Slice of Life: DAY 16 YOU'RE HALF WAY THERE

Sister Jackson's Slice: 

Big League Chew. Penny candies. Nickel gum. Orange Tic Tacs. Slurpees. These are the things I'd save up my money for when I was a kid. 

My brothers and I would scrounge up change and make the trek down Owens to Nellis to the corner 7-Eleven, crossing the superhighway of a road that Nellis always has been (or so it seemed to my little girl self). We would load up on treats just enough to give us the strength to make it back home all sugared up ready for another row in the mud or a dirt clod fight. 

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Slice of Life: DAY 15

Sister Jackson's Slice: 

The promise of fireside chats in the backyard have me excited for summer. Burning marshmallows and doing Dutch oven chicken are what summer nights were made for. Seeing the stars on a clear warm night that's just chilly enough to need the fire and possibly a blanket, children playing nightgames with flashlights in the park behind the house, wishing for the day to linger: these are the things that make summer something to long for. Summer is coming.


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Slice of Life: DAY 14

Sister Jackson's Slice: 


Sometimes growing up can be tricky with knowing what to let go of and what is valuable forever. I did this funny thing called grow up, but you know what's even funnier--how it didn't seem like I was growing up at all. Little by little it just happened. It really is difficult to tell when the scales were tipped, but I believe it could possibly have been the first time I decided to not go outside to jump on the trampoline when everyone else was going. It could be when I gave my Barbie collection away when I went into sixth grade because "I am too old for Barbies now."  Or maybe it was when I finally stopped dressing up for Halloween (last year). Maybe it was when I had to say goodbye to my parents and not be able to give them a call to ask advice, forced to figure things out on my own. 

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Slice of Life: DAY 13

Sister Jackson's Slice: 

The little children see me in the hallway, and they either smile or they cry. Being the song leader at church for 1 1/2-3-year-olds has been one of the happiest times for me in a long while. These tiny people love me just because I make sure they have snacks and I sing with them for 5-10 minutes (depending on their behavior) once a week.

The cutest thing happened when one of the little cuties' mother ran into me at the store. Her son was in the shopping cart, and she didn't call attention to me until he was right next to me, and the look of pure surprise and wonder and disbelief at how his music teacher could be at the store was priceless. I'll never forget that look. I felt so beloved as a person in that moment--even though he was rejecting reality!

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Slice of Life: DAY 12

Sister Jackson's Slice: 

I miss my mom. She's left the earth for heaven for thirteen years now, but I can't ever let this day go by without honoring her. I've decided to do something a little bigger than just my written words this year: I want to challenge you. 

To anyone who reads these words, I challenge you to write a note of love and gratitude or give a phone call out of the blue right now or send a text just to say you care or find her and give her a warm and generous hug. And do this for you--not for me--not for her--do it for you. 


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Slice of Life: DAY 11

Sister Jackson's Slice: 

Eleven is supposed to be a lucky number (I wonder who was the first person to make that up.) . . . but I digress. Since I was told eleven was considered lucky, my brain picks up on 11:11 at any time of day or night, and my heart makes a wish, I send eleven things in a list instead of top tens like a baker's dozen but one less than a dozen (if that makes any sense). Eleven makes me happy now with two ones side-by-side, separate but a real team. Eleven is lucky. 

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Slice of Life: DAY 10

Sister Jackson's Slice: 

I want a deal--not just any deal either--I want the deal of a lifetime. I want an eternal companion I can share mutual trust, love, care, and the goal of growing together forever. That's a lot to ask, so I figure if I give my everything and can find that, I've been given the deal of a lifetime, and I'll never let it go. 




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Slice of Life: DAY 9

Sister Jackson's Slice: 

Sleepless
Wishing
Hoping
Praying
Wanting to make a difference

Working
Cleaning
Trying
Organizing
Making room for more of what I want

Thinking
Feeling
Planning
Doing
Keeping watch for change to break like dawn over the horizon


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Slice of Life: DAY 8

Sister Jackson's Slice: 

The lights flick on outside, the house begins to simmer down, and in the quiet night I realize that spring is on its way--another spring to want a garden and plant new trees, another spring to see if I can find a swing of things that will be effective. I want my garden to finally be a happy one this year. I want to look forward to the warm summer nights when I go out in the garden and watch vegetables grow and see the stars begin to pop through the dark blue fabric of night. 



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Slice of Life: DAY 7

Sister Jackson's Slice: 

This slice makes a week of them, and even I am wondering how I will make it through this challenge. A couple of things keep me going. 

First, how on earth can I expect my students to make it through thirty-one days of writing without me leading the charge? It would be pretty pitiful if I couldn't make it, but they did. Pih. Tih. Ful. 

