Keeping Up With The Joneses

I know you may be shocked…but actually..we’re only moving our blog.   Hope you will still keep up with us here!

Love,

The Joneses…

1. It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return.
But what is more painful is to love someone and never
find the courage to let that person know how you feel.

2. A sad thing in life is when you meet someone who
means a lot to you, only to find out in the end that it was
never meant to be and you just have to let go.

3. The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a
porch swing with, never say a word, and then walk away
feeling like it was the best conversation you’ve ever had.

4. It’s true that we don’t know what we’ve got until we lose
it, but it’s also true that we don’t know what we’ve been
missing until it arrives.

5. It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an
hour to like someone, and a day to love someone-but it
takes a lifetime to forget someone.

6. Don’t go for looks, they can deceive. Don’t go for wealth,
even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you
smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day
seem bright.

7. Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go,
be what you want to be. Because you have only one life and
one chance to do all the things you want to do.

8. Always put yourself in the other’s shoes. If you feel that it
hurts you, it probably hurts the person too.

9. A careless word may kindle strife. A cruel word may wreck
a life. A timely word may level stress. But a loving word may
heal and bless.

10. The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best
of everything they just make the most of everything that comes
along their way.

11. Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, ends with
a tear. When you were born, you were crying and everyone
around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die,
you’re the one smiling and everyone around you is crying.

- Unknown

You’d never know it’s almost March in Iowa.  The snow is still piled up outside, and giant icicles hang from our house eves.  Could it really be that spring is just a few glorious weeks away?  I sure hope so.  I shouldn’t complain, I’ve spent most of this horrible winter at home, and tucked warmly into bed.  Of course, I would’ve picked the other option (if I’d had a choice in the matter).  Yes, Februrary is almost gone, the month for cozy snuggling with your love and celebrating the most "romantic" of holidays, Valentine’s Day. 

Watching the snow fall from my bedroom window…

Romance didn’t burn so bright for us this year (with the bum knee), however, Brett did get to take Shay to the Father/Daughter Valentine Dance.  I did my best to help her get ready, she looked so heavenly…my sweet girl.  As much as I’d like to take all the kuddos for what a darling little angel she is, I know her Daddy has something to do with it too.  He is that special ingredient in the recipe of her life that makes her heart sing.  She is Daddy’s girl, and he is so totally and fully immersed in her love.  They had a wonderful time at the dance (so I heard).  I made sure to ask Shaylen if Brett really DID dance with her.  LOL  She was quick to answer, "Yes!"  Apparently they danced the night away…stopping only twice:  once to pose for a photographer (of course we need professional documentation of this momentous first dance), and secondly to dine on some fabulous heart-shaped sugar cookies (Shay’s was pink & Daddy’s was red…both had sprinkles).  It was so wonderful to see my beautiful husband (I can say that…beauty doesn’t just apply to aesthics, you know) glowing from this experience.  He had the glorious opportunity to take his little girl to her very first dance…he was…her very first date…just as he is her very first love (she told me she wanted to marry Daddy…aw..this made him cry, by the way), and he will forever hold this very special memory dear to his heart…as will she.

The one below is my favorite.

Brett requested "My Girl" by the Temptations, a song we’ve been singing to Shaylee Baylee Boo since she was born.   They played it, and Daddy and his girl had their special dance.

My honey didn’t forget me on Valentine’s Day (even though I couldn’t have danced if I had wanted to).  He got me some wonderful cards, a box of chocolates, and a new book by Nicholas Sparks.  He even offered to read it to me…I’m waiting to take him up on that (that was the best part of the gift).   The kiddos bypassed Valentines Day for Family Fun Night.  I was stuffed up in bed (as usual), but the pictures look like a grand time was had by all.

These are my chocolates…pretty sure the ones I ate went straight to my arse.  I tried to pawn them off on the kiddos…amazingly there’s still a few of them left! LOL

One of the signs for "Family Fun Night."  Pretty sure Shay must’ve helped on this one…I think the "Injoy!" gives it away!

Shay, Jaron, and Papa engaged in a game of Uno.  Or should I say "injoyed" a game of Uno? LOL

Brayton with his Valentine’s box.  Daddy didn’t get pictures of the other kiddos’ boxes, but I can’t be too upset…playing photographer is usually MY job. I dug Brayton’s box - he did it all by himself!

