Happy Black Friday!

*Waking up at 4:00 am to stand in line..............................................................Painful

*Drudging the masses of crazy shoppers through Walmart...................................Frightening

*Paying for a 50" HDTV.................................................................$788.00 (Holy Cow!)

*Watching Keith set it up, and watch ESPN............................................................Joyful

*Renting Iron Man........................................................................................$5.00

*Watching a life size man dressed in iron fly toward me in my front room.............Priceless.

*And for all other things there is debt.

First Day of Thanksgiving

On the first day of Thanksgiving,

I am grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Without him I know that I would not have all that I love and enjoy. I am grateful for His atonement that has allowed me to repent, change and improve my life. I am thankful for His example of how to live a life full of joy. I am aware that I all that I am, that I have and all the I hope for, is given to me through Him. I am thankful for His sacrifice for me and all those whom I love.

Second Day of Thanksgiving

On the second day of Thanksgiving,

I am grateful to be able to attend the Temple.

Today I am glad that Keith and I made the time to attend the temple together. We are so blessed to be able the partake of the serenity and guidance available in the House of the Lord. I am guilty of not attending as regular as I could. When I do attend the temple, I feel as though there is a clarity of priorities in my life that only comes from the spirit of the temple. I am also reminded of the great love and understand that the Lord has for me and each one of His children. I am thankful for a place where I can go to feel a little closer to my Father in heaven and receive instruction from Him.

Third day of Thanksgiving

On the third day of Thanksgiving,

I am thankful for the change of seasons.

Growing up on Arizona we didn't fully experience the dramatic change in seasons that we enjoy here in the east. Each season has it's beautiful and pleasure for us to enjoy.

Like most people, I LOVE the fall. The the bright warm colors are gorgeous. After the muggy hot summer, it's nice to be able to pull out the sweaters and jeans for the brisk windy weather.

I love the winter for the holidays, and a chance to bundled up to play in the snow.

Last year a found a new pleasure for spring, I love to plant things and watch them grow.

I love the summer for my kids. They love to play outside, swim, and enjoy the careful days.

I am grateful that things do not stay the same, change make you appreciate what you had and look forward to something new.

Fourth day of Thanksgiving

On the fourth day of Thanksgiving,

I am thankful for my Mom and Dad, and my sisters.

It has always been great to have older sisters. When I was in elementary school, I loved listening to them talk about their exciting life, watch them put on their makeup, go to their activities, and wish that every thing that was happening to them would happen to me.

When I was high school, I couldn't wait to go to college, date, travel, go a mission, and marry a handsome man, just like my older sisters.

Then when I was in college and after my mission, I loved to go to my sister's house to play with my nieces and nephews. I could wait to have a family of my own, and be a mother just like my sisters.

And now that I am a mother, I'm grateful for faithful, loving sister and parents that continue to set the example and help me to become better.

I am grateful for sisters that are not only family but my best friends. I particular grateful for a little sister who is experiencing being a mother of young children at the same time as me. When I need anything my sisters are the first that I call upon.

I am most thankful for good parents, who continue to serve and care for their girls.

I am thankful for a mother who understood girls and was involved in our life at every stage. She has now become a supportive and loving grandma to our children.

I am thankful for a kind and caring father, who taught his daughters to be strong in what they believe to be true. Although Dad doesn't enjoy talking on the phone, I know that he loves each one of us and is proud of your commitment to live the gospel in our own families.

Because my parents have always believed in me, I have had the courage to seek after those things I desire. I am grateful for parents who sacrifice for the good of each other and our family.

Fifth day of Thanksgiving

On the fifth day of Thanksgiving,

I am thankful for my incredible husband, Keith.

Today is our sixth anniversary!

I've said this before, but I'll say it again,

I didn't know what a catch I had when I lassoed Keith Jones, but I'm so glad he took the bate.

As you can obviously see I was taken by his handsome exterior. But as we began dating, I realized that his good looks were just a bonus. Anyone else who has spent quality time with Keith knows of his witty humor that keeps me rowing in the isle every night. So not only am I blessed to have something handsome to look at through the eternities, but I be laughing and enjoying the ride also. Bonus!

Keith is blessed with insight and wisdom to discern not only for himself but for our family what would be the best in the long run for all of us. He's discernment allows him to have a prospective to see and react with the big picture in mind.

Not a trait that I posses, so I am grateful for his guidance.

I am most grateful that Keith has a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His constant commitment to serving, and seeking the Lord's will in our life, has blessed us each day. It has been a blessing to assist one another in our callings and discuss the growth that has taken place in our individual and family life.

We, as a family, have been greatly bless these past two years as Keith has served with such amazing member of the Lord's church here in the Centreville Stake. I am grateful that the Lord allows us serve one and other in building up His kingdom.

