Tinkertoy Fun

On this chilly afternoon, we had fun indoors using the classic Tinkertoys to create a guitar and microphone stand. Enjoy these two videos which capture a snippet of the fun we had.

The Polar Express and Puzzle-mania

Over the past week, we've enjoyed watching Thompson revel in two of his newest interests: "The Polar Express" and puzzles. He'd watch "The Polar Express" on automatic replay if we'd let him! So, when he hasn't gotten enough of the movie, he will reenact the movie on his imaginary trains (the kitchen barstools or bed in the playroom)...including using his socks as coal to shovel into the engine, a flashlight as the lantern and a bell as the train's bell and "the first gift of Christmas". And as for puzzles, we are continually amazed at his deductive reasoning skills! We certainly never thought he'd be able to complete a 60-piece puzzle all by himself.

Christmas Blessings

As we wind down from an exciting Christmas Day, we give thanks for today's many blessings, most especially the time spent with our families. It has been awesome to experience the wonder of this day through the eyes of a 3-year old. Thompson was stunned to see that Santa dropped off his much-anticipated garbage truck and told us throughout the day "I like my 'I Stink' truck." He spent all day in his Christmas pajamas and was a bit disappointed to learn that he'll have to take them off tomorrow. Among his many new "treasures", Thompson is enjoying several books, puzzles, The Polar Express DVD and a handful of great toys for imaginative play. Enjoy the video from tonight's blessing. Thompson's prayer says it all...

30 lbs 4 ozs and 36.25" tall

Thompson had his 3-year wellness appointment this morning. His stats keep him in the 25th percentile for both weight and height with the projections showing him growing to about 5'7" by age 18.

2008 Christmas Card

More from the Birthday

Here is a link to a slideshow our friend Jill Schwarzkopf, owner of Realities Photography and founder of Sleep Tight Kids, created from pictures she took last night. Enjoy!

www.realitiesbyjill.com/thompsonturnsthree

Thompson Turns 3!

We are winding down from one wild and crazy - yet FUN - evening as we celebrated Thompson's 3rd birthday. Our home was filled with the sounds of children and adults, family and friends. We enjoyed Luella's BBQ and a John Deere tractor birthday cake...of course. (Thank you Aunt G!)

Two years ago we started a birthday tradition of using this special day to enable Thompson and his birthday guests to help others who are less fortunate. In lieu of gifts, this year we collected donations for Sleep Tight Kids, a new outreach effort started by our friend Jill Schwarzkopf to help children in our community by providing bedtime items. It is Sleep Tight Kids dream for children to feel comfort when they go to sleep each night.

A picture of the "kids" with Bobby's brother Ash and cousin Emily

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Yesterday morning we ventured to the Grove Park Inn with friends from MOPS to look at the gingerbread houses that were on display!

Santa, are you checking your list twice?

Simply Avery

For years I've pondered the idea of starting my own organizational business...not to mention the encouragement I've continually received from friends to initiate such an effort. On numerous occasions I've heard "just do it," "you'd be perfect for that type of business," write a book and dedicate it to me," "come organize me," "what are you waiting for" and on and on. So, I'm finally taking that leap of faith. And a leap of faith it is. I am trusting God to guide this endeavor where He wants it to go and to use my skills to glorify Him while simulatenously helping others. Join me in this adventure and spread the word. Quite simply, I'm Simply Avery.

Cardboard Testimony

I received this YouTube video link from a friend this afternoon. It is well worth the 8 minutes and 4 seconds is takes to view...and I have no doubt you will be blessed. How would yours read? It has made me think hard about what my cardboard testimony would say. (and I promise to post a follow-up soon)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

Thanksgiving

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We just returned from an extended and relaxing weekend in Cashiers where we celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with both families. Over the past several years, we've been blessed to enjoy a single Thanksgiving meal with both families dining together. Friday morning found us on a nearby Christmas tree farm selecting this year's tree. One of Thompson's fondest memories from the morning was observing how the tree-tying machine worked, and reminded us all weekend about the "the thing goes around and around and around".

In recent months, we have been reminded of the importance of giving thanks in ALL circumstances. We've been "richly" blessed with a Lord and Savior who loves us more than we can imagine, one another, a son, loving families, cherished friends, our health, our home, daily blessings from above, and the list could go on and on. Among Thompson's many Thanksgiving-weekend blessings, he is thankful for his Ma-mere and Pa-pere, his Annie and Poppy, the Stihl blower, playing ball, weed eaters, the park, the hot pool, special milk, cookies, spending the night at Annie and Poppy's, going to church, and looking for diggers. And may you, too, identify the ways in which you have been blessed this Christmas season (and year-round) and give thanks.

Blessings

As we sat down last night to eat dinner, we asked Thompson (like most nights) to say the blessing. We were pleasantly surprised to hear him share one that we have never heard him say before.

