The older kids with their Dad

...plus, I think these pictures are stinkin' cute!

MJ's blessing day

This is much overdue, but MJ is officially known on the records of the church. C gave a beautiful blessing which included a blessing of protection and to have a smile; needless to say, we are grateful for both. She is such a happy baby. She loves to face out and I believe she really thinks all people talking in front of her are talking to her. What a joy!



Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Wouden, Aunt Keryn and the Marble family for coming in person, and to all of our friends and family who were thinking of us from afar.
We feel blessed to have such a special little girl in our family.

Thank you Marlies for the darling dress--it was perfect for the occasion! And this blanket was given to us from Grandma-great Afton. We miss you!

The Greens

My mom bought the kiddos coordinating green outfits. I've been trying to get a picture of them, and something always goes wrong. On my multiple-ith attempt, I managed to get these...




...aren't they good looking!?!

Grandma Dee

It's always fun when Grandma comes--hurray!

We've loved having family come visit the last little while. These are delayed pictures, but here are some shots with Grandma Dee Jones and the kiddos.

Cow Garden

Visiting the cow garden for a family picnic on Friday evening (a few weeks ago).

Status update: MJ

MJ is becoming so responsive and interactive. She's quick to smile, especially at her siblings. We're so lucky to have her in our family.

Treasure

I came across this picture from several years ago (thanks Kyra) and I've really enjoyed seeing it again. First of all, it reminds me that I was once skinny and that gives me hope that I will be again. Secondly, it was taken just after when C & I got engaged, and that is a fun time to remember.
Here's to being grateful for "good times," may they be now and then.



Oh, and p.s., I think it's interesting that even when we are skinny, we don't feel it. Maybe if I recognized that I was skinny, fit, beautiful, etc. I would stop needing "perspective experiences" that help me learn by experience that I really was.

It's been thirteen years!

Can you believe it's been this long Em?
Thirteen years ago (on September 2, 1998) I entered the MTC to prepare to go to Romania. What a life-changing event.

M's growing up!

Here's an updated picture from my Sunday photo shoot with MJ. (Thanks Tania for the bow!)

Happy 4th of July

And we made it to the 4th of July. I even got to sleep in--a huge thank you to M & C!

We enjoyed the morning as a family, which did include mowing the lawn :) Not very patriotic, but I'm grateful for a husband who will work on his holiday to make sure the kids will have a place to play outside!
After lunch and Mario Kart Kars--see, he did get some fun time as well, we went to "Aunt Candace's pool" for a J-dog party (Thanks Aunt Nan for sending the sauce and making this possible!) and swimming. Wow, the kids are really progressing in the water. We contributed a fruit pizza (featured below) and had a great time.
We closed the day visiting B&K at their law offices downtown--wow, what a spectacular view of the river. And who can refuse Pappas catering--they are definitely a top hit in my book. Too bad there were no fireworks, but we enjoyed the day immensely. It was filled with some productivity, family interaction, good friends, great food and fun activities. I even managed to snap a few pictures during the day.

Happy 4th Anniversary

We've just passed 4 years of marriage. Thanks to Aunt Kristen and Abbey, we were able to go out to our traditional anniversary meal. Trulucks treated us so well, and the food was, as usual, amazing.

Down from McKinney, TX--welcome Aunt Kristen and Abbey

Much love and thanks to Aunt Kristen (my mom's youngest sister) and her daughter Abbey who came in after Keryn left. My kids have been so well-cared for with all of the family that was in town, and that takes a burden off me. There are so many more benefits that can't be mentioned; meals, cleaning, conversation, advice, etc. We are so grateful for all of the service rendered to our family, and especially grateful for family who are willing to "come on down" to Austin for a stint with the Joneses.







Much love and thanks!

Aunt Keryn

And then came Aunt Keryn. During her visit, Daniel told her she was his "special mom." I'm glad my kids love our siblings, and Keryn did great things to earn this title. She was definitely the "fun one" that week, while I was the "tired one."

