Christmas morning and Prayers

Santa was very good to Jackson this year! It was so fun to watch him open all his presents. We did have to open some of them on his new tractor! We took him outside Christmas afternoon to learn how to ride his tractor and I happened to catch this picture of him! It just amazed me at how quickly he learned how to drive it! He still has trouble turning the steering wheel, but there is no problem with him pushing the peddle! LOL!

On another note. I am sending out my prayers and thoughts to a loved on in my family. My cousin and his wife recently suffered a loss that I can't begin to imagine. My cousin-in-law was pregnant and had developed recent complications. She was placed on bedrest at 29 weeks. She went to the hospital on Sunday (12/28) and had some worsening of her complications. The baby was delivered that evening and had many complications. Unfortunately, their little angle passed away that evening. My mother called to tell me the news and my heart sank. I have no words to comfort this family, but I believe our Lord knows all and there a reason beyond our control for all things. Please keep this special family in your prayers.

Emergency Room Please.....

Okay, so as many of you already know I'a a nurse and I used to work in our local ER. However, yesterday I found myself as a customer at the ER. I had been trying so desperatly to avoid going out there, but by mid-day I was becoming unbearable for my poor husband to deal with. My reason for making this little trip you ask.... PINK EYE. Not just in one, but both eyes!!! This is the first time that I can ever recall having Pink eye, but let me tell you I do not ever want it again!!!! And to top it off.... we think Jackson may have it too. So, there is a doctor's visit in his oh so near future!

Prayers....

Sending out thoughts and prayers to a family suffering a recent loss. May God give you peace during this difficult time.

Christmas play

Jackson was in his very first Christmas play this year. All of the girls and boys in his preschool sang Milton the Mouse and wore these cute mouse ears! I was impressed that Jackson actually kept the ears on! It was the most adorable thing ever! We were so proud of him! The top photo is of Jackson and Marli (AKA Mauri around our house). Jackson just loves his Marli!

I have been deprived of my computer for a while now. It seems that our antivirus had stopped working so I had to have a "tune up" done to get the ole computer back in shape! (Gosh, don't I wish that is all I had to do to get back into shape- LOL!) Having said that, I have posted a few more pics from my recent family vacation! I also wanted to update everyone on all that has been going on with The Jones family!

Jackson has been growing and changing so much that it has been such a treat to watch him. I pulled out his old pictures from last Christmas and I could not believe what one year has made. Last night he was in a Christmas Program for his "school." The entire preschool sang and danced. All of the kids were too cute (I will post pictures once I get them downloaded!) We have been getting ready for his 2nd, YES, 2nd birthday and I am can't wait to see him open his Christmas presents from Santa this year! We have been reading The Night Before Christmas since the end of November and Sunday night my adorable little boy started reciting it as I read it to him! Once again....amazed by how clever he is!

Jonathan has been doing wonderful! As most people know, he has been running and training for the Music City Marathon in April! I am so proud of how determined he has been with the training (he gets up on Friday mornings at 2:30 to run 16 miles before going to work!) With all his "extra time" (HA) he has also been working for BenLomand and Kirby Realty. The Lord continually blessed Jonathan this year in his real estate! I am so proud to have such an amazing husband and determined husband!

As for myself.... I have been busy getting settled into work at MTMC, getting ready to return to school in the Nurse Practitioner Program and trying to juggle the work that is required of so many moms! As if I did not have enough to balance with the coming year, I decided I wanted to join Junior Axillary of McMinnville. So, in October I became a provisional member of JA and I have met so many wonder women who are all inspiring in their own way! I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful mission. These ladies devote their time and energy to helping less fortunate children and familes in McMinnville.

So, to all our wonderful family and friends.....I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Blessed New Year! May you all have health, love, happiness, and joy this Holiday season!

Gatlinburg 2008 and Christmas in the Park 2008

Here are a few pictures of 2008's Christmas in the Park and our most recent trip to Gatlinburg! I has such a blast at Christmas in the Park and I enjoyed getting to see all the people come out for the festivities! Jonathan brought Jackson downtown and he got to see Santa! Our recent vacation was also a blast! They had Christmas lights lining the streets in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! We stayed in an amazing cabin with my family and just has the most relaxing and amazing weekend. My older brother, Kyle, is the one in the picture with Jackson! My little hunter!! TOO CUTE!!

