NO!!! GET BACK!!

Tonight I attended a three hour basic self defense class along with about 29 other women. Let me tell you, this is fun stuff.
This has to be the best stress relief I've ever encountered!
I gave it my all and was punching and kicking the lights out of the two padded trainers!
I can't wait until next week's three hour lesson. The class is put on by local R.A.D trainers and is a free course held at our church. Which is really awesome since it's about 120.00 a session. It's also very empowering to be prepared for weirdos out there!
We got to kick, punch, block and yell! And these are some of my favorite things!
We met in the very hot gym at the church. There's not any air conditioning so sweating was a must. It was great exercise and now I'm all jacked up and can't sleep!! Looks like another late night of internet surfing and channel surfing! As I type this,1 1:09 PM, Isaiah is still wide awake watching Zach and Cody.
Judging by the jello feel in by biceps and triceps, I think I'm gonna be a little sore tomorrow. I may just need to stay in bed!!!

A rainy day!

We had the first rain today since living in London. It has been as dry as a bone here and as hot as the desert. I figure hurricane Dean had something to do with this rain. It was a slow steady rain that only lasted an hour or so but we needed it badly! The kids and I went grocery shopping in the rain but didn't mind a bit. It was nice to be cooled off for awhile. Tomorrow is supposed to be another scorcher.

Gracie's 2 days of school have gone really well. As for me, I'm not handling the 7:45 wake up call. Today Isaiah and I took a morning nap at 10:00AM then left to pick up Gracie. We're still going to bed around 12-1:00 AM and it's just not working out for us. I don't know if I'll ever adjust to this morning stuff. The 3 hours she was gone this morning felt like 8! My days in this small apartment are very very long! I'm planning on starting a women's bible study in the next few weeks so that will give me something to focus on during the week. I'm not real sure what we will do once winter gets here. One friend told me we'll "make babies". I sure hope not!!!!

Lastly, I added a picture that Gracie took of herself. It's quite funny! Enjoy!

A day of Firsts

Today was Gracie's first day of her 2nd year of preschool. We reluctantly got up around 8 AM.
She was hard to get woke up because she's just like her mommy. Her daddy took her in and said she didn't cry but was very quiet. While she was gone I cleaned and cooked for our first guests that were coming over for lunch. I picked Gracie up at 12:00 and she was grinning from ear to ear. She had a great day with Ms. Buffey's class. She was very excited that they had waffles and peaches for breakfast. She also told me she used scissors in the art center. I'm glad she has these opportunities to grow!

Thoughts of you

Today Gracie wore an outfit that she got for her 4th Birthday from the Fizer family.
It was the first time she wore it and it was absoloutely adorable on her. A white eyelet skirt with a teal top and a matching white arm purse. Her daddy told her several times how pretty she looked today.
Things like this happen through the week that remind me of friends and family. She'll were an outfit, color on a coloring book, use a beach towel and so on that reminds me of who gave it to her. I love thinking of my girl friends in the F-burg area that I miss.
Gracie has her first day of school tomorrow so I have to go get her clothes picked out and layed out so we'll be ready on time in the morning. Good luck to me!

2

How many of you watched High School Musical 2 last night??

It was all Gracie and Isaiah talked about all week. We watched the first High School Musical prior to the 2nd one coming on.

You know it's a sign of your kids (mainly Gracie) growing up when they love to watch Hannah Montana and High School Musical instaed of the Doodlebops and The Backyardigans.

I thought it was a really cute movie. We all enjoyed the hyped up event!

not working!

Letting Isaiah sleep yesterday until 10:30 AM was NOT a good idea. The boy did not fall asleep last night until around 1:00 AM!! He wasn't just awake, he was watching the Disney channel, playing his guitar, beating his drum sticks on the couch while singing loudly. It was total chaos. Now that Gracie will be going to preschool, maybe we can get into a better sleep/wake routine.
This madness has to stop!

Nothing Special

Today has been nothing special but it has been productive.

The kids and I didn't even get out of bed until about 10:30.... how nice. I was up late last night due to a self defense class I'm taking on Wednesday nights from 7-10 pm. Once I got home, I was not ready to sleep. So I stayed up watching TV and playing on the internet.


Once I got up this morning I called the preschool Gracie has been registered at to see if she had been excepted. I registered her last week and was told that there were still a lot of apps to be processed and that there might not be any openings for Gracie. I waited for a phone call all week and never received one. So I called her school today and they said she was in fact on the roster and that school had started this past Monday. I didn't know school had started, what time school was or who her teacher was. Gracie decided she'll skip tomorrow and start new on Monday. I feel badly that we've not seen her school, her room or even met the new teacher.
We may go and do some of that tomorrow if they'll let us.

Once that was done, I cleaned our bedroom. I got everything up off the floor and was able to vacuum the whole floor. I haven't swept the whole floor in a couple of weeks. I tusre does feel better in here. Now my "quiet place" looks and feels much better and much more peaceful.

Tonite I'm supposed to meet up with a lady from church to discuss getting a women's bible study together. I feel like this is my calling since I have the time to prepare lessons and things.
I just want to be able to connect women to eachother and to Christ at the same time.
This is kinda my way of getting connected myself as I'm having a hard time finding the types of friends and relationships that I found at New Life. Believe me, I don't take for granted the friends I gained at New Life. The people are different at Community and don't seem to be seeking friendships the way I am. I guess it's all in God's time that I will make true friends. This is what it's like being the "new girl". I'm hoping that through this women's study that it will open doors and hearts!

solo Debut

I sang my first solo at Community Christian yesterday. I sang Potter's Hand, one of my favorite songs. I had to sing it at both the 8:30 service and the 11:00. The first service was easy because there was only about 20 people there. Second service was a little different. There was probably closer to 200. My nerves got to me a little bit more the 2nd time. But I think I pulled it off.
You'de think I was a pop star the way they complimented me. My CCC family made me feel very special and loved with their showers of compliments. It's funny how, even though I've told people I love to sing and that while at New Life I was on praise team and sang solos, that no one ever seemed to give it a listen. Once I sang, I've had people offer to sing duets with me and play instruments with me while I sing etc. I guess I just had to prove myself... that's how it is in show business.
I give God the glory for all talents he's given me, those both big and small!!

hair cut

I got my hair cut today. I had not cut or trimmed my hair in over 2 months and it was due.
I went to the trendy Salon Vogue and had my hair cut by a cute , little, 22 year old girl named Dena.

