Testing one , two , three

I'm learning to put pics on this blog-- all I have are old pics on this computer but I'll get current ones soon enough. In the meantime enjoy. The picture of the three of us was right before Jordan's baptism August 2006. My kids are my world. They are amazing!!!

Jacqueline, Brandon & Jordan August 2006

Getting ready for SPRING!!

Today was a gorgeous sunny day-- the snow is melting quickly ... and it's so funny because all the houses on my side of the street are bright and sunny with the snow melted from their yards and everyone in front of me , on the other side of the street, are in the shade with snow COVERING their yards and homes. You know that song "the sunny side of the street" and we are the sunny side!!!!! It's still winter over there and spring or sprinter as Nikki would call it over here. I love it! It felt so nice to not have to wear a thick jacket and scarf today. Just a long sleeve tee. The air was so fresh and crisp but not at all cold. yea!!! Spring is almost here!! So we had an incredible FHE about the resurrection, everything starting new, growing and faith. It was great!! We started our indoor garden which we will later transplant outdoors after the ground thaws. We have Cilantro, basil, oregano, chives, and 3 different types of flowers for now. It's so exciting. Each of the kids got their own mini green house to put in their rooms and then we have 3 rather large ones in the kitchen. I can't wait to cook with fresh herbs (it tastes sooo much better) and to start our flower garden. Its fun! Your home is your sanctuary so why not make it the best it can be!! The kids are very excited to see everything grow and bloom it will be a great learning experience for us all. Have a sunny day!

Catholic Withdrawls

Around every Easter i seem to get Catholic withdrawls. i miss palm sunday and good friday -- the songs, being a kid, listening to the father, taking communion etc.... I miss the mass sometimes. Brandon and I have talked about taking Jordan and Aidan to St. rose of Lima in Chula Vista to experience it and see what was such a huge part of my childhood and my spirituality. The confession booth, the altar etc etc I liked how it was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Such reverence and peace.... I know the book of Mormon is true and its another testament of Christ so I just brought all my Catholic knowledge with me -- the Bible and book of Mormon go hand in hand -- the bible being a testament of Chirst in that land and the B O M the testament of the americas and since Christ loved all his children I know there is more scripture out there , other testaments of other people .. just becasue I have a testimony of the savior and book of Mormon doesn't mean that I am a Mormon by cutlture. Mormon culture is HUGE up here in Utah and it's so not me at all. In San Diego I was surrounded by all walks of life , different cultures, different religions and they are all just people trying to do the best they can-- here it's almost all mormon without much diversity-- so many stores are closed on Sunday-- no one can do anything Monday night cuz of family Home evening etc etc it's everywhere-- which is great on the one hand but sometimes I miss just being me and not being labeled a "mormon". I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints but not a molly mormon if you know what I mean. Sometimes I just miss the catholic traditions and want to be a part of that again. I am so glad to be LDS it's just the culture I am struggling with. I am just Jackie no labels. period. and thats what I want it to be : )

Random Spelling

Ok totally random but many times I have misspelled words on this blog I haven't learned how to go back and edit-- so oh well hopefully you know what i mean and understand what I type : ) : )

Off day

Do you ever have those days where everything seems to be going right but then all of a sudden it turns all upside down???? I went from a happy day at church, went hometeaching with brandon everything is good and happy-- even went on 2 dates this weekend to BAm! Having Catholic withdrawls and being so furstrated that I do everything for my kids and don't get anything in return. All I wanted to do was talk 5 mins. on the phone with my mom and I couldn't do it without a thousand interruptions including Noah cutting his finger, the boys arguing, Jordan sulking and Brandon has dissappeared watching TV or something it is so frustrating I ended up in tears -- and the worst part is that they don't even care. : ( They just go on like nothing has happened. Which hurts the worst. I do everything for them and even go the extra mile I guess I just wish that someone would go that 110% for me once in a while. Now what I mean? Ok done venting!

Getting organized

I don't know what it is about organization but it makes me feel GREAT!!! i'm not pregnant or nesting but for some reason I have this uncontrollable urge to get organized-- maybe because spring is around the corner and we will finally enjoy the outdoors!! It's odd I have no desire to do the dishes but I have a desire to go through all my kitchen cabinets and throw away/give away anything I am not using. I went to Khol's over the weekend they were having a super sale and I bought baskets, and storage containers etc-- I was hooked and getting addicted. .... When everything is in it's place it's like a breath of fresh air for me-- it feels incredible. Now with three boys it's a constant struggle to keep things tidy, and after all I DO want them to play with their toys, do arts and crafts etc etc it's just having a place for everything and simplifing. When my house is clean I feel top of the world, i really do-- I can relax. It's probably because my home is my work and there is no clocking out. It can be be 9pm and I still see things around me that I need to put away, clean etc . It's getting ahead of the game instead of always being one step behind. It can make a world of difference-- so I guess I'm going to stop typing and start organzing! ; )

