The Dickson Family

First Day of 7th Grade

2010-09-24T11:28:00.001-07:00

September 2010 - First Day of School! Bernice Ayers Middle School. Second year of Jr. High. Wow, time flies. I remember when Jade started seventh grade in Utah, I know I cried as I walked down the hall with her. I know I felt overwhelmed walking down the hall with Jade - remembering my own horrible experience in Jr High...I was a huge nerd. I didn't cry when Bay started, not sure why. I didn't walk down the hall with her. Maybe I was more prepared with the second child. Maybe I have accepted the fact that my last child is growing up. I am not sure. I love the difference in each of my girls. They are so different and yet so beautiful in their own ways. I am so greatful

for them. As I reflect on Bailey I am so thankful for how happy she makes me. We laugh our heads off most of the time. Sometimes we have drama, but it is over just as quickly and we are laughing. I am wowed by her talents just as I was and still am, wowed by my mom's. I always wished I could sing and be an amazing performer....but lo, I am like the littlest angel, I sing at the top of my lungs and hardly sound like an angel ; ) So, it is as if I hold a link between the generations. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday that I am a mom. No greater gift ever!!!!!!!! I love you Bailey! Keep up the good work!!!

Last Day of Summer!!!!

2010-09-24T11:20:00.001-07:00

Riding Bikes on Doheney Boardwalk with Tristene!!

Mom made me wear a helmet : (

Ahhhh!!!!! We almost Crash...wait that was with my cousins ; )

Good Bye Summer Days!!!!!

Thoroughly Modern Millie

2010-09-24T10:04:00.001-07:00

September 2010 Bailey starred as Millie, in the Junior version of the Broadway Show "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and her adorable friend Tristene had her first role as Ruth. Set in the 1920's....They had lot's of fun outfits and Bailey had a black wig....she sure looks different!!!!!!! We have the BEST family support! Now that Ashley and boys live nearby they all came. Sunny, Steve and the 4 youngers were visiting, so Sunny and Riley came. Ben and his kids always come. Jessica was visiting - and opted not to bring her 2 yr old twins and 3 month old baby (good choice) - she has opposite of Sunny - though Sunny's are a little older. Nana and Papa came. My poor mom has been sooo sick and still soo sick and just cannot hardly walk, she was sad to miss, and my dad sadly was unable to make it also. The kids were all so quiet. I told them to watch for the "funny" chinamen and the "kissing" scene between Bay and the lead boy. The kids giggled their heads off at that. I couldn't believe how entranced they all were. Sunny had the opportunity to see this on Broadway in New York - I am sure this Jr. version was just as enjoyable and Bailey was just as good as the NYC Millie ; ) right??????

New Beginnings

2010-02-06T13:12:00.000-08:00

"You are a Pearl of Great Price"

If you can believe it...the time is upon us...for Bailey to be 12...and be in Young Women's!!!!!!February 3 we put on an amazing New Beginnings Program with the San Clemente 2nd ward to welcome our incoming Beehives for the year. The theme was "You are a Pearl of Great Price." We had an amazing speaker, Julie Dyer, who spoke on this topic. She was one of those speakers that has the ability to make you die laughing, and then a few minutes later have you crying because the spirit is so strong. She was a little "irreverant" so I loved her!!!!! Not your typical returned missionary, seminary teaching, mormon mom. But "she get's it" and she helped the girls to begin "getting it" too!!! Bay reached for my hand during the speaker, and I can't tell you how many moms commented after the program. They said their daughters would NEVER do that in public. I am so grateful Bailey is so full of life and love and not afraid to show it. The speaker also focused on turning to the Lord in your trials and not the world. Bay shared she had felt the spirit strong that night and knew The Lord would always be there for her. I can't thank my Heavenly Father enough for so many wonderful people that are a part of my life and my girls life. What an example this Julie Dyer was. The girls recieved a very unique gift at the end. It was an "actual oyster" that the girls had to pry open with a special plastic knife. Inside the oyster was a pearl. Each pearl was individualized, some more pink, some more white, some even black. They were all so beautiful. Then they had a beautiful silver chain and special charm that held the pearl. It was to remind them that they are each "a Pearl of Great Price". I love being the 2nd counselor in the YW's program - I love my beehives and feel like I am finally "home" in my calling. And most of all I am glad Bailey doesn't care that I am one of her leaders...She is 12 in a few more weeks!!!!!!!My baby is growing up : (

