Wrapping it up

How do you wrap up a year when you have had a year like this.

This time last year we had a joyous Christmas with our three boys, but were longing for the daughter we had held, and loved, and desperately prayed for. We were waiting on Pre-Approval and had hit a snag in the process that led us to believe we had a rocky road ahead. I knew adoption was going to be tough, but I had no idea what depths and heights it would send my family to. We know that God designed this for our family from the beginning of time and the way He took us on the journey to get us both to the point of adoption and then through the adoption really makes us stand in awe. I have cried tears like no other this year and I have felt unspeakable joy that is indescribable. I have felt surrounded by love and completely abandoned and alone at the same time. I have changed my heart, my mind and my passions. I know my Savior on a deeper level and I feel like he used this time to stretch and grow me more into the child He planned. I love the family God has given me and I cannot thank him enough for the blessings He has given me to raise. All I ever wanted to be was a MOM. I got that... and so much more. I want to end my year describing the loves of my life and what they are at this moment in time.

Brent, my friend and companion. He is my rock, my shoulder to cry on and friend to cry with. He is as tender hearted as they come and passionate about his life and all that he holds dear. He has grown into an unbelievable man of God. He is the true leader of our home and protector of our family. He is at the same time a boy at heart and wise old man wrapped up in a 32 year old frame. His eyes sparkle when he tells stories and they get as big as saucers when he is serious. He loves the outdoors, he loves his work, he loves people, he is passionate about missions in Nicaragua, and he loves his family. I see traits of him in each of the boys and I appreciate how he strives to be the best he can be for each of his children. I love how he coaches the boys, takes them hunting and fishing, and how he says "Hola, Chica" every day just to Eliza when he gets home from work. I love him completely.

Baylor, my passionate big boy. Just a few short years ago I could not even envision the child as anything more than the toddler he was, much less the stout 7 year old he is. He is strong in mind and body and is so very passionate about everything he does. Be it on the baseball field, at Karate, or at school work, he goes at it full force and strives for nothing less than the best. He is already a scholar and impresses me daily with his academic abilities. I miss him terribly when he is at school during the day because he is my friend. He has a huge heart and loves people. He is a leader, a friend, a wonderful son.

Callan, my creative free spirit. As he is crossing over into that more mature child who no longer needs a nap or constant kisses from mom, I see his imagination hard at work. He is carefree and independent. He is content to play alone for hours and creates the most unique scenarios and adventures. His interest are totally his own, he is not affected by the kids around him and goes after what he wants. He is content to let life go on around him as he takes it all in and chooses his own path. He is inquisitive and curious always wanting to know more, see more, and do more. His eyes shine with love and he gives the wettest kisses every night after he prays for everyone he knows.

Silas, my tender mamma's boy. He melts at the very word no. He is sensitive and loving and wants to please everyone else. He is happiest in his comfort zone and lives by structure. If you change things up on him, it rocks his world. He is my easiest child and it would make him the most happy if we would just sit all day with him in my lap watching "Nemo". He is a true little brother in that he worships his older brothers and wants to mimic all that they do. He is the hardest to discipline and just looking into his big eyes melts my heart. He is me, and I understand him completely.

Eliza, my precious princess miracle. Just saying her name brings me to tears. She is all I ever dreamed of in a daughter and fills my cup to overflowing. She is sweet and tender, feisty and opinionated. She is amazing and beautiful, perfect in every way. Honestly sometimes when I am out and about it baffles me that people ask me where she is from or what her heritage is. It is not that I think she looks just like me, but that our connection is so strong and our hearts are so much the same I cannot see anything but my child, my daughter. She brings songs of praise to my lips and smile to my heart. She is an amazing blessing and I will always be grateful to God and to her Birth Mother who has strength that I cannot begin to imagine. She has opened the world to our family and sparked a passion like none other. She leaves me breathless and speechless.

What a blessing this year has been to me in so many ways. I cannot wait to see what 2008 brings.

