Football Fall 2011

Blogging took a very, very far back seat the past several months.  Time has become a very precious item for me and getting the basics done became more important that anything else.  However, in the future I would be very sad if I didn't record some of our exciting times.  So hang on tight for a recap of fall...

We spent many many hours with these people...

Doing this...

And this...

And some of this...

Tyler worked hard during the summer and given the opportunity to play varsity football for Sky View this past fall.  Due to some poor choices by one of the senior lineman, Tyler was able to start on the defensive line againist Northridge on August 19, 2011. 

As a mom, I was so nervous, excited, worried, happy, sick to my stomach, excited, worried, happy, sick to my stomach that whole day.  It was my 41st birthday, but I wanted it to be a special day for Tyler.  I will always have another birthday but Tyler won't ever start his very first varsity game again.  Yes, he did start other games but not the very first one. 

Todd and I talked a lot the weeks leading up to this game and as we could see what was happening.  We wondered how did our 14 year old (who was playing little league the fall before) end up on the starting defensive line.  I worried every game as he lined up againist some big kids that he would get hurt or worried if he could hold his own but every week Tyler got better and stronger.  Tyler has a strong love and desire for football.  

I also was concerned about how the upper classmen would accept Tyler but he was accepted openly and developed some strong friendship bonds during the season.   I was concerned about a 14 year old hanging out with 18 year old seniors.  I think often times because of Tyler's size we all forget his is only 14 years old.  One day after varsity practice and basketball camp, he wanted to go back to Sky View to practice football with the freshman.  I asked him why and his response was "That's where my friends are."  It was a good reminder for me that mentally he is still 14 - even though he's 6'3" tall and 260 pounds.

One experience I don't ever want to forget happened at Box Elder during a JV game.  There was just a few minutes left in the game and Casey Shaw, a sophomore who played the D line also, got hurt.  After the coaches assessed the situation, they decided to call for an ambulance.  The coach came over to the sideline and was telling the team what was happening.  The next thing I remember seeing was the entire JV team on their knees praying for their teammate.  For me, that was a very touching sight to see.  I remember being so grateful for the young man who had the courage to stand up in front of his football buddies and acknowledge our Heavenly Father's power and suggest they pray.  I was grateful that Tyler was part of that experience and I hope he will also remember the powerful message that it sent to those of us in the stands.

During football season, we played JV on Thursday afternoons and Varsity on Friday nights.  On a few rare occassions, Tyler was asked to play with the Freshman on Wednesday afternoons.  I didn't know how he would ever have enough strength and energy to play 3 games a week.  I also worried that when he played the freshman game, he was taking some young man's spot who had practiced long and hard for that game.  Tyler had 2 other games he could play that week, but the boys who's spot he took at the Freshman game didn't have any other games to play.  After explaining that to Tyler, he understood and didn't play too many more Freshman games. 

Looking back on football season, it was fabulous!  It was busy and we lived on the road and ate out way too much but we have some great memories of Sky View Football 2011.

Looking forward to Sky View Football 2012!

 

8 days + 2 awesome sons + a few extra boys = 31 games of basketball watched

We spend most of June watching and playing basketball - does that surprise any of you? 

June 9-11 USU Basketball Camp for Tyler

June 13-17 UVU Basketball Camp for Tyler

June 13-15 Utah Summer Games for Kody

June 24-25 Sky View Team Camp for Tyler

We all watched Tyler, Braxton and Hayden play at USU for 3 days then spent Saturday night washing uniforms, basketball shorts, tshirts, and socks and packed it all in suitcases and Kody and I  headed south Sunday afternoon for the Utah Summer Games, Tyler left early Monday morning for Provo, and Todd stayed home to work and keep things in line at home. 

Kody and I had a great time in Cedar City - I hated not being together as a family but Kody and I had fun together and with his team.  Kody's team struggled Monday and Tuesday ending up 0-4.   In their division there were 2 superior teams and 3 so-so teams.  The way the bracket was set up, Kody's team should have been done playing on Tuesday night so we were headed to Provo Wednesday morning to watch Tyler for the rest of the week.  Scott and Bo were looking at the bracket and decided to purpose a new bracket set-up to the Summer Games committee.  It was obvious who would end up in the gold/silver game, so let them play their game and then let the other 3 teams have their own little playoff for the bronze medal.  Well of course that was great with the other two teams -- they just cleaned our clock and it gave each of them one more game -- so why not? 

