J4

Jackson's home alone scream

2011-12-04T12:32:00.001-08:00

Celebrating Birthday Week

2011-12-03T14:22:00.000-08:00

November was a special month, and we got to celebrate a lot! Jackson turned 4 and got visits from both of his grandparents in November. His present this year was to see "Mary Poppins"live at the Chicago Theatre. He had a blast.

John celebrated with a wonderful dinner at "Stained Glass Bistro" a lovely French restaurant right next door. It was great to have a night without the babes.

Jodi celebrated with a small group of girls indulging on "Twighlight" for a fun night out. I have to thank John for my very memorable new Tiffany necklace - Thanks honey!

We all got to celebrate with a weekend at Lake Geneva, a resort in Wisconsin 1 hour North of us. It was like the mid-west Disneyland. We had a waterpark right in the middle of our hotel! They also had baby-sitting and activities for Jackson while John and I got massages! One special highlight was that we ate Thanksgiving dinner banquet style at the hotel on Jackson's actual birthday. The country band was sitting next to us and serenaded Jackson with happy birthday! He was so surprised and just beaming with excitement. Happy Birthday Jax!

Justice turned nine months today Dec. 3rd! He is just such a happy and delightful boy. He is talking with "mama" dada, and baba (for bottle) and is standing on his own. I am sure he will be walking in the next few weeks! I will keep you posted...

Looking back at the past 20 years...

2011-12-03T14:13:00.000-08:00

Can't believe Jodi TURNS 40!

Dear friends and family, with deep gratitude: thank YOU for being a part of my life... by knowing you my life has become rich and full-Thank you!

Looking Back...

1990 Special thanks to Linda Snow for encouraging me to audition for Disney on Ice and Stephanee Grossecup for helping me find the joy in artistic skating at an early age.

Wow, I can't believe how time flies. Feels like the last 20 went by so quick! Reflecting back over the years, I could only feel such deep gratitude for the friends and family in my life who have shaped me and given me such joy!

Let's see... turning 20 I was on the road with Disney on Ice performing in Dublin, Ireland. What a time! I remember our next city Belfast turned out to be such an experience... With the streets lined with tanks it was a war zone with the IRA. A bomb blast the hotel beside us blowing out windows and shaking our hotel. We all ran downstairs in our pj's.. it was quite an experience. The day after leaving Belfast we read in the paper that our hotel had also been bombed to the ground!

The next five years were filled with fantastic experiences traveling and performing around the world. Japan, South America, Europe, the States. I was so lucky to work with and learn from such great people! I met dear friends in the show and want to thank you all deeply for your friendship. (It has been so fun re-connect with some of you in recent years!)

South Carolina with Magic on Ice was such a great experience being in a "stationary" show. A big thank you to Leary Ice Productions for making me feel part of the family.

After a couple of more show escaped(s) Hawaii, South America and Japan finally decided to settle down and get an education. What a wonderful experience studying choreography and dance, my passions! This was a great time of learning while I taught skating and waited tables to pay the bills. (loved my students!) The modern dance department taught me so much from the inside out. Learning dance from the inside out and humbling me to work harder on more levels than I thought possible.

Next, the Olympics! I felt so blessed answering a little voice inside my head that said- Go check out this sign for interns at the University of Utah. It led me to a job with the Olympic Ceremonies helping to coordinate the skaters for the Opening and Closing. Wow, what a wonderful team of talented people! ...being able to perform the Opening was only a dream come true. This experience was once in a lifetime, and everyone I worked with touched my life profoundly. I will never forget my Olympic family.

At the Olympics I learned that my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. (she is going on 10 years without a trace!) decided to go spend time with her in California. Re-thinking my dream to move to NY and pursue dance and skating I looked for a job in the bay area. What a blessing stumbling on Ballet San Jose and being able to spend 5 wonderful years with some of the best. Working with Ballet GREATS, being able to teach and choreograph projects was an amazing experience I will never forget. ... so many talented children inspired me on a daily basis. Oh yea, and I can't forget my side-gigs. Being a professional cheerleader for Lacrosse--who would have thought?

American Ice Theatre- so thankful for Melanie Kopek for suggesting I pursue my dream of starting a dance on ice company. Without her enthusiasm and support of our awesome board, I probably would have left skating far behind... But thanks to her I have had almost 8 years working with the most talented, supportive, and fun people. Special thanks to Kim, Liz and Billy for keeping it going in the Bay Area and Rebecca for being the first AIT skater!

I also have to give a shout out to my friend Judy Edmunds who I met in France in 2003. She helped get me involved with the "Theatre on Ice" program and it has been such a joy sharing my passion with like-minded, fabulous creative people.

