tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24384680891588992542024-03-14T04:25:42.655-07:00Blue Chicken Dinnerschristiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-13838774023351564622009-08-26T17:43:00.000-07:002009-08-26T19:48:41.134-07:00Lake Ida Minnesota!<div>We're back from "my side" of the family reunion in Minnesota. We had a great time being together and the cousins had endless fun. There was all kinds of activities to be shared... fishing, frog catching, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">botchy</span> ball, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">smores</span>, monster (Titus was the honorary monster all week), tickling and lots random running around. We got to visit a water park and a state fair where on a whim Jarrod and I put Josiah and Titus on a cute and seemingly harmless "little kid" roller <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">coaster</span>. The boy's deer in the head light look remained in tack the entire ride and Jarrod and I never laughed so hard. We never truly could <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">decipher</span> if they enjoyed it. </div><div>And the last night there everyone but myself (didn't feel well) attended the demolition derby. It was Jarrod's first and he said he loved it. I think it's true-men never do grow out of smashing cars into each other.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcsY_NCXmHAKK5RY-6bHRbMqunrs1m96W6OkU028BcBAlceVACdeOtuxhi0fZ2wkZGWiJUmFbpWEFVpa9ET971yFyQfeM9HihuGkdQgbllvnean_0k4DsjqkSzlghE1QTn6iBkg8xNkg/s1600-h/IMG_0718.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcsY_NCXmHAKK5RY-6bHRbMqunrs1m96W6OkU028BcBAlceVACdeOtuxhi0fZ2wkZGWiJUmFbpWEFVpa9ET971yFyQfeM9HihuGkdQgbllvnean_0k4DsjqkSzlghE1QTn6iBkg8xNkg/s320/IMG_0718.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374455771011105970" /></a><br />Cousin Willy and Titus<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHVpVjIMvuQgLbvCL_epgnShgZjVaMgtOd0GMg6j52-wKf6aE0L5SKWongzxtTWFZknN_vY9uYnHlVGh2Y4Q8_pbmKaGgYCuUMcsbXjvXzTUMChGVoWzEXNkufx50wj7xnvgcA6f4rAc/s1600-h/IMG_0578.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHVpVjIMvuQgLbvCL_epgnShgZjVaMgtOd0GMg6j52-wKf6aE0L5SKWongzxtTWFZknN_vY9uYnHlVGh2Y4Q8_pbmKaGgYCuUMcsbXjvXzTUMChGVoWzEXNkufx50wj7xnvgcA6f4rAc/s320/IMG_0578.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374443070884027042" /></a></div><div>Madeline and Grandpa</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lu-rQOOmXPYtbRmOSjLtFKOxsQ9lsMqKZSP92YKXLHksy8JUup9wjksrjQ3DVC5KJ79fRGWUBV7IbktbxCbvQGXEpFFvqjy-VkCQviO_etwJQJ3gs8O7BJfcuL4FKZ8j8pnPbiM_CZM/s1600-h/IMG_0607.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lu-rQOOmXPYtbRmOSjLtFKOxsQ9lsMqKZSP92YKXLHksy8JUup9wjksrjQ3DVC5KJ79fRGWUBV7IbktbxCbvQGXEpFFvqjy-VkCQviO_etwJQJ3gs8O7BJfcuL4FKZ8j8pnPbiM_CZM/s320/IMG_0607.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374443067945380162" /></a></div><div>Grammy and Steve</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBH7wD4bwoQBI1AIGot0WcHcOxw4ph6BifR29jewATSG4ovtyw6U4LJ_hPf1-8gVL8shLSmPv_CZXtlO23plTmQL00i3nwOz0nXJzmUTNtsbWjtiF-hEeiLUCUcSvibZhs7bJ27mZom8/s1600-h/IMG_0587.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBH7wD4bwoQBI1AIGot0WcHcOxw4ph6BifR29jewATSG4ovtyw6U4LJ_hPf1-8gVL8shLSmPv_CZXtlO23plTmQL00i3nwOz0nXJzmUTNtsbWjtiF-hEeiLUCUcSvibZhs7bJ27mZom8/s320/IMG_0587.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374443056030746706" /></a></div><div>Uncle Jarrod</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYbFOOPDNsF2t0r9d1G5eF1nGgIjN0VJAN1M-8Fsn7yrni70S8xMioWSVZGW68vs7qXqlbZWh-Daj_SliWX82i0T0YfvYCOCQumAJyenqTmg8WojGlf-OmJAalfPJMn1X7Ta7L5ykccE/s1600-h/IMG_0695.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYbFOOPDNsF2t0r9d1G5eF1nGgIjN0VJAN1M-8Fsn7yrni70S8xMioWSVZGW68vs7qXqlbZWh-Daj_SliWX82i0T0YfvYCOCQumAJyenqTmg8WojGlf-OmJAalfPJMn1X7Ta7L5ykccE/s320/IMG_0695.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374441293362981762" /></a></div><div>Aunt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Steph</span> and (Percy) Priscilla<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowFidfdRIRQ1kdD3z28Ef2Efz3UR38QLTEWpxQDHjRlQCM7bzWZawJhZotaM3reEH-cOgvaPNeIxJt2LQyfH4GJpU_6VBw9MZr8LfXlPtO2unnEzBa4dT3ur9i8aAO1_WJWh_JIm47lI/s1600-h/IMG_0550.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowFidfdRIRQ1kdD3z28Ef2Efz3UR38QLTEWpxQDHjRlQCM7bzWZawJhZotaM3reEH-cOgvaPNeIxJt2LQyfH4GJpU_6VBw9MZr8LfXlPtO2unnEzBa4dT3ur9i8aAO1_WJWh_JIm47lI/s320/IMG_0550.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374441271802140146" /></a></div><div>Titus and Uncle Dan<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQInTZBeiTTwmsIchKypu3eX467B-YCRYNHErTNIBy5P2tDfX1k_GLYS8OstGZq46X-1QSwKRCzXXMHyhyphenhyphenOWV-Rm1FxQ-Z1Fg3oz65SAui8qWfVXcXkEGuc2qQ1qW-msWTjS2GShUknQ/s1600-h/IMG_0627.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQInTZBeiTTwmsIchKypu3eX467B-YCRYNHErTNIBy5P2tDfX1k_GLYS8OstGZq46X-1QSwKRCzXXMHyhyphenhyphenOWV-Rm1FxQ-Z1Fg3oz65SAui8qWfVXcXkEGuc2qQ1qW-msWTjS2GShUknQ/s320/IMG_0627.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374441263722411522" /></a></div><div>Cousin Henry to whom I am the proud Godmother<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTp3F0rjWGT_ukzpBVX7hJBysQkQ56OzxF48G35v7bIthuyhqJUOw56slarqwPuaNf2jc-jbNS4xDcgPY5MmVYHnFL5qYY77EmIxxrGRjn7vQSxHLnE9TM-9fI6ThxvCDiFar22-rcOgs/s1600-h/IMG_0574.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTp3F0rjWGT_ukzpBVX7hJBysQkQ56OzxF48G35v7bIthuyhqJUOw56slarqwPuaNf2jc-jbNS4xDcgPY5MmVYHnFL5qYY77EmIxxrGRjn7vQSxHLnE9TM-9fI6ThxvCDiFar22-rcOgs/s320/IMG_0574.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374439341607851570" /></a></div><div>Aunt Deb and Madeline</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxv45vMQxxe9RcC-TCiFNWewfQvhMT68VTBpe_aLVG0AUggDVt7TZqrup5v5fdUKlf03VSXK_YxOMI_T0wbbjwKPT2QHo6fICQH-eTvs17FCWIk0cN6xJP0bwKLAYvOuB4p4YmAIZJDk/s1600-h/IMG_0700.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxv45vMQxxe9RcC-TCiFNWewfQvhMT68VTBpe_aLVG0AUggDVt7TZqrup5v5fdUKlf03VSXK_YxOMI_T0wbbjwKPT2QHo6fICQH-eTvs17FCWIk0cN6xJP0bwKLAYvOuB4p4YmAIZJDk/s320/IMG_0700.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374439328011684514" /></a></div><div>All the cousins, but Henry<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNg5P8e3xGOkRPMtIo7FuY3uECadzaY9kmv6zk2yLvXQJjC-Z6gnNvUmk-n6ION6WUE-srZ3Gmx1wl_Ru4KCVR3_EzbyAQ5lEyjxV8Bw2HuImR7OZrXXtMonWxIPQNyACqYAvwLoop11c/s1600-h/IMG_0698.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNg5P8e3xGOkRPMtIo7FuY3uECadzaY9kmv6zk2yLvXQJjC-Z6gnNvUmk-n6ION6WUE-srZ3Gmx1wl_Ru4KCVR3_EzbyAQ5lEyjxV8Bw2HuImR7OZrXXtMonWxIPQNyACqYAvwLoop11c/s320/IMG_0698.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374439320937925554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8SvVCOtjizt-37MrMg4dMe0tBVMbujwTflumSL1AWdr7kP4AK8j9HCQ5zS6AbUjQGeNpcwHl8smKfidX8nbZeoDz31dVcLcRyHurY9KstFNnUe2a83XGy1FPKDM2VT5WvcnNUlzQzf8/s1600-h/IMG_0699.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8SvVCOtjizt-37MrMg4dMe0tBVMbujwTflumSL1AWdr7kP4AK8j9HCQ5zS6AbUjQGeNpcwHl8smKfidX8nbZeoDz31dVcLcRyHurY9KstFNnUe2a83XGy1FPKDM2VT5WvcnNUlzQzf8/s320/IMG_0699.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374439315978412914" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqouNOACDGYyEXHpsfX32e6BAnYeMp7DUZaoeZL_MBG_8_Bs3O5729TayfCj9oI4_tnqY1EUSf8SdBbTM9LSKPhmoRgJ1AmD0HpyyyL3QUEWSpdN6vpOc42wHDhzg5j-z7nn5FeakO8yk/s1600-h/IMG_0780.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqouNOACDGYyEXHpsfX32e6BAnYeMp7DUZaoeZL_MBG_8_Bs3O5729TayfCj9oI4_tnqY1EUSf8SdBbTM9LSKPhmoRgJ1AmD0HpyyyL3QUEWSpdN6vpOc42wHDhzg5j-z7nn5FeakO8yk/s1600-h/IMG_0780.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqouNOACDGYyEXHpsfX32e6BAnYeMp7DUZaoeZL_MBG_8_Bs3O5729TayfCj9oI4_tnqY1EUSf8SdBbTM9LSKPhmoRgJ1AmD0HpyyyL3QUEWSpdN6vpOc42wHDhzg5j-z7nn5FeakO8yk/s320/IMG_0780.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374439307720496450" /></a></div><div>Grandparents and Grand kids</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjYsczkuhNkIlsLkXf_xnryRXJa684l7dSTAePLBE_z8vbHtr-2JtJ_87d5hfQnXO85jnT1tLXkfXZsYjJQbSIe7wwjelrqNAPIbTYycT_0cHFJcbaB9oka69mCzvVGMwYNU78lVGjhc/s320/IMG_0650.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374441285487864962" /></div><div><div>I had to include these last two photos.</div><div> This is Titus at the local restaurant where we enjoyed dinner one night. I think grandpa took this picture of him. (Take note of the folks behind him. ) The next I saw was Titus taking pictures of Grandpa with the camera. But, apparently, he wanted to try out his photography skills on some other dinner mates.</div><div>Because the next day I was perusing my photos and found..... </div></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7poqc6mUpRFqX_D_N24b0fYsm_Wwp7_StYCc9Az3gf71KqOlq-uO2vvf4dbgRY90kFTsqsm8L2C-w7mOXJVKE59OLFTQx9eEhFs_J8BfwPe8YOV7v0ZYkbGQ_Os4Bbz_BcRcBhVA4Ac4/s320/IMG_0653.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374441281455280434" /><br /></div><div>this picture...of the folks.... we don't know...</div><div>I've pondered over this, so many questions left unanswered here.. </div></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-82760430400317845952009-08-06T14:48:00.000-07:002009-08-06T15:29:58.941-07:00Done<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHXGTjyIUbfX7L3k3wr8KjwR1OHZNIn3JJKAQ3mGCz0nacEwFe03pUGUvv2nFXjOXh6xMU95mFohBV-Jg_pbis7Ixuao9m7XCPza3QPGqWVdghBRFIKXBmh4-DUaCCAUjNzWAZoSwiyU/s1600-h/IMG_0539.