God our Father
Once again
Thank you for our blessings
Amen.

He proudly told us that he learned it in school. How awesome! So now, he's got three blessings in his repertoire. I wonder which one he'll pray next?

"Look at all that snow!"

Thompson said as he ran to the back door this morning. Yes, we arose to a chilly morning complete with a layer of snow on the ground and flurries in the air. As the day has progressed, the flurries have diminished and much of the snow has melted...but it is still cold! (This is a picture was taken from our front porch.)

A Turtle on a Bull?

What else would you expect on Halloween!? Our festivities began last night at Hoopla, our church's Halloween alternative. Despite the numerous booths and candy available, Thompson opted for the jumphouse, bull ride and fire trucks. After Hoopla, we returned home where we caught up with several neighborhood friends for a traditional round of trick-or-treating!

Our Little Musician

Yesterday, I captured Thompson practicing his class song "Halloween is Here" for the school's Fall Program, which was this morning. He and his classmates did a great job!

Then I got a bonus...Thompson's guitar version of the same song.

But if think we're finished...we're not. Read on! Thompson then sang a song accompanied by a surprise instrument (mind you an instrument I didn't think he knew). God has certainly blessed us with a musical child. Enjoy!

Translation: The bass goes like this...there's a little wheel turning in my heart.

Snow in October?

Why not? We awoke this morning to a flurry of snow...what a surprise! I can't think of the last time, if ever, that I've known it to snow in NC in October. Anyways, both the snow and winds picked up around mid-morning for about an hour and created quite the winter wonderland. It's still chilly and breezy, the but snow has finally stopped and the sun is out.

In other news...We have seen our parents within the past four days, so that's been special for all of us. Bobby's new position with The Palmer Group continues to go well. He is gearing up for another post-season softball game tonight. If they win, then they'll play in the finals later this week. Thompson has been busy practicing his song for his school's Fall Program on Thursday and anxiously awaiting Friday's Halloween festivities. (If we get lucky, we may be able to capture video for you!) He got to wear his Halloween outfit to school today and will showcase it tonight at Kindermusik as well. Stay tuned for pictures!

Apple Picking Time

This morning marked our first apple-picking excursion. We headed to Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock where we were greated with temperatures in the mid-50's and joined by three other friends and their mothers. The kids enjoyed climbing on and over the pumpkins, picking apples and eating them right on the spot, and touring the grounds by riding in a tractor-pulled wagon. No trip to the orchard is complete without enjoying an apple doughnut and puchasing some apple cider for home.  (And no post is complete unless we feature Thompson on a "digger"/antique forklift!)

A Night in the Woods

Well, last night marked the Jones family's first overnight camping trip. We stayed at the North Mills River campground, which is about 15 minutes from home, and were joined by our neighbors the Freemans. We enjoyed "hobo" dinners and hot dogs cooked on the campfire...and, of course, no camping trip is complete without s'mores! Overall, Thompson did great, although sleeping in the tent presented a bit more of a challenge as he is neither used to sleeping with us nor sleeping in a tent. Oh, and did I mention that he hasn't yet mastered the "inside" voice yet? Rain settled in around midnight and even though we arose to a wet campground, it was awesome to listen to the sound of raindrops on the trees and on the tent. We packed up shortly after breakfast and headed home, where we have spent the remainder of today recuperating. Oh, and en route home, a full grown black bear (300-400 pounds) crossed the road in front of us...pretty cool! We look forward to another outing, although we think Thompson may need a few more months under his belt. We'll keep you posted.

The First of Many

Yesterday morning I got the first of what I know will be many more questions to follow. It was raining, and after breakfast, Thompson asked why it was raining. My response...God sent the rain to water the grass, trees and flowers to that they would grow. Being in the "why?" phase, Thompson asked the question again to which I responded with a similar answer. As I continued about the house taking care of my morning "to-do's" I heard..."Where is God? I don't see Him outside." Wow! I certainly wasn't prepared to answer that question, and in that moment, I was convicted that this wasn't a question I could ignore or take lightly. So, I answered it as best I could, hoping my answer was good enough. God must have imparted a fraction of his wisdom to and through me as Thompson seemed satisfied with my answer. And while I haven't had another such question yet, I know there are many more to come.

Just Had to Say

We love our neighborhood! As several of you may recall, upon moving back to the Asheville area in 2004, it took us nearly a year to find our home, which we purchased in April 2005. Since then, we have been ever thankful for God's provision in showing us Ashley Woods. It is a family friendly neighborhood and we've been blessed with wonderful neighbors and friends. Just yesterday afternoon, we hosted a playdate and cookout for several families we've met who have young children. (We had 10 children under the age of 4 with 2 babies on the way!) As we said good-bye to our last guests, Bobby and I commented on how much fun we had in fellowship with our neighbors (and friends!) and how blessed we are to call this neighborhood home.