My Jordan

My Jordan needs to be challenged. It all comes so easy and naturally for him, which is such a great blessing! So last weekend he was tested for the accelerated learning program for next year. 4 hours of testing. There are only 24 sopts available and hundreds of children were at the testing. He has received straight A's even A+'s since Kinder. I have always given him extra work at home-- math, spanish, spelling etc etc he is so bored at school but loves the social interaction. We hope he gets in. After I picked him up I asked him a little anxiously how it went and again he mentioned how he was so bored and it was the easiest test he had taken and wished he brought a bigger book to read after the test was over. So now the responsibility rests on me, at least for the time being, to give him a challenge, one he will enjoy so he will still have a love of learning. I taught him long division today, a different way than they do at school and he actually thanked me for teaching him something he didn't already know. Crazy!!

My cowboy

SO Noah is the cowboy of the family. He loves Horses!!! He insists on watching Brandon's john wayne movies-- he calls them the 'cowboy movies'. It is too cute. Today he was begging to go to the farm at Thanksgiving point to ride the ponies. He chose the largest one and rode twice. There are no straps like those you finds at fairs or carnivals just a simple saddle and he has to hold on tight. He is so focused and happy. I think he will be our cowboy especially growing up in Lehi. He loved the Rodeo over the summer. Still need to scrapbook those pics. He is just too adorable!!

Stitches

Aidan had his stitches removed today and to our surprise he had 4 instead of three! His thumb has healed beautifully. It's the body so amazing-- to heal itself! Anyway, so we are glad the drama is over and it was so simple to remove with no pain at all. He is very very happy!

100 things about me

I read this on Karen's blog so here goes:

