I Will Never...

I can't tell you how many times I have uttered this phrase. "I will never..." then fill in the blank. It's embarrassing, really, to think of all the things I thought I would never concede to doing - and now I am in the thick of those things! Here are a few of the "I will never's" that stick out in my mind:

1. I will never...marry a pastor or youth pastor. I shook my finger and adamantly proclaimed this to my BFF Sarah Brueggemann at the wise age of 13. I wanted nothing to do with a life that involved inconvenient hours and a life of serving others (I know, I sound like a total gem don't I?). I couldn't help but smile at this memory when Nate and I met and fell in love. I am SO GLAD that God brought us together and that we have been allowed to serve in youth ministry. Sure things haven't always been easy - but no matter what your career path or ministry is, there will always be challenges. I have seen God work in so many amazing ways - many times in the lives of students. I am so thankful for our years with them and the ways they have changed my life!

2. I will never....let my kid throw a tantrum in the checkout at the grocery store. Just last week we quieted an entire Hyvee storefront. Ruby had been trying to run away from me so I plopped her tushie in the cart, strapped her in, and was determined to leave the store with our items (we were out of toilet paper - I didn't have many options). As fellow customer's heads turned to stare as her screams and shrieks filled the air I strode calmly to our checkout, reminded Ruby that attempted escapes in the store would not be tolerated and LET HER SCREAM. That's right - she wailed the whole time. I would like to say she learned an awesome lesson, but I haven't risked taking her back. Actually, I think I called Nate and said "I will never" about that one too!

3. I will never....homeschool. HHHHHAAAAAAA!!! I think if God had given me a picture of my life 11 years after graduating from college it would have been too much for me to handle. I don't know if we will homeschool for forever, but I am confident that it was the right choice for us and for Kingston this year. In our 8 days of school there have been multiple times that I am overwhelmed with confirmation that this was exactly what he needed. And I'm so thankful to witness these moments - the joy when he reads a new word, understands a math concept or is being silly and funny. I love the way his face looks when he is concentrating while writing and relish our time together.

4. I will never....be loud and boisterous. Now let me issue a few disclaimers: some of my favorite people could be described as these two things and I LOVE them. I don't think there is anything wrong with these qualities. I also never made the conscious statement of "I will never be loud and boisterous". It's just that, I've never been that person. Until tonight. On two separate occasions on my kids first Awana night I was a little loud. Just joking, talking etc. As I got into the car I thought about the encounters and cringed, hoping I showed as much grace and kindness as I did volume. As I shut my van door with the kids strapped in back everything came full circle - my kids are loud. It's no wonder I've become a loud talker these days - I'm just trying to be heard over the shrill voices of two small (but mighty) kiddos. So it may not be in my nature to be loud... but I have been nurtured into it!

So after a 9 month blogging drought this was a sort of update/sort of reflection on my night. What have you said "I will never" to and then done? I think I may have uttered this phrase regarding having more children...I'll keep you updated on how that one turns out :)

Holiday Blog

One of my simple daily pleasures is getting the mail. I love it. I love the surprise and anticipation of an unexpected card, a decent coupon or a package I have been waiting for. I know its weird - judge me if you must. In light of this fact, its sufficient to say that December is hands down the best mail month of the year. While I enjoy receiving packages from afar, and my many shipments from Amazon (thank you Amazon for free Prime shipping), I am nearly giddy with delight as I open my friends and family's holiday cards. It's not just the card - their kind words, a fantastic photo - it's that the card reminds me of our relationship. Of the richness they have brought to our lives. Of the fact that we may not be in close proximity now, but that our hearts and lives have been forever changed by the experiences we have shared. 

Given my rather intense sentiment about holiday cards (again, I know its weird - judge as needed), it pains me to not send one out myself this year. Don't get me wrong - I had the best of intentions. Even a "tentative holiday card plan" all laid out. But life happened. Like in September and October when all of my "miscellaneous" spending fund paid for countless visits to pediatricians, urgent cares and pharmacies for my ailing kiddos. Or in late October and November when I couldn't coordinate our schedules (or the weather) with any number of my fabulous photographer friends. I'm not sure if you have ever tried to get to small children to look AND smile at the camera at the same time - but believe me, people, we NEED a professional. Finally last week, I stopped looking at card options on my favorite websites and conceded the holiday card plan for our family this year. And truth be told, I'm (almost) ok with that.

See, this Christmas season I am making a concentrated effort for my focus - and my family's focus - to be celebrating Jesus. Daily. In big and small ways. And that has meant letting go of some things that are more about me and less about Him. Like numerous Pinterest projects and and over an top Advent calendar for the kids. Letting go of EVER folding a load of clothes as soon as they are done in the dryer. Deciding to decline invitations to every party, function or holiday themed kid event. And sometimes it has been hard. But other times - it has made me feel free. Free from obligation and expectation. Free from worry about making memories with my kids that are - in truth - more about feeling the need to fulfill some lofty and unrealistic standard of what it is that moms need to make Christmas about. 

So I aim daily to focus my heart and mind on anticipating the celebration of Christ's birth. To remind myself that Jesus humbled himself and came to earth as a baby for me - for all of us - to know Him, love Him and have True Life through Him. I aim to show my kids that celebrating Jesus doesn't just mean parties and presents and treats - but that it means to love deeply, give grace freely and to show unrelenting kindness on a daily basis. These goals mean more laying under the Christmas tree looking at the lights and being in the moment with my kids, and less time spent finding "perfect" presents. Less time thinking about all the fun projects on my Pinterest Holiday board and more time playing with our kids nativity set. We don't have it down. But we are taking one day, one choice at a time - and there is peace in that decision.

