Cannon Beach!
Last Friday I took my kids to the Beach for the Day! We had a long weekend for Memorial Day and decided to make the short drive to the Oregon Coast! I was trying to remember how long it has been since we have been to the coast and I think it's been four or five years!!! That's a shame! We had a great time flying kites, feeding seagulls, running in the water and playing constantly in the Sand! My friend Julie Tong took these great shots of the kiddos! My family was in heaven and wants to go back soon!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Converse Family!

Over the past two years my children have developed a love for the Converse shoe. Brooklyn and Morgan have each had several pairs that they have either grown out of or worn through them! A few facts about these shoes are as follows:

They were first produced in 1917 as the "All-Star," Converse's attempt to capture the basketball shoe market. They were not particularly popular until basketball player Chuck Taylor adopted them as his preferred shoe. He was impressed with the design so he became the shoe's leading salesman. After proposing a few changes to the shoe, the shoe got its current name and Chuck Taylor's signature on its ankle patch. Although classic black is the most popular, Chuck Taylor was himself known to prefer unbleached white high-tops (known in his day as simply "white").

Jon has been urging the kids to get the shoes since he faithfully wore them when he was younger! He finally convinced Mason last fall and purchased him a pair in black. Two weeks ago Jon and I picked out some hi-top pink Chucks for B and B! They love them and Brinley wore them everyday for an entire week!

Morgan just recently purchased her new green Converse. Luckily I was there to help her expedite the selection process! She was having a hard time choosing since there were SO many cute choices! I think this is just the beginning of many more pairs to come because even Maddie wants her own pair now! Good thing Jon likes them since he will be financing all these Chucks!

Mother's Day!

I love Mother's Day for many reasons! It especially helps me reflect upon why I love being a Mother! Sometimes we need to hear a talk like I did today in Sacrament meeting from a couple that are now grandparents and have raised all their children. A quote from Brother Gibsons talk was "I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less!" I needed to hear that during this busy season in my life and treasure these moments with my children. Here are some of my rewards of being a mother.

I love to see my children SMILE!

I'm happy and sad to see them GROW!

I'm excited for them when they LEARN and DEVELOP TALENTS!

(Brooklyn played the piano in the Harmony Talent Show, Way to Go Brooklyn!)

It makes me happy when they have FUN TOGETHER!

I am thrilled when I see them EXCEL!

And I feel very blessed to have five healthy children!

I hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day!

Today Was A GOOD Day!

I don't know if it's because I got up early to work out hence:
I was able to accomplish a lot this morning OR
Watching Maddie walk with her big backpack as she came home from preschool and then showing me her craft from school OR
Realizing that my little Brinley will not be having lunch with Maddie and I next year hence: Cherishing our lunches together OR
Having my sister tell me about one of her Activity Day Girls that has been receiving Chemo for four years and now has to have surgery hence:
Making me SO grateful for my healthy kids OR
Watching the Portland Trailblazer game with my favorite son!

All these things made it a GOOD day today!

LiveStrong!

In support of my mother on her first day of Chemotherapy I proudly wore my Pink "LIVESTRONG" Shirt today!

We love you Mom and our thought and prayers are constantly with you!

Spring Break Trip!

We had a fabulous time on our Arizona Getaway! It was so fun to visit with my great sister and to also get a much needed dose of sunshine! Monique was so worried that the weather wouldn't be HOT enough for us! I kept explaining to her that even if it's in the 70's that would feel glorious to us North Westerners! I will recap our trip mostly for my journaling purposes.

Monday 3/30:

We had lunch at In-N-Out Burger. I have only been to In-N-Out once when I was in college. It was every bit as yummy as I remembered and we actually went back another time! We then went to the pool. Monique's sweet friend let us use her neighborhood pool for the week! There were two pools, one that was heated and the other not! The locals don't even come close to pool water until the temperature outside is in the 100's. We didn't mind swimming even though it was in the low 80's that day.

Tuesday 3/31

Monique and I had an awesome pedicure while we watched Twilight at the nail salon. We packed up lunch and let the kids play at a fun park.