During my "single" years in the Bay Area I have to especially thank my friends at the Stanford ward! It was a turning point in my life to be surrounded by so many accomplished, true, honest and upstanding people. Your examples gave me faith in something bigger and better in life. I renewed my faith and received amazing peace and blessings. ... not to mention my FANTASTIC husband! Thanks Bishop Peery for that!

The Lord answered my prayer for a husband, but not just any husband--(I had a long list of criteria... ) two days later while sitting in an apartment stairway Mr. John L. Haller Jr. introduced himself. Little would I know we would be married a year later! My Prince Charming. Five years later we have two lovely sons: Jackson and Justice. I couldn't be more blessed.

Life is not only roses, but I am grateful for the physical challenges I endured (2 miscarriages and a gallbladder surgery, all in 3 years.) Mostly I am grateful for the family and friends who helped pull me through... thank you!

After playing "mom" for a couple of years I got a call to help out with Redwood City Ice Theatre. What an amazing time working with the team! I miss you all. Thanks for all you taught me. Jackson sure misses "his girls"...

That takes me to today--relocating to Chicago with John's great new job. Special thanks to my friends who introduced me to Ice-Semble! I am really excited to be working with them. Also, I am really excited about the future-meeting people like Kate and Garrett who are carrying on the passion for the ART of skating...

But mostly, it is in the small moments: dancing with my kids in the living room, seeing Justice's smile, or feeling the love and respect of my husband that makes my life complete!

Wow, what a fabulous life I have had so far! Thank you, Thank you for being a part of it. Inspiring me, supporting me, befriending me. I love you all. Looking forward to the next 40!

Special thanks to my family for their love and support!!

Justice's new milestones - 7 months

2011-10-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

Justice has some new tricks the past couple of weeks.
-Giving high five
-Waving
-Saying Mama actually to me
-Cruising and walking his push toy

Good-bye sweet SF

2011-09-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

The things we will miss most in the bay area is our dear friends. Luckily we got to spend some great times before we left... We really appreciated all the help we got when making the big move. It made things so much easier to manage. Thank you!

Shaan and Jackson at basketball

The three Musketeers

Yeah, they love eachother...

Can't forget Justice!

Chicago.... Chicago!

2011-09-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

This July John and I went to Chicago for a job interview. John was getting an offer from one of HP's former VP's to come out and take a job as a Director. We didn't take it to seriously but thought we should look at the area anyway. Luckily our friend Lindy was gracious enough to show us around and take us to church. We liked it, but didn't realize two weeks later we would decide to move our family to the midwest.

John started his job on August 15th and we all moved out the 1st of September. We have been here a few weeks and LOVE it!! We live in Evanston just north of the city near Lake Michigan and Northwestern University. We are in a 3 bedroom skyrise on the 6th floor with a bellman and all. Indoor pool should come in handy when the weather hits.

We are just pleasantly surprised how much we like it and how well we are all adjusting. Jackson has started a passion for reading (mostly sight words) and loves school with his "buddy". Justice started crawling and standing on his own. John is loving his job and his new responsibilities. I am making it to the gym, dance class and soon to be skating too. All fun things. We also love the people here and are making new friends as well as re-connecting with friends of old.

The funniest thing is that almost everyone I meet and talk to has come from California, even the bay area... They love it, and I can see why. Let's see if I say that in the brink of winter... ;)

Milestone for Jackson on the 4th of July 2011

2011-07-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

Jackson rides his bike for the first time without training wheels! I was so impressed he did it on the first try! Love this kid!

3rd try and he can even start and stop by himself... we were so impressed.

Justice turns 4 Months!

2011-07-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Milestones for Justice the past 4 Months
-Rolled over front to back (8 weeks)
-Started teething (10 weeks)
-First laugh (11 weeks)
-Slept 9 hours straight (12 weeks) (it lasted 2 days) :(
-Rolled over back to front (12 weeks)
-Put binki in his own mouth (14 weeks)
-Sits on his own (15 weeks)
-Scoots and moves around the floor (4 months)
- What do I like best about Justice? He is always smiling-even at 5am

Jackson wows us!

2011-06-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

Justice laughing at 11 weeks... so fun!

2011-05-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

What a sweety pea-tutti!

Spring Photos 2011

2011-04-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

We were so blessed to have our family and friends in town for Justices blessing on April 17th, 2011. It was a beautiful day. Our garden was especially BEAUTIFUL as the Haller's came up early and made sure it was perfect for the party. We hosted a nice luncheon after the blessing with lots of friends and family.

