On my mind........

Today I am feeling a bit sad....I was going through some boxes of pictures and trying to "organize" them so when I do get the chance to scrapbook it will be a little easier. In doing this I was so amazed at how much things and people have changed in my life. Pictures are such a treasure to me...I think because when you are in life you don't really realize that all of this is truly changing until you can look back at that photo or read in a journal or on a past blog posting. A picture that Addison brought to me stopped me in my tracks today. It was a picture of me (a much younger me) with Mark's grandma Weemhoff at one of my wedding showers. The back of the picture had a sticky not attached that reads: Me and my very special new Grandma W. at wedding shower year 2000. Addi says to me "Momma who dat"? I said to her with tears in my eyes...that's your great grandma!! She is in heaven with Jesus...Addi replies: "Jeeshus". I said yes and she was so excited to meet you...she just did not get the chance yet. Addison does not understand of course but I do. I also came across many pictures of my girls and ohhh how fast it has all gone. I just needed to step back and say..Thank you God for those memories. I just wish it was easier to slow down and enjoy the little moments a little more........ Thanks for listening.

The weekend in review..

Mark I and dropped the girls off at my moms house Friday night for the weekend! We went out to dinner in Grand Haven at Porto Bella's. It was great food...and I will admit the drinks were good to! ;-) After dinner we went back to the Marina to sleep over night on the boat! On Saturday we woke up at about 8:00am and went for a walk down by the Lake. Then we went and got some bagels for breakfast. Soon after this Mark washed the boat and we went for a boat ride and hung out on the Lake. Later we went out for dinner with friends of ours from the Marina ( they were without the kids too) then we went out afterward and listened to some music!!!

Sunday we picked the kids up and went back out to the boat for nap time, race and to take a lot of our stuff off--the season is coming to an end. It was/is very sad because we have really made some special memories on the boat this year! I love having this time together and I am going to miss it so much! Hallie goofing around on the boat...

Addison going up and down the step.

The girls playing around...

Our Little Celebration...

After Hallie's soccer practice last night we ate a nice steak dinner at home together (sizzlers from Storey's meat market) THEY ARE AWESOME!!! I bought one of our favorite wines Fetzer merlot..it was a very good dinner. I had made a cake so we had that for dessert along with ice cream. Then Mark opened a couple presents and it was time for the girls to go to bed. It was fun hanging out together and I think Mark enjoyed his birthday!!!

THERE'S A BIRTHDAY IN THE HOUSE...

Today September 25 is Mark's Birthday!

Happy Birthday to a wonderful Dad and Husband! We love you so much! Thank you for all you do for each of us every day! WE wish you a stress free day :o) !We look forward to presents, dinner and cake tonight! XOXOX Here are a few things you may not know about Mark: 1) He is the oldest of five children. 2) He is a hunter. 3) He watches the weather like it's a soap opera :o)..you do hon--sorry. 4) He likes to dance. 5) He likes 80's music 6) He falls asleep the minute his head hits the pillow 7) He can block out any one that is talking to him and any noise around him if he is watching a race or football game or well anything on the TV.. 8) He is a bit of a history geek :0)~~ 9) He makes me laugh every day!! 10) He loves Hallie , Addison and I more than anything else on this earth and we feel it!!

Girls Night!

When I married Mark I was blessed with three sisters and a special mother in law !! I did not realize at the time how important they would be to me in my life!! I am so thankful for each of them! Last night we all went to Grand Haven and ate outside at Snug Harbor. There was one missing and that is Lisa who is married to Mark's brother Brad (they live in the UP!! She was missed very much! It was a beautiful evening and fun to get away for a few hours!! From Left to Right in the back is Melissa (due to have her 3rd baby soon) Michelle (had her 3rd baby in March) Mary (mom in law)! Front row: Laura (celebrated her 1st year of marriage this summer) and ME (you know about me :).. that's the group. Not pictured is Lisa Jones who is also pregnant for their second child due in March!! The family continues to grow--its so amazing!

Time together as a family...doing what we love.

We spent the weekend on the boat at the lake. It was AWESOME weather! We enjoyed Saturday afternoon anchored on Lake Michigan. Mark jumped in the water it was a whopping 64 degrees (per News 8 in the morning)...but according to me in was 44 degrees! BRRRR.. he is crazy! Hallie did not even jump in so you know it was cold! Addison took a really nice nap..so Mark, Hallie and I were able to hang out and spend some time just the three of us. We got back to the Marina late so we ran and got some dinner from Quiznos and then headed back to the boat to put the girls to bed and spend some time together. It was a very relaxing weekend...I wish summer would never ever end!

The girls were taking a walk down the dock. Notice who's shoes Addison is wearing and how Hallie has no shoes on! Stinker!

Sunday afternoon waiting for dinner to be ready!

LOVING THIS WEATHER!