That morning Maddie said to me "Mom the sun is out!" I told her that the sun shines here EVERY DAY! The kids were so funny! They kept on saying how hot and steaming it was there and the temps were only in the 80's! We visited the pool again this time with cousin Carter!Wednesday 4/1

Monique, Morgan and I did some shopping while Mason took care of the kids at home. We stopped at QT a local gas station/food mart for drinks. I was amazed at the selection of fountain drinks, slushes, and smoothies here! We went there almost daily to get a drink to take with us to the pool! After a fun afternoon of swimming we went to Chick-Fil-A for dinner.After putting the little kids to bed we stayed up to watch American Idol! It's so fun to just do little things like watch a favorite TV show with my little SIS!

Thursday 4/2

We packed this day full of activities!!! Monique and I snuck out for a quick shopping trip in the morning while the kids stayed at home to play on the trampoline with the sprinkler!In the afternoon I took all the big kids to a Spring Training game, Mariners vs. Padres. Brooklyn of all my kids had the best time! She was constantly asking me if we could get their autographs and wishing that we could catch a ball. She wanted to give her ball to Bishop McKague who is a huge Mariner Fan! The other kids had fun but were more interested in the guy selling frozen lemonade and constantly asking me if would could buy some food!That evening we made our long trip to Mesa (it took us one hour to get there!) We went to dinner at Cafe Rio, YUMMY and then attended the Easter Pageant. The pageant was on the grounds of the Mesa Temple. It was a great play telling the story of Christ's birth, his life, and his Resurrection. We got home very late and had some serious tears putting everyone to bed! Uncle Al and the big kids went to the airport to pick up Jon!

Friday 4/3

We took Jon to the pool and stopped for our drinks on the way! The kids had a great time playing games with both dad and Uncle Al in the pool. Some of them went into the cold pool (the one that wasn't heated) to see how long they could stand the water! I decided to only watch and be thephotographer instead of joining them! That evening Morgan babysat everyone so the adults could go out to dinner at Texas Rhodehouse! It was so fun just to visit, laugh, and hang out! We finished the evening with games and a movie at home.

Saturday 4/4

We went to a resort in Phoenix(Squaw Peak River Ranch) that had several pools, water slide, and a lazy river. We all had a great time. It was a little cooler this day (only mid 70's) so some of us went in the hot tub and others still played in the water. That evening the guys went Priesthood and to dinner. We hung with the kids, played games, and stayed up late talking.

Sunday 4/5

We made a big breakfast and watched conference on TV. That evening we went to visit with some friends of ours from Michigan, the McCormicks.We had a great time catching up and reminiscing! The kids had a blast! Most of our kids were the exact same ages! There were only two boys my Mason and their Kenny, and the rest were girls!!! We were so glad that we were able to hook up with them!

Monday 4/6

Myself and Monique started our day with an invigorating hike. We did this hike three times when I was there. It was so fun to see that beautiful Arizona sunrise over the desert each morning!The rest of the morning we did laundry, cleaned, and packed our suitcases. We were able to get In-N-Out one last time and spend the afternoon at the pool. That was our warmest day, 90 degrees! The kids loved swimming when it was so hot outside. I told them that they better enjoy this hot weather one last time because it won't be like that at our house for a loooong time! We had one last dinner with the Frost's and then we headed for the airport! Our flight was delayed over an hour so we sat and waited in the airport! We didn't get home until 1 am and didn't get to sleep until two! It was all worth it though! We had such a fun, fun time and want to go there every Spring Break! Monique and Allen were such great hosts and wonderful to open their home to our family of Seven! I treasured every second Monique and I had together! Thanks for everything! We Love You!

Joni's Shower!

My dear friend Joni had cute baby Audrey seven weeks ago today! Mom and Baby have had a rough time with nursing, mastitis, thrush, and just the adjustment to a newborn. We were finally able to have her shower last week!

