At 7

My Jacksey baby is 7 today. 7 seems so much older than 6. I really, really love him. He has always been my easiest child, however recently I asked Eric, "At what point did Jackson become our most difficult kid?" Not that he is all that hard, he has just become more hyper.

At 7:

His favorite color is green. When I asked him what his favorite food, candy, and TV show were, he could not come up with an answer. Apparently he has inherited his parents indecisiveness.

He is an extremely picky eater. Dinner is a test for him every night.

He snacks all day long.

He refuses to eat doughnuts, after throwing them up late last year.

He pretends he can't hear me when I ask him to stop doing something.

He has a very cautious nature. While watching fireworks on the 24th of July in Utah, he asked me if I didn't think it would be better if we watched from the car. He was concerned they were going to drop on him.

Although he is cautious, he will still push himself and do things that scare him. He was a bit worried about going down a steep waterslide a week ago, but pushed back his fear and did it.

He often puts others needs in front of his own. While shopping for his party favors, he was more concerned with what his friends would like, than what he would like. He kept saying things like, "I think we should buy the Star Wars stickers because Eli really likes Star Wars."

He loves to play the Wii and play on the computer, but isn't a big TV watcher.

He asks for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich everyday for lunch.

He knows exactly how to push his sisters buttons.

He is always thinking about something, so getting him to hear you when you try to get his attention can be difficult.

He is loving and likes physical contact.

He loves to play all sports.

He cannot tell a lie. It's refreshing.

He prefers to have a few really good friends, instead off a lot of acquaintances. It's rather nice when planning a birthday party. His guest list is always fairly short.

He is willing to clean almost anything, but really does not love to clean his room.

He loves to listen to his favorite music, ear-splitting loud in his room. He is partial to dance music.

He enjoys helping Eric with any project he is doing.

He is a true joy to have in our family. Happy Birthday Jackson!!!!!!!

Swimming Lesson 2011

The first few weeks of July, the kids had swimming lessons. As I previously mentioned, it was glorious for me. They had their lessons at the same time, so I was able to lounge in the shade and watch, and then go home after half and hour. Marvelous.

I will start with Megs. She is quite the swimmer, and worked on mastering all of the different swimming strokes. I don't have many pictures of her, because she was under water the majority of the time.

She of course instantly made a friend.

Now Jackson. He is very comfortable with his hybrid doggy paddle/swimming stroke, and unfortunately it did not evolve to full swimming for him during this set of lessons.

He did however master the back float and back stroke:

And also got much better at diving:

Now little Sade. The first day she refused to participate. I sat on the side of the pool and ignored her until she decided it actually looked fun. It took about 25 minutes. From that day on she timidly participated. Hallelujah!

They all graduated!

Although in Sadie's case I believe the grading must have been fairly lenient.

Ruminations From The Road

Before I begin my long series of posts about my 10 day trip to Utah (which I am sure is being awaited with bated breath), I will begin with a few ruminations about life on the road. Specifically life on the road in Utah.

First: I am not much a snacker while driving, unless there are Cherry Nibs available. And then I can't help myself.

Second: Utah is FILLED with Subaru's. I was so weirded out when we moved to Las Vegas and no one owned a Subaru. It is the cool car in Utah.

Third: The mountains in Utah were ridiculously green this year. I can't remember them ever being this green, especially at the end of July.

Fourth: Speaking of mountains, there was even snow on the tops of some. Say What? If you enlarge the picture below you can see it.

Sadie told us that is wasn't snow, it was just giant bird poop.

And finally: The one thing I miss about Utah more than any other (except family, of course):

FRY SAUCE!!!

I love it. My life in Las Vegas would be complete if it was readily available here. Luckily I had many opportunities to partake while in Utah. FYI: Sonic does offer it, but it is pre-packaged and thereby sub-par.

Back From Vacation

Oh boy.....I'm back from vacation. The very worst part of being home from vacation is the laundry! At least for me.  I mean check out all these bags:

But just guess what they are filled with? CLEAN CLOTHES!!! That's right. I have been visiting my mom who is the queen of laundry (obviously not an inherited trait), so I have no laundry to do.

She is talented. Eric also washed all of the sheets, and all of the remaining laundry left at home, so I am sitting pretty for weeks. Right?

12 X 12 - July 2011

I am posting this today in a depressed state. Not a depressing state (you know, like Nebraska - it seems depressing to me), but rather my state of mind. Rest assured I will carry on, but it MAY affect the tone of this post! Just warning you.

I woke up to Jackson acting just like a 6 year-old boy. It doesn't matter how much I tell my kids not to jump on the couch, they will not be deterred.

I then went to Fresh & Easy. Alone.

I buy all of my fruit, milk, eggs and meat there. I spend a fortune on their salmon, but am obsessed with eating it everyday for lunch.

My favorite feature of my new car, is that I can plug my iPod directly into it and it plays. I know this is not new technology, but it is to me. Yippee!

After I arrived home, we headed off to swimming lessons.

It's glorious. They all have lessons at the same time, so I just sit and relax in the shade and watch. Plus the weather has been amazing, so I have not been drenched in sweat.

After swimming, we had to drop some books off at the library.

I love the library, but am forever paranoid that I have forgotten to return a book and am raking up a massive fine.

Jackson getting him, Megan, and Sadie one of their many, many snacks during the day.

Then it was time to clean! As soon as I mentioned that the kids needed to head into their rooms and clean them up, Sadie screamed at me, "I"M NEVER CLEANING MY ROOM! I'M LAYING IN MY BED!" And that is just what she did. She fell asleep about 5 minutes later.

Before leaving for the night, I finally remembered to cut Jackson and Sadie's nails. I can never seem to remember to do that. They were grossly long.

On the way to a meeting about the kids new school, our favorite new song came on the radio (Lady Gaga's: Edge of Glory). WE LOVE IT! Sadie is the best car seat dancer you will ever lay your eyes on.

During the meeting, Jackson reached over to hold my hand. It makes me so happy he still loves physical affection.

And have I mentioned how excited I am about the kids new school! Did anyone else at the meeting notice the rumble of discussion after they mentioned that school lunch was going to cost $3.85! Ouch.

After we came home, I practiced my talent for the upcoming Young Women's talent show. I will be performing it tonight!

Any guesses?

After the kids went to bed, I paid bills.

It added to my depressive state!