Introducing...

NOAH ROBERT JACKSON

Born: February 9, 2012 at 1:17PM

6 pounds 7 ounces

I am an aunt for the 11th time, and though he was born under unique circumstances, there's no doubt he is a part of our family and I love him already!

A little here and there

I obviously don't post much anymore, so when I do I feel like it should be something significant. Oh well, nothing huge happening here. I did break up with my boyfriend last week. That's new, and surprisingly not as painful as I thought it might be. After a few months of dating, it became apparent that we just weren't feelin' it. We had enjoyed the initial excitement of having someone to like and be with all the time, but things began to fade and it was evident to me that I should end it. We had a ton of fun together, made some great memories, and I am so glad we dated because it was such a positive experience for me. Even the actual "break-up" was positive and smooth sailing. Definitely not what I'm used to! So, that's that.

I have a problem. I am feeling the traveling bug again. The only reason this isn't a good thing is because it doesn't jive with my budget, whatsoever. I haven't flown since since June so maybe it's time. The wheels are definitely turning and I have many people I could visit in lots of different places. Man my life is hard. Ha! If only this were the worst of my problems.

Half of the grandchildren came into town today and the rest are coming tomorrow. We had a blast tonight on my Mac playing with the photo booth, so you get to see a few of our creations. Words can't describe how hard we laughed and how much joy comes when I see these kids happy.

My ultimate favorite. That's a great look for you Grandma!

Together Again

I grew up with Marianne as my best friend and we were able to room together the semester before she got married in 2006. The best part is that we are living together again! I'm grateful I was able to get to know Kory while they were dating because it has made it all that more comfortable to move into their basement. So, I am now living in the exact same ward in Alpine where I grew up. I could be attending the singles ward, but I felt better about going to the family ward. The fact that I'm seriously dating someone may or may not have influenced that decision. Thanks Kory and Marianne for the ideal living situation.

American Fork Canyon

My worth

This post is going to reach a whole new level of personal, and let's be honest here, I am a pretty open person so that's saying a lot. Am I right? Perhaps it's not so much personal as it is telling and humbling. Regardless of what it may reveal, it's something I want/need to remember. So, let me cut to the chase.

I am overweight. Very overweight. That's no secret and it's not something I have a difficult time admitting. And, I don't date. Like, ever. Well, not until recently, but I'll share that later. This hasn't always been the case, but I am not oblivious to the fact that my appearance contributes to it. I am constantly amazed at how much my size affects my interactions with the opposite sex. When I moved out at 18 and started attending a singles ward, I dated. Like, a lot. Was I fat? Nope. Was I more confident? Yep. I now hesitate when I see a good looking guy because in the back of my mind, I know he wouldn't be attracted to someone like me. Honestly, if I were in his shoes, how could I blame him?


Recently, a turn of events has given me greater perspective. I have been on 3 dates in the past week and a half. With the same guy. We will call him Joe. He is a sweetheart, and one who has looked past my physical appearance and seen ME. That alone is a huge blessing. He has helped me remember who I am, and who I want to become, inside and out. Now, I am not saying this is serious. So far it's just fun. And if that's all we get out of it, I'll be happy. Because through Joe, my Heavenly Father has helped me remember that I am of infinite worth.

Challenges bring perspective

I love Sundays. Mainly because they give me time to put into perspective the way I'm living my life and what I need to change. Today has been no exception.

There have been significant challenges in my family that came to a head in March. Challenges that have brought about more heartache and pain than I have seen and/or felt since the passing of my brothers. Although it has been difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I have been reminded of how important it is to stay vigilant in all aspects of life. I can't let my good habits slip. Ever. Since March, I have felt a significant change within myself to be better; to step up my game, and I know it is because I have seen the negative things that happen when we let things slip, little by little.

I am so grateful for life's experiences that mold us, and I am especially glad that there is always a way back.

Alpine Days

Growing up in Alpine, the second week in August was a highlight of my summer as a kid. A rodeo, races, early morning breakfast at the fire station, a parade, and booths set up in the park that were full of fun games where you could win (essentially pay for) prizes. It was small town fun, but Alpine Days would never disappoint.

