Jackson's are Lovin' Life!: January 2012

Our New Years tree, still up waiting for the party!

SO, NO resolutions this year, maybe a few goals, or is that just another name for resolutions!?!
I would really like to be more organized (bahahah!! As I play on the computer, when I could be organizing!!! lol)

But most of all I want to work hard at becoming a better, happier me. I allowed way to much anger and bitterness over rule the BETTER me in 2011 and it really is time for a change, to release it and let it go. There was a quote given at church today that said: "Don't let life make you BITTER, make it BETTER!"

BAMB!!!

Totally what I needed to hear!!! Bitter is such a sour word!!! I don't want to be a sour person. What I REALLY, really want, is to be a better ME, a better wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, church member, better spiritually, better physically which will automatically make me better mentally (if that is possible! LOL...laugh more, play with my kids more, worry less...(if possible!!)

My cousin's wife had this quote on her blog (totally blog lifted!!! Thanks ReNee!!)

“This year, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.”
― Howard W. Hunter

This quote seems so simple......maybe....
#1. Mend a Quarrel.....i don't have to many of those..I find quarrels are not worth it....Rhett told me once when we were having a discussion about behavior (just in general) he he said "would you rather be right or be happy." I really had to think about this....I REALLY REALLY like being right! lol... HOWEVER, just because I think it is RIGHT, may NOT be right for someone else, so I would rather be HAPPY than quarrel about being RIGHT...does that make any sense? (maybe only in my world! ha!)

#2. Seek out a forgotten friend, LOL...I belong to facebook are there any forgotten Friends out there? If so hey find me on FB! lol (wow DONE!)

#3. HUM.....dismiss suspicion and place with trust...so far so good....right now as of TODAY I am not suspicious of anyone in my world! lol...even though I am kind of a suspicious person....LOL...So as of right this very moment I good in this area, but WILL keep an open mind if something comes up!

#4. Write a Letter,I can totally do this....I will even MAIL it out by using the US Postal Service!!! (instead of email! ha!)

#5. Give a soft answer....AHHHHH, I did this today when Peyton so sweetly asked if we could cuddle...but seriously...how could the answer NOT be soft...we have even made a date to cuddle and watch cartoons in the morning! I love stay at home vacations from school!!!!

#6. Encourage the Youth! WELL, since I have 4 of them in my home....this will for SURE be happening. I have one of the SMARTEST 11(going on 51) year olds in my house (i think so anyway)....he is way smarter than me at 11 and retains things that blow me away, yet HATES to do HOMEWORK (which really, can't blame him, so did I!) BUT it has to be done. In a discussion the other day about GRADES (my eternal headache, or feels like such!) I was talking to him about how SMART I know he is and how I know he can BE this or DO that if he applied all that he knows in his head on to paper, to turn in to his teachers, to be graded....his response was "but mom, I have it all retained in my brain, I know it all so well, I really shouldn't even have to go to school!" SOOO not what I had in mind with my encouragement! lol...so this will continue to be a work in progress!!! WE CAN DO THIS!! By the way, Rhett has gone back to 6th grade math and is PLEASED to announce that they (he and DALLIN) have passed! LOL!!!

#7 Manifest your loyalty in word and deed!!! OH WOW....i have this HORRIBLE habit of saying YES to sooo many things that I fail at most of them!!!! This I totally needs to be worked on.

#8. Keep a promise! I promised my kids a New Years Party {tomorrow} ...I will make it happen {maybe}!! (Because you see...I have been PROMISING this for DAYS now!!!) Time to follow through....baby steps!!!lol.... because REALLY it would have to depend on the PROMISE. {*side note, we had a family discussion and we came to the decision the have our New Years Eve Party on Chinese New Year which is next MONDAY!!! so we are making a plan!!! pictures to be posted in a week!!}

#9. Forgo a grudge. Hum, time...this one takes TIME. I read a quote once that says "Holding onto a grudge is like letting someone live in your head rent free!" HECK NO!!! okay, so in order to be emotionally, mentally FREE....this MUST be done!! Right....so here is a question...If I let go of a grudge (hypothetically speaking) is it okay to just let go period? Which goes right along with #10...

#10. Forgive an enemy...(however, I think enemy is a strong word!) how about we say just FORGIVE....President Faust stated the following in a General Conf. address Spring 2007:

"If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being."

He goes on to say in this same talk:

"Let us remember that we need to forgive to be forgiven. In the words of one of my favorite hymns, “Oh, forgive as thou wouldst be e’en forgiven now by me.”²⁰ With all my heart and soul, I believe in the healing power that can come to us as we follow the counsel of the Savior “to forgive all men.”²¹

LOVE it!!!! I want this!!! I want to do this will a pure and humble heart!!!! This also ties in with...