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHXGTjyIUbfX7L3k3wr8KjwR1OHZNIn3JJKAQ3mGCz0nacEwFe03pUGUvv2nFXjOXh6xMU95mFohBV-Jg_pbis7Ixuao9m7XCPza3QPGqWVdghBRFIKXBmh4-DUaCCAUjNzWAZoSwiyU/s320/IMG_0539.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366971264091347762" /></a>Preparing a house to sell while simultaneously caring for two rambunctious and perpetually hungry children....<div>I wish it for no one. </div><div>Thankfully, I've survived to tell about it.</div><div>The only concern now is that the boys haven't experienced any residual scarring from the unusually large amount of time left to play unattended, learning to prepare their own food at a young age or the heightened impatience of a certain someone :(. </div><div>What's that about children being resilient???</div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-5995608205546293602009-08-01T19:20:00.001-07:002009-08-02T18:17:26.766-07:00So, we're moving.There I said it. I feel better now. I have been contemplating how to break the news on my blog. There just didn't seem like a good way, but that was easy. Simple and straightforward.<div><br /><div>Now the only thing left is an explanation. </div><div><br /></div><div>And I hope to do that soon, but I'm afraid I can't right now. I am knee deep in getting our house ready to put on the market, and I just don't believe I have the emotional energy to write about it or figure out how I want to say everything. </div><div><br /></div><div>I will say that it's very exciting! What's happening is an amazing God story. And there is so much to look forward to. But it's very emotional too, saying goodbye to so much and so many. So, it's complicated.. not the situation... my emotions I suppose, which then translates into my blog post. wow, you get the point, don't you?</div><div><br /></div><div>Even still, something happened tonight that I had to share. Jarrod and I have been trying to break the news to the boys about moving. Really Josiah because I'm not sure Titus would completely understand at this point. Anyway, the other night, Jarrod told Josiah that we were going to move to NY and have a new house. He mentioned being close to Grammy and Grandpa and also making new friends. Josiah looked at Jarrod intently the entire time and when Jarrod was done there was a brief pause. "Daddy, can we play fight?"</div><div>That was it, no acknowledgement of the life altering news just shared. Just a request to wrestle. So as you can see, we weren't so sure it was sinking in.</div><div><br /></div><div>But tonight the boys and I went to target and on the car ride home, out of the blue Josiah said, "Mommy, I am going to have to tell David and Tyler (friends at church) goodbye because we are going to a new house." </div><div>Me: "That's right buddy and you could give them a hug and tell them you are so glad you are friends and that you will miss them." </div><div>Josiah: Yeah.</div><div>Josiah again: Will we have to get a new Jesus?</div><div><br /></div><div> That's right, he really did ask that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Me: "No, baby, Jesus will be with us where ever we go. And He'll be the same Jesus. He never changes Josiah."</div><div><br /></div><div>Four year old's have the funniest thoughts sometimes, but after reflecting on it-his question was pretty legitimate. I guess he is thinking it through after all. </div><div> And honestly answering it was a great reminder.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Almost every inch of life will change, but His book says He is the same yesterday, today and forever. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">My God will never change and He will never not be with me.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><br /></span></div><div>* Double negative intended ;)</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div> </div></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-88202918657040540662009-07-10T12:46:00.000-07:002009-07-10T19:18:45.761-07:00Relive it with me.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBb0VyxQZdnXsHcQhIfj8hfCk1Gq6ToLJ_ZwpgluosO1cjh_TbUhOR2qbzoPV7CoEioedZgiw_m1FB0MVidzmRWXSGAqm4piyEE66lvG0VAbRu1DJX-5lhsMNrRrl5pYKJVZlXmrkxHU/s1600-h/IMG_0439.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBb0VyxQZdnXsHcQhIfj8hfCk1Gq6ToLJ_ZwpgluosO1cjh_TbUhOR2qbzoPV7CoEioedZgiw_m1FB0MVidzmRWXSGAqm4piyEE66lvG0VAbRu1DJX-5lhsMNrRrl5pYKJVZlXmrkxHU/s320/IMG_0439.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357017262023831938" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>So would you mind joining me in ignoring the fact that I have been ignoring my blog? I haven't even visited my friends blogs from the guilt that would follow from my neglecting my very own. oh so sad, or is pitiful a better description?</div><div> </div><div>Well, for those of you still hanging in there despite the lapse in posting, here are some pictures from our trip to the beach. It was last month some time. i don't care to look at my calender to find out exactly when since that would require me calculating how long it's been since blogging. </div><div><br /></div><div>The beach was divine. Maybe that's why I haven't blogged? It was too hard re-entering reality after I got back from our trip. Yes, that's it. It was just too much for me.</div><div> </div><div>The trip though was prefect timing in our summer schedule with jarrod being gone so much. It was a great time of sunning, swimming and.. i'm trying to find another S word here, but it's not coming. Jarrod's mom came too, which made it extra special.</div><div> </div><div>We found a little bay where there were no waves and you could walk out forever and still only be knee deep in water. The boys LOVED it. It was so great seeing them enjoy the beach. We went to the same beach last year, but the boys were a little too young to play as they did this time. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was surprised though that Josiah actaully remebered the conference center that Jarrod's camp/event was at. He seems to have a keen memory for those things.</div><div><br /></div><div>We just had a few mental connections that needed rewiring for Titus. </div><div>First was helping him remember that despite his last several encounters with the water (swim lessons), it was not neccessary to cry as soon as he saw water, and that pre touture lessons he really did enjoy playing in the water.</div><div>And second, that sand, although having the appearance of snow, was in fact not snow at all. </div><div> It took the 1st couple of days, but both eventually down loaded onto the hard drive so to speak.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy the beach!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IWr-6YlWKrWR7n0y2-Ikdjfo-c1oNcUJZSOh804fUD_R365zaQNciWqd1r5szppoLQiSoEWNCH-7S8bwUTmE5NJxNdGwpsQWwzw6QOsSVwGwmByBhYxatT_Tz8loV02fhRWygoF9aWI/s1600-h/IMG_0439.JPG"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsCdwGhJJGjUDb4Dg-hfEJkv3u5e2l2peA76cC8MhuHm1KLlXp2JLTizvL_ccL5cTgDObXyJfpT8_ML5HS_DSHpfnDxYiadcy3p-5R1wQF_W5CEzLLBapIla6srlhWbzb0PwTxzKzGfc/s1600-h/IMG_0431.JPG"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsCdwGhJJGjUDb4Dg-hfEJkv3u5e2l2peA76cC8MhuHm1KLlXp2JLTizvL_ccL5cTgDObXyJfpT8_ML5HS_DSHpfnDxYiadcy3p-5R1wQF_W5CEzLLBapIla6srlhWbzb0PwTxzKzGfc/s1600-h/IMG_0431.JPG"> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsCdwGhJJGjUDb4Dg-hfEJkv3u5e2l2peA76cC8MhuHm1KLlXp2JLTizvL_ccL5cTgDObXyJfpT8_ML5HS_DSHpfnDxYiadcy3p-5R1wQF_W5CEzLLBapIla6srlhWbzb0PwTxzKzGfc/s320/IMG_0431.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356921769784660242" /></a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HaKRdo6O8PWEGvvPGZfsR613L5Jw0-L3ZVsme4CLRyJlCLZ09dJdCqkZy-lHJ3sS-zgfnydufJvyHJQuJ9l1skyWoPnyT9epymP6GK42DwKJb5bvJG7qEWoaWbq2clSOfKYfrgzRnOk/s1600-h/IMG_0433.JPG"> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HaKRdo6O8PWEGvvPGZfsR613L5Jw0-L3ZVsme4CLRyJlCLZ09dJdCqkZy-lHJ3sS-zgfnydufJvyHJQuJ9l1skyWoPnyT9epymP6GK42DwKJb5bvJG7qEWoaWbq2clSOfKYfrgzRnOk/s320/IMG_0433.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356921762636565666" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3t0g5HpxPEOx9CkVTa343eTMgGz_Cyfc5wauvV84fSYcoJKIsMFOv3cF6Zd9XDYSVY94kPxCiMaJsElkvX1EQs3kTp3uxzrkECzpXRph7PnoenlvFJ3nlBG-BqRa0EnaNMsp5Ldks3c/s1600-h/IMG_0449.JPG"> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3t0g5HpxPEOx9CkVTa343eTMgGz_Cyfc5wauvV84fSYcoJKIsMFOv3cF6Zd9XDYSVY94kPxCiMaJsElkvX1EQs3kTp3uxzrkECzpXRph7PnoenlvFJ3nlBG-BqRa0EnaNMsp5Ldks3c/s320/IMG_0449.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356921756298990498" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwDa0Ozshvq_5WHoZL6KI9so6FQumhwJ27ErNzK8tXl6fCL6wVPQGGStpa_6S5KJ2eiXmShY5RrPSMt6EVVbooH-lfLSm8bVM_CzPmR4SyY7KOWS8VynUog4RvMx2qaTuMR0LO8V21NM/s1600-h/IMG_0466.JPG"> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwDa0Ozshvq_5WHoZL6KI9so6FQumhwJ27ErNzK8tXl6fCL6wVPQGGStpa_6S5KJ2eiXmShY5RrPSMt6EVVbooH-lfLSm8bVM_CzPmR4SyY7KOWS8VynUog4RvMx2qaTuMR0LO8V21NM/s320/IMG_0466.