Second, this is my fifth year participating in this Slice of Life writing madness. It's too perfect of a streak to ruin things--at least that's what I keep telling myself each time I stay up too late or get up extra early to get this stuff busted out.

Slice of Life is worth it. The ideas, the feedback, the support, the challenge: I love it all. 

Now, I just need to get through twenty-six more slices, and I'm home free . . . until next March. 


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Slice of Life: DAY 6

Sister Jackson's Slice: 

Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the mighty One of Israel.
Isaiah 30:29

A song in this heart and gladness of heart are things I strive to cultivate on a daily basis, but I never considered to what degree and quality I am promised them. I shall have them because God sees me and he knows my heart. He knows what I need to grow and become the magnificent person I was born to be. 

This month I want to focus on remembering this promise, letting it comfort me when times are difficult, and seeing how my song and gladness can make a difference each day. 


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Slice of Life: DAY 5

Sister Jackson's Slice: 

I hear the songs playing in the background. I hear music in every moment of the day. Words are music. A chord. A melody. Harmony. That's something I want. Peace and harmony in every facet of my life is the goal. Goals take us places we long to be. Goals make up the words for the song we find within our hearts. 



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Slice of Life: DAY 4

Sister Jackson's Slice of Life

After finishing up reading Fahrenheit 451 this week, some things have sunk in for me. Realizing so much too late is something that people do--just like Montag. Is it ever really too late though? Is there such a thing as realizing too late? In some cases, yes. However, with the love we have in our friends, family, and God surrounding us, realizing when we are in a mess is just the first step to greatness. So many thoughts are swirling in my mind that I can hardly stop enough to write it all down.

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Slice of Life: DAY 3

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This slice of cake that you see here has a story.

For Christmas, I decided to give each of my children the gift of time going out with me, so I got each of them a gift card to a different restaurant or store, and they had one-on-one with me for the afternoon or evening as we could work things out. This slice of cake is from one of those outings that we call mom-time.

One of my girls and I went downtown to enjoy some dinner and shopping, but we started with dessert first, and I've decided that's the only way to go around here.

Slice of Life: DAY 2

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Sister Jackson's Slice: DAY 2

Not being able to hear properly over the past three weeks has given me the opportunity of realizing the value of good hearing. After sayint "huh?" about 10-75 times within one short day, you catch a clue. 

I am certain I didn't hear some things that were important, but since I couldn't hear them, I don't even know who I could ask to follow up. Over the next several days, I'm hoping I will be able to catch up after catching a clue and getting over catching such a nasty cold. 

Slice of Life: DAY 1

Remember that you are writing a snippet of your life--a slice--not giving us the whole pie, so write well but write with brevity. 

After you post your slice, strive to comment on someone else's slice. 

How to get entries into the 31-Day Slicer Raffle at the end of the challenge: 

1. Post your slice here each day. 
2. Comment on at least one other slice per day.  
3. Slice every day for the entire month (31 days), and you will get an entry into the drawing. 
4. Make at least one comment on other slices every day for the entire month, and you will get an entry into the drawing. 

The raffle is for going the extra mile. Distance Education students are more than welcome to participate in the 31-Day challenge to be in the raffle. 

Any DES who are doing this at a later date, I will reserve a few small prizes to do a raffle at the end of April for any late comers. Please email me when you are finished, so I will know to put your name in the raffle before I do it. 

Sister Jackson's Slice: Day 1

Dishes. They seem to have a life of their own around this place. I find them under bed, yet, supposedly, we only eat in the kitchen area. Could they possibly sprout legs and walk up the stairs and hide underneath the beds because they don't want to get washed? Maybe they prefer having the companionship of broken crayons, loose change, and the occasional dirty sock (and that's only one because we all know socks only go into the wash one at a time!). You don't know.

Gratitude Month - Week 4 (AKA THE HOME STRETCH)

If you have questions about this assignment, please read the introductory instructions: click here.

Please note: There are nine gratitude bites required this week. 

Sister Jackson's super post for Week 4, the home stretch, the finale of Gratitude Month 2015:

1. Really nice pens are something to be thankful for. And I'm serious. Ever since the invention of the gel pen, writing has become all the more a pleasure.

2. Pillows at hotels are something I am very thankful for. However, not all hotel pillows are created equal, and that's why some people bring their own. I am not that type of person. I take my nightly comfort into my hands by trusting the hotel people, but I have rarely been disappointed.

3. I haven't always had a really nice car, yet having any car should be something to give thanks for. Today, I am thankful for being in a beautiful, safe, loaded, amazing car that affords my family and me so much comfort as we go about our driving adventures.

