Keep Up with the Jones Family

Fishing with Grandpa!

2011-05-23T15:59:00.002-05:00

40 lbs GONE!

2011-05-23T15:24:00.006-05:00

Shortly after Christmas, I made the decision that 2011 was going to be the year that I got healthy, and started making some better choices regarding my health. For some reason, I have always had a difficult time losing baby weight. Breastfeeding seemed to constantly work against me: instead of the calories being used, I starved and had to eat, eat, eat to keep my milk supply.

Addison started to cut back from 6+ feedings a day, to 3 nursings a day around her first birthday. I decided to use this transition as a starting point for me to start working on weight loss and muscle building. I made "January 1st" D-Day, and started there...I began using the old Weight watchers points system, which worked wonderfully before. But, I quickly realized that I wanted a system that was more precise and exact that just rounding things up to a 1 point or 2 points. A good friend suggested using the website www.myfitnesspal.com, as well as getting a good weighing scale and food scale. Using these tools, I found the weight starting to melt off. I was rarely hungry, and my milk supply hasn't suffered at all!

When I started, I had no clue that I would actually go anywhere with the loss. I started piecing together pictures, and found that I had a pretty good "Before and After" collage going! Here are some pics, beginning the picture that started it all. I saw this and nearly cried:

New Years Day (Addison's Birthday) Size 14, but really should have been wearing a 16 because the pants were so tight! LOL Weighed in at 178lbs, which was WAY higher than on the day I gave birth to Addison. It wasn't the pregnancy that caused me to gain, but the starvation I experienced during nursing

Older pic: Addison was about 3 or 4 months old, but I was smaller than the day she turned one.
Starting to see a difference: This was at the 25lb lost mark!
27.8 lbs lost: weighing 150lbs
145ish...really starting to tell in my face :)

A recent pic: 40 lbs lost exactly. The jogging pants that swallow me used to be so tight that I didn't need to use the drawstring. Very excited :) 138lbs and holding..Size 6 pants
So-what now? I am not at my goal yet, but I know that slow and steady is better than it melting off and coming back on quickly. My ultimate goal was set at 135 (which is 3.5 lbs away), but I am going to try to lose an additional 10lbs over the summer which would put me at 125 lbs (or a 58lb loss total) I've also gone from a 14/16, to a size 6. I feel I will ultimately be a size 4 again.

I am even more proud to say that I have made it this far the HARD way! Good ol' fashioned diet and exercise. I have made a total change in our eating habits (the whole family, not just me) I still eat the things I love, but few/far between and watch the portion size. Fruit, vegetable, Larabars, lean meats, and fiber rich foods are some things that have really helped!
I have begun running/walking/jogging again, and splurged on a treadmill this spring. Hand weights and zumba have also helped when I need to slip in an easy workout and i'm running low on time :)

Thanks for reading!!!

Kindergarten Graduate!!!

2011-05-23T15:15:00.002-05:00

Taylor graduated from kindergarten this month! We were so proud to see her get the Accelerated Reading award for her class (she read and obtained more AR points than any other student in her class!)

Here are a few pics:

Blogging Failure

2011-04-14T18:51:00.002-05:00

Soooo....my last post was November....of last year. Where have we been? What have we been doing?!

Well, for starters, this school year is kicking my butt. We have just had so many ordeals (from behavior problems, to parents, to losing several teachers...) I'm definitely ready for summer, and ready to start fresh next fall.

Updates to start back up SOON! PROMISE :)

How To Train Your Dragon...s...

2010-11-21T15:52:00.002-06:00

If you have boys around the age of 3 or 4, then you know all about the movie "How to Train Your Dragon". It is a favorite around here with our boy. He can tell you all about the different dragons, and facts specific to each of them LOL

I came across these pj's at walmart. Taylor saw them, and of course, pouted that she didn't get a pair. So...Chase was nice and shared with her!

Bragging on My Super Kindergartener

2010-11-20T11:06:00.003-06:00

Taylor is about 3 months into her Kindergarten year. Recently, they did a Star Reading/Accelerated reading assessment to see what their reading levels were. This is the paper I was given about it at Parent-Teacher conferences this Thursday

Click me!!! Make me bigger...

If you can't read it, it had a highlighted area that said "You child's reading level is that of an average THIRD grader in the 6th month of the school year (out of 9 months...) Basically, she is on a nearly 4th grade reading level. In Kindergarten!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Itty Bitty Walking Around :) 10 months

2010-11-14T14:56:00.002-06:00

Where Have I Been?!?!?!?!

2010-11-11T08:28:00.003-06:00

Yes-life has gotten pretty crazy lately between work, kids, parties, kindergarten, and vacations. I promise to be better at updating!!!

Goopy Girl's (AKA Addison's) 8 Month Check-up Stats

2010-09-01T04:04:00.002-05:00

First of all, we rarely speak the word "Addison" at home. She is referred to as "Goopy", "Goopy Girl", or "The Goop". Funny how nicknames stick LOL

Sooooo, ADDISON had a checkup for her rotavirus vax this week (which she didn't get, bc of a crazy high fever...from teething...ugh) She is still feverish, with NO other symptoms except gnawing her fingers to pieces. :(

Anyway, weight and height were checked. She is a whopping 15.14 oz, which put her in the....drumroll please...10th percentile for weight! LOL She is by far my tiniest baby. However, she is 80th percent for height! She is going to love these stats at a teen LOL

Everything else is great. She is babbling away, and loves to squeal! LOL She is cruising the couch like a pro, and even stops to stand unassisted. She is still working on the balance part, and the "one foot in front of the other" stuff.

Will have some pics this weekend...yay for Labor Day long weekends :)

Teeth Update!