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356921745867500178" /></a><br /></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-74712947666969459732009-06-19T18:44:00.001-07:002009-06-19T18:46:05.904-07:00Update<div><br /></div><div>So, I gave Jarrod our silhouette's and I think he really liked them (as much as a guy can be excited about silhouette's!) The only thing was the look on his face when he saw his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">portrait</span> confirmed my suspicion that his needed just a little more editing. :)</div><div>Here they are revised. It's amazing how the tiniest slivers took about 150 pounds off Jarrod. Much more accurate now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpCnNzg4-MuvGZJoUIa6f9uCqB7hB_EtDy1ACAvkSSPZTlIDUMb-kvd4qFIpVy2P9y8FI0SXbmY4zPsmfMcKqgSO802SznJIimB9X-A7vo5RBMiK9JB5PCq0LOW5RDlVy1Dn38_agk0c/s320/IMG_0410.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349219863852751714" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-31530837301610660092009-06-19T06:11:00.000-07:002009-06-19T10:26:11.953-07:00Trading candy or iron for silhouettes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This weekend</span> </span>marks 6 years of marriage for Jarrod and myself. As a gift to us I decided to stretch my creative juices and make silhouettes of us to hang above our beds. That part of our bedroom has been barren since the beginning of time for us, and it was about time I found something to put there! <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Jarrod is driving home from Texas today and I have not given him our presents, so if you read this today and for some reason happen to be in contact with him, please don't spill the beans! Jarrod if you are reading this before you get home stop here!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>okay, so here they are.<div> </div><div> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TG2JfjFTHMunSAHpZ_8fcuB3PZ65c0paZa7TluBrWYnzZXfTrB1UjKMwDMJjOVJCnZq5R1Td-K6WxLLFXN6BKdi49DkaHKkNoY7oQ0DtG7c60oRdMtyMGKQCnAyFUZQiqIE6sYcZXY4/s320/IMG_0408.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349038856332145410" /><br /></div><div>These are actually not hard to make. I think I could have been more precise with my cutting, but then again, I am no perfectionist!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>With out getting all mushy gushy, I can truly say I am so thankful for our marriage. It is in fact a gift from God. Although not always easy or perfect, it is great. And it has actually only been uphill since we shared vowes 6 years ago. I say this not to boast, but to be able to say our marriage is what it is today because it's based on the author and foundation of love, Jesus Christ. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 19, 32); line-height: 19px; font-family:Arial;">Colossian 1:17 says, He (Jesus)is before all things, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">and in him all things hold together</span>.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Jarrod performed his 1st wedding (his cousin Kaley's) a few weeks ago and there was a part where he urged the bride and groom to love Jesus first so that they might love one another as they deserve (I think he got that part from our pastor). It is true that God is the author of love and with that He has the prescription for making love work. I am just grateful He gives us the strength to live out the prescription, otherwise it would just be words.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Thank you God for my husband and the 6 years shared!</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, if you are ever looking for a great marriage resource, I enjoy <a href="http://www.marriagetoday.org/site/PageServer?pagename=mtrl_home">this</a> ministry.</div><div><br /></div></div></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-29392961804028684912009-06-17T10:38:00.000-07:002009-06-17T13:21:36.606-07:00Wordless Wednesday-Vacation Bible School<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwWOX4eAiGdbUXrClUgsTX-PfGNZvhwnWMrRxhclfe8PH7F-b-X3Ept_jbf1a7hTo5CjPOKU46p9I7kOsgGTqQNKb82QEsJ7j0_-8-6g-aoHYDhc2b9vrcyTTNRJmRRmQkKxX2fG4gog/s1600-h/IMG_0389.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwWOX4eAiGdbUXrClUgsTX-PfGNZvhwnWMrRxhclfe8PH7F-b-X3Ept_jbf1a7hTo5CjPOKU46p9I7kOsgGTqQNKb82QEsJ7j0_-8-6g-aoHYDhc2b9vrcyTTNRJmRRmQkKxX2fG4gog/s320/IMG_0389.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348354483481776482" /></a><div>Titus and friends, Averi and Joshua<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2yYhar9IBW5SLFGRXpB5MskOpY88yTKzkFYX6xEY4doOQbFLMWUTw64O2eMtl81KMGG36ZLaTrw-z7k2bwFt16_SmgI2tjsdgy5izYizpNjxyIQdMbs_ntjSOClOxoT0NaN7YnVuzKE/s1600-h/IMG_0392.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2yYhar9IBW5SLFGRXpB5MskOpY88yTKzkFYX6xEY4doOQbFLMWUTw64O2eMtl81KMGG36ZLaTrw-z7k2bwFt16_SmgI2tjsdgy5izYizpNjxyIQdMbs_ntjSOClOxoT0NaN7YnVuzKE/s1600-h/IMG_0392.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2yYhar9IBW5SLFGRXpB5MskOpY88yTKzkFYX6xEY4doOQbFLMWUTw64O2eMtl81KMGG36ZLaTrw-z7k2bwFt16_SmgI2tjsdgy5izYizpNjxyIQdMbs_ntjSOClOxoT0NaN7YnVuzKE/s320/IMG_0392.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348354478221753986" /></a></div><div>Enjoying a cookie with icing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ggmstscLkZVizWrspfziDIBpuwb0Mvcwrtt7c7hmVWNAms_Jx09Pvg59r-mDyF-iu8Yrq6D9TYfTTI57B5XNYvNKdFwS_bdTvxeDmpRaIoPYCR0lzErFwX6WtKMGMxiwA1FTshZNo7k/s1600-h/IMG_0394.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ggmstscLkZVizWrspfziDIBpuwb0Mvcwrtt7c7hmVWNAms_Jx09Pvg59r-mDyF-iu8Yrq6D9TYfTTI57B5XNYvNKdFwS_bdTvxeDmpRaIoPYCR0lzErFwX6WtKMGMxiwA1FTshZNo7k/s320/IMG_0394.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348354462544872658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NVKCxJvXKFrqpo5CbIzQO4VfKHnw8W7qFUdZfLmq7yd3LEUcg2HVcPER5STkjs9NGaqvJizVsXtTGBdQ-4dekp_kMKWbWqPM-H63JY5oKdaChIErZ7njHVm2iO912bhjAAYxNHGlmSo/s1600-h/IMG_0396.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NVKCxJvXKFrqpo5CbIzQO4VfKHnw8W7qFUdZfLmq7yd3LEUcg2HVcPER5STkjs9NGaqvJizVsXtTGBdQ-4dekp_kMKWbWqPM-H63JY5oKdaChIErZ7njHVm2iO912bhjAAYxNHGlmSo/s320/IMG_0396.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348354466491700466" /></a></div><div>Josiah on the playground (doing what he loves most).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvb6A6Ul_TwgLWyb57mp2zjJpp6m5ER2k5BY3-Z0AYP7BJTPC8hS6MuxZYAoU0XR2xTNC0pIuPnlNFZDbyth0pb3gHVQ_hyphenhyphenXNR_RW2psyDFBUF0nVJEsHZ9JaITjAOXftOCfwEYHUIBc/s1600-h/IMG_0397.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvb6A6Ul_TwgLWyb57mp2zjJpp6m5ER2k5BY3-Z0AYP7BJTPC8hS6MuxZYAoU0XR2xTNC0pIuPnlNFZDbyth0pb3gHVQ_hyphenhyphenXNR_RW2psyDFBUF0nVJEsHZ9JaITjAOXftOCfwEYHUIBc/s320/IMG_0397.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348353452049135970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqyb4zNyFM1cwXO8t0ZdvQQQ0kw56RJRdu5fwbl8fCwDdnVrr8PfXWFVsPxcJJPtDfsHZGwioPKjZhY1YIZYWcnyW-rlfU_DyDm2vdt-M__TkVUQaunNOXXu4BdT14dnTWRx51A1SLyI/s1600-h/IMG_0400.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqyb4zNyFM1cwXO8t0ZdvQQQ0kw56RJRdu5fwbl8fCwDdnVrr8PfXWFVsPxcJJPtDfsHZGwioPKjZhY1YIZYWcnyW-rlfU_DyDm2vdt-M__TkVUQaunNOXXu4BdT14dnTWRx51A1SLyI/s320/IMG_0400.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348353441259774978" /></a></div><div>A major archaeological find-a dinosaur tooth.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsL9u0XnpfVo0gzRAIACvcecCirEqbSBtDB2wBsJOcR9fKYO-7L41UL2m_-tpom_kb_uLdzBoMVv1QzelZmJv5RbiAFoYQrOq5UQpvPkYdu70wgKGViPH4g2Nimilc64Ofcz4xHKXtkY/s1600-h/IMG_0401.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsL9u0XnpfVo0gzRAIACvcecCirEqbSBtDB2wBsJOcR9fKYO-7L41UL2m_-tpom_kb_uLdzBoMVv1QzelZmJv5RbiAFoYQrOq5UQpvPkYdu70wgKGViPH4g2Nimilc64Ofcz4xHKXtkY/s320/IMG_0401.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348353439041907874" /></a></div><div>Titus and Co. during craft time. Picture frames!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99vtK9ELK1_PrJnpkqihh3PbXLPNhY8ml1QWzPQMPTEx0Eof7cW5oDU0n6B52BQbsN7dRGNVX8tX_cc9pdOFVpd06-IM0Rj7JjLRIq3BgAHYmgmhYmVXZ8XyQYCh6_3tXnKSH-C8bJa4/s1600-h/IMG_0403.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99vtK9ELK1_PrJnpkqihh3PbXLPNhY8ml1QWzPQMPTEx0Eof7cW5oDU0n6B52BQbsN7dRGNVX8tX_cc9pdOFVpd06-IM0Rj7JjLRIq3BgAHYmgmhYmVXZ8XyQYCh6_3tXnKSH-C8bJa4/s320/IMG_0403.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348353435219693538" /></a><br /><br /></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-40133873927087584122009-06-10T20:00:00.000-07:002009-06-11T07:34:53.808-07:00I'll never know.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gZE8aOC1OEOOLk_KBxUgSQG4iX7DHcC5xmnJtzwUveVNcVLznPP1umiSZoFAUOpAvzNq9zub8mTSOj_Od2CxmzPVwFT9P36DXuXQOzi8yehclDOoEhaoCKmxpLNbzgKL1Y0jNvrmrsE/s1600-h/IMG_0382.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gZE8aOC1OEOOLk_KBxUgSQG4iX7DHcC5xmnJtzwUveVNcVLznPP1umiSZoFAUOpAvzNq9zub8mTSOj_Od2CxmzPVwFT9P36DXuXQOzi8yehclDOoEhaoCKmxpLNbzgKL1Y0jNvrmrsE/s320/IMG_0382.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346073733602968258" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever been in a situation where you were convinced you just knew how future events were going to play out? You just had a hunch based either from instincts or past dealings that somehow made you "know" what lied ahead? Yes, me too.