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!