Here are some picture highlights--thanks Keryn, we love you and miss you.







On a reminiscent note, I remember holding Keryn as a baby. I was so excited I got to rock her and sing to her. I'm so impressed at the amazing woman she has grown up to become. I'm so glad you're my sister and am especially grateful you would come out and serve/spend time with our family at this special time of M's birth.

Swim Lessons with Cousin Loyd

We had so much fun with "Aunt Loyd," I mean Cousin Loyd--it took the kids a little while to learn the appropriate family titles :) He was so good with the kids and helped clean up the house, etc. I appreciate his coming to visit and help out during this time for our family.

Here are some pictures I was able to get of their trip to the pool.

MJ--getting older

It's dangerous when you leave me at home with a camera and a beautiful new baby. Here's a shot that shows how MJ is growing.


Thank you Aunt Maralee for the beautiful dress--I love the neutral colors and pattern. M looked so cute and relaxed in it.

Rites of passage and grateful for family

I'm especially grateful for Aunt Kristen and her daughter Abbey who are staying with us right now to help out after M's birth. When I see happy kids who are engaged in all kinds of activities and getting healthy meals, etc., I'm especially thankful for their service and love. I know I need to heal and recover, but I don't want to do this at the expense of my older children, so having their help is really important to me.
Especially today, I have a new level of gratitude. Riley, while she was supposed to be down for her nap--so she was in her crib, took off her diaper. This was just before she had a really big, stinky poo that she proceeded to paint all over her crib, the wall, dresser, etc. Of course, she waited to do this until I was out numbered with kids :)

I was taking a nap at the time so Kristen found her. When Kristen put Riley down in the bathroom to clean her up, Riley made a mad dash to my room, and climbed up on my bed. Kristen was right behind her and told me she was covered in poop. I brought her to the bathroom and got Riley in the bathtub. Meanwhile, Kristen tackled her crib. Before I fully realized what really happened, Kristen had it mostly cleaned up.

While I feel like less of a mom that I didn't clean up all of the poopy mess, I am very grateful for a loving Aunt who really just jumped in to help as needed. She is a loving and wise mom of four, all of whom are older than 8, so she's beyond the toddler phase. Yet, she willingly jumps back a decade to help our family at this time in our lives. Good family and friends really have the possibility to influence and help each other for good. Much love to all of our family and friends who, from all over the world, are there to love and support us as we welcomed another precious girl to our family. Thank you!

P.S. I have no pictures to include with this post--just imagine a big, stinky mess all over and you've got a good mental image of this one!

New Addition: MJ

We are excited to announce our newest addition to the C&C Jones Family. Meijke (pronounced Micah) came to us on June 14th at 10:31 pm. She was 9 lbs. 13 oz. and 21.5 inches long. She has super long fingers and toes and actually had hair!
D&R were so excited to hold her and are adjusting well. D ran into the hospital room and said, "Good job pushing out baby Meijke, Mom." When we brought her home, he was fascinated with her umbilical cord, and can now tell you about it himself. He even remembers what it is called :) We hope he also remembers that he can't "pull it out."
R looked at Baby M skeptically at first, but then excitedly said, "Baby Meijke!" At that point, she wanted to hold her right away. At home, she'll run into our room in the morning and look at Baby M in the crib. She also often tells me what is happening, like "Baby Meijke crying."
Here are some pictures of the experience. We're so enjoying a third baby, and feel blessed to have her in our family.

We are also glad for the many friends and family who are supporting us during this time. Thank you!!!
We are fortunate to have Candace back from Costa Rica (as of last night) and have enjoyed seeing her again. Also, my cousin Loyd came in from UT and has been a tremendous help! He'll do the dishes, help make sure dinner is ready, play with the kids and hold baby M. While I'm missing my Mom, I'm so grateful for Loyd being here and his constant support. He'll be a great dad one day!