In light of these things, and the fact that I have had to "let go" of my traditional holiday card plan, I couldn't resist writing a Holiday note here on our little blog. To let  you know that we love you and look forward to making many more memories this next year. And maybe, just maybe, I needed a little therapeutic writing about letting go of that holiday card.

Merry Christmas dear friends

Love,

The Jones Family

Kingston is FIVE!

Kingston turned five - just over a month ago. Needless to say - I'm a bit behind on writing about this event - but I wanted to post a few things so I remember them later!! Two years ago at a graduation ceremony I was chatting with the parent of a graduate. This was her third child that was headed to college, with the last to follow the next year. I asked "aren't you sad all your kids are growing up and leaving?'. Her response has stuck with me " oh no - I'm just so excited for them, and all that God has for them!". This story has been on my mind for the last few months as I feel the last few months of "pre-schooler" slipping away.

We made cupcakes for his preschool class - he requested chocolate with candy topping. I did apologize to his teacher for feeding 9 pre-schoolers this much sugar :)

Kingston spent his birthday going to school (one of his favorite things right now) and having GG, GPA and Grandma and Grandpa over for dinner and more cupcakes.

Jake and the Neverland pirates was our birthday theme this year - I was so excited to so something besides Thomas the Train!

This is the first year we have allowed Kingston to have a "friend party". It wouldn't be a party without a costume!

Treasure map (a schedule of our party activities) and our "pirate dressing station"

Aren't these the sweetest little pirates! It was SO MUCH FUN to have Kingston and his friends play games and do a little treasure hunt together.

I'm not sure why, but smiling for the camera seems IMPOSSIBLE for this 5 year old boy!

Even the babies walked the plank!

We had a great time celebrating with family and friends. Five years seems like such a big milestone for my boy - he's changed so much in just the last few months, becoming quite the "boy" instead of a toddler or pre-schooler. He loves pirates, swords, trains, cars, chase and running, and playing "hit ball" with Nate (a game where you see who can hit each other the hardest with a huge green ball….I have no idea why this is fun). He is smart, kind, compassionate and full of energy. He doesn't like to pray or be singled out in small groups  but has no fear speaking or praying in front of large groups. He likes to paint, run, jump and is bossy if you let him be (I have NO IDEA where he got that trait from :) He talks non- stop and has an incredible memory. He is such a treasure - we are so blessed that God has given him to us as our son!

15 months!

At 15 months Ruby Sue is a sweet - but sneaky - little thing. She is far too smart for her own good. She is snuggle, gives hugs and kisses, and is talking up a storm. She is also climbing onto furniture, eating anything and everything, and adamantly against naps (I will NOT give in on naptime!). 

She LOVES Kingston and has learned well how to play from her big brother. She likes bath time, playing outside, and eating. I think she has affected our grocery budget more than Kingston does! She says the following words: mom, dad, paw paw, Barney (Welby's dog!), puppies, woof, ball, duck, quack, shoes, bow (she ASKS for bows now!!), brother/bubba, cup and cheese (both the food and for a smile). She also makes a number of animal and car noises - quite a chatterbox!! She likes peek a boo, baths, and Elmo. We love our little sweetie! Can't wait to see what joy (and mischief ) she will continue to bring us!

Ruby is mostly fearless...but she is NOT a fan of the pool.

 After an hour of clinging to me I finally got her to walk around on the concrete.

 Ponytail. So fun!

 oh the climbing....

Bribery, Waterboarding and Lion Attacks

Each day as a parent is an adventure. Case in point - the following events have happened today:

I paid my child $.25 for each bite of chicken he ate with no crying. He at 5 bites. It's the best $1.25 I've spent in weeks. At earlier points in my parenting journey I would have judged another parent who made this choice - now I'm wondering how many rolls of quarters I should pick up.

Kingston HATES having his hair washed. There is screaming, thrashing and all kinds of begging for me to leave his hair alone. Tonight during his bath he laid back in the water and dumped a cup over his face until he couldn't breathe. On purpose. And thought it was hysterical.

At random moments my son transforms from boy into lion - complete with pouncing, growling and the occasional mauling. The lion frequently plays chase around our house. And today, in Old Navy. I think we made some fellow customers day.

The Lone Star State

Two weeks ago we traveled south to Dallas TX to spend some time with our friends Tom and Katie Hayes, and their boys Hudson and Jude. We relaxed, met the members of the mission team Nate has gone to Ireland with the last 3 years and had lots of adventures with the kids. Here is a little bit of what we did:

Kingston and Hudson were two peas in a pod and had a blast! 

 Hudson was an expert sno cone sharer (and Ruby was happy to comply!).

 Our first visit to In and Out Burger

 Ruby loved this car

 Hudson was pretty excited about riding this bull!

 Riding the commuter train

 Some fun in downtown Fort Worth

Lots of fun with our friends and a chance to relax - it was great! And we all survived the 8 hour drive!

Grandpa Goes West

We have had the privilege of seeing my dad twice in the last 4 months - a record for us! My dad has made the trip up from Arkansas twice to visit us, and we are so glad we got to spend some extra time together since he is headed to Casper, Wyoming next week! While we are thrilled for him to start an exciting new job...we are sad it is so far away. We love you Grandpa and can't wait to see what the future holds!