Cast your votes

Okay I need some help. I have a good friend that is going to help me give my blog a facelift... but I need a good name. Our Liza Belle was our jouney to her and now that is over... Window to our World fits but I want something good. Here are a few things I have come up with... cast your votes or submitt your suggestions...

My head seems to be stuck on the Jones theme... but go wherever... as long as it fits us... no wherever OUT THERE


****Edited to take out the ones that already exist in blog world...


Keeping up with the Jones'

Spoon Fed

Eliza is becoming so independent. If I try to feed her food from a spoon she will have nothing of it. If I give it to her to do all by herself she could spend half and hour working at it. I give you... "I will feed myself yogurt, if you get out of my face."

The gifts that keep on giving...

First of all...

Say hello to my little friend...


Since OH... I don't know, October I have taken a liking to coffee. Not so much coffee really because I think coffee taste terrible, but the warmth of it is heavenly and the creamers... YUM. This was actually Brent's gift from my mom and dad, but I will have to say it helps get me up in the morning. You see you pop in a single serving little cup thingy, put your cup underneath and poof you have a fresh cup of coffee. No finding the filters in the pantry no measuring of coffee, no pot spilling. Just push the button and a minute later you are in warm creamer heaven.

Then there are these beauties. I really do love them...

the thing is I do not know if I will ever get to sit in them. I had to make a seating chart schedule yesterday so that the boys fighting over them would stop. They rotate the days and each of them get to sit in the chairs 4 times a week... and on Sundays the chairs get a rest! They are very happy with their schedule though and even the 2 year old is content to sit at the table alone on his non stool day. Hey, at least it is not a daily battle over who gets to sit next to Eliza anymore. The one left without the stool gets the joy of being next to baby sister.

And finally... the joy of my evenings.


WE bought this as a FAMILY gift for the BOYS. I believe I got "hoo-dooed". As if Duck Season, Deer Season, Dove Season, Goose Season, Turkey Season weren't enough now there is Cabella's Big Game Hunter Season. I won't reveal how many HOURS my hubby has already clocked in playing this game but he has enjoyed the thrill of bear hunting in Canada and animals I did not know existed in Africa. When I went to bed last night he was playing in the ice and snow of somewhere remote I am sure.

The boys LOVE it... even Callan the 4 year old can hang with Bay on Lego Star Wars and he has never really been into gaming.

Already Over?

It is the day after Christmas and the boys are already over the spirit of kindness and giving. These things were heard in the Jones home well before 8:30 AM.
* You get on my nerves.
* Get away from me I do not like being in the same room with you.
* What are we doing today? It is SOOOO boring.
* Can I just go to school (Mom's Day Out) I hate it when I just have to stay home.

You would never guess that they had just been spoiled beyond belief and had toys and activities "out the WAZOO".

SANTA CAME!!!

I love the joy of Christmas... the exhaustion of the past few days (or months for mom and Santa) goes away even if only for a few hours. They kids dive into their gifts and we spend an entire day making a wreck of the house. It has become tradition for Nommie and Gandie to come down on Christmas Day to see what all Santa brought. This year Gran and Papa stopped by for a little while too. We stay in our PJ's all day, eat a good breakfast and snack on leftover junk and candy the rest of the day. We did take the time to make a birthday cake (where did my camrea go) and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.

I could post about 30 pictures, but I will squeeze it down to them in front of their loot just before I let them touch it.

Baylor got Wii games, a Reindeer Webkin and a real kid-sized Bow-and-Arrow and other little goodies in his stocking.


Callan got a Imaginext Pirate Ship with the shark and whale along with Captin Jack treasure chest set, and all kinds of stocking goodies (webkin, Justice League Movie, etc) He cried that Santa forgot his skateboard, but I told him that he had made that request to Santa too late.


Silas got a Radio Flyer Scooter, a John Deere Fishing Pole, a reversable batman/ superman cape and a Nemo watch.



Eliza got Baby Stella and her feeding set. A perfect size stroller some animal books and a Little People Doll House. Of course she was more interested in the paper and boxes this christmas but she was in heaven ( and so was I after having to be apart from her last Christmas).

