Co-sleeping, doesn’t equal no-sleeping…

On January 12, 2013 By mrsjmejonesIn about us, family, hubby, kids, love, marriage, MJ, sleepLeave a comment

I’m not ashamed to admit that my almost 5 year old sleeps with my husband and I. Every night. I.Love.It. She’s my last “baby” and we have a king size bed. We also have a healthy relationship, parents that babysit and two grown boys that hardly even want to SIT with us. I am sure that because this August, she starts school and has to have more of a routine, we will begin to transition her to her bed. But for now, and for the last almost five years, it’s been a blessing to me. My 14 year old used to be my buddy but is “too cool” for me now…so this has been nice. I’m sure things will change and one day she’ll too think I’m not cool enough to hang with. I’m just enjoying this piece of her life right now and the place she’s at.

Even if it means a foot in my back every now and then.

Busy Bee

On January 6, 2013 By mrsjmejonesIn family, food, hubby, kids, MJ, praise, travel, vacation2 Comments

I am so excited about the next three weekends. I can’t even contain myself!!

This weekend, I venture a short ride away and meet up with Victoria – a long time friend – for shopping, gabbing, catching up, eating…I cannot wait. LONG overdue and very much anticipated!!!

Next weekend, I venture to downtown Raleigh with my sweetheart to just getaway for the night. Getting dressed up and going to a nice dinner and spending the night in a nice downtown hotel. So excited to have some time for just US!

Weekend after that – VERY exciting…taking MJ, my mom, and my niece to Atlanta’s American Girl store for some shopping and fun! We are staying in a Marriott that does it up right – with doll beds for the AG dolls, milk and cookie amenities…it will be some great fun!!

I have some work in the middle of these weekends but I am so ready for them all – I love having things to look forward to!!!

Vitamin F

On January 1, 2013January 10, 2013 By mrsjmejonesIn Blogging, family, kids, love, NaBloPoMo, praise2 Comments

I’m starting the Blog Challenge for January of 2013…this month’s theme is ENERGY..

So, if I think of where my energy comes from…it’s certainly not from MY mind or MY body or MY inner self…it is from Christ. Just read “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me” – Philippians 4:13. I pray if I’m having troubles. I pray if I’m not. I pray without ceasing. I pray because that’s what I’ve been instructed to do by His word. I also believe that the Lord puts people around you to motivate you. If I am having a hard time pushing through something, almost always the people I think of are my loved ones. If it’s a work project I’m dealing with resistance on, I think of how proud my husband seems of me when it comes to my job. When I’m having a hard time even THINKING of cooking dinner, I think of how much he enjoys his favorite foods. When I am exhausted and one of my kids asks me to play…I am absolutely stoked that they picked ME to spend a moment with! Our kids are so busy and getting older…if one of them actually thinks of me, I am IN! At the end of the day, it’s easy to be tired and lazy, but with the motivation from my family members, I feel like I can do anything.

Happy New Year!

I’ll never ask my mom for oatmeal cookies again…

On December 26, 2012December 26, 2012 By mrsjmejonesIn Christmas, kids, lists, memory1 Comment

It’s so hard to believe that it’s come and gone. That the long-awaited day of celebrations of our Savior’s birth…with presents and food and family has happened and is now a memory. As I upload the photos to my computer and try to process the frenzy of the last few days….I thought I’d list out some things that I hope I remember a year from now…or even 5…but hopefully 30. You know I can turn anything into bullet form. 🙂

