Happy Fall everyone. I can just feel it in the air today. Possibly because its not 110 degrees out. Beloved fall.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The end is near...
I was truly expecting this to happen eventually. I mean how could it not!?! But today I humored myself and just did the whole "double check" and sure enough...my first gray hair. Look close. It is definitely gray, no...its white. Good bye beautiful brown hello gorgeous gray (or wonderful white).
Monday, October 3, 2011
New Year's Resolutions Recap
At the beginning of the year, I posted a long (and I mean LONG) list of resolutions I wanted to accomplish this year. It is definitely more than halfway through 2011 and I'm not so sure I've been resolving much-at least some are certainly better than others on my list. Nothing that a little recap won't cure to get me back on track.
1. Learn something new: Ok so...I have started teaching myself how to play the guitar. BUT...I haven't picked it up in months. So to be fair, I have learned something new; I just haven't quite perfected it yet. That is completely fine-I at least know where it's at and that I can start over with the painful fingertips once more (I am prepared for the pain this time around). Besides, if I want to eventually teach my own daughters how to play the guitar, I think that I need to know how FIRST. Dedication and consistency, Cindy. Come on, you can do it.
2. Book of Mormon Challenge: We are doing pretty well as a family reading the Book of Mormon. However, we did NOT make our goal for finishing it by June. Ashlynn was baptized in June and I believe she knows her scriptures to be true, so if we keep at it she will be able to develop a deeper testimony of its principles. We are in Alma (which is great). The girls take turns reading a verse, so we do have to take it just a chapter a night. We have been pretty bad lately. We get busy at night and just hurry through the bedtime routine and forget to read most nights...but we will get back on track starting TONIGHT.
3. Charts: We have established chore charts for the girls and for myself (yes, even I need to remember what has to be done, plus it's easier to just have it written down so I don't forget the little stuff like dusting the fans). They each have to make their beds in the morning, put their toys and books away they had out that night, dirty clothes go in the laundry room, and they have to clean up the yard which they certainly don't mind because it's outside. Ashlynn, Ellyce, and Jillian are now in school so as for the homework well they do a great deal. I may seem like a mean mom for making them do extra work on Saturday morning, but they will thank me later (I hope). Even the potty charts have been going well-Jillian is getting better; she still has accidents but they are getting fewer and farther in between. Natalee (now 2 years old) is about 85% potty trained. She has accidents now and then too, but since I am reminding the two girls to go potty, they are doing pretty darn AWESOME.
4. Reading: I absolutely love my NOOK color and I believe I've read about 10 books so far this year. Not bad, but I can read more. I want to read the classics-like Pride and Prejudice; Romeo and Juliet; Count of Monte Cristo...you get it. The girls and I have read about 7 books total thus far...Ramona Quimby is a favorite of theirs (and mine). Ashlynn has to do book reports that are of the more advanced levels in reading which is good. We are reading IDA B. right now and it is really cute. Next we will be reading Soul Surfer (the true story of Bethany Hamilton-Ashlynn's IDOL). I have to tell you though-lately I am exhausted and don't read to the girls at night. I do make them sit in their beds and read for about 20 minutes. For Ellyce and Jillian, they are just looking at pictures, but Ashlynn is doing great. She's read on her own 2 Junie B. Jones books and 2 Roald Dahl books. She gets super excited that she's reading all by herself. I know we can all do better.
5. Prayers: Not my strong point. I would set my alarm and just snooze it and go back to sleep. I say prayers with the girls for meals and for our ni-night prayer, but I have been terrible at saying my personal prayers. I pray mostly in my heart for strength to get through another day-or to say thank you for getting me through my day, but they are very inconsistent prayers and probably not as sincere or heart-felt as I could make them. I will do BETTER.
6. Speak more softly and be more patient: Well, this one comes in waves. It's my own personal roller coaster ride. Some days are better than others, which if you were to ask anyone else in this world if they've ever raised their voices or were impatient they would say yes. If not, then I need your calm spirit. I tend to get so worked up over the dumbest things-why? I don't know. They don't mean anything in the great eternal realm of things-but I am only human and I get too emotionally attached to situations and whatnot. I get impatient with my girls and with my husband for silly things-once again, I can do BETTER.
7. Preach my Gospel Manual study: I am still at chapter 3. So....I'll get on that.
8. Eating healthy: We go through tons of fruit and vegetables but I'd be lying if I said that I have a serving of fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. The girls get their intake well enough-me...I don't as much. I need to plan better the meals to where we have either a fruit or a veggie for each meal. If I just put it in the plans, it'll get done.
9. Family Home Evenings: Sometimes we don't have a lesson, but we will be together as a family. We do enjoy watching the America's Funniest Home Videos and we will sit down together and laugh together. Sometimes we will sing our primary songs. Sometimes we will play outside. I figure as long as we are together-that's what matters. A lesson is important too-I can be better at that too.
10. Temple: Once a month hasn't really happened, but I have gone a few times and it's been wonderful. One night I even got to go clean the temple after hours. It was a very spiritual experience because I realized that the Lord's house has to be cleaned too-and what great people work there each night to keep it clean. Great experience.