2010-08-28T22:18:00.001-05:00

Addison now has all 4 front teeth (2 top, 2 bottom) completely in. She is cutting 2 teeth up top, which are barely under the gum, so they should be showing up pretty soon! Good thing I stocked up on the Hylands teething tablets!

First Day of Kindergarten! And...First Homework LOL

2010-08-26T18:18:00.001-05:00

Just to Say I Blogged in August

2010-08-22T10:00:00.002-05:00

The beginning of the school year is usually pretty hectic around here, so when you add in the fact that 2 of us are now heading off to school early each morning, expect craziness! LOL

We officially started the week of August 9th, but last week was our first full week. I have about 100 seventh graders, and from what I can tell, they are going to be a pretty good group.

Taylor has met her Kindergarten teacher, and we have done our testing to see where she ranks in her class. They don't tell you this info, but one teacher did let us know she was great :) Taylor will officially start going to class next week, after all students have been tested.

Chase and Addison will still be staying at home with Erica (YAY!) I'm anxious to see how they do without Taylor here though. I'm sure they will be fine, but it still makes me sad to know the Chase will be missing his Taylor Baylor.

Chase is also starting to do a little bit of pre-K work. Since he is 3, he is two years away from kindergarten, although I MAY try to get him in the pre-K program at Taylor's elementary school. We are working on counting with him, as well as memorizing ALL the letters.

Addison is now 7 1/2 months! She has 3 teeth that are completely in, and the 4th is barely poking though her top gums! Man, where has the time gone?! She is also cruising furniture like a pro, which makes me believe she will be an early walker as well. If she walks earlier than Chase, I will die...LOL (He walked at 8.5 months)

So-life around here is good. Crazy, but good! As much as I love my summer's off, it is very nice to get back into a set routine.

Addison is 7 Months Today

2010-07-31T11:10:00.003-05:00

Hot Springs Getaway

2010-07-10T12:41:00.003-05:00

Locks of Love

2010-07-06T15:25:00.002-05:00

Happy Early Anniversary to Kyle

2010-06-24T22:15:00.002-05:00

7 Years Ago Today...

2010-06-23T10:58:00.001-05:00

Kyle proposed!

And 6 short weeks later, I married the man of my dreams :)

Starting to Pull Up :)

2010-06-22T11:43:00.001-05:00

Baby on the Move!

2010-06-21T22:05:00.003-05:00

Addison (5 1/2 months) began pulling up today! She started at her toy basket, and then the front of the couch. She is crawling pretty good now, but can't sit up without her hands...Just imagine her lack of coordination when she realizes that she can't balance on her knees/feet! LOL Thankfully i've caught her while she is doing it, and catch her.

Pics to come LOL

Addison just being cute...

2010-06-18T21:38:00.003-05:00

New Orleans "Teacher Trip" Part 1-Audubon Aquarium

2010-06-18T20:07:00.005-05:00

Three teacher friends...2 grade schoolers....3 toddlers...one infant

Yes-that is the crew that decided it would be a great idea to drive to New Orleans to take the kids to the Aquarium of the Americas and the Audubon Insectarium this week. We ended up having a BLAST! The drive took about 4 hours total. The kids did great! Even Addison was a great car rider for the trip.

Here are our pics from our day! I can't wait to go again :)

McKenzie and Taylor
Brandie (Mack's mom) under the entrance tunnel to the Aquarium!

Stingrays...we kissed these in Grand Cayman...supposedly brings good luck :)
The Crew! (Minus Addy)
Kelly and the boys looking at sharks
This sign was in the bathroom of the Aquarium...it was the only sign in the room! Weird...it says: "Warning! Drinking alchoholic beverages during prenancy may cause severe mental and physical birth defects". Ok......
Those 2 big Jones Kids!
Those 2 Social Studies teachers! LOL
Chase on the whale

Albino Aligator at the Mississippi River exhibit
I talk about this stuff for a living (and LOVE it)

Jellyfish! My favorite part...
Big "Gulf of Mexico" exhibit...

New Orleans Part 2-The Audubon Insectarium

2010-06-18T19:21:00.005-05:00

Souvenir 8x10 Bug Name Pictures :)

Just a pic to show Addison did indeed make the trip too :)

Quick Family pic in the butterfly garden
Group Pictures! From Left to Right:

Kelly (science teacher) and Bennett
Brandie (Social Studies teacher) with McKenzie and Jayme
ME (social studies teacher LOL) with Taylor and Chase....Addison was snoozing in the stroller

The Jones Kids Discover the Webcam

2010-06-11T12:23:00.003-05:00

We were bored, and we decided to play around with the webcam on the laptop...we had too much fun LOL

4/5 of the Jones Family

Angel on her Shoulder

Mom and Taylor

Addison looking at the cat...

Werewolf feature LOL

Crazy Eyes Feature with Chase

This one was called the "Stern" feature...I look awful! LOL

For Carolyn: 5 Months Old Comparison Pics :)

2010-06-09T23:37:00.006-05:00

Addison Olivia-5 months; June 2010

Miranda: 5 months; Summer 1984

From Crawl to Sit! FINALLY! LOL

2010-06-09T21:27:00.004-05:00

Addison has crawled, bear walked, and even pulled to her knees...but hasn't been sitting alone. She can "tripod" fairly well, but she is now starting to sit with her back straight and "no hands". I got some pics of her today crawling and sitting. I had to click fast, so they aren't the greatest pics in the world.

Funny Face Addison

Getting that leg moving!

Tripod Sitting

Letting go, and straightening up!!!

She got up, and almost lost it LOL Mommy caught her and saved the day! LOL

Ducky Bathtime

2010-06-09T21:16:00.001-05:00

Teething=Chewing on EVERYTHING

2010-06-08T16:21:00.002-05:00

Addison is 5 months old!

2010-06-08T16:10:00.001-05:00

Excersaucer Time!