Sixth day of Thanksgiving

On the sixth day of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for our blessed country, The Unitied States of America. Anyone who has traveled abroad knows of the wealth, and bounty, opportunity and peace that we partake of daily as citizens of the United States, that so few will ever experience in this life. The divine structure by which this country was founded allowed the bringing about of the Lord's gospel. I am grateful for those past and present who serve this great country giving me safety and structure to live as I choose. I am thankful for the power that has been given to me as a citizen of this country to have a say in it's progression. I pray that the Lord keeps this great country strong and guides each citizen to assist in it's progress.

Seventh Day of Thanksgiving

For my seventh day of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the opportunity to be a mother. As one who for many years thought this opportunity was not going to be one of mine on this earth, I am so grateful to not only have one of Heavenly Fathers children in my care but three. I am also grateful that I am currently a mother of young children. Today as the kids and I snuggled in my bed watching a Disney Christmas Carol (Yes, I know, it's not Thanksgiving yet, but be love the movie.) I thought soon Garrett won't think that snuggle time is the best time of the day. So for right now, I'm enjoying my hugs.

Credit for these incredible pictures must be given to my good friend, Denice Beatty. I LOVE the pictures of me with the kids.
Even if Kendall was a grouch, Taryn wouldn't look at the camera, Garrett was making funny faces, and I'm chubby! They are beautiful pictures.

I love this picture. The morning light is so pretty on Kendall's face.

Eighth days of Thanksgiving

On the eighth day of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for hobbies. Even though I am not very good at any of my hobbies, I am grateful for the time, ability and means to improve myself and create a diversion to my everyday duties. Take blogging for instance, obviously I'm not consistent, eloquent, or creative at my blog but it brings me joy and satisfaction. I'm pretty much like that with all my hobbies....photography, sewing, gardening, any crafty project. I'm a very average person, yet very happy to have the opportunity to just try new things. So thank goodness for talents Heavenly Father gives us and the ones we have not discovered yet. Something to look forward too. Who knows I could be great at knitting?

Tenth and Ninth days of Thanksgiving

On the Tenth day of Thanksgiving, my computer wigging out, two of our TVs went on the fritz, and our camcorder has officially died, all of which have caused me to remember how nice "things" really are. Therefore, on the Tenth day of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for "things". We have so much, yet complain when our phones reception is poor in remote areas. When I think about all the little things that I enjoy everyday that so many do without, I can't help but be grateful. I am particularly grateful for all the household and child care things that make my job so much easier then when my poor mother was raising her children. Disposable diapers and wet wipes are high on my list of life changing inventions, because when I think about washing out clothes in the toilet or sink, it makes me want to be sick. So let's all give a big "Thanks Heavens" for all the things in our life.

On to the Ninth day of Thanksgiving, I am grateful for friends, old and new.
Yesterday, a dear old friend instant messaged with me. As we were typing back and forth, I thought how nice it was to catch up and remember our good old days of as single girls. I then went to the gym and was able to chat with my newer friends about day to day occurrences. Not to sound like a Hallmark card, but friends really do warm your heart, and help to carry you through this life.

Twelfth and Eleventh days of Thanksgiving!

So I'm one day late on the twelve days of Gratitude. At least I'm grateful.
Our ward just finished a Fourteen Day Walk with Christ. I enjoyed reading the scripture verse and pondering that thought for the day. I was disappointed not to be able to go to the enrichment that closed the experience.
I notice that my sisters are doing a countdown to Thanksgiving, so I decided better late than never.

For my Twelfth day of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for health. I am grateful for my own health. I feel for blessed in my life to have good health body, and mind. I am acutely aware of the trials that others have, and the struggle that is causes in this mortal life. What a bless for the resurrection. I am grateful to have the strength, and capability for serve my little family, sweet husband, ward and neighbors. I pray that my Heavenly Father continues to bless me with this ability.
I am most grateful for a health family. As I listen and watch my sweet nephew struggle with brain cancer, I hurt for a pain that he is in and the experiences that he has to endure at such a young and tender age. The Lords wisdom knows what is good for each of us. Josh will be a strong and well prepared to receive the priesthood due to the life experiences of the past two years. And Ruth and Gordon are gaining eternal wisdom from helping a child through this trial.

For my Eleventh day of thanksgiving, I am grateful for my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we listened to the counsel given to us at Stake Conference I thought to myself, I am receiving guidance and information that so few know on this earth or for that matter in my own neighborhood. The knowledge that I receive through the gospel enriches my life in every way. I am a better mother because of my know that this is a divine not an earthy calling. My marriage is not an earthly agreement to be tossed about in the courts of this earth, it is a covenant I have made with my friend and my Heavenly Father. The daily trials that I experience are for my eternal good not just for the history of the life. I know what is right and what is wrong. There are no questions or experimentation with the fades of the world. The doctrine of Jesus Christ is eternal and unchanging. And so easily accessed through the scriptures, church and temple attendance and my prayers. I know that my testimony has much need of strengthening and refining but I'm grateful that the strength and wisdom it grants me each day.

Garrett's Thanksgiving Program

I just want to eat Garrett up on the days that he has to wear the full preepie school uniform. He looks so handsome in the tie, vest and collared shirt.

