Adding some spunk...

I thought after writing a novel for the first few journal entries, I would perhaps try to put in some pictures. So here is a picture of Ashlynn, Ellyce, and Jillian my three little princesses. While I'm on the subject of my little ones, I am amazed at how much they've grown. Ashlynn will be starting kindergarten August 25th-never thought the day would come when I'd have to send her off to school. Little backpack, hair done so cute, silly school uniform...the works. After the initial first drop-off, I'm pretty sure I'll be fine (but still-I'm going to miss my little girl). Ellyce is 2 1/2 and is as sassy as I probably was at her age. She is my firecracker for sure. She doesn't really like to listen to me or her daddy so she usually gets a time out. Her favorite thing is to dance around the house-most recently she is singing and dancing around the house. Figures, right? She does exactly what Ashlynn does-I might as well start a band. We need a couple of guitars-I'll leave the drums to Jillian who can substitute the real thing with some extra pots and pans. She'll do great. Speaking of Jillian, she is now 9 months old and into everything. Jillian stands up to our bed and tries to walk around it, but in the past two days she gotten a few boo boos from it. At least her ouchies are all on the same side...poor thing. Nathan had her standing up yesterday-she stood there for like five seconds. She needs to figure out that she'll be fine if she just takes a step (not that I'm wanting her to start walking yet).

Anyways-I just want to really start counting my blessings. I have three beautiful and healthy daughters. I have an amazing and supportive husband who works hard for our family. I am truly grateful to be blessed with an eternal family. I know this life is over in the blink of an eye-I know I need to just "ENJOY THE JOURNEY" (as my Uncle Rex always says). I do treasure these times...they're quite challenging at times, but I know that with some perserverance and love I (we, actually) can make it through. Enjoy the pictures-they sure do add some spunk to my life. I wouldn't trade that for anything in this world.

July is almost through...

I can't believe how time flies. It is nearing the end of July and I feel like "HOLY SMOKES" what happened to the time. I keep thinking I still have so much time left to get things ready before Ashlynn goes to kindergarten. Wishful thinking on my part of course-I'll never be ready for her to spend all day away from me (or am I?). A break will certainly be nice, but after having her with me all day everyday for the past five years...it's going to be a difficult thing having to do all those little errands like run up and down the stairs for diapers once again. My little runner will be at school. Ugh! I guess I'll just have to train Ellyce in the ways of errand running.

All last week I was able to teach at dance camp for Maricopa Dance Academy. I taught the older and younger tap classes as well as the Jazz classes for the younger girls. I had so much fun. It was quite refreshing to get back into the "swing" of things at dance-although it was a bit of a challenge taking three rambunctious little girls with me while I was teaching. I think I realized that now perhaps is not the time to be "pursuing" my love for dance. I will miss it dearly, however I know in the long run, I would have been missing something so much more important-my girls' childhood.

Well, today was rather fun. Jillian had a doctor's appointment-her 9-month well visit. She is 17 pounds 8 ounces and 28 inches long. She is actually in the 75% for her height (thanks to the Jones' genes) and is in the 10-25% for her weight. Small and tall-hmmm, this might work out great. She could be a model-oh wait she is! My friend, Bridgette has taken some adorable pictures of her in my old tutu. She looks so cute...all my girls are cute! What can I say-thank goodness they look like their FATHER!

Enjoy these moments---since time isn't going to hold still for us.

Vacation Moments July 2008

Of course, I would start an online journal then leave for vacation. That sounds like something I would do-oh well. On July 3, 2008 we packed up the Jones clan and headed for much cooler weather in Idaho. The trip wasn't as bad as I was secretly expecting, however, no matter which way you look at it, the trip was very long. The girls were great. Ellyce slept quite a bit as did Jillian. Ashlynn listened to her books on CD (the Series of Unfortunate Events #1 and #2, Bridge to Teribithia, and the Spiderwick Chronicles) and occasionally "practiced her letters". Nathan and I realized a little later in the trip that Jillian was not enjoying facing backwards while everyone else was admiring the gorgeous views...so on our way home we purchased a booster seat for Ellyce and Jillian was then moved to Ellyce's old car seat which fit her perfectly. She was a much happier traveler once we did that.

