Donna

I have been toying with this post for a long time. I have been writing it and re-writing it for almost a year. Trying to make sure I am doing justice to the person the post is about and to make sure I am respecting my family who is still alive on earth.

As I write this I have an overwhelming amount of emotion running, a strange heaviness in my chest, yet an overwhelming peace. I can close my eyes and see in slow motion everything I am about to write in bright vivid images, as if this all happened yesterday,

Donna...this post is about Donna. Donna is my Mom, my birth mom, one of my Moms'. I am lucky enough to have a couple Moms, but she was the first.

My earliest memory of her is from when I was six...on my sixth birthday actually. I ran into her bedroom and stood next to her bed and woke her up by saying "Mommy!! I am six!" and I remember her saying "Yes you are! I love you!"

I remember when my brother and I were little, she always made our birthday cakes from scratch. And they were always themed. She always kept them a secret, we were never allowed to see them until it was time to blow out the candles...or that's how I remember it.

Every Christmas she made cookies. I mean ALOT of Christmas cookies...all kinds. My favorite of them were the pazels. Now, we never got to actually eat the thin waffle like cookies, we got the little bits that come off the sides of the cookies. You know, that part that gets stuck to the waffle iron that makes the waffle not square...so you have to tear it off to make the waffle perfect. Those parts...there was always a whole bowl of these little bits, and with a little powdered sugar, its just like Christmas 1994.

On Christmas and Valentines day we always got those little lifesavers books. The ones that came with 5...thats right 5 regular sized rolls of lifesavers....we loved them. Well besides the butterscotch. Those were the last to be eaten. I have looked for them during the holidays and I can never find them...I will find them and keep this fun tradition alive (or something similar) with my own children.

She loved to cook and bake. She was so good at it to. If I ever am half the cook she was I will have some happy family and friends! She did not mess around. No boxes, mixes, or frozen stuff. All from scratch all by hand. I suppose this is why its so important to me that I do the same... because I have such great memories of her doing it, its just my way of remembering.

She loved to sew and craft...and she was good at it. She had a sewing/craft room once. I remember it being a hot mess of a room...but it was always so special to got inside. She was a master, she could sew clothes, she could embroider and cross stitch. I have two pieces of cross stitch that she made. One she gave to my Aunt as a wedding gift 20 years ago, and my Aunt handed it down to me when I got married. I plan to give it to my daughter or son when they get married. The other piece is one she gave to me as a wedding gift.

She was strong. Quite possibly the strongest person I ever knew. She managed to keep a smile on her face and keep her head above water and seem just fine to many people. She was able to do this in some cruddy circumstances. She worked so hard at being the best Mom she could be even when she was sick and struggled with addictions...she always tried.

She passed away a little over 3 years ago. I remember this day vividly to. I remember because I was 2 1/2 months pregnant with Parson. I remember that it was a sunny beautiful day outside. I remember feeling so strange and not knowing how or what to process. I remember not wanting to tell anyone.

I know a lot of people think that its strange that I don't talk about her more. But just because I don't talk about her doesn't mean I don't think about her or I don't remember her.

I look just like her...I mean like spitting image of her. Sometimes I glance in the mirror and almost mistake my reflection for her image. Every time I sit down at my sewing machine I think of her, every time I try a new recipe or bake a loaf of bread I think of her. When we are in Michigan and drive past certain places I think of her.

A few weeks ago I was going to the grocery store late at night after Parson was in bed. I had been thinking about her that day because I was working on some sewing projects. I sat down in my car and I swear on my life she was in that car with me. I could feel it and I could smell her, you know that comforting smell of Mom. I didn't break down and cry and I was not mad...I just smiled. I smiled because I knew she was happy, I knew she had the best seat in the house and she was loving watching my brother and I. I know she loves watching Parson.

Its funny how you don't need to spend your whole life with one person for them to make an impact or imprint on your life. Even though I only spent part of my childhood life living with her and a part of my life missing her she is a huge part of me.

