Ian's new favorite video!!!

I showed Ian this video a couple days ago and it has become his favorite video and he loves to sing along to it!  Enjoy!

Another year come and gone...

Just last night Mike commented that he couldn't believe the school year was nearly over.  I'm always so excited for summer to come and then so excited for school to start in the fall.  Bryce is finishing up 2nd grade and Ian completing Kindergarten.  Both boys have done so well in school.  I'm so excited to see them grow and learn and achieve.  Hayden turned one in December, Spencer turned 4 in January and Ian turned 6 in February.  Bryce will be turning 8 this August and he is looking forward to being baptized. Over the last year we have experienced some ups and downs...
Last November, Ian had scans and we were once again rewarded with good news.  Ian continues in remission and we were moved to the once a year scan schedule.  YAY! YIPEE!!!  What a relief.  We have come so far and we continue to see the Lord's tender mercies in our lives.  Ian is truly in my estimation a living miracle.  So much could have gone wrong and even the doctors were surprised at how well Ian did in treatment and now they are just so pleased with how well he continues to develop and progress.  It will be 4 years this June that Ian was diagnosed with brain cancer...and 4 years ago I could not have even imagined this day...  Sometimes in the midst of deep despair and pain, it can seem like things will never improve...and yet I can certainly testify that even during these trying times miracles happen, blessing come, and things do get better!  I know Heavenly Father keeps His promises and Ian is proof of that!!!  
Our little man Hayden continues to make progress, albeit slow, it's still progress.  He has been receiving physical and occupational therapy since last November.  When Hayden turned 7 months I started commenting to his doctor that I was concerned with his development.  Hayden wasn't trying to hold toys, roll over, or even sit up.  It was very disturbing to me.  Since he has been in PT and OT he has made significant progress.  He can now hold his own bottle, he can hold toys and change them from hand to hand, and he is also rolling all over the place!  He gets around.  He still can't sit unassisted, it's a work in progress.  He has low tone in his torso and it doesn't help that the kid has an enormous head.  The lights are on, but his little body just doesn't instinctively know how to move and work.  So we are teaching it.  The therapists thought perhaps that he has a mild Cerebral Palsy, so I arranged for him to be seen by a Neurologist.  Her assessment was that he didn't have CP, but she also ordered an MRI of his brain to see what was going on.  She reported that his brain simply looks like a preemie brain and that it is going to take him more time to learn these things, but that eventually he'll figure it out.  In the meantime, I'm enjoying my baby and enjoying his sweet nature!  He is such a happy baby and really is so smart.  He is so cuddly and has the BEST smile!  I think it's funny that he will stare people down until they notice him and then he gives them the biggest smile, complete with dimples!  It melts my heart!
Bryce is growing into such a wonderful boy.  He has always been such a great helper...when I was expecting him, I used to pray that I would have a baby with a great sense of humor and Bryce has not disappointed!  I can't wait to see this little man make promises with his Heavenly Father when he is baptized.  He really wants to do the right thing.  Even though he is almost 8 he still will cuddle with me, hug me and even give me a kiss goodbye when heads off to school.  I'm so lucky.  I love to watch as he gets on the bus in the morning because he will look out the window and gives me the sign language equivalent of "I LOVE YOU". 
Spencer is my little companion during the day.  He will sit by me when I'm folding laundry or perhaps when I sneak a moment on the computer and he will stroke my hair and cheek and tell me how much he loves me.  This little boys looks forward to the afternoon when his brothers get home.  He misses them and wants so much to do what they do.  Spencer can be so obnoxious sometimes and yet he is equally as sweet.  He makes me laugh and want to rip my hair out all at the same time.  He's always asking me if I want to keep him...(I think I may have scared him once when I told him I was going to give him away...in my defense his behavior at the time was less than desirable...) and I assure him that he is most definitely a keeper!
I guess some of the biggest news is that Mike was informed that he was chosen for early retirement.  He has served 15 years in the military  this month, so we are getting out 5 years early.  I have been with Mike nearly 10 of the last 15 years and I am so over the military life...in many ways we have been so blessed by Mikes career in the military.  Specifically the health insurance has been such a blessing, especially considering all the medical needs are family has experienced.  On the other hand, the long hours, the separation from TDY/Deployments and just the every day stress Mike experienced working with overstressed and overworked people... Mike is planning on going back to school and finishing up his degree... I hope that he can get it done in the next couple of years...
We have much to look forward to and plenty of its unknown...but I feel hopeful and happy.  Things always work out....