Gran and Papa's Christmas

On to party stop number 2 on Christmas Eve. Gran and Papa's House. This year we had 19 in attendance and that was just Gran, Papa, their 3 sons and all their kids. Jeff is about to be married (any day from what I understand) so it was nice to share it with our soon to be new sister-in-law and nephews/cousins.

The room alone with that many presents is quite overwhelming. It is kind of like a sugar high only just from wrapping paper and boxes. I always feel really spoiled but very blessed at the wonderful families we do have.

The mom's and all the boys plus the one little princess.



Baylor and his brother-cousin Avery


Papa and Eliza

Callan

Silas

Muber and Pa's House

Christmas Eve morning, we all got up and headed over to my grandparent's house (my dad's parents). Muber outdid herself with breakfast. She does not let anyone bring anything and her menu consisted of: Sausage, Bacon, Turkey Sausage, Turkey Bacon, Bacon Quishe, Turkey Sausage Quishe, Country Ham, Bisquits, Bingets, Fruit Salad, Hashbrowns, Scrambled Eggs... I may be leaving something out. When we got there, there were frying pans all over the house. Next year we may have to step in some, that was way too much. I am not sure how she even enjoyed it.

The boys once again were spoiled with gifts. From Muber and Pa, they each got a Titan Jersey. Silas got the whole mini uniform and loved it. Wore it around all day. Muber also went and got Eliza a precious little outfit complete with matching bow.


My cousin Jake, is famous for getting the boys the hit gift. This year he did not dissappoint. He got the boys ant farms. He even thought ahead and put the ants right in there (so thankful for that... I do not know that I could have done it). They boys loved them and keep them where they can see them.



They also got Eliza a Minnie Mouse. She just hugged it.

We also got to meet my other cousin, Bryson, son for the first time. Sam is a cute little 4 month old, here with my grandfather and aunt (Sam's grandma).

Nommie and Gandie's House

Since the boys went to spend the night at Nommie and Gandie's house , we headed there to spend another night to have Christmas with Nommie and Gandie and then be right there for Christmas Eve events.

Nommie made them all big Santa Sacks to put their toys in... they LOVED it.

We also broght the family gift with us to the boys. We gave them a Wii. I knew Nommie had gotten Bay some games and I did not want him to just be in limbo so we brought it on. It was a hit (that is until in the repackaging of the Wii to bring it home... mommy bent the Wii sports game that came with it. I am in process of trying to fix it, but I see a new Wii sports game in our future).

Nommie said the boys waited patiently the whole time they were there, but as soon as we walked in the door, they wanted to see what was in their sacks.



Baylor, very excited over the Wii. Silas giving a cheese grin... he has no concept (only that he was about to open something)


Eliza and all her goodies. She got a shopping cart, the Lucy doll from PBK, a wooden high chair that was mine as a little girl (for her doll), a musical tea set, and Nommie made her an outfit.

I know this picture is not clear, but Silas loved his real light up light "saver". He also got a Imaginext Castle and a Spider Man match game.

Callan is our true toy lover. He got all kinds of GI Joes and a caravan jeep as well as the Imaginext Jungle... he played with it forever. He has the best imagination.


Baylor is Webkin obsessed... so Nommie got him one. AND it is the Pet of the Month. WHO KNEW???



He also was so excited about his new games. We had to set up the Wii immediately.

We all got in on the Wii action. We bowled, boxed, hunted and made our own Wii- Mii's.

Christmas at Nanny's House

Today we went to Nanny's house for our Christmas Party. When I was growing up the tradition was to go Christmas Eve Morning and have breakfast. I even remember a few Christmas Eve mornings when we had all gone and spent the night and woke up there. Our families have gotten to big, so we have to find a new time to have it. I am so glad we did because last year we did not do it at all and I think a lot of us regretted that we did not have it. The bonus... the boys went home with Nommie and Gandie to spend the night.

Mom,Nanny, and Aunt Cheri

Silas and his treat

Callan and his elephant... that he loves!

Eliza and her treat

Jacie, Westin ( my cousins children) and Baylor.

