November Life
November was a quiet month for us. I didn't have any photoshoots and we didn't really travel anywhere exciting. We have had really nice weather, so we got to go on a few walks. I'm on a league volleyball team and we are just about to finish that up with a tournament this Saturday. I was pleasantly surprised at the turnout. I was thinking it would be more of an open gym and we might get enough people to play a game, but we have 6 full teams and we play 2 games a week and have t-shirts and everything. It's been a blast, and I have finally started meeting the locals. This month we also finally traded in our Borrego for a Truck and we celebrated my 26th birthday.
Kamille is as sassy as every. She says some of the funniest things and I just have to laugh and go with it. Last month we went to visit Grandma Jackson at her new job in Williston. The boss came out to meet the girls and he picked up Lillian. Kamille marched right up to him and yelled, "Are you CRAZY?!" We all laughed so hard and I don't know where she picked that phrase up. Just the other day she started using "Amazing" a lot. I don't think she quite understands how to use it yet, Example: "Mom I just pooped in your toilet and it was amazing!" .....oh child
Lillian is walking all over the place and eating everything she can get her hands on. She likes to pull Kamille's hair and take her toys. She also like to wander during church meetings and sit with different people. She is the sweetest little girl and loves her daddy so much. She wants to talk to him every time he calls but so does Kamille, so it turns into a big fight.
Devin and I did awesome during November on eating better and working out. I lost 11 pounds and 6 inches! We also had a carb-less Thanksgiving and I didn't even crave the potatoes, rolls...etc. We are continuing to eat better and hoping that we cans stick with it.
I hope everyone has a great December!
Love, Kaylynn Jackson
Kamille is as sassy as every. She says some of the funniest things and I just have to laugh and go with it. Last month we went to visit Grandma Jackson at her new job in Williston. The boss came out to meet the girls and he picked up Lillian. Kamille marched right up to him and yelled, "Are you CRAZY?!" We all laughed so hard and I don't know where she picked that phrase up. Just the other day she started using "Amazing" a lot. I don't think she quite understands how to use it yet, Example: "Mom I just pooped in your toilet and it was amazing!" .....oh child
I hope everyone has a great December!
Love, Kaylynn Jackson
Beef Barley Stew in the Instant Pot
My husband bought me an instant pot for my birthday this month and I have been using everyday! I love making beef stew but I hate letting it simmer for hours on the stove top. I also love beef barley soup but I have never made barley ever! I searched for a few recipes and couldn't find one for the instant pot (maybe you've had better luck). So I decided to venture out and try my own recipe! It was AMAZING! Homemade beef barley stew in less than a hour, start to finish! The meat was so tender and the barley wasn't mush too! (I used the Lux Mini...but I would suggest a larger one because it was over the fill line)
So here is my recipe!
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs stew meat
1 Tbs Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
1 C Pearl Barley
6 C Chicken Broth (2 C and 4 C later)
Baby Carrots
Celery
1/2 Onion
Minced Garlic
1/4 C Ketchup
1 Tbs Worcestershire
Directions:
Saute the meat in the oil on the Saute setting. Season with salt and pepper. Rinse your barley and add it to the meat. Put in 2 Cups of chicken broth (or water and bullion). Set it on Pressure Cook for 25 min. When the timer goes off quick release. Add the rest of the ingredients and set to Pressure Cook for 4 more minutes. Quick Release and TA-DA! All done! :)
So here is my recipe!
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs stew meat
1 Tbs Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
1 C Pearl Barley
6 C Chicken Broth (2 C and 4 C later)
Baby Carrots
Celery
1/2 Onion
Minced Garlic
1/4 C Ketchup
1 Tbs Worcestershire
Directions:
Saute the meat in the oil on the Saute setting. Season with salt and pepper. Rinse your barley and add it to the meat. Put in 2 Cups of chicken broth (or water and bullion). Set it on Pressure Cook for 25 min. When the timer goes off quick release. Add the rest of the ingredients and set to Pressure Cook for 4 more minutes. Quick Release and TA-DA! All done! :)
October Updates....oh and September (ooops)
I was doing so good this year....then I got really busy with photoshoots, then I just forgot about September.