11. Date Nights: Well, I wish we could go out more, but paying for a babysitter is ridiculous. We go out when we can or we'll just have a date night in. I like that because it's FREE and we can be all comfy cozy on our very own couch and watch a movie together. It's great.
12. QUALITY Family Time: We really want our girls to enjoy nature and camping and hiking so we have taken them a few times to hike and camp. It's so much fun. They are still little to where they sometimes whine about certain things but really, they do pretty well on our hiking excursions for being little. My husband takes the girls out on hikes for their little date nights and that is wonderful-they absolutely love spending time outdoors but more importantly with their daddy.
13. Fulfill my Church Calling: I feel that I have done well in this. I love being in Primary. Sharing times are getting better. We have meetings more often and we each have a greater love for the children in our primary. We think about them, we pray for them and their families, we desire that they strengthen their testimonies of the Gospel. It is amazing to see how well they've done this year so far. We just had our Primary program and the vast majority of our kids had their parts MEMORIZED. I would say a small few did not, so that is really saying something. The songs were sung with vigor and vim...as it says in one of their primary songs. I was truly PROUD of them-they made my testimony grow because of their sweet spirits and their love for our Savior.
14. Tithing: My husband always remembers. We haven't given our girls any allowances so we haven't really gone down that road yet. We'd better get on it though.
15. Stay HOME more: We do pretty well at this, but sometimes I get so antsy and want to get out of the house, but when I do we just go to walmart and spend money. I CAN DO BETTER!
16. Maintaining the House: Well, over the past couple of months we've encountered the joys of owning our own home...our water heater isn't working so well and our heating element in the dryer went out. Our lawn was pretty patchy (but it looks great now); we have a few holes in the walls that still need to be patched up...the list goes on and on, but that's normal. We have to prioritize what needs fixing and what can wait.
17. Journal/blogging: Well, if you're reading this, it's been the first post in MONTHS. So now that we have a new computer, I think that posting on my blog and our family blog will be more fun. My tiny laptop was fine, but this killer computer is so much more convenient to just sit and enjoy some ME time on the computer...so once again. I will do better.
18. Reading my patriarchal blessing more often: I keep it in my church bag and I do read it often. There are amazing blessings that are given to me and will be given to me if I will "ask in sincerity and righteousness". I am learning patience in the art of rearing children and I have learned so much by working in the Primary organization in our church. I am truly grateful for the blessings that were bestowed upon me.
19. Who am I? I am certainly learning who I am and what I can become. I can be better at studying my scriptures and preparing my sharing times more diligently. I have been blessed to come to earth at this time where there is so much knowledge readily available to me to which I can be a better wife, a better mother, a better friend, a better daughter of both my earthly parents and my heavenly parents as well. I find opportunities to share with my daughters the truths found in the scriptures and from our modern day prophets. I know who I am and what my purpose is here on earth.
20. Charity: When I have the time, I try my best to help serve others. There are so many opportunities to serve the people around me. I try to keep in touch with friends and family members. I know I can still be better.
21. Read my Resolutions often: Hmmm...as I stated at the beginning of this post, I haven't been doing so well at remembering my resolutions, but I am starting now (RIGHT NOW) and will keep at them. I still have 3 months to meet my goals...so watch out world. Here I come.
1. Learn something new: Ok so...I have started teaching myself how to play the guitar. BUT...I haven't picked it up in months. So to be fair, I have learned something new; I just haven't quite perfected it yet. That is completely fine-I at least know where it's at and that I can start over with the painful fingertips once more (I am prepared for the pain this time around). Besides, if I want to eventually teach my own daughters how to play the guitar, I think that I need to know how FIRST. Dedication and consistency, Cindy. Come on, you can do it.
2. Book of Mormon Challenge: We are doing pretty well as a family reading the Book of Mormon. However, we did NOT make our goal for finishing it by June. Ashlynn was baptized in June and I believe she knows her scriptures to be true, so if we keep at it she will be able to develop a deeper testimony of its principles. We are in Alma (which is great). The girls take turns reading a verse, so we do have to take it just a chapter a night. We have been pretty bad lately. We get busy at night and just hurry through the bedtime routine and forget to read most nights...but we will get back on track starting TONIGHT.
3. Charts: We have established chore charts for the girls and for myself (yes, even I need to remember what has to be done, plus it's easier to just have it written down so I don't forget the little stuff like dusting the fans). They each have to make their beds in the morning, put their toys and books away they had out that night, dirty clothes go in the laundry room, and they have to clean up the yard which they certainly don't mind because it's outside. Ashlynn, Ellyce, and Jillian are now in school so as for the homework well they do a great deal. I may seem like a mean mom for making them do extra work on Saturday morning, but they will thank me later (I hope). Even the potty charts have been going well-Jillian is getting better; she still has accidents but they are getting fewer and farther in between. Natalee (now 2 years old) is about 85% potty trained. She has accidents now and then too, but since I am reminding the two girls to go potty, they are doing pretty darn AWESOME.