Although I'm letting my hair grow out she had to take about an inch of the top layer because it was pretty much dead. Then she blended the layers and put some jagged cuts into it.

After she styled it it was looking good. I took some pictures of it a few hours later and realized either the camera makes it look worse than in real life or my cut isn't "all that".

It looks pretty plane in these photos. Once fall gets here I plan to darken it up and put some funky stripes in it like red!! Can't wait!

hangin it up

Cris and I did something today in the apartment that we really never did at Pecks Ridge............................................................................




We hung pictures in every room of the apartment!! Now, what you need to understand is that each room can only hold a few pictures so it wasn't hard putting them up in a total of 4 rooms (bath, bed, kitchen,living). I decided that if we were going to be here awhile we might as well make it feel like home! It's so nice to lay in bed or sit on the couch and see framed things on the wall!!!

Just Peachy

Do you love fresh summer peaches like my family does? Over the years I've been spoiled by Cris' parents with fresh Carolina peaches. Every summer that we visit them we always go to a produce stand to get fresh veggies and fruits.

The past two years that we've gone to Myrtle Beach we stop at multiple produce stands to get enough peaches for the beach to eat as well as to make at least one peach cobbler!

After this years beach trip I didn't get enough, so as soon as we got home I went to Walmart to get groceries and stocked up on the "tree ripened" peaches. What a disapointment. After cutting up 3 nasty peaches I had to throw them away. No juice, no flavor and a horrible texture.

So today the kids and I went to a local farmers market here in London to get some good West Virginia peaches and cantaloupes. I have to tell you, these are delish! They are so juicy. As soon as you put the knife into it the juice starts dripping! They are the perfect ripeness and texture.

I think we've already eaten about 7 peaches today.

I've been trying hard the past few months to really watch what I'm eating and summer is so great for fresh fruits and veggies. Make sure you're getting yours in too!!

Fun Times

I met up with Amy today in Hamburg for lunch, shopping and coffee.
Since her birthday was this past Tuesday we went out to celebrate.
We had a scrumptious lunch at Ruby Tuesdays then headed to Dick's to get some manly protection type things for Dusty's football games.
That was quite funny!!!
Then we proceeded to Old Navy where I tried on 2 hideous dresses that looked more like pj's.
Amy laughed so hard at me that she cried! I was a funny sight.
She was able to find me a trendy brown "shirt" belt. I explained to her that I didn't have an outfit to wear it with. So then we were on a mission. We found a really cute dress at Marshall's on clearance! I can't wait to wear the new dress and belt..... after I find a new pair of brown heels!
We also went to a really neat coffee house called Coffee Time and had a latte and cappuccino.
DEEEEELISH! Amy opened her gifts and we sat and chatted about life.
That's the fun stuff girlfriends do!

Myrtle Beach 2007

I wanted to send a few pictures of our July Vacation. Of course one is of the 4 of us and is the only family picture we got the whole week.
The picture with Cris and Gracie has the condo we stayed in in the background. It was an 18 floor building with a beautiful view. We were on the 3rd floor and could see everything above us and below us.
When we looked out in the day we'd see parasailers and boats, evenings we'de see kites flying in the wind (which I tried) and in the night we'd see fireworks. It was beautiful all day long!!!
Everyday we'd pick shells and one morning I actually made it on the beach by 8:15 AM to walk and have some alone time with God and thank Him for His beauty and blessings.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today is a special day for a special person in my life.
Today is Amy's birthday. I won't tell you how young she is because I don't think she'd appreciate it!! I can't wait to see you, Amy and celebrate your big day!!

Home bound

We left Myrtle Beach Saturday morning and had a great week! The weather was great for being outside.
Mid 80's most of the week and cloudy. At some points in the day I would even get a chill.... on the beach. That's crazy!
But at least it wasn't smothering hot. The kids enjoyed the ocean and the pool, but the pool more!
By the time we left, Gracie was swimming on her own. She's not able to swim the length of a pool by any means, but she can go a small distance underwater. I'm so proud of her. As for Isaiah, he can't swim but thinks he can. NO FEAR!!

We'll leave North Carolina first thing in the morning (that's around 10 AM for me) and head back to London. It feels weird going home to London. This is the first time we've left town and came back to London as "home". I must admit, I've not missed the small apartment.
Especially after having our own suite at Pop and Nor Nors brand new house. It is so big and beautiful. They've only been in it 2 weeks now. Anyway, I hope our travels are safe and smooth tomorrow as we head through the hills of Tennessee and back to Laurel County.

Myrtle Beach

The Jones fam is heading to South Carolina to north Myrtle Beach on Monday.
We'll head to North Carolina tomorrow night after church and stay the night with Nor and Pop, and get up and head to the beach on Monday AM.
We can't wait to build sandcastles, ride the waves and work on our tans!
We're looking forward to quality family time with the kids and Nor Nor and Pop!
As long as I have internet access I'll be posting the days' events.... as I know you'll be awaiting.

Delorean Grey

Community Christian Church had the privilege of hosting London's own band Delorean Grey.
This rock band consists of Shane McCowan-lead vox, Logan Miller-Bass, James Wheat-Drums, Steve Hampton-Guitar .
These guys are awesome! It was so loud in the church that I could hardly understand them, but over all they are a greatly talented band.
Check them out on www.myspace.com and listen to their latest radio release!


Thanks to the New Life crew that drove 2 hours to see 10 minutes of the concert!!!
You all ROCK!!

High School Musical

Today I have been so tired and sore. My legs are feeling it from all the trips up the stairs yesterday hauling stuff.
I tried very hard to get things straightened up today, but I didn't get a whole lot done.
I did manage to fill up 6 more large garbage bags of clothes and towels to take over to the storage building. There's just so much to go through.
We've almost got our bedroom done bust most importantly the bed is clear with clean sheets and ready for me to crash on it.
I did manage to watch high school musical twice today. That makes a total of 4 times within the past week. I don't know who likes it more, Cris or the kids!!! He said he liked it because it was about basketball...... ok!
I also watched Raise your Voice with Hillary Duff. It was a sad movie.
If you're wondering why I was able to watch 3 movies in one day, we don't have cable/dish and only one local channel comes in. It gets really old watching one channel that plays the old stuff such as Mama's Family and Andy Griffith.

