The Massacre

The line up depicted above is the result of the brutal massacre that occured in our house. Apparently Sophie has not received the memo that she is no longer a puppy. She is so sneaky too. When unattended she takes every opportunity to attack Brenna's stuffed animal. She is especially fond of the plastic eyes on the animals. I guess she doesn't like all those animals watching her. When we got home, I promply became Dr. Mom and stepped up to the super glue challenge. Over the past few weeks, I am sorry to say that Sophie has not become better and my fingers have suffered from the excess glue. Hopefully she will eventually grow out of this stage and I will no longer have to care for suffering stuffed animals.

Badger Pride and Sophie

Okay, so the title doesn't make much sense. I just couldn't think of anything else. I'm doing good to get something written here. We are in the heart of football season and in the Jones house, that means crazy. The high school band did great at marching contest yesterday and the football team is undefeated so far. That doesn't bode well for our Thanksgiving break, but it is exciting for the community. Brenna loves being a part of the seasons. Every home game Friday, Brenna sees my Badger shirt and exclaims, "Yea! It's Badger day." She then goes for her shirt. It is fun living in a small South Texas town during football season even for someone who doesn't love football.


I also realized I haven't posted a picture of Sophie sense she was a puppy. She still acts like a puppy, but she has grown up so much. I love that exuberant dog.


Can anyone say joy. Most talk about a boy and his dog, but this girl definitely loves her dog.

Summer 2010

So, today was officially the last day of summer. Nathan starts school with kids tomorrow. Brenna will start school tomorrow a year from now. I guess I shouldn't really be worrying about that yet. I'm not really worried. Just a thought.


I thought I should post something about this summer. I know, I got way behind on here. Sorry to all those reading in Georgia. I didn't do it on purpose, just ran out of time. So, here are a few pictures to sum up the summer.

First of all, Brenna did swimming lessons again. She had a great time and learned to swim even better. We really do have a little fish. Also this year, she learned that jumping off the diving board is lots of fun. She asked to do it almost every time we were at the pool. So cute.


We also went to Galvaston with my family.
Brenna had a great time playing with her cousins and with her daddy.
Nathan and Brenna finished digging the hole Aaron and Tanner began.
It really is amazing that a hole can occupy someones time so well.
After the beach, Brenna went home with Mimi and Poppi. Nathan and I were able to spend some time together and I was able to paint Brenna's room. Hers became my second favorite in the house. Speaking of paint. I need to post some pictures of the painted rooms in our house. I'll save that for another post. Brenna, Tanner, and Avery also went back to Mimi and Poppi's house for Cousins Week. They had a great time together, but I think Mom is still recovering from it.

And that is our summer. Nothing terribly exciting, but a nice time. Nathan spent a lot of time being Mr. Mom. I think Brenna loved the time she got to spend with Daddy. I think Daddy also liked spending time with Brenna. There were lots of smiles and giggle.

Long time no see

Wow, it has been awhile. I have to say, I have been a little overwelmed. I'm also not promising to right regularly again yet. I am having a hard time adjusting to working part time. I very happy for my job now, just adjusting my time management. I know I will get better.

Last week and this week has been especially crazy because of VBS. It is lots of work, but well worth the time. We are all tired in this house, but doing well. Hopefully we will get a little rest this week. Maybe I can get some pictures up soon, but I'm not making any promises.

Wishful thinking

Sewing Machine, oh, sewing machine. How I do miss thee. I long for your gentle purr in my ear as we create new items together. I miss the feel of your pedal under my foot, and the shine of your little light as it shows where the fabric should go.

Maybe one day I will finish painting this house and will feel the joy of creating projects with you again.

In Tribute

My precious grandmother went to be with Jesus last week on May 2. I can't even express the degree of sadness that has enveloped my heart. I already miss her dearly, and I don't forsee it getting much better soon. I loved my Nena so much. I haven't really grasped the consept that she isn't here with us anymore. I keep expecting to answer the phone and try to explain how to fix the TV for her. I could rairly fix it over the phone for her and inevitably refered her to Nathan's cell phone. My sweet husband could always patiently walk her through the solution to fix the problem.