2010-05-23T19:13:00.001-05:00

Addison Crawled!

2010-05-23T19:02:00.002-05:00

LOOK AT HER GO :)

GOT IT!!!

What's New Around Here?

2010-05-16T11:51:00.003-05:00

Not a picture post...just an update!

Kyle: is enjoying his new job at the Federal Pen in Pollock. His schedule is a little different than we are used to, but it is working out for us.

Miranda: is counting down the days until Summer vacation!!! I love my job, love my students, love my work family, but LOVE being home with my three babies :) I plan to go on several "daycations" with the kids, do another "freezer cooking" session for the fall, and continue working out. I've been walking/jogging, and doing a little bit with weights. So far i've lost 8 lbs, which isn't a lot, but is getting me closer to my goal weight. I would like to lose ALL baby weight: meaning the weight that has been added for all 3 pregnancies! LOL

Taylor: is reading up a storm. According to her reader levels, she is reading at a 2-3rd grade already! She will be going to Kindergarten this fall at Pollock Elementary, which is where Kyle and I both went.

Chase: is really loving to play "pretend". His new love is superheroes! Batman, Spiderman, Ironman...he loves em! He also has a new favorite animal, a possum! Ewwww! LOL We found him a Webkinz stuff animal possum at Cracker Barrel, which he takes everywhere we go, and it makes sure it sleeps in his bed with him at night.

Addison: is 4 months now, and is doing baby pushups better than a pro! She has began to get on her knees to rock, and try to crawl. She usually just pushes herself forward, but hey-it gets her to her toys that are across the carpet! LOL I figure she will be crawling in a month or so. More pics of this to come :)

Jones Kids in Yellow!

2010-05-16T11:39:00.004-05:00

*Erica took these one day while she was watching them! Chase and Addison were both wearing yellow, and Taylor was upset because she didn't match. After much drama, she changed into a yellow shirt too! LOL

I think Chase and Addison look SOOO MUCH ALIKE here!!! I usually say she is a "little Taylor", but I see the resemblance to her brother here.

Those THREE Jones Kids :)

Love this!

2010-05-08T16:15:00.000-05:00

I'm Sure This is TOTALLY Against the SIDS Recommendations...

2010-05-01T17:22:00.001-05:00

This is how I find Addison sleeping in her swing...argh. If I roll her, she flips right back :/

Relay For Life 2010

2010-04-17T10:50:00.002-05:00

Addison Being Roly Poly

2010-04-11T09:38:00.002-05:00

This was taken on Sunday, April 11th :) She started flipping onto her tummy yesterday, and I just had to get a video of it!

Rolling Rolling Rolling...

2010-04-11T08:42:00.002-05:00

Addison is officially semi-mobile...she can now roll from tummy to back AND back to tummy. Her favorite is being on her tummy, with her upper body pushed up so she can look around. Yesterday (April 10th, Saturday) she began the back to tummy flipping, and hasn't stopped! LOL

I put her down, and she immediately flips over! She is getting SOOOOO big!!! Can't believe she is already doing this! She just made 3 months!

Easter with the Smith Family

2010-04-03T18:41:00.006-05:00

Thomas, Heather, and Evie

My mom and Addison

Jayce and Chase

Stephanie and Erin

Heather, Erin, Miranda

Aunt Sandra, Jayce, and Evelyn

My Sweet, Squeaky Girl :) With Evie's Big Ol' Bow...

3 Months Old Today!

2010-04-02T17:12:00.002-05:00

Bouncy chair pics...I promise to get frame-worthy ones up soon :)

Taylor Jones: Photographer Extraordinaire

2010-04-02T12:47:00.001-05:00

*sigh* I guess it's good that she actually got someone in the picture! LOL

Baby Dedication Pics!

2010-04-02T12:42:00.002-05:00

Addison Olivia Jones was dedicated to the Lord on Sunday, March 28 at Cathedral of Praise in Ruston, Louisiana!

Addison Brag!

2010-04-02T12:41:00.000-05:00

Squeaky Girl rolled over from tummy to back for the first time today!!! :)

Testing 1 2 3

2010-03-29T18:05:00.002-05:00

Pic upload is back!!!!!!!! YAY!

My Book Blog!!!

2010-03-20T15:02:00.003-05:00

I finally started a blog all about books...over there ----------------------------------->

I made a personal goal back in January to read a set number of books each year. I am going to strive for 50, but have a feeling I will go way, way beyond 50! LOL I love to read, so it will be fun to look back and see what interested me. I also plan to read a few books and series that i've already read, but can't wait to read again (The Host!)

Also-if there are any suggestions of good books that you've read, let me know :)

Chase is 3!

2010-03-20T07:00:00.004-05:00

March 13th, 2010

Chase is now three!!! We had a very small party for him on his birthday, and he had a great time. I got to visit with my cousin and her new baby, who was also born in December with Addison. Nana, pop Pop, Maw maw, and Aunt Erica also came :)

Cute Evie :)

Blocks!

Yay for Cash! LOL

This is the part where he drooled all over his cake...yeah...yum

Clothes from Nana and Pop Pop!

No, Atwood's bakery did not mess up the cake decor. This would be the fault of a certain 3 year old boy who could not wait until the day of his birthday to taste his cake. He decided the night before would be a better time. Grrrrrrr LOL

A new soccer ball so he and Pop Pop can play the "Pop Pop Game"

Addison is a happy, happy baby!

He is just looking so much like a kid...he has shot up, grown some LEGS, and is such a sweet little man.

Addison Smiles :)

2010-02-21T10:48:00.003-06:00

A Louisiana Snow Day!

2010-02-19T09:41:00.004-06:00

Just a few pictures of our 3 inch snowfall last week (funny-we are in tshirts today! Crazy Louisiana weather...) We went out for about 10 minutes, until we about froze to death...