We had a couple of days last week that were perfect for playing in the snow.  I had to relive it through pictures, since I was physically unable to "go out and play."  I’m grateful that Daddy remembered to take pictures this time.  Apparently the boys helped Daddy and Shay build the snowman below, but only Shay was willing to pose for pictures.

Speaking of cutie pie, Shay, she had a poetry slam at school.  I missed it (I hated missing it too), but Daddy, Oma, and Papa were able to go.  I understand Shaylen did a fab job!  She made sure to read me some poems when she got home (she didn’t want me to feel left out). 

(Pics courtesy of Daddy)

Miss Shay with her teacher, Mrs. Bear

February = Love, Love means Amore…and nothing spells L-O-V-E better to me than family.  We had a wonderful visit from our niece, Dana, and her sweet (now 10 months old) boy, Kaevon (who is now walking, by the way).  We had such fun playing with him and visiting with her.  Oh, how I wish I could keep them…always…but LOVE also means letting go…and having FAITH.  That is something we have had to learn how to do.

February marked some small milestones for me with my knee.  I got my stiches out, and 3 weeks later (a total of 5 weeks after surgery and 7 weeks after my fall), the doctor said no more crutches…and that I’m ready for physical therapy.  I was elated and scared to death all in the same breath.  I have spent 5 excruciating weeks babying my injury since surgery and I spent my first day of therapy feeling like if I tried to bend my knee any further (which realistically wasn’t far at all), it was surely going to blow out again.  My wonderful therapist, Faye, assured me that it was safe, so we pressed on.  Oh, the pressure, the pain, I wish I could say it equalled BIG progress, but it did not.  I’ll have to learn to be happy with baby steps for now.  Each day, with each painful set of exercises…I’m praying will come a big payoff in a few weeks.  I want my life back…I want my kids back…I want my husband back (and my friends…and everything else)!  Most of all, I want myself back…and I’m getting there…I just know it!

PROGRESS!!!

Goodbye trusty shower chair and giant leg prophylactic…thanks for keeping me safe (and dry)!

Here’s a couple pictures of one of the cutest doctors I think I’ve ever seen!

I’m leaving you with my babies…my sweet girl and her sister brother in matching yellow "Iowa" Tees and fuzzy pink slippers.  What a riot, they sure know how to make us laugh!!  We are so blessed…now that’s AMORE!

Hugs ~ Stephanie

Well, I thought I’d better try to write something before the month of January was over.  The month has been slow and fast both.  We celebrated the New Year at home and had a few friends over.  We enjoyed our break with the kiddos.  Brett was looking forward to going back to work, and kiddos were looking forward to seeing friends after break.  I was excited to get back to school, however, on the kiddos’ first day back (and Brett’s first day back), I slipped and fell in front of the kiddos’ school.  Long story short, I’ve had two hospital stays, one surgery, and I’m just beginning one extra long recovery.  I think I’m over the worst of it - which is wonderful; it’s been an extremely painful month.  Brett has been wonderful to take care of me, as I’m very limited on what I can do for myself.  We have been so blessed to have many family, friends, and church friends praying for us, sending beautiful cards, and yummy meals for the family.  The meals have been a huge help to Brett, who is carrying the whole load of the housework, the parenting, and is again playing caretaker to me.  You know - one of my New Years resolutions was to stay out of the hospital this year.  It lasted all of 4 days, I’m hoping to be able to keep some of my other ones.  I was able to switch my classes to online classes, which are going okay, but I wasn’t able to carry a full load this semester with everything going on. 

Brayton turned 11 this month - I wish I could remember celebrating his birthday, but I don’t.  It makes me very sad.  He’s growing into such a fine young man.  I can’t help but feel guilty that I cheated him out of a real birthday.   I’m hoping he will be open to celebrating his half birthday with me instead this year - I’m hoping to be much better by then. 

Here’s some pictures from Christmas - now.

Here’s Brayton, Shaylen, & Jaron before their Church Christmas Concert - Shay sang a solo.  She did great!

We baked Christmas cookies with Oma & cousins, Dana, Alex & Kaevon.

Shay & Cavay had a blast!

These two make me laugh!

Brayton & Jaron baking away…

Alex getting ready to cut out some cookies.  Kye, Kaevon & Dana.