Relaxation time

This weekend my parents, siblings, and aunt and uncle will be heading out for Gatlinburge! I am soooo excited to show Jackson the Christmas lights (Also excited about some much needed R & R!) This weekend trip has been somewhat of a family tradition since I lived in Knoxville. This is my birthday weekend and while I enjoy the trip, I am not looking forward to another year going by! It seems like this past year has been a whirlwind and my feet have not hit the ground yet! Having that said.... I am hoping this weekend will allow me to rest and come back charged as new and OLDER woman! New Pictures of a family vacation soon to come......

Dinner Time

We went to Grandma and Pa's house for Thanksgiving dinner and Jackson had a blast playing with the toy train his Granny Do sent for him! I was able to make Jonathan take a few pics with us and I caught one of Jackson and his Aunt Tiff. Jackson has currently fell in love with 2 movies... The Polar Express and Cars. These are the only two things we have been watching lately! So, when we went to sit in the living room after dinner, channel 2 was actually playing The Polar Express! Jackson was so funny because he was not used to the commercial's and couldn't figure out where the train had gone! This year Jackson is so excited about Santa. Jonathan and I can't wait to see his sweet face on Christmas morning!

Thank You

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, thank you, Lord that I can hear... for there are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep, as long as possible, my eyes closed against the morning light, thank you, Lord that I can see... for there are many who are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you, Lord that I have the strength to rise... for there are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short and children are so loud, thank you, Lord for my family...for there are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines, and the menu is, at times, unbalanced, thank you, Lord for the food we have... because there are so many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous, thank you, Lord for the opportunity to work... for there are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord..for life.

Author Unknown


Last week the "job loss" that is continually growing among our nation hit my family close to home. My father was "laid off" until mid January. We are hoping and praying that this is just temporary. Times are uncertain for many and I am aware many people are dealing with the same losses. I began to think of the many things in my life that I am thankful for, but these are things I tend to overlook. So, today... and everyday I pray I will be reminded of the blessings I have been given.

CONGRATS!

A special family will be welcoming a new addition around September 2009! We are so excited for Toby, Jennifer, and Marli! I know Marli will be such a big help!

A long winters nap....

It seems like I am only blogging about once a month here lately! I just had to share some updated pictures and information with everyone! Jackson was the cutest little GOLFER you could imagine for Halloween this year. We took him trick or treating the night before Halloween because we left Halloween morning to spend some time in Gatlinburge with Jonathan's family! It was absolutely breathtaking where we stayed. Jonathan and I got lost while going to the cabin and ended up on the top of a mountain! Let me just say the picture does not do the sight justice! I would not mind revisiting that place again soon! Jackson and I have also been very busy this weekend . Jonathan went hunting so we stayed at the house and put up the Christmas decorations! Jackson is having a ball running back and forth playing with the "small" christmas trees. (I put up our large family tree, three smaller trees, and one tree on our office desk- bet you can't guess which holiday I prefer best!) In the middle of all this, I managed to throw one of my greatest friends a baby shower! I can't wait to meet little Asa and spend time with him! I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! Bless you and yours this wonderful season!

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY....

I have been so busy lately that I have not had time to blog. I have been adjusting to working at MTMC and keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed that I will begin school in January! I also just recently joined JA and I am so excited to help more in the community! Joanthan and I have also taken the pacifer away from Jackson and I am proud to say that he is doing pretty good without it! We are slowly working on potty training! He is doing pretty good at it right now, but he did have an accident in his Nana's shoes (sorry mom)! In the midst of all this, Jonathan and Jackson were both really sick last week and I had to be a nurse at home too!!! I am enjoying my life right now.... no matter how busy I am!!!!

More news.....

Kyle's surgery was successful!!!! They did not have to remove any of his colon. The surgeon did find a mass on his colon and removed it though. Apparently this mass has been the cause of his problems! The surgeon said he thought the mass was benign, but he sent it off just to make sure. Kyle is doing really well and he will have to stay at MTMC for 3-5 days, but overall he is doing great! Please continue to keep him in your prayers that he will have a speedy recovery and be home soon! Thanks to everyone who has kept him in their thoughts and prayers!

Please Pray!