Busy Busy Busy

Sheesh, I used to be good at updating the blog and now I almost cringe at the idea of writing a post. I think facebook status updates just seem to be so much easier. Plus, I don't think my life is that interesting...

Since I last posted, summer vacation has started, however that doesn't mean a whole lot to Bryce since I'm making him go to summer school...He's not required to go and he isn't behind, I just didn't want to take the risk of him forgetting everything he's learned and plus he just needs the structure. He's actually happy to go. He is going to be 7 in July and he can't wait...almost everyday I'm reminded of that fact and given a new list of what he would like for his birthday. He is really growing up to be such a neat kid. He makes me laugh, loves to cuddle and asks a billion questions.

Ian had scans in April and of course everything came back clean. I think as more time passes I become more and more secure in the promises of the Lord to preserve his life. We are just so grateful for his health. He is also so much fun and keeps us on our toes. He and Bryce are the best of friends and yet can really get on each others nerves...

Spencer is old enough now to hang with his big brothers and he is one wild boy. He knows no danger and while very cuddly and sweet, he has no problem telling me no about almost anything and everything. We finally got him potty trained this last weekend and I'm one HAPPY momma!

Hayden is doing so well! He is 6 months but his adjusted age is almost 4 months and he is right on track according to the docs. So grateful he is on track. The boys adore him and all like to take turns holding him. Hayden seems to tolerate it alright. I love that he is finally smiling and laughing...it took forever!
We continue to love our new house and we are settling in more and more. Thank goodness grandpa Jackson showed up or we would never have finished the sprinkler system. He has it almost finished. I'm for one am so grateful for his help...hopefully the sod will be laid by Saturday!

Mike continues to work long hours and I keep super busy at home. This August I will start school again and I am soooooo excited....eventually I really hope to be able to start nursing school. We'll see what happens. All I know is that I don't want to go back to social work....I guess I should just be content to be a mom and yet I just have such a yearning for learning....
When we aren't working or living the day to day life stuff, we go for family hikes or go to Lagoon for a couple hours. It's nice to have season passes....
Perhaps if we ever get more pictures downloaded to the computer I'll write a better post....

January and February 2011 Updates

I haven't been very good at updating the blog. Life has been busy and I guess I just don't feel like there is much to write about. We've been busy living life and going from one crisis to another...lol! The boys are doing well in school and enjoying it. They love having their baby brother Hayden home. Hayden is doing well...I think I'm going to have to start him on formula....he doesn't nurse well, he has a lazy latch and suck.. I think it's because he was premature and they got him used to bottles in the NICU...I'm so tired of fighting him to get him to eat...and he seems happier when I offer a bottle. Just disappointing since I did everything I could to make sure I could nurse him and since I had such success with my other boys. Oh well.
Mike has been SUPER busy with work. Long work days to prepare for the ORI this month. I guess the flight line failed last year and now everyone is paying the price. At any rate, the long weeks and days make for a grumpy military members and grumpy families.
We are settled into our new house for the most part...we haven't had much time to decorate. Truth be told, I just haven't had the time or funds to do what I would like. Oh well....
Anyhow, the pics are from most recent to oldest....