4. Reading: I absolutely love my NOOK color and I believe I've read about 10 books so far this year. Not bad, but I can read more. I want to read the classics-like Pride and Prejudice; Romeo and Juliet; Count of Monte Cristo...you get it. The girls and I have read about 7 books total thus far...Ramona Quimby is a favorite of theirs (and mine). Ashlynn has to do book reports that are of the more advanced levels in reading which is good. We are reading IDA B. right now and it is really cute. Next we will be reading Soul Surfer (the true story of Bethany Hamilton-Ashlynn's IDOL). I have to tell you though-lately I am exhausted and don't read to the girls at night. I do make them sit in their beds and read for about 20 minutes. For Ellyce and Jillian, they are just looking at pictures, but Ashlynn is doing great. She's read on her own 2 Junie B. Jones books and 2 Roald Dahl books. She gets super excited that she's reading all by herself. I know we can all do better.
5. Prayers: Not my strong point. I would set my alarm and just snooze it and go back to sleep. I say prayers with the girls for meals and for our ni-night prayer, but I have been terrible at saying my personal prayers. I pray mostly in my heart for strength to get through another day-or to say thank you for getting me through my day, but they are very inconsistent prayers and probably not as sincere or heart-felt as I could make them. I will do BETTER.
6. Speak more softly and be more patient: Well, this one comes in waves. It's my own personal roller coaster ride. Some days are better than others, which if you were to ask anyone else in this world if they've ever raised their voices or were impatient they would say yes. If not, then I need your calm spirit. I tend to get so worked up over the dumbest things-why? I don't know. They don't mean anything in the great eternal realm of things-but I am only human and I get too emotionally attached to situations and whatnot. I get impatient with my girls and with my husband for silly things-once again, I can do BETTER.
7. Preach my Gospel Manual study: I am still at chapter 3. So....I'll get on that.
8. Eating healthy: We go through tons of fruit and vegetables but I'd be lying if I said that I have a serving of fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. The girls get their intake well enough-me...I don't as much. I need to plan better the meals to where we have either a fruit or a veggie for each meal. If I just put it in the plans, it'll get done.
9. Family Home Evenings: Sometimes we don't have a lesson, but we will be together as a family. We do enjoy watching the America's Funniest Home Videos and we will sit down together and laugh together. Sometimes we will sing our primary songs. Sometimes we will play outside. I figure as long as we are together-that's what matters. A lesson is important too-I can be better at that too.
10. Temple: Once a month hasn't really happened, but I have gone a few times and it's been wonderful. One night I even got to go clean the temple after hours. It was a very spiritual experience because I realized that the Lord's house has to be cleaned too-and what great people work there each night to keep it clean. Great experience.
11. Date Nights: Well, I wish we could go out more, but paying for a babysitter is ridiculous. We go out when we can or we'll just have a date night in. I like that because it's FREE and we can be all comfy cozy on our very own couch and watch a movie together. It's great.
12. QUALITY Family Time: We really want our girls to enjoy nature and camping and hiking so we have taken them a few times to hike and camp. It's so much fun. They are still little to where they sometimes whine about certain things but really, they do pretty well on our hiking excursions for being little. My husband takes the girls out on hikes for their little date nights and that is wonderful-they absolutely love spending time outdoors but more importantly with their daddy.
13. Fulfill my Church Calling: I feel that I have done well in this. I love being in Primary. Sharing times are getting better. We have meetings more often and we each have a greater love for the children in our primary. We think about them, we pray for them and their families, we desire that they strengthen their testimonies of the Gospel. It is amazing to see how well they've done this year so far. We just had our Primary program and the vast majority of our kids had their parts MEMORIZED. I would say a small few did not, so that is really saying something. The songs were sung with vigor and vim...as it says in one of their primary songs. I was truly PROUD of them-they made my testimony grow because of their sweet spirits and their love for our Savior.
14. Tithing: My husband always remembers. We haven't given our girls any allowances so we haven't really gone down that road yet. We'd better get on it though.
15. Stay HOME more: We do pretty well at this, but sometimes I get so antsy and want to get out of the house, but when I do we just go to walmart and spend money. I CAN DO BETTER!
16. Maintaining the House: Well, over the past couple of months we've encountered the joys of owning our own home...our water heater isn't working so well and our heating element in the dryer went out. Our lawn was pretty patchy (but it looks great now); we have a few holes in the walls that still need to be patched up...the list goes on and on, but that's normal. We have to prioritize what needs fixing and what can wait.
17. Journal/blogging: Well, if you're reading this, it's been the first post in MONTHS. So now that we have a new computer, I think that posting on my blog and our family blog will be more fun. My tiny laptop was fine, but this killer computer is so much more convenient to just sit and enjoy some ME time on the computer...so once again. I will do better.
18. Reading my patriarchal blessing more often: I keep it in my church bag and I do read it often. There are amazing blessings that are given to me and will be given to me if I will "ask in sincerity and righteousness". I am learning patience in the art of rearing children and I have learned so much by working in the Primary organization in our church. I am truly grateful for the blessings that were bestowed upon me.
19. Who am I? I am certainly learning who I am and what I can become. I can be better at studying my scriptures and preparing my sharing times more diligently. I have been blessed to come to earth at this time where there is so much knowledge readily available to me to which I can be a better wife, a better mother, a better friend, a better daughter of both my earthly parents and my heavenly parents as well. I find opportunities to share with my daughters the truths found in the scriptures and from our modern day prophets. I know who I am and what my purpose is here on earth.