Oatmeal cookies are good. But making them is NOT an easy task.
My boys DO count presents.
Mama will let you help. If she has a debilitating illness.
Family really is the best part of it. Hands down.
If your husband buys you that Kitchen-Aid mixer, he WILL expect you to USE it.
When people say “if you need me, just call” – they might really mean it.
Santa can find his way in even if you don’t have a chimney, a special key for him or sleigh parking.
The more you say “I’m not going to overdo it this year.” is proportional to the amount in which you WILL.
Kids are really fun to watch open presents. The wonder, the surprise, the smiles…it just makes the hustle and bustle and money and time SO WORTH IT.
It really is better to give than receive. Honestly.
There is no better party than a pajama party.
McDonald’s really is the only place open. Really.
Being able to help your parents out more than ever is still rewarding even if your Mom is sick and that’s the only reason she let you do most of the grocery shopping.
Having a sick mommy on Christmas is pretty much the same as having a sick kiddo at Christmas. Feels just as yucky and you want to take it away for them!
Real friends wear pajamas to your house. And don’t care that you’re still in them.
Reading the Bible on Christmas Eve with your kids is actually that awesome. Having a husband that explains things and is so patient with them is even more awesome.
When it’s all said and done and your four year old lists out a few toys as her fave parts of the day….but ends with, “but spending time with my family was the best thing ever” – it’s okay to cry. It’s probably preferred to exploding internally.

Merry Christmas to everyone reading. It’s been a great one for us and I hope it has been for you as well!

Just Reflection

On December 14, 2012 By mrsjmejonesIn family, grateful, kids, my heart, praise, prayers, trust, trust in Jesus, world, worry3 Comments

My heart is really heavy tonight. I’ve prayed, I’ve cried, I’ve read, I’ve watched…I’ve tried to comprehend the details and then shut my computer in dismay. I have hugged my children, absorbed in their scents, and thanked the Lord for my blessings. I feel so incredibly sad for the families of the little angels that lost their lives today. I feel so raw with emotion that I can’t even put into words exactly how it makes me feel. I am looking to my Lord. I am not asking for answers or understanding or even peace. What I ask is for more people to trust Him. More people to have the kind of faith that moves mountains. That heals hearts. That forgives. Those children were so innocent, so unfinished. Surely so loved by a parent or two….grandparents…great-grandparents..aunts..uncles…brothers…sisters. Those small little hands and fingers and toes….so small and yet so missed this evening. I cannot even imagine the hurt and loss that their families must be feeling. But, even so, I pray that they have faith. I pray that they look to Him. I pray that they would draw closer and nearer to the only one who can deliver them. I pray that they would know Him, love Him, trust Him. Only through Him will they once again see those small eyes and be reunited among streets of gold!!! I pray for comfort for these people, this town, our country. We surely need many things…but most of all, Him.

Gee Thanks!

On November 23, 2012November 24, 2012 By mrsjmejonesIn about us, family, grateful, home, hubby, kids, lists, love, marriage, MJ, my heart, positive thinking, praise, ThanksgivingLeave a comment

So, I’ve been a bad, bad girl. I haven’t been on FB to post every day what I’m thankful for! <Gasp!> (Before you think I’m talking about YOU, I did it last year and I didn’t hate it….so I’m not judging.)

But, we all know by now, I’m a list girl. I’m thankful for lists. That’s all! Good night, thanks!

Okay…maybe…more….like…

My personal relationship with my Lord and Saviour. (If you don’t have that, please talk to me!)
My sweet, considerate, funny hubby. Our relationship is crazy strong and we are just getting started! (Six years…)
My kids…all three of them are so different but such great combinations of personality, wit and charm. (And sarcasm.)
My family, every single member of it. Both sides. All sides. Especially the relationship with my Mom. Always there for me. Always willing to listen. Also, the relationship between myself and my step-wife (my step-son’s Mom if you are not in the know) is such a blessing. No drama, just working together for the good of our families that are intertwined. Makes perfect sense, huh? 🙂
Our home. Though we are trying to sell it…it has provided shelter from storms, cold (hmm), heat and rain…we’ve welcomed a new life into this home together and had many moments of cheer and sadness as well.
My job and it’s blessings..coworkers…my team..my boss..my friends made and kept there…
Yoga pants
Short hair (don’t care)
Talenti gelato
My wonderful family physician…Phillip takes such good care of us ALL!
A clean house and the fabulous lady who makes that possible!! (Love my cleaning angel!)
That all my kids are potty trained!!!
Social media. It’s been a lifeline at times for me. Might sound sad..but it’s true.
Lifetime movies
Nordstrom personal stylists. Sometimes when I put on one of the outfits she put together for me I’m still shocked that I’ve gone outside the box on some things.
Hallmark Channel
Dasani water
Bojangles. Just yes.
Thyroid medicine. Makes such a difference.
Excel. Pivot tables. V look ups.
Freedom
Fantasy Football – gives me a reason to watch and spend time with my boys and hubby
Blogging. A healthy outlet for me.