Daddy Daughter Dance

2010-02-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

Bailey had a Stake Daddy Daughter Dance for Achievement Days on January 30. She was so

excited for her "date" with her daddy. They taught them some ballroom dances and Adam was such a good daddy. You all know he HATES dancing, but he was a good sport and Bailey came home so happy. Thank heavens for daddy's and daughters : )

Bailey's HS Musical Performance December 2009

2010-01-16T17:33:00.000-08:00

Bay performed as Gabrielle in High School Musical. She did it through San Clemente Dance and Performing Arts Center, where she also is on the dance team. She did an awesome job. She had many singing parts and a few duets with "Troy". She took voice lessons and is pretty good. She seems to be following in Grammy's footsteps - she is our little performer and seems to love it.

December 2009 Christmas Baking

2010-01-16T16:55:00.000-08:00

Bay, Kenzie and Kayla helped me (Jen) do some baking for the holidays. Kids always make the experience alot more fun. Why???

They know how to get every last stitch of batter off of a spoon and out of a bowl
They don't care if you mess up on the ingredients
They always say the treat looks and tastes incredible - even if it is only mediocre
They view their own creations as materpieces even when they are lumpy and misshaped (everything has a silver lining)
They make bigger messes and don't even care- coz mom or the aunt will clean it up : )
The pans look like they were filled during an earthquake
They lick their fingers inbetween everything they do and magically we don't all come down with crazy diseases
They scream and shout when the timer goes off - which bugs the dads and papas : )
They get the treat all over their face (but so does Jen)
I just realized the pictures I am uploading about our great holiday baking...are some measley blueberry muffins...we did make some incredible cookies later on....so i can brag about those (no pics to prove though) : )

Jade Turns 20

2010-01-16T14:39:00.001-08:00

We are now officially parents of a 20 year old!!!!! November 27, 2009. We all went to our family's favorite restaurant - BJ's Pizza - nana and papa came along. We had incredible Chicago style pizza and then the best dessert ever - the pazookie- individual cookies baked with a scoop of ice cream on top...sooooo good!! Adam and nanas fav- triple choc, all the rest of us love peanutbutter. Then we saw the best movie ever...Avatar. I am soooo thankful for Jade. I am so glad she came in to my life when she did. I love being a mother- there is nothing better than being a mom. I am so proud of Jade- she is working hard at school and work, she is making her dreams come true, she is building a good career for herself and her future family, she is strong in the gospel and in her testomony of our Saviour. Most of all, she is always learning and growing and striving to be better. That is what I am most proud of her for. Picking herself up, dusting off the dirt and starting again. You have really grown into a beautiful young woman. I love you!!! Daddy loves you and Bailey adores you!!!!

Playing at the Park with 'the twins"

2009-10-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

Jess and her girls were here about a month ago - 1st of September. We did alot of fun things together -The twins voted for the park after a few days of adult errands and shopping.Going out anywhere with Jess and the twins is always an adventure - twins are a handful!!!!! It was great to just go out and play. Jess is already coming again this weekend - can't wait!!!!!

Winter Was Never So Great in Utah

2009-02-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

They say time heals all wounds - time makes you forget what you were missing before - ya da ya da. I will tie my amazingly deep quote into my love of Cali. I forgot how much I loved it. I forgot how much I missed it. I forgot how many friends I really do have. I forgot how much I loved being outside EVERYDAY - either running or walking (mostly walking) the dogs, playing sports with my cute little family, having Adam laugh at my baseball, soccer, handball, volleyball, frisbee, golf, etc, etc. skills. Truth be told - I am the bomb at handball. The only thing missing is Jade. I know she is where she sould be - I know this is important for her to be on her own. I want her to get an education. All the logic is there - but the heart doesn't understand logic. (That was beautiful). Just wait you guys. I read all of your cute blogs and see all of your cute little ones. I wish we had blogs when our girls were little. It is so neat to see how their lives are documented. Ashley - yes it is normal to want to eat up your kids. It is an unsatiable desire to hug and kiss and squeeze and love your little guys. Then they grow up and leave and you miss them so bad and you forget all the snotty talking back, all the naughty behavior and remember them as nothing but awesome. I do have to say I loved each stage of Jade's life so there are good things to look forward to as they age. Though, once they hit about 14 they don't generally like you to tackle them and give them zerberts and kiss them all over. Just a heads up for you younger moms. So - Cali is awesome I love it. I have gotten to see so many old friends. You make friends in new places - it's just that when you are raised in an area where your parents and your inlaws were well known - you run into alot of people who know you or you know them. I actually have lot's of lunch dates and am not home feeling sorry for myself that I don't have more babies or a fulfilling career. (I hope you all feel bad for me).