I did have a funny thing happen today. Gracie wasn't minding me so I told her to come here and get a spanking. She walked over to me and I gave her a spanking. She then walked over to Cris and said "that didn't even hurt."

And from a more serious note, if you can, get to Wendy's as quickly as possible and try their new root beer float! It is AWESOME!! Their vanilla ice cream is better than DQ's!! LOVE IT!!!
It's my new obsession.

Load 'em up, head 'em out

What a day! There is so much about this day that I can praise God for!
We managed to get the house packed up and moved out.
This absolutely would not have happened without a few key poeple!
A simple Thank You is not even enough to Gina, Thurman, Jarrod, Jackie, Nina, and Hannah!!!!!
YOU ALL ARE AWESOME!! I remember about 3 1/2 years ago on a cold December night when Thurman helped us unload our whole house into a storage unit. And of course 3 1/2 years later he's helping us once again move away from Flemingsburg. You all are what we call "good people"!!
Jackie and Nina have driven to London twice now to help us move our stuff down. They have provided a truck and trailer for us to use both times! God has given us such good friends! We hate to leave friends such as these.

With that said, we're happy to finally be in London with all our "stuff". Although a lot of our stuff is still in our attic in Flemingsburg it's not anything we'll miss. Once we sell the house we'll get ALL of our things and be in one place (hopefully much bigger than what we're in right now). But for the next 6 months we're going to make the best of what God has blessed us with.

Again, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all your hard work today. And believe me, it was hard!
I am completely exhausted after going up and down our apartment stairway 20 dozen times hauling boxes. I am going to sit back, watch a movie, and hopefully fall asleep soon!!!

Wild Weekend

We showed the house Friday morning and by Friday afternoon we had an offer settled.
The Lord finally sent a family for our home. We agreed on a "lease to own" offer. They will rent for 6 months and then purchase the house. We will continue to live in the apartment in London until the house is officially sold. This could be a long 6 months but we are so glad the Lord has provided a buyer for us.


We packed all day Friday and more on Saturday morning like crazy. You see, the family has to be out of their place by Monday (today is Saturday) therefore we have to be out of our house by Monday. We still have stuff to pack and get loaded all on Monday WHILE they are moving in.
This could be total chaos.

We're not sure how all of this will go, but we are sure that God's hand is in all of this.
He's getting us out of our comfort zone at this point and we just have to go along with the game plan.

We'll be heading back to 892 Pecks Ridge Sunday night to finish packing, so if you're looking for something fun to do come on over and help pack and load!

Fleming County

The family and I are headed to Flemingsburg this evening. We are going to show the house Friday sometime.... again. I'm not getting my hopes up too soon!!
And we need to pick up a few things that we need at the apartment in London.
We'll be at the house all day Friday and Saturday morning so swing by if you can!

You just said what??

I heard two things today that were polar opposites of each other.
One was a very nice complement, the other made me sick to my stomach.


The first was a compliment from a lady in a purse store. I was browsing around
and told her I'd never been in the store before and wanted to check it out. We got talking and Gracie and Isaiah came up. She said "You have kids? You don't look old enough to have kids."
Now that's a compliment I can handle. Especially now that I'm pushing 30!!!

The other was such an insult that I could have thrown up.
Cris decided to call one of our potential buyers since we hadn't heard from them in a week. They were honest and told us the house was priced too high, so Cris asked what price they were looking for. The guy proceeded to tel Cris that "if your house was on auction, I wouldn't pay more than $40,000."
Ain't that a kick in the head! I honestly don't think I've ever been so offended!

I listened as Cris tried to talk to this guy. You could tell he was dumb founded and didn't know how to respond to such an "offer". He told the guy that we can make a deal, but nothing that low. He explained to him that a bargain is one thing, but giving the house away is another.

Needless to say, I'm a little disappointed and frustrated at this point! This again poses a whole new set of questions between us and the Lord.

one year gone by

I started this blog page in July 2006 all because of Chad Doerr.
One year later, I've written and read more blogs then I could have imagined. I've inspired others to blog...... and that's so neat.
I look forward to my next year of "keepin up with the Joneses". This has been a way of therapy,inspiration and a connection from me to you, wherever you are!

Loves Abiding Joy

I sat down tonight and watched the 4th movie of the "Love comes softly" series, Loves Abiding Joy.
This was a good one. It brought tears to my eyes more than once. It has a great story where faith and love are challenged.
I rented it from our local laurel county library. I suggest you take the time and watch this wholesome family movie as well.

Happy Independence Day!!

Isn't July 4th cool? I'm so glad we live in a country that's free. I thank all the men and women of the past, present and future that secure our freedom.

As much as I love freedom of the USA I love my freedom in Christ even more.

I thank God that he sent Jesus to die for me so that I can be eternally free.

Free of sin, shame, guilt, sorrow,death, poverty and chains.

Today Chris was off so we had breakfast then headed to Levi Jackson park and hiked.
We went until the kids asked to be held, then we turned around and headed back to the car. They lasted for about 20 minutes out before having to turn around, and we trekked up some hills. They had more stamina then I did!

Then we came home and had lunch (the all American corn dog), watched a movie, took a nap(seeing a pattern yet?), went to church. Once home we had pumpkin pie then waited for the sun to go down. We lit some very wimpy fireworks and sparklers. The kids loved the sparklers and pop rocks!

We were able to see some really good fire works last night at the Corbin civic center.

They were BIG and LOUD!

It took us about an hour to get into the fairground area and another hour to get out. But the 20 minutes of fireworks were worth it. The kids loved it.

putting a dent in my day

I had an eventful day. I got up at 9:00 am, did 2 loads of laundry, had lunch with Chris, opened a checking account, went to walmart, cleaned house, took a small nap, and cooked our first dinner in the apartment. Thanks to Amy we had fresh squash and zucchini.
BUT in the midst of all this I managed to get side swiped by an old man in a big crown vic. I was pulling in the parking lot of the apartment on my way home from walmart when it all happened in slow motion. He began pulling out of his parking spot from the drug store right as I got behind him. I didn't have time to move, all I could do was watch as he slowly sunk into my passenger side door.
I watched him coming back and just said"OH KNOW!!" I LAYED on my lame horn, but he didn't seem to hear it. He had no idea I was there until his big blue car met mine.
He pulled forward, got out of the car and gave me his insurance information. I felt badly for the old man as he apologized.
I was sick at my stomach! I wanted to cry for the simple fact of crying but I didn't. I brought my groceries in and immediately called Chris and told him we needed to get an estimate on our car. He took it very well.

