Silly in the South

Let's kick some grass!

2014-05-06T21:23:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago Peyton started soccer. I love soccer! I played it myself for many years and have tons of amazing memories from the sport, so naturally I wanted Pey to play too! With that being said, Mike and I have established two rules for the kids when starting a sport..

Rule#1: They must have fun while playing. If every practice and game is a fight and the kids aren't happy we won't continue.

Rule #2: They have to try their best. We realize not everyone is a natural at certain sports...not everyone is David Beckham or Amber McCall (hope you read this Amber) but regardless of their ability they must put in the effort.

We figure if we can stick to those two simple rules then life on and off the field will be pretty great! So without further adieu, here is Peyton Jones #10 our soccer star!

Let me state at this time....she's pretty freaking awesome so far!

When she plays she has an endless smile on her face which makes me so happy!

The little girl on the left is Jordyn. She and Peyton are a fierce duo on the front line. We have lost count of the number of goals they have scored so far.

Each week one or two kids get a medal for a sportsmanship trait decided by the league. This particular week Peyton and Jordyn got medals for sharing and working together.

On the right is their buddy Treyton...yep, Peyton with a "T". He is adorable!

In case anyone was wondering, CJ attends the games and is a holy terror on the sidelines. I can't wait to see what that kid can do on the soccer field someday!

Sunny and 75!

2014-03-04T11:48:00.001-05:00

Sunday afternoons are for relaxing and we did just that this past Sunday. It was warm enough to bust out the slip n slide. The kids are splashed and ran until they fell over!

My favorite park

2014-02-03T19:30:00.004-05:00

We visited the most beautiful park I have ever been to a few weeks ago. O'leno State Park, just a few miles from where we live. The weather was perfect, the scenery was amazing and we loved it! I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

The slide

2014-01-10T10:20:00.001-05:00

CJ learned to use the slide, the wrong way! He also enjoys messing with his sister more than anything!

Happy New Year!

2014-01-10T09:57:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! While it isn't my resolution to blog more, it is my intent. So here goes, our month of December in a nutshell. We went to a pond lighting, took a cold train ride, visited St. Augustine (which was also cold) and of course, had Christmas!

Our plan to go to St. Augustine for the day and go to the beach was an epic fail. When we left High Springs it was sunny and warm. As we neared St. Augustine we could see a distant fog and the weather went downhill fast! Sea fog rolled in and the beach trip lasted less than 15 minutes....BUT she did and CJ did "swim".

This was our freezing trip to ride a Christmas train. The kids never seem to mind the cold. Mike and I on the other hand were ready to leave! Oh and Peyton got to go with her boyfriend Shepard, so she was thrilled!

First real letter to Santa!

The last few pictures are random from my phone. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year! Looking forward to a fun filled 2014!

A long overdo post!

2013-09-07T21:22:00.000-04:00

Man oh man, it has been a CRAZY few months for the Jones family! We are ALL finally settled here in High Springs and keeping quite busy to say the least. The first few weeks were spent unpacking, organizing and adjusting to our new home. Both kids handled the transition as well as to be expected. There have been a few bumps in the road, ie: a trip to the urgent care clinic for a foot infection, but nothing we couldn't handle.

Peyton started VPK and I started teaching K3 at the same school. We are still trying to get down a solid morning routine to get out the door on time. Obviously the past four years home with the kids has taken it's toll on my ability to get up and going in a timely fashion but I am working on it and getting better each week.

CJ started walking and is a true maniac. You can't take your eyes off of him for a second because he will be into something he isn't suppose to be for sure. He turns one in less than a month and while I am a little sad, I am also so proud of the little boy he is becoming. This year has seemed to fly by. It feels like we just brought him home from the hospital last week and now he is up and going.

The only thing I managed to lose in the move was my camera charger to my big camera, so all my pictures have been from my phone. But I still wanted to share some of my favorites from the past two months.

My happy little eater!

Peyton and I have been taking bike rides when we can. We are definitely looking forward to some cooler weather so we can be out more.

There is an awesome little splash pad just down the road from us. Peyton and CJ both love it!

Grumps put her to work planting some flowers for the front porch.