Also-the pictures uploaded in the wrong order. So the first picture, should really be the last one! LOL

Backyard

Taylor making snow angels

Taylor!!

Chase!!! In Taylor's Gloves LOL

Trees

Shelby Digging Up her Toys

Open Area across the Street

Kee's Park! Taylor Asked Where all the kids were! LOL

The right side of our yard

Snowball fight with Shelby

Our House and Front Yard

Front Yard and Street

Addison is 6 Weeks Old Today!

2010-02-11T17:31:00.003-06:00

One Month Stats

2010-02-04T23:49:00.002-06:00

We had our well-baby visit today! Addison is now 9lbs 12 oz, which puts her an ounce shy of gaining 3 lbs since her birth! She is getting so big! One month olds really don't do much, so not a whole lot of bragging in this post! LOL

She IS starting to sleep a little better. She goes down good at midnight, and sleeps until about 5am. IF she decides to wake up, it is usually at 3am, and then she is good until 6:30. So...the sleep department is MUCH better these days :)

Nursing is still going good...she likes to eat, and she is just very efficient with it. She will eat in 10-15 minutes and be very full! All my kids have done this, so it has really made nursing easy. She caught a little cold this week from Chase (who caught it from a snotty kid in the church nursery-newsflash: please be considerate of other moms! don't put your child in the nursery if they are SICK!!!) She is fine...she just had a little congestion in her throat. No fever or anything scare :)

I'm still on maternity leave at this point...I have about 3 weeks left until I go back. I'm very thankful that, even though I dread leaving her, I LOVE my job and know it will make the transition back easier. I miss most of my students, too :) That def makes going back easier!

1 Month!!!

2010-02-02T11:42:00.001-06:00

Kids with their "Mrs. Donna Blankets"

2010-01-21T15:04:00.002-06:00

One of best friend's (Amy Mann) mom made each of the kids a blanket when they were babies. Since the weather has been so cruddy lately, they have gotten plenty of use :)

The Kids!

2010-01-14T11:54:00.001-06:00

2 Weeks Old!

2010-01-14T10:54:00.002-06:00

Had another well-baby visit today :) She weighs 7 lbs 12 oz!!! SEVEN TWELVE! That makes her nearly a pound over her birth weight at 2 weeks old! She weighed 6lb 12.5 oz exactly a week ago!

Now I see why all the newborn things we got are snug LOL Other than weight, not too much else to report. She is growing and Dr. Rhodes said he had no complaints :)

Pics coming up shortly!!!

One Week Old Today!!! Check-up #2

2010-01-07T11:11:00.004-06:00

Addison is perfect, but we already knew that :) Her weight is up yet again...we are now .5oz from our birth weight at 7 days old. Her jaundice is also pretty much gone...she was supposed to get another blood draw today to check her numbers, but Dr. Rhodes took one look and said "Oh, she looks great. Don't worry about the blood work!" YAY! We go back in a week for our 2 week appointment!

She is such a good baby already. She has settled into somewhat of a routine (those of you who know me, know that I am the opposite of "routine") She is nursing excellently every 2 1/2 to 3 hours and sleeps great. This is the first baby who naps in her own bed during the day! LOL She does sleep with us at night...wouldn't have it any other way :)

My engorgement is much much better. I can nurse without drowning Addison at this point, but i'm still pumping each side 1x at some point in the day. I guess too much milk is a good problem to have!

More pics to come...

My Beautiful Sweet Pea

2010-01-06T14:05:00.002-06:00

Well Baby Checkup!

2010-01-06T14:01:00.002-06:00

Addison had her first well-baby check up yesterday! She lost down to 6lbs6oz when we left the hospital, and has now gained up to 6 lbs 10 oz. Only 3oz away from our birth weight!

Dr. Rhodes said she is a perfect little baby :) We also got to see the lactation consultant while we were there. My milk came in Saturday night, and I am SUPER DUPER engorged. Like-never before have I been this full. So, we got to talk about my oversupply and how to tackle it without having to deal with mastitis (I've never had it, but i've heard it's pretty bad). I am having to pump 1-2x a day just for relief, but it also is giving me a good stockpile of breastmilk for when I go back to work in February.

She also was slightly jaundiced, but I almost expected it. All 3 kids have had it now. So-we go tomorrow to get her levels checked again, but she has been eating/pooping, so i'm sure we are in the clear.

Addison Olivia is Here!

2010-01-03T13:09:00.003-06:00

Addison arrived on December 31st, 2009 at 12:35pm. She weighed 6lbs 13oz, and was 19 3/4 in. long! She is absolutely beautiful and so snuggly! We are in love :)

36 Weeks!

2009-12-09T15:43:00.002-06:00

36 weeks along now, and I am definitely breathing easier...Why? Baby has comfortably (for her) settled "into position", which makes the breathing/heartburn better, but the walking-not so much.

I had my 36w1d appt today. I am dilated 2-3 cm, and 60% effaced. yay for progress!!! The more that happens now means that less will have to happen on labor day :)

So-here's my pic. You can see the difference in position from 32 weeks and 36 weeks! Not much longer!

32 Weeks!

2009-11-11T19:46:00.000-06:00

Fall Family Pictures!!!

2009-11-11T19:24:00.005-06:00

31 Weeks!

2009-10-31T19:18:00.003-05:00

9 more to go! Although-still measuring big, so maybe less! My next OB visit is Monday, so i'll have more details then :) So far, i've gained 13 lbs (Addison makes up about 3.5 of those LOL)

Our (Other) New Kitty! LOL Meet Nermal!

2009-10-31T19:09:00.002-05:00

We took in a little rescued kitty this weekend! His name is Nermal (yes, named after the cute kitty off of Garfield). We adopted Tinkerbell a few months ago, and after 6 weeks, she was NOT a good match for our family. She always hid and was a meanie. So-here is our new "replacement" kitty (does that sound bad?)