Another note - I got a job - it is a crazy one that gives me lot's of anxiety but I am never bored. I am working for James Hardy (Camber Carlston's hubby). Planning and putting together all his companies seminars and events. They are hooked up with a law firm and doing loan modifications. Their business is exploding. Plus James is a little crazy to work for - but we get along. Camber and I are having fun together again so it works. They are living right on Beach Row in San Clemente and so our kids and families have fun together. My point is - We are hoping to save enough to do in vitro or adopt. I only have a few more years left so pray we can make enough in the next year or so. (man - I am getting old!!)

Also - I just found out my STUPID doctor in Utah put me on some idiotic medicine. My new doctor here was amazed that I had been put on 2 things that are not even very good and they make you gain weight. One was for blood pressure - caused by my crazy heart - I recently found out. One was for nerve damage (long boring info). About 2 years ago I started putting weight on and didn't understand why. This last year I have been exercising 1 1/2 hours a day and eating veggies, chicken, fish - you know all the healthy crap with no taste - And barely lost anything - no matter how much I exercised or ate healthy it wouldn't come off. I was getting soooooooo depressed. Then I found a new doctor here - he took me off 2 seperate meds. I had to slowly get off of them and since I have been off of them I have already lost a few pounds without doing anything special. I just thought I was old and hopeless and would be nice and round for the rest of my life - thank heavens that is not the case!!!!!!!!

Bay is making friends and having fun. It is hard leaving old friends but she has never ahd a problem making new ones. She writes about her cute life on her blog.

Whirling Dervish in Cali

2008-12-29T15:31:00.000-08:00

By the way if in your wonderings you ever wanted to find out who would win the battle between a maniacal one pound African Grey parrot who would readily and easily pierce any unguarded appendage within reach or a 14 pound white whirling dervish Jack Russell Terrier. Here is your answer. While staying at the parents house, with our two dogs, Lucy decided that Tango the parrot, would be a tasty little morsel and attempted to pull a full grown parrot through a 1" grated cage. Not good, lots of screaming, both me and the parrot, colorful language, both me and the parrot. The parrot somehow survived, to swear another day. Damage done = $300.00 vet bill, a traumatized Tango who looks like he is playing up a false disability claim, two Jack Russells that are having to figure out how to survive outside, and a parrot with at least 4 new cuss words in his ever expanding vocabulary.

In San Clemente

2008-12-10T18:25:00.000-08:00

Bay and I are here! We finally finished the house and we drove to Cali. My dad came and helped me in Utah our last week (Because we had some work to do to prepare the home for renters.) My poor dad drove to Cali in my car with Bailey and our 2 dogs. I drove in Jessica's (my sister) car with her twin baby girlsus drive home to Cali. He didn't relish the drive with our 2 "girl" dogs and 4 girls two of which are 7 months old. We had to sop every two hours to walk the dogs, feed and change the babies and then the adult girls had to use the restroom. Overall the stops took us an extra 2 hours to get here. Dad was so patient and didn't get frustrated at any of us. what a good dad!!!!!! We love you!

Our Last Fall Leaves

2008-11-19T18:51:00.000-08:00

My favorite time of year is fall in Utah. I will miss the fall colors in Utah when we move to Cali, however I will NOT miss the snow! A picture of our backyard.

