Happy Birthday...VIP Style

This year I was a little late planning Jackson's birthday party. We tried to have it at Bounce U this year, but I couldn't get it all coordinated in time. About a week and a half before his birthday, I went home feeling sad about not being able to make all the Bounce U details work. I sat down with Jackson and said, "Buddy, I am sorry I didn't start planning sooner. How about if we just have some kids over at our house? We can bring out the speakers and the microphone and you can plug in your iPod?" I was really trying to make it sound "cool." Jackson's reply..."Can we have a VIP area?"

WHAT? How does he know about VIP areas? We've never been anywhere VIP.

And that's how we came up with the VIP Party.

We created a VIP Lounge in our front room. Jackson and Lou put together a playlist of Jackson's favorite songs. We set up the microphone and roped off the section...for VIP's ONLY. It looks like Simon got in without a VIP pass.

We set up a chocolate fountain with a large variety of items to dip (or not). Cheese puffs, marshmellows, graham crackers, chips, gummy worms, oreos, etc.

Everybody loved it...including Uncle Bobby...I asked the boys to dip the craziest thing in the chocolate...chocolate covered Ruffles...Yuck!All the boys wanted to sit by Jackson...

Our friend Tiff made the cake! We loved it.Uh-oh! Is Grandma Bevy in the VIP section without a pass?

I'm sneaking in to get a drink...Present time...

Jonah had a fun time playing with the big boys...

It's time to play the Wii...VIP Style.
We love you Jackson! Happy Birthday.

Batter Up!

Well, I know I've already posted pictures from this season of baseball, but I just have so many good pictures...I can't stand to not post them. We are officially a baseball loving family.

He can really whack that ball!

Jackson has become quite a good first baseman. He loves being in all the action. He is a great team player, and is always encouraging his team mates.

Happy Easter

This is Jackson in 2007...

And this is Jackson this year....

We're still getting our hands dirty, but every year we get more and more creative with our egg decorating. This is Jackson's Clovis High Cougars Egg...Here are a few of the others that we colored. We had a sweet Easter this year. We got some time to color eggs and we had an egg hunt. It doesn't matter how old you get...hunting eggs is still fun.

We were looking for the old picture of Jackson from 2007...because we just love that picture and when we were looking through the old pictures, we found this cute video...

What Have You Learned?

'I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'

'I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.'

'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.'

'I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a life.'

'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.'

'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitton both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back...'

'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, Iusually make the right decision.'

'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.'

'I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back....'

'I've learned that I still have a lot to learn..'

'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'

What important things to think about. These are from Maya Angelou...in reflecting on her life at age 70! Just wanted to share...I have been busy lately and haven't had a single minute to sit down and blog about life. Be back soon! Until then...what have your learned so far in your life?

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Baseball season has officially started! Jackson is playing on the Angel's this year. His coach is a lot more "strict" than some of the coaches he's had in the past. In fact after the first few practices, Jackson was telling us how hard his practices were. We have already seen a big improvement in Jackson's baseball skills. He is a great team player...and we are so proud of him. Jackson played 3rd baseman yesterday for the entire game. He has no problem catching those balls and throwing them right to first base. He is very focused on what's going on and we had so much fun watching him play. Lou, is the "Team Dad" and he has the job of calling out the batting order and making sure the kids are ready to go up to bat. Here is Jackson at bat. He really did a great job. Running to 1st base... Running in to Home plate....Jackson scored a run for his team! WoooHooo! Happy and tired out from running those bases. Taking off his gloves and getting ready to go out field to his spot at 3rd base. Overall, he had a really good game. The weather was great! We don't know if anyone officially kept score, but they all did a good job and we had fun. We are excited for this season. It is always fun to see how well the team improves over the course of the sesaon. On the way home...We're tired and hungry.

Mom & Me

For my Gram's funeral last week I put together a video of pictures. It was a special project for me...I have always enjoyed taking, looking at, scrapbooking, and editing pictures. I am no photographer, but I do enjoying pretending to be one sometimes.

Anyway, in sorting through pictures I found this picture of my mom and me. There are so many beautiful pictures of my mom, but I think she looks especially beautiful in this picture. I played with it a little to try and artsy it up. I just love how interested I look in whatever she is saying.

I love you, Mom.

Almost Exactly Alike

A couple days ago I got an invitation to a baby shower for our friend Leslie Blanchard. I taped the invitation to the back door so that I would be reminded of the upcoming shower each morning when I leave.

