Lots of Happy

To say that church with Jackson has been challenging would be a gross understatement.  Some of his finest meltdowns were reserved for church and Mark and I even joked that he was a different religion. 

I would gird up my loins every Sunday and prepare for the worst. 

The last few months we have finally started to see some improvement.  He will go to his class by himself, kind of sit through sharing time and singing time, and the instances of leaving sacrament early have decreased significantly.

Well, after years of enduring we had our big payday on Sunday.

He happily went to class.

Sat mostly reverently through Sharing time.  Even participating when his name was drawn.

Sang and led the music through singing time.

When singing time was finished he walked to the front of the room and pointed to the pulpit. "I want to do that."  he announced to the primary president.

"You want to say the prayer Jackson?"

He looked at me for reassurance and I nodded.

"Yes, I want to say the prayer."

He climbed the two stairs and peered over the pulpit with his arms folded.  The primary president helped him but every word was clear. 

Tears rolled down my face during his sweet prayer and when I lifted my head I noticed that I was not the only one crying.

He bounded down and hugged me still beaming from his accomplishment.

"Jackson, I am so proud of you."

"Ya, because I have lots of happy."

Today there was "lots of happy".

Sunday's at Grandmas

New

He started a new school this year.  New teacher, new friends, new building, new bus.  
He doesn't like change.  New is hard for him.
He is still so little.  It is hard to expect so much of him. I still want to protect him.

He did great!  Loves his new school, his new friends, and especially his new bus.

He didn't mind the change.  I underestimated his abilities. 

He never ceases to amaze me.

Me:What did you do at school today?

Jackson: I didn't cry. I not sad even a little bit. 

Labor Day

Labor Day, the unofficial mark of the end of Summer. BOO! This is when I start to get that pit in my stomach. Not because I don't like fall, in fact, I love fall as much as the next guy.  It's just, I know what inevitably follows fall that makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit---Winter.

I am going to cling to the sun, warmth, outdoors, family BBQs, and perpetual wet children like my fragile mental health depends on it. 

This will NOT be the last time you see us swimming pool.  I may even wear white, all white, after Labor Day just to show my conviction to the cause.

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The Half

Saturday Christopher and I and 3,000 others did the Ogden Half. Perfect weather, great scenery, and lots of friends. I always feel great until about 10.5 miles and then think oh man I should have trained and that giant bag of M&M's that Jackson and I took down last night is threatening to reappear. Those last 3 miles are long and slow!

Thanks to my boys for being at the finish.

In case you are wondering, no I did not have to rush off after the race to DJ. Those blasted little headphones will not stay in my ears (I have tried every variation) so I have to stick with the 80's/DJ variety. DJ Jazzy Drake in the house yo!

So Close

We were so close. Spring was almost here. All the signs were there-- BBQ in the backyard with ice cream and Cheetos stained faces.

Opening up the pool.

And being outside after dark. Gotta love those faces.

Too bad it it 50 degrees and raining today and for the next two weeks. Bummer.