<div>Well, this story is not about one of those times. In fact, quite the opposite.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is about Titus and how he continues to surprise me.</div><div><br /></div><div>About two weeks ago, my friend Lydia told me about the swim lessons she had signed her girls up for. They sounded perfect and I have been wanting to get the boys in a class for sometime. So I decided to follow suit an inquire about getting them in too even though it started the very next week. The only other tiny snag was that the children needed to be potty trained. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then there was silence....</div><div><br /></div><div>If you remember about a month or two ago Titus and I attempted Potty training 101 and it turned out more like Potty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">train-wrecking</span> 103. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Needless to say</span>, I told Titus that if he wanted to take the swim lessons he needed to learn to use the potty.. all within 4 days. (I sometimes like challenges.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Mommy: "Titus, if you want to take swim lessons, you need to use the potty from now on. Do you think you can?" </div><div>Titus: A slow nod in the up and down direction</div><div>Mommy:"Okay, let's take your diaper off."</div><div><br /></div><div>And here is where the story pretty much ends. </div><div><br /></div><div>Titus never looked back. He had a few minor accidents the first two days, but overall there was no training involved. No liquid force feeding. No reward stickers or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">incessant</span> candy consuming. No potty bear video's to watch. No <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bribery</span> at it finest. Really, not even reminders or asking if he needed to use the potty. </div><div><br /></div><div>He just did it. One day a diaper consumer, the next a potty professional.</div><div><br /></div><div>Was it the swim lesson incentive? Or maybe it was that he had just turned 3 and three seems to be the magic number with many boys? Or maybe both? Really, I don't know. And I'm okay with that. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">After all</span>, I haven't changed a dirty diaper in almost two weeks. Why get bogged down with needing all the answers?</div><div><br /></div><div>If any of you are secretly upset I have gotten off easy, I can assure you it's all been made up for at those swim lesson that Titus has so been looking forward to. We have had three sessions and he's cried and protested at every one of them!</div><div><br /></div><div>In the words of my sweet mother, "If it's not one thing, it's another." ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few pictures from Jarrod and Titus' favorite passtime...CAKE! They shared a birthday cake at Meme and Poppy's house! </div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIImMFdtYiv27rSv_XtjXKo5p8JfaclbDQboJEajPWZL-igw8oPP-UFB1KhEbF0L83oxZ3wspzDoSLNvbBujpP46i11wuozeZPDSfiihVviM5AxtwVgCAk3ukAYEZA4n4Q9_M46GzD-8/s1600-h/IMG_0195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIImMFdtYiv27rSv_XtjXKo5p8JfaclbDQboJEajPWZL-igw8oPP-UFB1KhEbF0L83oxZ3wspzDoSLNvbBujpP46i11wuozeZPDSfiihVviM5AxtwVgCAk3ukAYEZA4n4Q9_M46GzD-8/s320/IMG_0195.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346072208303779218" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yes, you are seeing a 2 and a 7 on the cake. Jarrod prefers to keep his age private from now on. :)</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC61l1mBvf4JHwL9pIhQfI0s2TLCjD3pfYoIBstvCuh1n10dueYpVK7H25mlDvqY-zp3j9S-o3DPLwSynHENcGuhQlAEru1VGMGeUZSmAJSLJAjC8_UYB1dhoecItyZdKaS7CnWCBPW5w/s1600-h/IMG_0203.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC61l1mBvf4JHwL9pIhQfI0s2TLCjD3pfYoIBstvCuh1n10dueYpVK7H25mlDvqY-zp3j9S-o3DPLwSynHENcGuhQlAEru1VGMGeUZSmAJSLJAjC8_UYB1dhoecItyZdKaS7CnWCBPW5w/s320/IMG_0203.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346072204244472114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7yXPd05cNCr-BnjOl14zdlJLSjYM8W9o4RLH5YnPQXDc8lbLbpqKr_UDNTlNOeHsz4GX4fc42aOQpJ2Xn9d3FvjSJP4YHugOVMyYexrjP5obAu9Eb2N1Hr8zATT6H6-IxQTZBb9c5us/s1600-h/IMG_0202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7yXPd05cNCr-BnjOl14zdlJLSjYM8W9o4RLH5YnPQXDc8lbLbpqKr_UDNTlNOeHsz4GX4fc42aOQpJ2Xn9d3FvjSJP4YHugOVMyYexrjP5obAu9Eb2N1Hr8zATT6H6-IxQTZBb9c5us/s320/IMG_0202.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346072199128312386" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Cousin Mattie!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1JqunAJvBm52XWcnDfsAw-jSbN5gHhrg1Ek4Wzar6_JrHLDVTIgzuoOulZk47AQABK-KgVg3hR0ipATaUMJds0Qxow0nS4F_PNufi7lEEzANjduCyMa6544syemX36EgUjjRgQO5Uh0/s1600-h/IMG_0201.JPG"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1JqunAJvBm52XWcnDfsAw-jSbN5gHhrg1Ek4Wzar6_JrHLDVTIgzuoOulZk47AQABK-KgVg3hR0ipATaUMJds0Qxow0nS4F_PNufi7lEEzANjduCyMa6544syemX36EgUjjRgQO5Uh0/s1600-h/IMG_0201.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1JqunAJvBm52XWcnDfsAw-jSbN5gHhrg1Ek4Wzar6_JrHLDVTIgzuoOulZk47AQABK-KgVg3hR0ipATaUMJds0Qxow0nS4F_PNufi7lEEzANjduCyMa6544syemX36EgUjjRgQO5Uh0/s320/IMG_0201.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346072197220326322" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Josiah and Aunt Tidy (Tyree).<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5rgxb4j92wEt_U4lXiVAOo6lF1wYrCRq2ufyd2dBBkL5qpuyou8UraMEZdSUv2ZFthvBgtkhtYH6GDRB_JP8Kb87lWndMsYyTNmrS2Xz6q3kGeNmLwAnX4SXLj3UtyZXIk3bSMY1MHM/s1600-h/IMG_0205.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5rgxb4j92wEt_U4lXiVAOo6lF1wYrCRq2ufyd2dBBkL5qpuyou8UraMEZdSUv2ZFthvBgtkhtYH6GDRB_JP8Kb87lWndMsYyTNmrS2Xz6q3kGeNmLwAnX4SXLj3UtyZXIk3bSMY1MHM/s320/IMG_0205.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346072191118659122" /></a><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Cousin Josie and MeMe!<br /></div></div></div></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-60849899031622566982009-05-25T16:20:00.000-07:002009-05-26T07:11:12.244-07:00Speaking his language...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Happy Birthday my Love...<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFP1DZtCnZIQLakzdI5yKGtNAiGEndK35rpQvueRyvSahF1Ehz444gERYSGRJDJfOZQpTfWGHwiXhqbwNyRhXJaoKJh9otxj_rriUOoL2CXHrg8nUGUYKxaxiSd2z4BySG9kE-KMLdK0/s1600-h/IMG_0900.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFP1DZtCnZIQLakzdI5yKGtNAiGEndK35rpQvueRyvSahF1Ehz444gERYSGRJDJfOZQpTfWGHwiXhqbwNyRhXJaoKJh9otxj_rriUOoL2CXHrg8nUGUYKxaxiSd2z4BySG9kE-KMLdK0/s320/IMG_0900.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340127160289505682" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">You</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> are the </span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">honey</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> on my waffle with peanut butter.....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> Y</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">ou are the </span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">blue cheese</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> in my salad.....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">You are the </span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">cream</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> and</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> </span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">xylitol</span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> in my coffee...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">You are the </span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">lemon and cilantro</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> on my tilapia fish....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">You are the </span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">brown sugar</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> in my oatmeal....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> You are the </span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">artichokes</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> in my pesto pasta....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">You are the </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">soy sauce</span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> in my stir-fry....</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Bottom line___________________________________________</span></div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Everything is better when you're in it.</span></span></span><br /><div> </div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold;font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-21676291660826778542009-05-14T19:10:00.001-07:002009-05-14T19:20:19.619-07:00Food in the hierarchy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Several nights ago</span>, Jarrod was out of town and it was one of those days that warranted a blue chicken dinner.