Look who came home with the Bronze?

We played the first game at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon, given our previous 2 days record I thought we'll be on the road to Provo by 5:00 and that should put us there by 7:30 or so.  Nope, we won the 3:30 game so we now play at 6:30,  again I should be able to hit the road by 8 and arrive in Provo at 10:30.  We won the 6:30 game and headed over for the medal ceremony.  I was really happy for these boys.  They worked hard and forgot the past and played great ball!  We were ready to head to Provo at 9:00pm.  For some of you this wouldn't be a problem, for Kara this was a real problem!  I'm usually getting ready to go to bed at 9:00 not drive in the dark for 2 1/2 hours!

Those of us who were heading north (a few smarter parents booked an extra night in Cedar City -- note to self for next year -- book an extra night in Cedar City!) we caravaned together planning to stop in Nephi to grab a bite to eat.  Being the only driver in my car, I was nervous.  Thankfully, we have the power of prayer to call upon when needed.  I prayed that I would be alert and be able to stay awake and arrive safely in Provo.  Plans changed at we ended up stopping in Fillmore for about 45 minutes at 10:30 for dinner at the Burger King.  Heavenly Father did bless Kody and I, when we arrived in our hotel room in Provo the clock said 12:48am, but I was still very awake (without any caffeine!).  I know we were watched over, protected and blessed traveling that night.

But of course, I get a text from Tyler saying he has an 8:00AM game!  Since we didn't get to Provo in time to watch his games on Wednesday there was no way I could miss the early game -- so Kody and I climbed out of bed and headed over to UVU for a full day of basketball games played by Tyler, Braxton, and Hayden.

I will not lie, by this time in the week my rear end was tired and hurt from sitting on bleachers - the things we do for our kids!  Love 'em!  Tyler and his team played really well - they are such an awesome group of kids.  It's been so fun to watch them develop individually and as a team over the past couple of years.

The best part of the UVU camp was both Sky View Freshman teams played so well they ended up in the championship game, playing each other!  (This is actually the second year in a row this has happened!)  Tyler's team ended up winning the championship game but not without a good fight from the other SV team.  UVU gave the winning team from each age bracket a $10 iTunes gift card -- couldn't have given Tyler anything better!

We all were reunited Friday afternoon at home!  I was really glad to see Todd.  That was the longest time we had ever been apart in our marriage and I was ready to see my husband and to talk to him face to face -- cellphones are great but it was so nice to give him a BIG hug and a kiss!

(P.S. If you are still reading this post, you are either crazy or very dedicated!) 

I'll blog if I want too, without pictures and Enjoy 'em while they're little!

I will be the first to admit I have some crazy and bizarre ideas about things I do.   I don't know where I get these weird ideas but for the life of me I really struggle to get past a few of them.  Probably my first (and worst) one is I don't like to fix the same thing for supper twice in a month -- crazy I know!  Really, who cares?  My second problem is I feel really,  really,  really guilty if I blog without a picture of some sort.  Therefore, I am not the greatest blogger because then I have to find the camera, download the pictures, put the pictures on my external hard drive, organize the pictures in the right folder, etc. - yes another cork!  This is kinda funny because I grew up with a mother who I'm not sure owned a camera.  I'm not the most dedicated photographer but I try -- sometimes better than other times -- but I still try!  So there will be future posts without pictures because there are things I want to record for posterity and things happen without a camera around (and even if it was around, I might not use it!)

This summer has been sort of struggle for me.  My boys are growing up and I don't like it!  I remember days gone by when I wished for 10 minutes of quiet time just to use the bathroom -- will someone please bang on the bathroom door just so I know I'm not home alone?  I've found myself home alone much more this summer than ever before and again I remember thinking "oh I can't wait until I'm home alone I could get so much done!"  Well I'm here to tell ya -- it's not all its cracked up to be!  I miss my boys!  Tyler has spent several weeks at basketball camps, and football camps, and leaves Monday for scout camp.  Kody hasn't really gone anywhere but loves to be with his dad every night at the barn, he also enjoys his friends and is an outside kid. 

