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......