20. Charity: When I have the time, I try my best to help serve others. There are so many opportunities to serve the people around me. I try to keep in touch with friends and family members. I know I can still be better.
21. Read my Resolutions often: Hmmm...as I stated at the beginning of this post, I haven't been doing so well at remembering my resolutions, but I am starting now (RIGHT NOW) and will keep at them. I still have 3 months to meet my goals...so watch out world. Here I come.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Oh so early to be cleaning the toilets...
There's nothing like having a Playdate to make you clean your house! I have been up since 6:30 cleaning the bathrooms. Ridiculous I tell you...I need to figure out how to manage my time more wisely especially when it comes to everyday cleaning versus "hurry up and clean the house because someone is coming over" type of cleaning! Maybe I should get a dry erase board...Yeah. I will try that.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Summer camp at home...
The girls love to build forts so one Thursday, with the help of my dearest friend, Liz...we put up a fort. Now for those of you not familiar with how we make our forts here at the Jones household, we staple (yes, with a staple gun) extra blankets to the ceiling. Silly but easy and it pleases everyone. So the girls are enjoying their little fort this afternoon...they are too funny!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Grateful for...
Two things today: I am grateful for tylenol and it's amazing headache-be-gone healing powers. I had a crappy headache to match the crappy weather outside (windy and rainy). So thank you tylenol. And two...all star weekend. I love the slam dunk contest. Who knew I would love watching sports!?! I remember getting paid to watch football with my dad growing up and now I watch it for FREE!!! Turns out you can "aquire a taste for things"!!!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
New app
I find technology sometimes exhausting but today it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I can now post randomness from my phone. Thanks to the Blogger app...and android. You guys are great. So in accordance with my gratitude resolution for this particular blog, I say today that I am truly thankful for smart techy people and for technology in general.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
2011 New Year's Resolution Time...
Yes, for those of you who have continued to follow this blog, you will not be too surprised to know that I haven't forgotten you--just the blog. And since this is the dawning of a new year, I have decided I am going to do my best to keep up with my writing. I figure perhaps this can be a gratitude blog. I have realized that in the time I've been "not-blogging", I have fallen into the "I want what I don't have" type of mentality when in reality, I have soooo sooo much to be thankful for. So throughout this year, I will dedicate this blogging to my gratitude in all the big and little packages it comes in.
But first things first, I will share with you my new year's resolutions for 2011 (all of which are in no particular order-just the order of "DO THEM THIS YEAR"). So if I start the "not-blogging" again, any of you can give me a little nudge...And off we go on the road to a happier me (and possibly everyone else around me):
1. Learn something NEW: learn to play the guitar; crocheting; story writing; tech stuff...
2. Book of Mormon Challenge: Read at least one verse a day (personal study and with the girls); Study what we are reading (study guides); Pray about the things we are reading/learning (Testimony Building opportunity)--GOAL DATE: June 21, 2011 (Read the whole Book of Mormon with the girls before Ashlynn turns 8). MAKE IT A PRIORITY
3. Chore charts; Meal plans; homework schedules; preschool worksheets; ORGANIZATION
--Chores: done daily; specific chores for girls; work together (teaching/learning opportunity)
--Meals: budget; eat healthier; buy in BULK
--Homework: extra homework; workbooks during the summer time; additional reading for Ashlynn; Read to the girls every night (1 chapter a night; read from Book of Mormon too)
--Preschool: letters/numbers recognition; writing practice; preparation for kindergarten (Ellyce)
--ORGANIZE: word for the year is MINIMIZE (do we really need it?); go through each room-clean; organize; label; store;
--CONSISTENCY: discipline; schedules; be motivated-now is the time to teach proper values and to show them how to choose the right
**Be strong; be honest; be prayerful; be humble; be loving...
4. Read at least 30 minutes a day--use my NOOK...enjoy the classics (or try to). Keep a journal of all the books I read and the ones I want to...
5. Personal Prayers-EVERY MORNING; set alarm; Be specific in my prayers-be thoughtful; be honest; be sincere; be grateful...MAKE IT A PRIORITY
6. Speak more softly: be patient; be understanding;be loving; be open/honest with my feelings; be strong (stand for what I KNOW is RIGHT)...
7.Preach my Gospel: read, study, and pray as I go through the manual; strengthen my own testimony and share it with others; be an example to friends and family members; Be done with the manual by DEC. 2nd.
8. Drink more water and less soda-eat more fruits and vegetables; meal plans-always have a fruit/veggie with a meal. Do NOT eat out-unless for a special occasion (teach proper manners at home and if we are out)
9. Family Home evenings: be consistent; plan ahead; share a quick lesson; find scriptures to go along with the stories/principles taught; print off coloring pages for the girls; play games; sing songs; MAKE IT A PRIORITY-MAKE IT FUN!