There are so many things I will miss about Nena. She had the most amazing giving spirit. She freely gave her love, attention, and resouces to anyone in need and some that just wanted. Ask anyone what the remember most about Nena and they will tell you she was one of the most generous people they knew. Speeking of friends, Nena had friends she didn't even know about. Anyone who met her was instantly a friend. Shy to a fault, she learned to move past her first instinct to avoid new people and situations. She learned to care for herself and make new friends everywhere she went.

Her name wasn't Nena, but that is what everyone called her. She was born Edith and stayed that way until I was born. I renamed her Nena and it stuck. No one knows how I picked that name, but that is who she became to everyone. Shortly after her death, I had several people express that they never even knew her given name. She was always simply Nena. Maybe her peers called her Edith at one point, but many of them had grandkids too and ended up sticking with Nena instead.

I was blessed to have 34 years with my Nena. Many kids don't have as many years with their grandparents. In the later years, I spent some time caring for her. I watched her interact with Brenna and got glimpses of my childhood again. I wish I could have had more years with her, but know that she is without pain with Jesus now. I am greatful that she is now able to dance with her beloved husband again. Her knees and back no longer hurt and she doesn't have any need for a cane, walker, or wheelchair. She didn't suffer over long years, and the last words she said and heard were, "I love you." I pray I will go that well one day.

She was loved by many which was evit at her well attended funeral. What a beautiful service of laughter and tears. She would have loved the service. It was a great time to remember and reflect on her life. It will remain a precious memory for me to hold in my heart. The graveside service was quiet and intimate as we said our last goodbyes for now. I am thankful that this goodbye is not forever for I will one day be able to hug my grandmother again. Her body may lie beside her husband and inlaws, but her spirits is dancing with them in heaven.

Brenna Bear

My little Brenna Bear, where have the years gone? Are you really already 4 years old? You are such a little girl now, no longer a little baby. Although you will always be my baby girl. You have grown a lot this year. I'll start with your vocabulary. It is practiced almost all day long. You amaze me with the words you know. I have to laugh at some of the new grown up words you randomly use. They creep into your speach and surprise me. You pick up language so quickly probably due to your love for books.

Speeking of books, we read all the time. You love to go to the library and pick out new books to read. You no longer fall asleep each day at nap time, but we do have rest time. If you aren't sleepy, you like to "read" in bed. You spend the whole time looking at each book I have piled on your bed. You have also been known to fall asleep with a book on your head. You are following in your father's footsteps.

I love the way your sense of humor has started to take off. Daddy says his prayers were answered because you got my looks and his sense of humor. I'm not sure if it is really his sense of humor, but you do love to laugh. You love to make other people laugh. Often you will laugh and then wait to see if anyone around you laughs too. Of course if you get a response, you will perform again.

You love music and dancing. If you are watching a show you will get up to dance whenever music is playing. And you are always the last one to watch the credits with Daddy. Daddy is watching to see who wrote the score, but you want to hear every last note of the score. It is fun to see you sitting at the end of a movie long after all the other kids have left.

I love to hear you sing. You even hit the right notes most of the time. Daddy and I were recently discussing how much we would love to hear you sing in church someday. I'm not sure if you will enjoy singing in front of a bunch of people, but you do love singing your praise songs to Jesus.

Speaking of Jesus, your prayers are starting to develop past the rote memory ones. For so long you have said the same thing every night, but in the past month you have started to change it up a bit. I think you are starting to understand how to talk to Jesus. I'm sure it stirs his heart as is does mine. You pray for people in your life and for those you don't even know. It is so sweet to hear you pray for your friends and to ask how they are doing the next day.

I love to watch you playing with your friends. You are such a friendly little thing. You have several "best friends" and love to play with them at their house our ours. You are learning to share your toys better and you are playing with your friends instead of beside them.

I can't believe that I only have one year left before you go to school. It just doesn't seem possible.

I love you with all my heart. You are my little Brenna Bear, my love bug, my sweet pea. I am so thankful God chose you to be my little girl.

Moved in

Well, sort of moved in. All our worldly possesions are now in the new house. We are so excited to be here. I can't even begin to describe how blessed I feel. We all (including pets) love the new house. We are still living in chaos with boxes everywhere you turn, but it is a cleaner and roomier chaos.