1. I am studying to take the Utah State Life insurance exam
2. I speak three languages: English, Spanish, and Portuguese
3. I LOVE the sun
4. Every pregancy I've had was soooo worth it despite how deathly ill I get
5. I love my children more than words and pictures could possibly capture
6. brandon and I caught eachother's eye in a car race. I won!
7. I drove a porsche in highschool
8. I LOVE stick shift-- feel the power baby!
9. I love to dance-- I used to go to Raves in highschool and clubs since I was 15
10. I love to play games especially taboo, catch phrase and jungle jam
11. i love ska music
12. I met the members of rage against the machine before they went big and they were nobodys
13. The guitarist for POD went to high school with me-- I told him his band should be payable upon death instead of "on" death obviously POD sounded better
14. My life didn't slow down until AFTER I turned 18. I had already traveled the world and seen and done so many things. Poor Brandon he got a burnt out Jackie!
15. I got married at 21. Have now been married 11 years and have 3 boys
16. Brandon was my 3rd proposal but my best choice!
17. I love to bake- especially pumpkin muffins with orange drizzel and bread.
18. I love mexican food-- I still think the carne asada burritos at Estradas in Santee, CA are the best!
19. I love avocado but don't like guacamole
20. Brandon and I can relate to the movie Fool's Rush in alot!
21. Brandon loves to hear ALL my stories and never gets annoyed or bored
22. I feel completely at peace, safe, and happy in Brandon's arms.
23. I love to workout and be fit
24. I like alternative music-- the killers, weezer, everclear, 311 etc etc
25. I listened to Buck o Nine before they were anybody
26. I used to snowboard and loved it until I had kids
27. I love photography and have been to many holiday bowl games with my dad to take pictures
28. I have lived and traveled to more than 15 different countries
29. I went to a catholic school when I lived in Japan
30. I was born in South Africa
31. I felt so connected to my mother when I lived in Argentina my first year in college
32. I have ordered 100's of burgers, nuggets and fries all in one order and had the whole crew laughing in disbelief-- it was for an orphanage and my dad was footing the bill.
33. My dad loved to take kids for a day to Sea World, the Zoo, YMCA and McDonalds I would help him translate. the orphanage was so humbling and amazing!
34. I am a convert to the LDS church. I got baptized the day after my 18th b-day and began a new life.
35. My children teach me more than I teach them.
36. I have 3 boys and love it. I also have twins in heaven who will be amazing to meet.
37. I get hyperemesis gravidum during pregnancy.
38. I have wished to die during each of my pregnancies from being so ill. IV's and meds for 6 months would get anybody down.
39. My parents are my heros
40. I only think I'm pretty after I workout or have read scriptures.
41. I have mainly had male friends all my life.
42. i love accents and watch British shows
43. We have friday family fun night every friday with our kids
44. Brandon is my best friend
45. I read motivational books
46. I exercise everyday
47. I love spanish olives
48. I am a carb junkie and eat more pasta than anything else-- besides mexican italian is my staple.
49. I have never eaten lobster
50. I love mahi mahi with salsa
51. The pier at Clearwater beach in Florida is incredible and one of my favorite places to just breathe.
52. If I could live on the beach I would
53. My home is surrounded by beach decor-- the beach is my happy place
54. I called my mom on my honeymoon!
55. I have gotten out of several speeding tickets in my youth-- you can't drive slow in a porsche!
56. I have been asked if I am Iranian far more than if I am hispanic
57. I used to play field hockey
58. I was the first girl alter server in the catholic church
59. I bombed the SAT's beacause I went to a party the night before and didn't have any sleep -- it's my biggest regret!
60. Some would say I am very impatient but I think I have a world of patience with all I've been through
61. I have had a gun to my head
62. Some would say I have to be the center of attention but in reality I love listening to other peoples stories, looking at their pictures and learning form them.
63. I have a fear of failure so I feel so much pressure to do everything perfectly. If I commit to something then I go all the way.
64. I love to play Pac Man
65. Motorcycles make my stomach tingle-- though I would never let Brandon get one! (Too dangerous)
66. I wish people knew the real me-- we are just all so busy
67. I always go for the underdog in EVERY situation
68. I hope to move back to San Diego someday.
69. I want to serve a mission when I reitre with Brandon
70. I had a hysterectomy at 31
71. I love anything to do with Argentina and Brazil
72. I would rather watch soccer than any other sport
73. I watch sports when Brandon isn't home to remind me of him-- it's comforting.
74. I lost 28 pounds this last year
75. I never had a fear of planes and traveled all the time until Sept. 11th I still travel but cry at take off and landing ever time. I face my fear with tears.
76. I was married in the San Diego temple.
77. I was given permission to go the the SD temple dedication even though I wasn't a member at the time.
78. I slept on the sidewalk all night to get into conference the next and didn't get in-- but I got on my tip toes and saw the prophet and knew the church was true.
79. I like my eyes
80. When Brandon and I were dating I thought he was ALL wrong for me different than any other guy I had dated (no tatoos or earrings, didn't go to shows or concerts, didn't write poetry or go to coffee shops...) but after 11 years of marriage I see clearly that we are a perfect match!!!
81. I used to be tan year round-- now in Utah I don't recognize myself I am so white!!
82. i love JCW"s garden burger
83. i went to SDSU and majored in Child and Fmaily development and minored in Portuguese.
84. I got straight A's in my minor!
85. I traveled form spain to france on a train with no ticket or passport I was then 15 and my sister 13! It was a wild adventure. the train doors closed before my dad could give us a ticket. he just said meet you in France.
86. I think I had an incredible childhood filled with so many adventures that no one would believe them and lost many friends because they thought I was lying.
87. I drink sleepytime tea everynight to relax
88. I am on hormone replacement therapy and it is not fun!
89. I love going sledding with my kids
90. i love going for an intense walk, listening to my Ipod filled with music no one would even guess is in there- I am not a molly mormon but do live high standards
91. I feel like I am 18 most of the time
92. If I could go dancing every friday like I was 18 I would for now I just dance in my kitchen with my kids and they love it!
93. I think you should go confidently in the directions of your dreams and live the life you have imagined-- that's my favorite quote
94. I have listened to Zig Ziglar and other Sales giants since I was little and I truly believe in the power of optimism! If there is a will there is a way!
95. I love my brothers more than they will ever know.
96. I get jealous of my sister-- she's so beautiful inside and out
97. My mom is one of my best friends-- I wish we were the same age
98. I feel like I am most like my Dad
99. My favorite ice cream is Dark choclate with Peanut butter mixed in from Maggie Moos in Lehi
100. i love my life and wouldn't change it. I have an amazing husband who is the man of my dreams and I have 3 amazing boys who keep me on my toes. I love being a stay at home mom!

Is it spring yet!?!

I long for spring. Don't get me wrong the snow is so beautiful-- I absolutely love it! I have seen more beauty this winter than years of living in San Diego- but I miss the warmth! The soft and at times beaming glow of the sun on your back or even on your face and shoulders-- you can't beat that feeling. It's amazing! I have been sitting in front of my storm door for lunch everyday... the snow if all over my front porch but at noon the sun comes beaming through the door and it's heaven, for a moment it feels like summer. I may look silly as cars drive by but that lunch hour is my peace and happiness for the day- I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's great to know we are almost done with winter and then it's time for flip flops, coconut suntan lotion and cool drinks as I lay in my hammock. I can't wait!!

Friday Family Fun night

So its friday family fun night-- it's what we do every friday. We are all more casual , rules are way more lax, we have pizza or someother friday night type of dinner--usually homemade pizza and we watch a movie in our pj's , play a game, or like tonight play gamecube. We just got the boys Mario Kart double dash-- they came up with half the money and us the other. They worked so hard and did chores galore! It's the time when I can take my mom hat off and just be me-- put on the music loud as I make pizza -- tonight Jack Johnson and just hang out. Also we all get to eat infront of the TV-- no formal dinners here-- we even give them a menu sometimes to "order" for the fun of it. We look forward to it every friday. You've GOT to have something to look forward to at the end of the week. Next week we are having some other couples over for a game night whether we have one couple or 5 it should be fun! Pizza's ready!