family

All about family life in the Jones-borhood
May 26 20:24

family of four

May 19 10:02

in the spirit of keeping busy

I finished up another pair of baby shoes for the baby. I picked a nautical theme for this pair. I made a skirt last summer out of the same fabric I used for the sole, so, hoping I can squeeze my post-partum self into an elastic-waisted skirt, we may get a little matchiness going. heh.

We love sailboats in this family. Chris and his family have always enjoyed sailing, and growing up, C prowled around nautical museums on family vacations. If the boat is wooden, all the better. One of our first big outings after we started dating was Chris taking me out sailing for the first time in my life. Other memorable sailing occasions include renting a sailboat for an afternoon in Bermuda (our destination for a family cruise that my great-aunt and uncle took us all on) in 2002. We sailed all over finding patches of reef. Then we'd hang over the side of the boat and stick our head in the water with goggles on and snap pics with an underwater camera. Way better than snorkeling. haha! That was so fun! Then, of course, there was the wild ride in a harbor in Maine last summer for E's first sailing experience.

Sailing is great. The thing that strikes me every time we manage to get out on the water is how quiet it is--skimming across the water so noislessly. Occasionally the rush of water adds a little punctuation to the quiet.

Boats are special icons in our family. When I look at sailboats, I think of some really happy times with C and hope for future fun times with our boys.

Mar 24 23:01

busy Easter weekend

We had a really busy weekend.

First, we got a new camera.

We helped my parents move out of the house they've lived for the past eleven years--the longest they've ever lived in one place. It may also be the most idyllic location they've ever lived in. We're going to miss the cozy fireplace and fun yard. They don't have a new place yet, so put their stuff in storage and will stay with friends while they house hunt in the area.

And we also did a some fun Eastery activities. I dyed eggs with Ellis for the first time. We enjoyed it so much, i felt kind of lame for only giving him 5 to do. But I didn't plan on eating them, since I didn't use natural dyes, so didn't want to waste too many eggs. Every egg got about 10 dips each.

I also made him a fun Easter basket, with homemade bean bags instead of grass (which he immediately thought were therapy bags that you stick in the microwave to heat up--haha! life with a poor aching pregnant mom) and jingle bell bracelets. He also got a little bit of chocolate and jellybeans, but I felt genius at tricking him with raisins packaged in appealing boxes with Cars characters. He wore his new suit to church, and really did well in the service (which we've been working on). And we had a nice ham dinner at my ILs in the afternoon.

(click on each photo for its respective set)

Feb 12 21:57

it's wintry-mixing

It started snowing tiny, small, annoying snowflakes this morning. I picked up Ellis from school and ran a quick errand, stocking up on hot chocolate. When we got home I knew we had a limited window of opportunity to play outside. While we were outside the "snow" turned to sleet. I'm not really sure what it is doing now. It's apparently going to be rain by the morning. I wish we could get one solid snow, you know?

But, my boy got a chance to use his snowpants!! There was snow on the picnic table. The grass looked like frosted miniwheats. E swished the snow off the tables, and I dragged him around on a blue Ikea bag on the pathetic dusting of snow. We played outside for a long time, and he came in rosy-cheeked and happy. So the snowpants got one wear. I think we'll be able to get another season out of them, though. There's plenty of room in the straps. I really doubt we'll have opportunity to use them again.

My brothers are here. Where else to go if you're in the area and it's wintry-mixing? They played with E, got a warm meal, and are watching American Idol. Punctuated by constant banter. Glad I have hot chocolate and cookies.

Dec 28 22:57

resistance is useless

Da diber and Da blog.

Hey, now both of my parents are blogging.

Mom and now Dad.

I think blogging is for old people now. Facebook is for the kids. I'm old now, in case you were wondering. I was given a box of Russel Stover chocolate for Christmas. That's what we used to give my Grandma. I am officially old.