Justice - 4 days old, modeling for "itsy Photography"

2011-03-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

http://itsyphotography.blogspot.com/ You can check out the full shoot and order pics from our good friend Ella!

Announcing: J. "Justice" Haller

2011-03-05T22:00:00.000-08:00

We are so blessed to welcome the newest addition to the Haller family. Born 3/3/11 at 9:25pm after a fast and (relatively) easy delivery. He came 7lbs. and 2oz. - 20.5 inches and very healthy. He is eating and sleeping well so far. :)

Thank you to so many of our friends and family who have supported us during this joyful time.

Here are some pictures from the past couple of days. Jackson is such a happy and proud big brother. He especially is grateful that Justice brought him a blue scooter!

Jackson's Jive

2011-01-13T19:56:00.000-08:00

Jackson singing and dancing to his own tune...

Christmas 2010

2011-01-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to stay close to home and host family. We had a great time with Denise, Richard and Corinne for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We had a great time playing games, reading stories, and cooking lots of good food! Jackson got to get creative making his own gingerbread baby. For Christmas day Jackson wrapped up his trusty blanket and gave it to Santa who in turn left him his Christmas present wish... an Octopus. After presents and a great waffle and egg breakfast we headed to Rancho for a walk to the farm. It was a beautiful day. We wrapped up the day with a wonderful dinner.

We were so lucky to also have John's family come for New Year's Eve and New Years. We had a great time which included installing Papa John's hand made stain glass window beside our front door. It is beautiful! Our house always manages to be beautified after a weekend with the Hallers. We are so blessed. Happy New Year!!

12 weeks to go....

2010-11-29T22:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, I thought I might at leased post one picture of me pregnant...

Skating Performance in Union Square

2010-11-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

AIT performed the opening event on Wed. Nov. 10th. They skated beautifully and Jackson had a blast watching...

Jackson's 3rd B-Day Party

2010-11-16T19:45:00.000-08:00

Jackson had an early birthday party on Friday, Nov.12th (his b-day is the 24th) We had a magical time with lots of friends, good food, yummy cake and a surprise train! Thanks to Nana Hume, Papa J, and cousin Mary for all your help! Mac and Cheese never tasted so good!

Jackson's Early Birthday Present from Papa J

2010-10-20T21:39:00.001-07:00

Jackson got a new driver and couldn't wait to test it out in the back yard!

Oakland Zoo!

2010-10-20T21:27:00.000-07:00

On October 8th Nana and Papa Hume took Jackson and I to the Oakland Zoo. Jackson had a blast, especially on the train at the end. However at the end of the day it was Papa and Nana who were tuckered out...

Fleet Week in SF

2010-10-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

In Early October SF host "Fleet Week" a showcase of big ships and fast jets. Jackson and a couple of friends drove up and saw the practices from the Presidio. He ended up playing in the freezing cold ocean... what a treat!

Trip to LA

2010-10-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

On October 1st we took a road trip to LA for the lovely wedding of John's godfather's daughter Kelsey. It was a fast trip but enjoyed every minute. We stayed with John's cousin "John" and Carla who took our family pic in front of their house. What a memorable weekend with family and friends.

Building Blocks

2010-10-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

Jackson got out daddy's old blocks and loved building towers!

Success!

2010-08-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

Jackson was so happy when I picked him up from preschool today. The only hitch (notice the change of clothes) was that he was having so much fun he wouldn't stop to go potty and had a little accident... oh well.

Jackson's First Day of Preschool

2010-08-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

Jackson started 2 year old preschool today at the Presbyterian Early Learning school. He went there last year for the "moms day out" program and loved it, so we decided to sign-up for school as well. He will go there Tues/Thurs from 9-12pm. He was so excited this morning getting ready. He even put on his back-pack all by himself. :)

Napa Trip

2010-08-31T10:09:00.000-07:00

Last week John and I were supposed to go to Cape Cod for a couple of days to relax and for me to attend a Theatre on Ice Committee meeting at my dear friend Judy Edmund's house...

For a few reasons we decided to stay closer to home and John took me to Napa instead. John's parents came up from San Diego to watch Jackson, and also to work on some projects around the house. (love them) So, here are a couple of pics from our trip...So pretty up there!

Yay, we painted the house! (well the professionals did)

2010-08-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Before Painting the house:

AFTER:

New Light-

New Mailbox-

"White picked fence"-

Random Summer Fun

2010-07-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

Besides a few trips this summer, Jackson has had a blast with his friends: visiting Happy Hollow Farm, The beach, the Children's Museum, Riconada Pool, "Toy Story 3" and playdates. We also got to fit in some practical things like Jackson washing the car...