Ice cream date.

She is watching TV waiting to see the doctor for her foot. She said, "I love doctors with TVs".

I still can't believe I am back in a classroom. I have the sweetest group of three year olds ever! They are the funniest little things you will ever meet. We all love the school so much and are very thankful we found it. Peyton LOVES her teacher and I truly couldn't be happier.

Above is my bulletin board outside my class.

First day of VPK. She is so grown up!

I hope everyone is well and I promise to post again soon. Lots of love to you all from our family to yours!

Throwback Thursday

2013-07-25T10:15:00.002-04:00

Tonight will be our last night in this house. I am a little sad to leave the home we brought our babies home to and have made so many memories. So many firsts took place here, first steps, first bath and first time on a tricycle. But with my sadness comes excitement. We our about to start a new chapter of our lives and I am ready to fill the pages of our storybook.

We have spent countless hours in the yard, on a blanket, chatting with neighbors and watching the kids play.

We have snuggled on rainy days and watched Tinkerbell a thousand times.

I have cooked hundreds of Sunday morning breakfasts....eggs benedict is always a favorite!

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns and you have to make the best of them all, good and bad. We are ready and we are thankful for the time we spent here.

Stay tuned, as my next blog post will be coming to you from High Springs, Florida, where new adventures await!

Family Time

2013-07-21T09:36:00.003-04:00

Family time is always fun but when you are able to get a bunch of cousins together, old and young, it is a blast! We spent the afternoon between the beach and the pool. We swam, played in the ocean and looked for shells.

CJ discovered the stairs in the condo right away and went up and down like a crazy person!

All six if the little cousins.

That storm in the background never made it to us, thank goodness!

The kid is crazy at the beach. He eats sand, crawls to the water and splashes like a maniac!

This is the oldest cousin, Sierra, helping CJ find shells.

Why are my kids tongues always out?

We can't figure out what these crazy bugs are that we saw on the boardwalk???

Everyone winding down after a lot of fun!

It was such a great day! We were so thankful to spend the day with our extended family!

Bomb Pops

2013-07-09T11:15:00.001-04:00

Nothing spells out a perfect summer night, more than Popsicles in the driveway after a long, HOT day. It reminds me of my childhood, especially bomb pops. If you haven't had one of these red, white and blue sticks of goodness you need to go get one STAT!

This was CJ's first time with a popsicle. He loved it, of course!

The teeth kill me!

It was her idea to give him. She was very happy to share.

"I'm taking my bomb pop and I'm outta here".

Perfect Florida evening! The end.

She's FOUR!

2013-06-27T06:26:00.000-04:00

Peyton turned four on Sunday. To celebrate we had a little Hello Kitty pool party with some of her friends.

These hot tub pictures were taken the night before. We were pre-partying with Aunt Amanda.

Birthday morning gifts = blue binoculars (her request) and a Hello Kitty cd player.

Aunt Nicole got her a slip-n-slide for her birthday, so we had to test it out with our party guests.

The only problem was that, apparently little girls don't know how to slip-n-slide properly, so Daddy had to show them how.

When I asked him afterward what he hurt he replied, "EVERYTHING".

Ms. Courtney decorated Bones

Even though they don't look like it, they really do like each other.

Strawberry cupcakes requested by the birthday girl.

A pool full of friends = can't get any better than that!

After all of Peyton's gifts, our house looks like a Hello Kitty store.

The pull string, Hello Kitty pinata was a huge hit!

We had such a great day and more importantly Peyton had a blast! Happy 4th Birthday sweet girl!

Daddy

2013-06-14T11:31:00.000-04:00

He is our bread winner, handyman, yard guy, bug and snake killer, bedtime story reader, mechanic, griller, plumber, swimming buddy, snuggler and best friend. But most importantly he is our Daddy.

Happy Father's Day Daddy, we love you! Peyton & CJ

We would also like to wish a very Happy Father's Day to our dads, Grandpa (Papa) and Grumps! AND because I realize I never posted anything for Mother's Day, Happy Belated Mother's Day to Nana and Grandma. We are so very thankful for you all! Enjoy your weekend!

It's Summer!