We took the boys to the Hill Aerospace Museum. We can't wait to go back, we weren't able to see all the planes outside because of the snow. It really is a neat place to visit.
This is the 2nd time Ian has held Hayden....we have wanted to be careful to not get Hayden sick, so we have limited the amount of contact they have with him. It makes me sad, because they really love their brother.
Bryce loves to hold Hayden too, I'm not so sure Hayden is that thrilled.
Celebrating Ian's birthday (Feb 22) with his Head Start class. We bought Transformer Cupcakes. I can't believe he's 5 years old. What a neat little boy he is! Sure love him!
We also took the boys to the Tree House Museum in Ogden in February! The boys always have a good time playing around. I love watching them have fun!
Hayden - late February
Hayden mid February ( our camera won't put the date on the pics)
LAME!
Sweet Spencer....he doesn't seem like such a baby anymore! I love him so much! He is still a momma's boy. He loves to cuddle and snuggle with me! I hope that doesn't change! Spencer turned 3 in January.
I LOVE this pic of Ian! This is the FIRST time he held Hayden. We just got him home from the hospital. (January 20)
Bryce holding Hayden for the First time. I think Bryce was beginning to think we were lying about Hayden. They wouldn't let siblings into the NICU.
I had to stay over night with Hayden before we took him home to learn how to use the Apnea monitor.
Just sleeping. He weighed 5 lbs 11oz when we the hospital. As of February 25, he weighed 6lbs 9 oz

Updated pics of the boys.

Baby Hayden and momma. He is exactly 6 weeks old in this pic and weighs 5lbs 7oz.
Hayden all snug in his bassinet. We put pics of his brothers up! The nurses like to make comments on who they think he looks most like.
One of the first pics we have with his eyes open.
I think Hayden is about 4 + weeks old in this pic.
My sweet little monsters. Just hangin. I love the look on Ian's face. He looks thrilled. LOL!

Christmas Pics...

Temple Square Dec 26th....we met up with Mike's uncle Roy to go see the lights at Temple Square. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!
Aunt Joyce and Uncle Roy....it was so FUNNY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ian thought uncle Roy was Santa Claus and he kept telling him what he wanted for Christmas next year and then asked him for a ride in his sleigh......SUPER HYSTERICAL. When we would ask him who uncle Roy was, he would always say Santa...even though we told him it was his great uncle Roy. LOL!!!!!!!!!
Bryce pointing out a display at the Visitor Center....
A beautifully decorated tree at the Visitors Center... I want a Christmas Tree in my house that looks like that! So pretty!
Spencer all bundled up! He spilled chocolate milk all over his coat and shirt, so we had to improvise with this warm blanky. Cute kid!
Christmas morning....Spencer and the other boys were up at 5am and we made them stay in bed till 6am....it was torture for them....Spence wearing his new Elmo PJ's
Ian showing off some presents...and he's wearing his new Scooby PJ's.......
Bryce showing his new Transformer....these boys love to pretend they are Transformers and they call each other by their Transformer names and insist that they are "transmitting" to each other instead of talking to each other. LOL!!!!!!!!! It's funny to listen to them play!
Boys engrossed in their new toys.
A view of the mayhem into our new living room.....what a mess! Have I mentioned how much I love the high ceilings in our new house??? I need a new Christmas tree....Something HUGE! and of course pre-lit!
Bryce reading a Phineas and Ferb joke book to us in the van! He gets a kick out of telling us jokes! He's pretty funny!
Sweet Ian!
Spencer wasn't enjoying his visit with Santa.....This was taken at the Make A Wish breakfast with Santa....Santa joked with us that if we took the pic just right, sometimes crying looks like they are smiling...in this case it didn't work out....LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bryce and Santa.....Santa actually ate breakfast with us at our table! Fun times!
Ian getting a hug from Santa!
Christmas party at one of Mike's co-workers house.....This was held Dec 11...They always invite Santa to the party and he hands out gifts to the kiddos....
Boys waving good-bye to Santa....
Spence didn't mind visiting with Santa this time....in fact he ran to sit on his lap.
Bryce waiting patiently for his turn with Santa
Ian showing off his gift from Santa....

