The Big 30!

Technically reaching 30 mostly involves continuing to breath, getting out of the way of a few busses here and there, and God’s will to leave you here. I often think that the mother deserves the gifts on a birthday. However, just surviving to 30 would not merit me allowing the kids to trash the house while I posted in his honor so there must be much more to Michael.

You are kind, even when others *cough me cough* are not.

You are funny and a good sport even when things suck.

You are willing to change and improve, yet love others even when they don’t.

You support and love our family in every way… it’s a big deal.

You are my friend… patient, loyal, and great at listening.

You are good lookin! For the record.

You excel in all areas of life, always choosing the higher road.

You are a great father, willing to teach, have fun, and even change diapers. I love that you love babies.

Thank you for your love and great example!

Happy #30 to the man I would choose again. We love you!

Oy Vey!

Maximus was trying to fit a ton of spare parts into the back of Mr. Potato Head today. Like they do in Toy Story 2 he says things like “and your angry eyes, because you never know”. I laughed and was willing to help him open the back and put things in until he decided to add an extra pair of shoes (which are huge) in with everything else.

Teaching moment! I thought to myself…

Me: Maxx, you can’t fit all that in there. Just because they do it on TV doesn’t mean you can really do it.

Maxx: Yes it does.

He waked away and came back 5 minute later with everything crammed into it.

There will be no living with him after this.

Happy #29!

My Grandma Jackman loved to keep track of how old her relatives would have been; it drove my mom nuts. She would always say, “no, he’s not 112 because he died 40 years ago”. :) Daughter-in-laws, there’s no pleasing them.

Anyhow to respect my mother’s wishes she will never age past 52, and really I am sure she looks and feels a lot more like 29.

So Mom, happy #29 again, I love you.

Perspective

I overheard an entertainment station the other day on TV. Headlines included the story of a plastic sugary nightmare, rehab, and new homes. Then on facebook I was sent stats on the staggering needs of people in America and resentment toward our help of other countries when we are so bad off ourselves. I get it, I agree, things are hard even in the greatest country in the world, however and it is a big however... This is my platform of yelling shut up, toughen up, and get your head on straight. If we are lucky enough to be born here or among the minority that are allowed into this place where you can be free to live as you wish, count yourself blessed.

Surely our leadership is not perfect, but what world do you think you live in? Being an American does not ensure you bread on your table, life-time payments because you were hurt at some point, free access to world-class health care just because you were born although is sure seems like that is the attitude. Those benefits may have their place and time for individuals and families, but my point is this. What you get, what you are so ENTITLED TO is opportunity. We sit on our computers in our air conditioned homes and throw a fit about money that dare go to give a child his meal for the week during a flood, that may free a country from oppression of religious and other basic freedoms we take for granted. So many in our country are struggling and need help and our nation should help their own... good news for us, another opportunity, for surely we are "the nation".

Before blaming the president, your up-bringing, the irresponsible neighbors, or market conditions I would ask when was the last time you gave 100%? Do we fight to solve the problems we see or just complain about the method others are using in an attempt to? I would like to offer an alternative to this attitude that I believe not only doesn't serve us, but hurts others. Accept that this life is not easy, it is a test, if you are coasting you are probably missing out on some growth opportunities. Take responsibility for you own life and situation fully. Lastly see that you can be the means of blessing others, here and abroad. I fear one day seeing Him who gave me talents and blessings and explaining why I insisted upon hording them for me and my own. It will take focus and work, ridicule from others, sacrifice, creativity, energy, and a whole lot more I am sure, but aren't we worth it?

I like the way Anthony J. D'Angelo put it, "If you have time to whine (or blog) and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it". So I'm off, to do something about it and don't let me hear how picked on you are for surely we are spoiled brats.

Focus

The constant reminder that life is fragile seems to be in the air for me. That sick feeling of shock when someone moves on and the heartbreak for their family always seems new and foreign. Nothing is faster at refocusing me, to live, and live right.