This morning while Jackson was waiting at the back door for me, he said, "I just can't believe that Drew and Leslie are having a baby."

When I asked him why he couldn't believe it he told me this (I'll try my best to remember word for word):

Well, then the Blanchards are going to be almost exactly like the Standifers. You know, both of the dads are teachers at Clovis High. Both of the "housewives" have other jobs and take care of all the bills and the check writing. And both families will have a son.

Almost exactly... *********************************************************************************** A while back Jackson was playing the Wii. He was playing WipeOut the video game and he said to Lou as he passed by:

Jackson: Dad, there is this character on here who is almost exactly like me EXCEPT that he is older and African American.

Lou: How is that alomst exactly like you, Jackson?

Jackson: Well, it says "Most likely to succeed" by this player, and that is like me...right?

Almost Exactly....

Miss you Gram...

Today was Gram's funeral. It was sweet. I wish I would have gotten up to say something for two reasons...1. I wish I could have seen all the people there to celebrate her. I know that place was packed. 2. I told myself I was going to if there was an opportunity. There was an opportunity, but I don't know what happened. I got nervous. I started crying right at that moment just thinking of what I would say, and I didn't do it. Gram, I hope I can be just like you. I have always wanted to be like you, but after seeing how many people's lives you touched over the years, it makes me even more proud to be your granddaughter. It was so sweet to see people at your service today who I know traveled many miles to be there just to pay tribute to a beautiful lady that changed their life in some way. It was neat to see people there who only knew you as the grandmother of one of their dear friends.

I loved how you made each person who knew you feel special in their own way. I wish more than ever that I can be the kind of person that you were to so so many people.

I have so many sweet memories with you. I will forever cherish each one.

Love you Grammy. Look in on us from time to time...You're always welcome at the Standifer home. Xoxoxox

I Refuse

Rarely do I find songs that I want to post on here, but today this song came on the radio, and even though I know I have heard it a bunch of times...I never really listened to it.

I actually needed to hear this song today...Funny how that always works out.

I Refuse (Josh Wilson)

Sometimes I, I just want to close my eyes

And act like everyone's alright

When I know they're not

This world needs God, but it's easier to stand and watch

I could pray a prayer and just move on

Like nothing's wrong

But I Refuse

I don't want to live like I don't care

I don't want to say another empty prayer

Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

I could choose not to move

But I refuse

I can hear the least of these, crying out so desperately

And I know we are the hands and feet of You, oh God

So if You say move, it's time for me to follow through

And do what I was made to do

And show them who You are

I don't want to live like I don't care

I don't want to say another empty prayer

Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

I could choose not to move

But I refuse

I refuse to stand and watch the weary and lost cry out for help

I refuse to turn my back and try and act like all is well

I refuse to stay unchanged, to wait another day to die to myself

I refuse to make one more excuse

I don't want to live like I don't care

I don't want to say another empty prayer

Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

I could choose not to move

But I refuse

Remembering Gram

• 
  

***Gail Peters***

• Grammy, I remember sitting on your lap as a little girl while you got your hair done in Janey's salon.

I remember taking baths in your jacuzzi tub with my cousins and lots of bubbles.

• I remember you filling that giant green plastic bowl full of popcorn (not microwave popcorn either, homemade popcorn with butter and salt) and making us a bed on the floor in the living room so we could all sleep together. Sometimes you even got in it with us so we would stop talking and go to sleep.

• I remember being a little girl and my mom and I were at your house. My mom was getting ready to go back to Atascadero, where we lived, and you were going to be coming over the next day to stay with us for some reason. I was crying because I didn't want to leave you. Mom said I could stay and come with you the next day, but I didn't want her to leave either.

I remember you coming to take care of us in Atascadero when my mom had Brittany and Bobby.

I remember going school shopping at the end of each summer and doing a fashion show when we got home. Sometimes you told us to leave some of the bags in the car until Grandpa fell asleep so he wouldn't know how much money we spent.

I remember, during my summer vacations, going to work with you at the office. I remember watching you with your adding machine and thinking that I never saw anyone add numbers as fast as you could. It's funny that now that I have my own adding machine, I don't think I can run numbers as fast as you did.

I remember our fun cruise that we went on when I was 10. I was scared to ride some of the rides at Disney World, but you were so brave and you went with Jill on every ride, even though I know you were scared too.