Hayden Alex - a couple weeks old

Hayden looking a bit yellow still, not bad enough though to be put under the lights....
We get to hold him during his tube feeds....so he rests peacefully in my arms for an hour.
I just love his chunky cheeks....he has dimples in both cheeks, just like Ian...
He's such a sweet little guy! He doesn't cry a lot and when he does, it's very soft....he reminds me a lot of Bryce as a baby...Bryce wasn't a crier and when he did cry it was soft and not an angry cry, just enough to get my attention .....

As of December 27, 2010 Hayden weighed in at 4lbs 3 oz....He weighed 3lbs 14oz and went down to 3lbs 5oz the first week....so now he is putting some weight on.

Hayden Alex - a week old

Grandma Jackson holding baby Hayden. Hayden has the "patio suite" in the NICU at Ogden regional...that is why he has so many neat Christmas decorations outside his window. It's really pretty all lit up at night.
Precious Hayden...
Mommy and Hayden....

Mike holding Hayden....we still can't believe how much hair he has! None of our boys have had this much hair at birth. Have I mentioned that I had a TON of heart burn this pregnancy???!!!

Hayden Alex Jackson

Introducing Hayden Alex Jackson, born Dec 4th 2010 at 8:15am via emergency C-section. He weighed in at a whopping 3lbs 14oz. Not bad for a baby who was born at 28 weeks 6 days gestation. I know this post is a little late in coming and I do have more updated photos (this pic was taken when Hayden was just a little over 24 hours old), it's just that I don't have them on the computer yet. So when I can get Mike to put them on I will update the blog again.
Hayden is now 3 weeks old and doing very well. He has been breathing on his own since he was 3 days old, he eats full strength breast milk through his NG tube and has recently moved to an open bed which means he is doing pretty well at maintaining his own temp. Now we are waiting for him to be ready to learn how to breast feed. It will still be at least another couple weeks because sucking is a developmental milestone and he isn't quite there yet. Although the nurses say he likes his pacifier on occasion.
We are just so happy to have Hayden in our family. We sure wish he could have "baked" a bit longer...it's hard to not have him with us, but we know he is being well cared for in the NICU and we enjoy our visits with him and the opportunities we have to hold him. He is a sweet little guy!

20 week pic of our baby boy!

We have tentatively decided to name our sweet boy Hayden Alex....we're about 80% sure on the name....According to the ultra sound tech he is healthy and growing big...apparently he's in the 87% for his weight and length....oh YAY! If you didn't pick up on it, I'm being sarcastic....Anyhow, we are looking forward to meeting this little guy in 20 weeks...His brothers already love him and are excited to meet him.

Summer ramblings....

Spencer 2 1/2 yrs old, just cheesing for the camera.
Bryce and his good friend Semanee.
Bryce, Ian and Spencer pretending to be firefighters at the Tree House Children's Museum in Ogden Utah. The Museum was free to military this summer. We went several times and the boys loved it!
A cute smiling pic of Ian. 4 yrs old. I like taking pics of the boys in the van because they are a captive target. LOL!
Bryce his first day of 1st grade. 6 yrs old. He didn't really want his pic taken and was acting goofy!


Hmmmmmm..........what to write??? I guess since I haven't written a real post since the beginning of summer, I might actually write about our summer activities....guests, more guests, Lagoon, Lagoon and more Lagoon, sick sick sick, tired tired tired, I think you all get the point.