I know they are doing good things but this mom is having a hard time realizing her boys don't need her as much anymore.  Oh don't get me wrong -- I'm still a fabulous taxi driver, banker, cook, maid, and laundry worker and they still need me for those things but the boys have definitely spread their wings this summer. 

So I'm telling you wonderful mothers, who want 10 minutes of quiet bathroom time--- it will come and then you will want someone to bang on the bathroom door!

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In a Funk!

BEWARE...REALLY LONG POST AND MOSTLY MORE FOR ME THAN ANYONE BUT THANKS FOR READING ABOUT OUR FAMILY!

I have been so neglectful of my blog for the past few months. I've found myself really kinda in a funk -- please tell me I'm not the only one who goes through this. Nothing serious just in a funk.

The boys finished the school year with a lot of fun activities that created many fun memories for them. Tyler brought home his report card that had the entire school year on it. It was awesome to see all the quarters listed together and then see that 3 of the 4 quarters he had 4.0's and the 1st quarter he had a 3.92, that darn A- in Utah History. I was really proud of him. I never have to beg, plead, hound, or even ask him to do his homework. Tyler takes great pride in his school work and is just like I was - if the assignment is due on Friday, he will have it done by Wednesday. Tyler is a very social person and can make friends with anybody anywhere but he still gets good grades and cares about school. When I go to parent teacher conferences, I get alot of "Tyler a good student, he just talks alot. He needs to work on not talking." I understand where the teacher is coming from but I'm not overly concerned about Tyler's socializing if he still is an A student.

Kody will be going into 5th grade! I remember my 5th grade like it was just a few years ago. How can my baby be going into 5th grade? Kody had some fun experiences in 4th grade. He was on the Youth 2000 committee at Summit. This is alot like student council. He was able to
develop his self-esteem and his leadership skills. Kody just likes to do what's right, be a friend to someone who needs a friend, he tries so hard in school, and he too just does his school work. Kody improved so much in math this year! I'm really really proud of him. Math doesn't come naturally to Kody and he worked hard to overcome some of the challenges of math.

Our June is chuck full of basketball camps, golf camps, State Trek, Scout camp, and more basketball camps. Our car will not be idle much nor will the boys bikes. It's much easier on my work schedule now that the boys are old enough to ride their bikes to a few of their activities. The boys aren't too sure they like having to ride their bikes but they always do! I'm so thankful for their willingness to help get themselves to their own activities.

I think one of the reasons I've been kinda down on myself lately is I'm the type of person who really likes to accomplish things -- cross things off of a list kinda gal. (Yes, I've been known to write things on a list just so I can cross it off!) Help me!

Unfortunately, I tend to judge myself by what I get accomplished. I like projects and I like to see a project completed. I got in a really bad habit of spending my first few moments each morning surfing craft blogs and seeing all that everyone in blogland has accomplished. I would think oh that's a great idea - it's going on my craft blog for a "to do sometime" project. Well the to do sometime project list was getting longer and longer and I wasn't getting any of those to do's done! It was extremely frustrating to me. I also like a clean and orderly house so I was always cleaning something up or out. Having regular agreuments with the boys over what my idea of clean is and what their idea of clean is. I also realized that my material to do list was a heck of alot longer than my spiritual to do list. I wasn't really feeling the Spirit as often as I'd like and I just needed to make some changes in my life.

One of my favorite scriptures has always been in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3. "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." The chapter goes on and talks about the seasons of life. I spent several days reflecting on what season am I in right now. What season should I be in? What season have I put myself in that I can change? What season are my boys in? What season is my marriage in? What season am I in the gospel? What season am I in with my family members? etc.