4. I am grateful for living in this wonderful country. There are flaws. There are problems--even dilemmas. I don't want to focus on those though. As I ponder what is good about America, I see freedom, opportunity, and a future.

5. Family traditions. There are so many of these for me that I want to focus on a few over the next few posts.
The first one I will share is pumpkin pie. I first learned how to make pumpkin pie in my twenties, and as per usual, I wouldn't rest until I changed the recipe enough to call it my own. I make pumpkin pie every Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, and it is a family favorite.

6. I'm thankful for Christmas tree ornaments. My mother began the tradition of getting an ornament for me each year beginning the year I was born, and I have kept up the tradition even after her death. As each Christmas season begins, touching each ornament from Christmases past, I am filled with love and appreciation for the memories I have and the Savior who is at the center.

7. Another tradition to be grateful for is going out to look at Christmas lights. My parents took us out each year at least once, and we'd sing Christmas carols as we drove around enjoying the sparkling lights. The best part about this tradition is that I keep it going with my own children. Every year, we drive around our neighborhood and stop at this house that has a radio station of their own with Christmas songs synced to their light show. It's phenomenal. And speaking of phenomenal, we also go to the Lights at Temple Square most years too. Since moving to northern Utah, we have gone every year except last year when finishing up my degree caused us to not have any time for making the trek.

8. "Is being grateful for being grateful a thing?" said my oldest son. I say it is. Not everyone can or will take time to see what is right in front of them making their life good. I'm grateful that I am able and want to take time to recognize the many things that give me something to look forward to every single day.

9. As this gratitude month challenge closes, I want to express my gratitude for the chance I've had to share my thoughts with all of you. Without an audience, sometimes writing feels empty or devoid of purpose. I am thankful for each one of you. I'm thankful for the conversations we've had about what we find important and worthy of mention. I'm thankful for what you have brought to my mind as you have shared your gratitude bites. I'm thankful for each student who has tried to get over their fear of writing and sharing by just writing and sharing despite the fear.

I'm thankful for being your teacher.

As a bonus since Christmas is now a month away, here is a video of "Silent Night" in Gaelic by Enya. Notice how music brings the words to our minds that we already know. It makes me realize how music is a universal language, and that is how spiritual music leads us to God no matter what language we speak, read, and write.

Oíche Chiúin (Silent Night)

Gratitude Month - Week 3

If you have questions about this assignment, please read the introductory instructions: click here.

Sister Jackson's super post for Week 3:

1. Four years ago, I began writing a blog series titled "Seeking to Become" in an effort to draw closer to Christ as the days of my divorce began to drag upon my soul. I'm thankful my four years ago self recognized a need and did something about it. While there have been a few months here and there when life ran away from itself, I am truly thankful for having these scripture challenges written down in order that I may still draw upon them for focus and spiritual strength.

2. My oldest daughter. This girl has taught me so much. I've learned what it means to truly need others. She shows me in each day what compassion looks like--and it's not because I need to show it to her, but because she shows compassion to all those around her.

3. My oldest son. He teaches me how to not be so serious, how to find the fun in any task. Being able to laugh at how apparently unlucky we have been while recognizing how blessed we continue to be shows me how to be. Furthermore, I am thankful for his kind heart and resilience when faced with seemingly impossible odds.

4. My younger daughter. It is no small thing to see yourself so completely in someone else. When she talks about things she is excited about, I hear myself. Whenever she gets negative about the world around us, I see myself too. Because she is so much like me, she reminds me that I can excel, that I am helpful and kind, and that seeing the world in a positive light is invaluable. Her example helps me remember who I want to be as I see her becoming a wonderful young woman.

5. My baby. Well, he's not a baby anymore. He will be turning ten years old pretty soon, and that's definitely not the time for measuring age by weeks. So anyway. This little boy reaches out to me daily for help. He is able to show me my purpose as a mother in his observations. He shows me that I am a teacher of life and that I need to remember my purpose and who I am in order to help my family the best.

6. Becoming a mother has been transformational for me. I am thankful every day for the things I have learned and am learning in this role. I can hardly imagine who I would be without any children.

7. I've already written about my gratitude for music, but I'd like to take a moment to share my love for spiritually uplifting music. There are many genres that fall into this category, yet there's nothing quite like hymns of the gospel to teach and bless us through their words and beautiful sounds. I'm grateful for the songs that touch my soul, reminding me that there is a God who created me and loves me.

This past week, my son, Christian, shared this song with me. I'd like to thank Brother DeGraff for sharing it with him, so that he could share it with me and bless me by it.  I hope you all enjoy it.

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Gratitude Month - Week 2

If you have questions about this assignment, please read the introductory instructions: click here.