Settled in

All 4 of us are now settled into our apartment in London.
We don't have a whole lot here, just the essentials because it is a small place. I figure some part of my life could use simplicity!
We had a great week in NC with Nor Nor and Pop and are now looking forward to getting our lives started here in Laurel county.
There are several parks in the area and a public pool. There are also 2 families at church with pools, so we'll use those as well.
I think the kids and I will check out the library this week and get to know it better.
They have story hour on Tuesday so we'll probably go to that.
I've been told that the Knoxville, TN zoo is only about an hour 15 minutes away as well.
That's not bad at all.
Tomorrow I'll get some necessary moving things done such as finding a local bank and getting internet services at the apartment. So much to do and much time to do it!

House Hunters

I don't have a lot of details but the couple that looked out our Pecks Ridge house said they like it and want it.
They did not make an offer but we are hoping for one very soon.
The man (Mr. Sapp) grew up on Pecks Ridge and wants to live here again.
So this is the perfect house for them.
They want to get the house inspected and go from there. They sound like very serious potential buyers to me!
Please pray that the Sapp family buys our home.

Chris, the kids and I will be living in London in a small one bedroom apartment until the house is sold. God has been very good to us so far and we know he won't let us down now!

New Email address

I have to change my email address due to our fleming-mason serive being disconnected soon.
My new email address is
JenniferLJones77@yahoo.com
Please pass this on to people we collectivly know. There is a good chance that I will not be able to recover my address book before my service is disconnected tomorrow.
I'm hoping I will get back to Flemingsburg in time to recover all address, but if not hopefully you'll find me here!!
Love to all!!

Just another day

Nor Nor and I took the kids to the pool again for the 3rd day in a row. It has been so crowded and today was just flat out hot. It's 91 degrees here in Winston-Salem, NC.

After about an hour of swimming Isaiah decided he wanted to towel off and get a snack.

That's not like him AT ALL! While sitting there he started crying and saying he wanted to go home. He must had said "I wanna go home" 5o times. I told him to give Gracie a few more minutes to swim then we'd go. He got crying and couldn't get comfy on me so I told Gracie we needed to leave. Then she started crying. She didn't want to get out of the pool for nothing.

As we're packing up Isaiah started throwing up. It happened very quickly. One time then two and it was over. We packed everything up, got to the car and he fell asleep in no time.

He's been asleep for about an hour now, doesn't have a fever but has a rash all over his face.

It started yesterday about an hour after I applied some natural/organic sunscreen on him.

I broke out horribly on my face and neck from the lotion as well, so I'm assuming that's what did it to him. We must be allergic to something in the product.

So, he's got a face full of red bumps and a sick stomach. I'm thinking he probably has an ear infection, because we can't go anywhere without him getting one.

It looks like it could be a long night for me and a long next day or two until I can get him to the doctor. Oh, and where do I take him if we're in London??

If I come back to F-burg on Friday I'll take him to the usual pediatrician but if I come home to London, I have to find a new pediatrician. THIS IS NUTS!

good news

Cris called me today to let me know that we have a potential buyer coming this Thursday.
I am so thankful. We've not had any activity in about 4 weeks now.
They are wanting a house in the country and it so happens we have what they need......
smack dab right in the middle of it! (cows not included)

Please pray that this is the family to purchase our home.
Cris will be at Pecks Ridge on Thursday along with Jackie and Nina Pollitt to load up the essentials from the house to move into the apartment we will be living in in London.
I don't want to get excited or my hopes up simply because they've been shattered each time, but I also know these people are sent by God to look at our home and I just really want this to be the ones to buy!
I am seeking your prayers!!

Noth Carolina

The kids and I are in North Carolina for about 8 days.
We plan to go to the pool, mall, maybe a baseball game and who knows what else.
Tonight we had dinner at Speedy's BBQ in Lexington, NC and it was some goooood eatin'!
I have it all down my shirt to prove it!
The kids are loving playing with Nor Nor and Pop and I'm enjoying it as well.
I plan to get some much needed R and R!

Dustin

I'm excited for my best friend Amy because her 13 year old son Dustin was baptized tonight!

He went to camp this past Sunday and decided by Monday that he was finally ready to be baptized. We're so excited for him and I know he's put thought into it.

Cris has spent a lot of time with him over the matter and God obviously grew that seed that was planted!

Abba Father

The kids and I went to church this morning without Cris.
He had to spend the day away from us, but he did get a free steak dinner out of the deal!!
It was another hot day, topped out at high 90's, so the kids and I played in the sprinkler again for a little while then came in and napped.
After we woke up we headed to Dairy Queen for chicken and ice cream. YUM YUM!

On Father's day there's one word I think of that sums it all up for me ABBA!
I love the meaning of the word.... daddy.
Isn't it awesome that we have a heavenly daddy who can wrap his arms around us when we need it? A daddy who loves us unconditionally. A daddy who says "I'm yours and you're mine, and I love you!" How precious is that?!
I adore the song "Abba father" and have had it in my head all day. It's a goose bump song for me.
Take a listen.

Abba Father by Shaun Groves


Abba Father My Defender You are Holy And I surrender For in my weakness You protect me When my heart strays You Correct me
I cry Abba Father -I love you, Daddy Abba Father...I love you, I love you
I cry Abba Father -I love you, Daddy Abba Father..I love you I love you Daddy
Abba Father My Defender You are Holy And I surrender For in my weakness You protect me When my heart strays You Correct me
I cry Abba Father -I love you, Daddy Abba Father...I love you, I love you I cry Abba Father -I love you, Daddy Abba Father..I love you I love you...I love you Daddy Abba Father I love you I love you Abba Father I love you Daddy Abba Father I love you I love you I love you I love you......Daddy

Dog days of summer

Gracie got a new Dora sprinkler for her birthday so the Jones family decided to play in it today.