Channeling the inner MATERIAL GIRL

Okay... let me start by saying this was me in 1981



But when given the challenge to dress for an 80's themed Christmas Get together with friends, I was on a mission to find my inner "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" side, perhaps with a touch of "Material Girl". YOu cannot even really see my fishnet LIME GREEN hose that I had to wear over leggins because it was just wrong not to.



We had a blast and litterally laughed until our cheeks were stinging (or was that the JUMBO chewy sweettarts). Our host and hostess (Dancing Dave and Totally Terrific Teresa Wood) went all out rearranging furniture for a dance floor, creating backdrops for picture ops, and melting old LP's for centerpeice bowls. We were all things 80's with contest, food and prizes. I went away with the award for the "Most Righteous Outfit" and we even won the door prize of Footloose! IT WAS A BLAST!

Here are a couple more shots of the group photos. Some got their outfits from Goodwill but I would say that more than half had authentic duds from the 80's can you guess which ones?

A BIG Improvement

Today was the last day of Preschool until next year (meaning January). To celebrate the kiddos always put on a little show for the parents.

This was Silas LAST YEAR as soon as he was wheeled (in a big wagon) onto the stage and he saw me sitting there.



This was this year... he was so sweet. He has been talking himself into being big and "singing on the stage" for several weeks now. I hesitated and questioned if I should wave and let him see me... but he found us. This is him looking for his Nommie to see if she came. (I think if given the chance Silas would pack a bag and go live with Nommie, that boy LOVES his Nommie)


This is BIG BOY, Callan. He had his own memorized part. He was the R in ChRistmas. He had to say in front of all the parents and on a microphone "R is to receive Him, what each of us must do". He too was SOOO proud.


After the performance, each of the classes had a party for the kids with all kinds of goodies. It was comical running from one class to the other feeling like I gave each child their fair share ( Nommie and Daddy too).

This is Nommie and Callan. PRECIOUS. Hey Nommie... I sure hope I will be this beautiful when I am a Nommie 5 times over.

Feliz Navidad

Today, all day my heart has been heavy for Guatemala. I am really not sure what brought in on other than God's prompting to pray. To pray for families currently in process, for future babies born in Guatemala with no where to go, and for the hopes that someday more people will be able to share in one of life's greatest blessings (for us)by adopting from Guatemala.

I will not go into detail about what is going on in the Guate adoption world, but I will say that adoption is not an option right now and the "doors are closed". Hopefully they will be back in place by the spring, but even then the process is sure to take on much more difficult standards and politics.

Then tonight, I get this. I sent Eliza's foster mom one of our Christmas Cards through e-mail because I did not know if she would ever get it though the mail and I waited too late to send it through an adoptive parent visiting ( plus I ran out). My heart aches for her, this is her life, her job... her love. I appreciate all she did for Eliza. I could not have asked for a better mom for her until I was able to be her mom. Her wishes to us for Christmas and the New Year touched my heart. Gracias!

(*** I am not going to share her words because I do not want overstep my bounds, Eliza's foster mom reads my blog so that she can see pictures of Eliza as she grows.)

Santa Parade

My mom gave me this idea... Santa through the years. I think my kids will always be subject to the Santa picture.

Our first Christmas with a child. Baylor my BIG boy. He was only 4 months old in this picture.If I remember correctly he also had a full diaper but there was no way I was getting out of line.

I wish I had done better with a picture. Baylor was obviously having no part and I was laughing hysterically... did not know they thought it was a good time to SNAP.

Baylor's last Christmas alone... he was all about Santa this year.


Two brothers for Christmas. My mom was with me and insistant that they wear PJ's. So we went into a store, bought them, changed them and went for the picture. My brother says it was torture that we would do that. I say... all in good cheer.


My favorite! The photo elf was surprised that I even wanted this... ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I want a copy for everyone.


Along comes baby brother Silas. Callan now understood that the big man was important and musterd up enough courage to stand there.



This year, I was all prepared for a screaming Silas. Instead he froze... no smile, no expression... just froze.




That brings us to this year. All four of my angels. Eliza was not thrilled ( who could blame her) but that is what makes it so special.