She is teeny, tiny and VERY cuddly with the kids. Tag just avoids her. Hopefully they will warm up to each other. Here are some pics from tonight! She is hanging out in Kyle's hoodie LOL

Happy Birthday Taylor!!!

2009-10-21T19:17:00.004-05:00

First Playstation 3 Game..she is a gamer like Kyle :)

Her necklace is from her Nana and PopPop, along with the card (which plays music and seems to constantly be open LOL)

What Else Would I Do With a $100 Bag?

2009-10-21T19:15:00.002-05:00

Found this on the desk today...LOL

28 Weeks...30 Weeks...Whatever I Am at This Point...

2009-10-12T15:31:00.003-05:00

I had my OB appointment this morning, which was full of fun things. I am slightly anemic, so I have to start taking iron tablets along with my daily vitamin. I passed my 1 hour glucose test, so I don't have gestational diabetes (I haven't ever had it though...). Blood pressure was great...and I have gained only 11 lbs at this point!

Speaking of...I'm not sure where I am exactly. I am positive of my ovulation/conception, however, I am measuring to be 30 weeks instead of 28 weeks. Dr. Babin is even ordering another ultrasound to check everything out...she believes that this baby will be "big", whatever that means. Not a bad big, just bigger than my last pregnancy.

Taylor was 7lbs 12oz, and Chase was 6lbs 14oz...so I have never really had a "big" baby. This should tie in nicely with my plans of a natural childbirth! LOL I have definitely noticed more movement and feel alot bigger than I did with Chase, but it isn't abnormal seeing as how this is my third pregnancy. It feels very weird to think that in 10ish weeks, I will have THREE kids!

I will see the OB again in 3 weeks, then another 3 weeks, then 2 weeks, 2 weeks, and-if I make it-one final visit a week later. This is the part that flies by, so i'm very excited about it all :)

Anyway-here is my picture update...28/30 weeks...whatever! :)

25 Weeks (or is it 27 now?)

2009-09-21T18:36:00.002-05:00

My OB swears I am measuring at 27 weeks, and to expect a 2009 baby. *Fine with me* LOL I guess I am finally seeing what she is talking about in the "measuring big" department. My belly has grown ALOT in the last couple of weeks. But-I've only gained 6 lbs this ENTIRE pregnancy...i'm very happy about that! :)

13ish weeks until Addison Olivia Jones arrives!!!

Dessert Time! Easy Peasy Sundae Pie

2009-09-21T18:26:00.002-05:00

About once a week or so, we have dessert night where the kids help make an EASY dessert. Tonight was Sundae Pie. Very Simple, but really good! Layer ice cream sandwiches, a layer of Cool Whip, and then ice cream toppings in a dish. Chill for about 30 min and you are good to go! :) We did caramel, chocolate syrup, and toffee pieces. YUM!

PS-Why can't my kids smile??? LOL They make the goofiest faces when the camera comes out!

It's Getting Close!

2009-09-19T12:18:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine made me this "siggy" to use on my blogs and message boards!

It's (Almost) Fall Y'all :)

2009-09-19T09:57:00.004-05:00

Taylor was proud of her "decorating skills", and wanted to take pictures! Enjoy :)

Yay for Scentsy! I am loving "Cinnamon Cider" right now!

Kyle looks thrilled to be in the picture LOL

Is It Fall Yet???

2009-09-15T18:47:00.002-05:00

It is at the Jones house! The kids loved helping out...even though it's 90* here LOL

OB Appointment Update-23 1/2 weeks

2009-09-12T06:52:00.002-05:00

At my last appointment (22 weeks), I had another sonogram, but my OB was called out to a delivery and I didn't get to see her...Finally saw her this past Thursday! :)

BLOOD PRESSURE: Things were GREAT! My blood pressure has been awesome this time. It was very high with Taylor, good with Chase, and excellent this time!

WEIGHT: I've only gained 6 lbs! SIX! This is from someone who has gained up to 53 lbs, then 35 lbs! LOL I am very happy with it, as is Dr Babin. I do expect a big increase over the next couple of months, but so far, so good. My goal is 15-20 lbs total. With my history, I can't lose while breastfeeding, so hopefully this will help out some.

SIZE: Im actually measuring 2 weeks ahead of time using the fundus measurements (1 centimenter from bottom to top of my belly=1 week) So-I should measure 23 cent., but actually measured 25! Not sure what that means at this point. I hope it means that I will go a little early (2009 would be nice LOL). Of course, I could birth a 10 lb baby...LOL We'll see.

BABY: Is feeling a lot bigger than Chase at this point. I have been feeling the rolling movement, and low/high movement at the same time. I didn't feel this until around 30weeks (not 23!) Chase was a smaller baby, so I can really tell this time around, even this early, that she will be a little bit bigger.

UP NEXT: I am scheduled to go back in 5 weeks, and i'll get my iron levels and my Glucose checked. Prayers against anything bad in that area! I haven't had Gestational Diabetes in either pregnancy, so hopefully this one will continue that.

SWINE FLU: I swear, if one more student comes up to me, breathes on me, then tells me they are flu-ish, I will hit them. Seriously-I will :P We have had a HUGE number of absences due to both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 strain. It's funny to hear other people freak out at this point bc one or 2 people they know have it. Well, I had about 70 kids out with it last week. Thankfully i've been good. I make sure to wash my hands and use sanitizer. I've also opened my classroom windows while students are in to "air out" the room several times a day. So far, so good. This should make for an interesting fall semester though...doctors are saying it won't be easing up and to expect it harder/earlier this year. (Really-ya think?)

