Life in Bozeman Mt

After Ryan graduated with his PhD last August, we move to Bozeman, Mt. Apart from being far from family we love it here. It is beautiful, the people are so friendly and kind and all of us are thriving.

The kids are growing up fast. Daniel age 9, Russell age 9, Lydia age 7, Ethan age 5, and Alex age 2 1/2.

This July 12th makes 10 years of wonderful-crazy-busy-amazing years being married to my very best friend!

I have stumbled upon a new hobby turned part time job. As the college kids left town this past May they left behind a lot of furniture. I picked it up and started painting and then selling my creations on Craigslist just for fun. People have been buying and I continue to come across more fun stuff to re-design. Here is a link to my new blog so any one can see the before and after photos. (I add more all the time and update when something sells). It has been so fun for me to use my talents and the extra cash sure comes in handy with our van braking down every month. :) Blessings come unexpectedly, and this blessing just keeps coming. http://vividfurnishingsbyamber.blogspot.com/

Ryan's PhD is finished!

I can't really describe the emotions running through me today. Ryan Neal Jackson defends for his PhD in Biochemistry today at 1pm!!!! He has worked so hard for 6 years and today he gets the credit for it! Thank you to everyone who has been there for us! My heart is truly overflowing with gratitude and relief that we made it to the finish line! Here is a photo of his 200+ page dissertation!

Twins turned 8!

My Twins Daniel and Russell just had their birthday and are now 8 years old. I can't believe that we have gotten to this point. It has been both slow and fast. :)
I love them so much!

farewell to 2011

Well 2011 was a very busy year for us. Alex Paul was born in January. At 5 weeks old he got RSV and was in the hospital for a week. By spring the doctors discovered that I had postpartum hypothyroidism, and I started the fun of trying to find the right medication levels. Ryan begun his last year of grad school and both excitement and stress came as we started looking to the end of the PhD and on to a post-Doc out of state or a local job. More mental/physical health roller-coasters for me through the winter, but things are improving. Our kids have improved in school and at home. Alex is now 1 yr. and walking everywhere. The twins will be getting baptized in April and are growing up so much. Lydia loves kindergarten and dance class. Ethan is as busy as ever.
We have so many blessings and wonderful family and friends that have supported us, loved us, and given lots of service throughout this past year. We love you all and wish you a wonderful year filled with joy and peace.
Love, the Jackson family

This 2 1/2 year old has been giving me a run for my money lately! He is an expert at making messes right after I have cleaned up.

10 lbs. of flour all over the twins bedroom. This photo is actually of the second time he did this!

Beleive it or not I had this room all clean, except for the papers and books on the shelves and piano.

Yes, that is an entire bag of cereal dumped out on the floor.

I sure hope I can keep up until he grows out of this stage! ;)

Alex with Ryan's family