10. Temple Attendance: date night; try to go at least once a month. MAKE IT A PRIORITY.
11. Date nights: 2x's a month (or more); be creative (and frugal); TALK; MAKE IT A PRIORITY
12. QUALITY TIME as a family (and friends)-what if most important? WHAT and WHO are valuable to me? Knowing this, spend more time on the people that matter the most and the things that matter
--Date nights with each daughter: know them and let them know how special they are to us
13. Fulfill my Church Calling: primary president-get to know our primary children and our teachers; be available as much as possible to help those in our primary (counselors/secretary); get to know my counselors better; be prayerful and remember to ask God to bless our primary children; Search ponder and pray about sharing time lessons--continually work on my own personal testimony while helping our primary children develop their own; be creative and fun; be observant to their needs...
14. TITHING: teach the girls
15. STAY HOME MORE: avoid over-scheduling the girls' days; do more at home (homeschooling for girls-Ellyce prepared for kindergarten in August); LESS or NO TV! Chore charts; schooling curriculum (preschool); weekly grocery shopping trips (avoid impulse buys); play outside more-QUALITY TIME with the girls; 1 day a week play dates.
16. Maintain house: save money for bigger purchases like furniture or appliances; keep each room as organized as possible (MINIMIZE); home decor'; no more junk piles (if we don't use it or have already read it-magazines-then get rid of it); paint the laundry room; repaint our room; organize garage and closets (possible shelving units for closets-utilize the space; no more dressers for the girls)
17. Write in my journal/maintain my personal blog: daily writing in small black journal; write in the big one for personal scripture study and preach my gospel lessons and ensign talks or whatever else...testimony building studying;
--be specific: ask questions and pray to know the answers
--pray before I begin studying (maintain a spiritual atmosphere)
--Learn and study the scriptures/principles-teach the girls EVERY CHANCE I GET!!!
18.Read my Patriarchal blessing often: There are blessings in there and goals that I can achieve-know what they are so that I can work towards them
19. Be sincere and honest-get to know myself and the woman/daughter of God/wife/mother that I am becoming (or can potentially become); say my true feelings-don't be a chameleon; be firm in my beliefs/testimony; teach the girls how to stand up for what they know is right...
20. Get lost in service: serve others; send out birthday cards; thank you cards; thinking of you cards; let other know that I truly care for them; call or text family members more often--or friends who have moved...
--serve my husband always: find ways to be more helpful to him and show him through acts of service my love for him
--serve my daughter always: put their needs FIRST (doesn't matter if I don't feel like doing something-do it for them; show them how to serve others also.
21. Read these resolutions often; work hard; PUT IN THE EFFORT IN ORDER TO GET THE RESULTS. Pray for the help I need to accomplish these goals and do not procrastinate...DO IT NOW!
Yes, this year I think I have doubled my resolutions. I guess I have a lot of things I really want to do-even more so, I need to do them! I think that I can be a pretty awesome person if I have the right mindset to do so...I will be the best darn mom, wife, friend, daughter, neighbor, and whatever else...I CAN DO IT! So here's to 2011 new year's resolutions!
But first things first, I will share with you my new year's resolutions for 2011 (all of which are in no particular order-just the order of "DO THEM THIS YEAR"). So if I start the "not-blogging" again, any of you can give me a little nudge...And off we go on the road to a happier me (and possibly everyone else around me):
1. Learn something NEW: learn to play the guitar; crocheting; story writing; tech stuff...
2. Book of Mormon Challenge: Read at least one verse a day (personal study and with the girls); Study what we are reading (study guides); Pray about the things we are reading/learning (Testimony Building opportunity)--GOAL DATE: June 21, 2011 (Read the whole Book of Mormon with the girls before Ashlynn turns 8). MAKE IT A PRIORITY
3. Chore charts; Meal plans; homework schedules; preschool worksheets; ORGANIZATION
--Chores: done daily; specific chores for girls; work together (teaching/learning opportunity)
--Meals: budget; eat healthier; buy in BULK
--Homework: extra homework; workbooks during the summer time; additional reading for Ashlynn; Read to the girls every night (1 chapter a night; read from Book of Mormon too)
--Preschool: letters/numbers recognition; writing practice; preparation for kindergarten (Ellyce)
--ORGANIZE: word for the year is MINIMIZE (do we really need it?); go through each room-clean; organize; label; store;
--CONSISTENCY: discipline; schedules; be motivated-now is the time to teach proper values and to show them how to choose the right
**Be strong; be honest; be prayerful; be humble; be loving...
4. Read at least 30 minutes a day--use my NOOK...enjoy the classics (or try to). Keep a journal of all the books I read and the ones I want to...
5. Personal Prayers-EVERY MORNING; set alarm; Be specific in my prayers-be thoughtful; be honest; be sincere; be grateful...MAKE IT A PRIORITY
6. Speak more softly: be patient; be understanding;be loving; be open/honest with my feelings; be strong (stand for what I KNOW is RIGHT)...
7.Preach my Gospel: read, study, and pray as I go through the manual; strengthen my own testimony and share it with others; be an example to friends and family members; Be done with the manual by DEC. 2nd.
8. Drink more water and less soda-eat more fruits and vegetables; meal plans-always have a fruit/veggie with a meal. Do NOT eat out-unless for a special occasion (teach proper manners at home and if we are out)
9. Family Home evenings: be consistent; plan ahead; share a quick lesson; find scriptures to go along with the stories/principles taught; print off coloring pages for the girls; play games; sing songs; MAKE IT A PRIORITY-MAKE IT FUN!