<div>Josiah was in heaven. At the end of the meal he said, "Thanks for dinner Mom. I love this dinner." </div><div>Trying to be cute, I replied with "and I-love-YOU."</div><div>Josiah said, "No mommy, I didn't say I loved you, I was saying I love the chicken and the bread and the lettuce."</div><div>okay..well then...<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I know my place in this family. Food always comes first.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-72010029615861829642009-05-08T19:04:00.000-07:002009-05-09T19:58:16.050-07:00Happy Mother's day...to me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe5XXFHA_w4z_UcL9-SsWpQqM80PNxr6yGaqNjOrIxCy0kxvoXpgViW_EwndmqDS8-cIS3Pg20teISoGebuaV4cuNCzizkvlpfpPiDnkYLyc4JvBGkbtmZ5waFKaYapFUhau99L3dg6o/s1600-h/IMG_0185.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe5XXFHA_w4z_UcL9-SsWpQqM80PNxr6yGaqNjOrIxCy0kxvoXpgViW_EwndmqDS8-cIS3Pg20teISoGebuaV4cuNCzizkvlpfpPiDnkYLyc4JvBGkbtmZ5waFKaYapFUhau99L3dg6o/s320/IMG_0185.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333992950735095938" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br />I've been blessed with a sweet mother's day-probably the best yet. Now I know as I write this it's not actually mother's day yet. And it is only my 4th time experiencing the holiday as a Mom, but trust me... it's been a good one. </div><div><div><br /><div>To tell you about it I must first fill you in on last thanksgiving. In particular, Josiah's school thanksgiving program. The preschool he attends put on a thanksgiving recital type thing and about 25 or so of the 4 year old's sang a few songs for the parents. As I sat in the auditorium with all the other Moms and Dads, I was prepared for a sweet mommy moment, but a few minutes into it I braced for something quite different. As Josiah made his way up the bleachers I noticed he had a deer in the headlights look on his face. His big eyes were scanning back and forth the auditorium looking for me. As soon as we made eye contact it was all over. Tears started forming and his little face read fear all over it. He tried to wade through, but the terror only worsened and he broke into full fledged crying. After what felt like an eternity, the director walked over and lead him off the stage. We spent the rest of the program sitting in the audience watching the other children sing.</div><div><br /></div><div>As soon as we left and headed home, I called Jarrod who was out of town at the time, and shared what had happened. In a classic mommy moment I tried to conceal my tears, but lamented about how his fear of being on stage was some how a result of my poor parenting skills, blah, blah, blah. Jarrod in no way minced words and basically told me to stop being ridiculous. I think his exact words were "Christie, you need to repent." :) I love my husband, really.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to last month, I got a newsletter from the school announcing the children would be hosting a Mother's Day Tea. My heart sank after learning that yet again they would be singing songs.</div><div> </div><div>Needless to say, Josiah consistently came home practicing his songs. We talked about the tea and what it meant to be brave even if we were scared. We prayed about the tea. I wouldn't be surprised if we dreamt of the darn tea party.</div><div><br /></div><div>A week before the tea, Josiah finished practicing one of his songs and said, "Mommy, you'll be so happy if I sing the songs?" </div><div>Yes, I will be so happy." </div><div>"Mommy, you will be so sad if I don't sing them?"</div><div>I'll be a little sad, but I'll love you no matter what Josiah."</div><div>"Mommy, he said, I'm going to sing them."</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course that conversation was enough for me no matter what the outcome. But what unfolded at the tea will always be one of my most prized memories.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I approached the classroom, Josiah's teacher was standing at the door, and before I knew it Josiah came darting out the door to meet me. His smile was gigantic. I could tell he was a little nervous, but more excited. He took my hand and lead me into where we would sit. I think his teacher had instructed the kids to pull out the chair for their mommies. However, when we got to my chair we just stood in front of it for a few seconds and then Josiah looked up at me and said "I love you Mommy." I'm speculating that he forgot about the chair, but was remembering he was suppose to do something nice at the moment :) And nice it was indeed. </div><div><br /></div><div>As we waited for the other mom's to arrive Josiah told me all about what was to happen. He was going to bring punch from the punch bowl and then bring me four cookies. I can't describe the joy I felt watching my little man bring over the punch and cookies. I think what made it so special was the skip in his step and what appeared like the pride and joy he had in serving his mommy. (at least that's my story which I'm sticking to.) </div><div> </div><div>As we enjoyed the punch and cookies, of which he ate 3 and half (he is after all a boy), I received multiple unsolicited hugs. I felt like an adored queen.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then the time had come....to sing.</div><div><br /></div><div>As His teacher called the kids up Josiah and I looked at each other and and in a blink of an eye he was gone. He was the first one to make his way up there. Who was this child?</div><div>Here they are singing "I Have a Friend." (Josiah would be the tall one by the way).</div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzJfKfCx7ryJ5XjZQMFF3tdmz3Lj8dU4V7qtofOQobpD09p1TjggrDNRTX8bUS6t2XOq30R2RXgJ_YoTFRLlg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>For some reason the Tea was a most unforgettable time for me. I can't find the words to describe it completely. No tangible gift could ever surpass it. I am so thankful.</div><div>I am also grateful for Josiah's first real lesson in "facing fears and second trys." I imagine, for him, the experience was triumph at it's best. For me, it was the grace of God epitomized. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Jesus.</div><div> </div></div><div><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheLRskXG4lASWQZeZYkqTk5jh68yPrH2mlb4APCnWwxFRng3lQCHsp-WjHVGPlNaqYyPl-Ih7aQsgGZFfNRcLAuLNcTFmn0BOaqabMt5UsZoO27MxxlVQJ400Qm7fp08r56KqCrmxY4I/s320/IMG_0192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334004576971293490" border="0" /><br /></div><div>Josiah's Artwork. A self-portrait in the center.</div><div><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonwdjYeRIBrk4O9RiF3gbbCwLBqVITt8bwvEWBIrxtGr4iR-9_7sfBlepqJpuHezmMC5rNmmQadlVjgqSGEA0u8VBSRuSQRzTHIzmsjTPjMYWVUjZLu1mbLhi_h4nC7jt7GndoGwKNsI/s320/IMG_0186.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334004571631662450" border="0" /><br /></div><div>This was taken right before they sang...</div><div><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLfJX9IvWznlHoEap6v2K7CBksW17gbKbbcCYK9NsN1VwIAQU7TsL6OK0sDAD1iiTrvvploYSWfMUOgtAKmS04T4m5bvAgcA6MEr8GsKM5QpxnikC_YwCNRSzbk752yitlL5z5aE0K1I/s320/IMG_0184.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334004568344836802" border="0" /><br /></div><div>Josiah and Mommy enjoying the Tea!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-78527612790542429032009-05-05T16:00:00.000-07:002009-05-06T14:11:38.041-07:00the both-same<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rbem-oYeUakPUoqcENc_jvzU0aY_dK5DPRaTjQpC1Pll8lNRzyYsyqYXKxi67n_m77Tzdj2kYZ29fDDm5WdV1YmK19kI9T8-pVOXdD0A21xu4nVpmoxvG0JJ_CkAiyWkwETEhRuXEqI/s1600-h/DSC_1508_8x10_Vintage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rbem-oYeUakPUoqcENc_jvzU0aY_dK5DPRaTjQpC1Pll8lNRzyYsyqYXKxi67n_m77Tzdj2kYZ29fDDm5WdV1YmK19kI9T8-pVOXdD0A21xu4nVpmoxvG0JJ_CkAiyWkwETEhRuXEqI/s320/DSC_1508_8x10_Vintage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332813136167509522" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> this</span> picture Jarrod's Dad took. There is something peaceful about it. I also love how it captures just how much Jarrod and Josiah look alike. I am still fascinated by Josiah's resemblance to Jarrod. Sometimes I'll just stare back and forth at them in awe. And what's even more amazing is how similar Josiah and Jarrod are in their behavior and personality. They are two peas in pod! <br />I know that technically and scientifically I contributed chromosomes and DNA to Josiah, but sometimes I wonder.... I mean, I've yet to see any evidence.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Except..</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span>for the "bothsame" discovery that happened not too long ago. I can't describe the joy I felt when I stumbled upon it. It was by accident. I think Josiah and I were snuggling on the couch and I was holding his hand looking at his fingers. Somehow his thumb bent backward and my thoughts jumped to make the connection. Josiah has the same double jointedness in his thumb as me!! The proof is in the thumbs. </div><div> </div><div>I'm sure he thought I was nuts at how excited I was, but I showed him how Mommy and he had the same thumbs. I'm sorry if this grosses you out a bit, but I need to show you all..