Snakes

Snakes, Snakes You must go
for I am mighty with a hoe

If with your family you long to stay
Be gone from my yard come what may


This has been my fear from the moment we moved in and I realized I was living in snake territory. I was moving the hose in our front flower bed when I came upon the late coral snake pictured above. Talk about "freaking out." By the way, we must use that expression in our household a lot because Brenna has used it twice today. As I am frantically trying to smash the snake in half with a long garden tool, I am calling for Nathan to no avail. Shaking in my boots, no wait... Shaking in my flip flops, I strike the poor creature repeatedly because it keeps moving. Finally Nathan comes to my rescue to make sure the snake is officially dead and dispose of him. What an afternoon. Needless to say, the original task of watering the yard never happened. Tomorrow is a new day.

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.