It was a great success with lots of friends, chocolate goodies, and pink clothing!!! A big thanks to all who helped! Stacey added her flair with the centerpiece:and the cute AUDREY Banner:The pink feather wreath from my girls' bedroom and the pink tulips were also a fun addition!We are so glad that we were finally able to celebrate the birth of this sweet little girl! Happy Baby!

A Dreaded Phone Call!
This afternoon I got a phone call from my kids' school.

"Hi, Mrs. Jackson this is Mary Horn from Harmony "(the principle)

"I'm just calling to tell you about an incident with Brinley today at recess." I said "Brinley?" Yes! Well I guess that my cute little girl bit one of her friends on the playground when she cut her in line! How can this sweet face do such a thing especially to one of her BFF Rachel Zundel???I then said to Mrs. Horn "Wow, the principle found out about this?" She said "Yes, we take biting very seriously!" Well Brinley now has to stay inside from recess for the next two days. I told her that I would be speaking with her teacher and telling her to give her some chores to do maybe even clean the Kindergarten toilet!!! When I saw her after school I said, "I heard we had an incident at recess?" She said yes but don't tell DAD! I informed her that I already did and she started to cry! I just can't believe that of all my children she is the first and only one thus far that has visited the principles office and she's only in Kindergarten! I know she has a little fistieness(sp) about her, but biting? Tonight we walked over to Rachel's house with a card and a flower. Luckily best friends can forgive!

Top Ten List!
Jon has been sick this entire week. He has been miserable and I've never seen him this sick since we've been married! Hence, I wanted to write down a Top Ten List of why I'm glad he's healthy again!

10. It was hard all week keeping the kids out of our bedroom.
9. We missed having him at family prayer!
8. He wasn't able to help with Morgan's Math project which meant that it was me looking up 7th grade math problems on the Internet! We stayed up until midnight on Tuesday!
7. He wasn't there to read Rainbow Fish to Maddie (her fav).
6. I'm glad that he doesn't work at home! One day I was on the computer surfing, paying bills and of course blogging. He was just watching me and I felt guilty like I should have been doing laundry or cleaning!
5. I missed watching Idol and Biggest Loser with him!!! I actually watched it by myself while I ironed 10 shirts! UGH!!!
4. I didn't like sleeping with Brooklyn one night in her double bed! I'm so spoiled with my KING!
3. The next night I slept in her bed again this time without her! It was sooo weird saying goodnight to Jon and then leaving him to go to the other room! I hated it!!!
2. I missed giving him hugs and kisses!
1. I'm glad that he went back to work today! Let the disinfection process begin!!!

Wicked!

Last night Morgan, Jon, and I went to see Wicked!

It was my second time and the first for Jon and Morgan! It was fabulous. The first time I saw it I didn't know any of the music or the story line. Shortly after my first show I purchased the soundtrack and was hooked! Last night I was on the edge of my seat and singing the songs in my head! I could see that show 100 more times and never get sick of it! It was a Wicked Night!

Girls Weekend!

No, my "girls weekend" didn't include a fun getaway with my girlfriends. It was just me with all the girls! Jon was in Chicago for work (he barley made it because his plane was hit by LIGHTING!) and Mason was on his first camp out with the eleven year old Scouts.

So what did I do with all the girls?

I took Madelyn to her first day of ballet.

She loved every minute of it especially being with her two BFF Shaylee and Hannah!We stopped by the school to take pictures of the Brooklyn and her twin Anna Cordes:

And Brinley with Kennedy Lake: Each year Harmony has a twin day. The girls were so excited to be able to dress up with their friends for the first time.

We then went over to the Zundels for dinner and an impromptu late over.

After putting the little girls to bed I helped Morgan get ready for her Dance Team Competition. She was exhausted because she had been dancing for five hours. The next day was pretty much dedicated to the Competition. I came and went between Mountain View HS, my house, a birthday party, Wendy's, Sonic for my happy hour fix, and grandmas! It was a long but very fun day! I love being at her competitions! Pacific did awesome and brought home another first place and a second place trophy!

We did not get home until 9 pm! I was tired but felt bad for deserting my children the entire day so I let them stay up to watch:
eat popcorn, candy and oreos! What a fun weekend to have when the boys were gone!

