I can wink . . . Can you?

Along with learning to wink, Jackson learned to smile on command . . . here is his face when I say "SMILE, Jacks!"

Duke Won

Since this is technically our 'family' blog, I guess I should post about the most important event in Dave's life since the last NCAA championship in 2001 . . . Duke wins the championship in 2010!!
We spent a fun (Dave inserts- STRESSFUL) evening with our neighbors and friends. We are so lucky to be close to such fabulous people (Dave insert -There were people in the room?)!

The one year I didn't pick Duke winning it and they do . . . I guess I lost my faith because they haven't been so good in years past . . They have finally proven their worth to me though and Dave knew it all along.

Things I know

After a weekend filled with Spiritual enlightment and encouragement, I'd like to share these next pictures (of the fun stuff) with some of the thoughts I had while listening to the prophets and apostles.

I know our family can be* together forever since we were sealed in the Temple by God's power.

(*Based on our worthiness through Christ's atonement)
I know that my role as a mother is one that God values more than most things I will do in my life (perhaps 2nd only to my role as a wife). I know that it is my job (along with Dave) to teach this little guy to love the Lord and to serve him. I am thankful for the God-given attributes that help me accomplish this and pray I will develop more patience and love than I have now. (Sister Beck)

For those 'seeking' the truth, it IS out there. There is a truth about what the purpose of our life is and where we are going after death. There is hope for a better world. I want to share the truths I've discovered better.
We need to feed ourselves. I wish I had more spiritual nourishment constantly, like this weekend filled with conference talks, . . .but I know it is my job to continue to read scriptures, listen to talks and have prayers to get closer to God.

Here is Jacks and Katie waiting patiently to start their hunt, from the talks I was inspired to develop my patience.

This is Jackson pointing and laughing and there is just no spiritual comparison to that. We'll I guess President Uchtdorf specifically counseled us not to point and laugh at anyone, so this is an anti- example.
Hope you had a day of reflection on the life of our Savior and the Love that flows to us from his Ultimate sacrifice and resurrection. We love Jesus Christ and are thankful for the atonement in our lives.

If you'd like to read or hear more (or if you missed the last talk because you fell asleep like I did . . .) Check it out on lds.org

Puzzle problems

I checked out this puzzle from the library even though Jackson isn't great with puzzles yet. But he learned to do this one and absolutely loved it. He came down with the croup, but would sit on our laps with his head laying on us and do this puzzle OVER and OVER again (he is active even when he is sick!) I love that he was successful and enjoyed this activity. I didn't love that he wanted me to watch him put in all 12 pieces over 40 times a day . . . that is 480 times he wanted me to say "good job" or "you did it!" PER DAY! (not including how many times a day I say these words during PE classes). Just hit replay on this video 40 times and you can see how my life was the past few weeks (but this is in fast mode for you!)

But really I am thrilled that he is doing so well solving problems, using his fine motor skills and sorting sizes, shapes and colors. I couldn't be more proud of him!

Surviving and sometimes thriving

I had a first-time-mom freak-out the other night. I played with Jackson on Tuesday evening. He was happy, completely healthy and cute as could be. His play is getting really fun, because he can actually do puzzles and he is able to keep a train of thought for alot longer. Anyway, Dave and I were going to bed at about midnight, so I went in for my nightly check on Jackson and noticed the blanket wrapped around his head. This is not the first or the 10th times this has happened so I calmly unwrapped it, but then I noticed he was really wheezy and struggling for breath, even after the blanket was gone. I listened for a minute and hoped it got better, but the more I heard the more nervous I got. I pulled him out of bed and woke him up. He was alert and talking, but still wheezy, especially when he tried to talk. We tried a drink, vapor-rub, at various other idea, but he was still struggling for air.

I called the hospital and they said we could take him to the ER or call 911 and have the paramedics check his oxygen levels. Hmmm . . .what do you think I picked?
Looking back, I'd like to say that I called 911 out of financial reasons . . . since an ER bill is not in the student budget. Anyway, at 1 am 8 paramedics, police officer and various other personel enter the premises (scaring our neighbors to death) and check Jackson out. Didn't I feel silly when they suggested he had . . . croup?

I didn't think he was sick because he was fine 4 hours earlier. But I guess it comes on strong at night. Anyway, we happen to have his "re-check" for 18 months the next morning at 8 am (inspired?) So we slept ok for 5 hours.

On Jackson's "re-take" of the 18 month test, he did GREAT! His head circumference leveled off. he is 34 inches long (75%) and 24 lbs(15%). He has only gained 1 pound in 6 months! but he is just so darn active . . .and such a picky eater! Anyway, after his sickness this week, I'm sure he's lost at least a pound, so we have some work to do (Dave enthusiastically suggests ice cream!)

The doctor was impressed with his talking, drawing, overall health.

Speech: We estimate he can say over 75 words and has at least 10 strangers can understand. The tricky part is learning how he says things ('mun' for run, "balk" for walk, box, truck, block and rock- determined by context, 'un noh" for tunnel, etc). He has learned off (ought) and on, open and close. The hard part is know what he wants ON (music, TV, on the table,etc). Anyway, probably too much info for the average blog stalker, but I thought it would be good for me to remember how he started learning to talk

The great part about Dave being a student is he has a somewhat flexible schedule, which means he gets to be the stay-at-home one day a week. He took Jackson to the park last week and they enjoyed playing together (this is morning before it snowed). We love our little Jacks and can't wait for him to be back to healthy and happy!

Growing up so quickly!

New Blog

I have been accepted to be a Creative Team (CT) member for a scrapbook designer, so I have started a scrapbook blog to display different products as well as my layouts, those of you who are interested can check it out . . . if not, I won't overwhelm our family blog with layouts :)

jamiesscrapblog.blogspot.com

Get-away

Sorry to leave on such a downer for so long! I am feeling much better (as long as I don't workout). I am re-defining who I am (for now) and will hopefully have it figured out soon. In the meantime, I wanted to thank Jim and Lori for hosting a night away for us at the Hilton in Salt Lake and to thank my Mother in Law for watching Jackson for us. It was so nice to take some time alone. It was even nicer to sleep in. We got to go to the Salt Lake temple and remember our marriage. It was a great weekend to be with Dave and enjoy some marriage time. Thanks again for making it happen!