October visit to Cali

2008-10-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

Bay and I went to Cali Oct 10-14 to visit Adam. Adam and I also went to his 20 year HS reunion. Can you believe we are that old??? We won an award because we had been married the longest. One other mormon couple were married 19 years but we had them by a few months. Our award was a big bottle of wine!! Of course, we gave it away. People were surprised we had stayed together so long. In January we will have been married for 20 years!!!!! Now that's an accomplishment. Without sounding too mushy - Our marriage is better now than 20 years ago - and get's better every year. Anyway - we flew in Friday morning and took Bay to Magic Mountain. We went on everything - Bay was ready to go on every ride. I had to be convinced to go on a few rides - but I did go. Bay has no fear - just like her dad. We stayed with mom and dad Dickson and had the best Sunday dinner. We visited Ben and family, saw my dad and we even saw Jess and twins (she was in Cali at the same time as we were). We got to see JR and family - those kids are so cute!! Ethan has grown so much. I missed my mom - she was touring with the Musical "Menopause" on the East Coast. She plays an X-soap star. She is great at it and will be reprising her role again when it comes to San Diego in February. We visited the beach and Bay got in the freezing water without a wet suit. Adam didn't even want to get in!!! Bay has no nerve endings! I could barely get my feet wet. The trip went by too fast. It get's harder and harder to say good-bye to Adam. We REALLY miss him and are aiming for End of November to make it to Cali so we can be together again.

Vaca in Cali

2008-09-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

Jade Bailey and I went to Cali to visit our dad (my hot hubby) at the end of June. Jess took the opportunity to come and visit also since she cannot fly alone with twins. I took one and she took one on the flight there and back. They were actually very good. We got to hang out with Ben's Family and Brenda's Family, my parents, JR family, nana and papa. We have alot of family in Cali. I am excited to live by all of them. Bailey and Savannah had a few nights of sleepovers with us at nana's and they had sooo much fun together. Nana and papa were so nice to let my family come over to their house to swim. I spent the day with my girls and my best friend from childhood Karen Ord and her girls. We had lunch and pedicures and ice cream (Cali pedicures are xpensive!!!! - I like Utah prices better!) Most of all we spent alot of time with Adam. We miss him so much.

June 2008 Outerbanks with Dickson Family

2008-09-27T19:44:00.001-07:00

June 2008 marked the first year of our Dickson Family Trips! We all went to N. Carolina and stayed in a beach house in the Outerbanks. It is a popular East Coast vacation destination, which alot of us living in the west had never heard of. We stayed in an amazing 11,000 square foot beach house. It had a room for "each family unit" and then had other various rooms for the little girls, little boys and a "teen room" for Jade and Alex. It had a theater room, a pool table, a pool and a huge kitchen and family room where we were able to all gather without getting too smushed (is that a word?). We were just up the street from the beach and were able to take 30 steps and make it to the sand (I counted - did you?). The difference form the California beaches was that there were crabs - not little sand crabs, but big ones! And they were fast and creepy!!! Poor Halle got lucky enough to be pinched by one. I am glad it wasn't me. We rented a kayak for a few days and had fun riding the waves in it. We swam, read and did whatever we felt like it. Well - Adam and I did. The other parents usually had their hands full with kids - lucky them!! Enjoy it even though it can be overwhelming at times!! Listen to me - I sound like an old lady spouting reminder quotes to the younger generation. : ) The Dickson Family sure makes cute kids ! A huge thanks to mom and dad Dickson who made this happen for all of us - we loved it and it will always be an incredible memory. Thank you!

Lake Powell Summer 2008 Vacation

2008-09-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

We had a typical very hot year. Bay learned how to go in and out of the wake on the wakeboard last year and was determined to "jump" the wake this year. She did a pretty good job of getting some good air. Jade does better and better every year and got some great air this year also. Adam is always a stud on the wakeboard. The men entertained themselves with horseshoe competitions while Jen entertained herself with all of the fun kids on board. We missed Michelle and Nicholas this year, but everyone else was able to make it.

New Baby Girls in April

2008-08-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

My sister Jessica and her husband Josh had Fraternal twin girls named Mary Ella and Isabella Rose April 24, 2008. She had an awesome delivery - no c-section - and went full term. The babies are absolutely beautiful and so much fun. Can you believe these are the grandparents??? -