Take it as you may...but do this. Remember no matter how short the time you are with a person, you will impact them, shape them to be who they are.

Left: My Mom with me as a newborn

Almost 23 years later

Right: Me with Parson as a newborn

Patty

Dealing with the "terrible 2's"

Parson is 21 months...that is 3 months away from being the big 2. This still blows my mind, that this little guy has held Aaron and I's hearts in his hands for almost 2 years outside my tummy.

There are some wonderful things about toddlers...their expressions are priceless, they make you laugh like crazy, they are silly, their snuggles, hugs, and kisses are intentional and steal your heart every time.

There are also some less glamorous things about toddlers, blossoming independence, learning to handle and control their emotions, and the  "Whats mine is mine and whats yours is mine" mindset...oh and don't forget the tantrums. Most times this is what people and even myself have called "Terrible 2's"

Don't get me wrong, I would be lying if I said I never thought that Parson was having "terrible 2's". But I have to give the little guy some credit. He (and all toddlers) are learning a whole bunch of crazy stuff right now. Think about it, if you and I were just know realizing our emotions and did not have all the words to express it...we would be grouchy to. In fact we as adults choose to be grouchy all the time. Toddlers little minds understand and know exactly what they are feeling and know exactly what they are trying to do. But their little bodies and vocabulary is not quite developed enough to express what they need or want.

Our jobs as parents, guardians, or whatever your title or relationship to the toddler is, is to teach them to understand what they are feeling and how to correctly react to it. This is by far the hardest thing I have ever done. I will give birth all over again...training a toddler is way harder!

So now in the midst of training and teaching a toddler, reading books on how to do this, and trying to keep my cool when this is happening is real hard.

In the midst of all of this I am seeking the Lord to keep that control and peace in my heart when dealing with this. Colossians 3:15 is something that I have memorized and repeat in my head and sometimes out loud when dealing with the challenges of toddler-hood.

"Also, let the peace of Christ control in your hearts, for you were, in fact called to it in the body. And show yourselves thankful." Colossians 3:15

So instead of calling them the "Terrible 2's" I am going to call them the "Thankful 2's". Because I am thankful for every snuggle, kiss, laugh, cry, tantrum, and accident. Because I am thankful that I have the privilege of being a Mom. Because the Lord deals with my laughs, crys, tantrums, and accidents and I well beyond the age of 2.

This to is a season, I know I wont always be picking up toys, cleaning up messes, wiping dirty bottoms and snotty noses. I also know that I wont always be getting my little snuggles, pure love of a toddler, and hearing "mommy up!".

Even though the days are hard and long...I will remember and repeat Colossians 3:15 and keep a thankful heart. Even on the days I don't want to be thankful.

Patty

2013

Whoa its 2013? This year means many things for us like, our 5 year wedding anniversary, Parson turns 2, a new opportunity for Aaron and 1 more year of Gods great plan for our family. Aaron and I always come up with new years resolutions, and usually stick to a few of them. This year is no different except we have our own personal goals and goals as a family.

Patty's resolutions/goals:

Strive to be a Proverbs 31 women every day
Keep growing my relationship with God
Sell 5 quilts
Exercise 5 -6 times a week

Jones family resolutions/goals:

Start/Finish Parsons 2 year old preschool home-school curriculum
Eat vegetarian 3-4 nights a week.
Don't go out to eat...instead cook together for a fun night in.
Get debt free!


We are excited for 2013 because we can already see the blessings and plan that God has for us!

Patty

The Christmas Story

We got up extra early and made it to the 9am service this morning at church. We were extra excited because we heard that we were going to be able to participate in the beginning of the service with our iphones, we did and it was so fun! We are lucky enough to go to a church who's theatrics are entertaining for those who are not religious either...their goal is to make a place where "un-church-ed" people feel comfortable, I think they have accomplished that!

