So Sad To See Him Go

I was reading Michelle's blog today and thought that it would be a good idea to put down some thoughts of my own on President Hinckley's death. It seems so silly to say that I was surprised to hear that he had passed knowing that was 97 years old. However, he almost seemed invincible and that he would always be there standing at the head of the church leading us. When I first heard the news Sunday night, I cried. I remember when President Benson died and President Hunter but neither of them really touched my life like President Hinckley has. I have been fortunate enough to have lived in Utah for most of his Presidency and even had the chance to sing for him while I was in high school. His presence was totally uplifting and captivating. I hope that I will always be able to remember how he made me feel and keep that positive outlook on life that he had. Most of all I am grateful for the testimony that I have that makes it easier to handle that challenges that come my way. I know that as long as I stay true to the teachings of the gospel and listen to all of our prophets counsel, the Lord will be with me just as he was with our beloved President Hinckley. I will really miss him. What a wonderful man!!

My Big Boy

On Tuesday I took Alex to the Doctor for his 3 year check up. I was totally amazed at how well he is doing on his motor skills. As I started discussing the things that Alex can do and knows the doctor even seemed amazed. She that he is well above the average in all of his fine motor skills. Most kids his same age only know how to do a 24 piece puzzle, the numbers 1-10, some of the colors, and a few letters of the alphabet. I told her that he is putting together 100 piece puzzles (one in 3-D), he knows all of his colors, he can recognize several letters of the alphabet, and knows the numbers 1-20. We have always thought that he was really intellectual and very smart but it is nice to hear it from a professional. She also said that his language skills are really advanced as well. She said that most boys at his age aren't as easy to understand but is very clear. I was also amazed at his memory. He seemed to remember everything about the doctor. He remembered that she has a fish tank and that he would get a sticker when she was done. He didn't fight her on anything either. In fact, he even helped her with what she was doing and opened his mouth for her to check. He constantly amazes me!! I guess now we just need to keep challenging him to see what else he can do.

The start of a New Season. Yeah!!!!!!

I thought that I would add a new post about something that I am really excited for. I love American Idol and the new season started last night!!! Right now they are just doing the try outs, which is not my favorite part, but I love the actual competition. It is the only thing that I watch pretty religiously. I love trying to choice who will win and watching the numbers dwindle down to the final one. I usually don't like the reality TV shows but I love this one because it is a real contest on talent. The last two seasons I have been disappointed in who won so hopefully this year will be better. My favorite American Idol winner is Carrie Underwood. I have also really enjoyed Chris Daughtery (he was robbed of his win! I am still mad about that season) and Kelly Clarkson. I know that a lot of people don't like it, but it is something that really enjoy and Alex really liked it last season too!!! Hopefully, he will like it this year too. I haven't pick a favorite yet but I am sure that I will. That is the best part!!!!

What's New

This year has already started with a lot of changes for us. Alex just celebrated his third birthday. I can hardly believe that my little boy is three now. He has always seemed like a part of our lives but on the other hand it is weird for me to see him getting older. He has defiantly developed his mother's stubbornness and he has his father's silliness at times. I tell people all of the time what an amazing a boy he is. His vocabulary is amazing to me and he continues to suprise me on the things that he understands. I know that all parents belive that there children are brilliant but we really think that he is. He know all of his number 1-20, he know his colors, he can put a 100 piece puzzle to together (with very little help), and is such a delightful boy. Currently his favorite things to do are putting puzzles together, reading stories to himself, playing with cards, helping mom sweep, running around with his friends, watching movies and anything to do with Pokemon (it drives his mother crazy). Jackson and I feel so blessed to have him in our lives. Hopefully, he will feel the same about us when he is grown.

I have started back to work at a salon here in Layton. I am just working part-time, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and all day Saturday. The work has been nice and allowed to sharpen some of my skills and have some time for myself. I have been concerned about how Alex is handling our new schedule, but I am sure that he will adjust. My sister Heidi has been a great help to us with me working again. She has been babysitting Alex for a couple of hours on Wednesday and Thursday until Jackson gets home from work. I don't know what we would do without our families. They are always there when we need them. I still enjoy my cooking and watching the food network when I can. For Christmas I got two new cookbooks and a Kitchenaide mixer. I have really enjoyed using them!!!

Jackson is still working at L-3 Communications as a buyer and is doing well there. The new thing for him is that he is working on writing a Science Fiction/Fantasy book. This has allowed him really use his imagination and creativity. He is hoping that a publisher will publish it and then he can become a full-time author. Jackson is also very busy with his calling at church. He is the 1st counselor in the Young Men's presidency which takes him away on Tuesday nights and lots of weekends for activities. He is really great at it and the boys love him.

We hope that all of our friends and family will enjoy hearing from us. Please send us notes and let us know how you are doing too. We love you all.