Ideal Living…NaBloPoMo

On November 3, 2012 By mrsjmejonesIn Blogging, Charleston, family, home, Kiawah, kids, love, my heart, real estate, Sanford, travel, vacationLeave a comment

So I thought I’d participate in NaBloPoMo….and I’m using some prompts to get me going!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

So, if I could have all my family with me…my current job…all my fave things…and pick them all up and plop them down somewhere? I’d have a hard time choosing between some of the most awesome places on Earth that I’ve visited…from Charleston, SC…to Augusta, GA…to Monterey, CA…Newport Beach, CA..Cabo San Lucas, Mexico…Kauai, Hawaii…Guanacaste, Costa Rica..Nassau….Miami, FL…Orlando, FL..Long Beach, CA…Cinncinati, OH…St Louis, MO…Lexington, KY…Asheville, NC…Boone, NC…Dallas, TX…Pebble Beach, CA…Carolina Beach, NC…OBX, NC…Virginia Beach, VA…Washington, DC…

I think I’d probably be very content with living just outside of Charleston, SC. Maybe Folly Beach or Johns Island or Kiawah. I absolutely adore Charleston. The charm, the history, the scenery, the food, the people…the feeling I get when I’m there is one of total LOVE for this place. I don’t want to leave it when I’m there…I get SO excited about my next visit and as soon as I leave it I am planning the next time back. If only all my family would go with me…and my job…and my entire life….I’d just never come back!!!

Quick Beach Trip

On September 3, 2012October 7, 2012 By mrsjmejonesIn family, kids, travelLeave a comment

We decided to have one last fling at the beach for the day on Saturday. Our family of five + sun + fun + lots of driving + donuts + sand. We left around 9 and headed out! We decided to drive the “old way”, HWY 421 all the way there. It.was.long. But, it was nostalgic. Growing up, this was really the only way we ever went and it was neat weird nice to see how it all had changed so much. I just realized I didn’t take a pic of my hubby driving! Wow! A first! 😦

As we came into Wilmington/Carolina Beach, we stopped at Buffalo Wild Wings. Give the boys chicken and an abundance of televisions and they are happy. (Mike is included in that, btw.)

The boys, waiting on yummy food.

MJ snuggles her Daddy every time she has a chance.

We ate, watched the beginning of the UNC – Elon game and then headed off to the Boardwalk at Carolina Beach. Traffic was crazy! (Yes, I know, it was Labor Day.) However, the Boardwalk was not crazy. There was a steady flow of people passing through but it was kinda sad to me how very deserted it looked. Of course, this place wasn’t deserted….

Then we walked on the beach for a short time. A VERY short time. The sand was burning my soles…I mean BURNING! I guess this is why we go in the fall or winter. However, my baby girl picked up seashells and that made her day!

Then, we rode. We talked. We laughed. We slept. It was nice to have all the kids captive and be able to talk…and listen. I was afraid they were bored….they assured me they weren’t. They are all like Mike and myself. The love to ride. It’s not even about where we are going. Just being together, soaking up the moments that we are able to spend together. Not working, not worrying about school or anything else. Just being with each other. Mike told the kids about how right after we got married we surely logged hundreds of miles going to lighthouses, different islands of the OBX and checking things out. It wasn’t really about any certain destination…it was just about hanging out with one another. I’m so glad that my children are completely satisfied with just hanging out with us. Oh. And we sang. Okay, me and MJ did. We rocked out Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. Sorry, boys. 🙂

My Little Sunshine

On August 26, 2012November 27, 2012 By mrsjmejonesIn kids, photography1 Comment

So since the boys were playing golf this afternoon, MJ thought a fashion show was in order. When I take picture of her though, it becomes about her FACE more than her fashion though. I love that her personality comes through on her pictures….because it’s one of my favorite things about her!! Here are few of the many…