After a Christmas inspired Le Mes skit and some worshiping, our pastor came out to give a Christmas devotional. Every year I heard the story of Jesus birth and every year I cry like a baby...and so do a lot of people around me. So here I sit in a church filled with thousands of people...crying....the person next to me was probably thinking "Man this lady is crying over a baby?". Man is it so much more than that.

The emotional pulls that the story about Jesus birth is more than a pregnant virgin riding on a donkey and giving birth in a stable. Its more a census being taken its about more than angles. Its about a savior ..your savior....my savior being born into this earth with a sole purpose to die for our sins. A Savior who died not only for the "Christians" or the "religious" people. But for people who think they are not good enough for church...the people that the churches people have shoved away, for the people who have never even heard Jesus name...he died even for those who don't even believe in him.

Maybe its just me....but I get this awe struck feeling in my stomach, this feeling of overwhelming thankfulness  and so much emotion arises when I hear this. Because I can see just a silver of the huge amount of love that Christ has for us...and everyone.

Here it is December 23 and we are blessed beyond measure. So blessed that we remember to thank God all the time for food, shelter, gas, our health and family. But I think people who have grown up with a family who is religious sometime forget to give thanks for one of the most important things we were ever given...Jesus. Its not about the apps, the lights, the singers, the food, the gifts, or the Grinch...its about Christ being born, born with a sole purpose to die for you and me.

When we pray the next few days lets all try and give thanks for more than just our food and gifts, lets remember to give thanks for the reason that we are here...the reason we are celebrating.

Jesus.

Patty

Parson-isms - Update

Parson is now 20 1/2 months old and he is speaking pretty darn well...when he wants to. So he has a few funny things that make us laugh all the time....

Parson loves wagon rides. When he wants to go on a wagon ride...he comes up to you and yells "WEE WEE PEEZZ" Now to us this means wagon ride...to any other person, they would be running him to the potty. Why he calls it a "wee wee" and not a wagon beats me...so we are trying to gently guide him to use the proper word :P

We are getting ready to potty train...by ready I mean reading books, practicing sitting on the potty, flushing, and our potty chart is hung. Regardless if you flush a tissue down the toilet or any other thing...Parson yells "Bye Bye Poo Poo!" Taking him to the bathroom with me in public is an adventure for sure...some people would call this pay back :)

This is not really an "ism" but it made us laugh. Parson was watching Sesame Street after his nap today and Elmo was talking about pets. Specifically rubbing his friends pet dogs belly. Well when Elmo said "I love to pet the dogs belly" Parson lifted his shirt, held it in his teeth and proceeded to rub his belly with both hands.

Parsons current favorite color is purple. He is obsessed with all things Sesame Street and is in LOVE with Elmo, cookie monster, and Grover.

He sits at the big boy table 90% of the time now...not in his high chair.

He received a big stuffed dog for a gift this Christmas and he loves to lay on it and relax.

He loves to play in clean laundry...he will take all of the clean laundry out of the basket...climb in  and then pull all of the clean laundry back into the basket with him.

The toddler life is full of things that take lots of explanation and time, things we as parents wish we could rush through. Full of tantrums and the word "NO". It is moments like this that make a parents heart smile and make all those hair pulling moments worth it.

Patty

Christmas, Xmas, Holidays, Gifts or CHRISTmas

I was listing to the radio today when Parson and I were running some errands. When I have Parson in the car I am pretty selective about what music I play. Its either my go to favorite radio station 104.7 The Fish or some sort of kids music CD.

Today we were listing to the radio. This christian radio station plays Christmas music from Thanksgiving until the day after Christmas...which I LOVE. Today they asked the listeners a question "Do you tell your family and significant other what you want for Christmas, drop subtle hints, or just trust them." All ready I knew where the listeners were going to go with it and I was already getting kinda bugged.