Visit to Sacramento

2010-07-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

We took a last minute trip and braved the heat in Sacramento area to visit Grandma Hume, Papa Hume and Auntie Corinne. Jackson got another ride on the train and the tractor!

4th of July in San Diego

2010-07-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

We took a road trip down to San Diego and spent a week on the beach. Jackson loved his visit with Papa, Nana and auntie Jori

Jackson road the train with Papa John at the 4th Celebration at la Jolla Country Club

Ice Theatre in Ohio

2010-07-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

I got the chance to take the ice theatre team I have been working with to Nationals in Ohio. We had a great time and I was proud of the team. They got a bronze medal in the International CE skating a perfect program! John's uncle "John" built the 7 1/2 foot moon in his wire shop. It was a really neat project.

Summer - catching up with the blog

2010-07-27T17:23:00.001-07:00

In May we went to Utah to visit my Grandma Lucile Pressett for her 90th birthday and my Grandpa Don Porter for his 94th! Jackson has inherited some wonderful genes...! Here are a few pics from the trip.

Grandpa Porter, Dad and Jackson

Cousins and Grandma Lucile

Grandma Lucile

Jackson dances his "mickey mouse" dance....

2010-06-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

Not bad moves for a 2 and 1/2 year old--watch out Justin T.

Party time

2010-06-05T18:17:00.001-07:00

Jackson with the gang as Syd turns 2

Last day of Parent Observation Pre-school

2010-05-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

Jackson did one day of week of "Parent Observation" this year. Basically a pre-school where I also go and learn fun things. We had a picnic for the last day and here are a few pics.

Basketball Class

2010-05-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

Jackson is loving his basketball class. Here are some videos taken 5-15-10

Dribbling Drills

Passing

Shooting (with the help of dad)

Jackson phrases....

2010-05-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

Jackson has some funny things to say lately. I wanted to create a list before I forget them... Jackson will be 2 and 1/2 in two weeks!

1) Mommy you look BEAUTIFUL (this is my favorite)
2) I'm a happy boy
3) I'm a funny guy - Papa J is a funny guy
4) Pick out a cute outfit?
5) Go to the park with Sydney and Evan?
6) Go to the museum mommy
7) Dance to the music like Jackson
8) Jackson is a big boy - I go poo poo potty - Look mom, I made a snake
9) Sorry kitty I pinched you
10) Play basketball at the YMCA?
11) Spaghetti please!
12) Chocolate milk at Starbucks please...
13) Call Papa, Nana, Papa J, Papa Don, Nana Hume, Auntie Jori, Auntie Rinn...
14) His favorite greeting when meeting someone, "See my white shoes"?

Jackson's prayer: "Heavendy Fader, thank you for moma, daddy, papa, nana, auntie, kitty, thank you for blessings, Christ Amen!"

These are some of the best I can think of right now... stay tuned.

New Spring Photos

2010-03-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a look of a few photos from the past few months...

Jackson Sings ABC's

2010-03-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

Jackson had a friend Anika over for a visit in February and decided to serenade her with the ABC's...

New Hoop for Jackson

2010-01-24T15:35:00.001-08:00

26 Months - Jackson got a belated Christmas present. It is so fun that he will play for hours. :)

Jackson's First Time Ice Skating

2010-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

It was so much fun putting Jackson on the ice--he has been asking for it every since...

Football for Papa J

2009-12-30T19:03:00.000-08:00

Jackson's grandpa J has been requesting footage of Jackson playing football...
This is for you dad. :)

Fying high Christmas Day

2009-12-29T08:26:00.000-08:00

Jammin at Disneyland

2009-12-29T08:14:00.001-08:00

My sweet pea

2009-12-29T07:55:00.000-08:00

Christmas with family in LA

2009-12-28T21:32:00.000-08:00

We took a family road trip down to LA to see John's family for the holidays. Jackson's Christmas gift (thanks Antie) was to go to Disneyland...and boy did he have fun. Below are some pics, and we will also post some fun videos soon.

We are thankful!

2009-11-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

2009 has been a fantastic year full of many blessings... We are so thankful for our families who have helped us get settled into our beautiful new home in record time! We are having so much fun. THANK YOU!

We also have to give a special thanks to Grandma Hume and Auntie Corinne who came to help us with our housewarming party! They saved the day and made sure we had plenty of food for the over 40 people who attended.

We are thankful for Jackson who teaches us something new everyday--mostly how to laugh and have a good time.

Lastly we are thankful we were able to see John's family in Carmel over the weekend. It was just beautiful. We have a few pics below before the camera ran out of batteries.

Jodi and Jori at Dinner

Jackson and Dad hitting the practice green at Pebble Beach

Jackson Turns 2!