So-that is my update...i'm 24 weeks on Tuesday, so my next appointment will have me at 28 weeks. I swear this pregnancy is flying by! Addison Olivia Jones will be here before we know it!

22 1/2 weeks :)

2009-09-03T17:54:00.002-05:00

Feeling great! I love the 2nd trimester (and most of the 3rd...don't get me wrong! LOL) I love being pregnant!

Me and Bella

2009-08-31T17:25:00.001-05:00

This was one of the pics from last weekend...the only one of me and my new cousin, Isabella! She is so beautiful!!!

BEST FRIENDS :)

2009-08-23T15:10:00.006-05:00

I snapped this picture a bit ago during naptime...the kids are both feeling a little cruddy. They caught my cold, which I caught from one of my lovely students.

They are in my bed, and I laid them down on opposite sides. Over the course of their nap, they eventually snuggled together and are even sharing a pillow :) Taylor says Chase is her "best friend", and he really adores her. Now, he can fight and beat her up, but at the same time, he gets so sad if she leaves or gets hurt or gets in trouble. They are just toooo sweet!

20 Weeks! Halfway there...

2009-08-20T17:50:00.002-05:00

Wow

2009-08-15T17:33:00.003-05:00

Denise...as my Olde Wheat Barn buddy, you will love this!!!!!

I came across this video of a lady named Ann Cooper. She is part of the California/Berkely school district, and is over the school lunch program. She managed to take their menu of corndogs, pizza, and chicken nuggets and turn the ENTIRE program into one that uses organic, local, and self sustaining farmed foods. Considering we had corndogs for our first day back at school, I know we are far from being here. She mentions facts/statistics/and figures that will make any parent, or human that eats in America, realize how big of a problem it is.

The video is 20 minutes long, but she manages to prove points taht would take another person hours! I love her! I hope you check it out...

http://www.ted.com/talks/ann_cooper_talks_school_lunches.html

Names...To Tell or Not To Tell???

2009-08-10T22:03:00.002-05:00

I was hinted by a few people that they would like to know the name of our 3rd little blessing. Since I now know that the pregnant people in my family have either named their baby already, or are having a boy, I think it's safe to share. But if you don't like, keep it to yourself :)

Our baby girl will be named Addison Olivia Jones :)

Kyle and I chose the first name, and Taylor picked out the middle name. I love it!

Want to Get Pregnant ASAP?

2009-08-08T18:59:00.003-05:00

Sell all your baby stuff in a garage sale! Yes, last summer Kyle and I decided we needed to purge alot of our things when we bought our home last summer. That included the thousands of baby items that we have accumulated over the years. So, we said goodbye to it all over a hot August weekend and came out getting about $700 total. Awesome for a garage sale, if I must say! LOL
So-here we are, 19 weeks along with a baby girl and nothing but a small box of baby items. I am not having a shower this time around, obviously, so Kyle and I have been trying to figure out how to get what we need without going overboard and having too much stuff that we won't even get to put it on the baby, which has happened to both kids now.

When you are having your 3rd baby, you know what you need and what is just nice to have (and also what you will NEVER ever use) Our main savings are being put toward baby gear. We plan on getting a bouncer chair, travel swing, and a Pack and Play with a bassinet/newborn bed/changing pad. We plan to cosleep with this baby as well, but I was very nervous about the first month or so having a baby in our King size bed with literally 8 inches of pillowtop. So-we will have the bassinet for a couple months then switch to our bed.

I figure we will get some clothes from family and friends anyway, so we really haven't thought about that at all. Turns out, we are right. My mom showed up today with onesies! Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, and I certainly wouldn't blog about onesies, BUT-this is our very first gift for our baby girl!!! I also love that my mom thinks ahead...she got 6 mos onesies since most people always give newborn clothes for gifts, and the bigger sizes also hold a big, giant cloth diaper butt.
Yes-the cloth diapers are safe and sound in the attic, along with my 2 pumps :) See, I DO know what is important to keep. We also kept special outfits. I will probrably start cloth diapering around 2 months, like we did with Chase. Since we breastfeed, it would seriously be double the washings. So-for the first 8-12 weeks, we will use Pamper's Swaddlers!
Here are our first outfits for our new baby!

I Was Feeling Artistic...So We Painted Our Toes!

2009-08-05T21:42:00.003-05:00

If you know me, you know I love pedicures...LOOOOOVE them. But-I hate spending $30 on them every two weeks or so. So, I went to Sally Beauty Supply a few weeks ago and just bought the rest of the tools that the nail place uses so that I can do my own nails at home (I had all the files and scrapers, I just needed a few more colors and the "dot" tool) So-here is the results from our "pedicure night". I got the SAME EXACT design done at Hawaiian Nails a couple weeks ago, and I just re-created it.

Mommy's Toes (Slightly Swollen)

Taylor's Toes...So Tiny :)

Mom and Taylor=Twinkie Toes

And-I promise my feet aren't that fat, it's the angle of the camera LOL

Taylor and Chase are Getting a Sister!

2009-08-04T12:03:00.004-05:00

Yes-I know the picture sucks...My scanner kept scanning it as an Adobe file, which doesn't upload on the blog. So, here is a picture of a picture. We got to see our new baby girl today! She is 8oz. and about 5 inches head to booty. But-she has loooooong legs like Taylor :) She was definitely a mover. The entire session, her legs were "bicycling" around and her mouth kept opening and closing really fast, almost looked like she was talking (imagine that...with me as her mother)

They were able to get clear pictures of everything but part of the heart, and her face, because she was face down (facing my back). I will get a 2nd scan on the 31st, but they didn't seem too concerned. The OB said everything we could see was perfect! Yay!

Poor Chase is outnumbered. So far, he is the ONLY grandson on the Jones side. We will finally have another boy in September (right, Pam?) for him to play with! LOL So-the total Jones grandchild tally is 4 Girls and 2 Boys.