I remember how beautifully I thought you sang. I would tell everyone that you sang as good as Ann Murry. And you did.

I remember when you got that big blue/silver mercedes and I thought you had the fanciest car...the butt warmers and the moving seats.

I remember one night when I was 12 or 13, my mom had to work late and I was home with Brit and Bob and I was scared. They were both in bed, but I wasn't. I called you and we laid on the couch talking to each other and watching the Home Shopping Network until mom came home.

I remember going shopping with you and Jill on Rodeo Drive. I remember you taking us to Neiman Marcus. I thought it was so fancy. It was so fancy.

I remember going to auctions with you throughout the years and watching you bid on all kinds of antiques.

I remember having my first job in your office and you teaching me how to reconcile the bank statements (by hand). We would write all the outstanding checks down and we would use the column pads. You were my first accounting teacher...It's neat that I chose to do that for a living. All of my bosses are always inpressed when they find out how much work I can do by hand.

I remember you sent me and Luna to Hawaii for my graduation. We had a lot of fun...I don't think I ever told you and grandpa how special that was for me.

I remember living with you and Grandpa while I was in my twenties. What a special time that was for me. I remember curling up on the couch on Monday nights to watch the Bachelor. We watched Trista's season together...religously.

I remember trying to do Weight Watchers together and you would never eat all your points and you would get so frustrated because you were not losing.

I remember when I introduced you to Lou, and how special you made him feel.

I remember you showing me the rings you had set aside and getting excited with you over the thought of me getting engaged to Lou. I feel blessed to have one of your rings as my engagement/wedding ring.

I remember planning my wedding with you. How you helped us so much to be able to have such a sweet, beautiful wedding.

I remember the night before my wedding you gave me a beautiful bracelet that belonged to you. I wore it on my wedding day. I still have the card you gave me with that bracelet tucked into the box.

I remember you making sure we had such a fun time on our honeymoon...Thank you for that Gram...it was special.

I remember you coming to see us in our first little house that we moved into about a year after we got married. It wasn't much, but you made me feel like it was a cute little home.

I remember you being one of my biggest cheerleaders through our fertility struggle. I would call you after each appointment to tell you what the doctor said. I remember being so excited to tell you when we finally got pregnant and feeling so sad for you when we lost that pregnancy.

I remember you bringing me potato salad (my favorite) and chicken and cherries after I came home from the hospital after I had my ectopic pregnancy removed.

I am so sorry that you never got to see me pregnant. I remember thinking how happy it would make me if you came and helped me after I had a baby (just like you did when I was a little girl for my mom). I know that you were not always happy when Lou and I decided to take a break from all the infertility treatments; I hope you know...we are still hopeful.

Gram, I love you. I know that there are so many more memories I have with you. Funny ones, silly ones, serious ones, so many...I feel so lucky to have you for my grandma. I am glad that you are not suffering anymore with that nasty cancer. I am sorry there was nothing we could do to take that away.

You will forever be a light in my life, and the sweetest spot in my heart.

I love you,

Shannon Gail

Update: Life in the Standifer Home

I don't have a good excuse for my lack of posts...I feel terrible for letting so much go by undocumented. I thought instead of try to post one post at a time and try to fill in what I haven't posted I would just do one big update.

Jackson is having a great year...He played indoor soccer this winter and really enjoyed it. We got into it too, and I know Lou was sad to see the league end. But baseball season has already started and Jackson has started practicing with his team, the Angels. I haven't made it to a practice yet, but Lou tells me that Jackson has already excelled at a few of the different positions.

Jackson is doing great in school. He has joined the chess club and has been recommened to participate in Exceptionally Capable Learners (ECL) program. This is basically the GATE program for 1st through 3rd grade students. (Brittany, doesn't this make you proud?). He stays after school on Thursday's for ECL and on Wednesday's for Chess club. Truthfully, he's one busy kid these days between those two things and his baseball. He is doing well though so we keep encouraging it.

Lou's speech and debate season is winding down. It usually does towards the spring. He is still coaching after school and he has a few tournaments coming up, but he has a lot fewer weekend commitments during this time of year. We are planning a yard sale in April to help his team raise money...We are asking the kids to bring in items to be sold at the yard sale and all proceeds will go to the team.

Lou is enjoying music again and singing for a new band, Soul Kitchen. I am feeling lucky because they practice in our home right now so I get to hear them each week. They are already so so good. I just can't wait for them to have their first gig.

