Eli turns 3!

Eli turns three today! He has been so excited for his birthday - mostly for his birthday cake that says "ELI" on it. 

Eli is a bright, giggly boy who still sometimes walks on his tippy toes. He is quite the night owl--it's usually 10:00 before he finally goes to sleep. C.J. is his best friend -- he loves to do everything his big brother does. 

He is a very sweet child -- he'll often, out of the blue, say "Mommy? (or Daddy?) I wuv you." Melts our hearts every time. 

He has adored pre-school this past year and has learned SO much. He's been writing his own name for the past 6 months - he knows all the letters and what sounds they make, colors, shapes, among many other fun things.

His favorite color is orange. His favorite joke is to say "puppy" which totally cracks him up. He adores helping out, no matter what we're doing, he asks if he can help. He and C.J. love to wrestle together and they fight over bringing the newspaper in. 

His nursery teachers at church (in a classroom full of mostly girls) tell us he's an amazing "dad" -- caring for the baby dolls just like the girls do. And that once they start the lesson, he finishes it for them, teaching everyone the basic gospel principles. But don't worry--this kid is all boy! He adores playing in the hose and the dirt and with cars and trucks.

He is getting taller (67% height) but still very skinny. And his two dimples are the cutest.

Happy Birthday, Eli!

Pop's Obituary

I've been avoiding this blog for months - mostly my dad's fault! I've been needing to honor him and his life, but I just don't have words that are wonderful enough. I don't know how I got lucky enough to be his daughter. I miss him dearly. Here is his obituary.


John Craig Jackson left family and friends too suddenly and too soon, from cardiac arrest, February 14, 2012.

Craig was recognized and will long be remembered as an outstanding husband, father, and grandfather. A gifted manager. An outstanding botanist, especially of phenomenal orchids. A helpful and reliable neighbor. A faithful member of his church. And a very loyal friend.

Born October 14, 1934, in Salt Lake City to David Irvin and Lucile Musser Jackson. After graduating from East High he received a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Utah. He served an LDS mission in North Central States. In 1959 he married Gretchen Schreiner in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised an outstanding family: Milton (Lori) Louisville, KY; John (Becky) Brookfield, WI; Brian (Christine); Matthew (Teresa); Margaret (Barry) Grzybowski, and Marianne (Mike) Woodbury, Bronx, NY.

Survived by his wife, six children and spouses, 17 grandchildren, siblings Wendy Augason, Sam, Holly Alder, Jane Howell, Jonathan, and Rosemary Wheelwright. Preceded in death by his brother David.

Craig enjoyed his profession as a pharmacist and healthcare administrator. He began as a staff pharmacist at Primary Childrens’ Hospital, moved to St. Petersburg FL in 1968 to direct the Purchasing Department and Pharmacy of All Childrens’ Hospital. Returned to Salt Lake City in 1970, he served as LDS Hospital Pharmacy Director until 1990, then as Area Director of Pharmacy Services for Intermountain Health Care. After retiring from IHC, Craig began a second career in public administration, serving as Medical Director of the Utah Recovery Assistance Program followed by two terms as Executive Director of the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Praised by his colleagues and staff for steady and consistent direction of that agency. Craig served as Chair of the Utah Board of Pharmacy, President of the Utah Pharmaceutical Association, and as a board member of the Federation of State Medical Boards.

A life-time active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as bishop, bishop’s counselor, scout master and other positions, most recently as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple.

Always busy with his hobbies, including photography, wood carving, oil-painting, gardening, daily walks in the neighborhood, raising orchids, duck hunting and visiting the family cabin near Oakley. A long-time member of the Timpanogos Club, he recruited many of the club’s current members. He was president of the Bayview Duck Club.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 11 am in the Bonneville Second Ward Chapel, 1535 East Bonneview Drive (1040 South) Friends may call at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple from 6 pm to 8 pm Friday evening or at the Ward from 9:30 to 10:30 am Saturday.

Because of Craig’s passions, please support the (new) Temple Patron Assistance Fund, and bring on the flowers!

C.J. - 5 years old

Well, it's time to start blogging again!

C.J. turned 5 last month. He is slowly overcoming his dislike of clothing. I think we're up to 4 t-shirts and 4 pairs of shorts that he'll wear! And when Aunt Penny was in town watching the boys (while Barry and I made an escape to the mountains with friends for two nights) she bought him socks that he'll wear, too! He must be growing up. He even asked me what "sexy" meant the other day. How do I answer that??

He is still quite the inventive child. I threw away a toothpaste box the other day and he asked at me in disbelief, "Why did you throw that away??" He quickly rescued it and put it in his bed with his other treasures. Boxes, string, tape, and paper -- definitely his favorite things. His monkey (from Aunt Penny) and flashlights are up there, too.

He is becoming more and more independent. Thursday, when I picked him up from day care (about a mile away from our home), he wasn't being very cooperative about putting his seatbelt on. I was trying really hard to be a good, calm, rational mother, so I gave him a choice: put your seatbelt on or walk home. I guess I wasn't being a SMART mom, because my idea backfired. C.J. thought for a minute and then smiled. "I think I know how to get home. I want to walk!" Oh no! I back-peddled, and told him I'd be worried about him - he responded that I should just look out the window and watch for a boy wearing his shirt and then I'd know when he got home... And that he isn't small anymore -- he IS going to be in Kindergarten, you know! I did finally convince him to just ride home with us. Lesson learned for Mom.