???? It complies with the dark sky ordinance!!! We did that just for you and we are even going to turn them off an hour early for you. Happy now??? Of course you're not.

Now a new concern about the lighting was brought up last night and this is just way to good not to mention. A new opposer came to speak. She supposedly represents the Friends of Thunderbird Park. Her concern was that the lighting on the temple was going to cause the extinction of at least 4 different species in the park. What??? And it was also going to cause breast cancer in women. Okay, I know I'm no scientist but I'm a little more concerned about the 150 foot power lines that run through the neighborhood causing cancer, not the temple lights. Oh yeah, and did I mention they are in compliance with the dark sky ordinance?

3. Blocked views - This is a beautiful area surrounded by mountains. I too would love to have panoramic views of the mountains. But I don't. My views are blocked by houses, RV garages and the hundreds and hundreds of mature trees in the neighborhood. I dare say only about 25% of the homes in the area will even be able to see the spier of the temple. Only about 5% will be able to see the actual building. And really, how much of a mountain does a spier block? Lean to the left, lean to the right and you'll see the whole mountain, I promise.

4. It just doesn't fit in with the neighborhood - Well of course it doesn't fit in to our neighborhood people. It's the House of the Lord. There is not a neighborhood in America or on this entire planet that a temple "fits" in to. It is a majestic, glorious, beautiful, sacred, serene building. Of none comparison to anything else on this planet. Any neighborhood is extremely lucky (I prefer blessed) to have one.

And so you have it then, the major concerns of the opposition. They are currently working to collect over 9,000 legit signatures in 30 days. If they succeed it will force the rezoning to go to the ballot so the voters can decide. Thus, pushing back the project and hoping the church will give up and go somewhere else. Please keep this temple in your prayers. The fight is not over yet. Pray that hearts may be softened and the Lord's temple can be built.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Friday, November 6, 2009

Anyone still there?

Well, the events of the past two months haven't left much time for blogging. I feel like we are about 80% settled. Of course, we have been 80% settled for about five weeks now and I'm not sure when we'll get to the other 20%. But some fun stuff has happened in the lives we have tried to live while transitioning, that I just don't want to miss the chance to blog.

There is no one Ella loves more then her Dad (aka, total daddy's girl). But in her uncontrollable excitement of seeing him one evening her fingernail on her rapidly moving arm scratched his eye. I've never had a scratched cornea but apparently it is very, very painful. Poor Dad was completely incapacitated for about 24 hours. Luckily it heals pretty fast.



We signed Quinn up for soccer at an indoor facility near our home. I thought little girls dancing was the cutest thing I have ever seen, but watching Quinn run his little heart out at his first soccer game definitely tops the list.

U2 Baby!!!



Dave and I share many passions in life, one of which is U2. U2 tickets are the most sought off ticket in the Jackson household (next to conference of course). For months Dave and I have been looking forward to the concert. Our tickets were on the floor in the inner circle. Now, as great as that was to be that close to Bono, It was not great to be that close to 200+ complete strangers. I value my personal space way too much. Dave says he will always get floor tickets. As for myself, I think I can rock it just as good from my own seat that I don't have to share with anyone. Can you spot Dave in the last picture?


Sunday, October 11, 2009

Someday...

Someday I will have every box in my house unpacked.
Someday I will have all the paper piling up on my kitchen counter organized and put away.
Someday I will be caught up on my laundry after not having a washer and dryer for two weeks.
Someday I will be able to park my car in the garage. (This will happen before anything else thanks to my amazing hubby).
Someday everything in my closet will have its place.
Someday I will get a minute or 120 and clean my floors.
Someday I'll be able to instantly find all of the important papers that come home from my kid's school.
Someday I will blog before and after remodel pictures of the house.
Someday I'll get Ella's one year old picture taken. After all, she's one for a whole year, right?
Someday I'll feel in order with this house and I will start to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Or, I'll just enjoy it now.
Someday I'll get over this swine of a flu so I can work on all this stuff and kiss the people I love.
But today I will just sit quietly and thank my Heavenly Father for my beautiful family and this beautiful home and the many countless blessings he has given me.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Happy Birthday Budro!

My little boy is now 4 years old. And how we love having him as part of our family. Despite being surrounded by girls most of the time Quinn never lets us forget that he is all boy. He loves baseball, Transformers, Spiderman, riding his bike and swimming. He has no problem keeping up with his two older sisters and is so tender and sweet to his baby sister. For a little boy of four he has a lot to deal with concerning his food allergies and asthma but they don't slow him down one bit. He can be sweet and lovable, rough and tough, and way too demanding for his own good. We love you Quinn! Happy Birthday Budro!



I wish I could take credit for this cake. My talented friend Katie made it for him. She did an amazing job and Quinn LOVED it!



Tuesday, August 18, 2009

It's official...we're moving!


One Saturday night in mid June
My hubby and I cozy in our room.
On the Web we searched for a house to buy
Seven months of looking, it's true, no lie.

