Glad Tidings

Well, here we are - the final post of 2010!  It's been a long year in the Jones house with plenty of obstacles hurled in our path, but we are ready to embrace 2011 (and all that comes with it).  I'll save the year in review for another post.  Right now I would like to share some pictures from Christmas with you.  Did you have a nice Christmas?  I hope you did!  We had a wonderful Christmas this year.  It was smaller than years past, but the kiddos seemed quite pleased with their loot.  The hubby and I chose not to exchange gifts this year (for the sake of economics), but that was fine.  I have all I could ever want and more - my family.  :) 

Cavy posing at the piano from the Candy Cane Service (Christmas Eve).

...and Miss Shay...

...and Bear...

...and last but not least...Mr. B :)

All ready for Santa! :)

And Santa was good to the kiddos this year! :)

Some happy campers (and this was BEFORE opening the rest of the gifts).

Mr. B was stying with some Aeropostale duds and his Phi-ten necklace.

A happy Shay. :)

Bear was all smiles! :)

Cavy was so excited - he modeled some of his gifts (even with his jammies on). :)

All of the kiddos got cases for their Bibles.

Oh, how I love the look of surprise..

...and amazement...

...victory...

...and gratefulness. :)

We spent Christmas night having the Jones family Christmas. :)

Mr. B spent most of the evening texting with his best friend (our neighbor boy). :)

Miss Shay received plenty of hugs and kisses while we were there...

...because that's what family's for. :)  (Miss Shay with Aunt Colleen)

On the 26th of December, we celebrated Christmas with my side of the family.

It was great to see our niece, Dana, and her little guy, Kaevon.

It was good to see our nephew, Alex too - but he didn't want his picture taken. :)

We opened gifts...look what Cavy got from Oma & Papa - yikes!

Shay got some American Girl clothes.  This picture looks a little freaky. LOL

Mr. B got some football cards!

Finally caught Alex on the camera! :P

Shay provided some holiday entertainment by dressing up like a "guy."  LOL

What a goof!  I have no idea an idea where she gets it!

I hope you have had time to share with your loved ones this holiday season.  At the end of the day, it's the love that we share and the memories we make that will last forever. :)  Farewell to 2010!  Be safe tonight if you're heading out! 

Blessings,



Twas The Night Before Christmas...

The kiddos all did a wonderful job playing the piano and singing at our Christmas Eve Church service.  We really enjoyed the "candy cane service."  I love that the kids know there is a bigger reason to celebrate than just Santa Claus...or simply to receive gifts.  Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ and the light of God that lives in us all. 

Luke 2:8-14 (King James Version)

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

We wish you a very blessed and safe Christmas!



Where I've Been...

Hello!  My, it's been a long, long time, it seems!  It's been awhile since I've gone this long without posting, but life has been extra busy.  I'm happy to report that I'm finished with with my fall semester of studies!  I've been working to finish up final projects and then my final exams.  It's so nice to be on break (finally).  The kiddos have been extra busy with church and Christmas activities.  Mr. Jones has been working like a dog and is now enjoying his much-deserved vacation.  It's a good thing he has some time off, because we have lots to do to prepare for Christmas day! 

Here's a quick look at what we've been up to the past few weeks.  You may want to go ahead now - scroll to the bottom and pause the holiday music. ;) 

Our "Elf on a Shelf" Sprite Sparkle found his way back to our home. :)

The basketball season at church ended with a visit from some Iowa Energy basketball players!

That's Cavy under the hoop.

The kiddos were excited to get autographs!

Mr. B had his first vocal concert of the year.  I'm frustrated with these low light pics - I'm not digging those "laser eyes."

Mr. B is in the front row - center.

The following week, we enjoyed his first band concert of the year. (Darn camera!)

Mr. B plays the baritone.

It finally snowed (ugh) and the boys took full advantage of it!

Those are some happy faces!

I'm sure the thought of throwing at that chunk of snow at his brothers never even crossed Mr. B's mind...right?!

We baked some Christmas sugar cookies.

Bear enjoyed the baking! :)

Cavy did an awesome job rolling his own dough and cutting out his own cookies!

Cousin Alex joined us for the fun!

Shay is working hard. :)

The youngest 3 kiddos participated in the church Christmas program.  (Grrr...laser eyes)

Jaron did a great job on his lines! :)

Miss Shay started the program with a solo.  She was nervous, but did great! :)

There's my cutie! :)

Angels We Have Heard On High

Joy to the World!

Mr. B attended a Show Choir day camp at the high school. 

They put on a short show at the end of the camp.  It was so fun to watch! :)

He did a great job! :)  (There's those darn laser eyes again.)

Cavy performed with the Cherubs @ Church.

Mr. B performed with the Young Prophets @ Church.

Miss Shay had a winter dance show.

The finale.

Daddy & Cavy brought our little dancer some gorgeous pink roses! 

Someone is enamoured with his little girl.

I'm pretty sure the feeling is mutual!  :)

I hope you have been doing well these past few weeks!  Christmas is less than a week away.  Take time during this busy season to remember the real reason we celebrate - the birth of our Savior.

Blessings~