</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0sh1yotfuUPVbhpP3Q_f55T2pbRZySK7DX41zEe9m3jXOtHiy9GQaLPfDRkAevfeORa-QqNr9PzsrBlNGxdwcfYkiM0IBBYPmog4qWeccJPMptdTgVM1Mf9UE17ZSY-RObiFGt8PD1s/s1600-h/IMG_0182.JPG"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0sh1yotfuUPVbhpP3Q_f55T2pbRZySK7DX41zEe9m3jXOtHiy9GQaLPfDRkAevfeORa-QqNr9PzsrBlNGxdwcfYkiM0IBBYPmog4qWeccJPMptdTgVM1Mf9UE17ZSY-RObiFGt8PD1s/s320/IMG_0182.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332803741657559474" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> This is my hand. My thumb use to be more flexible, <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> but has gotten more rigid in my old age.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KJfhsiAjcjV_2xYZnAs2htQLMg-FllIwqPyS_M9tANJTt8P5X2qmtA5AYpkEC738WrhWeObzUoVyjYe4X7RMjSyOkI1k39iPm2M_aG18JB_lq0XhBFfgok3g0HjvVlBmXV2eNU_7H28/s1600-h/IMG_0181.JPG"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KJfhsiAjcjV_2xYZnAs2htQLMg-FllIwqPyS_M9tANJTt8P5X2qmtA5AYpkEC738WrhWeObzUoVyjYe4X7RMjSyOkI1k39iPm2M_aG18JB_lq0XhBFfgok3g0HjvVlBmXV2eNU_7H28/s320/IMG_0181.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332803737813734082" /></a><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Here is Josiah's. Note the flexibility.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><br />Suffice it to say, I've completely capitalized on this commonality of ours. I love making a big deal about it. Josiah's joined in too. Every few days he'll randomly call out to me and say "Mommy, we have the 'both-same' thumbs." </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">That's right buddy, you really are mine. </span></span></div></div><div><br /></div></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-10555581083771647102009-05-02T15:19:00.000-07:002009-05-02T15:22:42.996-07:00Jones Family van dancingA classic! Josiah and Titus (and Jarrod) in the van singing and dancing to Mat Kearney's Closer to Love.<br /><br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QsrA8NdfmX4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QsrA8NdfmX4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-84683198233816948882009-04-14T10:09:00.000-07:002009-04-14T11:00:17.559-07:00for daddy<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Dear Dad,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Mommy has told us all about your trip to kigago (chicago). She told us that you are very, very busy. Thank you for working hard so that we will have food and a house and toys.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">We want you to know this... </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgam-t8vc7y9vsT73omeXDiDIOaK4fVrx39dzcwt6XquBTaqBuiX4rCS5HpU6ujGq_cE4BMwOO8eiiWV0feymRD0GQZHqna_WvIffOSEFH7oV0wCggE8dBtGCUFcHP9bnjxn5bQ5zZS70I/s1600-h/IMG_0170.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgam-t8vc7y9vsT73omeXDiDIOaK4fVrx39dzcwt6XquBTaqBuiX4rCS5HpU6ujGq_cE4BMwOO8eiiWV0feymRD0GQZHqna_WvIffOSEFH7oV0wCggE8dBtGCUFcHP9bnjxn5bQ5zZS70I/s320/IMG_0170.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324364465322056466" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">p.s will you be home tomorrow?</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-41471593795137172222009-04-08T13:07:00.000-07:002009-04-08T13:20:27.204-07:00Wordless Wednesday-Easter fun<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR5rmX4awH9x4OanTG_y2S-bslW95EaedQlnnwQNVakCDGZAGPaFosGYWyWVkdJ5LVT2I-fZK0vF8kfF-uKccaTfy3XHuVwQk1GO29b0J0l0YX7t-5mF3O9Lif48idHPpZXikquzFp7Y/s1600-h/IMG_0144.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR5rmX4awH9x4OanTG_y2S-bslW95EaedQlnnwQNVakCDGZAGPaFosGYWyWVkdJ5LVT2I-fZK0vF8kfF-uKccaTfy3XHuVwQk1GO29b0J0l0YX7t-5mF3O9Lif48idHPpZXikquzFp7Y/s320/IMG_0144.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322415840399911490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WsY4oykfGk7Gqx-wkbmniZ7YjKUffdjUadqljtu5FWconnckAVrZa2oN6X2R6pWt1a_HPbV30I_rtouxqePFUvkVZLRuYF62fHq5R0lDeLZWnKlp1tLXvrT59h1eBYFo-A0PPMwxZMM/s1600-h/IMG_0152.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WsY4oykfGk7Gqx-wkbmniZ7YjKUffdjUadqljtu5FWconnckAVrZa2oN6X2R6pWt1a_HPbV30I_rtouxqePFUvkVZLRuYF62fHq5R0lDeLZWnKlp1tLXvrT59h1eBYFo-A0PPMwxZMM/s320/IMG_0152.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322415830896385570" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>I know this post is suppose to be wordless, but I need to ask for your prayers. After we finished decorating our easter eggs I put them in a baskets for both Josiah and Titus to carry around. A few minutes later I found Josiah (in his type-a, perfectionist manner) sneaking up to the garbage can to throw an egg out! I asked him what he was doing (of course already knowing). His reply was "but mom that one had a small crack in it and the other one had part of it's sticker ripped off." "Oh, Father, help us."</div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-1046442535933082872009-03-28T21:15:00.000-07:002009-03-28T20:16:21.412-07:00Trust me...it's better<div><br /></div><div>I'd been putting it off a bit and now I understand why. I knew deep down that it wasn't going to be easy. At least not as easy as it had been with Josiah. Potty training Titus that is. <div>It's been time for sometime though. So I got Titus in the car and headed to CVS to pick up some rewards, i.e. candy. </div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMhTpzwIe-olRxK-uJEfuE-YV0jvYqnOkED6OeEUPo7UYtvaclYt9jRteM2rAXkMSD61ydFNjh02oqwZ1kJKA1GEBqCHU2RyNiRvr0beofhImJzl4Hmel1koADtU3JX5LnMbgH5eRzXw/s1600-h/IMG_0090.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMhTpzwIe-olRxK-uJEfuE-YV0jvYqnOkED6OeEUPo7UYtvaclYt9jRteM2rAXkMSD61ydFNjh02oqwZ1kJKA1GEBqCHU2RyNiRvr0beofhImJzl4Hmel1koADtU3JX5LnMbgH5eRzXw/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318426829722088546" /></a><div><br /></div><div> He was somewhat enthused at first, but the pictures below tell of his waning excitement. This being a direct result of my explanation on how he get the rewards.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqzqyDXFgJVTQeaui6erIXb-Aj_HphiqdmSvC-EFLQTj_twmgnLjSQDs7RRfAHDBuSkOAiENOQsp4HzMDXoOlHJ4BtnlG0f29mMhkP2FsIq1acMPzCI8HDnLGhe5miHXlrKAC6GVMnHs/s1600-h/IMG_0091.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqzqyDXFgJVTQeaui6erIXb-Aj_HphiqdmSvC-EFLQTj_twmgnLjSQDs7RRfAHDBuSkOAiENOQsp4HzMDXoOlHJ4BtnlG0f29mMhkP2FsIq1acMPzCI8HDnLGhe5miHXlrKAC6GVMnHs/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318426826031477298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpZQvJo4m9w1YZMPV4daOkvNIlYyw2rS0lzdiJWBNpPmp7e9ULSWuxq3BTrgH3J7zpNhHi30Z7jFsQKEXR_xeav8WLADkBlNaZzoxiihETfeli1XZKNWB0alW804otjMV8SyWrWT5iiw/s1600-h/IMG_0092.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpZQvJo4m9w1YZMPV4daOkvNIlYyw2rS0lzdiJWBNpPmp7e9ULSWuxq3BTrgH3J7zpNhHi30Z7jFsQKEXR_xeav8WLADkBlNaZzoxiihETfeli1XZKNWB0alW804otjMV8SyWrWT5iiw/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318426824575862642" /></a><br /><br /><div><div>We started on Wednesday. At 8am he was all on board to ditch his diapers and trade them for underwear, but at about 8:10am his cooperation level peaked and nose dived. He decided he didn't want any liquids fully knowing what that would lead to. Not only did he not go to the bathroom in the potty, but he had three accidents all before 12pm. Obviously, in a most passive manner he was aggressively communicating his thoughts on the matter. This combined with the all day depression inducing monsoon weather made it hard to stay positive about our crash pottying course. So I retreated and decided to regroup the next day.</div><div>I'm thankful the Lord gives wisdom when we ask, because I was in need. This was a bit puzzlings to me considering Josiah was trained in two days with no hiccups. The Lord reminded me of something I did with Josiah which was take out a DVD from the library on potty training. It's a funny bear that walks through the whole process. Josiah loved it. DVD...check</div><div>I've also decided to upgrade the rewards. Ice cream....with sprinkles. He loves sprinkles. </div><div>Better bribery...check.</div><div>So, I'm going to try again after Titus can recite the bear DVD by heart, and the weather gets nicer.</div><div>I have a renewed confidence, but still a small nagging suspicion that Titus has this whole thing figured out (namely me). </div><div>And to think, I'm trying to help him out of diapers and into a better way of life as he knows it. Work with me child, work with me....</div><div>I'll keep you posted.</div></div></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-67974848916313747562009-03-27T10:37:00.000-07:002009-03-27T12:06:49.507-07:00Jesus Loves Me (Take 1 and 2)<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzXnjbqH7Nk9tYDt-oc1HtOqZMyGmtnZNvmxgBZQfn7xRN5eQRKEvsKeFep4wMcC6MmVAG0GwCXai-aEjLWog' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyQlaG-6KNSZOhZe7wuINXRB5iDIJM2-mzPlKckFIzhbKgSWzwYC0tklhJtQdErORWJtv3YN8ZHnpd2HpPR' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-78085439550305781312009-03-25T10:58:00.000-07:002009-03-25T12:16:17.222-07:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4ehTB-49KInvWWjNfknBak4aHJbk-Ycb425n_ocC0ZqeuQECpx2QL8MBcWxwO4HWOdZwG-AEczIlnQx-koV41qPbmkLa_RjjSVLHlxjg3AvNVkps-6utJPKxWH3bX0X0ZlxVtYE07DU/s1600-h/IMG_0093.