2013-06-14T11:23:00.000-04:00

It's official! The bugs are out in full force, the heat is scorching, it rains every afternoon and the pavement burns the first layer of skin off the bottom of your feet on the way to the mailbox! I'd say that our Florida summer is in full swing. The only bearable time to be outside is after the sun goes down. So in order to wear their little butts out and have some outdoor time, I hooked up the sprinkler in the front yard and let them have at it.

Ps. to date, these are some of my favorite pictures of CJ! I think he gets cuter by the minute!

Therapy

2013-05-30T09:34:00.003-04:00

I am calling our recent evening beach trips therapy because that's exactly what it feels like. Mind cleansing, relaxing and the best way to let go of the stress of the day. There is something about the evening sea breeze, salt water and sand that does a soul good.

I have been wanting to go to this little beach for months. It is perfect for kids! Sand bars and shallow water make the best playground ever!

Last night a fast moving storm kicked up just as we arrived. It moved through quickly and left in it's wake a beautiful sky!

We were even graced by the presence of my alumni bird, an osprey. He let me get within just a few feet of him.

On the left of the picture you can see Mike and the kids.

Peyton and I decided to collect a few shells every time we go and keep them in a jar. Hopefully we can fill it up by the end of summer. It will be the perfect way to remember Summer 2013.

We are only a few days into Summer vacation and I am already loving every minute!

End of year program.

2013-05-20T14:15:00.003-04:00

Sadly Pre K 3 is coming to an end. Last Friday the preschoolers had their end of year performance. They sang and recited Bible verses. It was ADORABLE! We laughed and waved and in general look like idiotic parents we swore we would never look like.

CJ watched for a little while and then passed out.

Peyton noticed us right away and announced, "there's my mom and dad!"

Here she is receiving her K3 diploma from the principal, Mr. Mitchell.

I can't believe how fast this school you has gone by. She has changed and learned so much. We couldn't be prouder parents!

Field Day

2013-05-08T11:08:00.000-04:00

Peyton class had their very first Field Day last week. I loved Field Day when I was a kid so when her teacher asked me to volunteer I was more than excited!

Jessica and I tye dyed and painted shirts for the class. Everyone loved them and I think they turned out pretty darn cute myself!

Scooter Races.

A little golf.

Ice pop break.

The girl can throw a football. Her Dad was proud!

In fact, she got her ribbon for being the best football thrower! Pretty sweet for a girl!

If you could only hear the grunting associated with this picture. So dramatic!

This photo showed the aftermath of a morning filled with activities, no snack and heat. They were all a hot mess. However, I think Peyton was the worst. She is the one crying in her teacher's lap.

Receiving her ribbon.

I had such a great time watching Peyton and her friends enjoy their very first Field Day! Can't wait until next year!

Seven Months

2013-04-25T15:33:00.003-04:00

Before kids seven months seemed like an eternity. Now seven months passes in the blink of the eye. I feel like it was just yesterday when I held this sweet little boy for the first time. He was so tiny and helpless. I can even smell his newborn baby smell in my memory. Now he rides in a big car seat and eats food and laughs the most amazing laugh you have ever heard. He is growing up and I can't stop it or freeze time, no matter how much I wish I could.

He is always happy! He smiles every time we walk in the room. He rarely cries and even when he does it isn't for long.

He loves his sister! He looks at her with true admiration. He is the happiest when she is around. He watches her play and he listens when she speaks. Even at their young age they have a bond that none other can rival. Peyton tells him she loves him and she reminds me daily that he is her best friend. Their love makes me the happiest of all!

He is silly and loving. Just this week he learned to shake his head when I say "No, no, no". All the while he laughing at me. And when I pick him up and squeeze him tight he lays his head on my shoulder.

I asked my dad before CJ was born how I would be able to love another child as much as I loved Peyton. He laughed and said, "you just will", and he was right. Parents have an infinite amount of love for their children, whether you have 1 or 10, your heart has plenty of space.

I am thankful for my two little souls who have filled our hearts to the brim with happiness and love.

Happy Seven Months Sweet Bones! We love you more than you will ever know!