For the first five days or so we were in beautiful Pocatello, Idaho. Nathan's younger brothers Taylor, Hansan, and Dallan were all there to greet us. The girls couldn't wait to play outside in the normal weather (meaning not 115 degrees-more like 85 degrees). The twins were a huge help with both Ashlynn and Ellyce who seemed to forget their parents for the majority of the trip. They were too involved with playing outside with the boys to make time for any snuggles with Mommy. Oh well. While the boys were taking care of the girls, Lynne and I (plus Jillian) were able to sneak away and do some fun shopping in Idaho Falls. It was very enjoyable not having to chase another two kids around a store, plus I got some much needed Mom-in-law time. I loved being able to learn from her past experiences regarding motherhood as well as some tips on being a better wife. Every little bit helps-so Thanks, Lynne.

Nathan spent a lot of time with Taylor while he was home. Taylor got to go to EFY at Brigham Young University-Idaho starting on Monday (just a few days after we arrived). I think Nathan really enjoyed being able to hang out with his brother(s). It was definitely weird not having a FULL house like it usually is. Timothy is working for Luke and Emrie's Pool Business down here in Phoenix. Michael is still in Russia on his mission (soon to be coming home-perhaps September or October). Tommy and his wife, Xiaojun, and their kids are in Provo, UT now. Richard and Jena (recently married-Congrats) are in Florida selling home security systems. The kids are pretty scattered at the moment, but perhaps at Thanksgiving we'll all be there together.

On Wednesday, July 9th, we packed up our stuff and headed to Tommy and Xiaojun's house in Provo, UT. Our first night there, Xiaojun and I were able to have a girls' night out. We, of course, decided to take a trip to the mall. We only got to see like four stores and then the mall closed. So we figured our next best bet would be Target. We were there for about a half hour when we hear on the loud speakers that the store is closing. How frustrating-especially on a girls night out. So I begged her to take me to Jamba Juice (my utmost favorite place) then she drove me around campus (just taking the long way home)...even though our evening was cut a little short by closing time restrictions, I had so much fun spending time with my sister-in-law. Tommy is one lucky guy-Xiaojun is an amazing mother, wife, and sister/friend (plus she hands me down all her cute clothes-Thanks).

Thursday day, we planned a little picnic with Nate's cousins Stephanie and Julia Jones (Uncle Rob's daughters) in the canyon. It was so fun to get to know them a little bit better. Stephanie and Julia are both just gorgeous girls who are intelligent and fun. It must that Jones gene---Thank goodness for those genes (athletic, intelligent, and just all around great character). On Thursday night, it was the boys' turn to have a little outing. So I'm not quite sure what they did but they certainly stayed out longer than we did...glad they were enjoying each other's company.

Friday, July 11, Emrie's adopted baby girl was born. She was 5 pounds 14 ounces and 17 inches long. We all decided to take it easy on Friday and wait until Saturday to go and visit the proud parents and big brother of a new baby Jones (actually Stoten)...she was beautiful. Gorgeous skin and so incredibly tiny- I forgot how little they are when they're born. Ashlynn was just about her size only a little longer...boy, was she beautiful too! Friday night, Xiaojun made us the most delicious food known to man. Nathan was in heaven...she made crab, shrimp and chicken. I'm not so sure if Nathan would have shared any with us, but we sort of made him...we were hungry too.

Saturday after we were able to see our newest addition to the Jones/Stoten family, we headed to the mall (once again) in Sandy, UT. Nothing exceptional about that mall, but had a great time just hanging out with Lynne, Miles, Xiaojun, her kids, my kids, and the boys. After that we just headed home. After we put the kiddies to bed, Tommy, Xiaojun, Nathan, Stephanie, Brent (Stephanie's boyfriend-or dating friend, whatever you want to call him-he was really nice) and Julia all went to eat at Red Robin then saw GET SMART at the movies. Xiaojun's mom came up and watched the kids while we were out...all the older kids were great and fell asleep but Jillian wasn't wanting to sleep (I guess). She eventually fell asleep on Xiaojun's mom-where we found her when we arrived home.

Now we're finally back home and trying to recuperate from being away from home for eleven days. Getting the girls back on a schedule is going fine other than mommy wants to nap when the kids are--I need a vacation from a vacation. Know what I mean?