Small, but Mighty

Hanging out the other day our 13-year-old friend Carlos said, "I can't wait to be a dad!"... Today we were at the park before going to the hospital to see Nate and Wendy's baby; Maximus said, "I don't want to play anymore, I just want to go see the baby". Champions

Too Much Dr. Seuss

Maxx sings constantly at the top of his lungs... I'm a PUNK, I'm a SNUNK, NO BODY LOVES ME!!! NOT ONE LITTLE HUNK!

Yesterday it took a while to nap because he told me all about I'm a gree, I'm a grifious, grufious, grou.

Then this morning when I asked if he wanted eggs for breakfast he said no, I want green eggs and ham.

Cracking me up, in our house, with a mouse.

Hope

I had the opportunity of spending the week with my niece Madison. She is talented in so many ways, but also responsible, fun, smart, and kind. It is interesting how invested you become from the moment you hold them for the first time to every decision they make bad or good. I am at the age that you watch the decisions of your friends really start to show. I am impressed that the 11 year old has so much of life figured out, fight to keep it sweet girl...you define cool.

Jr. Days of 47 Queen

Home of the Free and Land of the Brave

This weekend has reminded me several times with examples at both extremes that if we are fortunate enough to live where most of the world is saving, applying, and praying to be we should be willing to make choices that allow us to live both free and brave.

I'd rather die on my feet, than live on my knees.

Public Service Announcement

The past few weeks have been abnormally littered with people saying mean and stupid things to my good friend Claar Runyan. It makes me laugh to think of the poor souls and either their complete ignorance or death wish. I am somewhat proud that I have not leveled them, but in retrospect fear I have set them up for a much greater fall. Perhaps I should come with a warning... Caution: possesses on-the-spot perfect mix of poetry and meanness.

It's a blessing, and a curse.
- Monk (man I love that show)

All I know is this is all the warning the world is getting.

Maybe that bunny on Bambi should have said, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't make the mistake of saying it to a Jackman".

Random Thought of the Day

I try to always hold the attitude toward the actions of others that they are doing the best that they can. For me however I think that is the quickest road to an unfufilled life. I was once told that we were basically peeing our pants and because we have surrounded ourselves with others doing the same thing we think it is acceptable.

I hope to always be an understanding and supportive friend, but I believe part of our role is to help each other reach our God-given potential. It's not about what we feel like doing, it is about doing what we know we should. I of anyone know that any moment the last page of this mortal probabtion could be written and as we kneel at the feet of our Creator I hope it is joy not regret that fills our heart.

The point is it's time for Claar to push harder, to spend more time on the things that matter and less on the things that don't. As cool as the world may make this or that seem when it really comes down to it, regaurdless of what anyone else is doing, it is still peeing your pants.

No Shoes, No Pants, No Parents... No Problem

Powell 2010

Superior Sunday

My good friend Genevieve was married yesterday, everything was beautiful. I loved catching up with my dear friends. These ladies always had the right answers in ELP (nerd's equivalent of Jr. High) and high school... they still do. My mom so often made comments to me about different people my age and how they seemed to be doing because of the choices they were making. It is interesting you can see their happiness or the lack of so quickly. During the ceremony even before talking to any of them you could tell they are happy. They are bright and beautiful, and just in case anyone couldn't tell since we were 12 they embody so much of what is right about the world. I was overwhelmed for a minute at how good of a feeling it is to see them all successful.

Jon Whipple used to always try to talk Genevieve and me into fighting. She is so tough he and his cronies thought it would be a fun thing to watch; needless to say it never happened. I thought it appropriate that now this group of awesome women is taking the world on instead.

I often think of Mahatma Gandhi's challenge to be the change you want to see in the world... they get it.

Genevieve & Claar 1999 Sausalito

Mother's Day

Forever My Example

Always My Friend

Eternally My Mother

Bitter Sweet

I am spoiled that the time of year I remember my mom moving on is also the time we commemorate Christ's victory over death, the restoration of His church to the earth, and the renewal of spring. I miss her, but am dedicated to missing her the way she would have me. I have fed the ducks, read with my boys, and gone to the temple. Proud sounds a lot better than a smack in the back of the head next time we hug. :)

Dad Doing Well

The Sugery went well and He expects to come home tomorrow. Wahoo!