The boys really enjoyed Lagoon this summer, we live within 20 minutes of the park and since we have season passes, we can go whenever we want provided the park is open of course. Bryce is a boy after my own heart, he LOVES the big roller coasters and can't get enough of them. The funny thing is that I am limited in the rides I go on because of being pregnant, SO that means that Mike has to take Bryce on them. Have I mentioned that Mike doesn't like roller coasters??? His heart pounds, he gets nervous and has to wait several minutes in between rides before he is ready to go on another. I think it's hysterical!!!! He'll ride in an F-15, that's as old as he is, held together by duct tape, liquid nail and a prayer, as well as maintained by men and women who by and large are fresh out of highschool, and yet he is terrified of roller coasters...I don't get it! I will give the man credit though...despite his fear, he does go and it makes Bryce one happy little boy!

Poor Ian, wants so much to ride the big rides too, unfortunately he is still too short for them. By next summer he should be tall enough. Ian is so cute, he really enjoys all the other rides he can go on, and there are plenty for him to enjoy! He is growing up so fast and wants to do everything Bryce does! He had scans this last June and an appointment this last August with the Bone Marrow transplant team....he is doing well. Scans are clean and everyone is so pleased with the progress he is making. I can hardly believe it will two years this coming October that he completed treatment. I continue to be profoundly grateful for the gift of my sons life. I can't imagine being without him!

Spencer, my baby, isn't such a baby anymore...he's a big boy...he gets a kick out of doing whatever Bryce and Ian are doing and doesn't want to be told no. He is such a momma's boy, I'm not sure how he is going to respond when the baby gets here. He still climbs in bed with me at night and snuggles in...Spencer broke his finger this summer...he got it caught in a door....he was super brave though...enduring numerous fingers stabs to numb his hand and finger to get the nail removed and get everything all cleaned up! I think of all my boys, he seems to be the one that gets injured the most... I think it's because he tries to do all the stuff Bryce and Ian do and he isn't quite big enough yet and his coordination isn't the best...when he runs ...his big head is usually leading the way and that can be dangerous.

Bryce is in 1st grade this year...he likes his teacher, but has mentioned a couple times how bored he is... I hope things pick up a bit for him... I don't think he's the brightest kid in the class (he's most definitely keeping up), but after volunteering in his class a few times, I KNOW he's most definitely NOT the slowest.... He surprises me with how much he does know and how much he comprehends! I hope that he develops and maintains a love of learning!

Ian started Head Start last week...lets just say that Ian was traumatized.... I think he thought he would be in Bryce's class. When I took him to his own class, he cried and cried and cried and cried and kept telling me that he missed me. When I went to pick him up, he started bawling and told me he missed me so much. The second day started out like the first, but when I picked him up he was smiling and happy and had had a happy day. So I think things will only get better!

That just leaves me and Spencer to our own devices for a few hours in the morning...no complaints from me. Now if only he starts showing some interest in potty training, we can get him ready for preschool next year. Not to toot my own horn or anything, BUT I have had tremendous success at potty training my monsters....Bryce and Ian each took ONE day to train and no accidents after and no pull ups at night. What's my secret you ask???? I WAIT until they think it's their idea....Spencer hasn't reached that point yet. It saves me the hassle of being trained and quite frankly I would rather change a diaper, than clean up accidents and be trained myself. So I wait patiently, yet anxiously! Ok, so I have to give credit to my amazing little men, it really was their own success and not so much anything I did to train them. I just hope Spencer figures it out before the baby gets here in February, that would be nice!

So in addition to our Lagoon visits, the boys have probably watched entirely TOO much TV this summer. Being green all day and having no energy, doesn't really lend itself to creative activities...the fact that I made it to Lagoon over and over again was a miracle of a semi religious nature...I guess it helps that I had Mike's help and all the guests we had in town, weren't going to sit around my house just because I didn't feel well. So I put on my happy face and pulled myself up by the boot straps and forced myself to have fun! Forced fun can be so exhausting...LOL!!!!!!
Actually, I did have fun, I just wish I had felt better. So back to the TV thing....the boys LOVE Phineas and Ferb. I am not a huge cartoon fan, BUT I will watch this one..... it cracks me up. Anyone who has watched it will know why it makes me laugh!