Lou recently bought a recumbent bicycle and is slowing getting back on the bike after a long hiatis. I am proud of him for getting back into it...He loves being on the bike so much. His back has recovered slowly, but we say all he time how much better he's gotten. He really has.

I just finished my first year with Chris. Last March I started working for Chris as the controller for all three of his companies, 1430 ESPN Radio/790 ESPN the Deuce/HiS Magazine (that's really only one company), A Plus Signs, & Mega-Prints. It has been the busiest job I have ever had, but truthfully...I LOVE it! One day a week I am over at the station and the rest of the week I am in my office at the sign companies. I really like everyone that I work with...especially Chris and Stacy...they have a sweet family.

I am still doing a few sets of books on the side, but I am lucky that my schedule is flexible and I am able to find the time to juggle it all.

This probably belongs on my fertility blog, but I haven't kept that up either...I started seeing a grief counselor not too long ago and I can honestly say it is the best thing I have ever done. I won't get into all of the specifics (at least not here), but I feel so much happier than I have in a long time. I'll leave it at that.

One reason I have not blogged through the holidays is because, even though we have had some sweet, good things happen to us, we've also been dealing with some extremely sad news. My grandma was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early December. As soon as she started treatment for it her health declined rapidly. Sadly, she passed away yesterday morning. I feel lucky that I have been so close to her, and that we had a sweet holiday season with her. Even though it was so difficult to see her in such pain, some of my most tender moments were shared with her during the last few months.

I'm moving slowly this morning. My heart hurts today, and truthfully, I'd love to crawl back into bed and sleep all day, but I know I need to get moving. On we go...

Gone Fishin'

This morning Jackson and Lou headed out to the lake for some fishing. They met Skip and Jack out there and the four of them spent the chilly morning down by the water.

Jackson had never been fishing before. Last night Lou took him shopping for his very own fishing pole and they sat at the kitchen table last night getting ready for their big morning. Lou doesn't fish too much, but he has a small tackle box so they had fun getting that ready.

Since Lou doesn't fish all that much, he doesn't have a fishing license. When we went to the store to get him a day license, Jackson told the lady at the counter that he needed one too. She smiled at him and said, "Well, you don't need one unless you're telling me you're sixteen." I quickly explained to Jackson that he could go without a license as long as he was with someone licensed. I didn't want him to think he couldn't go if he wasn't sixteen.
They left early...around 7:30 or so. And I don't think they came home until almost noon. Lou said Jackson didn't even want to leave when it was time to go home...

Sadly, they didn't catch a single fish...lots of bites, but they couldn't pull one in. That's perfectly fine with me...I didn't really want to eat trout for dinner.

Jackson's First Job

This year Jackson is in Mr. Amon's class at school. He really wanted to get Mr. Amon for a teacher (since he coaches a lot of sports)...I guess Jackson just thought he'd be a cool teacher.

Well, it turns out...He's been a great teacher for Jackson. Jackson has just excelled this year.

Mr. Amon has several jobs available to his students. There's the library monitor, the telephone monitor, the line leader, the ball monitor, and the lunch count & flag salute leader. Early on in the year Jackson decided he was going to apply for the Lunch count and flag salute leader position...It's kind of like two jobs in one. The job consists of reading the lunch choices for the day to the class and then asking for a count of who would like the 1st choice and who would like the 2nd choice and who brought their own cold lunch. He takes count and sends it off to the cafeteria so they know how many of each lunch to prepare for the class. Once that's done you have to ask the class to "please stand" and lead the pledge.

Jackson filled out a job application and I think he had an interview for this position. It was really the only one he wanted so we were really hoping that he would get it. We tried to prepare him for both outcomes just in case he did not get the job. We kept telling him, "If you don't get it, don't cry and remember it might happen for you if that person can't keep up and do a good job." Apparently you can lose your job if you are not following the bosses orders.

On the day they announced jobs we were really keeping our fingers crossed that Jackson would get the job he wanted...Turns out...HE GOT THE JOB!

Jackson said, "It's just such an honor." Since then he has not missed a single day of school for fear that someone else might have to do his job. He is just doing so well in school and I think having this job has made him feel more confident and I just love that.

Last week the school had their first quarter award ceremony and Jackson was the only kid in class to get 4 awards.

So proud of you Jackson. We just love seeing you excited about school. You are such a good, sweet boy. You are so talkative and polite to everyone. We love you so much.