My older brother, Kyle, is having surgery today to remove a portion of his colon. The surgeon thinks he will have to remove 8-10 inches of his colon. He will be in the hospital approximately 4-5 days providing there are no complications during surgery. Kyle has been having trouble with his colon now for about 2 yrs or longer and since his last hospital stay he has lost a significant amount of weight. He has only been able to eat homemade chicken noodle soup, scrambled eggs, and Ensure shakes since he came home from the hospital in July! Please keep him and my sister-in-law, Rhonda, in your prayers while they are going through uncertain waters!

Last Post for tonight!

Tonight when I got home with Jackson we went out to our tomato plants and picked some tomatoes! Oddly enough my child loves tomatoes! He had to bring them inside and show his daddy what we had picked and he held his little basket of tomatoes so proudly when I was taking his picture! My little gardener is just adorable... DON'T YOU THINK! LOL!

Tough week....

For the past two days I have been having to get Jackson up and be at work rather early. Last night when I came home from work this is what my sweet little boy was doing! There is a peace that comes over me everytime I get to see him sleeping! It reminds me that no matter how busy my day is that I am blessed to have such a healthy family and life!

These boots are made for walking.....

Jackson is in a stage right now where he loves to wear his daddy's shoes and run around the house! He came around the corner from our kitchen saying "daddy, where are ew?" It was priceless when I turned and saw this! He actually cooperated with me and stood still long enough for me to capture these pics! Gotta love little boys! LOL!

FAIR TIME!

This was Jackson's second year at the fair and he LOVED it!

Past PICS!

I have not been blogging that great lately so I decided to post pics from the past few weeks to update everyone on whats been going on with us! These were a few that I got of Jacskon with his nana and Auntie!

Learning to cook!

Jonathan and Jackson were making noise in the kitchen one night and when I went in there this is what I found! LOL!

Daddy's hands....

I love this picture! Jackson was playing with Jonathan's picks one afternoon and Jonathan was showing him how to put them on! I just had to get this picture! Maybe one day he will look back on this and remember where he found his love for music!

Terrible TWO's

I think Jackson has started the terrible two's already! He has started being more adventurous and getting into more trouble lately. His newest trick is kicking or pushing. He got into trouble today at daycare after hitting another child with a plastic toy and then pushing the child! Jonathan and I both are making sure we are punishing him when he "throws a fit" or kick/hits, but it seems so early that he is venturing into this stage! I just pray that this stage will pass! I welcome any advise from all those mothers who have went through this!

Wonderful News!

I received an update tonight that a very special family was given wonderful news today! There is power in prayer! I am so happy for you guys and your family!

Happy Anniversary!

Jonathan and I celebrated our 2nd Wedding Anniversary yesterday! Over these last 2 years I have come to realize I am so blessed to be marries to such a wonderful man. My husband is such a wonderful, fun-loving, down to earth man and everyone loves him! He is a wonderful father and he constantly provides me with encouragement, love and support. Happy Anniversary to my sweet husband. I love you so much!

Family Tradition

As most people already know, my husband is very talented when it comes to music. This picture actually helped me understand exactly why my husband came to love music as much as he does and why he is so talented. Notice my husband and son to the left (yes, I believe my son will play a muscial instrument). To Jonathan's left is his Uncle Shelton, James (Jonathan's dad), his cousin John, and Uncle Wayne. The family got together for a private concert this past weekend and we had a blast! In the past, Jonathan's family got together for holiday's and all the men would play and sing (I have watched some great home movies!) The last time we had a family gathering was Christmas 2005 at Jonathan's house in Westwood. It was the first time I met Jonathan's entire family and I was very overwhelmed. (My husband has a much larger family than I do!) Traditions are a wonderful thing and I am so happy that both my family and Jonathan's family place such an emphasis on family time! We look forward to more pickin and singin in the years to come!

POUR OUT YOUR BLESSINGS TO ONE ANOTHER

I believe that certain things in our lives occur for a specific reason. Although that reason may not be clear at that moment, I truely believe that there is NOTHING that you cannot overcome and that God does not put any more on us than we can handle. Someone is going through a "rough patch" right now and I am sending out thoughts, prayers, and love for this family! May there be a calm during this storm in your life! You are a wonderful, loving family and there are so many people praying for you!

As everyone knows my sis-in-law had an amazing slip-n-slide birthday party this year! I ended up with bruises and sore body parts even though I only went down the slide a handful of times. It was great, but there were a few injuries (LOL). Hope everyone has recovered from them! These are some of the pics I had from the festivities. Happy Birthday Tiff! We love you and your awesome slip-n-slide! Thanks for the wonderful time! And tell DJ he did a great job!