In September, the biggest thing we did was go to the Oregon Coast for the Scott and Julie Lloyd family Reunion. My sister and I were in charge this year. We got a beach house in Rockaway. We planned the food, family pictures, and a day in New Port. It was so much fun seeing everyone and catching up.
The drive was pretty long and because of wildfires near Portland, we had to go the long way home through Boise. On our way home just after dark we hit a broken semi tire with our Avenger. We got a litte dent in the front and got a small hole in our tire. It also tore the plastic underneath out. It was way scary! Usually tires are broken up and it's not too bad when you hit one...but this one was a whole tire tread! We made it to Nampa, to my aunt and uncles and then got the tire fixed in the morning.
October has been full of photoshoots! Pretty much every night. It's been fun getting to know new people and a lot of time Devin and the girls come with me for the drive. This month we got to watch General Conference and a few weeks later my mom came over for a few days to help can and freeze 80 lbs of chicken. Our canned chicken turned out amazing and I can't wait until Zaycon comes again in the spring. I also finally got to use my new pressure cooker! Lastly, Halloween! Kamille was Elsa and Lillian was Olaf. They had so much fun trick or treating and going to the Holy-ween in Stanley.
Lillian is almost 10 months now. She is almost walking. Yesterday she stood up and took two steps to the couch. She likes to hold on to everything and go anywhere. She doesn't eat much baby food anymore. Now that she has 4 teeth (2 more about to break through) she is eating everything we eat. She loves to say Dada and I have only heard her say Mom a few times. She's our happy little girl and I love how much she loves her sister.
Kamille turned 3 on October 9th. She had a fun party with family and a few friends. My mom and I made a Barbie cake and had a delicious lunch! She got lots of presents and goodies. She loves to sing and dance and take care of Lillian. I always find her trying to feed her or change her diapers. She likes to pick out her own clothes and if I show her something she doesn't like she says, "Ahhh that hurts my eyes!" and she won't wear it. She knows all her colors, shapes, and can count to 10. She knows 3 letters (A B and C). She loves to go to Nursery on Sundays and I am looking forward to her starting Sunbeams in January. If I could use one word to describe her...it would be SASSY! Yesterday I told her to pick up her shoes. She looked at me and said, "ummm they are BOOTS!" And she does that horrible sigh and disgusted look when I ask her to help me pick up her toys. (I thought they do that when they are teenagers...not 3!) We love her so much :)
Devin is always working hard to provide for us. I'm so blessed to have him. The girls always get so excited on his days off when he can stay home and play with them. Today when he left for work, Kamille went to her little kitchen and said she was going to make dinner so Daddy would come home. (Because every time I make dinner he walks through the door) He's halfway through his class he's taking online and then he has one more class to get his Associates.
I have two more weeks of pictures and then I'm done for the season. It's getting pretty cold out already, but I hate turning people away. This year has been so busy with pictures. I love it! I have met some incredible families. Sometimes I get overloaded with processing (like now...after this I have 21 discs to finish and get out!) After photography season is over, I can catch up on my scrapbook and get a few sewing projects finished. I also have a few projects around the house I need to finish.
My weight-loss journey: yeah... I don't want to talk about it, but I will. We took a little break (like 2 month break) we thought we could just watch what we eat and workout when we can, but that doesn't really work. I am someone who tracks inches, pounds, water, food intake and work-outs, otherwise I won't do it! so today is Nov 1st and we have started again, and that's okay :) It's better to start again and again and again as long as you never give up.
God be with you,
Kaylynn Jackson
In September, the biggest thing we did was go to the Oregon Coast for the Scott and Julie Lloyd family Reunion. My sister and I were in charge this year. We got a beach house in Rockaway. We planned the food, family pictures, and a day in New Port. It was so much fun seeing everyone and catching up.
