Karaoke Night at The Gathering Place... oh my!

Jaron, givin' it his all..
Papa and his girls.. (we love him, can anyone tell?)
Little girls, they just love this..
The whole gang.. it was hilarious (no, u wouldn't want to hear it!)

My Boy

Cutest bald headed one... he can pull it off! December 07 - I love this boy!

Family Memories...

Celebration Party for Mom's & Dad's big 50th wedding anniversary... it's been another 2 years almost? Still looking young as ever!

Olympia, Greece

I loved Olympia, Greece. It was a sacred feeling to be there. Thanks again Mom and Dad for giving us the experience of a lifetime... and for staying married for 50 years so we could celebrate BIG together!

Good Memories

I love this one of me and Mama doin' a little jig on the cruise ship to Greece (06) .... great memory.

Aren't They Great Looking Kids?

Brittany & Landon 2006- I love this picture! Taken 2 Halloween's ago... Britt was Angelina Jolie, can you tell?

From The Weird

Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher got stirred together... WeIrD!

Scarlett Johannssen & Justin Timberlake osmossed together... interesting

Mmmmm.... Dinner Tonight

Spaghetti with Asparagus, Smoked Mozzarella and Prosciutto (click on this link to see recipe)

This is one of Giada's Recipes. You just can't imagine how good....

Giada - Tune In To Her on The Food Network

Giada De Laurentis and her husband Todd - she is my favorite culinary chef. I watch her show religiously every weekend. She truly makes the most perfect italian cuisine for anyone to make. Just watch her sometime. She is sexy, classy, and just scrumptious to watch - you'll want to make everything she makes... and she reminds me of my beautiful Brittany... you'll see!

Hatching Crocodile

I love this picture - log on to National Geographic. This is a great website.

Chicken Scallopine with Saffron Cream Sauce

Are you kidding.... this is amazing! You must make this one, and it's easy!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_122698,00.html
(click on this link to view recipe)

David Archuleta & Robbie Carrico

Did anyone hear David sing "Imagine" (John Lennon) last night on American Idol? WOW is all I can say. He is my pick... he's humble, extremely talented, charismatic, and you just want to like smush him up in your little hands and give him a big hug and kiss... he's honestly, completely without a doubt, just that cute. Oh yea, he is from our town you know.
Robbie Carrico was awesome too - my rock-n-roll pick

This is Pretty Incredible...

http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw

Watch This!

Friday Movie Night

Has anyone seen this movie? It looks like one I'd like, but I haven't heard... same producers from Notting Hill and Love Actually (2 great films) ... someone pleeease come forward. How can the Jackson's not be talking about this one yet???

Aw no more storms pleeease!!!!

See where all the storms are hanging out over the next couple days... (2/26-27)

We got photographed....

Brittany and I along with our friend Sue Potter were photographed at the MS Fundraiser held at Little America Hotel for the next issue of Salt Lake Magazine... woweee!

What a Face

Our little Katie is a shorkie and we are CRAZY about her. Then we saw this cute little pumkin' face on an Old Navy ad... does anyone know what breed these little buggers are? I want one!

This little jewel...

I love my new blackberry... but it keeps calling people without me knowing and my emails are coming in doubles... yikes!

Did you know...

..."Daylight Savings" is coming up in 2 weeks? Yep, March 9th!

Nordstrom Grammy

I had an itch to splurge for my Liv... so, Brittany, Livia and I went on a little shopping spree this past weekend. Since Mama Maggie has been the Nordstom Grammy for me and my kids I thought it was time I continued the tradition with my girls! We had lunch at Nordy's then had some pre-spring shopping fun! This is what we found... oh was it fun! Ok... we went a little crazier than this... we were gone 5 hours! Ok ok... we were doing some major catching up!

Yurt Event at Solitude

This is a fantastic activity if you're looking for some winter fun! You snowshoe up 1/2 mile or so to the Yurt... an outdoor snowcave where a 5 course meal is cooked and served in the company of great friends! It was riot to say the least!