I'm not sure what the temperature is here in Flemingsburg but it's hot!

We ran over and through the sprinkler for about 2 hours today.

It was quite fun. I asked myself "When I'm 30 am I aloud to do this still?"

Oh Yeah....Absolutely!!

We're going to grill out tonight and Amy and Dustin Flora will be joining us for a relaxing evening of food, coffee, and of course, strawberry dessert!!

What day is it?

The kids and I came home this past Monday knowing that Cris would be in London all week.
I have found that the days are so so long when he's not here. Even though he didn't get home until about 6:00 or later most nights, it still feels different knowing he's not coming home today.
I've tried to keep the kids busy the past 2 days and it's hard.
We've played outside in the dora sprinkler, gone to walmart and the dollar general, made father's day cards and baked brownies.
When we woke up this morning the first thing I thought was "what can I do with the kids today?" I thought about the library, but they are so loud and disruptive, and then I thought about the park but it's so darn hot!! Guess we'll stay home and do laundry for awhile until I get it figured out.
Got any ideas for fun to pass the time?
They do a good job at not constantly asking where daddy is, so they must be staying busy enough.
As soon as our house sells all of this worry and stress will be over. We're just waiting on God to do that for us!

welcome to our world!

Eli Mason Jones, son of David and Kelly Jones made it into our world today, June 6, 2007 at 4:32 AM weighing 5 lbs 8 oz and 17 1/2 inches long!!!

We are so excited to have you here!!

seeking sympathy, I guess

It's late Sunday night and I'm home alone with the kids. Gracie is sound asleep and Isaiah is still awake "playing" drums..... it's 10:50 PM!!!

The past two weeks of traveling between London and Flemingsburg have felt more like 2 months.

I can't get out of my head the thought that this could potentially go on for much longer if the Lord does not sell our house.

Cris is at camp all week so the kids and I are here at home. We'll meet up with him on Friday and head to Louisville for Chad's wedding rehearsal and then attend he and Jennifer's wedding on Saturday. From there we will drive to London, stay the night with friends and head to church/work on Sunday. The kids and I will come back to F-burg while he stays the week for VBS.

What I'm not understanding right now is, why God would put such a strong desire in our hearts for a new ministry and yet cause us so much trouble, confusion, stress, headache and so on. If he wants us to be in London then please, Lord, send us there quickly! Is my prayer life lacking, is my faith not strong enough, do I not have enough patience and this is how he's teaching me??

So many questions run through my mind of why God wants us to continue to travel back and forth (w/ gas so high) and for Cris and I to be away from one another when if he'd just sell our house we could do HIS work much much more effectively!

I'm asking (begging) for your prayers on insight, strength and wisdom through this all.

I also plead for your prayers that our house will sell tomorrow!!

We just want to do His will!

Happy 4th Birthday!

Today is Gracie's 4th birthday! Boy, the years sure do fly by!

I can remember 4 years ago going to the hospital all so well.

She had her big party last night of about 40 people. We had a packed house and yard and LOTS of fun.

Gracie got so many presents she didn't even know what to do with all of them. A small list of some things she got is:

TONS of makeup

dresses/clothes

shoes

beach stuff (goggles, towel, bag)

barbie beauty hair

bracelets, necklaces, rings

roller skates

hair bows

sunglasses

As soon as she got up this morning the first thing she did was start putting on her makeup and nail polish.

Thanks to everyone who came. It was a great time... and sadly our last birthday party at Pecks Ridge.

home again

well the jones family is back in flemingsburg for a few days.
we got in late last night. on our way home we swung by the hamilton's memorial day celebration. we got there at about 9:30 pm and got home around 12:00. us girls just sat back and laughed while the guys played corn hole by porch light.
once home, we all hit the sack and didn't get up until very late this morning. as i type, my little ones are still in bed and it's 10:00 am!!
we have to make a trip to the store because we have no food, no milk and no juice. all i have is coffee!! that's just not enough to get us through the next couple of days!
it's good to be home again where we can all relax and run wild... even cris.

another day in corbin

Let me tell you about my past 24 hours.
Last night it was all we had in us to get the kids to sleep. They kept getting up and coming down stairs where Cris and I were at. We must have said "Go to bed!" a million times.
During one of those trips down and back up the stairs, Isaiah decided he was mad a pulled two large pieces of wallpaper off the stair way area. VERY noticeable. When we woke up this morning and discovered this, I thought I was gonna cry. I was picturing the conversation of us trying to tell the home owners that our son pulled there lovely wallpaper off the wall. There was not a good way to do this. I was sick to my stomach over the embarrassment of it.
Cris decided we'd glue it and go from there. So he did, and it looks great.
We will still tell the Short's that he pulled the paper off but it is not noticeable unless you know it happened. Shew!!!

Then Isaiah decided to break a piece of his cherry chap stick off onto the carpet and it got stepped on and smooshed into the beige carpet. As I was scrubbing it out I was wondering why this didn't happen on the hardwood area, but thankful that it wasn't on the cream carpet or the white furniture!!

Tomorrow is our first official Sunday at Community Christian Church and I'm feeling kinda weird. It feels like we're on vacation and we're going there to visit. But this is the real thing. I don't think it will feel real until we are moved and living here for good. Oh how we pray for our house to sell as soon as possible.

Family day out

The four Joneses went to see Shrek the Third today in Corbin, KY.
They have a new theator and it was really nice.
Isaiah fell asleep about 45 minutes into it, I was having trouble staying awake myself, Gracie got scared and woke Cris up towards the end. It was a great movie though!!!
It was short and sweet, very cute. Cris thought it was boring and Gracie said she didn't like it.
See if for yourself to decide.

house report

Isaiah only broke one thing today and that was a pencil from playing drums too hard!!!
We're hanging in there!!