Sister Jackson's super post for Week 2: 

1. Since my parents passed away over a decade ago, I have come to value even more so the family I still have in my life. It's a strange thing to realize that no one on this earth has to love me except for my children, and even then, that's debatable. I am thankful for the blessing of family. I am thankful that families can be eternal. 

2. Road trips are a cheap thrill and one of my favorite types of adventure. I've gone on many road trips with my brothers since we've all been alive, and while I used to feel quite tortured being the only girl on these trips, they are some of my fondest memories. Driving down the highway watching for new things, beautiful things, fun things adds to the conversations in interesting ways, which keeps me happy. 

3. I'm thankful today and everyday for my grandparents. I didn't get to know my father's parents, but I'm thankful for the rich heritage I was given by his father and the example of a strong, determined Christian woman set by his mother. I've grown up knowing my mother's parents, and they are still alive. It's strange for my children to know their great-grandparents and not their grandparents, but we are just glad to have them around still. I love them so very much. My grandma is a selfless, fun-loving woman who teaches me how to love with her unassuming way. My grandpa is someone who is reserved, but once he gets talking, he tells you the most amazing stories. He has lived life with a quiet zest that I can only hope to imitate. 

4. Pine nuts. I know that might sound strange to be thankful for something so small, literally small even, but I enjoy them so much. Pine nuts seem to have always been a rarity wherever I've lived. You can only get them in autumn if you get them from the right places. While I'm at it, I'm also thankful for the people who take the time to pick those things. It must be a tedious task. 

5. If I could choose one common yet wonderful thing for existence to make mention of this month, I'd pick soap. Soap gets us clean at the very least. And even still, there are beautiful soaps for decoration, ones that smell delightful and help us smell that way. There are soaps for hands, hair, bodies, laundry. One of my most favorites is bubble bath. 

6. My heart is full of hope all the time. I want to give thanks for my faith in God and the religion I have embraced that puts this hope there. My life is beautiful despite the pain and suffering. My days are spent with a sense of meaning and fulfillment. I keep my eyes focused on the promised peace that is mine to enjoy as I strengthen my faith in Christ. 

7. Sunshine and fall leaves and the light just before dawn. Crisp mornings and the smell of baked cinnamon and apples. I'm thankful for the seasons changing. I'm glad for something new to remind me that even though this summer brought me tears, I can still find beauty in the world around me and be glad. 

Gratitude Month - Week 1

If you have questions about this assignment, please read the introductory instructions: click here.

Sister Jackson's Super Post for Week One: 

1. It is difficult to know what to write about first when I have so much to be thankful for. I guess I'll express my deep appreciation for being able to write. I love words and communicating with others, and life would not be the same for me if I could not write. Today I am especially thankful that I'm able to share my gratitude over this coming month with you.

2. Taking time out to watch movies with the people I love is one of my favorite things. Whenever we can, my children and I love to flop down on our giant bean bags in the basement and watch movies as a family. When I get together with my lady friends for a girls night out, we go to the movies. When I go to visit family out of state, we try to squeeze in a movie. I have one particular friend that I watch movies with long distance, calling it a watch-along, and it's a cherished time just for us. One thing I don't like much is going to the movies on dates with people I barely know. Nevertheless, watching movies makes me happy, and I am thankful to have access to such a luxury. 

3. I'm grateful for fresh water. That might sound basic to you, but I mean it. Every once in awhile I catch myself taking it for granted; however, as soon as I notice, I correct myself. Not everyone around the world has access to such plentiful and clean water. It is something I hope I never forget to have gratitude for. 

4. Being able to care for my family as well as I do fills me with gratitude and humility. I have strength of mind and body (well, that first part is debatable.); I have a job that I love, which makes it possible for me to provide for their needs as well as mine; and there are innumerable people who give us support in many ways in which I cannot help us. Because of others helping me, I am able to do more than is humanly possible. 

5. I am thankful for music. I enjoy songs from almost every genre created. It began with show tunes in movie musicals and classical music, expanding my horizons to oldies, country/western, and then in the 80s, it exploded from there. My love of music has yet to cool. 

6. My home is a place of comfort for me. I grew up in the same house since I was two years old, and it's still owned by my family, so settling in somewhere of my own has felt right. Although, over the past year, I have realized that home is where the heart is, so I don't feel so attached to the actual location but more of the idea of home. Having a place to share with my loved ones, to spend time and to feel safe and cherished with them, grants peace in my crazy world. My heart is full at these thoughts. 

7. I'm truly thankful for flowers. I love fragrant flowers, beautiful flowers, spring tulips and lilacs, summer roses and sunflowers, and all of the more rare autumn blooms. Flowers in my yard, hanging in baskets, or cut in a vase, there's something about flowers that I love.