A new listing we were excited to come across
Call the realtor now, we can't bare another loss.
A bank-owned home that was priced to sell
And everything about it looked really swell.

This house we saw, this house we loved
The bidding war is on and push came to shove.
We lost the bid to someone with cash
Our dreams were gone, they were gone with a flash.

But then we heard there really wasn't any doe
Our bid is back in and here we go!
Our offer was the highest, yes it's true,
The joy in our hearts, it grew and grew.

Praying and hoping everything would work out,
With it in the bank's hands we had some doubt.
We waited for months or maybe just weeks
Our friends prob'ly thought we were really big freaks.

And finally last Thursday on August thirteenth,
WE CLOSED, HORRAY! Before the fourteenth.
And now some remodeling to the house we will do,
A makeover of such, so it looks brand new!

The packing I started and hope to have done
By the time we move, this part's not so fun.
By Labor Day we hope to be in our new home
Hello Glendale, ready or not, and here we come!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Karaoke Baby

Ella loves to hear her voice amplified through our karaoke machine. The only trouble is fighting with Dad over who gets to use it the most.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Ella's Birthday

Going through the pictures I realized that I forgot to blog about my sweet baby's birthday. I had her in the summer on purpose so we could always have a swim party and I would never have to come up with any other birthday entertainment, just a new theme. This years theme was The Little Mermaid. Some people think that being pregnant in the summer in Phoenix is crazy, but I think it's brilliant!


Ella was not interested in her cake at all!

Maybe even annoyed.

Grandma and Grandpa Jackson were in a car accident on their way to the party. Oh, the sacrifices they make for their grandchildren. They are okay and Pa's nose has healed nicely! Or at least as nice as it was before.

I wish I could take credit for this but I can't. Ella's very creative Aunt painted this ocean scene to hold all the food.


"Mom what do you have me in?" "Don't worry Ella Bella you look adorable!"

Friday, July 31, 2009

I'm finally feeling...Wicked

I finally saw Wicked. I say finally because this was my third attempt to see the show. I missed it the first time it came to Phoenix because by the time I knew it was here and it was worth seeing it was sold out. The second time I tried to see it, Dave and I were in New York. It was November of '07 and I bought tickets online way in advance. Well, a few days before we left for New York we heard about some Broadway strike that was going on and several of the shows had been cancelled indefinitely, including Wicked. Despite all my wishing, hoping and praying the strike didn't end while we were there, dumb stage hands, and we missed the show. So needless to say I was so excited to hear it was coming back to Phoenix. It was every bit as good as I hoped it was. And I'm going to see it again and again and again starting with New York in November, I hope...

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

UTAH

At the beginning of the month we had the opportunity to go up to Utah to visit family. We had a blast with cousins we haven't seen in a couple of years. Here are some of the highlights...

Our first stop was the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. What a beautiful temple! I loved standing on the grounds of the temple overlooking the valley and being able to see the Jordan River and Draper Temple too. Gotta love Utah!

Two of my wonderfully fabulous sisters that both live a thousand miles away from me. Sniff, sniff. We are the latter three of my mother's six children. Rachel Thomas and her family live in the Seattle area and Liz Novak and her family live somewhere in Michigan. Oh, and Ella snuck in there too.

My sisters with our families.

This was my families first temple open house. We can't wait until the open house of our very own temple here in Phoenix!

Six of us signed up to run the 10K Freedom Run, Glen & Rachel, John (my bro) me, and Melissa (my sister) and Jared Novak (Liz's husband who missed the photo op.). Glen was the winner coming in at 41 minutes!

I don't know what everyone else excuse is but I am a DESERT RUNNER! Give me HOT, FLAT, DRY, FLAT, LOW ELEVATION, and FLAT land.


Every 4th of July my Grandma's ward has a program at the neighborhood park. The primary kids always sing a few songs. My girls weren't interested in participating but Quinn didn't hesitate at the chance and Great Grandma Petersen got up with him.

Here is the only picture I got of my Grandma Pete. She turned 86 this year and still lives in the beautiful home my Grandfather built over 50 years ago.

At the Provo parade on the 4th. The floats were great but according to Lauren, Brittany, Dailee and Aubrey these puppies were even better.


The evening of the 4th Dave and Quinn grabbed their mitts and headed to the Provo Temple to watch the fireworks. Quinn's expression says it all. There is no one he would rather be with then Dad. And Dailee, Aubrey and I went to...

Whaa Hoo! Jonas Brothers!!! Actually I'm not that big a fan, I know a couple of there songs but they put on a great show!


This is the Payson City Pool. If you want to avoid the expense or crowds it's a great alternative to Seven Peaks. This is cousin Sarah going down the slide.

BBQ at Uncle Brent's house the night before we left.


Aubrey with her best friend and cousin Emma. They only get to see each other once every one to two years. So they were inseparable once they got together.

Quinn and Jacob became great pals. They are both the only boys in their family and each have three sisters.