Evening Reflections

With this being my first post since the beach trip, it goes without saying that it's been a busy couple weeks. Our days tick away and before we know it, the sun is setting on another day and Thompson is reminding us that "his light" (the street light in front of our house) is on, which must mean bedtime. Thompson continues to embrace each day with all it has to offer and, in his delightful spirit, inspires us to enjoy the simple things in life. He continues to love school, and looks forward to chapel and music days. And he is definitely a creature of habit! (I wonder where he gets that from?!) Bobby has officially ditched the crutches as his ankle is healing up remarkably well. He has successfully passed all of the initial and mandatory testing related to his new job and is now working on his marketing plan. As for me, I've been busy being a wife, mom, friend and volunteer. I found this tiny window of time this evening to post to our blog as Bobby is in Chattanooga for the night celebrating his 15th high school reunion. (He ought to have some great stories when he gets home tomorrow!) As always, thank you for "keeping up with the Joneses".

Beach Picture Part III - Until Next Time...

As our trip to the beach drew to a close, it wasn't without some final moments in the sand and surf. Our daily routine of digging of holes an using a 2-year old's imagination to transform them into castles, fish, diggers, skid steers and even a piano has worn Thompson out!  We're glad to be back home with daddy...who, by the way, is down to one crutch today!

\

 

Beach Pictures Part II

As you can tell, Thompson had a wonderful morning playing in the surf. (As did I!)

Beach Pictures Part I

Well, 2/3 of us are at the beach for the week. Unfortunately, with daddy starting his new job a couple weeks ago, we had to leave him behind. (Not to mention that he sprained his right ankle really bad Monday evening at his softball game - good news, they won - bad news, we left him on crutches as we pulled out of town.) After stopping in Greensboro Wednesday night and catching a Grasshopper baseball game, we are now in Caswell Beach, NC with the same beach crew that mommy spent her summers with as a young girl. The weather has been great, and as you'll see below, we are having fun!  We rode the ferry to the Fort Fisher Aquarium this morning.

 

A New Beginning

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Today marks a new day for the Jones family, and in particular, for Bobby...the first day of a new job in a new career field. Bobby left his post at Lonesome Valley in May to take (what we've enjoyed calling) a sabbatical. Over the past several months, he has done a lot of reflecting, praying and listening to discern the next step for him in light of his personal and professional goals. During this time, we have prayed fervently that God would make clear His plan for Bobby, that he would grant us patience during the process and that He would help us find contentment in where we are each and every day.

And so you wonder where is Bobby and what is he doing? Well, one piece of good news is that we haven't had to relocate! He has entered the financial planning sector by joining The Palmer Group here in Asheville. We met Jeff Palmer over a year ago when he helped us in our own financial planning. Jeff has extensive experience in this field and is looking forward to mentoring Bobby to become a highly-sought-after, comprehensive financial planner in this region.

We appreciate the prayers of those of you who have prayed for Bobby and for discernment and wisdom in career-related decisions. God is faithful.

Jesus Loves Me

Nothing gets better than hearing your child sing a song such as this one for the first time. We were walking Dobson last week when Thompson started talking up a storm...or at least I thought he was...until Bobby deciphered the lyrics and realized he was singing. He sometimes needs a word to remind him of the next verse, but all in all, I'd say he's got it. Enjoy!

Prayers for the Grahams

For those of you who visit this post, we would as that you pray for our friends Frances and Todd Graham. They tragically lost their newborn daughter, Emerson Juliette, this past weekend due to unforeseen complications immediately following her birth. Words cannot take away the pain of such loss. Simply time and God's abiding love. We know there will be a void for Frances and Todd; however, we also know the Lord is the One who fills that gap. We pray the Graham family (and other families faced with similar tragedies) will find the healing, comfort and peace that only God can provide.

As you can imagine, this has made us pause and reflect on our own lives. We've been reminded that God's plans are much greater than our own. We've been reminded that God is the ultimate Father. We've been reminded that we must be willing to let our Father protect us, comfort us and carry us through life's storms. We've been reminded that life happens fast. We've been reminded to cherish each and every moment. And, we've been reminded to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thess 5:18).

Here's to you sweet Emerson, we know you brought such joy to your parents during your brief stay with us.

Celebrating 7

Today marks our 7th anniversary! My how time flies...when you're having fun of course! Bobby's parents spent last night with us so that we could celebrate this occasion over dinner sans Thompson. Our heartfelt thanks to those of you who have supported us the past seven years with your prayers and encouragement. There is one thing we've learned (and are continually reminded of) and that is that marriage isn't easy...it is hard works and requires a daily commitment to each other and to the Lord. We recognize God has used the past seven years to teach us valuable lessons and truths about love, grace, faithfulness and patience...and we know the years ahead will be no different. Join us as we begin the journey into year eight. In closing, may the following writing inspire you in your marriage as it has for us.