The Bionic Man

My Dad is at the hospital with Emily having his knees replaced. Hopefully now someone will be able to outrun the boys.

LDS Hospital should be there for a few days and then home for several weeks.

The Results Are In!

My Dad served in a singles ward bishopric when I was little. To this day the ward members remember me as the little girl that would take her clothes off and run though every party.

Yesterday I dropped Maximus off at his first event all by himself, a primary party.

When I returned I was met by a very excited son and the report that he doesn't like to do what the other kids do and insists on taking off his clothes and running around.

In case there was any doubt before, yes he is mine. :)

Teaching Moment Lost

Yesterday Emmy told me she and Jake didn't get along because he hated her and wouldn't even hug her.

Me: That is just an older brother thing... Aaron didn't hug me until my wedding.

Emmy: You married your brother?

Me: When Mike and I got married my older brother Aaron finally hugged me.

Emmy (under her breath as she walked away): I'm not marrying my brother.

Ashton

Aaron and my Dad are building the chicken coup outside today. It has involved a lot of heavy machinery because you never know when a grizzly bear may try to get one so this thing must be solid. :) I have been attempting to keep the kids happy inside (clearly I have given up and Monsters Inc. is keeping them happy now). I thought I would share with you a few of the funny things Ashton has told me today...

"I know, I know, put the sucker wrapper in the garbage, if not it is littering and that is not good for the soil".

"If you eat all the time you get fat".

"I am sick because of all the candy you gave me".
Me: "What candy?"
"The oranges and string cheese and the root beer Claar!"

"Claar, a chicken got out and pooped! You better search every square inch of this room and clean it all up."



I am ready for the coup. Keep up the good work men!

Stuperman

Maximus picked up a superman toy today and asked who it was.

Me: Superman

Maxx: Stuperman?

Me: Yep

Then he pulled the cloth cape over Stuperman's face and said "Look Mom, it's a princess!"

:)

Funny Little Men

Titan seems to be catching up with Maximus size-wise. They are so funny to watch together. Maxx is the great big brother that will get Titan milk without being asked, is his on call comedian, and shares his treats. Titan likes to give Maxx someone to chase, good feed back by giggling uncontrollably, as well as someone to sit on.
They both love their car and cram both brothers inside even though one of them usually ends up getting ran over. Typically an outside toy it took them about 3 seconds of me being in the garage the other day to get it inside, and haven't parked it since.

The other day I came in to Maxx sitting in the car on Titan's lap and them both laughing. Today it was the scene of Titan pulling his older brother from the car by his hair. They both laugh and go at it again, they should probably go on tour. At any rate they keep me laughing, feeling blessed, and constantly wondering what fun thing they will come up with next.

Tuesday

There is country song with the main line of "but most of all, I miss my friend". Although in this case it is my mother it seems to describe today well. I have survived some 40 Tuesdays since that super crappy one (to say it nicely), mostly with the help of my rockin friend Nancy. Today after a morning of "no's" from Maxx and mischief from Titan all the things that are great in my life seem small next to the fact that it's still real, she is still gone, and of all the things I miss today, most of all I miss my friend.

Hopefully Wednesday comes quickly. :)

A Good Trip to the Doc

Yesterday for me was the type of day I imagine they make a movie about and have everyone watch before they make the decision to come to this life. :)

Garth Brooks described it best I believe:

"She's like fire, and she's like ice.
A little crazy, but it's nice and when she get's mad you best leave her alone.
Cuz she'll rage just like a river, then she'll beg you to forgive her.
Yes she's every woman that I've ever known."

Hopefully I will continue to grow out of it. So, today I reread one of my favorite books, Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss. To me, it sums it all up, that despite all I know about the nature of this test we call life it is still hard at times; he gets it, I guess that is why they call him the Doc. :)