10. Temple Attendance: date night; try to go at least once a month. MAKE IT A PRIORITY.
11. Date nights: 2x's a month (or more); be creative (and frugal); TALK; MAKE IT A PRIORITY
12. QUALITY TIME as a family (and friends)-what if most important? WHAT and WHO are valuable to me? Knowing this, spend more time on the people that matter the most and the things that matter
--Date nights with each daughter: know them and let them know how special they are to us
13. Fulfill my Church Calling: primary president-get to know our primary children and our teachers; be available as much as possible to help those in our primary (counselors/secretary); get to know my counselors better; be prayerful and remember to ask God to bless our primary children; Search ponder and pray about sharing time lessons--continually work on my own personal testimony while helping our primary children develop their own; be creative and fun; be observant to their needs...
14. TITHING: teach the girls
15. STAY HOME MORE: avoid over-scheduling the girls' days; do more at home (homeschooling for girls-Ellyce prepared for kindergarten in August); LESS or NO TV! Chore charts; schooling curriculum (preschool); weekly grocery shopping trips (avoid impulse buys); play outside more-QUALITY TIME with the girls; 1 day a week play dates.
16. Maintain house: save money for bigger purchases like furniture or appliances; keep each room as organized as possible (MINIMIZE); home decor'; no more junk piles (if we don't use it or have already read it-magazines-then get rid of it); paint the laundry room; repaint our room; organize garage and closets (possible shelving units for closets-utilize the space; no more dressers for the girls)
17. Write in my journal/maintain my personal blog: daily writing in small black journal; write in the big one for personal scripture study and preach my gospel lessons and ensign talks or whatever else...testimony building studying;
--be specific: ask questions and pray to know the answers
--pray before I begin studying (maintain a spiritual atmosphere)
--Learn and study the scriptures/principles-teach the girls EVERY CHANCE I GET!!!
18.Read my Patriarchal blessing often: There are blessings in there and goals that I can achieve-know what they are so that I can work towards them
19. Be sincere and honest-get to know myself and the woman/daughter of God/wife/mother that I am becoming (or can potentially become); say my true feelings-don't be a chameleon; be firm in my beliefs/testimony; teach the girls how to stand up for what they know is right...
20. Get lost in service: serve others; send out birthday cards; thank you cards; thinking of you cards; let other know that I truly care for them; call or text family members more often--or friends who have moved...
--serve my husband always: find ways to be more helpful to him and show him through acts of service my love for him
--serve my daughter always: put their needs FIRST (doesn't matter if I don't feel like doing something-do it for them; show them how to serve others also.
21. Read these resolutions often; work hard; PUT IN THE EFFORT IN ORDER TO GET THE RESULTS. Pray for the help I need to accomplish these goals and do not procrastinate...DO IT NOW!
Yes, this year I think I have doubled my resolutions. I guess I have a lot of things I really want to do-even more so, I need to do them! I think that I can be a pretty awesome person if I have the right mindset to do so...I will be the best darn mom, wife, friend, daughter, neighbor, and whatever else...I CAN DO IT! So here's to 2011 new year's resolutions!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Gorgeous little girls...
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Wow-this is the first day on my own. Mom just left this morning to head back to Wyoming-and surprisingly enough, I've survived the day (and it's only 2:00). The house is still messy, there are still dishes in the sink, the pillows are off of the couches, but hey, all of us girls (including me) got a shower or bath today. Hurray for us! And now that I have a spare moment-while three out of the four are asleep, I'm sending you all some beautiful photos that my friend Bridgette took of the girls. Enjoy-I certainly am (even though I want my MOM to come back).
Sunday, July 19, 2009
More pictures of Natalee...
Natalee loves being home-she doesn"t seem to mind the chaos that is always present due to older siblings...guess she's used to it. Look at how relaxed she is-
Natalee is a cuddle bug for sure. She loves to make little grunting noises while she's sleeping-perhaps this is her way of getting a word in...
Natalee is a pretty easy going baby (for now at least). She doesn't seem to be bothered by anything...unless she wants food, then she'll let you know it!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Natalee Hazel Jones
Our precious little Jones girl arrived on Tuesday, July 14th at 12:57PM as planned. We named her NATALEE HAZEL JONES. She weighed 6 pounds 4 ounces, and was 18 1/2 inches long (our shortest). She looks just like the others, but if I had to pick one that she most resembles, it would be Ashlynn. Natalee has a lot of hair (which like the others, she'll probably lose). And finally after three girls, we got one that has dimples just like her Grandpa Wayne. FINALLY! We don't have a whole lot of photos yet-but here is one of her after her first bath at home today. She loved it-and she smells so good now too (if only mommy smelt that good).
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Almost to the End...
I now have 6 more days until I am scheduled for the C-Section...I just had to show everyone this crazy picture...tell me this doesn't look real! I'm a beast!
Fourth of July FUN
Jilly-Ashlynn-Charlie-Ellyce
Miles-Ashlynn-Ellyce
Miss American Pie-Ellyce
The Little Mermaid-Ashlynn
Charlie and Jillian---4th of July skirts
Friday, July 3, 2009
Happy 4th of July!