After much thought and prayer, I realized I need to accept season I'm in and enjoy it! I'm in the season of being a mother to two young and awesome boys who need me to support them and their activities. They don't need a mom who is more worried about getting the list done, or making the latest craft in blogland. I'm in the season of being able to serve others. I need to worry more about feeling the Holy Ghost and listening and acting on his promptings then I need to worry about if I get 3 loads of laundry done everyday. I am in the season of making the most of my scripture study not just reading one chapter so I cross it off the list. I am in the season of making my marriage a priority and not just hoping for a date every few months but making the date happen.

Boy, I've said alot but I gave you fair warning at the beginning of the entry! I wrote these thoughts down more for me than you so I can reread them when my season's get mixed up and remind myself what season I truly am in in 2010. I know that my season's are going to change as the years go by but right now in 2010 these are seasons that I need to be in.

I've been ...

but I'm back. I've also cheated and posted several new posts with back dates on them, if you want to catch up on our activities.

Siblings Dinner

On Saturday, Feb 27, 2010, I hosted a Jackson Family Siblings Dinner. I stole the idea from Sophia. I always thought it sounded like a fun activity and I've wanted to do it for about a 9 months now. The stars finally aligned and all of us, except Michelle and Reggi, were able to attend. It was a great night to spend time with my siblings and in-laws without our children. Love the children but sometimes it's nice to have adult time. It was fun to learn a few new things about those in my family. Eric would like 10 children, Amy doesn't like to talk to anyone before 7:30 in the morning, Daren wished he was a little more witty and Audrey really likes grapefruit.

I had fun decorating the tables using a LOVE theme and the dinner was really yummy -- even if I do say so myself. I didn't even think to take a picture of us at the tables so you'll have to imagine 12 adults around the table! Here's to more siblings dinner in the future!!

Jackson Counsins 2010

Every year for the last several, we have tried to give my parents a picture of all the grandkids together. We started out going to J C Penny or Kiddie Kandis but we quickly out grew their studios so we then had to find someone who would attempt this nightmare with us.

We have been very lucky and most years the pictures have been pretty good -- obviously some kids are more cooperative than others but we've always found one picture that we could all live with. We tried several times last fall to get this picture taken, but come the day of the picture someone was always sick. We finally decided to forgo the 2009 picture and wait until Shalise and Michelle had their babies this spring.

Grandma did not like that idea. One Friday afternoon in early January, we met at Marci's and tried to pull of the belated Christmas 2009 picture. The kids were pretty good -- especially knowing there were donuts waiting for them! Grandma was happy!

Idaho Falls Basketball Tournament

Idaho Falls Basketball Tournament

December 29 and 30, 2009

We spent two days in Idaho Falls at a basketball tournament. Both Tyler and Kody played in the tournament so it was another two days full of basketball games. Kody's team is made up of 4th graders and unfortunately all the teams in their division were 5th graders -- and a year's worth of growth makes a HUGE difference. I felt really bad for Kody's team they really struggled in all of their games - not because they can't play basketball but because they can't play basketball when the other team has at least 5 inches on them! I hope Kody had a fun time regardless of the losses and that he feels good about the way he played. I know that he had fun with his teammates, running around the hotel at 10:30 at night, and hanging out with them during the days.

Tyler's team dominated in their division. They won the tournament -- can you tell by that huge grin! Tyler's team has really jelled together and are a great bunch of boys. Tyler had some really good games - averaging about 14 points per game. It's been fun to watch them win a few tournaments - they too had their days of losing so maybe Kody's day will come!

Yes - I stole my sister's background!

I'm supposed to be getting ready to go to a basketball tournament in Idaho Falls tomorrow morning but instead I am spending time on my blog -- somehow we'll still get to Idaho Falls in time for tip-off. Tyler and Kody are both playing in the same tournament so it will be another 2 days of many, many basketball games.

I was trying to find a cute blog background for winter and of course the one I liked the very best Shalise had on her blog -- so after much searching I just decided to copy her! Thanks for doing the leg work Shalise so I didn't have to do much!

Christmas 2009

Christmas Morning 2009

Tyler and Kody opening their stocking stuffers.




Kody opening .....




his Motor Scooter.

Can you tell Tyler was excited about his ...

iPod touch?