#11. Apologize, in many situations this is most likely and absolutely the HARDEST thing in the WORLD to do, because you (I) may have to admit we were WRONG!!! or I forgot and messed something up...it could be a big deal or something little. Feelings can be hurt with the smallest of actions or words...something you may have not even realized you have done. The other day, Peyton was home sick (at first I really wondered if it was just a ploy to leave school! ;) but he really didn't feel good. So I had Rhett come home for lunch instead of taking it to him. I let Peyton help me make dad a fun dessert (chocolate cake in a mug!!! YUM!) anyway, Peyton was SO excited about this dessert he started to get a head of me and I told him that everything was all good now, he could leave the kitchen. (this unintended request became a bad mommy moment!) Well, I broke his heart, with tears he stomped off to his bedroom...SERIOUSLY, i thought, a tantrum...good grief! Well, Rhett hollered at him to come eat lunch with him and he shouted back:

"NOT TIL MOM APOLOGIZES FOR HURTING MY FEELINGS!!"

oh man!!!! I really didn't intentionally MEAN to hurt his feelings.....so I went in and had a chat and a cuddle, a hug and a kiss...and I APOLOGIZED for hurting his feelings....when all he wanted to do was help....(Seriously this was a bad and good mommy moment!!) PATIENCE!!!! MOTHER!!!!

#12 Try to UNDERSTAND!!! This is not very specific...understand WHAT!!!!??? Sometimes trying to understand somethings may make me into a lunatic!!! so i am not sure I want to do this!! lol....however, I am going to work on this....

#13. Examine your demands on others!!!! WOW, I know for SURE that I forget my kids are JUST KIDS!!!! I also know I demand to much out of me....that makes me feel more often than not like a duffus....and a let down!!! This will be a GREAT one to work on!

#14. Think first of someone else....(um,) I am a mom of 4! They come first...even when I am doing something for me, I believe I work very hard to make sure they are taken care of first (I hope!!!!) However, I had major guilt leaving my hubby who was not feeling well the other night to go play....(I really couldn't cancel!!!) But, in the end...dinner was ready, homework done...and the big kids were really good to help get everyone of to bed!!! (I do have great kids!!) NOW, as a SISTER IN ZION (aka, Visiting Teacher.....) I am going to work VERY hard at paying MORE attention to those around me....come out of my little bubble a bit....maybe be more in tune to their needs!

#15, 16, 17.....BE KIND, BE GENTLE, LAUGH MORE!!!! Sweet!! This one sounds like FUN! lol....BE KIND, in the recent months I have learned to get to know others and not let OTHERs opinions be MY opinions!! (make sense?) because really HIGH SCHOOL was a super long time ago! HA! So, I am working already very hard at being kind.....(even when I may want to high 5 some in the forehead, CHILL, I don't mean YOU!!! Good grief, no stress....nobody special...JUST SAYIN'! ;) Be NICE! Be KIND! and LAUGH OUT LOUD!!!!

#18. Express Gratitude

The Lord has promised, “He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious” (D&C 78:19). Gratitude is an uplifting, exalting attitude. People are generally happier when they have gratitude in their hearts. We cannot be bitter, resentful, or mean-spirited when we are grateful.

FABULOUS!!! I am sooo VERY thank for my life!!! Seriously, in it's imperfectness.... i have a good life!!! A hubby that loves me faults and all (dirty dishes and laundry about...scrap supplies in nearly every corner..haha) 4 beautiful babies...A JOB!! A HOME!!! The GOSPEL!!! HEALTH!!! FAMILY!!!! FRIENDS!!!!..so far so good....what more is there...REALLY what more is there!!!!???

(wow, this is getting kinda long!!!)

#19. Welcome a stranger. So, i have a new VT partner, who is new to our ward!! PERFECT AND one of our ladies is also NEW to our ward!!!! YAY....;) both very sweet young ladies (I mean YOUNG!) lol...I am now the "older" partner! I say this with laughter in my heart because it doesn't seem so long ago that I was the young mom with little kids, and my partners were so great to work around MY schedule!!!

#20. Gladden the HEART of a CHILD... back to those four little dudes I live with!!! Remember back a few of these "TO DO's"....I recall a date with my 6 year old to cuddle and watch cartoons, I bet 3 others join us!! my couch will be cozy! haha, really everyday...I may have to post this on my fridge!!! Just to remind me!!! (some days mom need the reminder....or maybe just this mom!!)

#21. Take Pleasure in the wonder and beauty of the earth. Aka, take walks with my camera!!! ;)

the sunset out my front door a few weeks ago!!!

also, recall my snowflake post....do these count!!! okay, maybe I need to take note of all things that are around me. Tonight Peyton (again!) yelled for me to grab my camera and take a picture of the clouds. This picture is still in my camera, the sky is pink and blue and wintry!! Moister in the clouds with the sun going down (can you see it in your head? Will post later!) I wish I would of driven up the road real quick (i could of, just didn't!) to get a really good shot of it all going behind the mnt!! It was really amazing!!!