Corbin, KY

The Jones family is in Corbin, KY for the week. Cris has officially started his new ministry at Community Christian Church and the kids and I are just hanging out.
We're staying in the minister's house (Keith and Aleta) while they are on vacation. How nice of them.
Let me tell you, from the moment I walked in I've been nervous.
They have antiques, china, breakables of all kinds everywhere. It appears Aleta collects these items. They don't have children in the house anymore and my kids are scaring me to death!!!
She has her dining table completely set with real china!! Now that's enough to make a mom pee her pants! I think we'll stay down stairs most of the time, it's a little more "relaxed" down there.
This is only the first day. I'm hoping by next Monday we've not broken a thing!!!!
I may blog each day simply saying "nothing broken so far!!"
This is my goal for the week!!
I'll keep you posted as I have plenty of time on my hands.
I don't have to clean house, do laundry, sew, slop the hogs, mend the fence or kneed the dough.
I think I'll kick back and watch Dr. Phil, read, and get in the hot tub!!! That is, when I've settled in to the change of scenery.
Over and out

What a day

Today was our last Sunday as employees of New Life Church of Christ. It was an emotional day.

During our evening services, kids of all ages made goodbye cards for our family.

They are very special.

After service we had food and all the kids presented us with the cards they had made and we all said our goodbyes through tears.

The church also gave us money that was collected at a love offering. It was a very generous LOVE!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! For the first time Cris and I were both speechless!!

We are so very thankful for all you've done for us over the past 3 1/2 years.

Even though we're no longer employeed there we've made some really great friends that we will never forget!!! We love you and cherish your friendship forever!

Some of us girls got together for some fun photos! (Jeni,Christy,Tab,Gina,Kim,Amy,Jen:missing are Deena and Sarah!!)

Unsuccessful

We had an open house today from 1-4 PM.
It was a definite flop.
1:00 no one shows, 2:00 still not a sole, 3:00 empty, 4:00 we're done!!
Not one person showed up!!!
Cris and I cleaned and prepared for hours. I even made brownies and lemonade!!
We didn't advertise well but we plan on doing this again in a couple of weeks.
We'll make sure it's known in the community.
We're still trying to get the house in London that we want. So far we've agreed on the price, but we've got to come to an agreement on some other things.
It's all in God's hands and sometimes that's what makes it so difficult.
It's difficult trusting what the outcome will be when we feel like we're walking around in the dark.
Oh, for more faith and patience!!!!

I got an email from my biology lab professor saying that I got 109/110 on my final!!
SWEET!
And I got an "A" for the course!
Now that'll make the GPA look good!!
WHOOO HOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

love

Picture a giant dump truck full of love. There you are behind it. God lifts the bed until the love starts to slide. Slowly at first, then down, down, down, until you are hidden, buried, covered in his love!

Offer

Today is a big day for us.
Cris and I submitted an offer on a house in London.
After many hours of house hunting we're going to go with the new construction that is a little smaller than some of the older houses we saw. But updated and super close to the church!!!
We just aren't real excited about having to fix up a house. We simply want to move and not have to worry about house issues so we can actually enjoy the house and get to work at Community!
How exciting!!! We're praying this is it and that it goes through after a little negotiating I'm sure!

Be still...

Have you ever not been able to speak because of what God was performing in and around you?
For me, this is rare. I often find myself not being quiet and still enough to know he is God and to hear him.
Well, yesterday God had me speachless with butterflies in my stomach.

On the way home from church Cris told me he had prayed a very specific prayer.
He asked God to have someone make an offer on the house today of a certain amount.
When we got home Isaiah fell asleep on the living room floor, Cris got on the couch to read a book and I was playing on the computer when we had a knock on the door.
I heard a man's voice ask "how much do you want for your house?" I got up and went to the door to find a couple with a little girl needing to buy a house closer to Hilltop (just down the road from us).
Cris invited them in to look at the house, then looked at me and asked if it was ok.
You see, I didn't clean at all on the day before, so stuff was on the floor etc.
Luckily I had just taken out 2 bags of nasty trash and had the dishwasher going. I told them they were more then welcome but to excuse the mess.
They understood b/c they have 5 kids themselves.
While they looked around at the house inside and out, I sat at the computer with butterflies in my stomach feeling nervous. I hadn't felt like since I don't know when.
I was so speechless of what was going on that I didn't get up to help show the house b/c of fear of what I'd say. I just sat at the computer and asked God to please let these be "the ones" and for Him to completely take over.
They didn't make an offer but they were truly interested.
Can you believe the way God works? He simply had someone come to our door to see the house.
No call, no appointment. This could be it.
PRAY PRAY PRAY!!

Funny Story

This is my second blog in one day, but this is a blog worthy story.

Isaiah came into the kitchen and he kept begging for another piece of gum. He had already had 2 pieces that he had swallowed so Chris told him "NO!"
Isaiah started to whine and Chris said to him "If you don't stop crying you're going to go to your bed." Ironically Isaiah doesn't have a bed. He wouldn't sleep in it so we took it down and he sleeps with Gracie.
His answer in his broken English was "I dont have a bed, you took it away."
Now that's funny!!!

House Hunters

Cris and I have become official house hunters. We took a day trip to London yesterday to look at more houses. We saw 4 houses making a total of about 15 now. There is only one that we like. I thought we'd have more luck than this, but if we need to keep looking I'm willing. I enjoy looking at houses (except for the part with 2 crying and whining kids. That gets a little tiring!!).
Until we sell our house here in Flemingsburg we can't do much more than look.
We're praying for the right person to come along and just fall in love with our house!

It's over

I took my biology lab final today and I must say it was easy. I'm thinking I got an A on the test.
I'll know my final grade in a few days.
I highly suggest my professor (Dr. J.T. Williams) to anyone needing to take some biology in their life.
I now have biology and bio lab taken care of. My next thing to figure out is which school will I go to next? I think all students should go to at least 3 colleges, it's fun this way!
For now, I'm taking a rest from all schools!

lookie-loo

I had the priveledge of showing the house today to a young couple who lives just up the road from us.
That's a good thing, because it keeps them close to family!!!
They seemed to like the house. This is the 3rd couple to look at the house in the past week.
Not bad, but we're ready for a buyer.
Cris wasn't able to be here with me while I showed the house so I have so many thoughts going on and things to tell him. I just need to talk!!
They asked if the price was negotiable and if anyone had made an offer yet. To me, those seem like "we're interested" types of questions. What do you think??
Oh boy, this process is enough to make a person go crazy.
I've never kept the house as clean as it is for 2 weeks straight. Mom, you'de be so very proud of me, I make my bed everyday now!!!
And laundry, I do a load almost everyday and I now put it away!! This is amazing!
Please pray that we find a buyer quickly so we can do the Lord's work in London when our time in FlemVegas is over.

