I saw this on another blog (yours was great, Gretchen!) and I had to do it...you can only put in 5 people at a time, so darn it, we just HAD to do more than one. One is a disco theme and one is a country theme. We were cracking up and the kids agree that it's more fun than embarrassing! Although, Zach does want everyone to know that he "wouldn't be caught dead in an outfit like that!" We had a Merry Christmas and hope that you did too!
Enjoying Thanksgiving flowers from Grandpa Ted...
Trimming the house and the tree...
Hey everyone!
It's Jacquelynne and apparently I get a turn to write on the family blog. I'm not really sure what to write so here we go...
Just about everyone knows that I'm going to Cosmetology school. I started in June and I'm just about to the halfway mark [1000 hours down, 1000 more to go]. Don't get me wrong though, I LOVE it! I can't think of anything else I would rather be doing. I could go on for hours about it...
In addition to hair school, I go to early morning seminary Monday through Thursday, then I have a first period at my high school. This makes for about 12 hours of school everyday. I know, it's long. 
Today we're grateful for all of our blessings! We had a wonderful day hanging out with our friends, Rachel, Brian, and their kids, and our family, including Nate and Jessica. Having Thanksgiving with the Parrish's is becoming an annual tradition! And even though we are so lucky to have Nate and Jess close by, we haven't seen them in at least a month, so we're glad that they picked our house to come to! Both Brian and Nate are two of Zach's favorite people-so he was really happy!
I've really enjoyed what some of you have been writing about gratitude. So, I've been thinking about jumping on the gratitude bandwagon, too...maybe like...TOMORROW! Today, though, I'm in a funk, so I've added a song from the Wicked musical, that just about sums it up...Loathing, unadulterated loathing...let's just say, I loathe it all...Except, don't get me wrong here, this is not about a person, it's just about everything that seems to be piling up...kids fighting, bills, bad attitudes (mine included), kids fighting, homework, oh yeah, did I mention kids fighting?
I just got the letter in the mail...I was accepted to the UVU Nursing program!!! I will start in January! I don't want to sound pessimistic, BUT... it does depend on me finishing the two classes that I'm taking right now, Microbiology and Anatomy- plus their labs, with a C or better. This is looking a little "iffy" as these are super hard classes and it doesn't feel like I'm doing that well. So, I honestly have no idea what will happen.
Gigantic pearl-wearing, neck-biting, Elvis-loving, fairy dust-sprinkling, purring, Jacq-o-lantern FUN! Dad took the kids to the trunk-or-treat at the church, followed by a lap around the neighborhood. It was a little rainy, but that didn't stop them from collecting over 20 pounds of candy!!! (Yes, Zach and Kirsten weighed it.) We finished the night with home-made potato-cheese soup. Yummy!
Jeff's been worried for some time now. What, with going back to school, surrounded by lots of HOT, younger guys...eventually, he figured, it was bound to happen. And after two years, Jeff's fears have come true...Yes, I have a boyfriend. I know, I know! What am I thinking? But let me explain- I met him in the lab and at first, I didn't think too much of him. But once I got to know him, after just a handful of late nights together in the lab, that was all it took to realize that he was the guy for me. With all he had going for him, it wasn't too hard to win me over. He's a great listener, and although he's never actually said it out loud, I can see by the way he looks at me, the way that he nods in silent affirmation, that he really understands me. I know some of you might be a little disappointed, but c'mon, how could I resist? He's always there for me, whenever I need him. Even when all I have time to do is study, he patiently stands right by my side, willing to lend his helping hand. Why, I think that he'd even give me a foot or a rib if I asked! And of course, without an ounce of fat on him, his body rocks! I know it sounds weird, but I think that once you get to know him, you'll fall in love with him, too! Until then, here's a picture of us together, where we first laid eyes on each other...well one of us, at least...
Tonight was my ONE night home from school this week, so we set it aside to carve PUMPKINS! We went online and found some patterns, and the kids each chose one. As luck would have it, not everyone could be home at the same time, so most of the fun was had by me, Jeff, and the three little kiddos. We put on some music and Jeff made dinner, and we talked about our day and everyone laughed. Of course, it wasn't too long before they decided that they didn't like the GUTS, (Dad tried to tell them that the guts were the best part, but they said it made them itchy and slimey!) So then that left just Dad and Mom. I think that they turned out pretty good and the best part was that we had FUN!
Saturday was a busy day... Jacquelynne took the ACT, again, and then went to hair school. Emma babysat for a couple of moms while they attended a funeral in our ward. Kirsten came to school with me while I studied in the Anatomy lab and then she and I went to the mall so she could buy a few things with her birthday money. And Jeff took Zach, Zoe, and Jaymison to the "Boo at the Zoo" at the Hogle Zoo.
Ok, we're jumping in, but I can't promise that we won't sink. I started this blog about a month ago, but in my spare time I have chosen to goof around on Facebook, instead of reading my instruction manual, "Blogging for Dummies". I hear this is supposed to be soooo easy, but I can't seem to be able to make our family picture not be so big that it hits you in the eye when you visit! So, please, please, be kind as I try to figure this thing out. Also, I am aware that I am not the best writer. So, hopefully, everyone else around here will take turns keeping all y'all informed, so I'm not the only one doing everything around here. Wait, did I say that out loud?