The drive was pretty long and because of wildfires near Portland, we had to go the long way home through Boise. On our way home just after dark we hit a broken semi tire with our Avenger. We got a litte dent in the front and got a small hole in our tire. It also tore the plastic underneath out. It was way scary! Usually tires are broken up and it's not too bad when you hit one...but this one was a whole tire tread! We made it to Nampa, to my aunt and uncles and then got the tire fixed in the morning.
October has been full of photoshoots! Pretty much every night. It's been fun getting to know new people and a lot of time Devin and the girls come with me for the drive. This month we got to watch General Conference and a few weeks later my mom came over for a few days to help can and freeze 80 lbs of chicken. Our canned chicken turned out amazing and I can't wait until Zaycon comes again in the spring. I also finally got to use my new pressure cooker! Lastly, Halloween! Kamille was Elsa and Lillian was Olaf. They had so much fun trick or treating and going to the Holy-ween in Stanley.
Lillian is almost 10 months now. She is almost walking. Yesterday she stood up and took two steps to the couch. She likes to hold on to everything and go anywhere. She doesn't eat much baby food anymore. Now that she has 4 teeth (2 more about to break through) she is eating everything we eat. She loves to say Dada and I have only heard her say Mom a few times. She's our happy little girl and I love how much she loves her sister.
Devin is always working hard to provide for us. I'm so blessed to have him. The girls always get so excited on his days off when he can stay home and play with them. Today when he left for work, Kamille went to her little kitchen and said she was going to make dinner so Daddy would come home. (Because every time I make dinner he walks through the door) He's halfway through his class he's taking online and then he has one more class to get his Associates.
I have two more weeks of pictures and then I'm done for the season. It's getting pretty cold out already, but I hate turning people away. This year has been so busy with pictures. I love it! I have met some incredible families. Sometimes I get overloaded with processing (like now...after this I have 21 discs to finish and get out!) After photography season is over, I can catch up on my scrapbook and get a few sewing projects finished. I also have a few projects around the house I need to finish.
My weight-loss journey: yeah... I don't want to talk about it, but I will. We took a little break (like 2 month break) we thought we could just watch what we eat and workout when we can, but that doesn't really work. I am someone who tracks inches, pounds, water, food intake and work-outs, otherwise I won't do it! so today is Nov 1st and we have started again, and that's okay :) It's better to start again and again and again as long as you never give up.
God be with you,
Kaylynn Jackson
Busy Busy August
This month was a crazy one! It started off with a trip to central Idaho for the Earl Reunion and Jason's homecoming. It was so nice to have almost everyone there at the airport. Justin also surprised everyone and flew in on the same flight as Jason. That weekend was way fun and extremely hot. Kamille and Lillian loved swimming in the river and playing with their cousins.
Our other adventure was a trip to southeast Idaho for Carlene's wedding. We loaded up the camper and got to enjoy a few days with family. We were lucky enough that Devin's cousin's wedding was the day before Carlene's, so we got to attend that one too.
In between our trips, I have been so busy with photography. I have had shoots every night available and am booked all the way into October. I love meeting new families and I get excited when I get repeat families. Must mean I'm doing something right!
Kamille is almost 3! She is excited for her birthday and tells me often that she needs a blue birthday cake and barbies. She loves her sister and is always telling her what to do. I hear all day "Lilly, don't touch!" She is always taking things from her and picking her up and dropping her places.
Lillian is crawling so fast and pulling herself into standing position with the help of anything she can find. She likes to pull Kamille's hair out, which is terrible! She also wants to eat human food, but still doesn't have any teeth. She can down baby food and can hold her bottle all herself (which is so nice for Mom). She said her first word...da da... and says it all the time. She loves her daddy. We finally finished sleep training and she is sleeping almost soundlessly in her crib (woot woot!)