Uncle Brett had a fun time with baby Kaevon.

Run, run..as fast as you can!! 

We loved watching Cavy sing at his preschool program.

The kiddos finished the basketball program at church.

The kiddos were happy to get into their jammies after the Candy Cane Christmas Eve Service at Church.  They were feeling very festive!

Christmas morning!

The kiddos got some cool gifts!

Having a fun afternoon at the Incredible Pizza Company over break.

Bringing in the New Year with good friends.

The cake we had on Brayton’s birthday - the afternoon I came home from the hospital (the first time).  I don’t even remember.

He had a few friends over that weekend for a little party.  I was tucked away in bed, but I heard it was a great time.

The birthday boy…aw…he was little once.

Pictures Brett took of the ice…it’s far prettier when you can stay inside.

A not so flattering pic of me right out of recovery following surgery.  I was in a lot of pain.

Cavy snuggled up and sleeping with Shaylen.  It’s the little blessings that mean so much…

Yes, Heath, I know it’s almost Christmas, and I haven’t updated the blog since Halloween. Thanks for not saying anything…but I know you were probably thinking it!  LOL  I honestly don’t know where the time has gone the last month and a half.  We flew through Novemeber with some beautiful weather…only to get pounded with cold temperatures and snow in December.  I am almost finished with my first semester back at DMACC.  I have one more final to take; thanks to Mother Nature it was rescheduled (otherwise I’d be done now).  Anyway, we’ll see how the last final goes and then I will be anxious to get my “report card” for the semester.  I spent much of November studying for tests and writing papers, while Brett played Mr. Mom to the kiddos.  We had a couple weeks that were extremely crazy.  My mom & Edd spent a couple of weeks in London for a family wedding, at the same time Brett opted out of a two week layoff to take classes to become an inspector at Deere.  Of course, during this time I was still going to school - so yes, it was crazy!!  LOL 

Here’s some pics from November:

We took the kiddos to the zoo while Oma & Papa were in England.

There’s a cute clip of the boys & that large bull here.  The boys used plenty of hand sanitizer after that!!

We took a couple fun videos of the penguins, and the sea lions at feeding time.

We had a blast!

We also took a trip to Story City while Oma & Papa were gone to check on Grandma Apple.  While we were there Dana brought baby Kaevon over to see us.  He’s growing so fast!!  He’s so darn cute too!!  I wish we lived closer to them, I’d be loving on that sweet baby all the time!

Also in November, Shaylen showed continued improvment with her tumbling, and Brayton served on safety patrol.

We also had Church singing in November, for Cavan.

We had Thanksgiving here at our house, and it was lovely.  We had much to be thankful for as Mom & Edd had returned safely to the states, and Uncle Randy & Grandma came to have dinner with us.  We didn’t partake in Black Friday this year.  Although I’m sure there were some awesome deals to be had - I was exhausted after studying hard for a test Tuesday, a test Wednesday, and then cleaning and getting up early to prepare our Thanksgiving meal (thanks for helping me, Mom!!).  So, on Black Friday, I slept in!!   We did get the tree up Thanksgiving weekend, and Brett got lights put up on the house.  The kids were excited to help decorate and reclaim their beloved Christmas movies (I take them away after Christmas). 

Shaylen & Jaron helping with the tree.

….and into December….

I wish there had been more study afternoons like this.  

The kiddos sang and played chimes in Church.

Brett during our blizzard.  He climbed up on a ladder and cleared our dish.  TV is a must during a storm!

Our back deck during and after the snowfall.

The front of house…and another round of snowblowing.

Brett & his snowblower got quite the workout!

 

This kiddos and I had two snow days from school (right in the middle of finals for me).  I wish the darn storm had waited a few days, and I really could’ve enjoyed the time with the kids.  Oh well, there’s no controlling Mother Nature.  By the end of the second day at home, I gave in and let the kiddos go outside for awhile (it was so cold).

This past Sunday, the kiddos had their Christmas program at Church.  They all looked so very nice!  They sang well too!  Brayton had a small speaking part, and did wonderful!  We were feeling very proud.