2009-11-24T11:34:00.000-08:00

Today is Jackson's birthday and what a year he has had... His favorite things this year have been: swimming, playing soccer, basketball, golf, running, and riding his new bike... At this rate, I don't know if mommy and daddy will be able to keep up with him next year!

Our House BEFORE and AFTER

2009-11-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

Here is what we've been up to for the last six weeks! Thanks family and friends for all your help. Our celebration last night was so much fun!

Jackson playing golf, thanks to Pappa J

2009-11-15T19:08:00.000-08:00

Halloween and Bithday Pics

2009-11-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

Jackson has had a fun time the past couple of weeks. He got to go trick-or-treating with his buds in our old neighborhood and attend a fun party full of music and pumkins.

On Sat. Nov. 7th Jackson invited a few friends to join him for "Baby Loves Disco"--a wild party full of music, bubbles, shakers, scarves and other toys. Once Jackson got a feel for the place, he let loose on the dance floor! Grandpa J was in town to help celebrate.

Jackson learns to Dribble...

2009-10-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Jackson loves our trips to the YMCA. He pleas to go to the court and play "B-ball"... Here I caught him in the back yard practicing his shots!

Jackson the Athlete

2009-09-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

For the past few months it has been impossible to get video of Jackson... every time he sees the camera he stops what he is doing and grabs it. However, this past weekend we were able to hide and get a couple of shots of him at Steven's Creek Trail. Here is Jackson at 21 months.

Run Jackson Run

Jackson loves to watch sports and then try it
out... not bad for a little guy!

Woodstock Lane in Mountain View

2009-08-18T14:44:00.001-07:00

On the "home" search front, things have worked out in a great way. After searching for several months we found the perfect house for us. It is a place we can grow into and work on for years to come...

It boarders Los Altos and has EXCELLENT schools for Jackson. The neighborhood is lovely and close enough to the church we could walk!

It is 3.2 miles from our house so we get to keep close to our great friends in Mountain View.

It has some work to be done to get it into "Porter-Haller" shape--but we are all excited to make it our own.

It is so nice to feel like we will be settled for a long time. Thanks so much to Judy and John for your generous help, and for Brendan and Jaime for making this one happen.

We are so excited!

Check out some pics--we get to "move-in" Sept. and I will post more when we are settled.

http://picasaweb.google.com/jodiporter/WoodstockHouse?feat=directlink

Summer Fun / Wyoming Pioneer Day!

2009-07-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

Jackson has had a few adventures this summer with his friends: Tech Museum etc.

For the 24th of July we headed to Wyoming to celebrate Pioneer Day. Jackson got to see his first rodeo and meet a few of his many relatives. (His great-great grandmother raised 17 kids on the Platts ranch in Lyman)

This trip reminded me that even though Jackson sometimes seems like a hand-full... it could be much more challenging...Not sure I live up to the "hand-cart material" my ancestors did!

A week with family

2009-07-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

John, Jackson and I took a road trip down south to La Jolla to visit family and enjoy the wonderful beach club! (thanks Haller's) Here are a few pics and our surprise stop at "Neverland" on the way home... Ok, so it was only 10 minutes off the freeway.

Life's ups and downs...

2009-06-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow June 24th I was supposed to head on an early flight to Chicago to give a presentation at a skating competition--instead, today I find out that our 13 week old baby took a turn for the worst. NO Heartbeat..... I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow at 1:45pm. We are very sad at this time, but know that God has his plan in store and that things will work out in due time. We have been through this before, but it is never easy... My heart goes out to all of my friends who have been through this. I think it is a mother's hardest trial... God bless.

Learning his name-April 2009

2009-05-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

Playing mini-golf for the 2nd time at Easter 2009

2009-05-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

"catch" 15 months

2009-03-21T13:08:00.001-07:00

Favorite word - 15 months

2009-03-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Walking the dog - 13 months

2009-03-21T13:05:00.002-07:00

Dancin Jackson - 13 months

2009-03-21T13:05:00.001-07:00

Happy Jackson - 12 months

2009-03-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

Jackson Turns 1! Nov. 24, 2008

2008-12-11T21:29:00.000-08:00

12 Months

Halloween 2008

2008-12-11T21:28:00.001-08:00

Halloween 2008

2nd day walking on his own - 10 months

2008-10-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

Throwing the ball - 10 months

2008-10-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

Jackson smiling - 10 months

2008-10-09T13:40:00.001-07:00

Jackson's 9th month photos

2008-09-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

5 Months - Jackson's first kiss

2008-09-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

Jackson Swinging on Youtube

2008-09-10T21:16:00.001-07:00