Merry Christmas!

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

This may very well be my favorite bible verse. In my opinion, it was the best piece of news ever told. That's why this is such a great holiday. I've been so busy that I never did get any Christmas cards out, and I guess it's pretty much too late at this point. I've got so much to do that the part of my brain that helps me prioritize and get things done has shut down, and that is why I am here updating my blog when I should be working or cleaning. Ben and I did manage to put together a gingerbread house while Thanh and Maura were in Jax watching the Jags get beaten by the Colts on Thursday. Thanh and I had a great time helping Maura make sugar cookies in Mr. Seneca's 4th-grade class after they put on a very nice play for the parents. Oh, and we adopted the class pet-a ball python named Scooby. He had to find a new home because there is now a school rule about no class pets. I don't think I ever saw the thing completely out of its hiding box before I agreed to take it home or it may not have happened. I walked into Maura's room that evening and he was stretched out across the aquarium-all 3 feet of him! It kinda gives me the willies, but as long as I don't have to actually touch the thing it will be alright. Mr. Seneca assures me he can't escape (as long as we remember to lock the lid).

I added a picture of my sister at her baby shower. Did I mention I'm excited about becoming an aunt? Ayden will be here soon and we can't wait!!!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Farewell October!

October has been a crazy busy month. Especially with two kids in sports. Sadly, two families we know lost a loved one this week. Our friend, Scott Garvey, lost his father and my sister's mother-in-law, Diane Jones, lost a sister. Please remember their families in your prayers. My grandparent's celebrated their 55th anniversary yesterday, and on the same day the church we have been attending, Freedom Baptist, celebrated it's 25th anniversary. I'm posting some pictures of what we've been up to. If you haven't done so already, make sure you get out and VOTE this Tuesday, Nov. 4th!

T-Ball Time!

Saturday was Ben's first game. He did great! He made one run and got someone out when he was playing 3rd. He did it with style, too. He actually bent over and touched the base with the ball! Of course, my camera was not ready for that one. He proudly wore his Orioles hat all day after the game. It didn't matter at all that they lost! This Saturday his game is in Middleburg and Maura's team plays their first game in Gainesville. That's gonna be fun deciding who goes to which game. Here's a picture of him scoring his very first run.

Coupons and Cupcakes

OK y'all. I've become completely obsessed with coupons and freebies. Every Sunday I wake up excited because I get to see what new coupons are in the paper, and then I search through all the store ads to see what is on sale that I already have a coupon for. I've built up quite a stash over the past few weeks. I'm working on training Thanh not to buy ANYTHING without checking to see if I have a coupon for it first. Walgreen's has a monthly Super Saver catalog in their stores with some awesome rebates. OK, now I'm cracking up because my husband just called out to me from the living room and asked if I have a coupon for spaghetti sauce. Apparently, Ragu is BOGO free somewhere this week.......

My other new obsession is cupcakes. I have a dream of opening a cupcake bakery and just making pretty little things to eat all day. The only problem is, if I have them anywhere near me I can't stop eating them. I think the bakery thing is better off left as a dream, unless Thanh wants to be married to Big Bertha.

We've been spending a lot of time at the ballpark lately. Maura just started back with softball and Ben is playing tee ball for the first time. I'm looking forward to watching the tee ball games. Those little guys can be quite a hoot! The first game is this Saturday and I'm sure to have pictures to post.

The Beginning of my Blog

The title of my blog says it all. I really want to be the Proverbs 31 woman, but I'm afraid most days I'm closer to the slacker mom. Right now I'm really excited about becoming an aunt. Aunt Lana. I love it! I can't wait to meet little Ayden Thomas Jones. We were eating Chick-Fil-A after shopping for baby stuff and discussing whether or not Auntie Kara would have any more babies. Ben asked, "How does it work?" Thanh said, "The stork brings them." Ben goes, "Mom, really, how does it happen?" My mind started racing, wondering how to best put out this little fire, but Thanh, without missing a beat, told him, "You're too young to know. I'll tell you when you're older." "Okay" was all he said, and then went right on eating his nuggets! Whew!

My mom and dad just brought the kids home from their house. Benjamin smelled like a brim fresh out of Kingsley Lake. I asked him what he'd been into. He said he'd tell me but he'd be in trouble, but eventually he whispered in my ear, "I was playing with some medicine and it squirted me in the face." I just started laughing because then I remembered I had left a fish oil capsule on the table that I meant to take with lunch. Needless to say, he had his bath early tonight!