A Wedding...A Marriage

a wedding is a day;
a marriage is a lifetime.

a wedding is a ceremony;
a marriage is a Holy Covenant.

a wedding is a sign to friends and relatives;
a marriage is a sign to the world.

a wedding is performed in God's presence;
a marriage is lived in the presence of God.

a wedding is a promise, a commitment;
a marriage is keeping a promise, living a commitment.

a wedding is a celebration;
a marriage is a sacrifice.
a wedding is the result of a series of decisions made in love;
a marriage is a daily decision to love.

Go G Go!

Graham (Avery's sister...and better known as Aunt G these days) successfully ran a half marathon this morning with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's “Team In Training” program. She and her friend Janie ran in memory of their friend MC who passed away in April due to complications from leukemia. While their collective goal was to raise $4,000 ($2,000 each) for the LLS, they raised $11,900 and became one of the top ten Team in Training fundraisers for the NYC Half Marathon. Aunt G, we know you and Janie made MC proud! For more information, we encourage your to visit Mary Claire Satterly Foundation at http://www.mcspirit.org/.

"Blueberries All Over the Place"

Thompson and I (mommy) headed south on the Blue Ridge Parkway this morning for an adventure. We were unsuccessful in finding a new "gem of a spot" for picking blueberries (although I noted two additional place to try the next time were up for exploring). So, we decided to stop back by one of our favorite spots - Graveyard Fields - for a picnic, dipping of our feet in the water, hiking and picking blueberries. As Thompson kept reminding me, "let's keep hiking mom, there are blueberries all over the place". And in fact, there were!

Happy 90th CMW!

We spent the weekend at Camp Merrie-Woode where were joined with hundreds of other alumnae, parents and campers to celebrate Merrie-Woode's 90th season of camping for young girls. Having spent 13 summers along the banks of Lake Fairfield underneath Old Bald, it was like going home - with all the familiar sights, sounds and smells of camp. And, of course, it was great to see so many familiar faces from summers past.

A Picture Worth 1000 Words

The picture says it all! Plus video of Thompson enjoying one of his favorite activities at Ma-mere and Pa-pere's mountain house. Stihl and Caterpillar should be proud!

Happy 4th!

We escaped to Cashiers yet again to celebrate the 4th holiday with our families. Graham (aka Aunt G) flew in from New York for several days...and it is always great to have her home. (She is training for a half-marathon in support of her friend MC that passed away in April due to complications from leukemia. Be sure to check out the link to her Team in Training page!)

We enjoyed spending time outside around the house and ventured out one day to hike to King Creek Falls with Avery's parents. Thompson walked the entire 2+ mile trip on his own - navigating the tree roots and learning how to use a walking stick.

We spent the evening of the 4th with Bobby's parents enjoying the sounds of the symphony while dining on traditional cookout fare under the mountains. Thompson participated in the children's parade and reminded us all that the fireworks were loud and we needed to "cover your ears".

From our family to yours, we trust you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. And may you remember the significance of this day and as well as our troops that continue to serve our country both here and abroad.

Where's the Poop?

In the potty of course! Yes, for those of you who missed it, Potty Training 101 was offered last week at the Jones residence. We are at the tail end (no pun intended!) of our first week...and we are pleased to report that Thompson is doing awesome! We began last Wednesday with a bag of M&M's for rewards, put him directly to big-boy underwear and tried to keep him filled with fluids in hopes that he would learn what the "urge to pee" felt like. It was definitely trial and error - some hours were good, other hours were a mess (literally!). I think all in all we had about 5 mishaps. We were exhausted by the end of day one and wondered what we done! Perhaps he wasn't as ready as we thought. Well, Thursday came and went...accident free. Repeat for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and thus far today! He looks forward to using his "little potty" and certainly wants to do everything "by myself". In hindsight, it is clear that our timing was perfect. It goes without saying that we are so proud of him!

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Well, not really, but what an interesting way to start our morning! That's right...a black bear was leisurely strolling across the Blue Ridge Parkway while we were en route to Graveyard Fields and the Yellowstone Prong River for a morning of fly-fishing, hiking and river-splashing. It was the first time we had seen a bear in the wilderness...and we were glad to have brought our camera!

Thompson and His "Daddies"

Happy Father's Day!

A Visit from Friends

This past week we got a special visit from Avery's friend Lauren and her two boys Sam and Thomas. Avery and Lauren know each other from their Camp Merrie-Woode days. Sam turned 3 in early June and welcomed his little brother Thomas on April 1st. We last saw the everyone in January while in Atlanta. The boys had a great time together - playing in the river, watering the strawberries and blueberries, and splashing in the pool. Needless to say, we look forward to seeing Lauren, Sam and Thomas (and of course daddy Dean!) again soon. Thanks for visiting!