Golf ball meets window

This evening while Isaiah was waiting his turn to mow with daddy he thought he'd toss a golf ball around to kill time.

As you can see the results are not good.

Chris had just taken the storm windows off last week to make it look better for selling!

I don't think this was the look we wanted.

Ice Storm

I just witnessed the loudest and largest ice storm of my life.

I am so very glad I was not driving in it.

I thought it was going to come through my bay window it was pelting against it so hard.

The kids were watching it out the front door in amazement. Isaiah said "snow!"

It only lasted about 10 minutes but it was fierce.

I'm sure my fellow Kentuckians will see this same storm system come through your area as well.

For a second I thought this could be the end of the world...... going out in an ice storm! I immediately imagined when all the plagues of things fell from the sky that this is what it must have been like... but much more gross!

PANIC!

Ok, panic has officially set in.
We have our first potential buyers coming tomorrow morning to see the house.
To be very honest, it's not ready to show. There's just stuff everywhere... clothes, toys, supplies, dishes etc. So far today I've mopped all the floors ,put away every piece of laundry (about 6 loads), have washed 2 loads and have one more to wash , dry and fold, made beds and organized. Now I get to scrub the shower. It needs it in a severe way!
OH boy, I'm not ready for this! This is when we really need lots of prayer!
Back to work!

It's official

Cris has been offered a job at Community Christian Church in London, KY and we've accepted.

It was made official yesterday with a church vote of 96% yeses!!!

We are excited to start at a new place with new ideas and new people.

We will also miss the wonderful friends we've made in the past 3 1/2 years here in Flemingsburg. We've never had so many friends our age in one church. New Life has been a good place to be but God is calling us to move onward and upward.

In the mean time, we have a house to sell so please pass the word along!

www.online-listing.com id# 102065

Show me the Way!!

Listen to my Rhapsody playlist on Rhapsody: http://play.rhapsody.com/playlistcentral/playlistdetail?tracks=tra.2678161+tra.2487451+tra.646491+tra.3076944+tra.7629113+tra.1926621+tra.2678161+tra.2487451+tra.646491+tra.3076944+tra.7629113+tra.1926621+tra.2678161+tra.2487451+tra.646491+tra.3076944+tra.7629113+tra.1926621+tra.2678161+tra.2487451+tra.646491+tra.3076944+tra.7629113+tra.1926621&lsrc=RN_im&title=Rhapsody+User+Playlist


I will be perfoming, along with many others, these songs this upcoming Friday and Saturday night. I joined a group of people of all ages, genders and styles who come together to do one thing we all love..... singing!
I have the solo in "Show me the Way" as performed by Styx.

He's outta here!

Tubby leaves Kentucky for WHO?? Minnesotta?!

Who's that anyway?

It was time for a move, but I don't understand this move.

Do you??

Happy Spring

Today, March 20, 2007 is the official first day of spring!

Although it's not real "springy" out we now know it's on its way!!

I can't wait.

So, happy spring to you!

Happy Birthday!

HAPPY 32ND BIRTHDAY TO CHAD DOERR TODAY!!!
HAVE A GREAT DAY AND ENJOY THAT NEW IPOD!

At it again

As if the embarrassment of playing and singing "And now my lifesong sings" wasn't enough.... I'm gonna do it again.
I'm now working on the piano music for the Barlow Girl song "Never Alone".
This song rocks! Take time to listen to it.

http://www.geocities.com/warriorofchrist777/barlowgirl_neveralone.ram

"Never Alone"
I waited for you todayBut you didn't showNo no noI needed You todaySo where did You go?You told me to callSaid You'd be thereAnd though I haven't seen YouAre You still there?[Chorus:]I cried out with no replyAnd I can't feel You by my sideSo I'll hold tight to what I knowYou're here and I"m never aloneAnd though I cannot see YouAnd I can't explain whySuch a deep, deep reassuranceYou've placed in my lifeWe cannot separate'Cause You're part of meAnd though You're invisibleI'll trust the unseen[Chorus]We cannot separateYou're part of meAnd though You're invisibleI'll trust the unseen

Happy Birthday x 30!

Guess who's having their 30th Birthday today??

Jeni Carmichael!!!
Hope you have a GREAT day!!!

It's bound to happen at some point

I was in and out of sleep this morning when I heard Cris talking to Gracie in our bathroom.
I heard him ask her "what happened to your hair?"
Her quick response was "I cut it."
So Cris asked "why?"
And she casually said "Beacuse I wanted to." There you have it.
It's a half pixie cut, meaning short and only on one side of her head. She must have put the scissors up to her hair and just clipped and then moved them back a section, and clipped agian. It is so completley short on the top right side of her head that I can't put it up anymore. Today we had to do "the Donald" and give her a comb-over just to make her look normal.
In a way it's kinda cute, if she just had a nose ring with her ears pierced 10 times and some tatoos. It's kinda a rocker look. Maybe I can get a picture to show you.
She could care less about it, she told me "it will grow back!"
We explained to her that only mommy and daddy are to cut her hair!!

Words of Encouragement for YOU!

I'm not bragging in this post, but sharing my heart.... so please hear it.
If you read this blog there's a good chance I prayed for you today.
Doesn't that feel awesome?!!
I love to know when people pray for me so I thought I'd do the same for you.
In my personal prayer time today, I think I lifted up just about everybody I know.
Everyone needs prayer be it for big or small reasons. And you are so important to God and to me!
Just wanted to let you know!
:)

Good Travels

I wanted to give a shout out to my nine friends from New Life leaving tonite at 3 AM
for Mexico!!
God bless you
Darren and Gina Fizer
Sarah and Eric Polley
Danny and Kim Hester and Carey Holten
Thurman Paige
Davey Hamilton
Do great things for God's kingdom while in Mexico!!!
Have a safe and wonderful trip!!

