Update

Joseph did an awesome job on his school program. The theme was "Presidents of the United States" and his part was on Abraham Lincoln. All the students did an awesome job on their parts and the teachers did a great job writing the program. It was quite impressive. Way to go Joseph! He was also one of the top readers in his class during the school read-a-thon! And what a handsome boy he is! (don't mind that his shirt is a size too big! I was amazed at how many stores I had to go to looking for a white shirt for that boy!!! Finally I gave up and bought one that was way too big. It just means it will last longer, right?)

A few days later..... He lost his tooth!!!

Mahlia got to get all dressed up in her princess dress(es) and go to her BFF Andee's birthday party. All the princesses were picked up in their carriage to be taken to the royal party. She was in HEAVEN!!! (note: she couldn't pick just one pink princess dress, so if you look close... she's wearing two dresses!) She is ALL girl, can you tell???

And Jackson, well, he got a new haircut! I'm so blessed that all of my kids love getting their haircut. I've heard nightmare stories. So, I do not take it for granted!!! Jackson is doing awesome. He keeps coming up with new words to say every day. I love it. He is such a cutie and is growing up so fast... it kills me!!!

Well, that's it for now. I do need to post Mahlia's b-day pics. We had a great time and love her so much. It was so fun to celebrate her birth!!

Here's a sneak peek! (I have no idea where she gets this posing thing...put her in front of a camera and she strikes a pose!) Ü hahaha!!!

'Tis a blessing to be Irish!

I feel so blessed to be of Irish heritage. I'm thankful for my Great-Grandmother, Sarah Jane Scott Jackson, who took the trip to America all by herself at the age of 21 from Dublin to Utah in search of Zion. I'm thankful for the missionaries that taught her and supported her in her voyage.

We love St Patricks Day at our house... and I love seeing everyone in GREEN! It's so refreshing and brings the hope of Spring!

Joseph could hardly wait for leprechaun searching today during lunch recess. (his friends at school told him they found two yesterday... so Joseph is determined to find one too! YIKES!)

May the luck of the Irish be with you today and always!!!

Lessons From a Six Year Old

I'm not sure why, but lately the kids have decided that just as everyone is all tucked into bed and all is peaceful and calm... it's time to start confessing. "Mom, I'm sorry I wasn't a good listener at dinner." "Mom, I'm sorry I tripped Jackson." "Mom, I'm sorry I said I hate you. I really don't." and so the story goes. Well, the other night as I'm just finishing their bedtime songs Joseph says to me, "Mom, isn't it weird that sometimes it's really hard to say 'Sorry'? I mean, it's just a word, 'sorry'. Why is it hard to say it sometimes... it's just a word? But sometimes when I know I need to say sorry to someone, it's really, really hard. But I know I will feel better after I say it, so I just say it. But sometimes it's really hard." I LOVED IT! It's so true! "Sorry" is just a word, but sometimes it IS really hard to say it! But we always feel better afterwards. Thank you for the reminder my sweet boy.

We're Still Alive!!!

I've definitely been in a blogging slump. Not that I haven't had plenty to post... I just filled my blogging time with other stuff. Before you know it a month has gone by and people are beginning to question your priorities! Ü

Well, here are a few pics from the last couple months....


Plenty of snow!!!
Mahlia started preschool and LOVES it! She was needing a social outlet (just like her mom!) and this has been wonderful!! She comes home singing the cutest songs and makes fun art projects and she is even learning how to write her name! So fun! Every day that she has preschool as she is getting out of the van she says, "My friends are all going to be so happy to see me!" I'm sure they are... Ü

One morning I came out to start breakfast worried that we were going to have yet another late morning and found Joseph, all dressed for school (without being asked!) reading a story to Jackson!! It was one of those moments that just warms your heart. He's such a good boy and a great big brother.

Mahlia, Mahlia, Mahlia... This is what every day is like with a princess... I love it!!! Ü

We had such a fun Valentines Day... filled with lots and lots of LOVE! (and way too much candy! none for me though!!! hooray for me!!!)

We've never been bowling as a family before... so we gave it our best shot on Presidents Day. We had a blast!!!

And then the boys got their way and we ate at Crown Burger in SLC... just look at those smiles!

We got tickets to go through the open house of the new Draper, UT temple. It was breathtaking and beautiful... but we learned that the only people who should attend a temple open house on a holiday would be those who are much more patient than we are and probably not have small children with them. 3 hours in line was not easy on any of us!!! Thus... no pictures. Regardless, it was still wonderful and I'm so grateful we got to go.


And last but not least... we got to see uncle Jake from Maryland who came out to visit John's brother, Paul in SLC. They had a very fun time as Jake had his first real powder skiing experience and they went snowmobiling in Logan. We were happy they made it down to visit us too!

'tis the season

Things we've learned thus far this Christmas....

Mahlia is STILL not a big fan of sitting on Santa's lap (even though she told me that she wouldn't cry and wouldn't be afraid because she really wants her new kitchen...)

Jackson isn't a fan either....

Candycanes can cheer up the sad... and make them feel glad!

Teamwork makes a big job seem small... (we got 10 inches of snow yesterday!)

Once you get them all looking like this:

they suddenly need to go potty... NOW!!!!

Snowmen are fun!!!

These are the special times when memories are being made!!! Merry Christmas!!!

I was looking everywhere for Mahlia - when I found her she was in Jackson's crib putting "Paige" down for a nap....