We are still struggling a little with keeping our shirt tucked in, but the teacher said he's doing better. It's hard when you have one of those looooong Jones' bodies.

I guess this school has an annual Thanksgiving Feast and program at the main campus, not the smaller academy that Garrett attends.

Garrett was so excited to met the kids from the other classroom because they have special friends from the other classroom that they write letters too.

Garrett special friend is Issac. He's in the picture at the bottom.

We arrived little early so that Kendall could preform the pre-show for all the other parents. Most of the kids in Garrett class and the other K classroom are only children or one of two, so there were not very many other kids there.

Kendall was more than enough entertainment for all.

Garrett created his own Pilgrim hat for the program.

Doesn't he look authentic?
We have now spent the past few days making Indian bands, and Pilgrim hats for everyone in the family. Good times!

Garrett was very enthusiastic about the song, "If your grateful and you know it clap your hands,"

Due to the abundance of gratitude that Garrett has for life, he decided to just clap and stomp through the whole song.

The other kids not as into the song as my little singer.

Unfortunately I don't have a good lense on my camera, and we had a poor seat, so I was unable to get very good pictures. But here's a picture of a few of Garrett's buddies from school.

He really like Lexi sitting right next to him, and Ethan of the other side.

Ethan looks down on his luck?

Something for myself

Keith has been on me to do something for myself. Probable so I don't complain when he goes golfing, or leaves for a few days. So we decided that I was going to fly home to go to my cousin Holly's Photography workshop. She awesome! I was SOOOO excited, alas that didn't not turn out. Keith felt bad so he began to search the Internet for a local affordable photo class. Long story short, he found one with Penn cameras.
Last weekend I went to a class on Photo shop for beginners in Tyson's Corner. I was so nice to learn something. I felt refreshed. Not that I am not completely happy being a mother, but it was nice to think of something other than dishes, diapers, and crayons without being interrupted. Now I just am waiting for my photo shop elements to come in the mail so that I can put all the knowledge to good use. Don't expect too much.
But I am taking another class next week on how to use my camera. Baby steps!

Happiest First Birthday to Taryn!

I am so far behind in my blogging of the Jones' experience. I vow to spend the next week playing catch up!

But here's Tary-taryz B-day!

So I tried to get this same picture with Kendall on her first B-day, but the little pills would look up.

Taryn began to cry, and fell of the the stool too.

I need to find the picture of me on my first B-day, with my Dad and cake.

We decided to combine Taryn's first birthday party with a BYU football party.

As you can see from the pictures Taryn gets shy when people look at her and turns her head to the side.

Here's a few shots of Taryn experiencing the cake situation.

Happy faces for Taryn before...

and

after devouring cake!

Thanks to the Olsen family for providing Taryn with her only real present at her party.

Once again she didn't enjoy having a bunch of people watching her, but the excitement of opening the pretty box was of more importance to her.

Ahh, her first of many BYU t-shirts! How fitting on game night.

Here's a close-up shot of the cake that Kendall titled, "Barbie Pinkolious!"

Yes, every thing if Barbie to Kendall.

The adventures of the trick or treaters.

Okay I know I'm WAY behind but here it is anyways, so the Grandparent can see the fun.

In keeping with the theme of our family adventure to Disneyland this year. Kendall requested to be Princess Aurora aka Sleeping Beauty.
Because dresses at the Disney store were $80.00 or more. And the ones at Walmart looked cheap, I decided to step up and make the dress. Twenty bucks in material at Walmart, one sleepless night later and there you have it a pink princess.

This year we decided to join the Beattys, Taylors, and Hobbs for trick or treating in a neighborhood with houses a little closer together. We met at the Beatty's house for pizza and pictures.

Kendall was so excited to go trick or treating!

When asked to pose like a Jedi, Garrett came up with these faces.

At the ward party Taryn was a fairy, but for trick or treating we decided to go with the chick.

Everyone of our kids have been the chick about this age, but must say Taryn was my favorite chick.

Garrett the sweet Jedi!

Young Jedi preparing for the missing of obtaining much candy.

Kendall out the hunt for candy or neighbors flowers.

Here is the sweetest fairy in the land, baby Katie.

The traditional begging for candy!

McKayla was the cutest teenage witch on the block!

The traditional pumpkin carving experience.

As always good times were had carving the pumpkin. Or at least good times were had scooping out all the guts of the pumpkins. Then the kids go was It's a Great Pumpkin, Charles Brown, while I carve the pumpkin. They return for the lighting of the masterpiece. Great joy was experienced by all.

Kendall as with everything was very detail oriented. She made sure ever seed made it's way not just out of the pumpkin but into the bowl. Garrett enjoyed the whole slimy experience.

Little Red is almost one!

I know to some, the Jones' family, Taryn is not a bit red, but to us she's just red enough. I love this little one. Her many faces of joy make me smile.

So here's a few pictures for Grandma and Grandpa Hatch to see what a big girls she is becoming.

And if you don't get out here, you are going to miss her, not to mention the other two adorable children running around Virginia.

Come visit!

Buy the tickets!

NOW!