Because I Have Been Given Much

Photo courtesy of Mormon Historic Sites Foundation

I have been thinking a lot about the pioneers...I mean really thinking about them. How the sweat must have trickled down the faces of the women as they pulled homemade bread and meals from their piping hot ovens, their hair sticking to their necks as they scrubbed their laundry and washed down their floors; the men drenched in the heat of the afternoon pulling plows, coaxing horses and harvesting day, after day, after day.... It makes me tired just thinking about all that these wonderful men and women sacrificed to make our lives what they are today. And it makes me appreciate the little things - indoor plumbing, electricity, vacuums, washing machines, grocery stores, refrigeration...the list goes on and on. What a legacy these devoted pioneers left us not just from their hard work and this beautiful land, but also with the very example of their lives. I am a very spoiled modern housewife. I sleep in well past dawn each day, take naps when needed and pull an easy dinner from the cupboard or refrigerator when I am out of time or energy to make something myself. I skip out entirely sometimes to go spend time with my mother and sisters, not washing laundry by hand or sewing quilts, but crafting, scrapbooking or shopping. My life, though hard as it may seem at times is really, really easy and I am very blessed. "Where much is given, much is required" and I hope I am up to the challenge because I have been given SO much.

Happy Pioneer Day!!!

Scottish Days, Operas and Temples

Paul and I had an eventful weekend that included all kinds of fun surprises! Paul had a big test for the Police Academy Saturday morning that we figured would take a most of the day, so I dressed up in my best Scottish garb and headed to the Scottish Days festival in Payson, Utah with my family. I barely missed the parade (it only lasts fifteen minutes or so anyway) but I got to hear the bag pipers in the end so I was okay!

Here I am posing with two of my sisters, Bethany on the left and Rebekah on the right.


Here are all of my sisters, Bethany, Elisabeth, Sharon and Rebekah:


Next we went to check out the booths which seemed to be especially awesome this year. I thought this one was cool though it didn't turn out as cool in the picture:

I thought this sign was cute:


We looked around for a bit to help my younger sisters find the coloring books they were looking for and as we were all browsing one of the booths, I got a call from Paul. It was only 9:30 or so in the morning so I was shocked and wondered if he was actually done. He said that he had already finished his test and was coming home. I thought I would have him meet me there in Payson but then joked that we could almost jump in the car with my family and head up to the Operas in Logan. He said he felt like celebrating, so after a few quick arrangements, we decided to go! We met at our apartment to grab a few things and were off for the weekend with my family! It was a miracle getting to Logan on time for the matinee that started at 1:00 but we barely made it with time to buy tickets. I was so grateful because this would mean that we would get to see TWO operas in the same trip!!! Well, technically they were both musicals, Oliver! and South Pacific, but they were performed by the Utah Festival Opera Company with a live symphonic orchestra and they were a-mazing!! The operas they are doing this year look good too, but I love it when they throw in some good musicals. ;-)

We stayed at a Holiday Inn Express that night and enjoyed a yummy breakfast the next morning. Paul and I had to go down to the lobby Saturday night for a midnight snack since my pregnant belly couldn't wait that long...

Here are two of the girls in the pool with Paul. They had a blast with him. I didn't feel like getting in, but I soaked my feet in both the pool and the hot tub which felt wonderful!



On the way home Sunday afternoon, we drove to the Logan LDS Temple to take some pictures and then to the temple under construction in Brigham City. I love how it is turning out and can't wait to see it finished! It is a beautiful temple.

Logan, Utah LDS Temple

Paul and I in front of the temple

My parents, Robert and Milana Jackson

I thought the fence made a pretty lacy shadow.

Brigham City, Utah LDS Temple, under construction

Our Big Announcement...

I am so excited to write this post, that I cannot even spell!!! Paul and I have been trying for a baby since we were first married in August of 2009 and are ECSTATIC to announce that we are finally expecting on November 17th!!! We can hardly wait to meet our new little one. I have been blessed with a good pregnancy and everything is fortunately going very well. We found out on Thursday of last week that:


I cannot even find words to express how grateful and happy we are. We are so thrilled to be having a daughter and I am already drowning in ideas of pink and lace for our little girl. Paul is so excited to be a father and I am living my dream of motherhood. Please stay in touch! We will keep you all posted.

Love to you all!!!