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4ehTB-49KInvWWjNfknBak4aHJbk-Ycb425n_ocC0ZqeuQECpx2QL8MBcWxwO4HWOdZwG-AEczIlnQx-koV41qPbmkLa_RjjSVLHlxjg3AvNVkps-6utJPKxWH3bX0X0ZlxVtYE07DU/s320/IMG_0093.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317203995817720610" /></a><br /><div>"Do I have to decide?"</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOI7PubsbIYTTlO0kugtoSpL0QLHkfWvkHnY2kfEM1WqNsEd3LlqteBLXwCcYBaYL4M6Vog53OeFk7Q6pk0YZrgVpNsHGs3I-8TMPmt80NerhUDk4oiq2x4PQTmmC7eY7Fb_Gq9_Be4XY/s1600-h/IMG_0088.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOI7PubsbIYTTlO0kugtoSpL0QLHkfWvkHnY2kfEM1WqNsEd3LlqteBLXwCcYBaYL4M6Vog53OeFk7Q6pk0YZrgVpNsHGs3I-8TMPmt80NerhUDk4oiq2x4PQTmmC7eY7Fb_Gq9_Be4XY/s320/IMG_0088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317203021307250098" /></a><br /></div><div>"This beats every toy we own!"</div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-50992883858744760322009-03-11T07:07:00.000-07:002009-03-11T07:18:27.034-07:00I see a pattern<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">For</span> those that check in regularly you may have noticed I haven't updated my blog in a while. And if any of you are very observant you may see a pattern forming.<div>It's true...I blog more when my husband is away traveling. But can you blame me? Why would I choose blogging over hanging out with my handsome <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">villain (see last post)</span>. </div><div>Have no fear, his next trip is imminent. More to come soon. </div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-78644680806406362822009-03-04T19:24:00.000-08:002009-03-04T06:36:18.895-08:00Isn't it ironic...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40m2v_Vtm2Zzp-3shxEecXufDLkvzZH-WvGqaJAssICL-C-WszwRQr2ifylOWytwcMzp2pj-kLZ9zUzcJvk2sARDdmkQcFE52n9DKBfUHnBXi_fC7rY3d4QGhCYAdmyePURhDEhwWdv4/s1600-h/IMG_1016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40m2v_Vtm2Zzp-3shxEecXufDLkvzZH-WvGqaJAssICL-C-WszwRQr2ifylOWytwcMzp2pj-kLZ9zUzcJvk2sARDdmkQcFE52n9DKBfUHnBXi_fC7rY3d4QGhCYAdmyePURhDEhwWdv4/s320/IMG_1016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309177471848627010" /></a><br /><div>Meet our cowboy. (By the way, Dan and Deb, he loves it.) Josiah's preschool had a circus dress up day. Yes, I am aware that cowboy may not be the number one circus costume, or.... even ranked. But when you don't have a clown, elephant or tiger handy, and buying or making one are not in your desired options, what does one do? Except search the Internet endlessly until you find at least one "expert" that says cowboys can indeed be found at the circus. Perfect, we just happened to have a cowboy costume here at home.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you've read my earlier post about Josiah's identification with dinosaurs, you'll understand why these pictures strike me as ironic. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYsHM8FMKr1zB7tDWZKhpZSCcfkzx1wqWZ55MfEdzU9i5Yv44pIQwSlUHtyCoqzGDW5RybEaan1eepsSsloNAx-g3AtoayfLzhRWB9U2fmJ0_Hnpaa5qSY68Wo92Iqjb7lk9lttZmng8/s1600-h/IMG_1018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYsHM8FMKr1zB7tDWZKhpZSCcfkzx1wqWZ55MfEdzU9i5Yv44pIQwSlUHtyCoqzGDW5RybEaan1eepsSsloNAx-g3AtoayfLzhRWB9U2fmJ0_Hnpaa5qSY68Wo92Iqjb7lk9lttZmng8/s320/IMG_1018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309168342925256242" /></a><div><div>He is a master at making terrifying and scary faces as a dinosaur, but just couldn't make the switch when it came to being a mean cowboy. I guess more Clint Eastwood movies are in order.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbCNmTkUKJx9dfsLhczTW-3kv1d8vjtHdIytoGBj-6rAfO22CODCOgALhFuhVVXzCI1VAmzXjfGy4_rSHWAA3CQ9NRpxpb3opwgpuFYdDAuISRxU9cBY2PChap47l83qob2HsNddoXe4/s1600-h/IMG_1019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbCNmTkUKJx9dfsLhczTW-3kv1d8vjtHdIytoGBj-6rAfO22CODCOgALhFuhVVXzCI1VAmzXjfGy4_rSHWAA3CQ9NRpxpb3opwgpuFYdDAuISRxU9cBY2PChap47l83qob2HsNddoXe4/s320/IMG_1019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309168338947320626" /></a><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>An attempt was made, but smiley face was no match for cowboy face.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0bR3J_UhkA3CReRGFIMbyjgFFd4XGXGyDOBAi74YrNoXALQLWGI6XwaTG3wQtbZEM8FT-cN_EsFfurmzWgPQixTmXgw_yetLvr_HPus-qCXMoOmjPo4kWJ0riemuPHM3LpgiXJBYmgc/s1600-h/IMG_1022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0bR3J_UhkA3CReRGFIMbyjgFFd4XGXGyDOBAi74YrNoXALQLWGI6XwaTG3wQtbZEM8FT-cN_EsFfurmzWgPQixTmXgw_yetLvr_HPus-qCXMoOmjPo4kWJ0riemuPHM3LpgiXJBYmgc/s320/IMG_1022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309168334273791906" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Daddy, on the other hand, made an excellent villain. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Almost too good. Is it possible he missed his calling? </div></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-34172261220840662382009-03-01T02:08:00.000-08:002009-03-01T18:20:30.901-08:00White Magic<div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Today we woke to snow. A beautiful surprise. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div></div></div><div>At first I was a secretly disappointed and apprehensive learning church was canceled and the kids and I would be home bound all day. We never stay in all day. I know, we are spoiled here in the south.</div><div><br /><div><div>Surprising the snow has had sort of a tranquil affect on the boys. They've been content to play, color, eat a little, stare out the window, play, eat again, and then more starring out the window. Magic I say. Hardly any whining, arguing or general ill moods. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Thank you for the snow Lord. The boys were quieted by your awesome creation.</span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> .... a few pictures from our short but memorable time in the snow.</div><div><br /></div></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1ALZdMZJ3DHSZdyLJMBBL4vTKkvTeO7G0I11Co_ErVHvTqNSDBoCqLW058ZpsjguOWCIFLffTKnCRWLKQxJO4qI6chYlv0Rg065x1gTOiDclZM7E9vmcB-9F22kiuj2JgTSVm_vQjDs/s1600-h/IMG_0066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1ALZdMZJ3DHSZdyLJMBBL4vTKkvTeO7G0I11Co_ErVHvTqNSDBoCqLW058ZpsjguOWCIFLffTKnCRWLKQxJO4qI6chYlv0Rg065x1gTOiDclZM7E9vmcB-9F22kiuj2JgTSVm_vQjDs/s320/IMG_0066.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308280665384646466" /></a><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Here they are getting acquainted with the foreign elements. Soon after, Josiah was doing laps around the backyard laughing all the way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcFCcrGGmRuRL05wyFMzCNPP8GJpR-VfJyb_epIy9E_B8Zb46unJVEBEwCiZ-wAzth0MovQI-5chUI3dBxmCdDOg5XGXOvFEpMhF7sZ_pLGyokWNvafd9NAa4shy3C4Exbmytn1DJrzs/s1600-h/IMG_0084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcFCcrGGmRuRL05wyFMzCNPP8GJpR-VfJyb_epIy9E_B8Zb46unJVEBEwCiZ-wAzth0MovQI-5chUI3dBxmCdDOg5XGXOvFEpMhF7sZ_pLGyokWNvafd9NAa4shy3C4Exbmytn1DJrzs/s320/IMG_0084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308280662576360146" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Next, Josiah found it amusing to get snow on mommy via snowballs.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX9nn_4OGPxeNzOLQuOpMncz0GdNmBWAJ_2PZlTd9kiaiS9A2jg8j5yfhjoTcp7dWQ4W-BaLXB4f9etomw_ASQ3yvd7DwwqEdRZrxBO5pjjWgZncIOXnadm0JNEE18KrvubU-gg6Tb-w/s1600-h/IMG_0086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX9nn_4OGPxeNzOLQuOpMncz0GdNmBWAJ_2PZlTd9kiaiS9A2jg8j5yfhjoTcp7dWQ4W-BaLXB4f9etomw_ASQ3yvd7DwwqEdRZrxBO5pjjWgZncIOXnadm0JNEE18KrvubU-gg6Tb-w/s320/IMG_0086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308280658938407522" /></a><br /></div><div>Below is Titus. He didn't care for the snow that much and came inside asking for "lassses." After 10 times or so of going back and forth:</div><div> "Mommy, I want Lasses." and Mommy saying- "Titus, baby, I don't know what you are asking for." He finally elaborated and said "spida-man lasses." Oookay. I suppose lasses are pretty similar to glasses, but with the cloudy snowy day who is thinking about sun glasses? Funny thing was he didn't want them for his eyes, rather his nose. Your guess is probably better than mine.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSVJNzW-Bs_9tpBWJBWAXgMNDo-eUqInD3vimrHq-N0lqHiVIJ1ve1KcbIjUCU_Kk2sxt4CoddpTrh1ef1UK8g39oPBy4MY807yE-Zd2fDObxhlY1L_BnRyGwcLpaC7ek7GYuS8Pzn3o/s1600-h/IMG_0078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSVJNzW-Bs_9tpBWJBWAXgMNDo-eUqInD3vimrHq-N0lqHiVIJ1ve1KcbIjUCU_Kk2sxt4CoddpTrh1ef1UK8g39oPBy4MY807yE-Zd2fDObxhlY1L_BnRyGwcLpaC7ek7GYuS8Pzn3o/s320/IMG_0078.