On Friday I decided to take advantage of the beautiful temperatures and take the girls to the park! So Addison and I picked up Hallie from school and went to the nearby park! the girls were very crazy..and Addison scared me by all of her climbing! After the park we went home to make dinner and the girls played some more at home! It was fun to chase after those two and listen to all the giggles! I love days like these..I really do not look forward to winter.

POTTY MOMMY....

Addison had been very into the "potty" lately!! She likes to wipe! Funny! Here she is this morning after breakfast (excuse the food on face and messy hairdo)!!

SOCCER FALL 08'

This is Hallie's 5th season playing soccer.. This year they have goalies and it is an all girls team!! A lot more competitive...not sure if I like that...here is our little goalie in action!

The Past Week...

It has been one very busy week!! But then again when is it not busy being a mom, wife, nurse, counselor, teacher, hair dresser, fashion coordinator, event coordinator..and the list goes one :)!! But anyway, We had Makalynn's Birthday celebration on Sunday with Mark's family. We also celebrated my birthday and Marks. Monday was busy with work and housework. Tuesday again busy with work and I pick Hallie and her friend up from school every Tuesday and her friend Rachael comes over for an hour until her dad picks her up. On Tuesday night Mark and the girls raked out the dirt for grass to grow by where we added some hard scape and plants...Last night Hallie had her second night of AWANA at Algoma Baptist...and now I am waiting for the bus so that we can do homework and get dressed for Soccer practice!!! WOW!!

The youngest niece Alivia!!! Getting SOOOOOOOOO BIG!!

Hallie and Addi helping daddy!!

Addison Elizabeth "BIG SHOW OFF" and STINKER!!

Thank you very much...

I know most of the Jones family read this Blog so I thought I could add a little personal note to it for all of you--A BIG Thank you to the Auton family for having us all over for a very wonderful lunch!! It was really nice to see everyone and to actually talk to each other with out kids taking all of our attention away :). Hope to see you all soon hopefully for the 4th? ANNUAL JONES REUNION ?? The years all go so fast. Please comment on the Blog if anyone has suggestions or ideas for the reunion this year or I should say next year. Looking at the weekend of the 31st of January or into Feb. ??? Lets figure a date and location before its too late :). Have a relaxing Sunday! Love you all! I am now officially exhausted and going to sleep!

For Uncle Terry and Luke Jones :)

It was so Great to see everyone today! We had such a nice time visiting and catching up. I really hope we can get together again soon. I decided to post these pictures after you said something to me :) !! These are for you guys! We would love to take you out on it... This was one evening when we took the boat over to Grand Haven and docked at the municipal for some dinner and to take a walk. Oh and we need to name it so if you have any suggestions pass them on!

This Full House is a Fun House!!!

I watched my niece and nephew today for Mark's sister Melissa..she had to work. We have had a blast!! These two are hilarious...in the first picture below they are eating a banana and singing to me. Addison was still asleep..not for long :) ! SNACK TIME with the Backyardigans (a nickelodeon show)!! Look at these cheese heads!! SOO much fun!! It is a rainy day today so it was fun to play and read books!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MAKALYNN

Today Sept 10th is my neice Makalynn's birthday!! She is THREE today!! WOW!! We love you Makalynn and wish you a wonderful Birthday! Hugs and kisses...see you Sunday for your party :) !!

My Sweetheart...

FIRST DAY OF FIRST GRADE!

Hallie is ready for the bus to come.... I am not :(

There she goes on the big bus...

I met her at school to make sure she could find her class and take her picture.

LABOR DAY

Grandma with the girls on a boat ride on Labor day! We had a relaxing afternoon to end this beautiful weekend!! SISTERS and FRIENDS

More Labor Day Fun

On Sunday Mark's partner Justin and his family met up with us on Lake Michigan with their Sea-Doo. It was another beautiful day just like Saturday. At around 5:00 we headed in to the Marina to pick up some friends whom we met this year at the Marina and their kids. Then we took the boat to Muskegon for dinner at Dockers! Justin, Diane and the boys met us there too. Our boat ride back was a bit scary because it was pitch black...but the Lake was flat and the stars were bright and my husband is a Great Captain :)!! We had a ton of fun!! Why does this have to be Labor day? We want it to be Memorial day!! :) Justin and two of his boys.

Hallie, Isabelle "Izzy" in the middle and Hannah on the end. These are Hallie's new friends.

Hannah and Izzy with Mommy (Erin).

Hannah and Hallie being buds..both starting first grade this year. Most of the group at dinner (minus me) and some wanderers :)

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Nana holding the girls (singing "you are my sunshine") while on a boat ride on Saturday!

Hallie is having fun!

Mark and Addison hanging out in Lake Michigan

Hallie gets a free ride on this "contraption" at the Marina...and meets some new friends.