Dance Team!
Morgan had her second Dance Team Competition last Saturday. Pacific Middle School performed twice in the Hip Hop category and in the Dance category. They took First Place in both categories!!! Her and the team were very excited! She has really enjoyed this dance team experience and loved the type of dancing she is learning! Her coaches are great and really help the girls learn responsibility and discipline. Her lyrical routine is so beautiful! The music, costumes, and choreography is amazing. Both times I've seen it I've gotten tears in my eyes!! (I'm not the only one) Jon and I both are amazed at how beautiful she looks while dancing this routine. I am just so proud and happy for Morgan! Congratulations!

Friday the 13!
Last Friday we celebrated Valentines Day because Morgan had a Dance Team Competition the entire day. I decided to have a Valentines Breakfast and give them their cards and candy in the morning. We had eggs, bacon, hash browns, a pink smoothie and this yummy butterscotch balls:

Thanks Stephanie for the great and easy recipe! For our date night that evening we went night skiing with some friends in our ward! I was excited and a little nervous to go!!! It had been SEVENTEEN years since I have skied! The last time I skied was when Jon and I were engaged! We tried to go once before kids but it didn't work out, then with kids, babies, nursing, and more babies I haven't gone. Jon has been several times with YM activities and he even took the big kids two years ago while I stayed to watch the little ones! I was also nervous because it was Friday the 13! We got to Ski Bowl by 5pm and stayed until close at 11pm. Ski Bowl is the largest night skiing resort in the United States. We had a blast!!! It snowed for about an hour and then the sky was clear and the air was crisp. It was an absolutely beautiful evening! I felt great and picked up skiing with no problem! (A friend had told me, it's just like riding a bike Nicole, you'll pick it up easily) I'm happy to say that we hung in there with all those young kids on the slopes and can't wait to go again!!!

Fancy Nancy!

Yesterday Brinley went to the cutest birthday party! It was a Fancy Nancy Party! She was very excited to go once she got the invitation. Her friend from church and school, Sydney Morgan, was the birthday girl. Her mom, Amy, made it soooooo cute! She did lots of fun things with the girls including getting their picture taken! At the last minute we threw on some fuchsia, sparkly shoes, and many accessories to make Brinley look FANCY!

Blazers Game!

Saturday night we went to the Blazers Game at the Rose Garden. Our friends the Zundels gave us their tickets since they were out of town. We gave them to Mason and told him that both Jon and I were going with him and he could pick one other person to come. He decided to invite Grandma Jackson since she is also a fellow Trailblazer Fan.

We had a great time cheering on the team! We are finally official since we now have Trailblazer shirts!

After the game some guy gave Jon some passes to see some of the players leave. Mason was able to get autographs from Rudy Fernandez:

Channing Frye, Nicolas Batum and Martell Webster!

During the last minute of the game the Blazers scored their final basket to make it exactly 100 points! That means free Chalupas at Taco Bell. The crowd was chanting Chalupa, Chalupa! We made a stop at the Border on the way home and ate our free Chalupas at 11:30 pm! It was a fun night!! Thanks Zundels for the tickets!

Brinley's Birthday!

Brinley's Birthday was last Sunday. We started the day with breakfast in bed. (This made getting to church by 9 am even harder!)

After church we had the Lakes over since their Mom was in Arizona. Brinley had fun playing with her BFF Kennedy Lake.

Kennedy was able to stay over late that evening to watch a movie and have cake with us since there was no school the next day! Morgan helped make the gumball cake. Brinley was so excited to eat all the gumballs on her cake and in the Bubblegum Ice Cream!

For months Brinley has been asking me to enroll her in a gymnastics class. So for her birthday I finally decided to sign her up! Here she is doing the splits in the new gymnastics outfit we gave her.

It was a fun day for Brinley! It seems like these years are just flying by and I can't believe she is already six. This week she has been talking a lot about how old she is and that she's practically eight! I keep reminding her that she is still little and to quit growing up so fast!