 

It’s difficult for me to belive that October is over!  I’m a little bummed it went so by quickly, and we had such crummy weather for most of the month it seems.  We didn’t get the chance to play at the pumpkin patch, or make homemade carmel corn.  However, we made the best of the time we had.  In the past week or so, we finished up soccer, carved pumpkins, and trick-or-treated.  Unfortunately we had some cold and blustery weather for beggars night this year, but the kids still made a haul with the candy! 

Shaylen after her final soccer game with some of her teammates.

Cavan before his preschool pictures.

Cavan getting ready to sing in Church.

The kiddos with the pumpkins before and after.

Cavan working on his pumpkin.

Shay

Jaron

Brayton

Cavan ready for his preschool Halloween party.

Brayton & Jaron ready for beggar’s night.

Cavan & Shaylen ready for beggars night.

The kiddos!

Their pumpkins all lit up.

Chloe & Emmitt watching kids go by the house.  I had to put Emmitt on a leash because he wanted to run out every time I opened the door.  LOL

Trish & Rob stopped by their kiddos after beggars night so we could get a picture of Emma & Shaylen together.  As you can see, they had the same costume this year (it wasn’t planned). 

Annual pics at the patch in Gilbert.  (Thanks to the Hubby who took them & played photographer.)

As you can see, Cavan wasn’t in the mood to have his picture taken.  LOL

Happy Halloween!

Oh my goodness!!  What a beautiful GORGEOUS day we had today!!  The weather has been so rotten lately, today was a welcome change.  It doesn’t sound like it will last, which is saddening.  Oh well, what can you do?  I hope you had a chance to get out and enjoy it.  I had a ton of studying to do, but Cavan and I did sneak out this afternoon to play in the leaves.  The older kiddos got a chance to do the same when they got home from school. 

There wasn’t a whole lot going last week, so I didn’t think it would do a whole lot of good to update the blog with boring stuff.  We had cruddy weather (even a bit of snow), sick kids, and plenty of homework for myself!  Everyone seemed to be on the mend by the end of the week, which I’m very thankful for! 

The first snow of the season…so glad it didn’t hang around!!

The kids were pumped about the snow (ugh).  Shay even dug out her snowman nightgown and hung out over the heat vent.  LOL

The kiddos had their fall parties this past Friday.  No Halloween or dressing up for school, which is a bummer, but they had fun anyway!  Cavan and I stopped in to help out in Jaron’s room, and peek in on Shay & Brayton!

We had a busy weekend (this past weekend), complete with a family wedding!  Brett’s cousin, Tim got married to his sweetie, Stephanie (awesome name, don’t ya think?) on Saturday.  We were honored they asked us to sing at their wedding.  Some of you have asked to "hear" the song, so we had Brayton record it with the camera.  Be prepared to feel the earth move…and NOT from our singing.  Brayton is all over the place with the camera, and if you watch it too closely - you WILL be sea sick — just a warning!    See it here, and PLEASE remember we are not professionals by any means!  We just sing for the fun of it!  LOL  The wedding was beautiful and kids had an awesome time at the reception.  I’ve never seen Jaron get so much physical activity in one setting.  He was dancing up a storm and LOVING it!  It was so nice to see family, and have a chance to visit with everyone.  Congrats to Stephanie & Tim!!  We are so happy for you!

Family pic before we left for the wedding.  Cheese!

Shay with Tim (the groom), Brett & Cavy, Brayton with Aunt Colleen, and Jaron with Stephanie (the bride)

We also had soccer games this past weekend, and Brayton had his final game of the season.  He had an AWESOME game!!  I couldn’t believe the way he was playing!  It’s too bad it was his final game!  Brayton played defense and offense on Sunday, and the hubby estimates Brayton was in on at least ten tackles, some of them solo tackles!  I have to admit it was really extremely exciting to see him chase down the ball carrier on two seperate plays.  The first time he chased the running back down the field 15 yards and took him down from behind.  The second time he ran down the running back, he ran for about 60 yards (the hubby’s numbers) and made the play.  It was really exciting, and the Hubby was just a little sad Brayton hadn’t played like this all year long. He still had an awesome season with a HUGE improvement over last year!!  I can’t wait to see what he will do next year! Go Brayton!

On that note, I have a test tomorrow morning and need to get back to my studies.  (I knew you’d understand.)  By the way…this week marks the 1/2 way point in the semester!  I’ve officially made it through the first half of my first semester back as a college student.  Hoorah!