A Few randoms

2013-04-25T15:10:00.001-04:00

Peyton had not been out to see her Buddy in quite awhile so when they reunited it was very sweet! She really loves that horse!

And well we can't leave Bones out of a post. So here he is....being chubby and perfect!

Happy Thursday!

Laughing Bones

2013-04-23T09:22:00.000-04:00

Teeth

2013-04-19T11:11:00.004-04:00

CJ got two teeth last week! Below is a side by side of CJ and Peyton with their two bottom teeth. She is 8 months in that phtoto, however, she got her teeth months before that. He just looks like her so much in this picture it amazes me.

Easter 2013

2013-04-03T19:55:00.004-04:00

Post church shenanigans!

Mutton Bustin in Action!

2013-04-02T10:42:00.001-04:00

Easter baskets from Aunt Amanda

2013-04-02T10:32:00.001-04:00

Aunt Amanda came for a quick visit last Thursday and brought the kids Easter baskets. CJ's was stocked with food...go figure and Peyton got her first Bible.

Easter Bunny for one

2013-03-25T15:39:00.003-04:00

Only one of my kids would sit with the Easter Bunny this year. At least the one that did, smiled and made the picture perfect. Hopefully next year we can get them both to cooperate.

Easter 2013

It's Rodeo Time!

2013-03-25T10:36:00.000-04:00

Ladies and gentleman, I would like to introduce you to Peyton Jones, a real life mutton buster!

Saturday night we took Peyton to her very first rodeo. Fort Myers held it's First Annual Pro Rodeo and Peyton was invited to participate in the pre-rodeo mutton busting....aka, sheep riding.

To say I was nervous is an complete understatement. I had been showing her videos on YouTube of mutton busting and she had been talking about it incessantly for two weeks. However, I wasn't sure she would actually do it.

We arrived a little early to get her checked in.. And as luck would have it I ran into a high school friend who's little boys were also going to mutton bust. So we fitted helmets and chatted while we waited for the show to start.

I kept looking for a sign that Peyton was nervous or going to back out but it never came. She was so excited and brave.

They didn't allow parents out int he arena, which totally freaked me out, as I thought Mike could go with her while I took pictures. It was at that point I really became worried she would get out there and decide it wasn't going to happen.

But it never came. She just marched out into that arena and never looked back. To be honest, I was a fearless kid in a lot of ways but I don't think I would have hopped on a sheep at the age of three without my parents there by my side.

But Peyton did! And she rode that sheep like a pro!

I can't tell you how proud I was of her. Not because she rode a sheep, yes of course that was awesome, but because she said she was going to do it and she did!

She had so much fun and has not stopped talking about her mutton busting experience.

This little dancing rodeo clown was so awesome!

After mutton busting we stayed to watch the rodeo. I am not sure who had more fun... Mike watching the bull riding or Peyton watching the barrel racing. Our friend Margo was the first barrel racer out of the gate. So Pey and I took a spot on the fence to watch. After Margo's run Peyton turned to me with the biggest, most excited eyes I have ever seen and said, "Mom, I want to do that!". Of course my little daredevil does!

We spent the rest of our time eating popcorn and reminiscing with old friends. It was one of the best Saturday nights I have had in years!

And who knows, maybe I have the next world champion barrel racer on my hands???

A little sun

2013-03-18T13:16:00.001-04:00

After an insane Saturday complete with a yard sale and lots of Etsy, we decided to take a few hours to relax on Sunday. The weather was so beautiful on Saturday, that we made the decision to try the beach. It was CJ's first official trip and he did great. Just laid around under the umbrella and chewed on his toys, while Peyton made mud puddles and kicked around in the chilly water. It was just what we needed. Oh and Aunt Nicole went too, so it was nice to have an extra person to entertain the kids.

Sometimes Peyton gives me a hard time with pictures. If she isn't in the mood she will cover her face or just look sad so I stop taking them. But yesterday she was in rare form and posing like a crazy woman. We were cracking up because she was sucking her little tummy in and putting her hands on her hips. Apparently she has been watching Top Model when I am not around.

The above picture is my favorite!

See, I told you he went too!

We hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and St. Patrick's Day!