This year, working for IHC I thought it would be fun to volunteer myself to be in the parade. Much to their chagrin, I even recruited a couple friends/co-workers to do it with me to make it more enjoyable (and one of these friends may or may not be a cute boy). I'm super excited, and even though I can't imagine that scrubs in the August heat will be ideal, I am excited to see friends and family along my walk around the old stomping grounds I call home.

California

In June I buddied up with my co-worker/good friend Mallory and went to Disneyland for my first time. I grew up going to California almost every summer, but Disneyland was never on the agenda. Experiencing it as an adult really was magical! We also hit up the beach and couple temples. It.Was.PERFECT!

Visiting my Mission

I don't blog much. But, I want to. I just don't. So, here's the quick catch up.


In May I went back to visit my mission. It was exactly a year after I came home so people still remembered me and relationships were rekindled. It was glorious! Here are some pictures...

Who was I kidding?

If I made a post for each family member just in my immediate family that would mean I would have had to post almost every other day in March. I just don't enjoy blogging as much as I used to. Now, this doesn't mean I don't love my family--I will simply manifest my love in another way. That having been said, here are a few pictures from the past few months. They are from my phone so forgive me for the poor quality.

My MTC buddies and I goin' for a ride

HAY!

Even though I worked on my birthday, it was nice to be remembered

My friend and co-worker Mallory--the one who remembered and made the night FUN!

Jump On It! (Amie and the kiddos)

Here is my niece Olivia. I love the toddler stage and I couldn't resist taking loads of pictures of her while she was here last week. So, here's some from my collection including a short clip of her personality. Listen carefully.

 

 

Olivia's attempt at making a kissy face

She's still learning how to wear a hat

Tributes

I've decided to pay tribute to each member of my family throughout the month of March. Why March? I'm not sure. Maybe because it is the month of my birth, or because it's when we start to see the first signs of Spring. I love Spring. So, here is the reason I've decided to do this.

My dad was talking to me tonight about the fact that families are being destroyed and marriage is becoming such an inconvenience--and in some cases it is even within our Church where families are the center of it all. It has been one of my biggest goals in life to get married and start a family of my own. For now, while in my pursuit to find me a man, I will focus on the family I do have because they are the most important relationships that I share here on this Earth.

My Brother Willy

My brother Will is serving a mission for our Church in the Tucson, Arizona Mission and I couldn't be more proud. His emails are what I expected--short and void of many details, but I can't complain. Unfortunately, mine were quite similar. All in all, he's happy and working hard. He's been gone almost 8 months and it's flying by. I can't describe how grateful I am for the changes we are all seeing through his emails. Talking to him on Christmas was even better because we could sense the humility and self-awareness he is developing through his experiences as a missionary. I love this little guy!

This and That

This is my dear Courtney

I'm going to TENNESSEE! On our year mark of being home Courtney (my MTC companion) and I will be heading back to the South. Technically this is supposed to be hush hush because we are going to surprise one of our companions at her farewell transfer meeting. But, since I know she doesn't read my blog I think I'll be safe. What makes it even better is that if all goes well, I'm going to make my way to Washington D.C. for a week before and meet up with Courtney in Tennessee and we'll fly home together after our adventures.

Now that I am working full time and still living at home, I have had the chance to make this all possible and still save a good chunk of my income. Until recently, I hadn't decided whether or not I was going to move out or travel, but the travel bug overtook me. I couldn't resist! So, I guess I'll be living at home a little longer.  It's not exactly what I had planned but I sure am grateful for my parents willingness to have me home.

Quicken is my new best friend. Actually it's a love/hate relationship we have. My sister-in-law Annie has used it for years to budget and see where the money goes. I bought it last week and have come to a harsh reality of my spending habits, and let's be honest here...I have never been good at budgeting and keeping track of my money. It has been hard for me to see how frivolous I've been but I've got to start better habits sometime right?

This weekend I'm getting together with most of my MTC district. We have all ended up in Utah which is bizarre and wonderful at the same time because it provides us with fun get-togethers where we can not only reminisce, but get to know each other on a different level than we could in the MTC. 

My District

Now, I'll leave you with this. I hope it touches you the way it did me. Thanks Suz.

