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Monday, January 21, 2008

Five things that make me HAPPY

I am happy when the Holy Ghost testifies gospel truths to me.
I am happy when I get to spend quality time with the girls and we participate in activities that make us laugh.
I am happy when I get to spend time with Ryan.
I am happy when my house is clean. It is very clear to my family that a clean house equals a happy Jenni.
I am happy when I have a list of things to do. I occasionally do something not on my list, but I still write it on my list just so I can cross it off.

Joni's First Real Fight

Joni, Aubry and I went to this large indoor play area close to our house. It is four stories of tunnels, slides, and obstacles. Joni and Aubry loved it and Joni had found a couple friends that she was playing with while we where there. One was this little girl who looked about a year or two older than her. We had been there for about 2 hour, had lunch and Joni and her new little friend had made it all the way to the top level. They were leaning on the mesh walls by the biggest twirly slide I have ever seen. After a while it looked like they were arguing. You could see them lean toward each other I’m sure saying something like, “I’m the Princess!” “No, I’m the Princess.” This went on for about a minute then the little girl pushed Joni. So of course, Joni pushed her back. Then after about five pushes each the claws came out. I saw in slow motion the little girl scratch Joni across the face. I had made my way over under the slide and way trying to get their attention but they were so far up they could not hear me. Then they went to the ground! They were rolling back and forth like a real fight. And then I saw Joni’s mouth wide open going in for the bit. At that point I started up the big jungle maze. It took me about one minute to get to the top but once I got their Joni was gone. The little girl said she had pushed Joni down the slide. I didn’t want to say anything to the little girl because I knew Joni had bit her. So yes, I did it. I went down the twisty four-story slide. When I came out my hair was like a fiber optic ball. From all the static shocks I received while going down I was waiting for the ends of my hair to light up. Couple mothers clapped as I came out and said they’d never seen adult brave the “pink” slide before. After getting my hair semi under control I found Joni and she acted like nothing had happened. I had her come take a break and we talked about the fight for a minute. Then I told her she could go play again but she could not play with that little girl. So, Joni ran off to play and with in two minutes Joni and her wrestling buddy were playing like they were best friends. I don’t think the mom of the other little girl knew anything had happened. When we were leaving Joni said, “I hit, and scratched and bit. I am a nice girl.” Lucky she only had red marks on her face and arms; no blood and thankfully no scars. I can’t say Joni won or lost her first fight but she held her own against a four year old when she was only two. Her dad was so proud of her.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Aubry's Christmas Card