A Great Fundraising Event for A Great Cause

This was a wonderful event that I attended this past Saturday with Julia, Brittany and many wonderful friends. It is an annual fundraiser held each year at Little America. Our sweet Mama donated the money for 3 of our seats for each of us in support of this caue. It was truly an awe-inspiring event and it gave us a peak into the world of those we love, not only how insidious this disease is, but how triumphant, like my sister Julia has been to do the mental and physical work to overcome it at the level that she has. It was truly humbling to hear the stories of some of the faces of those afflicted with MS. Most importantly, Julia has been extraordinay in her own fight with MS through her example of how her self discipline through organized biking events and intense excercise can help defeat the effects and symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. ROCK ON SIS! YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL OF US!!! WE LOVE YOU!

Biggest, Warmest Smile I've Seen

"A smile is a light in the window of the soul indicating that the heart is at home."

Liv & Annie Night

Can't wait to have my 2 fav girls with us tonight! Yep, we are seeing the Spiderwick Chronicles at Jordan Commons while feasting on warm buttery salted popcorn with sprinklings of Peanut M&M's throughout. Ya'll should try it.. it is to DIE FOR! Then we're going back to our pad for a night cap of marshmellow hot cocoa and a girl's night out SLEEPOVER in our most cumfy pajamas! I detect you're all a bit jealous?

Oprah's Big Give

Have any of you heard about this? It looks like it's going to be AWESOME. It's a new series starting Sunday, March 2nd. I love to see inspiring shows that change people's lives.

Trev's got a chocolate chip cookie thing going on...

Trevor has become... one big chocolate chip cookie. I think he bakes at least 1 dozen a day to eat after school. And he stays buff. I mean he really really really loves these tasty little critters. It's been a dangerous thing in our house. I made about 6 dozen Neiman-Marcus chocolate critters, and they were "gone" the next day. Just like that. So I've been buying the store made chocolate chip dough and he now realizes what a beautiful thing this is because he can do it all on his own.. and he does. Daily. I'm just glad by the time I get home they are gone. I've bought every brand known to man, so if you need any recommendations at all, please just call me. :)

New Fitflops

Ladies... get leaner longer looking legs with these! Get a workout while you walk. You burn calories and tone legs with every step, plus strengthen and tone muscles in your feet, legs, buttocks, stomach and back. They come in lots of colors too! Not bad... oh yeah.. I saw them at Victoria Secret but I would imagine you can get them almost anywhere.

Swimwear '08

I think I found the bikini I want for '08... Victoria Secret (any takers?) I really do need this for all our trips to The Gathering Place's swimming hole!

Spring Things...

Shoes, shoes, shoes... these are so cute for Spring (Victoria Secret). I personally can't wait to get out of my winter get-up!

Message For Andrew

HELLO ANDREW!

Your family loves you.. keep up the good work you are doing sweetie! Positive thoughts foster postive results.. keep reading and studying. Do the hard stuff now so you can have the life that was always meant to be yours. Things WILL get better!

Love, Mom

Easter ... 2 years ago

I was searching my pictures and came across this one.... I think this was taken on Easter Sunday almost 2 years ago. Wow! Livia was about 1 1/2 years old - now she's 3 1/2!

Thanks Mom & Dad

It's Monday evening, and I want to thank you Mom and Dad for having Trev and his friend down for the weekend. I know that it was good for him, I could hear it in his voice. I'm glad he stuck around as much as he did too! I wished we could have made it down... but oh well, we'll figure it out soon! Thanks for having the Gathering Place for our family... it means a lot to each of us. We feel so lucky to have the parents/grandparents that we do. To think that you sacrifice your time and energies to be there for each of us when we come to see you teaches me every day. I know that it isn't always easy to have so much company, but the memories of what you have provided for each of us will continue throughout every generation of "The Jackson's". I always want my home to feel the same way - that there is a welcome sign at the front door and that all who visit know they are loved and will enjoy a great experience. I love you both very much.

Love,

Cyber... your wisest, funniest, prettiest daughter (jk) :)

PS - Dad - keep goin' strong! You rock, and are our "Rock".