Woe is me

I'm sick. Like, really sick.

When I mention Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, many don't know what the heck I'm talking about, but others can relate because they have had children who have had it. The fact that I have it when it is most common among children is beyond me. Those poor kids! How do they endure it if it's this bad? I am pushing 25 and I have never thought of myself as a wuss but perhaps I am. Here's why...

• Today is my 4th day of running a fever of at least 102. Ibuprofen hasn't helped as much as usual.
• I currently have 9 major sores in my mouth and on my upper lip which have also prevented me from eating the past 3 days. Fluids. Lots of fluids. Through a straw, of course.
• Diarrhea. Enough said.
• Majorly achy body and being weak beyond weak.
• Not being able to brush my teeth with toothpaste. I won't tell you how long it has been.

This is supposed to last for at least 7 days. I am on day 5 since the symptoms started and they just keep comin' and getting worse. That's probably why I have become pretty emotional the past couple days. I cry during pretty much every food commercial because I can't eat. How embarrassing! The good part is, I have been able to recognize how grateful I actually am for food and how much I take it for granted. (In more ways than one!) And, if I compare this to what the Savior went through for all of us, I feel downright foolish.

So, there you have it. I really have no choice but to endure, and hopefully I can do a better job and just grin (although that hurts) and bear it!

Thanksgiving

Our view from the cabin Group photo

These 2 girls (3 months apart) bonded more this trip than ever before. Adorable!
SLEDDING!

CRAFT TIME!

Stream of Consciousness

I found this on a friends blog and thought it was fun. I think too much lately when I try to blog so this takes a lot of the thinking out of it. I like answering questions. Well, in most cases.

1. Where is your cell phone? Right next to me on my nightstand, naturally.

2. Where is your significant other? I wish I knew. Dating is still pretty hit and miss with me since I've been home. Has it always been? Certainly not. So what changed?
3. Your hair? Ever since the tragic dye-from-a-box episode my junior year of high school, I haven't dared do anything drastic to it. Perhaps I shouldn't have let my brother try to highlight my almost black hair with blonde highlights.
4. Your mother? My mother is a saint.
5. Your father? My dad is the hardest worker I know and has a heart of gold.
6. Your favorite thing? People! But I guess people aren’t things. So, If I’m thinking of things in a worldly sense, then I’d have to say my computer. Though I have to mentally train myself to not waste my life away surfing the internet, my lappy along with the piano can really be my catharsis on those terrible horrible no good very bad days.
7. Your dream last night? I was tossing and turning and had multiple dreams. I think my favorite was that I was on The Biggest Loser and fell in love with one of the contestants. Not at any point in that dream was I exercising. Strange. Let's not think too much into that one okay?
8. Your favorite drink? Water.
9. Your dream/goal? Currently? Disciplining myself enough to be healthy!
10. The room you're in? I am in my bedroom on my comfy queen-size pillow top mattress.

11. Your hobby? Does playing the piano count?
12. Your fear? Falling on my face while holding an infant. Don't judge.
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? I’ve given up on this question. I’m never right.
14. Where were you last night? At the hospital working.
15. What you're not? Creative
16. Muffins? What the random? You’re really asking me about muffins?
17. Where you grew up? Confession: I never really grew up. I just pretend to be an adult when it’s required.
18. The last thing you did? I made cookies my mom. Some for the girls I visit teach. Some for my brother Will who is serving a mission in Arizona.
19. What are you wearing? My new PJ's from D.I. Well, they're new to me!
20. Your TV? Oh TV...You suck me in. Well, I don't actually watch a TV. I catch up on my shows (there are four) on my reliable computer.
21. Your pets? I was talking to a friend about Sammy the other day. My dog brings me more joy than I ever admit but it is obvious when you see us interact.
22. Your computer? See questions 6 and 20.
23. Your life? Hahaha...(nervous laugh).
24. Your mood? Content
25. Missing someone? Definitely. Always have.
26. Your car? My car is the most practical thing I’ve ever purchased. It’s so economic it makes me blush.
27. Something you're not wearing? Let's just say that it's late, almost time for bed, and I'm very comfortable.
28. Last summer? Well, you know what I did. I sweat my brains out preachin' the Gospel and enjoyed every moment of it!
29. Like someone? I’m no grinch. I like most people.
30. Your favorite color? Green
31. When was the last time you laughed? About an hour and a half ago with my mother. We think we're hilarious.
32. Last time you cried? Ladder 49. Gets me every time.