Congratulations, you are reading the first ever Ryan Jackson Family Christmas Letter, by Aubry Jackson. Yep, that’s right, me Aubry, the cute one. I know you’re thinking, “I thought Joni was the smart one?” Well, you’re wrong. I decided to write our family’s Christmas letter so you would know what life is really like under this roof. Yes, risky. Santa might not leave just a lump of coal but a couple yards; however, it’s a risk I am willing to take.
I think I will start with Joni because she is the easiest one to vent my frustration about. But her name is not Joni anymore its “Princess Joni Lyn.” She walks around all day in high heals and foofy princess dresses. And when she is not wearing a “prom” dress she has to wear a skirt or dress of some kind. The worst part about your heiness little fairy tale is that my
mom insists on dressing us the same EVERY DAY. That’s right, I’m in tights and dresses and its 10 degrees. My mom has taken Joni’s side because her new hobby is making us matching dresses. The dresses she makes are usually thirty layers of itchy poof. Back to Joni, she continues her love affair with herself at dance class each week. She started this gymnastic/ballet/tap circus show, which is actually quite comical. Ten little “Ballerinas” staring in a gi-normas mirror as they “try” to do these shuffle steps, somersaults and positions that I could do with my eyes closed. As you probably know I took my first steps when I was 9 months. I was running by 10 and playing soccer at 13. I can’t wait until next year when I walk in that little dance studio and show them what a real athlete can do on the dance floor. There are, however, two things that we do each week that I like and that’s “Ready Lets Play” preschool/playgroup and Story Time at the Library. Joni and I both love to listen to stories and sing songs. My favorite song is E-I-E-I-O. I LOVE animals! This summer I even ate a spider I love them so much. My mom about sent me to the ER trying to get it out of my mouth. But don’t worry, I got the body down before she could get my mouth opened. I didn’t know what the big deal was, it was really good and I will do it again if I ever get the chance. In case your a little behind on our whereabouts, we are living in Pinckney, Michigan just outside of Ann Arbor. I hear we will be here for two more years while my dad finishes his residency in Anesthesiology. Then I hope we are heading back west. However, we love Michigan. The summer in Michigan is GREAT and it truly has the most beautiful four seasons. I do think my families favorite is the Fall. However, we are starting Winter and I strongly dislike it! It is C-O-L-D! My dad is the only one who likes the cold but I think it’s because my mom doesn't go shopping as much.
Church here is GREAT. My mom and dad teach primary together and say they really like it. I go with them and I think I make it a lot more “Fun” for the kids. My mom also does Activity Days. Joni and I have to go with her some times if dad’s gone and we LOVE it! Twenty-Five girls all fighting to play with us.
Joni is in Nursery and will be there for another year, and I get to go in March!
shopping day out” with her friends. She says she needs a little time for herself, whatever that means. She’s the mom, she doesn’t get time by herself! What can we say, Joni and I love to be with her. We watch her shower, go to the bathroom and both of us want to be held most of the time. My mom says her biggest accomplishment this year is getting Joni out of diapers. But that is all just a big joke if you ask me. Joni only goes because she wants candy and my mom gives her some EVERY TIME she does. I have to hand it to Joni, she knows just how to work them. At night she cries in this sad little voice and says, “I’m scared. Can I sleep with you?” and of course my dad picks her up and puts her right in the middle of their bed. Well, I guess that’s what happens because I am stuck in my crib, in my own room, with the lights out and they don’t seem to care if were to get scared. They just keep telling everyone how I am the best sleeper and I sleep all through the night like a little angel, but no, I’m awake I’m just not a scaredy cat like my sister. I have always been the strong one. My mom’s life consists of cleaning, changing diapers, more cleaning, laundry, organizing, cooking, cleaning, talking on the phone and still more cleaning. Once in a while she tries to exercies but don’t worry I ruin that in a hurry:)
Our 13 year old neighbor, Chrissy, has been a great break for my mom. She not only comes over and plays with us but she give my mom that much needed adult conversation. She is a big part of our family:)
Let’s talk about my dad for a while. He has been gone for the majority of my life to be honest. He goes to this big place where they worshup the letter M! I’m like, don’t you know it just a letter people. I went to his work this October when I had a small procedure and it was great. His friends the “Residents” gave me this great candy. I felt so good, had a nap, and when I woke up it was like awesome. I got all this special attention for like five days! I felt totally fine but I played it up a bit. When dad gets home from the letter worshiping candy store he turns into this scary Monster. When we hear the garage door opening we know it’s time to run and hide because the beast is home. He comes in, talks to mom for a minute, then all the sudden he is a monster, roaring and chasing us all over the house! He is really kind of scarry because of the bags under his eyes. I guess their from being at the candy store for so long. My mom says he needs more sleep so that could be it too, but whatever it is, it sure makes the game more fun.
This fall my dad built us this big wooden play room on the back of our house. I think it is called a deck. It was so fun this summer. We got to play with paints, have picnics, and play with water on it. We also ate out there almost every night, which my mom really liked because she said the big mess I make when I eat was much easier to clean up. I love my dad. He is the best dad in the whole world and I am totally his favorite.
Even though I have been trash talking Joni she is my best friend. We are seldom apart but when we are we miss each other so much. I had to stay home from chruch a couple weeks ago and Joni cried all the way to church because she wanted, “Her Aubry.” Ya, I am loved. Joni and I can finally play together for a long time without fighting. I have held my own enough she treats me as an equal…even though I could bodyslam her in my sleep. I am nice to her and she climbs upon the cupbard and gets us treats! It’s a silent mutual agreement. Ya, we’re buddies and I love her.
Well I hope you have enjoyed the truthfullness of my Christmas letter. If I have offeneded you I’m sorry but the truth needed to be told. If you would like to hear more about my family in a nicer tone you can visit my mom’s Blog at:
http://jacksonmiabode.blogspot.com/ (I am sure you don’t this is a little longer than I intended.) Their are more picture and stoires about our Michigan adventures.
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Aubry Jackson