Special CONGRATS!

I just wanted to send out a congrats to some awesome people we know (you know who you are!) We are so excited for you and can't wait for the years to come!

Let The Music Move YOU!

Jackson was exposed very early in his life to music. Jonathan would play the banjo and I would sit in our old living room and listen. It amazed me that my husband had that amazing talent! I was about 5 months pregnant when we went to Knoxville to see Drive By Truckers in concert and I believe Jackson has had a love for music since then. If he ever hears music he starts to dance and smile..... I can only hope he has a fraction of his fathers talents!

Update on Kyle

My brother got to come home from the hospital this Monday and has been doing pretty well. He is on a very restricted diet and has actually lost around 28-30lbs over the past 3-4 weeks. He is only able to eat soft foods right now and his doctor is wanting to perform surgery on his colon to remove the area that is causing so many problems. Everyone please continue to keep him in your prayers. We are glad he's home, but he still has a journey ahead of him! Thanks so much to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!

Grateful

This Thurday my older brother had to make a trip to the ER at MTMC with a diverticulitits flare up. He has had this for the past 7 yrs and this time was extremely serious . He was possibly going to require surgery. Thankfully, prayers were answered and he has not required surgery at this time. He is doing better, but he is still in the hospital. I am so grateful to everyone who has asked about him or called. Thanks to for everyone's prayers!

Another update.... James is doing great! Thanks again to all who called, texted, or sent messages about him too!

4th of July Stars & Stripes Fun Run

Jonathan and I ran at the 4th of July Stars and Stipes Fun Run today. My mom brought Jackson up town to watch us run and he was so cute sitting in his stroller waving as I past them! This is my second 5K to run and I was very proud of myself. Jonathan and Brent did exceptionally well (as always). Jonathan came back and found me just when I was passing S. High street and helped motivate me to finish strong! So, CONGRATS to all those who ran/walked this annual Stars and Stipes Fun Run/Walk and for all the fun that is provided for the community!

Up next...... training for my first half marathon! Wish me luck!

A bit of thanks....

This picture was taken for father's day and some of you may not know, but our family had a little bit of a scare this week! James, Jonathan's dad, started having chest pains while coming home from work. He went to the ER in McMinnville and was having a heart attack, so he was airlifted to St. Thomas where the doctors placed a stent and he is now doing well! Hopefully he will get to come home on Monday, but he is going to have a lot of lifestyle changes over the next few months. Please continue to pray for James. For those of you who know this man he is such a hard worker and is always willing to help someone out. It is going to be difficult to keep him from overdoing it for a while. He is such a wonderful father and pa and we love him so much! Thanks to everyone who has called to check on him and the family. Your thoughts are prayers have been a blessing to our family!

Independence

This was Jackson's 1st week at Covenant Academy and while he has done very well with transition (except for Monday), it has been emotionally straining for me. I guess it is because my little boy is growing up so quickly. I am so proud of him for being such a big boy and going off to daycare, but a part of me wants to rewind time and make him a little baby again! He is becoming so much more independent! I think we all tend to forget the important role we play in our children's lives and this week has truely made me appreciate the times I get to spend with him. One day he will grow up and it will not be "cool" for him to sit and talk with me or Jonathan. I am cherishing these moments while I have them and hope for many more to come.

I also hope everyone has a GREAT 4th and I pray that everyone can remember the importance of this day! It's not just a day to get together for food and fireworks, but to pay respect for thos who have given us our freedom! I am thankful for all the men and women who have provided our country with this luxury and I pray for those who are currently in harms way! God Bless America!!!!

Jackson's First Day at Day Care!

This morning was Jackson's first day at his new daycare! We got him this lunchbox to carry because he LOVES banana's! This picture of him is too cute, I just wish his eyes were open! He was getting frustrated with me taking his picture! This was the hardest day I have had since I started back to work! He stood at the gate and cried this morning when I left and was saying "momma." I did okay until I looked back and saw his little hand reaching up for me and then I lost it! I made it to the car, but fell to pieces and began sobbing!!! I called Jonathan crying and he kept saying to me "He'll be alright!" I knew this, but I just needed someone to listen to me while I cried!!! I went back to get him this afternoon and he was playing and singing when I got there! When he saw me he had the biggest grin on his face and my heart melted! Everyone please say a little prayer for us that the rest of the week will get easier in the mornings...... for both me and Jackson!