I am very excited to have a little Girly Girl. It will make the bedroom situation easy, as well as the names. Plus-no circumcision to worry about! Whew!

***You can click the picture to enlarge it!!!!!! It looks better that way***

HAPPY 6 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!

2009-07-31T19:43:00.005-05:00

Well, we have made it another year! (Ok, it's 2 days early...we got married August 2nd, but I think I can say we made it another year. We don't plan on divorcing this weekend or anything LOL
This makes a total of SIX years married, and TEN years together :) TEN! We have gone through so much, both good and bad! But-we are still the best friends that we were when we first met my freshman year of high school! Here are some pics of us back in tha day!

Our last homecoming dance...we were 17 years old here!

Our very first Christmas as a married couple...this was taken at Pam and Kevin Decranes :) We look so young here! We didn't imagine that one month later we would be pregnant with our little girl :)

And-this picture is so beyond special to me. Not only does it mark one of the most important days of our lives, it contains 2 extra-special people. The Ring Bearer in the picture is my cousin, Jacob Hughes, who passed away in May 2007 at 10 years old. The usher to the far right is Chris Hampton, who was in a HORRIBLE car crash in November that left him comatose for weeks. He had major bruising of the brain-stem, and is still recovering in a nursing home facility. We are all faithfully praying for the day he fully recovers and can walk/talk/be a regular 25 year old again!

We don't have very special anniversary plans...we are still going to Ruston on Sunday mornings to lead praise and worship, so we decided to book a suite at a hotel in Ruston. We'll have dinner at our favorite local restaurant, and enjoy sleeping in a couple extra hours on Sunday morning (The church is 5 minutes away, instead of 2 hours! YAY!!!)

To Do List: Item #2 Meal Plan (and Shop) for One Whole Month

2009-07-30T13:07:00.003-05:00

Picture 1: This isn't in an order. I have all our "like food groups" across each row. Ground beef, chicken, vegataria/seafood, beef, pork. As we make the listed meal, I X it out so I know what I have made and haven't made in awhile. I think this is 30 meals, 4 of which are our "once a week" treats of eating out/ordering out. You can actually click the pictures and enlarge them if you'd like to see what the Jones family is eating in August! LOL

As we use items, I have this list under our meal calendar. We just x off what we need, and add a number out beside it if we need more than one. It helps to have the items pre-printed, as I often remember something we need while looking at the list! There are also spaces to fill in your own items.

My Planner: I used to plan an entire month of meals/dates, but found that sometimes we just didn't feel like eating what was on the menu, or something comes up and we don't have time to go "all out" for dinner. This lets me look at just the week and plan for 5-7 days at a time. It also helps to plan in pencil, as you see i've had to switch meals (This happens alot, and I do USUALLY have it in pencil! LOL) I also keep track of appointments, etc. so I know when I will need to have a "quick fix" listed there.

*Yes-this is a Vera Bradley planner :P I know someone will see this, and point it out on Facebook! LOL

And-this is our daily supper reminder! I write out our entire meal plan for that night, with any instructions for Kyle to do while on his lunch break. (IE-Turn crockpot to low around 1pm, or take out ribs at lunchtime to thaw in time for supper) And-it is Fleur de Lis, and matches the kitchen :D

*yes-my kids DO love veggies: brussel sprouts aren't a dirty word around here :)

Next on my list-Touch up the front door paint! No too hard...we have to do it 2-3 times a year, especially after summer, bc the sun hits it all morning an causes the paint around the glass to peel. I'm also looking for a small garden flag to put by the front door...not sure what I want on it yet. Maybe a "J"...or birds...or flowers...or a Fleur De Lis...hmmmmmmm.

When I Said ALL Boy Clothing Was Ugly, I Lied...

2009-07-27T14:44:00.002-05:00

Toddler Boxer Briefs are TOOOO CUTE! LOL

Here he is modeling them :) I found these at Target and had to get a pack. We've totally, 100% potty trained in about 2 months. He went from diapers to "undies only", even at night-time.

To Do Before School Starts List! Item #1 Organize the Pantry

2009-07-24T12:57:00.006-05:00

BEFORE: Lots of junk just crammed where ever it would fit :)

AFTER:

Top Shelf: Kitchen gadgets that aren't used daily, Fiestaware boxes, some extra punch bowls and platters

Lower Shelf: Lunch bags, Bread/Buns, Cake Decor stuff, cookbooks that aren't used often
Top: Breakfast items-oatmeal, grils, granola bars, cereals, granola for parfait, poptarts
Bottom: CANS! LR-Tomato products, vegetable, "cream of" soups, canned soup, canned milk

Snacks on the bottom shelf!!! Cakes, canned fruit, nuts, raisens, pudding, individual cookie packs

Top: prepackaged dinners (chinese kits, macaroni grill noodle kits, taco kits, peanut noodle kits)
Bottom: Spice rack, nice and neat now!!! Also-extracts and flours

Top: Packaged Side Dishes (rice, noodles, beans) Bagged soups for the CP

Bottom: DRINKS! Gatorade, Lemonade, Coconut Rum, Tea, Juice, cokes, bottled water

Top: Baking Items (Pancake mix, brownies, muffins) Grains/Oats, Hot Drink mixes

Bottom: Sauces, Gravies, Vinegars, Oils, Sugars, Jellies, Peanut Butter

Top: Pasta Sauces, Noodles

Bottom: Right side of the bottom shelf: Snacks! Bagged Individual chips, crackers, fruit snacks

What I threw out!!! LOL

Beautiful Bella

2009-07-24T08:44:00.001-05:00

A most recent picture...I can't wait to meet my new cousin!

16 Weeks Today!

2009-07-21T16:51:00.002-05:00

No pic, but something even better! Movement! I have been feeling Baby Three wiggle since last night, and it's really fun~I absolutely LOVE being pregnant!