Even though it's the 3rd of July, the girls are already wearing some red-white-and-blue attire to help with the spirit of the season. I JUST love the 4th of July. I have to say that it is my most favorite holiday-and the only reason why that I can think of is just wonderful childhood memories. The 4th of July was a family time at our house-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces, and close friends (and sometimes just random people) would show up at our house to enjoy the holiday with us. We always had good food and even better company. To top it all off, we had the best seats in the house to watch the firework show put on by our local fire department. We'd sit out on the front porch/lawn and watch the older boys try to light each other on fire during bottle rocket wars, or let the little kids run around waving sparklers through the grass. Those are some of my best memories. I couldn't tell you all the glorious, and elaborate gifts I'd get for Christmas, but I CAN remember all the special and more gratifying memories during the 4th of July holidays growing up. So here's wishing you all a very Happy (and safe) 4th of July!
Nesting-Part 2
Before-YUCKY
After-AHHHHHH!I got the notion to scrub my floors yesterday...yes, I know. I've got to quit this crazy cleaning/organizing/labeling stuff. I guess that's why I'm doing all this-I'm just trying to get this baby out so then I can "relax". So I took some before and after shots-and although there are still spots where the tile glue shows through, it's about a million times better than it used to be. I have the blisters and bruised knees to prove it!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The End is Near...
For all of my wonderful family who isn't here to witness this giant bowling ball I have attached to the front of my body-I just wanted to share the "End Result" with you. Yes, this is me, 9-months pregnant with Baby Jones #4. Our scheduled C-Section is for July 14th at 12:30PM (which I am guessing won't happen-probably like next week at the latest). We couldn't be more excited-and if any of you tell me I look like I'm glowing, that's not pregnancy glow--that's my "nesting", "9-months-pregnant-and-can't-wait-for-this-baby-to-come-out", "I've been sweating since 9:00 last night" type of GLOW! Love you all and miss you!
Nesting-Part 1
Okay~ I know that nesting is the time during your pregnancy that you are getting ready for baby and blah blah blah, but I think that this is going too far. I got the notion today to go through the girls' old (and current) clothes/toys and put them all in bins with labels-YES, LABELS! This is so not like me-I mean I try really hard to be super organized like my sister, Stephanie, but I am nowhere near her organizational awesomeness...until now! I think "TYPE A personality" would about say it right-in regards to my current nesting state. Seriously, when will this organizing stop?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
New Car Seat Cover and Diaper Carrier
If I didn't have creative friends (or family members for that matter), I probably would not have been able to make all the fun things I've made-Take this car seat cover and diaper carrier I just made like yesterday. I had a doctor's appointment Monday, so while we were in town, we ran over to my friend, Chantae's house. She is a pretty crafty girl-she helped me draw out the car seat and make a pattern so that the fabric would fit over the existing cover...and holy cow-it's so adorable. The girls played and had fun (for most of the day-they were getting pretty tired, but still had fun playing with Chantae's daughter, Charlie). I now have a pattern for a car seat cover-so if anyone's interested, let me know. And of course, a special thanks to Chantae for her creativity and patience with me (the not-so-creative-but-wants-to-be friend).
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Countdown to baby...
Well, it's getting to be that time...we're about 37 weeks which means this little Jones girl could come any day (although we're trying to hold out until at least the first week of July). We're so excited-the girls ask me every day when the baby will come out of my belly. I just tell them soon (and to stop asking me). They can't wait either-Ashlynn thinks this baby will look like her; Ellyce thinks this baby will look like her; and Jillian just says "Belly-baby" without really knowing that this little one will soon be the baby and she'll be the big girl.
We will of course be keeping you all posted on the actual date of our C-Section, but like that's been useful in the past (I usually go a bit early with all our girls). Just wanted to give you all a quick heads-up on our latest Jones girl. According to the last ultrasound I had (June 12th), she should be around 5 pounds now (maybe more) and is healthy. Yesterday at my doctor's appointment, Dr. Linnerson said her head is already down which is better than the other way around (not that it matters when I'm having a C-Section anyways). I had been measuring small for this point in my pregnancy (which explains the ultrasound) but after the ultrasound, the tech just said the reason for me measuring smaller was because the baby was sideways with her head on my right side and her little butt on my left. How funny, but now the doctor said her head is down so that's better...means the end is near (hurray).
We will of course be keeping you all posted on the actual date of our C-Section, but like that's been useful in the past (I usually go a bit early with all our girls). Just wanted to give you all a quick heads-up on our latest Jones girl. According to the last ultrasound I had (June 12th), she should be around 5 pounds now (maybe more) and is healthy. Yesterday at my doctor's appointment, Dr. Linnerson said her head is already down which is better than the other way around (not that it matters when I'm having a C-Section anyways). I had been measuring small for this point in my pregnancy (which explains the ultrasound) but after the ultrasound, the tech just said the reason for me measuring smaller was because the baby was sideways with her head on my right side and her little butt on my left. How funny, but now the doctor said her head is down so that's better...means the end is near (hurray).