While I figure out my life for the millionth time, this post will have to do. I have started a few others that will eventually be edited and posted but for now I will simply say, life is wonderful! I am currently listening to the Enchanted Soundtrack if that says anything at all. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

School and work

I am now engaging in both! School starts officially for me tomorrow and so does work. So here's a fun little story. I got a job last week working for APX Alarm in Tech Support. A phone job, so not exactly what I had planned but I've become pretty desperate. So, I started training (7 hours a day for 8 days) on Monday. Tuesday I got a call from American Fork Hospital wanting to interview me. I interviewed, was offered, and accepted the job all within 24 hours. The job at the hospital is at the Gift Shop/Snack Bar so APX really was a close 2nd. IHC pays more, plus I'd be interacting with people face to face rather than on the phone. Those were the 2 things that ultimately helped me make my decision. After all, I'm needing to get through college and any job is a good job for me at this point.

As for school, I've had a fun time taking care of everything in that area and I'm actually quite excited to get going. I found out that because I'm poor I qualify for a grant, which is especially awesome because I get free tuition (until I'm 26, which is creeping up entirely too fast) so the money I receive will go towards fees and books. I'll have plenty left over to work with and budget. Actually besides that, I really don't know what else I'll use the money for. Perhaps a laptop? What a dilemma. I wish I had dilemmas like these more often! Well, hope the new school year for all you mothers, students, and teachers is better than ever.

Summer recap

Since summer is basically over for all of us and I don't have any major plans, I thought I'd give a photo recap of life since I've been home. Though being home has been diffcult in some ways, I have had some great experiences. Here's the latest... (The pictures aren't in chronological order.)

In the car on the way to Idaho (Katarina and Jonet are friends from my mission who came to visit)

The Alpine Loop on our way to our camp site

S'mores. YUM!

Just an amazingly cute picture of my nice Olivia

My friendy Lindsey (currently living in NM but luckily in town the week after I returned)

Aspen Grove. The whole fam spent the weekend there right when I got home


River rafting in Idaho

Bad picture, but it's a concert with Alex Boye from MOTAB. Amazing!
The Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City

An evening at Danny & Annie's in Alpine

The MTC drop off point

My Willy and us right after he was set apart for his mission

At the park, the Sunday after I got home

I'm a big girl now

Today my parents laid the smack down. I guess you could say I have been mooching but I don't necessarily see it that way. First, let's back up to earlier today. I sat down with my parents while my dad let me know that I was now responsible for all of life's expenses.

"Jill, Mom and I have felt like we have enabled you a bit in the past and want you to become more independent."

Pushing 25 years old, I knew the day would come when my parents would realize how much they do for me. I was just hoping it would be a tad bit later. Like maybe when I was off of their insurance at 26. At the same time, it really does give me a sense of confidence knowing that I now have to provide for myself, completely. So when he told me I was to start paying for everything next month I had nothing to say. There were no questions or protesting because inside my mind the wheels were already turning. It felt right and I know my dad was inspired to lay down the line.

Now the pressure is REALLY on. Must. Find. Job.

Please tell me I don't have to resort to go into food service again. I'm at the point where I'll work wherever I can, but here's to hoping I can find something else.

Up and running

I've had a hard time with blogging since I've been home. The fact is, being home hasn't been a piece of cake so blogging about it didn't seem like the thing to do. I then asked myself why I blog in the first place. Is the reason solely to see who will comment and what they will say? At one point, I would have to say that I tried to cater my posts to the reader but that has definitely changed. Don't get me wrong, comments are nice and even welcomed, but my purpose in blogging now is for journal purposes only. What can I say? It's fast and it's convenient. That being said, I'm not going to leave out the tough stuff and make my life seem perfect. I will simply record happenings, triumphs, and woes....Starting, now!

Back to reality

Thank you all for your prayers and support while I was gone. Now that I'm back in the blogging world you can expect more to come.