Moving day went well thanks to a lot of help from friends and family. Thank you so much all who came to move the Jones. We really appreciate your help. It was supposed to rain all day Friday and Saturday. Dad and I did a lot of praying and God didn't fail again. He held the rain off until we were done moving everything. I think one load was sprinkled on, but we were able to wipe that furniture off. It was a lot of work, but it is so nice to be here. Now to just get settled and unpacked. I guess it did take me 3 weeks to pack. That probably means I should give myself at least that much time to unpack.

I thought I would post a few pictures before I began to unpack some more today. I am really down to one room. I'm not ready to unpack books because I want to paint the walls soon. It just doesn't make sense to put books on shelves then just take them back down.

This is our house.

When you walk in the front door, this is what you see. The kitchen is straight ahead. Master bed, laundry, and garage are to the right. The living room is to the left.

Turn right and you see our bedroom straight ahead or...

the laundry room and garage going down the hall to the right.

This is the master bedroom with me standing in the bathroom doorway. The door to the hall is on the left.

This is the master bathroom.

If you look left inside the door, you see the living room and dining room.


The kitchen is right beside the dining area.

If you walk down a small hall off the living room, Brenna's room is straight ahead.

The spare bedroom is next to Brenna's room on one side.

And the spare bathroom is on the other side of her room.

This is the view from the back door. There are often cattle grazing behind our house. Guess what Annie does a lot?

Here is what the back of the house looks like.


And that concludes our tour of the new house. Thanks for dropping by. Sorry for the mess you were exposed to, but it will be better organized soon or I may go crazy.

Moving Night

How strange it seems, that I have book ended my life here on E. Calvert. That first night two and a half years ago, I cried myself to sleep, and left a lamp on through the night. I scarcely sleep that night for fear of bugs crawling all over me. It was a legitimate fear although luckily, unfulfilled.

Tonight, on this last night at this home, sleep evades me. I am awake with excitement, thankfulness, joy, and anticipation. I am ready to complete the move into our new home on Fair Lane Dr. Nathan and I purchased our first home yesterday morning. It is a modest home of about 15000 square feet. It is clean, bug free, and well insulated. It has a very well laid floor plan, and lots of storage space. There is floor space for Brenna and the pets to run in circles, and it is ours. God’s blessings overwhelm me tonight. His care surrounds my every thought and leaves me almost speechless. How can I express my gratitude and love? How can I bottle this grateful heart and display it each day?

Alone, before the chaos of yesterday began, Nathan and I stepped into our new home. We walked through each room and enjoyed our time together. I wish I would have thought to pray for the home: to dedicate it to the work of God, to give it back to Him. Tonight, on our first night there, when all is quiet and everyone has left, I will spend time placing our first little home back into Your hands.

Still Waiting

Buying a house is sooooooo frustrating. I spend all day trying to decipher diabolical feelings. On one side, I am so excited about our future. I am envisioning us in the new home. I am thinking about wall colors and what it will be like to walk in the front door of our first home. It is all so fun. Then there is the other nasty side of buying a home. I madly pack the house, make plans and arrangements, set up utilities, only to find that other people don't do their jobs very well. I don't like not having a since of control. Right now I am learning to deal with my lack of control, or go crazy. I choose to deal with it, but it isn't easy.

I have the house mostly packed, therefore, I no longer have cooking supplies. I have packed the baking dishes, measuring cups and spoons, and plates. I have had a successful yard sale in which I sold the oven that we don't need. It will probably be leaving us at the end of the week. So, even if I didn't have said baking necessities, I would have no oven to put them in. My solution, use the churches or eat out. The church may be a little inconvenient, but there really isn't a good selection of restaurants here in the large metropolis of Karnes City.

Hopefully I don't have to mail anything. Yes, the envelopes are packed too. No sewing projects for me now. All books are stored away. I didn't pack clothes or Brenna's room so we will be dressed and entertained.

Though I do have list of complaints, I still hold to my thankful heart. I am so grateful for this new home. I am ready to make it ours. I am thankful that God has provided the house and the funds to purchase. I am thankful for family members that are helping us financially, with prayers, and with muscles. I am thankful for lessons learned even though they may not be easy. I am thankful in the midst of this chaos.