A Return To Love

I have been reading the book "A Return To Love" by Marianne Williamson. A good friend gave it to me. There are some profound excerpts that I wish to share with you - here and there, as I read it.

"Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we have learned here. The spiritual journey is the relinquishment--or unlearning--of fear and the acceptance of love back into our hearts. Love is the existential fact. It is our ultimate reality and our purpose on earth. To be consciously aware of it, to experience love in ourselves and others, is the meaning of life.

Love isn't material. It's energy. It's the feeling in a room, a situation, a person. Money can't buy it. Sex doesn't guarantee it. It has nothing at all to do with the physical world, but it can be expressed nonetheless. We experience it as kindness, giving, mercy, compassion, peace, joy, acceptance, non-judgment, joining, and intimacy."

Spring

This gets me excited for Spring... could be on its way maybe?  I want to get little vases like these and fill them with beautiful flowers and place them on my entry table. There is a place close to TM called Flowers On Main - they do very creative arrangements.  They deliver fresh flowers to us on Mondays - they always have flowers left over... so I could pick out a few and place them in these little guys!

17 Years +

Do any of you have a friendship that is so rare and so true to the core of your being, that no matter what your pain or your heart break is at any moment... they will show up and be there for you? I have this friend, and it is an amazing feeling to know that whatever flaws are exposed, or whatever your most intimate problem of the week is, they will listen. I feel so lucky to have this person in my life. I can cry, I can reveal my deepest heart pain, I can complain about the same ol' same ol' and this kind of rare friend will show up. Even if they have dinner cooking and people on their way over. This friend is so humble and empathetic they make it seem effortless as if "of course" they would do this for you, they appear to do it with so much ease. I want to thank this special friend who I love dearly for building me back up to be the strong person I know that I am. You keep me believing in myself. This is the part I have to become stronger in, and I think... my sweet friend knows this.

Master Bedroom Remodel

We have one room left in our house to remodel.... the master bedroom. So, this is how I want it to look once it is completed, only with hardwood flooring. We'll be starting in March!

I MISS YA TRE..

Hi Trevor... are ya having fun in St. George? Wish we were there too- I'm still sick! I'm glad you are down at Grams & Gramps with Tanta and family! I love you and miss you! It's weird not having you home, but I'm glad you got away... you needed it bud

I love these travel totes..

Great little waterproof terrycloth travel tote for bikinis and such.  Pottery Barn!

I love this for toting jewelry and all those little things... Pottery Barn & ON SALE!

Another great travel idea for jewelry!  Pottery Barn & ON SALE!  I'm going to order one, let me know if you want one Mom, Brittany or Julia and which color!

I shop when I'm sick or bored...

The following 3 posts are a result of laying in bed for 2 days sick with the flu... so this is how I entertain myself, so please forgive me.  They are however, beautiful things!

Rooms For Rent

I think I'm going to buy this and hang it on my front door... jk

Photography

These are beautiful photography books Boo... great coffee table conversation. On sale at Pottery Barn!

Scrapbook Frame

I love this scrapbook frame from Pottery Barn.  You can change it as often as you want with personal pictures and souvies from wherever life is taking you.  I love displaying personal, meaningful things in my home.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FAMILY & FRIENDS!

My honey took me to Sego Lily Mind & Body Spa last night for a massage for my Valentines surprise.  Ladies... I must strongly encourage you to go see Josh.  I've NEVER had a massage like the one he gave me.  I am also quite sore today... but it feels awesome because I don't have any more pain in my neck and shoulders!  This guy has the massage thing figured out.  Don't go anywhere else... he's worth every dollar! This place is also so elegant and beautiful, more than any of the other local places.  For a special occasion this is the place.

Photography 101

Boo and I are taking a Photography 101 class in March so we can start our own photography business together. She is amazingly creative. I cannot wait to see the beautiful work we will get to share together.

Aaah... Louisiana wild shrimp

This is another perfect dinner. Add some rosemary crusty bread from Costco and voila.