People called in and said things like;

 "I write my husband a list and if I don't get whats on that list...then...well he knows to get whats on the list and nothing else"

"You know men only have the ability to remember what you tell them for a few days....so you have to write a list or you will never get what you want"

"I just buy my gifts for myself and wrap them, put them under the tree. The only person who is surprised on Christmas is my husband...and that is  because of how much I spent."

Now don't get my wrong...I am guilty, guilty, guilty of forgetting the true meaning of the season and get caught up in Christmas cards, gifts, and decorations. But the Lord was really teaching me something today.

A few things that came into my head were;

 "Wow...I hope I never sound that ungrateful for anything that Aaron  gives me"
"I hope I don't say things like that to dis-honor my husband that way"
"Dang Patty....you need to remember the real reason for this season"

So I pulled out my bible and started reading...which I am guilty of not doing enough of recently. This is what
I found...

Isaiah 9:6

⁶ 

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Luke 2:8-14

⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold,^[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will bethe sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ 

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”^[c]

Psalm 98:4-6

⁶ For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

My challenge to myself is to enjoy this season and all of its blessings...but to take time every day and reflect and study and give thanks for the true meaning of this season. Wont you take the challenge to?

Patty

Oh Christmas Tree

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree....most of us have one as part of our Christmas decor each year. Some families trees are fake, some are real. Some are themed and some are not. Some are simple and some are ornate. Some are small and some are big. Ours is kind of a hot mess...but we think it is beautiful.

Decorating the Christmas tree has always been kind of a big deal in both of our families. Aaron's family always had real trees and my family (most of it) always had fake trees. So when Aaron and I got married 4 1/2 years ago (whoa this is our 5th Christmas as a married couple!) we had to answer the big question...real or fake. I am a reduce and reuse kinda gal so we got a fake tree. It is 9 feet tall and we love it. Every year me...eerr we put the tree up and decorate it.

Confession time here...I am kind of a hopeless romantic when it comes to things like this. When I think of decorating the Christmas tree as a family I think of a 1950's family all drinking warm cocoa and working as a team to put up their beautiful decorated Christmas tree. Ha...who am I kidding...our family looks like me getting all kinds of hot and sweaty lugging the Christmas tree down and putting its million pieces together while Aaron works. Meanwhile Parson is in the Tupperware tub that we keep the tree or chasing the cat with branches that are not already put on the base of the tree.

Anyway once the task of putting the tree up is done, I really really really enjoy decorating the tree. This is because we don't just have some pretty garland and a box of generic bulbs from Target (not that that tree isnt pretty) We have ornaments from every part of our lives before we were married, when we were married, with kids and without. We also have some that have been gifts and some that have been handed down. I wanted to share just a few of the many ornaments that we treasure.

This one we bought in the Bahamas when we were one our honeymoon

This one is from one of my Aunts...it is Cinderellas castle. We all know how much our family loves Disney.

Aaron's Grandparents got us this one last year, Parsons first Christmas

Beautiful Mary and Joseph holding baby Jesus

We have four of these beautiful glass candy canes and they are all different colors. Greenfield Village releases a new one each year and my aunt sends one to us every Christmas.

This one is from our first Christmas together as a married couple

This is a crystal bell that we received as a wedding gift

Parsons first Christmas ornament 

This is an ornament from when Aaron was a young kid

My Grandmother got us this ornament last year and its called "Just the three of us"

This one is very special to me. This was a gift from one of the very first friends I had in GA. Sadly I don't have contact with her anymore. She is off doing amazing things and achieving an art dream. But every year I think of her as I decorate our tree. 

This is not an ornament, but it is still special. This was Parsons Christmas gift last year from his God Parents. It is his very first nativity set.

These angles came from my Grandma, she gave them to me because she had others. These will always be special to me because she handed them down to me. 

Here is our tree in all its glory.

Even though it does not look like the trees in magazines or on Pinterest and even though its not real. It is our tree and decorating it and looking at it brings to remember so many wonderful things in our lives. It reminds us to be thankful for the one true Christmas gift...Jesus.

Patty