So now, we wait. I pray that God will continue to remind me that HE is in control, that I can trust HIM, and that HIS timing is best. I may not understand or see why we must wait, but there is a reason. I pray for patience while I wait. Patience with Brenna when I am stressed. Patience with title companies that won't move fast. Patience with myself as I learn to wait.

We will be moving soon, but for now, we wait.

Frankenpuppy

(Beware, graphic pictures follow story.)
On Wednesday morning, I was trying to do what is best for my dogs. I got up extra early to walk the dogs after I went for a short run. While all three of us were walking, a big dog came tearing after us. Unfortunately, Annie, my aggressive little dog, stepped up to the challenge. I don't think she really antagonized the fight and it wasn't a territorial issue. We were across the street and on the opposite side of the road. Regardless of why it happened, Annie was attacked. I started screaming for someone to get me a water hose, but no one could help. I thought I was watching my dog die. It was an awful experience I never want to repeat. The little girl who owned the other dog was trying to pull her dog off Annie, but she wasn't strong enough. Finally the girl's mom came out and got the dog off Annie. Sweet Annie Boo earned herself a night at the vet and many stitches. She has a doozie of a scar to brag about.

I am so thankful that Brenna was not with me. I am so thankful that my dog is still alive even though she doesn't feel well tonight. I am thankful the other dog didn't go after Sophie. She would be dead. I am thankful the little girl didn't get hurt badly, and I am thankful that I wasn't hurt. I am also thankful that Annie should heal well.

On parenting a four year old

Well, almost four year old. I can't believe she is almost four. I know, I know, all parents say that about their children as they approach a birthday. Yet, it is so true. How can my little baby already be a... what? Is she still a toddler, or is she called something else now. The next thing I know we will be looking for clothes in the little girl section instead of the toddler section.

And back to the title, I'm not sure I really have any parenting tips. Most days, I feel like I am flying by the seat of my pants. I'm not sure if I have ever prayed more diligently for anything. Parenting is hard, exhausting, intimidating, infuriating, irritating, and confusing to name a few adjectives. And yet, it is also fulfilling, joyous, exhilarating, laughable, fun, and purposeful. It is one of those things in life that can be two completely different things at the same time.

As Brenna quickly approaches four, I am amazed by how many choice she has to make. Some are so hard, and it is hard for me, the parent, to teach her how to make good choices without crushing her free spirit. I am trying to teach her an obedient spirit and happy heart, while I learn it myself daily. Isn't that the way parenting goes.

We had a good week for the most part. We have spent a lot of time outside. The weather was beautiful most days. We didn't make it to the park during the week, but she and Daddy went to the this afternoon. She had a great time with Daddy and was glad to go with him. We were also able to go take some bluebonnet pictures yesterday. I'll leave you with the most recent pictures.


Jump rope still needs a little practice.



Brenna making a big mess in the dirt.


She was so excited to wear her princess dress in the flowers.

Half way

We are half way through March and I have written almost nothing. How sad is that. I used to write almost every day. Now I am down to once or twice a month. Not a good rate there. Hopefully I will start making the time to write again soon. This past week was spring break for Nathan. It may go down in history as the worse spring break for him. He had his wisdom teeth extracted. Although it was easier than some because three of the for teeth were erupted, it still doesn't feel good. He has spent a lot of time lying around, playing video games, and watching movies. At least he did get rest this week.

While Nathan was recovering, Brenna and I went to Austin to visit a friend who was visiting her parents. Brenna and Krissy had a great time together, and Amy and I had a great time too. Each time I get to see Amy, our girls have more fun together. They play well together and enjoy friendship. It is fun for Amy and I to watch. Unfortunately, this time, I forgot to take my camera, so there are no pictures.

I am busily trying to get this house packed. What a chore. It is easier to move across the street than across the country, but moving is moving. I still have to pack most things in the house. So, packing is what I will be doing for the rest of March. Not a fun chore, but it is for a fun reason this time. We are excited about our new house. Speaking of the new house, all the paper work is coming together. We received a letter of acceptance for the loan application. That is exciting. I think this is really going to happen this time. I can't believe Nathan and I are actually going to be home owners in less than a month.