TV

I don't know if you watched the Oprah special Monday night showcasing the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy but I did and was so touched.
Now, I don't agree with much that Oprah believes or does but this was amazing.
She has given so many young African girls a chance they never would have gotten.
To hear these girls' stories, to see the "houses" they lived in and to understand what their everyday lives are like was so sad. I cried at those girls lives and situations. One young teeanage girl gets up at 4AM, walks to the bus in the dark through a rough neighborhood, then catches the bus to school. She risks her life everyday just for an education.
Then last night I watched the Co-Anchor Bob Woodriff story and his miraculous recovery. I thought what it must have been like to be in his wife Lee's place and I just cried again. He is a walking and talking miracle!
And I loved how they showed real veterans whose lives have been turned upside down by war injuries, especially the ones with head injuries.
Their lives and the lives of their loved ones will never be the same.
I was touched to see the stories told of wounded vets. It seems to me that so much of the military is covered up and kept secret unless you know someone in it.
I just wanted to share how I was touched by both of these programs.
I only wish both could have given glory to the Lord for the miracles done!

LifeSong

Have you ever done something so big, so great, so rewarding that it made you puke or gave you diarrhea? But yet you were DETERMINED to do it anyway?
That was my experience yesterday at church.
About a month ago, Cris was planning his outline for youth Sunday service.
He told me he wanted me to sing Casting Crowns "And now my lifesong sings".
It is one of my favorite songs!
I told him not only would I sing it, but I would learn the music on piano and play it as well.
He was very honest with me and told me he did not think I could get this together in a months time. I was set out to prove him wrong.
I purchased and printed the music online, and started that night around 10:00 PM learning to play the music.
I struggled with reading the music and getting the chords at first. You see, I hadn't played piano since around the age of 11, Nor had I performed in front of anyone.
This was a HUGE deal for me. But I made a promise to my Lord that I was going to gloify him through song with my own hands and voice.
And I did. Not perfectly by any means.
But I made it happen. My hands were shaking on the ivories as I sat and played. I was a wreck performing this solo.
I hit some wrong chords, then lost my place, then out loud said "I lost my place!".
I was so upset that I messed up, but I was able to play the song again at invitation and lead the congregation in worship.
Praise the Lord! That was one of the best feelings. When I started playing the song and then came in on the first line and heard everyone singing, chills went all over my body (as they are now retelling this). It was so beautiful hearing voices blended saying "and now my lifesong sings!"
My Rhapsody Playlist

dirty little secret

I have to confess....
while Cris has been gone this week, I've used the new vacuum.......
A LOT!!
I had to use it twice yesterday and I'm sure I'll use it again today and again tomorrow.
You see, my secret is safe here, because Cris usually doesn't stop by.
I know I can trust you with this very confidential information.
Now the only problem will be keeping my kids quiet... maybe duct tape.
Kidding!

Happy Valentine's Day II

I had to tell you what happened last night once Cris and the kids got home.
It was about 8 PM when they came in with 3 long-stem red roses (one from each of my loves) and a bouquet of white roses!! How beautiful! I adore roses simply because of their beauty.
I love to watch them each day as they unfold into a new flower.
He also got me a gift certificate so I can get the silver engravable earrings I've been wanting!
He's good!!!
Ended up being a good day after all!

And then today, Cris had me stop at Kmart to get a new vacuum while in Maysville.
You see, I broke the spinny thing on the last one. The attachments still work and it works fine on hard floors, but not so great on carpet.
Cris politely broke my heart today. He told me I could not use the new vacuum! CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?? YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!! WHAT IN THE WORLD WILL I DO IF I CAN'T RUN THE VACUUM???!!!
Anyway, I'm so devastated and broken hearted over this whole ordeal that I think I'm gonna go eat or maybe even sleep!!! My life is over!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

I don't know what your day consisted of, but mine was not usual.

It all started last night about 11:00 PM. I went to bed with a head ache and by 11:30 it was a full blown migraine. This one had me by the right eye and right temple and would not let up.

I was in tears, nauseated, and hot (temperature wise). I don't think I've ever prayed for healing as hard as I was last night. I laid on my back, on my side, on my other side, on my stomach.

It would not go away. By around 12:00 AM I decided to get into a hot shower. It helps to let hot water beat on my head and neck. I had Cris worried because I was a little dizzy and things.

He got a heating pad out for me to lay my head on while I slept and he also gave me a phenogren. I love that stuff. I didn't take long and I was knocked out until morning.

I wasn't feeling the best this morning and got up around 10:30 feeling like I'd been hit by a Mac truck. Cris left with the kids and I laid on the couch and watched two sappy love movies.

One was a Julia Stiles movie about a prince, it was cute. And the other was "A walk to remember" with Mandy Moore and it made me cry.... on my couch.... alone..... on valentine's day! It's 7:10 PM now, and I'm just waiting for Cris and the kids to come home and see the heart shaped cakes I managed to make. I think they're very cute. Not quite as cute as when Martha Stewart did them.

This was not quite the "day of love" I had in mind. Although I must say, it was nice having the house to myself all day. That was totally sweet of my sweetie!

Let me know all about your romantic day! GGRR~

Circle of Life~ From Cradle to Grave

Today is a reflective day for me. I've been thinking of how God's plan for life is so perfect, yet so complicated.

I think of a rose, how tight the bud is at first and over time it becomes a beautiful full bloomed flower, that process is amazing. I think of seasons, how a cold winter turns gradually warmer until it's too hot to bare and then it gradually turns cold again. All of this is God's perfect plan. I think of the wedding band and how it resembles a never ending love. I also am reminded of the new cirlce pendants that have become so popular around a ladies neck. It can represent many things, but over all it's a representation of no beginning and no ending. Wow, that's exactly Gods love for us.... no beginning and no ending . AMEN!

But I also think of life.

Today my nephew Mason celebrates his 2nd birthday. While we celebrate birth we also remember an earthly death today as well. We remember Amy Doerr who's earthly life ended on this day one year ago. Although it's not understood, it's God's devine plan.... the cirlcle of life.
It's a beautiful thought though isn't it? How our life and everything around us is in God's control from cradle to grave.

So, Happy Birthday Mason Lane Jones!! We love you!

And welcome home Amy Lynn Doerr!! We miss you!!

Blizzard 2007

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!

What do you think of this blizzard??

I had the privilege of driving through it early in the day but now, I'm at home and STAYING!

I think it's going to be a movie and popcorn night at the Jones house!!

Oh yeah, and lots of blankets.

Signing out saying, "Stay in and stay warm"