We tried to keep things pretty low key this Christmas. The boys both got their one big gift and then a few other "needs" -- Church clothes, snow pants, head lamps, and a book. It was a fun morning and then we went to Shalise's for Christmas Brunch. Shalise is keeping Grandma Great's tradition alive. Thanks Shalise for doing breakfast. I appreciate your efforts! Christmas breakfast will always have a special meaning to me!

Christmas Eve

I hosted a Christmas Eve dinner at our house this year. Mom and Dad, Shalise, Eric and the boys, Jeff and Audrey and their kids, and Michelle and Reggi came. We had a great dinner (even if I do say so myself). We had ham, funeral potatoes, peas, raspberry jello salad, Sarah's salad, and pie and ice cream.

I enjoy decorating the tables for various events - it doesn't take much to make things look just a little extra special. Sophia's taught me that if it's worth doing, it's worth going the extra mile -- so I used the dollar store hurricane lamp, garland from the basement, ornaments, and a little candy for the centerpieces on the table.

Michelle, Reggi (with his back to the camera) and Kody. I don't even know who took these next two pictures -- it was just on my camera so I put it on my blog -- sure do love you Michelle!

Michelle and Emma

Jackson Family 2009 Christmas Activity

This year for Christmas my parents started a new tradition. They have decided that instead of giving presents that are often forgotten, broken, or lost, they would give us a weekend full of memories that will last forever. On Thanksgiving Day, we were told about this activity and that it would involve a service activity, some fun activities, and some cultural activities. As part of the service activity, there would be another family joining us and participating in all of the activities with us. The Hebdon family is a part member family with 4 children. The father is out of work and the family probably wouldn't be having much of a Christmas. As siblings, we decided to forgo presents to each other and to Sub for Santa for this family. With only those details, we headed out Friday morning (12/18/09) and arrived at our first destination...

Boondocks in Kaysville.

Grandpa, Uncle Scott, Breck, Kody, and Kimball having a shooting contest.

Aunt Michelle and Kody on the GoKarts.

Tyler on the GoKarts.

Michelle and Libby talking with Amber and Wyatt Hebdon.

Eric and Shalise in a game of air hockey -- for the record Shalise beat Eric 7-6!

Tickets, tickets, and more tickets!

Next, we headed to Bountiful and ate at Chuck-A-Rama. Everyone was able to get what they liked or wanted. We enjoyed the time visiting while the kids ate, ate, spilt drinks, ate some more, and made ice cream sundaes. After dinner we headed south to Salt Lake and checked into the Hilton Hotel on South Temple. Parent were exhausted and ready for naps but the kids could not get in the swimming pool fast enough. I was one of those parents who chose to nap so I have no swimming pictures but I'm sure there was much fun had in the pool!

At 9:00pm we gathered in Grandpa & Grandma's room for the evening activities. We all began to assemble and it was going to be a tight squeeze to get us all in one hotel room. Grandpa began by making sure everyone was comfortable but in order to do that we'd have to rearrange a few things. He opened the door that was connected to another room -- The Vice Presidential Suite. The kids all thought that was so cool, so big, and so awesome!

Michelle, Gentry, Audry, Cainan, Marci, Ashlynn, Porter, and Cardon.

The grand kids preparing for a puppet show.

More puppet show preparation.

The Puppet Show of Jesus Birth!

Todd, Dawson, Tyler, Porter, Eric and Kimball playing with the Jenga blocks. Boys will be Boys!

After the evening of a puppet show, games and food, we all headed to bed for a good nights rest. Grandpa and Grandma wore us all out! Grandma provided yummy cinnamon rolls, fruit, and juice for breakfast.

We then headed over to the Utah Symphony Christmas concert -- you guessed it -- Grandma's choice! Actually is wasn't too bad. Santa played the tuba, lead the symphony and helped with the sing-a-long.

Reggi and Michelle waiting before the concert.

The weekend was full of fun, family, laughs, meeting new friends and making memories. Thanks Mom and Dad for putting this together for us. The memories will last in our hearts and mind forever! It was a weekend that I really enjoyed. It was nice to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of the season, away from work, away from cell phones, but spent with those that I love the most! Thanks family for a great weekend -- can't wait until our Christmas weekend 2010!