I'll let the pictures tell what Brenna and I have done with the rest of our spring break week.

Good News

Wow, what a busy month February was. I won't even try to recap what happened all month. I will just say it was the missed blogging month. That happens sometimes.

So what is my good news today? The Texas Jones Family are under contract for our first home. We are very excited even though I am also very anxious. There is so much stress that goes along with buying a home. It is all happening pretty quickly. Our closing date is set for April 16th. Hopefully all the details will fall together and go smoothly. I don't have any pictures yet, but as soon as I do, I will add some here. We have two inspections scheduled for this week, so I should know a little more after that.

Well, that is all my news for now. I will keep everyone informed as we move along.

Westin and Brenna

I don't normally catch Westin in a cuddly mood with Brenna. Lately he has taken to sleeping in her bed during the day time. One night when I was putting Brenna to bed, he stayed there even when she climbed into bed. The moment was too precious for me to pass up. He stayed there with her through prayers, hugs and kisses, and the last drink of water. It was quite sweet.

Introducing, Du, du, du, dum...

LADY BRENNA!


She can conquer the world with a wave of her wand.


What mysterious thought lie behind those hidden eyes?


And a face that will turn heads.

Sewing, D-Now, and Pictures

I have been busily getting ready for this weekends Disciple Now. I am excited about the turnout of kids here in Karnes City. Hopefully all of them will show up on Friday. As the week is coming to an end, I am finishing up the last details and finding I have a little more free time. I am longing to start sewing again during nap times. Christmas break, a new puppy, and a busy schedule have really hindered my sewing. Not to mention that I added the puppies crate in our room. I'm not sure there is room to move my sewing table to the area I need to sew in. We will see soon. I am itching to start some of my new projects. I have several lined up.

On to a completely different subject. We have seen rain, rain, and more rain here. It has rained for days. I am beginning to feel like the old man that bumped his head. Brenna is going crazy being inside all the time. The puppy is going crazy being around crazy Brenna. I am going crazy managing both of them. I know we were praying for rain not too many months ago, but maybe some moderation would be nice.

There was a day or two last week where we were able to go outside for a short time. I'm so glad I took advantage of that time. I got some great pictures of Brenna and the puppy as they started to settle down after some hard running around and playing. I love it when I get a good picture unexpectedly. Enjoy the smiles.

Lessons of parenting

Parenting has taught me many lessons about myself and my relationship with Christ. Yesterday, I was taking the puppy outside but didn't realize Brenna wanted to come too. Sophie finished outside before Brenna had a chance to get out there with us. As we were coming inside she was screaming at me because she was so frusterated and mad that she wasn't getting her way. I tried to explain that she could go next time and that it was a quick trip, but she wouldn't listen. She screamed at me so loud that I'm sure the neighbors could have heard. She has been told that she can't talk to mom like that so she was disciplined for her actions.

Later we were talking about why she got in trouble. I was sure to explain that it is okay to get mad a Mommy but it is not okay to yell at me like that. She needs to use her words and tell me why she is mad. I gave her an example and we went on to the next subject. I hope she learned that she can be angry when she doesn't get her way, but she can't be disrespectful or disobedient. Big lesson for a little girl.

Big lesson for a big girl. How often do I throw my hands in the air and scream at God with my actions when I am angry and don't get my way? I throw my own adult style temper tantrum. Not the appropriate reaction. It is okay for me to be angry and tell God what I am feeling, but it is not okay for me to disobey or become hard and disrespectful. I wonder if I will ever learn this lesson. Anger has always been an issue with me. I deal with it better today than last year or the years before, but it is still a struggle. I hope that one day I will really know and believe that God is big enough to hold my anger and other emotions. He made me an emotional being and doesn't want me to hide my feelings from him or myself. I cheat both of us when I do that.

The best entertainment... DADDY!

First notice the devious face of Brenna. What is she planning?


Brenna looks at Sophie


Next Sophie sees Brenna. Brenna gets a kiss.


Everyone jumps ship.