Friday, June 5, 2009
Ashlynn's Kindergarten Graduation
Ashlynn graduated from kindergarten this evening-she was even asked to speak during the ceremony. She has been practicing her little speech all week-even though it took a little bit of coaxing from her teacher, Mrs. Taylor, she finally delivered her lines amazingly! We are so proud of her. I just wanted to share some pictures of her in her cap and gown, and the other one is of her kindergarten diploma. So cute!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Little Chefs
The girls and I were wanting to do some cooking this afternoon before Ellyce and Jillian's naps. We really wanted cookies-actually Mommy really wanted them. The girls really wanted to help-which they mostly just ate the chocolate chips but overall they did a pretty good job!
Jillian's New Summer Haircut
Jillian's hair was getting a little bit shaggy so I decided to give it a trim this morning. She looks so cute with her "Bob" haircut. Her hair is really blond compared to the other girls' hair-even when they were her age. Jilly's hair seems to be more like Nathan's was when he was a baby...now his hair is almost black-weird how that works. Guess we'll have to wait and see if Jilly's hair changes. Hmmm.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Ellyce-Dance Recital
Ellyce-the dancing bunny
Cheese--isn't she adorable?On Friday, May 29th, Ellyce had her first dance recital. She has been taking a little dance class for about 10 weeks-every Tuesday at 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM. She loved it so much-she would ask every single day when dance class was. There were only three girls in her class, but she didn't care one bit. Her little friend, Taylor Martin was in her class, so it was good to have a familiar face at class with her. So Friday was the big recital. It was held at the ladies house where she takes the lessons-which is in her gigantic loft equipped with hard wood floors, ballet barres, and full length mirror along one side of the room. She really loved it-she was definitely born to move. The 2nd picture is of Ellyce receiving her certificate of completion and trophy as well as a little bag full of goodies. And the first photo is of Ellyce's costume-Bunny ears (and although you can't see the back end of her) and bunny tail...their song was entitled "Spring has Sprung". She did such a great job! My little dancer!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Jones Girls' Choir
This afternoon, the girls wanted to go outside and swim in the "kiddie" pool...which is our friend Laura's from across the street (we're holding it for her since we have grass in our backyard). Well, girls being girls decided to grace us all with a little song. Hope you enjoy it (just as much as I did). I couldn't stop giggling-they're always making me laugh (I should have six-pack abs by now). This particular singing moment was like recording something from the Sound of Music-hilarious! So without further ado-I give you the Jones Girls' Choir.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Painting project...Round 2
I got the urge to paint again today-but at least I already had the paint on hand. I'd purchased this paint to go with the Red (Raspberry red) in Ashlynn and Ellyce's room. They had told me that they wanted their room to be red and pink, but once I painted that gorgeous Raspberry color on the one wall, it just looked so cute with the yellow (which I had painted for Jillian) that I left it.
So it wasn't until today that I decided to bust out the "Blushing Beauty" pink and get to it! Ashlynn even helped me paint-well at least the trim...so did a pretty good job and amazingly enough only got a little bit of paint on herself (and me once). What a big helper-so enjoy the pictures. I'm crazy about painting...but mostly when I'm pregnant and nesting (only 8 weeks left and no more rooms to paint-what is a girl to do).
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Ashlynn-Kiwanis Terrific Kid Club Luncheon
Ellyce and Jillian-1st time drivers
Jillian loved the carosel.
So did Ellyce-look at that smile!
Ashlynn-She's one Terrific Kid, isn't she?Ashlynn was invited to attend a luncheon today at Peter Piper Pizza for the Kiwanis Terrific Kid Club. At Legacy School, she was chosen out of all of the kindergarten classes to be a part of this fun thing. One student was chosen from each grade level to be part of this Terrific Kid Club as well. The other schools in Maricopa also had students there to represent their school and class. We are so proud of her for getting this chance to represent the Kindergarten classes at Legacy Traditional School. According to the Kiwanis Club representative, Ashlynn was chosen by her principal for various reasons like her grades, her behavior in class and behavior towards her classmates, and so on. How awesome is that? She certainly had a wonderful time, as did Ellyce and Jillian...but who doesn't love Peter Piper Pizza?
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Painting project...
I decided to paint our bedroom/bathroom-which I've been wanting to do for quite a while now, but haven't had the motivation to get going on it. For some reason, when I'm at the end of my pregnancy, I get that motivation and practically paint every room (okay, I'm exaggerating, but still). I found a paint color that is just gorgeous-it's called TEAL DEAL. It's a deep teal blue color-which I know what you are thinking: TEAL, really? It really is a beautiful, fun, fresh color and it looks great. After two coats of paint, a lot of cleaning up, a lot of crazy kids who wanted to help mommy paint, and some seriously sore legs and back, here is the final product. The wall behind our bed is the teal and the rest of the walls are a beautiful pale blue color which brightens up the room-makes it more inviting. Hope you like it-I certainly do!
Friday, May 1, 2009
I am so creative somedays...
Yes, I know. I sound so sure of myself, but I was so excited after I had finished this really cute apron. My friend, Chantae, made an adorable one, so I did my best to copy hers. Hers is much cuter, but hey, I'm trying my best without a pattern. Here is Ashlynn modeling the reversible apron-one side has flowers while the other has polka dots (a "Cindy" favorite)...Hurray for me today! Let's hope tomorrow is as productive (and creative).
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