And for me.... I'm just running around all the time! I feel like this summer has been all about unpack bags, wash laundry, pack bags and go! And if it's not that, it's chase kids around all day, make some editable food and then out the door for a photo-shoot. For my weight-loss journey: I've kind of slacked off. When we travel, I seem to do good for the first few days, and then it seems pizza and fast food is placed in front of my face! I always said, "If you eat pizza fast enough, it's considered cardio...right?" After our trip to southeastern Idaho I was so scared to step on the scale I almost convinced myself to throw the scale in the garbage and tell my husband someone crazy broke in and just stole that...but then that would make me crazy lol! After a few days of encouragement I finally decided to see where I was at.... down .4 lbs!!!! I call that a miracle. :) The past few days I have been sick with food poisoning so I'm sure I'm back on track with numbers (just trying to look at the positive as I head to the bathroom once more!).
I'm in the process of packing bags right now as I type this....and we have ONE MORE TRIP...maybe...hopefully. I never know. We are off to Rockaway Beach, Oregon for another reunion. This time my sister and I are in charge and we planned a few fun days in a beach house on the coast! I'm way excited but not looking forward to the 42 hour drive round trip! Wish us luck.
God be with you,
Kaylynn Jackson
 |
| All of us together after two years! Just missing a few in-laws |
 |
| Kamille sandwich...stuck between Joey and Emmy |
Our other adventure was a trip to southeast Idaho for Carlene's wedding. We loaded up the camper and got to enjoy a few days with family. We were lucky enough that Devin's cousin's wedding was the day before Carlene's, so we got to attend that one too.
 |
| Together Forever! |
In between our trips, I have been so busy with photography. I have had shoots every night available and am booked all the way into October. I love meeting new families and I get excited when I get repeat families. Must mean I'm doing something right!
Kamille is almost 3! She is excited for her birthday and tells me often that she needs a blue birthday cake and barbies. She loves her sister and is always telling her what to do. I hear all day "Lilly, don't touch!" She is always taking things from her and picking her up and dropping her places.
 |
| Trying on boots! |
Lillian is crawling so fast and pulling herself into standing position with the help of anything she can find. She likes to pull Kamille's hair out, which is terrible! She also wants to eat human food, but still doesn't have any teeth. She can down baby food and can hold her bottle all herself (which is so nice for Mom). She said her first word...da da... and says it all the time. She loves her daddy. We finally finished sleep training and she is sleeping almost soundlessly in her crib (woot woot!)
 |
| They always need the car-cart when we go to cashwise |
Devin is busy working 10-11 hour days. He usually gets home just in time to eat and leave with me for a photo-shoot, or sometimes he just stays home. He is starting an online class this September and only has one more after that until he graduates with his associates. I'm so proud of him for not giving up and trying his hardest to advance in education and work.
 |
| He won't let me take a picture of him...unless I'm in it too! |
And for me.... I'm just running around all the time! I feel like this summer has been all about unpack bags, wash laundry, pack bags and go! And if it's not that, it's chase kids around all day, make some editable food and then out the door for a photo-shoot. For my weight-loss journey: I've kind of slacked off. When we travel, I seem to do good for the first few days, and then it seems pizza and fast food is placed in front of my face! I always said, "If you eat pizza fast enough, it's considered cardio...right?" After our trip to southeastern Idaho I was so scared to step on the scale I almost convinced myself to throw the scale in the garbage and tell my husband someone crazy broke in and just stole that...but then that would make me crazy lol! After a few days of encouragement I finally decided to see where I was at.... down .4 lbs!!!! I call that a miracle. :) The past few days I have been sick with food poisoning so I'm sure I'm back on track with numbers (just trying to look at the positive as I head to the bathroom once more!).
 |
| Finally got my hair cut and colored! I LOVE IT! |
I'm in the process of packing bags right now as I type this....and we have ONE MORE TRIP...maybe...hopefully. I never know. We are off to Rockaway Beach, Oregon for another reunion. This time my sister and I are in charge and we planned a few fun days in a beach house on the coast! I'm way excited but not looking forward to the 42 hour drive round trip! Wish us luck.
God be with you,
Kaylynn Jackson
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Kaylynn Jackson
I am an Idaho girl who now lives in North Dakota with my sweet husband and two little girls. Here you will find the updates of our lives: my children's milestones, silly stories, our travelling adventures, home renovations and our journey to becoming healthier. Welcome to real life with Devin, Kaylynn, Kamille, and Lillian.
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