#22. Speak your LOVE and speak it AGAIN!!!! I CAN SO DO THIS ONE!!! I have NO problems telling those I love, that I LOVE THEM!!!! Everyday as they walk out my door to begin their day!!! When I speak on the phone to family or thru texting, emailing or posting on FB!!! That is all very easy! I love hugs!! I am not afraid to give them out!!! BUT what I think this is saying to ME is not just about speaking love to my family and friends but about things that I love.....THE one thing that has GIVEN me the reason for this post!!! The GOSPEL!!!! MY LOVE OF THE GOSPEL!!! (see, even typing this has my nose stinging and my eyes tearing!!!) In RS today, Sister Jensen talked about sharing our testimonies....not being afraid to say HEY!!! I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ...and THIS is what we are about!!! This is what WE BELIEVE!!!! The 1st Article of Faith states:

"We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."

*(if you want to know more.....click HERE!)

I KNOW with all my heart that the CHURCH IS TRUE!!! It challenges me everyday to be BETTER!!! not BITTER!!! To learn more and study harder....to TEACH my kids! I have a testimony of Joseph Smith and the trials he ENDURED to bring forth the Restoration of the Gospel (click to watch) in my mind, why would someone work so hard and LOOSE so much if it wasn't true!!!! I believe things happen for a purpose, that prayers are answered and miracles happen. Sometimes the answers to our prayers are not what we wanted but they come from our Father in Heaven and he knows more....several months back, Rhett's parents came to have dinner with us, I fail to remember the occasion, but several prayers were said that night (it must of been for FHE) because each child that said a prayed said "bless grandma and grandpa that they will be safe going home." by the 3rd prayer I had really noticed that particular part of the prayer. Grandma and Grandpa left and several hours later we get a phone call that they had made it home, BUT...they hit a deer. I don't remember all the circumstances of this incident but from what I remember Dad Jackson said that it COULD of been really bad, but because of the prayers said that night they did make it home safely....only the car had damage, but they were still able to drive. They to noticed that particular part of the prayer. So! Prayers are answered....in any way, shape or form! I believe in the power of the Priesthood, I am SO grateful to have a Priesthood holder in my home. I love Rhett so much and for the example he is to our kids!! He really is my best friend! In 6 weeks, Dallin will be 12 and he will be ordained a Deacon!!!! He IS SO EXCITED about this!!! I am bittersweet!!! I miss the little boy in him, but look forward to watching him become a young man! I believe that EVERYTHING will be okay if you have FAITH!!!! Elder Edgley of the Presiding Bishopric say says this of Faith (he says whats in my heart WAY BETTER!!) ;)

"Choose faith over doubt,

choose faith over fear,

choose faith over the unknown and the unseen,

and choose faith over pessimism"

SO!!! There is my list!!! Lol...so much for Resolutions!!! Ha, I think these are all really great things to work on, some days will be better than others....and I am praying that by Dec 2012, I am the person I am looking to become!!!

Happy New Years (just a few days late! lol!!)

**Due to being SICK..on the REAL New Years Eve, I have NO pictures!! {blech!} But SOON we are going to have a Post New Years Eve Party for FHE!!! The kids have been BEGGING me! lol....so stay tuned for pictures to come later!

I have always thought in my whole life that Snowflakes were

REALLY

just drops of frozen rain....or cut out of paper (of which i really LOVE to do...yes really!!)

or created with crystal beads to hang on a tree, or crochet out of thread to

make a doily or wall decoation..

(i think you get the idea)

As a little girl, I remember LOVING (and still do!) the Ideals Magazine. My Grandma DeMille use to get them and I would read them cover to cover, there is one issue where there is a poem about Jack Frost and how he frosted the windows with beautiful winter designs (I wish I had all those back issues!!)...I have seen such designs... BUT a REAL SNOWFLAKE with 6 points that looks like a crystal creation....nope,

NEVER,

UNTIL NOW!!!

Every year, it has become a tradition to go Christmas tree hunting...Either HERE in Gunnison, or down south in So. Utah (we would normally go out on the Kiabab in No. Az to find a grand Blue Spruce!) Well, this year we went up to Twins. If you live in Sanpete Co. you most likely know where this is, because I really don't know how to explain it...i don't pay attention to directions....up Mayfield Cnyn is the BEST you will get from me without a MAP!

So up the mountian we go....of course, because I get really nervous in snow and small roads with steep edges, I did a good job NOT looking out the window at the beauty we had before us, until I could see mountain on either side of the car! We arrived at our destination..... the kids are EXCITED for snow and pile out to play.....