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308280648733631042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HMp5LYmjqIDgbruPBVRHQ_A66Zjw8MQjTVidid1CbQH2yzfFxCu_xnVjpe75JNItUzlbs_idAW8KCr_eDQCrpOwsYeGOuyM3VZHJKHFbDXz3lLM9aVznSlhN3uFo0oNC_tH7k_xFDwc/s1600-h/IMG_0080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HMp5LYmjqIDgbruPBVRHQ_A66Zjw8MQjTVidid1CbQH2yzfFxCu_xnVjpe75JNItUzlbs_idAW8KCr_eDQCrpOwsYeGOuyM3VZHJKHFbDXz3lLM9aVznSlhN3uFo0oNC_tH7k_xFDwc/s320/IMG_0080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308280643162782258" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div>(By the way, his tears weren't about the snow. I accidentally hit his head with my camera. Sorry buddy. ) </div><div><br /></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-81595969468634092202009-02-27T20:02:00.000-08:002009-03-01T04:56:11.386-08:00Sacrifices<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">So</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span>Josiah spends about a third of the day in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dinosaur</span> character. And not just any dinosaur- a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">scary</span></span> dinosaur. With his arms raised and folded back to his shoulders, he extends his fierce claws and sets into motion. All the while he roars<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"> </span>(or whatever incredibly loud and frightening noises dinosaurs made) and stomps and pounds to and fro, to and fro.<div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Titus</span> is the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">recipient</span> to most of Josiah's tormenting, I mean, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">dinosauring</span></span>". I can tell he has broke into dinosaur mode when I hear <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Titus</span> scream "STOP <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Siah</span></span></span>" and then dash for cover under a table or behind the nearest piece of furniture. </div><div><br /></div><div>Quite frankly, Josiah really is a scary looking <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">dinosaur</span>, and if it was socially acceptable for someone my age to respond in the same manner as Titus, I probably would. But alas, I am the mother and we mothers must do the motherly thing. Which in this case, requires me telling Josiah to stop scaring his brother. </div><div><br /></div><div>And to this he responds, " Then can I scare Mommy?" Oh, the sacrifices.... </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rGtqzWEj1F7nw9BVR5BMabSmOtUgY0DDY8_VvEwb9gO9_93lkz7akwNzZ7wqAmnBP2Mdl3SXAUzimVfeXrPDhaUpioG6dLGJ2xjY8or2D20UJnuuFVYkJ03kcBze8MAiV70bdDBCWBo/s320/IMG_0064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307874642752921858" /></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-12530728977258716432009-02-20T16:16:00.000-08:002009-02-20T19:42:40.907-08:00a northerner in a foreign land finds this...<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreFDY2ujQRROxy22muYStf4SIr8U-feovEXV5tjibvLosLx5szClQY3tjRELHYu3reJ8XMgQORK5EHarWGVNQppKaNdNrf4IsOAXQUCUbP8jh8Wy1okZSfDNM_VDQ1hqvdnw_aV5uH6U/s1600-h/IMG_0002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreFDY2ujQRROxy22muYStf4SIr8U-feovEXV5tjibvLosLx5szClQY3tjRELHYu3reJ8XMgQORK5EHarWGVNQppKaNdNrf4IsOAXQUCUbP8jh8Wy1okZSfDNM_VDQ1hqvdnw_aV5uH6U/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305046963276921138" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">Tulips<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">blooming</span></span> in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">February</span>,<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div> </div><div> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi39_PtaWYnD8QhGAoHyOFEGkI0hXuA_SyjZmEeQ9iAOdfMlJeNXHy4wiVmiQrtNrtp1zdilWHUxWrV56bEvNghpqeh63GbUh5H5xxwScz62j5jsoHFvnZj1gI3Un3CXKk6uFH4r3d-p0/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305046166034838930" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>my children's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">1st</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">hot chocolate tasting</span> </div><div>in near <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">60</span> degree weather</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></div></div><div> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3SDBIaBj8DWP5qbiKZaKUef3jpXU0dnjJrnH1UULD0Vz88Xas7X-9OW3ivwtUtiHdfCfce5wqHNKh0UAddtskkYSldEHvtVrbpquMjGxDev3yM86DBSeURH5w4rMayn4i2ku_hoiQ6E/s320/IMG_0026.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305046160392963586" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Thanks for sending Grammy!)</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">hard to believe.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">***Though, in case you're curious, I'm not complaining.</span></div></div></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-4753550788642393552009-02-17T18:38:00.000-08:002009-02-18T12:25:08.869-08:00Painted CanvasA few weekends ago, the boys had their first "real" experience with paint. While visiting Meme and Poppy, Aunt Tidy (Tyree) and Josie brought over their art supplies to share, and the boys and Josie got all set up on the back porch.<div>Now, I knew the boys were different, but the paint adventure proved this theory very true for me. It was so interesting. It was like the overflow of their little personalities came pouring out on to the canvas.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>exhibit one- Josiah's painting</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0finCjsvElcIgEWI-mhhHi0SIWfAFtBBscVoAqyvnGPWv1QN5hJz71AnVmcIVAVCTgmzP2zMFj7QpxC9oznIZlBnj7o7dFCf0XhEKBk5U03nLrUsXYdFse4PLuNM6GZYNuT-Do9WYkNc/s320/IMG_1109.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304223463198178274" />Josiah set out to make Spider-man and if you asked him today what he made he would tell you. Spider-man. I've learned to take these type of answers at face value. The spider man "body" you see in the middle did have arms, but one was slightly thicker than the other. Rather than try to fix them up a bit, in Josiah's distress he was adamant that we just paint over them. The arms never did make a comeback.</div><div><br /></div><div>Josiah kept his paint palette completely clean. No paint meddling for him thank you. He sat on top of his legs and of course made sure that no paint was on him or anywhere in the surrounding area. I was tired just watching him keep up with it all.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Titus, on the other hand, found different means to express himself. In fact, I think it was more about the experience than the actual picture. Of course that may have to do with his age, but I am trying to make a point, so work with me.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Exhibit two: Titus' Picture</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6K5AyP0Rz2HtwcvHFtlOPh_Uzxj9Y19tuvW50Iz85swG_15bMMBCbA3D_kpc8-80xXs17xFYaz-tOTGpdkUBE1DSJpgb1uDai4yEfX6E7PpKZU81RFuuENcusx00DkNmvVoM5gvgWj24/s320/IMG_1112.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304223793205216258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " />Titus sat cross legged and hovered over his painting like he made a living painting purposefully abstract messes. He loved every minute of it. He even tried duplicating the abstractness on his paint palette. The paint made it's way on his clothes, hands and hair. Titus, not surprisingly, was at peace with the mess. <div><br /></div><div>In the end, the boys are equally proud of their masterpieces. They're frequently found picking it up, looking it over and bringing it out of their room to show it off. </div><div><br /></div><div>I suppose it's similar to how I feel when I gaze at the handiwork of God. He has painted the canvas of our boy's personalities, and I love admiring His work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for the fun Aunt Tidy!</div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2438468089158899254.post-73650074042057885492009-02-11T12:24:00.000-08:002009-02-12T19:55:53.916-08:00House keeping or lack thereof<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDs8S0ZEd1jqDLtjqiauHMRm8CCl2OrhzrymyFAooW4qSdjmxl0UV-Gw9dzjyA6u1VHVoJ8a6Pa05j6GRxfWNy2PM0LpwNFsz0U5ypSKn9yaco0wxXuItg_DniJEt2-WNbbhkOKngPIA/s1600-h/IMG_1102.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDs8S0ZEd1jqDLtjqiauHMRm8CCl2OrhzrymyFAooW4qSdjmxl0UV-Gw9dzjyA6u1VHVoJ8a6Pa05j6GRxfWNy2PM0LpwNFsz0U5ypSKn9yaco0wxXuItg_DniJEt2-WNbbhkOKngPIA/s320/IMG_1102.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301646399367524418" /></a><br />I vacuumed our downstairs den and then brought the vacuum up to our dining room (that's presently over run by toys) fully intending to use it later that day. <div>That happened a couple of weeks ago.<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Josiah and Titus, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">One day when you get older you'll probably reminisce about your younger years. In the slight chance it comes up, I want to be clear, there is no need to pretend your Mom was good at keeping the house clean. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Out of sheer love for your Dad and you boys she tried her best. But it seems she turned up slightly deficient in the area.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><br /></span></div></div></div>christiejoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11810701568350329420noreply@blogger.com9