Family of Five=New Ride!

2009-07-21T16:41:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, we took a trip to Walker Honda to take a peek at a couple of SUV/Crossover vehicles. We were shown a great-priced Ford Freestyle, but it was a little too "mom car" for me. Plus-I don't drive Fords.

We then browsed through the minivans (I love Odysseys, I have owned one before). But-there were no new models, which was a must for me. Finally, we looked at the Pilots and I fell in love. There were 2 silver ones out of the showroom floor, and we were told there was one that was a lease and was just traded in that day. I wanted to see that one, because I didn't want to go with silver. So-saw it, drove it, fell it love.

It is a Honda Pilot EX-L. It is trimmed in all leather, with seatwarmers and auto ac. Moonroof, power everything, annnnnnd: the best part, it seats EIGHT! We can have 3 more kids! LOL (That was Kyle's joke...I didn't laugh quite so much)

I am in love :) I'm glad to finally get to own an SUV after driving a Civic/Accord/Odyssey/2nd Civic!

Isabella Ziyu Smith!!!

2009-07-20T08:52:00.002-05:00

My aunt and uncle have been in China for several days, adopting their first baby. They met Isabella Ziyu finally. She is safe and sound with them in their hotel in China! Follow along with their blog...if you look on my sidebar, the title is "Baby Smith".

I can't wait to meet my new cousin!!!

Allllmost 16 Week Belly

2009-07-18T11:30:00.004-05:00

I feel AMAZING!!! No more morning sickness, i'm not all big and awkward yet, and I have been having these huge bursts of energy. I'm trying to tackle all the big projects while I feel good, before I have to go back to work next month.

The Incredible Naked Hulk

2009-07-16T17:17:00.003-05:00

Taylor and Me Pics (Plus-my new 'do)

2009-07-16T17:07:00.003-05:00

Yay for new haircuts!!!

Taylor's Goofy Smile

"Let Me See How You Are Smiling...Do Like This..."

Cute Picture!

Princess Playtime

2009-07-15T19:38:00.001-05:00

There are no words... :/

OB Appointment Today...

2009-07-13T13:42:00.002-05:00

And things are great! Blood pressure was down, i've only gained 2 lbs, and we got to set up our ultrasound appointment for August 4th! I can't believe we'll know what the baby is in 3 weeks...everything is just flying by this go-round!

Taylor Brag

2009-07-11T17:01:00.002-05:00

Taylor (who is 4) has started to READ!!! She can sound out words, and knows her basic "sight words" that they teach in 1st and 2nd grade. She is so proud, and likes to laugh and ask us "Why am I so smart?". LOL

(I tell her not to brag, promise!)

Chase Brag

2009-07-11T16:58:00.003-05:00

We have been potty training for about a month (I think...), but it wasn't until this week that Chase became a Potty Pooper! He has had A LOT of anxiety over it, and finally realized this week that is isn't so bad! Yay! I still put him in a pull up at night, since you never know if he will wake up wet or not. But-during the day, he brings himself to poop AND pee,and cleans up too! (I don't do anything but praise him, and do the "potty" dance...it's nice!)

Kee's Park

2009-07-09T10:38:00.006-05:00

Since the weather has been a bit cooler, we decided to spend the morning at the park! (If you aren't from around here, this is the park that is across the street from us. Our house front faces the side of the park...) It was still pretty warm, and the kids got sweaty fast, but we still had fun :) Enjoy the pics, and don't forget to check out the video at the end!

Here is a Chase video. He has always been a little monkey, but lately he is just getting to be such a big KID. (I still call him my baby though). Here he is giving me a heart attack...again. This pole is about 6 feet tall.

Sorry it's sideways...LOL

Happy (Early) 6th Anniversary to Me! My new obsession...

2009-07-07T14:51:00.003-05:00

I decided that I wanted some new dishes, and checked out the Fiestaware website. Our kitchen is a mix of browns/creams/black/white. Very neutral...very LITTLE color. So-what else do you buy for color other than Fiesta? :) We went with 2 colors, but I want to add the Shamrock greens in with it over the years. I never realized these were pricey dishes, but they really add up. Right now I have seating for 8 (4 red, 4 yellow), and eventually want 12(add 4 green). So-Christmas and birthday...you know what to get LOL (This means you mom...Erica)

I have also had people tell me that they had these dishes handed down to them from moms and grandma's, so it would be neat to have a collection to give to Taylor one day :)

14 Week Belly...

2009-07-07T13:34:00.002-05:00

Here I am! 14 weeks exactly, one pound gained total. I am still wearing my non-maternity shirts, as to not look like I am wearning a tent! LOL My pants don't fit, shirts are tight. I am def carrying all in the front so far.

*sigh* This is so going to be a boy. Think pink! LOL

Adding: Not that boys aren't awesome...I just want to buy pink stuff this time around...if we have #4, it can be a boy :) LOL

July 4th with the Joneses!

2009-07-06T08:26:00.004-05:00

Ok, it was actually Friday, the 3rd....but who cares? :) We had a day of food, watermelon, ice cream, more watermelon, and family! It was actually nice enough to sit outside when you had watermelon, a shop fan, AND the sprinkler going! LOL Here are some pics!

Me and Kyle

Grandpa Hillard and Taylor with watermelon #1

Making homemade ice cream...Taylor was so excited to help!

Thanks for lookin!

Navarre Pics!

2009-07-04T21:08:00.004-05:00

What was the best part of our day trip to Navarre (besides hanging out with Shay, Myah, and Aevyn)??? The splashpad! Our city refuses to get one, so our kids enjoyed it while they could!

(And Shay-if you look in the 2nd to last pic, that is the woman who was laying her 4 week old down over one of the sprinklers...crazy!)