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Jordan's Birthday Party

Jordan's tenth birthday was so fun.

We had it at Jamestown Beach, our new favorite spot. Michael grilled some delicious dogs. Jordan had two friends come; one from church and one from school and then a herd of cousins. I made two cakes one exploded but I loved how this one turned out with the melted frosting.

We were running super late and when we got to the beach it was so crowded we weren't sure if the party was possible. But we found a spot and sqeezed in and everything worked out. Next time we will be on time or choose a day other than Saturday!

The best part of all was how happy all the kids were to play in the river and I did not have to do anything to entertain them. I had a craft and games all prepared but did not have to use them. I will save it for another time. I think we will have every birthday party at the beach. Lanian will love it. December is not too cold here, right?

Leaps and Bounds

We have grown leaps and bounds this summer. Not only are we not housing any turtles but we are not even catching any turtles, well those two don't really count because it wasn't quite summer and ... they don't count!

Look at our little summer bikeride - notice how we are just looking with our eyes not with our hands! The maturity and restraint is amazing. I am so proud of us!!

Spring Photos

Missing My Ut-ards

I miss my bro and his family.

Changes

As you can see things are changing round here. (I love The Cutest Blog on the Block website with free backgrounds, they are so much nicer and more fun than standard Blogger templates.)

And are C. Jane and Nie Nie really sisters? Check them out they are both fabulous!

But really things are changing in my life as well as my blog. I have completed one college class and I am going to finish another in May. Big steps for me because me and college have not always gotten along. I can't wait to enroll in more classes for the Fall. I already have my classes picked out. I hope to take 4 fully weighted classes instead of the two pass/ fail classes I have this semester.
The reason I may be able to take 4 classes next semester is (be strong...I will not cry for sadness/happiness) because Little A is going to Kindergarten!! I can't believe it. Just yesterday I was trying to get through each day (each moment) under the weight of toddlers and infants constantly begging for their every need and minuet desires to be taken care of . He will be a BIG boy until 3:50pm every Monday, Tuesday. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
I remember all the deep breaths and counting, all the visualizations of calm outcomes, the focus on this terrible time not lasting forever and trying to hold on to each moment because I would never it get it back - why I took so many pictures and saved almost every work of art as dad can attest to. And now it is here- the sweetness and simplicity of hard physically labor and stress of babies is over for me, no more poopy diapers to throw at dad, no more makeup to clean off the walls, no more tantrums - well maybe less, no more baby talk, no more miniature clothes......
Some of my friends and family have said that this transition is nothing compared to when the birds fly out of the nest completely. I hope that by then I have accepted and dealt with this because to be quite honest I am having a tough time. Although I have been so blessed to have a calling in the Junior Nursery. Every Sunday I can get sweaty and hot and count to ten.

Isn't funny how our Heavenly father always know just what we need when we need it?

Our Grandpa Moss

Grandpa Moss was always there. He was never too busy to see you although he might be asleep. He came to every birthday party he could and ate his piece of cake without any complaint. He was always willing to watch television with you especially a game. And one day he even came to the Jones Movie Theatre to watch Seabiscuit. We put our television in the bay window, lined up our couches and set one up on enclyclopedias so it would be elevated above the one in front just like a real stadium seating theatre. We popped popcorn and made sure the stereo was set up loud. He was there and he still is in our hearts and thoughts. We miss you Grandpa and we will see you later.

Basketball Jones

Here are some basketball pictures that do not do the kids Justice but they are all my poor camara will do. We have had the best time playing basketball this year. Michael took to it like a duck to water, Jordan has warmed up slowly but she is liking it as well. They are both so athletic and good sports - I am so proud of them! We love going to the games as a family and cheering our teams on, well mom loves going to the games as a family and cheering. The little guys lose interest quickly and rather run around making their dad crazy which mom also finds very entertaining. Jordan is in the girls 10 and under team named Lady Patriots and pike is on the boys 8 and under team named Knicks. they both have great coaches and great kids on their teams many of whom they knew already from school.

Michael and Amanda

Here we are on the first day of our earthly journey together. I am just as in love with Michael, if not more so, now after 11 years of marriage and four children. I am so grateful for Michael and the love and support he has given to me. He is my best friend. I would rather hang out with him than anyone else even though I see him every day (well there are those occasional moments when I love that he has activities that take him outside but they are rare). He is amazing. He does my dishes, he drives! bless him, he shops when I don't feel like shopping, he mops when I don't feel like mopping, basically he does whatever I ask of him and more. So, after making this list I am feeling like a bad wife. I knew I had the better half of this deal but this doesn't seem fair. Maybe I will surprise Michael one day with a big truck to make up for all the meals I didn't cook and the dirt I didn't sweep and the clutter I kept that drives him crazy. One day I will because I love him.